PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The LSU men’s basketball team used a 12-2 finishing kick over the final seven minutes to claim a gritty 55-50 victory Saturday at the Rutgers Athletic Center as part of the BIG EAST/SEC Invitational.
With LSU (5-3) trailing 48-47, Anthony Hickey buried back-to-back contested jumpers late in the shot clock after hitting only one of his first nine attempts to give the Tigers one-point advantages at 49-48 and 51-50. He also handed out a game-high five assists.
Following a Rutgers (4-4) turnover, Hickey found Johnny O’Bryant III for a breakaway dunk past the Scarlet Knight press. LSU’s defense forced Rutgers into another turnover, and O’Bryant III knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the 55-50 victory.
Andre Stringer garnered a game-high 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting highlighted by a trio of three-balls. O’Bryant III tacked on 11 points and six rebounds, while Justin Hamilton turned in a solid all-around effort with nine points, five rebounds, three blocks and two assists.
LSU’s defense held Rutgers to 15-of-45 from the floor, and Eli Carter was the lone Scarlet Knight to secure double digits with 10 points.
The TIgers return home Saturday to face Boise State. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. and the game will be televised on CST. The LSU Sports Radio Network also will have the call on 100.7 FM in the Baton Rouge area.