Nov 29, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers guard Jordan Sears (1) dribbles against Northwestern State Demons guard Micah Thomas (5) during the first half at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Florida State got off to a fast start in its latest game.
LSU got off to a slow start in its most recent contest.
Both finished well in victories that continued strong starts to their seasons.
The Seminoles (7-1) and the Tigers (6-1) will meet in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Tuesday in Baton Rouge, La.
Florida State took a 16-3 lead after six minutes and strolled to a 91-57 home victory against Western Carolina on Nov. 26.
“I think we were in attack mode in the beginning,” Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton said. “We challenged our guys to start developing that mindset that allows you to come with the same level of energy every time we play, and they responded.”
The game against Western Carolina was the third time the Seminoles allowed fewer than 60 points. Florida State finished with 15 steals and five blocked shots while forcing 19 turnovers.
“When you get eight (steals), it has been statistically proven that you win 97 percent of the games,” Hamilton said. “That gives you something to shoot for when you are out there playing. It energizes you.”
LSU’s defense kept the Tigers in the game until the offense came around in the second half of a 77-53 home victory against Northwestern State on Friday.
The Tigers trailed 26-25 at halftime but scored the first five points of the second half and soon went on a 17-0 run that put them in control.
“I didn’t think we were very aggressive coming out as a whole on the offensive side of the ball,” LSU coach Matt McMahon said. “I thought our defense was good enough in the first half.”
Jordan Sears led the Tigers with 18 points, making six 3-pointers for the second straight game.
“In the second half, we played to our own pace, sped them up, and you can see the result of what happens when we do our thing,” Sears said.
–Field Level Media
