LSU Stuns Kentucky on Wild Buzzer-Beater to Pull Off Upset

The Tigers pulled off the college basketball upset with a chaotic final sequence.

LSU’s bid for an upset over No. 17 Kentucky was in danger with 12.3 seconds remaining after a go-ahead jumper from Wildcats guard Rob Dillingham. But with Kentucky leading 74–73, the Tigers capped off a wild final sequence that included Jordan Wright’s game-winning attempt getting blocked by Adou Thiero in one of the most chaotic finishes of the college basketball season.

After his attempt was blocked, Wright grabbed the ball while falling out of bounds and tossed it toward the hoop. LSU teammate Tyrell Ward found himself in the perfect spot, catching Wright’s pass and scoring as the clock hit zero to give the Tigers a stunning 75–74 victory. 

TYRELL WARD OH MY GOODNESS

📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/wk5MsMtpvR

— LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) February 22, 2024

The wild game-winner moved LSU to 14–12 on the season, while Kentucky dropped to 18–8. After the game, Ward had a perfect response to the clutch bucket, joking that he “blacked out as soon as the shot went in.”

“I blacked out as soon as the shot went in.” - Tyrell Ward. The Hero. #LSU @WAFB pic.twitter.com/hoYDqTV3ay

— Kevin Batiste (@KBatisteJr) February 22, 2024

Ward’s game-winner capped off a strong night for the forward, who scored 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting. Antonio Reeves led the Wildcats with 25 points, and Dillingham finished with 23 points.