Since he was hired in 2019, Nate Oats has coached three freshmen who eventually became first-round NBA draft picks, including Brandon Miller, the former SEC Player of the Year and the No. 2 pick in 2023.

Mark Sears scored 24 points and No. 9 Alabama hung on for a 95-90 victory over Rutgers on Wednesday night at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

Mark Sears scored 24 points and No. 9 Alabama defeated Rutgers 95-90 on Wednesday night in the Players Era Festival at MGM Grand Garden.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (5-1) and Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1) are lined up for a Wednesday-night neutral-site affair as part of the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. Tip-off at MGM Grand Garden Arena is set for 10 p.

The best-case scenario was that Rutgers basketball's stunning loss at Kennesaw State would serve as a wake-up call for a talented, youth-driven squad. Dylan Harper answered the alarm in resounding fashion Tuesday night.

Dylan Harper dropped a career-high 36 points and Rutgers fended off Matt Allocco and Notre Dame 85-84 in overtime to conclude a wild first day of the Players Era Festival on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

When Rutgers and Notre Dame get together, 40 minutes in regulation is just not enough. It’s been two years since the Irish outlasted Rutgers in a high-scoring, overtime battle in the First Four of the NCAA Tournament.