re: LSU 68, Texas A&M 57 - Recap & SEC seeding info

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SouthOfSouth

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good analysis

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If the season ended today (I wish)

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That would be Johnny Jones' dream bracket.

keeping fingers crossed

I wouldn't mind aTm passing up Vandy. I think we could beat them again. I think with the way Carmouche is playing defense, he can shut down any team that relies heavy on 1 player.

That's why I like my chances against Ole Miss.

This team has really progressed lately.
A HUGE part of that has been the play of Mouche, dude has been a straight baller the last few games.
Bottom Line is that LSU is playing some good basketball. Actually losing to Mizzou showed that as much as anything.
If this team only had another interior player or 2 they could be NCAA bound.

Kudo's last night to ADP, Coleman, Hammink, and Courtney. With JOB in foul trouble during crunch time they were able to hang in there.

I know I'll be there. Trying to get some buddies to come too.

I drove from Houston last night to watch the Tigers, really surprised how small the crowd was for Senior night. I was glad SOS would talk about the offense the last 4 minutes, when we let carmouche handle the ball while spreading 4 wide on the baseline. It looks like he is the true leader when i thought Hickey/JOB III would be in that role. It was good we adjusted to the matchup the heavier Turner really killed us on the glass and with put backs, and moved JOB off his spot at times. CJJ took the ball and put it in our best play makers hand and we dropped the hammer on them Aggies. Hickey didn't have one of his better games and JOB was in foul trouble this shows how much we've matured as a team since the beginning of the year. We would not have won this game in the beginning of SEC play. Go to Hell Ole Miss, Geaux Tigers!

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One thing that I didn't see mentioned but that I have to give props to is Hickey's lack of shots, especially in the first half last night. He only took 1 shot (a make) that I am aware of in the first half and his ability to show more control will be very important to the team in the tournament and next year. I especially have to give him props as I have not been his biggest fan this year due to his shot selection. With better selection I think he could shoot close to 50% next year.

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I think we need Hickey to score for us to win the SEC Tournament. But he needs to take good shots. Last night he didn't have many opportunities to take shots and he didn't force things. That is good, but he needs to be able to get shots off.

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Now if only we could control the urge to go Loyola Marymount hoisting up 3's when we get a 14 point lead in the second half.

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LSU Struggles when JOB is on the bench. We only took 18 three pointers last night so I won't complain about that at all.

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As for cJJ, I thought his substitutions in the 1st half were bad. Loved his move to the press 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Caught the Aggies off guard. Surprised I didn't see some of the zone last night.

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Im not aware of any bad substitution patters? details? I agree the press worked very well. As for the zone, I just don't think LSU plays a zone very well. We use pressure on the ball so much when we are in man to man but they don't bring that intensity to the zone. Until they can bring the intensity to a zone defense, I think we are better out of it.

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If I'm not mistaken, we got out of the press and went to a 2-3 zone when A&M made that run to get back within 4.

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I don't remmeber us in a zone for very long. I know for a couple possessions we did that 3/4 court 2-3 extended zone. Its crazy how much better they play when they extend the zone. Active hands and quick feet.

This team has really improved over the course of the season. They really need a raucous crowd to lift them Saturday. I believe the NCAA Tournament is even still in sight.

I think the difference in Carmouche is all mental. For a while there during the season he was very careless with the ball and making bad decisions. Most of the team was that way actually. Playing without intensity until they got way behind. Not paying attention to the ball or what was happening.

Watching the replay from last night I saw a Carmouche that was intent, determined, totally alert and focused like a razor. With his leadership the rest of the team, for the most part, was the same way. Kept their focus and were very business like in the way they kept to the game plan on offense and defense. They didn't get frustrated when A&M slowed the game down and played tight defense.

This is winning basketball. Learn where your strengths are and then play to them. For instance, we still moved the offense through JOB although he wasn't having a great scoring game. By doing that we forced the Aggies to pay attention to him and it freed up our other guys.

The furture is bright. You better wear shades!