Recap: Tigers Finish Strong After Sluggish Start, 81-54

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To say LSU started slow is an understatement, and Coach Jones was not pleased. "I'm disappointed in our effort. From the Tip we didn't come out as focused or with the intensity level that we needed to tonight." Still, LSU went into halftime with a 32-28 lead over UNO and never trailed in the game.

The second half was a different story. The Tigers won the half 49-26 and dominated the boards. LSU rose their NCAA leading rebound total with 56 total rebounds, including 21 offensive boards. And lead by Jordan Mickeys 8 for 10 from the free throw line, the Tigers shot a respectable 69%, almost 10% higher than their season average from the charity stripe.

LSU only had three players score in double figures, and amazingly Johnny O'Bryant wasn't one of them. Jordan Mickey had his third straight double double, scoring 16 points and bringing down 11 rebounds. He also had 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks. Stringer led the team in scoring with 19 points and Shavon Coleman had a very impressive game coming off the bench with 14 points on 6 of 7 shooting.

For the first time all season LSU tried using their press for extended minutes. Unfortunately, it still needs some work. While LSU was able to force some turnovers, LSU had a few "no-no's" occur. LSU allowed players to split double teams which cannot happen. LSU also had the safety man (Johnny O'Bryant) gamble and miss on trying to steal the ball outside the three point line leaving the basket unprotected. However, it was good to see how LSU plans on using the press.

It seems that LSU will try and make teams that are slowing the game down, speed up with their press. LSU's first two games were against fast paced teams, and the pressure never came, however UNO was content walking the ball up court and LSU decided to make them speed up with the pressure.

LSU's Keys of the Game

Protecting the Ball - Coming into the game I felt that LSU needed to protect the ball better. LSU had 13 turnovers, it's lowest total of the season. Still, LSU forwards are committing most of these in the post. Mickey and O'Bryant committed 7 of the 13. Quarterman had 0 and Hickey only had 1, so at the PG spot they are protecting possession.

Shooting Percentage - This one is a mixed bag. LSU had great shot opportunities, but missed far too many shots. They shot 47% from two point range, and 22% from three point range. However, I was pleased with the 69% free throw percentage. Once the Tigers start hitting open shots, look out UK.

Free Throw Shooting - As stated before, I was pleased with the FT shooting. Didn't get to that 70% mark that I feel is critical, but making 18 of 26 was good. Plus I don't recall missing any front ends of 1 and 1's.

Player Grades:

Johnny O'Bryant (B-) O'Bryant wasn't himself last night. He was 4 of 13 from the field and had 3 turnovers. He wasn't the presence that LSU needs from him.

Jordan Mickey (A-) On a JOB off-night, Mickey filled the stat sheets again. However his 4 turnovers are unsettling. He sometimes tries a little too hard in the post. He also took some ill advised shots from the perimeter. His 8/10 from the FT line was exactly what we needed.

Andre Stringer (B+) Stringer was an A+ in the second half but he only scored 1 first half point. His 18 second half points were exactly what LSU needed to get the team moving. No turnovers and 2 steals were also key.

Malik Morgan (B) Malik didn't force anything after getting his first start. He had 3 rebounds and 3 points. No assists, steals, blocks or turnovers. He left the game after being hit in the head. Precautionary.

Tim Quarterman (B-) Another rough night for Quarterman shooting, but you have to be happy with his 5/0 ast/to ratio. He shot 1/8 from the field and 3/6 from the FT line. He played relatively good defense and was able to penetrate and kick the ball to teammates. Has ton of potential.

Anthony Hickey (B) Hickey didn't shine either scoring a season low 5 points with a 4/1 ratio. He did have 2 steals but committed 3 fouls in 21 minutes.

Shavon Coleman (A) Coleman was 6 of 7 from the field and made all 6 of his shots inside the arc. Also 2/2 from the FT line. He added 6 rebounds. He missed A+ due to 3 turnovers. His 14 points was a season high.

Shane Hammink (B) I feel like Shane is starting to get it. He made 2 of 3 shots and had 3 rebounds in 13 minutes. He didn't force the ball, and he never ruined the pace holding the ball too long like I feel he has throughout his time at LSU. He needs to build on this performance.

Darcy Malone (A-) In limited minutes, you saw the potential Darcy has. He made another 2 field goals bringing him to 4 for 4 on the year. He had 5 rebounds in 6 minutes and had a nice block.

John Odo (B) Odo wasn't quite the rebound magnet as we've come to expect. He only brought down 2 boards in 11 minutes. However he blocked 3 shots and had a nice 2 foot jumper.

Overall, LSU came out flat and finished strong. LSU is 254th in 3 point percentage and 198th in 2 point percentage. Those need to improve if LSU is going to compete for a top 3 spot in the SEC. Getting the free throw percentage up this game was nice, but LSU needs to continue to hit those. LSU's defense held UNO to 0.69 points per possession which helped create some separation.

The Tigers host Southeastern on Friday night. Pack the PMAC.

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