#21 LSU (17-4, 7-1 SEC) at Mississippi State (16-5, 4-4 SEC)
Tip: 8:00 PM CT TV: ESPN2
Line: Mississippi State -3
Mississippi State looks to build off a big road win in Oxford while LSU will look to bounce back after stubbing their toe at home to Arkansas.
LSU Team Leaders
Tremont Waters (So.): 15.1 ppg, 6.0 apg
Naz Reid (Fr.): 13.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg
LSU comes into tonight's game after a surprising home loss to Arkansas on Saturday night. A bone-headed play from Tremont Waters gave the Razorbacks an extra chance to snatch the win and they didn't let it pass. If you've watched the Tigers, you could tell that they were escaping narrowly by the skin of their teeth. A dramatic come from behind win over Missouri was their closest test before Saturday and the Tigers look vulnerable at times, especially on the road. Like last year, the Tigers are led by their sensational point guard Tremont Waters. There is a direct correlation in his production in his results and Tiger wins. For Mississippi State to win, it will be important to hold Waters to 15 or fewer points in my opinion. His play making ability also opens up the floor for other players including Naz Reid. The freshman big man has been a monster in the paint and much like Reggie Perry, has really come into his own in SEC play averaging 14.1 ppg in the league. LSU only shoots the 3 at 32.8% but is an above average 76.4% at the line. It will be key to play solid defense without fouling and force the Tigers into some contested perimeter jump shots.
On the Mississippi State side of things, the more Reggie Perry the better. I believe we saw the light bulb go off in his head last week and he will continue to develop into the 5-star rating he came onto campus with. He will face a big challenge tonight from Reid and other Tiger big man Kavell Bigby-Williams. These two will pose a significant challenge due to their size and strength down low. We will need all hands on deck from Perry, Ado, Holman and Woodard to try and contain them down low. I also expect Lamar Peters to have a good game tonight. Not only is he facing his home state team, but is matched up head to head with Tremont Waters, another dynamic point guard. If Peters can stay within himself, the Tigers defense is susceptible to giving up a fair amount of points.
Overall, I expect a hard-fought game between two teams who should make the NCAA tournament. Having this game at home helps and I believe a great atmosphere will lead us to a big win. This is a big week ahead for the Bulldogs. With Kentucky coming to town Saturday, a split this week is a positive week, but a 2-0 week is the statement this program has so desperately wanted. Going into Saturday's game already 1-0 on the week will take the pressure off so I hope the Bulldogs can come out on top. My prediction: Mississippi State, 83-78.
Let me know your thoughts and predictions.
Tip: 8:00 PM CT TV: ESPN2
Line: Mississippi State -3
Mississippi State looks to build off a big road win in Oxford while LSU will look to bounce back after stubbing their toe at home to Arkansas.
LSU Team Leaders
Tremont Waters (So.): 15.1 ppg, 6.0 apg
Naz Reid (Fr.): 13.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg
LSU comes into tonight's game after a surprising home loss to Arkansas on Saturday night. A bone-headed play from Tremont Waters gave the Razorbacks an extra chance to snatch the win and they didn't let it pass. If you've watched the Tigers, you could tell that they were escaping narrowly by the skin of their teeth. A dramatic come from behind win over Missouri was their closest test before Saturday and the Tigers look vulnerable at times, especially on the road. Like last year, the Tigers are led by their sensational point guard Tremont Waters. There is a direct correlation in his production in his results and Tiger wins. For Mississippi State to win, it will be important to hold Waters to 15 or fewer points in my opinion. His play making ability also opens up the floor for other players including Naz Reid. The freshman big man has been a monster in the paint and much like Reggie Perry, has really come into his own in SEC play averaging 14.1 ppg in the league. LSU only shoots the 3 at 32.8% but is an above average 76.4% at the line. It will be key to play solid defense without fouling and force the Tigers into some contested perimeter jump shots.
On the Mississippi State side of things, the more Reggie Perry the better. I believe we saw the light bulb go off in his head last week and he will continue to develop into the 5-star rating he came onto campus with. He will face a big challenge tonight from Reid and other Tiger big man Kavell Bigby-Williams. These two will pose a significant challenge due to their size and strength down low. We will need all hands on deck from Perry, Ado, Holman and Woodard to try and contain them down low. I also expect Lamar Peters to have a good game tonight. Not only is he facing his home state team, but is matched up head to head with Tremont Waters, another dynamic point guard. If Peters can stay within himself, the Tigers defense is susceptible to giving up a fair amount of points.
Overall, I expect a hard-fought game between two teams who should make the NCAA tournament. Having this game at home helps and I believe a great atmosphere will lead us to a big win. This is a big week ahead for the Bulldogs. With Kentucky coming to town Saturday, a split this week is a positive week, but a 2-0 week is the statement this program has so desperately wanted. Going into Saturday's game already 1-0 on the week will take the pressure off so I hope the Bulldogs can come out on top. My prediction: Mississippi State, 83-78.
Let me know your thoughts and predictions.
