LSUS has great chance at playoff run

Pilots head coach Chad McDowell points out that his 2005-06 squad that advanced to the NAIA Tournament was probably his most talented from top to bottom in five seasons. The 2006 Pilots were upset in the first round though.

This year's Pilots are seeded No. 4 for the NAIA Tournament that begins next week. They are a talented group too, but lately, they've been a more balanced group. In a word, it's about defense.

The 2005-06 squad had the talent (i.e. Fredericko Payne) to drill 25-footers from around the court. It's hard to do it when you're constantly working to get open looks and there's a hand in your face however.

The 2008 Pilots have a collection of senior talent that doesn't rely on one scorer. One night, it's Josh Porter. The next night it could be Jamon Morris or Travis Cash or J'Quincy Jones.

If there's one stat the Pilots need to improve on, it's free throws. Amazingly, they're shooting 64 percent from the line. That's an incredible stat for a team that's 30-2. If a game comes down to the free throws, LSUS may be in trouble and looking at another early exit.