| It wasn't a game that will make a big mark on LSU's resume, a Quadrant 4 home victory over the SEC's last-place team. At the same time, it wasn't a game the Tigers could afford to lose. Their defense saw to it that they did not, as the men's basketball team cruised past hapless Georgia 84-65 Wednesday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU, which appears to be rounding back into form after losing six of seven without point guard Xavier Pinson, won its third straight to improved to 19-7 and 7-6 in SEC play. “When we have all our pieces, we’re very hard to beat … for sure,” LSU forward Darius Days said. Meanwhile, LSU women's coach Kim Mulkey is also preaching defense as her Tigers are back on the road as they travel to face Mississippi State at 6 p.m. Thursday. As the basketball seasons wind down to the last few regular season games, a highly anticipated LSU baseball season is about to begin. Wednesday, coach Jay Johnson announced his pitching rotation for this weekend's opening series against Maine. Well, at least two-thirds of one with Blake Money going Friday and Ma'Khail Hilliard going on Saturday. As for Sunday ... ???. Whoever pitches, Leah Vann says shortstop Jordan Thompson will be right behind them, pronouncing his injured knee 100% before Friday's game against Maine. Former LSU coach Paul Mainieri will be there watching, but most days he's found on the golf course. Our Wilson Alexander played a quick nine with the hall of famer at the University Club and, guess what? He's still coaching. Lastly, the No. 5 LSU gymnastics team is back in the PMAC Friday for another top-10 matchup, this time with No. 8 Alabama. LSU coach Jay Clark gave an update on star gymnast Haleigh Bryant's partially torn plantar fascia in her foot and on Alyona Shchennikova's knee as well. FINALLY: HERE’S A GREAT DEAL If you can’t tell from this newsletter, 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. If you’re not a subscriber, come join us. Thank you for reading. The Advocate LSU beat team, Scott Rabalais, Wilson Alexander, Sheldon Mickles and Leah Vann | 
