No. 6 LSU Visits Mississippi State in Regular Season Finale

Bulldogs look to boost NCAA Tournament hopes against top-ranked Tigers

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Mississippi State hosts No. 6 LSU in the final game of the regular season, with the Bulldogs looking to improve their NCAA Tournament standing. Mississippi State is currently listed as one of the last four teams in the tournament, and a win over the Tigers could move them out of that precarious position. However, facing the high-powered LSU offense will be a tough challenge for the Bulldogs.

Why it matters

This game has major postseason implications for Mississippi State. A win would bolster their NCAA Tournament resume, while a loss could jeopardize their chances of making the Big Dance. The Bulldogs are currently on the bubble, so this matchup against a top-10 opponent represents a crucial opportunity to strengthen their case for an at-large bid.

The details

LSU has been one of the most dominant offensive teams in the country this season, averaging a nation-leading 95.2 points per game. Junior guard Mikaylah Williams has been a key contributor, recently surpassing 1,500 career points. On the other side, Mississippi State will look to its leading scorers, Madison Francis and Destiney McPhaul, to keep pace with the Tigers' high-powered attack.

  • The regular season finale is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 3 p.m.
  • The SEC Tournament in Greenville, South Carolina will take place the following week.

The players

Mikaylah Williams

A junior guard for LSU who recently surpassed 1,500 career points and ranks among the program's all-time leaders in assists and 3-pointers made.

Madison Francis

Mississippi State's leading scorer, averaging 13.4 points per game, and the team's top shot blocker with 2.8 blocks per contest.

Destiney McPhaul

The Bulldogs' starting point guard, leading the team in assists (4.1 per game) and steals (1.6 per game).

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The winner of this game will gain momentum heading into the SEC Tournament next week in Greenville, South Carolina.

The takeaway

This matchup between Mississippi State and No. 6 LSU represents a crucial opportunity for the Bulldogs to bolster their NCAA Tournament hopes. While facing the high-powered Tigers offense will be a significant challenge, a win could go a long way in securing the Bulldogs' spot in the Big Dance.