I’m glad UT gets LSU at UT this year and will be pulling for them as I do in all games outside of the SC game(s). I think UT can win that game but will have to avoid getting down early as has been the pattern lately. LSU would be more difficult to dig out of that type of hole.
LV’s will need Key and also Jill featured in that game imo to protect the rim against LSU’s smaller but athletic front court of Reese and Morrow. I like Strip, but she would struggle against those two in the paint protecting the rim. Reese and Morrow are a terror duo on the offensive boards and on post shots. Reese is getting almost half her points lately from the FT line as she knows how to draw fouls and she is nailing her FT’s. If Puckett has to guard Morrow, that won’t go so well, hence why Jill may be very important. Have to watch foul trouble for the UT bigs here, prob not a good matchup game for Puckett or Strip tbh. Need Key and Jill to show out defensively or it could be rough down low in this one.
Outside of the post matchups, I do like UT’s backcourt of Powell and Spear against HVL and FJ. Spear would have to play some solid defense on FJ who has taken her offensive game up a notch, but she could get some help from others there esp when FJ goes to the rim as she often does. Powell could abuse HVL in this game, hopefully her shots are falling, HVL is not a good defender. Spear should be able to match FJ, I’d call that matchup a push.
Williams is going to be someone that UT needs to find a reliable defender for, she is basically playing the 3 for LSU and has a lightning quick release on her shots. RJ will prob start on her defensively and has length on her, UT needs RJ’s best defensive effort in this one. Williams cannot guard RJ imo, she is average at best defensively so advantage UT in that matchup.
The game will come down to how well UT can defend Reese and Morrow in the paint without getting in foul trouble and whether Spear can keep FJ in check, as UT will likely win the matchup between RJ and Williams at the 3 and Powell should be able to exploit HVL. I also note that LSU is down to a 6 player rotation, so UT has the advantage in depth here. Last note, on coaching. KM will be relentlessly working the refs, which can impact games as we know, KH needs to keep pace in this one.
Apologize for the long ramble, had many thoughts on this future game. Lots of basketball before then, so it’s still early.
