Brian Kelly’s first spring practice at LSU was all about the details. Throughout the 90-minute workout, Kelly took notes and moved from station to station, checking everything to see if it met his exacting standards. His Tigers will practice with tempo and intention, with very little time to waste.

Cut 21 (18) “…been really good.”

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On the basketball court, the Tigers are losing a pair of key contributors to last season’s team. Guards Brandon Murray and Xavier Pinson have both entered the transfer portal according to multiple reports. Pinson averaged 10 points and five assists in 28 games, and Murray, a former four-star recruit, posted 10 points and three rebounds per game.

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Key college baseball series this weekend include: Louisiana Tech hosting Florida International, Grambling visits Southern, Northwestern State takes on UNO, Tulane welcomes Dayton, South Alabama travels to Lafayette to face the Ragin Cajuns, and Southeastern battles Nicholls.

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After a tough extra-inning loss to Louisiana Tech on Wednesday night, the 21st ranked LSU Tigers are at 8th ranked Florida tonight to begin a three-game series. LSU is 15 and 6. Though they’ve lost three of their last four, senior reliever Trent Vietmeier says the Tigers are close to playing their best baseball.

Cut 17 (14) “…this weekend.”

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The New Orleans Pelicans are now winners of three of their last four after taking down the Chicago Bulls, 126-109 in the Smoothie King Center. The Pels closed the game with a season-high 40 points in the fourth quarter to pull away. Devonte Graham scored a season-best 30 points, including five three-pointers, and Jonas Valanciunas held it down inside with 16 points and 19 rebounds. New Orleans moved back into ninth in the West with the victory.

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Arkansas returns to the NCAA’s Elite 8 for the second straight year after shocking top-seeded Gonzaga last night. Houston beat Arizona, Duke topped Texas Tech, and Villanova got past Michigan to advance as well.