LSU 68, Texas A&M 57 - Recap & SEC seeding info

LSU spoils Texas A&M Senior day, beating the Aggies 68 to 57. With 3 minutes remaining and the Tigers up by 7, Coach Jones set up a completely new offensive look for LSU. Charles Carmouche, being guarded by Aggie senior and star, Elston Turner, was given the opportunity to finish the game on his own. With the other four Tiger players on the baseline as if they were about to run after practice, Carmouche made a step back jumper over Turner. After an A&M turnover, he did it again. Do it twice, just as nice. And with just under 90 seconds remaining Carmouche missed his third attempt, got his own rebound and put it in to ice the game.

Charles Carmouche ended the game with 20 points and a 5:1 assist to turnover ratio. He was also able to hold Elston Turner to 11 points. Turner had averaged 28 points in his last 4 games, and 33 in his last two home games. Johnny O'Bryant had a slow start to the game, but ended with another double double, scoring 11 and grabbing 10 boards. Andre Stringer had 10 points and 3 assists, while Andrew Del Piero had a very efficient game scoring 9 in 19 minutes.



Official Box Score can be found HERE

The Tigers shot 55% from inside the arc and 33.3% from three point range. LSU held a 27-25 lead at halftime, but were able to break the game open in the second half similarly to the way they did it at home against Texas A&M, with their full court press. LSU moved to the press for part of the second half and really stopped the Aggies. They forced Texas A&M into 18 turnovers, 8 of which were on steals. LSU also had 7 blocks, the most they have had in SEC play.

LSU's offense fed off their defense and they were able to score 41 second half points. LSU scored 32 points in the paint (aTm scored 30), 14 off turnovers (aTm scored 6) and 15 fast break points (aTm scored 4).

The most impressive thing about the game was that we aren't talking about Johnny O'Bryant's foul trouble. Having to sit for extended minutes, Andrew Del Piero, Jalen Courtney, and Shane Hammink were able to play above average to make up for a missing Johnny O'Bryant for stretches in both the first and second halves. In the first half, Hammink had his best play as a Tiger stealing the ball from Jordan Green (Morgan was awarded steal, but it was due to Hammink's defense), making an athletic move to get the ball, and going all the way to the bucket for the layup. Having the role players contribute is a necessary step for LSU moving forward.

In the end, it was all about Charles Carmouche and his senior leadership. He took the team on his back and ran across the finish line in this one. It was an impressive win for the Tigers and sets LSU up for a very good game this weekend against Ole Miss. It will be Charles Carmouche's last game as a Tiger. Other seniors include Andrew Del Piero and Eddie Ludwig. Everyone should try to attend the game for those players who have given so much to LSU over the years.



LSU Seeding Information

With LSU's win, they are in very good position. Unfortunately for the Tigers both Ole Miss and Tennessee won their games this week, so 6th place is out of the question. The good news for the Tigers is the 7 seed is a very good seed and could be LSU's for the taking, with some help.

Because LSU loses a three way tie between LSU, Tenn, and Arkansas, LSU needs Tennessee to beat Missouri at home on Saturday. LSU also needs Georgia to lose one of their remaining two games (play Kentucky tonight and Bama Saturday). LSU holds the head to head tie breaker with Arkansas so if both teams end up 10-8, the Tigers will get the higher seed.

If Texas A&M is able to beat Arkansas on the road, LSU would only need to finish ahead of Georgia to get the 7 spot. If LSU loses to Ole Miss and goes to 9-9, the Tigers could still end up in the 7 seed if Arkansas loses to Texas A&M and UGA loses both of their remaining games.

LSU wants to stay out of the 8 vs 9 seed game, which is set to have a second round game versus the Gators. Moving to the 7 seed would give LSU a game against the 10 seed followed by a game against the second seed, which will either be Kentucky, Missouri, or Alabama.