WDBD FOX 40 Jackson MS Local News, Weather and Sports

WDBD Television for Jackson, MS

    fox-news/sports/ncaa/louisville-cardinals

    South Carolina, Baylor, Oregon still lead women’s Top 25

    As women’s basketball teams finish up their regular season and turn their attention to the conference tournaments, South Carolina, Baylor and Oregon remain a step above everyone else.

    The Gamecocks stayed at No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll released Monday, receiving 27 of 30 first-place votes from the media panel. Baylor was second, getting two first-place votes. Oregon had the final one to stay at No. 3.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    “I do think that in all the chaos of this season with changes to No. 1, the top three as they stand right now have been the most consistent in their excellence,” longtime poll voter LaChina Robinson said.

    The three teams all easily won their conferences, with South Carolina and Baylor going undefeated in the SEC and Big 12. Barring some major slip-ups or surprises, the trio is expected to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament and then play close to home in the Sweet 16.

    Louisville moved up one spot to No. 4, with UConn rounding out the top five teams in the poll. Maryland, Stanford, UCLA, Mississippi State and North Carolina State are the next five.

    Stanford tumbled three spots to No. 7 following back-to-back conference losses to Oregon on Monday and Arizona on Friday. The Cardinal avoided its first three-game skid since 2001 with a 55-44 win over No. 24 Arizona State on Sunday.

    The top 10 teams are expected to be hosts in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA will announce its second reveal of the top 16 teams on Monday night, two weeks before the actual tournament selection show.

    For the second consecutive Sunday, ranked teams had a tough day, with six of them losing to unranked opponents. Seven days earlier, Top 25 teams lost seven such games.

    “I think this year while there is definitely a lot more parity there’s also been a lot more inconsistency. Every week, we’re trying to put together a poll after several Top 25 teams have not just lost, but in some cases, lost to unranked teams,” Robinson said. “The hardest part has been trying to figure out because there’s so much parity how far do you drop some of those teams when they lose because we know the gap isn’t as great between the haves and everyone else.”

    Here are a few other tidbits from the poll:

    WELCOME BACK: A week after dropping out of the poll, the Arkansas Razorbacks are back in at No. 25. Coach Mike Neighbors’ team finished the SEC regular season with a loss to Mississippi State before topping LSU. Arkansas reached 10 conference wins for only the second time in school history, equaling the mark set in 2012. The Razorbacks replaced TCU in the poll, which lost both its games this past week.

    RISING WILDCATS: Northwestern clinched a share of its first Big Ten title in 30 years on Saturday and moved up three places to No. 11 this week. The team set a program record with its 26th victory, topping the 1979 team that won 25 games and the 1989-90 team that won 24 and the Big Ten title.

    South Carolina still No. 1 in AP women’s basketball poll

    South Carolina still leads the way in The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll in a week that saw seven ranked teams fall to unranked opponents.

    The top of the poll was unscathed with none of the first seven teams losing. The No. 1 Gamecocks clinched their fifth Southeastern Conference title in seven years on Sunday and received 27 of 30 first-place votes Monday from the national media panel. No. 2 Baylor got two first-place votes and No. 3 Oregon got one.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Stanford stayed at No. 4 and will host the Ducks on Monday night.

    Louisville, UConn and Maryland were the next three teams in the poll.

    The rest of the rankings got jumbled around, with the exception of No. 20 South Dakota. None of the other teams ranked eighth through 25th were in the same spot as the previous week.

    North Carolina State, UCLA and Mississippi State rounded out the first 10 teams in the poll. The Bruins and Bulldogs both lost Sunday.

    TCU entered the rankings for the first time in two years, coming in at No. 25, while Arkansas fell out.

    Here are a few other tidbits from the poll:

    RANKED FROGS: TCU spent three weeks in the Top 25 in 2018, going as high as No. 22. The Horned Frogs have reached 20 wins for three consecutive seasons and are 11-3 in the Big 12 — the team’s most victories in the conference ever. It’s the first time TCU has posted at least 11 wins in conference play since going 13-3 in the Mountain West Conference in 2010-11.

    RISING WILDCATS: Northwestern climbed four places to No. 14 after routing Rutgers and Wisconsin. The Wildcats equaled their best ranking since 2015.

    South Carolina still No. 1 in AP women’s basketball poll

    South Carolina still leads the way in The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll in a week that saw seven ranked teams fall to unranked opponents.

    The top of the poll was unscathed with none of the first seven teams losing. The No. 1 Gamecocks clinched their fifth Southeastern Conference title in seven years on Sunday and received 27 of 30 first-place votes Monday from the national media panel. No. 2 Baylor got two first-place votes and No. 3 Oregon got one.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Stanford stayed at No. 4 and will host the Ducks on Monday night.

    Louisville, UConn and Maryland were the next three teams in the poll.

    The rest of the rankings got jumbled around, with the exception of No. 20 South Dakota. None of the other teams ranked eighth through 25th were in the same spot as the previous week.

    North Carolina State, UCLA and Mississippi State rounded out the first 10 teams in the poll. The Bruins and Bulldogs both lost Sunday.

    TCU entered the rankings for the first time in two years, coming in at No. 25, while Arkansas fell out.

    Here are a few other tidbits from the poll:

    RANKED FROGS: TCU spent three weeks in the Top 25 in 2018, going as high as No. 22. The Horned Frogs have reached 20 wins for three consecutive seasons and are 11-3 in the Big 12 — the team’s most victories in the conference ever. It’s the first time TCU has posted at least 11 wins in conference play since going 13-3 in the Mountain West Conference in 2010-11.

    RISING WILDCATS: Northwestern climbed four places to No. 14 after routing Rutgers and Wisconsin. The Wildcats equaled their best ranking since 2015.

    ACC women’s basketball championship history

    The Atlantic Coast Conference, otherwise known as the ACC, holds an annual women’s basketball tournament with the winner getting an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

    The ACC features 15 teams–Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

    An ACC tournament has been held each year since 1978.

    The tournament begins March 4 and runs through March 8.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COLLEGE BASKETBALL COVERAGE

    Read below for a list of past ACC women’s championship winners.

    2019: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame won the 2019 ACC title. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)

    Notre Dame came back in 2019 and got revenge on Louisville. They won the game, 99-79. Jackie Young was named tournament MVP.

    2018: LOUISVILLE

    Louisville briefly ended Notre Dame’s run in 2018. The Cardinals defeated Notre Dame, 74-72. Myisha Hines-Allen was the tournament’s MVP.

    2017: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame won a fourth consecutive ACC title in 2017. They defeated Duke, 84-61. Lindsey Allen was named MVP of the tournament.

    2016: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame won a third straight title in 2016. They defeated Syracuse, 68-57. Madison Cable won the MVP.

    2015: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame defeated Florida State, 71-58, in 2015. Jewell Loyd won the MVP award.

    HORIZON LEAGUE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    2014: NOTRE DAME

    In 2014, Notre Dame won its first ACC title. The Fighting Irish defeated Duke, 69-53. Jewell Loyd was named tournament MVP.

    2013: DUKE

    Duke won its eighth tournament title in 2013. The Blue Devils defeated North Carolina, 92-73. Alexis Jones was named tournament MVP.

    2012: MARYLAND

    Maryland came back around to win the ACC title in 2012. The Terrapins defeated Georgia Tech, 68-65. Alyssa Thomas won MVP.

    2011: DUKE

    Duke repeated in 2011, beating North Carolina 81-67. Jasmine Thomas won two straight titles.

    2010: DUKE

    Duke won the ACC again in 2010. The Blue Devils beat NC State, 70-60. Jasmine Thomas was named tournament MVP.

    2009: MARYLAND

    In 2009, Maryland won its first ACC title since 1989. The Terrapins defeated Duke, 92-89 in overtime. Marissa Coleman won the MVP.

    2008: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won a fourth straight title in 2008. The Tar Heels defeated Duke 86-73. Erlana Larkins was named tournament MVP.

    2007: NORTH CAROLINA

    Ivory Latta was the first three-time MVP of the ACC tournament. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

    North Carolina won a third straight title in 2007, knocking off NC State 60-54. Ivory Latta became the first player to win three MVPs.

    2006: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina repeated as champions in 2006. They defeated Maryland, 91-80. Ivory Latta won a second consecutive title.

    2005: NORTH CAROLINA

    In 2005, North Carolina began its own brief run in the ACC. They reclaimed conference glory with a win over Duke, 88-67. Ivory Latta was named tournament MVP.

    2004: DUKE

    In 2004, Duke won a fifth straight ACC title. They defeated North Carolina for a third straight time, 63-47. Iciss Tillis was named tournament MVP.

    2003: DUKE

    Duke defeated North Carolina, 77-59, in 2003. Iciss Tillis was named MVP.

    2002: DUKE

    Duke won a third straight title in 2002. The Blue Devils defeated North Carolina, 87-80. Monique Currie helped Duke to a title and won the MVP.

    2001: DUKE

    Duke went back-to-back in 2001. They defeated NC State, 57-45. Georgia Schweitzer was named MVP.

    2000: DUKE

    In 2000, Duke won its first ACC title over North Carolina. They won, 79-76. Nikki Teasley, of North Carolina, was named tournament MVP.

    1999: CLEMSON

    Clemson won the ACC title in 1999. They defeated North Carolina, 87-72. Itoro Umoh was named tournament MVP.

    MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    1998: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won its fourth title in five years in 1998. The Tar Heels beat Clemson again, 81-50. Tracy Reid was named MVP.

    1997: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won again in 1997. The Tar Heels defeated Clemson, 62-58. Future Olympic star Marion Jones was named MVP.

    1996: CLEMSON

    Clemson briefly ended North Carolina’s reign in 1996. They defeated Duke, 71-54. Laura Cottrell was named MVP.

    1995: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina repeated as champions in 1995. They defeated rival Duke, 95-70. Charlotte Smith won a second straight MVP award.

    1994: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina knocked off Virginia the following year. The Tar Heels won, 77-60. Charlotte Smith was named tournament MVP.

    1993: VIRGINIA

    Virginia won a third ACC title in four years. In 1993, the Cavaliers defeated Maryland 106-103 in three overtimes. It’s the highest-scoring ACC women’s title game in conference history. Heather Burge was named tournament MVP.

    1992: VIRGINIA

    Virginia defeated Georgia Tech, 70-69, in 1992. Future WNBA star and basketball coach Dawn Staley was named tournament MVP.

    1991: NC STATE

    NC State got back to the winner’s podium in 1991. The Wolfpack defeated Clemson, 84-61. Sharon Manning won the tournament MVP award.

    1990: VIRGINIA

    Virginia won its first ACC title in 1990. The Cavaliers defeated NC State, 67-64, in overtime. Andrea Stinson, of NC State, was named MVP.

    1989: MARYLAND

    Maryland won the third title in four years in 1989. The Terrapins defeated NC State, 73-57. Vicky Bullett was named tournament MVP.

    1988: MARYLAND

    Maryland knocked off Virginia in 1988, 76-70. Deanna Tate won her second MVP.

    1987: NC STATE

    In 1987, NC State won a second title in three years. They defeated Virginia, 57-56. Donna Holt, of Virginia, was named tournament MVP.

    1986: MARYLAND

    Maryland defeated North Carolina, 92-74, in 1986. Deanna Tate was named MVP.

    ATLANTIC 10 CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    1985: NC STATE

    NC State won the ACC in North Carolina, 81-80, in 1985. Dawn Royster, of North Carolina, was MVP.

    1984: NORTH CAROLINA

    In 1984, North Carolina won its first title defeating NC State 99-76. Tresa Brown was named tournament MVP.

    1983: MARYLAND

    Maryland won a third straight title in 1983. The Terrapins defeated NC State, 84-81. Linda Page, of NC State, and Jasmina Perazic, of Maryland, were named co-MVPs.

    1982: MARYLAND

    Maryland repeated as champions in 1982. They defeated Clemson, 93-81. Marcia Richardson, of Maryland, and Barbara Kennedy, of Clemson, were named co-MVPs.

    1981: MARYLAND

    Maryland on the ACC title in 1981. They defeated NC State, 64-63. Barbara Kennedy, of Clemson, was named MVP.

    1980: NC STATE

    In 1980, NC State finally broke through and won the ACC title. They got revenge on Maryland, 85-75. Genia Beasley was named tournament MVP.

    1979: MARYLAND

    Maryland repeated as champion in 1979. They defeated NC State, 75-73. Kris Kirchner was named MVP.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    1978: MARYLAND

    Maryland won the first ACC women’s tournament in 1978. The Terrapins defeated NC State, 89-82. Tara Heiss was named tournament MVP.

    ACC women’s basketball championship history

    The Atlantic Coast Conference, otherwise known as the ACC, holds an annual women’s basketball tournament with the winner getting an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

    The ACC features 15 teams–Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

    An ACC tournament has been held each year since 1978.

    The tournament begins March 4 and runs through March 8.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COLLEGE BASKETBALL COVERAGE

    Read below for a list of past ACC women’s championship winners.

    2019: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame won the 2019 ACC title. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)

    Notre Dame came back in 2019 and got revenge on Louisville. They won the game, 99-79. Jackie Young was named tournament MVP.

    2018: LOUISVILLE

    Louisville briefly ended Notre Dame’s run in 2018. The Cardinals defeated Notre Dame, 74-72. Myisha Hines-Allen was the tournament’s MVP.

    2017: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame won a fourth consecutive ACC title in 2017. They defeated Duke, 84-61. Lindsey Allen was named MVP of the tournament.

    2016: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame won a third straight title in 2016. They defeated Syracuse, 68-57. Madison Cable won the MVP.

    2015: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame defeated Florida State, 71-58, in 2015. Jewell Loyd won the MVP award.

    HORIZON LEAGUE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    2014: NOTRE DAME

    In 2014, Notre Dame won its first ACC title. The Fighting Irish defeated Duke, 69-53. Jewell Loyd was named tournament MVP.

    2013: DUKE

    Duke won its eighth tournament title in 2013. The Blue Devils defeated North Carolina, 92-73. Alexis Jones was named tournament MVP.

    2012: MARYLAND

    Maryland came back around to win the ACC title in 2012. The Terrapins defeated Georgia Tech, 68-65. Alyssa Thomas won MVP.

    2011: DUKE

    Duke repeated in 2011, beating North Carolina 81-67. Jasmine Thomas won two straight titles.

    2010: DUKE

    Duke won the ACC again in 2010. The Blue Devils beat NC State, 70-60. Jasmine Thomas was named tournament MVP.

    2009: MARYLAND

    In 2009, Maryland won its first ACC title since 1989. The Terrapins defeated Duke, 92-89 in overtime. Marissa Coleman won the MVP.

    2008: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won a fourth straight title in 2008. The Tar Heels defeated Duke 86-73. Erlana Larkins was named tournament MVP.

    2007: NORTH CAROLINA

    Ivory Latta was the first three-time MVP of the ACC tournament. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

    North Carolina won a third straight title in 2007, knocking off NC State 60-54. Ivory Latta became the first player to win three MVPs.

    2006: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina repeated as champions in 2006. They defeated Maryland, 91-80. Ivory Latta won a second consecutive title.

    2005: NORTH CAROLINA

    In 2005, North Carolina began its own brief run in the ACC. They reclaimed conference glory with a win over Duke, 88-67. Ivory Latta was named tournament MVP.

    2004: DUKE

    In 2004, Duke won a fifth straight ACC title. They defeated North Carolina for a third straight time, 63-47. Iciss Tillis was named tournament MVP.

    2003: DUKE

    Duke defeated North Carolina, 77-59, in 2003. Iciss Tillis was named MVP.

    2002: DUKE

    Duke won a third straight title in 2002. The Blue Devils defeated North Carolina, 87-80. Monique Currie helped Duke to a title and won the MVP.

    2001: DUKE

    Duke went back-to-back in 2001. They defeated NC State, 57-45. Georgia Schweitzer was named MVP.

    2000: DUKE

    In 2000, Duke won its first ACC title over North Carolina. They won, 79-76. Nikki Teasley, of North Carolina, was named tournament MVP.

    1999: CLEMSON

    Clemson won the ACC title in 1999. They defeated North Carolina, 87-72. Itoro Umoh was named tournament MVP.

    MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    1998: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won its fourth title in five years in 1998. The Tar Heels beat Clemson again, 81-50. Tracy Reid was named MVP.

    1997: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won again in 1997. The Tar Heels defeated Clemson, 62-58. Future Olympic star Marion Jones was named MVP.

    1996: CLEMSON

    Clemson briefly ended North Carolina’s reign in 1996. They defeated Duke, 71-54. Laura Cottrell was named MVP.

    1995: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina repeated as champions in 1995. They defeated rival Duke, 95-70. Charlotte Smith won a second straight MVP award.

    1994: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina knocked off Virginia the following year. The Tar Heels won, 77-60. Charlotte Smith was named tournament MVP.

    1993: VIRGINIA

    Virginia won a third ACC title in four years. In 1993, the Cavaliers defeated Maryland 106-103 in three overtimes. It’s the highest-scoring ACC women’s title game in conference history. Heather Burge was named tournament MVP.

    1992: VIRGINIA

    Virginia defeated Georgia Tech, 70-69, in 1992. Future WNBA star and basketball coach Dawn Staley was named tournament MVP.

    1991: NC STATE

    NC State got back to the winner’s podium in 1991. The Wolfpack defeated Clemson, 84-61. Sharon Manning won the tournament MVP award.

    1990: VIRGINIA

    Virginia won its first ACC title in 1990. The Cavaliers defeated NC State, 67-64, in overtime. Andrea Stinson, of NC State, was named MVP.

    1989: MARYLAND

    Maryland won the third title in four years in 1989. The Terrapins defeated NC State, 73-57. Vicky Bullett was named tournament MVP.

    1988: MARYLAND

    Maryland knocked off Virginia in 1988, 76-70. Deanna Tate won her second MVP.

    1987: NC STATE

    In 1987, NC State won a second title in three years. They defeated Virginia, 57-56. Donna Holt, of Virginia, was named tournament MVP.

    1986: MARYLAND

    Maryland defeated North Carolina, 92-74, in 1986. Deanna Tate was named MVP.

    ATLANTIC 10 CONFERENCE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    1985: NC STATE

    NC State won the ACC in North Carolina, 81-80, in 1985. Dawn Royster, of North Carolina, was MVP.

    1984: NORTH CAROLINA

    In 1984, North Carolina won its first title defeating NC State 99-76. Tresa Brown was named tournament MVP.

    1983: MARYLAND

    Maryland won a third straight title in 1983. The Terrapins defeated NC State, 84-81. Linda Page, of NC State, and Jasmina Perazic, of Maryland, were named co-MVPs.

    1982: MARYLAND

    Maryland repeated as champions in 1982. They defeated Clemson, 93-81. Marcia Richardson, of Maryland, and Barbara Kennedy, of Clemson, were named co-MVPs.

    1981: MARYLAND

    Maryland on the ACC title in 1981. They defeated NC State, 64-63. Barbara Kennedy, of Clemson, was named MVP.

    1980: NC STATE

    In 1980, NC State finally broke through and won the ACC title. They got revenge on Maryland, 85-75. Genia Beasley was named tournament MVP.

    1979: MARYLAND

    Maryland repeated as champion in 1979. They defeated NC State, 75-73. Kris Kirchner was named MVP.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    1978: MARYLAND

    Maryland won the first ACC women’s tournament in 1978. The Terrapins defeated NC State, 89-82. Tara Heiss was named tournament MVP.

    UConn’s top five streak ends in AP women’s basketball poll

    UConn‘s record streak of top five appearances in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll is over.

    The Huskies fell to sixth on Monday, ending a run of 253 consecutive weeks as one of the first five teams in the Top 25. That historic stretch dated back to Feb. 5, 2007. Connecticut’s run dwarfs the No. 2 all-time mark of 96 set by Louisiana Tech in the 1980s.

    The longest current streak is now held by No. 1 South Carolina at 11. The Gamecocks had a hand in ending the Huskies’ run by routing UConn last Monday night. The Huskies’ three losses this season have come to the Gamecocks, No. 2 Baylor and third-ranked Oregon. South Carolina earned 27 first-place votes from the national media panel. Baylor received two and Oregon one.

    UConn’s streak may have continued had fourth-ranked Stanford not had a miracle finish to beat Colorado on Sunday. The Cardinal trailed by three with 12 seconds left when Kiana Williams tied the game. She then stole the ball from Mya Hollingshed and sank a 40-footer at the buzzer.

    The Cardinal moved up four spots in the poll. Louisville moved into fifth after knocking off then-No. 4 N.C. State on Thursday.

    Maryland, UCLA, Mississippi State and N.C. State round out the first 10 teams.

    Princeton re-entered the Top 25 this week, coming in 25th. Tennessee fell out of the poll.

    INSIDE THE NUMBERS

    During UConn’s record run the Huskies were No. 1 in the poll for 151 weeks, including 51 consecutive weeks from 2008-10. A total of 27 other teams had been in the top five during that stretch; none came close to lasting as long as the Huskies.

    MOVING ON UP

    Maryland jumped three places to seventh this week. The Terrapins have been playing extremely well lately, including a 34-point win over Iowa last week to take command of the Big Ten. The Terrapins were fourth in the preseason poll before falling to as low as 20th on Jan. 13. They’ve been climbing ever since.

    Top of AP poll steady as Baylor, Kansas set collision course

    Baylor and Kansas just keep winning, setting up a monumental showdown Saturday between the top-ranked Bears and No. 3 Jayhawks that could help decide not only the Big 12 title but the No. 1 overall seed for the NCAA Tournament.

    The two teams were separated once again by Gonzaga in the latest college basketball poll from The Associated Press on Monday. The Bears (23-1) had 48 first-place votes from the 63-member media panel, while the Bulldogs (26-1) had 14 first-place nods and the Jayhawks (22-3) had the only remaining first-place vote.

    “The best we could be right now is being the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. We’re No. 2,” said Kansas coach Bill Self, whose team beat West Virginia and Oklahoma last week. “The reason we’re not No. 1 is Baylor beat us on our home floor. They deserve it. I’m not looking at it like we haven’t done as well as our record because we’re in second place. I’m looking at it like we played pretty good that day and got beat by a better team, and now we have a chance to get them back.”

    The Bears and Jayhawks both have business to handle before they collide on Saturday, though. Kansas got a visit from Iowa State to Allen Fieldhouse on Monday night while Baylor will be visiting Oklahoma on Tuesday night.

    If both win, it would set up one of the biggest games in the history of the Ferrell Center.

    “I think it’s a tribute to the players, their belief,” Baylor coach Scott Drew said. “We’ve been operating under joy … (and) focusing one game at a time and we’ll keep doing that.”

    San Diego State (26-0) remained the nation’s last unbeaten team and was No. 4 in the latest poll, while Dayton (23-2) climbed one spot to fifth after wins over Rhode Island and Massachusetts and a rough week for then-No. 5 Louisville.

    “I told our team, ‘Let’s get greedy. Let’s play for perfection,’” Aztecs coach Brian Dutcher said. “If we’re this close, we might as well play for a perfect regular season. … Let’s do something special.”

    That’s exactly what the Flyers are trying to do, too.

    “We’re trying to win a national championship,” Dayton guard Jalen Crutcher said. “We feel like that there’s no team in the country we can’t beat. We feel like we can go and win a national championship, and we talk about that a lot.”

    The Cardinals lost to Georgia Tech and Clemson to plummet all the way to No. 11, but they weren’t the only ranked team to lose to an unranked foe on Saturday. Auburn fell at Missouri, Seton Hall lost to Providence, Butler lost at Georgetown, Illinois lost at Rutgers, Houston fell at SMU, Texas Tech fell at Oklahoma State and LSU was beaten on the road by Alabama.

    Throw in then-No. 14 West Virginia’s loss to Baylor and nine ranked teams were beaten. Eight lost to unranked opponents, the most in a single day this season.

    “This week wasn’t a good week for us,” Louisville coach Chris Mack said. “The teams we’re playing are too together and we’re not right now. It’s unfortunate, but it happens sometimes and my job is to keep our team on course and get better.”

    IN AND OUT

    BYU climbed into the poll at No. 23 after wins over Loyola Marymount and San Diego, and now faces Santa Clara on Thursday night before a showdown with the second-ranked Zags. The Cougars were followed by Arizona at No. 24 and Ohio State at No. 25, two teams that were in the poll earlier this season before dropping out.

    Illinois plummeted out of the poll after losing to Michigan State and Rutgers. Texas Tech also dropped out along with LSU, which lost at Alabama during a brutal Saturday for the nation’s Top 25 teams.

    CLIMBING AND FALLING

    Creighton made the biggest leap this week, rising from No. 23 to 15th after beating then-No. 10 Seton Hall and DePaul. Penn State moved up four spots to crack the top 10 at No. 9, while Oregon climbed from No. 17 to 14 and Kentucky moved up two spots to round out the top 10.

    Louisville’s weak week culminated in a drop of six places to No. 11, while Seton Hall also absorbed a pair of losses and fell to No. 16. West Virginia lost to Baylor and Kansas but was only penalized three places and remained No. 17.

    MID-MAJOR WATCH

    There are some intriguing mid-major programs poised to enter the Top 25 if there’s another week of upsets. Stephen F. Austin quietly improved to 22-3 and is one of the first teams out, while Northern Iowa (22-4), Utah State (21-7) and Rhode Island (19-6) are getting plenty of love from voters as March begins to bear down on the college basketball season.

    ACC men’s basketball championship history

    The Atlantic Coast Conference holds an annual men’s basketball tournament with the winner getting an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

    The conference features 15 teams, including Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest.

    An ACC tournament has been held each year since the conference was formed in 1954.

    The ACC tournament begins on March 10 and runs through March 14.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE COLLEGE BASKETBALL COVERAGE

    Read below for a list of past winners of the ACC championship.

    2019: DUKE

    Zion Williamson led Duke to an ACC title in 2019. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

    Duke won its 21st tournament championship in 2019. Zion Williamson and the Blue Devils defeated Florida State, 73-63. Williamson was named MVP.

    2018: VIRGINIA

    Virginia defeated North Carolina, 71-63, in 2018. Kyle Guy was named MVP.

    2017: DUKE

    Duke defeated Notre Dame, 75-69. Luke Kennard was named MVP of the tournament.

    2016: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina were champions in 2016. They defeated Virginia, 61-57. Joel Berry II was named MVP.

    SOUTHERN CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    2015: NOTRE DAME

    Notre Dame won its first ACC title in 2015. The Fighting Irish defeated North Carolina, 90-82. Jerian Grant was named MVP.

    2014: VIRGINIA

    Virginia won its first ACC title since 1976. The Cavaliers defeated Duke, 72-63, in 2014. Joe Harris was named MVP of the tournament.

    2013: MIAMI

    Miami defeated North Carolina, 85-77, in 2013. Shane Larkin was named MVP of the tournament.

    2012: FLORIDA STATE

    Florida State won its first ACC tournament title in 2012. The Seminoles defeated North Carolina, 85-82. Michael Snaer was named MVP.

    2011: DUKE

    Duke won its third consecutive title in 2011. The Blue Devils defeated North Carolina, 75-58. Nolan Smith was named MVP.

    2010: DUKE

    Kyle Singler and the Duke boys defeated Georgia Tech, 65-61, in 2010. Singler was named MVP of the tournament.

    2009: DUKE

    Duke returned to the winner’s podium in 2009. They defeated Florida State, 79-69. Jon Scheyer was named MVP.

    2008: NORTH CAROLINA

    Tyler Hansbrough led North Carolina to an ACC title in 2008. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

    North Carolina repeated as champs in 2008. They defeated Clemson, 86-81. Tyler Hansbrough was named MVP of the tournament.

    2007: NORTH CAROLINA

    For the first time in a while, it was a team other than Duke to win the ACC title. North Carolina defeated NC State, 89-80, in 2007. Brandan Wright was named MVP of the tournament.

    2006: DUKE

    Duke would end its run through the ACC in 2006 with its eighth title in nine years. They defeated Boston College, 78-76. J.J. Redick was named MVP for a second straight season.

    2005: DUKE

    Duke won the ACC title again in 2005 over Georgia Tech, 69-64. J.J. Redick was named MVP.

    MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    2004: MARYLAND

    Maryland knocked Duke from the top of the ACC mountain in 2004 – at least temporarily. Maryland won 95-87 in overtime. John Gilchrist was named MVP.

    2003: DUKE

    Daniel Ewing and Duke won a fifth straight ACC title in 2003. They defeated NC State again, 84-77. Ewing was named MVP of the tournament.

    2002: DUKE

    Duke went for a four-peat in 2002. The Blue Devils defeated NC State, 91-61. Carlos Boozer was named MVP.

    2001: DUKE

    Duke won its third straight title in 2001. They defeated North Carolina, 79-53. Shane Battier was named MVP of the tournament.

    2000: DUKE

    In 2000, Duke defeated Maryland 81-68. Jay Williams was named MVP.

    1999: DUKE

    Duke started its brief dominance in the ACC in 1999. They defeated North Carolina, 96-73. Elton Brand was named MVP.

    1998: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina repeated as champs in 1998. They defeated Duke, 83-68. Antwan Jamison was named MVP.

    1997: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina made its sixth appearance in the ACC title game in seven years. They defeated NC State, 64-54. Shammond Williams was named MVP.

    1996: WAKE FOREST

    Wake Forest knocked off the Georgia Tech in 1996, 75-74. Tim Duncan was named MVP.

    1995: WAKE FOREST

    Wake Forest knocked off North Carolina, 82-80 in overtime. Ralph Childress was named MVP.

    1994: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won the conference title in its fourth straight appearance. The Tar Heels defeated Virginia, 73-66. Jerry Stackhouse was named MVP.

    1993: GEORGIA TECH

    Georgia Tech won the ACC title in 1993. The Yellow Jackets defeated North Carolina, 77-75. James Forrest was named MVP.

    ATLANTIC SUN CONFERENCE MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    1992: DUKE

    Duke defeated North Carolina, 94-74, the next year. Christian Laettner was named MVP.

    1991: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina defeated Duke, 96-74, in 1991. Rick Fox was named MVP.

    1990: GEORGIA TECH

    Georgia Tech won the tournament in 1990. The Yellow Jackets defeated Virginia, 70-61. Brian Oliver was named MVP.

    1989: NORTH CAROLINA

    Future NBA star J.R. Reid was an ACC champ in 1989. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)

    North Carolina knocked off rival Duke the next year, 77-74. J.R. Reid was named tournament MVP.

    1988: DUKE

    Duke defeated rival North Carolina, 65-61, in 1988. Danny Ferry was named MVP.

    1987: NC STATE

    NC State edged North Carolina, 68-67, in 1987. Vinney Del Negro was named MVP of the tournament.

    1986: DUKE

    Duke got back its automatic berth into the tournament, defeating Georgia Tech 68-67 in the ACC final. Johnny Dawkins was named MVP.

    1985: GEORGIA TECH

    Georgia Tech won its first ACC title in 1985. They edged out North Carolina, 57-54. Mark Price was named MVP of the tournament.

    1984: MARYLAND

    Maryland defeated Duke, 74-62. Len Bias was named MVP of the tournament.

    1983: NC STATE

    NC State defeated Virginia, 81-78. Sidney Lowe was named MVP of the tournament.

    1982: NORTH CAROLINA

    Los Angeles’ Lakers forward James Worthy helped UNC to a tournament title in 1982. (Getty Images)

    North Carolina won its third title in four years, 47-45, over Virginia. Hall of Famer James Worthy was named MVP of the tournament.

    HORIZON LEAGUE MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    1981: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina edged out Maryland, 61-60. The Tar Heels’ Sam Perkins was named MVP of the tournament.

    1980: DUKE

    Duke edged Maryland, 73-72, in 1980. Albert King was named MVP.

    1979: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina defeated Duke, 71-63. Dudley Bradley was named MVP.

    1978: DUKE

    Duke defeated Wake Forest, 85-77. Jim Spanarkel was named MVP of the tournament.

    1977: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina defeated Virginia in 1977. The Tar Heels defeated the Cavaliers, 75-69. John Kuester was named MVP of the tournament.

    1976: VIRGINIA

    Virginia won its first ACC title against North Carolina in 1976. Wally Walker was named MVP.

    1975: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina defeated NC State, 70-66. Phil Ford was named tournament MVP.

    1974: NC STATE

    NC State defeated Maryland, 103-100, in overtime. Tommy Burelson was named MVP for the second straight year.

    1973: NC STATE

    NC State defeated Maryland, 76-74, in 1973. Tommy Burelson was named MVP of the tournament.

    1972: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina defeated Maryland, 73-64. Bob McAdoo was named MVP of the tournament.

    1971: SOUTH CAROLINA

    South Carolina won its first ACC title in 1971. The Gamecocks defeated North Carolina, 52-51. John Roche was named MVP.

    1970: NC STATE

    NC State took down South Carolina in double overtime, 42-39, in 1970. Vann Williford was named MVP.

    1969: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won a third consecutive title in 1969. They defeated Duke, 85-74. Carlie Scott was named MVP.

    1968: NORTH CAROLINA

    The Tar Heels repeated as champions in 1968. They defeated NC State, 87-50. Larry Miller won his second tournament MVP title.

    1967: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won its first title since 1957. They defeated Duke, 82-73. Larry Miller was named MVP.

    1966: DUKE

    Duke won its third title in four seasons in 1966. The Blue Devils defeated NC State, 71-66. Steve Vacendak was named MVP of the tournament.

    PATRIOT LEAGUE MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    1965: NC STATE

    NC State won its fifth ACC title in 1965. They defeated Duke, 91-85. Larry Worsley was named MVP.

    1964: DUKE

    Duke and Jeff Mullins defeated Wake Forest in 1964, 80-59. Mullins was named MVP.

    1963: DUKE

    Duke defeated Wake Forest, 71-66. Art Heyman was named MVP of the tournament.

    1962: WAKE FOREST

    Wake Forest repeated as champions in 1962. They defeated Clemson, 77-68. Len Chappell won a second MVP award.

    1961: WAKE FOREST

    Wake Forest got some revenge on Duke in 1961. The Demon Deacons won the ACC title, 96-81. Len Chappell won the MVP.

    1960: DUKE

    Duke won the ACC title in 1960. The Blue Devils defeated Wake Forest, 64-59. Doug Kistler was named MVP.

    1959: NC STATE

    NC State won its fourth title in 1959. The Wolfpack defeated North Carolina, 80-56. Lou Pucillo was named MVP.

    1958: MARYLAND

    Maryland took home of the ACC title in 1958. The Terrapins knocked off North Carolina, 86-75. Nick Davis was named MVP.

    1957: NORTH CAROLINA

    North Carolina won its first ACC title in 1957, defeating South Carolina 95-75. Lennie Rosenbluth was named MVP of the tournament.

    1956: NC STATE

    NC State won three consecutive ACC titles in 1956. They defeated Wake Forest, 76-54. Vic Molodet won the MVP.

    CAA MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

    1955: NC STATE

    NC State won a second straight title in 1955, 87-77, over Duke. Ron Shavlik was named MVP.

    1954: NC STATE

    NC State defeated Wake Forest, 82-80, in overtime to win the first ACC tournament title. Dickie Hemric was named MVP of the tournament.

    Louisville, defending champ Vandy college baseball favorites

    With almost all of its pitching staff back from the team that made the program’s deepest postseason run, Louisville begins the season Friday ranked No. 1 in three of the six major polls.

    Defending national champion Vanderbilt lost six everyday players but is atop the other polls largely because it returns possible No. 1 draft pick Austin Martin and postseason pitching sensation Kumar Rocker.

    Louisville coach Dan McDonnell embraces the high expectations.

    “When six of your top eight arms come back and you finish third in the country, and with good position players, you feel like, OK, we’re probably going to be ranked pretty high this year,” McDonnell said. “We tried to prepare for the kids before Christmas as to what the rest of the country will think about us. You have to be mature in how you handle that.”

    Reid Detmers, the 2019 Atlantic Coast Conference pitcher of the year, Bobby Miller and Luke Smith make up the weekend rotation. Each started games in the College World Series. The Cardinals also have a proven closer in Michael Kirian.

    Third baseman Alex Binelas, a freshman All-American last year, is among five position players who are back from a 51-18 team.

    The Cardinals lost all three of their games with Vanderbilt last year, including two in the CWS. The last was in a bracket final, with the Commodores scoring twice in the ninth inning for a 3-2 win.

    The teams have a regular-season game scheduled May 5 in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Vanderbilt has two of the college game’s biggest names in Martin and Rocker.

    Martin played mostly third base last year but is able to play shortstop or even in the outfield. He flirted with .400 last year, finishing at .392, and is in line to join Atlanta Braves shortstop and ex-Vandy star Dansby Swanson as a No. 1 draft pick.

    The 6-foot-4, 255-pound Rocker won 12 games as a freshman, struck out 19 while throwing the first no-hitter in the NCAA super regionals and was the CWS Most Outstanding Player. Rocker probably will remain the No. 2 starter, with Mason Hickman (9-0, 2.05 ERA) moving from Sunday to the Friday spot.

    Vanderbilt went 59-12, setting a Southeastern Conference record for wins, and tied the league record with 13 players taken in the draft. Even with a revamped outfield and new starters at first base and shortstop, the Commodores remain the team to beat. They open Friday with a rematch against CWS finals opponent Michigan in Scottsdale, Arizona.

    “You put this ‘V’ star on your chest,” Martin said, “you’re going to have a target on your back. That’s a given. Everybody wants to beat Vanderbilt regardless of what happened last year. That’s just the mentality everybody has.”

    ARIZONA STATE (38-19)

    No drop-off is expected by one of the top offensive teams in the nation. The Sun Devils batted .310, hit 94 homers and averaged better than eight runs a game. Spencer Torkelson has gone deep 48 times the past two years and has a strong supporting cast. The Pac-12 favorites brought in a top-10 recruiting class.

    CAL STATE FULLERTON (27-26)

    The Titans locked up coach Rick Vanderhook through 2024 before last season and then missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1992 and failed to win 30 games for the first time in the program’s 45-year history. Vanderhook has reconfigured his coaching staff to lead what will be a young team. The Titans are the the preseason Big West favorites.

    FLORIDA STATE (42-23)

    Mike Martin Jr. takes over for his father, the all-time wins leader in college baseball, and will field a team that brings back five position players, two starting pitchers and three relievers who appeared in the CWS. Reese Albert, who hit nine homers despite missing 18 games because of injury, will be counted on to bolster the offense. Ten-game winner CJ Van Eyk is the ace of a strong pitching staff.

    FLORIDA (34-26)

    The Gators won their fewest games since 2013 and didn’t make the CWS for the first time since 2014. SEC coaches nonetheless picked the Gators to finish second in the conference. The spotlight will be on starters Tommy Mace and Jack Leftwich — poster boys for Florida’s struggles on the mound (5.37 ERA) — and prized freshman left-hander Hunter Barco. Six everyday players are back from an offense that has pop.

    GEORGIA (46-17)

    The Bulldogs will go as far as their starting pitchers take them. Emerson Hancock’s 1.99 ERA was the best by a Georgia starter since 1977. Cole Wilcox got better as his freshman season progressed. In SEC play, he went 3-1 with a 2.57 ERA and .188 opponent batting average. With the top three hitters gone, offense is the biggest question.

    MIAMI (41-20)

    The Hurricanes made an NCAA regional for the first time since 2016 and are looking to go farther in Gino DiMare’s second year. The main contributors from a potent offense are back. Alex Toral hit 24 of Miami’s 85 homers. Fifth-year senior Brian Van Belle won 10 games and anchors the pitching staff. The Canes also are excited about No. 2 starter Chris McMahon.

    MICHIGAN (50-22)

    The Wolverines were the feel-good story of 2019. They made it to the CWS finals in their first trip to Omaha since 1984 and their runner-up finish was their best since the 1962 team won the national title. Erik Bakich’s club lost a couple big bats, but much is expected from Jordan Nwogu and Jack Blomgren, among others. Jeff Criswell will be the No. 1 starter, and Willie Weiss is back as the closer.

    OKLAHOMA STATE (40-21)

    The buzz around the Cowboys is about the newcomers. The recruiting class was ranked as high as No. 3, Kaden Polcovich is Big 12 preseason newcomer of the year and Bryce Osmond is preseason freshman of the year. The switch-hitting Polcovich hit 12 homers at Northwest Florida State and is projected to start at second base. Osmond is in line to be the Cowboys’ No. 2 starter.

    TEXAS TECH (46-20)

    Tim Tadlock has coached four of his past six teams to the College World Series, with the 2019 Red Raiders making it to the final four. Tech is ranked as high as No. 3 and favored to win the Big 12. Dylan Neuse, Brian Klein and Braxton Fulford are the core of an everyday lineup that should be potent again despite losing a couple sluggers. John McMillon, Micah Dallas and Clayton Beeter headline the pitching staff.

    UCLA (52-11)

    The defending Pac-12 champion Bruins set school records with 52 wins overall and 24 conference wins. They also were the No. 1 national seed in the NCAA Tournament, losing a thrilling super regional at home to CWS runner-up Michigan. There’s plenty of returning talent, led by All-American Garrett Mitchell and the nation’s top closer in Holden Powell, and a recruiting class ranked among the top five.

    NC State jumps UConn to No. 4 in women’s Top 25

    North Carolina State jumped to No. 4 in The Associated Press women’s college basketball poll, its best ranking in 20 years.

    The Wolfpack, who moved up three places on Monday, have their highest spot in the AP Top 25 since Jan. 10, 2000, when they were third. N.C. State has a huge game against No. 9 Louisville on Thursday night, when a win would give the Wolfpack a two-game lead in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

    “It’s great and I’m happy for the players. They’ve worked extremely hard and made a lot of sacrifices so it’s great for them to garner that recognition,” N.C. State coach Wes Moore said. “But they don’t give out trophies in February. We’ve got to stay focused in the process, one game at a time.”

    South Carolina remained No. 1, receiving 27 first-place votes from a 30-person media panel. Baylor stayed No. 2, getting the other three first-place votes. Oregon was a solid third.

    UConn, despite suffering its worst home loss in 15 years in a game against the Ducks a week ago, extended its streak of top-five appearances, coming in fifth. The Huskies have been a top-five team for a record 253 consecutive weeks dating to February 2007.

    UConn was able to hang on to its top-five ranking because the two teams directly behind it in the poll — Louisville and Stanford — also lost this week. UConn faces South Carolina on Monday night.

    Mississippi State, UCLA, Stanford, Louisville and Maryland rounded out the top 10 teams in the poll.

    Oregon State dropped two spots to No. 11 after edging Arizona State on a last-second shot on Friday night and then losing to Arizona on Sunday.

    Other tidbits from the poll:

    BIG TEN SHOWDOWN: No. 17 Iowa will visit 10th-ranked Maryland on Thursday night for a chance to take control of the Big Ten. The two teams are tied atop the conference with two losses each. Maryland has been playing extremely well lately, with nine consecutive wins. The last loss came at Iowa on Jan. 9 — a 66-61 defeat. No. 19 Northwestern also has only two conference losses, with those coming against Iowa and Maryland.

    FALLING ZAGS: Gonzaga saw its 21-game winning streak snapped by Saint Mary’s on Saturday. The Zags fell four spots in the poll to 15th. While the team still has a comfortable lead in the West Coast Conference, the loss could hurt its chances of hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.