Basketball

In the sizzling desert city of Henderson, Nevada, the stage is set for an epic showdown as the University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team prepares to battle against the formidable UC Davis Aggies in the Hercules Tires Big West Championship semifinals. With the stakes at an all-time high and the adrenaline pumping, both teams are poised to leave everything on the hardwood of The Dollar Loan Center. The No. 3 seed Rainbow Warriors have already tasted victory in the quarterfinals, emerging triumphant against the No.

The sting of being swept in the regular season by Nebraska is still fresh for the Indiana Hoosiers as they prepare for a Big Ten tournament quarterfinal rematch with the Cornhuskers. But this veteran IU squad has rallied off five straight wins, proving their late-season swoon was only temporary. After edging out Penn State 61-59 on Thursday, Mike Woodson’s team has new life and a chance at payback against a Nebraska club that has had their number.

As the SEC Tournament kicked off in Nashville, all eyes were on the Alabama Crimson Tide and their chances of capturing the coveted conference title. However, the team’s fortunes rested not only on their skills but also on the health of two key players, guards Rylan Griffen and Latrell Wrightsell. Head coach Nate Oats provided a much-needed update on the duo’s status, offering a glimmer of hope for the Crimson Tide faithful.

WASHINGTON D.C. - No. 11 Duke’s run in the ACC Tournament came to a disappointing end Thursday night, as the Blue Devils fell 74-69 to NC State in the quarterfinals at Capital One Arena. Despite a monster performance from sophomore big man Kyle Filipowski, who poured in 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, Duke couldn’t overcome the hot-shooting Wolfpack. NC State knocked down several timely threes and capitalized on second-chance opportunities to hold off Mike Krzyzewski’s former team.

As the NBA regular season enters its final stretch, an electrifying MVP race has taken center stage. While Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have etched their names in MVP lore, a new contender has emerged – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s dynamic guard has stolen the spotlight, leaving the reigning champions and former winners playing catch-up. Jokic, the two-time reigning MVP, has led the Denver Nuggets on a torrid run since the All-Star break, winning 10 out of 11 games.

In a pivotal late-season matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans took a major step towards securing home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a 112-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The win not only pulled the Pelicans within two games of the Clippers for the coveted 4th seed in the Western Conference standings, but it also gave them a 3-1 edge in the season series, securing the tiebreaker between the two teams.

Joson Sanon, one of the nation’s elite shooting guard prospects in the class of 2025, has whittled down his college choices to a half-dozen prestigious programs. The 6-foot-5 junior from Vermont Academy revealed his top six schools are Arizona, Boston College, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, and Overtime Elite’s professional pathway. Ranked as the No. 11 overall recruit in the 2025 class by the On3 Industry Ranking, Sanon had previously considered Georgia, Indiana, Louisville, and Providence before trimming his list.

The stakes were high as the Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide took the court in a pivotal SEC showdown on March 15th, 2024. Both teams came in riding momentum from recent wins, setting the stage for an epic clash between conference rivals. From the opening tip, it was evident that fans were in for an offensive showcase. The Gators seized an early lead behind the sharpshooting of guard Will Richard, who buried several deep triples to ignite the raucous home crowd.

The road to redemption is never easy, but the Indiana Hoosiers are determined to carve their path, one game at a time. After a dismal start to the season that had fans losing hope, the team has staged an impressive turnaround, winning five consecutive games and earning a spot in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals. Their next hurdle? The Nebraska Cornhuskers, a formidable opponent who swept the regular season series against the Hoosiers.

The Orlando Magic put an end to the Toronto Raptors’ season-worst six-game losing skid with a convincing 113-103 victory on Friday night. The Magic, who have now won seven of their last nine games, were led by Franz Wagner’s 19 points and a well-rounded performance from rookie sensation Paolo Banchero. Banchero, the top overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, showcased his versatility with 17 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.

The hardwood sizzled as the Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide collided in an explosive SEC showdown on March 15, 2024. With the game hanging in the balance, every possession was a battle royale, igniting the passion of fans and leaving them on the edge of their seats. The Gators came out swinging, determined to defend their home court against the heavily favored Crimson Tide. The opening minutes were a flurry of intensity, with both teams trading blows and showcasing their offensive prowess.

The stage is set for a thrilling Big Ten tournament quarterfinal clash between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. After a hard-fought 61-59 victory over Penn State in the second round, the Hoosiers now have a golden opportunity to settle the score against a team that swept them in the regular season. The journey to this point has been anything but smooth for Indiana. Following a disheartening 83-74 loss to Penn State on February 24th, which marked their fourth consecutive defeat, the Hoosiers found themselves at a crossroads.

In a game that came down to the wire, Tre Jones provided one of the few bright spots for the San Antonio Spurs as he exploded for a career-high 24 points in their 103-101 heartbreaking loss to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. Jones, known more for his playmaking abilities and defensive tenacity, showcased an impressive offensive arsenal that left both fans and pundits in awe. The third-year guard out of Duke shot a blistering 9-of-15 from the field, including a scorching 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, while also chipping in with three rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 32 minutes of action.

In the ever-competitive world of college basketball recruiting, one name stands out among the elite prospects of the 2025 class – Joson Sanon. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Vermont Academy has trimmed his list of potential destinations to six prestigious programs, setting the stage for an intense battle to secure his talents. Sanon, ranked as the 11th best player in his class by the On3 Industry Ranking, has narrowed his options to a formidable group of schools: Arizona, Boston College, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, and the unique pathway of Overtime Elite.

The madness of March is upon us, and for the Illinois Fighting Illini, the hopes and expectations are as high as ever. Under the guidance of head coach Brad Underwood, the team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten, consistently delivering 20-win seasons and securing top-four seeds in the NCAA Tournament. However, despite their regular-season success, the Illini are still searching for that elusive breakthrough in the postseason.

In a captivating game that came down to the wire, San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones stole the show with a career-best performance, erupting for 24 points in a narrow 103-101 loss against the Houston Rockets. The second-year point guard was a one-man wrecking crew, showcasing his offensive prowess and leaving fans in awe. Jones, typically known for his playmaking abilities, displayed a remarkable scoring touch, knocking down an impressive 9 of his 15 field goal attempts, including a blistering 4-for-7 from beyond the arc.

In the world of college basketball, where gravity-defying plays are the norm, Seth Trimble’s aerial artistry has captured the hearts of fans and ignited a newfound appreciation for the physics-bending beauty of the dunk. From early struggles to soaring triumphs, Trimble’s journey to mastering the art of dunking is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering pursuit of greatness. It was during the quarterfinal clash against Florida State University that Trimble etched his name into the annals of UNC basketball lore.

In a battle of titanic proportions at the Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Sweet 16, the Sacred Heart Valkyries showcased their prowess, conquering George Rogers Clark High School with a resounding 57-46 victory. This triumph not only reinforced Sacred Heart’s status as the reigning champions but also propelled them into the quarterfinals as they seek an unprecedented fourth consecutive state title. The opening quarter witnessed an electrifying display from George Rogers Clark, as they stormed out of the gates, raining down a barrage of three-pointers to seize a commanding 21-10 lead.

The Bluegrass State is buzzing with excitement as the Kentucky Wildcats have taken the Southeastern Conference by storm, with several players earning prestigious postseason accolades from the league’s coaches. In a remarkable display of talent and grit, the Wildcats have captured multiple major awards, solidifying their status as one of the nation’s elite programs. Leading the charge is the dynamic duo of freshmen guards, Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham. Sheppard, a native of London, Kentucky, has been honored as the SEC Freshman of the Year, a testament to his outstanding debut season.

The Saint Peter’s Peacocks and Quinnipiac Bobcats will meet in a highly anticipated MAAC Tournament Semifinals clash on Friday night at Boardwalk Hall. This matchup has added importance as Saint Peter’s looks to avenge a pair of regular season losses to Quinnipiac and keep their NCAA Tournament dreams alive. The Peacocks are fresh off a hard-fought 50-48 win over Rider in the quarterfinals. Star guard Corey Washington led the way with 16 points, continuing his outstanding senior campaign where he is averaging 16.

The Eastern Conference playoff race is heating up, and the upcoming matchup between the Orlando Magic and the Toronto Raptors could have significant implications. With the Magic eyeing home-court advantage in the first round and the Raptors clinging to their dwindling playoff hopes, this clash at the Scotiabank Arena promises to be a thrilling affair. Orlando’s Magical Run The Magic have been one of the surprise packages of the season, defying expectations and establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the East.

NBA Betting Gems for Friday’s Slate The NBA’s grueling 82-game marathon presents a nightly buffet of betting opportunities for shrewd handicappers. As we approach the season’s stretch run, each game takes on heightened importance for teams jockeying for playoff position or positioning themselves for a lottery pick. Let’s dive into two intriguing matchups on Friday’s slate and unearth some potential betting angles. Phoenix Suns (-10) at Charlotte Hornets The high-octane Phoenix Suns have struggled against the number recently, limping to a 2-8 ATS record over their last 10 games.

The Detroit Pistons have been on a modest upswing recently, winning 3 of their last 4 games. However, their momentum could be disrupted as they gear up to face the formidable Miami Heat in a back-to-back set this weekend. The bigger concern for the Pistons is the potential absence of their star player, Cade Cunningham, due to injury management. Cunningham has been on a tear lately, averaging an impressive 24.3 points, 7.

In a clash of basketball titans at the famed Rupp Arena, Sacred Heart’s dynasty reigned supreme once again. The top-ranked Valkyries, gunning for an unprecedented fourth straight state title, flexed their championship muscle and downed a game George Rogers Clark squad 57-46 in the opening round of the Mingua Beef Jerky/KHSAA Sweet 16. For a fleeting seven minutes, GRC appeared primed to pull off the upset, storming out to a blistering 21-10 lead behind Kennedy Stamper’s sharpshooting.

As the madness of March unfolds, all eyes are on the highly anticipated showdown between the UConn Huskies and St. John’s Red Storm in the Big East Tournament semifinals. With the stakes higher than ever, the clash between the top-seeded Huskies and the fifth-seeded Red Storm promises to be nothing short of electrifying. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, which has an impressive track record of accurately predicting college basketball games, UConn enters the matchup as the 9.

In a resounding display of talent and prowess, four members of the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team have been honored with prestigious accolades by the Southeastern Conference (SEC) coaches. This recognition serves as a testament to the program’s enduring excellence and the remarkable performances of these standout players. Leading the pack is senior guard Antonio Reeves, whose exceptional scoring ability and clutch performances have earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-SEC First Team.

The Auburn Tigers continued their recent dominance over the South Carolina Gamecocks with a resounding 86-55 victory in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament on Friday. The win propelled Bruce Pearl’s squad into the semifinals, where they will face a familiar foe in the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Auburn’s balanced offensive attack was on full display, with all ten players in the main rotation contributing to the scoring effort. Johni Broome led the way with 18 points, while the Tigers’ stifling defense held South Carolina to under 30% shooting from the field, a testament to their commitment on the defensive end.

In a battle of SEC foes, the Auburn Tigers showed their claws by dismantling the South Carolina Gamecocks 76-46 in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Auburn’s balanced attack and stifling defense overwhelmed South Carolina from the opening tip. Leading the charge for the Tigers was sophomore forward Johni Broome, who turned in a monster performance with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Broome set the tone early, knocking down a trio of three-pointers and powering his way to the basket against the overmatched Gamecocks frontcourt.

In a stunning turn of events at the SEC tournament in Nashville, the ninth-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs pulled off a massive upset, dominating the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers 73-56 in the quarterfinal round. This victory should cement the Bulldogs’ place in the NCAA tournament field, while dealing a significant blow to Tennessee’s hopes of securing a coveted No. 1 seed. The Bulldogs, who had lost their last four regular season games, came out firing on all cylinders against the SEC’s top seed.

In an era where elite college basketball players frequently transfer in pursuit of greener pastures, Jaylin Williams’ steadfast loyalty to Auburn University stands out as a beacon of commitment. The talented senior forward has etched his name into the annals of the program, becoming the Tigers’ all-time leader in games played and wins accrued, surpassing even the revered Frankie Sullivan. Williams’ journey has been a testament to perseverance and unwavering dedication.