Matt McMahon breaks down decision trust Justice Hill with final possession despite struggles

LSU head coach Matt McMahon has the Tigers off to an 8-1 start following a narrow victory over Wake Forest Saturday, defeating the Demon Deacons 72-70 thanks to a last-second bucket by LSU guard Justice Hill. Hill’s game-winner was just his second made basket of the night, which McMahon addressed following their win.

“Well I think what I want Juice Hill to understand is sometimes players they get so caught up in their success being based on how many points they score or what they’re shooting from the floor,” McMahon said.

Hill started off the season with three straight games scoring in double figures, but has only scored a combined 13 points in their last three contests. But with him not scoring the ball as effectively, he’s still been able to make an impact according to McMahon.

“You look at the game Saturday he missed some shots, but six assists, zero turnovers, and on the season 38 assists and only 12 turnovers, so he’s over three to one there,” McMahon said. “I expect he’ll shoot the ball better as the season goes along, I have full confidence that he will, but there are other ways you impact your team and help the team win.”

Hill transferred to LSU from Murray State this year, following McMahon from his previous coaching gig to his new one in Baton Rouge. He’s currently the team’s third-leading scorer and leader in assists, but made the biggest play so far of the Tiger’s season when he slithered to the rim for the go-ahead layup with just 2 seconds on the clock for Wake Forest to respond.

“And I thought he made a great decision there on that last play, we got the coverage we expected to get there on KJ’s ball screen and he made a great play. We wanted to make sure we got the last shot, he took his time and there was some driving lanes available there, and he got to the bucket and took advantage of his speed, and finished the play,” McMahon said.

Hill’s game-winner may have secured the victory, but the play of KJ Williams led the Tigers there. Williams scored a season-high 35 points against Wake Forest on Saturday, achieving the fifth 30-plus point game of his career.

The Tigers secured their third straight win on Saturday and will be looking for three more during their upcoming three-game home stand versus NC Central, Winthrop, and ETSU.