#duke

NCAA Tournament Elite 8: Key Matchups and Storylines for Sunday The 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament is entering its final stage, with two high-stakes Elite Eight games set for Sunday. The matchups will determine which teams advance to the Final Four, with underdogs and powerhouses facing off in a mix of history-making and high-stakes battles. The first game pits No. 1 Michigan against No. 6 Tennessee, with the Wolverines aiming to extend their dominance while the Volunteers seek their first-ever Final Four appearance. Michigan’s last Final Four run was in 2018, and they’ve shown resilience in recent rounds, including a 13-point victory over Alabama. The team’s guards, Trey McKenney and Roddy Gayle Jr., combined for 33 points and 6-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc in the Sweet 16. Tennessee, however, has struggled in the Elite Eight before, losing to Houston and Purdue in the previous two years. Despite a strong second-half performance against Iowa State, where they outscored the opponent by 13 points, the Volunteers face a daunting challenge against Michigan’s frontcourt. Key players like Nate Ament and Felix Okpara will need to step up to match the Wolverines’ firepower. The second matchup features No. 1 Duke against No. 2 UConn, a clash between a team chasing its first national title in 11 seasons and a perennial powerhouse looking to end a 16-year Final Four drought. Duke, the tournament’s top seed, has had mixed results in the tournament, with inconsistent performances in their first three games. The Blue Devils have dominated the free throw line, attempting at least 21 per game while their opponents have only reached the line 24 times combined. UConn, meanwhile, has struggled to get to the free throw line, averaging just 17.6 attempts per game, which ranks among the lowest in Division I.#michigan #duke #uconn #tennessee #ncaa_tournament_elite_8

Men's NCAA Tournament Expert Picks: Predictions for Elite 8 Games Sunday With half the Final Four field already set, the remaining two Elite Eight matchups on Sunday, March 29, will determine the final four teams heading to Indianapolis. The day’s action kicks off with No. 1 Michigan facing No. 6 Tennessee at the United Center in Chicago. The Wolverines, led by Yaxel Lendeborg, Elliot Cadeau, Aday Mara, and coach Dusty May, aim to advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2018. Michigan’s physicality and ability to dominate inside will be key as they seek to overcome Tennessee’s defensive presence at the rim. Tennessee, meanwhile, will rely on its frontcourt to disrupt Michigan’s offense while maintaining offensive efficiency. The Volunteers, led by Nate Ament and Ja’Kobi Gillespie, hope to extend their NCAA Tournament run for the first time in program history. Their success will depend on limiting turnovers and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, especially against a Michigan team that has shown resilience against varied defensive strategies. The marquee matchup of the day features No. 1 Duke against No. 2 UConn at Capital One Arena. The Blue Devils, bolstered by Caleb Foster’s return and a balanced attack, aim to reclaim their place in the Final Four for the third time in four years. UConn, meanwhile, will need to rely on its defensive identity and the inside scoring of Tarris Reed Jr. to overcome Duke’s offensive depth and secure another trip to the Final Four. Expert predictions from USA TODAY Sports and the USA TODAY Network highlight Michigan’s potential dominance against Tennessee. Analysts note that Michigan’s versatility and depth, including contributions from Trey McKenney and Gayle, give them an edge over Tennessee’s defense.#michigan #duke #uconn #ncaa_tournament #tennessee

Men's March Madness: Predictions and Analysis for UConn-Duke, Michigan-Tennessee The Final Four has been set, with Illinois and Arizona securing their spots in Indianapolis. The remaining two teams will be determined by Saturday’s matchups, featuring Tennessee against top-seeded Michigan and UConn facing No. 1 seed Duke. ESPN analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf provided detailed insights into both games, highlighting critical factors for each team’s success. In the Tennessee-Michigan showdown, the Volunteers face a daunting challenge. To reach the Final Four for the first time in program history, Tennessee must execute a flawless game plan. The matchup hinges on the performance of Nate Ament and Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who need to deliver a standout effort to overcome Michigan’s dominant frontcourt. Felix Okpara, with 10 blocks in his last three games, will also need to avoid foul trouble and anchor the team’s defense. Tennessee’s best chance lies in controlling the paint, where they hold the nation’s top offensive rebounding rate. However, Medcalf noted that an extraordinary effort will likely be required to defeat Michigan, which has limited opponents’ second-chance opportunities and forced teams into perimeter shots. Michigan’s path to the Final Four relies on its ability to neutralize Tennessee’s offensive rebounding prowess. The Wolverines’ jumbo lineup has frustrated only three teams this season, and their strategy of protecting the paint and limiting high-percentage shots could prove decisive. Medcalf pointed to Michigan’s success against Alabama, where the Wolverines forced 31 shots in the second half, 23 of which were 3-point attempts. By limiting Tennessee’s opportunities in the paint and forcing them into contested perimeter shots, Michigan could secure its place in the Final Four.#michigan #illinois #duke #uconn #tennessee

2026 NCAA Tournament: Bracket, Schedule, and Key Game Results for March Madness The 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament kicked off with a series of high-stakes matchups, culminating in dramatic Sweet 16 battles. No. 1 seed Duke narrowly defeated No. 5 St. John’s in a tightly contested game, while No. 1 Michigan dominated No. 4 Alabama. In other early-round action, No. 2 UConn edged out No. 3 Michigan State, and No. 6 Tennessee overwhelmed No. 2 Iowa State. The Elite Eight round began on March 28, featuring matchups between top-ranked teams and underdogs alike. The tournament schedule spanned multiple rounds, starting with the First Four games in Dayton, Ohio, on March 17 and 18. Notable early-round results included Howard’s thrilling 86-83 victory over UMBC and Texas’ 68-66 win against NC State. The First Round on March 19 saw several upsets, such as TCU’s 66-64 win over Ohio State and Nebraska’s 76-47 rout of Troy. High Point’s 83-82 overtime win against Wisconsin and Duke’s 71-65 victory over Siena highlighted the intensity of the initial rounds. As the tournament progressed, standout performances continued. On March 20, Arizona’s 92-58 blowout of Long Island University and Michigan’s 101-80 dominance over Howard showcased the depth of talent. The Second Round on March 21 brought more thrilling action, with Michigan’s 95-72 win over Saint Louis and Duke’s 81-58 rout of TCU. UConn’s 82-71 victory over Furman and Purdue’s 79-77 overtime win over Texas added to the excitement. The Sweet 16 round on March 26 and 27 featured historic matchups. Purdue’s 79-77 overtime win over Texas and Iowa’s 77-71 victory over Nebraska set the stage for the Elite Eight. Arizona’s 109-88 drubbing of Arkansas and Illinois’ 105-70 win over Penn underscored the dominance of top seeds. Meanwhile, Duke’s 80-75 victory over St.#michigan #duke #uconn #ncaa_tournament #march_madness

Tiny Nick's Gambling Picks 03/27 The NBA game between the Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors is projected to exceed 232.5 points, with the Warriors favored at -110 odds via Caesars. The total is considered low for the current league trend, but both teams are among the top performers in terms of scoring. Washington’s weak defense allows opponents to operate freely, while their recent offensive surge has contributed to an 8-2 record in over games over the past 10 contests. The Warriors, meanwhile, prioritize offensive efficiency over defensive focus, and Washington’s fast-paced, scrappy lineup should create favorable conditions for a high-scoring matchup. In the NCAA Tournament, Duke is expected to limit scoring in its first-half matchup against St. John’s, with the under 66 total favored at -110. Both teams boast elite defenses, with Duke leading the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency and St. John’s ranked eighth. The game’s low-scoring potential is further supported by the struggles of both offenses in half-court sets. St. John’s prefers transition play to avoid facing Duke’s disciplined defense, but Duke’s lack of a reliable point guard and St. John’s limited offensive options could lead to a slow-paced, defensive battle. Another NCAA Tournament pick favors Alabama’s total under 81.5 points against Michigan, with the Wolverines’ second-ranked adjusted defensive efficiency posing a challenge. Alabama’s high-octane offense has thrived recently, but Michigan’s physical frontcourt may stifle their dunk attempts, forcing the Tide to rely on three-point shooting. However, Michigan’s aggressive backcourt is likely to disrupt Alabama’s rhythm, increasing the risk of a shooting slump and a lower-scoring game. Michigan State is also favored to cover the +1.#duke #washington_wizards #golden_state_warriors #st_johns #tiny_nick

Duke's Caleb Foster Game-Time Decision for Sweet 16 Clash with St. John's Duke head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed Thursday that guard Caleb Foster will be a game-time decision for the Blue Devils’ Sweet 16 matchup against St. John’s on Friday. Foster, the starting point guard for the No. 1 overall seed, has been sidelined for the past five games following a foot fracture sustained during a matchup against North Carolina earlier this month. The 6-foot-5 junior, who had been a key contributor for Duke this season, participated in a limited practice session on Wednesday. Scheyer emphasized the team’s need to assess Foster’s progress and readiness ahead of the high-stakes game. “He’s going to give it everything he has to go tomorrow night,” the coach stated, highlighting Foster’s determination despite his injury. Foster’s absence has significantly impacted Duke’s offensive rhythm. Prior to his injury, the junior was in the midst of a breakout season, starting 30 of the team’s first 31 games. He averaged 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc. His contributions were pivotal in several of Duke’s most critical victories, including a 15-point, eight-assist performance against Arkansas; a 20-point outing against Louisville; and a 12-point, four-assist effort in a win over then-No. 1 Michigan. With Foster sidelined, Scheyer has leaned on five-star freshman Cayden Boozer, the twin brother of National Player of the Year front-runner Cameron Boozer, as the primary backcourt option. Boozer, who has averaged 13.8 points and 3.2 assists in his role as a starter, delivered a standout performance in Duke’s first-round NCAA tournament win over Siena, recording 19 points and five assists. Sophomore center Pat Ngongba is also expected to play in Friday’s game against St. John’s, the No. 5 seed.#duke #jon_scheyer #caleb_foster #cayden_boozers #st_john_s

Matt Norlander's Updated Bracket Stream of NCAA Basketball Matt Norlander joined Hakem Dermish to review his updated NCAA Tournament bracket on Sunday, March 22nd. The bracket featured key matchups, including No. 11 Texas facing No. 2 Purdue, No. 9 Iowa challenging No. 4 Nebraska, and No. 3 Illinois taking on No. 2 Houston. Other notable games included No. 4 Arkansas against No. 1 Arizona, No. 5 St. John's versus No. 1 Duke, and No. 6 Tennessee against No. 2 Iowa State. The Sweet 16 preview highlighted several critical matchups, with analysts focusing on the potential impact of each game. For instance, the St. John's-Duke matchup was expected to be a high-stakes contest, with Duke’s health and St. John's experience under Rick Pitino being key factors. Similarly, the Illinois-Houston game drew attention to Illinois’ defensive capabilities and Houston’s offensive firepower. Arkansas’ matchup against Arizona was noted for its balanced teams, while Iowa’s clash with Nebraska was seen as a pivotal test for both programs. Other analyses included the significance of the Iowa-Nebraska matchup, which carried implications for the tournament’s top half. The game also featured standout players like Bennett Stirtz, who had struggled from beyond the arc, and the potential for revenge games, such as Pryce Sandfort’s anticipated return to the court. The bracket also included predictions for each Sweet 16 team’s chances of advancing to the Final Four, with some teams facing tougher challenges than others. Meanwhile, the NCAA’s hiring process for new head coaches, including reports of North Carolina pursuing candidates outside its family network, added another layer of intrigue to the tournament season.#illinois #duke #st_johns #matt_norlander #hakem_dermish

Jason Kidd’s 1993 NCAA Upset Over Duke Lives On in Mavericks’ Locker Room Jason Kidd’s historic 1993 NCAA Tournament upset of two-time champion Duke remains a defining moment in his career and a source of pride for the Dallas Mavericks, whose roster includes multiple Blue Devils. The Mavericks’ current team, featuring players like Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, Marvin Bagley III, and Dereck Lively II, carries a legacy of Duke alumni, with Kidd himself serving as a key figure in their history. The 1993 game, played in Rosemont, Ill., saw then-19-year-old Kidd lead California to an 82-77 victory over No. 3 seed Duke, a stunning upset for the No. 6 seed Bears. Kidd’s all-around performance—11 points, 14 assists, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals—helped Cal overcome Duke’s star power, including 32 points from Bobby Hurley and 18 points plus 8 steals from Grant Hill. The win, which came in the second round of the tournament, is still celebrated as one of the greatest upsets in NCAA history. Kidd’s Mavericks, currently struggling with a 23-47 record, are set to revisit the memory of that game as they prepare for the NBA draft lottery. The team’s coach, now reflecting on his past, humorously noted the irony of his team’s current struggles compared to the 1993 Bears’ triumph. “It’s amazing how time flies,” Kidd said, acknowledging the shared excitement of NCAA March Madness and the thrill of upsets. The Mavericks’ connection to Duke extends beyond Kidd. In 1993, the team selected Jamal Mashburn with the No. 4 overall pick, and the following year, Kidd was chosen over Hill with the No. 2 pick. Both players went on to win NBA Rookie of the Year awards and were inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2018. Today, the Mavericks’ roster continues to reflect the influence of Duke, with multiple players contributing to the team’s identity.#california #duke #mavericks #jason_kidd #nba_draft_lottery

East Region of 2026 NCAA Tournament Features Clash of Coaching Legends The East region in the 2026 NCAA tournament is a challenging bracket filled with established programs and seasoned coaches, setting the stage for a fierce competition for a Final Four berth. Duke, led by first-time head coach Jon Scheyer, is the No. 1 seed in the region, but the path to Indianapolis will require the Blue Devils to navigate through a lineup of elite coaches with deep histories in college basketball. Over the next two weekends, the region’s top coaches will face off in a battle for a single Final Four slot, with each matchup carrying significant implications for their careers. Scheyer, who took over as Duke’s head coach in 2022 following Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, has guided the Blue Devils to their highest seed in program history. Despite his relative inexperience compared to many of his peers, Scheyer’s success has solidified his reputation as one of the brightest young minds in the sport. His first Final Four appearance came in 2025, but the Blue Devils have yet to secure their first NCAA championship under his leadership. The region’s coaching landscape is defined by a mix of longevity and recent success. Jim Calhoun, now at UConn, has built a legacy as one of the most decorated coaches in college basketball history. His tenure at UConn, where he led the Huskies to two national championships, has earned him a place among the most respected figures in the sport. However, Calhoun’s recent struggles to advance past the first weekend of the tournament have raised questions about his ability to maintain his earlier dominance. Tom Izzo, the longest-tenured active coach in NCAA history, has spent 31 years at Michigan State, where his Spartans have remained a consistent presence in the tournament.#duke #jon_scheyer #ncaa_tournament #tom_izzo #jim_calhoun

March Madness without the mayhem: NCAA Tournament short on upsets, Cinderellas after first round The first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament delivered a starkly predictable outcome, with top-seeded teams dominating their matchups and upsets remaining scarce. Favorites went 16-0 during Friday’s slate of games, marking the first time since 1992 that all top seeds advanced without a single loss. CBS Sports’ analysis revealed 14 teams won by 20 or more points in the opening two days, a record for the Round of 64. The tournament’s most lopsided victory came from No. 1 seed Florida, which crushed Prairie View A&M 114-55. The Gators set multiple single-game records, including a 64.3 field goal percentage, 29 assists, and a 59-point margin of victory. Florida joined five other teams in surpassing 100 points, a feat unmatched in NCAA Tournament history. Double-digit seeds also had a strong showing, with High Point (12th), VCU (11th), Texas (11th), and Texas A&M (10th) all advancing. High Point’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win came in a Thursday matchup against fifth-seeded Wisconsin, while VCU staged a historic comeback against sixth-seeded North Carolina. The Rams erased a 19-point deficit in their game, marking the largest first-round comeback in tournament history and the sixth-largest overall. Duke, the top seed, narrowly avoided a massive upset against 16th-seeded Siena. The Blue Devils overcame an 11-point halftime deficit, the largest ever for a No. 1 seed against a No. 16 opponent. Coach Jon Scheyer acknowledged the challenge, noting the team’s struggles early in the game and the pressure to rally. Standout performances highlighted the tournament’s first round. Kentucky’s overtime victory over Santa Clara featured a dramatic buzzer-beater from Otega Oweh, who scored 35 points to lead the Wildcats.#florida #duke #ncaa_tournament #prairie_view_am #siena

Cameron Boozer’s Girlfriend Yva Lauren Cao Is a Cheerleader at Duke’s Rival Cameron Boozer, a standout player for Duke, is navigating a unique dynamic during March Madness as his girlfriend, Yva Lauren Cao, competes as a cheerleader for Miami, the Blue Devils’ ACC rival. The couple’s relationship, which began in high school, has taken on added complexity as both are involved in major college basketball events. Cao, a cheerleader for Miami, has also been recognized for her talents, earning first-team All-Dade honors from the Miami Herald. Boozer, projected as a top NBA draft pick in 2026, has been a key figure for Duke in the NCAA Tournament. However, the team faced an early challenge in their opening game, trailing 16-seeded Siena by 11 points at halftime. Despite the setback, Duke rallied to secure a victory, with Boozer reflecting on the game’s intensity. “We came out here with the mentality that it was going to be handed to us, and obviously that’s not what happened,” he told ABC 11’s Travon Miles. “We got punched in the mouth.” Cao’s presence in the tournament adds a personal layer to Boozer’s focus. While Duke is the No. 1 seed in the East Region, Miami is competing in the West, meaning the two teams will only meet in a potential national championship matchup. The Hurricanes, seeded No. 10, advanced past Missouri in their opening game but face a daunting path. Duke, meanwhile, swept Miami in the regular season by 35 points or more, and head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the team’s confidence in Boozer’s ability to handle high-pressure moments. “It’s his composure in these moments,” Scheyer said, noting Boozer’s readiness for the ACC Tournament and beyond. The couple’s relationship has also been highlighted through social media, with Cao sharing a November 23, 2025, post expressing hope for their future together: “Be back soon🖤.#miami #duke #acc #cameron_boozer #yva_lauren_cao

No. 1 Duke survived a close battle against No. 16 Siena in the Round of 64, securing a 71-65 victory and maintaining its path toward an NCAA Championship. Meanwhile, No. 9 TCU narrowly defeated No. 8 Ohio State, 66-64, with a game-winning layup from David Punch in the final 4.3 seconds. The two teams will face off in the Sweet 16 on Saturday, with bet365 offering a bonus code for users to receive $365 in bonus bets regardless of the outcome. The bonus code is available exclusively to new users signing up for an account, requiring a qualifying deposit and wager. The offer is valid in several states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia, but excludes Illinois. Participants can use the bonus bets within seven days of receiving them. Duke’s path to the Sweet 16 is complicated by a thin rotation due to the absence of key players Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II, which limits floor spacing and makes the team more vulnerable to defensive strategies targeting Cameron Boozer. TCU, however, remains a strong contender, ranked in the top 30 for Adjusted Defensive Efficiency (99.2). The Horned Frogs excel at forcing turnovers, defending without fouling, and controlling the glass. Offensively, they rely heavily on forwards David Punch, Xavier Edmonds, and Micah Robinson, while perimeter contributors like Jayden Pierre or Liutauras Lelevicius will be crucial to neutralizing Duke’s threat. The matchup between TCU and Duke highlights the competitive nature of the NCAA tournament, with both teams demonstrating resilience and skill. Fans and bettors alike will be watching closely as the two programs vie for a spot in the Sweet 16.#bet365 #duke #tcu #ohio_state #siena

Ranking All 32 Remaining March Madness Teams by Odds to Win NCAA Tournament The Men's NCAA Tournament has narrowed from 68 teams to 32 after the First Four round, with several upsets shaking up the bracket. Miami (Ohio) secured its first Quad 1 victory of the season by defeating SMU, thanks to a standout performance from its men’s swim team, which distracted a Mustang player at the free-throw line while wearing Speedos. Further upsets unfolded in the first round, including 12-seed High Point upsetting 5-seed Wisconsin and 11-seed VCU edging out 6-seed North Carolina in overtime. Otega Oweh’s game-tying 3-pointer from near the logo kept 7-seed Kentucky from suffering an early exit, forcing overtime in Friday’s games. All top-four seeds advanced in their first tournament games, with John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks showcasing their offensive prowess against Hawai’i. Darius Acuff Jr. scored 24 points to lead the SEC Tournament champions, positioning them as a serious contender for a deep March run. The tournament’s early rounds have already reshaped the landscape, influencing how oddsmakers in Vegas assess the likelihood of each team advancing to the Final Four on April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Current betting odds reflect the shifting dynamics, with Arizona emerging as the top favorite at +325 to win the national championship. Michigan remains the second-best bet at +375, while Duke, after a near-upset loss to 16-seed Siena, dropped to +425. The Blue Devils now face a second-round matchup against No. 9 TCU. These odds, as of Friday, March 20, highlight the unpredictability of the tournament, where underdogs have already disrupted the expected path for higher-seeded teams. The full 2026 NCAA men’s tournament schedule has been updated, setting the stage for the next phase of competition.#arizona #duke #ncaa_tournament #miami_ohio #march_madness

How to Run Your 2026 March Madness Pool: Play for Prizes and Make an NCAA Tournament Game The NCAA Tournament for men’s and women’s basketball has officially returned for 2026, with millions of fans finalizing their brackets and preparing for the March Madness action. The men’s tournament kicks off on Thursday at 12:15 p.m. ET with Ohio State facing TCU, while the women’s tournament begins on Friday at 11:30 a.m. ET with Duke taking on Charleston. Fans have until the start of the first games to submit their entries for office pools and online competitions. UConn remains the only program to have won both the men’s and women’s tournaments in the same season, achieving this feat in 2004 and 2014. The Huskies are once again in position to make history, with the men’s team seeded No. 2 and the women’s team as the No. 1 seed. With the tournament shaping up to be highly competitive, now is the time to set up your 2026 March Madness pools for both men’s and women’s brackets. Creating a pool is straightforward. For men’s brackets, visit the Create Men’s Bracket Pool page on CBSSports.com or the CBS Sports app. Name your group, choose whether to make it a locked pool (where you control invites) or an open pool (anyone can join), and set your rules. Once ready, share your personal pool link with friends, family, or coworkers. The process for women’s brackets is identical but starts at the Create Women’s Bracket Pool page. CBS Sports offers free NCAA Tournament bracket challenges for both men’s and women’s tournaments, with prizes including trips to the 2027 Final Four. To join the Men’s Challenge, click the provided link, select “Join Now,” and enter your details. After the bracket is released on March 15, complete your picks. Winners of the men’s challenge will be announced before the tournament begins.#duke #uconn #ncaa_tournament #cbs_sports #ohio_state

Path to Phoenix: Local women’s teams take on tournament field The women’s NCAA Tournament will once again feature North Carolina as a central hub, with Duke and UNC hosting the first and second rounds. NC State and High Point, other local teams, will face challenges on the road this weekend as they navigate their paths to the Final Four in Phoenix. Each team’s journey promises historic matchups, opportunities for upsets, and a mix of familiar foes and new threats. Here’s a breakdown of their potential routes to the national championship. Duke, seeded third in the Sacramento 2 bracket, will face No. 14 Charleston in the second round. The Blue Devils aim to avenge a season-opening loss to Baylor, which ended with a 58-52 result. Taliah Scott’s 24-point performance and Duke’s 29% shooting from the floor were key factors in that defeat. If Duke advances, they could rematch LSU, which dominated them in the ACC/SEC Challenge with a 31-point second quarter. A deeper run might bring a showdown with UCLA, the tournament’s top seed, which handed Duke its worst loss of the season (89-59). Without star center Lauren Betts, UCLA’s Gabriela Jaquez and Charlisse Leger-Walker combined for 43 points. If Duke continues its payback mission, they could face a formidable Final Four group including No. 1 Texas, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Louisville, or No. 4 West Virginia. UNC, seeded fourth in the Fort Worth 1 bracket, will open against No. 13 Western Illinois. A win would set up a potential clash with No. 5 Maryland or No. 12 Murray State. The Tar Heels’ path intensifies in the Sweet 16, where they could face UConn, the tournament’s No. 1 seed. UConn, led by Sarah Strong (18.5 PPG) and Azzi Fudd (17.7 PPG), has dominated its recent games, winning six straight by at least 30 points. If UNC beats UConn, they might face No. 2 Vanderbilt, No. 3 Ohio State, or No.#duke #high_point #uconn #nc_state #unc

March Madness games today: Ranking Thursday's NCAA Tournament games The first full slate of games in the Men’s NCAA Tournament kicks off today, drawing widespread excitement from college basketball fans. With 16 matchups set across various time slots and television networks, the day promises high stakes and unpredictable outcomes. Fans are encouraged to follow live updates and scores as the tournament unfolds, with key games featuring top-ranked teams and underdogs alike. The schedule includes a mix of high-profile matchups and tightly contested battles. Among the highlights is No. 6 North Carolina facing off against No. 11 VCU at 6:50 p.m. ET on TNT. The Tar Heels, led by their experienced roster, will aim to overcome the challenges posed by VCU, a team riding an 11-game winning streak. Meanwhile, No. 1 Michigan will take on No. 16 Howard at 7:10 p.m. ET on CBS, testing the Wolverines’ depth against a lesser-ranked opponent. Other notable games include No. 1 Duke vs. No. 16 Siena at 2:50 p.m. ET on CBS, where the Blue Devils will look to quickly dispatch the Saints despite missing key starters. The day’s final matchup, No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 16 Howard, will be a critical test for the Wolverines’ defense. Regional breakdowns and predictions suggest that while top teams like Duke and Michigan will likely advance, underdogs such as Siena and Howard could create upsets. The tournament’s unpredictability is underscored by the potential for late-game adjustments, as some games may start later than scheduled due to spillover from earlier matches. Fans are advised to stay tuned for real-time updates, as the day’s outcomes will shape the tournament’s trajectory. With 16 games spread across multiple time zones, the excitement of March Madness continues to build as the nation’s best college basketball teams take to the court.#duke #north_carolina #ncaa_tournament #vcu #march_madness

Duke football and head coach Manny Diaz have shifted focus to the 2026 season, moving past the legal issues surrounding former quarterback Darian Mensah. The Blue Devils’ spring practice begins March 19, and Diaz addressed the media for the first time since the resolution of the lawsuit against Mensah, which concluded on January 27. Duke filed a lawsuit against Mensah on January 20 after he entered the transfer portal at the last minute, violating his multi-year contract with the program. Mensah, along with wide receiver Cooper Barkate, transferred to Miami shortly after the settlement was finalized. Diaz emphasized that the team has moved forward, stating, “It’s been a while, we’ve kind of moved on.” He acknowledged the complexities of the transfer portal and NCAA rules, noting, “The deck reshuffles every year and you try to play yourself to a winning hand.” The Blue Devils, who won the 2025 ACC championship for the eighth time in program history, have embraced the transfer portal to bolster their roster. Among the additions is San Jose State transfer Walker Eget, a two-year starter who threw for 5,555 yards and 30 touchdowns. Eget’s waiver for an extra year of eligibility was approved by the NCAA on February 19, but he is currently limited in his role due to an ACL tear sustained in October 2024. He underwent surgery after the 2025 season and is participating in light throwing drills this spring. Diaz praised Eget’s arrival, calling him a “massive gap filler” for a quarterback room that previously lacked in-game experience. The team now includes Eget, North Alabama transfer Ari Patu, redshirt freshman Dan Mahan, and freshman Terry Walker III. “We’re really excited to have Walker join our program,” Diaz said, highlighting Eget’s role in learning the offense and attending meetings.#miami #duke #manny_diaz #darian_mensah #acc_championship

Belmont hires Duke assistant Evan Bradds as its next head coach Belmont is finalizing a deal to hire Duke assistant coach Evan Bradds as its next head basketball coach, sources confirmed to 247Sports. Bradds, who has spent the 2025-26 season as an assistant under Jon Scheyer at Duke, will remain with the program through the remainder of the postseason. The 31-year-old, a former standout player for Belmont from 2013–17, is set to transition from assistant to head coach, marking a significant step in his coaching career. Bradds’ playing career at Belmont was marked by exceptional performance. He was named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year as both a junior and senior (2015-16 and 2016-17) and earned third-team Academic All-American honors in 2016. He holds the record for Belmont’s all-time leading scorer in the NCAA Division I era, with 1,937 points over his collegiate career. After graduating, Bradds immediately entered coaching, starting with the Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics’ G League affiliate) in 2017-18. He then spent four seasons (2018-22) as an assistant with the Boston Celtics under Brad Stevens, followed by three seasons (2022-25) with the Utah Jazz before joining Duke under Scheyer. At Duke, Bradds played a pivotal role in recruiting top-five prospect Cameron Williams for the 2026 class. His coaching experience and ability to connect with talent have positioned him as a key figure in college basketball. Bradds is also the grandson of Gary Bradds, a former Ohio State All-American and NBA player, adding a legacy of athletic success to his own career. At just 31 years old, Bradds will become one of the youngest head coaches in college basketball, bringing a blend of playing experience and coaching acumen to Belmont.#duke #evan_bradds #belmont #cameron_williams #gary_bradds

Belmont Finalizing Hire of Duke's Evan Bradds as Head Coach Belmont is nearing a formal agreement to hire Evan Bradds, a former Duke assistant coach, as its next head basketball coach, according to sources who spoke to ESPN on Wednesday. Bradds, a former standout player for the Bruins, is set to replace Casey Alexander, who was recently appointed as the head coach at Kansas State. Bradds had a successful college career at Belmont, earning two Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year honors and becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer in Division I. After graduating in 2017, he transitioned directly into coaching, starting as an assistant with the Maine Red Claws, the Boston Celtics’ G League affiliate. He advanced to the Celtics’ staff in 2018 under head coach Brad Stevens and remained with the team through the tenure of Ime Udoka. In 2022, he joined the Utah Jazz’s coaching staff under Will Hardy. Duke hired Bradds in May 2023, highlighting his expertise in player development and basketball strategy. At the time of his appointment, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised Bradds’ “unbelievable basketball mind” and “unique ability to build meaningful relationships with players,” emphasizing his role in maintaining Duke’s dominance in college basketball. Bradds is expected to remain with Duke for the remainder of the NCAA tournament, where the Blue Devils, seeded No. 1, will face Siena in their opening game on Thursday. His hiring marks a significant move for Belmont, combining his playing legacy with his growing coaching reputation. The transition underscores the program’s focus on blending experienced leadership with a strong developmental foundation.#duke #kansas_state #evan_bradds #belmont #casey_alexander

2026 NCAA Tournament First-Round Schedule: Thursday's Games and Key Storylines The 2026 NCAA Tournament kicks off its first round on Thursday, featuring 16 teams vying to advance past the opening round as the path to the Final Four begins. The day’s matchups promise a mix of high-stakes battles, historic opportunities, and potential upsets. The first game of the day sees No. 9 seed TCU facing off against No. 8 seed Ohio State at 12:15 p.m. ET on CBS, with the winner set to face the victor of the No. 1 overall seed Duke and No. 16 seed Siena matchup. Another early highlight is No. 4 seed Nebraska challenging No. 13 seed Troy at 12:40 p.m. ET on truTV, marking a potential breakthrough for the Cornhuskers, who have never won an NCAA Tournament game. Duke, led by presumptive National Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, aims to return to the Final Four after a semifinal loss to Houston in 2025. The team’s path includes a potential clash with No. 16 seed Siena, while No. 6 seed BYU, featuring star forward AJ Dybantsa—the nation’s leading scorer—faces No. 11 seed Texas at 7:25 p.m. ET on TBS. Later in the day, No. 3 seed Illinois takes on No. 14 seed Penn at 9:25 p.m. ET on TNT, adding intrigue as Penn’s first-year coach Fran McCaffery, who previously coached Iowa, faces his former team. The tournament’s freshman class dominates the spotlight, with 13 of the 68 teams in the field featuring a freshman as their leading scorer—a record for NCAA Tournament history. Players like Boozer, Dybantsa, Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas, Keaton Wagler of Illinois, and Kingston Flemings of Houston will debut in the tournament, each with the chance to make an immediate impact. Nebraska’s quest for its first NCAA Tournament victory takes center stage as the team, which went 20-0 to start the season before finishing 6-6, faces Troy.#nebraska #duke #ncaa_tournament #tcu #ohio_state