Lance Hartzler
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Articles by Lance Hartzler
Nevada, Saint Mary’s play in thriller, but few were able to watch Original
The Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball team and Saint Mary’s Gaels played a thriller in the Lake Tahoe Classic Sunday in Nevada. The Wolf Pack, of course, is playing in longtime head coach Steve Alford’s swan song season, and the Gaels have entered the post-Randy-Bennett Era, now led by Mickey McConnell, were locked in an early season classic that bled into overtime.
Mid-Major Madness reacts survey: What was your favorite upset by a mid-major during week one?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mid-Major fans and fans across the country. Yeesh. One week down. No letting up, but as week two of college hoops starts we can't stop thinking about the happenings of week one. Bethesda played three times in 24 hours in three locations. Nevada beat Saint Mary's in overtime, but only 3,000 people saw it. And, of course, a slew of upsets.
Mid-Major Reacts Results: Racers’ marathon debut most impressive Original
The Field of 68 Opening Day Marathon was chock-full of mid-major goodies that had us feasting in the early hours of opening day. It was nostalgic in its own right, bringing us feelings of the long-gone opening 24-hour day marathon once hosted by ESPN from 2008-2017 — prime basketball watching for the Millennial and Zoomer fans among us. While not even close to a facsimile of the now-dead run of games, kudos must be given to the Field of 68 crew for providing something that scratches the itch.
Update: College Sports Commission says Robbie Avila can’t play for SLU
On Friday, Nov. 6, the College Sports Commission (CSC) sent out a media advisory saying it is baring Robbie Avila from playing for Saint Louis as he hopes, and has fought in various legal battles, to do. The CSC claims that Saint Louis cannot be allowed to exceed the 15-person roster limit.
Mid-Major Reacts Results: VCU is most likely to appear in Top-25 polls first Original
Last week, as the start of college basketball season nears, the Associated Press released its usual preseason Top-25 poll. At the top were most of the expected: Florida, Duke, Illinois, UConn, Arizona, among others. Nowhere among the 25 teams, however, was a mid-major program; the closest thing to one was Gonzaga at 15. Six mid-major programs did receive votes: Saint Louis (13), VCU (12), Nevada (2), Grand Canyon (2), Utah State (2) and Santa Clara (1).
Mid-Major Madness Reacts Results: James Madison to the American is a good move Original
James Madison is moving to the American Athletic Conference, and the majority of our dear readers here at Mid-Major Madness seem to think it was a good idea. The Dukes announced they’d depart the Fun/Sun Belt effect in July 2028. Not long after the move was announced, we asked what our audience thought of it and 69% of voters called it the right move. James Madison had been a full member of the Sun Belt since its transition from FCS in 2022.
Rivals’ paid evaluation is latest seismic change in college sports landscape Original
If you are following along to college athletics now you are likely inundated with talk of policy, more specifically, the Protect College Sports Act and the arguments for and against taking much of the attention. Now consider a new layer in the seismic shifts we’ve seen in college athletics over the 2020s: paid evaluations and rankings.
Neveda coach Steve Alford to retire at end of 2026-2027 season
Nevada Wolf Pack men's basketball head coach Steve Alford will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, the school announced on Thursday. Alford is calling it a career after 36 seasons in the game, split between Missouri State, Iowa, New Mexico, UCLA, and the past eight being spent in Reno at Nevada. He has 724 career wins, the 10th-highest among active men's basketball coaches and in the top 70 all-time in the sport.
Neveda coach Steve Alford to retire at end of 2026-2027 season
“After 36 years, I feel like this is the right time to step away from the bench. Tanya and I have loved our time in Reno, and have embraced this amazing community and built lifelong friendships. “I want to thank the University of Nevada for the opportunity to lead this program, and I am looking forward to finishing this season the right way, with a team I believe in. God has richly blessed our family in so many ways through basketball and we are very grateful.
Mid-Major Madness Reacts Survey: What’s your favorite fall sport (besides football)? Original
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mid-Major fans and fans across the country. When sports fans think of fall sports, they likely think of the pigskin variety first. It is the major American fall sport. We get it, despite being a college basketball blog. Let’s act like football isn’t the majority of the country’s favorite fall sport, and think of some other autumn-time athletics that deserve some love.
Mid-Major Reacts Results: UNLV men’s basketball is worth $2-5 million Original
What would you do with $2-5 million? Buy a reasonably priced home? Not in this market. What about paying off some debt? That’s a reasonable idea. Set aside a little to wager on some college football? Could win or lose yourself some money that way. (It is Vegas we’re talking about after all.) You could also buy roughly 2 million Mountain Dew Baja Blasts from Taco Bell if you are like me and love the Bell.
Mid-Major Madness Reacts Survey: How much would you buy the UNLV men’s basketball team for? Original
Josh Pastner walked his comments back, but we had to ask. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 03: Head coach Josh Pastner of the UNLV Rebels reacts as he watches his players on offense against the Utah State Aggies in the second half of their game at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 03, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rebels defeated the Aggies 92-65. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Getty Images Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA.
Mid-Major Mid-Major Madness Reacts Survey Results: Wichita is a good choice for NCAA Tournament Opening Round Original
More than 75% of fans like the addition of the Air Capital for Tuesday and Wednesday games Mar 22, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; A March Madness billboard along U.S. Route 400 promoting the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Intrust Bank Arena.
Mid-Major Madness Reacts Survey: Is Wichita the right choice to join Dayton? Original
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mid-Major fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Dayton, Ohio, you have company. The NCAA selection committee announced last week that the newly expanded NCAA Tournament – featuring 76 teams now – will have its opening round split in two locations: Dayton and Wichita, Kan.
UTEP Miners clear mountains from home court Original
Fans of cool on-court designs in college basketball, I am sorry to report that the mountains have been removed from the UTEP hardwood floor ahead of the program’s move to the Mountain West Conference. In a tweet posted to Twitter/X The Everything App, UTEP shocked us with a photo showing the new court with the caption “New court who this? *side eye emoji*”.
Mid-Major Madness Mailbag: What are the destination mid-major arenas?
Hello all, the Mid-Major Madness team is here to answer all of your mid-major-related/adjacent questions this offseason! If you guys like this, we’ll do more of them throughout the offseason and season. If you don’t like it, we will still do it. Lance Hartzler: As Mid-Major Madness’s resident West Coast Person, I feel obligated to call out a gem of the desert: The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico, home of the New Mexico Lobos for the past 60 seasons.
No. 10 Santa Clara falls in OT to No. 7 Kentucky Original
So close. No. 10 Santa Clara bowed out in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, 89-84, to No. 7 Kentucky in overtime in a game that featured 20 lead changes and a dozen ties. This season marked the Broncos’ first trip to the NCAA Tournament in 30 years and the first trip to the Dance under head coach Herb Sendek. “Just incredibly thankful to coach each and every one of the men on our team,” Sendek said. “It was a phenomenal experience.
NCAA Tournament: Where the mid-majors landed in the men’s bracket Original
Don’t worry, fans of mid-major schools: Miami (OH) made the NCAA Tournament despite losing in the MAC tournament, and despite the weird narratives being pushed by terminally football-pilled bloggers and “journalists.” Broken down by league, the multi-bid mid-major leagues landed as just three leagues, which feels lower than usual: WCC (3, same as Big East) MAC (2) Atlantic 10 (2) And, if that does feel lower to you, too, that is because the Mountain West landed just one team in the field.
Heartbreaking: CBI won’t be held this year Original
The College Basketball Invitational will not be held this year, the organizers of the postseason tournament announced on Thursday morning with a social graphic post on Twitter/X. The post simply reads: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, the CBI will not be held this year. We will see you next year!” As of publishing, there has been no clear indicator of the cancellation. The last time the CBI wasn’t held was due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Big Sky Women’s Starch Madness Preview
Get your peelers ready. Starch Madness is nearly upon us. One of the best branded conference tournaments starts on March 7 in Boise, Idaho, as the Big Sky tips off Starch Madness at Idaho Central Arena. The women’s side of the Big Sky, unlike the men’s side, has had a few different teams come out and represent the league in the NCAA Tournament.
WAC won’t broadcast Utah Valley home basketball games Original
The Western Athletic Conference, which, for those who aren’t in the loop, is merging with the ASUN this summer, is making the wrong kind of headlines ahead of such a move. The league, which has just seven teams competing this season in each of men’s and women’s basketball, is currently in a civil dispute with Utah Valley over an unpaid exit fee of $1 million as the school nears its exit to the Big West this summer as part of a shift in the league.
Phoenix rising: Elon off to a surprisingly good start
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. Through a closed door, a jubilant celebration could be heard among the victorious Elon Phoenix from outside the visiting locker room at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex at Hofstra on Saturday. Given the prior years of struggling and the low preseason expectations relative to its current situation, Elon deserved to rejoice. Suddenly, the Phoenix are rising.
What we loved, & what we hated on day 1 of college hoops Original
The ball has been tipped. The buzzer horn has gone off. The refs are reffing. The hardwood is squeaking. Friends, college basketball day 1 has come and gone and with that, plenty of things we loved and hated. Let’s run down some of those. Mid-Major Madness strives to be an inclusive space for just about everyone (except a few; they know who they are).
Report: Wagner coach suspended for alleged verbal abuse
Wagner head coach Donald Copeland was suspended by the school as an investigation is underway into alleged verbal abuse of players, the school confirmed CBS Sports on Wednesday after the New York Post broke the news. The Post reported a slew of accusations against Copeland, including verbal abuse of several players and refusing water breaks during practice, which reportedly landed one player in the hospital.
Report: Wagner coach suspended for alleged verbal abuse
Wagner head coach Donald Copeland was suspended by the school as an investigation is underway into alleged verbal abuse of players, the school confirmed CBS Sports on Wednesday after the New York Post broke the news. The Post reported a slew of accusations against Copeland, including verbal abuse of several players and refusing water breaks during practice, which reportedly landed one player in the hospital.
College basketball fans deserve better than 2K’s revival Original
College basketball fans saw their hopes of a fully fleshed-out video game revival of our favorite sport dashed this week thanks to publishing giant 2K Sports.
SB Nation Reacts: Which NBA Draft pick from a mid-major will have the best pro career?
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images When you think of current NBA players who went to a mid-major the year they were drafted, who is the best among them? Who comes to mind? Damian Lillard (Weber State) likely comes first, then we remember guys like Pascal Siakam (New Mexico State), Jaylen Williams (Santa Clara), or our king Obi Toppin (Dayton). If any of the mid-major players drafted in the 2025 NBA Draft have careers like any of the guys I just noted, that would be pretty rad.
SB Nation Reacts: Which NBA Draft pick from a mid-major will have the best pro career?
When you think of current NBA players who went to a mid-major the year they were drafted, who is the best among them? Who comes to mind? Damian Lillard (Weber State) likely comes first, then we remember guys like Pascal Siakam (New Mexico State), Jaylen Williams (Santa Clara), or our king Obi Toppin (Dayton). If any of the mid-major players drafted in the 2025 NBA Draft have careers like any of the guys I just noted, that would be pretty rad.
NBA Draft: Mid-major players who might be worth your time
James Snook-Imagn Images The transfer portal has really messed with the idea of a mid-major player going in the top 10 of the NBA Draft, huh? Long-gone are the days that players that came from the mid-major level like Damian Lillard (Weber State), Obi Toppin (Dayton), Jarace Walker (pre-Big 12 Houston), Jalen Williams (Santa Clara) CJ McCollum (Lehigh) get major buzz in the lottery. Instead, our sons land themselves (generally) later or they explode at a high-major squad.
Mike Bibby, Shaq, Mikey Williams? Something is going on at Sacramento State
Followers of the Big Sky Conference know Sacramento State well. The program with just two winning seasons since the early 1990s is most known for its charming high-school-level of a gym fondly called “The Nest” — which is one of the NCAA’s oldest facilities being in operation since 1955. It sits a whopping 1,000 attendees. The Hornets have often been feisty in a number of Big Sky seasons but have never amounted to much at all. The Nest is rumbling, though, with a run of major moves in 2025.
Way, way, way too early Mountain West Conference predictions
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images As we look toward the end of the Mountain West as we know it (you can read a bit about that here), we here at Mid-Major Madness decided to take a shot at doing a little way, way, way too early prediction for the 2025-26 season. In the latest SBNation Reacts poll, San Diego State was picked as the early frontrunner with 42% of the votes, followed by Utah State (23%), Boise State (19%) and New Mexico (16%).
Adrian Del Castillo placed on 7-day injured list by Reno Aces
The Reno Aces placed catcher Adrian Del Castillo on the seven-day injured list on Saturday, according to the transactions list. Reno Aces placed C Adrian Del Castillo on the 7-day injured list, per transactions list. - Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) March 29, 2025 Del Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Reno last week, losing the Diamondbacks ' opening day backup catcher spot to Jose Herrera. The earliest Del Castillo can return to action is April 6.
Mid-major men’s coaching carousel: Who’s out, and who’s in?
Hannah Butler Last updated Sunday, March 30. All our dear mid-major teams have come and gone from the NCAA Tournament, and with their departure also comes the coaching carousel.
Adrian Del Castillo placed on 7-day injured list by Reno
The Reno Aces placed catcher Adrian Del Castillo on the seven-day injured list on Saturday, according to the transactions list. Reno Aces placed C Adrian Del Castillo on the 7-day injured list, per transactions list. — Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) March 29, 2025 Del Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Reno last week, losing the Diamondbacks’ opening day backup catcher spot to Jose Herrera. The earliest Del Castillo can return to action is April 6.
West Valley city has surprising list of desired businesses
PHOENIX — The city of Surprise released its findings from its 2025 Surprise Retail Survey, which invited residents of the West Valley city to weigh in on their favorite businesses and what they most wanted to see added. The survey, which ran from Feb. 14 through March 16, had more than 4,000 responses, the city said in a Thursday news release.
Fact Check: The Big East is not a mid-major conference
Every March, as the madness envelops us, so do college football writers who can only write so much about what the Power Four is doing. In theory, it should be good! These are talented, well-read, well-informed sports writers with decades of experience on their pens. But it isn’t always for the better. Unfortunately, we here at Mid-Major Madness need to put on our CNN Certified Fact Checker hats on.
Fact Check: The Big East is not a mid-major conference
Eakin Howard-Imagn Images Every March, as the madness envelops us, so do college football writers who can only write so much about what the Power Four is doing. In theory, it should be good! These are talented, well-read, well-informed sports writers with decades of experience on their pens. But it isn’t always for the better. Unfortunately, we here at Mid-Major Madness need to put on our CNN Certified Fact Checker hats on.
Missing Phoenix man found dead near rocky area
PHOENIX — Phoenix Police detectives are working to determine how a Phoenix man who went missing died, authorities said in a press release Tuesday night. Marcus Freiberger, 45, was reported missing on March 14. Investigators were unable to determine his whereabouts and found no evidence that he wasn’t a victim to any crime at the time. Police officers responded to a call at a rock quarry near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road where they found a body on March 19, authorities said.
Buckeye city manager resigns amid police investigation
PHOENIX — Buckeye City Manager Dan Cotterman resigned from his position on Tuesday amid an investigation by the Glendale Police Department, the city of Buckeye announced in a news release. The Arizona Department of Child Safety contacted the Buckeye Police Department about allegations against Cotterman on March 18. Cotterman has not been arrested or charged with a crime at this time. Buckeye police requested Glendale police assume the case to ensure a fair and impartial outcome, the release stated.
3 officers suspended for actions
PHOENIX — Three Phoenix Police officers were disciplined for their roles in the forceful arrest of a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy in 2024, according to a Tuesday news release from the department. The officers were issued 24-hour unpaid suspensions for choking, punching and using a Taser on Tyron McAlpin. “We understand the concerns raised by this incident, and we take them seriously,” Sullivan said in the release.
No mid majors remain at conclusion of NCAA Tournament’s first weekend
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images For the first time since 2019, no mid major made the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. For the first time since 2007, no team seeded 11th or lower made the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament. They had three opportunities on Sunday night to keep mid-major hopes alive, but all failed drastically. It began with Saint Mary’s, which faced a potential Final Four team in Alabama in Cleveland. The Gaels kept it close through the first half, not turning the ball over once.
Arizona-Oregon game brings back memories of Pac-12 days to NCAA Tournament
When No. 4 Arizona and No. 5 Oregon hit the hardwood in Sunday's NCAA Tournament Round of 32 in Seattle, the Conference of Champions nostalgia will be hard to miss. The two former Pac-12 foes are set to face off for the first time since the conference saw a mass exodus, followed by the dissolution of the league. Arizona wrapped up its first season in the Big 12, finishing third in the regular season. Oregon finished eighth in the Big Ten.
Arizona-Oregon brings Pac-12 days to NCAA Tournament
When No. 4 Arizona and No. 5 Oregon hit the hardwood in Sunday’s NCAA Tournament Round of 32 in Seattle, the Conference of Champions nostalgia will be hard to miss. The two former Pac-12 foes are set to face off for the first time since the conference saw a mass exodus, followed by the dissolution of the league. Arizona wrapped up its first season in the Big 12, finishing third in the regular season. Oregon finished eighth in the Big Ten.
Tempe breaks ground on housing and services center
PHOENIX — Maricopa County and the city of Tempe broke ground on the East Valley Housing, Health and Human Services Center on Tuesday. The facility will serve as the new home of the Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA). Once construction is complete, this facility will be the first shelter TCAA has ever operated, according to a video on the Maricopa County YouTube channel.
Reactions to Trump's executive order on Education Department
PHOENIX — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department, advancing a campaign promise to take apart the agency. The order says Secretary of Education Linda McMahon will “to the maximum extent appropriate and permitted by law, take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return authority over education to the States and local communities,” according to The Associated Press.
17-year-old charged for throwing a firework at officers
PHOENIX — A 17-year-old has been charged as an adult for allegedly throwing a firework at Glendale Police officers during a protest last month, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday. Upwards of 1,000 people were protesting against federal immigration policy in the West Valley at 67th Avenue and Camelback Road in February. Police declared unlawful assembly, citing aggressive behavior, hours into the protest.
Phoenix Theatre Company announces lineup for 106th season
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Theatre Company announced this week the shows that will be part of its 106th season starting in the fall, featuring a mix of Broadway hits, new works and some classics. The season starts Oct. 8 and runs through the end of August 2026, the theatre announced in a press release. Ten shows dot the lineup, such as “The Roads to Loch Lomond” from Oct. 8, 2025, to Nov. 2, 2025, holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” from Nov. 19, 2025, to Jan.
ADOT releases winners of name-a-snowplow contest
PHOENIX — Last year we were given “Scoopacabra” and “Snowbi-Wan Kenobi” and this year we have “Plowasaurus Rex” and “Darth Blader” joining the ranks of Arizona snowplows. More than 14,000 votes were tallied in the Arizona Department of Transportation’s third name-a-snowplow Contest. ADOT announced the six winners on Wednesday. Voters also gave the nod to “CTRL + SALT + DELETE,” “Blizzard of Oz,” “Scoop Dog” and “Sleetwood Mac” over nine other finalists.
Arizona man given 10 years for intent to distribute meth
PHOENIX — An Arizona man was sentenced to 10 years in prison last week for intent to traffic drugs, authorities announced on Tuesday. Sergio Ramos Humberto, 73, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He admitted that he was paid to keep the drugs at a trucking yard he maintained near Nogales, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
First Four: Alabama State wins on an insane go-ahead Hail Mary
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Four-vertical Hail Mary to win the 16-seed play-in game? Four-vertical Hail Mary to win the 16-seed play-in game. Alabama State and Saint Francis (PA) got the NCAA Tournament rolling with a helluva First Four game. The SWAC champ and the NEAC champ played a back-and-forth outing for all 40 minutes, and it concluded with a wild ending sequence.
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