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LSU Basketball's lack of size and turnovers haunts the Tigers in the Second Half Vs SMU

By Nicholas Rome

Dec 14, 2024; Frisco, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Yohan Traore (21) looks to shoot as LSU Tigers forward Daimion Collins (10) defends during the first half at Comerica Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2024; Frisco, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Yohan Traore (21) looks to shoot as LSU Tigers forward Daimion Collins (10) defends during the first half at Comerica Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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The LSU Basketball team traveled to Frisco, Texas to face off against the SMU Mustangs with the winner adding a Quad One win to their resume. The game was a battle back and forth and became really exciting in the final minutes but, LSU's comeback attempt fell short.

The Mustangs punched LSU in the mouth early getting out to an early 12-5 lead scoring 11 straight but, then the Tigers found their game. The Tigers gave the Mustangs fits with their speed making SMU play at their tempo while forcing turnovers and turning them into points. Where SMU gave LSU fits in the first half was with their size dominating the glass while their zone defense slowed LSU's offense.

The Second Half started as poorly as it could for the LSU Basketball team as shots weren't falling and the Tigers turned the ball over allowing SMU to go on a 22-6 run giving SMU a 10 point lead at the under 12 time out.

This game showed just how much the LSU Basketball team will feel the loss of Jalen Reed and his size down low. SMU won the rebound battle 28 to 24 grabbing 13 offensive rebounds which allowed them to score too often on second chances. SMU scored 42 points in the paint to LSU's 26 points.

For all that LSU did well forcing turnovers in the first half, they turned it over themselves too often in the second half with 13 turnovers in the second half after just four in the first half. The turnovers paired with SMU getting hot shooting allowed SMU to shoot 60% from field in the second half which makes coming back to win difficult against any opponent.

Still time to clean everything up

While the loss is disappointing, it gives LSU a ton to work on over the final three games of Non-Conference play before they head into a loaded SEC schedule. The Tigers struggled a ton versus SMU's zone which flipped this game and is something they'll have to figure out how to beat. Outside of Corey Chest, Matt McMahon needs to find someone else who can step up grabbing rebounds as you'll lose a majority of your games in SEC play allowing another team to dominate the glass like SMU did. There's still a ton of positive things this team showed against SMU but, they'll need to continue to get better at some of the little things.

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