For the third time this season, second time this week, the Pelicans lost to the Utah Jazz last night. New Orleans was blown out on Tuesday, but last night came up short, 132 to 129 in overtime. The Pels are now 1-and-4 in overtime games. Zion Williamson had 31 points, C-J McCollum had 28 points in a losing effort.

The Ragin Cajuns shot 57-percent from the field and defeated McNeese 78-70 in Lake Charles last night. Trae English had a game high 24 points for McNeese but they fall 3-and-8, while the Cajuns are 10-and-1, tying their best start since 1990.

Nicholls tipped off Southland play with an 88-73 win over Southeastern Louisiana last night. Latrell Jones and Caleb Huffman each had 17 points for the Colonels. The Lions were only 24-percent from the three-point line.

Tomorrow night, the LSU men’s basketball team hosts Winthrop.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been hired as an interim assistant coach at his alma mater at Purdue to help the Boilermakers prepare for their Citrus Bowl matchup on January second against LSU. Purdue is transitioning from one head coach to another, so this appears to be just a one-time thing for Brees.

The Saints will host the Falcons on Sunday as rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder is set to make his first start of the season after starter Marcus Mariota suffered a knee injury and left the team. Ridder was selected out of Cincinnati in the 3rd round of this year’s draft. Saints second-year linebacker Pete Werner is hoping to make his return from injury and faced Ridder during his time at Ohio St. He says preparation for Atlanta shouldn’t change much no matter who’s at quarterback…
Cut 17 (18) “…the first time.”
Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore has missed the last eight games with a lacerated kidney, but he continues to practice on a limited to basis.