Leo Lyons doubles his rebound average

Junior Leo Lyons has a season average of 4.6 rebounds a game.

By Sam Wilson

Published Feb. 26, 2008

In a game that may have seemed typical, junior forward Leo Lyons accomplished something for just the third time this season. Lyons had 10 rebounds, more than double his season average of 4.6 rebounds a game.

On Nov. 20, Lyons had 11 rebounds against Maryland. He also had 10 rebounds on Dec. 8 against Purdue.

In the game Saturday, a 60-53 win against Colorado, Lyons said he was responding to the words of coach Mike Anderson.

“Coach challenged us on the glass,” Lyons said. “So that’s what I was focusing on, grabbing rebounds.”

Even with Lyons’ production, the team was still out rebounded by Colorado 30-27. But Lyons said the team made up for it by forcing turnovers.

“It’s good to win categories like that,” Lyons said. “Because we always win the category of turnovers. If we can win the glass, that will always help us.”

Saturday, the team turned the ball over four times, compared to 14 turnovers for Colorado.

Anderson said he was pleased with the effort Lyons put forth.

“At least I saw the energy from a consistent standpoint,” he said. “That’s the key to Leo. He’s just got to be consistent in his effort.”

Lyons’ performance was especially necessary because of junior forward DeMarre Carroll’s ankle injury.

Carroll has not missed a game, but has not been at full strength because of an ankle injury suffered Feb. 4 at Kansas.

Anderson said the team winning is contingent upon others picking up the slack.

“Some other guys had it going,” Anderson said. “He had a week to really rest up. I thought he felt good, but we had some other guys that were playing well.”

Carroll continues to receive treatment everyday for the injury.

“It’s just one of those injuries I’m going to have to play with,” Carroll said.

Carroll said he appreciates Lyons’ help.

“He got out there and really tried to battle on the boards,” Carroll said. “It’s just one of them things. Hopefully he’ll beat guys down the court now so he can get more rebounds.”

Carroll is averaging 6.9 rebounds a game this season but had just two on Saturday. Lyons said Carroll’s injury isn’t extra motivation.

“I’ve got to give the same energy no matter what,” Lyons said. “So, if he helps us, that’s very good for us.”

Junior guard Matt Lawrence said Lyons’ performance was important.

“We’ve been struggling rebounding in Big 12,” Lawrence said. “A lot of times we lose games, I think, on the boards. And tonight, to have a guy like that go out there and grab 10 rebounds is real big for us. Hopefully, he just carries it on to the rest of the Big 12 season.”

This team has been out rebounded on average 37.9-34.9 per game this season. In Big 12 play, the team has been out rebounded by an average of 39.8-32.6.

Next up for the Tigers is a home game tonight against Oklahoma State at 8 p.m.

“It’s good for us to win this game so we can go in with a lot of confidence on Tuesday,” Lyons said Saturday night.