March 25, 2006

In the ESPN/USA Today preseason poll, LSU was not ranked. John Brady's young, talented squad is getting the last laugh, baby!

Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Tyrus Thomas were simply dominating, combining to score 47 points as the Tigers sent home #2 seed Texas in overtime. It is amazing to consider that LSU had a 38-10 edge in points in the paint against a unit that included LaMarcus Aldridge, PJ Tucker and Brad Buckman.

The Tigers took charge in overtime, scoring the first seven points while finishing with an 18-8 margin in the extra five minutes.

The contest was intense and defense was the name of the game. This LSU team is special because of its ability to block and change opponents' shots. The Tigers also do a good job protecting the ball, turning it over just 10 times on Saturday.

Now LSU faces UCLA in next week's national semifinal. Ben Howland's Bruins showed defensive tenacity in holding down the high-flying Memphis Tigers. John Calipari's team enjoyed a terrific season, but in the end, Rodney Carney and Shawne Williams were held in check by UCLA.

Wow, UCLA and LSU are going to Indianapolis. That should be quite a defensive showdown when they square off at the Final Four.

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.