LSU forward Trendon Watford (2) tries to get past Arkansas forward Justin Smith (0) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fayetteville, Ark. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)

SEC Basketball: LSU Tigers Host Vanderbilt Commodores

Carson Cashion March 2, 2021 Basketball, College Basketball, SEC 253 Views

After losing its’ past two games, the LSU Tigers look to bounce back against the bottom-dwelling Vanderbilt Commodores on Tuesday night.. Vandy, despite winning their last game against Ole Miss, has lost 11 of their 14 SEC conference games.

The Tigers Look to Build Momentum

Head coach Will Wade and the Tigers have been public in their disappointment in their performance for the past two games. An eight-point loss to No. 20 Arkansas, regarded as one of the best teams in the conference, was one of them. However, a double-digit loss to the Georgia Bulldogs, who are (7-10) in conference play, raised tensions among the team.

For the “Bayou Bengals,” a home game against the potential-worst team in the SEC should be a good way to rebound from their slump. LSU is viewed as a middling NCAA tournament team; if they want to move their stock up, a solid run in the SEC Tournament could help. With two games left before the SEC Tournament, a win against Vanderbilt could help garner momentum. This game is also the last home matchup of the year for the Tigers, so the team will be looking to close out their season in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in style.

The Commodores Find Hope in Pippen Jr.

With three games left on the schedule for Vanderbilt, it is a safe bet to declare that the Commodores will not be making the NCAA Tournament, and likely not the National Invitational Tournament, or the NIT, either. However, there have still been glimpses of hope for the black-and-gold faithful. Scottie Pippen Jr. is one of them. The sophomore standout, and the son of Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, leads Vandy in both points and rebounds this season.

Pippen has increased his field goal percentage from 39.3 last season to 43.3 this season, and has maintained consistency behind the arc, shooting 36.5 percent from three-point range. In his most recent game against No. 8 Alabama, Pippen Jr. scored 24 points, four assists and three rebounds in a surprisingly close loss to the Crimson Tide. If head coach Jerry Stackhouse and the Commodores want a chance at shocking the world in Baton Rouge, they will need a big outing from the sophomore guard from Los Angeles.

Where to Watch

The matchup between the LSU and the Commodores can be watched on the SEC Network. The game will tip off at 8:30 p.m.

Tags

About Carson Cashion

Carson Cashion is a second-year student at the University of Florida, and has a major in journalism with a specialization in sports and media. Originally from the Orlando area, Cashion has covered the UF Gymnastics team as well as Oak Hall athletics for ESPN Gainesville.

Check Also

LSU Women’s Basketball Is In The Sweet 16

The LSU Tigers are in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA women’s tournament for the …

© 2024 WRUF / Division of Multimedia Properties