#ncaa_tournament

Syracuse Adds Siena Transfer Gavin Doty in Coaching-Driven Move Syracuse men’s basketball has finalized a significant addition to its roster with the commitment of Siena standout Gavin Doty, according to a report from CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. The 6-foot-5 guard, hailing from Fulton, New York, has joined the Orange as part of a strategic move that aligns with head coach Gerry McNamara’s vision for the program. The transfer, which had been widely anticipated since McNamara’s hiring, marks a pivotal step in shaping Syracuse’s future in the ACC. Doty, a key player for Siena during the 2023-2024 season, averaged 18 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His performance earned him a spot on the First-Team All-MAAC squad, and he was also named the MAAC Tournament MVP after leading his team to the automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament. In a standout performance during the tournament, Doty helped Siena challenge the Duke Blue Devils in a tightly contested matchup, showcasing his ability to elevate his game under pressure. His proficiency at the free-throw line, with a career shooting percentage of 83.6%, further highlights his value as a versatile offensive threat. McNamara, who previously coached at Syracuse from 2003 to 2012, has emphasized the importance of building a team culture rooted in resilience and competitiveness. Doty’s recruitment is seen as a critical component of this strategy, as the coach aims to integrate players who can thrive in the demanding environment of the ACC. The Orange’s new addition is expected to play a central role in establishing the program’s identity under McNamara’s leadership.#ncaa_tournament #gerry_mcnamara #gavin_doty #maac_tournament #syracuse_men_s_basketball

Chris Webber's Timeout Ends Michigan Fab Five Era The Michigan Wolverines' legendary Fab Five era came to an abrupt and unceremonious end in the 1993 NCAA Tournament, marked by Chris Webber’s controversial timeout call and his subsequent decision to leave college basketball for the NBA. The team, which had reached the final game for the second consecutive season, was left without its star player, signaling the end of an era that had defined college basketball for years. Webber, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, shocked many by announcing his decision to forgo his final two years of eligibility to join the NBA. The move was anticipated by many, given his struggles during the NCAA Tournament, where he seemed disengaged and unenthusiastic despite Michigan’s victories. The team’s lack of joy in their wins, coupled with Webber’s apparent disinterest, raised questions about the team’s cohesion and future prospects. The Fab Five’s downfall was cemented during the 1993 championship game, where Webber’s illegal timeout call—intended to disrupt North Carolina’s rhythm—backfired spectacularly. The call, which was later ruled a violation, handed the Tar Heels a crucial advantage, leading to their victory and Michigan’s second consecutive loss in the final. The incident became a defining moment, symbolizing the end of the Fab Five’s dominance. Webber’s decision to leave college was not made lightly. During a press conference following the loss, he acknowledged the difficulty of the choice but emphasized the lure of the NBA. “Not winning a college championship makes leaving hard to do, but that's not going to make or break me,” he said, reflecting on his commitment to the next phase of his career. His parents and coach Steve Fisher were present, underscoring the personal and professional weight of his decision.#ncaa_tournament #nba #michigan_wolverines #chris_webber #fab_five

UConn’s Alex Karaban is a throwback to an earlier time. He’s aiming to do something no college player has done since the ’70s Alex Karaban’s journey at UConn has been defined by consistency, a trait increasingly rare in modern college basketball. As a senior forward for the Huskies, Karaban has spent every game in the same uniform, a feat that sets him apart in an era where players often prioritize early NBA drafts over long-term college careers. His dedication to staying at UConn for four years, rather than leaving after a single title, has positioned him as a unique figure in the sport’s evolving landscape. Karaban’s story is one of perseverance, academic commitment, and a refusal to conform to the fast-paced, profit-driven culture that now dominates college basketball. Karaban’s path to becoming a UConn legend began with his recruitment as a consensus top-50 player in 2021. Despite his early promise, he never became a flash-in-the-pan star. Instead, he matured steadily, balancing his athletic career with academic pursuits. He earned a degree in economics, graduating with a 3.39 GPA, and is now pursuing a certificate in non-profit management. His intellectual curiosity, rooted in a family of academics—his mother holds a doctorate in economics and his father is a software engineer—has shaped his approach to both basketball and life. Coach Dan Hurley, who has guided Karaban through his four seasons, has often highlighted the player’s quiet determination. Hurley described Karaban as a “responsibility of greatness,” a phrase that underscores the weight of his role on the team. While other players have rushed to the NBA, Karaban has remained committed to his college career, a decision that has paid off in both athletic and academic terms.#dan_hurley #uconn #alex_karaban #ncaa_tournament #huskies_of_honor

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

Michigan to Head to Texas for Sweet 16 Matchup Against Louisville The University of Michigan women’s basketball team will travel to Texas to face Louisville in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 28. The game will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, starting at 11:30 a.m. CT and broadcast live on ABC. This marks the Wolverines’ third Sweet 16 appearance in program history, following victories over Holy Cross and NC State. Michigan previously reached the Sweet 16 in 2021 and 2022, showcasing their consistent performance in the tournament. The matchup against Louisville is the ninth meeting between the two teams, with Louisville holding a 6-2 edge in the series. The Cardinals defeated Michigan 71-50 in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at the KFC Yum! Center and secured a 62-50 win in the 2022 regional final in Wichita. However, Michigan has a strong record against ACC opponents this season, with three victories over Notre Dame, Syracuse, and NC State. The Wolverines are 3-0 against ACC schools this year. Michigan’s sophomore starters—Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, and Mila Holloway—have all elevated their play in the NCAA Tournament. Olson and Swords are averaging 19.5 points per game, while Holloway is scoring 16.5 points per game. Olson’s performance against NC State was standout, as she scored 27 points in the second half to reach 633 points for the season, ranking sixth in Michigan history. Swords added 26 points against NC State, surpassing the 1,000-point mark in her career. Holloway contributed 20 points against Holy Cross and is averaging 8.5 rebounds in the two NCAA Tournament games. Brooke Quarles Daniels has been a key contributor for Michigan in her final season. In the win over No.#texas #ncaa_tournament #university_of_michigan #louisville #dickies_arena

Former All-ACC Guard Leaves Kentucky Amid Mark Pope Firing Rumors A second-round NCAA Tournament matchup against Iowa State was meant to serve as a test for Kentucky’s basketball program. Instead, the game exposed significant weaknesses in the team’s roster, depth, and overall cohesion. The Wildcats were dominated 82–63, with the contest shifting from a close contest to a one-sided defeat in the second half. The performance raised questions about the program’s ability to compete at the highest level, despite its history and financial investment in talent. The loss intensified pressure on head coach Mark Pope, whose job security has come under scrutiny following the poor showing. Critics are already framing next season as a make-or-break year for the program, with rumors about Pope’s future growing louder. Just days after the game, the storyline took a dramatic turn as Kentucky guard Jaland Lowe announced his intention to enter the transfer portal, according to ESPN sources. Lowe, a highly touted four-star recruit from Missouri City, Texas, had arrived in Lexington with promise. He initially committed to Pittsburgh in November 2022, spending two seasons with the Panthers before transferring to Kentucky in April 2025. During his time at Kentucky, Lowe averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game, earning third-team All-ACC honors. His performance positioned him as one of the most productive guards in the country before his departure. The fit between Lowe and Kentucky seemed logical. The Wildcats needed a playmaker, and Lowe sought a bigger stage. However, the reality never matched the expectations. A shoulder injury derailed his season almost immediately.#ncaa_tournament #kentucky #mark_pope #transfer_portal #jaland_lowe

Field of 64 Projections: Two New Hosts Headline NCAA Tournament Changes After Week 6 After a dramatic Week 6 of college baseball featuring a no-hitter, a coaching change, and numerous upsets, the Field of 64 projections for the NCAA Tournament have been updated. Two new hosts have been added to the list of potential regional sites, with significant shifts across the bracket. The SEC remains the dominant force with 13 teams in the projected field, followed by the ACC with 10, the Big 12 with 7, the Big Ten with 4, the Sun Belt with 3, the American with 2, and the Big West with 2. On the hosting front, the SEC leads with six teams, while the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, and Sun Belt each contribute two hosts. The weekend’s action included Alabama’s Tyler Fay throwing a nine-inning no-hitter and South Carolina moving on from head coach Paul Manieri. These events marked the start of a highly competitive week across the sport. The updated projections reflect data as of Monday, March 23, with automatic qualifiers noted for conference champions. The last four teams to secure spots in the Field of 64 are UC Santa Barbara, Boston College, Kansas, and Texas Tech. UC Santa Barbara, despite losing its last two Big West series, remains on the bubble due to its strong performance. Boston College, with a hot start, has a cushion for its challenging schedule. Kansas and Texas Tech, both from the Big 12, narrowly edge out teams like Pittsburgh, Oklahoma State, East Carolina, and Miami. In the Los Angeles Regional, UCLA retains the No. 1 seed after a dominant 9-0 record in Big Ten play. Notre Dame rises to the No. 2 seed following a sweep over Clemson. The Hattiesburg Regional features Southern Miss as the No. 1 seed, replacing Oregon State, which fell due to limited RPI opportunities.#ncaa_tournament #big_12 #sec #acc #field_of_64

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

Sweet Sixteen Game Thread: Tide vs Michigan The underdog fourth-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide are set to face the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines in a Sweet Sixteen matchup. Coach Dusty May’s team, which boasts one of the most financially supported rosters in the nation, will need to overcome a formidable opponent. Michigan’s squad is considered just as strong as the UConn and Duke teams that previously ended Alabama’s NCAA Tournament runs. The Crimson Tide will have to rely on their full potential to defeat the Wolverines and secure a spot in the program’s third consecutive Elite Eight.#alabama_crimson_tide #ncaa_tournament #dusty_may #michigan_wolverines #sweet_sixteen

Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Advances to Sweet 16 in NCAA Tournament Notre Dame women’s basketball has reached the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, set to face No. 2 seed Vanderbilt in a Sweet 16 matchup. The Irish will aim to extend their tournament success after defeating Ohio State 83-73 in the second round, a game that effectively served as a home contest for the Buckeyes. This matchup presents a significant challenge for Notre Dame, as Vanderbilt is a formidable opponent. The game carries high stakes for the Irish, who seek to reaffirm their status as one of the nation’s top programs. The game began with a tightly contested first quarter, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Notre Dame and Vanderbilt combined for just three field goals in the first 4:29, with neither team able to establish a clear advantage. Notre Dame finally broke the scoreless tie with a layup from Hannah Hidalgo, but the pace of scoring remained slow. Vanderbilt’s Galvana ended the first quarter’s scoring drought with a basket, while Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo continued to dominate the ball, recording two steals. The first quarter ended with both teams tied at 6-6, highlighting the early struggles of both squads. As the game progressed into the second quarter, Notre Dame began to assert control. The Irish capitalized on Vanderbilt’s turnovers, which totaled 11 by halftime, to create scoring opportunities. A key moment came when Cowles converted a layup under the rim, breaking a scoreless stretch for Notre Dame. Despite Vanderbilt’s efforts to respond, the Irish maintained their composure, with M. Blakes adding to the scoring with two free throws. By the end of the second quarter, Notre Dame led 15-11, showcasing their ability to convert turnovers into points.#hannah_hidalgo #notre_dame #ncaa_tournament #vanderbilt #m_blakes

Illinois vs. Houston NCAA Tournament Prediction: Odds, Spread, and Sweet 16 Picks from SportsLine Model The third-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini will face the second-seeded Houston Cougars in a 2026 NCAA Tournament South Region Sweet 16 matchup on Thursday. The game, set for 10:05 p.m. ET at Toyota Center in Houston, marks the first meeting between the programs since 2022. Illinois, which finished second in a three-way tie for the Big 10 Conference title, enters the game with a 26-8 record after a 76-55-88 last-second victory over VCU in the second round. Houston, the Big 12 runner-up with a 30-6 record, defeated Texas A&M 88-57 in its previous game. Both teams have won four of their last five contests. The Cougars are listed as 2.5-point favorites in the latest odds, with the over/under for total points scored set at 139.5. Houston’s money line is -141, meaning bettors would need to risk $141 to win $100, while Illinois is +118. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has demonstrated strong accuracy in recent NCAA Tournament predictions, has simulated the matchup 10,000 times. The model’s analysis suggests the game will be competitive, with both teams expected to contribute multiple players scoring 12 points or more. Illinois is projected to have four players reach double figures, including Keaton Wagler, who is expected to score 15.7 points. Houston’s Emanuel Sharp is predicted to lead the Cougars with 16.2 points. The model’s simulations indicate a total of 149 points in 74.3% of scenarios, suggesting the over will likely be the correct choice. Illinois, however, has a strong track record in Thursday games, posting a 10-2 straight-up record in their last 12 such contests.#ncaa_tournament #houston_cougars #toyota_center #illinois_fighting_illini #sportsline_model

Sean Miller says Texas not Cinderella despite Sweet 16 run PORTLAND, Ore. — Coach Sean Miller dismissed the idea that Texas is a Cinderella team, despite the Longhorns’ stunning 74-68 victory over third-seeded Gonzaga in the NCAA tournament. The win, which propelled Texas to the Sweet 16, marked the program’s 11th tournament win as a double-digit seed since seeding began in 1979. Miller emphasized that the team’s status as the University of Texas and its representation in the SEC should not be overlooked. “I don’t think we ever want to sign up to be the Cinderella story, because we are the University of Texas, and what we represent in the SEC,” Miller said after the game. The 11th-seeded Longhorns advanced to the Sweet 16, a feat Miller called a testament to the team’s preparation. His record in the round of 32 now stands at 9-1 (including vacated games), surpassing the previous best by coaches since the tournament expanded to 32 teams in 1975. Texas’ path to the Sweet 16 included a first-round upset over sixth-seeded BYU, despite a 35-point performance from freshman AJ Dybantsa. The team’s success was bolstered by a rigorous regular-season schedule in the SEC, featuring victories over Alabama, Missouri, Georgia, and Texas A&M. Miller credited the conference’s competitiveness for preparing the team for the postseason. “There’s no easy game in the SEC. The league itself prepares you for the postseason,” he said. “Sometimes the lessons you learned along the way strengthen you. We’re a much better team right now than we would have been a month ago.” The Longhorns became the sixth team to start in the First Four and reach the Sweet 16 since the format began in 2011.#ncaa_tournament #texas_longhorns #sec #university_of_texas #sean_miller

Illinois vs. Houston NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Matchup: Odds, Predictions, and Key Insights The third-seeded Illinois Fighting Illini will face the second-seeded Houston Cougars in a 2026 NCAA Tournament South Region Sweet 16 showdown on Thursday. Illinois, which finished second in a three-way tie for the Big 10 Conference, enters the game after a 76-55-88 last-second victory over VCU in the second round. Houston, the Big 12 runner-up, defeated Texas A&M 88-57 in its previous matchup. Both teams have won four of their last five games, with Illinois boasting a 26-8 record and Houston a 30-6 mark. The game will tip off at 10:05 p.m. ET from the Toyota Center in Houston. Houston is listed as a 2.5-point favorite in the latest odds, with the over/under for total points set at 139.5. The Cougars are priced at -150 on the money line, meaning a $150 bet would yield $100 profit. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has demonstrated strong accuracy in college basketball predictions, has simulated the matchup 10,000 times and provided its analysis. The model’s simulations suggest the game will likely go over the total points line, as both teams have a history of scoring heavily. Illinois has exceeded the over/under in three of its last four games, while Houston’s previous contest also saw a high total. The model projects Illinois to have four players scoring 12 points or more, including Keaton Wagler, who is expected to contribute 15.7 points. Houston’s Emanuel Sharp is projected to lead the scoring with 16.2 points, supported by three players reaching double figures. The model’s simulations predict a combined total of 149 points in 74.3% of cases, reinforcing the over/under outlook.#ncaa_tournament #sportsline #houston_cougars #toyota_center #illinois_fighting_illini

Bill Self Uncertain About Future at Kansas After Tournament Exit SAN DIEGO — Kansas head coach Bill Self remained noncommittal about his future with the program following the Jayhawks’ season-ending loss to St. John’s in the NCAA tournament. After the 67-65 defeat, which ended on a buzzer-beater by Dylan Darling, Self said he had not yet decided whether to continue coaching. “I’ll get back and get with family and visit and see what’s going on,” Self said after the game. “I love what I do, but I need to be able to do it where I’m feeling good and healthy to do it fairly well. I’ll get back home, and it’ll all be discussed.” Self emphasized that his decision would not be based on on-court performance but rather his health. The 63-year-old coach has faced multiple health challenges in recent years, including a heart catheterization in 2023 after chest tightness forced him to miss the postseason. In July 2025, he was hospitalized for concerning symptoms and underwent a procedure to insert two stents into his heart. Earlier this year, he was hospitalized again due to feeling unwell, though he claimed Sunday that, while not fully healthy, he felt “as good as I’ve felt in a long time.” Despite his health struggles, Self expressed no immediate plans to step down. “I’m not making any statements whatsoever,” he said. “When you get to be doing it as long as I’ve done it, I look at it in five-year increments. Now I’m probably looking at it in more two-year increments, so to speak. So I try to focus on this season and try to get us to a second weekend, which we failed at. So I’ll go back now and break it down and see where that leads.” The Jayhawks’ tournament run ended in heartbreaking fashion after they erased a 14-point deficit against St. John’s.#ncaa_tournament #kansas #st_john_s #bill_self #dylan_darling

North Carolina fires Hubert Davis after first-round NCAA tournament loss: 'My desire was to continue to coach' - Yahoo Sports North Carolina has parted ways with head men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis following a first-round NCAA tournament exit. The decision was announced late Tuesday, ending Davis’ five-year tenure at the helm of the program. Davis, a former UNC shooting guard and longtime assistant under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams, took over after Williams’ retirement in 2021. In a statement, UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham acknowledged Davis’ contributions to the program, calling him a “tremendous character” who helped create “special memories.” Cunningham emphasized the difficult nature of the decision, stating that the move was made to “allow our team to compete more consistently at an elite level.” Davis, in his own statement, expressed disappointment at being let go, though he reiterated his commitment to coaching. “My desire was to continue to coach here,” he said. “This opportunity has truly been such a blessing. I thank Jesus literally every day for giving me the opportunity, relationships and experiences with the kids and my staff. I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. My goal is to coach again in the very near future.” Davis’ first season as head coach was marked by significant success, including a run to the 2022 Final Four. The Tar Heels secured two historic victories: a win over rival Duke in head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final home game at Cameron Indoor Stadium and another against Duke in the Final Four. However, the program’s momentum stalled in subsequent seasons. Despite a strong start in 2022, North Carolina’s four seasons under Davis have ended in early tournament exits.#north_carolina #hubert_davis #ncaa_tournament #bubba_cunningham #roy_williams

Molly Miller back with team ahead of ASU’s First Four matchup Arizona State women’s basketball head coach Molly Miller has rejoined her team in preparation for the program’s First Four game against Virginia on Thursday. Miller had not traveled with the team earlier in the week due to illness, but the Sun Devils remain hopeful she will be available for the crucial matchup. The team’s performance under Miller’s leadership in her first season was notable, with a 24-10 record securing one of the final at-large bids for the NCAA Tournament. A victory over Virginia on Thursday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2 would advance the Sun Devils to the Round of 64. Associate head coach Stephanie Norman, who temporarily assumed coaching duties during Miller’s absence, described the situation as “precarious.” Norman emphasized the team’s reliance on Miller’s guidance, stating, “Our leader is not here, and we’re hoping for the best, so she can recover and be with our team. That’s kind of the status—it’s hour to hour.” Despite the challenges, Norman highlighted the team’s focus on the upcoming game, noting, “We miss her dearly, but at the same time, we have a job to do.” Norman, a former ASU player (1984-88), previously spent 18 seasons on the Louisville coaching staff, where the Cardinals reached the Sweet 16 or better 12 times. Her experience and leadership have been critical in maintaining the team’s momentum during Miller’s absence. The Sun Devils’ path to the tournament remains uncertain, but the team’s determination to secure a spot in the next round is evident. As the First Four game approaches, the focus remains on executing the game plan and leveraging the support of the coaching staff to overcome the temporary setback.#ncaa_tournament #arizona_state #first_four #molly_miller #stephanie_norman

Illness keeps Arizona State's Miller home for NCAA tournament Arizona State women's basketball coach Molly Miller did not travel with her team to Iowa for its NCAA tournament game due to an illness. School officials expressed optimism that Miller would be able to rejoin the Sun Devils in time for their First Four matchup against Virginia on Thursday in Iowa City. Associate head coach Stephanie Norman, who previously spent 18 years as a coach at Louisville, will oversee most of the team’s preparations while Miller remains at home. Norman’s role will involve managing in-game strategies and ensuring the team is ready for the tournament matchup. This marks Arizona State’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2019, which coincided with Miller’s first season as head coach. Prior to joining Arizona State, Miller guided Grand Canyon University to its inaugural NCAA tournament appearance in 2025. The move to Arizona State represents a significant step in her coaching career, as she continues to build the program’s reputation. The Sun Devils’ participation in the tournament highlights the team’s progress under Miller’s leadership, though the absence of their head coach for the initial game adds uncertainty. The coaching staff’s ability to adapt and maintain focus will be critical as the team navigates the challenges of the postseason.#ncaa_tournament #iowa_city #arizona_state #molly_miller #stephanie_norman

South Carolina delivered one of the most lopsided victories in women’s NCAA tournament history with a 103-34 first-round win over No. 16 Southern. The Gamecocks’ performance shattered their own record for the largest margin of victory in NCAA tournament history, joining an elite group of six games with a greater point differential. The game, played on Saturday, marked a dominant display of skill and execution, with South Carolina extending its lead in the third quarter to 55 points after outscoring Southern 32-2. Joyce Edwards led the charge with 27 points, shooting 90% from the field and missing just three attempts. Every one of the nine players who suited up for South Carolina contributed at least one point and played 14 minutes or more, showcasing the team’s depth and cohesion. The Gamecocks built a 25-point halftime advantage, which they expanded dramatically in the third quarter. Southern struggled to contain the Gamecocks’ offense, with the Jaguars converting just 1 of 15 shots in the quarter and missing eight attempts in the paint. This victory marked South Carolina’s second-largest margin in NCAA tournament history, following their 108-48 win over No. 16 Tennessee Tech in the 2025 first round. The Gamecocks also set a record in 2022 with a 79-21 win over Howard. However, their latest performance surpassed both, cementing their place in tournament lore. The game’s staggering 69-point gap remains the largest in South Carolina’s NCAA tournament history, though it falls short of the all-time record. The biggest blowout in women’s NCAA tournament history occurred nine years ago when Baylor defeated Texas Southern 119-30, a 89-point margin. That game surpassed the previous record set by UConn’s 140-52 victory over Saint Francis (PA) in 2018.#south_carolina #ncaa_tournament #southern #joyce_edwards #gamecocks

Randy Bennett named Arizona State basketball coach after 25 seasons at Saint Mary's Randy Bennett has been appointed as the new head coach for Arizona State’s men’s basketball team, marking a major coaching transition in college basketball. The 63-year-old veteran, who spent 25 years leading Saint Mary’s, will leave the Gaels after guiding them to consistent success as a mid-major program. His final game with Saint Mary’s was a 63-50 loss to No. 10 seed Texas A&M in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Bennett’s tenure at Saint Mary’s began in 2001, when he took over a program with limited NCAA Tournament history. During his time, the Gaels became a regular presence in March Madness, qualifying for the Big Dance 12 times. The team achieved at least 26 wins in each of the past five seasons and reached the Sweet 16 in 2010 as a 10th seed. His overall record of 589-228 includes 7 West Coast Conference regular season titles and 4 tournament championships. Bennett also mentored future NBA stars like Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova. Saint Mary’s became a dominant force in the West Coast Conference, often competing with Gonzaga and defeating the Bulldogs. The program’s ability to consistently send two teams to the NCAA Tournament was rare for mid-majors. Bennett’s success earned him a reputation as one of the most effective coaches in the conference, with over 75% of his games resulting in wins. Bennett’s move to Arizona State comes after 11 seasons under Bobby Hurley, during which the Sun Devils struggled to maintain competitiveness. Arizona State made the NCAA Tournament only three times under Hurley, all as a No. 11 seed, and its last major achievement was a Sweet 16 run in 1995.#ncaa_tournament #west_coast_conference #arizona_state #saint_mary_s #randy_bennett

Women's March Madness Live Updates: Second-Round Preview and Key Matchups The second round of the 2026 women’s NCAA tournament is set to determine the final eight teams advancing to the Sweet 16. With the final eight spots on the line, Monday’s games will feature a mix of high-seeded matchups and potential upsets. ESPN is tracking all the action, including regular-season rematches and lower-seeded teams aiming for a surprise victory. The day’s schedule includes several notable contests, such as No. 6 Alabama facing No. 3 Louisville, No. 10 Virginia taking on No. 2 Iowa, and No. 9 Syracuse challenging No. 1 UConn. Other games feature No. 6 Notre Dame against No. 3 Ohio State, No. 5 Kentucky vs. No. 4 West Virginia, and No. 7 Illinois against No. 2 Vanderbilt. The matchups highlight the competitive nature of the tournament, with teams vying to secure their place in the Sweet 16. Alabama’s path to the Sweet 16 involves addressing key weaknesses from its first-round win over Southern. Despite dominating in the paint, the Crimson Tide struggled with turnovers and rebounding, allowing Southern to capitalize on 14 turnovers and outrebound them 32-31. Coach Kristy Curry will need to adjust her strategy to ensure Alabama controls the tempo early, particularly against Louisville, which started slowly in its own first-round game. Louisville, meanwhile, faces challenges in improving its perimeter shooting and ball movement. The Cardinals struggled to score off the pass in their first-round game, but their ball movement improved in the second half. Coach Jeff Walz will look to build on Mackenly Randolph’s strong performance over the last five games as they aim to advance. Virginia’s confidence and scoring depth will be critical against Iowa.#ncaa_tournament #university_of_iowa #university_of_alabama #university_of_louisville #university_of_virginia