Smu Mustangs vs Lsu Tigers Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

SMU Defense Meets LSU’s Balanced Offense in Neutral-Site Showdown

SMU (8-2) and LSU (8-1) are set to clash in the Compete 4 Cause Classic on Saturday in Frisco, Texas, in what promises to be an intriguing matchup between SMU’s defensive prowess and LSU’s balanced offensive attack.

SMU’s Defensive Mindset

Under head coach Andy Enfield, SMU has prioritized defense as the backbone of its identity. The Mustangs showcased this commitment in their ACC-opening win against Virginia, a 63-51 victory where their defense suffocated the Cavaliers in the final stretch. Virginia failed to score in the last 2:44 and went without a field goal for the final 10 minutes of the game.

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“To win basketball games in the ACC, you have to defend,” Enfield said. “You can’t let your offense affect your defense.”

Kario Oquendo led the Mustangs offensively with 21 points against Virginia, nearly doubling his season average of 11.5 points per game. SMU’s overall scoring has been robust this season, averaging 88.3 points per game, but its defense will need to be just as sharp against a potent LSU offense.

LSU’s Adjustments Without Jalen Reed

LSU has faced adversity with the loss of key forward Jalen Reed to a season-ending ACL injury. Reed, who was averaging a double-double, left a significant void in the Tigers’ frontcourt.

In their first full game without Reed, LSU leaned on Daimion Collins, who stepped into the starting lineup and delivered with 18 points and five rebounds in an 80-71 win over Florida Gulf Coast. Collins’ emergence has been crucial for LSU, but head coach Matt McMahon knows it will take a team effort to fill Reed’s absence.

“We hate to have him out,” Collins said. “But I know that I have to step up and do what I have to do to fill in that position for our team.”

LSU has relied on balanced scoring, with five players averaging double figures. Guard Cam Carter leads the Tigers with 17.3 points per game, while Jordan Sears adds 15.2. This versatility makes LSU challenging to defend, especially in transition and when the offense is clicking.

Key Matchups

1. SMU Defense vs. LSU Offense
   SMU’s ability to slow down LSU’s balanced scoring attack will be pivotal. The Mustangs’ defense, which stifled Virginia, must replicate that intensity against a team averaging nearly 82 points per game.
2. Kario Oquendo vs. LSU Perimeter Defenders
   Oquendo’s scoring burst against Virginia shows his potential to take over games. LSU’s guards will need to contain him and prevent him from gaining rhythm.
3. Daimion Collins vs. SMU Frontcourt
   Collins’ ability to step up in Reed’s absence will be tested against SMU’s interior defense. His athleticism and scoring touch could give LSU an edge if he can find opportunities in the paint.

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What’s at Stake

For SMU, this game offers a chance to continue building momentum heading into the heart of ACC play. Their defensive performance against Virginia proved they can grind out wins against tough opponents, but LSU’s high-octane offense will pose a different challenge.

LSU, meanwhile, will look to solidify its nonconference resume and further integrate Collins into a more prominent role. The Tigers’ balanced scoring gives them flexibility, but they’ll need to remain disciplined against a stingy SMU defense.

Prediction

SMU’s defense has been its calling card, and if the Mustangs can dictate the pace and force turnovers, they’ll have a solid chance to take this one. However, LSU’s depth and scoring balance could tilt the game in its favor if Collins continues to excel in Reed’s absence. Expect a tightly contested matchup that comes down to execution in the final minutes.