On weekday mornings, Nevada Sports Net will recap three big headlines of the day in its Morning Download. Read below for today’s topics.
1. Darrion Williams’ game-winner sends Texas Tech to Elite 8
In the NCAA Tournament, it’s not always about how many shots you make, but when you make them. And former Nevada star Darrion Williams picked a good time to hit some big shots Thursday night. Williams played a key role as Texas Tech rallied from 16 points down with less than 10 minutes to play to beat Arkansas in overtime. Williams hit a game-tying 3-pointer with 9.7 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. He then hit the game-winning score, backing his way into the post and banking in a shot with 7.3 seconds remaining in the 85-83 victory. Williams scored 20 points on 8-of-26 shooting with nine rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block, that coming on a key possession in overtime. “Shit, that’s a good dub,” the Sacramento native said after playing in nearby San Francisco in front of a number of friends and family. After the second-largest comeback in Sweet 16 history, Texas Tech coach Grant McCasland said, “The heart of this team is Darrion Williams. He’s just a resilient guy. I mean, I can’t even explain it. I put faith in him because I do believe he’ll find a way.” Texas Tech will play top-seeded Florida on Saturday with a Final Four berth on the line.
2. 49ers fan favorite George Kittle to debut in ACC
The American Century Championship announced this week San Francisco 49ers fan favorite George Kittle will make his debut in this summer’s Lake Tahoe celebrity golf tournament. Kittle is the first big name announced as a first-time player in the Edgewood Tahoe tournament, which is known for bringing high-level NFL players to Northern Nevada before training camp begins. One of the best tight ends in the NFL, Kittle recently finished his eighth season in the league and has 538 career catches for 7,380 yards and 45 touchdowns. Among the other players announced for this year’s field are Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, Kyle Juszczyk, Alex Rodriguez, Matthew Tkachuk, Taylor Twellman, Trevor Lawrence, Bobby Flay, Josh Allen, Ray Allen, Marcus Allen, Annika Sorenstam, Kathryn Tappen and Dylan Dreyer. Jack Wagner and Jim McMahon also are scheduled to play for the 36th straight season, making them the only celebs to appear at every tournament.
3. Nevada softball opens SDSU series with big win
Runs were at a premium during the Nevada-San Diego State softball series opener as the Wolf Pack edged the Aztecs, 1-0, after getting the game’s lone run in the sixth inning. Aaliyah Jenkins had the game-winning triple to drive in Saige Alfaro in that inning. Hailey McLean closed out the game by stranding the potential game-tying run on second base in the seventh. McLean tossed her second shutout of the season, allowing two hits, two walks and hitting three batters while striking out five. The game included just 12 baserunners — seven for SDSU and five for Nevada. The Wolf Pack improved to 25-8 overall and 3-1 in the MW and will host SDSU for games Friday and Saturday, the latter airing live on Nevada Sports Net.
