The number one ranked LSU baseball team takes the field for the first time in 2019 tonight when they host ULM at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers are one of the favorites to win the College World Series, because of the return of shortstop Josh Smith, who missed most of last season with a back injury. 2009 was the last time the Tigers won a national championship and Smith knows LSU fans are hungry for another title…
Cut 18 (15) after it”
ULM comes into the season, looking to improve on a 23-31 mark.

Also this weekend, Louisiana Tech is at Southeastern Louisiana. The Bulldogs return 24 players from a team that went 39-and-20 last season and just missed the NCAA Tournament.

And over in Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns host 23rd ranked Texas. UL-Lafayette features three players who were named to the preseason All Sun Belt Conference team, Gunner Leger, Daniel Lahare and Hayden Cantrelle.

Impressive win for the Pelicans last night as they defeated Oklahoma City 131 to 122 but the drama continues with disgruntled all-star Anthony Davis. Cameras caught A-D leaving the arena with an injured shoulder before the game ended. Coach Alvin Gentry preferred to talk about the guys who finished the game…
cut 30 (19) “…great job”
The Pelicans get a much needed break as All-Star festivities are this weekend in Charlotte.

In college hoops last night, DaQuan Bracey had a career-high 28 points as Louisiana Tech ended a three-game losing streak with a 71-57 win over UTEP.

The Saints have reportedly blocked the Bengals from speaking with defensive backs coach Aaron Glenn. Cincinnati is interested in hiring Glenn as its defensive coordinator.

The Pelicans host the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in the final game before the All-Star break in Charlotte. New Orleans has lost eight of its last 11, including two of the last three since Anthony Davis made his trade demands public. Davis is coming off a 3 point performance in a 118-88 home loss to Orlando. The Thunder are playing well and Russell Westbrook has recorded a triple-double in an NBA record 10 consecutive games.

Louisiana Tech basketball looks to snap a three-game losing streak tonight when they host UTEP. It’s the Bulldogs first home game in three weeks. Tech is 5-7 in Conference USA play, which is good for a tie for eighth place, but they are 12-0 at home. Tip off is at 6:30.

LSU basketball remains in second place in the SEC after Tennessee stayed undefeated in league play with an 85-73 win over South Carolina last night. The 10-and-1 Tigers meet the 1-and-10 Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, while Tennessee visits Kentucky.

LSU Coach Paul Mainieri announced his starting pitchers for this weekend’s opening series. Zach Hess will start Friday against ULM, freshman Landon Marceaux will pitch on Saturday against Army and freshman Jaden Hill will start on Sunday against Air Force. Hill is a six-foot-four freshman from Ashdown, Arkanas, who was surprised to get the nod. Eric Walker will make his first since Tommy John Surgery on Wednesday against Northwestern State.

Louisiana Tech star Jaylon Ferguson is not happy about being disinvited to the scouting combine because he was convicted of simple battery as a freshman in Ruston. Ferguson was arrested after a fight at a McDonald’s. The NFL has told clubs they will bar players from the combine, if a background check reveals a conviction involving violence. Ferguson’s agent says the NFL should allow players in Jaylon’s situation the opportunity to prove to potential employers they are remorseful. Ferguson finished his career in Ruston as the NCAA’s career sacks leader.

ULM Basketball Coach Keith Richard has received a contract extension that keeps him on the sidelines in Monroe through the 2022-23 season. Richard is in his ninth season as the Warhawks head man and has ULM this season at 13-10, 6-5 in the Sun Belt heading into Saturday’s game against the Ragin Cajuns.

The LSU basketball team’s upset win over 5th ranked Kentucky on Wednesday night was a statement victory and a message to the rest of the NCAA that the Tigers are a serious contender to reach the Final Four. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says it’s a signature victory for second-year coach Will Wade…
cut 30 (11) “…special”
LSU is 10-1 in the SEC and in second place, one game behind Tennessee, who remained undefeated in conference play last night with an 85-73 win over South Carolina. The Tigers next game is Saturday at Georgia.

The Pelicans play their final game before the All-Star break tonight against Oklahoma City. What kind of effort will New Orleans give? It seemed like they gave up on the season in an embarrassing loss to Orlando on Tuesday. There are 24 games left in this season that’s going nowhere.

Southeastern Louisiana moved into a tie for third place in the Southland with a 70-64 win over Incarnate Word last night. Senior Moses Greenwood led the way with 25 points and 10 rebounds for his 9th double-double of the season. The Lions are now 8-4 in the Southland and they’ve won eight of their last nine.

Northwestern State’s rally came up short last night as the Demons lost to Lamar 75-70. Northwestern is now 4-8 in the Southland. McNeese also came up short last night, losing to Stephen F Austin 67-57. And Abilene Christian crushed Nicholls 64-48.

Tonight, Louisiana Tech hosts UTEP. The Bulldogs have lost three in a row, but they are 12-0 this season in the TAC. The Miners are 8-15 on the year and have yet to win away from El Paso this season. Tip-off is at 6:30.

College football news, LSU freshman defensive tackle Dominic Livingston who played in one game last season as a true freshman has entered the transfer portal, while fellow freshman defensive tackle Davin Cotton removed his name from the transfer portal.

The 19th ranked LSU basketball team pulled off a huge upset last night as the Bayou Bengals beat 5th ranked Kentucky 73-71 on a tip in at the buzzer by Kavell Bigby Williams. Tigers Coach Will Wade felt good about his team’s chances heading into the game…
cut 30 (25) “…were loose”
The Tigers are 20-4 and 10-1 in the SEC. They own sole possession of second place in the SEC as they head into Saturday’s game against Georgia.

Brutal loss for the Pelicans last night as they were thumped by Orlando 118 to 88. Anthony Davis had just three points.

In college hoops tonight….red hot Southeastern Louisiana hosts Incarnate Word. The Lions have won seven of their last eight. Nicholls welcomes Abilene Christian into Stopher Gym tonight. The Colonels are coming off a one-point win over UNO to snap a five game losing streak.

Northwestern State is at Lamar, while McNeese visits Stephen F Austin. The Cowboys have announced that standout guard Roydell Brown will miss two to four weeks because of a sprained ankle.

The Phillies are reportedly close to signing former LSU ace pitcher Aaron Nola to a four-year, 45-million dollar contract extension. The 25-year-old Baton Rouge native went 17-and-6 last season with a 2.37 ERA and finished third in the National League in the Cy Young voting.

According to Tiger Rag Editor James Moran, LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will announce tomorrow who will start on the mound for the Tigers for the opening weekend. LSU hosts ULM Friday.

D-1 Baseball-dot-com reports that Louisiana Tech senior left-hander David Leal is out two months after undergoing surgery to repair a broken foot.

The 19th ranked LSU basketball team made a huge statement last night by beating 5th ranked Kentucky 73-71 in Lexington. Kavell Bigby-Williams with the tip-in at the buzzer stunned the Rupp Arena crowd and ended the Wildcats 10-game winning streak. LSU came back from nine points down in the second half to win its 20th game of the season. Coach Will Wade…
cut 30 (14) “…tonight”
It’s only the second time in program history that LSU has defeated a Top five team on the road. 1980 was the only other time.

Meanwhile at the Smoothie King Center, Anthony Davis scored just three points as the Magic made the Pelicans disappear 118 to 88. Anthony Davis was a dismal one of nine from the field and had zero assists. A-D admitted after the game no one was interested in playing.

ULM Defensive end Kerry Starks has been suspended from the team following his arrest over the weekend in which he allegedly grabbed his girlfriend by the throat with both hands and dragged her out of Hammers Nightclub in Monroe. Police also say Starks punched out the window of the woman’s car. Starks had five sacks last season, which was tied for most on the team.

Ole Miss must vacate 33 victories on the football field going back to 2010 as part of its punishment for violations that occurred when Houston Nutt and Hugh Freeze were the head coaches.

According to Tiger Rag Editor James Moran, LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will announce his starting pitching for the opening weekend on Thursday. The Tigers open the season by hosting ULM on Friday.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Tony Robichaux has named Gunner Leger as his opening day starter. The Cajuns host 23rd ranked Texas on Friday.

D-1 Baseball reports that Louisiana Tech senior left-hander David Leal is out two months after undergoing surgery to repair a broken foot.

19th ranked LSU basketball can make a huge statement tonight when they visit 5th ranked Kentucky. Both teams are 9-and-1 in the SEC. LSU has made a habit of getting behind by double digits, but still pulling out a victory. Coach Will Wade says that strategy will not work tonight
Cut 18 (10) to win”
Kentucky’s top player is six-foot-eight sophomore forward PJ Washington, who is averaging 14 points and 8 rebounds a game. They’ve also been very good on the defensive end, allowing just 60 points a game in SEC contests. Tip off is at 6 PM.

The Pelicans host Orlando tonight at 7 PM. Both teams are 25-and-32 on the season. Anthony Davis is expected to play for New Orleans, but Coach Alvin Gentry says a decision on whether A-D will continue to play with the Pels after this weekend’s All-Star break has not been made.

According to Tiger Rag Editor James Moran, LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will announce his startering pitching for the opening weekend on Thursday. The Tigers open the season by hosting ULM on Friday. Zach Hess is expected to start on Friday and freshman Landon Marceaux is also expected to get a start this weekend.

Ragin Cajuns Coach Tony Robichaux has named Gunner Leger as his opening day starter. Leger missed the entire 2018 season, because of surgery on his knee and elbow. In 2017, Leger was 10-and-2 with a 1.97 ERA. The Cajuns host 23rd ranked Texas on Friday.

D-1 Baseball reports that Louisiana Tech senior left-hander David Leal is out two months after undergoing surgery to repair a broken foot. Leal led the team in strikeouts and innings pitched last season and compiled a 4-and-4 record with a 2.27 ERA.

LSU freshman defensive tackle Davin Cotton has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

19th ranked LSU is a nine point underdog heading into tonight’s game against 5th ranked Kentucky. Both teams are 9-1 in the SEC, but Tigers Coach Will Wade says his team faces a different animal tonight and they’ll need to do the little things to win…
cut 17 (20) “…their late”
The Tigers last win in Lexington was in 2009. tip-off tonight is at 6 PM.

The Pelicans host the Orlando Magic tonight. Coach Alvin Gentry says disgruntled superstar Anthony Davis will play in the two games leading up to this weekend’s All-Star break, but nothing has been decided after that. Tip time is at 7 PM.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to Governor John Bel Edwards letter expressing his disappointment with the officiating error that cost the Saints a chance at winning the NFC Championship game. Goodell says they will look at whether expanding instant replay to include judgement calls on penalties should be reviewed. Goodell also says the league looks forward to bringing back the Super Bowl to New Orleans in 2024.

The Saints have hired Darren Rizzi as its new special teams coordinator. He’s spent the past 10 seasons with the Miami Dolphins and over the past eight seasons, Miami ranked first in the NFL in blocked punts and second in blocked kicks.

Former LSU Tiger Eric Reid has re-signed with Carolina Panthers, inking a three-year deal. Reid played in 13 games with the Panthers last season and finished sixth on the team in tackles.

LSU freshman defensive tackle Davin Cotton has entered the NCAA transfer portal. The former Evangel star played in just two games last season will have a hard time cracking the starting line-up with Bredien Fehoko and Tyler Shelving returning.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has responded to Governor John Bel Edwards’ letter in which he expressed disappointment in the blown pass interference call in the NFC Championship game. In a letter to the governor, Goodell said that he agrees the league must look at whether expanding replay to review decisions by officials on penalties could be a way to prevent a similar occurrence in the future. Goodell added that the NFL treasures its relationship with New Orleans and they look forward to the city hosting its 11th Super Bowl in 2024.

The Saints announced the hiring of Darren Rizzi as special teams coordinator. Rizzi spent the last 10 years with the Dolphins and over the past eight seasons, Miami ranked first in the NFL with eleven blocked punts and second in the league with 22 blocked kicks.

Former LSU safety Eric Reid has signed a 3-year contract extension worth more than 22-million dollars to remain with the Carolina Panthers. Reid started 13 games with Carolina last season and had one interception.

LSU has moved up two spots to number 19 in the latest A-P Top 25 poll. The Tigers have won 12 of their last 13, but Coach Will Wade is careful not to give his team too much praise…
cut 30 (10) “….done that”
The Tigers will face their biggest test of the season tomorrow when they visit fifth ranked Kentucky.

Warhawks Senior guard Daishon Smith has been named National Mid-Major player of the week by College Sports Madness. Smith averaged 37 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and 2.5 steals per game as the Warhawks beat Georgia State and Georgia Southern last week.

LSU announces that all baseball fans will be able to purchase beer and wine during home games this season in a new section called the Yard. They will be tented areas located in the left and right outfield corners. The Yard will operate in much the same way as the Chute at Tiger Stadium.

The LSU Tigers have won 11 of their last 12 heading into tomorrow night’s highly anticipated matchup with Kentucky in Lexington. On Saturday, the Tigers defeated Auburn 83 to 78 as LSU beat up the War Eagles on the glass, collecting 22 offensive rebounds, which led to 29 second chance points. Coach Will Wade’s team leads the SEC in offensive rebounding percentage and effort is a big key in getting the job done …

cut 30 (20) “…go hard”

It will be LSU versus Kentucky tomorrow night at 6 PM.

The Pelicans also return to the court tomorrow as they’ll be in Orlando to face the Magic. The Pels lost to the Grizzlies 99-90 on Saturday and we can expect Anthony Davis will play again in Orlando tomorrow, even though he wants to be traded out of New Orleans.

At 12:45 this afternoon at Amite High School, we’ll find out where the state’s top two remaining uncommitted football players will sign. Ishmael Sophser is considered one of the nation’s top defensive tackles. He’s been recruited heavily by Alabama, LSU and Oregon. Wide receiver-slash-defensive back Devonta Lee will also make his decision known and Billy Embody of 24-7 sports expects Lee to stay in Louisiana…
cut 6 (12) “…pick LSU”
24-7 ranks LSU as having the sixth best recruiting class in the nation.

24-7 sports says the Ragin Cajuns will bring in the best recruiting class in the Sun Belt. UL-Lafayette just received a commitment from three star linebacker La’Kamion Franklin from Neville High School. ULM’s class is ranked as the 9th best in the Sun Belt.

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Saints rookie pass rusher Marcus Davenport is recovering from surgery. He posted a picture on social media that shows him in the hospital and his right foot his heavily bandaged. Davenport wrote he played through a season ending injury and promises to come back better. We do know that Davenport suffered a toe injury during the season, but wasn’t on the injury report during the final weeks of the regular season or postseason.

The Pelicans are in Chicago tonight and Anthony Davis’ injured finger is healthy enough to practice, but the team will reportedly have him sit on the bench tonight. The Pels are apparently not interested in playing him until after Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

21st ranked LSU is at Mississippi State tonight. The Tigers have won four straight road games. Tip off is at 8 PM.

In the Southland…McNeese visits the first place Sam Houston State Bearkats. UNO is at Northwestern State. Southeastern Louisiana travels to Texas A-and-M Corpus Christi.