LSU basketball opened the 2026-27 season in convincing fashion, beating LSU New Orleans 100-57 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge in Will Wade’s return to the sideline. It was a strong first step for a team that has now won 13 straight season openers, even if Wade was quick to note that there is still plenty to clean up.
The final margin reflected LSU’s control from start to finish. The Tigers led by 36 at halftime, a number that tied the program’s largest halftime lead in a season opener since the 1997-98 campaign, and the result also kept LSU perfect at 18-0 in non-conference home games over the last three seasons.
Wade’s first takeaway: a solid start, not a finished product
After the game, Wade called it a “good first win” and pointed to the areas that stood out most to him. He said Saliou Niang was “tremendous,” describing him as the point of the press and highlighting his six steals, 14 rebounds and five offensive rebounds.
Wade also praised LSU’s improved free throw shooting and rebounding, saying both were better than he expected on opening night. At the same time, he stressed that the second-half effort was not good enough and that the team has to play to a higher standard moving forward.
Niang gives LSU the kind of edge Wade wants
Niang’s all-around contribution was central to the night. Wade said he is an incredible passer who helps make the press work, including by keeping the ball inbounds against pressure. That kind of detail matters in a game that LSU controlled so comfortably, because it suggests the Tigers can create problems for opponents well beyond simple scoring runs.
LSU also produced balanced production across the roster, with 24 assists, 11 steals and six blocks in the win. The Tigers shot 51.3 percent from the field, went 39-of-76 overall and made 15-of-20 free throws, numbers that underline how complete the performance was in the opener.
What comes next for LSU basketball?
The first test is now complete, and the next one arrives quickly. LSU is scheduled to host Texas Southern on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at 7 p.m. CT at the Maravich Center, giving Wade and his team an early chance to build on a result that was encouraging, but far from perfect.
For LSU basketball, the opening night message was simple: the talent and energy are there, but the standard Wade wants will need to show up for longer than one dominant half.
