The LSU Tigers 2020 basketball season saw the program back in the NCAA Tournament. But it didn’t come without a rough patch in the season. LSU had trouble in conference play as Alabama swept the Tigers in the regular season. The program also lost to Florida in a game that played a factor in the team’s seeding for March Madness. Even with the losses, LSU produced talent at every position this season. But was it all for not?
When LSU found out their match-up against St Bonaventure in the first round, Tiger fans knew the team would advance. Will Wade’s team did just that. But a second round match-up against Michigan saw the Tigers lose 86-78.
This season, the Tigers had more than enough talent to be better than the 19-10 record the program finished with. With players like Cam Thomas, Trendon Watford and Javonte Smart, Wade’s program was picked to be a top three team in the SEC. Instead, LSU finished third in the SEC and lost in the SEC Tournament Championship by one point at the hands of Alabama.
Thomas quickly rose to stardom and proved he was one of the best players in the NCAA. He was unrightfully snubbed of the SEC Freshman of the Year award, but still put up solid numbers.
What LSU accomplished this season as a whole team will be overshadowed by the team’s final record. However, they displayed some of the top players in college basketball once again.
LSU Tigers 2020 Basketball Season in Review
The Tigers started the season off with a 2-1 record entering December. Then, LSU 4-0 in December and opened SEC play with a dominant 77-54 thrashing of Texas A&M. But it was in January that the true colors of the program began to shine. With conference losses to Florida, Alabama and Kentucky, the team sat at 6-3 in conference play. Plus a loss against Texas Tech in the Big 12/SEC Challenge put the Tigers at 11-5 entering February.
The first game of February saw LSU be defeated by Alabama in what would be a season sweep for the Crimson Tide. But, the second game saw Alabama hit just six three-pointers rather than the 23 they made in the first match-up.
After the loss, LSU bounced back with wins, over Mississippi State, Tennessee and Auburn. The final two games of the month were losses to Georgia and Arkansas. Even then, the Tigers were still in contention for a second place finish.
Final Stretch
Entering March, LSU basketball was set up to make a run for a second place finish. The loss to the Razorbacks dimished the Tigers’ chances, but the probability still existed. In March, LSU defeated Vanderbilt and Missouri to close out the regular season. But Arkansas continued to win games and held on to the second seed. So, instead of a two-seed, LSU was the three-seed in the SEC Tournament. Despite the loss to the Gators in the regular season, LSU beat Tennessee who finished one game back from the Tigers.
The NCAA Tournament was calling after a heart-breaking loss in the SEC Championship. Many thought the Tigers would make a run at the Sweet Sixteen or Elite Eight. Instead, LSU is now back in Baton Rouge watching these games from home. But, that doesn’t take away from the accomplishments this season.
The LSU Tigers 2020 basketball season ended in an unwanted fashion. Going into next season, it will be interesting to see which players decide to return to the program.
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