🔒 KPRC 2 sports director Randy McIlvoy looks ahead to the UH Cougars Sweet 16 appearance in San Antonio
KPRC 2 sports director Randy McIlvoy is in San Antonio for Thursday’s NCAA tournament matchup between the University of Houston and University of Arizona’s basketball teams. This is the Coogs third straight Sweet 16 appearance, and they’ll be battling a tough opponent.
Texas Southern routs Alcorn State 87-62 for SWAC title
John Walker III scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half and Texas Southern pulled away for an 87-62 victory over Alcorn State on Saturday in the championship game of the Southwestern Athletic Conference tournament, earning the Tigers an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Kendrick Perkins shares his thoughts on the Rockets, NBA finals and his new TBL team
Kendrick Perkins is known for many things, along them are strong opinions, vast knowledge of all things basketball, and giving back. The ESPN NBA analyst and Houston resident joined KPRC Sports Reporter Vanesa Richardson for a one-on-one on Sports Sunday.
Mattress Mack to send several UH students to Final Four game this weekend
Mattress Mack gives out nearly 20,000 face masks FridayHOUSTON – In true “Mattress Mack” fashion, the business owner will send several University of Houston students to the Final Four game against Baylor this Saturday. Jim McIngvale and Gallery Furniture will also host a Coogs Pep Rally at the Gallery Furniture on North Freeway on Thursday at 11 a.m.During the pep rally, several UH students will win a round-trip charter flight to Indianapolis, tickets to the game and hotel accommodations. The public is welcome to show their Cougar pride in the parking lot of the pep rally. The lucky Final Four trip winners will board a private jet on Friday with the families of the UH coaches to attend the game.
Final Four set, a question left: Can anybody beat Gonzaga?
(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)It’s not easy to bury a team as good as USC, let alone in a half, no matter how easy Gonzaga made it look. He asked Few the day before their game against the high-flying Trojans whether his defense was getting lost in the shuffle. “Obviously, I think he’s the best defender in the country,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. Then Baylor’s bout with the virus came late in the season, requiring a pause of three weeks plus. After everything else fans weathered throughout this wacky season, a few more days might finally deliver a national championship game worth the wait.
South Carolina drubs Texas 62-34 to reach Final Four
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)SAN ANTONIO – One by one, South Carolina players walked through the confetti and climbed the ladder to cut down the net in the Alamodome. Zia Cooke scored 16 points and South Carolina used its stifling defense to advance to the Final Four for the third time, shutting down Texas for a 62-34 victory Tuesday night. Top-seeded South Carolina blocked 14 shots, nine by Laeticia Amihere, and held No. “It says they're locked in,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. South Carolina answered with a 3-pointer from Henderson to start the Gamecocks on the run that would put the game away.
Top takeaways from women’s Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games
A Supreme Court case being argued this week amid March Madness could erode the difference between elite college athletes and professional sports stars. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)San Antonio is home to the NCAA Women’s Tournament, and three Texas schools were represented in the Sweet 16. Here’s a look at how they did on the second weekend in San Antonio:TEXAS A&MThe Aggies and Gary Blair were the earliest to lose, bowing out in the Sweet 16 to Arizona. 1 seed UConn before DiDi Richards hurt her leg. #ncaaW pic.twitter.com/amSH91IEQV — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 30, 2021TEXASThe Longhorns pulled two huge upsets in the second round and Sweet 16, beating 3-seed UCLA and 2-seed Maryland on their way to the Elite 8.
Baylor beats Arkansas 81-72 for first Final Four in 71 years
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)INDIANAPOLIS – Baylor had been on the cusp of the Final Four twice before under coach Scott Drew, falling to the eventual champion both times. Baylor is headed there for the first time in 71 years, getting 22 points from MaCio Teague and a dominating defensive performance from Davion Mitchell to beat Arkansas 81-72 on Monday night. The top-seeded Bears (26-2) appeared to be barreling toward ending their Final Four drought with a dominating start. That left the Bears short of the Final Four dating back to when the bracket was only eight teams. He gave Arkansas all kinds of trouble on the pick-and-roll in the second half, finishing with 12 points and six assists.
Rockets end skid at 20, Wall has 1st triple-double since ’16
Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) drives on Toronto Raptors' Fred VanVleet (23) during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game Monday, March 22, 2021, in Houston. But Wall had 19 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds, his first triple-double since March 17, 2016. The Rockets closed out the third quarter with an 88-86 lead and opened the fourth quarter on a 9-1 run to pull away. AdThe Raptors led 28-27 at the end of the first quarter. In their losing streak, Houston led after the first quarter only three times, including on Feb. 26 when they led the Raptors 31-30.
‘I think we’re going all the way:’ Fans react to UH advancing to the Sweet 16
HOUSTON – The University of Houston Cougars’ late game win over Rutgers University had the campus buzzing Monday with talk of a sweet success. The Coogs advanced to the Sweet 16 to take on Syracuse Orange on Saturday. AdDutton also had the following message for Syracuse: “Get ready to lose.”Other students said they think the Coogs will make it all the way this year. “I think we’re going to go all the way. The University of Houston recently launched a retro line of gear in celebration of Phi Slama Jama.
Pistons hand Rockets franchise-worst 19th straight loss
Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) shoots as Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) defends during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 19, 2021, in Houston. (Troy Taromina/Pool Photo via AP)(AP) – Frank Jackson had a season-high 23 points and the Detroit Pistons handed the Houston Rockets their franchise-record 19th straight loss, 113-100 on Friday night. It was fun being out there.”Jerami Grant added 18 points, Josh Jackson had 15, and Isaiah Stewart 13. Wall had 21 points and seven assists, Oladipo had 19 points, and Wood 18 points and 11 rebounds. Wood averaged 13.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in 62 games and 12 starts with Detroit last season before signing with Houston in the offseason.
Hawks beat Rockets 119-107; Houston drops 17th straight
HOUSTON – Danilo Gallinari scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half and the Atlanta Hawks beat Houston 119-107 on Tuesday night, dealing the Rockets a franchise record-tying 17th straight loss. “Our defense in the fourth quarter really gave us the win,” Hawks coach Nate McMillan said. Five Hawks scored in double figures by halftime, and six scored at least 10 in the game. Rockets: Houston is hopeful Wood (ankle) can return Wednesday against the Warriors. Rockets: Houston hosts Golden State on Wednesday night.
VYPE Houston Girl's Basketball Player of the Year Fan Poll
The Basketball season has come to a close as the State Finals have been decided! Now it's time for the fans to name their Player of the Year! The VYPE Houston Girl's Basketball Player of the Year Fan Poll is now live! All athlete polls and their content are only associated and created by VYPE Media and its staff. Please contact VYPE Media directly if you have any questions, comments, or concerns around our Fan Polls.
LIST: Local teams who made this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson celebrates with the team following Houston's win over Cincinnati an NCAA college basketball game in the final round of the American Athletic Conference men's tournament Sunday, March 14, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)This weekend, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and the University of Texas won their respective conference tournament championships. But those were not the only Texas teams headed to the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Here’s a look at which teams in Texas officially punched their tickets to the Big Dance Sunday.
Texas Southern beats Prairie View 80-61 in SWAC final
(AP) – Karl Nicholas scored 16 points and pulled down 12 rebounds as Texas Southern placed five in double-figure scoring to upset top-seeded Prairie View A&M 80-61 in the Southwest Athletic Conference championship game Saturday night. Texas Southern shot 51% (29 of 57), adding 19 of 27 at the free-throw line. Gillam and Hopkins each scored five during the burst in which TSU held Prairie View to 3-of-11 shooting and two turnovers. Prairie View shot 34% for the game (24 of71) and had just five assists. Texas Southern is 1-8 in the NCAA Tournament, defeating North Carolina Central in the 2018 First Four for its lone win.
Jazz return from break, hand Rockets 15th straight loss
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Jazz returned with a win, though not one they felt like celebrating. The only bright spot Snyder allowed was: “We executed the last three minutes.”Playing for the first time since March 3, the NBA leaders handed the Rockets their 15th straight loss. AdBojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson each scored 15 but the Jazz needed a late run to close out the Rockets. During the 16-2 run, the ragtag Rockets forced three Jazz misses in a row and then a trio of turnovers to make their comeback. Jazz: Utah now allows 5,600 fans in the arena, up from the 3,900 capacity before the break.
UH men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson signs contract extension through 2026-2027 season
Head coach Kelvin Sampson of the Houston Cougars looks on during a semifinal game of the 2018 AAC Basketball Championship against the Wichita State Shockers at Amway Center on March 10, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. HOUSTON – Kelvin Sampson isn’t leaving Houston anytime soon. Sampson, who is coming off his sixth consecutive 20-win season, has signed a contract extension with the University of Houston through the 2026-2027 season. “Kelvin is a great ambassador for our university and the city of Houston,” University of Houston Board of Regents Chairman and Rockets owner Tilman J. Fertitta said. Sampson and the Coogs are hoping for a deep run in the upcoming NCAA tournament.
VYPE Houston Boy's Basketball Player of the Year Fan Poll
The Basketball season is drawing to a close as the State Finals rapidly approach! Now it's time for the fans to name their Player of the Year! The VYPE Houston Boy's Basketball Player of the Year Fan Poll is now live! All athlete polls and their content are only associated and created by VYPE Media and its staff. Please contact VYPE Media directly if you have any questions, comments, or concerns around our Fan Polls.
Coby White scores 24, Bulls hand Rockets 8th straight loss
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 22: Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls shoots a lay up ahead of P.J. Tucker #17 of the Houston Rockets during the third quarter of a game at the Toyota Center on February 22, 2021 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. During that second burst, Houston missed four shots, two of which were air balls, and had a turnover. Rockets: Oladipo missed his fourth straight game.
Knicks send Rockets to fifth straight loss with 121-99 win
New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett dunks next to Houston Rockets' John Wall (1) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, in New York. (Wendell Cruz/Pool Photo via AP)NEW YORK (AP) – Julius Randle and rookie Immanuel Quickley each scored 22 points and the New York Knicks sent the Houston Rockets to a season-high fifth straight loss with a 121-99 victory Saturday night. “I thought the unselfishness was important and then we had a number of guys just step up and make shots,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. ... Ray Spalding scored two points in his Rockets’ debut after being called up from the Rockets’ NBA G League affiliate Friday and signed to a two-way contract. The Knicks said Robinson was evaluated by their medical staff Saturday and surgery was recommended.
Mavs’ Cuban relents on anthem after NBA reiterates policy
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)DALLAS – Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban relented Wednesday and the national anthem will be played before home games this season after the NBA reiterated its “longstanding league policy” to include the song. “With NBA teams now in the process of welcoming fans back into their arenas, all teams will play the national anthem in keeping with longstanding league policy,” the league said. It's been quite a day.”The Mavericks released a statement from Cuban while acknowledging the club would return to playing the anthem. “We have no problem playing the national anthem at all,” Cuban said. “I stand for the national anthem.
Hart gives Pelicans a boost in 130-101 win over Rockets
John Wall scored 25 points and Eric Gordon 23 for Houston, which lost its third straight. AdNew Orleans led by as many as 20 when Ball's 3 made it 82-62 in the middle of the third quarter. AdIngram added a 3 and a jumper during the spurt, which put the Pelicans up 61-43. Pelicans: First-round draft pick Kira Lewis Jr. scored 10 points to go with two rebounds and an assist in 20 minutes. Pelicans: Visits Chicago on Wednesday night for the first of four straight on the road.
Bulls beat Rockets 125-120; Oladipo solid in Houston debut
Victor Oladipo #7 of the Houston Rockets gets off a shot around Lauri Markkanen #24 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 18, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. CHICAGO – Zach LaVine scored 33 points, and the Chicago Bulls overcame a strong effort by Victor Oladipo in his Houston debut, beating the Rockets 125-120 on Monday night. Oladipo looked good in his first game for Houston, pouring in 32 points. Bulls: The Bulls held out rookie forwards Patrick Williams (bruised right hip) and Otto Porter Jr. (strained lower back). Bulls: The Bulls play at Charlotte on Friday before the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers visit on Saturday.
Victor Oladipo joins Rockets, speaks with media
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2020, file photo, Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo shoots during practice at the team's NBA basketball training facility in Indianapolis. Oladipo was rounding into form when the NBA suddenly stopped. Oladipo met with the media over Zoom, and expressed his excitement to play in Houston. I know where we’re at right now, and I know there’s a lot of room to grow, a lot of room to get better, and I just want to be part of that,” said Oladipo. “I think that that’s huge, because there’s a respect level there,” said Oladipo.
Former Houston Rockets owner Charlie Thomas dies at 89
Rockets owner Charlie Thomas looks up at right. HOUSTON – Charlie Thomas, the former owner of the Houston Rockets, died Friday. Thomas bought Houston’s NBA team in 1982 for about $10 million and sold it in 1993 for about $85 million. Current Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta said in a statement posted on Twitter that the team is deeply saddened by Thomas’ passing. “Charlie was a great friend, business partner, and true Texan who loved his Rockets,” Fertitta said in the statement.
Wilson, Rapinoe, Bird to host remote ESPYS feting heroism
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, soccer star Megan Rapinoe and three-time WNBA champion Sue Bird will preside over The ESPYS two-hour broadcast airing June 21 on ESPN. Rapinoe and Bird are partners who share a household, which conveniently eases some logistics. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)LOS ANGELES Its a way different kind of year, and so The ESPYs will be, too. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, soccer star Megan Rapinoe and three-time WNBA champion Sue Bird will preside over the two-hour broadcast airing June 21 on ESPN. Comedy and music are always part of the show, and Wilson, Rapinoe and Bird will get a chance to show off a sense of humor.
VYPE AWARDS: Public School Boys Basketball
We welcome you to the Countdown to the 2020 VYPE Awards presented by Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE -- Tramon Mark, DickinsonLong, rangy, two-way player -- Tramon Mark could do it all. ...Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is Houston's leading provider of orthopedic services, from sports medicine to joint replacement. Houston Methodist offers comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative services with a high standard of excellence for elite athletes, active adults and student athletes. Houston Methodist serves as the official health care provider for the Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Rice Athletics, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera.
3 things to watch in Houston sports this week
HOUSTON Heres whats happening from the Xfinity Sports Desk this week in the Houston area. You can watch coverage all week on KPRC 2 Sports. Only three teams had opened their facilities recently for limited access for voluntary workouts. The Houston Rockets, who decided to delay their return, will open the Toyota Center doors for the players and limited staffers. Keep it locked on KPRC 2 Sports and Click2houston.com/sports for all of your sports news from the Xfinity Sports Desk!