By JIM O'CONNELL
Associated Press
Gonzaga, the last unbeaten team in Division I, moved to No. 1 in The Associated Press college basketball poll for the second time in school history.
The Zags (22-0) jumped up from third when Villanova and Kansas both were beaten in a week when seven of the top 10 lost.
Gonzaga received 46 first-place votes from the 65-member national media panel Monday. The Zags were No. 1 for the last three weeks of the 2012-13 season.
Gonzaga is the fifth team to reach No. 1 this season joining Duke, Kentucky, Villanova and Baylor.
Baylor (20-1), one of the three top 10 teams to not lose, jumped from fifth to second. The Bears had six first-place votes and were one point ahead of Kansas (19-2), which dropped one place after losing at West Virginia before winning at Kentucky. The Jayhawks had nine first-place votes.
Villanova, which had been No. 1 for the last two weeks and six overall, dropped to fourth after losing at Marquette. The Wildcats (20-2), who also had a last-second win over Virginia, were No. 1 on four ballots.
Northwestern (18-4) is the week's lone newcomer. The Wildcats were last ranked for one week in 2009-10.
Arizona, the other top 10 team to get through the week without a loss, moved from seventh to fifth and was followed by Louisville, West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and Wisconsin.
UCLA was 11th and was followed by North Carolina, Oregon, Cincinnati, Florida State, Butler, Maryland, Saint Mary's, South Carolina and Notre Dame.
The last five ranked teams were Duke, Creighton, Purdue, Florida and Northwestern.
Xavier (15-6), which has lost four of six with all the losses to ranked teams, dropped out from 24th. The Musketeers, who had been ranked for the last 29 polls, were seventh in the preseason voting.
West Virginia, which beat Kansas and Texas A&M, had the week's biggest jump from 18th to No. 7. Louisville, which beat Pittsburgh and North Carolina State by an average of 40 points, moved from 13th to No. 6.
Florida State's fall from sixth to No. 15 followed the Seminoles' losses to Georgia Tech and Syracuse. Kentucky also lost twice last week — to Tennessee and Kansas — and the Wildcats dropped from fourth to eighth.
Monday, January 30, 2017
New AP NCAA Men's Basketball Top-25 Poll
Released by the Associated Press on Jan. 30, 2017.
Rank
Rank
| team | Record | Points | PV Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gonzaga (46) | 22-0 | 1,594 | 3 |
| 2 | Baylor (6) | 20-1 | 1,504 | 5 |
| 3 | Kansas (9) | 19-2 | 1,503 | 2 |
| 4 | Villanova (4) | 20-2 | 1,479 | 1 |
| 5 | Arizona | 20-2 | 1,387 | 7 |
| 6 | Louisville | 18-4 | 1,237 | 13 |
| 7 | West Virginia | 17-4 | 1,101 | 18 |
| 8 | Kentucky | 17-4 | 1,083 | 4 |
| 9 | Virginia | 16-4 | 1,061 | 12 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 18-3 | 1,058 | 15 |
| 11 | UCLA | 19-3 | 993 | 8 |
| 12 | North Carolina | 19-4 | 965 | 9 |
| 13 | Oregon | 19-3 | 863 | 10 |
| 14 | Cincinnati | 19-2 | 756 | 19 |
| 15 | Florida State | 18-4 | 727 | 6 |
| 16 | Butler | 18-4 | 717 | 11 |
| 17 | Maryland | 19-2 | 518 | 22 |
| 18 | Saint Mary's (Cal.) | 19-2 | 409 | 21 |
| 19 | South Carolina | 17-4 | 384 | 23 |
| 20 | Notre Dame | 17-5 | 363 | 14 |
| 21 | Duke | 16-5 | 339 | 17 |
| 22 | Creighton | 19-3 | 307 | 16 |
| 23 | Purdue | 17-5 | 264 | 20 |
| 24 | Florida | 16-5 | 213 | 25 |
| 25 | Northwestern | 18-4 | 106 | - |
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Mitchell's 28 points lead Louisville past NC State 85-60
Donovan Mitchell recorded 28 points and 8 rebounds, leading No. 13 Louisville past NC State, 85-60 on Sunday.
Abdul-Malik Abu and Maverick Rowan each had 13 points for NC State (14-8, 3-6), who shot 38 percent and failed to follow up on their upset win at No. 17 Duke.
NC State is home this week for games against Syracuse on Wednesday and Miami on Saturday, while Louisville hits the road for two ACC games in three days, starting Saturday at Boston College.
After Boston College, Louisville faces No. 12 Virginia on Feb. 6, where the Cardinals aim to avenge last month's loss.
No. 1 Villanova defeats No. 12 Virginia
No. 1 Villanova caught fire in the 2nd half and overcame No. 12 Virginia, 61-59 on Sunday.
Mikal Bridges led Villanova with 15 points, and rebounds with 5.
Ty Jerome led Virginia with 15 points.
Villanova plays Wednesday at Providence. The Wildcats have a 46-18 career record against the Friars.
Virginia heads home to play Virginia Tech on Wednesday.
Bracketology - Edition VI
Happy Sunday college basketball fans! Six days of this week is complete and it will give you a headache trying to figure out how and why so many top teams lost this week. Some, such as Kentucky, Notre Dame and Florida State, lost twice this week. So how does that impact our bracket and the bubble? Here's your answer.
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 Texas Southern/#16 North Carolina Central
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Indiana
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Michigan State/#12 Wake Forest
#4 Florida State vs. #13 Monmouth
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Miami (FL)
#3 Oregon vs. #14 Bucknell
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Virginia Tech
#2 Kentucky vs. #15 North Carolina-Asheville
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Sam Houston State
#8 Marquette vs. #9 Iowa State
#5 Purdue vs. #12 Nevada
#4 Notre Dame vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Texas Tech
#3 Virginia vs. #14 New Mexico State
#7 Creighton vs. #10 North Carolina-Wilmington
#2 Arizona vs. #15 North Dakota State
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 UC Davis/#16 Mount St. Mary's
#8 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #9 Illinois State
#5 Butler vs. #12 Arkansas/#12 Clemson
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 Duke vs. #11 Texas Christian
#3 UCLA vs. #14 Texas-Arlington
#7 Southern California vs. #10 Middle Tennessee
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 Princeton
South Regional
#1 Baylor vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Seton Hall vs. #9 Minnesota
#5 Florida vs. #12 Akron
#4 Maryland vs. #13 Vermont
#6 Southern Methodist vs. #11 Kansas State
#3 Louisville vs. #14 Belmont
#7 Xavier vs. #10 Michigan
#2 West Virginia vs. #15 East Tennessee State
Bubble
Last Four Byes: Miami, Texas Christian, Texas Tech, Kansas State
Last Four In: Michigan State, Wake Forest, Arkansas, Clemson
First Four Out: Wichita State, California, Georgia Tech, Utah
Next Four Out: North Carolina State, Georgia, Tennessee, Memphis
Following Four Out: Rhode Island, Syracuse, Oklahoma State, Alabama
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 Texas Southern/#16 North Carolina Central
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Indiana
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Michigan State/#12 Wake Forest
#4 Florida State vs. #13 Monmouth
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Miami (FL)
#3 Oregon vs. #14 Bucknell
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Virginia Tech
#2 Kentucky vs. #15 North Carolina-Asheville
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Sam Houston State
#8 Marquette vs. #9 Iowa State
#5 Purdue vs. #12 Nevada
#4 Notre Dame vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Texas Tech
#3 Virginia vs. #14 New Mexico State
#7 Creighton vs. #10 North Carolina-Wilmington
#2 Arizona vs. #15 North Dakota State
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 UC Davis/#16 Mount St. Mary's
#8 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #9 Illinois State
#5 Butler vs. #12 Arkansas/#12 Clemson
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 Duke vs. #11 Texas Christian
#3 UCLA vs. #14 Texas-Arlington
#7 Southern California vs. #10 Middle Tennessee
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 Princeton
South Regional
#1 Baylor vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Seton Hall vs. #9 Minnesota
#5 Florida vs. #12 Akron
#4 Maryland vs. #13 Vermont
#6 Southern Methodist vs. #11 Kansas State
#3 Louisville vs. #14 Belmont
#7 Xavier vs. #10 Michigan
#2 West Virginia vs. #15 East Tennessee State
Bubble
Last Four Byes: Miami, Texas Christian, Texas Tech, Kansas State
Last Four In: Michigan State, Wake Forest, Arkansas, Clemson
First Four Out: Wichita State, California, Georgia Tech, Utah
Next Four Out: North Carolina State, Georgia, Tennessee, Memphis
Following Four Out: Rhode Island, Syracuse, Oklahoma State, Alabama
Federer beats Nadal in Australian final to win 18th major
By JOHN PYE
AP Sports Writer
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Roger Federer has won his 18th Grand Slam title and put some extra distance on the all-time list between himself and Rafael Nadal, the man he beat 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in a vintage Australian Open final on Sunday.
It was the 35-year-old Federer's fifth Australian title, his first at a major since Wimbledon in 2012, and it reversed the status quo against his nemesis, Nadal.
Federer had lost six of the previous eight Grand Slam finals he'd played against Nadal, and had only previously beaten the left-handed Spaniard in 11 of their 34 matches.
Both players were returning from extended layoffs for injuries - Federer the left knee; Nadal the left wrist - and were seeded 17th and ninth respectively.
Nadal remains equal second with Pete Sampras on the all-time list, with the last of his 14 majors coming at Roland Garros in 2014.
After four sets where the momentum swung alternately from one player to the next, the fifth had all the tension and drama that these two players are famous for.
Nadal went up an early break and it seemed as if the injury time-out Federer needed after the fourth set may have been an indicator of things to come.
But the Swiss star rallied, and broke back in a pivotal sixth game and took control in a period when he won 10 straight points.
Nadal saved three break points in the eighth game but lost momentum again when Federer finished off a 26-shot rally - the longest of the match - with a forehand winner down the line.
Consecutive forehand errors gave Federer the pivotal break for 5-3, but Nadal made him work for the very last point.
Serving for the match, Federer had to save two break points with an ace and a forehand winner.
At deuce, he was called for a double-fault but challenged the out call on his second serve. The call was overturned, and he got to play two.
Not long after, he fired an ace to get his second match point and hit a forehand crosscourt winner to finish off.
His celebrations were delayed, though, when Nadal challenged the call. Federer watched the replay on the tournament screen, and leaped for joy when it showed his last shot was in. His 100th match at the Australian Open ended with his fifth title at Melbourne Park.
No two players had met more often in Grand Slam finals in the Open era, and Nadal had previously dominated. But they hadn't met in a major final since the 2011 French Open, won by Nadal.
Three months ago, they were both on breaks when Federer joined Nadal in Mallorca for the opening of the Spaniard's tennis academy and the pair joked about ever being able to contend for majors again.
Yet here they were, first Grand Slam tournament of the season, renewing the classic rivalry that saw them dominate tennis a decade ago.
The long-odds final - No. 9 against No. 17 - unfolded after six-time champion Novak Djokovic was shockingly upset by No. 117-ranked Denis Istomin in the second round and top-ranked Andy Murray, a five-time losing finalist in Australia, went out in the fourth round to left-handed serve-volleyer Mischa Zverev.
Federer beat Zverev in the quarterfinals and U.S. Open champion Stan Wawrinka in an all-Swiss semifinal to reach the championship match. The six years between his Australian titles set a record, too, longer than the five years that both Boris Becker and Andre Agassi had between championships in Melbourne.
AP Sports Writer
It was the 35-year-old Federer's fifth Australian title, his first at a major since Wimbledon in 2012, and it reversed the status quo against his nemesis, Nadal.
Federer had lost six of the previous eight Grand Slam finals he'd played against Nadal, and had only previously beaten the left-handed Spaniard in 11 of their 34 matches.
Both players were returning from extended layoffs for injuries - Federer the left knee; Nadal the left wrist - and were seeded 17th and ninth respectively.
Nadal remains equal second with Pete Sampras on the all-time list, with the last of his 14 majors coming at Roland Garros in 2014.
After four sets where the momentum swung alternately from one player to the next, the fifth had all the tension and drama that these two players are famous for.
Nadal went up an early break and it seemed as if the injury time-out Federer needed after the fourth set may have been an indicator of things to come.
But the Swiss star rallied, and broke back in a pivotal sixth game and took control in a period when he won 10 straight points.
Nadal saved three break points in the eighth game but lost momentum again when Federer finished off a 26-shot rally - the longest of the match - with a forehand winner down the line.
Consecutive forehand errors gave Federer the pivotal break for 5-3, but Nadal made him work for the very last point.
Serving for the match, Federer had to save two break points with an ace and a forehand winner.
At deuce, he was called for a double-fault but challenged the out call on his second serve. The call was overturned, and he got to play two.
Not long after, he fired an ace to get his second match point and hit a forehand crosscourt winner to finish off.
His celebrations were delayed, though, when Nadal challenged the call. Federer watched the replay on the tournament screen, and leaped for joy when it showed his last shot was in. His 100th match at the Australian Open ended with his fifth title at Melbourne Park.
No two players had met more often in Grand Slam finals in the Open era, and Nadal had previously dominated. But they hadn't met in a major final since the 2011 French Open, won by Nadal.
Three months ago, they were both on breaks when Federer joined Nadal in Mallorca for the opening of the Spaniard's tennis academy and the pair joked about ever being able to contend for majors again.
Yet here they were, first Grand Slam tournament of the season, renewing the classic rivalry that saw them dominate tennis a decade ago.
The long-odds final - No. 9 against No. 17 - unfolded after six-time champion Novak Djokovic was shockingly upset by No. 117-ranked Denis Istomin in the second round and top-ranked Andy Murray, a five-time losing finalist in Australia, went out in the fourth round to left-handed serve-volleyer Mischa Zverev.
Federer beat Zverev in the quarterfinals and U.S. Open champion Stan Wawrinka in an all-Swiss semifinal to reach the championship match. The six years between his Australian titles set a record, too, longer than the five years that both Boris Becker and Andre Agassi had between championships in Melbourne.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Serena Williams wins record 23rd major with win over Venus
By JOHN PYE
AP Sports Writer
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) -- Serena Williams has won her record 23rd Grand Slam singles title, and her sister was right there on court to give her a congratulatory hug.
The all-Williams final - the first at the Australian Open since Serena won the first edition here in 2003 - went to the younger sibling 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday night.
With her record seventh Australian title, the 35-year-old Williams moved ahead of Steffi Graf for the most major titles in the Open era. Margaret Court has the all-time record and was also in the crowd for the final.
Court won 24 majors, but collected 13 of those before the Open era which began in 1968 after the sport became professional.
The victory at Rod Laver Arena also ensured Serena Williams will regain the top ranking, which she lost in September after 186 straight weeks when Angelique Kerber won the U.S. Open.
It was Serena's seventh win in nine all-Williams Grand Slam finals, and the first since Wimbledon in 2009. It was 36-year-old, No. 13-seeded Venus Williams' first trip back to a major final in 7 ½ years.
Serena sat on the court, holding both arms up for a while, before Venus walked over to her sister's side of the net for a hug.
"This was a tough one," Serena Williams said. "I really would like to take this moment to congratulate Venus, she's an amazing person - she's my inspiration.
"There's no way I would be at 23 without her - there's no way I would be at one without her. Thank-you Venus for inspiring me to be the best player I can be and inspiring me to work hard."
Williams has won 15 majors since last losing to Venus in a Grand Slam final, at Wimbledon in 2008. That was the seventh and last major title that the older of the Williams sisters won.
Venus hadn't made the second week of a major for a few years as she came to terms with an energy-sapping illness since being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome in 2011, and made her return to the semifinals at Wimbledon last year.
"She's made an amazing comeback ... I don't like the word comeback," Serena Williams said. "She's never left. She's been such a great champion."
The match didn't live up to its classic billing, with nerves and tension causing uncharacteristic mistakes and unforced errors and four consecutive service breaks before Venus finally held for a 3-2 lead. That included a game when Serena had game point but served back-to-back double-faults and three in all to give up the break.
There were six service breaks in all. Both players were relatively subdued, except for Serena's racket smashing spike on the court in the third game that earned her a code violation.
After the fourth game, however, Serena Williams didn't face another break point in the 1-hour, 22-minute match.
"Serena Williams, that's my little sister, guys. Congratulations Serena on No. 23," Venus said. "I have been right there with you. Some of them I have lost right there against you. It's been an awesome thing, your win has always been my win, you know that. All the times I couldn't be there, wouldn't be there, didn't get there, you were there."
Venus stayed in the match with 21 winners, and won the longest rally of the match, but couldn't seem to keep up with her sister as the match progressed.
In terms of total years, it was the oldest Grand Slam women's final in the Open era with the Williams sisters combining for 71 years, 11 months.
Serena hadn't wanted to talk about the No. 23 before or during the tournament. She finally can now. She also had a pair of ready-made shoes - a red and black pair with the No. 23 stamped on the heel that were waiting for her to wear after the trophy presentation.
AP Sports Writer
The all-Williams final - the first at the Australian Open since Serena won the first edition here in 2003 - went to the younger sibling 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday night.
With her record seventh Australian title, the 35-year-old Williams moved ahead of Steffi Graf for the most major titles in the Open era. Margaret Court has the all-time record and was also in the crowd for the final.
Court won 24 majors, but collected 13 of those before the Open era which began in 1968 after the sport became professional.
The victory at Rod Laver Arena also ensured Serena Williams will regain the top ranking, which she lost in September after 186 straight weeks when Angelique Kerber won the U.S. Open.
It was Serena's seventh win in nine all-Williams Grand Slam finals, and the first since Wimbledon in 2009. It was 36-year-old, No. 13-seeded Venus Williams' first trip back to a major final in 7 ½ years.
Serena sat on the court, holding both arms up for a while, before Venus walked over to her sister's side of the net for a hug.
"This was a tough one," Serena Williams said. "I really would like to take this moment to congratulate Venus, she's an amazing person - she's my inspiration.
"There's no way I would be at 23 without her - there's no way I would be at one without her. Thank-you Venus for inspiring me to be the best player I can be and inspiring me to work hard."
Williams has won 15 majors since last losing to Venus in a Grand Slam final, at Wimbledon in 2008. That was the seventh and last major title that the older of the Williams sisters won.
Venus hadn't made the second week of a major for a few years as she came to terms with an energy-sapping illness since being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome in 2011, and made her return to the semifinals at Wimbledon last year.
"She's made an amazing comeback ... I don't like the word comeback," Serena Williams said. "She's never left. She's been such a great champion."
The match didn't live up to its classic billing, with nerves and tension causing uncharacteristic mistakes and unforced errors and four consecutive service breaks before Venus finally held for a 3-2 lead. That included a game when Serena had game point but served back-to-back double-faults and three in all to give up the break.
There were six service breaks in all. Both players were relatively subdued, except for Serena's racket smashing spike on the court in the third game that earned her a code violation.
After the fourth game, however, Serena Williams didn't face another break point in the 1-hour, 22-minute match.
"Serena Williams, that's my little sister, guys. Congratulations Serena on No. 23," Venus said. "I have been right there with you. Some of them I have lost right there against you. It's been an awesome thing, your win has always been my win, you know that. All the times I couldn't be there, wouldn't be there, didn't get there, you were there."
Venus stayed in the match with 21 winners, and won the longest rally of the match, but couldn't seem to keep up with her sister as the match progressed.
In terms of total years, it was the oldest Grand Slam women's final in the Open era with the Williams sisters combining for 71 years, 11 months.
Serena hadn't wanted to talk about the No. 23 before or during the tournament. She finally can now. She also had a pair of ready-made shoes - a red and black pair with the No. 23 stamped on the heel that were waiting for her to wear after the trophy presentation.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Bracketology - Edition V
This week has been wild with #1, #2 & #4 in the rankings all losing on Tuesday night. College Basketball's landscape changes night after night. Here's a look at Matthew Owens' latest bracket!
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 North Carolina Central/#16 New Orleans
#8 Southern California vs. #9 Seton Hall
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Wichita State/#12 Wake Forest
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Vermont
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Texas Tech
#3 Notre Dame vs. #14 Winthrop
#7 Dayton vs. #10 Virginia Tech
#2 Kentucky vs. #15 North Carolina-Greensboro
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 North Dakota State
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Indiana
#5 Florida vs. #12 Michigan State/#12 Miami (FL)
#4 Louisville vs. #13 Monmouth
#6 Xavier vs. #11 Arkansas
#3 West Virginia vs. #14 Texas-Arlington
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 Oregon vs. #15 Bucknell
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Texas Southern/#16 Fairleigh Dickinson
#8 Marquette vs. #9 Minnesota
#5 Purdue vs. #12 Akron
#4 Virginia vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Michigan
#3 Florida State vs. #14 Belmont
#7 Creighton vs. #10 Texas Christian
#2 Arizona vs. #15 UC Irvine
South Regional
#1 North Carolina vs. #16 Weber State
#8 North Carolina-Wilmington vs. #9 Virginia Commonwealth
#5 Maryland vs. #12 Nevada
#4 Butler vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Southern Methodist vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 UCLA vs. #14 New Mexico State
#7 Duke vs. #10 Illinois State
#2 Baylor vs. #15 Princeton
Last Four Byes: TCU, Texas Tech, Arkansas, Michigan
Last Four In: Miami, Michigan State, Wichita State, Wake Forest
First Four Out: Clemson, Utah, Pittsburgh, California
Next Four Out: Memphis, North Carolina State, Georgia, Georgia Tech
Following Four Out: Rhode Island, Oklahoma State, Illinois, Tennessee
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 North Carolina Central/#16 New Orleans
#8 Southern California vs. #9 Seton Hall
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Wichita State/#12 Wake Forest
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Vermont
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Texas Tech
#3 Notre Dame vs. #14 Winthrop
#7 Dayton vs. #10 Virginia Tech
#2 Kentucky vs. #15 North Carolina-Greensboro
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 North Dakota State
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Indiana
#5 Florida vs. #12 Michigan State/#12 Miami (FL)
#4 Louisville vs. #13 Monmouth
#6 Xavier vs. #11 Arkansas
#3 West Virginia vs. #14 Texas-Arlington
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 Oregon vs. #15 Bucknell
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Texas Southern/#16 Fairleigh Dickinson
#8 Marquette vs. #9 Minnesota
#5 Purdue vs. #12 Akron
#4 Virginia vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Michigan
#3 Florida State vs. #14 Belmont
#7 Creighton vs. #10 Texas Christian
#2 Arizona vs. #15 UC Irvine
South Regional
#1 North Carolina vs. #16 Weber State
#8 North Carolina-Wilmington vs. #9 Virginia Commonwealth
#5 Maryland vs. #12 Nevada
#4 Butler vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Southern Methodist vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 UCLA vs. #14 New Mexico State
#7 Duke vs. #10 Illinois State
#2 Baylor vs. #15 Princeton
Last Four Byes: TCU, Texas Tech, Arkansas, Michigan
Last Four In: Miami, Michigan State, Wichita State, Wake Forest
First Four Out: Clemson, Utah, Pittsburgh, California
Next Four Out: Memphis, North Carolina State, Georgia, Georgia Tech
Following Four Out: Rhode Island, Oklahoma State, Illinois, Tennessee
Rafael Nadal defeats Grigor Dimitrov to face Roger Federer
"The crowd was just amazing," Nadal said. "many many thanks for the huge support. Both weeks have been unforgettable for me.
"Now is the moment to be very happy, having a fantastic match. Great quality of tennis tonight."
The ninth-seeded Spaniard fought off two break points in the eighth game of the fifth set, then hit a backhand winner down the line to break Dimitrov in the next game and take a 5-4 lead. He served it out in the next game to win in 4 hours, 56 minutes.
"I'm very happy for me, and very happy for him (Federer), because we are going to be in a very nice moment," Nadal said.
"It's special to play with Roger again in the final of a Grand Slam. I cannot lie."
Nadal improved his record in Grand Slam semifinals to an impressive 21-3 and advanced to his fourth Australian Open final. He's only won the title at Melbourne Park once in 2009.
"The combination of two different styles that makes the matches really special," Nadal said on his rivalry with Federer.
Nadal has a 23-11 head-to-head match record against Federer and a 6-2 advantage in Grand Slam finals. Federer hasn't beaten Nadal in a major final since Wimbledon in 2007.
Top 25 Capsules (January 27, 2017)
SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) -- Nigel Williams-Goss scored 25 points as undefeated and third-ranked Gonzaga beat San Diego 79-43 on Thursday night, clearing one obstacle to a possible No. 1 ranking next week.
Johnathan Williams added 13 points and 12 rebounds for Gonzaga (21-0, 9-0 West Coast), which has the nation's longest winning streak at 21 games. The Zags are the nation's last remaining undefeated Division I team.
If Gonzaga can win at Pepperdine on Saturday, the Zags have a good chance of claiming the top spot in the next Top 25 as No. 1 Villanova and No. 2 Kansas lost this week.
Olin Carter III scored 12 points for San Diego (10-11, 3-6), which has lost five straight to Gonzaga.
---
No. 7 ARIZONA 79, WASHINGTON ST. 62
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Allonzo Trier scored 17 points in his first home game of the season and Lauri Markkanen had a double-double for Arizona.
Trier scored 12 points against UCLA on Saturday in his first game back from a 19-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. He scored 11 points in the second half to help Arizona (19-2, 8-0 Pac-12) finally shake the pesky Cougars.
Markkanen finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds in Arizona's 13th straight win overall and 17th straight at home.
Conor Clifford had 19 points for Washington State (10-10, 3-5).
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No. 9 NORTH CAROLINA 91, VIRGINIA TECH 72
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - Justin Jackson scored 26 points and North Carolina hit a season-high 14 3-pointers.
Kennedy Meeks added 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Tar Heels (19-3, 7-1), who have climbed into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference with seven straight wins.
UNC led 44-33 by halftime, then ran off 10 straight points midway through the second half to turn this one into a rout.
Seth Allen scored 19 points for the Hokies (15-5, 4-4).
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No. 10 OREGON 73, UTAH 67
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Dillon Brooks returned from missing a game with a foot injury to score 17 points for Oregon.
The Ducks (19-2, 8-0 Pac-12) led by as many as 13 points in the second half, but Kyle Kuzma's 3-pointer made it 70-66 with 1:40 to play.
But the Utes (14-6, 5-3) were denied multiple chances at the rim, including Chris Boucher's block of Kuzma's shot with 31 seconds left.
Jordan Bell had 15 points and Dylan Ennis added 13 for the Ducks, who extended the longest winning streak in Oregon history to 17 games.
Kuzma scored 18 points and Daniels had 11 for Utah.
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No. 19 CINCINNATI 86, No. 24 XAVIER 78
CINCINNATI (AP) - Jacob Evans III scored 21 points and led Cincinnati's second-half surge, ending Xavier's streak of three straight wins in their annual crosstown rivalry game.
The Bearcats (18-2) got their 11th straight win by overcoming Trevon Bluiett's incredible shooting performance - 12 of 15, including 9 of 11 from 3-point range, for a career-high 40 points.
Cincinnati dominated up front, outrebounding Xavier (14-6) 42-18 and scoring 30 second-chance points.
Bluiett tied the school record for 3s in a game.
---
No. 21 SAINT MARY'S 66, SAN FRANCISCO 46
MORAGA, Calif. (AP) - Calvin Hermanson scored 18 points and sparked a 14-0 run in the second half that carried Saint Mary's to its 12th win in 13 games.
Hermanson started the decisive stretch early in the second half by hitting a 3-pointer and capped it with a layup as the Gaels (18-2, 8-1 West Coast Conference) won for the 23rd time in the past 24 meetings against the Dons (14-8, 4-5).
Emmett Naar scored 18 points and Jock Landale added 13 for Saint Mary's.
Charles Minlend scored 13 points for the Dons, who had won three straight games.
Johnathan Williams added 13 points and 12 rebounds for Gonzaga (21-0, 9-0 West Coast), which has the nation's longest winning streak at 21 games. The Zags are the nation's last remaining undefeated Division I team.
If Gonzaga can win at Pepperdine on Saturday, the Zags have a good chance of claiming the top spot in the next Top 25 as No. 1 Villanova and No. 2 Kansas lost this week.
Olin Carter III scored 12 points for San Diego (10-11, 3-6), which has lost five straight to Gonzaga.
---
No. 7 ARIZONA 79, WASHINGTON ST. 62
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Allonzo Trier scored 17 points in his first home game of the season and Lauri Markkanen had a double-double for Arizona.
Trier scored 12 points against UCLA on Saturday in his first game back from a 19-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. He scored 11 points in the second half to help Arizona (19-2, 8-0 Pac-12) finally shake the pesky Cougars.
Markkanen finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds in Arizona's 13th straight win overall and 17th straight at home.
Conor Clifford had 19 points for Washington State (10-10, 3-5).
---
No. 9 NORTH CAROLINA 91, VIRGINIA TECH 72
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - Justin Jackson scored 26 points and North Carolina hit a season-high 14 3-pointers.
Kennedy Meeks added 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Tar Heels (19-3, 7-1), who have climbed into sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference with seven straight wins.
UNC led 44-33 by halftime, then ran off 10 straight points midway through the second half to turn this one into a rout.
Seth Allen scored 19 points for the Hokies (15-5, 4-4).
---
No. 10 OREGON 73, UTAH 67
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Dillon Brooks returned from missing a game with a foot injury to score 17 points for Oregon.
The Ducks (19-2, 8-0 Pac-12) led by as many as 13 points in the second half, but Kyle Kuzma's 3-pointer made it 70-66 with 1:40 to play.
But the Utes (14-6, 5-3) were denied multiple chances at the rim, including Chris Boucher's block of Kuzma's shot with 31 seconds left.
Jordan Bell had 15 points and Dylan Ennis added 13 for the Ducks, who extended the longest winning streak in Oregon history to 17 games.
Kuzma scored 18 points and Daniels had 11 for Utah.
---
No. 19 CINCINNATI 86, No. 24 XAVIER 78
CINCINNATI (AP) - Jacob Evans III scored 21 points and led Cincinnati's second-half surge, ending Xavier's streak of three straight wins in their annual crosstown rivalry game.
The Bearcats (18-2) got their 11th straight win by overcoming Trevon Bluiett's incredible shooting performance - 12 of 15, including 9 of 11 from 3-point range, for a career-high 40 points.
Cincinnati dominated up front, outrebounding Xavier (14-6) 42-18 and scoring 30 second-chance points.
Bluiett tied the school record for 3s in a game.
---
No. 21 SAINT MARY'S 66, SAN FRANCISCO 46
MORAGA, Calif. (AP) - Calvin Hermanson scored 18 points and sparked a 14-0 run in the second half that carried Saint Mary's to its 12th win in 13 games.
Hermanson started the decisive stretch early in the second half by hitting a 3-pointer and capped it with a layup as the Gaels (18-2, 8-1 West Coast Conference) won for the 23rd time in the past 24 meetings against the Dons (14-8, 4-5).
Emmett Naar scored 18 points and Jock Landale added 13 for Saint Mary's.
Charles Minlend scored 13 points for the Dons, who had won three straight games.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Bracketology - Edition IV
Let's take a look at Edition IV of NCAA Men's Basketball Bracketology!
EAST
Buffalo
1 Villanova vs. 16 Morgan St./Texas Southern
8 Iowa St. vs. 9 Arkansas
Orlando
5 Duke vs. 12 Nevada
4 Purdue vs. 13 New Mexico St.
Sacramento
6 Saint Mary's vs. 11 Seton Hall
3 UCLA vs. 14 Winthrop
Greenville
7 South Carolina vs. 10 TCU
2 North Carolina vs. 15 Bucknell
WEST
Salt Lake City
1 Gonzaga vs. 16 UC Irvine
8 Minnesota vs. 9 USC
Buffalo
5 Norte Dame vs. 12 Akron
4 West Virginia vs. 13 Vermont
Indianapolis
6 Creighton vs. 11 VCU
3 Louisville vs. 14 Princeton
Salt Lake City
7 Indiana vs. 10 Wake Forest
2 Arizona vs. 15 North Dakota St.
SOUTH
Tulsa
1 Baylor vs. 16 Mount St. Mary's/New Orleans
8 Dayton vs. 9 Michigan St.
Greenville
5 Cincinnati vs. 12 Miami/Michigan
4 Virginia vs. 13 Monmouth
Milwaukee
6 Maryland vs. 11 Middle Tennessee
3 Butler vs. 14 Belmont
Indianapolis
7 Northwestern vs. 10 Kansas St.
2 Kentucky vs. 14 UNC Greensboro
MIDWEST
Tulsa
1 Kansas vs. 16 Weber St.
8 Marquette vs. 9 Virginia Tech
Milwaukee
5 Florida vs. 12 Clemson/Texas Tech
4 Wisconsin vs. 13 Valparaiso
Sacramento
6 Xavier vs. 11 UNC Wilmington
3 Oregon vs. 14 Florida Gulf Coast
Orlando
7 SMU vs. 10 Illinois St.
2 Florida St. vs. Georgia Southern
Buffalo
1 Villanova vs. 16 Morgan St./Texas Southern
8 Iowa St. vs. 9 Arkansas
Orlando
5 Duke vs. 12 Nevada
4 Purdue vs. 13 New Mexico St.
Sacramento
6 Saint Mary's vs. 11 Seton Hall
3 UCLA vs. 14 Winthrop
Greenville
7 South Carolina vs. 10 TCU
2 North Carolina vs. 15 Bucknell
WEST
Salt Lake City
1 Gonzaga vs. 16 UC Irvine
8 Minnesota vs. 9 USC
Buffalo
5 Norte Dame vs. 12 Akron
4 West Virginia vs. 13 Vermont
Indianapolis
6 Creighton vs. 11 VCU
3 Louisville vs. 14 Princeton
Salt Lake City
7 Indiana vs. 10 Wake Forest
2 Arizona vs. 15 North Dakota St.
SOUTH
Tulsa
1 Baylor vs. 16 Mount St. Mary's/New Orleans
8 Dayton vs. 9 Michigan St.
Greenville
5 Cincinnati vs. 12 Miami/Michigan
4 Virginia vs. 13 Monmouth
Milwaukee
6 Maryland vs. 11 Middle Tennessee
3 Butler vs. 14 Belmont
Indianapolis
7 Northwestern vs. 10 Kansas St.
2 Kentucky vs. 14 UNC Greensboro
MIDWEST
Tulsa
1 Kansas vs. 16 Weber St.
8 Marquette vs. 9 Virginia Tech
Milwaukee
5 Florida vs. 12 Clemson/Texas Tech
4 Wisconsin vs. 13 Valparaiso
Sacramento
6 Xavier vs. 11 UNC Wilmington
3 Oregon vs. 14 Florida Gulf Coast
Orlando
7 SMU vs. 10 Illinois St.
2 Florida St. vs. Georgia Southern
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Women's Bracketology - Edition I
While UConn is once again dominating the Women's Basketball season, let's get our first look of the season of Women's Bracketology!
*Teams in BOLD represent automatic bids
Bridgeport Regional
#1 Connecticut vs. #16 Sacred Heart
#8 Syracuse vs. #9 Michigan
#5 Miami (FL) vs. #12 Elon
#4 UCLA vs. #13 Central Michigan
#6 Kentucky vs. #11 Arkansas-Little Rock
#3 Texas vs. #14 Florida Gulf Coast
#7 California vs. #10 Tulane
#2 Florida State vs. #15 Campbell
Lexington Regional
#1 South Carolina vs. #16 Norfolk State
#8 Green Bay vs. #9 Texas Tech
#5 Kansas State vs. #12 George Washington
#4 North Carolina State vs. #13 Wyoming
#6 Tennessee vs. #11 Charlotte
#3 Stanford vs. #14 Belmont
#7 South Florida vs. #10 Northwestern
#2 Notre Dame vs. #15 Mercer
Oklahoma City Regional
#1 Baylor vs. #16 Southern
#8 LSU vs. #9 Temple
#5 Ohio State vs. #12 South Dakota
#4 Arizona State vs. #13 Gonzaga
#6 Texas A&M vs. #11 Northern Iowa
#3 Louisville vs. #14 Bucknell
#7 Auburn vs. #10 Georgia Tech
#2 Washington vs. #15 New Hampshire
Stockton Regional
#1 Mississippi State vs. #16 New Mexico State
#8 Marquette vs. #9 Michigan State
#5 DePaul vs. #12 Quinnipiac
#4 Duke vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin
#6 Oklahoma vs. #11 Harvard
#3 Oregon State vs. #14 Northern Colorado
#7 Virginia Tech vs. #10 Oregon
#2 Maryland vs. #15 UC Davis
Last Four In: Oregon, Tulane, Northwestern, Georgia Tech
First Four Out: Oklahoma State, West Virginia, St. John's, Creighton
Next Four Out: Utah, USC, Pittsburgh, Ole Miss
*Teams in BOLD represent automatic bids
Bridgeport Regional
#1 Connecticut vs. #16 Sacred Heart
#8 Syracuse vs. #9 Michigan
#5 Miami (FL) vs. #12 Elon
#4 UCLA vs. #13 Central Michigan
#6 Kentucky vs. #11 Arkansas-Little Rock
#3 Texas vs. #14 Florida Gulf Coast
#7 California vs. #10 Tulane
#2 Florida State vs. #15 Campbell
Lexington Regional
#1 South Carolina vs. #16 Norfolk State
#8 Green Bay vs. #9 Texas Tech
#5 Kansas State vs. #12 George Washington
#4 North Carolina State vs. #13 Wyoming
#6 Tennessee vs. #11 Charlotte
#3 Stanford vs. #14 Belmont
#7 South Florida vs. #10 Northwestern
#2 Notre Dame vs. #15 Mercer
Oklahoma City Regional
#1 Baylor vs. #16 Southern
#8 LSU vs. #9 Temple
#5 Ohio State vs. #12 South Dakota
#4 Arizona State vs. #13 Gonzaga
#6 Texas A&M vs. #11 Northern Iowa
#3 Louisville vs. #14 Bucknell
#7 Auburn vs. #10 Georgia Tech
#2 Washington vs. #15 New Hampshire
Stockton Regional
#1 Mississippi State vs. #16 New Mexico State
#8 Marquette vs. #9 Michigan State
#5 DePaul vs. #12 Quinnipiac
#4 Duke vs. #13 Stephen F. Austin
#6 Oklahoma vs. #11 Harvard
#3 Oregon State vs. #14 Northern Colorado
#7 Virginia Tech vs. #10 Oregon
#2 Maryland vs. #15 UC Davis
Last Four In: Oregon, Tulane, Northwestern, Georgia Tech
First Four Out: Oklahoma State, West Virginia, St. John's, Creighton
Next Four Out: Utah, USC, Pittsburgh, Ole Miss
Monday, January 23, 2017
Bracketology - Edition III
After a week that included West Virginia losing twice, Arizona winning at UCLA, Kentucky defeating South Carolina, Florida State beating both Notre Dame and Louisville and Northwestern beating Ohio State in Columbus for the first time since 1977, our third released bracket has changed a lot once again. So where does your team fall? Is your team a one seed, four seed, in the field or on the outside looking in? Find out in our bracket below.
*Teams in BOLD represent automatic bids
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 North Carolina Central/#16 Texas Southern
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Virginia Commonwealth
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Michigan/#12 Pittsburgh
#4 Virginia vs. #13 Monmouth
#6 Maryland vs. #11 Wichita State
#3 Oregon vs. #14 Vermont
#7 South Carolina vs. #10 Illinois State
#2 Florida State vs. #15 Princeton
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 UC Irvine
#8 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Southern California
#5 Purdue vs. #12 Akron
#4 Butler vs. #13 Texas-Arlington
#6 Southern Methodist vs. #11 Miami (FL)
#3 Louisville vs. #14 North Carolina-Greensboro
#7 Indiana vs. #10 Seton Hall
#2 Baylor vs. #15 Bucknell
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 North Dakota State
#8 North Carolina-Wilmington vs. #9 Texas Christian
#5 Creighton vs. #12 Arkansas/#12 Michigan State
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 Florida vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 Notre Dame vs. #14 New Mexico State
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Marquette
#2 UCLA vs. #15 Belmont
South Regional
#1 Kentucky vs. #16 Sam Houston State/#16 Mount St. Mary’s
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Minnesota
#5 Duke vs. #12 Florida Gulf Coast
#4 West Virginia vs. #13 Nevada
#6 Xavier vs. #11 Texas Tech
#3 Arizona vs. #14 Winthrop
#7 St. Mary’s vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 Weber State
Last Four 'First Four Byes': Wichita State, Texas Tech, Miami (FL), Kansas State
Last Four In: Michigan, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, Michigan State
First Four Out: Clemson, Illinois, Wake Forest, Utah
Next Four Out: California, Oklahoma State, Memphis, Georgia
AP Scorecard (January 23, 2017)
| Here are the latest scores from yesterday's sports events: | ||||
| --- | ||||
| NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION | ||||
| Final | Golden State | 118 | Orlando | 98 |
| Final | Dallas | 122 | L.A. Lakers | 73 |
| Final | Phoenix | 115 | Toronto | 103 |
| Final | Minnesota | 111 | Denver | 108 |
| --- | ||||
| NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE | ||||
| Final OT | N-Y Rangers | 1 | Detroit | 0 |
| Final | Pittsburgh | 5 | Boston | 1 |
| Final OT | Columbus | 7 | Ottawa | 6 |
| Final OT | Philadelphia | 3 | N-Y Islanders | 2 |
| Final | Chicago | 4 | Vancouver | 2 |
| Final | Nashville | 4 | Minnesota | 2 |
| --- | ||||
| NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS | ||||
| Final | Atlanta | 44 | Green Bay | 21 |
| Final | New England | 36 | Pittsburgh | 17 |
| --- | ||||
| TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL | ||||
| Final | (22) Xavier | 86 | Georgetown | 75 |
Friday, January 20, 2017
AP-Scorecard (January 20, 2017)
| Here are the latest scores from yesterday's sports events: | ||||
| --- | ||||
| NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION | ||||
| Final | Cleveland | 118 | Phoenix | 103 |
| Final | Miami | 99 | Dallas | 95 |
| Final | Washington | 113 | N-Y Knicks | 110 |
| Final | San Antonio | 118 | Denver | 104 |
| Final | Minnesota | 104 | L.A. Clippers | 101 |
| --- | ||||
| NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE | ||||
| Final | Ottawa | 2 | Columbus | 0 |
| Final | N-Y Islanders | 3 | Dallas | 0 |
| Final | N-Y Rangers | 5 | Toronto | 2 |
| Final | Washington | 7 | St. Louis | 3 |
| Final | Minnesota | 4 | Arizona | 3 |
| Final | Nashville | 4 | Calgary | 3 |
| Final | Anaheim | 2 | Colorado | 1 |
| Final | San Jose | 2 | Tampa Bay | 1 |
| --- | ||||
| TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL | ||||
| Final | (3) UCLA | 102 | Arizona St. | 80 |
| Final | (4) Gonzaga | 88 | Santa Clara | 57 |
| Final | (11) Oregon | 86 | California | 63 |
| Final | (12) Louisville | 92 | Clemson | 60 |
| Final | (14) Arizona | 73 | Southern Cal | 66 |
| Final | (23) Saint Mary's (Cal) | 62 | Pacific | 50 |
| Final | (25) Maryland | 84 | Iowa | 76 |
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Pac-12 Conference Releases 2017 Football Schedule
By PAC-12 CONFERENCE | Press Release
SAN
FRANCISCO – The Pac-12 Conference announced today its 2017 football
schedule that pairs a competitive nine-game Conference schedule with a
non-conference slate that includes 15 contests against teams that played
in a bowl game this past season. In all, nearly a third of the Pac-12’s
non-conference schedule pits the league against a Power 5 conference or
major independent opponent, including three contests against the Big
Ten Conference and two against both the Big 12 and Southeastern
Conferences.
Every football game played at Pac-12 sites will be televised. A combination of the ESPN channels, ABC, FOX and FOX Sports 1 will broadcast 44 games nationally and Pac-12 Networks will offer 35 games to a national audience. Exact broadcast schedules will be determined at a later date.
The 2017 season is scheduled to get under way with nine home non-conference match ups in the opening week that include Southeastern Conference opponent Texas A&M at UCLA and Cotton Bowl participant Western Michigan at USC. The second week features the Pac-12 opener with STANFORD at USC on Saturday, September 9, along with seven non-conference clashes with teams that participated in bowl games following the 2016 season.
The 2017 Conference schedule features three games on two Thursday night dates that includes a key league matchup between STANFORD at OREGON STATE on Thursday, October 26. In addition, the schedule’s nine games on seven Friday dates feature COLORADO hosting Colorado State on Friday, September 1, WASHINGTON at STANFORD on Friday, November 10, and CALIFORNIA at UCLA and OREGON STATE at OREGON the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 24.
In addition, traditional rivalry games will be played over the last two weeks of the season, followed by the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on either Friday, December 1 or Saturday, December 2.
2017 Pac-12 Football Schedule
(Subject to change)
Thurs., Aug. 31
(1) Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colo. (2) Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Every football game played at Pac-12 sites will be televised. A combination of the ESPN channels, ABC, FOX and FOX Sports 1 will broadcast 44 games nationally and Pac-12 Networks will offer 35 games to a national audience. Exact broadcast schedules will be determined at a later date.
The 2017 season is scheduled to get under way with nine home non-conference match ups in the opening week that include Southeastern Conference opponent Texas A&M at UCLA and Cotton Bowl participant Western Michigan at USC. The second week features the Pac-12 opener with STANFORD at USC on Saturday, September 9, along with seven non-conference clashes with teams that participated in bowl games following the 2016 season.
The 2017 Conference schedule features three games on two Thursday night dates that includes a key league matchup between STANFORD at OREGON STATE on Thursday, October 26. In addition, the schedule’s nine games on seven Friday dates feature COLORADO hosting Colorado State on Friday, September 1, WASHINGTON at STANFORD on Friday, November 10, and CALIFORNIA at UCLA and OREGON STATE at OREGON the day after Thanksgiving on Friday, November 24.
In addition, traditional rivalry games will be played over the last two weeks of the season, followed by the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on either Friday, December 1 or Saturday, December 2.
2017 Pac-12 Football Schedule
(Subject to change)
Thurs., Aug. 31
| New Mexico State at ARIZONA STATE |
| North Dakota at UTAH |
| Fri., Sept. 1 |
| Colorado State vs. COLORADO (1) |
| WASHINGTON at Rutgers |
| Sat., Sept. 2 |
| Northern Arizona at ARIZONA |
| Western Michigan at USC |
| Texas A&M at UCLA |
| Southern Utah at OREGON |
| Portland State at OREGON STATE |
| Montana State at WASHINGTON STATE |
| CALIFORNIA at North Carolina |
| STANFORD at Rice |
| Sat., Sept. 9 |
| Houston at ARIZONA |
| San Diego State at ARIZONA STATE |
| STANFORD at USC |
| Hawai’i at UCLA |
| Texas State at COLORADO |
| UTAH at BYU |
| Nebraska at OREGON |
| Minnesota at OREGON STATE |
| Montana at WASHINGTON |
| Boise State at WASHINGTON STATE |
| Weber State at CALIFORNIA |
| Sat., Sept. 16 |
| ARIZONA at UTEP |
| ARIZONA STATE at Texas Tech |
| Texas at USC |
| UCLA at Memphis |
| Northern Colorado at COLORADO |
| San Jose State at UTAH |
| OREGON at Wyoming |
| OREGON STATE at WASHINGTON STATE |
| Fresno State at WASHINGTON |
| Mississippi at CALIFORNIA |
| STANFORD at San Diego State |
| Fri., Sept. 22 |
| UTAH at ARIZONA |
| Sat., Sept. 23 |
| OREGON at ARIZONA STATE |
| USC at CALIFORNIA |
| UCLA at STANFORD |
| WASHINGTON at COLORADO |
| OREGON STATE at Colorado State |
| Nevada at WASHINGTON STATE |
| Fri., Sept. 29 |
| USC at WASHINGTON STATE |
| Sat., Sept. 30 |
| ARIZONA STATE at STANFORD |
| COLORADO at UCLA |
| CALIFORNIA at OREGON |
| WASHINGTON at OREGON STATE |
| Sat., Oct. 7 |
| ARIZONA at COLORADO |
| OREGON STATE at USC |
| STANFORD at UTAH |
| WASHINGTON STATE at OREGON |
| CALIFORNIA at WASHINGTON |
| Fri., Oct. 13 |
| WASHINGTON STATE at CALIFORNIA |
| Sat., Oct. 14 |
| UCLA at ARIZONA |
| WASHINGTON at ARIZONA STATE |
| UTAH at USC |
| COLORADO at OREGON STATE |
| OREGON at STANFORD |
| Sat., Oct. 21 |
| ARIZONA at CALIFORNIA |
| ARIZONA STATE at UTAH |
| USC at Notre Dame |
| OREGON at UCLA |
| COLORADO at WASHINGTON STATE |
| Thurs., Oct. 26 |
| STANFORD at OREGON STATE |
| Sat., Oct. 28 |
| WASHINGTON STATE at ARIZONA |
| USC at ARIZONA STATE |
| UCLA at WASHINGTON |
| CALIFORNIA at COLORADO |
| UTAH at OREGON |
| Fri. Nov. 3 |
| UCLA at UTAH |
| Sat., Nov. 4 |
| ARIZONA at USC |
| COLORADO at ARIZONA STATE |
| OREGON at WASHINGTON |
| OREGON STATE at CALIFORNIA |
| STANFORD at WASHINGTON STATE |
| Fri., Nov. 10 |
| WASHINGTON at STANFORD |
| Sat., Nov. 11 |
| OREGON STATE at ARIZONA |
| ARIZONA STATE at UCLA |
| USC at COLORADO |
| WASHINGTON STATE at UTAH |
| Sat., Nov. 18 |
| ARIZONA at OREGON |
| ARIZONA STATE at OREGON STATE |
| UCLA at USC |
| UTAH at WASHINGTON |
| CALIFORNIA at STANFORD |
| Fri., Nov. 24 |
| CALIFORNIA at UCLA |
| OREGON STATE at OREGON |
| Sat., Nov. 25 |
| ARIZONA at ARIZONA STATE |
| COLORADO at UTAH |
| WASHINGTON STATE at WASHINGTON |
| Notre Dame at STANFORD |
| Fri., Dec. 1 or Sat., Dec. 2 |
| Pac-12 Football Championship Game (2) (ESPN) |
(1) Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colo. (2) Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
No. 2 Kansas beats Iowa State 76-72 for 17th straight win
By LUKE MEREDITH
Associated Press
AMES, Iowa (AP) -- No. 2 Kansas passed its biggest Big 12 road test of the season, winning in a gym where losing was threatening to become a trend.
Frank Mason III had 16 points, Landen Lucas scored 14 and the Jayhawks held off Iowa State 76-72 on Monday night for their 17th straight win.
Svi Mykhailiuk added 13 for the Jayhawks (17-1, 6-0 Big 12), who snapped a two-game skid in Ames and opened 6-0 in the Big 12 for the 10th time.
"It's always tough (here)," Lucas said. "We should be proud to come in here and win. Our young guys maybe don't understand that."
Though it was never comfortable for Kansas, the Jayhawks led the entire second half. Iowa State star Monte Morris drilled a long 3-pointer and two free throws to make it 75-72 with 14.6 seconds left. But then Devonte Graham's free throw made it a two-possession game and Morris missed a 3 that would've made for an interesting finish.
Morris scored 23 points with seven rebounds and seven assists for the Cyclones (11-6, 3-3), who saw their recent string of success against the Jayhawks come to an end.
Iowa State had won four of its last six against the 12-time defending league champions.
"We've just got to figure out a way to become a better defensive team. They shot 14 layups in the first half. Layups. You can't give Kansas 28 points in layups and expect to beat them," Iowa State coach Steve Prohm said.
Deonte Burton had 21 points on 21 shots for the Cyclones, losers of two straight for the first time in six weeks.
BIG PICTURE
Kansas: This was a win Kansas has a right to be proud of. Hilton Coliseum is one of the most intimidating atmospheres in America - especially when the Jayhawks come to town - and over 14,000 fans braved an ice storm to scream at them. Victories like this are the reason Kansas keeps winning the Big 12. "No disrespect, but I think it was the best home court we've played in so far," Kansas coach Bill Self said.
Iowa State: The Cyclones let a huge opportunity slip by. Iowa State is very talented and remains a threat in the postseason because of its strong backcourt. But the Cyclones have lost tight games to Gonzaga, Baylor and Kansas, and their program has long since passed the day when moral victories mattered.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
In a slight surprise, voters picked Villanova over Kansas for the top spot on Monday. It'll be hard for the Jayhawks to pass the Wildcats after Villanova routed Seton Hall by 30 points on Monday. The defending national champions host Providence on Saturday. "It really doesn't matter. I told our staff that Villanova would jump us in (the) AP (poll). They beat Xavier by 25 last week. That didn't surprise me at all. We're in a pretty good spot right now," Self said.
TURNING POINT
Burton's three-point play brought the Cyclones within 67-63. But a quick 6-0 run capped by Mason's layup put Kansas up 10 with 1:57 left, and those baskets came in handy after Iowa State made its late surge. Given that the Jayhawks' first two road league wins were at TCU and scuffling Oklahoma, the resolve Kansas showed down the stretch was impressive.
THE DIFFERENCE
Kansas dominated Iowa State on the boards, 41-24, and scored 52 points in the paint. The Cyclones' guards did their part, with Naz Mitrou-Long chipping in 18 points, but the inability to hang with teams inside continues to haunt Iowa State against elite competition.
THE NUMBERS
Kansas shot 54.8 percent from the floor, helping mitigate its 18 turnovers. ... Iowa State was 9 of 27 from 3-point range. ... Graham had nine points and eight assists, freeing up Mason to attack the basket. ... Morris also had four steals, but he turned it over three times in the first half after committing just one such miscue in his first five Big 12 games.
UP NEXT
Kansas hosts Texas on Saturday. But next week will be brutal, with trips to West Virginia and Kentucky looming.
Iowa State plays at Oklahoma on Saturday.
Associated Press
AMES, Iowa (AP) -- No. 2 Kansas passed its biggest Big 12 road test of the season, winning in a gym where losing was threatening to become a trend.
Frank Mason III had 16 points, Landen Lucas scored 14 and the Jayhawks held off Iowa State 76-72 on Monday night for their 17th straight win.
Svi Mykhailiuk added 13 for the Jayhawks (17-1, 6-0 Big 12), who snapped a two-game skid in Ames and opened 6-0 in the Big 12 for the 10th time.
"It's always tough (here)," Lucas said. "We should be proud to come in here and win. Our young guys maybe don't understand that."
Though it was never comfortable for Kansas, the Jayhawks led the entire second half. Iowa State star Monte Morris drilled a long 3-pointer and two free throws to make it 75-72 with 14.6 seconds left. But then Devonte Graham's free throw made it a two-possession game and Morris missed a 3 that would've made for an interesting finish.
Morris scored 23 points with seven rebounds and seven assists for the Cyclones (11-6, 3-3), who saw their recent string of success against the Jayhawks come to an end.
Iowa State had won four of its last six against the 12-time defending league champions.
"We've just got to figure out a way to become a better defensive team. They shot 14 layups in the first half. Layups. You can't give Kansas 28 points in layups and expect to beat them," Iowa State coach Steve Prohm said.
Deonte Burton had 21 points on 21 shots for the Cyclones, losers of two straight for the first time in six weeks.
BIG PICTURE
Kansas: This was a win Kansas has a right to be proud of. Hilton Coliseum is one of the most intimidating atmospheres in America - especially when the Jayhawks come to town - and over 14,000 fans braved an ice storm to scream at them. Victories like this are the reason Kansas keeps winning the Big 12. "No disrespect, but I think it was the best home court we've played in so far," Kansas coach Bill Self said.
Iowa State: The Cyclones let a huge opportunity slip by. Iowa State is very talented and remains a threat in the postseason because of its strong backcourt. But the Cyclones have lost tight games to Gonzaga, Baylor and Kansas, and their program has long since passed the day when moral victories mattered.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
In a slight surprise, voters picked Villanova over Kansas for the top spot on Monday. It'll be hard for the Jayhawks to pass the Wildcats after Villanova routed Seton Hall by 30 points on Monday. The defending national champions host Providence on Saturday. "It really doesn't matter. I told our staff that Villanova would jump us in (the) AP (poll). They beat Xavier by 25 last week. That didn't surprise me at all. We're in a pretty good spot right now," Self said.
TURNING POINT
Burton's three-point play brought the Cyclones within 67-63. But a quick 6-0 run capped by Mason's layup put Kansas up 10 with 1:57 left, and those baskets came in handy after Iowa State made its late surge. Given that the Jayhawks' first two road league wins were at TCU and scuffling Oklahoma, the resolve Kansas showed down the stretch was impressive.
THE DIFFERENCE
Kansas dominated Iowa State on the boards, 41-24, and scored 52 points in the paint. The Cyclones' guards did their part, with Naz Mitrou-Long chipping in 18 points, but the inability to hang with teams inside continues to haunt Iowa State against elite competition.
THE NUMBERS
Kansas shot 54.8 percent from the floor, helping mitigate its 18 turnovers. ... Iowa State was 9 of 27 from 3-point range. ... Graham had nine points and eight assists, freeing up Mason to attack the basket. ... Morris also had four steals, but he turned it over three times in the first half after committing just one such miscue in his first five Big 12 games.
UP NEXT
Kansas hosts Texas on Saturday. But next week will be brutal, with trips to West Virginia and Kentucky looming.
Iowa State plays at Oklahoma on Saturday.
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