Big Ten looking to restore image, successful ways in 2008-09

The Big Ten's image has taken a big hit the past couple of seasons as its teams have struggled in the NCAA tournament. But with a handful of players back from injury, and a slew of new coaches, the league might be back on track.

Malone leads Boilermakers to upset of No. 19 Buckeyes

FahKara Malone scored a career-high 23 points and Purdue defeated No. 19 Ohio State 68-67 on Thursday night.

Sweetest homes in women's hoops

ESPN's play-by-play announcer Beth Mowins says Storrs, Conn., is one of the toughest places to play. Check out her other picks.

...Hylton during the second round of the 2009 NCAA women's basketball tournament at McKenzie Arena

Paris twins, OU push past Purdue

All Courtney Paris has ever wanted is to lead Oklahoma to a national title. With a lot of help from her teammates Tuesday, the Sooners took a step closer to that goal, advancing past Purdue and into OU's second Final Four.

Rutgers' rally falls short as Boilermakers reach eighth regional final

Lakisha Freeman scored 18 points, and sixth-seeded Purdue held off a late rally to beat Rutgers 67-61 on Sunday night and advance to the round of eight in the NCAA tournament.

All that matters now is one more win

The march to the Arch is nearly complete. The Final Four is about to take shape. And one more win is all that matters ... until we reach St. Louis.

What are the keys to Sweet 16 victories?

What are the X factors in the regional semifinals? ESPN.com columnists Graham Hays and Mechelle Voepel know which key factors could determine who moves on to the Elite Eight.

...Jones (22) during the first round of the NCAA Womens Basketball Championship at McKenzie Arena

...49ers defenders during the first round of the NCAA Womens Basketball Championship at McKenzie Arena

Healthy Boilermakers back on track for 2008-09

The injury-depleted Boilers bounced up and down in 2007-08, losing 15 games. But now, with Jodi Howell and Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton healthy, Purdue is 5-1 and ready to move on from last season.

Teams and players to watch as 2008-09 unfolds

Historically, women's basketball national champions have started out ranked in the preseason top 10. But half the fun of the march toward April comes from the plotlines that unfold for teams elsewhere, even if most of their seasons are over before the Final Four.

NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament- Purdue v Tennessee WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - MARCH...

Lady Vols get defensive to defend NCAA title

There's a difference between getting defensive and defending a national championship. Unless you're Tennessee, which played some of its best defense of the season as it took another step toward repeating as NCAA champ.

Tennessee rolls past Purdue, into regional semis

Pat Summitt celebrated her 100th NCAA tournament win in typical fashion: a second-round blowout.