#march_madness

Taylor Bol Bowen Healthy and Confident for Alabama in Postseason TAMPA, Fla.—Taylor Bol Bowen, a 6-10 forward for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has returned to full health and is showing confidence as the team heads into postseason play. After transferring from Florida State, Bowen faced significant challenges this season due to injuries, missing five games and struggling with consistency during SEC play. However, he has since regained his form, contributing key performances as Alabama advances in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Bowen’s return has been critical for Alabama, which has relied on his scoring and defensive presence. In a Round of 64 victory over Hofstra, he scored 15 points, demonstrating his ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively. Despite only grabbing two rebounds, he added three blocks, showcasing his versatility. Coach Nate Oats praised Bowen’s resurgence, noting that his presence elevates the team’s depth and competitiveness. “To get him to play that well makes us a totally different team,” Oats said. “When our front court has depth and they’re playing extremely well, we’re a different team.” Bowen’s journey to health has been arduous. He admitted to missing a substantial amount of practice and games due to multiple injuries, which hindered his ability to contribute consistently. “It made it really difficult, especially during SEC play,” he said. “I missed a ton of practice, a few games, and a handful of games I was going in and out dealing with multiple injuries.” However, he expressed relief at finally being healthy and ready to compete. “I’m just glad to be able to be healthy now, to be able to compete,” he said. The 2026 NCAA Tournament marks Bowen’s first opportunity to play in the event, as he was unable to participate during his two seasons at Florida State.#alabama_crimson_tide #ncaa_tournament #march_madness #nate_oats #taylor_bol_bowen

Clara Silva e Ruben Prey lideram armada portuguesa no March Madness Um total de cinco jogadores lusos vão estar na fase final do torneio universitário norte-americano. Clara Silva e Ruben Prey são os principais nomes da equipa portuguesa que se prepara para disputar a fase decisiva do March Madness, o torneio de basquetebol universitário dos Estados Unidos. A seleção lusa conta com a presença de cinco atletas, que foram convocados para a fase final, destacando-se a liderança de Silva e Prey. A notícia foi publicada no jornal Record, destacando a importância da participação portuguesa em um evento internacional de alto nível. O jornal também menciona outras notícias relacionadas ao futebol e basquetebol em Portugal. Por exemplo, são abordados os jogos restantes da Liga Portuguesa, incluindo os confrontos entre FC Porto, Sporting e Benfica até o final do campeonato. Além disso, há informações sobre a convocação de Paulinho para os particulares com o México e os Estados Unidos, enquanto Rafael Leão e Rodrigo Mora são dispensados. A análise da arbitragem no jogo entre Sp. Braga e FC Porto também é discutida, com críticas de Francesco Farioli, que questiona a decisão de punir Deniz Gül em um lance contra o Benfica. Outros tópicos incluem a possibilidade de expulsão de Niakaté em um jogo entre Sp. Braga e FC Porto, bem como a discussão sobre um penálti bem assinalado no mesmo jogo. A arbitragem também é criticada em outro contexto, com a análise do amarelo mostrado a Luis Suárez em um jogo contra o Alverca. O jornal ainda aborda a saída de Carlos Queiroz da seleção de Omã e a expectativa de Diouf sobre a seleção senegalesa repetir o sucesso de 24 anos atrás. A publicação também inclui notícias sobre o ator Chuck Norris, destacando sua carreira em artes marciais e sua morte aos 86 anos.#fc_porto #march_madness #clara_silva #ruben_prey #jornal_record

Duke Basketball Twins Make March Madness Debut Cayden and Cameron Boozer, the fraternal twin freshmen for Duke, made their NCAA tournament debut with a crucial 71-65 victory over Siena in the first round of the 2026 Men’s Basketball tournament. The brothers played a pivotal role in the Blue Devils’ comeback win, with Cayden scoring a career-high 19 points and Cameron recording his 20th double-double of the season. Their performance helped Duke avoid an early upset, setting the stage for their next challenge against No. 9 Texas Christian University on March 21. The Boozer twins, sons of NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer and his former wife CeCe, are continuing a family legacy tied to Duke basketball. Carlos, a two-time NBA All-Star, played for Duke from 2000 to 2003 and led the team to a NCAA championship in 2001. He was inducted into the Duke Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022 and remains the school’s all-time leader in field goal percentage. The twins’ father also earned three ACC titles and three AP No. 1 rankings during his collegiate career. Cayden and Cameron, born in Utah in 2007 and raised in Miami, Florida, have already made headlines for their high school achievements. At Christopher Columbus High School, they led their team to four consecutive state championships and became five-star Division I recruits. Cameron, a forward, has had an impressive rookie season, earning ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and First Team All-ACC honors. He finished the regular season with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists against North Carolina, becoming the only Division I player in the past 30 seasons to achieve 25+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a regulation win over an AP top-25 opponent.#march_madness #duke_basketball #cayden_boozer #cameron_boozer #carlos_boozer

Audi Crooks and the eighth-seeded Iowa State women’s basketball team kick off their March Madness campaign with a first-round matchup against ninth-seeded Syracuse on March 21. The Cyclones, who finished seventh in the Big 12 conference, enter the tournament with a 22-9 record. Crooks, a standout scorer for Iowa State, has been a dominant force throughout her career, setting multiple school records and leading the team in scoring. Crooks has averaged 22.6 points per game while shooting 60.1% from the field over her three seasons with the Cyclones. Her performance has been instrumental in shaping Iowa State’s program, as she holds the school’s records for single-game points, single-season points, and field goals. In November 2025, she shattered her own single-game scoring record with 47 points against Indiana, including 19 field goals—both marks set a new standard for the program. Her 329 made field goals in the 2024-25 season remain the best single-season total in school history. Crooks’ achievements extend beyond her collegiate career. She broke her mother’s high school field goal percentage record while playing at Bishop Garrigan in Algona, Iowa. Her mother, a former player at the same school, had previously held the record, making Crooks the first to surpass it. Crooks was named first-team All-State as a freshman, joining her high school teammate Molly Joyce, who also earned the honor. The duo is believed to be the first freshman pair in Iowa history to achieve first-team All-State recognition in the same season. Crooks continued her dominance through high school, earning All-State honors every year and being named Iowa Miss Basketball her senior year. Her success at the collegiate level has also earned her national recognition.#iowa_state #march_madness #audi_crooks #syracuse #mortgage_matchup_center

NCAA Tournament’s 15 Most Intriguing Players, from Star Freshmen to Key Subs As March Madness tips off, how these players perform will determine if their teams keep dancing. Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images It’s not just the top players in the NCAA Tournament who give reason to tune into the madness this March. Plenty of others are intriguing for one reason or another. Do they rise to play their best during the most important time of the year? Can star freshmen deliver on the biggest stage? Can players climb up (or tumble down) draft boards or compensate for injured teammates? Over the next three weeks, we’ll find out. The Athletic presents, in alphabetical order by last name, the 15 Most Intriguing Players of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas It’s impossible to predict how freshmen will play on college basketball’s biggest stage, but if there’s a young guard who can put a team on his back and deliver a deep run, it’s Acuff. He had the highest scoring game of any power conference player this season (49 points vs. Alabama, albeit in a double-overtime loss), so don’t be surprised if he goes off when the Razorbacks need it most. Christian Anderson, Texas Tech The second-best player for the Red Raiders is now the de facto option with JT Toppin lost for the season to a torn ACL. How good can Anderson, who already plays the most minutes of anyone in the tournament (38.2 per game), be for a team that will need his heroics? He has one of the prettiest shots in hoops, but without a true big man to pull defenses to the paint, how many good perimeter looks will he get? Robbie Avila, Saint Louis (12.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.1 apg) The player famous for wearing sports goggles finally gets his shot in the NCAA Tournament.#darius_acuff_jr #ncaa_tournament #robbie_avila #march_madness #christian_anderson

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 many perfect brackets remain? March Madness upsets have struck early March Madness has already lived up to the hype, not one full day into the 2026 Men’s Basketball Tournament. Indeed, the vast majority of fans who created their brackets, hoping against hope to beat the impossibly long odds of creating a perfect bracket, have already seen their hopes dashed. The most likely culprit? No. 12 seed High Point, led by Chase Johnston, upending Greg Gard and No. 5 seed Wisconsin. No. 9 TCU technically scored an upset over No. 8 Ohio State, to say nothing of the near-disaster of No. 1 overall Duke eking out a 71-65 win over No. 16 seed Siena. And yet, perfection yet remains — for now, at least. Here’s a look at how many perfect brackets remain in March Madness, with plenty more opportunities for upsets on the horizon. How many people still have perfect bracket in March Madness? Last updated 12:45 a.m. ET on March 20 As of 12:45 a.m. ET on March 20, less than 20,000 perfect brackets remain in either the ESPN or NCAA bracket challenges. Though the NCAA does not provide the full number of brackets submitted, ESPN does, providing some insight into just how maddening the NCAA Tournament has been. Only 10,754 perfect remain out of 26,029,409 brackets submitted — a measly 0.04% of all brackets.#high_point #wisconsin #march_madness #greg_gard #chase_johnston

Jimmy Fallon Predicts Tennessee Basketball's March Madness Success Jimmy Fallon, a widely admired comedian known for his engaging humor and relatable personality, has shared his predictions for the upcoming March Madness tournament. Among the teams he highlighted, the Tennessee Volunteers stand out as a key focus. Fallon believes the Vols will advance in the tournament, starting with their first-round matchup against the Miami OH Redhawks, which is scheduled for Friday. He envisions Tennessee securing a victory in that game. However, Fallon’s confidence in the Vols does not extend beyond the second round. He predicts that the team will face the Virginia Cavaliers in the tournament’s second round and ultimately fall to them. This outcome would mark the end of Tennessee’s run in the current bracket. Looking further into the tournament, Fallon outlined his expectations for the final four teams. He included St. John's, Illinois, Arizona, and Iowa State in this group. Among these four, he believes St. John's and Arizona have the potential to make a deep run toward the championship. Specifically, Fallon forecasts that St. John's will emerge as the team to beat, with Arizona likely to reach the final but falling short of the title. Fallon’s bracket projections reflect his assessment of team strengths and potential matchups, though his predictions are based on his personal insights rather than formal analysis. His comments add an entertaining dimension to the anticipation surrounding the tournament, as fans often look to celebrities for their unique perspectives. The article originally appeared on www.si.com/college/tennessee, providing further details on Fallon’s full bracket and other related content.#march_madness #tennessee_volunteers #virginia_cavaliers #miami_oh_redhawks #jimmy_fallon

Charles Barkley’s Weight Loss and Ill-Fitting Suits Spark Online Memes Charles Barkley, the 63-year-old former NBA star, has undergone a dramatic weight loss of 85 pounds over the past few years, transforming his physique significantly. However, his recent appearances have drawn attention for his ill-fitting suits, which have become a source of humor and criticism online. Despite his physical transformation, Barkley’s wardrobe choices have raised eyebrows, with many noting that his suits appear oversized and unflattering. The 11-time NBA All-Star, who was listed at 250 pounds throughout his professional career, gained over 100 pounds by 2020, reaching a weight of more than 350 pounds. His weight loss journey began in 2023 with the use of GLP-1 medications, including Mounjaro and Zepbound, and he has since become the face of Ro, a pharmaceutical company. These drugs, originally designed to manage diabetes, work by mimicking a hormone released after eating, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slow stomach emptying, and promote a feeling of fullness. While primarily intended for diabetes treatment, many users, including Barkley, have adopted them for weight management, alongside improved diet and increased physical activity. Barkley’s recent return as a March Madness analyst highlighted the issue. During a studio appearance, his suit was described as baggy, with sleeves that hung loosely and a head-to-body proportion that appeared disproportionate. Social media users quickly took notice, comparing his look to a child wearing his father’s clothes. Memes and tweets mocked the situation, with one user writing, “People thought he looked like a kid wearing their dad’s suit.” Another joked, “Why does Charles Barkley look like a child wearing their father’s suit? Someone get this man a tailor 😭 #MarchMadness.#charles_barkley #zepbound #march_madness #mounjaro #ro_pharmaceuticals

Charles Barkley, a celebrated NBA icon, has evolved into a prominent figure during the NCAA Tournament each March, known for his humorous commentary and candid reactions. This year, however, fans have taken notice of a noticeable change in his physique—Barkley appears significantly leaner than in recent years. Barkley has openly discussed his weight-loss journey, revealing that he shed 62 pounds since 2023. He attributed this transformation to a weekly injection of Mounjaro, a medication containing tirzepatide, alongside regular physical activity. He emphasized that the drug helped regulate his appetite and improve long-standing habits, which he had struggled to manage for years. A pivotal moment in his health shift came after a blunt warning from his doctor, which motivated him to prioritize his well-being. Barkley has consistently framed his goals as living longer and feeling better, rather than focusing solely on appearance. However, his journey has not been without challenges. In 2025, he revealed that a previous attempt to use a GLP-1 medication led to significant weight loss but was interrupted by supply issues, resulting in weight regain. This experience prompted him to restart his health efforts with Ro, a company collaborating with him. Barkley’s story resonates because it reflects the complexities of weight loss. His progress has been uneven, marked by periods of success and setbacks, which makes his journey relatable to many. The visibility of his transformation has also highlighted the role of GLP-1 drugs, which mimic hormones like GLP-1 and GIP to suppress appetite, slow digestion, and reduce hunger signals. These medications, when combined with lifestyle changes, can aid weight loss.#nba #charles_barkley #march_madness #mounjaro #ro

HALFTIME: Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie Dominates in First Half Against Miami (OH) Redhawks The Tennessee Volunteers are halfway through their first-round March Madness game against the Miami (Ohio) Redhawks, holding a 51-32 lead. The contest has seen Tennessee's physical defense and offensive efficiency shape the first half, with the Volunteers showcasing their ability to control the game's tempo. The game began with a tight exchange, as both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes. Tennessee quickly asserted dominance by limiting Miami to zero points in the paint during the first six minutes. This early control set the tone for the Vols' ability to dictate play in the paint, a key factor in their lead. By the 10-minute mark, Tennessee had built an eight-point advantage, fueled by a 13-2 run and several Redhawk turnovers. The Volunteers' relentless pressure and ball security allowed them to maintain momentum. Ja'Kobi Gillespie emerged as the star of the first half, finishing with 22 points. His scoring ability, combined with Tennessee's defensive intensity, helped the Vols stretch their lead to 14 points with less than eight minutes remaining in the half. Gillespie's performance highlighted Tennessee's offensive firepower, while the team's physical style of play stifled Miami's ability to score inside. Rebounding also played a critical role in Tennessee's success. The Volunteers capitalized on second-chance opportunities, extending possessions and creating additional scoring chances. This dominance on the boards allowed the offense to operate at a higher level, further widening the gap. Despite Miami's efforts to stay competitive, particularly through three-point shooting, Tennessee's defense and ball control kept the Redhawks from mounting a significant threat.#miami_oh #march_madness #tennessee_volunteers #ja_kobi_gillespie #redhawks

Ja'Kobi Gillespie's March Madness Debut with Tennessee Basketball Ja'Kobi Gillespie, a senior guard for the University of Tennessee basketball team, is set to make his first appearance in the Men's NCAA Tournament on March 20. The No. 6 seed Volunteers (22-11) will face No. 11 Miami of Ohio (32-1) at Xfinity Mobile Arena, marking Gillespie's opportunity to contribute to his hometown team's deep run in the tournament. The 24-year-old player, born on March 10, 2004, has been a key figure for Tennessee this season, earning All-SEC honors and leading the team with 18 points and 5.5 assists per game. His performance also includes 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and a 40.7% shooting average from the floor, along with a 33.2% three-point accuracy. Gillespie's journey to Tennessee basketball began in Greeneville, Tennessee, where he attended Greenville High School. As a standout player, he led the Greene Devils to their first state championship in 2021 and repeated the feat in 2022. His exceptional high school career earned him the title of 2022 Tennessee Mr. Basketball for Class 3A. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 188 pounds, Gillespie's skills and leadership on the court have been evident throughout his collegiate career. Before joining Tennessee, Gillespie committed to Belmont University after high school. He chose basketball over Power Four football offers from Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech, spending two years with the Bruins. During his time at Belmont, he became a consistent starter, particularly in his second season. In 2024, Gillespie transferred to the University of Maryland, where he played a pivotal role in the team's run to the Sweet 16. As the second-leading scorer behind future NBA draft prospect Derik Queen, he averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.#university_of_tennessee #xfinity_mobile_arena #march_madness #ja_kobi_gillespie #greeneville_tennessee

Iowa State's Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure Bond as March Madness Nears The dynamic backcourt duo for Iowa State basketball, Tamin Lipsey and Killyan Toure, have forged a unique relationship that transcends their roles as teammates. Their connection, described as a brotherly bond, has become a cornerstone of their success on the court and a source of mutual motivation. While their partnership is built on shared goals and competitive drive, it also includes a playful element of trash talk that adds to their chemistry. Lipsey, the senior guard, and Toure, the freshman from France, have developed a rapport that extends beyond basketball. Their relationship began during intense summer training sessions, where Toure’s aggressive defensive style caught Lipsey’s attention and earned him a spot in the starting lineup. Despite their contrasting personalities—Lipsey’s stoic demeanor versus Toure’s fiery energy—the pair has found a balance that enhances their individual and collective performance. Toure’s habit of switching between French and English during conversations has become a point of humor, with Lipsey admitting he often doesn’t understand the exact words Toure uses. “A lot of it’s in French, actually, so I don’t know what he’s saying, but I can tell when he’s being competitive,” Lipsey said. Toure, meanwhile, hinted at the nature of his verbal exchanges, joking that the phrases he uses during practice are “not good words” to share in front of cameras. Their bond has been tested and strengthened through shared challenges, including Lipsey’s recent groin injury that sidelined him for three games. During his absence, Toure stepped into the point guard role, a responsibility that deepened their trust.#big_12_tournament #iowa_state #march_madness #tamin_lipsey #killyan_toure

Go ahead, St. John’s: Dream the impossible March Madness dream SAN DIEGO — The St. John’s team erupted with laughter and excitement in the hallway before their March Madness practice, bouncing off walls as they prepared to take the Viejas Arena court. A red “SJ” logo dominated the overhead scoreboard, with a blue “March Madness” banner beneath it. The 27-member St. John’s band performed, followed by the six cheerleaders and six dance team members entering the space. Johnny, the team’s mascot, joined in with energetic dance moves. The team’s journey to the tournament had been a long and challenging path, marked by the “Survive and Advance” format that requires teams to win each round to keep their hopes alive. Rick Pitino, the head coach, had gathered the team for their first practice after the tournament began, igniting their spirits with a vision of the national championship. The coach’s words resonated deeply with the players, as he emphasized the importance of dreaming big despite the odds. Outside the locker room, before joining his team, Pitino was seen in a white sweatsuit. When asked why he mentioned the national championship to his players, the Hall of Fame coach shared his perspective. “I said, ‘I’m not gonna be coaching forever, so I’m gonna dream. If you want to join my dream, get after it,’” he told The Post. His message underscored the blend of ambition and determination that defines March Madness, where every game is a step closer to the ultimate goal. The team’s journey reflects the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the tournament, where underdog stories and unexpected victories often take center stage. For St. John’s, the path to the championship is fraught with challenges, but the coach’s vision has galvanized the players to push beyond their limits.#rick_pitino #st_john_s #march_madness #viejas_arena #northern_iowa

Hofstra's Cruz Davis savors March Madness return as one of many notable players from one-bid leagues Cruz Davis, a Hofstra guard, is preparing to make his long-awaited return to March Madness, a tournament he previously experienced three years ago after two transfers. The opportunity to compete on a larger stage has been a goal for the player, who is eager to showcase his skills in a more prominent role. His journey to this moment has been marked by significant changes, including moving between programs, but Davis remains focused on the chance to contribute to his team’s success in the NCAA tournament. The Hofstra guard’s previous exposure to March Madness was brief and came during a different chapter of his college basketball career. At the time, he was part of a team that made a deep run in the tournament, but the experience was overshadowed by the challenges of adapting to a new environment. Now, with Hofstra positioned as a one-bid league representative, Davis sees this as a chance to finally step into the spotlight. The tournament, which features teams from leagues that typically qualify for only one bid, has become a platform for underdog stories and standout performers. Davis, who has been a key player for Hofstra this season, is among those hoping to make a name for himself on the national stage. His return to March Madness is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to his resilience and determination to succeed in a competitive environment. The photo caption mentions Davis dribbling down the court during an NCAA game against Houston in November 2024, highlighting his role as a dynamic player. While the specific details of his performance in that game are not provided, the image serves as a reminder of his potential to impact games at the highest level.#ncaa_tournament #hofstra #march_madness #cruz_davis #one_bid_league

Speedy Claxton is the Hofstra ‘Guardfather’ made for March Madness Forty-seven years ago, Claxton was born in Hempstead, Long Island, just a few fast breaks from Hofstra’s campus. His journey to becoming a key figure in the school’s basketball legacy began decades ago. In the early 1990s, he enrolled at Hofstra as a point guard from Christ the King High in Queens. Over four years, he emerged as the greatest player in school history, laying the foundation for Hofstra’s future success. His impact extended beyond the court. In 1997, he was selected as the 20th player in the first round of the NBA draft, marking a significant milestone for Hofstra. Years later, he returned to the program as an assistant coach under Joe Mihalich, bringing his experience and leadership to the team. His role as a mentor helped shape Hofstra’s basketball culture, blending his playing days with his coaching expertise. The nickname “Guardfather” reflects his enduring influence on the program. His story is intertwined with Hofstra’s rise in college basketball, particularly during March Madness. As a player and coach, Claxton’s contributions have positioned Hofstra to compete at the highest level, making him a central figure in the school’s basketball narrative. His legacy continues to inspire the program’s pursuit of success in the NCAA tournament.#hofstra #speedy_claxton #march_madness #joe_mihalich #christ_the_king_high

Virginia Cavaliers' Uniforms and March Madness Struggles The Virginia Cavaliers are returning to March Madness as a three-seed in the Midwest region, set to face Wright State in the first round. This marks a significant shift from their previous tournament appearances, which were marred by inconsistent performance and a reliance on outdated uniforms. The team’s return to the NCAA tournament comes after a season of experimentation with new designs, raising questions about the role of their attire in their recent struggles. The Cavaliers have worn five distinct uniform combinations this season, three of which were introduced this year under the guidance of Ryan Odom, the program’s longtime uniform director. The other two designs were carryovers from the past five seasons, which included a basic blue-and-white scheme that has become a focal point of debate. Since the 2019 NCAA tournament, where the team won its first national title, the Cavaliers have struggled in postseason games while wearing these uniforms. Their record in tournament games since then is 0-3, with two losses coming to double-digit seeds in the first round and one to a First Four play-in team. Nike’s involvement in the design of UVA’s uniforms has also come under scrutiny. As a Nike Elite program, the Cavaliers have limited control over the aesthetics of their primary uniforms, which are designed by the company. Ryan Odom acknowledged this during the season, stating that the team is “always going to have the two (uniform combos) created by Nike” and that the design process is beyond their influence. Critics argue that Nike’s designs have failed to reflect the program’s status as a national powerhouse, with the blue-and-white uniforms often deemed bland and lacking the vibrancy of competitors’ gear.#march_madness #tony_bennett #virginia_cavaliers #ryan_odom #nike_elite

Women's Tournament: First Round Live Updates TCU's Olivia Miles delivered a standout performance in the first round, recording a triple-double to lead her team. The game between top-seeded Texas and 16th-ranked Missouri State was highlighted by Miles' efforts, though the final outcome of the matchup remains pending as live updates continue. The tournament's opening round saw intense competition across multiple matchups, with fans and analysts closely following the action. Key moments from the games have been shared in real-time, offering insights into the teams' strategies and standout performances. As the tournament progresses, the focus will shift to the next rounds, where teams will face increasingly challenging opponents. The live updates provide a dynamic view of the competition, capturing the excitement and unpredictability that define March Madness. For those following the event, the ongoing games and player performances underscore the high stakes and thrilling nature of the tournament. The results of these early matches will shape the path forward for each team, setting the stage for the next phase of the competition.#texas #tcu #march_madness #olivia_miles #missouri_state

Thijs De Ridder filled out brackets overseas. Now he's leading Virginia's March Madness run PHILADELPHIA — Before Virginia men’s basketball was named the No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region of the Men’s NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday, Thijs De Ridder never really knew what March Madness was. “Not much,” De Ridder told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. You can’t necessarily blame him: The Cavaliers’ 6-foot-9, 238-pound forward was playing professionally for Bilbao Basket in the Liga ACB league, the top professional basketball division of the Spanish basketball league, just last season. “When I was 17 and younger, I thought it was another tournament like others. I did some brackets when I was younger, but that was just for fun,” De Ridder said. It’s what makes the 23-year-old freshman from Brasschaat, Belgium excited to play in Virginia’s first-round game against No. 14 seed Wright State. “Every time there was an American guy on my team overseas, they always talked about March Madness,” De Ridder said. “Now that I’m here, it’s such an organization, and it just made me really excited to play here. Hopefully, we can do some great stuff.” De Ridder’s path to Virginia is an interesting one. “The story is, I happened to be in Italy looking at another kid and was meeting with his agent, but not about Thijs. It was about another kid,” Virginia associate head coach Griff Aldrich told USA TODAY Sports. “Thijs came to mind, and it became apparent that he was open, so we said, ‘Hey, we were very interested in him,’ and it snowballed to Thijs.” Aldrich mentioned De Ridder wasn’t playing in Italy at the time he was visiting, but the 6-foot-9 forward matched Virginia’s values while bringing experience and physicality to the court. “He competed at a very high level.#virginia #march_madness #thijs_de_ridder #bilbao_basket #griff_aldrich

Jake Wilkins: Georgia's Rising Star and Son of Basketball Legend Dominique Wilkins Jake Wilkins, a freshman forward for the Georgia Bulldogs, has quickly become a standout player on the court, drawing comparisons to his legendary father, Dominique Wilkins. While Dominique, a two-time All-American and NBA star, never reached the NCAA Tournament with Georgia, Jake is making his mark as a key member of the Bulldogs’ March Madness team. Ranked as a No. 8 seed in the Midwest region, Georgia faces challenges in the tournament, but Jake’s electrifying play has already captured the attention of fans. One of Jake’s defining traits is his ability to dunk, a skill that has become a highlight of his college career. Known for his explosive athleticism, he has already made an impact with 20 dunks this season, ranking third on the team despite averaging just 10.2 minutes per game. His dunking prowess has earned him the nickname “Human Highlight Reel 2.0,” a nod to his father’s iconic status. Georgia, as a team, is among the top in the nation for dunks, with 198 recorded before the tournament, and Jake’s contributions are a significant part of that legacy. Jake’s most memorable performance came during Georgia’s dominant win over Arkansas, the eventual SEC Tournament champion. In a game against the No. 17 ranked team, the Bulldogs secured a 90-76 victory on January 17. Jake played a crucial role, scoring 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting, including both of his 3-point attempts. His ability to step up in high-pressure moments has solidified his role as a key player for the team. Despite his early success, Jake remains focused on his growth. He averages 4.9 points and 1.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a future NBA first-round pick.#georgia_bulldogs #march_madness #jake_wilkins #dominique_wilkins #uga_circle_of_honor