When the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines take on No. 8 seed LSU on Monday night, expect no shortage of offensive firepower. Both teams rank in the top 10 of KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency, with the Tigers checking in at No. 5 and Michigan at No. 7.
But despite shared success, their styles couldn’t be more different.
LSU’s offense is a three-headed monster of Cameron Thomas (22.8 points per game), Trendon Watford (16.5) and Javonte Smart (15.6) — a trio of matchup nightmares that play a predictable brand of isolation basketball. Nobody on the team averages more than four assists, and less than half of the Tigers’ 809 made baskets this season have been assisted.