Trendon Watford scored 21 points and LSU never trailed in defeating Ole Miss 75-61 in an SEC game Saturday night in Oxford, Miss.

Javonte Smart added 17 points, Darius Days had 15 and Eric Gaines 10 for the Tigers (8-2, 3-1 SEC).

Gaines played expanded minutes in place of Cameron Thomas, the SEC's leading scorer who injured an ankle early in the game and played just four minutes. Thomas returned to the game briefly before leaving for good, and the Tigers didn't need him after seizing control during his initial absence.

He watched the game from the bench in the second half while wearing a boot on his right foot.

All 11 players that saw action for the Rebels (6-4, 1-2) scored, but only Austin Crowley reached double figures with 10 points. Luis Rodriguez and Jarkel Joiner added 9 points each.

The game was supposed to be played Feb. 17 but was moved up Friday after both teams saw their Saturday games postponed because of COVID-19 issues with their original opponents.

LSU was supposed to visit Missouri and Ole Miss was supposed to host South Carolina.

The Tigers led by 18 at halftime, but Rodriguez tried to jump-start the Ole Miss offense by opening the second-half scoring with a 3-pointer.

Watford answered with a three-point play and Days' 3-pointer gave the Tigers a 47-26 lead.

LSU maintained a significant margin until the Rebels reduced it in the final minute.

Days made one 3-pointer and Watford made two as the Tigers raced to a 15-2 lead.

The Rebels scored the next three points, but LSU extended its lead to 23-7 on Gaines' jumper midway through the half.

Crowley made two free throws and Joiner added a 3-pointer to pull Ole Miss within 28-14.

The Rebels crept within 11 points twice before the Tigers finished the half with a push.

Watford had a basket and an assist and Days scored five points during a 7-0 run that gave LSU a 39-21 lead at halftime.

--Field Level Media