Road test
Tigers visit always-tough Vanderbilt
After beating Arkansas on Saturday to snap a three-game losing streak, the LSU men’s basketball team turns around Wednesday hoping to score its first road win of the Southeastern Conference season.
As road games go, this one’s about as tough as they come.
Vanderbilt traditionally gives opponents fits at quirky Memorial Gymnasium, with its elevated court and beneath-the-baskets benches. Meanwhile, the Commodores have arguably the most talented team in their history.
Tip-off in Nashville is set for 8 p.m.
“Does this challenge for us come at the right time? I think so,” LSU coach Trent Johnson said. “We were very fragile going into the Arkansas game, and I felt that we found a way to win. We had some guys make some plays. It is a good time for us to go back out on the road.”
LSU has played one of the toughest SEC road schedules thus far, having lost to Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Florida away from home.
Next up is a Vandy outfit that entered the season at No. 7 in the national rankings with the return of all five starters. Seniors Jeffery Taylor and Festus Ezeli and junior John Jenkins declined early entree into the NBA draft.
“I think this team is as good as any in our league,” Johnson said. “This is a team that can reckon to play for it all and will go deep into March.”
While the Tigers broke through Saturday to regain some confidence, not everything about their timing in this game is good.
Vandy returns home after dropping back-to-back road games against Arkansas and Florida. The Commodores next face top-ranked Kentucky at Memorial Gym on Saturday.
Much like LSU (13-9, 3-5) last time out, Vandy (16-7, 5-3) enters this one with its back to the wall.
“They’ve got a core group of guys that have been together three or four years,” LSU forward Eddie Ludwig said. “You can tell they have really good chemistry with that team and lots of veteran leadership.”
LSU lost to Vandy once at home last season and again in the SEC tournament, pushing its losing streak against the Commodores to six straight. The Tigers haven’t beaten the erstwhile East Division power since Glen Davis, Tyrus Thomas & Co. won at Memorial Gym in 2006 en route to an SEC title and a Final Four berth.
It won’t be any easier this time against a Vandy team that has lost three of four in league play since getting off to a 4-0 start.
Jenkins averages 19.7 points per game to lead the SEC in scoring. Taylor averages 17.7 to rank second. Jenkins is shooting 43.8 percent from 3-point range and Taylor is at 47.1 percent beyond the arc.
Could the Tigers catch the Commodores looking ahead? Vandy coach Kevin Stallings said no.
“They’ve had an infusion of very good young talent, and (Justin) Hamilton transferring there is obviously a big plus,” Stallings said. “Every aspect of their game has improved. They just look to me like they’re improved in every way. They’re athletic and they’re physical. They do what they do and they’re good at what they do.”