Sports
Vanderbilt pursues first tourney win since 2012 in matchup with McNeese State
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) battles for the ball during the first half of the SEC tournament championship game against Arkansas at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026. Vanderbilt, the No. 5 seed in the South Region, aims for its first NCAA Tournament win since 2012 when it faces 12th-seeded McNeese State in Oklahoma City on Thursday afternoon.
The Commodores (26-8) nearly replicated the path of the 2012 team, which stunned powerhouse Kentucky to clinch the school’s last Southeastern Conference tournament title. Arkansas pulled away in the final minutes of the title game to win 86-75.
Vanderbilt’s best two players, guards Tyler Tanner (19.1 points, 5.1 assists, 2.4 steals per game) and Duke Miles (16.5 points, 4.5 assists, 2.7 steals), were brilliant in the three-game tournament run as the Commodores knocked off ranked Tennessee and Florida squads.
The Commodores felt they’d earned better than what they received from the NCAA Tournament selection committee. But coach Mark Byington downplayed the angle as Vanderbilt kept its focus on what’s ahead.
“One of the things I told the guys earlier, I was like, ‘whatever number they put beside us, ignore it,'” Byington said. “It does not make a difference. We are playing a good team.”
The Cowboys (28-5) were the 12-team Southland Conference’s second-place finisher in the regular season. McNeese got the league’s automatic bid by defeating UT Rio Grande Valley 84-80 in triple overtime, then winning 76-59 over regular-season champion Stephen F. Austin.
Bill Armstrong became the first coach in Southland history to take his team to the NCAA Tournament in his first Division I season. He took over for Will Wade, who led McNeese to consecutive berths before leaving for NC State.
“We haven’t lost a game that wasn’t on someone else’s home court this year,” Armstrong said. “We’re 19-0 now when we’re not on someone else’s home court. This group’s been able to find a way to win games in different ways all year long.”
The Cowboys are paced by a formidable backcourt trio — Southland Freshman of the Year Larry Johnson (17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals per game), fellow first-team all-league pick Tyshawn Archie (14.3 points, 2.9 assists, 1.7 steals) and last year’s Southland Player of the Year Javohn Garcia (12.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals).
McNeese ranks first in the country in forcing turnovers (24.1% of possessions, per KenPom), points off turnovers (27.7%) and fourth in block rate (15.8%).
Getting the ball away from Vanderbilt hasn’t been easy this season. They are 11th nationally with a 13.3% turnover rate and top 20 in avoiding blocked shots (7.1%, 18th).
Vanderbilt also ranks fourth nationally in free-throw percentage (79.3%) while opponents scored 23.9% of their points at the line, 24th nationally per KenPom.
Vandy’s Tyler Nickel (13.5 points per game) snapped a long shooting slump by hitting 5 of 7 from distance against Arkansas.
Other key Commodores include bigs Devin McGlockton (9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds per game) and Jalen Washington (9.1, 5.7), both of whom struggled with foul trouble.
The Cowboys aren’t particularly big, and they shoot only 31.6 percent from 3-point range. But they’re athletic — seven players had at least 25 steals and six blocked at least 10 shots — and love to press. Their best interior player is 6-foot-10 Jerrell Colbert (5.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game), who previously played at LSU, Kansas State and SMU.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke sues NCAA for '26 eligibility
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on Monday as he seeks an additional season of eligibility.
Heinecke, who participated in last month’s NFL Scouting Combine after his waiver request and appeal were denied by the NCAA, is seeking an injunction before the NFL draft begins on April 23.
An emergency hearing for the case has been scheduled for April 16 in Oklahoma’s Cleveland County Court.
“We’re not giving up,” Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy said of Heinecke’s case earlier this month. “Owen is just a guy you want to fight for.”
Heinecke was ruled by the NCAA to be out of collegiate eligibility due to playing in three lacrosse games at Ohio State in 2021 before transferring to Oklahoma’s football program as a walk-on. He redshirted in 2022 before playing 39 games over the last three seasons.
He had just 11 total tackles from 2023-24 but broke out last season with 74 tackles (second on the team), 12 tackles for loss and three sacks, earning recognition on the All-SEC second team.
“OU fully supports Owen and his pursuit of a fair opportunity to continue playing the game he loves,” Oklahoma athletic director Roger Denny said in a statement. “We’ll stand firmly beside him as he works to do just that.”
Heinecke joins a growing list of college football players suing the NCAA for extra eligibility this offseason to mixed results.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted a preliminary injunction to play in 2026 by a Mississippi state court last month, while Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar had his injunction denied. The NCAA has appealed Chambliss’ case.
Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris is also suing the NCAA in an attempt to be granted a seventh year of eligibility.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Louisville outlasts Alabama, advances to Sweet 16
Louisville Cardinals forward Elif Istanbulluoglu (11) gestures as the Cards get the ball on a turnover against Alabama during the 2026 NCAA Women’s March Madness Second Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 23, 2026. Elif Istanbulluoglu and Tajianna Roberts had 18 points apiece and third-seeded Louisville survived sixth-seeded Alabama for a 69-68 win to advance to the Sweet 16 from Regional 3 in Louisville on Monday.
Trailing by four, Alabama’s Karly Weathers scored with 9.4 seconds left and Louisville’s Imari Berry made both free throws before Weathers hit another 3 to make it 69-68 with four seconds on the clock. But after Reyna Scott missed two fouls shots, Alabama didn’t have time to advance the ball for the potential game-winner.
Istanbulluoglu got the second of two free throws to go down with 2:52 to play and Louisville (29-7) corralled Essence Cody’s missed layup a minute later to send Mackenly Randolph to the line. She made a pair to extend the lead to 65-61, then Roberts’ steal of a Cody pass led to a Louisville timeout.
Scott’s clutch running floater from the left elbow to beat the shot clock and add to Alabama’s deficit with one minute to go gave Louisville breathing room.
Weathers had 11 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter. She canned a pair of 3s to put the Crimson Tide (24-11) in front 59-57 as part of an 11-4 run earlier in the quarter. Istanbulluoglu answered with a 3 off of an offensive rebound and Louisville snuck back in front by one as the clock ticked under the 5-minute mark.
Alabama’s Diana Collins made 4 of 5 from 3-point range and the Crimson Tide shot 46.2% (12 of 26) from 3 but only 45.6% overall (26 of 57).
Ace Austin led Alabama with 17 points. She hit her fifth 3 to keep Alabama in striking distance, 52-49, with 1:22 left in the third.
Istanbulluoglu, who also had 11 rebounds, drilled a long 3 and Roberts hit another on the next possession midway through the third quarter to put Louisville up 50-46. It was Louisville’s largest lead of the game at that point since 13-6 in the first.
Louisville survived woeful 7-of-26 shooting from long range with 14 offensive rebounds and 24 points in the pant. Alabama was outrebounded 41-24.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Arizona, Michigan vault to NCAA Tournament title favorites
Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images A No. 1 seed has been eliminated while a No. 11 seed reached the Sweet 16, but the overall dearth of upsets through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament has left sportsbooks sweating.
“It was a chalky opening weekend in the NCAA Tournament with favorites winning 22 straight games from Thursday to Saturday,” BetMGM senior trader Michael Ranftle said. “The sportsbook will be looking for a few upsets in the Sweet 16.”
No. 1 overall seed Duke survived a first-round upset bid from Siena and remains the strongest favorite to reach the Final Four at -110. Part of that is due to the fact that the Blue Devils will face the third-highest remaining seed in No. 5 St. John’s on Friday.
However, Duke has slipped to the third-shortest odds to win the national title, moving from the -300 pre-tournament favorite to -425 on Monday. The Blue Devils are now behind Michigan (+300) and Arizona (+325) at BetMGM.
The Wolverines have been dominant in blowing through No. 9 Howard and No. 9 St. Louis in the Midwest region by an average of 22 points. Michigan will face No. 4 Alabama in the Sweet 16 on Friday. Arizona blew out Long Island to open its West region action before handling a much tougher test against No. 9 Utah State on Sunday night. The Wildcats will also face a fourth seed in Arkansas on Thursday.
DraftKings is currently offering Arizona as the slight title favorite at +330 ahead of Michigan at +340 and Duke at +370. The Wildcats have also been backed by the most total national champion bets (10.7%) and money (18.1%) at BetMGM.
A notable good result for sportsbooks was the elimination of Miami (Ohio), which had been BetMGM’s biggest liability. In general, upsets leave books exposed.
“On the futures book, St. John’s and Arkansas are the biggest remaining liabilities to cut down the nets, while all the 1-seeds are positive outcomes,” Ranftle said.
The book reported that it has received a $100,000 wager on Purdue to reach the Final Four that would pay $600,000. The No. 2 seed in the West, the Boilermakers will play No. 11 Texas on Thursday before a potential Elite Eight showdown against Arizona or Arkansas. Purdue has also moved from +1400 before the tournament to win the national title to +1200 by Monday.
The upset of the reigning national champion Gators left No. 2 Houston as the top remaining seed in the South. If the Cougars can get by No. 3 Illinois on Thursday they would face the winner of No. 4 Indiana against No. 9 Iowa — the second-highest remaining seed.
Houston’s title odds have shortened from +900 to +700 since the tournament began. BetMGM has taken a $50,000 bet at +900 on Houston to win the title that would pay $450,000. That has contributed to the Cougars being backed by 9.3% of all money wagered on the national champion.
Houston has moved from +1200 to +700 at DraftKings since the tournament began. Iowa has seen the biggest movement, shifting from +30000 to +12000 to win the title, while Texas has moved from +40000 to +30000.
–Field Level Media
Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke sues NCAA for '26 eligibility
Louisville outlasts Alabama, advances to Sweet 16
Arizona, Michigan vault to NCAA Tournament title favorites
Sports
Vanderbilt pursues first tourney win since 2012 in matchup with McNeese State
Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner (3) battles for the ball during the first half of the SEC tournament championship game against Arkansas at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026. Vanderbilt, the No. 5 seed in the South Region, aims for its first NCAA Tournament win since 2012 when it faces 12th-seeded McNeese State in Oklahoma City on Thursday afternoon.
The Commodores (26-8) nearly replicated the path of the 2012 team, which stunned powerhouse Kentucky to clinch the school’s last Southeastern Conference tournament title. Arkansas pulled away in the final minutes of the title game to win 86-75.
Vanderbilt’s best two players, guards Tyler Tanner (19.1 points, 5.1 assists, 2.4 steals per game) and Duke Miles (16.5 points, 4.5 assists, 2.7 steals), were brilliant in the three-game tournament run as the Commodores knocked off ranked Tennessee and Florida squads.
The Commodores felt they’d earned better than what they received from the NCAA Tournament selection committee. But coach Mark Byington downplayed the angle as Vanderbilt kept its focus on what’s ahead.
“One of the things I told the guys earlier, I was like, ‘whatever number they put beside us, ignore it,'” Byington said. “It does not make a difference. We are playing a good team.”
The Cowboys (28-5) were the 12-team Southland Conference’s second-place finisher in the regular season. McNeese got the league’s automatic bid by defeating UT Rio Grande Valley 84-80 in triple overtime, then winning 76-59 over regular-season champion Stephen F. Austin.
Bill Armstrong became the first coach in Southland history to take his team to the NCAA Tournament in his first Division I season. He took over for Will Wade, who led McNeese to consecutive berths before leaving for NC State.
“We haven’t lost a game that wasn’t on someone else’s home court this year,” Armstrong said. “We’re 19-0 now when we’re not on someone else’s home court. This group’s been able to find a way to win games in different ways all year long.”
The Cowboys are paced by a formidable backcourt trio — Southland Freshman of the Year Larry Johnson (17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals per game), fellow first-team all-league pick Tyshawn Archie (14.3 points, 2.9 assists, 1.7 steals) and last year’s Southland Player of the Year Javohn Garcia (12.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals).
McNeese ranks first in the country in forcing turnovers (24.1% of possessions, per KenPom), points off turnovers (27.7%) and fourth in block rate (15.8%).
Getting the ball away from Vanderbilt hasn’t been easy this season. They are 11th nationally with a 13.3% turnover rate and top 20 in avoiding blocked shots (7.1%, 18th).
Vanderbilt also ranks fourth nationally in free-throw percentage (79.3%) while opponents scored 23.9% of their points at the line, 24th nationally per KenPom.
Vandy’s Tyler Nickel (13.5 points per game) snapped a long shooting slump by hitting 5 of 7 from distance against Arkansas.
Other key Commodores include bigs Devin McGlockton (9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds per game) and Jalen Washington (9.1, 5.7), both of whom struggled with foul trouble.
The Cowboys aren’t particularly big, and they shoot only 31.6 percent from 3-point range. But they’re athletic — seven players had at least 25 steals and six blocked at least 10 shots — and love to press. Their best interior player is 6-foot-10 Jerrell Colbert (5.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game), who previously played at LSU, Kansas State and SMU.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Oklahoma LB Owen Heinecke sues NCAA for '26 eligibility
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on Monday as he seeks an additional season of eligibility.
Heinecke, who participated in last month’s NFL Scouting Combine after his waiver request and appeal were denied by the NCAA, is seeking an injunction before the NFL draft begins on April 23.
An emergency hearing for the case has been scheduled for April 16 in Oklahoma’s Cleveland County Court.
“We’re not giving up,” Oklahoma general manager Jim Nagy said of Heinecke’s case earlier this month. “Owen is just a guy you want to fight for.”
Heinecke was ruled by the NCAA to be out of collegiate eligibility due to playing in three lacrosse games at Ohio State in 2021 before transferring to Oklahoma’s football program as a walk-on. He redshirted in 2022 before playing 39 games over the last three seasons.
He had just 11 total tackles from 2023-24 but broke out last season with 74 tackles (second on the team), 12 tackles for loss and three sacks, earning recognition on the All-SEC second team.
“OU fully supports Owen and his pursuit of a fair opportunity to continue playing the game he loves,” Oklahoma athletic director Roger Denny said in a statement. “We’ll stand firmly beside him as he works to do just that.”
Heinecke joins a growing list of college football players suing the NCAA for extra eligibility this offseason to mixed results.
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was granted a preliminary injunction to play in 2026 by a Mississippi state court last month, while Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar had his injunction denied. The NCAA has appealed Chambliss’ case.
Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris is also suing the NCAA in an attempt to be granted a seventh year of eligibility.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Louisville outlasts Alabama, advances to Sweet 16
Louisville Cardinals forward Elif Istanbulluoglu (11) gestures as the Cards get the ball on a turnover against Alabama during the 2026 NCAA Women’s March Madness Second Round basketball at the KFC Yum Center In Louisville, Kentucky. March 23, 2026. Elif Istanbulluoglu and Tajianna Roberts had 18 points apiece and third-seeded Louisville survived sixth-seeded Alabama for a 69-68 win to advance to the Sweet 16 from Regional 3 in Louisville on Monday.
Trailing by four, Alabama’s Karly Weathers scored with 9.4 seconds left and Louisville’s Imari Berry made both free throws before Weathers hit another 3 to make it 69-68 with four seconds on the clock. But after Reyna Scott missed two fouls shots, Alabama didn’t have time to advance the ball for the potential game-winner.
Istanbulluoglu got the second of two free throws to go down with 2:52 to play and Louisville (29-7) corralled Essence Cody’s missed layup a minute later to send Mackenly Randolph to the line. She made a pair to extend the lead to 65-61, then Roberts’ steal of a Cody pass led to a Louisville timeout.
Scott’s clutch running floater from the left elbow to beat the shot clock and add to Alabama’s deficit with one minute to go gave Louisville breathing room.
Weathers had 11 of her 13 points in the fourth quarter. She canned a pair of 3s to put the Crimson Tide (24-11) in front 59-57 as part of an 11-4 run earlier in the quarter. Istanbulluoglu answered with a 3 off of an offensive rebound and Louisville snuck back in front by one as the clock ticked under the 5-minute mark.
Alabama’s Diana Collins made 4 of 5 from 3-point range and the Crimson Tide shot 46.2% (12 of 26) from 3 but only 45.6% overall (26 of 57).
Ace Austin led Alabama with 17 points. She hit her fifth 3 to keep Alabama in striking distance, 52-49, with 1:22 left in the third.
Istanbulluoglu, who also had 11 rebounds, drilled a long 3 and Roberts hit another on the next possession midway through the third quarter to put Louisville up 50-46. It was Louisville’s largest lead of the game at that point since 13-6 in the first.
Louisville survived woeful 7-of-26 shooting from long range with 14 offensive rebounds and 24 points in the pant. Alabama was outrebounded 41-24.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Arizona, Michigan vault to NCAA Tournament title favorites
Mar 22, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates after defeating the Utah State Aggies during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images A No. 1 seed has been eliminated while a No. 11 seed reached the Sweet 16, but the overall dearth of upsets through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament has left sportsbooks sweating.
“It was a chalky opening weekend in the NCAA Tournament with favorites winning 22 straight games from Thursday to Saturday,” BetMGM senior trader Michael Ranftle said. “The sportsbook will be looking for a few upsets in the Sweet 16.”
No. 1 overall seed Duke survived a first-round upset bid from Siena and remains the strongest favorite to reach the Final Four at -110. Part of that is due to the fact that the Blue Devils will face the third-highest remaining seed in No. 5 St. John’s on Friday.
However, Duke has slipped to the third-shortest odds to win the national title, moving from the -300 pre-tournament favorite to -425 on Monday. The Blue Devils are now behind Michigan (+300) and Arizona (+325) at BetMGM.
The Wolverines have been dominant in blowing through No. 9 Howard and No. 9 St. Louis in the Midwest region by an average of 22 points. Michigan will face No. 4 Alabama in the Sweet 16 on Friday. Arizona blew out Long Island to open its West region action before handling a much tougher test against No. 9 Utah State on Sunday night. The Wildcats will also face a fourth seed in Arkansas on Thursday.
DraftKings is currently offering Arizona as the slight title favorite at +330 ahead of Michigan at +340 and Duke at +370. The Wildcats have also been backed by the most total national champion bets (10.7%) and money (18.1%) at BetMGM.
A notable good result for sportsbooks was the elimination of Miami (Ohio), which had been BetMGM’s biggest liability. In general, upsets leave books exposed.
“On the futures book, St. John’s and Arkansas are the biggest remaining liabilities to cut down the nets, while all the 1-seeds are positive outcomes,” Ranftle said.
The book reported that it has received a $100,000 wager on Purdue to reach the Final Four that would pay $600,000. The No. 2 seed in the West, the Boilermakers will play No. 11 Texas on Thursday before a potential Elite Eight showdown against Arizona or Arkansas. Purdue has also moved from +1400 before the tournament to win the national title to +1200 by Monday.
The upset of the reigning national champion Gators left No. 2 Houston as the top remaining seed in the South. If the Cougars can get by No. 3 Illinois on Thursday they would face the winner of No. 4 Indiana against No. 9 Iowa — the second-highest remaining seed.
Houston’s title odds have shortened from +900 to +700 since the tournament began. BetMGM has taken a $50,000 bet at +900 on Houston to win the title that would pay $450,000. That has contributed to the Cougars being backed by 9.3% of all money wagered on the national champion.
Houston has moved from +1200 to +700 at DraftKings since the tournament began. Iowa has seen the biggest movement, shifting from +30000 to +12000 to win the title, while Texas has moved from +40000 to +30000.
–Field Level Media
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