The LSU basketball teams prepare for another week of games after drastically different weekend results.
The men’s team is looking to find its footing in the midst of arguably its toughest stretch on its schedule and after a 109-92 loss to Alabama. LSU women’s basketball earned a 19-point win against Alabama Sunday afternoon after trailing by 10 at halftime and has a week off before traveling to Texas A&M next monday.
Our LSU basketball beat writers at The Reveille sat down to discuss the latest topics in the two programs.
Is LSU women’s basketball at its best when it’s playing in transition and inside-out, rather than from the perimeter?
Tyler Harden – LSU’s game is always going to start from the paint; that’s where it is strongest and most consistent. What separates LSU, however, is that it can be just as effective from the perimeter: it just isn’t nearly as consistent there. But when LSU is hitting in both phases of the game, that’s when it’s at its best.
Tre Allen – As simple as it is, LSU is practically unstoppable when they are knocking down shots from the outside. The problem is the team isn’t as consistent, and one bad shooting night can result in a loss.
As for transition, it’s a huge part of their game. That’s why Coach Mulkey always talks about defense, because great defense leads to great offense. If they can force turnovers and go out and run, it’s hard to stop them.
Despite losing the last two games, how important is Will Baker’s resurgence for LSU men’s basketball?
Jason Willis – With Baker rolling, the offense looks completely different. Everyone gets better looks. Baker in a groove looks like a completely different guy: he’s aggressive and looks for his own shot, which is night and day from the stationary and unimpactful player Baker had been at times before.
What’s more is that Baker has done it in three straight games against solid teams, so it’s not a fluke (although he did disappear down the stretch against Alabama). Sooner rather than later, it’ll translate to wins.
Tre Allen – It’s important that he gets going alongside Jordan Wright and Jalen Cook. The problem is continuing to be aggressive and dominant in the second half.
Against Alabama, Baker had 22 points in the first half but finished with 24. Alabama deserves credit too, for making adjustments and forcing the ball out of his hands, but Baker still has to show that he wants the ball. Show that you can also be a playmaker when things aren’t going your way.
Should Last-Tear Poa be LSU women’s basketball’s starting point guard going forward? Why or why not?
Tyler Harden – I think so. While the numbers aren’t always there for Poa, she facilitates the game better than any player on the team. While that would mean a player like Flau’jae Johnson would come off the bench, teams like South Carolina have some of their most productive players come off the bench. It wouldn’t mean anything in terms of change of production, it would only determine how early LSU would want a rhythm developed.
Tre Allen – I wouldn’t mind it. She’s one of the more veteran players they have on the team, as she was a big part of them winning a championship last year. Her decision-making can be questioned sometimes, as she forces up a shot or racks up turnovers, but her experience would be massive for the tigers.
In the upcoming stretch of Florida, South Carolina and Kentucky, which game is the most winnable for the men’s team?
Tre Allen – From a talent standpoint, I think it’s Florida. I think LSU will have a better chance of keeping up with Florida’s players rather than Kentucky or South Carolina. However Kentucky has been struggling, as they just lost to Gonzaga at home. It wouldn’t shock me if LSU kept it close with Kentucky.
Jason Willis – It sounds crazy, but it might be Kentucky. Perennial powerhouse as they may be, the Wildcats have dropped four of six, and it’s becoming abundantly clear that their defense isn’t up to snuff. If LSU can keep pace with Kentucky’s blazing offense, it’ll have a chance. It’s also the only one of those three games the Tigers will have at home.
There’s an argument to be made for South Carolina given the fact that LSU might be better equipped to win a defensive battle than a shootout, but the Gamecocks are just playing too well right now.
What does the women’s team need to work on most in the off week?
Tyler Harden – Just how it’s been the last few weeks, defense, especially from the perimeter. LSU gave up 14 threes against Alabama on Sunday. In the NCAA Tournament, giving up 14 threes will almost certainly end your season. So perimeter defense, and being able to be as effective the entirety for the game is a priority this week.
Tre Allen – I 100% agree with Tyler. LSU has a tendency to ball watch a lot and lose sight of players who happen to be open in the corner who can shoot. You saw that against South Carolina and Mississippi State.
I think LSU can also improve their shot selection. I understand the players have the talent to make almost every shot on the court, but that doesn’t mean you should attempt it.
What does the men’s team have to do to start finishing off these large comebacks?
Jason Willis – Limit turnovers, fouls and offensive rebounds. The easiest way to finish a comeback is to not fall into a deficit, and LSU has had all-too familiar weaknesses that put them in tight spots.
On the other hand, you could conclude that these failed comebacks are as close as LSU is really capable of getting to teams like Auburn, Tennessee and Alabama. The Tigers are good enough to fight, but maybe not good enough to be at that upper echelon, which, as I’ve written before, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just where the program is in its rebuild.
Tre Allen – Play team basketball. A lot of players will try to go one-on-one and isolate the defender to try to get a basket. But as seen before, it doesn’t usually work, as the offense gets stagnant and the shot clock ends up winding down forcing them into a bad shot. If they can continue to run their sets and get easy, high percentage shots then things will work out.
