Tigers use strong first half and balanced offensive attack to cruise past the Privateers in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. — The LSU Tigers opened their 2026-27 basketball season in impressive fashion Tuesday night, overpowering LSU New Orleans 100-57 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

LSU established control early and never allowed the Privateers to find their footing. The Tigers jumped out to an 18-3 advantage by the first media timeout and carried a commanding 53-17 lead into halftime.

The matchup marked a special night for LSU head coach Will Wade, who returned to the Tigers’ sideline and guided his team to an emphatic season-opening victory.

Donovan Dent led the way for LSU with 19 points and 10 assists, recording a double-double while directing an efficient offensive performance. Michael Ruzic added 17 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field, while Saliou Niang delivered an all-around performance with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

The Tigers received contributions throughout the lineup, with six players reaching double figures in scoring.

For LSU New Orleans, Yohandry Ortiz led the Privateers with 16 points, including 14 in the second half. Ortiz also collected five rebounds and went 7-of-10 from the free-throw line.

Solomon Omni led the Privateers on the boards with eight rebounds, while freshman Alan Shi added five rebounds and recorded the first points of his collegiate career.

LSU’s advantage in the paint proved to be a major difference. The Tigers outscored the Privateers 60-20 inside and controlled the glass with a 53-38 rebounding advantage.

The Tigers also shot an impressive 51.3% from the field compared to 24.6% for LSU New Orleans.

Despite the difficult opening-night result, the Privateers gained valuable experience, with eight players making their Division I debuts.

Final Score:

* LSU: 100
* LSU New Orleans: 57

The Tigers begin their season 1-0, while the Privateers open at 0-1.