Following recent defeats, LSU and Missouri are eager to secure their first SEC victory. Both teams face pivotal moments as they aim to bounce back and regain momentum.

Strong Pre-Conference Performances, Tough SEC Openers

 

Both LSU and Missouri enjoyed successful pre-conference runs but faltered in their SEC openers on Saturday. LSU (11-3, 0-1) lost at home to Vanderbilt 80-72, while Missouri (11-3, 0-1) fell 84-68 on the road to No. 2 Auburn. The loss extended Missouri’s SEC losing streak to 21 games, dating back to the 2023 conference tournament.

 

Missouri’s Bench and Defense Shine Despite Loss

 

Missouri’s bench remained a key strength, outscoring Auburn’s reserves 47-29. The Tigers’ bench leads the nation, averaging 41.8 points per game. Graduate guard Marques Warrick was Missouri’s only double-figure scorer, contributing 19 points. On defense, Missouri recorded 13 steals, exceeding their season average of 10.5, which ranks sixth nationally.

 

LSU Struggles with Turnovers and Second-Chance Points

 

Turnovers were a major issue for LSU, particularly in the first half against Vanderbilt. The Tigers committed 11 turnovers, leading to a 15-2 deficit in points off turnovers. Cam Carter, LSU’s leading scorer at 17.3 points per game, noted the team’s adjustment in the second half. “We had our ‘welcome to the SEC moment’ in the first half,” Carter said. “In the second half, we woke up and ran our actions.”

 

LSU also struggled on the boards, allowing an 18-4 disadvantage in second-chance points. Carter emphasized the need for consistency, saying, “We haven’t put two halves together all season. We’re in the SEC now, so we’ve got to learn from every game.”

 

Showdown in Columbia

 

Both teams will look to rebound when they face off Tuesday night in Columbia, Missouri, as they seek their first SEC victory of the season.