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Mike Nwoko scores 19 and LSU makes 30 free throws in 98-81 victory over Florida International
In a game that felt more like a free-throw clinic than a basketball contest, LSU put on a masterclass from the charity stripe, sinking 30 of 34 attempts to dismantle Florida International 98-81. Mike Nwoko wasn't just a force in the paint; he was a surgeon at the line, going a pristine 7-of-8 on his way to 19 points, embodying the Tigers' collective discipline.But the real story, the one that had the PMAC buzzing, was Marquel Sutton. The dude was absolutely everywhere, dropping his second straight double-double with 19 points and 12 boards, and he casually splashed two crucial threes during a 13-0 second-half run that effectively put the game to bed, stretching the lead to 62-43.It was one of those momentum-shifting sequences that you just know deflates an opponent; you could see the air go out of FIU's sails. And let's talk about that free-throw disparity—it was the entire ball game.While LSU was practically automatic, shooting 88% as a team with Nwoko, Max Mackinnon (17 points), and Dedan Thomas Jr. (15 points) all going 7-of-8, FIU was languishing at the line, a dismal 13-of-21.That's a 17-point swing right there, folks. You can't win many games gifting your opponent that many free points.For LSU, now 3-0, it's a promising sign of a team that can win ugly; they shot a solid 52. 5% from the field but were ice-cold from deep, hitting only 4 of 17 from beyond the arc.They found a way to dominate by getting to the rack and drawing fouls, a gritty, winning formula. On the other side, FIU's Corey Stephenson and Julian Mackey were a dynamic duo, combining for 49 points in a valiant effort, but they got zero help, with no other Panther cracking double figures.The halftime score, 43-38 in LSU's favor despite the Tigers making two fewer field goals, tells you everything you need to know about how this one was won. It was a game of attrition, and LSU, with its deep bench including 10 points from Jalen Reed, simply wore FIU down. It’s the kind of early-season victory that builds character, proving you can score in bunches even when the three-ball isn't falling, a lesson that will pay dividends once SEC play rolls around.
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#LSU Tigers
#Florida International Panthers
#college basketball
#Mike Nwoko
#Marquel Sutton
#free throws
#game recap
