LSU rebounded in a big way Saturday night, defeating SMU 89–77 at the Compete 4 Cause Classic inside the Smoothie King Center.
Marquel Sutton led the Tigers with 23 points and 12 rebounds, recording his fifth double-double of the season. Max Mackinnon provided a spark from deep, knocking down six three-pointers and finishing with 22 points on near-perfect shooting.
LSU took a slim 47–44 lead into halftime behind Sutton’s strong first-half performance, then pulled away early in the second half. Mackinnon opened the period with a three-pointer and a jumper as part of a 7–0 run that pushed the Tigers’ lead to double digits. LSU maintained control the rest of the way, holding a multi-possession advantage for most of the final 16 minutes.
Dedan Thomas Jr. added 16 points and a career-high 12 assists, while Pablo Tamba contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds as LSU improved to 9–1 on the season.
SMU was paced by Boopie Miller, Jaron Pierre Jr., and Jaden Toombs, who each scored 16 points. The Mustangs fell to 9–2 with the loss.
The win helped LSU bounce back after its previous setback and capped a strong showing in New Orleans at the Compete 4 Cause Classic.
