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Friday, March 13, 2026

Coco Jones’ Sheer Outfit With Big Cutout Is Almost Too Bold at ESSENCE Event

March 13, 2026
Coco Jones’ Sheer Outfit With Big Cutout Is Almost Too Bold at ESSENCE Event

Coco Jonesdrew attention at theESSENCEBlack Women in Hollywood event with her dazzling sheer outfit. The star-studded occasion saw many celebrities, especially women, wearing stylish attire. The singer-songwriter recently made headlines after her fiancé, Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell, expressed his love for her and stressed that she was his top priority in life.

Coco Jones stuns in black outfit

Check out Coco Jones' stunning sheer black outfit from the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event below:

As seen in the photos above, Jones's outfit has an off-the-shoulder neckline. It also boasts a curvy, diagonal cutout in the middle that partially exposes her chest. Moreover, floral decorations cover the portion of her dress from her left chest to the bottom, adding some contrast to the overall look.

The Bel-Air actress topped off her look with black strapped heels. She also accessorized with some rings and silver earrings. Further, she donned some makeup that greatly enhanced her appearance, including thick black eyeliner, smoky eyeshadow, pink blush, and nude lipstick.

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Meanwhile, her side-parted brown hair was styled in smooth tresses, with the lower portion resting gently on her shoulders.

Jones' look scored some positive reactions. "I love this dress on her omg, one user wrote. "Beautiful, but a little mature for her," another added.

Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad onMandatory.

The postCoco Jones' Sheer Outfit With Big Cutout Is Almost Too Bold at ESSENCE Eventappeared first onReality Tea.

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“What Would You Have Done Differently?”: 22 Questionable Actions Made By The Main Characters

March 13, 2026

Characters in films, TV shows, books, and other fiction are always bombarded with tough choices to make. These moments are necessary because they create conflict and force character development. However, many people think some of the choices these characters make are just ridiculous. So let's see what you would do differently!

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In this poll, you'll vote on 22 scenarios from popular fiction and face the same choices that many characters found tough. See if you can come up with better solutions, and share them in the comments!

When you're done voting here, cast your votes in our fiction-themed 'Would You Rather' poll byclicking here.

🚀 💡 Want more or looking for something else? Head over to theBored Panda Quizzesand explore our full collection of quizzes and trivia designed to test your knowledge, reveal hidden insights, and spark your curiosity.💡 🚀

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Katy Perry Shares New Photos With Justin Trudeau on Instagram

March 13, 2026
Katy Perry Shares New Photos With Justin Trudeau on Instagram

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Elle Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry

THE RUNDOWN

  • Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau went on a date in Montreal in July.

  • Trudeau remained in touch with Perry after their date, and their romance really took off in the fall.

  • In March 2026, the singer shared candid new photos of them together.

In late July 2025, pop star Katy Perry and former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeaufirst sparked dating rumorsafter being seen with one another in Montreal. While Perry was on tour, the pair stayed in touch, and a romance blossomed over the second half of the year.

In late October, a Canadian source toldPeoplethat the pair was officially dating and "already fairly serious." Two months later, Perry went Instagram official with Trudeau.

Here's the complete relationship timeline of Perry and Trudeau so far.

July 2025

July 28

On July 28, the pair enjoyed a long day of activities together, starting with a walk in Montreal's Mount Royal Park. TMZobtained photosof Trudeau smiling alongside Perry as they strolled. They were then filmed eating at Le Violon. In footageobtainedby TMZ, Perry and Trudeau can be seen chatting, with the singer looking attentively at Trudeau.

After their meal, theyhad drinkson the terrace of Taverne Atlantic.

Shortly after TMZ published the dinner video, the outlet ranan interviewwith Le Violon's co-owner and co-executive chef, Danny Smiles, who served them. Smiles said Perry and Trudeau didn't show any PDA, and "he didn't get any dating vibes from Katy and Justin...just two friends enjoying a meal."

Perry and Trudeau enjoyed a series of courses from the chef's tasting menu, including lobster, tuna, lamb gnocchi, and beef tartare, according to TMZ. The meal was a few hours long, and Trudeau covered the bill. Smiles called them the "perfect guests—super chill, extremely nice to the staff."

July 30

On July 30, Trudeau was seen at Perry's Lifetimes Tour stop in Montreal. The former Canadian prime minister was spotted by fans in the crowd. His daughter, Ella-Grace, was also at the concert, perDaily Mail.

Trudeau also sang along to Perry's hit song "Firework."

August 2025

August 2

A source speaking withPeoplesaid that the pair definitely has a connection, but it is a logistical challenge to date.

"They are interested in each other, but it will take a while to see where this goes," the insider stated. "She is traveling around the world, and he is figuring out his life now that he is no longer prime minister of Canada, but there is an attraction. They have a lot in common."

The source added, "Music is one of many things they can share. Both are idealists and still live in a world where they think they can make improvements, although it has gotten more difficult."

They both have full lives already, as well as kids they share with former partners.

"Their own personal responsibilities could make this relationship move slower than it would, but there are ways to see the other and still fulfill their parenting responsibilities," the source said. "For one thing, they each have an ex. So, duties are split in half. And long-distance relationships, while still hard, are possible for these two."

A second source toldPeople, "Justin is a [politician] who is used to living a secret life with his personal activity, and wouldn't put on a public display at this stag. He knows they were being watched and is smart enough to play it low-key for now."

"[The] timing seems good for them, although a romance is in very early stages," the source added.

August 20

Peoplereported that Perry and Trudeau weren't planning another date at that point, as pursuing romantic relationships was not Perry's focus. A source explained, "They had a casual first get-to-know-you date. And although they have shared interests and plenty to talk about, dating just isn't on her radar. She's stayed in touch with Justin, but there are no current plans for another meet-up."

October 2025

October 11

The pair's relationship continued to build in private, and they werephotographed kissingon October 11 while on the singer's yacht off the coast of Santa Barbara, California.

October 20

Perry appeared to hint at her new relationship with Trudeau on Instagram. Fans noticed that the singer liked a satiricalTheOnionpostthat joked about her "Canadian manufacturing" era, a clear wink to her rumored romance with the former Canadian prime minister.

October 25

The couple was spotted in Paris on Perry's 41st birthday. They went to a cabaret show at Crazy Horse, and could be seen holding hands in photos and videos shared byTMZ.

Perry was wearing a red satin dress, and Trudeau wore a black suit over a black T-shirt.

October 30

Sources speaking toPeopleandEntertainment Tonightlate in October shared how things were developing between them.

"This relationship is already fairly serious and definitely moving in that direction," a Canadian political source toldPeople. "They are very much a couple and have been seeing each other as often as possible."

The insider noted, "Obviously, she's busy, but so is he. Yet he goes the extra mile to be with her when possible—especially when it's important."

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The source explained, "He is in awe of her talent but also impressed with her intelligence and grasp of issues affecting everyone. He likes her outspokenness and that she isn't afraid to voice her opinion."

Another Canadian source toldPeoplethat Perry has changed Trudeau's perspective and mood.

"He is a much happier person now," the insider detailed. "Stresses are greatly diminished. And he is intrigued with Katy. They have fun together, laugh a lot, talk about everything. His life is much improved, and his relationship with Katy has had a lot to do with it."

Of Perry, another source toldEntertainment Tonight, "It all feels like a fresh start for her. She's feeling good. Katy has been having the best time with Justin. He makes her feel special."

October 31

During a concert, Perry responded to a fan asking her to marry them with a ring, confirming her relationship. The interaction was shared onTikTok.

"This guy is trying to get me to marry him and he has a ring in his hand," Perry can be heard saying. "No! I am dating someone else for crying out fucking loud."

That same day Trudeaupostedhis Halloween costume with his son, Hadrien. Trudeau was wearing a shark costume referencing Katy Perry's famously viral Left Shark from her 2015 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Hadrien was a surfer.

person wearing a shark costume holding a surfboard with a cartoonish blood effect

November 2025

November 19

A source gave an update toPeopleabout how their relationship was progressing amid their hectic work schedules. "Justin keeps making a big effort to see her, and she's excited about it," the insider said, adding that they spend time together "when they can." The source also shared that Perry "has a lot of fun with him" and that it's "exactly what she needs right now."

November 20

A source close to PerrytoldPeoplethat the pair is "making plans for the holidays."

The insider added that Perry is "looking forward" to finishing herLifetimes Tour: "Without exaggeration, this year has been a whirlwind for her. She hasn't even had time to really think about her life after the tour."

They added, "She's a single mom now [following her early summer 2025 breakup with ex Orlando Bloom] and a lot of that is going to come into focus next year."

December 2025

December 4

Trudeau shared a photo of Perry, reposting an image on X originally posted by the former Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida. The couple met with Kishida and his wife, Yuko, while in the country.

"Great to see you @kishida230," Trudeau wrote. "Katy and I were so glad to have the chance to sit down with you and Yuko. Thank you, Fumio, for your friendship and your continued commitment to both the international rules-based order and to a better future for everyone."

December 6

Perry and Trudeau went Instagram official in a carousel shared by Perry from her time in Japan. It included a selfie and several videos of the couple exploring Tokyo.

In the caption, Perry wrote, "Tokyo times on tour and more ( ◠‿◠ ) 🎄🍣🐡🥞💐☃️♥️"

katy perry justin trudeau

December 7

A day after debuting her relationship with Trudeau on Instagram, Perry shared an emotional video reflecting on the end of her Lifetimes Tour.

"[I'm] so grateful, this has been amazing. 90 shows, I think our whole lives have changed," she saidin the clip. "I'm never gonna be the same. I got a lot on the tour, you know."

She went on to list what the tour brought into her life, including her romance with Trudeau: "I got love, I got connections, I got community, I got family, I got tea, I got to grow with you guys."

January 2026

January 7

Perry confirmed she and Trudeau spent the holidays together when she shared a carousel of photos from her "Holidaze" that included a shot of her kissing Trudeau somewhere tropical.

January 20

Perry joined the former Canadian prime minister at the World Economic Forum'sannual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. They werephotographedholding hands at the major event. Perry had on a tan cardigan and matching tan pencil skirt, while Trudeau wore a navy suit.

February 2026

February 10

In a new carousel of photos, Perry shared two pictures with Trudeau, with the caption, "♥️ let love be the revolution ♥️."

In the first image, she and Trudeau are taking a selfie in a gorgeous winter wonderland, wearing skiing gear and smiling.

Couple wearing ski helmets posing against a mountainous winter landscape.

In the second, they're posing behind a table full of food:

Couple sitting at a table with a hot pot.

February 25

The former Canadian prime minister's 18-year-old son, Xavier, whom he shares with ex Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, addressed Perry and Trudeau's romance for the first time in anInstagram video.

"She's cool; she's nice," he said. "We talked for hours, talking about my music. She gave me advice and next steps for me and stuff."

March 2026

March 11

Perry gave a new look at the pair's dynamic, posting a shot of Trudeau on his own and a selfie of them together on Instagram:

Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau

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US, Japan agree on their roles in potential nuclear power project, Westinghouse says

March 13, 2026
US, Japan agree on their roles in potential nuclear power project, Westinghouse says

TOKYO, March 14 (Reuters) - The United States and Japan have agreed on the roles they will take in a potential joint nuclear ‌project involving Westinghouse and Japanese nuclear power equipment makers, Dan Lipman, ‌president of global business initiatives at Westinghouse, told Reuters on Saturday.

Reuters

Japan and the U.S. are ​working to include a nuclear power project in a second round of deals under Japan's $550-billion investment package that will involve Westinghouse, sources told Reuters this month.

The momentum for building nuclear power facilities is growing globally as nations look to ‌add more domestically located energy ⁠resources to hedge against supply shocks.

The U.S. and Japan governments came to the understanding on their roles in the ⁠potential deal, including on the supply chain within Japan, Lipman said on the sidelines of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum in Tokyo.

"These are very ​strategic projects ​that are very critical to Westinghouse ​and to our Japanese partners. We're ‌going to continue to work the transactions until projects are identified and ready for deployment," he said, adding that further details are yet to be finalised.

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Westinghouse, owned by Cameco and Brookfield, is looking at building pressurised water reactors and small modular reactors for investments of up to $100 billion, according to ‌a fact sheet released after U.S. President ​Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae ​Takaichi in October.

Japanese firms such ​as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba and IHI could be ‌involved in the projects, according to the ​sheet.

"They are critical ​partners for us, and they'll have an important role," Lipman said, without providing details.

Separately on Saturday, U.S. power equipment maker GE Vernova and ​Hitachi said in a ‌joint statement they have agreed to explore opportunities to work on ​projects using their BWRX-300 small modular reactors in Southeast Asia.

(Reporting by ​Katya Golubkova; Editing by Tom Hogue)

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US prosecutors defend block on Venezuelan state funds for Maduro's defense

March 13, 2026
US prosecutors defend block on Venezuelan state funds for Maduro's defense

By Luc Cohen

Reuters

NEW YORK, March 13 (Reuters) - Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should not be able to use Venezuelan government funds to defend himself against U.S. drug trafficking charges, U.S. ‌prosecutors said on Friday, noting that Washington has not considered him the legitimate leader of ‌the South American country for years.

Last month, Maduro's lawyer Barry Pollack urged U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein to dismiss the indictment ​against Maduro because the Treasury Department had without explanation revoked an exemption to U.S. financial sanctions on Venezuela that had allowed the South American country's government to fund his defense.

Pollack argued that the revocation interfered with Maduro's right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

He said that "Venezuelan law and custom" dictate ‌that the government pay the expenses of ⁠the president and his wife. An official in Venezuela's attorney general's office said in a court filing last month that the government was prepared to pay.

In urging ⁠Hellerstein not to dismiss the indictment, prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office on Friday said the initial exemption was an "administrative error."

The prosecutors said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, would still be allowed to use their ​personal ​funds for their defense. Flores' lawyer, Mark Donnelly, had also ​asked Hellerstein to dismiss charges against her over ‌the funding of her defense.

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"While both defendants claim that they are entitled to funds under the Venezuelan constitution ... both defendants also surely knew that the U.S. Government did not consider them to hold legitimate positions," prosecutors wrote, noting that one purpose of the U.S. sanctions was to drive Maduro and Flores from power.

The Venezuelan communications ministry, which handles all press queries for the government, did not immediately respond to ‌a request for comment.

Maduro and Flores were captured on January ​3 in a U.S. military raid on their Caracas home. ​Both have pleaded not guilty and are ​jailed in Brooklyn pending trial.

Their lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Hellerstein ‌is expected to consider the legal fees ​dispute during a court hearing ​on March 26 in Manhattan.

The U.S. accuses Maduro, a socialist who took office in 2013, of rigging his re-election votes in 2018 and 2024, which he denies.

Maduro's former Vice President Delcy ​Rodriguez has been running Venezuela since ‌his capture. A State Department official said in a March 11 court filing in a ​separate case that the U.S. recognizes Rodriguez as Venezuela's sole head of state.

(Reporting by ​Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Tom Hogue)

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The Latest: Trump threatens Iran's oil infrastructure after US bombs island military sites

March 13, 2026
The Latest: Trump threatens Iran's oil infrastructure after US bombs island military sites

President Donald Trump said U.S. forces on Friday "obliterated" targets on Iran's Kharg Island, which is home to the primary terminal that handles the country's oil exports. The speaker of the Iranian Parliament had warned that such strikes would provoke a new level of retaliation.

Associated Press Rescue workers search for survivors in the rubble after a strike in southern Tehran, Iran, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Sajjad Safari) Firefighters try to extinguish flames at the site of a direct hit by an Iranian missile strike in Holon, central Israel, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg) Members of the Al-Najar family break their fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Gaza City Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) A woman holds up a poster of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during the annual anti-Israeli Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, rally in support of Palestinians in Tehran, Iran, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Family members ride in a damaged car, as they flee the site of an Israeli airstrike that hit an apartment building in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

APTOPIX Iran US Israel

Meanwhile, an American official said 2,500 more Marines and an amphibious assault ship are being sent to the Middle Eastnearly two weeks into the war with the Islamic Republic.

Iran has continued to launch widespread missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states, and has effectively closed theStrait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's traded oil passes, even as U.S. and Israeli warplanes pummel military and other targets across Iran.

The moves appear to signal the two-week-old war is not nearing an end.

Here is the latest:

Iranian media reports 15 explosions in Kharg following US strikes

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported at least 15 explosions with thick smoke rising over Kharg Island, earlier hit by U.S. strikes.

It said the strikes targeted an air defense facility, a naval base, the airport control tower, and an offshore oil company's helicopter hangar, adding no oil infrastructure was damaged in the attack.

Iran reiterates threats to target US-linked oil facilities

Iran's joint military command reiterated its threat to attack U.S.-linked oil and energy facilities in the region if the Islamic Republic's oil infrastructure were hit.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters made the threat early Saturday, according to Iran's state-run television.

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He warned that Iran will target "all oil, economic, and energy infrastructures belonging to oil companies across the region that have American shares or cooperate with America" if energy and economic infrastructure in Iran is attacked.

No comment from US Embassy after strike on Baghdad compound

There was no immediate comment from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad after a strike hit it's compound in the Iraqi capital.

On Friday, the embassy renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against U.S. citizens, interests and infrastructure, and "may continue to target them."

The sprawling embassy complex, one of the largest U.S. diplomatic facilities in the world, has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones in the past by Iran-aligned militias.

The groups have recently stepped up attacks on bases hosting U.S. and coalition troops.

A drone strike in northern Iraq on Thursday killed a French soldier and wounded several others stationed there as part of an international coalition.

Missile strikes helipad inside US Embassy compound in Baghdad

A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, two security officials said.

The projectile landed within the embassy's boundaries after the Green Zone, the heavily fortified district in central Baghdad that houses Iraqi government institutions and foreign embassies, added the security officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they are not authorized to speak with the press.

Video obtained by The Associated Press showed smoke billowing from inside the compound.

By Qassim Abdul-Zahra

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Jaden Bradley’s buzzer-beater lifts Arizona past Iowa State 82-80 in Big 12 semis

March 13, 2026
Jaden Bradley's buzzer-beater lifts Arizona past Iowa State 82-80 in Big 12 semis

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Arizona's Jaden Bradley answered a tying 3-pointer by Iowa State guard Tamin Lipsey with a fall-away jumper at the buzzer, sending the second-ranked Wildcats to an 82-80 victory over the No. 7 Cyclones in the Big 12 Tournament semifinals Friday night.

Associated Press

Bradley finished with 15 points, and Anthony Dell'Orso matched a career-best with six 3-pointers and scored 26 points for the tournament's top seed. The Wildcats (31-2) advanced to play fifth-ranked Houston in Saturday night's championship game.

Ivan Kharchenkov also had 17 points for Arizona. Tobe Awaka added 10 points and 10 rebounds.

It looked as if the game was headed to overtime after Lipsey, who had been 1 for 10 from the field, drilled a 3-pointer from the wing with 15.2 seconds to go. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd chose not to call a timeout and Bradley calmly walked the ball up the floor, then drove to his right and hit the winner before his teammates jumped from the bench on top of him.

Milan Momcilovic matched a career-high eight 3-pointers and scored 28 points for the No. 5 seed Cyclones (27-7). All-Big 12 forward Joshua Jefferson had 21 points, Killyan Toure added 12 and Lipsey finished with eight points and seven assists.

NO. 1 DUKE 73, CLEMSON 61

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Cameron Boozer had 24 points, 14 rebounds and five assists and Duke ran out to a 19-point halftime lead and held on to beat Clemson to advance to the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship game.

Cayden Boozer, who is starting forthe injured Caleb Foster, set a career high with 16 points and Nikolas Khamenia chipped in with 14 points for the Blue Devils.

Duke (31-2) will play for its second straight ACC Tournament title and third in the last four years on Saturday night against No. 10 Virginia, an84-62 winner over Miamiin the other semifinal.

RJ Godfrey had 18 points for Clemson (24-10).

Cameron Boozer, theACC player of the year, showed off his diverse skillset, scoring from the low post, mid-range and from deep where he knocked down three 3s. He even ran the point at times and was dominant on the boards, helping Duke outrebound Clemson 41-27.

NO. 3 MICHIGAN 71, OHIO ST. 67

CHICAGO (AP) — Aday Mara scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half, helping Michigan hold off Bruce Thornton and Ohio State for a victory in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

Elliot Cadeau had 15 points, seven assists and three steals for Michigan in its fifth consecutive win. Trey McKenney scored 12 points, and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 11.

Mara anchored a strong defensive effort that shut down Ohio State in the final minutes. It was the first game of the tournament for the top-seeded Wolverines (30-2), while the Buckeyes (21-12) advanced witha 72-69 victoryover Iowa on Thursday.

Michigan is going for its second straight Big Ten tourney title and fifth overall. It will face No. 23 Wisconsin on Saturday after the Badgers rallied for a 91-88 overtime win over No. 9 Illinois in the second quarterfinal of the day.

Thornton scored 22 points for Ohio State, and Devin Royal had 13. It was the Buckeyes' third loss of the season against the Wolverines.

Ohio State grabbed its first lead of the game when Royal's 3-pointer from the top of the key made it 61-60 with 5:40 left.

Mara's layup lifted Michigan to a 67-64 advantage with 2:56 to go. Royal and Thornton then missed jumpers for Ohio State before Yaxel Lendeborg made a free throw for the Wolverines with 1:24 remaining.

The Buckeyes pulled within two on Royal's two foul shots in the final seconds, but Lendeborg responded with two free throws to help close it out.

Lendeborg, the Big Ten player of the year, was held to six points. But he also had six assists and five rebounds.

NO. 4 FLORIDA 71, KENTUCKY 63

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Alex Condon scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and Florida took the first step toward defending itsSoutheastern Conference Tournament titleby beating Kentucky in the quarterfinals.

The Gators (26-6) never trailed and were tied only once while winning their 12th straight game. Theregular-season SEC champions, who are seeking a sixth tournament title overall, will play No. 22 Vanderbilt in Saturday's semifinals.

Thomas Haugh added 13 points forFlorida, and Xaivian Lee had 11.

Kentucky(21-13) now has one more loss all-time (32) than titles (31) in this tournament. The ninth-seeded Wildcats played their third game in as many days after opening the tournament Wednesday morning, a first for a program that last won this event in 2018.

Denzel Aberdeen led Kentucky with 17 points, reserve Mouhamed Dioubate scored 14 and Otega Oweh added 10.

NO. 5 HOUSTON 69, NO. 14 KANSAS 47

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kingston Flemings scored 21 points, fellow freshman Chris Cenac Jr. had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Houston rolled past poor-shooting and lackluster Kansas in the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament.

The second-seeded Cougars (28-5) held the third-seeded Jayhawks without a field goal for more than 10 minutes at point in the game, ultimately breezing into another championship matchup with second-ranked Arizona on Saturday night.

Houston beat the Wildcats 72-64 last year for its first Big 12 Tournament title.

Darryn Peterson had 14 points to lead the Jayhawks (23-10), who had beaten the Cougars in their only regular-season matchup. But the Jayhawks were a whole lot better that night in Allen Fieldhouse than they were at T-Mobile Center, where they were 6 for 31 from the field in the second half and shot 24.6% overall in their lowest-scoring game of the season.

NO. 6 UCONN 67, GEORGETOWN 51

NEW YORK (AP) — Braylon Mullins scored 15 of his 21 points in the first half, Jayden Ross hit a couple of momentum-stunting 3-pointers in the second, and UConn defeated Georgetown to set up a showdown of the top two seeds in theBig East Tournamentfinal.

The second-seeded Huskies (29-4) will face regular-season conference champion and 13th-ranked St. John's in the title game Saturday night after theRed Storm beat Seton Hall 78-68in the other semifinal.

Like St. John's,UConn has yet to trailin either of its first two games this week at Madison Square Garden. Mullins scored five of the team's first seven points to go up 7-0, and the closest 11th-seeded Georgetown (16-18) got after that was down three at the 7 1/2-minute mark.

UConn led by 11 at halftime, despite not attempting a free throw to that point, and finished with assists on 21 of its 28 field goals. Without leading scorer KJ Lewis,who was ruled outfor the season with a left ankle injury, the Hoyas were ultimately overmatched by a stacked opponent they played tightin Januaryandagain in February.

UCLA 88, NO. 8 MICHIGAN STATE 84

CHICAGO (AP) — Donovan Dent had 23 points and 12 assists, Trent Perry added 22 points and UCLA held off Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals despite losing star Tyler Bilodeau to a leg injury.

Bilodeau had to be helped off the court late in the first half and spent the second on the sideline with his right knee wrapped. The Bruins led by 15 early in the second half and withstood several big pushes down the stretch to advance to a semifinal matchup with No. 18 Purdue, which beat No. 11 Nebraska 74-58.

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They were clinging to an 82-80 lead when Brandon Williams scored on a fast-break layup to make it a four-point game with 25 seconds remaining. Carson Cooper made a layup for Michigan State with 12 seconds left. UCLA's Trent Perry immediately answered with two free throws.

Jeremy Fears Jr. then drove for a layup to cut it to 86-84 with six seconds remaining. But Perry sealed the win with two free throws.

NO. 10 VIRGINIA 84, MIAMI 62

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Virginia beat Miami to advance to the ACC Tournament championship game for the first time since 2023.

Mailk Thomas scored nine of his 15 points in the second half for the Cavaliers, who improved to 29-4 under first-year coach Ryan Odom.

Tru Washington scored 13 points and Shelton Henderson added 12 for Miami, which shot just 39% from the field and was outrebounded 35-24.

Virginia broke open a tightly contested defensive game with a 13-2 run over the final 2:47 of the first half for a 38-23 lead at the break. Chance Mallory closed out the run with a running 3-pointer to beat the buzzer following a Miami turnover.

The Hurricanes never recovered.

The lead grew to 18 points six minutes into the second half as Miami struggled to find lanes to attack the basket against the taller Cavaliers. Miami couldn't hit from deep, missing 10 of its first 11 shots from behind the 3-point line.

NO. 18 PURDUE 74, NO. 11 NEBRASKA 58

CHICAGO (AP) — Fletcher Loyer scored 19 points, Braden Smith collected 10 more assists and Purdue beat Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

C.J. Cox and Oscar Cluff each had 12 points for the Boilermakers, and Trey Kaufman-Renn finished with 10 points and nine rebounds.

Smith set a Big Ten Tournament record and matched a career high with 16 assists in an81-68 victoryover Northwestern on Thursday. The senior guard needs 22 more assists to break Bobby Hurley's NCAA record of 1,076 assists in 140 games for Duke from 1989-93.

Purdue (25-8) advanced to the Big Ten semifinals for the fourth time in the last five years, bouncing back nicely after closing the regular season with four losses in six games. It will play UCLA on Saturday.

Pryce Sandford scored 15 points for Nebraska, which dropped to 6-14 all-time in the Big Ten tourney. Rienk Mast finished with 11.

NO. 13 ST. JOHN'S 78, SETON HALL 68

NEW YORK (AP) —Zuby Ejioforscored 20 points and St. John's beat Seton Hall to reach the Big East Tournament title game for the second consecutive season.

Joson Sanon added 15 points off the bench for thedefending championRed Storm (27-6), who will face sixth-ranked and second-seeded UConn on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.

St. John's, outrightregular-season championseach of the past two years, has never won back-to-back Big East Tournament crowns. The program has advanced to the semifinals in all three seasons under Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino after failing to do so at all from 2001-23.

Bryce Hopkins had 13 points and seven rebounds for the Johnnies, who improved to 10-1 as the top seed in this event. Dillon Mitchell provided 13 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Budd Clark paced the fourth-seeded Pirates (21-12) with 17 points and 11 assists. Seton Hall was trying to reach the final for the first time since a 74-72 loss to Villanova in 2019.

St. John's has won six straight matchups in the Hudson River rivalry, its longest streak since winning 15 in a row from 1982-88.

MISSISSIPPI 80, NO. 15 ALABAMA 79

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — AJ Storr scored 17 points, Ilias Kamardine added 16 and 15th-seeded Mississippi upset second-seeded Alabama in the Southeastern Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

Mississippi (15-19) won for the third time in three days in the tournament after losing 12 of the final 13 regular-season games. The Rebels advanced to the semifinals Saturday against the winner of the final quarterfinal matchup between No. 17 Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Labaron Philon led Alabama (23-9) with 28 points. Aden Holloway added 18 points and Aiden Sherrell had 14. Philon was five for seven from 3-point range and shot 9 of 16 overall.

Philon cut Mississippi's lead to a point with two free throws with 13.4 seconds remaining. Mississippi's Eduardo Klafke missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 9.4 seconds remaining. Alabama went the other way on the rebound, but turned the ball over under its own basket.

NO. 23 WISCONSIN 91, NO. 9 ILLINOIS 88, OT

CHICAGO (AP) — Nick Boyd scored a career-high 38 points, John Blackwell added 31 and Wisconsin rallied from 15 down in the second half to beat Illinois in overtime in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

It was tied at 80 in overtime when Boyd scored in the paint and Austin Rapp nailed a 3 to give Wisconsin a five-point lead with 2:33 remaining.

The Badgers were up by four with about a minute left when Boyd rebounded a missed 3 by Rapp. That led to two free throws for Blackwell, making it 87-81 with 46 seconds left.

Illinois got within 90-88 on David Mirkovic's layup with six seconds remaining. Wisconsin's Braeden Carrington then missed a free throw and hit the second to make it a three-point game before Illinois' Keaton Wagler missed a long 3 at the buzzer.

The Badgers (24-9) advanced to the semifinals against No. 3 Michigan on Saturday. The Wolverines, seeking their second straight Big Ten Tournament title, held off Ohio State 71-67.

Boyd surpassed his previous high of 36 points in a win against Providence on Nov. 27. Blackwell, coming off a career-best 34 a day earlier against Washington, became Wisconsin's all-time leading scorer in Big Ten Tournament games with 144 points.

NO. 22 VANDERBILT 75, NO. 25 TENNESSEE 68

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Duke Miles scored a season-high 30 points as Vanderbilt beat Tennessee to advance to the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals.

The fourth-seededCommodores(25-7) came in with its highest seeding since winning the 2012 SEC Tournament. They will play regular-season SEC champ Florida, a71-63 winner over Kentucky, on Saturday.

Tyler Tanner added 19 points for the Commodores, who won their third straight.

No. 25Tennessee(22-11) lost to Vanderbilt for the second time in a week and leaves well short of the tournament title game where the Vols lost to Florida last year.

Ja'Kobi Gillespie led Tennessee with 21 points. Nate Ament, who had27 points in the second round, missed his first eight shots. He finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds. J.P. Estrella added 12 points and Jaylen Carey 10.

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