Arkansas, LSU enters the matchup with similar levels of desperation

On By Littum

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas. Arkansas finds itself on the precipice of a brutal SEC schedule heading into a game against LSU. Both teams come in with identical overall and conference records, 11-5 and 0-3.

“Desperation is the word,” LSU coach Matt McMahon said on the radio show after LSU’s 77-65 loss at Ole Miss. “I’m sure they will come in with the same mindset. We have to look for solutions.”

LSU Tigers head coach Matt McMahon looks on during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels

LSU Tigers head coach Matt McMahon looks on during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Coach John Calipari has often expressed the difficulty, especially this season, of finding sure wins in the SEC. The league wins nearly 90% of its non-conference games.

“Everybody’s looking for Ws,” Calipari said before the start of SEC play. “I just hope we’re not W.”

LSU may be looking at Arkansas as its best shot to score a conference win before February. After Tuesday’s game, five of LSU’s next six games are against teams ranked in the top-25, including No. 1 Auburn and no. 4 Alabama.

Both enter the game with various similar matchups on the offensive end for different reasons. LSU can’t stop turning the ball over. Through three conference games, LSU ranks dead last in SEC play with a turnover percentage of 22.4%.

“We would be better off getting a shot clock violation than those turnovers out against the pressure that leads to transition layups,” McMahon said.

LSU Tigers guard Cam Carter (5) drives to the basket

LSU Tigers guard Cam Carter (5) drives to the basket as Mississippi Rebels guard Dre Davis (14) defends in the first half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Arkansas’ offensive struggles are due to an inability to make shots, the Razorbacks rank third-worst in the SEC in three-point percentage as a team in conference play, second-worst in two-point percentage and last in both free throw percentage and effective field goal goal percentage, according toKenPom.

Both Arkansas and LSU rely on guard play for most of its points. The matchup between Boogie Fland (15.5 points, 5.8 assists) and Cam Carter (17.1 points and 2.6 assists) will be key.

Tipoff between the two teams is scheduled for 8:00 PM Tuesday and will be televised on the SEC Network.

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