Sharp-shooting Iowa gets 24 from Garza to beat Grand Canyon
(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)INDIANAPOLIS – Iowa got 24 points from Luka Garza and avoided the early NCAA Tournament exit that befell other high seeds with an 86-74 victory over Grand Canyon in the West Region on Saturday night. AdGrand Canyon (17-7) gave the Havocs reason to remain on their feet early by keeping the Hawkeyes within reach before an Iowa surge before halftime allowed the Hawkeyes to pull away. Garza got off to a great start, hitting a pair of 3-pointers while scoring eight early points. Iowa made six 3s and hit 16 of 29 shots to stretch the lead to 42-31 at halftime. Grand Canyon had its first taste of the NCAA Tournament and the Havocs had a road party.
Pick Six: Veterans to watch as NCAA Tournament begins
(AP Photo/Chase Stevens)INDIANAPOLIS – There has never been a better time to have senior leadership in the NCAA Tournament than this season. AdVirginia intends to play after withdrawing from the ACC Tournament because of COVID-19 protocols, which means fans will get to say Sam Hauser running the show. Dru Smith is their leading scorer and Jeremiah Tilmon finally reached his potential this season, and both aim to help Missouri snap a four-game NCAA Tournament skid. Herb Jones is an All-American candidate and Jaden Shackelford is Alabama's leading scorer, but John Petty Jr. makes the SEC Tournament champs go. Then there's Tennessee forward John Fulkerson, who sustained facial fractures in an SEC Tournament win over Florida and underwent surgery Sunday.
Some new college hoop coaches turn to experienced transfers
Forbes has five Division I transfers joining the program, with three added since he took over in April. Hes hoping the older players provide some stability amid these uncertain times for college athletics highlighting the enhanced value of transfers for the coaches who changed jobs after last season and are trying to build new programs. It remains unclear how many transfers will get a waiver to play right away or must sit out a year. It's why ACC Network analyst and former Notre Dame player Jordan Cornette pointed to more than talent and fit with a transfer's value. Coaches are barred from in-person activities such as traveling to meet a recruit or bringing one in for an official visit.