LSU just needed a win. Honestly, the vibe in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center today felt a little heavy after that brutal one-point loss to Kentucky earlier in the week. But the wait is over. If you're looking for what is the score for the LSU game today, the Tigers took down Missouri 78-70 on Saturday afternoon. It wasn't always pretty, especially when Mizzou started throwing a zone defense at them in the second half, but Matt McMahon’s squad held on. This win moves LSU to 13-5 overall and, more importantly, puts their first tally in the SEC win column.
Marquel Sutton and the PMAC Magic
Marquel Sutton was essentially the engine for everything LSU did today. With star guard Dedan Thomas Jr. still sidelined by a nagging leg injury, somebody had to step up and actually create offense. Sutton did that and then some. He dropped a season-high 26 points. He was aggressive from the jump, drawing fouls and living at the free-throw line where he went 10-for-12.
You've gotta love the way he dictated the pace. In the first half alone, he had 19 points. When Missouri missed their first seven shots of the game—which, let's be real, was a disastrous start for them—Sutton was the one making sure LSU punished them for it.
Key Performers for the Tigers
- Max Mackinnon: He played the sidekick role perfectly with 20 points. He hit four big shots from deep that kept the crowd into it whenever Mizzou tried to make a run.
- Rashad King: Filling in for Thomas at point guard is a tall order. He only had a handful of points, but he hit a massive floater in the final minute that basically iced the game.
- The Bench: While the starters did the heavy lifting, the energy from the role players on the defensive glass was the unsung hero of the afternoon.
How the Game Actually Went Down
LSU came out like they had something to prove. They opened the game on a 10-0 run. Missouri looked like they were playing in mud for the first six minutes. By the time Mizzou finally saw a ball go through the hoop, the lead was already substantial. LSU took a 37-27 lead into the locker room, and it felt like they might just cruise.
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But it’s the SEC. Nothing is ever that easy.
Missouri coach Dennis Gates switched to a zone defense in the second half. It clearly rattled LSU for a bit. The 14-point lead they built up started evaporating. Jayden Stone, who finished with 20 for Missouri, hit a three-pointer that cut the LSU lead to just 53-50 with about ten minutes left. You could almost hear the collective "here we go again" from the fans in Baton Rouge.
The Turning Point
Instead of folding like they did against Kentucky, LSU responded. They connected on six straight field goals right after that Mizzou run. They won the battle on the boards, finishing with 16 offensive rebounds. Those second-chance points are basically what saved the game. LSU had 21 points off second chances compared to Missouri's 13. When you win the "hustle stats," you usually win the game.
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What This Means for LSU Moving Forward
This win is a massive weight off the shoulders of this program. Starting 0-4 in conference play is a hole that’s almost impossible to climb out of if you're thinking about postseason play. Now at 1-4, there’s at least a bit of light.
The defense looked sharp early on, and the team proved they can win a grinder without their primary ball-handler. Dedan Thomas Jr.'s absence is still the elephant in the room, but seeing Sutton and Mackinnon combine for 46 points gives some hope that the scoring won't totally dry up while he recovers.
Next Steps for the Tigers
LSU doesn't have much time to celebrate this one. They have to get on a plane and head to Gainesville to face Florida this coming Tuesday, January 20th. That game tips off at 6:00 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
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If you're following the team, keep a close eye on the injury report regarding Thomas. While they survived today, winning on the road in the SEC without your best playmaker is a much tougher task. For now, Tiger fans can enjoy the fact that the losing streak is dead and the season feels a whole lot different than it did yesterday morning.
Go get some rest, check the film, and get ready for the Gators.