Starting early: Alabama @ LSU Thread

I'm sure you guys will see our 2-3 zone. Your perimeter shooting has been a little suspect and I think that CMG will make you guys beat us from there. I will admit that guarding GD is going to be tough but we have some really good defenders in Davidson and Hendrix.

They will go to Davidson early and often. He's really improved his mid-range game from last year also, so at the top of the key, in the high-post offense we run, he has also been effective.

I anticipate the press. If Brady doesn't press, he's an idiot. Until we can show that we can break the press, I dont see why teams would go away from it. We haven't done well...AT ALL with the press this year (i.e. Memphis game) but with Hollinger and Steele both on the floor at the same time helps.

Steele (39 pts/5 steals) and Davidson (47 pts/16 rbs) have just been possessed out there the past 2 games. You guys have to keep those guys contained because they are going to get theirs. Gee and Felix's play will determine whether we win tomorrows game.

 

I think a lot of folks are acting like 'Bama is a crushed team without Davis, but I for one am not buying it. They were picked by many to still win the West and that's because of Steele at point, a more respected CMG and other players returning with talent and experience. I believe LSU recruited Alonzo Gee and I think there are going to be some good athletes on the court for
Bama.

But... why PRESS? :shock: First off, I don't believe Brady's EVER played a press strategically (unless he had to after the Tigers were down 10 with 2 minutes to go). And, why tire out the few guards we have? I thought guard play was one of 'Bama's strengths (i.e., Steele)? Or perhaps they have a lot of 6-6-6'8" guys trying to play guard? Anyways, I don't think you make D.Mitch, Voogd and Temple press at the expense of tiring them out on offense. I wouldn't be surprised if Brady doesn't try to play some zone actually and make Bama shoot some threes--they're a worse 3 point shooting team than the Tigers shock: ) at 29%.

I think it's going to be a medium paced (high 60s-low 70s), but half-court game where defense is the emphasis. I still see the Tigers winning at home, perhaps 6-8 points is the difference. If Tigers play good d on the perimeter and GDavis and TThomas show up like they have been the last few games, and one of Tas', Mitch or Temple play big on offense, we should win comfortably. I don't see how without C.Davis your inside guys match up.

I'm just as interested in the attendance. If there are less than 10,000 (actually) in the stands, I'll be disappointed...:geauxtige This may be one of the bigger SEC West home games for the Tigers, and if there aren't fans in the stands, it's a testament to how bad the "fans" have become (and I don't want to start another debate justifying why fans won't come... it's just a shame, plain and simple, to not have a packed or near packed arena for THE SEC West leading school facing it's division rival).

 

LSU 78 UA 66

Tiger's front line is too much. LSU won't press more than a few minutes and will play mostly man with zone for a max of 5 posessions. We'll outrebound by 10 and commit less than 15 turnovers.

 

This is the real key... we beat ourselves more then we get beat

 

Now this...THIS is good analysis. :thumb:
When I called for you guys to press, I just simply forgot the fact that this isn't the same 5 that played a horrible game against Memphis. Chuck is out of the lineup but before his injury, we had a 6'2'' (Steele), then a 6'7'' Gee or Felix at the 2. Sure, they can dribble, but they didn't possess the ball-handling skills to break a press. This caused BIG problems early in the year and frustrated our players, tiring them and causing a collapse on the offensive end.

Our guys aren't scared to shoot...Felix especially. He will hoist up NBA type 3's if you give him a smidge of room. He's very streaky and can be off or on. If you let him hit his first, you've really messed up. Steele is the best PG in the SEC BAR NONE! He's revamped his game since Chuck has went down and takes initiative to shoot...and he can shoot--and drive. Freshman PG/SG Hollinger is small but he can also shoot and is getting his confidence up.

No doubt you guys are prolly the most athletic team in the SEC--prolly the country, but we have some athletes too. Like you said, Gee is really starting to come on. He's VERY solid on the defensive end but just needs to be a little smarter with the ball. When Evan Brock is in the game, he's a NO threat scorer (unless he's dunking--which I would put money on him in a college dunk contest) but he's in there as a Rodman-type. Grab the boards because he can jump out of the gym.

Since we really only go 7 deep, fouls will be a factor. Also, I think you people underestimate Davidson. He made Randolph Morris his uknowwhat. He's getting better at passing the ball as the double comes. I think it's going to be a great game. I hope we just keep it close. Coming of a OT win against Arky is an awesome confidence booster. We were down 13 with 10 minutes left in the game and won. Unreal. I cant wait! 5 Hours! :thumb:

 

This is a great thread.

 

I cant determine if that is sarcasm or what...?

Sorry if I am taking it out of context if you are being for real...Just never know when I am involved in a thread! LOL

 

Another thing...Dont expect to see Steele bring the ball up every time. He and Hollinger kind of "feel" who needs to bring it up. They kind of rotate.

 

No, it really is. Unless you see :dis: my posts usually are straight up.


That said, :dis:









:grin:

 

Just drove past P Mac. There is already a line outside. I am heading up there with an ice chest full of beer and ready to make a lot of noise!