Monthly Archives

March 2026

Rip City Remix Split Series with Raptors 905

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Portland, OR – As the Toronto Raptors ready themselves for a playoff run and the Portland Trailblazers inch their way closer to a play-in spot, their respective G-League teams faced off in the Rose City for a two-game weekend series. The Raptors 905 (Toronto affiliate) sit comfortably among the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference and should be a lock to make the postseason beginning later this month. The Rip City Remix (Portland affiliate) remain in contention but need to finish the regular season strong to earn a playoff berth. They entered the weekend homestand riding high after a thrilling overtime win against the league leading South Bay Lakers. 

Unfortunately for Remix fans, the 905 jumped to a lead in the first game with easy transition buckets and sharpshooting from Alijah Martin and Tyreke Key. Offensively, the Remix looked disjointed and early foul trouble for 7’2” Yang Hansen didn’t help. Hansen not only provides the Remix with rim protection but also serves as a screener and hub at the high post. With the Remix struggling, the 905 extended a 20-point lead at the end of the first quarter to 27-points at the break and to as many as 30-points deep into the third quarter. But the Remix battled back, cutting the lead to as few as five points before falling Friday night 126-117. Caleb Love led all scorers with 33 points (9-21 FG, 4-12 3PT, 7-9 FT) to go along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in 37 minutes.

Love is on a two-way contract with the Trailblazers and has found some playing time with the parent team while putting up big numbers with the Remix. The 6’3” guard has a scorer’s mentality and does most of his damage driving downhill. He’s got all the finishing moves and plays through contact. Unfortunately, he also has a tendency to shoot step back threes and other questionable perimeter shots at key moments–he’s shooting 23% on eight 3-point attempts per game for the Remix. His handle can be a little loose when running the point which is not his natural position. To his credit he moves to the next play quickly after making a mistake. In this game, with the outcome still in the balance, he threw the ball away on a jump pass. A minute later he nailed a heavily contested three-pointer from the right slot and was fouled for a four-point play. Earlier in the week, Love scored the final seven points to lead the Remix to an overtime win against the South Bay Lakers.      

Saturday’s afternoon game was a must-win for the Remix. A loss here would end any chance of a playoff bid. The Remix kept it close through the first half but the 905 started to pull away in the third with hustle plays and hunger that the Remix couldn’t match. Once again, Alijah Martin came up big. He was supported by AJ Lawson.  The 6’6” guard out of South Carolina sat out the Friday night game but displayed impressive athleticism on both ends of the floor during the Saturday afternoon game. Lawson, another player on a two-way contract, finished with 20 points (6-13 FG, 3-8 3PT, 2-2 FT), 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1 assist in 30 minutes. He’s seen action in 15 games with the Toronto Raptors where he’s contributed 0.96 points per possession.   

The Remix seemingly out of this game, once again battled back and this time took a one-point lead with nine minutes remaining.  The game seesawed until Hansen had a huge putback off a long Love miss in the closing minutes. The Remix held on for a 115-107 win.

Hansen had his second double-double in as many days, registering 17 points (6-9 FG, 0-2 3PT, 0-0 FT), 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 assists in 31 minutes. In addition to filling the stat sheet, Hansen also showed good ball handling skills for a big man, leading the fast break on a few occasions including one sequence where he made a terrific give and go pass to Javonte Cook cutting to the basket. Hansen’s footwork and finishing off the block remain raw, but he shows promise. He’ll benefit by hitting the weights in the off season.   

The 6’2” Martin finished the weekend with 40 points (15-29 FG, 4-12 3PT, 3-4 FT), 15 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks in 67 total minutes played in the two games. Built like a middle linebacker, Martin initiates and absorbs contact on his way to the rim or to the mid-range pullup. Martin’s long-range shooting has improved. Last season at the University of Florida he made 34% of his three-point attempts. This season, he’s shooting 42%. He’s a pesky defender on the ball and gets his hands in the passing lanes.

Also, having a solid weekend was the Remix’s Andrew Carr. The 6’11” stretch forward from Kentucky contributed 23 points (8-10 FG, 3-4 3PT, 2-2 FT), 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in 45 minutes. Carr not only played efficient basketball but also smart basketball. He set excellent screens, made the right reads, and spaced the court. Carr consistently boxed out and was first to the floor for the loose ball several times. He also roots for his teammates whether it’s during the pre-game shootaround or from the bench. Carr seems like a glue guy who could stick particularly if he can improve upon his 34% 3-point shooting.     

The Rip City Remix fly to Texas to face the Austin Spurs for the final two games of their regular season while the Raptors 905 play a Monday morning game in Salt Lake City before heading home to fight the Wisconsin Herd.  

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

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Texas and Arkansas Advance to Sweet 16 from NCAA Tournament in Portland

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Portland, OR – The second round of the NCAA Tournament in Portland featured match-ups between Gonzaga and Texas, followed by No. 12-seed High Point facing an athletic Arkansas Razorback team.

In the opener Cam Heide made his only field goal of the game, a three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining to give Texas a four-point lead and help clinch a 72-68 win over 3-seed Gonzaga. The Zags had closed the deficit to 69-68 on the previous possession on a Graham Ike dunk. The Longhorns are one of the few remaining double-digit seeds left in the tournament, having won three games including a First Four 68-66 win over North Carolina State.

Jordan Pope (17 points) connected on two big second half three-pointers for Texas. The first one gave them a 62-56 lead with 5:30 remaining. The second shot gave them a 69-64 lead with 2:36 remaining, Matas Vokietaitas was solid inside for Texas, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-11 from the field with nine rebounds. Vokietaitas made it difficult for Graham Ike inside. Ike led the Zags with 25 points but was an inefficient 10-of-22 from the field. He was bottled up on the boards, only getting three rebounds, committed three turnovers and was charged with four fouls trying to contain Vokietaitas.

Gonzaga hasn’t been the same team since Braden Huff was injured. Tonight, they didn’t shoot reliably, only converting on 4-of-16 from deep. They only turned the ball over seven times, but Texas took advantage of them with an 11-2 edge in points off turnovers. Texas only committed five turnovers.

Thefirst half was close throughout with Texas taking a 35-33 lead into the break on a Pope three-pointer with six seconds remaining. Pope led the Longhorns with nine points while Ike scored 11 points for Gonzaga. The stats were basically even and both teams took care of the ball throughout the half, with Gonzaga only committing four turnovers while Texas had only one turnover.

In a thrilling second game Arkansas outlasted a strong High Point Panthers squad 90-83 led by 36 points from Darius Acuff. 5’11 Point guard Rob Martin was impressive for the Panthers, scoring 30 points and continually getting past Razorback defenders.

The game was close throughout with Arkansas taking a 43-42 lead into halftime. High Point went on a 10-0 run early in the second half to take a 56-52 lead, with six of those points by Terry Anderson (15 points, 6 assists).  The Panthers took their last lead (72-71) on am Owen Aquino basket with 7:04 remaining. The game was tied at 83 when Acuff took over. He scored seven straight points, the first two baskets on drives to the hoop and then he calmly swished a 24-foot three-pointer from the wing. That gave the Razorbacks a 90-83 lead and enough space to hold off High Point at the end.

Acuff was exceptional. He needs to be in serious consideration as the first point guard taken in the NBA draft. He plays with pace and can speed up and get past his defender at will. He’s strong enough to score inside after contact and is likely the best shot-maker in college basketball this season. Tonight, he was 11-of-22 from the field (3-of-6 3s) and added six assists against only two turnovers.

The Razorbacks basically played only six players with Karter Knox and Nick Pringle out with injuries. Acuff received help from Maleek Thomas (19 points on 3-of-5 from deep), Malique Ewin (14 points, 12 rebounds) and Billy Richmond (15 points, 10 rebounds).

Martin was exceptional for the Panthers. He had five assists in addition to his 30 points on 11-of-23 from the field. He might be the quickest guard I’ve seen this season with extreme explosiveness off the dribble.  He was supported by 25 points and 8 rebounds from 6’7 Cam’Ron Fletcher. Fletcher had previously played at Kentucky for current Arkansas coach John Calipari.

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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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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Top Five Performances from the Big East Tournament

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Over the past week at the World’s Most Famous Arena, the Big East Tournament once again delivered high-level basketball and memorable individual performances. With the stakes at their highest and a championship on the line, several players stepped up in a major way, putting together standout showings that helped propel their teams through the bracket. From dominant performances in the paint to clutch scoring and defensive playmaking, a number of players left a strong impression throughout the tournament.

Here are my top 5 performers from this year’s Big East Tournament:

Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s): The Big East Player of the Year showed exactly why he earned that honor, delivering a dominant performance throughout the week. The big man averaged 19.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 5.3 stocks per game, impacting the game in nearly every facet. He was an overwhelming presence on both ends of the floor and consistently proved to be too much for opposing teams to handle. After leading St. John’s to a Big East Tournament title, he will now look to carry that momentum into the NCAA Tournament and help push the Johnnies to the second weekend following last year’s heartbreaking loss to Arkansas.

Stefan Vaaks (Providence): The freshman guard from Estonia elevated his play when the lights were brightest for the Friars. Vaaks averaged 25.5 points while knocking down a remarkable 13 three-pointers at a 59% clip from beyond the arc. Despite Providence’s quarterfinal exit against St. John’s, he proved to be a constant threat, especially in catch-and-shoot situations, showing the confidence to rise up from well beyond the line. His signature moment of the tournament came on an incredible 33-foot and-one that brought Madison Square Garden to life. With Providence parting ways with head coach Kim English following the tournament, Vaaks’ future with the program is now uncertain. Should he enter the transfer portal, he would likely be one of the most sought-after scorers available.

Tarris Reed (UConn): The anchor of the Big East’s 2-seeded team made his presence felt all week, impacting the game far beyond just scoring. Reed averaged 13.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks over 3 games, showcasing his all-around ability for the Huskies. Even under heavy pressure in the post, he consistently found ways to score and remain effective. In the one game where his scoring output dipped, he still made a major impact in other areas. Against Georgetown, Reed recorded 8 assists, recognizing the defensive attention he was drawing in the post and doing an excellent job finding open teammates when double teams collapsed. His ability to read the floor and make the right play adds another dimension to his game, and he will be a key factor in UConn’s postseason run this March.

Jacob Dar (Seton Hall): Heading into halftime of the quarterfinal matchup against Creighton, senior forward Jacob Dar had yet to see the floor. That quickly changed in the second half, when Seton Hall found itself in a scoring drought and in need of a spark. Dar checked in and delivered exactly that, erupting for 16 points in just 15 minutes while also making his presence felt on the defensive end, helping lead the Pirates to an 11-point victory. Over the course of the week, Dar totaled 29 points in 35 minutes, averaging 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 stocks. His breakout performance may have solidified a role for him moving forward, as there’s a strong case that he played his way into Shaheen Holloway’s plans for next season with one year of eligibility still remaining.

Bryce Hopkins (St. John’s): Hopkins played a key X-factor role for the Johnnies on their way to a Big East Tournament championship. He provided the perfect complementary presence alongside Ejiofor in the paint, consistently taking advantage of matchups with his polished footwork and ability to finish through contact. In addition to his interior scoring, Hopkins also showed the ability to stretch the floor, knocking down perimeter shots and keeping defenses honest. He finished the tournament averaging 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting an extremely efficient 69.5% from the field. His versatility and efficiency made him a difficult cover throughout the week, and his all-around impact was a major reason why St. John’s was able to dominate its way to the title.

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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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.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

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.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

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.

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

Underdogs Win at Big East Tournament’s First Day

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – Three games tipped off the Big East Tournament on Wednesday, and they did not disappoint. The day featured plenty of drama, highlighted by the Providence Friars rallying from a 16-point deficit to secure a 10-point victory. The Xavier Musketeers also advanced in thrilling fashion, pulling out a win in a game that came down to the final seconds. Meanwhile, the Georgetown Hoyas emerged victorious in a physical battle against the DePaul Blue Demons, marking the program’s first Big East Tournament win under head coach Ed Cooley.

In the first matchup of the day, the Friars came away with a 91–81 victory over the Butler Bulldogs in a high-scoring contest. Providence leaned on a three-headed offensive attack, as Jaylin Sellers (23 points), Ryan Mela (23 points), and Stefan Vaaks (28 points) combined for 74 of the team’s 91 points. Vaaks was particularly impressive from beyond the arc, knocking down 8-of-13 three-point attempts, tying the Big East Tournament record for most threes made in a game.

For Butler, senior forward Michael Ajayi once again delivered a strong performance, recording another double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Bulldogs frequently used off-ball screens to free Ajayi, recognizing that Providence was switching nearly every action. Once Butler successfully forced a switch and got a guard matched up with him, they consistently fed Ajayi in the post, where he went to work. However, his aggressive style ultimately played a role in Butler’s downfall. Ajayi found himself in foul trouble for much of the second half, and his limited availability significantly altered the Bulldogs’ rhythm and overall approach down the stretch.

In Richard Pitino’s first Big East Tournament game leading Xavier, he guided the Musketeers to a thrilling 89–87 victory that was decided in the final seconds. All-Big East 1st Team selection Tre Carroll showed exactly why he earned that honor, finishing with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists while impacting the game in multiple ways. Xavier also received a huge performance from big man Jovan Milicevic, who poured in 21 points. Milicevic was especially impressive from beyond the arc, knocking down 4-of-7 three-point attempts, including several difficult, contested looks off the dribble.

For the Golden Eagles, Nigel James Jr.—who announced before the game that he will return to Milwaukee for his sophomore season—tallied 18 points and 7 assists. Sophomore Royce Parham also delivered a strong performance, adding 22 points and 9 rebounds. With James Jr. and Parham in the fold, Shaka Smart has a strong foundation to build around heading into next season. However, it will be interesting to see how active the program becomes in the transfer portal, as Smart has historically been reluctant to use it at all.

The final game of the night was the definition of a Big East Tournament battle. The Georgetown Hoyas defeated the DePaul Blue Demons 63–56 in a highly physical matchup. Leading the way for Georgetown was big man Vince Iwuchukwu, who provided a huge spark off the bench. The senior finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds in an efficient 23 minutes of action. Points in the paint proved to be the difference, as the Hoyas dominated that category 36–20. Georgetown’s physicality inside was simply too much for DePaul’s frontcourt to handle throughout the game.

For the Blue Demons, Layden Blocker turned in a strong performance with 16 points and 7 assists. He did an excellent job creating his own offense off the dribble and knocked down several tough shots. Blocker also shot an impressive 4/6 from beyond the arc. Despite the loss, Chris Holtmann appears to be building a solid foundation in Chicago, and the DePaul program is trending in the right direction.

With the opening round complete, attention now turns to Thursday’s quarterfinal match-ups at Madison Square Garden. Providence will tip things off at 12:00 PM against St. John’s in what should be an up-tempo battle, while Xavier faces a major test against UConn at 7:00 PM. The nightcap will feature Georgetown taking on Villanova at 9:30 PM, as the Hoyas look to carry their physical momentum into another tough matchup. With three teams advancing out of Wednesday’s action and the stakes continuing to rise, the Big East Tournament is setting up for another exciting day of basketball.

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

We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.

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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