The first ticket to the 2025 men’s Final Four has been booked. Florida is headed to San Antonio, Texas.

No. 1 seed Gators overcame a 10-point second half deficit with clutch shooting down the stretch to beat No. 3 seed Texas Tech 84-79 and advance to the Final Four for the first time in 11 years. 

With a less than four minutes to go, Texas Tech led 75-66, and the situation looked bleak for the Gators. But after 3-point shooting was off all night, the deep shots started to fall at the end to complete the comeback. Florida ended the game on a 18-4 run in the final three minutes, helped by four consecutive 3-pointers.

‘They’ve done it all year,’ Gators coach Todd Golden said. ‘They stayed the course – never too high and never too low. We’re down nine going into the last media (timeout). We just had to dig in and get some stops.’

Walter Clayton Jr. has been the leader for Florida all season and he delivered again. He scored 30 points, 22 of which came in the second half in another signature performance from the guard and his second 30-point game of the season.

Clayton tied the game at 75-all with a three with 90 seconds left. Texas Tech’s Darrion Williams hit a layup to give his team the lead back, but Clayton hit the go-ahead 3-point shot with 59 seconds left, and Florida held the lead for the rest of the way. 

‘I just got all these guys around me,’ Clayton said. ‘We don’t spread apart in adversity. We come together. The whole team, we all did it together.’

Florida is now headed to its sixth Final Four and first since 2014, and are two games away from winning its first national title since it went back-to-back in 2006 and 2007.

Williams finished with team-high 23 points, and JT Toppin added 20 in the loss that denied the Red Raiders their second Final Four trip. They previously made the national semifinals in 2019. The free throw battle greatly hurt Texas Tech. It was just 7-for-13 (53.8%) from the line. Williams and Toppin also missed the front end of 1-and-1 attempts in the final minutes that allowed Florida back in the game. Meanwhile, the Gators were 25-for-27 (92.6%) in free throws.

Florida has one of the best offenses in the country, but Texas Tech was also among the top-scoring teams. The Red Raiders came out of the gates on fire from 3-point land with six makes on their first seven attempts, jumping out to an early lead midway through the first half. 

Florida wasn’t knocking down shots at the same clip for much of the first half, but free throws helped the Gators stay close. It was a big difference to start with a perfect 10-for-10 start from the charity stripe in the first half, while Texas Tech was 2-for-6. The Florida offense eventually found a rhythm and led by three at the break.

After Florida tied the game with 11 and a half minutes to go, Texas Tech went on a 12-2 run, capped with an alley oop from Christian Anderson to Federiko Federiko to give the Red Raiders their largest lead at 10 points. Florida then ended the game on a 27-12 run in the final eight minutes to win.

In 2022, Duke men’s basketball faced something close to an existential crisis when legendary coach and program patriarch Mike Krzyzewski retired and handed the Blue Devils over to then-34-year-old Jon Scheyer.

Three years later, many of those concerns have been quieted, as Duke is returning to the biggest stage in college basketball.

Watch Duke vs Alabama on Sling TV

Behind 21 points from freshman Kon Knueppel, the Blue Devils blew past Alabama 85-65 in the Elite Eight of the 2025 men’s NCAA Tournament on Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Knueppel was one of four Duke starters to finish in double figures, a group that included presumptive No. 1 NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg and his 16 points. Flagg was named the East Region most outstanding player.

The Blue Devils shot 53.6% from the field as a team and 46.2% from 3-point range. Defensively, they held Alabama All-American Mark Sears, fresh off a 34-point explosion against BYU in the Sweet 16, to six points on 2-of-12 shooting. As a team, the 3-point-happy Crimson Tide made only eight of its 32 shots from beyond the arc.

The USA TODAY Network tracked the action live. Follow along below for the score, updates and highlights from Duke’s win.

Duke vs Alabama score updates

Duke outscores Alabama 39-28 in the second half to pull away for an 85-65 victory Saturday in the Elite Eight at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, sending it to its first Final Four since Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement three years ago. Four of the Blue Devils’ five starters finished in double figures, led by Kon Knueppel’s 21 points.

Duke vs Alabama live updates

Who does Duke play next?

With its win over Alabama behind it, Duke will face off in the Final Four against the winner of Sunday’s Elite Eight matchup between Houston and Tennessee. The Blue Devils eliminated the top-seeded Cougars from the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a 54-51 victory in the Sweet 16.

Final Four schedule

Here’s a look at where the Final Four schedule stands right now, following the first two Elite Eight games:

No. 1 seed Duke vs. No. 1 seed Houston/No. 2 seed Tennessee
No. 1 seed Florida vs. No. 1 seed Auburn/No. 2 seed Michigan State

It has yet to be determined which teams will be in which game, but the first game of the Final Four is set to tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 5 while the second game follows at 8:49 p.m. ET.

Duke beats Alabama, advances to Final Four

In their third season under coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils are headed to the biggest stage in college basketball. Three years after Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, Duke is in the Final Four, blowing past Alabama 85-65 in the Elite Eight at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Freshman Kon Knueppel led the way for the Blue Devils, with a game-high 21 points.

Duke will take on the winner of Sunday’s game between Houston and Tennessee in the national semifinals next Saturday.

Cooper Flagg points today

Flagg finished with 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting, along with nine rebounds, three assists, a block and four turnovers. The freshman phenom was named the East Region most outstanding player.

Mark Sears points today

Two days after racking up 34 points in a Sweet 16 win against BYU, Sears was held to six points on 2-of-12 shooting in his final college game, along with six assists and five turnovers. He didn’t make his first 3-pointer of the night until 16:17 remained in regulation. He made 10 3s in the victory against BYU.

Duke up on Alabama in final minutes

Duke is inching closer to a spot in the Final Four in San Antonio next week, with a 69-58 lead with 6:39 remaining. The Blue Devils have been guided by a relatively balanced effort, with four of their five starters scoring between 12 and 17 points.

Grant Nelson blocks Cooper Flagg

Cooper Flagg made his way to the rim early in the second half looking to end up on a poster by throwing it down on Alabama forward Grant Nelson. Instead, Flagg was on the on the less-desirable end of the exchange, with Nelson meeting him mid-air and sending his shot back.

You can see the play here:

Duke leads Alabama by nine at halftime

Cooper Flagg, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils are 20 minutes from the Final Four, with a 46-37 halftime lead over Alabama in their Elite Eight matchup. Flagg’s fellow Duke freshman Kon Knueppel leads all scorers with 11 points while Flagg has 10. Mark Sears has been relatively quiet for the Crimson Tide, with only two points on 1-of-4 shooting two days after going off for 34 points in a Sweet 16 win against BYU.

Duke has made 18 of its 32 shots (56.3%), including 5 of its 9 3-pointers (55.6%).

Maliq Brown injury update

After missing Duke’s first three games in the NCAA Tournament, Maliq Brown returned to the court for the Blue Devils late in the first half. Brown, a Syracuse transfer, has been a defensive ace for Duke for much of the season, but has dislocated his shoulder twice in the past two months and is wearing a large black sleeve on his shoulder.

Duke has early lead on Alabama

In a frenetic, fast-paced game, Duke has an early 23-17 advantage over Alabama at the second media timeout of the first half. The Blue Devils are off to a blistering offensive start, making 9 of their first 15 shots, including 3 of their first 4 3-pointers. Tyrese Proctor is leading the way for Duke in the opening minutes, with seven points.

Cooper Flagg stats

As only a freshman, the Duke star and presumptive No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft has emerged as one of the front-runners for various national player of the year awards. In what will almost certainly be his only college season, the ACC player of the year and first-team All-American is averaging 19 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and 37.2% from 3-point range.

Mark Sears stats

An Alabama native who transferred into the program after two seasons at Ohio, Sears is the catalyst of a high-powered, fast-paced Alabama offense. The Crimson Tide point guard, a first-team All-American this season, is averaging 19 points, 5.1 assists and three rebounds per game this season while shooting 40.9% from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range during the 2024-25 campaign.

Cooper Flagg height

Flagg is listed at 6-foot-9 on Duke’s official roster.

Where is Duke vs Alabama being played?

Duke and Alabama’s Elite Eight game in the 2025 NCAA Tournament is being played at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

What conference is Duke in?

Duke hails from the ACC, and is the conference’s lone representative in the Elite Eight. The SEC leads all Elite Eight teams with four teams (Florida, Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee), followed by the Big 12 (Houston and Texas Tech), Big Ten (Michigan State) and ACC.

What channel is the Duke game on?

TV Channel: TBS/truTV
Stream:Sling TV | Max

Duke vs Alabama will stream on TBS and truTV. Viewers and cord-cutters can find the game on Sling TV, which carries the Warner Bros. Discovery family of networks, or Max, which is airing March Madness games live.

Duke vs Alabama live stream

Live stream: Sling TV | Max

Duke’s Elite Eight game against Alabama can be streamed on Sling TV, which carries the Warner Bros. Discovery family of networks, as well as Max.

Duke vs Alabama betting odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Saturday, March 29

Spread: Duke (-7.5)
O/U: 174.5
Moneyline: Duke -325 | Alabama +260

Duke vs Alabama expert predictions

Emilee Smarr, Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 89, Duke 81: The Crimson Tide has never taken down the Blue Devils, but there’s a first time for everything, and another 25-for-51 performance from 3 could do it. Another night like that would be nice against a team of Blue Devils that’s shooting over 38% from 3 while limiting opponents to about 30% around the perimeter, just like Alabama’s defense. …
Rodd Baxley, The Fayetteville Observer: Duke 85, Alabama 79: Both teams have elite bucket-getters, but the Blue Devils are far better at stacking stops. As it has for most of the season, Duke’s defense will be the difference. Jon Scheyer’s Devils will beat the Crimson Tide and cut down the nets in Jersey.

What time is Duke vs Alabama today?

8:49 p.m. ET

Duke and Alabama are in the late slot Saturday, getting an 8:49 p.m. tip-off time from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. However, the game could be delayed if the first game of the night, Florida-Texas Tech, runs long.

NCAA basketball schedule today

There are two Elite Eight games taking place in the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, with the final two matchups of the national quarterfinals being held on Sunday.

West Region: No. 1 seed Florida 84, No. 3 seed Texas Tech 79
East Region: No. 1 seed Duke vs. No. 2 seed Alabama, 8:59 p.m. ET

What a fantastic season for Van Lith, who transferred to TCU after an underwhelming season with LSU. During her tenure with the Tigers, she never really quite found her footing, and by year-end, much to her dismay, she became a March Madness meme. Still, she persisted even with many mental health battles along the way. Van Lith transferred to TCU, and early in the season, you could tell the move would be special. The senior cried happy tears after an early season upset win over NC State, and she never looked back.

A full redemption tour happened this season, silencing any haters who dared to doubt her. Van Lith’s gritty performances began stacking up and earned her multiple Big 12 honors, a Big 12 championship, and, oh yeah ― a date with the Elite Eight. On Saturday, Van Lith dropped 26 big ones all over the Notre Dame Irish, including 18 points in the second half. (Balling!) What a day for her WNBA draft stock, and a bloody knee wouldn’t stop the show.

‘This is why!’ an ecstatic Van Lith shouted after the Horned Frogs upset win over 3-seed Notre Dame.

Angel Reese still supports former teammate Hailey Van Lith

Since being a teammate at LSU, Angel Reese has supported her girl Hailey Van Lith’s journey to TCU. Throughout her season, she’s tweeted about Van Lith several times.

In November, she posted, ‘HVL. That’s all I’mma say,’ and during Saturday’s massive matchup with the Fighting Irish, Reese only shared a fitting three letters.

Hailey Van Lith’s journey from LSU to TCU has been transformational

Looking back on Van Lith’s journey, an old Kim Mulkey quote now carries more weight. Van Lith could have quit, but she never gave in, even when her time at LSU wasn’t the kindest to her. Mulkey shared these words with the media after Iowa beat LSU in the Elite Eight last year:

‘Hailey Van Lith came to LSU after being an abundant shooter. Shot it a lot at Louisville. Had great success. Was on good teams. But she graduated in three years with a finance degree. She wanted to experience all the things I guess she saw from afar with our championship last year.”For her to take that leap of faith and leave her comfort zone at Louisville, you don’t see many players do that when she was that big a piece to their puzzle. She has embraced learning a new position, taking less shots. Our last game against UCLA, I thought her stats were very good, but I’m an old point guard, and I see all that.”Forever indebted to Haley and her unselfish play to come to LSU to play with a lot of great players and learn a new position.’

In their first game without JuJu Watkins, the USC Trojans women’s basketball team survived a tough battle with Kansas State, winning 67-61 to advance to the Elite Eight. They will face Paige Bueckers and UConn on Monday night.

The No. 1 Trojans are in the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season, but they had a tough night shooting. A pair of freshmen powered USC: Kennedy Smith put up 19 points while Avery Howell matched her career-high 18 points. Kiki Iriafen struggled, putting up just 7 points on 3-of-13 shooting. She did pull down 8 rebounds, dish out an assist and nab a steal.

‘I think just everybody has confidence in each other,’ Smith said after the game. ‘With JuJu going down, I think everybody stepped up, and I think everybody has confidence in each other.’

The No. 5 Wildcats were trying to get to the Elite Eight for just the second time ever. Serena Sundell had a game-high 22 points, Ayoka Lee added 12 and Jaelyn Glenn added 10. 

USA TODAY Sports brought you live updates, scores, highlights and analysis throughout the game. Check it out.

Who does USC women’s basketball play in Elite Eight?

The Trojans play Paige Bueckers and UConn in the Elite Eight on Monday at 9 p.m. ET. Bueckers is coming off a career-high 40-point performance in the Sweet 16. Here is an early preview of UConn vs. USC women’s basketball.

Avery Howell stats

USC freshman Avery Howell turned in a career-high 18 points against Kansas State, providing a much needed boost for the Trojans. She was 4-of-8 from 3, and recorded 8 boards, 4 steals and an assist. On the season, she averages 7.1 points per game.

Kennedy Smith stats

Kennedy Smith scored 19 points (7-of-14 shooting), 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals for the Trojans.

JuJu Watkins injury: What to know

The superstar USC guard suffered a season-ending knee injury in a second-round game against Mississippi State. Here’s everything you need to know about her injury and recovery timeline.

Women’s March Madness bracket

Here’s the Elite Eight schedule.

No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 2 Duke, Sunday, 1 p.m. on ABC
No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 3 LSU, Sunday, 3 p.m. on ABC
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 2 TCU, Monday, 7 p.m. on ESPN
No. 2 UConn vs. USC, Monday, 9 p.m. on ESPN

Serena Sundell stats

Kansas State’s Serena Sundell got to the free throw line 11 times, sinking 10, to go along with 6-of-13 shooting for 22 points.

USC vs. Kansas State score in 3Q

The Trojans went on a 12-0 run in the third quarter to take a 48-45 lead. Kiki Iriafen got up to 6 points for USC, although it was a tough night shooting for her (3-of-13 from the floor). Rayah Marshall had 6 points and 6 boards through three, while Avery Howell had 11 on 4-of-6 shooting. Kennedy Smith led USC with 14 points through three.

For the Wildcats, Serena Sundell recorded 18 points through three quarters and Jaelyn Glenn had 10.

USC vs. Kansas State score at halftime

The Wildcats led the Trojans 30-28 at halftime. For the Wildcats, Temira Poindexter logged 6 points, Serena Sundell had 8, Jaelyn Glenn put up 9, and Zyanna Walker scored 3. For USC, Kennedy Smith scored 11, Avery Howell had 6 and Rayah Marshall and Kiki Iriafen had 2 apiece.

USC women’s basketball vs. Kansas State score after 1Q

The Trojans held a 16-9 advantage after the opening quarter. Kennedy Smith led all scorers with 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-3 from 3, in the frame.

USC women’s basketball roster

The Trojans were led all season by JuJu Watkins before she suffered a season-ending knee injury. But Kiki Iriafen showed what she’s capable of with her 36-piece in the second round; she averages 18.6 a game on the season to go along with 8.5 rebounds. Kennedy Smith (9.2), Rayah Marshall (7.4) and Avery Howell (7.1) are also key contributors. Here is the full USC women’s basketball roster.

Kiki Iriafen stats

USC forward Kiki Iriafen stepped up in a big way when JuJu Watkins went down in the second round of the NCAA women’s tournament. Iriafen recorded a team-high 36 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks in the 96-59 victory over No. 9 Mississippi State. The senior averages 18.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. She shoots 50.6% from the floor and 30.8% from 3.

How tall is Kiki Iriafen?

Kiki Iriafen is 6-foot-3.

JuJu Watkins shirt

The Trojans are rocking pregame Nike shirts with JuJu Watkins on them.

‘It just was a team decision that we love her, and we know she’s watching at home,’ USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said pregame. ‘We got her back. We know her imprints are all over this program and we are going to channel her energy today and fight for USC.’

Kansas State women’s basketball roster

The Wildcats are led by center Ayoka Lee, Serena Sundell and Temira Poindexter. Lee leads the team in scoring with 15.6 points per game, to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 2 blocks; Sundell averages 13.9 points, 7.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game while Poindexter, who shoots 40.5% from 3, records 12.7 points per game. Here is the full Kansas State women’s basketball roster.

What grade is JuJu Watkins in?

JuJu Watkins is a sophomore at USC.

Where is JuJu Watkins from?

Watkins is from Los Angeles.

USC vs. Kansas State women’s basketball predictions

Nancy Armour, USA TODAY: USC 
Cora Hall, Knoxville News-Sentinel: USC 
Meghan L. Hall, For The Win: USC 
Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY: USC 
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: USC 
Cory Diaz, Lafayette Advertiser: Kansas State 
Maxwell Donaldson, The Gadsden Times: USC 

Still part of the team.

JuJu Watkins may not be in Spokane, Washington, as Southern California tries to make its first Final Four since 1986, but the Trojans are keeping their star player’s spirit with them.

The tributes started when USC players donned Nike shirts with her face and signature bun on the front.

The players were greeted by the school’s marching band and cheerleaders as the team departed its hotel and boarded a bus for its women’s March Madness Sweet 16 matchup against No. 5 Kansas State.

‘It just was a team decision that we love her, and we know she’s watching at home,’ said USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who also donned a shirt. ‘We got her back. We know her imprints are all over this program and we are going to channel her energy today and fight for USC.’

USC’s bench has JuJu Watkins Funko Pop

Watkins and her signature bun could be spotted on the bench during the Sweet 16 game. A Funko Pop of Watkins stood on the sideline with USC and some players held it during the game.

USC calls JuJu Watkins after Sweet 16 win

The Trojans beat the Wildcats to advance to the Elite Eight, and the celebration wouldn’t be complete without Watkins. The team had a FaceTime call with Watkins after the game, and USC posted a photo of Rian Forestier and Brooklyn Shamblin on the phone with her.

The Trojans rallied to win that game 96-59, led by senior forward Kiki Iriafen’s 36 points, and advanced to the Sweet 16. With the win over Kansas State on Saturday, USC will play Connecticut in the Elite Eight on Monday.

In their first game without JuJu Watkins, the USC Trojans women’s basketball team survived a tough battle with Kansas State, winning 67-61 to advance to the Elite Eight. They will face Paige Bueckers and UConn on Monday night.

The No. 1 Trojans are in the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season, but they had a tough night shooting. A pair of freshmen powered USC: Kennedy Smith put up 19 points while Avery Howell matched her career-high 18 points. Kiki Iriafen struggled, putting up just 7 points on 3-of-13 shooting. She did pull down 8 rebounds, dish out an assist and nab a steal.

‘I think just everybody has confidence in each other,’ Smith said after the game. ‘With JuJu going down, I think everybody stepped up, and I think everybody has confidence in each other.’

The No. 5 Wildcats were trying to get to the Elite Eight for just the second time ever. Serena Sundell had a game-high 22 points, Ayoka Lee added 12 and Jaelyn Glenn added 10. 

USA TODAY Sports brought you live updates, scores, highlights and analysis throughout the game. Check it out.

Who does USC women’s basketball play in Elite Eight?

The Trojans play Paige Bueckers and UConn in the Elite Eight on Monday at 9 p.m. ET. Bueckers is coming off a career-high 40-point performance in the Sweet 16. Here is an early preview of UConn vs. USC women’s basketball.

Avery Howell stats

USC freshman Avery Howell turned in a career-high 18 points against Kansas State, providing a much needed boost for the Trojans. She was 4-of-8 from 3, and recorded 8 boards, 4 steals and an assist. On the season, she averages 7.1 points per game.

Kennedy Smith stats

Kennedy Smith scored 19 points (7-of-14 shooting), 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals for the Trojans.

JuJu Watkins injury: What to know

The superstar USC guard suffered a season-ending knee injury in a second-round game against Mississippi State. Here’s everything you need to know about her injury and recovery timeline.

Women’s March Madness bracket

Here’s the Elite Eight schedule.

No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 2 Duke, Sunday, 1 p.m. on ABC
No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 3 LSU, Sunday, 3 p.m. on ABC
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 2 TCU, Monday, 7 p.m. on ESPN
No. 2 UConn vs. USC, Monday, 9 p.m. on ESPN

Serena Sundell stats

Kansas State’s Serena Sundell got to the free throw line 11 times, sinking 10, to go along with 6-of-13 shooting for 22 points.

USC vs. Kansas State score in 3Q

The Trojans went on a 12-0 run in the third quarter to take a 48-45 lead. Kiki Iriafen got up to 6 points for USC, although it was a tough night shooting for her (3-of-13 from the floor). Rayah Marshall had 6 points and 6 boards through three, while Avery Howell had 11 on 4-of-6 shooting. Kennedy Smith led USC with 14 points through three.

For the Wildcats, Serena Sundell recorded 18 points through three quarters and Jaelyn Glenn had 10.

USC vs. Kansas State score at halftime

The Wildcats led the Trojans 30-28 at halftime. For the Wildcats, Temira Poindexter logged 6 points, Serena Sundell had 8, Jaelyn Glenn put up 9, and Zyanna Walker scored 3. For USC, Kennedy Smith scored 11, Avery Howell had 6 and Rayah Marshall and Kiki Iriafen had 2 apiece.

USC women’s basketball vs. Kansas State score after 1Q

The Trojans held a 16-9 advantage after the opening quarter. Kennedy Smith led all scorers with 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 1-of-3 from 3, in the frame.

USC women’s basketball roster

The Trojans were led all season by JuJu Watkins before she suffered a season-ending knee injury. But Kiki Iriafen showed what she’s capable of with her 36-piece in the second round; she averages 18.6 a game on the season to go along with 8.5 rebounds. Kennedy Smith (9.2), Rayah Marshall (7.4) and Avery Howell (7.1) are also key contributors. Here is the full USC women’s basketball roster.

Kiki Iriafen stats

USC forward Kiki Iriafen stepped up in a big way when JuJu Watkins went down in the second round of the NCAA women’s tournament. Iriafen recorded a team-high 36 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks in the 96-59 victory over No. 9 Mississippi State. The senior averages 18.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. She shoots 50.6% from the floor and 30.8% from 3.

How tall is Kiki Iriafen?

Kiki Iriafen is 6-foot-3.

JuJu Watkins shirt

The Trojans are rocking pregame Nike shirts with JuJu Watkins on them.

‘It just was a team decision that we love her, and we know she’s watching at home,’ USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said pregame. ‘We got her back. We know her imprints are all over this program and we are going to channel her energy today and fight for USC.’

Kansas State women’s basketball roster

The Wildcats are led by center Ayoka Lee, Serena Sundell and Temira Poindexter. Lee leads the team in scoring with 15.6 points per game, to go along with 6.4 rebounds and 2 blocks; Sundell averages 13.9 points, 7.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game while Poindexter, who shoots 40.5% from 3, records 12.7 points per game. Here is the full Kansas State women’s basketball roster.

What grade is JuJu Watkins in?

JuJu Watkins is a sophomore at USC.

Where is JuJu Watkins from?

Watkins is from Los Angeles.

USC vs. Kansas State women’s basketball predictions

Nancy Armour, USA TODAY: USC 
Cora Hall, Knoxville News-Sentinel: USC 
Meghan L. Hall, For The Win: USC 
Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY: USC 
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: USC 
Cory Diaz, Lafayette Advertiser: Kansas State 
Maxwell Donaldson, The Gadsden Times: USC 

SPOKANE, Wash. — Paige Bueckers had the ball at the wing, dribbled to her right off a ball screen and connected on a mid-range jump shot. 

She was officially cooking.

The UConn women’s basketball star scored a career-high 40 points as the No. 2 Huskies (34-3) knocked off No. 3 Oklahoma 82-59 in the NCAA tournament Sweet 16 on Saturday at Spokane Arena. It also set a new UConn single-game NCAA tournament scoring record previously held by Kerry Bascom since 1991.

That bucket in the fourth quarter gave Bueckers 30 points and UConn’s first 20-point lead of the game. It was part of a run of 19 straight points scored by Bueckers. 

“Paige was spectacular,” UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. ‘That was as good of a game as I’ve seen her play the whole time that she’s been here, and at the most important time. When you’re a senior and you’ve been around as long as she has, this is what you’re here to do. It’s why you came here.”

The Huskies, who will play either No. 1 Southern Cal or No. 5 Kansas State in the Elite Eight on Monday, trailed Oklahoma (27-8) by four points at halftime. Bueckers scored 29 points in the second half and shot 12-for-16 from the floor.

It came one game after Bueckers scored 34 points in her final game at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion to tie a career high.

‘We see this every day in practice,’ Auriemma said. ‘Every day at practice there’s long stretches of exactly what you saw today. Little by little it’s dawned on her, I think, that there is no next year. There is no, I can get this any time I want. You’re going to have to get it now or it won’t be available anymore. So, what she does is not a surprise to anybody on our team.”

Corrections: A previous version of this story misspelled the name of Walter Clayton. It also incorrectly referred to the lead Texas Tech had with three minutes left. Texas Tech led by nine.

The 84-79 victory didn’t come easily for the Gators, who needed to rally late to defeat Texas Tech. 

Walter Clayton Jr. finished with 30 points for the Gators after shooting 7 of 14 from the field and making 13 of 14 free throw attempts. Thomas Haugh was particularly clutch, going 4-of-6 from behind the arc and delivering 20 points to the cause.

Florida will play the winner of Auburn vs. Michigan in the South Region final.

Texas Tech collapse as Florida caps off epic comeback

The Red Raiders collapsed down the stretch after leading by nine points with three minutes left in the game. A combination of the Gators’ success from long range and a pair of missed free-throw attempts by Texas Tech benefited Florida.

Texas Tech foul: Late mistake crucial in defeat

The final seconds featured questionable decision-making in the minds of some as Texas Tech fouled a Florida player just before a 10-second violation may have been called on the Gators.

Florida Gators caught from long range

Florida managed to find success down the stretch from the three-point line, leaving the Red Raiders without an answer as the game slipped away from them.

Clayton Jr. played a key role in the Gators’ long-range attack during the final three minutes of the game.

He provided a pair of assists on two of Haugh’s final three-pointers during the period before Clayton scored a pair of three-pointers on his own.

The second of the two shots pushed Florida back in front 78-77 for a lead the team wouldn’t relinquish.

Reaction to Florida vs. Texas Tech

The New York Yankees had a big offensive outing Saturday afternoon to improve to 2-0 after its opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Aaron Judge led the Yankees in the 20-9 victory, having gone 4-for-6 at the plate while hitting three home runs and bringing in eight runs.

The Yankees started the game with three consecutive home runs with each coming on one of the first three pitches of the game. The team also set a new franchise record, finishing the game with nine home runs. 

Despite the offensive outing, the team’s newly designed bats may be the biggest takeaway from the day.

New York Yankees’ new bat design explained

Several of the Yankees players were spotted wielding a uniquely designed bat on Saturday.

The Yankees’ longtime broadcaster and play-by-play announcer, Michael Kay, spent time during the game explaining the bats in question while Anthony Volpe was at the plate with one in his hands.

‘The Yankees front office’s analytics department did a study on (Volpe),” Kay said. “Every single ball it seemed like he hit on the label, he didn’t hit any on the barrel, so they had bats made up where they moved a lot of the wood into the label so that the harder part of the bat is going to strike the ball.”

Reaction to Yankees’ newly designed bats

The superstar UConn women’s basketball guard dropped a career-high 40 points in an 82-59 win over Oklahoma to get the Huskies to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season, the 18th time in the last 19 seasons and the 29th time in program history.

‘I felt not so great in the first half, felt a lot better in the second half,’ Bueckers, who recorded 11 first-half points, said postgame. ‘We knew shots would fall. We thought we did well defensively besides a couple mental mistakes that we made as a team, that I made individually.

‘But just sticking with it, sticking to our habits and sticking to what we do. Getting the same shots and trusting that they are going to fall. We work extremely hard as a team and just trusting that and continuing to play our game.’

Bueckers was subbed out with about 3 minutes left, getting a thunderous ovation from the entire crowd in Spokane, Washington.

USA TODAY Sports brought you live updates, scores, highlights and analysis throughout the game. Check it out below.

Paige Bueckers stats, points today

Paige Bueckers scored 40 points against Oklahoma — a new career high and a record for most points by a UConn player in an NCAA Tournament game. She went 16-of-27 shooting (including 6-of-8 from 3) and has 6 boards, an assist, 3 steals, 2 blocks and 3 turnovers.

Who does UConn women’s basketball play next in Elite Eight?

The Huskies will play No. 1 USC on Monday at 9 p.m. ET. Here is an early preview of UConn vs. USC women’s basketball.

Paige Bueckers career-high points

The UConn guard’s career-high in a game is now 40 points. Her previous career-high was 34 points, achieved twice: Most recently in the second round against South Dakota State and for the first time against Arkansas in November 2021.

UConn women’s basketball scoring leaders

Paige Bueckers (2,375) moved into third on the list after a 40-point performance in the Sweet 16. Maya Moore (3,036), Breanna Stewart (2,676) and Napheesa Collier (2,401) lead the list.

Paige Bueckers scoring in NCAA Tournament

Paige Bueckers’ opened the game against Oklahoma with a 3-pointer, which moved her up the all-time scoring list in the NCAA Tournament. She sits in ninth, ahead of Seimone Augustus and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (374) and just behind Bridgette Gordon (388).

UConn women’s basketball national championships 

Paige Bueckers hometown

Paige Bueckers is from Hopkins, Minnesota.

What year is Paige Bueckers? 

Bueckers is a fifth-year senior. 

How old is Paige Bueckers? 

Paige Bueckers is 23 years old. 

Paige Bueckers height

The UConn guard is 6 feet tall. 

Paige Bueckers pronunciation

Paige Bueckers pronounces her name BECK-ers, according to the UConn 2024-25 media guide.

UConn vs. Oklahoma score after 3Q

Paige Bueckers fueled the Huskies to a 59-46 lead after three quarters. UConn, which was down 36-32 at the half, outscored Oklahoma 27-10 in the third.

Bueckers scored 8 of the Huskies’ first 10 points in the quarter, bringing her to 21 on the day. Sarah Strong has been stuffing the stat sheet, posting a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds to go along with 3 assists, 2 steals and a block. Azzi Fudd has 8 points, and Ashlynn Shade has 12 off the bench.

UConn vs. Oklahoma score at halftime

The Sooners led 36-32 at halftime. Oklahoma outscored UConn 24-15 in the second quarter.

Paige Bueckers recorded 11 points for UConn, and Azzi Fudd scored 6. Ashlynn Shade and KK Arnold came off the bench to add 8 and 3, respectively.

It was balanced offensive attack in the first two quarters for Oklahoma with all five starters on the score sheet. Payton Verhulst had 13 points, Renya Scott had 8, Raegan Beers had 5, Sahara Williams had 6 and Skylar Vann had 2.

UConn women’s basketball score vs. Oklahoma after 1Q

The Huskies went on an 11-0 run to take a 17-12 after the first quarter.

Paige Bueckers led UConn with 11 points in the frame. Azzi Fudd added 3 points. KK Arnold nabbed two steals and assisted Ashlynn Shade on a layup.

Oklahoma women’s basketball coach

Jennie Baranczyk (pronounced bah-RON-check) has led the Sooners since 2021 and has them in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. Oklahoma went 74-26 in her first three seasons and sits at 27-7 going into today’s game against UConn.

UConn women’s basketball roster 

The Huskies score 81.7 points per game (ninth in the country) and shoot 51.3% from the floor, tops in women’s college basketball. In addition to touting Paige Bueckers and her 19.2 points per game, the Huskies get 16.1 points from Sarah Strong and 13.4 points from Azzi Fudd per game. Here is the full UConn women’s basketball roster. 

Oklahoma women’s basketball roster 

The Sooners average 85.4 points per game (fifth in the country) and shoot 45.8% from the floor, including 32.3% from 3. Center Raegen Beers leads the attack, her 64.5% shooting good for fifth in the country. In addition to Beers’ 17.5 points per game, three other Oklahoma players average double digits in scoring: Payton Verhulst (14.9), Sahara Williams (10.4) and Skylar Vann (10.0). Here is the full Oklahoma women’s basketball roster. 

UConn women’s basketball vs. Oklahoma starting lineups

Oklahoma: Reyna Scott, Payton Verhulst, Zya Vann, Sahara Williams, Raegan Beers
UConn: Paige Bueckers, Jana El Alfy, Kaitlyn Chen, Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd

Azzi Fudd stats

Azzi Fudd’s collegiate career won’t end following the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament. Fudd, who played just two games during the 2023-24 season due to a torn ACL, has averaged 13.4 points on 48.6% shooting, two rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game in 30 games, including 26 starts, this year

During the NCAA Tournament, Fudd posted 27 points on 10 of 13 shooting, seven assists and six steals in a first-round victory over Arkansas State. Fudd then recorded 17 points and two steals in the 91-57 win over South Dakota State in the second round.

UConn vs. Oklahoma women’s basketball predictions 

Nancy Armour, USA TODAY: UConn
Cora Hall, Knoxville News-Sentinel: UConn
Meghan L. Hall, For The Win: UConn
Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY: UConn
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: UConn
Cory Diaz, Lafayette Advertiser: UConn
Maxwell Donaldson, The Gadsden Times: UConn 

WNBA mock draft 2025

As the women’s NCAA tournament in disarray weeks ahead of the 2025 WNBA Draft. So as March Madness push for a national championship continues, let’s review Meghan L. Hall’s latest WNBA mock draft from For The Win to see who has helped their stock during the first two rounds of March Madness.

March Madness women’s schedule

Here is the schedule for the remainder of the tournament.

Elite Eight

Sunday, March 30

No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 2 Duke, 1 p.m. on ABC
No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 3 LSU, 3 p.m. on ABC

Monday, March 31

No. 2 TCU vs. No. 1 Texas, 7 p.m. on ESPN
No. 1 USC vs. No. 2 UConn, 9 p.m. on ESPN

Both Final Four games on are Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m. ET and 9:30 p.m. ET. ESPN will air the contests. The national championship game is Sunday, April 6 at 3 p.m. ABC will carry the game.

Is Paige Bueckers entering WNBA draft? 

Yes. She said as much on Friday. The 2025 WNBA draft isn’t called the Paige Bueckers sweepstakes for nothing. Bueckers burst onto the scene in 2021 with a breakout freshman campaign that earned her AP Player of the Year and Naismith College Player of the Year honors. Although a string of injuries forced Bueckers to miss significant time, including the entire 2022-23 season with an ACL tear, the fifth-year senior guard has returned to form and is looking to lead the Huskies to the Final Four for the fourth time in her career. Bueckers is currently UConn women’s basketball’s sixth all-time leading scorer with 2,290 points and is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick of the draft. — Cydney Henderson