LSU fans aren't exactly known for being quiet, but the Pete Maravich Assembly Center felt especially alive on Saturday night. If you're looking for the quick answer to what was the score for the LSU game, the Tigers walked off the court with a 78-70 victory over Missouri.
Honestly, it wasn't as close as that eight-point margin might suggest to someone just scrolling through a box score. For a large chunk of the second half, Matt McMahon’s squad looked like they had everything under control. They led by as many as 14 points, with the scoreboard showing 45-31 at one point. But Missouri has some fight in them. They managed to claw back within three points several times late in the game, making every Tiger fan in Baton Rouge sweat just a little bit.
How the LSU Missouri Game Went Down
The first half was basically the Max Mackinnon show. He’s been a spark plug for this team, and hitting a big three-pointer to push an early lead to 8-0 really set the tone. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, LSU was sitting on a comfortable 37-27 lead.
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Missouri didn't just go away, though. They shot a scorching 54 percent in the second half. That's usually a recipe for a comeback. Every time Mizzou got within a bucket or two—cutting it to 50-47 and later 55-52—LSU had an answer. Usually, that answer was a back-breaking three from Mackinnon or a tough layup from Marquel Sutton.
Key Stats and Standout Performers
- Max Mackinnon: Finished with 20 points, including a massive three-pointer with about six minutes left that basically iced the momentum.
- Pablo Tamba: He didn't just score; he was a menace on the glass and the defensive end. He snagged a crucial rebound and knocked down two free throws with 26 seconds left to seal the deal.
- Team Shooting: LSU hit 10-of-26 from beyond the arc. That 38.5% clip is what kept Missouri at arm's length.
- Free Throws: After some struggles earlier in the season, LSU looked sharp at the stripe, going 18-of-23 (78.3%).
It was a much-needed conference win. After the way the SEC opener against Texas A&M went—a heartbreaking 75-72 loss where they just couldn't quite close the door—getting this result against Missouri feels like a massive weight off the team's shoulders.
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What's Next for the Tigers?
The celebration won't last long. The schedule makers weren't exactly kind to LSU this week. They have to pack their bags for a two-game road trip that starts Tuesday night in Gainesville. Facing the Florida Gators at 6 p.m. CT is never easy, especially with the way the SEC standings are starting to bunch up. After that, they head to Fayetteville to deal with Arkansas.
If you're keeping an eye on the women's side, Coach Kim Mulkey’s team is in a dogfight of their own. They just came off a massive 70-65 upset over No. 2 Texas and are currently in Norman, Oklahoma, for a Top-15 showdown against the Sooners. That game is a "Stripe Out" at the Lloyd Noble Center, and with two of the fastest offenses in the country meeting up, the score for that LSU game is likely to be in the 90s or higher.
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Beyond the Scoreboard: The Big Picture
Winning at home is a requirement in the SEC if you want to see the NCAA Tournament in March. Matt McMahon talked after the game about the "fight" his team showed, and you could see it in the way they responded to every Missouri run. They limited Missouri's second-chance opportunities and actually took care of the ball reasonably well, which has been an issue in past weeks.
For those tracking the broader season, this win moves LSU into a much better position as they navigate the gauntlet of January. The defense is still a work in progress, but when the offense is clicking like it was tonight, they can play with anyone in the league.
Actionable Next Steps for LSU Fans:
- Check the updated SEC standings to see where the Tigers sit after this weekend's slate of games.
- Set your DVR for the Florida game on Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT; it's going to be a physical matchup.
- If you're following the women's team, keep an eye on the scoring updates for the Oklahoma game today—it's expected to be a high-speed track meet.