The LSU men’s basketball team shook off its worst first half of the season and rallied for a 73-63 victory against Ole Miss on Saturday in the PMAC.
The Tigers (21-8, 10-6 Southeastern Conference) scored 23 points in the first half, their fewest this season, and shot 29.6 percent from the field, which was the second-worst this year.
But behind sophomore guard Tim Quarterman, LSU rallied from its first-half struggles. The Tigers assisted on 14 of their 18 second-half baskets, leading to a 56 percent mark in the final 20 minutes.
Quarterman delivered a triple-double — 18 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists — to help LSU overcome its first-half struggles and collect its third consecutive win. LSU sophomore forward Jarell martin scored 18 points, and junior guard Keith Hornsby added 16.
The Rebels (19-10, 10-6 SEC) uncharacteristically struggled at the free throw line en route to dropping their third game in the last five. Ole Miss, which entered the game leading the SEC in free throw shooting, went 13-for-20 at the charity stripe.
The victory gave LSU the season sweep against Ole Miss and the tie-breaker for the SEC Tournament if both teams finish with identical records after the regular season is completed.