The LSU men’s basketball team picked up the win last night over Gardner-Webb 78-57 on Wednesday night. Keith Hornsby scored 14 points and Ben Simons had 11 points with 12 rebounds. The Tigers play Oral Roberts at the PMAC on Saturday.

Elsewhere around the state in college hoops, Tulane fell to North Carolina 96-72. The Tar Heels bounced back from a last-second loss at Texas that knocked them out of the top 10.

SMU topped Nicholls 86-42 and UNO fell to Massachusetts 103-95. Tonight Grambling faces North Carolina on the road.

The New Orleans Pelicans were on fire last night as they smashed the Utah Jazz in the 4th quarter. That’s when a 16 point turnaround gave the Pels the 104-94 victory. Ryan Anderson scored 24 points off the bench for New Orleans, while Anthony Davis finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Eric Gordon added 19. The Pelicans take on Phoenix on the road tomorrow night.

McNeese State officially announced Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry will be the next head coach of The Cowboys, taking over for Matt Viator who’s going to ULM. Guidry, who played at McNeese from 1990-1993, served as Viator’s defensive coordinator since 2013. He’s popular with fans as his fiery pre-game speeches before both bowl games became widely-viewed his on social media. Guidry was extremely excited about getting this job…:
Cut 17 (13) “back in the saddle”

The 2015 Camping World Independence Bowl in Shreveport on December 26th between Tulsa and Virginia Tech will feature of flyover from a United States Air Force C17. The aircraft will make its pass immediately following the National Anthem and will set the stage for the 40th anniversary of the I-Bowl.

McNeese State officially announced Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry will be the next head coach of The Cowboys, taking over for Matt Viator. Guidry is, who played at McNeese from 1990-1993, served as Viator’s defensive coordinator since 2013. He’s popular with fans as his fiery pre-game speeches before both bowl games became widely-viewed his on social media. Guidry was fired up today…:
CUT 1 (17) “applause”
McNeese wanted to act quickly before an NCAA-mandated dead period closes this Saturday.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association says they’ve completed their Bogalusa Sportsmanship hearing and will submit recommendations to the Executive Director tomorrow. Today’s discussion was about the fight that ended the Lumberjacks’ game at Amite High on November 27.

The Louisiana Tech football team has arrived in the Big Easy in advance of Saturday’s R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl against Arkansas State. Bulldog seniors have the opportunity to win their 31st game as a class for Tech. Head coach Skip Holtz says his seniors are ready to hit the field one last time in a Louisiana Tech jersey…:
Cut 30 (07) “on the field”
The 9-3 Red Wolves are the Sun Belt Conference champions and come into the game riding an eight game winning streak. Louisiana Tech is 8-3.

In college basketball tonight LSU takes on Gardner-Webb, UNO is at UMass, McNeese State hosts LSU-Alexandria, Nicholls State is at number 18 SMU, and Tulane tangles with the 11th ranked North Carolina Tarheels in Chapel Hill.

The Pelicans’ five game road trip continues tonight in Utah. The Jazz pummeled the Pels 101-87 on November 28th, but have since been on a bit of a skid. Tipoff is at 8PM.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs have arrived in the Crescent City in advance of Saturday’s R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. The 8-4 Bulldogs will face the 9-3 Sunbelt Conference champion Arkansas State Red Wolves. Tech coach Skip Holtz says Arkansas State is a talented team, especially on the defensive side of the ball where they lead the nation in takeaways and interceptions…

cut 8 (09) “they played”

Saturday’s game kicks off at 8PM in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It will be televised on ESPN.

McNeese State Athletics Director Bruce Hemphill has scheduled a press conference this afternoon to give an update on the future of the school’s football program. It’s expected that he will announce that Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry will be the team’s new head coach. Guidry is reportedly McNeese’s top choice to replace Matt Viator who accepted the head coaching position at ULM.

In college basketball last night UL-Lafayette lost to number 22 UCLA 89-80, Southern fell to Memphis 72-67, Ole Miss defeated Louisiana Tech 99-80, and Florida A&M edged Southeastern Louisiana 67-64.

Tonight LSU takes on Gardner-Webb, UNO is at UMass, McNeese State hosts LSU-Alexandria, Nicholls State is at number 18 SMU, and Tulane tangles with the 11th ranked North Carolina Tarheels in Chapel Hill.

The Pelicans’ five game road trip continues tonight in Utah. The Jazz pummeled the Pels 101-87 on November 28th, but have since been on a bit of a skid. Utah has dropped six of their last eight and are on a three game losing streak. The Pelicans have not been any better, winning just two of their last seven. Tipoff is at 8PM.

The New Orleans Saints climbed five spots from No. 23 to No. 18 in this week’s NFL Power Rankings. The Saints beat Tampa Bay 24-17 on Sunday, improving to 5-8 on the season. NFC South division rival Carolina is ranked No. 1, followed by the Arizona Cardinals, the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In college basketball action tonight, UL-Lafayette is on the road to face number 22 UCLA, Louisiana Tech plays at Ole Miss, Southern visits Memphis, Southeastern Louisiana takes on Florida A&M.

LSU Head Coach Les Miles says he expects to see a better performance out of quarterback Brandon Harris in the bowl game against Texas Tech. The Tigers have begun practicing for the Texas Bowl which takes place December 29th at Houston’s NRG Stadium. Miles says he expects Harris would improve in the bowl…:
CUT 1 (10) “just what we want”

ULM held a press conference this morning to formally introduce former McNeese State coach Matt Viator as the new head football coach of the Warhawks. Viator replaces Todd Berry who was let go after the Warhawks 59-21 loss to Arkansas State on November 14th. Viator says all he’s tried to do as a head coach of The Cowboys is to “do it right” and he’ll bring that approach to ULM…:
Cut 11 (07) “going to lose”
Viator amassed a 77-33 record in his 10 seasons at McNeese leading the Cowboys to four Southland Conference championships.

Willie Fritz has officially taken the leading spot of the Green Wave football team at Tulane University as he was formally introduced this morning. The former Georgia Southern head coach has 193 career victories to his name according to the NCAA and is the 4th active winningest head coach in the FBS.

LSU continues preparing today for the Texas Bowl, where they’ll play Texas Tech on December 29th. Starting quarterback Brandon Harris is coming off a performance where he only completed seven passes for 83 yards. But Coach Les Miles expects Harris to play much better against the Red Raiders…

cut 24 (20) “…what we want”

Harris has thrown for 19-hundred yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions on the season.

The Portland Trail Blazers won their seventh in a row over the Pelicans last night 105-100. Five Trail Blazers scored in double figures, led by Damian Lillard’s 30. Anthony Davis led the Pels with 28 in the losing effort. The Pelican’s road trip continues tomorrow night at Utah.

ULM held a press conference this morning to officially announce former McNeese State coach Matt Viator as the new head coach of the Warhawks. Viator amassed a 77-33 record in his 10 seasons at McNeese leading the Cowboys to four Southland Conference championships. Viator says the first order of business is to put together his staff…

cut 9 (08) “for sure”

The Warhawks finished this season with a 2-11 record.

On the college hardwood last night, Louis Dabney scored 24 to lead Tulane to a 63-49 win over Prairie View A&M. The Green Wave hits the road to face 11th ranked North Carolina tomorrow night. Nicholls State lost to North Texas 78-60.

In college basketball action tonight, UL-Lafayette is on the road to face number 22 UCLA, Louisiana Tech plays at Ole Miss, Southern visits Memphis, Southeastern Louisiana takes on Florida A&M.

LSU has begun bowl practice as the Tigers are getting ready to play in the Texas Bowl on December 29th. The 21st ranked Tigers will take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who come into the contest with the second ranked offense in the nation. Coach Les Miles says the game plan for Texas Tech is coming together…

cut 24 (20) “…right direction”

Miles says he expects quarterback Brandon Harris to play a lot better in the bowl game.

In Monday Night Football last night, former LSU standout Odell Beckham, Jr. caught two touchdown passes, including an 84-yard fourth quarter grab that broke a tie, to lead the New York Giants to a 31-24 win over the Miami Dolphins. Overall, Beckham had 7 catches for 166 yards. Eli Manning threw for 337 yards and four touchdowns as the Giants are now in a three way tie atop the NFC East.

The Benson family saga took a turn Monday as Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson offered to resign as a trustee in a disputed family trust in Texas on the condition that his daughter Renee doesn’t take his place. Legal analyst Tim Meche believes this move means Benson has a weak hand in this case…

cut 13 (09) “being deposed”

The family had agreed to mediation before the scheduled February 1st trial date, but this moves looks to settle the case before that.

Damian Lillard scored a game high 30 points as the Portland Trail Blazers topped the Pelicans 105-101. Lillard was one of five Trail Blazers to score in double figures as Portland won their seventh straight over the Pels. Anthony Davis scored 28 to lead New Orleans in a losing effort. The Pelicans road trip continues tomorrow night at Utah.

In college hoops last night, Louis Dabney scored 24 to lead Tulane to a 63-49 win over Prairie View A&M and Nicholls State drops to 3-5 on the season after losing to North Texas 78-60.

McNeese State’s Matt Viator has been hired as the new head football coach at ULM. In his 10 seasons in Lake Charles, Viator led the Cowboys to four Southland Conference Championships and five appearances in the FCS playoffs. The voice of the Warhawks, West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman, commends the selection committee for making the hire as quickly as they did…

cut 13 (07) “Viator”

Viator takes over for Todd Berry who was fired last month. ULM will hold a press conference to introduce Viator Tuesday morning.

The LSU Tigers begin their on-field preparations for the Texas Bowl today. The 21st ranked Tigers will face Texas Tech December 29th in Houston. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 1957.

In other Tiger news, running back Leonard Fournette was named a first team All-American by the Associated Press. Offensive tackle Vadal Alexander is on the third team.

The Saints had one of their best efforts of the season yesterday as they beat the Buccaneers 24-17 in Tampa Bay. Marques Colston caught two touchdowns, Tim Hightower, starting his first game since 2011, rushed for 85 yards and a score, and the defense held the Bucs to 291 yards of offense and 4-of-11 on third downs. Quarterback Drew Brees says they did a lot of things well…

cut 17 (15) “winning football”

Brees had two TD throws and moved past Dan Marino into fourth place all-time with 421 career touchdown passes.

The LSU men’s basketball team fell to four-and-four on the season after a 105-98 loss in overtime to Houston. Keith Hornsby, playing in his first game since returning from a knee injury, sent the game into overtime with a three-pointer at the buzzer. But the Tigers gave up 21 points in the five minute overtime period.

The Saints snapped a four-game losing streak with one of their best efforts of the season as they beat the Buccaneers 24-17 in Tampa Bay. New Orleans scored on its first drive and were in control throughout the contest. Quarterback Drew Brees threw two touchdown passes and says it’s nice to see the hard work they put in during the week pay off….
cut 16 (18) “…field today”
The Saints are now 5-8 and they’ll host Detroit on Monday night football next week.

At the Mercedes Benz Superdome on Saturday, Zachary, Neville and Lutcher won state football championship. It’s the first state title for the Broncos and the Tigers won their 12th. It’s also the third time in school history that Neville went back-to-to back.

The Pelicans continue their five-game road trip tonight as they visit Portland. The Pels have lost nine straight games in Portland and the Trail Blazers have won six in a row overall against New Orleans.

The LSU men’s basketball team dropped to four-and-four on the season with a 105-98 loss in overtime to Houston. Keith Hornsby, playing in his first game of the season as he returned from a knee injury, sent the game into overtime with a three-point bucket at the buzzer. But the Tigers gave up 21 points in the five minute O-T period. Hornsby finished with a career-high 32 points.

Elsewhere…ULM finished its three game road trip with a 100-58 loss to 14th ranked West Virginia. Senior Jamaal Samuel had a career-high 19 points in a losing effort.

Southeastern is now 2-8 on the season after they lost to Florida State 75-58.

The LSU Tigers begin bowl practice today. Running back Leonard Fournette was named a first team All-American by the Associated Press. Offensive tackle Vadal Alexander is on the third team.

Two high school state football champions were crowned Friday in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. In Class 1-A, Kentwood blew past Haynesville 40-7. Haynesville lone score came in the first quarter that tied the game at 7. The Kangaroos then scored 33 straight points to bring the title home. The Golden Tornadoes end the season 11-3. This is Kentwood’s first state championship since 1998.

In the Class 2-A final, Taylor Johnson rushed for three touchdowns as Kinder upended Mangham 35-20. This was the Dragons third straight loss in a state title game, the first in Class 2-A. Kinder ends the season with a 14-1 record and their first state championship since 2013.

Today … parish rivals Lutcher and St. James will play for the Class 3-A title. The 4-A championship game pits Edna Karr against defending champion Neville. The Class 5-A championship game will have John Ehret taking on Zachary.

Today’s games begin at noon and LHSAA director Eddie Bonine invites everyone to come down to the ‘Dome…

cut 28 (06) “all day”

Tyreke Evans scored 27 to lead the Pelicans over the Washington Wizards last night 107-105. The Wizards held a seven point lead with just over six minutes left in the fourth before the Pels stormed back to pick up the “W”. Anthony Davis added 18 points and 11 rebounds in the win. The Pelicans hope to keep the momentum going as they take on the Bulls tonight.

In college basketball today, Louisiana Tech hosts UL-Lafayette, ULM takes on Penn State, UNO welcomes Williams Baptist, Grambling plays Tennessee St. in Chicago, and McNeese State is on the road to face the Indiana Hoosiers.

Tulane will hire Georgia Southern coach Willie Fritz to be its next football coach. New Green Wave athletics director Troy Dannen completed the interview process in New York and is expected back in New Orleans early next week to officially introduce Fritz.

LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva announces today that a statue has been commissioned of LSU All-America and NBA star Bob Pettit. Pettit played at LSU in the 1952, 1953 and 1954 seasons and scored 1,916 points.

The nonselect select state championships are underway in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Jeff Palermo is there…:
CUT 1 (47) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva announces today that a statue has been commissioned of LSU All-America and NBA star Bob Pettit. It’s expected to be unveiled prior to the conclusion of the 2015-2016 season. Pettit played at LSU in the 1952, 1953 and 1954 seasons and scored 1,916 points.

Tonight in the Smoothie King Center, the Pelicans host the Washington Wizards. The Pels have yet to get on track this season as they are 5-16 and have lost 5 of their last 6. The Wizards have struggled as well, they’re 9-11 and have dropped 7 of their last 10. Tipoff is at 7PM.

Tulane will hire Georgia Southern coach Willie Fritz to be its next football coach. New Green Wave athletics director Troy Dannen completed the interview process in New York and is expected back in New Orleans early next week to officially introduce Fritz.

Former Cleveland Cavalier and Tulane power forward John “Hot Rod” Williams has died. He passed away from cancer at his home near Sorrento at the age of 53.