Over the course of an 18-game SEC schedule, you’ll have games where you are thoroughly out played. It will happen to the best teams in the league.
But when LSU hosted Texas on Saturday it was a good opportunity for the Tigers to get their second league win. Instead, LSU scored only 25 points in the first half, and they were outscored by 25 in the second half in an 89-58 loss to the Longhorns.
LSU Coach Matt McMahon thought his team was making strides after playing competitive games against highly ranked teams in Texas A&M, Alabama and number one ranked Auburn.
“It’s my responsibility, didn’t have them ready to go, got to get to work and figure out some ways to fix it,” said McMahon.
LSU’s leading scorer Cam Carter was held to just six points on two-of-seven shooting from the floor. Because LSU lacks three-point shooters, the Tigers are not able to space the floor, which allowed Texas to do an outstanding job in denying Carter the basketball.
Once again, LSU got hammered on the boards, 35-23. Texas grabbed ten offensive rebounds and had 16 second chance points.
LSU also turned it over nine times and Texas had 18 points off of turnovers to the Tigers six.
The loss drops LSU’s record to 12-9 overall, 1-7 in the SEC, next to last in the conference standings.
“Gonna have to have some really competitive practices, try to determine who needs to be on the floor, what combinations are best, who can help us in areas of ball security, defensive rebounding, offensive execution to give us a better chance,” McMahon said.
The talent is just not there on this LSU roster and it was on full display against a mediocre Texas squad.
It’s the third year of the Matt McMahon era and doubt is growing whether he can make this program a competitive winner in a very difficult conference.
And the fan interest is waning. The PMAC was half-full for a five o’clock tip off.
LSU has several programs ranked in the top ten. Women’s basketball, gymnastics, baseball, softball, and football could be a preseason Top 10 team next year.
But the LSU men’s basketball program is spinning its wheels and there is only so much NIL money to go around to bring in better players.
LSU is at Georgia on Wednesday night. Another winnable game for the Tigers as the Bulldogs are 3-6 in league play.
I expect LSU to play with a more competitive spirit after getting embarrassed at home, but not expecting the Tigers to bring home a victory.