Will Wade, LSU Tigers Pick Up Second Win After Ideal Performance From Star Wing Duo

Will Wade and the LSU Tigers begin the year 2-0, beating mid-major opponent Texas Southern by a score of 92-51 at home on Friday night. There were a couple of moments where Texas Southern made it interesting early, but the LSU ended up running away with it.

Wade's squad dominated the paint in this game, which is something they expect to do with the athletes that they have. The Tigers shot 5-22 from three as a group, but it didn't matter. Now, that isn't exactly sustainable, but Skyy Clark also isn't going to go 0-for-7 every night. LSU won the paint battle 62-12 and outrebounded Texas Southern 50-29. Hard to lose games when that happens.

This was the perfect night for Tigers wings Saliou Niang and Mo Dioubate. They were menaces on the defensive side and made an efficient impact on offense. The pair combined to score 28 points on 10-for-14 from the field with 18 rebounds, a block and five steals. Wade would be happy with that production every night.

Donovan Dent didn't have his best individual night on offense, but he showcased why this offense has potential with him at point guard with another 10-assist night and his second double-double of the year.

One player the Tigers need to get into a rhythm before conference play begins is center Brice Dessert. There is a major difference when Dessert is at center over Michael Ruzic, especially on defense, and Dessert is the starter right now

Dessert played 12 minutes in this game and finished with a -6. He had nine points, two rebounds, three fouls and two turnovers. The potential to be dominant in the paint on offense is there, especially with Dent running point, so LSU will certainly give him the time and space to work things out.

Ruzic coming in is what helped the Tigers build their big lead. He is a better rebounder right now, which was at least expected. He had two fouls early as well, but did a good job of managing them the rest of the way. Ruzic was a +40 on the night. He had 12 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, a turnover and two blocks. It'll be interesting to see when Wade puts him in the starting lineup.

LSU will stay home for they next game, against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Monday night. This is another tune-up for when they travel to take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs next Saturday in their first real test.