LSU posts a historic blowout as Hooters returns to NASCAR

LSU’s women’s basketball team opened its season with a rout that made history. The No. 9 Tigers overwhelmed Texas Southern, which had begun the year with a 40-point loss to Tulane.

LSU’s run included a 40-0 second quarter, and the Tigers outscored their opponent 106-9 over the final three periods. Texas Southern went 13 possessions in the second quarter without getting the ball inside the three-point line.

The margin was reportedly the largest ever in a Division I game between two Division I teams. LSU’s estimated name, image and likeness valuation is around $6 million, among the highest in women’s basketball. Texas Southern’s figure was not readily available.

The result raised the familiar question of whether a team should ease up late in a lopsided game. The columnist felt LSU could have shown more restraint, recalling a 27-1 loss during his own college baseball career, but also acknowledged that teams know the competitive realities when they take the court.

Warriors’ Pride night draws criticism

At Golden State’s Pride night, singer Jason Brock carried a small rainbow flag during the national anthem. The columnist viewed the gesture as disrespectful, while Brock pushed back against claims that players’ laughter showed disrespect for the anthem. He said he had not been watching the players and did not interpret their reaction that way.

Reader mail: donuts, rankings and the NBA

A reader suggested trying a Sriracha-flavored donut. The columnist, who enjoys the hot sauce on other foods, said the combination had not won him over. He still preferred simpler options such as glazed, blueberry and Boston cream.

The mail also returned to Wake Forest’s place in the first College Football Playoff rankings. One reader argued the team’s recent wins were less impressive than they appeared, pointing to several opponents with losing records. The columnist conceded those were fair concerns, but noted that Wake Forest had won its games comfortably. He also pointed out that No. 4 Indiana needed overtime to beat Michigan and Minnesota.

Another reader objected to the columnist’s criticism of the NBA and Luka Dončić, arguing that he should not cover a league he dislikes. The message was sharply worded. The columnist took it in stride and joked that the publication offered good medical coverage.

Hooters returns to NASCAR

Hooters is set to return to NASCAR this weekend for the season finale at Homestead, marking its first appearance in the sport in about 18 months.