Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Skylar Mays hit four free throws in the final 15 seconds to help embattled LSU slip past 14th-seeded Yale 79-74 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.

Mays scored 19 points but sealed the game from the charity stripe, and the Tigers (27-6) needed each one of his free throws.

Yale (22-8) hit four 3-pointers in the final minute and whittled an 18-point deficit to three in the closing seconds. Most of those on hand at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena started cheering for the underdog Bulldogs.

With the lead on the line, Mays calmly stepped to the line and sank all his free throws.

Mays was one of four Tigers in double figures. Tremont Waters finished with 15 points, but had just two after the break. He was 0 for 7 from the field in the final 20 minutes after dominating the first half with 13 points and six assists.

Naz Reid had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Kavell Bigby-Williams also had a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.

LSU moves on without coach Will Wade, who is suspended for his role in an alleged cheating scandal. University officials won’t allow Wade to resume his duties unless he speaks with the school about an FBI wiretap that resulted in his suspension. Tony Benford continued in his role as interim coach.

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