LSU Basketball: Keys to success in crucial home game vs. Tennessee

2 of 4

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI – JANUARY 26: Jordan Geist #15 of the Missouri Tigers and Tremont Waters #3 of the LSU Tigers wrestle for the ball during the game at Mizzou Arena on January 26, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

1) Efficient Tremont Waters

Waters leads LSU in points (15.7 per game), assists (5.9), and steals, showing just how well-rounded of a player he is. When he’s on, he’s one of the elite players in the country and can lead the Tigers to a win over anyone.

However, the 5-11 guard has been inconsistent in his sophomore year.

He has scored in double figures in 17 consecutive games but, when he’s held to 12 points or fewer, the results aren’t pretty. LSU is only 1-3 in those 17 games when Waters fails to reach 13 points. In fact, all five of LSU’s losses have come when Waters is held to 12 points or less.

The other factor with Waters is his occasional turnover problem. He gives the ball away 3.6 times per game – a number that’s quite high – and already has seven games in which he had five or more turnovers.

Getting the best version of their star point guard is going to be key for the Tigers. Tennessee is an excellent defensive team that applies plenty of pressure on opposing ball handlers, making it even more important for him to take care of the ball.

He’s the one position where, on paper, the Tigers have a distinct advantage. And, in order for LSU to pull off another upset like this, they need their best player and leader to play like it.

Home/LSU Tigers