A clear success is the best way to describe LSU’s trip to Florida for the Emerald Coast Classic.

Coach Matt McMahon’s group beat Drake 71-62 in the first round on Friday and then beat DePaul 96-63 in the championship game on Saturday at Raider Arena in Niceville, Florida.

“This was a big step forward for us as a team,” McMahon said Saturday. “Really proud of our players for their effort, their energy and their focus over the two days here.”

The remarkable showing for LSU (7-0) elevated its standing on the basketball analytic site KenPom. After entering Friday with the 37th-highest rating in the country, the Tigers are now 24th before Sunday’s games.

Here are the three biggest takeaways from the past two games.

Talent advantage

LSU took a jump in competition level and still look

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