Image Source: Zachary Junda
Key Takeaways:
- The LSU basketball team has started SEC play with an 0-3 record for the second consecutive season
- The team’s defense has been struggling, allowing 50 points in the first half against South Carolina and 52 points against Vanderbilt
- Star point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. has been sidelined with a lower leg injury for the past three games
- LSU will host Kentucky and Missouri in upcoming games, looking to climb out of their early-season hole
- The team’s performance has been disappointing, especially considering the SEC was expected to be weaker this season
Introduction to the Problem
The LSU basketball team’s performance in the SEC has been underwhelming, to say the least. As the article states, "I’ve been waiting to say something—anything—positive about the LSU basketball team since conference play started. Unfortunately I don’t think we can keep ignoring it any longer." The team’s 0-3 start to the season is a cause for concern, especially considering they were expected to be a stronger team this year. The SEC, on the other hand, was expected to be a little weaker, but so far, that hasn’t been the case.
The Loss to Vanderbilt
The Tigers’ latest loss came at the hands of #11 Vanderbilt, with a final score of 84-73. As the article notes, "Vanderbilt played like the #11 team in the nation, and LSU erm…didn’t." The Commodores led by as many as 20 points, and the closest LSU came to taking the lead was a 2-2 tie 90 seconds into the game. Vanderbilt had five players in double-digit points, while LSU’s Max Mackinnon led all players with 27 points. Despite the impressive performance from Mackinnon, the team’s defense was unable to contain Vanderbilt’s offense.
Injury and Defensive Struggles
The absence of star point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. has been felt, as he has been sidelined with a lower leg injury for the past three games. However, as the article states, "Thomas or no Thomas, the LSU defense has been disastrous this week." The team allowed 50 points in the first half against South Carolina and 52 points against Vanderbilt, highlighting the need for improvement on the defensive end. The article notes, "The SEC was supposed to be a little bit worse this season, and LSU was supposed to be a little bit better." However, the team’s performance so far has been disappointing, and they will need to turn things around quickly if they want to climb out of their early-season hole.
Upcoming Games
LSU will have the opportunity to right the ship with back-to-back home games against Kentucky and Missouri. As the article states, "This upcoming week LSU will host Kentucky Wednesday night (6:00 P.M., SEC Network) and Missouri Saturday afternoon (2:30 P.M., SEC Network)." These games will be crucial for the team, as they look to get their first win in SEC play. With Dedan Thomas Jr. potentially returning to the lineup, the team may be able to turn things around and start climbing out of their 0-3 hole.
Conclusion
The LSU basketball team’s start to the SEC season has been disappointing, to say the least. With an 0-3 record and struggling defense, the team needs to turn things around quickly. As the article notes, "Maybe things will get better when Dedan Thomas returns to the lineup, and LSU will have back-to-back home games to maybe climb out of this hole." The team’s upcoming games against Kentucky and Missouri will be crucial in determining the direction of their season. Will they be able to turn things around, or will they continue to struggle? Only time will tell.
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/basketball/48299/lsu-drops-to-0-3-in-sec-play