Monday, November 30, 2020

Play continues

Today's results:


No. 18 Gonzaga rallied past South Dakota, 54-50.


No. 20 DePaul set a scoring mark in their 128-66 win over Chicago State.


Buffalo won their season opener over James Madison, 80-64.


Arizona made it three in a row with a 62-53 win over St. Mary's.


South Dakota State ran by Creighton, 66-47.


Ole Miss thumped McNeese State, 99-44.


In progress now: No. 10 Oregon vs. Portland.


All scores.


Tomorrow's schedule.


College team news:


Notre Dame out, Texas into this week's AP top 25 poll.


Pac-12 ball players will wear a device that detects COVID-19.


Which teams have the best and worst nonconference schedules?


America East preview.


Pac-12 teams are off to a hot start so far.


Louisville notebook.


North Carolina has started their season 3-0.


Illness and injury has left Minnesota with just seven players for their opener.


Utah will open their season Sunday at No. 10 Oregon.


Illinois State will also tip their season Sunday.


Florida-Florida State has been rescheduled for tomorrow.


Texas A&M has changed their Wednesday opponent from Texas Southern to Lamar.


Stanford canceled their game tonight due to Santa Clara County pandemic restrictions.


Missouri has canceled their next three games after a positive COVID test.


Southern Miss has suspended activities until Dec. 12, due to COVID protocols.


Sacred Heart is weathering another COVID shutdown.


Boston College will build a basketball practice facility.


College player news:


Mississippi State grad transfer Andra Espinoza-Hunter has landed at Seton Hall.


College coach news:


Tara VanDerveer's quest for the all-time wins record has hit a speed bump.


Dawn Staley says the Gamecocks have found their edge.


WNBA player news:


What's next after 'get out the vote'?


The WNBA influenced the Georgia Senate race.


Kahleah Copper is a new assistant coach at Purdue University Northwest.

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Much to think about so far

Some big performances, both team and individually, these last four game days. Praying that we get to finish this season, because it's already very intriguing.


Today's results:


Upset: Wake Forest upended No. 24 Missouri State, 68-59.


No. 1 South Carolina held off No. 21 Gonzaga, 79-72.


No. 5 Louisville pounded Eastern Kentucky, 101-58.


No. 6 Mississippi State routed Jackson State, 88-58.


No. 7 Arizona shook off a slow start to run past Northern Arizona, 76-63.


No. 8 NC State vaulted by North Carolina Central, 108-70.


No. 11 Kentucky handled Belmont, 70-50.


No. 12 Maryland pushed past No. 14 Arkansas, 115-96, and broke program records.


No. 20 Ohio State thrashed Duquesne, 82-47.


No. 22 Notre Dame took care of Miami Ohio, 88-68.


In her return to the court from breast cancer, Tiana Mangakahia lead No. 23 Syracuse past Stony Brook, 50-39, with 16 points.


Duke had no problem with Western Carolina, 83-56.


North Carolina came from behind to beat High Point, 95-70.


Kierstan Bell got her eligibility today and helped FGCU stop Davidson, 84-61.


Georgia downed Georgia Tech in OT, 75-69.


Texas topped North Texas, 106-69, on the strength of 44 points and 16 rebounds from Charli Collier. The junior is just the fourth Longhorn to score 40 or more in a game and the first in 26 years.


All scores.


Tomorrow's game schedule.


College team news:


UCLA-Pepperdine was postponed today after a positive COVID test in the Waves program.


Missouri-St. Louis was postponed today due to positive COVID tests.


Northwestern State is shutting down for two weeks due to COVID concerns.


Arizona State is seeking their first 3-0 start in three years.


Florida State is ready to show off their hard work.


Marshall is waiting to get their program started.


Several Toledo players took a knee during the anthem today.


College coach news:


West Virginia coach Mike Carey notched his 700th career win last night.

Friday, November 27, 2020

Day 2

Today's results:


Upset: Ohio edged No. 22 Notre Dame, 86-85.


No. 9 UCLA routed Fullerton, 98-49.


No. 12 Maryland overcame a slow start to down Davidson, 94-72.


No. 14 Arkansas surged in the second half to top Wake Forest, 98-82. Six players saw double figures.


No. 24 Missouri State rolled past FGCU, 74-49.


Naz Hillmon's 35 points propelled No. 25 Michigan past Oakland, 95-62.


Rutgers ran past Monmouth, 82-38.


Arizona State relied on defense to outrun VCU, 49-40.


Grand Canyon set a DI scoring record in coach Molly Miller's debut.


All scores.


Tomorrow's game schedule.


College team news:


Maryland has many new faces, but the goal remains the same.


The Terps need their young guards to shine this weekend.


Oregon State will have a new look this year.


Oregon's starters and rotation won't be set for a while.


Four takeaways from Northwestern's schedule.


FGCU hopes to adjust after losing their top seven scorers.


Oklahoma State kicks off their season Sunday.


Creighton looks to fix their offense after a season-opening loss.


Everything you need to know about Missouri.


UMass will rely on two leaders this season.


Robert Morris is ready for the challenges of the Horizon League.


Wichita State's season is filled with uncertainty.


Adjustments have been made at the Crossover Classic, due to Oklahoma's exit.


Florida State-Florida was postponed today.


The North Carolina State-Radford game has been canceled due to protocols within the Radford program.


Nevada's opener against San Francisco was canceled due to COVID tracing protocols.


The UConn-Seton Hall game has been rescheduled.


Sacred Heart has paused activities due to a positive COVID test.


Georgetown has paused activities due to a positive COVID test.


Southern Miss has pulled out of its own tournament due to COVID protocols.


College player news:


The Ducks finally get to unleash Sedona Prince.


The steady hand of Imar'i Thomas once again guides Cincinnati.


Early evaluations for the Big 12 freshmen.


What to expect from each Syracuse player.


College coach news:


The Niele Ivey era has begun at Notre Dame.


Delisha Milton-Jones is the new coach, but ODU has the same ambitions.


Navy looks to make progress this year under new coach Tim Taylor.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Stumbling out of the gates on day one

It feels GREAT to be able to write "today's results" again:

Indiana smashed Eastern Kentucky, 100-51. Grace Berger lead the No. 16 Hoosiers with the first triple-double in school history.

No. 13 Texas A&M took care of Lamar, 77-71, behind 18 points and 18 rebounds from Ciera Johnson.

No. 11 Kentucky routed Murray State, 86-60, and caused 32 turnovers in the process.

No. 14 Arkansas stuffed Oral Roberts, 94-69. Destiny Slocum scored 22 points in her debut for the Razorbacks, while Chelsea Dungee had 14.




Texas rolled past SMU, 90-51. Charli Collier had 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Longhorns.







Postponements and cancelations:






College team news:
















College player news:



Howard was also suspended today for two games for not upholding the standards of the Kentucky program. Teammate Tatyana Wyatt was suspended for three games for violating team rules.





College coach news:







Tuesday, November 24, 2020

The season starts in 5...4...3...2...

It seems like there are WAY more "night before" stories this season than usually. I think we are all eager to get things rolling.


College team news:


Season preview, key players and teams to watch.


ESPN's Final Four picks, player of the year predictions and biggest storylines.


The Big Ten tips off their 40th season tomorrow.


The Pac-12 debuts with high expectations.


The ACC begins play tomorrow.


What to know about highly-touted Louisville ahead of the season.


All you need to know about South Carolina.


Kentucky is set to begin a new era.


What you need to know about the Wildcats.


Indiana is prepped for their season opener.


Arizona State opens the season with two freshmen starters and a new offense.


UCLA and USC are prepping for the unpredictable.


Washington is thankful to get on the court.


The Huskies are expected to struggle again this season, but help is on the way.


Tennessee has several frontcourt options this year.


Missouri wades through uncertainty as the season begins.


How Syracuse can improve this season.


For Iowa teams, there is no easing into this season.


Northern Iowa will provide Iowa an early test.


Iowa State begins its anticipated season.


Duke season preview.


Central Michigan has plenty of potential and high hopes.


Arkansas "expects to win everything now."


Cal and their touted freshmen open the year tomorrow.


The pieces are in place for Duquesne to make a run.


Florida is ready for their opener.


Liberty is eager to finally get back on court.


Fun times could be on the horizon for Air Force.


Pitt is ready to take a step forward.


VCU is grateful to begin their season at the Arizona State tournament.


Norfolk State has nine new players.


North Carolina aims to educate and activate.


Michigan State has launched their erase hate initiative.


Why the Spartans are taking a stand against racial injustice.


Purdue starts their Big Ten schedule Dec. 17.


College player news:


UConn players are demonstrating strength amidst their quarantine.


Aleah Goodman and Taya Corosdale are taking on leadership roles for Oregon State.


ESPN expects big things out of Rhyne Howard, despite the late coaching change at Kentucky.


Through constant change, Janelle Bailey had lead North Carolina.


Mikayla Boykin is ready to take the reins at Duke.


Iowa State's touted freshmen are ready for their first game.


Northern Arizona's Sanjana Ramesh is the second woman from India to receive a DI scholarship.


Wisconsin transfer Diamond Bragg has been granted immediate eligibility at Duquesne.


Eastern Michigan transfer Aaliyah Stanley is immediately eligible at FGCU.


Miami senior guard Mykea Gray is out for the season with a torn ACL.


Seven breakout candidates for the year.


College coach news:


Geno Auriemma said the positive test didn't come from a player or a coach, and the person was asymptomatic.


Vic Schaefer is ready to bring Texas back to prominence.


TCU coach Raegan Pebley is grateful for another season after an emotional eight months.


Virginia coach Tina Thompson stresses patience with a young team.


SIU coach Cindy Stein isn't sure what to expect in her team's opener.


Dayton coach Shauna Green has tested positive for COVID-19.


The contract of Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks has been extended through 2025-2026.


How Kara Lawson will use her diverse background at Duke.


An inside look at the Blue Devils new assistant coaching staff.


COVID news:


The Air Force Reserve Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Challenge has been canceled.


UC Santa Barbara has canceled their first three games after a positive COVID test from the coaching staff.


Buffalo has canceled their opener against Tennessee Tech due to COVID cases at Tech.


Miami Ohio has canceled their opener against Wisconsin tomorrow due to COVID concerns.


Akron's season opener against Ohio State has also been canceled, due to COVID protocols.


Coppin State has canceled their opening against La Salle due to COVID concerns.


St. Bonaventure has paused activities after a positive COVID test.


Bonus:


A group has formed the College Basketball Parents Association to advocate for players and educate parents.

Monday, November 23, 2020

More COVID sadness

COVID sadness:


FAMU has canceled the season due to COVID concerns.


Middle Tennessee has canceled their first two games after two positive COVID tests.


Utah has paused activities after a positive COVID test.


UConn has postponed their first four games after a positive COVID test.


Coastal Carolina's opener has been canceled due to positive COVID tests.


UMass Lowell has paused activities after a positive COVID test.


Albany has postponed their first three games due to COVID concerns.


Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly is in quarantine after coming into contact with someone who has COVID, and he will miss the first part of the season.


More college team news:


The SEC will use cutting-edge technology in an effort to combat COVID.


What could have been and what still can be for Oregon.


Louisville has found a replacement for its season opener.


Arizona State is counting on its juniors to be ready for larger roles.


Undeterred by roster changes, Maryland aims for another Big Ten title.


Iowa State has high expectations for their freshmen.


How Georgia is handling protocols to limit potential issues.


Iowa's projected lineup is full of youth.


Buffalo preview.


Florida has five new players this season.


Xavier looks to improve.


Oklahoma notebook. Also, Sooner preview.


Quinnipiac is making the best of a frustrating situation.


Breaking down Nebraska's storylines.


George Washington will lean on experienced players for consistency.


The Big Ten has, at last, released their 20-game conference schedule.


Conferences are joining forces on testing procedures for officials.


College player news:


ESPN ranks the top 25 players.


Miami preview: the juniors.


Miami preview: the seniors.


Player's Court: Christianna Carr, Kansas State.


Natasha Mack will be the new face of Oklahoma State.


Monika Czinano is embracing new challenges for Iowa.


College coach news:


Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer will make all-time wins history quietly.


VanDerveer is on the cusp of the record.


How Dawn Staley built her second No. 1 draft class in three years.


Tennessee coach Kellie Harper views this unorthodox season with hope.


Rider coach Lynn Milligan says her team is reloading, not rebuilding.


Anita Howard is making progress in building Georgia Southern.


Lindy La Rocque is embracing the challenges in her first year at UNLV.


Hall of Fame girls basketball coach Rose Battaglia has died at 91.


WNBA news:


Cynthia Cooper wants her respect too.

Friday, November 20, 2020

It's about to be a weird season

Teams are allowing very few, if any, fans this season. Media will be kept at a distance, and will sometimes be the only spectators in the arena. It will be great to see hoops back next week, but believe it: this will be a weird season.


College team news:


Five burning questions for the season.


Media has tabbed South Carolina as the SEC champs.


Can anyone in conference challenge the Gamecocks?


ACC storylines.


Pac-12 preview.


Maryland has national championship aspirations.


The Terps enter the season focusing on what they can control.


UConn will only go as far as Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Christyn Williams go.


The Huskies are excited to get going.


NC State has a tough path if they want to repeat last year's ACC championship.


Gonzaga is reloaded and ready for a deep NCAA run.


Senior leadership will be crucial for BYU this year.


Buffalo is ready to begin the season.


App State is looking to turn a corner.


ECU is gearing for their season opener.


Kansas State has rescheduled their preseason exhibition due to COVID protocols.


Illinois State has paused activities due to limited numbers after following COVID protocols.


Seton Hall has canceled three games due to positive COVID tests.


Wright State has canceled two games due to COVID testing protocols.


College player news:


Rhyne Howard is motivated for a big season at Kentucky.


Michigan State's Nia Clouden and Mardrekia Cook discuss heading into the unknown.


Iowa captain Zion Sanders looks to set a good example.


La Salle's Kayla Spruill and her big jump.


Pitt preview: the guards.


College coach news:


Dawn Staley's diary: starting back at one.


Geno Auriemma's early imperfections drive him.


Courtney Banghart is working to develop depth at North Carolina in year two.


Todd Starkey is still positive about Kent State.


Jessica Breland has joined Duke's staff as operations intern.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

So much to know about so many teams

College team news:


The USA Today preseason top 25 coaches poll has South Carolina on top.


Outlooks for each team.


Big 12 preview.


Central Michigan is picked to win the MAC title.


Fresno State has been tabbed to finish first in the Mountain West Conference.


The Atlantic-10 schedule is out.


Iowa's mentorships are flourishing.


Texas will lean on veterans in coach Vic Schaefer's first year.


Syracuse is crossing its fingers and hoping COVID doesn't hamper the season.


UConn's offense is clicking, but their defense is a work in progress.


Kansas State heads into the season with optimism.


Everything you need to know about Virginia.


Vanderbilt roster preview.


Questions and answers about Pacific.


Experience and additions have Weber State hungry for the season.


Eastern Michigan preview.


College teams in Connecticut are preparing for the season in fits and starts as the pandemic rages on.


Bellarmine is trying to reschedule its first six games.


Kennesaw State is shutting down until Dec. 6 following two positive COVID tests.


Youngstown State is paused after a positive COVID test.


Kent State has been sidelined by COVID.


College player news:


Tennessee senior Rennia Davis is chasing legend on and off the court.


Sedona Prince is ready to claim her throne at Oregon.


Oklahoma State transfer Bryn Gerlich has been granted immediate eligibility at Texas Tech.


Auburn transfer Natalie Kelly is immediately eligible at Southeastern Louisiana.


Former Minnesota forward Barbora Tomancova will transfer to FIU.


A Virginia Wesleyan player says she was dismissed over a Thanksgiving dinner while others were disciplined.


College coach news:


Dawn Staley says her Gamecocks need to prove they can win.


Jim Littell's thoughts on Oklahoma State's canceled opener.


Shawn Poppie has been elevated to associate head coach at Virginia Tech.


Recruiting news:


Class of 2021 rankings.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

As we continue to march into the unknown

I've been on several Zoom calls with players the last few days, and their bravery is amazing and inspiring. Some are on teams that don't even know who they'll play next week. No one knows how many games they'll actually end up playing, as the season could be shut down at any time. They are literally walking into the unknown.


They love the game, and they want to play. I have to salute their courage, while at the same time sending them love and prayer.


College team news:


At least one thing to know about every team in the AP top 25.


Pac-12 notebook.


The Pac-12 faces scheduling hurdles in an NCAA title quest.


Big 12 coaches teleconference.


MAAC preview.


Are Louisville and NC State title contenders?


South Carolina leads the way in the SEC.


Priorities are shifting for Texas A&M amidst the pandemic.


UConn's future is promising because of their recent recruiting.


South Dakota players are getting back to their roots.


Syracuse is ready for a new season full of stars.


TCU is trying to have fun in challenging times.


Boston College has high expectations for the year.


Mount St. Mary's is ready to finish what it started.


Nebraska won't begin their season next week, as they have fewer than 10 players available for practice.


New Mexico State will shift practices to Phoenix.


Basketball at Siena is paused after a positive COVID test.


Louisiana's upcoming games have been canceled due to COVID concerns.


Idaho's first two games have been canceled due to COVID protocols.


College player news:


The right coast Husky newcomers are "a breath of fresh air."


Kelly Graves is calling freshman Te-Hina Paopao Oregon's top guard.


An atypical offseason lead Ohio State's Dorka Juhasz to expand her game.


Three Austin Peay players have been suspended indefinitely, and one has been charged with shoplifting.


Middle Tennessee transfer Anna Jones has been given immediate eligibility at Tennessee Tech.


Penn State transfer Mya Bembry has been granted immediate eligibility at Seton Hall.


College coach news:


Coaches are finding creative ways to fill schedules.


Oklahoma coach Sherri Coale says her goal is an inclusive environment for all.


Eastern Michigan has two new assistant coaches.


WNBA news:


Cheyenne Parker is featured on a BET documentary.


Renee Montgomery and the power of female allyship.


Aerial Powers is breaking barriers for female gamers.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Storylines for weeks

College team news:


Stanford is the Pac-12 preseason favorite.


SEC preseason team and player picks.


UConn expects to compete for the title this season.


Maryland will be challenged in the improved Big Ten.


The unusual offseason has forced South Dakota to adapt.


Mississippi State notes.


Northwestern is readying for the season.


Penn State is relying on transfers to propel the team forward.


Vanderbilt has canceled its season opener due to lack of available players.


Siena continues their march toward the season.


For the love of the game: Penn State.


Newcomers are bringing different skills and big goals to App State.


Montana State is dealing with new obstacles.


Northern Colorado is young, dynamic and prepared for uncertainties.


UTSA looks to grow and improve this year.


Chattanooga has paused women's basketball after positive COVID tests and contact tracing.


College player news:


The Naismith Trophy watch list is stacked.


The Wade Trophy watch list is lit.


The Pac-12 preseason all-conference team.


The Division I athlete graduation rate has hit a high of 90 percent.


Naz Hillmon and Amy Dilk are taking the next step for Michigan.


Syracuse's seven freshmen are eager to make a difference.


Lavender Briggs is looking to lead Florida.


Auburn transfer Erin Howard is immediately eligible at Florida State.


Auburn transfer Lauren Hansen has immediate eligibility at Missouri.


Auburn transfer Robyn Benton is granted eligibility immediately at Kentucky.


Pitt transfer Jahsyni Knight has immediate eligibility at Hofstra.


Virginia transfer Yanni Hendley is immediately eligible at Rhode Island.


Akira Levy is transferring from Vanderbilt without having played one game there.


College coach:


Podcast with Purdue coach Sharon Versyp.


Lindy La Rocque debuts as UNLV coach next week.


NCAA Tournament news:


San Antonio is open to hosting the entire NCAA Tournament.

Monday, November 16, 2020

NCAA Tourney location undecided; Pac-12 schedule finally out

College team news:


No decision yet on NCAA Tournament locations.


The Pac-12 schedule is finally out.


ESPN's Pac-12 predictions.


Louisville and NC State are headlining the ACC race.


Maryland won't allow fans at games.


Boston College enters ACC play with high expectations.


Boston University season preview.


Young Ohio State looks to build off last year's successes.


Oklahoma State has paused activities after three players tested positive for COVID.


A JMU player has tested positive for COVID-19, but the team continues to practice.


Vermont is delaying the start of basketball season until Dec. 18.


College player news:


Jordan Nixon is ready to take on the season at Texas A&M after a rough climb.


Arizona's high-risk players aren't worried about stepping on the floor during the pandemic.


Arella Guirantes says Rutgers has unfinished business.


Ellie Mack is ready to challenge herself at Oregon State.


College coach news:


How Carolyn Kieger plans to implement positionless basketball at Penn State.


Kyra Elzy says her switch to head coach at Kentucky is an emotional roller coaster.


Former UConn coach Marisa Moseley is set for her third year at Boston U.


Lynchburg coach Abby Pyzik Smith is stepping down due to family responsibilities from the pandemic.


Former Farleigh Dickinson coach Peter Cinella is enjoying his job as director of player development for Seton Hall.


Recruiting news:


Azzi Fudd says she chose UConn because of its unique atmosphere.


Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are reuniting at UConn.


WNBA news:


For Lynx players overseas, the challenges continue.


Renee Montgomery continues to get out the vote to defeat Kelly Loeffler.


The New Orleans Pelicans are promoting Teresa Weatherspoon to a fulltime coaching position.