LSU Tigers
SEC (22-10, 11-7)
LSU has been up and down this season, with plenty of good wins, but also many bad losses. They beat Arkansas solidifying their spot in the NCAA’s, but then lost to Auburn in the SEC Tournament hurting their seeding. They’ve done enough to get in the postseason though, and definitely have the talent to go far. If the Tigers can be consistent, they can surprise a lot of people.
Big Wins: 12/4 at West Virginia (74-73), 1/14 at Mississippi (75-71), 3/7 at Arkansas (81-78)
Bad Losses: 1/8 at Missouri (67-74), 1/31 at Mississippi State (67-73), 3/4 Tennessee (63-78)
Coach: Johnny Jones
Why They Can Surprise:
This LSU team has some SCARY talent. They have the M&M duo; Jarrell Martin and Jordan Mickey, who have tore it up this season. They have combined for 32.4 points per game this year, and are two of the top players in the SEC. They are guys that can compete with some of the other top players in the country, and could lead LSU to a win or two in the tourney. Three-point machine Keith Hornsby, who hit the game winner at Arkansas, also leads the Tigers. Jalyn Patterson and Tim Quarterman are two young guns that have really stepped it up this year, and are also big contributors. They have a terrific starting five with these guys, and have already upset ranked teams such as Arkansas and West Virginia, BOTH on the road. Don’t forget, this team was also a shot away at the buzzer from beating Kentucky…that being said, if LSU gets a good draw, the Tigers could be a Sweet 16 or an Elite 8 team. They are that scary.
Why They Can Disappoint:
Along with all their great wins, LSU has some abysmal losses, making them one of the most inconsistent teams in the country. They have lost to four out of the five SEC’s worst teams in Mizzou, Auburn, Mississippi State and Tennessee. They are a win one, lose one type of team and you can’t afford inconsistency in the NCAA Tournament. They do step up their game against good teams, but if they don’t play up to their full potential, the Tigers will have an early exit.
Probable Starters:
Jalyn Patterson, Freshman, Guard, 6.7 ppg, 2.2 apg
Tim Quarterman, Sophomore, Guard, 11.3 ppg, 3.9 apg, 5.1 rpg
Keith Hornsby, Junior, Guard, 13.6 ppg, 2.2 apg, 4.2 rpg
Jarrell Martin, Sophomore, Forward, 16.9 pg, 9.2 rpg
Jordan Mickey, Sophomore, Forward, 15.5 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 3.6 bpg
Key Roleplayers:
Josh Gray, Junior, Guard, 7.2 ppg, 3.9 apg
Brian Bridgewater, Sophomore, Forward, 2.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg
Darcy Malone, Sophomore, Center, 0.9 ppg, 1.5 rpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 73.8 (38th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 67.5 (205, 10)
Field-Goal Percentage: 45.9 (68, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 40.2 (62, 5)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 5.7 (234, 9)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 33.7 (203, 8)
Free-Throw Percentage: 69.8 (145, 7)
Rebound Margin: 2.1 (110, 8)
Assists Per Game: 15.8 (13, 2)
Turnovers Per Game: 14.5 (319, 13)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2014 NIT First Round win over San Francisco
2014 NIT Second Round loss to SMU
2012 NIT First Round loss to Oregon
2009 NCAA Round of 64 win over Butler
2009 NCAA Round of 32 loss to North Carolina
2006 NCAA Round of 64 win over Iona
2006 NCAA Round of 32 win over Texas A&M
2006 NCAA Regional semifinal win over Duke
2006 NCAA Regional final win over Texas
2006 NCAA National semifinal loss to UCLA
2005 NCAA Round of 64 loss to UAB
2004 NIT First Round loss to Oklahoma
2003 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Purdue
*all team stats through 3/8
See All Men’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
