When a team finishes its season 18-12, often times that's the sign of a mediocre program. In the case of Louisiana State, it's just a reloading year for one of the nations' elite squads.

The Tigers return every player from last year's team that reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament before bowing out to host Colorado.

In addition to returning all of last years' minutes, LSU has four players returning from injury and one of the best freshmen classes in the nation.

Though Arizona and LSU appear to be worlds apart, there are some similarities that make tomorrow's game intriguing.

The Tigers boast a deep, healthy lineup, a sharp contrast from last season when the team had just seven players available at the end of the season due to injury.

Head coach Sue Gunter now has double that to work with.

Though Gunter can look up and down her bench and see many able bodies, experience is not as deep, much like that of the Arizona squad, that boasts eight new comers.

"We obviously have a solid group returning," Gunter said. "But we also have a lot of things we are going to have to figure out. A lot of these kids have not been tested."

The biggest test will be how the Wildcats respond to playing such a high-profile squad that leaves all the pressure on the visiting Tigers, who come to Tucson with all the expectations to live up to.

"Every time we walk out there this year we are going to be the hunted and not the hunter," Gunter said.

They may be the hunted according to Gunter, but with three preseason All-Americans and the reigning National High School Player of the Year, bringing down the Tigers will be a huge task.

Much like the Wildcats, the Tigers are loaded at the guard spot.

Junior Temeka Johnson was an honorable mention All- American last season by the Associated Press.

The 5-foot-3 junior Johnson averaged 11.1 points last season and dished out 179 assists while turning the ball over only 80 times.

Along with Johnson will be junior Doneeka Hodges who started all 30 games last season and posted 15.3 points per game, good for second on the squad.

Hodges, the teams' best three-point threat, canned 53 from behind the arc last season, while shooting nearly 40 percent from long range.

The untested but highly touted freshman Seimone Augustus will make her NCAA debut. Augustus, voted the nations' top high school player last year, averaged 28 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and five steals as a senior.

Augustus' 6-foot-1 frame makes her a difficult match-up for many smaller guards.

With this backcourt, it will be difficult for Arizona to press effectively given its inexperience.

If the Wildcats do press and are able to maintain it, it could turn the game in UA's favor.

But this game will not just be won and lost on the perimeter.

No top five team would be complete without a presence in the paint.

Last years' leading scorer Aiysha Smith (15.9 point per game) will be a tough match-up for the Wildcats.

However, Smith stands only 6-foot-2, and does not boast an overwhelming frame but is still a great scorer and rebounder.

The senior was named to the All-SEC first team last year after racking up nine double-doubles.

Arizona will counter with senior forward Krista Warren, or redshirt freshman Shawntinice Polk. Warren, regarded as one of the best athletes on the team, is the same height as Smith, and should be able to keep up with Smith in case Polk gets in foul trouble.

Polk's 6-foot-4 stature will obviously force Smith away from the basket, but it will be up to Polk's agility and athleticism to contain the multi-dimensional Smith.

Arizona also has sophomore Danielle Adefeso and junior Svjetlana Papcevic to give the LSU front court different looks.

The big question tonight will be whose defense will give first. With both teams deep at the guard position and boasting very capable centers, it will come down to defensive effectiveness.

If Arizona can't contain the LSU backcourt, it will be a long night at McKale Center. If the youthful Wildcat guards can go blow for blow on the ball, and keep the Tiger inside game in check, the Tigers might just be hunted down.