UConn entered Saturday's Final Four clash with Illinois as a slight underdog, despite the Huskies...

UConn entered Saturday's Final Four clash with Illinois as a slight underdog, despite the Huskies comfortably winning an early-season matchup between the two programs by 13 points.That certainly puzzled Dan Hurley, who said his team found a little extra motivation in being the underdog for the national semifinal."You're coming into the game as an underdog versus a team that you beat by 13 points earlier in the season, which was kinda surprising. That's how we kind of came into the game," Hurley <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/NvvuXDQ9_x8?si=XkcxgvQHuC4hM1uz&amp;t=1209">told</a> reporters after the Huskies' 71-62 triumph over Illinois.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>UConn was in control for most of the contest, leading for 35 of 40 minutes and by as many as 14 points midway through the second half. The Huskies held their counterparts to a season-low 62 points on 34% shooting.However, UConn had to fend off a late charge from the Fighting Illini as foul trouble piled up down the stretch.Illinois got within four points twice during the final two minutes, but the Huskies answered back each time on the next possession."We're a tough program. We're a group of fighters," Hurley said. "It's not appealing to everyone ... We've got incredible will and we go into these games, we're ready for battle."The Huskies will take on Michigan in Monday's national championship game.UConn is looking to become the first program to win three national championships in four years since John Wooden led UCLA to seven straight crowns from 1967-1973.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Head coach Dan Hurley of the UConn Huskies reacts against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg returned in the second half of the Wolverines' 91-73 blowout of Ari...

Michigan star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110337" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110337">Yaxel Lendeborg</a> returned in the second half of the Wolverines' 91-73 blowout of Arizona after heading to the locker room 12 minutes into Saturday's Final Four showdown with an ankle injury and sprained MCL.Lendeborg was in clear discomfort after taking an awkward fall on a drive to the basket. The 6-foot-9 forward twisted his left ankle on his way up to the rim.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Yaxel Lendeborg is in some discomfort after this drive <a href="https://t.co/1wBSI4B33X">pic.twitter.com/1wBSI4B33X</a>— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/2040608055184834942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Lendeborg made both of his free throws and promptly exited the game. He was later seen sporting a brace on his knee.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lendeborg received ice on his ankle in addition to treatment before coming back for the second half.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/tracywolfson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tracywolfson</a> reports that Yaxel Lendeborg is dealing with a MCL sprain and an ankle injury He is giving it a go in the 2nd half <a href="https://t.co/IwxO1wlDGL">pic.twitter.com/IwxO1wlDGL</a>— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/2040621581139910755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Lendeborg was moving gingerly during his limited time on the court, but he still managed to knocked down a pair of threes to finish with 11 points in 14 minutes.The Big Ten Player of the Year was adamant postgame about playing in the national championship game against UConn."There's no way I'm missing the game on Monday night, no matter what goes on," Lendeborg told <a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/2040634959988154711?s=20">CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson</a>. "So I'm gonna play unless I can't walk at all."Lendeborg has been a huge part of the Wolverines' success this season. He led the team in scoring (15.2 points per game) and steals (1.2), while also placing second in rebounding (seven), assists (3.3), and blocks (1.3).Lendeborg's strong campaign earned him consensus All-American first-team honors and an All-Big Ten first-team nod.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the first half of the game against the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Injured Michigan star Lendeborg to play title game 'no matter what' 

Michigan is off to its first national championship game since 2018 following a 91-73 beatdown of ...

Michigan is off to its first national championship game since 2018 following a 91-73 beatdown of fellow 1-seed Arizona.The Wolverines' 18-point margin of victory is tied for the largest in an NCAA Tournament game between top seeds since seeding began in 1979, per <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/2040634196834541981?s=20">ESPN Research</a>.Michigan led by as many as 30 points despite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110337" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110337">Yaxel Lendeborg</a> being <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3515072" href="https://thescore.com/news/3515072">limited</a> to 14 minutes after suffering an ankle injury and MCL sprain in the first half.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wolverines center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110610" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110610">Aday Mara</a> led the way with 26 points and nine boards to help the Big Ten program book a date with UConn in the final.Meanwhile, freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172118" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172118">Koa Peat</a> added 16 points and 11 boards in defeat for the Wildcats.Michigan also became the first team in history to score at least 90 points in each of the first five games of a single NCAA Tournament.The Maize and Blue took immediate control of the heavyweight battle, jumping out to a 10-1 start within the first three minutes.Dusty May's squad didn't let their foot off the pedal and went into the locker room with a 48-32 advantage.Michigan continued to pour it on in the second half, with a decisive 21-8 run being the knockout blow to Arizona's national title dreams.Five different Wolverines tallied at least double-digits in scoring. They shot 48% from the field, including a 12-of-27 clip from deep.Michigan also recorded 25 bench points, 26 points off turnovers, and 36 points in the paint.The Wolverines limited a potent Wildcats offense to a season-low 36.6% shooting from the field and five assists.Only UConn stands in the way of Michigan's first national championship since 1989. The Huskies advanced to the title game with a 71-62 triumph over Illinois in the earlier Final Four matchup.A Wolverines victory Monday evening would snap the Big Ten's 26-year national championship drought.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Elliot Cadeau #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Michigan dismantles Arizona to reach 1st national title game since 2018

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is expected to miss four-to-six weeks after being diagnose...

Los Angeles Lakers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96101" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96101">Austin Reaves</a> is expected to miss four-to-six weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique injury, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2040538451817140377?s=20">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.The ailment will sideline Reaves for the beginning of the playoffs, which start April 18.Reaves suffered the injury in the first half of Thursday's blowout loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder and underwent an MRI earlier Saturday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Reaves' extended absence is the latest blow to the Lakers, who also lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> for at least the remainder of the regular season with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.Los Angeles will be without its top two scorers as it attempts to hold off the Denver Nuggets for the Western Conference's third seed."Our mission, it hasn't changed," Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters Saturday, including <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48397148/lakers-reaves-oblique-remainder-regular-season">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "The rest of these guys and my staff, we're going after the 3-seed, and we're going to try to win a playoff series. And we'll see what happens with Luka."Reaves is averaging a career-high 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals across 51 appearances this season. He's converted 75% of his attempts at the rim, which ranks in the 100th percentile among combo guards, per <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/player/4926#tab-shooting_accuracy">Cleaning the Glass</a>.The Lakers are scoring 2.5 more points per 100 possessions with Reaves on the floor.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 30: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 30, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Report: Reaves expected to miss 4-6 weeks with oblique injury

Why wait for the season to start? Click here and tap the ⭐ to subscribe to Toronto Tempo alerts a...

Why wait for the season to start? Click <a href="thescore:///wnba/teams/3685">here</a> and tap the ⭐ to subscribe to Toronto Tempo alerts ahead of the 2026 WNBA season, and click <a href="thescore:///wnba/teams/3686">here</a> for Portland Fire alerts.The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire now have a clearer picture of what their respective rosters could resemble following Friday's WNBA expansion draft.The Tempo and Fire took part in a two-round snake draft in which both teams could make up to 12 total selections. They picked from a designated pool of players left unprotected by 12 of the league's 13 other teams. Only one player per club could be selected in each round.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Nobody from the Chicago Sky was eligible to be taken, as the team made separate trades with Toronto and Portland prior to the expansion draft to ensure that its squad stayed intact.Toronto and Portland also had the option of taking one unrestricted free agent with the benefit of being the only club that can offer them a supermax contract, which is worth $1.4 million annually.The Tempo won a coin toss conducted by the WNBA on March 27 and subsequently chose to pick sixth in the first round of the college draft rather than first in the expansion draft. As a result, the Fire obtained the top pick in Friday's draft and the No. 7 overall pick in the WNBA draft on April 13.Here are some initial thoughts on Toronto's and Portland's first roster moves.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Portland Fire selections" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-6v60f" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/6v60f/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="151" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure>Portland emphasized 3-point shooting with its selection of Carleton. The 6-foot-2 forward developed into a key starter for the Lynx, finishing third in Most Improved Player voting in 2024. Her 39.1% career clip from downtown is the ninth-best mark among active players. With Carleton set to hit unrestricted free agency, the Fire can offer her the core designation, which allows the franchise to give her a one-year deal with a supermax salary if the two sides can't agree on a long-term contract. Geiselsoder and Bibby give Portland a pair of stretch-bigs, while Caldwell is a 3-and-D wing like Carleton.The Wings selected Leite with the No. 9 overall pick two years ago, but she initially chose to stay overseas. The Frenchwoman made her WNBA debut last season after being chosen by the Valkyries in the 2024 expansion draft. She averaged 7.2 points and two assists in a backup role, thriving as a downhill attacker. Leite, 21, appears to be just scratching the surface and is under team control for multiple seasons. Engstler and Jones are another pair of former high draft picks. Engstler's athleticism allows her to defend multiple positions, but she's struggled to develop a consistent jumper thus far. Meanwhile, Jones started 16 games last season on a rebuilding Wings squad, tallying 8.1 points, 3.8 assists and 2.5 rebounds per contest across 24 appearances."Throughout this process, our priority was finding players who embody effort, selflessness, and a commitment to team success," said Fire general manager Vanja Cernivec in a statement. "Each player we selected reflects the culture of what we are building and the style of play we want the Fire to represent from Day 1."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Toronto Tempo selections" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-fu9jF" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/fu9jF/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="421" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}});</script></figure>Toronto gave itself plenty of flexibility heading into the upcoming draft and free-agency period. Allemand provided the Sparks with a steady presence at the point last season, registering five assists per contest and finishing with the league's fourth-best assist-to-turnover ratio (3.21). She'll likely share the backcourt with Mabrey, who can also slide up to play small forward. The Notre Dame product is an unrestricted free agent and eligible to receive the core designation from the Tempo. Mabrey is coming off a down shooting season with the Sun, but she's been a steady scorer and capable secondary playmaker throughout her career. She has finished in the WNBA's top 10 for 3-point field goals on three occasions.Nye can also play the two or three and could bring great value on a rookie deal. She showed promise during her 2025 debut campaign as both a floor-spacer and versatile defender. Held, another second-year player, offers a similar skill set. She served as the Mercury's backup point guard during her maiden WNBA season, knocking down 2.1 threes per 36 minutes and playing solid point-of-attack defense. Sabally and Kliundikova are in line to anchor Toronto's defense. Sabally spent the last three seasons in New York with Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello and excelled as a rim-protector while filling in for Jonquel Jones as the starting five. Kliundikova emerged as a dependable frontcourt option for the Lynx after taking a six-year hiatus from the WNBA. The 6-foot-4 forward provides physicality and shot-blocking and has enough size to play center."Our goal was to construct a roster that reflects the style of play and culture we want to establish - one that balances competitiveness with long-term flexibility and features players who bring versatility, toughness, and winning experience," said Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers in a statement. "This group gives us the ability to compete from Day 1 while continuing to build and embraces the opportunity to help shape something new in a new country as Canada's first WNBA team."

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Cooper Flagg became the first teenager ever to score 50 points in an NBA game during the Dallas M...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171822" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171822">Cooper Flagg</a> became the first teenager ever to score 50 points in an NBA game during the Dallas Mavericks' 138-127 defeat Friday against the Orlando Magic.Flagg finished with 51 points on 19-of-30 shooting - including a 6-of-9 clip from deep - to go along with six boards, three assists, and three steals in 34 minutes.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🔥 51 POINTS FOR COOPER FLAGG 🔥 MOST EVER BY A TEENAGER It was also <a href="https://twitter.com/Cooper_Flagg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cooper_Flagg</a>'s 3rd 40-piece of the season, the most by a rookie since Allen Iverson in 1996-97. <a href="https://t.co/zJJ4RSBlN9">pic.twitter.com/zJJ4RSBlN9</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/2040273581226000455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"It's always fun getting into that type of mode," Flagg said, according to the <a href="https://apnews.com/article/mavericks-cooper-flagg-0c6888023bef5635e9a76047f7950240">Associated Press</a>. "The basket feels big. My teammates are looking out for you, helping you out. But I like to win. That was my main focus. It's hard for me to fully enjoy myself out there when we're down 20, down 10, down 15, for the majority of the game."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 19-year-old is the 10th rookie in league history to tally 50-plus points and the third to accomplish the feat since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976-77.Flagg's previous best mark was a 49-point performance in January against the Charlotte Hornets.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
19 years old. 51 points. Rookie of the...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFFLAGG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MFFLAGG</a> <a href="https://t.co/g78El3Nb0I">pic.twitter.com/g78El3Nb0I</a>— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) <a href="https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/2040282858183422398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The No. 1 overall pick in last year's NBA draft has three 40-point games this season. No other rookie has cracked the 40-point plateau.Michael Jordan is the only other first-year player since the merger to produce multiple 45-point performances.

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 3: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on April 3, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Flagg becomes 1st teen to score 50 in Mavs' loss to Magic

Giannis Antetokounmpo says it's "against my nature" to sit out games and insists he's been health...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> says it's "against my nature" to sit out games and insists he's been healthy enough to suit up despite missing the last nine contests with what's been labeled a left knee injury.Milwaukee <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3502858" href="https://thescore.com/news/3502858">reportedly</a> wants to shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the campaign, but the two-time MVP apparently told the team that he wants to continue playing."You know who you are dealing with," Antetokounmpo told reporters, including <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7161947/2026/04/03/giannis-antetokounmpo-injury-update-frustrated-bucks-decision/">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>, prior to Friday's game against the Boston Celtics. "So for somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it's like a slap in my face. So, I don't know where the relationship goes from there."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The NBA's been investigating Antetokounmpo's injury status, a source told Nehm.The league received conflicting stories from the Bucks and Antetokounmpo, <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2040239570457931940?s=20">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> reports.Milwaukee told the NBA that it doesn't believe Antetokounmpo is ready, nor does he actually want to play, while the Greek Freak claims the Bucks won't medically clear him, according to Charania. The Bucks also <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2040476770328101247">reportedly</a> said Antetokounmpo chose not to take part in 3-on-3 scrimmages while he was working back from his knee injury in March.Antetokounmpo added that the franchise hasn't communicated with him since he initially approached them about a possible return this season.The National Basketball Players Association <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3507138" href="https://thescore.com/news/3507138">issued</a> a statement last March ripping Milwaukee for its reported efforts to keep Antetokounmpo sidelined, as well as the NBA for not stepping in."I'm available to play, but I'm not in the game," Antetokounmpo said Friday. "I'm available to play today. Right now. I'm available. Do I look like I'm not available? … I don't see myself in the first 12. I don't see myself in the starting lineup."I don't know what game is being played right here, I just don't wanna be a part of it."The Bucks (30-46) sit 11th in the East entering Friday. They were eliminated from postseason contention following last Saturday's loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after not being allowed to enter game during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Luka Doncic will miss the rest of the regular season after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstri...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> will miss the rest of the regular season after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.Doncic's status beyond that is uncertain, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2040187516754518125?s=20">ESPN's Shams Charania and Dave McMenamin</a>.The six-time All-Star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3513689" href="https://thescore.com/news/3513689">suffered</a> the injury during Thursday's blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He missed four games earlier this season with another left hamstring strain.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The NBA playoffs start April 18.Doncic has been having one of his best seasons to date, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. However, his latest absence will leave him short of the 65-game requirement needed to qualify for the NBA's end-of-season awards.Doncic's agent, Bill Duffy, is hoping for an exception, as his client missed two games in December for the birth of his child."To ensure that Luka's incredible accomplishments this season are rightly honored and he can be considered for the league's end-of-season awards, we intend to apply for an 'extraordinary circumstances challenge' to the 65-game rule," Duffy said in a statement obtained by <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2040188592723521697?s=20">Charania</a>.Los Angeles sits one game ahead of the Denver Nuggets for the Western Conference's third seed entering Friday's play.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Luka Doncic exited Thursday's 139-96 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder after sustaining a...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> exited Thursday's 139-96 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder after sustaining a left hamstring injury during the third quarter.Doncic pulled up lame on a driving attempt and immediately grabbed his left hamstring. He <a href="https://x.com/khobi_price/status/2039906264591867966?s=20">appeared</a> to be favoring the leg during the first half as well.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Luka Doncic exited tonight's game with a left hamstring injury and will not return. He had been on a HEATER since March 1, averaging 37.5 ppg. <a href="https://t.co/qxKuEh55hh">pic.twitter.com/qxKuEh55hh</a>— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/nypostsports/status/2039909559972540469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Doncic will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the severity of his injury, a source told <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/2039909634345975957?s=20">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Lakers coach JJ Redick told <a href="https://x.com/LakersNation/status/2039917705969762391?s=20">Lakers Nation</a> that Doncic had his hamstring checked out at half, but was cleared to go back in during the third quarter when he sustained the injury.The six-time All-Star struggled against the NBA's top-ranked defense, tallying just 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting to go along with six turnovers in 26 minutes.Doncic missed four games earlier this season with a left hamstring strain. The 27-year-old will be ineligible for the NBA's end-of-season awards if he were to miss the Lakers' final five contests.Doncic had just capped off a historic March with a 42-point outburst against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3512545" href="https://thescore.com/news/3512545">joined</a> Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history to score 600 or more points in the month of March.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 2: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Luka exits lopsided loss to Thunder with hamstring injury

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Kansas big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121820" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121820">Flory Bidunga</a> intends to declare for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, sources told <a href="https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2039872116804223407?s=20">ESPN's Pete Thamel</a>.Bidunga also reportedly plans on entering the transfer portal, adds Thamel.The 6-foot-10 center made a huge leap during his sophomore year, averaging 13.3 points, nine boards, and 1.5 assists across 35 appearances this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bidunga was fifth nationally in blocks (2.6 per contest) and 10th in field-goal percentage (64%). The 20-year-old was an All-Big 12 first-team selection and the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.Bidunga was one of five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar award, which is annually given to the top center in college basketball.

BOULDER, COLORADO - JANUARY 20: Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks looks on during the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at the CU Events Center on January 20, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado.

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Report: Kansas' Bidunga declaring for draft, entering portal

Nikola Jokic continues to etch his name in the NBA's record books.  The Denver Nuggets superstar ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> continues to etch his name in the NBA's record books.The Denver Nuggets superstar tallied 12 assists in Wednesday's 130-117 win over the Utah Jazz to ensure that he'll average a triple-double for the 2025-26 season. Jokic joins <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/347" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/347">Russell Westbrook</a> as the only players in NBA history to average a triple-double in back-to-back seasons.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Westbrook accomplished the feat from 2016-19.Jokic is having one of the best seasons of his career, registering 27.9 points per contest and leading the Association in rebounds (13 per game), assists (10.8), and triple-doubles (32).Denver is scoring 13.5 more points per 100 possessions with Jokic on the floor.The Nuggets have won seven consecutive contests and sit 1.5 games back of the Los Angeles Lakers for the West's No. 3 seed.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 1: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets calls a play during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center on April 1, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Jokic 2nd player to average triple-double in back-to-back seasons

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner returned to the lineup in Wednesday's 130-101 loss to the Atla...

Orlando Magic forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96086" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96086">Franz Wagner</a> returned to the lineup in Wednesday's 130-101 loss to the Atlanta Hawks after missing the last 22 games with a high ankle sprain.The 24-year-old tallied 12 points, two assists, and one rebound in 20 minutes of action.Prior to Wednesday, Wagner last appeared Feb. 11 against the Milwaukee Bucks. He had another 16-game absence earlier this season while dealing with the same injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley told reporters pregame that the team would be "very diligent" with its handling of Wagner's minutes, according to <a href="https://x.com/therealBeede/status/2039454355774935095?s=20">Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel</a>."At the end of the day, he's worked his tail off to get back. We know what he's capable of doing," Mosley said, per <a href="https://x.com/therealBeede/status/2039457109855621406?s=20">Beede</a>.Orlando went 12-10 during his most recent absence, including losses in seven of its past nine games.Wagner has been productive when healthy, averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals across 28 appearances this season. His assist percentage (18%) ranks in the 84th percentile among all wings, per <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/player/4871#tab-offensive_overview">Cleaning the Glass</a>.The Magic (40-36) sit eighth in the Eastern Conference following Wednesday's defeat.

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 1: Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 1, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Magic's Franz Wagner returns in blowout loss to Hawks

Kansas head coach Bill Self is returning for his 24th season with the program.  The longtime Jayh...

Kansas head coach Bill Self is returning for his 24th season with the program.The longtime Jayhawks head coach <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3505990" href="https://thescore.com/news/3505990">expressed</a> uncertainty about his future following the team's season-ending loss to St. John's in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.However, Self said Wednesday that he's putting off retirement for at least another campaign.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"With renewed clarity and the ongoing support from our administration, I remain focused and committed to Kansas basketball competing for a national championship," Self said in a statement. "I look forward to seeing and hearing the best fans in college basketball next season at Allen Fieldhouse."Self began his coaching career 41 years ago as an assistant at Kansas under Larry Brown. He returned to Lawrence in 2003 following head coaching stints with Oral Roberts, Tulsa, and Illinois.Self has compiled a 648-167 record during his time in charge of the Jayhawks. He's won two national championships and is the program's all-time winningest coach.Kansas has a strong incoming recruiting class led by five-star prospect Taylen Kinney.Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class, included the Jayhawks among the five teams he's still considering.

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12: Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self looks on during a Big 12 game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Kansas Jayhawks on March 12, 2026 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO.

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Self returning for 24th season with Kansas

This year's Final Four is set following an action-packed weekend.  UConn and Illinois will kick o...

This year's Final Four is set following an action-packed weekend.UConn and Illinois will kick off the double-header at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The two teams went head-to-head last November at Madison Square Garden, with the Huskies leading wire-to-wire in a 74-61 victory.The second matchup features top seeds Arizona and Michigan. The Wildcats and Wolverines are the only schools ranked in <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjOE">KenPom</a>'s top five for both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Saturday tip times (ET)</h3>2 UConn vs. 3 Illinois - 6:09 p.m. 1 Arizona vs. 1 Michigan - Following Game 1

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies dribbles the ball in the first half of a college basketball game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 2025 in New York City.

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Final Four tip times set: UConn-Illinois kicks off double-header

Duke was on the wrong end of an all-time NCAA Tournament moment Sunday as Braylon Mullins drilled...

Duke was on the wrong end of an all-time NCAA Tournament moment Sunday as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172181" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172181">Braylon Mullins</a> drilled a game-winning three to give UConn a stunning 73-72 comeback victory in the Elite Eight.The stage was set for Mullins on a turnover by Blue Devils freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172511" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172511">Cayden Boozer</a>, who made an ill-advised pass after being swarmed by a pair of Huskies players.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
OH MY GOODNESS 😱 UCONN LEADSSSS UNBELIEVABLE <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/IPX2JWiw0b">pic.twitter.com/IPX2JWiw0b</a>— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/2038396242200277362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I'm going to replay that for the rest of my life," Boozer told reporters after the game, per <a href="https://x.com/BryanDFischer/status/2038405804936577271?s=20">Sports Illustrated's Bryan Fischer</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Duke coach Jon Scheyer also commented on the crucial late-game sequence that ultimately ended their season."We just have to secure (the ball), right? We got it. They had to foul. I was ready for a timeout and we just got to hold on," Scheyer said, per <a href="https://x.com/TheFieldOf68/status/2038408073228751258?s=20">The Field of 68</a>.Duke led UConn for all but 94 seconds of the East Region final. The Huskies' only other lead came 21 seconds into the contest, when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102849" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102849">Tarris Reed Jr.</a> made a pair of free throws to put his team up 2-0.The Blue Devils took control of the match from there, leading by as many as 19 points and taking a 44-29 advantage into halftime.Cayden and his twin brother, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172510" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172510">Cameron</a>, combined for 27 points in the first half, nearly outscoring UConn by themselves.However, the Huskies slowly chipped away at the deficit before finally surging ahead with 0.4 seconds left on Mullins' miraculous shot.Duke's collapse marked the first time in 135 NCAA Tournament games that a No. 1 seed has blown a halftime lead of 15 points or more.However, Scheyer was unwilling to pin the heartbreaking defeat solely on Cayden's miscue."It's easy to look at that play. I look at every play that happened, especially in that second half," Scheyer said. "This is not about one play. It's about every play that put us in that position. And that's what you don't want to do, where one play something can happen."

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Cayden Boozer #2 of the Duke Blue Devils walks off the court after being defeated by the UConn Huskies 73-72 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2026 in Washington, DC.

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Cayden Boozer: 'Going to replay' turnover for rest of my life

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey is available for Saturday's contest against the Charlotte H...

Philadelphia 76ers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> is available for Saturday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets after missing the last 10 games with a tendon injury in his right pinky finger, per <a href="https://x.com/Matt_Murphy04/status/2038002070683279676?s=20">team reporter Matt Murphy</a>.The two-time All-Star was reportedly set to miss at least three weeks but will return to the lineup ahead of schedule.Maxey was in the midst of his best campaign prior to being sidelined. The Kentucky product is fourth in the NBA in scoring (29 points per game) and averaging a league-leading two steals.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 76ers are scoring 5.8 more points per 100 possessions with Maxey on the floor.Philadelphia went 6-4 during Maxey's absence, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96039" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96039">Quentin Grimes</a> filling his spot in the starting lineup.The 76ers got <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> back Wednesday. They enter Saturday's action a half-game back of the Atlanta Hawks for the Eastern Conference's sixth seed.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 31: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 31, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE

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Maxey back in lineup after missing 10 games with finger injury

Duke guard Caleb Foster is available for Friday's Sweet 16 tilt against St. John's.  Foster under...

Duke guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110313" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110313">Caleb Foster</a> is available for Friday's Sweet 16 tilt against St. John's.Foster underwent surgery on March 8 after sustaining a foot fracture in the Blue Devils' regular-season finale.Duke had previously ruled out the 6-foot-5 guard indefinitely, but the team <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3496308" href="https://thescore.com/news/3496308">reportedly</a> believed that he could return if it made the Final Four.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Foster has been a key starter for the Blue Devils when healthy, averaging 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across 31 appearances this season.Freshman guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172511" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172511">Cayden Boozer</a> has stepped up in Foster's absence, tallying 13.8 points and 3.2 assists per contest over his last five games.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162170" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162170">Patrick Ngongba</a> returned to the lineup in the Round of 32 versus TCU after missing the entire ACC Tournament as well as the team's NCAA Tournament opener due to a foot injury.Duke is seeking its third straight Elite Eight appearance.

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Caleb Foster #1 of the Duke Blue Devils dribbles up court during a college basketball game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at the Petersen Events Center on February 10, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Duke's Foster available vs. St. John's

Boston College hired UConn assistant Luke Murray as its next head coach, athletic director Blake ...

Boston College hired UConn assistant Luke Murray as its next head coach, athletic director Blake James announced Thursday.Murray has spent the last five seasons on Dan Hurley's staff, including for its national championship runs in 2023 and 2024.The Huskies finished third and first, respectively, in KenPom's rankings for adjusted offensive efficiency during those title seasons, with Murray serving as their coordinator on that side of the ball.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 40-year-old was also an assistant under Hurley at Wagner during the 2010-11 campaign and Rhode Island from 2013-15. His other assistant coaching stops include Towson, Xavier, and Louisville."Today marks a turning point in Boston College men's basketball," James said in a statement. "In Luke Murray, we have found a leader who does not just understand the modern landscape of college basketball - he has helped define it."His role in building a national championship-caliber program, his sophisticated offensive vision, and his relentless pursuit of excellence make him the perfect fit to lead our student-athletes."The Eagles will surely have a new celebrity fan next season as well; Murray is the son of actor Bill Murray.Boston College parted ways with former head coach Earl Grant earlier in March following an 11-20 campaign. The Eagles haven't made the NCAA Tournament since the 2008-09 season.

UNCASVILLE, CT - OCTOBER 13: UConn Huskies assistant coach Luke Murray looks on during the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame exhibition college basketball game between the UConn Huskies and the Boston College Eagles on October 13, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.

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Boston College hires UConn's Murray as next head coach

The NBA rescinded the technical fouls issued to Luka Doncic and Goga Bitadze during Saturday's ga...

The NBA rescinded the technical fouls issued to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/76007" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/76007">Goga Bitadze</a> during Saturday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic, the league announced Sunday.Doncic would've been automatically suspended for Monday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons if the league hadn't nullified what was initially his 16th technical foul of the season.The Lakers star got into a verbal altercation with the Magic big man late in the third quarter.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Luka Doncic receives his 16th tech of the season and if it stands he will be suspended for Monday’s game vs. the Pistons. <a href="https://t.co/UNUABrb6W2">pic.twitter.com/UNUABrb6W2</a>— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/2035523907529097530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Doncic <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3505168" href="https://thescore.com/news/3505168">claims</a> that Bitadze insulted his family in Serbian during the exchange. However, the latter refuted those comments and implied that the six-time All-Star was responsible for sparking their argument.Doncic has been playing some of the best basketball of his career during the Lakers' nine-game win streak, averaging 40 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.6 steals.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 21: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center on March 21, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

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NBA rescinds Luka's 16th tech, preventing automatic 1-game suspension

No. 1 overall seed Duke got past a massive scare Thursday, storming back from an 11-point halftim...

No. 1 overall seed Duke got past a massive scare Thursday, storming back from an 11-point halftime deficit for a nail-biting 71-65 victory over No. 16 Siena.Duke trailed 43-32 at the midway point, becoming the first-ever 1-seed to trail a 16-seed by double digits at halftime in NCAA Tournament history, per <a href="https://x.com/jeffborzello/status/2034719420795560358?s=20">ESPN Research</a>.Senior forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103336" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103336">Maliq Brown</a> admitted the Blue Devils had underestimated Siena.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We thought it was going to be a cakewalk going into this game, so now we know what it is, and we just gotta respond back the way we usually do," Brown told <a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsCBB/status/2034726375387550185?s=20">CBS Sports' Tracy Wolfson</a> at halftime.The Blue Devils took over down the stretch, fueled by Wooden Award front-runner <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/172510" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172510">Cameron Boozer</a>, who finished with 22 points and 13 boards.Boozer's brother, <a href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/172511" target="_blank">Cayden,</a> also had a solid showing in his NCAA Tournament debut, tallying 19 points, five assists, and two boards.Duke shot 41% from the field and 18-of-21 from the charity stripe.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163386" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163386">Gavin Doty</a> led the Saints with 21 points, four boards, and two assists in a losing cause.All five Siena starters played most of the contest. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/173434" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/173434">Christian Jones</a> was the only substitute to play after checking in for 10 seconds to deliver an intentional foul late in the second half.The Saints scored 30 points in the paint to keep themselves within striking distance for most of the game.Duke finally went up for good on an <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162167" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162167">Isaiah Evans</a> layup with 4:25 to go.Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer gave Siena's lead man, Gerry McNamara, full props postgame."GMac. He outcoached me. They were more ready to play," Scheyer told reporters, according to <a href="https://x.com/MikeWatersSYR/status/2034738323109941426?s=20">Mike Waters of Syracuse.com</a>.Duke will take on TCU in the Round of 32 after the Horned Frogs defeated Ohio State earlier Tuesday.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Riley Mulvey #55 of the Siena Saints fouls Cameron Boozer #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina.

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Boozer helps No. 1 Duke avoid stunner vs. No. 16 Siena

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