Basketball: LSU (14-10,4-6) vs Mississippi State (19-6,6-4) | Tue 8PM | TV:ESPNU

Basketball: LSU (14-10,4-6) vs Mississippi State (19-6,6-4) | Tuesday 8PM | TV:ESPNU

*Its Valentine’s day, so bring the lady to the ball game. I know I’m bringing my lady out to lunch so we can get a PMAC hotdog for dinner*

SoS’s Power Rankings 2/12/12
1. Kentucky
2. Florida
3. Miss St
4. Vanderbilt
5. LSU
6. Tennessee
7. Arkansas
8. Alabama
9. Ole Miss
10. Auburn
11. Georgia
12. South Carolina

General Overview

LSU’s in conference strength of schedule is 3rd in the country and 2nd in the conference behind South Carolina according to CBSSports.com. It won’t take a hit when LSU (14-10, 4-6) takes on #23 Mississippi State (19-6, 6-4) on Tuesday night at the PMAC. The ESPNU coverage starts at 8:00 PM.

In their first meeting at “The Hump” it was the Arnett Moultrie show. He went for 28 points and 12 rebounds. LSU was able to keep the game close and had a chance to win in the final minute. They were able to make 11-21 from beyond the arc, which has been their best output all season from 3 pt land. LSU only had 9 turnovers, while turning Mississippi St over 17 times. The real difference was Arnett Moultrie. LSU had no answer for the 6’11” Junior Forward.

Just like LSU’s Justin Hamilton, Moultrie is a transfer to the SEC who has taken the league unexpectedly by storm. His ability to get rebounds, score, and shoot with his big frame has made him nearly impossible to stop. It will be on Hamilton to contain him while adding some major points himself. Hamilton was able to score 21 against Alabama on Saturday and looks to continue his offensive production after a quick turnaround.

LSU was pleased to get Stringer going on Saturday where he was able to hit a three pointer and add 15 total points. Stringer was able to get 17 in the first meeting between these two teams as he came off the bench when Johnson gave Eddie Ludwig the start. It was Andre’s highest scoring output since his feinting spells that cost him 5 games in December. He has hit 17 of his last 18 free throws and has only missed 6 all season. Stringer has driven the ball to the hoop more in the past 5 games and it has turned into points during a stretch where Stringer has gone ice cold shooting from distance.


Schedule and SEC stakes

With LSU only a game behind 5th place in the SEC, the Tigers look to continue winning and compete for the 1st round by in the SEC tournament that Miss St owns position for right now. State sits at 4th in the SEC and in a great position to make the NCAA Tournament. LSU’s last 5 games all come against teams at or below .500 in conference play giving LSU a big chance to make a splash in the conference. After the State game LSU’s next two opponents have a combined 4 SEC wins this season. Having this stretch to end the season can give the Tigers some confidence going into the post season.


PG Matchup

#1 Anthony Hickey 5’10” 172 Freshman
Vs.

#3 Dee Bost 6’2” 176 Senior

2 Guard Matchup

#10 Andre Stringer 5’9” 170 Sophomore
Vs.

#22 Brian Bryant 6’3” 168 Senior

3 Guard Matchup

#22 Ralston Turner 6’6” 193 Sophomore
Vs.

#4 Rodney Hood 6’8” 204 Freshman


Forward Matchup

#2 Johnny O'Bryant 6'9" 260 Freshman
Vs.

#1 Renardo Sidney 6’10” 280 Junior


Center Matchup

#41 Justin Hamilton 7’0” 260 Junior
Vs.

#23 Arnett Moultrie 6’11” 249 Junior


Stats:



Prediction:
LSU 70 Mississippi St 63

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