I'm no expert, but as a casual observer, one intangible that used to come into play during the Dale Brown era was that real top flight competition brings out the best in both individual and team play. This wasn't so apparent earlier in the season, but now the team seems to have bought in to what Trent Johnson is teaching them. I think this season's late season losses were attributable to a lack of concentration because we were already in the tourney and that goal had been reached. Now, a new one is in play... beat UNC. It's all out one game at a time now. These seniors have been dreaming of a moment like this their whole lives since before high school, and now the moment is here. I think UNC will bring out the best in LSU's players. Win or lose, LSU won't leave anyting in the locker room for this game...especially on defense.
That is what I'm feeling also. All season it was an underdog mentality until there really wasn't anything to play for anymore. Now that it is all on the line I look for the tempo and emotion to be through the roof.
I agree with all of that. The questions are: (1) Can anyone keep Crazy-T from eating up the middle in points and rebounds? (2) Can LSU keep UNC below 70 points? If either of those are no, I think it's inevitable. Carolina has so much depth on the bench that they can foul two starters out early and still match LSU talent-talent everywhere except maybe MT. If I'm right in that, then that means they will aggressively attack MT and Taz and see if they can either frustrate them or get them in foul trouble. Butler tried, but couldn't do it all game. UNC >> Butler. IMO.
All 5 starters for Carolina average double figures. As a team, they average 90 points a game and give up 77. The difference between this game and some other games is that UNC will not be looking to slow LSU's tempo down. I look for a barnburner Saturday afternoon. 88-85 :lsup: :geauxtige
If he decides to run with them Roy Williams is going to be a very, very happy man. Beating Carolina will be difficult since we rely on a lot of jump shots and they get into their break in .1 seconds off of a missed shot. Slow it down, make them play half court defense, and hope we go crazy from outside.
We don't have the bench to keep up with as well. If we can be deliberate and take smart shots we should be fine on offense. It's just defending them that worries me. Q and Storm might have to step up with CJ more than likely getting into early foul trouble...
I think LSU's best chance is an up-tempo game. The Tigers have some folks who can hurt UNC from 3pt land. I disagree - UNC is normally up tempo, but I think LSU is a better than average defensive team in all but the post, and I think Carolina will exploit that like everyone else tries to. That means, in most cases, set up a play, and get the ball down low if possible. But I guess we'll see in a day!
