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Jacob Toppin, No. 16 Kentucky Upset by No. 21 LSU in SEC Showdown
January 5, 2022
In a battle of SEC contenders, LSU made its case to be considered the conference's front-runner.
Thanks to a an excellent defensive effort, a balanced complement of scorers and a wild finish, the Tigers knocked off Kentucky in Baton Rouge on Monday night, 65-60.
Things got hairy late. LSU went on a 17-3 run in the second half and held a nine-point lead with 2:25 remaining. Kentucky then went on a 8-0 run to cut the deficit to one with 27 seconds remaining.
On the very next possession, it looked as though the Wildcats registered a steal, only to immediately give the ball back to the Tigers for a dunk. Kentucky then turned the ball over again, LSU got another easy bucket and the game was over.
It was a big win for the 13-1 Tigers after last week's loss to Auburn. Kentucky (11-3) saw its four-game winning streak snapped, meanwhile.
It was a tough result for Kentucky, who was less than 100 percent. TyTy Washington Jr. was clearly hobbled throughout the game, while Sahvir Wheeler left early on after taking a hard screen and didn't return.
Regardless, it will feel like a missed opportunity in an SEC that is loaded with talent. Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky all pose a threat. But at the moment, it looks like a race between LSU and Auburn.
Key Stats
Tari Eason, LSU: 13 points, six rebounds, three assists
Darius Days, LSU: Nine points, seven rebounds
Xavier Pinson, LSU: 11 points, four assists
Kellan Grady, KY: 13 points
Jacob Toppin, KY: 14 points, eight rebounds
Davion Mintz, KY: 16 points
Toppin and Grady Did Their Part
With leading scorers Oscar Tshiebwe and Washington having a tough night (13 combined points, 6-of-18 from the field), the Wildcats need other players to step up.
Toppin did his part in the first half, keeping Kentucky within striking distance while showing off his tantalizing potential.
Aaron Torres @Aaron_TorresThis is the second game, against the second-best team that Kentucky has played, where Jacob Toppin *looks* like he belongs more than anyone else.<br><br>1. Shut down Paolo Banchero vs. Duke<br>2. Best Wildcat on the floor against LSU.<br><br>Again, argue me if you want, but it's true
He went cold in the second half, but Kellan Grady stepped up, sinking four three-pointers in the frame to drag a struggling offense throughout the final 20 minutes.
Without that duo, this game wouldn't have been close on a night that saw Kentucky shoot just 36.2 percent (21-of-58) from the field.
Tari Eason Just Keeps Producing
LSU's leading scorer came off the bench and led the way again for the Tigers, scoring four crucial points down the stretch to help seal this win.
On a night that saw Darius Days struggle to find his stroke (3-of-12 from the field), Tari Eason and Xavier Pinson helped pick up the slack.
Eason's playmaking and defense continue to make him a crucial cog for this talented Tigers squad. He helps LSU in all phases.
What's Next?
Kentucky hosts Georgia on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. LSU hosts Tennessee that same date and time on ESPN2.