Mississippi State University fired basketball coach Rick Ray Saturday, March 21, and hired former UCLA Final Four coach Ben Howland. Ray went 37-60 in three seasons in Starkville.
Ole Miss and University of Southern Mississippi advanced to the Women's NIT Sweet 16 with wins over Ole Miss and Texas Christian University, respectively. The tournament continues March 25-29 on ESPN2.
No. 12 Mississippi State women's basketball lost 64-56 to No. 16 Duke University in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Sunday, March 22. They set program records for wins (27) and attendance this season.
Holmes Community College basketball came within one point of the NJCAA Final Four but fell 73-72 to Hill College Thursday, March 19. The Bulldogs set a program record with 25 victories and their first NJCAA Tournament appearance.
The PGA Champions Tour stops in Mississippi with the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, March 27-29 at Fallen Oak Golf Club in Saucier, Miss.. The Golf Channel will cover the event.
The 2015 College Series at Trustmark Park in Pearl kicked off with Mississippi State taking on Ole Miss Tuesday, March 24. The next game will be between Ole Miss and Southern Miss on Tuesday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m.
Hinds Community College baseball climbed to No. 1 in the NJCAA with a 17-1, 5-1 start. The Eagles play doubleheaders at East Central Community College March 25, Coahoma Community College March 28 and Pearl River Community College March 31.
Jon Wiener is the host and producer of "Home Cookin'" on ESPN 105.9 FM The Zone. He has a bachelor's degree in English and master's degree in broadcast journalism.
Sports Follows of the Week
by Jon Wiener
@JFPsports: Our own Bryan Flynn is locked into the March Madness with constant updates and analysis as the games keep getting bigger.
@zippity_doo_dah: Take a break from the March Madness this weekend to catch one of Jackson's best outdoor events and tell everyone (who doesn't care) how busted your bracket is.
@sixpackspeak: Follow the most popular Mississippi State message board for the latest buzz on new hoops coach Ben Howland and recruiting.
@championstour: The PGA Champions Tour stops in Mississippi this week with the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic in Saucier, Miss. Follow the fun.