>>South Carolina Storms Past Duke
(Greenville, SC) — Duke’s run in the NCAA Tournament is over. Seventh-seeded South Carolina stormed back in the second half to upset the second-seeded Blue Devils, 88-81, in the second round of the East Regional. The Gamecocks outscored the Blue Devils 65-51 after intermission. South Carolina moves on to face Baylor in the Sweet 16.
>>UNC Survives Scare From Arkansas
(Greenville, NC) — North Carolina is into the Sweet 16 after surviving a scare from Arkansas. The top-seeded Tar Heels scored the game’s final 12 points to pull out a 72-65 win over the eighth-seeded Razorbacks. UNC blew a 17-point lead before recovering to secure a date with Butler in the South Region semis.
>>Michigan Rallies Past Louisville
(Indianapolis, IN) — Michigan is moving on to the Sweet 16 after rallying for a 73-69 win over Louisville. The seventh-seeded Wolverines outscored the second-seeded Cardinals 45-33 in the second half. Michigan meets Oregon in the Midwest Region semis after the Ducks also rallied for a 75-72 win over Rhode Island.
>>Illinois Hosts Boise State In NIT Round Two Tonight
(Champaign, IL) — Illinois is at home tonight for the second round of the NIT. The second-seeded Fighting Illini host sixth-seeded Boise State at the State Farm Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. Illinois moved out of the first round with an 82-57 win over Valparaiso last Tuesday. The Broncos beat Utah 73-68 to advance.
>>Illinois To Introduce Underwood As New Head Coach Today
(Champaign, IL) — Illinois will introduce Brad Underwood as its new men’s basketball coach today. The former Oklahoma State head coach will be introduced at a noon press conference. Underwood replaces Jim Groce, who was fired a week ago Saturday. Assistant Jamall Walker had been the interim coach.
>>Illinois State Hosts UCF In NIT Round Two Tonight
(Normal, IL) — Illinois State has a home game tonight against Central Florida in the second round of the NIT. The teams meet at Redbird Arena, with tip-off at 6 p.m. The top-seeded Redbirds took out UC Irvine 85-71 in the first round last Wednesday. The Knights advanced with a 79-74 home triumph over Colorado.
>>Cardinals Rough Up Teheran, Beat Braves
(Kissimmee, FL) — Lance Lynn pitched five innings of four-hit, shutout ball to lead the Cardinals to a 5-2 win over the Braves in Kissimmee. Matt Adams went 2-for-3 with a home run for St. Louis, which built a 4-0 lead through four against Atlanta starter Julio Teheran. The Cards visit the Astros today.
>>Wacha To Open Season In Rotation
(Jupiter, FL) — Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha will be in the starting rotation to open the season. Manager Mike Matheny confirmed that decision yesterday. Wacha will join Carlos Martinez, Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn and Mike Leake. Matheny has not named an order or who will start the opener.
>>Cactus League Roundup
(Undated) — In Cactus League play yesterday, the Cubs suffered a 6-2 loss to the Royals. Addison Russell hit his fifth homer of the spring in defeat. The White Sox hammered the Angels, 11-2. Carlos Rodon struck out five in his spring debut. Today, the Cubs face the Rockies and the White Sox meet the Giants.
>>Blackhawks Sink Avs With Five-Goal Third
(Chicago, IL) — The Blackhawks scored five times in the third period to rally for a 6-3 win over the Avalanche. Jonathan Toews [[ taves ]], Richard Panik and Artemi Panarin all scored in a 34-second span midway through the big frame. Chicago moved seven points ahead of Minnesota for the top spot in the West with its fifth straight win. The ‘Hawks host the Canucks tomorrow.
>>Ryan Newman Ends Drought, Wins Camping World 500
(Avondale, AZ) — Ryan Newman is back in victory lane following his dramatic win at the Camping World 500. With two laps left, Newman gambled by staying out with worn tires for a final restart and took the checkered flag. It’s his first win in 127 races. Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch, Ricky Stenhouse Junior and Brad Keselowski rounded out the top five.
>>Leishman Wins Arnold Palmer Invitational
(Orlando, FL) — Marc Leishman eagled on the 16th hole to pull out a one-stroke win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Leishman carded a three-under 69 to finish 11-under for the tournament. Third-round co-leaders Kevin Kisner and Charley Hoffman tied for second place at 10-under.