The LSU Tigers almost gave up a 22-point lead, but were able to hang on to beat the Missouri Tigers (10-20, 3-14 SEC) 80-71.
After a slow start for both teams, the LSU Tigers started to pull away with a 12-2 run about halfway through the first half and continued to control the game the rest of the half and headed to the locker room with a 46-24 lead at the half.
Right at the outset of the second half, it was all Mizzou with a 12-4 run and continued to nip at the Tigers heels, getting within three points with 4:48 left in regulation. But the Tigers woke up in the final minutes with some solid free throw shooting by Simmons to hold on to a win over Mizzou.
Ben Simmons led LSU with 22 points, 14 boards, seven assists, and two steals on the night. Antonio Blakeney was not too far behind with 18 points, two boards, and two assists.
Terrence Phillips, Kevin Puryear, and Rosburg all led Mizzou with 13 points apiece.
LSU (18-12, 11-6 SEC) will wrap up the regular season inside Rupp Arena on Saturday when they take on the Kentucky Wildcats (22-18, 12-5 SEC) with tipoff set for 1 pm.
-Clint Domingue