GAMETHREAD: Basketball vs. UNC-Wilmington, 4pm, SEC Network+

We’ve finally made it to our first game in December, meaning only six remaining out of conference games lie between now and the SEC opener against Kentucky. Only a couple of these games should be relatively competitive, and this afternoon is not one of those games.

The UNC-Wilmington Seahawks (2-4) play basketball in the Colonial Athletic Association, and only hold wins over Division III UNC Wesleyan and Campbell. According to the KenPom rankings, the Seahawks are #184 to LSU’s #88 ranking. Like LSU, UNC-Wilmington is a pretty solid basketball team on offense, but can blame the bulk of their losses on defensive struggles, ranking 283rd in defensive adjusted efficiency.

Projected UNC-Wilmington Seahawks Starting 5

#4 PG - Jordon Talley: 16.8ppg, 7.6apg, 27.3 minutes

#15 C - Devontae Cacok: 19.3ppg, 13.0rpg, 27.7 minutes

#21 SG - Ty Taylor: 12.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 24.5 minutes

#1 SF - Jaylen Fornes: 10.8ppg, 1.8apg, 26.0 minutes

#30 PF - Marcus Bryan: 6.8ppg, 9.0rpg, 25.8 minutes

LSU has an 83% win expectancy, and is projected to win 90-80. As of now, LSU ranks 34th in offensive adjusted efficiency, and lead the nation in 2pt shooting percentage with 63.1%. They rank 308th in allowing effective field goals, a stat that’s got to drastically improve through December if the Tigers want to finish above the SEC’s cellar.

This contest tips off at 4pm in the PMAC, and will be broadcast through the WatchESPN app on SEC Network+. You can also listen in on 98.1 FM, or follow along in the comments below, or on Twitter @marq113.