LSU Locks in First SEC Win, Honoring History and Finding Their Identity
On a day when LSU celebrated the 40th anniversary of its legendary 1986 Final Four team, the current Tigers delivered a performance that echoed the grit and energy of that Cinderella squad. With a 78-70 win over Missouri, LSU not only secured its first SEC victory of the season but also showed signs that this team might be finding its rhythm after a shaky start to conference play.
Let’s be clear - this wasn’t a wire-to-wire domination. Like their recent matchup against Kentucky, LSU jumped out to a first-half lead, only to see the opponent claw back after the break.
But this time, the Tigers held firm. They didn’t collapse under pressure.
They responded.
The early stages were sluggish for both sides - a classic Saturday matinee slow start. Ten minutes in, the score was just 16-9 in LSU’s favor. But once the hosts found their footing, they started to impose their will on both ends of the floor.
The defensive intensity was the game-changer. LSU held Missouri to just 26.7% shooting from the field, a testament to the Tigers' effort and execution.
The energy started with Max Mackinnon, who set the tone early and never let up. The Australian guard opened LSU’s scoring with a three and consistently attacked off the catch, keeping Missouri off balance.
Whether it was slashing to the rim or pulling up from deep, Mackinnon was a problem. He finished with 20 points, including four made threes, and was at the heart of LSU’s offensive flow - especially when paired with Jalen Reece and Rashad King in a two-point guard setup that created space and mismatches.
Mackinnon’s assertiveness was contagious. The rest of the roster fed off it, particularly Marquel Sutton, who followed up a strong outing against Kentucky with a dominant first half.
The fifth-year senior poured in 19 before the break and finished with 26 points overall. His footwork and physicality around the rim were on full display, and he lived at the free-throw line - going 10-for-14, tying his career high in attempts.
Sutton looked every bit the veteran leader LSU needs, and his ability to finish through contact gave Missouri fits.
While Sutton and Mackinnon led the charge, LSU’s supporting cast played their roles to near perfection. Pablo Tamba brought relentless energy on defense, helping contain Missouri’s attack and limiting their top scorer, Mark Mitchell, to just two points in the first half and 13 total. Sophomore big man Robert Miller III chipped in with 7 rebounds and continues to provide valuable minutes, especially when Mike Nwoko gets into foul trouble.
LSU’s defense was swarming - forcing 12 turnovers while only committing seven themselves. That kind of ball security and defensive engagement is what wins conference games, and LSU finally put it all together.
Missouri’s Jayden Stone did his best to keep the visitors in it, scoring 20 points and providing a consistent threat, but LSU never let him take over. And when Missouri made a late push, LSU had answers.
Freshman Rashad King, making his second start, had been quiet for most of the game - until he wasn’t. With eight minutes left, he buried a momentum-swinging three that got the crowd inside the PMAC on its feet.
Then, with the shot clock winding down and the game still hanging in the balance, he drilled another one to push the lead to six with just a minute left. It was a clutch moment from a young player who’s growing into his role.
Jalen Reece, who’s seen increased minutes with Dedan Thomas Jr. sidelined, continued his upward trend. He added 7 points and helped orchestrate the offense, though he’ll want to clean up some mistakes - including four fouls and a rough turnover in transition. Still, his confidence is rising, and that bodes well for LSU’s backcourt depth moving forward.
This win doesn’t erase LSU’s 0-4 start in the SEC, but it could mark a turning point. The Tigers showed resilience, defensive commitment, and just enough offensive firepower to close out a game they might’ve let slip earlier in the season.
Now, the road gets tougher. LSU heads to Gainesville to face the defending national champion Florida Gators, followed by a showdown with Arkansas and John Calipari next Saturday. But if Saturday’s win is any indication, this team might be turning the corner - and just in time.