The sixth ranked LSU baseball team finished off a sweep of Georgia with 7-6 win on Sunday at Alex Box Stadium. Kramer Robertson drove in four runs and Greg Deichmann drove in two. Freshman pitcher Eric Walker struck out eight in six innings to improve his record to 3-0. Coach Paul Mainieri…:
Cut 18 (19) “our winning”
The Tigers are now 16-5.

In the Sun Belt, No. 14 UL-Lafayette defeated Appalachian State 4-3 at home on Sunday and the Cajuns claim the 4th straight series victory of the year.

ULM got off to a strong start but it wasn’t enough as Arkansas State handed the Warhawks an 8-3 loss.

In C-USA action, Louisiana Tech fell to Southern Miss yesterday 8-5 and the Golden Eagles went on to take the series in Ruston.

The McNeese Baeball team completed a three game Southland Conference sweep of Stephen F Austin on Sunday with an 11-1 run-rule victory.

Southeastern’s win streak stopped at 10 as the Lions fell to Lamar in a 13-5 comeback win for The Cardinals. SLU is now 14-5 on the year and 5-1 in conference action.

Tulane got the 8-7 win yesterday over Columbia and the Green Wave took the series.

UNO edged Abilene Christian 9-8 and the Privateers complete the conference sweep.

Nicholls State got by Houston Baptist, 3-2, to also complete a Southland sweep.

What a win for the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday. Anthony Davis put up a stellar 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Pels to the 123-109 win over Minnesota. DeMarcus Cousins added 15 points and 11 rebounds in his return from a one-game absence. New Orleans hosts the Memphis Grizzlies tomorrow.

According to sources, the Saints are hosting backup quarterback Chase Daniel for a visit. New Orleans is looking for someone to compete for the backup job with Luke McCown.

What a night for Lafayette native Antoine Duplantis. The sophomore left fielder drove in seven runs on a single-game school record six hits as the 6th ranked LSU Tigers belted Georgia 22-9. Duplantis was 6-for-6 on the night. Senior shortstop Kramer Robertson was 5-for-5, including a school record-tying three doubles. It was not a good game for starting pitcher Alex Lange, who gave up eight runs in 4.1 innings. Austin Bain earned the win in relief.

Junior left-hander Gunner Leger was good again for the Ragin Cajuns last night as he allowed just two hits in seven innings as UL Lafayette blanked Appalachian State 3-0 in the Sun Belt Conference opener. Leger also had 10 strikeouts.

ULM and Arkansas State were rained out last night and they’ll play a doubleheader at two PM. Louisiana Tech started Conference USA play with a 5-2 loss to Southern Miss.

McNeese improved to 4-0 in league play with a 4-1 win over Stephen F Austin. Matt Gallier homered and Shane Selman drove in two runs as the Cowboys have won 11 straight home games.

Southeastern Louisiana won its 9th straight game overall as the Lions edged Lamar for six to five win. Jacob Seward’s squeeze bunt in the fifth inning brought home two runs.

Northwestern State gave up five runs in the fourth inning and lost to Oklahoma State six to three in Stillwater.

Cole Stapler tossed a complete game as Nicholls edged Houston Baptist two to one. UNO outscored Abilene Christian eight to six, Tulane crushed Columbia seven to zip. Dallas Baptist blanked Grambling 3-0.

In the WNIT last night, Louisiana Tech blew a 14-point lead and lost to SMU 75-70. LSU faces California in the NCAA Tournament tonight at 8 PM.

In the NBA…DeMarcus Cousins did not play last night because of left knee and rib soreness, but Solomon Hill stepped up and scored a career-high 30 points as the Pelicans knocked down the Rockets 128-112.

SEC play begins tonight for the LSU Baseball team as they host the Georgia Bulldogs. The Tigers are still searching for a regular designated hitter. Coach Paul Mainieri says he continues to wait for someone to step up and take that role on a permanent basis…
cut 18 (19) “….step up”
LSU will also be without closer Hunter Newman. He’s out indefinitely with a bad back.

Sun Belt play also begins tonight. The Cajuns host Appalachian State. Gunner Leger starts for UL Lafayette, he nearly threw a no-hitter last time out. ULM is at Arkansas State.

Louisiana Tech hosts Southern Miss to begin Conference USA play.

The big upset in the NCAA tournament took place in the east region as 11th seeded USC knocked off sixth seeded SMU 66-65. The Mustangs missed a shot at the buzzer to advance.

The Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters makes their first postseason appearance since 2011 when they visit SMU for a matchup in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. Tech has never lost to SMU in women’s basketball.

Grambling pulled off a big upset in the WNIT last night. The Tigers defeated Ole Miss 78-75. Jazmine Torian had 23 points to lead Grambling, who is 19-14 on the year.

The Pelicans are home to take on Houston. The Rockets have won seven of the last eight meetings played between the two teams in the Big Easy.

In the NFL, Saints Head coach Sean Payton says he was impressed with restricted free agent cornerback Malcolm Butler. Butler was at the team’s headquarters yesterday. Still no word on a possible deal with New England to send Butler to the Black and Gold.

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.