“THE SCOREBOARD”
CENTRAL INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
HAGERSTOWN 7 SHENANDOAH 2
TRITON CENTRAL 11 SPEEDWAY 0
BISHOP CHATARD 14 HERRON 4
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN 8 BISHOP CHATARD 2
RICHMOND 10 MUNCIE CENTRAL 0
PIKE 19 BEN DAVIS 4
COVENANT CHRISTIAN 8 INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN 7
TRI-WEST 13 SOUTHMONT 2
GUERIN CATHOLIC 8 MCCUTCHEON 4
PURDUE POLY 15 INDIANAPOLIS TINDLEY 2
NEW CASTLE 6 RUSHVILLE 2
LAWRENCE NORTH 10 LAWRENCE CENTRAL 0
WEST VIGO 10 GREENCASTLE 8
FRANKLIN 6 PERRY MERIDIAN 3
BEECH GROVE 13 MONROVIA 3
LAPEL 31 ANDERSON PREP 1
MADISON GRANT 12 ELWOOD 4
SCECINA 4 RITTER 0
PLAINFIELD 4 WHITELAND 3
GREENFIELD CENTRAL 4 DELTA 3
AVON 5 FRANKLIN CENTRAL 0
WESTVILLE 5 TERRE HAUTE SOUTH 4
CONNERSVILLE 9 CENTERVILLE 3
NORTH CENTRAL 14 WARREN CENTRAL 0
WESTERN 8 HAMILTON HEIGHTS 4
RONCALLI 13 BREBEUF 0
MADISON 8 COLUMBUS EAST 1
WESTFIELD 4 CATHEDRAL 0
GREENWOOD 15 MARTINSVILLE 4
YORKTOWN 3 NEW PALESTINE 2
MOUNT VERNON 6 SHELBYVILLE 5
LAFAYETTE JEFF 13 KOKOMO 4
CENTRAL INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL
WES DEL 15 SOUTHWOOD 14
TRI 10 WAPAHANI 0
COWAN 15 MUNCIE CENTRAL 0
MARION 17 RICHMOND 0
HERRON 17 PIKE 3
BETHESDA CHRISTIAN 7 GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN 2
SOUTHMONT 9 TRI-WEST 5
BISHOP CHATARD 7 LAWRENCE NORTH 5
GUERIN CATHOLIC 1 LAWRENCE CENTRAL 0
ROSSVILLE 9 HARRISON 6
CATHEDRAL 13 LIVING WATER HOMESCHOOL 3
WEST VIGO 12 GREENCASTLE 2
COVENANT CHRISTIAN 12 SCECINA 0
SHENANDOAH 15 ADAMS CENTRAL 0
KOKOMO 3 BEN DAVIS 1
RONCALLI 14 BREBEUF 0
MARTINSVILLE 14 GREENWOOD 2
PROVIDENCE CRISTO REY 22 CRISPUS ATTUCKS 6
DALEVILLE 14 CAMBRIDGE CITY LINCOLN 1
DANVILLE 17 CRAWFORDSVILLE 3
NOBLESVILLE 16 CARMEL 2
CONNERSVILLE 8 MOUNT VERNON 7
PLAINFIELD 12 WHITELAND 1
MOORESVILLE 4 DECATUR CENTRAL 2
NEW PALESTINE 10 FRANKLIN CENTRAL 0
GREENFIELD CENTRAL 5 WESTFIELD 3
HAMILTON HEIGHTS 3 WESTERN 2
CENTRAL INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL
MARTINSVILLE 3 GREENWOOD 0
LAWRENCE NORTH 3 TRI WEST 0
RONCALLI 3 FRANKLIN CENTRAL 0
FRANKLIN 3 DECATUR CENTRAL 0
CARMEL 3 GUERIN CATHOLIC 1
MCCUTCHEON 3 NOBLESVILLE 1
CENTRAL INDIANA BOYS HIGH SCHOOL LAX
BROWNSBURG 18 FISHERS 2
GUERIN CATHOLIC 10 BISHOP CHATARD 3
PARK TUDOR 4 SCECINA 0
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN 11 CATHEDRAL 7
CARMEL 9 ZIONSVILLE 3
CENTRAL INDIANA GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL LAX
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
INDIANA COLLEGE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
INDIANA COLLEGE SOFTBALL SCOREBOARD
ILLINOIS 5 VALPO 1
CLEVELAND STATE 7 PURDUE FT. WAYNE 4
PURDUE FT. WAYNE 4 CLEVELAND STATE 3
BALL STATE 4 WESTERN MICHIGAN 3
BALL STATE 14 WESTERN MICHIGAN 4
INDIANA COLLEGE MEN’S LAX
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
INDIANA COLLEGE WOMEN’S LAX
CENTRAL MICHIGAN 10 BUTLER 8
NBA PLAYOFF SCHEDULE-PLAY IN TOURNAMENT
MIAMI 109 CHICAGO 90
DALLAS 120 SACRAMENTO 106
NBA PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
MIAMI HEAT (EAST 10) VS. ATLANTA HAWKS (EAST 8) | 7 ET, TNT
WINNER ADVANCES TO PLAYOFFS AS EAST NO. 8 SEED
DALLAS MAVERICKS (WEST 10) VS. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (WEST 8) | 9:30 ET, ESPN
WINNER ADVANCES TO PLAYOFFS AS WEST NO. 8 SEED
ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD TIME
(1) CLEVELAND VS. (8) TBD
• GAME 1: TBD AT CAVALIERS (SUN. APRIL 20, 7 ET, TNT)
• GAME 2: TBD AT CAVALIERS (WED. APRIL 23, 7:30 ET, NBA TV)
• GAME 3: CAVALIERS AT TBD (SAT. APRIL 26, 1 ET, TNT)
• GAME 4: CAVALIERS AT TBD (MON. APRIL 28, TBD)
• GAME 5: TBD AT CAVALIERS (WED. APRIL 30, TBD)*
• GAME 6: CAVALIERS AT TBD (FRI. MAY 2, TBD)*
• GAME 7: TBD AT CAVALIERS (SUN. MAY 4, TBD)*
* IF NECESSARY
SERIES TIED 0-0
(2) BOSTON VS. (7) ORLANDO
• GAME 1: MAGIC AT CELTICS (SUN. APRIL 20, 3:30 ET, ABC)
• GAME 2: MAGIC AT CELTICS (WED. APRIL 23, 7 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: CELTICS AT MAGIC (FRI. APRIL 25, 7 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 4: CELTICS AT MAGIC (SUN. APRIL 27, 7 ET, TNT)
• GAME 5: MAGIC AT CELTICS (TUE. APRIL 29, TBD)*
• GAME 6: CELTICS AT MAGIC (THU. MAY 1, TBD)*
• GAME 7: MAGIC AT CELTICS (SAT. MAY 3, TBD)*
* IF NECESSARY
SERIES TIED 0-0
(3) NEW YORK VS. (6) DETROIT
• GAME 1: PISTONS AT KNICKS (SAT. APRIL 19, 6 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 2: PISTONS AT KNICKS (MON. APRIL 21, 7:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: KNICKS AT PISTONS (THU. APRIL 24, 7 ET, TNT)
• GAME 4: KNICKS AT PISTONS (SUN. APRIL 27, 1 ET, ABC)
• GAME 5: PISTONS AT KNICKS (TUE. APRIL 29, TBD)*
• GAME 6: KNICKS AT PISTONS (THU. MAY 1, TBD)*
• GAME 7: PISTONS AT KNICKS (SAT. MAY 3, TBD)*
* IF NECESSARY
SERIES TIED 0-0
(4) INDIANA VS. (5) MILWAUKEE
• GAME 1: BUCKS AT PACERS (SAT. APRIL 19, 1 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 2: BUCKS AT PACERS (TUE. APRIL 22, 7 ET, NBA TV)
• GAME 3: PACERS AT BUCKS (FRI. APRIL 25, 8 ET, ESPNU/NBA TV)
• GAME 4: PACERS AT BUCKS (SUN. APRIL 27, 9:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 5: BUCKS AT PACERS (TUE. APRIL 29, TBD)*
• GAME 6: PACERS AT BUCKS (FRI. MAY 2, TBD)*
• GAME 7: BUCKS AT PACERS (SUN. MAY 4, TBD)*
* IF NECESSARY
SERIES TIED 0-0
WESTERN CONFERENCE
ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD TIME
(1) OKLAHOMA CITY VS. (8) TBD
• GAME 1: TBD AT THUNDER (SUN. APRIL 20, 1 ET, ABC)
• GAME 2: TBD AT THUNDER (TUE. APRIL 22, 7:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: THUNDER AT TBD (THU. APRIL 24, 9:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 4: THUNDER AT TBD (SAT. APRIL 26, 3:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 5: TBD AT THUNDER (MON. APRIL 28, TBD)*
• GAME 6: THUNDER AT TBD (THU. MAY 1, TBD)*
• GAME 7: TBD AT THUNDER (SAT. MAY 3, TBD)*
* IF NECESSARY
SERIES TIED 0-0
(2) HOUSTON VS. (7) GOLDEN STATE
• GAME 1: WARRIORS AT ROCKETS (SUN. APRIL 20, 9:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 2: WARRIORS AT ROCKETS (WED. APRIL 23, 9:30 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: ROCKETS AT WARRIORS (SAT. APRIL 26, 8:30 ET, ABC)
• GAME 4: ROCKETS AT WARRIORS (MON. APRIL 28, 10 ET, TNT)
• GAME 5: WARRIORS AT ROCKETS (WED. APRIL 30, TBD)*
• GAME 6: ROCKETS AT WARRIORS (FRI. MAY 2, TBD)*
• GAME 7: WARRIORS AT ROCKETS (SUN. MAY 4, TBD)*
* IF NECESSARY
SERIES TIED 0-0
(3) LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS. (6) MINNESOTA
• GAME 1: TIMBERWOLVES AT LAKERS (SAT. APRIL 19, 8:30 ET, ABC)
• GAME 2: TIMBERWOLVES AT LAKERS (TUE. APRIL 22, 10 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: LAKERS AT TIMBERWOLVES (FRI. APRIL 25, 9:30 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 4: LAKERS AT TIMBERWOLVES (SUN. APRIL 27, 3:30 ET, ABC)
• GAME 5: TIMBERWOLVES AT LAKERS (WED. APRIL 30, TBD)*
• GAME 6: LAKERS AT TIMBERWOLVES (FRI. MAY 2, TBD)*
• GAME 7: TIMBERWOLVES AT LAKERS (SUN. MAY 4, TBD)*
* IF NECESSARY
SERIES TIED 0-0
(4) DENVER VS. (5) LA CLIPPERS
• GAME 1: CLIPPERS AT NUGGETS (SAT. APRIL 19, 3:30 ET, ESPN)
• GAME 2: CLIPPERS AT NUGGETS (MON. APRIL 21, 10 ET, TNT)
• GAME 3: NUGGETS AT CLIPPERS (THU. APRIL 24, 10 ET, NBA TV)
• GAME 4: NUGGETS AT CLIPPERS (SAT. APRIL 26, 6 ET, TNT)
• GAME 5: CLIPPERS AT NUGGETS (TUE. APRIL 29, TBD)*
• GAME 6: NUGGETS AT CLIPPERS (THU. MAY 1, TBD)*
• GAME 7: CLIPPERS AT NUGGETS (SAT. MAY 3, TBD)*
* IF NECESSARY
SERIES TIED 0-0
> CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS
THE CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS WILL BEGIN MAY 5-6, BUT CAN MOVE UP TO MAY 3-4.
> CONFERENCE FINALS
THE CONFERENCE FINALS WILL BEGIN MAY 20-21, BUT CAN MOVE UP TO MAY 18-19.
MAY 20: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 1 ON ESPN, 8:30 P.M. ET (POSSIBLE SERIES MOVE UP TO MAY 18)
MAY 21: EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 1 ON TNT, 8 P.M. ET (POSSIBLE SERIES MOVE UP TO MAY 19)
MAY 22: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 2 ON ESPN, 8:30 P.M. ET
MAY 23: EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 2 ON TNT, 8 P.M. ET
MAY 24: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 3 ON ABC, 8:30 P.M. ET
MAY 25: EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 3 ON TNT, 8 P.M. ET
MAY 26: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 4 ON ESPN, 8:30 P.M. ET
MAY 27: EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 4 ON TNT, 8 P.M. ET
MAY 28: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 5 ON ESPN, 8:30 P.M. ET (IF NECESSARY)
MAY 29: EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 5 ON TNT, 8 P.M. ET (IF NECESSARY)
MAY 30: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 6 ON ESPN, 8:30 P.M. ET (IF NECESSARY)
MAY 31: EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 6 ON TNT, 8 P.M. ET (IF NECESSARY)
JUNE 1: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 7 ON ESPN, 8 P.M. ET (IF NECESSARY)
JUNE 2: EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 7 ON TNT, 8 P.M. ET (IF NECESSARY)
> NBA FINALS
THE 2025 NBA FINALS WILL BEGIN JUNE 5, WITH ABC AS THE EXCLUSIVE BROADCASTER.
JUNE 5: NBA FINALS 2025 PRESENTED BY YOUTUBE TV – GAME 1 ON ABC
JUNE 8: NBA FINALS 2025 PRESENTED BY YOUTUBE TV – GAME 2 ON ABC
JUNE 11: NBA FINALS 2025 PRESENTED BY YOUTUBE TV – GAME 3 ON ABC
JUNE 13: NBA FINALS 2025 PRESENTED BY YOUTUBE TV – GAME 4 ON ABC
JUNE 16: NBA FINALS 2025 PRESENTED BY YOUTUBE TV – GAME 5 ON ABC (IF NECESSARY)
JUNE 19: NBA FINALS 2025 PRESENTED BY YOUTUBE TV – GAME 6 ON ABC (IF NECESSARY)
JUNE 22: NBA FINALS 2025 PRESENTED BY YOUTUBE TV – GAME 7 ON ABC (IF NECESSARY)
NHL SCOREBOARD
MONTRÉAL 4 CAROLINA 2
WINNIPEG 2 ANAHEIM 1 OT
DETROIT 5 NEW JERSEY 2
NASHVILLE 5 DALLAS 1
VEGAS 4 VANCOUVER 1
EDMONTON 3 SAN JOSE 0
MLB SCOREBOARD
TORONTO 3 ATLANTA 1
MINNESOTA 4 NY METS 3 (10)
MILWAUKEE 5 DETROIT 1
ST. LOUIS 4 HOUSTON 1
SAN DIEGO 4 CHICAGO CUBS 2
BALTIMORE 9 CLEVELAND 1
PITTSBURGH 6 WASHINGTON 1
SEATTLE 5 CINCINNATI 3
ARIZONA 6 MIAMI 2
SAN FRANCISCO 11 PHILADELPHIA 4
BOSTON 1 TAMPA BAY 0
NY YANKEES 4 KANSAS CITY 3
LAS VEGAS 3 CHICAGO WHITE SOX 1
TEXAS 3 LA ANGELS 1
LA DODGERS 8 COLORADO 7
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SCOREBOARD
INDIANAPOLIS 5 TOLEDO 4
WEST MICHIGAN 17 SOUTH BEND 3
FT. WAYNE 4 LAKE COUNTY 3
MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SCOREBOARD
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
UFL SCOREBOARD
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
INDOOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE SCOREBOARD
NO GAMES SCHEDULED
WOMEN’S PRO VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION SCOREBOARD
COLUMBUS 3 SAN DIEGO 1
TOP NATIONAL HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES
NBA NEWS
FOR THUNDER AND CAVALIERS, IT’S STILL A WAITING GAME TO SEE WHO THEY’LL FACE IN ROUND 1 OF PLAYOFFS
Oklahoma City and Cleveland are the top seeds in the NBA playoffs, which comes with some perks. They’ll have home-court advantage for at least three rounds and, presumably, an easier path than others to advancing.
It also comes with a challenge: They’ll have just one full day to really prepare for Game 1.
Some teams will have a full week to prepare for their first playoff foe. Some teams get four or five days. But given the way the play-in tournament is structured, the Thunder and Cavaliers won’t know their foes until late Friday night — then will open Round 1 matchups against those opponents on Sunday, with only one practice day to lock in on a game plan.
“It’s tough. It’s interesting,” Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers said. “There were years where I had that issue and it’s definitely more challenging.”
The exact same scenario didn’t hold the Thunder back a year ago. New Orleans won the Western Conference’s elimination play-in game for the No. 8 seed on a Friday, started a series at top-seeded Oklahoma City on Sunday, the Thunder squeaked out a win in Game 1 and went on to sweep the matchup with a couple of blowouts in there.
And just like last year, the Thunder are spending these extra days working on themselves.
“It’s a unique situation to have this much time in between games and to not know your opponent,” Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault said. “Now, our opponent won’t be able to prepare. We’ll both have the same amount of time to prepare. We both have Saturday and then we play Sunday. So, you’re in no disadvantage. But we definitely learned from last year on how to manage the week.”
The Cavaliers won’t present any information on opposing personnel to their players until after the opponent is locked in. Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson did get one piece of information very late Tuesday night, that his team’s Game 1 will be at 7 p.m. on Sunday.
It could have been as early as 1 p.m., depending on what the league and its broadcast partners wanted. To Atkinson, those few extra hours can make a difference.
“We’ll have more time to maybe dive into personnel a little more,” Atkinson said.
The Cavs have had an assistant coach assigned to each specific team all season, so work is being done on all three of their possible Round 1 opponents. Atkinson won’t start thinking about possible matchups until later this week.
“I think there is an organization to it, a real organization,” Atkinson said. “And it’s multi-faceted. … We have things we’ve been working on, things we think will translate to playoffs.”
There are four matchups — Indiana-Milwaukee and New York-Detroit in the East, the Los Angeles Lakers-Minnesota and Denver-the Los Angeles Clippers in the West — that have been set since the end of the regular season. Those teams get a full week to get ready for Round 1, knowing their opponents. All of those series open on Saturday.
The No. 2 seeds in each conference learned their opponents on Tuesday night, when Orlando earned the right to play Boston and Golden State won its way into a playoff meeting with Houston.
Had the Magic or Warriors lost Tuesday, they would have had to play elimination games on Friday. Winning to open the play-in tournament allowed both teams a chance to take a little bit of time to exhale.
“It took 83 games, but we’re right where we want to be — which is back in the playoffs and we’ve got a chance,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “But maybe most importantly, we get the time to rest and prepare because these guys need that desperately right now.”
Oklahoma City will play either Memphis, Sacramento or Dallas in Round 1 of the West playoffs. Cleveland will play either Atlanta, Chicago or Miami in Round 1 of the East playoffs. Sometime Friday night, the Thunder and Cavaliers will finally know who it is.
Neither club seems overly worked up about the uncertainty that they’re dealing with this week. And it hasn’t been much of a problem in the past, either; since 2021, when this version of the play-in tournament began, No. 1 seeds are 6-2 in Game 1s against No. 8 seeds, plus have gone on to win that opening series seven of eight times — the exception being when Miami upset Milwaukee in 2023.
“It’s the first round,” Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson said. “No disrespect to those teams, but we’re supposed to win that series.”
THE NBA PLAYOFFS WILL, ONCE AGAIN, BE AN INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE OF STARS
They’ll be watching in Canada, not just because of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, though the NBA’s scoring champion and MVP favorite who plays for Oklahoma City surely helps lure in fans who are north of the border.
They’ll be watching from Serbia and Greece, the homelands of Denver star Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo. Alperen Sengun will have them watching Houston games in the middle of the night in Turkey, too. Slovenian fans will be watching Luka Doncic and the Lakers play their playoff opener at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, 5:30 p.m. Saturday in Los Angeles. Fans in Cameroon will be tuned in to see Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers. Defending champion Boston features, among others, Kristaps Porzingis of Latvia and Al Horford of the Dominican Republic.
Once again, the NBA playoffs are setting up to be a showcase for international stars.
In a season where the five statistical champions were from five different countries, an NBA first — Gilgeous-Alexander is Canadian, rebounding champion Domantas Sabonis of Sacramento is from Lithuania, blocked shots champion Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio is from France, steals champion Dyson Daniels of Atlanta is from Australia, and assists champion Trae Young of the Hawks is from the U.S. — the postseason will have plenty of international feel as well. Gilgeous-Alexander is in, while Sabonis and Daniels (along with Young, obviously) could join him if their teams get through the play-in tournament.
“We have a tremendous number of international players in this league,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this season. “It’s roughly 30% of our players representing, at least on opening day, 43 different countries, so there’s much more of a global sense around our teams.”
By the end of the season, it wound up being 44 different countries — at least in terms of countries where players who scored in the NBA this season were born. For the first time in NBA history, players from one country other than the U.S. combined to score more than 15,000 points; Canadian players scored 15,588 this season, led by Gilgeous-Alexander, the first scoring champion from that country.
Gilgeous-Alexander is favored to be MVP this season. It’ll be either him or Jokic, which means it’ll be a seventh consecutive year with an international MVP for the NBA. Antetokounmpo won twice, then Jokic won three of the next four, with Cameroon-born Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers winning two seasons ago.
“Shai is in the category of you do not stop him,” Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic said after a game between the Raptors and Thunder this season.
In other words, he’s like a lot of other international guys now. Nobody truly stops Jokic, Antetokounmpo and Doncic either.
And this season brought another international first: Doncic finished atop the NBA’s most popular jersey list, meaning NBAStore.com sold more of his jerseys than they did anyone else’s. Sure, that was bolstered by Doncic changing jerseys midseason when he was traded by Dallas to the Los Angeles Lakers, but it still is significant.
The Slovenian star is the first international player to finish atop the most popular jerseys list — and the first player other than Stephen Curry or LeBron James to hold that spot in more than a decade, since soon-to-be-enshrined Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony did it when he was with New York in 2012-13.
“We’re so small, we have 2 million people. But really, our sport is amazing,” fellow Slovene Ajsa Sivka said when she was drafted by the WNBA’s Chicago Sky on Monday night and asked about Doncic and other top Slovenian athletes. “No matter what sport, we have at least someone that’s great in it. I’m just really proud to be Slovenian.”
All this comes at a time where the NBA is more serious than perhaps ever before about growing its international footprint. Last month, FIBA — the sport’s international governing body — and the NBA announced a plan to partner on a new European basketball league that has been taking shape for many years. The initial target calls for a 16-team league and it potentially could involve many of the biggest franchise names in Europe, such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
It was a season where four players topped 2,000 points in the NBA and three of them were international with Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic and Antetokounmpo. Globally, time spent watching NBA League Pass was up 6% over last season. More people watched NBA games in France this season than ever before, even with Wembanyama missing the final two months. NBA-related social media views in Canada this season set records, and league metrics show more fans than ever were watching in the Asia-Pacific region — already a basketball hotbed — as well.
FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis said the numbers — which are clearly being fueled by the continued international growth — suggest the game is very strong right now.
“Looking around the world, and of course here in North America,” Zagklis said, “the NBA is most popular and more commercially successful than ever.”
BUCKS’ GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO FEELING GRATEFUL THAT HE’S HEALTHY FOR THE POSTSEASON THIS TIME AROUND
MILWAUKEE (AP) — As he discusses his excitement about finally being healthy for the start of a postseason run, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo compares himself to a certain action movie star.
“I love playing in, how can I say, pressure, stressful situations,” Antetokounmpo said this week as the Bucks prepare to open the playoffs Saturday at Indiana. “I’m like Tom Cruise. Have you ever seen the movies, the Tom Cruise movies that he does all the stunts? I think he gets an adrenaline rush. I love being there again.”
After missing all of Milwaukee’s postseason run last year and part of it the year before — with his absence leading to consecutive first-round exits — Antetokounmpo is back to lead the Bucks as he pursues his second career title.
If it’s not quite a mission impossible, it certainly seems improbable.
The Bucks are expected to open the playoffs without seven-time all-NBA guard Damian Lillard, who has been out for the last month with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. The Bucks are seeded fifth in the Eastern Conference, their lowest playoff position since 2018. BetMGM Sportsbook gives the Bucks only a 37% chance of even getting past their first-round series with the fourth-seeded Pacers.
Yet the Bucks believe they can compete with anyone as long as Antetokounmpo is available. They remember how much the two-time MVP’s absence was felt last year in their 4-2 series loss to Indiana.
“Let’s be honest,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Take the best player off of every team and it hurts them. Take one of the best players of our generation off your team, it’s going to crush you. It’s just nice having him on the floor.”
Antetokounmpo, 30, missed last year’s Indiana series after straining his left calf in the 79th game of the regular season. A year earlier, he bruised his lower back in the first quarter of Milwaukee’s opening playoff game against Miami and didn’t return to action until Game 4 of a series the top-seeded Bucks eventually lost 4-1.
At the end of last season, Antetokounmpo said he’d have to ponder changing his offseason program or make other adaptations to assure he’d stay healthy for the playoffs. He now enters the playoffs in peak form after leading Milwaukee to an eight-game winning streak to close the regular season.
“I made a lot of adjustments — that I’ll keep private — but luck definitely plays a role, too,” Antetokounmpo said. “You can be unlucky. Going down three games, or six games, I don’t even remember, before the playoffs last year, that’s being unlucky. But yeah, I think we made a lot of adjustments, me and my team, and I’m here today, so I’m happy.”
The last time Antetokounmpo played in an entire playoff series, he had 33.9 points, 14.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in the Bucks’ 4-3 Eastern Conference semifinal loss to Boston in 2022. He became the first player in NBA history to collect 200 points, 100 rebounds and 50 assists in a single playoff series.
A year before that, Antetokounmpo missed the final two games of the Eastern Conference finals with a hyperextended left knee but came back to earn NBA Finals MVP honors and score 50 points in a title-clinching Game 6 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Now he’s back and leading a new-look Bucks roster.
Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton are the only players remaining from Milwaukee’s 2021 championship team. Kyle Kuzma, acquired at the trade deadline, was on the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship team but last made the playoffs in 2021. Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, whose roles expanded due to Lilllard’s health issues, have never played in a postseason game.
Lillard’s absence has resulted in more ball-handling responsibilities for Antetokounmpo, who has been playing particularly well even by his lofty standards.
The 6-11 forward ended the regular season ranked second in scoring (30.4), sixth in rebounding (11.9) and 13th in assists (6.5). Antetokounmpo is the only player ever to average 30 points while shooting at least 60% from the floor, and he’s done that each of the last two seasons.
In the six games he’s played this month, Antetokounmpo has averaged 31.8 points, 12 rebounds and 11.8 assists while recording four triple-doubles.
“During this period where Dame has been out, he’s been seeing consistent double teams, so he’s just continued to evolve as a great player,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “He’s mixing in the assist, the laser passes, the skip passes cross-court which are very difficult to deal with when you’re double-teaming him, and his shooting has gotten better and better.”
Now he gets a chance to try carrying that over to the postseason, a stage he missed dearly last year.
“Watching the game on the bench is not fun,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s not fun. Maybe in 20 years, I can put on a polo or a suit — I don’t know what the coaches wear — and watch it from the bench. But now I’m just happy that I’m out there and I’m in the heat of the battle and I’m able to get my hands dirty and help my team win.”
MAVS KEEP COMFORTABLE LEAD, ELIMINATE KINGS IN PLAY-IN GAME
Anthony Davis recorded 27 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots and the Dallas Mavericks kept their playoff bid alive with a convincing 120-106 victory over the host Sacramento Kings in a Western Conference play-in game on Wednesday night.
Klay Thompson scored 23 points, P.J. Washington had 17 points and nine boards and Brandon Williams had 17 points off the bench for the Mavericks, who will visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night in the final West play-in contest. The winner earns the No. 8 seed and will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
DeMar DeRozan registered 33 points and seven rebounds and Zach LaVine added 20 points and nine assists for Sacramento, which was eliminated with Wednesday’s setback. Domantas Sabonis added 11 points, 13 rebounds and five assists for the Kings.
The contest marked just the 10th time Davis had played for Dallas since being acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in the Luka Doncic deal. Most recently, Davis has been dealing with an adductor injury.
Thompson made 8 of 11 shots, including 5 of 7 from behind the arc, in a superior showing compared with what he experienced in the play-in round last season against Sacramento.
On that occasion, Thompson missed all 10 shots and went scoreless in 32 minutes of the 118-94 loss. It was his final game with the Golden State Warriors.
Dante Exum added 11 points for Dallas, which shot 49.4 percent from the field and connected on 14 of 28 from 3-point range.
The Kings committed 18 turnovers, made 46.1 percent of their field-goal attempts and were 13 of 33 from behind the arc. Devin Carter scored 10 points off the bench.
Sacramento trailed by 23 points at halftime and never put up a legitimate fight the rest of the way. When Davis made back-to-back baskets to make it 107-85 just before the midway point of the fourth quarter, it was apparent the Mavericks were on their way to staying alive.
Thompson scored 16 points in the second quarter on perfect shooting — including four treys in a span of 3:03 — as Dallas erupted for 44 points en route to a 71-48 halftime lead. DeRozan had 13 points in the half for the Kings, who committed 12 turnovers in the half compared to just three for the Mavericks.
The game was tied at 29 before Dallas exploded with a 24-10 burst to open up a 14-point lead. All four of Thompson’s treys came during the burst.
Davis hit consecutive 3-pointers for the final points of the half.
After Davis drained another trey to make it 80-54 with 8:31 left in the third quarter, the Kings rattled off 10 straight points. But Dallas took a comfortable 99-81 advantage into the final stanza.
AFTER 3 REGULAR-SEASON LOSSES TO BULLS, HEAT STOP THEM IN PLAY-IN
Tyler Herro scored 38 points to pace the visiting Miami Heat to a 109-90 wire-to-wire victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday in an Eastern Conference play-in game.
Herro made all eight of his shots in the first half and finished 13-of-19 from the floor — including 3-of-7 from 3-point range. He also sank 9-of-10 free-throw attempts to propel the Heat into Friday’s pivotal contest against the host Atlanta Hawks.
Miami and Atlanta split the four-game series in the regular season, with each team winning twice on its home court.
The winner of Friday’s contest will square off against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Game 1 of that best-of-seven series is Sunday in Cleveland.
Miami’s Andrew Wiggins collected 20 points and nine rebounds on Wednesday and Bam Adebayo added 15 and 12, respectively.
Davion Mitchell had 15 points and eight assists off the bench for Miami, which shot a robust 49.4 percent from the floor en route to defeating Chicago in the play-in tournament for the third straight year.
Josh Giddey recorded 25 points and 10 rebounds, Coby White had 17 points and Nikola Vucevic added 16 to go along with 12 boards for the Bulls.
Chicago, however, hardly resembled the team that won all three of its regular-season meetings with Miami. The Bulls committed 18 turnovers and conceded 26 points off those miscues en route to seeing their season come to an end.
Herro bolted out of the blocks with a flourish, sinking all six shots he attempted from the floor — including a pair of 3-pointers — and both free-throw attempts in the first quarter. His offensive outburst helped Miami seize a 39-28 lead at the end of the quarter.
Herro improved to 8-for-8 from the floor after draining his third 3-pointer to extend the Heat’s advantage to 69-44 late in the second quarter.
The Bulls upped their intensity coming out of intermission, trimming a 24-point deficit to 13 at 93-80 early in the fourth quarter.
Miami, however, went on a 12-2 run, with Herro highlighting that surge with three free throws, a short jumper and a driving layup.
NBA NOTES OFFICIATING ERRORS LATE IN WARRIORS-GRIZZLIES GAME
The NBA acknowledged on Wednesday a number of officiating errors late in the Golden State Warriors’ 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzles in a Western Conference play-in game on Tuesday night in San Francisco.
Notably, with the seventh-place Warriors leading 117-116, the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report said the eighth-place Grizzlies should have been awarded the ball when Memphis’ Ja Morant reached in and knocked the ball away from Stephen Curry with 7.3 seconds left. The report said Curry made last contact with the ball before it went out of bounds.
With 5.4 seconds to play, Curry sank two free throws to extend the lead to 119-116.
The report backed the officials on what happened next. After taking a timeout, the Grizzlies were called for a five-second turnover for failure to inbound the ball. Curry then iced the win by hitting two more free throws with 3.4 seconds left.
Two calls that weren’t made — but should have been — were also noted in the report. With 1:29 to play, Golden State’s Draymond Green should have been whistled for a foul, his sixth, on Memphis’ Scotty Pippen Jr. It came with the Warriors leading 114-109. Green did get his sixth with 58.6 seconds left.
A non-call then helped the Grizzlies get within 114-111 with 1:27 to play. The report indicated that Memphis big man Zach Edey should have been called for offensive goaltending on a putback dunk.
With the victory, the Warriors earned the No. 7 spot in the West playoffs and a matchup with the No. 2 Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies were relegated to playing the survivor of the Wednesday night game between the ninth-place Sacramento Kings and the 10th-place Dallas Mavericks.
NFL NEWS
NFL TEAMS ARE NO LONGER SHYING AWAY FROM OLDER PROSPECTS IN THE DRAFT
Bo Nix has already turned 25. Michael Penix Jr. will get there in May.
Both quarterbacks were first-round picks last year. They were among 56 players age 24 or older drafted in 2024.
That number was up from 54 in 2023, 44 in 2022, 16 in 2021 and 19 in 2020.
There have been more older prospects drafted in recent years because the COVID-19 pandemic gave players an option to stay in school an extra year. Even though the window is ending, the transfer portal and NIL deals might continue to keep some players in school longer.
Teams used to shy away from older prospects. Scouts and general managers once considered the age of 24 a red flag in some cases.
But the success of guys like Nix and Jayden Daniels, who turned 24 during an outstanding rookie season, shows that experience can help players make an immediate impact in the pros.
“I came from BYU, where kids go on missions for a couple years, and so people go: ‘Well, they’re too old,’” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Well, then they come in and they do a pretty good job. So, and really, if you start taking averages of careers, career length, there’s maybe a cutoff somewhere, but the careers aren’t very long as it is. But we do look at (age), though.”
A majority of the older players selected in the draft last year were Day 3 picks, going in the sixth or seventh round. That indicates teams are more likely to overlook age later in the draft.
“It’s just unique to where we’re at right now in kind of the football world,” Raiders general manager John Spytek said. “You got guys with sixth and seventh years really, and so you’ve got to talk about a value of are we going to have a problem with the 25- or 26-year-old? Some people have more problems with that. I’m just looking for good football players, and I’m trying to impress that upon our scouts, too. Let’s just find good football players. We’ll figure it out. So I will say it’s been really hard on the area scouts.
“You go into these schools like Georgia and Michigan, Ohio State, and they’ve got a list of 30 guys that can potentially come out. … I mean it used to just be like here’s these 10 juniors, maybe half of them come out. Now it’s like, you got a fourth-year, fifth-year senior, and he might take another year. So it adds a lot more names to it and uncertainty and a lot more work that has to get done in a finite amount of time. And that’s why the scouts’ jobs are so critical to go through all that in an efficient way and present the players the right way. We’re relying on it. It’s critical to every organization.”
The number of older players drafted will decrease this season. There are 46 players age 23 or older who are draft eligible, including 17 who are 24 or older.
Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough, who turns 26 in September, was the oldest player at the scouting combine. He spent seven years at three colleges, including Oregon, where he backed up Justin Herbert in 2019, and Texas Tech.
Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy, San Jose State wideout Nick Nash and Arkansas receiver Andrew Armstrong were among the 24-year-old draft prospects at the combine.
Teams that stick to the old philosophy of avoiding older players limit their talent pool.
“I think sometimes you have to ask yourself, are you trying to get this guy for 12 years? If you’re looking for that, it’s a small percentage,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said. “Or are you looking for one contract and then hopefully more? It’s an interesting topic. It’s one we constantly discuss. There are pluses and minuses to both sides. Having a young guy that you think you can develop and is already a good player, and then a guy who’s a little more battle-tested … bent through a little more. It’s an interesting conversation.”
College experience is most valuable for quarterbacks. Nix and Daniels proved it last year when they led their teams to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson threw just 393 passes in college before the Colts drafted him No. 4 overall in 2023. He has struggled to adjust at the NFL level.
The oldest player ever selected in the draft was quarterback Chris Weinke. He was 28 years and 264 days old when the Panthers selected him in the fourth round of the 2000 draft. Weinke started just 20 games in the NFL, going 2-18.
Quarterback Brandon Weeden was the oldest player ever drafted in the first round. He was 28 years and 195 days old when the Browns chose him 22nd overall in 2012. Weeden made 25 starts, going 6-19. Both Weinke and Weeden played minor-league baseball before college football.
Depending on the position of a player and the round, age can be a determining factor when a team is choosing between two guys.
“When two players are level, even, same grade, you start weighing what they have,” Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said about age. “OK, he’s a three-year starter and he’s a four-year starter. Great leader, team captain, those little things give them a bump. It’s not intentional but you talk through it and it shakes out that way.”
JAGUARS 2025 DRAFT NEEDS, PICKS, BEST FITS, HISTORY
Another year, another top five draft pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Owner Shad Khan reversed his initial decision to retain general manager Trent Baalke when he fired head coach Doug Pederson after a 4-13 season in 2024. But when head coach candidate Liam Coen pulled out of the running for the job, Khan ejected Baalke, hired 34-year-old James Gladstone and landed Coen, 39, to replace Pederson.
With quarterback Trevor Lawrence recovering from left shoulder surgery and some mystery about the overall direction of the team’s schemes, Gladstone rides into his first draft in the big chair with plentiful options and 10 total picks.
The show begins at No. 5. History indicates a top talent will be available, but which direction will Gladstone steer the Jaguars?
As the draft approaches, the rumor mill has consistently connected the team to a pass rusher or running back Ashton Jeanty.
Here’s a closer look at the hand Gladstone holds.
–Team needs
Cornerback: Travis Hunter would be the ideal steal and if Gladstone was paying attention during his nine years with the Rams (spoiler alert: he was), swinging for the fences won’t be a problem. With 10 selections there’s room to gamble and the Jaguars offer Hunter a CB1 role with a chance to be heavily incorporated on offense. If they aren’t willing to trade with Cleveland or the New York Giants to get Hunter, a move down for Will Johnson (Michigan) or targeting a mid-round developmental type could work, too.
Running back: It’s not that the position is a need so much as it’s likely Gladstone will be sitting on the clock with the option to select Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. Mentor Les Snead of the Rams had a similar decision in 2015, one year before Gladstone joined the franchise, when he opted to drafted Georgia running back Todd Gurley. More recently in Rams’ lore and as part of Gladstone’s tenure, the Rams found Pro Bowl RB Kyren Williams with the 164th overall pick in 2022.
Defensive line: Michigan’s Mason Graham appears to be an ideal fit for the Jaguars based on need and the team’s stated approach to the draft class.
Not to dwell on his nine-year run with the Rams, but has anyone benefited more from a strong interior defensive line than Los Angeles under Snead? They were questioned for the “risk” of drafting a smaller three-technique out of Pitt in 2014, and Aaron Donald, the No. 13 overall pick that year, is a few years shy of being fitted for a gold jacket. Last year, the Rams snagged Braden Fiske (second round) after already addressing their pass rush with Jared Verse in the first round.
–Best prospect fits
OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
DT Mason Graham, Michigan
CB-WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
DE Mykel Williams, Georgia
TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
OT Will Campbell, LSU
OT-OG Armand Membou, Missouri
OLB Jalon Walker, Georgia
–2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 10
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 5, 5
2: 4, 36
3: 6, 70
3: 24, 88 (from Minnesota Vikings)
4: 5, 107
4: 24, 126 (from Minnesota Vikings)
5: 4, 142
6: 6, 182
6: 18, 194 (from Seattle Seahawks)
7: 5, 221
–History Lesson
–This is the 15th time since 2008 the Jaguars are drafting in the top 10.
–With the No. 5 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Jaguars drafted cornerback Jalen Ramsey. They previously selected Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon fifth overall in 2012.
REPORTS: BEARS, LB T.J. EDWARDS AGREE TO 2-YEAR, $20M CONTRACT EXTENSION
The Chicago Bears and linebacker T.J. Edwards have agreed on a two-year, $20 million contract extension, according to multiple reports on Wednesday night.
The contract includes $16.6 million guaranteed and extends through the 2027 season, per reports. Edwards, a native of Lake Villa, Ill., signed with the Bears in March 2023 to a three-year, $19.5 million deal that pays him $5.4 million in base salary this coming season.
Edwards, 28, has started all 34 games in his two seasons for the Bears, recording 155 tackles in 2023 and 129 last season. Edwards has a combined 6.5 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries for Chicago.
An undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, Edwards spent the first four seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. For his career, he has 673 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 40 tackles for loss, 23 QB hits, six interceptions, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
2025 NFL DRAFT POSITION SERIES: WIDE RECEIVERS
Projecting the right position for Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter might not have a wrong answer.
Consider the Titans at No. 1 and Cleveland Browns right behind in the 2025 NFL Draft order disagree on which position best suits Hunter. At No. 3? That’s the New York Giants, and general manager Joe Schoen publicly split the difference with his own draft assessment of Hunter on Wednesday.
“It would be hard to keep him off the field and he’s motivated to play both ways,” Schoen said, adding the concern of playing 100-plus snaps in a game would be injury, but, “he’s a unique athlete who I think will be able to do both.”
There’s nothing traditional about Hunter or the No. 2 receiver in our rankings, a human highlight reel with a catch radius every quarterback would appreciate. But at 6-feet-4, Tetairoa McMillan is more than just another huge target.
Field Level Media looks at Hunter, McMillan and the rest of the top 10 prospects at wide receiver in the latest installment of the pre-draft position series.
FIELD LEVEL MEDIA 2025 Draft WR rankings:
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
Is he a wide receiver, cornerback or can he do both? The answer is up to the team willing to draft Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner insisting to continue his unheard of act of playing both ways in the NFL.
Arguably the closest to a unicorn prospect the league has scouted since Bo Jackson, Hunter’s playmaking ability and ball skills rate at the top of his draft class.
He’s not built to take a hit, but good luck squaring him up in the open field. Hunter processes action in front of him rapidly and is just as instinctive and creative with the ball in his hands.
Rare body control, balance on the move and at the contact point, and strong, powerful hands to secure the ball before anyone else gets a chance are winning assets no matter which position he calls home in the NFL. His wide receiver ceiling is a notch above former Alabama Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith and their body types are similar.
2. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
Three seasons at Arizona was ample time for McMillan to put together a one-of-a-kind mix tape of highlight-reel catches. He caught 174 passes the past two seasons with 18 of his 26 career TD grabs, and entered the draft with a 16.1-yard average (213 receptions in 37 games). An All-American as a junior, McMillan was tops in the Big 12 with 1,319 receiving yards last season.
The pass-fail question from evaluators: How much of his college success and overall skill set translates to the NFL?
McMillan’s athletic profile isn’t prototypical. He’s 6-4, 215 and ran a 4.53 40-yard dash. His narrow frame lacks bulk and mass to be a physically dominant presence, and he’s not fast enough to run away from defensive backs and linebackers with elite speed.
Media comparisons for McMillan have included Ed McCaffrey (Broncos) and Drake London (Falcons). He’s not a precise match to many predecessors but has ability and size similar to Bengals WR Tee Higgins, even if their body types aren’t carbon copies.
Where McMillan wins is attacking the ball in the air, using his frame to wall off a defender and secure the ball with his hands. He’s faster on the field than the stopwatch and better than a zero threat after the catch because of his footwork and long strides, prompting missed tackles and poor angles from smaller defenders in the secondary.
3. Matthew Golden, Texas
Golden fits as an “X” or “Z” receiver depending on the scheme. With easy acceleration and pure speed, he can be featured at some point in his career and is an option in the return game.
Golden compares to Stefon Diggs (Patriots) because of their on-the-move flexibility and run-after-catch skills. Dynamic athletes with movement skills and
fluid hips to be elusive in the open, Golden has similar proven playmaking ability. But he also shares issues with play strength and needed time to refine his routes. Golden can eventually grow into a role as a WR1 — as Diggs did for the Minnesota Vikings and later Buffalo Bills.
4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Not every program can relate to Ohio State’s problems. Consider Egbuka posted two 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the Buckeyes, with 24 career TD
catches, all without ever being viewed as the No. 1 option. Of course, Ohio State has produced elite talent at the position in recent seasons with Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. — who are all catching TDs for cash in the NFL.
Egbuka was overshadowed in 2024 by freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, and in this class by bigger, stronger and faster prospects.
As one of the top-rated route runners in this draft, Egbuka might be off the board earlier than anticipated. His bust factor is minimal. Because he can separate in a variety of manners, play the slot and challenge defensive backs with pace and speed, he’s an out-of-the-box starter with scheme versatility from a program known for turning out solid pros.
5. Luther Burden III, Missouri
There are segments of Anquan Boldin, Julian Edelman and Deebo Samuel in Burden’s game and the similarities are greater than their running back or safety build. He’s five inches shorter than Tetairoa McMillan but nearly the same weight.
With great explosiveness and twitch on a sturdy frame, Burden excels at generating YAC and breaking tackles. Unlike other gadget players who lack the refinement to be a true wide receiver, Burden has impressive ball skills, an evolved route tree and strong position blocking to be a full-time starter in the NFL.
6. Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
At 5-10, 194, the wrap on Noel is not unlike the knock on Tyler Lockett coming out of Kansas State. We’re banking on similar consistency and production as a pro from Noel, too.
Quick and elusive, he’s dangerous after the reception and can return punts. He scampers down the field in a hurry and can take the top off of a defense as a vertical threat. There were days when he looked uncheckable at the Senior Bowl, where teammates voted him the top wide receiver.
He also plays with the headiness of a veteran, exploits zone coverage well and has a good feel for splitting the safeties and giving himself room to work.
7. Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Raw with immense upside potential, Higgins plays the position like an college basketball forward. His track (jumping events) and hoops background show through on film and he carries his 6-4, 215 pounds with ease. The natural size advantage becomes a greater mismatch concern for defensive backs because Higgins doesn’t move like a big-framed target. He had a 1.54 10-yard split and 4.4 40 to go with his 80-inch wingspan and 39-inch vertical.
An unfinished product who said he models his game after former Chargers and Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen — renowned for his disciplined, technical route-running acumen — Higgins has natural playmaking skills and athletic traits as a baseline. His ceiling is off the charts, but brings a significant level of trust in the player and program (coach, scheme, position coach) to ensure he becomes the sum of his parts.
8. Jalen Royals, Utah State
By proving he’s recovered from the foot injury that shortened his senior season, Royals placed himself in the thick of the second tier of the 2025 WR class.
There’s still a projection with Royals coming from the FBS level, but scouts who trust what he has put on tape won’t hesitate to endorse him as an option in the top 75. His compact build (6-0, 200, nearly identical to Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown), speed (4.4 40) and jitterbug quickness with the ball running routes and with the ball in his hands are NFL-caliber.
9. Tory Horton, Colorado State
Slap a Michigan or Georgia jersey on Horton and he’s a demigod in cleats. A slick route-runner with multiple gears to uncover from man coverage and a vertical of almost 38 inches, Horton’s production is called into question because it came against Mountain West competition.
Note in 2023 he saw a lot of a cornerback scouts seem to like — Heisman winner Hunter — and put up 16 receptions for 133 yards and a TD. In the 2024 rematch, Horton had two catches before exiting with a right knee injury that limited him to five games last season. One of those grabs was a horizontal pattern crossing from the left side of the formation to the right in front of Hunter.
There’s no arguing his thin frame will cause concern. But the fifth-year senior topped out faster than Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill’s peak straight-line speed in 2024 (22.23 on a 73-yard TD in Week 13) at 22.5 mph. With experience and production as a return man, Horton has a spot on the radar of NFL teams starting in the second round.
10. Tre Harris, Ole Miss
A tick faster than his official 4.54 40 time and Harris would be knocking on the door of the first round. Because he’s 6-2 3/8, he’ll be labeled a big receiver. But he’s on the light side and is more dangerous than most defensive backs expect coming out of his breaks. Minus the sudden first step off the line to rock elite cover cornerbacks to their heels, evaluators are more than likely to peg him as a strong No. 2 wideout and red-zone demon because of a 38.5-inch vertical. The potential is there for Harris to put up elite numbers with a quarterback willing to pump the ball his direction.
CAM WARD PANDERS TO TITANS’ FANBASE WHILE PLAYING FORTNITE
Former Miami quarterback Cam Ward is the presumptive top overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft next week.
Now, the Tennessee Titans hold that pick, and Ward appeared to be pandering to the team’s fanbase with several tongue-in-cheek responses while participating in a Fortnite session Tuesday night.
On one clip from the YouTube livestream, Ward was asked for his thoughts on some of the top players in the league by position.
“My top four running backs in the league right now? I would say Tony Pollard (and Tyjae) Spears,” Ward said of the Titans running backs.
Apparently Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley, ye of 2,005 rushing yards last season, couldn’t crack Ward’s list.
Ward also offered his thoughts on the NFL’s top wide receivers. He named current Titans wideouts Calvin Ridley and Treylon Burks to go along with superstars Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals) and Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings).
Ward also appeared to curry favor with the fanbase by referencing current Eagles wideout A.J. Brown, who was a former Titan.
“AJ Brown’s a dawg, but he’s not Calvin Ridley,” Ward said.
Ward, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, threw an NCAA-record 158 touchdown passes. He had a total of 18,184 yards in five seasons at three different schools. He started his career at FCS program Incarnate Word (2020-21), transferred to Washington State (2022-23), then headed to Miami (2024).
PATRIOTS 2025 DRAFT NEEDS, PICKS, BEST FITS, HISTORY
New England is back in the top five for the second consecutive draft after a stretch of 15 years between top-10 selections ended with third overall pick Drake Maye in 2024.
With the quarterback position apparently locked down, all the Patriots have to do is … figure out nearly everything else.
Mike Vrabel was hired and changes are afoot for the Patriots with a third head coach in three seasons following a 3-14 finish in Jerod Mayo’s only season at the helm.
Some scheme changes are predictable and there are talented holdovers in place beyond Maye.
New England also spent willfully to reel in defensive tackle Milton Williams (Eagles), wide receiver Stefon Diggs (Texans), cornerback Carlton Davis (Lions), right tackle Morgan Moses (Jets), inside linebacker Robert Spillane (Raiders) and outside linebacker Harold Landry (Titans) to begin re-stocking critical positions.
Diggs is recovering from a torn ACL and the running game flatlined late in the 2024 season. Additional playmakers on either side of the ball and help in the trenches are top items left on the team’s shopping list entering the draft.
The struggle for owner Robert Kraft and Vrabel is trusting Eliot Wolf will make the right call after whiffing on every draft pick after Maye in his first draft last April.
–Team needs
Left tackle: Finding Maye his Matt Light (Tom Brady’s ultra-reliable left tackle for five New England Super Bowls) should be the first order of business, no matter how dedicated Wolf is to following the best-player-available mantra in the draft.
Outside linebacker: New England traded away Matthew Judon — and hold the 77th pick in this year’s draft in return — and then had only 28 total sacks last season. Patriots opponents had 51. Landry rejoined Vrabel as a capable pass rusher but he’s not a player opponents worry about because of his speed or electric first step.
Tight end: Josh McDaniels is back (again) as offensive coordinator and his preference of a two-tight end base formation would require a sidekick for veteran Hunter Henry, who tied for the team lead with 66 receptions in 2024.
–Best prospect fits
OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
CB-WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
DE Mykel Williams, Georgia
TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
OT Will Campbell, LSU
OT-OG Armand Membou, Missouri
OLB Jalon Walker, Georgia
WR Jack Bech, TCU
RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
–2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 9
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 4, 4
2: 6, 38
3: 5, 69
3: 13, 77 (from Atlanta Falcons)
4: 4, 106
5: 6, 144
5: 35, 171 (from Dallas Cowboys)
7: 4, 220
7: 22, 238 (from Los Angeles Chargers)
–History Lesson
–The last time the Patriots selected a defensive lineman in the first round was 2015 (Texas DT Malcom Brown, 32nd overall).
–New England has drafted six total wide receivers in the past four drafts.
GIANTS 2025 DRAFT NEEDS, PICKS, BEST FITS, HISTORY
When the Giants granted head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen a reprieve at the end of a 3-14 season, there were no assurances on the longevity of their employment.
It’s now or never in New York.
But getting back in the passing lane in the NFC East with gaping holes on either side of the ball is easier said than done.
The Giants were 30th in the NFL in total offense, 28th in passing offense and 24th in total defense last season.
New York was winless in the NFC East and 1-11 in the conference with a net-TD margin of minus-17.
Is there a quick fix in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Giants have the third overall pick and three of the top 65 selections, but even more vacancies at critical positions.
–Team needs
Quarterback
Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston are place-holders at this stage in their careers. Will the Giants allow this GM and coach to cast a net for the next franchise QB?
Cornerback
Calling all playmakers. New York needs a lead cornerback to contend with the behemoths at wide receiver in the NFC East.
Defensive tackle
An anchor to stuff the run alongside DT Dexter Lawrence II is vital for the Giants to make a turnaround.
Best prospect fits
WR-CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
OLB-DE Abdul Carter, Penn State
NT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 10
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 3, 3
2: 2, 34
3: 1, 65
3: 35, 99 (compensatory selection)
4: 3, 105
5: 16, 154 (from Seattle Seahawks)
7: 3, 219
7: 30, 246 (from Buffalo Bills)
History Lesson
–LB Carl Banks was the last player the Giants selected No. 3 overall (1984). Guard John Hicks was the third overall pick by the Giants in 1974.
–The Giants have drafted at No. 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 since 2015.
LIONS 2025 DRAFT NEEDS, PICKS, BEST FITS, HISTORY
Almost untouchable until the Washington Commanders spoiled a Super Bowl plan in the postseason, the Detroit Lions did a lot of losing since the calendar turned to 2025.
Beyond another painful dismissal from the postseason, the Lions lost nearly half of their coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson became head coach of the Chicago Bears, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is the new boss of the Jets and several position coaches and support staff are no longer in Detroit.
Many of the perceived vital players are the same, from quarterback Jared Goff to offensive tackle Penei Sewell, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. And defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is expected to be full strength after surgery to repair a broken leg before midseason in 2024.
The Lions are still looking for additions to the roster capable of making a major impact. The pass rush was a scramble to assemble without Hutchinson and injuries at linebacker and cornerback took some of the bite out of a group exposed by Jayden Daniels and the Commanders in January.
General manager Brad Holmes has aced multiple drafts, and the Lions’ culture is anything but woe-is-me these days. So how will coach Dan Campbell and Holmes get the Lions back to the top of the NFC and beyond?
Let’s look at their options.
–Team needs
Defensive end: Hutchinson missed half of the season and still led the team with 7.5 sacks. A pass-rushing linebacker in the mold of Micah Parsons would be an option, but a traditional defensive end to complement Hutchinson rates as first priority. Defensive tackle Alim McNeill is also returning from injury and could stand to benefit from blocking changes that would come along with adding to the defensive line.
Cornerback: Detroit drafted heavily at cornerback in 2024 (first-rounder Terrion Arnold and second-rounder Ennis Rakestraw Jr.) and signed D.J. Reed (three years, $48 million), so there’s something to work with here. But the Lions finished 30th against the pass in 2024. Until the team confident it has enough at the position, Holmes will continue taking swings at this position.
Interior offensive line: For the second offseason in a row, the Lions lost a starting guard to free agency. Drafting a tackle who can play guard until Taylor Decker no longer mans the left side is a strong consideration.
–Best prospect fits
OG Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
DE Mike Green, Marshall
CB Will Johnson, Michigan
DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon
OG Kelvin Banks Jr, Texas
–2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 7
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 28, 28
2: 28, 60
3: 38, 102 (NFL compensatory selection)
4: 28, 130
6: 20, 196 (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
7: 12, 228 (from Dallas Cowboys)
7: 28, 224
–History Lesson
–A few of the top players selected No. 28 overall are Pro Football Hall of Famers: LB Derrick Brooks (Buccaneers, 1995) and CB Darrell Green (Washington, 1983).
BROWNS 2025 DRAFT NEEDS, PICKS, BEST FITS, HISTORY
As the Deshaun Watson hype train derailed under the weight of injuries and limited availability, the Cleveland Browns return to the first round of the NFL draft for the first time since selecting cornerback Greg Newsome II 26th overall in 2021.
Watson had two Achilles surgeries in a three-month span and the chances he can help Cleveland in 2025 are next to nil.
What is GM Andrew Berry to do with the No. 2 pick and a massive mulligan required at QB?
“We’ll take the player we feel like is the best available,” Berry said.
The pool of prospects in 2025 features a few quarterbacks the Browns might favor, but Cleveland follows the Titans — also operating with a virtual vacancy at quarterback — and are likely to pass on Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) that early.
This approach opens Berry up to trading down or staying where he is to pick from premier prospects at pass rusher (Penn State’s Abdul Carter), playmaker (Colorado’s Travis Hunter is a No. 1 WR or CB), running back (Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty) or blocker (any number of options by position).
–Team needs
Quarterback
Unreasonable confidence in one-time first-rounders Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett consistently competing in the AFC North shouldn’t push the Browns away from picking their QB of the future. Don’t be surprised if Berry treads lightly knowing the long-term cost of overspending with a prayer of getting the position right.
Pass rusher
Myles Garrett can’t walk over the white lines without drawing a double team. He’s wildly effective as a one-man wrecking crew which prompts the question: How great can he be if the Browns pair him with another edge-pressure generator?
Running back
There might not be a better personality and playing style fit for the Browns than Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, a selection that would raise eyebrows given the overall value compared to selecting a lead QB, left tackle, pass rusher or cornerback. The Browns have scored some finds in the second round, from Nick Chubb (35th overall, 2018) to old-school Leroy Hoard (45th, 1990).
Wide receiver
Jerry Jeudy is a fine No. 2, but a reliable and versatile wideout will make life easier no matter who grabs the QB1 role in Cleveland. It’s the reason Hunter entered the conversation. If not Hunter early, Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka and Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins are thought to pique Berry’s interest in the pick 25-45 range.
Best prospect fits
DE Abdul Carter, Penn State
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
WR-CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
OT Josh Conerly, Oregon
DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama
WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 10
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 2, 2
2: 1, 33
3: 3, 67
3: 30, 94 (from Buffalo Bills)
4: 2, 104
6: 3, 179
6: 16, 192 (from Miami Dolphins via Chicago Bears)
6: 24, 200 (from Minnesota Vikings)
6: 40, 216 (compensatory draft pick)
7: 39, 255 (compensatory draft pick)
History Lesson
–The Browns selected No. 1 overall in 2017 (Myles Garrett) and 2018 (Baker Mayfield). Their previous top-three overall selections were Alabama RB Trent Richardson (No. 3, 2012) and Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas (No. 3, 2007).
–Safety Eric Turner (UCLA) is the only player the franchise has ever picked No. 2 overall (1991). Miami defensive tackle Russell Maryland went with the first pick to the Dallas Cowboys.
TITANS 2025 DRAFT NEEDS, PICKS, BEST FITS, HISTORY
Soliciting a package of top-100 picks and repeating the sentiment in media sessions that the franchise is “open for business” didn’t bring a flotilla of trade offers to the Tennessee Titans.
So are the rebuilding Titans up a creek without a trade partner at No. 1?
Not exactly.
The franchise is armed with the top overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and most signs point to selecting Miami quarterback Cameron Ward, but nothing is diecast at No. 1 given the uncertain history of the new decision-makers in the Titans’ power structure.
Options in the conversation beyond Ward, such as playmaker and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and pass rusher Abdul Carter, might be better fits for a team with a proven roster closer to contending.
Does Ward fit the pressing need at the QB position? Arguably, he does, rating as the only top 20 quarterback in the draft according to Field Level Media’s composite rankings.
Head coach Brian Callahan lived what he said is NFL truth: Franchise quarterbacks are priceless. Callahan helped develop Joe Burrow, the No. 1 pick of the Bengals in 2020. He also has many points of reference as a QB coach and coordinator to help measure the potential for Will Levis to develop after an erratic first year together.
Burrow’s only issues at the NFL level have been taking too many sacks (196 in his young career to date) — pinned mostly on a fragile front five — and the resulting injuries from the constant pounding (knee, calf, wrist).
General manager Mike Borgonzi was with the Chiefs when Patrick Mahomes was picked 10th in 2017 and experienced every season of his NFL brilliance before taking over in Nashville in January. The two most meaningful games Mahomes lost in his career were both blamed in large part on a leaky offensive line.
Borgonzi doesn’t want to leave that possibility open.
Previous GM Ran Carthon didn’t leave the cupboard bare. He selected two offensive linemen in the top 11 — Peter Skoronski in 2023 (11th overall) and JC Latham in 2024 (seventh overall) — and Borgonzi signed left tackle Dan Moore from the Steelers in free agency to solidify a group that could help keep the runway clear for Ward to lead a turnaround in Tennessee.
Team needs
Pass rusher
An interior pairing of 2024 second-rounder T’Vondre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons serves as a solid foundation, but the Titans’ 3-4 defense can’t function without a pass rusher. Harold Landry was more technique and persistence than explosive and twitchy, which is the order of the day for coordinator Dennard Wilson.
Quarterback
Will Levis being on the roster is a thinly clipped insurance plan for the Titans receiving a Herschel Walker- or Ricky Williams-type offer in the days before the draft. The job will go to a rookie and Ward has the maturity, makeup and live arm to be a quality NFL starter.
Wide receiver
Playmakers are in short supply with no surefire No. 1 receiver, no matter how optimistic the team claims to be about Calvin Ridley.
Best prospect fits
QB Cameron Ward, Miami
OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
Edge Jalon Walker, Georgia
DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
2025 draft picks by round
Total picks: 8
By round (pick in round, overall pick)
1: 1, 1
2: 3, 35
4: 1, 103
4: 18, 120 (from Seattle Seahawks)
5: 3, 141
5: 29, 167 (from Kansas City Chiefs)
6: 2, 178
6: 12, 188 (from Dallas Cowboys)
History Lesson
–The last time the franchise had the No. 1 pick was 1978. The then-Houston Oilers drafted Texas RB Earl Campbell.
–In three of the past five drafts and five of the past 10 years, the Titans used their first-round pick on an offensive lineman (2014, 2016, 2020, 2023, 2024).
–In 2015 with the No. 2 overall pick, the Titans drafted QB Marcus Mariota.
2025 NFL DRAFT: PRO DOPPELGANGERS FOR TRAVIS HUNTER, CAM WARD AND 10 OTHERS
Finding a draft doppelganger for most prospects is possible if you are willing to squint hard enough.
Comparisons to NFL players typically are rooted in some combination of athletic ceiling and agility profiles, body type and position use.
We ran the numbers to develop pro comps in collaboration with our network of writers and draft analysts to trace similarities between top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft and current pros to generate a rough sketch of where they project at the next level.
–Colorado CB Travis Hunter (6-0, 188, did not run 40 at combine, pro day)
Draft projection: Top 3 overall
Hey, you remind me of … DaRon Bland, Dallas Cowboys
Bland’s ball production, playmaking gene and “ball is mine” mentality match Hunter’s penchant for big plays. Hunter is a very good wide receiver — as recognized with the Heisman Trophy during his dominant two-way 2024 season — but he is a downright special cornerback. Making any comparison to Hunter is inexact because of the truly unique skills he combines at the position. With great route timing, hip fluidity and press technique, Hunter demonstrates an incredible amount of sophistication as a corner. Though all of these qualities are great, Hunter is special due to his ball skills. Like Bland, Hunter processes special body control, route timing and hands that will make him very productive in terms of getting pass breakups and interceptions. If Hunter can improve his ability to deal with bigger, more physical receivers he could be one of the best players in the NFL.
–Miami QB Cameron Ward (6-2, 223, 4.87 40)
Draft projection: Top 5 overall
Hey, you remind me of … Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Perhaps more mobile but not as accurate or poised as present-day Mahomes, Ward is a facsimile model in that he features special adjustability with arm angles and enough in-the-pocket quickness and mobility to be a headache on scramble plays. He has more than enough velocity to put the ball where it needs to go and the live arm to thrive in a wide-open offense. A top leader with a chip on his shoulder, Ward was not likely to break the top two in the 2024 QB class but an argument could be made for him running third or fourth. Scouts and GMs who missed out on Mahomes will likely swing their grades the other way this time. Like Mahomes out of Texas Tech, Ward’s aggression and freestyle approach can get him in trouble, but teams will be willing to bet on upside in a lackluster class.
–Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter (6-3, 250, did not run 40 at combine, pro day)
Draft projection: Top 5 overall
Hey, you remind me of … Brian Burns, New York Giants
Pre-draft injury worries might limit projections of Carter but there is no doubt other teams are ready to hitch their wagons to a defensive game-changer. His elite athleticism stands of the top reason Carter is the coveted pass rusher in 2025. He doesn’t yet have the refined pass-rush moves or power of Burns, but Carter is the kind of athlete who can get away with winning with his natural ability get-off while developing into a more complete, three-down demon. Like Burns, Carter is going to be one of the best pure pass rushers in football, but would need to make leaps in terms of his run defense and pass-rush moves to reach fellow Penn State product Micah Parsons’ game-wrecker status.
–Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty (5-9, 211, did not run 40 at combine, pro day)
Draft projection: Top 10 overall
Hey, you remind me of … Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Jeanty’s height isn’t the prevailing negative some are asserting because of his leverage and strength profile combine with a short-area burst and tackle-breaking explosion conversion that could set him up to be a star in the right system. While he’s a much shorter version of Barkley (6-0, 233 at the 2018 combine), his ability to find creases and create laterally where other backs get lost is similar. Comparing any back to an MVP-level pro is a slippery slope, but it also underscores the potential upside of Jeanty as a lead dog in a downhill running scheme.
–Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell (6-3, 235, 4.52 40)
Draft projection: Top 20 overall
Hey, you remind me of … Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears
Campbell’s top-20 stock is a projection of the peak of his potential.
Campbell has every tool necessary to quickly become more than a high-end developmental linebacker. With time and experience, he should turn the corner in processing and communication duties. It’s the abundant natural ability and tools that can’t be taught that push him as high as the top eight in 2025. As a rookie, his ability to make splash plays and handle man coverage duties on tight ends gets him on the field quickly.
–Georgia S Malaki Starks (6-1, 197, 4.5 40)
Draft projection: First round
Hey, you remind me of … Grant Delpit, Cleveland Browns
To find the truest doppelganger for Starks requires taking parts of one player and blending them with another. He has pieces of a profile that could fit former Georgia and Minnesota Vikings first-rounder Lewis Cine and while not a carbon copy of Delpit in terms of body type — Delpit measured an inch-and-a-half taller, 16 pounds heavier at the 2020 Scouting Combine — but their versatile play, proven coverage dynamics with technique and range, usefulness in multiple position roles and being universally nails in run support are common traits. The collective skill set to be a one-man secondary survival tool is rare and coveted.
–Penn State TE Tyler Warren (6-6, 256, did not run 40 at combine, pro day)
Draft projection: Top 15 overall
Hey, you remind me of … Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears
Utilized as a versatile super weapon at Penn State, Warren lacks the athleticism to make this projection realistic when talking his primary usage in the NFL. Warren would be best as an in-line tight end who is able to produce after the catch and in short-yardage situations. Warren is going to be an above-average athlete, receiver and blocker with some trick-play potential. His overall skills are above-average but Warren might not dominate consistently at the pro level.
–Texas OT Kelvin Banks (6-5, 315, 5.16 40)
Draft projection: First round
Hey, you remind me of … Peter Skoronski, Tennessee Titans
Skoronski was a left tackle at Northwestern but ended up at guard in the NFL. Banks falls into the same bucket as a technical run blocker who makes
the most of his frame and tools as a pass blocker. While he likely never develops into an All-Pro, Banks has ample tools to be a long-time starter even if he slides inside.
–Michigan DT Mason Graham (6-4, 296)
Draft projection: Top 20 overall
Hey, you remind me of … Christian Wilkins, Las Vegas Raiders
Length and athleticism are less-than-elite, but Graham has immediate value as a plus run defender and pass rusher for the position, which can be a rare combination. Entering the draft with some concern about bad weight, Graham showed up at the Scouting Combine at 296. He consistently won against pro-caliber prospects and wins the label of “safest pick in the 2025 draft” for multiple teams, which will push him into the top 10 or 12 overall. Wilkins compares to Graham in that he lacks the top-end tools to be a superstar, but his effectiveness against the run and pass and the occasional splash game already earned him $100 million in free agency.
–Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders (6-2, 212)
Draft projection: Top 40 overall
Hey, you remind me of … Will Grier, Dallas Cowboys
An apples-for-apples comparison for Sanders is an impossible mission. Most of the high-end options such as Joe Burrow showcased better timing and ability outside of structure. We can find parts of Andy Dalton’s game and a slice of Kirk Cousins here and there. We settle on the former Florida and West Virginia gunslinger as the closest prospect profile given the data at hand. Grier starred in the same league in college and was 6-2 1/2, 217 at the combine. His lack of elite arm talent and inconsistent approach pushed him to the third round in the 2019 draft, yet his touch and ability to change arm angles were part of the reason he was coveted in the 2019 draft. Sanders’ prospects are far better, but there is system-driven success in his production grade that causes pause and amplifies the enormous downside risk of putting him on the wrong team. Grier was also in the Heisman Trophy picture as a senior in 2018 with the same number of TD passes (37) as Sanders tallied in 2024. Grier completed 67 percent of his passes (74 for Sanders in ’24) and had a 175.5 efficiency rating (Sanders tallied 168.21 last season).
–Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan (6-5, 215, 4.5 40)
Draft projection: Top 15 overall
Hey, you remind me of … Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
Using his frame, length, deep speed and ball skills, McMillan makes ridiculous catches look routine. His game revolves around physicality, but he grades very high for precision route running, a multiplier in his ability to generate easy separation. McMillan projects well as a big-bodied receiver who, at worst, has a very high floor as a consistent starter. At best, he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber wideout for a long time.
–Tennessee OLB James Pearce Jr (6-5, 245, 4.47 40)
Hey, you remind me of … Leonard Floyd, San Francisco 49ers
Graded largely as a one-trick pony as a speed pass rusher, Pearce has the potential to develop into more than just a pure designated pocket pusher. With a frame that can support more weight, great baseline athleticism and quick hands, he could develop into the best edge in the class if he can improve his strength profile and pass-rush arsenal. Like Floyd, a first-rounder out of Georgia selected by the Bears in 2016, Pearce projects well as a pure pass rusher who has the potential to put on mass to become a more complete player.
2025 NFL DRAFT POSITION SERIES: QUARTERBACKS
Value equations and position priority can vary by NFL franchise, general manager and coaching staff with one glaring exception tested by history and proven out in hardware.
Quarterbacks are the ultimate NFL wildcard, a top necessity with very noteworthy exceptions.
Of the 14 starting quarterbacks in the 2025 playoffs, 12 entered the league as first-round picks. The Lombardi Trophy winner — Jalen Hurts of the Eagles — was an exception, as was 2024 NFC Super Bowl quarterback Brock Purdy. Hurts was a second-rounder (53rd overall in 2020) and the lowest drafted playoff starter other than Steelers veteran Russell Wilson (a third-round pick, 75th overall, in 2012). Ten of the quarterbacks starting 2025 playoff games were drafted in the top 12 overall.
The roundabout point on the table goes well past the history of teams drafting quarterbacks in the top five.
Most years, a franchise finds its way to the No. 1 pick because of a QB need. Six of the top 12 picks in 2024 were spent on quarterbacks.
It’s largely true again this year of the three teams in the top three: Titans, Browns and Giants. All had high-profile fires breakout around the planned development of touted saviors and prized picks and with three wins last season are under major heat to get the position fixed.
Can the supply available in the 2025 NFL Draft meet the demand of teams with no proven answer at the position?
FIELD LEVEL MEDIA 2025 Draft QB rankings:
1. Cameron Ward, Miami
With 158 career TD passes and a three-program track record of winning with peak production in five years at the college level, Ward stands as the lone quarterback with the first-round grade in FLM rankings. Fit has become critical at QB — while that was always the case, synergy and an established developmental platform are now pass-fail metrics falling on the organization, not the player. Ward might’ve been No. 3-5 in the historic class of 2024 between J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix.
There is risk, of course, but Ward’s tools are enticing: pocket mobility, decent short-area speed, power to rip in a crowded pocket and touch downfield.
He is not fully programmed. The penchant to freelance and trust his instincts led to rich success at Miami and Washington State. The same off-script escapades and live arm can lead to him overtrusting his ability to make something out of nothing. The combination of all of these factors invite loose comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, and GMs taking deep-dive looks at Ward are blown away by his impactful leadership and follow-me style expected from a franchise quarterback.
2. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
Developed by his dad, Deion Sanders, at Jackson State and Colorado, the spotlight has never been overly engulfing for Shedeur Sanders. An easy target as the coach’s kid under the tutelage of flashy and famous Hall of Fame cornerback, Shedeur Sanders was 13-11 in two seasons at the FBS level and completed 73 percent of his passes as a junior before declaring for the draft.
Deion Sanders made his fortune with rare speed, explosiveness and playmaking instincts. Shedeur Sanders’ ticket to pro success resides in his competitive toughness and ability to deliver the ball on time while staring down the barrel of the pass rush. He’s not suited for every NFL offense and some coordinators fear he can’t be pulled out of an overly cautious in-game approach. Shedeur Sanders might only succeed in a scheme focused on a strong running game with a full-trust, tough-love situation similar to Bo Nix with the Broncos.
3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
All sorts of variations of the pecking order of this QB class are out there among the NFL’s 32 opinions that matter. For any franchise preparing for a rainy day, Milroe is highlighted as a player who could take the Jordan Love (26th overall) or Jalen Hurts route to an NFL starting job.
A quarterback in a running back’s body, Milroe’s pro progress has almost no chance of being a straight-line to success. He’s admittedly raw, new to reading beyond his second option and accustomed to getting by with natural gifts — rare as they might be — to win. This can often mean retreating to the point of highest training as a run-first mindset when plays go off-script.
He made a leap training under first-year coach Kellen DeBoer and brings a game-changing ability as a runner — 20 rushing touchdowns last season — to add value while using his workmanlike and professional approach to evolve as an NFL passer. Parallels to current Packers backup Malik Willis are wide of the mark and those making comps to run-happy Syracuse product Donovan McNabb (No. 2 overall, 1999) and Mississippi State project Dak Prescott (fourth round, 2016) are only marginally closer.
If he’s drafted into ideal circumstances with pro redshirt possibilities, Milroe’s home-run speed and upside are being undersold.
4. Jaxson Dart, Mississippi
Not to suggest a daily driver can’t compete in a car show, but a value ceiling appears to be inevitable for Dart in the 2025 draft. He passed for more than 10,000 yards and embodied the chip-on-shoulder approach to the position coach Lane Kiffin loves. As an NFL prospect, there are elements of Dart’s game that easily transfer to a timing-based offense. He’s 28-10 as a starter and throws the ball with accuracy, timing and can escape or use his legs to create openings.
He’s not going to cut the ball through gusty winds but would willingly die trying with a gunslinger mentality some coaches are certain to embrace.
There are winning traits in common with Brock Purdy (49ers) and Kirk Cousins (Falcons) but his greatest production and performance has come in helter skelter pacing or comeback situations and a season or two might be necessary to build him into a more complete starter.
5. Quinn Ewers, Texas
One of the more high-profile recruits in recent memory and a foundation stone of the start of the NIL era, Ewers brings the profile of a backup quarterback to the table despite success and playoff experience at Texas and in the SEC.
A touch passer with enough mobility to manipulate the pocket, Ewers has undeniable similarity to former Pitt first-round pick Kenny Pickett. Pickett is on his third NFL team in three seasons after being acquired from the Eagles by the Cleveland Browns. He’s good enough to win a game, but perhaps not the player coaches want in the driver’s seat long-term.
6. Tyler Shough, Louisville
A seven-year college journey paved the path for Shough to hit the NFL draft at nearly 26 years old holding an incomplete resume. He only played in more than eight games once in his career and that came last season at Louisville, where his pocket prowess made him a perfect fit in a downfield passing game. Given durability concerns and advanced age, the upside to selecting Shough ahead of younger, developmental options is limited. Shough turns 26 in September, and if a team isn’t going to start him as a rookie, what in the name of Brandon Weeden are we doing here?
7. Kyle McCord, Syracuse
Turnovers, risk tolerance and a rigid release are the issues scouts can’t get past in the final grade for McCord. His mental makeup, experience, reps and controlled aggressiveness as a decision-maker push him into top backup and fringe starter territory.
8. Will Howard, Ohio State
Went from Kansas State to the Buckeyes and a season directing a Cadillac offense skyrocketed his efficiency and he won over some scouts with his toughness. Questions about arm strength and inconsistent accuracy aren’t going away.
9. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
As a second- or third-day draft pick, Gabriel’s size (5-11, 200) and limited exposure to a pro-style scheme cast him in the same light as former career backup Chase Daniel.
10. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
Six seasons in college and playing through a second torn ACL (August 2024, surgery January 2025) reduce Rourke to a backup-level ceiling.
2025 NFL DRAFT POSITION SERIES: RUNNING BACKS
Bank on Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty adding to evidence of an all-out running back revival in the NFL.
One of three running backs with a top-30 grade in what sets up as a bountiful class of prospects, the Broncos’ ball-carrier is becoming a safe bet to be off the board in the top 12 picks.
The last two RB prospects selected that early were worth the investment. Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs went 12th to the Lions in 2023, following Texas’ Bijan Robinson off the board. Robinson went eighth to the Falcons.
Jeanty would intrigue the Patriots at No. 4 and several others in the top 10, from the Raiders to the Panthers and Chicago Bears.
But a team that misses out on the cream of the RB crop need not panic this time around.
FIELD LEVEL MEDIA 2025 Draft RB rankings:
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Army-of-one runner with a combination of explosive lower-body power and determination in the open field to eradicate worry about his timed speed. Jeanty didn’t run a public timed 40 in the pre-draft process. It’s a virtual guarantee any team that hosted him for a private visit conducted a workout that included testing to validate what they see in film, but production and the eye test are plenty of proof with Jeanty.
He might be knocked in small scouting circles for falling short of prototypical perfection because of his arm length and height — detriments for blitz pickup or pass-blocking long-limbed edge rushers, and reaching to secure the ball against tight pass coverage as a receiver — but the tale of the tape told a similar story about a guy named Emmitt Smith.
Jeanty can slide laterally with light and lightning-fast feet, picking through traffic until he jumps to cut or shift gears to get downhill. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry in 2024 and had a 50-plus-yard run in nine of 14 games in his final season in Boise.
Marshawn Lynch was 5-11, 215 and ran a 4.46 40 at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine with 20 reps of 225. Jeanty did 27 reps of 225 and has a similar history to Lynch’s at Cal of breakaway runs.
The next Saquon Barkley? That might be a bridge too far.
A dynamic playmaker with an All-Pro ceiling, we reserve the right to revisit the comparison in a year or three.
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Speaking of Lynch, Hampton produced almost exactly the same 40 time (and 18 reps of 225) at 6-foot, 221 in February and has a resume tape of Beast Mode-type runs. Defenders need to bring a friend to get Hampton to the ground when he’s determined, fighting for every yard on every carry.
Not a total loss laterally, but he’s a downhill runner with the demeanor of a power back. Hampton isn’t going to leave a vapor trail getting around the tackle on a toss or sweep. Between the tackles, he has everything an NFL team could want.
As a runner and in pass protection, having the time to turn his body and square his shoulders to the line or defenders is essential to his success.
3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
A timeshare with the Buckeyes plays in Henderson’s favor with relatively low miles for a Big Ten starter. As part of a tandem each exceeding 1,000 rushing yards in 2024, Henderson had 1,300 total yards (284 receiving) with 10 rushing TDs in a co-op with Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins for the national champions.
He can be indecisive but behind a squadron of tanks for blockers in the NFL, it’s possible this trait won’t leave college.
Henderson has also proven he’s a different animal when he decides to get it and go. He’s sudden — 10-yard split of 1.52 seconds is better than Barkley’s 1.54 in 2018 — with first movement and changes direction easily, inviting a three-down role because of his soft, natural hands and focused blocking technique in pass protection.
4. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Capable of bowling through the defense but not always running around or away from it, Johnson’s throwback traits are inviting for zone-based running teams coveting a leveraged one-cut runner with a finisher’s mentality. To paint a picture of what he could become at the NFL level, Johnson racked up more than 1,000 yards after contact in 2024.
He bounces off of contact and barrels over defensive backs with a teeth-clinching grin, rarely sidestepping contact in any live situation. Want him in pass pro? He can help there, too, with a 78.5-inch wingspan to wheel speed rushers away from the quarterback or wallop undersized blitzers with his usual pop.
Proven in a pro-style offense and productive in a slightly more evolved scheme in 2024, Johnson brings a team approach to the RB room and did not fumble in 240 carries last season.
If used properly, Johnson is likely to become a starter or part of a two-headed monster — similar to a David Montgomery role in Detroit and using many of the same traits (contact balance, vision, power, ball security). Ran a 4.57-second 40 but nobody is talking about Montgomery’s 4.63 40 time because of his NFL production. He was a steal 10 picks into the third round of the 2019 draft.
5. Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
When Tuten wowed at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine — 4.32 40-yard dash, 40.5-inch vertical — it wasn’t a surprise to NFL scouts, nor did it answer questions of whether his timed speed will translate to the field in the NFL.
A North Carolina A&T product who spent the past two years at Virginia Tech, Tuten plays with a smooth, athletic style very similar to Tyjae Spears (Titans) coming out of Tulane. His pace, timing and overdrive gear on zone runs stand out and he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns as a junior.
Though not ideal for a lead NFL back, if you ask Tuten to lower his pads or move the pile, he’s still more likely to spin or juke to slide outside and hit the boundary where he prefers to operate.
Tuten’s 17 total touchdowns in 2024, big-play speed and experience in a zone-heavy offense add up to a third-down role at worst early in his career. He’s already a talent that coordinators can scheme to get in the open field where he’s more than capable of creating chunks plays.
6. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
At 5-8, 199, Sampson is short but nowhere near small, playing the game with an edge and effort at all times. He was the dynamic engine of the Volunteers’ all-gas, no-brakes offense and set the program record with 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024.
Willing to play the anvil at Tennessee, Sampson might need to be in a shared role in the NFL. Being the undersized aggressor is no way to survive as a pro, and Sampson knows only one way, attempting to play at or above peak speed on every rep.
A potential ace in a matchup game because of his speed and constant effort, Sampson is likely to be cast as a rotational or third-down option early in his career. At 20 years old, he has time to develop even if he’s not exactly known for patience between the lines.
Durability, pushing blitzers off-course in protection and maximizing ball security are critical to him becoming more than a role player.
7. RJ Harvey, UCF
Harvey is a converted quarterback with vision and patience, but size limitations (5-8, 200) and age (turns 24 this month) are working against him. No invitation is needed to send him downhill toward defenders but he’s not going to be paid to break tackles.
8. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
The 221-pound Judkins is country strong and appears to have the power to run over a barn. Always eager to plow through tackles, he avoided injuries at Ole Miss and Ohio State and scored 50 touchdowns with the body lean, leg drive and sledgehammer approach to star in a short-yardage role immediately. To become a starter, evolving beyond an old-school bruiser game is vital.
9. Woody Marks, USC
A five-year starter who is already 24, Marks was productive at Mississippi State and USC (2024). Not a blazer or bulldozer, but his ability to make defenders miss and shake through contact stands out for his size. He should be able to work his way into a high-end rotation role during his first contract.
10. Jordan James, Oregon
Minus game-changing speed, James is a change-of-pace back a team could entrust as a blocker and rotational option. He plays bigger than he measured with short-area burst to move the chains but limited long speed means he must take the long road to a larger role in the NFL.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS
REPORTS: QB NICO IAMALEAVA HEADED TO UCLA
It didn’t take long for quarterback Nico Iamaleava to find a new home.
Days after Iamaleava entered the transfer portal following a disagreement with Tennessee over his name, image and likeness money, multiple reports indicate the former Vols starter is headed to UCLA.
Iamaleava is from Southern California and went to high schools in Downey, Calif., and Long Beach, Calif., before heading to Tennessee with an NIL deal for $8 million over four years.
But after a season in which he threw for 2,616 yards and 19 touchdowns, with Tennessee going 10-3 and making the College Football Playoff, Iamaleava didn’t show up for practice last week and eventually decided to transfer.
“It’s the state of college football,” Volunteers coach Josh Heupel said last week. “At the end of the day, no one is ever bigger than the program. That includes me too.”
UCLA, in its first year in the Big Ten with new head coach Deshaun Foster, went 5-7 after a 1-5 start.
Bruins senior quarterback Ethan Garbers threw for 2,727 yards with 16 touchdowns and a conference-high 11 interceptions.
UCLA did bring in a transfer QB, Joey Aguilar of Appalachian State, this offseason. Aguilar passed for 6,740 yards with 56 TDs and 24 INTs in two seasons with the Mountaineers.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL
DUKE FRESHMAN KON KNUEPPEL DECLARES FOR DRAFT
Duke guard Kon Knueppel declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday and will forgo his remaining eligibility.
The 6-foot-7 freshman averaged 14.4 points and shot 40.7 percent from 3-point range in 39 games this past season.
He was the Blue Devils’ second-leading scorer behind fellow freshman and projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.
Knueppel made the ACC All-Freshman team and All-ACC second team and helped Duke (35-4) reach the Final Four.
With Flagg injured, Knueppel took over and earned ACC tournament MVP honors with 63 points, 17 rebounds and 14 assists in three games.
Knueppel, 19, is ranked No. 8 in the ESPN projections for the NBA draft, scheduled for June 25-26 in New York.
MICHIGAN 7-FOOTER DANNY WOLF DECLARES FOR NBA DRAFT
Michigan junior forward Danny Wolf declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, forgoing his remaining eligibility.
The 7-footer averaged 13.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 blocks in 37 starts during his lone season with the Wolverines in 2024-25.
“This season exceeded all expectations,” Wolf told ESPN. “We had an awesome year from a team standpoint. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into with a brand-new roster and coaching staff, but Dusty May had an out-of-the-box plan for my development with a unique style of offense that allowed me to play my game. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without them letting me showcase my skill-set and developing me into the player I am today.”
A second-team All-Big Ten selection, Wolf ranks No. 19 in ESPN’s latest NBA draft projections.
After two seasons at Yale, Wolf transferred to Michigan and shot 49.7 percent from the field and 33.6 percent (38 of 113) from 3-point range this season. He had 15 double-doubles and helped the Wolverines reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
The NBA draft combine is May 11-18 in Chicago, and the draft is June 25-26 in New York.
GATORS F ALEX CONDON DECLARES FOR DRAFT, RETAINS ELIGIBILITY
Florida forward Alex Condon declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday while retaining his college eligibility.
The 6-foot-11 sophomore averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 37 games (35 starts) for the national champion Gators in 2024-25.
“This was a surreal season,” Condon told ESPN on Wednesday. “There was so much depth on this team, and we all played unselfishly. A lot of guys stepped up in big moments. We had a great team, and that’s the reason we won the championship.”
Condon is ranked No. 29 in ESPN’s latest draft projections. The third-team All-Southeastern Conference selection shot 49.3 percent from the field and 32.8 percent (19 of 58) from 3-point distance this season.
He contributed 12 points, seven rebounds and four steals in Florida’s 65-63 victory against Houston in the NCAA Tournament final on April 7.
The NBA draft combine is May 11-18 in Chicago, and the draft is June 25-26 in New York. Underclassmen have until May 28 to decide whether to withdraw from the draft.
MLB NEWS
MLB ROUNDUP: TWINS BLOW LEAD, EDGE METS IN 10
Ty France led off the bottom of the 10th inning with a run-scoring single that lifted Minnesota to a 4-3 walk-off win over the New York Mets in Minneapolis on Wednesday, helping the Twins make up for blowing a three-run lead two innings earlier.
Minnesota picked up its second straight win, marking just the second time this season it has strung together consecutive victories. The Mets took a second straight loss for the first time this year.
Harrison Bader and Byron Buxton recorded RBI singles in the fifth inning for Minnesota and Willi Castro added a run-scoring hit an inning later to give the Twins a 3-0 lead.
New York, though, bounced back in the eighth as Pete Alonso and Jesse Winker smacked RBI doubles before Luisangel Acuna delivered a game-tying single. That set the stage for France to send a single to shallow center that skipped away from Tyrone Taylor and allowed Buxton to come across for the winning run.
Orioles 9, Guardians 1
Jackson Holliday hit a second-inning grand slam and Baltimore won for the third time in its past eight games, defeating visiting Cleveland.
Ramon Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn also homered for the Orioles, who had more runs than hits (seven), pulling away in the eighth inning following some anxious moments. Baltimore starter Dean Kremer (2-2) worked 5 1/3 innings, giving up one run on four hits.
Gabriel Arias homered for Cleveland, while teammates Daniel Schneemann, Carlos Santana and Jose Ramirez, who doubled, each had two hits. Guardians starter Gavin Williams (1-1) lasted 6 2/3 innings, giving up five runs.
Dodgers 8, Rockies 7
Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman homered in a seven-run first inning and Los Angeles held on for a victory over Colorado to complete a three-game home sweep.
Ohtani also had an RBI single in the first inning as the Dodgers sent 12 batters to the plate. Ben Casparius (1-0) allowed one run over three innings of relief, and Tanner Scott pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his sixth save.
Michael Toglia hit a grand slam and Mickey Moniak followed with a home run for the Rockies, who took their sixth straight loss, matching their worst skid of the season. German Marquez (0-3) yielded seven runs while recording just two outs.
Yankees 4, Royals 3
Aaron Judge slugged a tiebreaking homer to open the seventh inning for host New York, which completed a three-game sweep of Kansas City with a victory.
Judge finished with three hits while raising his average to .409. Clarke Schmidt allowed three runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings in his season debut as he returned from rotator cuff tendinitis.
Kris Bubic, who entered second in the AL with an 0.96 ERA, allowed three runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings for the Royals. Kyle Isbel hit an RBI triple in the fifth and scored the tying run on a groundout by Jonathan India.
Red Sox 1, Rays 0
Boston’s David Hamilton hit a solo home run in the third inning and four Red Sox pitchers made it stand up against host Tampa Bay in the rubber match of the three-game series.
Red Sox reliever Greg Weissert (1-0) fanned three in 1 1/3 innings, including pitching out of a jam in the fifth inning. Justin Slaten worked a perfect ninth with two strikeouts for his second save.
Zack Littell (0-4) was the tough-luck loser. In six innings, he gave up one run on five hits, walked three and struck out five.
Cardinals 4, Astros 1
Lars Nootbaar hit a three-run homer to help lift St. Louis over visiting Houston.
Thomas Saggese went 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI as St. Louis finished 4-2 on its homestand.
In his first start for the Cardinals this season since moving from the bullpen, Steven Matz (1-0) allowed one run on two hits in five innings.
Brewers 5, Tigers 1
Christian Yelich, Sal Frelick and Rhys Hoskins each singled and homered as Milwaukee ran away from visiting Detroit for its second straight win.
Jose Quintana yielded a run and four hits over 5 2/3 innings for the Brewers, striking out four. Garrett Mitchell tripled and scored for Milwaukee.
Spencer Torkelson accounted for the Tigers’ lone run with a sixth-inning homer. Keider Montero fanned eight but allowed five runs on eight hits over five innings.
Giants 11, Phillies 4
Mike Yastrzemski, Jung Hoo Lee, Wilmer Flores and Patrick Bailey each drove in two runs as San Francisco won at Philadelphia.
Tyler Fitzgerald added three hits and scored twice for the Giants, who have won two of the first three contests in the four-game series. Reliever Lou Trivino (1-1) worked two scoreless innings for the win.
Bryce Harper’s two-run homer was a highlight for the Phillies, who have lost five of their past seven. Aaron Nola (0-4) allowed seven runs (six earned) on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Blue Jays 3, Braves 1
Chris Bassitt struck out 10, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first homer of the season, and Toronto defeated visiting Atlanta. Guerrero also had an RBI single to go with his solo shot in the rubber match of a three-game series.
The top two hitters in the Atlanta lineup struck out eight times, four each by Michael Harris II and Austin Riley. No. 3 hitter Matt Olson added three strikeouts to Atlanta’s total of 19, tying a Braves franchise record for a nine-inning game.
It was also the most strikeouts by the Blue Jays in a nine-inning game.
Padres 4, Cubs 2
Manny Machado recorded a pair of two-out RBIs and Fernando Tatis Jr. also drove in two runs, lifting host San Diego past Chicago.
Padres starter Nick Pivetta (3-1) allowed one run on four hits in six innings. Tyler Wade reached base four times (two singles, two walks) and scored twice for San Diego, which won two of three games in the series to improve to 12-1 at home this season.
Pete Crow-Armstrong hit his third homer in four games and logged his fifth straight game with an extra-base hit. Matthew Boyd (1-2) took the hard-luck loss after permitting two runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings.
Rangers 3, Angels 1
Corey Seager had three hits and two RBI and Jake Burger added three hits as Texas defeated Los Angeles in Arlington, Texas.
Patrick Corbin (1-0) allowed one run on five hits in 5 1/3 innings, and Luke Jackson got the final three outs to earn his sixth save. Adolis Garcia added two hits for the Rangers, who have won the first two in the three-game series.
Angels starter Jose Soriano (2-2) gave up three runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Luis Rengifo knocked in the lone run for Los Angeles, which has dropped three games in a row.
Mariners 5, Reds 3
Cal Raleigh homered from both sides of the plate and Bryce Miller tossed five shutout innings to lead Seattle past host Cincinnati.
The two homers gave Raleigh 100 for his career and marked the fourth time he has homered from both sides of the plate. Miller (1-2) pitched shutout innings, allowing just three hits while striking out eight and walking two. Andres Munoz pitched a scoreless ninth for his seventh save in as many chances.
Reds starter Nick Martinez (0-3) was charged with four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.
Diamondbacks 6, Marlins 2
Josh Naylor, Pavin Smith, Tim Tawa and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. smashed homers, leading Arizona past host Miami.
The first three were solo shots before Gurriel added a two-run blast as the Diamondbacks won for the sixth time in seven games. Tawa’s homer was the first of his career. Arizona starter Brandon Pfaadt (3-1) lasted 5 2/3 innings and allowed one run on five hits.
Matt Mervis led Miami by slugging a solo home run on his 27th birthday. Marlins starter Max Meyer (1-2) tossed six innings and gave up five hits, two walks and three runs. He fanned eight.
Pirates 6, Nationals 1
Oneil Cruz hit his first career grand slam and Bailey Falter threw seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball as Pittsburgh beat visiting Washington.
Henry Davis homered and drove in two runs for Pittsburgh, and Falter (1-2) faced the minimum 21 batters. He walked one and struck out two. The Pirates broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning against Mitchell Parker (2-1) on Davis’ first homer of the year.
Washington avoided the shutout in the ninth inning on Alex Call’s sacrifice fly. Parker permitted one run on four hits and a walk in six innings.
Athletics 3, White Sox 1
JJ Bleday went 3-for-4 with an RBI and Gio Urshela knocked in two with a sixth-inning triple as the visiting Athletics earned a victory over Chicago.
Osvaldo Bido (2-1) threw 5 2/3 quality innings for the A’s, allowing just one run on five hits. Mason Miller struck out the side on 12 pitches in the ninth to earn his fifth save.
Jonathan Cannon tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings for the White Sox, allowing three hits. Brooks Baldwin’s solo home run accounted for all of Chicago’s scoring as the White Sox dropped their third straight game.
NHL NEWS
NHL ROUNDUP: CANADIENS CLAIM LAST PLAYOFF BERTH
Kaiden Guhle scored twice for the Montreal Canadiens, who clinched the final berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 4-2 win against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday.
Nick Suzuki had a goal and an assist and Sam Montembeault made 27 saves for the Canadiens (40-31-11, 91 points), who claimed the second Eastern Conference wild card and will face the Washington Capitals in the first round of the postseason.
Jake Evans capped the victory with an empty-net goal.
Taylor Hall and Tyson Jost scored for the Hurricanes (47-29-5, 99 points), who rested several mainstays for the game and are 1-5-1 in their past seven entering their regular-season finale at Ottawa on Thursday. Pyotr Kochetkov made 17 saves.
Jets 2, Ducks 1 (OT)
Mark Scheifele scored at 1:11 of overtime to give Winnipeg a win against visiting Anaheim in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Winnipeg defenseman Josh Morrissey broke up a two-on-one by the Ducks, and the Jets scored on the other end when Scheifele hit the net with a one-timer from the right circle. Neal Pionk also scored and Connor Hellebuyck made 30 saves for the Jets, who had already clinched the Presidents’ Trophy for the best record in the NHL this season.
Troy Terry scored and Ville Husso made 42 saves for the Ducks, who lost four in a row to end the season (0-2-2).
Predators 5, Stars 1
Ryan O’Reilly had a goal and two assists as Nashville closed its disappointing season with a rout of visiting Dallas, which limps into the playoffs on a seven-game losing streak (0-5-2).
Jordan Oesterle and Jonathan Marchessault each recorded a goal and an assist, while Juuse Saros made 29 saves for the Predators. Nashville’s Jakub Vrana and Justin Barron also scored, and Filip Forsberg had two assists.
Back after missing 58 games due to a hip injury, Dallas’ Tyler Seguin assisted on Mason Marchment’s goal less than 20 seconds into the game. Jason Robertson, second on the team with 80 points, exited in the second period with a lower-body injury.
Red Wings 5, Devils 2
Jonatan Berggren, J.T Compher, Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat and Marco Kasper all scored and Detroit held off the Devils’ third-period comeback attempt in Newark, N.J.
Alex Lyon made 28 saves for the Red Wings, who will miss the playoffs for the ninth straight season, extending a franchise-worst mark. However, they have won three straight games, all against teams bound for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Erik Haula and Dawson Mercer scored within a three-minute of the third period for the Devils, who ended their regular season by losing four of their final five games. They begin postseason play this weekend against the Carolina Hurricanes. Nico Daws recorded 22 saves.
GOLF NEWS
“VERY MOTIVATED” JUSTIN ROSE COMPETING THIS WEEK AT HBC HERITAGE
Justin Rose’s phone was filled with text messages Sunday after The Masters.
While he was pleased to see the “outpouring from people with a lot of positive comments,” he nevertheless wishes their tone was more congratulatory. Losing a major in a playoff will do that.
But it was his incredible comeback to force the playoff with eventual champion Rory McIlroy — he started the day seven strokes back of the leader — that makes him keep competing, even the week following his somewhat disheartening defeat.
That’s why Rose, who turns 45 on July 30, is at this week’s RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, S.C.: For those memories that will last a lifetime.
Among the recent moments added to Rose’s personal highlight reel: Burying the match-tying putt during Friday’s Four-Ball competition at the 2023 Ryder Cup — “with all the team around me” — and seeing the patrons erupt when he flushed his long birdie putt to close out his final-round 66 Sunday at Augusta.
“Yeah, I want it to be accompanied with the requisite trophy as well; don’t get me wrong,” Rose said. “But the reason I’m playing is to sort of feel those moments that really matter in your career and in your life.
“I believe the point is the reason I’m working hard enough to do it is because I still have that belief that it’s possible. I think that that’s why these weeks are important for me still is that it’s just reaffirming that it’s still possible.”
Rose has won 11 tournaments in his PGA career with his last coming at the 2023 Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which was his first win in four years.
The win that allowed him to be more comfortable mentally was the 2013 U.S. Open. He also has barely missed winning multiple other majors. He tied for second at the British Open in 2018 and 2024. And, as Sunday’s CBS broadcast mentioned several times, Rose had been in the Masters’ previous playoff — when Sergio Garcia beat him on the first playoff hole in 2017.
“You can use this to free yourself up and hopefully be the catalyst to winning more and winning them more easily once that monkey is off the back,” Rose said to himself after winning the U.S. Open. “Yeah, even in my situation now, I take that (Masters) loss pretty badly. (Tuesday) was tough. But had I not won a major, it would have been even more brutal, no doubt about it.
“But listen, I was a stone’s throw away from winning the Open, winning the Masters. I would have been going for a Grand Slam at the PGA. It’s like, it can be that close. I’ve got to believe that. I’m close to kind of some seriously good stuff, yeah.”
So, at 43, Rose will be back on the course in South Carolina this weekend vying for another title. Then there will be time for a couple of weeks off back in his native England.
For now, though, Rose feels he’s in a great place, even having come up just short in Augusta.
“I’m happy to be here, to be honest with you,” he said. “I’m very motivated just generally this year, and I would say that’s been the difference this year; I’m creating these better opportunities, these better weeks, because I feel like I’m doing the work away from golf tournaments, as well. There’s just a bit more energy and motivation and belief in what I’m doing and what I’m trying to achieve.”
PGA TOUR SUSPENDS WESLEY BRYAN FOR PARTICIPATING IN RIVAL LIV-BACKED EVENT
The PGA Tour has suspended Wesley Bryan for playing in a LIV Golf-backed event two weeks ago.
The tour has not commented, though Bryan told the website Monday Q, which first reported the suspension, that he doesn’t know how long it will last and indicated that he would follow the tour’s appeals process.
Bryan, 35, is attending but not competing this week in the Corales Puntacana Championship in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where he finished second last year to Billy Horschel. It is on the schedule opposite the RBC Heritage, which Bryan won in 2017 in his native South Carolina for his lone PGA Tour victory.
He no longer has full tour status and has played in three events in 2025 as recently as March, missing two cuts — the exception a tie for 25th at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. Bryan is 169th in the FedExCup standings (31 points) with $75,068 in official earnings.
He and his brother, George, have become popular for creating content on a YouTube channel, with videos featuring trick shots. Wesley Bryan participated in two PGA Tour influencer events in the past year, including in March, Golf Digest reported.
The Bryan brothers competed in a similar event run by LIV Golf — a rival to the PGA Tour — the week before the Masters at Doral called “The Duels: Miami.” George Bryan and partner Sergio Garcia of the LIV tour won the nine-hole scramble on the first playoff hole.
The event, featuring six LIV golfers and six YouTube creators, had a $250,000 purse and was streamed on Grant Horvat’s YouTube channel.
All of the creators were informed through a third party there could be disciplinary action from the PGA Tour, according to the Monday Q report. Only Wesley Bryan was suspended, per the report, on the day after The Duels went live on Horvat’s channel.
Bryan told Monday Q that he doesn’t regret playing in The Duels.
“That video is one of the most powerful videos in YouTube golf.” Bryan said. “We are going to continue to support Grant and grow the game through YouTube.”
He also showed gratitude for his career on the PGA Tour.
“For the last eight or nine years, the opportunities have been amazing,” Bryan said. “I’m extremely grateful to the Tour for that. I don’t want this to be the end of my professional golf career.”
Bryan has made 68 cuts in 134 career PGA Tour events, with five top-five finishes and nine top-10 finishes.
A native of Columbia, S.C., who played at the University of South Carolina, Bryan turned professional in 2012, joined the tour in 2017 and has earned $5,247,630 in official money, per the tour.
TOP INDIANA HEADLINES/NEWS RELEASES
INDIANA HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL NEWS
BOBBY ALLEN LEAVES GUERIN CATHOLIC
Hamilton Southeastern has hired a familiar name to be its next boys basketball coach. Bobby Allen is leaving Guerin Catholic after seven seasons and a 128-56 record, four sectional titles, three regional crowns and a runner-up finish in the 2023 state finals. “I am truly excited and grateful for the opportunity to be the next boys basketball coach at Hamilton Southeastern, and I’m honored to become a part of the Royals family,” Allen said in a news release. “Coaching and teaching have been my passion throughout my career, and my family and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives.” Allen replaces John Ashworth, who stepped down as coach on March 27 and finished 44-54 in four years at HSE.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TRANSFER PORTAL-UPDATE
Luke Almodovar, So., St. Francis, Ind./NAIA (Noblesville): 20.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.0 apg
Landen Babusiak, R-Fr., Stetson (Hanover Central/Bosco Institute): 1.0 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.5 apg
Reggie Bass, Jr., Lindenwood (Tech): 12.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.7 apg
Flory Bidunga, Fr., Kansas (Kokomo): 5.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg — COMMITTED TO RETURN TO KANSAS
Jalen Blackmon, Sr., Miami, Fla. (Marion): 6.9 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.4 apg
Vincent Brady II, Jr., Missouri State (Cathedral): 13.5 ppg, 38% on 3s
Jayden Brewer, Jr., FIU (Ben Davis): 14.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.7 apg
Xavier Booker, So., Michigan State (Cathedral): 4.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg — COMMITTED TO UCLA
Kanon Catchings, Fr., BYU (Overtime Elite/Brownsburg): 7.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg-COMMITTED TO GEORGIA
Myles Colvin, So., Purdue (Heritage Christian): 5.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.5 apg — COMMITTED TO WAKE FOREST
Tayshawn Comer, Jr., Evansville (Cathedral): 16.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.1 apg-COMMITTED TO NEVADA
Ryan Conwell, Jr., Xavier (Pike): 16.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.5 apg — COMMITTED TO LOUISVILLE
DaJohn Craig, So., Oregon (Lawrence Central): 1.9 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.5 apg — COMMITTED TO COASTAL CAROLINA
AJ Dancler, So., Le Moyne (Southport): 15.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.4 apg — COMMITTED TO COASTAL CAROLINA
Koron Davis, Jr., Lafayette (Gary Bowman): 8.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.4 apg
Micah Davis, Fr., Eastern Kentucky (Franklin): 0.8 ppg, 0.3 rpg, 0.3 apg — COMMITTED TO IU INDY
Tae Davis, Jr., Notre Dame (Warren Central): 15.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.8 apg — COMMITTED TO OKLAHOMA
Owen Dease, Jr., Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (Evansville Reitz): 7.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.3 apg
Keaton Dukes, Jr., Purdue Fort Wayne (Wawasee): 1.5 ppg, 0.3 rpg
Jaxon Edwards, Jr., St. Bonaventure (Cathedral): 3.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.5 apg — COMMITTED TO IU INDY
Michael Eley, Jr., Tulane (Veritas Prep – from Fort Wayne): 8.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 0.8 apg
Gus Etchison, Sr., Marian/NAIA (Hamilton Heights): 19.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, So., Illinois (McCutcheon et al.): 4.6 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.5 apg
Maximus Gizzi, Sr., Huntington/NAIA (New Palestine): 10.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.7 apg
Landin Hacker, Jr., Bellarmine (Center Grove): 5.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.9 apg
Cameron Haffner, Jr., Evansville (Westfield): 12.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1.4 apg — COMMITTED TO WESTERN KENTUCKY
Brit Harris, Jr., SC Upstate (Michigan City Marquette/Bosco Institute): 11.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.7 apg
Connor Hickman, Sr., Cincinnati (Bloomington South): 8.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.8 apg
Nick Hittle, Sr., Southern Indiana (Culver Academy): 4.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 0.5 apg
Curt Hopf, Jr., Bellarmine (Barr-Reeve): 4.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.8 apg
Drew Kegerreis, Fr., IU Indy (Roncalli): Redshirted this past season.
J.R. Konieczny, Jr., Notre Dame (South Bend St. Joseph): 4.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.8 apg
Jalen Jackson, Jr., Purdue Fort Wayne (FW Northrop): 19.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.1 apg — COMMITTED TO BUTLER
Shilo Jackson, Jr., Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (North Central): 5.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.4 apg
Kamari Jones, Fr., Western Carolina (Lawrence Central): 3.0 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.3 apg
RaSheed Jones, So., Coastal Carolina (Marion): 11.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.1 apg
Jeffrey ‘JT’ Langston Jr., Fr., Southern Utah (San Gabriel Academy – from Fort Wayne): 6.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.6 apg
Jordan Lomax, Fr., Purdue Fort Wayne (Brownsburg): N/A
AJ Lux, Fr., Bellarmine (Crown Point): 3.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.5 apg
David Meriwether, East Tennessee State (Lawrence North): 1.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg
Tytan Newton, R-So., Morgan State (Richmond): 1.1 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.3 apg
Mason Nicholson, R-Jr., Jacksonville State (Gary West Side): 7.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg — COMMITTED TO VANDERBILT
Okechukwu Okeke, Sr., FIU (East Chicago Central): 4.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.1 apg
Nijel Pack, Gr., Miami (Lawrence Central): 14.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.2 apg — COMMITTED TO OKLAHOMA
Quimari Peterson, Sr., East Tennessee State (Gary West Side): 19.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.7 apg — COMMITTED TO WASHINGTON
Kiyron Powell, Jr., Western Illinois (Evansville Bosse): 2.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.2 apg
Zach Reed, R-So., Bellarmine (Brebeuf Jesuit): 3.5 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.3 apg
JaQualon ‘JQ’ Roberts, So., Vanderbilt (Bloomington North): 1.0 ppg, 0.8 rpg
Ron Rutland III, Fr., IU Indy (Crispus Attucks): 2.2 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.6 apg-COMMITTED TO MARIAN (NAIA)
Tyler Schmidt, Sr., Valparaiso (Victory Christian): 10.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.6 apg — COMMITTED TO TOWSON
Sheridan Sharp, So., Southern Illinois (Ben Davis): 4.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 2.3 apg
Tyler Shirley, Sr., Florida A&M (Pebblebrook Ga., from Gary): 3.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.6 apg
Billy Smith, Jr., Bellarmine (Brebeuf Jesuit): 14.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.6 apg
Isaiah Stafford, Sr., Valparaiso (Crispus Attucks): 16.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.1 apg
Jahni Summers, So., Indiana State (Evansville Harrison): 5.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.6 apg
Tucker Tornatta, Fr., UIndy (Evansville Memorial): 7.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg
Cayden Vasko, So., Central Michigan (Lowell/Bosco Institute): 7.4 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.6 apg
Leland Walker, Jr., Florida Atlantic (North Central/Hargrave Military): 9.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 4.1 apg
Jalen Washington, Jr., North Carolina (Gary West Side): 5.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 0.5 apg — COMMITTED TO VANDERBILT
Ashton Williamson, Fr., FIU (Gary 21st Century): 7.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.7 apg
Harold Woods, Jr., Northeastern (Hammond): 11.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.4 apg — COMMITTED TO INCARNATE WORD
NATIONAL TRANSFER PORTAL TRACKER: https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/wire/basketball/
PORTAL NEWS
INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL: IU adds guard Tayton Conerway from Troy
INDIANA MEN’S BASKETBALL: IU adds forward Jasai Miles from North Florida
PURDUE MEN’S BASKETBALL: Purdue adds guard Liam Murphy from North Florida
INDIANA WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TRANSFER PORTAL-UPDATE
Cristen Carter, Butler (Ben Davis) — COMMITTED TO GEORGETOWN
Katie Davidson, IU Indy (Lawrence North) — COMMITTED TO SOUTH FLORIDA
Rashunda Jones, Purdue (South Bend Washington) — COMMITTED TO MICHIGAN STATE
Nevaeh Jackson, Valparaiso (FW Northrop) — COMMITTED TO BUTLER
Saniya Jackson, Valparaiso (FW Northrop) — COMMITTED TO BUTLER
Ra Shaya Kyle, Florida (Marion) — COMMITTED TO MIAMI
Madison Layden-Zay, Purdue (Northwestern) — RE-COMMITTED TO PURDUE
Riley Makalusky, Butler (Hamilton Southeastern) — COMMITTED TO WEST VIRGINIA
Karsyn Norman, Butler (Bedford North Lawrence) — COMMITTED TO BALL STATE
Jordyn Poole, Purdue (FW Snider) — COMMITTED TO DAYTON
Daijah Smith, Illinois State (Gary Lighthouse) — COMMITTED TO ARKANSAS-FORT SMITH (D-II)
Hailey Smith, Ball State (Fishers) — COMMITTED TO IU INDY
Olivia Smith, Ball State (Fishers) — COMMITTED TO IU INDY
Chloe Spreen, Alabama (Bedford North Lawrence) — COMMITTED TO INDIANA
Alana Striverson, Evansville (Silver Creek) — COMMITTED TO UINDY
Layla Gold, Valparaiso (Cathedral)-NO COMMITMENT YET
Amiyah Reynolds, Purdue (South Bend Washington)-COMMITTED TO UT ARLINGTON
Mila Reynolds, Purdue (South Bend Washington)-COMMITTED TO UT ARLINGTON
Hailey Smith, Ball State (Fishers)-NO COMMITMENT YET
Jayla Smith, Purdue (Lawrence North)-NO COMMITMENT YET
Olivia Smith, Ball State (Fishers)-NO COMMITMENT YET
Saige Stahl, Indiana State (Columbus East)-NO COMMITMENT YET
Tanyuel Welch, Memphis (North Central)-COMMITTED TO ARIZONA
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PORTAL NEWS
Purdue WR (Hamilton SE) Donovan Hamilton enters the portal
Purdue DE Joe Strickland (Brebeuf) enters the portal
Purdue OL Jimmy Liston enters the portal
INDIANA PACERS
BOOM, BABY! THE PACERS’ G LEAGUE TEAM REBRANDS, PAYS TRIBUTE TO SLICK LEONARD
NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Boom, baby! The Indiana Pacers’ G League team has rebranded.
The Pacers announced Wednesday that their G League team will be called the Noblesville Boom — the nickname being a nod to longtime Pacers coach and broadcaster Slick Leonard’s infamous catch phrase of “boom, baby!”
The Boom will begin play next season in Noblesville, an Indianapolis suburb.
“We’re thrilled to tip off an exciting new era for our G League team, the Noblesville Boom, while honoring the legacy and global brand power of the Indiana Pacers,” Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO Mel Raines said.
Leonard was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach in 2014. He played seven seasons in the NBA, then coached the Pacers to three ABA championships and eventually became a broadcaster. And as the story goes, “boom, baby” was something he yelled once after a big shot during his coaching career. It immediately stuck and became part of Pacers’ lore.
The Pacers even had “Boom Baby!” painted on the sideline of the court they used for home NBA Cup games this season.
The team — formerly known as the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Indiana Mad Ants — joined the G League in 2007 and played in Fort Wayne until 2023, then spent the last two seasons playing in Indianapolis. The Mad Ants nickname was in tribute to “Mad” Anthony Wayne, a general in the Revolutionary War, a member of the U.S. Congress and the namesake of Fort Wayne.
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS
INDIANS WIN ON SHAWN ROSS’ WALK-OFF SINGLE IN 12TH INNING
INDIANAPOLIS – Following a back-and-forth battle in extras, Shawn Ross drove a ground-ball single
through the left side to give the Indianapolis Indians a 5-4 walk-off victory over the Toledo Mud Hens in 12
innings on Wednesday afternoon at Victory Field. All three of Indy’s home wins in 2025 have come via walk-off.
Peter Strzelecki (W, 1-2) held Toledo (5-12) scoreless in the top of the 12th before the game-winning
bottom half. A ground ball by Ji Hwan Bae moved Alika Williams, as the automatic runner at second base
to begin the inning, 90 feet away before Ross notched the game-winning hit in his Triple-A debut off
position player Riley Unroe (L, 0-1).
After Malcom Nuñez gave the Indians (6-8) a 1-0 lead in the first inning with an RBI double into the right
field corner, the game featured four ties and three lead changes in the final five innings. The Mud Hens
tied the game in the eighth with a bases-loaded walk to David Hensley before Nuñez roped his second
double of the game to retake the lead in the bottom half.
Down to their final two outs, the Mud Hens loaded the bases in the top of the ninth inning and cashed in
on an RBI groundout by Hao-Yu Lee to tie the game, 2-2, and send the contest to extra innings. The
teams traded runs in both the 10th and 11th – the Indians extending the game on a Nick Solak sacrifice
fly and Billy Cook two-out double, respectively – before the final frame.
Starting pitcher Carson Fulmer shined in his third start of the season, tossing 5.2 shutout innings with
three strikeouts.
Cook, Nuñez and Ross each logged two hits for the Indians, with Cook’s performance following a three[1]hit day on Tuesday.
The six-game series continues tomorrow at 6:35 PM. Right-hander and Pirates No. 3 prospect Thomas
Harrington is set to make his first start of the season with Indy after tossing 2.0 scoreless innings in relief
on April 13 at Louisville. Opposite Harrington is Toledo southpaw Dietrich Enns
INDY ELEVEN
RECAP-IND 1:0 MIA (AET)
Indianapolis- Indy Eleven defender Hayden White celebrated his 30th birthday a day late with the game-winning goal in the 123rd minute off an assist from midfielder Cam Lindley in the Boys in Blue’s 1-0 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Third Round victory over Miami FC in added extra time. Lindley delivered a perfect corner kick that White flicked home in the right corner of the goal in the final minute of stoppage time in the second 15-minute overtime period. It was White’s first Indy Eleven goal and the 29th career assist for Lindley.
Indy Eleven rekindled its 2024 Open Cup magic when they won four straight matches to reach the Open Cup semifinals. The Boys in Blue will find out their opponent and the site for the Open Cup Round of 32 match on May 6 or 7 tomorrow morning at 9:15 am live on CBS Golazo Network’s “Morning Footy” show.
Four Indy Eleven players (Reice Charles-Cook, Elliot Collier, Finn McRobb, Brem Soumaoro) made their season debuts, with Elvis Amoh and Josh O’Brien also making their first starts in 2025. In his Boys in Blue debut, Charles-Cook made six saves in 119 minutes to record a clean sheet. The Lewisham, England, native was active in added extra time was three saves in the first extra session, including a kick save in the 98th minute on a shot by forward Francisco Bonfiglio.
The Boys in Blue had their best chance in added extra time in the 108th minute when midfielder Bruno Rendon centered to forward Edward Kizza, with his header hitting the left goal post.
In the first half, Indy Eleven dominated possession, with the best scoring chance in the 23rd minute when Rendon’s shot off a pass from Collier was punched over the top by Miami keeper Bill Hamid.
The Boys in Blue’s next USL Championship match is “Dino-Mite Family Nite” against Charleston Battery on Saturday at 7 pm at Carroll Stadium. Single-game tickets for all matches are available via Ticketmaster. Season, Flex Plan, Group, and Hospitality tickets are available here. For questions, call (317) 685-1100 during business hours or email tickets@indyeleven.com.
Post-Game Quotes
Coach Sean McAuley
- Thoughts on Cam Lindley’s performance-“He was excellent. As somebody who hasn’t played many First Team minutes, to come in and play the full game is huge. Major credit to him, he works really hard in training and we’re pleased that we’ve got him. He’s got good leadership qualities, but also knows that the group is probably more important than himself, and he’s a great character to have around in the club.”
- “Reese and Hayden, quite right, should take the headlines, but remember Finn McRobb played his first game against a USL Championship team, Josh O’Brien played multiple positions tonight and did fantastic, Elvis (Amoh) and Elliot (Collier) got a good chunk of minutes; which will help us further down the line in the season.”
Reice Charles-Cook
- Debut for the XI–“It’s an unreal feeling, finally coming to America and playing in America, it’s just a great feeling- and to represent this club, I couldn’t ask for a better start.”
- Big saves-“The boys’ reactions told me how good it was, but that’s what you work for. The moments there, and why we put in our training, just got to give it a moment. So we just obviously got to keep it up and hopefully make more moments.”
Hayden White
- First home win-“Coach has been really good with us, and we’re working really hard to improve our home record. But I’m absolutely delighted to get this first win under our belt.”
- “It’s been instilled in us to keep putting forth effort until the final whistle. Keep working hard. Luckily enough, I managed to score!”
- 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Third Round
Indy Eleven 1:0 Miami FC (aet) - Wed., Apr. 16, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
- Carroll Stadium | Indianapolis
- Attendance: 4,366
- Weather: Sunny, 57 degrees
- 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Records
Indy Eleven: 1-0 - Miami FC: 2-1
| Score | 1 | 2 | OT | 2 OT | F |
| Indy Eleven | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Miami FC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Scoring Summary
- IND – Hayden White (Cam Lindley) 120+3’
- Discipline Summary
- IND – Logan Neidlinger (caution) 5’
- IND – Brem Soumaoro (caution) 32’
- MIA – Allen Gavilanes (caution) 42’
- MIA – Nicolás Cardona (caution) 42’
- MIA – Daltyn Knutson (caution) 51’
- IND – Ben Ofeimu (caution) 61’
Indy Eleven line-up: Reice Charles-Cook (Hunter Sulte 120’), Aedan Stanley, Josh O’Brien, Finn McRobb, Ben Ofeimu, Cam Lindley (captain),Logan Neidlinger (Hayden White 64’), Brem Soumaoro (Edward Kizza 64’), Elliot Collier (Maalique Foster 89’), Bruno Rendon, Elvis Amoh (Oliver Brynéus 76’) (Pat Hogan 90’).
Indy Eleven Subs not used: Aodhan Quinn.
Miami FC line-up: Bill Hamid, Alejandro Mitrano (Brandon Bent 70’), Bolu Akinyode (captain), Daltyn Knutson, Nicolás Cardona, Diego Mercado, Matías Romero, Lucas Melano (Michael Lawrence 75’), Deian Verón (Gerald Díaz 84’), Allen Gavilanes (Sebastián Blanco 75’), Francisco Bonfiglio (Kevin Hoyos 114’).
Miami FC subs not used: Rafael Martell, Juan Jiménez.
| Stat | IND | MIA |
| Shots | 14 | 13 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 6 |
| Corner Kicks | 14 | 4 |
| Offsides | 1 | 1 |
| Fouls | 32 | 18 |
| Saves | 6 | 3 |
INDIANA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
EDESSA NOYAN SIGNS WITH INDIANA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana women’s basketball has announced the addition of Edessa Noyan to the 2025-26 roster
Noyan (pronounced Eh-dess-uh Noy-yawn) is a 6-3 forward from Botkyra, Sweeden who played two seasons at Viriginia prior to her arrival in Bloomington, where she played in 54 games and made 26 starts. She averaged 5.7 points while shooting 40.7 percent from the floor along with 4.3 rebounds per game and started 26 games for the Cavaliers as a sophomore.
As a freshman in Charlottesville, Noyan led the team in field goal percentage and was an ACC Honor Roll honoree while appearing in all 32 games. Her international playing experience also includes an appearance with the U20 Swedish National Team roster for the last three years (2022, 2023, 2024) at the Nordic Championship and FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket Championship.
Noyan also played with the Swedish U18 Junior National Team where it won the 2022 Nordic Championship while averaging 18.8 points per game. She also spent time with the Sodertalje Club Team, one of the best teams in Sweden’s top division
She joins Zania Socka-Nguemen (UCLA), Chloe Spreen (Alabama) and Phoenix Stotijn (Arkansas) as offseason additions for the program.
INDIANA SOFTBALL
INDIANA SOFTBALL HEADS TO NEBRASKA FOR TWO-GAME SERIES
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. –––– Indiana Softball will head west to Lincoln, Neb. for a two-game series against Nebraska on Friday and Saturday (April 18-19).
The Hoosiers enter the series with a 28-12 record and 7-7 mark in the Big Ten.
QUICK HITTERS:
Indiana leads the nation in three statistical categories: batting average (.384), doubles per game (2.18) and on base percentage (.472).
Indiana is in the home stretch of the regular season as there are three weekends of play left and nine total games remaining ahead of the Big Ten Tournament. The team’s last non-conference game will be Wednesday next week when the Hoosiers host Ball State.
Four Hoosiers have a .400 or better batting average. Taylor Minnick (.513), Madalyn Strader (.439), Avery Parker (.431) and Kinsey Mitchell (.412) all are hitting the mark.
Minnick’s .513 batting average is second-best in the NCAA and the top mark in the Big Ten. She only trails Sophia Knight of Boise State who is hitting .515 at the plate.
Minnick is one double away from tying the program’s career (54) and single-season records (19).
LAST TIME OUT:
Indiana had a tough stretch in Madison last weekend when the Hoosiers dropped two of three games in their series at Wisconsin.
The series was bookended by some close games with Wisconsin winning 6-5 on Friday night and 10-5 on Sunday. Indiana had a chance on Friday with the tying run on base, down 6-5, but could not bring her home.
In the Sunday game, Indiana and Wisconsin were going back and forth in the scoring with it being 2-2 before Wisconsin pulled ahead for good.
On Saturday, Indiana displayed its dominance and scored 14 runs in the win while only allowing one. Four Hoosiers hit home runs (Aly VanBrandt, Melina Wilkison, Taylor Minnick and Avery Parker).
VanBrandt’s home run was just the second of her career.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT:
The No. 22-ranked Cornhuskers own a 32-10 record entering the weekend with an 11-3 mark in Big Ten play in 2025.
Nebraska has won four games in a row after sweeping Northwestern in Evanston (April 12-14) and defeating Creighton in a midweek game (April 9).
In conference play, the Cornhuskers have swept Minnesota and Northwestern while winning two of three against Iowa and Purdue. Their only conference series loss has been to Ohio State where they only won one game.
Nebraska’s pitching staff has a compiled 2.34 ERA with Jordy Bahl leading the way with a 1.26 ERA and an 18-4 record along with 189 strikeouts.
Bahl also leads Nebraska at the plate with a .457 batting average, 47 RBI and 14 home runs. Olivia DiNardo (.412) and Ava Kuszak (.403) also each hit over .400 for their batting average.
SERIES HISTORY NOTES:
Nebraska leads the all-time series between the two programs, 14-10. Indiana defeated Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament Semifinal last year, 9-5. The Cornhuskers swept the Hoosiers in Bloomington in the two teams’ last regular season series back in 2023.
PURDUE MEN’S BASKETBALL
MAYER TO JOIN BOILERMAKERS FOR 2025-26 SEASON
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – International standout Omer Mayer (pronunciation: Oh-mer Myer) has signed all the necessary paperwork and will join the Purdue men’s basketball program for the 2025-26 season.
Mayer, a 6-foot, 4-inch, 210-pound guard from Tel Aviv, Israel, becomes the second addition following the completion of the 2024-25 season after South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff joined the team on April 4. Cluff was ranked the No. 1 transfer in the country via the On3 rankings.
Mayer will strengthen an already-strong Purdue perimeter attack, spearheaded by 2024 Cousy Award winner Braden Smith, three-year starter and the Big Ten’s best 3-point shooter Fletcher Loyer, rising sophomores C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris and freshmen Jack Benter (redshirted last season) and four-star recruit Antione West Jr.
Mayer just wrapped up a season of playing with Maccabi Tel Aviv, being a teammate of former Purdue great Trevion Williams. Just 18 years old playing in arguably the second-best league in the world and Europe’s top professional league, Mayer averaged 2.6 points and 2.0 assists per game, but is coming off an 11-point, three-assist performance against Bayern Munich in his last contest, the same game in which Purdue All-American Carsen Edwards made a EuroLeague record eight 3-pointers with 30 points in a single quarter.
Earlier this month, Mayer traveled to Portland, Oregon, for the prestigious Nike World Hoop Summit. The event brings together 15 of America’s and 15 top international prospects for a week of training, capped off by a game between the two squads. In the final game, Mayer had seven assists in 19 minutes of action.
In 13 Israeli Premier League games, he averaged 5.5 points and 2.1 assists per game.
Mayer also played the 2023-24 season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, and has been in their program since he was eight years old. During the 2023-24 season, Mayer became the youngest player in club history to score at 17 years old.
He had a dominating performance last summer in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket Championships, averaging 18.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists, including a 16-point, 9-rebound, 8-assist effort against Slovenia in the third-place game. In a quarterfinal win over France, Mayer went for 31 points (6-of-11 from 3-point range) with six rebounds and four assists, then followed that up with another 31-point, 8-assist showing in a semifinal loss to Serbia.
The Boilermakers are ranked in the top three of nearly every “way-too-early” top-25 poll for the upcoming season.
MURPHY TO JOIN PURDUE BASKETBALL PROGRAM FOR 2025-26 SEASON
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – North Florida transfer Liam Murphy has signed all the necessary paperwork and will join the Purdue men’s basketball program for the 2025-26 season.
Murphy, a 6-foot, 7-inch, 220-pound forward from Staten Island, New York, becomes the third addition to the Purdue basketball program after South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff joined the team on April 4, and international standout Omer Mayer signed on April 15. Cluff was ranked the No. 1 transfer in the country via the On3 rankings, while Mayer is one of the top international guard prospects in the world.
Murphy will strengthen an already-strong Purdue interior attack, spearheaded by 2024 first-team All-Big Ten selection and All-America candidate Trey Kaufman-Renn and Cluff. In addition, Daniel Jacobsen returns after an injury cut his season short in the second game of the season, as well as Raleigh Burgess who had a strong freshman season in West Lafayette.
Murphy played the 2024-25 season at North Florida, averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game in just 23.8 minutes per contest. He shot 44.3 percent from the field and was the Atlantic Sun’s top 3-point shooter at 42.3 percent, making 104-of-246 shots from behind the arc, ranking 19th in the country in 3-pointers made.
He scored a season-high 22 points in a loss at Georgia, making 5-of-7 from long range, and scored 14 points in a win at South Carolina to start the 2024-25 season (4-of-8 from 3P range). He added 13 points in a loss at National Champion Florida, and was in double-figures in a win over Georgia Tech (10 pts) and loss to Nebraska (10 pts).
In five games against power-conference teams, Murphy averaged 13.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 22.6 minutes, while shooting 17-of-37 (.459) from 3-point range. The Ospreys won two of the five games, defeating both South Carolina and Georgia Tech.
Murphy spent two seasons at Columbia (2021-22 and 2022-23) appearing in 36 games and averaging 9.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, while making 70 3-pointers in the two seasons.
As a sophomore in 2022-23, Murphy missed 13 games in the middle of the year with injury, averaging 7.3 points and 3.0 rebounds.
During the 2021-22 season, Murphy started all 20 games he played in, averaging 12.0 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 35.9 percent from 3-point range (47-of-131). He scored 19 points in the only power-5 game he played that season, a loss at Boston College, going 5-of-12 from long distance.
Murphy sat out the 2023-24 season with an injury, but stayed at Columbia to earn his degree before transferring to North Florida.
The Boilermakers are ranked in the top three of nearly every “way-too-early” top-25 poll for the upcoming season.
NOTRE DAME SOFTBALL
NOTRE DAME HEADS TO #17 DUKE FOR FINAL ROADTRIP
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Coming off a 4-3 win at Michigan State last night, the Notre Dame softball team will head to Durham, North Carolina for the last roadtrip of the season to face off against 17th-ranked Duke in a three-game series starting Thursday night at 6 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.
The Irish got win number 20 on the season Tuesday evening in East Lansing. Addison Amaral had a two-run double in the third that gave the Irish the lead at the time. Freshman Rebecca Eckart and Kaia Cortes also drove in a run to secure the win for the Irish.
All-time, Notre Dame is 7-8 against Duke and 4-5 in Durham. This weekend will be the 10th ranked opponent the Irish have faced this season. Notre Dame has four ranked wins so far in 2025 (#15 Missouri, #23 San Diego State, #22 Virginia twice). It’s the second consecutive weekend of facing a ranked opponent on the road and the fourth overall ranked ACC series.
Irish pitching continues to register plenty of strikeouts. After six in last night’s game at Michigan State, Notre Dame now has 274 punch outs this season, still second in the ACC. Micaela Kastor surpassed 90 on the season after registering four in the win over the Spartans last night.
Game one on Thursday and two on Friday are set for 6 p.m. starts, while Saturday’s game will begin at 1 p.m. All three games will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra. Notre Dame closes out the regular season with seven consecutive home games following this weekend.
NOTRE DAME WOMEN’S LAX
PREVIEW: IRISH HOST LOUISVILLE
NOTRE DAME vs. LOUISVILLE – Wednesday, April 17 at 3:00 PM
Location: South Bend, Ind. | Arlotta Stadium
WATCH ON ACCNX | LIVE STATS | GAME NOTES
NOTRE DAME CLOSE OUT REGULAR SEASON WITH LOUISVILLE
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-8, 1-7) are set to take on the Louisville Cardinals (7-9, 1-7) in their final game of the regular season on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at Arlotta Stadium. The Irish lead the overall series 15-2.
IRISH WELCOME 11 FRESHMEN
With a large class of 17 graduating last season, the Irish have welcomed 11 freshmen to the roster.
Five of which were included in the ILWomen’s Class of 2024 Power 100 Incoming Freshmen Rankings:
– Madison Rassas (#2)
– Katie Mallaber (#32)
– Carson Didden (#42)
– Kiki Liebezeit (Watchlist)
– Ellie McClelland (Watchlist)
THE RASSAS FAMILY IS NO STRANGER TO NOTRE DAME
Rassas isn’t just listed as one of the top players in the 2024 class in the country, but she has a chance to continue her family’s legacy at Notre Dame.
She comes from a long line of Notre Dame graduates, including both parents (Todd and Angela Rassas) as well as her grandfather and great-grandfather.
Her father, Todd, was an All-American lacrosse player at Notre Dame (‘98), while her grandfather and great-grandfather were both All-American football players for the Irish.
WATCH OUT FOR WEIGAND
Senior defender Weigand was recently named to 2025 Tewaaraton Watch list and also received USA Lacrosse Magazine Women’s Preseason All-American Honorable Mention honors.
She finished the 2024 season playing in 20 games and recorded 24 ground balls and forced 17 turnovers.
TWO NEW ADDITIONS TO THE COACHING STAFF
Head Coach Christ Halfpenny introduced two new additions to the staff in August 2024 as she welcomed Caroline Curnal and Ellie Masera to the Irish.
Curnal, a 2023 Villanova graduate, started 47 of the 54 games she played in and totaled 94 points and 17 assists for 111 points. In addition to her record 382 draws, she had 34 ground balls and 14 caused turnovers.
She helped guide the program to a 15-5 season, where they advanced all the way to the NCAA quarterfinal round in 2024. Penn ranked as high as fifth during the course of the regular season, boasted one of the strongest defensive units in the country, and saw Niki Miles break program records for draw controls in a game and a season.
Miles was one of four first-team All-Ivy and three All-Americans on the roster, and another of those All-America picks (Izzy Rohr) was the Ivy League Defender of the Year for the second straight season.
She capped off her Wildcat career as the team captain and draw specialist, breaking the program’s career draw record with 382 and the single-single season mark with 155.
She finished with 41 goals and eight assists, scoring in 14 of the 17 games, and earned a spot on the All-BIG EAST first team. That was her second appearance on the first team, as she also garnered the honor in 2022 when she also was first-team IWLCA All-Region.
Masera, a recent 2024 graduate from Stony Brook, joins the Notre Dame program as an assistant coach after an outstanding four-year career with the Seawolves and a rookie season in the professional league with Athletes Unlimited.
Masera was a decorated midfielder in her four year career at Stony Brook.
She was a 2024 Tewaaraton finalist, the second player in program history, alongside former Notre Dame attacker and all-time Irish points leader, Jackie Wolak (2020-2024).
The two-time IWLCA, USA Lacrosse Magazine, and ILWomen All-American was the third pick in the AU Pro Lax Draft in April. Masera was also named the 2023 and 2024 CAA Midfielder of the Year and the 2022 America East Midfielder of the Year.
She finished her senior season as the fifth-best goal scorer in Division I (77) and finished second in points (117), also leading the nation as a senior in shots on goal and shots on goal per game. Masera finished her college career with 232 goals, 317 points, and a program record of 388 draw controls.
THE BIG THREE
The Irish graduated 17 seniors and graduate students a season ago, including three individuals in Madison Ahern, Kasey Choma and Jackie Wolak, who spent five years with the program, shattering numerous records during their tenure.
The trio combined for 964 career points over their five years together, the most of any teammates in program history.
Since their arrival to campus in 2020, Choma, Ahern and Wolak sat atop the team leaderboard in nearly every offensive category. Ahern’s 60 goals in 2024 led the team while Choma had posted the team’s top mark the four years prior.
During her career, Wolak never surrendered her title of assists leader and posted a team-best 100+ points in both 2023 and 2024. Ahern led the team in points during 2020 and 2022 while Wolak took the top spot in 2021.
All three rank among the program’s single season goal leaders with Choma holding two spots at three and eight, Ahern holds the sixth and seventh all time spots and Wolak’s 2024 total holds the 10th place.
Wolak also holds three of the top-10 spots for single season assists while the trio combine for four of the top-10 spots in total points for a given year.
Career leaders include Choma holding the top spot for games played (85) while Ahern and Wolak sit tied for second with 84.
Choma and Ahern sit second and third respectively in all-time goals while Wolak holds the top-spot for assists (153). Ahern’s 89 career assists ranks her fourth all-time.
All three rank in the top-10 for career points: Wolak (1st; 341), Ahern (3rd; 317), Choma (5th; 306). The trio was also the first set of teammates to surpass 300 career points and are three of only five individuals in program history to hit 300+ points.
The three combine for 10 Inside Lacrosse/ILWomen All-American honors, 10 IWLCA All-Region/All-American honors, eight USA Lacrosse Magazine honors, and eight Tewaraaton watchlist candidiasis.
A 2024 Tewaaraton finalist, Wolak set the program record for career points (341) and assists (153). Her 110 points last season was also third-best in program history and set her apart from the rest as the only individual to record multiple 100+ point seasons at Notre Dame.
Her 110 points finished atop the ACC last season and ranked fourth in the country.
In two NCAA Tournament games a season ago, Wolak’s 18 points ranked among the best in the nation.
With six points in the first quarter of the team’s NCAA First Round game vs. Coastal Carolina was a program best while her nine assists through three quarters played that day also set a program best.
The trio of Ahern, Wolak, and Choma scored in nearly every contest during their five years with Wolak’s 78-game streak to end her career being a program record.
Wolak became the program’s first-ever ACC Attacker of the Year honoree when she was named the conference’s top attacker in 2024
As a freshman, Ahern earned National Rookie of the Year honors from Inside Lacrosse.
Ahern was the 2023 ACC Postgraduate scholarship award recipient.
IRISH IN THE PROS
With the start of the WLL in 2025, it didn’t take long for the Irish to get picked up.
Five Notre Dame Women’s Lacrosse alums were all selected to the Boston Guard: Madison Ahern (‘24), Kasey Choma (‘24), Jackie Wolak (‘24), Hannah Dorney (‘23), and Andie Aldave (‘21).
BUTLER SOFTBALL
BUTLER SOFTBALL TO HOST VILLANOVA FOR WEEKEND SERIES AND SENIOR DAY
BIG EAST Series: Villanova
DATE: Thursday-Saturday, April 17-19
LOCATION: Indianapolis, Ind. / Butler SB Field
LIVE STATS: butlersports.com
LIVE VIDEO: FloSports (Thur./Fri.)
The Butler softball team is set to host Villanova for a key BIG EAST series this weekend. The Bulldogs (21-18, 10-8 BIG EAST) are currently tied for the fourth spot in the conference standings, while the Wildcats (22-18-1, 11-4 BIG EAST) are tied for second.
Rain is in the forecast for the weekend. The current schedule, subject to change, is to play game one on Thursday with games two and three on Friday.
The program also plans to recognize four student-athletes who will be graduating in May: Paige Dorsett, Ella White, Sydney Carter, and Kayla Noerr.
Bulldog Bits
(through games 4/15/25)
Cate Lehner leads the BIG EAST (11th nationally) with 29 stolen bases and is second (81st) in toughest to strike out. She is third in the conference with a .404 batting average and is also third (41st) with 57 hits.
Rylyn Dyer is second in the BIG EAST (31st nationally) with 3 saves.
Ella White is third in the BIG EAST (33rd nationally) with 0.77 walks per game.
Gwen Baker is fourth in the BIG EAST with 10 wins.
Makena Alexander is seventh in the BIG EAST with 9 home runs.
With 137 career RBI, Ella White is three away from tying Butler’s program record and four away from breaking the record (140 – Erin Falkenberry ’09-’12).
vs. Creighton
Cate Lehner went 7-for-11 (.636) at the plate.
Sydney Carter hit her third home run of the season and of her career.
BIG EAST coaches ranked Butler sixth in the 2025 Preseason Poll. The Villanova Wildcats were voted preseason favorites behind six first place votes and a league-best 61 points. UConn followed with 57 points, appearing first on two ballots. St. John’s (46) ranked third, and Creighton (43), who garnered the final first-place vote, ranked fourth. Seton Hall (39) landed in the fifth spot and was followed by Butler (28).
Butler’s 2025 schedule includes five teams that qualified for the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs have already seen UAlbany (W, 8-2 & W, 3-1), Indiana (L, 13-0), Dayton (L, 8-0), and Miami (OH) (L, 10-3) and are still scheduled for Villanova (Apr. 17-19).
SCOUTING VILLANOVA (22-18-1, 11-4 BIG EAST)
Series- Villanova leads, 13-12
2024 (Villanova): Butler 7-3 / Villanova 7-5 / Butler 2-1
2023 (Indianapolis): Villanova 5-3 / Butler 2-0 / Villanova 7-2
2022 (BIG EAST): Villanova 2-0
2022 (Villanova): Butler 3-1 / Butler 6-0
2021 (BIG EAST): Villanova 14-5
Butler and Villanova are 5-5 over the past ten games.
2025 BIG EAST series results:
UConn (W-L-L), Creighton (W-W-W), Georgetown (W-W-W), Seton Hall (L-W-L), DePaul (W-W-W)
Additional wins for the Wildcats this season include: No. 25 Florida Atlantic, Minnesota, Utah State, and Army
Villanova split with: No. 15 Virginia Tech and Boston College
Additional losses: No. 7 Texas A&M, No. 19 Baylor, Penn State, Clemson, Louisville, Purdue, Radford, Elon, Marshall
Villanova vs. (opponents) Butler
runs: 221-197 199
hits: 290-332 307
RBI: 204-185 175
SB: 27-35 70
ERA: 4.44-4.74 4.53
Batting Leaders:
#10 Ava Franz (.364) 47H, 3-3B, 10HR, 37RBI
#25 Maranda Runco (.345) 12HR, 34RBI
#14 Brooklyn Ostrowski (.300) 9HR, 28RBI
Pitching Leaders:
#9 Kat Gallant (10-6) 3.87 ERA, 11CG, 81K
#17 Lexi Kobryn (8-8) 3.93 ERA, 48K
#11 Kelsey White (3-2) 4.57 ERA, 23K
BUTLER BASEBALL
BULLDOGS TO BATTLE HOYAS AT CAPITAL ONE PARK
Georgetown will host Butler in a three-game series over the weekend. Game one on Thursday has been moved up to a 4 p.m. start at Capital One Park. Friday’s tilt will be played under the lights at 6 p.m. and Saturday’s getaway game gets going at 1 p.m.
Weekend Schedule
Thursday, April 17 – 4 p.m.
Friday, April 18 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 – 1 p.m.
Scouting Georgetown
The Hoyas have the exact same record as the Bulldogs sitting at 12-24 overall with a 1-5 mark in the BIG EAST. They opened conference action with a 4-2 win at Villanova but fell to the Wildcats on both Saturday and Sunday. The following weekend, GU traveled to Storrs and were swept by the Huskies.
Georgetown has two quality weekend starters in Andrew Williams and JT Raab. Williams has a 3.50 ERA and two wins on the mound over nine starts. He has struck out 35 batters over 43.2 innings and has one complete game to his credit. Raab is 3-1 on the hill with a 3.59 ERA. The right-hander leads the team in innings pitched (47.2) and strikeouts (43).
At the plate, Kavi Caster and Blake Schaaf are the best bats in the GU lineup. Caster is hitting .306 with eight doubles, two triples and three home runs. Schaaf is a .316 hitter with eight doubles, one triple and two homers. Another Hoya to keep an eye on is Owen Carapellotti. He’s the team leader in home runs (9) and total bases (64).
As a team, Georgetown leads the BIG EAST in stolen bases (94) and sacrifice bunts (28). They are second in sacrifice flies (21) and third in both base on balls (172) and ERA (6.19).
Last Year vs. Georgetown
The Hoyas swept Butler last year at Bulldog Park. Game one was a 13-4 victory for GU, game two was the closest at 9-5 and the final game ended in seven innings with the score at 15-2.
Around the BIG EAST
Seton Hall at UConn
Xavier at Villanova
Butler at Georgetown
St. John’s at Creighton
BIG EAST Standings
St. John’s 6-0, 19-14
Villanova 4-2, 19-14
Xavier 5-4, 20-18
UConn 5-4, 18-17
Creighton 3-3, 20-12
Seton Hall 2-4, 14-22
Butler 1-5, 12-24
Georgetown 1-5, 12-24
About Butler
The Bulldogs are 12-24 on the year after taking a tough 3-2 loss to Ball State on Tuesday. Two of Ball State’s three runs in the game were unearned. Just last weekend, Butler played host to Villanova and won the Saturday game 7-0. That result was their first conference win of the season as Xavier swept the Bulldogs in Cincinnati.
Goodpaster Named to BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll
Marcus Goodpaster threw eight scoreless innings against Villanova on Saturday to help Butler secure a 7-0 win. The right-hander collected his third win on the mound this year, striking out three.
Best in the BIG EAST
Butler leads the BIG EAST in batting average (.296), hits (349), doubles (68), home runs (45), slugging percentage (.487), runs (255), sacrifice flies (27).
Bulldog Bits
– Jack Moroknek and Jack Bello rank first and third in the league in hits
– Moroknek and Bello rank second and fourth in the BIG EAST in batting average
– Moroknek is the BIG EAST leader in home runs (13), total bases (113), sluffing percentage (.779) and runs scored (44)
– Moroknek ranks second in RBIs (44) and sacrifice flies (4)
– Harry Carr and Tommy Townsend have each reached base safely in nine-straight games
– Danny Barbero walked twice Tuesday and led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a double
– Bello has an RBI in three-straight games for BU
– Will Burgess had two of Butler’s five hits on Tuesday; it was his second multi-hit game of the year
– Harry Carr stole a base and scored a run in his last game
– Gunnar Duncan made his sixth start at catcher for BU on Tuesday
– Tate Foxson was used as a pinch runner for BU this week for the first time this year
– Simon Linde struck out a season-high four batters over four innings in his second start of the year
Up Next
Butler’s final home game during the month of April will land on Tuesday the 22nd when Eastern Illinois makes a visit to Bulldog Park. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
BUGeorgetown will host Butler in a three-game series over the weekend. Game one on Thursday has been moved up to a 4 p.m. start at Capital One Park. Friday’s tilt will be played under the lights at 6 p.m. and Saturday’s getaway game gets going at 1 p.m.
Weekend Schedule
Thursday, April 17 – 4 p.m.
Friday, April 18 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 – 1 p.m.
Scouting Georgetown
The Hoyas have the exact same record as the Bulldogs sitting at 12-24 overall with a 1-5 mark in the BIG EAST. They opened conference action with a 4-2 win at Villanova but fell to the Wildcats on both Saturday and Sunday. The following weekend, GU traveled to Storrs and were swept by the Huskies.
Georgetown has two quality weekend starters in Andrew Williams and JT Raab. Williams has a 3.50 ERA and two wins on the mound over nine starts. He has struck out 35 batters over 43.2 innings and has one complete game to his credit. Raab is 3-1 on the hill with a 3.59 ERA. The right-hander leads the team in innings pitched (47.2) and strikeouts (43).
At the plate, Kavi Caster and Blake Schaaf are the best bats in the GU lineup. Caster is hitting .306 with eight doubles, two triples and three home runs. Schaaf is a .316 hitter with eight doubles, one triple and two homers. Another Hoya to keep an eye on is Owen Carapellotti. He’s the team leader in home runs (9) and total bases (64).
As a team, Georgetown leads the BIG EAST in stolen bases (94) and sacrifice bunts (28). They are second in sacrifice flies (21) and third in both base on balls (172) and ERA (6.19).
Last Year vs. Georgetown
The Hoyas swept Butler last year at Bulldog Park. Game one was a 13-4 victory for GU, game two was the closest at 9-5 and the final game ended in seven innings with the score at 15-2.
Around the BIG EAST
Seton Hall at UConn
Xavier at Villanova
Butler at Georgetown
St. John’s at Creighton
BIG EAST Standings
St. John’s 6-0, 19-14
Villanova 4-2, 19-14
Xavier 5-4, 20-18
UConn 5-4, 18-17
Creighton 3-3, 20-12
Seton Hall 2-4, 14-22
Butler 1-5, 12-24
Georgetown 1-5, 12-24
About Butler
The Bulldogs are 12-24 on the year after taking a tough 3-2 loss to Ball State on Tuesday. Two of Ball State’s three runs in the game were unearned. Just last weekend, Butler played host to Villanova and won the Saturday game 7-0. That result was their first conference win of the season as Xavier swept the Bulldogs in Cincinnati.
Goodpaster Named to BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll
Marcus Goodpaster threw eight scoreless innings against Villanova on Saturday to help Butler secure a 7-0 win. The right-hander collected his third win on the mound this year, striking out three.
Best in the BIG EAST
Butler leads the BIG EAST in batting average (.296), hits (349), doubles (68), home runs (45), slugging percentage (.487), runs (255), sacrifice flies (27).
Bulldog Bits
– Jack Moroknek and Jack Bello rank first and third in the league in hits
– Moroknek and Bello rank second and fourth in the BIG EAST in batting average
– Moroknek is the BIG EAST leader in home runs (13), total bases (113), sluffing percentage (.779) and runs scored (44)
– Moroknek ranks second in RBIs (44) and sacrifice flies (4)
– Harry Carr and Tommy Townsend have each reached base safely in nine-straight games
– Danny Barbero walked twice Tuesday and led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a double
– Bello has an RBI in three-straight games for BU
– Will Burgess had two of Butler’s five hits on Tuesday; it was his second multi-hit game of the year
– Harry Carr stole a base and scored a run in his last game
– Gunnar Duncan made his sixth start at catcher for BU on Tuesday
– Tate Foxson was used as a pinch runner for BU this week for the first time this year
– Simon Linde struck out a season-high four batters over four innings in his second start of the year
Up Next
Butler’s final home game during the month of April will land on Tuesday the 22nd when Eastern Illinois makes a visit to Bulldog Park. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
BUTLER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
NEVAEH JACKSON JOINS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Butler women’s basketball head coach Austin Parkinson added 6-0 guard Nevaeh Jackson to the Bulldog program this week. The Valparaiso transfer will have two years of eligibility remaining after an impressive two-year stint with the Beacons. Jackson joins Gabby Wilke as the first two transfers to land with BU over the off-season.
“Nevaeh is quick, long, and very active on the defensive end,” Parkinson stated. “She had a tremendous year last season scoring the ball. Her ability to shoot the three and get out in transition will be very impactful.”
Jackson signed an athletic aid agreement this week to join the Bulldogs for the upcoming 2025-26 season. She is a proven scorer that averaged 13.8 points per game as a sophomore, nearly doubling her production from her freshman season when she scored 7.2 a game.
Jackson started in all 32 games for Valpo last year, shooting 42 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range. She shined on each end of the court by adding a team-best 62 steals to go along with 22 blocks.
Jackson scored in double figures 23 times last year and had a career-high 26-points in a win over Saint Louis. She hit six 3-pointers in the contest and ended her sophomore campaign with a team-best 73 made 3-pointers.
As a freshman at Valparaiso, Jackson played in all 30 games and made 27 starts. She immediately impacted the program to rank second on the team in assists (52) and fourth in steals (33).
Jackson showcased her offensive skills in a January game against Illinois State in which she scored 17 points in a single quarter. In the span of 6:30, Jackson went 6-for-8 from the field, including 3-for-3 from 3-point range to ignite the Beacon offense in the second quarter.
Her well-rounded game started to take shape at Northrop High School out of Fort Wayne. While with the Bruins, Jackson was an ICGSA First team All-State selection that claimed Second Team All-State accolades as a junior. A two-time First Team All-Conference selection, Jackson helped Northrop earn a conference title in 2022-23, conference, sectional and regional championships in 2020-21 and another sectional title in 2019-20.
BUTLER WOMEN’S LAX
BENNETT NETS FOUR GOALS, BUT THE BULLDOGS COME UP JUST SHORT AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN
MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH.—The Butler women’s lacrosse team entered a battle against Central Michigan, but would fall just short 10-8. Annika Bennett was the highlight of the game after netting four goals, including three in the first quarter, to improve her career-high after scoring a hat trick last Saturday.
The Bulldogs flew out the gates on the back of Annika Bennett who scored the first three goals of the game in the first quarter. Elise Latham would add onto the lead to give Butler a 4-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Chippewas would fight back in the second quarter to tie the game heading into halftime at 5-5.
Central Michigan continued to apply the pressure, scoring twice to take a 7-5 lead. Goals by Bennett and Makenna Evans kept the Bulldogs in the game at 9-7 in the fourth quarter, but the Chippewas would hold off a late rally taking the game 10-8.
Inside the Box Score
Annika Bennett led the game with four goals on 11 shots. She has now scored seven goals in the last two games
Bennett’s had the second most shots (11) and shots on goal (9) in Butler’s program history
Elise Latham netted two goals on seven shots
Latham has recorded two or more goals in each of the last five games
Ryan Riley scored her first career goal while also adding an assist
Patricia Lynn padded the stats with three draw controls, a caused turnover and ground ball
Alyssa Lentz made nine saves to bring her season total to 120 saves
Up Next
Butler will pack their bags and head west to Denver for their final away game of the season on Saturday, Apr. 19.
BUTLER MEN’S BASKETBALL
BUTLER ADDS EFEOSA OLIOGU-ELABOR TO RECRUITING CLASS
Butler has signed Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor, a 6-6 forward from Markham, Ontario, to a national letter of intent. Oliogu-Elabor will join the Butler program beginning with the upcoming 2025-26 season.
The four-star recruit spent his final prep season at William Academy in Toronto. Oliogu-Elabor averaged 22.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.5 steals per game during the 2024-25 season at William Academy. He was named to the All-Canadian Team for the fourth time.
“Efeosa has represented Canada in international competition, won an Overtime Elite championship, and was one of the best players on the Under Armour circuit during the summer of 2023,” said Butler head coach Thad Matta. “He’s a very mature young man who has great character. Efeosa arrives with a BIG EAST body and a strong work ethic, and we’re excited to see his game and skillset develop.”
Oliogu-Elabor played the 2023-24 season with Overtime Elite, averaging 8.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game for the City Reapers. He averaged 6.4 points per game in the playoffs as the City Reapers won the OTE Championship.
Oliogu-Elabor led Team Canada to a bronze medal in the 2024 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup. He averaged 15.3 points per game during the event, including a team-high 23 points and seven assists in the bronze medal game win over the Dominican Republic.
On the AAU circuit, he led all scorers in the 2023 17U division of the Under Armour Association (UAA), averaging 20.8 points per game. His led Canada Elite to the 2023 17U UAA Finals.
Additional updates on both Butler’s 2025-26 roster and the team’s non-conference schedule will be announced soon.
IU INDY MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEN’S BASKETBALL ADDS AUSTIN BALL TO INCOMING CLASS
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indianapolis men’s basketball program announced a seventh new addition and fourth transfer in this year’s recruiting class as Austin Ball (Man, W.Va. / Man HS) recently signed to join the Jaguars. Ball, a 6-foot-7 guard/forward, spent the past two seasons at George Mason, redshirting this past year for the Patriots.
“Austin is a big-time player and is going to be really good for us. He comes from a really good George Mason program and was a 4-star recruit coming out of high school,” head coach Paul Corsaro said. “He’s a legit 6-7 who plays out of the floor and shoots it really well. With us graduating Paul and Jarvis, we have a lot of opportunity for guys to step up and be our go-to scorers and we think that Austin is a guy that can come in and help fill that void.
“We’re excited to get him here, get him in the mix with the other guys we have coming in and the guys we have coming back to start putting the whole puzzle together. No question, Austin is going to be a very important piece in what we do next season.”
Ball was ranked among the nation’s top-40 small forwards in the class of 2023 with offers from Virginia Tech and West Virginia before committing to George Mason. He appeared in 23 games as a true freshman, averaging 2.5 points per game for a 20-win squad. He shot nearly 42 percent from the floor and 32 percent from three-point range and scored a season-high 10 points in a win over George Washington. He sat out this past season as a redshirt, practicing with the team and helping them to a 27-9 mark and a second round appearance in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).
He was a two-time VISAA All-State and All-VIC selection during his high school career and helped Man High School to its first Class A state title in program history in 2021. He was later selected to participate in the prestigious Capital Classic in Washington, D.C. in 2023.
Ball becomes the seventh IU Indy men’s basketball addition for next season, joining Eastern Kentucky-transfer Micah Davis, St. Bonaventure-transfer Jaxon Edwards, South Dakota State-transfer Will Whorton and high school signees Maguire Mitchell, Austin Sperry and Gabe Stewart.
IU INDY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SIGNS OLIVIA AND HAILEY SMITH FOR 2025-26 SEASON
INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indy women’s basketball program announced the addition of Olivia and Hailey Smith to the 2025-26 roster. The twins from Fisher, Indiana spent the previous two seasons at Ball State.
“We are excited to officially welcome Hailey and Olivia to our IU Indy Women’s Basketball family,” said head coach Kate Bruce. “Both of these young women embody the values, work ethic, and competitive spirit that aligns with the culture we are building.”
“More than just talented athletes, they are high-character individuals who will represent our program and university with pride on and off the court. We can’t wait to get Hailey and Olivia back home, get to work, and watch them grow as players and leaders. The future is bright for Jags Women’s Basketball.”
The duo spent the past two seasons at Ball State where they helped the Cardinals win a MAC title this past season. Hailey Smith averaged 1.9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 13 games for the Cardinals as a sophomore where she recorded her best game against Anderson with 10 points, nine rebounds and five assists in 22 minutes. As a freshman, she made 13 appearances, scoring a season-best five points in 11 minutes against Belmont.
Olivia Smith also recorded her best game as a Cardinal against Anderson this season with eight points, two rebounds and one steal in 16 minutes. As a freshman, she competed in nine games, chipping in a season-high five points and four rebounds against Miami.
Prior to their collegiate careers, the twins played for Fishers High School. Hailey averaged 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals her junior year while helping the Tigers to a runner-up finish at sectionals. She was named to the First Team HCC All-Conference team and was an Indiana Junior All-Star selection.
Her sister Olivia joined her on the First Team HCC All-Conference Team while playing varsity all four years for the Tigers. She averaged 9.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game as a junior.
Hailey and Olivia will return to the Indianapolis area to join the Jaguars for the 2025-26 season.
BALL STATE BASEBALL
BASEBALL BEGINNING SERIES AT BOWLING GREEN AT 3 P.M. ON THURSDAY
The Ball State baseball team is set to play a three-game series at Mid-American Conference contender Bowling Green beginning at 3 p.m. on Thursday.
Subsequent contests are scheduled for 1 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday in advance of Easter Sunday. Links to the broadcasts and live stats can be found above and on the schedule page.
The Cardinals (27-11, 13-2 MAC) won 3-2 at Butler on Tuesday to complete a season sweep of the Bulldogs. Ball State rode contributions from seven pitchers and run-scoring hits by Max Kalk and Nick Husovsky to take the road triumph.
The Falcons (24-11, 12-6) currently stand at fourth in the league standings behind the first-place Cardinals, Miami (OH) and Kent State. Bowling Green bested Purdue Fort Wayne 15-5 on the road on Tuesday afternoon after going 1-2 at Western Michigan last weekend.
Kyle Hallock is in his fifth season leading the Falcons, who won the MAC regular season title with a 24-6 record in 2024. Bowling Green was projected to finish fourth in this year’s preseason poll.
Bowling Green has the best batting average (.298) and second-most walks (178) and hits (368) among MAC teams while posting the third-best ERA (5.89) and sixth-most runs per game (7.3).
Senior right-handed pitcher Connar Penrod’s nine saves are the most in the conference and third in NCAA Division I, while sophomore catcher Garrett Wright leads the league in on base percentage (.503) while ranking second in batting average (.392) and getting hit by pitches (17).
After this weekend, the next scheduled game for the Cardinals is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday against Indiana at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
HUSOVSKY HITS: Senior Nick Husovsky has been a steady contributor to the Ball State offense as one of three Cardinals to start in every game so far this season.
The utility man out of Ramona, Calif., leads Ball State in RBI (40) while ranking second in walks (18), third in doubles (eight), and fourth in batting average (.310) and home runs (seven). Husovsky has nine games with multiple runs batted in this year including three with two, three with three, two with four and one with five, which happened in Sunday’s series finale against Northern Illinois.
BIG TIME BATTLE AND CHANCES FOR REVENGE: Ball State and Bowling Green enter the weekend ranking first and fourth, respectively, in the Mid-American Conference standings, with the series having MAC Tournament seeding implications.
Both teams have reasons to look for revenge, as Bowling Green swept a series in Muncie in March of 2024, while the Cardinals knocked the Falcons out of the MAC Tournament in late May of 2024.
DUAL ACES: The duo of Keegan Johnson and Jacob Hartlaub have solidified their status as two of the top starting pitchers in the Mid-American Conference as they stand at or near the top of the MAC leaderboards in multiple categories.
Johnson leads the league in fewest hits allowed per nine innings (6.16) and is second in wins (six) and third in ERA (3.08) and strikeouts (50), while Hartlaub is first in strikeouts (52), second in ERA (2.98) and WHIP (1.10) and third in wins (five) and hits allowed per nine innings (6.96) among qualifiers so far this year.
CLEAN FIELDING AND TURNING TWO: The Cardinals enter the weekend ranking second in the country with a .986 fielding percentage.
Ball State has committed 18 errors in 1,323 opportunities this year through the first 38 games. Ball State is 11th nationally in double plays turned at 34.
BLAZING SPEED BY BALIUS AND JACOBS: Outfielders Gavin Balius (16) and Clay Jacobs (14) rank first and third in the MAC in stolen bases.
Balius has stolen multiple bags in four games this year, while Jacobs swiped two bases in a pair of contests.
RICHTER REACHES BASE: Senior Alex Richter has been hit by a pitch 22 times this year, which is tied for the most in NCAA Division I.
The third baseman is only two HBP away from tying Ryan Read’s program record of 24 set in 1995.
TOP PITCHING PERFORMANCE: The Ball State pitching staff currently paces the MAC in multiple statistical categories.
The Cardinals’ arms are first in ERA (5.09), fewest hits allowed per nine innings (8.36), strikeouts per nine innings (9.1) and WHIP (1.41)
GARZA GETTING IT DONE: One of the pitchers contributing to the team’s success is freshman Brendan Garza, who was credited with the win in Tuesday’s 3-2 decision at Butler after striking out three in 2.1 innings of shutout ball.
Garza has piled up 14 punchouts in 10.2 innings while tallying a 3.38 ERA out of the bullpen during his freshman campaign.
BALL STATE MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
THREE CARDINALS SELECTED TO ALL-MIVA TEAMS
MUNCIE, Ind. – Three Cardinals have been named to the All-Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) Teams the league announced Wednesday.
Outside hitters Tinaishe Ndavazocheva and Patrick Rogers were named First-Team All-MIVA and opposite Rajé Alleyne earned second team honors.
Ndavazocheva, a senior from Masvingo, Zimbabwe, is now a three-time All-MIVA first team honoree. This year, he was an offensive asset for the Cardinals, adding 245.5 points while averaging 3.66 points per set. He ended the regular season hitting a .382 clip with 209 recorded kills.
Rogers, a junior from Rutherford, New Jersey is earning his second-consecutive All-MIVA First Team honors. He led the team through the regular season with 417 points, 347 kills, 33 aces and 180 digs. As a major playmaker for the Cardinals, Rogers opened the 2025 season being named the MIVA Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career.
In his first year with the Cardinals, Alleyne became a huge addition to the teams’ success. The senior from Bridgetown, Barbados, earned First Team All-MIVA honors in the 2023 and 2024 seasons with Quincy as the Hawks’ lead scorer.
This season, Alleyne was Ball State’s second highest scorer, adding 317 points, 273 kills and 19 aces. He also led the team at a 4.01 points per set average.
Ball State will enter the post season as the fifth seed, taking on No. 4 Lewis in the MIVA Quarterfinals. The match will take place at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday at Neil Carey Arena in Romeoville, Illinois.
BALL STATE SOFTBALL
SOFTBALL SWEEPS WESTERN MICHIGAN IN WEDNESDAY #MACTION
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Ball State Softball team once again completed a doubleheader sweep in Mid-American Conference action Wednesday, taking down Western Michigan by scores of 4-3 and 14-4 at Ebert Field.
The Cardinals (28-11; 13-5 MAC) got off to a hot start in the first game, as sophomore shortstop Maia Pietrzak opened with a lead-off home run. It was her seventh to go beyond the fence this the season, giving BSU an early advantage over the Broncos (11-30; 5-11 MAC).
Later in the third, with two outs with senior right fielder Maddie Weaver and redshirt senior catcher McKayla Timmons on base, senior left fielder Kara Gunter hit a single to right field for two RBIs.
Pietrzak’s lead-off homer was not the only contribution she made to the game. In the fifth, after redshirt freshman Payton Fox entered to pinch run following a lead-off double by redshirt-junior center fielder Hayley Urban, Pietrzak soared a sacrifice fly into right field which allowed Fox to cross home plate and brought the score to 4-1.
It proved to be a crucial play in the game, as it drove in what proved to be the game-winning run.
On the defensive side, the bottom of the fifth saw Timmons help limit the Broncos to one run in the frame by making an incredibly close tag at home on a squeeze play. That also proved to be a key point in the game, as WMU added another run in the bottom of the sixth to pull within one.
Junior pitcher Ella Whitney went the distance in the circle, earning her 17th win of the season as she only allowed six hits and three runs in 7.0 innings pitched.
Roughly 30 minutes later, the Cardinals showed why it is one of the nation’s top scoring teams by putting on an offensive clinic with 14 more runs.
Both teams came out scoring early in game two, with McKenna Mulholland taking advantage of loaded bases, hitting her first of three doubles in the game to right center field for two runs. Mulholland’s two RBIs was immediately followed by a sacrifice fly from junior right fielder Ashlee Lovett, allowing Gunter to put Ball State up three.
While Western Michigan responded with two runs of their own in the bottom of the first, Timmons’ RBI double in the second increased the BSU lead to 4-2. Timmons would earn her 48th RBI of the season, tying first in the conference.
After a scoreless third, the Cardinals would come up with a huge five-run inning in the fourth, with help from RBIs from Urban, Pietrzak, Gunter, Mulholland and Lovett. Mulholland and Lovett’s RBIs were from the result of being a hit by pitch and a walk, respectively.
Senior Kaitlyn Gibson added to the run total with an RBI single in the sixth to bring the score to 10-3.
Whitney then sealed the deal by taking a 3-2 pitch over the left field wall in the top of the seventh for her first collegiate grand slam. It was her eighth home run of the season and helped her move into third in the MAC with 44 RBIs.
Freshman pitcher Breanna Severino took over the circle in game two, going the distance as well and being awarded her seventh win of the year. Severino held Western Michigan to just nine hits and four runs over her 7.0 innings of work, while adding three strikeouts.
NOTES:
– Ball State tallied 11 total doubles in Wednesday’s doubleheader, led by four from Mulholland and three from Timmons … In fact, Cardinals eight doubles in the nightcap were the most in a game for the squad this season and helped up BSU’s season total to 68.
– Ball State went 4-for-4 in stolen base attempts on the day, raising its season mark to 81-for-91 … The 81 stolen bases are now the ninth-most in a season in program history and are 29 more than any other team in the MAC this season.
– With its 14-run output in the nightcap, Ball State has now scored 10-or-more runs in 13 games this season and raised its season run total to 301 … It is just the seventh time in program history the Cardinals have scored 300-or-more runs in a season, and 67 shy of the program record 368 set by the 2012 squad.
UP NEXT:
The Cardinals will travel to Bloomington for action against Indiana April 23 at 6 p.m.
BALL STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL WELCOMES ALBA CABALLERO TO THE 2025-26 ROSTER
MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State head women’s basketball coach Brady Sallee has announced the signing of Alba Caballero (Ciudad Real, Spain) to the 2025-26 roster.
Caballero joins a star-studded class of previous signees including, Bree Salenbien (Adrian, Mich./Lenawee Christian, Zhen Verburgt (Hemiskem, Belgium), Giorgia Gorini (Genova, Italy), Aniss Tagayi (Montpellier, Hérault, France), Karsyn Norman (Bedford, Ind./Bedford North Lawrence) and Brooke Winchester (Warsaw, Ind./Warsaw Community High School).
“Alba is a great addition to our program,” Sallee said. “She is the definition of a “go-to big.” We love her versatility! She has real 3-point range, she can put it on the floor from the perimeter, has a high-level back to the basket game and excels in the 2-man game! We believe she will prove to be a matchup nightmare for our opponents.”
Caballero, a highly decorated European player, found success in her prep career. She has earned multiple national championship medals including a Gold National Championship Medal of Communities and a Silver Medal at the European Young Olympics with Spain.
Caballero has earned spots on the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and U18 national team rosters as well as participated in Basketball Without Borders Phoenix 2024 showcase.
Currently, Caballero is a member of the La Cora De Paterna Valencia Basketball Team.
INDIANA STATE SOFTBALL
SYCAMORES TRAVEL TO PEORIA FOR MVC CLASH WITH BRADLEY
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – The Sycamores are set to travel to Peoria, Illinois, for a three-game Missouri Valley Conference series against Bradley on April 18-19, with Friday’s opener scheduled for 6 p.m. ET and Saturday’s ESPN+ doubleheader slated for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET.
Indiana State (13-28, 7-9) enters the weekend ranked seventh in the Missouri Valley standings, just ahead of Bradley (18-24, 7-10), who sits in eighth place.
Last Time Out:
Indiana State fell to Evansville 4-2 in the series finale on Tuesday at Cooper Stadium, as the Purple Aces secured the series win, taking two out of three games. The Sycamores took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, but Evansville quickly answered with a solo home run, followed by a two-run homer in the third and another run in the fourth to lead 4-1.
Indiana State narrowed the gap in the fifth, but a double play ended their rally. Cassi Newbanks took the loss, while Megan Asher impressed in relief. Madison Poulson and Livi Colip each had two hits, with Brailey Mills driving in the lone RBI.
Sycamore Standouts:
Indiana State comes into the weekend with a team batting average of .254 over 41 games, tallying 278 hits, including 42 doubles, nine triples, and nine home runs, while driving in 118 runs.
Lauren Marsicek has been a standout performer for Indiana State this season, leading the team with a .311 batting average. She has recorded 32 hits in 103 at-bats, including eight doubles, and has driven in 12 runs.
Madison Poulson is close behind, hitting .306 and leading the Sycamores in both hits (37) and at-bats (121). Her stat line includes four doubles, two triples, and eight stolen bases.
Morgan Goodrich has been a steady presence in the lineup as well, batting .297 with 10 RBIs, drawing a team-high 19 walks, and going a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts.
Freshman Brailey Mills has made an impact in her 29 starts, hitting .268 with a strong .409 on-base percentage and contributing seven RBIs.
Veteran Livi Colip has contributed 26 hits and 12 RBIs, while Hannah Welch stands out as the only Sycamore to start all 41 games this season. She has recorded 31 hits, 18 RBIs, and leads the team with nine stolen bases in 10 attempts, ranking seventh in the MVC.
In the Circle:
Hailey Griffin has anchored the Indiana State pitching staff this season, leading the team with a 2.90 ERA and 103.2 innings pitched. She holds a 7-7 record across 22 appearances and 18 starts, with seven complete games, three shutouts, and 99 strikeouts, which ranks fourth in the conference. Opponents are hitting just .205 against her, the second lowest average in the conference.
Megan Asher turned in one of her best performances of the season during Indiana State’s midweek matchup at Evansville on April 15. The junior right-hander tossed 2.0 perfect innings in relief, retiring all six batters she faced and striking out three. Asher has now made 11 appearances this season, covering 20.0 innings of work.
Scouting Bradley:
Bradley enters the weekend hitting .238 as a team across 42 games, totaling 258 hits, including 42 doubles, eight triples, and 20 home runs, while driving in 136 runs.
Kierston McCoy leads Bradley this season, batting .308 with 40 hits in 130 at-bats, including 11 doubles, one triple, and six home runs. She has driven in 26 RBIs and leads the team with a .546 slugging percentage. McCoy has also gone a perfect 2-for-2 in stolen base attempts.
Sydney Kennedy ranks fourth overall in the MVC with a 2.31 ERA and third in strikeouts, having recorded 106 strikeouts in 154.2 innings of work. She holds an 11-13 record in 26 appearances and 23 starts, with 17 complete games.
The senior has allowed 132 hits and 70 runs (51 earned), walked 88 batters, and held opponents to a .225 batting average. She has given up 21 doubles, 2 triples, and 11 home runs.
Matchup History:
Indiana State and Bradley have met 113 times since 1983, with the Sycamores holding 39 wins to Bradley’s 74. The series began with a 1-0 Indiana State win and most recently saw an 11-0 Bradley victory on March 17, 2024.
The Sycamores longest win streak is four games, and their biggest win was a 7-0 shutout in 2024. Indiana State is 18-29 at home, 16-36 on the road, and 31-64 in conference play, averaging just over three runs per game against the Braves.
Up Next:
The Sycamores will play their final midweek non-conference game of the season on Tuesday, April 22, at Eastern Illinois, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. ET.
INDIANA STATE BASEBALL
SYCAMORES CONTINUE ROAD TRIP WITH WEEKEND SERIES, NATIONALLY-TELEVISED CONTEST AT EVANSVILLE
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Indiana State continues the weekend road trip as the Sycamores travel to Evansville, Ind. for a three-game series against the host Evansville Purple Aces over April 17-19 at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium.
Thursday and Friday’s first pitches are set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, while Saturday’s finale is set to be carried live on ESPNU with start time set for 6 p.m. ET. All three games are set to be carried live on 105.5 The Legend.
Indiana State (19-17, 7-5) heads into the weekend series winners of four of their last five games, including midweek victories at both Purdue and Indiana, while taking two of three this past weekend at Bob Warn Field against Southern Illinois. Evansville (11-25, 5-7) enters the weekend series on a bit of a skid after dropping their last five contests, including getting swept this past weekend on the road at Illinois State.
Recapping the Midweek
Indiana State rallied back to claim the midweek win at Bart Kaufman Field on Tuesday night as the Sycamores topped the Hoosiers, 7-5.
Indiana State trailed 2-0 early as IU’s Jasen Oliver gave the Hoosiers the early lead with a two-run second-inning home run off Indiana State starter Jacob Spencer. Spencer worked 3.0 strong innings limiting the Hoosiers to just the two runs in his second outing since returning from injury a week ago.
The Sycamores rallied back in the fifth inning as the Sycamores sent all nine batters to the plate in taking the lead. Zack Henderson sparked the inning with a leadoff single, and Carter Beck and Nomar Garcia (RBI) added base hits to push the first Indiana State run across the plate. Two batters later, Keegan Garis connected on a bases-loaded, two-run single through the right side of the infield giving Indiana State the 3-2 lead. Mason Roell connected on an infield RBI single to cap the four-run frame.
The Indiana State pitching staff took over from there as Ryan Karst (1-1) worked two scoreless innings facing the minimum six batters, while Jack Armstrong worked around a Devin Taylor solo home run to strike out the side in the seventh inning. The Sycamores added insurance runs on a Beck RBI double, Pena RBI single, and Garcia RBI ground out in building a 7-3 lead heading into the ninth inning.
IU mounted one final rally in the bottom of the ninth sparked by Tyler Cerny’s leadoff solo home run off Sycamore reliever Colby Morse. Carson Seeman retired three of the final four batters he faced, allowing just Tyler DeMartino’s RBI double cutting the Sycamores’ lead to 7-5 on his way to closing out his first save of the 2025 season.
Beck, Pena, Roell, and Henderson all had multi-hit games as Indiana State connected on 11 hits overall in the rematch against the Hoosiers. The Sycamores drew eight walks overall with Beck and Henderson combining to score five runs apiece on the base paths in the win.
Season Overall
Zack Henderson has kept up a recent hot streak at the plate and paces the Indiana State offense with a .400 batting average after reaching base in seven of his last eight plate appearances. Carlos Pena (.374) has been among the team’s leaders in the middle of the order with team-highs in hits (52), home runs (11), triples (2), and RBIs (41), while posting a .712 slugging percentage.
Jackson Taylor (.318) and Nomar Garcia (.310) lead the Indiana State infielder unit and are among the team’s leaders in additional offensive categories while providing punches at both the top and bottom of the Sycamores’ order. Garcia has nine stolen bases over 16 games played, while Taylor has six doubles and 21 runs scored on the year.
Keegan Garis (.300) and Carter Beck (.297) have also been among the team’s power threats in the lineup combining for 17 home runs and 66 RBIs, while scoring 72 runs on the season. The Sycamores are hitting .276 overall from the plate as a team with a .462 slugging percentage and .391 on-base percentage.
The Sycamores’ pitching staff has seen 18 arms take the mound on the year with a combined 5.89 ERA over 310.1 innings pitched. Indiana State has combined to post a 254:168 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a .264 opponent batting average on the year.
Max McEwen (4-2, 5.44 ERA) and Ty Brooks (3-3, 5.53 ERA) have been the weekend mainstays through the midway point of the 2025 season, while Breyllin Suriel (0-3, 6.82 ERA) has also seen increased time on the mound with six starts on the season.
Jack Armstrong (2-0, 4.09 ERA), Colby Morse (2-2, 6.23 ERA), Carson Seeman (0-0, 5.06 ERA), Zac Laird (0-0, 5.54 ERA) and Aaron Moss (1-0, 7.45 ERA) have all made double-digit relief appearances on the year. Gavin Morris has been the late-inning relief specialist with a 5-3 record, two saves, and a 3.93 ERA.
Valley Play
The Sycamores have seen marked success at the plate in Missouri Valley Conference play paced by Jackson Taylor’s .410 batting average over 12 starts. The Sycamore second baseman has posted three doubles and four RBIs, while adding 11 runs scored in conference competition.
Carlos Pena continues to remain one of the conference’s top hitters with a .408 batting average and .878 slugging percentage while leading the Sycamores in hits (20), home runs (6), and sitting second on the team with 14 RBIs. Carter Beck is the RBI leader with 15 on the year, while Nomar Garcia paces the Sycamores in doubles (5) and stolen bases (8). Overall, the Sycamores are hitting .300 from the plate in conference play with 99 runs over 12 games, while connecting on 19 home runs and 31 doubles.
Twelve different Sycamores have seen the mound in Missouri Valley competition on the year with several sitting among the conference leaders in a variety of categories. Gavin Morris (3-1, 0.55 ERA) leads the MVC in both ERA and opponent batting average (.154), while Max McEwen (2-1, 7.29 ERA) is among the conference strikeout leaders with 27. Ty Brooks (1-1, 4.74 ERA) is the Sycamores lone starting remaining from opening weekend as the Sycamores have combined for a 5.62 ERA over 104.0 innings on Valley play.
Scouting Evansville
Evansville enters the weekend series with an 11-24 overall record, 5-7 mark in Missouri Valley play through the first four weeks of the conference season. The Purple Aces have picked up weekend series wins over Murray State (2-1) and Valparaiso (2-1), while falling to UIC (1-2) and getting swept this past weekend at Illinois State.
The Purple Aces were selected tied for fifth overall in the MVC Coaches Preseason Poll with 49 points. Left-handed pitcher Kenton Devorman was one of the lone returners from UE’s NCAA postseason run last year and was named to the MVC’s Preseason All-Conference team.
Familiar names Ty Rumsey (.348) and Cal McGinnis (.345) return to lead Evansville’s offensive efforts on the season as the Purple Aces are hitting .269 from the plate as a team for the year. Rumsey has a team-high 28 RBIs and 22 stolen bases, while Harrison Taubert (2.76) is the team’s home run leader with six in 2025.
The Evansville pitching trio of Deverman (2-4, 5.75 ERA), Kevin Reed (3-4, 6.07 ERA), and Owen Byberg (1-4, 4.57 ERA) have been mainstays on the mound for the Purple Aces on the season. Overall, UE has utilized 17 different pitchers on the mound this season combining for a 8.29 ERA and .320 opponent batting average.
Series History
Indiana State holds the all-time 117-74 record over Evansville heading into the weekend series. This includes taking both the 2023 and 2024 season series, before Evansville topped the Sycamores last season in the MVC Baseball Championship Game.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
LOGAN MUIR VOTED SECOND TEAM ALL-MIVA
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Purdue Fort Wayne men’s volleyball’s Logan Muir received an All-MIVA Second Team nod on Wednesday (April 16), the league announced.
In his sophomore season, Muir earned his first All-MIVA selection. He filled up the offensive stat sheet, finishing the conference season as runner-up in three points per set, kills per set and aces per set.
Muir’s 5.06 points per set ranks fifth in the nation. After recording 25.5 points in the three-set match at McKendree (April 12), Muir’s name was added to the record books as fifth in the rally scoring era among Mastodon three-set matches. He reached a career-high 34.5 points in a five-set victory against Quincy (March 21), also adding the program’s second-most solo blocks (7) in history.
The California native ranks eighth in the national rankings for his 4.23 kills per set. After contributing 23 kills at McKendree (April 12), he etched his name into the record books for third-most kills in a three-set match in the rally scoring era. Muir notched a career-high 26 kills at Quincy (March 21).
Muir averaged 0.47 services aces per set on the season, for 17th in the country. Muir recorded a career-high five aces in a three-set victory over Thomas More (March 7).
He also ranked top-10 in the MIVA rankings in hitting percentage, finishing the regular season in ninth with .316.
Muir and the No. 7 seeded Mastodons will travel to No. 2 seeded McKendree for the MIVA quarterfinals on Saturday (April 19) at 7 p.m. ET.
PURDUE FT. WAYNE BASEBALL
NORSE TRAVEL NORTH TO FACE THE MASTODONS
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Purdue Fort Wayne (6-28, 5-9 Horizon League) is back at Mastodon Field this week for a Horizon League series with Northern Kentucky (19-16, 8-7 Horizon League).
Who: Northern Kentucky
When: Thursday, April 17 | 3 p.m.
Friday, April 18 | 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 19 | 3 p.m.
Where: Fort Wayne, Ind. | Mastodon Field
Live Stats: Link
Series History: Northern Kentucky leads 28-19. The Norse took all three games in Highland Heights earlier this season. The series dates back to 1989 when both clubs were NCAA Division II members in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
bout The Norse: Northern Kentucky leads the league with a team-batting average of .289. They also own a league-best 45 home runs. Logen Devenport is hitting .414, tops in the league with Gabe Miranda no far behind at .400. On the mound, Kaden Echeman owns a 4.21 ERA, second best in the league. He also leads the league in strikeouts (53).
Pitching Probables
Purdue Fort Wayne: RHP Dillon Fischer, LHP Zane Danielson, RHP Gavin Walters
Northern Kentucky: RHP Kaden Echeman, LHP Conner Linn, LHP Aaron Boster
‘Dons & Ends:
– Brooks Sailors owns a 29-game on-base streak.
– Justin Osterhouse has a team-best 10 multi-hit games.
– Jackson Micheels and Justin Osterhouse are the only two Mastodons to start every game this season.
– Brooks Sailors is 4th in the league in walks (29).
– Zane Danielson’s 5.44 ERA is 5th in the league, he is 5th in opposing batting average (.256).
– Dillon Fischer is 3rd in the league in innings pitched (48.2). He is 7th in strikeouts (34).
– In nine starts this season, Zane Danielson has allowed more than four earned runs only twice.
– Freshman Aidan Pearson has allowed one or zero earned runs in 10 appearances this season.
– Kevin Hall is batting .341 in league play this season with 15 hits, three doubles, one triple and one home run.
– Freshman Trent Murphy has allowed one or zero earned runs in 10 appearances this season. He tossed 3.2 innings of one-hit, shutout ball at Wright State on April 13. He has gone 3.0 innings or longer in five of his 13 appearances this season.
POTW: Purdue Fort Wayne earned both Horizon League weekly honors on April 1. Justin Osterhouse was the Batter of the Week. He had two home runs and got on base 10 times. Zane Danielson had nine strikeouts and allowed one unearned run in 6.0 innings vs. Oakland to get the Pitcher of the Week honor.
On That 20-16 Win: The Mastodons defeated Youngstown State 20-16 on March 23 in game two of a doubleheader. The 20 runs tied for 6th in Division I era program history for runs in a game. The ‘Dons tied for 1st in the Division I era program history for walks in a game with 13. The 12 walks in game one of the doubleheader to start the day tied for second for most walks in a game.
Fischer Honor: Dillon Fischer was picked as a top 100 pitcher from the fourth weekend of the season by DI Baseball. Fischer allowed no runs in 6.1 innings at Tennessee Tech.
Nice to Meet You: This season isn’t the first time Kevin Hall and Nick Hockemeyer are teammates. They spent the summer of 2024 playing for the Elizabethton River Riders of the Appalachian League. Hall had a .453 OBP in 26 games for the River Riders. Hockemeyer hit .296 in 18 games.
Blood Lines: Mastodon head coach Doug Schreiber coached Trent Murphy’s father, Ron, when Schreiber was an assistant at Ball State.
Up Next: The Mastodons travel to Michigan State on Tuesday (April 22) and then head to Notre Dame the following day. The ‘Dons won 3-2 at Michigan State in 2023.
EVANSVILLE BASEBALL
UE BASEBALL HOSTS INDIANA STATE FOR THREE-GAME SERIES
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — After two conference series on the road, the University of Evansville baseball team hosts MVC play at German American Bank Field at Charles H. Braun Stadium.
The Purple Aces had a tough weekend on the road at Illinois State. UE dropped all three games in Normal and will look to bounce back with a Missouri Valley Conference series at home as Evansville faces off against its in-state conference rival Indiana State over the week. The Aces will play a shifted series with the Sycamores due to the Easter holiday on Sunday. The three games between UE and Indiana State will be played Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.
Evansville plays in its second nationally televised game this weekend at Charles H. Braun Stadium. Saturday evening’s match up between the Aces and the Sycamores will be simulcast on ESPN+ and ESPNU at 5 p.m. CT. It will be UE’s first national broadcast from Evansville since 2018 when the Aces hosted Dallas Baptist for a weekend series in early May.
UE is more familiar with the new Indiana State lineup than other teams in the Valley might be as the Sycamores new head coach is former Southern Indiana HC Tracy Archuleta. Along with Archuleta, the Indiana State roster includes four former Screaming Eagle players like RHP reliever Carson Seeman and starting first baseman Thomas Emerich. Evansville faced off with Archuleta’s USI teams in regular season competition since the program went Division I in 2023.
The Sycamores come into the series tied for third in the MVC with Murray State and Southern Illinois with 7-5 conference records. Overall Indiana State is sitting two games above .500 at 19-17 for the season. The Sycamores are led by designated hitter and returner Carlos Pena after only playing in five games last season. Pena has a .374 average with a .714 slugging percentage for a 1.172 OPS with 52 hits, 10 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 41 RBIs, and 31 scored runs. He is fourth in the Valley in batting average.
Junior RHP Owen Byberg had his longest start on the mound for UE on Sunday in Illinois State. The Frontier CC transfer pitched 6.2 innings, allowing eight hits, five runs, four earned runs, three walks, and threw four strikeouts. Byberg’s longest performance prior to Sunday was six innings at Missouri back on March 1.
SOUTHERN INDIANA SOFTBALL
EAGLES RETURN HOME THIS WEEK TO FACE SKYHAWKS
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Softball returns home this week when the Screaming Eagles collide against the University of Tennessee at Martin in a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series from USI Softball Field on Thursday and Friday.
The series-opening game is Thursday at 3:30 p.m. The series concludes on Friday with a doubleheader starting at Noon.
Southern Indiana (10-21, 7-9 OVC) will play at USI Softball Field for the first time in April. Two weeks ago, their previous home series against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville had to be moved due to record rainfall in the Evansville area, causing wet field conditions. USI looks to get back on track in its return to the home field after going 1-4 in its last five games.
Last time out, the Screaming Eagles fell against OVC-leading Eastern Illinois University last weekend in all three games. Following a 5-2 score in the series opener, the Panthers won with a walk-off home run in extra innings in game two before a 9-1 result in six innings in the series finale.
Senior outfielder Kennedy Nalley and senior infielder Whitley Hunter were USI’s leading hitters last weekend at Eastern Illinois, batting .429 each. Hunter also tallied a run and an RBI. Freshman Jordan Mackey batted .300 and collected a pair of RBIs against the Panthers. In the pitching circle, freshman hurler Kylie Witthaus tossed another quality start in the middle game of the series, pitching a complete 7.2 innings with a career-high seven strikeouts and three runs allowed.
Overall, four Screaming Eagles are batting over .300. Junior outfielder Caroline Stapleton leads the way with a .351 batting average while also pacing the team with 17 runs. Hunter is also hitting over .300 and is second behind Stapleton with 12 runs. Hunter tops the squad with 15 walks and a .455 on-base percentage, which ranks top 10 in the OVC. Mackey and fellow freshman Lilly Brown are also hitting above .300. Mackey is first on the team with four home runs and 18 RBIs. Sophomore outfielder Kate Satkoski has increased her batting average to .281 in recent weeks and sits second behind Mackey with 13 RBIs. Satkoski led USI in its five games last week, hitting .455 (5-11) with three extra-base hits and six RBIs.
On the pitching side, Witthaus (4-7) has a team-best 3.09 ERA in 70.1 innings with 43 strikeouts. Witthaus has five consecutive quality starts, all of which have been against OVC opponents, and a sub-1.50 ERA in those five starts. In seven total starts in conference play, Witthaus has four wins and a 1.80 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .203 batting average. Senior pitcher Josie Newman (6-13) has a 4.65 ERA on the season. Newman has thrown the most innings with 110.0 innings pitched, including 14 complete games. Newman has an OVC-high 152 strikeouts.
UT Martin (14-23, 6-11 OVC) enters the week on a four-game losing skid after getting swept last weekend against Tennessee Tech University. The series finale went to 11 innings last Sunday before the Golden Eagles scored five runs in the 11th. The Skyhawks have an OVC series win against Morehead State earlier this season while salvaging one game in each of their other OVC series so far.
Graduate infielder Alli Robinson leads UT Martin with a .330 batting average and 30 RBIs. Robinson is tied for the team lead in home runs (6) alongside junior catcher Avary Makarewicz. Makarewicz is second behind Robinson with 15 RBIs. The Skyhawks’ pitching staff has been led by junior pitcher Ashtyn Green, who owns a 7-7 record and a 3.11 ERA in 23 appearances, 16 starts, and 83.1 innings pitched.
UT Martin leads the all-time series against USI, 6-4. Last season, the Screaming Eagles took two of three on the road at UT Martin. USI also went 2-1 in UT Martin’s last visit to the USI Softball Field in 2023. Southern Indiana has been able to bookend each of the last two series meetings with UT Martin claiming the middle games.
The three-game series can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+ and heard on The Spin 95.7 FM. Additional coverage can be found at usiscreamingeagles.com.
VALPO BASEBALL
BASEBALL TO MATCH UP WITH MURRAY STATE FOR EASTERN WEEKEND SERIES
Valparaiso (8-23, 3-9 MVC)
vs. Murray State (24-9, 7-5 MVC)
Thursday, April 17, 3 p.m. – RHP Connor Lockwood
Friday, April 18, 1 p.m. – RHP Harry Deliyannis
Saturday, April 19, 1 p.m. – RHP Spencer Boynton
Emory G. Bauer Field (500) | Valparaiso, Ind.
Next Up in Valpo Baseball: The Valparaiso University baseball team will return home to Emory G. Bauer Field for a holiday-weekend series with Murray State. Please note that this weekend’s series begins a day early due to the Easter holiday, as the two teams will clash from Thursday through Saturday as opposed to the typical Friday through Sunday format.
Last Time Out: The Beacons got solid work from the bullpen with five innings of two-run ball, but a five-run fourth gave Notre Dame a lead it would not relinquish in Tuesday’s midweek matchup, a 7-1 victory for the hosts. Hunter Frost, Joe Seiber and Kaden Kiser all posted zeroes out of the Beacon bullpen. The Valpo bats registered seven walks but eked out just three hits in the defeat. A key moment came when Valpo loaded the bases on three walks in the seventh, but a payoff pitch was called strike three to the chagrin of the Valpo dugout, ending the inning instead of forcing in a run on a cold night in South Bend.
Following the Beacons: All three games this weekend will air on ESPN+. Todd Ickow (play-by-play) will have the call alongside Joshua Lipowski (Thursday), Brian Jennings (Friday) and Leo
Staudacher (Saturday). For links to live video and stats, visit ValpoAthletics.com. For in-game updates, follow @ValpoBaseball on X.
Head Coach Brian Schmack: Brian Schmack (210-355) is in his 12th season in charge of the program. He ranks third in program history in seasons coached and games coached as he coached his 500th game on March 17, 2024 at Campbell. On April 19 vs. Missouri State, he became the third head coach in program history to secure his 200th win. Schmack, a member of the 2003 Detroit Tigers, served as pitching coach/associate head coach at Valpo for seven seasons prior to his promotion.
A Look Back at 2024: Valpo finished 14-38 overall and 6-21 in Missouri Valley Conference play last season and hopes to return to the MVC Tournament field in 2025. Kaleb Hannahs earned Second Team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors last season, while Kyle Schmack finished one home run shy of tying the program’s career and single-season records. The team launched 71 home runs, the second most in program history and most since 2001. Alex Ryan made an incredible leaping catch that was featured at No. 4 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays, robbing a grand slam as part of a 20-0 victory at UIC on April 28. The 2024 campaign also saw Valpo post a fielding percentage of .970 that ranked fourth in program history. The season also saw head coach Brian Schmack reach the 200-win threshold.
Series Notes: Valpo is 5-10 all-time against Murray State, including a three-game Racer sweep last year in Murray that featured a wild 11-10, 10-inning game in the series opener. Valpo has dropped four straight head-to-head matchups including a 2023 MVC Tournament game. Valpo did win the most recent Emory G. Bauer Field matchup 5-2 to salvage the final game of the 2023 regular-season series. The Beacons are 1-6 against the Racers since they joined The Valley. The Brown & Gold hope to secure its first series win against Murray State since 2012.
In the Other Dugout – Murray State
Picked to finish third in the MVC preseason poll.
Hold a 9-1 record in their last 10 games, most recently beating SEMO 4-3 at home on Tuesday after taking two of three from UIC over the weekend Kentucky.
Under the direction of seventh-year head coach Dan Skirka.
Coming off a 37-win season, the second-most wins in program history.
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
April 17
1932 — New York first baseman Bill Terry tied an NL record with 21 putouts as the Giants beat Boston 5-0 behind Hal Schumacher’s two-hitter.
1951 — In his first major league game, Mickey Mantle went 1-for-4 in the New York Yankees’ 5-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
1953 — Mickey Mantle cleared the bleachers at Griffith Stadium with a 565-foot home run off Chuck Stobbs. The shot came in the fifth inning of a 7-3 win over the Senators.
1964 — The New York Mets lost their first game at Shea Stadium, falling 4-3 to the Pirates. Pittsburgh’s Willie Stargell hit the first homer at Shea.
1969 — Bill Stoneman of Montreal pitched a 7-0 no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in the 10th game of the Expos’ existence.
1976 — Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies hit four consecutive home runs and a single in an 18-16, 10-inning victory over the Cubs in Wrigley Field. Hitting .167 going into the game, he connected twice off Rick Reuschel, once off Rick’s brother, Paul, and once off Darold Knowles. He drove in eight runs.
1983 — Nolan Ryan strikes out seven Expos in a 6-3 Houston victory to become only the second pitcher in major league history to record 3,500 career strikeouts.
2000 — Major League Baseball owners vote to approve the $96 million sale of the Kansas City Royals to team chairman David Glass.
2001 — Barry Bonds became the 17th major leaguer to hit 500 home runs. Bonds’ two-run, eighth-inning drive off Terry Adams went into San Francisco Bay to lead the Giants over the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2.
2008 — Troy Tulowitzki’s RBI double with two outs in the 22nd inning scored Willy Taveras and the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 2-1 in the longest game in the majors in nearly 15 years, a 6-hour, 16-minute marathon.
2008 — Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira and Brian McCann hit consecutive home runs in a span of 12 pitches in the fifth inning off Florida’s Ricky Nolasco in Atlanta’s 8-0 win.
2009 — Jason Kubel completed the ninth cycle in Twins history with a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning that helped Minnesota to an 11-9 victory over the Angels.
2010 — Ubaldo Jimenez pitched the first no-hitter in the Colorado Rockies’ 18-year history, dominating the Atlanta Braves in a 4-0 victory. Jimenez (3-0) walked six — all in the first five innings. He was helped by Dexter Fowler’s diving backhanded catch in left-center field in the seventh inning.
2010 — Jose Reyes hit a sacrifice fly in the 20th inning and the New York Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 in the longest game in the majors in two years. Jeff Francoeur also had a sacrifice fly for New York in the 19th inning, snapping a scoreless tie, but Yadier Molina singled in Albert Pujols with two out in the bottom half. St. Louis left the bases loaded in the 10th, 12th and 14th and stranded 22 runners, including 14 in extra innings.
2012 — Jamie Moyer, 49, became the oldest pitcher to win a major league game. He threw seven masterful innings and Dexter Fowler hit a two-run homer, helping the Colorado Rockies hold on for a 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres. Moyer’s 268th win tied him with Hall of Famer Jim Palmer for 34th on the career list.
2014 — Major League Baseball suspended Seattle Mariners first baseman Ji-Man Choi 50 games following a positive test for a performance-enhancing substance.
TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
April 17
1939 — Joe Louis knocks out Jack Roper at 2:20 of the first round in Los Angeles to retain the world heavyweight title.
1947 — Jackie Robinson bunts for his 1st major league hit.
1951 — NY Yankee Mickey Mantle’s 1st game.
1967 — Italian boxer Nino Benvenuti beats American Emile Griffith in a 15 round points decision to win world middleweight crown.
1976 — Mike Schmidt hits four consecutive home runs and drives in eight runs as the Philadelphia Phillies overcome a 13-2 deficit to beat the Cubs 18-16 in 10 innings at Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
1976 — Australian tennis star Evonne Goolagong Cawley wins her second WTA Tour Championship at the Los Angeles Sports Arena; beats Chris Evert.
1982 — The Denver Nuggets’ Alex English, Dan Issel and Kiki Vandeweghe each average 20 points a game, the first front court to do so since Bob Pettit, Cliff Hagan and Clyde Lovellette of St. Louis in 1961.
1983 — Nolan Ryan strikes out his 3,500th batter.
1987 — Julius Erving of the Philadelphia 76ers becomes the third player to score 30,000 points in his pro career. Erving scores 38 points to join Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
1994 — Carl Lewis and his Santa Monica Track Club teammates rewrite their world record in the 800-meter relay at the Mt. San Antonio College Relays. Lewis, Mike Marsh, Leroy Burrell and Floyd Heard are timed at 1:18.68, breaking the record of 1:19.11 they had set on April 25, 1992.
1995 — Wayne Gretzky reaches 2,500 career points when he sets up a power-play goal by Rob Blake in Los Angeles’ 5-2 loss to Calgary.
1997 — The New Jersey Devils’ Martin Brodeur becomes the second NHL goalie to score in the playoffs. Brodeur’s empty net goal caps a three-goal third period that gives the Devils a 5-2 win and a 1-0 lead in a first-round series against Montreal.
1999 — Quarterbacks go 1-2-3 in the NFL Draft as Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb and Akili Smith go to Cleveland, Philadelphia and Cincinnati — the first quarterback trifecta since 1971.
2001 — Barry Bonds becomes the 17th major leaguer to hit 500 home runs. Bonds’ two-run, eighth-inning drive off Terry Adams leads the San Francisco Giants over the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2.
2006 — Sidney Crosby, scores three assists in Pittsburgh’s 6-1 win over the New York Islanders to become the youngest player in NHL history to score 100 points in a season. The 18-year-old becomes the seventh NHL rookie to reach the 100-point mark.
2010 — Ubaldo Jimenez pitches the first no-hitter in the Colorado Rockies’ 18-year history, dominating the Atlanta Braves in a 4-0 victory.
2011 — Jimmie Johnson wins the Aaron’s 499, edging Clint Bowyer by about a foot. The official margin of 0.002 seconds, ties for the closest finish in NASCAR Sprint Cup history.
2018 — Brayden McNabb scores against his former team in the second period, lifting Vegas to a 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings that makes the Golden Knights the first expansion team in NHL history to sweep its first playoff series. Marc-Andre Fleury turns in another stellar performance, stopping 31 shots as the Knights finish off their fourth one-goal victory of the series.
TV SPORTS THURSDAY
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Arizona at Miami | 12:10pm | DBacks.com FanDuel Sports FL |
| Washington at Pittsburgh | 12:35pm | MASN ATTSN-PIT |
| Seattle at Cincinnati | 12:40pm | ROOT FanDuel Sports Ohio |
| San Francisco at Philadelphia | 4:05pm | NBCS-BAY NBCS-PHI |
| Athletics at Chi. White Sox | 2:10pm | NBCS-CA CHSN |
| Cleveland at Baltimore | 6:35pm | CleGuardians.TV MASN2 |
| Kansas City at Detroit | 6:40pm | FS1 FanDuel Sports KC FanDuel Sports DET |
| NY Yankees at Tampa Bay | 7:05pm | YES FanDuel Sports Sun |
| St.Louis at NY Mets | 7:10pm | FanDuel Sports MW SNY |
| LA Angels at Texas | 8:05pm | RSN FanDuel Sports West |
| NHL REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Washington Capitals vs Pittsburgh Penguins | 7:00pm | ESPN |
| New York Islanders vs Columbus Blue Jackets | 7:00pm | ESPN+ FanDuel Sports Ohio MSGSN |
| Philadelphia Flyers vs Buffalo Sabres | 7:00pm | ESPN+ NBCS-PHI MSG-BUF |
| Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs | 7:00pm | ESPN+ FanDuel Sports DET Sportsnet |
| Carolina Hurricanes vs Ottawa Senators | 7:00pm | ESPN+ FanDuel Sports South Sportsnet |
| Tampa Bay Lightning vs New York Rangers | 7:00pm | ESPN+ MSG FanDuel Sports Sun |
| Calgary Flames vs Los Angeles Kings | 9:30pm | ESPN |
| COLLEGE BASEBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Virginia at Florida St. | 7:00pm | ACCN |
| Alabama at LSU | 8:00pm | ESPNU |
| Texas A&M at Arkansas | 8:00pm | SECN |
| COLLEGE SOFTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Mississippi at Georgia | 7:00pm | SECN |
| COLLEGE GYMNASTICS | TIME ET | TV |
| NCAA Tournament | 4:30pm | ESPN2 |
| NCAA Tournament | 9:00pm | ESPN2 |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| PGA Tour: Puntacana Championship | 10:00am | GOLF |
| PGA Tour: RBC Heritage | 2:00pm | GOLF |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| UEFA Conference League: Fiorentina vs Celje | 12:45pm | CBSSN Paramount+ VIX |
| UEFA Conference League: Jagiellonia Białystok vs Real Betis | 12:45pm | Paramount+ VIX |
| UEFA Europa League: Athletic Club vs Rangers | 3:00pm | Paramount+ VIX |
| UEFA Europa League: Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur | 3:00pm | Paramount+ VIX |
| UEFA Europa League: Manchester United vs Olympique Lyonnais | 3:00pm | Paramount+ VIX |
| UEFA Europa League: Lazio vs Bodø / Glimt | 3:00pm | Paramount+ VIX |
| UEFA Conference League: Chelsea vs Legia Warszawa | 3:00pm | Paramount+ VIX |
| UEFA Conference League: Rapid Wien vs Djurgården | 3:00pm | Paramount+ VIX |
TV SPORTS FRIDAY
| MLB REGULAR SEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| Arizona at Chi. Cubs | 2:20pm | DBacks.TV MARQ |
| Cleveland at Pittsburgh | 6:40pm | CleGuardians.TV ATTSN-PIT |
| Kansas City at Detroit | 6:40pm | FanDuel Sports KC FanDuel Sports DET |
| Miami at Philadelphia | 6:45pm | FanDuel Sports FL NBCS-PHI |
| Cincinnati at Baltimore | 7:05pm | FanDuel Sports Ohio MASN |
| NY Yankees at Tampa Bay | 7:05pm | FanDuel Sports Sun YES |
| Seattle at Toronto | 7:07pm | Apple TV+ ROOT Sportsnet |
| Chi. White Sox at Boston | 7:10pm | NESN CHSN |
| St. Louis at NY Mets | 7:10pm | SNY FanDuel Sports MW |
| Minnesota at Atlanta | 7:15pm | FanDuel Sports South Twins.TV |
| LA Dodgers at Texas | 8:05pm | SNLA RSN |
| Athletics at Milwaukee | 8:10pm | FanDuel Sports WI NBCS-CA |
| San Diego at Houston | 8:10pm | SCHN Padres.TV |
| Washington at Colorado | 8:40pm | MASN Rockies.TV |
| San Francisco at LA Angels | 9:38pm | FanDuel Sports West NBCS-BAY |
| NBA POSTSEASON | TIME ET | TV |
| East Play-In Tournament: Atlanta vs TBA | 7:00pm | TNT truTV MAX |
| West Play-In Tournament: Memphis vs TBA | 9:30pm | ESPN |
| COLLEGE BASEBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Virginia at Florida St. | 7:00pm | ESPN2 |
| Georgia Tech at Miami | 8:00pm | ACCN |
| Florida at Mississippi St. | 8:00pm | SECN |
| Texas Tech at Arizona St. | 10:00pm | ESPN2 |
| COLLEGE SOFTBALL | TIME ET | TV |
| Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh | 6:00pm | ACCN |
| Alabama at Florida | 6:00pm | SECN |
| Oklahoma St. at UCF | 7:00pm | ESPNU |
| MOTORSPORTS | TIME ET | TV |
| NASCAR Truck: Black’s Tire 200 | 5:00pm | FS1 |
| UFL | TIME ET | TV |
| Memphis at Michigan | 8:00pm | FOX |
| GOLF | TIME ET | TV |
| PGA Tour: Puntacana Championship | 10:00am | GOLF |
| PGA Tour: Puntacana Championship | 2:00pm | GOLF |
| LPGA Tour: LA Championship | 6:00pm | GOLF |
| SOCCER | TIME ET | TV |
| Scottish Championship: Livingston vs Ayr United | 2:45pm | Paramount+ |
| Ligue 1: Rennes vs Nantes | 2:45pm | Fanatiz USA beIN SPORTS |
| La Liga: Espanyol vs Getafe | 3:00pm | ESPN+ |
| Liga MX: Puebla vs Necaxa | 11:00pm | VIX |