LSU pulls away in second half to snap losing streak

Justin Hamilton had 18 points and nine rebounds, and Anthony Hickey had 17 points and seven rebounds to lead LSU to a 76-57 victory this afternoon over Western Kentucky in the second round of the Charleston (S.C.) Classic. The Tigers (2-2) pulled away from a 40-38 halftime lead, scoring 11 of the first 14 points to start the second half. Hickey’s 3-pointer with 16:34 left increased their lead to 49-38. The Hilltoppers (1-3) closed to 51-45 on Kevin Kaspar’s jumper with 14:53 to play, before LSU scored the next 16 points to seal the victory and end a two-game losing streak. Malcolm White’s three-point play with 7:54 left stretched the Tigers’ lead to 67-45. Storm Warren added nine points and Ralston Turner eight points for LSU, which shot 41% from the field (26 of 63) and 75% from the free-throw line (18 of 24). Kaspar scored 15 points for Western Kentucky, which shot 33% from the field (17 of 52) and 67% from the line (18 of 27). The Tigers conclude play in the three-day tournament Sunday against either Georgia Tech or Virginia Commonwealth. Keep up-to-date on the Charleston Classic at its website here.