Preview: LSU Hoops @ Ole Miss

Who: LSU Tigers (12-3,1-1) @ Ole Miss Rebels (10-5,1-1)
When: Wednesday, January 14th - 6:00PM
Where: Oxford, MS - Tad Smith Coliseum (9,061, 121st NCAA)
How:
***TV: SECN
***Radio: 98.1FM
***Stream: SECN+ via ESPN3.com

LSU played in two thrillers last week in an overtime loss to Missouri and a double overtime win over Georgia. Don't expect much to change Wednesday night when LSU hits the road to take on the Ole Miss Rebels. LSU will have their hands full with the perimeter play of Ole Miss.

The Rebels have two players who you do not want shooting the three. Stefan Moody (5'10" Jr) shoots 40% from three (34/85) and LaDarius White (6'6" Sr) shoots 49.1% from deep (27/55). As a team, Ole Miss is the #1 free throw shooting team in the country hitting 79.1%.

On defense, the Rebels run a very active 2-3 zone that will frustrate the Tiger post players. When opponents get the ball to the high wing area, Ole Miss will double team the perimeter, so quickly getting the ball around the key and driving into the lane can create opportunities for LSU down low. However, LSU's best offense will likely come in transition, so the Tigers must force turnovers and run with long rebounds.

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In SEC play, Ole Miss lost to Kentucky in overtime on the road 89-86 and beat South Carolina at home 65-49. One of the best ways to attack Ole Miss is at the free throw line. In each of Ole Miss' last 3 losses their opponent made more than 20 free throws. On defense, you have to guard the perimeter. Their perimeter players are their most effective offensive weapons.

Keys to the Game

Guard the Perimeter: Moody, Summers, and White are the Rebels three best players. They can shoot the three and they can shoot free throws. They each shoot over 78% from the line and each have range from deep. Patterson and Quarterman will be asked to come off the bench and guard the hot hand as both of those players have shown plus defensive ability.

Finish Through Contact: When LSU's forwards get an opportunity in the paint, they cannot shy away from contact. They will have multiple defenders crash down on them and finishing through contact will be vital to the success of the Tigers.

Hit the Deep Ball: LSU showed how important the three pointer can be when they were able to beat Georgia on Saturday with 11 three pointers. Ole Miss' zone will leave some open looks from three and LSU must knock some down. LSU won't get Ole Miss out of their zone, but they can force Ole Miss to open up the middle more if they hit the long jumpers.

Prediction:

LSU 71, Ole Miss 80