The tragic death of Kyren Lacy has rocked the football world. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was at the forefront of mourning the loss of his former LSU teammate. Daniels reflected on the series of Instagram stories about his fallen friend.

Lacy died Saturday night of an apparent suicide during a police chase in Houston.

After learning of the tragic news, Daniels took to his Instagram account to post 20 heartwarming moments he and Lacy shared. One special moment occurred last year when Lacy appeared on a video call to congratulate Daniels and Malik Nabers on getting drafted.

Daniels and Lacy’s time at LSU

After both transferred to LSU, Daniels and Lacy became teammates during the 2022 collegiate season.

Lacy was a massive part of Daniels’ 2023 Heisman Trophy season at wide receiver, sharing targets with future NFL first-round picks Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Their first touchdown link, a three-yard out route, happened that season against Grambling. From there, the two embraced in multiple touchdown celebrations.

Lacy had 30 catches for 558 yards and seven touchdowns.

Daniels’ final college touchdown pass was to Lacy. The pass was a 15-yard connection in the waning minutes of the Tigers’ 42-30 win.

Daniels reflecting on Instagram

Almost all the posts featured messages from Daniels expressing how good of a teammate Lacy was and how much he will miss him.

“ till next time brudda… We gonna hold it down for,” Daniels wrote. “U gon live yo dreams through us. hope u at peace now ”

Daniels continued:

“U always brought that energy and positivity no matter what… A real one! Showed love from the first day.”

Daniels said in another post:

“We [were] front line every time love u brudda fr”

With Daniels, Nabers, and Thomas in the NFL, Lacy blossomed into a projected first-round pick prospect behind a stellar senior season. He had 58 receptions for 866 yards and nine touchdowns.

However, his draft stock plummeted following his alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run accident in December. Lacy faced charges related to the car crash, including negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation of a vehicle. A grand jury hearing had been set for Monday in Louisiana.

Last month, Lacy participated in LSU’s Pro Day. He clocked in a 4.50-second 40-yard dash and a 36-inch vertical jump.

Lacy’s unfathomable death has left a void in the football and LSU community. Teammates and fans recognized his talent and personality throughout the day.

Daniels and other LSU teammates will carry unforgettable memories as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 NFL and NCAA seasons.

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The Maryland women’s basketball team is marching to its fourth Sweet 16 in five years after a thrilling double-overtime win over Alabama, 111-108, on Monday. Maryland clawed back into the game after trailing by 17 points with just under three minutes in the third quarter.

However, the Terrapins went on a relentless rally, forced overtime, and watched an opportunity to win wash away in OT before pulling off the win in arguably the best tournament game in recent years.

Ultimately, Maryland’s star, Shyanne Sellers, put the Terrapins ahead with clutch free throws. Then, Sarah Te-Biasu grabbed the biggest steal of her collegiate career to seal the dramatic win.

Sarah Ashlee Barker shines despite Alabama’s loss

Alabama star guard Sarah Ashlee Barker put on an incredible performance. Barker finished her five-year collegiate career with a jaw-dropping 45 points.

Alabama was down by 10 in the mid-second quarter, losing 33-23. Barker led the Crimson Tide to a 10-0 run with six points of her own. Then she knocked down a corner three to give her team the lead.

She added eight rebounds and three assists. She put herself in the history books with the most points in a tournament game by any Alabama player. In addition to her historic performance, four of Barker’s teammates scored double-digit points.

• Sarah Ashlee Barker: 45 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
• Essence Cody: 18 points, 5 steals, 2 blocks
• Karly Weathers: 9 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
• Aaliyah Nye: 11 points, 4 assists, 2 steals
• Zaay Green: 11 points, 5 assists

Despite Baker’s jaw-dropping game, Sellers led Maryland to the win with a season-high 28 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter and overtime. Her high scoring in the clutch pushed the team to the finish line and into the next round.

She wasn’t the only Terp to have a high-scoring game. The starting five were just as determined as she was to advance to the next round, as four starters scored 19+ points.

• Shyanne Sellers: 28 points, 9-9 free throws
• Sarah Te-Biasu: 26 points, 6 assists, 3 steals, 5-8 from three
• Kaylene Smikle: 24 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
• Allie Kubek: 19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists

Chaotic key moments lead to double OT

Maryland trailed by 12 early in the fourth quarter, following an and-one by Alabama’s Essence Cody. Desperate to keep their season alive, the Terps answered with a scoring barrage, chipping away at the deficit throughout the fourth.

Maryland closed the game with a pair of free throws by Sellers with 1:01 remaining. Barker responded with a three to put the Crimson Tide back in front with 37 seconds remaining. However, with the season on the line, Maryland’s guard Sarah Te-Biasu came away with the biggest shot of her career. Te-Biasu found Kaylen Smikle for a three, but Barker blocked her shot. Smikle followed her miss and kicked the ball back to Te-Biasu, who drained the game-tying three, sending the contest into its first overtime.

In the first overtime, Maryland seized control late. With six seconds left, Maryland owned a 95-93 lead and had Saylor Poffenbarger going to the free-throw line to extend the lead to four points. Unfortunately, Poffenbarger made 1-of-2 free throws, leaving Alabama with one final possession in OT.

As the buzzer sounded, Poffenbarer made matters worse, fouling Barker on a three-point attempt with the buzzer sounded. Barker shrugged off the pressure and knocked down all three free throws, tying the game for a second overtime.

Maryland seals deal in double OT

Maryland approached double overtime, knowing they blew an opportunity. Te-Biasu scored eight points in the second overtime. Her fifth-three pointer of the game gave the Terrapins a 106-100 lead. Alabama never recovered from that moment on.

Barker gave it her final push with a jumper that cut the deficit to 109-108 with 16 seconds remaining. Yet, Sellers extended Maryland’s lead with two free throws.

Maryland leaned on its defense to close out the game. The Tide’s Diana Collins missed a three that got deflected out of bounds. Alabama retained possession for one final chance with 1.8 seconds left.

Te-Biasu, who saved Maryland’s season with a regulation three, broke up the in-bound pass intended for Barker to seal the Terps’ trip to the Sweet 16.

The 219 combined points by both teams were the second-most scored in NCAA women’s tournament history. Only Alabama’s four-overtime thrilling win against Duke in 1995 had more combined points (241). That game was also in the second round and between a No. 4 and 5 seed.

Maryland will play Regional 2’s No. 1 seed and defending national champion, South Carolina, in Friday’s Sweet 16. The Terrapins and Gamecocks have met eight times, including a South Carolina win in a 2023 Regional Final.

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The Maryland Terrapins cruised past Grand Canyon 81-49 to advance to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. The Terrapins’ starting five, dubbed the “Crab Five,” led the charge with four starters scoring in double digits. The 32-point blowout marked the most significant tournament win in program history.

• Julian Reese- 18 points, 2 blocks, 9 rebounds, 2 steals
• Derik Queen- 12 points, a block, 15 rebounds
• Ja’Kobi Gillespie- 16 points, 2 steals, 3 assists
• Rodney Rice- 9 points
• Selton Miguel- 13 points

Maryland’s sixth man DeShawn Harris-Smith scored 11 points, making all five of his field goal attempts. He also grabbed four rebounds.

Senior forward Julian Reese piloted the scoring, finishing with 18 points and was one rebound shy of a double-double with nine. Meanwhile, his frontcourt partner, and Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Derik Queen, chimed with 12 points and a historic 15 rebounds—the most rebounds by a Maryland freshman in a tournament game.

Maryland (26-9) pounded the paint early, but its offense attacked from the perimeter as well. The Terrapins backcourt duo of Ja’Koi Gillespie and Selton Miguel spread Grand Canyon’s defense.

Miguel finished with 13 points, making each of his three, three-point attempts. Gillespie shot 5-of-10 from the field, and made 4-of-5 free throws.
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With 12:30 in the first half, Gillipse drained a transition three-pointer to give the Terps the lead, and they never looked back. He finished the game with 16 points and 3 assists.

Maryland’s dominant performance was not without flaw. Virginia Tech transfer Rodney Rice struggled through 3-of-11 shooting. However, he finished with nine points.

The Terrapins also struggled from the free throw line, shooting 12-of-24. They’ll have to clean up from the charity stripe to continue advancing through a loaded West Region.

Still, Friday’s performance in Seattle showed the nation how strong is the “Crab Five.” Maryland looks to advance past the Round of 32 for the first time since 2016. Maryland will meet 12-seed Colorado State, who upset 5th seed Memphis on Friday.

Colorado State (26-9) has won 11 straight games, including the Mountain West Conference tournament. The Rams are more than a Cinderella story and expect to be a formidable opponent for the Terrapins.

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The Washington Mystics have landed three first-round picks in the 2025 WNBA draft. After a trade that sent six-year vet Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky, the Mystics now obtain the third, fourth, and sixth overall pick.

They also housed the sixth pick from a trade involving the Atlanta Dream.

Atkins is the last member of the 2019 Mystics team, which won its first and only WNBA Finals. She was a key contributor in the finals, averaging 9.6 points while shooting 44 percent from the field.

Atkins became one of the Mystics’ go-to scorers in the post-championship era. She even became a two-time All-Star in 2021 and 2022. Atkins is coming off a season leading the Mystics in scoring with 14.9 points per game.

But as the Sky pair rising star Angel Reese with a scorer, the Mystics have grabbed a key opportunity with these picks to bolster the franchise in the right direction of its rebuild.

Entering the draft, the team had the lowest odds of winning the lottery, at 10.4 percent.

• No. 1 pick, Dallas Wings, 22.7% odds
• No. 2 pick, Los Angeles Sparks, 44.2% odds
• No. 3 pick, Chicago Sky, 22.7 odds
• No. 4 pick, Washington Mystics, 10.4% odd

Now, the Mystics have a chance to build their future with these three upcoming picks. As the college regular season ends, here’s who the Mystics should select in the first round.

What the Mystics need to draft

University of Connecticut guard Paige Bueckers expects to be the consensus number-one pick. Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles should follow Bueckers with the second overall pick. The Mystics could package their draft capital to move up for Miles. Yet, Washington has an opportunity to maximize their draft capital with three top prospects.

This draft class features a ton of potential in its prospects. The Mystics’ draft decisions may change as the 2024-25 college basketball season rolls on. But one thing is sure: the Mystics need a better offense.

With a record of 14-26, finishing ninth in the “W,” the Mystics were ninth in the league in scoring, averaging 79.8 points per game. They were first in turnovers, with 15.1. They were also second to last in defensive rating across the league.

So, considering these factors, some candidates are worthy of the three draft picks.

No. 3 pick: Sonia Citron, 3-and-D wing from Notre Dame

Sonia Citron is a 6’1 guard for the sixth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. She’s averaging 13.8 points per game, shooting 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from three in 29 games.

She’s coming off a good run in the ACC tournament, scoring nine points in three games and shooting 43 percent from the field. Despite the disappointing 61-56 loss to Duke in the semifinals, Citron put up nine points, four steals, and two blocks in Notre Dame’s last game before the tournament.

Her addition to the team could provide a better output for the Mystics on both sides of the floor. Citron’s strength is moving off the ball and knocking down the three. She can also defend at a high level, as she averages two steals per game. Her defense can boost the team’s struggles on that side of the ball.

Citron makes a quick impact on the team as a shooter and defender.

No. 4 pick: Dominique Malonga, Center/Forward from France and LDLC ASVEL

Dominique Malonga is an outstanding draft prospect from France heading to the Europe side of basketball. She is also coming off an Olympic debut with France’s national team.

In 2022, Malonga went viral for completing a drop-step into a dunk at the age of 16.

At 6’6″, she is averaging nearly a double-double with LDLC. Malonga scores 15.6 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.

Malonga is an excellent rebounder and inside defender. Her ability to block shots complements her rebounding efforts and makes her a standout. In addition to her fantastic defense, Malonga is an excellent shot-creator in the post. She even has a deadly one-legged fadeaway in her arsenal.

After missing out on Angel Reese in last year’s draft, this can be the perfect pick to quickly compensate for the team’s lack of rebounding and defense.

No. 6 pick: Te-Hina Paopao, a combo guard from South Carolina

Te-Hina Paopao is a 5’9 combo guard for the defending National champions, South Carolina. She’s averaging 9.8 points, three assists, and a steal per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from three.

She can be another offensive addition for the Mystics. Paopao is a guard from a winning team who can do it all offensively.

Paopao struggled recently in the SEC tournament, averaging 6.6 points and three assists while shooting 30 percent from the field. Despite the offensive struggle, she pulled down five rebounds in a 64-45 win over Texas in the SEC Championship.

She’s a high-IQ guard who can make great decisions and make plays for others. She can score with a nice pull-up game and her catch-and-shoot skills.

Paopao can learn a lot from the veteran guards already on the roster and become the franchise point guard.

The Mystics’ rebuild starts next spring with their three first-round picks. They hope to strike gold for the upcoming 2025 draft. As the college basketball season continues to close, their decision regarding who will face their rebuild will become more apparent.

The post Top prospects for Mystics: Maximizing their three first-round picks appeared first on DC Sports King.

The Washington Commanders defeated the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Detroit Lions, 45-31, to advance to their first NFC Championship Game since 1992.

The Commanders improve to 4-0 all-time in the playoffs against the Lions. Ironically, Washington defeated Detroit, 41-10, in their last appearance in the NFC Championship Game en route to a Super Bowl XXVI win over the Buffalo Bills.

Washington’s success this season has been on the shoulders of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. In his second career NFL playoff game, Daniels put on another show, throwing for 299 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 51 yards.

For the second straight week, wide receiver Dyami Brown stepped up his play, leading the team with 99 receiving yards. Yet, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin and veteran tight end Zach Ertz caught a touchdown pass.

The game was a back-and-forth offensive shootout until the Commanders’ defense broke out by forcing four interceptions and a fumble on a strip sack. The five turnovers changed the complexion of the game in favor of Washington.

The astounding team’s play led to a long-awaited conference championship birth, and here’s how they got to it.

Commanders turnover on downs leads to Lions score

The Commanders opened the game strong with a defensive three-and-out on the Lions. The offense followed up with a promising drive and got into the red zone, but the Lions’ defense forced them to a fourth-and-one.

Marcus Mariota checked into the game and tried a fake sneak but got stuffed shy of the first down before he could pitch the ball to an awaiting Jayden Daniels.

Replay showed that running back Brian Robinson may not have been on the same page about the play call as he got in Mariota’s way.

The turnover on downs gave the Lions momentum. Quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions answered the turnover with a six-play, 71-yard drive. Detroit’s running back Jahmyr Gibbs capped off the drive with a touchdown to give the Lions an early 7-0 lead.

Lions 7, Commanders 0

Dorace Armstrong strip-sacks Jared Goff

The Commanders responded as Daniels led the offense back into the red zone. However, a third-down pass to Dyami Brown broke up, forcing a 47-yard field goal from kicker Zane Gonzalez.

Commanders 3, Lions 7

The game’s first break for the Commanders happened in the second quarter when defensive end Dorace Armstrong got a strip sack off Goff, leading to a Commanders’ recovery.

With the ball back in their hands, the Commanders wanted to put six more points on the board.

Daniels completed six of his eight passes for 34 yards,including a fourth down pass to Zach Ertz to put the Commanders inside the Lions five-yard line. Three plays later, McLaurin drew a defensive pass interference against Lions defensive back Kerby Joseph inside the end zone, placing the ball at the one-yard line.

Two plays later, Brian Robinson Jr. scored Washington’s first touchdown, giving the Commanders the lead.

Commanders 10, Lions 7

Commanders respond to Sam LaPorta’s one-hand TD catch with back-to-back touchdowns

The Lions offense wasted no time getting the lead back. Goff completed six straight passes for a staggering 70 yards.

With the ball at the Commanders’ two-yard line, Goff escaped the pocket before finding his tight end Sam LaPorta, who snagged a one-hand catch in the end zone to regain the lead for the Lions.

The Commanders needed just three plays to answer LaPorta. Daniels swung a screen pass to McLaurin to beat a corner blitz from Lions defensive back Brian Branch. McLaurin outraced a pair of Lions defenders 58 yards to the end zone.

The Commanders’ defense finally had enough of the Lions’ offense having its way. Goff sailed a pass intended for Tim Patrick into the waiting hands of Commanders safety Quan Martin, who knifed through the Lions’ offense for a 40-yard pick-six, extending Washington’s lead.

Commanders 24, Lions 14

Not only did Goff throw the pick-six, but he was injured in the play when Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu blocked him. Goff was attended to and helped to the blue medical tent. Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who spent much of the season as a high school football head coach, stepped in for Goff.

Lions score on trick play, but Commanders answer just before halftime

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson reached deep into his bag of plays and pulled out a trick play on the Commanders with Bridgewater in at quarterback.

On the drive’s third play, the Lions ran a reverse to wide receiver Jameson Willams. With a barricade of blocks ahead of him, Williams rolled ahead and cut back to open space for a phenomenal 61-yard touchdown run.

The Commanders’ defense may have fallen asleep with Bridgewater at quarterback, but destiny would not deny Washington’s offense.

The Commanders marched back to the end zone. Daniels dropped a beautiful pinpoint pass to Brown for 38 yards to the six-yard line. Three plays later, Daniels zipped the ball to Ertz in the end zone for another touchdown.

Commanders 31, Lions 21

Goff returns to throw his second interception

Jared Goff returned after sitting out the previous Lions’ possession. He appeared get right back on track, marching Detroit into Washington territory behind 41 yards through the air.

With the waning seconds of the first half ticking, Goff tried to connect with Williams on a post route into the end zone. However, Commanders rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil undercut Williams to intercept the pass.

Instead of getting points on the board, the Lions’ drive stalled with a third turnover. The Commanders took a ten-point lead into halftime.

Commanders answer Lions with 8-minute drive

The Commanders opened the second half with the ball but got forced off the field with a three-and-out. Tress Way made his first punt of the postseason after not punting during the Commanders’ wild-card round win over the Buccaneers.

Way’s punt put the Lions inside their own ten-yard line. Where they started their drive did not deter the Lions, as they marched 91 yards into the end zone with Goff and running back David Montgomery leading the way. Gibbs finished the drive with an eight-yard touchdown.

Some argue that the drive should have stalled when Commanders defensive end Dante Fowler stopped Montgomery at the Lions’ 25-yard line on a third-and-two run. However, officials flagged Fowler for a 15-yard face mask and automatic first down.

FOX replays showed Fowler grabbing Montgomery by his shoulder pad upon further review. Unfortunately, penalties are not reviewable by officials, so the call stood, and the Lions continued their scoring drive.

Lions 28, Commanders 31

The Commanders kept their foot on the pedal with a 15-play drive that covered 70 yards and lasted eight minutes and 28 seconds. Daniels drove Washington to Detroit’s five-yard line.

The Lions’ defense forced the Commanders into a fourth-and-two. Washington, as they’ve done time and time again, kept their offense on the field. Then, the Lions shot themselves in the foot, breaking the huddle with 12 men and drawing a penalty. The penalty yardage was enough to give the Commanders a first down.

With a new set of downs, Robinson barreled through the goal line for his second touchdown of the game.

Commanders 38, Lions 28

Lions trick play goes awry and leads to Sainristil’s second interception

Trailing by ten in the fourth quarter, the Lions started feeling the pressure of losing at home as the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Ben Johnson dialed up another trick play involving Williams. However, the results were disastrous this time.

Lions ran a flea flicker to Williams, but the wide receiver threw the pass into double coverage. Sainristil jumped the throw, falling to the ground for his second interception and the Lions’ fourth turnover.

The Commanders responded to the interception. On the drive’s first play, running back Austin Ekeler exploded for a 35-yard run. Still, the Commanders faced another fourth down from the Lions’ 13-yard line. Yet, Daniels didn’t fret, connecting to McLaurin for a 12-yard gain down to the one.

Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols followed the big play by plowing through for a one-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 17.

Commanders 45, Lions 28

Fourth interception seals win for Commanders

The Detroit crowd was stunned, with their number one seed Lions on the brink of getting eliminated.

The Lions, trying to keep hopes alive, went 60 yards down the field and were placed at the Commanders’ 13-yard line. But the offense came up short of the first and settled with a Jake Bates field goal.

Desperately needing the ball back, the Lions attempted an onside kick and almost came up with the ball, but Ertz recovered the loose ball to give it to his offense.

With attention on putting 50 on the scoreboard, the Commanders’ offense marched right back on the field to end any hope of a comeback.

The 26-yard drive came to an end on fourth-and-one. The Commanders didn’t need to take a big chance, so they called on Gonzalez for a field goal. Unfortunately, the kicker missed the 44-yard attempt wide left, and the Lions still had hope with 2:31 remaining.

The Lions tried to keep their season alive as the Commanders fans at Detroit’s Ford Field chanted “MVP” to their Pro Bowl QB, Jayden Daniels.

All hope ended when Goff threw his third interception to Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn.

Daniels kneeled the football with the last 25 seconds running off the clock.

Final Score: Commanders 45, Lions 31

Defying all odds against them, the Commanders are one win away from the Super Bowl. Washington will play the winner of Sunday’s game between the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles next week in the NFC Championship Game.

Key Stats

Commanders

• Passing: Jayden Daniels – 25/34, 299yds, 2 TDs
• Rushing: Brian Robinson Jr. – 15 att, 77 yds
• Receiving: Dyami Brown – 6 rec, 99 yds
• Defensive: Mike Sainristil – 4 tck, 2 int, 2 PD

Lions

• Passing: Jared Goff – 23/40, 313 yds, 1 TD, 3 INT
• Rushing: Jahmyr Gibbs– 14 att, 105 yds, TD
• Receiving: Amon-Ra St. Brown – 8 rec, 137 yds, TD
• Defensive: Alex Anzalone – 13 tck

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The Washington Commanders defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 Sunday night to win their first playoff game in 19 years.

Coincidently, they beat the team they faced in that last playoff win in 2006.

As the front runner for Rookie of the Year, Jaden Daniels led the team with 268 yards and two touchdowns with his arm. He was also a threat with his legs despite the Bucs’ heavy blitzing throughout the game.

Daniels’ legs set up the game-winning field goal for the Commanders by kicker Zane Gonzalez.

Daniels got help from a pair of his receivers, who made big plays throughout the game. Second-team All-Pro Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown each finished with 89 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The Commanders’ defense was also big down the stretch of the game, coming up with key stops and a turnover that changed the tide of the game.

The collective team effort led to their first divisional round birth in a long time, and this is how they got to the nail-biting win.

The Commanders’ first possession ends in a turnover on downs

After a Buccaneers’ field goal on the game’s first drive, the Commanders’ offense moved the football on their first possession. Facing a third-and-six, Daniels connected with McLaurin on a drop-in-the-bucket throw for 35 yards to the Buccaneers’ 36-yard line. McLaurin made the catch with Tampa Bay cornerback Jamel Dean draped over him.

However, the Bucs’ defense stayed strong and forced a 4th-and-2 on their 20-yard line after linebacker LaVonte David tracked down Daniels on a run short of a first down. On fourth down, linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka got past Commander right tackle Andrew Wylie, causing Daniels to throw an incompletion.

Commanders get on the board with a 17-play touchdown drive

Despite the turnover on downs, the Commanders’ defense responded by killing the momentum with a third-down stop. Commanders defensive end Dorace Armstrong made key plays on the drive, including stopping Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield on a third-down scramble to force the punt.

Jayden Daniels completed four straight passes for 31 yards to start the possession, with Washington backing deep into its territory. During the drive on a rush attempt by Daniels, Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum hammered the rookie quarterback out of bounds. Daniels had a bloody face as a result of the hit.

Commanders 7, Buccaneers 3

Jayden Daniels’ bloody face

As the Commanders’ defense came off the field on the ensuing three-and-out, Daniels was seen with team trainers as they applied sterile glue to the gash on his face. Washington’s offense drove to the Bucs’ 33-yard line before settling for a 52-yard field goal from erratic kicker Zane Gonzalez.

Commanders 10, Buccaneers 3

Buccaneers wake up and score on back-to-back touchdown drives

The Bucs came into their next possession with scoring intentions before the half. A Mayfield 18-yard rush (3rd-and-9) inserted a bolt of energy into the rest of the team as he trucked future Hall-of-Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner before getting tackled.

Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans torched his rival, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, for three snaps. The first Evans caught a 20-yard pass over the middle over Lattimore to get Tampa Bay inside the red zone. Evans drew a defensive pass interference on Lattimore in the end zone on the next snap, setting up a 1st-and-goal from the one-yard line.

Evans punctuated the drive by catching a touchdown over Lattimore to tie the game at 10-10 just before halftime.

Buccaneers 10, Commanders 10

The Commanders opened the second half with possession of the football. Daniels found Brown on back-to-back big plays totaling 54 yards to get inside the Buccaneers’ three-yard line. Yet, running back Brian Robinson Jr. was stuffed on a first-down run. Two plays later, Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean broke up a potential touchdown pass to McLaurin on third-and-goal.

Gonzalez scored a 22-yard field goal, his second in the game, to put the Commanders back up.

The Buccaneers leaned heavily on its run game. Irving gained 43 yards through the ground on the drive. After a defensive holding penalty on Noah Igbinoghene set gave Tampa Bay a first down at the two-yard line, Irving hauled in a pass from Mayfield in the flat for a four-yard touchdown, giving Tampa Bay its second lead of the game.

Commanders 13, Buccaneers 17

Mayfield turns the ball over, after the Buccaneers defensive stop

Before the end of the third quarter, the Commanders marched right back with a drive of their own. The Commanders faced a third-and-10 at the start of the final quarter. Daniels targeted Brown again in the end zone. However, McCollum was called for a defensive pass interference, yielding the Commanders a 1st-and-goal at the one.

The Commanders failed to score on the drive despite being on the one-yard line. On fourth down, Daniels missed tight end Zach Ertz in the middle of the end zone. Officials missed a defensive holding on David, who grabbed Ertz at the top of his route.

For the second time in the game, the Commanders turned the football over on downs, leaving points off the scoreboard.

Yet, the Buccaneers turned the football over on the ensuing drive. Mayfield mishandled a handoff to wide receiver Julian McMillan. The ball squirted loose, and Wagner recovered it for Washington at the Bucs’ 13-yard line.

Despite the excellent field position, Washington faced another fourth down. However, this time, Daniels delivered with a touchdown pass to McLaurin.

Commanders 20, Buccaneers 17

Jayden Daniels leads offense to walk-off field goal

The Buccaneers responded by reaching the red zone on the ensuing possession. A mistimed snap from the center to Mayfield led to their drive stalling on third down. With a 3rd-and-1, it appeared the center snapped the ball before the rest of the offense was ready. The Commander’s defensive line penetrated as Mayfield frantically handed the ball off to Irving before a two-yard loss at the 14-yard line.

Tampa Bay settled for a field goal from Chase McLaughlin to tie the game at 20-20 with 4:41 left in the fourth quarter.

The Commanders offense then marched 51 yards on ten plays down to the Buccaneers’ 19-yard line. The drive took a lot of time off the clock. Facing a 3rd-and-2, Daniels broke away a would-be tackle to get up the field for a four-yard gain and a crucial first down.

Commanders fans chanted “MVP” toward Jayden Daniels inside Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. With three seconds left, Gonzalez doinked a 37-yard field through the uprights as time expired to give the Commanders the win.

Commanders 23, Buccaneers 20

The Commanders held the ball for the final 4:41 of the game. The field goal placed Washington into the divisional round of the playoffs. The Commanders will play the NFC’s No. 1 seed, the Detroit Lions, at Ford Field on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm.

Key Stats

Commanders

• Passing: Jayden Daniels – 25/34, 268 yds, 2 TDs
• Rushing: Jayden Daniels – 13 att, 36 yds
• Receiving: Terry McLaurin – 7 rec, 89 yds, TD | Dyami Brown – 5 rec, 89 yds, TD
• Defensive: Bobby Wagner – 8 tck, 0.5 sacks

Buccaneers

• Passing: Baker Mayfield – 15/18, 185 yds, 2 TDs
• Rushing: Bucky Irving – 17 att, 77 yds
• Receiving: Mike Evans – 7 rec, 92 yds, 1 TD
• Defensive: Lavonte David – 8 tck, 1 sack

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Fresh off a close loss to top-15 ranked Marquette, the Maryland men’s basketball routed Canisius Tuesday night by the score of 108-37. The 71-point win was the second-largest margin of victory in Maryland’s history, behind a 75-point win over North Texas in 1998.

Maryland (4-1) bounced back from the loss to Marquette, keeping the Golden Griffins of Canisius (0-6) winless on the season.

Canisius opened the game’s scoring with an Evan van der Plas three-pointer in the first minute. Maryland responded with an 18-1 run and never looked back. The Terrapins allowed 14 points to the Golden Griffins in the first half while scoring 59.

Maryland senior forward Julian Reese had a breakout performance. He led the Terrapins with 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting from the field. All five Maryland starters scored in double digits.

• Julian Reese, 20 points
• Derik Queen, 10 points
• Selton Miguel, 15 points
• Ja’kobi Gillespie, 10 points
• Rodney Rice, 13 points

Reese and five-star freshman Derik Queen drive the engine. However, head coach Kevin Willard’s excellent additions thus far have been transfers Rodney Rice via Virginia Tech and Ja’Kobi Gilespie out of Belmont.

Gillespie and Queen lead the team in scoring 15.0 points per game. Gillespie has been impressive, shooting 53.8% from the field and 39.3 from three. Meanwhile, Rice averages 13.8 points on 51.1% shooting, including 44.4% from three.

The Terps were dynamic with their defense, forcing 23 turnovers by Canisius. Maryland limited the Golden Griffins to 14 made field goals on 55 attempts.

The loss against Marquette a week ago proved to be a strong indication of how good the new-look Terrapins’ have been. Maryland will look to carry over the momentum in their next game against Villanova on Sunday in Newark.

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The Washington Wizards take their fifth straight loss, in a 107-92 heart breaker to the Houston Rockets.

The Wizards were heavily out-rebounded in the loss. And failed to cover the premititor and get back on defense in transition. Offensively the team was decent overall, as the entire starting five scored double figures.

Kyle Kuzma finally enters the starting lineup, after dealing with a groin injury he suffered against the Atlanta Hawks. And in his first game back he scored 18 points, on seven of 18 shooting

With the loss there are still some positive and important factors from the game.

Alex Sarr struggled offensively and defensively

This year’s No. 2 overall pick, Alexandre Sarr, has had his fair share of struggles on the offensive end. However, against the Rockets, he also struggled defensively.

The rookie allowed 14 points. Houston’s center Alperen Sengun scored a game-high 27 points. The Turkish star’s strength and savviness caused trouble for Sarr throughout the night. Sengun outrebounded Sarr 17-6. Sengun has developed into a marquee post-player. Sarr is just a 19-year rookie. Playing against a force like Sengun will help Sarr earn his stripes.

Sarr finished with a pedestrian five points on 2-of-9 shooting from the field. He added two blocks.

Sarr’s jump shot remains inconsistent. He shot 0-of-3 from three. Sarr is shooting 18.6% from three. Teams are leaving him wide-open on those shots. The more he misses, the more defenders will sag off him to clog the paint. Posting up in the paint against fellow bigs is a hurdle for Sarr to overcome.

Sarr expects to have growing pains. His potential is glaring, but he must become more consistent and find rhythm throughout the season.

Bub Carrington showing flashes at point guard

Surprisingly, rookie guard Bub Carrington was available despite right knee soreness from the previous game against the Orlando Magic.

Carrington started hot, missing just one of four shots in the first half. He tapered off in the second half and finished with 10 points, six assists and two steals.

His ability to move the ball has been showing lately. He has averaged 6.4 assists in the last five games.

He is seemingly the point of the future. The absence of veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon (hand) has allowed Carrington more playing time. Carrington has flashed early on. Hopefully, he can keep it going and become more consistent.

Wizards marred by second-chance points and bad rotation

Securing rebounds is a must in basketball. However, the Wizards struggled to accomplish the goal against the Rockets. Washington had a minus-24 margin in rebounds. The Rockets scored 19 second-chance points with 17 offensive rebounds.

Houston presented a challenge, as the Rockets lead the league in offensive rebounds per game. However, the Wizards rank last in opponents’ offensive rebounds per game. Washington has allowed 28 offensive rebounds and 48 second-chance points in the last two games.

Rotating on defense to compete on the glass was an issue. Sarr oftentimes challenged shots outside the paint, and no Wizards player rotated to the paint for rebounds.

The Wizards also didn’t rotate to match the Rockets’ ball movement. Late rotation has been a problem for the Wizards on the defensive end all season. Opponents have consistently created open shots.

The Wizards next contest is on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. Washington will look to snap a five-game losing streak before playing in the NBA Commissioner Cup.

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The rift between Jordan Poole and Draymond Green is well-documented. Thus, when the former Golden State Warriors teammates took the court against each other on Monday, all eyes were on their interactions. The contest between the two didn’t disappoint.

Poole, now in his second year with the Washington Wizards, finished the night with 24 points on 8-of-20 shooting, four blocks, three assists and three rebounds. Meanwhile, Green had 18 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 from three. He also added eight rebounds and five assists and got the 125-112 win for the Warriors.

However, the interaction between Poole and Green paints a story of their continued beef.

Jordan Poole gets physical with Draymond Green

Poole matched defensively on Green on the low block in the first quarter. Green tried to create some separation, swinging his elbows. Poole alertly evaded the swinging elbows but was called for a reach-in foul. The two tapped each other on the chest after the whistle.

Poole ended the Warriors’ possession by jumping a Green pass for a steal into a wide-open dunk in transition.

Poole and Draymond trade taunts

The two kept interacting throughout the game. The highlight was a sequence between the two at the end of the second quarter. Poole knocked down one of his two made three-pointers over Green. Then the Wizards guard pointed right at his teammate-turned-nemesis. However, the Warriors marched the basketball right down the court into a corner three from two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry over Poole before the buzzer for halftime. Green returned the favor by pointing at Poole ahead of a timeout.

Poole played four seasons with the Warriors, winning the 2021-22 NBA championship alongside Green, Curry, and Klay Thompson. Yet, his stay in Golden State got disrupted when Green violently punched Poole during a preseason practice before the 2022-23 season.

The friendship turned into a rivalry. Ultimately, Poole got traded to the Wizards the following offseason.

Poole didn’t want teammate talking to Draymond

There has been plenty of back-and-forth banter over the rift. Monday was a rare instance of the two being on the court with each other since the trade.

At one point during Monday’s game, Jordan Poole walked over and pulled Wizards rookie Bub Carrington away from Draymond Green as they were talking.

After the Warriors’ win, Green commended Poole for his improved play with Washington.

“He’s playing a lot better. As a competitor, you just want to show everything you got, and I think last year he was pressing a lot. He just wanted it to happen so bad, and this year, he’s a lot more settled in. He’s not taking the shots he was taking last year. They were bad shots. I think it was a matter of wanting it so bad to prove to people that ‘I can have my own team, I can come here and be successful,’ that it ends up working against you. … That speaks to the patience he’s now playing with. I think he’s doing a good job of settling down and letting the play come to him.”

Green is a four-time NBA champion and one of the greatest defenders in league history. Meanwhile, Poole is striving to make his mark, breaking out of the Warriors’ shadow. Now adversaries, both Draymond Green and Jordan Poole cannot separate from that practice two years ago.

The two are slated to see each other on the court again Jan. 18 in San Francisco.

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Former Maryland high school and George Washington star Jonquel Jones has won the WNBA Finals MVP while leading the New York Liberty to their first-ever WNBA championship, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling five-game series.

The 6’6 center is a former top recruit in high school while attending Riverdale Baptist High School, located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She was viewed as the best player in the state while drawing several college offers from all over the nation.

Jones had a star-studded collegiate career playing at George Washington University under coach Jonathan Tsipis. After spending time with the Connecticut Sun, she requested a trade before being moved to the Liberty roster.

She arrived in New York in 2023, playing alongside fellow WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart and budding star Sabrina Ionescu. The trio reached the WNBA Finals in their first year together but fell short of the Las Vegas Aces. This season, the Liberty were not to be denied, avenging last year’s loss, beating the Aces in the Semifinals before topping the Lynx in the Finals.

Jones averaged 17.8 points on 56% shooting from the field and 7.6 rebounds. Her presence during the Finals carried the Lynx amid Stewart and Ionescu’s struggles.

After the win and receiving the trophy, Jones had this to say about the moment.

“I’m just really happy. I’m really just trying to take in the moment and just enjoy every aspect of it,” Jones said. “I’m just up here smiling, thanking Jesus and thanking my teammates.” 

Jones is one of the best players in the “W”. But her journey to this moment is an inspiring tale.

Becoming a national sensation in high school

Jones was born in the Bahamas’ second-largest city Freeport in 1994. Her first love was soccer, but her attention gradually shifted to basketball at the age of 12.

She expressed her desire to her mother to play basketball in high school and college in the United States. Thus, Jones turned one of her mentors, current Ole Miss head coach Yollet McPhee, a fellow Freeport native, who played basketball in college at Rhode Island.

McPhee’s guidance led Jones to Riverdale Baptist. After arriving at Riverdale Baptist, she clung to coach Diane Richardson. Richardson went over the game film with Jones and pointed out which players to study to improve her game.

Jones became a national sensation at Riverdale Baptist. She led the Crusaders to a 35-2 record during her senior year, winning a National Christian High School championship.

She averaged 15.7 points and 15.6 rebounds as a senior. Jones was named the Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year. She was also the Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year. ESPN ranked her the nation’s No. 17 player and rated her as a five-star recruit with a 96 overall scout grade.

Jonquel Jones thrives at George Washington

Jonquel Jones committed to Clemson. She spent one year with the Tigers, averaging 8.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. However, after one season at Clemson, she transferred to George Washington.

Jones rejoined Richardson after her former high school coach received an assistant coach job with the Colonials.

With Richardson by her side, Jones soared at GW. She blossomed by showcasing her ability to score and rebound at a high clip. During her 2015 junior year, Jones earned Atlantic-10 Player of the Year and the A-10 Defensive Player of the Year. She paved the way for George Washington’s first A-10 tournament championship since 2003.

George Washington would win a second A-10 tournament title on the back of Jones the following year. Jones averaged a career-best 16.2 points and 14.6 rebounds en route to back-to-back conference tournament championships.

Following her stellar collegiate career, Jones entered the 2016 WNBA Draft. The Los Angeles Sparks selected her sixth overall before trading her draft rights to the Connecticut Sun.

Quickly became one of the best in the “W”

Jones developed into one of the best players in the W playing with the Suns. A year after her rookie season, she earned WNBA Most Improved Player while getting named to her first All-Star appearance.

In 2019, she led the Sun to the WNBA Finals. However, she and the Sun fell short to her hometown team, the Washington Mystics, in five games.

Following COVID, Jones won the 2021 WNBA MVP, leading the Sun to a league-best 26-6 record. She also received a nod to the All-Defensive First Team. She led the league with 11.2 rebounds per game and was fourth with 19.4 points per game.

Jones requested a trade from Connecticut after the 2022 season.

Road to Finals MVP

After joining the Liberty, Jones formed a dominant big three with Ionescu and Stewart. The trio led New York to back-to-back 32-8 records in 2023 and 2024 and two trips to the WNBA Finals. She averaged 15.2 points and 8.4 rebounds in the series loss to the Aces.

This season, Jones returned hungrier than ever, looking for her first title. She earned her fifth All-Star Game appearance and was named to the All-WNBA second team.

As the top seed, the Liberty rolled back to the Finals to meet the Lynx.

In Game 2, with the Liberty needing a win to even the series, Jones got to the line and banked a pair of free throws midway in the fourth quarter that extended New York’s lead, staving off a rally by the Lynx. Jones would score another bucket that helped spark a 14-0 run to close out the game for the Lynx.

In Game 3, the Liberty were down by four with two minutes remaining. Jones drained a wide-open three from the wing off a drive-and-kick by Leonie Feibich. Then she scored on a layup with 1:31 remaining, giving the Liberty the lead. Joens and Ionescu ran a screen action. Ionescu dumped the ball down into the paint to Jones.

The Lynx ultimately took Game 3 on the road to go up 2-1 in the series.

Jones clinched the Finals MVP, leading her team with 17 points in the deciding Game 5. She was New York’s only starter to shoot 50% from the floor.

Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello had this to say about Jones:

“I’m just really proud of JJ. I love coaching her. I just love her personality and how she brings it every single day. She was big for us, and it wasn’t a pretty game today… Usually, I don’t like to play her for 42 minutes, but she just stayed competing because that’s how important it was. She knew how she needed to help.”

The future Hall of Famer adds to her list of acclimates with a Finals win and the MVP.

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