LSU (6-0) @ Boise St (6-2) - Friday 8:00pm - NO TV

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It’s time for late night at Taco Bell; well it’s really time for an 8PM matchup at the Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho. On Friday LSU (6-0) faces the Boise State Broncos (6-2) in the Tigers first venture outside The House That Johnny Built. Boise has had some impressive games so far, but have also had a couple of "what just happened" games as well. LSU leads the SEC with 8 three-pointers per game, while Boise comes in averaging 8.1 per game. In Boise States two losses they only had 5 three point makes apiece.

Boise State's main problem has been defense. They are allowing opponents to shoot over 55% from inside the three point line. Not surprising for a team that doesn't really have many big men. They are in a situation very similar to LSU's where they have much smaller players then their opponents. Noone over 6'6" plays over 50% of their minutes.

LSU will need to capitalize on their advantage down low with Johnny O'Bryant and Andrew Del Piero while preventing Boise from making a ton of threes. It will also be interesting to see how LSU can take advantage of their size on the boards. LSU averages 44.2 rebounds per game while Boise only pulls down 31.4 per game. This may be deceiving though. The Broncos only allow 29 rebounds per game mostly due to the fact that no one misses many shots when Boise plays.

All that being said, Boise State won at #11 Creighton and only lost at #15 Michigan State by 4. On the other end of the spectrum, they only beat ULL by 6 and got killed by Utah 76-55 on the road. They have been tested.

LSU comes into this game with some question marks. They may be missing their starting point guard Anthony Hickey (suspension) and their starting shooting guard, senior Charles Carmouche (knee). If both of these players cannot go it will be very tough for the Tigers to leave the Taco Bell Arena still undefeated. Having at least one available may be a prerequisite for success. The Tigers must put major emphasis on protecting the three point line and protecting the ball.

LSU was able to have a positive assist to turnover ratio for only the second time this season in their victory over UT-Chattanooga Tuesday night (19:16), and while LSU's defense has been good, they haven't played an offense quite like the Bronco's since they gave up 95 to Northwestern State.


Boise St Broncos Projected Lineup:

1. #2 Derrick Marks (6'3" 206 So) - 18.6PPG, 3.4APG, 2.5SPG, 85%FT

2. #12 Igor Hadziomerovic (6'4" 202 So) - 6.9PPG, 2.5APG, 42%3PT

3. #11 Jeff Elorriaga (6'2" 180 Jr) - 8.4PPG, 3.3RPG, 41%3PT

4. #3 Anthony Drmic (6'6" 196 So) - 14.3PPG, 5.0RPG, 3.0APG, 80%FT, 40%3PT

5. #00 Ryan Watkins (6'9" 229 Jr) - 7.5PPG, 4.6RPG, 84%FT, 65%FG


LSU Tigers Projected Lineup:

1. #10 Andre Stringer (5'9" 178 Jr) - 11.0PPG, 2.0APG, 41%3PT

2. #0 Charles Carmouche (6'4" 187 Sr) - 9.5PPG, 2.7APG, 2.3SPG, 75%FT
or #11 Shane Hammink (6'7" 208 Fr) - 5.3PPG, 3.0RPG, 42%3PT

3. #24 Malik Morgan (6'4" 188 Fr) - 6.3PPG, 4.3RPG, 2.5SPG

4. #2 Johnny O'Bryant (6'9" 262 So) - 13.6PPG, 9.0RPG, 40%3PT

5. #55 Andrew Del Piero (7'3" 254 Sr) - 4.7PPG, 2.8RPG, 1.5BPG, 71%FG





PG Derrick Marks is the guy to watch for the Broncos. He scores in bunches and is pretty good with the ball. Statistically I think LSU can hang with the Broncos. Being LSU's first road test, it will be interesting to see how the team reacts. If they react well, then this is a very winnable game. Especially if the Tigers can slow down the Bronco offense.

Prediction:

LSU 81, Boise St 76

If Carmouche plays I think LSU has a very good shot at winning this game.