LSU’s game against SMU was its final chance to play a high-major foe before Southeastern Conference play.

After a 24-point drubbing against No. 16 Texas Tech last weekend, the Tigers wanted to get at least one Quad 1 win on their resume before conference play.

That mission was completed as LSU took down SMU 89-77 on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans

SMU entered the game ranked No. 39 on KenPom, a spot ahead of LSU, and had won two of three games against SEC opponents.

Dedan Thomas had 16 points and a career-high 12 assists and only one turnover for LSU. Max Mackinnon had 22 points and made 6 of 7 3-pointers. Marquel Sutton had a season-high 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Mike Nwoko’s presence in the post was an early emphasis. The 6-foot-10, 261-pound junior made a pair

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