Will Wade's second tenure at LSU couldn't have gotten off to a much better start.
The Tigers dominated LSU New Orleans on both ends of the floor Tuesday night, cruising to a 100-57 victory in their season opener at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
LSU (1-0) showcased its offensive versatility, defensive intensity and transition scoring, overwhelming the Privateers with a balanced performance that saw five players score in double figures.
UCLA transfer Donovan Dent led the Tigers with 19 points and 10 assists, recording a double-double in his LSU debut while committing no turnovers in 30 minutes.
Freshman forward Michael Ruzic added 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Saliou Niang delivered one of the game's most impressive all-around performances with 14 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and six steals.
Wade was particularly impressed with Niang's impact on both ends of the floor, especially his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create transition opportunities.
"I thought Saliou Niang was tremendous, just on the point of the press," Wade said. "Six steals, 14 rebounds, five offensive rebounds. He just does so many things that help you win."
"He's an incredible passer. I mean, look, he makes the whole press work. You can't get the ball inbounds against him."
Brice Dessert contributed 13 points and seven rebounds, while Rashad Bashir Jr. added 11 points off the bench.
The Tigers shot 51.3% from the field (39 of 76) and dominated inside, outscoring the Privateers 60-20 in the paint.
LSU also held a commanding 53-38 rebounding advantage, scored 30 fast-break points and received 44 points from its bench.
Defensively, the Tigers held the Privateers to just 24.6% shooting (15 of 61), including 13.8% from beyond the arc (4 of 29).
LSU's defensive pressure was particularly effective, forcing 16 turnovers while recording 11 steals and six blocks. The Tigers converted those turnovers into 25 points.
Wade credited Niang's versatility and rebounding ability for helping LSU establish its up-tempo offense.
"He gets nine defensive rebounds, and he pushes the ball out two or three dribbles," Wade said. "I mean, that gets your break going. We did a good job pitching the ball ahead tonight. We did a good job playing a little bit faster."
The game was essentially decided by halftime.
LSU overwhelmed the Privateers from the opening minutes, building a 53-17 advantage through the first 20 minutes while shooting 56.8% from the field.
Ruzic led the first-half scoring attack with 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Dent and Niang contributed 11 apiece.
The Tigers also dominated in transition, outscoring New Orleans 22-4 in fast-break points before halftime.
LSU continued its offensive onslaught after the break, eventually building a game-high 54-point advantage with 9:07 remaining.
However, Wade wasn't entirely pleased with his team's performance after halftime, particularly its defensive effort.
"Second-half effort wasn't good enough," Wade said. "We've got to play to a certain standard."
New Orleans scored 40 second-half points after managing just 17 in the opening period.
Yohan Ortiz led the Privateers with 16 points, while Kedrick Osby added eight.
For Wade, who previously coached LSU from 2017-22 and guided the Tigers to the 2019 SEC regular-season championship, Tuesday's victory marked his first regular-season game back in Baton Rouge.
But Wade made it clear that his return wasn't about celebrating the past.
"We're not back for the nostalgia or any of that," Wade said. "We're back to win. We're back to dominate. We're back to build a championship-caliber program.
"So this was just step one in what we're trying to do."
Wade also credited LSU's improved preparation over the past week, explaining that the Tigers have responded to more demanding practices following their exhibition loss to Florida State.
"Our practice habits leading into this were extremely sharp," Wade said. "We had a very good week of prep and focused preparation."
Despite the lopsided victory, Wade emphasized that the Tigers still have plenty to improve before their next game Friday.
"Overall, solid first outing," Wade said. "We've got a lot of things that we need to clean up these next couple of days before we play on Friday."
