LSU scores dominant win over Missouri in momentum building performance

On3 imageby:Peter Rauterkus02/26/22

Coming off consecutive losses, LSU was looking to build momentum heading into tough games against Arkansas and Alabama, and a huge second half gave the Tigers that momentum.

Early on in the game LSU was in control, but could never pull away and break the game open. The Tigers were sloppy early turning the ball over eight times and giving up eight offensive rebounds which allowed Missouri to keep the deficit manageable. Going into the second half up just six, Head Coach Will Wade was visibly frustrated with his team and his passion seemed to resonate with the team going into the second half. LSU opened the second half on a 15-0 run and from there never lost control of the game. The Tigers outscored Missouri 45-31 in the second half, capping of a 20-point victory which serves as a much needed momentum boost going into March.

“We need something to reignite us, put us back into high gear,” Wade said after he game.” Hopefully we’ll have that, hopefully tonight’s a start of that.”

Momentum boost

Getting hot at the right time is the biggest key to make a run in the postseason in college basketball. Although Missouri is not a great team, getting a dominant win and playing well in the second half can carry over into the next game and rest of the season. That momentum will be especially key going into LSU’s next game as the Tigers go on the road to Arkansas who just secured a massive home win over Kentucky. Will Wade talked about that game and the kind of momentum this wins gives the team heading into that kind of matchup.

“It will be a huge undertaking, but certainly it’s better going in after a win than after a loss,” Wade said.

LSU’s offense really game alive in the second half of this game, scoring 45 points in the final 20 minutes and shooting 52% from the field in the half. Four Tigers scored in double figures in the game which capped off a balanced scoring effort led by Tari Eason who added to his already impressive season scoring 18 points. Shareef O’Neal was another player who made a big contribution off the bench, finishing with nine points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes of action in front of his legendary father who was in the crowd for tonight’s game. O’Neal’s contributions were huge down the stretch and Wade talked about the kind of impact he has when he’s on the floor.

“He played great, we need to have Shaq here more often,” Will Wade said of O’Neal’s performance. “He did a good job finishing around the rim, he had a couple threes go in and out, he did a nice job rebounding.”

The Tigers will need all hands on deck in their last two games of the regular season as tough games against Arkansas and Alabama await them. Finishing the regular season strong will be key for momentum going into the postseason and that starts going into Bud Walton Arena on Wednesday. The game will be a challenge without a doubt, but with rotation players stepping up like they did tonight, that challenge is a feasible one.

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