Johnson, Thornton turn Vols inside out

LSU center Chris Johnson was so disappointed with his performance in last Saturday's loss to Xavier, he sent a text-message apology to his teammates.

He sent another message Wednesday evening at Thompson-Boling Arena. And he didn't have to write a word.

His stat line said it all: 14 points, 14 rebounds and four blocked shots in LSU's 79-73 victory.

"He took that (loss to Xavier) to heart," said LSU guard Marcus Thornton, who scored a game-high 29 points. "I appreciate him coming through like that for the team."

Johnson came through when it mattered most. He had three clutch blocks down the stretch and added a pair of crucial free throws to give LSU (16-4, 4-1 SEC) a three-point lead with 45 seconds to play. Then, on the next possession, Johnson blocked Wayne Chism's shot.

Johnson, who ranks second in the SEC in blocked shots, said he altered his approach against the Vols. He was especially conscious of not going for head fakes.

"I just tried to keep my hands down and stay low (on the fakes)," Johnson said.

Thornton can appreciate opponents' frustration with trying to shoot over Johnson.

"We're usually on the same team in practice," Thornton said. "But last year, no matter how high I would shoot it, he would get up there and block it. That's just his God-given ability."

With Johnson dominating inside and Thornton scoring on the perimeter, LSU seemed on the verge of a rout when it led 61-47 with 12:39 to play. UT then reeled off 13 consecutive points to cut the lead to one.

"They started coming back, and we started taking quick shots," Thornton said. "That's just how it is sometimes."

LSU faltered but it didn't fall.

"They did a really good job of keeping their poise," first-year LSU coach Trent Johnson said. "That's the best win we've had all season."

While Chris Johnson and Thornton were the stars, Tasmin Mitchell also made significant contributions in his matchup with Tyler Smith.

Mitchell had 10 points, six rebounds and four assists. Moreover, he played excellent defense against Smith, who made only two of seven field-goal attempts, scored just nine points and had five turnovers.

"(Smith) impacts winning unlike any player in our conference and probably in the country," Trent Johnson said. "Tasmin has done an excellent job all year long of being consistent and playing within himself."

With Mitchell playing within himself and Chris Johnson playing above the crowd, that was too much for UT to overcome.

Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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