AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — White posting the most points by an LSU player in nearly 13 years, Marcus Thornton hit a game-winning three pointer with 3.8 seconds left and scored 38 points to lead LSU to its first Southeastern Conference victory, an 81-80 win over Auburn Wednesday night.
Thornton drained his eighth 3 of the game over Auburn’s Lucas Hargrove from the left wing for LSU (8-12, 1-5) for the lead. Quan Prowell then stepped on the baseline trying to throw the ball inbounds for Auburn (12-7, 2-4). That turnover forced Auburn to foul Anthony Randolph, who missed his free throw attempt.
Frank Tolbert came down with the rebound for Auburn and dribbled across midcourt but his desperation shot at the buzzer fell well short.
The win snapped LSU’s 15-game road losing streak dating back to a victory over Oregon State in December 2006.
Anthony Randolph added 21 points for LSU and Terry Martin had 11. Thornton made 8-of-15 3-pointers.
His 38-point effort was the most by an LSU player since Ronnie Henderson scored 40 against Alabama on Feb. 11, 1995.
Auburn had gotten its first league win at LSU two weeks earlier. Thornton had a career-high 27 in that game and was within three points of that by halftime in the rematch for his fifth consecutive 20-point game.
Auburn was down by as many as five points late, but Prowell and Reed hit back-to-back 3s for an 80-75 lead with 1:20 to play. Reed’s 3 was his first basket of the second half.
Thornton drilled another 3 to keep LSU alive but missed his next attempt. LSU got the ball back off a jump ball with 30 seconds left. Chris Johnson took the inbounds pass straight to the basket but his shot was blocked by Lucas Hargrove.
LSU got another shot when Quantez Robertson missed his free throw attempt with 21 seconds to play.
Then, Thornton struck again. He had scored LSU’s first 15 points of the game on five long-range shots after Auburn opened with a 10-0 run.
Prowell matched his career-high with 26 points for Auburn to lead five scorers in double figures. Rasheem Barrett had 15 points, Reed 14, Tolbert 12 and Lucas Hargrove 11.
LSU’s Chris Johnson played in his first game since breaking his right hand against Tulane on Jan. 2 and had six points and two blocked shots in 24 minutes.
Head Coach John Brady
Opening statement…
“Our team keeps playing. We had good practice after Arkansas, we made baskets, and we were able to come out and make the shots tonight. We executed. We rebounded better. We just played better overall. Auburn made some good shots, but we were able to counter. This team has been through a lot, and I am glad we could win this one on the road.”
On Marcus Thornton…
“He played extremely well. He rescued us when we were down early. He made shots throughout the game, and was able to come up with a big shot at the end. We needed that big play. We made a few big plays within the last five minutes, and I am proud of the way we played.
On breaking LSU’s 15 game losing streak on the road…
“It was about time we won one like this. It was great to get this win on the road, but it does not matter after today. Momentum can go as fast as it came. We have to go out on the court every game and play our game. That is all that matters.”
Marcus Thornton, Junior Guard
Last shot…
“I was just trying to get enough space to allow me the shoot the ball, and I was able to get that.”
On having a hot night…
“I’ve never actually been on such a hot roll like I was tonight, especially from the very beginning. It feels great. When I get on a roll like that, I feel like I can shoot it from all over the court.”
On Auburn’s aggression…
“They tried to bump, grab and hold to keep me from shooting. So then my teammates were able to come in and help me out.”
Anthony Randolph, Freshman Forward
On personal performance second half…
“I felt more comfortable the second half. I was in rhythm.”
On Marcus Thornton‘s performance…
“I haven’t ever seen anyone on such a hot streak like he was on tonight. He’s a great scorer. I told him at halftime to go for 50 points, and he almost got there. He not only shoots great outside, but he also drives for the basket.”
On the win…
“I am so happy to get a win. We have really been practicing hard, and I am thrilled to see that the hard work paid off.”
Chris Johnson, Junior Center
On Coach’s call for LSU’s last offensive play of the game…
“Coach wanted us to screen and get Marcus open.”
On the win…
“This win gives us much needed confidence. Hopefully, we’ll be able to go into Tuscaloosa with the same motivation and drive that we have right now and keep winning.”
Head Coach Jeff Lebo
Opening Statement…
“I thought we played very well. We just got beat by one guy who played as good as anyone I have seen play in a long time. I thought we executed well on offense and defense. Marcus Thornton hit some threes that were absolutely incredible. It was just an amazing performance by him tonight. My team played well. I am sorry we did not get the win for these guys, but we played well.”
On guarding Marcus Thornton…
“We tried to take him completely out of the game, but when he went in the air it was going in. They were bouncing off everything and still going in. It was outstanding. Quan Prowell played his best game he has played in a while. Lucas Hargrove was big coming off the bench. I thought we shot the ball well, shooting 50 percent. We played well.”
On Korvotney Barber’s injury…
“He needs to be re-evaluated again. It is not heeling as well as we thought. It is going to be at least another week.”
Quan Prowell Senior Forward
On final seconds of the game…
“We were up by five with 50 seconds left then when five seconds came around we were up by two. (Marcus) Thornton played really well. He had a lot of big shots, especially in the last seconds. It’s hard to stop a guy who’s playing that good.”
On his play the last few games…
“I feel I am playing a lot better. I have a lot more confidence now and I can see it in my offense.”