It's Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you're looking for the Tigers, you probably caught them at the PMAC. If you missed it, you're asking the big question: what time was the lsu game today?
The LSU men’s basketball team tipped off against the Missouri Tigers at 2:30 p.m. CT (3:30 p.m. ET).
This wasn't just another game on the schedule. It was a massive opportunity for Matt McMahon’s squad to finally break a brutal four-game skid. Coming into today, LSU was sitting at 12-5 overall but a concerning 0-4 in the SEC. Missouri, meanwhile, was riding high at 13-4 and 3-1 in the conference. The stakes were high, the air in Baton Rouge was thick with anticipation, and the "Deaf Dome" was ready to provide that home-court advantage.
The Tip-Off and TV Coverage
The game was broadcast live on the SEC Network. For those who couldn't be there in person at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, the 2:30 p.m. local start time meant a perfect Saturday afternoon of hoops.
Honestly, the SEC schedule this year has been a gauntlet. LSU just came off a heartbreaker against Kentucky earlier in the week, losing 75-74. People were wondering if they could bounce back against a Mizzou team that’s been playing some of the best defense in the league, allowing only 73 points per game in conference play.
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Who Was on the Court?
A major storyline heading into this 2:30 p.m. matchup was the status of Dedan Thomas Jr. He’s been the engine for this team, averaging over 16 points and 7 assists, but he had missed the previous four games. Without him, the Tigers have struggled to find a consistent rhythm late in games.
Max Mackinnon and Michael Nwoko have had to pick up a ton of the scoring load. They both came in averaging over 14 points, but against a Mizzou defense that ranks first in the SEC for scoring defense in conference-only games, every bucket was going to be earned.
Why This Specific Time Mattered
Saturday afternoon games in Baton Rouge are different. The energy builds throughout the morning as fans tailgate or hit up the local spots before heading into the PMAC. A 2:30 p.m. start time is basically the sweet spot for college basketball.
It’s late enough for the students to show up in full force but early enough that it doesn't bleed into the evening plans.
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Other LSU Sports Action This Weekend
While the men's basketball game was the main event for many today, it’s been a busy 24 hours for LSU athletics.
If you’re a gymnastics fan, you know the No. 2 ranked Tigers were actually in action last night. They traveled to Athens to face No. 8 Georgia and unfortunately took a narrow loss, 197.200 to 196.850. It was a tight meet, with Konnor McClain anchoring the bars with a huge 9.950, but it wasn't quite enough to overcome the Bulldogs.
The women's basketball team is also on the road. Kim Mulkey’s No. 12 Tigers are preparing for a Sunday showdown against Oklahoma in Norman. That game is set for 2:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, January 18. So, if you were looking for Kim and the crew today, they’re likely in transit or getting a walkthrough in at the Lloyd Noble Center.
Looking Ahead for LSU Men’s Basketball
The grind doesn't stop. After today’s clash with Missouri, the Tigers have a quick turnaround. They’ll be heading to Gainesville to face Florida this coming Tuesday or Wednesday (January 20/21), followed by a trip to Fayetteville to take on Arkansas on Saturday, January 24.
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The SEC is a meat grinder this year. There is no such thing as an "easy" Saturday. Every team from Alabama to Vanderbilt is capable of pulling an upset if you aren't dialed in for the full 40 minutes.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you missed the live action at 2:30 p.m. today, here is how you can catch up:
- Watch the Replay: If you have a cable subscription or a service like FuboTV or YouTube TV, check the SEC Network's "Video on Demand" or the ESPN app. They usually have the full game replay available within a couple of hours of the final buzzer.
- Check the Box Score: Head over to LSUSports.net for the full statistical breakdown. Pay close attention to the turnover margin; that's been the Achilles' heel for this team lately.
- Get Ready for Sunday: Pivot your attention to the Lady Tigers. They take on Oklahoma at 2:00 p.m. CT tomorrow on ESPN2. It’s another big-time SEC/SEC-adjacent matchup that will have huge implications for tournament seeding later this spring.
- Gymnastics Bounce Back: Mark your calendars for next Friday, January 23. The gym Tigers are back home at the PMAC against Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. CT. After the loss to Georgia, that meet is going to be electric.
Basically, the LSU sports calendar is packed. Today was about the men's basketball team finding their footing in conference play, but the momentum carries right through the rest of the weekend. Geaux Tigers.