Kentucky Wildcats Edge LSU Tigers in Close Contest
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 12:30 PM ET · Bridgestone Arena
Kentucky Wildcats 87, LSU Tigers 82, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won LSU Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats?
Kentucky Wildcats beat LSU Tigers 87-82 at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2026.
Who was favored in LSU Tigers vs Kentucky Wildcats?
Kentucky Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -440 (about 81% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Bridgestone Arena, the Kentucky Wildcats narrowly defeated the LSU Tigers with a final score of 87-82. This victory marks another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two programs, showcasing the competitive spirit of college basketball.
Kentucky, boasting a home record of 20-12, has had a mixed bag of results in their last ten games, finishing with a record of 5-5. They entered this game on a two-game losing streak, having lost to the Florida Gators and Texas A&M Aggies in their previous outings. Despite this, the Wildcats have shown offensive prowess, averaging 81.3 points per game over their last ten, while allowing 79.9 points. In their last five games, they averaged 79.8 points scored and 79.0 points allowed, indicating a tendency for high-scoring affairs.
On the other hand, the LSU Tigers, with a season record of 15-17, have struggled significantly, particularly in their recent performances, where they managed only two wins in their last ten games, resulting in a dismal record of 2-8. They entered the game on a three-game losing streak, with their last win coming against Ole Miss on February 26. The Tigers have averaged 79.4 points per game during this stretch, but their defense has been a concern, allowing an average of 87.6 points.
When examining their performance at home versus away, Kentucky has a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, while LSU has struggled on the road with a 0-5 record in their last five away games. This disparity in performance could have played a significant role in the outcome of the game.
Historically, Kentucky has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with LSU, winning both encounters in the current season. The Wildcats secured a close victory on January 15, 2026, with a score of 75-74 in Baton Rouge, and earlier in the 2025 season, they dominated LSU at home, winning 95-64.
In terms of player availability, the block does not provide specific details about injuries, but the performance of key players could have influenced the game dynamics. Kentucky's ability to capitalize on their home court advantage and their previous success against LSU likely contributed to their victory.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had Kentucky favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 151.5. The odds reflected Kentucky's strong home performance and historical success against LSU. The Wildcats were listed at -440 on the moneyline, while LSU was at +340, indicating a clear expectation of a Kentucky win.
The game conditions were conducive to a competitive matchup, with both teams looking to assert themselves in the conference. Fans and viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination as both teams fought for every point.
As the game progressed, key scoring plays highlighted the tension and excitement. Jalen Reece's driving layup and subsequent free throws by Denzel Aberdeen helped Kentucky maintain their lead in the final moments. LSU's Rashad King attempted to close the gap with a jumper, but it was not enough to overcome Kentucky's advantage.
Overall, the game showcased the resilience of the Wildcats and their ability to secure a win under pressure, while the Tigers continue to search for answers as they navigate a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UK -8.5 | 151.5 o -112 / u -108 | LSU Tigers +340 · Kentucky Wildcats -440 |
Leaders
- PointsOtega Oweh23Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsOtega Oweh3Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsOtega Oweh8Kentucky Wildcats
- PointsMax Mackinnon28LSU Tigers
- AssistsJalen Reece7LSU Tigers
- ReboundsMike Nwoko12LSU Tigers
Recent form
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 5-5Streak L281.3 scored · 79.9 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L77-84vs Florida GatorsMar 7
- L85-96at Texas A&M AggiesMar 4
- W91-77vs Vanderbilt CommodoresFeb 28
- W72-63at South Carolina GamecocksFeb 25
- L74-75at Auburn TigersFeb 22
- L78-86vs Georgia BulldogsFeb 18
- L83-92at Florida GatorsFeb 14
- W74-71vs Tennessee VolunteersFeb 8
- W94-78vs Oklahoma SoonersFeb 5
- W85-77at Arkansas RazorbacksJan 31
LSU Tigers
Last 10: 2-8Streak L379.4 scored · 87.6 allowed per game2-3 away
- L91-94vs Texas A&M AggiesMar 7
- L74-88at Auburn TigersMar 4
- L67-83vs Oklahoma SoonersFeb 28
- W106-99at Ole Miss RebelsFeb 26
- L83-90vs Alabama Crimson TideFeb 21
- L85-88at Texas LonghornsFeb 18
- L63-73at Tennessee VolunteersFeb 14
- L62-91vs Arkansas RazorbacksFeb 11
- L71-83vs Georgia BulldogsFeb 7
- W92-87at South Carolina GamecocksJan 31
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 | LSU Tigers | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-64 | 32-64 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 5-20 | 6-22 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 27 |
| Free throws | 13-20 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 22 |
| Assists | 11 | 15 |
| Steals | 1 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 5 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 3 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 40 |
| Fouls | 17 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 15 | 15 |
| Time in front | 14 | 82 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-53Denzel Aberdeen makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half52-53Jalen Reece makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half54-53Rashad King makes layup (Mike Nwoko assists)
- 2nd Half54-55Mouhamed Dioubate makes layup
- 2nd Half56-55Max Mackinnon makes 11-foot jumper (Jalen Reece assists)
- 2nd Half56-57Denzel Aberdeen makes layup (Brandon Garrison assists)
- 2nd Half58-57Marquel Sutton makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-59Brandon Garrison makes layup (Mouhamed Dioubate assists)
- 2nd Half58-61Mouhamed Dioubate makes layup (Kam Williams assists)
- 2nd Half58-62Mouhamed Dioubate makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half60-62Max Mackinnon makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-64Mouhamed Dioubate makes driving layup (Jasper Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half62-64Max Mackinnon makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-65Brandon Garrison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-65Max Mackinnon makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half64-68Brandon Garrison makes 24-foot three point jumper (Otega Oweh assists)
- 2nd Half64-71Brandon Garrison makes 25-foot three point jumper (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half64-73Denzel Aberdeen makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-73Max Mackinnon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-75Otega Oweh makes driving layup (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half65-77Brandon Garrison makes 2-foot dunk (Collin Chandler assists)
- 2nd Half67-77Max Mackinnon makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half68-77Max Mackinnon makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-78Malachi Moreno makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-79Malachi Moreno makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-79Mike Nwoko makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half72-79Marquel Sutton makes layup
- 2nd Half74-79Jalen Reece makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half74-81Otega Oweh makes driving layup (Denzel Aberdeen assists)
- 2nd Half75-81Max Mackinnon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-81Max Mackinnon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-83Otega Oweh makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half78-83Jalen Reece makes driving layup
- 2nd Half78-84Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-85Denzel Aberdeen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-85Pablo Tamba makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half79-86Otega Oweh makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-86Jalen Reece makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-87Collin Chandler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-87Rashad King makes 12-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Kentucky Wildcats, below favours LSU Tigers.
Venue
- Bridgestone ArenaNashville, TN
- OfficialsK.B. Burdett, Rob Rorke, Todd Austin
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- Kentucky Wildcats Edge LSU Tigers in Overtime ThrillerOct 10, 2026
- Kentucky Edges LSU in Thrilling ContestJan 14, 2026