Trent Johnson's men's basketball team is off to a pretty good start. The Tigers have beaten UL-Monroe, Indiana State, and Western Kentucky. Those last two victories came in the first round of the NIT Tip Off tournament. LSU travels to New York for a matchup with UCONN next Wed.
I've watched bits and pieces of all three games on LSUSports.net. My impression is that this is going to be an interesting season for LSU. Even after losing some very big contributers from last year's team (M. Thornton, C. Johnson, and G. Temple), the Tigers look ready to at least compete against a much improved SEC lineup. Trent Johnson always stresses defense, and the team seems focused in that area.
Good stuff - Storm Warren (6-7, 230 Soph F) looks really good so far. He's had three straight double-doubles and he just seems very comfortable on the court. Taz Mitchell is healthy and productive and is the much-needed senior leader on the court. And Bo Spencer seems to be handling the PG role. The Tigers have been very good at the line so far and are out-rebounding the competition.
Stuff to ponder - the offense seems to be struggling right now from the perimeter. Bo Spencer finally lit off a few 3 pointers against WKU, but otherwise the Tigers have been pretty poor from the 3-pt line (<20%).
Overall: Way too early to tell, but the UCONN game next Wed should be an indicator of how LSU will perform against tougher competition this year. Overall, I think this promises to be another season that showcases the quality of coaching LSU has in Trent Johnson.
Showing posts with label Basketball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Basketball. Show all posts
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Kentucky Postmortem
I watched the game and LSU lead the whole way, so you would think it was fun. But it was nerve racking at times because LSU never established a dominant lead in order to coast for a while and the shooting was, at times, turrhble. I think they shot 31% at the half.
Marcus Thornton put on a showcase of why he deserved and won SEC Player of the Year, doing everything: steals leading to fast break layups, off balance threes, offensive rebounds and putbacks, set threes, and decent defense. Bo Spencer had a rough game, he took some bad shots and missed some of those and some easy shots. But he settled down late hitting a big three and clutch free throws. And Tasmin came on strong for the Tigers in the second half.
The defense was outstanding most of the time, forcing several turnovers and really shutting down UK's marquee players, Meeks and Peterson. And they never let up. This was the solid effort LSU displayed all season long that made them SEC champions.
Kentucky fans are crybabies. I've never heard a fanbase show up to a neutral arena and boo everything that goes wrong. It's as if they think their Wildcats are too good to foul, lose and just generally suck. Speaking of that, it's going to be an interminable offseason, NIT or not, between Gillespie and the Cat fanbase. I love it. That's what they get for being spoiled and too hasty on firing decent coaches.
It's a nice feeling to beat that program twice in a year, on their court and on a neutral court. Next up is probably Miss State (they are currently winning with 90 some seconds to go). The best part was the interview after the game with Taz and the SEC Player of the Year. Thornton had on some obviously worn kicks. He said he had brand new ones on but Taz convinced him that was bad luck and to go with the old ones. The toes were about blown out on those. It was a funny little bit of insight to the kids that play and win for beloved LSU.
Marcus Thornton put on a showcase of why he deserved and won SEC Player of the Year, doing everything: steals leading to fast break layups, off balance threes, offensive rebounds and putbacks, set threes, and decent defense. Bo Spencer had a rough game, he took some bad shots and missed some of those and some easy shots. But he settled down late hitting a big three and clutch free throws. And Tasmin came on strong for the Tigers in the second half.
The defense was outstanding most of the time, forcing several turnovers and really shutting down UK's marquee players, Meeks and Peterson. And they never let up. This was the solid effort LSU displayed all season long that made them SEC champions.
Kentucky fans are crybabies. I've never heard a fanbase show up to a neutral arena and boo everything that goes wrong. It's as if they think their Wildcats are too good to foul, lose and just generally suck. Speaking of that, it's going to be an interminable offseason, NIT or not, between Gillespie and the Cat fanbase. I love it. That's what they get for being spoiled and too hasty on firing decent coaches.
It's a nice feeling to beat that program twice in a year, on their court and on a neutral court. Next up is probably Miss State (they are currently winning with 90 some seconds to go). The best part was the interview after the game with Taz and the SEC Player of the Year. Thornton had on some obviously worn kicks. He said he had brand new ones on but Taz convinced him that was bad luck and to go with the old ones. The toes were about blown out on those. It was a funny little bit of insight to the kids that play and win for beloved LSU.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Holy Trinity Happenings.
Lots of buzz today regarding a soon to be done deal for LSU and West Virginia to play a home and home in football for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Great job if so. As a season ticket holder, this is the type of game I want to see, deserve to see and will gladly pay to see. The Fightin' Tigers of LSU versus the Hillbillies of West Fuckin' Virginia, should be a tremendous clash of redneck culture.
The basketball team is up to 18 in both polls and the magic number is down to 2 for an outright SEC championship. LSU is just about a lock for the tournament right now. I've always had faith in this coach and team, but I never honestly expected for them to be far out in front with an SEC title in easy reach. I figured they'd be making some noise in the West and hoping for a solid showing in the SEC tourney. Now, I hope they don't spend too much energy in the SEC tourney so they are ready to go for the NCAA's.
I figure the Tigers can go at least 2-2 (taking UF and either Ole Miss or Vandy) in these last four and 1-1 in the SEC tourney. My buddy pointed out that record might still be the combined best record over all for the conference. Not that it means anything. But I do like Johnson's m.o. that he wants these guys playing competitive each game. And to be honest, they need to. The victories lately have become tougher and closer. So it wouldn't hurt them to step it up. In the end, I say Sweet Sixteen.
As for baseball, they did just what you expected them to do on opening weekend in a new, state-of-the-art stadium against a sacrificial lamb of an opponent. Of course, the Tigers shelled them with offensive firepower. Imagine how much they will hammering the ball when it warms up. What we didn't really find out about, and it's the only real question mark, is pitching.
Coleman is aces in relief. Ranaudo came on strong last year and is a solid starter this year. But for LSU to consistently win and have honest hopes at titles, we have to have top notch pitching. It's cliche, but for a reason. I look back at the titles LSU won, and the pitching was stout. Look at who wins lately or why we fall short and it's obvious, you have to be able to shut down the other team's bats.
The basketball team is up to 18 in both polls and the magic number is down to 2 for an outright SEC championship. LSU is just about a lock for the tournament right now. I've always had faith in this coach and team, but I never honestly expected for them to be far out in front with an SEC title in easy reach. I figured they'd be making some noise in the West and hoping for a solid showing in the SEC tourney. Now, I hope they don't spend too much energy in the SEC tourney so they are ready to go for the NCAA's.
I figure the Tigers can go at least 2-2 (taking UF and either Ole Miss or Vandy) in these last four and 1-1 in the SEC tourney. My buddy pointed out that record might still be the combined best record over all for the conference. Not that it means anything. But I do like Johnson's m.o. that he wants these guys playing competitive each game. And to be honest, they need to. The victories lately have become tougher and closer. So it wouldn't hurt them to step it up. In the end, I say Sweet Sixteen.
As for baseball, they did just what you expected them to do on opening weekend in a new, state-of-the-art stadium against a sacrificial lamb of an opponent. Of course, the Tigers shelled them with offensive firepower. Imagine how much they will hammering the ball when it warms up. What we didn't really find out about, and it's the only real question mark, is pitching.
Coleman is aces in relief. Ranaudo came on strong last year and is a solid starter this year. But for LSU to consistently win and have honest hopes at titles, we have to have top notch pitching. It's cliche, but for a reason. I look back at the titles LSU won, and the pitching was stout. Look at who wins lately or why we fall short and it's obvious, you have to be able to shut down the other team's bats.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tigers face past in present
LSU got after Ole Miss from the tip off and never looked back. They did what they need to do to win games, which is shoot the lights out, take care of the ball and force the other team into mistakes. It was a pleasure to listen to (I was on the road). It's hard to single any one guy out, the team performed that well.
They'll need to to it again right now (as I am typing in the lobby of a Comfort Inn, they should've tipped off by now). Mississippi State is similar to LSU and Ole Miss in that there's no dominant frontcourt man, there is a reliable and prolific scorer (Varnado) and this is a must win for either team, again.
This is going to get to be somewhat of a theme around here, but that's basketball. If LSU is going to entertain thoughts of the Big Dance, they simply must win this type of game. It's stark and not a fun way to look at it, but it's true. Therefore, lose yourself in the actual game. Enjoy the progress of these kids because they have hit something of a stride here in the last coupla games. Let's see if Temple keeps having all around solid games, if Bo Spencer keeps shooting and any one of the other storylines with these kids keeps rolling.
In the end, I think the Tigers take this. Now Saturday against Xavier, that's tough.
They'll need to to it again right now (as I am typing in the lobby of a Comfort Inn, they should've tipped off by now). Mississippi State is similar to LSU and Ole Miss in that there's no dominant frontcourt man, there is a reliable and prolific scorer (Varnado) and this is a must win for either team, again.
This is going to get to be somewhat of a theme around here, but that's basketball. If LSU is going to entertain thoughts of the Big Dance, they simply must win this type of game. It's stark and not a fun way to look at it, but it's true. Therefore, lose yourself in the actual game. Enjoy the progress of these kids because they have hit something of a stride here in the last coupla games. Let's see if Temple keeps having all around solid games, if Bo Spencer keeps shooting and any one of the other storylines with these kids keeps rolling.
In the end, I think the Tigers take this. Now Saturday against Xavier, that's tough.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Utah? WTF! Take Two
Apparently, the Utes have a thing about drinking the SEC-W's milkshake. LSU's basketball team trudged up to Salt Lake for the honor of suffering a 30 point beatdown by Utah. It was a fugly, fugly game. At first, I was disappointed it wasn't televised anywhere. Now, I'm thankful. It was bad enough on radio.
Let's do this one the shit sandwich way. The bad, sandwiched between any good I can possibly find in this mess of a basketball game.
THE GOOD
Uhhh....wait. It'll come to me. Oh, LSU had a relatively low number of turnovers (11) and 7 steals. Seriously, Trent Johnson puts a disciplined, hard working basketball team on the court every game. And that's a good thing. Eventually, that's going to pay huge dividends in close SEC game. Marcus Thornton continues to impress - he's all over the floor and he never lets up, even when he's got a cold hand. And Taz Mitchell has been playing very good basketball as well.
THE BAD
Basically, the Tigers can't stop a quality big man in the paint. There's no one on the team physical and talented enough to keep a good center or big power forward from owning the lane and getting easy layups and 5 footers. Chris Johnson can block shots. But it's tough to block a layup from another 6-11 center. Johnson, who averages 2.2 blocks per game only managed 1 tonight. Of course, he had a tough assignment. Utah's 7'2" Luke Nevil averages 18 ppg and got 23 points tonight. He was 11 of 13 from the floor. In fact, the Utes as a team shot 63% from the floor. That's lights out. Of course, 50 of their 91 points came from the paint. So it's not like they were having to drain the jump shots.
THE GOOD
Uhhh....well, I guess we'll go back to Marcus Thornton, who despite a drought from 3pt land tonight, had a team high 17 points and was 7 for 7 from the free throw line. Oh, and Terry Martin, Bass and Graham got some minutes. So that's something.
Alabama is next. On the road.
I think this will be a good basketball season, but there are going to be some more disappointing losses.
Let's do this one the shit sandwich way. The bad, sandwiched between any good I can possibly find in this mess of a basketball game.
THE GOOD
Uhhh....wait. It'll come to me. Oh, LSU had a relatively low number of turnovers (11) and 7 steals. Seriously, Trent Johnson puts a disciplined, hard working basketball team on the court every game. And that's a good thing. Eventually, that's going to pay huge dividends in close SEC game. Marcus Thornton continues to impress - he's all over the floor and he never lets up, even when he's got a cold hand. And Taz Mitchell has been playing very good basketball as well.
THE BAD
Basically, the Tigers can't stop a quality big man in the paint. There's no one on the team physical and talented enough to keep a good center or big power forward from owning the lane and getting easy layups and 5 footers. Chris Johnson can block shots. But it's tough to block a layup from another 6-11 center. Johnson, who averages 2.2 blocks per game only managed 1 tonight. Of course, he had a tough assignment. Utah's 7'2" Luke Nevil averages 18 ppg and got 23 points tonight. He was 11 of 13 from the floor. In fact, the Utes as a team shot 63% from the floor. That's lights out. Of course, 50 of their 91 points came from the paint. So it's not like they were having to drain the jump shots.
THE GOOD
Uhhh....well, I guess we'll go back to Marcus Thornton, who despite a drought from 3pt land tonight, had a team high 17 points and was 7 for 7 from the free throw line. Oh, and Terry Martin, Bass and Graham got some minutes. So that's something.
Alabama is next. On the road.
I think this will be a good basketball season, but there are going to be some more disappointing losses.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Will the LSU Basketball Team Win Any More Games?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Six straight losses now (Washington, Tulane, Texas A/M, Miss St, Ole Miss, Auburn).
Vandy is next. They're purdy goooooood.
Then Arkansas. They're purdy goooooood.
Then Auburn and Bama. Hmmmm.....maybe Bama....
Then - gasp - Tennessee. Then - gasp - Florida.
Too depressing to go on.
I still hope they can upset someone, but honestly. This team seems to be the polar opposite of their football bretheren.
Is it Spring yet?
Six straight losses now (Washington, Tulane, Texas A/M, Miss St, Ole Miss, Auburn).
Vandy is next. They're purdy goooooood.
Then Arkansas. They're purdy goooooood.
Then Auburn and Bama. Hmmmm.....maybe Bama....
Then - gasp - Tennessee. Then - gasp - Florida.
Too depressing to go on.
I still hope they can upset someone, but honestly. This team seems to be the polar opposite of their football bretheren.
Is it Spring yet?
Saturday, December 1, 2007
BASKETBALL: Southern 45, LSU 88
"First off, our team got a little better." Coach Brady.
Randolph had a double double, with 24 points and 11 boards. Thornton had 22 points and Johnson had 20. The Tigers reduced turnovers in this one and shot 67% from the floor in the second half. Southern shot 25% for the game.
Randolph had a double double, with 24 points and 11 boards. Thornton had 22 points and Johnson had 20. The Tigers reduced turnovers in this one and shot 67% from the floor in the second half. Southern shot 25% for the game.
BASKETBALL (Wed): Nicholls State 41, LSU 68
Just had a chance to watch this one on LSUsports.net.
GOOD: LSU blocked lots of shots, was 73% from the FT line, and Thornton had 24 points. Also, center Chris Johnson looks like he's going to be very good, though he needs to put some weight on - he's SKIIIIIIIny! [edited: 1 Dec]
BAD: Turnovers. Oh. My. Horrible. Really. Just horrible. Without the turnovers, LSU beats Nicholls by 40. With the turnovers, LSU loses to almost anybody else.
Watching this team, I get the sense that there's a ton of athletic talent on the team but very little discipline and game saavy at this point. There's not enough talent to compete nationally yet, but if they can stop making horrid numbers of mistakes, they may be able to upset a lot of teams and develop into a contender next year.
This team is fun/frustrating to watch.
GOOD: LSU blocked lots of shots, was 73% from the FT line, and Thornton had 24 points. Also, center Chris Johnson looks like he's going to be very good, though he needs to put some weight on - he's SKIIIIIIIny! [edited: 1 Dec]
BAD: Turnovers. Oh. My. Horrible. Really. Just horrible. Without the turnovers, LSU beats Nicholls by 40. With the turnovers, LSU loses to almost anybody else.
Watching this team, I get the sense that there's a ton of athletic talent on the team but very little discipline and game saavy at this point. There's not enough talent to compete nationally yet, but if they can stop making horrid numbers of mistakes, they may be able to upset a lot of teams and develop into a contender next year.
This team is fun/frustrating to watch.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Basketball: Arizona State 87, LSU 84 (OT)
Tigers kept it a wee bit closer at halftime in this one, only trailing 43-40. Randolph had 21 points and 7 rebounds, and Marcus Thornton had 18 points and 12 rebounds (he's a guard, doncha know...).
I missed the OT, but watched much of the regulation play. The Tigers looked good at times, with some really good outside shooting and lots of hustle and bustle. But Arizona State answered every Tiger challenge, and LSU got in foul trouble with 3 Tigers amassing 4 fouls and Chris Johnson fouling out.
Here's a stat that sort of gives a flavor for the game. LSU was 12 of 33 (.364) - from THREE POINT RANGE. LOTS of 3 pointers, especially in the first half. Arizona State shot 6 of 21 from the arch. Although the Sun Devils played a much more physical game in the paint than the Tigers (get used to that, yall), they also played well from the perimeter.
LSU will stay in most games this year. As this young team matures and gains some game experience, I think their outside game will keep them competitive. Plus, LSU - barring stupid turnovers - has good ball control guards.
They don't pose a threat to the SEC Championship or the Final Four, but this should turn out to be an interesting basketball season.
I missed the OT, but watched much of the regulation play. The Tigers looked good at times, with some really good outside shooting and lots of hustle and bustle. But Arizona State answered every Tiger challenge, and LSU got in foul trouble with 3 Tigers amassing 4 fouls and Chris Johnson fouling out.
Here's a stat that sort of gives a flavor for the game. LSU was 12 of 33 (.364) - from THREE POINT RANGE. LOTS of 3 pointers, especially in the first half. Arizona State shot 6 of 21 from the arch. Although the Sun Devils played a much more physical game in the paint than the Tigers (get used to that, yall), they also played well from the perimeter.
LSU will stay in most games this year. As this young team matures and gains some game experience, I think their outside game will keep them competitive. Plus, LSU - barring stupid turnovers - has good ball control guards.
They don't pose a threat to the SEC Championship or the Final Four, but this should turn out to be an interesting basketball season.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Basketball: Oklahoma State (L) and Chaminade (W)
Mon, 19 Nov: Oklahoma State 83, LSU 77
Playing all but 6 minutes without injured (foot) Taz Mitchell, the Tigers staged a valiant but insufficient comeback in the second half. LSU trailed by 18 at the half and outscored the Cowboys by 12 points in the second half, but the run wasn't enough. Marcus Thornton (g) had 20 pts and Chris Johnson (c) had 19 pts and 5 rebounds.
Tue, 20 Nov: LSU 78, Chaminade 72
Big men Anthony Randolph (21 pts, 9 reb) and Chris Johnson (18 pts, 11 reb) led another second half Tiger rally to beat host Chaminade. LSU trailed 41-36 at the half.
WAZZUP with LSU being a second half team in football and basketball?
Next Game: Wed, 21 Nov against Arizona State at 1pm (ESPN2).
Playing all but 6 minutes without injured (foot) Taz Mitchell, the Tigers staged a valiant but insufficient comeback in the second half. LSU trailed by 18 at the half and outscored the Cowboys by 12 points in the second half, but the run wasn't enough. Marcus Thornton (g) had 20 pts and Chris Johnson (c) had 19 pts and 5 rebounds.
Tue, 20 Nov: LSU 78, Chaminade 72
Big men Anthony Randolph (21 pts, 9 reb) and Chris Johnson (18 pts, 11 reb) led another second half Tiger rally to beat host Chaminade. LSU trailed 41-36 at the half.
WAZZUP with LSU being a second half team in football and basketball?
Next Game: Wed, 21 Nov against Arizona State at 1pm (ESPN2).
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Basketball: Tigers Unimpressive Again
Another troubling outing in the PMAC for the Tigers. They beat McNeese State 78-74. But it was fugly - again. Poor shooting, shoddy rebounding, turnovers, etc. The Tigers were less than .500 from the floor, and only 3 of 18 from 3 point land. Based on Coach Brady's strategy for the season, those numbers are not going to cut it.
There is a glimmer of hope, though. True freshman Anthony Randolph showed signs of a bright future again tonight, with 12 points and 7 rebounds. And JuCo transfer Marcus Thornton led the scoring again with 24. And Taz Mitchell woke up, scoring 16 and hauling down a team high 14 boards. But he was dismal from the floor (4/13) and made 8 of his 16 points from the FT line. Ugh.
To be fair, McNeese shot 12 of 23 from 3 point land. That would be practically HALF of their point total. Tough to beat that. I don't imagine we'll see that very many times this year - hope not, at least.
I'm no BB expert, but I'd say two things need to happen soon for LSU to have a chance at a decent season. First, the Tigers have to start playing something that resembles defense, especially in the paint and denying offensive rebounds. Second, the streaky play needs to stop in lieu of a more consistent scoring scheme from the perimeter.
There is a glimmer of hope, though. True freshman Anthony Randolph showed signs of a bright future again tonight, with 12 points and 7 rebounds. And JuCo transfer Marcus Thornton led the scoring again with 24. And Taz Mitchell woke up, scoring 16 and hauling down a team high 14 boards. But he was dismal from the floor (4/13) and made 8 of his 16 points from the FT line. Ugh.
To be fair, McNeese shot 12 of 23 from 3 point land. That would be practically HALF of their point total. Tough to beat that. I don't imagine we'll see that very many times this year - hope not, at least.
I'm no BB expert, but I'd say two things need to happen soon for LSU to have a chance at a decent season. First, the Tigers have to start playing something that resembles defense, especially in the paint and denying offensive rebounds. Second, the streaky play needs to stop in lieu of a more consistent scoring scheme from the perimeter.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Basketball: Tigers Unimpressive Against Southeastern
I watched LSU struggle to beat Southeastern last night, 72-62. The Lions outrebounded the Tigers 38 to 29. Perhaps most telling - LSU had 3 offensive rebounds to the Lions 14.
The Tigers seemed to score in fits and starts, with long dry spells. Luckily, Southeastern shot a dismal .397 from the court and .571 from the FT line.
Based on LSU's lack of power play down low, the Tigers will have to score a lot of points and shoot well from the outside to win games this year. The Tiger big men just don't have the mass to block out under the rim.
Should be an entertaining season of 3-pointers and fast breaks. We may not win a lot, but it might be fun to watch LSU burn some very good teams if they can shoot well.
By the way, JuCo transfer Marcus Thornton and true frosh Anthony Randolph combined for 46 of LSU's 72 points. Thornton had 27. Taz Mitchell had 6 and was in foul trouble early and often.
The Tigers seemed to score in fits and starts, with long dry spells. Luckily, Southeastern shot a dismal .397 from the court and .571 from the FT line.
Based on LSU's lack of power play down low, the Tigers will have to score a lot of points and shoot well from the outside to win games this year. The Tiger big men just don't have the mass to block out under the rim.
Should be an entertaining season of 3-pointers and fast breaks. We may not win a lot, but it might be fun to watch LSU burn some very good teams if they can shoot well.
By the way, JuCo transfer Marcus Thornton and true frosh Anthony Randolph combined for 46 of LSU's 72 points. Thornton had 27. Taz Mitchell had 6 and was in foul trouble early and often.
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