LSU's Ben Simmons in rare company with 43-point night
Steph Curry was at it again Wednesday, dropping 40 points against Charlotte, but his display couldn't match the show LSU's Ben Simmons put on against North Florida.
The freshman phenom poured in 43 points in the Tigers' 119-108 win, but don't label the Australian sensation a one-trick pony: His standout performance also included 14 rebounds, seven assists, five steals, and three blocks.
How rare is that incredible stat line?
- Simmons became the only Division I freshman in the last 20 seasons with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a game, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
- The first-year forward is the only major conference player in the last 20 seasons with at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five steals in a game.
- With the 43-point outburst, he joins some impressive company in school history - the last LSU player to hit that total was Shaquille O'Neal in 1991.
- Simmons joins Jared Sullinger, Michael Beasley, and Tyler Hansbrough as the only freshmen in the last 20 seasons with 40 points and 10 rebounds in a game.
As amazing as Simmons' 43-point effort was, don't expect many school records out of the star 19-year-old. The LSU home arena where Simmons is awing the nation is named for former Tiger legend Pete Maravich. In his three seasons on the school's varsity team, "Pistol Pete" never averaged fewer than 43 points per game.
Yes, you read that figure properly: Maravich averaged 43-plus points per game every single season at LSU.