The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB-LSU Preview
3/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 15, 2005
GAME: No. 11 UAB (21-10) vs. No. 6 LSU (20-9).
REGIONAL: Chicago, first round.
TIME: Thursday, 9:50 p.m. EST.
SITE: Taco Bell Arena, Boise, Idaho.
LSU earned an easy win over UAB in December 2003. Given the Blazers' impressive run in the NCAA tournament three months later, they likely would have been a much tougher opponent for the Tigers that March.
LSU hopes to take advantage of what it learned in its first matchup with UAB, one of last season's most surprising teams, as they meet in the first round of the Chicago Regional.
The Tigers defeated the Blazers 78-62 on Dec. 27, 2003 in their first-ever meeting, but UAB went on to reach the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament after ousting top-seeded Kentucky.
"I know they're a good team," said LSU's Brandon Bass, the SEC player of the year. "We played them last year. They like to run and they can shoot."
Tigers coach John Brady believes his team matches up well with the Blazers.
"UAB is a pressing team and shoots a lot of 3s," he said. "We have played well against pressing teams."
LSU opened the regular season 6-5, but carried a seven-game winning streak into Saturday's SEC tournament semifinals, where it lost 79-78 in overtime.
"It shows our team's improved and playing well," Brady said. "I think even the loss will help our confidence. I don't think it deflated our team. I think we feel good about what we were able to do."
Bass and Antonio Hudson were named to the all-tournament team. Hudson scored 42 points in two games while Bass averaged 11 rebounds per contest.
Bass, a 6-foot-8 forward, is shooting 56 percent from the field and leads an LSU team that features five players averaging double figures in scoring. Bass and Glen Davis, a 300-pounder named the league's top freshman, give the Tigers a powerful inside presence.
This is LSU's first appearance in the NCAA tournament since 2003, when it lost to Purdue in the first round.
UAB advanced to the semifinals of the Conference USA tournament before losing 74-67 on Friday to tourney champion Louisville, strengthening its credentials.
"We are just excited about playing in the NCAA tournament," UAB coach Mike Anderson said. "Anytime you are selected as one of the top 65 teams to participate in this particular tournament you are happy. Coming off our Sweet 16 run last year, this year is another moment of excitement."
Donell Taylor (15.6 ppg) leads a Blazers squad that has four players averaging double figures in scoring. UAB is averaging 77.8 points per game.
The Blazers' run in last season's tournament ended with a 100-74 loss to Kansas.
Thursday's winner advances to face either third-seeded Arizona or No. 14 Utah State in the second round Saturday.
PROBABLE STARTERS: UAB - F Marques Lewis (8.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg), F Demario Eddins (12.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg), G Carldell Johnson (5.0 ppg, 4.7 apg), G Taylor (15.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 spg), G Marvett McDonald (10.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg). LSU - F Bass (17.1 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 1.6 bpg), F Davis (13.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.4 bpg), G Darrel Mitchell (13.5 ppg, 1.9 spg), G Tack Minor (10.7 ppg, 4.7 apg), G Antonio Hudson (13.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg).
HOW THEY GOT HERE: UAB - At-large berth, Conference USA. LSU - At-large berth, SEC.
ALL-TIME TOURNAMENT RECORD: UAB - 8-11, 11 years. LSU - 19-20, 17 years.
