Will Wade’s first season as head coach of the LSU Tigers is in the books as the Bayou Bengals were eliminated in NIT by Utah 95-71. It was never close as the Utes shot 71-percent in the first quarter to take a 30-11 lead. Utah ended up shooting 58-percent for the game and hit 14 three-pointers. Despite foul trouble, Tremont Waters had 19 for LSU, who finish with an 18-15 record.

In the N-A-I-A semifinals….Graceland from Iowa beat L-S-U Shreveport 87-80. While L-S-U Alexandria defeated William Penn 84-75 as Brandon Moss had 21 points. LSU-A advances to play Graceland in the N-A-I-A title tonight.

UL Lafayette basketball is mourning the death of J-J Thomas who played for the Ragin Cajuns from 2010 to 2012. Thomas averaged about ten points a game in Lafayette after a standout prep career at Scotlandville.

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New Saints linebacker Demario Davis is thrilled with the opportunity to play for a winning organization. The Mississippi native says playing close to home was also a huge factor in his decision to ink a free agent deal with the Black and Gold. He told reporters on a conference call that he plans to be an aggressive player….

Cut 16 (12) “…as possible”

The 29-year-old played for the New York Jets last season and the former Arkansas State standout was very productive with 135 tackles and five sacks.

A public visitation begins tomorrow for the late Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson, who died last week at the age of 90. Friday is the funeral and Sunday the NFL owners’ meetings will take place in Orlando. The Advocate reports Gayle Benson will be in attendance, as she begins her new role running both the Saints and Pelicans.

The Pels begin a stretch of three games in three days tonight as they host Dallas.