Each loss of LSU’s 11-game losing streak has taken an equal toll on sophomore guard Antonio Blakeney.
“They all hurt the same,” Blakeney said. “They all hurt. We haven’t been able to [play well] for the whole 40 minutes.”
LSU hasn’t defeated an opponent since Jan. 4 when the Tigers defeated Missouri 88-77. The Tigers showed a sign of promise as they fought back against the SEC’s highest ranked team, the Kentucky Wildcats, and suffered a slim 92-85 defeat.
With 6:22 remaining, LSU trailed Kentucky 81-59, but finished the game on a 26-11 run.
LSU’s most recent attempt at ending the streak came on Saturday when the team headed into halftime ahead of Arkansas 40-31. The Tigers were outscored 47-30 in the second half en route to a 78-70 loss to the Razorbacks.
“When things are going well, we get bored with it, and then we’ll try to put ourselves in a position to do too much,” coach Johnny Jones said.
Jones is hopeful the team will find a victory and build momentum leading up to the SEC Tournament beginning March 8.
“You just have to get onto the next game in terms of your preparation,” Jones said. “I’ve been through it, and I’ve been coaching for a long time and I’ve been an assistant for a long time. I understand the challenges that are out there. We choose to keep our shoulders to the grind, continue to push, and look for that opportunity of a breakthrough.”
Beginning with Ole Miss on Feb. 14, LSU has six games left in conference play before they head to the SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee.
Four of those games are on the road in Ole Miss, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi State.
“I think teams look at us as if we’re a team that is eager for the next opportunity and challenge to try and get a win,” Jones said.