105 days ago we all sat scratching our heads and asking ourselves: “Why did he let LSU lose to Nicholls State in basketball?” It was a valid question, but many couldn't answer it. The Tigers' men's team had a great preseason, winning 106-60 on opening day.
A few days later, the Tigers entered the game and lost their second straight game to now-ranked Dayton, but there really were a lot of people who had doubts about Matt McMahon and this team.
The Tigers gained a foothold by winning seven of their last 10 games in nonconference play, but suffered blowout losses to Texas, Kansas State, and Syracuse, the only Power Five opponents they played on a nonconference schedule.
Once the SEC games started, there wasn't a lot of confidence in this team from the fan base, and the PMAC was basically empty every night. Despite many having doubts about this team, the Tigers went 3-1 in their first four SEC games, including against then-No. 22 ranked Ole Miss. It also included victory.
Finally, there was some hope that this team could make it through conference play and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament, but a three-game losing streak put the fanbase in doubt once again.
With a 4-4 record in conference play, the Tigers entered a grueling five-game series that included matchups against five teams currently ranked in the top 25. The Tigers suffered two losses by 15 points or more to the University of Alabama and Tennessee, and had a chance to force the game into overtime against Florida, but Jordan Wright missed the buzzer with a shot that ended in a heartbreaking loss. The match ended with a loss.
The team finally got over the hump with a big road win over No. 11 South Carolina. In all three games thus far, the Tigers have erased a deficit of 10 points or more and were able to get within a few points, only to be able to close it in the final minutes. However, this time he made a spectacular comeback and won his second ranked victory this season.
As Matt McMahon says, this league is unforgiving. Because just a few days later, the Tigers will be back home to face John Calipari's Kentucky Wildcats. Despite losing on the personnel front, the Tigers were able to win the game with 13 lead changes and LSU erasing a 15-point deficit.
It's now been about a week since everyone counted LSU out, and they're on a winning streak inside the top 20 entering a very generous final five. They will finish the season playing against Mississippi State, Georgia, Vanderbilt, Arkansas and Missouri. These five teams combined give him a conference record of 18-47, with only Mississippi State having a winning record (7-6) in conference play.
LSU currently has the second-most Quad I wins in the SEC (four), ahead of Alabama (three) and Kentucky (three), which are ranked in the current AP poll. , Auburn (twice) and Florida State (twice).
If the Tigers can find a way to win, they will be one of the hottest teams in the conference heading into the SEC Tournament, although they will still be a very difficult team despite playing against a weaker opponent.
LSU needs a miraculous win to make the NCAA Tournament. They'll probably have to at least reach the semifinals, but if I've learned anything from watching college basketball for over 15 years, it's that anything can happen in March.
