| Twelve-and-oh. No one could have predicted that the LSU men's basketball team would complete its pre-conference schedule unbeaten. But that's what the Tigers accomplished Wednesday night with another impressive win, a 95-60 romp over Lipscomb that ran No. 17-ranked LSU's record to 12-0. Things get tougher from here for LSU, starting next Wednesday with its SEC opener at Auburn. But the Tigers have done all they can to this point, even winning Wednesday without star forward Tari Eason who sat out with a back injury. It's LSU's first 12-0 start since the Tigers started 13-0 in 1999-2000, eventually winning the SEC and reaching the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. LSU's basketball teams are a combined 23-1 after the No. 21-ranked women's squad completed a sweep Tuesday in the West Palm Beach Invitational with a 74-60 win over Texas Tech. It was the 10th straight victory for the Tigers (11-1), who beat Clemson in that event 70-56 on Monday. The good news about LSU basketball was tempered by another depature from the LSU football squad, as star linebacker Damone Clark announced Wednesday he was opting out of the Tigers' appearance in the Jan. 4 Texas Bowl against Kansas State. Clark led the FBS with 135 tackles during the regular season. Finally, chalk up another coaching hire for athletic director Scott Woodward. LSU announced Wednesday the return of former player Tonya Johnson to coach the indoor volleyball team, succeeding the retiring Fran Flory. Johnson, who has been an assistant coach at Texas, played for LSU from 1987-90, helped LSU to a pair of SEC titles and a trip to the 1990 Final Four. ONE LAST THING: HERE’S A GREAT DEAL If you’re not a subscriber, come join us. We’re running a great deal for you. Our sportswriters are the hardest-working folks in show business. They’ll keep you up to date on the latest news at LSU (and elsewhere). Support their work, and stay on top of everything. Enjoy, and happy holidays to all. The LSU beat crew (Scott Rabalais, Sheldon Mickles, Wilson Alexander and Leah Vann) | 
