1,977 miles.
That’s the distance the LSU men’s basketball team will have to travel in order to extend its season at least one more game.
Lurking in Eugene, Ore., is LSU’s first-round opponent in the National Invitational Tournament – the capable, battle-tested Ducks.
It’s a huge accomplishment for the Tigers to reach the NIT, but unfortunately they drew a tough matchup.
Not only does LSU have to play Oregon ­- winners of six of its last eight games – but the Tigers will have to make the longest road trip of the season.
Oregon calls Matthew Knight Arena, one of the most intimidating venues in college basketball, home – impressive considering the arena only opened a year ago.
The venue is named in honor of chief donor Phil Knight’s son, who died at the age of 34 in a scuba-diving accident. Knight, the co-founder of Nike, attended Oregon and pumps millions of dollars into the athletic program.
I lived in Eugene for eight years. Oregon fans can get rowdy.
I’ve never gotten the chance to step inside the $227 million venue that is Knight Arena, but I remember the days when Oregon greats Luke Jackson, Luke Ridnour and Fred Jones graced McArthur Court, the Ducks’ former arena. I witnessed many big Oregon victories inside what fans refer to as “The Pit” during my childhood.
In 2000, the UCLA Bruins and highly touted freshman guard Jason Kapono came to town.
Midway through the second half, during a Kapono free throw, the student section relentlessly jumped up and down, causing the rim to shake.
After the public address announcer asked the students to stop, the jumping only increased.
In another contest, a week after a California player’s home burned down, the student section chanted “burning down the house” while he was shooting a free throw.
The change of venue hasn’t changed the hostile atmosphere thanks to the obnoxious student section known as the “Pit Crew.”
Oregon is 15-3 this season at home and won the CBI Championship against Creighton to finish its 2011 campaign.
As if the home-court advantage and the Tigers having to travel such a great distance isn’t enough, Oregon has a number of favorable matchups on the court.
Senior guards Devoe Joseph and Garrett Sim form one of the best backcourts on the West Coast and don’t turn the ball over.
The Tigers’ guards might struggle under the constant pressure put on them by Oregon and will have to stay poised if they want to stand a chance against the Ducks.
But the biggest disadvantage for LSU will be Oregon junior swingman E.J. Singler.
The younger brother of former Duke star Kyle Singler is the Ducks’ leading rebounder, and LSU doesn’t have anyone who can keep tabs on his 6-foot-6-inch, 215-pound frame.
It will be a daunting task to escape Eugene with a victory.
Numerous things will have to fall in the Tigers’ favor in order for that to happen.
I just don’t see it.
I’m expecting a tough loss for the Tigers, ending their season after only one postseason game.
Micah Bedard is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Houma. Follow him on Twitter @DardDog.
 
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