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Tag: NCAAM – English

  • Hailey Van Lith calls for a piece of NCAA reign after going down in history for something neither Caitlin Clark nor Paige Bueckers achieved

    Hailey Van Lith calls for a piece of NCAA reign after going down in history for something neither Caitlin Clark nor Paige Bueckers achieved

    Hailey Van Lith continues to make waves in the NCAA after stunning the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to eclipse Caitlin Clark by becoming the first player to reach five consecutive Elite Eight games with three different colleges.

    The 23-year-old point guard sealed the deal with the TCU Horned Frogs, after previously reaching the stage with the Louisville Cardinals (2020-2023) and LSU Tigers (2024) to make history.

    Known for her postseason form, there’s a reason why she’s dubbed Miss March, and she flexed her wings once again against Notre Dame on March 29 in a 71-62 victory where she posted 26 points, nine rebounds and four assists, leading her team in all three stats.

    After an initial slow start by her standards, she eventually turned it on and by the fourth quarter came in clutch for her team by out-scoring Notre Dame 12-10 on her own to book their passage.

    “I feel like she saw the ball going in and she kinda rose,” Notre Dame‘s head coach, Niele Ivey, said, praising her rival. “You could tell her energy, her confidence was getting stronger, play by play.”

    Van Lith has now averaged 17.7 points per game across the 2024/25 NCAA season, as well as adding 4.4 rebounds per game and 5.5 assists, whilst maintaining a 45.6% field goal rate in what is the most rounded and complete season of her career to date.

    Who do the Horned Frogs play next?

    The 34-3 Horned Frogs now move on to take face the Texas Longhorns in the Elite Eight round, on Sunday, March 30. Tip-off is at 19:00 ET/16:00 PT, and the game can be watched via ESPN and Fubo.

    Tickets are still available for purchase through seatgeek.com for the game at the Legacy Arena at BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama, starting from as low as just one dollar and rising to $200.



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  • Juju Watkins Injury Update: USC star carried off the court in agony with a harrowing knee issue that will can end her March Madness

    Juju Watkins Injury Update: USC star carried off the court in agony with a harrowing knee issue that will can end her March Madness

    Alarm bells are ringing at the women’s March Madness after the University of Southern California superstar was knocked to the floor in their matchup against Mississippi State.

    JuJu Watkins has suffered a torn ACL in her right knee, sources tell ESPN. She will undergo surgery.

    The moment Juju Watkins suffers her dramatic injury

    Watkins, who is one of the best players in the tournament, was attempting to carry the ball between two Bulldogs players with 4:43 left on the clock. She immediately grabbed her right knee and did not hide the pain she felt in her face.

    The fans at the Calen Center remained silent as Coach Lindsay Gottlieb and two other staff members helped Watkins, a sophomore who averages 24.6 points and is one of the stars to watch in the tournament.

    Pure ballers! Juju Watkins reveals the hoop stars who shaped her game ahead of March Madness

    She was assisted off the court as the game enjoyed a TV timeout when the Trojans led 13-2.

    On the next possession, the arena took to booing Mississippi State.



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  • Heartbreak for Bill Murray with UConn loss: Where does his love for the Huskies come from?

    Heartbreak for Bill Murray with UConn loss: Where does his love for the Huskies come from?

    The excitement of March Madness always draws passionate fans, but one celebrity face in the crowd has sparked extra curiosity: Bill Murray.

    The legendary actor, known for roles in Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, has been a regular at the NCAA Tournament, particularly at UConn Huskies games.

    March Madness magic! Spencer Hubbard and the Duke fans’ chant take over the first round

    Bill Murray can’t stay away from March Madness

    While some may assume he’s simply a college basketball fan, his presence has a much deeper connection.

    Murray has been a prominent supporter of UConn because of his son, Luke Murray, who serves as an assistant coach on Dan Hurley’s staff.

    Over the past two seasons, the actor has been a fixture at tournament games, cheering on his son’s team as they made back-to-back championship runs.

    Despite a heartbreaking exit this year in the second round against Florida, the Huskies’ recent dominance has given Murray plenty of reasons to celebrate from the stands.

    Luke Murray has built an extensive coaching career, working under Hurley at Wagner, Rhode Island, and now UConn.

    With deep roots in Connecticut, having attended St. Luke’s in New Canaan and Fairfield University, Luke Murray has been instrumental in the Huskies’ success.

    As a result, Bill Murray has become a dedicated supporter, attending not just postseason matchups but also regular-season games and Big East Tournament contests.

    He even accompanied his son to last year’s NBA Draft, showing his unwavering commitment to Luke’s coaching journey.

    Murray’s dedication to UConn was evident this year when he traveled from Tokyo, where he was spotted at the Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers series game alongside rock star Jack White, straight to Raleigh, North Carolina, for UConn’s opening-round matchups.

    His presence was a good omen for the Huskies in their first-round victory over Oklahoma, but their tournament dreams ended in a closely contested battle against Florida.

    While UConn won’t be making another Final Four run this season, there’s little doubt that Murray will continue to be a staple at Huskies games as long as his son is coaching.

    With UConn maintaining its place among college basketball’s elite, expect to see the Hollywood star courtside again next season, cheering on the team with the same enthusiasm fans have come to love.



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  • Another March Madness collapse: Texas in for a hard immediate shake up

    Another March Madness collapse: Texas in for a hard immediate shake up

    The Texas Longhorns’ basketball season came to an abrupt and heartbreaking conclusion Wednesday night, as they squandered a second-half double-digit lead to fall 86-80 to Xavier in the NCAA Tournament’s First Four. The loss punctuates a season of struggles for the Longhorns, marking their second consecutive early exit from March Madness.

    The focus now shifts to head coach Rodney Terry and the future of the program, which has failed to meet heightened expectations. Rodney Terry took the helm midway through the 2022-23 season following the departure of Chris Beard and initially revitalized the Longhorns, leading them to an Elite Eight appearance that year.

    Madness! Alabama State stuns with a last-second buzzer-beater as March Madness chaos has begun!

    However, the program has since stagnated. Last season, Texas earned a No. 7 seed but failed to advance past the second round. This year, in their inaugural SEC campaign, they barely secured a tournament berth and finished near the bottom of the conference standings with a 6-12 record in SEC play.

    The pressure is on for the program

    High hopes surrounded the team heading into 2024-25, fueled by the arrival of standout freshman and projected lottery pick Tre Johnson. However, the Longhorns failed to capitalize on his talent, leaving fans and analysts disappointed once again.

    The loss to Xavier and another early tournament exit have amplified speculation about Terry’s job security. According to Jeff Goodman of Field of 68, Texas is expected to part ways with Terry, making the Longhorns one of the most sought-after coaching opportunities in college basketball. With high-profile jobs such as Indiana and NC State already filled, the Texas vacancy could become a prime destination for top coaching candidates.

    Athletic director Chris Del Conte is under pressure to make a decisive move that will restore the Longhorns to prominence. For now, the basketball program faces a pivotal crossroads, with a fresh start likely on the horizon after two seasons of unmet expectations.



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  • March Madness 2025: The 5 best players in the Men's NCAA Tournament you must watch

    March Madness 2025: The 5 best players in the Men's NCAA Tournament you must watch

    The most glorious time of the year for college basketball fans has arrived. The 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament is set to get underway this week, with Selection Sunday in the rearview mirror. With the bracket set, all eyes are on the top teams, mainly the No. 1 seeds: Auburn, Duke, Houston and Florida.

    Those teams, and all of the others, wouldn’t have gotten to this point without standout performances from several players. With the tournament nearing, let’s pick out five players who have made a name for themselves this season and must be watched in the tournament.

    On his f***ing head! Cooper Flagg’s mom loses his mind after son makes huge dunk

    Ryan Kalkbrenner, center, Creighton

    By this point, everyone knows about Ryan Kalkbrenner. Now in his fifth and final season, the 7-foot-1 center wants to finish his Creighton Bluejays career with a bang. Kalkbrenner has gotten better and better with each passing season, setting career highs for points, rebounds, assists and three-point shooting percentage in 2024-25. That last statistic will be key, as Kalkbrenner’s ability to control the paint on the defensive end and stretch the floor offensively makes him a nightmare for other teams.

    Braden Smith, guard, Purdue

    Braden Smith‘s ascension to stardom has been a sight to behold. He played a key role in the Purdue Boilermakers making it to the national championship last year, and took a massive step in terms of development this season. Averaging a 16.1/4.6/8.7 stat line, Smith also shoots well from the perimeter and gets over two steals per game. He may be small, but Smith has the ability to control the game on both ends of the floor.

    PJ Haggerty, guard, Memphis

    Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway lured PJ Haggerty away from Tulsa last offseason, and the move has paid massive dividends quickly. Haggerty was third in the nation in points per game with 21.8 throughout the season, and he’s no slouch in other statistical categories as well. Haggerty can score from truly everywhere on the court and doesn’t mind getting locked in on defense either.

    Johni Broome, forward, Auburn

    Johni Broome has been doing this for a while, but it all really came together for an Auburn Tigers team that was ranked first in the country heading into the final two weeks of the season. Broome is good at everything, adept at scoring inside the paint, dishing out assists from the low post, protecting the rim as a shot blocker, out-rebounding everyone and even dipping his toe in three-point shooting.

    Cooper Flagg, forward, Duke

    If it wasn’t for Cooper Flagg, Broome would have surely been No. 1. Luckily for the two, both were named as All-American forwards right before the tournament started. Flagg comes into the tournament with a minor injury, but he should be fully recovered sooner than later. When he’s fully healthy, Flagg is a force to be reckoned with. Having turned 18 years old just a few months ago, Flagg is already considered a surefire bet to the be the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

    He can score by driving to the rim or pulling up from mid-range or downtown. He can find the open man and set up teammates in a variety of ways. He can rebound with his long arms, which he also uses to block shots and cut out passes in tight lanes. He’s also an 83% free-throw shooter, which always comes in handy come tourney time.



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  • March Madness: North Carolina opens tournament run against San Diego State in First Four matchup – What to Watch For

    March Madness: North Carolina opens tournament run against San Diego State in First Four matchup – What to Watch For

    North Carolina‘s NCAA Tournament selection sparked controversy, but the Tar Heels have a prime opportunity to prove doubters wrong with a victory over San Diego State in the First Four on Tuesday night.

    The winner will advance to face No. 6 seed Mississippi on Friday in Milwaukee.

    Left in hysterics! Bill Belichick photo with girlfriend sparks wild comments from Stephen A. Smith

    With a 22-13 record and just one Quadrant 1 win, the Tar Heels’ inclusion surprised many. However, their challenging nonconference schedule and favorable metrics swayed the selection committee.

    “I didn’t listen to bracketology,” said North Carolina coach Hubert Davis. “I know we’re excited to be part of this and are looking forward to tomorrow night.”

    Controversy Surrounding North Carolina’s Selection

    Some critics suggested bias, pointing to UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham’s role as the selection committee chair. However, Sun Belt Conference commissioner Keith Gill led the discussions involving the Tar Heels, ensuring impartiality.

    Big controversy! North Carolina loss to Duke causes outrage and fans demand an investigation

    North Carolina’s tough nonconference matchups included games against No. 1 seeds Auburn and Florida, No. 2 seeds Alabama and Michigan State, and a trip to No. 7 seed Kansas. The Tar Heels ranked 36th in NET, 33rd in KenPom, and 25th in BPI, edging out teams like West Virginia, Indiana, and Boise State.

    San Diego State’s Defensive Edge

    San Diego State (21-9) poses a significant challenge, leading the nation in field goal percentage defense (.378) and ranking 13th in defensive efficiency.

    “Our identity is in our defense and effort,” said Aztecs forward Jared Coleman-Jones. “If we bring that intensity, everything else will follow.”

    Key Players to Watch

    RJ Davis leads North Carolina, averaging 17 points and 3.7 assists per game. The Tar Heels enter as a No. 11 seed, the lowest in their storied NCAA Tournament history.

    Despite the criticism, the players are determined to make a statement.

    “We’ve felt the hate and disagreement,” said guard Seth Trimble. “We’ve got something to prove.”

    Can the Tar Heels defy expectations and make a deep tournament run? It all starts with their clash against the Aztecs on Tuesday night.



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  • Cooper Dejean's March Madness bracket: Here's the Super Bowl champion's picks

    Cooper Dejean's March Madness bracket: Here's the Super Bowl champion's picks

    March Madness is all about making bold picks, and Philadelphia Eagles cornerbackCooper DeJean isn’t sitting this one out. As brackets flooded in on Selection Sunday, the Super Bowl champion threw his predictions into the mix-complete with a clear-cut national champion.

    DeJean’s Final Four features a mix of powerhouse programs and a few surprises. He’s backing Michigan State (No. 2) to edge out Auburn (No. 1) in the South and has Florida (No. 1) taking down Texas Tech (No. 3) in the West. On the other side, he’s picking Duke (No. 1) to handle BYU (No. 6) in the East and Houston (No. 1) to hold off Kentucky (No. 3) in the Midwest.

    Cooper DeJean shares Caitlin Clark’s fiery response to claim he could beat her 1-on-1

    And when it comes to the national championship? DeJean has two No. 1 seeds going head-to-head-Florida and Houston. But in the end, he’s putting his money on the Cougars.

    A team built for tournament success

    Houston has looked the part of a championship contender all season. With a 30-4 record and a Big 12 title under their belt, the Cougars have been nearly unstoppable since December, dropping just one game in that span-a nail-biter against Texas Tech.

    The team’s success is largely thanks to their suffocating defense, allowing just 58.5 points per game, which ranks them among the nation’s best. And then there’s senior guard L.J. Cryer, who leads the team in scoring at 15.2 points per game. With his ability to step up in big moments, Houston has a go-to guy when things get tight.

    For DeJean, it makes sense to back a team with that kind of defensive intensity. After all, the Eagles’ rookie knows a thing or two about shutting opponents down.

    The Cougars also have another major edge-road dominance. They’re the only team in the nation that went undefeated in away games this season, proving they can win in hostile environments. That kind of poise could be the difference when the stakes get even higher in the tournament.

    Now, all that’s left is to see if DeJean’s pick can make good on his prediction and bring home their first NCAA title. If they do, the Eagles cornerback might just have another championship celebration to enjoy-this time, from the sidelines.



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  • Dick Vitale gets emotional during ACC title game after lengthy battles with cancer: A tough three years

    Dick Vitale gets emotional during ACC title game after lengthy battles with cancer: A tough three years

    Dick Vitale has battled through plenty of health scares over the past few years, which made his call of the Duke-Louisville ACC Tournament championship game on Saturday night all the more memorable.

    Back in December, the 85-year-old announced he was cancer-free after four battles with the disease over three years.

    Big controversy! North Carolina loss to Duke causes outrage and fans demand an investigation

    Although he didn’t work any of the ACC Tournament games as doctors advised him not to call more than one game a week after several vocal cord surgeries, he was in the booth on Saturday to see Duke claim a 73-62 win.

    The moment was an emotional one for Vitale, who shared what it meant to be there with his colleagues and fans.

    “It’s like to me a miracle to sit here with you guys,” Vitale said. “I can’t tell you how much you’ve meant to me. It’s been unbelievable. A tough three years. Those four cancer battles. I don’t wish it on anybody. Cancer sucks.”

    Vitale had cancerous lymph nodes removed from his neck last summer and was treated for melanoma and lymphoma before that. He also underwent radiation treatments for vocal cord cancer last year.

    “It’s my last game this year and I’m praying, hopefully, I can be back next year, maybe even better,” Vitale said. “I hope and pray my doctor really helps me with my voice.”

    “I want to thank all the fans, all the people that have been so beautiful, all my people at ESPN tolerating and putting up with me in terms of my issues I’ve had. You’ve been great.”

    Vitale watches Duke win

    Saturday night’s game was the final of the season for Vitale, and what a game it was as Duke came out on top even without the services of Cooper Flagg.

    The win secured the Blue Devils their second ACC title in three years and 23rd overall – the most of any team in conference history. That puts them five ahead of rivals North Carolina, who Duke defeated in the semi-finals.

    “Two down and one to go,” said tournament MVP Kan Knueppel said, referring to the upcoming NCAA Tournament in which the Blue Devils are a lock to be the No. 1 overall seed.



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  • Carson Beck and Hanna Cavinder's shocking reaction to luxury car theft caught on bodycam

    Carson Beck and Hanna Cavinder's shocking reaction to luxury car theft caught on bodycam

    Newly released footage has given the public a firsthand look at the tense moments after Miami quarterback Carson Beck and his girlfriend, basketball star Hanna Cavinder, discovered their luxury cars had vanished from their South Florida home.

    The bodycam video, obtained by TMZ, captures the couple standing outside their residence in visible frustration as they recount the chaotic morning to law enforcement. In the footage, Beck, 22, details the alarming scene: an open garage, unlocked gates, and three high-end vehicles missing.

    Hanna Cavinder channels Olivia Dunne’s style in TikTok visits to Carson Beck

    Cavinder, 24, looks on as Beck explains how they woke up expecting a normal day, only to find their property had been infiltrated overnight. “Well, s–t, we woke up this morning and we were about to leave and then, we had three cars parked, garage door was wide open, both the gates wide open,” Beck tells the officers in the video.

    The footage shows Cavinder pointing to the driveway, indicating where her Range Rover had been left before being mysteriously relocated to the street. Meanwhile, Beck’s Lamborghini and Mercedes were nowhere to be found.

    As officers question how the intruders gained access, Beck admits that while their home was locked, the only logical entry point was through the garage. His frustration grows as he acknowledges they had no security cameras in place-a result of just having moved into the residence.

    The culprit has been identified

    The video captures the immediate aftermath of the crime, but hours later, authorities recovered one of the stolen vehicles in South Miami. A suspect, identified as 20-year-old Tykwon Deandre Anderson, was later arrested and now faces multiple charges, including grand theft and burglary.

    For Beck, who transferred to Miami after a five-year stint at Georgia, and Cavinder, who recently rejoined Miami’s basketball team after a hiatus, the unsettling experience raises questions about security for high-profile athletes. The couple, known for their success on the field and court, as well as their massive social media presence, now find themselves at the center of a growing conversation about personal safety in the spotlight.



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  • Patrick Mahomes steals the show on the Texas Tech Red Raiders court with an unexpected celebration

    Patrick Mahomes steals the show on the Texas Tech Red Raiders court with an unexpected celebration

    Patrick Mahomes will forever be linked to Texas Tech, not just for the records he shattered on the football field, but for the energy and passion he brought to the university. Though his days slinging passes for the Red Raiders are long gone, his presence still electrifies the crowd whenever he returns. But this time, it wasn’t at Jones AT&T Stadium it was on the basketball court. Even at a Texas Tech hoops game, Mahomes remains the ultimate showstopper.

    The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback attended the game with his wife, Brittany Mahomes, and as soon as he stepped onto the court, the crowd erupted. Fans cheered and gave him the kind of rockstar reception only a legend like Mahomes could command. But it wasn’t just about the standing ovation Mahomes made sure to give the fans a moment to remember. His unexpected celebration quickly became the highlight of the night, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you need to check out the video.

    Mahomes has a way of making every moment feel bigger, and that was no different in Lubbock. Even though he’s built a Hall of Fame-worthy career in the NFL, he still holds a special place in the hearts of Texas Tech fans. His presence alone was enough to light up the arena, proving that whether it’s football or basketball, Red Raider nation will always embrace him as one of their own.

    Mahomes makes the moment bigger despite a tough loss

    Despite the energy in the arena, Texas Tech couldn’t get the win, falling to Houston 69-61 in a game where they trailed most of the way. The Red Raiders fought hard but couldn’t turn things around, even with Mahomes in attendance. Still, one fan walked away with a victory of his own and it wasn’t just about the scoreboard.

    At halftime, one lucky fan got the chance to take part in the classic full-court putting challenge, a contest that has tested the skills (and luck) of many fans at basketball games. The goal? Sink a golf ball into a tiny hole on the opposite end of the court for a massive prize. The entire arena held its breath as the ball rolled across the hardwood, inching closer and closer… and then, boom it dropped in. The crowd erupted, and so did Mahomes.

    In pure excitement, the fan sprinted toward the NFL star, and in one of the best celebrations of the night, they leaped into a shoulder bump with Mahomes right there on the court.

    Even in a loss, Texas Tech fans left with a moment they won’t forget. Whether it’s throwing touchdowns in the Super Bowl or hyping up the crowd at a college basketball game, Patrick Mahomes always finds a way to make the moment special. And if history tells us anything, this won’t be the last time he steals the show in Lubbock.



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