Cam Carter delivered a standout performance with 26 points, contributing significantly to LSU’s second-half surge that propelled them to an 85-75 victory over Florida State in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Tuesday evening.

In addition to Carter’s explosive play, Jordan Sears contributed 21 points while Vyctorius Miller added 15 for LSU (7-1). The Tigers demonstrated a marked improvement in their shooting, hitting 57% from the field in the second half after a less impressive 35% in the first. Their performance from beyond the arc also improved, making 6 of 13 3-point attempts in the latter half after starting with a mere 3 of 14.

Unfortunately for LSU, Jalen Reed, their leading rebounder and a dependable double-figure scorer, left the court early due to an apparent leg injury.

For Florida State (7-2), Malique Ewin was the top performer, scoring 17 points and securing 17 rebounds. The Seminoles struggled with their shooting, finishing at 39%. Other notable contributions came from Jamir Watkins with 15 points, Chandler Jackson with 12, and Jerry Deng who added 11 points to the total.

Starting the second half three points down, LSU quickly took charge, scoring the first eight points of the period. Carter tied the game with a 3-pointer, igniting a 14-3 run which Miller capped off with another 3-pointer six minutes in.

The Tigers achieved their first double-digit lead of the game at 66-56 after a Dji Bailey basket on a goaltending call with 6:38 left to play. Just a few minutes later, LSU extended their lead to 12 following another 3-pointer from Miller and a bucket from Carter. Despite Deng hitting back-to-back 3-pointers to narrow the gap, LSU maintained control thanks to a layup from Daimion Collins and a series of eight consecutive points from Carter, including two emphatic dunks.

Florida State entered halftime with a slight edge at 35-32, largely fueled by Ewin’s impressive 13 points.

The Seminoles are set to commence their ACC season this Saturday against NC State, while LSU will face FGCU at home on Sunday.