Tigers Dominate Lions in PMAC Opener 96-43

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center proved to be home sweet home for the LSU men’s basketball team, as the Tigers dominated the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions 96-43.

For the third game in a row, five-star freshman shooting guard led LSU in scoring with 21 points. Thomas was once again deadly from three, hitting four of eight attempts; Thomas also played fearlessly, getting to the free throw line ten times, where he would convert nine attempts.

The game frankly was not a contest, LSU briefly trailed 4-3 but blew past the Lions thanks to a 13-2 run that gave the Tigers a 16-4 lead. But LSU wouldn’t stop there, sophomore forward Trendon Watford scored four consecutive points and later hit a three to put the exclamation mark on a quick 8-0 scoring burst. Watford ended the game with 20 points, his second straight 20-point effort.

Freshman forward M’Wani Wilkinson sparked a strong finish to the first half, scoring nine of his 12 points in a three and a half minute span. Wilkinson also had six rebounds, a block and a steal all in 14 minutes of playing time. Wilkinson helped give the Tigers a 50-18 lead at the break.

The second half was more of the same for LSU, outscoring Southeastern 46-25. It was by far the Tigers’ best defensive effort of the 2020 season; LSU only allowed the Lions to shoot 22 percent from the floor and 5-29 from three. The Tigers also forced 18 turnovers, highlighted by three from Darius Days.

LSU has the rest of the week off, and will be back on the floor Sunday, December 6 against Louisiana Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 and the game will be broadcasted on SEC Network.