It’s officially bid stealer season in college basketball.

A number of programs are hoping to win their way into the NCAA Tournament field with a conference championship win. Those that inevitably win their way into the 68-team bracket that weren’t expected to earn at-large bid effectively steal a spot from bubble teams with each win.

Last season, bubble teams such as Oklahoma, Indiana State, St. John’s and Seton Hall were left out of the NCAA Tournament as Oregon, NC State and Duquesne won their way into the bracket with conference championship wins.

Ohio State, Arkansas, Nebraska, Boise State, Oklahoma, Xavier, North Carolina and Texas, all teams on the bubble in ESPN’s latest bracketology, are hoping for limited bid stealers in 2025 as they look to upgrade their own resumes.

Follow along for an updated list of automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Tournament in 2025 as conference championships tip off:

March Madness automatic bids 2025

This section will be updated as conference champions are crowned.

American East:
American Athletic:
Atlantic 10:
ACC:
ASUN: Lipscomb
Big 12:
Big East:
Big Sky:
Big South: High Point
Big Ten:
Big West:
CAA:
Conference USA:
Horizon League:
Ivy League:
MAAC:
MAC:
MEAC:
Missouri Valley: Drake
Mountain West:
Northeast:
Ohio Valley: SIU Edwardsville
Pac-12:
Patriot League:
SEC:
SoCon:
Southland:
SWAC:
Summit League: Omaha (St. Thomas ineligible after moving to Division I)
Sun Belt:
West Coast:
WAC:

NCAA conference championship schedule

All times Eastern.

Here’s the full schedule of conference championship games in 2025:

Ohio Valley: Saturday, March 8 (9 p.m.)
Big South: Sunday, March 9 (Noon)
Missouri Valley Conference: Sunday, March 9 (2:10 p.m.)
ASUN: Sunday, March 9 (TBA)
Summit League: Sunday, March 9 (9 p.m.)
SoCon: Monday, March 10 (7 p.m.)
Sun Belt: Monday, March 10 (7 p.m.)
Horizon League: Tuesday, March 11 (7 p.m.)
Northeast: Tuesday, March 11 (7 p.m.)
CAA: Tuesday, March 11 (7 p.m.)
WCC: Tuesday, March 11 (9 p.m.)
Southland: Wednesday, March 12 (5 p.m.)
Patriot League: Wednesday, March 12 (TBA)
Big Sky: Wednesday, March 12 (11:30 p.m.)
ACC: Saturday, March 15 (8:30 p.m.)
America East: Saturday, March 15 (11 a.m.)
MEAC: Saturday, March 15 (1 p.m.)
Mountain West: Saturday, March 15 (6 p.m.)
Big East: Saturday, March 15 (6:30 p.m.)
MAAC: Saturday, March 15 (7:30 p.m.)
MAC: Saturday, March 15 (7:40 p.m.)
Big 12: Saturday, March 15 (TBA)
Conference USA: Saturday, March 15 (8:30 p.m.)
SWAC: Saturday, March 15 (9:30 p.m.)
Big West: Saturday, March 15 (9:40 p.m.)
WAC: Saturday, March 15 (11:40 p.m.)
Ivy League: Sunday, March 16 (Noon)
Atlantic 10: Sunday, March 16 (1 p.m.)
SEC: Sunday, March 16 (1 p.m.)
American Athletic: Sunday, March 16 (3:15 p.m.)
Big Ten: Sunday, March 16 (3:30 p.m.)

One stroke was all that separated golfer Russell Henley from runner-up Collin Morikawa at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 35-year-old American finished the final day of play with two pars to secure the victory, but it’s what happened on the Par 5, 16th hole that stole the show.

Henley’s chip-in eagle gave him the lead –one that he wouldn’t relinquish in the final two holes – and secured his fifth career PGA Tour victory and first in nearly 2½ years.

That eagle really was the difference. Prior to the 16th hole, Henley sat at even par for the day. He finished Sunday with a 2-under 70. Morikawa, meanwhile, finished Sunday with a 72, allowing Henley to leap frog him and take the trophy.

Henley’s back nine was solid. He trailed Morikawa by three strokes at the turn, and after a bogey on 10, he settled into a groove, scoring two birdies and the knockout eagle in the final eight holes.

‘Hats off to Collin,’ said Henley. ‘He played great today, he played super-steady and sometimes golf is mean like that.’

How long had it been since Henley won a PGA Tour event?

854 days.

Henley’s last win came at the World Wide Technology Championship at El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico, on Nov. 6, 2022. At 23-under, Henley won that tournament by four strokes over second-place Brian Harman. Henley was carried by stellar performances in the first two rounds, shooting 63 on both days, coasting to victory over the weekend.

Since then, Henley has struggled to win an event. Since 2024, Henley had been tied with Sungjae Im for the most top-10 finishes without a win (10) until he ended that run with his victory today on the Bay HIll Golf Course in Orlando.

How much did Henley win?

The first-place finish netted Henley $4 million. Morikawa earned a little more than half that with his second-place finish, walking away with $2.2 million. Third-place Corey Conners ($1.4 million) and fourth-place Michael Kim ($1 million) were the only other golfers to earn more than a million over the weekend.

After a huge 4-1 win over Houston a week ago, Inter Miami was looking to maintain its momentum as it prepared to take on another 1-0-1 team in Charlotte FC.

While a quick look at the Major League Soccer standings and goal differentials might have you think Miami was the runaway favorite with or without Lionel Messi, Charlotte was not a team to be trifled with. As a member of Inter Miami, Messi had yet to beat Charlotte in MLS play, going 0-1-1 in two contests – though Miami did defeat Charlotte 4-0 in a Leagues Cup matchup in 2023.

Still, Messi’s recent absence during Miami’s 4-1 win over Houston had some fans wondering whether or not he would return to play Sunday. The win against Houston was the first time Messi had missed action in 2025, having played in both of Miami’s Concacaf Champions Cup games as well as Miami’s regular-season opener against New York City FC. He did, however, miss Thursday’s fixture against Cavalier SC, with coach Javier Mascherano citing fatigue for the absence. There was hope that he will suit up against Charlotte.

In the end, Messi did not suit up for Inter Miami, but he wasn’t needed. While Miami got into foul trouble early – which has become all too common with this squad to start the season – all they needed was one opening. A few stellar passes between Luis Suarez and Tadeo Allende gave Miami a 1-0 lead just two minutes into the second half, and that was enough to earn the victory.

Charlotte had numerous opportunities to tie this contest up, but a few errors from Zaha and Byrne cost Charlotte dearly. Charlotte had eight shots in all – twice as many as Miami – but none hit theback of the net.

Miami wins this one, 1-0. Their next game is Leg 2 of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Cavalier on Thursday, March 13, followed by an MLS matchup against Atlanta United on Sunday, March 16. Charlotte, meanwhile, will start preparing for a game against Cincinnati on Saturday, March 15.

Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC highlights

FINAL: Miami 1, Charlotte 0

Even with 10 men on the field, Miami was able to take down Charlotte, handing them their first defeat of the season. Miami has now earned a red card in each of their first three matches, yet despite the foul trouble, they are an undefeated 2-1-0.

Messi never saw the field, but Inter Miami clearly did not need him. While the game got dicey at points, with Charlotte swarming around the Miami goal for much of the second half, Miami’s defense held strong. 1-0 the final.

Another yellow card for Miami

There have been three foul cards this game, and all of them have come to Miami. This time, while trying to prevent a Charlotte attack, Miami’s Yannick Bright got a little too physical attempting a tackle, earning himself a yellow. Bright tried to play it off, claiming he was the one who got hurt in that encounter, but the linesman was not having it.

Charlotte has been dominant in the second half ever since surrendering the only goal of the game. As it stands though, they’ve nothing to show for it. It’s still 1-0 as we approach the end of stoppage time.

Charlotte misses another great opportunity

Whenever Charlotte has had a chance to knot this game up, Zaha has been at the center of it. This time, he was mere feet from the goal, and although there were several Miami defenders in the vicinity, Zaha just could not find his footing, ultimately knocking the ball off a Miami defender for a corner. That was a poor result though given that the left side of the net was wide open after Miami GK Rios Novo had already been knocked to the ground after going for the ball moments earlier.

The corner did not amount to much better, and Zaha’s poor footing may have cost Charlotte a shot at a win or draw. It’s still 1-0 Miami.

Miami’s Ruiz’s fouled

Miami may be out in front, but their lead certainly isn’t safe. In an effort to double their lead, Ruiz made a move down the left wing, but was fouled hard by Nathan Byrne. Byrne did not earn a card, but Ruiz was on the ground for about a minute before the game resumed. Ultimately, Miami’s attack was halted after the ensuing free kick.

Charlotte’s best look goes wide

Most of Charlotte’s looks on net have come via crosses on the left wing. In the 65th minute, Charlotte got their best look though when a cross was able to find Zaha for a header. Unfortunately, the ball went just wide to the right of the goal. Miami maintains their 1-0 lead.

Tadeo Allende gets Miami on the board

Inter Miami came out quickly to start the second half. Despite playing with just 10 players, Miami was able to get on the board just two minutes into the second half, and it was none other than Tadeo Allende getting it done. A series of stellar passes between Luis Suarez and Allende weaved through the Charlotte defense and gave Allende a great look at the net. He put it right under goalkeeper’s hip and into the right side of the net. Miami leads 1-0.

Halftime: 0-0

It’s been a tale of two halves in the first half. Miami dominated the first 20 minutes, with chance after chance and a few good looks on net. However, the final 30 minutes were Charlotte’s moments. The red card to Miami GK Ustari was obviously huge, but the game was spent largely in Miami territory thanks to having an extra player. Still, despite the eventful half, there have been no goals.

Ustari gets massive red card; Miami in trouble

Miami GK Ustari needed to make a play after a lead lob pass got through the Miami defense. However, in an effort to stop the rush, Ustari made contact with Zaha’s leg just outside the box, tripping the former Crystal Palace forward.

Just 40 minutes into the game, Miami will now be forced to play the rest of the game with just 10 players. Rios Novo has entered the game at goalkeeper. Miami is now three deep at the position.

Charlotte’s ensuing free kick ended up just high of the net.

Aviles gets first yellow of the game

Miami’s Aviles had been warned earlier, but after getting a little too physical against Charlotte’s Zaha while trying to prevent Zaha from getting around him, Aviles has been given the first card of the contest. It remains 0-0.

Charlotte starting to string chances together

After a slow start, Charlotte FC has started gaining some traction, often finding themselves deep in Miami territory. Although they’ve had limited attempts at the goal, they’ve had a few key corner opportunities that have ultimately been cleared away by Inter. Still, at this rate, it’s only a matter of time before Charlotte gets a good cross and has their first great look at the goal.

Miami dominating scoring opportunities

Through 14 minutes, Miami has dominated this contest. They’ve maintained possession for most of the game and much of the showdown has been played in Charlotte territory. Miami has had ample scoring opportunities as well, most recently a shot at the top of the box from Cremaschi, straight into the chest of Charlotte GK Kahlina. Despite the lopsided play so far, it remains 0-0.

Messi starting on the bench for Inter Miami

Messi may not be starting today’s matchup against Charlotte, but he’s at least ready to play. Miami posted their starting 11, and the 2022 World Cup champion is not among the starters, but rather will come into the contest as a sub.

This isn’t new for Messi though. With Miami, the star forward came off the bench as recently as Sept. 18, 2024, during a game against Atlanta United. As is the case tonight, Messi was also recovering from an injury ahead of that contest.

Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC odds

Inter Miami are favorites to beat Charlotte FC (as of Saturday), according to BetMGM.

Moneyline: Inter Miami (-200); Charlotte FC (+425); Tie (+350)

Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC predictions

Sports Illustrated: Inter Miami CF 2-3 Charlotte FC 

Ben Steiner writes, ‘The star power is undeniable whenever Miami are on the pitch, but Zaha proved he can lift Charlotte to new heights with his efforts last weekend. Meanwhile, 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Kristijan Kahlina also found his form again with a clean sheet.’

The Hard Tackle: Inter Miami 2-1 Charlotte FC

Staff writes, ‘Inter Miami’s dominant home record and attacking firepower make them favorites, but Charlotte FC’s resilience and recent unbeaten run suggest they won’t be easy to break down. Javier Mascherano’s men will look to impose themselves early, while Charlotte may opt for a compact, counter-attacking approach. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Mascherano and his charges.’

Charlotte starters

With Messi coming off the bench in Sunday’s contest, Charlotte FC may have an advantage to start the game. Here are their starters for tonight’s matchup.

What time is Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC match?

Inter Miami CF takes on Charlotte FC from Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at 4 p.m. ET.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC match

The Inter Miami CF match from Chase Stadium is available to viewers using MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Will Lionel Messi play Sunday vs. Charlotte FC?

Mascherano did not declare whether Messi would play against Charlotte, making the Inter Miami star’s status unknown as of Sunday morning.

Coach Javier Mascherano provided some promising news Saturday that Messi had made progress in his recovery from muscle fatigue, which had kept him out of Miami’s last two games. However, he also noted that the club would not take any risks when it comes to their superstar player.

But as the match approaches, it appears more and more likely that Messi will play. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was seen walking into Chase Stadium with Miami’s gameday squad.

While it is still possible that Messi is only suiting up while not preparing for much playtime, this is a very positive development for fans hoping to see him take the field for an MLS contest.

Safid Deen contributed to this story.

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NC State men’s basketball coach Kevin Keatts, who led the Wolfpack to an improbable run to last year’s Final Four, will not return next season, the school announced Sunday.

‘I want to thank Coach Keatts for his contributions to NC State and for always representing the university with class,’ athletic director Boo Corrigan said in a statement. ‘He will always have a treasured place in Wolfpack history for the accomplishments of his 2023-24 squad and I appreciate the passion he brought to this role.  We wish him and his family the best in the future.’

Keatts was on the coaching hot seat at this time last year, but the Wolfpack won five games in five days to claim the ACC tournament title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

From there, the hot streak continued all the way to the Final Four as a No. 11 seed, with State knocking off ACC rival Duke in the regional final. It also earned Keatts a two-year contract extension through 2030.

But with many of the key performers from the Final Four team gone, the Wolfpack struggled to a 12-19 record this season, which ended with a loss to Miami in the second round of the ACC tournament.

Over his eight seasons in Raleigh, Keatts’ teams posted an overall record of 151-113 and a 69-84 mark in ACC play.

Keatts will be owed a buyout of about $7.8 million, which will be paid over the remainder of his contract term. He is obligated to find another coaching position with NC State having part of its financial commitment offset by his new salary.

(This post has been updated with additional information.)

It’s officially bid stealer season in college basketball.

A number of programs are hoping to win their way into the NCAA Tournament field with a conference championship win. Those that inevitably win their way into the 68-team bracket that weren’t expected to earn at-large bid effectively steal a spot from bubble teams with each win.

Last season, bubble teams such as Oklahoma, Indiana State, St. John’s and Seton Hall were left out of the NCAA Tournament as Oregon, NC State and Duquesne won their way into the bracket with conference championship wins.

Ohio State, Arkansas, Nebraska, Boise State, Oklahoma, Xavier, North Carolina and Texas, all teams on the bubble in ESPN’s latest bracketology, are hoping for limited bid stealers in 2025 as they look to upgrade their own resumes.

Follow along for an updated list of automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Tournament in 2025 as conference championships tip off:

March Madness automatic bids 2025

This section will be updated as conference champions are crowned.

American East:
American Athletic:
Atlantic 10:
ACC:
ASUN: Lipscomb
Big 12:
Big East:
Big Sky:
Big South: High Point
Big Ten:
Big West:
CAA:
Conference USA:
Horizon League:
Ivy League:
MAAC:
MAC:
MEAC:
Missouri Valley: Drake
Mountain West:
Northeast:
Ohio Valley: SIU Edwardsville
Pac-12:
Patriot League:
SEC:
SoCon:
Southland:
SWAC:
Summit League: Omaha (St. Thomas ineligible after moving to Division I)
Sun Belt:
West Coast:
WAC:

NCAA conference championship schedule

All times Eastern.

Here’s the full schedule of conference championship games in 2025:

Ohio Valley: Saturday, March 8 (9 p.m.)
Big South: Sunday, March 9 (Noon)
Missouri Valley Conference: Sunday, March 9 (2:10 p.m.)
ASUN: Sunday, March 9 (TBA)
Summit League: Sunday, March 9 (9 p.m.)
SoCon: Monday, March 10 (7 p.m.)
Sun Belt: Monday, March 10 (7 p.m.)
Horizon League: Tuesday, March 11 (7 p.m.)
Northeast: Tuesday, March 11 (7 p.m.)
CAA: Tuesday, March 11 (7 p.m.)
WCC: Tuesday, March 11 (9 p.m.)
Southland: Wednesday, March 12 (5 p.m.)
Patriot League: Wednesday, March 12 (TBA)
Big Sky: Wednesday, March 12 (11:30 p.m.)
ACC: Saturday, March 15 (8:30 p.m.)
America East: Saturday, March 15 (11 a.m.)
MEAC: Saturday, March 15 (1 p.m.)
Mountain West: Saturday, March 15 (6 p.m.)
Big East: Saturday, March 15 (6:30 p.m.)
MAAC: Saturday, March 15 (7:30 p.m.)
MAC: Saturday, March 15 (7:40 p.m.)
Big 12: Saturday, March 15 (TBA)
Conference USA: Saturday, March 15 (8:30 p.m.)
SWAC: Saturday, March 15 (9:30 p.m.)
Big West: Saturday, March 15 (9:40 p.m.)
WAC: Saturday, March 15 (11:40 p.m.)
Ivy League: Sunday, March 16 (Noon)
Atlantic 10: Sunday, March 16 (1 p.m.)
SEC: Sunday, March 16 (1 p.m.)
American Athletic: Sunday, March 16 (3:15 p.m.)
Big Ten: Sunday, March 16 (3:30 p.m.)

Some mid-major college basketball teams have gone their entire programs’ history without making the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately for St. Thomas of Minnesota, its season ended Sunday, even with a Summit League championship.

St. Thomas, which recently made a rare transition from Division III to Division I, made a run to the Summit League tournament final on Sunday against Omaha, although Omaha already has locked up a spot in the NCAA tournament with St. Thomas being ineligible for the postseason.

Coach Johnny Tauer led the Tommies to a 24-9 record and second-place regular-season finish in the conference in their fourth season in Division I.

St. Thomas is hoping to hang a banner on Sunday, although it won’t get the chance to play in March Madness.

Here’s why St. Thomas is ineligible for the postseason, per NCAA rules:

Why is St. Thomas ineligible for NCAA tournament?

St. Thomas is ineligible for postseason participation due to its transition from Division III to Division I keeping them out until next season.

St. Thomas, whose first Division I season on a provisional basis was in 2020-21, will be first eligible for postseason participation in 2026. NCAA rules state programs transitioning from Division III to Division I must sit out of the postseason for four seasons before being a full-fledged Division I program.

The NCAA recently reduced the number of postseason-ineligibility years to three years for Division II schools and four years for Division III schools in January and allowed for transitioning teams to go off the new timeline if they meet a certain list of criteria.

When did St. Thomas transition to Division I?

St. Thomas, the largest private university in Minnesota, was granted Division I eligibility by the NCAA in 2020, becoming the first program to rise from Division III to Division I.

St. Thomas was forced to find a new conference in 2019 after the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) dropped St. Thomas, an original member, from the league for being too dominant. The Tommies had helped found the league with six other schools in 1920.

St. Thomas considered other Division III and even Division II opportunities before settling on the idea of being in Division I, with the Summit League making a push for them to join the conference.

At the time of St. Thomas being involuntarily kicked out of its Division III league, with the conference giving it two years to find a new home, the university had won 12 consecutive MIAC titles in a variety of men’s and women’s sports. The school also had double the amount of enrollment (6,200) of the next-largest school in the league at the time.

St. Thomas basketball record

2024-25 record: 24-9 (12-4 Summit League)

St. Thomas finished the 2024-25 season with a 24-9 record and 12-4 mark in conference play, good for second in the final regular-season standings.

In fact, the Tommies actually defeated Omaha, 95-84, in the two Summit League tournament finalists’ last matchup. Omaha defeated St. Thomas, 89-78, in their other outing, though, with the third on Sunday deciding the season series between the two programs that would otherwise be playing for an NCAA tournament berth with a conference championship win.

St. Thomas would be quite the Cinderella story, although it’ll have to wait to reach its first NCAA tournament after this season.

The Gamecocks, who earned the No. 1 seed of the women’s SEC tournament after commissioner Greg Sankey flipped a coin between them and the Longhorns, dominated Texas in the conference championship final, winning their third consecutive SEC tournament with a 64-45 win in Greenville, South Carolina.

Forward Chloe Kitts was sensational throughout the tournament, scoring a career-high 25 points against Vanderbilt in the quarterfinals before adding 10 points with four rebounds and four assists against Oklahoma in the semifinals. She then led all scorers with 15 on Sunday, along with nine rebounds and three assists.

South Carolina’s defense gave Texas fits all game, as the Longhorns were held to 16-of-54 shooting and only one 3-pointer. The Gamecocks also forced 18 turnovers. Next up, South Carolina looks forward to its women’s NCAA Tournament seeding, as it made a claim for one of the top seeds of the 68-team field after its conference championship win.

Follow below for highlights from the Gamecocks’ win:

Watch women’s SEC tournament championship live with Fubo (free trial)

Women’s SEC tournament championship score updates

This section will be updated.

Women’s SEC tournament championship live updates

South Carolina wins third consecutive SEC tournament

South Carolina takes the SEC tournament with a 64-45 win over Texas, earning its third consecutive SEC tournament victory.

Pure dominance by the Gamecocks, who made their case as the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA Tournament.

Texas makes first 3 of game

Texas’ leading scorer Madison Booker makes hers and Texas’ first 3-pointer of the game with 4:24 left in the fourth quarter.

Booker has been stymied by South Carolina today, shooting 4 of 13 with 10 points in the game. Seven of her points have come in the fourth quarter.

The first-team All-SEC player entered the game averaging 16.4 points per game.

South Carolina leads 52-33 after Sania Feagin’s 3

Feagin hits a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give South Carolina a 52-33 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

It’s been all Gamecocks in Greenville today.

Taylor Jones a lone bright spot for Texas

Texas’ sixth-year forward Taylor Jones has scored 14 of Texas’ 33 points this afternoon, as she adds in another tough shot near the rim.

Tessa Johnson’s 3 gives South Carolina largest lead of game

Johnson hits a tough 3-pointer to give South Carolina a 45-25 lead, the Gamecocks’ largest of the game.

Texas is going to need a lot of offense quick to come back in this one, with just over 13 minutes left of game clock.

South Carolina leads 37-21 midway through third quarter

Texas turned up the intensity to start the second half, but it only led to five points midway through the third quarter, despite multiple good looks.

The Longhorns are up to 15 turnovers as the Gamecocks continue to suffocate the Longhorns.

South Carolina leads 33-16 at halftime

South Carolina takes a 33-16 lead into halftime after holding the Longhorns to 6-of-24 shooting through two quarters.

The Gamecocks also forced 11 turnovers in the first half and outscored Texas 9-0 in fast break points, holding the Longhorns to only six points in the second quarter. Texas is also without a free throw or a 3-point make so far.

Kitts leads all scorers with nine points, with Tessa Johnson contributing seven off the bench in the first half.

Texas ends scoreless drought

Rori Harmon’s midrange jump shot ends Texas’ scoreless drought of the second quarter with 3:29 before halftime.

The Longhorns’ first two points of the second quarter cuts South Carolina’s lead to 27-12.

MiLaysia Fulwiley with the and-one

Fulwiley dices through Texas on the fast-break opportunity, getting to the rim for the and-one layup.

Her speed is nearly unstoppable in the open court, and the 3-point play gives South Carolina a 25-10 lead and continues its 13-0 run.

Texas calls timeout after South Carolina 8-0 run

South Carolina’s suffocating defense is leading to plenty of offense in the second quarter, as the Gamecocks are on an 8-0 run with Texas yet to score through five minutes of the second period.

Kitts leads all scorers with seven points.

Chloe Kitts with the and-one

South Carolina takes a 15-10 lead on the strong layup by Chloe Kitts, who finds an inch over Texas’ 6-foot-6 forward Kyla Oldacre for the bucket before converting the free-throw attempt.

Texas has yet to score in the second quarter through two minutes of game clock.

South Carolina leads 12-10 after first quarter

Both defenses are showing out early, as neither South Carolina nor Texas can find an rhythm offensively through one quarter.

The Gamecocks are 5 of 13 shooting while the Longhorns are 4 of 14 from the field. South Carolina is also winning the turnover battle, with two giveaways to Texas’ three.

Defensive battle early in first quarter

Neither team has been able to get in a groove offensively in the first quarter, although South Carolina leads 6-4 after five minutes of play.

The Longhorns and Gamecocks are just 2 of 8 and 3 of 8 shooting, respectively, thus far.

South Carolina, Texas starting lineups

Here’s a look at both starting lineups as the women’s SEC championship is just about underway:

South Carolina

Te-Hina Paopao
Raven Johnson
Bree Hall
Chloe Kitts
Sania Feagin

Texas

Madison Booker
Rori Harmon
Shay Holle
Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda
Taylor Jones

Women’s SEC tournament championship time today

Time: 3 p.m. ET
Date: Sunday, March 9
Location: Bon Secours Wellness Arena (Greenville, South Carolina)

What channel is women’s SEC tournament championship on today?

TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The women’s SEC tournament championship game between South Carolina and Texas will air live on ESPN, with streaming options available on the ESPN app or Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

South Carolina vs Texas women’s basketball history

Series record: 3-3
South Carolina last win: Jan. 12, 2025 (67-50)
Texas last win: Feb. 9, 2025 (66-62)

Women’s SEC tournament championship predictions, picks

South Carolina 85, Texas: 77: The Gamecocks take this game personally and come out on top.

— Greenville News’ Lulu Kesin

Women’s SEC tournament championship betting odds

Odds from BetMGM as of Sunday, March 9

Spread: South Carolina (-4.5)
Over/under: 135.5
Moneyline: South Carolina -210 | Texas +170

South Carolina women’s basketball schedule 2025

Here are South Carolina’s last five results. See the Gamecocks’ full schedule here.

March 8: South Carolina 93, Oklahoma 75 (women’s SEC tournament semifinals)
March 7: South Carolina 84, Vanderbilt 63 (women’s SEC tournament quarterfinals)
March 2: South Carolina 78, Kentucky 66
Feb. 27: South Carolina 75, Ole Miss 59
Feb. 23: South Carolina 82, Vanderbilt 54

Texas women’s basketball schedule 2025

Here are Texas’ last five results. See the Longhorns’ full schedule here.

March 8: Texas 56, LSU 49 (women’s SEC tournament semifinals)
March 7: Texas 70, Ole Miss 63 (women’s SEC tournament quarterfinals)
March 2: Texas 72, Florida 46
Feb. 27: Texas 68, Mississippi State 64
Feb. 24: Texas 57, Georgia 26

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AEW returns to Los Angeles with another full slate of matches for its Revolution event on Sunday. The match card will feature Cope challenging Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship. 

Moxley is in his fourth reign as champion, the most of any other wrestler in the organization’s six-year history. 

Cope is a veteran wrestler who began his career in the late 1990s and made a name for himself as Edge while with the WWE. He returned to action in 2020 as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble. He missed nine years because of a neck injury. He joined AEW in October 2023.

Swerve Strickland and Ricochet will compete to determine the No. 1 contender for the world championship. The card will also feature ‘Timeless’ Toni Storm, Mercedes Moné and ‘Big Boom!’ A.J.

It will be the company’s first event in the Crypto.com Arena. The company previously held events at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Follow along with USA TODAY Sports for updates throughout the evening:

When is AEW Revolution 2025?

AEW Revolution is on Sunday, March 9.

What time does AEW Revolution 2025 start?

The AEW Revolution starts at 8 p.m. ET. The Zero Hour preshow for the event begins at 6:30 p.m. ET.

How to watch AEW Revolution 2025

AEW Revolution 2025 is available on PPV across Prime Video PPV, TrillerTV PPV, PPV.com, and YouTube PPV.

Where is AEW Revolution 2025?

AEW Revolution 2025 will take place at Crypto.com Arena from Los Angeles.

How to watch AEW Revolution preshow

AEW Revolution kicks off with a Zero Hour preshow that starts at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. ET. It’s available across X, YouTube and Facebook.

The No. 11-ranked Blue Devils answered each of its four ACC losses in the final month of the season, culminating in Sunday’s 76-62 win over No. 8 NC State in the 2025 women’s ACC basketball tournament championship game at the First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.

It’s Duke’s first ACC tournament championship since 2013, and the ninth in program history. It’s also the first for the program under fifth-year coach Kara Lawson.

Oluchi Okananwa and Ashlon Jackson each scored 22 points for the Blue Devils, who trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half but outscored NC State 47-26 in the second. Despite coming off the bench, Okananwa scored a career-high 22 points and added 10 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season.

After shooting just 36% from the field in the first half, Duke shot 55.2% in the second half while the defense limited NC State to 32.3% shooting. The Blue Devils defeated rival North Carolina on Feb. 27, before defeating Louisville on Friday, Notre Dame on Saturday and NC State on Sunday to avenge each of their four conference losses during the regular season.

Sunday marked Duke’s first conference tournament championship appearance since 2017. ESPN’s Charlie Creme projected the Blue Devils as the No. 3 seed entering the conference championship game. Sunday’s victory could give Duke a chance to move up to the No. 2 seed.

Check out all the scores, updates and highlights from the NC State-Duke women’s ACC basketball tournament:

Watch NC State basketball vs. Duke live with Fubo (free trial)

NC State vs Duke score updates

NC State vs Duke live updates

End of game: Duke 76, NC State 62

For the first time since 2013, Duke is the women’s ACC tournament champion. The Blue Devils outscored the Wolfpack 47-26 in the second half to overcome a 14-point first half deficit. This is Duke’s ninth women’s ACC tournament championship.

Oluchi Okananwa and Ashlon Jackson each scored 22 points for Duke in the victory. The 22 points were a career high for Okananwa, who comes off the bench for the Blue Devils.

Duke holds a commanding 17-point lead

Duke is on a 13-1 scoring run over the last 3:39 and NC State has not scored in the last four minutes. The Blue Devils hold a 71-56 lead with 3:19 remaining as a result.

Duke stretches lead before final media timeout

At the final media timeout of the game, Duke holds a 67-53 lead over NC State with 4:52 remaining. At the media timeout, a couple of calls will be looked at that could change the game. First is a potential flagrant foul on Delaney Thomas of swinging her elbows on an offensive foul on the play directly preceding the timeout.

The second is a potential shot clock violation by the Blue Devils earlier in the quarter. Jadyn Donovan did not appear to get her shot off before the clock expired. The score is now 65-53.

End of third quarter: Duke 53, NC State 46

Duke takes lead into fourth quarter

NC State held a 24-10 lead with 9:02 left in the second quarter. Since then, Duke has outscored the Wolfpack 43-22 to hold a seven-point lead going into the fourth quarter.

Duke outscored NC State 24-10 in the third period. Ashlon Jackson has 17 points for the Blue Devils, while Oluchi Okananwa has added 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Duke takes largest lead of game late in third quarter

The momentum is fully with Duke now, holding its largest lead at 53-46 with 33 seconds left in the third quarter. NC State coach Wes Moore is forced to call a timeout to try and squash a 7-0 Blue Devil run. Duke has outscored NC State 24-10 in the third quarter.

NC State is shooting 3 of 14 in the third period with two turnovers. Duke has shot 10 of 16 in the third and upped its shooting percentage for the game to 44.9%.

Duke takes first lead of game over NC State

Following a layup by Taina Mair, Duke has its first lead at 44-42 with 3:57 left in the third quarter. The Blue Devils, which has trailed by as many as 14 points, are on a 6-0 run and outscored NC State 15-6 to start the third quarter.

NC State is shooting 2 of 9 in the third quarter, while Duke is shooting 6 of 9.

Aziaha James returns after halftime

Despite being carried off the court and then heading to the locker room on a wheelchair, Aziaha James starts the second half for the Wolfpack. On the first two possessions, she hit the court hard after falling down but showed no ill effects.

Halftime: NC State 36, Duke 29

Duke cuts lead to 7 at halftime; Aziaha James injured

Duke wins the second quarter 19-17 to cut the NC State lead to 36-29 at halftime. Jordan Wood hit a 3-pointer with two seconds left in the half to cut the Wolfpack lead to seven.

While NC State has been in control throughout, there is a major concern with Aziaha James going down with a potential injury. James was hurt with 43 seconds left in the half and could not put any weight on her leg. She was escorted off the court and eventually taken off on a wheelchair.

Aziaha James injured before halftime

Aziaha James is escorted off the court with a lower-body injury with 43 seconds left in the first half. James fell hard on a drive to the hoop, resulting in her falling out of bounds and turning the ball over for NC State. James was down for a couple of minutes before being helped off the court. She was taken on a wheelchair to the locker room after not being able to put any weight on her legs leaving the court.

NC State in control in second quarter

NC State has to call a timeout with 7:29 left in the second quarter to avoid a 5-second out-of-bounds call. Other than that, it’s been all Wolfpack so far. It has led by as many as 14 and is up 24-12 going into the media timeout.

Aziaha James gets hot to start the second quarter

Aziaha James has an individual 5-0 run to start the second quarter with a quick jumper and a 3-pointer. NC State has its biggest lead at 24-10 and James now has eight points.

End of first quarter: NC State 19, Duke 10

Duke struggling for field, NC State builds 9-point first quarter lead

Duke has as many baskets as turnovers, with four in the first quarter. NC State shoots 50% from the field, including 3 of 5 from 3-point range, to build a 19-10 lead. The Blue Devils shoot 4 for 15 (26.7%) from the field. Saniya Rivers leads all scorers with seven points and Zoe Brooks has six.

Ashlon Jackson and Oluchi Okananwa each have three points for Duke.

Hot start for NC State

NC State comes out on fire to start this one, leading 7-0 with 7:47 left in the first quarter at the first media timeout. Saniya Rivers opened the scoring with a layup on an assist from Aziaha James. James later hit a 3-pointer on a pull-up on a fastbreak to force the first timeout.

Pregame

ESPN ‘College GameDay’ predicts NC State clean sweep

A clean sweep by the ESPN ‘College GameDay’ crew as Elle Duncan, Andraya Carter and Chiney Ogwumike all pick NC State to beat Duke for the ACC tournament championship.

Elle Duncan: NC State
Andraya Carter: NC State
Chiney Ogwumike: NC State

Starting lineups for NC State, Duke

The starting lineups for NC State-Duke have been revealed for today’s women’s ACC basketball tournament championship game. Here’s a look at both starting lineups:

NC State

G: Aziaha James
G: Madison Hayes
G: Saniya Rivers
G: Zoe Brooks
F: Tilda Trygger

Duke:

G: Ashlon Jackson
G: Jadyn Donovan
G: Taina Mair
G: Reigan Richardson
F: Delaney Thomas

Elizabeth Williams joins ‘College GameDay’ rocking Duke gear

Former Duke women’s basketball star Elizabeth Williams joined ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ to preview the NC State-Duke conference championship game. Williams joked that she ‘will not listen to the NC State fight song today.’

NC State, Duke in NCAA tournament bracketology

NC State-Duke ACC championship game history

Sunday’s game marks the third time the Wolfpack and Blue Devils will face off in the women’s ACC basketball tournament championship game. Duke has won both prior matchups. The Blue Devils defeated the Wolfpack 57-45 in 2001 and 70-60 in 2010.

NC State vs Duke time today

Date: Sunday, March 9 
Time: 1 p.m. ET 
Location: First Horizon Coliseum (Greensboro, North Carolina)

The 2025 women’s ACC basketball tournament championship game between the Wolfpack and Blue Devils will be played at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina on Sunday, March 9.

What channel is NC State vs Duke game on today?

TV channel: ESPN
Streaming options: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The 2025 women’s ACC Conference tournament championship game between in-state rivals NC State and Duke will be broadcast on ESPN. Streaming options include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

NC State vs Duke history

Series record: NC State leads, 51-40
NC State’s last win: Feb. 3, 2025 (89-83)
Duke’s last win: Feb. 25, 2024 (69-58)

NC State vs Duke predictions

John Leuzzi, USA TODAY: NC State 70, Duke 61

‘NC State crushes any hopes for Duke in recording a second straight upset and winning its first ACC title since 2013. Expect a big game out of Aziaha James again after she put up 36 points against the Blue Devils earlier this season.’

NC State vs Duke women’s basketball betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Sunday, March 9:

Spread: Duke (-2.5)
Over/under: 134.5
Moneyline: Duke (-145); NC State (+120)

NC State women’s basketball 2024-25 schedule

Here’s a look at NC State’s last five results. To view the Wolfpack’s full 2024-25 schedule, click here.

Sunday, Feb. 23: No. 12 NC State 104, No. 1 Notre Dame 95 (2 OT)
Thursday, Feb. 27: No. 10 NC State 78, Wake Forest 57
Sunday, March 2: No. 10 NC State 69, SMU 45
Friday, March 7: No. 8 NC State 73, Georgia Tech 72 (ACC tournament)
Saturday, March 8: No. 8 NC State 66, No. 14 North Carolina 55 (ACC tournament)

Duke women’s basketball 2024-25 schedule

Here’s a look at Duke’s last five results. To view the Blue Devils’ full 2024-25 schedule, click here.

Sunday, Feb. 23: No. 11 Duke 80, Syracuse 49
Thursday, Feb. 27: No. 15 Duke 68, No. 9 North Carolina 53
Sunday, March 2: No. 15 Duke 71, No. 24 Florida State 57
Friday, March 7: No. 11 Duke 61, Louisville 48 (ACC tournament)
Saturday, March 8: No. 11 Duke 61, No. 6 Notre Dame 56 (ACC tournament)

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As the most-watched sporting league in the world grows in popularity in the United States, the 2025 Premier League Summer Series brings four teams to America for three doubleheaders at some of the country’s most iconic venues.

Manchester United, Everton, West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth will feature in this year’s showcase, the rare opportunity for American fans to see their favorite clubs in person.

‘I’ve always said the American sports fan has the bandwidth to support another team. Across the world, people don’t,’ said Tim Howard, a 13-year Premier League veteran and former USMNT goalkeeper. ‘We’re just brought up that way.’

And for the players, it’s a reminder of just how global the Premier League has become.

‘It’s great to get out and see fans far and wide,’ Everton defender James Tarkowski told USA TODAY Sports. ‘We get to experience it at home and around England, but to see how far this club travels globally – it’s an amazing experience.’

The first of three match days (July 26) is at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, home of the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets, and the site of the 2026 World Cup final. Next summer, the stadium will join the Rose Bowl (1994) as the only venues in the world to host a Super Bowl and World Cup final.

Chicago’s Soldier Field will host games on July 30 before the final day of the series at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Aug. 3. The latter will host eight total matches in the 2026 World Cup with three in the knockout stage, including one of the semifinals.

‘Stadiums in America are something I’ve seen on the tele, obviously American football and MLS. … It’s a great opportunity personally – but also as a club – to get out there and experience that,’ Tarkowski told USA TODAY Sports.

Howard, who played for Manchester United (2003-2006) and Everton (2006-2016) and is now an analyst for NBC Sports, said his teammates always loved playing games in America. But the longtime Premier League goalkeeper also recalled preseason U.S. trips where they would be ‘playing in front of (10,000) or 15,000 people.’ He calls those ‘building blocks’ to get to where the league is now in America.

NBC Sports has held the league’s TV rights for more than a decade and Howard credits that continuity with helping to build ‘awareness, knowledge and understanding’ of the league and its 38-game season that runs from August to May.

‘You build generational storylines,’ Howard told USA TODAY Sports. ‘People want to see teams and players and villains and heroes.’

The 2025 Summer Series begins less than two weeks after the FIFA Club World Cup wraps up in America, a reinvented tournament featuring a $1 billion prize pool and 32 teams from across the globe, including four-time defending Premier League champion Manchester City.

That, of course, is the appetizer for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is hosting alongside Mexico and Canada.

‘There’s so much soccer to be consumed. That’s by design,’ Howard said. ‘You look at what FIFA and the governing bodies have done, realizing that America is primed and ready to support that much soccer.

‘I don’t know if I ever envisioned the day – maybe I dreamt it – where we would have so much soccer over the course of a couple years in our own backyard.’

2025 Premier League Summer Series schedule

NBC Sports will broadcast every game, one on NBC each weekend match day and all six streaming on Peacock.

Saturday, July 26 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

Everton vs. AFC Bournemouth (4 p.m. ET)
Manchester United vs. West Ham United (7 p.m. ET)

Wednesday, July 30 at Soldier Field, Chicago

West Ham United vs. Everton (5:30 p.m. CT)
Manchester United vs. Bournemouth (8:30 p.m. CT)

Sunday, Aug. 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Bournemouth vs. West Ham United (2 p.m. ET)
Manchester United vs. Everton (5 p.m. ET)

How to buy Premier League Summer Series tickets

Fans can register for Premier League Summer series tickets now in order to gain access to a pre-sale on March 13. General ticket sales will begin on March 14.

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