Good news! It's the last day of February! Nothing against you, February, but March is our favorite month as College Basketball lovers. Conference Tournaments are starting for some while other conferences are bringing their regular season to an end. Here's a look at our latest bracket.
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 North Carolina Central/#16 Mount St. Mary's
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Michigan
#5 Virginia vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 Purdue vs. #13 Vermont
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 California/#11 Providence
#3 Florida vs. #14 Florida Gulf Coast
#7 Iowa State vs. #10 Syracuse
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 East Tennessee State
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Creighton vs. #9 Maryland
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Kansas State/#12 Vanderbilt
#4 Florida State vs. #13 Nevada
#6 Minnesota vs. #11 Marquette
#3 Baylor vs. #14 Cal State Bakersfield
#7 Miami (FL) vs. #10 Michigan State
#2 UCLA vs. #15 Princeton
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 UC Davis/#16 Texas Southern
#8 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #9 Wichita State
#5 Southern Methodist vs. #12 Valparaiso
#4 Duke vs. #13 Akron
#6 Wisconsin vs. #11 Xavier
#3 Kentucky vs. #14 Belmont
#7 Virginia Tech vs. #10 Seton Hall
#2 Arizona vs. #15 North Dakota State
South Regional
#1 Oregon vs. #16 New Orleans
#8 Northwestern vs. #9 Arkansas
#5 Notre Dame vs. #12 Monmouth
#4 Butler vs. #13 Texas-Arlington
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 West Virginia vs. #14 Winthrop
#7 Oklahoma State vs. #10 Southern California
#2 Louisville vs. #15 Bucknell
Bubble:
Last Four Byes: Syracuse, Seton Hall, Xavier, Marquette
Last Four In: California, Providence, Kansas State, Vanderbilt
First Four Out: Illinois State, TCU, Georgia Tech, Houston
Next Four Out: Wake Forest, Texas Tech, Central Florida, Indiana
Following Four Out: Rhode Island, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Kansas moves to No. 1 in AP poll, Villanova 2nd, UCLA 3rd
By JIM O'CONNELL
Associated Press
Kansas, which won a record 13th consecutive Big 12 regular-season title, is the new No. 1 in The Associated Press college basketball poll.
The Jayhawks (26-3) moved up two places to the top spot, receiving 58 first-place votes Monday from the 65-member national media panel .
Kansas is the sixth school to be No. 1 this season. The Jayhawks were on top last season for five weeks, including the final three polls of the season.
Villanova (27-3) remained second despite losing to Butler last week. The Wildcats were No. 1 on two ballots. UCLA (26-3), which was No. 1 on three ballots, moved up from fifth to third after its win over Arizona on Saturday.
Gonzaga (29-1) fell to No. 4 after losing its first game of the season, an upset by BYU on Saturday. The Zags, who had been No. 1 for the last four polls, received two first-place votes.
North Carolina moved from eighth to fifth and was followed by Oregon, Arizona, Louisville, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Baylor was 11th followed by Florida, Butler, SMU, Florida State, Purdue, Duke, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and Saint Mary's.
The last five ranked teams were Wichita State, Wisconsin, Virginia and newcomers Iowa State and Miami.
Iowa State (19-9), which was ranked for the first six polls of the season, moved back into the Top 25 after beating Baylor on Saturday. The Hurricanes (20-8), who were ranked for most of last season, reaching as high as seventh, moved into the poll after Saturday's victory over Duke.
Creighton (22-7), which was 23rd, dropped out for the first time this season after losses to Providence and Villanova. Maryland (22-7) fell out from 24th after losses to Minnesota and Iowa.
Kansas, which has the longest current streak in the Top 25, dating to February 2009, is No. 1 for the 63rd time. That is the fifth-best total behind UCLA (134), Duke (129), Kentucky (117) and North Carolina (113).
The Jayhawks' conference title run matches UCLA's streak in the Pac-8 in the 1960s-70s.
The other teams to be No. 1 this season were Duke, Kentucky, Villanova, Baylor and Gonzaga.
Miami gives the Atlantic Coast Conference seven teams in the Top 25 while Iowa State gives the Big 12 four. The Pac-12 is next with three teams.
New AP Top-25 for College Basketball
(Released Feb. 27, 2017):
Rank team Record Points PV Rank
1 Kansas (58) 26-3 1,618 3
2 Villanova (2) 27-3 1,487 2
3 UCLA (3) 26-3 1,474 5
4 Gonzaga (2) 29-1 1,419 1
5 North Carolina 25-5 1,381 8
6 Oregon 26-4 1,343 6
7 Arizona 26-4 1,223 4
8 Louisville 23-6 1,176 7
9 Kentucky 24-5 1,119 11
10 West Virginia 23-6 1,041 12
11 Baylor 23-6 923 9
12 Florida 23-6 807 13
13 Butler 23-6 795 22
14 SMU 25-4 738 17
15 Florida State 23-6 722 19
16 Purdue 23-6 651 14
17 Duke 22-7 622 10
18 Cincinnati 25-4 504 15
19 Notre Dame 22-7 482 21
20 Saint Mary's (Cal.) 26-3 445 20
21 Wichita State 27-4 250 25
22 Wisconsin 22-7 206 16
23 Virginia 19-9 194 18
24 Iowa State 19-9 168 -
25 Miami (FL) 20-8 123 -
Associated Press
Kansas, which won a record 13th consecutive Big 12 regular-season title, is the new No. 1 in The Associated Press college basketball poll.
The Jayhawks (26-3) moved up two places to the top spot, receiving 58 first-place votes Monday from the 65-member national media panel .
Kansas is the sixth school to be No. 1 this season. The Jayhawks were on top last season for five weeks, including the final three polls of the season.
Villanova (27-3) remained second despite losing to Butler last week. The Wildcats were No. 1 on two ballots. UCLA (26-3), which was No. 1 on three ballots, moved up from fifth to third after its win over Arizona on Saturday.
Gonzaga (29-1) fell to No. 4 after losing its first game of the season, an upset by BYU on Saturday. The Zags, who had been No. 1 for the last four polls, received two first-place votes.
North Carolina moved from eighth to fifth and was followed by Oregon, Arizona, Louisville, Kentucky and West Virginia.
Baylor was 11th followed by Florida, Butler, SMU, Florida State, Purdue, Duke, Cincinnati, Notre Dame and Saint Mary's.
The last five ranked teams were Wichita State, Wisconsin, Virginia and newcomers Iowa State and Miami.
Iowa State (19-9), which was ranked for the first six polls of the season, moved back into the Top 25 after beating Baylor on Saturday. The Hurricanes (20-8), who were ranked for most of last season, reaching as high as seventh, moved into the poll after Saturday's victory over Duke.
Creighton (22-7), which was 23rd, dropped out for the first time this season after losses to Providence and Villanova. Maryland (22-7) fell out from 24th after losses to Minnesota and Iowa.
Kansas, which has the longest current streak in the Top 25, dating to February 2009, is No. 1 for the 63rd time. That is the fifth-best total behind UCLA (134), Duke (129), Kentucky (117) and North Carolina (113).
The Jayhawks' conference title run matches UCLA's streak in the Pac-8 in the 1960s-70s.
The other teams to be No. 1 this season were Duke, Kentucky, Villanova, Baylor and Gonzaga.
Miami gives the Atlantic Coast Conference seven teams in the Top 25 while Iowa State gives the Big 12 four. The Pac-12 is next with three teams.
-----
New AP Top-25 for College Basketball
(Released Feb. 27, 2017):
Rank team Record Points PV Rank
1 Kansas (58) 26-3 1,618 3
2 Villanova (2) 27-3 1,487 2
3 UCLA (3) 26-3 1,474 5
4 Gonzaga (2) 29-1 1,419 1
5 North Carolina 25-5 1,381 8
6 Oregon 26-4 1,343 6
7 Arizona 26-4 1,223 4
8 Louisville 23-6 1,176 7
9 Kentucky 24-5 1,119 11
10 West Virginia 23-6 1,041 12
11 Baylor 23-6 923 9
12 Florida 23-6 807 13
13 Butler 23-6 795 22
14 SMU 25-4 738 17
15 Florida State 23-6 722 19
16 Purdue 23-6 651 14
17 Duke 22-7 622 10
18 Cincinnati 25-4 504 15
19 Notre Dame 22-7 482 21
20 Saint Mary's (Cal.) 26-3 445 20
21 Wichita State 27-4 250 25
22 Wisconsin 22-7 206 16
23 Virginia 19-9 194 18
24 Iowa State 19-9 168 -
25 Miami (FL) 20-8 123 -
Kurt Busch wins first Daytona 500 with last-lap pass
NASCAR Wire Service
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- His car damaged in a wreck on the backstretch and held together with tape, Kurt Busch grabbed the lead on the final lap of the 59th Daytona 500 on Sunday and took the checkered flag in the Great American Race as a capstone to a checkered career that has trended upward since Busch joined Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014.
In a race that featured the first test of a new three-stage race format in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series -- and featured enough twisted sheet metal to keep fabricators busy for a month -- Busch surged to the front with a run around the outside when more than half the vehicles in an 11-car lead draft sputtered and ran short on fuel.
Having pushed other drivers to victory in the 500 on three previous occasions, Busch took the prize himself this time, finishing .228 seconds ahead of Ryan Blaney, who came from the rear of the lead pack on the final two laps.
AJ Allmendinger ran third after conserving fuel over the final 20 laps, as a race that had produced eight caution flags for 40 laps ran green for the final 47 circuits. Aric Almirola finished fourth as a single car for Richard Petty Motorsports, with Paul Menard and Joey Logano coming home fifth and sixth, respectively.
"I can't believe it!" Busch shouted on his team radio after claiming the 29th victory of his career and by far the most significant. "I love you guys! Thank you! Thank you!"
Busch lost his rear view mirror in the middle of the final green-flag run, but it didn't matter.
"There is nothing predictable about this race any more, and the more years that have gone by that I didn't win I kept trying to go back to patterns that I had seen in the past," Busch said. "My mirror fell off with 30 laps to go and I couldn’t even see out the back. And I thought that was an omen. Throw caution to the wind.
"It just got crazy and wild, and I am so proud of all the drivers at the end. We put on a show for a full fuel run, and nobody took each other out and it was one of the smartest chess games I have seen out there. All the hard work that Ford and SHR put into this -- this Ford Fusion is in Daytona's Victory Lane!"
Busch did what other drivers with seemingly stronger cars could not. Pole winner Chase Elliott was disconsolate after running out of fuel on the white-flag lap. He finished 14th.
Kyle Busch won the first 60-lap stage and collected the first playoff point in series history, but on Lap 105, he spun in Turn 3 when he cut a rear tire and collected fellow Toyota drivers Erik Jones and Matt Kenseth, as well as Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was returning to competition after missing the final 18 races of the 2016 season while recovering from a concussion.
Busch fell out of the race in 38th place. Earnhardt took his car to the garage in 37th.
Kevin Harvick led 50 of the 200 laps and took the second stage, but he fell victim on Lap 128 to the 17-car pileup on the backstretch that also did the most damage to the sheet metal on Kurt Busch's car. The 2014 series champion finished 22nd, three laps down.
Busch's team owner, Tony Stewart, retired from Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition at the end of the 2016 season. Stewart-Haas spent the winter converting from Chevrolet to Ford, but it seemed to make little difference to Busch, who won his 2004 series championship in a Roush Fenway Racing Ford.
"It was a crazy race, even crazier to sit and watch it from a pit box finally," Stewart said. "If I had known all I had to do was retire, I would have retired 17 years ago, if I knew it was what it took to win the race ... I ran this damn race for 18 years and didn't win it.
"Kurt did an amazing job. He doesn't even have a rear view mirror. The mirror folded on him. His spotter, Tony Raines, did an amazing job. That is the most composed I have ever seen Kurt at the end of a race. He deserved this."
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Bracketology - Edition X
As we set to embark on another wild College Basketball weekend, here is our tenth edition of Bracketology!
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 New Orleans/#16 Mount St. Mary's
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Southern California
#5 Wisconsin vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 Duke vs. #13 Vermont
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Texas Christian
#3 Florida vs. #14 Florida Gulf Coast
#7 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #10 Syracuse
#2 Baylor vs. #15 Bucknell
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Oklahoma State vs. #9 Maryland
#5 Notre Dame vs. #12 Monmouth
#4 Butler vs. #13 Nevada
#6 Southern Methodist vs. #11 Marquette
#3 Louisville vs. #14 Cal State Bakersfield
#7 Minnesota vs. #10 Arkansas
#2 UCLA vs. #15 Princeton
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Texas Southern/#16 UC Davis
#8 Miami (FL) vs. #9 Michigan
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Valparaiso
#4 Florida State vs. #13 Akron
#6 Northwestern vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 Kentucky vs. #14 East Tennessee State
#7 Creighton vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 Arizona vs. #15 North Dakota State
South Regional
#1 North Carolina vs. #16 North Carolina Central
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Wichita State
#5 Virginia vs. #12 Texas Tech/#12 Houston
#4 Purdue vs. #13 Texas-Arlington
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Michigan State/#11 Seton Hall
#3 West Virginia vs. #14 Belmont
7 Virginia Tech vs. #10 Xavier
#2 Oregon vs. #15 North Carolina-Asheville
Bubble:
Last Four Byes: Syracuse, Arkansas, Texas Christian, Marquette
Last Four In: Seton Hall, Michigan State, Texas Tech, Houston
First Four Out: Georgia Tech, Illinois State, Alabama, Wake Forest
Next Four Out: California, Vanderbilt, Providence, Tennessee
Following Four Out: Central Florida, Indiana, Memphis, George Mason
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 New Orleans/#16 Mount St. Mary's
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Southern California
#5 Wisconsin vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 Duke vs. #13 Vermont
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Texas Christian
#3 Florida vs. #14 Florida Gulf Coast
#7 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #10 Syracuse
#2 Baylor vs. #15 Bucknell
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Oklahoma State vs. #9 Maryland
#5 Notre Dame vs. #12 Monmouth
#4 Butler vs. #13 Nevada
#6 Southern Methodist vs. #11 Marquette
#3 Louisville vs. #14 Cal State Bakersfield
#7 Minnesota vs. #10 Arkansas
#2 UCLA vs. #15 Princeton
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Texas Southern/#16 UC Davis
#8 Miami (FL) vs. #9 Michigan
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Valparaiso
#4 Florida State vs. #13 Akron
#6 Northwestern vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 Kentucky vs. #14 East Tennessee State
#7 Creighton vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 Arizona vs. #15 North Dakota State
South Regional
#1 North Carolina vs. #16 North Carolina Central
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Wichita State
#5 Virginia vs. #12 Texas Tech/#12 Houston
#4 Purdue vs. #13 Texas-Arlington
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Michigan State/#11 Seton Hall
#3 West Virginia vs. #14 Belmont
7 Virginia Tech vs. #10 Xavier
#2 Oregon vs. #15 North Carolina-Asheville
Bubble:
Last Four Byes: Syracuse, Arkansas, Texas Christian, Marquette
Last Four In: Seton Hall, Michigan State, Texas Tech, Houston
First Four Out: Georgia Tech, Illinois State, Alabama, Wake Forest
Next Four Out: California, Vanderbilt, Providence, Tennessee
Following Four Out: Central Florida, Indiana, Memphis, George Mason
Monday, February 20, 2017
Bracketology - Edition IX
Tick tock... tick tock goes the clock as we inch closer and closer to Selection Sunday. Here's the newest edition of Bracketology!
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 New Orleans/#16 Texas Southern
#8 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Oklahoma State
#5 Notre Dame vs. #12 Monmouth
#4 Purdue vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Seton Hall/#11 Arkansas
#3 Baylor vs. #14 Akron
#7 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #10 Michigan
#2 Louisville vs. #15 Furman
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Miami (FL)
#5 Southern Methodist vs. #12 Alabama/#12 Texas Tech
#4 Florida State vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Butler vs. #11 Syracuse
#3 Florida vs. #14 Boise State
#7 Maryland vs. #10 Texas Christian
#2 UCLA vs. #15 Princeton
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Mount St. Mary's/#16 UC Davis
#8 Xavier vs. #9 Wichita State
#5 Virginia vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Texas-Arlington
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Michigan State
#3 Duke vs. #14 North Carolina-Asheville
#7 Dayton vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 Arizona vs. #15 North Dakota State
South Regional
#1 North Carolina vs. #16 North Carolina Central
#8 Minnesota vs. #9 Southern California
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Belmont
#4 West Virginia vs. #13 Vermont
#6 Creighton vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 Kentucky vs. #14 Cal State Bakersfield
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Marquette
#2 Oregon vs. #15 Bucknell
Bubble:
Last Four Byes: TCU, Marquette, Syracuse, Michigan State
Last Four In: Seton Hall, Arkansas, Alabama, Texas Tech
First Four Out: Clemson, California, Georgia Tech, Tennessee
Next Four Out: Illinois State, Houston, Wake Forest, Rhode Island
Following Four Out: Memphis, Providence, Vanderbilt, Georgetown
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 New Orleans/#16 Texas Southern
#8 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Oklahoma State
#5 Notre Dame vs. #12 Monmouth
#4 Purdue vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Seton Hall/#11 Arkansas
#3 Baylor vs. #14 Akron
#7 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #10 Michigan
#2 Louisville vs. #15 Furman
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Miami (FL)
#5 Southern Methodist vs. #12 Alabama/#12 Texas Tech
#4 Florida State vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Butler vs. #11 Syracuse
#3 Florida vs. #14 Boise State
#7 Maryland vs. #10 Texas Christian
#2 UCLA vs. #15 Princeton
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Mount St. Mary's/#16 UC Davis
#8 Xavier vs. #9 Wichita State
#5 Virginia vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Texas-Arlington
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Michigan State
#3 Duke vs. #14 North Carolina-Asheville
#7 Dayton vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 Arizona vs. #15 North Dakota State
South Regional
#1 North Carolina vs. #16 North Carolina Central
#8 Minnesota vs. #9 Southern California
#5 Cincinnati vs. #12 Belmont
#4 West Virginia vs. #13 Vermont
#6 Creighton vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 Kentucky vs. #14 Cal State Bakersfield
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Marquette
#2 Oregon vs. #15 Bucknell
Bubble:
Last Four Byes: TCU, Marquette, Syracuse, Michigan State
Last Four In: Seton Hall, Arkansas, Alabama, Texas Tech
First Four Out: Clemson, California, Georgia Tech, Tennessee
Next Four Out: Illinois State, Houston, Wake Forest, Rhode Island
Following Four Out: Memphis, Providence, Vanderbilt, Georgetown
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Joey Logano wins wild finish in The Clash at Daytona
Joey logano wins his first Clash race at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, as Kyle Busch and Alex Bowman finished second and third.
Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski made contact on the final lap while battling for the lead, spinning off track and out of the top-two running positions, allowing Logano to squeeze by for the win.
Danica Patrick nabbed a fourth-place result, while her Stewart Haas Racing teammate Kevin Harvick finished fifth.
Logano led the race at the end of the first of the race's two segments on lap 25. But just a few laps before on lap 18, Kurt Busch turned hard into the wall after contact from Jimmie Johnson to bring out the caution.
Johnson brought his car down for repairs, as Kurt Busch's day was over.
Later in the race, on lap 49, Johnson would spin, the Martin Truex, Jr. would spin on lap 60.
Kyle Busch rebounded from a speeding penalty from the caution that ended the first segment.
Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski made contact on the final lap while battling for the lead, spinning off track and out of the top-two running positions, allowing Logano to squeeze by for the win.
Danica Patrick nabbed a fourth-place result, while her Stewart Haas Racing teammate Kevin Harvick finished fifth.
Logano led the race at the end of the first of the race's two segments on lap 25. But just a few laps before on lap 18, Kurt Busch turned hard into the wall after contact from Jimmie Johnson to bring out the caution.
Johnson brought his car down for repairs, as Kurt Busch's day was over.
Later in the race, on lap 49, Johnson would spin, the Martin Truex, Jr. would spin on lap 60.
Kyle Busch rebounded from a speeding penalty from the caution that ended the first segment.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Matthew Owens' 2017 NCAA preseason softball rankings
The following are Matthew Owens' 2017 Top-10 NCAA Preseason Softball Rankings, released yesterday, February 6, 2017.
1) Oklahoma
2) Auburn
3) Florida State
4) Florida
4) LSU
6) Michigan
7) Alabama
8) UCLA
9) Oregon
10) Arizona
Monday, February 6, 2017
New AP NCAAM Top-25
Associated Press NCAA Men's Basketball Top-25 poll.
Released Feb. 6, 2017.
1 Gonzaga
2 Villanova
3 Kansas
4 Louisville
5 Oregon
6 Baylor
7 Wisconsin
8 North Carolina
9 Arizona
10 UCLA
11 Cincinnati
12 Virginia
13 West Virginia
14 Florida State
15 Kentucky
16 Purdue
17 Florida
18 Duke
19 South Carolina
20 Saint Mary's (Cal.)
21 Maryland
22 Butler
23 Creighton
24 Xavier
25 SMU
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Bracketology - Edition VIII
If you watched College Basketball on Saturday, then you know that your team was not safe if they were ranked in the top ten. Virginia, Kentucky, Baylor, Kansas, Arizona and West Virginia were all ranked inside the top ten and they all lost. As you would imagine, it has impacted our bracket quite a bit. So here is our eighth edition of Bracketology!
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 North Carolina Central/#16 Mount St. Mary's
#8 Northwestern vs. #9 Marquette
#5 South Carolina vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 Duke vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 Arizona vs. #14 Princeton
#7 Iowa State vs. #10 Seton Hall
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 East Tennessee State
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 UC Davis/#16 Texas Southern
#8 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Michigan State
#5 Maryland vs. #12 Nevada
#4 Kentucky vs. #13 New Mexico State
#6 Creighton vs. #11 Wichita State
#3 Virginia vs. #14 Vermont
#7 Southern California vs. #10 Miami (FL)
#2 Baylor vs. #15 South Dakota
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #9 Indiana
#5 Florida vs. #12 Belmont
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Akron
#6 Notre Dame vs. #11 Arkansas/Texas Christian
#3 UCLA vs. #14 Monmouth
#7 Xavier vs. #10 Michigan
#2 Florida State vs. #15 Bucknell
South Regional
#1 Louisville vs. #16 Sam Houston State
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Minnesota
#5 Purdue vs. #12 Oklahoma State/#12 Syracuse
#4 Cincinnati vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Butler vs. #11 Clemson
#3 West Virginia vs. #14 Texas-Arlington
#7 Southern Methodist vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 Oregon vs. #15 Winthrop
Bubble
Last Four Byes: Clemson, Seton Hall, Michigan, Miami
Last Four In: Arkansas, TCU, Oklahoma State, Syracuse
First Four Out: Wake Forest, California, Tennessee, Illinois State
Next Four Out: Texas Tech, Rhode Island, Utah, Georgia Tech
Following Four Out: Memphis, Georgia, Mississippi State, Houston
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 North Carolina Central/#16 Mount St. Mary's
#8 Northwestern vs. #9 Marquette
#5 South Carolina vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 Duke vs. #13 Valparaiso
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Middle Tennessee
#3 Arizona vs. #14 Princeton
#7 Iowa State vs. #10 Seton Hall
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 East Tennessee State
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 UC Davis/#16 Texas Southern
#8 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Michigan State
#5 Maryland vs. #12 Nevada
#4 Kentucky vs. #13 New Mexico State
#6 Creighton vs. #11 Wichita State
#3 Virginia vs. #14 Vermont
#7 Southern California vs. #10 Miami (FL)
#2 Baylor vs. #15 South Dakota
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #9 Indiana
#5 Florida vs. #12 Belmont
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Akron
#6 Notre Dame vs. #11 Arkansas/Texas Christian
#3 UCLA vs. #14 Monmouth
#7 Xavier vs. #10 Michigan
#2 Florida State vs. #15 Bucknell
South Regional
#1 Louisville vs. #16 Sam Houston State
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Minnesota
#5 Purdue vs. #12 Oklahoma State/#12 Syracuse
#4 Cincinnati vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Butler vs. #11 Clemson
#3 West Virginia vs. #14 Texas-Arlington
#7 Southern Methodist vs. #10 Kansas State
#2 Oregon vs. #15 Winthrop
Bubble
Last Four Byes: Clemson, Seton Hall, Michigan, Miami
Last Four In: Arkansas, TCU, Oklahoma State, Syracuse
First Four Out: Wake Forest, California, Tennessee, Illinois State
Next Four Out: Texas Tech, Rhode Island, Utah, Georgia Tech
Following Four Out: Memphis, Georgia, Mississippi State, Houston
Friday, February 3, 2017
Bracketology - Edition VII
As the one seeds become clearer, the bubble gets even muddier. We are just five days away from Selection Sunday and the real truth is, no one knows what to expect from now to then. But as always, we're here trying to make sense of it. So here is our latest bracket, which is sure to change.
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 North Carolina Central/#16 Mount Saint Mary's
#8 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #9 Arkansas
#5 Duke vs. #12 Valparaiso
#4 Maryland vs. #13 Belmont
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Clemson/#11 Texas Christian
#3 Oregon vs. #14 Vermont
#7 Southern Methodist vs. #10 Minnesota
#2 Louisville vs. #15 Winthrop
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Michigan State
#5 Florida vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 UCLA vs. #13 New Mexico State
#6 Purdue vs. #11 Miami (FL)
#3 Kentucky vs. #14 Texas-Arlington
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Marquette
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 North Dakota State
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Texas-Southern/#16 UC Davis
#8 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Illinois State
#5 Creighton vs. #12 Tennessee/#12 Wake Forest
#4 Cincinnati vs. #13 Nevada
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Seton Hall
#3 Virginia vs. #14 Bucknell
#7 Xavier vs. #10 Michigan
#2 Arizona vs. #15 East Tennessee State
South Regional
#1 Baylor vs. #16 Sam Houston State
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Indiana
#5 Notre Dame vs. #12 Akron
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Butler vs. #11 Kansas State
#3 Florida State vs. #14 Monmouth
#7 Southern California vs. #10 Middle Tennessee
#2 West Virginia vs. #15 Princeton
Bubble
Last Four Byes: Kansas State, Miami, Michigan, Seton Hall
Last Four In: Clemson, TCU, Wake Forest, Tennessee
First Four Out: California, Oklahoma State, Wichita State, Syracuse
Next Four Out: Texas Tech, Utah, Georgia Tech, Rhode Island
Following Four Out: Memphis, Georgia, Pittsburgh, Georgetown
East Regional
#1 Villanova vs. #16 North Carolina Central/#16 Mount Saint Mary's
#8 Virginia Commonwealth vs. #9 Arkansas
#5 Duke vs. #12 Valparaiso
#4 Maryland vs. #13 Belmont
#6 South Carolina vs. #11 Clemson/#11 Texas Christian
#3 Oregon vs. #14 Vermont
#7 Southern Methodist vs. #10 Minnesota
#2 Louisville vs. #15 Winthrop
West Regional
#1 Gonzaga vs. #16 Weber State
#8 Dayton vs. #9 Michigan State
#5 Florida vs. #12 North Carolina-Wilmington
#4 UCLA vs. #13 New Mexico State
#6 Purdue vs. #11 Miami (FL)
#3 Kentucky vs. #14 Texas-Arlington
#7 Northwestern vs. #10 Marquette
#2 North Carolina vs. #15 North Dakota State
Mid-West Regional
#1 Kansas vs. #16 Texas-Southern/#16 UC Davis
#8 Virginia Tech vs. #9 Illinois State
#5 Creighton vs. #12 Tennessee/#12 Wake Forest
#4 Cincinnati vs. #13 Nevada
#6 St. Mary's vs. #11 Seton Hall
#3 Virginia vs. #14 Bucknell
#7 Xavier vs. #10 Michigan
#2 Arizona vs. #15 East Tennessee State
South Regional
#1 Baylor vs. #16 Sam Houston State
#8 Iowa State vs. #9 Indiana
#5 Notre Dame vs. #12 Akron
#4 Wisconsin vs. #13 Florida Gulf Coast
#6 Butler vs. #11 Kansas State
#3 Florida State vs. #14 Monmouth
#7 Southern California vs. #10 Middle Tennessee
#2 West Virginia vs. #15 Princeton
Bubble
Last Four Byes: Kansas State, Miami, Michigan, Seton Hall
Last Four In: Clemson, TCU, Wake Forest, Tennessee
First Four Out: California, Oklahoma State, Wichita State, Syracuse
Next Four Out: Texas Tech, Utah, Georgia Tech, Rhode Island
Following Four Out: Memphis, Georgia, Pittsburgh, Georgetown
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Bama keeps building and BYU adds a legacy
Erik McKinney/ESPN
As signing day moves along, the top two classes continue to get better as we catch you up on the biggest news of the past hour.
Another big get for Alabama
The Crimson Tide keep adding elite pieces to this 2017 recruiting class, as ESPN 300 defensive tackle LaBryan Ray, the nation's No. 17 overall prospect, committed to Alabama over Florida, Ole Miss and Tennessee. With Ray and Phidarian Mathis in the fold, Alabama signed two of the top four defensive tackles in the nation.
Buckeyes get better
Ohio State’s already stellar class added another four-star prospect on signing day, as offensive lineman Thayer Munford announced for the Buckeyes. That makes 17 four- or five-star prospects for Ohio State in this outstanding 2017 recruiting class.
Cougars grab a legacy
BYU added its second ESPN 300 prospect to the 2017 recruiting class, as safety Chaz Ah You announced his commitment to the Cougars over UCLA and Washington. Ah You’s commitment means the Nos. 2 and 4 prospects in the state of Utah, as well as half of the four ESPN 300 prospects in the state, are headed to BYU.
Ah You has plenty of family connections with the Cougars, as his grandfather and two uncles both played football at BYU. His father is the director of football athletic relationships for the Cougars.
Early in the process, it looked as though UCLA would be Ah You’s destination and that the nation’s No. 233 prospect would announce his commitment before taking his final visit to BYU this past weekend. But Ah You held off until signing day and the Cougars are the beneficiaries. Ah You is now the highest-ranked commitment in BYU’s class and there could be an opportunity to step in and play right away.
Ole Miss tallies another
Ole Miss continues to put together a strong signing day, as the Rebels added four-star athlete Braylon Sanders to the class. He is the second four-star prospect to select Ole Miss on Wednesday, joining safety C.J. Miller.
Pitt adds a running back
ESPN 300 running back A.J. Davis announced for Pittsburgh over offers from Louisville, Missouri, North Carolina, South Florida and others. Davis is the No. 140 overall prospect and No. 14 running back and should form a very good duo with fellow ESPN 300 prospect Todd Sibley in the Pitt backfield.
Falaniko sticks with Southern California
Heading into signing day, there was some thought that USC commit Juliano Falaniko could make his way into the Oregon class. But USC announced Falaniko’s signing and the Trojans have a very intriguing three-star safety prospect who's capable of moving to linebacker.
Kansas State lands impact linebacker
Former USC linebacker commit Daniel Green selected Kansas State over Oregon State and Utah on signing day. Green is a big get for the Wildcats as he's the only inside linebacker signee in the class thus far.
Colorado builds up front
The Buffaloes added massive offensive guard Casey Roddick to the class on signing day. The 6-foot-4, 355-pound guard builds on the huge haul along the offensive line for Colorado, as ESPN 300 offensive tackle Jake Moretti and ESPN 300 guard Grant Polley headline the group. Roddick joins Heston Paige and Will Sherman as additional interior linemen.
As signing day moves along, the top two classes continue to get better as we catch you up on the biggest news of the past hour.
Another big get for Alabama
The Crimson Tide keep adding elite pieces to this 2017 recruiting class, as ESPN 300 defensive tackle LaBryan Ray, the nation's No. 17 overall prospect, committed to Alabama over Florida, Ole Miss and Tennessee. With Ray and Phidarian Mathis in the fold, Alabama signed two of the top four defensive tackles in the nation.
Buckeyes get better
Ohio State’s already stellar class added another four-star prospect on signing day, as offensive lineman Thayer Munford announced for the Buckeyes. That makes 17 four- or five-star prospects for Ohio State in this outstanding 2017 recruiting class.
Cougars grab a legacy
BYU added its second ESPN 300 prospect to the 2017 recruiting class, as safety Chaz Ah You announced his commitment to the Cougars over UCLA and Washington. Ah You’s commitment means the Nos. 2 and 4 prospects in the state of Utah, as well as half of the four ESPN 300 prospects in the state, are headed to BYU.
Ah You has plenty of family connections with the Cougars, as his grandfather and two uncles both played football at BYU. His father is the director of football athletic relationships for the Cougars.
Early in the process, it looked as though UCLA would be Ah You’s destination and that the nation’s No. 233 prospect would announce his commitment before taking his final visit to BYU this past weekend. But Ah You held off until signing day and the Cougars are the beneficiaries. Ah You is now the highest-ranked commitment in BYU’s class and there could be an opportunity to step in and play right away.
Ole Miss tallies another
Ole Miss continues to put together a strong signing day, as the Rebels added four-star athlete Braylon Sanders to the class. He is the second four-star prospect to select Ole Miss on Wednesday, joining safety C.J. Miller.
Pitt adds a running back
ESPN 300 running back A.J. Davis announced for Pittsburgh over offers from Louisville, Missouri, North Carolina, South Florida and others. Davis is the No. 140 overall prospect and No. 14 running back and should form a very good duo with fellow ESPN 300 prospect Todd Sibley in the Pitt backfield.
Falaniko sticks with Southern California
Heading into signing day, there was some thought that USC commit Juliano Falaniko could make his way into the Oregon class. But USC announced Falaniko’s signing and the Trojans have a very intriguing three-star safety prospect who's capable of moving to linebacker.
Kansas State lands impact linebacker
Former USC linebacker commit Daniel Green selected Kansas State over Oregon State and Utah on signing day. Green is a big get for the Wildcats as he's the only inside linebacker signee in the class thus far.
Colorado builds up front
The Buffaloes added massive offensive guard Casey Roddick to the class on signing day. The 6-foot-4, 355-pound guard builds on the huge haul along the offensive line for Colorado, as ESPN 300 offensive tackle Jake Moretti and ESPN 300 guard Grant Polley headline the group. Roddick joins Heston Paige and Will Sherman as additional interior linemen.
ESPN 300 wide receiver Nico Collins commits to Michigan
Tom VanHaaren/ESPN
Michigan landed ESPN 300 wide receiver Nico Collins on Wednesday, beating out Alabama and Georgia. Collins is the No. 150-ranked prospect overall and is the third ESPN 300 receiver commit for Michigan in the 2017 class.
The Wolverines have ESPN 300 receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black and four-star receiver Oliver Martin to go along with Collins. While Collins is now in the fold for Michigan, the Wolverines at one point weren’t even a consideration for the four-star receiver.
“Michigan, when they first offered me I was just like, 'OK, I appreciate it,” Collins said. “I hadn’t heard much about them, so wasn’t really considering them. But then I visited and it changed my whole mind about them."
The staff had a big need at receiver, as last season's top two receivers -- Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh -- graduated. The Wolverines are also losing tight end Jake Butt, who was a big part of the passing game.
Collins isn’t just a win on the field, though, as Michigan went into Alabama and landed a top prospect that the likes of Georgia and Alabama were after. Georgia and Michigan have battled quite a few times in the 2017 class, and Michigan came out on top for Collins.
Michigan landed ESPN 300 wide receiver Nico Collins on Wednesday, beating out Alabama and Georgia. Collins is the No. 150-ranked prospect overall and is the third ESPN 300 receiver commit for Michigan in the 2017 class.
The Wolverines have ESPN 300 receivers Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tarik Black and four-star receiver Oliver Martin to go along with Collins. While Collins is now in the fold for Michigan, the Wolverines at one point weren’t even a consideration for the four-star receiver.
“Michigan, when they first offered me I was just like, 'OK, I appreciate it,” Collins said. “I hadn’t heard much about them, so wasn’t really considering them. But then I visited and it changed my whole mind about them."
The staff had a big need at receiver, as last season's top two receivers -- Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh -- graduated. The Wolverines are also losing tight end Jake Butt, who was a big part of the passing game.
Collins isn’t just a win on the field, though, as Michigan went into Alabama and landed a top prospect that the likes of Georgia and Alabama were after. Georgia and Michigan have battled quite a few times in the 2017 class, and Michigan came out on top for Collins.
Four-star OT Tony Gray chooses Ole Miss
Derek Tyson/ESPN
Tony Gray, the 190th-ranked player in the ESPN 300, committed to Ole Miss over South Carolina on Wednesday.
The four-star prospect offensive tackle from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, held offers from Georgia, Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky and Louisville.
With the addition of Gray, Ole Miss has five signees who are in either the ESPN 300 or the ESPN JC 50. The Rebels also have commits from three-star linemen Lavante Epson and Ben Brown.
Tony Gray, the 190th-ranked player in the ESPN 300, committed to Ole Miss over South Carolina on Wednesday.
The four-star prospect offensive tackle from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, held offers from Georgia, Arkansas, Auburn, Kentucky and Louisville.
With the addition of Gray, Ole Miss has five signees who are in either the ESPN 300 or the ESPN JC 50. The Rebels also have commits from three-star linemen Lavante Epson and Ben Brown.
USC, Ole Miss again make noise by landing key recruits
Erik McKinney/ESPN Staff Writer
USC continues to roll on Wednesday, as impact prospects hit the SEC as well in the past hour.
USC lands another ESPN 300 prospect
Tight end Josh Falo announced that he will sign with USC as it continues to put the finishing touches on a strong 2017 class.
Falo, the nation’s No. 1 prospect at his position and No. 92 overall prospect, adds to a strong crop of young tight ends for the Trojans. They will add him to a position that features former ESPN 300 signees Cary Angeline and Tyler Petite, as well as Daniel Imatorbhebhe, who made a big impact for the Trojans last year after transferring from Florida.
Falo selected USC over Colorado, where his brother is a linebacker, and Oregon, which made a strong push over the final few weeks and received his last official visit. He is the fourth ESPN 300 prospect to announce for USC today, joining linebacker Levi Jones, offensive tackle Austin Jackson and defensive tackle Jay Tufele.
South Carolina holds on for ESPN 300 prospect
South Carolina’s biggest recruiting win on Wednesday had nothing to do with adding an additional prospect to its class. Instead, the Gamecocks can feel great about simply holding on to ESPN 300 cornerback Jamyest Williams, the nation’s No. 39 overall prospect. He faced significant pressure from Georgia to stay home, but Williams decided to stick with the program he committed to back in August. With Georgia dominating the state this year, Williams is the only top-5 prospect in the state to not sign with the Bulldogs.
Ole Miss' day gets even better
Ole Miss added yet another prospect on signing day, as ESPN 300 offensive tackle Tony Gray announced for the Rebels over offers from Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech and South Carolina. He is the second offensive line commitment for Ole Miss on Wednesday, as he joins offensive guard Sincere David.
Notre Dame keeps fighting
There wasn’t much national buzz when it came to Notre Dame heading into signing day, but the Fighting Irish are finishing on a positive note. After signing defensive tackle Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, Notre Dame flipped three-star defensive end Kofi Wardlow from Maryland on signing day. The Fighting Irish also signed four-star safety Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who was previously committed to Virginia.
Penn State adds another
Penn State added its second commitment of the day, as cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields selected the Nittany Lions over Maryland. The three-star prospect gives Penn State another cornerback in what was a big haul at the position. Led by ESPN 300 prospect Lamont Wade, Castro-Fields joins Donovan Johnson and D.J. Brown as cornerback signees.
Utah hits Hawaii
Utah added three linemen from Hawaii on signing day, as defensive ends Miki Suguturaga and Aliki Vimahi and offensive tackle Mo Unutoa all selected the Utes on Wednesday.
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| Josh Falo |
USC lands another ESPN 300 prospect
Tight end Josh Falo announced that he will sign with USC as it continues to put the finishing touches on a strong 2017 class.
Falo, the nation’s No. 1 prospect at his position and No. 92 overall prospect, adds to a strong crop of young tight ends for the Trojans. They will add him to a position that features former ESPN 300 signees Cary Angeline and Tyler Petite, as well as Daniel Imatorbhebhe, who made a big impact for the Trojans last year after transferring from Florida.
Falo selected USC over Colorado, where his brother is a linebacker, and Oregon, which made a strong push over the final few weeks and received his last official visit. He is the fourth ESPN 300 prospect to announce for USC today, joining linebacker Levi Jones, offensive tackle Austin Jackson and defensive tackle Jay Tufele.
South Carolina holds on for ESPN 300 prospect
South Carolina’s biggest recruiting win on Wednesday had nothing to do with adding an additional prospect to its class. Instead, the Gamecocks can feel great about simply holding on to ESPN 300 cornerback Jamyest Williams, the nation’s No. 39 overall prospect. He faced significant pressure from Georgia to stay home, but Williams decided to stick with the program he committed to back in August. With Georgia dominating the state this year, Williams is the only top-5 prospect in the state to not sign with the Bulldogs.
Ole Miss' day gets even better
Ole Miss added yet another prospect on signing day, as ESPN 300 offensive tackle Tony Gray announced for the Rebels over offers from Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech and South Carolina. He is the second offensive line commitment for Ole Miss on Wednesday, as he joins offensive guard Sincere David.
Notre Dame keeps fighting
There wasn’t much national buzz when it came to Notre Dame heading into signing day, but the Fighting Irish are finishing on a positive note. After signing defensive tackle Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, Notre Dame flipped three-star defensive end Kofi Wardlow from Maryland on signing day. The Fighting Irish also signed four-star safety Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who was previously committed to Virginia.
Penn State adds another
Penn State added its second commitment of the day, as cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields selected the Nittany Lions over Maryland. The three-star prospect gives Penn State another cornerback in what was a big haul at the position. Led by ESPN 300 prospect Lamont Wade, Castro-Fields joins Donovan Johnson and D.J. Brown as cornerback signees.
Utah hits Hawaii
Utah added three linemen from Hawaii on signing day, as defensive ends Miki Suguturaga and Aliki Vimahi and offensive tackle Mo Unutoa all selected the Utes on Wednesday.
Redbirds sign OL named Kobe Buffalomeat
Lawrence, Kansas OL Kobe Buffalomeat signed with the Illinois State Redbirds on National Signing Day on Wednesday.
That's right, his name is Kobe Buffalomeat.
The Redbirds identified Buffalomeat as a 6'7" and 285 lbs.
Other signings of the Redbirds on Wednesday included QB Trenton Hatfield, LB Rashaun Woods, LB Spencer Stachyra, OL John Ridgeway, LB Zeke Vanderburgh, DB Eric Scott, DB Peyton Jones, DL Jacob Powell, DL/LB Jason Lewan, DL/LB Jalen Sutton, WR Kentre Patterson, WR Andrew Edgar, TE Tanner Taula, OL Drew Bones and OL Evan Day.
Patterson, a 2-star recruit, amassed 1,674 receiving yards and scored 22 career touchdowns, both school records. Patterson may be the quickest Redbird recruit, as he currently ranks No. 2 in the country in the 60 meter hurdles in HS.
Stachyra was a 2-time All-State selection and helped his team to the first football state championship in school history.
Edgar earned HM All-State honors as a senior, after catching 58 passes for 972 yards and scoring 13 TDs.
Taula was a first-team all-stater and averaged over 14 yards per reception while helping his team to a state runner-up finish.
Bones started every game the past two seasons and was a two-time all-state selection in KS.
Day was an IHSA Class 7A All-State selection as a senior and earned first-team all-conference honors for the Bulldogs.
In addition to his work on the football field, Ridgeway is currently ranked No. 1 in Class 2A as a heavyweight wrestler.
Top 25 Capsules
AMES, Iowa (AP) -- Nathan Adrian scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as No. 7 West Virginia overwhelmed Iowa State 85-72 on Tuesday night for its third straight win.
Tarik Phillip had 15 points for the Mountaineers (18-4, 6-3 Big 12), who hit 10 3s and forced 16 turnovers in winning their third road game in league play.
West Virginia's pressure defense got the typically sure-handed Cyclones out of rhythm in the second half. A late 9-0 run capped by a layup by Jevon Carter put the Mountaineers up 70-55 with 5:36 left, sending some Iowa State fans to a rare early exit.
Matt Thomas scored 19 points for Iowa State (13-8, 5-4), which lost at home to a top 10 team for the second time in 15 days. The Cyclones lost to Kansas by four points on Jan. 16.
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No. 8 KENTUCKY 90, GEORGIA 81, OT
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Malik Monk made two 3-pointers and scored eight of 37 points in overtime, and Bam Adebayo and Dominique Hawkins added baskets to help Kentucky end a two-game losing streak.
The Wildcats appeared headed to their third straight loss until Monk's jumper with 8 seconds remaining in regulation tied the game at 76. Hawkins' desperation heave from midcourt bounced off the rim as the horn sounded.
Monk's first 3 game Kentucky a five-point lead. His second made it 85-81 and Adebayo followed with a slam off Monk's lob for a six-point cushion. Isaiah Briscoe (23 points, 11 rebounds) made a free throw and Monk added two more with 43.3 seconds left to seal the win.
Adebayo had 12 points as Kentucky (18-4, 8-1 Southeastern Conference) avoided its longest losing streak since dropping its final four regular season games in 2008-09.
J.J. Frazier had 23 points before fouling out and Yante Maten added 22 for the Bulldogs (13-9, 4-5), who lost for the fourth time in six games.
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No. 10 WISCONSIN 57, ILLINOIS 43
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Ethan Happ scored 14 points to lead Wisconsin.
Wisconsin (19-3, 8-1 Big Ten) started the game with a 16-2 run and never trailed.
Much of the hot start came from the open 3-pointers Illinois allowed Wisconsin's players to take - the Badgers shot 7 of 23 from 3-point range in the game.
The Badgers big men dominated the game in the post, out-rebounding Illinois 45-36, including 19-6 on the offensive boards.
Nigel Hayes scored 11 points and added eight rebounds for Wisconsin.
Malcolm Hill and Maverick Morgan both had 10 points for Illinois (13-10, 3-7).
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No. 12 NORTH CAROLINA 80, PITTSBURGH 78
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - Justin Jackson scored 20 points and North Carolina held on.
Joel Berry II had 19 points, Isaiah Hicks added 18 and Kennedy Meeks finished with 10 for the Tar Heels (20-4, 8-2 Atlantic Coast Conference). The league leaders never trailed but also never got comfortable against the last-place Panthers.
Cameron Johnson matched a career high with 24 points and hit a career-best six 3-pointers, Michael Young finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds and Jamel Artis had 17 points for Pitt (12-10, 1-8), which lost its seventh straight but kept this one tight throughout by shooting nearly 56 percent.
The Panthers had a chance to win it at the buzzer after Artis took an inbounds pass with 4.8 seconds to play and hurried down the right side before uncorking an off-balance 3-pointer that caromed harmlessly off the glass.
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No. 22 CREIGHTON 76, No. 16 BUTLER 67
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Justin Patton, Khyri Thomas and Marcus Foster all scored 15 points and Creighton made 13 3-pointers.
The Bluejays (20-3, 7-3 Big East) have won two straight to move into second place in the conference standings.
Kamar Baldwin finished with 14 points for Butler (18-5, 7-4), which has lost two straight at home.
Creighton finished 13 of 21 on 3s, shooting a season-high 61.9 percent. The Bluejays earned their 20th win for the 17th time in 19 seasons.
Kelan Martin added 11 points for Butler, which has lost back-to-back games for the first time this season.
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No. 17 MARYLAND 77, OHIO ST. 71
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Justin Jackson had 22 points and 12 rebounds for Maryland.
The Buckeyes pulled within one point four times in the second half but the Terps always had an answer. A jumper by Melo Trimble with 32 seconds left put Maryland up 75-71, and Jared Nickens hit two free throws with 14 seconds left to seal it.
Trimble had 13 points and Anthony Cowan added 11 as Maryland (20-2, 8-1 Big Ten) won their seventh straight. The Terps haven't lost since Jan. 1 and have won all six of their games on the road this season.
Jae'Sean Tate scored 20 points and Marc Loving added 18 for the Buckeyes (13-10, 3-7 Big Ten), who have lost three of their last four.
Tarik Phillip had 15 points for the Mountaineers (18-4, 6-3 Big 12), who hit 10 3s and forced 16 turnovers in winning their third road game in league play.
West Virginia's pressure defense got the typically sure-handed Cyclones out of rhythm in the second half. A late 9-0 run capped by a layup by Jevon Carter put the Mountaineers up 70-55 with 5:36 left, sending some Iowa State fans to a rare early exit.
Matt Thomas scored 19 points for Iowa State (13-8, 5-4), which lost at home to a top 10 team for the second time in 15 days. The Cyclones lost to Kansas by four points on Jan. 16.
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No. 8 KENTUCKY 90, GEORGIA 81, OT
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Malik Monk made two 3-pointers and scored eight of 37 points in overtime, and Bam Adebayo and Dominique Hawkins added baskets to help Kentucky end a two-game losing streak.
The Wildcats appeared headed to their third straight loss until Monk's jumper with 8 seconds remaining in regulation tied the game at 76. Hawkins' desperation heave from midcourt bounced off the rim as the horn sounded.
Monk's first 3 game Kentucky a five-point lead. His second made it 85-81 and Adebayo followed with a slam off Monk's lob for a six-point cushion. Isaiah Briscoe (23 points, 11 rebounds) made a free throw and Monk added two more with 43.3 seconds left to seal the win.
Adebayo had 12 points as Kentucky (18-4, 8-1 Southeastern Conference) avoided its longest losing streak since dropping its final four regular season games in 2008-09.
J.J. Frazier had 23 points before fouling out and Yante Maten added 22 for the Bulldogs (13-9, 4-5), who lost for the fourth time in six games.
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No. 10 WISCONSIN 57, ILLINOIS 43
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Ethan Happ scored 14 points to lead Wisconsin.
Wisconsin (19-3, 8-1 Big Ten) started the game with a 16-2 run and never trailed.
Much of the hot start came from the open 3-pointers Illinois allowed Wisconsin's players to take - the Badgers shot 7 of 23 from 3-point range in the game.
The Badgers big men dominated the game in the post, out-rebounding Illinois 45-36, including 19-6 on the offensive boards.
Nigel Hayes scored 11 points and added eight rebounds for Wisconsin.
Malcolm Hill and Maverick Morgan both had 10 points for Illinois (13-10, 3-7).
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No. 12 NORTH CAROLINA 80, PITTSBURGH 78
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - Justin Jackson scored 20 points and North Carolina held on.
Joel Berry II had 19 points, Isaiah Hicks added 18 and Kennedy Meeks finished with 10 for the Tar Heels (20-4, 8-2 Atlantic Coast Conference). The league leaders never trailed but also never got comfortable against the last-place Panthers.
Cameron Johnson matched a career high with 24 points and hit a career-best six 3-pointers, Michael Young finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds and Jamel Artis had 17 points for Pitt (12-10, 1-8), which lost its seventh straight but kept this one tight throughout by shooting nearly 56 percent.
The Panthers had a chance to win it at the buzzer after Artis took an inbounds pass with 4.8 seconds to play and hurried down the right side before uncorking an off-balance 3-pointer that caromed harmlessly off the glass.
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No. 22 CREIGHTON 76, No. 16 BUTLER 67
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Justin Patton, Khyri Thomas and Marcus Foster all scored 15 points and Creighton made 13 3-pointers.
The Bluejays (20-3, 7-3 Big East) have won two straight to move into second place in the conference standings.
Kamar Baldwin finished with 14 points for Butler (18-5, 7-4), which has lost two straight at home.
Creighton finished 13 of 21 on 3s, shooting a season-high 61.9 percent. The Bluejays earned their 20th win for the 17th time in 19 seasons.
Kelan Martin added 11 points for Butler, which has lost back-to-back games for the first time this season.
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No. 17 MARYLAND 77, OHIO ST. 71
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Justin Jackson had 22 points and 12 rebounds for Maryland.
The Buckeyes pulled within one point four times in the second half but the Terps always had an answer. A jumper by Melo Trimble with 32 seconds left put Maryland up 75-71, and Jared Nickens hit two free throws with 14 seconds left to seal it.
Trimble had 13 points and Anthony Cowan added 11 as Maryland (20-2, 8-1 Big Ten) won their seventh straight. The Terps haven't lost since Jan. 1 and have won all six of their games on the road this season.
Jae'Sean Tate scored 20 points and Marc Loving added 18 for the Buckeyes (13-10, 3-7 Big Ten), who have lost three of their last four.
Aubrey Solomon commits to Michigan
"A day or two ago, they sent my mom a card thanking us for going to the Michigan BBQ, but we never went," Solomon said "I do not know which recruit they were talking to, but it was not me. It was just a little heartbreaking, for me to supposedly be so high on their list, for them to confuse me with someone else. Plus they spelled both of my names wrong after I told them, but that was not the main issue. I guess they do not have tabs on me."
Solomon is ranked as the No. 2 defensive tackle prospect in the 2017 class and the No. 25 prospect overall, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
The Latest: 5-star DT Solomon picks Michigan after all
The Latest on college football's national signing day. (all times Eastern):
11 a.m.
Who had FCS Illinois State making an attention-grabbing signing? The Redbirds tweeted that they had signed Kobe Buffalomeat and he quickly became an internet favorite.
Buffalomeat is a 6-foot-7, 287-pound offensive tackle from Lawrence, Kansas.
10:55 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Jeff Thomas, a wide receiver from East St. Louis, Illinois, has selected Miami. He also was considering Illinois, Oregon and Tennessee. Thomas is the No. 40 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite.
10:45 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Aubrey Solomon, a five-star defensive tackle from Georgia, picked Michigan. The decision was not a huge surprise. Solomon had been a Michigan commit last year. But he was miffed at the Wolverines early in January after Michigan mistakenly sent him a thank you note for attending a recruiting event that he actually did not attend. Whoops! Solomon apologized for those less-than-flattering remarks he made about Michigan , but he did de-commit.
Jim Harbaugh and staff redoubled efforts to make amends and got their man.
10:20 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Todd Harris, a safety from Plaquemine, Louisiana, picked LSU over Alabama, good news for Tigers coach Ed Orgeron. Harris was a top-100 player in 247Sports composite rankings.
Willie Gay, one of the top linebackers in the country, decided to stay at home for college and picked Mississippi State. Gay, from Starkville High School, also considered LSU and Michigan was on the radar, too.
10:15 a.m.
What every coach wants most on signing day is no surprises. The increase in early enrollees helps that a lot. Alabama had a dozen members of its class already on campus before signing day. Ohio State had 11 players enrolled. Texas A&M had nine. Those numbers were typical of the top programs.
Top quarterbacks were especially likely to early enroll. Eight of the top-10 quarterback recruits in the 247Sports composite rankings, including Tate Martell of Ohio State, were already enrolled.
9:50 a.m.
Levi Jones put a different spin on the pick-a-hat ceremony as he revealed his decision to attend Southern California. The outside linebacker from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, took off his jacket to reveal a long-sleeve Florida T-shirt. He then pulled off the Florida shirt to reveal a Florida State shirt underneath. He then removed the Florida State shirt and was left with a USC shirt. Jones then put on a USC hat and said, "Fight On."
9:20 a.m.
While former LSU coach Les Miles spent national signing day doing television on ESPNU, his son officially became a college football player.
Ben Miles was one of the best fullback prospects in the country.
Les Miles was fired in late September after 12 years as Tigers coach. Unable to land another head coaching job, the 63-year-old Miles could be heading for a lot of work ESPN this season. On Wednesday, he was paired with former Texas coach Mack Brown to breakdown signing day.
9:10 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Two four-star players from Austin, Texas, have made their picks and neither will be playing for the Longhorns.
Stephan Zabie, an offensive tackle, picked UCLA and teammate Levi Jones, one of the top linebacker prospects, picked Southern California over Florida and Florida State.
8:55 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Tedarrell Slaton, OL, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Slaton picked the Gators, who were considered the favorites. Coach Jim McElwain's class came into signing day on the back end of the top 20 in the rankings. The Gators have won to SEC east titles under McElwain, but offense has been an issue for the former offensive coordinator.
8 a.m.
The selection ceremonies start soon. Among the first to go will be Levi Jones, a four-star linebacker and top-100 prospect from Austin, Texas, who is picking among Florida, Florida State and USC.
The catch of the day comes in the afternoon. Marvin Wilson, a 325-pound defensive tackle from Bellaire, Texas, is a five-star and the top-rated interior defensive lineman in the class. Florida State, LSU and Oklahoma have been racing to the finish line to sign Wilson. Ohio State is still considered a possibility, too.
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7 a.m.
New coaches are always interesting to assess on signing day because they typically are doing a rush job, keeping some old commits, trying to find new ones and pulling a few over from their previous schools.
Two who will receive plenty of attention on signing day are in the state of Texas.
New Texas coach Tom Herman is hoping a strong finish can give the Longhorns a top-15 class. In Waco, Texas, Matt Rhule took over at Baylor with the Bears down to just a couple of commits after a scandal over the handling of potential sexual assault cases led to the firing if coach Art Briles. Despite the scramble, Rhule, the former Temple coach, could put together a top-40 class.
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On the first Wednesday of February, it becomes obvious why Alabama contends for a national title every season.
The Crimson Tide have had the No. 1 recruiting class in the country each of the last six years, according 247Sports' composite rankings, and are in position to make it seven in a row on national signing day. Even if none of the few highly touted recruits who are waiting until signing day to commit end up with the Tide, Nick Saban will still have a loaded class, featuring running back Najee Harris, who might be the top high school player in the country.
Can any team surpass the Tide on signing day?
Maybe Ohio State. Buckeyes fans are touting Urban Meyer's latest class as the best in school history.
That's probably about it. Still, there will be high spirits and optimism at most football programs as coaches tout their classes with a mountain of clichés.
Jim Harbaugh and Michigan will hold another "Signing of the Stars" welcome party, including a long list of past Wolverines greats.
Georgia is drawing raves from the recruiting analysts in Kirby Smart's second year as coach. The former Alabama assistant has brought the signing day process to the Bulldogs.
11 a.m.
Who had FCS Illinois State making an attention-grabbing signing? The Redbirds tweeted that they had signed Kobe Buffalomeat and he quickly became an internet favorite.
Buffalomeat is a 6-foot-7, 287-pound offensive tackle from Lawrence, Kansas.
10:55 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Jeff Thomas, a wide receiver from East St. Louis, Illinois, has selected Miami. He also was considering Illinois, Oregon and Tennessee. Thomas is the No. 40 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite.
10:45 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Aubrey Solomon, a five-star defensive tackle from Georgia, picked Michigan. The decision was not a huge surprise. Solomon had been a Michigan commit last year. But he was miffed at the Wolverines early in January after Michigan mistakenly sent him a thank you note for attending a recruiting event that he actually did not attend. Whoops! Solomon apologized for those less-than-flattering remarks he made about Michigan , but he did de-commit.
Jim Harbaugh and staff redoubled efforts to make amends and got their man.
10:20 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Todd Harris, a safety from Plaquemine, Louisiana, picked LSU over Alabama, good news for Tigers coach Ed Orgeron. Harris was a top-100 player in 247Sports composite rankings.
Willie Gay, one of the top linebackers in the country, decided to stay at home for college and picked Mississippi State. Gay, from Starkville High School, also considered LSU and Michigan was on the radar, too.
10:15 a.m.
What every coach wants most on signing day is no surprises. The increase in early enrollees helps that a lot. Alabama had a dozen members of its class already on campus before signing day. Ohio State had 11 players enrolled. Texas A&M had nine. Those numbers were typical of the top programs.
Top quarterbacks were especially likely to early enroll. Eight of the top-10 quarterback recruits in the 247Sports composite rankings, including Tate Martell of Ohio State, were already enrolled.
9:50 a.m.
Levi Jones put a different spin on the pick-a-hat ceremony as he revealed his decision to attend Southern California. The outside linebacker from Westlake High School in Austin, Texas, took off his jacket to reveal a long-sleeve Florida T-shirt. He then pulled off the Florida shirt to reveal a Florida State shirt underneath. He then removed the Florida State shirt and was left with a USC shirt. Jones then put on a USC hat and said, "Fight On."
9:20 a.m.
While former LSU coach Les Miles spent national signing day doing television on ESPNU, his son officially became a college football player.
Ben Miles was one of the best fullback prospects in the country.
Les Miles was fired in late September after 12 years as Tigers coach. Unable to land another head coaching job, the 63-year-old Miles could be heading for a lot of work ESPN this season. On Wednesday, he was paired with former Texas coach Mack Brown to breakdown signing day.
9:10 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Two four-star players from Austin, Texas, have made their picks and neither will be playing for the Longhorns.
Stephan Zabie, an offensive tackle, picked UCLA and teammate Levi Jones, one of the top linebacker prospects, picked Southern California over Florida and Florida State.
8:55 a.m.
DECISION TRACKER: Tedarrell Slaton, OL, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Slaton picked the Gators, who were considered the favorites. Coach Jim McElwain's class came into signing day on the back end of the top 20 in the rankings. The Gators have won to SEC east titles under McElwain, but offense has been an issue for the former offensive coordinator.
8 a.m.
The selection ceremonies start soon. Among the first to go will be Levi Jones, a four-star linebacker and top-100 prospect from Austin, Texas, who is picking among Florida, Florida State and USC.
The catch of the day comes in the afternoon. Marvin Wilson, a 325-pound defensive tackle from Bellaire, Texas, is a five-star and the top-rated interior defensive lineman in the class. Florida State, LSU and Oklahoma have been racing to the finish line to sign Wilson. Ohio State is still considered a possibility, too.
____
7 a.m.
New coaches are always interesting to assess on signing day because they typically are doing a rush job, keeping some old commits, trying to find new ones and pulling a few over from their previous schools.
Two who will receive plenty of attention on signing day are in the state of Texas.
New Texas coach Tom Herman is hoping a strong finish can give the Longhorns a top-15 class. In Waco, Texas, Matt Rhule took over at Baylor with the Bears down to just a couple of commits after a scandal over the handling of potential sexual assault cases led to the firing if coach Art Briles. Despite the scramble, Rhule, the former Temple coach, could put together a top-40 class.
___
On the first Wednesday of February, it becomes obvious why Alabama contends for a national title every season.
The Crimson Tide have had the No. 1 recruiting class in the country each of the last six years, according 247Sports' composite rankings, and are in position to make it seven in a row on national signing day. Even if none of the few highly touted recruits who are waiting until signing day to commit end up with the Tide, Nick Saban will still have a loaded class, featuring running back Najee Harris, who might be the top high school player in the country.
Can any team surpass the Tide on signing day?
Maybe Ohio State. Buckeyes fans are touting Urban Meyer's latest class as the best in school history.
That's probably about it. Still, there will be high spirits and optimism at most football programs as coaches tout their classes with a mountain of clichés.
Jim Harbaugh and Michigan will hold another "Signing of the Stars" welcome party, including a long list of past Wolverines greats.
Georgia is drawing raves from the recruiting analysts in Kirby Smart's second year as coach. The former Alabama assistant has brought the signing day process to the Bulldogs.
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