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Simmons shows range in Tigers win

Ben Simmons has answered his critics firing in jump shots from the field as LSU easily accounted for Auburn.

LSU's Ben Simmons.
Australian college basketballer Ben Simmons has shown off his shooting range as his LSU beat Auburn. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Basketball analysts asked Ben Simmons to show his shooting range and the Australian college star obliged as his Louisiana State defeated Auburn 80-68.

LSU bounced back from their heart-breaking 77-75 loss to No.1 ranked Oklahoma State when they blew a 17-point lead.

Simmons roared, recording yet another double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds as well as giving off seven assists.

What may have been most impressive was his shooting.

In previous games Simmons had been criticised by some college hoops analysts for only taking the ball to the rim but this time he showed off his jumper.

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Simmons also made a couple of dunks and a pair of lay-ups, but the bulk of his points came from longer range - the 19-year old potting five of nine from the floor throughout the match and five of seven in a dominant first half.

Simmons had 17 of his points by the main break, pushing LSU out to a 39-31 lead at halftime.

The fast start was a direct result of criticisms aimed at Simmons after the loss to the Sooners, where it was suggested he failed to assert himself when the game was on the line.

"It was very important for me because I know a lot of people don't say I am aggressive but I was trying to be more assertive this game," Simmons said.

"(I was) Just being leader at the start of the game."

The Aussie became more of a facilitator in the second stanza, dishing off several assists, but LSU once again exhibited worrying signs of letting their opponents back into the game.

Having led by as many as 17, LSU let Auburn cut their lead back to 11 points before holding them at bay down the stretch.

Simmons was well assisted by fellow forward Craig Victor who had 13 points and eight rebounds, while Bryce Brown led the scoring for Auburn, coming off the bench to score 18 points.

LSU coach Johnny Jones was rapt with the win and also felt that Simmons delivered as both a scorer and provider.

"Ben was really good and it was a great bounce back win for us," Jones told ESPN.

"Ben did a tremendous job of taking opportunities and when the chance offered itself I thought he did a great job of making plays."

The win takes LSU to a season record of 14-8 and 7-2 in the Southeastern Conference.


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