LSU Seeks to End 3-Game Skid at South Carolina with Early Tip-Off

Game time moved up due to impending ice storm in the region

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The LSU Tigers will look to bounce back from their worst loss of the season when they take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in an early Saturday matchup. The game time has been moved up from 5 p.m. to noon EST due to an expected ice storm in the region. LSU is hoping to improve its three-point shooting and defense after falling 80-66 to Mississippi State on Wednesday, while South Carolina is coming off a blowout 95-48 loss to Florida.

Why it matters

LSU's NCAA Tournament hopes appear to be fading after the team's 1-7 start in SEC play. A win over South Carolina could help the Tigers regain some momentum, while a loss would further damage their postseason aspirations. The early tip-off also adds an element of unpredictability to the matchup due to the potential impact of the inclement weather.

The details

LSU (13-8, 1-7 SEC) is looking to bounce back from its worst loss of the season, an 80-66 defeat against Mississippi State on Wednesday. The Tigers struggled mightily from three-point range in that game, going just 1-of-18 in the first two halves. South Carolina (11-10, 2-6 SEC), meanwhile, is coming off a 95-48 blowout loss at home to No. 19 Florida. The Gamecocks previously defeated LSU 78-68 on Jan. 6 in Baton Rouge.

  • The game time has been moved up from 5 p.m. to 12 p.m. EST on Saturday, January 31, 2026 due to an expected ice storm in the region.
  • LSU lost to South Carolina 78-68 on January 6, 2026 in Baton Rouge.

The players

Matt McMahon

The head coach of the LSU Tigers men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“The focus for us has to be short term. How do we fix our start here tonight? How do we show improvement on defense, from the three-point line? And ultimately, you've got to be able to score.”

— Matt McMahon, Head Coach, LSU Tigers

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This game represents a critical opportunity for LSU to get back on track and salvage its fading NCAA Tournament hopes, but the early tip-off and inclement weather could add an unpredictable element to the matchup. The Tigers will need to shore up their three-point shooting and defensive issues if they hope to snap their three-game losing streak against a struggling South Carolina squad.