The Pelicans continue to struggle without the injured DeMarcus Cousins. New Orleans lost again last night as Utah won its sixth straight beating the Pels 133 to 109. Utah hit 14 of 21 from three-point land. Jrue Holiday led New Orleans with 28 points and he says they tried to be aggressive on the defensive end of the floor…
cut 30 (11) “…lack of effort”
New Orleans hosts Indiana on Wednesday night.

The Saints have released defensive tackle Nick Fairley. The six-foot-four, 308-pounder did not play in 2017 because of a heart condition. After a solid season in 2016, he signed a four-year, 28-million dollar contract. It’s not known how much of that money Fairley will see as grievances have been filed by both parties.

Grambling State men’s basketball won its eighth straight last night as they dribbled past Alcorn State 81-72. Shirmane Thomas had 21 points, while Ivy Smith Junior had 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The Tigers are now 8-3 in the SWAC, one game back of Arkansas-Pine Bluff for first place.

Southern improved to 6-5 in the SWAC with a 67-62 win over Jackson State. Senior Jared Sam had a double-double, 18 points and 13 rebounds.

Nicholls State senior guard Roddy Peters has been named the Southland Conference Player of the Week by both the league and College Sports Madness. Peters had 27 ponts, six assists and three steals in the Colonels big win over UNO on Saturday night that vaulted Nicholls into first place.

Mike Lucas is back as the defensive coordinator for Northwestern State. The former Southeastern Louisiana head coach spent the last two seasons as the defensive coordinator at UL Lafayette.