Ole Miss Basketball Suffers Fourth-Quarter Collapse as LSU Completes 78-70 Comeback in Oxford

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 25, 2026 11:40 PM ET

Ole Miss Basketball Suffers Fourth-Quarter Collapse as LSU Completes 78-70 Comeback in Oxford

LSU rallied from more than a 10-point deficit to defeat Ole Miss, 78-70, in Oxford, delivering a damaging fourth-quarter outcome for ole miss basketball and a momentum-boosting win for the Tigers. The result carried clear roster and scoreboard consequences and underscored a late-game defensive surge that decided the contest.

Ole Miss Basketball fourth-quarter drought cripples Rebels

The game turned decisively in the fourth quarter, when LSU held the home team to 0-of-17 shooting from the field; the Rebels’ only points in the period came on seven free throws. That scoreless stretch from the floor coincided with LSU outscoring Ole Miss, 24-7, in the final frame and included a 19-1 run over the last 6: 24 that sealed the victory.

Down early in the quarter, LSU answered with a 12-4 run to tie the game at 69 with roughly three minutes remaining. Two free throws from MiLaysia Fulwiley then gave the Tigers the lead, and Ole Miss was unable to recover. The loss dropped ole miss basketball to 21-7 overall and 8-5 in league play.

Fulwiley's career night seals LSU comeback

MiLaysia Fulwiley led the comeback with a career-high 26 points while contributing across the stat sheet with seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and three steals. Senior teammate Flau’jae Johnson added 18 points, five rebounds and three assists, providing a strong secondary scoring presence that helped sustain LSU’s rally.

The game featured momentum swings throughout. LSU opened with an early lead, but Ole Miss rallied to take a halftime advantage after outscoring the Tigers late in the first and holding a 43-37 lead at the break. Ole Miss pushed the margin to 13 in the third quarter before LSU chipped away and set the stage for the decisive fourth-quarter run.

What changed and what’s next

LSU’s fourth-quarter defense was the obvious inflection point; the Rebels’ inability to convert from the field down the stretch flipped what had been a tie game into a clear road victory. The Tigers’ comeback marked their first recovery from a double-digit deficit since an earlier comeback noted in the season’s timeline.

LSU will return to action on Sunday against Missouri inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center with a scheduled 3 p. m. CT tip. The win in Oxford provides the Tigers with a ranked victory and a confidence lift heading into that next contest. For Ole Miss, the loss exposes late-game offensive issues that will need immediate attention if the Rebels are to regain consistency in league play.

Key game timeline:

First quarter: LSU held an early lead, 14-7, with a strong start from Flau’jae Johnson.
Second quarter: Ole Miss rallied to tie and then take a 43-37 halftime lead.
Third quarter: Rebels extended the margin to 63-54 late in the period.
Fourth quarter: LSU’s 19-1 run in the final 6: 24, including a 24-7 edge in the quarter, turned the outcome.

Recent coverage before the game highlighted both teams’ desire to halt skids and reset momentum; Thursday’s result will shape short-term trajectories for each program as they move deeper into conference play.