Basketball

USF Bulls Sweep Top AAC Awards: Youngblood, Miguel Shine

The South Florida Bulls have emerged as the toast of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) this season, with head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim and stars Chris Youngblood and Selton Miguel sweeping some of the league’s top honors. In a remarkable first season at the helm, Abdur-Rahim was unanimously named the AAC Coach of the Year, becoming the first USF mentor to achieve this feat. His impact has been nothing short of transformative, guiding the Bulls to a 20-win campaign – just the sixth time in program history – and a remarkable 23 victories in the regular season, one shy of the all-time record.

Highlanders' Streak Snapped in Thriller vs Mustangs

In a battle of two of Tennessee’s top high school girls basketball teams, the Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders saw their impressive 5-game winning streak come to an end at the hands of the Loretto Mustangs in a 55-52 thriller. Gatlinburg-Pittman entered the matchup riding high off their regular season success with a 34-3 record, but ran into a red-hot Loretto squad that has now won 8 straight games to improve to 29-3 on the year.

Big Ten Madness: Edey, Hoiberg Conquer 2024 Awards

In a season of unprecedented dominance and remarkable achievements, the Big Ten Conference has unveiled its coveted postseason honors for the 2023-24 men’s basketball campaign. At the forefront of this illustrious list stands the towering figure of Zach Edey, the indomitable center from Purdue University, who has etched his name in the annals of conference history by becoming only the fourth player to claim back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Year accolades.

Mississippi State Shocks Top-Seeded Tennessee in SEC Quarters

In a major upset at the SEC Tournament, the Mississippi State Bulldogs knocked off the #5 ranked Tennessee Volunteers 73-56 in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Bulldogs raced out to a huge 38-19 halftime lead and never looked back, weathering a second half Tennessee run to secure the victory. Senior guards Cameron Matthews and Josh Hubbard led the way for Mississippi State, each scoring 18 points on an efficient shooting night.

Highlanders' Hot Streak Halted by Mustangs' Stampede

The Gatlinburg-Pittman Highlanders’ impressive five-game winning streak came to a screeching halt on Friday night, courtesy of a stellar performance from Loretto’s Ally Weathers. The senior guard poured in a season-high 33 points, leading the Mustangs to a hard-fought 55-52 victory over the highly-touted Highlanders. Despite the loss, Gatlinburg-Pittman’s Maddy Newman continued her remarkable scoring run, tallying 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds. The talented junior has now scored at least 15 points in her last 30 games, a remarkable feat that underscores her consistency and offensive prowess.

Mississippi State's Knecht Shines Despite Tennessee's Rally

Starkville, MS - In a battle of SEC basketball heavyweights, Mississippi State’s Dalton Knecht put on an offensive clinic, scoring 23 points, but it wasn’t quite enough as Tennessee used a furious second-half rally to take down the Bulldogs 72-68 on Thursday night. Knecht was unconscious in the first half, knocking down six three-pointers to stake Mississippi State to a 45-28 halftime lead. The senior guard could not miss, hitting tough contested shots and finding himself wide open thanks to crisp ball movement from his teammates.

Hilight Zone: Columbus, Almond-Bancroft Boys Basketball Head to State

As the high school basketball season reaches its climax, all eyes are on the Division 5 state tournament in Wisconsin. Two central Wisconsin teams, Columbus Catholic and Almond-Bancroft, have emerged as the top seeds, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown on the hardwood. Columbus Catholic, a seasoned contender, is no stranger to the state tournament. This marks their third appearance since 2017, a testament to their unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Spartans Seek Upset Over No. 1 Purdue in Big Ten Showdown

The madness of March is in full swing, and the Michigan State Spartans have their sights set on a colossal upset as they prepare to face the top-seeded Purdue Boilermakers in the Big Ten Tournament on Friday. After a hard-fought 77-67 victory over Minnesota on Thursday, the Spartans are riding a wave of momentum, but they’ll need to bring their A-game to take down the tournament’s No. 1 seed. Leading the charge for Michigan State is second-team All-Big Ten selection Tyson Walker, who has been a scoring machine this season, averaging a team-high 18.

Talent Magnet: IU Extends Coveted Offer to 2026 Star Gabriel Sularski

In the ever-competitive world of college basketball recruiting, the Indiana Hoosiers have made a compelling move by extending an offer to one of the most promising talents in the 2026 class. Gabriel Sularski, a 6-foot-6, 190-pound guard from Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois, has caught the attention of the Hoosiers’ coaching staff, solidifying their commitment to securing top-tier talent for the future. Sularski’s announcement of the offer from Indiana came hot on the heels of his visit to Bloomington, where he witnessed the Hoosiers’ thrilling clash against Michigan State on Sunday.

Demon Deacons Defeat Fighting Irish in ACC Tourney Thriller

In a clash of basketball titans at the ACC Tournament in Washington, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons emerged victorious over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a hard-fought 72-59 victory. This second-round matchup was a testament to the sheer grit and determination of both teams, as they battled fiercely on the court. Leading the charge for the Demon Deacons was the dynamic duo of Kevin Miller and Hunter Sallis, who poured in 17 and 14 points, respectively.

Kolek's Injury Casts Shadow on Marquette's March Madness Dreams

The Big East tournament took an unexpected turn for Marquette Golden Eagles as their star point guard Tyler Kolek was ruled out for the quarterfinals due to an oblique muscle injury. The news, confirmed by head coach Shaka Smart, sent shockwaves through the Marquette faithful, who had high hopes for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. Kolek, a senior from Rhode Island, has been the driving force behind Marquette’s impressive season, averaging 16.

Kolek's Injury: Marquette Treads Cautiously for NCAA Run

As the madness of March descends upon college basketball, the Marquette Golden Eagles find themselves navigating a delicate balance between present aspirations and future goals. In a move that underscores their long-term ambitions, head coach Shaka Smart has ruled out senior guard Tyler Kolek for the Big East quarterfinals, opting for caution over immediate gratification. The decision, though undoubtedly difficult, speaks volumes about the Golden Eagles’ mindset as they prepare for the looming NCAA Tournament.

Broncos vs Lobos: Thrilling NCAA Clash in Sin City

Las Vegas is set to be the epicenter of college basketball this week as the Mountain West Conference tournament gets underway. One of the marquee matchups on Thursday’s slate pits the Boise State Broncos against the New Mexico Lobos in a tantalizing rematch from the regular season. Both teams enter the contest riding impressive win streaks and sporting identical 22-9 records. Recent history slightly favors the Broncos, who have won 7 of the last 10 meetings, including a pair of double-digit victories earlier this season.

Cade's Knee Injury Raises Concerns for Pistons' Playoff Push

The Detroit Pistons’ playoff hopes could be dealt a significant blow as their star guard, Cade Cunningham, has been listed as questionable for their crucial game against the Miami Heat on Friday due to a lingering left knee injury. Cunningham, the 22-year-old phenom, has been battling a nagging left knee issue that has been hampering his performance over the past few weeks. The Pistons have been cautious in managing Cunningham’s minutes and workload, but with the team fighting for a playoff spot, every game becomes increasingly crucial.

Dedan Thomas Jr: UNLV's Rising Freshman Star

In the world of college basketball, few things excite fans more than a talented freshman who bursts onto the scene and immediately makes an impact. This season, UNLV point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. has done just that, cementing his place among the program’s greatest first-year players and leaving no doubt that he’s a rising star in the making. As the article vividly describes, Thomas’s performance in the Mountain West tournament quarterfinal against San Diego State was nothing short of spectacular.

Blazers' Simons Sidelined with Knee Issue, Scoot Steps In

The Portland Trail Blazers were dealt a blow Thursday night as rising star guard Anfernee Simons was ruled out for their home game against the New York Knicks due to left knee tendinitis. However, the setback opened the door for rookie sensation Scoot Henderson to make his first NBA start. Simons, 23, has been a revelation for the Blazers this season, blossoming into one of the league’s most explosive scorers. He’s averaging 24.

Dunn's Absence Opens Opportunities for Jazz Rotation Players

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, teams must constantly adapt to the ebb and flow of player availability. The Utah Jazz find themselves navigating such circumstances as they prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. According to reports, Jazz point guard Kris Dunn has been ruled out of the contest due to rest considerations. Dunn’s absence, though temporary, presents an intriguing opportunity for the Jazz’s supporting cast to step up and showcase their talents.

Marquette's Kolek Ruled Out for Big East Quarters, Eyes NCAA Run

Marquette’s star point guard Tyler Kolek has been ruled out for the Big East Tournament quarterfinals as the Golden Eagles’ coaching staff prioritizes his recovery from an oblique injury ahead of the looming NCAA Tournament. Kolek, a senior and potential All-American, has been sidelined since exiting Marquette’s February 28th home game against Providence with the oblique issue. Head coach Shaka Smart provided an update on Kolek’s status during Wednesday’s media availability, confirming he will not play in Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup.

Brunson's 45 Powers Knicks Past Blazers

Jalen Brunson put on an epic scoring display, pouring in 45 points to power the New York Knicks past the Portland Trail Blazers 105-93 on Thursday night. The dynamic guard was simply unstoppable, hitting tough shots from all over the floor against Portland’s overmatched defenders. Brunson’s performance was one for the ages, representing the 10th 40-point game of his career. He narrowly missed tying his career-high of 50 points set back in December against the Phoenix Suns.

Lobos Fever: UNM Basketball's Exhilarating NCAA Comeback

The city of Albuquerque is abuzz with excitement as the University of New Mexico (UNM) Lobos men’s basketball team secures their long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014. After an eight-year hiatus, the Lobos have reignited the passion of their devoted fans, igniting a wave of enthusiasm that has swept across the state. On Thursday night, the energy at The Pit – UNM’s iconic home court – was palpable as the Lobos took the court for the Mountain West Tournament.

Giannis Battles Hamstring Injury, Bucks Overcome Maxey's Surge

In a battle of resilience and determination, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious against the Philadelphia 76ers, overcoming injury concerns and a scintillating performance by Tyrese Maxey. Fiserv Forum witnessed a thrilling clash as the Bucks rallied to secure a hard-fought 114-105 victory. Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP, played through left hamstring soreness, a rare occurrence for the durable superstar. Despite the discomfort, he displayed his trademark tenacity, pouring in a team-high 32 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out seven assists.

IU's Quest for a Top 2026 Hoops Talent

In the ever-competitive world of college basketball recruiting, the Indiana Hoosiers have set their sights on one of the nation’s most promising young talents. Gabriel Sularski, a versatile 6-foot-6 guard from Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois, has received a coveted offer from the Hoosiers, further fueling the intense pursuit of his services. Sularski’s impressive skills on the court have not gone unnoticed. As a sophomore, he led his high school team in scoring, averaging an impressive 14 points per game, coupled with 4.

Knicks Battle Blazers in Portland Showdown

The New York Knicks rolled into Portland looking to get back on the winning track against the shorthanded Trail Blazers squad. While the Knicks were missing a few key pieces themselves in Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson, they aimed to take advantage of a Blazers team ravaged by injuries. Portland was without several starters including Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, and Shaedon Sharpe. Even sharpshooting rookie Jabari Walker and recently acquired big man Robert Williams III were out of commission.

Mountain West Crowns Utah State in Men's Hoops

The Mountain West conference announced its 2023-24 men’s basketball awards this week, and the Utah State Aggies were the standout program, hauling in several major honors. Head coach Danny Sprinkle was named the Steve Fisher Coach of the Year after guiding the Aggies to the outright regular season conference title in his first season at the helm. Utah State went 14-4 in Mountain West play to claim their second conference championship since joining the league in 2013-14.

St. John's Building State-of-the-Art Basketball Facilities

New York City’s St. John’s University is gearing up for a major upgrade to its athletic facilities, with the announcement of plans to construct a state-of-the-art basketball training and practice facility. According to reports, the project is currently in the design phase, with an anticipated completion date set for 2027. The new facility, which will span an impressive 50,000 square feet, is set to become the dedicated home for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball programs.

St. John's Unveils Plans for State-of-the-Art Basketball Facility

New York City’s St. John’s University is taking a major step forward in enhancing its basketball programs with the announcement of a brand-new, state-of-the-art training and practice facility set to be completed in 2027. The ambitious project, which has been in the works for over two decades, promises to provide the Red Storm’s men’s and women’s basketball teams with top-of-the-line amenities to help them reach new heights of success. Currently, both programs are based out of the Taffner Fieldhouse, a facility that is being repurposed into a campus recreation center.

A10 Tournament Quarterfinals: Where to Watch the Madness

The stage is set for an electrifying day of college basketball as the Atlantic 10 Conference (A10) Tournament reaches its quarterfinal round. Fans are in for a treat as some of the nation’s top teams battle it out for a spot in the semifinals and a chance to etch their names in the annals of March Madness history. The quarterfinal action kicks off at 11:30 AM ET with a clash between the underdog Saint Joseph’s Hawks and the tournament’s top seed, the Richmond Spiders.

MAC Tournament Titans Clash: Toledo Aims to Dethrone Kent State

The Toledo Rockets have had their sights set on capturing the Mid-American Conference tournament title ever since falling short in last year’s semifinals. Now, as the top seed in the 2024 edition, their path to glory begins with a familiar foe – the defending champion Kent State Golden Flashes. This quarterfinal showdown at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse pits the regular season champions against the team that reigned supreme in last season’s tournament.

Rockets Launch into MAC Tourney Against Golden Flashes

The madness of March is heating up in the Mid-American Conference, with the Toledo Rockets set to face off against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the conference tournament quarterfinals on Thursday. This matchup pits two of the MAC’s most explosive offenses against each other, promising an action-packed showdown in Cleveland. Toledo comes into the game riding a three-game winning streak, improving their record to an impressive 20-11 on the season.

Girls High School Hoops Heat Up in Minnesota

The hardwood was sizzling in the Land of 10,000 Lakes as the 2024 Minnesota State Girls Basketball Tournament tipped off with quarterfinal action across all three classes. From the metro area to the rural outskirts, future collegiate stars showcased their skills in pursuit of state supremacy. Class AAAA Quarters Offer Metro Flavor The Class AAAA quarterfinals provided a glimpse into the talent-rich Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, with powerhouses like Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, and St.