No. 21 Arkansas basketball (17-6, 7-3 SEC) faces a challenging road test Tuesday night against LSU (14-9, 2-8 SEC) in Baton Rouge.
The Razorbacks narrowly defeated the Tigers in a snowy Fayetteville contest just over two weeks ago, and now seek to complete the season sweep. LSU has struggled since that loss, securing a win against South Carolina but suffering double-digit defeats to Mississippi State and Georgia.
LSU basketball coach Matt McMahon is reportedly under significant pressure, according to On3’s Pete Nakos. The 47-year-old has a 58-62 overall record and a disappointing 16-48 mark in conference play. He has yet to lead the Tigers to an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Firing McMahon would carry a hefty price tag – a $6.5 million buyout, potentially one of the largest in college basketball history. However, LSU’s recent decision to dismiss football coach Brian Kelly demonstrates a willingness to make costly moves.
Should McMahon be dismissed midseason, associate head coach David Patrick, who previously served in the same role under Eric Musselman at Arkansas in 2020-21, would likely take over as interim coach. Patrick and Musselman also worked together on the LSU staff in 2014-15.
An Arkansas victory Tuesday night could further jeopardize McMahon’s position.
Scouting LSU Basketball (Again)
Both teams are dealing with injuries, but LSU’s situation is more severe. Sophomore wing Karter Knox (knee) and junior guard DJ Wagner (ankle) are listed as doubtful.
The Tigers will also be without point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., who leads the team in scoring (15.3 points per game) and assists (6.5 per game). Thomas re-aggravated a left foot injury after returning for three games in late January, including the first matchup against Arkansas.
Australian sharpshooter Max Mackinnon will need to step up for LSU. The 6-foot-6 wing is averaging 15.1 points and 2.6 assists while shooting 39.6% from three-point range. Michael Nwoko (6-foot-10) is the interior presence, averaging 13.7 points and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 66.5% from the field. Marquel Sutton (6-foot-7) averages a team-leading 7.8 rebounds and 13.2 points per game.
Pablo Tamba is undersized, but the Hogs will need to contain him inside after he recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in Fayetteville.
Arkansas’ bigs will need to be prepared to compete on the glass against this trio, who combine for nine offensive rebounds in their previous loss to Arkansas.
Game Prediction: Arkansas vs LSU
LSU relies heavily on its paint game, shooting 57.2% on two-pointers but less than 33% from beyond the arc. The Tigers are conceding 11.9 offensive rebounds per game, ranking outside the top 300 nationally.
Facing mounting losses and injuries, LSU will likely try to turn this into a game of second-chance points and free throw attempts. Arkansas will need another strong performance from Isaiah Sealy and its supporting cast to compensate for the absences of Knox and Wagner. With Thomas sidelined, the Razorbacks should have an advantage in the backcourt.
Arkansas wins, 85-75.
How to Watch Arkansas vs LSU
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 10
Location: Pete Maravich Assembly Center (Baton Rouge, La.)
Tipoff Time/TV: 8 p.m. CT (SEC Network)
