Latest news with #L.J
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex Ravens Linebacker Announces Major Career Decision
The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for the rest of the offseason after a successful three days in Green Bay where they landed one of the more impressive draft classes of the offseason. As the rest of the league settles in before rookie camps, one former Ravens linebacker is calling it quits. Advertisement L.J. Fort played for the Ravens from 2019-20 where he tallied 88 tackles with 53 solo and six for loss to go along with two sacks and three QB hits. He added one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and four passes defended across 26 games and 16 starts. Fort went undrafted out of Northern Iowa in 2012 before signing with the Cleveland Browns. He made the 53-man roster and started in Week 1, registering his first and only career interception against Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles. View the original article to see embedded media. The Waynesville, Missouri, native suited up for the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015. Advertisement Fort played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019 before signing in Baltimore, meaning he suited up for all four AFC North teams. He hasn't played an NFL game since playing for the Ravens and finally decided to make his retirement official in an Instagram announcement. Throughout his eight-season career, Fort posted 173 total tackles with 117 solo and 12 for loss. He added 12 QB hits and five sacks with one interception, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries across 91 games and 19 starts.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Houston vs. Florida Prediction: Odds, Expert Picks, Betting Trends and Stats for 2025 National Championship
The Florida Gators (35-4) and the Houston Cougars (35-4) meet Monday night for the national Championship of college basketball. The Cougars stunned Duke, outscoring the Blue Devils 15-3 to close their semifinal clash Saturday and win 70-67. L.J. Cryer finished with 26 points to lead Houston to their third title game appearance and first national championship. Advertisement Florida also trailed for much of their semifinal affair before overwhelming Auburn in the late stages of the second half. Walter Clayton, Jr. was outstanding. The senior guard kept the Gators in it early and torched the Tigers late totaling 34 points. Clayton is the first player to score 30+ points in the Elite Eight and Final Four since Larry Bird. As mentioned previously, this is Houston's third trip to the title game as they search for their first championship while the Gators have won twice (2006, 2007) in three previous trips. The Cougars are now 3-1-1 against the spread and 1-3-1 (O/U) in the NCAA Tournament this year while the Gators are 2-3 ATS in the Tournament and 4-1 (O/U). Lets take a deeper dive into the matchup and offer some information and possibly a sweat or two. Advertisement We've got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch the opening tip, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts. Game details & how to watch Houston vs. Florida Date: Monday, April 7, 2025 Time: 8:50PM EST Site: Alamodome City: San Antonio, TX Network/Streaming: CBS Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest scores and player news. Check out our day-by-day NCAA Basketball Schedule Page that includes live game updates. Game odds for Houston vs. Florida The latest odds as of Sunday courtesy of BetMGM : Advertisement Odds: Houston Cougars (-102), Florida Gators (-118) Spread: Gators -1.5 Total: 141.5 points Expert picks & predictions for Houston vs. Florida Rotoworld Best Bet Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NCAA calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, injuries, and the schedule. Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager. Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Monday's Cougars & Gators game: Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline. Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Houston Cougars +1.5. Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 141.5. Houston vs. Florida: Top betting trends and recent stats These teams have a history, but it is irrelevant as they have not met since a couple of meetings in the 1970s Walter Clayton Jr. is averaging 24.6 points for the Tournament Clayton is shooting 48.7% from deep (19-39) in the Tournament After scoring just 5 points in the Sweet 16 against Purdue, L.J. Cryer has scored 43 points the last 2 games while playing all but 2 minutes in those games If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NCAA Basketball Top Trends Tool on Advertisement Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
CNN
01-04-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Trips to the Final Four are on the line in Elite Eight college basketball action
Update: Date: 6:41 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: The men's Final Four is all the top seeds -- Auburn, Houston, Duke and Florida Content: The men's Final Four field is officially set after Auburn's 70-64 win over Michigan State! Here are the matchups for next weekend: The last time all the No. 1 seeds made it to the Final Four was in 2008. The games will be played on April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Update: Date: 6:41 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Here are all the results from Sunday's Elite Eight games Content: Here are the results from Sunday's Elite Eight games Men's Women's Update: Date: 6:41 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Here are the matchups, times and channels for women's NCAA tournament action on Monday Content: Here's the schedule for Monday's Elite Eight action in the women's NCAA tournament Update: Date: 6:54 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: The men's Final Four is set. The women's is taking shape. Here's what you need to know. Content: For the second time in NCAA tournament, all four No. 1 seeds will compete in the Final Four for a shot at the men's national championship. On Sunday, Houston and Auburn took the final two spots in the men's Final Four that will be played next weekend in San Antonio, Texas. In the women's tournament, UCLA and South Carolina booked their tickets to Tampa, Florida, for the women's Final Four. Here's all you need to know from Sunday's NCAA tournament action: Houston 69, Tennessee 50 No. 1 Houston booked its place in the Final Four with a 69-50 win against Tennessee. The game was over before it had really begun when the Cougars raced to a huge lead early in the first half. Houston ended up going in at the halftime break with a 19-point lead after holding Tennessee to just 15 first half points. While Tennessee improved following the break, the suffocating defense of Houston in the opening 20 minutes had all but condemned the Volunteers to an Elite Eight exit. L.J. Cryer impressed again for the Cougars and led his team in scoring with 17 points. Cryer also added four assists and seven rebounds in a well-rounded performance. A tough test against Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils now awaits the Cougars in the Final Four, but Houston will be full of confidence after this latest victory. Auburn 70, Michigan State 64 Top-seeded Auburn fended off a late Michigan State charge, hanging on for a 70-64 victory and punch their ticket to the Final Four for a second time in program history. SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome fueled the Tigers' charge, erupting for 22 points and 16 rebounds, proving unstoppable even as the Spartans clawed back from a 15-point deficit. Broome left the game in the second half but returned, one arm and all, to lift the Tigers past the Spartans. Up next: Auburn will square off against Florida for an all-SEC showdown in San Antonio next week. Women's South Carolina 54, Duke 50 South Carolina made it to its fifth straight Final Four after a tough win against Duke. The Blue Devils were in the contest right till the bitter end with South Carolina struggling to create separation between the two teams. But the reigning champions did what champions do. Dawn Staley's team proved why they are many people's favorites to retain their title and ground out the four-point win. Chloe Kitts scored 14 points with Sania Feagin adding another 12 for the Gamecocks as the two forwards came up clutch to lead their team to the Final Four. Toby Fournier impressed again off the bench for Duke but the freshman's 18 points weren't enough to cause an upset. South Carolina will play the winner of Monday's game between TCU and Texas. UCLA 72, LSU 65 The Bruins defeated No. 3 seed LSU 72-65 to advance to the program's first-ever Final Four. UCLA led by as many as 14 but the Tigers made it a single possession game late before the Bruins pulled away by making timely shots. Guard Gabriela Jaquez led the way with 18 points while star center Lauren Betts added 17 points and seven rebounds. LSU was led by Flau'Jae Johnson's 28 points and Aneesah Morrow's 15 points but the UCLA attack was too much to handle for the Kim Mulkey-led squad. The Bruins will face the winner of Monday's Elite Eight showdown between Paige Bueckers and the No. 2 seeded UConn Huskies and the Juju Watkin-less No. 1 seeded USC Trojans at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, next weekend for a chance to win their maiden national championship. Update: Date: 6:47 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: The best photos from Sunday's games Content: The men's Final Four slate has been set after No. 1 seeds Houston and Auburn won their respective games on Sunday. The first two spots in the women's Final Four are also booked, with UCLA and defending champions South Carolina advancing to the next round. See some of the best pictures from today's matchups: Update: Date: 6:28 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: No. 1 Auburn hang on late to advance to Final Four Content: For the second time in NCAA Tournament, all four No. 1 seeds will compete in the Final Four for a shot at the national championship. Top-seeded Auburn fended off a late Michigan State charge, hanging on for a 70-64 victory and punch their ticket to the Final Four for a second time in program history. SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome fueled the Tigers' charge, erupting for 22 points and 16 rebounds, proving unstoppable even as the Spartans clawed back from a 15-point deficit. Broome left the game in the second half but returned, one arm and all, to lift the Tigers past the Spartans. Up next: Auburn will square off against Florida for an all-SEC showdown in San Antonio next week. Final score: Auburn 70, Michigan State 64 Update: Date: 6:17 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Spartans making late charge Content: Hold on! Michigan State are making a late comeback attempt. Jaden Akins' 3-pointer has Michigan State down by eight points as we cross into the final minute of the second half. Score: Auburn 69, Michigan State 61 Update: Date: 6:07 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Will it be all No. 1 seeds in the Final Four? Content: Auburn are a couple minutes way from securing a second trip to the Final Four in program history. With a victory, the Tigers would be the fourth No. 1 seed to book their trip to San Antonio this season after Houston, Duke and Florida secured their berths to the Final Four. Only once have all four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four – in 2008. Score: Auburn 64, Michigan State 55 Update: Date: 6:04 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Johni Broome returns for Auburn Content: Johni Broome comes out of the tunnel to loud cheers from the State Farm Arena crowd. It appeared as if he'd be out for the game, but Broome has now returned to the court much to the delight of the pro-Auburn fans. THAT'S JOHNI BROOME'S MUSIC 🎶#MarchMadness @AuburnMBB And just like that the SEC Player of the Year knocks down a 3-pointer and pushes the Tigers closer to a trip to the Final Four. Score: Auburn 60, Michigan State 48 Update: Date: 5:53 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: The clock is ticking for Michigan State Content: The Spartans have scored only two field goals since the 14:07 mark, but somehow still only trail by nine points. Tom Izzo's unblemished 10-0 record against SEC teams in the NCAA Tournament is in real danger now. Score: Auburn 50, Michigan State 40 Update: Date: 6:01 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Uh-oh! Johni Broome headed to the locker room Content: SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome is being looked at by the Tigers' medical staff. Broome went up for a block attempt Frankie Fidler at the rim before landing awkwardly. Johni Broome is down down in noticeable pain Broome stayed down and was shown grabbing at his elbow. He was able to limp towards the locker room. Score: Auburn 50, Michigan State 40 Update: Date: 5:45 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Auburn trying to pull away Content: Johni Broome is not letting the Tigers fade. The Spartans built some early momentum but the SEC Player of the Year is hitting some daggers against Michigan State. Broome was held scoreless for the first five minutes of the half before hitting an and-1 and then laying down a thunderous dunk to give the Tigers an 11-point advantage. Johni Broome's parents out here FLEXIN' ON 'EM 💪 @AuburnMBB Frankie Fidler's layup cut the lead back to single digits, but a Tahaad Pettiford triple for Auburn forces a Spartans timeout as we approach the midway point of the second half. The Tigers look like they might just be too much for the Spartans as the rowdy Tigers fans in Atlanta make some noise. Score: Auburn 50, Michigan State 38 Update: Date: 5:28 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Auburn holding off a strong Spartans attack Content: Michigan State have come back out of the break with renewed vigor. Jeremy Fears Jr.'s layup has the Spartans on a 6-2 run as we cross the 17-minute mark of the second half. Auburn's Chad Baker-Mazara and Dylan Cardwell respond with a Tigers 5-0 run as both teams continue to battle. Score: Auburn 38, Michigan State 30 Update: Date: 5:31 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Spartans' Richardson: 'We got to stop playing scared' Content: Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson says the team has to play less scared in the second half. 'We got to stop playing scared,' Richardson told the CBS broadcast. 'I think first half coach thought we came out a little stagnant, a little scared of Auburn so … we got to play a lot more aggressive and punch first.' Richardson knows the team has to take the pro-Auburn crowd out of it. 'It's tough we got to keep their crowd out of it. It's a majority-Auburn crowd so we got to do our best to keep the crowd out of it.' Update: Date: 5:17 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: No. 1 Auburn and No. 2 Michigan State back for second half tipoff Content: We are back underway in Atlanta! No. 1 Auburn and No. 2 Michigan State return to the court for the final half of the Elite Eight. Who will punch their ticket to the Final Four? Score: Auburn 33, Michigan State 24 Update: Date: 4:58 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: No. 1 Auburn holds lead over No. 2 Michigan State at the break Content: The top-seeded Auburn has been in control for most of the contest, and take a 33-24 over Michigan State as we head into halftime. Johni Broome got the Tigers off to a quick start, tallying a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double in the first half. Meamwhile, the Spartans have struggled mightily on offense, combining to go 8-of-30 from the field, allowing the Tigers to string together a half-defining 17-0 run. For all their struggles, the Spartans have to be encouraged trailing by just single digits despite the cold shooting. Score: Auburn 33, Michigan State 24 Update: Date: 4:55 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Michigan State's Tom Izzo: 'Hopefully we settle down a little bit' Content: Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo knows the team have to play better defense if they want to get back in this one. The Hall of Famer attributed the team's 7-0 run to the improved play. 'Defense got a little better, we made some mistakes early but we had some good shots,' Izzo told the TBS broadcast. 'We kept pounding the offensive glass we just missed some good shots but we didn't do a very good job.' Izzo isn't panicking, saying he hopes the Spartans can overcome early nerves. 'Hopefully we settle down a little bit, maybe we're a little nervous with this big crowd.' Score: Auburn 27, Michigan State 19 Update: Date: 4:57 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Top seeded UCLA advances to first Final Four in program history Content: No. 1 seed UCLA has done it! The Bruins defeated No. 3 seed LSU 72-65 to advance to the program's first-ever Final Four. UCLA led by as many as 14 but the Tigers made it a single possession game late before the Bruins pulled away by making timely shots. Guard Gabriela Jaquez led the way with 18 points while star center Lauren Betts added 17 points and seven rebounds. Betts, a junior All-American, gave credit to her teammates for keeping up with a tough Tigers team despite early foul troubles. 'Hey, shoutout to my teammates for holding it down while I was out,' Betts told the ESPN broadcast. 'They did a really good job. I am so proud of them. This is a team effort. This is not about any individual. We did this together. This is UCLA basketball. Thats what we do.' LSU was led by Flau'Jae Johnson's 28 points and Aneesah Morrow's 15 points but the UCLA attack was too much to handle for the Kim Mulkey-led squad. Morrow took a shot to the face in the third quarter. The broadcast said she broke her nose but the senior forward would check back into the game to start the fourth quarter. The Bruins will face the winner of Monday's Elite Eight showdown between Paige Bueckers and the No. 2 seeded UConn Huskies and the Juju Watkin-less No. 1 seeded USC Trojans at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, next weekend for a chance to win their maiden national championship. Update: Date: 4:39 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Michigan State battling to get back in it Content: It's been a game of runs, and now it's the Spartans in control. Michigan State's offense appear to be stabilizing, responding with a 7-0 run, while the Tigers' offense has gone cold. Auburn's scoring drought is nearing the four-minute mark. Score: Auburn 23, Michigan State 15 Update: Date: 4:33 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Michigan State trailing by double digits for third straight game Content: For a third straight NCAA tournament game, the Spartans are facing a double-digit deficit. Michigan State are shooting 5-of-18 from the field, and at one point combined to miss 10 consecutive field goals. Frankie Fidler's 3-pointer ends the Spartans' scoring drought as we cross the eight-minute mark in Atlanta. Can the Spartans make a run? Score: Auburn 23, Michigan State 15 Update: Date: 4:28 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Auburn strings together 17-0 run Content: The Tigers are making all of their shots and the lead has stretched to double digits. Johni Broome and Miles Kelly have combined 18 of the Tigers' 23 points. Meanwhile, the Spartans are nearing five minutes without a basket and look very out of sorts. Score: Auburn 23, Michigan State 8 Update: Date: 4:15 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Auburn and Michigan State locked in tight one Content: Johni Broome has Auburn rolling early, but the Spartans are going blow-for-blow with the Tigers. The SEC Player of the Year has scored six of the Tigers' 10 points as we cross the 15-minute mark in Atlanta. Score: Auburn 10, Michigan State 8 Update: Date: 4:26 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: No. 1 Auburn battles No. 2 Michigan State in Elite Eight showdown Content: The final Elite Eight matchup is underway in Atlanta, with a coveted Final Four spot on the line. Top-seeded Auburn, riding a program record 31 wins, is seeking their way back to the Final Four spot for just the second time in school history. The Tigers lean on SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome, fresh off a dominant 22-point, 16-rebound performance in their Sweet 16 victory over Michigan. Standing in their path is a battle-tested Michigan State squad, guided by legendary Spartans coach Tom Izzo. The Hall of Famer boasts a flawless 10-0 record against SEC foes in the NCAA Tournament. Update: Date: 3:43 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Final Score: Houston 69, Tennessee 50 Content: No. 1 Houston has booked its place in the Final Four with a 69-50 win against Tennessee. The game was over before it had really begun when the Cougars raced to a huge lead early in the first half. Houston ended up going in at the halftime break with a 19-point lead after holding Tennessee to just 15 first half points. While Tennessee improved following the break, the suffocating defense of Houston in the opening 20 minutes had all but condemned the Volunteers to an Elite Eight exit. L.J. Cryer impressed again for the Cougars and led his team in scoring with 17 points. Cryer also added four assists and seven rebounds in a well-rounded performance. A tough test against Cooper Flagg and the Duke Blue Devils now awaits the Cougars in the Final Four, but Houston will be full of confidence after this latest victory. Final Score: Houston 69, Tennessee 50 Update: Date: 3:23 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Houston halts Tennessee's run to keep big lead Content: This game has looked over for a long time, but Tennessee has just recently started to dial up the pressure. But just as Houston's offense looked like it had completely stagnated, the Cougars responded with some huge 3-pointers. Emanuel Sharp hit two of the shots from deep with Mylik Wilson also adding a shot from beyond the arc. Tennessee would have felt like it was coming back into this game but the shots from the perimeter have been huge momentum killers. Score: Houston 59, Tennessee 42 Update: Date: 3:50 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: No. 1 UCLA ahead at the break against No. 3 LSU Content: Top-ranked UCLA holds a slim advantage over No. 3 LSU as the teams hit the halftime break in Spokane, Washington. The Bruins have relied on Gabriela Jaquez's hot hand, dropping eight points and three rebounds, while Lauren Betts chipped in six points – all in the opening quarter. Betts sat the entire second quarter after picking up a second foul late in the first . For the Tigers, Mikaylah Williams and Flau'Jae Johnson need to find their rhythm fast. The duo has struggled, going a combined 3-of-13 from the field for just six points. Score: UCLA 31, LSU 25 CORRECTION: This post has been updated to correct the location of the game. Update: Date: 3:12 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Houston holds on to healthy lead Content: This game was predicted to be a defensive battle, and those predictions have certainly come true. Both teams have really slowed down on offense in the last few minutes with Houston now also struggling to get anything going on offense. Thanks to their work in the first half and on defense, the Cougars still hold a significant lead with time running out on the Volunteers' NCAA tournament. Score: Houston 50, Tennessee 35 Update: Date: 3:04 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Are the Volunteers mounting a comeback? Content: Tennessee is finally starting to find some semblance of rhythm on offense. Jordan Gainey has driven his team back into this game and is now up to 14 points from the bench. The senior has scored his team's last 10 points as the Volunteers start to cut the deficit. The Vols looking to swing momentum in their favor 👀#MarchMadness @Vol_Hoops Is it too little, too late or can Tennessee perform a minor miracle? Score: Houston 44, Tennessee 30 Update: Date: 2:39 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Tennessee's offensive struggles continue after halftime Content: Tennessee needed to come out firing after the interval but through the opening four minutes of the second half it looks to be more of the same. The Volunteers have scored just one field goal since halftime. Houston, however, has looked just as sluggish on offense after the break but thanks to the Cougars' defense they seem to already have one foot in the Final Four. Tennessee looks down and out right now. Score: Houston 38, Tennessee 20 Update: Date: 2:32 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Second half underway between Houston and Tennessee Content: The second half is underway, and Tennessee has 20 minutes left and a mountain to climb. The Volunteers trail by 19 points after an underwhelming first half with the No. 1 seed Houston in complete control. Score: Houston 34, Tennessee 15 Update: Date: 2:45 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Final score: South Carolina 54, Duke 50 Content: South Carolina has made it to its fifth straight Final Four after a tough win against Duke. The Blue Devils were in the contest right till the bitter end with South Carolina struggling to create separation between the two teams. But the reigning champions did what champions do. Dawn Staley's team proved why they are many people's favorites to retain their title and ground out the four-point win. Chloe Kitts scored 14 points with Sania Feagin adding another 12 for the Gamecocks as the two forwards came up clutch to lead their team to the Final Four. Toby Fournier impressed again off the bench for Duke but the freshman's 18 points weren't enough to cause an upset. South Carolina will play the winner of Monday's game between TCU and Texas. Final score: South Carolina 54, Duke 50 Update: Date: 2:38 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: UCLA has a tough task on its hands against Kim Mulkey's LSU Content: LSU has become a familiar face during the latter stages of the women's NCAA tournament in recent years. The 2023 champions have now reached the Elite Eight stage in each of the last three years and will be hoping to go one step further than they did in last year's tournament. Despite being a No. 3 seed, the Tigers are the lowest seeded team left in women's March Madness and will be hoping to upset the odds against UCLA. LSU and head coach Kim Mulkey will lean heavily on the performance of forward Aneesah Morrow. Morrow leads the team in points and rebounds and has averaged a double-double throughout the year. The dynamic guard duo of Flau'Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams will also be key if LSU is to cause an upset. The No. 1 seed UCLA will know it has its work cut out against the Tigers. But the Bruins have been on blistering form throughout the NCAA tournament – led by center Lauren Betts. Betts has averaged over 20 points and just shy of 10 rebounds throughout the year and has led her team to this round. The junior dominated Ole Miss in the Sweet 16 and her 31 points and 10 rebounds proved vital in the 76-62 win. This matchup will have a bit of everything and should go down to the wire. Update: Date: 2:14 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Halftime: Houston 34, Tennessee 15. Yes, really, 15. Content: It was just all Houston in that first half in Indianapolis. The Tennessee Volunteers largely rolled in their path to the Elite Eight but the Cougars' defense is providing an intense test that they so far don't appear to be ready for. The Vols are shooting a miserable 21% from the field, including just 6.7% from 3-point land. It was expected to be a defensive battle but Tennessee would have hoped for a bit more of an offensive showing as they seek their first Final Four in school history. For Houston, it's been cruise control since the opening minutes. The Cougars aren't shooting the lights out either, but their 41% from the field is more than enough right now. Volunteers' head coach Rick Barnes will need to come up with something, anything, to dissect this tough Houston team during the halftime break. Score: Houston 34, Tennessee 15 Update: Date: 2:02 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: South Carolina retakes lead with time running out Content: With time running out, both teams are starting to look tired and buckets are becoming harder to come by. South Carolina has managed to retake the advantage and leads by just two points with a half-minute to go. Duke has constantly fought its way back into this game, can it do it when it matters? Its turnovers are killing them right now. Score: South Carolina 52, Duke 50 Update: Date: 1:55 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Scores are level between Duke and South Carolina as game nears its end Content: This game is going down to the wire. Duke and South Carolina are tied on 46 with just four minutes to play. Score: South Carolina 46, Duke 46 Update: Date: 1:55 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Houston in complete control Content: It has been an almost perfect start to this game from the Houston Cougars. Kelvin Sampson's team has been locked in on defense throughout the opening 12 minutes and change and they are suffocating the Volunteers on offense. Tennessee's star guard Chaz Lanier has only made one field goal so far with his lack of production emblematic of his team's performance. Houston's offense has been balanced to start this game with their work on the offensive board causing real problems for the Volunteers. Score: Houston 22, Tennessee 8 Update: Date: 1:47 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: South Carolina goes on 8-0 run to open the fourth quarter to retake the lead Content: South Carolina isn't one of the most dominant programs in women's college basketball for nothing. The Gamecocks have fought back into the lead with a big run to open the fourth quarter, taking a four-point lead on Duke with six minutes to go in the game. It's an 8-0 run and the vibe has totally shifted in Birmingham as the claret-and-black clad fans are going nuts. Score: South Carolina 46, Duke 42 Update: Date: 1:41 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Duke takes the lead heading into final quarter against South Carolina Content: Well, that third quarter certainly set things up on a platter for an exciting end to this one. Duke came flying out of the halftime break and is up by four after a 20-12 quarter put them into the lead heading into the final frame in Birmingham. Toby Fournier is getting some help now – Ashlon Jackson, Duke's junior guard, now has 13 points to go along with Fournier's 14 off the bench. The South Carolina attack is balanced but the Gamecocks will need to surge in the final quarter to head to their fifth straight Final Four. Score: Duke 42, South Carolina 38 Update: Date: 1:39 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Tennessee's tough start continues as Houston extends lead Content: Tennessee is really struggling on offense to start this Elite Eight matchup. The Volunteers' offense seems to be devoid of ideas and movement to start this game and is making things too easy for Houston defensively. The Volunteers have made just one of their 11 shots from the field so far. Houston's dominant defense has allowed their offense to grow into the game and the Cougars are starting to find their rhythm. The Cougars are currently on an 11-2 run. Score: Houston 15, Tennessee 4 Update: Date: 1:29 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Houston takes early lead built on defensive effort Content: Houston has raced to a seven-point lead early on thanks to its work on the defensive end of the court. While it's been a scrappy start, Joseph Tugler is making his presence felt early on. The Houston big man is already controlling the boards and has scored four points in the opening exchanges. This game is set to be a defensive battle between the Cougars and the Volunteers and based on the matchup's early rhythm, this would seem to be the case. Score: Houston 9, Tennessee 2 Update: Date: 1:22 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Houston and Tennessee tip off men's Sunday action Content: The game between the No. 1 Houston Cougars and the No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers has tipped off as Sunday's men's March Madness action gets underway. The Cougars have already been involved in some thrillers at this year's NCAA tournament, will today see more of the same? Update: Date: 1:15 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Flashback to Saturday: Florida 84, Texas Tech 79 Content: Florida, the No. 1 seed, overcame a 10-point deficit late in the game to avoid an upset scare by Texas Tech and advance to the Final Four. The Gators were ice cold from the field for most of the game but an 18-4 run to end the game helped propel them to their first Final Four since 2014. Florida star Walter Clayton Jr. finished with a game-high 30 points and Thomas Haugh added 20 points and 11 rebounds. The sophomore forward, who came off the bench, was the catalyst for the impressive game-ending run. There were a lot of things that went awry for the Red Raiders down the stretch but the big thing people will point to is the free throw discrepancy. The Gators attempted 27 free throws to Tech's 13. Oh, and they went cold shooting. Update: Date: 1:14 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: South Carolina and Duke game back underway Content: The Elite Eight matchup between South Carolina and Duke is back underway in Birmingham, Alabama. Duke ended the first half on an 8-1 run as it closed the gap on the No. 1 seed South Carolina. Score: South Carolina 26, Duke 22 Update: Date: 1:06 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Flashback to Saturday: Duke 85, Alabama 65 Content: For the first time since the legendary Mike Krzyzewski stepped away from the program, the Blue Devils are advancing into the Final Four. Top-seeded Duke seized control from the opening tip and never looked back, smothering Alabama's record-breaking shooters to secure a commanding 85-65 victory and earn their first Final Four berth under head coach Jon Scheyer. Kon Knueppel led Duke with 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Cooper Flagg added 16 points and nine rebounds in the wire-to-wire victory. The Blue Devils rendered All-SEC First Team star Mark Sears a complete non-factor. Sears, who drained 10 3-pointers in the Sweet 16 to ignite Alabama's historic long-range onslaught, was held in check on Saturday. The senior guard was held scoreless for most of the first half and finished with a dismal 2-for-12 shooting performance and coughed up the ball five times. Update: Date: 1:09 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Halftime: South Carolina 26, Duke 22 Content: Every time it appears South Carolina is starting to run away with this one, Duke manages to find a way to claw itself back into the game. The Blue Devils ended the first half on a 8-1 run to close the gap and leave it all to play for in the final 20 minutes of this Elite Eight matchup. Toby Fournier has been mostly responsible for her team's resurgence in this game. Despite being a freshman, Fournier has put the Blue Devils' offense on her back and has scored 12 points from the bench. South Carolina's lead started to diminish as the team failed to protect the ball with the half coming to an end. The Gamecocks had 10 turnovers in the first half, which helped allow Duke to find its rhythm. It's not been a high-scoring game, but it has been a back-and-forth matchup through the opening two quarters. Score: South Carolina 26, Duke 22 Update: Date: 12:59 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Tennessee and No. 1 Houston face off with Final Four at stake Content: Houston and Tennessee kick off Sunday's Elite Eight action in the men's NCAA tournament. This is another matchup between a No. 1 and No. 2 seed with Houston coming into the game as slight favorite. But, despite their seeding, the No. 1 Cougars have been thoroughly tested on their journey to the Elite Eight. Houston beat Gonzaga by just five points in the round of 32 before holding on to a two-point victory against Purdue in the Sweet 16. These close wins will have prepared the Cougars for the tough matchup against Tennessee. The Volunteers, on the other hand, have been runaway winners in all three of their March Madness matchups so far. Tennessee's closest game was a nine-point victory against UCLA in the round of 32. The key matchup of this game will feature the top scorers from each team. Houston's L.J. Cryer and Tennessee's Chaz Lanier have both been impressive this year and will look to fire their team to the Final Four. Update: Date: 12:49 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Flashback to Saturday: USC 67, Kansas State 61 Content: It was never going to be easy, especially without their star Juju Watkins. But No. 1 seed USC hung on to defeat No. 5 seed Kansas State 67-61 to advance to the Elite Eight for the second straight year. Freshman duo Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell scored 19 and 18 points to lead the Trojans to the win. USC looked a step slow until the third quarter when the Trojans went on a 12-0 run to take a 48-45 lead. The Wildcats did not bow down and kept the game close in the fourth quarter but ultimately USC's defense came up clutch down the stretch. Update: Date: 12:48 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: South Carolina extends lead as game nears the half Content: South Carolina came out of the break between quarters on fire – on both ends of the court. The Gamecocks starved the Blue Devils of easy buckets while scoring seemingly at ease on the opposite end. Sania Feagin is proving to be a menace for South Carolina and has eight points and five rebounds so far. For Duke, it needs to give more help to Toby Fournier on offense. The freshman has scored nine of her team's 16 points. Score: South Carolina 25, Duke 16 Update: Date: 12:41 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Flashback to Saturday: UConn 82, Oklahoma 59 Content: Paige Bueckers dropped a career-high and UConn NCAA tournament record 40 points as the No. 2 Huskies pulled away in the second half to defeat the No. 3 Oklahoma Sooners 82-59 in the Sweet 16 on Saturday. The WNBA-bound guard, silenced in the second quarter, caught fire after the break. She dropped 10 points in the third quarter's opening five minutes, flipping a 4-point deficit into a 13-point Husky lead. Bueckers' third quarter blaze – matching Oklahoma's entire output in the frame – fueled a 27-10 UConn onslaught that left the Sooners reeling. But the 23-year-old wasn't done. She went full supernova in the final quarter, torching Oklahoma for the Huskies' first 19 points and slamming the door on any OU comeback dreams. Her 29 points in the second half also outpaced the Sooners' 23 points by the entire team. UConn will next play against either No. 1 Southern California or No. 5 Kansas State in the Elite Eight on Monday. Update: Date: 12:37 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Duke battles back to end opening quarter Content: The Blue Devils have been out of sorts on offense to start this Elite Eight matchup but have managed to fight their way back into this game. South Carolina held a big early lead after a 10-2 run to start the matchup but Duke has been able to stem the flow and reduce the deficit slightly. Toby Fournier has scored seven points for the Blue Devils off the bench and will need to continue her hot start to help Duke keep in touch of the Gamecocks. Dawn Staley would have been disappointed with how her South Carolina team ended the quarter. The Gamecocks were wasteful on offense as the quarter neared its conclusion which allowed Duke back into the game. Score: South Carolina 16, Duke 10 Update: Date: 12:28 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Flashback to Saturday: TCU 71, Notre Dame 62 Content: The TCU Horned Frogs were the first team to book their spot in the women's Elite Eight during Saturday's action. TCU battled past a strong Notre Dame team to seal a 71-62 victory. The Horned Frogs were led by Hailey Van Lith who topped all scorers with 26 points. The talented senior took off in the second half, scoring 18 of her points after halftime to guide TCU to the win. Van Lith also added a team-high nine rebounds and a joint-team-high four assists in a brilliant all-round performance. It also wasn't just any win for TCU, but a historic one. This Horned Frogs has made history by reaching the program's first-ever Elite Eight. And the history lesson doesn't end there. Van Lith has also become the first player in college basketball history to reach the Elite Eight with three different teams (LSU, Louisville), per ESPN. Update: Date: 12:21 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: South Carolina in control early as Duke struggles on offense Content: South Carolina is already making its presence felt – particularly on defense – and has taken an early lead. The Gamecocks are forcing Duke into tough shots, and they aren't falling for the Blue Devils who have started 1-for-8 from the field. This fluidity on defense has bled into the offense for South Carolina and the Gamecocks have started the game shooting 60% from the field. Chloe Kitts has scored five of South Carolina's 10 points in an impressive start. Duke will need to find its rhythm on offense to slow down the reigning champions. Score: South Carolina 10, Duke 2 Update: Date: 12:17 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Flashback to Saturday: Texas 67, Tennessee 59 Content: It was a game that went right down to the wire, but the Texas Longhorns did enough to beat the Tennessee Volunteers 67-59 in the women's Sweet 16. The No. 1 seed Texas was the favorite coming into the game, but Tennessee did more than put up a fight until the final buzzer sounded. The score was tied at 50 heading into the final quarter – where the No. 1 seed's quality really came to the fore. Texas outscored Tennessee 17-9 in the final 10 minutes to create separation between the two teams and to seal the victory. Madison Booker's all-around performance stood out for Texas as the sophomore led all scorers with 17 points. Booker also added six rebounds and three assists for the Longhorns. Jordan Lee and Bryanna Preston also came in clutch off the bench for Texas. Lee scored 13 points with Preston adding 12 points as both freshmen impressed. Update: Date: 12:07 p.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Duke and South Carolina game underway Content: The game between No. 1 South Carolina and No. 2 Duke has tipped off to kick-start today's action. Can the Blue Devils upset the odds and get the better of Dawn Staley and her reigning champion Gamecocks? Update: Date: 11:59 a.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Can Duke slow down South Carolina? Content: Sunday's March Madness action tips off with a game between South Carolina and Duke in the women's NCAA tournament. It is one of the three matchups in the women's Elite Eight to feature a battle between a No. 1 and No. 2 seed. South Carolina comes into the game as favorite as the Gamecocks look to retain their NCAA championship. Led by head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina breezed through to the Sweet 16 where they faced the stiff challenge of Maryland. The Terrapins put up a fight, but South Carolina held on to win 71-67 against the No. 4 seed. Sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley starred in that matchup and will look to continue that run against Duke. The Blue Devils would have been buoyed by the performance of Maryland against South Carolina and will believe that the Gamecocks can be stopped. Duke has not been as free scoring as its opponents but has built its success on its dogged defense – which will need to be more solid than ever against South Carolina. Can the Blue Devils find a way to slow down the Gamecocks in today's matchup? Update: Date: 11:59 a.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Here's the matchups, times and channels for Sunday's women's Elite Eight games Content: Here's the schedule for the women's tournament on Sunday Update: Date: 11:59 a.m. CDT, March 30, 2025 Title: Here are all the results from Saturday's games Content: Here are the results from Saturday's action in the men's and women's tournaments: Men's Elite Eight Women's Sweet 16
Los Angeles Times
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
L.J. Smith, whose ‘Vampire Diaries' books inspired CW series, dies at 66
Author L.J. Smith, who created the 'Vampire Diaries' book series that inspired the CW drama of the same name and contributed to pop culture's obsession with vampires, has died. Smith died March 8 in a hospital in Walnut Creek, Calif., The Times confirmed. A statement shared to Smith's website says she died 'peacefully' after 'a long bout with illness.' The author's partner Julie Divola and sister Judy Clifford confirmed to the New York Times on Wednesday that Smith, a Danville, Calif., resident, died 'after enduring the cascading effects of a rare autoimmune disease for a decade.' She was 66. 'Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy, illuminated the lives of her family, friends and fans alike,' the announcement on Smith's website said. 'She will be remembered for her imaginative spirit, her pioneering role in supernatural fiction, and her generosity, warmth and heart, both on and off the page. Smith, who was born in Florida in September 1958,, wrote several young-adult book series including 'Night World' and 'The Secret Circle' but was best known for creating the 'Vampire Diaries' novels. Smith's inaugural entries for the fantasy series famously laid the groundwork for the CW adaptation of the same name by producers Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson. The CW's 'Vampire Diaries,' riding off of pop culture's vampire obsession reignited by Stephenie Meyer's 'Twilight' series and film adaptations, aired from 2009 to 2017. 'Vampire Diaries' starred Nina Dobrev as teenager Elena Gilbert, who finds herself in a love triangle between vampire brothers Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) while navigating the less-mythical throes of high school and moving on from her past. Smith grew up in Southern California and began writing as a child. She published her debut fantasy novel, 'The Night of the Solstice,' in 1987, according to her website, and caught the attention of an editor at Alloy Entertainment. Alloy signed Smith to begin its 'Vampire Diaries' book series, according to NYT. She published the first four 'Vampire Diaries' books from 1991 to 1992. Alloy hired Smith on a work-for-hire contract — meaning she did not own the rights to her characters — but she did not realize it at the time, the Wall Street Journal reported in 2014. Years after entering the literary scene, Smith took a hiatus from writing to deal with family matters, including her mother's death. She reentered the world of 'Vampire Diaries' in 2007 amid the success of Meyer's vampire franchise. She struck another deal with Alloy to pen more 'Vampire Diaries' books, published in 2009 and 2010. Shortly after, Smith parted ways with HarperCollins (which bought the 'Vampire Diaries' book series) and Alloy, reportedly over creative differences. Despite this, Alloy hired a ghostwriter to write new novels and complete the 'Vampire Diaries' series. 'I didn't realize that they could take the series away from me,' Smith told the WSJ in 2014. 'I was heartbroken.' Though Smith turned her focus to other work after the fallout with Alloy and HarperCollins, she ultimately picked up 'Vampire Diaries' where she left off — writing the story her way through fan fiction. In Amazon's now-defunct Kindle Worlds fan-fiction publishing platform, Smith reclaimed her beloved characters in informal 'Vampire Diaries' entries. Smith's writing portfolio also included short stories that she published on her website. She most recently finished the latest books in her 'Night World' and 'Strange Fate' series and the adult book 'Lullaby,' according to her website. In an entry in her FAQ, Smith says 'I didn't choose or decide' to become a writer. 'I have been a storyteller since before I learned how to read or write,' she said. 'I knew from my earliest childhood — the first things I remember— that I would only be happy as a storyteller.' Smith is also survived by her sister Judy Clifford; her niece Lauren Clifford and Lauren's son Wyatt; and her nephew Brian Clifford and his wife, Taylor Acampora.
Fox Sports
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Cryer scores 23 as Big 12 champ and No. 3 Houston wraps regular season with 65-61 win at Baylor
Associated Press WACO, Texas (AP) — L.J. Cryer scored 23 points with six 3-pointers as Big 12 champion and third-ranked Houston won its 10th consecutive game, beating Baylor 65-61 on Saturday night to wrap up the regular season. J'Wan Roberts added 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Cougars (27-4, 19-1 Big 12), including two free throws with 13 seconds remaining. Milos Uzan had 12 points and Emanuel Sharp scored 11. The Cougars won without making a field goal after Sharp's 3-pointer for a 58-48 lead with 6:07 left. They have won a national-best 14 road games in a row, including a 10-0 mark in Big 12 play. Baylor (18-13, 10-10) led 29-26 at halftime and was up by seven before the Cougars used a 20-4 run to take the lead for good. Freshman guard VJ Edgecombe scored 23 points for the Bears, who have lost four of their last six games. Norchad Omier had 13 points and 16 rebounds, his 87th career double-double to match Tim Duncan's total at Wake Forest for the second-most in NCAA history. Tom Gola had 96 for La Salle in the 1950s. Takeaways Houston: The Cougars have at least 27 wins for the fifth season in a row under coach Kelvin Sampson. ... Roberts has 1,000 career rebounds and 1,000 points, joining Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon and Greg Anderson as the only Houston players to accomplish that feat. Baylor: The Bears didn't have a winning conference record for the first time since an 8-10 Big 12 mark in 2017-18. Key moment Ja'Vier Francis' baseline dunk eight minutes into the second half gave Houston its first lead since the 8:08 mark of the first. Key stat Cryer, part of Baylor's 2021 national championship team as a freshman, made his first six 3s. His first miss came early in the second half. Up next The Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City. Houston has a double-bye into the quarterfinals Thursday. Baylor, the No. 7 seed, plays a second-round game Wednesday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 all season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: and recommended
