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Tag: March Madness

  • UCLA Champs Celebrate Title with Raising Cane’s Shift

    Talk about the perfect way to celebrate a championship! Fresh off leading the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team to their first-ever NCAA National Championship, stars Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice traded their jerseys for aprons. The dynamic duo surprised fans by working a celebratory shift at a Raising Cane’s in Hollywood.

    From Hardwood to Countertop

    On Thursday, April 8, Betts and Rice brought their championship energy to the Raising Cane’s on Sunset Blvd. They served fans from both the front counter and the drive-thru, handing out box combos and posing for photos. It was a sweet way to connect with supporters and soak in the incredible moment after capping off a dominant 37-1 season with a commanding 79-51 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks.

    For a team whose rallying cry is “Let’s get this chicken,” celebrating at Raising Cane’s felt incredibly fitting. Customers were thrilled to be served by the championship duo, making the victory even more memorable for the UCLA faithful.

    Reflecting on the Journey and Future

    Both players shared their excitement about the historic win. “That moment was the best moment in my life,” Kiki Rice said about clinching the title. “That’s what we came here to do – to achieve that goal and finish out our college career.” She also touched on the rapid transition from celebrating to preparing for the upcoming WNBA draft.

    Lauren Betts echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the opportunities created for her and Rice. “We’re making our dreams come true. It’s unbelievable. If my younger self could see me now, they’d be really proud.” With both expected to be top WNBA draft picks, their future looks incredibly bright.

    The Growth of Women’s Basketball

    Beyond their personal achievements, Betts and Rice highlighted the significant growth in women’s basketball. “It’s been really great to see the growth after all these years,” Rice commented. “People are here and engaged and interested in our stories. It’s really cool to have opportunities like this one at Raising Cane’s at a time when women’s sports is growing.”

    Betts, who earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors along with Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards, anchored UCLA’s dominance in the paint. Rice, a top guard, led the charge offensively. Raising Cane’s event was part of a larger celebration, bringing fans closer to the athletes they’ve cheered for all season.

    What do you think of Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice’s unique championship celebration? Are you excited to see them in the WNBA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • 3 HBCUs Make NCAA Tournament History

    Get ready for March Madness, because this year’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament features a historic milestone! For the first time since 1994, three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have earned bids to compete. Howard University, Tennessee State University, and Prairie View A&M University are set to make their mark on the tournament, marking a significant achievement for HBCU athletics.

    A Return to a Historic Milestone

    This remarkable feat hasn’t been seen in over three decades. The last time three HBCU teams qualified for the NCAA Tournament was in 1994, when Texas Southern, Tennessee State, and North Carolina A&T made the cut. Now, in 2026, Tennessee State is joined by Howard and Prairie View A&M, bringing renewed excitement and representation to the prestigious tournament.

    Howard University and Prairie View A&M University are both entering the tournament as No. 16 seeds, participating in the play-in “First Four” games that kick off the event. Tennessee State University enters as a No. 15 seed in the 68-team field. This collective presence highlights the growing strength and competitiveness of HBCU basketball programs.

    Road to the Tournament

    Tennessee State University, making its first appearance in 32 years, enters the Midwest bracket as a No. 15 seed to face No. 2 Iowa State. The Tigers are coming off a strong season, winning the Ohio Valley Conference title—their first since the 1994-1995 season—with a 15-5 conference record and an impressive 23-9 overall record.

    Howard University, also a No. 16 seed, will compete in a play-in game against fellow No. 16 seed University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) on March 17. The winner will advance to face the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Bracket, the University of Michigan. Howard secured their spot by winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament Final, finishing the season with a 23-10 overall record and an 11-3 conference record.

    Prairie View A&M University, the third HBCU in the tournament, is also a No. 16 seed. They will play Lehigh University in another First Four matchup for the chance to advance and face No. 1 seed Florida in the South bracket. The Panthers posted an 18-17 overall record and a 9-9 conference record, clinching the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament championship this season.

    Tournament Schedule and Significance

    The first round of the NCAA Tournament, featuring the 64-team bracket, begins on Friday, March 21. Subsequent rounds include the second round the following week, followed by the Sweet 16, and culminating in the championship game on April 6. The presence of three HBCU teams is not only a testament to their athletic prowess but also a significant moment for representation and pride within the Black community.

    Which HBCU team are you rooting for in this year’s NCAA Tournament? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

  • Future’s ‘March Madness’ Gets Viral Boost

    Future has a knack for dropping hits, and while his recent collaborations with Metro Boomin dominated last year, fans are now revisiting a true classic from 2015: ‘March Madness.’ This iconic track is experiencing a surprising resurgence, all thanks to a viral TikTok performance.

    The Enduring Power of ‘March Madness’

    Released around the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, ‘March Madness’ quickly became a sensation. Its popularity was boosted by none other than LeBron James, who was seen hyping himself up to the track during pre-game warmups back in 2015. But beyond the celebrity endorsement, the song’s success was cemented by Future’s signature bars, an unforgettable hook, and grand production.

    While it’s natural for a decade-old song to see a dip in daily streams, a recent TikTok video has reignited interest. An older gentleman, known on the platform as meechdawg4, posted a video performing ‘March Madness’ with incredible passion and clarity, even channeling a DMX-like intensity. The performance is both hilarious and heartwarming, especially his delivery of the ‘Halle Berry’ line.

    Viral Sensation Boosts Chart Performance

    This viral TikTok has clearly struck a chord, garnering over 3 million likes. The result? ‘March Madness’ has climbed back up the charts, currently holding the seventh spot for the highest-charting hip-hop song on US Apple Music, according to Hip Hop All Day. It’s a testament to the song’s timeless appeal and the power of social media to bring beloved tracks back into the spotlight.

    A Look Back at the Lyrics

    The song itself is a masterclass in Future’s early artistry. Lines like ‘Apply the pressure with the VVS’ and ‘F*ck a cougar like she Halle Berry’ showcase his distinctive style and memorable wordplay. Combined with the infectious hook and Pluto’s production, it’s easy to see why the track remains a fan favorite.

    F*ck a cougar like she Halle Berry — Future – ‘March Madness’

    This resurgence serves as a reminder of Future’s impact on hip-hop and how a passionate fan can reintroduce a classic to a new audience, or simply bring old fans back to appreciate its brilliance.

    Have you revisited ‘March Madness’ after seeing the viral TikTok? What’s your favorite Future track from 2015? Let us know in the comments!