LSU Clinches SEC TItle as they Claw Past Cats

Kentucky Falls Late

Maturity. Kentucky’s youth-ridden team appeared to be Coach Gillispie’s rationale for the team’s loss.

“We just aren’t a mature enough team to beat LSU”, said Coach Gillispie after the game.
After leading by as many as 8 mid way through the second half, Kentucky could not close the door on the now SEC Champion LSU Tigers.

Trailing by 8, LSU senior leader Marcus Thornton took over the game. In the first half, Kentucky kept LSU’s leader in check by holding him to just 2-for-10 shooting and a mere 4 points. But the second half, was much different for Thornton.

“I got in a groove in the second half and I didn't feel like I could miss," said Thornton, who led LSU with 23 points.

Late in the game, Kentucky freshman Darius Miller lifted the Wildcats to a 70-70 tie with just 20 ticks left in regulation. The crowd roaring with excitement, Kentucky felt the momentum shift their way.

Why would they not feel confident? The last time Kentucky was in a close game, they did what they needed to against the Florida Gators. Stopped the Gator offensive attack and gave the ball to their star player Jodie Meeks to hit a three and win the game.

But, LSU’s maturity helped the Tigers on their next offensive possession. The Bayou Bengals took the ball down the court heaved up a three point shot which landed in the basket. Rupp Arena went silent.

Kentucky now had lost to LSU in Lexington for the first time since 1989.
The Wildcats now fall double digit losses.

Mighty Big Blue Nation, has lost 6 of their last 8 will now be in serious trouble in making the NCAA tournament.

All those implications on winning the game and Kentucky simply lacked the maturity to come up with the victory.

Kentucky now has two games left in the regular season as well as the SEC tournament. The Cats RPI ranking heading into Saturday’s match-up was listed at 61, the tournament takes 65 teams. But as been noted, the selection committee looks at body of work and asks the question; “What have you done lately?” With that question the Cats will be bypassed by other teams with better resumes.

This loss hurts in so many ways but Kentucky must try to salvage the season in the remainder of the season if they have any hopes to make the tournament.