The LSU baseball team will look to heat up the bats tonight as they face in state rival Tulane at home, three days after losing a series loss against Texas A&M. The Tigers are 2-4 in league play, and 16-7 overall. Coach Paul Manieri says they are looking forward to a good showing tonight at the Box…:
CUT 1 (15) “stretch”
LSU then hits the road for a weekend series at SEC West opponent Auburn.

Also on the diamond today — several more in-state action games, Nicholls State hosts UL-Lafayette, Southeastern hosts Southern, Northwester State hosts ULM and Grambling is at Louisiana Tech.

Louisiana Tech men’s hoops season is over after the Bulldogs fell to ETSU 88-83 in the quarterfinals of the Vegas 16 Tournament Monday night. The Bulldogs end the year with a record 23-10 season.

Former NBA coach Mike Dunleavy Senior will be introduced as the new head coach of the Tulane Green Wave today. The 62-year-old will be in charge of a program that hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 1995.

The LSU men’s basketball program has lost another player to the NBA draft. Point guard Tim Quarterman is forgoing his final season of eligibility. He joins Ben Simmons as two Tigers who have withdrawn from school and are preparing for the pros.

The New Orleans Pelicans, who were without seven players due to injury, snap a three game losing streak after picking up a 99-91 victory over the New York Knicks last night in the Smoothie King Center. Jrue Holiday scored 22 points. On an interesting note of the game, a child ran out of the stands and walked onto the court to hug the Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony, which he was granted. The Pels travel to face the Spurs tomorrow night.

The Saints have signed veteran Defensive Tackle Nick Fairley to a one year contract. Fairley, a former Auburn star, spent last season with the St. Louis Rams after spending the first four years in the league with the Detroit Lions.

The LSU men’s basketball program has lost another player to the NBA draft. Point guard Tim Quarterman is forgoing his final season of eligiblity after averaging 11 points, five rebounds and four assists in what was an up-and-down 2015-16 season. Quarterman joins Ben Simmons as two Tigers who have withdrawn from school and are preparing for the NBA draft.

Mike Dunleavy Senior is returning to the college game. He’ll be introduced as the new head coach of the Tulane Green Wave tomorrow. The 62-year-old will be in charge of a program that hasn’t made the NCAA Tournament since 1995. Dunleavy was a head coach for four different NBA teams, most recently with the Clippers from 2003 to 2010.

The Saints have signed free agent defensive tackle Nick Fairly to a one-year contract. The former first round pick played 15 games last season as a reserve for the Rams and recorded 29 tackles and a half a sack.

The LSU baseball team continues to sink in the polls after dropping another SEC series. The Tigers are ranked anywhere from 14th to 20th as they are off to a two-and-four start in SEC play. Scoring runs have been the problem, as the Tigers have only crossed the plate 15 times in six league games.

In other college baseball news…ULM’s Brayden Bouchey has been named Sun Belt Pitcher of the week. The sophomore struck out a career-best 12 in seven innings in an outing against Appalachian State. The Warhawks lost that game, but ended up taking two of three for the series.

In the Southland…McNeese senior right-hander Kaleb Fontenot is the league’s pitcher of the week. Fontentot threw his second consecutive complete game shoutout as the Cowboys blanked Abilene Christian 3-0.

And Southeastern first baseman Jameson Fisher is the league’s hitter of the week. Fisher has the second highest batting average in the nation and batted .583 last week and has helped the Lions win 12 in a row, a school record.

The Saints have announced they’ve signed defensive Nick Fairly to a one-year contract. Fairly spent last season with the St. Louis Rams. He’s a former first round draft pick of the Detroit Lions. During his five seasons in the NFL, Fairly has 14 sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team begins play in the Vegas 16 Tournament today, which takes place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The Bulldogs face East Tennessee State at 10:30 central time.

Tulane has made it official with the hiring of former NBA coach and player Mike Dunleavy Senior as the Green Wave’s new men’s basketball coach. Dunleavy will be introduced tomorrow morning. The 62-year-old was the head coach for four different NBA teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, who he guided to the NBA Finals in 1991.

The LSU baseball team continues to fall in the preseason polls after dropping its second straight series to begin SEC play. The Tigers are now ranked anywhere from 15th to 20th in the major college baseball polls. LSU’s biggest problem is that they can’t score runs. They scored just five runs in a three-game series against Texas A-and-M.

LSU’s point guard this past season is reportedly entering the NBA draft. Tim Quarterman is coming off a junior season, where his numbers were not as good as what he put up during his sophomore campaign. Coach Johnny Jones said at his postseason news conference that he expected Quarterman to forgo his senior season.

The Pelicans host the New York Knicks. There’s just 10 games left in this incredibly frustating season that’s been hampered because of numerous injuries to key players, including Anthony Davis, who was seen on crutches at shoot around this morning following surgery on his knee.

Could the LSU men’s basketball team be losing another player to the NBA? It’s reported that guard Tim Quarterman is expected to declare for the draft and sign with an agent today. He averaged 11.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 33 games this season. LSU had a disappointing 19-14 season and already lost star Ben Simmons who is expected to be taken first or second in the draft.

Louisiana Tech is still playing basketball as they being the postseason in the inaugural Vegas 16 tournament this week. The Bulldogs will square off with East Tennessee tonight in the quarterfinals, held at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on the CBS Sports Network.

Former LSU star baseball right-hander Kevin Gausman will reportedly start the season with the Baltimore Orioles on the disabled list due to shoulder tendinitis. He’s yet to throw since taking a cortisone shot last Sunday.

Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson will undergo up to five hours of questioning during a deposition today in his lawsuit to oust his daughter and grandchildren from their ownership stake in the franchises. Benson’s lawyers successfully convinced a federal magistrate any longer would be too taxing on the 87-year-old’s health. This will be the first time Benson has spoken in the federal legal proceedings.

The Pelicans weren’t able to get by the Raptors Saturday night, falling 115-91. New Orleans’ returns to action tonight at home against the Knicks.

In college baseball, NO. 2 Texas A&M edged 10th ranked LSU to post an SEC series victory over the Tigers as they captured two of the three games. LSU dropped to 16-7 overall and 2-4 in league play. The Tigers host Tulane at 6:30 tomorrow in Alex Box Stadium.

Elsewhere around the state Tuesday, Nicholls State hosts UL-Lafayette, Southern is at Southeastern, Northwestern State hosts ULM. Grambling is at Louisiana Tech. UNO hosts Jackson State.

The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that free agent defensive tackle Nick Fairley is expected to sign with the Saints. Fairly played in 15 games with the Rams last season and registered a half sack. His best seasons were in 2012 and 2013 with the Lions, when he had a combined 11.5 sacks those two years.

It turns out Pelicans star Anthony Davis does not need surgery on his shoulder. A-D did have surgery on his injured knee and it’s expected he’ll be away from the basketball court for three to four months. He could have been sidelined for up to six months, if he had work done on his shoulder. New Orleans lost to Indiana 92-84 last night and they’ll host Toronto tomorrow night.

No big surprises in last night’s NCAA Tournament, let’s see if that changes tonight. The marque game is North Carolina versus Indiana.

The LSU baseball team is off to a 1-3 start in SEC play after losing to Texas A-and-M six to one last night. It’s the third time this season, LSU has been held to one or fewer runs. Tiger pitchers walked eight hitters last night. Alex Lange is on the hill tonight for the 8 PM first pitch.

Southeastern Louisiana won its 10 straight last night as they defeated Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi three to one. Webb Bobo’s two run homer was the difference.

Elsewhere…Sam Houston over Nicholls four to two, McNeese thumped Abilene Christian 10-6 and Northwestern State also reached double digits as they defeated Stephen F Austin 10-3.

ULM also put 10 runs on the score board as the Warhawks defeated Appalachian State 10-5, the Ragin Cajuns ended a three-game losing streak with four to two victory over Georgia State And the Bulldogs have a three-game winning streak after beating Charlotte 3-2 in walk-off fashion.

Not much offense and LSU’s pitchers had trouble finding the strike zone in a six to one loss to second ranked Texas A-and-M last night. The Tigers were 2-of-12 with runners in scoring position and LSU pitchers walked eight Aggie hitters. Jared Poche suffered the loss and he walked four in five-plus innings.

Southeastern won its 10th straight as they defeated A-and-M Corpus Christi three to one. Kyle Cedotal won his fourth game as he allowed just one run over eight innings.

Elsewhere in the Southland…Sam Houston doubled up Nicholls four to two, Lamar outscored UNO 10-7, McNeese thumped Abilene Christian 10-6, and Northwestern pounded Stephen F Austin 10-3.

Matt Holcombe’s pinch hit walk-off single lifted Louisiana Tech to a three to two win over Charlotte. The Cajuns doubled up Georgia state four to two and ULM’s Cade Stone homered and drove in five runs in a 10-5 win over Appalachian State.

The Pelcians only suited up eight players last night and lost to Indiana 92-84. Alexis Ajinca led all New Orleans scorers with 22 points and Tim Frazier had a career-high 18. But the Pels have received some good news about All-star forward Anthony Davis. A-D will not need surgery on his left shoulder to repair a partially torn labrum. He sill had surgery on his left knee, but instead of being out five to six months, he’ll only be off the basketball court for three to four months.

Newly signed Saints linebacker James Laurinaitis is eager for his time in New Orleans to start. Laurinaitis plans to dive into the playbook so that he can serve as a coach on the field….
cut 30 (22) “…football field”
Laurinaitis says he’s selling his home in St. Louis and plans to be a fulltime resident of New Orleans.

New Saints linebacker James Laurinaities spoke with reporters today about joining the Black and Gold. Laurinaities spent his first seven seasons in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams and admits it wasn’t easy to be told he was no longer wanted…:
CUT 30 (22) “great football”
The Saints are reportedly adding another linebacker to their roster. His name is Craig Robertson and he recorded 59 tackles for the Cleveland Browns last season. He has served as an inside linebacker in Cleveland’s 3-4 defense.

There are a couple of new rule changes in the NFL. A player wil be kicked out of the game, if they commit two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, and the touchback after kickoffs has moved to the 25-yard line.

The 13th ranked LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight against second ranked Texas A&M. The Aggies have won 18 straight games at home. Mainieri says Blue Bell Park is a terrific venue for college baseball…:
Cut 18 (19) “play hard”
He says he’s looking forward to see how his team plays agianst Texas A&M. The games will air on the SEC Network.

The Pelicans will face the Pacers tonight in Indiana. New Orleans has not defeated the Pacers since April 3rd 2011. The Pels are headed for the NBA Draft Lottery, while Indiana is trying to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

The 10th ranked LSU baseball team will need to play well over the next three days to come away with a series victory over 2nd ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are 19-and-2 and have the highest team batting average in the SEC. Junior left-hander Jared Poche will start on the hill for the Tigers. Poche knows the Aggies have the potential to score a bunch of runs…
cut 17 (14) “….to it”
First pitch is at 6 PM from Blue Bell Park, where A&M has won 18 straight games.

Because of Easter on Sunday, the Sun Belt will begin their series today. The Cajuns will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they host Georgia State. ULM welcomes Appalachian State to Warhawk field for a three-game series. The Mountaineers are just 4-17 on the year.

The Saints are reportedly adding another linebacker to their roster. His name is Craig Robertson and he recorded 59 tackles for the Cleveland Browns last season. He has served as an inside linebacker in Cleveland’s 3-4 defense. New Orleans has also added veterans James Laurinatis and Nate Stupar in this offseason.

Former LSU standout and Bastrop High star Rueben Randle has a new home in the NFL, but he’s staying in the NFC East. Randle has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after catching eight touchdown passes for the New York Giants last year.

The UL Lafayette men’s basketball team’s season is over. The Cajuns fell to UC Irvine 67-66 in the quarterifnals of the CIT.

The Pelicans will face the Pacers tonight in Indiana. New Orleans has not defeated the Pacers since April 3rd 2011. The Pels are headed for the NBA Draft Lottery, while Indiana is trying to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

Now that Saints Head Coach Sean Payton has a new contract, what about quarterback Drew Brees, who is entering the final year of his deal. According to ESPN, the Saints are working to finalize a four-year contract with Brees, which would keep him in New Orleans through the 2020 season. Brees will be 41 years-old in 2020.

Former LSU standout and Bastrop High star Rueben Randle has a new home in the NFL, but he’s staying in the NFC East. Randle has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after catching eight touchdown passes for the New York Giants last year.

And there’s a couple of new rule changes in the NFL. A player wil be kicked out of the game, if they commit two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the same contest and the touchback after kickoffs has moved to the 25-yard line.

At the state capitol, a bill has been approved by the House Education committee that attemps to end the expanding public-private high school playoff split that’s led to talk of another association.

The 13th ranked LSU baseball team begins a three-game series tonight against second ranked Texas A&M. The Aggies are 19-and-2 and they have the highest team batting average in the SEC. Coach Paul Mainieri is eager to see how his club performs
cut 16 (13) “…our team”
Junior left-hander Jared Poche will get the start on the hill for the Tigers.

In other college baseball action…UL Lafayette hosts Georgia State. Louisiana Tech begins a five-game homestand against Charlotte. Southeastern looks for its 10th straight win as they host A-and-M Corpus Christi and UNO is at Lamar.

The UL Lafayette men’s basketball team’s season is over. The Cajuns fell to UC Irvine 67-66 in the quarterifnals of the CIT.

In the NBA, the Pelicans are Indiana tonight.

Saints coach Sean Payton says the franchise wants him to stick around 5 more years, and that he couldn’t see himself anywhere else. The Saints say Payton agreed to the extension. Payton said at the owners meeting this morning that the proposal means a lot…:
cut 9 (10) “….five years”
Payton has led the Saints to five playoff appearances, but they’ve finished 7-9 the last two years.

Legislation seeking to end the public-private school playoff split that’s expanding in the LHSAA was approved by the House education committee today. Metairie Park Country Day boys basketball coach Mike McGuire says the split will double the number of state champions in basketball and that’s a bad thing…
cut 15 (08) “….apart”
The measure heads to the House floor for more consideation.

All 32 NFL teams were there for Louisiana Tech’s pro day. Quarterback Jeff Driskel was one of several Bulldogs who worked out for scouts. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says because of Driskel’s successful one season in Ruston, he’ll likely be a late round draft pick…
cut 18 (11) “…for Tech”
Detillier says Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler could be selected in the first round, while running back Kenneth Dixon could be selected in the second or third rounds.

Yahoo’s Pat Forde says he spoke with LSU athletic director Joe Alleva today and Alleva said Johnny Jones will return as men’s basketball coach next year.

And tonight at the Cajundome, the Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team will host Big West Conference opponent UC Irvine in the quarterfinals of the College Insider-dot-com Tournament.