LSU Dominates Texas Southern 92-51 Led by Donovan Dent

LSU men’s basketball opened their latest campaign with a decisive statement on Friday night, dismantling Texas Southern in a 92-51 victory at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge.

The lopsided final score showed the Tigers' offensive efficiency and defensive intensity, setting an early, high-energy tone for the season.

The matchup served as a showcase for the depth of the LSU roster, particularly the veteran leadership provided by their backcourt. As reported by The Reveille, fifth-year senior guard Donovan Dent played a central role in the team’s ball movement and scoring efforts throughout the evening.

Dent, along with senior guard Abdi Bashir Jr., who provided a highlight-reel dunk, helped the Tigers maintain a relentless pace against a Texas Southern squad that struggled to find consistent footing.

The Pete Maravich Assembly Center saw significant contributions from the frontcourt as well. Junior forward Saliou Niang was active on both ends of the floor, moving the ball effectively and fighting for position inside. Fellow forward senior Mo Dioubate added to the scoring onslaught, attacking the rim for a layup that further widened the gap as the Tigers pulled away.

HIGHLIGHTS | LSU Basketball vs. Texas Southern | 11.6.26

The atmosphere in the arena was bolstered by the presence of program royalty, as former LSU star Shaquille O’Neal was spotted laughing and enjoying the performance from the sidelines. His presence added a layer of historical weight to the night, reminding fans of the program’s storied legacy as the current team began its newest chapter.

While a 41-point margin is an impressive start, the true test for this iteration of the Tigers will come as they face more formidable opponents in the coming weeks. The ability to distribute the ball, as demonstrated by Dent throughout his multiple possessions, suggests a coaching emphasis on team-oriented play rather than reliance on individual heroics.

For Texas Southern, the loss highlights the stark challenges of opening a season against a high-major program. The Tigers’ defensive pressure forced erratic play, preventing the visitors from establishing any rhythm in their half-court sets. This performance serves as a primary data point for analysts looking to gauge the ceiling of this LSU team, though analysts do not yet know if this efficiency will hold against conference-level defensive schemes.

The win provides the Tigers with a clean slate as they prepare for the remainder of their non-conference schedule. By securing a victory of this magnitude, LSU has not only satisfied the home crowd but also warned the rest of the conference that the Pete Maravich Assembly Center remains a difficult venue for visiting teams.