BOSSIER CITY — Coming off their first loss of the season, the Tigers fended off a vicious attack by Centenary, avoiding the let-down and defeating the Gents 66-63 Saturday night in the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, La.
LSU (9-1) was led in scoring by junior guard Antonio Hudson with 22 points, including nine from three-point range. The Tigers also added big performances from Jaime Lloreda and Brandon Bass. Lloreda, coming off the bench, scored 18 points and just missed his sixth double-double of the season with nine rebounds. Bass posted 10 points, also just missing a double-double with nine rebounds.
Centenary (6-5) faired well against the Tigers in large part to the exceptional play from guard Andrew Wisniewski, who scored 21 points for the Gents. Centenary also had two others in double-figures, Chad Maclies with 12 and Michael Gale with 11.
The Tigers trailed by three at the half, but outscored the Gents 35-29 to come from behind and win. Centenary led for the entire first half and was still leading until the 13:45 mark in the second half when guard Xavier Whipple hit two free throws to put the Tigers up for good. Centenary managed to tie it up only once more with 4:45 left to play, but a jumper by Lloreda finished off the Gents.
LSU once again started off slow, falling behind 10-3 in the first four minutes. The Gents built up an 11 point lead in the first half, before a late run by the Tigers cut that to three at the break.
Please check back later for quotes from head coach John Brady, who recorded his 200th career victory tonight.