GAMETHREAD: LSU vs. Louisiana Tech, 5:00 P.M., SEC Network

After its most impressive outing of the young season, a 94-43 dismantling of Southeastern, the LSU men’s basketball team is back inside the PMAC to host our friends from Ruston, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

The most welcoming sign from LSU’s win over Southeastern was the defensive performance. We know the Tigers can score with the best of them, but for LSU to make a deep run in March, they’ll have to get stops. Forcing 18 turnovers and holding the Lions to 5-18 from three is promising.

On the offensive end, freshman guard Cam Thomas continues to shine for LSU, leading the Tigers in scoring through three games. The certified bucket getter is averaging 24 points a game through three games and has an impressive shooting splits, shooting 49/44/87 from the floor, three and the free throw line.

We’re also seeing a second year leap from sophomore forward Trendon Watford who is averaging 19 points, six rebounds and three assists through three games. Watford’s improved as a passer and it’s showing: as a freshman, Watford had 53 assists all of last season; but through three games he’s already at 18, about a third of his production from last season. Watford’s also gotten to the free throw line 24 times, making 20 of them, a significant jump from his 67 percent showing as a freshman.

The game will actually be shown on television instead of behind a paywall—what a concept!—and tip off is set for 5:00 P.M.