Kentucky averages 85.0 points while outscoring opponents by 7.8 points per game. Tennessee's average of 8.4 made 3-pointers per game this season is only 0.1 fewer made shots on average than the 8.5 per game Kentucky gives up. Kentucky averages 9.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.3 more made shots on average than the 7.3 per game Tennessee gives up.
Duke Blue Devils take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in Elite 8
Alabama Crimson Tide (28-8, 14-6 SEC) vs. Duke Blue Devils (34-3, 22-1 ACC) Newark, New Jersey; Saturday, 8:49 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: No. Duke and No.
USC and Kansas State play in the Sweet 16
Kansas State Wildcats (28-7, 14-6 Big 12) vs. USC Trojans (30-3, 18-2 Big Ten) Spokane, Washington; Saturday, 8 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Trojans -1.5; over/under is 140.5 BOTTOM LINE: No. USC takes on No.
Purdue Fort Wayne and Butler square off in NIT
Butler Bulldogs (16-17, 5-14 Big East) at Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons (26-8, 20-3 Horizon) Fort Wayne, Indiana; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Purdue Fort Wayne and Butler play in the National Invitation Tournament. The Mastodons have gone 20-3 against Horizon teams, with a 6-5 record in non-conference play.
Draymond details ‘rock bottom' of Warriors career, strolls down hallway of mind
Draymond details ‘rock bottom' of Warriors career, strolls down hallway of mind originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Draymond Green is a villain. A mentor. A bully. A charmer. He’s a basketball genius, a restless soul, a four-time NBA champion, a four-time NBA All-Star and a two-time Olympic gold medalist whose unruly conduct last season kept him off the court for 21 games.
His spasms of disorder did more than that. The vehement events of the 2023-24 NBA season hurt Draymond, his family and, lastly, the Golden State Warriors. It forced him to check himself. To seek rehabilitation for the emotions behind his on-court violence.
And now, 14 months after returning from his last suspension, words are coming off Draymond’s tongue with the same passion and conviction with which he has played basketball for 13 seasons with the Warriors. The conversation is about life, and he is the tour guide for a reflective journey down the long and sometimes dark hallways of his mind.
“The bottom? Man. Oh man. How do you find the bottom?” Green says on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Dubs Talk” podcast, which debuted Friday. “There’s been some moments where … Wow. Wow.
“The bottom, I would have to say, for me personally, the bottom was last year. And the reason that was the bottom is basketball is one thing. You can talk about basketball all you want. I really don’t care. I know what I bring to the basketball game. I know what I’m capable of. I know what’s going on. So that don’t really bother me.
“But last year, my character was under attack. Who I am as a human being was under attack.”
The tipping point came on Dec. 12, 2023, when Green whacked Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face in the third quarter of a Warriors-Suns game in Phoenix. That led to a suspension deemed “indefinite” because one month earlier, Green jumped Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert – whose arms were around Golden State’s Klay Thompson – from behind and put him in a modified chokehold. The Green-Gobert incident was a five-gamer, so the NBA felt it necessary to increase the suspension for Green’s strike on Nurkić.
Public reaction was swift and heavy with presumptions, with opinions undoubtedly prejudiced by Draymond’s shocking punch to the face of then-teammate Jordan Poole in October 2022. NBA head of basketball operations Joe Dumars, a longtime friend of Green, delivered the indefinite suspension, explaining that he wanted to see Draymond get himself mentally and emotionally “right” before coming back to the game.
As Green attended to his business, speculation and allegations were rampant. He heard and saw it. His wife, Hazel Renee, coped with it. His children, his extended family and friends all were in the uncomfortable position of trying to answer for the man they knew and care for or even love.
“I take pride in who I am as a human being,” Green says. “I take pride in being a stand-up guy. If I see you and walk past you, I’m going to say, ‘Hi.’ I take pride in just being a great person. For my character to be under attack, that bothered me to my core because the things that were being said isn’t an accurate depiction of me and who I am.
“So, I would say that was the bottom. I couldn’t play the game that I love. I couldn’t play the game the way that I love. And by the way, ‘He’s beating his wife at home. He’s beating his kids because look what he does on a basketball court.’ That’s crazy … to have to live through that.”
“But then, for my family to also have to live through that,” he adds, “that was kind of rock bottom for me. Like my wife opening her Instagram and [seeing] ‘I’m so sorry’ [comments]. ‘I know you’re getting beaten at home.’ Beaten?
“I’m the guy that when my wife is on one, I walk into the other room. I don’t even want to go back and forth like that. It’s not even in my demeanor. I think it’s because people watch me on the basketball court and my intensity. I am probably as non-confrontational as you going to find. I’m going the opposite way.”
How does this not touch the heart of anyone who has one? How does this not force anyone to face their worst characteristics and try to seek peace within?
Green 35, says, he “hates” confrontation off the court. On the court, he lives for it. His willingness to engage in competition, usually with bigger players, is part of the equation that makes him great. At 6-foot-6, he’s the best small big man in the NBA and probably has considered having that description tattooed on his chest.
There is no question that this season has revealed a less combustible Draymond than the player he was the previous two seasons. He recorded a league- and career-high 21 technical fouls in 2022-23 and served a one-game suspension for planting his foot on the chest of Sacramento center Domantas Sabonis in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Kings. Green this season has been assessed 12 technical fouls, but there have been no suspensions. The Warriors are 35-23 when he plays, 6-8 when he does not.
“With help, I worked my way out of it,” Green says. “And I’m back from it. But that was rock bottom for me.”
The noise related to Green’s antics has quieted because they are fewer. The Warriors are happier. And Draymond, among the leaders in the Defensive Player of the Year race, is performing better with his emotions on simmer than when they boil over.
Draymond reflects ‘rock bottom' of Warriors career, strolls down hallway of mind
Draymond reflects ‘rock bottom' of Warriors career, strolls down hallway of mind originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Draymond Green is a villain. A mentor. A bully. A charmer. He’s a basketball genius, a restless soul, a four-time NBA champion, a four-time NBA All-Star and a two-time Olympic gold medalist whose unruly conduct last season kept him off the court for 21 games.
His spasms of disorder did more than that. The vehement events of the 2023-24 NBA season hurt Draymond, his family and, lastly, the Golden State Warriors. It forced him to check himself. To seek rehabilitation for the emotions behind his on-court violence.
And now, 14 months after returning from his last suspension, words are coming off Draymond’s tongue with the same passion and conviction with which he has played basketball for 13 seasons with the Warriors. The conversation is about life, and he is the tour guide for a reflective journey down the long and sometimes dark hallways of his mind.
“The bottom? Man. Oh man. How do you find the bottom?” Green says on NBC Sports Bay Area’s “Dubs Talk” podcast, which debuted Friday. “There’s been some moments where … Wow. Wow.
“The bottom, I would have to say, for me personally, the bottom was last year. And the reason that was the bottom is basketball is one thing. You can talk about basketball all you want. I really don’t care. I know what I bring to the basketball game. I know what I’m capable of. I know what’s going on. So that don’t really bother me.
“But last year, my character was under attack. Who I am as a human being was under attack.”
The tipping point came on Dec. 12, 2023, when Green whacked Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in the face in the third quarter of a Warriors-Suns game in Phoenix. That led to a suspension deemed “indefinite” because one month earlier, Green jumped Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert – whose arms were around Golden State’s Klay Thompson – from behind and put him in a modified chokehold. The Green-Gobert incident was a five-gamer, so the NBA felt it necessary to increase the suspension for Green’s strike on Nurkić.
Public reaction was swift and heavy with presumptions, with opinions undoubtedly prejudiced by Draymond’s shocking punch to the face of then-teammate Jordan Poole in October 2022. NBA head of basketball operations Joe Dumars, a longtime friend of Green, delivered the indefinite suspension, explaining that he wanted to see Draymond get himself mentally and emotionally “right” before coming back to the game.
As Green attended to his business, speculation and allegations were rampant. He heard and saw it. His wife, Hazel Renee, coped with it. His children, his extended family and friends all were in the uncomfortable position of trying to answer for the man they knew and care for or even love.
“I take pride in who I am as a human being,” Green says. “I take pride in being a stand-up guy. If I see you and walk past you, I’m going to say, ‘Hi.’ I take pride in just being a great person. For my character to be under attack, that bothered me to my core because the things that were being said isn’t an accurate depiction of me and who I am.
“So, I would say that was the bottom. I couldn’t play the game that I love. I couldn’t play the game the way that I love. And by the way, ‘He’s beating his wife at home. He’s beating his kids because look what he does on a basketball court.’ That’s crazy … to have to live through that.”
“But then, for my family to also have to live through that,” he adds, “that was kind of rock bottom for me. Like my wife opening her Instagram and [seeing] ‘I’m so sorry’ [comments]. ‘I know you’re getting beaten at home.’ Beaten?
“I’m the guy that when my wife is on one, I walk into the other room. I don’t even want to go back and forth like that. It’s not even in my demeanor. I think it’s because people watch me on the basketball court and my intensity. I am probably as non-confrontational as you going to find. I’m going the opposite way.”
How does this not touch the heart of anyone who has one? How does this not force anyone to face their worst characteristics and try to seek peace within?
Green 35, says, he “hates” confrontation off the court. On the court, he lives for it. His willingness to engage in competition, usually with bigger players, is part of the equation that makes him great. At 6-foot-6, he’s the best small big man in the NBA and probably has considered having that description tattooed on his chest.
There is no question that this season has revealed a less combustible Draymond than the player he was the previous two seasons. He recorded a league- and career-high 21 technical fouls in 2022-23 and served a one-game suspension for planting his foot on the chest of Sacramento center Domantas Sabonis in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the Kings. Green this season has been assessed 12 technical fouls, but there have been no suspensions. The Warriors are 35-23 when he plays, 6-8 when he does not.
“With help, I worked my way out of it,” Green says. “And I’m back from it. But that was rock bottom for me.”
The noise related to Green’s antics has quieted because they are fewer. The Warriors are happier. And Draymond, among the leaders in the Defensive Player of the Year race, is performing better with his emotions on simmer than when they boil over.
Duke notes: Blue Devils’ run bridging halves propels them to Elite 8
For 19 minutes of Thursday night’s Duke-Arizona Sweet 16 game at Prudential Center, it was a dead-even battle. Then the Blue Devils pressed the accelerator and hit a gear perhaps no other team in the country has. A Kon Knueppel 3-pointer, and a Cooper Flagg trey from the top of the key at the first half buzzer, gave the Blue Devils the shot of adrenaline they needed.
‘It Would Have Been A Lot Nicer To Get A Win And Not Score’: Scott Laughton Records First Goal With Maple Leafs Despite Shootout Loss To Sharks
After a sluggish start, the Toronto Maple Leafs were playing catch-up all night in a 6-5 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.
Despite a valiant effort in the final minute of regulation, Toronto's attempt to stage a comeback came up short. Down 5-3, they scored twice in 44 seconds to force overtime and earn a point, pushing their regular-season point total to 90 and regaining sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division.
However, the Leafs missed out on two points against the Sharks this season – who are ranked dead last in the league – dropping both contests in a shootout.
One bright spot for the Leafs, though, was newly acquired forward Scott Laughton registering his first goal and point as a member of the team.
The tally came at the 15:13 mark of the second period to cut the deficit to one, making it a 4-3 score. His goal broke a 14-game point drought that stretched back to his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, picking up his first in 10 games in Toronto.
The 30-year-old made a strong play in the offensive zone, carrying the puck up the half wall before he wired home a one-timer off a pass from David Kampf, beating Sharks goaltender Alexandar Georgiev.
Scott Laughton has his first goal as a member of the @MapleLeafs! 🍁 pic.twitter.com/2opNTZWRG1
— NHL (@NHL) March 28, 2025
It was an important moment for the Oakville, ON, native, who has been working hard to settle into his new role with the Maple Leafs.
“It was nice, probably for my own confidence, and nice to get one for sure. It would have been a lot nicer to get a win and not score,” Laughton admitted after the game. “I know my role on this team, and obviously, contributing is nice, but I know what to bring on a daily basis, and I’m starting to feel more comfortable. Starting to play a little bit better. So, it’s good for myself, but you want to get those two points.”
Head coach Craig Berube had previously urged Laughton to stop overthinking his game, urging him to loosen up and just play freely.
‘He’s Overthinking Things Instead Of Just Playing’: Scott Laughton Remains Pointless With Maple Leafs, Craig Berube Urges Forward To ‘Loosen Up’The Toronto Maple Leafs have begun to find their stride, securing back-to-back victories over the Calgary Flames and the Colorado Avalanche. However, one player in particular remains stuck in a slump – newly acquired Scott Laughton, who has yet to register a point in six games with the Leafs and continues to struggle to find his place in his hometown.
With the postseason approaching, hopefully, this is a step in the right direction for Laughton, who is adjusting to his new environment and working to find his rhythm after joining the Leafs in a trade on March 7.
His teammates know just how much of a breakthrough a goal like that can be down the stretch.
“A lot of fun seeing him rip one home,” said Nylander. “First goal as a Leaf is huge. I’m happy for him.”
“Yeah, it was huge. I think him being from Toronto and everything coming here is extremely exciting. And a lot of us know Lotty from different things. But he's been an unreal guy coming in here. He brings great energy every day despite whatever comes at him,” added captain Auston Matthews.
He was previously demoted to the fourth line, the “identity line,” amid the struggles and was recently placed back with Max Domi and Nick Robertson on the left wing of the third line for the past couple of games. On Thursday, the 12-year veteran logged 12:28 of ice time, registering two shots on goal, two hits, and two blocks, finishing with a plus-1 rating to go along with his goal.
When at his best, Laughton can provide physicality, depth, and steadiness. His game in San Jose was a key indicator of his capabilities, and he is now looking to build on his recent momentum by stringing together multiple strong outings in a row.
“It was great to see him get a goal tonight. I thought he played great tonight. I thought he matched well on that line and created some really good chances. And that was a big goal that he had for us. So I know that's a big weight off your shoulders,” said Matthews. “I think that's just going to continue to carry momentum in his game. He's just going to continue to be more comfortable as we go along here.”
'We've Got To Be Better, Goalie Included': Maple Leafs Salvage Point But Struggle In Shootout Loss Against SharksSAN JOSE, Calif. — The Toronto Maple Leafs fell to the San Jose Sharks 6-5 in a shootout at SAP Center on Thursday. Although they picked up a crucial point in the standings, it was yet another example of the Leafs struggling to pounce against a team at the bottom of the NHL standings as they gear up for a playoff run next month.
Despite earning a point against the Sharks, the Leafs have now lost seven of their last 12 games. They dropped the opening contest of their three-game California road trip and will face a back-to-back in Los Angeles on Saturday, followed by a visit to Anaheim on Sunday.
They’ll need to clean things up to finish the weekend on the right foot.
Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
Bright future awaits Knox, Razorbacks next season
Arkansas basketball's (22-14, 8-10 SEC) roller-coaster season came to an unfortunate end Thursday in the NCAA Tournament, but plenty of hope remains for the future of the program. For starters, the Razorbacks may return star freshman guard Karter Knox. The 6-foot-6 wing from Florida started SEC play slowly, but he scored double-digit points in 3-of-5 postseason matchups (SEC Tournament included) with 15 points and 20 points against St. John's and Texas Tech, respectively.
How Arkansas’ all-time March Madness collapse cost John Calipari an Elite Eight berth
Arkansas had an Elite Eight berth in the palm of its hand. Then an all-time collapse opened the door, and Texas Tech took full advantage.
'We've Got To Be Better, Goalie Included': Maple Leafs Salvage Point But Struggle In Shootout Loss Against Sharks
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Toronto Maple Leafs fell to the San Jose Sharks 6-5 in a shootout at SAP Center on Thursday. Although they picked up a crucial point in the standings, it was yet another example of the Leafs struggling to pounce against a team at the bottom of the NHL standings as they gear up for a playoff run next month.
The Leafs appeared destined to lose against the Sharks in regulation time. But two goals in the final minute of regulation time forced the game beyond 60 minutes. Outside of their performance on the power play, Toronto looked lethargic on the ice. There were also some lapses in judgement.
Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll misplayed the puck while attempting to make a pass. Instead turning it over to Sharks forward William Eklund and into the net.
"They are a quick team, but I think that maybe the travel yesterday and everything, we just weren't on our toes," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said while trying to pinpoint an explanation for his team's performance. "We got better as the game went along. We made some mistakes. We all got to be better, goalie included. It's not good enough."
The performance came just after the Leafs punished the bottom-feeding Philadelphia Flyers 7-2 on Tuesday. It appeared as though they were passed their transgressions of not taking advantage of the opportunity in front of them by pouncing on teams lower in the standings like they did on Saturday when they fell to the Nashville Predators.
"I didn't love our game tonight. I thought we just seemed slow," Matthews said. "We didn't seem to take care of the puck much, just kind of messing around with it too much."
The Leafs got into penalty trouble later in the game, which didn't help. After getting the first three power plays in the game, San Jose had the next four chances.
Leafs need better goaltending.
When your team is having nights where they are struggling, a strong goaltending performance can turn the tide. While Woll was busy making 14 saves on 16 shots in the first period, he wasn't particularly strong after that, finishing the night with 30 saves on 35 shots.
Since the 4 Nations break, the goaltending tandem of Woll and Anthony Stolarz hasn't been as strong as they were to start the season. In his last eight starts, Woll's save percentage is .892 and Stolarz's save percentage is .895 in his last 10 starts. Both have now reached career highs in games played during a season after never being the starting goaltender before. It's still anyone's guess who will start for the playoffs, but neither has goalie has taken the bull by the horns as of late.
Nylander hot
William Nylander scored twice to reach a career-high 42 goals this season. Not the type that has traditionally scored in bunches, the Swede recorded back-to-back multi-goal games for the first time in his NHL career. With 10 games to go, he'd need eight to reach the 50-goal mark. It certainly looks attainable.
Nylander recorded his 42nd goal of the season.
— David Alter (@dalter) March 28, 2025
For the first time in his NHL career, Nylander recorded back-to-back multi-goal games. Two tonight, and two against Philly on Tuesday. https://t.co/idRGZgb3Yv
Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
Texas Tech rallies from 16 points down to beat Arkansas 85-83 in first OT game in March Madness
The first overtime game of the NCAA Tournament came thanks to a furious comeback by the Red Raiders from 16 points down midway through the second half.
Duke survives Arizona’s late-game surge to advance to Elite 8
Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz and former Big 12 player of the year Marcus Morris Sr. react to the Blue Devils’ 100-93 win over the Wildcats in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Texas Tech comes back to end Arkansas run in OT thriller
Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz and former Big 12 player of the year Marcus Morris Sr. react to the Red Raiders’ 85-83 overtime win over the Razorbacks in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Watch Josh Giddey hit halfcourt game-winner to cap 18-point Bulls comeback to beat Lakers
Mar 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) celebrates with teammates after making the game-winning three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
David Banks-Imagn Images
The Lakers had this one. They led 115-110 with 12.6 seconds left until a Patrick Williams 3-pointer had the Bulls down just two. Then Chicago stole the inbounds pass, Coby White drained another three, and Chicago led 116-115 with 6.1 remaining.
Austin Reaves drove the rim and hit a layup to put the Lakers back in front 117-116 with just 3.3 seconds to go, and the Bulls had no time outs. Then Josh Giddey did this.
JOSH GIDDEY WINS IT AT THE BUZZER FROM HALF COURT
— NBA (@NBA) March 28, 2025
COMPLETES AN 18-POINT 4Q COMEBACK FOR THE BULLS!!#TissotBuzzerBeater#YourTimeDefinesYourGreatnesspic.twitter.com/66AbdWc0rw
Giddey felt good about the shot.
Josh Giddey: "As soon as it left my fingertips, it looked good. That's kind of why I held my follow through the whole time. I had that feeling. It looked straight. It felt good. Special night. Comeback win. It was a helluva team effort. We'll enjoy this one."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 28, 2025
Coming a night after the Lakers won a game on a LeBron James tip-in at the buzzer, this loss was “devastation” for the Lakers, according to coach J.J. Redick. The Lakers dominated the third quarter and led by as many as 18 in the fourth quarter, but on the second night of a back-to-back seemed to lose steam late. Reaves led the Lakers with 30 points, while Luka Doncic had 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
The Bulls also got hot late, shooting 11-of-14 on 3-pointers in the fourth. Giddey finished with a triple-double of 25 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Coby White scored 26 for Chicago.
The loss drops the Lakers into a tie with Memphis for the 4/5 seeds and a shot at home court in the first round of the West playoffs. The Lakers are 1.5 games behind Denver for third but also just 2.5 games ahead of the surging Clippers with nine games left to play.