LSU was unable to carry over the momentum from its big win against Texas A& M on Saturday as the Tigers fell to Alabama, 76-69, in its first home loss against a Southeastern Conference opponent this season.
The loss dropped LSU out of first place in the SEC, putting Kentucky in sole control of the top spot in the rankings.
A combination of missed free throws, clutch shooting from Alabama (16-9, 7-6 SEC) and an inability to box out on defense doomed LSU (16-10, 9-4 SEC) to a 1-1 mark against the Crimson Tide this season.
“A great opportunity tonight, and [we’re] definitely disappointed in the result,” said LSU coach Johnny Jones. “Certainly have to credit Alabama. I thought they did an excellent job of playing well throughout. We failed to execute in several areas tonight, including at the free throw line.”
LSU shot just 39 percent from the field for the game compared with Alabama’s 46 percent. The Crimson Tide also outrebounded LSU, 39-34.
The Tigers lived at the line in the second half, as Alabama committed its 10th team foul of the half with 10:46 left. But LSU didn’t take advantage.
Inconsistent free throw shooting continued to haunt the Tigers went 20-for-35 from the free throw line for an dismal 57 percent, including 14-of-26 in the final 20 minutes.
Despite getting to the line for 19 free throws on the night, LSU freshman forward Ben Simmons couldn’t get in a rhythm from the charity stripe, shooting only a 10-19 clip. 
“I was trying to get to the line,” Simmons said. “I wasn’t able to convert all of my free throws. It was just one of those nights. For me, it’s a mental thing. I need to concentrate more when I get to the line, and take my time and stop rushing the free throws. We got a lot of attempts. We didn’t convert them. That’s the game right there. Free throws.”
Simmons became just the fifth first-year player in LSU history to record 500 or more points. Simmons joins Marcus Thorton, Chris Jackson, Bob Pettit and Pete Maravich on that list.
Senior guard Retin Obasohan was instrumental in Alabama’s second-half rally. The senior guard scored a game-high 35 points on 11-for-18 shooting and a perfect 11-of-11 clip at the free throw line.
The Tigers will look to rebound with two consecutive SEC road games against Tennessee on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Arkansas on Feb. 23.  
“We have two away games coming up, and obviously road games are the hardest ones to win, especially in-conference,” said LSU senior guard Keith Hornsby. “We need to get mean again. I think we played a little soft tonight. Tennessee is a great opportunity for us, and I think we’re all looking forward to it now.”