Opinion
4 min read

LSU Tigers Set to Challenge Tennessee Volunteers at Thompson-Boling Arena

As the LSU Tigers prepare to face off against the Tennessee Volunteers, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Knoxville's Thompson-Boling Arena. The Tigers, coming off a commanding 87-66 victory over Lamar Cardinals on December 22nd, have shown that they can dominate both ends of the court.


Jan 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA;  LSU Tigers guard Cam Hayes (1) dribbles the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

In their last game, LSU's offense was firing on all cylinders. With an impressive 65 percent shooting from inside the arc and a total of 44 points in the paint, they've proven their ability to score effectively close to the basket. Their defense wasn't far behind either; with 12 steals and equal blocks as their opponents at three each, they've demonstrated that they can disrupt plays and transition quickly into offense.


However, it wasn't just about scoring and defending; LSU also showcased their teamwork with an outstanding 18 assists. This is indicative of a well-oiled machine where every player knows his role and executes it to perfection. Moreover, with only 11 turnovers in contrast to Lamar's 19 and an assist-to-turnover ratio of approximately two-to-one (1.64), it is clear that ball security will be one of LSU's key strengths going into this game.


Jan 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA;  Tennessee Volunteers forward Olivier Nkamhoua (13) passes the ball against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

While these statistics are impressive indeed, one cannot overlook some areas where improvement could be beneficial for LSU. Their three-point shooting was less than stellar at only 24 percent against Lamar Cardinals – this could prove costly if not addressed before facing Tennessee Volunteers who might capitalize on any such weaknesses.


The upcoming challenge against Tennessee will not be easy by any means; The Volunteers have been formidable opponents in their own right. In particular, during Texas Longhorns' previous game on December 16th where despite losing by eleven points (85-96), LSU managed a respectable field goal percentage of around half (46 percent) while maintaining strong performance from beyond the arc hitting almost half (44 percent) of their three-point attempts.


Jan 21, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Tobe Awaka (11) pressures LSU Tigers forward Jalen Reed (13) during the second half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The upcoming clash scheduled for February 8th will test whether LSU can maintain its defensive tenacity while improving its perimeter shooting efficiency under pressure from Tennessee’s robust defense which has been known for its resilience throughout this season.


Tigers fans should mark their calendars as this pivotal matchup will take place at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville TN starting at midnight UTC time which translates into prime-time viewing back home in Baton Rouge – tip-off is set for February 7th at local time zone equivalent hours before midnight due to timezone differences between locations involved here today! Fans won’t want miss out so make sure tune into SEC Network channel number six hundred eleven nationally broadcasted across United States territories ensuring no one misses out witnessing potentially another great chapter added storied rivalry between these two collegiate basketball powerhouses unfold live right before our very eyes come early next month!

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