The losing streak continues for LSU as the Tigers dropped their eighth straight game to the South Carolina Gamecocks 88-63.

South Carolina’s defense suffocated the Tigers all game forcing LSU to a season high 22 turnovers and allowing 34 points off those turnovers.

Freshman guard Skylar Mays said the Tigers were expecting South Carolina’s defense to be elite and they delivered.

“They’re known for their defense and they’re a great defensive team,” Mays said. “They put you in spots where they can make defensive plays. We just fell into their traps.”

Coach Johnny Jones was upset at how his team performed in the first half, but thought his guys gave better effort in the second half.

“I thought at the beginning that we did not play on the level that we needed to against a team like that,” Jones said.  

The Tigers also allowed four South Carolina players to score in double figures with guard PJ Dozier and guard Duane Notice scoring 17 points a piece. South Carolina forwards Chris SIlva and Sindarius Thornwell each added 16 points for the Gamecocks.

LSU dug itself in a hole early, allowing the Gamecocks to get out to start the game on a 18-3 run.

At times, LSU struggled to even get a shot off against the hellacious defense of South Carolina.

LSU trailed at the half 50-32, while shooting 41 percent from the field.

LSU came out strong in the second half, starting the half on a 8-2 run. Turnovers by the Tigers quickly diminished the comeback as the Gamecocks proceeded to go on a 13-0 run.
The Tigers face Texas A&M on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the PMAC.