Matt McMahon credits play of Justice Williams

Not much is going right for LSU at the moment, with Matt McMahon seeing his team drop five consecutive SEC games. Auburn was the latest on Wednesday night by double digits, making things rough for the first-year head coach.

However, if there is one bright spot for McMahon, it’s Justice Williams. One of the younger players LSU currently has on the team, McMahon loves what Williams is doing at the point guard position. The development will continue throughout the year as well, with him still technically a freshman.

“I really like Justice,” McMahon said. “I think he’s continuing to grow as a player. This should be his freshman year, he did the early reclass(ification) a year ago. I thought he did some good things in the second half the other day. I love his speed and athleticism and length at the point guard position. I think he’s a willing passer with great vision. I think he’s going to be a player that continues to get better and better.”

Williams is averaging under four points per game at the moment. But things have gotten better over the past two games. Despite LSU getting blown out in both, Williams is now averaging 8.0 points and secured six rebounds against Auburn.

McMahon will continue to hope things get better in Baton Rouge, with Tennessee being next up on the schedule. Williams will have to play some kind of role if the ship is going to turn around, especially on the offensive end. Big minutes are ahead of the young guard.

Matt McMahon admits keeping morale high is ‘tough’

Three weeks ago LSU was on the verge of breaking into the AP Top 25 rankings after a win over then-No. 9 Arkansas. LSU’s morale was sky high. That seems like a long time ago now.

The Tigers dropped their fifth straight contest since that Arkansas win at home, falling Wednesday night to Auburn 67-49. The game was never all that competitive and came on the heels of a stunning 106-66 loss to then-No. 4 Alabama.

It all begs the question: Can LSU pick itself up off the mat?

“Not easy. Easier said than done,” McMahon said. “But I think we always hear this, I think everyone’s been told this, ‘Adversity is here. It’s here. We’re staring at it.’ Find out what you’re made of. Find out how you’re going to respond.”

Things are decidedly trending in the wrong direction right now.