Sports

Illinois (28-8) entered the NCAA tourney ranked second in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency by averaging 131.2 points per 100 possessions while ranking just 28th in defense (99.1).

Wearing custom Cubs-themed cleats, the 6-foot-5 Cabrera allowed two baserunners in his first start of the year.

““They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA,” he said. “They proclaim it. They show it to the world. They say come join us for Pride, for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness.”

“They have fought hard,” said Illini fan Sharon Grogan.

“There’d be nothing more satisfying than winning a championship in the place you started.”

Murakami said after the White Sox’s 9-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday that he’s “truly grateful and happy” to achieve that type of milestone but added he still has plenty to work on as he begin his career.

Here are storylines to watch on each of the teams that will play in Saturday’s national semifinals in Indianapolis.

Illinois is a 1 1/2-point favorite over UConn and, in reality, it’s the Huskies, at plus-550, who are the biggest long shot in Indy.

Heyward played for both the Cubs and Cardinals, among other teams.

Mead, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday, was signed by Philadelphia as an international free agent in May 2018.