LSU vs Southern Miss SECN+, PMAC, 7PM

LSU started off well Friday night defeating a pretty sound Wofford team. Coming into the season, most of the fanbase was apathetic or downright displeased with the program. Some of us "sunshine pumpers" told many people we could have a decent squad. I feel that way more than ever. I do not think this is an NCAAT type of team, but I think they could be a bubble team and potentially an NIT team.

For all of CJJ's downfalls as a coach, one thing he has always done is outperform expectations when there are none. However, his problem is that he greatly under performs when there are any expectations at all. One thing that looks great is the effort. We have several new players that seem to really battle and WANT to play.

I don't think Reath will kill SEC competition, but I can see him averaging about 12-14 with 7-8 rebounds, which is what Victor should be around, too. We just need Blakeney to start taking better shots. I'm worried about Mays and his outside shot, but man, his court vision and composure seem really special. He's big, smooth, calm...he may be my favorite player on the team already.

PROJECTED LINEUPS:
LSU-

F Duop Reath: 6'10 235
F Aaron Epps: 6'10 220
G Brandon Sampson: 6'5 193
G Antonio Blakeney: 6'4 197
G Skylar Mays: 6'4 205

Southern Miss-

F Raheem Watts 6'7 215
F Eddie Davis III 6'7 248
G Quinton Campbell 6'7 192
G Kevin Holland 6'1 175
G Cortez Edwards 6'2 170

Note, the starting lineup probably won't look this way, but this is by far their best 5. They had 2 starters play less than 20 minutes, and 4 bench players play over 20 minutes. It is a bit deceiving however, they played a Double OT game to start the season. They squeaked by NAIA school Tougaloo with a late 3 and 2 late FTs to seal the deal. This is a team that should be overmatched.

Offensively:
Southern Miss does not like to shoot the 3 ball. They were 7/14 from 3, but don't let the percentage deceive you. In a 50 minute game, they shot 14 3's...compare that to their opponent who shot 30. They had a huge advantage inside and really made an effort to get into the lane. They shot 37 FTs and made 26 for 70%. Again, it is hard to really get a gauge on a team offensively when they play an NAIA school and dominate inside.

They had 7 guys get into double figures, but no one over 15. They don't have a star, but Watts/Davis/Edwards are their best players.

Honestly, Southern Miss is not a very good team. They have beaten 1 NAIA school in double OT, another NAIA in an exhibition by not much, and a Division II school in OT. This should be a pretty easy match for LSU as long as they are somewhat focused. I expect Reath to absolutely kill it again


Prediction:

LSU: 88
USM: 65