Ellington

Thursday, Jan. 18
Junior college basketball, Gulf Coast at Hinds (6 p.m., women; 7:30 p.m., men; Utica): The Eagles entertain the Bulldogs in a juco double dip.

Friday, Jan. 19
High school basketball, Jim Hill at Provine (girls, 6 p.m.; boys, 7:30 p.m.): Two JPS rivals battle for neighborhood supremacy. You'd better go early if you want a seat.

Saturday, Jan. 20
Men's college basketball, Ole Miss at Florida (noon, Gainesville, Fla., Ch. 12/97.3 FM): The Rebels are headed for trouble in Gatorville. Right now, Florida looks like the best team in the country—again.

Sunday, Jan. 21
Pro football, NFC Championship, New Orleans at Chicago (2 p.m., Ch. 40/620 AM): The Saints have gone where no New Orleans team has gone before. Can they take the next step and reach the Super Bowl? Yes. (We hope.) ... Win or lose, come party with the JFP at Mardi Gras at 8 p.m. Football on the big screens. Free.

Monday, Jan. 22
Women's college basketball, Duke at Tennessee (6 p.m., ESPN2): If you're not a "24" watcher, you might enjoy this matchup of potential Final Four squads.

Tuesday, Jan. 23
High school basketball, Callaway at Provine (6 p.m., girls; 7:30 p.m., boys): It's North vs. South in JPS hoops.

Wednesday, Jan. 24
Men's college basketball, Florida at Mississippi State (7 p.m., Starkville, Ch. 12/105.9 FM): The Bulldogs play host to the defending national champs Like that's going to make things easier.

The Slate is compiled by Doctor S, who's one cat shy of happiness these days.