(BCSNN) — LSU opened the 2025–26 men’s basketball season with a historic shooting performance, defeating Tarleton State 96–60 on Wednesday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The Tigers shot 70.2% from the field (33-of-47), marking the third time in program history they’ve hit the 70% threshold and the second-best shooting night in the 55-year history of the PMAC. LSU narrowly missed setting a new arena record after a late three-pointer was disallowed due to an offensive foul.

The win also marked head coach Matt McMahon’s 200th career victory.

Transfer guard Max Mackinnon led LSU with 19 points, including four three-pointers, and added five assists. UNLV transfer Dedan Thomas Jr. contributed 16 points and eight assists, while Marquel Sutton scored 13. Mike Nwoko and Jalen Reed each added 11 points, and Robert Miller III chipped in 10.

LSU (1–0) had six players in double figures and 10 of the 13 who played scored. The Tigers assisted on 21 of their 33 made field goals and shot 44.4% from three-point range (8-of-18) and 75.9% from the free throw line (22-of-29).

The Tigers trailed for just 54 seconds before taking the lead for good on a Mackinnon three-pointer at the 18:02 mark. LSU led 47–31 at halftime and added 49 points in the second half.

Tarleton State (0–1) was led by Kade Douglas with 19 points off the bench, including four three-pointers. Freddy Hicks added 12 points, while Matyas Vrabel and AJ Dent Jr. each scored 10.

LSU dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Texans 39–21. Tarleton State’s nine defensive rebounds tied the fewest by an LSU opponent since the NCAA began tracking offensive and defensive boards in 1986–87.

The Tigers scored half their points in the paint and added 17 fast-break points. Nwoko led the team with three of LSU’s six blocks.

Up next: LSU hosts UNO on Monday at 7 p.m. CT at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Privateers opened their season with a road win over TCU.

This article originally appeared in its entirety as a feature on BCSNN.