Basketball
Baton Rouge: LSU Women's Basketball's Upcoming Games and Defensive Struggles
2024-11-18
LSU women's basketball faced a bit of a scare last time against Murray State. For the first time this season, the Tigers trailed at halftime and going into the fourth quarter. But Kim Mulkey's defense tightened up in the second half, especially in the fourth, as No. 7 LSU avoided early-season disaster and won 74-60. After giving up 46 points in the first half, the most so far this season including a 32-point second period, LSU bounced back and allowed only 14 points in the third and fourth quarters.

Carrying Defensive Effort into the Next Game

LSU will look to carry that second-half defensive effort into their next game against Troy inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Monday night. The Trojans average 72 points per game and scored 71 at Alabama back on Nov. 10. Opponents have been able to score freely against Troy, which bodes well for LSU, who with Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow and Mikaylah Williams can score in large numbers.

LSU's defensive performance in the second half against Murray State was a turning point. It showed their ability to adjust and tighten up when needed. This is crucial as they face Troy, a team that has struggled to defend against opponents. The Tigers need to build on this momentum and continue to play strong defense in the upcoming game.

Kim Mulkey's coaching during the second half was instrumental in the team's comeback. Her ability to motivate the players and get them to focus on defense paid off. Now, the team needs to carry that same intensity and focus into the next game against Troy.

Upcoming Schedule and Opponents

Here's a look at LSU's 2024-25 women's basketball schedule:Monday, Nov. 4: Eastern Kentucky (W 95-44)Friday, Nov. 8: Northwestern State (W 95-36)Tuesday, Nov. 12: Charleston Southern (W 117-44)Friday, Nov. 15: Murray State (W 74-60)Monday, Nov. 18: Troy | 7 p.m. | SEC Network+Wednesday, Nov. 20: Tulane | 7 p.m. | SEC Network+Monday, Nov. 25: Washington | 12:30 p.m. CST | FloCollege (Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship, Nassau, Bahamas)Wednesday, Nov. 27: Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship, Nassau, BahamasSunday, Dec. 1: NC Central | 2 p.m. | SEC Network+Thursday, Dec. 5: Stanford | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 (SEC/ACC Challenge)Sunday, Dec. 8: Grambling | 2 p.m. (Bossier City, La.)Sunday, Dec. 15: Louisiana | 2 p.m. | SEC Network+Tuesday, Dec. 17: Seton Hall | 5 p.m. | FS1 (Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase, Uncasville, Connecticut)Thursday, Dec. 19: at Illinois-Chicago | 7 p.m. | ESPN+Sunday, Dec. 29: Albany | 1 p.m. | SEC Network+Thursday, Jan. 2: at Arkansas | 8 p.m. | SEC NetworkSunday, Jan. 5: Auburn | 3 p.m. | SEC NetworkThursday, Jan. 9: at Tennessee | 5:30 p.m. | SEC Network+Monday, Jan. 13: Vanderbilt | 6 p.m. | SEC NetworkSunday, Jan. 19: at Florida | Noon | SEC NetworkThursday, Jan. 23: at South Carolina | 7 p.m. | ESPNSunday, Jan. 26: Texas A&M | 3 p.m. | SEC NetworkThursday, Jan. 30: Oklahoma | 6 p.m. | ESPN2Sunday, Feb. 2: Mississippi State | 1 p.m. | SEC NetworkThursday, Feb. 6: at Missouri | 6:30 p.m. | SEC Network+Sunday, Feb. 9: Tennessee | 3 p.m. | ESPNSunday, Feb. 16: at Texas | 2 p.m. | ABCThursday, Feb. 20: Georgia | 8 p.m. | SEC NetworkSunday, Feb. 23: at Kentucky | 3 p.m. | ESPNThursday, Feb. 27: at Alabama | 8 p.m. | ESPN or SEC NetworkSunday, March 2: Ole Miss | 3 p.m. | SEC NetworkMarch 5-9: SEC Tournament (Greenville, South Carolina)March 19-April 6: NCAA tournament

Kim Mulkey's Impact on the Team

Kim Mulkey's leadership and coaching have been crucial to LSU's success. Her ability to get the best out of her players and make strategic adjustments during the game has been evident. In the game against Murray State, her defensive adjustments in the second half turned the tide and led to the team's victory.

She also plays a key role in recruiting, as seen with the 2025 recruiting class. Her ability to attract top talent will help the team continue to improve in the future. With players like Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow and Mikaylah Williams, LSU has a strong core that can compete at a high level.

Overall, Kim Mulkey's impact on LSU women's basketball extends beyond just on-court performance. Her leadership and coaching have helped build a winning culture within the program.

Other Notable Events

Kim Mulkey 'in heaven' meeting Saban spoke to LSU women's basketball before NSU game. LSU women's basketball dominated Charleston Southern as Aneesah Morrow shone for Tigers.

Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.

Portland Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: A Rising Star in Fantasy Basketball
2024-11-18
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan has been making waves in the fantasy basketball world. His ability to block shots at a prolific rate has significantly boosted his fantasy value, especially with additional playing time. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)

Discover the Hidden Gem in Fantasy Basketball - Donovan Clingan

Week 4 Wrap Up

Dove – Bossman Dlow. Donovan Clingan's performance without Deandre Ayton in the lineup has been remarkable. His size and value as a shot-blocker and rebounder are already evident. The former Huskie is averaging a low-end double-double with five stocks in his last three outings. Ayton's finger injury has left Clingan as a more reliable option in fantasy leagues.

Top Performers. In the world of fantasy basketball, there are several players making waves. Tari Eason, Jared McCain, Brandon Boston Jr., Shaedon Sharpe, and Luguentz Dort are among the under-50% rostered players that should be on every fantasy manager's radar. Each brings unique skills and potential to the court.

Who's in My Rotation: Waiver Pickups

Tari Eason, the SF/PF from the Houston Rockets (48%), is a force to be reckoned with. Jared McCain, the PG/SG of the Philadelphia 76ers (44%), also shows great promise. Brandon Boston Jr. from the New Orleans Pelicans (39%) is another player to watch. Shaedon Sharpe from the Portland Trail Blazers (37%) has been a standout, and Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder (33%) is a reliable option. Kris Dunn from the Los Angeles Clippers (12%) is a nice streamer over the next two weeks in category leagues.

Peyton Watson from the Denver Nuggets (20%) has been a consistent starter in place of Aaron Gordon. He offers fantasy managers a decent source of stocks, 3s, scoring, and rebounds. Goga Bitadze from the Orlando Magic (26%) is set to have a great week with the Magic playing four games. Moussa Diabaté from the Charlotte Hornets (24%) has been a beast on the glass and as a rim protector.

Ayo Dosunmu from the Chicago Bulls (23%) has quietly been a top 80 player over the past two weeks, thanks to his production and efficiency. He's also eating into Josh Giddey's minutes, which is beneficial for fantasy purposes.

Schedule Highlights

It's a great week for streaming, with at most eight games daily. The Week 5 daily schedule of games includes Monday (8), Tuesday (6), Wednesday (8), Thursday (4), Friday (8), Saturday (7), and Sunday (6). There are teams to avoid, such as the Thunder and Suns (both teams don't have games after Wednesday), the Heat (plays on Monday and Sunday), and the Timberwolves (plays on Thursday and Sunday).

Four games are set to be played by teams like the 76ers, Bucks, Bulls, Clippers, Magic, Pacers, Rockets, and Warriors. Three games will be played by teams like the Celtics, Cavaliers, Hawks, Hornets, Jazz, Kings, Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks, Nets, Nuggets, Pelicans, Pistons, Raptors, Spurs, Trail Blazers, and Wizards. Two games will be played by the Heat, Suns, Thunder, and Timberwolves.

Back-to-Backs

Tuesday/Wednesday: Cavs, Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Thunder. Wednesday/Thursday: Magic. Friday/Saturday: Bucks, Bulls, Nuggets, Trail Blazers, Rockets, and Warriors. Sunday/Monday: Celtics, Clippers, Kings, Mavericks, Nets, Pacers, and Raptors.

Injury News

Nuggets C Nikola Jokić (personal) is considered day-to-day. Mavericks G Luka Dončić (knee) is also day-to-day. Trail Blazers C Deandre Ayton (finger) is day-to-day. Trail Blazers G Anfernee Simons (illness) is day-to-day. Kings F DeMar DeRozan (back) is day-to-day. Kings C Domantas Sabonis (back) is day-to-day. Nets C Nic Claxton (back) will miss at least one week. Celtics G Jrue Holiday (knee) is considered day-to-day. Raptors G Immanuel Quickley (elbow) will be re-evaluated this week.

Rotation Notes

Detroit Pistons: Malik Beasley (27%) has been on fire without Tim Hardaway Jr. in the lineup, starting his last two games and averaging 38.8 fantasy points per game. Ausar Thompson (45%) is a player to stash as he continues to ramp up. Los Angeles Lakers: Rui Hachimura's absence due to an ankle injury has opened up opportunities for the rookie from Tennessee. If Hachimura isn't ready to return by Tuesday, Knecht (20%) has streaming potential. New Orleans Pelicans: CJ McCollum's return to practice and Trey Murphy III's comeback are good news, but the Pelicans are still down four of their original starting five. Keep Brandon Boston Jr. rostered, while Yves Missi (19%) should continue holding value. Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe's play is affecting Deni Avdija's minutes. Deandre Ayton's finger injury has led to Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams splitting time. Anfernee Simons' illness is opening the door for Scoot Henderson and Dalano Banton (7%). Check the injury report before the Blazers play on Wednesday.

Sacramento Kings: Fox on Fire!

De'Aaron Fox has a 49% usage rate and is averaging 54.5 points per game in two games without DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis. Kevin Huerter (24%) has been alternating good and bad games. Trey Lyles is another alternative. The Kings are off until Friday after their Tuesday game.

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The Rise of Preloved Fashion: Insights from Industry Insiders
2024-11-18
When it comes to the world of fashion, a significant shift is underway. Secondhand fashion is no longer a niche market but a booming industry. In this article, we explore the reasons behind the rise in demand for preloved pieces and the impact it's having on the fashion landscape.

Uncover the Secrets of the Preloved Fashion Revolution

Industry Insights on the Preloved Fashion Boom

According to Kathleen Talbot, chief sustainability officer at Reformation, the increasing interest in preloved pieces can be attributed to three main motivators. Consumers are more aware of their environmental impact and are looking for affordable ways to get dressed. Shopping secondhand has become a fun treasure hunt, and the thrill of finding something special is undeniable. Talbot also emphasizes the importance of circularity in fashion and how resale is a key example of taking responsibility for our stuff.

Reformation's introduction of a resale program in partnership with Poshmark shows the company's commitment to sustainability. By allowing customers to resell their pieces, Reformation is not only reducing waste but also providing a new avenue for consumers to engage with their brand. This move is part of Reformation's overarching sustainability mission, which includes offering eco-conscious solutions from production to end-of-life.

Investing in Your Closet with Resale

Courtney Watkins, owner of Mine & Yours, highlights the financial benefits of resale. More people are investing in their dream wardrobes by letting go of the pieces they don't wear and selling them for cash or store credit. Mine & Yours offers competitive payouts for designer fashion and accessories, and Watkins notes a marked shift in the perception of preloved items, especially at a luxury price point.

In economic downturns, people are becoming more mindful about spending and looking for ways to get the most value out of their wardrobes. Selling used luxury items is a great way to unlock that value and put it toward something else. According to a 2023 report from PayPal, 50% of Canadians polled said they have found selling unwanted items a "good supplement to their primary income."

The Secondhand Boom Beyond Luxury

Riaz Khan, co-founder of the Granville Flea Market, points out that the interest in shopping vintage is becoming ubiquitous. Gen Z Canadians are particularly keen on buying preowned goods, with 42% of them polled noting they do so more than once a month. Khan and his team are opening a new shop called Arrival Vintage in North Vancouver to meet the growing demand.

The items at Arrival Vintage are carefully curated to feature in-demand and trending pieces from the 2000s. Jerseys and vintage team sports items are flying off the shelves, showing that the demand for vintage goods extends beyond luxury and womenswear. Khan emphasizes the affordability and unique feel of these items, which draw in a lot of resale fans.

The Most Sought-After Luxury Brands at Resale

When it comes to resale, some brands hold more value than others. Watkins shares her insights on the five most in-demand and best investment brands. Chanel, with its iconic bags and ready-to-wear pieces, is always at the top of the list. Louis Vuitton's monogrammed bags and accessories are consistently popular, as are Hermès' Birkin and Kelly bags. Gucci's bold designs and modern takes on classics are a favourite among fashion-forward clients, and Christian Dior's elegant and sophisticated designs, especially the Lady Dior bag, are always in demand.

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