Associate Head Coach David Patrick and the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers ran their record to a perfect 3-0 on the season, using a dominant second half and an outstanding performance at the free-throw line to score a convincing 98-81 victory over Florida International University (FIU) at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
LSU, after holding a narrow five-point lead at the half, 43-38, exploded offensively in the final 20 minutes. The Tigers shot an impressive 60 percent from the field (18-of-30), including 16-of-24 inside the arc, to score 55 points and pull away for the decisive victory.
The Tigers' efficiency at the free-throw line was a key factor in the win. After making 13-of-14 in the first half, they maintained their composure by making 17-of-20 in the final 20 minutes, finishing the game at an exceptional 30-of-34 (88.2%) from the stripe.
LSU initially used a 13-1 run in the opening half to build a substantial 22-9 lead, but FIU fought back to tie the game twice at 26 and 28, though they never managed to take the lead. In the second half, the Tigers unleashed a critical 14-3 run to stretch the lead to 17 points, 63-46, with 12:19 remaining. LSU pushed the lead to 20 and led by as much as 22 points with 10 minutes left to play.
LSU finished with five players in double figures. Marquel Sutton led the way with 19 points and secured his second straight double-double with 12 rebounds. Sutton was highly efficient, going 6-of-11 from the field, making three treys, and going 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. Mike Nwoko also scored 19 points and played some of his best basketball despite playing most of the final 11 minutes with four fouls. FIU fell to 1-2 on the season.
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