The Saints face the Detroit Lions tonight at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in a battle of two teams with losing records. New Orleans is 5-8 on the year, but coming off one of its best performances of the season when they beat Tampa Bay last week. Quarterback Drew Brees says they want to build on that performance…

cut 16 (19) “we are”

The Saints were eliminated from playoff contention for a second straight year when Seattle and Minnesota won yesterday.

Louisiana Tech won their second consecutive bowl game as they defeated Arkansas State in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl 47-28. The Bulldogs were led by senior running back Kenneth Dixon’s four touchdown scores. In the process, Dixon set new NCAA records for career touchdowns with 87 and scoring with 522 points.

Four Pelicans scored 20 points of more as New Orleans defeated Denver last night 130-125. Anthony Davis led the way for the Pels with 27 despite leaving after the first quarter to receive IV treatment for an illness. Davis returned in the fourth quarter and led a 19-10 run that allowed the Pelicans to take control of the game for good. The Pels are now 8-19 and return to the Smoothie King Center Wednesday night to face the Trail Blazers.

In college basketball action over the weekend – Mississippi State upended Tulane 69-59. Dylan Osetkowski led the Green Wave with 20. Tulane hosts Southern Miss tomorrow night.

Ben Simmons scored 24 to lead LSU over Oral Roberts 100-77. The Tigers host American University Tuesday night at the P-MAC.

Virginia Tech blasted Grambling 87-52. The Tigers trailed by just 3 at the half, but couldn’t overcome committing 24 turnovers, 15 in the second half.

Northwestern State picked up their second win of the season with a 105-79 win over Missouri Valley.