Big victory for the LSU men’s basketball team last night as they defeated ninth ranked Kentucky 85-67. Junior guard Tim Quarterman led the way as he scored 21 points, had 10 rebounds and seven assists…
cut 28 (11) “…team defense”
Craig Victor had 15 points and 12 rebounds and freshman sensation Ben Simmons had 14 points and 10 boards. Simmons watched much of the first half, because of foul trouble, but the Tigers still had a 10 point lead at halftime. Coach Johnny Jones credits Simmons supporting cast…
cut 29 (10) “….staying the course”
The Tigers are 2-0 in the SEC and they’ll face Florida in Gainesville this Saturday.

Saints Coach Sean Payton addresses the media this afteroon as reports swirl that other teams are interested in hiring him. Payton has two years left on his contract in New Orleans and the Black and Gold would have to be compensated by the team that hired him away from the Big Easy.

The Pelicans host the Dallas Mavericks tonight at the Smoothie King Center. Dallas should be a tired team. They needed two overtimes to beat the Sacramento Kings last night. The Pels haven’t played since Saturday when they beat the Mavericks in Dallas. Tip-off tonight is at 7 PM.

It was all LSU last night as the Tigers upended the ninth ranked Kentucky Wildcats 85-67. LSU took a 4-2 lead 2:40 seconds into the game and never looked back. Tim Quarterman led the Tigers with a 21 point, ten rebound, and seven assist performance at the PMAC. Craig Victor added 15 points and 12 rebounds and freshman sensation Ben Simmons scored 14 points as LSU is a perfect 2-0 in SEC play. The loss snapped Kentucky’s 22 game SEC winning streak. The Tigers continue league play this Saturday at Florida. Tipoff is at 12:30 and you can watch on CBS.

Tulane remains winless in the American Athletic Conference after losing to Houston 63-45. The Cougars led by 20 at halftime and cruised in the second half. The Green Wave really couldn’t get anything going, getting out rebounded 50-32 and shot just 32-percent from the field. Malik Morgan was the only Tulane player to score in double figures, with 11. The Green Wave looks to turn things around when they host Tulsa Sunday afternoon.

In the Southland Conference, Memphis dominated Nicholls State 82-46. The Colonels led the Tigers 14-7 before Memphis went on a 43-4 run and took a 29 point lead into the locker room at halftime. Nicholls committed 27 turnovers in last night’s contest. The Colonels have lost eight of their last nine games as they head back to conference play Saturday against Abilene Christian.

Although five Cowboys scored in double figures, McNeese State fell to Houston Baptist 82-73. Jamaya Burr led the Pokes with 17 points followed by Craig McFerrin and Lance Potier each with 12. The loss drops McNeese to 0-2 in Southand Conference play and 2-10 overall. Texas A&M Corpus Christi comes to Lake Charles Saturday.

Tonight in the NBA, the Pelicans host the Dallas Mavericks. This is a rematch from Saturday night’s contest where the Pels won 105-98. Tipoff is at 7PM at the Smoothie King Center.

LSU’s new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda says his style calls for a smart and aggressive defense. The former Wisconsin defensive coordinator says he’s already looked at game tape of LSU’s defense and believes the talent is there to produce a great defense…
cut 7 (10) “…dictate terms on people”
It was also announced today that LSU is working on extending offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s contract.

And LSU Coach Les Miles says he’s banning his players from bars after senior tight end Dillon Gordon was stabbed multiple times. His injuries are not considered life threatening, but Miles says there’s no point in going to a bar, if violence erupts…
cut 13 (11) “…..fight night club”
Police continue to search for a suspect in Gordon’s stabbing.

Saints Coach Sean Payton is scheduled to talk with reporters tomorrow as speculation swirls he might not be the coach in New Orleans next season. The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that Payton is looking at the vacancy in San Francisco. Quarterback Drew Brees hopes the uncertainity surrounding who will be the head coach next year will be resolved soon…
cut 18 (12) “….steam ahead”
ESPN is reporting Brees will not need surgery on his injured foot. Doctors have advised Brees to rest his foot for the next four to six weeks.

On the 28th anniversary of the death of former LSU great Pete Maravich, LSU will host 9th ranked Kentucky inside the arena named after Maravich. The Tigers, who won their SEC opener over Vanderbilt, can make a big statement with a win over the Wildcats.Tip-off is at 8 PM.

LSU’s new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda says he’s blessed and humbled to have the opportunity to coach for the Tigers. Aranda comes to Baton Rouge after guiding one of the top defenses in the country at Wisconsin. He describes his defense as smart…aggression…
cut 6 (08) “…intelligent”
After Aranda spoke, Coach Les Miles announced that they are working on extending offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s contract.

LSU senior tight end Dillon Gordon is recovering after he was stabbed in a bar fight near the LSU campus. The injuries are not considered life-threatening. Gordon appeared in four games in 2015 during an injury riddled season and caught one pass. Because of his injuries on the football field, he’s seeking another year of eligibility from the NCAA. Police are still looking for the man who injured Gordon.

Still waiting to find out what will happen with Saints head coach Sean Payton. He’s been connected to the vacancy in New York as the football Giants are looking to replace Tom Coughlin. Quarterback Drew Brees hopes Payton is back and the future Hall of Famer says he’s open to a contract extension…
cut 17 (13) “…day after”
Payton is scheduled to speak with reporters tomorrow.

Big game tonight at the PMAC as the LSU Tigers host ninth ranked Kentucky. The Tigers are 8-5, while the Wildcats are 11-2 and the favorite to win the SEC. Tonight’s 8:00 tip-off is a sell out.

Elsewhere tonight…Nicholls is at Memphis, McNeese State visits Houston Baptist and Tulane battles the Houston Cougars. And Louisiana Tech’s Alex Hamilton has been named Conference USA Co-player of the week. The Bulldogs host Old Dominion on Thursday.

Speculation continues to grow over whether Sean Payton will be the head coach of the Saints in 2016. Several teams are reportedly interested in talking with Payton, who is still under contract with the Saints. Quarterback Drew Brees wants Payton back…

cut 16 (13) “strong relationship”

If Payton were to leave the Saints, the team would have to trade him to another organization. It’s been reported the Saints would seek a second-round pick in return. The Saints PR staff says that Payton will speak with reporters on Wednesday.

Former Ragin Cajuns star Charles Tillman will not be on the field for the Carolina Panthers when the playoffs start. The veteran cornerback has suffered a torn ACL and is out for the remainder of the season.

LSU will introduce new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to the media this morning.

New ULM football coach Matt Viator names Mike Collins as the Warhawks defensive coordinator and Matt Kubik as the team’s offensive coordinator. Collins is the son of ULM Hall of Fame coach Pat Collins and this will be his second stint as the D-C in Monroe. Kubik is a former Louisiana Tech quarterback who spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Stephen F Austin.

In college basketball, Louisiana Tech guard Alex Hamilton has been named Conference USA Co-Player of the Week. Hamilton led the Bulldogs to wins over Prairie View A&M and Southern Miss averaging 18.5 points and 9.5 assists per game. Hamilton shared this week’s award with Adrian Diaz of Florida International.

A big game at the PMAC tonight as LSU hosts the ninth ranked Kentucky Wildcats. Both teams come into the matchup having won four of their five games. Kentucky has won four of their last five games in Baton Rouge. Tipoff is at 8PM and it will be televised on ESPN.

Will Sean Payton be back next season for the Saints? That’s the big question Who Dats are asking? Players met with reporters today and Quarterback Drew Brees doesn’t want to see major changes…
cut 30 (09) ‘”…few years”
It’s been reported that Payton was set to meet with General Manager Mickey Loomis today. NFL analyst Mike Detillier on what that conversation would be about…
cut 6 (10) “…and beyond”
Now if Payton were to leave the Saints, the team would have to trade him to another organiziation. It’s been reported the Saints would seek a second-round pick in return. The Saints P-R staff says Payton will address reporters on Wednesday.

Former Ragin Cajuns star Charles Tillman will not be on the field for the Carolina Panthers when the playoffs start. The veteran cornerback has suffered a torn ACL and is out for the remainder of the season.

Tiger Rag Featured Columnist and Gannett reporter Glenn Guilbeau reports that LSU quarterback Brandon Harris is having surgery to repair a sports hernia. Harris told Guilbeau its a minor medical procedure that will take six to eight weeks of rehab, but the Tigers starting QB says he’ll be ready for spring practice.

LSU will introduce new defensive coordinator Dave Aranda to the media tomorrow morning at 10 AM.

New ULM football coach Matt Viator names Mike Collins as the Warhawks defensive coordinator and Matt Kubik as the team’s offensive coordinator. Collins is the son of ULM Hall of Fame coach Pat Collins. This will be Mike Collins second stint as the D-C in Monroe. Kubik is a former Louisiana Tech quarterback and spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Stephen F Austin.

The Saints finished the 2015 season with a 20-17 win over Atlanta, improving their record to 7-9 on the year. Coach Sean Payton on the team’s effort in the regular season finale…
cut 17 (12) “…that was important”
What’s important now is whether Payton will return next season. There’s plenty of speculation going around, Payton could coach somewhere else next season. He declined to put those rumors to rest in Sunday’s postgame press conference…
cut (14) “…be more clear”
Payton is expected to meet with General Manager Mickey Loomis today.

Nice win for the LSU men’s basketball team on Saturday as they beat Vanderbilt on the road, but they can’t celebrate too hard as 10th ranked Kentucky will be at the PMAC tomorrow night. The Wildcats are 12-1 on the season and beat Ole Miss by 22 points in their SEC opener. After the game against Kentucky, LSU heads to Florida for a 12:30 Saturday afternoon game against the Gators.

Former LSU receiver Jarvis Landry broke Saints wide out Marques Colston’s record for most catches by a player in his first two seasons in the NFL. Landry has 194 grabs since he was drafted in 2014, while Colston had 168 receptions for the Saints in 2006 and 07.

LSU running back Leonard Fournette has been named the state’s top offensive player of the year according to the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. McNeese State’s Wallace Scott was selected as defensive player of the year. And Louisiana Tech quarterback Jeff Driskel earned Newcomer of the Year honors.

In what might have been the final game of the Sean Payton era, the Saints defeated the Falcons 20-17 as Kai Forbath drilled a 30-yard field goal with no time left for the winning points. Payton says it was a gutsy win for his banged-up team…

cut 16 (16) “entire career”

The win gives the Saints a 7-9 record for the 2015 season and they end the year on a two-game winning streak.

LSU announces that Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Aranda will take the reigns of the Tiger defense next season. Aranda replaces Kevin Steele, who left to take the same position at Auburn. Under Aranda, the Badgers led the FBS in scoring defense, allowing less than 14 points per game. In fact, in five major defensive categories the Wisconsin defense ranks in the top seven nationally. In a twist of fate, LSU opens their 2016 football season against Wisconsin.

LSU picked up a couple of big commitments from Drake Davis and Michael Divinity at the Under Armour All-America Game Saturday. Divinity, a four star linebacker from John Ehret, graduated mid year and will be on campus this spring. Davis, who played wide receiver at IMG Academy in Florida, is a Baton Rouge native who also plans to play basketball.

In college basketball this weekend, Ben Simmons scored 36 as LSU won their SEC opener against Vanderbilt 90-82. The Tigers will host the tenth ranked Kentucky Wildcats tomorrow night.

Louisiana Tech crushed Southern Miss 87-57, UL-Lafayette pounded Appalachian State 79-59, Northwestern State fell to Houston Baptist 99-73, Lamar beat Nicholls State 79-67, it was Stephen F. Austin over McNeese 86-57, and UConn defeated Tulane 75-67.

It did not take long for LSU to hire a new defensive coordinator. Less than 72 hours after Kevin Steele announced he was leaving Baton Rouge to take the defensive coordinator at Auburn, the Tigers announce that Wisconsin’s Dave Arnada will lead the LSU defense next season. Under Arnada, the Badgers led the FBS in scoring defense, allowing less than 14 points per game. In fact, in five major defensive categories the Wisconsin defense ranks in the top seven nationally. In a twist of fate, LSU opens their 2016 football season against Wisconsin.

Former Neville High standout John Diarse is transferring from LSU. Diarse was a reserve wide receiver this past season and caught 13 passes for 137 yards, including a season-high 45 receiving yards in the Tigers’ win over Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. Diarse graduated from LSU last month and can continue his college career somewhere else.

12th ranked Ole Miss scored 24 points in the second quarter on their way to a 48-20 win over number 16 Oklahoma State in last night’s Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes Benz-Superdome. Rebel quarterback Chad Kelly threw for 302 yards and four touchdowns as Ole Miss won their first Sugar Bowl since 1970. With the win, the SEC improves to 6-2 this bowl season.

Today in college basketball…LSU begins SEC play as it visits Vanderbilt for a game that can be seen on ESPN Two at eight o’ clock. The Tigers have been up and down in their pre-conference schedule and they enter league play with a 7-5 record.

Louisiana Tech opens their Conference USA schedule hosting Southern Miss.

In the Southland Conference, Northwestern State takes on Houston Baptist, Nicholls State Hosts Lamar, and McNeese State travels to Nacogdoches to face Stephen F. Austin.

In the SWAC, Grambling hosts Alabama A&M and Southern will face Texas Southern in Houston.

In the Sun Belt, UL-Lafayette plays Appalachian State in the Cajundome.

And Tulane hosts UConn in an American Conference matchup.

Former Neville High standout John Diarse is transferring from LSU. Diarse was a reserve wide receiver this past season and caught 13 passes for 137 yards, including a season-high 45 receiving yards in the Tigers win over Texas Tech in the Texas Bowl. Diarse graduated from LSU last month and can continue his college career somewhere else.

Alabama will meet Clemson in the College Football National Championship game on January 11th in Glendale, Arizona. The Crimson Tide crushed Michigan State 38-0 last night in Arlington, Texas, while Clemson dominated Oklahoma in the 2nd half to beat the Sooners 37-17 in the Orange Bowl.

Tonight in the Mercedes Benz Superdome, it’s the Sugar Bowl as Oklahoma State takes on Ole Miss at 7:30. The game is a sell out as the Rebels are making their first appearance in the Sugar Bowl since the days when Archie Manning was their quarterback.

The Pelicans finished off 2015 with a 95-89 loss to the red-hot Clippers. New Orleans struggled from long range, hitting just 7-of-25 from three-point land and they also gave up 24 second-chance points. Ryan Anderson had 17 to lead the Pelicans in scoring. Norris Cole had 15, while Eric Gordon had ten points on 3-of-10 shooting. New Orleans is at Dallas tomorrow night.

In college basketball…ULM is 2-0 in the Sun Belt after beating Appalachian State 72-56 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum on New Year’s eve. Senior Majok Deng had a game-high 18 points and seven rebounds. The Warhawks are at Arkansas State on Thursday.

Tomorrow…LSU begins SEC play as it visits Vanderbilt for a game that can be seen on ESPN Two at eight o’ clock. The Tigers have been up and down in their pre-conference schedule and they enter league play with a 7-5 record.

Also tomorrow…Louisiana Tech hosts Southern Miss, while the Ragin Cajuns take on Appalachian State in the Cajundome.