CHICAGO (AP) — David Coit scored 17 points, Elijah Saunders added 15, and Maryland defeated Oregon 70-60 in a first-round game of the Big Ten Tournament on Tuesday.
Maryland held Oregon to 3-for-22 shooting (14%) with 0 for 10 from 3-point distance in the first half and the Terrapins led 33-12 at the break. Maryland scored the first nine points and the Ducks made their first field goal at the 8:46 mark, making the score 17-8. Maryland later ran off 10 consecutive points for a 31-10 lead. Coit scored 12 points in the first half.
An 11-2 run helped the Ducks cut their deficit to 12 points early in the second half, but Maryland allowed only three points over the next 5 1/2 minutes and the lead was 58-34 near the 8-minute mark. A dunk and a three-point play from Nate Bittle started a 15-2 run for Oregon and it was 60-49 with 4 1/2 minutes remaining.
The Ducks got within single digits a few times, the last at 67-58 with 53 seconds remaining but Maryland's Darius Adams made 3 of 4 free throws to preserve a double-digit margin.
Bittle scored 16 points, Kwame Evans Jr. 14 and Takai Simpkins 10 for 16th-seeded Oregon (12-20).
Maryland, seeded 17th, got 12 points, six rebounds and five assists from Andre Mills. Solomon Washington also scored 12 points and Adams finished with 10 points for the Terrapins (12-20).
Maryland defeated Oregon for the first time. The Ducks had won the only two prior matchups — both since joining the Big Ten last season. Most recently, Oregon won 64-54 at Maryland in January.
Up next
Maryland plays ninth-seeded Iowa in the second round on Wednesday.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 26: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket around Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Magic 114-98. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to pick up their third-straight win over the Orlando Magic as they head on the road to take on a team that could be playing their best basketball of the season.
This has been a frustrating season for Orlando. An injury to Franz Wagner and a still disjointed offense have kept the Magic from reaching the heights many envisioned for them when they traded for Desmond Bane last summer. Bane has been as advertised, but his shooting hasn’t transformed the offense, as they’re still in the bottom third of the league in offensive rating.
The Magic are, however, playing well right now. They’ve won four in a row and seven of their last 10. They could be peaking at the right time.
We’ll see how the Cavs handle this team in what could be a preview of a first-round playoff matchup.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
Cavs injury report: Jarrett Allen – OUT (knee), Tyrese Proctor – OUT (quad), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Olivier Sarr – OUT (G League)
Magic injury report: Franz Wagner – OUT (ankle), Anthony Black – OUT (abdominal strain), Johnathan Isaac – QUESTIONABLE (knee), Jasse Richardson – QUESTIONABLE (back)
Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley
Magic expected starting lineup: Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Tristan da Silva, Paola Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 08: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on February 08, 2025 in Chicago, 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors are back home tonight, following a bizarre three-game road trip. They’re also wrapping up a traveling back-to-back, and looking to right the ship after Monday’s disappointing loss to the injured and tanking Utah Jazz.
There’s good news for Golden State, though: Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis, who did not play in Monday’s game, are returning to action as scheduled, as is Will Richard. But a whole lot of other people are out … for both the Warriors and the Chicago Bulls.
Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Out — Steph Curry (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
This will be Curry’s 15th consecutive absence as he works his way through runner’s knee. It’s fair to wonder if he’d be playing if the Warriors were in contention. It’s even more fair to agree that the cautious approach is the best approach, given the circumstances.
Out — Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve injury management)
The younger Curry made his return to action on Monday night, and he looked fantastic in his third game with the Warriors. But given that it was his first game in three months, it’s not surprising that the Dubs aren’t letting him immediately jump into a back-to-back.
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right ACL surgery)
Still not fun to type out. We miss you, Jimmy.
Out — Moses Moody (right wrist sprain)
Moody will miss his fourth straight game as he recovers from a wrist injury. Needless to say, the team’s spacing and defense has been hurt in his absence.
Questionable — Draymond Green (left low back injury management)
After slumping for a while, Green has been playing pretty well lately. It will be quite a hit to an already shorthanded team if he’s unable to suit up.
Melton has slid into a starting role due to Steph Curry’s absence, and he’s played very well. The Warriors desperately need his scoring.
Questionable — Quinten Post (bilateral foot soreness)
Golden State won’t be quite as reliant on Post tonight with Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis returning, so there’s no guarantee that the second-year big will even get minutes if he’s good to go.
Probable — Gary Payton II (left ankle impingement)
We’re used to GPII being a defensive spark plug off the bench, but lately he’s been one on offense, too. Thankfully, he looks good to go tonight.
Bulls
Out — Jaden Ivey (left patellofemoral pain syndrome)
Hey, Steph’s got a fellow player with runner’s knee to commiserate with!
Out — Zach Collins (right 1st toe surgery)
Collins’ second season with the Bulls didn’t go according to plan. He appeared in just 10 games before suffering a season-ending toe injury.
Out — Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery)
Speaking of seasons that haven’t gone the way Chicago envisioned, the Bulls used the No. 12 overall pick on Essengue in June, and had understandably high hopes for him. But he logged just six minutes of action before suffering a season-ending injury to his shoulder. Looking forward to seeing him on the court next year.
Out — Anfernee Simons (left ulnar styloid fracture)
After a few breakout years with the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons’ hasn’t had a great season. He took a step backwards with the Boston Celtics, and was traded to the Bulls at the deadline. He’s played six games for Chicago, and this will be his eighth consecutive absence.
Questionable — Collin Sexton (left fibular head contusion)
Chicago just seems to be hoarding players that the league was once high on but who haven’t been able to live up to their early-career expectations. Sexton’s 14.6 points per game are nearly 10 points fewer than what he posted in his third season, back in 2020-21. Like Simons, he came to the Bulls at the deadline.
Questionable — Patrick Williams (left ankle sprain)
Williams is averaging the fewest minutes and points per game in his six-year career, which has been spent entirely with Chicago. But he’s still a valuable player off the bench for the Bulls.
Probable — Jalen Smith (left calf strain)
The former No. 10 overall pick never quite lived up to lottery expectations, but he’s been very solid in his second campaign with the Bulls, averaging 10.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while making 15 starts.
Probable — Josh Giddey (right ankle sprain)
Like Jonathan Kuminga, Giddey had a bit of a contract stalemate with the Bulls this past offseason, as he was in restricted free agency. Unlike Kuminga, he ultimately got a long-term deal, securing a four-year, $100 million contract. So far he’s making it look like a good deal, as he’s averaging career-highs in points (17.6), rebounds (8.3), and assists (8.5).
Probable — Matas Buzelis (right ankle sprain)
Buzelis, the No. 11 pick in the 2024 draft, is having a bit of a breakout sophomore campaign. Golden State would have caught a serious break if neither he nor Giddey were able to play; instead, it looks like they’ll face both of them.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation! Warriors vs. Bulls tips off at 7:00 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area.
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 10: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics reaches around but can't steal the ball from Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at TD Garden on January 10, 2026 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. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.
The Spurs are on their best stretch of the season, winning 14 of their last 15 games, with a lot of them being blowouts like Sunday night’s pasting of the Rockets, punctuated by some exciting contests like last Friday’s 25 point comeback in a four point victory over Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers. The only blemish on that incredible run was a loss to an Eastern Conference team, as the Knicks shut down the Silver and Black for a 114-89 win in Madison Square Garden. Tonight the Spurs face another hot team from the east, the rising Celtics, who are now considered by many sites to be favored to overtake the Pistons and take the top spot with the return of Jayson Tatum from a Achilles tendon injury just 10 months after the rupture. The Celtics were already a contender with Jaylen Brown leading the way for a deep roster, but the addition of a second superstar makes them an instant title contender, and perhaps the favorite for the NBA playoff season.
This might be the toughest test yet for the Spurs on the current run, but they will be bolstered by a home crowd, and Victor Wembanyama is playing the best basketball of his career (so far, who knows how high his ceiling will be?). It’s a nationally televised game, so the entire country is primed to see two of best the teams in the league fight it out. The Spurs previously beat Boston 100-95 at Boston Garden on January 10, but with Tatum back in the lineup, it’s not going to be easy to keep them under 100 points tonight. This will be the last meeting between the two teams this season, unless they meet in the NBA finals, which would be cool beyond belief. It would be nice for the Spurs to continue their dominance over (most of) the Eastern Conference. LETS GO SPURS!!!
Game Prediction:
Devin Vassell will take on Jayson Tatum as the primary defender and have a steal with a breakaway dunk late in the game.
San Antonio Spurs vs Boston Celtics March 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT Streaming: Peacock TV: Peacock, NBC, FanDuel Sports Southwest Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lakers superstar Luka Doncic says he has separated from the mother of his two young daughters and is in a custody dispute.
TMZ reported Tuesday that Anamaria Goltes filed a petition for child support and attorneys' fees in California. Doncic then said in a statement he had recently ended his engagement to Goltes because he was unable to have his daughters with him in the U.S. during the season.
“I love my daughters more than anything and I’ve been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the U.S. during the season, but that hasn’t been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement,” Doncic said in the statement released to ESPN. “Everything I do is for my daughters’ happiness and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can.”
The 27-year-old Doncic and Goltes had been dating for a decade after meeting as teenagers in Slovenia. They became engaged in July 2023, and their daughters were born in November 2023 and December 2025, with Doncic leaving the Lakers to travel to Slovenia when younger daughter Olivia was born.
Doncic moved from Dallas to Los Angeles in a trade for Anthony Davis in February 2025. He agreed to a three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Lakers last summer, cementing his near future in Los Angeles.
Doncic is the NBA's leading scorer this season at 32.5 points per game, and he ranks third with 8.4 assists while grabbing 7.8 rebounds.
The 24-year-old went deep for the fourth time this spring in a 4-2 win over the Phillies at BayCare Ballpark, a 416-foot opposite-field shot to left-center.
He’s been among the more impressive hitters and gotten greater exposure thanks to the departure of teammates who are participating in the WBC — an opportunity Jones didn’t want to waste.
“Probably the biggest thing out of this year is I feel like I belong and can compete and do whatever I can to help the team win,’’ Jones said prior to the game.
Still, he was disappointed in getting the news Monday about being moved to minor league camp, even as it was anticipated because he’s behind Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger and Randal Grichuk, as well as Jasson Domínguez, on the depth chart.
“You never want to hear it, but it is what it is,’’ Jones said of getting the minor league news. “I’ve got a lot of work to do and we’ve got a whole, long season ahead of us. Opportunities are available, and it’s just about taking advantage of them.”
New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones (78) hits a solo home run in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark on March 10, 2026. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
There are some scouts who believe Jones could be ready for the majors at some point later this season.
Barring an injury to one — or more — of the aforementioned outfielders, Jones appears unlikely to find himself in that position with the Yankees.
“I don’t think about what could be,” Jones said. “It’s more about ‘What do we have right now?’ and focusing on the day-to-day.”
He and the Yankees are encouraged by the adjustments Jones made last season and through the winter.
“I told him there are things out of your control,’’ Aaron Boone said. “As best you can, focus on the improvements he needs to make in this game and the good thing is he’s done that.
“The reality is he’s pushing through right now, knocking on that door [to the majors]. You just have to take care of your business and force us into a decision.”
New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones (78) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
And Jones knows that cutting down on strikeouts — and simply making more contact — is the key to advancing in his career.
He’s also taken a few aspects of perhaps the best left-handed swing on the planet — Shohei Ohtani’s — and incorporated them into his approach. That’s helped Jones, he said, “feel very still, very stable, being on time and swinging at the right pitches.”
The next step, almost certainly alongside Domínguez at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, will be trying to become less prone to slumps.
“Last year was great [and] a personal success with competing and being one of the better players in [the International] League,’’ Jones said. “Now it’s about repeating that, being who I am and consistency.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 18: Matt McLain #9, TJ Friedl #29 and Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrate a scored run during the game against the New York Mets at Citi Field on July 18, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Reds fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The 2025 edition of the Cincinnati Reds was anchored by both TJ Friedl and Elly De La Cruz, two everyday stalwarts that posted total plate appearances of 685 and 699, respectively. Those marks ranked 21st and tied for 12th among all MLB players, a testament both to their health and good enough production that they played just about everyday against pitchers on both sides of the mound.
Those were the only two Reds to top the 600 PA threshold, though, a mark that 68 total players across the league managed to top. That was due to a number of factors – platooning the likes of lefties Gavin Lux, Will Benson, and Jake Fraley, injuries to Fraley, Austin Hays, and Noelvi Marte, and input trades of Ke’Bryan Hayes and Miguel Andujar eating into others’ playing time.
A 600 PA season is indicative of good health and everyday playing time as much as it is an offense that keeps turning the lineup over, and the hope in 2026 is that the Reds offense is much, much better than it was during a largely ineffective 2025.
That begs the question…how many 600+ PA seasons will the Reds get out of their roster in 2026?
Will they be able to keep Sal Stewart in the lineup often enough for him to get there?
Might Spencer Steer find ways to get there by being versatile to cover both outfield corners and spots all over the infield?
Could they make sure Eugenio Suárez gets there since his bat is the singular reason they brought him onto the roster?
If Matt McLain hits like he did back in 2023 and sticks in the #2 spot in the order all year, will that push his season total over the threshold?
Let us know what you think, since it’s something of a tell of how good you think this offense will be – or a tell on how much you think they’ll rotate the lineup enough to keep guys from getting that many opportunities!
This is bad news for a 76ers team fighting to remain in the top eight in the East, and with hot teams in Atlanta (one game back) and Charlotte (2.5 back) right on its tail.
All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey has suffered a "tendon injury to the small finger on his right hand" and will be re-evaluated in approximately three weeks, the 76ers announced Tuesday.
Maxey had only missed two games all season before this injury and had played more minutes (2,334) than any other player in the league. The injury occurred with 16.2 seconds left in the 76ers' loss to the Hawks, when Maxey collided with teammate Adem Bona and instantly grabbed his right hand in pain.
Maxey is averaging 29 points and 6.7 assists per game, shooting 37.3% from 3-point range, and was voted an All-Star starter by the fans. He has been the one consistent player for Philadelphia this season.
The 76ers are already without Joel Embiid (oblique strain, to be re-evaluated this week) and Paul George (suspension until March 25). Philadelphia has a -19.6 net rating this season when none of those three is on the court, and that is still -4.6 when just Maxey is off the court.
Philadelphia, which has looked like a playoff threat when everyone is healthy, could fall into the back half of the play-in and have to win two games to even make the playoffs.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 01: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives around Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on April 01, 2025 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns are in Milwaukee.
Let’s hope they leave Wisconsin with a win. Fire it up!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 09: Day'ron Sharpe #20 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center on March 09, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 126-115. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Alright! Right..? The Nets, winners of two straight, were the talk of the NBA after a 23-point comeback in the second half on Saturday. It was their fifth-largest comeback in franchise history. Then, the Grizzlies out-tanked them in the first half of this back-to-back.
Fourth-worst-record in the league. 18 games remaining.
🏀 KEY INFO
Who: Detroit Pistons (45-18) at Brooklyn Nets (17-47) When: 7:30 PM ET Watch: YES Network
💬 DISCUSSION
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 07: Daniss Jenkins #24 of the Detroit Pistons passes around Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on March 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s JB Bickerstaff’s birthday, and all I want him to receive is his Detroit Pistons mauling the Brooklyn Nets. The Pistons need a get-right game in the worst way. Their performance has slipped, and some of it is regression, some of it is not locking in, and some of it is confidence. It’s hard to fix the first, and the easiest way to fix the second is to solve for the third. That made sense in my head, anyway. The Pistons need to have a dominant defensive performance, and getting there is always easier when you’re seeing the ball go through the basket on the other end. Unfortunately, the Pistons will still be without Ausar Thompson, who remains out with an ankle sprain. Caris LeVert will be in street clothes as well. The Pistons have been in a funk since the trade deadline, but it metastasized in a dreadful performance against the Nets last week that saw the Pistons surrender a 23-point third-quarter lead. Getting back on the road to recovery requires them to annihilate the Nets.
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. ET Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit Odds: Pistons -15
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (45-18)
Cade Cunningham, Marcus Sasser, Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Brooklyn Nets (17-47)
Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney, Nic Claxton
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 7: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on March 7, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Forget raining, it’s been pouring on this team for about a month now.
The Sixers announced that Tyrese Maxey underwent imaging that revealed a tendon injury in his right fifth finger (a.k.a the pinkie). He will be reevaluated in approximately three weeks, per the team’s release. ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to report.
76ers are now without Maxey, Joel Embiid (oblique) and Paul George (suspension) in midst of playoff battle currently in 8th place in the East. Maxey has averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks — and is only player with 100 steals and 50 blocks this… https://t.co/pXKvvWe2yV
So, Maxey will miss at least the rest of March before being checked out again. Assuming that’s enough time to heal and he’s able to return shortly after, the first time he could see the court again could be April 1 against the Washington Wizards. Maxey suffered the injury back on March 7 colliding with Adem Bona in the final seconds of a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
That’s assuming he’s able to come right back when he’s reevaluated and doesn’t need anymore time. Regardless, this puts the Sixers in a very dangerous position in the short term. This timeline rules Maxey out for roughly 11 games already.
They’re of course still without Paul George, who’s serving his suspension, and Joel Embiid, who’s been dealing with an oblique strain. Ahead of their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, head coach Nick Nurse said that the team expects an update on Embiid at the end of the week.
That’s a lot of games the Sixers need to make up shorthanded, something they’ve really struggled to do since the calendar flipped to 2026.
Losers of four of their last five games, they’ve dropped to eighth in the Eastern Conference. If they lose against the Grizzlies and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Dallas Mavericks, they’ll drop to nine below the Hawks having conclusively lost that tiebreaker as well.
This could be tough individually for Maxey too, who’s played 61 games this year. He needs four more to qualify for awards and All-NBA teams. Just as everyone gears up for a playoff push, injuries may have put the Sixers in a free fall.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Boopie Miller scored 25 points to lead five starters in double figures, Jaden Toombs and Samet Yigitoglu each had a double-double and No. 11 seed SMU beat 14th-seeded Syracuse 86-69 on Tuesday in the opening round of the ACC Tournament.
SMU (20-12), which had lost four ACC games in a row, advances to play 24th-ranked and sixth-seeded Louisville on Wednesday in the second round.
Toombs had a double-double in the first half with 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Miller added 11 points to help SMU hold a 39-38 lead at the break. Nate Kingz paced Syracuse with 17 points.
SMU pulled away midway through the second half when Jaron Pierre Jr. made three straight 3-pointers during a 13-0 run that ended in a 69-48 lead with 8:41 remaining. Pierre's fifth 3-pointer of the second half made it 79-66.
Pierre finished with 21 points for SMU. Toombs had 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, Yigitoglu had 12 points and 11 boards, and Corey Washington also scored 12. The Mustang reserves only attempted two shots.
Kingz led Syracuse (15-17) with 25 points and Tyler Betsey added 15. The Orange shot 9 of 34 from distance (26%).
Up next
Syracuse ends the campaign on a six-game losing streak.
SMU split the regular-season series with Louisville as both teams won at home.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Lauren Whittaker scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Gonzaga to a 76-66 win over Oregon State in the West Coast Conference Tournament championship game on Tuesday.
The second-seeded Bulldogs (24-9) will make their 16th trip to the NCAA Tournament and first since 2024 after winning their 11th WCC Tournament before joining the renewed Pac-12 next season.
Whittaker, a freshman and conference player of the year, was 9-of-20 shooting with three 3-pointers. Allie Turner scored all 14 of her points in the second half and Ines Bettencourt added 12.
Jenna Villa scored 20 points for the fourth-seeded Beavers (23-11), making 9 of 10 free throws but going just 4 of 15 from the floor. Tiara Bolden added 19 points and eight rebounds and Lizzy Williamson had 12 points and nine rebounds.
There were 15 lead changes and 10 ties, the final deadlock coming with six minutes remaining before Whittaker completed a three-point play. Her basket with two minutes to go made it a four-point edge. From there, the Bulldogs wrapped up the win, making 9 of 10 free throws while the Beavers were just 1 of 4 at the line and 1 of 7 from the floor.
Turner hit two 3-pointers and scored 10 points in the third quarter. Whittaker added nine and the Bulldogs took a 53-49 lead into the final period.
Whittaker's 3-pointer gave Gonzaga a 18-17 first-quarter lead. The Beavers outscored the Bulldogs 11-3 over the final eight minutes for a 28-27 halftime edge.
The teams split their two regular-season games. Gonzaga had reached four straight NCAA Tournaments before the Beavers beat them in last year’s semifinals en route to winning the tournament.
DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 02: Head coach Quin Snyder of the Atlanta Hawks gives instructions to his team during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 02, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (21-43) stay on the road on Tuesday night, this time facing off against the Atlanta Hawks. Dallas has the league’s longest losing streak, currently sitting at seven games. Their opponent, meanwhile, is red-hot, winning six straight. This is an important game for both teams and will be worth tuning in for even if you’re highly invested in the tank
Here are the main things you need to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks
WHAT: Becoming one with road games.
WHERE: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
WHEN: 6:30 pm CST
HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass
The injury report for the Dallas Mavericks tonight is easily the best it’s been in months. The two-way players are all doubtful, so Moussa Cisse won’t play. And of course Dereck Lively and Kyrie Irving are out. Everyone else is not on the report at all.
The Atlanta Hawks will be without Jonathan Kuminga, who is missing the game due to a knee bruise.
This game should be a test for the Dallas tank. The Hawks are playing their best basketball of the season and Dallas has looked really out of sorts the last few losses. To the point that watching them feels fruitless. They need just one thing to go their way to get a win, but I have real concerns about their ability to stop Jalen Johnson, who poured in 35 points in his last game on Saturday. The Hawks will have had two days off, a rarity in the NBA comparatively, so they should come out looking spry.
Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!
Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!
