Georgia drops a heartbreaker in Double OT to LSU
By Keith Holt
The Bulldogs lose a heartbreaker on the road to LSU in double overtime 87-84. Georgia is now 0-2 to start off SEC Conference play and fall to 9-5 overall for the season.
The first half was played pretty even for the most part as each club was able to match each other’s offensive outburst. The Tigers got a solid offensive output from guard Tim Quarterman’s 11 points off the bench and who was a sharp 3 of 4 from behind the arc. One of the differences in the 1st period was outside shooting for LSU were 6 for 11 as team from 3 point land. The Bulldogs were paced by guard Kenny Gaines 13 points before the intermission. The Tigers were in control 42-36 halftime.
LSU was in control for most of the 2nd half. The Bulldogs were able to close the gap down against the Tigers with 9-2 run with 38 seconds left in the game and was able to bring the game within one point as LSU led 66-65. The Tigers went back up by 2 off a Jayln Patterson free throw. Patterson also missed 2 free throws after that which could have won the game for LSU. Georgia forward Marcus Thornton was able to tip in a Kenny Gaines miss to tie the game up with 1 second left to force overtime.
In the extra session it was the Bulldogs who got off to a fast start. A layup by the Thornton early in the overtime gave Georgia their first lead since the 8:10 mark of the 1st half. The Dawgs opened up the session with a 10-1 advantage to take a 77-68 lead with 2:21 left. LSU was able to close down the gap with big 3 pointers by Tim Quaterman. With Georgia up 80-77 they had a chance to ice the game but Charles Mann missed 2 free throws late. Quarterman was able to convert a layup and foul shot to complete a 3 point play to force the game to its 2nd overtime.
LSU took the momentum into the 2nd overtime and was in control for most of that session. Georgia never let the game get too far away and had a chance at the end on a Charles Mann attempted a shot at the end but turned the ball over. It appeared he was foul in his attempt at a shot but referees didn’t see it that way and it was a no call and LSU was able to close out the game.
The Bulldogs had 5 players to score in double digits. They were led by guard Kenny Gaines 19 points. Forward Marcus Thornton provided a double-double for Georgia with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Georgia had a 50-34 advantage on the boards over the Tigers.
LSU was got a super game from reserve Time Quarterman as he dropped 27 points along with 5 rebounds and 5 assist for the Tigers. Forward Jordan Mickey also added 17 points and 8 rebounds the home team.
Next Mark Fox’s team will be another SEC road contest against the Commodores of Vanderbilt on January 14th.