College basketball

Tennessee forward Jonas Aidoo dunks over Saint Peter's guard Armoni Zeigler during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Knecht, Aidoo help No. 2 seed Tennessee roll past 15-seed Saint Peter’s in March Madness

Dalton Knecht scored 23 points and Tennessee shot 64% in the first half to build a huge lead before beating Saint Peter’s 83-49 on Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Gonzaga guard Dusty Stromer (4) shoots as McNeese State forward Christian Shumate (24) defends during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament in Salt Lake City, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Ike’s perfect game leads hot-shooting Gonzaga to easy March Madness win over McNeese State

Michigan State guard Tyson Walker drives to the basket past Mississippi State forward D.J. Jeffries during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Tom Izzo wins 20th first round NCAA Tournament game as Michigan State tops Mississippi State 69-51

Oakland's Jack Gohlke (3) reacts after hitting a 3-point shot against Kentucky during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the men's NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Jack Gohlke makes 10 3s as Oakland delivers first true shock of March Madness, beating Kentucky

Iowa State's Keshon Gilbert dunks as South Dakota State's Zeke Mayo, bottom, watches during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/John Peterson)

No. 2 seed Iowa State uses big runs to start each half and bury South Dakota State, 82-65

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Ohio State and Virginia Tech play in NIT

The Ohio State Buckeyes and Virginia Tech Hokies meet in the National Invitation Tournament. The teams square off Saturday for the first time this season.

NC State Wolfpack and Oakland Golden Grizzlies square off in NCAA Tournament second round

The NC State Wolfpack and Oakland Golden Grizzlies square off in the NCAA Tournament second round. Saturday’s matchup is the first this season between the squads.

Kansas guard Nicolas Timberlake (25) brings the ball up-court between Samford forward Nathan Johnson, left, and guard Dallas Graziani (12) during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament in Salt Lake City, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Isaac Hale)

Jayhawks get friendly late whistle to advance in March Madness with 93-89 victory over Samford

Kansas got a kind whistle at the end and Nicolas Timberlake made both his free throws to help the Jayhawks hold off Samford for a 93-89 victory in the NCAA Tournament.

Washington State's Isaac Jones (13) is fouled on his way to the basket by Drake's Darnell Brodie (51) during the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Washington State survives maddening 2nd half to beat Drake 66-61 in March Madness

Isaac Jones had 20 points and 11 rebounds, Isaiah Watts’ first 3-pointer in three games gave Washington State the lead with 1:51 left and the seventh-seeded Cougars beat No. 10 Drake 66-61 in the NCAA Tournament.

North Carolina State's Ben Middlebrooks (34) shoots against Texas Tech's Darrion Williams (5) during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the men's NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Ben Middlebrooks scores career-high 21 points, N.C. State stays hot in 80-67 win over Texas Tech

Ben Middlebrooks scored a career-high 21 points and 11th-seeded North Carolina State surged past sixth-seeded Texas Tech 80-67 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky coach John Calipari, center, stands in front of the bench late in the second half of the team's basketball game against Oakland in the first round of the men's NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 21, 2024. Oakland won 80-76. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Another early exit for Kentucky, Calipari shows his program is far removed from its heyday

Kentucky and coach John Calipari didn’t get through the first round of the NCAA Tournament again. For the second time in three years, the Wildcats were bounced by a double-digit seed.

Arizona women over Auburn 69-59 in NCAA tourney First Four

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Freshman Jada Williams had 17 points, Helena Pueyo scored 14 of her 16 points in the second half and Arizona earned its fourth straight opening win in the NCAA Tournament over Auburn on Thursday night in the First Four.

McCormack sets career highs with 23 points, 7 3s as Holy Cross women rout UT Martin in First Four

Senior Cara McCormack set career highs with 23 points and seven 3-pointers, Bronagh Power-Cassidy added 15 points and Holy Cross secured its second NCAA Tournament win in program history, routing UT Martin 72-45 in the First Four.

Arizona women earn fourth straight opening win in the NCAA tourney, 69-59 over Auburn in First Four

Freshman Jada Williams had 17 points, Helena Pueyo scored 14 of her 16 points in the second half and Arizona earned its fourth straight opening win in the NCAA Tournament with a 69-59 victory over Auburn in the First Four.

Texas guard Tyrese Hunter (4) shoots against Colorado State guard Joe Palmer (20) during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in that NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

No. 7 Texas holds Colorado State to 11 points in first half, wins 56-44 to advance to Round 2

Max Abmas and Dylan Disu each scored 12 points, and No. 7 seed Texas held Colorado State to 11 points in the first half en route to a 56-44 victory in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

HOLD FOR STORY — Coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis conducts practice at Fairfield University, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. The 32-year-old, second-year head coach is leading her team to a 22-1 record on the cusp of their first AP Top 25 ranking. The Stags are currently on a 20-game winning streak. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb)

Fairfield, on a 29-game winning streak, gives coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis a contract extension

Fairfield University announced Thursday that women’s basketball coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis has signed a contract extension designed to keep her at the mid-major through the 2029-30 season.

New Mexico head coach Richard Pitino celebrates with the net after his team defeated San Diego State in an NCAA college basketball championship game at the Mountain West Conference tournament Saturday, March 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)

New Mexico Lobos eager to prove Mountain West’s strength during March Madness

Jamal Mashburn Jr. feels the New Mexico Lobos are peaking at the right time. They don’t care some believe they were seeded 11th.

Saint Mary's guards Aidan Mahaney (20) and Augustas Marciulionis (3) celebrate during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Gonzaga for the championship of the West Coast Conference men's tournament Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Saint Mary’s gets a March Madness cold shoulder playing in hometown of rival

Bryce Drew and Grand Canyon is receiving what might seem like an oddly warm reception in the Pacific Northwest.

UConn forward Aaliyah Edwards (3) smiles as she watches her teammates warm up before an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big East Conference tournament at Mohegan Sun Arena, Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

UConn star Aaliyah Edwards will enter the WNBA draft following the NCAA Tournament

UConn center Aaliyah Edwards says she will enter the WNBA draft, in which she is expected to be a first-round pick.

FILE - LSU forward Angel Reese (10) drives past Missouri forward Hayley Frank (43) during an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, in Baton Rouge, La. As March Madness is set to tip off, three of the most recognizable names in college basketball are in the women’s tournament: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers.(Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP, File)

Reese, defending champs LSU open NCAA play vs. Rice; Louisville aims to end MTSU’s winning streak

LSU star Angel Reese says the third-seeded Tigers’ prospects for repeating as national champions will hinge more on their mindset than their evident abundance of talent.

Grambling State guard Jourdan Smith claps during a stop in play in overtime of the team's First Four game against Montana State in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament Wednesday, March 20, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)

Unforgettable losses propel Grambling State and Purdue to Midwest matchup in March Madness

Grambling State star Jourdan Smith spent months losing sleep over the team’s inexplicable 2023 season finale.

Dayton forward DaRon Holmes II (15) celebrates his team's victory over Nevada after a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament in Salt Lake City, Thursday, March 21, 2024 (AP Photo/Isaac Hale)

DaRon Holmes II and Dayton rally from 17 points down to beat Nevada 63-60 in March Madness

DaRon Holmes II and seventh-seeded Dayton staged a huge March Madness rally, closing with a 24-4 run to erase a 17-point deficit and beat 10th-seeded Nevada 63-60 in the West Region.

Nebraska guard Keisei Tominaga practices for the team's first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

March Madness meet the ‘Japanese Steph Curry': Tominaga has chance to help Huskers end NCAA drought

Even his own Nebraska teammates look at Keisei Tominaga of Japan and think he just doesn’t look that athletic.

Coach Kyle Neptune of Villanova during the first half of a quarterfinal game against Marquette in the Big East Tournament on March 14, 2024. (Charles Fox/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

Villanova AD says embattled coach Kyle Neptune will return next season after two straight NITs

Kyle Neptune will return for a third season at Villanova. He succeeded Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright and followed with two straight seasons in the NIT.

FILE - Kansas State guard Serena Sundell (4) is chased by Texas guard Shay Holle (10) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game March 11, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Thirteenth-seeded Portland will take on Kansas State at the home of the No. 4 seed Wildcats in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament, with a match between No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 12 seed Drake following Friday night. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

Portland hopes purple-clad crowd will feel like home against Kansas State in women’s NCAA Tournament

Thirteenth-seeded Portland will take on Kansas State at the home of the No. 4 seed Wildcats in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament, with a match between No. 5 seed Colorado and No. 12 seed Drake following Friday night.

Ohio State guard Jacy Sheldon smiles after cutting off a piece of the net following Ohio State's win over Michigan in an NCAA college basketball game to claim the regular-season Big Ten title, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Ohio State seeking March Madness momentum in opener against Maine. Richmond gets rematch with Duke

Ohio State enters the women’s NCAA Tournament in familiar territory — literally and figuratively. The Buckeyes return to March Madness after an exhilarating run to the Elite Eight a year ago while managing a slew of injuries.

UConn center Donovan Clingan reacts during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game for the championship of the Big East men's tournament Saturday, March 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

March Madness: No. 1 UConn arrives in Brooklyn chasing back-to-back titles in stacked East Region

Donovan Clingan and defending champion UConn aren’t the only team in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament looking to make a repeat run.

Oregon's Jermaine Couisnard celebrates after hitting a three-point shot against South Carolina during the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Oregon’s Couisnard drops 40 points on old school in 87-73 March Madness win over South Carolina

Jermaine Couisnard scored a career-high 40 points to haunt South Carolina — his former school — while leading Oregon to a 87-73 win in the first round of the NCAA Tournament’s Midwest Region on Thursday.

Marquette head coach Shaka Smart reacts during the final minutes in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UConn in the championship of the Big East Conference tournament, Saturday, March 16, 2024, in New York. UConn won 73-57. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Marquette is a No. 2 seed again in March Madness, hopes to seize opportunity in South Region

Marquette is determined to do more with a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament than it did last year. The Golden Eagles squandered their high seed a year ago, losing in the second round to 10th-seeded Michigan State.

FILE - Stanford forward Cameron Brink (22) blocks a shot by Oregon State guard Dominika Paurova (3) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Pac-12 tournament Friday, March 8, 2024, in Las Vegas. Brink selected to The Associated Press All-America women’s NCAA college basketball first team, Wednesday, March 20, 2024. (AP Photo/David Becker, File)

Stanford back on the NCAA Tournament stage at home after last year’s heartbreaking second-round exit

Last season, Stanford was the top seed when it lost to eighth-seeded Ole Miss on its home floor, a defeat that still stings but also has served as motivation for months now.

FILE -Iowa guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates during Senior Day ceremonies following a victory over Ohio State in an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Caitlin Clark was honored Wednesday, March 20, for the third straight season as first-team Associated Press All-American, becoming the 11th player to earn that distinction three times. (AP Photo/Cliff Jette, File)

ESPN, ABC pick up Caitlin Clark’s story during the NCAA Tournament

Caitlin Clark will make plenty of appearances on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC for at least the next six months.

Texas head coach Vic Schaefer celebrates after cutting down the net after an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State for the Big 12 women's tournament championship Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Texas won 70-53. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Texas overcame loss of Harmon to earn No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament

An early season injury to the smallest Texas player blew a huge hole in the Longhorns lineup. So big it two took two players to fill.

Illinois forward Dain Dainja (42) celebrates after a dunk against Morehead State in the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2024, in Omaha, Neb. (AP Photo/John Peterson)

Domask gets triple-double as No. 3 seed Illinois beats Morehead State in NCAA tourney

Marcus Domask posted the NCAA Tournament’s first triple-double since 2019 and Terrence Shannon scored 26 points, helping No. 3 seed Illinois pull away from No. 14 Morehead State for an 85-69 first-round win.

Oregon State guard Talia von Oelhoffen (22) makes a no-look pass against Stanford during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Pac-12 women's tournament Friday, March 8, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

After a somewhat surprising run, the Oregon State women open March Madness with Eastern Washington

Oregon State went from being picked to finish 10th in the Pac-12 to a third seed and host in the NCAA Tournament.

Virginia Tech's Georgia Amoore (5) shoots during practice in Blacksburg, Va., Thursday, March 21, 2024. Virginia Tech plays a first-round women's NCAA Tournament game on Friday. (Matt Gentry/The Roanoke Times via AP)

Virginia Tech prepares to play NCAA Tournament without star Elizabeth Kitley

Virginia Tech spent much of the past week joyous at being selected to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive year.