March 29, 2019, LSU fell to Michigan State in the NCAA Sweet 16, the last time the Tigers played a post-season basketball game. Until tonight.
The No. 3 seed Tigers (16-8, 11-6 SEC) play in the quarterfinals tonight (8:30 p.m.) against Ole Miss (16-10) in the Southeastern Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
On this same date last year, the SEC canceled the remainder of the tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tigers were scheduled to play the No.3 a day later.
The Tigers have a history of performing poorly in the SEC tournament, with their last win being in 2016 against Tennessee, 75-64. However, there’s hope this year will be different with LSU’s stacked young team.
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Look at freshman Cam Thomas, for starters. The first freshman since 1989 to lead the SEC in scoring, putting up a blistering 32 points in the SEC opener.
Not only are the Tigers physically ready to play, they are mentally prepared as well.
Tigers were visited by a guest speaker this past Wednesday, former sportscaster and #ImChangingtheNarrative developer, Rachel Baribeau, who spoke to the Tigers right before they left Baton Rouge.
“They were absolutely locked in. Focused and ready to take on the task at hand.”
“It was an emotional talk though, as we mentioned their fallen brother, Wayde Sims. I truly believe he was in the room with us.”
The Tigers remember #44, Wayde Sims, every time they step onto the court. They know he is with them every game they play.
It just means more to these guys.
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