Morgan’s Heroics Propel No. 11 Kentucky Over No. 5 LSU
No. 11 Kentucky achieved a thrilling victory over fifth-ranked LSU, edging them 80-78 in a tightly contested game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. This game took place on Thursday night, marking a significant upset in the college basketball landscape.
Morgan’s Heroic Performance
Tonie Morgan emerged as the star of the match, hitting a clutch three-pointer with less than a second remaining. This shot was Morgan’s third of the night, contributing to her season-high total of 24 points. Her stat line included 12 assists and three rebounds, all while playing 39 minutes without a single turnover.
- Tonie Morgan: 24 points, 12 assists, 3 rebounds
- Asia Boone: 18 points, 5 three-pointers
- Teonni Key: 17 points, 16 rebounds
- Clara Strack: 15 points, 9 rebounds
Game Narrative
LSU started strong, scoring the first five points before Kentucky responded. Both teams exchanged leads throughout the game, with Kentucky executing significant runs. Kentucky’s pivotal 13-0 run turned the score to 18-17 in their favor.
The teams continued to battle, with the halftime score tied at 41-41. The second half saw close exchanges until Kentucky took the lead, but LSU fought back to maintain pressure.
Crucial Moments
As the game progressed into the final quarter, the score remained tight. Key plays included:
- Morgan’s late-game free throws to tie the score at 75-75.
- Strack’s fadeaway shot that briefly gave Kentucky the lead.
- LSU’s last-minute free throws that momentarily put them ahead.
Key Statistics
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Offensive Rebounds | Second-Chance Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 80 | 39 | 17 | 18 |
| LSU | 78 | 40 | 4 | 4 |
Next Steps for Kentucky
With this victory, Kentucky improved to 14-1 overall and 1-0 in the Southeastern Conference. The Wildcats are set to host Missouri next, with the game scheduled for noon ET at Historic Memorial Coliseum. Televised coverage will be available on the SEC Network.
