The LSU Tigers started out slow, but roared back in the second half to open up SEC play on the right foot with a 90-82 win over Vanderbilt (8-5, 0-1 SEC).
The Tigers opened up strong taking a 5-0 lead, but the Commodores responded shortly after with a 10-0 run. The two teams would exchange the lead several times throughout and ended the fast and furious first half with Vandy having a slim 35-34 lead heading into the half.
The Tigers got the lead back with Craig Victor laying one in during the opening minute of the second half. This would be a lead that LSU would not relinquish.
Ben Simmons put the team on his back with 36 points, 14 boards, four assists, one steal, and one block on the night. Keith Hornsby was another key player who racked up 23 points, one rebound, one assist, and one steal.
The Vanderbilt Commodores had a balanced offense with every player on the starting five getting into double figures.
The Tigers (8-5, 1-0 SEC) will head back to the PMAC to host the 10th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (11-2, 1-0 SEC) with tipoff set for 8 pm.
-Clint Domingue