NBC’s NBA Deal Costs More Than Its NFL Package. Yes, It Makes Sense.

A cross-conference collision between the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings rarely lends itself to anything worth characterizing as a “rivalry,” but Sunday night’s meeting still managed to draw a crowd on NBC. According to Nielsen, 16.18 million viewers tuned in to the flagship broadcast, where the purple team prevailed by a score of 21-13. While …

East Tennessee State hosts Eastern Kentucky after Kimble’s 23-point outing

Eastern Kentucky Colonels (1-0) at East Tennessee State Buccaneers (1-0) Johnson City, Tennessee; Friday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Buccaneers -9.5; over/under is 149.5 BOTTOM LINE: Eastern Kentucky visits East Tennessee State after George Kimble III scored 23 points in Eastern Kentucky's 98-69 victory against the Alice Lloyd Eagles. East Tennessee State finished 19-16 overall last season while going 10-4 at home.

Villanova hosts NJIT following Dixon’s 33-point showing

NJIT Highlanders (0-1) at Villanova Wildcats (1-1) Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; Friday, 8:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Wildcats -21.5; over/under is 138.5 BOTTOM LINE: Villanova plays NJIT after Eric Dixon scored 33 points in Villanova's 90-80 loss to the Columbia Lions. Villanova finished 18-16 overall a season ago while going 10-6 at home.

Jessamy leads Tennessee State against Colorado State after 23-point game

Tennessee State Tigers (1-0) at Colorado State Rams (1-0) Fort Collins, Colorado; Friday, 9:30 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rams -20.5; over/under is 146.5 BOTTOM LINE: Tennessee State visits Colorado State after Ron Jessamy scored 23 points in Tennessee State's 96-66 win against the Fisk Bulldogs. Colorado State went 25-11 overall a season ago while going 15-2 at home.

Madsen twins combine for 11 3s, 40 points to lead Utah past Central Arkansas 98-63

Gabe Madsen scored 25 points, surpassing 1,000 for his career and Utah poured in 19 3-pointers to roll past Central Arkansas 98-63 on Thursday night. The Utes picked up where they left off in their season opener, when they drilled a school-record 19 3-pointers in a 100-59 romp past Alcorn State. Gabe Madsen had six triples for the second-straight game and his twin brother Mason had five again.

Josh Cohen, Saint Thomas help USC fend off Idaho State 75-69

Josh Cohen had 19 points and Saint Thomas hit a late 3-pointer to help Southern California hold off Idaho State 75-69 on Thursday night. Dylan Darling made both ends of a one-and-one following his layup to give Idaho State a 58-57 lead with 8:45 left to play. USC (2-0) moved back ahead by three, but Evan Otten hit 1 of 2 free throws and followed with a dunk to tie the game at 63 with 4:02 remaining.

Cal breaks game open in second half, beats Cal Poly 91-73

Jovan Blacksher Jr. scored 18 points, Andrej Stojakovic added 15 and California erased Cal Poly's early double-digit lead, going on to a 91-73 victory on Tuesday night. Blacksher hit four 3-pointers and the Golden Bears went 11 of 26 from the arc in improving to 2-0 for the first time since the 2019-20 season they opened with four wins. Issac Jessup hit 5 of 9 3-point attempts and finished with 20 points to lead Cal Poly before fouling out.