Lsu Tigers vs Stetson Hatters Picks and Predictions December 17th 2024

LSU Focused on Turnovers and Strong Finishes Against Stetson

The LSU Tigers aim to rebound from their recent struggles with a complete 40-minute performance when they host the Stetson Hatters on Tuesday night in Baton Rouge, La. After a disappointing second-half collapse in their loss to SMU, LSU’s focus is clear: limit turnovers and finish strong.

LSU’s Second-Half Woes Raise Concerns

LSU (8-2) has had success this season overcoming halftime deficits, but their recent second-half performances have been inconsistent. The Tigers’ latest stumble came on Saturday, as they were outscored 47-31 in the second half during a 74-64 loss to SMU.

Coach Matt McMahon pointed directly to two problem areas: turnovers and defense in the paint.

“The two things that really stand out to me in the second half are 13 turnovers and 26 points allowed in the paint,” McMahon said.

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While LSU only committed four turnovers in the first half, they unraveled in the second, giving the ball away 11 times in just 12 minutes. That sloppiness directly fed SMU’s success around the basket and shifted the momentum of the game.

“That’s just not going to be the formula for us to have any sort of success moving forward,” McMahon emphasized.

With Southeastern Conference play approaching, LSU knows it needs to clean up these mistakes to avoid larger issues down the stretch.

Balanced Scoring Leading the Way

Despite their second-half struggles, the Tigers boast a well-rounded offensive attack led by their backcourt. Cam Carter leads the team with 16.7 points per game, while Jordan Sears adds 15.8. Supporting the duo are forward Jalen Reed (11.1), freshman guard Vyctorius Miller (10.3), and Dji Bailey (10.0), creating a balanced scoring group that has kept LSU competitive.

However, turnovers continue to be a stumbling block. Daimion Collins, who had five giveaways against SMU, will need to take better care of the ball alongside Carter, Sears, and Miller, who combined for 10 turnovers in the loss.

Stetson Searching for Answers

The challenges LSU faces pale in comparison to those of Stetson (1-9), who have dropped nine straight games. Despite their struggles, Hatters coach Donnie Jones remains hopeful that his team is close to turning a corner.

“We’re close to turning the corner,” Jones said recently, urging his team to keep building and improving.

The Hatters did find a bright spot in their most recent outing, an 81-72 loss to Florida International. Jordan Wood provided a spark off the bench, scoring a career-high 25 points. His performance gives Stetson a glimmer of hope, but the team will need contributions from more players to compete with LSU’s depth.

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Key Focus: Turnovers and Defensive Efficiency

For LSU, Tuesday’s game presents an opportunity to right the ship before entering conference play. Limiting turnovers and maintaining defensive intensity for a full 40 minutes will be critical.

Stetson, on the other hand, must look to build off individual performances like Wood’s and find consistency on both ends of the floor. Their challenge will be slowing down LSU’s balanced scoring attack and avoiding breakdowns in the second half.

The Path Forward

While LSU is a clear favorite, this matchup is about more than just securing a win—it’s about building better habits and cleaning up their game. For Stetson, every game is an opportunity to improve and end their losing streak.

Will the Tigers finally put together a complete performance, or can the Hatters surprise and keep it close? All eyes will be on LSU’s ability to finish strong and take care of the basketball.