The LSU men’s basketball team dropped its second Southeastern Conference game of the season and its fifth game out of its last six on Wednesday when the Tigers lost to host South Carolina, 67-58.
The Tigers (9-7, 0-2) spoiled a 35-27 first half lead after allowing the Gamecocks (11-5, 2-0) to score 13 points off of 10 LSU turnovers in the second half.
In the first half, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead by dominating the inside game. LSU had a 22-8 point advantage in the paint in the first half. But the Gamecocks pulled down 22 rebounds in the second half, including eight offensive rebounds, which contributed to South Carolina’s eight second-chance points in the half.
The Gamecocks rode the heels of senior guard Devan Downey, who led all scorers 29 points and six 3-pointers.
The Tigers held the lead for more than 26 minutes before the Gamecocks took a 51-49 lead after a Downey jumper with 7:55 remaining in the game. LSU never reclaimed the lead.
Sophomore forward Storm Warren led the Tigers in scoring, shooting 7-of-8 from the field for 19 points. Senior forward Tasmin Mitchell added 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The Tigers will travel to Gainesville, Fla., to face Florida (11-5, 0-2) on Saturday at 7 p.m.
 
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