Scoreboard Roundup: Friday, March 27

Highlights from the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments, as well as High School and College Baseball and Softball action.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:00pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicts the action and movement of a college basketball game, with players' forms broken down into angular shapes and planes.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and energy of the NCAA basketball tournament as teams battle for a spot in the Final Four.Effingham Today

The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament continued with regional semifinal games, as Duke, Connecticut, Michigan, and Tennessee all advanced to the regional finals. In the women's tournament, Connecticut, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Duke also moved on to the regional finals. On the baseball diamond, there were several high school and college non-conference games, with standout performances from players across Illinois and surrounding states. The softball slate included high school tournament action and non-conference college games.

Why it matters

This scoreboard roundup provides a comprehensive look at the key results and storylines from a busy day of sports action, including the continued progression of top teams in the NCAA basketball tournaments and notable individual performances in high school and college baseball and softball games.

The details

In the men's NCAA Tournament, top seeds Duke and Michigan won their East and Midwest Regional semifinal games, while Connecticut and Tennessee also advanced. On the women's side, UConn, Notre Dame, UCLA, and Duke all won their regional semifinal matchups. In high school baseball, there were several notable pitching performances, including a one-hit shutout by Adam Taake of Century High School and a 15-strikeout outing by Carter Miller of Du Quoin. On the softball diamond, Caidence Phillips of Carterville High School tossed a 17-strikeout gem, while Elyssa Schoenbaechler of Waltonville/Sesser-Valier had a strong all-around game at the plate and in the circle.

  • The NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament regional semifinal games were played on Friday, March 27.
  • The high school and college baseball and softball games took place on Friday, March 27 as well.

The players

Adam Taake

A pitcher for Century High School who threw a one-hit shutout with 15 strikeouts in a non-conference baseball game.

Carter Miller

The pitcher for Du Quoin High School who went 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 10 hits with 5 strikeouts in a non-conference baseball game.

Caidence Phillips

The pitcher for Carterville High School who tossed a 17-strikeout complete game in a non-conference softball victory.

Elyssa Schoenbaechler

The pitcher and hitter for Waltonville/Sesser-Valier High School who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, and two RBIs in a non-conference softball game.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been a little tight early, but we settled in and played our game in the second half.”

— Juwan Howard, Head Coach, Michigan

“Our defense really set the tone for us tonight. Holding North Carolina to just 42 points was a great team effort.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, Connecticut Women's Basketball

What’s next

The NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament regional finals will be played on Sunday, March 29. The winners will advance to the Final Four.

The takeaway

This action-packed day of sports provided a glimpse into the continued progression of top teams in the NCAA basketball tournaments, as well as several standout individual performances at the high school and college levels in baseball and softball. As the postseason tournaments continue, fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups and memorable moments.