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March Madness
 Resumes on Thursday with the initial four matches of the men’s Sweet 16. The evening kicks off with No. 2 seed Alabama going up against No. 6 seed BYU in Newark, followed by No. 1 seed Florida clashing with their opponent.
 buzzer-beating No. 4 Maryland
 At 7:39 PM in San Francisco, amidst
 ongoing turmoil involving the Terrapins' coach
 . Seed number one, Duke, faces off against seed number four, Arizona, in the evening game in Newark around 9:39 p.m. The last match of the day will be between seed three, Texas Tech, and seed ten, Arkansas, starting roughly at 10:09 p.m.

<h2>
 Here’s what to know
</h2>
<ul>
 <li>
 The women's Sweet 16 kicks off on Friday with four matches scheduled: At 2:30 PM Eastern Time, the second-seeded Duke will face the third-seeded North Carolina, followed by the top-seeded South Carolina going up against
 No. 4 Maryland
 At 5 PM, the second-seeded North Carolina State faces off against the third-seeded Louisiana State University at 7:30 PM.
 top overall seed UCLA
 against No. 5 Mississippi at 10 p.m.
 </li>
 <li>
 The men’s Sweet 16 concludes on Friday with the match between No. 2-seeded Michigan State and No. 6-seeded Ole Miss starting at 7:09 p.m., followed by No. 2-seeded Tennessee facing off against No. 3-seeded Kentucky at 7:39 p.m. Later, around 9:39 p.m., No. 1-seeded Auburn will go head-to-head with No. 5-seeded Michigan, and finally, roughly at 10:09 p.m., No. 1-seeded Houston will compete against No. 4-seeded Purdue. As you might have observed,
 But that includes many SEC teams.
 .
 </li>
 <li>
 Below are the brackets for the
 men’s
 and
 women’s
 tournaments. And this
 handy guide
 offers all the details required to catch the matches.
 </li>
</ul>

 
 9:29 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 If Maryland fails to stage an impressive comeback in the last six-plus minutes, both spots in the Elite Eight will go to teams from the SEC. Should Arkansas manage to defeat Texas Tech, they would ensure that at least one SEC team advances to the Final Four.


 
 9:27 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with additional reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 After officials blew a whistle and took a few moments to review, they called a flagrant foul on Maryland’s Julian Reese, who had gotten tangled up with Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu while they were battling for a rebound. That led to a four-point possession for the Gators, who now lead, 74-57, with under eight minutes to go.


 
 9:26 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 Coach Nate Oats has taken Mark Sears out of the game since they have it under control, which keeps Jeff Fryer’s 35-year-old record of 11 three-pointers intact. Sears managed to score 34 points, hitting 10 threes.


 
 9:17 PM: Insights provided by Candace Buckner, a sportswriter who concentrates on how athletics influence and clarify our comprehension of culture and society.
 


 By the six-minute mark, Alabama has scored 100 points. Simply astonishing. Given how Mark Sears is currently on fire and the rest of the Crimson Tide are excelling from beyond the arc, who stands a chance against them?


 
 9:17 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with additional reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 Florida leads with a nine-point margin at 63-54, having previously led by up to 11 points during the latter part of the second half. The Gators maintain their dominance through effective rebounds (with a 29-13 lead) and securing loose balls. They've also reduced turnovers, compelling Maryland to step up its game; however, the Terrapins haven’t been able to capitalize due to poor shooting performance.


 
 9:13 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 BYU encountered a formidable challenge driven by advanced data analysis. Alabama shattered the NCAA tournament record for three-pointers made and attempted, achieving this feat with over seven minutes remaining in the contest, landing at 22 successful shots out of 44 attempts from long range. The Tide had amassed 97 points. Despite not playing badly themselves, BYU finds itself being decisively eliminated during the Sweet 16 stage.


 
 9:11 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 Maryland's starting point guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie, leading the team with 15 points, was forced to sit out due to his fourth foul. The Terrapins now face a significant period without his crucial court direction.


 
 9:10 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 Alex Condon, absent for the last 12 minutes of the initial half due to a severe sprained ankle, came back onto the court with 13:29 remaining in the subsequent period. As the offspring of an Australian rules football athlete, this Floridian frontcourt player inherits fortitude from his kin.


 
 9:09 PM: Insights provided by Candace Buckner, a sportswriter with an emphasis on how athletics influence and clarify cultural and societal perspectives.
 


 It's intriguing how Nate Oats opts for stylish smart suit jackets while his staff adopts the more casual post-COVID look of athleisure. I wonder if he chooses to wear plaid jackets as an tribute to the renowned Alabama basketball coach "Wimp" Sanderson. He was considered legendary within the context of Alabama basketball. In thirty years, future University of Alabama coaches likely won't emulate Wimp but will instead follow in Oats' footsteps fashion-wise.


 
 9:06 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist who focuses on nationwide stories along with backing up the coverage for teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 Angel Reese, who previously starred for Maryland and LSU and is currently playing for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, has come to the Chase Center to see the Terrapins compete against her younger sibling, Julian Reese. During her time with the Terrapins from 2020-21 through 2021-22, she averaged an impressive 17.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game during her sophomore year.


 
 9:05 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 Alabama is heading towards an unprecedented performance from behind the arc. The Tide has hit 19 out of 41 shots from three-point range, placing them close to breaking the tournament records for most threes made (21, set by Loyola Marymount in 1990) and attempts (43, achieved by St. Joseph’s in 1997).


 
 9:02 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist who focuses on national stories along with support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 After Florida started the second half with a 10-4 surge, taking a 50-42 advantage, Maryland requested a timeout. Guard Selton Miguel from the Terrapins hasn’t managed to score yet. Given Julian Reese’s productive plays when he gets involved, this break might prompt increased participation for him.


 
 8:51 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 If Alabama continues to shoot three-pointers at this rate, BYU is likely to fall behind. However, the Cougars' assertiveness has enabled them to reach the bonus with approximately 14 minutes remaining, setting up a potential comeback and potentially extending the game lengthily.


 
 8:50 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 As expected, Maryland’s "Crab Five" starting lineup controlled most of the playing time in the first half, with only two substitutes stepping onto the court. Among those reserves, DeShawn Harris-Smith managed to play for 10 minutes, yet neither he nor Jordan Geronimo took a single shot attempt during their time on the floor. On the Florida side, seven different players contributed points, relying on contributions from the bench following Alex Condon’s injury.


 
 8:42 PM: Insights provided by Candace Buckner, a sportswriter who concentrates on how athletics influence and clarify cultural and societal perspectives.
 


 Alabama is currently riding an eight-game winning streak, seemingly poised to take things to the next level as they head towards yet another Elite Eight appearance. While there's still some game time remaining, their exceptional performance on offense—featuring 16 assists, 14 three-pointers, and a remarkable nine out of ten free throws—makes them appear virtually unbeatable at this point.


 
 8:41 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 Jeff Fryer from Loyola Marymount has maintained the NCAA tournament record of sinking 11 three-point shots in a single game since 1990. Currently, Alabama’s Mark Sears boasts an impressive performance at 7 out of 10 shooting (accumulating 25 points), with 16 minutes and 48 seconds remaining.


 
 8:32 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with supplementary coverage of teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 By halftime, Florida is ahead of Maryland with a close score of 40-38, even though they've had 13 turnovers. The Gators maintain an advantage in rebounds at 21-10 and both Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard contribute 12 points each for their team. For Maryland, Ja'Kobi Gillespie stands out with his contribution of 15 points; however, only four players have scored so far this game. Notably, Maryland has capitalized more effectively on free throw attempts, scoring 12 successful shots compared to six fouls converted into points by Florida.


 
 8:30 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 Maryland is staying competitive in this contest due to two key factors: The Terrapins have made 12 out of their last 15 free throws and have forced—or perhaps taken advantage of—Florida’s careless play, resulting in 13 turnovers. Ja'Kobi Gillespie has excelled at generating scoring opportunities, and Florida struggles to deal with Dereck Queen when Maryland gets him involved in the action.


 
 8:21 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 With just four minutes remaining in the first half, Florida holds a narrow 31-30 lead over Maryland. If not for their eleven turnovers, this advantage could be more substantial. The Terps deserve recognition for staying competitive despite these mistakes, particularly due to Derik Queen’s ten-point contribution. Meanwhile, Florida maintains control of the boards with a significant 17-to-8 edge in rebounds.


 
 8:15 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 Derik Queen is beginning to accumulate fouls against Florida. On every possession where he isn't involved with the ball, it feels like a wasted chance.


 
 8:13 PM: Insight provided by Candace Buckner, a sports columnist who concentrates on how athletics influence and clarify our comprehension of culture and society.
 


 What a fitting conclusion to the first part of the game for BYU. Following a delightful pass from Egor Demin to locate Trevin Knell at the sideline, Alabama’s Grant Nelson rushed in to block the attempt. Despite taking 13 three-point shots, the Cougars have only managed to make one so far, whereas Alabama has hit a dozen from beyond the arc and is leading with a score of 51-40.


 
 8:10 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 BYU shouldn’t be overly concerned about going into halftime down by 11 points. They must improve their defense against Alabama’s offensive rebounding. However, the Cougars stayed competitive against a top-tier offense even though they hit just 1 out of 13 three-point attempts, managing to stay within striking distance despite shooting 44% from beyond the arc. Considering the current form of both teams’ offenses, this gap can certainly be closed.


 
 8:09 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 Following Florida's 20-9 advantage, the Terps embarked on a 7-0 scoring streak to claw their way back into contention. The score stands at 24-19 against them as more than seven minutes remain in the opening period. Guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie spearheaded Maryland's comeback effort, tallying an impressive eight points for his team. Meanwhile, Walter Clayton Jr., who leads the Gators in scoring, matches him point-for-point with eight of his own.


 
 8:01 PM: Insights provided by Candace Buckner, a sportswriter with expertise in examining how athletics reflect and clarify cultural and societal perspectives.
 


 To be frank, if BYU's center Keba Keita genuinely decided to commit a flagrant foul, Alabama’s Chris Youngblood might end up being carried off the court at this moment. Excessive? Perhaps. It seemed more like minor thrashing back and forth. Notably, with Keita built like he was sculpted from stone—if he aims to hit someone intentionally, beware.


 
 8:00 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 With less than 12 minutes remaining in the first half, Florida holds an 18-9 advantage over Maryland. However, they might have to play without their starting forward Alex Condon, who left the game due to injury. The strong defensive efforts from both Condon and Florida’s key players inside have kept Terps’ star player Derik Queen scoreless after his only attempted field goal. Additionally, Maryland hasn’t managed to convert on their lone three-point try so far.


 
 7:59 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 Initially, Maryland doesn't appear to be a distracted squad concerned with their nearly departed head coach. However, they do seem to be struggling against a more formidable adversary, particularly in terms of shots taken. Florida leads 18-9 at an early stage, suggesting that Maryland lacks effective solutions for turning the game around.


 
 7:50 PM: Insight provided by Candace Buckner, a sportswriter with an emphasis on exploring how athletics reflect and clarify cultural and societal perspectives.
 


 BYU senior Trevin Knell is currently seated on the bench, with his left nostril blocked, contemplating: "I didn’t return for my 17th year of collegiate basketball just for this!" Seriously though, Knell has proven himself to be quite resilient, considering he’s 26 years old and still competing at the college level. That bleeding nose was nothing trivial.


 
 7:49 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist who focuses on nationwide stories along with backing up the coverage for teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 Maryland quickly landed a basket at the start of their match against Florida, after which they went nearly three minutes without scoring another point. Despite this, the Terps trail by only one point, 7-6, having played for slightly over four minutes. Although the Gators aren't making many shots, they've managed to grab three offensive rebounds, exacerbating a problem Maryland has faced throughout the tournament.


 
 7:46 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 This tournament keeps bringing back memories of Florida Atlantic’s journey to the Final Four: Alijah Martin from Florida, Vlad Goldin and Dusty May from Michigan, Johnell Davis from Arkansas. Notably, Nick Boyd also secured his spot in the First Four with San Diego State. Adding another layer, Lamont Butler—who was their nemesis after hitting the game-winning shot against them—now stands out for Kentucky.


 
 7:43 PM: Insights provided by Candace Buckner, a sports columnist who concentrates on how athletics influence and clarify our comprehension of culture and society.
 


 Given Mark Sears' explosive start, one could draw parallels between him and players heading into the NBA. He has the potential to become akin to Fred VanVleet in his future endeavors within the league. Alternatively, he might follow more closely in the footsteps of Jalen Brunson. It wouldn’t bother him much if he ends up like Aaron Holiday—someone who isn't quite at the level of his accomplished elder sibling, Jrue, yet still manages to establish himself as a professional player.


 
 7:41 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist who covers national stories along with support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 The match-up between the No. 1 seeded Florida Gators and the No. 4 ranked Maryland Terrapins in the West Regional bracket has commenced at San Francisco’s Chase Center. The victor will advance to face the winner of the contest between the No. 3 Texas Tech Red Raiders and the underdog No. 10 Arkansas Razorbacks in the Elite Eight round. Maryland's "Crab Five" strategy faces a significant challenge as they go up against one of the best teams from the Southeastern Conference.


 
 7:39 PM: Insight provided by Candace Buckner, a sports columnist who concentrates on how athletics influence and clarify our comprehension of culture and society.
 


 Alabama and BYU continue to be on track for scoring at least 100 points apiece. It seems likely that they might falter—perhaps due to their shooting performance, even though both sides remain above the 50 percent mark from the field so far. In any case, BYUs interior game has shown consistency, recording 16 successful layups along with two dunks.


 
 7:38 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 What I'm most curious about regarding the Maryland vs. Florida game—besides whether Kevin Willard opts for his signature navy and sky blue tie—is how well Maryland will cope with Florida's deep roster. While the 'Crab Five' can match up against anyone, Florida boasts layers of skilled players, whereas Maryland lacks depth off their bench. Occasionally, an abundance of stoppages during tournaments gives thinner teams like Maryland extra time to regroup.


 
 7:32 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with supplementary reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 With less than 11 minutes remaining in the first half, Alabama leads BYU 27-25, thanks largely to Mark Sears who has scored 11 points off five shots. Despite making only one out of their last six three-point tries, the Cougars remain competitive partly due to their edge in rebounds at 10-7.


 
 7:23 PM: Insights provided by Adam Kilgore, National Sports Correspondent
 


 Alabama's focus on layups and three-pointers, combined with BYU's intricate strategies and responses, creates an offensive style akin to what you'd see in the NBA. This matchup produced only 25 points before the initial media break, but this early snapshot barely hinted at their competitive showdown.


 
 7:23 PM: Insights provided by Candace Buckner, a sportswriter who concentrates on how athletics influence and clarify our comprehension of cultural and societal aspects.
 


 Everyone needs a moment to regroup during this initial media timeout — thanks to that poor pass. The game could use a pause right now. Both squads are heating up, each maintaining a 66.7 percent shooting accuracy. Furthermore, they're demonstrating great teamwork as all but two of their field goals have been assisted.


 
 7:21 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist focusing on nationwide stories along with support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 At a breakneck speed, which the CBS broadcast dubbed "a furious pace," Alabama and BYU racked up an astounding total of 25 points within just the initial 4½ minutes. Leading with contributions from Trevin Knell who secured five points, BYU managed to stay ahead with a score of 13-12 against Alabama. Notably, Mark Sears, Alabama’s top point-getter, also contributed five points towards their tally. True to expectations, this game did not disappoint in terms of excitement and fast-paced play.


 
 7:14 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist who covers national stories along with providing support for reporting on teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 The matchup in the East Region between the second-seeded Alabama and the sixth-seeded Brigham Young University has started. The victor will advance to the Elite Eight and will wait for the result of the later game tonight between top-ranked Duke and fourth-seeded Arizona.


 
 7:06 PM: Maryland revamped its roster through transfer players
 

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BNKFY" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BNKFY.jpg"/>

 Maryland's lineup demonstrates how swiftly a coach can reshape their team dynamics. Among the Terrapins' leading eight players in minutes played, only one (Julian Reese) has been with the program since Coach Kevin Willard’s inaugural season two years prior. The squad transitioned from having a sub-.500 record in 2023-24 to reaching the Sweet 16 this year, partly due to incorporating five new transfer students alongside an outstanding freshmen player into their rotation.


 According to
 The analysis conducted by The Post of every team participating in the tournament since 2010
 Teams resembling this revamped Maryland squad are increasingly becoming commonplace.


 
 By: Emily Giambalvo
 


 
 6:54 PM: Many Sweet 16 teams depend on player transfers
 


 Almost all teams participating in the men’s NCAA tournament rely heavily on player transfers, with over fifty percent of rotational athletes across the Sweet 16 having played for different Division I institutions before. (For clarity, we consider rotational players to be within the uppermost eight ranked members based on minutes accumulated prior to the start of this tournament.)


 However, the composition of rosters for Sweet 16 teams differs, with examples like Kentucky varying widely.
 There are eight rotational players who are transfers.
 ) to Purdue (zero). Observe how the rosters of each team stack up against one another.
 here
 .


 
 By: Emily Giambalvo
 


 
 6:43 PM: Opinion Piece: Unpacking Kevin Willard’s Statements About Maryland Basketball
 


 This upcoming week ought to be splendid for the Maryland athletics program. The men’s basketball team has managed
 the only buzzer-beater
 of an otherwise
 lackluster first weekend
 In the NCAA tournament, they will compete in the Sweet 16 for only the second time in 22 years against Florida on Thursday evening. The women’s squad managed to advance.
 a grand dual overtime battle against Alabama
 To make it to the Sweet 16 as well, only three other institutions have both their basketball teams still playing during the tournament’s second weekend.


 What a period. Instead, what a disaster.


 The male basketball coach is
 complaining
 Regarding what his program lacks. The athletic director presented him with a termsheet for a contract extension — which he has not yet signed —
 bolted for SMU
 The coach might or might not be getting approaches from Villanova — but would such an opportunity actually surpass what they have at Maryland?


 There's plenty to digest. Below is what Kevin Willard, the mentioned men’s coach, told journalists on Wednesday in San Francisco regarding his current situation updates.


 “He mentioned we’re facing off against Florida,” he stated. “This game holds significant importance for us. It’s all about reaching the Sweet 16, and making sure these players savor every moment of it as much as they can. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience.”


 I've finished voicing my complaints about my employer in public.


 The reality that he has already done this is hugely significant — and possibly humiliating — for Maryland.


 Read the full story


 
 By: Barry Svrluga
 


 
 6:39 PM: Insights provided by Des Bieler, a sports journalist who focuses on nationwide stories along with backing up the coverage for teams based in the D.C. area.
 


 Richie Saunders, who leads BYU in scoring, not only has an NIL agreement with Ore-Ido but also shares a deeply personal link: his great-grandfather was one of the founders of the business and is recognized for inventing tater tots. This beloved side dish can be seen during Cougars matches, such as today’s game against Alabama at Newark's Prudential Center.


 
 6:33 PM: The men's Sweet 16 begins with two top-seeded teams, including the Terrapins, getting underway.
 


 Tonight marks the start of the men’s Sweet 16 round, featuring two top-seeded teams: Florida in the West region and Duke in the East. The Gators will face off against fifth-seeded Maryland, who has been performing well lately.
 buzzer-beating win
 Duke will play against Colorado State, whereas the Blue Devils will face No. 4 Arizona again, recalling their previous match that Duke secured in November.


 Tonight, we'll see two additional matches. In one East Region clash, second-ranked Alabama faces off against sixth-seeded Brigham Young University. Meanwhile, from the West Region comes another contest where third-seeded Texas Tech goes up against tenth-seeded Arkansas. The Razorbacks hold the lowest seed remaining in the men’s tournament; however, their head coach, John Calipari, boasts an impressive track record.


 The game start times for this evening are as follows:

<ul>
 <li>
 No. 2 Alabama faces off against No. 6 BYU at 7:09 p.m. (CBS) at the Prudential Center in Newark.
 </li>
 <li>
 No. 1 Florida faces off against No. 4 Maryland at 7:39 p.m. (on TBS/TruTV) at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
 </li>
 <li>
 No. 1 Duke versus No. 4 Arizona, at 9:39 p.m. (CBS), Prudential Center, Newark
 </li>
 <li>
 No. 3 Texas Tech faces off against No. 10 Arkansas at 10:09 p.m. (broadcasted on TBS/TruTV) at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
 </li>
</ul>

 The matchups for Friday's Sweet 16 games are listed below: No. 2 seed Michigan State versus No. 6 Mississippi; No. 2 Tennessee against No. 3 Kentucky; No. 1 Auburn facing off with No. 5 Michigan; No. 1 Houston battling No. 4 Purdue.


 
 By: Des Bieler
 


 
 6:25 PM: Derik Queen isn't scared of the moment. That's all about the Baltimore in him.
 


 SAN FRANCISCO — Freshman sensation Derik Queen was thinking about Maryland emblazoned on his chest and Baltimore on his mind during the chaotic minutes following Sunday evening’s game. The Terps' standout player had just finished playing.
 beaten the buzzer
 To propel the fourth-seeded Terrapins into the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 for the first time in almost ten years, he promptly attributed his success to his origins amidst the chaotic celebration that followed.


 When questioned on the court by sideline reporter Andy Katz about managing to make a twisted, difficult turnaround shot off the backboard for a 72-71 win over 12th-seeded Colorado State, Queen replied succinctly, "I'm from Baltimore, that's all." His love for his hometown still runs deep as he continues his basketball career far from home, including their upcoming West Region semifinal game against top-seeded Florida on Thursday evening.


 His comments quickly circulated on social media, rapidly becoming viral and connecting Charm City with one of the most iconic moments in the program's history. Following this, the athletic department’s marketing wing started promoting a T-shirt featuring those exact words.


 I wanted to acknowledge Baltimore because that's where I developed my grit," Queen, who is 20 years old, stated on Wednesday after an early morning practice session at Chase Center. "The resilience to make that final shot.


 Read the full story


 
 By: Gene Wang
 


 
 6:16 PM: No element encapsulates March Madness quite like the Procession of Somber Locker Rooms.
 

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 PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Parade of the Gloomy Lockers makes its return with each
 March Madness
 And underscores the profound significance of March Madness. It lives and breathes and sheds tears every spring, spreading across 14 cities from shore to shore during just the men’s tournament. Despite being a three-week extravaganza filled with spirited marching bands, last-second victories, lively mascots, snipped nets, joyful reunions, and fresh beginnings, it ultimately yields to what truly animates it: the Poignant Procession of Desolate Lockers.


 The procession invariably begins in Dayton, Ohio, from a men’s perspective, featuring four matches which result in four defeated squads and consequently four despondent dressing rooms. It then shifts to eight distinct urban centers over a single extended weekend, unleashing a veritable feast of sorrow with 48 disheartened changing areas across these locales at six each site. Following this, it progresses to four regional competitions hosting 12 more downcast team spaces before culminating in theFinal Four, adding three additional glum environments, leading to an aggregate yearly tally of 67 melancholic locker rooms.


 Throughout, this praiseworthy and coveted sorrow bears a humorous yet significant subtlety recounted yearly through tears upon tears. Indeed, the pain of the season-ending defeat is real. Certainly, the extinguishing of seeded fantasies stings as well. Nonetheless, even amidst the anguish, there's an underlying twist.
 hectic transfer marketplace of the time
 the notion that a season-long journey involving hard work and teamwork has abruptly come to an end, that
 
 We won't be together anymore.
 
 as an integrated whole
 
 ,
 
 that thought proves saddest.


 Read the full story


 
 By: Chuck Culpepper
 


 
 6:09 PM: What led to the SEC taking control of the NCAA tournament? 'Financial gain is the driving force.'
 


 When the SEC appointed Mike Tranghese almost a decade back, his primary task was to address issues within men’s basketball.


 Initially, Tranghese carried out that task in secrecy, making phone calls, jotting down notes, and providing guidance to newcomers.
 commissioner Greg Sankey
 As he proceeded, it became evident immediately that the SEC required superior officials, improved coaching appointments, and increased financial as well as emotional commitment from its football-centric institutions. However, it was equally crucial for the present coaches to serve as unapologetic advertisements for all things related to SEC basketball. The conference needed these coaches to commit wholeheartedly, despite feeling they were being left to navigate their challenges alone.


 When Tranghese initially joined those coaches, he found himself among acquaintances. John Calipari, who was coaching Kentucky back then, had been an old acquaintance for years. Tranghese also recognized Rick Barnes, both now and previously the head coach at Tennessee, from his tenure at Providence. Given this familiarity, Tranghese—a man known for direct communication—felt comfortable expressing his thoughts openly. And so, he proceeded to do just that.


 “He remembered telling the coaches, ‘You receive decent wages. You have access to great facilities. Plus, you even run your own TV channel,’ ” he said. “The truth is, you simply need to quit complaining about every little thing.”


 In other words, as Tranghese explained by phone this week: You have the money, money rules, use it.


 By 2025, the world of college sports had transformed significantly, making this piece of guidance appear both wise and foresightful. The era when the SEC routinely received merely three or four spots in the NCAA Men’s Tournament was history. In fact, this year marked an all-time high as the conference secured 14 berths. Impressively, seven of these teams advanced to the Sweet 16 stage.


 Read the full story


 
 By: Jesse Dougherty and Emily Giambalvo
 


 
 6:01 PM: The toughest and simplest routes to the men’s Final Four
 


 The
 NCAA men’s basketball tournament
 has made it to the Sweet 16, indicating that the route to the Final Four is becoming clearer. This is particularly captivating in a tournament where
 Chaos has been overshadowed by chalk.
 .


 Since the tournament expanded to include 64 teams back in 1985, this marks just the sixth occasion where all top-four seeds progressed to the second round. The last time such an event occurred was way back in 2008 when not even one team from the ranks of No. 13 through No. 16 managed to pull off an upsets in the opening round. Currently, representation at the Sweet 16 stage comes solely from four different conference groups: SEC with seven representatives, followed by three others—Big Ten and Big 12 each boast four teams, while ACC has secured a spot for one participant.


 This indicates that the leading competitors haven't been eased into their brackets due to surprising upsets from underdogs, with formidable conference rivals awaiting each squad in the regional semi-finals. However, not all pathways to San Antonio are equally challenging. Considering leftover adversaries, seeding prospects, and possible encounters, let's examine which teams face the steepest ascent—those who must overcome significant hurdles—and those potentially benefiting from more favorable draws en route to the Final Four.


 Read the full story


 
 By: Neil Greenberg

March Madness Live: Maryland Faces Off Against Florida as Alabama Dominates in NCAA Tournament

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March Madness Resumes on Thursday with the initial four matches of the men’s Sweet 16. The evening kicks off with No. 2 seed Alabama going up against No. 6 seed BYU in Newark, followed by No. 1 see…

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