7:30 LRN Sportscast

Despite a valiant comeback, the LSU women’s basketball team’s season ended last night as Duke hit a buzzer-beating shot to defeat the Lady Tigers 87 to 85. Ashlon Jackson hit the winning shot as the ball spun around the rim before going through the hoop. LSU was down by 11 points with 7:35 to go and took the lead on Mikaylah Williams’ two free throws with nine seconds left. Williams had 22 points, and MiLaysia Fulwiley had a career-high 28 points.

Duke had 20 offensive rebounds and had 21 second-chance points. LSU finishes with a 29-6 record, they were 1-6 in games decided by seven points or less.

LSU baseball also lost last night, falling to Kentucky seven to four. Casan Evans suffered the loss as he walked six hitters in six innings and gave up four runs. The Tigers are 2-and-5 in the SEC and will look to even up the series at 2 PM.

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Big win for ULM baseball as the Warhawks went down to Lafayette and defeated the Cajuns five to three to improve to 5-2 in the Sun Belt. Davis Mauzy’s three-run home run in the sixth inning was the difference.

Jacksonville State blanked La Tech four to nothing. Northwestern thumped Nicholls 12 to 2 to improve to 9-and-4 in the Southland. Southeastern outscored UNO 13 to 11. Abilene Christian beat McNeese six to four. Texas Southern topped Grambling 15 to 8.

Offensive tackle Jordan Seaton spoke to the media for the first time this week since transferring to LSU. Seaton, rated as the top offensive lineman in the transfer portal, says his decision to come to Baton Rouge factored into how professional the program is run.

Cut 16 (13) “…is not enough.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU begins a pivotal baseball series tonight against 19th ranked Kentucky. The Tigers are 2-and-4 in SEC play and just lost a series at home last weekend and it would not be good if LSU dropped a second consecutive home SEC series. The Wildcats are 4-2 in league play, 20-and-4 overall. First pitch is at 6:30.

Also tonight…the Cajuns host ULM. Louisiana Tech hosts first place Jacksonville State, Nicholls hosts Northwestern, Southeastern hosts UNO.

LSU’s new starting offensive tackle Jordan Seaton says he’s worked out with former Neville and Tiger star Will Campbell. Seaton says seeing Campbell’s mindset toward football played a key role in his decision to end up in Baton Rouge.

Cut 17 (16)  “…to do that.”

The LSU women’s basketball team takes on Duke in a Sweet 16 matchup tonight. The Lady Tigers boast the nation’s top scoring offense, averaging 108  points per game in the postseason. Coach Kim Mulkey credits her team’s depth for its high-scoring success.

Cut 7 (14) “…freedom to score.”

Tip off from Sacramento is at 9 PM.

ULM introduced Ryan Cross as its new men’s basketball coach yesterday. Cross spent eight seasons as a Warhawk assistant before spending the last six years as an assistant at U-A-B. He says his teams will pride themselves on pushing the ball.

Cut 20 (16) “…collectively, you win.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

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 19th 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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

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 13th 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 1st 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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

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.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

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 23rd to the 25th.

 

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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

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 31st

`         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.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

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 25th 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.

7:30 LRN Sportscast

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 25th 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 5th 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.