Who: SMU Mustangs (Blue and Red)
What: NIT Sweet 16
When: Monday, March 24 - 8:00pm central time
Where: Moody Coliseum (~ 7,000 Recently renovated to add suites)
How: TV: ESPN, Radio: 98.1FM, Stream: ESPN3.com

After one of LSU's best away games of the season, the Tigers try to win their third straight away game of the season when they head to Dallas to face SMU. The Mustangs are coached by legendary NBA coach Larry Brown who has transformed the SMU program into a winner faster than anyone could have imagined.

SMU mixes up defenses and keeps opponents off balance. They have the 11th best defensive efficiency in the country only allowing 0.93 points per possession.

SMU was likely the last team left out of the NCAA Tournament after losing their last 3 games of the year. Still, The Mustangs are a very quality opponent.

They start a 5'9" 170 So PG but have length everywhere else.

Anthony Hickey will have his hands full with Nic Moore who not only shoots extremely well from the outside, but is able to get into the paint and distribute very well for a smaller guard. The Mustangs will rotate in a lot of post players to keep everyone energized so the Tigers won't be able to really wear out the defense. Still, LSU cannot afford to settle for jump shots all game.

The Mustangs Schedule:

Their only home loss of the season has come against Louisville, so winning in Moody Coliseum isn't the easiest thing to do, still I'm hearing LSU will have a strong contingent of fans.

**If you are planning on attending, get to Moody early and GA tickets go sit in the unofficial LSU section 213. Be loud! Doors open at 6:30**

Keys to the game:

Protect the Paint: While SMU's 3 point percentage may be intimidating, they rarely shoot from outside, however they do score 58.2% of their points from inside the three point line. That's 16th most in the NCAA. LSU has to protect the paint.

Rebounding: LSU is a different team when they are rebounding well. They need to be the team that forces 1 shot possessions and is able to get second chance points. SMU is good on the glass so it is imperative that the Tigers work hard after every missed shot.

Senior Leadership: Shavon Coleman and Andre Stringer need to play a significant role in LSU's game. They both had great second halves against USF to give the Tigers the lead. Timely three pointers from these two men and an emotional edge the others can feed off is imperative.

Interesting Facts:

~Andre Stringer needs 1 more three point basket to break a tie for second most three pointers in LSU history. He is currently tied with Torris Bright with 237 career threes.

~SMU only allows 41.4% opponent shooting from two point range. That's 6th best in the NCAA.

~SMU averages 66.6 possessions per game while LSU averages 69.9 possessions per game.

~Johnny O'Bryant has made it to the FT line 180 times this year. Noone on SMU has gone to the line more than 147 times.

~Jordan Mickey is from Dallas so it will be a homecoming for the freshman.

Prediction:
SMU 76, LSU 71