Honestly, it felt like the PMAC was holding its collective breath for about forty minutes yesterday. If you've been following this team through the early January slog, you know the vibe. Heartbreak against Kentucky. A slide that wouldn't end. But finally, the answer to what is the score of the LSU game is a winning one: LSU 78, Missouri 70.
It wasn't just a win; it was a relief.
Matt McMahon’s squad desperately needed to prove they could close a door after the Kentucky collapse where they blew an 18-point lead. Against Missouri, they almost let history repeat itself, but the grit was different this time. They jumped out to a 10-0 lead—the longest opening run against an SEC opponent in eight years—and basically sat in the driver's seat for 39 minutes and 32 seconds.
What Is The Score Of The LSU Game and Why It Matters
This 78-70 victory moves LSU to 13-5 overall, but more importantly, it gets that 0 out of the SEC win column. They are now 1-4 in conference play. While that doesn't sound like "world-beater" territory, in a league as deep as the SEC in 2026, every win is a survival tactic.
Marquel Sutton was the engine. He put up 26 points, looking every bit like the veteran leader this team has been searching for while Dedan Thomas Jr. remains sidelined. Max Mackinnon chipped in 20, hitting big threes every time Missouri threatened to make it a one-possession game in the second half.
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Breaking Down the Box Score
If you look at the raw numbers, the game was won on the glass and at the stripe.
- Final Score: LSU 78, Missouri 70
- Offensive Rebounds: LSU had 16, leading to 21 second-chance points.
- Turnovers: Only 7 for the Tigers. That’s the magic number.
- Free Throws: 18-of-23 (78.3%).
Missouri actually outshot LSU from the floor (43.5% to 42.4%), but you can't give up 16 offensive boards and expect to win on the road in Baton Rouge. Pablo Tamba, who had that haunting missed free throw against Kentucky, stepped up and sank two late ones to ice it. That’s growth.
Beyond the PMAC: Other LSU Scores You Might Be Tracking
While the men's hoops team was the main event, the LSU sports machine is always moving. Today, Sunday, January 18, the action shifts. The Lady Tigers are on the road facing Oklahoma in a massive Top 25 showdown.
If you're looking for what is the score of the LSU tennis matches, the men’s team is hosting a home-opening doubleheader at the LSU Tennis Complex. They face South Alabama at 1:00 p.m. and Jackson State at 5:00 p.m. Coming off a big 4-3 upset over No. 25 Clemson on Friday, Danny Bryan has those guys playing inspired ball.
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Then there's gymnastics. The No. 2 Tigers took a tough 197.200-196.850 loss at Georgia on Friday night. It was a narrow margin, but the kind of road score that still keeps them firmly in the hunt for a high seed come postseason.
Why the Basketball Win Changes the Narrative
We have to talk about the "deja vu" factor. When Missouri cut the lead to 74-70 with under a minute left, you could hear a pin drop in the arena. Everyone was thinking about the Kentucky game.
But Rashad King’s teardrop floater and those Tamba free throws felt like a team exorcising their demons. Missouri's Jayden Stone was a problem all night, dropping 20 points, but LSU’s defense in the first half—holding Mizzou to 33% shooting—built enough of a cushion to survive the late surge.
What’s Next for the Tigers?
The celebration has to be short. The SEC schedule is a gauntlet. LSU heads to Gainesville on Tuesday, January 20, to take on Florida. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.
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For the fans tracking the football side of things, the transfer portal "BOOMs" haven't stopped. While the basketball team was grinding out a win, Brian Kelly’s staff reportedly secured another defensive depth piece, though we’re still waiting on the official paperwork to clear.
Actionable Next Steps for LSU Fans:
- Check the Lady Tigers: Watch the LSU at Oklahoma game today at 2:00 p.m. on ESPN2.
- Tennis is Free: If you’re in Baton Rouge today, head to the Tennis Complex for the doubleheader; attendance is free.
- Florida Prep: Set your DVR for Tuesday night’s game against the Gators; it’s the start of a two-game road swing that includes a trip to Fayetteville.
The "zero" is gone from the conference record, and for the first time in two weeks, the vibe around LSU sports is one of upward momentum rather than "what if."