Michigan Ends NCAA Tournament With A Title
The college basketball season officially concluded Monday night in Indianapolis, with the Michigan Wolverines cutting down the nets after a 69-63 victory over the UConn Huskies. The win secures the second national championship in Michigan's history and its first since 1989.
The Wolverines rode a stifling defense to the championship, holding a potent UConn offense in check throughout the contest. Point guard Elliot Cadeau, who transferred from North Carolina, was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player, scoring 19 points in the final. The victory capped a dominant tournament run for Michigan, which won five of its six games by double digits.
For UConn, the loss ends a bid for a third national title in four years. The Huskies, who had been a force throughout the tournament, were unable to solve Michigan's defensive pressure. The outcome sends shockwaves through the college basketball landscape as programs, including those across the SEC, now fully pivot to the offseason and the roster-building frenzy of the transfer portal.
QUICK HITS
SEC Freshmen Earn Weekly Baseball Honors: Two of the conference's brightest young stars received recognition for their outstanding performances at the plate. Missouri infielder Blaize Ward and Texas outfielder Anthony Pack Jr. were named SEC Co-Freshmen of the Week. Ward hit a blistering .615 for the week, helping the Tigers secure a series win over then-No. 24 Kentucky. Pack was equally impressive for the Longhorns, slashing .727/.769/.909 in a series victory against South Carolina.
Missouri Guard Barrett Enters Portal: The Missouri Tigers will be looking to replace a key piece of their backcourt next season. Sophomore guard T.O. Barrett announced his intention to enter the transfer portal. After moving into the starting lineup for the final 14 games, Barrett saw a significant production increase, averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists as a starter.
Texas Women's Hoops Sees Portal Departures: Following a run to the Final Four, the Texas Longhorns women's basketball program has seen significant roster movement. Freshman guard Aaliyah Crump, a former top-5 recruit, and sophomore forward Justice Carlton have both entered the transfer portal. Crump averaged 7.9 points per game in a season partially interrupted by injury, while Carlton was a regular starter, averaging 8.5 points and 4.0 rebounds.
LSU's Arrambide Has Historic Performance: LSU catcher Cade Arrambide earned Co-Player of the Week honors after a monumental showing against Tennessee. Arrambide hit four home runs in the series-clinching victory on Sunday, becoming just the fourth player in SEC history to accomplish the feat in a single game.
PORTAL WATCH
The transfer portal is officially humming with activity impacting several SEC schools.
Mouhamed Dioubate, F, Kentucky: After one season in Lexington, the forward known for his high energy and rebounding will seek a new program. Dioubate, who transferred from Alabama prior to last season, averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Wildcats.
T.O. Barrett, G, Missouri: The sophomore guard is exploring his options after a breakout season in which he became a key starter for the Tigers.
Aaliyah Crump, G, Texas: The highly-touted freshman is in the portal after one season with the Longhorns.
Justice Carlton, F, Texas: The sophomore forward, a key starter for the Final Four team, has also entered her name into the transfer portal.
RECRUITING BUZZ
There have been no new commitments reported across the SEC in the last 12 hours.
GAMES TO WATCH
There are no SEC games scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th. Action resumes later this week.