The new Big East Conference gives other teams a chance.
UConn's Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis is back on track after being sidelined with an injury in November.
A diverse group of new coaches is leading Sacramento State to a fantastic 8-1 start.
Not too many games today, but the big games looks to have been Villanova vs. Marquette. Both teams are off to a hot start, but the Wildcats ground out a 63-61 win over the Golden Eagles.
Happy New Year!!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
USA Today poll
Gonzaga drops out of this week's USA Today top 25 poll, and undefeated Arkansas and San Diego receive numerous votes:
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Duke
4. Stanford
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. Iowa State
11. North Carolina
12. South Carolina
13. Oklahoma State
14. Colorado
15. Nebraska
16. LSU
17. Penn State
18. Georgia
19. Purdue
20. Florida State
21. California
22. Oklahoma
23. Iowa
24. Syracuse
25. Arizona State
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Duke
4. Stanford
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. Iowa State
11. North Carolina
12. South Carolina
13. Oklahoma State
14. Colorado
15. Nebraska
16. LSU
17. Penn State
18. Georgia
19. Purdue
20. Florida State
21. California
22. Oklahoma
23. Iowa
24. Syracuse
25. Arizona State
Monday, December 30, 2013
The daily grind
Tonight's upset:
#24 Arizona State took down #20 Syracuse, 63-60.
More results:
St. John's squeaked by Delaware on the road, 61-58.
Wisconsin needed an overtime and a buzzer-beater to best Green Bay, 65-61.
San Diego routed Loyola Marymount, 86-63. They are 13-0.
USC and UCLA opened Pac-12 play against each other. The Trojans hung on for the 56-54 win.
Full scoreboard.
The remaining undefeated Division I teams currently are:
Connecticut
Notre Dame
Iowa State
Indiana
San Diego
Arkansas
Oklahoma State
#24 Arizona State took down #20 Syracuse, 63-60.
More results:
St. John's squeaked by Delaware on the road, 61-58.
Wisconsin needed an overtime and a buzzer-beater to best Green Bay, 65-61.
San Diego routed Loyola Marymount, 86-63. They are 13-0.
USC and UCLA opened Pac-12 play against each other. The Trojans hung on for the 56-54 win.
Full scoreboard.
The remaining undefeated Division I teams currently are:
Connecticut
Notre Dame
Iowa State
Indiana
San Diego
Arkansas
Oklahoma State
Jersey retirements
WNBA:
Tennessee is retiring Sparks forward Candace Parker's jersey Thursday night.
The plan to retire Shock guard Skylar Diggins' high school jersey at a game over the weekend didn't go as planned.....there was a dust-up.
College news:
Danielle Mauldin of Saint Mary's is ESPN's player of the week.
Junior guard Camille Glymph is leaving Michigan State.
Missouri is turning up the pressure on opponents.
Tennessee is retiring Sparks forward Candace Parker's jersey Thursday night.
The plan to retire Shock guard Skylar Diggins' high school jersey at a game over the weekend didn't go as planned.....there was a dust-up.
College news:
Danielle Mauldin of Saint Mary's is ESPN's player of the week.
Junior guard Camille Glymph is leaving Michigan State.
Missouri is turning up the pressure on opponents.
This week's AP poll......
No break-ins in this week's AP poll, but undefeated Arkansas and San Diego are getting major votes:
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Duke
4. Stanford
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. North Carolina
11. Oklahoma State
12. Colorado
13. South Carolina
14. Iowa State
15. Penn State
16. LSU
17. Purdue
18. Nebraska
19. Georgia
20. Syracuse
21. Florida State
22. Iowa
23. California
24. Arizona State
25. Oklahoma
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Duke
4. Stanford
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. North Carolina
11. Oklahoma State
12. Colorado
13. South Carolina
14. Iowa State
15. Penn State
16. LSU
17. Purdue
18. Nebraska
19. Georgia
20. Syracuse
21. Florida State
22. Iowa
23. California
24. Arizona State
25. Oklahoma
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Tipping the tops
Oregon State lead most of the way, but #2 Notre Dame turned on the jets in the second half to pull out the 70-58 win. Irish coach Muffet McGraw gave credit where credit was due:
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw didn't think her unbeaten team had been tested until facing Oregon State on Sunday.
Kayla McBride scored 20 points, Natalie Achonwa added 16 points and nine rebounds, and the second-ranked Irish remained perfect with a 70-58 victory over the Beavers.
"It's a huge win for us," McGraw said. "It's great to be behind and have a close game at the end and see how we respond."
Other notable performances:
Indiana beat Xavier to go 13-0 - the best start in program history.
Oklahoma State crushed UTPA to move to 11-0.
#14 Iowa State cruised by William & Mary to go 11-0.
#1 Connecticut thrashed Cincinnati, 67-34. But the Bearcats, coached by former Husky Jamelle Elliot, held the winners to their lowest point total of the year.
#5 Tennessee routed Lipscomb, 110-42, for their largest margin of victory since 2005.
Wake Forest defeated Florida International, behind Chelsea Douglas' school record 48 points.
Jasmine Penny scored her 1,000th point as DePaul topped Bradley.
Full scoreboard.
Other stories:
Former Louisiana Tech All-American Venus Lacy will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame next year.
Team defenses are having to turn their eyes to Ohio State's Ameryst Alston.
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw didn't think her unbeaten team had been tested until facing Oregon State on Sunday.
Kayla McBride scored 20 points, Natalie Achonwa added 16 points and nine rebounds, and the second-ranked Irish remained perfect with a 70-58 victory over the Beavers.
"It's a huge win for us," McGraw said. "It's great to be behind and have a close game at the end and see how we respond."
Other notable performances:
Indiana beat Xavier to go 13-0 - the best start in program history.
Oklahoma State crushed UTPA to move to 11-0.
#14 Iowa State cruised by William & Mary to go 11-0.
#1 Connecticut thrashed Cincinnati, 67-34. But the Bearcats, coached by former Husky Jamelle Elliot, held the winners to their lowest point total of the year.
#5 Tennessee routed Lipscomb, 110-42, for their largest margin of victory since 2005.
Wake Forest defeated Florida International, behind Chelsea Douglas' school record 48 points.
Jasmine Penny scored her 1,000th point as DePaul topped Bradley.
Full scoreboard.
Other stories:
Former Louisiana Tech All-American Venus Lacy will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame next year.
Team defenses are having to turn their eyes to Ohio State's Ameryst Alston.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
One upset on first day back; milestones
First upset after the break:
Saint Mary's 79, #24 Gonzaga 78, in overtime.
Other games:
Florida rallied to grab one from Georgetown in overtime, 67-65.
San Diego and Arkansas each won, to remain unbeaten. #14 Iowa State put away Holy Cross to stay perfect, too.
Rutgers kicked off American Athletic Conference play with a win over USF; they're 10-2.
North Carolina State has won six in a row after taking down Kansas State, 77-60. They're now 12-1.
UCLA wrapped up pre-conference play by slipping past Cal Poly, 96-89.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
BYU center Jennifer Hamson has notched 1,000 career points. Kim Beeston looks to be next, with 982 so far this season.
Gardner-Webb's Catrina Green has also joined the 1,000-point club.
Lady Vol hoops report for today: Jannah Tucker will likely redshirt.
Oklahoma Sooners: being the hunted.
Saint Mary's 79, #24 Gonzaga 78, in overtime.
Other games:
Florida rallied to grab one from Georgetown in overtime, 67-65.
San Diego and Arkansas each won, to remain unbeaten. #14 Iowa State put away Holy Cross to stay perfect, too.
Rutgers kicked off American Athletic Conference play with a win over USF; they're 10-2.
North Carolina State has won six in a row after taking down Kansas State, 77-60. They're now 12-1.
UCLA wrapped up pre-conference play by slipping past Cal Poly, 96-89.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
BYU center Jennifer Hamson has notched 1,000 career points. Kim Beeston looks to be next, with 982 so far this season.
Gardner-Webb's Catrina Green has also joined the 1,000-point club.
Lady Vol hoops report for today: Jannah Tucker will likely redshirt.
Oklahoma Sooners: being the hunted.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Back in action tomorrow
Sixty-one games are on tap tomorrow as college season resumes, and schools wrap up pre-conference play.
College news:
Kianna Holland and Shayla Cooper are transferring to Ohio State from Duke and Georgetown, respectively.
Louisville's Jude Schimmel is bound and determined.
Delaware has moved on from the Elena Delle Donne era.
Missouri's starting five is in flux. Senior forward Bri Kulas took the circuitous route to Missouri.
North Carolina State hopes to continue their impressive season as they enter conference play.
Inside the paint: Tennessee hoops, episode seven.
Coach Lisa Stockton is blazing a trail of success in 20 years at Tulane.
Arizona will need feats of strength in Pac-12 play.
At Purdue, Whitney Bays toughed it out and Courtney Moses got a ring.
College news:
Kianna Holland and Shayla Cooper are transferring to Ohio State from Duke and Georgetown, respectively.
Louisville's Jude Schimmel is bound and determined.
Delaware has moved on from the Elena Delle Donne era.
Missouri's starting five is in flux. Senior forward Bri Kulas took the circuitous route to Missouri.
North Carolina State hopes to continue their impressive season as they enter conference play.
Inside the paint: Tennessee hoops, episode seven.
Coach Lisa Stockton is blazing a trail of success in 20 years at Tulane.
Arizona will need feats of strength in Pac-12 play.
At Purdue, Whitney Bays toughed it out and Courtney Moses got a ring.
Gonzaga remains number one in ESPN's mid-major poll
ESPN's top ten mid-majors:
1. Gonzaga
2. Saint Mary's
3. Bowling Green
4. Marist
5. Saint Joseph's
6. San Diego
7. BYU
8. Middle Tennessee
9. James Madison
10. Chattanooga
Gonazga and Saint Mary's face off tomorrow.
1. Gonzaga
2. Saint Mary's
3. Bowling Green
4. Marist
5. Saint Joseph's
6. San Diego
7. BYU
8. Middle Tennessee
9. James Madison
10. Chattanooga
Gonazga and Saint Mary's face off tomorrow.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Jannah Tucker will join Lady Vols after Christmas break
Prized recruit Jannah Tucker, who enrolled at Tennessee two months ago after breaking free from a domestic violence situation, will join the team when it convenes tomorrow. Coach Holly Warlick is pleased to see the roster now stand at 11.
Honors:
Texas A&M coach Gary Blair has been named to the state of Arkansas sports hall of fame.
Seattle Storm all-star Tina Thompson and Seattle University coach Joan Bonvicini have been nominated for female sports star of the year by the Seattle Sports Commission.
Coaching news:
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder has signed a contract extension that runs through 2019.
Former UConn stars Ashley Battle and Jill Brumbaugh are finding success as high school coaches in the Pittsburgh area.
Business:
SIG Sports has signed Ticha Penicheiro as one of their sports agents.
Honors:
Texas A&M coach Gary Blair has been named to the state of Arkansas sports hall of fame.
Seattle Storm all-star Tina Thompson and Seattle University coach Joan Bonvicini have been nominated for female sports star of the year by the Seattle Sports Commission.
Coaching news:
Iowa coach Lisa Bluder has signed a contract extension that runs through 2019.
Former UConn stars Ashley Battle and Jill Brumbaugh are finding success as high school coaches in the Pittsburgh area.
Business:
SIG Sports has signed Ticha Penicheiro as one of their sports agents.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
ESPN high school top 25 for the week
Power rankings for this week:
1. Mater Dei
2. Incarnate Word Academy
3. Blackman
4. Duncanville
5. Long Beach Polytechnic
6. Regis Jesuit
7. New Hope Christian Academy
8. Lawrence North
9. Homewood-Flossmoor
10. Nazareth
11. St. Mary's
12. Riverdale Baptist
13. Paul VI
14. Windward
15. Saint Mary's College
16. Riverdale
17. Bedford North Lawrence
18. Myers Park
19. Joliet Catholic Academy
20. Manvel
21. M.X. Shabazz
22. Rock Bridge
23. Southwest Dekalb
24. Elizabethtown
25. Rogers
1. Mater Dei
2. Incarnate Word Academy
3. Blackman
4. Duncanville
5. Long Beach Polytechnic
6. Regis Jesuit
7. New Hope Christian Academy
8. Lawrence North
9. Homewood-Flossmoor
10. Nazareth
11. St. Mary's
12. Riverdale Baptist
13. Paul VI
14. Windward
15. Saint Mary's College
16. Riverdale
17. Bedford North Lawrence
18. Myers Park
19. Joliet Catholic Academy
20. Manvel
21. M.X. Shabazz
22. Rock Bridge
23. Southwest Dekalb
24. Elizabethtown
25. Rogers
Play stoppage fodder
Team stuff:
SEC: the best conference race ever looms ahead.
Finding competition is a chore for UConn.
A DePaul "Toy Story."
North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell still hopes to coach this year.
Player stuff:
Cal's Brittany Boyd made 2013 full of memorable moments.
UConn's Stefanie Dolson has morphed into a fashionista.
Iowa State's Jadda Buckley blogs.
Stanford's Chiney Ogwumike blogs.
Cal's Mikayla Lyles blogs.
Duke's Becca Greenwell blogs.
Freshman Feyonda Fitzgerald might be the new face of the Temple program.
SEC: the best conference race ever looms ahead.
Finding competition is a chore for UConn.
A DePaul "Toy Story."
North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell still hopes to coach this year.
Player stuff:
Cal's Brittany Boyd made 2013 full of memorable moments.
UConn's Stefanie Dolson has morphed into a fashionista.
Iowa State's Jadda Buckley blogs.
Stanford's Chiney Ogwumike blogs.
Cal's Mikayla Lyles blogs.
Duke's Becca Greenwell blogs.
Freshman Feyonda Fitzgerald might be the new face of the Temple program.
USA Today top 25 poll for the week
Some shifting in this week's USA Today poll, as Syracuse enters and Texas A&M drops:
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Notre Dame
4. Stanford
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. Iowa State
11. North Carolina
12. South Carolina
13. Oklahoma State
14. Colorado
15. Nebraska
16. LSU
17. Penn State
18. Georgia
19. Purdue
20. Florida State
21. Gonzaga
22. California
23. Syracuse
24. Oklahoma
25. Iowa
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Notre Dame
4. Stanford
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. Iowa State
11. North Carolina
12. South Carolina
13. Oklahoma State
14. Colorado
15. Nebraska
16. LSU
17. Penn State
18. Georgia
19. Purdue
20. Florida State
21. Gonzaga
22. California
23. Syracuse
24. Oklahoma
25. Iowa
Monday, December 23, 2013
Heading into the "no game" zone
Chiney Ogwumike is ESPN's player of the week.
The much-loved Notre Dame-UConn rivalry will resume next season.
Hitting a wall, Irish freshman Taya Reimer hits back.
UConn's Breanna Stewart is seemingly unstoppable.
Kentucky's Janee Thompson is trying to fill in her team's leadership gaps.
Fired Oakland University coach Beckie Francis denies player allegations of abuse.
Today's scoreboard.
The much-loved Notre Dame-UConn rivalry will resume next season.
Hitting a wall, Irish freshman Taya Reimer hits back.
UConn's Breanna Stewart is seemingly unstoppable.
Kentucky's Janee Thompson is trying to fill in her team's leadership gaps.
Fired Oakland University coach Beckie Francis denies player allegations of abuse.
Today's scoreboard.
AP poll: UConn still number one, but others shift
This week's AP poll sees some shake up:
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Duke
4. Stanford
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. North Carolina
11. Oklahoma State
12. Colorado
13. South Carolina
14. Iowa State
15. Penn State
16. LSU
17. Purdue
18. Nebraska
19. Georgia
20. Syracuse
21. Iowa State
22. Florida
23. California
24. Gonzaga
25. Arizona State
1. Connecticut
2. Notre Dame
3. Duke
4. Stanford
5. Tennessee
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. North Carolina
11. Oklahoma State
12. Colorado
13. South Carolina
14. Iowa State
15. Penn State
16. LSU
17. Purdue
18. Nebraska
19. Georgia
20. Syracuse
21. Iowa State
22. Florida
23. California
24. Gonzaga
25. Arizona State
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Another one bites the dust
The big showdown today saw #2 Duke beat #5 Kentucky, 69-61. It was the first loss of the season for the Wildcats.
With all the take downs of the undefeated teams this past week, there are only seven left without a loss:
Connecticut
Notre Dame
San Diego
Iowa State
Oklahoma State
Indiana
Arkansas
Other game results:
#1 Connecticut, #4 Notre Dame, #10 South Carolina and #17 Penn State blew 'em out.
St. John's pulled one out over Texas A&M, 72-70.
Missouri's win today puts them at 11-2, while Minnesota's tournament victory has them at 10-3.
Full scoreboard.
Tomorrow there are only three games, and then none til Saturday. Sadness.
With all the take downs of the undefeated teams this past week, there are only seven left without a loss:
Connecticut
Notre Dame
San Diego
Iowa State
Oklahoma State
Indiana
Arkansas
Other game results:
#1 Connecticut, #4 Notre Dame, #10 South Carolina and #17 Penn State blew 'em out.
St. John's pulled one out over Texas A&M, 72-70.
Missouri's win today puts them at 11-2, while Minnesota's tournament victory has them at 10-3.
Full scoreboard.
Tomorrow there are only three games, and then none til Saturday. Sadness.
Mater Dei are Nike TOC champs
It was a Southern California final at the Nike TOC, as Mater Dei topped Long Beach Poly in the title game, 47-38:
Mater Dei from Santa Ana (Calif.) defeated Long Beach Poly 47-38 to take home the title out of the Joe Smith Division in the Nike Tournament of Champions at Chandler Hamilton High on Saturday night.
Mater Dei’s strong shooting proved to be too much as Poly struggled to get any rhythm offensively missing their first six field goal attempts as Mater Dei seemed to score with ease.
Mater Dei from Santa Ana (Calif.) defeated Long Beach Poly 47-38 to take home the title out of the Joe Smith Division in the Nike Tournament of Champions at Chandler Hamilton High on Saturday night.
Mater Dei’s strong shooting proved to be too much as Poly struggled to get any rhythm offensively missing their first six field goal attempts as Mater Dei seemed to score with ease.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
First losses and upsets
What a day:
#6 Stanford upset #3 Tennessee, 76-70, giving the Vols their first loss of the season.
#7 Louisville gave #11 Colorado their first defeat, 69-62.
Rutgers knocked off previously-unbeaten #16 Georgia, 61-68.
Marist took down #20 Oklahoma, 76-69.
Other games:
#23 Syracuse escaped Saint Joseph's, 64-62.
#13 Oklahoma State outlasted Georgia Tech, to remain unbeaten, while #25 Gonzaga got by Washington State thanks to a big game by Haiden Palmer.
Hotter than July:
Indiana's rout of Cleveland State brings them to 12-0, matching the best start in program history.
8-1 Eastern Michigan continues its hot start with a 69-56 victory over Wagner.
West Virginia beat Duquesne, 88-80. They're 10-1.
UTEP recovered from their first loss the other night to best Belmont, 88-74. Kayla Thornton lead the Miners with 36 points.
#22 Iowa is 11-2.
Oregon State clobbered Clemson, 74-41. The Beavers are 8-3.
Full 101-game scoreboard.
More news:
University of Houston coach Todd Buchanan abruptly resigned today for personal reasons.
San Diego starting forward Katelyn McDaniel has torn her ACL and is out for the season.
Former Baylor guard Breanna Hayden has transferred to Alabama.
Rebecca Lobo catches up with Chiney Ogwumike.
Iowa junior Samantha Logic has taken her toughness to another level.
Duke at Kentucky:
Kentucky has sold out Rupp Arena for their game against Duke tomorrow.
Kentucky's DeNesha Stallworth is not her smiling self as she sits out with an injury.
The Wildcats now have an offense to match their defense.
Nike TOC:
It's feeling pretty Cali at Nike TOC.
#6 Stanford upset #3 Tennessee, 76-70, giving the Vols their first loss of the season.
#7 Louisville gave #11 Colorado their first defeat, 69-62.
Rutgers knocked off previously-unbeaten #16 Georgia, 61-68.
Marist took down #20 Oklahoma, 76-69.
Other games:
#23 Syracuse escaped Saint Joseph's, 64-62.
#13 Oklahoma State outlasted Georgia Tech, to remain unbeaten, while #25 Gonzaga got by Washington State thanks to a big game by Haiden Palmer.
Hotter than July:
Indiana's rout of Cleveland State brings them to 12-0, matching the best start in program history.
8-1 Eastern Michigan continues its hot start with a 69-56 victory over Wagner.
West Virginia beat Duquesne, 88-80. They're 10-1.
UTEP recovered from their first loss the other night to best Belmont, 88-74. Kayla Thornton lead the Miners with 36 points.
#22 Iowa is 11-2.
Oregon State clobbered Clemson, 74-41. The Beavers are 8-3.
Full 101-game scoreboard.
More news:
University of Houston coach Todd Buchanan abruptly resigned today for personal reasons.
San Diego starting forward Katelyn McDaniel has torn her ACL and is out for the season.
Former Baylor guard Breanna Hayden has transferred to Alabama.
Rebecca Lobo catches up with Chiney Ogwumike.
Iowa junior Samantha Logic has taken her toughness to another level.
Duke at Kentucky:
Kentucky has sold out Rupp Arena for their game against Duke tomorrow.
Kentucky's DeNesha Stallworth is not her smiling self as she sits out with an injury.
The Wildcats now have an offense to match their defense.
Nike TOC:
It's feeling pretty Cali at Nike TOC.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Upendings
North Carolina State upset #12 LSU, 89-79.
Georgia Tech smashed UTEP, 102-77. This was the first loss of the season for the Miners, and the Yellow Jackets' second straight game scoring 100 or more.
UCLA rallied to beat Minnesota, 58-55.
Almost upended:
#10 South Carolina held off Winthrop, 69-61.
Other games:
San Diego routed UC Irvine, 79-55, to go 11-0.
Tulane outlasted Virginia in overtime, 79-72.
Alabama prevailed in overtime against Troy, 113-105.
Oregon State bettered UNLV, 68-60.
Several games still in progress. Full scoreboard.
More news:
Maryland freshman A'Lexus Harrison will redshirt this season, to be better prepared for next year.
Tennesee: inside the paint, episode six.
UConn sophomore Moriah Jefferson is emerging as a point guard.
WNBA:
Chicago Sky forward Swin Cash has been in India for a promotional tour. Check out this dynamite interview.
Georgia Tech smashed UTEP, 102-77. This was the first loss of the season for the Miners, and the Yellow Jackets' second straight game scoring 100 or more.
UCLA rallied to beat Minnesota, 58-55.
Almost upended:
#10 South Carolina held off Winthrop, 69-61.
Other games:
San Diego routed UC Irvine, 79-55, to go 11-0.
Tulane outlasted Virginia in overtime, 79-72.
Alabama prevailed in overtime against Troy, 113-105.
Oregon State bettered UNLV, 68-60.
Several games still in progress. Full scoreboard.
More news:
Maryland freshman A'Lexus Harrison will redshirt this season, to be better prepared for next year.
Tennesee: inside the paint, episode six.
UConn sophomore Moriah Jefferson is emerging as a point guard.
WNBA:
Chicago Sky forward Swin Cash has been in India for a promotional tour. Check out this dynamite interview.
Game previews, Nike TOC day one
ESPN previews Tennessee at Stanford.
Oklahoma-Marist preview: coaches Sherri Coale and Brian Giorgis have plenty in common.
Nike TOC:
Day one recap.
Slideshow.
Other stuff:
Maggie Lucas blogs: Penn State freshmen bring energy.
Oklahoma-Marist preview: coaches Sherri Coale and Brian Giorgis have plenty in common.
Nike TOC:
Day one recap.
Slideshow.
Other stuff:
Maggie Lucas blogs: Penn State freshmen bring energy.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Underrated, undefeated, TOC game times
Underrated:
USC senior forward Cassie Harberts. In tonight's loss to Saint Mary's, Harberts had another double-double, and put herself in the Trojan record books:
Cassie Harberts' 19th career double-double saw the senior climb up in the record books as she cracked the top-10 in rebounding at Troy and moved up to No. 14 all-time in career scoring. She also knocked down a set of free throws that pulled her even with Trojan great Lisa Leslie at No. 4 on USC's all-time free-throws made list.
Today's results:
Missouri State chalked up a big win against in-state rival Missouri, 67-53. The Bears' home crowd was reported to be really loud.
#13 Oklahoma State held off Michigan State, 63-57.
DePaul started out the Duel in the Desert tournament in Las Vegas with a 77-63 win over Pitt.
Also in the desert is the University of Washington, who got by Louisiana-Monroe 81-77. Jazmine Davis lead the Huskies with 30 points.
Host UNLV halted Clemson's winning streak by upending them, 63-54.
Creighton bested Oregon State in the desert, 70-62.
Seattle University squeaked by Loyola Marymount, 72-70.
In CSUN's victory over Northern Arizona, Camille Mahlknecht set the school blocks record.
The scoreboard.
Saturday:
The storied rivalry of Tennessee and Stanford takes the stage.
Sunday:
Kentucky-Duke will sell out.
Other news:
Nebraska's Jordan Hooper is taking charge in her own way.
Jasmine Hines is glad to be back playing for Michigan State.
UTEP point guard Kelli Willingham is set to return to the court.
Schools:
The University of Cincinnati ranks first in the hiring of female coaches.
The undefeateds:
Good scheduling, or for real?
Nike TOC:
Saturday games will all move up one hour from originally scheduled.
USC senior forward Cassie Harberts. In tonight's loss to Saint Mary's, Harberts had another double-double, and put herself in the Trojan record books:
Cassie Harberts' 19th career double-double saw the senior climb up in the record books as she cracked the top-10 in rebounding at Troy and moved up to No. 14 all-time in career scoring. She also knocked down a set of free throws that pulled her even with Trojan great Lisa Leslie at No. 4 on USC's all-time free-throws made list.
Today's results:
Missouri State chalked up a big win against in-state rival Missouri, 67-53. The Bears' home crowd was reported to be really loud.
#13 Oklahoma State held off Michigan State, 63-57.
DePaul started out the Duel in the Desert tournament in Las Vegas with a 77-63 win over Pitt.
Also in the desert is the University of Washington, who got by Louisiana-Monroe 81-77. Jazmine Davis lead the Huskies with 30 points.
Host UNLV halted Clemson's winning streak by upending them, 63-54.
Creighton bested Oregon State in the desert, 70-62.
Seattle University squeaked by Loyola Marymount, 72-70.
In CSUN's victory over Northern Arizona, Camille Mahlknecht set the school blocks record.
The scoreboard.
Saturday:
The storied rivalry of Tennessee and Stanford takes the stage.
Sunday:
Kentucky-Duke will sell out.
Other news:
Nebraska's Jordan Hooper is taking charge in her own way.
Jasmine Hines is glad to be back playing for Michigan State.
UTEP point guard Kelli Willingham is set to return to the court.
Schools:
The University of Cincinnati ranks first in the hiring of female coaches.
The undefeateds:
Good scheduling, or for real?
Nike TOC:
Saturday games will all move up one hour from originally scheduled.
Some good news
Each one of these items is a day-brightener:
Nicole Powell has settled into her assistant coaching role at Gonzaga.
Penn State's Maggie Lucas has a phenomenal jumper.
Boston University senior Rashidat Agboola recently participated in a Black Leadership Summit, hosted by Teach for America.
Former Lady Vol Brianna Bass is Indiana's new assistant video coordinator.
Rodney Williams regularly travels back to Florida to cheer on daughter Ronni.
Nicole Powell has settled into her assistant coaching role at Gonzaga.
Penn State's Maggie Lucas has a phenomenal jumper.
Boston University senior Rashidat Agboola recently participated in a Black Leadership Summit, hosted by Teach for America.
Former Lady Vol Brianna Bass is Indiana's new assistant video coordinator.
Rodney Williams regularly travels back to Florida to cheer on daughter Ronni.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Twelve left on "perfect" list
Tonight's results:
#14 North Carolina upset #10 South Carolina, 74-66, and gave the Gamecocks their first season loss.
#18 Purdue escaped Green Bay, 49-45, and #9 Baylor held off Ole Miss, 87-80.
Full scoreboard.
Twelve undefeated teams are left in Division I, in no particular order:
Connecticut
Tennessee
Notre Dame
San Diego
Iowa State
Colorado
Texas-El Paso
Kentucky
Georgia
Indiana
Arkansas
Oklahoma State
Other news:
Penn and Drexl's annual matchup is called "the battle for 33rd Street." It is set for Saturday.
Lexy Kresl and Brittany Wilson are filling the void at point guard for Colorado.
#14 North Carolina upset #10 South Carolina, 74-66, and gave the Gamecocks their first season loss.
#18 Purdue escaped Green Bay, 49-45, and #9 Baylor held off Ole Miss, 87-80.
Full scoreboard.
Twelve undefeated teams are left in Division I, in no particular order:
Connecticut
Tennessee
Notre Dame
San Diego
Iowa State
Colorado
Texas-El Paso
Kentucky
Georgia
Indiana
Arkansas
Oklahoma State
Other news:
Penn and Drexl's annual matchup is called "the battle for 33rd Street." It is set for Saturday.
Lexy Kresl and Brittany Wilson are filling the void at point guard for Colorado.
Nike Tournament of Champions starts tomorrow
Look at all the teams that will be in the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix, Ariz., which begins tomorrow:
Mater Dei
Bradshaw Christian
Desert Vista
Dobson
Grandview
Hamilton
Homewood-Flossmoor
Horizon Christian Academy
Liberty
Marcos de Niza
Marlborough
Miramonte
Mountain Pointe
Perry
Poston Butte
Riverdale Baptist
Rock Canyon
St. Mary's College
Vanden
Williams Field
Amador Valley
Animo South Los Angeles
Archbishop Wood
Basha
Bellarmine Prep
Bishop Gorman
Bishop O'Dowd
BouIder Creek
Brea Olinda
Brighton
Canyon Springs
Carondelet
Castle View
Centennial
Chaminade College Prep
Chandler
Chaparral
Cherry Creek
Christ the King
Cleveland
Dillard
E.S. Saint Laurent
Etiwanda
Fairfax
Green Valley
Highlands Ranch
Horizon
Huntington Beach
Indio
Lake Oswego
Lynwood
Marin Catholic
Mater Dei Catholic
Mesquite
Narbonne
Nazareth Regional
Oregon City
Piedmont
Poly
Pueblo County
Pueblo West
Red Mountain
Regis Jesuit
Sacramento
Salesian
South Mountain
Southwest Dekalb
St. Anthony
St. Anthony's High School, NY
St. Francis
St. Mary's Catholic
Stockton St. Mary's
The Kinkaid School
The Shipley School
ThunderRidge
Tolleson
Valley Vista
Viewmont
Warren
West Campus
Westview
Wilson
Windward
Download the schedule from this page.
Seventh-ranked Riverdale Baptist will be there.
Mater Dei
Bradshaw Christian
Desert Vista
Dobson
Grandview
Hamilton
Homewood-Flossmoor
Horizon Christian Academy
Liberty
Marcos de Niza
Marlborough
Miramonte
Mountain Pointe
Perry
Poston Butte
Riverdale Baptist
Rock Canyon
St. Mary's College
Vanden
Williams Field
Amador Valley
Animo South Los Angeles
Archbishop Wood
Basha
Bellarmine Prep
Bishop Gorman
Bishop O'Dowd
BouIder Creek
Brea Olinda
Brighton
Canyon Springs
Carondelet
Castle View
Centennial
Chaminade College Prep
Chandler
Chaparral
Cherry Creek
Christ the King
Cleveland
Dillard
E.S. Saint Laurent
Etiwanda
Fairfax
Green Valley
Highlands Ranch
Horizon
Huntington Beach
Indio
Lake Oswego
Lynwood
Marin Catholic
Mater Dei Catholic
Mesquite
Narbonne
Nazareth Regional
Oregon City
Piedmont
Poly
Pueblo County
Pueblo West
Red Mountain
Regis Jesuit
Sacramento
Salesian
South Mountain
Southwest Dekalb
St. Anthony
St. Anthony's High School, NY
St. Francis
St. Mary's Catholic
Stockton St. Mary's
The Kinkaid School
The Shipley School
ThunderRidge
Tolleson
Valley Vista
Viewmont
Warren
West Campus
Westview
Wilson
Windward
Download the schedule from this page.
Seventh-ranked Riverdale Baptist will be there.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
ESPN high school top 25 rankings
This week's rankings:
1. Mater Dei
2. Incarnate Word Academy
3. Blackman
4. Duncanville
5. Homewood-Flossmoor
6. Long Beach Polytechnic
7. Riverdale Baptist
8. New Hope Christian Academy
9. Windward
10. Regis Jesuit
11. Paul VI
12. Lawrence North
13. Riverdale
14. Myers Park
15. Joliet Catholic Academy
16. Manvel
17. Bedford North Lawrence
18. Christ the King
19. M.X. Shabazz
20. Rogers
21. Etiwanda
22. Rock Bridge
23. Southwest Dekalb
24. Marian Catholic
25. Elizabethtown
1. Mater Dei
2. Incarnate Word Academy
3. Blackman
4. Duncanville
5. Homewood-Flossmoor
6. Long Beach Polytechnic
7. Riverdale Baptist
8. New Hope Christian Academy
9. Windward
10. Regis Jesuit
11. Paul VI
12. Lawrence North
13. Riverdale
14. Myers Park
15. Joliet Catholic Academy
16. Manvel
17. Bedford North Lawrence
18. Christ the King
19. M.X. Shabazz
20. Rogers
21. Etiwanda
22. Rock Bridge
23. Southwest Dekalb
24. Marian Catholic
25. Elizabethtown
No surprises today - just business as usual
#1 UConn dominated #2 Duke. Again.
Rebecca Lobo and Kara Lawson analyze.
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis returned to form in her first game back from injury.
Highlights.
#3 Tennessee buried Tennessee State, 94-43. The Vols are 10-0.
#7 Louisville put the whoop on Ball State, 105-47.
Full scoreboard.
Coach news:
North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell is doing very well as she continues treatment for leukemia.
Player news:
Oregon multi-sport athlete Liz Brenner is done with volleyball and joins basketball.
Stephanie Wittman and Chelsea Small are eligible to play again for Indiana State.
American University's Alexis Dobbs crossed the 1,000-point mark last night.
Team news:
Injury-plagued Michigan State is welcoming key players back into the lineup.
Ohio State is trying to get out of its slump.
UConn players discuss what it's like to play for coach Geno Auriemma.
WNBA:
Connecticut Sun forward Asjha Jones ruptured her Achilles tendon overseas and will miss next year's WNBA season.
Karleen Thompson has been named assistant coach for the Atlanta Dream.
Rebecca Lobo and Kara Lawson analyze.
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis returned to form in her first game back from injury.
Highlights.
#3 Tennessee buried Tennessee State, 94-43. The Vols are 10-0.
#7 Louisville put the whoop on Ball State, 105-47.
Full scoreboard.
Coach news:
North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell is doing very well as she continues treatment for leukemia.
Player news:
Oregon multi-sport athlete Liz Brenner is done with volleyball and joins basketball.
Stephanie Wittman and Chelsea Small are eligible to play again for Indiana State.
American University's Alexis Dobbs crossed the 1,000-point mark last night.
Team news:
Injury-plagued Michigan State is welcoming key players back into the lineup.
Ohio State is trying to get out of its slump.
UConn players discuss what it's like to play for coach Geno Auriemma.
WNBA:
Connecticut Sun forward Asjha Jones ruptured her Achilles tendon overseas and will miss next year's WNBA season.
Karleen Thompson has been named assistant coach for the Atlanta Dream.
USA Today top 25
This week's poll sees some ups and downs:
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Notre Dame
5. Stanford
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Iowa State
12. LSU
13. North Carolina
14. Colorado
15. Georgia
16. Oklahoma State
17. Nebraska
18. Penn State
19. Oklahoma
20. California
21. Purdue
22. Gonzaga
23. Florida State
24. Texas A&M
25. Iowa
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Notre Dame
5. Stanford
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Iowa State
12. LSU
13. North Carolina
14. Colorado
15. Georgia
16. Oklahoma State
17. Nebraska
18. Penn State
19. Oklahoma
20. California
21. Purdue
22. Gonzaga
23. Florida State
24. Texas A&M
25. Iowa
Monday, December 16, 2013
That Chiney Ogwumike is pretty good
Chiney Ogwumike lead #6 Stanford over New Mexico, 75-41. In the process, the senior forward notched 2,000 career points and 1,000 rebounds - the fifth Cardinal to do it. Ogwumike had 23 of her points by 9:52 in the first half......her points alone lead the Lobos for most of the game.
Well, then.
In other games:
More whipping season, as #14 North Carolina broke its own scoring record in a 124-41 drubbing of New Orleans.
#23 Syracuse squeezed by Temple, 82-76.
#24 Florida State made good on its entry into this week's AP poll by pounding North Florida, 61-42.
#25 Gonzaga routed UC Riverside, 87-43.
Full scoreboard.
Well, then.
In other games:
More whipping season, as #14 North Carolina broke its own scoring record in a 124-41 drubbing of New Orleans.
#23 Syracuse squeezed by Temple, 82-76.
#24 Florida State made good on its entry into this week's AP poll by pounding North Florida, 61-42.
#25 Gonzaga routed UC Riverside, 87-43.
Full scoreboard.
Pre-UConn-Duke
Game news:
Tomorrow is the much anticipated match up between #1 UConn and #2 Duke. Can the Blue Devils really compete with the Huskies?
X factors to keep an eye on.
UConn senior Bria Hartley and Duke senior Chelsea Gray go way back.
Player news:
Utah's Michelle Plouffe is ESPN's player of the week.
Kentucky's Makayla Epps was in a frightening auto accident Saturday night, but shook it off to play yesterday.
Sophomore Ashley Perez is leaving St. John's.
Team news:
Coach Vivian Stringer sees development in her Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Lady Vols hoops report for today.
Purdue's 12 days of Christmas.
Coach news:
Sheryl Swoopes has embraced her new role as coach at Loyola Chicago.
WNBA:
Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot helps a Hungarian team play after a fatal accident.
Indiana Fever social round up.
Tomorrow is the much anticipated match up between #1 UConn and #2 Duke. Can the Blue Devils really compete with the Huskies?
X factors to keep an eye on.
UConn senior Bria Hartley and Duke senior Chelsea Gray go way back.
Player news:
Utah's Michelle Plouffe is ESPN's player of the week.
Kentucky's Makayla Epps was in a frightening auto accident Saturday night, but shook it off to play yesterday.
Sophomore Ashley Perez is leaving St. John's.
Team news:
Coach Vivian Stringer sees development in her Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Lady Vols hoops report for today.
Purdue's 12 days of Christmas.
Coach news:
Sheryl Swoopes has embraced her new role as coach at Loyola Chicago.
WNBA:
Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot helps a Hungarian team play after a fatal accident.
Indiana Fever social round up.
AP poll
AP top 25 poll for the week:
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Notre Dame
5. Kentucky
6. Stanford
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Colorado
12. LSU
13. Oklahoma State
14. North Carolina
15. Iowa State
16. Georgia
17. Penn State
18. Purdue
19. Nebraska
20. Oklahoma
21. California
22. Iowa
23. Syracuse
24. Florida State
25. Gonzaga
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Notre Dame
5. Kentucky
6. Stanford
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Colorado
12. LSU
13. Oklahoma State
14. North Carolina
15. Iowa State
16. Georgia
17. Penn State
18. Purdue
19. Nebraska
20. Oklahoma
21. California
22. Iowa
23. Syracuse
24. Florida State
25. Gonzaga
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Mosqueda-Lewis, Tuck probable to return for Duke game Tuesday
UConn's Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Morgan Tuck are likely to return from injury in time for the big showdown with Duke Tuesday.
They're excited.
Today's scores......
Still rolling undefeated:
Indiana outlasted IUPUI, 51-45. They're 11-0 and off to their best season in 21 years.
UTEP routed Southeastern Louisiana, 87-65. They're 9-0.
Notable results:
Virginia Tech is off to an 8-2 start after squeaking by USC Upstate, 65-61.
Fordham is also 8-2 after thrashing Illinois State, 57-32.
Vanderbilt pulled away from Hartford, 65-56. They're 8-2.
Fordham is also 8-2 after thrashing Illinois State, 57-32.
Princeton pulled one out over Delaware in overtime, 84-80. It's only the second loss of the season for the Blue Hens.
Pitt beat ODU, 63-49. Junior Brianna Kiesel crossed the 1,000-point mark in the process.
Arizona grabbed their second win of the season by downing Texas Tech, 65-56.
Michigan State stopped a losing streak by defeating Oakland, 80-62.
Whipping season scores:
(I call pre-conference play "whipping season" because so many ranked teams beat up on squads from smaller schools)
#9 Baylor 100, Houston Baptist 57.
#16 Georgia 91, Kennesaw State 32.
#20 Oklahoma 105, Maryland-Eastern Shore 46.
Stayin' alive:
#13 LSU 58, Arkansas-Little Rock 51.
Purdue 71, Kansas 68.
Full scoreboard.
Other news:
Ohio State is mindful of in-state implications.
Megan Lukan is becoming a leader for Wisconsin-Green Bay.
West Virginia is hitting on all cylinders.
They're excited.
Today's scores......
Still rolling undefeated:
Indiana outlasted IUPUI, 51-45. They're 11-0 and off to their best season in 21 years.
UTEP routed Southeastern Louisiana, 87-65. They're 9-0.
Notable results:
Virginia Tech is off to an 8-2 start after squeaking by USC Upstate, 65-61.
Fordham is also 8-2 after thrashing Illinois State, 57-32.
Vanderbilt pulled away from Hartford, 65-56. They're 8-2.
Fordham is also 8-2 after thrashing Illinois State, 57-32.
Princeton pulled one out over Delaware in overtime, 84-80. It's only the second loss of the season for the Blue Hens.
Pitt beat ODU, 63-49. Junior Brianna Kiesel crossed the 1,000-point mark in the process.
Arizona grabbed their second win of the season by downing Texas Tech, 65-56.
Michigan State stopped a losing streak by defeating Oakland, 80-62.
Whipping season scores:
(I call pre-conference play "whipping season" because so many ranked teams beat up on squads from smaller schools)
#9 Baylor 100, Houston Baptist 57.
#16 Georgia 91, Kennesaw State 32.
#20 Oklahoma 105, Maryland-Eastern Shore 46.
Stayin' alive:
#13 LSU 58, Arkansas-Little Rock 51.
Purdue 71, Kansas 68.
Full scoreboard.
Other news:
Ohio State is mindful of in-state implications.
Megan Lukan is becoming a leader for Wisconsin-Green Bay.
West Virginia is hitting on all cylinders.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Eye-opening day
Today's notable performances:
In #3 Tennessee's rout of Troy, 103-64, they set a school single-game rebounding record with 74. Three Lady Vols had double-doubles, and six scored in double figures. The 103 points were the most for Tennessee in about three years.
#4 Notre Dame, #7 Louisville and #8 Maryland rolled. The Irish are 9-0; the Cardinals made coach Jeff Walz happy today; the Terps have won eight straight.
Utah handed BYU their first loss in a double overtime battle: 82-74.
Sacramento State's Alle Moreno crossed the 1,000-point mark in leading her team over UC Irvine, 99-94.
Clemson's Kelly Gramlich hit a school record eight three-pointers in the Tigers' 88-46 stomping of South Carolina State.
Arizona State crushed Cal State Fullerton, 81-55, for their fifth consecutive win.
Other games:
#6 Stanford thrashed #23 Gonzaga, 73-45. The Cardinal also (finally) honored coach Tara VanDerveer for her 900th win.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
Kentucky freshman Makayla Epps is filling in for injured teammate DeNesha Stallworth.
In #3 Tennessee's rout of Troy, 103-64, they set a school single-game rebounding record with 74. Three Lady Vols had double-doubles, and six scored in double figures. The 103 points were the most for Tennessee in about three years.
#4 Notre Dame, #7 Louisville and #8 Maryland rolled. The Irish are 9-0; the Cardinals made coach Jeff Walz happy today; the Terps have won eight straight.
Utah handed BYU their first loss in a double overtime battle: 82-74.
Sacramento State's Alle Moreno crossed the 1,000-point mark in leading her team over UC Irvine, 99-94.
Clemson's Kelly Gramlich hit a school record eight three-pointers in the Tigers' 88-46 stomping of South Carolina State.
Arizona State crushed Cal State Fullerton, 81-55, for their fifth consecutive win.
Other games:
#6 Stanford thrashed #23 Gonzaga, 73-45. The Cardinal also (finally) honored coach Tara VanDerveer for her 900th win.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
Kentucky freshman Makayla Epps is filling in for injured teammate DeNesha Stallworth.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Game, team, player and coach news
Still undefeated:
San Diego knocked off Long Beach State, 68-51, to go 10-0.
Other results:
Ohio State rallied to beat Army, 59-56.
Florida Atlantic outlasted Central Florida in double overtime, 82-69.
Oregon State put away Hawaii, 76-64.
Washington defeated Wisconsin, 80-67, behind five starters in double figures.
Full scoreboard.
Team news:
Texas A&M must improve to hit their usual high standard.
Ohio State is seeing improvement during a string of losses.
Oregon State has dialed long distance early this season.
Jim Sabiston is still special to Duke.
Inside South Carolina's practice, through the eyes of coach Dawn Staley.
Player news:
Miami is rallying around teammate Krystal Saunders after a fire destroyed her family home.
Texas A&M senior Karla Gilbert is making an impact on and off the court in her hometown.
University of Washington freshman Chantel Osahor is out indefinitely with a stress fracture.
Patience has lead Penn State senior Talia East to a feature role.
New Mexico sophomore Alexa Chavez has worked her way from walk-on to key performer.
Vanderbilt freshman Rebekah Dahlman is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot.
Ole Miss junior forward Danielle McCray is a Disney imagineer in training.
Coach news:
Maryland coach Brenda Frese's son is done with chemotherapy.
It's a full court and a full house for Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff.
DePaul coach Doug Bruno inspires his gritty team.
Former North Dakota coach Gene Roebuck will have a scholarship named in his honor.
WNBA:
The Mercury is changing its management and aligning with the Phoenix Sun.
San Diego knocked off Long Beach State, 68-51, to go 10-0.
Other results:
Ohio State rallied to beat Army, 59-56.
Florida Atlantic outlasted Central Florida in double overtime, 82-69.
Oregon State put away Hawaii, 76-64.
Washington defeated Wisconsin, 80-67, behind five starters in double figures.
Full scoreboard.
Team news:
Texas A&M must improve to hit their usual high standard.
Ohio State is seeing improvement during a string of losses.
Oregon State has dialed long distance early this season.
Jim Sabiston is still special to Duke.
Inside South Carolina's practice, through the eyes of coach Dawn Staley.
Player news:
Miami is rallying around teammate Krystal Saunders after a fire destroyed her family home.
Texas A&M senior Karla Gilbert is making an impact on and off the court in her hometown.
University of Washington freshman Chantel Osahor is out indefinitely with a stress fracture.
Patience has lead Penn State senior Talia East to a feature role.
New Mexico sophomore Alexa Chavez has worked her way from walk-on to key performer.
Vanderbilt freshman Rebekah Dahlman is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot.
Ole Miss junior forward Danielle McCray is a Disney imagineer in training.
Coach news:
Maryland coach Brenda Frese's son is done with chemotherapy.
It's a full court and a full house for Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff.
DePaul coach Doug Bruno inspires his gritty team.
Former North Dakota coach Gene Roebuck will have a scholarship named in his honor.
WNBA:
The Mercury is changing its management and aligning with the Phoenix Sun.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
NCAA says rule changes are bringing more offense
The NCAA says the new rule changes this year have resulted in increased offense:
Through games of Dec. 8, scoring is up 5.68 points per game in Division I, 5.20 in Division II and 5.31 in Division III. The scoring increase is attributable to better shooting from the field, with all three divisions showing an increase of between 1.3 to 1.4 percent.
Teams have needed to adjust to more whistles for illegal contact, with fouls per game up in all three divisions as well. In Division I, there has been an average increase of 2.94 fouls per team, per game. This has led to an increase in free throws attempted (3.30 per team, per game) and made (2.36).
“While forty percent of the scoring increase can be attributed to free throws at this point, the rise in shooting percentages speaks directly to the fact that the ball is going in more often,” Williamson said. “Players moving freely and the ball going in is where we wanted to be at this point. We are on track and must stay the course.”
What do you think?
Through games of Dec. 8, scoring is up 5.68 points per game in Division I, 5.20 in Division II and 5.31 in Division III. The scoring increase is attributable to better shooting from the field, with all three divisions showing an increase of between 1.3 to 1.4 percent.
Teams have needed to adjust to more whistles for illegal contact, with fouls per game up in all three divisions as well. In Division I, there has been an average increase of 2.94 fouls per team, per game. This has led to an increase in free throws attempted (3.30 per team, per game) and made (2.36).
“While forty percent of the scoring increase can be attributed to free throws at this point, the rise in shooting percentages speaks directly to the fact that the ball is going in more often,” Williamson said. “Players moving freely and the ball going in is where we wanted to be at this point. We are on track and must stay the course.”
What do you think?
Perfect record roll call
#5 Kentucky 96, DePaul 85. The Wildcasts are 10-0.
#11 Colorado 83, Denver 61. The Buffs are 9-0.
#16 Georgia 81, Belmont 55. The Bulldogs are 9-0.
#17 Iowa State 83, #21 Iowa 70. The Cyclones are 9-0.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
Iowa guard Melissa Dixon is leading the Hawkeyes to their best start in years.
Lady Vol hoops report: 'Tis the season to be studying.
From player to coach, Arizona assistant E.C. Hill has embraced the journey.
South Alabama forward Jennifer Johnson refuses to let injuries slow her down.
Duke coach Joanne P. McCallie reflects back on her 500 wins.
#11 Colorado 83, Denver 61. The Buffs are 9-0.
#16 Georgia 81, Belmont 55. The Bulldogs are 9-0.
#17 Iowa State 83, #21 Iowa 70. The Cyclones are 9-0.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
Iowa guard Melissa Dixon is leading the Hawkeyes to their best start in years.
Lady Vol hoops report: 'Tis the season to be studying.
From player to coach, Arizona assistant E.C. Hill has embraced the journey.
South Alabama forward Jennifer Johnson refuses to let injuries slow her down.
Duke coach Joanne P. McCallie reflects back on her 500 wins.
A few morning items
Kentucky's leading scorer Jennifer O'Neill has embraced her role as a spark off the bench.
Purdue coach Sharon Versyp is putting pressure on her seniors.
UTEP sophomore guard Cameasha Turner has overcome the issues that lead to her suspension as a freshman.
UMaine can't turn the corner.
In tonight's Georgia game, coach Andy Landers will go up against a former assistant.
Nine things to know about Missouri.
Youthful New Mexico State is relying on their freshmen.
ESPN's mid-major poll has the West Coast Conference dominating.
Purdue coach Sharon Versyp is putting pressure on her seniors.
UTEP sophomore guard Cameasha Turner has overcome the issues that lead to her suspension as a freshman.
UMaine can't turn the corner.
In tonight's Georgia game, coach Andy Landers will go up against a former assistant.
Nine things to know about Missouri.
Youthful New Mexico State is relying on their freshmen.
ESPN's mid-major poll has the West Coast Conference dominating.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Upset, 10-0, first loss and.....trading cards?
Arguably, the upset of the week so far is South Dakota State's 83-79 win over #12 Penn State.
In the meantime, Indiana routed Milwaukee, 87-68, to go 10-0.
Michigan handed Eastern Michigan their first loss of the season, 89-75.
Full scoreboard.
More college news:
NCAA regionals will return to neutral sites in 2015.
Kentucky starting forward DeNesha Stallworth will miss up to four weeks of action after having arthroscopic knee surgery today.
Maryland: Alyssa Thomas, diary two.
Oklahoma State's Tiffany Bias is the little engine that could.
Colorado's Lauren Huggins has range, and is now developing a complete game.
Michigan State all-access, episode three.
Every team should have these:
OOO! Rutgers player trading cards.
In the meantime, Indiana routed Milwaukee, 87-68, to go 10-0.
Michigan handed Eastern Michigan their first loss of the season, 89-75.
Full scoreboard.
More college news:
NCAA regionals will return to neutral sites in 2015.
Kentucky starting forward DeNesha Stallworth will miss up to four weeks of action after having arthroscopic knee surgery today.
Maryland: Alyssa Thomas, diary two.
Oklahoma State's Tiffany Bias is the little engine that could.
Colorado's Lauren Huggins has range, and is now developing a complete game.
Michigan State all-access, episode three.
Every team should have these:
OOO! Rutgers player trading cards.
WNBA announced rule changes for 2014 season
Rule changes are coming for the WNBA next year:
Instant replay may now be used during the last minute of the game or any point during an overtime period:
- When reviewing a block/charge play to determine whether the defender was inside or outside the restricted area, officials will now be permitted to reverse a charge call, or uphold a blocking call, when the defender was outside the restricted area but was not set when the offensive player began her upward shooting motion.
- To determine if a whistled goaltending or basket interference was correctly called.
- Instant replay may now also be used at any point within a game:
- To determine whether an off-ball foul occurred before or after a player has started her shooting motion on a successful shot attempt, or before or after the ball was released on a throw-in.
- To permit the officials to assess the appropriate penalties of any unsportsmanlike and unnecessary acts (e.g. flagrant fouls) that are observed during the instant replay reviews.
- On clear-path-to-the-basket fouls, it will no longer be considered a clear-path foul if, at any point before the foul is committed, the defender who commits the foul is positioned ahead of the offensive player in the frontcourt.
- A team on offense will lose possession if its player leaves the floor and does not immediately return to the floor, unless she is injured, attempting to save the ball or in other extenuating circumstances.
Other WNBA news:
Maya Moore on...everything.
Instant replay may now be used during the last minute of the game or any point during an overtime period:
- When reviewing a block/charge play to determine whether the defender was inside or outside the restricted area, officials will now be permitted to reverse a charge call, or uphold a blocking call, when the defender was outside the restricted area but was not set when the offensive player began her upward shooting motion.
- To determine if a whistled goaltending or basket interference was correctly called.
- Instant replay may now also be used at any point within a game:
- To determine whether an off-ball foul occurred before or after a player has started her shooting motion on a successful shot attempt, or before or after the ball was released on a throw-in.
- To permit the officials to assess the appropriate penalties of any unsportsmanlike and unnecessary acts (e.g. flagrant fouls) that are observed during the instant replay reviews.
- On clear-path-to-the-basket fouls, it will no longer be considered a clear-path foul if, at any point before the foul is committed, the defender who commits the foul is positioned ahead of the offensive player in the frontcourt.
- A team on offense will lose possession if its player leaves the floor and does not immediately return to the floor, unless she is injured, attempting to save the ball or in other extenuating circumstances.
Other WNBA news:
Maya Moore on...everything.
For the sake of growing the game
The strange, sometimes awesome promos women’s basketball is using to attract fans.
Other news:
Nebraska is employing a successful new game strategy.
Q&A with Duke's Haley Peters.
South Carolina: Ballin' with Brett, season three, episode one.
Winter break will push Penn to the limit.
For Georgia State's Morgan Jackson, biology and basketball go hand in hand.
Caprice Dennis' family continues to expand at Miami.
Florida senior Lily Svete brings her basketball roots to Gainesville.
Other news:
Nebraska is employing a successful new game strategy.
Q&A with Duke's Haley Peters.
South Carolina: Ballin' with Brett, season three, episode one.
Winter break will push Penn to the limit.
For Georgia State's Morgan Jackson, biology and basketball go hand in hand.
Caprice Dennis' family continues to expand at Miami.
Florida senior Lily Svete brings her basketball roots to Gainesville.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Still much going on
It's finals weeks for colleges, so games are trickling instead of deluging. Those games that are being played are making big impressions:
Arkansas thumped Tulsa, 81-42, and BYU squeaked by Weber State, 90-85. The Razorbacks are now 11-0, while the Cougars are 9-0.
The upset of the night belongs to Cal State Northridge. They outlasted USC, 65-64.
More news:
Kentucky guard Jennifer O'Neill is the US Basketball Writers Association's first Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week of the season.
Q&A with Duke coach Joanne P. McCallie.
Val Driscoll is making her presence known for Michigan.
Iowa State center Madison Baier is out for the season with a knee injury. Former volleyball standout Tenisha Matlock now joins the basketball team.
The NCAA is penalizing Southeastern Louisiana for allowing athletes to compete while academically ineligible.
Arkansas thumped Tulsa, 81-42, and BYU squeaked by Weber State, 90-85. The Razorbacks are now 11-0, while the Cougars are 9-0.
The upset of the night belongs to Cal State Northridge. They outlasted USC, 65-64.
More news:
Kentucky guard Jennifer O'Neill is the US Basketball Writers Association's first Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week of the season.
Q&A with Duke coach Joanne P. McCallie.
Val Driscoll is making her presence known for Michigan.
Iowa State center Madison Baier is out for the season with a knee injury. Former volleyball standout Tenisha Matlock now joins the basketball team.
The NCAA is penalizing Southeastern Louisiana for allowing athletes to compete while academically ineligible.
USA Today top 25 poll: no drop outs, but changes
USA Today's top 25 poll for this week:
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Notre Dame
4. Stanford
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Iowa State
12. Penn State
13. LSU
14. North Carolina
15. Colorado
16. Nebraska
17. Georgia
18. Oklahoma State
19. Oklahoma
20. Texas A&M
21. California
22. Gonzaga
23. Purdue
24. Iowa
25. Florida State
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Notre Dame
4. Stanford
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Iowa State
12. Penn State
13. LSU
14. North Carolina
15. Colorado
16. Nebraska
17. Georgia
18. Oklahoma State
19. Oklahoma
20. Texas A&M
21. California
22. Gonzaga
23. Purdue
24. Iowa
25. Florida State
Connecticut Sun win WNBA draft lottery
For the first time in four years, the WNBA team with the worst record won the draft lottery. That team is the Connecticut Sun:
2014 WNBA DRAFT LOTTERY ORDER
Pick Team Record
1. Connecticut Sun 10-24
2. Tulsa Shock 11-23
3. San Antonio Silver Stars 12-22
4. New York Liberty 11-23
The following is the remaining order for the first round as determined by teams’ regular season records from 2013:
REMAINING ORDER FOR FIRST ROUND
Pick Team Record
5. Indiana Fever 16-18
6. Washington Mystics 17-17
7. Seattle Storm 17-17
8. Atlanta Dream 17-17
9. Phoenix Mercury 19-15
10. Chicago Sky 24-10
11. Los Angeles Sparks 24-10
12. Minnesota Lynx 26-8
2014 WNBA DRAFT LOTTERY ORDER
Pick Team Record
1. Connecticut Sun 10-24
2. Tulsa Shock 11-23
3. San Antonio Silver Stars 12-22
4. New York Liberty 11-23
The following is the remaining order for the first round as determined by teams’ regular season records from 2013:
REMAINING ORDER FOR FIRST ROUND
Pick Team Record
5. Indiana Fever 16-18
6. Washington Mystics 17-17
7. Seattle Storm 17-17
8. Atlanta Dream 17-17
9. Phoenix Mercury 19-15
10. Chicago Sky 24-10
11. Los Angeles Sparks 24-10
12. Minnesota Lynx 26-8
Monday, December 9, 2013
This week's AP poll
AP top 25 for the week:
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Notre Dame
5. Kentucky
6. Stanford
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Colorado
12. Penn State
13. LSU
14. Oklahoma State
15. North Carolina
16. Georgia
17. Iowa State
18. Purdue
19. Nebraska
20. Oklahoma
21. Iowa
22. California
23. Gonzaga
24. Texas A&M
25. Syracuse
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Notre Dame
5. Kentucky
6. Stanford
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Colorado
12. Penn State
13. LSU
14. Oklahoma State
15. North Carolina
16. Georgia
17. Iowa State
18. Purdue
19. Nebraska
20. Oklahoma
21. Iowa
22. California
23. Gonzaga
24. Texas A&M
25. Syracuse
Undefeated teams two
Kentucky's Jennifer O'Neill is ESPN's player of the week.
Assistant coach Ivory Latta is the face of the North Carolina program.
Some previously undefeated teams took a loss last week. Here's the new list of the unbeaten:
Arkansas
Connecticut
Duke
San Diego
Kentucky
South Carolina
Indiana
Iowa State
Tennessee
Georgia
BYU
Notre Dame
Colorado
UTEP
Albany
East Carolina
Oklahoma State
Eastern Michigan
Assistant coach Ivory Latta is the face of the North Carolina program.
Some previously undefeated teams took a loss last week. Here's the new list of the unbeaten:
Arkansas
Connecticut
Duke
San Diego
Kentucky
South Carolina
Indiana
Iowa State
Tennessee
Georgia
BYU
Notre Dame
Colorado
UTEP
Albany
East Carolina
Oklahoma State
Eastern Michigan
Sunday, December 8, 2013
A big day in hoops
Coach Joanne P. McCallie notched her 500th career victory as her #2 Duke Blue Devils took down #17 Oklahoma, 94-85.
Maggie Lucas crossed the 2,000-point threshold as #10 Penn State upended Georgetown, 77-68.
Missouri broke the school scoring record in their 126-55 rout of Bradley.
Brown's Lauren Clarke passed the 1,000-point mark in the team's win over Morgan State.
The undefeateds:
#3 Tennessee pulled away from Texas, 75-61, to remain unbeaten at 8-0.
#12 South Carolina is also undefeated, after rolling over Charlotte, 76-61.
San Diego thumped Seattle University, 79-56. The Toreros are 9-0.
Indiana easily overcame Morehead State, 77-54, and are 9-0.
Other big games and great records:
A Shaniqua Nilles buzzer-beater lifted #24 Gonzaga over Ohio State, 59-58.
North Carolina State cruised past Elon, and are 10-1 and 7-0 at home.
Arizona State has now won seven straight after pulling one out in overtime against Long Beach State, 74-67.
Florida State stifled Jacksonville, and are 8-1.
Full scoreboard.
Maggie Lucas crossed the 2,000-point threshold as #10 Penn State upended Georgetown, 77-68.
Missouri broke the school scoring record in their 126-55 rout of Bradley.
Brown's Lauren Clarke passed the 1,000-point mark in the team's win over Morgan State.
The undefeateds:
#3 Tennessee pulled away from Texas, 75-61, to remain unbeaten at 8-0.
#12 South Carolina is also undefeated, after rolling over Charlotte, 76-61.
San Diego thumped Seattle University, 79-56. The Toreros are 9-0.
Indiana easily overcame Morehead State, 77-54, and are 9-0.
Other big games and great records:
A Shaniqua Nilles buzzer-beater lifted #24 Gonzaga over Ohio State, 59-58.
North Carolina State cruised past Elon, and are 10-1 and 7-0 at home.
Arizona State has now won seven straight after pulling one out in overtime against Long Beach State, 74-67.
Florida State stifled Jacksonville, and are 8-1.
Full scoreboard.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Close ones
#21 Cal outlasted Pacific, 68-66, thanks to junior forward Reshanda Gray:
BERKELEY, Calif. -- Reshanda Gray scored 23 points, including the go-ahead basket in overtime, and grabbed 11 rebounds as No. 21 California held off Pacific, 68-66, Saturday afternoon.
It was Gray's two free throws with 23 seconds left in regulation that allowed Cal (6-2) to tie the game. She also grabbed a rebound with five seconds to go when the Tigers missed a chance to win.
BYU slipped by Creighton, 52-51, to remain undefeated at 8-0. They snapped the Bluejays' 15-game home winning streak in the process.
UTEP survived Southern Methodist, 76-71, and is 8-0.
Other games:
#4 Notre Dame's home winning streak is 16, after their rout of UCLA, 90-48.
Arizona State is doing well this season: they won their sixth straight today in whooping on Sacred Heart. The Sun Devils are 7-1.
Virginia Tech beat formerly-ranked Michigan State, 72-66.
#7 Louisville rolled over Wright State in their first game since Antonita Slaughter's announcement that she is out for the season.
#11 Colorado's thrashing of Illinois was interrupted briefly due to an arena evacuation.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
Former Longhorns coach Jody Conradt revisits the Tennessee-Texas rivalry.
ODU coach Karen Barefoot said that despite the outcome, their recent road trip will pay off.
Duquesne is off to a quick start under new coach Dan Burt.
Basketball connects Iowa recruit Chase Coley to her late mother.
BERKELEY, Calif. -- Reshanda Gray scored 23 points, including the go-ahead basket in overtime, and grabbed 11 rebounds as No. 21 California held off Pacific, 68-66, Saturday afternoon.
It was Gray's two free throws with 23 seconds left in regulation that allowed Cal (6-2) to tie the game. She also grabbed a rebound with five seconds to go when the Tigers missed a chance to win.
BYU slipped by Creighton, 52-51, to remain undefeated at 8-0. They snapped the Bluejays' 15-game home winning streak in the process.
UTEP survived Southern Methodist, 76-71, and is 8-0.
Other games:
#4 Notre Dame's home winning streak is 16, after their rout of UCLA, 90-48.
Arizona State is doing well this season: they won their sixth straight today in whooping on Sacred Heart. The Sun Devils are 7-1.
Virginia Tech beat formerly-ranked Michigan State, 72-66.
#7 Louisville rolled over Wright State in their first game since Antonita Slaughter's announcement that she is out for the season.
#11 Colorado's thrashing of Illinois was interrupted briefly due to an arena evacuation.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
Former Longhorns coach Jody Conradt revisits the Tennessee-Texas rivalry.
ODU coach Karen Barefoot said that despite the outcome, their recent road trip will pay off.
Duquesne is off to a quick start under new coach Dan Burt.
Basketball connects Iowa recruit Chase Coley to her late mother.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Antonita Slaughter out for the season with blood clot in lung
Louisville senior Antonita Slaughter, who collapsed during the team's game Tuesday, will miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a blood clot of the lung:
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Louisville starting guard Antonita Slaughter will miss the rest of the season after she was diagnosed with a blood clot in her lung.
Doctors determined the senior had a cardiac event when she collapsed while on the bench early in Tuesday night's victory against Missouri State, coach Jeff Walz said at a news conference Friday. The clot was discovered during several days of testing to find out what caused the event.
"We're very fortunate this was discovered through testing," Walz said.
Slaughter will immediately begin taking blood thinners. The treatments typically last six or seven months, and competition is prohibited.
"She's disappointed, of course," Walz said. "I'm not sure really it's sunk in yet. We just found out about it last night and sat down with the doctors.
"We're not even discussing her basketball [career] at this point in time. We're more concerned about her health in general and trying to find out why this happened Tuesday night."
More news:
Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly and his sons will face off this weekend when the Cyclones host Cal State Fullerton.
All-access with Minnesota's Rachel Banham.
Colorado's Arielle Roberson blogs.
Winter-like storms are affecting some teams in the Midwest and others in the South.
Tough schedules every year have helped Penn State improve.
Inside the paint: Tennessee Bahamas trip recap.
WNBA:
Elena Delle Donne is ESPN's impact player number six.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Louisville starting guard Antonita Slaughter will miss the rest of the season after she was diagnosed with a blood clot in her lung.
Doctors determined the senior had a cardiac event when she collapsed while on the bench early in Tuesday night's victory against Missouri State, coach Jeff Walz said at a news conference Friday. The clot was discovered during several days of testing to find out what caused the event.
"We're very fortunate this was discovered through testing," Walz said.
Slaughter will immediately begin taking blood thinners. The treatments typically last six or seven months, and competition is prohibited.
"She's disappointed, of course," Walz said. "I'm not sure really it's sunk in yet. We just found out about it last night and sat down with the doctors.
"We're not even discussing her basketball [career] at this point in time. We're more concerned about her health in general and trying to find out why this happened Tuesday night."
More news:
Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly and his sons will face off this weekend when the Cyclones host Cal State Fullerton.
All-access with Minnesota's Rachel Banham.
Colorado's Arielle Roberson blogs.
Winter-like storms are affecting some teams in the Midwest and others in the South.
Tough schedules every year have helped Penn State improve.
Inside the paint: Tennessee Bahamas trip recap.
WNBA:
Elena Delle Donne is ESPN's impact player number six.
#5 Kentucky 133, #9 Baylor 130 (4OT)
Highest-scoring Division I women's game in history:
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Jennifer O'Neill dreamed that No. 5 Kentucky's game against No. 9 Baylor would come down to a buzzer-beater.
She just didn't imagine it could be any one of five buzzers.
O'Neill scored a career-high 43 points, including the go-ahead basket in the fourth overtime, and Kentucky beat Baylor 133-130 on Friday night in the highest-scoring Division I women's game in history.
"I don't feel anything right now," said O'Neill, who set a school scoring record. "I thought it was more overtimes to be honest."...........
The previous high for a Division I women's game was 252 points in SMU's 127-125 win over TCU, also in four overtimes, on Jan. 25, 1997.
Full scoreboard.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Jennifer O'Neill dreamed that No. 5 Kentucky's game against No. 9 Baylor would come down to a buzzer-beater.
She just didn't imagine it could be any one of five buzzers.
O'Neill scored a career-high 43 points, including the go-ahead basket in the fourth overtime, and Kentucky beat Baylor 133-130 on Friday night in the highest-scoring Division I women's game in history.
"I don't feel anything right now," said O'Neill, who set a school scoring record. "I thought it was more overtimes to be honest."...........
The previous high for a Division I women's game was 252 points in SMU's 127-125 win over TCU, also in four overtimes, on Jan. 25, 1997.
Full scoreboard.
Washington Mystics' Tayler Hill expecting first child
Tayler Hill, picked fourth in the WNBA draft last year by the Washington Mystics, is expecting a baby in May.
Tamika Catchings on the WBCA Good Works Team
Earlier this week, the WBCA announced the 84 nominees for its 2014 Good Works Team - NCAA basketball players who have made notable contributions through community service. This is the second year of the program.
Tennessee legend and Indiana Fever star forward Tamika Catchings is part of the panel that will choose the team. She said she is excited about this year.
"This is a way to recognize the great things that young players are doing in the community," Catchings said.
The list will be pared to 10 in February, and will consist of five Division I players and five from Divisions II, III and the NAIA. Catchings said the focus is on the quality of community service that each team member provides.
"Team members are not necessarily the best players on the team," she said. "The things they do off-court will leave a legacy. It's about their assist in the community."
Catchings' father Harvey played in the NBA when she was growing up, and he was involved in community service then. When Catchings went to Tennessee, coach Pat Summitt often had players participate in service projects.
"Community service makes you a well-rounded person," Catchings said.
Catchings runs the Catch the Stars Foundation in Indianapolis, which serves youth.
Tennessee legend and Indiana Fever star forward Tamika Catchings is part of the panel that will choose the team. She said she is excited about this year.
"This is a way to recognize the great things that young players are doing in the community," Catchings said.
The list will be pared to 10 in February, and will consist of five Division I players and five from Divisions II, III and the NAIA. Catchings said the focus is on the quality of community service that each team member provides.
"Team members are not necessarily the best players on the team," she said. "The things they do off-court will leave a legacy. It's about their assist in the community."
Catchings' father Harvey played in the NBA when she was growing up, and he was involved in community service then. When Catchings went to Tennessee, coach Pat Summitt often had players participate in service projects.
"Community service makes you a well-rounded person," Catchings said.
Catchings runs the Catch the Stars Foundation in Indianapolis, which serves youth.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
One less undefeated team
#25 Iowa upended #22 Syracuse, 97-91, and handed the Orange their first loss of the season.
No other surprises in today's scores.
WNBA:
Coach Carol Ross has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Sparks. Team turnarounds are her calling card.
Fever forward Tamika Catchings talks about giving back to the community.
Shock guard Skylar Diggins is working harder than ever in the off-season.
No other surprises in today's scores.
WNBA:
Coach Carol Ross has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Sparks. Team turnarounds are her calling card.
Fever forward Tamika Catchings talks about giving back to the community.
Shock guard Skylar Diggins is working harder than ever in the off-season.
Freshmen on fire
As has been noted with various links throughout the week, this year's freshmen are already making an impact on their respective teams. The NCAA has taken notice, too:
This year's freshmen are serving it up.
Seattle University's freshmen are making an early impact.
Other college news:
The unchallenged: ESPN breaks down which teams have yet to be challenged this year.
Penn State's Maggie Lucas blogs. Coach Coquese Washington has embraced coaching against her alma mater.
Ariel Massengale is off to a fast start for Tennessee.
More on the recovery of UConn forward Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis.
WNBA:
Maya Moore is ESPN's impact player number seven.
High school:
There's a divine sisterhood at Mater Dei High School.
This year's freshmen are serving it up.
Seattle University's freshmen are making an early impact.
Other college news:
The unchallenged: ESPN breaks down which teams have yet to be challenged this year.
Penn State's Maggie Lucas blogs. Coach Coquese Washington has embraced coaching against her alma mater.
Ariel Massengale is off to a fast start for Tennessee.
More on the recovery of UConn forward Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis.
WNBA:
Maya Moore is ESPN's impact player number seven.
High school:
There's a divine sisterhood at Mater Dei High School.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Louisville player still in hospital for tests
Louisville senior Antonita Slaughter remains hospitalized as she undergoes tests to determine why she collapsed during the Cardinal's game last night.
More news:
UConn's Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Morgan Tuck have been cleared to resume practice Monday.
North Carolina's four freshmen have already made an impact.
Coaching honors:
Nancy Lieberman is the 2014 Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Women’s College Basketball award winner.
Cynthia Cooper's former middle school in Los Angeles has named a college and career center in her honor.
Tonight's game results:
#15 Nebraska isn't having a great week......#18 North Carolina upset them, 75-62.
#4 Notre Dame 77, #10 Penn State 67.
#11 Colorado slipped by Wyoming, 63-59.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
UConn's Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Morgan Tuck have been cleared to resume practice Monday.
North Carolina's four freshmen have already made an impact.
Coaching honors:
Nancy Lieberman is the 2014 Naismith Outstanding Contributor to Women’s College Basketball award winner.
Cynthia Cooper's former middle school in Los Angeles has named a college and career center in her honor.
Tonight's game results:
#15 Nebraska isn't having a great week......#18 North Carolina upset them, 75-62.
#4 Notre Dame 77, #10 Penn State 67.
#11 Colorado slipped by Wyoming, 63-59.
Full scoreboard.
Growing moments
Sluggish Michigan State is trying to find a sense of urgency.
Missouri's juniors are providing a veteran presence for a young team.
The Iowa State freshmen are settling in.
Purdue freshman Ashley Morrissette reminds her teammates of Reggie Miller.
South Carolina spotlight: coaching.
Heart warmer:
For the son of Maryland coach Brenda Frese, yesterday was a milestone.
WNBA:
Do the Connecticut Sun have the best chance at a number one draft pick in 2014?
Missouri's juniors are providing a veteran presence for a young team.
The Iowa State freshmen are settling in.
Purdue freshman Ashley Morrissette reminds her teammates of Reggie Miller.
South Carolina spotlight: coaching.
Heart warmer:
For the son of Maryland coach Brenda Frese, yesterday was a milestone.
WNBA:
Do the Connecticut Sun have the best chance at a number one draft pick in 2014?
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
More milestones and perfect records
#9 Baylor's 113-73 win over San Jose State made point guard Odyssey Sims her school's career assists leader. The Bears are undefeated.
So are BYU and UTEP.
Today's full scoreboard.
Other news:
Higher expectations for Michigan? Not so fast, says coach Kim Barnes Arico. Five things learned from this past weekend's tournament.
Lady Vol hoops report for today.
Iowa is a balanced bunch.
Georgia State's Kendra Long scored her 1,000th point last night.
So are BYU and UTEP.
Today's full scoreboard.
Other news:
Higher expectations for Michigan? Not so fast, says coach Kim Barnes Arico. Five things learned from this past weekend's tournament.
Lady Vol hoops report for today.
Iowa is a balanced bunch.
Georgia State's Kendra Long scored her 1,000th point last night.
Louisville guard Antonita Slaughter collapses during game, is hospitalized
Scary moment at tonight's Louisville-Missouri State game, when Cardinal guard Antonita Slaughter collapsed during the game. She is undergoing tests at the hospital, where she is said to be coherent.
Video.
Coach Jeff Walz comments.
Video.
Coach Jeff Walz comments.
WNBA draft lottery will be next week
The 2014 WNBA draft lottery will be Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m. EST on ESPN's Sportscenter.
Other WNBA news:
Sparks forward Candace Parker is one of ESPN's top 10 players who have made an impact this year.
Fever guard Briann January is working hard this off-season.
Lynx review: Devereaux Peters.
Track the Mercury overseas.
Track the Sun overseas.
Track the Mystics overseas.
Track the Sparks overseas.
Other WNBA news:
Sparks forward Candace Parker is one of ESPN's top 10 players who have made an impact this year.
Fever guard Briann January is working hard this off-season.
Lynx review: Devereaux Peters.
Track the Mercury overseas.
Track the Sun overseas.
Track the Mystics overseas.
Track the Sparks overseas.
USA Today top 25 poll sees changes too
Not as many changes in the USA Today poll vs. the AP's, but there are several:
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Stanford
5. Notre Dame
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Penn State
12. Iowa State
13. Nebraska
14. LSU
15. Oklahoma
16. North Carolina
17. Colorado
18. Georgia
19. Oklahoma State
20. Texas A&M
21. California
22. Purdue
23. Syracuse
24. Gonzaga
25. Michigan State
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Tennessee
4. Stanford
5. Notre Dame
6. Kentucky
7. Louisville
8. Maryland
9. Baylor
10. South Carolina
11. Penn State
12. Iowa State
13. Nebraska
14. LSU
15. Oklahoma
16. North Carolina
17. Colorado
18. Georgia
19. Oklahoma State
20. Texas A&M
21. California
22. Purdue
23. Syracuse
24. Gonzaga
25. Michigan State
WBCA announces nominees to Good Works Team
The 84 nominees will be pared down to 10 by February:
NCAA® Division I
College of The Holy Cross - Alex Smith
East Carolina University - Ariana Jackson
Florida Gulf Coast University - Sarah Hansen
Florida State University - Natasha Howard
Fordham University - Abigail Corning
Furman University - Brigid Morrissey
Georgia Institute of Technology - Shayla Bivins
Harvard University - Kaitlyn Dinkins
Iowa State University - Hallie Christofferson
Kansas State University - Chantay Caron
Louisiana State University - Theresa Plaisance
McNeese State University - NeTanya Jones
Middle Tennessee State University - Janiece Johnson
Montana State University-Bozeman - Jackie Elliott
Norfolk State University - Jazamine Gray
North Carolina A&T State University - Tracy King
Northwestern University - Meghan McKeown
Purdue University - Courtney Moses
Rice University - Nakachi Maduka
Seattle University - Kacie Sowell
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale - Jordyn Courier
Stanford University - Chiney Ogwumike
Stephen F. Austin State University - Daylyn Harris
Texas A&M University - Karla Gilbert
University of Akron - Rachel Tecca
University of Alabama - Nikki Hegstetter
University of California-Berkeley - Avigiel Cohen
University of Delaware - Kelsey Buchanan
University of Denver - Theresa Wirth
University of Hartford - Alyssa Englert
University of Hawaii - Kamilah Jackson
University of Illinois - Sarah Hartwell
University of Iowa - Kathryn Reynolds
University of Kentucky - Kastine Evans
University of Louisville - Jude Schimmel
University of Maine - Elizabeth Wood
University of Massachusetts - Jasmine Harris
University of Miami - Maria Brown
University of Missouri-Kansas City - Eilise O'Connor
University of New Hampshire - Kelsey Hogan
University of New Mexico - Sara Halasz
University of North Dakota - Allyssa Wall
University of South Carolina - Elem Ibiam
University of Southern California - Cassie Harberts
University of Southern Mississippi - Niesha Pierce
University of Tennessee at Martin - Heather Butler
University of Virginia - Lexie Gerson
University of Wisconsin - Morgan Paige
West Virginia University - Jessica Harlee
Western Kentucky University - Chaney Means
Winthrop University - Taylor Calvert
Youngstown State University - Heidi Schlegel
NCAA® Divisions II, III and the NAIA
Central Washington University - Jessica VanDyke
Davenport University - Alison Bouman
Dillard University - Amber Tramel
Gannon University - Jen Papich
Geneva College - Heidi Mann
Georgia College & State University - Shanteona Keys
Hillsdale College - Megan Fogt
Illinois Wesleyan University - Alexa Baltes
Loyola University - Jasmine Brewer
Marymount University - Katelyn Fischer
Metropolitan State University of Denver - Amy Nelson
Minnesota State University-Mankato - Alexandra Wilkinson
Montana State University-Northern - Taylor Cummings
Moravian College - Laura Jordan
Nova Southeastern University - Jessica Valley
Ohio Dominican University - Christina Pentaudi
Oklahoma Wesleyan University - Courtney Backward
Quincy University - Lucy Cramsey
Roosevelt University - Rebecca Williford
Saint Cloud State University - Carley Jeffery
St. Mary's University - Dezirae Elias
Trinity University (Texas) - Hannah Coley
Union College - Amy Loya
University of Alabama-Huntsville - Shannon Steinert
University of Mary Washington - Sam Partonen
University of St. Francis - Paige Stankus
Valley City State University - Brittany Lehner
Warner Pacific College - Jessica Thoens
Washington University in St. Louis - Lucy Montgomery
Westminster College (Mo.) - Leigh Ann Lutz
Wingate University - Jasmine DeBerry
Worcester State University - Michel'le St. Pierre
More later from me on this............
NCAA® Division I
College of The Holy Cross - Alex Smith
East Carolina University - Ariana Jackson
Florida Gulf Coast University - Sarah Hansen
Florida State University - Natasha Howard
Fordham University - Abigail Corning
Furman University - Brigid Morrissey
Georgia Institute of Technology - Shayla Bivins
Harvard University - Kaitlyn Dinkins
Iowa State University - Hallie Christofferson
Kansas State University - Chantay Caron
Louisiana State University - Theresa Plaisance
McNeese State University - NeTanya Jones
Middle Tennessee State University - Janiece Johnson
Montana State University-Bozeman - Jackie Elliott
Norfolk State University - Jazamine Gray
North Carolina A&T State University - Tracy King
Northwestern University - Meghan McKeown
Purdue University - Courtney Moses
Rice University - Nakachi Maduka
Seattle University - Kacie Sowell
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale - Jordyn Courier
Stanford University - Chiney Ogwumike
Stephen F. Austin State University - Daylyn Harris
Texas A&M University - Karla Gilbert
University of Akron - Rachel Tecca
University of Alabama - Nikki Hegstetter
University of California-Berkeley - Avigiel Cohen
University of Delaware - Kelsey Buchanan
University of Denver - Theresa Wirth
University of Hartford - Alyssa Englert
University of Hawaii - Kamilah Jackson
University of Illinois - Sarah Hartwell
University of Iowa - Kathryn Reynolds
University of Kentucky - Kastine Evans
University of Louisville - Jude Schimmel
University of Maine - Elizabeth Wood
University of Massachusetts - Jasmine Harris
University of Miami - Maria Brown
University of Missouri-Kansas City - Eilise O'Connor
University of New Hampshire - Kelsey Hogan
University of New Mexico - Sara Halasz
University of North Dakota - Allyssa Wall
University of South Carolina - Elem Ibiam
University of Southern California - Cassie Harberts
University of Southern Mississippi - Niesha Pierce
University of Tennessee at Martin - Heather Butler
University of Virginia - Lexie Gerson
University of Wisconsin - Morgan Paige
West Virginia University - Jessica Harlee
Western Kentucky University - Chaney Means
Winthrop University - Taylor Calvert
Youngstown State University - Heidi Schlegel
NCAA® Divisions II, III and the NAIA
Central Washington University - Jessica VanDyke
Davenport University - Alison Bouman
Dillard University - Amber Tramel
Gannon University - Jen Papich
Geneva College - Heidi Mann
Georgia College & State University - Shanteona Keys
Hillsdale College - Megan Fogt
Illinois Wesleyan University - Alexa Baltes
Loyola University - Jasmine Brewer
Marymount University - Katelyn Fischer
Metropolitan State University of Denver - Amy Nelson
Minnesota State University-Mankato - Alexandra Wilkinson
Montana State University-Northern - Taylor Cummings
Moravian College - Laura Jordan
Nova Southeastern University - Jessica Valley
Ohio Dominican University - Christina Pentaudi
Oklahoma Wesleyan University - Courtney Backward
Quincy University - Lucy Cramsey
Roosevelt University - Rebecca Williford
Saint Cloud State University - Carley Jeffery
St. Mary's University - Dezirae Elias
Trinity University (Texas) - Hannah Coley
Union College - Amy Loya
University of Alabama-Huntsville - Shannon Steinert
University of Mary Washington - Sam Partonen
University of St. Francis - Paige Stankus
Valley City State University - Brittany Lehner
Warner Pacific College - Jessica Thoens
Washington University in St. Louis - Lucy Montgomery
Westminster College (Mo.) - Leigh Ann Lutz
Wingate University - Jasmine DeBerry
Worcester State University - Michel'le St. Pierre
More later from me on this............
Monday, December 2, 2013
Contemplating the undefeateds
At week five of the season, we still have 23 undefeated Division I teams - 12 in the top 25, and 11 unranked teams.
The undefeated top 25 teams:
Connecticut
Duke
Tennessee
Notre Dame
Kentucky
Baylor
Colorado
South Carolina
Oklahoma State
Georgia
Iowa State
Syracuse
The undefeated teams without a ranking:
Albany
Arkansas
BYU
East Carolina
Eastern Michigan
Holy Cross
Indiana
San Diego
St Mary's
UTEP
Villanova
Which team(s) will fall next? Which team(s) will be the last one(s) standing? Will any team survive the season without a loss?
I'd love to know your thoughts.
Bonus:
Syracuse's Brianna Butler is ESPN's player of the week.
The undefeated top 25 teams:
Connecticut
Duke
Tennessee
Notre Dame
Kentucky
Baylor
Colorado
South Carolina
Oklahoma State
Georgia
Iowa State
Syracuse
The undefeated teams without a ranking:
Albany
Arkansas
BYU
East Carolina
Eastern Michigan
Holy Cross
Indiana
San Diego
St Mary's
UTEP
Villanova
Which team(s) will fall next? Which team(s) will be the last one(s) standing? Will any team survive the season without a loss?
I'd love to know your thoughts.
Bonus:
Syracuse's Brianna Butler is ESPN's player of the week.
AP poll sees changes
This week's poll sees several changes:
RK TEAM RECORD PTS
1 Connecticut (36) 9-0 900
2 Duke 8-0 864
3 Tennessee 7-0 807
4 Notre Dame 6-0 769
5 Kentucky 8-0 752
6 Stanford 7-1 737
7 Louisville 7-1 675
8 Maryland 7-1 650
9 Baylor 6-0 642
10 Penn State 5-1 528
11 Colorado 6-0 480
12 South Carolina 7-0 442
13 LSU 6-1 441
14 Oklahoma State 7-0 370
15 Nebraska 6-1 330
16 Purdue 5-1 293
17 Oklahoma 5-2 290
18 North Carolina 6-2 283
19 Georgia 8-0 280
20 Iowa State 6-0 249
21 California 5-2 216
22 Syracuse 8-0 132
23 Texas A&M 4-2 131
24 Gonzaga 4-1 125
25 Iowa 8-1 93
Kentucky and LSU each up two, Louisville down three, Penn State, Colorado, Georgia and Iowa State each up three. South Carolina and Oklahoma State each up five, while Nebraska is down five. North Carolina down seven, Texas A&M down 11. Michigan State and DePaul drop out, while Syracuse and Iowa drop in.
Whew!
RK TEAM RECORD PTS
1 Connecticut (36) 9-0 900
2 Duke 8-0 864
3 Tennessee 7-0 807
4 Notre Dame 6-0 769
5 Kentucky 8-0 752
6 Stanford 7-1 737
7 Louisville 7-1 675
8 Maryland 7-1 650
9 Baylor 6-0 642
10 Penn State 5-1 528
11 Colorado 6-0 480
12 South Carolina 7-0 442
13 LSU 6-1 441
14 Oklahoma State 7-0 370
15 Nebraska 6-1 330
16 Purdue 5-1 293
17 Oklahoma 5-2 290
18 North Carolina 6-2 283
19 Georgia 8-0 280
20 Iowa State 6-0 249
21 California 5-2 216
22 Syracuse 8-0 132
23 Texas A&M 4-2 131
24 Gonzaga 4-1 125
25 Iowa 8-1 93
Kentucky and LSU each up two, Louisville down three, Penn State, Colorado, Georgia and Iowa State each up three. South Carolina and Oklahoma State each up five, while Nebraska is down five. North Carolina down seven, Texas A&M down 11. Michigan State and DePaul drop out, while Syracuse and Iowa drop in.
Whew!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Raining upsets
Well, now.
#7 Kentucky rallied to defeat #4 Louisville, 69-64.
IPFW edged #21 Michigan State, 81-76.
Northwestern slipped by #25 DePaul, 82-79.
Other games:
Ohio State did a pretty good job of hanging with #1 UConn until the end. Final: 70-49.
San Diego is 7-0, off to the best start in school history after their win over Weber State today.
Delaware is doing quite well without Elena Delle Donne: they've won five straight.
St. John's came back to top Harvard, 81-76.
North Carolina State dispatched UCLA, 67-49, to win the Gulf Coast Showcase final.
Oregon bested Princeton, 110-90.
Marist dominated St. Bonaventure, 68-51.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
The injury statuses of UConn's Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Morgan Tuck hasn't changed.
#7 Kentucky rallied to defeat #4 Louisville, 69-64.
IPFW edged #21 Michigan State, 81-76.
Northwestern slipped by #25 DePaul, 82-79.
Other games:
Ohio State did a pretty good job of hanging with #1 UConn until the end. Final: 70-49.
San Diego is 7-0, off to the best start in school history after their win over Weber State today.
Delaware is doing quite well without Elena Delle Donne: they've won five straight.
St. John's came back to top Harvard, 81-76.
North Carolina State dispatched UCLA, 67-49, to win the Gulf Coast Showcase final.
Oregon bested Princeton, 110-90.
Marist dominated St. Bonaventure, 68-51.
Full scoreboard.
More news:
The injury statuses of UConn's Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Morgan Tuck hasn't changed.
'Tis the season to be upset
I'm still getting over the fact that Washington State upset #10 Nebraska, 76-72, last night.
The other surprise was that Syracuse dealt #12 Texas A&M their second straight loss, 78-63.
#15 LSU narrowly avoided an upset by squeaking by Michigan, 64-62.
#2 Duke is for real for real this year.
Hmmmm.....USC won and Tulane lost.
There were 101 games yesterday (and I had a nice time doing the radio broadcast).
Other news:
Moriah Jefferson is getting offensive for UConn.
The other surprise was that Syracuse dealt #12 Texas A&M their second straight loss, 78-63.
#15 LSU narrowly avoided an upset by squeaking by Michigan, 64-62.
#2 Duke is for real for real this year.
Hmmmm.....USC won and Tulane lost.
There were 101 games yesterday (and I had a nice time doing the radio broadcast).
Other news:
Moriah Jefferson is getting offensive for UConn.
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