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The LSU Tigers men's basketball team plays their second and final "little brother" team tonight as they welcome in the Northwestern State Demons. After a week off, the Tigers are eager to welcome power forward Johnny O'Bryant back into the line up, though it's unclear how much he will actually play as he continues to recover from a leg injury.
The rest of the team, however, has looked very good in the two games so far. JUCO transfer Shavon Coleman had his breakout game last week against McNeese State and will likely be called on again to produce if JOB isn't 100%. LSU, as a team, had no trouble with McNeese as they won 73-48. Coleman led the way with 25 points, and the rest of the scoring was balanced as no other player reached double figures.
Northwestern State actually comes into the game averaging the second most points in D1 basketball, but it's only because of the low level competition they have played to this point. Campbell(and the awesomely named Fighting Camels) are the only D1 team they have played and they won with a narrow 71-67 score. Still, LSU isn't quite at the level that they can completely overlook this game; teams with confidence will play well even if they are making a big step up in their level of competition.
Overall, I think this is going to be another solid game for LSU to play against a different style. Northwestern is a little bit bigger and plays less like the teams we have played so far; they will try to beat us inside. LSU will have to get lots of good help defense from the guards if the forwards aren't able to stay out of foul trouble or are unable to rebound properly.
Offensively, LSU can't allow themselves to settle for contested jumpshots. The Tigers have the clear edge on the perimeter and will need to play a passing offensive game tonight. Finding the open shooter should be the emphasis that Johnny Jones is giving the team.
Tipoff is set for 7:00 in the PMAC and the game will once again be on CST along with the Geaux Zone.