Setbacks stagger LSU, South Carolina ahead of meeting

Field Level Media|published: Fri 30th January, 18:43 2026

Jan 28, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Meechie Johnson (5) attempts a three point basket against the Florida Gators in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

South Carolina and LSU are both having bad seasons.

And both are coming off one of their worst performances of the season as they prepare to meet Saturday in Columbia, S.C.

The Gamecocks (11-10, 2-6 SEC) suffered their most lopsided loss of the season, a 95-48 setback at home against No. 19 Florida on Wednesday, the same night that the Tigers (13-8, 1-7) lost 80-66 at home to Mississippi State, which had dropped five games in a row.

Coach Lamont Paris referred to South Carolina's loss as "just a poor effort overall on our behalf."

"We will have to get right back to business and respond," Paris said. "It wouldn't matter who we're playing in the next game. We have to worry about ourselves. I was disappointed in our effort, in our competitive spirit."

The Gamecocks put themselves in a similar position Jan. 14 when they had a 108-74 loss at Arkansas. South Carolina played much better three days later, losing 71-67 to Auburn.

"I thought that would be the only time we were faced with that challenge," Paris said. "But I thought that was a significant response in terms of identifying who this team was going to be moving forward."

The final margin in LSU's loss to Mississippi State wasn't indicative of how uncompetitive the game was. The Bulldogs led by as many as 27 points and cruised into halftime with a 44-21 lead.

LSU coach Matt McMahon said the game featured "two teams that were desperate for a win," which also describes Saturday's matchup.

"They played with a sense of urgency that we were unable to match," McMahon said, adding that his team offered a "very disappointing performance."

"We dug too deep of a hole to have a chance in the game," McMahon said. "The 3-point line continues to be an issue for us."

The Tigers, who lost 78-68 at home to the Gamecocks on Jan. 6, are 12th in the SEC in 3-point shooting percentage (32.9%). They were even worse over the last three games (21.7%).

Dedan Thomas Jr. paces LSU with 15.3 points and 6.5 assists per game. South Carolina counters with Meechie Johnson, who averages 15.4 points and 4.1 assists.

--Field Level Media

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