LSU Handles GA Tech to remain Undefeated

By: Nicolas Rioja

Georgia Tech and LSU took center stage on Saturday night in downtown Atlanta. The Jackets started the game with a relentless defensive attack, pressuring the ball handlers into poor decisions and forcing LSU into countless turnovers and bad shots.

On the other end, the LSU struggles led to lack of focus on defense and easy points for Tech, finding and converting a lot of open looks near the rim and capitalizing. A Jordan Usher free throw with 6:50 in the first half made the score 24-9 Jackets, but for Georgia Tech, it was only down from there.

LSU finished the game on a 60-29 run, dismantling GT by turning up the heat on defense, forcing turnovers of their own and using their speed to abuse Tech on the fast break. Neither team was very clean in their offensive sets, but LSU’s style of controlled chaos wreaked havoc on Tech and ultimately led the Tigers to victory.

The star of the show for LSU was Tari Eason; the sophomore forward finished with 23 points in only 27 minutes. Xavier Pinson, the Missouri transfer, provided 13 points of his own and Lithonia native Eric Gaines pitched in 8 points.

For the Jackets, star Michael Devoe was held to 12 points on only 4-8 from the field. Jordan Usher led the squad with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals, but the depth and speed of the LSU roster turned out to be too much.

The Tigers move to an impressive 9-0 and only have mid-major opponents remaining before conference play. For Georgia Tech the road does not get any easier. This marks the third loss in a 4 game stretch that has been a gauntlet: Wisconsin, UNC, and LSU, all quality teams, with a good USC team up next before starting a full ACC schedule.