SPORTS - NCAA Basketball Elite 8 LSU vs. Texas

This one looks to be a barn burner from start to finish. Texas' big man LaMarcus Aldridge, who had his way against the rebound-challenged Mountaineers, won'[t have free reign in the lane against the likes of Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Tyrus Thomas, who single-handedly turned out the lights on Duke late in the game.

The Tigers played with lots of energy in the Duke game and probably could have won by an even bigger margin had they performed better at the foul line. Davis and Thomas both spent considerable time on the bench, but still fared well. Davis hit on only 3-12 field goal attempts and was 8-13 from the line for 14 points, while Thomas scored 9 on 3 of 5 shooting and was unshakable in the paint, clearing 13 rebounds and blocking 5 shots in 25 minutes of action.

Texas will put up more of a fight than the Blue Devils did, however. Their guards, T. J. Tucker, Gibson and Paulino (who won the W. Virginia game with a three at the buzzer) are more athletic than Paulus and Reddick, so they can be expected to elevate on jump shots and rise on their drives. There won't be as many blocked shots for LSU.

The Longhorns were lucky not to have to go into overtime against the Mountaineers thanks to Paulino. They may not have survived, though they did not have anybody in foul trouble. WVU took a tough route out of the tournament and they were a worthy opponent, but their style of play is radically different from just about any other team, except maybe Villanova.

LSU has surprised many by advancing this far, so beating Texas is not out of the question. This one should be exciting, close, and the winner will be the team which makes the fewest mistakes and takes advantage of opportunities. If LSU doesn't get their free throw shooting into better order, it could be their undoing.

Half time update: (4) LSU 26 Texas 26

LSU should be feeling good, specially holding Texas' Aldridge to 2 points on 1-9 shooting. These teams are very evenly matched and it would be no surprise for this to go down to the wire. Then it's a matter of who can make plays.

Recap: LSU 70 Texas 60

Big Baby Davis and Tyrus Thomas proved to be men rather than boys and dominated the paint throughout. The duo held forward LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas to a season-low 4 points and limited Longhorns' star P. J. Tucker to just 10 points. Davis led the Tigers to their first Final Four appearance since 1989 with 26 points and 9 rebounds, while Thomas added 21 and 13.

The defensive effort by the overlooked Tigers was spectacular, limiting Texas to 20% shooting for the game and getting 8 steals and 7 blocked shots.

LSU will face UCLA in one semi-final game next Saturday in Indianapolis.