The Pelicans needed a win last night to keep their playoff hopes alive and they got it as they defeated Memphis 109-99. Five players scored in double figures led by Brandon Ingram who had 24 points and Zion Williamson scored 23 points in 25 minutes. For the first time in the bubble, Zion played in the final minutes and made some big baskets. Coach Alvin Gentry on giving Williamson more playing time…
cut 20 (19) “….all summer”
Williamson was nine of 21 from the field. The win moves New Orleans 2.5 games back of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West. The Pels next game is Thursday at 12:30 against Sacramento.

Three starters from last season’s LSU basketball team have withdrawn their names from the NBA underclassmen draft list. Forwards Trendon Watford and Darius Days and guard Javonte Smart are coming back for another season, giving Coach Will Wade a loaded roster. These three returning starters will join a recruiting class that’s rated as the sixth-best in the nation.

With U-L-M football looking for a couple of opponents to make for the loss of Georgia and Arkansas, could Louisiana Tech be a possibility? Warhawks athletics director Scott McDonald says he’s open to the discussion…
cut 16 (15) “….other conferences”
The Big 12 has approved a scheduling model that would calls for each school to play nine conference games and one non-conference game. No word on what this means for Tech’s game at Baylor on September 26th.