4:45 LRN Sportscast May 3

Following a series win over Georgia, LSU baseball seems to have found its bearings. The Tigers have won six of eight and are climbing the power rankings. Cade Doughty says there’s no time to look back with plenty of tough competition ahead.

Cut 16 (14) “…get the job done.”

The Tigers host Nicholls tonight at 6:30 before going for their third straight SEC series win on the road at Alabama this weekend.

In other action around the state, Lamar visits the Southern Jaguars while McNeese hosts Stephen F. Austin. UL-Monroe heads west on I-20 to take on Louisiana Tech, as UNO travels across town to play Tulane for the Pelican Cup in New Orleans.

Southern University offensive lineman Ja’Tyre Carter was one of four players selected from Historically Black Colleges in this past weekend’s NFL Draft. Carter was taken by the Bears in the seventh, becoming the first player from The Bluff drafted since Lenny Williams in 2004.

The U-L Ragin Cajuns have won 10 of their last 12 in the Sun Belt Conference and sit three games behind Texas State in the standings. They’ll take on the Bobcats next weekend, but up first is UT-Arlington, and Coach Matt Deggs says his team won’t take the struggling Mavericks lightly.

Cut 18 (15) “…can we play.”

In tonight’s NBA playoffs, the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks look to take a 2-0 lead over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, while Golden State tries to do the same against the Memphis Grizzlies in the West.

The LSU women’s basketball team has added another transfer, 5-foot-8 guard Kateri Poole from Ohio State. Last season Poole averaged 4.8 points and 2.4 assists for the Buckeyes and played in OSU’s win over the Tigers in the second round of the NCAA tournament. With three transfers now, Kim Mulkey’s recruiting class for next season is up to seven players.

06:45 LRN Sportscast May 3rd

The Saints and former LSU star safety Tyrann Mathieu have officially reached an agreement on a 3 year, $33 million dollar contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Exact language is still being finalized, but the Honey Badger is coming home. Kyle Mosley of the Saints News Network says the New Orleans D is now poised to be off the charts good…:
CUT 21 (12) “talented group”
Matheiu was a huge part of the Chiefs defense that won a Super Bowl in 2019.

There are plenty of mid week in state baseball matchups including Louisiana Tech and ULM who are set to play today in Ruston before the Bulldogs travel to face Northwestern State tomorrow. Stephen F Austin is at McNeese today and UNO is at Tulane.

The LSU Baseball team’s 2-1 series victory over Georgia has helped get the Tigers back into Collegiate Baseball’s Top 25 poll at No. 23. Cade Doughty, who sealed the series fate out with a walk-off home run Sunday says there’s still plenty of tough competition ahead…:
Cut 16 (14) “get the job done”
LSU hosts Nicholls this evening inside The Box.

The UL-Lafayette baseball team has won 10 of their last 12 in the Sun Belt and Coach Matt Deggs says the Ragin Cajuns remain focused on racking up the Ws..:
Cut 18 (15) “ can we play”
The Cajuns sit 3 games behind Texas State in the standings and take on the Bobcats next weekend.

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 2

The New Orleans Saints finished up their weekend at the NFL Draft. Head coach Dennis Allen says he’s pleased with the players they’ve selected, but the search for talent continues.

Cut 21 (10) “…improve your team.

According to reports New Orleans native, LSU standout, and Super Bowl champion safety, Tyrann Mathieu will be signing a three-year, $33 million contract, with $18 million fully guaranteed with the Saints. Mathieu, entering his 10th season, has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two seasons, and was first-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2020. An official announcement is expected on Tuesday. No word yet on whether Mathieu, who has worn number 32 throughout his pro career, will try to get number seven from tight end Taysom Hill.

The Saints added 17 undrafted free agents to the roster as well, including Nicholls State’s all-time leader in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, Dai’Jean Dixon.

LSU baseball’s series win over Georgia has lifted the Tigers to 16th in the RPI rankings. At 12-9, LSU is tied for second in the SEC West. The Tigers host Nicholls State on Tuesday before traveling to Tuscaloosa to take on Bama this weekend.

Former LSU women’s basketball guard Khayla Pointer has been waived by the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces. Pointer, the first pick of the second round in this year’s draft, was a long shot to make the Aces, who have a lot of depth at the guard position. In one preseason game, she scored four points, with one assist, one steal, and three turnovers in 11 minutes of action.

McNeese State alumnus and Basketball Hall of Famer Joe Dumars has been named the NBA’s Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. In his position, Dumars will oversee development of rules, conduct and discipline policies, as well as engage with stakeholders at every level. Dumars spent the last three seasons as Chief Strategy Officer for the Sacramento Kings following a 15-year tenure with the Detroit Pistons. The Shreveport native was also the Southland Conference Player of the Decade in the 1980s after a stellar on-court career for the Cowboys.

6:45 LRN Sportscast May 2

LSU pulled off a big series win against Georgia and it ended in thrilling fashion as Cade Doughty drilled a two-run walk-off homer on Sunday as the Tigers earned a four to three victory. The Bayou Bengals are 12 and 9 in the SEC and in a three-way tie for second place in the West.

The Saints ended up taking five players in the NFL draft and they hope they found their left tackle in the future by selecting Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning with the 19th overall pick. Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says they’ve had success in drafting offensive linemen from small schools…
Cut 16 (25) “…our coaches”

Louisiana Tech baseball responded from a shutout loss to Old Dominion on Friday to win the next two games against the Monarchs. The Bulldogs are 14-and-7 in Conference USA and tied for second with UTSA. La Tech hosts ULM on Tuesday.

The Warhawks were swept in Little Rock, while the Cajuns took two of three from Appalachian State. In the Southland, Nicholls, McNeese and HBU are all tied for first place.

The Pelicans are beginning their offseason evaluations. One of the most memorable parts of the season was the Pelicans’ win over the Clippers to get in the playoffs and Coach Willie Green’s speech to his team where he told them to keep fighting as they overcame a double-digit deficit…
cut 18 (18) “….all season”

7:30 LRN Sportscast April 30

In the second round of the NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Tennessee cornerback Alontae Taylor. Taylor at 6-feet-even and 195 pounds has the size and ran the 40 in 4.36 seconds at the NFL combine. He had a good week of work leading up to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and then grabbed an interception in the game. Here’s head coach Dennis Allen on the pick…

Cut 16 (18) “…group today.”

Rounds 4-7 start today at 11 am.

The Saints have also re-signed restricted free agent wide receiver, Deonte Harris. Harris had a breakout year last season, posting career-highs with 36 catches, 570 yards, and three touchdowns on 15.8 yards per reception.

LSU topped 16th-ranked Georgia 6-2 in the opener of their 3-game series. Ma’Khail Hilliard gave up just two runs over six innings, and struck out seven to improve to 5-0 for the Tigers. Old Dominion blanked LA Tech 5-0, McNeese scored a 7-2 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Nicholls routed UNO 12-2, Tulane lost to UCF, 2-1; and Southeastern edged Northwestern State, 6-4.

The New Orleans Pelicans had their season come to a disappointing end, with a Game Six loss to top-seeded Phoenix Thursday night. However, it was a very successful campaign as the team reached the playoffs for the first time in four years, and did so without the services of former number one pick Zion Williamson. During Friday’s exit interviews Williamson, who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, was asked about his future.

Cut 22 (08) “…it fast enough.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 29

It’s day two of the NFL Draft. In yesterday’s first round the Saints added depth to the offensive line and receiving corps; moving up to select Ohio State wideout Chris Olave and then grabbing Northern Iowa tackle Trevor Penning. Adding weapons on the outside was a priority coming into the draft, and the Saints are glad to put another Buckeye opposite Michael Thomas.

Cut 16 (13) “…going.”

New Orleans has three picks remaining. One in today’s second round and then one each in the fifth and sixth.

A big weekend of college baseball is ahead as we enter the final weeks of the regular season. LSU hosts 16th-ranked Georgia in a very important three-game series. McNeese looks for its third straight Southland Conference series win on the road against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, while rivals Southern and Grambling battle in the SWAC. UL-Monroe is at Little Rock, UNO visits Nicholls, the Cajuns travel to North Carolina to face Appalachian State, and Southeastern takes on Northwestern State.

The New Orleans Pelicans had their season come to a disappointing end, with a Game Six loss to top-seeded Phoenix Thursday night. However, it was a very successful campaign as the team reached the playoffs for the first time in four years, and did so without the services of former number one pick Zion Williamson. Today the team held its exit interviews and Williamson, who is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, was asked about his future.

Cut 22 (08) “…it fast enough.”

Speculation about his relationship with his teammates and the franchise has been swirling for months. Zion says it was difficult watching from the sidelines all season, but he sees something special happening in New Orleans and wants to be a part of it.

Cut 23 (12) “…those guys.

Next up for New Orleans, the NBA’s draft lottery on May 17. The Pelicans own the Lakers’ pick this season and should add another elite young player to the roster through the draft.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 29

Two of the Saints’ biggest needs heading into the NFL draft were at wide receiver and offensive tackle and they addressed both areas in the first round. New Orleans traded up to take receiver Chris Olave with the 11th pick and with the 19th overall pick, the Saints selected Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Penning is known for having a nasty side…

Cut 17 (17) “…get ready to compete.”

Penning is 6-foot-7, 325 pounds, and squats 625 pounds. According to Pro Football Focus, he received a 99.9 run block grade last season. The Saints have just three picks left in the draft. One in today’s second round and then one in the fifth and sixth.

LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr won’t be going far from home, as he was taken third overall by the Houston Texans.

The New Orleans Pelicans led by 10 at the half but ultimately fell to the Phoenix Suns, 115-109, losing their opening-round playoff series four games to two. Former Hornet Chris Paul had a historic performance, going 14 of 14 from the field and finishing with 33 points and eight assists. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 21 points and 11 assists in the loss. It was a tough conclusion to a season that took the Pels from a 1-12 start to pushing the NBA’s top team nearly to the limit. Herb Jones gave his thoughts on the journey.

Cut 18 (18) “…did this year.”

The Pelicans will hold their season exit interviews this afternoon.

LSU basketball has signed four-star prospect Jalen Reed from Jackson, Mississippi. Reed is a six-ten combo forward and ranked as the seventh-best power forward in the nation according to ON-3.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Two of the Saints’ biggest needs heading into the NFL draft were at wide receiver and offensive tackle and they addressed both areas in the first round. New Orleans traded up to take receiver Chris Olave with the 11th pick. The former Ohio State standout joins former Buckeye Michael Thomas in the wide receiver room
Cut 16 (13) “…going.”
With the 19th overall pick, the Saints selected Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Penning is 6-foot-7, 325 pounds, and squats 625 pounds. According to Pro Football Focus, he received a 99.9 run block grade last season. The Saints have just three picks left in the draft. One in the second round and then one in the fifth and sixth.

The Pelicans’ late season surge came to an end last night as they were eliminated from the NBA playoffs with a 115 to 109 loss to the Phoenix Suns in Game Six. Former Hornet Chris Paul was magnificent as he was 14 of 14 from the field and finished with 33 points, despite the defensive efforts from undrafted rookie Jose Alvardo. After the game, New Orleans head coach Willie Green teared up as he congratulated the Suns coaches and players. Alvardo on the influence the first-year coach had on the Pels…
cut 20 (17) “…..the whole time”

New LSU basketball coach Matt McMahon has signed four-star prospect Jalen Reed from Jackson, Mississippi. Reed is a six-ten combo forward and ranked as the seventh-best power forward in the nation according to ON-3.

4:45 LRN Sportscast April 28

The New Orleans Saints have the 16th and 19th picks in the first round of tonight’s NFL Draft, and general manager Mickey Loomis would love to grab a couple of starters, but that depends on how the round plays out. He says the draft is a constant balancing act of trying to find the right player in the right spot.

Cut 18 (20) “…risk/reward.”

LSU cornerback Derek Stingley is a strong candidate to be taken in the top 10. His coach at Dunham High School in Baton Rouge, Neil Weiner, says he’s been hearing from teams for years looking for inside info on the budding star.

Cut 10 (08) “…would reach out.”

The New Orleans Pelicans face elimination tonight when they host the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of their playoff series. One storyline to watch is the health of Brandon Ingram. Ingram injured two fingers on his right hand in the second half of the Game 5 loss and in the fourth quarter shot 0-for-4 from the floor while making just 1-of-3 free throw attempts, finishing with a series-low 22 points. He says he’ll be good to go with the season on the line.

Cut 19 (15) _“…by next game.”

This afternoon the Suns announced that All-Star guard Devin Booker may be available for Game Six. Tip-off is at 6:30 pm.

Both LSU and Tulane are headed to the NCAA women’s golf regionals. The Tigers won the SEC championship with the wave claiming the title in the AAC. LSU travels to Stanford, where it will be the third seed behind the Cardinal and USC. Tulane travels to Stillwater, Oklahoma where they will play as the 11th seed.

11:40 LRN Sportscast April 28

The New Orleans Pelicans face elimination tonight when they host the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of their playoff series. Turnovers killed the Pelicans in Game 5, as their 15 giveaways led to 23 points for the Suns. Phoenix had scored just over 10 points per game off of turnovers over the first four games of the series. Coach Willie Green says taking care of the basketball has to be a priority.

Cut 20 (17) “…to be better.”

Game 6 tips off at the Smoothie King Center at 6:30 pm.

The SEC champion LSU women’s golf team is headed to the Stanford regional for the NCAA championships. The Tigers are the number three seed behind the hosting Cardinal and USC. Last season, LSU finished ninth, missing team match play by just one stroke.

The New Orleans Saints have the 16th and 19th picks in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft, and general manager Mickey Loomis says there are definite targets with those picks. However, he added that with the draft there are no guarantees that things will go according to plan.

Cut 17 (12) “…it’s never foolproof.”

The draft begins at 7 pm.                                              —

Reports indicate that former Saints head coach Sean Payton is nearing a deal to join Fox as an NFL studio analyst. According to the New York Post would appear on both “Fox’s NFL Kickoff” and “Fox NFL Sunday.”

Louisiana Tech dropped a heartbreaker at Little Rock Wednesday night, 8-7. The Bulldogs gave up seven runs in the fifth inning, rallied to tie the score but came up short. They’ll stay on the road to take on Old Dominion in a three-game set this weekend.