LSU (17-9,8-7) @ Missouri (20-8,9-6) - SAT 3:00 - WAFB

Pressey and Hickey combined for 45 points in these two teams first meeting

Who: LSU (17-9,8-7) @ Missouri (20-8,9-6)
When: Saturday, March 2 - 3:00pm
Where: Mizzou Arena (15,061 - 30th NCAA)
How:
TV: SECN (Alexandria - KLAX-DT2; Baton Rouge - WAFB; Lafayette - KADN; Monroe - KARD; New Orleans - WUPL; Shreveport - KMSS)
Radio: 98.1
Stream: ESPN3.com

Despite Pressey's horribly ugly shoes, he was able to score 25 against the LSU Tigers in their first meeting. Even with Pressey's impressive night, LSU won the game 73-70, but Missouri is 15-0 at home this year. Missouri has tried to emulate Arkansas with their home/road record disparity. LSU is coming on strong, winning 7 of their last 9 contests and their last two road games.

In the two Tigers first meeting, Missouri forward, Laurence Bowers, was in his first game back from injury. He was held to 10 points and 6 rebounds. He is averaging 13.8 points and 6 rebounds per game and gives post help to their center Alex Oriakhi. LSU was led by Hickey (20pts, 4ast), Stringer (18pts, 5rebs), and O'Bryant (14pts, 11rebs). LSU will need to get major production out of at least three players again to beat Missouri at home. They only have two home losses in the last three years.

Missouri's defense has been their biggest issue. They allow 34.4% three point percentage in conference play (7th SEC) and 48.9% percentage from inside the arc (9th SEC). Their offense makes up for it. Missouri can score with the quickness. They have scored over 70 points in 11 of their 15 SEC games. They run their offense thru point gruard Phil Pressey who averages an SEC high 7.1 assists per game. However, he also turns it over 3.7 times per game.

Missouri Starters:
PG - Phil Pressey (5'11" 175 Jr) - 33.6 min, 12 pts, 7.1 ast, 1.9 stl
SG - Keion Bell (6'4" 200 Sr) - 25.1 min, 11.9 min, 4.2 rebs, 1.3 stl
SG - Jabari Brown (6'5" 205 So) - 33.3 min, 14.5 pts, 3.7 rebs, 37.6%3pt
PF - Laurence Bowers (6'8" 227 Sr) - 26.8 min, 13.8 pts, 6.0 rebs, 54%fg
C - Alex Oriakhi (6'9" 255 Sr) - 25.3 min, 10.8 pts, 8.6 rebs, 1.5 blks, 59.1%fg

LSU Starters:
PG - Anthony Hickey (5'11" 182 So) - 32.5 mins, 11.8 pts, 4.0 ast, 3.3 stl
SG - Andre Stringer (5'9" 178 Jr) - 30.4 min, 10.3 pts, 2.0 ast, 40.5%3pt
SG - Charles Carmouche (6'4" 187 Sr) - 25.2 min, 10.1 pts, 4.2 rebs, 3.4 ast, 35.8%3pt
PF - Johnny O'Bryant (6'9" 262 So) - 26.4 min, 13.6 pts, 8.7 rebs, 1.7 ast
C - Andrew Del Piero (7'3" 254 Sr) - 13.5 min, 4.2 pts, 3.2 rebs, 1.2 blks

It's very interesting to note that both teams have a player coming off the bench scoring over 10 points per game. Missouri has 6'5" guard Earnest Ross and LSU has 6'5" forward Shavon Coleman. You won't find another SEC game this season with more players averaging at least 10 points per game (11 total). While both teams have balanced scoring attacks, they have their stars.

LSU's Charles Carmouche has been a good indicator of LSU's offense. He has scored over 20 points in each of LSU's last 3 wins. He has averaged 22.3 points in his last three home games and only 2.5 in his last 2 away games. The senior will try and turn his road woes around be a scoring threat for LSU. Johnny O'Bryant had a poor game against Arkansas and looks to get back to his recent form. He has 12 double-doubles on the season, 10 of which are in SEC play.



While Pressey has the star power, Missouri's Oriakhi and Bowers are the bulls up front that make Missouri so tough. Missouri is second in team rebounds in the country. They are 6th in offensive rebound percentage so keeping Missouri off the glass will be a key for LSU. LSU will need very good games from their post players. If Johnny O'Bryant gets into foul trouble like he did against Arkansas, you can kiss LSU's chances goodbye.

LSU did win against Missouri when they were at home, but Missouri is a different monster at home. While LSU has been playing great ball, which I think continues, I do not think they will leave Mizzou Arena with a win. Do that have a chance? Of course. They really are playing very well, but it will take 3 or even 4 players stepping up big time to carry some of the load for the Tigers to leave victorious.

Prediction:
LSU 70, Missouri 78