LSU defeats SE Louisiana 78-65
LSU Edges Out SE Louisiana in Home Rematch
The Pete Maravich Assembly Center was electric on Saturday as the 10th-ranked Tigers of LSU hosted their non-conference foe, Southeastern Louisiana (SE Louisiana), in front of their home crowd. The final score read 78-65 in favor of the host team.
From the opening tip, it was clear that LSU was looking to make a statement in this matchup. The Tigers' high-powered offense got going early, with Marquel Sutton leading the way with 19 points on 3-for-4 three-point shooting and 77.8% field goal efficiency. Meanwhile, SE Louisiana struggled to find its footing, committing seven turnovers within the first 15 minutes.
At halftime, LSU held a commanding 50-36 lead, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Tigers' strong defensive play limited SE Louisiana's scoring opportunities, forcing them into difficult shots that didn't fall. On the other end, LSU continued to exploit its matchup advantage, pushing their lead to as many as 18 points in the second half.
While SE Louisiana made some late-game push attempts, it ultimately came up short. Makhi Myles and Peter Hemschemeier combined for 30 points on the road, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Tigers' relentless attack.
LSU's Balanced Effort
LSU's victory marked a strong statement from the team, now ranked 10th in the latest polls. The win showcases the depth of the program, as multiple players contributed to the team effort. Max Mackinnon chipped in with four assists and 14 points, while the Tigers' big men provided a strong presence on the glass.
The key differentiator for LSU was its ability to contain SE Louisiana's high-powered offense. The Tigers' defense allowed just 28% three-point shooting from the visitors, a stark contrast to their own 41% clip in the game. This disparity was crucial in securing the win.
A Tough Loss for SE Louisiana
SE Louisiana's loss serves as a reminder that even against ranked opponents, there are no guarantees of success. The team will need to regroup and refocus on its upcoming schedule if it hopes to make a push for the postseason.
The Tigers' victory also highlights the importance of home-court advantage in non-conference play. LSU's 78-65 win was a testament to the energy of their home crowd, which played a significant role in shaping the game's outcome.
In conclusion, LSU's win over SE Louisiana marked an important statement from the program, showcasing its depth and resilience. While the visitors put up a valiant effort, ultimately falling short, it was the Tigers' balanced attack that secured the hard-fought victory.