The last time Gonzaga failed to make the NCAA tournament’s second weekend, TikTok didn’t even exist.
Roddy Gayle’s second-half surge leads Michigan past Texas A&M 91-79 in March Madness turnaround
Gayle helped the Wolverines overcome a 10-point deficit to advance to Atlanta for a matchup with Auburn.
In March Madness, BYU gets a stop, then gets to go … to Sweet 16 with 91-89 win over Wisconsin
The BYU Cougars led the entire game Saturday but still had to make one, final defensive stop against Wisconsin's irrepressible guard, John Tonje, to seal a 91-89 victory over the Badgers and the program's first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2011 — the days of Jimmer Fredette. In a much-welcomed and rare March Madness nailbiter, Tonje finished with 37 points to become the first player to crack 30 this year in the tournament. “You watched the game and you’re kind of like, ‘How did we get to a two-point game here, you know?’” said Fredette, who took things in from about 10 rows up in the stands in the same arena where he led BYU to its last Sweet 16 trip.
Top overall seed Auburn reaches first Sweet 16 since 2019, turning away Creighton 82-70
Bruce Pearl’s team was upset in the first round last year and he had not taken Auburn past the second round since it reached its only Final Four in 2019.
March Madness: BYU fends off stunning Wisconsin rally, hands Big Ten its first loss after 10-0 start in NCAA tournament
Few saw the final moments of this game coming.
Despite late goal, Devils go quietly in 3-2 loss to Senators
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — David Perron scored a power-play goal to cap Ottawa’s three-goal second period, and the Senators held on to beat the New Jersey Devils 3-2 on Saturday night.
Brady Tkachuk and Drake Batherson also scored to help the Senators win for the seventh time in their last nine games. Linus Ullmark finished with 25 saves.
Nico Hischier and Erik Haula scored for the Devils, who have lost three of four. Jake Allen had 16 saves.
Tkachuk gave Ottawa a 1-0 lead with his 28th at 4:05 of the second, and Batherson doubled the lead with his 20th at 4:38.
Hischier’s power play goal at 7:13 got the Devils on the scoreboard. It was his 30th and extended his point streak to six games.
However, Perron extended the lead to 3-1 with his sixth 1:31 later.
Haula pulled the Devils back within one with his eighth with 23 seconds left in the third.
New Jersey had several prime chances in the final 20 seconds, looking to tie it, but Ullmark made several stops and Jake Sanderson clearing the puck near the goalmouth.
Takeaways
Ottawa: The Senators hold the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, and pulled one point behind the Devils for third place in the Metropolitan Division. Ottawa has played two fewer games.
New Jersey: The Devils have lost six of their last 10 games, and are in danger of falling into a wild card spot.
Key moment
Tim Stutzle and Sanderson scored 33 seconds apart early in the second period to give the Senators a 2-0 lead.
Key stat
Jesper Bratt got his 61st assist of the season on Hischier’s goal, passing Scott Stevens (60 in 1993-94) for the franchise record.
Up next
Ottawa visits Buffalo on Tuesday, while the Devils host Vancouver on Monday to finish a three-game homestand.
Penguins Goalie Prospect Continues Historic Run In AHL
Twenty-four hours after getting pummelled by the Providence Bruins, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins bounced back with a thrilling 3-2 overtime win on Saturday over the AHL's second-best team, the Hershey Bears.
Moreover, the Penguins were backed by rookie phenom Sergei Murashov, who improved to 10-0-0 in his first season in the AHL. Saturday's third star of the game made 24 saves on 26 shots, earning a .923 SV%, his fifth-best total of the season.
As the overtime hero, Avery Hayes was named the game's first star. He scored the winner, his 19th of the year, at 2:09 of the extra period. Meanwhile, the contest's second star was Atley Calvert, who scored the Penguins' two other goals, one in the second and one in the third period.
Penguins: Sidney Crosby's Chase Of Wayne Gretzky's NHL Point-Per-Game RecordPittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is on pace to break a Wayne Gretzky record many people thought would never fall; most seasons (19) averaging a point-per-game average.
The Bears (38-16-6-1) opened the scoring when Mike Vecchione scored at 18:36 of the first period. Calvert tied things at 3:49 of the middle frame and scored again at 6:52 of the third. At 18:29, Vecchione tallied his second of the night to force the overtime.
Hershey's Hunter Shepard was on the hook for a loss with 28 saves on 31 shots. However, the story of the night belonged to Murashov, who has yet to lose in the AHL this season.
The 21-year-old from Russia is 10-0-0 with a .916 SV% and 2.58 GAA. He now owns the Penguins record for longest win streak by a rookie goalie.
As mentioned, the Penguins lost to the Bruins 10-2 on Friday and will finish their three-game weekend with a visit to the Bridgeport Islanders on Sunday afternoon.
Thanks to a 34-18-7-1 record, WBS remains tied with the Charlotte Checkers for third place in the Atlantic Division. So far, the Bears are the only AHL team to clinch a playoff spot.
Knicks' offense busts out, breaks two-game skid with 122-103 win over Wizards
The Knicks snapped their two-game losing streak with a much-needed 122-103 win over the league-worst Washington Wizards on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
Here are some takeaways...
- The Knicks' offense has struggled mightily with captain clutch Jalen Brunson sidelined for the past eight games due to his right ankle injury, but they were finally able to receive the big-time shooting performance that they've been looking for to pull out a much-needed win in this one.
One of the biggest reasons behind their back-to-back losses in San Antonio and Charolette was slow offensive starts. New York finally came out flying in this one, shooting an even 50 percent from the field (four threes) to open an early advantage, which they barely held onto.
- New York's lineup did take another big hit coming into the night, as Miles McBride was ruled out with a groin injury after attempting to go through pregame warmups, so Cameron Payne was inserted into the starting five and he provided a nice boost on both ends of the floor.
The veteran guard led the way in the first quarter, knocking down a pair of threes to help the Knicks open an early advantage. He went on to finish with 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field (all threes) while dishing six assists and reeling in four rebounds in his second start of the year.
- Mikal Bridges put together one of his best halves of the season. After a quiet showing in the first, he was lights out during the second quarter, picking up 20 of his 27 points on the night -- including a stretch where he knocked down four consecutive threes to help put the game out of reach.
- Rookie point guard Tyler Kolek took advantage of that stretch, as he picked up four points and a career-high seven assists while playing the whole second quarter. The youngster has been back-and-forth between the pros and Westchester this season, and this was his first time seeing first half minutes since the beginning of the new year.
- Karl-Anthony Towns was quiet during the first half, but he made his mark early and often in the second, scoring or assisting on five of the Knicks' first six buckets in the third quarter. The big man made some clutch buckets down the stretch and finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds.
- OG Anunoby sat during the second quarter after picking up three early fouls, but he was also tremendous offensively, picking up 23 points while knocking down four of five threes. Josh Hart had just nine points but he topped the double-digit mark in rebounds again, bringing in 11.
- The Knicks did have a little bit of a scare late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, as Washington was able to cut a 33-point deficit all the way back down to four, but they locked in during the final frame and held on to pick up their 44th win of the season.
- MSG broke out in PJ Tucker chants for the second straight home blowout, but the veteran didn't see the floor.
Game MVP: Mikal Bridges
Bridges simply couldn't miss during the second quarter, and it helped the Knicks put this one out of reach.
Highlights
Double figures in the first quarter for Cam Payne ♨️
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 23, 2025
(via @nyknicks) pic.twitter.com/LJSvuLMtvj
OG lighting it up from outside!
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 23, 2025
(via @nyknicks) pic.twitter.com/oxWF0BiLxN
Tyler Kolek dimes! pic.twitter.com/XEqe9hqHkd
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 23, 2025
MIKAL BRIDGES CAN'T MISS pic.twitter.com/D90oc6R8am
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) March 23, 2025
Whats next
The Knicks have two days off before they host the Dallas Mavericks at MSG on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Which UFAs Should The Penguins Bring Back?
Although the Pittsburgh Penguins shipped out most of their unrestricted free agents before the NHL trade deadline on Mar. 7, there are still a few remaining on the roster.
There's really no telling what President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas will do in free agency this summer, but it is possible that he decides to bring back some of the UFA stragglers who are currently on the NHL roster.
So which UFAs should they keep around, and who should they let walk?
Matt Grzelcyk
Keep: Yes
This may or may not be a polarizing response, but Grzelcyk's career has found new life in Pittsburgh. The 31-year-old left defenseman has already smashed previous offensive career-highs - his 32 points so far this season have beaten his previous career-best total of 26 - and he has helped revive a pronounced-dead Penguins' power play.
Given that Pittsburgh's left defensive corps are a bit thin as far as talent right now, it might not be the worst thing to sign him to another one- or two-year deal to help bridge the gap for the younger guys - like Owen Pickering and Emil Pieniniemi - coming up through the system.
Matt Nieto
Keep: No
Nieto's return to play this season after missing nearly an entire year with knee injuries was certainly inspiring. However, his performance over time did not warrant the Penguins keeping him on their NHL roster, as they waived him on Feb. 26.
There isn't really any reason for the Penguins to keep Nieto beyond this season, especially with some young prospects vying for roster spots in 2025-26.
Emil Bemstrom
Keep: Yes
Prior to his latest Pittsburgh call-up on Feb. 27, Bemstrom was enjoying an impressive season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS). He put up 21 goals and 46 points in 43 games and was named to the AHL All-Star Classic.
Although he will be 26 next season, Bemstrom is a good depth option to have. He is a proven AHL player and may have a bit more to offer at the NHL level. He has also been pretty effective in generating chances through a short 10-game sample this season.
Bring him back cheap, and he's a decent insurance option - especially in the event of injury or if a younger player needs to be sent back for development at some point during the season next year.
Boko Imama
Keep: Yes
Imama is not only a high-energy guy on the ice, he's also someone you want to have in a locker room. His teammates love him, and his positive energy is contagious.
He shouldn't be in the lineup on a nightly basis if the Penguins bring him back. There are younger players who are due for NHL opportunities, and for the type of player Imama is - one of the NHL's few true enforcers - he doesn't need to be in the lineup every night, anyway.
Imama would be fine to bring back as a 13th or 14th forward whose roster spot wouldn't really be hindering a younger player's development.
Joona Koppanen
Keep: No
Koppanen, 27, has enjoyed a pretty decent season in WBS. He registered six goals and 21 points in 53 AHL games, and his two-way conscientiousness is definitely something that has value.
But there are dozens of other Koppanens around the league, including many who are younger. If he returns on a cheap AHL-level contract, that's understandable. But he's the kind of player who - at the NHL level - might block prospects like Vasily Ponomarev, Avery Hayes, and Tristan Broz.
Forward depth in the system is never a bad thing. But bringing Koppanen back certainly isn't a "must."
Other UFA predictions:
Keep:
- C Jimmy Huntington
- RW Marc Johnstone
- D Nathan Clurman
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Ottawa Senators Shake Off Brief Slide With 3-2 Win In New Jersey
The Ottawa Senators shook off a two-game losing streak on Saturday night, winning a 3-2 nailbiter over the New Jersey Devils. The Devils made a furious push with their goalie pulled at the end of the game but the Sens held on for the win. Linus Ullmark made 25 saves as the Sens were outshot 27-19.
The Senators utilized one of the game's golden rules they probably heard from every coach they've ever had: "Go to the net, get rewarded."
After a scoreless first period, which wasn't for lack of chances, the Senators did all of their scoring in the middle frame in a span of four and a half minutes, all on redirected shots by players stationed in front of the Devils' net.
The first goal came from Brady Tkachuk—his 28th of the season—4:05 into the second period as he redirected a puck from Jake Sanderson.
Just 33 seconds later, Dylan Cozens appeared to be attempting a one-timer but fanned on the shot. Regardless of his intent, it turned into a perfect pass to Batherson, who redirected it past Jake Allen.
The Devils cut the lead to 2-1 at the 7:13 mark when Nico Hischier fired a one-timer for his 30th goal of the season. Jesper Bratt set it up, earning his 61st assist of the year, breaking a Devils franchise record (Scott Stevens 1993-94).
However, the Senators restored their two-goal lead after Claude Giroux’s shot on the power play bounced off David Perron and into the net. It was Perron's sixth goal of the season, making it 3-1 Ottawa and standing up as the winner.
The Senators nursed the lead the rest of the way, but finally bent in the dying moments when Erik Haula scored with 22 seconds left. The Devils made a hard charge to tie it with a loose puck in the blue paint behind Ullmark, but Artem Zub swept it away in the scrum, preserving the win.
Tkachuk continues to push through nagging hip pain that may go back to the 4 Nations tournament in February. Sportsnet cameras caught him wincing in pain during the first period on Saturday night, leaving a shift early, and yelling profanities in frustration.
The Senators continued to monitor his status, using him sparingly in the third. He played just over 13 minutes, well off his customary 18-19 minutes of work. The team is obviously hoping he and defenceman Nick Jensen can heal up their nagging injuries and be as close to 100% as possible before the playoffs.
Speaking of which, the win Saturday was a nice counter to the New York Rangers 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks. It keeps the Sens five points above the Eastern playoff cut line. They also expanded their lead on the (WC2) Montreal Canadiens, who lost in a shootout to the Colorado Avalanche and slip four points behind the Sens.
The Sens also climbed two points closer to the top three teams in the Atlantic - Florida, Toronto, and Tampa - who all lost.
The Senators' next game is in Buffalo on Tuesday night.
By Steve Warne
Site Editor at The Hockey News Ottawa
Stay updated with the most interesting Ottawa Senators stories, analysis, breaking news and more at The Hockey News Ottawa. Tap the star here at Google News to add us to your favourites and never miss a thing.
Game Review: Ottawa Senators Shake Off Brief Slide With 3-2 Win In New Jersey
The Ottawa Senators shook off a two-game losing streak on Saturday night, winning a 3-2 nailbiter over the New Jersey Devils. The Devils made a furious push with their goalie pulled at the end of the game but the Sens held on for the win. Linus Ullmark made 25 saves as the Sens were outshot 27-19.
The Senators utilized one of the game's golden rules they probably heard from every coach they've ever had: "Go to the net, get rewarded."
After a scoreless first period, which wasn't for lack of chances, the Senators did all of their scoring in the middle frame in a span of four and a half minutes, all on redirected shots by players stationed in front of the Devils' net.
The first goal came from Brady Tkachuk—his 28th of the season—4:05 into the second period as he redirected a puck from Jake Sanderson.
Just 33 seconds later, Dylan Cozens appeared to be attempting a one-timer but fanned on the shot. Regardless of his intent, it turned into a perfect pass to Batherson, who redirected it past Jake Allen.
The Devils cut the lead to 2-1 at the 7:13 mark when Nico Hischier fired a one-timer for his 30th goal of the season. Jesper Bratt set it up, earning his 61st assist of the year, breaking a Devils franchise record (Scott Stevens 1993-94).
However, the Senators restored their two-goal lead after Claude Giroux’s shot on the power play bounced off David Perron and into the net. It was Perron's sixth goal of the season, making it 3-1 Ottawa and standing up as the winner.
The Senators nursed the lead the rest of the way, but finally bent in the dying moments when Erik Haula scored with 22 seconds left. The Devils made a hard charge to tie it with a loose puck in the blue paint behind Ullmark, but Artem Zub swept it away in the scrum, preserving the win.
Tkachuk continues to push through nagging hip pain that may go back to the 4 Nations tournament in February. Sportsnet cameras caught him wincing in pain during the first period on Saturday night, leaving a shift early, and yelling profanities in frustration. He
The Senators continued to monitor his status, using him sparingly in the third. He played just over 13 minutes, well off his usual contributions. The team is obviously hoping he and defenceman Nick Jensen can heal up their nagging injuries and be as close to 100% as possible before the playoffs.
Speaking of which, the win Saturday was a nice counter to the New York Rangers 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks. That keeps the Sens five points above the Eastern playoff cut line. They also expanded their lead on the (WC2) Montreal Canadiens, who lost in a shootout to the Colorado Avalanche and stand four points behind the Sens.
The Sens also climbed two points closer to the top three teams in the Atlantic - Florida, Toronto, and Tampa - who all lost. They're
The Senators' next game is in Buffalo on Tuesday night.
By Steve Warne
Site Editor at The Hockey News Ottawa
Stay updated with the most interesting Ottawa Senators stories, analysis, breaking news and more at The Hockey News Ottawa. Tap the star here at Google News to add us to your favourites and never miss a thing.
LeBron James, Rui Hachimura return from injuries for Lakers Saturday
After missing six games with a strained groin, LeBron James will return to the Lakers lineup Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls, something the team has confirmed. Rui Hachimura is set to make his return as well.
The Lakers kept their heads above water going 3-3 with LeBron out thanks to Luka Doncic powering the Lakers' offense, until he had to miss time with an ankle issue. However, in those games, it became clear how much the Lakers still rely on 40-year-old LeBron to be the glue guy who does whatever it takes to get wins. His high IQ play was missed.
What fell off without LeBron is the Lakers' defense, which was in the top 10 in the NBA after the trade deadline with LeBron in the lineup, but in the six games with him out, it fell to 18th in the league.
Hachimura's return gives Redick more size and shooting to mix and match, depending on the opponent.
The Lakers sit third in a crowded top of the Western Conference. Houston, Los Angeles, Denver and Memphis are all within three games of each other for the 2-5 seeds in the conference. The Lakers are two back of Houston for the No. 2 seed and should get a boost from LeBron's return, but they also have the toughest remaining schedule of any of those teams.
After winning with a 3-point barrage in NCAA opener, Texas Tech goes inside to take apart Drake
Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland knew that tossing up 46 shots from beyond the arc wasn't going to fly against Drake. Not like it did in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against UNC Wilmington. Toppin had 25 points and 12 rebounds, Williams had a season-best 28 points, and together they sent Texas Tech into the Sweet 16 with a 77-64 victory.
Men’s March Madness winners, losers: John Calipari shines again, offense dooms St. John’s
John Calipari revived his reputation while offensive woes spelled the end of the road for St. John's and Texas A&M.
Utah Overcomes Two Disallowed Goals, Wins 6-4 Over Tampa Bay Lightning
POSTGAME
— Utah Hockey Club PR (@UtahHC_PR) March 23, 2025
"I try to be the best version of myself each and every day and just try to get as good as I can to become the player I want to be."@utahhockeyclub Logan Cooley on his competitiveness and what drives him pic.twitter.com/JjOG2Iklwd
Utah has gotten used to close games, whether it's playing in one of its 19 overtime games its had this season, which is tied for the most in the league, or playing in games with only a one-goal lead.
However, in this game, Utah had to play a one-goal lead knowing it could have had two additional goals, if not for two successful challenges from the Lightning.
One of those challenges came on a Clayton Keller goal, which was waved off because teammate Jack McBain created enough contact with Tampa goalie Brandon Halverson, starting his first-ever game for the Lightning, to cancel the goal.
Goaltender interference, no goal. 5-4, Utah.
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) March 22, 2025
Time to respond, boys. https://t.co/NJwXn16Zam
But despite having goals wiped off the board, it was ultimately Utah's defense that won it in this high-scoring affair.
After Tampa's Brayden Point scored the Lightning’s fourth goal with 17:06 remaining in the third period, Utah didn't allow another goal for the rest of the period.
Considering Utah was caught with too many men on the ice for a with only 2:09 remaining in the game, it was particularly impressive that Utah not only held off a power play unit, but also an extra Tampa attacker that came out whenever Halverson was pulled.
Andre Tourigny Among Many Supporting Ryan Smith and the New Utah OwnershipOn Monday, March 17, James Mirtle of the Athletic put out an article ranking every NHL owner from 1-32, based on surveyed responses from over 4000 readers, including fans of every NHL team.
But with Utah goalie Karel Vejmelka, playing in a league-high 13th consecutive start, making a couple of late saves, the puck fell to Utah's Alexander Kerfoot, who scored an empty-netter to put Utah up 6-4 and seal the game.
"Yeah, I love it. Right from the start of the game, the focus, the execution, the urgency was elite. I think everybody was engaged. Everybody was connected. We're really disciplined, and in the way we had to play against those guys. Great effort from the boys."
The empty-net goal was Kerfoot's second of the day, with the other coming after a key moment that saw a goal from Utah's Lawson Crouse erased, followed by some great passing from Tampa, which led to its second goal of the game from Anthony Cirelli.
Fellas didn't like that last one so they took it back.
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) March 22, 2025
3-2 good guys. pic.twitter.com/0YDIAs5m4e
Originally, Utah's Kevin Stenlund, whose assist on the goal gave him his fifth point in five games, had taken a shot that went wide right of the goal.
But with Utah recovering the puck, it ended up back where Stenlund was. In the exact same spot, Stenlund took another shot, this time aiming for an open Kerfoot standing right in front of the net. This time, Utah would get a point with Kerfoot deflecting the puck in.
Though the Crouse goal was cancelled after a successful Tampa challenge revealed the puck hit the curve of the glass near the benches, having Kerfoot score not long after Tampa's goal was an important response from Utah.
"We’ve been playing a lot of one goal games, this one didn’t feel much different even though there are more goals on the scoreboard," said Kerfoot. "They’re a dangerous team, they got guys who are going to make plays even if you’re in the right spots... I thought we were pressing, the [Cooley] line was great all night... Veggie came up big at the end there and we got the win."
But while Tampa would cut the game to 5-4 in the third period, a goal from Nick Schmaltz would give Utah a two-goal lead that would prove crucial in this back-and-forth offensive affair.
🚨 Puck don't lieeeeeee! Atta boy Schmaltzy! pic.twitter.com/E7juQRL7R2
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) March 22, 2025
Thanks to Logan Cooley aggressively shooting near the net, the puck remained in play. With the puck not being covered by Halverson in time, Schmaltz capitalized and took a quick shot to score.
With Cooley credited with the assist, it gave him his third point of the day, with the other two coming from goals earlier in the game.
One of those goals came after Cooley deflected the puck off Utah's John Marino in a way that slid right under Halverson's legs.
BOYS DIDN'T LIKE THAT ONE EITHER SO THEY TOOK IT BACK!
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) March 22, 2025
COOLS STAYS HOT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ab0tuJzi93
Considering Cooley had just gone through a six-game stretch without a single point, he has now scored six points in the last four games and has been on a roll.
“It’s always tough when you go through stretches of not playing your best, not producing," said Cooley. "And just overall, I think during that goal it allows you to get some confidence back and get back to your game and what makes me the player I am. It’s one of those things where it seems like it’s going my way right now and you just have to take advantage of it."
Though Utah's competition, Calgary and St. Louis, pulled out wins today— with the Flames having a late comeback against the Islanders— Utah can take solace in the fact that at least Vancouver lost 5-3.
Utah will have one last game at home against the Detroit Red Wings before going on a three-game road trip, where it will play Tampa Bay for its second time in a week. That game will be on Thursday, March 27.