The LSU Lady Tigers fell 61-55 to the No. 23 South Florida Bulls in an emotional season opener.

Before the game started, USF held a moment of silence in honor of AAU coach Kirk Pointer, the father of LSU freshman guard Khayla Pointer and brother-in-law of coach Nikki Fargas, who passed away earlier in the week.

“I really appreciate what USF did for him, and all the well wishes we have received” Fargas said in a postgame radio broadcast. “I have been telling myself and Khayla, take it one moment at a time and we will get through this as family. She is a brave young lady.”

LSU got off to a strong start to take a 6-3 lead early, but gave up a 12-4 run to close the first quarter down 15-10.

The Lady Tigers clawed back into the game to tie it 18-18 after two free throws by Pointer, before LSU gave up a 7-0 run. Junior guard Chloe Jackson kept LSU in the game with 15 points in the first half including a three to close it to 28-25 at the half.

“Chloe kept plugging away,” Fargas said. “She did a nice job for us on the offensive end, but we definitely needed to get her more help.”

The Lady Tigers closed the gap to one to start the third, but gave up an 11-1 run before coming back to down 40-45 to go into the fourth quarter.

LSU got off to a hot start in the fourth quarter with a three pointer by freshman guard Jailin Cherry, but was never able to get into an offensive rhythm before the clock ran out. 

The Lady Tigers had two players in double digits in scoring as Jackson had 21 points, along with 7 rebounds and senior guard Raigyne Louis had 11 points and 9 rebounds.

LSU was outrebounded 47-39 defensively and 23-17 on the offensive end. The Lady Tigers gave up 15 turnovers, while forcing just 13.

LSU returns home on Sunday against Southeastern.

The Lady Tigers will retire the jersey of former LSU center Sylvia Fowles in a ceremony before the game.