The LSU women’s basketball team fell to No. 12 Tennessee 64-62 on Thursday in a contest that came down to the final seconds.
The heartbreaking loss was the Lady Tigers’ (13-10, 4-6 Southeastern Conference) seventh straight against Tennessee (18-5, 9-1 SEC) and their second straight at home.
“We did a lot of really good things, and I don’t want to let a last-second shot to overshadow the fight and the heart that our team showed tonight,” said LSU coach Nikki Caldwell.
The game was LSU’s to lose going into the final minute of the game, as the Lady Tigers had a three-point lead and the ball with as few as 31 seconds left to play.
But LSU senior guard Bianca Lutley and junior forward Theresa Plaisance both missed the front end of their one-and-one free throw opportunities, allowing the Lady Volunteers to tie the game at 62-62 with 7.1 seconds remaining.
Lutley then committed a turnover on the ensuing inbounds play, allowing Tennessee freshman forward Bashaara Graves to hit a game-winning shot with less than a second left.
“We just never quit,” Graves said. “… When we got the possession, I knew we were going to win it.”
LSU senior guard Adrienne Webb heaved a desperation 3-point attempt, but it came up short.
Tennessee was led by Graves, who had 17 points and four rebounds, and junior guard Meighan Simmons with 18 points and three assists.
Plaisance bounced back from her weak performance against Texas A&M on Wednesday, shooting 8-for-10 from the field for 20 points, and adding nine rebounds and five blocks.
LSU junior guard Jeanne Kenney, who entered the game questionable with a left knee injury, played 30 minutes. Plaisance said Kenney was a vital factor in LSU’s performance.
“Jeanne’s that leader on the court who brings that voice and energy makes you want to do more and do better,” Plaisance said. “Having Jeanne on the court is always a plus for us. She keeps us composed.
The Lady Tigers will look to end a losing streak when they play host to No. 9 Georgia on Sunday, their third top-15 opponent in a tough stretch at home.
“We did a lot of really good things, and I don’t what to let a last-second shot to overshadow the fight and the heart that our team showed tonight.”
Who: LSU vs. No. 9 Georgia
When: Sunday, 12:30 p.m.
Where: PMAC
How to Watch: ESPNU, 107.3 FM
