Darius Days made eight 3-pointers and scored 30 points as host LSU routed Louisiana-Monroe 101-39 in the season opener for both teams Tuesday night in Baton Rouge, La.
Days, the only returning starter from the Tigers’ NCAA Tournament team last season, made three of his seven first-half 3-pointers during a 26-0 run that put LSU in command. He finished 11 of 13 from the floor and missed just one 3-pointer in nine attempts.
Freshman center Efton Reid, a five-star recruit, added 16 points, fellow freshman Tari Eason had 11 points and 10 rebounds and Xavier Pinson and Eric Gaines scored 10 each for the Tigers, who were 19-10 overall and 11-6 in the SEC last season.
The Warhawks, who were 7-19 overall and 5-13 in the Sun Belt Conference last season, used 11 players and none scored in double figures. Thomas Howell led the way with eight points.
LSU made 12 3-pointers and ULM made three.
The Tigers led by 32 points at halftime and didn’t let up at the start of the second half. Days had two baskets and Pinson had five points and an assist as they increased the lead to 66-25.
Andre Jones made a free throw for the Warhawks before LSU scored 13 straight points to take a 79-26 lead midway through the half.
Koreem Ozier made a free throw for ULM before Days made his eighth 3-pointer.
Days started the scoring with a dunk and added back-to-back 3-pointers as LSU took a 12-4 lead.
ULM closed within 15-13 when Howell made a layup before Days’ 3-pointer started a 7-0 Tigers run.
The Warhawks scored the next four points before Days answered with back-to-back 3-pointers, making him 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.
That started a 29-2 run that helped LSU expand its lead to 52-20 at halftime.
Days finished the half with 23 points and Reid had 13.
The Warhawks had almost as many first-half turnovers (13) as the Tigers had assists (14).
–Field Level Media
