UConn’s Solo Ball, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg both dealing with injuries heading into title game

INDIANAPOLIS — UConn starting guard Solo Ball was skipping practice because of a sprained foot but said he expects to play when the Huskies face Michigan in the NCAA championship game Monday night. So does Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, who hurt his left ankle and left knee Saturday. Neither was expected to practice Sunday as they received treatment to get as healthy as possible before tip-off.

ADD: NIT (starts 6), College Basketball Crown finals

Pace Prosser’s double-double helps Gannon beat Lander 84-61 in Division II championship game

INDIANAPOLIS — Pace Prosser totaled 28 points and 11 rebounds and Gannon beat Lander 84-61 to win the Division II Championship. Prosser made 10 of 19 shots with four 3-pointers for the Golden Knights (34-3) in a battle between two teams aiming for a first national championship. Prosser added five assists and five steals. Lucas Sekasi finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Mackenzie Morgan added 12 points and seven rebounds, while his twin brother Lucas scored 11. Dylan Canoville totaled 14 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Bearcats (30-6), who saw a 15-game winning streak end. Second-year coach Easton Bazzoli led the third-seeded Golden Knights of Erie, Pennsylvania, to the title three years after a three-win season.

Nate Oats and Alabama agree to contract extension following run to NCAA Sweet 16

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne says he has finalized a contract extension with basketball coach Nate Oats. Byrne announced on social media Oats has signed the deal “that will make him one of the top five compensated men’s basketball coaches in the country.” Byrne says he expects the agreement will soon be formally approved by the athletic board. Oats led Alabama to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, where the Crimson Tide lost to Michigan 90-77 on March 27. Alabama reached the Elite Eight each of the previous two years and reached the Final Four in 2024.

Georgia hires Guzzardo from McNeese State as coach day after Abrahamson-Henderson’s exit

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Ayla Guzzardo, who led McNeese State to a school-record 29 wins this season, has been hired as Georgia women’s basketball coach. The move announced by athletic director Josh Brooks came only one day after Georgia announced it had reached a mutual decision to part ways with Katie Abrahamson-Henderson after four seasons. In her first season at McNeese State, Guzzardo led a 19-win improvement for the Cowgirls, who finished 29-6. McNeese State lost to Stephen F. Austin in the Southland Conference Tournament final after winning the regular-season championship. Guzzardo spent one season at McNeese State after three seasons at Southeastern Louisiana.