St. John’s Star Luis Jr. Hits Back at Rick Pitino After Tournament Bench Move

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BUCkv" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BUCkv.jpg"/> <p> The 2024-2025 basketball season came to an end as the Florida Gators clinched the national title in dramatic style against the Houston Cougars. During the match, the Cougars kept their edge for most of the time, yet ultimately, it was the Gators rejoicing in San Antonio. As this season wraps up formally, anticipation mounts around the upcoming surge in activity within the transfer portal. </p> <p> Although teams have started recruiting and getting pledges, those advancing to the concluding weekend encounter distinct obstacles compared to those who were knocked out sooner or did not qualify for the tournament altogether. </p> <p> The biggest surprise during the NCAA Tournament occurred when Rick Pitino decided to bench his top performer, RJ Luis. Even after nearly a month since this call, the head coach remains steadfast in his choice, even though Luis was instrumental in getting the Johnnies so far. </p> <p> Absolutely the correct choice not fielding RJ Luis in that match, Pitino said. </p> <p> Following the match, Pitino faced questions from the press, and The head coach at St. John's promptly shot back at the journalist's query. </p> <p> In spite of the disagreement, Pitino speaks very highly of Luis. </p> <p> Follow The Sporting News via WhatsApp </p> <p> Without RJ, our season wouldn’t have been what it was, but I believe he should aim for the NBA. Pitino informed Zach Braziller from the New York Post. We've seen him reach his full potential here. Now, I believe the NBA is where he truly belongs, and we're all cheering for him to get there. </p> <p> Luis joined the draft and simultaneously signed up for the transfer portal, keeping his eligiblity intact. The athlete eventually broke their silence, making veiled comments critical of Pitino. </p> <p> As he has throughout the entire year, simply providing better guidance and support. Luis said. </p> <p> The Big East Player of the Year believes his previous mentor did not manage the circumstance appropriately or provide the consistent support he received during the season. Even though Luis asserts that this event was not why he decided to enter the transfer portal, his statement implies quite the contrary. </p>

St. John’s Star Luis Jr. Hits Back at Rick Pitino After Tournament Bench Move

The 2024-2025 basketball season came to an end as the Florida Gators clinched the national title in dramatic style against the Houston Co...

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"Leap of Faith": Cleary Urged to Join Super League and Follow His Heart

<p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CyG5r" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CyG5r.jpg"/> </p> <p> In a left-field pitch, NRL Mark Carroll has proposed an excellent idea. Nathan Cleary he should bring his boots along and become part of the English team Super League , not only to expand the sport internationally but also to be nearer to her partner, Matildas ace Mary Fowler. </p> <p> Writing his column for The Nightly Carroll argued that Cleary has already triumphed over the obstacle. NRL And relocating to the UK would be advantageous for both personal and professional reasons. </p> <p> Carroll believes the 26-year-old halfback has little left to prove in the Australian game. </p> <p> As Carroll noted, Cleary has claimed four titles with Penrith, secured two Clive Churchill medals, and participated in three victorious State of Origin campaigns for NSW. </p> <p> "He's represented Australia in five Tests, helping the Kangaroos to a World Cup victory in 2021." </p> <p> Although Cleary is still bound to the Panthers until 2027 and is anticipated to participate in the Kangaroo Tour this year—assuming he maintains his health—the timing seems appropriate for him to embark on an adventurous international stint according to Carroll. </p> <p> "By the age of 27, the halfback has secured his legacy in the sport. There isn’t much left for him to demonstrate," Carroll added. </p> <p> He doesn't need to stop playing rugby league to be with the person he loves most. </p> <p> Cleary was spotted near the sidelines recently. Australia was a 2-0 victory against South Korea, backing Fowler in a game that boosted her status as one of the Matildas' emerging talents. </p> <p> Carroll believes that her involvement draws out the best in Cleary, who is recognized for his controlled demeanor during games and his thorough method of getting ready. </p> <p> "I am certain he and Mary have talked about relocating, and I really hope he goes ahead with it," Carroll penned. </p> <p> Not only would this make for an incredible love tale, but Cleary’s venture into unfamiliar territory within rugby league could also win over supporters from two nations. </p> <p> The timing of this recommendation isn't completely coincidental. NRL is presently considering the acquisition of a thirty-three percent share in the Super League , dependent on gaining complete control by 2028. </p> <p> Having a star player such as Cleary join the UK scene would be an ideal situation for promoters aiming to boost the sport’s international presence. </p>

"Leap of Faith": Cleary Urged to Join Super League and Follow His Heart

In a left-field pitch, NRL Mark Carroll has proposed an excellent idea. Nathan Cleary he should bring his boots along and become p...

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Seton Hall Basketball: 2025 Offseason Watchlist

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1zCWM6" data-reference="video"/> <p> Welcome to the Seton Hall basketball 2025 off-season tracker. </p> <p> As colleges experience unprecedented levels of player movement through the transfer portal, this page serves as your comprehensive source for tracking all of Seton Hall’s developments related to transfers, schedule changes, and additional news throughout the spring and into early summer. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrKnF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrKnF.jpg"> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> April 4: Isaiah Coleman pledges his commitment to Oklahoma State </h2> <p> The second-year forward is set to move to a team that completed their season with an 17-18 record overall and went 7-13 within the Big 12 conference. This squad managed to defeat the Hall in Newark though. While he’ll be dearly missed by his current teammates at the university, some believe they might not see much more of him now that he’s heading into what many consider a less prominent basketball scene. Still, leaving behind the competitive landscape of the Big East could be seen as positive for his future. Plus, one added benefit is that life expenses will likely decrease significantly where he’s headed next. </p> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> On April 2, Merrimack College player Budd Clark has committed to transferring. </h2> <p> Drawing upon insights from his ex-teammate Jordan Derkack, I analyzed the characteristics of the point guard here In November, Clark dominated against Rutgers, overshadowing Dylan Harper’s performance. He truly stands out as a playmaking point guard and appears to be a perfect cultural addition. However, his height remains somewhat of a concern. Come next winter, he’ll definitely have the opportunity to handle the ball consistently. </p> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> April 1: Gus Yalden pledges to Vermont </h2> <p> Probably a good fit. </p> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> April 1: Scotty Middleton decides to join the transfer portal </h2> <p> He hasn’t made his move just yet; the sophomore forward plans to join soon. After an impressive freshmen campaign at Ohio State, he had a less satisfying performance this season. Middleton scored 5.8 points and grabbed 2.3 rebounds per game in about 21 minutes as a substitute. Although he managed to shoot 38% from beyond the arc, displayed Big East-caliber athleticism, and nailed the winning shot against UConn, he remained highly erratic and error-prone throughout. </p> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> March 28: Seton Hall reveals new practice facility as Bryan Felt outlines NIL and revenue-sharing plan </h2> <p> I dedicated some time exploring the remarkably impressive Seton Hall basketball performance center in South Orange and talked with Athletic Director Bryan Felt about the department’s strategy for managing the team’s funding and roster. The most significant insight I gained from this conversation was that the university administration is now actively involved in supporting the basketball program. </p> <p> It appears that this is quite an important step forward. Legally speaking, the upcoming opportunity for educational institutions to generate income through shared revenues paved the way for this collaboration. However, when considering the broader picture, it looks like the higher-ups at the university may have hindered the progress of the athletics division compared to leaders at similar universities who took more initiative in establishingNIL structures within their own programs. The chaos and mismanagement evident from the numerous legal disputes involving the Seton Hall board of regents and presidential administration only compounded matters. This situation essentially placed additional pressure on the athletic department—and particularly Shaheen Holloway—to manage these challenges independently. </p> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> March 28: Gus Yalden joins the transfer portal </h2> <p> Following his redshirt year at Wisconsin and subsequent transfer, freshman center Gus Yalden finds himself on the move once more. Standing 6-9 with a weight of 260 pounds, he contributed averages of 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds primarily when rotation players rested. Inside the paint, he struggled to get off shots efficiently and managed only a 36% field-goal percentage. Despite appearing as a good team player, his four-star recruitment ranking further underscores the unpredictability and fallibility of the scouting assessment process. </p> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> March 24: Isaiah Coleman will join the transfer portal </h2> <p> Although expected, Seton Hall failed the initial stress test of its attempts to enhance resources For team building during this off-season, as it seems the program’s only influential player might be leaving. </p> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> March 21: David Tubek reportedly entering portal </h2> <p> The 6-foot-7 undergraduate player who plays as a forward had an average score of 2.6 points and grabbed 1.7 rebounds per game with a three-point shot accuracy of 36%, yet he failed to secure a consistent spot in the lineup of a team that ended up having a record of 7 wins against 25 losses. </p> <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> Here's Seton Hall's anticipated lineup for the 2025-26 season: </h2> <p> <strong> Guards </strong> (2): Garwey Dual, Jahseem Felton. </p> <p> <strong> Wings </strong> : None. </p> <p> <strong> Bigs </strong> (3): Godswill Erheriene, Prince Aligbe, Manny Okorafor. </p> <p> Jerry Carino has been reporting on the New Jersey sports arena since 1996 and has focused on the college basketball beat since 2003. Reach out to him via contact information not provided here. jcarino@gannettnj.com . </p> <p> The article initially appeared in the Asbury Park Press. Seton Hall basketball: 2025 Offseason Watchtracker </p> </img>

Seton Hall Basketball: 2025 Offseason Watchlist

Welcome to the Seton Hall basketball 2025 off-season tracker. As colleges experience unprecedented levels of player movement through t...

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LaVar Arrington II: Walking in His Father's Footsteps

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1Cbzfb" data-reference="video"/> <p> UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — During the late '90s, LaVar Arrington excelled as an All-American linebacker for Penn State University. His exceptional skills earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and solidified his status as the embodiment of Penn State’s iconic No. 11 player. Continuing this legacy within the same lineage, his son, also named LaVar Arrington II, carries forward the revered tradition this season. </p> <p> He has quite a bit on his plate. We're relying on him to handle a significant defensive role for our team and also contribute extensively to special teams," explained special teams coordinator Justin Lustig. "He's developing, as expected. However, clearly you can observe his athletic ability, physical attributes, stature, and all those qualities that everyone notices. </p> <p> Throughout the initial week of spring practice, Arrington hasn't gone unnoticed. His physique has drawn attention online, and his play has left an impression on his fellow team members. </p> <p> His potential is significant due to his many innate talents," explained defensive tackle Zane Durant. "Even without extensive coaching and joining a new Division I team, he possesses plenty of unrefined yet standout skills. Moreover, his understanding of the game stands out; he seems naturally attuned to the ball's position almost effortlessly. </p> <p> “He’s acquiring defensive skills. He’s understanding how to become a college athlete,” stated Associate Head Coach Terry Smith. “However, he possesses an impressive level of talent and athletic ability. Therefore, we are enthusiastic about his potential contributions in the coming years.” </p> <p> Number 11 is designated for Penn State’s premier linebacker position. The previous players who wore this number—Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter—left some large footwear for the incoming freshman linebacker to follow. </p> <i> Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This content must not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. </i> <p> To get the most recent updates on news, weather, sports, and live videos, visit WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. </p>

LaVar Arrington II: Walking in His Father's Footsteps

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — During the late '90s, LaVar Arrington excelled as an All-American linebacker for Penn State University....

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WATCH: Oklahoma's Coach Gasso and Players Spark Controversy in Postgame Bedlam Interview

<p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CDBd7" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CDBd7.jpg"/> <p> OKLAHOMA CITY — See what Oklahoma’s head coach Patty Gasso, outfielder Maya Bland, and pitcher Sam Landry had to say during their post-game interview with the press after the Sooners defeated Oklahoma State 11-3 in just five innings at Devon Energy Field on Wednesday. </p> <p> Oklahoma fell behind their Bedlam rivals 3-0 initially but managed to close the gap with a two-run homer hit by sophomore outfielder Kasidi Pickering in the third inning. </p> <p> Next, the Sooners excelled on both offense and defense during the fourth quarter. </p> <p> In the top part of the fourth inning, second baseman Ailana Agbayani executed an impressive grab, which was then followed by a powerful offensive outburst that significantly shifted the advantage towards the Sooners. </p> <p> Bland hit the second home run of her career, a three-run home run, to put Oklahoma in front and then Ella Parker and Gabbie Garcia both added RBIs of their own to close out the fourth. </p> <p> OU came back to complete the run-rule victory in the fifth, ensuring that the record-setting attendance of 9,259 spectators left delighted. </p> <p> Next, the Sooners will shift their focus to a three-game series against the Alabama Crimson Tide as they return to SEC action this weekend. </p> <p> The series will kick off on Saturday and continue all the way until Monday in Tuscaloosa. </p> <p> <strong> You can likewise view the post-game interview on YouTube. </strong> </p> </p> <p> <p> This piece was initially released on www.si.com/college/oklahoma as WATCH: Oklahoma Coach Patty Gasso and Players Discuss Bedlam Aftermath in Postgame Interview . </p> </p>

WATCH: Oklahoma's Coach Gasso and Players Spark Controversy in Postgame Bedlam Interview

OKLAHOMA CITY — See what Oklahoma’s head coach Patty Gasso, outfielder Maya Bland, and pitcher Sam Landry had to say during their pos...

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Smoke surrounds Illinois Basketball coach Brad Underwood and major college basketball program

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ByJ2C" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ByJ2C.jpg"/> <p> There is some smoke surrounding Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood and a major college basketball program. Underwood and the Illini suffered a heartbreaking 84-75 loss to Kentucky in the Round of 32 on Sunday at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. </p> <p> Many Illinois fans were upset with Underwood and freshman Kasparas Jakucionis after the loss. </p> <p> Following the game, Underwood made it sound like Illinois was the place he wanted to stay. </p> <h2> Illinois basketball is a consistent NCAA Tournament team </h2> <p> “I came here to win a national championship, okay,” Underwood said via video posted on X by Glenn Kinley WCIA 3. “And I think the one thing that will never change with me is that, okay, we’re trying to do that but to do that, you have to have a great program… “We’ve got six straight NCAA tournaments. To me, that’s about building a program of consistency, of culture… </p> <p> “And are we disappointed? Absolutely, because my goal is nothing more than win a championship. If you hear me ever say anything other than that, then it’s probably time for me to hang it up. But our program is in great shape. We’ve got great leadership, we’ve got great facilities. </p> <p> “We’ve got the ability to keep getting players. We sell out every night. We got the best fan base out there. And, you know, we came out short today, but we’ll be back. We’re not going anywhere.” </p> <div> <span data-embed-id="8ed698aaf2204ee4ab866fffd24fc0e2" data-embed-type="social-auto"> </span> </div> <h2> Smoke surrounds Brad Underwood and Texas basketball </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BvvGv" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BvvGv.jpg"/> <p> There is some smoke around the idea of Underwood going somewhere south. On Sunday, Texas officially fired Rodney Terry after the Longhorns’ loss in the First Four. </p> <p> Per Kirk Bohls of the Houston Chronicle , Texas considered Underwood, but the idea didn’t go anywhere, at least before Illinois’ game against Kentucky. </p> <p> “Texas still talking to Sean Miller’s people about the basketball job but nothing’s done,” Bohls posted on X. “(Texas AD) Chris Del Conte leaves ‘no stone unturned,’ source tells Houston Chronicle, even considered St. John’s Rick Pitino, Illinois’ Brad Underwood and Alabama’s Nate Oats, those didn’t go anywhere.” </p> <div> <span data-embed-id="6ce0a631ff254c19a12f6620ad22b6b1" data-embed-type="social-auto"> </span> </div> <p> The situation with Texas is fluid, and the program, which is flush with cash to poach elite coaches, could change Underwood’s mind this week. </p> <h2> Underwood to Texas “makes too much sense” </h2> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BvAFs" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BvAFs.jpg"/> <p> On Sunday, The Athletic named Underwood as a likely candidate for the Longhorns. </p> <p> “Brad Underwood, head coach, Illinois: This makes too much sense to ignore,” Brendan Quinn wrote . “ The 61-year-old first made a name for himself at Stephen F. Austin, going 89-14 with three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, before moving from Nacogdoches to Oklahoma State to Illinois. There have long been rumors of mutual interest between Texas and Underwood, or at least curiosities. </p> <p> “Fact is, here’s what Underwood would do at UT: Get dudes and win games. Taking Illinois to the Elite Eight last year finally cleared Underwood’s résumé of a bad rap for early March losses. Now he’s back in the tournament for the fifth straight year, this time with a No. 6 seed.” </p> <p> If Texas can’t close the deal with Sean Miller, Underwood’s name could pop up more in the Longhorns’ coaching search this week. </p> <p> <b> Want more articles like this? Follow on MSN to see more of our exclusive college basketball content. </b> </p> <p> <strong> More must-reads: </strong> </p> <ul> <li> Dan Hurley had profane message about refs after UConn loss </li> <li> Is Texas making the right call with reported coaching change? </li> <li> The 'Most points in less than 20 minutes played in an NBA game' quiz </li> </ul> <p> <strong> Trending slideshow: The 25 all-time unsung heroes of the men's NCAA tournament </strong> (Provided by Yardbarker) </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/slideshow/AA1ByGN1" data-reference="slideshow"/>

Smoke surrounds Illinois Basketball coach Brad Underwood and major college basketball program

There is some smoke surrounding Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood and a major college basketball program. Underwood and the...

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Houston Shocks SEC, Surges Past Vols into Final Four

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BXvGx" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BXvGx.jpg"/> <p> INDIANAPOLIS — The prevailing narrative of the 2024-25 college basketball campaign has been the supremacy of the SEC. This year, the conference shattered records by securing 14 spots in the NCAA tournament, achieving yet another milestone with seven teams advancing to the Sweet 16, and making history as the first league ever to place four institutions in every regional final. </p> <p> However, on Sunday during the Elite Eight, the University of Houston showed Tennessee And the SEC continues to assert that the Big 12 retains its reputation as a dominant force. In the first half, Houston delivered a powerful defensive blow that left Tennessee’s offense floundering and unable to function effectively—much like numerous opponents faced by the SEC teams throughout this season. 69-50 win. </p> <p> In a competition where SEC teams frequently dominate by overwhelming opponents with their athleticism, depth, and sheer amount of talent, Houston turned the tables around. </p> <p> Since joining the Big 12 conference two years ago, Kelvin Sampson’s team has emerged as the premier force within the league. This dominance stems from their strong defense, which traces back to Sampson’s initial tenure as a head coach at Montana Tech in the early '80s where he started building this formidable style of play. </p> <p> On Sunday, Sampson’s good friend Rick Barnes saw his team become the most recent one to be thoroughly dismantled by Houston. Tennessee failed to make their initial 14 attempts from beyond the arc, fell behind by up to 22 points during the first half, and at times appeared akin to a “pay-to-play” opponent typical of an early-November contest. </p> <p> L.J. Cryer He overcame a tough shooting night against Purdue by leading the team with 17 points, and Houston controlled the painted area by scoring 30 points compared to Tennessee’s 14. The Volunteers concluded the game hitting only 17.2% of their three-point attempts and 28.8% overall from the floor. </p> <p> In the second half, Tennessee narrowed Houston's lead to 10 points, yet every spark of hope displayed by the Volunteers was quickly snuffed out. Emanuel Sharp , who made two three-point shots in the second half and ended up scoring 16 points to ensure the lead remained in double digits. </p> <p> The Cougars' record enhanced to 34-4 and they will now confront the East Regional champions, ranked No. 1. Duke Next week will see them in the Final Four again. This marks their seventh appearance in this round, and with six previous times reaching this stage without securing a national championship, they lead all programs in this regard. </p> <p> Sampson progresses to his third Final Four throughout his career, with this being his second one since joining Houston. Following their advancement, he moves on by winning. slick inbounds play with under a second remaining versus Purdue On Friday night, Houston's stifling defense snuffed out any possibility of comparable excitement on Sunday. </p> <p> The Final Four will serve as yet another testament to Sampson’s impressive reign of supremacy at Houston. The Cougars hold the nation's longest active streak of reaching the Sweet 16, managing to advance to this stage for six consecutive years now. </p> <p> By securing victory on Sunday, Sampson stopped Barnes from advancing to his second Final Four. Additionally, this outcome ensured that Tennessee missed out on their inaugural appearance in the Final Four. It marked Tennessee’s tenth trip to the Sweet 16, which is the highest number for any program yet to reach the Final Four. </p> <p> The SEC already has Florida moved forward to the Final Four and might have a second squad ranked No. 1 Auburn playing No. 2 Michigan State In the South Regional final later on Sunday. Tennessee’s defeat ensures that the SEC won’t match the Big East's record from 1985, where three teams made it to the Final Four. </p> <p> No. 1 Houston has become the third top seed to advance to the Final Four. Should Auburn also make it through, this would mark the first instance of all four No. 1 seeds reaching the Final Four since 2008, which was previously the sole occasion when all four top-ranked teams progressed. </p> <p> From the beginning, Tennessee floundered badly. Houston blocked their attempts on 10 out of their initial 11 shots and denied them on the first 14 three-point tries. Before long, Zakai Zeigler Tennessee made their initial three-point basket with 39 seconds remaining in the first half, reducing the Cougars' lead to 34-15. </p> <p> Tennessee was never truly competitive during the match. The team started off slowly, finding themselves down 9-2 at the beginning of the game and further lagging with a score of 22-6 as the first half progressed. It wasn’t until over 16 minutes into play that they managed to reach double-digit points. At this juncture, the Volunteers were trailing significantly at 29-10, leaving Coach Barnes visibly frustrated, his hands stuffed deep in his jacket pockets out of disappointment. </p> <p> Tennessee's lackluster offense – coupled with Houston's disruptive defense – was so poor that even the NCAA staff needed magnifying glasses to find historical precedents during this tournament match. </p> <p> This marked the poorest opening period for a team seeded either No. 1 or No. 2 in NCAA history, with just 15 points scored being the lowest tally ever recorded for such seeds. Additionally, this placed among the two least productive halves for these high-seeded teams, surpassed solely by Kentucky’s showing of merely 11 points versus Georgetown during the latter part of their national semifinal match-up back in 1984. </p>

Houston Shocks SEC, Surges Past Vols into Final Four

INDIANAPOLIS — The prevailing narrative of the 2024-25 college basketball campaign has been the supremacy of the SEC. This year, the conf...

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Duke's Dominant Defense Propels Blue Devils to 18th Final Four with an Impressive 85-65 Victory Over Alabama

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BVvA7" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BVvA7.jpg"/> <p> NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Duke freshman Cooper Flagg swooped across the paint and swatted an Alabama player’s shot completely off the court. </p> <p> The ball landed in the stands. Flagg and the Blue Devils -- they’re headed to the Final Four. </p> <p> Duke's long, tall, NBA-ready standouts smothered the Crimson Tide's nation-leading offense and even papered over Flagg’s rough shooting night to lift the Blue Devils to the program's 18th Final Four with an 85-65 victory Saturday night in the NCAA Tournament's East Region final. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BVxDw" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BVxDw.jpg"/> <p> Flagg made only 6 of 16 shots, including a brick that got stuck in the flange of the rim, but still finished with 16 points. Kon Knueppel, another potential lottery pick, led the Blue Devils with 21 points, and Tyrese Proctor — who came to the postgame news conference with the freshly cut net hanging from his neck — finished with 17. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BVqMl" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BVqMl.jpg"/> <p> But the most important stat: Alabama's offense, one coming off a record-setting night from 3 in the Sweet 16, failed to crack 70 points for only the second time this season. </p> <p> The Crimson Tide's 35.4% shooting from the floor was their worst all season and their 25% from behind the arc (8 for 32) matched their fourth-worst showing of 2024-25. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BVvAk" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BVvAk.jpg"/> <p> To limit them to just 65 points is astounding," remarked Duke's coach Jon Scheyer. "We observed their performance the other evening; they racked up 113 points and hit 25 three-pointers. Our main focus was resisting the temptation to get too dispersed defensively. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BVqMn" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BVqMn.jpg"/> <p> Mark Sears, who fell just shy of a tournament record by scoring 10 three-pointers two nights prior, managed only one this time around. He scored just six points, which is his lowest tally since being scoreless during restricted playtime against LSU back in January. </p> <p> "They have height scattered throughout their roster; take a look at their starting five," remarked Alabama coach Nate Oats when asked about his team's difficulties. </p> <p> The number-one ranked Blue Devils (35-3) have now secured 15 consecutive victories. In the upcoming Final Four at San Antonio, they will face the team that wins the match between Houston and Tennessee scheduled for this Sunday. </p> <p> Their victory eliminated any possibility of a solely Southeastern Conference presence at the Final Four, but with No. 1 Florida winning Earlier, it maintained the possibility of all four top seeds competing at the sport’s premier event for just the second time. </p> <p> Khaman Maluach — known for his impressive 9-foot-8 standing reach — recorded 14 points, shooting an efficient 6-for-7 from the field. He also added two blocks and significantly impacted several additional shots by altering their trajectory against Alabama. </p> <p> Despite their star player having an off night, Duke still managed to shoot 53.6%. </p> <p> Flagg wasn't at all poor in this performance. He secured nine rebounds, provided three assists, and delivered an impressive block that sent Mouhammed Dioubate's shot soaring above the press row. </p> <p> However, in a match where both teams aimed at neutralizing their opponents' top players, Duke executed this strategy more efficiently. They switched defensive assignments on Sears, tightly controlling the area around the basket and preventing him from finding space to operate. </p> <p> Nearly 18 minutes into the game, the fifth-year senior finally scored their initial points with a 16-foot jumper from the free-throw line—an exact type of mid-range shot that Coach Oats' team of dunks and three-point shooters typically steers clear of. </p> <p> Sears' initial three points were scored with 16:19 remaining in the game. His final statistics showed he made 2 out of 12 field goals overall and 1 out of 5 from beyond the arc. Additionally, he contributed six assists during the match. </p> <p> “It was by committee,” Duke guard Sion James said. “We were switching a lot. We knew the biggest thing for him is showing him bodies, making sure whoever was guarding the ball is not on an island by himself.” </p> <p> Labaron Philon led the second-seeded Crimson Tide (28-9) with 16 points. Not a single Alabama player made more shots than he missed. </p> <p> Scheyer, leading the program to the Final Four for the first time since his predecessor Mike Krzyzewski’s last season in 2022, has up to six NBA prospects on his roster. </p> <p> “Loose, confident, competitive and not fazed by this environment,” Scheyer said of his group of freshmen, led by the 18-year-old Flagg, who are trying to bring the first title back to Cameron Indoor Stadium since 2015. </p> <h2> Final Four firsts </h2> <p> The sole other instance of a Final Four with all top-seeded teams occurred in 2008, featuring Kansas, Memphis, UCLA, and North Carolina. This event took place in San Antonio. </p> <h2> Another title for Tide wheelchair team </h2> <p> It wasn’t a totally lost night for Tide fans. Shortly before tipoff, the Alabama women’s wheelchair hoops team beat Texas-Arlington 67-52 for its fifth straight national championship. </p> <p> ___ </p> <p> AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness . Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . </p>

Duke's Dominant Defense Propels Blue Devils to 18th Final Four with an Impressive 85-65 Victory Over Alabama

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Duke freshman Cooper Flagg swooped across the paint and swatted an Alabama player’s shot completely off the court. ...

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