Takeaways from LSU MBB's SEC Tournament win over Georgia

LSU extended its season on Wednesday night with a 72-67 win over Georgia in the first round of the SEC Tournament. The Tigers were led by KJ Williams’ 18 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Trae Hannibal, Shawn Phillips, and Adam Miller all notched double figure scoring nights as well.

After holding a 12-point lead at halftime, LSU allowed Georgia back in front with four minutes left, but settled down, and closed the game on a 13-5 run over the final 3:02.

“I was really proud of our response. We’ve given up 12-point lead before and folded up shop, but the guys responded when they tied it up and found a way to win and that’s the beauty of the postseason.”

With the win, LSU is set to play Vanderbilt Thursday night at approximately 8:30 once again.

Here are my three takeaways from the win.

Five turnovers

Remember when I wrote an entire story ranking the 19 turnovers LSU had against Georgia in order of least to most ridiculous? Well LSU completely flipped the script, turning the ball over just five times all night which was part of the reason the Tigers took 16 more field goal attempts than the Bulldogs in the win.

LSU was once again a very efficient offense, shooting just 36.4 percent from the field, but taking 66 shots and 26 free throws, at least gave the Tigers more opportunities. 

What makes this even more impressive was the face Justice Hill played only five minutes in the win. Hill has had the lowest turnover rate on the team all season and even with him on the bench and Trae Hannibal with the ball more, LSU was able to take better care of the ball. Credit to Cam Hayes, Justice Williams, and the three freshmen for being smart.

Shawn Phillips

The coming out party for the 7-foot freshman, Phillips posted 13 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks and was a huge reason LSU’s defense was able to hold Georgia to just 26 points in the paint. I wrote about Phillips a few weeks ago and the obvious talent he is, but it’s nice for him to finally get the opportunity.

Derek Fountain missed the game with a shoulder injury, thrusting the two freshmen forwards into the spotlight. Jalen Reed scored two points and went 0-for-5, but Phillips showed us once again how capable he is.

Rebounding

LSU has been a better rebounding team over the latter half of the conference season, but outrebounding Georgia and bringing down 18 offensive rebounds is a really impressive night. Trae Hannibal ended the night just 4-of-13 from the field with two turnovers, but his 11 rebounds (four offensive) were huge in helping keep Georgia at a distance. KJ Williams had five offensive rebounds, and Phillips had six. That type of rebounding could give Vanderbilt problems in the next round as the Commodores are without All-SEC first-team center Liam Robbins. 

Next up: Vanderbilt

I think Robbins being out helps LSU, but a large reason why KJ Williams had 35 in that win over Vandy last time was because Robbins sat at the rim and Williams rained threes. With Robbins out, I wonder if the Commodores change their defensive style and try to take away KJ’s threes. Just something to watch for.

If they do that, McMahon should hammer them inside with Phillips and Williams in the frontcourt.

It’s definitely a winnable game if the fatigue of a back-to-back and complacency does not set in. I’m expecting a close one.