Blakeney earns weekly honor after first career start

For his 22-point, 10-rebound performance last Friday, LSU freshman Antonio Blakeney was named the SEC Co-Freshman of the Week by the Southeastern Conference office.

Blakeney was named, along with Skal Labissiere of Kentucky.

Gavin Ware of Mississippi State was the Player of the Week.

Blakeney helped the Tigers to an 81-70 opening-game win over McNeese State and will be on the floor Thursday when LSU hosts South Alabama in the second game of the Baton Rouge portion of the Legends Classic at the Maravich Center at 8 p.m. (ESPNU, LSU Sports Radio Network).

Blakeney’s 22 points was the most by a freshman in an opening game since Randy Livingston had 22 in his first game to open the 1994-95 season.

The Orlando, Fla. native was part of a freshman trio that combined for 51 points in the LSU win that was triggered by a 27-0 run that spanned the last 2:25 of the first half and the first 6:09 of the second half.

Brandon Sampson had 18 points, and Ben Simmons 11 points and 13 rebounds in the contest.