It was great to see Will Wade return to the sideline Tuesday night, dressed in the team’s purple and gold, actively coaching, and even drawing a technical foul during the game. While Wade’s presence was welcome, it was even more encouraging to witness a basketball squad displaying potential and skill.
The LSU Tigers cruised to a 100-57 victory over the LSU New Orleans Privateers. Several players delivered standout performances: Saliou Niang contributed 14 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals; Donavan Dent led the team with 19 points, adding 10 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 4 rebounds; and freshman big man Michael Ruzic came off the bench to score 17 points, grab 6 rebounds, dish out 2 assists, and block 1 shot.
Despite limited preseason play due to eligibility concerns, the team showed solid chemistry and promise. With newfound opportunity to play together regularly, expectations are high for continued improvement.
The game wasn’t flawless, as LSU committed 12 turnovers and shot just 25% from three-point range. Abdi Bashir demonstrated his shooting ability, making 3 of 9 attempts beyond the arc and scoring 11 points off the bench on 4-of-11 shooting overall.
Defensively, the Tigers held their opponents to 25% shooting from the field and a mere 14% from three-point territory. However, they allowed 14 offensive rebounds, an area that needs attention going forward. LSU also sent the Privateers to the free-throw line 38 times due to 25 fouls—a discipline issue likely to improve as the lineup gels.
This game marked a strong opening for the Tigers. While the win was decisive, there’s still plenty of room for growth. The players have the talent, and with solid coaching and leadership, LSU looks poised for an exciting season ahead. Next up, LSU faces Texas Southern on Friday at 7 p.m. on SECN+.
How do you think the Tigers performed against the Privateers? What areas should they focus on before their next matchup?
Fan Take:
For basketball fans, this win highlights the importance of Wade’s return and the emerging talent on LSU’s roster, signaling a potentially exciting season. If the team can tighten up their defense and reduce turnovers, they could become a formidable force in college basketball this year.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
