“THE SCOREBOARD”
INDIANA BOYS REGIONAL PAIRINGS
NORTHERN HOSTS
MICHIGAN CITY
CLASS 3A | 1 PM CT | EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (19-8) VS. HANOVER CENTRAL (15-11)
CLASS 4A | 4 PM CT | PORTAGE (20-5) VS. CROWN POINT (21-2)
LOGANSPORT
CLASS 2A | 4 PM ET | MANCHESTER (22-2) VS. TIPTON (19-6)
CLASS 4A | 7 PM ET | HOMESTEAD (21-5) VS. CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (11-15)
SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON
CLASS 3A | 1 PM ET | SOUTH BEND SAINT JOSEPH (23-3) VS. COLUMBIA CITY (17-9)
CLASS 4A | 4 PM ET | SOUTH BEND RILEY (21-4) VS. WARSAW COMMUNITY (25-4)
NEW CASTLE
CLASS 1A | 4 PM ET | DALEVILLE (9-15) VS. MONROE CENTRAL (18-6)
CLASS 3A | 7 PM ET | DELTA (16-7) VS. FORT WAYNE BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN (24-3)
NORTH JUDSON-SAN PIERRE
CLASS 1A | 1 PM CT | KOUTS (22-4) VS. TRI-COUNTY (14-11)
CLASS 2A | 4 PM CT | FORT WAYNE BISHOP LUERS (21-6) VS. GARY 21ST CENTURY (19-6)
LAPEL
CLASS 2A | 4 PM ET | WESTERN BOONE (11-14) VS. WAPAHANI (25-1)
CLASS 3A | 7 PM ET | MACONAQUAH (20-5) VS. MARION (14-11)
TRITON
CLASS 1A | 1 PM ET | TRITON (22-4) VS. LAKEWOOD PARK CHRISTIAN (7-16)
CLASS 2A | 4 PM ET | JIMTOWN (15-10) VS. WESTVIEW (18-7)
FRANKFORT
CLASS 1A | 4 PM ET | CLINTON PRAIRIE (23-2) VS. LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (12-14)
CLASS 4A | 7 PM ET | FISHERS (27-0) VS. HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (19-6)
SOUTHERN HOSTS
SOUTHPORT
CLASS 4A | 1 PM ET | MT. VERNON (FORTVILLE) (20-) VS. BROWNSBURG (13-12)
CLASS 4A | 4 PM ET | MOORESVILLE (14-11) VS. LAWRENCE NORTH (20-6)
SEYMOUR
CLASS 1A | 4 PM ET | CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (18-8) VS. ORLEANS (21-4)
CLASS 2A | 7 PM ET | SOUTH RIPLEY (23-1) VS. FOREST PARK (18-6)
LEBANON
CLASS 2A | 1 PM ET | TRITON CENTRAL (16-9) VS. UNIVERSITY (17-9)
CLASS 3A | 4 PM ET | INDIANAPOLIS CRISPUS ATTUCKS (19-6) VS. NORTHVIEW (24-2)
WASHINGTON
CLASS 3A | 4 PM ET | BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (23-2) VS. EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (18-6)
CLASS 4A | 7 PM ET | TERRE HAUTE NORTH VIGO (20-5) VS. WHITELAND COMMUNITY (15-11)
GREENFIELD-CENTRAL
CLASS 1A | 1 PM ET | NORTH DECATUR (14-13) VS. LIBERTY CHRISTIAN (17-8)
CLASS 3A | 4 PM ET | GUERIN CATHOLIC (23-4) VS. NEW PALESTINE (24-3)
SOUTHRIDGE
CLASS 3A | 4 PM ET | JENNINGS COUNTY (12-14) VS. PRINCETON COMMUNITY (23-2)
CLASS 4A | 7 PM ET | JEFFERSONVILLE (20-5) VS. EVANSVILLE HARRISON (17-7)
MARTINSVILLE
CLASS 1A | 1 PM ET | INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (8-15) VS. HAUSER (23-3)
CLASS 2A | 4 PM ET | PARKE HERITAGE (23-4) VS. CENTERVILLE (20-7)
LOOGOOTEE
CLASS 1A | 4 PM ET | NORTHEAST DUBOIS (16-9) VS. CLAY CITY (24-1)
CLASS 2A | 7 PM ET | LINTON-STOCKTON (20-6) VS. PROVIDENCE (17-4)
INDIANA GIRLS BASKETBALL
ALL-STARS
LAILA ABDURRAQIB, LAWRENCE CENTRAL (NEW MEXICO)
ADDI BAXTER, COLUMBIA CITY (BUTLER)
ELLA BOBE, SOUTH KNOX (SOUTHERN INDIANA)
ADDIE BOWSMAN, TWIN LAKES (SAINT FRANCIS, IN)..INJURED
AVERY GORDON, BROWNSBURG (PURDUE)
JACKLYNN HOSIER, ALEXANDRIA (VERMONT)
KYA HURT, LAWRENCE NORTH (ILLINOIS STATE)
JAYLAH LAMPLEY, LAWRENCE CENTRAL (MISSISSIPPI STATE)
MAYA MAKALUSKY, HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (INDIANA)
MONIQUE MITCHELL, SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON (AKRON)
MEREDITH TIPPNER, NOBLESVILLE (MIAMI)
KAYCIE WARFEL, PENDLETON HEIGHTS (TAYLOR)
BROOKE WINCHESTER, WARSAW (BALL STATE)
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
MICHIGAN STATE 74 OREGON 64
MEMPHIS 83 WICHITA STATE 80
AUBURN 62 OLE MISS 57
WISCONSIN 86 UCLA 70
TENNESSEE 83 TEXAS 72
ST. JOHN 79 MARQUETTE 63
MARYLAND 88 ILLINOIS 65
DUKE 74 NORTH CAROLINA 71
HOUSTON 74 BYU 54
FLORIDA 95 MISSOURI 81
MICHIGAN 86 PURDUE 68
LOUISVILLE 76 CLEMSON 73
ARIZONA 86 TEXAS TECH 80
ALABAMA 99 KENTUCKY 70
WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
BALL STATE 70 KENT STATE 53
TOLEDO 56 BUFFALO 49
INDIANA COLLEGE BASEBALL
CLEMSON 2 NOTRE DAME 1
BELMONT 12 BUTLER 2
BELMONT 20 BUTLER 10
INDIANA 12 OHIO STATE 2
INDIANA 8 OHIO STATE 7
PURDUE 7 ILLINOIS CHICAGO 1
ILLINOIS 13 VALPARAISO 9
NORTHERN KENTUCKY 5 PURDUE FORT WAYNE 2
BALL STATE 12 TOLEDO 2
SAMFORD 10 EVANSVILLE 4
SAMFORD 6 EVANSVILLE 2
INDIANA STATE 5 PACIFIC 3
MURRAY STATE 5 SOUTHERN INDIANA 4
NBA SCOREBOARD
INDIANA 112 PHILADELPHIA 100
BOSTON 103 MIAMI 91
LA CLIPPERS 121 ATLANTA 98
HOUSTON 133 DALLAS 96
MINNESOTA 118 ORLANDO 111
CHARLOTTE 145 SAN ANTONIO 134
CLEVELAND 133 MEMPHIS 124
DENVER 131 LA LAKERS 126
TORONTO 126 UTAH 118
PHOENIX 122 SACRAMENTO 106
NHL SCOREBOARD
CAROLINA 4 DETROIT 2
EDMONTON 2 NY ISLANDERS 1
WINNIPEG 4 DALLAS 1
COLORADO 4 CALGARY 2
ANAHEIM 2 NASHVILLE 1
SEATTLE 4 UTAH 2
MLB SCOREBOARD
WASHINGTON 5 ATLANTA 3
LAS VEGAS 12 LA ANGELS 1
CHICAGO WHITE SOX 7 CINCINNATI 3
CLEVELAND 8 SEATTLE 7
KANSAS CITY 9 LA ANGELS 8
MILWAUKEE 11 SAN FRANCISCO 5
BOSTON 9 MIAMI 4
ARIZONA 2 CINCINNATI 1
HOUSTON 6 TORONTO 5
MINNESOTA 13 TAMPA BAY 6
DETROIT 8 PITTSBURGH 8
NY METS 3 ST. LOUIS 3
BALTIMORE 10 MINNESOTA 0
NY YANKEES 6 PHILADELPHIA 5
TEXAS 5 COLORADO 0
SAN DIEGO 9 TEXAS 8
HASHIN TIGERS 3 CHICAGO CUBS 0
MLS SCOREBOARD
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP
Jase Richardson scored 17 points and No. 7 Michigan State used a 15-point run in the second half to spark a 74-64 victory over No. 23 Oregon in the first Big Ten tournament quarterfinal Friday in Indianapolis.
Jaden Akins posted 12 points, Jeremy Fears Jr. contributed 11 points and five assists and Coen Carr notched 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench for top-seeded Michigan State (27-5), which extended its winning streak to eight games and advanced to Saturday’s first semifinal against Wisconsin, which defeated UCLA later on Friday.
Nate Bittle paced eighth-seeded Oregon (24-9) with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while TJ Bamba added 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. The Ducks’ eight-game winning streak came to a close as guard Jackson Shelstad (eight points) missed all five of his 3-point tries as part of the team’s 4-of-19 showing on treys.
No. 11 Maryland 88, No. 24 Illinois 65
Rodney Rice scored 18 of his game-high 26 points in the first nine minutes and the second-seeded Terrapins emphatically advanced to the semifinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament by routing the seventh-seeded Fighting Illini in Indianapolis.
Rice was 7 of 9 from 3-point range as the Terrapins (25-7) moved on to a matchup with third-seeded Michigan, which defeated sixth-seeded Purdue later Friday. Derik Queen added 19 points and 10 rebounds in just 23 minutes. Maryland committed only three turnovers and earned a whopping 22-0 advantage in points off turnovers.
Freshmen Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley each scored 15 points for the Fighting Illini (21-12), who are likely to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
No. 18 Wisconsin 86, UCLA 70
John Tonje went almost 35 minutes without missing a field-goal attempt to lead the Badgers to a blowout of the Bruins.
Tonje connected on his first nine shots from the floor and went 6-of-6 from 3-point range for a game-high 26 points. The fifth-seeded Badgers (25-8) made a Big Ten tournament record-tying 19 of their 32 attempts from beyond the arc in the game. Wisconsin matched the mark Iowa set in 2022 when it hit 19 of 29 in a win over Northwestern. The Badgers advance to Saturday’s semifinals to face No. 7 Michigan State, the tournament’s top seed.
Sebastian Mack led UCLA (22-10) with 18 points before fouling out. Kobe Johnson was the only other Bruin scorer in double figures with 14 points. Tyler Bilodeau matched Tonje’s game-high nine rebounds, but he shot just 1 of 7 from the floor in 18 minutes and finished with two points.
No. 22 Michigan 86, No. 20 Purdue 68
The Wolverines held the Boilermakers to 22-of-65 shooting from the floor and pulled away in the second half of their Big Ten tournament quarterfinal matchup in Indianapolis.
After giving up the game’s first six points, Michigan (23-9), the tournament’s No. 3 seed, answered with a 12-0 run. The 2:50 spurt gave the Wolverines a lead they never relinquished. Michigan’s big-man duo of Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin led the way on both ends. Wolf scored a team-high 18 points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, while Goldin added 15 points and eight rebounds.
Trey Kaufman-Renn of sixth-seeded Purdue (22-11) led all scorers with 24 points, but faced physical defense from Michigan’s lengthy frontcourt. Kaufman-Renn shot only 9-of-24 from the floor and was forced into three of the Boilermakers’ five total turnovers.
SEC TOURNAMENT ROUNDUP
Johni Broome had 23 points and 15 rebounds and No. 3 Auburn held off Ole Miss 62-57 in a quarterfinal of the Southeastern Conference tournament on Friday afternoon in Nashville.
Denver Jones added 13 points for the top-seeded Tigers (28-4), who will face No. 8 Tennessee in a semifinal on Saturday afternoon. Tennessee, the tourney’s fourth seed, defeated Texas later on Friday.
Dre Davis and Sean Pedulla each scored 12 points and Jaylen Murray and Malik Dia added 10 apiece to lead the eighth-seeded Rebels (22-11).
Chad Baker-Mazara’s three-point play extended Auburn’s lead to nine with 1:34 left in the second half. Pedulla’s steal and layup were part of a 6-0 run that trimmed the lead to three with 38 seconds left, but Broome made a jumper with 11 seconds left.
No. 4 Florida 95, No. 21 Missouri 81
Walter Clayton Jr. recorded 18 points and six assists to lead a balanced effort as the second-seeded Gators eliminated the seventh-seeded Tigers to reach the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament at Nashville.
Alijah Martin scored 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting and Will Richard also scored 17 points for Florida (28-4). The Gators’ Thomas Haugh contributed 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Florida will face third-seeded Alabama in one semifinal on Saturday. Alabama crushed sixth-seeded Kentucky later on Friday.
Tamar Bates scored 16 points for Missouri (22-11), which lost for the fourth time in five games. Tony Perkins and Anthony Robinson II added 13 points apiece, and Caleb Grill had 11. The Tigers played without Mark Mitchell, who sustained a right knee injury in the team’s Thursday victory over Mississippi State.
No. 5 Alabama 99, No. 15 Kentucky 70
Labaron Philon scored 21 points and the Crimson Tide never trailed while routing the Wildcats in the quarterfinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament in Nashville.
The Crimson Tide (25-7), who pulled away thanks to a 54-32 scoring advantage in the second half, will play No. 4 Florida, which defeated No. 21 Missouri 95-81 earlier Friday, in the second semifinal on Saturday.
Mouhamed Dioubate had 13 points and eight rebounds, Jarin Stevenson scored 16 points and Mark Sears and Aden Holloway had 13 each for third-seeded Alabama. Andrew Carr scored 18, Amari Williams had 16 and Travis Perry added 11 to lead the sixth-seeded Wildcats (22-11), who played without Lamont Butler (shoulder).
No. 8 Tennessee 83, Texas 72
Chaz Lanier poured in 23 points, 19 of them in a dominating first half, as the Volunteers defeated the Longhorns in a Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinal clash in Nashville.
Tennessee (26-6), the fourth seed in the tournament, advances to play No. 3 Auburn, the top-seeded team in this event, in the semifinals on Saturday. Thirteenth-seeded Texas (19-15) will have to sweat out the next few days before learning if it has earned an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament that begins next week.
Zakai Zeigler finished with 19 points, all in the second half, with Jahmai Mashack scoring 13 and Igor Milicic Jr. adding 12 points for Tennessee. Jordan Pope and Kadin Shedrick had 14 points apiece to lead the Longhorns.
NO. 6 ST. JOHN’S DOWNS NO. 25 MARQUETTE, REACHES BIG EAST FINAL
NEW YORK — Zuby Ejiofor scored 23 of his career-high 33 points in the second half as top-seeded St. John’s pulled away for a 79-63 victory over fifth-seeded Marquette on Friday night in the Big East tournament semifinals.
The Red Storm (28-4) advanced to their first conference tournament title game since beating UConn in 2000. St. John’s will face either third-seeded UConn or second-seeded Creighton.
St. John’s won its seventh straight and improved to 11-0 at Madison Square Garden this season by outscoring Marquette 44-26 in the final 20 minutes after facing an early 15-point deficit.
After being held to four points in the quarterfinal win over Butler on Thursday, Ejiofor dominated the second half, hitting seven of eight shots from the field. Ejiofor surpassed his previous career best of 28 set Dec. 7 against Kansas State and shot 11-of-15 overall.
Six days after hitting the game-winner in overtime in Milwaukee, Ejiofor also sank 11 of 12 free throws and pulled down nine rebounds before exiting to a standing ovation in the final seconds.
RJ Luis Jr. added 13 on 4-of-18 shooting for the Red Storm, who shot 41.8 percent overall and scored 44 points in the paint. Kadary Richmond collected 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while Aaron Scott contributed 11.
Kam Jones started hot and led the Golden Eagles (23-10) with 24 points. He scored 15 by halftime when Marquette took a two-point lead.
Stevie Mitchell added 11 but David Joplin was held to nine on 3-of-12 shooting and Chase Ross was limited to eight as the Golden Eagles shot 34.5 percent after halftime and 39 percent overall.
Jones scored 10 points, hitting two open 3s along with a crafty reverse layup as the Golden Eagles took a 12-5 lead a little over four minutes in. Jones sank his third 3 for a 20-9 lead with 14:07 left, and the Golden Eagles soon took a 15-point lead on a layup by Joplin.
St. John’s answered with a 22-7 run and forged a 31-all tie with 5:11 left on a corner 3 by Deivon Smith. There were two more deadlocks the rest of the half before Marquette entered the break with a 37-35 lead following two free throws by Mitchell with 30 seconds left.
Scott hit a corner 3 for a 42-all tie with 17:14 left and Ross was assessed a flagrant foul for throwing Ejiofor to the floor. Scott hit a 3 from the right side in front of coach Rick Pitino before Jones could cover as the Red Storm took a 51-45 lead with 15:23 left.
After Scott’s 3, Ejiofor and Luis combined for the next 19 Red Storm points, upping the lead to 70-56 on the center’s powerful two-handed dunk with 5:26 remaining to start finishing it off.
NO. 2 HOUSTON ROLLS PAST NO. 17 BYU INTO BIG 12 FINAL
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Emanuel Sharp scored 26 points and L.J. Cryer added 20 as No. 2 Houston defeated No. 17 BYU 74-54 on Friday in the first Big 12 tournament semifinal.
Top-seeded Houston (28-4) led wire to wire and advanced to the Saturday final, where it will face either second-seeded Texas Tech or third-seeded Arizona.
Houston defeated Arizona in the teams’ only matchup in the regular season. Houston split with Texas Tech, with the Cougars’ lone loss this season coming at home in overtime against the Red Raiders.
The Cougars from Houston controlled the pace far better than the Cougars from Provo, Utah.
Houston, which also got 14 points from Milos Uzan, attempted 26 3-point shots, tied for its third-highest total of the season.
Fourth-seeded BYU (24-8) also had three players in double figures, led by Keba Keita with 14 points. Dawson Baker added 11 and Richie Saunders had 11.
BYU scored 96 points in its quarterfinal victory over Iowa State and came in averaging 81.8 points per game, second best in the Big 12. But Houston led the conference in points allowed 58.4 per game, tied for first in the nation.
Trailing by 21 at halftime, BYU tried to make a game of it in the second half. The Cougars used an 8-0 run to get within 45-32. Houston contributed by going 2-for-11 in the first 6:34 of the half. However, back-to-back 3-pointers by Sharp silenced the BYU fans. By the 9:38 mark, Houston had its largest lead at 58-36.
If BYU had hoped for a quick start against the suffocating Houston defense, they didn’t get it. BYU missed its first nine shots before Baker hit a floater in the lane with 13:16 left in the first half. Houston already led 15-0.
BYU slowly chipped away at the deficit, trimming it to 23-16 with 6:32 left in the first half. However, Houston closed the half outscoring BYU 18-4 to take a 41-20 halftime lead.
Sharpe led Houston with 13 first-half points, while Cryer was right behind with 12. Saunders had eight before the break for BYU.
PJ HAGGERTY ERUPTS FOR 42 POINTS AS NO. 16 MEMPHIS JOLTS WICHITA STATE
PJ Haggerty scored 42 points on 16-for-25 shooting to help No. 16 Memphis hold on for an 83-80 win over Wichita State in the quarterfinal round of the American Athletic Conference tournament on Friday afternoon in Fort Worth, Texas.
Dain Dainja added 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting for Memphis (27-5), which advanced to the semifinal round on Saturday. The top-seeded Tigers will play the winner of Friday’s game between Florida Atlantic and Tulane.
Bijan Cortes scored 19 points on 6-for-14 shooting to lead eighth-seeded Wichita State (19-14). Xavier Bell tallied 18 points and Ronnie DeGray III finished with 14 for the Shockers.
Memphis won the rebound battle 42-29. The Tigers took advantage of their size and strength on the interior to post a 38-18 edge in points in the paint.
Wichita State started strong as it grabbed a 20-10 lead with 14:46 to go in the first half. Cortes knocked down a 3-pointer to put the Shockers on top by double digits.
Memphis rallied with a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to one point with 12:16 remaining in the half. Haggerty made a tip shot to punctuate the scoring run.
By halftime, the score was tied at 39-all. Haggerty scored the final three points of the half.
The Tigers pulled ahead by as many as 11 points in the second half. Haggerty led the charge once again as he grabbed a defensive rebound and made a jump shot on the opposite end to give Memphis a 72-61 advantage with 6:34 to play.
Wichita State clawed back within three points in the final minute. Bell made a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to 79-76 with 26 seconds left.
Memphis called a timeout to regroup, and it held firm for the rest of the way.
The Tigers’ Tyrese Hunter and the Shockers’ Bell traded two free throws apiece, which made it 81-78 in favor of Memphis with 12 seconds left. Haggerty sank two free throws next to increase the Tigers’ lead to 83-78 with 10 seconds to go.
DeGray added a layup with two seconds remaining to pull Wichita State within 83-80.
Haggerty grabbed a rebound before the buzzer to seal the victory and prevent the Shockers from trying a last-gasp 3-point attempt.
NBA NEWS
ROUND-UP
Evan Mobley had 22 points and 11 rebounds and Darius Garland added 20 points and nine assists to lead the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers to their franchise-record 16th consecutive victory, a 133-124 win Friday over the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Cavaliers, the NBA’s best team with a 56-10 record, also won their 11th straight road game.
De’Andre Hunter contributed 18 points and five rebounds and Jarrett Allen had 16 points and six boards for Cleveland. Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell missed his second game in a row due to a groin injury.
Ja Morant finished with a season-high 44 points for the Grizzlies, who had their four-game winning streak snapped. Jaren Jackson Jr. returned after missing five games with a sprained left ankle and had 13 points.
Timberwolves 118, Magic 111
Anthony Edwards scored 28 points on 9-for-19 shooting as Minnesota held on for a win over Orlando in Minneapolis.
Julius Randle added 22 points and seven rebounds for Minnesota, which won its seventh game in a row. Donte DiVincenzo contributed 14 points off the bench. The Timberwolves outscored the Magic 40-24 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Paolo Banchero scored 43 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Orlando. Caleb Houstan scored 18 points and made 6 of 8 shots from 3-point range while Franz Wagner scored 16.
Nuggets 131, Lakers 126
Jamal Murray hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 6.2 seconds left, and host Denver beat a depleted Los Angeles.
Murray finished with 26 points, Nikola Jokic had 28 points, Christian Braun scored 22, Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook each had 17 points and Michael Porter Jr. scored 13 points for Denver, which struggled against a Los Angeles team playing without six players.
The Lakers were missing LeBron James (hamstring), Jaxon Hayes (knee) and Rui Hachimura (knee) along with Luka Doncic, who was on injury management for his left calf. Austin Reaves (37 points, 13 assists) and Dalton Knecht (32 points) led the way for Los Angeles, which has lost four in a row.
Celtics 103, Heat 91
Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 28 points, leading visiting Boston to a win over slumping Miami.
Boston also got 25 points from Jrue Holiday, who made 10 of 15 shots, including shooting 5-of-8 on 3-pointers. Derrick White was key for the Celtics as he scored 12 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, making 3-of-5 shots from deep.
The Heat, who are 9-25 versus teams with a record of .500 or more, have lost a season-high six straight games. Andrew Wiggins led Miami with 23 points, and the Heat got 19 points and a game-high six assists from Tyler Herro.
Pacers 112, 76ers 100
Pascal Siakam led the way with 27 points as Indiana notched a road victory over short-handed Philadelphia.
Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 14 points and 10 assists for Indiana, which has won two games in a row following a three-game slide.
Jeff Dowtin Jr. scored a career-high 24 points for Philadelphia, which had only eight available players due to a lengthy list of injuries. Jared Butler pitched in with 17 points, while Adem Bona added 16. The 76ers lost for the sixth time in seven games and for the 15th time in 17 games.
Rockets 133, Mavericks 96
Tari Eason scored a career-high 30 points, Jalen Green added 23 as Houston cruised past Dallas.
Alperen Sengun paired 16 points with 15 rebounds as the Rockets extended their winning streak to five games and improved to 4-0 on their six-game homestand. Houston dominated the glass, recording a 67-34 rebounding margin.
Brandon Williams tallied 25 points for the Mavericks, who have dropped seven of eight. Naji Marshall and Spencer Dinwiddie added 21 and 20 points, respectively.
Hornets 145, Spurs 134
LaMelo Ball racked up 27 points and 15 assists and Nick Smith Jr. scored 22 of his 26 points in the first half as visiting Charlotte rolled to an easy victory over San Antonio.
The Hornets, who hit 26 3-pointers, led by 26 points at halftime and cruised to their third win in their past four games. Miles Bridges added 21 points, with Josh Green hitting for 20, Mark Williams producing 14 points and 10 rebounds and Jusuf Nurkic scoring 14.
San Antonio lost for the fourth time in its past five games while playing its first game in a month without star guard De’Aaron Fox, who was ruled out for the rest of the season on Thursday with a torn ligament in his left pinkie finger. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 26 points while Devin Vassell scored 22.
Clippers 121, Hawks 98
James Harden and Kawhi Leonard both scored 25 points to lead Los Angeles past host Atlanta for its fifth victory in six games.
Harden shot 8-for-14 from the floor, including 4-for-8 from 3-point range, while adding eight rebounds and seven assists. Leonard, who sat out the Clippers’ Wednesday game due to load management, hit 11 of 21 from the field and contributed six rebounds and five steals.
The Hawks had their four-game winning streak end while completing a 4-2 homestand. They were led by Onyeka Okongwu, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds for his 19th double-double of the season. Trae Young had 17 points and seven assists, but committed seven turnovers.
Suns 122, Kings 106
Devin Booker recorded 22 points and 13 assists and Kevin Durant had 22 points and six helpers as Phoenix produced a solid victory over visiting Sacramento.
Phoenix’s Tyus Jones added 20 points off the bench and was 6-for-6 from 3-point range on a night in which the Suns sank a season-high 24 treys (on 43 attempts). Phoenix moved within 1 1/2 games of the Dallas Mavericks in the battle for the final Western Conference play-in berth.
DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points and Zach LaVine added 21 for the Kings, who lost their fourth consecutive contest and are just 2 1/2 games ahead of Phoenix. Domantas Sabonis returned from a six-game absence caused by a hamstring injury to record his ninth triple-double of the season.
Raptors 126, Jazz 118
Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley each scored 20 points and Toronto picked up its third consecutive win by beating Utah in Salt Lake City.
A.J. Lawson chipped in 18 points and Orlando Robinson totaled 14 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as the Raptors beat the Jazz for the second time in a week. Barnes also grabbed 10 boards.
Jordan Clarkson topped Utah with 19 points and Kyle Filipowski contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds, but the Jazz’s losing streak reached eight games. Lauri Markkanen scored 16 points in the first half but didn’t play in the second half.
NHL NEWS
ROUND-UP
Leon Draisaitl scored twice, including the game-winner with 1:07 left in overtime Friday night, as the Edmonton Oilers edged the New York Islanders 2-1 in Elmont, N.Y.
Draisaitl, who opened the scoring in the second, has 49 goals, tops in the NHL, and 100 points. He has reached 100 points in six of the past seven seasons, missing only in the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 campaign.
Calvin Pickard made 24 saves as the Oilers snapped a two-game losing streak and won for the fourth time in 12 games (4-8-0).
Bo Horvat scored in the third for the Islanders, who have lost three straight (0-2-1) but inched within four points of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. New York goalie Ilya Sorokin recorded 33 saves.
Hurricanes 4, Red Wings 2
Frederik Andersen made 24 saves and Carolina boosted its winning streak to six games by beating Detroit in Raleigh, N.C.
Taylor Hall, Jack Roslovic and Jalen Chatfield scored for the Hurricanes before Eric Robinson added an empty-net goal. Jesperi Kotkaniemi had two assists. Andersen has recorded three consecutive victories following a personal four-game losing streak.
Alex DeBrincat and Michael Rasmussen scored for the Red Wings, who’ve lost seven of their last eight games. Petr Mrazek, a former Carolina goalie, stopped 28 shots.
Avalanche 4, Flames 2
Parker Kelly scored twice to lead red-hot Colorado to a road victory over Calgary.
Ryan Lindgren and Valeri Nichushkin also scored for the Avalanche, who sit third in the Central Division despite being on a 7-0-1 tear. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood made 22 saves for Colorado, which has won seven consecutive meetings between the rivals.
Blake Coleman and Jonathan Huberdeau replied for the Flames, who remain in the Western Conference’s second wild-card position. Dustin Wolf stopped 24 shots, including a Cale Makar penalty shot attempt midway through the second period when Colorado led 1-0.
Ducks 2, Predators 1
Alex Killorn scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period and Anaheim beat visiting Nashville.
Troy Terry also scored for the Ducks, who had lost four of five, and Lukas Dostal made 28 saves.
Jakub Vrana scored for the Predators, who had won four straight. Juuse Saros made 13 saves.
Jets 4, Stars 1
Winnipeg points leader Kyle Connor tallied two goals and an assist and Mark Scheifele picked up a trio of assists in the win over visiting Dallas.
Connor Hellebuyck stopped 24 of 25 shots he faced, while Dylan Samberg and Morgan Barron also scored for the Jets.
Mason Marchment collected the Stars’ lone goal with 3:49 remaining, and Jake Oettinger made 18 saves in the loss.
Kraken 4, Utah Hockey Club 2
Eeli Tolvanen had two goals and an assist as Seattle defeated visiting Utah.
Brandon Montour and Kaapo Kakko also scored and Jordan Eberle had two assists for Seattle, which improved to 2-0-0 on its three-game homestand. Philipp Grubauer made 23 saves for his first home win since defeating Utah 5-2 on Dec. 30.
Kevin Stenlund had a goal and an assist and Nick Schmaltz also tallied for Utah, which missed a chance to pull even with Vancouver and Calgary for the Western Conference’s second and final wild-card playoff spot. John Marino had two assists and Karel Vejmelka stopped 18 of 21 shots for Utah, which has lost three of its last four (1-1-2).
BASEBALL NEWS
ROUND-UP
Non-roster invitee Brandon Drury went 3-for-3 with two home runs, one double and five RBIs as the Chicago White Sox led the whole way for a 7-3 victory over the visiting Cincinnati Reds in spring training action Friday in Phoenix.
Drury, a 10-year MLB veteran, went deep to left center in his first at-bat to establish a 2-0 lead and added a three-run shot in the fourth.
White Sox starter Mason Adams (1-1) claimed the win despite allowing two runs with no hits and one walk in 1 1/3 innings. Brooks Baldwin produced two hits and a stolen base.
Reds starter Graham Ashcraft (0-3) took the loss as he gave up three hits, four walks and three runs in 2 2/3 innings. Will Banfield cracked a solo homer, Sal Stewart poked two hits and Elly De La Cruz’s sixth steal of the spring highlighted the Reds’ four stolen bases.
Nationals 5, Braves 3
Jared McKenzie’s two-run homer with two outs in the eighth lifted visiting Washington to the victory over Atlanta in North Port, Fla.
Nationals starter Jackson Rutledge allowed one hit over three scoreless innings. Patrick Weigel (1-0) picked up the win by throwing a scoreless seventh while Tyler Schoff set down the side in the ninth for the save.
James Wood cracked two doubles off Atlanta starter Spencer Schwellenbach, who fanned seven during his 4 2/3 innings but allowed four hits and two runs. Chasen Shreve (0-1) allowed three runs in the eighth to take the loss. Marcell Ozuna popped his second homer of the spring for the Braves.
Red Sox 9, Marlins 4
Highly touted prospect Roman Anthony hit a fourth-inning solo homer to highlight his 2-for-4, four-RBI day as Boston opened a 9-0 lead and beat host Miami in Jupiter, Fla.
Red Sox starter Richard Fitts (1-0) allowed just one hit with four whiffs during his 4 1/3 innings of shutout ball. Seby Zavala added a two-run homer and Romy Gonzalez notched two RBIs.
Starter Max Meyer (0-2) struck out four in three innings, but allowed three hits, one walk and two runs.
Athletics 12, Angels 1
Shea Langeliers went 3-for-3 with a home run and a double as the Athletics rolled over visiting Los Angeles in Mesa, Ariz.
Willie MacIver, Langeliers’ backup, added a homer as part of his 2-for-2 showing as the Athletics racked up 13 hits and six walks. Starting pitcher Joey Estes (3-0) allowed one run and struck out three during his four-inning stint.
Nolan Schanuel and David Mershon contributed two hits apiece for the Angels. Starter Tyler Anderson (1-2) surrendered six runs, seven hits and three walks during his 3 1/3 innings.
Guardians 8, Mariners 7
Pinch runner William Hawke scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth on second baseman Joshua Hood’s throwing error as host Cleveland rallied to beat Seattle in Goodyear, Ariz.
Will Brennan cracked a pair of two-run homers after Lane Thomas hit a three-run shot as the Guardians recovered from a 5-0 deficit. Cleveland starter Logan Allen gave up six hits and four earned runs in his 3 2/3 innings.
Julio Rodriguez and Jorge Polanco each drove in two runs for Seattle. Emerson Hancock threw four scoreless innings in relief, then Jason Ruffcorn (0-1) took the loss for allowing the game-winning unearned run.
Diamondbacks 2, Reds 1
Pavin Smith cracked a 424-foot solo homer in the eighth to lift host Arizona over Cincinnati’s split squad in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodriguez was perfect during his 3 2/3-inning effort as he struck out six of the 11 batters he faced. Corbin Carroll poked a double and Ketel Marte added an RBI single for Arizona.
The Reds managed just three hits, which included 20-year-old shortstop Sammy Stafura’s sixth-inning solo homer off A.J. Puk. Rookie starter Chase Petty allowed one run and four walks in three innings. Yosver Zulueta (0-1) took the loss after allowing Smith’s homer.
Royals 9, Angels 8
Peyton Wilson hit the go-ahead solo homer in the eighth as visiting Kansas City erased a six-run deficit to claim the win over Los Angeles’ split squad in Tempe, Ariz.
Hunter Renfroe went 2-for-3 with two runs, two RBIs, one double and one steal for the Royals. Starter Michael Wacha struck out four in his 3 1/3 innings, but he allowed seven hits and five runs (three earned). Taylor Clarke collected the win while allowing one run in 1 1/3 innings.
Yusei Kikuchi fanned eight in his 4 1/3-inning stint and allowed just one run while giving up five hits and three walks. Nick Jones (0-1) allowed Wilson’s homer to take the loss.
Brewers 11, Giants 5
Christian Yelich whacked a grand slam off Jordan Hicks in the third inning to spark host Milwaukee past San Francisco in Phoenix.
Marco Dinges, Jared Oliva and Joey Ortiz added homers in the sixth and seventh off Juan Mercedes. Brewers starter Nestor Cortes fanned seven in 3 1/3 innings, but also surrendered seven hits, two walks and three runs. Garrett Stallings (1-0) vultured the win after getting one out in the fourth.
Luis Matos and David Villar cracked homers off Cortes for the Giants while Lisbel Diaz added a two-run shot in the ninth. Hicks (0-1) gave up five hits and four runs in his 2 2/3 innings.
TOP INDIANA HEADLINES
INDIANA PACERS
The Indiana Pacers kicked off a three-game road trip on Friday by taking care of business against an undermanned Philadelphia 76ers squad.
After a slow start, the Pacers (37-28) outscored Philadelphia 65-49 in the second half to post a 112-100 win over the Sixers (22-44) at Wells Fargo Center.
The Pacers will now play a crucial game at the Milwaukee Bucks (37-28) on Saturday before taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. Heading into their final game of their regular season series, the Bucks lead the Pacers 2-1.
The Sixers were missing 11 players due to injuries on Friday, including 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury; All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey; and ex-Pacer Paul George. Philly had just eight total players available against the Pacers.
After trailing by four points at halftime, the Pacers dropped 31 points in the third quarter to go back in front by three. The Blue & Golden then outscored the Sixers 34-25 in the final frame to put the game away.
Indiana outshot Philadelphia 49.4 to 45.1 percent overall, won the rebounding margin 45-43, and outscored the Sixers 60-48 in the paint.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 27 points, Myles Turner had 18, Aaron Nesmith dropped 16, and Tyrese Haliburton logged 14 points and 10 assists. Jeff Dowtin Jr. topped the Sixers with a career-high 24 points, Jared Butler added 17, Adem Bona recorded 16, and Ricky Council IV and Oshae Brissett supplied 14 points each.
INDY FUEL
INDIANAPOLIS- The Fuel will spend their Saturday night in Cincinnati to take on the Cyclones before returning home on Sunday to face the Fort Wayne Komets to end their weekend. With the playoffs getting closer, these big in-division matches will be important to all teams in the hunt.
LAST TIME OUT
The last time these two teams met was on February 16 when Indy visited the Cyclones and shut them out 2-0. Nathan Burke opened the scoring in the first period with a goal assisted by Cam Hausinger while Colin Bilek secured the win for them with a goal early in the third period. The Cyclones outshot Indy 21-18 but the Fuel prevailed.
SCOUTING REPORT
The Cyclones, like the Fuel, are in contention for that fourth place spot in the Central division. While it appears they are at the bottom of the standings, the bottom four teams are all separated by just one point each, meaning anything can happen every game. Relying on their top scorer Lincoln Griffin, with 21 goals and 21 assists, as well as Pavel Cajan in net who boasts a .906 save percentage through 25 games in net, Cincinnati can easily climb the standings quickly.
INDIANA SOFTBALL
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. ––– Indiana will get Big Ten play underway this weekend as it hosts Iowa for a two-game set at Andy Mohr Field.
The Hoosiers and Hawkeyes will face off on Saturday (March 15) at 6 p.m. and Sunday (March 16) at 1 p.m. in Bloomington.
Indiana enters the weekend with a 19-5 record and winners of seven straight games.
QUICK HITTERS:
Team 52 holds a 19-5 record entering conference play with their first five conference games of the season coming at home.
Indiana leads the nation in batting average, hitting .402 at the plate, as of their last game against Southern Indiana (March 12).
Melina Wilkison, a redshirt junior outfielder from Greensburg, Ind. joins the Hoosiers after spending three seasons at Ohio State. Wilkison was a two-year starter for the Buckeyes, including being an NFCA All-Region and All-Big Ten performer in 2023. She missed almost all of 2024 due to injury.
Indiana has won seven games in a row at home, including six run rules.
Brianna Copeland, Taylor Minnick and Avery Parker were all named to the Big Ten’s preseason Players to Watch List.
LAST TIME OUT:
Indiana already has a 2-0 start in games this week after defeating Butler, 13-0, in five innings on Tuesday and winning 6-5 over Southern Indiana on Wednesday at Andy Mohr Field.
The Hoosiers dominated Butler from start to finish, attaining an 8-0 advantage early in the game thanks to a 3-run home run from Avery Parker and Sydni Burko’s first career home run.
Brianna Copeland pitched the entire game, going 5.0 innings, striking out eight batters and allowing no runs and five hits.
Taylor Minnick was the hero in Indiana’s win over Southern Indiana. The Hoosiers trailed 5-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning before Minnick came up to bat.
With the bases loaded, Minnick crushed a grand slam over the center field wall to secure a 6-5 edge for the Hoosiers. Indiana’s defense quickly got three outs in the top of the seventh and that was the game.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT:
Iowa is off to a 16-8 start to the 2025 season and will also be opening their Big Ten portion of the schedule this weekend.
The Hawkeyes are coming into the weekend set as winners of their last two, as they defeated St. Thomas (Minn.) twice on Wednesday (March 12).
Iowa went undefeated at both the Lion Invitational (Feb. 14-16) and FIU Panther Invitational (Feb. 21-23) to rack up nine-straight wins in February.
While this is Iowa’s start to Big Ten play, they do own a win over a Big Ten opponent in Illinois. In the 2025 Wooo Pig Classic in Fayetteville, Ark., Iowa defeated Illinois, 3-1, (March 2) but it counts as a non-conference game.
On March 7, Iowa announced that assistant coach Karl Gollan will lead the program for the remainder of the season as interim head coach Brian Levin is no longer with the program.
SERIES HISTORY:
Iowa leads the all-time series between the two programs, 65-46, but the Hoosiers have won the last four. Indiana swept Iowa in Iowa City in 2024.
INDIANA BASEBALL
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – After running away with game one of a doubleheader, the Indiana Baseball team (10-9, 3-2 B1G) counted on clutch hits from its underclassmen to finish off a Friday (March 14) two-game sweep of Ohio State at Bart Kaufman Field.
The Hoosiers got a leadoff double in the bottom of the tenth inning from freshman third baseman Cooper Malamazian before freshman utilityman Hogan Denny delivered a full-count, walk-off single to hand IU an 8-7 win. On the pitch before, he drove a ball just left of the foul pole. The Mooresville, Indiana native hung in there and took the ensuing fastball the other way for the win.
IU was victorious the opening game on Friday with a 12-2 finish in eight innings. Redshirt sophomore center fielder Korbyn Dickerson ended affairs in the first contest with a two-run home run to bring the run-rule into effect. After going down 2-0, the Hoosiers scored 12 unanswered runs to start the weekend on a high note.
The IU bullpen got big performances from six different pitchers in Friday’s games. Veterans Drew Buhr and Gavin Seebold combined to throw five scoreless frames to keep the visitors at bay in the first game. Junior southpaw Anthony Gubitosi (W, 1-0) earned the win for his clean frame of work.
Senior left-handed pitcher Ryan Kraft, freshman right-handed pitcher Trey Telfer and graduate student right-handed pitcher Cole Gilley (W, 2-1) threw six innings and allowed just two runs in game two. Gilley entered in the ninth inning of a tie game and put up a pair of zeroes on the board.
This was IU’s first time winning a game in extra innings since May 6, 2023 when it beat Northwestern 5-2 in 12 innings. The Hoosiers won both games via the walk-off on Friday – despite neither game finishing in nine innings. It was the first time IU won back-to-back contests in walk-off fashion since April 11 and 13, 2012).
The Hoosiers have won their first Big Ten series of the year and their fourth-straight conference home series. IU will go for the weekend sweep on Sunday (March 16) afternoon at 1:00 p.m.
Game 1: Indiana 12, Ohio State 2 (F/8)
Recap – Game 1
The Indiana Baseball team (9-9, 2-2 B1G) scored 12 unanswered runs to finish off Ohio State, 12-2, in an eight-inning contest in game one of Friday’s (March 14) doubleheader. The Hoosiers slugged four home runs and racked up 14 hits to roll in a decisive victory
Freshman first baseman Jake Hanley provided the first two home runs of his career. He hit one off the scoreboard in the third inning and followed it up with a two-run blast to center field in the fifth inning. Sophomore right fielder Andrew Wiggins added a home run in the third before redshirt sophomore center fielder Korbyn Dickerson hit a two-run, walk-off blast to bring the 10-run rule into effect.
Graduate student reliever Drew Buhr was back to his normal self with three innings of scoreless ball out of the bullpen. He added four strikeouts and scattered four hits while throwing just 45 pitches. Redshirt senior pitcher Gavin Seebold came on for his second appearance of the week and tossed the final two frames – both scoreless.
The top six hitters in IU’s lineup combined for all 14 of the team’s hits. Redshirt senior catcher Jake Stalder matched a career high with three base knocks while Dickerson and Wiggins each had three hits as well. The Hoosiers walked just once but finished the game 8-for-16 (.500) with runners on base.
The win was IU’s fourth of the season in run-rule fashion. It also moved IU to .500 on the season for the first time since March 2nd. At the time, it extended IU’s winning streak over Ohio State to six games. Even though it was an eight-inning game, Dickerson’s home run is still considered a “walk-off”. It was IU’s first walk-off home run since Morgan Colopy hit a two-run blast in the bottom of the 10th inning against Iowa on April 8th, 2023.
Game 2: Indiana 8, Ohio State 7 (F/10)
Recap – Game 2
Freshman utility man Hogan Denny thought he had hit a two-run walk-off home run. A ball that was blasted high into the Bloomington night sailed just left of the foul pole according to the third base umpire. After review, the call stood.
Denny stepped back into the box with a full count and his freshman counterpart, third baseman Cooper Malamazian, on second base. Ohio State tried to beat Denny with a fastball on the outside corner but he laced it over the head of the second baseman and into right field for the game-winning single.
The Mooresville, Indiana native entered as a pinch hitter and finished the game with a pair of hits to take his two-contest total to four in Friday’s doubleheader. It was IU’s second walk-off of the day and third of the season. All three walk-off hits this year have come in different scenarios. Today’s came in the eighth (game one) and tenth (game two) innings. A walk-off win against Northwestern (Feb. 24) finished in the standard nine innings.
Graduate student right-handed pitcher Cole Gilley (W, 2-1) pitched two scoreless innings with the game tied at seven in the ninth and tenth. He was handed the ball after a scoreless frame from freshman Trey Telfer and three steady innings from senior southpaw Ryan Kraft.
IU was down four runs heading into the bottom of the eighth inning and quickly turned around its game two fortunes. Malamazian hit his first career home run – a two-run blast into the IU bullpen. Denny doubled and then came around to score on a triple from sophomore outfielder Andrew Wiggins. Junior outfielder Devin Taylor grounded out to score Wiggins and tie the game at seven.
This was the first time IU won consecutive games via the walk-off – regardless of how many innings the game lasted – since April 11th and 13th, 2012. It was the first time that IU won a game in extra innings since a 12-inning victory against Northwestern (May 6, 2023)
Inside the Box Score – Game 1
• IU racked up 14 hits – its 13th game with at least 10 hits this season.
• Five different Hoosiers had multi-hit games.
• Both teams matched each other with six strikeouts a piece.
• IU only had four runners left on base – its second fewest in a game this year.
• All 12 runs scored were driven in by a fellow teammate.
Inside the Box Score – Game 2
• IU overcame a four-run deficit to win in ten innings.
• Two freshmen had multi-hit efforts.
• Hoosier pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts.
Notes to Know – Both Games
• Redshirt sophomore Korbyn Dickerson hit a “walk-off” home run in the opening game of Friday’s (March 14) doubleheader. Despite it being an eight-inning run-rule game, it is still considered a walk-off home run in scoring purposes. It was IU’s first walk-off home run since Morgan Colopy’s two-run blast against Iowa on April 8th, 2023.
• Freshman utility man Hogan Denny delivered the second walk-off win of the day with a RBI single in game two against Ohio State. It was the first time IU’s won consecutive games via the walk-off since April 11th (Indiana State – W, 8-7) and April 13th (Michigan State – W, 3-2) in 2012.
• IU used six different pitchers out of its bullpen across the two games on Friday. Those six arms combined to throw 12 innings while allowing just two runs. They added 12 strikeouts and conceded just seven walks in relief to the Buckeyes.
• Two freshmen – third baseman Cooper Malamazian and first baseman Jake Hanley – hit their first career home runs in Friday’s affairs. 12 different IU players have gone deep this season including three separate freshmen. All five home runs hit by IU today were two-run blasts.
• The Hoosiers overcame a four-run deficit to beat Ohio State in game two of Friday’s doubleheader. It was the program’s biggest comeback (4) since a win over Penn State (8) on April 13th, 2024. It is IU’s third come-from-behind victory of the year.
• IU officially won the series against Ohio State with its two victories on Friday. It’s the fourth-straight home Big Ten series win for the Hoosiers. They will look for the first conference sweep of the season on Sunday (March 14). A win on Sunday would give IU the ninth Big Ten sweep under head coach Jeff Mercer.
Up Next
The Hoosiers will go for the sweep on Sunday (March 14) afternoon. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. on B1G+ and can be heard on the Indiana Sports Radio Network via IUHoosiers.com/Audio.
PURDUE MEN’S BASKETBALL
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue junior guard Braden Smith has been named a semifinalist for the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy given annually to the nation’s top player, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced today.
Smith is one of 10 players on the list and is one of two players from the Big Ten to be named a semifinalist (Wisconsin’s John Tonje).
Earlier this week, Smith was named the Big Ten Player of the Week and a first-team All-American by The Sporting News.
The 22-10 Boilermakers will face Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals tonight at 9 p.m. ET, in Indianapolis.
Naismith Trophy Semifinalist – Braden Smith, Junior, Guard
Named the Big Ten Player of the Year and first-team All-American by the Sporting News.
Averages 16.2 points, 8.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game, but saw his averages increase to 17.4 points, 8.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds during Big Ten play.
Set the Big Ten record for assists in conference play only with 175, smashing the previous record set by Michigan State’s Cassius Winston (157) by 18 assists – almost a full assist per game.
Became the second player in Big Ten history, joining Michigan State’s Magic Johnson, to register 450 points, 250 assists, 125 rebounds and 60 steals in a season. Smith has reached those numbers in each of the last two seasons.
Became the school’s career assists leader, now with 726 assists in just 106 career games.
Needs just two rebounds and one steal to become the second player in NCAA history to have 500 points, 275 assists, 150 rebounds and 75 steals in a season, joining Georgia Tech standout Kenny Anderson (1989-90) as members of that group.
Is on pace to be the first player since California’s Jason Kidd (1993-94) to average at least 16.0 points, 8.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.
Smith’s 726 assists (and counting) are the seventh most for a player in NCAA history by the end of his junior season. He already ranks sixth in Big Ten conference history in career assists.
Recorded four 20-point, 10-assist games this season. Prior to this year, Purdue had two 20-point, 10-assist games in school history – the last one coming in the 1987-88 season.
His nine point-assist double-doubles are the third most for a high-major player in the last 20 seasons (14 – Oklahoma’s Trae Young, 2018; 10 – Kansas State’s Markquis Nowell, 2023).
Smith has posted two games of 30 or more points this season (34 vs. Toledo; 31 vs. Iowa).
Has 12 games of 10 or more assists this season, and 22 games of 10 or more assists for his career. His 22 career games of 10 or more assists are the most in Big Ten history. The 22, 10-assist games are the fourth most by a player in his junior season or younger in the last 20 years (Kay Felder – 32; Kendall Marshall – 23; Ja Morant – 23).
ALSO:INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Danny Wolf had 18 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, and No. 22 Michigan snapped a three-game losing streak with a 86-68 win over No. 20 Purdue Friday in a Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal.
The second-seeded Wolverines (23-9) allowed the game’s initial six points, then led for the final 37 minutes in an impressive bounce-back win to advance to a semifinal against No. 11 Maryland (25-7) on Saturday.
Eight Michigan players scored at least six points. Vladislav Goldin added 15 points and eight rebounds. Tre Donaldson had 13 points and Roddy Gayle Jr. scored 11.
Trey Kaufman-Renn led sixth-seeded Purdue (22-11) with 24 points and nine rebounds. Big Ten player of the year Braden Smith, who averaged 24 points and 8.5 assists in two regular-season meetings vs. Michigan, finished with 12 points on 5-of-18 shooting, 2 of 10 from 3-point range. He had six assists.
Takeaways
Purdue: The Boilermakers have a strong 1-2 offensive punch in Kaufman-Renn and Smith, but NCAA Tournament survival likely hinges on the supporting cast, which is capable but often inconsistent.
Michigan: A much-needed confidence boost for the Wolverines after a lackluster regular-season finish. When this team shares the ball (25 assists) and limits turnovers (six), it’s a tough out.
Key moment
Michigan opened the second half with a 12-5 spurt to build a 52-41 lead after a Donaldson 3-pointer.
Key stat
Despite Smith being the league leader in assists, Michigan had a 25-11 edge in the category.
Up next
Purdue awaits an NCAA Tournament bid. Michigan faces Maryland in the semifinals on Saturday.
PURDUE BASEBALL
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Carter Doorn retired the first 13 batters of the game and lowered his Big Ten-leading ERA to 0.36, setting the stage for Purdue Baseball to lead wire-to-wire in a 7-1 victory vs. UIC on Friday at Alexander Field.
Brandon Anderson barreled up for a 430-foot home run in the first inning, a three-run blast to right center for his fourth of the season and first at Alexander.
First pitch for Saturday’s game 2 of the series has been moved up to 1 p.m. ET due to threat of rain later in the day.
Doorn (4-0) was perfect through the first out of the fifth inning, striking out five his first time through the Flames’ lineup. He punched out UIC’s 7-8-9 hitters in order in the top of third. Will Flanigan hit a line drive off the top of Doorn’s leg for an infield single, breaking up the perfecto as the 14th batter to stand in against Purdue’s ace.
With his pitch count in the high 70s, Doorn went out for the top of the seventh to become the Boilermakers’ first starting pitcher this season to work into the seventh. He walked cleanup hitter Jackson Bessette on a full-count pitch to begin the inning and then gave way to Michael Vallone, who has followed Doorn on the mound in each of the senior’s five starts this year.
An error on a failed pickoff helped Bessette come around to score on an RBI single from AJ Taylor. But as an unearned run, Doorn’s streak of 20 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run remained intact. He has surrendered just one earned run in 25 innings this season.
STREAKS EXTENDED
• Carter Doorn – 20 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run,
• Albert Choi – 18-game on-base (as a Boilermaker), 6-game hit
• Brandon Anderson – 17-game on-base
• Lukas Cook: 8-game hit
• Brandon Rogers – 5-game on-base
Albert Choi walked, singled and doubled in his first three plate appearances. Going back to Wednesday’s home-opening win vs. Butler, Purdue’s new leadoff man reached base safely in each of his first seven plate appearances at Alexander Field.
Choi’s double in the fourth inning plated Brandon Rogers, who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. Rogers also accounted for the first web gem of the season at Alexander, a diving catch in short center field to prevent a leadoff single in the eighth inning. He smacked his face on the outfield grass and sustained a couple minor lacerations but was able to stay in the game, recording another hit in his final at-bat.
Rogers’ catch proved to be a big play because a double and walk followed with Purdue leading 6-1 in the top of the eighth. First baseman Breck Nowik made the other nifty defensive play of the frame, ranging to his right to pick a chopper into no-man’s land and teaming up his high school teammate Vallone for the out at first base.
Purdue went back to the bullpen for closer Avery Cook and he came back from a 3-0 count to strike out Bessette for the final out of the frame.
The Boilermakers drew nine free passes (5 HBP, 4 walks) and three of those runners came around to score. Anderson had four RBI over the first two innings after he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the second. Anderson was plunked twice on the day and has 20 free passes (11 HBP, 9 walks) vs. five strikeouts in 82 plate appearances this season. Choi is already at 20 free passes (13 walks, 7 HBP) as well.
Anderson recorded his 20th RBI of the season on the three-run homer. He’s the sixth Boilermaker since 2022 to reach 20 RBI by March 14 – with teammate Logan Sutter accomplishing the feat each of the last two years.
Purdue improved to 6-0 on Fridays this season. Doorn has been the starter in five of those six games.
Easton Storey is slated to make his first career start at Alexander on Saturday for game 2 of the series. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. ET.
NOTRE DAME BASEBALL
CLEMSON, S.C. – The Notre Dame baseball team battled until the final out in a 2-1 final at No. 10 Clemson on Friday evening.
The Tigers plated a run in the bottom of the first on a hard-hit ball up the middle with two outs. Jack Radel induced a flyout to Brady Gumpf in right field to close out the inning for the Irish defense.
Estevan Moreno battled through a 13-pitch at-bat in the top of the second but was unable to come out on top of the plate appearance. After the home plate umpire was injured with a hard foul ball, the game came to a 14-minute halt as the third base umpire moved behind the plate.
Jack Radel sat down the first batter of the second with a strikeout, and a fly ball was easily collected in right field by Gumpf for the second out of the inning. Two batters later, Radel collected his second strikeout of the inning.
Noah Coy drew a two-out walk, and the hit-and-run saw Coy move to third on a single the other way by Jared Zimbardo. The pair, however, were unable to advance any further in the inning. Jack Radel snagged a come-back grounder, Carson Tinney cut down a runner trying to steal, and Radel dialed up another strikeout to quickly shut down the Tigers in the third.
Clemson added a run in the bottom of the fourth to go ahead 2-0. Jayce Lee ripped a long fly ball that was barely foul in the top of the fifth as the Irish continued to battle in their at-bats.
After Clemson put a pair of runners in scoring position, Parker Brzustewicz tracked down a pop up in foul territory and made the catch at the fence to slam the door on a scoring chance for the Tigers in the bottom of the fifth.
Ricky Reeth came on in relief in the bottom of the sixth and quickly retired the side in order. The senior right-hander forced the Tigers into stranding a runner in the seventh to keep the score at 2-0.
Brady Gumpf beat out a single up the middle to start off the top of the eighth as the Irish continued to battle. Two batters later, Jayce Lee bounced a single the opposite way to put a pair aboard. The bounces did not go the Notre Dame way, however, as the pair were unable to advance any further.
Oisin Lee entered in the bottom of the eighth, and the freshman used three strikeouts to retire the side to again get the Irish up to bat. Parker Brzustewicz dropped a single into shallow center field to get the lead-off man on base. Two batters later, Davis Johnson pushed a single through the right side of the infield to put runners on the corners. A slow dribbler by Estevan Moreno drove in Brzustewicz with two outs as the Irish pulled within one. The comeback, however, stopped there as the Tigers closed out the 2-1 final.
The Irish pitching staff and defense held the Tigers to six runs below their season average (8.61 runs per game). Jack Radel went 5.0 on the mound and struck out four while scattering four hits and allowing only one earned run. Ricky Reeth went two complete and struck out two. Oisin Lee struck out all three batters he faced in one complete inning of work.
Parker Brzustewicz had a hit and scored a run. Jared Zimbardo, Davis Johnson, Brady Gumpf, and Jayce Lee each added a hit for the Irish. Estevan Moreno picked up an RBI on the night.
The Irish (10-5, 0-4 ACC) are back in action against the Tigers on Saturday at 3:00 p.m.
NOTRE DAME SOFTBALL
RALEIGH, N.C. – The Notre Dame Softball team shutout the NC State Wolfpack Friday night, winning 3-0 to improve to 12-13 on the season and 2-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play.
Brianne Weiss was magnificent in the circle. Making the first start of her career, the freshman threw a complete game shutout, only allowing three runs on the night and striking out six.
Notre Dame has shutout NC State in the past 19 innings dating back to last year. The Irish have tossed back-to-back complete game shutouts against the Wolfpack including last year’s 2-0 win on March 24, 2024 (Alexis Laudenslager).
Paige Cowley hit her third homer of the season in the second inning to open up the scoring, a no-doubter to left. The Irish have now homered in seven-straight ball games.
Addison Amaral extended her hitting streak to seven games with an opposite field double in the first inning. The Irish shortstop leads the team with a .380 batting average.
How it happened
Notre Dame threatened early, opening up the game with a single from Sydny Poeck followed by a double from Amaral to put two in scoring position with only one out. However, NC State starter Madison Inscoe was able to work out of the jam, getting a pop up and a ground out to end the Irish threat.
Weiss trotted out to the circle, coming off an impressive 12-strikeout weekend at Louisville. The freshman struck out two more in a scoreless bottom of the first.
Cowley got Notre Dame on the board first, blasting a solo home run that cleared the left field fence easily to give the Irish the early 1-0 advantage. The junior is now tied for the most home runs on the team this season with three.
Weiss continued to work at an efficient tempo, inducing weak contact through the first time in the order. The southpaw had not allowed a hit through three innings.
In the top of the fifth, Notre Dame got back-to-back singles from Emily Tran and Poeck. After both runners advanced into scoring position, Amaral came up and grounded a ball that was mishandled by the pitcher, resulting in the second Irish run to cross home. Notre Dame led 2-0 after five.
The Wolfpack went scoreless yet again in the bottom of the sixth, as Weiss continued to shove on the mound.
The Irish added an insurance run in the top of the seventh on a RBI groundout from Rachel Allen’s to give Weiss a three-run cushion in the bottom half of the inning. It was the 12th RBI for the Notre Dame backstop.
Weiss went out to finish what she started in the bottom of the seventh. She got a flyout for the first out of the inning before allowing a single to give NC State some life. But the southpaw dug in and got two weak fly outs to Jane Kronenberger in right to secure Notre Dame’s second conference road win of the season.
The Irish will look to win the series tomorrow in doubleheader action. First pitch is set for 4:00 pm and the second game will follow after that. Both games will be available to stream on ACC Network Extra.
BUTLER WOMEN’S LAX
ST. CHARLES, MO — The Butler women’s lacrosse team heads to Hunter Stadium to face a red-hot Lindenwood on Sunday, Mar. 16 beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
Bulldog Bits
The Bulldogs lost their home opener against Eastern Michigan last weekend 4-10
Elise Latham has been the Bulldogs top offense weapon collecting a team-high nine goals in five games this season
Latham led the team with two goals and an assist against the Eagles last Friday
Patricia Lynn jumped to fourth on Butler’s all-time list in career draw controls with 86
Lynn only needs four more draw controls to move to pass Ella Squibb to reach the third most in Butler’s program history
Alyssa Lentz currently leads the Big East with 10.40 saves per game this season
Lentz also ranks third in the conference with 3.20 ground balls per game
Butler will face a familiar foe in Luci Selander who played two seasons with the Bulldogs
She holds the most points scored by a Bulldog in program history after posting 38 goals and 19 assists in 2024
Lindenwood enters the game with a 6-1 overall record including wins in their last four games.
The Lions have scored double-digit goals in every single game this season including 18 against Akron on Mar. 6
The all-time series is tied between Butler and Lindenwood at 1-1
The Bulldogs took home the win the last time they played in St. Charles 13-8 in 2023
Emma Palmer is tied for the team-high three assists this season
She has recorded an assist in her last three games
Makenna Evans has scored at least one goal in every game this season
She is tied for the second most goals on the team with five this season.
Up Next
The Bulldogs are set to play their first conference game of the season at home against Marquette on Saturday, Mar. 22 starting at 1 p.m.
Follow Along
For updates follow the Butler women’s lacrosse team on X and Instagram @ButlerWLacrosse. Friday’s game will be live streamed on FloCollege while live scoring for the game will be available on ButlerSports.com.
BUTLER SOFTBALL
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Butler softball team came from behind to win the opening game of a three-game BIG EAST series at Providence. The Friars (5-15, 2-2 BIG EAST) scored a pair in the first inning, but the Bulldogs (15-6, 4-0 BIG EAST) crossed the plate in the fifth and twice in the sixth to pick up the 3-2 victory and remain perfect in conference competition.
Game 1: Butler 3, Providence 2 (7 innings)
A walk and two singles allowed Providence to take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
In the top of the fifth, with runners on second and third, Hailey Conger singled up the middle. Leigh Vande Hei scored from third, but Cate Lehner was thrown out at home, ending the inning. The Friars were still up, 2-1.
One inning later, Olivia Moxley hit a single that pushed Paxton Law home from third. One batter later, Kieli Ryan hit a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Paige Lillie to score. Butler took its first lead, 3-2.
Gwen Baker (7-2) started in the circle for Butler and was credited with the win. In 5.0 innings, she allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three. Katie Petran (2.0-IP, 3K) entered in the sixth with two on and nobody out, and the Dawgs up 3-2. She retired the side and shut down all three batters she faced in the seventh, picking up the save.
Bulldog Bits
Hailey Conger and Leigh Vande Hei each had three singles on the day.
Butler produced nine stolen bases spread out over six different base runners.
Gwen Baker’s win in the circle was her seventh this season.
Up Next
Butler and Providence will play game two of the series on Saturday, March 15, in Providence.
IU INDY SOFTBALL
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indy softball team secured back-to-back wins on Friday afternoon in exciting fashion. The Jags managed to secure a comeback victory in game one then earned a walk-off win in the thrilling, high scoring game two.
In game one, Purdue Fort Wayne struck first in the second inning with a solo home run. The Mastodons added two runs in the third inning on three hits to extend their lead to 3-0.
IU Indy responded in the fourth inning when Callie Dickerson’s sacrifice fly brought Molly Kable home. The Jaguars then capitalized on a fielding error in the fifth, allowing Pallas Dominion to score. Kendal Calvert’s RBI single then scored Morgan Gilbert, tying the game at 3-3.
The game-winning run came in the sixth inning when Kennedy Cowan’s single down the left field line scored Piper Stephens, giving IU Indy a 4-3 victory.
Alexa Holman (W, 3-4) earned the win in the circle after relieving Clara Pharris. Holman pitched a scoreless five innings with six strikeouts to earn the win. Kable led the Jags at the plate with two hits including a double. Calvert and Cowan collected an RBI each in game one.
The second game turned into an offensive showdown. IU Indy jumped ahead early with two runs in the first inning, courtesy of Kable’s RBI double and Dickerson’s RBI single.
The Mastodons answered in the second inning with two runs to tie the game at 2-2. IU Indy’s offense exploded for four runs in the bottom half of the second inning, highlighted by Kable’s two-run homer. The scoring in the bottom of the second started when Gilbert stole second allowing Paige McPhearson to swipe home on the throw. Calvert then singled to left center to score Gilbert. Kable’s homer then pushed the Jags’ lead to 6-2.
Purdue Fort Wayne stormed back in the third inning, scoring six runs on five hits to take the 8-6 lead.
IU Indy cut into the lead with one run in the fourth inning. Dickerson reached on an error by the Mastodons’ center fielder allowing Calvert to score, 8-7.
In the bottom of the fifth frame, the Jags reclaimed the lead. Gilbert recorded a sacrifice fly to score Dominion to tie the game at 8-8. Kable then knocked her second home run of the game with a three-run homer over the left field wall to give the Jags the lead, 11-8.
The Mastodons managed to tie the game at 11-11 in the sixth with three runs on four hits.
Tori Candler then walked it off for the Jags in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run homer over the left field wall to secure the win, 13-11.
Kable shined at the plate in game two, going 3-for-5 with six RBI, two home runs and a double. Calvert went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with four runs and one RBI. Gilbert added two hits, two runs, one RBI and a double.
Holman (W, 4-4) earned her second win of the day after giving up just one run on two hits in two innings pitched.
With the two wins, the Jags improve to 8-16 on the season and 2-1 in Horizon League play. They will next travel to Cleveland State next weekend on March 21 for a three-game series.
BALL STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Ball State women’s basketball team used a balanced offense, accompanied by an outstanding defensive display, to pull off a thrilling 70-53 win over fourth-seeded Kent State in semifinal action of the 2025 Mid-American Conference Tournament Friday in Rocket Arena.
With the victory, the top-seeded Cardinals (26-7) advance to the MAC Tournament Championship game for the first time since the 2022 season. Ball State, which will be making its seventh championship game appearance, will face the winner of No. 2 Toledo versus No. 3 Buffalo in the title game Saturday at 11 am ET.
In Friday’s win over the Golden Flashes (21-12), four Cardinals reached double-digits led by Lachelle Austin with 21 points off 8-11 shooting from the field. Following Austin was the 2025 MAC Player of the Year Ally Becki, who turned in a 15-point performance while dishing out seven assists. Rounding out BSU’s double-figure scorers were Madelyn Bischoff and Alex Richard with 11-points apiece.
The opening semifinal game of the day was a defensive battle, and the Cardinals were on top of its game forcing the Golden Flashes to turn the ball over while also winning the rebound game. At the first media timeout, Ball State was up by four (7-3). Kent State forced up a lot of shots early, and while some fell, the Cardinals held onto a 12-point (20-8) advantage after the first quarter of play.
The 2024 MAC Tournament champion Golden Flashes were not going to go away lightly, causing the Cardinals some scoring issues in the second frame. Despite that, Ball State led by 12 (28-16) at the 4:37 mark. After being held scoreless for a span of over two minutes, Marie Kiefer connected on a nice reverse layup to get BSU back on track. The Golden Flashes continued to fight, however, cutting it a single-digit Ball State lead (34-26) at intermission.
Ball State opened the third stanza with two steals which led to a 6-0 run to put BSU back up by 14 (40-26). The Golden Flashes continued to come within eight on-and-off throughout the third quarter. Fortunately, the Cardinals stayed resilient and took a 58-40 edge, capped off by a last second 3-pointer from Becki, heading into the final 10 minutes of play.
After that, the Cardinals continued to control its destiny and eventually built a 22-point cushion (67-45) with 4:54 left in the game. Ball State’s positive energy was infectious as they gave the crowd a show to finish the game off in fashion.
BALL STATE SOFTBALL
AKRON, Ohio – – Led by more solid performances from redshirt senior catcher McKayla Timmons and junior pitcher Ella Whitney, the Ball State softball team opened Mid-American Conference play with a 6-1 victory over Akron Friday afternoon at Lee R. Jackson Field.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals (14-7; 1-1 MAC) could not keep up the momentum in the nightcap, suffering a 12-4 (5) loss to the Zips (13-12; 1-1 MAC).
Sophomore shortstop Maia Pietrzak opened the league season for the Cardinals with a bunt single and Timmons took advantage in the next at bat, blasting a two-run homer to center field.
While Akron would answer with one run in the bottom of the first, Ball State regained the momentum in the top of the third starting with another leadoff single from Pietrzak. Cue Timmons who added her second two-run blast of the game to push the score to 4-1.
That was all the run support Whitney would need in the circle, as she limited Akron to the lone run while scattering eight hits to pick up her league-leading ninth win of the season. She also struck out five Zips in the game and would help her own cause from the plate in the top of the seventh with a two-out, bases-loaded, two-run double.
Starting as designated player, Whitney would go on to open the scoring in the second game with her fourth home run of the season to give the Cardinals a brief 1-0 edge. Unfortunately, Akron scored five in the bottom of the inning and controlled play from there.
Ball State would tack on a second run on an RBI ground out from redshirt junior center fielder Hayley Urban in the top of the third, which plated Whitney who reached base on the first of back-to-back one-out doubles.
Trailing 9-2 entering the top of the fifth, the Cardinals would also get two more home runs. The first, a leadoff shot from Timmons. The second, a one-out solo blast from senior left fielder Kara Gunter. Unfortunately, the Zips countered with four in the bottom of the fifth to end the game at 12-4.
NOTES:
– With home runs in each game Friday, Timmons extended her current hitting streak to 13 games and upped her streak of reaching base safely to 47 games.
– Timmons three home runs on the day raises her career total to 50 … She entered the day tied for eighth among all active NCAA Division I players with 47.
– With five more RBI on the day, Timmons raised her career total to 153 which moves her from sixth into a tie for third in program history.
– With her complete game victory in the opener, Whitney lowered her team-leading ERA to 1.55 … The effort currently ranks second in the MAC, while her .206 average against is first among all MAC pitchers.
UP NEXT:
Ball State and Akron are currently scheduled to play the rubber game of their three-game series Saturday at 1 p.m. back at Lee R. Jackson Field.
BALL STATE BASEBALL
MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State baseball team’s offense broke out in the fifth and sixth innings on its way to a 12-2 win over Toledo on Friday afternoon at Shebek Stadium.
The Cardinals (13-5, 4-0 Mid-American Conference) run-ruled the Rockets (5-11, 1-3 MAC) thanks to scoring six runs in each of the fifth and sixth frames. Keegan Johnson worked five innings and struck out three while allowing three hits and a run to improve his record to 4-0.
Ball State broke open the floodgates with a Dylan Grego sacrifice fly to score Alex Richter in the bottom half of the fifth that tied the score at 1-1. Garrett Arnold followed that up with an RBI double to plate Houston King before Blake Bevis brought home Nick Husovsky on a groundout.
Korbin Griffin hit a 426-foot home run just to the right of dead center that also scored Arnold to give the hosts a 5-1 edge. Gavin Balius slapped an RBI knock to left for the final scoring of the frame.
Bevis had the big blast in the sixth, connecting on a three-run homer that went a projected 428 feet to give the Cardinals a 10-1 advantage. Husovsky (RBI double) and Richter (RBI single) also batted in runs during a second straight six-run inning. Ball State scored 12 unanswered runs as the Rockets got the first and last tallies of the day.
The hosts notched their seventh consecutive triumph and the 500th career conference win for head coach Rich Maloney, who has 360 in the MAC and 140 in the Big Ten.
Owen Quinn followed Johnson and struck out two in 2.0 innings of one-run ball. Toledo’s Nathan Leininger (1-3) suffered the loss after giving up four runs in two-thirds of an inning.
Bevis belted four RBI on the day, while Griffin went 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI. Grego, Husovsky, Arnold and Balius had a pair of hits each.
“Our boys played well,” Maloney said. “Keegan Johnson battled without his best stuff to earn the win-that is what the good ones do. Sever hitters contributed and gave the run support we needed.”
Ball State and Toledo are set to play at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the middle game of the set.
INDIANA SMALL COLLEGE WEB SITES
UINDY ATHLETICS: https://athletics.uindy.edu/
MARIAN ATHLETICS: https://muknights.com/
INDIANA WESLEYAN ATHLETICS: https://iwuwildcats.com/
EARLHAM ATHLETICS: https://goearlham.com/
WABASH ATHLETICS: https://sports.wabash.edu/
FRANKLIN ATHLETICS: https://franklingrizzlies.com/
ROSE-HULMAN ATHLETICS: https://athletics.rose-hulman.edu/
ANDERSON ATHLETICS: https://athletics.anderson.edu/landing/index
TRINE ATHLETICS: https://trinethunder.com/landing/index
BETHEL ATHLETICS: https://bupilots.com/
DEPAUW ATHLETICS: https://depauwtigers.com/
HANOVER ATHLETICS: https://athletics.hanover.edu/
MANCHESTER ATHLETICS: https://muspartans.com/
HUNTINGTON ATHLETICS: https://www.huathletics.com/
OAKLAND CITY ATHLETICS: https://gomightyoaks.com/index.aspx
ST. FRANCIS ATHLETICS: https://www.saintfranciscougars.com/landing/index
IU KOKOMO ATHLETICS: https://iukcougars.com/
IU EAST ATHLETICS: https://www.iueredwolves.com/
IU SOUTH BEND ATHLETICS: https://iusbtitans.com/
PURDUE NORTHWEST ATHLETICS: https://pnwathletics.com/
INDIANA TECH ATHLETICS: https://indianatechwarriors.com/index.aspx
GRACE COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://gclancers.com/
ST. MARY OF THE WOODS ATHLETICS: https://smwcathletics.com/
GOSHEN COLLEGE ATHLETICS: https://goleafs.net/
HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS: https://www.hcsaints.com/index.php
TAYLOR ATHLETICS: https://www.taylortrojans.com/
VINCENNES ATHLETICS: https://govutrailblazers.com/landing/index
“SPORTS EXTRA”
TODAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY
1869 The Cincinnati Red Stockings become the sport’s first professional team when the National Association of Base Ball Players (NABBP) permits compensated players to participate this season. English-born Harry Wright puts together a ten-man team, all on salary through November, that posts a 57–0 record, marking the only perfect season in professional baseball history.
1945 Former minor leaguer Bert Shepard, who had his right leg amputated after the Germans gunned down his fighter plane east of Hamburg on his 34th mission as a WW II P-38 fighter pilot, begins a successful tryout with the Senators. Although the southpaw will pitch in only one game for Washington, the retired Army Air Force pilot will hurl an impressive 5⅓ innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox in August, striking out the first batter he faces and giving up just three hits.
1960 The floundering Southern Association announces the New Orleans Pelicans, for the first time since 1901, will not be part of the Double-A circuit. After a two-year absence, the Little Rock Travelers rejoins the league, replacing the Crescent City club, playing two seasons before the loop disbands after completing the 1961 campaign.
1971 Bernice Gera files a civil rights suit against MLB when her contract to umpire in the New York-Penn League becomes void after six days without an explanation. In an eventual landmark 5-2 decision, the New York Court of Appeals will uphold a previous court’s ruling, agreeing with the 39-year-old housewife’s contention that she had been discriminated against unlawfully.
1974 In Yuma (AZ), Ron Bryant, a 24-game winner for the Giants last year, is hurt in a pool accident during spring training. The promising southpaw’s record will drop to 3-15 this season, and the Redlands, California native’s career will end in 1975 after a brief 0-1 stint with St. Louis.
1975 The Dodgers sign their once arch-nemesis Juan Marichal as a free agent. After two-regular season starts, lasting six innings and giving up nine runs, the former Giants’ superstar and future Hall of Famer will retire in mid-April.
1977 The A’s send Phil Garner, Chris Batton, and Tommy Helms to the Pirates for Tony Armas, Mitchell Page, and four pitchers, including Doc Medich and Dave Giusti. Pittsburgh’s acquisition of infielder Phil Garner, the key player in the nine-player spring training swap, will move a very disappointed Bill Robinson back into a utility role after he worked diligently to get ready to be the team’s everyday third baseman.
1999 The Yankees name Don Zimmer as the club’s interim manager while Joe Torre receives prostate cancer treatments. During his managerial stints with San Diego, Boston, Texas, and Chicago, the bench coach compiled an 885-858 (.508) record.
2000 Six Red Sox pitchers combine for a perfect game in a spring training contest, beating the Blue Jays in Fort Myers, 5-0. Boston starter Pedro Martinez pitched the first three innings, and Fernando De La Cruz tossed the next two frames, with Dan Smith, Rheal Cormier, Rich Garces, and Rod Beck all going one inning apiece.
2008 🇨🇳 In front of 12,224 fans, a near-sellout at the new Olympic venue in Beijing, the Dodgers and the Padres played to a 3-3 tie in the first major league game ever played in mainland China. In the seventh inning, the crowd hears “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” but without knowing the lyrics, they listen without singing.
2008 Five days after unilaterally renewing his contract for the upcoming season, the Pirates sign Ian Snell (9-12, 3.76) to a three-year deal reported to be worth $8 million. The 26-year-old right-hander, eligible for salary arbitration after the 2009 season, has compiled a 24-26 record with the struggling ball club over the past three seasons.
2012 Baseball-Reference.com leaves a blank space next to 2011 on its National League MVP list instead of identifying Ryan Braun as the award’s winner. The Brewers outfielder, who received a 50-game suspension scheduled for the start of the 2012 season, became the first player to successfully challenge a drug test result when an arbitration panel overturned the ruling due to the improper handling of the specimen taken last Fall.
(Ed. Note: Baseball-Reference.com now lists Ryan Braun as the National League’s MVP for 2011. -LP)
Ryan Braun Left off MVP List
2014 The Yankees begin a two-game spring training series against the Marlins at Rod Carew Stadium in Panama to honor Mariano Rivera’s legacy, a native of the nearby fishing village of Puerto Caimito. The contests are the first to be played in the isthmus nation by major league teams since the Bronx Bombers faced the Dodgers in exhibition games in 1947.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
March 19
1942 — The Thoroughbred Racing Associations of the United States is formed, with John C. Clark president.
1950 — Babe Didrikson Zaharias shoots a record 298 and beats Clair Doran by eight strokes to capture the U.S. Women’s Open.
1950 — The Rochester Royals win their 15th consecutive game, 97-66 over the Baltimore Bullets to set an NBA record for consecutive victories to close a season.
1955 — San Francisco wins the NCAA basketball championship with a 77-63 victory over La Salle.
1955 — Dick Ricketts and Si Green combine for 56 points to lead Duquesne to a 70-58 triumph over Dayton in the NIT championship.
1956 — The Minneapolis Lakers defeat the St. Louis Hawks 133-75 for the biggest rout in NBA playoff history.
1960 — Ohio State wins the NCAA basketball title with a 75-55 victory against California.
1960 — Mach Herndon’s 26 points leads Bradley to a 88-72 triumph over Providence for the NIT title. Lenny Wilkens scores 25 points for the Friars.
1966 — Texas Western, starting five black players, wins the NCAA basketball championship with a 72-65 upset of all-white Kentucky.
1966 — BYU beats New York University 97-84 for the NIT championship.
1972 — The Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women holds its first basketball championship and Immaculata beats West Chester State 52-48.
1972 — The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Golden State Warriors 162-99 for the most lopsided victory in NBA history.
1987 — Bonnie Blair skates ladies’ world record 500 m (39.43 sec)
1994 — Hartford’s Brian Propp reaches the 1,000-point mark with a goal in a 5-3 win over Philadelphia.
1995 — Chicago’s Michael Jordan returns from his 17-month retirement. Wearing No. 45, he shoots 7-of-28 from the field and scores 19 points in the Bulls’ 103-96 overtime loss at Indiana.
1998 — The U.S. women’s soccer team sustains the worst loss in its 13-year history, falling 4-1 to reigning World Cup champion Norway in the Algarve Cup.
2006 — Tennessee’s Candace Parker is the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game, jamming one-handed on a breakaway 6:12 into the second-seeded Lady Vols’ 102-54 victory against an Army team that was making its NCAA tournament debut.
2011 — Duke gives coach Mike Krzyzewski his 900th career victory, a 73-71 win over Michigan, and the Blue Devils advance to the round of 16 for the 12th time in 14 years.
2014 — Chris Eversley scores 19 points to help Cal Poly become the first team in 59 years with 19 losses to win an NCAA Tournament game, beating Texas Southern 81-69 on in the First Four.
2015 — Lindsey Vonn wins the final super-G of the season and with it her 19th crystal globe trophy — equaling the record of Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark.
2015 — R.J. Hunter’s 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining caps a comeback from a 12-point deficit and lifts 14th-seeded Georgia State over third-seeded Baylor 57-56 in the NCAA Tournament.
2015 — William Lee scores the last four points for 14th-seeded UAB in its 60-59 upset of Iowa State.
2019 — Houston Rockets guard James Harden becomes first player in NBA history to score at least 30 points against all 29 opponents in a single season with 31 in a 121-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
2022 — LeBron James moves past Karl Malone (36,909) into second on NBA’s all-time scoring list with 38 points in LA Lakers’ 127-119 loss to Washington Wizards.
_____
March 20
1897 — Yale beats Penn 32-10 in New Haven, Conn., in the first men’s intercollegiate basketball game.
1918 — The Toronto Arenas (who would become the Maple Leafs) are the first NHL team to play in the Stanley Cup Final. Toronto’s Reg Noble scores two goals with an assist in the first period of a 5-3 win over Vancouver of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association.
1939 — In a game of unbeaten teams, Long Island U. defeats Loyola of Chicago 44-32 to win the National Invitation Tournament title.
1954 — In the first televised NCAA championship game, La Salle defeats Bradley 92-76 and sets a record for most points in the title game.
1965 — Gail Goodrich’s 42 points lead UCLA to a 91-80 victory over Michigan in the NCAA basketball championship.
1965 — St. John’s sends Joe Lapchick out a winner, as the Redmen beat Villanova 55-51 to win their fifth National Invitation Tournament championship.
1965 — Bill Bradley scores 58 points to lead Princeton to a 118-82 rout of Wichita State in the NCAA third-place game. UCLA beats Michigan 91-80 to win its second National championship.
1968 — Dave Bing of the Detroit Pistons finishes the season with a league-leading 27.1 average, becoming the first guard in 20 years to lead the NBA in scoring.
1969 — Less than two months after she becomes the first woman to ride in a pari-mutuel race in America, Diane Crump rides her first winner at Gulfstream Park.
1976 — Boston’s John Havlicek becomes the first NBA player to score more than 1,000 points per season for 14 consecutive years.
1988 — Mike Tyson knocks out Tony Tubbs in the second round to retain his world heavyweight title in Tokyo.
2005 — Liz Johnson becomes the first woman to advance to the championship match of a Professional Bowlers Association tour event, but loses by 27 pins to Tommy Jones in the final of the PBA Banquet Open.
2005 — LeBron James, 20, becomes the youngest player to score 50 points in an NBA game, when he scores 56 in the Cavaliers’ 105-98 loss to the Raptors.
2006 — Japan beats Cuba 10-6 in the title game of the inaugural World Baseball Classic.
2010 — Northern Iowa pulls off one of the biggest NCAA upsets in years by knocking No. 1 overall seed Kansas with a 69-67 win. Ali Farokhmanesh buries an open 3-pointer with the shot clock still in the 30s to give the Panthers a four-point lead with 35 seconds left.
2014 — Bernard Tomic loses the shortest completed ATP match on record, lasting only 28 minutes at the Sony Open in his first tournament since having surgery on both hips. Ending a two-month layoff, Tomic wins just 13 points and loses to Jarkko Nieminen 6-0, 6-1. It’s the quickest match since the ATP started keeping such records in 1991.
2020 — After 20 years with the New England Patriots, six-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady officially agrees to move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
TV SPORTS SATURDAY
| NBA REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets | 6:00 pm | YES NBCS-BOS |
| Oklahoma City Thunder vs Detroit Pistons | 7:00pm | FanDuel Sports DET FanDuel Sports OKC |
| Chicago Bulls vs Houston Rockets | 8:00pm | CHSN SCHN |
| Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks | 8:00pm | FanDuel Sports WIS FanDuel Sports IND |
| Miami Heat vs Memphis Grizzlies | 8:00 PM | FanDuel Sports MEM FanDuel Sports Sun |
| New Orleans Pelicans vs San Antonio Spurs | 8:30pm | GCSN KENS |
| New York Knicks vs Golden State Warriors | 8:30pm | ABC ESPN+ |
| Washington Wizards vs Denver Nuggets | 9:00pm | MNMT ALT |
| NHL REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Vegas Golden Knights vs Buffalo Sabres | 12:30pm | ESPN+ Scripps MSG-BUF |
| New Jersey Devils vs Pittsburgh Penguins | 3:00pm | ABC ESPN+ |
| Washington Capitals vs San Jose Sharks | 5:00pm | ESPN+ MNMT NBCS-CA |
| Tampa Bay Lightning vs Boston Bruins | 7:00pm | ESPN+ NESN FanDuel Sports Sun |
| New York Rangers vs Columbus Blue Jackets | 7:00pm | ESPN+ MSG FanDuel Sports Ohio |
| Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers | 7:00pm | ESPN+ NBCS-PHI FanDuel Sports South |
| Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs | 7:00pm | ESPN+ Sportsnet |
| Nashville Predators vs Los Angeles Kings | 8:00pm | ESPN+ KCAL Fanduel Sports South |
| St. Louis Blues vs Minnesota Wild | 8:00pm | ESPN+ Fanduel Sports North Fanduel Sports South |
| Chicago Blackhawks vs Vancouver Canucks | 10:00pm | ESPN+ CHSN Sportsnet |
| MEN’S NCAA BASKETBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| America East Championship | 11:00am | ESPN2 |
| Ivy League Semifinal | 11:00am | ESPNU |
| Big Ten Semifinal | 1:00pm | CBS |
| SEC Semifinal | 1:00pm | ESPN |
| MEAC Championship | 1:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Atlantic 10 Semifinal | 1:00pm | CBSSN |
| Ivy League Semifinal | 2:00pm | ESPNews |
| SEC Semifinal | 3:00pm | ESPN |
| American Semifinal | 3:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Big Ten Semifinal | 3:30pm | CBS |
| Atlantic 10 Semifinal | 3:30pm | CBSSN |
| American Semifinal | 5:30pm | ESPN2 |
| Mountain West Championship | 6:00pm | CBS |
| Georgetown at DePaul | 6:00pm | ESPN |
| Big 12 Championship | 6:30pm | FOX |
| Big East Championship | 2:00pm | SECN |
| MAAC Championship | 7:30pm | ESPN |
| MAC Championship | 7:40pm | ESPN2 |
| ACC Championship | 8:30pm | ESPN |
| Conference USA Championship | 8:30pm | CBSSN |
| SWAC Championship | 9:30pm | ESPNU |
| Big West Championship | 9:40pm | ESPN2 |
| WAC Championship | 11:40pm | ESPN2 |
| MOTORSPORTS | TIME ET | TV |
| Xfinity: The LiUNA! | 4:30pm | CW |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| PGA Tour: The Players Championship | 2:00pm | NBC |
| RUGBY | TIME ET | TV |
| Six Nations: Italy vs. Ireland | 12:00pm | NBC |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| EPL: Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City | 7:30am | USA Peacock fuboTV |
| La Liga: Real Valladolid vs Celta de Vigo | 8:00am | ESPN+ fuboTV |
| Serie A: Monza vs Parma | 9:00am | Paramount+ fuboTV |
| Serie A: Udinese vs Hellas Verona | 9:00am | Paramount+ fuboTV |
| Bundesliga: Augsburg vs Wolfsburg | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Mainz 05 vs Freiburg | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Werder Bremen vs Borussia M’gladbach | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| Bundesliga: Union Berlin vs Bayern München | 9:30am | ESPN+ |
| EPL: Everton vs West Ham United | 10:00am | USA Peacock fuboTV |
| EPL: Ipswich Town vs Nottingham Forest | 10:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion | 10:00am | Peacock |
| EPL: Southampton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers | 10:00am | Peacock |
| La Liga: Mallorca vs Espanyol | 10:15am | ESPN+ fuboTV |
| Ligue 1: Nantes vs Lille | 11:00am | Fanatiz beIN Sports |
| Serie A: Milan vs Como | 12:00pm | Paramount+ fuboTV |
| La Liga: Villarreal vs Real Madrid | 12:30pm | ESPN+ fuboTV |
| EPL: AFC Bournemouth vs Brentford | 12:30pm | USA Peacock |
| Bundesliga: RB Leipzig vs Borussia Dortmund | 12:30pm | ESPN+ |
| Ligue 1: Angers SCO vs Monaco | 1:00pm | Fanatiz beIN Sports |
| MLS: New York RB vs Orlando City SC | 2:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: Toronto FC vs Chicago Fire | 2:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| Serie A: Torino vs Empoli | 2:45pm | Paramount+ fuboTV |
| La Liga: Girona vs Valencia | 3:00pm | ESPN+ fuboTV |
| Ligue 1: Lens vs Rennes | 3:05pm | Fanatiz beIN Sports |
| MLS: Los Angeles FC vs Austin | 3:45pm | FOX MLS Season Pass |
| NWSL: Kansas City Current vs Portland Thorns | 12:45pm | ABC ESPN+ |
| Liga MX: Tigres UANL vs Santos Laguna | 6:00pm | fuboTV |
| MLS: Charlotte vs Cincinnati | 7:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: DC United vs CF Montréal | 7:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: New York City vs New England | 7:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| NWSL: Utah Royals vs Bay FC | 7:30pm | Tubi ION |
| Liga MX: Cruz Azul vs Atlético San Luis | 8:00pm | VIX |
| Liga MX: Juárez vs Guadalajara | 8:00pm | fuboTV |
| MLS: Sporting KC vs Minnesota United | 8:25pm | FS1 MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: Dallas vs Vancouver Whitecaps | 8:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake | 8:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: St. Louis City vs Seattle Sounders FC | 8:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| NWSL: Seattle Reign vs NJ/NY Gotham FC | 10:00pm | Tubi ION |
| Liga MX: Atlas vs América | 10:05pm | VIX |
| MLS: San Diego vs Columbus Crew | 10:30pm | MLS Season Pass |
| MLS: SJ Earthquakes vs Colorado Rapids | 10:30pm | MLS Season Pass |