LSU basketball closed its nonconference schedule on Friday in dominant fashion, as the Tigers defeated Northwestern State 96-54.

Despite starting Friday by making just one of its first eight shots, LSU (8-5) heated up after the Demons (2-10) took a five-point lead. The Tigers shot 16 of 20 for the rest of the first half, closing the opening 20 minutes by shooting 60.7% from the floor and 50% on 3-pointers. By the end of the half, LSU stretched its lead over Northwestern State to 26 points.

The hot stretch continued into the second half, as LSU improved offensively — shooting 61.3% from the floor and 54.5% from 3 — and quickly extinguished any remaining hopes for a Demons comeback. Meanwhile, the Tigers defense swarmed Northwestern State, limiting NSU to just 35.6% shooting on the night.

Williams breaks out

Entering Friday, guard Mike Williams III averaged just 6.8 points per game and had made less than a quarter of his 3-pointers. Against the Demons, though, Williams turned in a career performance. The freshman scored 20, surpassing his previous season high, while making six of his nine attempts from beyond the arc — this after having made just seven 3s in his first 12 collegiate games.

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Fountain steps up

Despite starting 23 games last season following his transfer from Mississippi State, senior forward Derek Fountain was relegated to the bench for each of LSU's first 12 games this season. Fountain made his first start of the year on Friday and performed admirably. He scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, good for his first double-double since last March.

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Reed, Wilkinson out

However, Fountain was pressed into duty largely because of the absence of his teammates. Sophomore forward Jalen Reed was dealing with flu-like symptoms Friday and was ruled out, while a fellow forward, senior Mwani Wilkinson, was ruled out with a hip injury. Before missing Friday's game, Reed and Wilkinson combined for 15 starts in the Tigers' frontcourt this season.

What's next?

LSU opens SEC play on Jan. 6 when the Tigers travel to face Texas A&M.

LSU basketball vs. Northwestern State live scores, updates

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Efficient shooting paces LSU basketball to win over Northwestern State