South Carolina vs LSU Prediction 1/6/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The LSU Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks will meet on Tuesday night in an SEC matchup at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

LSU Tigers Betting Preview

The LSU Tigers enter Sunday’s contest with a 12–2 win‑loss record, including an 8–0 mark at home and 0-1 in conference play. The Tigers have compiled wins over Tarleton State, New Orleans, FIU, Alcorn State, Omaha, Drake, Boston College and the Depaul Blue Demons, while losing to Texas A&M and Texas Tech Red Raiders  More recently, In the LSU Tigers rather impressive 78–69 overtime win over the Boston College Eagles earlier this month, LSU guard Dedan Thomas Jr. tallied 23 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals.

The LSU Tigers average 87.8 points (21st  in country) on 51.1 percent shooting from the field (13th in nation) and 33.7 percent shooting from three‑point range per game. The Tigers are allowing opponents 71.3 points per contest.

Junior forward Mike Nwoko leads the LSU Tigers frontcourt averaging 16.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game, providing the Tigers with efficient interior scoring. Junior guard Dedan Thomas Jr. has emerged as the team’s primary facilitator, averaging 16.2 points and 7.2 assists per game. Forward Marquel Sutton adds 13.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, while senior guard Max Mackinnon contributes 13.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

South Carolina Gamecocks Betting Preview

The South Carolina Gamecocks enter Tuesday evening’s contest with a 9–5 win‑loss record, including an 0–1 mark in SEC play and an 0–1 record on the road. The Gamecocks have compiled wins over South Carolina State, Stetson, and the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, while dropping games to Vanderbilt, Clemson and the Northwestern Wildcats. In South Carolina’s most recent outing, an 83–71 loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores, South Carolina forward Elijah Strong accumulated 17 points (6 of 12 shooting from the field), 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal showcasing his ability to play at a high level in the paint.

South Carolina is averaging 80.3 points on 46.7 percent shooting from the field and 30.8 percent from three‑point range per game. Defensively, the Gamecocks are allowing 69.3 points per game.

Senior guard Meechie Johnson leads the South Carolina Gamecocks with 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game, while senior guard Mike Sharavjamts contributes 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per contest. Forward Elijah Strong provides frontcourt stability averaging 10.3 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Why the LSU Tigers Will Win

•            Explosive offense. In 14 games played this season, the LSU Tigers average 87.8 points per game which ranks 21st in the nation.

•            Balanced roster. Nwoko, Sutton, and Thomas Jr. provide scoring, rebounding and quality defense.

•            Home court edge. The LSU Tigers are 8-0 at home in 2025.

Why the South Carolina Gamecocks Will Win

•             Quality guard play. Senior guard Meechie Johnson leads the South Carolina Gamecocks with 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game

•             Balanced scoring. Thomas, Cooper, and Murray‑Boyles provide scoring and ball movement across all three levels.

LSU Tigers vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

This matchup comes down to LSU’s offensive efficiency and home‑court stability versus a South Carolina Gamecocks team that has the perimeter shooting to keep the game competitive, but the Tigers interior scoring, ball security, and shot quality give them the more reliable path over 40 minutes of play. Additionally, the Tigers 8–0 home record and superior field‑goal percentage profile make them the stronger side in this matchup.

Hans Geevers's Pick: LSU Tigers -7.5