LSU Triumphs in Double Overtime Thriller Against Ole Miss
In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, LSU clawed back from an eight-point deficit with just seven minutes left to force not one, but two overtimes, eventually outlasting Ole Miss 106-99. The Tigers showcased their resilience Wednesday night at the Sandy and John Black Pavilion.
This victory marks LSU's third overtime win on the road this season, having previously conquered Boston College and South Carolina in similar nail-biting fashion.
Leading the charge for LSU was Max Mackinnon, who put on a scoring clinic with 34 points in 48 minutes. Mackinnon was efficient, hitting 11-of-24 from the field, 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and 8-of-10 from the charity stripe. His contributions didn’t stop there, as he also dished out three assists.
Mike Nwoko was a force to be reckoned with, tallying 18 points while being perfect from the free throw line, and adding four assists to his stat line. Pablo Tamba contributed 15 points, Rashad King added 13, Robert Miller III chipped in with 12, and Jalen Reece recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists.
For Ole Miss, Ilias Kamardine led the way with 26 points and 10 assists, while Malik Dia, AJ Storr, and Eduardo Klafke combined for 55 points.
The Tigers found themselves trailing 74-66 with just over seven minutes remaining, but a crucial floater by Nwoko tied the game at 80-80 with under two minutes to go. Ole Miss briefly regained the lead, but LSU's King calmly sank two free throws to send the game into overtime.
In the first overtime, both teams traded blows, but it was Tamba's clutch drive that tied the game at 90-90, forcing a second overtime after Ole Miss missed a potential game-winning shot.
The second overtime saw LSU take control. Miller's powerful dunk set the tone, and Mackinnon's off-balance shot, followed by a free throw, gave LSU a lead they would not relinquish. Despite Ole Miss's efforts to close the gap, LSU's accuracy from the free throw line sealed the victory.
LSU's shooting was impressive throughout, hitting 50% from the field and an impressive 25-of-29 from the line. Their defensive tenacity shone in overtime, holding Ole Miss to just 4-of-15 shooting in the extra periods.
The Tigers' ability to protect the ball in crunch time was pivotal, committing only one turnover in overtime compared to their 11 during regulation, which had led to 22 Ole Miss points.
LSU also edged out Ole Miss on the boards with a 40-39 rebounding advantage, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to outscore their opponents 22-12 in that category.
Up next, LSU will look to keep their momentum going as they host Oklahoma at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Coach Matt McMahon's Take:
Coach Matt McMahon couldn't hide his pride in his team's grit and determination. "I'm just really happy for our players," he shared, highlighting Mackinnon's standout performance and the team's overall execution, especially in the second overtime.
McMahon also praised his team's clutch free throw shooting and defensive adjustments, noting the impact of players like Nwoko, Miller, and Tamba in critical moments. "We are trying to find the most efficient combinations for us to give us a chance to win," he explained, underscoring the strategic changes that paid off against Ole Miss.
This thrilling victory not only adds another win to LSU's record but also serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.