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LSU's basketball woes continued last night as the Lady Tigers lose their 1st home game to Kentucky in 15 years, 71-62. Despite being tied at the half, and Hightower having a great night going 10-30 for 23 points, Kentucky put together a 17-5 run towards the end that LSU couldn't answer. In more bad news for both basketball teams, a water pipe burst in the still-being-finished basketball practice facility and now all of the floors, including the practice courts, will have to be replaced. This pushes both teams back into the pmac until the middle of march or later.

Baseball starts practice this afternoon as the construction of new right field seats and the installation of the Intimidator at Alex Box continues in preparation of opening day Feb 19th against Centenary. The new section adds 960 seats with backs and may be used for student seating in the future. Also from the report, The SIX national championship flags are being moved to a plaza in front of the stadium where they will fly year round. Meanwhile, the old box is now in it's final days of demolition as it is turned into temporary gravel parking for football season, with more permanent use still being decided.

Despite the loss of two weeks of practice due to the early season start and late semester start, Mainieri says he's already set his lineup and is only worried about deciding on a third weekend starter. LSUSports.net has a nice refresher course on the team and some notes on their summer league activities.

LSU has lost it's 4th recruit in 2 weeks as DT Cassius Marsh has been convinced by the charms of Rick Neuheisel to stay at home and play for the Bruins. Look for LSU too make a serious push for Evangel High DT Brandon Jackson to replace him.

I don't like to go into real news, but the current budget problems at the University deserve a mention. Nearly 300 non-tenured faculty are receiving notices that they may be terminated in the next 12 months. Among them is long time Asst. Director of Bands Roy King, who is often seen directing the PMAC Sports bands. The Band it's self has been warned by the Chancellor’s Office that a cut in personnel may be coming this summer.

This weekend's lineup:

Men's and Women's Tennis being the season with kickoff tournaments in Tallahassee and Los Angeles respectively.

Track and Field continues the Indoor season in Albuquerque.

Gymnastic has 1st road match at Florida tonight.

Swimming and Diving ends their season in Houston.

Men's Basketball at MooU on Saturday (12:30, SECnet)

Lady Tiger Basketball at Bama on Sunday (2:00pm, no tv)