In an electrifying college basketball showdown, Louisiana State University (LSU) pulled off a dramatic 106-99 double-overtime victory against Ole Miss, snapping a challenging five-game losing streak. The game was a testament to competitive spirit, featuring numerous lead changes and ties, culminating in an intense finish where LSU’s Max Mackinnon shone brightest, steering his team to a hard-fought win. This pivotal victory marks a significant moment for the Tigers, while the Rebels unfortunately extend their own losing streak.
Tigers Conquer Rebels in Marathon Matchup at Oxford
On Wednesday night, February 25, 2026, in Oxford, Mississippi, the LSU Tigers clashed with the Ole Miss Rebels in a men's basketball contest that stretched into two overtimes. The pivotal moment arrived in the second extra period when LSU's Max Mackinnon delivered a stellar performance, netting 12 of his game-high 34 points, effectively sealing the Tigers' 106-99 triumph. Joining Mackinnon in a strong offensive display for LSU (15-13, 3-12 SEC) were Michael Nwoko with 18 points, Pablo Tamba contributing 15, Rashad King adding 13, Robert Miller III scoring 12, and Jalen Reece tallying 11 points alongside 10 assists.
For the Ole Miss Rebels (11-17, 3-12 SEC), Ilias Kamardine was a standout, posting 26 points and 10 assists. Malik Dia chipped in 20 points, AJ Storr added 19, and Eduardo Klafke Jr. contributed 16, yet their collective efforts were not enough to prevent their tenth consecutive defeat. The game was tightly contested from the outset, with seven ties and six lead changes in the first half alone, ending with Ole Miss holding a narrow 42-41 lead at halftime. The second half saw the Rebels extending their lead early, but LSU persistently clawed its way back, forcing overtime.
The first overtime period was a nail-biter, with Ole Miss initially pulling ahead by four points, only for LSU to equalize three times. A dramatic missed opportunity by the Rebels at the buzzer sent the game into a second overtime. In this decisive period, after Kamardine's early free throws, Miller's dunk and Mackinnon's three-point play propelled LSU into a 95-92 lead. Despite Ole Miss narrowing the gap twice, Mackinnon's successive layups and free throws solidified LSU's advantage, securing their significant victory.
This thrilling double-overtime encounter serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature and sheer excitement of college basketball. For LSU, the victory against Ole Miss is more than just breaking a losing streak; it's a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under extreme pressure. It highlights the critical role of key players stepping up in crunch time and the collective team effort required to overcome adversity. For Ole Miss, despite the loss, the valiant effort shown in pushing the game to double overtime suggests underlying potential and areas for growth, underscoring the fierce competitive spirit inherent in every college sports season.