Marist vs LSU tips off tonight in the Paradise Jam Reef Division, with the undefeated No. 5 Tigers looking to extend their dominant run against a Red Foxes team searching for offensive consistency in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
🔥 Quick Facts
- LSU enters with a 6-0 record and has set an SEC record with six straight games scoring over 100 points
- Marist is 2-4 after a tough 72-64 overtime loss to Monmouth on November 24
- Game airs on ESPN+ at 8:00 PM EST (Thursday, November 28)
- Head coach Kim Mulkey leads LSU to their third Paradise Jam appearance
Dominance at the Offensive End Powers LSU’s Perfect Start
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The LSU Tigers have been absolutely relentless through six games this season. Coach Kim Mulkey‘s squad most recently demolished Alcorn State 112-49, marking their sixth consecutive 100-point performance and tying an NCAA record previously set by Mulkey’s 1982 Louisiana Tech team. This SEC record showcases a basketball program firing on all cylinders.
With an average of 111.8 points per game (first in the nation), LSU is fundamentally sound in transition play and sharp from behind the arc. The Tigers’ high-powered offense will pose a massive challenge for Marist, which struggles to generate consistent scoring opportunities. LSU arrives in St. Thomas with significant momentum ahead of two back-to-back games this week.
Marist Looks to Find Rhythm After Tough Overtime Loss
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Marist comes to the Paradise Jam searching for answers after dropping a heartbreaking 72-64 overtime decision to Monmouth on November 24 at home. Junior forward Karly Fischer led the Red Foxes with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while sophomore guard Danielle Williamsen added 15 points. The loss exposed offensive inconsistency that could be magnified against LSU‘s stifling defense.
Senior captain Lexie Tarul recorded her first double-double with 10 points and a career-high 10 rebounds, giving Marist some defensive hope. Freshman forward Justine Henry contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds off the bench. If these three can find their rhythm early, Marist might keep this matchup competitive.
Tournament Matchup and Key Statistics
| Factor | LSU | Marist |
| Record | 6-0 | 2-4 |
| Points Per Game | 111.8 (1st nation) | 57.9 (323rd nation) |
| Tournament Experience | Thanksgiving tournament veterans (8-0 since 2021) | First Paradise Jam appearance |
| Top Performer | Flau’jae Johnson | Karly Fischer |
Historical Context and Mulkey’s Mastery
LSU and Marist have met twice before, with the Tigers winning both matchups convincingly. In the 2008 NCAA Tournament Round of 32, LSU defeated then-No. 22 Marist by a score of 68-49, a game KimMulkey was orchestrating on her way to LSU’s first-ever national championship. Their most recent meeting came in 2015 at the Gulf Coast Showcase in Florida, where LSU dominated 72-49.
Coach Mulkey brings unmatched tournament experience to the Paradise Jam, leading LSU to 8-0 record in Thanksgiving tournaments since 2021. She has previously navigated the San Juan Shootout, Goombay Splash, and Cayman Islands Classic with remarkable consistency during the holiday break.
Can Marist Slow LSU’s Offensive Machine Tonight?
The biggest storyline enters into whether Marist can develop defensive schemes to disrupt LSU‘s high-octane offense that has been setting records. The Red Foxes ranked 323rd nationally in scoring, which creates a significant talent gap. However, Marist’s defense in the paint and defensive rebounding efforts under Coach Erin Doughty might provide some resistance early.
The spread sits at LSU -55.5, reflecting the massive disparity in overall quality. Marist needs Karly Fischer to remain aggressive, Lexie Tarul to secure defensive boards, and Danielle Williamsen to keep possessions alive. Without precision execution, LSU‘s Kim Mulkey squad could replicate their recent blowout performances and advance smoothly to Friday’s Paradise Jam semifinals.
Sources
- LSU Sports – Official game preview and tournament information
- ESPN – Tournament bracket and live scoring
- The Athletic – Odds and viewing information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.