Legends Classic semifinals: Marquette uses late free throws to nip No. 22 LSU 81-80

NEW YORK — Jajuan Johnson hit the winning free throws with 10.8 seconds remaining and Marquette survived a frenetic finish to defeat No. 22 LSU 81-80 on Monday night in the semifinals of the Legends Classic.


Marquette will face the winner of North Carolina State and Arizona State in Tuesday's championship game.

LSU (2-1) freshman Ben Simmons collected 21 points and 20 rebounds in front of 51 NBA scouts and gave the Tigers their only lead at 80-79 with a reverse layup with 21.5 seconds remaining.

But Johnson knocked down the two free throws and Josh Gray missed a 3-pointer as time expired.

Luke Fischer led four players in double figures with 19 points for Marquette (2-2). Henry Ellenson was among three Golden Warriors with 16 points along with Johnson and Duane Wilson.