The LSU Tigers got off of a three-game skid thanks in part to a red-hot second half and a monster game by freshman Ben Simmons on the way to a thrilling 119-108 over the North Florida Ospreys in the PMAC.
The Ospreys got an early 9-2 lead with three straight three-pointers, two of which were made Beau Beech. But the Tigers were able to close the gap throughout the first half, but the Ospreys extended their lead heading into the locker room with an 11-4 run to end the half.
The Tigers rallied back to open the second half with Simmons putting the team on his back, scoring the first eight points for the Tigers to come within three points. The Tigers continued to get on a roll in the second half, shooting about 80% from the field and took the lead midway through the period and never let go of it to snap a three-game losing streak.
This was the first time since November 28th, 2012 when the Tigers faced Northwestern State that they scored 100 points.
Simmons led the Tigers with a career-high 43 points, 14 boards, seven assists, five steals, and three blocks on the night. Tim Quarterman and Josh Gray were behind Simmons with 20 points a piece.
Beech and Dallas Moore led the Ospreys with 31 points a piece.
The Tigers (4-3) will have some time off before hitting the road to take on the undefeated Houston Cougars on December 13th with tipoff set for 7 pm.
-Clint Domingue