LSU’s defense at Auburn on Feb. 2 impressed head coach John Brady.
The Tigers (15-9, 4-8 Southeastern Conference) allowed Auburn (18-7, 7-5 SEC) to score 56 points on 38.2 percent shooting from the field and forced the blue and orange Tigers into committing 15 turnovers.
However, Auburn substitute walk-on Nathan Watson hit a 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds remaining to thrust Auburn past LSU, 56-54.
Brady hopes to see the same type of defensive effort in tonight’s rematch against Auburn in the PMAC at 7 p.m.
“If somebody was to tell me that we are going to have the same defensive effort [Wednesday] night, and we are going to hold them to 56 points and 38 percent shooting, I would take it right now,” Brady said. “Because at home we have been able to make some shots and do some pretty good things. If we keep defending and we can duplicate the defensive effort we had down there, and if our offense holds true, that should be sufficient.”
LSU’s defense has been strong its last five games. In those games, in which the Tigers won three, opponents only have been able to average 59.6 points per game on 37.5 percent shooting from the field.
Comparatively, LSU’s offense is averaging 67.2 points per game and 45.5 percent in that same five game stretch.
“The past three seasons, we have played well at the end of the season,” said LSU senior forward Ronald Dupree. “That is the kind of mode we are in right now. Hopefully, it will carry over into the next game.”
Auburn senior forward Marquis Daniels presents the Tigers defense with a challenge, as he is second in the SEC in scoring with 19.0 points per contest. In Auburn’s 80-75 victory Feb. 22 at Ole Miss, Daniels scored 29 points on 12-of-14 shooting.
“We need to come out with some defensive intensity,” Dupree said. “I think our offense is coming together, and we have some good flow about ourselves. I’ll think we will be fine.”
Dupree said winning the team’s remaining four conference games probably is what it will take to advance to the NCAA Tournament, so the Tigers are treating each of those games like a single elimination tournament. LSU faces Auburn and Alabama at home, and Tennessee and Ole Miss on the road.
“We are playing a one game elimination,” Dupree said. “I just think on our home court we have to get these last two games. They are must wins in order for us to make some progress.”
Postseason play is the ultimate goal, Dupree said. He also said the Tigers must concentrate on the task at hand.
“We need to take it one game at a time,” Dupree said. “Inch-by-inch. That is the kind of mindset we have.”