Chucky Hepburn made 16 of 20 free throws — going 7 for 7 in the last three minutes — and scored 26 points to lead Louisville to an 83-70 win over North Carolina on Wednesday night. Hepburn scored 13 points in the last nine minutes as the Cardinals continually came up with clutch plays after the Tar Heels cut an 11-point deficit to one and once tying the game. It was 70-69 when Hepburn was fouled on a 3-point attempt, with his makes starting a 12-0 run.
LeBron James’ youngest son Bryce commits to Arizona
A 6-foot-4 shooting guard, Bryce James is rated as a four-star prospect out of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California, in the 247 Sports composite.
Knicks’ Jalen Brunson misses his first game of season Wednesday
The Knicks ruled out Jalen Brunson due to a tight right calf for Wednesday's New Year’s Day matchup at Madison Square Garden against the Utah Jazz.
Clemson beats Stanford 85-71 behind 22 points from Chase Hunter
Chase Hunter scored 22 points, Chauncey Wiggins had a season-high 17 points and Clemson beat Stanford 85-71 on Wednesday. It was tied at 52-all with 14:37 remaining before Clemson went on a 10-0 run with scoring from four different players. Myles Foster scored the next six Clemson points to make it 68-57 and Stanford did not get closer than nine points the rest of the way.
Anglin scores 12 off the bench, Rice beats Tulsa 70-64 to open AAC
Denver Anglin's 12 points off of the bench helped Rice to a 70-64 victory against Tulsa on Wednesday night to open American Athletic Conference play. Anglin went 5 of 10 from the field (2 for 3 from 3-point range) for the Owls (10-4, 1-0 American Athletic Conference). Trae Broadnax scored 11 points while going 4 of 8 from the floor, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and 2 for 5 from the line and added eight rebounds.
Johnson and Mercer secure 99-94 OT win over Chattanooga in SoCon opener
Tyler Johnson scored 26 points, including four in the overtime, and Mercer took down Chattanooga 99-94 on Wednesday. Johnson also had six rebounds for the Bears (8-6, 1-0 Southern Conference). Ahmad Robinson scored 25 points while going 9 of 23 from the floor, including 3 for 8 from 3-point range, and 4 for 6 from the line and added five rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals.
Camarillo High to retire Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s jersey on Jan. 14
Jaime Jaquez Jr. will be honored at a Camarillo basketball game on Jan. 14 against Simi Valley.
Pitt rolls past Cal 86-74
Pitt overcame a sluggish start and a short bench to secure an 86-74 New Year’s Day win over the Cal Golden Bears at the Petersen Events Center on Wednesday afternoon. The Panthers trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half, but a late surge to close the half spilled past halftime as Pitt was able to win somewhat comfortably after a poor start to this one. Pitt was able to ride the sensational Jaland Lowe, as the sophomore point guard produced 27 points, one off his career-high.
Mason scores 17 as UIC takes down Drake 74-70
Jordan Mason scored 17 points off of the bench to lead UIC over Drake 74-70 on Wednesday. Mason added five assists for the Flames (10-4, 2-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Javon Jackson scored 16 points while shooting 3 of 6 from the field and 10 for 12 from the line.
Solo Ball scores 22 points as No. 11 UConn beats DePaul 81-68
Solo Ball made seven 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, helping No. 11 UConn beat DePaul 81-68 on Wednesday for its seventh straight win.
Comer puts up 26 in Evansville’s 68-53 win over Southern Illinois
Tayshawn Comer scored 26 points as Evansville beat Southern Illinois 68-53 on Wednesday. Comer had three steals for the Purple Aces (5-9, 2-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Cameron Haffner scored 20 points and added nine rebounds.
Jaland Lowe scores 27 points and Pittsburgh used a big second half to beat California 86-74
Jaland Lowe scored 27 points and dished out eight assists, Cameron Corhen had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Pittsburgh used a big second half to beat California 86-74 on Wednesday. Pitt (11-2, 2-0 ACC) has won 14 straight games at the Petersen Events Center — its longest home winning streak since 2013-14 Cal led by 16 points with 4:19 left in the first half before missing its last six shots of the half to have the lead trimmed to 42-38. Lowe made back-to-back baskets to give Pitt a 55-48 lead with 15:02 remaining in the second half.
No. 21 Michigan State women dominate first half, defeat Purdue 77-59
Jocelyn Tate scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Julia Ayrault also had a double-double and No. 21 Michigan State dominated the first half for a 77-59 win on Wednesday afternoon. Ayrault had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Spartans (12-2, 2-1 Big Ten Conference), who had 18 steals and scored 23 points off 25 turnovers. Ines Sotelo added 16 points and Grace VanSlooten had 13 with three blocks.
Anderson scores 20 as Furman downs Western Carolina 90-61
Nick Anderson had 20 points and Furman beat Western Carolina 90-61 on Wednesday for its sixth straight victory. Anderson went 7 of 11 from the field (4 for 5 from 3-point range) for the Paladins (13-1, 1-0 Southern Conference). Charles Johnston scored 17 points and added seven rebounds.
Yale defeats Howard 93-65
Samson Aletan scored 19 points to help Yale defeat Howard 93-65 on Wednesday. Aletan had five rebounds for the Bulldogs (7-6). John Poulakidas scored 17 points while shooting 6 for 13, including 4 for 8 from beyond the arc and added seven rebounds.