According to sources, the Saints are expected to meet with Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara next week. Kamara averaged 5.8 yards per carry last season in Knoxville. He scored nine touchdowns and caught 40 passes out of the backfield.

Patriots restricted free agent Malcolm Butler met with the Saints Thursday. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Butler would give the Saints a quality starting cornerback to go along with Delvin Breaux….
cut 19 (14) “….for tomorrow”
But Detillier doesn’t see the Saints giving up their 11th pick in the first round for Butler.

In the NBA the Pelicans return home for a 7pm tipoff against the Houston Rockets tonight. New Orleans is now 5.5 games back of Denver for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and they are just 4-and-7 since acquiring DeMarcus Cousins in a trade with Sacramento.

The LSU baseball team begins SEC play tonight as they host Georgia, but the Tigers go into league action without its closer. Senior right hander Hunter Newman is out with a bad back and could miss at least a couple of weeks. Coach Paul Mainieri says other pitchers will have to step up…:
Cut 16 (13) “opportunities”
Alex Lange will start on the mound tonight for the Tigers and then Saturday it will be Jared Poche.

ULM will open up Sun Belt Conference action this weekend with a three-game series at Arkansas State. Josh Leone will likely start ont he mound for the Warhawks. Southeastern hosts Lamar for three games in Southland action. Lions fans are encouraged to wear green for St. Patrick’s Day. Louisiana Tech begins C-USA play hosting the Golden Eagles of Southern Miss. The Bulldogs are coming off a 6-5 win over UL-Lafayette. The 14th-ranked Ragin’ Cajuns Cajuns open conference action against Appalachian State. Louisiana has won all three of its series this year.

Patriots restricted free agent Malcolm Butler met with the Saints today. NFL analyst Mike Detillier believes New England and New Orleans will work out some sort of sign and trade deal to bring Butler to the Big Easy. Detillier says Butler would give the Saints a quality starting cornerback to go along with Delvin Breaux….
cut 19 (14) “….for tomorrow”
But Detillier doesn’t see the Saints giving up their 11th pick in the first round for Butler.

For the second time this season, UNO upset the sixth ranked LSU baseball team. This time it took 15 innings as the Privateers topped the Tigers seven to four last night.

Louisiana Tech and the Cajuns went 13 innings last night and the Bulldogs won six to five.

The Pelicans chances of making the playoffs continues to decline as New Orleans lost to Miami 120-112 last night. New Orleans is now 5.5 games back of Denver for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and they are just 4-and-7 since acquiring DeMarcus Cousins in a trade with Sacramento. And it’s being reporting the Pelicans will sign Jordan Crawford to a two-year contract. He has shot 51-percent from the field since signing a ten-day contract with the Pels.

LSU starting cornerback Donte Jackson is not only participating in spring football, but he also plans to run for the Tigers track team this spring as well. Jackson ran the 60-meter dash during the indoor track season and finished 17th nationally

McNeese announced today that it’s hosting Southern in football in 2019. It will be the Jaguars first game in Cowboy Stadium and kick-off is scheduled for August 31st. McNeese played at Southern in 2004 and the Pokes won that game 35-18.

Restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler is in New Orleans today to meet with the Saints. Based on reports, the Black and Gold are interested in signing the 27-year-old, who intercepted four passes last season. The Saints have an estimated 12.5 million dollars left in salary cap space and they still have to sign their draft picks. NFL analyst Mike Detillier anticipates New Orleans will be creative, if they are able to sign Butler to a longterm deal….
cut 18 (16) “…big investment”

The Pelicans lost to the Miami Heat 120-112 last night. New Orleans is now 5.5 games back of Denver for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and there’s only 14 games left. Since DeMarcus Cousins arrives, the Pels are 4-7 and now 27-41 for the season.

It was a long game at Alex Box Stadium and for the second time this season UNO defeated LSU. The Privateers upset the Tigers seven to four in 15 innings. LSU had just ten hits on the night and committed to four errors. For the Privateers, Samuel Capielano was 4-for-8 with two runs scored and Dakota Dean had three hits and scored twice. It’s the first time since the 2008 season that UNO has defeated LSU twice in one season.

Louisiana Tech and the Ragin Cajuns when 13 innings, before the Bulldogs won six to five. Chaase Lunceford was the hero with a two-out walk-off single.

Tulane and Nicholls also went extras last night and it was the Green Wave who edged the Colonels three to two. Jerret DeHart’s home run in the tenth inning was the difference. Grant Witherspoon struck out the side in the 10th to earn his first save.

ULM stranded nine runners on base and the Warhawks were blanked by Jackson State two to nothing.

In college hoops…Indiana has fired head coach Tom Crean. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Crean should be in the mix for the LSU job.

It was a late night at Alex Box Stadium and a good night for the UNO Privateers who beat LSU for a second time this season. The Privateers pushed across three runs in the 15th inning to beat the Tigers seven to four. It’s the longest game in the history of new Alex Box Stadium and it’s the first time since 2008 UNO has won two games in a same season over LSU.

Louisiana Tech and the Cajuns also played deep into the night and it was the Bulldogs who pulled out a six to five win over nationally ranked UL Lafayette in 13 innings. Chase Lunceford drove home the winning run with a two-out walk-off single in front of the largest crowd in Louisiana Tech baseball history.

Tulane and Nicholls State also played extra innings and it was the Green Wave knocking off the Colonels three to two in ten innings.

ULM stranded nine runners on base and the Warhawks were blanked by Jackson State two to nothing.

Patriots restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler is set to meet with the Saints today at their headquarters in Metairie. There’s been a lot of talk that New Orleans would like to acquire the 27-year-old who intercepted four passes last season. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Butler would be a good fit on the Black and Gold…
Cut 17 (13) “the Texans”
The Saints have an estimated 12.5 million dollars left in salary cap space and they have to sign their draft picks.

LSU starting cornerback Donte Jackson is not only participating in spring football, but he also plans to run for the Tigers track team this spring as well. Jackson ran the 60-meter dash during the indoor track season and finished 17th nationally.

The Monroe News-Star reports Louisiana Tech football coach Skip Holtz could receive a contract extension soon. And Holtz is not in a hurry to name J’Mar Smith his starting quarterback next season.

The LSU players are using spring football to learn a new offense under offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Quarterback Danny Elting says Canada preaches a quick tempo, getting everyone involved and motion….
cut 20 (15) “…to do”
In scheduling news, LSU added Utah State to its nonconference schedule in 2019. Northwestern State, Georgia Southern and a road game at Texas are the other nonconference games for the 2019 season.

Nicholls State released its football schedule for the 2016 today. The Colonels open the season on Thursday, August 31st at home against McNeese State. The rest of the home schedule includes Prairie View A-and-M, Northwestern State, Abilene Christian and Houston Baptist.

After beating Portland by 23 points last night, New Orleans is in Miami tonight to take on the Heat. The Pelicans held the Trail Blazers to 77 points, which is a season low for Portland and an opponent of New Orleans.

UNO Travin Thibodeaux has issued an apology for putting his hands around the neck of his teammate Christavious Gill on the sidelines during last night’s loss in the NCAA Tournament. The two had to be separated by teammates and coaches. Thibodeaux says he let his emtoions get the best of him. Thibodeaux did not play in the rest of the game after the heated exchange with Gill.

Tonight at Alex Box Stadium, LSU hosts UNO. The Privateers beat LSU in New Orleans on February 21st. The Privateers have lost seven of their last eleven, while the Tigers have won four in a row.

Elsewhere…Nicholls hosts Tulane, Jackson State is at ULM and there’s a big game in Ruston as the 14th ranked Ragin Cajuns visit Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs beat the Cajuns twice last season.

LSU Quarterback Danny Etling says offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s offense is easier to learn, because there is a system behind it. The Tigers completed their second practice of spring football yesterday. Etling also calls the Tigers new O-C a good teacher….
cut 19 (13) “….good relationship”
Elting says Canada preaches a quick tempo on offense and spreading the football around.

In football scheduling news…LSU has reportedly added Utah State to the 2019 season.

The Monroe News Star reports head football coach Skip Holtz could receive an extension. Holtz has been the Bulldogs head coach since 2013 and the last three seasons he’s led Tech to victories in bowl games. Holtz will reportedly meet with Athletic Director Tommy McClelland in the offseason to discuss a new deal.

The LSU baseball team had an easy time beating Louisiana College 13-0 last night. Antoine Duplantis continues to swing a hot bat as he drove in three more runs. Freshman right-hander Zack Hess allowed just one hit in six innings of work. The Tigers host UNO tonight.

Also last night, Southeastern Louisiana stretched its winning streak to eight games as the Lions crushed South Alabama 12-4. Carson Crites, Taylor Schwaner and Derrick Mount each drove in two runs.

Houston ended McNeese State’s eight-game winning streak as the Cougars beat the Poks six to five. 14th ranked Ole Miss blanked Nicholls five to nothing. Louisiana Tech thumped Grambling 15-1. Marshall Boggs drove in four runs as hit a three-run homer in the fifth. Tonight, the Bulldogs host the Ragin Cajuns. ULM takes on Jackson State. Tulane is at Nicholls.

Last night the UNO men’s basketball team dropped a heartbreaker in the NCAA First Four, as the Privateers were edged by Mount St. Mary’s, 67-66. In the defeat, New Orleans concludes this memorable season 20-12 overall. UNO still gets to boast being the only team invited to the Big Dance from Louisiana this season, winning the regular-season Southland title and being the first Privateer team to punch the ticket to the NCAA Tournament since 1996.

The installation of a new offense is underway at the LSU football practice field. Quarterback Danny Etling and the Tigers had their second session of the spring Tuesday and the starting signal caller says he has good feel for the basics of offensive coordinator Matt Canada…:
Cut 18 (16) “go a long”

In the NBA, the Pelicans put together an incredible performance last night when they downed the Trail Blazers 100-77 inside the Smoothie King Center. This time the combination of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins was finally noticeable The Pels will look to keep this momentum going as they travel to Miami for a 6:30pm tip-off tonight.

In the NFL, the Saints have signed Alex Okafor, offering the Cardinals pass rush a one year deal worth up to $3 million dollars. He’s reuniting with New Orleans safety Kenny Vaccaro as the two were captains together at Texas.

The Chiefs have signed former LSU defensive tackle Bennie Logan to a one year contract, according to sources. Logan made 24 tackles and had 2 and a half sacks last season with Philadelphia.

In college baseball, Louisiana College and LSU had a rare meeting in the makeup game the Tigers couldn’t play against San Diego a couple of weeks ago due to lightning. It was pitching domination that lead LSU to a 13-0 victory over the Wildcats. Nicholls State was shutout by Ole Miss 5-0. McNeese State fell to Houston 6-5. Southeastern hammered South Alabama 12-4. Louisiana Tech dominated Grambling, 15-1.

UNO takes on Mount St. Mary tonight in a First Four matchup in the NCAA Tournament. The winner gets to play top-seeded Villanova on Thursday night. Privateers Head Coach Mark Slessinger says the Mountaineers up tempo style is quite different from what the Privateers do…
cut 18 (18) “…can be’
Mount St. Mary’s press is called “Mount Mayhem.” But UNO has been one of the better teams in the country, when it comes to not turning the ball over.

The Pelicans are back in the Smoothie King Center tonight as they host Portland. The Trail Blazers have won nine of the last 11 games played between these two teams. New Orleans enters the contest five games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Saints announced today they’ve signed defensive end Alex Okafor to a one-year contract. Okafor spent the last four seasons with Arizona and racked up 13.5 sacks. And Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler is scheduled to visit with the Saints on Thursday. The 27-year-old is a restricted free agent, but there’s talk the Saints might work out another trade with New England to add one of the better cornerbacks in the league.

In other NFL news…former Dutchtown star running back Eddie Lacy has signed with Seattle. Lacy battled weight issues in Green Bay, but Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll doesn’t seem to mind. The Chiefs have signed former LSU defensive tackle Bennie Logan to a one-year deal. Logan made 51 starts during the past four seasons in Philadelphia. And the Browns have claimed ex Tiger wide reciever James Wright.

In baseball…LSU has a rare meeting with Louisiana College tonight at Box. Southeastern and McNeese look to keep their long winning streaks alive. The Lions have won seven in a row and they are at South Alabama, while the Pokes have won eight straight and they are at 24th ranked Houston.

UNO will play in its first NCAA Tournament game in 21 years when they face Mount St. Mary’s tonight for a 5:30 tip-off on Tru-TV. Head Coach Mark Slessinger is pumped about the national exposure UNO is getting
cut 17 (15) “…part of it”
Mount St. Mary’s is located in Maryland and they won the regular season and tournament titles in the Northeast Conference.

The Saints have reportedly signed edge rusher and outside linebacker Alex Okafor to a one year deal. He’s had 13.5 sacks during his four-year career in Arizona. And Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler will reportedly visit the Saints Thursday. He’s a restricted free-agent so New England can match the Saints offer.

Sixth ranked LSU looks for its fourth straight win when they host Louisiana College tonight at 6:30. This game was added to the schedule last week to make up for last week’s rain out against San Diego. Tiger second baseman Cole Freeman has been named SEC Player of the week and he’s hitting .482 on the season.

Elsewhere…Southeastern Louisiana has won seven straight and they visit South Alabama tonight. McNeese State has won eight in a row and the Pokes are at 24th ranked Houston tonight. Nicholls is at 30th ranked Ole Miss and Louisiana Tech, who is ranked 24th in the coaches poll, hosts Grambling State tonight at J-C Love Field.

In basketball…the Pelicans host Portland tonight, the LSU Lady Tigers are an eight-seed in the NCAA Tournament and will face Cal on Saturday night from Waco, Texas. Louisiana Tech and Tulane women’s basketball teams are in the WNIT. The Lady Techsters will play SMU in Dallas on Friday and the Lady Green Wave will host Texas-Arlington Thursday at 7 PM.

UNO represents Louisiana in the NCAA Tournament tonight as they face Mount St. Mary’s in a First Four contest in Dayton, Ohio. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The LSU women’s basketball team found out Monday evening that they’ll be playing in the Big Dance. The No. 8 seed Lady Tigers will face No. 9 California in the first around of the NCAA Tournament in Waco, Texas on Saturday.

For only the second time in its school history, Louisiana Tech will play in the postseason Women’s NIT.

The Saints are hosting former Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor, according to sources. Okafor played through an injury last season and finished the year with 3 and a half sacks.

Around the diamond, LSU takes on Louisiana College tonight in the Box. The Tigers are now ranked No. 6 by Baseball America. First pitch is 6:30. LSU pitcher Alden Cartwright announced on Twitter Monday that he is ending his playing career. The Senior suffered a complete tear of a ligament outside his elbow last April. LSU Freshman Cole Freeman earned SEC Co-Player of the Week honors. For the third time this season, LSU pitcher Jared Poche was among the Collegiate Baseball National Players of the Week.

The Newspaper also named Southeastern third baseman Taylor Schwaner one of its Louisville Slugger National Players of the Week. The Lions take on South Alabama today on the road.

Louisiana Tech hosts a pair of midweek games beginning tonight against Grambling State, then tomorrow against No. 9 UL-Lafayette.

Nicholls State is at Ole Miss and McNeese State is at Houston.

In the NBA, tonight the Pelicans take on the Trail Blazers in the Smoothie King Center.