Kentucky basketball suffers buzzer-beating loss at LSU after blowing big second-half lead

Kentucky basketball loses to LSU after blowing 15-point lead, further clouding NCAA Tournament résumé. Antonio Reeves scores 25 in defeat.

The Kentucky basketball team suffered a devastating loss in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as they squandered a 15-point lead in the second half against the LSU Tigers. The game ended in a heart-stopping 75-74 buzzer-beating victory for LSU, leaving the Wildcats stunned and the LSU fans storming the court in celebration.

Despite a standout performance from fifth-year guard Antonio Reeves, who reached the 1,000-point milestone for his career at UK, the Wildcats struggled to maintain their lead and secure the win. Reeves scored an impressive 25 points, but the team struggled to find additional scoring options beyond him and Rob Dillingham, who contributed 23 points, with 21 of those coming in the second half.

Kentucky initially built a comfortable lead with a 10-0 run to close the first half and back-to-back 3-pointers from Justin Edwards and Reeves at the start of the second half. However, a 15-2 run by LSU quickly erased their lead and brought the Tigers back into the game.

The Wildcats' offensive struggles were evident as they went through prolonged scoring droughts, including a 6:11 stretch in which they failed to make a field goal. While Reeves managed to keep them in the game with free throws, the Tigers capitalized on their defensive lapses and shot 48.5% in the second half, ultimately securing the victory with Tyrell Ward's game-winning layup at the buzzer.

The loss further complicates Kentucky's NCAA Tournament prospects, casting a shadow over their previous road triumph against Auburn. The Wildcats now face the challenge of regrouping and refocusing as they aim to bolster their tournament resume in the remaining games of the season.

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