Then Their Was 8 Which Includes Loyola Chicago

Elite 8 is on deck this weekend. Saturday it's the South Regional Final in Atlanta as double digit seed Loyola Chicago will take on Kansas State. Following that game, we will turn our attention to Los Angeles for the third seed Michigan and double digit seed Florida State due battle in the West Regional Final. Sunday afternoon in Boston 1 of  the 2 remaining number one seeds Villanova take on Texas Tech who are in their first Elite 8 in school history. That's the East Regional Final. Then in Omaha, Nebraska The other number one seed remaining Kansas will take on number two Duke. That game is being labeled a battle of the blue bloods. Elite 8 participants far as conference breakdown : MVC (1) - Big East (1) - Big Ten (1) - ACC (2) - Big 12 (3).

A'ja Wilson + Dawn Staley Looking To Go Back2Back

Hall of Fame Dawn Staley is the head coach of the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks. Last season unlike previous Final Four appearances, South Carolina was able to win it all. The Lady Gamecocks won the 2017 Women's NCAA National Championship. Last spring in Dallas, USC defeated a fellow SEC team Mississippi State. Senior A'ja Wilson is coach Staley leader on the court. Wilson has dealt with injuries and vertigo issues. Nonetheless Wilson as well as coach Staley and the Lady Gamecocks have persevered. Saturday morning South Carolina will take on Buffalo in Albany, New York for an opportunity to head to the Elite 8 vs. the UConn / Duke winner. Last season was South Carolina first title in school history. Now the Lady Gamecocks are aiming to win back to back titles. However like last year and almost every year undefeated UConn are the championship favorites.

Warriors / Rockets How Will The West Be Won ?

Houston and Golden State are battling for the Western Conference number one seed, for the NBA Playoffs. Golden State is looking to defend their title for last season. The Warriors are looking to go to the NBA Finals for the 4th year in a row. The Rockets at the time of this article are 45-13, meanwhile the Warriors are 46-14. Essentially they are both tied for the top spot in the Western Conference currently. Houston added Chris Paul from the Clippers during the off season. He joins MVP candidate James Harden in the back court. Last season the Warriors added Kevin Durant to join Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The teams met 3 times so far this season. Houston has won 2 of the 3 match ups. Maybe teams such as Oklahoma City and San Antonio may throw a wrench in this potential Western Conference Finals match up.

Thanks TNT : Shaq & Kobe Give Insight

Last Saturday night, prior to NBA All Star Saturday night festivities TNT aired a conversation. That conversation was between Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. It was absolutely great. To have the dynamic duo who three peated in 2000-2001-2002 air out their similarities as well as their differences. Many of us picked a side for years, who was right, who was wrong. While doing that we didn't have any insight on what really went down in Los Angeles, between O'Neal & Bryant. Any basketball fan out there, that hasn't seen this hour long sit down, please do so ! We at Sports247365 really don't want to give away to much detail, for those who have yet to view the interview. However what we learned is both players wanted to win. They wanted to win bad. They wanted to bring championships back to Los Angeles and the Lakers organizations. TNT us basketball fans we thank you for that.

Air Jordan 3 30th Anniversary

Last weekend during the 2018 NBA All Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Brand Jordan released a retro sneaker. It was a celebratory weekend to say the least. Michael Jordan celebrated his 55th birthday. Nike Air returned to this Black Cement release. During the 1988 NBA All Star weekend Michael Jordan won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, while wearing a pair of 3's. However those sneakers were white. Here at Sports247365 the Air Jordan 3 is one of our favorites all time, from the Air Jordan collection. Off the court, they are very fashionable. Off the court, they can be dressed up and they can be dressed down. Both all star teams this year had uniforms made by Jordan Brand. Even the celebrity game participating teams had uniforms made by Jordan Brand.

Foles SB LII MVP

Nick Foles final Super Bowl LII stats (including a touchdown reception !) : 28/43 - 373 yards - 3 TD's - 1 INT. Philadelphia 41, New England 33. By now so many people know the Nick Foles story in terms of trial and tribulations over the past few seasons professionally. The thoughts of retirement. Being traded from Philadelphia to the Rams. Eventually being cut by the Rams. Out of football, nearly walked away from the game. Comes back to play for his ex coach Andy Reid in Kansas City, in a back up role. Signing as a free agent last summer to back up 2nd year pro Carson Wentz. Wentz having a MVP type season. Wentz going down in the 3rd quarter in Los Angeles with a torn ACL. Foles leading a drive for the game winning field goal. That win over the Rams clinched the NFC East. Following week at the Giants Foles throws for multiple touchdowns in a comeback win over New York. The on Christmas night it was a struggle for Foles as Eagles win a defensive struggle vs. Raiders. Played a little over a quarter in season finale a 6-0 defeat at home vs. Dallas and it was more struggles. 2 weeks to think about it before game vs. Atlanta. Eagles won 15-10. Next week top Vikings defense coming in. Minnesota jumped out to a 7-0 lead. 38 unanswered scored by Philadelphia. 38-7 NFC Championship Game win. My apologies here at Sports247365 who thought once Wentz down in Los Angeles, the Super Bowl dreams were over. Foles and the Eagles proved so many wrong including Sports247365.

6th Super Bowl Win Stripped Away For Brady

Tom Brady final statistics in Superbowl LII : 28/48 - 505 yards - 3 TDs - 0 INT.
Final score : Philadelphia 41, New England 33. The Eagles captured their 1st Superbowl championship. New England would lose their 3rd under Brady. New England would lose their 5th overall, tying Denver for the most losses in Superbowl history. 38-33 was the score, slightly over 2 minutes remaining and on a 2nd & 2 history was made. Brandon Graham got the interior push and stripped the ball away from Tom Brady, rookie Derek Barnett made the recovery. It was the beginning of the end. The end of a 57 year drought in Philadelphia. The two teams met in Jacksonville in Superbowl XXXIX. Final score : 24-21 New England, 9 years ago. Revenge was served in Minneapolis.

4 Teams 4 Quarterbacks 1 Franchise Going For 6th 3 Franchises Going For 1st

Championship Sunday is quickly approaching. Jacksonville at New England in the AFC Championship. Minnesota at Philadelphia in the NFC Championship. An appearance in Superbowl 52 is at stake, in just under 3 weeks in Minneapolis. History in more way than one can and will potentially be made. It's the NFL version of the Final Four. New England is looking for their 6th Superbowl in franchise history, which would tie Pittsburgh for the most all time. Tom Brady is looking for his 6th Superbowl individually. Jacksonville is looking to make their first Superbowl appearance in franchise history and obviously their first Superbowl. Meanwhile Minnesota is historically 0-4 in Superbowl appearances. Philadelphia is historically 0-2 in Superbowl appearances. So one franchise going for number 6, other 3 franchises a combined 0-6 and looking for their 1st Superbowl. Must see tv for certain.

Jaguars Win Again In Pittsburgh

In October the Jacksonville Jaguars went into Heinz Field and came out with a victory. Sunday during the AFC Divisional playoffs, Pittsburgh witnessed Jacksonville walk out with another win. Earlier this season the Jaguars forced 5 Ben Roethlisberger interceptions. Sunday they got him for a pick 6. However the Jaguars offense that scored 10 points in the previous round, went for 45 pints on Sunday. Jacksonville was motivated by being overlooked everyone media and Steelers players basically guaranteed a Patriots vs. Steelers rematch. Well nix that, Sunday it will be the Jaguars invading Gillette Stadium. Here at Sports247365 we like the Jaguars chances in the AFC Championship Game, on the road vs. the World Champions. If quarterback Blake Bortles does not turn the ball over and Leonard Fournette and company can run the ball, that'll be the recipe. Defensively Jacksonville has play makers on all 3 levels. It reminds of here of the early 2000 Ravens defenses far as play makers.

Diggs On Receiving End Of History

The Minnesota Vikings are headed to Philadelphia for the NFC Championship Game this Sunday. Last Sunday in Minneapolis the Vikings were 10 seconds away from additional playoff disappointment vs. New Orleans. Case Keenum found Steffon Diggs for a 61 yard catch and run touchdown as time expired. New Orleans went from moments away from winning only their 2nd road playoff game, to being eliminated in dramatic fashion. Rookie safety Marcus Williams simply didn't make a play. With an inbound tackle the game is over. The Vikings had no timeouts remaining. Now Minnesota has a chance to become the first team to play in a Superbowl in their home stadium. The only thing that stands between that, is a game in Philadelphia, which awaits them on Sunday. 29-24 Vikings victory in the Divisional round will be remembered for a long time in Minneapolis.

Postseason For Eagles Means First Or Aiming For First

Saturday 4:35pm at Lincoln Financial Field the Philadelphia host the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs. For Philadelphia this 13-3 has resulted in their first 13-3 season since 2004. The Eagles are NFC number one seed, their first number one seed since 2004. Philadelphia won the NFC East for the first time since 2013. The Eagles are in the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Philadelphia is looking for their first home playoff win since 2006 which was the NFC Wildcard. The Eagles are looking for their first overall playoff win since 2008 which was the NFC Divisional. Saturday vs. Atlanta, Philadelphia is looking to make their first NFC Championship Game appearance since 2008. The Eagles with a win Saturday, are aiming to host their first NFC Championship Game since 2004. Also the Eagles became the first number one seed in the Divisional round to be a home underdog vs. a visiting number six seed. History will be made one way or another for Philadelphia on Saturday vs. the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons.

2nd Half Run Sends Titans To Divisional Playoffs

No Demarco Murray no problem. Derrick Henry  rushed for over 150 yards and a touchdown. Many of those yards for Henry came in the 4th quarter. Quarterback Marcus Mariota threw for 2 touchdowns, including 1 to himself as a result of a deflected pass of his that landed back in his hands. 21-3 deficit in Kansas City, turned into a 22-21 Tennessee Wildcard victory. Sunday's Bills/Jaguars result, will dictate whether the Titans head to Pittsburgh or New England next week. 19-0 second half is where all the scoring belonged to Tennessee. Kansas City was without tight end Travis Kelce who left shortly before halftime. However the Chiefs offense begin to sputter prior  to his unfortunate head injury. Who know's what the future holds in Kansas City for quarterback Alex Smith as rookie Patrick Mahomes awaits his opportunity.

Atlanta Wins In Los Angeles

On Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Atlanta was all business. The NFC 6th seeded Falcons traveled across the country to take on the 3rd seeded Los Angeles Rams. Atlanta won their NFC Wildcard Playoff game 26-13. Meanwhile the game wasn't even that close. The Falcons defense kept the NFC West champions offense in check all night. Atlanta defensively showed speed to stay with Rams all pro running back Todd Gurley out of the back field in passing routes. The Falcons speed on defense also made quarterback Jared Goff uncomfortable all night. Julio Jones who only scored three times during the regular season, added a second half touchdown reception from Matt Ryan. Next up for Atlanta a trip to Philadelphia next Saturday. They'll take on the NFC number one seed Philadelphia minus Carson Wentz.

Coach McDermott And Bills Headed To Playoffs 1st Since 1999

The last time the Buffalo Bills made the playoffs, it was the season following my high school graduation. I was 18 years old. During the final week of the regular season the Buffalo Bills not only needed to win, they needed help in order to break their playoff drought. Buffalo did their part in beating AFC East rival Miami on the road. Then saw the Ravens lose to the Bengals on a 4th down touchdown late in the game. That result ended Baltimore season and extended the Bills season. A massive celebration went on in the visiting Buffalo locker room. Many of fans welcomed the team back when they arrived in Western New York. As the AFC 6th seed, they'll head to Jacksonville to take on the 3rd seed Jaguars. LeSean McCoy their best offensive player, left the Miami game early due to an ankle injury. The Pro Bowl running back has not be able to practice at full strength all week. If Shady isn't his normal self Sunday in Jacksonville, the Bills task become even tougher. Kudos to rookie head coach Sean McDermott and his staff getting the team to playoffs in year one.

Rams Playoff Game Coming To The Coliseum

Rookie head coach Sean McVay, about two weeks before his 32nd birthday will lead the Rams into postseason action. The Los Angeles Coliseum will be the site Saturday night, as the Rams take on the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons. Wildcard Weekend is coming to Tinseltown. The Los Angeles Rams are in their second season back in LA, from St. Louis. Their offense led the NFL in scoring this season. The offense is led by quarterback Jared Goff (3,804 Yards, 28TDs, 7INTs) and potential MVP candidate running back Todd Gurley (1,305 Rushing Yards & 13 TD's / 788 Receiving Yards & 6 TD's). Los Angeles won the NFC West this season with an 11-5 record. The Rams are seeded 3rd in the NFC. Atlanta finished 3rd in the NFC South this season with a 10-6 record. The Falcons earned a Wildcard berth as the 6th seed. An Atlanta win sends them to Philadelphia next week. A Los Angeles win sends them to Minnesota next week.

The Road To San Antonio Should Be A Fun One

Men's college basketball barely has got into conference play, as the calendar has turned to January.
Yet without a dominate team (which is good) the road to San Antonio will be fun. March and April with be excellent to watch, certainly will be fantastic to watch it all play out. So many teams really have a chance to get to the Final Four. Duke, North Carolina, Florida State, Villanova, Xavier, Butler, Michigan State, Kansas, Oklahoma and the list goes on & on. It will all depend on who matches up with who. No team made it into the 2018 portion of the season undefeated.Michigan State is currently ranked number one, after Villanova went down at Butler over the weekend. Even conference tournaments will be exciting, ditto for conference play. From an excitement factor the best has yet to come for this 2017-18 season.

13 Games In Trae Young Taking College Basketball By Storm

The Norman, Oklahoma native decided to stay local to play college basketball. Trae Young was a Mc Donald's All American last season with major offers to the likes of Kentucky and Duke. This young man stayed home. 13 games into his college career, this freshman is drawing comparisons to Stephen Curry. Forget just college freshman of the year, Young is in the conversation for national player of the year. His current per game averages are 29 points, 10 assists and 3 rebounds. While leading the country in points and assists. The Sooners have only loss one game thus far vs. Arkansas. Trae Young has helped lead Oklahoma to 3 wins vs. top 25 teams so far. He's must see tv ! He can put it on the floor, create for others and himself. Then he can also knock it down from deep and literally has in the gym type range, while being able to get to the rim at will. The best could be yet to come for Young and the Sooners during the duration of the 2017-18 season.

Bama Wins Rubber Match vs. Clemson

24-6 and it wasn't even that close. Clemson the defending National Champions were beaten by their recent rival Alabama. The game took place in New Orleans at the Sugar Bowl. It was the 3rd year in a row the two teams met in the College Football Playoff. Only this time the meeting was a semifinal game opposed to the National Championship game. Alabama played their brand of football of being physical up front, on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The next stop is Atlanta where they will play to earn their 2nd National Championship in the last 3 years. They will take on Georgia. Georgia won the other College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl vs. Oklahoma. That game was exciting from start to finish, ending in double overtime. Well it'll be an all SEC title game.

NFL Playoffs Field Is Set

New England and Philadelphia are number one seeds in their respective conferences.
Pittsburgh and Minnesota are the number two seeds in their respective conferences.
Those 4 teams will have a bye week.
They will host home games in the Divisional Round in 2 weeks.
Meanwhile this upcoming weekend during Wild Card Weekend.
Kansas City will host Tennessee.
Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum will host defending NFC Champion Atlanta.
Jacksonville will host Buffalo.
New Orleans will host Carolina.
The divisions with multiple teams that qualified for the postseason are : NFC South (3), AFC East (2) and the AFC South (2).
Meanwhile Minnesota is looking to become the first team to play in the Super Bowl and their home stadium. Superbowl 52 is coming to Minneapolis.

2017-18 Edition Of College Football Playoff

Well just like we've seen in the NBA : Golden State vs. Cleveland for 3 straight years in the NBA Finals. We will see Clemson vs. Alabama for the 3rd straight year in the College Football Playoff.
They played each other in the last 2 National Championship Games. Clemson winning last year and Alabama winning the previous year. The rubber match takes place in the Semifinals in New Orleans. The Superdome will be the site in the Sugar Bowl. The rubber match winner will head to Atlanta next week and play for all the marbles. Meanwhile across the country in Pasadena, the Rose Bowl will host Oklahoma vs. Georgia. The Big 12 is represented as well as the ACC and of course the SEC times 2. This is now the 4th year of the College Football Playoff. Ohio State won the first version followed by Alabama, then Clemson. What's the slogan "Who will it be?" Only time will tell.

Giancarlo Stanton Traded To Yankees

Former New York Yankee shortstop and future Hall Of Fame player Derek Jeter and group of investors purchased the Miami Marlins. Shortly after reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton was traded to the New York Yankees. Stanton will take his .281 Batting Average / 59 HR's / 132 RBI's to the Bronx. Where he will join reigning American League Rookie Of The Year Aaron Judge. Last season Judge numbers were : .284 Batting Average / 52 HR's / 114 RBI's. The Yankees will look to improve on last season where they made the postseason as a Wild Card. Knocked off Minnesota in the AL Wild Card game. Then took a 3-2 series lead in the ALCS vs. eventual World Series champion Houston Astros. However the Yankees eventually fell in 7 in the League Championship Series.

Mitchell / Simmons / Tatum Race For NBA ROY

As of January 1, 2018 here are the statistics for each of these 3 rookies / Rookie Of The Year candidates : Donovan Mitchell of Utah 18ppg 3rpg 3apg - Ben Simmons of Philadelphia 16ppg 8rpg 7apg - Jayson Tatum 14ppg 5rpg 1apg. Here are the records for each of their teams as of January 1, 2018 : Jazz 16-21 - 76ers 17-19 - Celtics 30-10. Each rookie has made their mark on their respective teams and have become major contributors out the gate. Simmons basically had a red shirt year last season for Philadelphia after being drafted 1st overall in 2016 out of LSU. During the 1st round of the 2017 NBA Draft Boston took Tatum from Duke. Meanwhile the Jazz to Mitchell from Louisville. This co be a year of co NBA Rookie Of The Year winners. Hopefully each of these young man can keep playing well and more importantly remain healthy. The award at the end of the season will take care of itself. Nonetheless it is certainly to watch these young guys.

Lakers Retire 8 & 24

From 1996-2003 Kobe Bryant wore number 8 for the Los Angeles Lakers. During that time period along with Shaquille O'Neal the Lakers won 3 championships, during 4 Finals appearances. Which included a 3 peat in June of 2000, June of 2001 and June of 2002. From 2003-2016 Kobe Bryant wore number 24 for the Los Angeles Lakers. During that time period along with Paul Gasol the Lakers won 3 championships, during 3 Finals appearances. Which included winning back to back championships, in June of 2009 and in June of 2010. In April of 2016 Kobe Bryant played in his final game for the Los Angeles Lakers. At halftime of a December 2017 game vs. Golden State, the Lakers retired both jerseys for Kobe Bryant 8 & 24. Both numbers will hang above Staples Center along with other Laker greats. Mamba is officially out, times 2.