Marta Suarez Projected to Seattle Storm in Final WNBA Mock Draft at No. 14 The 2026 WNBA Draft, a highly anticipated event in the basketball calendar, is set to take place on Monday, April 13, at The Shed in New York. This year’s draft has generated significant buzz, particularly around the first overall pick, which has remained uncertain despite the league’s competitive landscape. After a dynamic first week of WNBA free agency, the Dallas Wings have emerged as the clear frontrunner to select UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd at No. 1. Other names in the mix for the top spot include Spanish forward Awa Fam, UCLA center Lauren Betts, and TCU guard Olivia Miles. However, the focus of USA TODAY’s final mock draft centers on TCU standout Marta Suarez, who is projected to be selected by the Seattle Storm at No. 14 overall. The draft order, which factors in potential trades and protections, has been meticulously analyzed by USA TODAY’s sports team. According to their projections, the Seattle Storm will use their No. 14 pick (acquired from the Las Vegas Aces) to select Marta Suarez. The Storm’s strategy for this selection highlights their long-term development approach. While the team is not seeking an immediate star, they aim to acquire a player who can contribute meaningfully to their roster. The Storm’s head coach, Karl Smesko, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Suarez’s growth, particularly in refining her defensive skills and expanding her shooting range from beyond the arc. Marta Suarez, a standout guard from TCU, has been a dominant force in college basketball this season. As of April 9, her statistical contributions include an average of 17.1 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game, and 2.3 assists per game. Her shooting efficiency is also notable, with a 45.3% field goal percentage and a 37.#tcu #las_vegas_aces #dallas_wings #seattle_storm #marta_suarez
TCU Bounces Buckeyes in First-Round NCAA Tournament Clash TCU’s confidence in its NCAA tournament matchup against Ohio State was put to the test on Thursday, with the Horned Frogs delivering a decisive 66-64 victory to advance to the second round. Forward David Punch’s pregame assertion that TCU would beat Ohio State “nine out of 10 times” added pressure on the team to back up his bold claim. Forward Xavier Edmonds acknowledged the challenge, noting that Punch’s words, though “a little bit misconstrued,” served as a motivator for the squad. The game saw TCU dominate from beyond the arc in the first half, but a sharp decline in shooting after halftime allowed Ohio State to mount a comeback. The Buckeyes clawed back into the contest, taking a 51-50 lead with over seven minutes remaining. With Edmonds in foul trouble, Punch stepped up to carry the load, finishing with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists. His crucial pass to Edmonds for a go-ahead layup with four seconds left sealed the win. Ohio State had one final chance to tie the game, but Bruce Thornton’s half-court heave fell short, leaving the Buckeyes without a shot at the win. The result validated Punch’s pregame confidence, though TCU wasn’t finished sending a message to Ohio State. Edmonds emphasized the contrast between the Big 12 and Big Ten conferences, stating, “We just felt like them as a Big Ten team, they just haven’t felt or seen a defense like ours.” He added that the game was an opportunity to showcase the intensity and physicality of Big 12 basketball, with Edmonds finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds.#tcu #ohio_state #bruce_thornton #xavier_edmonds #david_punch

March Madness 2026: TCU's Xavier Edmonds Stuns Ohio State with Game-Winning Shot The opening game of the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament delivered a thrilling upset as No. 9 TCU’s Xavier Edmonds hit a last-second shot to secure a 66-64 victory over No. 8 Ohio State in the East region. With just 4.3 seconds remaining, Edmonds launched a deep three-pointer at the rim, sending the Horned Frogs into the second round. The dramatic finish underscored the high stakes and unpredictability of March Madness, setting the tone for a competitive tournament. Ohio State had clawed back from a 15-point halftime deficit, mounting an 11-1 run to take a 55-50 lead with 6:19 left in the game. However, TCU’s resilience shone through as the team closed the gap in the final minutes. The Buckeyes’ struggles at the end of the game were evident, as they made just one of their last seven field goals. Despite the late surge, Ohio State’s inability to convert key shots proved costly, allowing TCU to reclaim the lead. The first half saw TCU dominate, leading 39-24 after shooting 7-of-13 from beyond the arc. However, the Frogs’ offensive efficiency dropped sharply in the second half, as they connected on only 9-of-28 shots and 2-of-10 three-pointers. This decline enabled Ohio State to chip away at the deficit, setting the stage for the tense final minutes. Edmonds’ game-winning shot came after Ohio State called its final timeout, but the Buckeyes’ last-ditch effort fell short. Bruce Thornton’s half-court attempt at the buzzer missed the rim, sealing TCU’s win. The victory highlighted Edmonds’ clutch performance, as he finished with 16 points and became one of three TCU players in double figures. Micah Robinson led all scorers with 18 points, while David Punch added 16 points and 13 rebounds.#tcu #ohio_state #bruce_thornton #march_madness_2026 #xavier_edmonds

West Virginia Head Coach Mark Kellogg Motions to Players During Big 12 Tournament Game Against TCU West Virginia head coach Mark Kellogg directed his players during the second half of the Big 12 conference tournament championship game against TCU on March 8 in Kansas City, Missouri. The game, which marked a pivotal moment in the tournament, saw Kellogg actively engaging with his team as they fought for a spot in the final. The matchup highlighted the intense competition within the Big 12 conference, with both teams showcasing their determination and skill. Kellogg’s strategic guidance during the critical moments of the game underscored his role in shaping the team’s performance. The outcome of the game would determine the conference’s top seed and set the stage for the upcoming NCAA tournament, adding to the significance of the event.#tcu #big_12_tournament #west_virginia #mark_kellogg #kansas_city_missouri

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

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

March Madness Upsets: TCU and High Point Shock Top-Ranked Teams in NCAA Tournament The NCAA tournament kicked off with a wave of unexpected results, as lower-seeded teams delivered thrilling victories over heavily favored opponents. Among the most notable upsets were No. 12 seed High Point’s stunning 83-82 win over No. 5 Wisconsin and No. 9 seed TCU’s 66-64 overtime triumph over No. 8 Ohio State. These outcomes highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament, leaving fans and analysts scrambling to adjust their brackets. High Point’s victory over Wisconsin marked a historic moment for the program, which made its NCAA tournament debut last year. The win propelled the team to the round of 32 for the first time, with standout performance from freshman guard Chase Johnston. His game-winning shot, which came after a dramatic back-and-forth finish, became a defining moment for the Panthers. The game’s intensity was underscored by High Point’s ability to maintain composure in the final seconds, securing a dramatic upset over a top-five team. Meanwhile, TCU’s overtime win over Ohio State showcased the Horned Frogs’ resilience. Despite trailing by 15 points at halftime, TCU clawed back to force overtime, where Xavier Edmonds’ last-second shot sealed the victory. The win marked TCU’s first round of 32 appearance since 2023, despite being a 2.5-point underdog. Ohio State’s late surge, led by a valiant second-half effort, added to the game’s drama, as the Buckeyes fell just short of an improbable comeback. These upsets set the tone for a tournament filled with surprises, as underdog teams continued to challenge higher-ranked foes. The first round’s results emphasized the unpredictability of March Madness, with fans eagerly anticipating how these matchups will unfold in the next rounds.#high_point #wisconsin #ncaa_tournament #tcu #ohio_state

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

Giants Sign Ar’Darius Washington to 1-Year Contract The New York Giants have reached an agreement with former Baltimore Ravens defensive back Ar’Darius Washington, securing him on a one-year contract worth $3 million, according to reports. The deal comes as Washington recovers from a torn Achilles injury sustained during the 2025 season, which limited his availability for the previous campaign. The Giants’ decision to sign the 26-year-old marks a strategic move to address weaknesses in their secondary, which has faced significant changes following the departures of key players. Washington’s arrival is particularly timely given the Giants’ need to bolster their defensive backfield. The team lost cornerback Cor’Dale Flott to the Tennessee Titans in free agency and also parted ways with safety Dane Belton, who was a standout performer on special teams. Washington’s signing aims to fill the void left by these departures, adding depth to a secondary that has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. The Giants’ secondary has been a focal point of criticism, with questions about its ability to contain opposing offenses and provide reliable coverage in critical moments. Washington’s career has been defined by his versatility and athleticism, despite his smaller stature. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing approximately 176 pounds, he has carved out a niche as a dynamic defender with a knack for making plays. His college career at TCU was notable, as he earned Freshman All-American honors and was named Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12. These accolades highlight his potential as a player who can contribute immediately at the professional level.#tcu #baltimore_ravens #new_york_giants #ar_darius_washington #john_harbaugh

Titans agree to terms with ex-New York Giants OL Austin Schlottmann The Tennessee Titans have reached an agreement with offensive lineman Austin Schlottmann, who previously played for the New York Giants. This signing represents another loss for the Giants as they continue to make adjustments during the NFL free agency period. Schlottmann, known for his versatility as an interior lineman capable of playing both center and guard, contributed to the Giants' offensive line depth last season. He served as a reliable backup, stepping in for starting center John Michael Schmitz during critical moments and providing stability when injuries or lineup changes disrupted the unit. Schlottmann’s experience and adaptability proved valuable during the 2024 season, helping the Giants maintain consistency on the offensive line despite challenges. The 30-year-old player, who was undrafted out of TCU, began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos in 2018 before joining the Minnesota Vikings and eventually the Giants in 2024. His NFL journey has included multiple team stints, with his most recent contract with the Giants spanning two years. Over his career, Schlottmann has accumulated significant playing time, offering a veteran presence on the interior of the offensive line. The move marks a reunion of sorts for Schlottmann with the Titans, as he previously played for the team before joining the Giants. This signing also positions him as the fourth former Giant to join the Titans in the current free agency window. Alongside wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, cornerback Cor'Dale Flott, and tight end Daniel Bellinger, Schlottmann adds to the Titans’ roster of players with ties to the Giants.#nfl_free_agency #tcu #new_york_giants #tennessee_titans #austin_schlottmann

Cincinnati Men's Basketball Concludes Regular Season Against TCU Saturday The Cincinnati men’s basketball team aims to finish its regular season with seven wins in its final eight games as it faces TCU at 2 p.m. ET Saturday at Schollmaier Arena in Fort Worth. The matchup will be televised on TNT and broadcast on 700 WLW and the TuneIn app. The game marks the Bearcats’ final regular-season contest, offering a chance to solidify their position in the Big 12 standings. The 2025-26 season represents the 125th year of competition for Cincinnati men’s basketball, a milestone the program will celebrate throughout the year. The Bearcats, recognized as a top-10 program in college basketball history by the Associated Press, have a storied legacy including 44 All-Americans, 41 conference titles, six Final Four appearances, and back-to-back national championships dating back to the 1901-02 season. This season, the team has maintained a strong defensive presence, ranking 10th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency according to KenPom. They also lead the Big 12 in 3-point attempts per game and rank among the top teams in scoring defense, assists per game, and field goal percentage defense. Senior forward Baba Miller has emerged as a standout performer, tying for 22nd nationally and ranking second in the Big 12 in double-doubles with 12. He leads the conference in defensive rebounds per game at 7.68 and is among the top rebounders in the nation with 10.0 total rebounds per contest. Miller’s contributions have been critical to the team’s success, as he averages 13.8 points, 10.0 boards, and 3.6 assists per game, joining a select group of players in college basketball averaging at least 13-10-3 for a full season.#cincinnati_men_s_basketball #tcu #schollmaier_arena #big_12 #baba_miller

Olivia Miles named Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year Olivia Miles has been honored as the Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year after leading No. 10 TCU to its second consecutive outright regular-season conference championship. The awards, announced Tuesday, mark the second straight year a TCU player has received both honors from the 16 Big 12 coaches. Last year, Hailey Van Lith became the first player in the league’s 30-season history to win both awards, a feat repeated by Miles this season. Miles, who transferred to TCU for her final college season after playing five years at Notre Dame, enters the Big 12 Tournament averaging a career-high 20.1 points per game, along with 6.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.9 steals. She also leads the NCAA with five triple-doubles this season. Her performance has been instrumental in TCU’s success, including a conference title that follows last year’s championship. Texas Tech’s Krista Gerlich, in her sixth season as head coach, was selected as the league’s top coach. The No. 21 Lady Raiders have secured 25 wins this season, their highest total since the 2003-04 campaign. Kansas forward Jaliya Davis was unanimously chosen as the freshman of the year after winning nine consecutive weekly awards. Davis averages 21.0 points per game, the highest total for a freshman nationally. No. 15 West Virginia guard Jordan Harrison was named defensive player of the year, while Texas Tech guard Snudda Collins was selected as the sixth player of the year. The awards highlight TCU’s dominance in the Big 12 and underscore the league’s competitive landscape, with multiple teams achieving historic milestones.#tcu #big_12 #olivia_miles #hailey_van_lith #krista_gerlich