Will Wade’s Tigers defeat the Privateers in season debut

Baton Rouge, Louisiana - On October 14, 2026, the LSU Tigers welcomed back their coach, Will Wade, as they faced off against the LSU New Orleans Privateers in their season debut. The Tigers emerged victorious, defeating the Privateers with a commanding score of 100-57. Notable performances came from multiple players, with standout displays from Saliou Niang who contributed 14 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals.

Donovan Dent led the scoring with an impressive 19 points, 10 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 4 rebounds. The team's depth was evident, as freshman big man Michael Ruzic, who played off the bench, tallied 17 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block.

Despite the team's limited preseason action due to eligibility issues, the LSU Tigers showcased their potential. However, the game was not without challenges. The Tigers committed 12 turnovers and only managed to hit 25% of their three-point shots. Abdi Bashir, on the bench, demonstrated his shooting range, sinking 3 of his 9 attempts from beyond the arc and contributing 11 points off the bench.

Defensively, the Tigers held the Privateers to a low 25% field goal percentage and just 14% from three-point range. Nevertheless, they allowed 14 offensive rebounds, a statistic that the team will need to mitigate in future games. The Privateers found themselves in foul trouble, drawing 38 foul shots after committing 25 fouls of their own, a trend that is expected to improve as the season progresses.

This initial matchup served as a solid start for the Tigers, highlighting their talent, coaching, and leadership. The team's performance has set a promising tone for the season ahead. The next game against Texas Southern is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. on SECN+. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Tigers will address their areas of improvement before the next matchup.