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Strong Second Half Propels Seton Hall Past Marquette

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, NJ – Coming off an impressive come-from-behind win against Xavier, Seton Hall looked to carry that momentum into their matchup with Marquette. However, they once again stumbled out of the gate, facing an eight-point deficit at halftime. The Pirates responded with a dominant defensive effort in the second half, holding Marquette to just 23 points. That surge fueled a 69–64 victory, led by strong point guard play from Budd Clark.

Over the past two games, Clark has fully embraced the role of the “IT factor” for this Pirates team, and he delivered once again. He finished with 19 points and six assists while committing just one turnover, numbers that only begin to capture how impressive his ball-handling was throughout the game. Coach Holloway ran a variety of actions designed to get Clark to his preferred spots, and he capitalized, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the floor. Beyond scoring, Clark effectively facilitated the offense, consistently creating high-quality looks for his teammates. His ball security stood out as well. For the Pirates to remain in NCAA Tournament bubble contention, Clark will need to continue providing steady production on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis.

Despite the loss, the Golden Eagles showcased a special talent at point guard in Nigel James Jr. The freshman from New York has fully embraced his role and continues to impress. James finished with 16 points, consistently getting into the paint and finishing through traffic. He showed no hesitation rising up over the Pirates’ bigs and converting at the rim. From beyond the arc, James was a perfect 2-for-2, knocking down the limited open looks that Seton Hall allowed. The lone blemish on his performance came in the turnover department, as the Pirates forced him into six turnovers. Once James penetrated, Seton Hall’s bigs collapsed effectively, leading to errant passes—several of which sailed out of bounds.

Playing from behind once again defined this Pirates squad, but it was their defensive intensity in the second half that ultimately turned the game in their favor. After a sluggish opening half, Seton Hall locked in defensively, forcing a total of 16 turnovers and denying Marquette any easy scoring opportunities. The Golden Eagles struggled mightily to find rhythm after the break, as Seton Hall’s pressure disrupted passing lanes and sped up their decision-making. Poor ball security and a series of poor passes proved costly for Marquette, especially once the Pirates’ defense began collapsing into the paint and rotating with purpose. Clark, Elijah Fisher, and T.J. Simpkins each recorded two steals, consistently jumping passing lanes and creating transition opportunities. The interior defense was just as impactful, with Stephon Payne and Najai Hines combining for six blocks, effectively deterring drives and altering shots at the rim. That collective defensive effort not only fueled the Pirates’ comeback but also set the tone for the remainder of the game, showcasing a team that thrives on grit, physicality, and defensive execution when it matters most.

This performance highlighted Seton Hall’s growing comfort in close, grind-it-out games, particularly when defensive stops become the priority. The Pirates’ ability to flip the script after halftime continues to define their recent stretch and underscores the importance of sustaining that edge against quality opponents. Seton Hall will have little time to celebrate as it heads to Villanova on Wednesday for another pivotal conference matchup. Marquette will look to recalibrate and address its ball security issues before returning home next Saturday to face Butler, a game that presents an opportunity for the Golden Eagles to respond and regain momentum.

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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UCLA Overpowers Short-Handed Oregon in Win

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Eugene, OR — The Oregon Ducks hosted the UCLA Bruins in a Big Ten showdown with UCLA looking to solidify its spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The Bruins outmanned a depleted Ducks roster, led by their starting trio of Donovan Dent, Eric Dailey Jr., and Tyler Bilodeau. The three combined to score 47 of UCLA’s 73 points as the Bruins jumped out early and never looked back, earning a 73–57 victory at Matthew Knight Arena in front of 5,721 fans.

Oregon was without three of its top four scorers due to injuries, and it showed throughout the game. After scoring on their opening possession, the Ducks went nearly six minutes without a basket as UCLA built an early 8–2 lead. While the teams traded baskets for a stretch, Kwame Evans Jr. knocked down two three-pointers in quick succession to help the Bruins gain momentum.

Evans Jr., who has appeared on NBA mock drafts throughout his career, delivered one of the strongest performances of his season. He was aggressive attacking the rim and crashing the offensive glass, finishing with 24 points on 9-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds, and two blocked shots.

UCLA’s size and strength were evident early in the first half. Eric Dailey Jr. pushed the Bruins’ lead to 30–16 with a driving layup, and UCLA carried that same 14-point advantage into halftime at 36–22. Dailey Jr. recorded a double-double with 14 points (5-of-13 FG) and 11 rebounds, including three on the offensive end. While UCLA narrowly edged Oregon on the glass, 40–36, the biggest disparity came in second-chance points, where the Bruins dominated 19–5.

The Bruins maintained control throughout the second half, continuing to exploit their advantage against the undermanned Ducks. Dent, who opened the game 0-for-5 from the field, found his rhythm after halftime. He sparked a fast break with a steal and score, then followed it up by leading another break and throwing an alley-oop to Dailey Jr. for a slam. Dent finished with 15 points (6-of-17 FG) and four assists against just one turnover, consistently attacking Oregon’s weaker perimeter defenders.

Oregon briefly cut the deficit to 10 points around the 13-minute mark after an 8–0 run that began with Evans Jr. completing a three-point play. That was as close as the Ducks would get. Head coach Dana Altman experimented with multiple lineups in search of a spark, but the talent gap created by injuries proved difficult to overcome.

Jamari Phillips provided a bright spot for Oregon, knocking down three three-pointers for nine points (3-of-10 from deep). UCLA’s leading scorer on the season, Bilodeau (18.2 PPG), closed out the game with poise, displaying soft touch around the basket and repeatedly getting to the free-throw line. He finished with an efficient 18 points (4-of-9 FG), shooting 9-of-11 from the stripe, while adding seven rebounds to push Oregon’s losing streak to seven games.

Oregon (8–13, 1–9 Big Ten) remains at home to close out the week against Iowa (15–5, 5–4) on Sunday, February 1. UCLA (15–6, 7–3) returns home to host Indiana (14–7, 5–5) on January 31.

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

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St. John’s Continues Surge, Easily Defeats Butler

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY – St. John’s headed into Wednesday night’s matchup vs Butler at MSG winners of their last six games and ranked in the AP top 25 for the first time in five weeks. As it turned out, they would continue their recent dominance in this showdown against the Bulldogs as well. The first half of this one was all Johnnies as they led the entire half and shut Butler down, allowing only 29 points on 35% shooting. St. John’s would also get solid all-around production offensively led by Dillon Mitchell (14 points, 13 rebounds) and Ian Jackson. The Red Storm dominated in the paint which is where they scored 26 of their 43 first half points, they would also shoot 41% from beyond the arc as well. This would lead to St. John’s taking a 14- point lead heading into halftime.

The offensive brilliance would continue in the second half for St. John’s as they would go on to score 49 points on even better efficiency. They ended up with four players in double figures. Even though the frontcourt duo of Ejiofor and Mitchell had great games, it was good to see Ian Jackson and Joson Sanon combine for 31 points and shoot the ball well. St. John’s has had up and down guard play all season but getting some consistency especially from Jackson could be huge at this point in the season. Butler struggled with the size and physicality of St. John’s frontcourt. When you mix that in with the Red Storm’s red hot perimeter shooting it made for a rough night for the Bulldogs. St. John’s extended their winning streak to seven and went to 9-1 in conference play with their 92-70 win.

The play of Jackson was exciting to see as he showcased the potential he brings to the table when he’s going the right way. Jackson was St. John’s leading scorer last night with 18 points and the shotmaking was on full display. He has the ability to be crafty at the rim and his athleticism really stands out when he’s on the attack downhill. Jackson is quick and shifty as a ball handler and can get to his shots. Though as a jumpshooter he can be streaky, when his jumper is falling he’s a tough cover for anyone because of the fact it opens up the floor. Jackson can also be very spotty with his decision making but he was brought to this team to do what he’s done in his last two games vs. Butler and Xavier. 

As for Butler, Michael Ajayi (19 points, 11 rebounds) was one of the only bright spots last night. Ajayi is a swiss army knife type of player for this Butler team. He provides ball handling, gets rim touches, and is great on the glass. Ajayi may not be a respectable jumpshooter but he was always on the attack and able to get to the line a bunch as well. I also really enjoyed the motor he played with especially in a game where it’s physical and the opposing team has the advantage in that area.

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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Seton Hall Erupts in Second Half to Top Xavier

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Newark, N.J. – With their season teetering after a lifeless loss to DePaul, the Seton Hall Pirates entered Wednesday night knowing there was no margin for error against Xavier. What followed in the first half only heightened the sense of urgency. Florida Atlantic transfer Tre Carroll carved up the Pirates at every level, slicing into the paint and burying shots from deep, as Seton Hall had no answers. The Pirates stumbled into the locker room down 11. Then came the response.

Seton Hall erupted out of halftime, flipping the game on its head with a stunning 23–3 run. The Pirates turned up the defensive pressure, forced Xavier into mistake after mistake, and completely overwhelmed a retooled Musketeers squad that suddenly looked lost. The run ignited the Prudential Center and shifted all momentum, and from there, Seton Hall never relented. The Pirates pulled away with authority, securing an emphatic 86–68 win.

The difference-maker in Wednesday night’s win was Elon transfer TJ Simpkins, who delivered a dominant, all-around performance. Simpkins looked a step above the competition, asserting himself on both ends of the floor and proving nearly impossible to contain. He poured in a game-high 27 points and was the Pirates’ lone threat from beyond the arc, knocking down 5 of his 8 three-point attempts.

While his offensive output marked one of the most impressive performances by a Pirate this season, Simpkins’ impact extended well beyond scoring. Defensively, he consistently put Xavier’s ball handlers in uncomfortable positions, forcing rushed decisions that often resulted in turnovers. Though much of his defensive presence didn’t fully show up in the box score, Simpkins still finished with two steals and a block, further cementing himself as a vital two-way presence for this Seton Hall squad.

Despite the loss, it cannot be overstated how impactful senior transfer Tre Carroll is for this Xavier team. Seton Hall’s disruptive defense had no answers for him in the first half, as Carroll consistently generated clean looks and controlled the offensive flow. He finished with 22 points on efficient shooting, going 8-of-13 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

That said, Carroll’s night was cut short by early foul trouble in the second half, which limited his minutes and significantly lowered Xavier’s offensive ceiling. With so much of the Musketeers’ offense running through him, his absence on the floor was felt immediately and proved costly as the game slipped away.

Playing alongside Simpkins’ unforgettable performance was the steady brilliance of the Pirates’ lead guard, Adam “Budd” Clark. Clark asserted himself early and often, consistently exploiting mismatches as Xavier struggled to meaningfully contest his shots. That freedom allowed him to get to his bread-and-butter midrange game—looks that are essentially automatic for the junior point guard.

Clark turned in his best scoring performance as a Pirate, finishing with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting while also contributing seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Despite his size, Clark plays much bigger than his frame, fearlessly elevating among the bigs to secure rebounds and immediately ignite the transition offense, which led to several key baskets.

Seton Hall’s success continues to hinge on Clark’s ability to control the game, and performances like display just how far he may be able to carry this group moving forward.

With TJ Simpkins and Clark combining for 51 of the Pirates’ 86 points, it would be easy to assume there wasn’t much production behind them—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Senior transfer Jacob Dar provided the exact spark Seton Hall needed. The 6-foot-7 forward, armed with a tremendous wingspan, was a constant presence all over the floor. Dar capitalized on second-chance opportunities, consistently made himself available as a pressure-release outlet, and converted when it mattered most. He finished with 10 crucial points and five rebounds.

Joining Dar in double figures was AJ Staton-McCray, who continues to work his way back toward his non-conference form. The senior guard showed he is far more than a perimeter shooter, repeatedly attacking the paint and converting high-percentage looks after slicing through the defense. Staton-McCray also made his impact felt defensively, finishing with four steals and two blocks. If he can sustain this level of play, he could be a key factor for the Pirates as Big East play rolls on.

The emphatic win gives Seton Hall a much-needed jolt of momentum as the Pirates continue to fight to keep their season alive. With renewed confidence and energy on both ends of the floor, Seton Hall will look to carry this performance into Saturday’s home matchup against Marquette, a game that could further shape their standing in the Big East race. For Xavier, the focus now shifts to regrouping and responding, as the Musketeers return home Saturday to take on DePaul in a matchup that will test their resilience after letting this one slip away.

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 Late Comeback Topples Seton Hall

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

New York, NY- Last night in the mecca we had a big-time matchup between two well matched Big East rivals in St. John’s and Seton Hall and the game lived up to the hype. Seton Hall came out in the first half and caused pure chaos on the floor. They were just outworking the Johnnies and playing high level defense all half. The Pirates got good offensive production from the duo of Staton-McCray and Simpkins who had 22 of 38 Seton Hall points. The standout player in the first half though was Stephon Payne II as he was dominant with a near double-double of 9 points and 8 rebounds. St. John’s had trouble all half offensively but what kept them in the game was the play of Dillon Mitchell, Bryce Hopkins, and Zuby Ejiofor who had 24 of their 32 total points. Seton Hall would go into the locker room leading 38-32 and the score was much closer than it actually felt watching it play out on the floor.

When the second half began Seton Hall would go on to continue their physical and defensive dominance going on a 9-0 run to start the half. The Pirates held the Red Storm scoreless for the first 4:30 of the half and took a 47-32 lead. Unfortunately for Seton Hall that was the end of what was a fun night for them up to this point. St. John’s would go on a huge 33-13 run to close the game out all with their leader Zuby Ejiofor being off the floor with foul trouble. The Red Storm dominated the glass and clamped down the Pirates flipping the script in big time fashion. Mitchell would finish the night with a double-double, grabbing 11 rebounds to go along with his game high 17 points. Meanwhile an underrated aspect of this half would be the two-way impact of Dylan Darling. His ball pressure was elite on Seton Hall’s guards and he did a great job keeping the team steady offensively while also scoring some key buckets. St. John’s would complete the comeback over Seton Hall with a 65-60 final score to win their fifth straight game and improve to 7-1 in conference play.

Dillon Mitchell may not be the first name you think of when it comes to this Red Storm team but he’s a big piece that was added to this roster over the summer and last night showed you why. Mitchell can be a two-way force at times and plays with a physicality that is fun to watch. Offensively he is a very good finisher around the rim and can finish with both force or finesse depending on what’s needed. Mitchell is also a legitimate transition threat. He can grab a rebound and go coast to coast with good ball handling out of the forward spot and finish at the basket. He does needs to improve on his perimeter shooting and also develop more consistency going to the right side of the floor though. Defensively he can move well and provides versatility with his defensive impact. Mitchell will also hit the glass and be a force to deal with for opposing matchups with his high motor. 

Although Seton Hall got higher point scoring games out of A.J Staton-McCray and Taijuan Simpkins I thought the most impactful Pirate tonight was easily Stephon Payne II. Payne was solid on both ends of the floor. He provided toughness in this game and was super active on the boards while giving them some much needed rim protection as well. On the offensive end his rebounding continued to be a key as he grabbed 8 offensive rebounds vs a tough St. John’s frontcourt. Much of those rebounds led to second chance points from Payne. He played with great energy and was the main reason for Seton Hall’s great start to this game.

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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Michigan State’s Second Half Onslaught Takes Down Oregon

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Eugene, OR – For around the first 30 minutes, Oregon hung tight with #10 Michigan State, with a Wei Lin three-pointer getting Oregon within 1-point at the 10:43 mark. Over the next few minutes, Michigan State’s Carson Cooper, Jeremy Fears, Jr., and Coen Carr went on a 12-1 run that led to a double-digit lead. It was a 68-52 final, with Oregon losing the second half 40-26. This happened even with Oregon holding Michigan State’s leading scorer on the season, senior Jaxon Kohler, to a single basket. Oregon also kept turnovers to a minimum, only 10 on the game, but really had a difficult time getting offense going, as seen by the final score.

Michigan State is now only behind Nebraska, being tied with powerhouse Michigan in the Big Ten ranks at 7-1. The leader of the charge tonight was senior center Carson Cooper, whose size, ability to get position and touch were on display against the smaller Oregon team. Cooper finished with 19 points (8-10 FG, 3-4 FT), 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks, while being a +26 on the game during his time on the floor. He was able to get deep post position, showed a soft turnaround fade, and on defense kept verticality quite well.

Spartans’ junior Coen Carr, known for his elite vertical athleticism, did a nice job showing off his perimeter ability in this one. He was 3-of-5 from three, had a midrange make, and a couple of layup finishes where he showed off the hang time he is well known for. He finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, along with two blocked shots. Carr is still only shooting 25.6% on 3’s on the season, but it was a positive to see his confidence from long range and becoming more of an offensive factor, as defense has been his calling card.

It took sophomore Jeremy Fears, Jr. a while to get going, as one of the top floor generals in the nation was held to 2 points and 1 assist in the first half. He was able to close the game strong, finishing with 14 points and 5 assists. Fears, the older brother of 2025 draftee and current New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jeremiah Fears, is second in the NCAA in assists  this season at 8.4 per game. He helped put the game out of reach and was a steady hand in keeping it there with his handle, court vision, and poise.

For Oregon, Takai Simpkins was the one real bright spot, finishing with 15 points, 7 rebounds, a steal and a block. He is a threat off movement as a shooter, while being able to create midrange opportunities, and finish with some craft. No one else besides him could get much going, with Wei Lin finishing with 7 points (2-5 3PT, 1-2 FT), and Kwame Evans, Jr. with 6 (3-13 FG). 

Some positives for Oregon came in the first half with their team defense, as they created three shot clock violations. They have also taken care of the ball, while taking fewer risks, showing more awareness. Outside shooting is still not seen as a strength, as they finished 7-of-20, identical to that of Michigan State. The Ducks have had a tough time creating opportunities close to the basket without Jackson Shelstad and Nathan Bittle in the line-up. Their lack of size typically puts them behind in the rebound battle, as they lost it 31-24 against the Spartans. 

Oregon dropped to 1-7 in Big Ten conference play, and 8-11 on the season. Their next game is January 25th in Seattle against the Washington Huskies, who are relatively close in the conference standings. Michigan State will play Maryland January 24th and Rutgers January 27th, before what should be a huge in-state rivalry game with Michigan on January 30th in Ann Arbor.

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

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Portland Gets an Upset Win at LMU

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Los Angeles, CA — Despite entering the matchup as the favorite, Loyola Marymount never found its footing Saturday night, as Portland controlled the game from start to finish in a 71–58 road victory at Gersten Pavilion.

Coming into the contest, much of the intrigue centered around individual matchups. For LMU, former four-star USC recruit Jalen Shelley and Virginia Tech transfer Rodney Brown Jr. were players to monitor. On the Portland side, the focus was on Australian point guard Joel Foxwell, the conference leader in assists, and a player known more for craft than physicality.

Foxwell’s 6’1” frame appeared vulnerable during warmups, and LMU immediately tested him on the opening possession. Any concerns about his size, however, were quickly erased. From that point forward, Foxwell dictated the game with poise and precision, operating as the engine of Portland’s offense.

LMU attempted multiple defensive looks to disrupt him, picking him up full court, hedging hard on ball screens, and showing early help but none of it slowed him. Foxwell consistently split coverage, hit timely pull-ups and floaters, and delivered perfectly weighted passes to rolling big man James O’Donnell, his fellow Australian and ideal pick-and-roll partner. When help rotated, Foxwell punished it by finding open shooters. Portland’s offense flowed almost entirely through him, and it flowed effortlessly.

While Portland’s offense looked organized and confident, LMU’s attack never established rhythm. The Lions spent much of each possession swinging the ball several feet beyond the three-point line without creating advantages. Too often, possessions ended with late, low-confidence perimeter attempts or forced drives into a crowded paint.

Portland’s much-discussed defensive issues were not evident in the first half. Operating out of a 2-3 zone with high corners and guards sagging into the gaps, the Pilots clogged the interior and dared LMU to shoot. LMU obliged and missed although none of LMU’s shots looked like it was meant to be the result of their offense.

The disparity showed clearly on the scoreboard and in the box score. Portland led 39–21 at halftime, shooting 15-of-31 from the field and 4-of-8 from three, while LMU managed just 8-of-28 overall and 3-of-12 from deep. Portland also dominated the hustle categories, winning the rebounding battle 24–14 and forcing 10 LMU turnovers. Nearly every loose ball, long rebound, and transition opportunity favored the Pilots.

LMU briefly showed signs of life to open the second half, cutting the deficit to 10 with increased aggression on both ends. However, the underlying issues remained. The offense still lacked structure and spacing, and the shots that fell early were not sustainable.

Whenever LMU threatened to build momentum, Foxwell calmly extinguished it. He forced timely turnovers, hit key shots, and delivered highlight-level passes that led to layups or wide-open threes. Portland continued to look like a team with a clear identity, while LMU appeared disjointed and uncertain.

Jalen Shelley was the lone consistent bright spot for the Lions. He finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting night, clearly establishing himself as LMU’s most impactful player. Yet even in his strong performance, Shelley was often underutilized. Instead of being featured as a primary option, he frequently stood in the corner or moved the ball quickly without being given the chance to dictate possessions. When Shelley attacked, LMU’s offense improved but those moments were too rare.

LMU’s second-half effort on the glass was commendable, as they won the rebounding battle 21–16 after intermission. The Lions also played with better energy defensively. Still, Portland’s structure and composure never wavered.

The Pilots closed the game with confidence, finishing 24-of-56 from the field and 8-of-17 from three. LMU ended the night shooting just 18-of-57 overall and 8-of-28 from deep, numbers that reflected an offense unsure of both its identity and its options.

Portland’s 71–58 victory was not simply a result of shooting variance or short stretches of momentum. It was the product of a disciplined game plan, executed by a team led by a point guard who controlled every phase of the contest. Foxwell played with the calm of a professional, and his leadership gave Portland a consistent advantage possession after possession.

LMU showed effort, particularly in the second half, but effort alone could not overcome Portland’s clarity of purpose. Until the Lions establish a defined offensive identity and commit to empowering their most effective players, performances like this will continue to follow.


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

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UConn Survives Test at Georgetown

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Washington, D.C. — Third-ranked UConn survived a rugged road test Saturday afternoon, leaning on interior toughness, composure, and timely execution to escape with a 64–62 win over Georgetown and extend its winning streak to 14 games. The Huskies did not play their cleanest offensive game, but their physical edge, defensive discipline, and late-game poise reflected a group comfortable winning different types of games.

UConn set the tone immediately. The Huskies scored on their first three possessions, including a putback and a smooth turnaround hook from Tarris Reed Jr., forcing an early Georgetown timeout just 95 seconds into the game. Reed’s presence was felt right away. He established deep position early, finished through contact, and punished switches, scoring 11 points in the first five minutes while drawing early fouls on Georgetown’s frontcourt. His balance, touch, and willingness to play through traffic gave UConn a reliable interior anchor from the opening tip.

By the second timeout with just over 15 minutes left in the half, UConn had built a 12–4 lead. Georgetown struggled to generate clean looks, rushed shots at the rim, and lacked spacing as UConn’s defense shrunk the floor. Reed continued to control the paint, while the Huskies’ perimeter defenders disrupted ball movement and forced Georgetown into contested attempts late in the clock.

As the half progressed, Georgetown found more rhythm offensively, attacking gaps and playing with better pace, but UConn remained in control. At the 10-minute mark, the Huskies led 21–13, with Georgetown conceding perimeter looks in an effort to protect the lane. That adjustment allowed UConn’s guards to operate more freely, while Reed’s activity on the glass and ability to finish inside continued to stabilize the offense.

With 7:15 remaining before halftime, UConn extended the margin to 25–17. Rebounding was nearly even, but the Huskies’ efficiency and ability to convert second-chance opportunities created separation. Each time Georgetown threatened with a brief run, UConn responded, maintaining an eight-point cushion. Jayden Fort’s dunk just before the break capped a late Hoyas surge, trimming the deficit to 32–28 at halftime and giving the home crowd renewed energy.

That momentum carried over. Georgetown opened the second half on an 8–0 run, taking a 35–32 lead as UConn endured a scoring drought that stretched more than six minutes across halftime. The game settled into a physical, back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading stops and baskets. Georgetown briefly held a 45–43 edge with just over 11 minutes left before UConn steadied itself.

The Huskies regained the lead for good at the free-throw line. Braylon Mullins calmly knocked down two foul shots with 8:55 remaining, and Alex Karaban followed with a timely corner three to push the lead to 58–53. That sequence proved decisive. Silas Demary Jr. and Mullins provided needed support on the perimeter, spacing the floor and making Georgetown pay for collapsing too aggressively inside.

The final minute was tense. KJ Lewis cut the margin to three with 32.7 seconds left, but Georgetown couldn’t capitalize on its final chance when Lewis missed an open three. Mullins split a pair of free throws to extend the lead before Vince Iwuchukwu’s late dunk brought the Hoyas within two. UConn calmly inbounded the ball and ran out the clock.

Despite shooting a season-low 36.2 percent from the field, UConn committed only six turnovers and improved to 9–0 away from home. Reed finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the win with strength, touch, and consistency inside. Georgetown received strong interior play from Iwuchukwu and competitive guard play from Lewis, but UConn’s physicality, defensive execution, and composure in winning time proved just enough to close out a hard-fought 64–62 victory.


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

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Oregon’s First Half Effort Cannot Hold Off #4 Michigan

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Eugene, OR – After being down double digits early, the undermanned Oregon Ducks went on a concerted run that got them back into the game against a Michigan team that looks to be one of the best in the country. With the clock winding down at the end of the first half, sophomore guard Wei Lin hit a three-pointer while being guarded by potential All-American, Yaxel Lendeborg, to give Oregon a 41-40 lead. The second half saw Michigan come out and dominate around the basket, with Aday Mara and Morez Johnson, Jr. getting deep post position, while Elliot Cadeau was able to attack and get to the basket, create. Michigan ultimately claimed a 81-71 victory, moving to 16-1 on the season.

With Jackson Shelstad and Nathan Bittle both sidelined for the foreseeable future, Oregon needed players to take on new roles. It had the potential to get ugly, coming off a 90-55 routing by #8 Nebraska. Former Montverde Academy teammates and juniors, Sean Stewart and Kwame Evans, Jr. both stepped up against Michigan’s front line that may be the best in the country. 

Stewart in particular scored in double digits both halves, finishing with 22 points (10-14 FG), 8 rebounds, and two blocked shots. He banked in a couple of midrange shots, while hitting his lone three-point attempt on a BLOB action. With Oregon desperate for some offensive firepower, their current fifth leading scorer stepped up and did not back down from the Michigan team with a frontcourt full of projected 2026 Draft picks.

Evans, Jr. had 12 of his 18 points in the first half, with 2 steals and 2 blocks. He could draw the defense outside, manipulate his way to the basket on closeouts, and drew fouls. With Evans, the quicker he can get into his moves and decision making, seems to do wonders for offensive creation for the team. There were times when the ball stopped, and so did opportunities for easy baskets. 

Wei Lin scored all 11 of his points in the first half, held to 0-of-8 shooting in the 2nd half. Takai Simpkins finished with 12 points, with 4 steals, many of which led to transition opportunities. He did not make any of his three-pointers, with the Ducks only finishing 6-of-18 on 3’s on the game. With Shelstad and Bittle sidelined, the long range shooting of Lin and Simpkins cannot be the combined 1-of-11 that they shot in this game.

For Michigan, Aday Mara made a massive statement to begin the second half. He went on a self 8-2 run, with a massive dunk taking Evans under the basket. He also showed his passing ability from both the low and high post, along with rim protection that made Oregon players think twice about taking it to the basket. The 7’3” junior transfer from UCLA finished with 12 points, 3 blocks, and led the early second half barrage that saw Michigan control the rest of the game.

Junior North Carolina transfer Cadeau led Michigan in scoring with 17 points, and while he finished with 5 assists and 4 turnovers, his impact on their offensive creation was notable. He used screens very well, and multiple times was able to get to the rim unabated. He was also 2-of-4 on 3’s, and the player that teams once loved to leave open is shooting 41.2% on 4 3 3-point attempts for the season. His quickness, stop/start ability, and tight handle, plus ability to make post entries fit really well with the current pieces the Wolverines have up front.

Fifth-year senior Nimari Burnett scored 10 of his 15 points in the first half, making 3-of-7 3’s while making all his two-point field goal attempts. He is a pesky defender, timely cutter, and is dangerous as a catch-and-shoot option. Morez Johnson, Jr.’s first half was brief due to foul trouble, but he scored 8 of his 9 points in the second half, all around the basket. He’s another major interior presence for Michigan, who have an array of weapons, and a bench that goes nine deep.

It was a season low point total for star UAB transfer, Yaxel Lendeborg, but he showed his value and versatility. Playing with two more traditional big men, Lendeborg handles the ball well, has over a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio currently, plus has greatly increased his three-point volume and is shooting 87.3% FT on the season. He also was the two-time American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and finished with 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 10 rebounds today. 

Lendeborg’s lone basket was on a post seal, and he did tend to float around the perimeter rather than assert his dominance considering his physical tools, which include a 7’4” wingspan. Regardless, he did what he had to do and drew a lot of attention, while not making mistakes. Certainly not a banner game for a player who still is among first team All-American consideration, but the value of Lendeborg goes well beyond scoring, which is why he is such a tantalizing NBA prospect.

Oregon moved to 8-10 on the season, with a game against Michigan State taking place on Tuesday at 6 pm PST. This was their fourth loss in a row, and they will need continued presence from their junior Montverde duo, while greater shooting efficiency from their guards. They did a much better job holding onto the ball, with just 11 turnovers on the game, compared to Michigan’s 14, which certainly helped keep the game closer than anticipated. The Big Ten schedule is going to be tough, but this was a step in the right direction in terms of remaining competitive against a top ranked opponent.


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

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Gonzaga Has No Trouble with Seattle

by Carl Berman
written by Carl Berman

Seattle, WA – Saturday in Seattle not only brought sunny skies (for the first time in some time) but also an action-packed sports line up. The Washington Huskies hosted Michigan State in Big Ten basketball. The Seahawks were at home against the San Francisco 49ers in Divisional Round NFL Playoffs.  And the Seattle University Redhawks were looking to avenge an earlier season overtime loss on the road to the 9th ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs.   

In the first game between these two teams, the Redhawks led for nearly 35 minutes thanks to superb guard play by Brayden Maldonado and a double-double from Will Heimbrodt. Local O’Dea High School graduate, John Christofilis provided a boost off the bench by knocking down four three-pointers in what has been his best performance so far. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as the Zags pulled away in the extra period. As has been the case all year, Gonzaga got great production from Braden Huff and Graham Ike. Huff led all scorers with 28 points. Ike finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

The Zags came to Seattle looking to quickly extinguish any hope the Redhawks had of a victory.  They’d have to do so without Huff as he sustained a left knee injury in practice this week and will be out 4-8 weeks. Depleting Gonzaga further was a late scratch from Ike who sat out with ankle soreness. Seattle, having just ended a three-game skid by beating San Diego on Thursday, was cautiously optimistic it could take down the perennial power and firmly establish itself among the middle-tier teams in the West Coast Conference.

For Redhawks fans, the first four minutes were written to script as Seattle’s stingy defense smothered Gonzaga and Maldonado and Junseok Yeoeach drilled a three pointer.The next four minutes were off script. Several sloppy passes resulted in easy points for Gonzaga including the first of many dunks…this one courtesy of 7’0” Ismaila Diagne. The sophomore Senegalese finished his night with only 3 points but grabbed 8 rebounds in 20 minutes.  Seattle clawed back and were only down eight at the half, but they couldn’t get over the hump and eventually succumbed to a Gonzaga barrage of three pointers from Mario Saint-Supéry and the aforementioned dunkfest with Davis Fogle and Tyon Grant-Foster, among others joining the party.  But the 71-50 blowout belonged to Saint-Supéry.   

The 6’4” freshman from Malaga, Spain, had his best scoring night of the season with 20 points (7-10 FG, 4-6 3PT, 2-2 FT) along with 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 rebound in 24 minutes. Saint-Supéry’s a 3 & D specialist hitting 45% of his 2.6 three-point shots per game. He can hit it from anywhere beyond the arc and certainly did so tonight.

Another freshman, 6’7”, Davis Fogle, also stepped up. Fogle finished with 13 points (6-9 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT), 6 rebounds, including 3 on the offensive glass, and 3 steals. He’s averaging roughly 10 minutes per game this season and contributes as a pick and roll handler and in transition. Fogle but may be called upon to do more while Huff and Ike recover.

Ike is day-to-day and Mark Few and the Gonzaga coaching staff eagerly await the return of his 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Ike does most of his damage in transition and off both blocks, typically finishing off his right shoulder with a feathery hook shot. He has no outside game yet although he shoots over 75% from the charity stripe which suggests perimeter potential. Draft boards indicate he may go in the second round this year.  

In a losing effort, Maldonado finished with 12 points (5-12 FG, 1-7 3PT, 1-1 FT), 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal. At 6’0”, Maldonado’s a little undersized at the point guard but he plays physical and runs on a high motor.  Tonight was a little rough, but he’s shot the three-ball well all season, particularly from the left and right wings. Overall, he makes just under 40% of his three-point attempts and shows a nice stroke from the free throw line where he’s among the Top 10 nationwide in free throw shooting percentage. In addition to his spot up shooting, Maldonado manages the pick and roll game well.  He can score whether he uses or rejects the screen and makes solid second level help reads to set up his teammates.

Maldonado’s a pesky defender. This evening, he drew a charge as the Gonzaga ballhandler came off the pick and roll screen. Fired up, Maldonado followed that defensive stop with an electrifying alley-oop to Houran Dan for three-point play.     

Will Heimbrodt had a tough night with only 3 points (1-10 FG, 0-2 3PT, 1-2 FT). He got a lot of looks in the paint, but nothing seemed to go down. The 6’7” redshirt sophomore has been blessed with length and springs. He’s disruptive in the passing lanes, and averages 5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. This evening, Heimbrodt grabbed 6 rebounds and made 3 blocks. I counted at least 4 deflections.   

Offensively, he’s still striving for consistency. Heimbrodt’s had several games with 20 or more points and several games, like this one, where he’s been quiet. He makes 32.5% of his three-pointers on 2.3 attempts a night. His post-up game, from either block, stands out.  Although Heimbrodt has a few years of college basketball under his belt, he missed significant portions of his high school varsity sophomore and junior seasons due to injury and therefore developmentally, he’s still learning the game.  

Seattle faces Loyola Marymount at home on Wednesday followed by Pacific on the road on Saturday.  Both games are winnable. Gonzaga heads home to Spokane to play Pepperdine, San Francisco and Saint Mary’s. In related basketball news, the Washington Huskies lost 80-63 to Michigan State. Seattleites rejoiced, however, as the Seahawks slaughtered their bitter Bay Area rivals.

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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