Matt McMahon explains LSU's issues with rebounding

In part, LSU‘s five-game losing streak is due to their lack of rebounding skills. Bested on the glass in four of those five losses – including Wednesday night’s 67-49 loss to Auburn – Tigers head coach Matt McMahon addressed his team’s rebounding woes and how it has derailed their season.

“It was a combination of a lot of things. We’ve been hit in a lot of different ways. For instance, during the Texas A&M game, we got hurt on the defensive glass just on physical box outs right around the rim,” McMahon said. “The other day against an Alabama team that likes to space the floor with four guys out behind the NBA three-point line. One ball screen-and-roll center – we got beat on some long rebounds that we overran and didn’t have proper technique.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to go get the ball. That’s the reality that you hear everybody talk about. Whether it’s Oscar [Tshiebwe] at Kentucky, or Ben Wallace or Dennis Rodman, you’ve got to get the basketball.”

LSU currently ranks 12th in the SEC in rebounding, averaging 34.8 per game. During the five-game losing streak, the Tigers have surpassed that mark twice – 38 rebounds against both Alabama and Auburn, respectively.

Only once did the Tigers win the rebounding margin during the streak – they out-hustled Florida (No. 11 in SEC rebounding) 40-34 on the glass. Still, they lost by double digits at home. Two players on McMahon’s roster are averaging over five rebounds per game so far this season. KJ Williams leads the team with 7.3, while Derek Fountain averages 5.4.

LSU’s schedule won’t let up in the coming days. They’ll host No. 9 Tennessee (No. 2 in SEC rebounding) on Saturday before traveling to Fayetteville for a date with No. 22 Arkansas the following Tuesday.