NEW YORK (AP) — Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs has been fined $25,000 for throwing his mouthpiece in the direction of the stands, the NBA announced Saturday.
Afterward, Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer called it his toughest March Madness moment.
"Toughest one," he told reporters after the 71-65 win. "Not close. Toughest moment, toughest game, toughest position I've ever been in in the tournament, no question about it."
Odds provided by BetMGM as of 1:15 p.m., Saturday.
Ehsan Kassim: Duke
Jordan Mendoza: Duke
John Leuzzi: Duke
Blake Schuster: Duke
Moneyline: Duke (-800); TCU (+550)
Spread: Duke (-12.5)
Over/under total: 139.5
Cameron Boozer NBA draft stock, mock draft predictions
Boozer is widely projected as a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Here’s a look at where various mock drafts from major outlets have the Duke freshman going:
Cameron Boozer and his twin brother, Cayden (also a freshman for Duke) are the sons of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer.
Before his 13-year career in the NBA, Carlos Boozer was a standout forward for the Blue Devils under Mike Krzyzewski from 1999-2002. A member of Duke's 2001 national championship team, Carlos Boozer finished his three-year career with the Blue Devils with more than 1,500 points scored and started 93 of the 101 games in which he appeared.
Jamie Dixon coaching record: How long has Jamie Dixon coached TCU?
This is Dixon's 10th season as TCU's head coach. Dixon returned to his alma mater after after a 13-year run as head coach at Pitt.
Dixon is 199-137 with the Horned Frogs and has led TCU to five NCAA Tournament appearances.
Has TCU ever reached Sweet 16?
TCU reached the Regional Final in 1968 but only 23 teams were in the NCAA Tournament that year. So the Horned Frogs have never won a Round of 32 game.
Avila started his career in 2022-23 at Indiana State, gaining acclaim for his style of play and goggles during Indiana State's NIT run two years ago. The player who earned many nicknames over the years, including "Cream Abdul-Jabbar," "The College Jokic" and "Larry Blurred" was a favorite of many college basketball fans.
He reflected on his fame and how it impacted his career following the loss.
"I take it with a grain of salt. Some days it's good, some days it's not good," Avila said of the attention he received. "When you're really, really good, the attention is awesome. When you're not, it's negative. So I kind of try not to let it play too big in my head.
"I'm just blessed to be able to play the sport I love at a high level. Hopefully I'll be able to play basketball for a long time."
After the run with the Sycamores, Avila was one of the top players in the transfer portal due to his 6-foot-10 frame, ability to shoot and as a playmaker at his size. Instead of opting for bigger programs, however, he chose to follow his coach, Josh Schertz, to Saint Louis.
Avila entered the second-round game needing 19 points to reach 2,000 for his career. However, he was limited to nine points on 3-of-13 shooting with the Wolverines very keyed in on taking him out of the equation.
Still, Avila finished his career with 1,990 points, 750 rebounds and 473 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field and 38.1% from 3-point range for his career.
Schertz reflected on Avila's career following the Billiken' loss on Saturday.
“Robbie's, he's somebody that I've said, when he came with us from Indiana State, I think he legitimized our program immediately," Schertz said. "He's, obviously, was one of the top recruits in the country, and to choose Saint Louis, and that was, was an incredible coup for us. He has, like I said, no coincidence that winning has followed him everywhere he's ever gone. He won in high school at a place that hadn't won. He went to Indiana State, a place that hadn't won. He came to St Louis, at a place that hadn't been winning, and won.
"We're only 23 months from being 14th in the A-10 to being one of the last 32 teams standing. If you look at it, it's been a quick, a quick trajectory, and he's had the most to do with that of anybody. I'm incredibly proud of him and his growth over the four years. I think he won 100 and some games, a little over 100 games in four years. He's been incredible, a great teammate, a great competitor, a great human being."
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 18: The sneakers worn by Kristaps Porziis #7 of the Golden State Warriors during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 18, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
TORONTO (AP) — Walker Zimmerman scored a goal in the 83rd minute, José Cifuentes added a goal, and Toronto FC beat the Columbus Crew 2-1 on Saturday.
Luka Gavran stopped two shots for Toronto (2-2-1).
Djordje Mihailovic played a corner kick into the center of the area where Zimmerman went up high and slammed a header inside the back post to give Toronto the lead for good.
The Crew’s Wessam Abou Ali opened the scoring in the fourth minute. Dylan Chambost played a long ball down the left side to Max Arfsten, who played an arcing cross to Abou Ali for a header from the top of the 6-yard box that slipped under the crossbar and into the side-net. Abou Ali has six goals and two assists in 10 career MLS appearances, nine starts.
Cifuentes scored his first goal for Toronto in the 56th minute to make it 1-1. The 27-year-old midfielder scored for the first time in MLS since July 12, 2023, when he had his only goal of the season in a 3-0 win over St. Louis.
Patrick Schulte had four saves for the Crew (0-3-2). Columbus had 54% possession but was outshot by Toronto 13-9, 7-3 on target.
Our NBA player prop projections are locked in for tonight’s clash in Central Florida between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic, with the model highlighting several standout opportunities.
After digging into the data and lining it up against current market prices, we’ve identified the bets with the strongest value.
If you’re putting together your card, these are the model’s top NBA picks for Saturday, March 21.
Lakers vs Magic computer picks for March 21
Lakers
Magic
Reaves o20.5 points -105
Bnachero o23.5 points -112
Doncic u8.5 assists -110
Carter Jr. u7.5 rebounds -140
James o5.5 rebounds -105
Bane u2.5 3-pointers -170
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Lakers computer picks
Austin Reaves Over 20.5 points (-105)
Projection: 22.3 points
While Austin Reaves is questionable for tonight, it’s worth noting he’s gone Over his 20.5-point line in four of his last 10 games.
He’s averaging an impressive 23.5 points per game this season — a notable jump from 20.0 last year — and has taken on a larger scoring role.
With the Los Angeles Lakers operating as the NBA’s highest-scoring offense over their last five games, this matchup against the Orlando Magic sets up well for Reaves to find success from the field.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet reaves Now at bet365!/span
Luka Doncic Under 8.5 assists (-110)
Projection: 8.0 assists
The Lakers have played at the fourth-slowest pace among road teams over their last five games, a tempo that could limit Luka Doncic’s playmaking opportunities against Orlando.
That trend supports the Under on his 8.5 assist line, a number he’s stayed below in six of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet doncic Now at bet365!/span
LeBron James Over 5.5 rebounds (-130)
Projection: 6.3 rebounds
The Magic have played at the fifth-fastest pace in the NBA over their last five games, which should create more rebounding opportunities for the Lakers.
That uptick benefits LeBron James, who has gone Over his 5.5 rebound line in six of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet James Now at bet365!/span
Magic computer picks
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points (-112)
Projection: 24.8 points
Orlando’s offense has been rolling at home, averaging a strong 122.6 points per game — the sixth-best mark in the NBA over the last five games.
Much of that production has been driven by Paolo Banchero, who has gone Over his 23.5-point line in six of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet banchero Now at bet365!/span
Wendell Carter Jr. Under 7.5 rebounds (-140)
Projection: 7.2 rebounds
The Magic have ranked as the third-worst offensive rebounding team at home over their last 10 games, a trend that could limit Wendell Carter Jr.’s impact on the glass.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Carter jr. Now at bet365!/span
Desmond Bane Under 2.5 3-pointers (-170)
Projection: 2.5 3-pointers
With the Lakers playing at the fourth-slowest pace on the road over their last five games, this matchup could feature fewer possessions for the Magic.
That slower tempo may limit Desmond Bane’s chances from deep, aligning with the Under on his 2.5 three-point line — a mark he’s stayed below in four of his last 10 games.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet bane Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Lakers vs Magic tonight
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
SPECSN, FDSN FL
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in action during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on March 15, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
By the end of this year, the NBA’s long and draining Giannis Antetokounmpo saga should finally be over. At least, it will be if you believe Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens in a conversation with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. With Antetokounmpo able to opt out of his contract after the 2026-27 season, the coming months should pressure the Bucks into action around their clearly frustrated superstar. Antetokounmpo will be eligible for a contract extension on October 1st. If he tells the Bucks he will not sign the $275 million extension, Milwaukee is put in a position where they have to trade him or risk losing him for nothing in free agency the following year.
“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract],” Edens told Shelburne.”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.”
Shelburne’s reporting around the conversation, however, undermines Edens’ simplistic statement. The fact is Antetokounmpo’s saga in Milwaukee has seemed heading toward him forcing his way out for years. The Golden State Warriors, of course, made an aggressive push to acquire him at this year’s deadline. However, Milwaukee chose to hold onto him for a little bit longer and the Dubs opted to swap Jonathan Kuminga for Kristaps Porzingis.
While the Warriors were one of the few teams interested and able to acquire Antetokounmpo during the current season, it seems far more difficult to envision them getting a deal done this offseason. The fact is, every team has more financial flexibility during the offseason, and several teams with proven young players are more likely to enter the trade market after some squads inevitably under perform during the postseason. Nevertheless, Joe Lacob will surely be trying to wishcast a Warriors deal for Giannis into existence anyway.
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - MARCH 16: Johnny Davis #2 of the Wisconsin Herd during the game against the Windy City Bulls on March 16, 2026 at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Herd is going through the motions of functioning as a G League team, waiting to finish out the remainder of a fruitless season. The stakes are getting lower, and the Herd is looking inside to see which players might remain on their roster or, better yet, join an NBA team.
Wisconsin Herd 113, Osceola Magic 126
Alex Antetokounmpo: DNP
Kira Lewis Jr.: 36 minutes, 28 points, 3 rebounds, 10/16 FG, 2/6 3FG, -14
The Herd’s away match at Osceola wasn’t very close despite the high-scoring efforts of Lewis, Thompson, Mark Sears (21 points, seven assists), and some others. Although they kept the first quarter close, closing it down by six, a significant 14-2 run helped Osceola stretch their lead to 18 points by the half. After that, the Herd struggled to stop the Magic’s bruising offensive style of play and strolled to a 14-point win.
With all of the Herd’s two-way players unavailable, the scoring responsibilities rested on guys like Lewis, who contributed 28 points off the bench on 63% true shooting. Lewis, a former lottery pick who struggled to get game time in New Orleans and Utah, has shown genuine scoring and playmaking potential, matching an NBA rotation guard. Lewis’s speed accentuates his tight handle and ability to convert tough layups in the air. His shooting has long been a concern, but he’s become efficient inside (59.6% on two-pointers), and he’s showing signs of improving from range (career-high 33.7% three-point average)
Monday’s game against the Windy City Bulls seemed to go as expected: the Herd’s opposition jumping out to an early lead, and despite hot three-point shooting, they controlled the game. However, the Herd fought back in the second half against the Bulls and kept an otherwise out-of-control game very close.
After getting Ryan back from Bucks duty, they gained a new level of lethality from range. However, the turning point for the Bulls, who needed to win to stay alive in the G League’s playoff race, came with Kevin Knox II’s third-quarter outburst. Knox was unstoppable from deep, helping the Bulls pull away early in the fourth quarter. Although Ryan and the Herd rallied to keep it close at the end, the Herd had to play the foul game at the end, dropping them to 9-22, the worst in the East.
With his 29 points against the Bulls, Ryan is now up to an average of 22.1 points per game on .491/.439/.870 shooting splits. His game shows a player whose main strengths lie in his consistent, dead-eye shooting, but he also offers a versatile skillset, including rebounding, playmaking, and active defense. Ryan made his Bucks debut against the Jazz on Thursday, scoring five points on four shots. Although his first minutes in a Milwaukee uniform started slowly, Ryan may be a name to watch in the Bucks’ long-term plans.
In an unremarkable Friday night game, the Herd fell early against the Motor City Cruise and never found their footing. The Herd didn’t lead at all during the game, and the closest they got to challenging the Cruise was with Mark Sears’ early pair of three-pointers. Without Ryan and Nance, the Herd shot around 36% from three and 43% from the line, but the biggest problem was defense: they couldn’t stop the hot perimeter shooting from guys like John Ukomadu and Bobi Klintman.
Hey, at least Stephen Thompson’s alright! The Oregon State alum is averaging career highs in points (17.9 per game), shooting (.480/.442/.739), rebounding, and assists. Thompson has bounced around from overseas league to overseas league, but his standout season with the Herd could earn him a callback overseas next season, or better yet, a place on an NBA roster.
Three Notes
Butler finds his footing
One important narrative worth following through the last two weeks of the season is John Butler’s efforts to bulk up and add some mass to his spindly seven-foot frame. Butler started the season at 190 pounds, but is now reported at 225 pounds. He’s reached career highs in rebounds (5.7) and steals per game (1.7), and although his rim protection has sagged, Butler is becoming more physical around the rim. Should he stay in the Milwaukee organization through the summer, Butler’s physical development could be something to track; his shooting and finesse could earn him a spot on a roster soon.
Does Davis deserve an NBA spot?
Could Johnny Davis ever live up to the NBA hype that his Badger career promised? At this rate, no. Davis’s move to Oshkosh was supposed to be a second wind, but the red flags surrounding his range as a shooter and shot selection have persisted. Davis’ efficiency has stagnated with the Herd, if not worsened. His reliance on an old-school bully-ball and midrange-focused shot diet didn’t hold up in the modernized NBA. Davis needs to develop his three-point shot if he wants to have any chance at the league.
HERd Night
The Herd held a HER night game on Friday against the Motor City Cruise, wearing specialty jerseys featuring purple, the color symbolizing gender equality, and the lotus flower. The jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit We EmpowHER, a local non-profit providing support and mentorship for women of all ages.
BUFFALO, NY — No. 1 Michigan’s defense stepped up and delivered a 95-72 win against No. 9 Saint Louis to send the Wolverines back into the Sweet 16.
The Wolverines have now reached the second weekend in each of the program’s past seven tournament appearances dating to 2017. Saint Louis was looking for its first trip to the Sweet 16 since 1957.
All-America forward Yaxel Lendeborg led Michigan with 25 points on 9 of 13 shooting. Center Aday Mara had 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and a team-leading 4 blocks.
Saint Louis was led by guard Dion Brown's 13 points. Playing in his final college game, center Robbie Avila had 9 points on just 3 of 13 shooting, including 3 of 10 from 3-point range.
The Billikens came into Saturday ranked eighth nationally with 87.7 points per game after beating No. 9 Georgia 102-77 in the opening round.
This matchup of two high-powered offenses lived up to expectations in the early going, with a back-and-forth pace leaving Saint Louis ahead 27-25 at the midpoint of the opening half.
But the U-M defense began to assert itself as the Wolverines’ size up front impacted the Billikens’ ability to get to the basket. After scoring 66 points in the paint in the opener against No. 8 Georgia, SLU had 16 such points at the break while UM had six blocks, four by Mara.
Overall, SLU shot 45.5% from the field and made 5 of 17 from 3-point range in the first half, which ended with Michigan leading 48-39 after a pair of Lendeborg free throws with 5.6 seconds left. The first 20 minutes featured seven ties and three lead changes.
The pace picked up again coming out of the break. The two teams combined for 29 points in the first five-plus minutes of the second half, including four 3-pointers by SLU, to leave Michigan ahead 61-55 with 14:17 left.
UM pushed its lead to 66-57 with 11:44 left on an emphatic slam in transition by Lendeborg, who elevated from well outside the circle and dunked over SLU guard Quentin Jones. The lead would grow to 15 points at 73-58 just over a minute later and then to 81-63 on a Morez Johnson Jr. layup with 7:30 to play.
Needing to spark a comeback, the Billikens turned to the long-range game but couldn’t connect: SLU finished shooting 12 of 27 from 3, including 5 of 15 in the second half after making four of its first six coming out of the break.
Lendeborg would give U-M its biggest lead, at 25 points, with a 3-pointer from the top of the key to make it 89-64 with just over five minutes left.
Michigan will next face the winner of No. 4 Alabama and No. 5 Texas Tech in the Midwest Region. The program’s stretch of seven Sweet 16 berths in as many tournament appearances spans three coaches — John Beilein, Juwan Howard and Dusty May — and gives May two trips to the Sweet 16 in as many years since being hired from Florida Atlantic.
By the end of the second round of the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 22, that's how many teams will be left to challenge for the national championship in March Madness.
The action got underway with eight games on Saturday, March 21, starting first with No. 1 Michigan's 95-72 win vs. No. 9 Saint Louis and ending with No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 12 High Point. While chalk largely held steady through the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, there were enough upsets and close calls to warrant caution from all the higher-ranked seeds heading into the second round of the tournament and beyond.
So, who's making the Sweet 16? Here's a look at which teams will advance following the second round, including updated brackets, matchups and schedules:
Who's in men's Sweet 16?
No. 1 Michigan (Midwest Region)
Sweet 16 schedule, how to watch
This section will be updated. All times Eastern.
Thursday, March 26
At Toyota Center in Houston and SAP Center in San Jose, California
Friday, March 27
At United Center in Chicago and Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Men's March Madness bracket update
This section will be updated
East Region
First Round
No. 1 Duke 71, No. 16 Siena 65
No. 2 UConn 82, No. 15 Furman 71
No. 3 Michigan State 92, No. 14 North Dakota State 67
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 16: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball in the first quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on March 16, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors have officially listed center Kristaps Porzingis as out for Saturday’s game against the Atlanta Hawks with lower back tightness. So Porzingis will not face the team that traded him just over a month ago. Jonathan Kuminga, on the other hand, will play after sitting out the Hawks game on Friday.
Porzingis left the Dubs 115-101 loss to the Pistons on Friday night in the second quarter after visibly reaching for his back. He told reporters after the game that it was a mild back spasm and he did not expect it to be a major issue. However, he was skeptical that he would play the second half of the Warriors back-to-back. Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Quinten Post all remain questionable to play.
The timing of Porzingis’ injury is particularly frustrating for the Warriors. Porzingis’ struggles with chronic illness held him out of 10 of Golden State’s first 11 games after he was acquired via trade in February. However, he had appeared in six of the Warriors last eight games as of yesterday. As the Dubs try to build some momentum leading into the play-in tournament, Porzingis finding a rhythm remains critical for the Warriors to have any puncher’s chance. Not that Dub Nation has high expectations left for the team this season.
Porzingis has appeared in just 24 games this season, 17 with the Hawks and seven with the Warriors. He is averaging 16.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game on 44.6%/33.9%/82.8% shooting. He will hope to return to the Dubs rotation on Monday when the Warriors face the Mavericks.
It’s fair to wonder if the Cleveland Cavaliers will ever be healthy enough to build playoff momentum, and tonight they’ve got to deal with an in-form New Orleans Pelicans team.
New Orleans’ rough season is trending up, with a 5-1 mark in the past six games, and my Cavaliers vs. Pelicans predictions expect Dejounte Murray to trouble the Cleveland backcourt here.
Check out my NBA picks for a March 21 matchup with plenty of storylines to monitor, including the status of Donovan Mitchell, who’s listed as questionable.
Cavaliers vs Pelicans prediction
Cavaliers vs Pelicans best bet: Dejounte Murray Over 16.5 points (-125)
The New Orleans Pelicans would surely be much closer to the play-in spots if Dejounte Murray had been available all year. They’re 5-4 in his nine outings since returning from an Achilles injury, and he’s averaging 20.7 ppg this month.
Murray sat out Thursday’s win over the Clippers, but he’s gone past this points prop number in four straight games, headlined by 35 points against the Rockets last week.
Though there are other mouths to feed in the New Orleans offense, look for Murray to be in attack mode here against the Cleveland Cavaliers’ shaky perimeter defense.
Cavaliers vs Pelicans same-game parlay
The last three meetings between these teams have nailed the Over, and Murray and James Harden are two playmakers who can get us there again tonight.
Murray has jacked up 50 shots across his past three outings, while Harden is averaging 8.0 apg this year and dished nine dimes against the Bulls on Thursday.
Cavaliers vs Pelicans SGP
Dejounte Murray Over 16.5 points
James Harden Over 7.5 assists
Over 236.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Evan Almighty
Whether or not Donovan Mitchell suits up tonight, the Cavs will rely on Evan Mobley to deliver his best, particularly with Jarrett Allen out.
He’s quietly had a great month, with 21.3 ppg and 10.4 rpg, and he’s racked up 15 assists across his last three contests.
Cavaliers vs Pelicans SGP
Evan Mobley Over 20.5 points
Evan Mobley Over 10.5 rebounds
Evan Mobley Over 2.5 assists
James Harden Over 7.5 assists
Cavaliers vs Pelicans odds
Spread: Cleveland -4.5 (-110) | New Orleans +4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Cleveland -190 | New Orleans +160
Over/Under: Over 236.5 (-110) | Under 236.5 (-110)
Cavaliers vs Pelicans betting trend to know
The Over is 21-14 for the Cavs on the road this year. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Pelicans
Location
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Date
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-OH, GCSEN
Cavaliers vs Pelicans latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Michigan State basketball coach has led the Spartans to 28 straight NCAA tournament appearances, with an overall record of 60-26 in March Madness games.
On Saturday, he'll have a chance at his 17th Sweet 16.
The No. 3 seed Spartans will have to get through No. 6 Louisville first in Saturday's East Region second round game in Buffalo.
The Cardinals will once again be without star freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. A back injury kept him out of Louisville's first round win over South Florida and will keep him sidelined through the tournament's first weekend.
Louisville led comfortably for most of its win over USF until some late, nervy moments. Isaac McKneeley led the Cardinals with 23 points, which included going 7-of-10 from behind the arc. As a whole, Louisville shot 52% from behind the arc. The Cardinals will need that type of hot shooting to knock off the usually rugged Spartans.
Here's what you need to know for today's second round showdown:
Coen Carr had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead four Michigan State players in double figures, and Jeremy Fears added 12 points and a school NCAA tournament record 16 assists as the Spartans advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 77-69 win over Louisville.
The Spartans, the East Region’s No. 3 seed, used hot shooting beyond the arc in the first half and used spurts of 8-0 and 7-0 to take an early 10-point lead.
Louisville, who played without Mikel Brown, Jr., out with a back injury, hung around as Michigan State was sloppy with the ball, as the Spartans, who averaged 11.5 turnovers a game, turned it over 12 times in the first half, and took a 36-31 lead into the break.
The Cardinals (24-10) relied on the three-point ball all season long but were betrayed by the rim, hitting only 13-36 from downtown and shooting 41% for the game.
Michigan State used a 13-3 run in the second half, capped by Jaxon Kohler’s 3-pointer, which gave the Spartans their biggest lead at 63-50. Trey Fort had 12 points and Kohler had 10 for Michigan State, who had 21 assists on 25 made field goals.
Fears recorded his second straight game with 10 assists in this year's NCAA Tournament, setting a Big Ten record.
Ryan Conwell scored 21 points, and Adrian Wooley added 17 points for Louisville. Isaac McKneely, who hit seven three-pointers and scored 23 points in the Cardinals’ first-round victory against South Florida, had only nine points.
Michigan State (27-7) advances to the East Regional in Washington, D.C. and will play the winner of UConn and UCLA on Friday.
Louisville won't go away as every time Michigan State pushes the lead near double figures, the Cardinals improved shooting gets them back in the game. Aly Khalifa hit a three point to cut the lead to three, but Trey Fort answered with a three of his own on the Spartans next possession.
Michigan State carelessness with ball keeping Louisville in game
Michigan State center Coen Carr started the second half with his own dunk fest, taking an alley-oop for one basket and a highlight breakaway slam to push the lead to 42-33. Carr has 11 points and has added seven rebounds. The Spartans average 11.5 turnovers a game, and they have already coughed the ball up 12 times with more than 15 minutes left in regulation.
In the first half of runs, Michigan State used spurts of 9-0 and 8-0 to take a 36-31 lead at halftime over Louisville in the second round of the East Region.
The Cardinals fell behind by 10, but despite missing at one point 10 of 11 shots, they used a 7-0 run of their own to get back in the game.
The up-and-down pace is expected as Louisville used 10 players and Michigan State played nine in the first half.
Adrian Wooley had nine points, and Ryan Conwell added nine points and four rebounds for Louisville, who shot 36% and went 4-18 from 3-point land. Coen Carr led the Spartans’ balanced scoring attack with seven points and seven rebounds as they went more than four minutes without a point before Trey Fort’s four-point play to push the lead back up to eight with 3:46 left.
Michigan State shot 46 percent in the first half and had 12 assists on its 13 made field goals.
Moneyline: Michigan State (-210); Louisville (+170)
Spread: Michigan State (-4.5)
Over/under total: 151.5
Mikel Brown Jr. injury update: Will Louisville star play today vs Michigan State?
Prior to the Cardinals' first round game against South Florida, Louisville announced Brown wouldn't play in the opener and would also miss the second round game, should they advance.
Brown, who's projected to be an NBA lottery pick later this year, has been sidelined for the Cardinals' past five games (and 13 total this season). Pat Kelsey said Brown re-aggravated a back injury, which surfaced in mid-December, by taking some hard falls during a Feb. 23 loss at then-No. 19 North Carolina.
NEW YORK (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond has been fined $25,000 for what the league described as an objectionable gesture while on the court.
NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones announced the penalty Saturday.
The incident occurred with eight seconds left in the third quarter of the 76ers’ 139-118 victory at Sacramento on Thursday.
After knocking down a 3-pointer, Drummond appeared to make a shooting motion toward the Kings’ bench, according to a published report.
Drummond finished the game with 13 points, including going 3 for 3 from behind the arc, and 11 rebounds.
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