Ben Simmons' US college stint could have a fairytale, not a nightmare, ending.
The Melbourne 19-year-old's Louisiana State University shrugged off a disappointing regular season marred by losses and locker room troubles to defeat the University of Tennessee 84-75 in Friday's (Saturday AEDT) Southeastern Conference Tournament quarter-final in Nashville.
If LSU can defeat Texas A&M on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) and win Sunday's (Monday AEDT) SEC Tournament final they will guarantee a place in next week's prestigious NCAA Tournament.
"We have a chance to win the SEC and get into the NCAA Tournament," Simmons said.
"For us coming into this game, we were ready to play."
Few US basketball analysts gave LSU a chance of making the NCAA Tournament after suffering 13 losses during the regular season, including a 81-65 thrashing by Tennessee last month.
Another loss to Tennessee would have ended Simmons' brief college career, with the teenager moving on to the NBA.
LSU didn't get off to a great start in the re-match.
Simmons, the expected No.1 pick in June's NBA Draft and who is reportedly on the verge of signing a $US100 million-plus shoe deal with Nike or a rival sporting goods giant, picked up two early fouls in the first five minutes.
LSU coach Johnny Jones kept Simmons on the bench for the rest of the first half, but in a positive sign the Australian's teammates stepped up.
"The guys did a great job without me," Simmons said.
Guards Antonio Blakeney and Tim Quarterman had 22 and 18 points respectively while Simmons still added 15 points and eight rebounds.
"Anyone can win this tournament," Blakeney said.
LSU will fancy their chances against Texas A&M after scoring a 76-71 victory on February 13.
The NCAA Tournament, nicknamed March Madness and The Big Dance, captivates America from March 15 to April 4.
America's top 68 college teams play in the knockout tournament.
Share
