Connect with us

College Sports

College basketball weekend roundup

It’s a great time to be a basketball fan in the state of Michigan.Michigan State and Michigan faced uncertainty entering the season. The Spartans have their streak of 26 consecutive appearances in the men’s tournament, but they’ve only been to the Sweet 16 once since 2019, leaving wonder if Tom Izzo had another deep run […]

Published

4 months ago

on

College basketball weekend roundup

It’s a great time to be a basketball fan in the state of Michigan.Michigan State and Michigan faced uncertainty entering the season. The Spartans have their streak of 26 consecutive appearances in the men’s tournament, but they’ve only been to the Sweet 16 once since 2019, leaving wonder if Tom Izzo had another deep run left in East Lansing. Meanwhile, Michigan brought in Dusty May to turnaround a program that was coming off its worst season in more than 40 years.

There will be no winless teams in Division I this season. After starting the season 0-14 with one of the worst scoring margins in the country, Alcorn State defended its home court by beating Alabama A&M 62-52 on Saturday. It may not mean much nationally for the Braves to finally get in the win column, but it ensures there won’t be a winless team in the country, which hasn’t happened since Grambling State went 0-28 in 2012-2013.May mastered the portal in his first season in Ann Arbor, primarily with him bringing Vladislav Goldin with him from Florida Atlantic. During Michigan’s five league wins that includes a sweep at the California schools, the big man has averaged a conference-best 22.0 points and added 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 67.9% from the field.Michigan center Vladislav Goldin (50) grabs a rebound against Washington during the second half at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.For Izzo’s squad, it’s been a mix of veterans led by senior Jaden Akins and freshman Jase Richardson propelling Michigan State to a nine-game win streak. The Spartans have been playing the typical solid defense, but the offense has improved by getting to the foul line and making their shots at the charity stripe, the second best free-throw percentage in the country (81.5%).It’s become somewhat normal for both fanbases to feel uneasy about the postseason, but there’s now a renewed sense of optimism, and both teams lead the top storylines from the past weekend in hoops.Top teams survive on the roadPlenty of the nation’s top teams were tested over the weekend with road contests, likely foreshadowing numerous tough bouts heading their way in conference play.After the thumping it took at Florida, top-ranked Tennessee regrouped and showed resilience by pulling away from Texas for a 74-70 road win. Auburn got a major scare when player of the year candidate Johni Broome suffered an ankle injury, but the Tigers rallied past South Carolina. Then there was Iowa State, who surely looked like would lose to Texas Tech before a buzzer-beater got the Cyclones into overtime before winning in the extra period. That doesn’t include Alabama, Kentucky, Florida and Connecticut leaving hostile crowds with some close victories.

With the exception of Auburn, all of those top teams earned Quad 1 victories, much needed as all of them jockey for positioning in March. Yet plenty of tests await them the rest of the way, and any opportunity to show some fight is needed.Southern California gets big win over IllinoisThe Eric Musselman experience at Southern California has had a rather bumpy start, but the first-year head coach got his first signature win when the Trojans went into Champaign and gave Illinois a taste of its own medicine.Illinois has been a scoring juggernaut so far, but it was the USC offense that couldn’t be stopped in the second half of an 82-72 win. Trailing by three points at intermission, USC shot 57.6% from the field in the second half and limited one of the best rebounding teams in the country.The Trojans have a long way to go before they can be considered for the tournament picture, but getting the first Quad 1 win of the season while also achieving the first ranked road win since 2010 is a great start as Musselman tries to rebuild the program.Arizona reviving season in Big 12 playAlmost a month ago, Arizona was sitting at 4-5 after blowing a second-half lead against UCLA. The Wildcats, a regular season powerhouse under Tommy Lloyd, looked like they’d be heading toward a brutal first season in the Big 12.Instead, Arizona has found its form and are now winners of six in a row since that loss to the Bruins, joining Iowa State and Houston on top of the conference. The Wildcats have done it against some quality opponents as well, picking up a roads win against Cincinnati and avenging a loss to West Virginia. It’s easy to tell the win streak has coincided with veteran guard Caleb Love finally shaking off a rough start to the season. Love is averaging 19.5 points per game during the win streak while the big men have continued to control the boards.Lloyd and company are red-hot, and they’ll get week of possibly boosting the resume with Baylor and Texas Tech on deck.

Utah State continues to thrive as coaches change

The Aggies, now on their third coach in three seasons, are the early leader in the Mountain West and have the most wins in Division I with a 16-1 record. However, the latest victory came in one of the most ridiculous ways, with Ian Martinez converting a miraculous four-point play in the final seconds to beat Boise State.But with a mix of old and new, the two programs are thriving and leading the Big Ten with 5-0 conference records.

If you haven’t watched Jerrod Calhoun’s team, they are absolutely one to watch. In addition to the raucous environment inside the Smith Spectrum, they’ve found ways to win by either scoring in bunches or playing some tough defense. The Aggies look well on their way to their third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, this time with their eyes set on reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1970.

Alcorn State becomes final team to win

It doesn’t matter who’s in charge in Logan, Utah State continues to do one thing: win.

4
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

College Sports

Guilty plea in fatal ATV crash

WILKES-BARRE — A Nanticoke man pled guilty in Luzerne County Court to charges related to a fatal crash involving an all-terrain vehicle driver in 2023. Richard J. Simon Jr., 40, of West Union Street, was charged by Newport Township police with striking an ATV operated by James “Jimmy” Edward Thiemann, 26, on East Kirmar […]

Published

2 hours ago

on

May 23, 2025

By


WILKES-BARRE — A Nanticoke man pled guilty in Luzerne County Court to charges related to a fatal crash involving an all-terrain vehicle driver in 2023.

Richard J. Simon Jr., 40, of West Union Street, was charged by Newport Township police with striking an ATV operated by James “Jimmy” Edward Thiemann, 26, on East Kirmar Avenue on July 30, 2023, according to court records.

Thiemann, of Warrior Run, died at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, on Aug. 5, 2023.

Simon, through his attorney, Theron J. Solomon, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree misdemeanor, before Judge Michael T. Vough on Thursday.

Under state sentencing guidelines, Simon could face up to five years in prison but prosecutors did not object to house arrest if Simon is eligible.

Court records say Simon, operating a 2004 Hyundai Sante Fe, was traveling on Alden Mountain Road when he was passed by several ATV drivers, including Thiemann.

Simon and the ATV drivers changed lanes and varied their speeds with Simon briefly driving off the roadway. Simon then struck Thiemann’s ATV that was pushed a distance resulting in Thiemann being thrown to the ground striking his head, court records say.

Simon briefly stopped and was allegedly pulled from his vehicle and attacked, before he managed to flee the scene.

Police did not charge Simon with fleeing the scene or failure to render aid.

Videos of the encounter were recorded on cellular phones by other ATV drivers.

In an unrelated case, Simon also pled guilty to a burglary charge as Nanticoke police accused him with entering a house under renovations on West Union Street and stealing tools, a hot water heater and materials on Jan. 24, 2024, according to court records.

Vough scheduled Simon to be sentenced July 3. Simon remains free on $25,000 bail.



Link

0
Continue Reading

College Sports

Daily Hampshire Gazette – UMass hockey: Minutemen add former Michigan State forward Mikey DeAngelo from portal 

UMass players stand together as the starting lineup is introduced before the NCAA hockey game against Merrimack at the Mullins Center, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Amherst. STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II The UMass hockey team announced on Wednesday that former Michigan State forward Mikey DeAngelo has joined the Minutemen for the 2025-26 season […]

Published

3 hours ago

on

May 23, 2025

By


UMass players stand together as the starting lineup is introduced before the NCAA hockey game against Merrimack at the Mullins Center, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Amherst.

UMass players stand together as the starting lineup is introduced before the NCAA hockey game against Merrimack at the Mullins Center, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Amherst.
STAFF PHOTO / DANIEL JACOBI II

The UMass hockey team announced on Wednesday that former Michigan State forward Mikey DeAngelo has joined the Minutemen for the 2025-26 season as a transfer. DeAngelo, a 5-foot-11, 179-pounder, is the first confirmed addition for next season’s UMass team.

During his freshman season with the Spartans in 2024-25, DeAngelo potted nine points in 33 games. The Itasca, Illinois native helped Michigan State claim the Big 10 championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

“Mikey DeAngelo comes to UMass after one year at Michigan State where he had a solid season on a very good college hockey team,” Minutemen head coach Greg Carvel said in a statement released by UMass athletics. “Mikey will bring speed and skill to our lineup and will fill one of the spots created by three UMass centers signing NHL contracts after this past season. With the opportunity that exists on our team, we expect Mikey to be a point-getter who plays a responsible game without the puck and plays with a lot of tenacity and plays to our identity as a team. It should be a smooth transition for Mikey, and I am excited to see his impact on our lineup.”

DeAngelo deposited 34 goals and 87 points in 110 games with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League across two seasons before his college hockey career.



Link

0
Continue Reading

College Sports

Chicago Stars soccer team explores move to Evanston

The Chicago Stars professional women’s soccer team will depart their usual Bridgeview venue to play a “test run” game at an Evanston lakefront stadium in September as they consider a permanent move there. The City of Evanston has granted approval for the team, which competes in the National Women’s Soccer League, to play all of […]

Published

3 hours ago

on

May 23, 2025

By

Chicago Stars soccer team explores move to Evanston

The Chicago Stars professional women’s soccer team will depart their usual Bridgeview venue to play a “test run” game at an Evanston lakefront stadium in September as they consider a permanent move there.

The City of Evanston has granted approval for the team, which competes in the National Women’s Soccer League, to play all of its 16 home matches in 2026 at Northwestern University’s Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The venue is the temporary home of the Wildcat football team, but the soccer club has not committed to playing there next year, said Emmanuel Salazar, spokesman for the Stars.

“We are exploring various options for 2026 and will make that announcement when we have the decision finalized,” Salazar said via email. “Applying for and receiving a zoning certificate from the city of Evanston is part of the process of making and keeping Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium an option for 2026.”

In a “test run” of the idea, Evanston also granted approval for the team to play a match against the Orlando Pride, defending champions of the National Women’s Soccer League, on Sept. 7, said Cynthia Vargas, spokeswoman for the city of Evanston.

The Sept. 7 match comes the day after Northwestern football plays its home opener against Western Illinois University. The Wildcats are playing at Martin Field while Ryan Field is rebuilt. The Stars currently play their home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

Salazar declined to answer questions about the club’s interest in the lakefront site, whether it is considering any other sites and when it plans to make a decision on its 2026 home games. He referred any questions to a statement released by the team on May 19.

The statement confirms the Sept. 7 match, calling it the “Lakefront Faceoff” and suggesting the match “demonstrates the club’s ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating positive connections with local communities, including Northwestern University and the residents of the city of Evanston.”

“This match at Martin Stadium gives us the opportunity to bring our world-class athletes to the city of Evanston to showcase their abilities to (a) new and returning fanbase at a wonderful location on the lakefront,” Club President Karen Leetzow said in the release.

Leetzow thanked the city and the university for the opportunity.

“We’re dedicated to creating a can’t-miss event this September for new and returning fans and finding ways to work with local businesses and community organizations to integrate our club and the beautiful game with all Evanston has to offer,” she said.

Although the club has not yet committed to playing there in 2026, it will collaborate with local schools and organizations to bring events to kids and local businesses, including youth soccer clinics and a “summit for young professionals focused on leadership in women’s sports,” the release said.

“Evanston families and youth will have special opportunities to engage with the Stars throughout the season,” it said.

In the release, Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss said he is excited about the Sept. 7 match.

“We are excited to bring a premier women’s soccer franchise to our city, and look forward to welcoming to Evanston not only the players and staff but also their fans,” Biss said.

As for 2026, Evanston has approved a zoning application to allow a temporary use of the lakefront field between March and November, Vargas said. The Stars must reapply if they want to use the field beyond 2026, she said.

If the team chooses to play at the field in 2026, Evanston will evaluate whether the temporary stadium is suitable for additional use, Vargas said.

“The city would need to assess any impacts from the 2026 season and may require modifications to the transportation management and operations plan or other conditions to grant further temporary use of the facility,” she said.

The lakefront stadium, which also hosts soccer and lacrosse matches, is closer to the Northwestern campus than Ryan Field, which is surrounded by homes.

“The lakefront stadium is more separated from residential homes, reducing the immediate disruptions to residents; however, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate community concerns,” Vargas said.

“The city of Evanston is committed to working with community members and Chicago Stars to proactively address impacts before the first event in September and use that to inform a transportation management and operations plan for the 2026 season.”

Originally Published:

0
Continue Reading

College Sports

Bradley University names new dean for College of Education of Health Sciences

PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley University has named a new dean for its College of Education of Health Sciences. Dr. Jeffrey Wanko will begin his new role on July 15th. Wanko recently served as Associate Provost at Miami University in Ohio.  He has also served in roles that include an Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in […]

Published

3 hours ago

on

May 23, 2025

By


PEORIA, Ill. – Bradley University has named a new dean for its College of Education of Health Sciences.

Dr. Jeffrey Wanko will begin his new role on July 15th.

Wanko recently served as Associate Provost at Miami University in Ohio.  He has also served in roles that include an Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Education, Health, and Society.

Wanko has a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy from Michigan State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from Miami University.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with the faculty, staff, and students to build on the university’s successes and to champion innovation, equity, and engagement in teaching, research, and service,” Wanko said in a statement.

Wanko takes over for Dr. Kathy Shapley, who has served as dean in the interim for the past year.





Link

0
Continue Reading

College Sports

Alabama Gymnastics Associate Head Coach Justin Spring Wins Emmy

Alabama gymnastics associate head coach Justin Spring was awarded an Emmy on Wednesday night as part of NBC’s broadcast team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. NBC and Peacock’s coverage of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad won the Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event category, with Spring recognized as an event analyst. “What an […]

Published

4 hours ago

on

May 23, 2025

By


Alabama gymnastics associate head coach Justin Spring was awarded an Emmy on Wednesday night as part of NBC’s broadcast team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

NBC and Peacock’s coverage of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad won the Outstanding Live Special – Championship Event category, with Spring recognized as an event analyst.

“What an unexpected honor to win an Emmy for something that felt like such a privilege in my life!” Spring said in a press release on Thursday. “Commenting the Olympic Games was a dream come true. This award is so deserving for all the producers, researchers and the whole NBC team that made the experience amazing and unforgettable for our country!”

Spring provided live analysis of the men’s gymnastics competition, where the U.S. men’s team secured its first Olympic medal (bronze) since Spring’s own podium finish 16 years prior.

“Justin has a remarkable ability to make people feel part of a journey,” Alabama gymnastics head coach Ashley Johnston said in the press release. “Through an enthusiastic, storytelling approach to his broadcast analysis, he doesn’t just share the sport, but brings it to life. He’s a difference maker and his energy makes you believe in something bigger than yourself, as his passion for the sport of gymnastics can be felt by everyone around him. I couldn’t be prouder of him for earning this well-deserved honor.”

Softball Super Regional: No. 15 Alabama at No. 2 Oklahoma, Norman, Okla., 4 p.m. CT, ESPN2

No results.

CFP Seeding Change Shows Who Carries the Big Sticks in College Football

99 days

May 23, 1970: Carney Laslie, an Alabama football tackle in 1930-32 and a member of Coach Paul W. “Bear” Bryant’s staffs at Maryland, Kentucky, Texas A&M and Alabama, died of an apparent blood clot at the age of 61. — Bryant Museum

May 23, 2011: Sports Illustrated published its story on the Tuscaloosa tornado, with Javier Arenas standing in its aftermath on the cover.

“Carney (Laslie) meant as much as any one person, particularly back when we were starting and trying to get established. In those days, we worked day and night, but Carney never faltered.”

– Paul W. “Bear” Bryant





Link

0
Continue Reading

College Sports

Donald Trump listens to Nick Saban as college sports commission plans change

The Alabama legend was only recently put in charge of co-chairing the president’s commission into college athletics following successful meetings between the two, yet things have already taken a turn Plans for Nick Saban to co-chair Donald Trump’s commission into college athletics have been put on hold Donald Trump’s commission into college athletics appears to […]

Published

5 hours ago

on

May 23, 2025

By


The Alabama legend was only recently put in charge of co-chairing the president’s commission into college athletics following successful meetings between the two, yet things have already taken a turn

Nick Saban
Plans for Nick Saban to co-chair Donald Trump’s commission into college athletics have been put on hold

Donald Trump’s commission into college athletics appears to have hit a roadblock after the Nick Saban-led initiative was put on hold this week.

Earlier this month, various reports stated that the U.S. President had put the Alabama legend in charge of co-chairing his commission following crunch name, image and likeness (NIL) reform meetings ahead of a commencement address at the University of Texas for the Class of 2025.

The move was set to see Saban serve alongside Texas businessman Cody Campbell, founder of Texas Tech’s Matador Club NIL collective and chairman of the Texas Tech board of regents, where the commission would examine prominent issues facing college sports, most notably the transfer portal.

READ MORE: Scottie Scheffler sends brutal message to LIV Golf defectors after latest major victoryREAD MORE: Michael Irvin’s verdict of Shedeur Sanders is hard to disagree with

The move came after Saban’s concern about NIL and the influx of money damaging college sports influenced Trump to take a stand. It was even claimed that the 78-year-old was considering an executive order after the Crimson Tide legend noted how the college sports landscape has changed for the worse.

Since that first meeting with the president, however, Saban has sought to distance himself from the idea of such a commission, repeatedly telling reporters how he believed it to be unnecessary, and that those in charge of college sports could get together and solve problems without a formal government-backed body getting involved.

As a result, it has now been reported that the presidential commission into college sports has come to a grinding halt. According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, the Saban-led project now appears unlikely to come into being any time soon, although there is emphasis on it being “paused” rather than completely cancelled.

Content cannot be displayed without consent

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Dellenger noted how the move could be “possibly rooted in its potential impact in Senate negotiations over college sports legislation.”

In a follow-up post, he added that it remains unclear how long the pause will extend and that any delay could result from giving five U.S. senators, led by Ted Cruz and Cory Booker, “more time to possibly reach an agreement on federal legislation.”

It would appear, though, that the decision from the White House comes off the back of Saban aiming to distance himself from the matter. Speaking to SEC Network last week, he said: “First of all, I don’t know a lot about the commission.

“Secondly, I’m not sure we really need a commission. A lot of people know exactly what the issues are in college football and exactly what we need to do to fix them. I think the key to the drill is getting people together so we can move it forward.”

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban and President Donald Trump
Former Alabama Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban isn’t convinced on a potential major change to college sports(Image: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Following up on his comments at his ‘Nick’s Kids Golf Tournament’ in Birmingham, Alabama, Saban also admitted that he would help President Trump in a consultancy role if needed.

“I know there’s been a lot of stuff out there about some commission or whatever. I don’t think we need a commission. I’ve said that before,” Saban said via Mike Rodak.

“I’m all for being a consultant to anybody who would think that my experience would be beneficial to helping create some of those solutions.”



Link

0
Continue Reading

Most Viewed Posts

Trending