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UCLA defeats St. Mary’s to return to the Sweet 16 for the second straight year

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They will escape their dance strikes as soon as once more.

The UCLA Bruins are going again to the Candy 16 for a second consecutive season after locking down and pulling away from St. Mary’s within the second spherical of the NCAA match on Saturday night on the Moda Heart.

Trailing by as many as seven factors within the first half, the Bruins ratcheted up their protection a number of notches and withstood the lack of guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. to an ankle harm with about seven minutes left on the best way to a 72-56 victory.

The ultimate minutes had been an prolonged celebration. With the Bruins up 15 factors and followers chanting “U-C-L-A!” Bruins ahead Cody Riley offered his personal exclamation level by making a three-pointer on the finish of the shot clock, holding three fingers aloft afterward for impact.

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UCLA coach Mick Cronin flashed a thumbs-up to followers on his approach off the court docket, his Bruins (27-7) advancing to face eighth-seeded North Carolina in a regional semifinal on Friday in Philadelphia after the Tar Heels toppled defending nationwide champion Baylor earlier within the day. UCLA and North Carolina had been supposed to fulfill in Las Vegas this season earlier than the Bruins went on a 26-day pause after a COVID-19 outbreak on the group.

It’s the primary time UCLA has superior to the Candy 16 in back-to-back seasons since doing so in 2014-15 throughout coach Steve Alford’s first two seasons.

Jaquez went down alongside the baseline with an ankle harm and needed to depart with slightly below seven minutes left. Jaquez had scored 15 factors on six-for-11 taking pictures whereas carrying the Bruins’ offense for lengthy stretches of the primary half.

He limped round to check the ankle earlier than taking a spot on the bench, turning round to see his mom blow him just a few kisses from her spot three rows again.

Level guard Tyger Campbell scored 16 factors and Jules Bernard and Johnny Juzang added 14 every for the Bruins.

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The house of the Portland Path Blazers ended up being R.I.P. Metropolis for St. Mary’s, which was bidding for under its second Candy 16 at school historical past and first since 2010. Logan Johnson led the Gaels (26-8) with 18 factors.

Resembling the phrase throughout their warmups that learn “No Stop,” St. Mary’s shortly worn out most of a seven-point halftime deficit, Alex Ducas’ three-pointer pulling the Gaels inside 38-37. Discovering separation was onerous even after Bernard made a driving layup to place his group again up by seven.

UCLA guard guard Johnny Juzang shoots over St. Mary’s guard Tommy Kuhse throughout the first half of the Bruins’ 72-56 win Saturday.

(Craig Mitchelldyer / Related Press)

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Ducas rattled in one other three-pointer to trim the Bruins’ benefit to 48-44. That’s when Juzang, largely lacking in motion since coming back from a sprained ankle earlier this month, scored six consecutive factors for his group on a bounce hook within the lane and baseline jumpers from both sides of the court docket, extending the cushion to 10 factors halfway by the second half.

UCLA took an unlikely 36-29 halftime lead given the sport’s opening minutes couldn’t have gone a lot worse. The Gaels’ precision offense flummoxed UCLA to the purpose that Cronin resorted to a dreaded rarity — a zone protection — and Johnson, who as soon as performed for Cronin at Cincinnati, responded with a three-pointer to interrupt an early tie.

After St. Mary’s adopted with two extra three-pointers to take a 16-9 lead, Cronin turned to his final resort: a timeout. The Bruins’ protection was getting shredded and its offense was seemingly going one-on-five with Jaquez attacking the basket however nobody else doing a lot of something.

The Gaels finally took a seven-point lead earlier than a humorous factor occurred on the best way to the Bruins’ obvious demise. They unleashed presumably their finest protection of the season.

It began with forcing one missed shot after one other because of traps, shortly shuffling toes and energetic fingers. UCLA rolled off a 13-0 run whereas St. Mary’s missed 12 consecutive pictures and dedicated three turnovers whereas going scoreless for 6½ minutes.

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At one level, the Bruins in full lockdown mode going right into a timeout, UCLA freshman guard Peyton Watson flapped his arms to invigorate the group because the mother and father and donors behind the group bench roared in celebration.

After St. Mary’s made six of its first 9 pictures whereas holding UCLA to three-of-nine taking pictures, the tendencies had reversed by halftime. The Bruins made 11 of their final 19 pictures whereas holding the Gales to 4 of 17.

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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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