Why the LSU men’s basketball team is struggling as of late

The LSU men’s basketball team was crushed by Auburn, 67-49, just a few days after their 40-point defeat in Alabama. The 2022-23 Tigers suddenly don’t appear to be a very good squad, and we’re trying to figure out why.

Remember when the LSU Tigers were 13-1 to close out 2022? One can’t help but wonder what has changed since then. We’re seeing some naysayers claim the only change for the Bayou Bengals in the past month is the difficulty of opponents. Yes, the SEC schedule is a more arduous road. However, the Tigers were competitive on the road at Kansas State and opened SEC play with a win over Arkansas. Perhaps, the best solution to the question, ‘why is LSU awful right now,’ is found by comparing such box scores.

A few themes emerge when comparing LSU’s box scores. First, the Tigers need KJ Williams to lead the team’s stat sheet most nights. Williams’ 17 points and 10 rebounds were instrumental in LSU’s battle at K-State. However, fast-forward to last week’s loss at Alabama, and it’s not surprising Williams only mustered 10 points and 1 rebound. Another theme, as of late, is the Tigers need for double-digit scorers.

Throughout SEC play, LSU has been outscored 440-358 and has averaged less than 57 points over their last four games

LSU featured a trio of double-digit scorers against K-State. Such was not the case against Alabama or Auburn. The Tigers scoring was so putrid in Tuscaloosa that Williams, Cam Hayes, Derek Fountain, and Justice Hill combined for less than 40 points. Throughout SEC play, LSU has been outscored 440-358 and has averaged less than 57 points over their last four games. Such metrics indicate a below-average offense with the potential for abysmal.

Few LSU fans expected the first season under a new head coach to be easy. Matt McMahon immediately stared down a mountainous task upon taking the reigns from Will Wade. No scholarship players returned to Baton Rouge after the NBA Draft, and the transfer portal beckoned. That said, the answer to the question, ‘why is LSU awful right now,’ is because they were meant to be. The program is undergoing what a professional team refers to as a rebuilding season. McMahon needs time to recruit and develop the best players he can find to fit his system. For now, fans must exercise patience, regardless of how aggravating the current results are.

The schedule gets more challenging for the Tigers, who are on the road in Tennessee on Saturday. A rematch against Arkansas follows on January 24.