LSU Knocks Off Alabama in SEC Opener, 88-79

The LSU Tigers opened Southeastern Conference play on a high note, defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide 88-79 Tuesday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.

LSU raced out to a 43-28 halftime lead thanks to 80% shooting (8-10) from three point range and 55% overall.  Ja'Vonte Smart and Darius Days each hit 3-4 from beyond the arc, each scoring eleven points while Tremont Waters added 10.

LSU (11-3, 1-0 SEC) led by as many as 19 in the second half before Alabama (10-4, 1-1) cut the lead to four points with two minutes to go.

The Tigers, playing their first game in eleven days, were led by Waters with 19 points.  Smart scored 15, Kavell Bigby-Williams had a double double with 14 points and 12 rebounds and Days chipped in 14.

The Tide, who had a five game winning streak snapped, were led by Kira Lewis, Jr. with 15 points.