Round Up The Usual Suspects

Just a few stats tell much of the story of the game against LSU.

Points in the paint: Arkansas 28, LSU 46.
Second chance points: Arkansas 12, LSU 18.
LSU shot 53% from the field, making 6 more field goals while taking only 1 more shot than Arkansas.

Our defense for at least 37 minutes of the game was terrible. DVRs are nice for a lot of reasons, but I especially enjoy them for watching plays over and over. The 1-3-1 defense was abused by LSU. Shifts poor, spacing poor - it was a clinic on how not to run that defense. The 3-2 match-up was totally ineffective. Man not much better. Transition defense and press defense poorly executed. LSU sliced us apart time and time again in very fundamental ways.

Offense? Very seldom do we actually have one. Without Modica's movement in the motion offense we would be nothing. I guess that's why we have to put up with his defense. But he is far from the only one with defensive issues. Both Modica and Brewer's transition defense left much to be desired.

Jefferson, Ferguson and Brewer combined for 5 assists. LSU had 18 assists to Arkansas' 12.

Brewer led with 4 turnovers. There were at least 3 other plays where he was involved in the turnover in some fashion. I think it would be interesting to sit him for about 10 minutes of a game just to see what would happen.

I keep asking myself if these guys get coached? Do they watch film? Do they understand what they are supposed to be doing on defense? It sure doesn't look like it most of the time.

LSU relaxed and we got back in the game. Had a chance to win. Actually, had lots of chances to win all during the game that we failed to execute on. This team consistently makes 10-20 points worth of mistakes during a game.

I like McCurdy, but having him on the floor at the end of the game was foolish. The possibility of pressure free throws after sitting a bench forever shouldn't be inflicted on anyone. LSU was smart - foul the cold guy off the bench. Stan laid out the table for the smart basketball players LSU has to easily find the best guy to foul.

I don't know if we just don't know what we are doing or if we are just not disciplined enough to execute. I do know that a fairly talented bunch of players are falling way short of their potential. While there are some effort issues along the way, the bigger issues are mental. There is no excuse for playing those defenses that poorly.

I think at this point it is apparent that Stan Heath is in way over his head. No one is going to suggest this is a well-coached team.