| A reporter tried to carefully phrase a question to LSU coach Kim Mulkey on Friday about her team's turnover-filled NCAA Tournament win over Rice. "It was an ugly basketball game," Mulkey said. "It's OK. You won't hurt my feelings." LSU (29-5) committed 24 turnovers to Rice's 18 in a 70-60 grinder of a win to get out of the NCAA first round and into a second-round matchup Sunday in the PMAC against Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders (30-4) came from 18 down in the first half to outlast Louisville 71-69 in the day's first game in Baton Rouge. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. Sunday on ABC. In my column, I write that LSU assistant coach Bob Starkey suggested that the next time the Tigers play like that, they'll get beat. Maybe they will and it will be a short trip. Or maybe they come out with a much crisper effort against MTSU on Sunday. I'll bet on the latter, but it will certainly add some suspense to the occasion. I've also got my Three Points from the game Friday. We also have a story on the return of Last-Tear Poa, on the thrilling MTSU-Louisville game, and a new endorsement deal for LSU freshman Mikaylah Williams. Also, we tell you who is the first LSU men's player to hit the transfer portal this offseason. Where else can you get all this coverage? Obviously nowhere. After the basketball game, I'm sure a lot of LSU fans trooped over to Alex Box Stadium for Game 1 of this weekend's LSU-Florida series. In the first meeting (obviously) since the Tigers beat the Gators in the College World Series final, Luke Holman spun a gem as LSU opened with a big 6-1 victory. We've got a photo gallery, too. The teams meet again Saturday. It's just a huge LSU sports weekend, folks. Also Saturday, I'll be down in New Orleans (where the blues were born ... it takes a cool cat ... sorry, I digress) for the SEC Gymnastics Championships at the Smoothie King Center. Seeds 5-8 go at 2:30 p.m., with top-seeded LSU along with Florida, Kentucky and Alabama going in Session II at 7 p.m. Both sessions will be shown on the SEC Network. The Tigers will be trying to win the SEC meet for the first time since the last time it was in New Orleans in 2019. While you're here, check out our five gymnasts to watch at the big meet. Finally, LSU track and field, coming off a successful indoor season, has its outdoor home opener this weekend. Our Sheldon Mickles, Mr. Track (and Field), has all the details. Whew, that's a lot. Stay with us through the weekend and always for the most complete coverage of LSU athletics anywhere. Scott Rabalais | 
