Category: Basketball

There’s only one way out of this thing, and in the shocker of all shockers, it involves throwing money at the problem. 

Not just $5 million in go-away money for North Carolina coach Hubert Davis, but huge, nasty cash to fix it once and for all. 

Because if you’re North Carolina and you’ve committed tens of millions of dollars to Bill Belichick and his plan to rescue your football program, what’s the price to resuscitate your suddenly stale yet still iconic basketball program?

Armour: One day in and March Madness already its usual marvelous self

More: Where VCU's epic March Madness comeback vs. UNC ranks in history

Let me give you a hint: a hundred million or more commitment. 

This is big business, people. We’re talking about one of the three biggest college basketball brands struggling to not only reach the NCAA Tournament, but avoid disaster in the first round.

Iowa State started its March Madness run already with a scary incident.

Star forward Joshua Jefferson was injured early in the first-round matchup against Tennessee State on Friday, March 20.

The Cyclones player landed landed awkwardly after going up for a layup attempt less than three minutes into the contest, appearing to twist his ankle as he landed. He had to be helped off the floor by support staff as he was unable to put any weight on his left foot. Jefferson went straight to the locker room after the incident.

Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson was helped off the floor after an apparent ankle injury pic.twitter.com/R4xaFzgsJU

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 20, 2026

Joshua Jefferson injury update

Jefferson has not return to the game against the Tigers, and it doesn't look like he will.

Around the 11-minute mark in the first half, the broadcast showed Jefferson on crutches going into a room in the arena.

It's unknown the severity of the injury but it can be a brutal one for an Iowa State team trying to reach its first Final Four since 1944. Jefferson is a dynamic player for the Cyclones, averaging 16.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. He has two triple doubles this season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joshua Jefferson injury update: Iowa State star hurt in March Madness

CAGLIARI, Italy (AP) — Napoli won at Cagliari 1-0 and moved into second place in Serie A on Friday.

A Scott McTominay goal after just 90 seconds proved to be decisive in a game the visitor dominated.

The Scotland international tapped in a loose ball after a cross from the right fell at his feet, and the lead was never challenged by a side that did not have a shot on target in the entire match.

It was the fourth win in a row for Antonio Conte’s men.

The win lifted Napoli two points above third-placed AC Milan, which plays Torino on Saturday. League leader Inter Milan is at Fiorentina on Sunday.

Cagliari’s winless league run was extended to seven games dating to the end of January. It remained in 15th place, but with only eight rounds remaining it could easily be dragged into the relegation battle. It was six points above the drop zone with the five teams below it all having a game in hand.

In another piece of good news for Conte, Belgium international Kevin De Bruyne played 90 minutes for the first time since injuring a hamstring last October.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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The Toronto Raptors have put together a much-needed three-game winning streak, thanks in part to a red-hot Brandon Ingram.

But the Raps will need him to stay hot if they want to keep up with Nikola Jokic and the high-powered Denver Nuggets offense.

My Raptors vs. Nuggets predictions expect a tight battle, meaning this spread is just a little too big.

That and more NBA picks for this matchup set to tip off at 9:00 pm ET at Ball Arena in Denver, on Friday, March 20.

Raptors vs Nuggets prediction

Raptors vs Nuggets best bet: Raptors +7 (-110)

Brandon Ingram has been a big part of the Toronto Raptors' win streak, putting up 36, 34, and 18 points while shooting nearly 60% from the floor.

He and the Raptors should keep putting in work against a Denver Nuggets defense that ranks 21st in defensive rating.

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets are tough to stop, but Toronto’s eighth-ranked defense should be able to keep this game competitive. 

The Raptors will likely do what they always do: give fans hope they can win before giving it away late. Even so, that’s likely enough to cover a 7-point spread.

Raptors vs Nuggets same-game parlay

Ingram has topped this number in three of his last four games, and the only reason he didn’t in the Raptors’ last game was that they were beating the Chicago Bulls so badly he didn’t need to play much late.

The other way the Raptors stay competitive in this game is by moving the ball. Toronto has one of the highest assist rates in the NBA, while Denver ranks 21st in opponent assists per possession.

I’m taking Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists. He averages 5.1 per game, and dished out 10 times the last time the Raptors played the Nuggets.

Raptors vs Nuggets SGP

• Raptors +7
• Brandon Ingram Over 21.5 points
• Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists

Our "from downtown" SGP: Dino Dimes

Passing the ball will be the key to the Raptors keeping this game close, so let's jump on them to dish out the dimes.

Raptors vs Nuggets SGP

• Scottie Barnes Over 4.5 assists
• Brandon Ingram Over 3.5 assists
• Immanuel Quickley Over 6.5 assists
• Jamal Shead Over 4.5 assists

Raptors vs Nuggets odds

• Spread: Raptors +7 | Nuggets -7
• Moneyline: Raptors +220 | Nuggets -270
• Over/Under: Over 238.5 | Under 238.5

Raptors vs Nuggets betting trend to know

The Nuggets have only covered the 2H spread in nine of their last 30 home games (-15.07 Units / -43% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Raptors vs. Nuggets.

How to watch Raptors vs Nuggets

Raptors vs Nuggets latest injuries

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Kentucky was able to rally to defeat Santa Clara in the opening round of the men's NCAA Tournament — and it may have gotten lucky with officials missing some key moments.

After Allen Graves hit a go-ahead 3-pointer for Santa Clara with 2.4 seconds left, Broncos coach Herb Sendek tried to call a timeout, likely wanting to set up his defense for Kentucky's last shot. While the CBS broadcast caught it, the referees didn't appear to see it and didn't award the timeout.

Kentucky's Otega Oweh instead hit a stunning 3-point buzzer beater from the March Madness logo to force overtime. While there's no telling if that happens or not if Santa Clara got its timeout, the Broncos could have had a chance to defend the final play more efficiently.

Santa Clara head coach Herb Sendek was trying to call a timeout before Kentucky nailed a three at the buzzer. #NCAATournament#MarchMadnesshttps://t.co/JuUQfHyYmspic.twitter.com/lGbQvrfOsJ

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 20, 2026

"Well, I unequivocally called timeout. But they didn't grant it," Sendek said. "I think the video evidence is clear, and anybody is able to pull it up. So, you know, is a likely response after Allen hits the three that the coach would be calling timeout to set the defense, which I tried to do, and I was successful in doing, other than it wasn't acknowledged or recognized. So that's what happened."

CBS studio analyst Bruce Pearl said Sendek could have gone slightly on the court to alert the officials, but one of them should've noticed the call.

"I 100% of the time think you foul, but because they didn't call timeout, they didn't have an opportunity," Charles Barkley said on the postgame broadcast.

Did Otega Oweh get away with travel?

The second controversial moment came in overtime.

With the Wildcats up by two points in the final minute of overtime, they were able to block a potential game-tying shot from Santa Clara's Sash Gavalyugov, leading to a loose ball. Oweh grabbed it and threw it ahead to Brandon Garrison for the dunk to make it a two-possession game and get the distance it needed for the win.

A replay of the play appeared to show Oweh took more than two steps without dribbling the ball, which should result in a travel. On the CBS broadcast, play-by-play man Spero Dedes said rules analyst Gene Steratore told them Oweh should have been called for traveling.

The controversial no call did have an effect, with the Wildcats winning 89-84.

Otega Oweh travel reactions

People on social media believed officials cost Santa Clara a huge March Madness upset. Here's a sampling of some reactions:

That’s wild, Santa Clara calls timeout but the ref ignores it.

— Raise the Rooths (@gocards244) March 20, 2026

pretty poor officiating that Santa Clara coach didn’t get the timeout there https://t.co/Gj8R90lgTh

— Christian Potucek (@jc_potucek) March 20, 2026

Oweh looked like he was running the Kentucky Derby with that travel

— EPB (@EPBCBB) March 20, 2026

Major travel by Oweh there wow

— Willie’s Wildcats🐈 (@SaturdaysinMHK) March 20, 2026

The missed travel in OT on Oweh was brutal to stomach for Santa Clara, but Gavalyugov’s shot selection down the stretch is flat out inexcusable.

— Faxon Childress🎙️ (@FaxonPxP) March 20, 2026

What a friendly Kentucky whistle at the end here. No Oweh travel on that pass?

— Herbie Hoops (@hardwood_herbie) March 20, 2026

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Referee controversy looms as officials miss timeout, travel in Santa Clara loss to Kentucky

Julian Champagnie is having a career year and has been one of the steady role players who have helped the San Antonio Spurs have their best season since 2016-17. He’s come a long way since going undrafted in 2022 and being waived as a rookie, serving as another example of a player development system that works. 

He’s in his fourth season, averaging the fifth-most minutes per game on the team (27.8), and his style as a knockdown shooter fits anywhere. Still, he’s more than that as 31.7 percent of his shots are two-pointers, he rebounds well and he is not a liability on defense. Don’t forget that he’s been a key piece of the team’s most-used lineup this season: the one including De’Aaron Fox, Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Victor Wembanyama and Champagnie, is the 16th most-used lineup in the league. 

It says a lot about his basketball character that he’s a necessity on a contender. Being a seamless fit with the starters has made it possible for the team to preserve the talents of veteran Harrison Barnes. This all begs the question, where would Champagnie go in a re-draft?

He was once asked to assess his game before becoming a pro and he said, “I kind of fill roles on the court.” He elaborated a bit, saying he was more of a shooter than his brother Justin, who prefers to play the power game. 

His production mirrors that of a mid-to-late first-round pick, which aligns with where I predict he would go if it was redone today, which is 17th. He is third in made 3-pointers, fifth in effective field goal percentage (55.9), 12th in points and 16th in rebounds in his draft class.  All of this makes him more reliable and impactful than 70 percent of the picks, aside from him being an excellent mover without the ball.

When examining further, Andrew Nembhard and Ryan Rollins were the only second-rounders chosen that can be definitively taken over Champagnie since they are better scorers. Still, for the purpose of this exercise, they were re-slotted into the top seven and 14, leaving no one in round two more productive than Champagnie. To boot, anyone who has earned a starting rotation spot brings value that it way above a second-rounder.

Moreover, he’s one of the most lethal shooters in the NBA when given space, making 47.6 percent of wide-open 3-point shots, which NBA describes as having six feet or more of space. Of course, he’s in the perfect situation being next to two great penetrators and a control tower who does it all, and lots of his shots come from a pass to the corner/wing or one outside following an offensive rebound. He also does a good job of getting open in transition, helping the team with unscripted plays that do lots of damage. In many ways, Champagnie is a security blanket.

His marksmanship set a franchise record, making 11 3-pointers on Dec. 31 against the New York Knicks. Stephen Curry and Trey Murphy III are the only players to have made more in a game this season (12). 

He is averaging more minutes than 18 2022 first-rounders and is sixth in total minutes. Even being older by modern standards, debuting his career at age 21, shouldn’t have made him fall so much on draft night. Quality players slipping through the cracks happens more often than it should.

The next step for him is to improve his passing out of a two-man action. He’s not catching opponents by surprise anymore, so adding the slip-back pass to prevent a trap on a dribble handoff would be useful.

Finding players like him, and signing them for the low, can make a significant difference for a team’s flexibility. Just for perspective, the Miami Heat drafted Nikola Jović 27th in 2022 and paid him based on potential with a four-year extension worth $62.4 million. He was one of the 12 players from the 2022 draft who got a new deal before the season and, sadly for them, he’s barely an NBA player with availability issues, making his contract unmovable for now.

The Spurs are in the opposite situation with Champagine. I’m not saying the Spurs were scheming for a trade at the deadline, but if they wanted to make a splash, opposing squads would have presumably demanded that he be included in the deal because his production so much outweighs his $3 million salary. 

Another one of the valuable things he does well is screen for his teammates. Granted, some of those are ghost screens, but he is third behind Luke Kornet and Wembanyama in screen assists and screen assist points on the team. This hustle extends to the other side since he is second in the league among forwards in defensive loose balls recovered. His 6’ 10 wingspan helps him track those down as well as when closing out to shooters.

His future is bright because he is an unselfish overachiever, and he thinks he hasn’t reached his ceiling. Credit to Noah Magaro-George of the Vic-and-Roll podcast for comparing him first to Danny Green, one of the best snipers in team history. Don’t be surprised if Champagnie continues his work when he enters his first playoff, or if he is in a 3-point contest soon, and wins it. 

Be sure to follow USA TODAY Sports' live updates keeping track of all of NCAA Tournament's Friday first round games.

Kentucky basketball looked to be on its way to a first-round upset in the Men's NCAA Tournament when 10-seed Santa Clara was up by three with 2.4 seconds remaining in the second half.

Otega Oweh wasn't ready to head home, however, as he hit a game-tying 3-pointer from the logo to tie the game at 73-73 to send it to overtime. He then delivered a dagger in overtime with a pair of free throws to send the 7-seeded Wildcats into the second round of March Madness.

Oweh led the way with a career-high 35 points for the Wildcats in their 89-84 overtime win at the Enterprise Center.

REQUIRED READING: Otega Oweh buzzer-beater saves Kentucky from Santa Clara upset in March Madness

Here's a deeper look at Oweh's full stats from Friday's win over Santa Clara:

Otega Oweh points today in NCAA Tournament

Here's a look at Oweh's stats from Friday's game against Santa Clara:

• Points: 35
• Shooting: 11-of-24
• 3-point shooting: 3-of-8
• Free throw shooting: 10-of-12
• Rebounds: 8
• Assists: 7
• Steals: 1
• Blocks: 1
• Turnovers: 2
• Minutes: 43

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Otega Oweh points today: Big man sends Kentucky to second round with 35 points

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Steph and Seth Curry reflect on their father Dell Curry following his jersey retirement ceremony with the Charlotte Hornets.
• In a recent article by The Athletic, Steve Kerr discusses their upcoming matchup against the Hawks and former Warrior Jonathan Kuminga.
• Lakers’ Luka Dončić scores 60 points in 134–126 win over the Heat.

The Golden State Warriors were well represented in Charlotte on Thursday night — not for a game, but for a moment in history.

NBA legend Dell Curry had his No. 30 jersey officially retired by the Charlotte Hornets, cementing his place within the franchise after spending 10 seasons playing for the team from 1988 to 1998.

Dell’s sons, Stephen Curry and Seth Curry, were both in attendance, turning the ceremony into a full-circle moment for one of basketball’s most iconic families. Seth Curry — a former Hornet himself — spoke during the ceremony, reflecting on the meaning of the No. 30 jersey and what it represents as the last player to wear that number for the organization.

The No. 30, of course, later became synonymous with greatness worldwide through Steph Curry’s rise with Golden State. But as Steph shared after the celebration, that legacy started long before the Bay — beginning in Charlotte with his father.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, March 20th:

Warriors News:

Steph Curry still keeping his ‘options open’ about joining Hornets in future | NBC Sports Bay Area

Dell shared that Steph already had asked him if he’d make an exception to wear No. 30 should the Warriors star leave Golden State for Charlotte, to which Steph further detailed the reasoning behind the conversation.

“You always keep your options open,” Curry said on WSOC-TV. “I know what that means when you get your jersey retired, it’s immortalized. Nobody should be able to touch it, but yeah. I’m sure he’d be able to make a special exception if that was the case.”

Curry couldn’t help but grin and even chuckle while responding.

Steve Kerr, Warriors still hope the best for Jonathan Kuminga as Atlanta reunion awaits | The Athletic

As Kerr looks back with the benefit of even more perspective, he does so with empathy for the situation. The Warriors drafted the then-18-year-old Kuminga with the seventh pick in the 2021 Draft.

“I think this is part of the modern NBA,” Kerr said. “You’re getting guys who are so inexperienced. I will tell you, the optimal circumstance for JK when he entered the NBA would have been to go to a bad team. Instead, he came to a championship team. But the way to develop in this league is to play 30, 35 minutes every night, make your mistakes, learn from your mistakes, grow, be able to do it out of the spotlight. And he wasn’t able to do any of those things (here), and I recognize that. That’s why I’m really hoping that the change in scenery will be what he needed.”

Melton Breaks Down KP’s Dominance

NBA News:

Why a Giannis trade might be even more complicated this summer | ESPN

Milwaukee Bucks co-owners Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam told ESPN in a joint 90-minute interview that they will decide the path to take with their two-time MVP together, and the most important factor will be whether Antetokounmpo signs the four-year, $275 million extension he is eligible to receive on Oct. 1.

“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract],” said Edens, the team’s controlling owner until April 2028. “So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he’ll be traded.”

“The likelihood you’ll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can’t afford that. It’s not consistent with what’s good for the organization. That’s not a Giannis issue. That’s any player that’s in their last year.”

Luka Doncic scores 60 points in win vs. Heat

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Moses Moody unlikely to return for road trip

While the team maintained hope that Moody’s on-court workouts and new left-handed shooting stroke could get him back on the court for their six-game road trip, it turns out that playing NBA basketball with one hand is quite difficult, especially when it’s not Moody’s dominant hand.

A post to end the week:

Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.

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Our NBA player prop projections are back for tonight’s primetime matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Detroit Pistons, and the model has already identified several standout opportunities.

After breaking down the data and comparing our projections with the current market lines, we’ve pinpointed the spots offering the strongest betting value.

These Warriors vs. Pistons predictions aren’t based on gut instinct — they’re driven by the numbers.

If you’re building your betting card, these are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, March 20.

Warriors vs Pistons computer picks for March 20

Warriors	Pistons
Porziņģis u17.5 points  -120	Duren u23.5 points  -112
Green o5.5 rebounds +105	LeVert u3.5 assists  -105
Podziemski o1.5 3-pointers  -140	Thompson o6.5 rebounds +105

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Warriors computer picks

Kristaps Porziņģis Under 17.5 points (-120)

Projection: 16.1 points

The Golden State Warriors have been the ninth-lowest scoring road offense this season and have also played at the third-slowest pace among visiting teams over their last five games. 

That combination could limit scoring opportunities for Kristaps Porzingis, supporting the Under on his 17.5-point line—a number he’s fallen short of in eight of his last 10 games.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet PORZINGIS Now at bet365!/span

Draymond Green Over 5.5 rebounds (+105)

Projection: 6.2 rebounds

The Warriors have been the top offensive rebounding team on the road over their last five games, creating added opportunities on the glass.

That should benefit Draymond Green, who has gone Over his 5.5 rebound line in six of his last 10 games.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet green Now at bet365!/span

Brandin Podziemski Over 1.5 3-pointers (-140)

Projection: 2.2 3-pointers

Brandin Podziemski has cleared the 1.5 made threes line in six of his last 10 games largely due to his evolving role within the Warriors’ offense.

If the Warriors continue to draw help defenders from the Detroit Pistons and kick the ball out, he’ll be in position to capitalize and knock down multiple threes once again.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet podziemski Now at bet365!/span

---

Pistons computer picks

Jalen Duren Under 23.5 points (-112)

Projection: 20.0 points

The Pistons could see fewer possessions in this matchup, facing one of the league’s slowest-paced road offenses in the Warriors over the last five games.

That reduced tempo may limit Jalen Duren’s chances to pile up stats, making the Over a tougher ask tonight.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet DUREN Now at bet365!/span

Caris LeVert Under 3.5 assists (+105)

Projection: 3.4 assists

The Pistons are likely to see fewer possessions in this matchup, facing one of the league’s slowest-paced road offenses in the Warriors over the last five games. 

That reduced tempo could limit Caris LeVert’s playmaking opportunities, aligning with the Under on his 3.5 assist line—a number he’s fallen short of in nine of his last 10 games.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet levert Now at bet365!/span

Ausar Thompson Over 6.5 rebounds (+105)

Projection: 6.5 rebounds

Offensive rebounds extend possessions and create extra chances for scoring and assists, and the Pistons have led the league with 14.5 offensive boards per game over their last 15 contests.

That added volume should benefit Ausar Thompson, who has gone Over his 6.5 rebound line in four of his last 10 games.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet thompson Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Warriors vs Pistons tonight

Location	Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date	Friday, March 20, 2026
Tip-off	7:30 p.m. ET
TV	NBC Sports Bay Area, Detroit SportsNet

Not intended for use in MA.
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ST. LOUIS — The standout game of the morning session needed five more minutes to finish Friday, as No. 7 Kentucky fended off No. 10 Santa Clara, 89-84, in an overtime classic extended into the extra period by Otega Oweh’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

A game that delivered perhaps the moment of the first round of this year’s NCAA Tournament set a high bar for excitement here in St. Louis.

Here are three reasons why:

Broncos navigate rocky first half

Santa Clara (26-9) battled early against Kentucky’s length and reach, particularly at the offensive end. Herb Sendek’s team struggled to manufacture quality offensive possessions, at times flirting with fading away from their first-round matchup here in the Gateway City.

But one of the country’s best rebounding teams locked in defensively, cleaned the glass with the same intention as its SEC counterpart and weathered that storm.

By halftime, no one was shooting the ball particularly well, but Santa Clara had managed to drag the Wildcats into a defensive struggle.

Despite foul trouble that limited dynamic freshman Allen Graves, the Broncos nursed a hard-earned halftime lead, 31-29, into the locker room, in front of an outnumbered but enthusiastic band of Santa Clara fans making the trip east.

Be sure to follow USA TODAY Sports' live updates keeping track of all of NCAA Tournament's Friday first round games.

Kentucky guard Otega Oweh said the Wildcats' first-round NCAA Tournament game against No. 10 seed Santa Clara wasn't over quite yet, saving their season in the process.

Santa Clara's Allen Graves gave the Broncos a 73-70 lead with 2.4 seconds left, which looked like enough to seal the win. However, Oweh received the ensuing inbounds pass and ran up to the March Madness logo, rising for a deep 3-pointer that clanked off the backboard through the net to tie the game at 73-73 to send the game to overtime.

MAJOR ONIONS 😱#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/DxqIbiic48

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 20, 2026

Oweh, the SEC Player of the Year last season, saved his career-best performance for the perfect time against Santa Clara. The senior guard scored a career-high 35 points in the 89-84 overtime win, while racking up eight rebounds and seven assists with a block and a steal. It was an historic performance, as Oweh is only the second player since Larry Bird in 1979 to record at least 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in an NCAA Tournament game, according to CBS Sports Research.

"I was trying to get as close as possible to make the shot," Oweh said on the CBS postgame broadcast. "I don't know, it just went in. It's March Madness, that's the type of vibe it is, I ain't even gonna lie."

Santa Clara coach Herb Sendek was shown on the broadcast attempting to call a timeout after Graves' 3-pointer, which would've given the Broncos a chance to set up for the final inbounds play. However, Oweh was able to get momentum down the floor after catching the pass, which ultimately led to Kentucky's win.

Santa Clara's 3-point shooting kept it in the game, as the Broncos made 11 3-pointers to overcome its size disadvantage against Kentucky. Elijah Mahi led the way for the Broncos, scoring 20 points with five rebounds.

But it was Oweh again in overtime who sealed the win for Kentucky, with four crucial points and another assist in the extra period.

Kentucky now looks forward to its second-round matchup against the winner of No. 2 seed Iowa State and No. 15 East Tennessee State, and hopes to reach the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive season.

The Wildcats will certainly have a chance to do so, especially if Oweh shows up like he did against Santa Clara.

"That's what March is though," Oweh said. "All the best games happen at this time of the year. It was a blast, I was just glad we got to pull it out."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Otega Oweh said about buzzer-beater that saved Kentucky vs Santa Clara

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The Boston Celtics are massive 15.5-point favorites for tonight’s road game against the banged-up Memphis Grizzlies.

While I don’t think Memphis has much of a shot in this one, my Celtics vs. Grizzlies predictions explain why their offense can do enough for us to attack the total.

That and more NBA picks for this matchup set to tip off at 8:00 pm ET at the FedExForum in Memphis on Friday, March 20.

Celtics vs Grizzlies prediction

Celtics vs Grizzlies best bet: Over 229 (-110)

Jayson Tatum is back, and the Boston Celtics are taking no prisoners on the way to the playoffs.

They rank second in offensive rating. That’s not great for the Memphis Grizzlies. Not only are they banged up, but they have the fourth-worst defensive rating since the All-Star break.

But while Memphis isn’t winning much and doesn’t play defense, they’ve been scrappy on offense thanks to guys like Ty Jerome and GG Jackson.

The Grizz are a respectable 15th in offensive rating over that stretch, and it's a big reason why the Over is 15-7 in their last 22 games.

Celtics vs Grizzlies same-game parlay

Some might have worried that Payton Pritchard’s production might take a dip with the return of Tatum, but he’s scored 18 or more points in five of his last eight games.

And he could get a great run against an overmatched Memphis team.

With all their injuries, the Grizzlies have been short on guys who can get buckets. Then Ty Jerome returned to the lineup at the end of January.

The Grizz shooting guard is averaging 20.7 points while shooting 42.5% from 3-point range over the 13 games he’s played since his return and has topped this number 10 times.

Celtics vs Grizzlies SGP

• Over 229
• Payton Pritchard Over 16.5 points
• Ty Jerome Over 18.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Scoring Bonanza!

There will be plenty of points in Memphis tonight, so why not add the red-hot Jaylen Brown to the mix?

Celtics vs Grizzlies SGP

• Jaylen Brown Over 25.5 points
• Payton Pritchard Over 16.5 points
• Ty Jerome Over 18.5 points
• Cam Spencer Over 9.5 points

Celtics vs Grizzlies odds

• Spread: Celtics -15 | Grizzlies +15
• Moneyline: Celtics -1200 | Grizzlies +750
• Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229

Celtics vs Grizzlies betting trend to know

The Over is 15-7 in the Grizzlies' last 22 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Grizzlies.

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Celtics vs Grizzlies latest injuries

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Coming off a blowout win against the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs returned home to face the Phoenix Suns for the final time this regular season. Stephon Castle was ruled out before the game with a hip injury, but Devin Vassell returned from ankle soreness. What followed was a highly contested game. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the Suns outscored the Spurs 33-28 in the second to take a seven-point lead into halftime. After a low-scoring third that resulted in many foul calls (some, albeit questionable), the Spurs’ deficit was cut to six heading into the fourth. The Suns still held a lead because the Spurs missed many easy layups and committed several unforced turnovers.

After trailing by as much as 10, the Spurs stormed back with over a minute remaining due to the heroics of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama. After a Jordan Goodwin three-pointer put the Suns up five, Vassell missed a three, but Wembanyama was fouled on the offensive rebound. Wembanyama made both free throws, and the Spurs trailed by three. Devin Booker missed a stepback jumper, and on the Spurs’ next possession, Fox finished at the rim with a crafty move. Now trailing by one, the Spurs fouled rookie Rasheer Fleming. Fleming missed both free throws, and the Spurs called a timeout. With 11 seconds remaining, the Spurs inbounded the ball to Wembanyama, who let the time tickle down until he pulled up from the midrange over Oso Ighodaro. The result? SPLASH. The Spurs took the lead with 1.1 seconds remaining, and Booker missed the half-court heave. The Spurs won 101-100.

Victor Wembanyama dropped an MVP-level performance with 34 points (10-20 FG, 12-12 FT), 12 rebounds, three steals, an assist, and a block. Wemby was the consistent driving offensive force for the Spurs, especially when the team shot 29% from three. He was also in the passing lanes and came up with several steals. Even though Wemby shot two of seven from three, he was contacted throughout the entire game. He made all of his 12 free throw attempts and started to cement his MVP case in the fourth quarter. Alongside Fox, Wemby drained his two threes, got a huge offensive rebound, made his free throws, and hit his first-ever game-winner (while trailing). What made it an MVP moment was the fact that he waited till the clock dwindled until one second was left on the clock. A true risk/reward moment with neither team having any timeouts remaining, and the basket resulting in either a win or a loss. Wemby is on track to make both All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, and his MVP and DPOY cases continue to rise.

PERFECTION! Spurs’ ball movement results in a hook pass from Harrison Barnes to a cutting Wemby, who lays it up!

FLIGHT 1 IS CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF! Wemby catches the pass from the top of the key, takes a step, and slams it home with one hand!

MORE MOVEMENT! After Barnes intercepts Amir Coffey’s pass, the ensuing fastbreak results in more beautiful Spurs ball movement that results in a Wemby dime to HB for an easy layup!

Here’s the reverse angle!

TOO EASY! Wemby cleans up his own missed shot by slamming it back home with one hand!

ALLEY-OOP! Julian Champagnie finds a cutting Wemby on the alley-oop and Wemby finishes with one hand!

MADE IT COUNT! Wemby’s second three of the game comes late in the fourth with wide-open space!

CLUTCH GENE ACTIVATED! Wemby waits until the clock dwindles, then he pulls up for the game-winning midrange jumper!

Here’s another angle! Look at the FBC crowd!

How about three angles in one?

After the game, Wemby and the rest of the team were asked what they thought of Wemby’s performance. Keldon Johnson took the mic and began an MVP chant that could be heard from all of San Antonio!

De’Aaron Fox dropped 23 points (6-7 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Fox shot below 50% from the field, but made most of his points count in the fourth. Both he and Wemby were clutch down the stretch, with Fox pulling off two crafty moves that resulted in clutch buckets. The All-Star duo will continue to use their talent to will this team when the going gets tough.

Too smooth! Fox dribbles into the paint and pulls off a turnaround spin jumper on Fleming!

CLUTCH FOX! Fox dribbles past Ighodaro and finishes off the glass to cut the deficit to one!

Julian Champagnie 14 points (4-8 3PT), two rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Julian was solid from the three-point line, shooting 50%. He also tossed up a sweet lob to Wemby and swatted two shots. One of the shots was a three-point attempt from the corner. The spacing he provides playmakers and other shooters has been valuable all season.

Devin Vassell dropped 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Like Julian, Dev was solid from the field, but also missed five threes. Nonetheless, he finished with the highest plus/minus on the team with +21. His perimeter defense alongside Julian has been solid all season, and will need to continue as the playoffs draw near.

Clear skies ahead! On the fastbreak, Dylan Harper catches the lob pass from KJ, and he drops it off to Dev, who puts Ryan Dunn on a poster!

Keldon Johnson dropped six points, four rebounds, and an assist. KJ struggled from the field, but made up for it with his usual hustle on the boards. The spark plug energy he has provided all season is more on the motivator side, but no matter what, he will continue to slash in the paint to get tough buckets when the team needs offense.

All in all, this was one of the best finishes of the season. In a game where the Suns’ lead seemed to grow larger in the second half, this team did not waver and instead relied on hustle and offensive flow. When it came down to clutch time, the ball was either in Fox’s or Wemby’s hands. As said earlier, you could not write a better script for how this game ended. Wemby knew the moment was his, and he capitalized on it to the fullest extent. The result? The Spurs are playoff-bound for the first time in six seasons!

Finally, here are the full game highlights.

The Spurs continue their mini homestand against the Indiana Pacers this Saturday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.