A highlight reel reverse dunk was scant consolation for Ben Simmons as the Australian star’s Louisiana State team went desperately close to toppling top-ranked US college side Oklahoma State.
The visiting Sooners blocked a layup by LSU’s Tim Quarterman at the buzzer to escape with a heart-stopping 77-75 victory in Baton Rouge on Saturday night (Sunday AEDT).
The match was touted as a showdown between likely NBA No.1 draft pick Simmons and Oklahoma’s brilliant shooting guard Buddy Hield, a 22-year-old from the Bahamas who is favoured to win college player of the year.
Hield came out on top, finishing with a game-high 32 points, including seven of 10 three-pointers, and scored 21 of his team’s last 31 points as Oklahoma rallied from a 14-point deficit.
The 19-year-old Simmons had 14 points, making six of seven shots from the field, while also pulling in nine rebounds and five assists as he showcased his allround skills.
And he brought his home crowd to its feet when he drove from the sideline under the hoop before slamming down a reverse dunk.
But, with Simmons an obvious focus, LSU shared the workload well as they went about putting a scare through Oklahoma to advanced to an 18-2 season record.
They had four players in double digit scoring as Quarterman led with 18 points and Craig Victor added 15.
The loss took LSU’s season record to 13-8.
Their next game is against Auburn on Wednesday morning (AEDT).
Machooka
Roar Guru
A bit harsh Swampy? Before this game started I thought that if LSU could finish within 10 pts of OU that would be a fair result. The gameplan used in the first half by LSU pretty much shut down the Sooners offence. They contested anything on the perimeter thus restricting OU who live by the three. LSU then were able to get their shots, and did exactly that. I can't recall LSU's shooting percentage at the half but it was high. At the half I can also remember thinking that LSU haven't lost a game when leading at the half but there's always a first time! Likewise if they didn't come out after the half time on song they would be buried by OU's workman like game. And to their credit LSU played good ball after the half. But then Buddy went to work. He lit it up. The guy is a flat out scorer. Exceptional. There's obviously a lot of talk about Ben's game... assertive v unselfiness. For mine he's the latter. It's just him. And I think you play for the team to win. So not sold on this talk that he should be Broadway or Showtime just to please the few. Hence, I thought it a great game. Down to the wire. And by the look on the OU guys they knew they'd got away with one!
Swampy
Guest
Johnny Jones must be the worst coach in college basketball. LSU play like they're at the Y. Hot first half but predictably threw it away in second as the Sooners happily found their main man wide open, particularly in transition, over and over again. Every bad pass from lack of offensive movement from LSU was punished by a wide open Hield 3. I actually don't rate hield that highly after that game (well not as high as others) - good college player but a bit short, only made threes right on the arc and only made open shots. Most of his contested shots missed the target. With bigger, longer and quicker defenders I didnt see the range nor creation of his own shot off the dribble that he'll need to be anymore than a spot up shooter from deep on the bench. I also watched his D which like Simmons, was non-existent. I'll give him a pass on that as he is probably more important not collecting fouls.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
buddy showed up Simmons. Talent only goes so far