LSU Outlasts South Carolina in 92-87 Thriller

The Louisiana State Tigers traveled to the Colonial Life Arena on January 31, 2026, to face off against the South Carolina Gamecocks in a highly anticipated matchup. In the end, LSU emerged victorious, outscoring South Carolina 92-87 in a game that saw both teams put on a show. The Tigers' victory was fueled by a strong performance from Mike Nwoko, who led the team with 21 points.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets throughout the first half. At halftime, LSU held a slim 36-35 lead, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. South Carolina's Meechie Johnson was unstoppable, racking up 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Tigers. Johnson's impressive performance was matched by LSU's Rashad King, who chipped in 18 points and 7 rebounds, and Marquel Sutton, who added 16 points and 8 rebounds.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had LSU winning by 1.6 points, and while the final margin was slightly larger, the prediction ultimately proved correct. The actual score of 92-87 far exceeded the predicted total, a reflection of the high-scoring nature of the game. The Tigers' ability to outlast the Gamecocks was a significant factor in their victory, as they were able to maintain their lead despite a late surge from South Carolina.

The win is a significant one for LSU, as it solidifies their tournament resume with a Quadrant 2 victory. The Tigers' current net ranking of 59 will likely receive a boost, and they want to build on this momentum as they continue through their schedule. For South Carolina, the loss is a tough one, but it was still a Quadrant 2 game, which will help to mitigate the damage. The Gamecocks' current record of 11-11 and net ranking of 100 must be improved upon if they hope to make a push for the tournament.

As the season wears on, LSU want to continue their strong play and make a push for a higher seed in the tournament. With performances like the one they had against South Carolina, they will be a tough opponent for anyone to face. The Tigers' ability to score from multiple positions and their balanced attack make them a formidable team, and they want to use this victory as a springboard to further success. For now, the win over South Carolina is a significant one, and it will be a key factor in determining their tournament chances.