Ellington

College basketball, Mississippi State women at Ole Miss (7 p.m., FSN South): This rivalry makes the women's hoops that much more interesting. … William Carey at Belhaven (women, 5:30 p.m.; men, 7:30 p.m.): The Crusaders call on the Blazers in the latest installment of the old (church) school rivalry.

Friday, Jan. 28
High school basketball, Lanier at Callaway (girls, 6 p.m.; boys, 7:30 p.m.): Monta Ellis and the Bulldogs visit the Chargers.

Saturday, Jan. 29
College basketball, Mississippi State at LSU (2 p.m., Ch. 12/620 AM): The Bulldogs are still playing catch-up in the SEC West. … Mississippi Valley State at Jackson State (7:30 p.m., 1300 AM): The Delta Devils visit the Tigers' den.

Sunday, Jan. 30
There's no NFL this weekend, boo hoo. So console yourself with … tennis. Australian Open men's championship (11 a.m., ESPN): Federer beats Roddick. Or whomever. … Arena football, teams TBA (2 p.m., Ch. 3): Another season of human pinball begins.

Monday, Jan. 31
College basketball, Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Jackson State (7:30 p.m., 1300 AM): The Tigers vs. the Golden Lions in a SWAC catfight.

Tuesday, Feb. 1
College basketball, Florida at Mississippi State (7 p.m., ESPN2/620 AM): The Bulldogs play host to one of the best teams in the SEC East.

Wednesday, Feb. 2
College basketball, South Florida at Southern Miss (7 p.m., 1180 AM/103.3 FM): The Golden Eagles play a C-USA foe they actually have a chance to beat.

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, the original pinball wizard. For more great stuff, visit the Amazing SportsBlog at http://www.jacksonfreepress.com