Fox trap: LSU Tigers crush Red Foxes

Estero, FL - The Louisiana State University Tigers defeated the Marist Red Foxes 72-49 at the third annual Gulf Coast Showcase this afternoon, led by junior forward Alexis Hyder with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

"Alexis is really coming along as that go-to player for us inside," LSU head coach Nikki Caldwell said.

The ball was in LSU's court for the first half of the game, where the Tigers shot 45 percent from the field, going 15-for-33. LSU held Marist to a 36 percent shooting efficiency, with the Red Foxes creating opportunities by drawing fouls, going 9-for-10 from the free throw line. Hyder had a solid first 20 minutes with eight points and eight rebounds, helping the Tigers hold a 37-28 lead going into the half.

"Alexis is establishing herself as an offensive threat not only in the paint, but on the perimeter. She's also a great passer for us when we're running some action," Caldwell said. "I was very pleased with our team's effort. We shared the basketball, and we took care of the basketball."

The Tigers continued to dominate in the second half, though their field goal percentage and three-point percentage both decreased. The Red Foxes outshot the Tigers from the three-point range, going 4-for-6, while LSU went 0-for-1, but by the end of the third, the Tigers had a 16-point advantage. LSU capitalized off of Marist's inability to keep possession, where the Red Foxes committed 14 turnovers compared to the Tigers' four.

"We came back with a lot of intensity," Caldwell said. "From everybody there was a contribution to this win. Everybody did the little things to help us solidify this win."

The Tigers will play the Maine Black Bears tomorrow at Germain Arena at 1:30 p.m.