LSU Tigers Defeated McNeese Cowboys in Exhibition

The LSU Tigers edged past the McNeese Cowboys in a tight exhibition matchup held in Lake Charles.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Basketball

LSU Tigers Defeated McNeese Cowboys in Exhibition

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LSU defeated McNeese 63-60 in a competitive exhibition basketball game that saw neither team lead by more than six points throughout the contest. The match was defined by a back-and-forth rhythm with numerous lead changes and tie scores.

Why it matters

The game provided a high-intensity testing ground for both rosters during the pre-season exhibition period. Coaches utilized the close-scoring environment to evaluate team performance under pressure against a competitive opponent.

The game featured 14 total lead changes and 11 ties, with a maximum lead margin of only six points. LSU secured the narrow victory after Donovan Dent hit five of his six free throw attempts in the final minutes.

The players

LSU Tigers

The LSU Tigers are the collegiate men's basketball team representing Louisiana State University.

McNeese Cowboys

The McNeese Cowboys are the collegiate men's basketball team representing McNeese State University.

Donovan Dent

Donovan Dent is a basketball player who helped secure the win with key free throws.

Michael Ruzic

Michael Ruzic is a basketball player who contributed to the winning effort for the LSU Tigers.

Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson is a basketball player who provided early points for the McNeese Cowboys.

The details

Despite trailing by as much as six points in the second half, LSU took a permanent lead following critical free throws by Michael Ruzic and Donovan Dent. McNeese maintained pressure early in the game behind offensive contributions from Larry Johnson and Choppa Moore but suffered a scoring drought lasting over five minutes late in the second half.

October 8, 2026: The exhibition game took place in Lake Charles.

Season Trajectory

This exhibition game follows the standard pattern set by the NCAA pre-season exhibition schedule to test rosters before official play. The close result suggests both programs are prioritizing high-pressure situational testing to refine their rotations before the regular season begins.

The game highlighted a critical need for consistent late-game offensive execution for McNeese following their five-minute scoring drought. For LSU, the ability to close out a game at the free-throw line indicates a disciplined approach to securing narrow leads in tight contests.

The takeaway

Tight exhibition games offer a valuable look at how new roster configurations perform in high-leverage situations. Fans should watch how teams address specific late-game scoring lulls when official play begins.