LSU Game Analysis

Tony's expression as Jontel Evans dribbled out the final seconds of a 57-52 road win at LSU said it all. Coach Bennett knew this was a huge win for this team. It wasn't pretty, but Virginia got possibly its most difficult win of the season in its last tuneup before ACC play begins. LSU was, as expected, very physical and athletic team. Sammy Zeglinski looked his age as he led the way for the Cavaliers with 17 points (6-12FG, 4-7 3pt.) and 3 steals. After a rough start due to the physical defense by the Tigers, Joe Harris hit some clutch shots down the stretch, finishing with 14 points (5-9FG, 2-3 3pt.). Mike Scott added a quiet 12 points and 9 rebounds, as well. 

Something was bound to give in this game as both teams entered on long winning streaks. LSU had a rough start to its season, losing 3 of its first six games to Coastal Carolina, Northwestern, and South Alabama. But then they went on a 7 game win, headlined by an upset victory over then undefeated #10 Marquette. Like Virginia, LSU plays good defense, holding every one of their opponents during their 7 game win streak to under 60 points. They kept UVA under 60 as well, but it wasn't enough. Justin Hamilton, the center transfer from Iowa State who Tony Bennett recruited before he chose LSU, dominated down low. Hamilton had 21 points on 9-14 shooting. He benefitted from Assane Sene's early foul trouble, but even when Sene was on the court, he showed an ability to knock down shots with a hand in his face. I believe he will end up being one of the best Centers we face all year, maybe only behind Tyler Zeller of North Carolina. LSU welcomed back their star guard Andre Stringer, who gave them a lift in the first half, where he scored all 8 of his points. 

Ultimately, this game came down to rebounding and 3pt shooting. I said before the game that if we out-rebounded LSU and shot well from behind the arc, we would win this game. That was the case as we won the rebound battle 32-26 (9-6 on the offensive glass) and shot 6-10 from 3, while LSU only made 5-18. I think we played very good defense most of the game. Hamilton was gonna get his, especially with Assane out with foul trouble, and their guards hit some deep threes that the pack-line will allow. Outside of that, the pack-line held up well against guys like Johnny O'Bryant, Storm Warren, and Ralston Turner (combined 3-9 from the field for 8 pts.). I think this game was a very good preview of our games against Florida State. LSU has similar athleticism and plays very physical on defense, just like the Noles. At this point, I'll go out on a limb and say LSU might have been a tougher test than FSU, as they have more offensive weapons in Hamilton, Stringer, and Hickey. We'll see about that. Either way, this win was huge. 13-1 in non-conference play with wins against Michigan, LSU, Oregon, George Mason, and Drexel. Not a great resume, but as long as we keep winning, it won't matter.