LSU defeats UCF 85-81 in preseason basketball exhibition

LSU secured an 85-81 exhibition victory against UCF at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Due to ongoing eligibility issues for several players, LSU relied on a limited six-man rotation, with five players logging at least 34 minutes.

Abdi Bashir Jr. led the Tigers with 26 points, including six three-pointers. Donovan Dent contributed 21 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. The game was highly competitive, featuring 11 ties and 16 lead changes. LSU closed the game with a decisive run, including steals by Dent and Bashir Jr. in the final seconds.

UCF was led by Dior Johnson, who scored 18 points. Despite a late comeback attempt that tied the game at 81-81 with 33 seconds remaining, the Knights were unable to overcome LSU's final scoring surge.