The NBA playoffs continue, a major ruling by the NCAA and Gator softball ending its regular SEC season…all this and more in our Friday Sports News And Notes…
** The SEC and ESPN formally announce the formation of the SEC Network in a 20 year deal. The new network will broadcast both over the air and digital form 24/7 and the network will broadcast over 1,000 events in its first year.
** The Golden State Warriors move on in the NBA playoffs after beating the Denver Nuggets 92-88 Thursday night to win their series 4-2. Former Gator David Lee, who was supposedly out of the playoffs, played in the game as the Warriors now will face West top seed San Antonio.
** Brooklyn forces a Game 7 with the Chicago Bulls with a 95-92 win on Thursday as well. Tonight, the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies can all clinch series with wins as all those teams are up 3-2.
** The NCAA has indefinitely suspended plans to raise academic requirements for initial eligibility that were supposed to go into effect in 2016. The NCAA also suspends a proposal that would have allowed unlimited texting and communication to student athletes.
** The Gator softball team ends its regular season this weekend with a trip to South Carolina. Florida also has a chance to win the SEC regular season title.
** The Gator lacrosse team begins postseason play today in the ALC tournament and will face off against Ohio State at 4pm. The winner faces the other semifinal match winner on Sunday; UF is the top seed going into the conference tournament.
** In Major League Baseball, Washington downs Atlanta 3-1 and Philadelphia beats Miami 7-2. The game between Tampa Bay and Kansas City was suspended because of sleet and snow in KC.