LSU Dominates Jacksonville in NCAA Tournament Opener

Tigers win by 58 points, advance to second round

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:07am

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The No. 2 seed LSU Tigers routed the Jacksonville Dolphins 116-58 in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. LSU jumped out to an early 14-0 lead and never looked back, forcing 28 turnovers and outrebounding Jacksonville 45-21. Seven LSU players scored in double figures, led by Flau'jae Johnson's 20 points.

Why it matters

LSU's dominant performance sets them up for a potential deep tournament run. The Tigers have now won their first-round NCAA Tournament game by 10+ points in each of the last four years, showcasing their ability to overwhelm opponents early in the Big Dance.

The details

LSU led 34-14 at the end of the first quarter and 64-36 at halftime. The Tigers' relentless defensive pressure forced 28 Jacksonville turnovers, and LSU's size advantage allowed them to outrebound the Dolphins 45-21. Seven LSU players scored in double figures, led by Flau'jae Johnson's 20 points.

  • The game took place on Friday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Flau'jae Johnson

LSU sophomore forward who led the team with 20 points in the win.

Kim Mulkey

LSU's head coach, who has led the Tigers to the Sweet 16 in each of the last two NCAA Tournaments.

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What they’re saying

“We came out with a lot of energy and really set the tone early. Our defense was the key to getting out to that big lead.”

— Flau'jae Johnson, LSU Forward

What’s next

LSU will face either No. 7 Texas Tech or No. 10 Villanova in the second round on Sunday. If the Tigers win that game, they'll advance to the Sweet 16 in Sacramento.

The takeaway

LSU's dominant first-round victory demonstrates their ability to overwhelm opponents with their size, depth, and defensive intensity - traits that could make them a dangerous team to face as the NCAA Tournament progresses.