Former Cal Star Set to Lead Illinois’ New-Look Offense Andrej Stojaković, one of the most highly sought-after players in the transfer portal, has officially committed to the University of Illinois, solidifying a major addition to Brad Underwood’s roster for the upcoming 2025-26 college basketball season. The 6-foot-7 guard, and son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković, brings both pedigree and proven production to a team that is reshaping its identity following key departures. Stojaković selected Illinois over other strong contenders, including North Carolina and Stanford, where he began his collegiate career. His decision bolsters Illinois' backcourt and adds a much-needed scoring punch, placing the Illini firmly in the conversation for a preseason top-25 ranking. A Breakout Season at California After a freshman year at Stanford that showed flashes of potential but lacked consistency, Stojaković transferred to California for his sophomore campaign. The move paid immediate dividends. He emerged as one of the top scorers in the ACC, averaging 17.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game for a Golden Bears team that struggled overall but leaned heavily on his offensive output. Stojaković led Cal in scoring and was sixth overall in the ACC. His role expanded significantly, with an average of nearly 14 shot attempts per game. Although his shooting percentages hovered at 42.7% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range, he closed the season strong, posting career-best performances in the ACC Tournament. Over the final two games, he averaged 33 points and connected on 7-of-13 three-point attempts, earning a spot on the ACC All-Tournament First Team . His breakout year drew national attention, positioning him among the top 40 players in the transfer portal according to 247Sports. Why Illinois Made Sense Illinois’ aggressive pursuit of Stojaković highlighted just how pivotal they believe he can be for their immediate success. Head coach Brad Underwood has a strong history of developing versatile, bigger guards, and the program needed to rebuild its perimeter following the departures of Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley to the NBA Draft . Stojaković fits seamlessly into the Illini’s offensive system, offering a blend of scoring, ball-handling, and the ability to space the floor. His versatility allows him to bring the ball up the court or operate as a catch-and-shoot threat from the wing, providing Underwood with the type of flexible offensive weapon that has driven Illinois’ success in recent years. Beyond his skills, his experience playing major college minutes will be critical for a roster that will feature a significant international influence next season. A New International Identity Stojaković’s arrival adds to an increasingly global flavor for the Fighting Illini. He joins Serbian newcomers Mihailo Petrovic and David Mirkovic, as well as Croatian brothers Zvonimir and Tomislav Ivišić, creating what may be the most internationally influenced roster in the Big Ten . This international infusion signals a philosophical shift for Underwood, who has focused recruiting efforts both domestically and abroad. The additions aim to blend high basketball IQ, positional size, and versatility, all traits that fit well into the coach’s evolving style of play. Illinois’ new roster construction could give the team an offensive edge in a Big Ten traditionally known for its physicality and slower pace. Projected Role and Expectations At Illinois, Stojaković is expected to take on a featured role. Based on returning production, he will likely be the team’s leading scorer entering the season. His scoring ability at all three levels—on catch-and-shoot plays, off the dribble, and in post-up situations—will allow him to impact games immediately. Additionally, his defensive tools, including lateral quickness and shot-blocking instincts, should allow him to contribute on both ends of the floor. Stojaković recorded a career-high six blocks in a game against Notre Dame last season and totaled 34 blocks on the year . Consistency and efficiency will be key for Stojaković’s next step. At times, he struggled with shot selection and turnovers at Cal, especially when facing physical defensive schemes. Under Underwood’s structured offense, those aspects of his game are expected to refine naturally. A New Chapter with High Expectations Illinois finished the 2024-25 season with a 22-13 record, reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Kentucky. With a strong recruiting class and strategic portal acquisitions, the Illini are building momentum for a deeper postseason run. Adding a proven scorer like Stojaković—who brings experience from two Power Six programs—positions Illinois to not only contend in the Big Ten but also potentially climb into national relevance during the 2025-26 campaign. As Stojaković transitions to his third college program in three years, the expectations will be high. Yet with a proven ability to adapt, a lineage of basketball excellence, and a roster built to maximize his strengths, he has a unique opportunity to flourish in Champaign.

Gators Rally from 12 Down as Defense, Depth, and Late-Game Composure Seal Historic Victory in San Antonio  SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Florida Gators captured their third NCAA men’s basketball national championship on Monday night with a dramatic 65-63 victory over the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome. In a game defined by grit, defense, and late-game execution, Florida overcame a 12-point second-half deficit and delivered a thrilling finish that will live on in Gators lore. The win marked Florida’s first national title since the back-to-back championships of 2006 and 2007 and capped off a season that saw the Gators consistently rise to the occasion in March. The Southeastern Conference champions ended the season 36-4, securing their place as one of the nation's most resilient and balanced teams. First Half: Defensive Battle Sets the Tone From the outset, the game unfolded as a defensive war. Both teams traded stops, contested shots, and tough rebounds. Houston leaned on its signature intensity to frustrate Florida’s perimeter scorers, while the Gators responded with solid interior defense and timely rotations. Houston held a narrow 31-28 lead at halftime, riding a balanced offensive effort led by L.J. Cryer and J’Wan Roberts. The Cougars' defense bottled up Florida's leading scorer Walter Clayton Jr., who went scoreless in the opening 20 minutes. In contrast, Will Richard provided a vital spark for Florida, scoring 14 first-half points and hitting four of his five three-point attempts to keep the Gators within reach. Second Half: Houston Surges, Florida Responds Houston appeared to seize control early in the second half. A 12-point run, powered by free throws and a three-pointer from Cryer, pushed the Cougars ahead 42-30 with just over 16 minutes remaining. The crowd, largely Houston fans, erupted as the Cougars’ defense began to clamp down further, forcing contested jumpers and turnovers. But Florida didn’t fold. After being held scoreless through the first 25 minutes, Clayton Jr. sparked the comeback with a pair of free throws at the 14:57 mark. Moments later, he drove through the lane for a three-point play that tied the game at 48. That sequence ignited a 16-6 Florida run, and the Gators slowly chipped away at Houston’s lead with steady ball movement and clutch defensive stops. Freshman forward Alex Condon delivered key buckets during the run and provided interior defense to help contain Houston’s second-chance opportunities. Houston’s offense, reliant on isolation plays late in the shot clock, began to stagnate, allowing Florida to shift the momentum. Final Minutes: Gators Take the Lead and Hold On With under a minute remaining, Florida finally broke through. Two free throws by Alijah Martin gave the Gators a 64-63 lead—their first since the opening minutes of the game. Houston attempted to respond, but Florida’s defense stepped up in a defining moment. As Houston’s Emanuel Sharp prepared to shoot a potential game-winning three-pointer, Clayton Jr. rushed the closeout, forcing Sharp to hesitate and lose the handle. Alex Condon recovered the loose ball as time expired, and Florida's bench flooded the court in celebration. That defensive sequence capped a dominant second-half display from Clayton, who finished with 11 points, including three clutch buckets that kept the Gators alive down the stretch. Richard led Florida with 18 points, while Condon contributed 12 points and key rebounds. Florida’s late-game execution on both ends of the floor proved decisive. Houston Comes Up Short The Cougars, who entered the night 35-4 and seeking their first NCAA title, fell just short despite a strong showing from Cryer (19 points) and consistent defensive pressure. Houston’s shooting struggles, especially from beyond the arc (6-of-25), ultimately doomed their efforts to pull away in the second half. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson's squad had already pulled off a comeback win over Duke in the semifinal, but couldn’t close out the Gators despite leading for more than 30 minutes of game time. Houston finishes as national runners-up for the first time since 1984 and ties the best record in program history at 35-5. Historical Significance With the win, Florida joins elite company as a three-time NCAA champion. Head coach Todd Golden, at just 39 years old, becomes the youngest to win a national championship since Jim Valvano in 1983 and the youngest in the modern NCAA Tournament era. The Gators' title run featured four comeback victories and highlighted the depth and composure of a roster that relied not only on stars but also on key role players and defensive execution. Florida is the first SEC team to win the men’s title since Kentucky in 2012, delivering a much-needed triumph for the conference on the national stage.

Cornhuskers Cap Off Postseason Run Behind Trio of 20-Point Performances and Defensive Surge LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Nebraska completed a remarkable postseason comeback on Sunday afternoon, defeating UCF 77-66 in the championship game of the inaugural College Basketball Crown at T-Mobile Arena. The Cornhuskers erased a 14-point second-half deficit with a commanding 24-3 run and secured their first postseason tournament title since the 1996 NIT. Behind 21-point outings from Brice Williams and Connor Essegian and a 20-point, 8-rebound effort from Tournament MVP Juwan Gary, the Huskers closed their season at 21-14. The win capped a postseason campaign filled with comebacks, breakout performances, and program milestones. First Half: Early Control Shifts Late Nebraska came out hot, building a 23-11 lead midway through the first half thanks to early three-pointers from Williams and Essegian. The Huskers moved the ball effectively, spaced the floor, and took advantage of UCF’s slow defensive rotations early on. However, UCF responded with poise. Jordan Ivy-Curry found his rhythm and scored 15 first-half points to bring the Knights back. Nebraska struggled to maintain offensive rhythm late in the half and missed their final seven shots of the period. By the break, UCF had rallied to tie the game at 35, signaling that this championship matchup would be anything but one-sided. Second Half: UCF Surges, Nebraska Responds The Knights picked up where they left off after halftime, reeling off a 14-0 run to open the second half and taking a commanding 49-35 lead. Ivy-Curry hit a transition three-pointer, and Nils Machowski added a tough layup in traffic. Nebraska found themselves in a double-digit hole, and offensive flow seemed to vanish for nearly 10 minutes stretching across both halves. Then came the spark. Juwan Gary, playing through a cut that briefly sent him to the locker room, reentered the game and immediately made his presence felt with a layup to stop the bleeding. His physical play ignited the Huskers’ bench, and Nebraska embarked on a ferocious 24-3 run. Essegian hit three three-pointers in less than four minutes, flipping the momentum. Andrew Morgan threw down back-to-back dunks to give Nebraska the lead, and the Huskers never looked back. What was once a 14-point deficit turned into a 59-52 Nebraska advantage. Final Stretch: Nebraska Seals the Victory UCF tried to mount a final comeback. After trimming the lead to five, the Knights looked to Ivy-Curry once again. However, Nebraska’s defense tightened, and guard Sam Hoiberg smothered UCF’s leading scorer in the closing minutes. A timely three-pointer from Cale Jacobsen and multiple defensive stops secured Nebraska’s championship. The Huskers closed the game with free throws and late buckets, capping off their best five-game stretch of the season. The final horn sounded, and Nebraska celebrated their first tournament championship in nearly three decades. Key Performers and Record-Breaking Marks  Brice Williams made history, becoming Nebraska’s single-season scoring leader with 713 points. His 21-point performance in the final pushed him past James Palmer Jr. and Dave Hoppen, two of the most legendary names in Husker basketball history. Williams averaged 20.4 points per game on the season, the highest by a Husker since Tyronn Lue in 1998. Juwan Gary was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament after averaging 19.0 points and 8.0 rebounds over five games. His defensive presence, rebounding dominance, and scoring efficiency proved invaluable in Nebraska’s title run. Connor Essegian became a breakout star in the postseason, shooting over 50% from three-point range in the tournament. His 21-point outing in the final included five three-pointers and marked his fifth 20-point game of the season. Sam Hoiberg quietly had one of the most impactful games of the tournament. The junior guard didn’t score much but registered seven assists, zero turnovers, and held UCF’s Darius Johnson to just 1-of-11 shooting—a stunning defensive effort. Tournament Takeaways and Historical Impact The Cornhuskers completed their season with 21 wins, tied for the seventh-most in school history. Their 4-0 run through the College Basketball Crown featured comeback wins over Cincinnati, Oregon State, Villanova, and UCF. Nebraska became the first champion of this new postseason tournament, earning national recognition and momentum heading into the next season. This title also marks the first time Nebraska has won a postseason event since the 1996 NIT and serves as a landmark moment in Fred Hoiberg’s coaching tenure. The program now boasts multiple 20-win seasons and a growing foundation of players who have proven they can deliver in March and April. UCF, meanwhile, finished with a 20-17 record. Despite the loss, the Knights made history of their own, reaching a national postseason final for the first time and winning four tournament games in impressive fashion. Jordan Ivy-Curry finished the tournament as one of its top scorers and proved himself as one of the most electric guards in college basketball.

Clayton’s Heroics and Martin’s Dunks Fuel Gators' Final Push to Title Game  SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Florida Gators surged past top-seeded Auburn 79-73 in an electrifying Final Four showdown Saturday night at the Alamodome, advancing to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game for the first time since their back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007. Behind a masterclass from All-American guard Walter Clayton Jr. and momentum-swinging moments from Alijah Martin, Florida overcame an eight-point halftime deficit to extend their winning streak to 11 games and secure a date with Houston for the national title. Auburn’s Early Control Slips Away Auburn opened with sharp execution and strong interior play, capitalizing on Florida’s early turnovers to build a first-half lead. The Tigers were patient in the half-court and effective in transition, particularly through Johni Broome and Chad Baker-Mazara, who combined for 26 of the team’s 46 first-half points. Auburn’s defense held the Gators to just 38 first-half points, limiting second-chance opportunities and controlling the pace. With Auburn holding a 46-38 lead at the break, it appeared that Bruce Pearl’s squad was poised to push through to the program’s first national title game. The Tigers had executed a near-flawless first half, committing just two turnovers while keeping Clayton in check outside of a few scoring bursts. Second-Half Turnaround by Florida Florida came out of the locker room with renewed energy and focus, launching a 13-3 run that quickly turned the game around. Fueled by Rueben Chinyelu’s defensive activity and a go-ahead layup by Clayton, the Gators claimed a 51-49 lead just minutes into the second half. That shift in momentum was just the beginning. Walter Clayton Jr. delivered one of the most impressive individual performances of the tournament, finishing with 34 points and hitting five three-pointers. His composure, shot-making ability, and leadership allowed Florida to weather Auburn’s responses throughout the half. Whether it was through tough pull-up jumpers or driving layups, Clayton routinely found ways to score when Florida needed it most. Martin’s Dunks Shift the Game’s Energy While Clayton was dominant on the stat sheet, it was Alijah Martin who ignited the crowd and his team with back-to-back dunks in the second half. His first slam came in transition, giving the Gators a 59-57 lead midway through the second half. Moments later, Martin delivered a powerful one-handed dunk over two Auburn defenders, energizing Florida’s bench and shifting the emotional tide of the game permanently. Martin finished with 17 points, but it was the timing and explosiveness of his plays that left a lasting impact. With the Gators trailing earlier in the half, his athleticism and aggressiveness injected urgency and confidence into a team on the verge of elimination. Auburn’s Turnovers Prove Costly The Tigers’ undoing came not through poor effort but through untimely turnovers. After committing just two in the first half, Auburn gave the ball away 12 times in the second, often leading to Florida fast breaks or free throws. Despite shooting 47% from the field and getting 18 points from Baker-Mazara and 15 from Broome, the Tigers couldn’t string together stops down the stretch. Florida capitalized on nearly every Auburn mistake. The Gators’ bench outscored Auburn’s reserves, and their 41-27 second-half scoring advantage reflected their dominance when it mattered most. Florida’s Depth and Determination Prevail Thomas Haugh contributed 12 points, while Chinyelu chipped in with key rebounds and deflections that disrupted Auburn’s rhythm. Florida’s ability to respond to adversity, close possessions, and execute under pressure highlighted a team that has grown resilient over the course of the tournament. This marked Florida’s second win over Auburn this season, and perhaps their most dramatic. The Gators entered the game as the underdog, but by the final buzzer, they looked every bit like a championship contender. What’s Next With the win, Florida (35-4) earns a spot in the national championship game where they will face Houston, who defeated Duke 70-67 in the other semifinal. The Gators will look to capture their third national title and end the SEC’s championship drought, which dates back to Kentucky’s title in 2012. Auburn (32-6) finishes a historic season that included an SEC title, a record number of wins, and a second Final Four appearance. Though they fell short, their season was filled with moments that will be remembered as the high-water mark in program history.

Cougars Overcome 14-Point Deficit in Final Eight Minutes to Eliminate Blue Devils  SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Houston Cougars delivered one of the most improbable comebacks in recent NCAA Tournament history, overcoming a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat No. 1 seed Duke 70-67 in the national semifinal on Saturday night. With the victory, Houston punched its ticket to the national championship game for the first time since 1984. In a contest that pitted the nation's top defensive team against one of the most explosive offenses, it was Houston's suffocating pressure and relentless hustle that ultimately dismantled a Duke squad that had controlled the tempo for most of the night. The Cougars ended the game on a 9-0 run in the final 33 seconds, turning what appeared to be a sure loss into a memorable triumph inside the Alamodome. Duke’s First-Half Control Fades Late Duke opened the game on a promising note, executing cleanly on offense while applying enough defensive pressure to stifle Houston's early attempts at rhythm. Freshman star Cooper Flagg led the Blue Devils’ first-half charge, scoring from the perimeter and mid-range to help Duke build a 10-point advantage. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel chipped in with efficient scoring, including a pair of three-pointers that extended the lead to double digits. The Blue Devils held a 34-28 lead at halftime, having shot over 50% from the field and kept Houston’s transition game in check. Duke’s balanced scoring, disciplined rebounding, and tight perimeter defense had them in control. Houston’s Second-Half Defensive Masterclass As the second half progressed, it seemed Duke was set to cruise into the championship. Flagg reached 20 points midway through the half, and Knueppel’s jumper gave the Blue Devils their largest lead of the night at 56-42. But then the momentum began to shift. Houston intensified its defensive pressure, forcing rushed possessions, contested shots, and multiple turnovers. The Cougars limited Duke to one field goal over the final 10 minutes of play—a stunning defensive achievement that underpinned their comeback. Joseph Tugler and J’Wan Roberts anchored the interior, with Tugler recording four blocks and altering numerous shot attempts. Houston's defensive scheme—built on switches, traps, and quick recovery—suffocated Duke’s half-court offense and denied Flagg clean looks down the stretch. Final Minutes Flip the Outcome Trailing 64-55 with just over three minutes remaining, Houston’s urgency escalated. Emanuel Sharp drilled a three-pointer to cut the deficit to six. Moments later, a turnover on Duke’s inbound pass gave the Cougars another possession, which Tugler converted with a tip-in to bring Houston within one. A missed front-end of a one-and-one by Duke’s Tyrese Proctor with 20 seconds left gave Houston an opportunity to take the lead. Roberts calmly knocked down two free throws to make it 68-67 in favor of the Cougars—their first lead since early in the first half. After Duke’s final possession failed to produce a clean shot, Sharp sealed the win with two additional free throws. The buzzer sounded with the Cougars celebrating and the Blue Devils stunned, having allowed a 14-point advantage to slip away in the game’s final minutes. Statistical Leaders and Impact Players Houston was led by L.J. Cryer, who finished with 26 points and was instrumental in sparking the late-game rally. Sharp added 16 points, including the clutch three-pointer during the decisive final run. Tugler’s defensive presence—four blocks and a game-altering tip-in—was invaluable. For Duke, Flagg tallied a game-high 27 points, along with seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. Despite his impressive stat line, Houston limited his effectiveness in the final stretch, preventing him from getting into rhythm after his last three-pointer at the 3:02 mark. Knueppel added 16 points and seven rebounds. While Duke shot 45% from the field overall, they managed just 37.5% in the second half as Houston’s defensive adjustments tightened the screws. Historical Implications The victory marked Houston’s third trip to the national title game in school history and their first since the end of the Phi Slama Jama era. The Cougars are now one win away from their first NCAA men’s basketball championship. For Duke, the loss ends a remarkable season that included 35 wins, a dominant ACC run, and the emergence of future NBA talent. It also marked the program’s 18th Final Four appearance, though the Blue Devils fell short of reaching their 12th national championship game. Despite the defeat, Duke’s season featured historic achievements: leading the ACC in both scoring offense and scoring defense, producing one of the most efficient offenses in modern college basketball, and reaching the national semifinal for the 13th time since 1985. Next Up Houston (35-4) advances to face Florida in the NCAA Championship Game on Monday night. Florida, which defeated Auburn 79-73 in the earlier semifinal, will bring its own high-powered offense to a title game that now promises to be a battle of contrasting styles—one built on firepower, the other on fierce defense.

Darius Johnson Drops 42 as Knights Survive Second-Half Villanova Rally in Las Vegas Thriller LAS VEGAS, Nev. — UCF’s postseason journey reached new heights on Saturday afternoon as the Knights outlasted Villanova 104-98 in overtime to advance to the College Basketball Crown Championship. In a high-scoring, back-and-forth semifinal at T-Mobile Arena, senior guard Darius Johnson delivered one of the greatest individual performances in program history, scoring 42 points and guiding UCF to its first postseason title game since 2005. With the win, UCF improved to 20-16 and secured a shot at a $300,000 championship payout. The victory also earned the Knights their third 20-win season under head coach Johnny Dawkins and a spot in the Sunday title matchup against Nebraska. First Half: UCF Sets the Pace UCF wasted no time pushing the tempo, hitting their first three shots and jumping out to an 8-3 lead within the opening minutes. The Knights dictated the pace early, scoring through efficient ball movement and connecting on eight three-pointers in the first half. Darius Johnson and Dallan “Deebo” Coleman led the charge, combining for 29 of UCF’s 48 first-half points. Despite Villanova’s efforts to stay within reach, UCF maintained control by crashing the glass and knocking down threes from all over the court. Dior Johnson and Jordan Ivy-Curry contributed timely shots, while Moustapha Thiam protected the paint on defense. At the break, UCF held a 48-44 lead and had limited Villanova star Eric Dixon to just one field goal. Second Half: Villanova Rallies Late The second half featured dramatic swings in momentum. UCF built a double-digit lead midway through the half behind a three-pointer from Tyler Hendricks and a two-handed slam from Thiam, putting the Knights ahead 64-53 with just under 15 minutes to play. Villanova fought back with a 15-3 run led by Dixon and guard Wooga Poplar. With just under three minutes left, Villanova had erased UCF’s lead and surged ahead 83-77. Free throws from Dixon and Tyler Perkins extended the Wildcats’ advantage, but UCF responded with a strong final push. A layup by Johnson, followed by a jumper from Hendricks, trimmed the lead to two. After trading free throws, Ivy-Curry’s fast-break layup cut the deficit to one possession. With nine seconds left and UCF trailing 88-85, Johnson calmly pulled up and buried a long-range three to tie the game, sending the semifinal into overtime. Overtime Dominance Secures UCF's Spot in the Final In the extra period, UCF seized control immediately. Johnson opened the frame with a layup, and Ivy-Curry drilled a three-pointer to give the Knights a five-point cushion. Another Johnson and-one extended the lead to 96-90. Though Villanova cut the lead multiple times, UCF never relinquished their advantage. The Knights made critical plays down the stretch, converting at the free throw line and forcing turnovers. Johnson added five more free throws in the final minute, capping off a 17-of-18 performance from the line and sealing the 104-98 win. Historic Performance and Team Contributions Darius Johnson's 42-point night tied for the second-most points in UCF Division I history and set a new school record with 17 made free throws. He shot 11-of-19 from the field and also contributed five rebounds and four assists in 39 minutes. Jordan Ivy-Curry scored 18 points and pulled down seven rebounds, continuing his consistent postseason play. Dior Johnson added a career-high 13 points off the bench, while Coleman finished with 14 and Hendricks chipped in 11. Thiam led the team in rebounding and provided rim protection that altered Villanova’s shot selection late in the game. UCF finished the game shooting 47.6% from the field and knocked down 15 three-pointers, a season-high. The Knights also held a lead for more than 38 minutes of game time and displayed composure in high-pressure situations throughout the contest. Villanova’s Valiant Effort Falls Short Villanova’s run came to an end despite impressive performances from Poplar, who scored a career-high 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Dixon, who finished with 29 points. The Wildcats shot just 30.8% from beyond the arc but remained in the game due to their work at the free throw line, where they went 32-of-37. Villanova briefly held the lead in the final minutes of regulation, but late-game execution and defensive lapses allowed UCF to close the gap and force overtime. Their inability to contain Johnson in the final two minutes ultimately sealed their fate. What's Next UCF will face Nebraska in the College Basketball Crown final on Sunday, April 6. The Knights aim to cap off their postseason run with a championship and continue building momentum heading into next season. With the stakes high and their star players performing at peak level, UCF enters the final with confidence and one more opportunity to make history.

Gary and Williams Power Huskers to Las Vegas Title Game and $100,000 Prize LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Nebraska’s men’s basketball team is headed to the College Basketball Crown championship game after defeating Boise State 79-69 on Saturday afternoon at T-Mobile Arena. The victory not only extended Nebraska’s season but also secured $100,000 in NIL prize money and the program’s first back-to-back 20-win campaigns in over two decades. Led by Juwan Gary’s 21 points and Brice Williams’ all-around performance, the Huskers withstood a fast start by the Broncos and closed the game with poise. The win improved Nebraska’s record to 20-14 and booked their place in Sunday’s title game against UCF, who won a high-scoring overtime battle over Villanova. Boise State Starts Fast, But Nebraska Finishes Strong Boise State came out of the gates sharp, hitting five of their first eight shots to jump out to a 13-8 lead. Their early offensive balance gave them control through the first 10 minutes, as Tyson Degenhart, Andrew Meadow, and Pearson Carmichael found scoring opportunities and pushed the advantage to as much as seven points. Carmichael’s third three-pointer of the first half gave the Broncos a 24-17 lead with under eight minutes to play before the break. However, Nebraska responded with a 15-1 run, led by Sam Hoiberg, Gary, and Williams. That scoring burst flipped the game and shifted momentum permanently in Nebraska’s favor. By halftime, Nebraska had taken a 39-33 lead, outscoring Boise State 20-7 to close the half. The Huskers shot 6-of-9 from three-point range and converted 9-of-10 free throws in the opening 20 minutes. Williams led the charge with 12 first-half points, while Gary added 10. Huskers Extend Lead in Second Half Nebraska came out of the locker room with even more firepower. Within the first three minutes of the second half, the Huskers went on an 8-2 run, highlighted by Hoiberg and Gary hitting back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead to 49-37. The Broncos struggled to keep pace, missing several opportunities to cut into the deficit. Degenhart led a brief rally for Boise State, scoring five quick points to pull his team back within single digits. But Nebraska maintained control through timely scoring and perimeter shooting. A dunk by Blaise Keita and another three-point play by Gary pushed the lead to 15. With 4:48 left, Nebraska held a 74-59 lead after a Williams layup, their largest lead of the game. Boise State responded with one final run, scoring eight straight points to cut the deficit to seven, but Nebraska hit crucial free throws in the final minute to seal the win and advance to the tournament final. Statistical Leaders and Team Highlights Juwan Gary led Nebraska with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including a career-high four three-pointers. He added nine rebounds and three blocks, continuing his hot streak with four 20-point performances in the last six games. Over his past two outings, Gary has hit seven of his nine attempts from beyond the arc. Brice Williams followed with 14 points, six assists, and five rebounds. His consistency this season has him within striking distance of Nebraska’s single-season scoring record, needing just 16 points to tie James Palmer Jr.’s mark of 708. Sam Hoiberg added 10 points, including key three-point shots in both halves, while bench contributions from Connor Essegian and Ahron Ulis added eight points apiece. Ulis also tied a season-high with five rebounds. Nebraska shot 46.4% from the field and a scorching 12-of-19 (63.2%) from three-point range—both season highs. Their 12 made threes marked the best team performance from deep since 2022. Defensively, they limited Boise State to 39.7% shooting and forced several turnovers during key stretches. Boise State’s Season Comes to an End Boise State concluded its season at 26-11, tying the second-most wins in program history. Tyson Degenhart led all scorers with 26 points and added eight rebounds. He finished the year with 676 total points—the most ever in a single season by a Bronco—and 2,037 career points, good for eighth all-time in Mountain West history. Andrew Meadow scored 14 points, and Pearson Carmichael added 13 in the semifinal loss. Despite the strong start, the Broncos couldn’t sustain offensive efficiency in the second half and committed critical turnovers during Nebraska’s game-defining runs. Championship Stage Awaits  With the win, Nebraska advances to face UCF in the College Basketball Crown Championship on Sunday. UCF defeated Villanova in an overtime thriller, 104-98, and enters the final with momentum of their own. The Huskers will be looking to secure a $300,000 payday and finish their season with a tournament title and a 21st win.

Sullinger’s Career Night Leads Golden Flashes to Historic Victory Kent State pulled off a thrilling 77-75 road win over Stanford on Sunday night in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), advancing to the quarterfinals behind a career performance from junior guard Jalen Sullinger. The win not only secured Kent State’s first NIT quarterfinal berth since 2011 but also marked its first victory over a Power Conference opponent since 2018. The Golden Flashes (24-11) held off a late Stanford rally to earn the two-point victory and will now face Loyola Chicago in the quarterfinals. The loss ended Stanford’s season at 21-14, capping its most successful campaign since 2014-15. Kent State Controls First Half with Hot Start Kent State came out firing early, opening the game with a 17-12 run through the first eight minutes. Sullinger and VonCameron Davis led the charge as the Golden Flashes pushed their lead to double digits. Their early energy and shot-making caught the Cardinal off guard, and Kent State capitalized on defensive lapses to build a 28-16 advantage with eight minutes to go in the half. Stanford answered with an 11-0 run of its own, led by Jaylen Blakes, who sparked the offense with seven quick points. The Cardinal briefly pulled within one, but Kent State countered with another 12-0 burst to reclaim a commanding lead. The Golden Flashes entered halftime up 43-34, thanks to balanced scoring, rebounding, and defensive hustle. Stanford Responds, But Kent State Holds On Stanford came out of the locker room with renewed focus. A 12-2 run early in the second half, led by Maxime Raynaud and Chisom Okpara, gave the Cardinal a 46-45 lead just five minutes into the half. However, Kent State again showed composure, using a 7-0 spurt to stretch the margin to double digits again at 67-56 with just over six minutes to play. Stanford fought to the final buzzer, cutting the deficit to one possession twice in the final minute. But Kent State’s defense and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch sealed the win. The Golden Flashes hit seven free throws in the second half and made enough stops to keep the Cardinal from completing the comeback. Sullinger Shines in Career Performance Jalen Sullinger delivered the game of his life, pouring in a career-high 34 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including 7-of-10 from three-point range and a perfect 5-of-5 at the free-throw line. He also added eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals in a complete performance that propelled Kent State to victory. Delrecco Gillespie recorded his sixth double-double of the season, finishing with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Davis chipped in 12 points despite struggling from the field, while Jamal Sumlin and Cli’Ron Hornbeak provided timely baskets and key defensive stops. Stanford’s Standouts Come Up Just Short Jaylen Blakes led Stanford in scoring with a career-high 23 points and dished out five assists without committing a turnover in his final collegiate game. Maxime Raynaud tallied his NCAA-leading 25th double-double of the season with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks. He moved up to seventh on Stanford’s all-time scoring list and finished the season with 707 points, the fourth-most in program history. Chisom Okpara added 13 points and five rebounds, while Oziyah Sellers had 11 points and six boards. The Cardinal made eight three-pointers on the night, breaking the school’s single-season record with 294. What This Win Means for Kent State Kent State’s victory marked its first over a Power Conference opponent since defeating Oregon State in 2018 and its first over an ACC opponent since 2004. It’s also the Flashes’ first NIT quarterfinal appearance in over a decade. With momentum on their side, the Golden Flashes will now travel to face Loyola Chicago in the next round. The matchup will be another road test, but if Sullinger and company continue their high-level play, Kent State has a strong chance to keep its postseason run alive. Final Thoughts Kent State’s 77-75 victory over Stanford was a showcase of resilience, preparation, and clutch performance. Sullinger’s historic night and the Flashes’ ability to respond to every Stanford run underscore a team that’s locked in and hungry for more. Though Stanford's season ends in heartbreak, the progress under head coach Kyle Smith is evident, with the Cardinal achieving 21 wins and a competitive postseason showing. For Kent State, the dream of a deep NIT run is still alive—and after Sunday night, the rest of the bracket is officially on notice.