GAME NOTES: The struggling LSU Tigers are clearly underdogs this afternoon against the 16th-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores, one of the most surprising teams not only in the SEC but in all of college basketball. LSU needs a victory in the worst way, as six consecutive losses have dropped the squad to 7-10 overall. The Tigers, who are 0-5 in true road games, played in front of a frenzied home crowd in their most recent outing, and the result that tilt was a 74-67 loss to Auburn. As for Vanderbilt, it took on rival Tennessee on Thursday, and the result of that showdown was an ugly 80-60 setback. The Commodores, who opened the season with 16 consecutive victories, have now lost their last two games, both to SEC opponents on the road. Vanderbilt holds a 54-48 series edge over LSU, including a 64-53 victory over the Tigers in Baton Rouge last season.

LSU has lost more games than it has won thus far, but that does not mean that the lineup lacks talent. Marcus Thornton is a force for the Tigers, as he is netting 18.2 ppg. Anthony Randolph checks in with 13.8 ppg and team-highs of 7.9 rpg and 43 blocked shots. LSU actually led Auburn by four points at intermission on Wednesday after shooting 59.1 percent from the floor in the first half. Unfortunately, the Tigers weren't nearly as efficient at the offensive end over the final 20 minutes, as they connected on just 38.5 percent of their field goal attempts, including 3-of-14 from three-point range. They also struggled at the defensive end in the second half, as they permitted Auburn to shoot 18-of-26 from the floor.

Vanderbilt possesses one of the SEC's top duos in Shan Foster and A.J. Ogilvy. Foster is scoring 20.2 ppg on 51.9 percent shooting from the floor, including 48 percent efficiency from three-point range. As for Ogilvy, a freshman center, he is posting 19.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg to go along with his 25 blocked shots. Alex Gordon adds balance with 10.2 ppg for the Commodores, who are netting 84.6 ppg while allowing 75.9 ppg to the competition. Vandy shot a dismal 32.1 percent from the floor in the first half against Tennessee on Thursday, including an 0- of-9 effort from three-point range. The Commodores trailed by 13 points at intermission, and despite a better offensive showing in the second half, they were again outplayed by the Vols. Foster scored 14 points and Ogilvy added 12 points for Vandy, which turned the ball over 22 times.

After starting 16-0, Vanderbilt needs a win just two pull even in SEC play. Ogilvy has been a bit shaky the last two games, so expect him to turn things around at home today.