The Morning Dish – Wednesday, March 31st
Minnesota stuns Duke in Women’s NCAA Tournament: Lindsay Whalen and the seventh-seeded Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated top-seeded Duke, 82-75, Tuesday night to earn a berth in the Final Four. Whalen scored 27 points in the win. Janel McCarville scored 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for the Gophers. The scorching hot Gophers knocked off the Mideast Region’s top three seeds to reach the national semifinals. The Gophers had previously never advanced past the Sweet 16.
Butts rescues Tennessee: Tasha Butts scored a runner in the lane with 1.7 seconds left to lead Tennessee into the Final Four and past Stanford Tuesday night, 62-60. Just two nights earlier, Butts hit two critical free throws to upend Baylor. Stanford was led by All-American Nicole Powell, who scored 31 points, but got little offensive help from her teammates.
Rutgers edges Iowa State in OT: Rutgers guard Quincy Douby and Iowa State guard Curtis Stinson felt right at home in their native New York City, as Rutgers slipped past Iowa State, 84-81, in Madison Square Garden Tuesday night in the NIT semifinals. Douby scored 35 in the win, while Stinson scored 32. Iowa State erased a 10-point halftime deficit to force overtime, led by Stinson’s 27-point second half. Rutgers was able to hold on after Stinson fouled out in the overtime period.
Michigan crushes Oregon in NIT: It was a blowout from the beginning as Michigan hit eight first half three pointers and went on to throttle Oregon, 73-58, in the NIT semifinals. Michigan was led by Dion Harris’ 15 points and Daniel Horton’s 14 points. Oregon’s Luke Jackson had a game-high 17 points. Michigan will meet Rutgers in the NIT championship game Thursday night.
Eastern Washington coach to take Utah job: Eastern Washington’s Ray Giacoletti was hired Tuesday by Utah to replace long-time head coach Rick Majerus. Majerus led Utah to 10 NCAA Tournaments but resigned in January due to health reasons. Giacoletti was 69-50 in his four seasons in the Big Sky conference, taking Eastern Washington to the title game of the conference tournament each year he was at the school. The specifics of the contract have not yet been released.
Johnson staying at Nevada: Nevada coach Trent Johnson agreed Tuesday to a new five year deal that will double his salary to $450,000. Johnson just completed his fifth year at Nevada, increasing the school’s win total from nine to 25 in that time. Johnson is still waiting on star swingman Kirk Snyder to see if he’ll stay or go to the NBA. Snyder, the Wolfpack’s unequivocal star, averaged 18.8 points per game last season while playing every position but center.
Olson wants decision from Iguodala: Arizona coach Lute Olson has told forward Andre Iguodala that he wants to know his plans for entering into the NBA draft by Easter. Iguodala led the team in assists, rebounds and steals last season, and is reportedly 50-50 on entering the draft.
Tonight’s Menu
• No games tonight in the NIT or NCAA Tournaments, just more coaching rumors, transferring speculation and NBA Draft considerations.
