LSU Pulls Away From FIU With A Strong Second Half

The LSU Tigers continued their unbeaten start to the season Thursday night, defeating the FIU Panthers 98-81 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU used a strong second-half performance and an excellent night at the free-throw line to pull away after facing early resistance.

LSU led 43-38 at halftime but outscored FIU 55-43 after the break, shooting 60 percent from the field in the second half. The Tigers also converted 30 of 34 free throws (88.2%), a key factor in maintaining control down the stretch.

Five Tigers finished in double figures. Marquel Sutton posted his second consecutive double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Michael Nwoko also scored 19 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Max Mackinnon added 17 points, while Dedan Thomas Jr. contributed 15 points and six assists. Jalen Reed finished with 10 points.

FIU was led by Corey Stephenson, who recorded a career-high 25 points along with 10 rebounds and six assists. Julian Mackey scored 24 points and shot 9-of-13 from the field.

LSU opened the game with a 13-1 run but saw its lead evaporate as FIU battled back to tie the score twice late in the first half. The Tigers regained control after halftime, using a decisive run to build a 63-46 advantage with just over 12 minutes remaining. LSU extended its lead to as many as 22 points before closing out the victory.

Head coach Matt McMahon said he welcomed the early challenge.

“I was glad we faced some adversity in the first half,” McMahon said. “Overall, to score 98, to live at the free throw line the way we did, to handle some of the adversity we faced there at the end of the first half, it was a good step forward for us.”