LSU Hoops vs. Chattanooga - PMAC - 7PM - CST

LINK

TUBA TO GET 2ND START

TV: CST
Radio: 98.1 FM
Internet: GeauxZone from LSUSports.net


LSU (5-0) returns to the court Tuesday, December 11 at 7PM in the PMAC versus the Mocs of Chattanooga (2-6). This will be another interesting test for the Tigers as the Mocs start 4 players over 6’5” tall. LSU will also have to figure a way to play without star point guard Anthony Hickey, who was suspended Friday afternoon due to a” violation of athletic department and university policies.”

"I know I have made mistakes and sometimes it takes mistakes in life to make you a better person," Hickey said. "I'm not perfect and need to move forward and make better decisions. I know I have let my family down, my team down and LSU down. I will come out of this a much stronger individual. I pray to be back in my LSU uniform as soon as I can."

The Tigers have had an 11 day layoff to try and fix some early season problems before their looming 3 game road trip across the country (Boise St 14th, UCI 18th, and Marquette 22nd).

Chattanooga Mocs Projected Starting Lineup:
1. #11 Ronrico White (6’3” 170 So)
2. #12 Gee McGhee (6’5” 200 Fr)
3. #24 Casey Jones (6’5” 185 Fr)
4. #30 Z Mason (6’5” 238 Jr)
5. #20 Drazen Zlovaric (6’9” 220 Sr)

LSU Tigers Projected Starting Lineup:
1. #10 Andre Stringer (5'10" 182 Jr)
2. #0 Charles Carmouche (6’4” 187 Sr)
3. #11 Shane Hammink (6’7” 208 Fr)
4. #2 Johnny O’Bryant III (6’9” 262 So)
5. #55 Andrew Del Piero (7'3" 254 Sr)

While the Mocs do not have a star player, Z Mason the 6’5” junior may be LSU’s biggest challenge to stop. He averages a team leading 11 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Gee McGhee (starting SG) went to high school at Redemptorist H.S. in Baton Rouge while starting shooting forward Casey Jones went to Higgins H.S. in Nola. Both will certainly have family and friends in the house so watch for any extra effort they may exude in this, their homecoming contest.

While I believe LSU should handily win this one, even with the loss of Anthony Hickey, there are a few areas the Tigers must work on to advance the position of the team moving forward. One important area is rebounding. LSU is number 2 in the country in offensive rebounds, while Chattanooga is 14th. While the Tigers have offensive rebounded well, they have allowed opponents entirely too many second chances. This will be a great opportunity for the Tigers to really work on rebounding, especially on the defensive end.

SoS Rating:



For SoS rating reference click HERE.

** Lance Stokes has recently undergone surgery to fix a Jones fracture of his left foot and will not be available for Chattanooga.
** Anthony Hickey has been suspended indefinitely.

Game Prediction: LSU 84, Chattanooga 61
Season Prediction: 17-12, NIT