#2 Texas vs. #4 LSU
Texas got off to a quick start but LSU fought back, forcing the Longhorns to go to a 2-3 zone that was not consistently effective defensively. LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t shoot the ball well in the first half, going 1-7 after going 8-8 in the first half against West Virginia. Texas had the opportunity to go into halftime with the lead but a sloppy final possession led to a LSU steal and layup to tie the game 26-26 at half.
Freshman Tyrus Thomas was phenomenal for LSU in the second half but was sent to the bench with leg cramps with about seven minutes remaining. With 33 seconds to play and Texas trailing by three, Daniel Gibson hit a shot from behind the arc after a helter skelter sequence to force overtime. In the extra period, LSU dominated offensively and defensively, en route to a 70-60 win.
The Tigers just showed more heart than Texas. They executed better on offense and got to more loose balls than the Longhorns. LSU is going to be a very tough out in the Final Four. They defend well and with Glen Davis and Tyrus Thomas roaming the middle, they’ll be a force to reckon with.
