re: Are we a tournament team?

Conference play they need to be .500 or just above
To go with 11-1 non conference and they would have a 50-50 shot.

Now a win Vs Texas Tech at home in Big 12 Challenge and they are in

That puts them at about 21-9.

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I'm not quite sure I'm in agreement with you on this point Alt re defensive relibility. I think we can put a team out there that's better at offense with Hayes and Hannibal at guard but that compromises us a bit defensively and on the glass - which of course go hand in hand because the defensive possession does not end until you either steal or rebound the ball or a basket is made.

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Outside of Fountain, LSU is just not a great rebounding team. That's going to be an issue all season. KJ will get his share, but much of that has come against overmatched mid-major opponents. Thus, it is not surprising two of his worst rebounding outputs have come against Arkansas (5) and Kentucky (3). Reed seemingly could be a good rebounder. But he plays like he just woke up right before the tip and wants no part of banging inside. Hannibal is actually one of the teams best rebounders. He's 3rd on the team in rpg behind Fountain and KJ. In fact, he's averaging almost as many defensive rebounds per game as Fountain. If you go to the advanced numbers he has almost the same defensive rebounding % as Fountain...who is LSU's best rebounder (by %). In two SEC games Hannibal has been a difference maker everywhere. He probably needs MORE minutes.

This isn't going to be as good a defensive team as last year. And last night really hurt that ranking (though I contend that was a lot UK making some contested shots and getting easy put backs on offensive rebounds). Still, of the two ends of the floor LSU's defense has been the more consistent.

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As for Arky's bad shooting, I was pleased we beat them but after the game my first thought was Arky did not look all that great and I would like to say it was all us, but I'd not be being honest.

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Part of being a good defensive team is forcing the opponent to take shots they don't want to take. Arkansas took 25 three's vs. LSU...which was the most they have taken in a game to date. Was some of it poor shot selection and out of necessity due to some guys being out? Probably a bit. But LSU went into that game with two big points of emphasis. Don't turn the ball over and force Arkansas to shoot threes. They did both, which lead to a win despite LSU blowing several shots at the rim and not being able to shoot FTs worth a shite.

My point is the defense, while not always great, has been more consistent than the offense this year. And they have generally been able to find it more when they absolutely have to have it. Last night UK was up 10 with 10:00 to go. From that point on LSU outscored them 21-14. In the prior game LSU held Arkansas to 2/8 shooting in the final 4:00 to get the win. The also did it against Wake when they held them to 29 points in the second half after giving up 41 in the first and looking like they were going to get run out of the gym.