Arkansas and LSU enter the matchup with similar desperation
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Arkansas and LSU enter the matchup with similar desperation

Posted on by Amelia Pressman

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas finds itself on the precipice of a cliff in a brutal SEC schedule heading into a road matchup against LSU. Both teams have identical overall and conference records, 11-5 and 0-3.

“Despair is the right word,” LSU coach Matt McMahon said on the postgame radio show following LSU’s 77-65 loss at Ole Miss. “I am sure they will come in with the same attitude. We have to look for solutions.”

LSU Tigers head coach Matt McMahon looks on during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels

LSU Tigers head coach Matt McMahon looks on during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Sandy and John Black Pavilion in Ole Miss. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Coach John Calipari has often expressed that it is difficult to achieve surefire wins in the SEC, especially this season. The league won nearly 90% of its non-conference games.

“Everyone is looking for Ws,” Calipari said before the start of SEC play. “I just hope we’re not the W.”

LSU may see Arkansas as its best chance to secure a conference win before February. After Tuesday’s game, five of LSU’s next six games will be against teams ranked in the top 25, including No. 1 Auburn and No. 4 Alabama.

Both enter the game with different similar problems on offense for different reasons. LSU can’t stop turning the ball over. Through three conference games, LSU ranks last in SEC games with a turnover percentage of 22.4%.

“It would be better for us to have a shot clock violation than to have those turnovers on offense against the pressure that leads to layups in transition,” McMahon said.

LSU Tigers guard Cam Carter (5) drives to the basket

LSU Tigers guard Cam Carter (5) drives to the basket as Mississippi Rebels guard Dre Davis (14) defends during the first half at Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Arkansas’ offensive difficulties stem from an inability to make shots. The Razorbacks, as a team in conference play, rank third-worst in the SEC in three-point percentage, second-worst in two-point percentage, and last in both free throw percentage and two-point effective field goal percentage , according to KenPom.

Both Arkansas and LSU rely on guard play to score the most points. The duel between Boogie Fland (15.5 points, 5.8 assists) and Cam Carter (17.1 points and 2.6 assists) will be crucial.

The match between the two teams is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on SEC Network.

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