The LSU Tigers hung on Saturday to beat the Florida Gators (17-12, 8-8 SEC) by the score of 96-91.
The Tigers controlled the game from the outset of the first half with a 6-0 lead in the opening minute. Florida took the lead with five minutes left in the first, but gave it up just as quickly as the Tigers went on a 10-2 run late and headed into the locker room with a 40-29 lead.
The sizable lead the Tigers had at the half kept the Gators at bay, but the Gators were able to cut into that lead as the second half progressed. But the Tigers were able to come away with the win with a lot of extra opportunities in terms of free throws.
Antonio Blakeney led the Tigers with 32 points, one board, one assist, one block, and one steal on the night. Ben Simmons had another good night with 22 points, 11 boards, five assists, and four steals.
John Egbunu led the Gators with 22 points, four boards, and one assist on the night.
The Tigers (17-12, 10-6 SEC) will wrap up their slate of home games on Tuesday night against the Missouri Tigers (10-19, 3-13) with tipoff set for 8 pm.
-Clint Domingue