BamaMag.com: Preview SE Louisiana

The Lions of Southeastern Louisiana (5-1) will visit Coleman Coliseum this Saturday (12/1/07) to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide Men's Basketball team at 6pm CST.

This could be a possible trap game for the Tide as the Lions have wins over Alcorn State, Dallas Christian, Southern, Millsaps College, and Jackson State (on the road) with their only loss coming to LSU on the road 72-62.

Even though conventional wisdom would give Bama the size advantage, the Lions do have good size and experience in their overall starting lineup with only one starter being under 6-5 (senior guard Dekyron Nicks at 5-9).

Southeastern Louisiana's size consist of 6-6 junior forward Warrell Span, 6-5 senior forward Kevyn Green, 6-9 sophomore center Patrick Sullivan, and 6-6 senior forward Tavaris Nance.

Offensively, the Lions use a team effort in averaging 75.7 points per game as four players average double figures with Green leading the team at 14.8 points per game.

Southeastern Louisiana's shooting percentages are 48.5% from the floor, 36.8% (39-106) from the arc, and 66.3% from the foul line. The Lions distribute the ball to the tune of 14.67 assists and 13.17 turnovers per game.

Defensively, Southeastern Louisiana averages 43.5 rebounds, 3.67 blocks, and 7.33 steals per game. Their opponents average 53 points per game while shooting 34% from the floor and 27.1% from the three-point line.

Also their opponents average 29.7 rebounds per game. By looking at the steals and their opponent's turnovers per game (15.33), the Lions' strong point is defense. They seem to be very aggressive for opportunities on the defensive side to cash in for easy baskets on the other end.

For the Tide, it is the same as for most of their previous opponents in that they will face a zone mostly. In order to deal with the Tide's inside presences, the Lions will resort to some type of zone until Bama can prove as an outside threat.

Even if the Tide is not successful from the outside, Hendrix and company will still be the decisive factor with continued board work. While working the ball inside on dishes and dribble penetration, Bama will need to take care of the ball as they have been doing the last few games.

The Tide should continue being aggressive in rebounding and in-your-face defensive as they will also have the edge in athleticism. Look for Bama to roll and get back on track with a double digit win.

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