Author: Ryan Dyrud

With 24 seconds left on the shot clock, all five Creighton players were back on defense, ready for whatever Tennessee would throw at them. Despite lacking a numerical advantage, Tennessee possessed something perhaps even more potent: momentum and the prowess of Dalton Knecht.

The renowned guard from Tennessee took a single dribble toward the basket from the right wing, instantly attracting a horde of defenders. Surrounded by Bluejays closing in, he swiftly passed the ball to Josiah-Jordan James in the corner. Before Creighton’s Trey Alexander could fully close the distance, James released his shot.

The ball swished through the net, marking the culmination of an 18-0 run that defined Tennessee’s exhilarating 92-87 triumph over Creighton in the Sweet 16 clash on Friday. This surge epitomized the essence of Tennessee’s season in many aspects.

Just six days prior, Tennessee had struggled, hitting only 3 of 25 attempts from beyond the arc in a gritty defensive victory over No. 7 seed Texas in the second round. However, their remarkable turnaround against Creighton showcased the team’s ability to adapt and thrive, a trait that has propelled them to become only the second squad in school history to advance to the Elite Eight. Their next challenge awaits in a Midwest Regional final showdown against No. 1 seed Purdue on Sunday.

Reflecting on the contrasting styles displayed in their recent victories, Knecht remarked, “I think it just shows how versatile we are… We can play defense when our shots aren’t falling and make it a physical, gritty game. We can also speed it up and play our type of basketball where we’re in transition, shooting 3-pointers, spacing the floor out, and just going out and hooping and playing our type of basketball.”

For the past four seasons, Tennessee had been primarily recognized for their defensive prowess, a strategy that led to a Sweet 16 appearance last season. However, the team’s newfound ability to win in diverse ways has positioned them on the brink of the program’s maiden Final Four appearance.

The signs of this evolution were evident from the onset of the season. Five months prior to their victory over Creighton, Tennessee had showcased a glimpse of their potential in an exhibition match against Michigan State, where they hit 11 3-pointers and secured an 89-88 victory. Despite this being a non-counting game, it hinted at the offensive depth and resilience of the 2023-24 Vols, a stark contrast to the struggles faced due to injuries in the previous season.

With key player Santiago Vescovi sidelined once again due to illness in the recent clash with Creighton, Tennessee demonstrated their offensive prowess by hitting 11 3-pointers and prevailing against a formidable opponent, showcasing their adaptability and depth.

“Our ability to win at various paces, whether fast or slow, has been honed through our schedule up until this point,” commented James.

Their schedule has also provided them with a glimpse of the challenges ahead, notably in their November encounter with Purdue during the Maui Invitational. Since then, players like Knecht and Zeigler have flourished, setting the stage for a rematch with Purdue in the Elite Eight.

“We wanted that challenge. We wanted that matchup just to show our growth and our improvement. We feel like if we can beat them, we can beat anybody,” expressed James.

Comparisons were drawn to Tennessee’s previous offensive prowess during the 2019 NCAA Tournament, where they faced Purdue in the Sweet 16. However, unlike that iteration, this current Tennessee squad has managed to balance offensive dynamism with defensive solidity, ranking impressively in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

“I think it’s been a pretty good transition,” said sophomore center Tobe Awaka. “We just have to understand in terms of our offense that, if we’re having a bad night, we still have to keep our defensive mindset. I think it’s about holding guys accountable no matter what, whether you’re shooting well or shooting poorly. You have to get back and play defense.”

Despite occasional offensive struggles, such as their narrow 62-58 victory over Texas, Tennessee’s robust defense has consistently kept them competitive. And when their offense clicks, as demonstrated by the electrifying 18-0 run against Creighton, they appear nearly unstoppable.

“If we just put those two together,” remarked Tennessee center Jonas Aidoo, “I feel like we’re unstoppable.”

Donte DiVincenzo, a familiar name to those who follow the intensity of March Madness, recently etched his mark into New York Knicks history books. The seasoned guard, boasting an impressive resume including two NCAA championships and a Final Four Most Outstanding Player accolade during his collegiate tenure with Villanova, showcased his prowess on Monday night in a showdown against the Detroit Pistons.

In a spectacular performance, DiVincenzo lit up the court, amassing an astounding 40 points as the Knicks cruised to a commanding 124-99 victory. What truly stole the spotlight was his remarkable display from beyond the arc, where he drained a staggering 11 three-pointers, thereby shattering the Knicks’ longstanding record for most three-pointers in a single game.

His electrifying performance didn’t go unnoticed, as the Madison Square Garden faithful erupted in cheers and applause, acknowledging his historic achievement.

As the game entered its waning moments, DiVincenzo found himself on the precipice of breaking the record, tied with the likes of J.R. Smith and Evan Fournier. With just over three minutes remaining, he seized the opportunity, launching a shot from the right wing that cemented his name in Knicks lore. The crowd roared with approval, prompting head coach Tom Thibodeau to grant him a well-deserved curtain call as he exited the court.

Yet, DiVincenzo’s heroics weren’t the sole highlight of the game. He was part of a cohesive Knicks unit that showcased its offensive firepower, with five players reaching double figures in scoring against the struggling Pistons.

The Pistons, enduring a challenging season marked by numerous records on the wrong side of history, including tying the league’s all-time longest losing streak, found themselves yet again on the receiving end of a formidable performance.

DiVincenzo’s stat line for the night was nothing short of impressive, shooting an efficient 14 of 23 from the field and an exceptional 11 of 20 from beyond the arc. Furthermore, he contributed across the board with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, underscoring his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor. The victory propelled the Knicks to a solid 43-28 record, firmly positioning them in the midst of a heated playoff race in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, the Pistons, languishing at the bottom of the league with a dismal 12-60 record, found themselves unable to contain the Knicks’ offensive onslaught. Despite their struggles, DiVincenzo’s record-breaking performance served as a testament to his skill and determination, solidifying his place in Knicks history while propelling his team one step closer to postseason glory.

Saturday’s UFC Fight Night took a dramatic turn when Igor Severino faced off against Andre Lima in a flyweight bout held in Las Vegas.

In an unexpected twist, Severino was disqualified from the match during Round 2 for biting the inside of Lima’s left bicep. Lima promptly alerted referee Chris Tognoni about the incident, leading officials to review the footage and subsequently disqualify Severino.

Following this incident, UFC President Dana White announced Severino’s removal from the UFC roster.

“Those were two promising undefeated fighters,” White remarked, as reported by Kevin Iole. “While there are various ways to express frustration or signal a desire to exit a fight, resorting to biting your opponent is unacceptable. Now, Severino not only faces expulsion from the UFC but also loses out on a significant career opportunity. Additionally, he is likely to encounter repercussions from the NSAC.”

ESPN MMA @espnmmaAndre Lima secures the victory over Igor Severino after Severino’s disqualification due to biting Lima’s arm 😳 #UFCVegas89

Andre Lima picks up the win over Igor Severino due to a DQ from Severino, who bit Lima’s arm 😳 #UFCVegas89 pic.twitter.com/NQTJuSh9G3

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 23, 2024

UFC @ufcThe fight concludes prematurely with a disqualification.

Andre Lima maintains his undefeated status 👊 #UFCVegas89

This fight has ended early due to a disqualification.

Andre Lima remains undefeated 👊 #UFCVegas89 pic.twitter.com/0FtknYuMsD

— UFC (@ufc) March 23, 2024

During his post-fight interview with Paul Felder, Lima, communicating through an interpreter, recounted the moment, stating, “At one point, you saw with the elbows I was able to hit him really hard. Then you saw, he bit me. … I was going to keep damaging him.”

Lima’s manager, Lucas Lutkus, discussed the incident with White after the match. In an unexpected turn, White pledged to award Lima the inaugural “I got f–king bit bonus” in the history of UFC, as reported by MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz.

ESPN MMA @espnmmaANDRE LIMA GOT THE BITE MARK TATTOOED 😳

(via andremascote__, ag.fight/IG)

ANDRE LIMA GOT THE BITE MARK TATTOOED 😳

(via andremascote__, ag.fight/IG) pic.twitter.com/lsYEqF9lEz

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 24, 2024

Both Severino and Lima hail from Brazil and entered the bout undefeated in the flyweight division.

Severino’s record dropped to 8-1-0 following the disqualification, while Lima’s remained unblemished at 8-0-0.

West Virginia made a significant move in its men’s basketball program on Sunday, appointing Darian DeVries, the former coach of Drake, to navigate the Mountaineers beyond a tumultuous period, effectively closing the chapter on the potential return of Bob Huggins, the scandal-ridden longtime coach.

According to athletic director Wren Baker, DeVries has signed a five-year contract, although specific terms were not disclosed. This decision swiftly followed Drake’s exit from the NCAA Tournament, where they suffered a first-round loss to Washington State.

Baker expressed confidence in DeVries, stating, “Coach DeVries is a phenomenal basketball coach and an even better person and possesses all the qualities we desired in the next leader of our men’s basketball program.” He highlighted DeVries’ coaching style, emphasizing his teams’ combination of effort, intelligence, and efficiency on both offense and defense. Moreover, Baker commended DeVries’ integrity, character-building approach, and success in recruiting and developing players.

At 48 years old, DeVries boasts an impressive track record, having been named Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year twice. During his six-year tenure at Drake, he amassed a 150-55 record and led the team to March Madness three times.

Notably, Drake achieved at least 25 wins in four consecutive seasons, with this season culminating in a 28-7 record, tying a school record for wins. Additionally, the Bulldogs boasted an outstanding 30-1 home record over the past two seasons, rivaling FAU for the best in Division I.

DeVries steps into the shoes of interim coach Josh Eilert, who assumed the role following Bob Huggins’ departure amid controversy last summer. The Mountaineers endured a challenging season marked by player departures, injuries, and distractions, resulting in a disappointing 9-23 record and a last-place finish in the Big 12—a record number of losses for the school since the 2001-02 season.

In his statement, DeVries expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the historic legacy and passionate fanbase of West Virginia basketball. He pledged to build upon the program’s success, particularly highlighting the legendary atmosphere of gamedays at the WVU Coliseum and the widespread support for Mountaineer basketball.

Baker’s decision to hire DeVries reflects a desire for a coach with a proven track record in Division I basketball. West Virginia, aiming to recapture past glories, has experienced recent struggles with multiple last-place finishes in the Big 12 and limited NCAA Tournament appearances.

DeVries’ ties to both basketball and family resonate strongly with his new role. His son, Tucker DeVries, a standout player at Drake, is expected to join him at West Virginia via the transfer portal. Additionally, DeVries brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as an assistant at Creighton, where he contributed to the team’s success in the NCAA Tournament.

As DeVries embarks on this new chapter, Drake begins its search for a successor. Reflecting on DeVries’ impact, Drake Athletic Director Brian Hardin praised his leadership, noting the program’s advancements both on and off the court during his tenure. DeVries leaves behind a lasting legacy, having elevated the Drake basketball program to unprecedented heights while fostering a culture of excellence and mentorship.

Byron, who secured the pole position for this race a year prior, showcased his prowess by clinching the fastest average lap speed of the day at 94.415 mph, despite being one of the last cars to complete laps after 1½ hours of practice, with time already expired.

To accommodate the uniqueness of the first road course race of the season with NASCAR’s new aero package, teams were divided into two groups, and each allocated a pair of 20-minute sessions on the track.

Byron’s stellar performance emerged from Group B, where he soared past Ty Gibbs’ top lap speed of 94.681 mph from Group A’s second session. In the second of Group B’s 20-minute sessions, Byron’s late flyer lap clocked in at 94.703 mph, comfortably claiming the top spot on the speed chart.

Teammate Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports secured the second-fastest time (94.415 mph), followed by Christopher Bell in third (94.226 mph). Ross Chastain and Kamui Kobayashi rounded off the top five.

However, the practice sessions were not without incidents. In the first Group B session, Chastain experienced a spin, while several drivers, including Michael McDowell, Austin Dillon, and Josh Berry, had their lap times invalidated for shortcutting the course.

McDowell also encountered a spin in the second Group B session, managing to resume without necessitating a caution. Similarly, Chastain and Justin Haley faced invalidated lap times in the second session due to course shortcutting.

In Group A, Gibbs demonstrated a formidable pace across both sessions, improving his time in the second 40-minute practice to claim the lead with an average lap speed of 94.681 mph. Bubba Wallace secured the second spot (94.260 mph), followed by Kyle Busch in third. Shane van Gisbergen and Corey LaJoie completed the top five.

Reflecting on his team’s performance, Wallace expressed satisfaction, noting, “Proud of the effort of everyone at 23XI Racing.” However, he acknowledged differences in tire choices among competitors, emphasizing the focus on preparation for the race ahead.

The practice sessions also saw their share of interruptions and penalties. Tyler Reddick’s spin at Turn 7 around 10 minutes into the first Group A session resulted in a brief halt by NASCAR. Several drivers, including LaJoie, Denny Hamlin, A.J. Allmendinger, Todd Gilliland, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Briscoe, had their lap times disallowed in Group A for course shortcutting.

While many eyes were on favorites Cassandre Beaugrand and Georgia Taylor-Brown, it was Germany’s Lisa Tertsch who emerged victorious at the Europe Triathlon Cup Quarteira. Tertsch clinched the win with a remarkable display of determination during the run, pushing herself to the limit until the very end.

The dynamics of the race saw a reshuffling of the field early on, leaving a leading pack of just over ten women during the biking leg. This group remained intact through the cycling segment, but the real drama unfolded during the run. Tertsch, Beaugrand, and Taylor-Brown emerged as the frontrunners, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive race.

As the final ten kilometers approached, the pace intensified, with the trio constantly exchanging leads. Despite the high tempo, they stayed together until the closing moments. However, it was Tertsch who seized the opportunity to make her move in the last two hundred meters. Timing her acceleration perfectly on a slight descent, she caught her competitors off guard and surged ahead.

Crossing the finish line at 1:58:52, Tertsch claimed victory, with Beaugrand and Taylor-Brown following closely behind to secure second and third place, respectively.

Reggie Jackson scored 23 points, Aaron Gordon had 22 points and 12 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 114-111 on Saturday night.

Despite missing Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets managed to secure the victory. It was a unique game for the Blazers, who fielded five rookies as starters for the second time in NBA history.

The Nuggets have been on a roll lately, winning eight of their last nine games and boasting a 14-2 record since the All-Star Break.

Coach Michael Malone praised his team’s resilience, especially in the absence of key players.

He acknowledged the Blazers’ strong third quarter but commended his team for making crucial plays down the stretch.

Rookie Duop Reath led the Blazers with 24 points, while Scoot Henderson contributed 22 points and six assists. However, the Blazers suffered their sixth consecutive loss.

Denver held a significant lead during the game, but Portland made a late surge in the final minutes. Despite the Blazers’ efforts, the Nuggets managed to maintain their lead and secure the win.

Portland’s improved three-point shooting in the second half helped them narrow the gap, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Denver’s lead. The game remained close until the final seconds, with Denver ultimately emerging victorious.