By Hunt Palmer
THE STORY: LSU has a first half problem. The second half isn’t an issue.
For the third time in as many home, non-conference games, the Tigers fell behind before halftime and blitzed an inferior opponent in the second stanza. At this point, I credit for LSU for rallying impressively to beat Alabama State, Charleston Southern, UCF and Northwestern State.
That takes some guts and ability.
Still, these early efforts have to turn around. Falling behind like this and routing the opponent in the second half isn’t sustainable. The game at Kansas State feels like the outlier that elicits hope. LSU dominated that first half.
I don’t think Matt McMahon’s game plans or scouting reports are bad. I don’t think the team is emotionally flat. I think they’re playing poorly in first halves.
They’ve been outscored 132-105 in those four first halves. Honestly, it’s an offensive issue. They’re averaging 26.3 points per game in those first halves. That’s not enough.
That said, LSU’s defense in the second half on Friday was excellent. Northwestern State missed 19-of-21 shots early in the second half. That defense triggered a 17-0 run and an 8-0 run, and those totally seized control of the game for the Tigers.
Florida State comes to the PMAC on Tuesday in a game LSU really needs to win.
THE STATS: Corey Chest blocked five shots and grabbed 10 rebounds. He’s really assimilating to that role.
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Dji Bailey stuffed the stat sheet. He played 33 minutes, had four rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block.
Jordan Sears made 6-of-11 threes. That’s a vital part of LSU’s offense. He and Cam Carter made 6-of-9 threes in the second half.
Don’t Let C5 Get Hot 👀
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LSU won the second half 52-27.
Northwestern State shot 3-for-10 on free throws.
Vyctorius Miller made all seven of his free throws.
