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First meaningful victory for Wade at LSU

Coach Will Wade celebrated in concert with the LSU basketball band following his team’s 80-77 victory against Houston at the PMAC on Wednesday night.

Will Wade reacts on the sidelines against Houston Cougars
Will Wade reacts on the sidelines against Houston Cougars (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)

One can certainly understand the excitement Wade was feeling in the immediate aftermath of this close victory. This result will not get the Tigers into any NCAA tournament talk. LSU is not that type of team this season.

However, Wade’s enthusiasm was well deserved due to the manner of his team’s victory.

This game was not won because of the Tigers’ shooting. LSU came away with a three-point victory despite making just 33 percent of its field goal attempts (13-of-39) over the last 26 minutes.

The Tigers edged Houston because of defense and rebounding.

Junior college transfer Daryl Edwards held Rob Gray, the Cougars’ top scorer, to one field goal in the final 7½ minutes. Freshman Brandon Rachal helped hold Devin Davis scoreless over the last six minutes.

Freshman Tremont Waters delivered the game-winning play – on defense. The 5-foot-11 Waters blocked Corey Davis’ 3-point shot with six seconds remaining in the game. Notice that three newcomers stood out on the defensive end down the stretch against Houston.

LSU outrebounded the Cougars 22-13 in the second half. Houston had not been outrebounded in a game before Wednesday. The Tigers grabbed nine offensive rebounds which they turned into 14 points after halftime. The margin of victory was Aaron Epps’ three-point play after his offensive rebound.

The style of victory can be a reference point for Wade as he attempts to build a winning culture in the LSU basketball program.

“We out-toughed Houston and they are one of the toughest teams in the country,” Wade said. “We were really gritty down the stretch. To be the first team to outrebound Houston all year shows we were tough and ready to play.”

On the previous day, Wade may not have felt that his Tigers were ready to play a rugged Houston squad. Wade was far from satisfied with Tuesday’s practice. So, Wade adjusted his team’s Wednesday schedule. In addition to the normal shootaround, Wade conducted a full-fledged morning practice.

“I wasn’t pleased with how practice ended (Tuesday),” Wade said. “When you play a tough, physical team like Houston, you have to practice tough and physical. We got up early (Wednesday) morning, taped up and went good-on-good for about an hour. We did our normal shootaround in the afternoon.”

According to reports, Wade’s shootarounds are more like a practice. So, the Tigers endured two workouts before facing a very physical Houston team. Wade was making a point to his players.

“Preparation breeds confidence,” Wade said. “Confidence builds toughness. We have to prepare the right way, so we are confident. When we are confident, we will fly around and play tough. I felt that’s what our team needed. That’s what we did. We played a little tougher because we had that mindset.”

Wade’s players displayed resiliency and grit throughout the game. One example was exhibited by Waters on his all-important blocked shot. On LSU’s previous possession, Waters committed a turnover which gave the Cougars a chance to tie the score.

“I had just turned the ball over which was a heart-crushing moment,” Waters said. “I had to brush it off. I knew I had to make up for (turnover).

“I knew when (Corey Davis) caught the ball, he was going to shoot it. That was all he did all game and I had a tough time guarding him. On the last play, he caught it and I knew he would shoot. I knew I had to contest the shot and I blocked it.”

The Tigers are now halfway through this six-game pre-Christmas homestand. None of the three remaining opponents are as good as Houston. Next up for LSU is the best of these three teams – 9-1 Stephen F. Austin on Saturday (noon Central/SEC Network).

It is time for the Tigers to build upon their gutty victory against the Cougars in these next three games – Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State and North Florida. LSU needs to put together three complete games where it plays well and demonstrates the same degree of toughness present Wednesday.

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