Here's a look at LSU's pre SEC sechedule. Some tough teams and a couple of tourneys provide the Tigers some interesting challenges. Maine (2003-04, 25-7 1st round of NCAA) Black Bears had the #11 scoring defense in the nation last year holding opposing teams to 55.8 points per game. The top two scorers graduated but Maine still has 5-7 playmaker who had 112 assists to 54 turnovers and registered 54 steals. Like most teams who can't match up athetically with LSU, watch Maine emply a zone on a defense, challenging the Tigers to find the seams or shoot over it. If Maine can control the tempo and get good shots, the game could get interesting. I expect that a close game through the first half will be broken open as LSU employs depth and speed to create mismatches. No one to stop Seimone. Baton Rouge Virigina (13-16) or Arizona State (17-12). The once great Virginia Cavaliers may feel like they have the pieces to get back to the NCAA tourney but this current incarnation has the reputation as being undiscplined. Led by Forward Brandi Teamer and guard LaToya BLue, this is a very physical team. While they've had great games in the past (taking DUke to the wire two years ago), they have not been consistent. Teamer could be a handful if she is ready to go. BLue will probably guard Augustus. Cavs can go man to man but also zone against the tigers. LSU is going to have to play smart to find the mismatches in their offensive sets. A good test of LSU's interior strength. ASU (17-12 1st round of WNIT). ASU is extremely unselfish as they had 3 players with over 60 assists and they averaged 16.4 assists per game, 25th in the nation. All starters are back along with a strong bench. ASU will probably employ a deliberate offense to move the ball around and in and out while zoning on the defesnive end...this team may be similar to Oregon, who last year beat LSU. The Tigers are going to have to hit some outside shots to extend the zone so that Seimone or Temeka can penetrate. Again, mismatches exist but LSU will have to take time working the ball around to create them. Baylor (26-9, lost by two points to the VOls in the Sweet 16). Led by Stephanie Blackmon, Sophia Young, and EMily Nieman, Baylor has been ranked as a top 10 team by some publications. Last year the Bears were #6 in total offense, #3 in assists with 18.8 per game, and #19 in FG % DEFENSE. Blackmon and Young provide the interior firepower, while Nieman hit 44% of her shots from beyond the arc last season. Like Virginia, Baylor can mix things up and go zone or man to man and anywhere in between against LSU. Nieman will have to be guarded like a bank and Blackmon and Young are good at creating mismatches. LSU is going to have to rebound well and Fowles will definitely be counted on to hold down the middle. The game is in Texas so it will be important for LSU to take out the crowd.
