Screen Shots: April 3rd-9th, 2025

Welcome to Screen Shots! This is where I tell you what sporting events you should watch on TV every week! Make sure you subscribe so it comes straight to your inbox! Have your own suggestions? Shoot me an email at [email protected]!

During March Madness, I’ve been releasing episodes during the week so I can prep y’all for each weekend’s games. Last week, I was lucky enough to have Marke Freeman join me to talk about the Sweet Sixteen! Marke has played, coached, and is currently an analyst, so she views the game through a unique prism. Tap in and see how right we were!

Now, to the sports!

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

• On This Day In Sports History: In 1994, the UNC Tar Heels won their only Division I National Championship in Women’s Basketball

A little over a month ago, I went to the College of Charleston-Elon women’s basketball game. I was there for the Cougars, who were in the midst of a historic season, but a name during the pre-game intros suddenly got me interested in Elon. “The Phoenix are coached by Charlotte Smith.” Wait…THAT Charlotte Smith?!? The Charlotte Smith who hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to win the national title? Indeed, it was. 

Smith had an impressive collegiate career. Not only did she hit the game-winning shot, but her 20-point, 23-rebound performance also helped her earn NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. The following season, she became the 2nd woman ever to dunk in a college basketball game. To this day, she remains the shortest to do so, at just 6 feet tall. Smith capped off her career by being named a First-Team All-American by the Associated Press before moving on to play professionally. She’s been the head coach at Elon since 2011 and has led the Phoenix to 2 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Friday, April 4th, 2025

• Women’s College Basketball: 1-seed Texas Longhorns vs. 1-seed South Carolina Gamecocks at 7:00 pm (ET) on ESPN

Damn, again?!? The 4th meeting between these two this season. The Gamecocks have won 2 handily, while the Longhorns squeaked out a tight victory in one. I can’t imagine there are many big adjustments left to be made. Can South Carolina get out and run in transition? How much of an impact can the Texas bigs make? The answer to those questions will determine who will play for a national championship. Check out my conversation with Texas superfan Kim Singleton to see why you shouldn’t sleep on the Longhorns!

• Women’s College Basketball: 2-seed UConn Huskies vs. 1-seed UCLA Bruins at 9:00 pm (ET) on ESPN

Whoever wins this game will most likely be the favorite to win the national title. That would be a storybook ending for Paige Bueckers, and she’s been playing like she’s the author. She’s averaging 35 points over her last 3 games. Bruins C Lauren Betts has been on a dominant tournament run of her own as she continues to cement her place as one of the nation’s best players. She’s put up 26 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game over her last 3 games while hitting nearly 77% of her shots. Watch this one for me, because I have to wake up early the next morning to run a 10k.

Saturday, April 5th, 2025

• Men’s College Basketball: 1-seed Florida Gators vs. 1-seed Auburn Tigers at 6:09 pm (ET) on CBS

If NBA teams drafted solely off Elite Eight performance, Walter Clayton Jr. and Johni Broome would be the top 2 picks. Down by 9 to Texas Tech with just over 3 minutes left, the Gators’ season looked over. Then, Clayton Jr. assisted on back-to-back Thomas Haugh 3s before hitting 2 of his own to give Florida a lead they would never surrender. Speaking of back-to-back, can he lead Florida to their 1st national title game since they repeated as champions in 2007?

The only time Auburn fans had to hold their breath during their game against Michigan State was when Broome became the first human ever to hyperextend his knee and elbow at the same time. Luckily, he was able to return and cap off a ridiculous 25-point, 14-rebound performance with a 3-pointer to show he still had functioning limbs. The last time Auburn was in the Final Four, they lost in a way that was even more ridiculous than Broome’s injury. It was a rare year that my bracket was good, and they ruined it for me. I’m still bitter. Even worse, it led to a Virginia national title. Jesus. What were we talking about? Oh yeah, this should be a good one as the Tigers look to make their first National Title game ever.

• Men’s College Basketball: 1-seed Houston Cougars vs. 1-seed Duke Blue Devils at 8:39 pm (ET) on CBS

Speaking of ruining my bracket, Duke did that when they put Alabama out of their misery last round. If the NBA drafted solely off potential, skill, and performance, Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg would be the number 1 pick. Wait…they do. He’s joined by two other freshmen who are potential lottery picks in Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach.

When you look at this roster, it’s hard to imagine the Cougars can do what Phi Slama Jama couldn’t. However, they simply don’t let opposing offenses get comfortable. That’s been the story of Kelvin Sampson’s tenure here, and a huge reason why they’ve won at least 32 games in 4 straight seasons. In addition to their stifling defense, they also have a highly experienced crew. Can the young, offensive-minded Blue Devils win the first post-Coach K title for their program, or will the gritty, defense-first Cougars win their program’s first championship ever?

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

• Women’s College Basketball: Division I National Championship Game Teams TBD at 3:00 pm (ET) on ABC

The potential storylines in this one are so good. Will South Carolina go back-to-back for the first time in program history? Will Paige Bueckers end her career in a Disney movie-like fashion? Will Vic Schaefer finally break through and bring the Longhorns their first national title since 1986? Will Lauren Betts stand tall atop the college basketball world a year after the pressure of it all sent her to the hospital? This is what sports are all about!

Monday, April 7th, 2025

• Men’s College Basketball: Division I National Championship Game Teams TBD at 8:50 pm (ET) on CBS

I don’t know about you, but I’m pulling for a showdown between Kelvin Sampson and Bruce Pearl to see who can become the first coach ever to overcome a show-cause penalty to win a national championship. Look, not every story has to be heartwarming.

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

• Women’s International Soccer: Brazil @ USA at 10:30 pm (ET) on TBS

This feels like a good palate cleanser to help us transition away from college basketball. Plus, the late start time means you get the entire day to mourn!

Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

• NBA: Los Angeles Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 pm (ET) on ESPN

Speaking of mourning, this is Luka’s first game back in Dallas! The only thing that can compare was LeBron’s return to Cleveland after “The Decision,” but he was met with mostly angry fans there. There will almost certainly be vitriol, but it will be directed at Mavs GM Nico Harrison. I probably wouldn’t even show up if I were him.

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