Preview: LSU (15-7, 6-4) @ Texas A&M (13-10, 4-6) - Wed 8pm - CST

Photo: Jeff Black, USA Today Sports

Who: Texas A&M Aggies
When: Wednesday, February 12th - 8:00pm
Where: Reed Arena (12,989 - 49th NCAA)
How: TV:CST, Radio:98.1FM, Stream:ESPN3.com

After winning their first 3 SEC games, Texas AM has dropped six of their last seven games, however, 5 of the 6 losses were on the road. The Aggies are 3-1 at home in SEC play so don't underestimate the home Aggies. LSU has won 5 of their last 7 games, however, LSU is only 1-3 on the road in SEC play.

LSU has been led by their offense. They have scored over 78 points in each of the last 5 games. Texas AM has been led by their defense. They have held opponents to under 69 points in 5 of their last 6 contests. Texas AM has been inept on offense, but their defense has kept them in most games. Their 12-2 home record can be contributed to the Aggie defense. They have yet to allow over 67 points in Reed Arena so LSU will need to find a way to score.

A&M's offense has been the worst in the SEC. They are shooting 59.6% from the free throw line in SEC play, 30.5% from 3 points range, and 43.6% from two point range. However, they have been good with turnovers, forcing the second most per possession while giving up second least on the offensive end. If LSU can force some turnovers, it could help them get some easy buckets on the Aggie D.

Looking at the starting lineups, A&M will start big. Each of their starters will be over 6'4" tall, but only center Kourtney Roberson (6'9" 244) is over 200 pounds so look for LSU to try and get the ball inside. LSU looks to go with Hickey, Coleman, Martin, Mickey, and O'Bryant to start.

It will be interesting to see who steps up with the recent injury to Malik Morgan who is out for the remainder of the year after having surgery on his knee Monday night. The most likely candidates to absorb his 15.5 minutes per game are Coleman, Martin and Hammink.

This may be the biggest week for LSU's chances at an NCAA Tournament birth. With two road games against Texas A&M and Arkansas, LSU must prove they can win on the road. If they are able to win both, they could jump into 3rd place in the SEC. It will be a tough road, but LSU must start Wednesday night with a win at Texas A&M

Prediction:
LSU 72, Texas A&M 61