LSU got a key piece back when [autotag]Jalen Cook[/autotag] returned to the floor on Saturday morning.
The guard began his collegiate career at LSU in 2020 before transferring to Tulane, where he spent the last two seasons.
At Tulane, he emerged as one of the top guards in the AAC and averaged 19 points per game over 50 career appearances.
His return to Baton Rouge was a welcome one given the struggles LSU had on offense last year, but his eligibility was unclear. But after a court prevented the NCAA from enforcing some transfer requirements earlier this week, Cook was able to suit up.
Jalen Cook is here pic.twitter.com/0WTNxzSorb
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) December 16, 2023
LSU didn’t get the win, but Cook’s return provided the boost the offense expected. LSU’s 85 points was the most it scored in regulation vs a Power 5 opponent all year.
McMahon wasn’t shy about playing Cook either, who saw the court for over 30 minutes on Saturday.
He scored in double-digits with 13 points, to go along with five assists, four rebounds, and two stills. However, Cook found himself in some foul trouble with four and it wasn’t the most efficient performance, going 5/15 from the field.
LSU now sits at 6-5 and this doesn’t look like a tournament team, but having Cook back could help LSU score some points in conference play.
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