re: LSU (19-8, 8-6) vs Auburn (12-15, 4-10) - Tues 6:00pm - ESPNU

If you look back at the first game I think you'll see that Harrell and Mason just hit a ton of tough (and many contested) jumpers including 3's. LSU actually had a better FG% for the game and out-rebounded AU both on the offensive and defensive glass. In fact, both Mickey and Martin each had more rebounds than Bowers. TOs were virtually even. I really don't think LSU's defense was THAT bad.

The 3 point and FT line is where LSU lost that game. 24% from 3 and 15/23 (65%) from the line. I think Gray was only 5/10 by himself.

It's hard to imagine that Harrell and Mason will knock down as many contested shots as they did in the first game and combine for 52 points again. If LSU plays the same game again I think they win by 6-7 points. Also, we have to remember that Patterson was out for the first game. While he's not LSU top scorer, he's had a knack for hitting big shots in big spots during the game. With him starting it's clear that the staff trusts him more than Gray.