LSU and Texas Tech are having a tough time finding wins in their respective conferences.
In a welcome wrinkle to the schedule, both step out of conference play Saturday and meet at Baton Rouge, La., in the annual SEC/Big 12 Challenge.
LSU (12-8, 1-7 SEC) has lost seven games in a row, all to conference opponents. Six straight losses have come by 10 or more points, and the average margin of loss is 24.8 points per game over the past four.
Texas Tech (10-10, 0-8 Big 12) fell at home to West Virginia 76-61 on Wednesday night for the Red Raiders’ eighth consecutive loss.
The only conference win between the two teams came when LSU beat Arkansas in its conference opener 60-57 on Dec. 28, but the Razorbacks avenged that outcome with a 60-40 victory on Tuesday at Fayetteville, Ark.
The Tigers trailed 38-14 at halftime in their lowest-scoring first half of the season. They shot 12.0 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes and committed 10 turnovers that led to 14 Arkansas points.
“When you turn it over 10 times and miss 22 of your 25 shots against an elite transition offensive team, you are in big trouble,” LSU coach Matt McMahon said.
The Tigers started the second half on a 17-4 run and got within 11 three times before scoring just five points in the final 9:20.
Texas Tech also struggled offensively in its loss to West Virginia, shooting 38.9 percent (21 of 54) from the floor, while making just 3 of 20 from 3-point range. The Red Raiders were out-rebounded 44-27, allowing 19 offensive rebounds, and their bench was outscored 50-15.
Texas Tech coach Mark Adams called the rebounding disparity “disappointing” and “frustrating” since it was the biggest point of emphasis leading up to the game.
“I’ve got to get these guys to go play better,” Adams said. “This is all on the head coach and I certainly assume that responsibility. They’re trying hard. They’re good kids. They’re wanting to win.”
–Field Level Media
