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
March Madness Continues with USF vs Louisville NCAA Tournament Clash The NCAA Tournament progresses as University of South Florida (USF) faces off against Louisville in a pivotal matchup, with both teams aiming to secure victories and move deeper into the bracket. The game, scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026, will be broadcast live, offering fans multiple viewing options to follow the action. Louisville enters the contest with a dynamic offensive approach, relying on the playmaking abilities of guard Skyy Clark. The Cardinals have demonstrated a strong ability to transition quickly from defense to offense, combining athleticism with scoring efficiency. Their defensive pressure and fast-paced style make them a challenging opponent in tournament settings. South Florida, meanwhile, brings a balanced offensive strategy and physicality to the paint. Forward Kobe Knox has been a consistent performer for the Bulls, providing reliable scoring and versatility. The team’s ability to adapt to different matchups positions them as a potential threat to higher-seeded teams. The game’s outcome may hinge on tempo and execution. Louisville’s focus on controlling the pace through guard play and transition opportunities contrasts with USF’s strategy of slowing the game down to maximize efficiency. Both teams will need to capitalize on key moments, as timely scoring and strong starts often determine the result in March Madness games. For viewers, the matchup will be available through multiple platforms. DIRECTV offers live streaming access, with a free trial available for new users. Additionally, games across the tournament are broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with DIRECTV packages providing access to all four networks. Regional restrictions may apply, and viewers should check availability in their area.#kobe_knox #ncaa_tournament #louisville #university_of_south_florida #skyy_clark
South Florida Basketball Eyes Upset Against Louisville in NCAA Tournament South Florida (USF) basketball has emerged as a top contender for an upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament, thanks to its 11th seed in the East and a strong matchup against No. 6 seed Louisville. The Bulls, who claimed both the American regular season and tournament titles, will face the Cardinals in Buffalo, New York, on Thursday. USF enters the game on a 12-game winning streak, bolstered by the presence of conference player of the year Izaiyah Nelson, a 6-foot-10 forward averaging nearly 20 points per game in a double-double role. Louisville, however, faces uncertainty in its backcourt due to the injury status of freshman Mikel Brown Jr., who averages over 18 points per game but has been sidelined by a back injury. Analysts have highlighted this as a potential weakness for the Cardinals, while praising USF’s depth and resilience. ESPN’s Jay Bilas, a prominent voice in college basketball, has selected USF to advance over Louisville. In his tournament predictions, Bilas emphasized the physicality of the matchup, noting that both teams prioritize three-point shooting, which could lead to a high number of long rebounds. He also pointed to Brown’s absence as a key factor, stating that USF’s toughness makes it a worthwhile upset pick. Despite his confidence in USF, Bilas projected Michigan State to defeat either team in the Sweet 16. CBS Sports’ Isaac Trotter echoed Bilas’ sentiment, calling the Bulls a strong underdog. Trotter praised USF’s offensive firepower, citing sharpshooting from Joseph Pinion and Wes Enis, while also highlighting Nelson’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor.#south_florida #louisville #mikel_brown_jr #usf #isaiyah_nelson
March Madness upset predictions: Ranking most likely first round surprises The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is known for its unpredictability, with upsets playing a central role in shaping the narrative of the event. While the 68-team format provides underdog teams with a chance to challenge powerhouse programs, the first round often features games that defy expectations. Over the next three weeks, Cinderella stories will unfold, and fans will be tasked with predicting which lower-seeded teams can topple their higher-ranked opponents. To aid in this process, here’s a breakdown of the eight most likely upsets in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, based on team dynamics, player injuries, and recent performance. The tournament’s structure allows for dramatic shifts in momentum, particularly when underdogs face teams with internal struggles or key injuries. For instance, the matchup between No. 11 South Florida and No. 6 Louisville highlights a potential clash between two stylistically similar teams. Both squads rely on fast-paced, three-point-heavy offenses, but Louisville’s reliance on freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. could be a vulnerability. Brown’s persistent back issues have left the Cardinals with a shaky interior presence, making them susceptible to the 6-10 forward Izaiyah Nelson of South Florida, who averages 15.7 points and 9.6 rebounds. South Florida’s 11-game win streak and strong recent form make them a formidable contender in this matchup. Another key upset candidate is No. 11 VCU over No. 6 North Carolina. The Tar Heels are missing standout forward Caleb Wilson, who is sidelined after surgery on a broken thumb. Despite a 19-4 start, North Carolina has struggled since Wilson’s injury, posting a 5-4 record. VCU, however, has been dominant, winning 16 of its past 17 games.#south_florida #ncaa_men_s_basketball_tournament #louisville #mikel_brown_jr #izaiyah_nelson
Sunday's Severe Weather Threats: High Winds and Storms Expected Severe weather is expected to intensify Sunday evening and into the overnight hours, with high wind warnings and storm activity impacting Kentuckiana. A Wind Advisory has been issued for all counties in the region from 11 a.m. Sunday to 8 a.m. Monday, marking an extended period for such alerts. Winds are projected to peak in the late afternoon and early evening, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. After the storms pass, winds will still gust around 30 mph through Monday morning. Storms are anticipated to move into western counties after most people have finished dinner, with a likely start time between 8 and 10 p.m. The timing could shift, so updates are expected over the next 24 hours. The storms are expected to strengthen as they approach the region and gradually weaken as they move across the area. Louisville is likely to see storms arrive between 10 p.m. and midnight, with potential for winds exceeding 60 mph and tornadoes. Storms are expected to exit the eastern part of the viewing area around 1-3 a.m. Following the storms, a cold air surge could bring a brief transition to snow, though the model predicting this is more intense than others. Some elevated areas might see a layer of snow late Sunday night or early Monday. The Storm Prediction Center has placed most of Kentuckiana under an Enhanced Risk (3/5) for severe weather, with damaging winds and a few tornadoes (or less) alongside heavy rain as the most likely scenario. Wind gusts of 60-70 mph are expected in many areas, based on data showing hurricane-force winds at 850mb (about one mile above ground). The combination of strong wind speeds and directional shear in the atmosphere could allow tornadoes to form within the storm line.#national_weather_service #storm_prediction_center #louisville #kentuckiana #grayson_county
Miami Dolphins Add Veteran Wide Receiver Tutu Atwell in 2026 Free Agency The Miami Dolphins have finalized a one-year contract with wide receiver Tutu Atwell during the 2026 NFL free agency period, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal marks the Dolphins’ latest addition as they continue to bolster their roster with experienced talent. Atwell, a 27-year-old native of Miami, will join the team after spending the past five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Atwell, who played college football at Louisville, was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has since become a key contributor for the Rams. Over his five-year tenure with the team, he has appeared in 64 games, starting 27 of them. His career totals include 105 receptions for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns. The 2024 season marked a career milestone for Atwell, as he set personal bests with 42 receptions and 562 receiving yards. Despite his strong performance in 2024, Atwell’s 2025 season was limited to just 10 games due to injury. During that time, he recorded six receptions for 192 yards and a touchdown. After the Rams released him, Atwell signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the team, but the deal was short-lived. The Dolphins’ new agreement with Atwell will serve as his next opportunity to contribute at the professional level. The Dolphins’ contract with Atwell is structured as a one-year deal, with no additional compensation reported. This approach aligns with the team’s strategy of acquiring veteran players on short-term contracts to add depth and experience without long-term financial commitments. Atwell’s arrival is expected to provide the Dolphins with a reliable target in the passing game, particularly as they aim to strengthen their offensive capabilities for the upcoming season.#los_angeles_rams #miami_dolphins #adam_schefter #louisville #tutu_atwell
Louisville Grinds Out ACC Tournament Win Over SMU, Highlighting Zougris' Rise and Bench Concerns Louisville secured a hard-fought 62-58 victory over SMU in its ACC Tournament opener Wednesday, showcasing a defensive, low-possession approach that deviated from the team’s usual fast-paced style. The Cardinals held SMU, a Top-25 caliber offense, to just 60 points, marking their first such performance in ACC play this season. The game, played in Charlotte, featured a slow tempo with only 61 possessions—a season low according to Ken Pomeroy’s metrics—and emphasized rebounding, contested shots, and clutch late-game plays. The win highlighted two key positives for Louisville as it prepares for a rematch with Miami. First, Vangelis Zougris, the 6-foot-7 forward from Greece, emerged as a potential March Madness star. Zougris, who entered the starting lineup in the next-to-last regular-season game, scored six consecutive points in the final minutes to flip a two-point deficit into a two-point lead. His energy and physicality have been a steady presence since joining the starting five, with coach Pat Kelsey praising his “desperation” and “toughness.” Zougris, who won the team’s gold jersey for top practice player last week, emphasized his focus on “showing up every day” and staying mentally prepared for the postseason. Second, sophomore Adrian Wooley stepped into the point guard role with confidence, steadying the offense in the absence of injured freshman Mikel Brown Jr. Wooley, less experienced than some transfers, has increasingly taken charge of ball distribution and attacking the rim, forcing defenses to prioritize his scoring threat. His ability to draw fouls and create opportunities has complemented Ryan Conwell’s off-ball play, forming a strong defensive backcourt.#smu #louisville #vangelis_zougris #pat_kelsey #adrian_wooley
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
