The LSU men's basketball team picked up a thrilling 106-99 victory in double overtime on the road against the Ole Miss Rebels on Wednesday night. It was a much-needed win for the Tigers, who are still adjusting to life without starting point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. Senior guard Max Mackinnon delivered in a big way against the Rebels, as he recorded a career-high 34 points and knocked down four three-pointers.
Lane Kiffin and LSU competing to flip 4-star WR committed to Big 12 power
Wednesday's contest in Oxford was as close to a must-win game for head coach Matt McMahon as it gets. Ole Miss entered with a conference record of 3-11 - just above LSU in the SEC standings. A loss would have been detrimental in regard to McMahon's hot seat, but he led a spirited effort from the purple and gold that resulted in a strong win.
After the game, a prominent LSU booster voiced his support for McMahon.
EJ Kuiper voices support for Matt McMahon following win over Ole Miss
Following LSU's win over Ole Miss, FMOL Health President and CEO EJ Kuiper took to social media to endorse the job McMahon is doing in Baton Rouge. Posting on his personal Instagram story, Kuiper said "LSU MBB beats Ole Miss in Oxford!! Matt McMahon is a good coach. Took over a program that was in shambles and had to deal with key injuries all season long. He deserves another chance."
FMOL Health President/CEO endorses LSU retaining Matt McMahon. Remember, EJ Kuiper was on the six person football coach search committee. His voice carries weight.
— Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) February 26, 2026
I’ve said it plenty, there is no consensus among decision makers about making a change. pic.twitter.com/ekGDWUuSGT
As Matt Moscona of ESPN 104.5 Baton Rouge points out, Kuiper's voice carries plenty of weight at LSU. FMOL Health is LSU’s official championship health partner, and Kuiper was a member of the six-person committee that led LSU's efforts to secure Lane Kiffin as the next head coach of the Tiger football program.
With LSU enduring another tough season on the court, there has been widespread speculation about LSU potentially making a coaching change. But Kuiper voicing support for McMahon could pave the way for McMahon to remain in LSU next season.
McMahon's contract runs through the 2027-28 season, and his current buyout sits at around $8 million. Last month, LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry told the Baton Rouge Advocate that the Tigers needed to make the NCAA Tournament or he would be forced to "reevaluate." The win over Ole Miss helped his case, but it will be interesting to see what LSU decides to do over the next few weeks.