Rebounding helps Coastal Carolina stun LSU 71-63

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Sam McLaurin grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds and Coastal Carolina turned a huge rebounding advantage into a 71-63 victory over LSU on Tuesday night.

It was the third victory for the Chanticleers (3-0) in 11 tries against SEC teams, including a win last year over the Tigers in Baton Rouge.

Coastal Carolina dominated the boards primarily in the first half, during a 23-6 run from which the Tigers (2-1) never fully recovered. The Chanticleers finished the game with 53-34 rebounding advantage.

McLaurin, a junior forward, also had 13 points for Coastal Carolina. Anthony Raffa led all scorers with 20 points and also grabbed 10 rebounds.

LSU (2-1) forward Ralston Turner was the Tigers’ top scorer, finishing with 15 points.

The game, originally scheduled as a marquee opener for Coastal Carolina’s Student Recreation and Convocation Center, was moved back to 1,039-seat Kimbel Arena after Convocation Center construction was delayed.