The LSU Tigers men’s basketball team defeated the UL Monroe Warhawks 95-60 on Wednesday night inside the PMAC. The win allowed Matt McMahon’s team to start the 2024-25 season 1-0.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Before the game began, McMahon issued a statement that guard Tyrell Ward would be leaving the team due to mental health. He added that he did “not anticipate him returning to competition this season.”
When the opener tipped off, it was LSU’s size inside that gave ULM issues. Jalen Reed got off to a great start, working hard at both ends of the floor. That allowed LSU to jump out to a 14-6 lead.
The Warhawks shot-making would keep them in it early on. A 9-2 run cut the lead to 16-15 near the under twelve TV timeout. However, the Tigers would extend the lead back out. A Reed dunk made it 29-17 LSU after a 13-1 run. That run continued and reached 19-1 with the lead getting to 35-17.
Down the stretch of the first half, LSU’s size and pace overwhelmed the Warhawks. They continued to work inside, led by Reed’s 16 point effort. By the break, they had stretched their lead to 50-27.
The second half saw more of the same. The Tigers were able to get consistent looks on the inside, and the Warhawks struggled to score from the interior. After six plus minutes of play in the second half, LSU had the lead up to 35 at 69-34.
By the under eight timeout, LSU’s lead held strong at 78-44. They were able to get plenty of players some minutes in the final stretch of this game with such a comfortable lead.
The Tigers cruised to the 95-60 win.
BIG NUMBER: 45
Cam Carter and Jalen Reed combined for 45 points in the victory. They could be a nice scoring duo for LSU this season, one in the backcourt and one in the front court.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jalen Reed
Reed’s presence was felt from the opening tip-off. His length inside and skill with the ball was too much for the Warhawk defense. He finished with 24 poand __
UP NEXT: LSU will remain home to face Alabama State on Sunday, November 10th at 4:00 PM. The game can be heard on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.