The LSU Tigers men’s basketball team defeated the Tarleton State Texans 96-60 on Wednesday night inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The win gets LSU off to a 1-0 start this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Matt McMahon began his fourth season in charge of the LSU Tigers in this game. Early on, each team was trading baskets in a relatively close game. Near the midway point of the first half, LSU created a run that gave them a double-digit lead. After a monstrous slam dunk from Robert Miller III, the Tigers took a 30-18 lead.
A flagrant two foul on Miller III resulted in the ejection of Tarleton State’s Chris Mpaka, and it also allowed LSU to extend the lead further. The Tigers worked to create a bigger advantage going into the half, and they were successful. They led 47-31 at the break. Max Mackinnon led LSU with 13 first half points.
While LSU was unable to keep up their incredible first-half shooting, they were able to consistently maintain and even extend their lead in the second half. By the under twelve timeout, they had extended the advantage to 23 at 64-41, using a combination of good defense and effective scoring.
They handled things down the stretch, keeping their lead and enjoying a comfortable victory.
BIG NUMBER: 76
LSU shot an incredibly efficient 76 percent from the field in the first half. For the game, they ended at 70 percent, an incredible mark to start the season.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Max Mackinnon
Mackinnon had a big impact in his first game for LSU. He led the team in scoring with 19 points and added five assists and three rebounds as well.
UP NEXT: LSU will remain home to host UNO on Monday, November 10th at 7:00 PM. The game can be heard on ESPN 103.7 Lafayette 104.1 Lake Charles.