by Rick Gagliano | 3/23/06

Preview: (4) LSU (25-8) vs. (1) Duke (32-3)
Atlanta Regional Semi-final, 7:10 p.m. ET.
Favorite: Duke -6

The Blue Devils reach this stage with the best record of any live team and they are expected by many to sail past the LSU Tigers with relative ease. In Duke's three losses - to Georgetown, North Carolina and Florida State - they were victimized by strong inside games and LSU certainly boasts one of the best in the remaining field. With the inside presence of forwards Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Tyrus Thomas, LSU will give All-American Shelden Williams all he can handle.

If Williams holds his own against the Tiger titans, the burden on J. J. Reddick will lessen. Reddick will likely have a big game, as the LSU guards probably won't be able to handle him off screens for the entire 40 minutes. Expect Reddick to get plenty of open looks, and if he hits more than 50% of his 3's, book this one for the Dukesters. But if Williams (and freshman Josh McRoberts) gets in foul trouble, Reddick will have to throw up more attempts than he and coach K would probably like.

This one could be decided early on, if Duke's offense clicks at the start and Reddick is on because the Tigers definitely don't want to get into (and probably can't win) a scoring shoot-out with the likes of Duke. LSU isn't accustomed to this level of play and may fall behind early. In that case, Duke will cruise. But if the inside action favors LSU, look for a close one and an upset.

My pick is Duke by 10. Big Ed Schultz likes LSU.

Half time update: LSU 31 Duke 27

Tigers looking pretty comfy with the lead after Thomas and Davis both had to sit out the last 8+ minutes of the half. Both teams played sloppy. 8 turnovers for each team. LSU seems more athletic (maybe Duke is a little tight?) and they are wiping the defensive boards every trip.

Recap: LSU 62 Duke 54

LSU held the Blue Devils to 28% shooting (Reddick, 3-18, all threes, 11 points) and Tyrus Thomas exploded late in a tight game with two free, a dunk and a block on Reddick to propel LSU into the Elite Eight.

The Tigers' defense and interior play overpowered Duke down the stretch. Garrett Temple blanketed Reddick throughout the game. Duke had trouble finding open shots, registering only 5-25 3's for their lowest point total of the season.

It could have been worse. LSU made only 12-23 free throws and their two big men, Thomas and Glen Davis struggled with foul problems all night.

The Tigers will face Texas in the Atlanta Regional Finals.