LSU fans are waking up with a serious case of sports-induced whiplash this morning. If you're checking in to see what is the score on the LSU game, I have the answer, but you might want to sit down first.
The LSU Tigers men's basketball team just lost a stunner to the Kentucky Wildcats, falling 75-74 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
It wasn't just a loss. It was a 1.6-second collapse that feels like a gut punch for a program trying to find its footing in the SEC. One moment, the Tigers were celebrating a hard-fought comeback; the next, Kentucky freshman Malachi Moreno was draining a turnaround jumper at the buzzer to silence the PMAC.
Honestly, it’s the kind of game that reminds you why college basketball is both the best and worst thing for your heart rate.
The Numbers Behind the Madness
The final score tells you the "what," but the "how" is where things get weird. LSU actually dominated the first half. They went into the locker room with a 38-22 lead. You'd think a 16-point cushion at home would be enough to coast, right?
Wrong.
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Kentucky woke up and outscored LSU 53-36 in the second half.
The Tigers' offense, which looked so fluid early on, started hitting the rim more than the net. Meanwhile, Kentucky's Otega Oweh went on a tear, finishing with 21 points. LSU’s Marquel Sutton did his best to keep the ship upright—he was aggressive and hit some massive free throws late—but the defensive stops just weren't there when it mattered most.
Key Stats from the Jan 14 Matchup
- Final Score: Kentucky 75, LSU 74
- Halftime Lead: LSU +16 (38-22)
- Buzzer Beater: Malachi Moreno (UK)
- LSU Top Performers: Marquel Sutton (leadership and scoring), Jalen Reece and Rashad King (combined for 23 points and 5 assists).
That Wild Final Minute
Let's talk about the final 17 seconds because it was absolute chaos.
LSU was up 74-72 after Max Mackinnon swished two clutch free throws. The crowd was deafening. Kentucky comes down, draws a foul, and Otega Oweh goes 1-for-2 at the line. LSU gets the rebound. All they have to do is make their free throws and the game is essentially over.
Pablo Tamba gets fouled with 1.9 seconds left. He misses both.
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Suddenly, Kentucky has the ball with 1.6 seconds remaining and the full length of the court to go. They throw a "hail mary" pass. Moreno catches it near the free-throw line, spins, and launches.
Net.
Game over.
Coach Matt McMahon was visibly crushed in the post-game presser. He talked about how the team had their "two best practices of the year" leading up to this. He was proud of the physicality, but as he put it, they just couldn't "get across the finish line."
What This Means for the Tigers
If you're asking what is the score on the LSU game because you're tracking the season standings, this hurts. LSU is currently 0-4 in SEC play. That is a tough hole to climb out of, especially with the meat of the schedule coming up.
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The Tigers are showing flashes of being a dangerous team. You don't lead Kentucky by 18 points (the lead peaked early in the second half) unless you have talent. But the "finish" isn't there yet. They are young, they are scrappy, and right now, they are learning the hard way that a 20-minute performance doesn't win games in this league.
On the football side of things, the "score" conversation is still lingering from the Texas Bowl. LSU finished their 2025 season with a 38-35 loss to Houston. It’s been a rough winter for the purple and gold faithful, but the Lane Kiffin era is officially on the horizon for football, which is the light at the end of the tunnel for many.
Looking Ahead: The Next Schedule
There is no time to pout. The Tigers have to flush this Kentucky loss immediately because the schedule doesn't get any easier. If you want to catch the next one and hope for a better result, here is what’s coming up:
- Missouri vs. LSU: Saturday, Jan 17 at 2:30 PM (PMAC, Baton Rouge)
- LSU at Florida: Tuesday, Jan 20 at 7:00 PM (Gainesville)
- LSU at Arkansas: Saturday, Jan 24 at 7:30 PM (Fayetteville)
The Missouri game is a "must-win" if LSU wants to keep any momentum for a post-season bid. They need that first SEC win to break the seal.
To stay updated on what is the score on the LSU game in real-time, your best bet is to follow the LSU Sports Radio Network or tune into the SEC Network. If you're heading to the PMAC for the Missouri game, expect a chip-on-the-shoulder atmosphere. This team is hungry, and after last night, they have a lot to prove to a fan base that is itching for a victory.
Keep an eye on the injury reports for the next 48 hours. With the high intensity of the Kentucky game, recovery will be the biggest factor in whether they can bounce back on Saturday.
Next Steps for LSU Fans: Check the official LSU Tigers app for ticket availability for the Missouri game this Saturday. If you can't make it to the PMAC, sync your calendar for the 2:30 PM tip-off on the SEC Network to see if the Tigers can finally secure that first conference win.