Connecticut's bid for a historic third men's basketball title in row has been bumpy. But there's always hope its championship pedigree will surface.
NBA Power Rankings: Where Warriors, Kings sit with month left in season
With one month remaining in the NBA regular-season, Monte Poole ranks all 32 teams as they fight for playoff and play-in positioning.
Hield cherishes being one of Steph’s all-time favorite teammates
Buddy Hield appreciates being one of Steph Curry's all-time favorite Golden State Warriors teammates.
Thunder overcome Celtics 'test' to reach play-offs
Oklahoma City Thunder sealed a spot in the NBA play-offs with 16 games of the season remaining following an impressive 118-112 win over reigning champions the Boston Celtics.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander strengthened his case for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award by putting up 34 points, five rebounds and seven assists in 39 minutes.
The victory means the Thunder, who are 12 games clear at the top of the standings in the Western Conference, have joined the Cleveland Cavaliers from the Eastern Conference in the play-offs.
And beating 18-time champions Boston was an important "test" to overcome for the Thunder, who are looking to win the NBA title for the first time.
"It's huge," Gilgeous-Alexander said after the Thunder improved to 54 wins and just 12 defeats.
"Because [the Celtics have] have done what we're trying to do, the games against them are always going to be heightened. They're always going to be a little bit more exciting.
"There's no better test in the NBA."
The Celtics, who have now won 49 and lost 17 games, are second behind the Cavaliers (won 55 lost 10) and remain on course for a play-off spot.
Jayson Tatum, who scored 33 points in 41 minutes, says his side need to improve their form if they are to win back-to-back championships.
"Everybody has to play a little bit better," said Tatum.
"Better at the margins, the little things. You're playing against contending teams that are not really going to beat themselves.
"And the little things, not fouling jump shooters at the end of the clock, live ball turnovers, things like that, [we] just got to be a little bit better on."
Wake Forest Demon Deacons play the North Carolina Tar Heels in ACC Tournament
North Carolina Tar Heels (21-12, 14-7 ACC) vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (21-10, 13-7 ACC) Charlotte, North Carolina; Thursday, 2:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Tar Heels -5.5; over/under is 148 BOTTOM LINE: Wake Forest faces North Carolina in the ACC Tournament. The Demon Deacons are 13-7 against ACC opponents and 8-3 in non-conference play.
Saint Bonaventure takes on Duquesne in A-10 Tournament
Saint Bonaventure ranks third in the A-10 with 35.7 points per game in the paint led by Noel Brown averaging 8.7. The Dukes are 8-10 against A-10 opponents. Duquesne ranks seventh in the A-10 shooting 34.2% from 3-point range.
East Carolina takes on UTSA in AAC Tournament
The Pirates are 10-8 against AAC opponents and 8-5 in non-conference play. East Carolina is fourth in the AAC in rebounding averaging 34.5 rebounds. RJ Felton paces the Pirates with 6.5 boards.
Duke faces Georgia Tech in ACC Tournament
Duke and Georgia Tech meet in the ACC Tournament. The Blue Devils' record in ACC play is 19-1, and their record is 9-2 against non-conference opponents. Duke is fourth in the ACC with 34.1 points per game in the paint led by Cooper Flagg averaging 8.6.
Florida Atlantic Owls play the Charlotte 49ers in AAC Tournament
The Owls are 10-8 against AAC opponents and 7-6 in non-conference play. Florida Atlantic is second in the AAC with 16.2 assists per game led by Leland Walker averaging 4.3. The 49ers are 4-15 in AAC play.
Temple Owls play in AAC Tournament against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Tulsa Golden Hurricane (12-19, 6-12 AAC) vs. Temple Owls (17-14, 9-9 AAC) Fort Worth, Texas; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Owls -2.5; over/under is 143.5 BOTTOM LINE: Temple plays Tulsa in the AAC Tournament. The Owls have gone 9-9 against AAC teams, with an 8-5 record in non-conference play.
St. John’s takes on Butler in Big East Tournament
St. John's plays in the Big East Tournament against Butler. The Red Storm's record in Big East play is 18-2, and their record is 9-2 in non-conference games. St. John's averages 10.6 turnovers per game and is 20-2 when it wins the turnover battle.
Illinois Fighting Illini play in Big Ten Tournament against the Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa Hawkeyes (17-15, 8-13 Big Ten) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini (20-11, 12-8 Big Ten) Indianapolis; Thursday, 6:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Fighting Illini -10.5; over/under is 166 BOTTOM LINE: No. Illinois plays in the Big Ten Tournament against Iowa.
Xavier Musketeers play in Big East Tournament against the Marquette Golden Eagles
Xavier ranks fifth in the Big East with 32.4 points per game in the paint led by Zach Freemantle averaging 10.3. The Golden Eagles are 13-7 against Big East opponents. Marquette ranks eighth in the Big East with 31.0 rebounds per game led by David Joplin averaging 5.4.
Kennesaw State Owls play in CUSA Tournament against the New Mexico State Aggies
New Mexico State Aggies (17-14, 10-8 CUSA) vs. Kennesaw State Owls (18-13, 10-8 CUSA) Huntsville, Alabama; Thursday, 6:30 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Owls -1; over/under is 136.5 BOTTOM LINE: Kennesaw State and New Mexico State play in the CUSA Tournament. The Owls' record in CUSA games is 10-8, and their record is 8-5 in non-conference play.
BYU plays in Big 12 Tournament against the Iowa State
BYU plays in the Big 12 Tournament against No. Iowa State. The Cougars' record in Big 12 play is 14-6, and their record is 9-2 against non-conference opponents.