Simmons shines for LSU

Simmons pulled off a number of highlight-reel plays en route to a double-double, 11 points and 13 rebounds, and showing off his ability to run a team from power forward, adding four assists in LSU’s 81-70 victory. “We were a bigger, stronger and more athletic team”, said LSU Coach Johnny Jones.

It was the largest crowd in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for an LSU home opener since Shaquille O’Neal’s last season on November 22, 1991, when a crowd of 13,113 watched the Tigers beat Northeast Louisiana.

“Obviously, this wasn’t the outcome we wanted”, McNeese coach Dave Simmons said.

The Tigers lone shortcoming on a night when the team blocked 15 shots and had 16 steals was in rebounding as SW Baptist out rebounded LSU, 44-33.

“And I think it’s just really – it’s become a part of it and he understands it. I think he’s done a tremendous job of handling it”.

In a losing cause for McNeese St., Jamaya Burr finished with 18 points, while Craig McFerrin had 12 points and 13 rebounds. So, the three freshmen combined for 51 points and 26 rebounds.

“As soon as soon as I was ready in the lockeroom, I was ready to go out and play”, Simmons said. The Tigers opened up the second half on a 20-0 run and 27-0 spurt overall to open up a 61-27 lead with 13:51 to play before an Austin Lewis jumper snapped an 8:51 total scoring drought.

The Tigers then scored the first 20 points of the second half, making it 27-unanswered points, as they cruised to the 11-point win.

Dunks by Blakeney and Simmons helped LSU score the final seven points of the half and take a 41-27 lead into the lockerroom. With Hornsby out, the starting lineup for the Tigers in their exhibition game included sophomore guard Jaylyn Patterson, center Elbert Robinson III and guard Tim Quarterman in addition to Simmons and Blakeney.

But 239 long days after playing a game that counted, the most anticipated season in years for the LSU basketball program and its fans is at last here.

When LSU had substitutes in the game over the final few minutes, McNeese reduced its deficit to the final margin of 11 points. Backup point guard Josh Gray served a one-game suspension for participating in a non-sanctioned summer league game. Burr scored 15 of his 18 points during that stretch.

LSU hosts Kennesaw State on Monday. The Tigers made 46 percent of their field goal attempts (28-of-61), including 45 percent of their 3-point shots (9-of-20).