Recap: LSU 71, College of Charleston 47

For the first time this season, LSU had no players play over 35 minutes of action. That is indicative of the control LSU had on this game. Jarell Martin was unable to warm-up due to being in a car accident while driving to the game, but he was still able to lead the Tigers in scoring with 18 points. Jordan Mickey added another double double scoring 15, rebounding 10 and blocking 6 shots. Hornsby rounded out the double figure scoring with 11 of his own. Starting point guard Josh Gray was once again held out of action.

LSU has looked convincingly better as December has moved on. It is indicative in their Ken Pommeroy Algorithmic Ranking that has moved LSU from 95th at the beginning of the month to 53rd after last night's victory. LSU received 7 votes in the AP Poll yesterday, good enough for 33rd. LSU's RPI (ESPN) is 21 and their BPI is 34. They are even being shown as an 8 seed in many bracketologies. While NCAA Tournament bids aren't won in December, many are lost; and LSU has done nothing but help their case with their recent 6 game winning streak.

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LSU led from start to finish in this one and their first half defense was about as good as we've seen the past 3 years. The Tigers held Charleston to 15 first half points and only allowed Charleston 0.64 points per possession easily the best this season. It was also Charleston's lowest point total and per possession numbers of the season, including games against UCONN, Texas A&M, West Virginia, and Davidson.

Offensively, LSU went to the basket early and often. They were able to force 29 free throw attempts, the most they've had all season. LSU also was able to hit 6 of 13 from three point range. LSU outrebounded the Cougars 43-34 and forced them to shoot only 27.3% from the three point line.

Jalyn Patterson had another very solid game in the absence of Josh Gray. He led the team with 4 assists and 3 steals, both career highs. Over the last 4 games, Patterson is averaging 3.25 assists to only 1.00 turnover a game. LSU also got significant minutes from Elbert Robinson, who looked very comfortable passing out of the post. He had 3 assists and only 1 turnover. He also added 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 2 points.

The topping on the cake may have been the last 4 minutes where LSU was able to give extended minutes to the walkons. Both Brandon Eddlestone and Henry Shortess hit three's bringing the PMAC crowd to their feet.

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