No. 5 Tennessee vs. No. 13 LSU at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Time: Noon EST
TV/radio: ESPN/102.3 FM
Likely lineups (with heights and scoring averages in parentheses)
TENNESSEE (24-2, 12-1 Southeastern Conference)
Projected starters: F Kyle Alexander (6-11, 8.2); G Jordan Bone (6-3, 13.2); G Admiral Schofield (6-6, 16.5); G Lamonte Turner (6-2, 11.2); F Grant Williams (6-7, 19.1).
Key reserves: G Jordan Bowden (6-5, 10.8); F John Fulkerson (6-9, 3.6).
LSU (21-5, 11-2)
Projected starters: F Kavell Bigby-Williams (6-11, 7.8); G Skylar Mays (6-4, 13.2); F Naz Reid (6-10, 13.8); G Marlon Taylor (6-5, 7.2); G Tremont Waters (5-11, 15.7).
Key reserves: G Javonte Smart (6-4, 10.2); F Emmitt Williams (6-6, 7.6).
TIGERS REPORT
LSU has been the SEC’s biggest surprise of the season, and it gained credibility nationally by defeating Kentucky 73-71 on Feb. 12 in Lexington. The Tigers rely heavily on Waters at point guard, while Mays and Reid present problems with their ability to be both inside and outside presences for former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Will Wade’s team.
KEY MATCHUP
The Volunteers have had their struggles rebounding this season, which could be their biggest concern against the Tigers, one of the best rebounding teams in the SEC. LSU doesn’t shoot great but rebounds well on the offensive end, and stopping the Tigers could be as simple as how many times the Vols are able to limit them to one shot.