Will Wade is back in Baton Rouge as the LSU men’s basketball coach four years after he was fired for committing recruiting violations. Wade has signed a seven-year deal that will pay him four-million dollars in his first season. Tiger Rag magazine editor Glenn Guilbeau says the fan base is ready to “Boot Up” again….

Cut 13 (12)  “…was their guy.”

Wade was previously the head coach at LSU from 2017 to 2022. His teams reached the NCAA Tournament three times, and the Tigers won an SEC regular season title in 2019.

In a statement, Wade said it was not an easy decision to leave North Carolina State after just one season, but it was a chance to come home to a place that shaped him, and where the passion for basketball runs deep and expectations match the opportunity.

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The LSU baseball Tigers host 19^th ranked Kentucky for the start of an SEC series. The 17-and-9 Tigers are coming off a 15-5 win over Louisiana Tech. First baseman Zach Yorke broke out of a hitting slump as he belted two home runs against the Bulldogs. Coach Jay Johnson says the two homers should boost Yorke’s confidence…

Cut 19 (12) “….him towards that”

Kentucky enters this game with a 4-and-2 SEC record. They swept Alabama and lost a series to Ole Miss last weekend.

The Ragin Cajuns host ULM this weekend. UL Lafayette is 2-and-4 in the Sun Belt, while the Warhawks are 4-and-2. Big series for Louisiana Tech as the Bulldogs host Jacksonville State this weekend. The Gamecocks are 6-and-0 to start Conference USA play.

Northwestern State is in a three-way tie for first place in the Southland and the Demons visit Nicholls this weekend.

Speculation is ramping up that North Carolina State coach Will Wade could return as the Tigers’ men’s basketball coach. Multiple reports say LSU is planning to hire Heath Schroyer as a senior administrator. It was Schroyer who hired Wade at McNeese a year after he was fired at LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau first reported on this story on March 13^th and he says it’s an effort to make the job more attractive to Wade as he could work for Schroyer, LSU President Wade Rousse and LSu Board chair Lee Mallett. Guilbeau says all three men are big supporters of Wade

Cut 13 (09)  “…sweetening the pot.”

As of right now, Matt McMahon is still the Tigers men’s basketball coach, but that could change on April 1^st when Wade’s buyout at N-C State drops from five million to three million dollars.

The second-seeded LSU women’s basketball team is preparing for a Sweet 16 rematch against third-seeded Duke. LSU beat the Blue Devils 93-77 in Durham in December. LSU scored more than 100 points in its two tournament games last weekend in Baton Rouge, but assistant coach Joe Schwartz says how the Tigers play on defense will determine how far they advance….

Cut 16 (16) “…on the defensive end.”

Tip off is at 9 PM.

ULM will introduce its new men’s basketball coach today. Ryan Cross returns to Monroe after serving as an assistant coach at UAB for six seasons. The Blazers competed in the postseason in four of Cross’ six seasons in Birmingham. Before he was at UAB, Cross was an assistant coach at ULM for eight seasons.

It was a good night for the LSU baseball team last night, not so good for Louisiana Tech. And It was a really good night for Zach Yorke, as the big first baseman hit two home runs as the Tigers defeated the Bulldogs 15 to 5 in eight innings. Good night for Derek Curiel, who had three hits, including two doubles and drove in two runs.

The Cajuns scored six runs in the fourth and went on to beat Southeastern Louisiana nine to three. Josh Lim had a three-run homer.

Northwestern State shutout ULM five to nothing. Jacob Leblanc threw five scoreless innings for the win.

Southern got a nice win in Lake Charles, beating McNeese six to two.

NBA…the Pelicans lost to the New York Knicks 121 to 116 as New Orleans has officially been eliminated from earning a playoff spot.

The Saints have signed former number two overall pick, Zach Wilson, to be a backup to QB Tyler Shough. Wilson was with the Dolphins last season.

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Spring football is underway in Baton Rouge, and coach Lane Kiffin has plenty of work ahead with a revamped roster. The Tigers’ quarterback room is brand new, and Kiffin says he’s challenging all three to quickly adapt to a high-tempo offense.

Cut 16 (14) “…a long time.”

Sam Leavitt participated in individual throwing drills, but he will not participate in team drills as he continues to rehab from Lisfranc foot surgery.

Spring football is underway in Ruston. Louisiana Tech quarterback Blake Baker is recovering from a torn ACL, so senior Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) is taking the starting reps. Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 19 (14) “…our football team.”

Both the Louisiana Tech baseball and softball teams are in Baton Rouge tonight to take on the Tigers. At Alex Box Stadium, the Tigers and the Bulldogs are coming off series losses. Tech is looking for its first win over LSU since 2022. On the softball diamond, the Tigers have won 26 straight over the Bulldogs since 1982.

At LSU Pro Day… Projected first round draft pick and cornerback Mansoor Delane ran a very fast 4.35 in the 40. Linebacker Harold Perkins had a 35-inch vertical leap and broad jump of 10 feet and four inches. Linebacker West Weeks ran a 4.5 in the 40. Receiver and kick returner Barion Brown is expected to be a late-round pick, but Brown is just grateful for the opportunity…

Cut 18 (15)  “…for this moment.”

The NFL draft is April 23^rd to the 25^th.

Over the weekend, NOLA-dot-com published proposed plans for a major upgrade to the Smoothie King Center, the home of the New Orleans Pelicans, aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says adding more seats to the lower bowl is one of the more significant aspects of the plan.

Cut 13 (14)  “…sit up high.”

How will the Pelicans pay for this massive renovation? Every NBA team could be receiving between 400 to 500 million dollars as the league is set to approve two new expansion teams, one in Seattle and the other in Las Vegas.

The Pelicans begin a three-game road trip tonight against the New York Knicks. It’s the first time New Orleans will see former Pelican Jose Alvardo.

The LSU women’s basketball team leaves today for Sacramento. The Lady Tigers will play Duke on Friday in the Sweet 16. Tip time is at 9 PM.

At LSU pro day, in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looked like the Nussmeier from the 2024 season when he threw for four thousand yards. Nussmeier was zipping the ball and completed 69 of his 72 passes. Nuss was hampered by an abdominal injury last season, which he suffered on the second day of training camp. He says he had to learn how to throw the football correctly in a short period of time before competing in the Senior Bowl on January 31^st…

`         Cut 16 (15) “…ground up again.”

In college baseball tonight…LSU hosts Louisiana Tech. Both teams are coming off a series in which they lost. The Ragin Cajuns, who were swept by Texas State, will try to get back in the win column tonight when they host Southeastern. ULM hosts Northwestern State.

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This past weekend, we got a glimpse of what a renovated Smoothie King Center will look like, thanks to reporting from NOLA.com and the Advocate. A major emphasis will be more seats in the lower bowl. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says the Pelicans also want to upgrade fan amenities and hospitality areas, including grab-and-go concessions, VIP club lounges, an upper-level party deck, and bunker suites. Duncan says other NBA venues have similar features.

Cut 14 (12) “…in the past.”

Two new teams, one in Las Vegas, the other in Seattle, could be joining the NBA, and the expansion fees that each NBA franchise will get can help pay for the renovations.

Ruston’s Ahmad Hudson has been named the Gatorade Player of the Year in boys’ basketball. Hudson averaged 20 points and 14 rebounds for the Bearkats, who finished as a runner-up in Division One non-select to Zachary.

The LSU Lady Tigers are on their way to the Sweet 16 in Sacramento after breezing through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. LSU will play Duke in the Sacramento 2 Region semifinals Friday night. Back on December 4th, the Lady Tigers beat the Blue Devils, 93-77. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says this time, things will be different.

Cut 16 (14) “…stuff for granted.”

This is LSU’s fourth consecutive trip to the Sweet 16. The Lady Tigers will play at either 6:30 or 9 PM.

It’s pro day for LSU football players who are in this year’s NFL draft. Cornerback Mansoor Delane, who did not run in the 40 at the NFL combine, ran a 4.38 today, which could solidify him as a top ten pick.

Spring practice begins for Louisiana Tech football. Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) starts the spring as the first string quarterback and Blake Baker will be in non-contact drills as he’s recovering from an ACL.

LSU baseball is off to a 2-and-4 start in SEC play and after losing its series to Oklahoma this past weekend. The Tigers offense continues to struggle. LSU ranks near the bottom in the SEC in hitting with a team batting average of .277. Coach Jay Johnson has given Omar Serna and John Pearson more regular at-bats and it’s helping to some degree…

Cut 18 (21)  “…good plan.” (2x)

LSU will host Louisiana Tech tomorrow night. The Bulldogs are coming off a series loss to New Mexico State. ULM lost its series to South Alabama and the Ragin Cajuns have fallen out of the Top 25 after getting swept by Texas State.

Complete domination by the LSU women’s basketball team yesterday as the Lady Tigers trounced Texas Tech 101 to 47. LSU shot 56-percent from the field against a team that statistically has one of the best defenses in the nation. Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams each had 24 points. Williams gives credit to her teammates…

Cut 15 (07) “…down the shot”

LSU is heading to the Sweet 16 for a fifth consecutive season and they will play Duke on Friday in Sacramento. The Lady Tigers beat the Blue Devils by 16 points earlier this season.

The 25^th ranked Ragin Cajuns baseball team will likely fall out of the rankings as U-L Lafayette was swept in San Marcos. Texas State beat the Cajuns 16 to 6 in seven innings yesterday.

ULM and La Tech lost their series two games to one.

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Two weeks into SEC play, LSU is 2-and-4 and their team batting average is .277. That’s near the bottom in conference play. LSU had 19 hits during the three-game set against the Sooners and only five extra-base hits. The only two doubles they hit, came in Thursday’s series-opening win. Coach Jay Johnson would like to see his team hit more doubles…

Cut 19 (23) “…to do.”

LSU hosts Louisiana Tech tomorrow night.

Grambling swept its series against Alabama A-and-M. McNeese won its series over S-L-U, Northwestern State won its series over UNO and Nicholls took two of three from UIW.

Another lackluster game for LSU’s offense as they lost to eighth ranked Oklahoma four to two last night. The only offense the Tigers generated was a home run by John Pearson and an RBI single from Omar Serna. Cooper Moore suffered the loss and he left in the fifth inning with an apparent arm injury. Moore will be evaluated this morning after complaining that his triceps muscle was bothering him. The rubber game of the series is today at 2 PM.

Just five hits for the 25^th ranked Ragin Cajuns as they lost four to one to Texas State. ULM battled back from an early three-run deficit and lost to South Alabama five to four to end the Warhawks five game winning streak.

Louisiana Tech won its 5^th straight game with a 13 to eight victory over New Mexico State. Third baseman Colby Lunsford drove in seven runs as he hit a three-run homer in the second inning and a grand slam in the third inning.

The LSU women’s basketball team scored the first 14 points and went on to easily beat Jacksonville 116 to 58 in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Mikayla Williams had 18 points and ten assists and says it was great to be back on the court after not playing in two weeks…

Cut 6  (08) “…energy was immaculate”

Flau’jae Johnson led the way with 20 points. LSU will next play Texas Tech on Sunday. The Red Raiders beat Villanova in a low-scoring affair 57-52.

The Southern women’s basketball team will face top-seeded South Carolina today. That game is at 1 PM.

Back to baseball from last night…Simon Larranaga and Bryce Fontenot each homered as McNeese defeated Southeastern eight to two. Northwestern State fell to UNO three to two and Nicholls doubled up UIW eight to four. Caston Thompson had four hits and drove in three runs.

The LSU baseball team can clinch a series victory over the eighth ranked Oklahoma Sooners tonight. The Tigers beat O-U seven to one last night behind a brilliant pitching performance from Casan Evans, who struck out a career-high 15 over 7.2 innings. Game two is tonight at Alex Box Stadium at 6:30.

Elsewhere…the 25^th ranked Ragin Cajuns are looking for their fourth straight win as they begin a series tonight at Texas State. The Bobcats have lost five in a row.

ULM has won five in a row and they are in Mobile to take on South Alabama.

Louisiana Tech has won four straight and they begin a Conference USA Series tonight at New Mexico State.  Tonight’s game begins at 7 PM central.

In the Southland Conference this weekend. Southeastern is at McNeese and  Northwestern State hosts UNO.

NFL news…the Saints have re-signed back-up defensive end Chris Rumph, who played in all 17 games last year and had 35 total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.

The LSU women’s basketball team looks to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament as they host Jacksonville today. If LSU wins, they will play again on Sunday in the PMAC against the winner of tonight’s game between Texas Tech and Villanova. These will be the last two games at home for four-year starter Flau’jae Johnson. Coach Kim Mulkey encourages LSU fans to show their appreciation for everything Johnson has meant to the program.

Cut 18 (14)  “…be just packed.”

The Southern women’s basketball team is a big underdog heading into tomorrow afternoon’s game against top-seeded South Carolina. Sophomore guard Jocelyn Tate says they will not be intimidated…

Cut 20 (09) “…our strengths”

Tip off is at 1 PM.

The second-seeded LSU women’s basketball team begins its road to the Final Four tonight as the Lady Tigers face 15th-seeded Jacksonville at 5 p.m. Tonight marks the first NCAA Tournament appearance for four LSU freshmen. Senior Flau’jae Johnson, says she’s offering as much advice as possible to the younger players.

Cut 16 (10) “…task at hand.”

The season is over for the McNeese men’s basketball team as the 12^th seeded Cowboys lost to fifth seeded Vanderbilt 78 to 68 in the men’s NCAA Tournament. DJ Richards had nine points to surpass one-thousand points during his stellar three-year career at McNeese that came to an end with the loss to the Commodores…

Cut 11 (07) “…that we accomplished”

There have been questions about Casan Evans as LSU’s Friday night starter. Well on a Thursday night, Evans had his best start of his career, striking out 15 in 7.2 innings as LSU defeated eighth ranked Oklahoma seven to one. Evans allowed just three hits and one unearned run. LSU scored five runs in the first two innings thanks to control problems from Sooners pitcher Cam Johnson.

For the second consecutive season, the Southern women’s basketball team has won an NCAA Tournament contest. The Lady Jaguars finished the game on a 14-2 run to beat Samford 63-53. Southern will now get ready to play South Carolina on Saturday.

Disappointing end to the season for the Louisiana Tech women’s basketball team as the Lady Techsters lost to Rice 66 to 61 in the WBIT. But McNeese beat Texas A-and-M 68 to 48.

And the Pelicans won their seventh straight game at home, beating the Clippers 105 to 99. Trey Murphy had 27 points.