LSU couldn’t fend off South Carolina last night as the Gamecocks pick up a shared spot for first place in the SEC after defeating the Tigers 94-83 in Columbia. Ben Simmons, however, put on another stellar performance picking up 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. Antonio Blakeney had 22 points to lead the Tigers. LSU plays No. 15 Texas A&M at home Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns put their eight game winning streak on the line tonight when they host Arkansas State at the Cajundome. UL-Lafayette is also undefeated at home and coach Bob Marlin says the fan base is fired up about the team’s recent winning ways…:
CUT 17 (16) “your team”
Tipoff is at 7:15.

In more college hoops action tonight, ULM will put their 9-0 record at home on the line against the Sun Belt’s top ranked team, Arkansas-Little Rock. The Warhakws are playing the Trojans in Monroe with their first white-out since the College Basketball invitational finals last spring.

ESPN released its college “Way Too Early Top 25″ update and after signing day has LSU at NO. 6 to start the season.

New Orleans Pelicans owners Tom and Gayle Benson issued a statement in response to the death of the wife of former Pels coach Monty Williams. 44-year-old Ingrid Williams died after being involved in a car crash in Oklahoma City. The Bensons say Ingrid will be remembered as one of the most generous, kind and humble individuals they’ve ever known. Monty Williams was the coach of the Pelicans for five seasons. He and Ingrid have five children. After New Orleans’ win last night against Utah, players and coaches shed tears in the media session. Williams currently serves as an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder who host New Orleans tonight.