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Win and get in: Making ACC Tournament hinges on Pitt beating Syracuse in finale Pittsburgh’s Panthers face a critical decision in their final regular-season game against Syracuse, with a win securing their spot in the ACC Tournament. A loss would eliminate the team, as Boston College and Notre Dame’s matchup would determine the final qualifying spot. If Pitt falls to the Orange, Boston College would advance by virtue of a tiebreaker, while Notre Dame could also claim the 15th slot with a better overall record. A Pitt victory, however, would guarantee their participation, as the Panthers would hold the tiebreaker over Notre Dame due to their earlier win in February. The Panthers, with a 11-19 overall record and 4-13 in conference play, are determined to make the tournament despite a challenging season. Senior Barry Dunning Jr. emphasized the team’s resolve, stating, “We’ve been through a lot this season, losing some guys to injury and things of that nature. We’re not going to quit. We know what we have in this room. We’re just going to keep fighting. All we’ve got to do is win one more. That’s it.” Pitt’s recent performance against Florida State highlighted their resilience. Despite trailing by 16 points at halftime and 24 early in the second half, the Panthers mounted a dramatic comeback, making the game competitive until the final seconds. Dunning led the charge with 26 points and 10 rebounds, but the team fell short in their home finale, setting up Saturday’s decisive game against Syracuse. Coach Jeff Capel’s eighth season at Pitt has been marked by struggles, and regardless of Saturday’s outcome, athletic director Allen Greene is expected to evaluate Capel’s future. However, the players remain committed to their coach and the season.#pittsburghs_panthers #syracuse_orange #barry_dunning_jr #jeff_capel #allen_greene

Kiyan Anthony won’t play for Syracuse basketball against Pittsburgh due to injury Syracuse University’s men’s basketball team will be without freshman forward Kiyan Anthony for its final regular-season game against Pittsburgh, as he was ruled out due to a lower-body injury. The decision was announced by SU men’s basketball director of communications Pete Moore, who cited the ACC availability report released on Friday night. Anthony, who suffered the injury during the Orange’s most recent game against Louisville, is expected to miss Saturday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Panthers. The injury occurred during the Orange’s loss to Louisville, though the exact timing of when Anthony sustained the injury remains unclear. Anthony played 19 minutes in that game, contributing four points. His absence leaves Syracuse without one of its key contributors, as the team prepares for its final regular-season contest. Syracuse may also be without another promising freshman, Sadiq White Jr., due to a left shoulder injury. White sustained the injury while attempting to grab a rebound against Louisville, though he was able to return to the game. Despite the setback, White finished the contest with eight points and four rebounds in 17 minutes, showcasing his potential. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, will also be missing several players for Saturday’s game. The Panthers’ biggest absence will be Brandin Cummings, who scored a game-high 29 points in their previous matchup against Syracuse. Cummings, who averages 12.5 points per game, has not played since late January due to a season-ending ankle injury. The Panthers’ roster will also be without other key players, though all have been sidelined for over a month.#syracuse_university #kiyan_anthony #pittsburgh_panthers #pete_moore #brandin_cummings

Djokovic Says He Will Keep Playing as Long as He Has 'Fire and Flair' Novak Djokovic expressed his determination to continue competing in tennis as long as he maintains his passion, skill, and ability to challenge the world's best players. The 38-year-old Serbian star, who recently reached the Australian Open semifinals and final, emphasized that his motivation and competitive edge remain strong despite his age. Djokovic defeated defending champion Jannik Sinner in a five-set semifinal at the Australian Open before falling to world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the final. The match against Alcaraz, which he described as "another great match," highlighted his ability to perform at the highest level. "I have proven to myself and others that I can still compete at the highest level and beat these guys," he said, reflecting on his recent performances. The 24-time Grand Slam champion reiterated his belief that his career is far from over. "My logic is why not keep going as long as I have that fire and flair and quality and the motivation to do that," he stated. Djokovic, who remains ranked third in the world, enjoys the challenge of competing in major tournaments and has no plans to retire. He explained that his schedule focuses on the four Grand Slam events and tune-up matches, with the Indian Wells tournament in California being a key part of his calendar. A five-time champion at the event, Djokovic praised the thrill of competition and the connection with fans. "I really enjoy the thrill of competition," he said. "I enjoy still getting out there in front of the fans and being competitive." Despite his age, Djokovic remains confident in his ability to stay at the top of the sport. "I still have that edge, and I'll keep on going as long as I feel like it," he added, underscoring his commitment to the game.#novak_djokovic #jannik_sinner #indian_wells #australian_open #carlos_alcaraz

Novak Djokovic's L.A. sports tour: LeBron James, Luka Doncic, UCLA football Ahead of the BNP Paribas Open, which he is attempting to win for a sixth time, the former world No. 1 was happy to just be a fan. During his recent visit to Los Angeles, Djokovic engaged with a variety of sports icons, including NBA superstar LeBron James and NBA rising star Luka Doncic. The tennis legend also attended a UCLA football game, immersing himself in the energy of the city’s sports culture. Djokovic’s interactions with James and Doncic highlighted the camaraderie among top athletes across different sports. The two basketball stars shared insights about their respective journeys, while Djokovic expressed admiration for their dedication and work ethic. His attendance at the UCLA football game underscored his appreciation for the broader athletic community in Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant sports scene. The former world No. 1 also took to social media to reflect on his experiences, captioning a post with the phrase “defying Father Time.” This remark, paired with photos of him in action during the event, emphasized his continued passion for competition despite his age. Fans and followers praised his ability to stay engaged with the sport while maintaining a fan’s perspective. The BNP Paribas Open, held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, is a key event on the ATP Tour, and Djokovic’s participation adds to the tournament’s prestige. His presence in the city also coincided with other major sporting events, including the Doha Masters and F1 pre-season testing in Bahrain, showcasing the interconnected nature of global sports calendars. Djokovic’s L.A. visit served as a reminder of his enduring influence in the sports world, bridging gaps between different disciplines and generations.#novak_djokovic #bnparibas_open #lebron_james #luka_doncic #ucla_football

Novak Djokovic's 2026 start: 'I've proven to myself & others, why not keep going?' Novak Djokovic is set to begin his 2026 tennis season at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, where he will face either Kamil Majchrzak or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his opening match. The Serbian star, who last reached a major final at Wimbledon 2024, returned to form with a strong performance at the Australian Open, advancing to the final where he faced World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Despite losing to Alcaraz in the championship match, Djokovic expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level. Djokovic, 38, reflected on his Australian Open run during a pre-tournament press conference, calling it an "amazing start of the year." He highlighted his victory over Jannik Sinner in a five-set thriller as a key moment, emphasizing that beating Sinner after previous losses to him or Alcaraz at the Slams reaffirmed his competitiveness. "I have proven to myself primarily, and to others, that I can still compete at the highest level and beat these guys," he said. "My logic is why not keep going as long as I have that fire and flair and quality and also motivation to do that." The five-time Indian Wells champion is aiming to break Roger Federer's record for most titles at the event, which he currently shares. With a 51-11 tournament record, Djokovic praised the event's atmosphere, noting the "great weather, facilities, location, and proximity to L.A." as factors that make it a "Tennis Paradise." Seeded third for the tournament, Djokovic is excited about the challenge, stating, "I really enjoy the thrill of competition. I enjoy still getting out there in front of the fans and really being competitive.#novak_djokovic #indian_wells #kamil_majchrzak #bnpparibas_open #giovanni_mpetshi_perricard

LPG price hike: Mamata calls for protests, Sidda seeks PM Modi's ouster Opposition-ruled states are fiercely criticizing the central government over surging LPG prices. West Bengal's Chief Minister urged women to protest on Women's Day against the hike and voter list deletions. Karnataka's CM blamed PM Modi's foreign policy for the price rise, demanding his resignation. Jharkhand's JMM spokesperson pointed to strained ties with Russia as a contributing factor. #central_government #LPG_price #LPG #Mamata_calls #Sidda_seeks #surging_LPG #ouster_Opposition-ruled #Opposition-ruled_states #LPG_prices #fiercely_criticizing

St. Louis Billikens vs. George Mason Basketball Betting Line, Over/Under and Point Spread The St. Louis Billikens and George Mason men’s basketball teams are set to face off in an Atlantic 10 Conference matchup at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia, on Saturday, March 7. The game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT. St. Louis, ranked No. 25 in The Associated Press poll, enters the contest with a 27-3 overall record and a 15-2 mark in the Atlantic 10. The Billikens most recently defeated Loyola Chicago 79-65, with guard Amari McCottry leading the team with 18 points, two rebounds, and two assists. George Mason arrives at the game with a 22-8 overall record and a 10-7 record in the A10. The Patriots lost to VCU 70-65 on Tuesday, with guard Kory Mincy scoring 18 points and grabbing three rebounds for the team. St. Louis holds an 11-6 all-time advantage against George Mason. Betting odds for the game show the Billikens as a 7.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 148.5 points. The moneyline odds have St. Louis at -325 (a $325 bet to win $100) and George Mason at +260 (a $100 bet to win $260). The point spread opened at 7.5, with the over/under initially listed at 145.5 points. Head coaches for the teams are Josh Schertz of St. Louis and Tony Skinn of George Mason. The game is part of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament, with the tournament bracket, schedule, and game times available for reference. The matchup highlights the competitive nature of the league, with both teams boasting strong records and key players poised to make an impact. Fans and bettors will be watching closely as the Billikens aim to extend their dominance over George Mason.#george_mason #eaglebank_arena #st_louis_billikens #atlantic_10_conference #atlantic_10_basketball_tournament

No. 25 Saint Louis preps for A-10 tourney run vs. George Mason Saint Louis (27-3, 15-2 Atlantic 10) is set to close its regular season with a crucial matchup against George Mason in Fairfax, Virginia, as both teams prepare for the conference tournament. The Billikens, ranked No. 25 in the nation, have dominated their season series against Loyola Chicago, securing a 79-65 home victory to clinch the No. 1 seed in the upcoming A-10 tournament. The team’s undefeated home record of 19-0 underscores their dominance on their court, while their balanced scoring attack, led by Amari McCottry (10.4 points per game), Kellen Thames (9.9), and Ishan Sharma (9.2), has propelled them to a strong finish. Saint Louis’ bench has been a key factor in their success, averaging 34.1 points per game, with McCottry leading the way in their recent win over Loyola Chicago. The Billikens’ offensive efficiency is highlighted by their nation-leading 41.2% three-point shooting and a 60.9% effective field goal percentage. Their ability to score in transition, racking up 17.6 points per game, further solidifies their status as a versatile and dangerous team. Coach Josh Schertz emphasized the importance of their regular-season performance, calling it a “mark of a team’s greatness” and a stepping stone for a postseason run. George Mason, meanwhile, faces challenges as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament. The Patriots (22-8, 10-7 A-10) have struggled in their final games, going 1-5 in their last six contests. Despite a strong performance from Kory Mincy (18 points) and Riley Allenspach’s double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) in a recent loss to VCU, the team’s inconsistency has left them locked into a fifth-place finish in the conference standings. With a middling conference record, a No. 82 ranking in Wins Above Bubble, and a No.#george_mason #atlantic_10 #saint_louis #kellen_thames #amari_mccottry

Why the Ratio Four Series Two Is What I Use to Test New Coffees A new generation of home machines has made good old drip coffee a place for connoisseurs. For more than a year, the Four is the source of my morning cup. #drip_coffee #Series #Test #home_machines #made_good #Ratio #Coffees

Saint Louis Billikens Set for Regular-Season Finale Against George Mason Saint Louis University’s men’s basketball team will conclude its regular season on Saturday with a matchup against George Mason at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. The game, scheduled for 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET, will be televised on USA Network, with Steve Schlanger and Dr. John Giannini providing commentary. Radio coverage will be available on 104.1 FM / 1120 KMOX, featuring longtime SLU radio voices Bob Ramsey and Earl Austin Jr., who will call the action for all Billiken games this season. The Billikens, ranked No. 25 in the AP Top 25, have secured at least a share of the Atlantic 10 regular-season title and are positioned to claim the outright championship with a win on Saturday or a loss by VCU on Friday. They have already locked in the top seed for next week’s A-10 Championship in Pittsburgh, where they will face the winner of Thursday’s 8/9 game on March 13 at 11:30 a.m. ET. Saint Louis enters the game with a 27-3 overall record and a 15-2 mark in conference play, making them the top seed in the A-10 tournament. The team has set a single-season record for 3-pointers made (336) and is on pace to break the A-10 scoring record (87.3 points per game) and the NCAA record for points in a season (2,665). They rank seventh nationally in scoring offense at 88.8 points per game and lead the NCAA in 3-point field goal percentage (.412). Four Billikens are among the top five in the A-10 in 3FG%. Defensively, the team ranks first in field goal percentage defense (.372) and fifth in 3FG% defense (.289). Robbie Avila leads the team in scoring and is the third NCAA center in history with 200+ career 3-pointers. He averages 4.2 assists per game and 1.9 3-pointers. Trey Green, the A-10 leader in 3-pointers made per game (2.#saint_louis_billikens #george_mason #atlantic_10 #eaglebank_arena #chaifetz_arena