Tag: darius days

Where LSU stands in latest bracket projections

LSU sees some variance in its bracket projections after the win over Missouri on Saturday.

LSU’s seeding projections have been all over the map this season. This was once a team that looked like a potential top four seed after the Tigers carried a one-loss record into mid-January.

Things are a little different now after a month and change of struggles.

LSU took care of business against Missouri on Saturday, as it should have. It got it to its 20th win of the year and to .500 in conference play.

CBS Sports’ updated bracket projections on Sunday morning had LSU slated as a seven seed. ESPN’s most recent projections have them just a tad higher, as a six.

TeamRankings, which publishes predictions that are computer-generated, has LSU most likely being an eight seed. These rankings factor in the upcoming schedule, where LSU doesn’t have the easiest path.

Before the conference tournament begins, LSU will have to play Arkansas and Alabama, two squads that have already beaten the Tigers once this year.

While LSU will be in the tournament no matter what at this point, being able to go at least 1-1 in the final two games of the regular season gives the Tigers a shot of really improving their seeding.

After Saturday, LSU sits 27th in ESPN’s strength of record. That’s a good indicator of how a team has fared against the schedule it has played. A seven or eight seed is about right for a team that sits outside the top 25 in SOR.

That’s the benefit of the tough road ahead, though. Sure, they’re tougher games. But winning those types of games is exactly what this team needs to do to improve its seeding.

Every year, a few teams go on a run in their conference tournaments and drastically better their position compared to what it was the week prior. This LSU team is inconsistent, but they’re certainly capable of stringing together one of those runs. At the same time, anyone could beat them in the first round in Tampa at the SEC Tournament.

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Another tough road loss for LSU as they fall 77-75 to South Carolina

LSU falls short to South Carolina on the road.

Just when it looked like things were getting better, they took a turn. It was a bad day for LSU in Columbia, South Carolina.

LSU got out in front in the first half thanks to Darius Days and Tari Eason leading the scoring charge.

In the first half, Days and Eason combined for 24 points and eight rebounds. Most of Days’ points in the half came from behind the arch, where he was three of five.

There was a worrisome moment in the first half where Xavier Pinson lost his footing and was slow to get up with a knee injury. Pinson’s absence earlier in the season showed he’s a critical element of this team. The team received positive news as Pinson shortly returned to the game.

South Carolina was able to go on a run to close out the half thanks to an offensive explosion from Jermaine Cousinard, who went into the locker room with 18 points.

South Carolina came out of halftime with some of that momentum, but LSU eventually regained control.

That didn’t last for long as it became a back-and-forth shootout.

Eason and Days continued to lead the way for LSU but Jermaine Cousinard remained hot for South Carolina.

It all came down to the final seconds when LSU got the ball back down one. Pinson dribbled around, but the Gamecocks played solid defense, forcing a kick out to Days.

Days took the corner three but missed.

South Carolina got the rebound with enough time for LSU to foul. South Carolina made one of two from the line and gave LSU the ball back down two with 1.5 seconds.

Inbounding from under their own basket, LSU wasn’t able to do anything with it.

This is a bad loss for an LSU team that looked like it was gaining some momentum again. South Carolina is a decent team. They’re in the top 100. And yes, this game was on the road, but it still hurts in the grand scheme of things. Until this point, South Carolina’s best win was against UAB.

LSU turned the ball over too much, didn’t make enough free throws, and blew more than one double-digit lead.

LSU is still bound for the NCAA tournament but they are slipping closer to a No. 8 seed than to the top four seed they once looked like.

Next up is a road trip to Kentucky in what could be LSU’s toughest game of the year.

LSU earns 3rd consecutive win with blowout against Georgia

LSU took care of business at home against the Bulldogs, winning 84-65.

LSU won its third straight on Wednesday night as it took care of business against the Georgia Bulldogs with an 84-65 win.

For most of the first half, Georgia was able to keep it a game, even leading 20-19 at one point. From that point on, though, it was pretty much all LSU. The Tigers ripped off a 17-0 run and didn’t look back.

In what has been a rare occurrence this season, LSU took a large lead into the half as it led by 16 heading into the locker room.

Once again, it was forward Tari Eason leading the charge. He played a large role in that first-half run, scoring 17 points in the first 20 minutes, and he finished the game with 21 points.

For most of the second-half, LSU maintained a 20-plus point lead, even stretching to as much as 32 in the final five minutes.

Despite struggling from three-point range, forward Darius Days had one of his best games of the year as he was efficient with two-pointers and active on the boards, leading LSU with 12 rebounds while also scoring in double figures with 15 points.

Brandon Murray also continued to show promise that he can be a plus to an LSU offense that’s had its fair share of struggles this year. He matched Days’ scoring mark with 15 points of his own.

The Tigers needed to flex their muscles tonight against a Georgia squad that’s barely in KenPom’s top 200. LSU has come out flat against teams with lesser talent far too often this season, but that was not the case on Wednesday.

It was one of LSU’s best offensive performances of the year, and their best in SEC play. Georgia, meanwhile, was led by Kario Oqubendo, who had a game-high 26 points.

The Tigers have reached the end of their two-game homestand and will travel for their next one when they face South Carolina on Saturday in Columbia.

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LSU continues to get back on track against Mississippi State

It wasn’t perfect, but LSU got the win

For the first time in well over a month, LSU has won back to back games.

LSU defeated Mississippi State 69-65 on Saturday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The first few minutes of the game looked like LSU’s offense would be missing in action as they have been far too many times this season.

Mississippi State raced out to a 7-0 lead as LSU missed their first nine shots of the game over the first four minutes. LSU eventually woke up with their own 12-0 run, to make it 12-7.

LSU built on that run to take a strong 37-22 lead into the half. LSU has relied on defense and turnovers to win games this year and there was plenty of that in the first half for the Tigers. LSU was not able to carry that momentum into the second half as Mississippi State fought all the way back to tie it.

Tari Eason then made some big plays and LSU was able to regroup. Eason has had a lot of good games this year but this was one of his best. He did his usual on defense and in transition but he also led the Tigers in 3-point shots. The former Cincinnati transfer led the way with 23 points for LSU.

Mississippi State was led by Iverson Molinar who had a game-high 26 points.

With Pinson back, LSU looks to be getting back on track. Along with Eason, Pinson and Days were the only other Tigers to score in double-digits.

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi said during the broadcast that the NCAA selection committee could take note of injuries that seemed to have led directly to wins and losses and Pinson seems to certainly fit in that category.

Despite the win, LSU needs to shoot better. Darius Days and Pinson both struggled mightily from deep in this game. The offense played well, but it was far from consistent and questions remain.

Mississippi State was a formidable opponent and this was a solid win for a LSU team that was still searching for stability.

Game Details: LSU set to host Mississippi State on Saturday night

LSU set to host Mississippi State on Saturday night at the PMAC.

The LSU Tigers were able to stop the skid once again as they swept Texas A&M on Tuesday night in College Station.

Will Wade and LSU look to make it two in a row. They haven’t won back-to-back games since beating Tennessee and Florida in early January. They have won just two games since that point, both coming against the Aggies with a pair of three-game losing streaks sandwiched in between.

The team looked much better offensively with Xavier Pinson on the floor for a good amount of the game. They built up a 20-point lead in the first half and hung on for the win. Following the matchup with Mississippi State on Saturday the team hosts Georgia.

Over the final seven games, LSU will play No. 5 Kentucky, Arkansas who is coming off a win over No. 1 Auburn, and Alabama to close out the season on Mar. 5.

Game details

  • Date: Saturday, Feb. 12
  • Location: PMAC in Baton Rouge
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. CT
  • TV: ESPN2
  • Radio: LSU Radio Network
  • App: Watch ESPN
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (try it free)

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

Spread: LSU (-6.5)

Over/Under: 134.5

Money Line: LSU (-300) | Mississippi State (+230)

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Tari Eason named to Naismith Trophy midseason team

Tari Eason has been a menace.

LSU Tigers forward Tari Eason made the decision to leave Cincinnati after his freshman season, it was a good decision for him and his new team.

Will Wade has used him in a variety of ways from starter to the first off the bench. Eason provides the energy and a lot of big plays. We saw plenty of that on Tuesday night in College Station. After missing the second free throw show, he got the ball right back and dunked it home. An unconventional three-point play but if it works, don’t fix it.

He was key to stopping the skid as they traveled to Texas to take on the Aggies. In the 76-68 victory at Reed Arena in College Station. Eason recorded a double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds. He consistently has scored over 20 points in a game more than any other Tiger.

Eason has scored 20 or more points in a game seven times this year. He has failed to hit double-digits in just three of his 23 games.

Tari Eason Stats

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Comparing his stats to his per 40-minute numbers.

Eason Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks
Season 16.3 7.0 1.0 1.9 1.1
Per 40-min 26.3 15.8 2.4 4.2 2.5

Simply put, Tari Eason has been a menace on the floor for Will Wade. Given injuries to Xavier Pinson and Darius Days, he has been needed to provide the scoring along with Eric Gaines and Brandon Murray.

Eason has been so impactful he was named to the Naismith Trophy midseason team. The trophy is given annually to the nation’s best player and no question Eason should be among those in contention.

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LSU Men’s Basketball: LSU gets much needed win against Texas A&M

LSU beats Texas A&M 76-68 for a huge road win.

The LSU Tigers got back into the win column with a 76-68 win over Texas A&M. Coming into the game, LSU had lost three straight games.

The game started close, but LSU got going midway through in the second half. The Tigers went on 25-5 run to end the first half. LSU shot 7-10 from three-point land during the run to take a 36-16 lead into halftime.

The Aggies cut the Tigers’ lead to ten in the second half, but LSU bounced right back and built the lead back to 17. LSU managed to hang on to the lead and got a much-needed win.

Xavier Pinson came back from injury and was back in the starting lineup. Pinson finished the game with 11 points, but the Tigers’ offense ran smoothly with Pinson back. LSU shot 49% from the field and 50% from beyond the Arc.

Tari Eason scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds off the bench. Eason has been great for LSU this year. Brandon Murray added 14 points, and Darius Days scored 10 points.

LSU defense played well in this game; they held Texas A&M to 16 points in the first half. However, the Aggies only shot 32.8% from the field and 26.7% from three-point land. It was an excellent road win for LSU. Let’s see what happens when they play Mississippi State at home on Saturday.

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Game Details: LSU goes for season sweep over Texas A&M

LSU looks to end another skid as they head to College Station.

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On Tuesday night LSU Tigers men’s basketball head coach Will Wade will get another opportunity to hit 100 career wins. The fourth time is the charm, right?

Not only is the time trying to get the milestone win for their head coach but they are also looking to stop the skid as they face the Aggies again. LSU came roaring back against Texas A&M in their last matchup to stop a three-game losing streak.

The first time it came before losses to Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee. This time around the Tigers are coming off losses to Texas Christian, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt ahead of their trip to College Station.

Head coach Will Wade is hoping to inject some confidence into this team. “I mean look, we’ve got to inject a little confidence in our guys,” Wade said on Saturday. “we’ve got to get back to certainly playing better than we are now.”

The team needs to have a healthy Xavier Pinson on the floor, something they haven’t had since their first game against the Vols. He sat against Vanderbilt as a chance to let his injured knee heal. The team relied on Darius Days and Tari Eason, as well as Eric Gaines running the offense.

The trio poured in double-digits in points and Days added a double-double with 10 rebounds. It just wasn’t enough after falling behind by 21 points to the Commodores. The key for the Tigers against the Aggies will be staying within striking distance if they get off to a slow start again.

The Tigers will return home on Saturday to host Mississippi State and Georgia before their next road trip. The hope is that LSU can get right over the next four games before battling Kentucky in Lexington.

Game details

  • Date: Tuesday, Feb. 8
  • Location: Reed Arena in College Station, Texas
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. CT
  • TV: SEC Network
  • Radio: LSU Radio Network
  • App: Watch ESPN
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (try it free)

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook

Spread: LSU (-2.5)

Over/Under: 131.5

Money Line: LSU (-145) | Texas A&M (+270)

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Will Wade addresses team’s issues as frustration mounts

Wade addresses the effort of the men’s basketball team.

After starting the basketball campaign 14-1 and 2-1 in the SEC, the wheels have completely come off for the LSU men’s basketball program. Will Wade’s team is 2-6 overall and 2-5 in SEC play since that day.

For the second game in a row, the Tigers found themselves down 20+ points to a team they shouldn’t struggle with as they have. Once again the Tigers came storming back to get within five before the Vanderbilt Commodores ran away with it again.

The well-oiled machine that we saw for the majority of the season is a shell of their former selves. Rotations on defense are slow, the timing on closeouts is off. Not to mention they are trying to create off the bounce rather than get into their sets. Too many sloppy turnovers and contested three-point shots. Overall, the team just looks out of rhythm and Wade addressed it after the game.

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“It’s hard to be confident when you’ve lost six out of seven,” Wade said in his postgame press conference. The head coach understands that this team is lacking confidence at this point. “I mean look, we’ve got to inject a little confidence in our guys and we’ve got to get back to certainly playing better than we are now.”

It isn’t just one side of the floor that has been the issue for the Purple and Gold. Sloppy play at both ends is exacerbated by the fact that they aren’t healthy right now. They recently got Darius Days back but Xavier Pinson sat once again as he tries to recover from the knee injury suffered in their first matchup with the Tennessee Vols.

“Some of its health, but we can’t blame it all on that. Everybody’s got some issues. We didn’t get an offensive rebound in the first half, that’s an effort issue. We don’t follow the details on the scouting report. Give up 11 threes to two of their best shooters, that’s a detail issue. So it’s a little bit of both”

The good news for LSU is that their next game comes against Texas A&M, the only team the Tigers have beaten in their last six chances. The Bayou Bengals travel to College Station on Tuesday, where Wade will try once again to get his 100th career win at LSU.

Wade is current 99-46 and 50-29 in SEC play over his five seasons on the Bayou. LSU has won the last nine games and all four road games against the Aggies since Wade took over for Johnny Jones in 2017.

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It feels like a re-run, LSU falls again after slow start

LSU continued to bleed out as they dropped yet another game in Nashville

Different game, same story.

LSU got off to a slow start, only to fight their way back in the second half, but it just wasn’t enough. LSU dropped yet another conference game when they faced Vanderbilt in Nashville on Saturday.

LSU scored just 25 points in the first half and went into the locker room down 18. In the second half, they were able to put a couple runs together to make it competitive. As has been the trend, LSU just was not able to close the deal.

The Tigers couldn’t keep up with Vanderbilt’s shooting. Vanderbilt sunk 13 shots from behind the arc. LSU made just three. Vanderbilt’s Rodney Chatham scored a game-high 24 points, with 18 of those coming on 3-pointers.

In what shouldn’t be a surprise, LSU was led by Tari Eason, who led LSU with 16 points and five steals. Eric Gaines and Darius Days also scored in double-figures, but Days was just 3-8 from the floor. Days did have another double-double, managing to grab 10 rebounds.

Vanderbilt was also aided by a 17-point performance from Myles Stute and 13 more from Jordan Wright.

This was LSU’s sixth loss in seven games in what has been one of the worst stretches of the Will Wade era. After getting off to one of the best starts in program history, LSU is now 16-6 and 4-6 in SEC play.

At this point, it’s fair to ask if LSU is even a good team right now. The results certainly don’t say so.

LSU is still comfortably in the field of 68 for the NCAA tournament, but this is now a team that has lost back-to-back games to teams in the bottom half of the SEC.

LSU looks incapable of playing a complete game. The Tigers continue to show flashes in the second half, but they also continue to baffle, having stretches where it looks like the offense doesn’t exist.

Next up for LSU is a trip to College Station. LSU needs to win if only just to stop the bleeding.

The lone win LSU has during this brutal stretch came against Texas A&M a couple of weeks ago in the PMAC. It’s a win LSU had to fight for, and it looks like they’ll have to fight again.