Derran Cobb

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LSU's Angel Reese (10) gestures toward Iowa's Caitlin Clark (22) during the fourth quarter of the NCAA Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023, in Dallas. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images/TNS)

COBB: Two steps forward, one step backward

One might think that these accomplishments would be the main story to come out of this game, but you would be wrong...in the closing minutes of the game, LSU, fans and even Iowa knew the game was over. This prompted Reese to taunt Clark, using the "you can't see me" gesture, popularized by WWE wrestler John Cena. Next, she pointed at her hand signaling she was ready for the ring. 

Sophomore guard Jaylin Sellers listens to head coach Michael Lewis in a huddle in a MAC Tournament Quarterfinal game against Ohio at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse March 9 in Cleveland. Jacy Bradley, DN

COBB: Reflecting on the 2022-23 Men’s Basketball season

In March 2022, the Cardinals were defeated in the MAC tournament, and a few weeks later, head coach Michael Lewis was hired after previous head coach James Whitford was fired. Lewis was able to return four players, who all made a significant impact on the team's success. Three of them were from the NCAA’s transfer portal, all sophomores: All-MAC Second Team member Payton Sparks (13.3 ppg, 8.7 rebs), All-MAC Third Team member Jaylin Sellers (13.7 ppg, 45 percent 3PT), and Basheer Jihad (7.1 ppg, 3.6 rebs). 

DN Sports crew's trip to Cleveland

Daily News Sports: Our experience covering the MAC Tournament in Cleveland

March 7-11, seven members of Daily News Sports traveled to Cleveland to cover Ball State Men's and Women's Basketball in the MAC Tournament. After their trip, the seven wanted to take time to reflect on their opportunity to not only cover these games and more, but also their experience traveling together.

Sophomore forward Basheer Jihad looks ahead during a timeout in a game against Eastern Michigan Feb. 3 at Worthen Arena. Jihad only had one made basket and two points in the game. Brayden Goins, DN

Cardinals fall to Eastern Michigan, lose second straight road game

Following what was arguably its biggest game of the season on Tuesday, Ball State (20-9, 11-5 MAC) traveled to Ypsilanti, Michigan to take on Eastern Michigan (8-21, 5-11 MAC). After taking a ten-point lead going into halftime, the Cardinals looked to be in control and poised to finish the game on top. It was in the second half when everything began to collapse. 

Redshirt-junior guard Jarron Coleman celebrates Ball State defeating Kent State Feb. 21 at Worthen Arena. Coleman scored nine points during the game. Amber Pietz, DN

Ball State tops conference leader at home, wins 82-70

Jarron Coleman with the rebound. He swings it to Jaylin Sellers up the court. Sellers pulls up for a 3-pointer… it’s good. The packed Worthen Arena roars with cheers as Kent State calls timeout. That moment was likely the most pivotal moment of the game for the Cardinals (20-8, 11-4 MAC), as they mounted a 16-5 run to start the second half to propel themselves to victory over the Kent State Golden Flashes (22-6, 12-3 MAC). 

Gabbi Fox, DN Illustration

Field General: A history of Black quarterbacks

The NFL, founded in 1920, has a history of racism, whether blatant or subtle. Perhaps the most prevalent case has involved Black quarterbacks and the question of whether a Black man was capable of playing the position. Black quarterbacks have faced racism in the form of stereotypes such as the perception that they lack intelligence, dependability, composure, character or charisma and are unable to be “counted on” to lead their team. The reason this year's Super Bowl was such a big deal is that ever since the NFL began, Black quarterbacks have been disrespected and told they needed to stop playing the position they worked so hard for their entire athletic life because they couldn’t succeed.