SC played the perfect strategy: ours. They played smothering defense and scored off the ensuing turnovers/chaos. It was Pearl's strategy, but their players were all much bigger than ours.
McLemore...fuck that hurts. SEC shot-block leader who, as mentioned, avoids foul trouble and contributes around the offensive bucket as well. I really feared, due to body language, that the team might fold up in the 2nd half. Huge credit to Pearl and the kids for rallying back from 26 down to get within 5.
But for the SC possession at about 4:45 (2nd) where they got 4 offensive opportunities and gassed our defense, I believe the Tigers could have pulled it out.
Still lots to play for, but having 8 scholly players for a tourney run doesn't bode particularly well.
Also re: McLemore: he had a blocked shot, rebound, steal and disrupted inbound pass...in the first 1:30 of the game.