The last time LSU basketball played Alabama, the Tigers kept it close for the first half but allowed the Crimson Tide to turn a once-competitive affair into a blowout shortly into the second. On Saturday, it was nearly identical as LSU (12-11, 4-6 SEC) fell to Alabama (17-7, 9-2) for the second time this season, 109-92.

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LSU only led from the opening basket in the first half, but never let the score get out of hand – although Alabama led by 10 late in the half, the Tigers responded with a 9-2 run to cut the halftime deficit to just three points.

The second half appeared to be even more competitive as LSU led with as little as nine minutes remaining in regulation. However, after the Tigers took a 74-73 lead, the Crimson Tide offense woke up, ballooning the lead to double digits within three minutes of game time and up to 19 points before the benches were emptied.

Near-perfect offensive day for LSU basketball

LSU actually out-shot Alabama, and it wasn't particularly close. The Tigers shot over 50% from the floor – just the second time they have done so in SEC play – and nearly 40% from 3-point range for the second time this season against the Crimson Tide. LSU also scored 90 points for just the fourth time this season and second time in an SEC game.

Will Baker's tale of two halves

A week after arguably his best game as a Tiger, the former Texas and Nevada center followed up with another superstar performance against the Crimson Tide. In the first half alone, Baker made nine of his 12 shots from the floor, including two threes, and led all scorers with 22 points.

However, he cooled off in the second. He attempted just two shots and missed them both while turning over three times and finished with just 24 points: still enough to lead both teams, but both of his second-half points came from the free-throw line.

Jalen Cook returns from injury

The Tigers' leading scorer was considered questionable after missing Wednesday's game against Tennessee with a hamstring injury. Although he didn't start –Trae Hannibal got the nod for the third straight game – the redshirt junior made his return to the court against Alabama. Due to Hannibal fouling out with under five minutes to play, Cook actually played more, finishing with 20 points in 29 minutes off the bench.

Last Time They Played: LSU basketball stumbles in second half, falls in blowout loss to Alabama on Saturday night

What's next

LSU travels to Florida on Tuesday night.

LSU basketball vs. Alabama: Live scores and updates

This article originally appeared on The Courier: LSU basketball falls late in second half, defeated by Alabama again