LSU Basketball: Keys to success in crucial home game vs. Tennessee

2) Win the rebounding battle

LSU has made their mark on the glass this year, particularly with their offensive rebounding. They rank sixth nationally in offensive rebound rate and have four players that average over four rebounds per game.

Naz Reid gets most of the publicity in LSU’s frontcourt (and rightfully so) but Kavell Bigby-Williams (37th) and Emmitt Williams (ninth) both rank in the top 40 in the country in offensive rebounding rate. Their ability to keep the ball alive, earn second possessions, and get easy points around the glass has helped the Tigers win some close games. Just ask Kentucky.

This will be an area LSU has to dominate against Tennessee.

The Vols are led by their frontcourt, especially stars Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield. Both of them are All-American candidates and have helped form Tennessee’s identity of physicality and toughness.

However, Tennessee did not look the part in their loss to Kentucky last weekend. The Wildcats won the physical battle by a wide margin, taking it to the Volunteers for most of the game. They were vastly outrebounded in that contest (39-26) because of it.

LSU has the size, length, and versatility in the frontcourt to really bother Tennessee’s stars, but they won’t win unless they do what Kentucky was able to do and win the physical battle inside against the Vols. That starts on the glass.