St. John's is making waves in college basketball, proving to be a real contender as the season approaches March Madness. Under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, the Red Storm have risen to the top of the Big East with a 20-3 record, their finest start since 1985-86. St. John's has blended spectacular offense with smothering defense, allowing only 61.4 points per game since December 31. Standout performances have come from RJ Luis Jr. and Kadary Richmond. Following a statement win against Marquette, they now face Creighton in a vital conference showdown.

Ohio State's women's basketball team is making a compelling case for a lengthy tournament run. The Buckeyes are 20-1 (9-1 in Big Ten play) and have maintained their concentration despite the trials of a highly competitive season. Head coach Kevin McGuff's leadership, paired with great performances by Cotie McMahon, Jaloni Cambridge, and Chance Gray, has driven the team to victory. Despite a recent setback to No. 1 UCLA, Ohio State hopes to bounce back against No. 7 USC. With a strong offense and a resilient mindset, the Buckeyes are prepared to be a genuine contender in March.