LSU Hoops vs. Northwestern - Thursday, Nov 17 2PM ESPNU

LSU (1-1) vs. Northwestern (1-0)

**Charleston Classic in Charleston South Carolina**

Thursday, Nov 17th 2PM TV:ESPNU, Radio:100.7, Internet: ESPN3

LSU looks to “rebound” from their performance against Coastal Carolina on Tuesday against Big 10 foe Northwestern. LSU started the CC game strong but quickly fizzled out due to some untimely rebounding and fouls. Coach TJ continues his tenure with a very unstructured offense that allows players to shoot when they want, but hasn’t gotten LSU the easiest shots. Over 30% of our points come from three pointers. Though the CC game was not up to par with what LSU fans want, it is not quite time to get off the wagon on this years very young team.

Northwestern won their only game this season 60-36 against Texas PanAm. Fortunate for the Tigers, Northwestern isn’t the greatest rebounding team, which was certainly their downfall earlier this week. They are led by Senior forward John Shurna. The 6’9” Shurna does it all. He had 15 points in their opener including 1-1 from behind the arc, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a blocked shot. He has an ungly looking jump shot that somehow falls (see Storm Warren). He had a few injuries last season and still made 3rd team all Big 10. Unlike CC this team has some size, but only had 32 rebounds in their first game (LSU averages 38). They have a 6’11” Senior Center Luke Mirkovic who has started 65 games in his career but only averaged 5 rebounds a game last year. He shot over 40% from three. We need to get out on him and guard him.

Overall as a team they are very secure with the ball and try to create easy shots. This team is projected middle of the pack Big 10 this year and this is a winnable game, but not likely.

On the good hand, they only shot 22% from three point land in their first game and only outrebounded Texas PanAm by 2. With these being LSU’s two worst spots so far this season, it bodes well for our chances. They like to slow the game down like past LSU teams and work a half-court offense. This will be a game that should help simulate SEC play even more than CC due to their style of play.

Starting Lineup (1st game stats)

Reggie Hearn (G) 6'4"210 Jr – 7pts, 4 ast, 3stls, 1 blk, 5reb
John Shurna (F) 6'9" 215 Sr – 15pts, 2ast, 2stls, 1blk, 5reb, 3TO
Luke Mirkovic (C) 6'11" 245 Sr – 12pts, 1ast, 5reb
Tre Demps (G) 6'2" 195 Fr– 1pts, 1ast, 3reb, 1TO
Dave Sobolewski (G) 6'1" 175 Fr – 6pts, 3ast, 5reb

**They start 2 Freshman so they may have some growing pains as well.

Prediction:
NU 70 - LSU 63