Seven-Player LSU Beats McNeese 63-60

Will Wade’s return to LSU began with a 63-60 exhibition win over his former team, McNeese, with the Tigers using only seven players and starters playing nearly the entire game. Freshman center Michael Ruzic was cleared shortly before tipoff and had 11 points and 16 rebounds. Wade said he held out players whose NCAA paperwork was not finalized, prioritizing eligibility for the Nov. 3 season opener over the exhibition; he expects eligible players to be available for the opener. LSU’s official roster listed only four players before the game, though Wade said 15 were practicing with the team. He characterized the game as a fundraiser rather than a priority and said LSU would not jeopardize players’ eligibility for an exhibition.