Texas Southern, Drake punch tickets

The First Four kicked off March Madness on March 18. Texas Southern defeated Mount St. Mary’s, 60-52, while Drake snuck past Wichita State, 53-52.

NFL

MACK HEADS WEST >> Six-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack is reuniting with coach Kyle Shanahan after signing a contract with the 49ers. The 49ers announced the three-year deal with Mack on March 18, one day after agreeing to give left tackle Trent Williams a $138.1 million, six-year deal to remain in San Francisco.

“We are excited to add another Pro Bowl player to our offensive line,” general manager John Lynch said. “Throughout his career, Alex has been a model of consistency. His leadership and high character will be felt throughout our team and community.”

PATRIOTS MAKE MORE MOVES >> Linebacker Kyle Van Noy is returning to the Patriots after one year with the Dolphins. Van Noy confirmed reports that he was returning to Foxborough on a two-year, $13 million deal in a short video posted on Twitter. “Pats Nation, I’m back. Let’s get it!” Van Noy said in the video, which also featured an image of the Patriots team logo. New England also continued to add depth to its run defense by reaching an agreement with former Packers defensive end Montravius Adams. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed that the one-year contract has a maximum value of $2.5 million. Adams appeared in 45 games in four seasons for Green Bay, with 44 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks. The Patriots ended the day by completing a trade with Houston, sending tight end Ryan Izzo to the Texans for a 2022 seventh-round draft pick. The move came just days after the Patriots reached agreements with two of the most sought-after free agents at the position.

OTHER NFL FREE AGENCY

MOVES >> Miami is acquiring wide receiver Will Fuller, Las Vegas is getting running back Kenyan Drake while Denver bid adieu to RB Phillip Lindsay. The Giants agreed to terms with tight end Kyle Rudolph, while Tennessee grabbed All-Pro long snapper Morgan Cox. There also were plenty of words from guys switching teams (Carson Wentz, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Joe Thuney, A.J. Green), players staying put (Leonard Williams, Derek Wolfe).