Preview: LSU Hoops vs Texas A&M

Who: LSU Tigers (13-3,2-1) vs Texas A&M Aggies (10-5,1-2)
When: Saturday, January 17th - 11:00am
Where: PMAC (13,215, 45TH NCAA)
How:
***TV: ESPN2
***Radio: 98.1FM
***Stream: ESPN3.com

The Tigers pulled out a huge road victory on Wednesday night versus Ole Miss and look to improve to 3-1 in conference for the first time since their 08-09 team. That was also the last LSU team to make the NCAA Tournament. Texas A&M comes into this weekends contest after beating Mississippi St at home 74-70. The Aggies were only able to get 2 bench points, but were able to get 4 of their 5 starters into double figures.

The Aggies struggle from outside the three point line, but are able to get the ball to the rim and make shots. They are also top 100 in free throw attempts per field goal attempt. LSU must stay out of foul trouble and contain Texas A&M's guards from getting to the rim. They use their size at the guard positions to get inside and finish through defenders.

Texas A&M Projected Starters
Alex Caruso (6'5" 183 Jr) 8.9PPG, 5.9APG, 4.5RPG
Jordan Green (6'5" 188 Sr) 6.1PPG, 1.6APG, 1.7RPG
Danuel House (6'7" 195 Jr) 13.2PPG, 1.8APG, 4.3RPG
Jalen Jones (6'7" 220 Jr) 13.5PPG, 0.8APG, 5.8RPG
Kourtney Roberson (6'9"247 Sr) 8.4PPG, 0.9APG, 5.1RPG

LSU Projected Starters
Josh Gray (6'1" 182 Jr) 9.9PPG, 5.1APG, 2.6 RPG
Keith Hornsby (6'4" 210 Jr) 12.8PPG, 2.3APG, 4.8RPG
Jarell Martin (6'10" 236 So) 16.9PPG, 1.8APG, 8.9RPG
Jordan Mickey (6'8" 235 So) 15.5PPG, 1.8APG, 10.6RPG
Darcy Malone (7'0" 245 So) 0.9PPG, 0.4APG, 0.9RPG


Matchup of the Game
The game will play host to two of the SEC's top assist leaders. Alex Caruso 5.9:2.7 (Ast:TO) and Josh Gray 5.2:3.4 (Ast:TO) can both get into the paint and force defenses to get out of position. For Caruso, he is able to do it as a 6'5" play similar to Tim Quarterman, while Gray uses his quickness and ability to change speeds to get inside and dish it out.


Keys to the Game
Staying out of Foul Trouble LSU has been better since the emergence of Jalyn Patterson as a viable guard option, but the Tigers offense can go stagnant with Martin and Mickey out of the game, so keeping the two forwards out of foul trouble is key.

Rebounding
LSU outrebounded Ole Miss in the first half and looked like they would run away with the game in the paint, however, Ole Miss was able to come back and get into he game with second chance points. LSU must rebound for the full 40 minutes and will need more production from their center when it comes to rebounding.

Controlled Chaos Offense
LSU's best offense comes from running quickly after takeaways and rebounds, but LSU must keep the turnovers down while doing so. They have to take advantage of space, but pull it out and setup a half court offense when they don't have room.

Prediction:
LSU 75, Texas A&M 60