LSU basketball gets back on track after winning its first consecutive games since December.

LSU Basketball Gets Back on Track After Winning Its First Consecutive Games Since December

The LSU Tigers men’s basketball team has faced its share of challenges in the 2024-2025 season. From navigating an evolving roster to dealing with tough losses, it has been a season of ups and downs for LSU basketball. However, after a string of setbacks, the Tigers have finally started to gain some momentum. The team recently notched its first consecutive victories since December, marking a significant turning point in their campaign. These back-to-back wins have not only restored confidence in the program but also reignited hope that LSU can make a push toward a successful finish to the season.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how LSU basketball has turned things around, the impact of its recent victories, and what lies ahead for the Tigers as they continue to push for postseason success.

A Rough Start to the Season

The 2024-2025 season had not been kind to LSU basketball at the outset. The Tigers had been struggling to find consistency, with key players not yet hitting their stride, and chemistry between the new and returning players still in development. Early-season losses piled up, and LSU found itself struggling in the SEC. The Tigers’ inability to string together wins made it difficult for the program to establish any real momentum.

For a team with high expectations coming into the season, it was a tough pill to swallow. Expectations were elevated, especially after LSU had brought in some promising new talent, including a mix of transfers and highly touted freshmen. However, injuries, inconsistent performances, and lack of cohesion had kept the team from finding any real rhythm.

With pressure mounting and fans starting to question the program’s direction, LSU needed a spark—a catalyst that could reignite their season.

The First Consecutive Wins: A Turning Point

That spark came when the Tigers began to click in their recent stretch of games. After an extended dry spell without consecutive victories, LSU finally broke through with back-to-back wins. The first came on the road against a tough opponent, where LSU managed to rally late in the game for a narrow but crucial victory. The win was a much-needed confidence boost, but the real statement came just days later when LSU followed it up with another victory, this time at home.

This marked LSU’s first consecutive wins since December—a significant milestone for a team that had been struggling with consistency. These wins were especially crucial as the Tigers look to make a push for the postseason and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The two victories helped rejuvenate the team’s morale, which had taken a hit earlier in the season.

One of the most significant developments from these wins was the improved play of LSU’s key players, many of whom had been inconsistent earlier in the season. The Tigers’ star guard, who had been in and out of the lineup due to injuries, showed signs of returning to his pre-injury form. He was instrumental in both victories, scoring crucial points and providing leadership down the stretch. Meanwhile, some of LSU’s younger players, who had struggled to adjust to the pace of college basketball, stepped up in big moments, contributing valuable minutes and points.

Key Performances and Contributions

While team success is always a collective effort, certain individual performances were crucial in LSU’s recent back-to-back victories. Let’s take a closer look at the standout players who helped turn the tide for the Tigers.

1. The Guard Play: LSU’s backcourt had been a point of concern earlier in the season, but in the recent wins, the guards found their rhythm. The Tigers’ senior point guard played with renewed confidence, controlling the game’s tempo and dishing out key assists. He was also instrumental on defense, keeping opposing guards in check and forcing turnovers. In the game-winning stretch against their second opponent, he made several crucial plays—both on offense and defense—that sealed the victory for LSU.
2. Inside Presence: LSU’s interior play had been a weakness earlier in the season, but the big men showed significant improvements in these two victories. LSU’s center, who had struggled with consistency, played one of his best games of the season, recording a double-double in both contests. His presence in the paint was felt on both ends of the floor, as he blocked shots, grabbed rebounds, and converted easy buckets around the rim. The Tigers’ forwards also contributed valuable minutes, securing crucial rebounds and defending the post with greater intensity.
3. The Freshman Impact: LSU has relied heavily on its freshmen, who have had to grow up quickly in a competitive SEC environment. Several of the Tigers’ freshmen made major contributions in this win streak. One freshman forward, known for his scoring ability, showed great poise in clutch moments, hitting key shots to help LSU maintain control of the game in the final minutes. His development could prove critical as the season progresses, as LSU will need his scoring ability and confidence to carry the team through tough matchups.
4. Defensive Identity: Defense has been a hallmark of LSU basketball under head coach Matt McMahon, and the team’s recent performances showcased that identity. LSU’s defense was stifling, particularly in key moments when the game was on the line. The Tigers have always prided themselves on forcing turnovers and disrupting opposing offenses, and in these wins, LSU displayed its trademark defensive intensity. The team’s ability to get stops when it mattered most was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of their recent success.

The Role of Head Coach Matt McMahon

Matt McMahon, who took over as LSU’s head coach prior to the 2024-2025 season, has faced a tough challenge in his first year. After taking over from the previous coaching staff, McMahon inherited a team in transition, with a mix of returning players and newcomers. The early-season struggles were inevitable as McMahon worked to implement his system and get his players accustomed to his coaching style. However, his ability to adjust and help the team find its rhythm over the last few weeks has been impressive.

McMahon has always been known for his ability to develop players and create a system that maximizes their strengths. His expertise in building team chemistry, emphasizing defensive fundamentals, and adapting to various opponents was key in the Tigers’ most recent wins. The team’s performance on both ends of the floor reflects McMahon’s influence and ability to make in-game adjustments that have led to improved play.

For McMahon, the recent victories are a sign that his message is starting to resonate with the team. After a challenging start to the season, LSU’s improved play shows that the Tigers are beginning to trust the process and buy into McMahon’s system. As LSU moves forward, the key will be maintaining that momentum and continuing to build on the positive strides they’ve made over the past two games.

The Road Ahead: Can LSU Keep the Momentum Going?

With the recent win streak behind them, LSU now faces a critical stretch of games in SEC play. While the Tigers are on the right track, they must continue to build on the momentum generated from their first consecutive wins since December. The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and LSU will need to maintain its focus if it wants to secure a strong postseason berth.

The next few weeks will be crucial for the Tigers as they look to position themselves for the NCAA Tournament. The team has shown the potential to compete with some of the top teams in the SEC, but consistency will be key. LSU must continue to play at a high level and avoid falling back into old habits of inconsistency.

One area that LSU must continue to focus on is depth. The team has been heavily reliant on its starters, but to make a deep run in the postseason, LSU will need contributions from all players on the roster. The team’s bench must continue to develop, and players must be ready to step up when needed.

LSU’s defense will also need to remain a constant, especially against high-powered offenses in the SEC. The Tigers have shown they can lock down opponents when they are at their best, but they must stay disciplined and aggressive throughout the remainder of the season.