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March Madness 2022: Michigan in Sweet 16 again as Eli Brooks puts away Vols late

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Eli Brooks returned for one remaining school season with the aim of serving to Michigan attain the Ultimate 4.

Defying expectations, the Wolverines are midway there.

Brooks scored seven of his 23 factors within the remaining 3½ minutes and the Eleventh-seeded Wolverines booked probably the most shocking of their 5 straight Candy 16 appearances, beating third-seeded Tennessee 78-68 on Saturday within the second spherical of the NCAA Event.

“I’m simply making an attempt to dwell within the second proper now and cherish the time we have now with the folks in my life proper now at Michigan and benefit from the means of going by way of this match once more and having that likelihood of getting our final aim,” stated Brooks, a fifth-year senior.

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Michigan’s Hunter Dickinson (1), and Eli Brooks (55) have a good time after they defeated Tennessee in a school basketball recreation within the second spherical of the NCAA match, Saturday, March 19, 2022, in Indianapolis.
(AP Picture/Darron Cummings)

Michigan’s 5 straight journeys to the regional semifinals is the second-longest streak within the nation behind Gonzaga’s. The Bulldogs beat Memphis on Sunday evening to make their seventh consecutive Candy 16.

It wasn’t clear late within the season whether or not the Wolverines could be within the match, a lot much less have an opportunity for a deep run.

Hardly a traditional Cinderella given its assets and pedigree, Michigan (19-14) has the worst file of any group left within the subject and did the naked minimal to safe an at-large berth. The Wolverines hadn’t gained two straight video games since mid-February.

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Nonetheless, coach Juwan Howard’s squad has loads of expertise and elevated its play down the stretch in opposition to the Southeastern Convention champion Vols, who led by six factors with 8 1/2 minutes left earlier than going chilly. Howard himself needed to be taught some classes about composure when he was suspended for 5 video games late within the season for hitting a Wisconsin assistant throughout a postgame handshake line.

Subsequent up for the Wolverines is both second-seeded Villanova or longtime rival Ohio State, the No. 7 seed, on Thursday within the South Area semifinals at San Antonio, Texas.

“Making it to the Candy 16 is, as literal as it’s, candy as a result of no one believed in us,” stated sophomore huge man Hunter Dickinson, who led Michigan with 27 factors and 11 rebounds. “All people thought we shouldn’t be within the match and now people who had been hating on us are going residence and about to look at us subsequent week.”

Brooks broke Tennessee’s coronary heart together with his late, looping, improvised hook shot.

“He’s all the pieces in terms of being a Michigan man, what he’s performed on the ground, what he’s performed off the ground, together with his improvement, rising as a person, having the ability to regulate to completely different cultures,” Howard stated. “It’s going to be powerful to exchange a man like that. He’s irreplaceable.”

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Kennedy Chandler had 19 factors and Josiah-Jordan James had 13 for Tennessee (27-8), which had a seven-game profitable streak snapped. Two days after taking pictures a faculty tourney file 60% from the sphere, the Vols shot 41.8% and got here up brief once more within the postseason. Tennessee misplaced to Oregon State within the first spherical final 12 months, additionally at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

This 12 months, the sector was crammed to the rafters with an orange hue and Vols followers repeatedly belted out the lyrics to “Rocky High” throughout timeouts — a stark distinction from 2021 when attendance was restricted to about 25% of capability due to COVID-19 restrictions. The power made a distinction.

“We had greater expectations, however credit score to Michigan — they performed higher basketball for 40 minutes,” James stated. “It undoubtedly hurts. It’s not a superb feeling being up right here proper now on the dropping finish.”

Michigan managed many of the first half till the Vols used a late 13-4 run to take a 37-32 halftime lead. Tennessee performed with the lead for many of the second half till Michigan went on a 14-5 run.

The Wolverines twice tied the rating on tip-ins from Terrance Williams II. After which Brooks swung the sport.

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His three-point play with 3:21 to go made it 65-62. Chandler’s jumper minimize the deficit to 66-64, however James missed a 3-pointer and Brooks answered together with his old-school hook earlier than Michigan closed it out on the free-throw line.

BIG PICTURE

Michigan: The Wolverines performed higher than their seeding in Indianapolis, beating Colorado State with a backup level guard earlier than topping the SEC champs. Now, Howard has his group interested by including a nationwide championship banner to Crisler Area.

Tennessee: Coach Rick Barnes’ group seemed to be peaking earlier than the match, which is able to make this loss troublesome to simply accept.

HURT AGAIN

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Michigan start line guard DeVante’ Jones, who missed Thursday’s first-round recreation, returned Saturday solely to depart once more after a collision with teammate Moussa Diabate.

STAT PACK

Michigan: Brooks had 5 assists and Dickinson had 4. Dickinson additionally drew eight fouls. … Diabate completed with 13 factors and 6 rebounds. … Jones performed 11 1/2 minutes. … Michigan had 15 turnovers, in contrast with seven for Tennessee.

Tennessee: Chandler had 9 assists and 4 rebounds. … Uros Plavisc scored 9 factors and grabbed 9 rebounds. … Tennessee was 2 of 18 on 3-pointers and was outscored 13-7 on second-chance factors.

HE SAID IT

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“It’s very irritating. Whether or not you lose on the primary day, the second day, like we did right this moment, otherwise you lose within the semifinals, it’s the identical feeling,” Barnes stated. “I’ve been pissed off quite a bit in my profession, however I’m additionally very grateful that I’ve been in a position to be right here.”

UP NEXT

Michigan will attempt to win its third recreation in a row for the primary time since late January.

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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Knicks reunite Mikal Bridges with Villanova teammates in blockbuster trade with Nets: reports

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There’s just something the New York Knicks love about those Villanova products in the NBA. 

The Knicks have reportedly struck a trade with the Brooklyn Nets to bring Mikal Bridges, a former teammate of Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo during their time at Villanova, to Madison Square Garden in a blockbuster deal. 

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In this first trade between both teams since 1983, the Knicks will send veteran forward Bogdan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick in exchange for Bridges, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks talk to Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets after the game on March 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York.  (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Knicks saw exactly what former college teammates could do on the floor together in the NBA last season, as Brunson, DiVincenzo and Hart all had stellar campaigns during the team’s playoff run. 

Now, Bridges reunites with teammates he won multiple NCAA national titles with during his college days. 

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KENDRICK PERKINS CALLS BRIAN SCALABRINE ‘COWARD’ AFTER FORMER TEAMMATE CLAIMS HE’S BANNED FROM CELTICS PARADE

Bridges’ reaction was likely that of all Knicks fans, as he posted on social media. 

“This is crazy lol,” Bridges simply posted on X. 

Bridges, the 10th overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft who was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, has developed into a star with the Nets since he was dealt before the deadline in the 2022-23 campaign. 

He jumped from 17.2 points per game to 26.1 over 27 contests that season as a Net, and last year’s production was solid as well. 

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Mikal Bridges gets rebound

Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats grabs a rebound in front of teammates Donte DiVincenzo #10 and Jalen Brunson #1 against the Providence Friars at the Wells Fargo Center on January 23, 2018, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Bridges averaged 19.6 points per game with 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 43.6% from the field over all 82 regular-season games. 

The Philly native, who was a 2021-22 All-Defensive team honoree, figures to slot right into the starting lineup alongside his Villanova brothers, including the All-Star Brunson who exploded for an All-NBA nod after averaging a career-high 28.7 points per contest. 

The news of Bridges’ addition comes as OG Anunoby, the Knicks’ traded-for wing last season, reportedly opted out of his contract and decided to test free agency. 

Bridges, at 6-foot-6, has the ability to guard just about any player on the floor, and head coach Tom Thibodeau loves players with that extra hustle, which he provides every night. 

New York is clearly a win-now team after going 50-32 last season to earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. But they’ve lost in the conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons, so adding another playmaker who can thrive on both ends of the floor was paramount for their squad this offseason. 

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Mikal Bridges runs on court

Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after making a shot in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on April 01, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

That box is checked with the addition of Bridges, who shouldn’t have any trouble getting acclimated with his new team.

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

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Sika Anoa’i, WWE Hall of Famer and father of Roman Reigns, dies at 79

WWE Hall of Famer Sika Anoa’i, who won multiple WWE tag team titles with his brother Afa and is the father of current WWE star Roman Reigns, died Tuesday. He was 79.

His death was announced by nephew Jahrus Anoa’i on Instagram.

Jahrus wrote: “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of Former Hall of Famer, Polaivao Leati Sika Anoa’i. He passed away peacefully on June 25th. He was many things: a hard working father, a caring brother, a supportive uncle, and a proud grandfather. He was a cherished friend to many, a loving family member whose warmth and kindness knew no bounds, and an inspiration to countless individuals. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations, reminding us of the impact one person’s life can have on so many. Rest in love Uncle Sika.”

Anoaʻi was born on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa on April 5, 1945. He and his family (he had 13 siblings) moved to San Francisco when he was 14 and he joined the Merchant Marines in 1963 before leaving in 1969 at the behest of Afa to become a pro wrestler.

Sika and Afa were known as “The Wild Samoans” and joined the WWE (then known as the WWWF), managed by Lou Albano, in 1980, winning the tag titles just four months after their debut by defeating Tito Santana and Ivan Putski. They lost, then won them again later in 1980, then again in 1983. He had limited success as a singles wrestler, but anyone who saw “The Wild Samoans,” with their wild hair, sarong and wrestling barefoot in the ring, will never forget them. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.

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Sika trained wrestlers after retiring and helped launch the careers of many, including Yokozuna, Virgil, Billy Kidman, Batista, Rikishi, Tonga Kid, Virgil, Michael P.S. Hayes and Snitsky.

Anoaʻi’s son, Joseph, better known as Roman Reigns, is the top star in WWE currently and members of his extended family make up the faction known as “The Bloodline,” which has led WWE to renewed success in recent years. Reigns headlined the last two WrestleManias, including the 2023 event at SoFi Stadium.

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

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Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk jumps in ocean with Stanley Cup as celebration hits the beach

The Stanley Cup is back in Florida, as the Panthers won a thrilling Game 7 over the Edmonton Oilers, 2-1, on Monday night. 

The team wasted no time parading Lord Stanley’s Cup around South Florida, as Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad and many others were spotted in Fort Lauderdale celebrating their victory less than 24 hours after defeating Edmonton. 

And since it is summer in Florida, what other way would you celebrate than by taking the Cup to the beach. 

Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after their 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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Tkachuk, surrounded by teammates and fans alike, took the Cup across the street to the beach, where he decided to take it into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Think of it as a sort of baptism for the Cup, as it’s the first time in Panthers franchise history they have won the hardware. 

Panthers fans were screaming as Tkachuk, Ekblad and others held the Cup above their heads, giving it the customary kiss all while the waves came rolling in from the ocean. 

PANTHERS WIN STANLEY CUP IN THRILLING GAME 7 OVER OILERS

Tkachuk said after the victory to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan that winning the Cup was no longer a dream – it’s reality. And it was a grueling two years for the Panthers – they lost in the Final to the Vegas Golden Knights last season in five games – to finally get that inaugural trophy in the team building. 

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So, this celebration is a culmination of tons of hard work, and the Panthers are clearly letting loose now that their names will forever be etched on the precious metal. 

Panthers celebrate Stanley Cup win

Panthers players share champagne after beating the Edmonton Oilers at the Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Florida. (Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Through the Panthers’ 24 games in these playoffs, Tkachuk posted 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) to help Florida get the job done. 

He joined the Panthers last season after the Calgary Flames traded him following six seasons with the squad that drafted him sixth overall in 2016. 

Tkachuk posted a 109-point season in 2023, and though he would have 88 this past regular season, every Panthers fan knows the importance he makes at left wing for this hockey club. 

Matthew Tkachuk raise Stanley Cup

Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers lifts the Stanley Cup after beating the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena on June 24, 2024. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

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The celebration has only begun for Tkachuk and the rest of his Florida teammates, who will have their team parade on Sunday.  

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