Recap: LSU defeats USF in NIT opening round 71-63

LSU had their longest road trip of the year, but it was worth every mile. LSU went to San Francisco and defeated the Dons 71-63. After falling behind 2-0, they were able to take a lead and hold it for the remainder of the game using solid defense and an overpowering offensive game.

The first half was controlled by Jarell Martin who finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Johnny O'Bryant and Shavon Coleman each scored 13 for the Tigers while Andre Stringer contributed 9. San Francisco was led by post star Cole Dickerson who scored a game high 24, but no other starter ended the game in double figures.

LSU held the highly efficient USF offense to only 13% shooting from outside and only 41.5% from the field while LSU as able to hit 36.4% of their deep shots and 46% from the field.

The win gives LSU Coach Jones his first 20 win season with the Tigers and his 6th as a head coach. It also gives LSU's seniors another game to wear the Purple and Gold Uniform before graduating.

With the win, LSU heads to Dallas to face the #1 seed SMU in Dallas on Monday night at 8:00pm. SMU has been nearly flawless at home this year, but LSU played one of their best games of the year against USF.