Colorado State Rolls Through Virginia

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March 20, 2024

In the second game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Colorado State dominated, defeating Virginia 67-42. This victory marks the Rams’ first tournament win since 2013 and their 25th win of the year. They advance to the round of 64, where they will face the Midwest seventh seed, the Texas Longhorns. While Virginia appeared to have a chance at their first tournament win since their 2019 national championship victory, Colorado State took control.

Led by Nique Clifford and Joel Scott, the Rams stifled Virginia’s struggling offense, limiting them to a 25% shooting percentage from the field, their lowest of the year. Virginia had the lowest scoring average of any tournament team at 62.9 points per game, and their 14-for-56 shooting night was a significant drop from their usual 43.4% field goal percentage. On the offensive end, Colorado State had a strong performance, shooting over half their field goals.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Transfer senior Nique Clifford had an impressive all-around game with a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Clifford’s impact was evident throughout the game with timely cuts to the basket and creating opportunities for his teammates. Defensively, he held Virginia’s leading scorer this season, Isaac McKneely, to just six points on a 2-for-13 shooting night. Another standout for the Rams was Joel Scott, leading CSU with 23 points and securing another double-double with 11 rebounds in the victory.

Colorado State dominated the rebounding battle, grabbing 43 rebounds compared to Virginia’s 24. The Rams’ focus and physicality in the paint contributed to this advantage, but Virginia’s poor shooting also played a role. Of CSU’s 43 rebounds, 37 were on the defensive end. Virginia had a tough shooting night overall, particularly in the first half when they went 5-for-29.

Photo Cred: Streaking the Lawn

They closed the first half with a ten-and-a-half-minute drought without a field goal. They missed their first five shots of the second half, resulting in 20 consecutive missed field goal attempts. Reece Beekman led Virginia in the losing effort with 15 points and 4 assists. Colorado State now advances to face Texas in the Round of 64 in Charlotte, looking to continue their impressive season. This win adds to one of the best seasons in school history for the Rams.

2024 SEC Baseball: Auburn

By

Memphis Spence

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March 19, 2024

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Auburn is coming off a surprising season. Expected to finish next to last in the SEC West, the Tigers won 34 games, including 17 in conference play, and secured a 3rd place finish in the West. South Carolina also hosted a regional for the second consecutive year. The Gamecocks failed to secure a win in the regionals, going 0-2 and falling to Southern Mississippi. The 2024 Tigers aim to make an impact in the SEC, entering the season ranked 23rd by Baseball America.

Photo Cred: Aurbun

Auburn hopes to make a push for a National Championship. Notably, the team faces significant losses in its infield. Cole Foster, the starting shortstop, and Bryson Ware, the starting third baseman known for his power at bat, played in 50 or more games in 2023 before being drafted. Additionally, the Tigers lost two promising prospects to the draft: Kevin McGonigle and Colt Emerson, both shortstops. While other position players transferred out, none of the starters departed.

On the pitching front, most of last year’s pitchers return. The team did lose a couple to the transfer portal. The most notable losses are Tommy Vail, the top starter who graduated, and the top relief pitcher Chase Isbell. Last year, the Tigers boasted one of the top offenses in college baseball, with multiple players hitting more than 10 home runs.

Photo Cred: Auburn

The lineup will be formidable in 2024. Returning catcher Ike Irish, who played in all 54 games last season, led the team with a .361 average and 24 doubles, with only 5 errors behind the plate. Other returning key players include starting center fielder Chris Stanfield, who started 40 games, Bobby Peirce, batting .343, and Cooper McMurray, who hit 14 homers last season. Auburn made significant moves in the transfer portal, bringing players such as Deric Fabian from Florida, Cooper Weiss from Miami (OH), and Javon Hernandez from Jacksonville State for the infield.

Mason Maners, another transfer from Jacksonville State, joins the team in the outfield.
On the pitching side, the staff remains mostly unchanged from last year. Apart from the losses of Vail and Isbell, the rotation and bullpen look familiar with some new additions. Joseph Gonzalez, a standout pitcher who missed the 2023 season after just one start, returns for 2024.

Auburn also acquired pitchers for the starting rotation, including Connor McBride from Division II St. Johns River and Carson Myers from UAB. Many of last year’s key arms are back, including Will Cannon, John Armstrong, Chase Allsup, and Tanner Bauman, all aiming for a shot at the national championship.

2024 SEC Baseball: South Carolina

By

Memphis Spence

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March 19, 2024

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Photo Cred: 1000 logos

After a 2023 super-regional loss to fellow SEC team Florida, the South Carolina Gamecocks are gearing up for a strong 2024 season. Finishing third in a competitive SEC East with a 42-21 (16-13) record, they began the year ranked 12th in Baseball America’s preseason rankings and are poised to contend for a national championship. Projected to once again rank near the top, South Carolina anticipates hosting another Regional as they pursue a title run.

Pitching is pose the biggest challenge for the Gamecocks this season. The team lost five pitchers to the draft, including a top starter from 2023. Jack Mahoney started 17 games for SC in 2023, pitching just over 84 innings with a 4.16 ERA. Also drafted were Will Sanders, who started 11 games, and Noah Hall, who started seven. Returning players and new additions will fill these roles. Notable returning pitchers include bullpen arm Eli Jones and starter Matthew Becker, with over 50 innings pitched in 2023.

Photo Cred: The State

Big righty Connor McCreery expects to step up in relief in 2024. Freshmen Eddy Cooper, Parker Marlatt, and Tyler Pitzer should contribute immediately. Transfers Ty Good from Charleston and Tyler Dean from Virginia Tech should make an impact. The 2023 Gamecocks were known for their strong offense, a trend likely to continue in 2024. The team hit over 100 home runs last season, and many sluggers return. The departure of top hitter Braylen Wimmer, who batted .304 in 2023 with 11 doubles and 14 homers, is notable. However, the core of the potent offense remains intact.

Leading the returners is right-handed outfielder Ethan Petry, a preseason All-American and 2023 freshman of the year, boasting a .376 average with 23 home runs and 73 RBIs. Also returning are infielders Gavin Casas, Talmadge LeCroy, and catcher Cole Messina, all starters in over 50 games last season. New additions to the lineup include transfers Kennedy Jones from UNC Greensboro, Tyler Causey from UNC, andfreshmen Ryan Bakes and Lee Ellis.

2024 SEC: Arkansas Razorbacks

By

Memphis Spence

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March 19, 2024

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Expectations are soaring this season for the Arkansas Razorbacks, who are determined to bounce back from a heartbreaking loss to TCU in the Regionals on their field last year. The Razorbacks are following a 43-18 (20-10) campaign that secured the SEC West title ahead of eventual national champions LSU are poised to dominate the SEC and contend for the national championship. Picked to clinch the top spot in the SEC West once again in the Preseason SEC polls, Arkansas is primed to clinch the SEC tournament and host a regional for the third time in four years.

Photo Cred: Arkansas Money

Ranked as a consensus top-five team in preseason polls, placing 2nd by Perfect Game and 3rd by D1Baseball, Arkansas boasts an impressive pitching staff. Leading the charge this year is LHP Hagan Smith, a preseason first-team All-American pitcher. Smith, a Golden Spikes semifinalist last season, concluded 2023 with a 3.64 ERA and 109 strikeouts. Joining him in the starting rotation are standouts like Texas Tech transfer Mason Molina and returner Brady Tygart, who steps into a starting role this season.

With Cody Adcock departing to the draft, the bullpen should be anchored by Gage Wood, who notched 42 strikeouts in 30 innings over 23 appearances in 2023. The Razorbacks’ lineup this season is a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers. Leading the charge at the plate is returning OF/DH Kendall Diggs, projected to be a mainstay in the field this year for Arkansas after primarily serving as DH last season.

Photo Cred: Southwest Times

Diggs concluded last season with nearly a .300 batting average and a team-leading 63 RBIs. Following Diggs, power hitters in the lineup include Texas Tech transfer Hudson White and Missouri transfer Ty Wilsmeyer.

Israel to Square Off against Iceland in Euro 2024 Qualifying Play-off Semifinal

By

Ethan Burke

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March 19, 2024

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33V37F3-highres — Photo Cred: Time of Israel

After a four-month break, Israel will continue its quest for the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament as they will face Iceland in a single-leg knockout match on Thursday. Israel got placed in the PATH B semifinal group along with Iceland, Ukraine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina due to finishing in third place in Group I. The winner of Israel vs. Iceland will face the winner of Ukraine and Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 26.

Thursday’s matchup will be at Szusza Ferenc Stadion in Budapest, Hungary. The contest is considered a “home game” for Israel, but moved due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Israel has a chance to make history. The Israel national soccer team has never qualified for a European championship since being a member of UEFA in 1994. Alon Hazan’s team heads into the semifinals ranked 75th in the world, two spots below Iceland at No. 73.

Photo Cred: Facebook

After 10 matches in the qualification round, Israel finished third in its group behind Romania and Switzerland. The Israel national soccer team ended group play with four wins, three draws, and three losses. Hazan’s team started the competition with a 1-1 draw against Kosovo and a 3-0 loss to Switzerland. Israel rebounded with victories over Belarus and Romania before drawing with Romania in its fifth matchup. Maccabi Tel-Aviv midfielder Gavriel Kanichowsky scored the game-winning goal to lift Israel past Belarus 1-0 in their second matchup in September.

It was a challenging finish to group play for Israel. In their first game since the conflict began, Israel’s national soccer team fell to Kosovo 1-0 after allowing a goal from midfielder Milot Rashica in the 43rd minute. U.S. Salernitana 1919 forward Shon Weissman scored a late goal in the 88th minute to secure a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in its eighth game of the qualifying round. Hazan’s team conceded two goals in the second half of their 2-1 loss to Romania before finishing the qualification round with a 2-0 victory over Andorra.

Photo Cred: AP News

Weismann and FC Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Oscar Gloukh have been the leading goal scorers for Israel throughout the EURO 2024 qualifying tournament, with two each. Both players scored in the final five minutes in Israel’s 2-1 win over Belarus in June. Gloukh also scored in the second half of Israel’s 1-1 draw with Romania in September. Other goal scorers for Israel in the tournament are Maccabi Tel-Aviv midfielder Dor Peretz, Tottenham midfielder Manor Solomon, Maccabi Haifa F.C. midfielder Gadi Kinda, Maccabi Tel-Aviv forward Eran Zahavi, and defender Raz Shlomo.

FC Dynamo Moscow right-back Eli Dasa, the captain of the Israel national team, is another player to watch. Omri Glazer, goalkeeper for Israel, also plays for FK Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in Serbia. Iceland heads into Thursday’s matchup after a challenging stretch in group play. They aim to qualify for its first Euro tournament since 2016. Iceland’s national soccer team finished fourth in Group J with three wins, a draw, and six losses. Age Hareide’s team concluded the qualification round behind Portugal, Slovakia, and Luxembourg.

Israel faces a tough task against Iceland’s talent. K.A.S. Eupen striker Alfred Finnbogason will be a challenging matchup. Finnbogason, with several accomplishments in his career, was named MVP of the Eredivisie league in 2014 and won the Super League in Greece with Olympiacos Piraeus in 2016. The 35-year-old striker has three goals in the Euro 2024 Qualifiers so far. LOSC Lille midfielder Hakon Arnor Haraladsson also scored three goals in group play, including goals in Iceland’s victories over Liechtenstein and one in its 3-1 loss to Luxembourg in September.

Photo Cred: Times of Israel

Aron Gunnarson, Iceland’s team captain, also has three goals, all coming in Iceland’s 7-0 win over Liechtenstein in September. F.C. Copenhagen midfielder Orri Oskarsson has scored two goals in Iceland’s national soccer team’s 1-1 draw with Luxembourg and in the first half of their 4-2 loss to Slovakia in November. Lyngby Boldklub forward Andri Gudjohnsen has also been effective for Iceland. Israel vs. Iceland will kick off on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. CT.

Netflix Announces New Sports Series ‘Receiver’

By

Stephen Patrick

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March 19, 2024

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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — March 19, 2024 — Today, Netflix announced its newest sports series “Receiver” that follows pass catchers for the 2023 NFL season: Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders), Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers), Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions). “Receiver” is an eight-episode series set to premiere in Summer 2024 as a continuation of Netflix’s relationship with the NFL that first began with “Quarterback,” which hit the Netflix Global Top 10 for three weeks last year.

The series is produced by NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions, with executive producers Ross Ketover, Pat Kelleher and Keith Cossrow from NFL Films, executive producers Peyton Manning and Jamie Horowitz from Omaha Productions, and executive producer Patrick Mahomes from 2PM Productions.

“The natural progression is from a pass to a catch, so we’re excited to dive into the ‘Receiver’ world after the success of our ‘Quarterback’ series,” said Gabe Spitzer, vice president, nonfiction sports, Netflix. “NFL Films, Omaha Productions and 2PM Productions have delivered again in finding unique and dynamic athletes who will further highlight the drama of this sport on and off the field.”

“We were thrilled last summer to see audiences all over the world diving into the lives of NFL quarterbacks,” said Joe Zucco, supervising producer, NFL Films. “We believe the extraordinary skills, dedication and passion of the NFL’s great wide receivers – and one tight end – will make a perfect follow-up.”

“We are excited to be working again with Netflix and NFL Films to give fans unprecedented access to what it’s like to play receiver at the highest level,” said Peyton Manning. “As we did with ‘Quarterback,’ we look forward to telling the stories of five incredible receivers, each with their unique personality, skillset and motivation for what drives them to be the best.”

Netflix is the premier home for great sports stories as this series joins Netflix’s lineup of sports programming, including recent releases like “Quarterback,” “Formula 1: Drive To Survive,” “Full Swing,” “NASCAR: Full Speed,” “Untold,” “Tour de France: Unchained,” “Under Pressure: The U.S. Women’s World Cup Team,” “Six Nations: Full Contact” and more. Netflix has partnered with sports leagues including Formula 1, National Football League (NFL), the PGA TOUR, Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), Fédération internationale de football association (FIFA), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and more.

About Netflix

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with over 260 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

About NFL Films

NFL Films is widely recognized as the most honored filmmaker in sports and continues to produce innovative franchises and documentaries across multiple networks and platforms, including “Quarterback” on Netflix, “Hard Knocks” on HBO/Max, “Peyton’s Places” on ESPN+, eight “30 for 30″ films on ESPN, and recent premium programming across Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, MGM+, Fox, NBC, CBS, NFL Network, NFL+ and The Roku Channel. In 2023, NFL Films productions earned seven No. 1 rankings on five different platforms. “Bullies of Baltimore” was the No. 1 ranked “30 for 30″ film premiere in the history of the ESPN+ platform, “Quarterback” was the No. 1 series on Netflix for eight days and Top 10 in 16 countries, “The Pick is In” was the No. 1 ranking Roku Original documentary premiere of all time, “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets” was the No. 1 unscripted series for six straight weeks on Max, and “Kelce” became the No. 1 movie or series on Amazon Prime Video, only to be surpassed by “Bye Bye Barry” just two months later as the platform’s No. 1 documentary of all time in the U.S. Completing the extraordinary year, HBO’s “Hard Knocks: In Season with the Miami Dolphins” became the No. 1 series on Max in the final week of 2023. With 136 Sports Emmy Awards to its credit, NFL Films remains a gold standard in premium sports content, providing an elevated and connected viewer experience with unprecedented access to the athlete story.

About Omaha Productions

Omaha Productions is a media company launched by Peyton Manning following his retirement from the NFL. Omaha focuses on developing content that unifies and uplifts people and communities. Omaha Productions executive produces ESPN’s Emmy-award-winning “Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli” along with alternative telecasts for college football, NBA, golf, F1 and The UFC. The company also produces ESPN+’s “Places” franchise featuring series from Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Abby Wambach, Vince Carter, David Ortiz, Ronda Rousey, P.K. Subban, Sue Bird and John McEnroe. Omaha executive produced the Netflix series “Quarterback” and shows for ABC, A+E Networks and NBCUniversal. Omaha has also teamed up with the NFL to reimagine the Pro-Bowl and launch the inaugural NFL FLAG Championships, a youth flag football tournament airing on ESPN in July. The Omaha Audio Network provides daily sports talk in partnership with ESPN. More info here: http://www.omahaproductions.com.

Fans Can Now Register for Free Entry to NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light in Detroit

By

Stephen Patrick

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March 19, 2024

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NEW YORK — March 19, 2024 — The 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is heading to Detroit for the first time. The three-day event will be free and open to fans in the downtown area surrounding the award-winning Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza from April 25 – April 27.

Fans can now register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or on the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. All adults are required to register but can also register up to five children to get into the event.

“The NFL Draft has an unmatched energy, one full of hope and optimism for both prospects, teams and fans, and we’re thrilled to welcome Detroit residents and visitors from around the country and the world to this unique, three-day free event,” said Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president, league events, club business and international at the NFL. “As the home of the 2024 NFL Draft, Detroit’s rich history and culture in football, music, art and style will be on full display for all fans and families to experience and enjoy.”

The 2024 NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage – the NFL’s ultimate fan festival – will take place during all three days of the Draft. This free fan experience invites Detroit residents and visitors to participate in immersive exhibits and sponsor activations; take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at NFL Shop presented by Visa; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage. The player appearance schedule will be announced in the coming weeks and available exclusively in the NFL OnePass app.

Hart Plaza will host all Draft Experience Presented by Rocket Mortgage activations, including games, exhibits, player appearances and sponsor experiences. Corner Ballpark will host youth-focused activities, including NFL FLAG skills and drills and football clinics. Fans are encouraged to get to Draft Experience early, as attendance will be on a first-come first-served basis.

With Detroit’s distinct culture in music, art, food and style, the Draft Experience will feature elements unique to the Motor City. Food and beverage vendors will highlight the local fare, as the Taste of Detroit concessions will represent various neighborhoods in the city, including soul food, Greek, Mexican, Middle Eastern and East African cuisines. As an integral part of Detroit’s culture, dance will play a large role on Day 3 of the Draft. The Detroit Hustle will be celebrated across Campus Martius Park with fan participation encouraged.

NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY ROCKET MORTGAGE – HOURS OF OPERATION

DATE	HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, April 25	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 26	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27	9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

All times are local and may be subject to change.

Built in front of the award-winning Campus Martius Park, the NFL Draft Theater will act as the hub where all 32 teams pick the future football stars live and in-person. General fan viewing is standing room only and will be on a first-come first-served basis. The Draft in its entirety will also be broadcasted on multiple screens throughout the Draft Experience site.

During each day of the major event, the NFL will host free concerts in the Draft Theater as part of the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light. On Thursday and Friday, concerts will take place before picks start and feature local artists, along with a post-Draft Drone Show and tribute to Detroit music on Friday night. A post-Draft performance on Saturday will close out the major event. Each day, the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light will be on a first-come first-served basis and standing room only. Headliners will be announced at a later date.

NFL DRAFT PROGRAMMING – TIMING

DATE	TIMING (ESTIMATED)
Thursday, April 25	8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday, April 26	7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27	12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

All times are local and may be subject to change.

For more information on the 2024 NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage and for the full list of interactive games and attractions, fans should visit https://www.nfl.com/draft/event-info/ and download the NFL OnePass app or on the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. Fans are required to download the NFL OnePass app or register via the website to enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage, receive digital content and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes, including a grand prize trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. For fans without a smartphone, registration on site via our Fan Services staff is also permitted.

The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is a fully accessible event. For more details on mobility assistance, parking, transportation options and road closures, fans can check the Know Before You Go information, which will be released over the coming weeks. The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and streamed on NFL+ beginning Thursday, April 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET with the first round, followed by Rounds 2-3 Friday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. ET and Rounds 4-7 Saturday, April 27 at noon ET from Detroit.

Akron Zips are MAC Champions and Secure Their Trip to the NCAA Tournament

College

By

Megan Frey

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March 19, 2024

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The Akron Zips claimed the MAC Championship title, earning their spot in the NCAA Tournament after a thrilling showdown against rivals Kent State at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland. Last year, Kent State held the MAC Championship title, a reign they aimed to extend despite successive defeats to Akron in the regular season. The Zips, however, emerged victorious in the game’s final moments, capitalizing on late errors by the Golden Flashes to seize the 2024 MAC title.

Photo Cred: Megan Frey

This victory marks Akron’s fifth MAC championship, two of which were won in the last three years. The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start, with both teams fiercely competing for control. Nate Johnson set the tone early for Akron with a three-pointer, signaling the Zips’ early dominance.

In the first half, Ali and Freeman showcased their skills, with Ali scoring an impressive 14 points from beyond the arc and Freeman adding 8 points through free throws and strong drives to the basket. Together, they orchestrated a powerful offensive performance, leading Akron to a 34-29 halftime advantage over Kent State.However, the second half brought a dramatic shift in momentum as Kent State emerged from halftime with determination to rewrite their story of redemption.

Photo Cred: Megan Frey

With just under 13 minutes left, the Golden Flashes mounted a stunning comeback, erasing the deficit and taking the lead. In the face of adversity, Johnson stepped up for Akron, engineering a decisive 5-0 run of his own with a combination of baskets and a crucial free throw to regain control of the game. Can Akron make a run?

Who Should Rutgers Basketball Target in the Transfer Portal?

By

Andrew Rice

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March 18, 2024

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Scarlet Knights fans have been buzzing recently on social media due to the loss of Derek Simpson, Antwone Woolfolk, and Antonio Chol to the transfer portal. While the upcoming recruiting class gives Knights fans no reason to panic, there is no good reason why the Knights shouldn’t explore the transfer portal to better round out their roster and ensure no role is left unfilled heading into next season. Two names stand out as potential targets.

Photo Cred: YouTube

The first name is center Josh Cohen from UMass. The 6-foot-10 senior, originally from New Jersey, has entered the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. The Knights showed interest in Cohen last year when he considered the portal, indicating that the coaches see him as a good fit. Cohen led UMass in scoring with 16 points per game and ranked second on the team in rebounding with 6.8 per game. He would be a valuable addition to the Knights, especially given the uncertain future of Cliff Omoruyi. If Omoruyi departs, Cohen could provide excellent depth for the Knights next season.

The second name is Clark Slajchert from Penn. The 6-foot-1 senior from Los Angeles is coming off a season where he averaged a career-high 18 points and 2.9 assists per game. While his height suggests he may not be a full-time starter, having strong scoring depth down the roster is crucial for a deep tournament run.

Photo Cred: Penn

Slajchert excels in an area where Rutgers lacks strength—the three-point line, boasting an impressive 42.4% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Adding him to the roster would enhance Rutgers’ rotation and maintain momentum when the top scorers need a rest. These potential acquisitions would round out the Knights’ roster and improve their chances of making a deep run in March next season.

2024 SEC Preview: Vanderbilt Baseball

By

Memphis Spence

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March 18, 2024

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5920114c-3706-4f32-851a-3ac67444aa2e_269231_TABLET_LANDSCAPE_LARGE_16_9 — Photo Cred: Vandy

Vanderbilt had a successful season last year but fell short once again. The Commodores won 42 games and finished 2nd in the SEC East before claiming the SEC tournament title, only to be defeated by Xavier in the Regionals. Starting the year ranked 7th in Baseball America’s preseason rankings, the team faces significant changes this season. Offensively, the team suffered losses from the draft, including their top outfielders and some of their key pitchers and signees.

Photo Cred: D1 Baseball

Enrique Bradfield Jr. and RJ Schreck started every game last year, while Hunter Owen started 11 games on the mound, and Nick Maldonado made 21 appearances in relief—all four were among the six players drafted. Additionally, the draft claimed their top four prospects, notably the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year, Max Clark. They managed to avoid losing players to the transfer portal, except for Parker Noland and TK McKenzie. Despite significant losses, the Commodores welcome back returning players for the 2024 season.

Players like Jack Bulger, Alen Espinal, RJ Austin, and Jonathan Vastine are expected to take on prominent roles. Chris Maldonado stands out. He hit .307 with 30 RBIs in just 41 games last year. New additions include standout portal transfer Jayden Davis from Samford, who is poised to make an impact. Camden Kozeal, Braden Holcomb, and RJ Hamilton will compete for opportunities in the vacancies left by departures from the previous season. Pitching is a strength for the Commodores this year. The rotation is led by returning lefties Devin Futrell and Carter Holton.

Photo Cred: Vandy

With a blend of returning players, freshmen, and transfers, the bullpen is deep. Returners Andrew Dutkanych IV, Bryce Cunningham, and Ryan Ginther will have another strong season. Transfers Sawyer Hawk from Air Force and Levi Huesman from Coastal Carolina should play significant roles in the bullpen. Freshmen Ethan McElvain, Miller Green, Alex Kranzler, and Brennan Seiber will also contribute innings.

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