Kentucky Edges LSU in Thrilling Contest
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Pete Maravich Assembly Center
Kentucky Wildcats 75, LSU Tigers 74, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Kentucky Wildcats vs LSU Tigers?
Kentucky Wildcats beat LSU Tigers 75-74 at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Kentucky Wildcats vs LSU Tigers?
Kentucky Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Kentucky Wildcats narrowly defeated the LSU Tigers with a final score of 75-74 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The game showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams demonstrating their offensive capabilities, but ultimately it was Kentucky who came out on top, continuing their positive momentum in the season.
Kentucky entered the game with an away record of 11-6 and a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, including a victory against the Mississippi State Bulldogs just days prior. The Wildcats had been averaging 81.3 points scored while allowing 72.3 points, indicating a strong offensive presence. They were riding a one-game winning streak, which they extended with this victory.
On the other hand, the LSU Tigers had a home record of 12-5 but were struggling with a three-game losing streak, having lost their last match against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Their recent form showed a record of 6-4 in the last ten games, with an average of 80.6 points scored and 74.5 points allowed. This game marked a critical point for LSU as they aimed to break their losing streak at home.
Historically, the Tigers had faced the Wildcats once in the previous season, where they suffered a heavy defeat with a score of 64-95. This prior meeting added a layer of intensity to the matchup, as LSU sought redemption against a formidable opponent.
In terms of player availability, the block did not specify any injuries affecting either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this encounter. The conditions in the arena were typical for a college basketball game, with a charged atmosphere as fans filled the stands to support their teams.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Kentucky favored by 3.5 points, indicating expectations of a competitive game. The total points line was set at 151.5, reflecting the anticipated offensive nature of the matchup.
As the game progressed, viewers witnessed a series of pivotal scoring plays. In the second half, Malachi Moreno's dunk, assisted by Denzel Aberdeen, brought Kentucky to a crucial 71-70 lead. Following that, Max Mackinnon made two free throws, pushing Kentucky ahead to 72-71. The lead continued to change hands as Collin Chandler also converted free throws for LSU, tying the game at 72-72.
The tension peaked as the final moments unfolded. Mackinnon added two more free throws, bringing the score to 74-72 in favor of LSU. However, Otega Oweh's free throw for Kentucky narrowed the gap to 74-73. In a dramatic finish, Moreno hit an 18-foot jumper with an assist from Chandler, sealing the game for Kentucky at 75-74.
This thrilling encounter not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also showcased the Wildcats' ability to perform under pressure, as they secured a hard-fought victory on the road. The result leaves LSU searching for answers as they look to rebound from their recent struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UK -3.5 | 151.5 o -108 / u -112 | Kentucky Wildcats -180 · LSU Tigers +150 |
Leaders
- PointsMarquel Sutton16LSU Tigers
- AssistsJalen Reece4LSU Tigers
- ReboundsRobert Miller III7LSU Tigers
- PointsOtega Oweh21Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsDenzel Aberdeen4Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsMalachi Moreno8Kentucky Wildcats
Recent form
LSU Tigers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L380.6 scored · 74.5 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L73-84at Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 10
- L68-78vs South Carolina GamecocksJan 7
- L72-75at Texas A&M AggiesJan 3
- W90-62vs Southern Miss Golden EaglesDec 30
- W104-90vs Prairie View A&M PanthersDec 23
- W78-65vs SE Louisiana LionsDec 20
- W89-77vs SMU MustangsDec 14
- L58-82at Texas Tech Red RaidersDec 7
- W78-69at Boston College EaglesDec 4
- W96-63vs DePaul Blue DemonsNov 30
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 6-4Streak W181.3 scored · 72.3 allowed per game0-1 away
- W92-68vs Mississippi State BulldogsJan 11
- L68-73vs Missouri TigersJan 8
- L74-89at Alabama Crimson TideJan 3
- W99-85vs Bellarmine KnightsDec 23
- W78-66vs St. John's Red StormDec 20
- W72-60vs Indiana HoosiersDec 14
- W103-67vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 10
- L59-94vs Gonzaga BulldogsDec 6
- L64-67vs North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 3
- W104-54vs Tennessee Tech Golden EaglesNov 27
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Kentucky Wildcats | LSU Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-56 | 23-47 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 10-23 | 9-19 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 47 |
| Free throws | 15-22 | 19-28 |
| Free throw % | 68 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 25 |
| Assists | 14 | 12 |
| Steals | 7 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 22 |
| Fouls | 19 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 3 | 89 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half34-44Jalen Reece makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-44Denzel Aberdeen makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half37-46Max Mackinnon makes layup
- 2nd Half38-46Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-46Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-49Jalen Reece makes 23-foot three point jumper (Max Mackinnon assists)
- 2nd Half41-49Andrija Jelavić makes layup (Brandon Garrison assists)
- 2nd Half41-52Pablo Tamba makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jalen Reece assists)
- 2nd Half43-52Denzel Aberdeen makes layup
- 2nd Half44-52Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half45-52Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half46-52Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half46-54Rashad King makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-54Collin Chandler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half49-57Max Mackinnon makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half52-57Otega Oweh makes 25-foot three point jumper (Collin Chandler assists)
- 2nd Half52-59Rashad King makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-59Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-59Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-61Rashad King makes layup
- 2nd Half54-62Marquel Sutton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-63Marquel Sutton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-63Denzel Aberdeen makes 1-foot dunk (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half56-65Mike Nwoko makes 7-foot jumper (Max Mackinnon assists)
- 2nd Half58-65Otega Oweh makes layup
- 2nd Half60-65Malachi Moreno makes layup
- 2nd Half61-65Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half64-65Otega Oweh makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kam Williams assists)
- 2nd Half64-68Jalen Reece makes 24-foot three point jumper (Robert Miller III assists)
- 2nd Half67-68Otega Oweh makes 24-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half69-68Kam Williams makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half69-70Robert Miller III makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half71-70Malachi Moreno makes 3-foot dunk (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half71-71Max Mackinnon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half71-72Max Mackinnon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-72Collin Chandler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-73Max Mackinnon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-74Max Mackinnon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-74Otega Oweh makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-74Malachi Moreno makes 18-foot jumper (Collin Chandler assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours LSU Tigers, below favours Kentucky Wildcats.
Venue
- Pete Maravich Assembly CenterBaton Rouge, LA
- Attendance8671
- OfficialsSteven Anderson, A.J. Desai, Joe Lindsay
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond