Takeaways: Kentucky loses a heartbreaker 75-74 to LSU at the buzzer in Baton Rouge

What can we take away from Kentucky's 75-74 loss to LSU?

Author:
Andrew Stefaniak
Publish date:
Feb 21, 2024 11:57 PM EST

In this story:

Kentucky Wildcats

LSU Tigers

The Kentucky Wildcats came into their matchup with LSU riding a high after taking down Auburn in Neville Arena.

The matchup with LSU had trap game written all over it as Kentucky's trip to Baton Rouge was sandwiched between two ranked games.

This loss makes it really hard for the Wildcats to win the SEC Regular Season Title without some collapses elsewhere or a win in Knoxville.

What can we take away from Kentucky's heartbreaking loss to LSU?

DJ Wagner is in a slump

Feb 21, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers guard Trae Hannibal (0) dribbles against Kentucky Wildcats guard D.J. Wagner (21) during the first half of the game at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports — © Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

DJ Wagner played 21 minutes and was 0-5 from the field, not scoring a point in the loss. Now, a point guard not having a great scoring night is okay if he is distributing the basketball, but Wagner only had two assists. Before going down the second time with the ankle injury, Wagner was playing really good basketball. Since coming back he is averaging only 3.8 points per game. If Kentucky wants to make a run in March, Wagner needs to figure it out. He needs to stop shooting the three-ball and start attacking the rim.

The defense came and went

Jan 20, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports — © Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

In the first half, Kentucky looked really good defensively, holding LSU to only 27 points (on pace to hold another team under 60). The second half was a different story as the Tigers scored 48 points while shooting 48.5% from the field and 55.6% from three. Kentucky has shown flashes, proving they can defend, but it needs to be for 40 minutes, not 20. The Wildcats got a big lead and stopped playing defense, letting a LSU team used to coming from behind do it once again.

Rob Dillingham was incredible in the second half

Feb 21, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham (0) warmups before the game against the LSU Tigers at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports — © Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Dillingham went to the locker room after the first half 1-5 from the field with only two points. In the final 20 minutes, he was 7-11 from the field, 2-3 from deep, and 5-5 from the free throw line, scoring 21 points. This gave him 23 on the evening. Dillingham also hit the shot that gave Kentucky a lead late and would have been a game-winner had LSU not made a lucky shot on the other end after a block. The freshman guard is proving to be one of the best scorers in college hoops and will be a star in the NBA.