The LSU Tigers played their first game on the road, where they traveled to Manhattan, Kansas, in a victory over the Kansas State Wildcats, winning 76-65.
The Tigers now move to 3-0 and get their first Power Four win on the season.
Watching this game, it was clear that LSU wanted to be aggressive on the offensive end. LSU scored 49 points in the first half, and senior guard Cam Carter scored 14 of his 20 in the first half.
It was sweet revenge for Carter as he led the way against his former team a year ago. Carter shot 54% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
LSU was highly efficient in shooting the ball from the field. Although the Tigers only shot 33% from three, they combined for 50% from the field.
It wasn’t just Carter who led the Tigers to victory. Jordan Sears added 15 points, and the LSU bench combined for 32 points thanks to freshman guard Victorius Miller, who scored 15, and Daimion Collins with 12.
The Tigers led by as much as 17 in the first half and didn’t look back. LSU should be highlighted for its ball movement and aggressiveness. Four players, including two from the bench, scored in double digits.
There weren’t too many foul shots, and even when the shot clock got low, LSU kept their composure and made plays in the end.
Another significant stat that carried the Tigers to victory was the battle on the glass, as the Tigers outrebounded the Wildcats 43 to 25.
Corey Chest led the team in rebounds with 13, with Jalen Reed and Sears having eight and seven rebounds. Grabbing 11 offensive rebounds, the Tigers capitalized on their opportunities and put in 16 points from second-chance points.
The theme that coach McMahon has been preaching is coming to reality as the Tigers’ defense made the storyline.
The Tigers held Kansas State to 36.4% shooting from the field in the first half and 37.7% for the game. The Wildcats also shot 23.8% from beyond the 3-point line.
LSU’s pressure on the ball and focus on allowing the Wildcats to adjust offensively were significant parts of their great defensive showing.
The Tigers recovered well on rotations and got active in the passing lanes and on the ball.
Great defense and forcing missed shots gave the Tigers a chance to get out in transition, and they scored 12 points from fast-break points.
LSU will return back to Baton Rouge for its matchup against Charleston Southern on Tuesday at 7 p.m.