The LSU men’s basketball team is set to face Drake in the Emerald Coast Classic opener. The matchup will take place on Friday at 8:30 p.m. CST at the Raider Arena, Northwest Florida State College. This game marks LSU’s return to the tournament, where they previously claimed the championship in 2022.
Event Details
- Event: Emerald Coast Classic Opener
- Teams: LSU vs. Drake
- Date: Friday
- Time: 8:30 p.m. CST
- Location: Raider Arena, Northwest Florida State College
- Broadcast: LSU Sports Radio Network and CBS Sports Network
LSU Tigers’ Season Overview
LSU enters this contest with a pristine 5-0 record for the 2025-26 season. The team is aiming to build on their previous success, highlighted by their victory in the 2022 classic. They achieved that title through an overtime victory over Penn State and a decisive 75-61 win against Wake Forest. Tari Eason was named the event’s Most Outstanding Player.
Coach Matt McMahon emphasizes team chemistry and improvement. Following a season-opening homestand, the Tigers are now set to embark on a challenging five-game stretch, including upcoming contests at Boston College and neutral-site games in Texas and New Orleans.
Key Players
- Mike Nwoko: Leads the team with an average of 19.0 points per game and ranks first in the SEC in field goal percentage (76.0%).
- Dedan Thomas Jr.: First LSU player since 2022 to achieve double-digit assists, averaging 11 assists per game and ranked fifth in NCAA Division I.
The Tigers aim to address defensive weaknesses, particularly concerning offensive rebounds and turnovers, to enhance their performance.
Drake Bulldogs’ Background
Drake enters the tournament with a 4-2 record, fresh off a 98-52 victory over Buena Vista. Last season, they won 31 games and reached the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. Jalen Quinn leads Drake, averaging 14.8 points per game, supported by Okku Federiko and Wilguens Exacte.
Coaching and Future Matches
Eric Henderson, in his first season at Drake after a stint at South Dakota State, aims to build on the Bulldogs’ previous successes. Following the game against Drake, LSU will either face DePaul or Georgia Tech on Saturday, scheduled for either 3 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Fans can catch the 3 p.m. matchup via streaming on EmeraldCoastTV.com/ecc25 and the 6 p.m. game on CBS Sports Network. Local broadcast will shift to Guaranty Media affiliate 100.7 FM The Tiger for Saturday’s game.
