LSU wins again on the road, defeats Alabama, 74-69

The LSU basketball team has now won eight straight on the road as they found a way to get a tough win in Tuscaloosa over Alabama, 74-69.  

LSU had won only three games on the Crimson Tide’s home court in their past 20 visits, which goes all the way back to 1996.  The Tigers improve to 24-5 (14-2 SEC) while Alabama falls to 17-12 (8-8 SEC).

“Obviously, it’s a good win for us over a very good team, “ Will Wade said. “I thought their zone gave us a lot of problems in the first half.  We were able to adjust and play a bit better in the second half.

“We drove the ball and did a great job on the glass against them.

Guards Skylar Mays and Javonte Smart led the Tigers with 20 and 19 points respectively.  Naz Reid added 12 points and 13 rebounds for another double-double which is his sixth of the season.

“The difference in the game was our ability to force turnovers and get steals,” Wade said. 

Tremont Waters returned to playing for the Tigers after missing several games.  He played 24 minutes after coming off of the bench.

“We are trying to ease him back into things.  He played well and had some huge steals for us,” Wade said. 

LSU faces Florida in another road game in Gainesville on Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Tigers hope to avenge a rough home loss to the Gators earlier this season, 82-77.