Bates scores 27, Louisiana Tech takes down Missouri State 69-66 in Conference USA Tournament semis

By The Associated Press
March 13, 2026 | 4:00 PM

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — AJ Bates had 27 points in Louisiana Tech’s 69-66 victory over Missouri State on Friday in the Conference USA Tournament semifinals.

Bates added six assists for the Bulldogs (20-13). DJ Dudley scored 10 points, going 5 of 9 from the field.

Michael Osei-Bonsu led the Bears (16-18) in scoring, finishing with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Keith Palek III added 15 points and Melakih Cunningham finished with 13 points.

Louisiana Tech pulled off the victory after a 7-0 second-half run gave them the lead at 41-36 with 14:03 left. Bates scored 11 second-half points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Cheryl Reeve steps away from the WNBA grind for a Hall of Fame induction

By The Associated Press
June 27, 2026 | 12:32 AM

Cheryl Reeve is taking a break from her busy WNBA season to head to Knoxville this weekend and be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. She's only the second WNBA coach to enter the Hall of Fame, joining former Houston Comets coach Van Chancellor, who was inducted in 2001. “(I appreciate) the magnitude of this recognition of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the great work that has gone into this institution,” Reeve said. “To walk around and see the history of how much has been done years before I could ever have this opportunity to coach. Grateful to the WNBA because I think there was some consideration given schedule wise.” Reeve will be joined by WNBA greats Candace Parker and Elena Delle Donne in this year's class. Parker and Delle Donne also will be inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Other inductees include ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke, Kirkwood Community College coach Kim Muhl, Spanish star Amaya Valdemoro, French great Isabelle Fijalkowski and Clemson's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, Barbara Kennedy-Dixon.

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