Sam Houston Bearkats at LSU Tigers

LSU defeats Sam Houston 80-58

The Tigers (7-3), who trailed by as many as eight points in the first half, took control of the game right before halftime. Leading 29-27, LSU went on a 9-2 in the last 3 1/2 minutes to go into halftime with a 38-29 lead. The Tigers broke the game open by scoring the first 11 points of the second half.

"They got off to a good start," Sims said. "We came in our huddle and let everybody know what we have to do. That just brings us all together and I think that helps. It helps the team when I do give a whole bunch of energy because they don't really expect that. That gets them hyped and ready to play."

Daryl Edwards and Duop Reath added 11 points each for LSU.

"We settled in and did a nice job," LSU coach Will Wade said. "Changing our defenses helped us. We had good energy from Sims coming in off the bench to get the double-double. He was much more ready to play tonight than he probably has been in a couple of games and that showed."

Abrian Edwards had a season-high 22 points for the Bearkats (6-6), who have lost all four of their road games this season. Chris Galbreath scored 13 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Sam Houston made only 35 percent of their field goal attempts (23-of-65).

"I don't know what to say," Sam Houston coach Jason Hooten said. "We weren't good and we ended up getting beat by 22. The last five-to-seven minutes of the first half we didn't play good. The first five minutes of the second half was the worst we've played all year long. It had everything to do with us."

BIG PICTURE

LSU: The Tigers delivered their best defensive performance of the season as they rebounded from their loss at home to Stephen F. Austin last Saturday. The 58 points scored by Sam Houston were the fewest allowed by the Tigers this season. In addition, the Bearkats' 35 percent field goal shooting was the lowest for a LSU opponent.

LINEUP CHANGES WORK

LSU coach Will Wade changed his starting lineup after the loss to Stephen F. Austin. Small forward Randy Onwuasor was replaced by Daryl Edwards and post player Wayde Sims was replaced by Duop Reath. The switches worked perfectly as all four players scored in double figures. Edwards had 11 points and a season-high five rebounds and Reath had 11 points as he made four of his five field goal attempts. Onwuasor matched his season high with 13 points and Sims registered the first double-double of his career with 10 points and a season-high 10 rebounds.

NOT ENOUGH SUPPORT

Sam Houston's Chris Galbreath had another big night with 13 points and 14 rebounds. However, Galbreath missed 10 of his 16 field goal attempts. Abrian Edwards was the only other Bearkats player to score more than seven points. Edwards, who was averaging just three points a game, finished with 20. Outside of Galbreath and Edwards, Sam Houston made only nine field goals.

UP NEXT

Sam Houston State will return home for its final nonconference game of the season against Utah Valley State on Saturday.

LSU will complete its six-game home stand when it meets North Florida on Friday.

How can I watch Sam Houston vs. LSU?

• TV Channel: Sam Houston at LSU 2021 College Basketball, week 7, is broadcasted on SECN+.
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