LSU vs. Michigan preview: Tigers prepare for tough Maui slate

After two blowout wins to start the season, LSU will look to keep its momentum going when it squares off with Michigan on Monday in the first round of the Maui Invitational.

The Tigers are currently averaging 102 points per game, but that number figures to decrease a bit after playing the defensive-minded Wolverines.

Michigan is off to a 3-0 start and has held opponents to just 59.3 points per game.

Awaiting these two teams in the next round is either Notre Dame or Chaminade.

Players to Watch

Tremont Waters (LSU)

The freshman point guard is already wowing LSU fans just two games into his career.

Waters erupted for 27 points in the season opener against Alcorn State, and although he only had five points in the win over Samford, he dished out eight assists in 27 minutes of action.

He will undoubtedly be the driving force of this team going forward, as he’s already proving to be an elite facilitator that can also find ways to score easy buckets.

Brandon Sampson (LSU)

Sampson is making strides in his overall game, and it shows with the way that he’s filled the stat sheets through two games.

The junior guard is averaging 15 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists thus far, and was only a few assists and rebounds away from grabbing a triple-double against Samford.

That’s what Will Wade needs from him, and as continues to fine-tune his skills on the defensive end of the floor, he’ll continue to be someone that LSU can lean on in many areas of the game.

Duncan Robinson (Michigan)

After shooting over 42 percent from 3-point range the past two seasons, Robinson is off to a hot start in knocking down 14 of 32 attempts (43.5 percent) this season.

Guard play is going to be important in a game like this one, and Robinson’s experience will give the Wolverines a nice boost in that area.

Moritz Wagner (Michigan)

The 6-11 Berlin native has picked up where he left off last season in jumping out to a good start this year.

Wagner is averaging 13.3 points and 9.7 rebounds per game and grabbed double-doubles in each of the team’s first two games.

He could be a valuable asset on the boards in this game, especially if he can give Michigan second chance opportunities.

How LSU Can Win

The biggest key for the Tigers is playing with the same type of energy and confidence on both ends of the court.

This is the first real test for a team that lost a lot of games last season, and how they respond to adversity against the Wolverines will tell us a lot about Wade’s squad going forward.

Staying aggressive on the glass will also be important, as will taking care of the ball and not letting Michigan turn defense into offense.

How Michigan Can Win

John Beilein’s team has allowed opponents to shoot 48.1 percent from 3-point land through three games, so defending the perimeter will one of the keys to victory.

Another will be using experience to overwhelm an LSU squad that’s still learning how to win.

And, of course, not turning the ball over will be crucial considering that the Tigers will likely try to speed the game up a little bit.

Game Details

Date: November 20

Time: 11 PM EST

TV: ESPNU

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