It was a good run and Lawson was the difference. Ellington was incredible as well. However, Marcus Thornton could start for NC or any team in the nation. He's the best player I've seen at LSU since the Chris Jackson/Shaq era and one of the very best in the nation. It was an exciting game and that's all I could ask for. They just were too deep for us and had a little too much talent for us. But our guys played really hard. Johnson was awesome today along with Mitchell. I just read the Los Angeles Times page and the headline stated that North Carolina had to rally to win. I was glad to see it accurately portrayed. In that environment with that team, we did good. The future should be bright at LSU.
I agree that he's one of the best players at LSU in a long time, but I still don't think he starts over Ellington. I guess it's arguable though. It isn't as if NC got significant contributions from 10 players. Ed Davis is the only bench player that did anything for them in this game. Temple couldn't stay with Ellington and Bo Spencer couldn't even think about staying with an injured Lawson. I'd say we kept Hansbrough in relative check. As usual, backcourts decide things in the tournament.
It funny how no media mention this, They both have home games for the first two rounds so its easy for them to make it to the sweet 16 every year. But they wouldn't let Memphis or Louisville be in the South regional though
Oh yeah, it really was their regular starting five and Davis that did all the damage. It's just that they probably got about 15 minutes or more out of their bench players than we got out of ours to give various guys a rest. We started to look real tired toward the end and I think that they weren't quite as tired as us. I thought we did a great job on Hansbrough. We just couldn't keep up with Lawson and Ellington. We played good, they played better.
im disappointed. i think ctj's opinion that the O will take care of itself really backfired. this team did as well as it could have on the defensive end, but sooooo many jump shots. drives and quick posts were going ok, plus there would have been a few more foul shots.
Driving the lane and paint shots got us back into the game and a 5 point lead in the second half. Not sure why we went away from that when NC started their run. Started popping 3's with 15 seconds left on the shot clock.
Agree with you, but you gotta give UNC defense credit here, too. They stepped it up a notch simultaneous to taking advantage of some opportunities on the offensive side of the court. That's college basketball, runs are going to happen, and it's how you are able to respond to that run. LSU is only 1-2 deep on the bench, just not enough to get to the finish line against a team like UNC. I am proud of the Tigers for how hard they fought and on a great season!!! They have set the stage for the return of excellence and consistency in the basketball program.
No way I thought LSU could be leading UNC halfway through the second half. Was I let down a little when the run didn't last? Yes. But UNC >>> LSU in terms of talent at each position 2 deep. Awesome game by LSU and a testament to CTJ's emphasis on teamwork, full-time hustle, never giving up, and DEFENSE. LSU did more this year with 1 great player, 1 good player, and a team full of works-in-progress than any other team in the nation, probably. GREAT season and a phenomenal end. IMO.
yes, and extended periods poor decisions on offense. why does this sound familiar? we have different definitions of "phenomenal".
I disagree. I think we have completely different expectations of the 2008/09 LSU basketball team. Relative to that, I think our definition of phenomenal is the same.
