INSIDER
South Carolina ranked No. 1 in women's AP Top 25 preseason poll with UConn, USC, Texas and UCLA next
Read full article: South Carolina ranked No. 1 in women's AP Top 25 preseason poll with UConn, USC, Texas and UCLA nextSouth Carolina is starting the season at No. 1 in the AP Top 25 women's college basketball poll.
UConn freshman Stephon Castle declares for NBA draft and becomes school's second one-and-done player
Read full article: UConn freshman Stephon Castle declares for NBA draft and becomes school's second one-and-done playerUConn freshman Stephon Castle has entered his name into the NBA draft, becoming the fifth Husky starter to at least explore moving on after Connecticut’s latest title run.
18.7 million: Early figures from NCAA women's title game make it most-watched hoops game in 5 years
Read full article: 18.7 million: Early figures from NCAA women's title game make it most-watched hoops game in 5 yearsSouth Carolina’s victory over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in Sunday’s women’s NCAA championship game had a preliminary audience average of 18.7 million on ABC and ESPN.
South Carolina, Iowa, UConn top final AP Top 25 women's basketball poll to cap extraordinary season
Read full article: South Carolina, Iowa, UConn top final AP Top 25 women's basketball poll to cap extraordinary seasonSouth Carolina, Iowa and UConn have finished atop the final AP Top 25 women's basketball poll of the season.
Iowa star Caitlin Clark pours in 30 points in final NCAA game but Hawkeyes fall to South Carolina
Read full article: Iowa star Caitlin Clark pours in 30 points in final NCAA game but Hawkeyes fall to South CarolinaCaitlin Clark scored 30 points in her final collegiate game but it wasn't enough as the Hawkeyes fell just short of an NCAA championship for a second straight year.
Before Alabama's biggest basketball game, the insults will be flying
Read full article: Before Alabama's biggest basketball game, the insults will be flyingIn the 15 minutes before Alabama makes its first Final Four appearance in school history, there probably won’t be many warm and fuzzy moments in the locker room.
NC State's Keatts wears tributes to ACC title, Final Four runs with custom add-ons to his shoes
Read full article: NC State's Keatts wears tributes to ACC title, Final Four runs with custom add-ons to his shoesNorth Carolina State coach Kevin Keatts’ shoes say everything about the Wolfpack’s improbable Final Four run.
At Final Four, NC State big man Burns says no, he has no plans on playing football
Read full article: At Final Four, NC State big man Burns says no, he has no plans on playing footballNorth Carolina State big man DJ Burns Jr. sees himself as a center on the basketball court, not a pulling guard on the football field.
After flight delay, defending champion UConn arrives in Arizona for Final Four in middle of night
Read full article: After flight delay, defending champion UConn arrives in Arizona for Final Four in middle of nightDefending national champion UConn finally touched down in Arizona for the Final Four at 3:15 a.m. Thursday after a long delay and a red-eye flight.
Women's Final Four ticket on resale market selling for average of $2,300, twice as much as for men
Read full article: Women's Final Four ticket on resale market selling for average of $2,300, twice as much as for menThe average price paid for a ticket on the resale market this week was twice as high for the NCAA women’s Final Four compared with that for the men’s semifinals.
Aziaha James makes 7 3s with mismatched 3-point lines, leads NC State past Texas into Final Four
Read full article: Aziaha James makes 7 3s with mismatched 3-point lines, leads NC State past Texas into Final FourAziaha James made a career-high seven 3-pointers and scored 27 points, and third-seeded North Carolina State earned its first trip to the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament since 1998, beating top-seeded Texas 76-66.
Source: Jamal Shead to play in second half as Houston Cougars continue game against Duke
Read full article: Source: Jamal Shead to play in second half as Houston Cougars continue game against DukeAfter spraining his ankle midway through the first half, Jamal Shead is “going to give it a go” a source told KPRC2.
Caitlin Clark thrilled by US national team training camp invite. If Iowa isn't in the Final Four
Read full article: Caitlin Clark thrilled by US national team training camp invite. If Iowa isn't in the Final FourCaitlin Clark has been invited to the USA Basketball national team training camp during the Final Four in Cleveland, contingent on Iowa’s season being over.
Mayor Turner responds to ‘classless comments’ after Gov. Lamont calls Houston ‘butt ugly’ during Final Four
Read full article: Mayor Turner responds to ‘classless comments’ after Gov. Lamont calls Houston ‘butt ugly’ during Final FourHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner sharply responded to Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont after he called Houston “butt ugly” during 2023 Final Four.
A NASA astronaut sang the national anthem before the NCAA championship game, but who is she?
Read full article: A NASA astronaut sang the national anthem before the NCAA championship game, but who is she?Arcadia, California native Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Ph.D., began working as a NASA astronaut in 1998.
UConn won their 5th NCAA National Championship. See how the team, celebrities and fans celebrated!
Read full article: UConn won their 5th NCAA National Championship. See how the team, celebrities and fans celebrated!The UConn Huskies delivered one of the most impressive March Madness runs in history Monday night, bringing home its fifth national title with a 76-59 victory over San Diego State.
And then there were 2: San Diego State to face UConn tonight for the men’s NCAA National Championship title
Read full article: And then there were 2: San Diego State to face UConn tonight for the men’s NCAA National Championship titleWith every sweet victory and sour defeat, the paths of each team have led to the Men’s Final Four Championship this Monday.
Man allegedly impersonates police officer to get into Final Four music festival
Read full article: Man allegedly impersonates police officer to get into Final Four music festivalA man has been charged after allegedly impersonating a police officer to gain access to the Final Four music festival held in downtown Houston this weekend.
‘Human trafficking is going to happen’: The darker side of sporting events ahead of the Final Four
Read full article: ‘Human trafficking is going to happen’: The darker side of sporting events ahead of the Final FourIn the first two months of 2023, Houston police made 298 arrests dealing with prostitution, purchasing prostitution, and human trafficking. With hundreds of thousands of fans expected in the Bayou City through Monday during the NCAA Final Four, advocates and law enforcement are gearing up for human trafficking cases.
Mayor Turner officially debuts players participating in 2023 HBCU All-Star Game
Read full article: Mayor Turner officially debuts players participating in 2023 HBCU All-Star GameMayor Sylvester Turner will be leading the exciting charge of officially debuting the 24 players who will be a part of the 2023 HBCU All-Star Game.
How Final Four fans can get around easier ahead of big basketball weekend in Houston
Read full article: How Final Four fans can get around easier ahead of big basketball weekend in HoustonMETRO will kick off its Final Four Fever and recognize hundreds of volunteers who will serve as event ambassadors during the four-day weekend.
HSI Houston warns fans to be aware of counterfeit merchandise, tickets during 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four
Read full article: HSI Houston warns fans to be aware of counterfeit merchandise, tickets during 2023 NCAA Men’s Final FourAs the city of Houston prepares to host the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four from March 31 through April 3, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is cautioning fans to be on the lookout for fake NCAA merchandise and tickets to Final Four games.
WATCH LIVE: Houston’s Mayor to award NCAA and Houston Local Organizing Committee with citywide proclamation
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: Houston’s Mayor to award NCAA and Houston Local Organizing Committee with citywide proclamationMarch 31 - April 3, 2023 to be commemorated as Men’s Final Four Week.
Va Tech women headed to 1st Final Four after topping Ohio St
Read full article: Va Tech women headed to 1st Final Four after topping Ohio StElizabeth Kitley scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Georgia Amoore added 24 points and top-seeded Virginia Tech advanced to the Final Four for the first time in school history with an 84-74 win over No. 3 seed Ohio State in the Seattle 3 Regional final.
NCAA Final Four in Houston: What to know before you go as thousands expected to attend
Read full article: NCAA Final Four in Houston: What to know before you go as thousands expected to attendMayor Sylvester Turner, along with officials with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, Houston Police Department and other organizations are teaming up to prepare the city for the upcoming 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament at NRG Stadium.
Final Four safety: Mothers Against Drunk Driving team up with AAA Texas, HPD to warn drivers ahead of NCAA tournament
Read full article: Final Four safety: Mothers Against Drunk Driving team up with AAA Texas, HPD to warn drivers ahead of NCAA tournamentMothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) teamed up with AAA Texas and the Houston Police Department Monday to remind drivers of the dangers of drunk and impaired driving.
UH Cougars surprise ‘lead ball boy’ Jace Abarca with trip to Kansas City for Sweet 16 game
Read full article: UH Cougars surprise ‘lead ball boy’ Jace Abarca with trip to Kansas City for Sweet 16 gameThe cougar roster is a tight-knit group and they also have another member of the University of Houston family they are close with.
THE BIG STAGE: A look at the public, private school storylines
Read full article: THE BIG STAGE: A look at the public, private school storylinesThe UIL and TAPPS postseason is coming to a point. The TAPPS State Weekend starts Friday, while the Regional Finals for UIL will determine the State’s Final Four.
Gamecocks' Aliyah Boston: Turned down late invite by ESPYS
Read full article: Gamecocks' Aliyah Boston: Turned down late invite by ESPYSConsensus women's college basketball player of the year Aliyah Boston says she turned down a late invite to the ESPYS awards show and was hurt she wasn't asked earlier to attend.
NCAA president decries pace of basketball investigations
Read full article: NCAA president decries pace of basketball investigationsNCAA President Mark Emmert says investigations into allegations of major violations against several high-profile men’s college basketball programs have taken “way too long.”.
Study: Michigan, Kentucky top academics-based NCAA brackets
Read full article: Study: Michigan, Kentucky top academics-based NCAA bracketsMichigan and Kentucky stood out in a study examining the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament brackets based on graduation rates, academic success and diversity in the head coaching ranks.
TAPPS Playoffs: Warriors punch ticket to sixth-straight TAPPS Final Four
Read full article: TAPPS Playoffs: Warriors punch ticket to sixth-straight TAPPS Final FourHOUSTON - The Woodlands Christian Academy is making it a yearly tradition at this point of punching their ticket to the TAPPS Final Four.
Review finds women’s NCAA Tournament got less than men’s
Read full article: Review finds women’s NCAA Tournament got less than men’sA law firm's look into the gender equity of the men's and women's NCAA Tournaments found the women's teams came up short in everything from COVID-19 testing to weight room facilities and areas to escape hotel bubble life, The NCAA released the 100-plus page review by a law firm.
White brings championship pedigree to TWCA boys soccer
Read full article: White brings championship pedigree to TWCA boys soccerAfter winning three state championships, with Final Four appearances in seven of eight seasons, as head boys soccer coach of St. Thomas Episcopal, Chris White was ready for something different.
TRIVIA: It’s Clyde Drexler’s birthday! How well do you know this NBA legend?
Read full article: TRIVIA: It’s Clyde Drexler’s birthday! How well do you know this NBA legend?June 22, 2021 marks the 59th birthday for Houston basketball legend Clyde Drexler. Number 22 first made a name for himself as part of the iconic Phi Slama Jama team at the University Houston. He eventually dominated in the NBA as well and has had his number retired at both the college and the professional level.
Conferences urge stopgap for NCAA on NIL until federal law
Read full article: Conferences urge stopgap for NCAA on NIL until federal lawSix Division I conferences are urging the NCAA to implement a stopgap measure that would allow college athletes to earn money off their fame before a federal law is passed.
It’s on: Gonzaga vs. Baylor for the national championship
Read full article: It’s on: Gonzaga vs. Baylor for the national championshipBaylor made a mockery of the first Final Four game, stifling Houston for a chance at the program’s first national title. Then Gonzaga made miracles happen, winning on one of the greatest shots in NCAA Tournament history.
Great UH Memories: Catching up with Phi Slama Jama
Read full article: Great UH Memories: Catching up with Phi Slama JamaAs the University of Houston men’s basketball team prepares to take on the Baylor Bears this weekend in the Final Four, KPRC 2′s Kris Gutierrez sat down with a couple of former UH basketball players from the epic Phi Slama Jama era.
Ever wonder where the University of Houston ‘Whose House’ chant came from? UH says it was started in the late 80s
Read full article: Ever wonder where the University of Houston ‘Whose House’ chant came from? UH says it was started in the late 80sThe “Whose House? Coog’s House!” chant can be heard at every University of Houston sporting event, but most don’t know that it dates back to 1988.
What the world was like the last time UH, Baylor were in the Final Four
Read full article: What the world was like the last time UH, Baylor were in the Final FourBoth the University of Houston and Baylor University men’s basketball teams have made it to the Final Four at the NCAA tournament this year.
Mattress Mack to send several UH students to Final Four game this weekend
Read full article: Mattress Mack to send several UH students to Final Four game this weekendMattress Mack gives out nearly 20,000 face masks FridayHOUSTON – In true “Mattress Mack” fashion, the business owner will send several University of Houston students to the Final Four game against Baylor this Saturday. Jim McIngvale and Gallery Furniture will also host a Coogs Pep Rally at the Gallery Furniture on North Freeway on Thursday at 11 a.m.During the pep rally, several UH students will win a round-trip charter flight to Indianapolis, tickets to the game and hotel accommodations. The public is welcome to show their Cougar pride in the parking lot of the pep rally. The lucky Final Four trip winners will board a private jet on Friday with the families of the UH coaches to attend the game.
UH vs. Baylor: Social media buzzes with excitement, anticipation for big NCAA Final Four game
Read full article: UH vs. Baylor: Social media buzzes with excitement, anticipation for big NCAA Final Four gameTwo Texas teams have reached the NCAA Final Four tournament in Indianapolis, and social media is buzzing with excitement.
Stanford rallies to beat Louisville 78-63, reach Final Four
Read full article: Stanford rallies to beat Louisville 78-63, reach Final FourLexie Hull had 21 points, Ashten Prechtel scored each of her 16 in the second half and Stanford reached the Final Four by rallying for a 78-63 victory over Louisville on Tuesday night. “To play a second half and beat them by 27 really says a lot about how hard people were playing,” VanDerveer said. Stanford dropped that one 62-53, ending its previous appearance in the Final Four. Stanford (29-2) trailed by 12 midway through the third quarter before scoring 13 consecutive points to take its first lead since early in the game. We weren’t aggressive enough.”AdThe Cardinal got going in the second half and made six of their final eight 3-point attempts.
Gonzaga's bid for a perfect season moves on to Final Four
Read full article: Gonzaga's bid for a perfect season moves on to Final FourGonzaga (30-0) has been an offensive juggernaut rarely seen in college basketball. Ad“Everyone wants us to keep moving forward, but that’s not how we roll,” Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. That doesn’t lessen our desire to win this game, the next game or win two more games.”The next one won't be easy. The Bears were embroiled in one of the darkest scandals in college basketball history, when Patrick Dennehy was murdered by teammate Carlton Dotson in 2003. They played in the Final Four.”___More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/College-basketball and http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25
Quite a show: Zags stay undefeated with 85-66 win over USC
Read full article: Quite a show: Zags stay undefeated with 85-66 win over USCOn Saturday in the national semifinals, the Zags will face 11th-seeded UCLA, which beat Michigan 51-49 in a later Elite Eight game. All-American Corey Kispert had 18 points and eight boards on an “off” night — only 6 for 19 from the floor. “We just tried to stay moving,” Suggs said about attacking the USC zone, which had been shutting down teams all month in Indy. “It was a little surprising," USC coach Andy Enfield said, “because we'd been playing great basketball.”The Zags have a way about doing that to people. ALL-WEST TEAMThe All-region team included both Mobley brothers, Suggs, Kispert and Timme, who was named the West's most outstanding player.
Here’s how you can score last minute tickets to the UH vs. Baylor showdown this weekend
Read full article: Here’s how you can score last minute tickets to the UH vs. Baylor showdown this weekendIt’s been nothing but buzz and excitement for the University of Houston men’s basketball team who is headed to the Final Four to take on the Baylor Bears on Saturday. On the NCAA website, coordinators say each team will be provided a very limited number of tickets to sell. The University of Houston tells KPRC 2 that students had one last chance to sign up for those limited tickets on Monday. AdKPRC 2 checked StubHub for tickets to Saturday’s game and they start at $1,100 and go all the way up to $25,000 with only 60 tickets left on the website. If it was a full stadium, prices would be very different,” said Calhoun.
Baylor and UH will have their showdown on Saturday
Read full article: Baylor and UH will have their showdown on SaturdayBaylor reached the Final Four for the first time in 71 years, getting 22 points from MaCio Teague and a dominating defensive performance from Davion Mitchell to beat Arkansas 81-72 on Monday night.
Houston tops Oregon State, reaches 1st Final Four since ’84
Read full article: Houston tops Oregon State, reaches 1st Final Four since ’84Yes, Houston is going back to the Final Four for the first time since the famed “Phi Slama Jama” era after Monday night's 67-61 win against Oregon State. And Houston knocked down enough free throws late while holding Oregon State without a basket during a critical 3 1/2 minutes. Fittingly, it was DeJon Jarreau — the American Athletic Conference's defensive player of the year who led the effort that stymied Oregon State star Ethan Thompson — who was named the most outstanding player of the Midwest Region. “It was right there within our grasp with the effort we showed in the second half,” Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle said. They held the Beavers to 35% shooting in the first half before Oregon State found some openings.
Houston tops Oregon State, reaches 1st Final Four since ’84
Read full article: Houston tops Oregon State, reaches 1st Final Four since ’84INDIANAPOLIS – Houston overcame a blown 17-point lead to hold off Oregon State 67-61 on Monday night in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Final Four for the first time in 37 years. Grimes’ 3 from near the top of the arc finally steadied the Cougars, and Houston knocked down enough free throws down the stretch while holding Oregon State without a basket during a critical 3 1/2 minutes. AdMarcus Sasser scored 20 points to lead Houston while Grimes added 18. Fittingly, it was DeJon Jarreau -- the American Athletic Conference’s defensive player of the year who led the effort that stymied Oregon State star Ethan Thompson -- who was named the most outstanding player of the Midwest Region. They held the Beavers to 35% shooting in the first half before Oregon State found some openings.
What To Watch: Remaining Final Four spots up for grabs
Read full article: What To Watch: Remaining Final Four spots up for grabs… Gonzaga is seeking to become the first team to make it to the Final Four unbeaten since Kentucky in 2015. 11 seed UCLA (21-9), East Region final, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis. … UCLA is back in a regional final for the first time since earning three straight Final Four berths from 2006-08. 6 seed Texas (21-9), Hemisfair Region final, Alamodome, San Antonio. … Texas is in a regional final for the first time since 2016 and seeking its first Final Four appearance since 2003.
TAPPS Final Four Preview powered by Academy Sports + Outdoors: Area teams vying for spots in TAPPS State Title Games
Read full article: TAPPS Final Four Preview powered by Academy Sports + Outdoors: Area teams vying for spots in TAPPS State Title GamesFor area TAPPS teams they are now just two wins away from hoisting that coveted wooden TAPPS State Championship trophy and claiming the spot as the best in Texas. The Woodlands Christian Academy vs St. Michael's Catholic Academy (BB)- Tuesday, March 9, at 6 p.m. at Bryan High SchoolWATCH LIVE: https://www.vype.com/vype-live-tapps-state-semifinal-boys-basketball-woodland-christian-vs-st-michaelsAdThe Woodlands Christian Academy is back in the TAPPS Final Four. The Warriors are seeking their 7th TAPPS State Championship (2020, 2018, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008) and are the defending state champions. TAPPS 1ACovenant Academy vs Heritage School-FredericksburgIn TAPPS 1A, Convenant Academy out of Cypress will take on Heritage School out of Fredericksburg. It has taken three wins for each of these teams to get to the TAPPS Final Four.
DFW Girls Hoops: State Semifinals
Read full article: DFW Girls Hoops: State SemifinalsJust two more tip-offs remain in the UIL girls basketball season. The Final Four is here and the DFW is primed to take home another healthy helping of state championships after capturing the top two in the state a season ago. In the State Semifinals, we get a mid-season rematch between two teams; the defending 5A state champion just keeps finding a way to win; a surprise remains in 4A; and a team is in the state semis in 23 years. 6AW8 South Grand Prairie (25-2) vs. W11 DeSoto (26-2) - 4 p.m. Saturday @ Prosper HS (Prosper)- winner will meet winner of Cypress Creek/Converse Judson in 6A State Finals 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11 @ Alamodome (San Antonio)5AW4 Lubbock Cooper (28-3) vs. T9 Frisco Liberty (21-8) - TBD- winner will meet winner of Beaumont United/Cedar Park in 5A State Finals 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 @ Alamodome (San Antonio)4AW4 Canyon (28-1) vs. R12 Dallas Pinkston (27-5) - 2:30 p.m. Saturday @ Junell Center (San Angelo)- winner will meet winner of Hardin-Jefferson/Boerne in 4A State Finals 2 p.m. Thursday, March 11 @ Alamodome (San Antonio)Ad3AW3 Brownfield (28-1) vs. W10 Ponder (29-3) - 10 a.m. Saturday @ Junell Center (San Angelo)- winner will meet winner of Fairfield/Bishop in 3A State Finals 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 @ Alamodome (San Antonio)
College basketball bubbles brewing with season on horizon
Read full article: College basketball bubbles brewing with season on horizonFILE - In this March 12, 2020, file photo, the seating area at Bankers Life Fieldhouse is viewed in Indianapolis after the Big Ten Conference announced that remainder of the men's NCAA college basketball games tournament was canceled. Indianapolis city leaders want the college basketball world to know it is open for business. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)INDIANAPOLIS – With the coronavirus pandemic already forcing changes for college basketball, a bubble may be brewing in Indianapolis. Indiana Sports Corp. released a 16-page proposal Friday that calls for turning the city convention center's exhibition halls and meeting rooms into basketball courts and locker rooms. ___For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25