Zion Williamson returns to the court tonight. The Pelicans forward has missed the last 27 games with a left hamstring strain. Williamson will try to help New Orleans win its third straight game. The Pels are playing host to Minnesota.

The LSU men’s basketball team is at Missouri. The Tigers need a win to avoid an 0-and-2 start in the SEC.

McNeese is 4-and-0 in the Southland after beating Northwestern State 92 to 69. The Cowboys host the Colonels on Saturday.

The second-ranked LSU gymnastics team will compete this Saturday in Oklahoma City against some of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma, Utah and California. Head Coach Jay Clark embraces the challenge…

Cut 14 (12) “…compete”

The meet is at 3 PM on ABC.

_____________________________________________________

Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi says he’ll interview with the team next week as the franchise begins to ramp up its search for a permanent head coach. The Black and Gold went 3-and-4 with Rizzi at the helm following the firing of Dennis Allen. Rizzi says during his seven weeks as interim head coach, he showed he can lead and it shouldn’t be a strike against him because he doesn’t call plays…

Cut 16 (28) “…that part.”

The Saints will reportedly interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn later this week. The Jets, Bears and Jaguars will also talk with Glenn.

Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi says he’ll interview to be the permanent head coach for the Black and Gold next week. Rizzi says he looks forward to the opportunity to talk with owner Gayle Benson and General Manager Mickey Loomis…

Cut 18 (17) “….whole building”

The Saints have also requested interviews with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Will Saints quarterback Derek Carr be back? Carr will be 34-years-old next year, but expects to be back next season…

Cut 29 (16) “…everybody”

One of college athletics most popular athletes is glad she’s back for her fifth and final year of eligibility. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne had strong performances on the balance beam and floor on Friday as the Tigers began defense of their first national championship with a win over Iowa State. Dunne says it was a blast performing again at the PMAC…

Cut 12 (10) “….I’ve ever made”

Dunne and the Tigers have a big meet this Saturday in Oklahoma City as they will compete against some of the best teams in the country, Oklahoma, Utah and California.

The LSU men’s basketball team will try to bounce back from its SEC opening loss to Vanderbilt when the Tigers visit Missouri tonight. Tip off is at 8 PM.

McNeese made 16 three-pointers on its way to beating Northwestern State 92 to 69 last year. Southeastern Louisiana defeated U-T Rio Grande Valley 79 to 75.

The Saints just concluded a 5-and-12 season, their worst record since 2005. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi says changes are coming, but doesn’t think wholesale changes are needed…

Cut 17 (17)  “…you do change.” 

Rizzi is one of several people the Saints will interview to be their next head coach. New Orleans has also reportedly requested to talk with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara came up 50 yards short from his first 1,000 yard rushing season, but Kamara is not too disappointed…

Cut 19 (19) “…..I wanted it”

McNeese men’s basketball knocked down a season-high 16 three-pointers as the Cowboys defeated Northwestern State 92 to 69 in Natchitoches last night. D-J Richards made six threes, and led all scorers with 20 points. The Cowboys improve to 4-and-0 in the Southland, while the Demons fall to 3-and-1.

Jakevion Buckley had 25 points as Southeastern Louisiana defended its home floor and beat U-T Rio Grande Valley 79 to 75, Nicholls went to Commerce and defeated East Texas A-and-M 83 to 61.

Southern improved to 2-and-0 in the SWAC as the Jaguars defeated Prairie View A-and-M 84 to 80.  A-J Barnes had 19 points and nine rebounds. Grambling fell to 0-and-2 in the SWAC with a 71 to 66 loss to Texas Southern.

The LSU men’s basketball team looks to rebound after dropping its SEC opener to Vanderbilt on Saturday. Tonight the Tigers are at Missouri, who also started off conference play with a loss.

It was the story of the 2024 New Orleans Saints – they couldn’t hold a late lead. That was the case in Tampa yesterday as the Saints coughed up a fourth quarter lead and lost to the Buccaneers, 27-19, to finish their dismal season with a record of 5-and-12. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he was disappointed with the outcome but not the effort.

Cut 16 (13) “…credit to them.”

The Saints will have the ninth overall pick in the first round. It’s New Orleans first top ten pick since 2008.

The Detroit Lions captured the number one seed in the NFC with their win over the Vikings. That means Detroit gets a bye in the postseason and it also gives the Saints a chance to interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Glenn was the Saints defensive backs coach from 2016 to 20200 and he can be interviewed virtually until January 13^th.

The Pelicans have won two in a row after beating an equally bad team, the Washington Wizards, twice over a three day period. NOLa-dot-com columunist Jeff Duncan expects big changes with the franchise in 2025…

Cut 15 (14) “…with the coaching staff”

Pelicans head coach Willie Green said today that Zion Williamson could return this week from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for two months.

It was a disappointing start to SEC play for the LSU men’s basketball team as they dropped their conference opener at home to Vanderbilt 80 to 72.  Vanderbilt is fourth in the country in steals per game and they forced 15 turnovers and LSU allowed the Commodores to beat them on the glass. Coach Matt McMahon…

Cut 19 (11) “…so large.”

The Tigers are at Missouri tomorrow night.

The Saints wrapped up an emotional week and a rough season by losing to the Tampa Bay Bucaneers 27 to 19 yesterday for a fourth consecutive loss. Tampa Bay scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat New Orleans and win the NFC South title.

Interim Saints head coach Darren Rizzi was wearing a sweatshirt that read “NOLA,” with a heart replacing the O in memory of those killed in the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street. Rizzi said he wanted to win it for them and for the whole grieving city.

Cut 17 (09)  “…a short term.” 

What kind of action will Saints owner Gayle Benson take after the Black and Gold just completed its worse season since 2005. Her NBA franchise also has the worst record in the Western Conference. NOLA-dot-com columnist Jeff Duncan….

Cut 13 (07) “…right now”

After snapping an eleven-game losing streak on Friday, the Pelicans now have a two-game winning streak as New Orleans defeated Washington 110 to 98 last night. Both of the Pels recent victories have come against the Wizards, who have the worst record in the NBA. C-J McCollum scored 50 points on Friday and followed that up with a 25-point performance last night. Head Coach Willie Green…

Cut 29 (07) “….good decisions”

The Pelicans will host the Timberwolves tomorrow night.

The LSU Lady Tigers improved to 17-and-0 with a 73 to 63 win over Auburn. Aneesah Morrow had 21 points and 14 rebounds for her 15^th double-double of the season.

Should be a fun game tonight in Natchitoches as Northwestern State hosts McNeese. Both teams are 3-and-0 in Southland play. The Cowboys have blown out their three league opponents, while the Demons are coming off a two point win over Nicholls on Saturday.

The Saints 2024 season is finally over as New Orleans gave up two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and lost to Tampa Bay 27 to 19. Quarterback Spencer Rattler made some nice throws in the first half and finished with 240 yards passing and a touchdown. The rookie is disappointed they couldn’t come away with the victory…

Cut 18 (16) “…from as well”

New Orleans finishes with a 5-and-12 record, their worst season since 2005. Changes are coming, but NOLA.com columnist Jeff Duncan says he’d be shocked if General Manager Mickey Loomis got the boot…

Cut 14 (19) “….clean house”

The sixth ranked LSU women’s basketball team outscored Auburn 27 to 8 in the second quarter and went on to win 73 to 63 at the PMAC yesterday afternoon. Aneesah Morrow had 21 points and 14 rebounds. The Lady Tigers are now 17 and-0.

The LSU men’s basketball team dropped its SEC opener on Saturday falling to Vanderbilt 80 to 72. The loss stings for the Tigers, who will play the next four out of five on the road. Coach Matt McMahon says they have to move past this loss…

Cut 20 (09) “….this season”

LSU is at Missouri tomorrow night.

In other action…the Ragin Cajuns and ULM both lost on Saturday. Louisiana Tech is off to an 0-and-2 start in Conference USA. McNeese and Northwestern State are both 3-and-0 in the Southland. The Demons host the Cowboys tonight.

Grambling is at Texas Southern tonight in a game that can be seen on ESPNU.

The Pelicans have won two in a row as they defeated Washington for the second time in three nights, beating the Wizards 110 to 98 in D-C.

The Saints are preparing for one more game this season as they will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the regular season finale. The Bucs can win the NFC South with a victory and interim head coach Darren Rizzi wants to play the role of spoiler…

Cut 17 (08) “…into the playoffs”

Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara are still not practicing because of injuries and running back Kendre Miller is in concussion protocol, which means we could see more of Clyde Edwards Helaire on Sunday.

In the Sugar Bowl last night, Notre Dame defeated Georgia 23 to 10 to advance to the semifinals of the college football playoffs. The terrorist attack postponed the game to Thursday afternoon and Irish quarterback Riley Leonard says the extra day gave them more time to prepare…

Cut 11 (07) “…paid off today”

Notre Dame will play Penn State in the Orange Bowl next Thursday.

The LSU Gymnastics team begins defense today of its national title as it faces Iowa State in the opening meet of the 2025 season. Coach Jay Clark says before the meet, they will unveil the 2024 national championship banner…

Cut 29 (25) “…another one of those”

Two-time NCAA national champion Haleigh Bryant is not competing tonight because of an elbow injury. But senior all-arounder Aleah Finnegan is back.

The sixth ranked LSU women’s basketball team remained perfect on the season last night with a 98 to 64 win over Arkansas to tip off SEC play.

The Ragin Cajuns men’s basketball team is 2-and-0 in the Sun Belt after beating Coastal Carolina 71 to 68, Georgia Southern upended ULM 90 to 82 and Louisiana Tech lost at UTEP 70 to 60.

Notre Dame is heading to the semifinals of the college football playoff as they were the more physical team last night in beating Georgia 23 to 10 in the Sugar Bowl that was postponed to Thursday because of the New Orleans terrorist attack. The Fighting Irish seized control of the game late in the second quarter with a strip sack fumble, which led to a Riley Leonard touchdown pass. And then the Irish returned the kickoff to open the second half for a touchdown. Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman…

Cut 10 (21) “…of the game”

Notre Dame held Georgia running back Trevor Etienne from Jennings to just 38 rushing yards. Notre Dame advances to play Penn State in the Orange Bowl.

The sixth ranked LSU women’s basketball team opened SEC play last night with a dominant 98 to 64 win over Arkansas in Fayetteville. The Lady Tigers are 16-and-0.

The Lady Techsters opened Conference USA play with a 63-50 win over UTEP. The U-L Lafayette women’s basketball team lost, while the ULM ladies beat Georgia Southern 83 to 67.

On the men’s side…the Ragin Cajuns are now 2-and-0 in the Sun Belt after rallying to beat Coastal Carolina 71 to 68. ULM gave up 55 points in the second half and lost to Georgia Southern. And Louisiana Tech had a season high 20 turnovers in a 70 to 60 loss at UTEP.

The LSU men’s basketball team begins SEC play tomorrow as they host Vanderbilt. Tigers Coach Matt McMahon says the SEC is really good this year…

Cut 18 (17) “…postseason”

Tip off against the Commodores is at 3:30.

28-year-old Tiger Bech was one of the victims of the New Year’s terrorist attack in New Orleans. Bech graduated from St. Thomas Moore in Lafayette in 2015 as a three-sport athlete. His younger brother played at LSU for two seasons and will play in the NFL next season after having a big year at TCU in 2024. STM Principal Marty Cannon says Bech visited frequently and felt blessed to have seen him over the holidays…

Cut 13 (13)  “…to see him.”

The Louisiana Sports Writer’s Association announced its All-Louisiana team. LSU stars Garrett Nussmeier and Whit Weeks won offensive and defensive players of the year. ULM running back Ahmad Hardy won freshman of the year, Tulane wide receiver Mario Williams was named the Newcomer of the year, and UL-Lafayette Head Coach Michael Desormeaux earned coach of the year honors after leading the Cajuns to a Sun Belt West title.

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team opens Conference USA play tonight at 10-and-3 UTEP. The Bulldogs are 11-and-2 to start the season, but coach Talvin Hester knows conference play is on another level…

Cut 30 (16) “…games up.”

Tip-off is at 8:00

While the men’s team heads to El Paso, the Lady Techsters are set to host UTEP in their first CUSA contest at 6:30.

ULM also tips off Sun Belt action tonight as they visit Georgia Southern. UL-Lafayette will kick off their conference schedule on the road versus Coastal Carolina. Both games tip off at 6:00

The undefeated LSU women’s basketball team is heading north to face Arkansas to begin SEC hoops. The sixth-ranked lady Tigers will face the Razorbacks at 8:00.

Pelicans center Yves Missi was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month. The center led all rookies in point rebounds and blocks while averaging a double-double in the month of December.

New Orleans is recovering from the shock and devastation of yesterday morning’s Bourbon Street terrorist attack, and the Saints are doing their best to support their city. Linebacker Demario Davis says there’s no way you can compartmentalize or process it…

Cut 18

Former St. Thomas More football star Tiger Bech was one of the victims. The 2015 graduate of STM also played lacrosse and was on the track and field team. He went on to play football at Princeton and was working in New York City. STM Principal Marty Cannon coached Bech.

Cut 12 

Baton Rouge native and former Episcopal football player Kareem Badawi was another victim of the attack. Badawi was a freshman at Alabama and Episcopal Head Football Coach Travis Bourgeois coached him all four years

Cut 14

New Orleans will host the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame in the nearby Superdome today at 3:00.

Conference play is tipping off in college hoops today.

In the Sun Belt, ULM will visit Georgia Southern while UL-Lafayette plays at Coastal Carolina tonight at 6:00 

The Lady Techsters will host UTEP at 6:30 in Ruston while the 11-and-2 Louisiana Tech men’s team will head to El Paso to face 10-and-3 Miners at 8:00.

The sixth-ranked LSU women’s team will open SEC play at 7-and-8 Arkansas at 8:00 while the 11-and-2 men’s team tips off conference action Saturday as they host 12-and-1 Vanderbilt.