LSU men’s basketball is off to a 2-0 start after overcoming early struggles to beat Alabama State on Saturday.
LSU had just 26 points at the half and trailed by six. LSU began to wake up out of the half but dominated over the final ten minutes — outscoring Alabama State 30-13 in that span.
The final was 74-61.
Leading the way for LSU was Cam Carter with 21 points. Dji Bailey and Jordan Sears had solid nights too, combining for 33 points.
Carter gave LSU what it needed from behind the arch, going 4/5 from long range. Bailey showed up throughout the stat sheet, adding seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
With a couple of tough nonconference games on the horizon, LSU couldn’t afford to lose this one. You can’t make the NCAA Tournament early in the year but bad nonconference losses can knock you out of it. LSU has a chance to be a bubble team and needs all it can to look good on the margins.
LSU showed improvement under Matt McMahon in his second year and McMahon is hoping year three can be an a bigger step.
Next up for LSU is a contest at Kansas State on Thursday. If LSU was to go on the road an win, it would be a sign of undeniable progress for McMahon and company.