Eric DeCosta Loves Diego Pavia’s ‘Grit,’ Sets Up No. 3 Quarterback Competition Diego Pavia, a former state champion wrestler and Heisman Trophy finalist, has joined the Baltimore Ravens’ undrafted rookie class for 2026, setting up a competitive battle for the No. 3 quarterback role behind Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. General Manager Eric DeCosta confirmed Pavia’s signing during an appearance on "The Lounge" podcast, praising the quarterback’s resilience and performance. Pavia, who played college football at Vanderbilt, was a standout performer despite going undrafted. Last season, he threw for 3,539 yards and 29 touchdowns while also rushing for 862 yards and 10 scores. His achievements earned him the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award and a spot as SEC Offensive Player of the Year. However, his 5-foot-10 frame and a controversial post about not winning the Heisman Trophy—later apologized for—led to him being overlooked by NFL teams. DeCosta highlighted Pavia’s “phenomenal” season, emphasizing his “competitive desire and grit.” The Ravens’ decision to sign Pavia was part of a broader strategy to bolster their quarterback depth, with the team also reportedly agreeing to sign undrafted quarterback Joe Fagnano. Fagnano, a 6-foot-3 prospect from Connecticut, had a strong final season with 3,448 yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 69% completion rate. While Fagnano is seen as a solid option, Pavia’s unique background and performance have positioned him as a key contender. Pavia’s journey to football began with wrestling, where he won the 195-pound state title in high school. Despite being a no-star recruit, he chose football over wrestling, securing a partial scholarship from Nebraska before transferring to New Mexico Military Institute. There, he led his team to a 12-1 record and a junior college national championship.#baltimore_ravens #eric_decosta #vanderbilt #diego_pavia #clark_lea
Baltimore Ravens Add Undrafted QBs Diego Pavia, Joe Fagnano Ahead of Minicamp The Baltimore Ravens have officially signed undrafted quarterback Diego Pavia and Connecticut quarterback Joe Fagnano, securing their spots on the team’s roster ahead of the upcoming rookie minicamp. The moves were finalized on Tuesday, three days before the minicamp, which is set to begin on Friday. The Ravens, who had additional roster space, aimed to give both players an equal opportunity to compete for the No. 3 quarterback position in the wake of established starters Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. General Manager Eric DeCosta expressed confidence in the team’s current quarterback depth while emphasizing the importance of competition. Speaking to WBAL Radio, DeCosta highlighted Pavia’s talent, stating, “I think the young man is a talented player. I’m excited to see what he brings this weekend, and there will be a competition. We feel really good about Lamar and Tyler. After that, it’s basically a contest to see who the best man is.” The Ravens plan to evaluate both Pavia and Fagnano during the minicamp, with the ultimate decision on their futures pending further performance assessments. Diego Pavia, a standout from Vanderbilt, has drawn significant attention for his collegiate career. He became the first Heisman Trophy finalist to go undrafted in 12 years, a distinction that underscores his elite status despite not being selected in the NFL draft. Pavia led Vanderbilt to its first 10-win season in school history, finishing with a 10-3 record. His performance was marked by exceptional production, including 29 touchdown passes and 10 rushing touchdowns, which earned him first-team All-American honors and the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award.#baltimore_ravens #eric_decosta #vanderbilt #diego_pavia #joe_fagnano
No. 4 Baseball Suffers 6-0 Setback at Vanderbilt NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The fourth-ranked University of Texas baseball team suffered its first shutout of the season, falling to Vanderbilt, 6-0, at Hawkins Field on Saturday night. The Longhorns (31-9, 12-7 SEC) had previously dominated the series opener with 11 runs, but the Commodores (26-18, 10-10 SEC) stifled Texas’ offense in the second game of the three-game set. Vanderbilt’s pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts, holding the visitors to just five hits. The Commodores built an early lead, scoring five of their six runs in the first three innings. Vanderbilt struck first with a three-run inning in the opening frame, capitalizing on a double, triple, and two-run homer across the first five pitches. The Longhorns’ starter, Ruger Riojas (5-2), was charged with the loss after allowing five runs on eight hits in three frames. Vanderbilt’s pitching staff showcased dominance, with Luke Guth (2-1) earning the win by tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Aiden Stillman. Stillman pitched the first 3 2/3 innings, striking out six batters. Guth added four strikeouts, and Tyler Baird (5) secured a nine-out save. The Commodores’ offensive surge continued with two runs in the third inning and an insurance run in the seventh. Texas’ Thomas Burns pitched a season-long 3 1/3 innings of one-run baseball, recording a season-best five strikeouts. However, the Longhorns’ inability to capitalize on opportunities led to the decisive loss. The series remains tied, with the rubber game scheduled for Sunday at noon.#vanderbilt #university_of_texas #hawkins_field #rugger_riojas #luke_guth
Vanderbilt's Shea Ralph and Mikayla Blakes Build Chemistry for Sweet 16 Run Shea Ralph and her star point guard Mikayla Blakes have become central figures in Vanderbilt’s historic season, guiding the Commodores to their first Sweet 16 appearance under Ralph’s coaching. Their dynamic relationship, both on and off the court, has been a key factor in the team’s success, with Blakes earning recognition as one of the nation’s top freshmen and a Naismith Award finalist. The pair’s partnership has drawn attention, particularly from Breanna Stewart, a former UConn star and New York Liberty forward, who shared insights into their bond. Stewart, who played alongside Ralph during her time at UConn, highlighted how Ralph’s coaching style mirrors her own competitive spirit. “Shea is a super competitive person, and she puts in the work as a coach to get the best out of her players,” Stewart explained. Ralph’s ability to challenge her teams to excel, Stewart noted, resonates deeply with players who have experienced championship success. “Coming from her being a former player who’s won a National Championship, it hits a little bit differently when you’ve been through it all.” Ralph’s tenure at UConn, spanning 13 seasons from 2008 to 2021, coincided with Geno Auriemma’s dominance, including four consecutive titles from 2012 to 2016. Her history of working with elite athletes is evident in her current role at Vanderbilt. Blakes, who joined the Commodores ahead of the 2024-25 season, has quickly become a standout player. She was named SEC Freshman of the Year, earned the USBWA Tamika Catchings National Freshman of the Year award, and was a first-team All-American. Her sophomore season saw her secure SEC Player of the Year honors and a consensus All-American selection.#notre_dame #vanderbilt #mikayla_blakes #shea_ralph #breanna_stewart
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
No. 6 Notre Dame Draws No. 2 Vanderbilt For Sweet 16 FORT WORTH, Texas — For the fifth consecutive season, Notre Dame is in the Sweet 16. The sixth-seeded Irish will face No. 2 Vanderbilt (29-4) on Friday, March 27, in a matchup that could determine their path to the Elite Eight. The game will take place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, with coverage provided by the Notre Dame Radio Network. Tiffany Greene, Carolyn Peck, and Angel Gray will call the action from the venue. Notre Dame’s journey to the Sweet 16 included a 83-73 victory over third-seeded Ohio State in Columbus. The Irish showcased a balanced offensive attack, with five players scoring in double figures. Senior forward Hidalgo led the team with 26 points, 13 rebounds, eight steals, and two assists. Her performance marked her as the second women’s player in NCAA history to record 8+ steals in two tournament games. Hidalgo also surpassed Arike Ogunbowale’s single-season scoring record, reaching 856 points this season. Vanessa de Jesus contributed 15 points in her first double-figure outing of the NCAA Tournament, while Cassandre Prosper and Iyana Moore each added 13 points. KK Bransford provided a spark off the bench, scoring 10 points in 21 minutes. The Irish’s success in the tournament has positioned them among three programs nationally to reach the Sweet 16 in five consecutive years, joining UConn and South Carolina. The Irish’s history against Vanderbilt adds intrigue to the matchup. Notre Dame holds a 4-1 all-time record against the Commodores, with their most recent meeting in the 2001 NCAA Regional Final, a game that featured current head coach Niele Ivey. This year’s contest will test Notre Dame’s ability to maintain their momentum against a top-tier opponent. The game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 27.#notre_dame #vanderbilt #dickies_arena #hidalgo #nielle_ivey
Sweet 16 regulars UConn and Notre Dame join UNC and Vanderbilt in women's regional semifinals UConn and Notre Dame, perennial fixtures in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament, have joined North Carolina and Vanderbilt in the Fort Worth Regional semifinals. These four teams, among just 15 that have reached the second weekend of the tournament 15 times, will face off in Friday’s matchups. The defending national champion Huskies, led by coach Geno Auriemma, will take on No. 4 seed North Carolina, while No. 2 seed Vanderbilt will square off against No. 6 seed Notre Dame. The games will feature two of the nation’s top scorers, with Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes leading the country at 27 points per game and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo ranking second at 25.8 points per game. UConn, with a 36-0 record, enters the semifinals on a 52-game winning streak, marking its 32nd consecutive Sweet 16 appearance and 33rd overall. The Huskies’ AP All-America players Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong, the latter a native of North Carolina, will look to extend their dominance. North Carolina, meanwhile, is making its 20th Sweet 16 appearance but had only reached the tournament once in nine seasons prior to last year. Third-year guard Indya Nivar emphasized the team’s growth, stating, “We want to keep growing it.” Vanderbilt, in its 15th Sweet 16 but first since 2009, faces a new challenge with graduate transfer guard Iyana Moore now starting for Notre Dame. Moore, who averaged 13.1 points for the Commodores over three seasons, will now compete against her former team. “She was a big part of our rebuild at Vanderbilt,” said Commodores senior Sacha Washington, Moore’s former roommate and close friend. “I’m excited to play against her and see what she’s learned.#north_carolina #notre_dame #uconn #geno_auriemma #vanderbilt
Nebraska Advances to Sweet 16 After Dramatic Victory Over Vanderbilt The Nebraska Cornhuskers secured their place in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 following a thrilling 78-76 victory over No. 5 seed Vanderbilt on Saturday night. The game-winning basket, scored with 2.2 seconds remaining, capped a group effort as six players contributed eight points or more, propelling the No. 4-seeded Cornhuskers to their first Sweet 16 appearance in program history. The win marked a pivotal moment for Nebraska, which overcame a late deficit to claim the victory. Coach Fred Hoiberg’s team showcased resilience, with multiple players stepping up offensively to ensure their advancement. The result highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and Nebraska’s ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes games. Nebraska’s next challenge will come in the Sweet 16 as they prepare to face the winner of Sunday’s matchup between No. 1 seed Florida and No. 9 seed Iowa. The Cornhuskers will travel to Houston to take on the victor of that game, continuing their run in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The Sweet 16 game will be held at the Toyota Center in Houston, a venue that has hosted several high-profile matchups in recent years. Fans looking to attend the game can purchase tickets for the event, though availability is limited. The tournament’s schedule has already begun, with the First Four round kicking off on March 17, followed by the Round of 64, Sweet 16, and ultimately the Final Four and National Championship game. For those seeking tickets, the Sweet 16 matchup represents a significant opportunity to witness Nebraska’s progress. While the exact opponent remains pending the outcome of Sunday’s game, the Cornhuskers’ journey to this stage underscores their potential as a top-tier team in the tournament.#ncaa_tournament #vanderbilt #fred_hoiberg #toyota_center #nebraska_cornhuskers
Illinois Women's Basketball Advances in NCAA Tournament The Illinois women's basketball team made a strong showing in its first-round NCAA tournament game against Colorado, securing a 26-22 victory in the second quarter. The Illini, ranked No. 7, faced challenges early in the game but found their rhythm as the contest progressed. Illinois shot 47.4% from the field in the first quarter, while Colorado managed 53.3% in the same period. Key contributions came from Cearah Parchment, who scored seven points in the opening minutes, and Maddie Webber, whose buzzer-beating three-pointer in the first quarter provided a crucial lift for the Illini. The game saw Illinois hold a slight edge in the second quarter, with the Illini outscoring Colorado 6-4 in the period. However, the Buffaloes, ranked No. 10, managed to stay competitive, particularly after a strong performance from Desiree Wooten and Jade Masogayo, who combined for 14 of Colorado's points. Despite the early struggles, Illinois maintained its composure, with the Illini's defense limiting Colorado's opportunities. The game remained close throughout, with Illinois holding a 26-22 lead at the end of the second quarter. Meanwhile, in another first-round matchup, Vanderbilt dominated High Point, cruising to a 102-61 victory. Mikayla Blakes led the way for the Commodores, scoring 30 points to help Vanderbilt secure its 17th home win of the season. The Commodores, ranked No. 2, shot just under 51% from the field and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game. Vanderbilt's performance ensured they would face the winner of the Illinois-Colorado matchup in the second round. The tournament action in Nashville, Tenn., also included the Illini Courtsiders, a group of fans and analysts supporting the Illinois team.#illinois_womens_basketball #colorado #vanderbilt #maddie_webber #cearah_parchment
Illinois Women's Basketball Faces Colorado in NCAA Tournament Opener The University of Illinois women's basketball team will open its 2026 NCAA Tournament campaign on Saturday, March 21, against No. 10 seed Colorado in a first-round matchup hosted by No. 2-seeded Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee. The winner of the game will face the victor of Vanderbilt and No. 15 seed High Point in the second round on Monday, with all action broadcast on ESPN2. Head Coach Shauna Green, entering her fourth season at Illinois, will lead the Fighting Illini in their first postseason game against Colorado, marking the first-ever neutral-site meeting between the teams. Illinois, ranked No. 7 in the latest poll, will face a Colorado squad with a 22-11 record, including an 11-7 mark in Big 12 play. The Buffaloes, led by head coach JR Payne in her 10th season, have advanced to the NCAA Tournament four times under her leadership. Colorado’s record against top-ranked teams includes a 48-47 loss to eventual tournament champion West Virginia in the Big 12 semifinals. The two teams have not faced each other in the regular season, and Illinois will be making its first postseason appearance against Colorado. Green’s Illini, ranked No. 7 in the latest poll, will be the youngest team in the 68-team NCAA Tournament field, with an average age of 19.83 years. This places Illinois third among Power 4 + Big East teams behind Kansas State (19.78) and Creighton (19.79). Only two players—Gretchen Dolan and Gisela Segura—started the season above age 21, with Segura, the team’s oldest player, turning 23 in December. Cearah Parchment, the youngest starter at 18 years and four months, was born just five days after the iPhone’s launch.#shauna_green #colorado #university_of_illinois #vanderbilt #james_r_payne
Chandler Bing has quietly become one of Vanderbilt’s most impactful players. The freshman began the season with inconsistent playing time but has steadily evolved into a reliable role player for the Commodores. Bing didn’t play more than 20 minutes in a game until Vanderbilt’s dominant victory over Mississippi State on January 24. Since then, he has averaged over 20 minutes per game, solidifying his place in the team’s rotation. Now a key contributor under head coach Mark Byington, Bing averages 6 points per game since his breakout performance. His impact is most noticeable on defense, where he consistently matches up against opposing guards and forwards. Standing at 6’6” and 220 pounds, Bing’s physicality allows him to hold his own against smaller perimeter defenders and disrupt drives in the paint. His ability to finish at the rim through contact has made him a valuable offensive threat as well. Bing’s development has helped elevate Vanderbilt into a more balanced and competitive team. The Commodores will rely on his defensive intensity and physicality to advance deep in the NCAA Tournament. Byington’s defensive strategy often features aggressive press defenses, and Bing’s size and athleticism make him an ideal candidate for the high-press role. His ability to keep pace with quick guards creates favorable matchups for the team, particularly when smaller perimeter defenders are on the court. Bing’s defensive versatility extends to the interior, where his agility and awareness allow him to guard larger forwards. His quick hands frequently disrupt finishes at the rim, while his sturdy frame helps slow downhill drives. When tracking perimeter attackers toward the basket, Bing often steals the ball or contests shots at the rim, combining active hands with strong recovery ability to mitigate risks.#sec_tournament #paycom_center #vanderbilt #chandler_bing #mark_byington
Vanderbilt's Chandler Bing: Named After Bishop, Not 'Friends' Character Chandler Bing, the Vanderbilt basketball freshman guard, has sparked curiosity about his name’s origin, particularly due to its similarity to the character from the hit TV show "Friends." Despite the confusion, Bing clarified that his name does not come from the sitcom’s character played by Matthew Perry. Instead, he revealed the name was chosen in honor of a bishop, not the TV personality. Bing, who has never watched an episode of "Friends," shared his thoughts with The Tennessean in May 2025. He explained that his parents, Tara and Calvin Bing, were not thinking about the show when they named him. “My mom has seen the show, but when they were naming me, I guess she didn’t watch it that much,” he said. “She wasn’t even thinking about that.” While he initially found the jokes about his name amusing, he admitted the attention has increased since the name became a topic of discussion. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound guard, hailing from Atlanta, has been a key player for the No. 5 seed Commodores during their SEC Tournament run. He averages 3.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game for a team with a 26-8 record. Bing, a three-star recruit ranked No. 21 in Georgia for the 2025 class by 247Sports, has become a focal point of attention both on and off the court. Bing’s family connection to the basketball world extends beyond his name. He is distantly related to Dave Bing, a Hall of Famer and former NBA star. Dave Bing, who was a seven-time All-Star and 1967 NBA Rookie of the Year, is Chandler’s grandfather’s first cousin. The two share a familial bond, with Dave Bing also serving as the godfather to former NBA player Jalen Rose. Bing’s high school career was spent at Pace Academy in Atlanta, where he developed his skills before joining Vanderbilt.#sec_tournament #vanderbilt #chandler_bing #matthew_perry #dave_bing
UConn's Sarah Strong, UCLA's Lauren Betts, Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes lead star-studded AP All-America 1st team The 34-0 UConn Huskies were prominently featured on the AP All-America team, with Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd becoming the 10th pair of teammates to earn first-team honors. This marks the first time since Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu and Ruthy Hebard in 2020 that UConn has had two players named to the first team. Strong and Fudd were instrumental in leading the NCAA tournament favorite this season. Strong, a unanimous selection with 31 first-place votes, averaged 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks. She leads UConn in all categories except assists, where she trails only KK Arnold by 0.7. Strong also shoots 60.1% from the field and 42.7% from beyond the arc as a sophomore. Fudd, averaging 17.7 points, 3 assists, and 2.6 rebounds, shot 48.9% from the field and 44.6% from three-point range. Alongside Strong and Fudd, the first team includes Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes (29 first-place votes), Texas' Madison Booker (29 first-place votes), and UCLA's Lauren Betts. Blakes leads the NCAA in scoring with an average of 27 points per game. Betts, the Big Ten Player of the Year, was named to the first team and earned the conference's Defensive Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year. She helped UCLA secure a 31-1 season and its second straight Big Ten title. Booker, a second-team selection for the second year in a row, contributed to Texas' SEC tournament title after defeating South Carolina in the championship game. The second team includes Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, South Carolina's Joyce Edwards, TCU's Olivia Miles, Iowa State's Audi Crooks, and Ohio State's Jaloni Cambridge.#uconn_huskies #sarah_strong #azzi_fudd #vanderbilt #mikayla_blakes
AP Announces 2025-26 Women’s College Basketball All-America Teams The Associated Press has released its All-America selections for the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season, highlighting standout performers across the nation. The teams include players who excelled in regular-season play and conference tournaments, with detailed statistics reflecting their contributions. Sarah Strong of the University of Connecticut led the first team with 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and a 60.1% field goal shooting percentage. Her performance earned her 31 first-place votes and 155 total points, marking a unanimous selection. Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt followed closely with 27 points, 4.4 assists, and a 45.8% field goal percentage, securing 29 votes and 151 points. Lauren Betts from UCLA also made the first team with 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and a 56.2% shooting efficiency, matching Blakes’ vote count. Madison Booker of Texas contributed 18.9 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 51.6% from the field, earning 17 votes and 127 points. Azzi Fudd of UConn, a senior, added 17.7 points and 3.0 rebounds, with a 48.9% shooting accuracy, securing 14 votes and 121 points. Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, with 25.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, finished with 15 votes and 116 points. Joyce Edwards of South Carolina, who averaged 19.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a 58.7% field goal percentage, received 7 votes and 103 points. Olivia Miles of TCU, with 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists, also earned 7 votes and 99 points. Audi Crooks of Iowa State, a junior, dominated with 25.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a 64.7% shooting percentage, securing 2 votes and 63 points. Jaloni Cambridge of Ohio State, averaging 22.8 points and 4.6 assists, added 2 votes and 61 points. Olivia Olson of Michigan, with 19.2 points and 6.#ucla #texas #university_of_connecticut #vanderbilt #associated_press
UConn's Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd have been named to the AP All-America 1st team, becoming the first teammates in six years to achieve this honor. The duo helped UConn secure an undefeated season heading into March Madness, marking the 10th time in history that teammates have been selected to the first team, with seven of those instances involving UConn players. The last pair to accomplish this feat was Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu and Ruthy Hebard in 2020. Strong and Fudd were joined on the first team by Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes, UCLA's Lauren Betts, and Texas' Madison Booker. Strong, a unanimous selection from the 31-member national media panel, averaged 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 60.1% from the field. Fudd contributed 17.7 points and 4.2 rebounds, shooting 43.6% from beyond the arc. UConn coach Geno Auriemma praised their efforts, noting that Strong "picked up where she left off last season" and that Fudd's perseverance after overcoming challenges "has paid off." Blakes, a standout sophomore, led the nation in scoring with 27 points per game, adding 4.4 assists and a 45.8% field goal shooting rate. Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph highlighted her impact, stating that Blakes has "cemented herself as one of the best players in the country" and "elevated her play against the toughest competition." Blakes became only the second first-team All-American in Vanderbilt's history, joining Chantelle Anderson in 2002. Betts, a senior for UCLA, averaged 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting 60.1% from the field. This marks her second consecutive season on the first team, making her the first Bruins player to earn this honor twice. UCLA coach Cori Close called Betts a "generational player," emphasizing her influence on both the court and the program. Booker, a junior for Texas, averaged 18.9 points and 6.#uconn #sarah_strong #azzi_fudd #vanderbilt #mikayla_blakes
Vanderbilt faces McNeese in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament Oklahoma City; Thursday, 3:15 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Commodores -11.5; over/under is 149.5 No. 16 Vanderbilt will take on McNeese in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, marking a matchup between two teams with contrasting conference records. The Commodores, ranked 16th in the nation, enter the game with a 26-8 overall record and a 13-8 mark against SEC opponents. They have dominated non-conference play, going 13-0, and rank sixth in the SEC with an average of 86.4 points per game. Their shooting efficiency from the field stands at 47.5%, a key strength in their offensive approach. McNeese, meanwhile, brings a 28-5 record into the tournament, with a strong 21-3 showing in Southland Conference play. The Cowboys rank seventh in their conference with an average of 21.2 defensive rebounds per game, led by Larry Johnson, who averages 3.7 rebounds per contest. The team’s offensive output includes 6.7 made three-pointers per game, slightly below the 8.2 per game that Vanderbilt allows. However, McNeese’s ability to score from beyond the arc remains a notable factor, as they average 6.7 made threes per game, which is 0.4 fewer than the 8.2 per game Vanderbilt allows. Vanderbilt’s offensive firepower is highlighted by Tyler Nickel, who averages 3.0 made three-pointers per game while contributing 13.5 points per contest. His shooting accuracy from beyond the arc sits at 40.0%, and over the past 10 games, he has averaged 19.6 points while shooting 51.2% from three-point range. The Commodores’ overall performance in their last 10 games shows a balanced attack, with a 6-4 record. They score an average of 80.8 points per game, grab 30.6 rebounds, and distribute 14.5 assists while recording 6.8 steals and 3.4 blocks per contest.#vanderbilt #tyler_nickel #mcneese #larry_johnson #tyshawn_archie
Vanderbilt earns No. 5 seed in NCAA Tournament Vanderbilt men’s basketball has secured a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to Oklahoma City for the opening weekend of the event. The Commodores will compete in the South region as they begin their March Madness journey on Thursday. Their first-round matchup is set against the 12th-seeded McNeese State team at the Paycom Center, with the game scheduled to start at 2:15 p.m. on TruTV. The Commodores enter the tournament with a 26-8 record for the season, matching the school’s record for the most wins before an NCAA Tournament appearance. This achievement ties them with the 2007-08 and 1992-93 teams in this regard. The squad is making its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and its 17th overall in program history. The No. 5 seed marks the highest ranking Vanderbilt has received since the 2012 tournament. The team’s success this season has positioned them as a strong contender in the South region, where they will face challenges from lower-seeded opponents. Their tournament run will be closely watched, as the Commodores aim to build on their recent performance and continue their tradition of competitive basketball.#ncaa_tournament #vanderbilt #oklahoma_city #south_region #mcneese_state
Vanderbilt men’s basketball made history by advancing to the SEC Tournament championship after defeating top-seeded Florida 91-74 in the semifinals. The Commodores, seeded fourth and ranked 22nd, became the first team in over a dozen years to reach the title game, marking their first appearance since 2012. The victory set up a showdown against the winner of the other semifinal between Arkansas and Ole Miss, with the championship set for Sunday at noon. The Commodores’ balanced scoring attack was instrumental in the win, as five players finished with double-digit points and two others added seven each. Tyler Tanner led the charge with a game-high 20 points, shooting 8-of-10 from the field and dishing out eight assists while committing just one turnover in 37 minutes. Jalen Washington, coming off the bench, contributed 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while Duke Miles chipped in 15, including a perfect 10-of-10 performance from the free-throw line. Devin McGlockton and AK Okereke added 12 and 11 points respectively, rounding out the scoring. Tyler Nickel and Chandler Bing each scored seven points, while the team shot 54.5% from the floor and 91.3% at the free-throw line, hitting 10 three-pointers. The game started with a tight contest, as the two teams were tied eight minutes in. A pivotal moment came when Miles converted a three-point play following a shooting foul, then completed a 4-point play to give Vanderbilt a 26-16 lead eight minutes before halftime. The Commodores extended their advantage further in the second half, with a dunk by Bing in the final minutes of the first half pushing the lead to 67-46. The Dores maintained a 25-point edge at one point before closing out the victory. Florida, which had previously faced a 19-point deficit in a game, struggled to keep up.#vanderbilt #jalen_washington #tyler_tanner #commodores #duke_miles
Vanderbilt's Dominance Over Florida Highlights SEC Tournament Surge Vanderbilt’s Devin McGlockton made it clear that the Commodores’ performance this March has left little room for surprise. “People shouldn’t be surprised,” he said, emphasizing that those who have followed the team’s progress all season would already understand the stakes. His words carried weight, especially after Vanderbilt’s stunning semifinal victory over Florida at the SEC Tournament, a matchup that had been anticipated as a high-stakes showdown. The rout of Florida, a team often regarded as a powerhouse in the conference, underscored Vanderbilt’s growing reputation as a formidable force in college basketball. The Commodores’ ability to dismantle a feared opponent in such a critical tournament setting sent shockwaves through the SEC. Fans and analysts alike were left questioning how Vanderbilt had managed to dominate a team that had previously been seen as a top-tier contender. McGlockton’s comments reflected a broader narrative about the Commodores’ season. Throughout the year, Vanderbilt had consistently outperformed expectations, blending defensive grit with offensive flair. Their tournament run was a culmination of months of preparation, with each game serving as a stepping stone toward this moment. The victory over Florida wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The SEC Tournament, known for its intensity and unpredictability, became a stage for Vanderbilt to showcase their resilience. Florida, despite their reputation, had struggled to contain the Commodores’ relentless pressure and sharpshooting. The final scoreline was a testament to Vanderbilt’s ability to execute under pressure, a trait that had defined their season. For fans of both teams, the matchup was a clash of styles and histories.#sec_tournament #florida #vanderbilt #devin_mcglowton #commodores
SEC Basketball Tournament Standings and Matchups Set The Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season has concluded, setting the stage for the 2026 SEC Tournament. Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt secured double-byes, while Tennessee, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Missouri earned single-byes. The remaining teams will compete in the tournament, with the first game scheduled for Wednesday at 12:30 PM ET between the Kentucky Wildcats and LSU. The final standings highlight key matchups and potential outcomes. Kentucky, with a strong SEC Tournament history, has won 136 games in the tournament and claimed 31 championships, including their last title in 2018. The Wildcats’ path includes a potential opening-round clash against LSU, followed by a Thursday game against Missouri if they advance. A win over LSU could position Kentucky for a Friday matchup against Florida, though the team has historically faced challenges in later rounds. Georgia, led by coach Mike White, is locked into the NCAA Tournament after securing a top-tier seed. The Bulldogs’ 9-seed last year marks their second consecutive tournament appearance, showcasing their consistency. Meanwhile, Auburn faces a critical test against Mississippi State, as a loss would end their season. Oklahoma’s fate also hinges on a win over Texas, which could be a pivotal moment for the Sooners. Vanderbilt’s tournament journey is unique, as they will start in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012. The Commodores’ 2023 run to the semifinals, where they defeated LSU and Kentucky, set a precedent for their current season. With a strong regular season, Vanderbilt is assured of an NCAA Tournament berth regardless of their tournament performance. The expanded tournament format has increased the number of games, adding depth to the competition.#kentucky_wildcats #sec #lsu #vanderbilt #texas_a_m
