LSU Handles Southeastern Louisiana, Improves to 10-1 in Return to PMAC
After nearly a month away from home, LSU men’s basketball returned to the PMAC and wasted no time reminding fans what this team is capable of. The Tigers jumped out to a scorching start and never looked back, taking down Southeastern Louisiana 78-65 on Friday night to move to 10-1 on the season.
This one was over early-at least in terms of LSU setting the tone. The Tigers hit 9 of their first 10 shots and sprinted out to a 23-6 lead just seven minutes in. That hot start gave them enough cushion to weather Southeastern’s runs throughout the night, and while the Lions never rolled over, they never really threatened to flip the game either.
LSU led 50-36 at the break, powered by sharp shooting on both sides. The Tigers hit nearly 60% from the field in the first half (16-of-27), while Southeastern kept pace with a solid 14-of-28. But LSU’s early burst and offensive balance gave them breathing room they’d maintain the rest of the way.
In the second half, LSU stretched the lead to as much as 18 points-61-43 with just under 14 minutes to go-but couldn’t quite slam the door shut. Credit to Southeastern for continuing to battle.
They matched LSU in paint points (28-28) and outworked them on the offensive glass, turning that hustle into a 14-6 edge in second-chance points. Rebounds were dead even at 29 apiece.
Still, LSU’s efficiency and depth were the difference.
Balanced Scoring, Big Nights in the Paint
Four Tigers finished in double figures, led by Marquel Sutton, who came within a rebound of a double-double. Sutton poured in 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc, and knocked down both of his free throws. His energy and efficiency were a steadying force all night.
Michael Nwoko was perfect from the field-literally. The big man went 6-for-6 and added six more points from the line, finishing with 18. His presence in the post was felt early, though Southeastern’s second-half zone slowed down LSU’s interior attack.
Max Mackinnon and Dedan Thomas Jr. chipped in 14 points each, rounding out a well-rounded offensive performance.
The Tigers shot 54.3% from the floor overall and knocked down 9-of-22 from deep (40.9%). They also got to the line consistently and converted at a solid clip, going 19-of-27.
Just as important? LSU kept the turnovers in check, finishing with only eight giveaways-no small feat against a Southeastern squad that ranks among the nation’s best at forcing turnovers.
Coach McMahon: “Good to be back home”
LSU head coach Matt McMahon was pleased with the win, especially after such a long stretch away from Baton Rouge.
“It’s been four weeks since we’ve played here at the PMAC,” McMahon said postgame. “I loved our start to the game - I thought our guys were really dialed in. We were able to get out in transition and executed well offensively.”
McMahon credited Southeastern for making things tough in the second half, particularly with their switch to a 1-1-3 zone that disrupted LSU’s rhythm inside. But he was encouraged by the overall balance-four players in double figures, over 50% shooting from the field and from three, and another night of low turnovers.
He also highlighted the performance of Sutton, calling him “a warrior,” and praised Nwoko’s efficiency down low.
Bench Production and Backcourt Chemistry a Work in Progress
One area McMahon pointed to for continued improvement is bench scoring. While the Tigers got some good looks from their reserves, they connected on just 2-of-8 from three off the bench.
Still, McMahon sees progress.
“Jalen Reece is doing a terrific job running this team,” he said. “He’s not carrying a heavy scoring load off the bench, but he’s around a three-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio and playing solid defense.”
McMahon also touched on the backcourt pairing of Reece and Dedan Thomas Jr., which LSU used to counter Southeastern’s pressure defense. With two ball-handlers on the floor, the Tigers were able to maintain composure and create quality shots. It’s a lineup combo McMahon said could be matchup-dependent moving forward, but one he’s excited to keep exploring.
Player Perspective: Culture, Confidence, and Consistency
For Sutton, the team’s mindset is simple as SEC play approaches: urgency in everything they do.
“Our motto is brotherhood, relentlessness, and consistency,” Sutton said. “That’s our culture and our DNA.”
As for his own shooting performance, Sutton credited the work he puts in daily-before and after practice-and the trust his teammates have in him.
Nwoko echoed that trust when asked about the bench unit, saying, “We have complete trust in them. I truly believe they’re going to hit shots when it matters.”
He also shared Coach McMahon’s postgame message: enjoy the win, but don’t get too comfortable.
“We weren’t really satisfied with that win,” Nwoko said. “We still have a lot of basketball left.”
Up Next: Prairie View on Monday
LSU has one more non-conference test before the Christmas break, hosting Prairie View A&M on Monday night at the PMAC. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
Tickets are available online or at the LSU ticket windows, which will open an hour before game time.
For now, the Tigers are 10-1, back in the win column, and back home. And with SEC play looming, they’re looking to keep building on a strong foundation-one built on balance, belief, and a whole lot of buckets.