Category: NCAA Basketball

Jai Lucas acknowledges his coaching pedigree lacks the vital role of running a team but believes that experience gained through assistant stops at “Blue Blood” programs has prepared him for the massive undertaking that awaits him.

Kansas as the No. 6 seed for a second straight year? Cincinnati playing on the opening day as the No. 13 seed? Nobody would have expected that at the start of the season.

Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz runs through the tournaments he’s most excited to watch this week - from the SEC’s quest to pick up a bakers dozen’s worth of NCAA tournament bids, to the Big Ten’s potential clash of in-state rivals to the ACC’s try to slow down Cooper Flagg and Duke.

The Blue Devils — who climbed to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 for the first time in the Jon Scheyer era — have been a Final Four favorite all year.

Jai Lucas acknowledges his coaching pedigree lacks the vital role of running a team but believes that experience gained through assistant stops at “Blue Blood” programs has prepared him for the massive undertaking that awaits him. The 36-year-old Lucas was introduced as the men’s basketball coach at Miami on Monday. Lucas replaces Jim Larrañaga, who retired Dec. 26 after guiding the Hurricanes for 14 seasons.

The Pilots' record in WCC games is 17-3, and their record is 11-0 in non-conference games. Portland is sixth in the WCC in rebounding with 30.8 rebounds. Alexis Mark leads the Pilots with 7.2 boards.

Norfolk State averages 74.5 points while outscoring opponents by 17.8 points per game. The Bulldogs' record in MEAC games is 1-13. South Carolina State ranks eighth in the MEAC with 6.5 assists per game led by Mekayla Lumpkin averaging 1.7.

The Eagles are 15-3 against AAC opponents and 8-4 in non-conference play. North Texas ranks ninth in the AAC with 12.4 assists per game led by Ereauna Hardaway averaging 3.6. The Pirates' record in AAC action is 9-10.

FGCU is 24-1 in games decided by 10 or more points. The Colonels are 11-8 in ASUN play. Eastern Kentucky scores 73.3 points while outscoring opponents by 7.3 points per game.

The Owls' record in CUSA play is 7-11, and their record is 5-6 in non-conference games. Kennesaw State has a 7-11 record in games decided by at least 10 points. The Miners' record in CUSA action is 4-14.

Cleveland State Vikings (24-8, 15-6 Horizon) vs. Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons (24-7, 19-2 Horizon) Indianapolis; Monday, 2:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mastodons -1.5; over/under is 136.5 BOTTOM LINE: Purdue Fort Wayne takes on Cleveland State in the Horizon Tournament. The Mastodons' record in Horizon games is 19-2, and their record is 5-5 in non-conference games.

Creighton Bluejays (26-5, 18-2 Big East) vs. UConn Huskies (30-3, 20-0 Big East) Uncasville, Connecticut; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Huskies -19.5; over/under is 140.5 BOTTOM LINE: No. UConn plays No.

Where is Davidson College located? Here's what to know of Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry's alma mater:

Yahoo Sports national columnist Dan Wetzel, senior college sports reporter Ross Dellenger and Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde react to the Drake Bulldogs impressive season with a brand new roster and highlight how impactful the transfer portal can be. Hear the full conversation on the “College Basketball Enquirer” podcast - and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.

Duke ended Auburn’s eight-week stay at No. 1 in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll on Monday, while the Tigers dropped to third behind Houston as all three programs began preparing for their conference tournaments.