NICEVILLE, Fla. — In a dominant display at the Emerald Coast Classic, the LSU Tigers cruised to a 96-63 victory over the DePaul Blue Demons on Saturday night, securing the tournament title with a balanced offensive attack led by Pablo Tamba's 14 points. Seven Tigers players reached double figures in scoring, showcasing the depth that has kept LSU undefeated at 7-0 this season.
The game, held at the Raiford Sports Complex in Niceville, Florida, marked the championship round of the three-team event, following first-round wins by both squads on Friday. LSU had topped Drake 71-62, while DePaul handled Georgia Tech 75-61. According to reports from the Associated Press, the Tigers never trailed after an early surge, building a lead that swelled to as many as 33 points in the second half.
Pablo Tamba, a forward for the Tigers, emerged as the game's top scorer with his 14 points, efficiently converting on field goals and contributing on the boards. Teammates Max Mackinnon, Micheal Nwoko, and Jalen Reece each tallied 13 points, providing a spread-out scoring threat that DePaul's defense struggled to contain. Dedan Thomas Jr. and Robert Miller III added 12 points apiece, while Rashad King chipped in 11, rounding out the septet of double-digit performers.
The Tigers' momentum built quickly in the opening minutes. About 7½ minutes into the game, Thomas Jr. converted a layup and drew a foul, sinking the and-1 free throw to cap an 11-4 run that pushed LSU ahead 19-8. DePaul's N.J. Benson responded with a layup for the Blue Demons, but LSU fired back swiftly. In a blistering 77-second span, Mackinnon drained a 3-pointer, Miller slammed home a dunk, and King connected on another triple, extending the lead to double digits at 25-10. From that point, according to game accounts, the Tigers maintained at least a 10-point advantage for the remaining 32-plus minutes.
DePaul, now 5-3 on the season, found no answer for LSU's interior dominance or perimeter shooting. The Blue Demons managed just 63 points, their lowest output of the young campaign, and struggled mightily on the glass. Reports indicate DePaul failed to secure a single rebound in the game's first nine-plus minutes, allowing LSU to control second-chance opportunities and transition plays. By the five-minute mark of the second half, the Tigers had amassed 28 points in the paint—more than DePaul's total score at that juncture, which stood at 27.
Kruz McClure led all scorers for DePaul with 22 points, shooting efficiently at 6-of-11 from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, and going 7-of-8 at the free-throw line. However, the Blue Demons' usual offensive leaders were hampered by foul trouble. CJ Gunn, who enters games averaging 14.3 points, and Layden Blocker, at 12.9 per contest, combined for just 15 points, spending significant time on the bench due to early fouls that disrupted their rhythm.
An injury further sidelined DePaul's efforts when guard Brandon Maclin exited the game almost eight minutes in, clutching his right shoulder. He did not return, reportedly due to the apparent injury, leaving the Blue Demons shorthanded on the perimeter. Officials from the tournament did not provide an immediate update on Maclin's condition, but the loss of his contributions—typically a key ball-handler—compounded DePaul's challenges against LSU's pressuring defense.
The Emerald Coast Classic, an early-season showcase hosted in the Florida Panhandle, has become a staple for non-conference tune-ups, drawing teams from across the country to test their mettle before league play intensifies. For LSU, entering the tournament as the higher seed after a strong start to the season, the win caps a flawless week. The Tigers, coached by Matt McMahon, have emphasized versatility and bench production, traits evident in this lopsided affair. Their 7-0 record positions them well heading into more challenging matchups, including a trip to the ACC/SEC Men's Challenge.
DePaul, under first-year head coach Chris Holtmann—who took over after stints at Ohio State and Butler—has shown flashes of potential but inconsistency. The Blue Demons' victory over Georgia Tech on Friday highlighted their upset capability, but against LSU's physicality, they faltered. Holtmann's squad, which features a mix of transfers and young talent, will look to regroup during a week off before hosting winless Arkansas-Pine Bluff next Saturday at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
LSU's next test comes Wednesday at Boston College, part of the annual ACC/SEC crossover series that pits top programs from both conferences against each other. The Tigers, who finished last season at 15-16 in the SEC, have reloaded with transfers like Thomas Jr. from UNLV and Miller from Texas A&M, aiming to climb the league standings. This early tournament success could boost their profile in the AP Top 25 poll, where they currently linger just outside the top 25 after a solid non-conference slate.
For DePaul, the loss underscores areas for improvement, particularly in rebounding and avoiding foul trouble. The Big East newcomers, who joined the conference in 2013, have historically battled for relevance but showed promise in Holtmann's debut year. McClure's scoring outburst offers a bright spot, as the sophomore guard has emerged as a reliable option, but the team will need more from its stars like Gunn and Blocker to compete in a tough league featuring Villanova, UConn, and Creighton.
Beyond the box score, the game highlighted broader trends in college basketball: the importance of depth in an era of transfer portals and NIL deals, and the physical toll of early-season tournaments. LSU's seven players in double figures exemplify how rosters are built for endurance over star-driven explosions. DePaul's rebounding woes, meanwhile, reflect challenges for mid-major programs facing power-five athleticism.
As the season progresses, both teams will carry lessons from Niceville. LSU heads north with confidence, their undefeated streak intact and momentum building toward SEC play in January. DePaul, meanwhile, has time to heal and adjust before resuming Big East action, where every win counts in a crowded field. Tournament director statements praised the event's competitiveness, noting attendance figures that approached 3,000 per game, underscoring the draw of quality matchups in this scenic Gulf Coast setting.
In the end, Saturday's result was a statement for LSU, affirming their status as a contender in a loaded SEC landscape. For DePaul, it's a learning curve moment in a rebuilding year. Fans can follow AP poll updates throughout the season via the association's mobile app and website, where LSU's ascent and DePaul's resilience will be tracked closely.
The victory also ties into the national narrative of early-season volatility, with upsets like DePaul's over Georgia Tech reminding observers that no game is guaranteed. LSU's composure, however, suggests they're primed for the grind ahead, blending youth and experience in pursuit of an NCAA Tournament berth that eluded them last spring.