After a slow start in conference play, LSU finds itself just one game back of Texas A&M for first place in the SEC West. The Bayou Bengals are 9-6 in the SEC and Coach Paul Manieri is pleased at this time…:
Cut 17 (16) “9-6″
Baseball America has the Tigers at NO. 5, while USA Today Coaches ranks LSU seventh. The Bayou Bengals host Southland-leading Southeastern tomorrow night.

In the D-1 Baseball poll, UL-Lafayette is ranked 24. The 24-12 Ragin Cajuns host Nicholls State today. Loyola is at Southern. Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. Grambling hosts Wiley. Tulane hosts Southern Miss.

McNeese’s Collin Kober has been named the Southland Pitcher of the Week.

A reserve New Orleans Police officer who dined with Will Smith the night the former Saints player was shot to death has been pulled from the force, according to a report from WWL-TV. Billy Ceravolo has been retired but served with the department in its reserve ranks. According to the TV station, NOPD officials said they took the action to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Coming off the abrupt resignation of Tyler Summitt who admitted to having an inappropriate relationship, Louisiana Tech announces the hiring of Brooke Stoehr to be its next women’s basketball coach.

Tom and Gayle Benson own two entries in the Kentucky Derby Saturday — Mo Tom and Tom’s ready. Mr. Benson says he is excited to share with New Orleans and Louisiana the experience of having two local horses in the most prestigious race in the country.

Former NFL players already diagnosed with brain injuries linked to repeated concussions, could begin receiving benefits in the coming months after a federal appeals court Monday upheld a $1 billion dollar plan by the league to settle thousands of lawsuits.