This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Have feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey! Now, here’s Mike Sykes.
Good morning, Winners!
Big shoutout to Florida. They’re moving on to the Elite 8. The Gators earned that win. Florida took care of the turnover bug they had in the first half and destroyed Maryland on the glass. All credit goes to Florida for playing such a well-rounded game.
But, guys. I’ve got to say. Kevin Willard is a certified vibe destroyer.
Imagine taking on a massive project at work. Arguably, the most significant project you’ve ever taken on. And right before you get ready to tackle that big project, you tell your team that there’s a slight chance you might not be back here.
That’s precisely what Willard did when he talked about needing to see “fundamental changes” to the program before he committed to the team long-term.
I mean, guys. The school’s head coaching search was already underway heading into its Sweet 16 game. The man was booed by his fans heading into the Terrapins’ biggest game in nine years.
This is incredible.
Nobody can ever fault someone for trying to negotiate a little bit more at their job. That’s what you’re supposed to do. And the criticisms of Maryland here are valid. The school spends far more on football than it does on basketball. That’s sort of the nature of the Big Ten.
But, man. It’d have been so easy to say, “I love my job. We’ll talk about the contract after the tournament.” That’s that on that. Or, at least, it could’ve been. Now, instead, the Terps are bounced out. I guess at least he’ll be able to get straight to Villanova after this.
Meanwhile, in Alabama …
The Crimson Tide were out there looking like the Boston Celtics. Not only did Bama hit 25 3-pointers (!!!!!) in this game, but the team also attempted 51 in total (!!!!!!!!). Mark Spears went 10 of 16 from deep himself, which is as good as some teams shoot in a single game.
Alabama set the record for most made 3-pointers in a game with this one, surpassing Loyola Marymount’s record of 21 established in 1990. Mark Sears also broke the record for the most 3-pointers by an individual player in a game, too.
Here’s a supercut of every made deep ball from Alabama in this game. What a glorious four-minute ride…unless you’re a BYU fan.
Fun fact: If you take away the 10 two-pointers Alabama made in this game, the Crimson Tide would still beat BYU by five points.
Now, that’s what I call math.
Juan Soto whiffs
Yankees fans, I know it’s bee a while since you’ve been able to laugh at anything. Your team was pretty much the butt of the joke this offseason.
But Juan Soto gave you your moment last night. Watching him strike out with runners on first and third in the 9th was so bizarre. He never does this. It feels like Soto always comes through in this moment.
Mets fans, you probably don’t need to worry about this happening too often this season. Everyone has an off night every now and then.
What a terrible way to end your debut, though.
Photo Friday: Live by the buzzer, lose by the buzzer
So this is one of those that isn’t really a photo, but you kind of have to see it to believe it. The ending of the Lakers-Bulls game is so insane.
The two teams combined for 11 points in the last 12 seconds of the game to close it out. Unfortunately for LA, they only scored two of the 11 — not enough for the win.
The Basketball Gods must not have liked that buzzer beater against the Pacers on Thursday. Sheesh.
Quick hits: Scenes from opening day … A tribute to Bob Uecker … and more
— Our Mary Clarke put together the best photos from opening day across baseball. This is awesome.
— Here’s Andrew Joseph on Joe Buck opening his return to baseball broadcasting with a beautiful tribute to the late Bob Uecker.
— Kirk Cousins to Cleveland? Chipotle might have the answers. Cory Woodroof has more.
— The Avengers Doomsday massive cast is just one big meme now. Caroline Darney has more.
— Guys. Jesus Christ’s return has a better chance of happening than a White Sox playoff run. Blake Schuster has the details.
— Here’s our latest WNBA mock draft from Meghan Hall.
That’s a wrap, folks. Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend. Peace.
-Sykes ✌️