Skylar Jones leaves Louisville as Women’s NCAA Tournament begins Louisville will compete in the Women’s NCAA Tournament without reserve guard Skylar Jones. The Cardinals’ head coach, Jeff Walz, confirmed on Friday, March 20, that Jones, a junior, is no longer with the team and will not participate in any games during the tournament. Her profile has been removed from Louisville’s athletics website. Walz stated, “She will not be participating. She’s no longer with the team, so we’ve just parted ways. It’s best for both parties.” Jones, a native of Chicago, transferred to Louisville last season after spending her first two years of college basketball at Arizona. She became a key contributor to the Cardinals’ backcourt rotation, appearing in every game for the team and averaging 16.6 minutes per contest. Jones also recorded 8.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. She had several standout performances, including 21 points in a win over Colorado, 17 in an overtime victory at North Carolina State, 20 in a win over Ball State, and 13 in a loss to Connecticut. She scored in double figures 15 times this season. Her playing time decreased in recent weeks, as she logged just five minutes in the regular season finale against Notre Dame, seven minutes in an ACC Tournament win over North Carolina, and four minutes in the ACC title game loss to Duke. Walz noted that the absence of Jones would not significantly impact the team’s rotation. “If you go back to the past month, it’s really not going to change much,” he said. “We have plenty of players. At this time of year, look what Siena men did with five players. You’re just putting your best ones out there. Unless they’re in foul trouble or they’re about to keel over and die because they’re exhausted, you keep playing them.#acc_tournament #louisville #university_of_louisville #skylar_jones #jeff_walz
Duke Player Calls Out Harassment From Sports Betting Fans Duke men's basketball player Isaiah Evans has spoken out about the growing issue of harassment directed at athletes by individuals involved in sports betting. During an interview with WRAL's Brian Murphy, Evans described how he and his Blue Devil teammates frequently receive messages from people who are upset about their prop bets, particularly following high-profile games like Saturday's ACC Tournament semifinal. He emphasized that such interactions are not only unhelpful but also constitute harassment. Evans highlighted that the focus on prop bets—individual wagers on specific game outcomes—has created a toxic environment for players. He noted that the constant scrutiny and criticism from fans who lose money on these bets can be mentally taxing. "It's not healthy for the sport," Evans said, adding that the attention often shifts away from the game itself and onto the players' financial decisions. The comments come amid increasing discussions about the role of sports betting in collegiate athletics. While some argue that betting adds excitement to the game, others, including Evans, warn that it can lead to negative consequences for athletes. The player's remarks underscore a broader concern about the impact of gambling culture on sports, particularly when it involves personal attacks on athletes rather than constructive engagement with the sport. Evans' statements reflect a growing sentiment among athletes who feel pressured to navigate the complexities of a sports betting landscape that often prioritizes profit over player well-being. As the conversation around gambling in sports continues to evolve, figures like Evans are bringing attention to the human cost of what some view as a lucrative industry.#sports_betting #acc_tournament #duke_university #isaias_evans #wrals_brian_murphy
SMU Guard B.J. Edwards Out for ACC Tournament Game Against Louisville SMU will face Louisville in the ACC tournament without starting guard B.J. Edwards, who is expected to miss his fifth consecutive game due to an ankle injury. A spokesperson for the Southern Methodist University confirmed the absence, which has raised concerns about the Mustangs’ ability to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. Coach Andy Enfield indicated Edwards is unlikely to return for Wednesday’s matchup but remains hopeful he could rejoin the team later in the week if SMU advances. The Mustangs’ recent performance has been a mixed bag without Edwards. They secured a 86-69 victory over Syracuse on Tuesday, their first win since the guard’s injury, but struggled in the aftermath. The team lost four consecutive games following Edwards’ absence, including a 73-69 setback to Cal on February 25, where the injury occurred. The Mustangs ended the regular season with a four-game losing streak, complicating their path to the NCAA tournament. Edwards’ absence has had a significant impact on SMU’s offensive output. The 22-year-old guard, entering his third season with the program, has averaged 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and a conference-leading 2.3 steals per game this season. His contributions earned him All-ACC honorable mention and All-Defensive team honors, highlighting his role as a key playmaker and defender. The ACC tournament game against Louisville carries major implications for SMU’s postseason prospects. A win could solidify their position in the 68-team NCAA tournament field, as the Mustangs split their regular-season meetings with the Cardinals. They fell 88-74 at Louisville in January but rebounded with a 95-85 victory at home in February.#acc_tournament #smu #bj_edwards #andy_enfield #louisville
Caleb Foster injury update: Duke G out for a 'foreseeable time' Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball will be without junior guard Caleb Foster for an unspecified period following a right foot fracture sustained during a game against North Carolina. Coach Jon Scheyer confirmed the injury during a media session on March 10, revealing that Foster underwent surgery the day after the incident and is now beginning his rehabilitation. Scheyer emphasized that Foster’s absence will last “a foreseeable time,” though the team remains focused on advancing in the upcoming ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament. The injury occurred in the first half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over North Carolina on March 7. Foster lunged toward a basket after a made shot by the Tar Heels and immediately collapsed in pain, grimacing on the court. He was treated on the bench before limping to the locker room with a trainer. During the second half, he sat in street clothes and a walking boot, using a knee rover to move around the arena. Scheyer described the incident as an “awkward play,” noting that Foster had felt no discomfort prior to the injury. “It just happened out of nowhere,” Scheyer said. “Some things you feel are preventable, and other times, freak things happen. This is one of them.” Foster’s injury adds to a history of setbacks for the player. He missed the final nine games of his freshman season due to an ankle fracture. Scheyer provided a potential timeline for Foster’s return, linking it to Duke’s success in the NCAA Tournament. “The reality is we’d have to advance to a Final Four,” Scheyer said. “Is there a chance earlier? I’m not going to eliminate that, but it’s really difficult to imagine that scenario. We won’t have him for the next few weeks.#north_carolina #jon_scheyer #acc_tournament #duke_blue_devils #caleb_foster
Duke's Caleb Foster Out Indefinitely After Fractured Right Foot Caleb Foster, a key point guard for Duke, may miss the remainder of the season after suffering a fractured right foot during the Blue Devils' victory over North Carolina. Coach Jon Scheyer confirmed Tuesday that Foster is out for the "foreseeable future," following the injury sustained in the first half of the game. The injury occurred with about four minutes remaining in the first half, and Foster returned to the sideline in the second half wearing a walking boot. The injury adds to a challenging stretch for Duke, which is favored to secure the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament. Foster, who averages 8.5 points and 2.8 assists per game, has played the third-most minutes for the team this season. He is one of seven Duke players who have appeared in every game so far. His absence will require significant adjustments as the team prepares for the ACC tournament. Forward Patrick Ngongba II, another key player, will also miss the ACC tournament due to right foot soreness. Ngongba, who sat out the game against North Carolina, was wearing a boot while on the bench. The team hopes to have him back for the NCAA tournament, where he has been a reliable contributor. Ngongba averages 10.7 points and six rebounds per game, with a strong recent performance in Duke’s 68-63 win over Michigan, where he scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds. With Foster and Ngongba sidelined, the Blue Devils will rely on Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr, and Maliq Brown to step up. Boozer, who averages five points per game, had a career-high 15 points along with 10 rebounds and five steals in the win over North Carolina. Sarr contributed 10 points in 34 minutes of play, while Boozer, the twin brother of Duke star Cameron Boozer, played 29 minutes off the bench.#duke #jon_scheyer #acc_tournament #caleb_foster #patrick_ngongba_ii
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
Clemson Basketball Faces Georgia Tech in Regular Season Finale Clemson basketball concludes its regular season by hosting Georgia Tech on March 7 at Littlejohn Coliseum. The Tigers, with a record of 21-9 and 11-6 in conference play, are set to face the Yellow Jackets, who have a 11-19 overall record and 2-15 in the ACC. Georgia Tech’s season is effectively over after being eliminated from ACC Tournament contention, with the game against Clemson marking their final opportunity to secure a win. The matchup will take place at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, and will be broadcast on ACC Network. Fans can also live stream the game through FUBO, which offers a free trial. The Tigers’ last meeting with Georgia Tech occurred on January 24 in Atlanta, where Clemson secured a 77-63 victory. This game will serve as a crucial test for Clemson as they prepare for the upcoming ACC Tournament, which is scheduled for March 10-14 in Charlotte. Clemson’s season has been marked by a mix of wins and losses, with key victories against teams like Louisville, South Carolina, and Cincinnati, as well as notable setbacks against Duke, Wake Forest, and Florida State. The Tigers’ performance against Georgia Tech will be a significant factor in their tournament seeding. For Georgia Tech, the game represents a chance to end their season on a positive note. Despite their struggles in the ACC, the Yellow Jackets have shown resilience in recent matchups, including a 68-65 win over Alabama on December 3. However, their 2-15 conference record has left them without a realistic path to the tournament. The game will be a key opportunity for Clemson to solidify its position in the ACC standings. With the ACC Tournament looming, the Tigers will need to demonstrate consistency and focus.#acc_tournament #littlejohn_coliseum #georgia_tech #acc_network #clemson_basketball
Duke's bid for the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament faces a critical test as the top-ranked Blue Devils prepare to face No. 17 North Carolina in a pivotal regular-season finale. A loss could push Duke down to the No. 3 seed in CBS Sports Bracketology, with Michigan and Arizona emerging as the top contenders for the top spot. The outcome of Saturday’s matchup will shape Duke’s tournament prospects, as the team aims to secure its first No. 1 overall seed under coach Jon Scheyer. Duke, already the outright ACC champion, is positioned to host the East Region tournament in Greenville, South Carolina. However, earning the No. 1 seed remains a significant honor, especially with star freshman Cam Boozer leading the charge for the Naismith Award and Scheyer potentially earning Coach of the Year recognition. The Blue Devils’ success in the tournament will hinge on their ability to navigate the final stretch of the season, with a strong showing in the ACC Tournament likely solidifying their position as the top seed. The matchup also carries weight for North Carolina, which faces a challenging road without star forward Caleb Wilson. The injury to Wilson, sustained earlier in the season, has left the Tar Heels without a key contributor to their resume, which includes victories over Kansas, Kentucky, and Duke. A win against Duke would elevate UNC to the No. 5 seed and demonstrate the team’s resilience despite the setback. However, a poor performance could raise concerns about their tournament readiness, as the selection committee will evaluate their ability to compete without Wilson. UNC’s struggles without Wilson have been evident, with a notable loss to NC State earlier this season. While the team has shown resilience, the absence of Wilson complicates their path to the tournament.#duke #north_carolina #jon_scheyer #cam_booz #acc_tournament
