NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and a decisive second-half surge, the LSU Tigers handed the SMU Mustangs their second loss of the season with an 89-77 victory in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at the Smoothie King Center.

The contest, which featured 11 lead changes and five ties in the first half, ultimately turned on LSU’s superior shot-making and a critical stretch after halftime. Despite a valiant effort from SMU, which entered the game as a significant favorite according to advanced metrics, the Tigers’ balanced attack and a standout performance from guard Dedan Thomas proved too much to overcome.

LSU improved to 9-1 overall, while SMU fell to 9-2.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging blows. SMU’s Jaron Pierre, a New Orleans native, opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, but LSU quickly established an inside presence. The Tigers built a 20-11 lead midway through the period, fueled by early baskets from Michael Nwoko and the playmaking of Thomas.

SMU responded with resilience. A 3-pointer from Boopie Miller and consistent interior work from Jaden Toombs helped the Mustangs claw back. The half concluded with a flurry, as Pierre hit a deep 3-pointer for SMU, only for LSU’s Marquel Sutton to answer with a jumper at the buzzer, sending the Tigers into the locker room with a 47-44 advantage.

The most important part of the game unfolded early in the second half. LSU emerged from the break with heightened defensive intensity and an unrelenting offensive rhythm. The Tigers opened the period on a 13-4 run, stretching their three-point halftime lead to 12 points in just over four minutes. The run was catalyzed by Max Mackinnon, who hit a 3-pointer on the first possession, and punctuated by a transition layup from Dedan Thomas that forced an SMU timeout with the score 61-48.

SMU never fully recovered from that blitz. Every time the Mustangs threatened to cut the deficit to single digits, LSU had an answer, usually from Mackinnon or Sutton. The Tigers’ offensive rating of 137.6, compared to SMU’s 120.2, underscored their efficiency. LSU shot a blistering 62% from the field for the game, while SMU was held to 49%.

Dedan Thomas was the maestro for LSU, orchestrating the offense with 12 assists to go with his 16 points. His backcourt partner, Max Mackinnon, led all scorers with 22 points, including four 3-pointers. Forward Marquel Sutton provided a constant interior threat, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Pablo Tamba added 14 points and several key hustle plays.

For SMU, the scoring load was shared but insufficient. Jaden Toombs led the way with 16 points, while Boopie Miller and Jaron Pierre each added 16. The Mustangs were hampered by 10 missed free throws, shooting just 59% from the line, and were out-assisted 7-6, struggling to generate consistent ball movement against LSU’s defense.

The Tigers also won the battle on the glass, particularly on the offensive end where they secured 15 rebounds leading to 19 second-chance points. Their seven steals, led by Thomas and Tamba with two each, disrupted SMU’s offensive flow at crucial moments.

The victory served as a strong rebound for LSU following a road loss to Texas Tech the previous weekend. For SMU, the defeat halted a positive momentum that included an overtime win over Texas A&M and exposed areas for improvement as they prepare for a daunting Atlantic Coast Conference schedule.

LSU will next host Southeastern Louisiana on Friday. SMU returns home to face Central Arkansas on Sunday, Dec. 21.