South Carolina Upsets LSU in NCAAB Showdown
Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Pete Maravich Assembly Center
South Carolina Gamecocks 78, LSU Tigers 68, 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 South Carolina Gamecocks vs LSU Tigers?
South Carolina Gamecocks beat LSU Tigers 78-68 at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on January 6, 2026.
Who was favored in South Carolina Gamecocks vs LSU Tigers?
LSU Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -355 (about 78% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the LSU Tigers with a final score of 78-68 at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. This victory marks a significant moment for South Carolina, as they were underdogs in this matchup, with DraftKings setting the odds at LSU -7.5. The Gamecocks' performance not only showcased their resilience but also highlighted their ability to perform under pressure against a higher-ranked opponent.
Prior to this game, LSU had a home record of 6-0, showcasing their dominance at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. However, they entered this contest on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Texas A&M Aggies just days earlier. In their last ten games, the Tigers had an overall record of 8-2, averaging 83.5 points scored per game while allowing 71.8 points. Despite their strong offensive output, LSU struggled to find their rhythm against South Carolina.
On the other hand, South Carolina came into this game with a mixed record of 10-5. Their recent form was not as strong as LSU's, with a 5-5 record in their last ten games, averaging 78.2 points scored and allowing 70.0 points. The Gamecocks had also been on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Vanderbilt Commodores prior to this matchup. However, their ability to score effectively and maintain a solid defensive strategy proved crucial in this game.
The Gamecocks' victory can be attributed to their effective scoring plays in the second half. Key moments included Elijah Strong's 10-foot step back jumpshot, Eli Ellis's three-point jumper assisted by Meechie Johnson, and Mike Sharavjamts's alley-oop dunk, which energized the team and the crowd. These plays helped South Carolina pull away from LSU, who struggled to respond effectively.
In terms of previous meetings, this was the second encounter between the two teams in the 2025 season, with LSU having won the first matchup 81-67. The Tigers were expected to continue their dominance, but South Carolina's performance defied expectations.
Injuries were not a significant factor in this game, as both teams fielded their key players. The absence of any notable injuries allowed for a competitive matchup, with both teams bringing their best to the court.
The conditions at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center were typical for a college basketball game, with a lively atmosphere that often favors the home team. However, South Carolina's ability to withstand the pressure and perform well in a challenging environment was commendable.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a display of skill and determination from both sides. LSU's high-scoring average was put to the test against South Carolina's tenacious defense, which ultimately prevailed. The Gamecocks' ability to capitalize on key scoring opportunities and maintain composure in critical moments was crucial to their success.
In conclusion, South Carolina's victory over LSU serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball. The Gamecocks' performance not only improved their record but also demonstrated their potential to compete with top-tier teams in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LSU -7.5 | 145.5 o -112 / u -108 | South Carolina Gamecocks +280 · LSU Tigers -355 |
Leaders
- PointsMax Mackinnon15LSU Tigers
- AssistsJalen Reece6LSU Tigers
- ReboundsMike Nwoko13LSU Tigers
- PointsElijah Strong30South Carolina Gamecocks
- AssistsMeechie Johnson6South Carolina Gamecocks
- ReboundsMike Sharavjamts7South Carolina Gamecocks
Recent form
LSU Tigers
Last 10: 8-2Streak L183.5 scored · 71.8 allowed per game6-0 at home
- 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
- W71-62at Drake BulldogsNov 29
- W99-73vs Omaha MavericksNov 22
South Carolina Gamecocks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.2 scored · 70 allowed per game0-2 away
- L71-83vs Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 3
- W96-67vs UAlbany Great DanesDec 30
- W95-70vs South Carolina State BulldogsDec 22
- L61-68at Clemson TigersDec 17
- W71-55vs The Citadel BulldogsDec 14
- W82-51vs Stetson HattersDec 6
- L83-86vs Virginia Tech HokiesDec 3
- W74-62vs Charleston Southern BuccaneersNov 28
- L77-79at Northwestern WildcatsNov 23
- L72-79vs Butler BulldogsNov 21
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 | South Carolina Gamecocks | LSU Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-53 | 24-62 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 12-21 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 57 | 32 |
| Free throws | 16-21 | 12-14 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 86 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 17 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 25 |
| Assists | 17 | 12 |
| Steals | 8 | 4 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 3 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 28 |
| Fouls | 18 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 28 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half50-27Robert Miller III makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half50-30Mazi Mosley makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jalen Reece assists)
- 2nd Half52-30Elijah Strong makes layup (Kobe Knox assists)
- 2nd Half52-32Pablo Tamba makes layup
- 2nd Half52-33Pablo Tamba makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-35Pablo Tamba makes layup (Jalen Reece assists)
- 2nd Half55-35Mike Sharavjamts makes 24-foot three point jumper (Meechie Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half55-37PJ Carter makes layup (Robert Miller III assists)
- 2nd Half57-37Eli Ellis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-39Mike Nwoko makes 10-foot jumper (Jalen Reece assists)
- 2nd Half57-41Max Mackinnon makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half57-42Marquel Sutton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-43Marquel Sutton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-45Marquel Sutton makes 2-foot dunk (Jalen Reece assists)
- 2nd Half58-45Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-48Max Mackinnon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Robert Miller III assists)
- 2nd Half60-48Elijah Strong makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-48Kobe Knox makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-48Elijah Strong makes 15-foot jumper (Mike Sharavjamts assists)
- 2nd Half63-50Max Mackinnon makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-52Max Mackinnon makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-52Kobe Knox makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-55Max Mackinnon makes 25-foot three point jumper (Rashad King assists)
- 2nd Half65-55Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-55Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-58PJ Carter makes 23-foot three point jumper (Rashad King assists)
- 2nd Half66-59Mike Nwoko makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-60Mike Nwoko makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-60Elijah Strong makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-60Elijah Strong makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-60Elijah Strong makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half70-62Pablo Tamba makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half70-63Rashad King makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-63Elijah Strong makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half75-63Eli Ellis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Meechie Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half75-65PJ Carter makes driving layup
- 2nd Half77-65Mike Sharavjamts makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Elijah Strong assists)
- 2nd Half77-67Robert Miller III makes layup
- 2nd Half77-68Robert Miller III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half78-68Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours LSU Tigers, below favours South Carolina Gamecocks.
Venue
- Pete Maravich Assembly CenterBaton Rouge, LA
- Attendance6303
- OfficialsDoug Shows, Chuck Jones, Bart Lenox
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