Busting Brackets
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LSU Basketball will need Cam Thomas to come up huge to beat Michigan

By Caleb Hightower

LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 23: Head coach Will Wade of the LSU Tigers is seen during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on January 23, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY - JANUARY 23: Head coach Will Wade of the LSU Tigers is seen during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena on January 23, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Trendon Watford LSU Tigers (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Trendon Watford LSU Tigers (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Get extra opportunities to score

While LSU may not always take quality shots on the offensive end, I would be remiss if I didn’t applaud them for consistently attempting to keep possessions alive when their shots don’t drop. Sure, the Tigers’ shot selection against the Bonnies could have been better, but their commitment to crashing the offensive glass allowed them to pull down 14 offensive rebounds which played a huge role in their Round of 64 victory.

LSU should focus on getting the best looks they possibly can against Michigan, but as long as they aren’t content with jogging back on defense and allowing the Wolverines to pull down defensive rebounds effortlessly, they should be just fine on the offensive end.

And luckily I am not asking the Tigers to get out of their element, as they averaged 11.5 (or 11.48 rounded up) offensive rebounds going into the NCAA Tournament, and are known for doing whatever it takes to help clean up their teammates’ misses. I think this had a lot to do with the fact that the Tigers enjoy helping each other out, and don’t let their lack of touches/individual success offensively deter them throwing their bodies around and fighting for offensive rebounds.

In other words, if an LSU player isn’t as involved in the Tigers’ offense as he would like to be or isn’t getting his shots to fall at a high clip, he remains focused on trying to assist his team in a major way.

That kind of unselfishness will make the Tigers tough to keep off of the offensive boards on a consistent basis and will put more pressure on the Wolverines to box out regularly and force more “one and done” offensive possessions. If the Tigers can at least meet their offensive rebounding average on Monday against Michigan, they will be in good shape when the game is up for grabs.

Next. Takeaways from Round of 64 action. dark

The Tigers certainly have their work cut out for them in the Round of 32 against the Wolverines, but if they play up to their potential in their biggest game of the year thus far, they could come away with a big-time win over the Big Ten regular-season champions.

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