First Round Highlights

Amir Khan: The Hype Man Behind McNeese Cowboys' Cinderella Run

• Viral Moment: Khan, affectionately known as "Aura," became an internet sensation for leading McNeese into games with a boombox, rapping along to their anthem.
• Upset Alert: Guided the 12-seed Cowboys to a shocking first-round victory over No. 5 Clemson.
• NIL Pioneer: Signed multiple NIL deals post-tournament, a first for student-managers.

Deja Kelly: Oregon's Overtime Hero

• Stat Line: 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals in a nail-biter against Vanderbilt.
• Clutch Plays: Sealed the win with key free throws and a game-saving assist in OT.
• Leadership: The North Carolina transfer proved pivotal in Oregon's first-round survival.

Second Round Standouts

Derik Queen: Maryland's Buzzer-Beater King

• Last-Second Magic: Banked in a fading buzzer-beater to send Maryland to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016.
• Freshman Sensation: The 6'10" center showcased poise beyond his years under pressure.

John Calipari: Arkansas’ Cinderella Architect

• Coaching Masterclass: Led 10-seed Arkansas past Rick Pitino’s St. John’s, proving his program-building prowess.
• Sweet 16 Return: Marked his 16th career Sweet 16 appearance, tying legends.

Lauren Betts & Aneesah Morrow: Dominant Bigs Shine

• Betts’ Record Night: 31 points (15-16 FG), 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks for UCLA—a near-perfect shooting clinic.
• Morrow’s Double-Double Machine: 30 points and 19 rebounds for LSU, reinforcing her status as the nation’s top rebounder.

Sweet 16 Drama

Milos Uzan & Cooper Flagg: Precision Meets Showmanship

• Uzan’s Game-Winner: Executed a flawless inbound play for Houston’s last-second layup vs. Purdue.
• Flagg’s All-Around Mastery: 30 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks in Duke’s win—a "best ever" performance per Coach Scheyer.

Paige Bueckers & MiLaysia Fulwiley: Guard Supremacy

• Bueckers’ 40-Point Explosion: Carried UConn with 29 second-half points, including six threes.
• Fulwiley’s Clutch Gene: Key baskets late powered South Carolina’s title defense past Maryland.

Elite Eight Heroes

Johni Broome: Auburn’s Warrior

• 25 & 14 Through Pain: Returned from an arm injury to hit a critical three and secure Auburn’s Final Four bid.
• Fan Favorite: Earned a roaring ovation for his grit.

Walter Clayton Jr.: Florida’s Ice-Veined Assassin

• Dagger Threes: Two late triples, including a fadeaway to beat Texas Tech, cemented his clutch reputation.
• 30-Point Statement: The Iona transfer outshined all in Florida’s first Final Four since 2014.

Gabriela Jaquez: UCLA’s Unsung Star

• Stepping Up: 18 points and 8 rebounds filled the void when Betts was limited, avenging last year’s LSU loss.