That there was enough discussion that Kentucky needed to win the SEC Tournament to get an NCAA Tournament bid was a testament to two things. First, that the national interest in Kentucky and fervor of their fans remains unabated despite its record (20-13). The other being that the SEC is down enough that it still seemed realistic that Kentucky could run through the SEC Tourney.Kentucky led 2-0, and then never again. The Wildcats kept within striking distance of LSU most of the game, but could never get that next score, stop themselves from commiting a bad turnover, or fail to prevent LSU's inside players from getting another offensive rebound.
Kentucky should have been the more desperate team. They were playing for survival. Yet, LSU was just the more active team. Playing better defense, going harder for rebounds. Just getting second chance opportunities.
LSU's inside-out combination of forward Tasmin Mitchell and Marcus Thornton were consistently able to beat Kentucky's defense. LSU was the more confident team the entire way. They were more prepared and in control.
Kentucky played tight. They made a slew of early turnovers in the first ten minutes of the game and the fear of making another mistake seemed to add to their stress. Jodie Meeks was hounded by LSU's defense, being held to only 9 points and committing 5 turnovers.
Patrick Patterson remained the consistent bright spot for Kentucky with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Because of Kentucky's turnovers and inability to get offensive rebounds, though, he only had 9 attempts -- disturbingly 20% of Kentucky's field goal attempts.
LSU continues to be the bright spot in the SEC this year, while the Wildcats go home.
