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LSU University trades paint points with the Kentucky Wildcats at Bridgestone Arena as bench swings decide the finish

The Louisiana State University Tigers entered 12:30 PM EDT at 14-17 against the Kentucky Wildcats at 22-10, and the Wildcats closed 87-82 on a neutral floor at Bridgestone Arena.


Jan 24, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; LSU Tigers forward KJ Williams (12) dribbles in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 60-40. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

First half


The Louisiana State University Tigers put up 43 in the opening half while the Wildcats answered with 46.


The Tigers hit 50 percent from the field in the game and got 40 points in the paint that kept the early margin tight.


The Wildcats created extra separation with 29 bench points and 5 steals that helped fuel 13 fast break points.


Second half


The Tigers scored 39 after halftime as the Wildcats added 41 to hold the edge through the last stretch.


The Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats match summary hinged on Kentucky turning 5 total turnovers into 9 points off turnovers while the Tigers finished with 9 turnovers and 3 points off giveaways.


The LSU Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats turning point showed up in the assist numbers as the Tigers recorded 11 assists while Kentucky posted 15 and an assists-to-turnover ratio of 3.0.


Game flow and team stats


The Tigers matched Kentucky with 32 made field goals and a 50 percent field goal rate, and Kentucky’s 74 percent at the line beat LSU’s 65 percent in free throw shooting.


The Tigers earned 14 second chance points behind 11 offensive rebounds while Kentucky countered with 22 defensive rebounds to limit extended runs.


The Tigers’ 25 percent from 3-point range on 20 attempts contrasted with Kentucky’s 6 made 3-pointers, and that gap sat inside the LSU Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats key moments.


The Tigers’ interior efficiency included 75 percent at the rim and 66 percent on points in the paint attempts, and Kentucky still matched 40 paint points while holding a 12-point biggest lead.


The LSU Tigers match rating reflected a team efficiency of 69 while Kentucky finished at 92, and the game featured 15 lead changes and 4 ties.


Spotlight on LSU personnel


Jalen Reece carried over his previous-game playmaking with 7 assists and added 11 points, and his 1 turnover in that prior outing illustrated LSU’s best ball security option.


Max Mackinnon’s previous-game 28 points on 65 percent shooting set the scoring bar for the Tigers’ backcourt production around this tournament opener.


Mike Nwoko’s previous-game 16 points and 12 rebounds highlighted LSU’s paint-first approach that produced 40 paint points against Big Blue.


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