The decisive moment came on April 13, 2026, when Kiki Rice was selected sixth overall by the Toronto Tempo. This marked a significant milestone not only for Rice but also for the franchise, as she became their first-ever draft pick. The excitement surrounding her selection was evident, with Rice herself stating, “This is so special,” reflecting the historic nature of the moment.

The immediate effects of this selection are profound. For the Toronto Tempo, Rice’s addition is a cornerstone for building a competitive team in their inaugural season, set to begin on May 8, 2026. The franchise has also bolstered its roster by acquiring veteran guards Marina Mabrey and Julie Allemand through the expansion draft, alongside signing Brittney Sykes in free agency. These moves indicate a strategic approach to complement Rice’s talents and ensure a strong start in the league.

Experts in women’s basketball view Rice’s selection as a pivotal moment for the sport in Canada. Monica Wright Rogers, a key figure in the Tempo’s development, emphasized that the draft was about “continuing to build with intention.” This sentiment resonates with the broader goal of elevating women’s basketball in a country that has been historically underrepresented in the WNBA.

Rice’s accolades further enhance her profile; she was named a 2025-26 All-American and earned two All-Big Ten nods. Additionally, she received the Big Ten All-Defence and tournament MVP honors, underscoring her versatility and impact on the court. As the third consecutive UCLA player selected in the draft, her success adds to the legacy of the program.

As Kiki Rice prepares to transition to the professional level, her focus remains on teamwork and improvement. She stated, “I take a ton of pride in just being the best teammate and figuring out how can I make everyone else better around me.” This mindset will be crucial as she navigates the challenges of the WNBA.

The Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season is set to be a historic one, with Rice at the forefront. The excitement surrounding her selection not only marks a new chapter for the franchise but also symbolizes the growing recognition and support for women’s basketball in Canada. As the league evolves, Rice’s journey will undoubtedly be one to watch.

The post Kiki Rice Makes History as the First Draft Pick for Toronto Tempo appeared first on News Canada.

The NCAA scores have revealed some thrilling outcomes, notably Kentucky’s last-second victory over Santa Clara, thanks to a buzzer-beater by Oweh. This dramatic finish not only secured Kentucky’s place in the Sweet 16 but also underscored the intense competition present in this year’s tournament.

In addition to Kentucky, UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, Virginia, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame, and Louisville have also advanced to the Sweet 16. This marks a significant moment in the Women’s NCAA Tournament, showcasing the depth of talent across these programs.

Leading the charge for UConn is Sarah Strong, who has been a standout performer this season. Averaging 18.5 points per game with an impressive field goal percentage of 60.1% and a free throw percentage of 87.3%, Strong has established herself as a key player. Her contributions on both ends of the court have been pivotal for UConn’s success.

Notably, Mikayla Blakes has emerged as a scoring powerhouse, leading the nation with an average of 27.0 points per game. This remarkable feat highlights her offensive prowess and ability to perform under pressure, making her a player to watch as the tournament progresses.

Meanwhile, Olivia Miles has made headlines with her five triple-doubles this season, a testament to her versatility and all-around game. Her ability to impact various facets of the game has made her an invaluable asset to her team.

In terms of consistency, Audi Crooks has maintained a remarkable streak, scoring in double digits in every game this season, extending her streak to 97 straight career games. This level of performance is rare and speaks volumes about her skill and determination.

Jaloni Cambridge has also shown significant improvement, increasing her scoring average from 15.4 points per game last season to 22.8 this season. This jump reflects her development as a player and her growing importance to her team’s success.

As the Sweet 16 approaches, observers are keen to see how these standout players will perform under the heightened stakes of the tournament. The excitement surrounding the NCAA scores continues to build, with fans eagerly anticipating the next round of matchups.

The post NCAA Scores: Kentucky’s Dramatic Win and Sweet 16 Set appeared first on News Canada.

In a stunning display of skill and determination, High Point defeated Wisconsin 83-82 in a nail-biting finish that has sent shockwaves through the NCAA March Madness tournament. This victory not only marks a significant upset but also adds to the rich history of surprises that define this annual basketball spectacle.

The matchup between a No. 12 seed and a No. 5 seed has historically been a fertile ground for upsets, with 58 such victories recorded since the NCAA tournament expanded in 1985. The lower seed boasts a win percentage of 35.37 in these matchups, and in 34 of the last 40 tournaments, at least one No. 12 seed has emerged victorious in the first round. This trend underscores the unpredictability that fans have come to love about March Madness.

High Point’s triumph over Wisconsin is particularly noteworthy, as it adds another chapter to the storied tradition of No. 12 seeds upsetting higher-ranked teams. Utah State, for instance, holds the record for being a No. 12 seed five times, yet has managed only one victory against No. 5 seeds. This ongoing narrative of underdogs rising to the occasion continues to captivate audiences and analysts alike.

As the tournament progresses, the Sweet 16 game between UCLA and Minnesota is set for March 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET. This matchup is highly anticipated, especially considering UCLA’s recent victory over Minnesota earlier in the season, where they secured a narrow win with a score of 69-67. The stakes are high as teams vie for a coveted spot in the Elite Eight.

Historically, the 12-5 upset has become a popular pick among fans and analysts during March Madness. The allure of rooting for the underdog resonates deeply, making these matchups some of the most exciting to watch. With 33 No. 13 seeds having upset No. 4 seeds since 1985, the potential for further surprises remains ever-present.

As we look ahead to the upcoming games, observers are keenly watching how the remaining teams will perform under pressure. The unpredictability of March Madness means that anything can happen, and fans are left to wonder which team will be the next to pull off a shocking upset. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential injuries or lineup changes that could impact future games.

In summary, High Point’s victory over Wisconsin is a testament to the thrilling chaos that is NCAA March Madness. As the tournament unfolds, the excitement continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the next round of surprises that are sure to come. The Sweet 16 promises to deliver more unforgettable moments, as teams battle for glory on the court.

The post Ncaa march madness: High Point Shocks Wisconsin in Upset appeared first on News Canada.

In a decisive second-round clash of the NCAA Tournament, the UCLA men’s basketball team was defeated by UConn, with a final score of 73-57 on March 22, 2026, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. This loss marks the end of UCLA’s season, concluding with a record of 24 wins and 12 losses.

UCLA struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game, trailing at halftime 38-33. Despite efforts from key players, including Xavier Booker, who led the team with 13 points and five rebounds, the Bruins could not overcome UConn’s late surge.

UConn’s Alex Karaban was the standout performer, scoring an impressive 27 points, while Braylon Mullins contributed 17 points to help secure the victory. The Huskies finished the game strong, closing out with a 15-3 scoring run over the final seven minutes, showcasing their dominance in critical moments.

UCLA’s performance in this tournament was a reflection of their season, which included a 13-7 record in Big Ten play. The team had previously advanced to the second round after a hard-fought 75-71 win over UCF on March 20. This marked UCLA’s 54th NCAA Tournament appearance and their fifth advancement to the second round under Coach Mick Cronin.

In the aftermath of the game, Coach Mick Cronin acknowledged UConn’s superiority, stating, “Congrats to UConn. They were better tonight. Our guys gave the effort. Can’t score, can’t win.” This sentiment encapsulates the frustration felt by the Bruins as they exit the tournament earlier than anticipated.

As the dust settles on this matchup, UCLA will look to regroup and reflect on the lessons learned from this season. The Bruins will aim to build on their experiences as they prepare for the next chapter in their basketball journey.

The post UCLA vs UConn: A Tough NCAA Tournament Exit for the Bruins appeared first on News Canada.