Georgia’s attempt to finish the regular season with a winning record failed miserably Saturday in a 30-point loss at LSU.
The Bulldogs briefly held a one-point lead (12-11) at the 13:17 mark of the first half, but at that point LSU started a surge that produced a 49-34 halftime lead on its way to a 94-64 victory Saturday afternoon in Baton Rouge, La.
For good measure, the Tigers outscored by 15 points in the second half, too.
Marlon Taylor of LSU (21-10, 12-6 SEC) scored a career-high 30 points. Taylor, who was averaging fewer than five points per game this season, made 10 of his 17 field-goal attempts, including a career-high three 3-point shots. Taylor scored 21 points in the second half.
Skylar Mays contributed 19 points and six rebounds.
Anthony Edwards was the leading scorer for the Bulldogs (15-16, 5-13) with 17 points. Rayshaun Hammonds was the only other Georgia player to score in double figures, with 12.
LSU built its 49-34 halftime lead on the strength of its shooting. The Tigers made 64% of their field-goal attempts (18-of-28) in the first half. In addition, LSU connected on 6 of 10 3-point attempts.
The Tigers took control of the game midway through the opening half. A 3-point shot by Mays with 12:09 to play in the first half broke a 14-14 tie and started a 16-5 LSU run. Mays and Aundre Hyatt each scored five points during that stretch.
LSU had another outburst a few minutes later in the first half. After Georgia reduced its deficit to seven points, the Tigers went on a 12-2 run. Mays and Javonte Smart knocked down 3-pointers in this span as LSU went ahead 42-25 with 3:20 remaining in the first half.
The Bulldogs came no closer than 13 points in the second half. A field goal by Watford with 6:53 remaining in the game put the Tigers ahead by 20 points for good.
The Bulldogs ended the regular season with back-to-back losses against Florida and LSU. Georgia finished 13th in the SEC standings and will play at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday in the SEC tournament in Nashville.
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