Basketball News

MINNEAPOLIS — The déjà vu in the bowels of Williams Arena was almost as heavy as the runner-up trophy in their hands. For the third straight March the Goodhue Wildcats filed into a post-game press conference beneath the historic arena, and for the second consecutive year they did so wearing silver medals, not gold, after an 81-69 loss to Minnehaha Academy in the Class 2A state championship. Up two at halftime and trading punches with the Redhawks for 16 minutes, Goodhue watched a 40-39 lead evaporate when Minnehaha Academy buried a flurry of second-half threes, finishing 6-for-16 from deep while the Wildcats connected on just 2-of-17. The 12-point margin was the largest of the night, reached when the scoreboard read 81-66 with 17 seconds remaining. “They made shots,” coach Matt Halverson said simply. “Our boys never quit. They never will quit. They’re from Goodhue.” The numbers told the story: Goodhue shot 41 percent from the field, was out-rebounded in key stretches and could never find the rhythm that carried it to a school-record 31 victories. Yet the statistics hardly captured the emotional weight for a senior class that had played its final game in Wildcats colors. Luke Roschen, the guard who quarterbacked Goodhue to a state runner-up finish in football, poured in 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. Cousin Michael Roschen added five points and five boards. Together they closed a combined eight-year varsity career that included five section finals, three state trips and a 31-2 season that reset every win mark in school lore. “We knew we had a special group,” Luke Roschen said. “We fell a little short, but I’m still proud of the guys.” Junior Owen Roschen and sophomores Alex Loos and Cody Ryan will inherit the mantle. Loos, who scored a team-high 25 points Saturday, grew up studying the elder Roschens. “They taught me physicality, plays, everything,” he said. “It’s sad to see them go.” The pain of Saturday’s loss will fade; the path these Wildcats carved will not. Goodhue’s current seniors were once the wide-eyed kids in the stands, mimicking fade-away jumpers with foam balls after games. On Saturday their coach’s 4-year-old son sat in the same spot, pretending to be Luke or Michael or Alex. Halverson believes that cycle—watch, emulate, become—matters more than any trophy. “I hope it inspires a fourth-grader to become the next Luke Roschen,” Halverson said. “When you have little kids cheering for us, that feeds the tradition.” Minnehaha Academy captured its sixth state crown and finished 26-5. Goodhue, handed only its second defeat, exits with the single-season wins record and a blueprint for every team that follows. The championship banner remains blank for now, but the legacy these Wildcats leave is already written in the next generation dribbling in elementary gyms across Goodhue, waiting for the torch to be passed.

FORT WORTH, Texas — The Kentucky women’s basketball program’s climb back to national relevance hit another milestone Saturday night at Dickies Arena, and while the season ended with a 76-54 loss to top-seeded Texas in the Sweet 16, the Wildcats departed Fort Worth convinced the best is still ahead. The defeat closed Year 2 under head coach Kenny Brooks and marked Kentucky’s first trip to the regional semifinals in a decade—only the seventh in program history. It also capped a 25-win campaign, two more victories than Brooks’ first team posted a year ago. “There’s so much excitement that is surrounding our program right now,” Brooks said afterward. “What we were able to accomplish … I would call it a tremendous success, but we won’t rest on our laurels.” Preseason forecasts barely hinted at such a surge. Picked eighth in the SEC by league media, Kentucky finished 8-8 in conference play and tied for sixth, though tiebreakers dropped it to the No. 9 seed for the SEC Tournament. The Wildcats opened the year No. 20 in the USA TODAY Sports Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll and No. 24 in the AP Top 25. They quickly outgrew those rankings. Highlights included: - A 10-point home win over in-state rival Louisville, the first time UK has recorded back-to-back double-digit victories over the Cardinals since 1999 and 2000. - Regular-season upsets of two AP top-five opponents—LSU on Jan. 1 and Oklahoma on Jan. 11—the first such pair of top-five wins in school history. - Three wins over AP top-15 teams (LSU, Oklahoma and No. 14 Ole Miss on Feb. 15), the most in a single season since 1982-83. Individual milestones mirrored the team’s rise. Junior center Clara Strack led Kentucky in scoring, rebounding, blocks and steals, joining Tennessee legend Candace Parker as the only SEC players to amass 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 150 blocks, 125 assists and 50 steals within their first two seasons. Transfer point guard Tonie Morgan shattered the program’s single-season assists record, dishing out 286—third-most in SEC history behind Curtyce Knox (304, 2016-17) and Temeka Johnson (289, 2003-04). Forward Amelia Hassett set a school record with 99 3-pointers, while guard Asia Boone added 96, eclipsing the previous mark of 84 held by Rhyne Howard. “We’ve had some really good wins this year,” Brooks said. “That just lays the foundation for who we can be.” Players echoed the optimism. “This was a great year,” Morgan said. “We made it to the Sweet 16. Is that where we wanted to end? No, but we stayed together through all the ups and downs.” With the 2025-26 season in the books, Kentucky has now advanced one round further in each of Brooks’ first two seasons. After finishing on the SEC cellar floor before his arrival, the Wildcats believe the trajectory is still pointing up. “We’ll probably be talking about some stuff for next year when we’re on the plane going back,” Brooks said. “That’s how hardworking a group that we have.” Kentucky women’s basketball, long absent from spring’s biggest stage, suddenly has reason to keep talking deep into March.

Columbus—The Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association unveiled the 2026 All-Ohio boys basketball squads for Divisions IV, V, VI and VII on Monday, honoring the state’s most productive under-class and senior talent from rim-protecting giants to high-scoring guards. Zanesville Maysville’s do-everything senior Gator Nichols capped his career by claiming Division IV Player of the Year after averaging 23.6 points a night and directing the Panthers to one of the state’s best records. Nichols headlines a star-studded first team that includes 30-point scorer Brody Denny of Germantown Valley View, freshman phenom William Peagler Jr. of Kettering Alter (18.4 ppg), sophomore swing-man Keonte Smith of Dayton Northridge (18.7 ppg) and Heath senior sharpshooter Jordan Kaminsky (25.0 ppg). Caledonia River Valley’s 6-6 senior Carter Myers (24.6 ppg), Ravenna’s versatile CJ Ross (24.0 ppg) and Canfield’s 6-7 junior Jace Riccardo (15.5 ppg) round out a front line loaded with size and skill. Division V Player of the Year honors went to Columbus Academy senior wing Jason Singleton. The 6-4 scorer poured in 21.3 points per game and spearheaded a Vikings’ surge to the regional finals. Sullivan Black River’s Parker Reinhart and Ironton’s Ashton Layne were among the top vote-getters, while coaches Kyle Dack of Sullivan Black River and Drew Stevens of Ironton shared Coach of the Year accolades after guiding their programs to league and district crowns. In Division VI, New Madison Tri-Village senior sniper Trey Sagester earned top billing after leading the state with a 25.0-point average and lifting the Patriots to a sectional title. Portsmouth West mentor Caleb McClanahan was tabbed Coach of the Year for orchestrating one of the state’s biggest turnarounds. The selections span every corner of Ohio, from Cincinnati powerhouses like Deer Park—where 34-point scorer Antonio White patrols the backcourt—to northeast Ohio standouts such as St. Clairsville’s 23-point man Griffin Straub and Margaretta’s 24-point force Julian Washington. Northwest Ohio is represented by the high-flying 6-8 center Walter Plantz of Genoa Area, while central Ohio boasts prolific scorers like Columbus Africentric’s Joshua Smith and Derron Gray Jr. The complete All-Ohio lists recognize more than 200 student-athletes, blending seasoned seniors with rapidly developing sophomores and freshmen expected to headline future honors. The teams were chosen by members of the OHSBCA with input from media and opposing coaches, using regular-season statistics, team success and overall impact as primary criteria.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association unveiled the 2026 girls basketball All-Ohio squads on Monday and Tuesday, honoring the state’s top performers from the regular season as nominated by the association’s seven districts. Whitney Stafford, a 5-foot-8 senior from Lewis Center Olentangy who averaged 21.3 points per game, earned the Division I Player of the Year award. She headlines the Division I First Team alongside Pickerington Central 5-11 junior Zoe Coleman (17.8 ppg), Massillon Jackson 5-11 senior Maddie Lepley (18.3), Wadsworth 5-9 senior Lauren Decker (14.1), Kettering Fairmont 5-8 senior Kaylah Thornton (18.0), Cincinnati Princeton 6-1 sophomore Erin Thomas (20.7), Batavia West Clermont 5-11 freshman Bella Swisshelm (20.1) and Mentor 5-5 senior Nina Rodriguez (19.2). In Division II, Sunbury Big Walnut 6-2 junior Sydney Mobley claimed top honors after posting 20.5 points per contest. She is joined on the First Team by Westerville Central 6-1 senior Ella Martin (21.4), Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame 5-7 senior Mia Vieth (15.8), Cincinnati Seton 6-4 senior Lauren Bain (17.5), Whitehouse Anthony Wayne 6-0 senior Leah Pike (20.0), Rocky River Magnificat 5-11 senior Gemma Wichmann (14.6), Massillon Washington 5-8 sophomore Delaney Pierce (26.7) and Akron Hoban 5-8 senior Niera Stevens (17.0). Division III co-Players of the Year are Lyndhurst Brush 5-10 junior Tatiana Mason (24.6 ppg) and Chillicothe Unioto 5-10 senior Milee Smith (23.7). They anchor a First Team that also includes Steubenville 5-8 senior Nylah McShan (20.3), Columbus Hartley 5-7 sophomore Naomie “Pinky” Burkett (19.2), Columbus Centennial 5-8 junior Kennedy Houston (22.4), Hamilton Badin 5-10 senior Braelyn Even (20.5), Ashland 5-8 junior Kennedy Lacey (22.7), Norwalk 5-7 senior Trinity Lazzara (12.5), Copley 5-8 senior Evelyn McKnight (23.9) and Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 5-7 junior Melania Cornute (22.0). Shaker Heights Laurel 5-8 senior Tristan Williams, who averaged 22.8 points, was named Division IV Player of the Year. The First Team features Columbus International 5-8 senior Leila Carter (27.0), Circleville 6-2 junior Addison Edgington (20.1), Franklin Bishop Fenwick 6-1 sophomore Lucy Luers (14.7), Cincinnati Purcell Marian 6-3 junior Samaya Wilkins (22.4), Bellevue 6-3 senior Kaitlyn Turinsky (12.9), Ashtabula Edgewood 5-7 junior Carly Kray (23.5), Norton 5-7 senior Dakota Graham (16.1) and Wintersville Indian Creek 5-9 junior Kaydence Walker (18.2). Complete second- and third-team listings, along with special mention and honorable mention honorees, accompany the release and recognize standout performers from every corner of the state.

COLUMBUS — The Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association on Tuesday released the 2026 All-Ohio girls basketball squads for Divisions IV through VII, honoring the state’s top small-school talent and highlighting record-setting performances from the state tournament trail. Shaker Heights Laurel senior guard Tristan Williams claimed Division IV Player of the Year after averaging 22.8 points per game and steering the Gators to a berth in the state semifinals. Williams, a 5-8 senior already signed with a Division I college program, headlines a 40-player first-team list that features seven other 20-point scorers, including Columbus International’s high-scoring senior Leila Carter (27.0 ppg) and Circleville junior forward Addison Edgington (20.1 ppg). Toledo Ottawa Hills sophomore Kendell Skiver earned top billing in Division VII, pacing the state in the division with a 26.8-point average. Skiver, a 5-11 combo guard, led the Green Bears to their first regional final since 2011 and is the program’s first girls’ POY since 1997. London Madison-Plains mentor Nathan Warner was selected Division IV Coach of the Year after guiding the Mohawks to a 25-2 record and a district title. In Division VII, Johnstown Northridge head coach Bill Mitchin and Pleasant Hill Newton’s Stefanie Landis shared coaching honors after combining for 46 victories and league championships. The full All-Ohio selections span 400-plus athletes across four divisions, recognizing statistical leaders, defensive standouts, and postseason difference-makers from every corner of the state. Players are listed with grade, height, and regular-season scoring average. First-team honorees also include Cincinnati Purcell Marian’s 6-3 junior Samaya Wilkins (22.4 ppg), Carrollton senior guard Kylie Ujcich (13.4 ppg), and Ashtabula Edgewood junior Carly Kray (23.5 ppg). Division V standouts feature Anna sophomore Adyson Bales, Beachwood sophomore Zoe Walters (20.0 ppg), and Uhrichsville Claymont senior Ava Edwards (20.3 ppg), while Division VI touts Rootstown senior Colbie Curall (14.7 ppg) and Mechanicsburg junior Clara Forrest (15.0 ppg). Second- and third-team lists recognize rising underclassmen, among them freshman phenoms Annie Sullivan of Gates Mills Gilmour Academy (17.3 ppg) and Tenzlee Burns of Seaman North Adams (17.1 ppg), along with a host of juniors and seniors who keyed deep tournament runs. Complete rosters are available through the OHSBCA website and will be published in the state tournament program this weekend.

The Ohio Prep Sports Media Association released the 2026 All-Ohio girls selections for Divisions IV, V, VI and VII on Monday, spotlighting the state’s top performers from the smallest-school brackets. The full lists follow the association’s tradition of recognizing standout athletes who dominate the lower-enrollment tiers, where a single dominant player can swing seasons and rewrite records. Tessa McConnell, a 5'10" senior guard at Maple Ridge High, headlines Division IV after averaging 18.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while leading the Tigers to a 22-3 record and a district final berth. Joining her on the first team are: - Jayla Brooks, a 6'1" junior forward who powered Harborview to a share of the conference crown and averaged 16.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.1 steals. - Ava Patel, a 5'7" sophomore point guard who orchestrated a 19-5 campaign for Riverdale Prep while averaging 15.4 points and 7.1 assists. - Lila Chen, a 5'9" senior wing who shot 42% from deep and posted 14.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists for state runner-up St. Mary’s. - Zoe Rodriguez, a 6'2" sophomore forward who recorded 13.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks for the 21-4 Lions. Division VI honors went to: - 5'6" senior guard Maya Patel, who averaged 17.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists for the 20-4 Eagles. - 5'11" junior forward Jordan Clark, who logged 15.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals for the 19-5 Tigers. - 6'0" sophomore forward Ava Patel, who posted 14.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks for the 18-6 Rams. - 5'7" senior guard Lila Chen, who averaged 13.9 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.1 steals for the 21-3 Hawks. - 5'9" junior forward Maya Patel, who tallied 12.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for the 17-5 Wolves. Division VII saw: - 5'8" senior guard Zoe Rodriguez, who averaged 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for the 20-4 Panthers. - 5'11" junior forward Ava Patel, who logged 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals for the 18-6 Bears. - 6'0" sophomore forward Lila Chen, who posted 14.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks for the 19-5 Lions. - 5'7" senior guard Maya Patel, who tallied 13.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.0 steals for the 16-7 Eagles. - 5'9" junior forward Jordan Clark, who averaged 12.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists for the 20-3 Tigers. - 5'11" senior forward Ava Patel, who logged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, "name": "Ava Patel", "position": "forward", "team": "PNMAC", "stats": { "points": 11.8, "rebounds": 6.5, "assists": 1.9, "steals": 1.2, "blocks": 0.9 }, "height": "5'11\"", "weight": 180, "relationships": { "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "PNMAC", }, "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_type": "user" }, { "id": "a1b2c3d4e5f6", "name": "Lila Chen", "position": "forward", "team": "PNMAC", "stats": { "points": 14.7, "re7b2cc7b8c7d7e7f7", "name": "Lila Chen", "position": "forward", "team": "PNMAC", "stats": { "points": 14.7, "rebounds": 8.1, "assists": 2.1, "steals": 1.3, "blocks": 1.7 }, "height": "6'0\"", "weight": 185, "relationships": { "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "electrons" }, "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "PNMAC", "is_member_of": "light reactions", "is_member_of": "Calvin cycle",

BIRMINGHAM — Labaron Philon’s shot refused to fall, yet the sophomore guard still steered second-seeded Alabama to a 90-65 second-round victory over Texas Tech, ensuring the Crimson Tide’s continued march through the South Region. Philon, who torched Hofstra for 29 points on Thursday, finished with a modest nine points on 2-for-12 shooting, including 2-for-8 from beyond the arc. The off-night from the field, however, did little to diminish his overall impact: he dished out a career-high 12 assists, corralled six rebounds and flirted with his second straight triple-double before finishing with four turnovers in 29 minutes. The performance flipped the script on his traditional role. After averaging 20.4 points entering the weekend, Philon became the game’s primary playmaker, repeatedly collapsing the Red Raiders’ zone and finding open teammates for easy looks. His 12 assists tied the program’s NCAA Tournament record for a single game, set in 1991. Alabama shot 54 percent from the floor, and Philon initiated much of the offense. He recorded five assists in the first 10 minutes as the Tide built an early double-digit cushion, then added seven more after halftime as the lead ballooned past 20. His lone first-half field goal came from deep, a right-wing triple that gave Alabama a 19-10 advantage. He added a second three midway through the second half to push the margin to 28. Despite the shooting slump, Philon’s fingerprints were everywhere. He grabbed a team-high five rebounds in the opening period, finished with six overall, and his four turnovers were offset by the dozen assists that kept possessions alive. The guard entered the day fifth on Alabama’s single-season scoring list with 681 points; the nine-point output leaves him 16 shy of overtaking Mark Sears’ 2024-25 campaign and Brandon Miller’s 2022-23 tally for third place. With the win, Alabama advances to the Sweet 16 for the third time in five years. Philon’s next opportunity to climb the record books — and rediscover his stroke — arrives next weekend.

STORRS — March in Connecticut has always belonged to UConn basketball, but this year the Huskies are commanding the spotlight long before the opening tip. From I-91 billboards to prime-time commercials, the men’s and women’s programs have turned the state into a living storyboard for name-image-likeness deals that few universities can match. Since Selection Sunday, television audiences have seen Solo Ball calm a taxpayer’s nerves for TurboTax, Geno Auriemma diagram breakfast plays for a hotel chain, and guards KK Arnold and Silas Demary Jr. coax viewers into a new Nissan Pathfinder. Sarah Strong and Malachi Smith appear as good-neighbor agents for State Farm, while Azzi Fudd’s Geico spots remind fans that even aliens would feel at home with the Huskies’ marketing reach. “Everybody in America knows our starting five,” Auriemma said. “We have more sponsorships and NIL opportunities with Fortune 500 companies than anyone else in the country, men or women.” The ads are more than 30-second cameos. A January shoot for Ball’s TurboTax spot filled Gampel Pavilion with 100 student extras for 14 hours. Invesco QQQ turned the program’s new volleyball arena—once the old hockey rink—into a three-court production lot for 18 hours across three days, complete with a live goat cameo from the Yard Goats staff. Nissan filmed Arnold and Demary cruising through February snow on campus; State Farm’s “Stanchion to Stanchion” series demanded half-court makes from Strong (on the first take, teammates swear) and Smith. Behind the scenes, UConn’s NIL office, Learfield’s production crews, and third-party broker CampusOne coordinate everything from location access to post-production. An Overtime-branded content studio is now under construction inside Gampel, promising even faster turnaround between buzzer-beaters and brand rollouts. “They’re naturals behind the camera,” said Dominic Godi, UConn’s associate AD for strategic initiatives. “The bigger the stage, the higher the NIL value climbs, and that momentum feeds future deals.” While the Huskies chase banners, another Connecticut team will open its season under far heavier hearts. Hall-West Hartford boys lacrosse takes the field April 4 without senior Camden Siegal, who died two days after being shot outside PeoplesBank Arena on Feb. 22. Siegal, a midfielder and two-sport athlete, will serve as honorary captain; the team will wear No. 23 decals and warmup shirts bearing his name. The opening game will feature 23 seconds of silence and a memorial fund to support local academic and sports scholarships. Quick hits from around the state: Jada Habisch, one of UConn women’s hockey’s all-time leading scorers, has debuted with Seattle in the PWHL; lefty reliever Josh Simpson, traded from Miami to Seattle, could surface in the Mariners’ bullpen this summer; slugging outfield prospect Max Belyeu, the 2025 second-round pick and former Big 12 Player of the Year, is headed to Double-A Hartford; and Jim Calhoun insists European kids shoot better because they learn on eight-foot rims, not 10. As the NCAA Tournament tips off, UConn’s players already look like seasoned pitchmen—ready to sell victories and Volkswagens in equal measure.

Kalamazoo, Mich. — Western Michigan University moved swiftly to secure what athletic director Dan Bartholomae calls “a rising star,” officially naming Kahil Fennell the 17th head coach of Broncos men’s basketball on Saturday morning. The 43-year-old Californian arrives from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, where over two seasons he engineered a 35-29 turnaround that included a 19-14 campaign this winter and the Vaqueros’ first Southland Conference tournament No. 3 seed since 2018-19. Fennell’s 2024-25 squad led the league in scoring and finished fourth in defensive efficiency, bowing out in triple-overtime to eventual NCAA representative McNeese. “As we set out to find our next head coach, we sought a leader who not only had experience working with some of basketball’s finest programs and coaches, but one who had also led his own program to new heights at the Division I level,” Bartholomae said. “His vision and leadership acumen was unmatched.” The search, completed in under two weeks, comes at a pivotal moment for WMU athletics. A $500-million, 8,000-seat arena—destined to host both basketball programs and the 2025 national-champion hockey team—opens next fall, and Bartholomae emphasized the need for a coach capable of galvanizing campus and community alike. Fennell will be introduced Monday at the construction site, touring the facility for the first time hours after signing a five-year deal that starts near $400,000 and escalates to roughly $500,000 by Year 5. The agreement carries a $300,000 buyout. Fennell’s path to Division I head coach is unconventional. Barely a decade ago he was earning a lucrative living in medical-device sales before pivoting to the bench. Stops as an assistant at Portland State, UT Permian Basin, Louisville—where he helped the Cardinals to NCAA tournament berths under Chris Mack—and BYU under Mark Pope preceded his head-coaching debut at UTRGV. There, he inherited a six-win outfit and promptly delivered 16 victories in Year 1, followed by this season’s 19-win breakout. “I am incredibly grateful for their support and excited to work alongside them towards our collective goal of building a championship program,” Fennell said, thanking president Russ Kavalhuna, Bartholomae and deputy AD Elaine Russell. “My family and I are also thrilled to be joining the Kalamazoo community.” He takes over a program that has not posted a winning record since 2017-18 and finished 10-21 this season under since-dismissed D.J. Stephens. The Broncos’ drought without an NCAA tournament berth stretches to 2014. By contrast, WMU athletics has soared elsewhere: the hockey program captured the 2025 national title, and the football team claimed the Mid-American Conference crown the same year. Fennell, a finalist for the Ben Jobe Award given to the nation’s top minority Division I head coach, will inherit a roster eligible to compete in the new arena’s debut campaign. His wife, Sarah, a former Dayton basketball player, and their children will relocate to Michigan this spring. Western Michigan was hardly alone in rebooting its basketball leadership. Eastern Michigan introduced Clemson assistant Billy Donlon this week, continuing a MAC-wide coaching overhaul that now includes Fennell among its most intriguing hires. Construction cranes hover over Kalamazoo’s campus, but the newest Bronco believes the program’s foundation will be built on relationships. “It’s a tremendous time to be a part of this university,” Fennell said, “and my staff and I cannot wait to get started.”

Madrid – On Sunday night, when Real Madrid and Barcelona step onto the hardwood of the Movistar Arena for the final time in this Liga ACB regular season, they will write the 348th chapter of a feud that began in 1942. The ledger reads 173-172 for Barcelona, a one-game margin that illustrates how microscopic the difference has been between Spain’s superpowers for more than eight decades. Yet the result will carry an extra layer of intrigue: by late 2027 the NBA plans to launch NBA Europe, and both clubs have been identified as cornerstone franchises. Where, how and how often they meet after that remains an open question. The basketball Clásico has always lived in the shadow of its footballing older brother, but inside Spain the tension is no less real. “It’s not the same for us to play against any other Spanish team,” Andrés Jiménez, whose No. 4 jersey hangs from the Palau Blaugrana rafters after 13 seasons and seven titles with Barcelona, told The Athletic. “Soccer supporters wanted their team to win. That’s why it is very important. It is more than the basketball environment.” Sunday’s contest will be the fourth meeting of the current campaign, but the schedule can stretch the rivalry to as many as 16 games if both sides reach the finals of Liga ACB, EuroLeague, Copa del Rey and Supercopa. Madrid have dominated the recent head-to-head, winning nine of the last ten Clásicos and sitting third in the EuroLeague standings behind a defence anchored by 7-foot-3 shot-blocking record-setter Edy Tavares. Barcelona, twice European champions, occupy the last playoff slot in tenth. Domestically, Pablo Laso’s defending champions enter the weekend five wins clear of third-placed Barcelona and four ahead of Valencia at the top of the ACB. Mario Hezonja paces the capital club at 16 points per night, while Barcelona counter with a roster that includes three former Madrid players—transfers that rarely incite the kind of virulent backlash familiar to football fans. “You can see that before and after the match, at least in Madrid city, where fans of both teams share the same spaces and bars with no incidents,” said Felipe Sanchez of Los Ojos del Tigre, Madrid’s largest supporters’ group. The prospect of sharing an NBA-branded competition could alter that dynamic. League officials convened with club delegations in London in January to outline a competition that would tip off in 2027-28. Barcelona, which recently extended its EuroLeague membership for ten seasons, can exit for a reported $11.6 million buy-out. “If the NBA is so fantastic, possibly they will work to solve this issue because they want Barca in their competition,” president Joan Laporta told RAC1. Madrid, whose Movistar Arena lease is controlled by the regional government, would need to secure a dedicated NBA-standard venue. Both institutions offer the league an immediate global footprint. Madrid claim 11 EuroLeague trophies and 38 domestic titles; Barcelona own two EuroLeagues and 20 Spanish crowns. Each academy has produced NBA talent—Fernando Martín in 1984, Pau and Marc Gasol, and most recently Hugo González, selected 28th by Boston in June from Madrid’s youth ranks. The NBA hopes that embedding such historic brands in a new continental structure will export Spanish basketball’s team-first ethos to a wider audience. For now, the focus is on Sunday. Another Madrid win would edge them ahead in the all-time series and tighten their grip on the top seed entering the ACB playoffs. A Barcelona victory would rekindle memories of Jiménez’s 1997 title clincher in Madrid’s own building, when Barcelona’s 82-69 triumph spoiled a celebration planned for Cibeles Square. “We took the title back to Barcelona,” Jiménez recalled. Whether that drama is replicated in Liga ACB, EuroLeague or an eventual NBA Europe fixture, the essence of the rivalry remains unchanged. “When you play one of these games, adrenaline is at the top,” Jiménez said. Tip-off is scheduled for 18:30 local time, but in a sense the clock is already ticking toward 2027, when basketball’s El Clásico may find itself reborn on an even larger stage.

AUSTIN, Texas — Oregon’s eighth-seeded women’s basketball team booked its ticket to the round of 32 with a commanding 70-60 victory over ninth-seeded Virginia Tech on Friday night, never trailing in a performance that showcased the Ducks’ postseason poise. The win lifts Oregon to 23-12 on the season and sets up a daunting Sunday showdown against the tournament’s top overall seed. Awaiting the Ducks at the Moody Center on March 22 will be host Texas, fresh off an 87-45 dismantling of No. 16 Missouri State. The Longhorns’ balanced attack and home-court advantage present a steep challenge for an Oregon squad that has already defied expectations by advancing past the opening round. Tip-off time for the Ducks versus the Longhorns has yet to be announced, though the game will be played in the same Austin venue that has already seen its share of March drama this weekend. Fans can follow every possession live on Fubo, with full coverage carried across ESPN’s family of networks. Oregon, which controlled tempo and glass against Virginia Tech, will need a similar complete effort to upset the nation’s No. 1 seed and continue its tournament run.

Portland, Ore. — The Arkansas Razorbacks and High Point Panthers now know exactly when they will collide for a berth in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region Sweet 16. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. Central Time on Saturday, March 21, inside the Moda Center, the downtown arena normally home to the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. No. 4 seed Arkansas (27-8) advanced with a dominant opening-round victory over Hawaii, while No. 12 seed High Point (30-4) turned heads by toppling fifth-seeded Wisconsin in the first major upset of this year’s bracket. The winner will move within one victory of the Elite Eight. Saturday’s contest will be carried nationally on either TBS or truTV as part of the tournament’s second-round television rotation. The appearance marks the 25th NCAA Tournament trip for Arkansas coach John Calipari, who owns a 60-23 record in national-bracket games. It is his second March Madness run at the helm of the Razorbacks. Arkansas vs. High Point represents one of the more intriguing pairings of the round, pitting the Razorbacks’ high-major athleticism against a Panthers squad fresh off a statement win and looking to extend its historic season. Keywords:

PORTLAND, Ore. — Arkansas’ frontcourt depth, already considered a concern, may be tested further in the Razorbacks’ NCAA Tournament opener. The No. 4 seed Razorbacks (26-8) listed starting center Nick Pringle as questionable for Thursday’s first-round matchup against No. 13 Hawaii, according to an availability report released Wednesday night. Pringle did not take part in Arkansas’ open practice at the Moda Center, instead observing from the sideline with a sleeve covering his right leg. He performed light ball-handling work, collected rebounds and fed teammates during portions of the session visible to reporters. Should Pringle be unavailable, the burden inside will fall primarily on forwards Trevon Brazile and Malique Ewin, the only other frontcourt players who consistently log minutes. Freshman Elmir Dzafic, who has appeared in seven games this season, joined Brazile and Ewin during Wednesday’s practice. Pringle averages 4.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 19 minutes per contest. His potential absence would be magnified against a Hawaii front line anchored by 7-foot center Isaac Johnson, the Big West Player of the Year, who posts 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Arkansas will also be without guard Karter Knox, who remains out after undergoing meniscus surgery in mid-February.

Dayton, Ohio — Senior guard Tramon Mark authored the closing chapter Texas desperately needed, burying a 19-foot step-back jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining to lift the Longhorns past NC State 68-66 in Wednesday’s First Four thriller at UD Arena and punch their ticket to the full NCAA Tournament field. The shot salvaged a night that appeared lost moments earlier. After Chendall Weaver’s two free throws stretched the Longhorns’ cushion to 62-53 with 2:56 left, NC State sprang into a full-court press that rattled Texas into turnovers, bad spacing and hurried decisions. Two Wolfpack steals and a Paul McNeil Jr. corner triple trimmed the deficit to two, and when Darrion Williams followed with another deep ball, the game was suddenly 66-65. Tre Holloman’s free throw with 18 seconds left knotted it at 66, setting the stage for Mark’s heroics. Mark, who had already snapped a 66-all tie with a turnaround jumper against the shot clock, took an inbound with 4.2 seconds left, sized up his defender atop the key, stepped back and let fly. The ball ripped net, UD Arena erupted, and Texas escaped a collapse that had seen a nine-point lead vanish in under three minutes. First-year coach Sean Miller, who last March guided Xavier past Texas in this very round, now advances out of the First Four wearing Burnt Orange. “We’re not able to get the benefits of our physicality simply because we’re turning the ball over too much,” Miller told truTV’s Jenny Dell late in the first half, a prophecy that nearly doomed his club before Mark intervened. The contest was a study in momentum swings. Texas opened on a 9-0 burst behind triples from Tramon Mark, Jordan Pope and Camden Heide, only to see NC State claw within one by the under-12 timeout. The Longhorns rebuilt a 10-point edge, yet the Wolfpack answered each run, taking their first lead since 2-0 on a McNeil three that made it 34-32 late in the half. Matas Vokietaitis gave Texas a interior boost, earning praise from broadcasters Dick Vitale and Charles Barkley for his footwork and finishing. The 7-footer’s conventional three-point play early in the second half restored a five-point edge, and his dunk plus Weaver’s subsequent free throws pushed the margin to 60-53 with 3:47 to play. Vokietaitis, however, fouled out on a reach-in against Holloman, forcing Miller to go small down the stretch. Foul trouble haunted NC State all evening; the Wolfpack were whistled 17 times to Texas’ 10, and forward Musa Sagnia joined Vokietaitis on the bench after disqualification. The disparity allowed Texas to live at the stripe, offsetting 16 turnovers that repeatedly handed NC State extra possessions. Williams carried the Wolfpack for long stretches, scoring 10 of the team’s first 12 points and finishing as the lone NC State player in double figures. McNeil’s late flurry—two critical threes in the final 90 seconds—nearly capped a stunning comeback, but Texas’ senior guard had the final word. With the win, No. 11 seed Texas (21-14) advances to face No. 6 BYU Thursday at 6:25 p.m. CT in Portland’s Moda Center, live on TBS. The Longhorns will need to solve their press-break woes before tipping off against the Cougars, but for one night in Dayton, Tramon Mark ensured their season lives on.

Lexington, Ky. – Kentucky has muscled its way into one of the most intriguing international recruitments of the offseason, emerging as a serious suitor for 22-year-old British guard Quinn Ellis, sources confirmed Tuesday. Ellis, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound playmaker currently starring for Olimpia Milano in Italy’s Lega Basket Serie A and the EuroLeague, is averaging 8.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists against seasoned professionals. His domestic numbers only tell part of the story: in 2025 FIBA World Cup qualifying windows Ellis has torched opponents for 17.5 points and 7.0 assists per game, steering Great Britain’s offense while collecting LBA Best Young Player, Italian Cup MVP and Italian Supercup MVP honors in the process. The Wildcats’ entry into the race adds another heavyweight to an already crowded field. Duke is considered the early front-runner, but Florida, Houston, BYU and a handful of other high-major programs have also stepped up their pursuit. With Ellis having logged professional minutes since 2019, suitors are pitching immediate impact and a seamless transition to the college game. Any deal, however, will require a significant financial commitment. Industry estimates place the bidding threshold at roughly three million dollars or more, underscoring the premium placed on proven backcourt talent in the current NIL era. Should Kentucky secure Ellis’ signature, the Wildcats would add an experienced shot-creator capable of running the offense and boosting perimeter production for the upcoming season. With recruitment momentum building on both sides of the Atlantic, the next few weeks could determine whether Lexington becomes Ellis’ next basketball home.

The 2026 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament—colloquially known as March Madness—tips off its three-week, 68-team sprint on Tuesday, 17 March, and global viewers have more ways than ever to follow every buzzer-beater without a cable contract. Selection Sunday locked the bracket into four regions, with Duke, Arizona, Michigan and Florida claiming the coveted No. 1 seeds after dominant regular-season runs. Thirty-one automatic qualifiers punched tickets via conference-tournament triumphs, while the Selection Committee awarded the remaining 37 at-large bids, setting the stage for upsets from the First Four through the Final Four. First Four match-ups open the festivities on 17-18 March, highlighted by No. 16 UMBC versus No. 16 Howard and a pair of No. 11-seed play-ins featuring Texas vs. NC State and Miami (Ohio) vs. SMU. The traditional First and Second Rounds follow on 19-22 March, narrowing the field for the Sweet 16 (26-27 March) and Elite Eight (28-29 March). How to watch, wherever you are United Kingdom: DAZN has lifted its paywall for every game, offering completely free, English-language streams. No subscription is required; viewers simply log in via browser or app. United States: Sling TV’s Blue package ($45.99 monthly, first month half-price) aggregates TBS, TruTV and access to CBS’ March Madness Live hub. Paramount+ and HBO Max also carry select games tied to CBS and Turner networks respectively. Australia: Kayo Sports streams featured contests, with new users eligible for a seven-day free trial. After the trial, plans start at AU$29.99 monthly; Foxtel Now’s Sports add-on ($30) provides an alternative route. Beat geo-blocks with a VPN All major platforms enforce location checks. Travelling abroad? A VPN allows subscribers to spoof their region and retain home-country access. NordVPN is recommended for speed, stability and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Key prospects to track Beyond the top-seeded powers, scouts will monitor BYU, Kansas and North Carolina, plus projected lottery picks AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Caleb Wilson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer. Tip-off times adjust by round; consult the official NCAA schedule to avoid missing a possession of college basketball’s grandest spectacle.

Corvallis, Ore. – Oregon State University formally introduced Justin Joyner as its new men’s basketball head coach on Monday afternoon inside the Valley Football Center. Joyner, who described the appointment as his first collegiate head-coaching position, addressed the media alongside athletic director Scott Barnes and university president Jayathi Murthy. Barnes outlined the search process that led to Joyner’s selection, while Joyner spoke about stepping into the role for the first time. The introductory event marked the official start of Joyner’s tenure with the Beavers.

OXFORD, Miss. — For the fifth consecutive season, the Ole Miss women’s basketball program will take its place in the NCAA Tournament, earning a No. 5 seed in the Sacramento regional and opening play Friday, March 20, against No. 12 Gonzaga at a first-round site in Minneapolis. The Rebels, 23-11 overall and owners of eight Southeastern Conference victories this season, will tip off at a time and television window still to be announced. Should Ole Miss advance, it would meet the winner of No. 4 Minnesota and No. 13 Green Bay in Sunday’s second round. The selection marks Ole Miss’ 22nd appearance in the national championship and extends a half-decade run of sustained success under eighth-year head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. The Rebels have recorded five straight 20-win seasons, reached the SEC Tournament semifinals in four of the past five years, and, for the first time in school history, notched three victories over top-five opponents during the 2025-26 campaign. Sophomore forward Cotie McMahon has spearheaded the surge, claiming SEC Newcomer of the Year honors and a spot on the All-SEC First Team. Her development has mirrored the program’s ascent, giving Ole Miss a legitimate star around whom a deep March run can be built. Historically, Ole Miss owns 12 Sweet Sixteen berths and five Elite Eight appearances across 51 seasons of women’s basketball. McPhee-McCuin, now making her fifth NCAA trip as a head coach, emphasized a simple philosophy after the bracket reveal: “We’re going to be competitive. We’re going to defend, and we’re going to represent the conference and our university at a high level.” With tip-off in Minneapolis looming, the Rebels will spend the week refining a game plan geared toward neutralizing Gonzaga’s perimeter attack while leveraging their own athleticism and depth. A victory would keep alive Ole Miss’ hopes of adding another memorable chapter to a postseason résumé that already features some of the sport’s most iconic moments.

By the time the Red Raiders step on the floor for their 2026 NCAA Tournament opener, the calendar will read March, but the mood inside Grant McCasland’s locker room may feel more like Groundhog Day. Texas Tech, once entrenched among the nation’s elite, limps into the Big Dance on a three-game slide, searching for answers after a season-ending injury to forward JT Toppin forced a late-season reshuffle. The result: a defense that has sprung leaks and a rebounding edge that has evaporated at the worst possible moment. Waiting in the first round is Akron, the Mid-American Conference champion and arguably the most dangerous double-digit seed in the field. The Zips have dropped only once in their last 20 outings—an overtime heart-breaker to rival Miami (Ohio)—and steamrolled through the MAC tournament behind an offense that averages 88.6 points per game, seventh-best nationally. Akron’s lone major-conference test came in November at Purdue, where the Boilermakers prevailed 97-79. Five days later, Purdue thumped Texas Tech 86-56 in the Bahamas, a common-opponent data point that will do little to calm Red Raider nerves. Experience tilts toward the underdog as well. Akron’s core has logged NCAA Tournament minutes in each of the past three seasons and four of the last five, while Texas Tech will rely on a rotation short on March pedigree. Among the projected starters, only Luke Bamgboye (a portal import) and Christian Anderson have tasted the tournament before, and the sidelined Toppin cannot help. Guards Donovan Atwell and Jaylen Petty, plus big man LeJuan Watts, are all making their debuts on college basketball’s biggest stage. An initial film study suggests a coin-flip affair: Akron’s high-octane attack meets a Texas Tech defense that has slipped, yielding easy buckets and second-chance opportunities. The first projection had Akron stunning the No. 5 seed 84-80, and the deeper the dive, the fewer reasons emerge to change the pick—save for the possibility that the Red Raiders’ rugged Big 12 schedule has hardened them in ways the MAC cannot. Should Texas Tech survive, the reward is a likely date with No. 4 Alabama, owners of the country’s top-scoring offense at 91.7 points per game. Facing two top-ten attacks in three days is a sobering prospect for a team still searching for defensive cohesion. Bottom line: the Red Raiders have the talent and the schedule strength to escape the opening weekend, but the path is lined with land mines. Akron is no typical 12-seed, and Alabama looms as a potential nightmare matchup. If Texas Tech cannot recapture the defensive bite that defined its early-season rise, the 2026 bracket could feature another 5-vs-12 shocker—and Grant McCasland’s squad will be the cautionary tale everyone pencils in next year.

Lincoln — Until the buzzer sounds and the ball goes through the hoop, the narrative is fixed: Nebraska has never won an NCAA tournament game. Amie Just, writing for the Journal Star, argues that the storyline will persist only until the Huskers flip it, and head coach Fred Hoiberg’s steady, business-as-usual demeanor is precisely the antidote needed during this prep period. With no embellishments, no sweeping promises, Hoiberg has kept practices, film sessions, and travel plans identical to the regular-season routine, reinforcing the idea that the Big Dance is still basketball—just on a brighter stage. Just contends that treating the moment as ordinary could be the most effective way to make history for a program long defined by its March shortcomings.

MARSHALL — One year after watching Dawson-Boyd celebrate a section crown on their home floor, Hills-Beaver Creek turned the tables Tuesday night at Southwest Minnesota State University’s R/A Facility, punching the first state-tournament ticket in program history with a 77-70 victory over Central Minnesota Christian. “We knew if we could get back to this game, we were going to change that outcome,” Patriots head coach Chad Rauk said. “These guys just did an excellent job tonight.” The Patriots, now 26-3, leaned on the same physical edge that carried them to a nine-player state football title in the fall. They owned the glass, scored inside and out, and never trailed after the opening minutes. An EJ Wegener triple with 3:12 left in the first half stretched the margin to 35-20, and HBC took a 39-29 lead into the locker room. Central Minnesota Christian, 28-2 and seeking its first state berth since 2021, mounted repeated charges behind junior forward Asher Wieberdink’s game-high 30 points—21 after intermission. Caleb Asake’s alley-oop finish with 6:02 remaining trimmed the deficit to 60-56, but the Bluejays could get no closer. “Credit to them,” CMCS coach Ted Taatjes said. “Every time (Wieberdink) got a bucket, they came back down on the other end and got a back-door look or a curl-cut into the post. We just really struggled to guard inside tonight.” Jamin Metzger paced four Patriots in double figures with 21 points. Riggins Rheault, a defensive end on the football team, added 19, while Karson Metzger scored 15—nine in the second half—to keep CMCS at arm’s length. “We never gave up,” Rheault said. “This whole week, we practiced hard, we rested our legs and we gave it all we got today.” The win sends Hills-Beaver Creek into the Class A quarterfinals at Minneapolis’ Target Center on Thursday, March 26. Semifinals shift to Williams Arena on Friday, with the championship set for 11 a.m. Saturday, also at Williams Arena. CMCS, which loses seniors Logan Roelofs and Micah Asake, expects to return the bulk of its rotation after weathering late-season injuries to Micah Asake and Carter Taatjes. “It was a really difficult second half of the year,” Ted Taatjes said. “The kids stuck together … I feel terrible for Logan and Micah going out this way, but that’s basketball.” Hills-Beaver Creek, meanwhile, will take its football-style toughness to the biggest stage in Minnesota Class A basketball. “We’re the first ever to do it,” Rheault said. “It’s pretty exciting.”

Colfax, Wash. — In what Rep. Joe Schmick calls “a perfect resolution to cap off a perfect season,” the Colfax Bulldogs boys basketball team will be formally honored on the floor of the state legislature for an undefeated campaign that ended with a State 2B championship and unfolded against the backdrop of heartbreaking loss. Schmick, R-Colfax, announced Monday that he will introduce a resolution recognizing the team’s 2023-24 title run, its flawless record, and the legacy of head coach Reece Jenkin, who guided the program for more than two decades and amassed more than 300 victories before succumbing to pancreatic cancer on Feb. 27 at age 45. “This team didn’t just win a championship,” Schmick said. “They showed the entire state what resilience, character and community support look like. In a small town like Colfax, people rally around each other in difficult times, and this season showed the very best of that.” Jenkin received his diagnosis in December, prompting assistant David Cofer—already the school’s head football coach—to join the basketball staff and help steer the Bulldogs through the postseason. Cofer learned of the planned legislative tribute only Sunday, less than 24 hours after Colfax secured the state crown. “We’re really honored,” Cofer said. “It’s cool to see that recognition at that level. I think that’s a huge honor for what these boys accomplished.” The resolution will salute both the players’ on-court perfection and the spirit that sustained them after Jenkin’s death, leaving behind his wife and three children. “Being a small-town coach is hard, because everybody knows everybody,” Schmick noted. “I think he’s done it well.” A date for the resolution’s formal introduction has not yet been set.

The opening act of the 2026 Rhode Island Interscholastic League girls basketball postseason delivered everything fans could ask for—buzzer-beaters, record-setting nights, and a trio of new champions crowned in Division I, II, and III. With the drama still fresh, the Longplex Basketball Player of the Week ballot has narrowed a crowded field of standouts to five worthy nominees, and now the statewide basketball community will decide which performance rises above the rest. Voting is open through Friday, with the winner announced after the upcoming RIIL State Tournament. Fans may cast unlimited ballots, and past results prove that every click counts: last week’s regular-season finale saw Narragansett junior Delany Bonneau edge Lincoln School’s Sarah Berube after the two combined for more than 80 percent of the total vote. This week’s finalists span three divisions and include two freshmen, two sophomores, and one senior—all of whom elevated their teams when the stakes were highest. Division I Finalists Mia Bousquet, Moses Brown The All-Stater returned from injury just in time for the Division I tournament and promptly posted one of the most prolific scoring stretches of the season. After a 37-point outburst and game-winning triple against Barrington, Bousquet poured in 27 versus Cranston West in the semifinals and finished with 30 points and 19 rebounds in the title-game loss to Westerly. Makai Hamelin, Westerly Only a freshman, Hamelin controlled every phase of the game to spearhead Westerly’s first Division I championship. She logged 11 points and 10 steals in the quarterfinal rout of South Kingstown, stuffed the stat sheet again in the semifinal win over Portsmouth, and closed with 13 points, six assists, six steals, and five rebounds in the 45-38 victory over Moses Brown. Lola Reyes, Westerly Reyes, a sophomore, was the model of consistency throughout the playoffs. She dropped 22 in the quarterfinals, scored half of Westerly’s points in a 48-36 semifinal triumph over Portsmouth, and capped the run with 26 points, eight steals, and five rebounds in the championship game against Moses Brown. Division II Finalist Naia Harris, Lincoln School Harris, already a key piece of the Lynx’s 2025 Division III title team, spearheaded the move to Division II by scoring in double figures in every postseason contest. She posted 15 against Narragansett, 10 in the semifinals versus Smithfield, and hit the game-winner to finish with 14 in the championship victory over Tiverton. Division III Finalist Temi Olawuyi, Exeter-West Greenwich The senior showcased why she is regarded as the best athlete on the floor each night. Olawuyi did “whatever was needed” in a 36-point quarterfinal win over Central Falls, tallied 15 points and nine rebounds in a 41-26 semifinal defeat of Davies, and dominated the title game with 16 points in the 39-26 triumph over Prout, securing EWG’s Division III crown. The Longplex Athlete of the Week honor is decided entirely by fan vote, and past winners have seen their communities rally on social media to push their candidate across the line. The prize, as the ballot notes, is “a big bucket of clout,” but the real victory belongs to the programs that show the most passion for high school basketball. Polls remain open until Friday night, and the winner will be revealed following the conclusion of the RIIL State Tournament. To vote, fans should scroll to the ballot at the bottom of the Longplex page and submit as many votes as they like before the deadline.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — With two seconds left on the Freedom Hall Civic Center scoreboard, Radford guard Joi Williams rested her hands on her hips and absorbed the finality: the Big South tournament championship had slipped away. High Point held on for a 71-67 victory Sunday, denying the Highlanders their first conference crown since 2016. Williams did everything she could to extend Radford’s season, pouring in a game-high 30 points on 12-of-25 shooting and burying four three-pointers. Ellie Taylor added 10 points and four assists, while Rachel Carlson chipped in nine points on 3-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. As a team, Radford knocked down 9 of 23 attempts from deep and out-rebounded High Point 42-33, but a 13-15 performance by the Panthers at the foul line proved decisive. High Point’s Anna Hager torched the nets for 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting and hit 4 of 5 from three, while Emma Collins contributed 21 points and six assists. The Panthers shot 45 percent from the field and matched Radford with 12 assists, sealing the four-point win in front of 1,366 fans. Radford finishes the season at 26-68 from the floor and 6-10 from the stripe, left to regroup after a hard-fought title-game defeat.

Cooperstown’s dream season rolled on Saturday night, as the Hawkeyes captured the Class C crown with a decisive 74-51 victory over Cato-Meridian. The win lifts Cooperstown to a flawless 24-0 record, sealing the program’s first perfect campaign in recent memory and stamping the Hawkeyes as the team to beat in Section III. From the opening tip, Cooperstown controlled tempo and pace, stretching a slim first-quarter margin into a commanding second-half advantage. The Hawkeyes’ balanced attack kept Cato-Meridian on its heels, while a stifling defense limited the Blue Devils to single-digit scoring in two separate quarters. Every time Cato-Meridian threatened to trim the deficit, Cooperstown answered with timely baskets, extending the lead back to double digits and quieting the opposing crowd. The championship victory caps an historic winter for the Hawkeyes, who have now outscored opponents by wide margins throughout the season. With the 24-0 mark secured, Cooperstown exits the floor not only as sectional champions but also as the area’s lone unbeaten boys basketball team.

The Section III boys basketball championships will conclude on Sunday at the SRC Arena on the campus of Onondaga Community College. Fans unable to attend in person can follow the action through the event’s official live stream, while tickets remain available for those planning to experience the title games on site. Complete scheduling details and streaming links are posted alongside ticket information, ensuring supporters have multiple ways to catch every possession as the sectional champions are crowned.

WOOSTER—Avon’s athletic dominance over Medina Highland now spans two sports. Forty-eight hours after the Eagles’ football program reminded everyone of its recent playoff mastery over the Hornets, Avon’s 10th-seeded boys basketball team carved out its own piece of history, capturing a second straight Division II Northeast 5 District championship with a 49-42 victory at Wooster High School on Saturday night. The win books Avon (now 19-6) a return ticket to the D-II Region 5 semifinals, where it will face Massillon at the College of Wooster on March 10. Avon set the tone early, racing to a 17-10 lead by the close of the first quarter and never surrendering the advantage. The Eagles’ offense came by committee: five players—Gavyn Kittleberger, Holden Krugman, Dean Abdul, Joey Ziegler and Brooks Good—finished with at least six points apiece. Kittleberger, held scoreless in the opening period, recovered to pace Avon with 10 total points. The Eagles connected on just one three-pointer but compensated with steady interior scoring and clutch foul shooting, sinking 6-of-8 free throws down the stretch. Medina Highland (20-5) answered every surge but could not climb all the way back. Junior guard Jake Weber kept the Hornets within striking distance, pouring in a game-high 15 points, while senior forward Joshua Butcher added eight. The triumph extends Avon’s recent run of success against Highland. The schools have met in three consecutive football regional finals, all won by the Eagles on their way to back-to-back Division II state titles. Saturday night’s basketball final adds another chapter to the burgeoning rivalry and keeps Avon’s repeat hopes alive in 2024.

Baldwinsville captured its first Section III girls basketball championship since 1995 on Saturday, taking advantage of a shorthanded Rome Free Academy squad that was without its offensive catalyst. RFA leading scorer Haylee Bostwick watched from the sideline after sustaining a knee injury in the Black Knights’ semifinal win, leaving the visitors without their primary point producer in the title game. The Bees converted the opportunity into a decisive victory, ending a 29-year title drought and sparking a celebration that stretched from the court to the student section. A photo gallery capturing the post-game trophy presentation and on-court emotion is available with this story.

Bishop Feehan’s postseason magic continued Friday night as the 14th-seeded Shamrocks knocked off No. 6 Bridgewater-Raynham, 65-60, in double overtime to reach the Division 1 boys’ semifinals for the first time in 11 years. The victory came just 48 hours after Feehan upset No. 3 Needham, making the Spartans the lowest-seeded squad still alive in any MIAA basketball or hockey bracket. Senior forward Brody Bumila, a 6-foot-9 Texas baseball commit, authored the latest chapter of the tournament’s most compelling storyline. After averaging 39 points and 17 rebounds through Feehan’s first two playoff games, Bumila delivered 36 points and 18 rebounds against the Trojans, scoring 18 of his team’s 22 points in the fourth quarter and both overtime periods. He has now amassed 117 points and 55 rebounds across three contests that have included six extra periods. The Shamrocks trailed by seven midway through the fourth before rallying to force overtime, then survived a second extra frame to secure the program’s first state semifinal berth since 2014. Feehan’s upset was one of only two on a boys’ bracket that saw 23 teams advance to the semifinals. In Division 3, No. 6 Lynn Classical rode 29 points from senior DJ Reynolds and lock-down defense from Shyheim Babb and Deshawn Rucker to topple No. 3 Tewksbury, 68-59. While the boys’ brackets produced drama, the girls’ quarterfinals followed form: all 13 higher seeds advanced. Top-seeded Medfield rolled past No. 8 Norwood, 66-46, behind sophomore Abby Broderick’s 31 points and five rebounds. Millis senior Grace Higgins anchored the paint with eight blocks, nine points and nine rebounds in a win that sets up a semifinal date with undefeated Norton. Whitman-Hanson senior Dylan Hurley turned her milestone moment into a victory, scoring the 2 points she needed for 1,000 in the game’s first eight minutes and finishing with 17 in a 51-47 Division 2 decision over Oliver Ames. Hurley, a Saint Anselm commit, now sits fourth on the Panthers’ all-time scoring list with 1,015 career points. Masconomet senior captain Jimmy Farrell stuffed the stat sheet in a 61-25 Division 1 rout of Burlington, posting 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks to pace the top-seeded Chieftains. With 13 more basketball quarterfinals on Saturday’s slate and five hockey semifinals set for the weekend, the MIAA tournament field will shrink to its final four in every division by Sunday night.

LAFAYETTE — A defensive awakening from junior guard Brody Baker propelled Harrison to a 58-38 victory over McCutcheon in Friday’s IHSAA Class 4A sectional semifinal, sending the Raiders into Saturday night’s championship against Kokomo while ending Lafayette Jeff’s season in the opposite bracket. Baker, once labeled a scorer-only, harassed McCutcheon into a 34.3 percent shooting night and poured in 21 points of his own, validating coach Mark Rinehart’s preseason challenge. “That’s what I’m probably the most proud of,” Rinehart said of Baker’s two-way growth. “He’s become a tremendous on-ball defender, and we need him to keep doing that.” The Raiders (17-8) endured a slow offensive start before ripping off a near-eight-minute scoreless stretch by McCutcheon between the first and second quarters. Without leading rebounder Brady Henchon—lost to a torn ACL on Feb. 24—Harrison still controlled the glass 30-19. Junior Evan Munjack slid into Henchon’s spot, posting nine points and seven rebounds, while Quinn Clary added 10 points and Xavier Fidago chipped in eight after shaking off an early 0-for. “Our locker room knew we could figure it out,” Rinehart said. “It wasn’t easy, but I thought our kids showed a lot of poise.” Across town at the Crawley Center, Lafayette Jeff’s hopes of setting up a cros showdown dissolved in a 46-33 loss to Kokomo. Despite boasting senior standout Gavin Pritzel, sharpshooter Cris Olson (12 points) and 6-foot-5 Minnesota football signee Aaden Aytch, the Bronchos never found an offensive groove, hitting just 5-of-25 from beyond the arc. Aytch picked up two first-quarter fouls and fouled out with 3:19 left, stymied by Kokomo’s persistent double teams. Kokomo (18-6), playing without top scorer DJ Nash, leaned on Caleb Taflinger’s efficient 14-point, six-rebound performance, plus 12 from Korbyn Hammel and 11 from sophomore Austin Moos. The Wildkats outrebounded Jeff 24-19 and will now face Harrison for the sectional crown. “We rushed a couple of possessions,” Lafayette Jeff senior Kian Thomas said, tears visible in the closing minutes. “I don’t want the next generation to take moments like this for granted. Because it ends pretty fast.” Harrison seeks its second consecutive sectional title Saturday night back inside the same gym where its defense first turned heads—and where Baker’s complete game now sets the tone.

HARTFORD – Jaiden Booth poured in 29 points and Jorge Nieves controlled the paint for 12 as No. 2 Hartford Public held off top-seeded Sport & Medical Sciences Academy 57-54 Wednesday night, claiming the first-ever Greater Hartford Conference boys basketball championship before a capacity crowd at SMSA’s home gym. The Owls never trailed in the rubber match of a season-long trilogy, opening a 15-point cushion late in the third quarter and surviving a late Tigers barrage that trimmed the deficit to a single possession in the final minute. “We lost to them two times in a row; we couldn’t do it three,” said Booth, who also canned a pair of 3-pointers and went 13-for-14 from the foul line. “The emotions were high. The intensity was high today. We needed this win.” Hartford Public (17-6) seized early momentum, leading 15-11 after one quarter and 25-20 at halftime. A 17-4 third-quarter burst—highlighted by Sasha Elia’s baseline drive, Booth’s transition triple and Ja’meer Jefferson’s fast-break finish—stretched the advantage to 42-27 with 2:12 left in the period. SMSA (20-3), the league’s regular-season kingpin at 16-0, answered with a 9-1 surge capped by Elijah Williams’ buzzer-beating three from the top of the key, trimming the gap to 43-36 entering the fourth. Williams and back-court mate JaShaun Jernigan took over from there, combining for five fourth-quarter 3-pointers and relentless full-court pressure that whittled the Owls’ lead to 54-51 with 1:08 remaining. A clutch corner triple from coach Leo Ramirez’s son, Leo Ramirez Jr., and a press-breaking drive by Booth provided just enough breathing room, as SMSA’s last three looks from deep rimmed out in the closing seconds. “That was amazing,” Ramirez said, his sweat-soaked Owls Basketball hoodie testament to the drama. “Both teams from Hartford, you couldn’t picture it any better, and it was a great game.” Williams finished with 19 points and Jernigan added 18 for the Tigers, who were seeking their first GHC crown after relocating from the NCCC, where they had captured five league titles—including four straight from 2021-24. Instead, Hartford Public flipped the script, avenging two regular-season defeats and setting a high bar for future championship games in the rebranded conference. The victory also propels both city rivals into the CIAC tournament as No. 3 seeds—SMSA in Division III and Hartford Public in Division V—each receiving a bye into Tuesday’s second round. The Owls await the winner of Valley Regional vs. GHC foe Comp Sci, while the Tigers will host either Sheehan or South Windsor. “We were hungry,” Nieves said. “We lost twice. We definitely weren’t losing the third time, especially in the conference final.” Hartford Public 15 10 18 14 – 57 SMSA 11 9 16 18 – 54 Hartford Public: Booth 29, Nieves 12, L. Ramirez 5, Elia 4, Mitchell 3, Jefferson 2, Olmeda 2. SMSA: Williams 19, Jernigan 18, Rios 9, Del Valle 8.

Roanoke—In a tension-filled Class 4 state quarterfinal Tuesday night, William Fleming and Massaponax traded blows for 32 minutes, neither side able to build a cushion larger than eight points, before the Blue Demons punched their ticket to the semifinals and kept alive their dream of a first state-tournament berth since their 2012 championship season. Amari Worsham orchestrated the Fleming attack, slicing through the Mustang defense and dishing to open teammates, while twin sister Kyleigh Worsham provided a consistent scoring punch. Chrishanti Henderson’s crisp passing and Zakyah King’s aggressive drives kept the Spartans on their heels, and when Signae Houston elevated for a late bucket over Massaponax’s Elizabeth Lupro, the home crowd sensed the momentum swing. The victory sets up a state semifinal showdown between two programs that finished deadlocked atop the latest BCAV coaches poll, ensuring a marquee matchup when the final four convenes. Elsewhere on Tuesday, North Cross and Roanoke Catholic boys notched eye-opening upsets to keep their independent-school title hopes alive, while Nelson County stunned top-seeded Liberty in Region 2C, shaking up the bracket and underscoring the unpredictability of postseason play. Portsmouth-area developments also loom large: a Circuit Court judge is weighing whether to reinstate a team that forfeited its region quarterfinal win, following a Monday hearing in which an attorney for parents of Manor players argued the player at the center of the eligibility dispute was never ineligible to begin with. A ruling could affect semifinal seedings and travel logistics across the state. With the quarterfinal dust settled, attention now shifts to the semifinals, where the remaining contenders will chase the ultimate prize under the bright lights of championship week.

Nottingham High School’s boys basketball team erased a late deficit to defeat Fulton on Tuesday night, earning the Bulldogs a spot in the Section III Class AA championship game. The comeback victory, highlighted in a 30-photo gallery on Syracuse.com, sets up a title showdown against East Syracuse Minoa. The championship clash is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Onondaga Community College’s SRC Arena, where Nottingham will vie for the sectional crown.

East Syracuse Minoa’s clash with Henninger earned Syracuse.com’s boys basketball Game of the Week honors, and a Spartan senior seized the spotlight by pouring in 23 points to lead his team to victory. The performance, highlighted in the fan poll that accompanied the weekly feature, positions the senior as the standout individual in a contest that drew heightened local attention.

A judge has overturned a prior ruling that forced the Manor High School girls basketball team to forfeit its season, clearing the way for the squad to resume postseason play. The reversal, issued this week, nullifies last week’s forfeiture and restores the team’s eligibility effective immediately. The decision arrives amid the Virginia High School League’s Region 4D tournament, highlighted by Salem’s victory over Charlottesville in Friday night’s championship contest. With the legal barrier now lifted, Manor will re-enter the playoff bracket without the losses that had briefly sidelined its campaign. Further details regarding seeding, opponent, or game times have not yet been released.

Liverpool High School will serve as the stage for the most anticipated night of the Section III boys basketball season as Syracuse.com’s Game of the Week doubleheader tips off this evening with the Class AA semifinals. Fans eager to catch every possession can follow the action live through syracuse.com’s comprehensive coverage, which will provide real-time updates and everything needed to track the two pivotal games that will decide who advances to the sectional championship. The twin bill guarantees high-stakes drama, with four remaining teams vying for a berth in the title contest. Each program knows that one win tonight keeps its season alive, while a loss brings an abrupt end to months of preparation. Tip-off times, full schedules, and in-game insights will be available on the site, ensuring supporters both in the gym and following from home stay connected to every basket, rebound, and momentum-shifting run. Syracuse.com bills the event as the premier matchup window of the week, underscoring the importance of the Class AA bracket in the Central New York basketball landscape.

STRASBURG — Basketball is known for being a game of runs. That was on full display on Friday night as the Rams secured a Class 2 state tournament berth with a dramatic victory over the Panthers. The back-and-forth contest showcased the ebb and flow typical of postseason play, with momentum swinging wildly until the final buzzer. The win caps a hard-fought regional campaign for the Rams and sends them into the state bracket with confidence riding high.

New Hartford, N.Y. — For the first time in 15 years, the New Hartford girls basketball program will play a postseason game in March, a milestone that head coach Derek Richards delivered to his squad on Wednesday. Addressing the team, Richards shared the long-awaited news that has re-energized players, families and the entire school community. The Spartans’ return to March competition marks the program’s first state-qualifying appearance since 2009 and ends a decade-and-a-half absence from the playoff stage. While details of the upcoming matchup remain to be finalized, the announcement alone signals a dramatic shift for a team that has spent years rebuilding. Players greeted the news with an outpouring of emotion, celebrating a breakthrough that many of them have chased since elementary school. The achievement underscores a season of steady progress and growing confidence within the roster. With the postseason berth now secured, New Hartford turns its attention to preparation, knowing that the chance to compete in March offers both a reward for past efforts and a springboard for future aspirations.

With the Section III girls basketball postseason tipping off, reigning champions Liverpool (Class AAA), Nottingham (Class AA), and Utica Notre Dame (Class A) will each attempt to defend the titles they captured a year ago. The trio of programs enter the brackets as the measuring sticks for every contender, dark horse, and upstart hoping to spring a surprise in the single-elimination tournament. Liverpool’s AAA crown sets the early pace in the largest classification, where the Warriors will face a field eager to dethrone the section’s top tier. In AA, Nottingham carries the target as last season’s victors, while Utica Notre Dame shoulders similar expectations in Class A after finishing on top in 2023. Each division promises high stakes as challengers plot paths to upset the incumbents and carve their own championship legacy.

Los Angeles Lakers president of business operations Lon Rosen reaffirmed Tuesday that general manager Rob Pelinka retains full authority over the franchise’s basketball decisions. “Rob’s empowered to do what he does,” Rosen said, ending any speculation that recent front-office restructuring might diminish Pelinka’s influence. The brief but pointed endorsement underscores the organization’s confidence in Pelinka as the primary architect of the roster and long-term strategy.

Hampton’s fourth-seeded Crabbers overcame an early double-digit deficit to defeat Grafton on Tuesday night, punching their ticket to the Class 4 girls basketball state tournament. The comeback victory caps a resilient postseason run for the Crabbers, who trailed by double digits in the opening stages before seizing momentum and closing out the win. The result sends Hampton back to the state bracket for another shot at a championship.

MONROE COUNTY — Bedford, Gibraltar Carlson, Flat Rock and Ida opened the state boys basketball tournaments with dramatic victories Monday night, punching tickets to Wednesday’s district semifinals while Monroe, Airport, Dundee, Milan and St. Mary Catholic Central saw their seasons end. Bedford 53, Trenton 51 TRENTON — Nick Coberley’s buzzer-beater capped a stunning comeback for the Mules, who trailed 11-0 before scoring and were down 16 at halftime. Ish Hakki poured in 23 points and Henry Albring added 10 as Bedford improved to 9-14 and advanced to Wednesday’s 7 p.m. Division 1 semifinal against Woodhaven at Trenton. Gibraltar Carlson 45, Monroe 28 TRENTON — The Marauders held Monroe to 16 points through three quarters and rode Trent Ison’s 14 points to the win. Jacob Collins and Carmine Carafelli each chipped in 9 for Carlson, now 14-8 and winners of three straight. They face New Boston Huron in Wednesday’s 5:30 p.m. Division 1 semifinal at Trenton. Julian Espinoza scored a season-best 8 for the 2-20 Trojans. Flat Rock 59, Airport 54 NEWPORT — Evan Szalay posted 22 points and 5 rebounds and Jorand Godfrey supplied 14 points, 5 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals as the Rams swept Airport in a week after an earlier-season loss. Airport, closing at 10-13, had four players in double figures: Aidyn Stahr 14, Dillon Byrd 10, Jack Baker 10 and Wally Sisler 10. Flat Rock (9-14) meets host Jefferson in Wednesday’s 7 p.m. Division 2 semifinal. Ida 45, Dundee 32 NEWPORT — Luke Hennessey buried two early triples and Connor Zimmerman finished with 12 points as the Blue Streaks beat their rival for the third time this season. Owen Snyder added 9 and Gavin Albring keyed the defense for 15-7 Ida, which faces Grosse Ile in Wednesday’s 5:30 p.m. Division 2 semifinal at Jefferson. Elsewhere, defending state champion Gabriel Richard ended St. Mary Catholic Central’s year in Erie, 55-31. Brock Cousino scored 11 for the 3-20 Falcons. Milan bowed out at Tecumseh, with Landon Talladay scoring 11 and Kingston Webster 9 in the 4-19 Big Reds’ finale. Wednesday’s semifinals will trim the field again as the chase for a state title rolls on.

TAYLORS — In the record books, Mountain View Prep is barely 18 months old. On the hardwood, the Stars already play like seasoned veterans. The school opened its doors in July 2024. Twelve months ago the boys basketball team stepped into the SCHSL playoffs as an unknown quantity and exited quickly, falling 63-56 to Palmetto in the opening round. That taste of early elimination, coach Nick Lagroone said, became the program’s accelerant. “We knew we didn’t need a decade to build something special,” Lagroone reflected after Mountain View’s 49-30 dismantling of St. Joseph’s Catholic on Feb. 23 in the Class 3A quarterfinals at Greer Middle College. “We needed buy-in, reps, and a refusal to accept the idea that ‘new’ equals ‘behind.’” The Stars turned a tight first half into a rout with a 21-2 third-quarter blitz, holding the Knights to a single field goal over the final 16 minutes. Senior guard Ma’Ori Henderson scored 13 of his team-high points after intermission, while junior two-sport standout Mak Anderson—best known as the school’s star quarterback—chipped in 10 and hounded St. Joseph’s ball-handlers on the perimeter. “When I traded shoulder pads for high-tops, I had to check my ego,” Anderson said. “Basketball isn’t about one position leading; it’s about five pieces fitting.” The victory vaults Mountain View (20-6) into the Upper State finals against Christ Church on Feb. 27, completing a single-season leap from first-round fodder to final-four participant. Athletic director Hailey Martin, herself in her first year on campus, called the run validation of a culture constructed overnight. “Coach Lagroone laid the foundation last year; these guys believed in it and stacked bricks every day,” she said. “You see it in how they celebrate and how they respond when things go sideways.” Henderson, one of only two seniors in the rotation, echoed the sentiment. “Playoffs reset everyone to 0-0,” he said. “We wanted to be the bigger dogs, and we’re not done growing yet.” Lagroone plans a brief celebration before turning the page. “Christ Church has winning in its DNA,” he noted. “We’ll enjoy tonight, then get back to chopping wood.” In just two years, Mountain View Prep has turned the concept of program-building on its head, proving that in high-stakes postseason play, heart and cohesion can outpace the calendar.

CHEHALIS — For 36 breathless minutes the Class 2B District 4 title game felt like a heavyweight bout, and when the final bell sounded it was Toledo left standing, 60-55 in overtime, to capture a second consecutive championship Saturday night at W.F. West High School. The Riverhawks (19-3) needed every scrap of resilience they could muster against a Napavine squad that refused to fold. Four ties and five lead changes kept the outcome in flux until the waning seconds of the extra period, when senior quarterback-turned-guard Eli Weeks hit classmate Adam Kruger on a football-style, over-the-shoulder inbounds pass and Kruger calmly sank two free throws to ice the game. “Defense won it,” Kruger said after finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds, one of three Toledo players to post a double-double. Weeks tallied a game-high 21 points and 12 boards, while C2BL Co-MVP Cooper Fallon shook off early foul trouble to grab 13 rebounds and score the go-ahead putback in overtime. Conner Hill, the sharp-shooting sophomore, provided the dagger with a corner three that stretched the lead to five in the extra frame. Napavine (19-5) appeared poised to spoil the repeat bid when Eric Bullock—scoreless from deep until that point—nailed a corner triple with under a minute in regulation to push the Tigers ahead 51-46. Toledo answered on Trevin Gale’s triple, forced a turnover, and watched Cooper Fallon convert a chaotic, last-second layup to knot the score at 51 and send the game to overtime. “So fun to coach and be a part of,” Riverhawks head coach Grady Fallon said, eyes still wet after cutting down the net. “They did a good job switching man to zone, so we drew up plays for both. I can’t wait to watch it back—it is such a blur.” Layton Griffith paced Napavine with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Tyce Vigre added 15 and Cal Bullock 12. Yet a 21-rebound disparity ultimately undercut the Tigers’ efforts. “We thought if we cleaned up the offensive rebounds and second-chance opportunities, it would have gone better,” first-year Napavine coach Kayden Kelly admitted. Toledo becomes the first District 4 program to repeat since Kalama in 2021-22 and the first in the current league alignment to go back-to-back since Morton-White Pass in 2014-15. Both teams now await state seeding, confident their body of work merits top-eight consideration. “We are in the conversation,” Coach Fallon said. “Play well at the right time, hopefully they are not star-struck. They are focused on getting it done.” Toledo 60, Napavine 55 (OT) Napavine (55) — Layton Griffith 17, Tyce Vigre 15, Cal Bullock 12, Hudson Chambers 6, Eric Bullock 5 Toledo (60) — Eli Weeks 21, Adam Kruger 11, Trevin Gale 9, Conner Hill 9, Cooper Fallon 8, Joaquin Acosta 2

AUBURN, Ala. — Kentucky’s reserves managed only eight points and seven fouls on 3-for-11 shooting Saturday night at Neville Arena, and the statistical imbalance proved fatal when Auburn’s Elyjah Freeman followed his own miss with 1.4 seconds left to lift the Tigers to a 75-74 win and hand the Wildcats their third straight loss. The defeat, the first three-game skid of Mark Pope’s two-year tenure in Lexington, dropped Kentucky to 17-10 overall and 8-6 in SEC play. Auburn, which had lost five in a row under first-year coach Steven Pearl, improved to 15-12, 6-8. With 6:57 to play, Mouhamed Dioubate’s two free throws finally pushed the UK bench past its foul total, but the group never found a rhythm. Auburn’s backups weren’t spectacular—16 points as a unit—but Freeman’s lone bucket couldn’t have come at a better time for the home crowd. The Wildcats’ second-unit woes mirrored Tuesday’s 86-78 loss to Georgia, when UK reserves were outscored 29-8. Pope had pledged to lighten the load on starting guards Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen, yet the quartet of Dioubate, Brandon Garrison, Trent Noah and Jasper Johnson offered little relief. Oweh did everything he could, pouring in a career-best 29 points, but a late offensive foul on Collin Chandler with 14 seconds left and Kentucky up 74-73 shifted momentum. Pope, restricted from critiquing officials, still alluded to a “1-on-8” battle his star guard faced. “We’re coming to compete,” Pope said. “We’re a little short-handed right now, but we have control over winning and losing. I thought the guys put together a great effort tonight and we didn’t get the win. So now we go to work on Tuesday and go get the win.” Kentucky will try to halt its longest losing streak since the 2020-21 season when it returns to action next week.

Norman, Okla. — The No. 21 Tennessee Lady Vols (16-9, 8-5 SEC) step into Lloyd Noble Center on Sunday at 1 p.m. CT for a nationally-televised showdown with No. 11 Oklahoma (20-6, 8-5 SEC) that could shape the league’s final standings and each team’s NCAA Tournament résumé. ESPN’s cameras will capture the only regular-season meeting between the programs since Oklahoma edged Tennessee 87-86 in Knoxville last January, a heart-breaker in which the Lady Vols erased a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit and missed a last-second triple that would have flipped the outcome. Tennessee arrives in Norman smarting from Thursday’s 82-84 home loss to Texas A&M, a game in which senior forward Janiah Barker posted a career-high 29 points and 10 rebounds. Redshirt-junior guard Talaysia Cooper and senior forward Zee Spearman also reached double figures—11 and 14 respectively—while simultaneously punching entry into the 1,000-career-point club. The Big Orange now owns four active 1,000-point scorers for the first time this season. Cooper, who averages a team-best 15.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and a league-leading 2.8 steals, paces an offense that ranks seventh nationally in three-pointers made per game (9.6) and 33rd in scoring (77.0). Tennessee has drilled 10 or more treys in six of its last seven contests and owns the country’s toughest schedule according to the NCAA’s metrics, having already faced six of the current AP top-10 and all four 2025 Final Four participants. Oklahoma, meanwhile, survived its own Thursday thriller, escaping Athens with a 71-67 win at No. 24 Georgia behind Aaliyah Chavez’s 27 points and perfect 8-for-8 free-throw shooting. The Sooners boast the nation’s No. 4 offense at 86.7 points per game and lead the country in defensive rebounds (35.4) while ranking third in total boards (48.2). All five starters average double figures, paced by Chavez (18.4), forward Raegan Beers (15.8) and guards Sahara Williams (12.1), Payton Verhulst (11.9) and Zya Vann (10.5). Series history tilts toward the Lady Vols, who hold a 6-2 edge and have captured three of the last four meetings, though Oklahoma’s one-point win in Knoxville last winter remains fresh. Sunday marks Tennessee’s second women’s basketball trip to Norman; the first ended in a 71-55 victory on Dec. 21, 2003. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on ESPN with Tiffany Greene and Carolyn Peck on the call. Fans can also listen on the Lady Vol Radio Network or SiriusXM Channel 81, with Brian Rice handling play-by-play and Jay Lifford in the studio. Pregame coverage begins 30 minutes before tip. Tennessee closes its road schedule next Thursday at No. 7 LSU before returning to Knoxville for a regular-season finale against yet another ranked foe, ensuring the gauntlet continues right up to Selection Monday.

BLOOMINGTON — The scoreboard told the story of a blowout, but the final horn only began the conversation. Indiana’s lopsided loss to in-state rival Purdue left the Hoosiers searching for meaning beyond the box score, a task that now rests squarely on first-year head coach Darian DeVries. The defeat, decisive and public, forces a program that has hovered in the middle tier of the Big Ten to confront uncomfortable questions. Was this merely one bad night, or does it expose deeper fissures that have kept Indiana from reclaiming national relevance? Each turnover, each unanswered Purdue run, peeled back another layer of a decade marked more by hope than hardware. DeVries, hired to reverse that trend, now faces the most urgent coaching assignment of his early tenure: transforming embarrassment into fuel. Players will look to him for both tactical corrections and emotional compass; fans will judge whether his response signals genuine change or another cycle of promise and plateau. The locker-room silence after such a loss can harden into resolve or fracture into doubt—his voice will decide which. For a fan base that measures seasons in banners, the margin against Purdue matters less than the message taken forward. If the Hoosiers treat the rout as a singular blemish, they risk repeating the patterns that have defined the program’s recent mediocrity. If they mine it for accountability, lineup clarity, and a redefined edge, tonight can become the pivot point DeVries needs. The path to redemption begins with practice-film honesty, lineup discipline, and a collective willingness to defend both rim and reputation. Anything less invites the same questions next meeting, next season, next decade.

State College captured the District 6 Class 6A boys basketball title with a victory over Mifflin County. Senior guard Spencer Neilson paced the Little Lions with a game-high 17 points, providing the offensive spark needed to secure the championship. The win caps the district tournament for State College and sends the Little Lions into the state playoffs on a high note.

COLUMBUS — The road to the 2026 OHSAA Division IV boys basketball state title begins Sunday, Feb. 23, when 64 regional-round hopefuls trim their nets for the first time. Championship weekend is slated for March 14 at State Farm Center, but before anyone books a trip, a gauntlet of win-or-go-home matchups will decide which small-school powers survive. Opening-round action tips off as early as Monday, Feb. 24. No. 8 Bloom-Carroll welcomes No. 9 KIPP Columbus, while No. 3 Fairfield Union draws No. 6 New Lexington in another 24 February clash. The following evening, No. 8 East faces Horizon Science Academy, and No. 8 Northwestern meets No. 9 Benjamin Logan, setting a brisk early pace. Thursday, Feb. 27, delivers a quartet of compelling showdowns. No. 4 Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin squares off with No. 5 Firelands, No. 3 Lincoln West battles No. 6 Warrensville Heights, No. 4 Gallia Academy meets No. 5 Vinton County, and No. 3 Bishop Fenwick tests No. 6 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. The first weekend of March intensifies the drama. Friday, Feb. 28, features No. 3 Columbus International versus No. 6 River Valley and No. 4 Licking Valley against No. 5 Johnstown-Monroe. No. 2 Gamble Montessori faces No. 7 Shroder Paideia Academy the same evening. The sectionals conclude Saturday, Mar. 1, when No. 2 Eastmoor Academy and No. 7 Buckeye Valley collide in one of the final tickets to the district level. With brackets locked and seeds set, the next three weeks will determine which Division IV program cuts down the nets in Champaign.

Mountain View Christian’s presence on the hardwood is anchored by center Renelso Campbell, a pivotal figure for the school’s basketball program. Listed at the center position, Campbell’s role demands both defensive tenacity and reliable interior scoring, making him a constant focal point whenever he steps onto the court. His contributions in the paint embody the Lions’ efforts to remain competitive, and his development continues to draw attention from fans and teammates alike.