The theme of Tuesday night’s Southeastern Conference opener was toughness. But unfortunately for the LSU basketball team, toughness was just what they lacked.
For the second time in three days, the Tigers’ effort and resiliency in the face of adversity came into question following a loss within the confines of the PMAC. This time, it was Tennessee that flummoxed LSU in a devastating 68-50 loss.
“We lost by 20 to a Tennessee team that I definitely think we could’ve competed with at home,” said LSU sophomore forward Johnny O’Bryant III. “We just got out toughed. We just have to suck it up, go into practice, practice harder and go into South Carolina.”
A visibly frustrated LSU coach Johnny Jones said that he found no positives stemming out of Tuesday’s game and he’d have to revaluate playing time for most, if not all, of his players — starting with performance in practice.
Jones even went as far as to say he isn’t sure the starting lineup won’t see significant changes in the coming weeks.
“If it’s anything to you and you’re looking for playing time, you’re certainly going to take a little bit different approach,” Jones said. “If you want to play, compete and get some of those minutes, then you’ll have a little bit different effort. That’ll go from practice and games.”
Jones’ demeanor took an even harsher tone when asked about comments junior guard Anthony Hickey made after the game concerning LSU not showing up ready to play. Hickey was not directly named in the question.
“I’ve never heard great payers say that they’re not ready to compete,” Jones said. “I don’t know who said that … but you don’t show up and put the inform on and not be ready to play. That’s not the business we have here and pretty soon you won’t have a uniform here if you’re not ready to play.”
Jones’ irritation continued as the coach struggled to name leaders among his team’s ranks — listing freshman forward Jordan Mickey as one of the only consistent performers thus far this season.
Mickey led the Tigers with 14 points and five blocks against the Vols, and at most points in the night, appeared to be one of the few LSU players who could match the physicality of Tennessee’s play. Mickey also led the team with 32 minutes of playing time.
Mickey agreed with O’Bryant that the Tigers were out toughed and out hustled to the ball all night and that he doesn’t care about personal success — only the final score. 
The Tigers continue SEC play Saturday with an away game against South Carolina.