The magic had to end sometime, though LSU fans hoped it wouldn’t be this soon as the women’s basketball team were beaten by Ohio State, 64-79 in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Khayla Pointer scored 32 points in her final game but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 20-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. LSU ends the season 26-6 after winning just nine games a season ago. Coach Kim Mulkey says this season, despite how it ended, was a tremendous success.

Cut 21 (13) “…just built it.”

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The New Orleans Pelicans came up just short in their effort to finish their three-game road trip undefeated, falling to the Charlotte Hornets, 103-106 last night. Jonas Valanciunas posted 24 points and 18 boards, and CJ McCollum added 27 more, but the Pels were outscored 28-19 in the fourth quarter.

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Louisiana Tech will have big shoes to fill with the departure of Eric Konkol. The third-winningest coach in Bulldogs history is moving on to Tulsa to lead the Golden Hurricanes.

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Athletic Director Scott Woodward has named Matt McMahon as LSU’s new head men’s basketball coach. McMahon agreed to a seven-year, $20.3 million contract on Tuesday and was in Baton Rouge last night to watch LSU’s women at the P-MAC. In his previous seven seasons with Murray State, McMahon won four Ohio Valley Conference titles and made three NCAA tournament appearances. John Wright, sports editor at the Murray Ledger, says there’s a lot to like about McMahon.

Cut 13 (10) “…I believe.”

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After missing out on targets like Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson, the Saints have reunited with Jameis Winston, agreeing to a two-year, $28-million contract with the quarterback. WWL-TV Saints reporter Ralph Malbrough likes the deal.

Cut 16 (11) “…other solution.”

Malbrough says with Winston’s deal done, the Saints can now fill other holes on the roster.

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