LSU trailed by 5 points at halftime and needed a spark. They got it from Antonio Blakeney who made his first five shots of the 2nd half and finished with a game-high 24 points to lead the Tigers to a 88-77 win over the Missouri Tigers. The win evens LSU’s SEC record to 1-1. 9-4 overall and snapped a two-game losing streak. LSU returns home to play Mississippi State on Saturday afternoon in the Maravich Center. The Bulldogs lost their SEC opener on Tuesday to Alabama.

Elsewhere around the state in college hoops last night, after rallying from a nine point second half deficit, Grambling beat Alabama A&M by a score of 69-67 to snap a three game skid. The Tigers are now 1-1 in the SWAC, and 6-9 overall.

Tonight, Louisiana Tech hosts UTEP. Southeastern travels to face Houston Baptist. McNeese takes on Sam Houston State at home. Northwestern State is at UIW.

The LSU baseball team announced the hiring of former Tiger relief pitcher Nate Fury as the coordinator of baseball operations. The staff is now filled after Coach Paul Mainieri announced that pitching coach Alan Dunn has been promoted to associate head coach.

In the NBA, the Pelicans return home to take on the Atlanta Hawks in the Smootie King Center tonight. The Hawks enter the game as the league’s No. 5 defensive efficiency, allowing just 103 points per 100 possessions. Tip off is 7pm.

LSU linebacker Tashawn Bower has been named to the Associated Press All-Bowl Team after a dominating performance against Louisville in the Citrus Bowl. Arden Key received honorable mention honors.

Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge was vandalized this week according to the LSU Police Department. They say nothing was permanently damaged, and they are in the process of investigating the incident. There is currently no information being given on the extent of the damage, suspect or motive. The field was covered by a tarp on Wednesday.