LSU forward Jalen Reed (13) and forward Tyrell Ward (15)...

LSU forward Jalen Reed (13) and forward Tyrell Ward (15) defend against North Florida guard Nate Lliteras (11) during an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Baton Rouge, La. Credit: AP/HILARY SCHEINUK

BATON ROUGE, La. — Will Baker scored 18 points, Jordan Wright added 15 and LSU beat North Florida 75-63 on Friday night.

Baker and Wright were a combined 9-of-22 shooting from the floor. Wright made a pair of 3-pointers and made 5 of 6 from the line. Baker hit 8 of 10 free throws and had eight rebounds.

Tyrell Ward added 14 points and Mike Williams III had 11 for LSU (4-2). Jalen Reed grabbed nine rebounds and had five assists.

Jaylen Smith scored 13 points and Max Hrdlicka had nine, each with all of his points in the second half, to lead North Florida (4-3).

LSU never trailed, led 36-18 at the break and had a 30-point lead with 13:56 remaining. An 11-0 run, capped by consecutives 3s from Hrdlicka, pulled the Ospreys to 68-59 with 3:44 left. Ward answered with a 3-pointer and Williams a jumper to stretch the lead to 14 points with 2:08 to play.

LSU will look for its fourth straight win when it travels to Syracuse for a Tuesday matchup. North Florida plays at Iowa on Wednesday.

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LSU forward Daimion Collins (10) shoots against North Florida's Dorian...

LSU forward Daimion Collins (10) shoots against North Florida's Dorian James (5) during an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Baton Rouge, La. Credit: AP/HILARY SCHEINUK

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