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High Point and Arkansas Advance at NCAA Tournament in Portland

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Portland, OR – The High Point Panthers and the Arkansas Razorbacks advanced from the first round at the NCAA Tournament in Portland in the afternoon session. High Point, a 12-seed, upset the 5–seed Wisconsin Badgers in an 83-82 thriller. Arkansas, a 4-seed, had no issues dispatching 13-seeded Hawai’i 97-78.

High Point was trailing 68-61 with less than eight minutes remaining before they staged their comeback. Chase Johnston’s three-pointer pulled them to within 82-81 with 55 seconds remaining. After the Badgers’ Nick Boyd missed on a shot inside, Johnston received a long pass and scored the go-ahead lay-up with 11 seconds left in the game. It was Johnston’s first two-point basket of the season. Wisconsin had one more chance, but Boyd’s attempt was blocked at the rim. High Point’s Cam’Ron Fletcher missed the front end of a 1-ad-1 with 1.8 seconds left but Wisconsin couldn’t get a shot off at the buzzer.

Wisconsin’s Boyd had no problem getting to the basket. He scored ten points in the last four minutes with his last two-pointer giving the Badgers an 82-78 lead. Boyd scored 27 points on 10-of-20 shooting with seven rebounds and six assists against only one turnover.  John Blackwell added 20 points and 10 assists but was charged with five turnovers. Point guard Rob Martin was impressive for the winners, scoring 23 points and dishing out 10 assists while committing only one turnover.  The hero of the game, Johnston, added 14 points on 4-of-6 three=pointers along with his lone layup. During this season Johnston connected on 68 three-pointers before making the deciding layup.

High Point connected on 15-of-40 3’s while the Badgers made 9-of-23. High Point has been particularly effective this season in not turning the ball over, raked No. 4 in the country with a 12.9% turnover rate. Today they only committed six turnovers against Wisconsin’s ten. They also took advantage of fast break opportunities, sconing 16 fast break points while Wisconsin had only five.

Arkansas had a wire-to-wire win in the nightcap over Hawai’i. The Razorbacks showcased their athleticism with multiple dunks from multiple players.  They raced out to an 11-0 lead and took a 54-36 advantage into halftime. Hawai’i could not make any serious runs in the second half and the game was never in doubt.

SEC Player of the Year, Darius Acuff led the winners with 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting (2-of-5 3’s) and added three rebounds and seven assists. Acuff has been moving up the draft boards as the season progressed with his strong overall play, shot making and point guard skills. He’s averaging 22.9 points per game while shooting 44.4% on 179 three-pointers and has almost a 3 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. Arkansas essentially played only six players. Meleek Thomas was impressive with 21 points and added eight rebounds and five assists as well as a few highlight dunks. Trevon Brazille added 19 points, sox rebounds and three blocks and Malique Ewin contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds (6 offensive).

Arkansas shot only 4-of-21 from deep but dominated inside (64-40 point advantage) and on the fast break (23-12 point advantage). High Point will try for another upset on Saturday but Arkansas looks too big and athletic for them.

This article was written by Carl Berman, Managing Partner of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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St. John’s Wins Second Straight Big East Tournament Title

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – On the final day of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, the conferences’s two top teams squared off in what many expected to be an instant classic. Instead, it was the St. John’s Red Storm who controlled the game from start to finish, dominating UConn for the full 40 minutes to secure back-to-back Big East Tournament championships. The Johnnies never surrendered the lead, and the Huskies never truly looked like they had a chance to mount a comeback, as the game ended in a decisive 72–52 victory for St. John’s.

Similar to St. John’s previous two games in the tournament, attacking the paint was once again a major point of emphasis. A key part of that approach was consistently feeding the ball to the low block, where Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player Zuby Ejiofor made a significant impact. The senior big man finished with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting from the field, while also knocking down two three-pointers.

Ejiofor wasn’t the only one finding success inside. Bryce Hopkins also showcased impressive back-to-the-basket ability, using polished footwork to create space and convert several heavily contested shots around the rim. Hopkins matched Ejiofor’s scoring output, finishing with 18 points of his own on an efficient 7-of-9 from the field.

To add to the Red Storm’s strong offensive performance, they were just as dominant on the defensive end. St. John’s held the Huskies to a stifling 34% from the field and forced 17 turnovers, disrupting nearly everything UConn tried to run, from what looked like clean entry passes to blowing up dribble handoffs. Leading the defensive effort was none other than Zuby Ejiofor. He finished with 3 steals and an impressive 7 blocks, protecting the rim and giving the Huskies nothing easy in the paint. Dylan Darling also made a major impact defensively, matching Ejiofor’s steal total with 3 of his own. Darling did an excellent job reading ball handlers, timing their dribble cadence perfectly and picking their pockets at key moments.

The lone bright spot for the Huskies in this game was senior big man Tarris Reed. Reed finished with 17 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field while adding 7 rebounds. Similar to St. John’s approach with Ejiofor, UConn made a concerted effort to get the ball down low and take advantage of the Reed–Ejiofor matchup. Reed did a solid job using his size and strength to back Ejiofor down and convert several easy hook shots around the rim.

Despite Reed’s strong performance, it was difficult for the Huskies to keep pace while shooting just 16% from three-point range. UConn’s typical perimeter threats—Solo Ball, Braylon Mullins, and Alex Karaban—struggled throughout the game, combining to shoot just 2-of-14 from beyond the arc.

With the Big East Tournament now complete, the attention quickly shifts to Selection Sunday, where the conference’s postseason picture will officially come into focus. St. John’s, UConn, and Villanova are all expected to hear their names called, and the biggest question now becomes where each team will land in the NCAA Tournament bracket. After St. John’s dominant run through Madison Square Garden, the Red Storm will look to carry that momentum into The Big Dance, while UConn and Villanova await their seeding as they prepare for the next stage of the postseason.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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UConn and St. John’s Advance to Big East Tournament Final

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Friday’s semifinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden featured two teams that firmly controlled their matchups from start to finish. Although the final score may suggest a closer game, St. John’s largely dominated from the opening tip, rarely taking its foot off the gas on the way to a 78–68 victory over the Seton Hall Pirates.The second semifinal followed a similar script, as UConn never surrendered the lead against Georgetown, cruising to a 67–51 win to punch its ticket to the championship game.

St. John’s entered their game with a clear plan: attack the paint. Early and often in the first half, the Johnnies fed Zuby Ejiofor and Dillon Mitchell on the block, where both were able to finish with ease. When the initial shot didn’t fall, they frequently drew contact and earned trips to the free-throw line. Ejiofor (20 points), Mitchell (13 points), and Bryce Hopkins (13 points) combined for 46 of St. John’s 78 points, consistently applying pressure on Seton Hall’s interior defense.

For Seton Hall, much like in the quarterfinal round, the Pirates were led by Budd Clark and Jacob Dar. Clark finished with 17 points and showcased strong playmaking ability, adding 11 assists. Dar continued his impressive run in the Big East Tournament as well, finishing with 13 points and 4 rebounds while making multiple hustle plays that helped keep the Pirates competitive.

UConn was led by projected lottery pick and freshman Braylon Mullins. Mullins finished with 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field and 2-pf-9 from beyond the arc. Despite the modest numbers from long distance, he showed that his game is far from dependent on his perimeter shooting. Mullins flashed some surprising back-to-the-basket ability and was particularly impressive with several difficult, off-balance midrange shots that he knocked down with ease.

For Georgetown, Vince Iwuchukwu led the way with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Iwuchukwu displayed impressive athleticism throughout the game, elevating through contact and converting several tough finishes over UConn big men Eric Reibe and Tarris Reed.

With the semifinal round complete, the stage is now set for the Big East Tournament championship at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s and UConn will meet tonight with the conference title on the line, setting up a highly anticipated matchup between two teams that looked dominant in their semifinal victories. With momentum on both sides, the championship game promises to bring the intensity and high-level play that has defined the tournament all week.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Big East Tournament Day 2 Recap

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Thursday at Madison Square Garden once again delivered an exciting day of Big East Tournament basketball. The action began with St. John’s continuing its hot streak, defeating the Providence Friars in convincing fashion. In the next matchup, the Seton Hall Pirates knocked off the Creighton Blue Jays behind an outstanding performance from an unlikely contributor.

The second session brought more drama, starting with the UConn Huskies, who had little trouble handling Richard Pitino’s Xavier squad. The night then concluded with the biggest surprise of the tournament so far, as the 11-seeded Georgetown Hoyas pulled off the upset over the 3-seeded Villanova Wildcats.

Zuby Ejiofor was a man among boys as he helped St. John’s to the 85-72 win over the Friars, establishing his presence in the paint early and maintaining that dominance throughout the game. He filled up the stat sheet with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks, impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

Despite the loss, Providence saw another impressive performance from freshman guard Stefan Vaaks. The sharpshooter finished with a game-high 23 points, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. With the Friars officially announcing they have parted ways with head coach Kim English, it will be worth monitoring where this high-volume scorer ends up next season.

Heading into the 2:30 matchup, the Seton Hall Pirates understood they were fighting to keep even the slightest hopes of an NCAA Tournament bid alive, and they responded with an impressive performance led by Budd Clark and an unlikely hero in Jacob Dar which led to the 72-61 win. Clark finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, getting to his bread-and-butter midrange game and knocking down several tough shots while efficiently orchestrating the offense over 35 minutes.

Despite Clark’s strong outing, the player of the game was senior Jacob Dar. After not playing a single minute in the first half, Dar entered in the second half and immediately made an impact. He finished with 16 points on an efficient 5-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, while also contributing 5 rebounds and a steal in only 15 minutes.

For Creighton, Josh Dix led the way with a game-high 22 points, along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Dix consistently knocked down difficult shots and showed the versatility in his offensive game, proving he is more than just a perimeter shooter. He created opportunities off the dribble, scoring in the midrange and finishing at the rim through contact.

UConn continued its dominance against Xavier by the final score of 93-68, as the Musketeers never held a lead at any point during the game. Tarris Reed and the UConn staff took full advantage of Xavier’s lack of size in the frontcourt, with the senior big man finishing with 17 points and 14 rebounds while controlling the paint. Solo Ball added 19 points, knocking down 4-of-10 from beyond the arc, while senior Alex Karaban contributed another 15 points to help pace the Huskies offensively.

For Xavier, Filip Borovicanin led the way with 22 points. The Musketeers relied heavily on their perimeter shooting and were never able to establish an inside presence throughout the game, which ultimately proved costly. UConn dominated the paint, outscoring Xavier 42–16 in that category.

The nightcap featured the Villanova Wildcats and the Georgetown Hoyas, with Georgetown pulling off the upset over the 3-seeded Wildcats by a score of 78–64. Entering the season, there were questions about Villanova’s consistency, particularly the idea that the team would go as far as its perimeter shooting could take it. That concern showed up in this matchup, as the Wildcats struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 24%. Villanova also had major issues on the glass, getting outrebounded by 21, which allowed Georgetown to control the flow of the game.

The Hoyas were led by sophomore big man Julius Halaifonua, who finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Halaifonua displayed impressive back-to-the-basket skills and footwork, consistently creating quality looks and ultimately having his way against Villanova big man Duke Brennan.

With the quarterfinals now complete, the stage is set for an exciting semifinal round at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s will face Seton Hall in a highly anticipated matchup after both teams delivered impressive performances on Thursday, while UConn will take on Georgetown following the Hoyas’ upset victory over Villanova. With a spot in the Big East Tournament championship on the line, both games promise to bring the same intensity, physicality, and high-level play that has defined the tournament so far.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Louisville Edges Miami in Tightly Contested Battle

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Miami, FL – In a game decided by the smallest of margins, Louisville narrowly defeated the University of Miami 92–89 in a highly competitive matchup that showcased efficient offense, balanced team play, and late-game drama. The contest remained tight throughout, with Louisville controlling much of the first half while Miami continually found ways to stay within striking distance.

From the opening tip, Louisville established a slight rhythm offensively, executing their sets with discipline and efficiency. They maintained a lead for most of the first half, but Miami consistently responded, preventing the game from ever slipping too far out of reach. Statistically, the two teams were remarkably even across multiple categories, reflecting how closely contested the matchup truly was.

Both teams finished with 22 assists, demonstrating strong ball movement and a willingness to create opportunities for teammates. Defensively, Miami recorded five steals while Louisville finished with four, another example of the minimal statistical separation between the two sides. Turnovers were also nearly identical: Louisville committed eight turnovers that resulted in 10 Miami points, while Miami had nine turnovers leading to 11 Louisville points.

Inside scoring was equally balanced as well. Each team scored 38 points in the paint, showing that neither side could consistently dominate interior play. Field goal production also mirrored the tight scoreline, with Miami making 32 field goals and Louisville finishing with 33.

Ultimately, the difference came down to execution in the final moments. With Louisville holding a narrow 90–89 lead late in the game, Miami had an opportunity to either take the lead or tie. However, a critical turnover occurred when Tre Donaldson received a sideline inbound pass and the timing of the play broke down, costing Miami a valuable possession. The game concluded with Tru Washington attempting a full-court heave to force overtime, but the shot fell short as time expired.

Despite the loss, Miami’s season under first-year head coach Jai Lucas has been impressive. The Hurricanes have demonstrated the ability to compete with anyone on their schedule, and covering the team throughout the season has shown that when Miami receives standout performances—particularly from Shelton Henderson—the team can challenge even the strongest opponents. At the same time, the experience and consistency of veteran players Malik Reneau and Tre Donaldson provide a foundation that helps stabilize the team in high-pressure situations.

Louisville’s offensive execution was highlighted by several strong individual performances. Senior guard Isaac McKneely, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound shooter, was particularly effective offensively. McKneely finished with 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting and displayed a smooth shooting form and strong shot selection throughout the game. Louisville consistently ran well-designed offensive sets that allowed him to find scoring opportunities within the flow of the offense.

Ryan Conwell, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior guard, delivered the most productive scoring performance of the night for Louisville. Conwell finished with 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-9 from three-point range. His performance perfectly illustrated the difference between impact and production. In this game, Conwell provided both. He did not force shots, allowed the offense to develop naturally, and scored efficiently without disrupting the team’s rhythm. His defensive effort also contributed to Louisville’s overall performance.

For Miami, senior guard Donaldson, standing 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds, continues to elevate his game. Donaldson’s confidence as a scorer in clutch situations has grown noticeably as the season has progressed. His composure and decision-making suggest the potential to develop into an NBA-level point guard, and with Miami heading toward the NCAA Tournament, he will have an opportunity to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.

Shelton Henderson, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound forward, remains one of the most intriguing prospects on the roster and a potential top-20 NBA Draft selection. Henderson’s two-way potential is significant, combining physical strength with improved touch around the rim. As the season has progressed, his finishing ability and willingness to use his physicality have improved dramatically. Henderson consistently embraces his role, doing what is asked by his coaching staff and focusing on contributing to team success.

Senior center Ernest Udeh Jr., listed at 6-foot-11 and 266 pounds, also fulfilled his role effectively. Udeh provides interior presence, finishing alley-oop opportunities while anchoring the defense and rebounding effort. He is in excellent physical condition for a center—strong yet lean enough to move well laterally. While his offensive skill set is still developing, his defensive presence and rebounding ability could eventually allow him to carve out a role as a professional defensive specialist.

In the end, this matchup highlighted how thin the line between victory and defeat can be at the Division I level. With nearly identical statistical outputs and multiple strong individual performances, the game ultimately came down to late-game execution. Louisville capitalized on its opportunities just enough to secure the win, while Miami’s narrow loss underscored the competitive potential of a program that continues to grow under its new leadership.

This article was written by Matias Deya, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball.You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Arizona Comes Back to Win at Colorado

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Boulder, CO – In their last home game of the season before the Big 12 Conference Tournament next week Colorado hosted the Arizona Wildcats, who already had the first seed in Big 12 locked. Tad Boyle’s team was missing one of their main players, Sebastian Rancik, who has been on a concussion protocol. Rancik, a 6-11 forward, ranks second on the team in rebounding, steals and blocks and third in scoring and assists. His absence was easily felt against the No. 5 team in the country in points in the paint per game.

Arizona started the game slow, being eleven points down, which turned out to be the biggest lead for Colorado in the game. 6’8 Koa Peat, a projected first rounder in the upcoming NBA Draft, was  carried the Wildcats in the first half, dominating in the paint thanks to his advantageous athleticism and physicality which couldn’t be matched by Colorado’s frontcourt players. Peat had 19 points in the half, shooting 9-of-12 from the field to eventually finish the game with 25 points, three assists and four dimes. His shooting capabilities raise questions (a 60-percent shooter from the charity line) but a few mid-range shots in the game give some hope that with time and reps he could improve that aspect of his game. That might be crucial for how successful his NBA career would be.

Colorado’s backcourt duo of Isaiah Johnson and Barrington Hargress had a very efficient game which was the key to Colorado’s good performance in the first half. They took care of the ball, shot the ball very well (combined for 6-of-12 from the field), attacked the rim fearlessly, getting to the free throw line often (4-of-4 each). Hargress, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound junior guard showed his craftiness finishing in the paint using a good combination of understanding how to use his solid and tough upper body and a two-foot stop. Hargress is among the better playmakers in the NCAA, rarely turning the ball over, finishing the regular season with 4.4/1.2 assist to turnover ratio. On top of that he shoots the ball extremely well being close to 50% for the season.

Isaiah Johnson, the scoring leader for Colorado, had an impressive showing, finishing with 28 points and five assists, shooting 7-of-14 from the field. The 6-foot-1 speedy freshman displayed very good change of speeds and directions with tight handles as Arizona’s guards couldn’t stay in front of him. He was able to get to the charity stripe at ease (10-of-11 FT). Shooting wise, Johnson shows a pretty quick lefty release from outside, being able to hit threes off the dribble, on spot-ups and movement.


After a 36-36 first half in which Arizona couldn’t hit a three pointer (0-of-6), the Wildcats shot 4-of-5 in the second half and kept dominating in the paint. Arizona’s second-half comeback 89-79 win didn’t come easy though. It was led by Brayden Burries, a potential lottery draft pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. The 6-foot-4 freshman guard picked his game in the second half scoring 22 of his career-high 31 points. Burries, a talented and confident scoring guard with promising two-way potential has good positional size and an athletic body to go along with a good ability to get to the lane with crafty finishes around the rim. A confident 3-point shooter (2-of-5 in the game) Burries’ shooting form from outside looks pretty good with nice rotation and spin.

Arizona destroyed Colorado in the paint, outscoring them 54 to 26. The combination of Peat, Motiejus Krivas (10 points and 7 rebounds) and Tobe Awaka (10 points and 7 rebounds) was too much to handle for a Buffaloes’ frontcourt without Rancik.

Next week Colorado is are heading to Kansas City to face Oklahoma State on March 10 in the Big 12 Tournament, while Arizona  will start in the quarterfinals on March 12.

This article was written by Simeon Marinov, Director of European Scouting for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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St. John’s Destroys Villanova

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – After suffering their first loss since January 3rd, St. John’s came into Madison Square Garden looking for a bounce back win vs. Kevin Willard’s Villanova Wildcats. Villanova has been one of the bigger surprises in college basketball this season being in the upper tier of the Big East so we thought we were in for a close game. However, St. John’s dominated on both ends of the floor in the first half with everyone that touched the floor providing a positive impact. Leading the way was the play of Ian Jackson and Zuby Ejiofor, Jackson in particular was extremely active in his minutes. The biggest story of the half was St. John’s defense as they forced 8 turnovers and were able to capitalize scoring 18 points off of those Wildcats mistakes. This was the key to St. John’s taking a 48-23 lead heading into the break 

Unfortunately for Villanova they would continue to get outclassed in the second half by the Johnnies. St. John’s would go on to force 8 more turnovers in the half and cause havoc in transition. The duo of Jackson and Ejiofor picked up from where they left off in the first half as Jackson would finish with 19 points while also grabbing 5 steals and Zuby would have his first career triple double as well. Villanova didn’t really get any standout performances as it was a rough night for leading scorer Tyler Perkins who finished with 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting. It was a night of domination for St. John’s last night as they took all their frustration from their loss to UConn and took it out on the Wildcats winning by a final score of 89-57. This win over Villanova was their largest win of all time vs. the Wildcats as they continue on the quest to win the Big East regular season championship for the second season in a row. 

St. John’s is hard to beat when they get positive contributions from Jackson and it was proven once again last night against a tough Villanova team. Jackson showed his potential as a microwave scorer with his ability to play on and off the ball. When the shot falls it opens up the best part of his game which is his ability to get to the rim. Although what impressed me the most about his performance last night was his defensive impact. The motor guarding on the ball and his activity in the passing lanes was incredible as he completely changed the momentum of this game. 

Once again the favorite for this season’s Big East player of the year, Zuby Ejiofor, continued to prove why he’s one of the best players in college basketball. The impact he provides on both sides of the floor is second to none on this St. John’s team and it was fully on display last night recording a triple double with 4 stocks on the side. His performance was truly a characterization of the fact that he can do a little bit of everything on the basketball court.  Ejiofor is one of the most valuable players in the country this season and has a legitimate chance to be drafted in the 1st round of the upcoming NBA Draft this June.

This article was written by Jordan Amadeo, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Tennessee Edges Vanderbilt in Gritty SEC Showdown

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Nashville, TN – In a classic Southeastern Conference battle defined by toughness, defense, and timely shot-making, the Tennessee Volunteers escaped Nashville with a hard-fought 69–65 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores.

The game featured multiple lead changes, momentum swings, and a dramatic finish that saw Tennessee’s Nate Ament deliver the decisive blow in the final seconds. Despite Vanderbilt’s strong second-half surge, the Volunteers’ composure and execution down the stretch proved to be the difference.

The first half set the tone for what would become a tightly contested affair. Both teams traded baskets early, with Tennessee’s defensive intensity matching Vanderbilt’s perimeter shooting. The Volunteers looked to establish their inside presence through Felix Okpara and Dewayne Browne II, while Vanderbilt relied on the steady playmaking of Duke Miles and the scoring touch of Tyler Tanner. Neither side could create much separation, and the half ended with Vandy holding a narrow lead, 35–31.

Coming out of the locker room, Vanderbilt seized control with an impressive run. Tanner sparked the surge with a pair of three-pointers, while Devin McGlockton and Jalen Washington controlled the glass, giving the Commodores multiple second-chance opportunities. Their energy and execution pushed the lead to nine points, forcing Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes to call a timeout to regroup. The Volunteers responded immediately, tightening their defense and finding rhythm offensively.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie, who had been steady all night, knocked down back-to-back threes to cut into the deficit. His confidence and poise helped Tennessee regain momentum, and soon the game was tied once again. From that point forward, the contest turned into a back-and-forth battle. Each possession carried weight, and both teams executed with urgency. Vanderbilt continued to rely on Tanner’s shot creation and Miles’ ability to penetrate and distribute, while Tennessee leaned on its balanced attack. Okpara and Browne II provided timely baskets inside, and Ament battled on the boards, keeping possessions alive and limiting Vanderbilt’s second-chance points. The intensity on both ends of the floor reflected the stakes of an SEC rivalry game, with neither team willing to concede an inch.

As the clock wound down, the tension inside Memorial Gymnasium reached its peak. With under a minute remaining and the score tied, Tennessee worked the ball around the perimeter, searching for a clean look. The ball found its way to Ament, who had struggled from the field for much of the night. Despite shooting just 3-for-11, the freshman forward showed no hesitation. With 54 seconds left, he rose up from mid-range and buried a tough, contested jumper to give Tennessee a 67–65 lead. Vanderbilt had one final chance to respond, but a missed shot on the ensuing possession allowed Tennessee to secure the rebound by Felix Okpara and close out the game at the free-throw line.

Ament’s final stat line—13 points, 9 rebounds, and the game-winning shot—did not fully capture his impact. Though his shooting numbers were below his usual efficiency, his resilience and confidence in the clutch defined Tennessee’s victory.

Gillespie led the Volunteers with 17 points, including three made three-pointers, providing the offensive spark that kept Tennessee within striking distance during Vanderbilt’s second-half run. Okpara and Browne II each contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds, offering steady interior play and defensive presence that anchored the Volunteers’ effort.

For Vanderbilt, Tanner continued his impressive season with 16 points, showcasing his ability to score at all three levels. Miles added 12 points and 6 assists, orchestrating the offense and keeping the Commodores competitive throughout. McGlockton chipped in 11 points and 5 rebounds, while Washington’s 8 points and 10 rebounds gave Vanderbilt a strong interior presence. Despite the loss, the Commodores displayed grit and balance, proving they can compete with one of the SEC’s top teams.

In the end, Tennessee’s ability to respond under pressure and execute in the final moments separated the two sides. The Volunteers improved their conference standing with a statement road win, while Vanderbilt was left to reflect on missed opportunities in a game that could have gone either way. As the SEC season continues, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned from this hard-fought contest—one that showcased the intensity, resilience, and drama that define college basketball in the South

This article was written by Andrew Keeling, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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Seton Hall Tops Georgetown in Defensive Struggle

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ — After a gut-wrenching loss to DePaul earlier in the week, Seton Hall responded in a big way Saturday against Georgetown, grinding out a much-needed 51–47 victory. In a physical, defense-first battle where both teams shot under 32% from the field, clean looks were hard to come by and every possession carried weight. The Pirates leaned into the toughness of the game, tightening up defensively and doing just enough offensively down the stretch to secure a gritty win that keeps them moving forward.

The difference-maker in this game was freshman big man Najai Hines, who recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds to secure his third collegiate double-double. Hines was a force in the paint, consistently playing above the rim and finishing through contact, converting multiple and-one opportunities. Beyond his scoring, he made a major impact on the glass, pulling down five offensive rebounds that generated crucial second-chance points in a game where every basket mattered.

Hines was just as influential defensively, finishing with five blocks and two steals. He did an excellent job reading Hoya attackers, timing their shot attempts, and swatting them with authority. His most important contribution, however, won’t appear in the box score. On Georgetown’s final possession, Vince Iwuchukwu caught the inbound and tried to drive past Hines, but Hines stayed disciplined and kept him in front. That containment allowed Elijah Fisher to dig down, disrupt the play, and create a loose ball that ultimately sealed the Pirates’ victory.

The biggest factor in tonight’s win was Seton Hall’s team defense. The Pirates limited clean looks all night, and even when Georgetown found open shots, they struggled to capitalize. Seton Hall had active hands and high energy from start to finish, contesting nearly every attempt and making life uncomfortable for opposing shooters.

They finished with nine total blocks, including a few impressive swats out near the three-point line, showcasing their versatility and effort on closeouts. Their activity extended into the passing lanes as well, consistently disrupting offensive flow. Budd Clark led the way with three steals, while AJ Staton-McCray and Hines each chipped in two, highlighting a collective defensive effort that ultimately set the tone for the game.

With the win, Seton Hall regains some momentum as it prepares for a major test next Saturday on the road against the UConn Huskies. A trip to Storrs presents a significant challenge, but if the Pirates can replicate the defensive intensity and physicality they displayed against Georgetown, they will give themselves a chance to compete. Meanwhile, the Georgetown Hoyas return home looking to bounce back when they host the Marquette Golden Eagles on Tuesday. As conference play tightens, every game grows in importance, and both programs will be eager to build on—or respond to—the lessons learned in this defensive battle.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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DePaul Hurts Seton Hall’s Tournament Hopes

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ — With Seton Hall’s season hanging in the balance, the Pirates understood the importance of protecting their home floor to keep their tournament hopes alive. However, Tuesday night’s loss to DePaul in Newark delivered a significant blow to their at-large aspirations. The Blue Demons controlled the game from start to finish, outplaying the Pirates in nearly every facet. DePaul combined tenacious defense with a well-structured offensive approach, matching Seton Hall’s physicality and refusing to be pushed around. Down the stretch, the Blue Demons forced multiple key turnovers, sealing momentum and ultimately securing a 69–57 victory.

Two major factors in DePaul’s win were NJ Benson and CJ Gunn, who combined for 39 points and consistently applied pressure on the Pirates. Benson led the way with 21 points and eight rebounds, imposing his will in the paint. He played through contact, backing down Seton Hall’s big men and either drawing fouls by getting them off their feet or converting tough, contested finishes around the rim. Benson also attacked the offensive glass with purpose, generating multiple second-chance opportunities that kept DePaul in control.

Gunn added 18 points and seven rebounds, showcasing impressive shot creation and confident shot-making. The smooth shooter was relentless off the ball, sprinting off screens and using constant movement to create separation. His activity eventually led to clean looks, and he capitalized, delivering timely buckets that helped maintain the Blue Demons’ momentum throughout the game.

Once again, Budd Clark paced the Pirates, finishing with 19 points and five assists. He consistently found his way to his patented midrange jumper, knocking down difficult shots off ball screens—especially when DePaul’s bigs switched onto him. In the first half, Clark was particularly effective as a playmaker, controlling the tempo and creating opportunities for his teammates. However, that same level of facilitation didn’t carry over into the second half, which proved costly as the Pirates searched for rhythm offensively.

Turnovers also became a key issue. Clark finished with five giveaways, including several ball-security lapses in the final four minutes that stripped Seton Hall of valuable possessions. Those mistakes halted momentum and made an already challenging comeback attempt feel even more out of reach.

Another element that cannot go unnoticed was the impressive X’s and O’s execution from the DePaul coaching staff. Time and time again, the Blue Demons came out of timeouts with well-designed ATO sets that had the Pirates scrambling defensively, often resulting in clean, uncontested scoring opportunities. Chris Holtmann and his staff have taken on the difficult challenge of revitalizing a historically struggling program, and the early signs are promising. With Holtmann at the helm, DePaul appears far more structured and disciplined, and they project to be a difficult opponent as long as he is leading the program.

Looking ahead, the urgency only increases for the Seton Hall Pirates, who return home Saturday for a pivotal matchup against Georgetown. With their tournament hopes still within reach, protecting home court is no longer optional — it’s essential. A strong response will be needed to regain momentum and restore confidence after Wednesday’s setback. Meanwhile, DePaul will aim to build on their statement win when they host the Providence Friars. If the Blue Demons replicate the same defensive intensity and disciplined execution they displayed in Newark, they’ll have a strong opportunity to continue their upward trajectory and further solidify themselves as a team capable of making noise down the stretch.

This article was written by William Murphy, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.

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