Basketball: LSU (17-10, 7-6) @ Ole Miss (15-12, 5-8) | Sat 12:45PM |TV: SECN

Basketball: LSU (17-10, 7-6) @ Ole Miss (15-12, 5-8) | Sat 12:45PM |TV: SECN

* Alexandria: KLAX-DT; Baton Rouge: WAFB; Lafayette: KADN; Lake Charles: KVHP; Monroe: KARD; New Orleans: WUPL; Shreveport: KMSS*

General Overview

Last time these two played we were talking about how Ole Miss was struggling losing 3 of their last 4. This time is no different. While the Rebels started the SEC season on a good foot, they have lost 5 of their last 6. Of their 5 wins, 0 have come against a team with an SEC record above .500. While Ole Miss has struggled, LSU has hit their stride and have won 5 of their last 6. The Tigers are in a 3 way tie for 4th place looking to solidify their NCAA hopes with a big road victory against a top 100 RPI team.

Their recent trend of losing has come off a major swing in their defensive efficiency. Last time we faced Ole Miss their defensive efficiency was 28th in the nation, while they now sport an efficiency of 76th in the nation. In that same period LSU has moved from a defensive efficiency of 26th in the nation to 24th. LSU defeated Ole Miss by 26 points in Baton Rouge, but I expect a much closer battle in Oxford. Ole Miss is 4-3 at home in SEC play and LSU is 1-5 on the road, but did win their last game at South Carolina.

Schedule and SEC stakes

LSU needs 1 loss from Alabama and then they control their own destiny for a first round SEC bye and a 4th place SEC finish. LSU has started to get noticed for their performances of late. With the added publicity every game becomes a huge chance to show that LSU is an NCAA tourney team. Ole Miss has dropped off and is likely already out of contention for a tourney birth. They have a legit chance for an NIT birth. Both teams will play hard and it should be an exciting SEC game.

PG Matchup


#1 Anthony Hickey 5’10” 172 Freshman
Vs.

#32 Jarvis Summers 6’4” 184 Freshman

*In the first matchup, Hickey was definitely the victor. He was able to get 12 points and 7 assists while Summers was held to 1-7 shooting and only 1 assist. Look for Hickey to try and work the offensive side of the game. He has been a little less productive lately and needs to get back to form for post season.

2 Guard Matchup


#10 Andre Stringer 5’9” 170 Sophomore
Vs.

#20 Nick Williams 6’4” 210 Junior

*Andre Stringer has been more productive the past few games than he has his whole career. He has played great defense, and his shots have begun to fall. Nick Williams averages 10 points per game but was only allowed 6 points in the first meeting.

3 Guard Matchup


#22 Ralston Turner 6’6” 193 Sophomore
Vs.

#31 Murphy Holloway 6’7” 240 Junior

*Holloway plays more like a forward than a guard. The 3 forwards will be played back and forth between Turner, O’Bryant, and Hamilton. I also expect some Eddie Ludwig to try and guard these big players. Holloway leads the team in rebounds and most likely will be down low more than not.

Forward Matchup


#2 Johnny O’Bryant 6’9” 262 Freshman
Vs.

#1 Terrance Henry 6’9” 210 Senior

*Terrance Henry leads the team in scoring and is a Monroe native. O’Bryant has been on fire lately and has looked hard to stop. This should be a fun matchup to watch all night.

Center Matchup


#41 Justin Hamilton 7’0” 260 Junior
Vs.

#23 Reginald Buckner 6’9” 225 Junior

*Buckner is an athletic player who will try to block shots and make the lane his zone. Hamilton has been getting double teamed immediately lately and has not been able to get his game going. Opponents will have to stop doubling him if LSU continues to hit shots the way they have, but I don’t see that being tonight.

Stats:



Prediction:

LSU 65 Ole Miss 60