And they say there’s no crying in basketball…

March Madness slides into Sweet 16

The Madness returns today, as the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 puts the season’s most prolific performers to the test in a series of top-seeded showdowns.

• This year’s third round is all Top 5 seeds, with blockbuster matchups expected to bring the heat well before the Final Four.

Big picture: With the Cinderellas now silenced, many teams still in contention enter the Sweet 16 armed with a history of NCAA tournament success.

• No. 1 seed South Carolina tips off against No. 4 seed Maryland today, as the Gamecocks vie for their fifth straight Elite Eight after winning two national titles in the last four years.

• Up-and-down No. 3 seed LSU makes a play for their third straight Elite Eight berth tonight — not to mention an attempted repeat of their 2023 championship win.

• No. 1 seed Texas looks to advance to their fourth Elite Eight in the five years tomorrow, hunting a return to the Final Four for the first time since 2003.

• Later, No. 2 seed UConn aims for their fourth Final Four bid in the last five seasons, coming as close as 2022’s title game before reaching the semis last year.

Bottom line: Experience can go a long way when the spotlight gets a little brighter, but pressure also mounts as blue-chip programs face the chopping board.

• One notable first-time Sweet 16 matchup is this afternoon’s clash between in-state rivals No. 2 seed Duke and No. 3 seed North Carolina, with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.

• Tomorrow, No. 3 seed Notre Dame meets No. 2 seed TCU, as the Irish fight to regain their regular-season dominance while the Horned Frogs try to extend their underdog campaign with their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance.

Tune in: The Sweet 16 tips off today at 2:30 PM ET, with all games airing across ESPN platforms.

Sizing up Elite Eight contenders

While not exactly upset territory, Sunday’s Elite Eight will likely feature tense battles between teams looking to hang onto late-season consistency and those running on turnaround momentum.

• After losing to eventual conference champion Duke in the ACC semifinal, a refreshed No. 3 seed Notre Dame heads into tomorrow’s Sweet 16 hot off of winning their first two NCAA tournament games by an average of 36.5 points.

• After injuries derailed their SEC tournament dreams, No. 3 seed LSU has similarly picked up the pace, putting together two consecutive 100+ point games in the NCAA tournament’s first two rounds.

• No. 5 seed Kansas State wouldn’t normally be an issue for No. 1 seed USC, but after losing superstar JuJu Watkins to an ACL tear on Monday, the Trojans might have to rally to get the job done.

• And while “underdog” is a stretch, the greatest momentum shift might belong to No. 2 seed UConn, with Bueckers and co. firing on all cylinders despite dropping several ranked matchups this season.

Big picture: With razor-thin margins across the board, confidence will play a key role in making it to the competition’s coveted fourth round.

• “We're a bunch of fighters, and we respond when we’re challenged,” Notre Dame senior Sonia Citron said after last Sunday’s 76-55 win over Michigan.

Tune in: After Saturday’s Sweet 16 finale determines the field, the Elite Eight tips off on Sunday at 1 PM ET, with live coverage across ESPN platforms.

Washington looks to bounce back

Just two matchdays into 2025, six of the NWSL’s 14 teams remain unbeaten, with only Orlando and Kansas City yet to drop any points ahead of this weekend’s action.

• A few top-tier squads are already eyeing bounce-back performances, while others will aim to prove their dominance with another three-point result.

Games to watch: While roster availability continues to be an ongoing issue, this weekend’s lineup does promise a couple of consequential matchups.

• Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC, Friday at 8 PM ET (Prime): The Spirit attempt to shake off last week’s frustrating 2-0 loss to Kansas City against a surging Bay FC, fresh off their first win of the season against Racing Louisville.

• Orlando Pride vs. San Diego Wave, Saturday at 12 PM ET (ESPN): The 2024 champs look as dangerous as ever, giving the Wave a chance to prove that last week’s goal-fest win over Utah wasn’t a fluke.

Short-staffed Spirit: Washington’s comeback aspirations will be tested tonight, as the 2024 runners-up stare down a lengthy injury list with nine players reported as unavailable.

• Expect them to lean even harder on star forward Trinity Rodman, who, still recovering from a lingering back issue, told Pro Soccer Wire this week, “The mental part's been hard, but I think it’s been managed really well."

Sparks retire Parker’s jersey

The LA Sparks will retire WNBA icon Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey in 2025, the team announced on Thursday, with the ceremony taking place during the team’s June 29th game against the Chicago Sky.

• Spending her first 13 pro seasons in LA, the 2024 retiree won WNBA MVP twice with the Sparks, in addition to 2008 Rookie of the Year, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP on her way to the 2016 championship title.

• Parker still leads the storied organization in total assists, ranking second all-time in rebounds and third in points scored.

Bottom line: “Candace is the best all-around player that has ever played in the WNBA,” said Sparks co-owner (and former Laker) Earvin “Magic” Johnson. “Her legacy is immeasurable.”

Liberty unveil new facility

The 2024 champion New York Liberty are the latest WNBA team to enter the dedicated practice facility race, announcing plans this week to build an $80 million, 75,000-square-foot training center in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

• Set to open in 2027, the complex will eliminate the need for Liberty players to share facilities with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

• “The New York Liberty deserve a facility of their own: one that reflects their tremendous talent, work ethic, and ambition,” said Liberty governor Clara Wu Tsai in Thursday’s statement.

What’s new: In addition to common amenities like dining, workout, and recovery areas, the facility will forgo a traditional locker room and instead provide every player with a private suite — complete with a wardrobe, vanity, and daybed.

Number of the day 

28

35-year-old Boston Fleet star Hilary Knight is in vintage form this season, leading the PWHL in scoring with 28 points ahead of the league’s international break.