Cam Carter leads LSU over Florida State with 26 points

On December 3, 2024, in the United States, LSU hosted Florida State during the SEC/ACC Challenge, a matchup between two competitive college basketball teams. LSU came into the game with a record of 6-1 and aimed to continue their strong start to the season. The first half saw Florida State lead 35-32 at halftime, fueled by Malique Ewin's impressive 13 points. However, LSU made critical adjustments during the half-time break, improving their shooting percentage significantly. In the second half, the Tigers shot 57%, which was a substantial increase from their 35% in the first half. Cam Carter emerged as the standout player, scoring 26 points, including crucial 3-pointers that helped turn the momentum in LSU's favor. The Tigers executed a powerful 14-3 run early in the second half, rapidly gaining the lead. Carter began this run with a matching 3-pointer that tied the game, which was pivotal in shifting the game's trajectory. LSU's performance peaked when they extended their advantage to double digits at 66-56, thanks to a goaltending call that led to a basket by Dji Bailey. The team continued to pull away, with Carter contributing an additional eight points during a critical late-game stretch. Meanwhile, Florida State, despite its decent first-half showing, struggled in the second half and recorded only 39% shooting overall. Malique Ewin was the leading scorer for Florida State as well, with 17 points and 17 rebounds, despite his team's defeat. Other notable performances included Jordan Sears for LSU with 21 points and Vyctorius Miller’s contribution of 15 points. The game showcased the resilience and offensive capabilities of LSU, especially after the loss of Jalen Reed in the first few minutes to an apparent leg injury. LSU's victory not only improved their record to 7-1 but also marked an important win over a traditionally strong program, setting them up positively for the upcoming games. As the season progresses, Louisiana State University will now shift focus to the next game against Florida Gulf Coast University on December 8, while Florida State is set to begin its ACC season against NC State shortly thereafter. The significant performance from players like Carter indicates potential for deep runs in the upcoming tournament season, making interest high among fans and analysts alike.