Thanks Rafe, helpful analysis.My impressions:
Game had a "big time" feel in terms of arena, atmosphere, and crowd involvement. I thought LaTech showed the program is ready for big time games and played like it.
LSU's defense is the real deal. They created tons of stress on Cobe and our other guards just trying to get the ball up the floor. But once we broke the press, the initial sequence of our offense was the time to get the better shots. Like Jason said, when Junior flashed into the lane at the beginning of the possession was the time to get him the ball but we were too timid to make the pass. Needed to ball-fake the swing pass and get it to him because he often had his man sealed and was in the paint. Instead, we waited and, if he touched it, he was too far from the goal and they could double him rather easily. So we often delayed until real late in the shot clock and had to attempt low percentage shots. Cobe was the most aggressive in terms of attacking early but he was driving against alot of length and he's not tall enough to get a good shot off over them.
Our defense was the real deal too. We had LSU out of synch for most of the night. They ended up hitting enough to overcome but we were swarming them and had them on their heels. Very solid defensive effort. I was especially impressed by Christon on both ends, he played a good game overall and showed me once again way Konkol gives him starter minutes. I also thought Bradford showed what he can be. He is aggressive and powerful. He's going to be good for us. Willis got some good looks and knocked down a few but we need him to shoot at a higher percentage. I thought Archibald showed poise. He wasn't as erratic in this game and he hit some timely shots, especially early. His double team on their post was very disruptive. I love it when he collapses like that. He's good at it.
As for the arena experience. The concessions were NOT ready for this crowd. The vendors needed to get there at 4 and have the food ready for purchase. Instead, they were just setting up at 5 when the crowd was allowed entry and it was a cluster. They was some irony in how the "floor" was being dedicated and they were trying to repair it before the game. Also, the towel boys were absolutely awful. They created doubt as to whether or not they could even wipe the floor with their towel. Had no idea when to come wipe up, and weren't willin to get down on hands and knees and remove the perspiration. It was actually comical how bad they were. Embarrassing for Brookshires imo. The LSU wannabes were out in full force and many of them, because they have no idea about our team, seemed confounded by how good we are. They were mostly there to chant and gloat but ended up being concerned about a possible L much of the night. That humored me as well. I thought the Tech crowd was decently loud and enthusiastic. I really wanted this win but I thought we showed well overall. It was an enjoyable event, and I think LaTech made a statement to S'port/Bossier that we have a legit program.