LSU Earns Spot In NCAA Tournament

Tiger basketball fans have had a lot to cheer about this season. The reasons to cheer will continue this Thursday when the 9th seeded Tigers will take on North Carolina State in Pittsburgh. Coach Johnnie Jones says reaching the "Big Dance" has been one of the team's goals this season.

The last time LSU made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament was 2009. Coach Jones told the Louisiana Radio Network, getting the team back to the tournament has been a driving force in motivating his team and Tiger fans all season long.

"Everyone involved really excited about the news of being selected in the Field of 68. Being a part of March Madness, our guys are extremely excited and look forward to the challenges in front of us."

There was some concern among the Tiger faithful that the NCAA Selection Committee might look the other way after the Tigers fell to Auburn in the quarter-finals of the SEC Tournament. However Coach Jones suggested that the team's entire body of work was more than enough to solidify a slot for LSU in this year's tournament.

The game between LSU and North Carolina State will air nationally on the TBS cable channel. Tip off is set for 8:20pm from the CONSOL Engery Center in Pittsburgh. LSU enters the game as a #9 seed with a season record of 22-10. North Carolina State enters the game as an #8 seed with a overall record of 20-13.