Kentucky and LSU are set to clash in the first round of the 2026 SEC Basketball Tournament in Nashville. The game will tip off at Bridgestone Arena. It marks a rare first-round match-up for these sides.
The contest is scheduled for just after 11:30 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network. LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates will also carry the game.
A First-Round Encounter After Years of High-Stakes Clashes
This marks the 19th time LSU and Kentucky have played in the SEC Tournament. Since the tournament’s renewal in 1979, they’ve met 10 times. Those previous meetings occurred in the quarterfinals, semi-finals or the championship game.
LSU enters as the 16th seed. Kentucky landed in ninth place in the league standings with a 10-8 record.
Looking Back at Recent LSU Performances
LSU has a 51-64 record in 65 tournament appearances. Since the tournament’s renewal, they hold a 30-44 mark. Last year, LSU lost to Mississippi State in the first round. They have won their first game in the tournament 33 times.
Last Time Out
LSU are coming off a 94-91 triple overtime loss to Texas A&M. Max Mackinnon led LSU with 20 points. Jalen Reece had 17 points and five assists.
Mike Nwoko posted 16 points and 13 rebounds. It was his first LSU double-double.
LSU outshot and outrebounded the Aggies. However, 22 turnovers hurt the Tigers. Texas A&M had a 23-15 advantage in points off turnovers.
Coach McMahon’s Perspective
Coach Matt McMahon addressed the team’s disappointment after the loss to Texas A&M. He noted the team’s preparation. He also spoke of the players’ resilience throughout the season.
“I really admire the everyday work that our players have put in through some of the adversity they’ve encountered this season … These guys have been resilient, they’ve done it every time, and I expect … it’ll be nothing different … We’ll be locked in and ready to compete on Wednesday.”
Previous Meeting
LSU and Kentucky last met on January 14 in Baton Rouge. Kentucky won, 75-74, on a buzzer-beating jumper. The shot was set up by a three-quarter court pass with 1.6 seconds remaining.
Mackinnon made two free throws to go up 74-72 late before Kentucky.
A Look Further Back
- The last time LSU and Kentucky met in the SEC Tournament was in a 2014 quarterfinal game. Kentucky won, 85-67.
- LSU’s previous wins against Kentucky in the tournament came in 2009 and 1980.
- In 2009, LSU won a quarterfinal game, 67-58.
- In 1980, LSU won its only SEC Tournament title, 80-78.
The upcoming contest will be the first time LSU and Kentucky have met in a first-round game of the event.