The LSU Tigers started out fast, but were beat by NC State with a late rally in OT to fall 83-71.
LSU opened up the game with an early 11-5 lead after the first media timeout, but pumped the brakes late in the first half and that gave NC State the opportunity needed to take a two-point lead heading into the locker room.
And the Wolfpack took the momentum from the end of the first half, going on a 12-2 run to start the second half. but Brandon Sampson and Tim Quarterman got hot from three point range which cut away at the lead. Freshman Ben Simmons, who had been kept in check throughout the game got his first bucket to tie it up with 38 seconds left in regulation. The Tigers had a chance to end it in regulation, but Antonio Blakeney went for a long three that was no good.
Early on in overtime, Simmons fouled out and NC State proceeded to dominate in the period to come away with the win.
Despite Simmons being in double coverage, the freshman still walked away with a double-double scoring four points, getting 16 boards, and 10 assists on the night. But Quarterman and Sampson were hot all night with 19 and 18 points respectively.
The Wolfpack were led by Anthony Barber with 20 points, seven boards, and seven assists.
The Tigers (3-2) will return to play on November 30th to take on Charleston College (2-1) at the PMAC with tipoff set for 6 pm.
-Clint Domingue