The LSU Tigers men’s basketball team defeated the Sam Houston State Bearkats 88-66 on Monday inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center without head coach Will Wade, who couldn’t attend due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.
Javonte Smart led the Tigers with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Freshman guard Cam Thomas scored 19 points and Darius Days added 16 to lift LSU to the 22-point win.
With the victory, LSU moves to 4-1 on the season. Sam Houston State falls to 3-4 with the loss.
The Bearkats were led by Demarkus Lampley with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists.
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The Tigers led 45-37 at halftime, up by 10 points in the final minute of the first half.
In the second half, the Tigers outscored Sam Houston State 43-29 to seal the victory.
The Tigers shot 48.5% from the floor on 33-of-68 shooting. The Bearkats shot 36.5% on 23-of-63 shooting. LSU finished the game 33.3% from behind the free throw line and Sam Houston State finished at 25% on 8-of-32 from beyond the arc.
LSU’s largest lead was 22 points in the second half. The Bearkats never held a lead in the game.
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From the free throw line, LSU shot 82.4% on 14-of-17 free throw attempts. Sam Houston State shot 80% at the line on 12-of-15 shooting.
Next up, LSU hosts the New Orleans Privateers on Wednesday inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Tip off is scheduled for 8 pm CST on SEC Network. Following Wednesday’s game, the Tigers have two non-conference games against North Texas and VCU to wrap up non-conference play before SEC play opens on December 29.
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