SAN FRANCISCO -- Jarell Martin scored 14 of his 16 points in the first half and LSU beat San Francisco 71-63 in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday night.
Shavon Coleman and Johnny O'Bryant III each added 13 points as the Tigers (20-13) won their first NIT game in 12 years.
Cole Dickerson scored 24 points to lead the Dons (21-12). Tim Derkson added 12 points.
San Francisco's Matt Glover was called for a flagrant foul after officials went to the replay with 9:33 remaining to play. Andre Stringer made the ensuing free throws, keying 9-0 run that put LSU ahead 61-45 less than 90 seconds later.
Anthony Hickey and Tim Quarterman hit 3-pointers 7 seconds apart to cap the spurt.
The Tigers will visit top-seeded SMU in the second round.
Hickey's lay-up in the closing seconds of the first half gave the Tigers a 33-30 lead at the break.
