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UConn men's basketball team aims for Big East regular-season title: 'First part of three goals' The fourth-ranked UConn men’s basketball team is on the verge of securing its record 12th Big East regular-season championship, with a decisive victory over Marquette set for Saturday at Fiserv Forum. A win would break a tie with Georgetown for the most titles in league history, as the Huskies currently share the lead with the Hoyas. The game, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX, represents the first step toward achieving a trio of goals outlined by the team, including a Big East tournament title and a national championship. UConn, ranked No. 4 in the nation, enters the matchup with a 17-2 record in conference play and a 27-3 overall mark. The Huskies’ pursuit of the regular-season title is complicated by the league standings, as they could share the crown with St. John’s if both teams win their final regular-season games. However, a UConn victory would secure at least a share of the title, with the possibility of an outright win if St. John’s loses to Seton Hall on Friday night. The outcome of Saturday’s game will also determine the Huskies’ seeding in the upcoming Big East tournament, where they could claim the top or second seed depending on results. Senior forward Alex Karaban, the only current player to have won two national championships, emphasized the difficulty of winning the regular-season title. “It’s extremely hard to do,” he said. “This is a championship we’ve been working for since mid-December. It’s super-impressive because teams get hot, teams get cold, teams go through injury spurts. Really, it’s who’s the toughest team, the most resilient. Winning the regular-season championship is really hard to do, and I think it’s really impressive to win.#big_east #dan_hurley #uconn #marquette #alex_karaban

Marquette vs UConn: MU's defense looks sharp early The Marquette men’s basketball team faces Connecticut in a crucial matchup on Saturday, March 7, at Fiserv Forum. The Golden Eagles, with a record of 11-19 overall and 6-13 in the Big East, aim to build momentum as they prepare for the NCAA tournament. Connecticut, ranked 27-3 overall and 17-2 in the league, is in position to secure a regular-season co-championship title, potentially matching St. John’s for the honor. Marquette’s defense showed promise early in the game, holding Connecticut scoreless for nearly five minutes. The Golden Eagles recorded six consecutive stops, leading to a 7-0 run that gave them a 14-11 lead. While the Huskies’ offense eventually found its rhythm, Marquette’s ability to disrupt the rhythm of a top-tier team highlights potential improvements in their defensive strategy. The Golden Eagles’ probable starting lineup includes guards Nigel James Jr., Adrien Stevens, and Chase Ross, along with forwards Ben Gold and Royce Parham. Despite recent struggles, the team has made strides from earlier in the season, though they face an uphill battle against a Huskies squad with national championship aspirations. The game is set for a 11:30 a.m. Central Time start, with coverage on Fox (Channel 6 in Milwaukee). Play-by-play announcer Tim Brando and analyst Donny Marshall will provide commentary. Betting odds from BetMGM show UConn as a strong favorite, with the Huskies favored by 9.5 points and a moneyline of -475, while Marquette is listed at +350. Looking ahead, Marquette’s schedule includes the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 11. The team’s recent performance, including a 62-51 loss to DePaul on March 1, underscores the challenges they face as they seek to close the gap against elite competition.#fiserv_forum #big_east #marquette #uconn #shaka_smart

UConn men’s basketball team eyes regular-season title in showdown against Marquette The UConn men’s basketball team is set to face Marquette in a crucial regular-season finale at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, with a win securing at least a share of the Big East regular-season championship. The Huskies, currently ranked No. 4 in the league, enter the game with a 27-3 overall record and a 17-2 conference mark, while Marquette holds a 11-19 record and 6-13 Big East slate. The matchup, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, will determine whether UConn retains its position in the tournament seeding or faces challenges from the Golden Eagles. Marquette’s performance in recent weeks has complicated UConn’s path to the tournament’s No. 7 seed. The Golden Eagles, who previously lost five straight games, defeated Providence by 22 points in a dominant showing, showcasing their potential to climb the standings. Coach Dan Hurley acknowledged Marquette’s improved play, calling them a “scary team” capable of upsetting even top-tier opponents. “They’re dangerous,” Hurley said. “It’s a tough game, it’s a scary game. But then I think they’re a scary team for people in New York (in the Big East Tournament), too.” For UConn, the game carries significant weight beyond the standings. A victory would mark the program’s 12th regular-season title, surpassing Villanova’s previous record and breaking a seven-year tie. The Huskies, however, have faced challenges in maintaining their dominance. In their previous matchup at Gampel Pavilion in early January, UConn held Marquette to 32.2% shooting and led by as many as 23 points, but the Golden Eagles have since improved. Solo Ball, a key player for UConn, emphasized the importance of the game. “This game that we’re going into right now is a championship.#uconn_men_basketball #marquette_men_basketball #fiserv_forum #big_east #dan_hurley

Big Ten Standings: Final Games Determine Tournament Seeds With one game remaining for each team, the Big Ten conference is entering the final stretch of the regular season, setting the stage for the upcoming tournament in Chicago. After Thursday’s action, including Michigan State’s narrow victory over Rutgers and Michigan’s overtime win against Iowa, all 18 teams are locked in a race to secure favorable seeding for the postseason. The outcomes of these final matchups will determine which teams earn triple byes, double byes, or must compete earlier in the tournament. Nebraska’s path to a top seed is particularly intriguing. A win over Iowa on Sunday, combined with a Michigan State loss to Michigan, could elevate the Huskers to as high as a 2 seed. Conversely, a loss to Iowa and a Purdue victory over Wisconsin could drop Nebraska to a 5 seed, potentially knocking them out of the triple bye. The Boilermakers’ game against Wisconsin on Saturday will play a critical role in shaping the standings, as its result will be finalized before Nebraska faces Iowa at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Iowa also has a chance to secure a double bye if Ohio State loses its Saturday matchup. For Nebraska, the focus is straightforward: a win over Iowa ensures a 2 or 3 seed in the tournament, avoiding early-round play. The Huskers’ game against Iowa is set for 4 p.m. on Sunday, with the outcome carrying significant weight for their tournament positioning. The tournament format, which will take place in Chicago, features all 18 teams competing. The top four seeds receive a triple bye, entering the tournament on Friday, while the top eight earn a double bye. The bracket will unfold over four days, with the lowest-seeded teams (15-18) facing off on Tuesday, followed by 9-16 on Wednesday, 5-12 on Thursday, and the quarterfinals on Friday.#nebraska #iowa #big_ten #purdue #wisconsin

Big Ten Basketball Tournament Bracket Projections Updated With just four days left in the regular season, the Big Ten Conference is finalizing its tournament bracket, setting the stage for the conference championship. Recent games on March 4 have influenced seeding adjustments, particularly in the lower half of the standings. Purdue’s close victory over Northwestern and Wisconsin’s dominant win against Maryland have kept the top four seeds intact, but both teams are now just one game away from securing a double-bye in the tournament. The Badgers and No. 15-ranked Boilermakers are set to face off in West Lafayette, Indiana, on Saturday. A win for either team could provide a potential pathway to the top four seeds, depending on results from other matchups. The tournament will feature all 18 Big Ten teams, a change from last year when only 15 teams qualified. This year’s bracket structure includes a first-round matchup between No. 18 Penn State and No. 15 Northwestern, while No. 17 Maryland will take on No. 16 Oregon. The second round will see No. 9 Iowa challenge the winner of the Maryland-Oregon game, and No. 10 Indiana will face the winner of Penn State-Northwestern. In the lower half, No. 11 Washington will meet No. 14 Rutgers, while No. 12 USC will take on No. 13 Minnesota. The upper half of the bracket includes No. 8 Ohio State, which will face the winner of the Iowa-Oregon-Maryland game. No. 5 Purdue will compete against the winner of USC-Minnesota, and No. 7 UCLA will face the winner of Indiana-Penn State-Northwestern. No. 6 Wisconsin will take on the winner of Washington-Rutgers. The top half of the bracket will see No. 1 Michigan challenge the winner of Ohio State-Iowa-Oregon-Maryland, while No. 4 Illinois will face the winner of Purdue-USC-Minnesota. The second half of the bracket features No.#big_ten #purdue #wisconsin #northwestern #maryland

Notre Dame Faces Duke in ACC Women’s Semifinal The Notre Dame women’s basketball team is in a strong position as it prepares to face the No. 13 Duke Blue Devils in the ACC Tournament semifinals. The Irish have won their last seven games, showcasing a resurgence after a challenging stretch earlier in the season. Their performance has positioned them as a contender for a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament, with hopes of advancing to the championship game. The matchup against Duke presents a significant challenge, particularly with the Blue Devils’ forward Toby Fournier expected to test Notre Dame’s frontcourt defense. The game promises to be competitive, with both teams bringing strong energy and skill to the court. Live updates and highlights will provide ongoing coverage of the action as the Irish aim to continue their momentum. The first quarter saw Duke taking an early lead, scoring the first six points of the game. Notre Dame struggled initially, with Hannah Hidalgo missing her first two shots at the rim. Duke’s early dominance was compounded by Notre Dame’s turnovers, which reached five by the end of the first quarter. However, the Irish showed signs of improvement as they went on a 7-0 run toward the end of the first quarter, indicating a potential shift in their performance. By the end of the second quarter, Notre Dame had managed to cut into Duke’s lead, with a 15-17 scoreline. The Irish’s defensive aggression increased, leading to nine turnovers for Duke. Despite efforts to close the gap, Duke extended their lead to double digits by halftime. Key moments included Hannah Hidalgo’s layup and a defensive play by Prosper that nearly disrupted Duke’s momentum. However, Duke capitalized on their opportunities, including a three-point play that solidified their advantage.#duke_blue_devils #hannah_hidalgo #notre_dame #toby_fournier #prosper

Irish Take Win Streak Into ACC Semis Versus Duke DULUTH, Ga. — The No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, riding a seven-game winning streak, will face No. 1 Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals on Saturday, March 7, with a chance to advance to the title game. The matchup, set for noon ET at the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Ga., will be broadcast on ESPN2 with Beth Mowins and Debbie Antonelli calling the action. Notre Dame secured its place in the semifinals by defeating NC State in the quarterfinals on Friday, 81-63. The Irish dominated the Wolfpack, with Hannah Hidalgo and Iyana Moore combining for 45 points. Moore added nine rebounds, tying her career-high in rebounds, while Hidalgo recorded her sixth consecutive game with 25 or more points, the most among ACC players this century. The junior forward also matched her career high with 20 points in the tournament game, marking her sixth ACC Tournament contest with double-digit scoring, tied for the most by any player in the league’s history. Moore’s performance was highlighted by her four three-pointers against NC State, her 10th game this season with four or more three-pointers. Cassandre Prosper, named ACC’s Most Improved Player, contributed 13 points in the win, extending her streak of 24 games with 10 or more points. Notre Dame’s victory over NC State also marked its fourth consecutive win against the Wolfpack in the ACC Tournament, maintaining a perfect 4-0 record in such matchups. The Irish’s matchup against Duke carries historical significance, as Notre Dame is 19-6 all-time against the Blue Devils, including a 4-1 record in ACC Tournament play. The teams have met in the tournament before, with Notre Dame’s recent success adding momentum to its pursuit of the title.#acc_tournament #notre_dame_fighting_irish #duke_blue_devils #gas_south_arena #hannah_hidalgo

Denver-Based UFC Fighter Represents Colorado in Saturday Night Showdown A Denver-based UFC fighter will be representing Colorado in the octagon this Saturday night in Las Vegas. Drew Dober, a UFC lightweight, is set to compete in the main card of UFC 326. The 37-year-old has been training at Landow Performance in Centennial, where he has been working closely with sports performance coach Aaron Porter. Dober, known for his high-paced and entertaining fights, is preparing for his matchup against fellow lightweight veteran Michael Johnson, a first-time encounter between the two. Porter, who has been coaching Dober for about seven years, emphasized the focus on refining his physical condition and readiness for the fight. "Improving your shape, getting a little bit faster, getting your conditioning at the peak, so that when he goes in there Saturday night, he's confident, done all the work that he's supposed to do, and he's able to push the gas when he wants," Porter explained. The coach highlighted Dober's professionalism, noting his consistency and hunger to perform. "Drew is the ultimate professional. He always shows up. He's consistent, reliable. He's excited to work hard. He's very hungry," Porter added. Dober holds the record for the most knockouts in the UFC lightweight division and has competed in over a dozen fights. His preparation for Saturday's event has included intense training sessions with Porter, who described the matchup as a "good dancing partner" for Dober. "There is a lot of build-up, and this is a good matchup for him, too. The opponent is an exciting guy. He's going to bring it as well. So, I think that always gives Drew a little bit more excitement knowing that he has a good dancing partner," Porter said.#ufc_326 #drew_dober #aaron_porter #michael_johnson #landow_performance

UNC Asheville vs High Point Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Saturday March 7 2026 The Big South Tournament semifinals present a compelling betting scenario as UNC Asheville faces High Point in a matchup that pits an exhausted underdog against the conference’s top seed. High Point, the league’s dominant force with a 28-4 record and 15-1 conference mark, enters the game rested and motivated, while UNC Asheville must overcome the physical and mental toll of an overtime win over Longwood just 24 hours prior. This matchup, set for noon ET on Saturday, is expected to shape the outcome of the tournament. The betting lines reflect confidence in High Point’s dominance. The spread favors the Panthers at -10.5 with -120 odds, while the total is set at 149.5 with the under priced at -105. Sharp bettors have aligned on High Point’s favoritism, with the team drawing 100% of spread action. The Panthers’ offensive efficiency—averaging 90.4 points per game and forcing 16.7 turnovers—combined with their defensive strength, which allows just 70.1 points per game, makes them a formidable opponent. Their ability to disrupt Asheville’s rhythm was evident in two regular-season wins, including an 87-69 victory on December 31 and a 74-48 rout on February 19. UNC Asheville, meanwhile, faces significant challenges. The Bulldogs, with a 15-16 record, must contend with a deep roster and a physical, disciplined defense that has already stifled them twice this season. While Kameron Taylor, Justin Wright, and Toyaz Solomon provide offensive firepower, their ability to sustain performance against High Point’s pressure remains questionable. The Bulldogs’ overtime win over Longwood may have left them fatigued, and their reliance on starters could be a liability against a Panthers team with greater depth.#unc_asheville #high_point #big_south_tournament #kameron_taylor #justin_wright