The Pelicans blew out Portland last night 127 to 94 as CJ McCollum had 23 points. That’s eight wins for New Orleans in its last eleven games, they can clinch home-court advantage in next Wednesday’s play-in game against San Antonio with a win tomorrow in Memphis.

LSU baseball is in Starkville this weekend where they’ll face defending champion Mississippi State in a three-game series. Coach Jay Johnson’s team is coming off a 16-run performance against Grambling…
cut 17 (18) “…needed to do”
LSU will start Ma’Khail Hilliard on the mound tonight and Blake Money will be the starter tomorrow.

A bill heading to the Senate floor puts Louisiana in line with other states’ name, image, and likeness laws. Louisiana approved a law last year that allowed college athletes to receive cash for endorsing products, businesses, or individuals. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says his bill this year will allow university board members and boosters to participate…
Cut 12 (12) “…to act.”
Connick says Texas A-and-M landed the nation’s number one football recruiting class, because their boosters negotiated NIL deals for recruits.

The LHSAA says it will allow student-athletes to receive NIL benefits and they’ve partnered with Eccker Sports to help educate coaches, administrators, and student-athletes about the process.

Lamar is heading back to the Southland Conference. The Cardinals are in the WAC and will return to the Southland for the 2023-24 athletic season.

The LHSAA announces it will allow student-athletes to receive NIL benefits. Executive Director Eddie Bonine says they’ve also entered a partnership with Eccker sports to provide educational NIL services so everyone understands the process…:
CUT 14 (07) “see the money”
He says that’s where Eccker comes in.

The Pelicans had no problem last night as they clobbered the Trail Blazers 127-94. With the win The Pels increase their lead over the 10th place Spurs to two games and New Orleans must stay at least one game ahead to ensure they host next week’s play-in tournament game with San Antonio.

New Orleans native and former LSU standout Tyrann Mathieu is still unsigned nearly a month into free agency, and after a visit with the Saints earlier this week —
The NFL Network reports The Eagles are also in the mix after a virtual visit with the Honey Badger took place this week.

The 19th ranked LSU baseball team is in Starkville this weekend taking on the defending national champion Mississippi State Bulldogs. Both teams are 4-and-5 in SEC play, but the Dawgs are not ranked. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson still considers State one of the top teams in the country…:
Cut 16 (22) “to be successful”
First pitch this evening is at 7.

Elsewhere, UL-Lafayette is at Arkansas State, McNeese is at UNO, Nicholls is at Houston Baptist. ULM hosts Troy. Tulane hosts South Florida. Southeastern hosts Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

The LHSAA says it will allow student-athletes to profit off their name, image and linkess, And the association has entered into a partnership with Eccker Sports to help educate student-athletes, parents, coaches and administrators about the ins and outs of NIL deals.

At the state capitol, the Senate Education Committee advances a bill that would ban transgender athletes in Louisiana from competing on girls sports teams. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s measure is dubbed as the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”….
cut 14 (10) “….with biological females”
The Legislature passed Mizell’s bill last year, but Governor John Bel Edwards veoted it.

Cornerback Derek Stingley Junior showed he’s still worthy of being a top ten pick in the upcoming NFL draftr by running a 4.37 in the 40 yard dash at LSU’s pro day. Stingly missed most of the 2021 season with a food injury, but never doubted he can be a shutdown corner in the NFL….
cut 29 (20) “…how it goes”

New LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon announced his coaching staff. Casey Long, Ronnie Hamilton and Cody Topper will serve as assistants. Former LSU Tiger and former Will Wade assistant Tasmin Mitchell stays on the staff as special assistant to the head coach.

Cornerback Derek Stingley Junior showed off his speed during LSU’s pro day that could result in him being selected in the top ten in the upcoming NFL draft. Stingley missed most of his junior season with a foot injury and showed no lingering effects yesterday as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds. He also posted impressive numbers in the vertical jump and individual drills….
cut 18 (11) “….good to go”

There are reports the Saints are interested in a reunion with Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Houston is looking to trade the 28-year-old who has 8,364 receiving yards in the NFL since 2014. But the Saints are one of a number teams who have inquired about Cooks, who was drafted by New Orleans.

Former LSU golfer Sam Burns will make his Master’s debut today. Burns, who has won three titles on the PGA Tour, will tee off at 12:19. Burns best finish at a major is a tie for 29th at the 2019 PGA Championship.

The Pelicans are back home tonight to host the Trail Blazers. New Orleans is in the play-in tournament and has a chance to host an elimination game between them and San Antonio. The Pels have a one-game lead over the Spurs with three games left.

In college baseball last night, the Ragin Cajuns scored seven runs in the sixth inning to come back from a six to one deficit to beat Louisiana Tech eight to six. Cooper Rawls earned the win as he relieved an ineffective Peyton Havard to strike out 12 in 7.2 innings.

Also last night, Southeastern Louisiana, Nicholls, and McNeese won, but Northwestern State opened an eight-game road trip with a 9-6 loss to Lamar.

LSU held its annual Pro Day for NFL scouts on Wednesday and no workout was more anticipated than that of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. After exploding onto the scene as a freshman for the 2019 National Champs, Stingley only played in 10 games over the last two seasons while recovering from a torn ligament in his foot. He said he was confident he would perform even after the long layoff:
Cut 17 (13) “ a little kid”
Stingley ran an unofficial 4.37 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 38.5 inches. Both numbers would have ranked among the top five at the NFL combine.

Former LSU golfer Sam burns will make his Masters debut today. Burns who has won 3 titles on the PGA Tour will tee off at 12:19.

In college baseball, UL-Lafayette rallied to shut down in state rival Louisiana Tech 8-6 Wednesday at JC Love Park in Ruston. The Bulldogs blew an early 6-1 lead as The Ragin Cajuns kept them off the board after the third inning, preventing Tech from getting the mid-week two game series sweep.

Elsewhere around the state, McNeese knocked off Prairieview 7-2. Southeastern inched Troy, 5-4. Nicholls beat Jackson State 9-6. Northwestern State fell to Lamar 9-6. Tulane trounced Southern 19-5 in 7 innings.

The New Orleans Pelicans have clinched a spot in the Western Conference play in tournament heading into tonight’s game versus the Blazers inside The Blender. The game tips off at 7pm.

An LHSAA panel has approved a partnership with Eccker Sports, a company that provides support and education on name image and likeness. A big step into the NIL arena for high school sports in Louisiana.

After getting off to a 1-12 start, it was easy to write off the New Orleans Pelicans. However, since then the Pels have gone 33-32. Last night, New Orleans secured a spot in the NBA’s Play-In tournament with a 123-109 win over the Sacramento Kings, giving them an opportunity to reach the postseason for the first time since the 2017-18 season. After the victory, head coach Willie Green talked about the steady progress the Pels have made this year.

Cut 21 (18) “…extended season.”

The Pelicans have three games remaining in the regular season…next up, the Portland Trail Blazers at home Thursday night, before visiting Memphis and hosting Golden State. New Orleans is one game up on San Antonio in the standings.

—

At LSU’s Pro Day, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. showed why he is considered to be one of the top prospects heading into this month’s NFL Draft, even after playing in just 10 games over the last two seasons. Stingley ran an unofficial 4.37 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 38.5 inches. Both numbers would have ranked among the top five at the NFL combine. Stingley also impressed scouts in individual drills, likely cementing a place in the top 10 of the draft.

—

LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon continues to fill out his staff with the hirings of Cody Toppert, Casey Long, and Ronnie Hamilton as top assistants, and Tim Kaine as chief of staff. Both Long and Kaine served under McMahon at Murray State. Hamilton, known as a top recruiter comes from Ole Miss, and Toppert was previously at Memphis.

—

The Masters, golf’s first major tournament of the year tees off tomorrow, and betting money is following Tiger Woods as he prepares to make his return to the PGA Tour after missing more than a year due to a near-fatal car crash. Woods has 40-1 odds to win his sixth green jacket. Justin Thomas is the favorite at 12-1.

It’s official! The New Orleans Pelicans have secured a spot in the NBA’s Play-in Tournament after beating the Sacramento Kings 123-109 last night. Jaxson Hayes had a career night with 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead seven Pels in double figures. Here’s Coach Willie Green after the win…

Cut 21 (20) “…go from there.”

With three games remaining in the regular season, New Orleans is one game up on San Antonio for ninth in the West. If the two teams tie, the Spurs own the tiebreaker, so the Pels need to win at least two of those three to secure a home game. And with the Lakers being eliminated from contention, New Orleans will receive their 2022 lottery pick, currently slated at number eight overall.

After starting the season 1-13, the Pelicans have gone 34-21.

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LSU conducts its annual Pro Day for NFL scouts today, and unlike in years past, this year’s workouts don’t have a lot of first-round names participating. There is still one blue-chip prospect looking to impress, says draft analyst Mike Detillier…cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.

Cut 16 (19) “…the Lisfranc injury.”

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The baseball Tigers routed Grambling 16-3 last night in seven innings. Grambling jumped out early with two runs in the top of the first, but LSU responded with two in the bottom half of the inning, four in the second, and nine runs in the fourth to blow the game open. Five players drove in at least two runs for LSU.

—

Louisiana Tech claimed its 20^th victory of the season by beating UL-Lafayette, 7-3 at JC Love Field. Southern’s game against UNO was postponed due to weather concerns.

Today is Pro Day on the LSU campus as NFL scouts are in Baton Rouge to watch Tiger football players go through a variety of drills. Working out for the first time for NFL teams will be cornerback Derek Stingley, who has recovered from a foot injury that forced him to miss most of his junior campaign. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says talent is not the question with Stingley, availability is…
cut 17 (18) “…..calm some nerves”
Stingley could be a top ten pick.

Former LSU Tiger and free-agent safety Tyrann Mathieu visited with the Saints yesterday. Mathieu walked out of their building without a contract.

After starting the season 1-and-12, the Pelicans are in the playoffs after beating Sacramento 123 to 109 last night. Jaxson Hayes and C-J McCollum led the way as each had 23 points. The Pels will be in the play-in tournament and will play the Clippers if New Orleans holds on to the ninth seed.

Will Zion Williamson be available for a postseason run? Zion’s stepfather, Lee Anderson, told the Jordy Cullota Show that he expects Williamson will play this season and the former number one pick is happy to be with the Pels.

LSU baseball trounced Grambling 16-3 last night as Hayden Travinski hit two home runs and Louisiana Tech topped U-L Lafayette seven to three.

The New Orleans Pelicans will take their second shot at securing a spot in the NBA’s Play-in tournament when they visit the Sacramento Kings to close out a four-game road trip. The Pels opened with wins over Portland and the Lakers before falling to the Clippers on Sunday. New Orleans is 1-2 against Sacramento this season and remains in ninth place in the West with four games left to play.

—

Zion Williamson will not play, but his stepfather, Lee Anderson is ready to talk. Appearing on “The Jordy Culotta Show,” Anderson said he believes Williamson could play this season, which seems unlikely considering just how little time there is left in the regular season for games or practice.  Anderson also said Zion has been frustrated with losing but his relationship with the Pelicans’ front office is solid. He had great praise for Coach Willie Green, calling his hiring a “walk-off home run.”

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In Saints news, the team welcomed safety Tyrann Mathieu into the facility today, though no agreement appears on the near horizon to sign the nine-year veteran. New Orleans is looking to replace both starting safeties from last season with the losses of Marcus Williams and Malcolm Jenkins. Mathieu has been a playmaker throughout his career, with 26 interceptions, 10 sacks, and 41 tackles for loss. And backup quarterback Blake Bortles has asked for his release, which he should get.

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After dropping two of three to Auburn this past weekend, LSU baseball will try to get back on track tonight when they host Grambling. The Tigers are 10-0 all-time against GSU. In other games around the state, UNO will visit Southern, while UL heads to Ruston to take on Louisiana Tech. Southeastern is on the road at South Alabama.

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Kansas held off North Carolina, 72-69 to claim its fourth men’s basketball national championship last night, and the second for Coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks trailed by 15 points at the half but opened the second with a 31-9 run to take the lead. Kansas All-American Ochai Agbaji was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 33 points over two games. David McCormack led the Jayhawks with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Before last night, North Carolina had never lost a Final Four game in New Orleans, and Kansas had been 0-2 in championship games played in the Crescent City. The only other time the teams met for the championship was in 1957. Carolina, led by Lennie Rosenbluth beat Wilt Chamberlain and the Jayhawks, 54-53 in overtime.

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Kansas held off North Carolina, 72-69 to claim its fourth men’s basketball national championship last night, and the second for coach Bill Self. The Jayhawks trailed by 15 points at the half, but opened the second with a 31-9 run to take the lead. Kansas All-American Ochai Agbaji was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player after scoring 33 points over two games. David McCormack led the Jayhawks with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Before last night, North Carolina had never lost a Final Four game in New Orleans, and Kansas had been 0-2 in championship games played in the Crescent City.

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The New Orleans Pelicans will take their second shot at securing a spot in the NBA’s Play-in tournament when they visit the Sacramento Kings to close out a four-game road trip. The Pels opened with wins over Portland and the Lakers before falling to the Clippers on Sunday. New Orleans is 1-2 against Sacramento this season and remains in ninth place in the West with four games left to play.

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On the diamond, UNO visits Southern, UL is at Louisiana Tech, Southeastern takes on South Alabama, and LSU hosts Grambling.

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The New Orleans Saints have shaken up the NFL Draft by making a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles that gives the Saints two picks in the first round and four in the top 100 selections. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says whether this is the first or the last move the team makes, it’s a good deal for the Black and Gold.

Cut 15 (16) “…this year’s draft.”

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Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was in New Orleans Monday to help bring awareness to pediatric cancer. The future Hall of Famer also gave his thoughts on Jameis Winston, Dennis Allen, and expectations for the Saints in year 2 A.D., After Drew.

Cut 18 (19) “…built this culture.”