In a thrilling match on Wednesday night, LSU’s Tyrell Ward emerged as the hero, securing a dramatic 75-74 victory over No. 17 Kentucky with a buzzer-beating tip-in. The game-deciding moment unfolded at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, where Adou Thiero’s crucial block set the stage for Ward’s last-second heroics.
With LSU trailing by a single point in the closing seconds, guard Jordan Wright attempted a game-winning drive to the basket. However, Thiero’s timely block redirected the ball back to Wright, who managed to toss it back towards the center of the lane as he fell out of bounds. In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Ward intercepted the ball mid-air and executed a perfectly-timed tip-in just as the buzzer sounded, sealing the Tigers’ narrow victory.
Kentucky had surged ahead in the first half, building a 15-point lead fueled by Rob Dillingham’s contested jumper just before halftime. However, LSU staged a remarkable comeback, gradually erasing the deficit to set the stage for their dramatic win.
Antonio Reeves led Kentucky’s scoring efforts with 25 points, supported by Dillingham’s 23-point contribution off the bench. Despite the loss, Kentucky remains a formidable contender in the SEC, preparing to face No. 13 Alabama in their upcoming fixture.
Meanwhile, Ward led LSU’s scoring with 17 points, backed by strong performances from Jalen Reed and Jordan Wright, who each contributed 13 points. The Tigers’ tenacity on the boards, out-rebounding Kentucky 37-30, played a pivotal role in securing their second consecutive victory over ranked opponents.
Following their triumph over Kentucky, LSU looks ahead to their next challenge against Mississippi State, aiming to build upon their recent successes and maintain momentum in the SEC standings.