The LSU men's basketball team picked up a much-needed win against Ole Miss on Wednesday night. The Tigers entered Wednesday's matchup in Oxford riding a five-game losing streak, and found themselves in the cellar of the SEC with a 2-12 conference record.
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The Rebels held a conference record of 3-11, which presented a near must-win opportunity for Matt McMahon and the Tigers. LSU continues to struggle with McMahon at the helm, but Wednesday's hard-fought victory was just what the doctor ordered.
Max Mackinnon steals the show in career performance against Ole Miss
There's no doubt that LSU's star of the show on Wednesday night was senior Max Mackinnon. The Australian guard orchestrated an eye-popping 34-point performance, which set a new career high. He also hauled down four rebounds and dished out three assists in LSU's 106-99 double overtime win.
New season high for @maxxmackinnon 👏 pic.twitter.com/RvA16EwbqT
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) February 26, 2026
Mackinnon was dialed in from start to finish, as he ended the night shooting 11-for-24 (45.8%) from the floor, which included a 4-for-6 (.667) mark from beyond the arc. He was also steady at the charity stripe, knocking down eight of his 10 free throw attempts.
He came up with clutch buckets in the biggest moments, including a dazzling drive and finish late in the second overtime to put the Tigers up three.
Max Mackinnon. that's the tweet.
— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) February 26, 2026
SECN | @maxxmackinnon pic.twitter.com/WJyuxEkKTr
With starting point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. out for the season with a foot injury, Mackinnon has taken on a larger role in the LSU offense. He now leads LSU in points per game with 15.5, while also leading the team by playing 31.3 minutes per contest and knocking down 90% of his free throws.
After spending the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Elon and last season with Portland, Mackinnon has emerged into LSU's most impactful transfer this season. LSU's 2025-26 season hasn't gone as planned, but Mackinnon's stellar play is a great positive for McMahon and his staff.
The Tigers are back in action on Saturday, February 28 with a matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners at the PMAC. LSU will be looking to win back-to-back SEC games for the first time this season.