LSU freshman forward Ben Simmons started the “new era” of LSU basketball with the first point of the game for the Tigers in a dominating victory against McNeese State.
Simmons wasn’t done filling up the stat sheet as he finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in the Tigers’ 11-point victory against McNeese State, 81-70, Friday night in the PMAC.
LSU coach Johnny Jones opted to start all three of his freshman, including Simmons. The trio shot a combined 17-of-35 from the field for 51 points.
Freshman guard Antonio Blakeney led the Tigers in points with 22 on a 7-16 shooting clip after a rocky first half, in which he finished just 3-10 from the field.
After being outrebounded by Southwest Baptist in an exhibition game last week, LSU improved on the boards, collecting 46 rebounds to McNeese State’s 39.
The Tigers return to the hardwood against Kennesaw State at 8 p.m. on Monday in the PMAC.