11:40 LRN Sportscast March 12

The LSU basketball team returns to practice today. Interim head coach Tony Benford says he plans on coaching the team at this weekend’s SEC Tournament, while the status of freshman guard Javonte Smart could be determined today. Glen Guilbeau covers LSU for the USA Today Network…
cut 15 (09) “…of what ifs”
LSU is trying to determine if Smart’s family received a payment, which was suggested in reported FBI wiretap involving Coach Wade.

It doesn’t look like the Saints are re-signing running back Mark Ingram as there are reports the Black and Gold have inked former Vikings running back Latavius Murray to a four-year contract worth 14-million dollars.

But quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is set to come back. The NFL Network reports Bridgewater is expected to resign with the Saints, even though he received a bigger offer from the Dolphins.

Later tonight at the Fant-Ewing Colisuem, ULM will host Appalachian State in the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament. The winner will advance to play Coastal Carolina in New Orleans on Thursday night.

The SWAC Tournament also gets underway tonight, Grambling hosts Arkansas Pine Bluff, while Southern is at Texas Southern.

The 13th ranked LSU baseball team visits Natchitoches for the first time since 2014 when they play Northwestern State at Brown-Stroud Field. Demons head coach Bobby Barbier says it should be a fun night at the park…
Cut 16 (15) “tickets sold”
The Demons are 7-6 on the season, while LSU is 11-4.

In other action today, ULM hosts Southern. UNO is at UL-Lafayette, McNeese visits Tulane, Louisiana Tech hosts Sam Houston State, while Nicholls hosts Alcorn State.