LSU Grinds Out Gritty OT Win Over South Carolina, Overcomes Adversity Without DJ Thomas
LSU didn’t just need a win-they needed a spark. Coming off a tough home loss and missing one of their key playmakers in DJ Thomas, the Tigers headed to Columbia with more questions than answers. But in a game that demanded toughness, composure, and a full-team effort, LSU delivered all three in a 92-87 overtime victory over South Carolina.
Now sitting at 14-8 overall and 2-7 in SEC play, the Tigers aren’t suddenly vaulting into the top tier of the conference-but this one matters. Not just in the standings, but in the locker room.
Winning on the road in the SEC is never easy, and doing it without your floor general? That’s the kind of performance that can shift a team’s mindset down the stretch.
No Star, Just Grit
What made this win stand out wasn’t a dominant solo performance-it was the collective will of a group that refused to fold. In overtime, LSU didn’t lean on one hot hand. Instead, they got timely contributions from multiple players.
Max Mackinnon knocked down a clutch three. Rashad King calmly sank five of six from the line.
Pablo Tamba added three more free throws. None of it flashy, all of it essential.
And Mackinnon? He deserves a spotlight.
With Thomas sidelined, the Australian guard stepped into the distributor role and handled it like a veteran. He tied his career-high with eight assists-also a new season-best-and added 15 points and two blocks.
He was the glue guy LSU needed, keeping the offense flowing and making smart reads under pressure.
Nwoko Sets the Tone
Mike Nwoko continues to be one of LSU’s most reliable finishers around the rim, and he showed it again with a 21-point performance on 9-of-13 shooting. That mark tied for the game high and led all Tigers scorers.
Nwoko isn’t the type to create off the dribble, but give him a good look and he’ll make it count. His efficiency has been a quiet weapon for LSU all season-he leads the SEC in field goal percentage-and when he’s producing, the Tigers tend to follow.
Case in point: LSU is just 1-4 in his five lowest-scoring outings. When Nwoko eats, the Tigers usually feast.
King Steps Up in Starting Role
With Thomas out, Rashad King stepped into the starting lineup and didn’t waste the opportunity. He posted season-highs in both points (18) and rebounds (7), bringing energy on both ends of the floor. King’s activity was noticeable-he was aggressive attacking the rim, fought for boards, and played with a sense of urgency LSU desperately needed.
Still Work to Do
This wasn’t a perfect game by any stretch. LSU gave up 14 offensive rebounds, which turned into 18 second-chance points for South Carolina. They also lost the turnover battle-two areas that could’ve easily swung the outcome the other way.
But in a season that’s had its share of frustrating moments, this was a win LSU had to grind out. They didn’t fold when South Carolina made a push.
They didn’t crumble in overtime. They responded-and that response says something about this group’s resolve.
Looking Ahead
The Tigers now get a few days to regroup before returning home to face Georgia on February 7. The Bulldogs come in at 16-6 overall, though they’ve been up and down in SEC play at 4-5. It’ll be another test for LSU, especially if Thomas remains out, but this win gives them a foundation to build on.
For now, though, LSU can savor this one. It wasn’t flashy.
It wasn’t dominant. But it was gutsy-and right now, that’s exactly what the Tigers needed.