NCAAF

Massachusetts to join the MAC in 2025

Massachusetts was a MAC member from 2012-2015, so this won’t be uncharted territory for the Minutemen. Despite this, besides the increase in football revenue from joining a conference, this move probably won’t boost Massachusetts’ athletics programs. Football is king though, which is why this move was made. In terms of basketball, this is a fairly sizeable downgrade, as the Minutemen fall from the Atlantic 10 to the MAC, and head to a league based almost entirely in the Midwest.

NBA

Raptors 130, Pacers 122

The 22-36 Raptors are a pretty odd mix of parts at the moment, but every game is a useful evaluation tool for Toronto’s front office. Scottie Barnes doesn’t have much to prove to the Raptors — he’ll be offered a max contract extension by the team this summer — but his growth is surely making the franchise’s brass excited. In this game, the third-year forward tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists.

In the NBA, injury-related excuses are made far too often for players, but it’s fair to wonder if Tyrese Haliburton is still hampered by his hamstring injury from last month. In this contest, Indiana’s All-Star point guard shot just 2-for-11. Miami is charging hard for the No. 6 seed, currently occupied by the Pacers.

Knicks 113, Pistons 111

The Knicks are pretty adept at escaping games by the skin of their teeth, and this tilt was a solid example of that. New York was lucky to avoid a foul call on a late possession, giving the team a victory. In the Knicks’ defense, the roster isn’t at full strength, but the team’s Villanova trio of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo has been carrying the load lately. The three Wildcats combined for 79 points last night.

For the 8-49 Pistons, the losses keep piling up and will likely continue to do so, but at least Cade Cunningham is continuing to get better. Detroit’s point guard accumulated 32 points, five rebounds, and eight assists yesterday.

NCAAB

Drexel 70, Delaware 60

Just a sophomore, Justin Moore is the heartbeat of Drexel basketball. The talented guard scored 20 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out four assists last night.

North Carolina 75, Miami 71

For the most part, North Carolina has received far more praise than criticism this season, but the Tar Heels feel like a decent bet to be upset in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, if not the first. Last night, UNC needed 42 points from RJ Davis just to top a middling MIami team.

For the past few seasons, Miami’s accomplishments exceeded its talent. It’s been the opposite in 2024. The Hurricanes are better than their 15-14 record, but it’s a bit too late in the season for that to matter. Kyshawn George has traits that should translate well to the NBA, including his three-point shooting. The freshman shot 4-for-7 from deep in this game.

Kansas State 94, West Virginia 90

The North Texas version of Tylor Perry made an appearance in this game. The diminutive point guard has sacrificed some scoring in favor of passing versus stiffer competition this season, but Perry made his mark as a shooter last night, going 7-for-12 for 29 points.

West Virginia’s best starting guards, RaeQuan Battle and Kerr Kriisa, combined for 53 points in this contest. That total would’ve easily been enough to win if not for the struggles of the Mountaineers’ other three starters. At 9-19, West Virginia should conduct a wide-open search for its next head coach this offseason.

Norfolk State 85, Morgan State 82

Another year, another Norfolk State team capable of winning the MEAC. This particular version of the Spartans is the best team in the league, especially when Jamarii Thomas has it going. The junior guard scored 20 points in this battle.

McNeese 58, Lamar 56

The spread for this contest (McNeese -8.5) felt low, but I suppose Vegas always knows. Perhaps McNeese would’ve cruised if Christian Shumate hadn’t battled foul trouble — the junior fouled out after just 17 minutes. and wasn’t on the court enough to serve as an ideal running mate for Shahada Wells. Wells is McNeese’s great equalizer — at least in the Southland — and gives the 25-3 Cowboys a fighting chance against anyone. The TCU transfer had 23 points last night.

Texas A&M-CC 91, Houston Christian 79

If any team in the Southland can stop McNeese from cruising to the NCAA Tournament, it’s Texas A&M-CC. The 18-10 Islanders have played McNeese tough twice this season and rebound well as a team.

Campbell 105, UNC Wilmington 100

I certainly didn’t have Campbell defeating UNC Wilmington on my bingo card for last night, but Anthony Dell’Orso is good enough to create upsets like this one. The Campbell guard would be more well known if he played for an above .500 team, but the 13-16 Camels sure are lucky to have him. Dell’Orso totaled 34 points and 11 rebounds in this double-overtime thriller.

Mississippi Valley State 57, Prairie View A&M

At last, Mississippi Valley State can exhale. The Delta Devils are still far and away the nation’s worst team, but this victory snapped a 27-game losing streak to begin the season for MVSU.

Baylor 62, TCU 54

Scott Drew still has some things to figure out regarding his team’s bench production, but this road win combined with last Saturday’s valiant comeback effort versus Houston has the Bears trending in the right direction at the right time. As RayJ Dennis goes, so does Baylor. The senior guard flirted with a triple-double in this contest, posting nine points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.

As a 19-9 Big 12 team, all might seem well with TCU, but this team isn’t good enough. Three-point shooting can tip the scales in favor of lesser teams on hot shooting nights, but the Horned Frogs didn’t benefit from that yesterday, as TCU’s best shooter from long range, Trevian Tennyson, went 0-for-8 from three. I would advise the Horned Frogs not to lose to both BYU and West Virginia on the road in its next two games.