Burn The Horse: UALR Gameday: Lockhart solid as Trojans take on La Tech

BURN THE HORSE

Check out this line from UALR’s season opening victory overTennessee-Martin.

Taggart Lockhart

10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 offensive rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal in35 minutes. And with the points-a-palooza put on by freshmen, it went virtually unnoticed. It didn't go unnoticed here.

That pretty solid statistical line belongs to UALR sophomore guardTaggart Lockhart. And it doesn’t even tell the entire story. Lockhart also tookat least two charges and provided a solid all-around game. That’s exactly whatUALR needs from him this season.

Even more impressive, Lockhart was a -9 in the plus/minus at one point late in the first half. He finished +19 the remainder of the game. He didn't score a lot of points -- although he did hit a big three pointer -- but he impacted the game in other ways.

And it’s what UALR needs tonight as the Trojans take on Louisiana Techat 7 p.m. at the Thomas Assembly Center in Ruston, La. Louisiana Tech doesn’thave a big front line, but the Bulldogs do have some big guards who can score.And keeping Lockhart, whose 35 minutes were a team high on Friday, on the courtfor these extended periods will be a key.

BURN NOTICE

UALR freshman guard John Gillon scored 22 points in the season openeron Friday. That is the most points by a UALR freshman in his debut since atleast 1979, when UALR joined NCAA Division I. What does that have to do withtonight? Nothing. Gillon needs to playunder control against Louisiana Tech if he wants to get extended minutes. Andthere’s no reason to think freshman Josh Hagins won’t bounce back to have asolid game, especially playing close to his Shreveport home.

KEYS

Raheem Roam: UALR wants topressure the ball and Louisiana Tech’s Raheem Appleby is really good off thedribble. UALR can’t let Appleby get loose for easy baskets.

Get a handle: Tennessee-Martintried to press a bit but they weren’t committed. Expect Louisiana Tech tocommit to the press. UALR’s young guards have to handle it and make theBulldogs pay for it.

Paint’s the place: Louisiana Tech has some size, but they didn’tuse it in their opener. Other than the 30 minutes played by 6-9 Michale Kyser,only 10 other minutes were utilized by players 6-7 or taller. UALR’s postplayers 6-10 Michael Javes and 6-10 Gus Leeper were largely ineffective in theTrojans opener. UALR needs to win this matchup to exploit other spots on thecourt.