There’s a lot on the line for LSU baseball as they head to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt in their SEC regular-season finale. Less than a week ago the Tigers were a near lock to host an NCAA regional, and now they’re flirting with a below .500 finish in the SEC. Pitching will be key against the Commodores and Jay Johnson likes what he’s seen lately from sophomore Ty Floyd.

Cut 16 (20) “…him in there.”

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As the regular season comes to a close a number of big series open tonight…Southern hosts Alcorn with first place in the SWAC West on the line. UL-Monroe closes the season with Arkansas State in town, while Tulane takes on Memphis.

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The U-L Ragin Cajuns are fighting to get back into the NCAA tournament for the first time in six years. Coach Matt Deggs’ team likely needs a big weekend against Little Rock and a strong showing in the Sun Belt tourney to get there. Deggs’ biggest concern leading up to the conference tournament is his pitching staff. The Cajuns will use this weekend to set up their rotation, but Deggs says they’ll adapt to matchups and hopefully get some hitting.

Cut 19 (19) _“…be a grinder.”

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A new NCAA rule will allow major college football programs to sign as many players as they want for the next two years as long as the don’t exceed 85 scholarship players. The NCAA Division I Council says this will create more flexibility for schools and opportunities for athletes.

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Pelicans forward Herb Jones was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.