Slam Dunk Friday

Gonzaga (Men) & UConn (Women) Ready to Enter Postseason as No. 1 Overall Teams

The top teams in college hoops came away simultaneous winners last night, and their final push for postseason supremacy is within reach. Both Gonzaga (men) and UConn (women) passed big tests, but a few games remain to reach the postseason as the No. 1 overall teams heading into March. Here’s the latest in our 1-seed watch:

Gonzaga 1 Game From Perfect Season

The Zags had a scare last night against Santa Clara (89-75) after holding just a two-point lead at halftime, but they ultimately remained perfect (23-0). Saturday night’s season finale against Loyola Marymount is the final test, but BYU still poses a threat in the West Coast Conference tournament. Only one team has played Gonzaga to within 10 points all season long.

UConn Wins Big East Title

UConn and freshman phenom Paige Bueckers rolled Creighton last night (81-49) to secure the Big East title. The Huskies (19-1) have just two games remaining on the schedule, but the season finale against Marquette (17-4) is all that stands in their way between March and the No. 1 seed.

NCAA Men’s Scores

#3 Michigan def. #9 Iowa (79-57)

Michigan State def. #4 Ohio State (71-67)

#5 Illinois def. Nebraska (86-70)

NCAA Women’s Scores

#2 NC State def. Pittsburgh (83-53)

#3 Texas A&M def. Alabama (73-67)

#5 S. Carolina def. Ole Miss (68-43)

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NBA

The Nets Are Scorching

Photo: Sarah Stier / Getty Images

Brooklyn’s 8-Game Win Streak (Mostly Without Kevin Durant) Has Put the NBA on Notice

Just what everyone was afraid of. The Brooklyn Nets are the latest variation of an NBA super-team after acquiring James Harden, and they look absolutely ridiculous after a few early struggles. The Nets waxed the Magic last night by 37 (129-92) for their eighth straight win, including seven without Kevin Durant. Brooklyn’s offense has the potential to go down as the best in NBA history before the season ends. They’re averaging a league-high 121.2 points per game while shooting 50.1 percent on a nightly basis. No other team averages 120 and 49, respectively. Even the Utah Jazz — with the NBA’s best record — average 116.0 points and 46.9 percent.

The scariest part? The Big 3 of James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have shared the court together for less than five full games.

Watch: Nets Dump Magic by 37 for 8th Straight Win

Other NBA Highlights

Grizzlies Crush Clippers: Memphis handed L.A. their worst loss of the season Thursday night (122-94) thanks to a 4th-quarter runaway. The Clippers’ duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George only went for 30 points combined.

Zion vs. Giannis Was Epic: Two of the best power forwards in the world went head-to-head last night for a must-see highlight reel. Giannis Antetokounmpo (38 points, 10 rebounds) and the Bucks bested Zion Williamson (34 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) and the Pelicans in a tight finish (129-125).

Sixers Stall Luka & The Mavs: Philadelphia are winners of four of their last five after shutting down Luka Doncic and the Mavericks Thursday night (111-97). Doncic had one of his worst offensive nights of the year (19 points) with a +/- of -20. Philly still holds the top spot in the East.

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