Hoops Preview: LSU vs UMass 11/12/13, 10am CT, ESPN2

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Who: University of Massachusetts Minutemen (37th KenPom)
What: ESPN College Hoops Tip-Off Classic
When: 11/12/13 10:00am (central)
Where: Mullins Center, Amherst, Massachusetts (9,493, 112th largest D1)
How: ESPN 2, espn3.com, 98.1FM (BR) 1350AM (NOLA), XM 85

LSU plays in their season opener bright and early Tuesday in one of their biggest tests of the non-conference schedule. LSU heads to Boston to play the Minutemen of UMASS at 10am on national television. UMASS offers a lineup eerily similar to LSU including using a 6'8" shooting forward on the perimeter.

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UMASS won a big inter-state matchup versus Boston College Sunday night 86 to 73. In the game, their perimeter players each played over 34 minutes and their 6'10" center scored 27 points in 29 minutes. Tim Quarterman pulls a huge assignment in his first college game facing UMASS senior PG Chaz Williams. Williams played nearly 90% of the Minutemen's minutes last season and averaged 15.5 points to go along with 7.3 assists.

In their game versus Boston College, the minutemen shot 55% from deep (6/11), 67% from the free throw line (16/24) and 29% from the field (32/65). They had 70 possessions in what became a fast paced showdown. They out rebounded Boston College 44 to 27 including an impressive 21 offensive boards.

This early season test will be an important game with a somewhat pedestrian OOC schedule. UMASS is a likely tournament team and has the strength and length to provide LSU with a huge challenge.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Preventing 2nd Chance Points

In LSU's exhibition game, they allowed Xavier (NO) far too many offensive boards despite their small stature. UMASS brings a team that can matchup with LSU's height and has proved they can rebound on the offensive end. LSU Freshman Jordan Mickey will have to choose when to try and block shots and when to box out. Johnny O'Bryant will need to keep big man Cady Lalanne as far away from the basket as possible, and the perimeter players need to crash the boards.

Force UMASS into Foul Trouble

With hand checking fouls becoming a emphasis for officials, LSU needs to force the Minutemen perimeter players into foul trouble. In their game against BC, Chaz Williams and Derrick Gordon each had 4 fouls. Both played 36 minutes a piece and their backups are a significant dropoff. Four other players had 3 fouls for UMASS who only played 7 players more than seven minutes.

LSU needs to Grow Up Fast

LSU will likely start 3 freshman. It will be their first college basketball game and it will be on national TV. The freshman need to know when to attack and when to get others involved. Quarterman will likely be a passer most of the game, but Martin and Mickey need to know when to take their shot and when to find an open teammate. Coach Jones will be tested in the way he moves around players and keeps these freshman involved.


Players to Watch

Johnny O'Bryant

While the glory in the Tigers exhibition game went to Jordan Mickey, it's hard not to recognize how dominant O'Bryant was in his limited time. He was 3 for 3 from the field and 3 for 3 from the free throw line and had 11 rebounds in only 18 minutes. He pulls a big assignment guarding Minutemen 6'10" center Lalanne. It will be a battle down low.

Chaz Williams

Minutemen PG Chaz Williams brings a variety of ways to beat you. He made 135 free throws last season. Only 1 Tiger SHOT that many last year. Noone made more than 84 for the Tigers. Williams also had the 8th highest assist rate in the NCAA, assisting on over 42% of shots taken while playing. Add in his 2 steals per game and you have a formidable opponent for anyone. Stopping him will be crucial in stopping UMASS.


Prediction:

LSU 81, UMASS 73