Matt McMahon explains how non-conference has prepared LSU for SEC play

LSU has had a so-so start to their season as they currently sit at 6-5 through nearly a dozen games. With their being two games left before the start of conference play, it was a good spot for Matt McMahon to evaluate his Tigers and take note of what they’ve done through a month and a half of basketball.

McMahon spoke about what LSU has learned over their first games in the non-conference this year during his press conference on Tuesday. To him, it has already had some highs and lows due their circumstances and results. Still, he went on to add that those outcomes will only mean so much depending on how they improve and play from here.

“Well, it’s been very up and down, as you said. Moving parts with the lineup and so forth,” said McMahon. “The only thing that matters is what we do moving forward.”

That improvement is already underway as well according to McMahon. Monday was, according to him, their best practice of the season. With some new aspects to build on, that should bode well for them in creating what he’s wanting to see starting tonight in their second to last game in the non-conference.

“I think our guys really responded well to yesterday’s practice. It was probably the best practice that we’ve had all year,” McMahon said. “Now, you hope that carries over to the game floor.”

“I think the focus just has to be on getting better. We added a new piece in Jalen Cook, now we have to build the chemistry around that,” continued McMahon. “The goal is to build consistency. So that’s what we’ll try to be very intentional in how we prepare.”

LSU has essentially traded wins for losses so far this season. After a 1-2 start with a bad defeat to Nicholls to their name, they went on to win three straight. Then, over their last five, they’ve alternated outcomes and gone 2-3. That includes their latest loss coming to Texas in Houston by 11 on Saturday.

However, at one game above .500, it’s all about keeping their head above water as they have gradual growth. McMahon hopes to see them do that in their last game before the holidays against Lamar before returning to close things out against Northwestern State next week.

“(We’re) excited to take advantage of this opportunity on Thursday to get better, try to get back in the win column. Then we’ll take the Christmas break, come back, and do the same heading into our final non-conference game,” said McMahon.

“Just keep that narrow focus just on consistent improvement, getting better, and enjoying playing, having fun playing,” McMahon said.