Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Take a deep breath

This Tournament has been intense! These two days off before the Final Four are necessary.


College team news:


Who will win at the Final Four?


Arizona's Final Four run should help the program.


Connections between the Wildcats and the Huskies run deep.


UConn gave a girl with a rare blood disorder the surprise of her life.


Indiana is building a program and a following.


Penn State faces question marks during the offseason.


College player news:


Aari McDonald is peaking in the Tournament.


Jaelynn Penn is transferring from Indiana.


Duke transfer Mikayla Boykin has landed at Charlotte.


Mississippi State transfer Yemiyah Morris has joined West Virginia.


Purdue transfer Karissa McLaughlin is headed to Marquette.


Tulane transfer JerKaila Jordan will attend Mississippi State.


Five are transferring from LSU.


College coach news:


Adia Barnes is excited to be part of Final Four history.


Sue Bird knew Barnes was destined for great things at Arizona.


Dawn Staley says the Final Four shows what Black women can do.


Geno Auriemma defended Kim Mulkey for her controversial post-game comments from Monday.


Kentucky coach Kyra Elzy is the Spalding Maggie Dixon rookie coach of the year for Division I.


Eastern Washington has fired Wendy Schuller after 20 seasons.


NCAA news:


Mark Emmert addressed the media today and said the NCAA can't ever let down female athletes again.


Emmert told the WBCA he will work to fix stark inequities.


He admitted inequalities but wants fans to push the progress. (What?)


He also said the NCAA dropped the ball.


Emmert vowed changes in a private call with coaches. Will he deliver?


The New York Times' take.


The Supreme Court is hearing opening arguments in the Alston vs. the NCAA case, which could change the face of college sports......amateurism is the issue.


The NCAA has taken its fight to the Supreme Court.


WNBA news:


Sabrina Ionescu is headlining a Nike shoe.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

And then there were Four

Last two tickets to the Final Four issued:


South Carolina drubbed Texas, 62-34.


Stanford staged a dramatic comeback to top Louisville, 78-63.


Final Four tip times.


College team news:


First-timers Arizona joins the mainstays in the Final Four.


Total buy in was the reason for the Longhorns' Tournament run.


Oregon is left wanting more after their Sweet 16 run.


North Carolina's season was good, bad and ugly.


Syracuse has just five players left on its roster after two more transfer.


College player news:


The WBCA has named Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers co-freshmen of the year.


Transfers are having an impact on Final Four runs.


Aliyah Matharu is now the sixth player to transfer from Mississippi State.


Dontavia Waggoner, Jada Rice and Elle Sutphin will transfer from NC State.


Detroit Mercy transfer Kaela Webb has landed at FGCU.


College coach news:


Tara VanDerveer has been named to the FIBA Hall of Fame class of 2020.


In the post-game press conference last night, Kim Mulkey said the NCAA should dump COVID testing in the Final Four......and the "foul or no foul" controversy continues.


Mulkey's comments about COVID testing are also controversial.....but it's not the first time she has raised eyebrows.


What Geno Auriemma told Christyn Williams after she missed two free throws that could have cost them the Final Four.


Sue Semrau will return to Florida State April 1.


Lynn Kennedy has left Portland State to become the head coach at McNeese State.


Maria Marchesano has been named head coach at Purdue Fort Wayne.


Mount St. Mary's promoted Antoine White to head coach after Marchesano's departure.


Loyola Maryland has parted ways with Joe Logan after 16 years.


Auburn is still searching for a coach.


NCAA news:


The WBCA has asked NCAA president Mark Emmert for a gender inequity review from an independent panel.


It's not just weight rooms: the NCAA is holding women back from making millions.


WNBA news:


Q&A with new Wings coach Vickie Johnson.


Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi discuss many topics.

Monday, March 29, 2021

UConn, Arizona advance to the Final Four

First two in:


A controversial ending, and a UConn 69-67 win over Baylor.


Arizona defeated Indiana, 66-53.


College team news:


Stanford felt ready for the Tournament after a nomadic year.


Being an Elite 8 underdog is where Louisville wants to be.


The game between the two Cardinals is a 2018 rematch.


Oregon will use their fourth straight Sweet 16 as a springboard for next season.


Virginia has added a pair of Ivy League transfers.


College player news:


Anna Wilson finds joy and purpose in defense.


All four BYU seniors will return next year.


Kayana Traylor will transfer from Purdue.


Madison Hayes will transfer from Mississippi State.


Sasha Goforth will transfer from Oregon State.


College coach news:


Vic Schaefer and Dawn Staley are renewing their rivalry in the Tournament.


Schaefer has to go through South Carolina again.


Schaefer stands between the Gamecocks and the Final Four.


Karen Aston is UTSA's new head coach.


Memphis has hired Katrina Merriweather from Wright State as their new head coach.


Army has hired Missy Traversi as their new head coach.


Could Oklahoma's coaching search take them to Texas.


Kennesaw State coach Agnus Berenato has retired after a 33-year career.


The story behind Pat Summitt's enduring legacy.


WNBA news:


Storm coach Dan Hughes is excited to return to the sidelines this season.


Hughes can't wait to guide the new-look team.


Alysha Clark will be out for the season with a foot injury.


Natasha Cloud walks the walk on and off the court.


Cloud isn't done being an activist.


Renee Montgomery talks about her battles for equality.

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Round three, unbelievable

Incredible first day of the Sweet 16:


UConn ran by Iowa, 92-72.


Baylor outlasted Michigan in OT, 78-75.


Indiana upset No. 1 seed NC State, 73-70.


Aari McDonald went off for 31 points to lead Arizona over Texas A&M, 74-59.


Both of tomorrow's evening games will be on ESPN


College team news:


Baylor and UConn will face off Monday, months after their regular-season matchup was canceled.


Missouri State is set for their Sweet 16 rematch with Stanford.


Oregon will face its toughest test yet in Louisville.


Activism was a theme for Michigan this season.


BYU is eager to get back to work for next year.


College player news:


Caitlin Clark's team lost today, but the basketball world has a new star.


How one word from Geno Auriemma turned Christyn Williams from uncoachable to unstoppable.


Ali Patberg led the way for the Hoosiers today.


College coach news:


Dawn Staley is ready for the day when basketball is the sole focus of the tourney.


Is basketball necessary? For Brenda Frese and her family, there's no doubt.


NCAA news:


Why can't the NCAA get women's basketball right?


Auriemma says the NCAA must be better.

Pre-game reading

Storylines for today:


Jordan Nixon is excelling at the right time.


Aari McDonald's game-winning performance in the last round shows her growth.


Role changes aside, expectations for Michigan's Danielle Rauch are the same.


Different paths, same destination: the Bears and the Wolverines meet again.


NC State will have its hands full today as they face Indiana.


Brenda Frese has been coaching with a heavy heart as her dad battles cancer.


Defending champs Lubbock Christian repeated as DII title winners last night.

Friday, March 26, 2021

Are! You! Ready? Sweet 16 on deck

NCAA news:


The NCAA's budget for the men's tournament is almost twice as big as their budget for the women's.


NCAA president Mart Emmert says poor communication issues lead to the issues in the women's tournament.


From the half-court logo to the lack of photos, the two tournaments are a study in inequity.


Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer questions the lack of calls in games during the Tournament.


The setup of the tourney is a topic of debate among coaches.


The NCAA cleared up the issue of outdoor walks after Louisville Jeff Walz raised the issued in today's press conference.


College team news:


Familiar faces are joined by new ones in the round of 16.


Jordan Nixon and the Aggies are ready for the Sweet 16.


Arizona is preparing for their game against Texas A&M.


Maryland is rolling like a freight train into this round.


Iowa vs. UConn: it's about two teams, not two players.


Some say all the focus will be on the freshman stars.


The Hawkeyes are set for the nationally-televised showdown.


Iowa: why change now?


Louisville can't have a slow start if they want to advance.


Indiana has a secret weapon for their matchup tomorrow: an ex-NC State player.


The Hoosiers are back to business.


The Wolfpack can't have a slow start against Indiana.


Michigan may have the 1-2 punch to advance.


The Ducks found an identity - how far can they go?


Preview of a few of the matchups.


Late-season issues for Kentucky were symptoms of year-long problems.


Despite a flat finish, the future is bright for West Virginia.


College player news:


Athletes are at the top of their game in this year's tourney.


Post players are having a big impact on the Tournament.


Joyful play from Kiana Williams could help Stanford win the Championship.


Naz Hillmon knows about inequity: her mother and grandmother lived it.


Grace Berger is leading the Hoosiers' charge into the Sweet 16.


Dana Evans still has more to prove for Louisville.


After a season of ups and downs, Cardinal freshman Hailey Van Lith has returned to form at the perfect time.


Back from injury, Angel Reese has the Terps running at full throttle.


Oregon's Te-Hina Paopao will miss the rest of the Tournament, and Jaz Shelley is day to day.


Sedona Prince has found a perfect home to heal and speak out, with the Ducks.


Sacrifices are paying off for foreign players in the tourney.


USC transfer Shalexxus Aaron has committed to Syracuse.


Purdue's Karissa McLaughlin has entered the transfer portal.


Syracuse's Emily Engstler and Faith Blackstone have entered the transfer portal.


College coach news:


Dawn Staley is a reluctant but loud crusader for women's basketball.


Staley and Nell Fortner reflect on their relationship ahead of their team's matchup tomorrow.


Geno Auriemma is back with the Huskies after a COVID pause.


Mallory Bernhard's first contract with North Dakota is for three years.


Wisconsin has hired Marisa Moseley as their new head coach.


Moseley is embracing the rebuilding process.


Katie Gearlds has joined the Purdue staff as associate head coach, in a play to succeed Sharon Versyp, who will retire at the end of next season.


WNIT news:


After today's semifinals, it will be Rice and Ole Miss playing for the WNIT Championship Sunday.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Advancing to the Sweet 16

Today's results included some upsets:


Michigan took down Tennessee, 70-55, for their first Sweet 16 trip.


Georgia Tech ran past West Virginia, 73-56.


NC State defeated South Florida, 79-67.


Caitlin Clark erupted for a Tournament-high 35 points to lead Iowa over Kentucky, 86-72.


Baylor dismantled Virginia Tech, 90-48.


South Carolina dominated Oregon State, 59-42.


UConn made work of Syracuse, 83-47.


Stanford beat Oklahoma State, 73-62.


The rest of the Sweet 16 will be decided tomorrow, and the schedule is fire.


College team news:


Indiana looks to advance past the second round for the first time.


Arizona is stressing consistency as they prepare for BYU.


Belmont feels powerful entering their game against Indiana.


Alabama is getting a lot of support from coaches in Tuscaloosa.


Missouri State faces Wright State for a trip to the Sweet 16 on the line.


With an elite recruiting class, North Carolina's future is bright.


Drake finished the season with a win.


Duke is filling voids through freshmen and transfers.


National successes aside, not all is right with Stanford athletics.


College player news:


Maryland forward Mimi Collins is making others pay for their disrespect.


Do-it-all Michaela Onyenwere has UCLA surging.


How BYU's Lauren Gustin got her toughness.


NC State's Kayla Jones is uncertain for the Sweet 16 due to a patellar tendon injury.


USF's Kristyna Brabencova is continuing her career despite an MS diagnosis.


College coach news:


In a statement today, Georgia Tech coach Nell Fortner told the NCAA that women's basketball is an afterthought for them.

Monday, March 22, 2021

Upset day in the Tournament

Lots of drama today:


BYU closed out Rutgers, 69-66.


Wright State stunned Arkansas, 66-62.


Belmont collected their first Tournament win by upsetting Gonzaga, 64-59.


More results:


Georgia stopped Drexel, 67-53.


Jordan Lewis' career day propelled Alabama past North Carolina, 80-71.


Indiana smashed VCU, 63-32.


Arizona throttled Stony Brook, 79-44.


Maryland whooped Mount St. Mary's, 98-45.


Northwestern downed UCF, 62-51.


Iowa State outlasted Michigan State, 79-75, on the strength of 33 points from Ashley Joens.


Texas A&M held off Troy, 84-80.


Missouri State's mental toughness meant a 70-51 win over UC Davis.


Texas routed Bradley, 81-62.


Louisville shook off a slow start to dominate Marist, 74-43.


Oregon cruised by South Dakota, 67-47.


UCLA took care of Wyoming, 69-48.


Round two begins tomorrow.......and features some interesting matchups.


NCAA news:


NCAA president Mark Emmert promises a full review into why facilities were lesser at the women's tourney than the men's.


The "March Madness" logo is used at the men's Tournament, but not the women's.


It seems like the NCAA is actively choosing to disrespect female ballers.


Women get less reliable COVID testing at the Tournament.


College team news:


UConn will  have to rely on its juniors to go far in the tourney.


Tennessee and Michigan have never met before.


Top-seeded NC State is ready for South Florida.


Ascending Michigan faces Tennessee in the second round.


Syracuse is preparing for the Huskies as underdogs.


Oregon State's emphasis on rebounding changed their season for the better.


Great things are in store for Washington State.


Boise State took a knee this season.


College player news:


Kiana Williams' wish is for a long stay in her hometown.


Freshmen showed no signs of jitters on day one.


South Carolina's sophomores are finding their Tournament form.


Natalie Chou wants to inspire Asian-Americans.


Nika Muhl is questionable for the Huskies' game against Syracuse tomorrow.


Naismith defensive player of the year finalists.


College coach news:


Troy coach Chanda Rigby says a missed call cost her team an upset win.


Chris Dailey directed UConn with aplomb last night, as expected.


South Florida assistant coach Danny Hughes was present for last night's game despite having gall bladder surgery the day before.


Pat Summitt's former players are impacting the Tournament.


WNIT news:


After today's games, the WNIT has its Final Four: Ole Miss, Delaware, Rice and Northern Iowa.


Cal Baptist saw their only loss on the season today.


WNBA news:


The Sparks unveiled a new logo.


The Sky hired Tonya Edwards as assistant coach.

Sunday, March 21, 2021

First round of the first round

Today's results featured no upsets:


Iowa stopped Central Michigan, 87-72.


Virginia Tech outlasted Marquette, 70-63.


Oklahoma State cruised past Wake Forest, 84-61.


Kentucky overcame a slow start to down Idaho State, 71-63.


Tennessee routed Middle Tennessee, 87-62.


Michigan handled FGCU, 87-66, behind a career day from Leigha Brown.


NC State pulled away from NC A&T, 79-58.


Baylor stomped Jackson State, 101-52.


Georgia Tech rallied to edge Stephen F Austin in OT, 54-52.


Syracuse took care of South Dakota State, 72-55.


South Carolina had no problem with Mercer, 79-53. It was win 500 for coach Dawn Staley.


Oregon State blew out Florida State, 83-59.


UConn made work of High Point, 102-59.


West Virginia rolled by Lehigh, 77-53.


South Florida held off Washington State, 57-53.


Stanford thrashed Utah Valley, 87-44. Kiana Williams set a Cardinal record for three-point shots.


One great photo from every game today.


NCAA Tournament news:


San Antonio is quiet outside of the Tournament.


College team news:


Maryland's high-flying offense makes it a title threat, and a joy to watch.


Louisville notebook.


Oregon's expectations for the Tournament are different this year.


BYU are underdogs in their matchup with Rutgers.


Stony Brook will lean on defense in their tourney opener.


College player news:


Aari McDonald has returned Arizona to national relevance.


Anna Wilson has persevered for Stanford, and she's ready.


Gonzaga's Jill Townsend has overcome every obstacle in her career.


Nicole Cardano-Hillary has become key for Indiana.


Janelle Bailey is ready to lead one more time for North Carolina.


Nia Clouden is doing big things at Michigan State.


How Jordan Lewis became a better player for Alabama.


Q&A with Anna Morris and Paige Mott of Northwestern.


Caitlin Clark played with authority today.


UConn's Nika Muhl sprained her ankle in today's game.


College coach news:


Tara VanDerveer and others are upset about the differences in COVID testing between women and men at the Tournament.


VanDerveer talks about sexism in sport.


Gary Blair is working his magic with well-built Texas A&M.


Texas coach Vic Schaefer knows how to win in March.


How Central Michigan remained the class act of the MAC with a new coach.


WNBA news:


A'ja Wilson discusses speaking her truth and giving back to the next generation.

Saturday, March 20, 2021

A lil more

College team news:


Teams are bringing more than game into the NCAA Tournament.


NC State, Texas A&M and Arizona top the Mercado region.


Today's WNIT scores once again have some surprises


College player news:


Georgia's Gabby Connally gets to finish her college career in her hometown.

The night before it all jumps off

NCAA news:


The NCAA upgraded the weight room and workout area in San Antonio after this week's outcry.


NCAA Tournament news:


The tourney is wide open this season.


Is there an increased chance of upsets this year?


College team news:


NC State's route to a top seed.


How the Hawkeyes can avoid a short San Antonio stay.


Iowa tips the Tournament off tomorrow.


Arizona's COVID cop is making sure the team stays safe, distant and tested.


Washington State is ready for any challenge after going from last place in the Pac-12 to contenders.


Wright State overcame obstacles to make their third Tournament in history.


College player news:


Stanford enters the tourney with three Colorado players.


Grace Berger has helped Indiana taste success.


Nyara Sabally is one of a few key players in Oregon's limited practices.


Aleah Goodman's growth and leadership have helped Oregon State return to the Dance.


Freshmen who graduated early are getting NCAA Tournament experience.


Freshman Priscilla Williams will miss the tourney for Syracuse due to injury.


College coach news:


Kelly Graves talks about the Sedona Prince video.


UConn's video coordinator is being thrust into the role of an assistant coach.


Former Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw went off on the NCAA in a statement today.


Dawn Staley criticized NCAA president Mark Emmert.

Friday, March 19, 2021

Some interesting scores from the first day of WNIT play

Fresno State 78, Missouri 75


St. Louis 74, DePaul 72


Ole Miss 64, Samford 45


California Baptist 90, New Mexico 85


Milwaukee 84, Drake 46


Rice 48, Arizona State 36


Delaware 77, Fordham 49


Colorado 68, Louisiana 45


Nebraska 72, UT Martin 46


Clemson 65, Ohio 60


Creighton 72, Bowling Green 65


Florida 66, Charlotte 65


Northern Iowa 70, Dayton 56


San Francisco 71, Houston 63


Tulane 75, Illinois State 67


WBI scores

The uproar continues

NCAA news:


The separate but unequal conditions sparked an uproar.


The differences at the women's and men's Tournaments go beyond the weight room.


Cheaper, less sensitive COVID tests.


The NCAA apologized today for weight room disparities at the Tournament site.


The NCAA president said there are no differences between COVID tests for women's and men's teams.


The NCAA pledges to improve conditions.


The NCAA's message to female athletes: you're worthless.


ESPN makes tourney picks.


College team news:


Central Michigan isn't your typical directional program.


No. 11 seed BYU is eager to prove the doubters wrong.


Kentucky is taking things one step at a time.


Arizona has a different focus heading into play.


UCF kicks the tourney off against Northwestern.


Oregon State is adapting to the unique tourney setting.


Georgia Tech aims to make noise after a long absence from the tourney.


Utah Valley appears in the Tournament for the first time.


For UConn, it's business as usual.


Minnesota built a foundation through ups and downs.


College player news:


The "big 3" have developed for South Carolina.


Terrapin Alaysia Styles is empowering others through her own clothing brand.


Syracuse's Emily Engstler battled depression last season.


Akienreh Johnson is turning up the defense in her last season with Michigan.


Megan Gustafson can't watch every Iowa game from Poland, but she sees the team's potential.


College coach news:


Dawn Staley points out that unequal treatment of female athletes is nothing new.


SIU coach Cindy Stein says lack of conditioning cost her team.


Niele Ivey will use Notre Dame's Tournament absence as motivation going forward.


Amy Mallon guided Drexel to the Dance in her first year.


Simon Harris has been named head coach at ETSU.


The latest on the Memphis coaching search.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Three days until the Tournament

College team news:


CBS Sports predictions.


The road to Texas is wide open, but with restrictions for Michigan teams.


All all-Florida Final Four?


Arkansas is the first No. 4 seed in the tourney since 2015.


How far can Indiana go in the Tournament?


Three-point defense will be key for West Virginia in facing Lehigh.


High Point is looking past the glitz in preparing for UConn.


Bradley is finding joy in the tourney.


No one slows down California Baptist but the NCAA.


College player news:


Aari McDonald: this is for them.


The unique talent of Rhyne Howard.


Kierstan Bell's journey to a smaller school.


Evina Westbrook went from being a scorer to a glue player.


Ten of the best duos to watch in the Tournament.


Freshmen will make a big impact in the tourney.


Redshirt freshman Jelena Mitrovic is lifting the Beavers.


Naismith Trophy finalists.


Three freshmen are transferring from Notre Dame.


College coach news:


Dawn Staley on representation.


Arizona has extended Adia Barnes' contract through 2025-2026.


Subtle differences between Chris Dailey and Geno Auriemma.


Tulsa coach Matilda Mossman is retiring.


Paula Buscher is out as coach at SIUE.


ETSU will announce Ohio State assistant coach Simon Harris as their new head coach Saturday.


NCAA news:


The tests before the test: life inside the San Antonio bubble.


Only one positive test in the bubble so far.


The DI Council is discussing a return to recruiting.


The NCAA acknowledged the disparity between the women's and men's weight training facilities in their respective bubbles.


WNBA news:


The April 15 draft will be on ESPN.


USA Basketball news:


The USA 3X3 team is back to practice.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

As teams arrive in San Antonio, storylines take shape

College team news:


Five teams that could ignite a title run.


History says these three teams should cut down nets.


Baylor is a two seed that could make the Final Four.


NC State's path to the Final Four begins Sunday.


A trip to the tourney was worth the wait for Arizona.


Can Oregon reinvent itself for the Tournament?


Florida State has navigated a lot to get to the tourney.


Marist has a campus pause, with the exception of women's basketball.


The sting of missing the Tournament will fuel Houston in the WNIT.


COVID is a concern for teams in the field.


College player news:


Naz Hillmon on a variety of topics.


Three Toronto stars are set to take the stage in the Tournament.


Five things to know about Middle Tennessee guard Anastasia Hayes.


Gonzaga's Cierra Walker has found her position.


Northern Colorado transfer Olivia Wikstrom has landed at Utah State.


College coach news:


Brenda Frese interview.


Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale announced her retirement today.


Some candidates to take her place.


Austin Peay has hired Brittany Young as their new head coach.


Sacramento State won't renew the contract of Bunky Harkleroad.


UConn assistant coach Shea Ralph has left Texas after a family member tested positive for COVID. That leaves the Huskies with two coaches.


Lindsay Whalen said Minnesota made progress this year, but are physically and emotionally drained.



Former Arizona coach Joan Bonvicini talks about the team's rise.


Former Monmouth coach Jody Craig wrote a cryptic tweet yesterday.


WNBA news:


Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are volunteering at a large vaccination site


Liz Cambage interview.


Inside Erica McCall's journey to the Mystics.