The Pelicans are home tonight to face the Warriors, who have the best record in the NBA. The Pels enter tonight’s action a half game back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Coach Monty Williams has told his team not to worry about O-K-C…
cut 20 (15) “…as well”
New Orleans has lost 11 straight games to Golden State. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

A twist in the Darren Sharper case today, as a New Orleans judge delayed the arraignment until the federal case of the drug charges is resolved. The former Saints star was expected to plead guilty in state court to charges related to drugging and raping women, in order to enact a global plea deal that would send Sharper to jail for 9 years

LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri is changing his weekend rotation. Austin Bain is the new Sunday starter after his solid outing against Alabama last weekend, while former Sunday starter Jake Godfrey will start tomorrow night instead. Godfrey has been rocked in his last two outings and Coach Paul Mainieri says the freshman from Illinois is having trouble locating his breaking ball in the strike zone and opposing hitters are sitting on his fastball…
cut 18 (16) “….bigger times”
LSU begins a six-game homestand tonight against UNO.

In other action…the Ragin Cajuns host 22nd ranked Houston. The home team has won the last eight games in this series. Also tonight…ULM hosts McNeese State, S-L-U hosts South Alabama and Nicholls State is Tulane.

There has been a surprise turn in the Darren Sharper case. The former New Orleans Saints star was expected to plead guilty to drug and rape charges in state court today in New Orleans, but the judge decided to hold off the arraignment until the federal case was resolved. Some analysts say this could be a sign there’s been a “snag” in Sharper’s global plea deal which would reportedly send him to jail for 9 years to cover the similar charges in four states.

Former LSU star and Arizona Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson says he’s battling diabetes. Peterson made the comment to the Arizona Republic, but did not go into details about his illness. During the season, Cardinals Coach Bruce Arians said Peterson was suffering from a blood sugar deficiency and it was impacting his play on the field. Peterson says the team docs found it and got it all under wraps.

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri says Austin Bain will start on Sunday against Auburn after he threw 6.2 shutout innings last week and earned SEC Co-Freshman of the week honors. Senior catcher Kade Scivicque likes the qualities that Bain brings to the mound….
cut 17 (11) “….to play”
Bain will take Jake Godfrey’s spot in the weekend rotation. Godfrey will start tomorrow night. Tonight, the Tigers host UNO to begin a six-game homestand.

Plenty of other college baseball action tonight….Northwestern State is at Sam Houston State, Nicholls State visits Tulane, S-L-U hosts South Alabama. McNeese State is at ULM, the Ragin Cajuns host Houston and Arkansas Little Rock is at Louisiana Tech.

LSU’s Austin Bain has been named SEC Co-Freshman of the week. Bain was outstanding out of the pen on Saturday as he pitched 6.2 shutout innings, allowing just three hits and a career-high nine strikeouts in a win over Alabama. Coach Paul Mainieri has announced Bain will start Sunday’s game against Auburn and the former Dutchtown star is looking forward to the opportunity…

cut 16 (07) “that I have”

LSU hosts UNO tonight.

Northwestern State’s Adam Oller has been named the Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week. Oller tossed a complete game and tied a career-high with nine strikeouts in the Demons win over Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday.

And Nicholls second baseman Tanner Vandevere was named as the Southland Hitter of the Week as he had five hits, five RBI and five runs scored to help the Colonels put together a five-game winning streak.

Louisiana Tech hosts Arkansas-Little Rock tonight, while McNeese travels to Monroe to face ULM, Tulane welcomes Nicholls State, Northwestern visits Sam Houston State, South Alabama invades Southeastern Louisiana, and UL-Lafayette hosts Houston.

The Duke Blue Devils claimed the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament championship last night with a 68-63 win over Wisconsin in Indianapolis. This is Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s fifth national championship which puts him in second place on the all-time list behind John Wooden.

The Pelicans, who are fighting to get into the NBA Playoffs, will host Golden State tonight. The Warriors have the best record in the NBA and they are led by MVP candidate Stephen Curry. Pelicans guard Norris Cole on trying to slow down Curry…

cut 19 (13) “as possible “

The Pels enter tonight’s action just a half game back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Someone is selling a 2009 Saints Super Bowl ring for 45-thousand dollars on Craigslist. It’s unknown who is selling the ring. The ad says “Don’t let this unique opportunity to own a piece of Saints history pass you by.”

Former NFL star and Saints safety Darren Sharper entered a not guilty plea this afternoon in US District Court in New Orleans. Sharper faces federal charges that he drugged women to rape them. It’s expected Sharper will issue a guilty plea at a later date. He’ll also appear in state court tomorrow on similiar charges. Sharper has already pleaded guility or no contest on related charges in three other state and faces a nine-year prison sentence.

If you go on Craigslist, you’ll find someone is selling a 2009 Saints Super Bowl ring for 45-thousand dollars. It’s unclear who is selling the ring. The ad says “Don’t let this unique opportunity to own a piece of Saints history pass you by.

The Pelicans will host the Golden State Warriors tomorrow night. With six games left, New Orleans finds itself a half game back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. O-K-C hosts San Antonio tomorrow.

LSU right-hander Austin Bain has been SEC co-freshman of the week as he shares the award with Vanderbilt pitcher Kyle Wright. Bain came out of the bullpen on Saturday pitched a career-high 6.2 shutout innings, allowing three hits, no runs and struck out a career-high nine. Bain’s performance helped the Tigers complete a sweep of Alabama and today Coach Paul Mainieri named Bain the starting pitcher for this Sunday’s game against Auburn. Bain says he won’t change his approach…
cut 30 (08) “…every other week”
And because of that sweep over Alabama, LSU is once again ranked as the number one team in the country by Perfect Game.

In the Southland Conference…Northwestern State’s Adam Oller has been named Pitcher of the Week. Oller tossed a complete game and tied a career-high with nine strikeouts in the Demons win over Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday.

And Nicholls second baseman Tanner Vandevere was named as the Southland Hitter of the Week as he had five hits, five RBI and five runs scored to help the Colonels put together a five-game winning streak.

Former NFL star and Saints safety Darren Sharper is scheduled for arraignment this afternoon in federal court on drug and rape charges. It’s been reported that Sharper will get 20 years in Louisiana, but will serve just nine under a “global” plea deal. Legal analyst Chick Foret says many people aren’t happy about the leniency Sharper is getting for these very serious charges…
cut 11 (10) “been reduced”
Tomorrow Sharper will appear in state court for arraignment on aggravated rape charges.

The Pelicans are just a half-game back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Thunder lost to Houston yesterday. New Orleans and O-K-C are in action tomorrow night, the Thunder host the Spurs, while the Pels host the Warriors.

The LSU baseball team gets back to work today after taking Easter Sunday off. The Tigers are coming off a sweep over Alabama to improve their SEC record to 8-and-4. LSU is a game and a half back of Texas A-and-M for first place in the SEC West.

Southeastern Louisiana is in first place by one game over McNeese State in the Southland. The Lions took two of three from Northwestern State, while the Cowboys swept UNO and they’ll visit ULM on Tuesday.

The Warhawks swept a doubleheader from UT Arlington on Saturday to improve to 5-and-7 in the Sun Belt. U-L Lafayette is 8-and-6 in the league after a five to one win over Georgia Southern yesterday.

New Orleans native Avery Johnson will reportedly become the next head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Johnson has been a head coach for Dallas and Brooklyn, but he’s never been a college coach before.

And tonight in the Final Four it’s Wisconsin versus Duke.

The New Orleans Pelicans picked up a win last night and the Oklahoma City Thunder lost so now the Pels are within a half game of OKC for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. New Orleans beat the Kings 101-85. Anthony Davis had a double-double for the Pels with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Pelicans play the Portland Trail Blazers tonight.

The New Orleans Saints bring back receiver Joseph Morgan on a one-year contract. He was released last December.

The LSU baseball team once again picked up a victory over Alabama Friday to clinch the series after a crazy win Thursday night. Yesterday’s 6-2 victory improves the Bayou Bengals record to 26-5 overall and 7-4 in the SEC. LSU now looks to sweep Bama today at 2pm. Jake Godfrey will start on the mound for the Tigers.

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team fell 2-1 to Georgia Southern in the series opener Friday evening in Lafayette. The Cajuns are now 15-2 overall and 7-5 in the Sun Belt. UL-Lafayette and the Eagles return to action today at 6pm in game two of the series. The two teams wrap up the series at noon Sunday.

Louisiana Tech pounded out a rain-soaked 20-1 victory over Western Kentucky in Ruston on Friday. The C-USA series will conclude today with a doubleheader set to begin at 2pm.

ULM fell to UT Arlington Friday 10-6 Friday afternoon at Warhawk Field. The two teams will conclude the three game series this afternoon with a doubleheader.

Southeastern Louisiana got six runs early and held off Northwestern State late and regained first place in the Southland Conference yesterday with the 6-4 win over the Demons in Hammond.

It took extra innings for McNeese State to beat UNO 3-2 in Lake Charles Friday at Cowboy Diamond. The series concludes today at 3pm.

Nicholls State never trailed on Good Friday picking up an early lead over Incarnate Word and cruised to a 6-1 victory.

Drew Brees says the trade of tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle was a total shock. In his first public comments in quite some time, the Saints Quarterback said Graham is one of his best friends and it’s going to be very different not seeing him in the locker room. There have also been rumors going around that the Saints were shopping Brees but No. 9 says he’s not paid any attention to that..:
CUT 1 (17) “from them”
Wide receiver Joe Morgan confirmed in a tweet last night that he has been re-signed by the Saints. The 27-year-old gets another chance despite a couple of rough seasons.

The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Sacramento Kings tonight at the Sleep Train Arena as they continue to look at overtaking the Oklahoma City Thunder for a final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Pels are a game and a half behind the Thunder with 8 games to go in the regular season. Oklahoma City plays the Memphis Grizzlies on the road tonight.

One voice for the three major sports. That’s what LSU says they are looking for to replace retiring play-by-play man Jim Hawthorne. Minimum qualifications for his replacement include a history of professional sports broadcasting and at least three years of experience at either the NCAA Division I or professional level. The deadline to submit an application is April 24th.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has made his first public comments since New Orleans traded tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle. Brees appeared on WWL Radio yesterday and said the trade shocked everyone…
cut 30 (17) “…different team”
There were trade rumors involving Brees during this offseason, but the veteran QB says he didn’t pay attention to them.

The Saints have reportedly re-signed wide receiver Joe Morgan. Morgan was released by the team in December. He has caught 14 passes in his career and averages 34 yards a catch.

Also, the Jahri Evans contract extension that he signed earlier this week helps provide a reported four-point-six million dollars in salary cap space.

LSU baseball was involved in another crazy game last night, but the Tigers prevailed eight to five in 16 innings. Conner Hale had the big hit that gave LSU the lead for good…
cut 20 (20) “…two run lead again’
Most of LSU’s bullpen had a rough night as they gave up three leads, starting in the ninth inning. But freshman Doug Norman threw scoreless innings to get the win. Game two is this afternoon at 3 PM.

Northwestern State has moved into first place in the Southland Conference as the Demons topped Southeastern Louisiana three to one. Adam Oller improved to 5-and-1 with his third complete game of the year.

McNeese State knocked off UNO 7-3 and Nicholls State defeated Incarnate Word four to one.

LSU begins a three-game series tonight against Alabama. The Fighting Tigers blew a couple of late leads in dropping their series with Kentucky last weekend. But Coach Paul Mainieri says he still has faith in his bullpen and he’s seen arms emerge as the season has gone on…
cut 18 (13) “….count on”
LSU will send left-hander Jared Poche to the mound tonight. Alabama counters with senior southpaw Taylor Guilbeau, who is 2-and-2 with a 3.07 ERA.

Also the second game of the series has been moved up to 3 PM tomorrow to avoid the potential for bad weather Friday night.

ULM has adjusted its baseball series with UT Arlington. Game one is tomorrow at one o’ clock and then the two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday.

A big baseball series starts tonight in Hammond as Northwestern State faces Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions have a half-game lead over the Demons for first place in the league standings. The Lions have won seven of their last eight, while Northwestern will send right-hander Adam Oller to the mound. He’s 4-and-1 with a 2.09 ERA.

In other Southland action…UNO is at McNeese State and Nicholls State hosts Incarnate Word.

Northwestern State’s spring game is tonight as the Joe Delaney Bowl is set to begin at 5:30 at Turpin Stadium. Coach Jay Thomas expects a lot of passing during the 60 to 75 minute scrimmage.

The Saints head equipment manager, Dan Simmons, has announced he’s retiring. Simmons has held that job since April 1, 1973.

Civil district court officials in New Orleans say the doctors that were appointed to provide a medical evalution of Saints-Pelicans owner Tom Benson have turned those evaluations into a judge and a hearing will take place June 1st.

LSU baseball begins a three game series against Alabama tonight. The series will NOT be played in Tuscaloosa, because of ongoing renovations with Alabama’s ball park. So the games will be played just outside of Birmingham at the same ball park where the SEC Tournament is held. Mainieri says his teams have won five SEC Tournament titles at the Hoover Met….
cut 17 (15) “….big hits”
Because of the Easter holiday, weekend series in the Southland will get underway today. Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State are the top two teams in the league and they will face off in Hammond. McNeese State hosts UNO, while Nicholls hosts Incarnate Word.

And the NCAA says home runs are up 39-percent over last year thanks to the new flat-seamed baseballs.

The Pelicans won last night and the Thunder lost, so New Orleans is just 1.5 games back of Oklahoma City for the final playoff spot in the Western. New Orleans beat the Lakers 113 to 92 as Anthony Davis had 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists. New Orleans is at Sacramento tomorrow night, while O-K-C visits Memphis.

U-L-M’s season ended last night as they fell to Loyola of Chicago 63 to 62. The Ramblers won the best of three series in the C-B-I two games to none. The Warhawks were led by Majok Deng who had 17 points, while Tylor Ongwae had 15 points in his final game in a Warhawks uniform.

In last night’s McDonald’s All American game….Antonio Blakeney, who is committed to play at LSU, scored 14 points, while LSU signee Ben Simmons had seven points and ten rebounds.

Two games on Louisiana Tech’s football schedule have been moved for national television. The Bulldogs game against Western Kentucky is now Thursday September 10th. And Tech’s game at Rice has been moved to Friday, October 30th.