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Tradition's Finest Episode 123 - "The 3ARNHARDT Episode"
Welcome Back to the Tradition's Finest Podcast!
Episode 123 - "The 3ARNHARDT Episode" includes a discussion of the following sports-related topics:
- NCAA: News & Storylines - - NCAAM College Basketball Week in Review: Week 15: In this first segment, JD & Spencer discuss & review a few of the most notable NCAAM college basketball games from across the league, as well as evaluate some of the most buzzworthy storylines of Week 15 of the NCAA D-I Men's College Basketball season; in particular, the following NCAAM college basketball games are discussed in greater detail:
Friday, February 13th: No.23 Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Ohio Bobcats
Tuesday, February 17th: No.22 Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. UMass "The Race to a Perfect Season:" Miami (Ohio) remains the lone unbeaten team in NCAA D-I Men's College Basketball after winning their 26th straight game over UMass on Tuesday night, 86-77. . .On the docket, the RedHawks' remaining schedule includes the following matchups:
Miami (OH) vs. Bowling Green (H)
Miami (OH) at EMU (A)
Miami (OH) at WMU (A)
Miami (OH) vs. Toledo (H)
Miami (OH) at Ohio (A)
Q: Based on the RedHawks' remaining schedule, do you think that No.22 Miami (Ohio) will pull off what many will consider to be an "improbably perfect" 31-0 season? Or will the RedHawks drop at least one of their final five games to close out the 2025/2026 college basketball season?. . .
Saturday, February 14th: No.17 St. John's Red Storm at Providence Friars: Guard Dylan Darling recorded 23 points & eight (8) rebounds as No.17 St. John's scored eight (8) straight points following a massive brawl that resulted in six (6) player ejections to take the lead and earn its' 11th straight victory, a 79-69 victory over Big East foe, Providence, on Saturday - - Forward Bryce Hopkins had nine (9) points & nine (9) rebounds for the Red Storm (20-5, 13-1 Big East), and the ex-Friars star was in the middle of it all when he was taken down by a hard foul with 14:25 left and Providence (11-15, 4-11 Big East) up 40-39 - - Hopkins, who spent two seasons as one of Providence's top players before tearing his ACL in 2023-24 and transferring to St. John's, was excessively booed during warmups & the Providence student section cheered after each unsuccessful shot attempt - - The Friars were up by one point prior to the bedlam eruption in Amica Mutual Pavilion less than six (6) minutes into the second half of the game - as Friars' graduate forward Duncan Powell committed a Flagrant 2 foul on a driving Hopkins, which led to the fight that resulted in six (6) of the game's seven (7) ejections, that included four (4) St. John's players & two Providence players - - Following a stoppage in play that lasted close to 20 minutes while the officials sifted through the punishments, Rick Pitino's squad took control of the game & took down Providence 79-69 in a testy, Big East contest - - The seventh player ejection came later in the second half when Providence's Jamier Jones was booted from the game after being called for a Flagrant-2 foul committed on St. John's star forward, Zuby Ejiofor. . .Q: What are your thoughts on the six-player scuffle/brawl that took place on Saturday in the St. John's-Providence matchup?. . .
Monday, February 16th: No.2 Houston Cougars at No.6 Iowa State Cyclones: Guard Nate Heise hit a go-ahead 3-pointer and Tamin Lipsey came up with a huge offensive rebound in the final seconds to cap No.6 Iowa State's rally in a 70-67 victory over Big 12 Conference leader, No.2 Houston, on Monday night - - Heise was 3-for-3 from three-point range, just hours after his sister, Taylor Heise, scored a goal to help the U.S. Women's Olympic Hockey team defeat the Swedish national team, 5-0, to reach the gold-medal game in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan - - The Cougars had two chances to tie the game or possibly take the lead, but was called for a shot-clock violation with 43 seconds to play, then Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. missed a shot with four (4) seconds remaining on the clock - - The Cyclones (23-3, 10-3 Big 12) closed the game on a 17-4 run to take down a second top-10 team in three (3) days, after Iowa State defeated the No.8 Kansas Jayhawks 74-56 on the Saturday - - Meanwhile, the Cougars (23-3, 11-2 Big 12) had their six-game winning streak snapped, and their stronghold over the Big 12 Conference lead, was cut to just a half-game over No.4 Arizona for the top spot, as they head into a pivotal matchup versus the Wildcats at home this upcoming weekend - whereas with the win, Iowa State is now third in the Big 12 Conference standings, one game behind Houston. . .
Tuesday, February 17th: No.1 Michigan Wolverines at No.7 Purdue Boilermakers: Elliot Cadeau scored 14 of his 17 total points in the second half Tuesday night, and Aday Mara added 10 points & 11 boards to send the No.1 Wolverines past the Boilermakers, 91-80 - - Trey McKinney, Yaxel Lendeborg, and L.J. Cason each had 13 points for the Wolverines, who won their 11th straight game and took a big step towards capturing their first outright Big Ten regular-season title in five (5) years - - The win came less than 24 hours after Michigan (25-1,15-1 Big Ten) moved into the nation's top spot or No.1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, for the first time since January 2013 - - While the support system was effective, it was time for the 'big man' to shine - all 7-foot-3 of him, as it was Aday Mara's early tone-setting presence that helped the Wolverines turn the tables on Purdue's usually dominant front line - as Mara made each of his first four (4) shots on the way to a 10-point, 8-rebound first half, yet he spent a majority of the second half in foul trouble, finishing 4 of 6 from the field as Michigan finished with a 39-31 rebounding advantage - - Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn scored a season-high 27 points to lead the Boilermakers on a night in which most of his teammates struggled from the field - - All-America guard Braden Smith added 20 points as the Boilermakers (21-5, 11-4 Big Ten) had their four-game winning streak snapped, and they now trail Michigan by 3 ½ games in the Big Ten Conference title race. . .
Wednesday, February 18th: No.20 Arkansas Razorbacks at No.25 Alabama Crimson Tide: In what is being referred to as the College Basketball 'Game of the Year,' Houston Mallette hit a 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining in the second OT period, and No.25 Alabama survived one of the most dominant single-game performances of the season, to edge the visiting Razorbacks 117-115 on Wednesday night in Coleman Coliseum - - **NOTE: Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. scored 49 points - the second most points recorded by a college basketball player this season - while playing all 50 minutes, however, Acuff did miss pivotal jumpers at the end of both extra frames that would have given the Razorbacks (19-7, 9-4 SEC) a short-handed victory on the road- - Arkansas used a seven-man rotation throughout regulation, but had four (4) players foul out in OT, including Acuff Jr., which forced HC John Calipari to turn to two players who had played a combined 35 minutes all season - - It was just the opening to the extra period that Alabama (19-7, 9-4 SEC) needed to pull out a game that will go down as an instant classic - - Star guard Labaron Philon scored 35 points, while big man Aiden Sherrell added 26 - both career highs - to help the Crimson Tide win its' fifth consecutive victory - - Arkansas, meanwhile, lost for the first time in its' last four (4) games played, and Acuff's 49 points are the second most by an Arkansas player, and the most points scored by an Arkansas player ever in SEC Conference play - - Alabama trailed by 14 points in the second half, but an 18-4 run by the Crimson Tide, tied the game, yet they moved in front in the waning seconds of regulation, until Darius Acuff Jr.'s clutch 3-pointer tied the game, 95-95, to send the game into OT - - Meleek Thomas (24) and Billy Richmond III (20) also scored in double figures for the Razorbacks prior to fouling out in the extra period(s), whereas Alabama's Aiden Sherrell & Amari Allen came up big on the boards, recording 13 and 11 boards, respectively - and guard Aden Holloway also finished with 15 points for Nate Oats' squad. . .Q: What are your thoughts on what was, to date, the college basketball "Game of the Year?". . .
- "[No More Pooty] Tang:" Kansas State fired men's basketball coach Jerome Tang for cause, the school announced on Sunday night - - The last-place Wildcats, at the time of Tang's firing, had recorded only one win in Big 12 Conference play this season, and Tang, in his fourth year with the program, lashed out at his players following a blowout loss at home to Cincinnati on Wednesday evening - - The basis for the 'for-cause' firing, per ESPN, is the language that was included in Tang's contract, which specifically references any activity that brings "public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule" to Kansas State - - This is in reference to Tang's postgame comments following the Wildcats' loss to Cincinnati: "These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the University, I'm embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is ridiculous. . .I have no answer. No words." - - Tang, however, took offense to the University's decision to fire him, responding with "I am deeply disappointed with the University's decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination," he told ESPN in a statement. "I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as a head coach." - - In 2023, Jerome Tang signed a contract extension with Kansas State to remain with the program through the 2029-30 season, and there is still $18.67 million remaining on that deal, as he plans to fight the for-cause firing, and has since hired attorneys, Tom Mars & Bennett Speyer, to represent him against the University - - The Wildcats dropped to 1-11 in Big 12 Conference play with a 78-64 loss at No.3 Houston on Saturday, as they played the game without player names on the back of their jerseys, just three (3) days after that rant by Jerome Tang following the Cincinnati loss went viral - - Prior to this season, Tang had been relatively successful in his tenure with the program, as he led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in his first season, recording 26 wins, which was the program's most since Bruce Weber's first season in 2013 - - In his second season with the program, Kansas State struggled in conference play, as the Wildcats missed out on a berth to the NCAA Tournament, and then last season, they finished with a 16-17 overall record, but Kansas State definitely bottomed out this season, sitting at 10-15 overall & tied for last place in the Big 12 Conference. . .Q: What are your thoughts on Kansas State's "for-cause" firing of Jerome Tang? How do you anticipate this story playing out: do you expect that Kansas State will be forced to honor Tang's $18 million contract or is this particular case most likely to be settled outside of the courtroom?. . .**UPDATE: Following the for-cause dismissal of coach Jerome Tang, and in their first game under interim HC Matthew Driscoll, the Kansas State Wildcats snapped a six-game losing streak by knocking off the visiting Baylor Bears 90-74, improving to 11-15 (2-11) in Big 12 Conference play - - G/F PJ Haggerty led the Wildcats with 34 points, yet the focal player of the night was Nate Johnson - who had a masterful performance - by finishing the game with 33 points, 9 assists & 6 steals - - The Wildcats also shot the ball well, finishing the game making 56% of their shots, and locking down the Bears defensively, by holding Baylor to just 40% shooting from the field and 12% from beyond the arc - - In all, Kansas State played a complete, all-around game, in one of its' top performances of the season as a unit. . ."An Odd Exchange:" UCLA suffered its second-straight 20+ point defeat on Tuesday night at No.15 Michigan State, a game that saw Bruins HC Mick Cronin seemingly ejected one of his own players: With the Bruins trailing 77-50 and with 4:26 left to play, UCLA center Steven Jamerson II, a former Michigan State student (and walk-on to the Spartans' basketball team), was called for a flagrant after fouling Carson Cooper from behind on a dunk attempt - - Cronin then sent Jamerson to the locker room - - Jamerson's hard foul wasn't the only development that had Cronin riled up Tuesday night: During the game, Michigan State's student section chanted the name of Bruins center, Xavier Booker, a former five-star recruit who signed with Michigan State prior to transferring to UCLA in April after two underwhelming seasons spent in East Lansing - Booker finished the game with two points & two rebounds in 25 minutes played - - Cronin had a fiery postgame exchange with a reporter who asked him about the Booker chants, saying: "I could give a rat's ass about the other team's student section. I would like to give you a kudos for the worst question I've ever been asked," Cronin said. "You really think I care about the other team's student section?" - - Cronin would then go on to accuse the reporter of "raising your voice at me. Yeah, you are. Everybody is standing here listening to you. Everybody. This is on camera. They can hear you. I answered the question.". . .Q: What are your thoughts on the odd exchange that occurred between UCLA HC Mick Cronin and center Steven Jamerson II? Cronin & the reporter at the postgame press conference?
- NCAA: News & Storylines (cont'd) - - NCAA College Football: The Mid-American (MAC) Conference has elected to add FCS program Sacramento State into the league as a football-only member beginning next season - - Sacramento State will join the conference starting July 1st, the school announced on Saturday, and they will not be eligible for the postseason for two years as it transitions from the FCS to the FBS level - - The cost of entrance is expected to be around $18 million, sources said, with a total cost of entry being around $23 million, as they are required to pay an additional $5 million to the NCAA to move up to the FBS level - - The move will keep the MAC Conference at 13 schools, as Sacramento State will replace Northern Illinois, which is leaving for the Mountain West Conference in football next year - - According to a Twitter/X post, the annual MACtion tilt between Ball State and Sacramento State will now be known as "The Ball-Sac Classic," as presented by Dick's - - **NOTE: This marks a significant move for Sacramento State, as it will be the first West Coast program to make the jump to the highest level of football in well over a generation. . .Q: What are your thoughts on the MAC Conference's addition of Sacramento State as a football-only member, beginning next season? Would you advocate for the annual "Ball-Sac Classic?". . ."Purple Reign:" NCAA Division-III program, Curry College, and their athletics department announced on Wednesday that their Walter M. Katz Field will be re-turfed entirely in Curry Purple in the summer of 2026 - - As the home site of the Colonels' football program, men's & women's soccer and lacrosse teams, this will certainly turn a few heads - - **NOTE: It was Boise State University that first installed the blue turf field in 1986, as they own the trademark for not only a blue field, but any non-green field - - The other six college teams with colored fields actually pay a yearly fee to Boise State (i.e., Red at EWU, Teal at Coastal Carolina, etc.) but we've never encountered a purple field. .until now! - - Now, Curry College will also be held responsible for providing a yearly fee to Boise State Athletics Department for their non-green field trademark. . .Q: What are your thoughts on NCAA D-III program, Curry College, and their plan to re-turf their field the color purple?. . .
- NFL - - The Miami Dolphins are releasing two-time Pro Bowl veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb, a source confirmed to ESPN, signifying a major step toward a franchise rebuild - - Chubb missed the entire 2024 NFL season but returned with a team-high 8.5 sacks in 2025, playing all 17 games - - and as a team captain, he won the local media's "Good Guy" award for his consistent availability and professionalism with the press - - **NOTE: He also represented a $31 million cap hit in 2026, he turns 30 years old in June and has torn his ACL in both knees during his eight-year NFL career - - The move represents the first major roster decision under new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, and believe us when we say, it was just the first of many. . .In addition to the release of OLB Bradley Chubb, the Miami Dolphins also released WR Tyreek "Cheetah" Hill in a flurry of roster moves Monday that will clear significant salary cap space, and officially make Hill a free agent for the first time in his career - - The eight-time Pro Bowler is currently recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL injury suffered in Week 4 last season, so it is unclear when or if Hill will play next season - - Hill would have had $11 million become fully guaranteed this month and his release will reportedly save the Dolphins approximately $22.8 million - - In 54 games played for the franchise, Hill had 340 receptions, 4,733 receiving yards, 28 TDs and was first-team All-Pro in two seasons (2022 and 2023) - - Should Hill choose to return for season No.11 in the NFL next season, he's be 32 years old by the time the 2026 campaign begins - but as he posted on social media "The Cheetah don't slow down. Ever. So to everyone wondering what's next. . .just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back. Born Again,". . .The Dolphins also released WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and guard James Daniels. . .Q: What are your thoughts on the Dolphins' decision to release WR Tyreek Hill among other roster moves completed on Monday? Will Tyreek Hill play in the NFL next season?. . .The "Indiana Bears?:" The Chicago Bears' endeavor for a new stadium took a "meaningful step" foward on Thursday, opening the door for a storied franchise to leave Illinois to potentially build a new, domed stadium in Northwest Indiana - - Indiana lawmakers in the state House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved an amendment to Indiana State Bill 27 by a vote of 24-0 on Thursday that would clear a path for the Bears to build a stadium in Hammond, Indiana - - The Bears' current lease at Soldier Field - the stadium where they currently play their home games, which is owned by the city of Chicago (IL) - runs through 2033. . .Q: What would a move from Illinois to Indiana do to the Chicago Bears' legacy? Thoughts on the possibility that this actually happens?. .
- NBA - - The "Point God" Chris Paul announced his retirement from the NBA via a social media post on Friday - the announcement comes after Paul previously said he would retire at the end of this season, his 21st NBA season - - Throughout his career, Paul played for New Orleans, Houston, OKC, Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio, and the Los Angeles Clippers - - Paul, 40, is a 12-time NBA All-Star, an 11-time member of All-NBA teams, a nine-time All-Defensive teams member, the 2006 Rookie of the Year, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team - - **NOTE: He was also a four-time All-NBA first-team selection, and he ranks second in NBA history with 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals - and he was also the first player to score at least 20,000 points while recording at least 10,000 assists - - Paul is one of seven (7) players to have an NBA career span of at least 21 seasons - - Although Paul never obtained an NBA title, he is just fine, as he is one of six (6) players in NBA history to have reached $400 million in career earnings - - CP3 made the announcement after being waived by the Toronto Raptors on Friday after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers, following a fallout with HC Tyronn Lue, as the Raptors knew Paul would never play in Toronto. . .Q: Are you surprised that CP3 did not sign with a different NBA franchise to finish out his 21st career season?. . ."The 2026 NBA All-Star Game:" In this section, JD & Spencer discuss the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, its' new round-robin format, its' ratings - - as well as the outcome for both the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest & the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest - - **Be Sure to Tune in!!. . .
Thanks for Listening!
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By JD & SpencerWelcome Back to the Tradition's Finest Podcast!
Episode 123 - "The 3ARNHARDT Episode" includes a discussion of the following sports-related topics:
- NCAA: News & Storylines - - NCAAM College Basketball Week in Review: Week 15: In this first segment, JD & Spencer discuss & review a few of the most notable NCAAM college basketball games from across the league, as well as evaluate some of the most buzzworthy storylines of Week 15 of the NCAA D-I Men's College Basketball season; in particular, the following NCAAM college basketball games are discussed in greater detail:
Friday, February 13th: No.23 Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Ohio Bobcats
Tuesday, February 17th: No.22 Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. UMass "The Race to a Perfect Season:" Miami (Ohio) remains the lone unbeaten team in NCAA D-I Men's College Basketball after winning their 26th straight game over UMass on Tuesday night, 86-77. . .On the docket, the RedHawks' remaining schedule includes the following matchups:
Miami (OH) vs. Bowling Green (H)
Miami (OH) at EMU (A)
Miami (OH) at WMU (A)
Miami (OH) vs. Toledo (H)
Miami (OH) at Ohio (A)
Q: Based on the RedHawks' remaining schedule, do you think that No.22 Miami (Ohio) will pull off what many will consider to be an "improbably perfect" 31-0 season? Or will the RedHawks drop at least one of their final five games to close out the 2025/2026 college basketball season?. . .
Saturday, February 14th: No.17 St. John's Red Storm at Providence Friars: Guard Dylan Darling recorded 23 points & eight (8) rebounds as No.17 St. John's scored eight (8) straight points following a massive brawl that resulted in six (6) player ejections to take the lead and earn its' 11th straight victory, a 79-69 victory over Big East foe, Providence, on Saturday - - Forward Bryce Hopkins had nine (9) points & nine (9) rebounds for the Red Storm (20-5, 13-1 Big East), and the ex-Friars star was in the middle of it all when he was taken down by a hard foul with 14:25 left and Providence (11-15, 4-11 Big East) up 40-39 - - Hopkins, who spent two seasons as one of Providence's top players before tearing his ACL in 2023-24 and transferring to St. John's, was excessively booed during warmups & the Providence student section cheered after each unsuccessful shot attempt - - The Friars were up by one point prior to the bedlam eruption in Amica Mutual Pavilion less than six (6) minutes into the second half of the game - as Friars' graduate forward Duncan Powell committed a Flagrant 2 foul on a driving Hopkins, which led to the fight that resulted in six (6) of the game's seven (7) ejections, that included four (4) St. John's players & two Providence players - - Following a stoppage in play that lasted close to 20 minutes while the officials sifted through the punishments, Rick Pitino's squad took control of the game & took down Providence 79-69 in a testy, Big East contest - - The seventh player ejection came later in the second half when Providence's Jamier Jones was booted from the game after being called for a Flagrant-2 foul committed on St. John's star forward, Zuby Ejiofor. . .Q: What are your thoughts on the six-player scuffle/brawl that took place on Saturday in the St. John's-Providence matchup?. . .
Monday, February 16th: No.2 Houston Cougars at No.6 Iowa State Cyclones: Guard Nate Heise hit a go-ahead 3-pointer and Tamin Lipsey came up with a huge offensive rebound in the final seconds to cap No.6 Iowa State's rally in a 70-67 victory over Big 12 Conference leader, No.2 Houston, on Monday night - - Heise was 3-for-3 from three-point range, just hours after his sister, Taylor Heise, scored a goal to help the U.S. Women's Olympic Hockey team defeat the Swedish national team, 5-0, to reach the gold-medal game in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan - - The Cougars had two chances to tie the game or possibly take the lead, but was called for a shot-clock violation with 43 seconds to play, then Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. missed a shot with four (4) seconds remaining on the clock - - The Cyclones (23-3, 10-3 Big 12) closed the game on a 17-4 run to take down a second top-10 team in three (3) days, after Iowa State defeated the No.8 Kansas Jayhawks 74-56 on the Saturday - - Meanwhile, the Cougars (23-3, 11-2 Big 12) had their six-game winning streak snapped, and their stronghold over the Big 12 Conference lead, was cut to just a half-game over No.4 Arizona for the top spot, as they head into a pivotal matchup versus the Wildcats at home this upcoming weekend - whereas with the win, Iowa State is now third in the Big 12 Conference standings, one game behind Houston. . .
Tuesday, February 17th: No.1 Michigan Wolverines at No.7 Purdue Boilermakers: Elliot Cadeau scored 14 of his 17 total points in the second half Tuesday night, and Aday Mara added 10 points & 11 boards to send the No.1 Wolverines past the Boilermakers, 91-80 - - Trey McKinney, Yaxel Lendeborg, and L.J. Cason each had 13 points for the Wolverines, who won their 11th straight game and took a big step towards capturing their first outright Big Ten regular-season title in five (5) years - - The win came less than 24 hours after Michigan (25-1,15-1 Big Ten) moved into the nation's top spot or No.1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, for the first time since January 2013 - - While the support system was effective, it was time for the 'big man' to shine - all 7-foot-3 of him, as it was Aday Mara's early tone-setting presence that helped the Wolverines turn the tables on Purdue's usually dominant front line - as Mara made each of his first four (4) shots on the way to a 10-point, 8-rebound first half, yet he spent a majority of the second half in foul trouble, finishing 4 of 6 from the field as Michigan finished with a 39-31 rebounding advantage - - Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn scored a season-high 27 points to lead the Boilermakers on a night in which most of his teammates struggled from the field - - All-America guard Braden Smith added 20 points as the Boilermakers (21-5, 11-4 Big Ten) had their four-game winning streak snapped, and they now trail Michigan by 3 ½ games in the Big Ten Conference title race. . .
Wednesday, February 18th: No.20 Arkansas Razorbacks at No.25 Alabama Crimson Tide: In what is being referred to as the College Basketball 'Game of the Year,' Houston Mallette hit a 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining in the second OT period, and No.25 Alabama survived one of the most dominant single-game performances of the season, to edge the visiting Razorbacks 117-115 on Wednesday night in Coleman Coliseum - - **NOTE: Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. scored 49 points - the second most points recorded by a college basketball player this season - while playing all 50 minutes, however, Acuff did miss pivotal jumpers at the end of both extra frames that would have given the Razorbacks (19-7, 9-4 SEC) a short-handed victory on the road- - Arkansas used a seven-man rotation throughout regulation, but had four (4) players foul out in OT, including Acuff Jr., which forced HC John Calipari to turn to two players who had played a combined 35 minutes all season - - It was just the opening to the extra period that Alabama (19-7, 9-4 SEC) needed to pull out a game that will go down as an instant classic - - Star guard Labaron Philon scored 35 points, while big man Aiden Sherrell added 26 - both career highs - to help the Crimson Tide win its' fifth consecutive victory - - Arkansas, meanwhile, lost for the first time in its' last four (4) games played, and Acuff's 49 points are the second most by an Arkansas player, and the most points scored by an Arkansas player ever in SEC Conference play - - Alabama trailed by 14 points in the second half, but an 18-4 run by the Crimson Tide, tied the game, yet they moved in front in the waning seconds of regulation, until Darius Acuff Jr.'s clutch 3-pointer tied the game, 95-95, to send the game into OT - - Meleek Thomas (24) and Billy Richmond III (20) also scored in double figures for the Razorbacks prior to fouling out in the extra period(s), whereas Alabama's Aiden Sherrell & Amari Allen came up big on the boards, recording 13 and 11 boards, respectively - and guard Aden Holloway also finished with 15 points for Nate Oats' squad. . .Q: What are your thoughts on what was, to date, the college basketball "Game of the Year?". . .
- "[No More Pooty] Tang:" Kansas State fired men's basketball coach Jerome Tang for cause, the school announced on Sunday night - - The last-place Wildcats, at the time of Tang's firing, had recorded only one win in Big 12 Conference play this season, and Tang, in his fourth year with the program, lashed out at his players following a blowout loss at home to Cincinnati on Wednesday evening - - The basis for the 'for-cause' firing, per ESPN, is the language that was included in Tang's contract, which specifically references any activity that brings "public disrepute, embarrassment, ridicule" to Kansas State - - This is in reference to Tang's postgame comments following the Wildcats' loss to Cincinnati: "These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform. There will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the University, I'm embarrassed for our fans, our student section. It is ridiculous. . .I have no answer. No words." - - Tang, however, took offense to the University's decision to fire him, responding with "I am deeply disappointed with the University's decision and strongly disagree with the characterization of my termination," he told ESPN in a statement. "I have always acted with integrity and faithfully fulfilled my responsibilities as a head coach." - - In 2023, Jerome Tang signed a contract extension with Kansas State to remain with the program through the 2029-30 season, and there is still $18.67 million remaining on that deal, as he plans to fight the for-cause firing, and has since hired attorneys, Tom Mars & Bennett Speyer, to represent him against the University - - The Wildcats dropped to 1-11 in Big 12 Conference play with a 78-64 loss at No.3 Houston on Saturday, as they played the game without player names on the back of their jerseys, just three (3) days after that rant by Jerome Tang following the Cincinnati loss went viral - - Prior to this season, Tang had been relatively successful in his tenure with the program, as he led the Wildcats to the Elite Eight in his first season, recording 26 wins, which was the program's most since Bruce Weber's first season in 2013 - - In his second season with the program, Kansas State struggled in conference play, as the Wildcats missed out on a berth to the NCAA Tournament, and then last season, they finished with a 16-17 overall record, but Kansas State definitely bottomed out this season, sitting at 10-15 overall & tied for last place in the Big 12 Conference. . .Q: What are your thoughts on Kansas State's "for-cause" firing of Jerome Tang? How do you anticipate this story playing out: do you expect that Kansas State will be forced to honor Tang's $18 million contract or is this particular case most likely to be settled outside of the courtroom?. . .**UPDATE: Following the for-cause dismissal of coach Jerome Tang, and in their first game under interim HC Matthew Driscoll, the Kansas State Wildcats snapped a six-game losing streak by knocking off the visiting Baylor Bears 90-74, improving to 11-15 (2-11) in Big 12 Conference play - - G/F PJ Haggerty led the Wildcats with 34 points, yet the focal player of the night was Nate Johnson - who had a masterful performance - by finishing the game with 33 points, 9 assists & 6 steals - - The Wildcats also shot the ball well, finishing the game making 56% of their shots, and locking down the Bears defensively, by holding Baylor to just 40% shooting from the field and 12% from beyond the arc - - In all, Kansas State played a complete, all-around game, in one of its' top performances of the season as a unit. . ."An Odd Exchange:" UCLA suffered its second-straight 20+ point defeat on Tuesday night at No.15 Michigan State, a game that saw Bruins HC Mick Cronin seemingly ejected one of his own players: With the Bruins trailing 77-50 and with 4:26 left to play, UCLA center Steven Jamerson II, a former Michigan State student (and walk-on to the Spartans' basketball team), was called for a flagrant after fouling Carson Cooper from behind on a dunk attempt - - Cronin then sent Jamerson to the locker room - - Jamerson's hard foul wasn't the only development that had Cronin riled up Tuesday night: During the game, Michigan State's student section chanted the name of Bruins center, Xavier Booker, a former five-star recruit who signed with Michigan State prior to transferring to UCLA in April after two underwhelming seasons spent in East Lansing - Booker finished the game with two points & two rebounds in 25 minutes played - - Cronin had a fiery postgame exchange with a reporter who asked him about the Booker chants, saying: "I could give a rat's ass about the other team's student section. I would like to give you a kudos for the worst question I've ever been asked," Cronin said. "You really think I care about the other team's student section?" - - Cronin would then go on to accuse the reporter of "raising your voice at me. Yeah, you are. Everybody is standing here listening to you. Everybody. This is on camera. They can hear you. I answered the question.". . .Q: What are your thoughts on the odd exchange that occurred between UCLA HC Mick Cronin and center Steven Jamerson II? Cronin & the reporter at the postgame press conference?
- NCAA: News & Storylines (cont'd) - - NCAA College Football: The Mid-American (MAC) Conference has elected to add FCS program Sacramento State into the league as a football-only member beginning next season - - Sacramento State will join the conference starting July 1st, the school announced on Saturday, and they will not be eligible for the postseason for two years as it transitions from the FCS to the FBS level - - The cost of entrance is expected to be around $18 million, sources said, with a total cost of entry being around $23 million, as they are required to pay an additional $5 million to the NCAA to move up to the FBS level - - The move will keep the MAC Conference at 13 schools, as Sacramento State will replace Northern Illinois, which is leaving for the Mountain West Conference in football next year - - According to a Twitter/X post, the annual MACtion tilt between Ball State and Sacramento State will now be known as "The Ball-Sac Classic," as presented by Dick's - - **NOTE: This marks a significant move for Sacramento State, as it will be the first West Coast program to make the jump to the highest level of football in well over a generation. . .Q: What are your thoughts on the MAC Conference's addition of Sacramento State as a football-only member, beginning next season? Would you advocate for the annual "Ball-Sac Classic?". . ."Purple Reign:" NCAA Division-III program, Curry College, and their athletics department announced on Wednesday that their Walter M. Katz Field will be re-turfed entirely in Curry Purple in the summer of 2026 - - As the home site of the Colonels' football program, men's & women's soccer and lacrosse teams, this will certainly turn a few heads - - **NOTE: It was Boise State University that first installed the blue turf field in 1986, as they own the trademark for not only a blue field, but any non-green field - - The other six college teams with colored fields actually pay a yearly fee to Boise State (i.e., Red at EWU, Teal at Coastal Carolina, etc.) but we've never encountered a purple field. .until now! - - Now, Curry College will also be held responsible for providing a yearly fee to Boise State Athletics Department for their non-green field trademark. . .Q: What are your thoughts on NCAA D-III program, Curry College, and their plan to re-turf their field the color purple?. . .
- NFL - - The Miami Dolphins are releasing two-time Pro Bowl veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb, a source confirmed to ESPN, signifying a major step toward a franchise rebuild - - Chubb missed the entire 2024 NFL season but returned with a team-high 8.5 sacks in 2025, playing all 17 games - - and as a team captain, he won the local media's "Good Guy" award for his consistent availability and professionalism with the press - - **NOTE: He also represented a $31 million cap hit in 2026, he turns 30 years old in June and has torn his ACL in both knees during his eight-year NFL career - - The move represents the first major roster decision under new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan, and believe us when we say, it was just the first of many. . .In addition to the release of OLB Bradley Chubb, the Miami Dolphins also released WR Tyreek "Cheetah" Hill in a flurry of roster moves Monday that will clear significant salary cap space, and officially make Hill a free agent for the first time in his career - - The eight-time Pro Bowler is currently recovering from a dislocated knee and torn ACL injury suffered in Week 4 last season, so it is unclear when or if Hill will play next season - - Hill would have had $11 million become fully guaranteed this month and his release will reportedly save the Dolphins approximately $22.8 million - - In 54 games played for the franchise, Hill had 340 receptions, 4,733 receiving yards, 28 TDs and was first-team All-Pro in two seasons (2022 and 2023) - - Should Hill choose to return for season No.11 in the NFL next season, he's be 32 years old by the time the 2026 campaign begins - but as he posted on social media "The Cheetah don't slow down. Ever. So to everyone wondering what's next. . .just wait on it. The Cheetah will be back. Born Again,". . .The Dolphins also released WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and guard James Daniels. . .Q: What are your thoughts on the Dolphins' decision to release WR Tyreek Hill among other roster moves completed on Monday? Will Tyreek Hill play in the NFL next season?. . .The "Indiana Bears?:" The Chicago Bears' endeavor for a new stadium took a "meaningful step" foward on Thursday, opening the door for a storied franchise to leave Illinois to potentially build a new, domed stadium in Northwest Indiana - - Indiana lawmakers in the state House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved an amendment to Indiana State Bill 27 by a vote of 24-0 on Thursday that would clear a path for the Bears to build a stadium in Hammond, Indiana - - The Bears' current lease at Soldier Field - the stadium where they currently play their home games, which is owned by the city of Chicago (IL) - runs through 2033. . .Q: What would a move from Illinois to Indiana do to the Chicago Bears' legacy? Thoughts on the possibility that this actually happens?. .
- NBA - - The "Point God" Chris Paul announced his retirement from the NBA via a social media post on Friday - the announcement comes after Paul previously said he would retire at the end of this season, his 21st NBA season - - Throughout his career, Paul played for New Orleans, Houston, OKC, Phoenix, Golden State, San Antonio, and the Los Angeles Clippers - - Paul, 40, is a 12-time NBA All-Star, an 11-time member of All-NBA teams, a nine-time All-Defensive teams member, the 2006 Rookie of the Year, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team - - **NOTE: He was also a four-time All-NBA first-team selection, and he ranks second in NBA history with 12,552 assists and 2,728 steals - and he was also the first player to score at least 20,000 points while recording at least 10,000 assists - - Paul is one of seven (7) players to have an NBA career span of at least 21 seasons - - Although Paul never obtained an NBA title, he is just fine, as he is one of six (6) players in NBA history to have reached $400 million in career earnings - - CP3 made the announcement after being waived by the Toronto Raptors on Friday after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers, following a fallout with HC Tyronn Lue, as the Raptors knew Paul would never play in Toronto. . .Q: Are you surprised that CP3 did not sign with a different NBA franchise to finish out his 21st career season?. . ."The 2026 NBA All-Star Game:" In this section, JD & Spencer discuss the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, its' new round-robin format, its' ratings - - as well as the outcome for both the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest & the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest - - **Be Sure to Tune in!!. . .
Thanks for Listening!