Getting the timing right for Mizzou sports can feel like a part-time job sometimes. Between the SEC’s flex scheduling and the sheer variety of sports happening at once, you’ve probably found yourself staring at a blank TV screen more than once. If you’re asking what time is Missouri game today, you’re likely looking for the big basketball showdown in Baton Rouge.
The Missouri Tigers men's basketball team faces off against the LSU Tigers today, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The Short Version: Tip-Off and TV
Basically, if you want to catch the start, you need to be on your couch by 2:30 p.m. CT.
For the folks on the East Coast, that’s 3:30 p.m. ET. If you’re watching from out West, set your alarm for 12:30 p.m. PT. The game is being broadcast nationally on SEC Network. If you aren’t near a television, the game is streaming via the ESPN app, provided you have a cable login or a subscription to a service like FuboTV or YouTube TV.
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Why This Matchup Matters Right Now
Mizzou is currently 13-4 and sitting pretty with a 3-1 record in the SEC. Honestly, this is one of the better starts we've seen in recent years. They are coming off a gritty 84-74 win over Auburn where Jayden Stone and Mark Mitchell basically took over the court.
LSU is a different story.
They are 12-5 overall but haven't won a single conference game yet (0-4). They are desperate. That makes them dangerous, especially at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU is actually a slight 1.5-point favorite despite their losing streak, which tells you everything you need to know about how tough it is to win on the road in this league.
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Key Players to Watch
- Mark Mitchell (Mizzou): The guy is averaging 17.5 points. He’s the engine.
- Jayden Stone (Mizzou): He’s just 28 points away from his 1,000th career point. Keep an eye on the scoreboard if he gets hot early.
- Dedan Thomas Jr. (LSU): He’s their best player but has been dealing with a foot injury. Whether or not he suits up today changes the entire vibe of the game.
What Time Is Missouri Game for Other Sports?
It’s a massive weekend for Mizzou athletics. If you aren't just looking for hoops, there’s a high chance you’re trying to track down one of the other squads competing today.
- Tennis: The Tigers are pulling double duty in DeKalb, Illinois. They played Northern Illinois at 9 a.m. and have another match against Chicago State at 1:00 p.m. CT.
- Wrestling: If you're into the mats, Mizzou is out West taking on Utah Valley. That one doesn't start until 8:00 p.m. CT.
- Gymnastics: They just came off a huge meet against Oklahoma yesterday, so they are likely in recovery mode today.
It's a lot to keep track of.
Navigating the SEC Network
A lot of fans get confused because there are two different "SEC" channels. You have the main SEC Network and then SEC Network+. Today’s basketball game is on the big one—the linear TV channel.
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If you're trying to find the game and all you see is a "Coming Soon" graphic, double-check that you aren't on the alternate stream. Most fans prefer the Tiger Radio Network for the local flair. Mike Kelly on the call is a staple of Missouri sports, and you can usually sync that up with the TV if you’re tech-savvy enough to handle the delay.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Football Schedule
Since you're searching for game times, it's worth noting that the 2026 football schedule was recently finalized. While we don't have the exact kickoff times for next fall yet—those usually drop about 10 days before each game—we do know the dates.
Mizzou starts the 2026 season on September 5 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The big one everyone is circling? September 12. That’s when the Tigers head to Lawrence to play Kansas. It’ll be the first time Mizzou has played at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium since 2005. That game will likely be a high-noon or primetime slot, but we won't know for sure until the summer of 2026.
Actionable Steps for Today's Game
- Check your TV provider: Ensure you have SEC Network. If you're using a streaming service, search for "Missouri" in the search bar about 10 minutes before tip-off.
- Monitor the injury report: Specifically, look for LSU's Dedan Thomas Jr. around 2:00 p.m. CT. If he’s out, Mizzou’s chances of an upset jump significantly.
- Set a reminder: The 2:30 p.m. CT start time is firm, but pre-game coverage usually starts at 2:15 p.m.
- Sync your audio: If you prefer the local radio broadcast, use the Varsity Network app to listen to the Tiger Radio Network.
The Tigers are looking to stay at the top of the SEC standings. A road win today would put them at 4-1 in the conference, a mark they haven't hit many times in the last decade. It’s going to be loud in Baton Rouge, so settle in for a dogfight.