LSU Tigers Defeat UCF in Thrilling Exhibition, 75-68 Victory Showcases Team’s Potential and Teamwork in Boisterous Atmosphere

LSU Tigers Triumph Over UCF in Heated Exhibition Match

ORLANDO, Florida – The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers secured a 75-68 victory over the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights in a compelling men’s basketball exhibition game held Sunday afternoon at Addition Financial arena.The game showcased a strong second-half performance by the Tigers, propelled by the exceptional play of point guard Dedan Thomas Jr.

Second-Half Surge Seals Victory for LSU

Trailing 36-29 at halftime, LSU orchestrated a remarkable comeback, ultimately gaining control of the contest in the final six minutes. This exhibition game marked only the fourth time in program history that LSU competed against another Division I opponent in a preseason match, made possible by recent rule changes allowing such encounters.

The turning point arrived with 6:18 remaining, as Dedan Thomas Jr. ignited an 8-0 run, contributing five crucial points and one assist. Thomas, a transfer from UNLV, drove to the basket and completed a contested floater, tying the game at 62-62. He was later fouled,making the free throw and putting LSU ahead for good at 63-60.

Following a missed jump shot by UCF, Marquel Sutton secured a rebound, leading to a three-pointer by Max Mackinnon, extending LSU’s lead to 66-62. Another drive by Thomas, resulting in a layup, pushed the advantage to 68-62, prompting a timeout from the UCF bench. The Knights struggled to close the gap, never coming within four points of the Tigers for the remainder of the game.

Key Performances Drive LSU’s Success

Dedan Thomas Jr. spearheaded LSU’s offensive efforts, finishing with a game-high 16 points, nine assists, and only two turnovers in 31 minutes of playing time. He shot 6-of-11 from the field, including one three-pointer, and connected on 3-of-4 free throws. Mike Nwoko contributed 15 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, while Marquel Sutton, the 2025 Summit League Player of the Year, recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

For UCF, Riley Kugel led the scoring with 21 points (three three-pointers), and George Beale added 18 points (four three-pointers). Though, the Knights’ shooting percentage plummeted in the second half, making only 2-of-14 three-point attempts after a strong 8-of-15 performance in the first half.

Coaching Insights and Game Strategy

“I thought our players did a good job of adjusting and defended the three-point line a lot better in the second half,” commented Coach Matt McMahon after the game. “Offensively, we settled in and executed really well. DJ Thomas did a terrific job running the show.” He also highlighted the team’s improved free throw shooting and success in winning the three-point battle in the second half (6-of-10).

The first half saw both teams struggle with turnovers, with 10 a piece. UCF capitalized on these errors, scoring 11 points off turnovers and 13 in fast-break transitions. LSU, however, tightened up its ball-handling in the second half, committing only five turnovers and gaining an 18-16 advantage in points off turnovers.

Statistical Summary

Statistic	LSU tigers	UCF Knights
Final Score	75	68
Field Goal Percentage	47.3% (26-55)	42.8% (26-61)
Three-Point Percentage	37.0% (10-27)	31.0% (10-32)
Free Throw Percentage	68.4% (13-19)	50.0% (6-12)
Top scorer	Dedan Thomas Jr. (16 points)	Riley Kugel (21 points)

LSU will kick off its 2025-26 regular season on Wednesday, November 5, against Tarleton State, with five of its first 16 regular-season games at home.Season tickets and individual game tickets are available at LSUTix.net.

The Rising Importance of Exhibition Games

Exhibition games, onc primarily used to fine-tune strategies and evaluate players, are becoming increasingly important in the landscape of college basketball. The recent rule change allowing Division I teams to compete against each other in exhibitions provides valuable competitive experience before the start of the regular season-it allows coaching staff to assess team dynamics and readiness in a game setting that mimics regular season intensity. According to the NCAA, over 200 Division I men’s basketball exhibition games were played in 2024, leading to increased scouting opportunities and fan engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What role did Dedan Thomas Jr. play in LSU’s victory? Dedan Thomas Jr. led the team with 16 points and 9 assists, spearheading the crucial second-half comeback.
• How did LSU improve thier performance in the second half? LSU adjusted their defense to better contain UCF’s three-point shooting and executed more effectively on offense.
• What was the impact of turnovers on the game? Turnovers were notable in the first half, favoring UCF, but LSU reduced their turnovers in the second half, gaining an advantage.
• What is the significance of this exhibition game for LSU? This exhibition game provided valuable experience against another Division I opponent and served as preparation for the upcoming regular season.
• Where can fans purchase tickets for LSU basketball games? Season tickets and individual game tickets are available at LSUTix.net.

What are your predictions for the LSU Tigers this season? Do you think Dedan Thomas Jr. will continue to be a driving force for the team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific examples of teamwork demonstrated by the LSU tigers contributed to their victory over UCF?

First Half Fireworks: Establishing the Lead

The LSU Tigers kicked off their exhibition season with a hard-fought 75-68 victory over the UCF Knights, demonstrating a promising blend of individual talent and cohesive teamwork.The game, played in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, saw LSU build a lead in the first half fueled by aggressive drives to the basket and sharp perimeter shooting. Key to this early success was the performance of transfer guard, Jalen Reed, who contributed 14 first-half points, showcasing his scoring prowess and ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

* Early Game Strategy: LSU focused on establishing a fast tempo, pushing the ball in transition and capitalizing on UCF turnovers.

* Key Players (First Half): Jalen Reed, jordan Wright, and Derek Fountain were instrumental in building the Tigers’ initial advantage.

* UCF Response: The Knights struggled to find their rhythm offensively, hampered by LSU’s tenacious defense and physical play.

Second Half Resilience: Battling Back and Securing the Win

The second half saw a steadfast UCF squad mount a meaningful comeback, narrowing the gap and putting pressure on the Tigers. The Knights’ guard, Iverson Celestine, proved to be a arduous matchup, consistently attacking the rim and drawing fouls. However, LSU responded with increased defensive intensity and clutch shooting down the stretch.

Defensive Adjustments & Rebounding Dominance

A critical factor in LSU’s ability to withstand UCF’s surge was their improved rebounding performance.The Tigers controlled the boards, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Knights and securing crucial possessions. Coach matt McMahon made key defensive adjustments, switching between man-to-man and zone coverage to disrupt UCF’s offensive flow.

* Rebounding stats: LSU out-rebounded UCF 42-30, a significant advantage that contributed to their victory.

* Defensive Standouts: forward, Cheyenne Phillips, and Center, Shawn Phillips, were particularly effective on the defensive end, recording multiple blocks and steals.

* Foul Trouble: Both teams faced foul trouble, impacting player rotations and forcing coaches to rely on their bench.

Clutch Performances & Game-Sealing Plays

With the game tied in the final minutes, LSU’s veteran leadership shone through. Jordan Wright, known for his composure under pressure, hit a crucial three-pointer to give the Tigers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. A late steal by Jalen Reed and subsequent fast-break layup sealed the victory for LSU. This college basketball game highlighted the importance of experience and poise in close contests.

Analyzing LSU’s Potential: Key Takeaways for the Season

This exhibition win provides valuable insights into LSU’s potential for the upcoming season. The team’s ability to overcome adversity,coupled with their impressive offensive firepower,suggests they coudl be a contender in the SEC.

* Offensive Versatility: LSU demonstrated the ability to score in a variety of ways,from three-point shooting to inside penetration.

* Depth & Bench Contribution: the Tigers received significant contributions from their bench players,indicating a strong team depth.

* Areas for Advancement: Turnovers and defensive lapses remain areas where LSU can improve as they prepare for conference play. LSU basketball fans have reason to be optimistic.

The Impact of the Home Court Advantage

The energy inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center was palpable throughout the game.the boisterous crowd provided a significant boost for the Tigers, creating a challenging surroundings for UCF. The LSU Tigers fanbase is known for its passionate support, and their presence undoubtedly played a role in the team’s success. This atmosphere is a key component of LSU’s home-court advantage.

Looking Ahead: preseason Schedule & SEC Competition

LSU will continue their preseason schedule with upcoming games against Nicholls State and Southern University. These contests will provide valuable opportunities for Coach McMahon to refine his rotations and experiment with different lineups. The SEC is expected to be highly competitive this season, with teams like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Auburn all vying for the conference title. LSU’s success will depend on their ability to maintain their defensive intensity, improve their rebounding, and consistently execute their offensive game plan. SEC basketball promises to be exciting this year.