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🗞 Headlines. Mary Washington Wins National Title On Last-Second Shot. NCAA President Sees Trump Executive Order as Blueprint For Congress. D3Week Begins Today. Pioneer Women’s Basketball Powers Fade Into the Shadows Full of Pride As Money Reshapes the Game.

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Sophomore Colin Mitchell scored the most important basket of his career with a put back at the horn to give Mary Washington (30-3) a 75-73 victory over Emory for the Division III men’s basketball championship.

Emory (27-4) tied the score on a three-pointer by Ethan Fauss with :10 remaining. UMW’s Kye Robinson drove the length of the court, but stumbled as he released a shot with :02 left on the clock. The miss landed in Mitchell’s hands and he put it back for the championship-winning basket.

Robinson was named the Tournament Most Outstanding Player after scoring 27 points, collecting eight rebounds and handing out four assists. Fauss and Jair Knight shared the scoring lead for Emory with 24.

“On Friday, President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order aimed at implementing a one-time transfer rule, setting eligibility standards that would prohibit former professional athletes by putting a five-year cap on the eligibility window, and limiting pay-for-play NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals. The biggest question, however, is whether any of the stipulations in the order are legally enforceable.

But regardless of its enforceability, Trump’s executive order may still be valuable to college sports leaders.”

» State of Play. “At the men’s Final Four on Saturday, NCAA President Charlie Baker told reporters he “appreciates” Trump’s interest in the issue and sees the executive action as positive. In his view, it signaled momentum in Washington for a federal solution to college sports and provided a potential blueprint for issues federal legislators should tackle.”

» What They’re Saying. “I think part of the message from [Trump] is, can we figure out some way to push this a little harder through the legislative process and get something on the books that works and represents what most people are looking for this point—which is a much simpler eligibility process, which we’ve been talking to our committees about,” he said.”

» Yes, But. “To date, neither house of Congress has brought a sweeping college sports bill to a vote. The SCORE Act, which would restore the NCAA’s control over rules about athlete compensation, transfers, eligibility, and other issues, is the closest bill to reaching the House floor. But House leadership has struggled to bring the bill to the floor, having to cancel votes twice.”

» Go Deeper: President Trump delivers new executive order attempting to regulate college sports

The 15th annual Division III Week begins today and runs through Sunday.

“Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with a Division III institution to observe and celebrate the impact athletics and student-athletes have on campus and in the surrounding community.

During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct an outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment, athletic experience, or leadership/ community service/campus involvement. Division III Week is a strategic initiative that achieves its desired impact from a unity of effort. It harnesses everyone working toward the same goal at the same time to build a greater awareness and understanding of Division III athletics.”

» What To Expect. The specific charge is to conduct and promote at least one academic, athletic, co-curricular or extracurricular activity. On the macro-level, each institution will be encouraged to report its activity to the national office so the collective impact of our division can be shared on a broader scale. Ultimately, through both local and national activation, the goal is to build a greater awareness and understanding of Division III athletics.

» Who Is Involved. The true essence of Division III athletics is the full integration of our student-athletes into the campus culture. Therefore, in addition to primary participation and organization by the athletics administration and student-athletes, Division III Week could involve the president, faculty, student body, admissions, student affairs or alumni.

» Kickoff DIII Week. Share a celebratory message to kick off DIII Week by joining the social blast Monday at 3 p.m. ET!

“When fans walk into Immaculata’s gym they are immediately reminded of the team’s glorious past, when the Mighty Macs ruled women’s basketball nearly a half-century ago.

Championship trophies are proudly displayed near the entrance while Hall of Fame banners honoring some of the school’s icons, including former coach Cathy Rush, adorn the walls.

Powerhouses in this weekend’s Final Four like UConn and South Carolina stand on the shoulders of schools like Immaculata, Queens College, Wayland Baptist and Delta State.”

» Court Awareness. “Immaculata won three consecutive AIAW titles from 1972-1976 in front of sellout crowds that were a rarity in women’s basketball at the time. Delta State won the next three under trailblazing coach Margaret Wade. The Lady Statesmen vaulted to the national spotlight, traveling the country and defeating larger schools — with much bigger budgets — like LSU and Tennessee.”

» Reality Check. “Title IX helped fuel rapid growth in women’s sports in the 1970s, but as the women’s game grew, the NCAA took over and added full scholarship allotments and started facilities arms races that smaller colleges could not compete with. Amid the shift, Immaculata moved down to Division III, which does not offer athletic scholarships.”

» What They’re Saying. Current Immaculata coach Brittany Whalen is very familiar with the history of the program. “This is the same building they played in back in the 70s and not much has changed,” she said. “We talk about it in the preseason how you’re here because of the women who paved the way before you. If you’re going to be a Mighty Mac and be a part of the program, you need to know the history of it.”

» In Memoriam. Vermont State Johnson is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Head Men's Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletics Director, Alfred Johnson. We send along our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and team. May his memory be a blessing.

» News. “The Ivy League and its eight member schools scored a significant legal win at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on Thursday, as the court affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging the league’s policy of no athletic scholarships as an antitrust violation.”

» Op-Ed. Mary Washington president Troy Paino penned an op-ed which appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star on Division III Basketball, Community Support and Love of the Game. “Amid all the hype, there still exists collegiate basketball where a pure love for the game and a focus on the collective team are the driving force for a championship season.”

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