Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 7h

Before tonight's tip off, read a recap of Game 3 from Kelly Johnson on how the Aces, with the help of their Olympians, took home the win:

www.thenexthoops.com/features/how...

How the Olympians of the Aces secured a Game 3 win- The IX Basketball

The Aces won game 3 and took a 3-0 lead in the WNBA Finals due to major contributions from their Olympians on the court.

www.thenexthoops.com

1 4

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 10h

Why did coaches and administrators in the Big Ten opt for a 15-team conference tournament while the men's field expands to 18 teams?

✍️ @thomascostello.bsky.social

Big Ten women's basketball coaches opt for strategy, not symmetry - The IX Basketball

The Big Ten expanded the men's tournament to 18 teams. The women stuck to 15, and USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb's reason to keep it makes perfect sense.

www.thenexthoops.com

2 3

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 16h

In today’s women’s basketball, the team photo shoot has evolved into a Hollywood-style celebration of confidence and vision.

✍️ @knoxrob1.bsky.social

Inside the new era of women's basketball photo days - The IX Basketball

Photo day isn’t just about pictures. It’s about power, joy and belonging. It's a celebration of individuality and empowerment.

www.thenexthoops.com

3 20

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 1d

After trailing by 17 points, the Phoenix Mercury managed to tie Game 3 of the WNBA Finals in the final minutes. However, a clutch shot by A'ja Wilson kept them from getting the win.

@dylankanesports.bsky.social breaks down how the Mercury fell short.

www.thenexthoops.com/features/pho...

Phoenix Mercury's comeback falls short in Game 3 vs Las Vegas - The IX Basketball

The Phoenix Mercury came back from a 17-point deficit, but ultimately couldn't beat the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals.

www.thenexthoops.com

1 8

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 1d

The #WNBA Finals march on and so does @classicjpow.bsky.social! She's back with another episode on the road, this time, with @dylankanesports.bsky.social.

Live from the WNBA Finals: A'ja Wilson gives the Aces a 3-0 lead - The IX Basketball

Jackie Powell and Dylan Kane break down Game 3 and debate whether or not Phoenix can extend the best-of-seven series.

www.thenexthoops.com

2 8

Reposted by The IX Basketball

The IX Sports @theixsports.bsky.social · 2d

Our @classicjpow.bsky.social checks in live from the #WNBA Finals with a breakdown of exactly how hiring of WNBA coaches is changing, and what it all means. Plus: hear from DeWanna Bonner and Satou Sabally ahead of Game 3! www.theixsports.com/basketball/w...

Breaking down the 'gentrification' of WNBA head coaches - The IX Sports

Breaking down the 'gentrification' of WNBA head coaches — Hear from DeWanna Bonner, Satou Sabally all in Basketball Wednesday.

www.theixsports.com

8 13

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 2d

Beginning with the 2026-27 season, the Big West will lose three member schools in UC San Diego, Hawaii and UC Davis. Cal Baptist, Utah Valley and Sacramento State will take their place.

But for now, it'll remain the same. Here's an in-depth look at each team: www.thenexthoops.com/ncaaw/mid-ma...

2025-26 Big West preview

The 2025-26 version of the Big West features a few of the usual contenders with a couple of potential surprise teams.

www.thenexthoops.com

3

Reposted by The IX Basketball

Jenn Hatfield @jennhatfield.bsky.social · 3d

(2/2) ICYMI, I wrote about St. Rose's injury and rehab process back in July for @theixbasketball.bsky.social:

How Princeton guard Madison St. Rose is recovering from torn ACL - The IX Basketball

After getting hurt last November, Princeton's Madison St. Rose is expected to be ready for the start of her senior season.

www.thenexthoops.com

1 1

Reposted by The IX Basketball

Jenn Hatfield @jennhatfield.bsky.social · 3d

(1/2) Princeton head coach Carla Berube tells @theixbasketball.bsky.social that star senior guard Madison St. Rose "looks great" and is "pretty much full go" after tearing her ACL last November. Berube is just keeping an eye on St. Rose's load right now, so it's not too much too soon. #NCAAWBB

1 1 5

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 3d

In a new short, @knoxrob1.bsky.social reports live from SWAC Media Day, where he heard from players and coaches from all 12 programs:

youtube.com/shorts/3b6sE...

Rob Knox reports from SWAC Media Day

YouTube video by The IX Sports

youtube.com

1 4

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 4d

After coming close to beating the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, the Phoenix Mercury lost Game 2 by a much bigger margin.

@dylankanesports.bsky.social outlines what went wrong for Phoenix and how the Mercury are feeling about Game 3 at home.

www.thenexthoops.com/features/pho...

Phoenix Mercury falter in Game 2, lose control of Finals to Aces - The IX Basketball

The Las Vegas Aces have put themselves in prime position to win WNBA championship after besting Phoenix Mercury 91-78 in Game 2 of Finals.

www.thenexthoops.com

5 6

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 4d

Our 2025-26 college previews kick off today, as Missy Heidrick ranks the top 25 teams in women's college basketball! Did your favorite team make the cut? Follow us all month long for more content that'll get you ready for the season! #NCAAWBB

www.thenexthoops.com

2 2

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 5d

The IX Basketball is live once again from the WNBA Finals!

To break down Game 2, @classicjpow.bsky.social is joined by Alissa Hirsh from the Chicago Sun Times to talk about what went right for the Aces, wrong for the Mercury and what to expect in Game 3.

www.thenexthoops.com/podcast/live...

Live from the WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces dominate in Game 2 - The IX Basketball

Host Jackie Powell and guest Alissa Hirsh discuss the outcome of Game 2 of the WNBA Finals and what Phoenix needs to do to a win in Game 3.

www.thenexthoops.com

3 8

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 5d

The Las Vegas Aces moved one step closer to securing another WNBA title by beating the Phoenix Mercury 91-78 in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Our Kelly Johnson reports from Michelob Ultra Arena.

youtube.com/shorts/goh-U...

Las Vegas Aces win Game 2 of the WNBA Finals

The Las Vegas Aces moved one step closer to securing another WNBA title by beating the Phoenix Mercury 91-78 in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. Our Kelly Johnson ...

youtube.com

3 7

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 5d

For the Aces to win Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday, they relied heavily on their bench.

Kelly Johnson on how performances from Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans made the difference:

www.thenexthoops.com/features/dan...

Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd help secure the Aces' Game 1 victory - The IX Basketball

Both Evans and Loyd have been crucial bench pieces for the Aces this season, and they once again found their roles on Friday night.

www.thenexthoops.com

1 4 11

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 6d

Oh, we know. :) www.thenexthoops.com/features/sun...

Sun looking to find rhythm as Alyssa Thomas returns to court - The IX Basketball

Welcome to The Next: A basketball newsroom brought to you by The IX. 24/7/365 women’s basketball coverage, written, edited, and photographed by our young, diverse staff, dedicated to breaking news, an...

www.thenexthoops.com

1

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 6d

The Indiana Fever may be out of the playoffs, but they aren't anywhere close to finished making news. @tonyreast.bsky.social on Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark injury updates, Natasha Howard's take on the season and much more #WNBA www.thenexthoops.com/features/ind...

2 7

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 6d

The Phoenix Mercury are in familiar territory after losing Game 1 of the #WNBA Finals. Why did it happen again this postseason? Our @dylankanesports.bsky.social explains.

Why Phoenix Mercury dropped Game 1 of the WNBA Finals - The IX Basketball

After being clutch in the final minutes all postseason, the Phoenix Mercury got a taste of their own medicine in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.

www.thenexthoops.com

1 4 11

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 6d

Live from Las Vegas, it's ... @classicjpow.bsky.social and Kelly Johnson breaking down Game 1 of the #WNBA Finals! They cover everything from Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's pregame press conference to Dana Evans' impact to what players and coaches said postgame.

Live from WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces' bench helps win Game 1 - The IX Basketball

This live podcast breaks down Game 1 of the WNBA Finals. Plus, what did Commissioner Cathy Engelbert say in her pregame press conference?

www.thenexthoops.com

4 5

Reposted by The IX Basketball

Jackie Powell @classicjpow.bsky.social · 7d

I asked Cathy Engelbert pregame about how the #WNBA needs to be prepared to address its own injury epidemic.

Cc to @seehafer.bsky.social and his injury data base @theixbasketball.bsky.social. Here’s part of her answer.

4 10

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 7d

Natasha Cloud and Mayor Cherelle Parker joined Alex Bazzell in Love Park on Thursday to announce that Unrivaled will be making a stop in Philadelphia in 2026. Mia Messina has all the info you need to know about the announcement.

www.thenexthoops.com/unrivaled/un...

'Philly is Unrivaled': 3v3 basketball league announces stop in Philly - The IX Basketball

Unrivaled announced that its 2026 season would include a tour stop in Philadelphia, bringing pro women's basketball back to the city.

www.thenexthoops.com

5 13

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 8d

The Phoenix Mercury haven't been the flashiest team this season, but now they are one of two teams left standing.

@dylankanesports.bsky.social explains how they got here and how they could win the #WNBA title:

2025 WNBA Finals: Mercury and Aces set for duel in the desert - The IX Basketball

The Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces have been on different paths to reach the WNBA Finals, but now they collide in an epic matchup.

www.thenexthoops.com

3 15

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 9d

Ultimately, the Indiana Fever came just short of making it to the WNBA Finals. But, as @tonyreast.bsky.social writes, the bonds they formed as they fought and played together tell the real story of this team during a bumpy season:

www.thenexthoops.com/features/the...

The Indiana Fever fought to the end, and they did it together - The IX Basketball

The Indiana Fever were close to a 2025 WNBA Finals berth but came up short. To them, the bonds formed were everything.

www.thenexthoops.com

4 26

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 9d

A roaring crowd cheered the Las Vegas Aces all the way to the WNBA Finals on Tuesday:

www.thenexthoops.com/features/sig...

Sights and Sounds: A roaring crowd sends Aces to Finals - The IX Basketball

With a packed arena, the Aces secured another trip to the WNBA finals, seeking their third championship in four years.

www.thenexthoops.com

1 2 13

The IX Basketball @theixbasketball.bsky.social · 9d

Sacha Washington missed the 2024-25 season, but she's back, and she's ready to take Vanderbilt to a new level.

The latest from @stephaniekaloi.bsky.social out of Nashville: www.thenexthoops.com/ncaaw/vander...

Vanderbilt looks ahead to a strong season with Sacha Washington

The Vanderbilt Commodores are preparing for a 2025-26 season that includes the return of forward Sacha Washington.

www.thenexthoops.com

3 7