Experience helpful in tournament play

Michigan’s second-round game against LSU was intense from the start. Up and down the court the teams went, trading runs and momentum swings with the season on the line.

One player for the Wolverines seemed calm and steady — guard Eli Brooks.

“I think just all the amount of reps we get in practice and being a senior, you see a lot of things through your time in college,” Brooks said.

“Just being able to be on the court and have those experiences when I was younger I think really helped me out a lot.”

College basketball long ago reached the point when a team could make a run in the NCAA tournament while relying on freshmen or sophomores. But under the pressure of a win-or-gohome scenario, experience can be an asset.

Pitt

Sophomore forward Abdoul Karim Coulibaly has entered the NCAA transfer portal, marking another departure in an offseason that has become defined by them. Coulibaly becomes the fifth Pitt player, and the third starter, in the past month to transfer. No reason was provided for Coulibaly’s decision.

Connecticut

Coach Geno Auriemma rejoined the team in Texas after missing the top seed’s first two games because of a positive COVID-19 test. It was a joyous reunion for the Huskies, who cheered Auriemma when he walked into their meeting room and the players ran at him for a group hug.

North Carolina

North Carolina freshman big man Day’Ron Sharpe is entering the NBA draft. The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Sharpe announced his decision in a social media post after averaging 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game.