The Missouri Tigers have struggled mightily this season, losing 17 consecutive games, dating back to the start of their Southeastern Conference schedule.
They go into Saturday’s road game against LSU looking to avoid the program’s first winless conference season since 1907-08 when it went 0-5 in the Missouri Valley.
Head coach Dennis Gates said the Tigers (8-22, 0-17) are just focused on the next game and are seeking their first win since Dec. 3 when they beat Wichita State 82-72.
“We’re just focused on LSU and playing on the road,” Gates told reporters in a press conference this week. “I know it was a tough game last year there. We got down early. It was their Senior Night. Again, it’s their Senior Night, so we have to do our job and not try to get down at halftime.”
That comes down to execution.
“LSU is going to play a great game this weekend, and we just have to make sure we dot our i’s and cross our t’s and execute,” Gates said.
Sean East II leads the Tigers in scoring at 17.6 points per game, with Tamar Bates (13.6), Nick Honor (11.1) and Noah Carter (10.7) in double figures as well.
Missouri is coming off a 101-74 home loss to Auburn on Tuesday.
LSU (16-14, 8-9) returns home after a 94-83 loss to Arkansas despite 24 points from Jordan Wright.
LSU forward Will Baker told Nola.com the focus is on not looking ahead to SEC tournament play next week.
“Our mindset is wanting to go 1-0 in every game, and the rest will take care of itself,” Baker said. “You do want to look forward a little, but part of that is knowing the importance of every game, right? So, our focus is preparing to win the next one in front of us.”
Baker is averaging 11.5 points per game. Jalen Cook (15.6) and Wright (15.2) are the team’s top two scorers. LSU is 11-5 at home.
–Field Level Media