GAMETHREAD: Basketball vs. Southeastern LA, 7:30pm, SECN+

The on-court debut of the 4th-ranked basketball recruiting class is finally upon us, as Will Wade’s second season as Head Coach of the LSU Men’s Basketball team begins this evening. The Tigers finished 18-15 (8-10 Southeastern Conference) and made it to the second round of the NIT last year, leaving LSU fans wanting much more with the recruiting class coming in this year. LSU will begin the season ranked 23rd in the AP Poll for the first time in three years, setting nothing short of Tournament expectations.

The Tigers will take on the Southeastern LA Lions of Hammond, America. The Lions finished with a relatively impressive 22-12 (15-3 Southland Conference) record last season, and ended their regular season on an eight game win streak. The Lions also made an appearance in the NIT last year, exiting in the first round after a loss to Saint Mary’s. While they successfully imposed a slower tempo and boasted one of the best defenses in the Southland last season, KenPom projects a 19 point LSU victory.

Tonight’s game will begin at 7:30pm or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the 5:30pm Women’s Basketball game against Sam Houston State. $5 tickets are available that will get you an upper level reserved seat for the Men’s game and a lower level general admission for the Women’s.

LSU students, you’ve got free tickets and an even better deal.

Hop on the bandwagon tonight, y’all. It shouldn’t have much breathing room by March.

For out-of-towners and those disposed by sickness, election results, or that thing that happened Saturday, you can watch the game online through SEC Network+, listen in on 98.1 FM, or follow along via Twitter through my live tweets @marq113.

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After the tragic death of forward Wayde Sims less than six weeks ago, the Tigers will not return any forwards from last year’s team. LSU will honor Sims following the game. Per LSU Basketball’s SID Kent Lowe:

After the men’s game is finished, fans are encouraged to stay for a postgame tribute to the late Tiger Wayde Sims, who died in late September. The basketball player will be honored with a video tribute of his life and a brief on-court ceremony involving the team and Wayde’s parents, former LSU basketball player Wayne and Fay Sims.