Matt McMahon, KJ Williams discuss LSU loss to Kentucky
LSU head coach Matt McMahon and forward KJ Williams met with the media on Tuesday after the team’s loss to Kentucky in SEC play.
McMahon Opening Statement: “I thought it was a heck of a college basketball game. Both teams were probably better offensively than expected going in. Give them credit for finding ways to win; they hit some tough shots there late.
“We were finally able to get some stops in the last eight minutes a close the gap on the glass a little bit. They just make it so tough on you with Oscar (Tshiebwe) in there on the glass and they hit some tough shots to win the game in the last minute and a half. I’m really proud of our players.
“We don’t have moral victories so I’m disappointed we weren’t able to find a way to win. I found out a lot about our team tonight. The character, the toughness, the things that need to be the building blocks to how we build this great LSU program moving forward.”
McMahon on Jacob Toppin: “One of our staff members shared an article with me about how he went through that four game stretch where he was averaging three (points) a game and was really in a bad mindset. So, credit to him for bouncing back with a great performance on Saturday. He’s a very good mid-range shooter, but that’s something that we have to live with.
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“We have to force teams to take some non-paint twos and he was able to knock them down. I think he’s a really good cutter without the basketball and he does a nice job, whether you’re in man or zone, in finding the cracks in the defense. I thought he beat us on a couple shots. It’s basketball, so he’s 3-22 from three on the year, but he blasts that three to ice the game at the end.”
On Kentucky offense: “People keep telling me that they’re struggling, but they’re top 20 in the country in a lot of offensive stats. They shoot 39% from 3 and have a guy that absolutely dominates in the paint so I really hadn’t seen those struggles. I think they make it tough on you because they do shoot in well from 3 and they have the best offensive rebounder in basketball when they miss. They won a lot of those 50/50 plays and loose balls. I wish we got a few more of those, but credit to Kentucky.”
Williams on defending Oscar Tshiebwe: “It was the opportunity of the lifetime for me to go up against a great player like him. He knows how to get to his sports very well and knows where the ball goes when it comes off the rim. Credit him, he attacks the rim and tries to get the offensive and defensive rebounds. For me, I just tried to go in and play my game — attacking him and trying to box him out so I can give my team the opportunity to crash and get the rebound.”
On playing in Rupp Arena: “It means a lot for me. I started there my freshman year and spent a tremendous four years there. I had great success and built a lot of relationships off the court. I want to give them thanks for all they’ve done for me and coming out tonight and supporting.”
