LSU Basketball Competes in NOLA Doubleheader for Compete 4 Cause Classic

The LSU Tigers basketball programs are gearing up for a big event this December. On Saturday, December 13, both the men’s and women’s teams will hit the court for the Compete 4 Cause Classic, a doubleheader at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

United Sports & Entertainment is putting this one together, and it’s not just about basketball. There’s a real focus on community engagement this year. Fans in the Crescent City get to see these games live, and the event aims to blend top-level competition with a real, meaningful impact.

LSU Women’s Basketball vs. Louisiana Tech: A Historic Rivalry

The first game features the LSU women’s basketball team, led by Coach Kim Mulkey, facing Louisiana Tech—her old stomping grounds. This matchup matters, and people have been waiting for it since Mulkey came back to Louisiana and LSU.

The Tigers hold a 17-12 advantage in the series. The last time these teams met was the 2016-17 season opener, and LSU took that one 77-73.

Mulkey brings a ton of experience and success to the program. She played for Louisiana Tech herself, so there are some extra emotions here.

She’s got her eyes set on another deep NCAA Tournament run, with standout guards Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams leading the charge.

Key Players to Watch

• Flau’jae Johnson: A dynamic guard who scores in bunches and leads by example.
• Mikaylah Williams: Another key guard, making an impact on both ends of the floor.

LSU Men’s Basketball vs. SMU: A Rematch with High Stakes

The second game has the LSU men’s basketball team taking on the SMU Mustangs. Last year, the Mustangs got the better of LSU, winning 74-64 in Frisco, Texas.

This time, LSU comes in with a stronger group. There’s a mix of returning players and some new faces who are ready to make a difference.

Coach Matt McMahon gets Jalen Reed back, after he missed last year’s game with an ACL injury. That’s a big boost.

The Tigers also brought in the No. 16 transfer portal class in the country, adding seven new guys—four of them four-star recruits. This deeper roster should help in their quest to flip the result against SMU.

New Additions to the Roster

• Robert Miller III: A sophomore with a lot of upside, expected to play a key role.
• Top Transfer Recruits: Seven new players, including four four-star recruits, are here to strengthen the team.

More Than Just a Game: The Community Impact of Compete 4 Cause Classic

The Compete 4 Cause Classic isn’t just about hoops. United Sports & Entertainment wants student-athletes to use their platforms to help underrepresented youth in New Orleans.

They’re teaming up with local organizations to give kids in the area some great experiences. It’s all about connecting athletes with the community in a real way.

Last year, the LSU men’s team visited a youth organization in Frisco, Texas. They brought some smiles and left a mark on those kids.

This year, they’ve got similar plans for New Orleans. The goal is for the event to leave a positive impact that sticks long after the final buzzer.

Community Engagement Initiatives

• Youth Outreach: Student-athletes will join in events and activities meant to inspire local kids.
• Partnerships with Local Organizations: Collaborations with community groups will help provide opportunities and experiences for underrepresented youth.

Get Your Tickets and Join the Action

Tickets for the Compete 4 Cause Classic go on sale Friday, August 22, at 10 a.m. You can grab them online at TicketMaster.com or just swing by the Smoothie King Center box office in person.

They’ve got special rates for youth organizations and sports teams. It’s a solid chance for groups to catch some quality basketball and support a good cause at the same time.

Want to see the LSU Tigers up close? This is your shot. The Compete 4 Cause Classic isn’t just about the game—it’s about coming together for something bigger.

Mark your calendar for December 13. Get set for a day packed with basketball and real community vibes.

Need more info or want updates? Head over to the official LSU Sports website.