STORRS, Conn. — The bounce of a ping pong ball could alter an NBA franchise’s fate for years. Last year, for example, it was predetermined that two teams in the 14-team lottery would be declared winners while every other team would be losers.

LAWRENCE, Kan. — At first glance, Kansas looked downright shoddy in last week’s spring game. But what sportswriters and fans interpreted as four quarters of ugliness, Kansas coach Mark Mangino seemed to like.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the West Virginia football team’s spring practice came to a close on Saturday, plenty of questions were left unanswered. No matter the answers, the Mountaineers will have fun finding them.

WACO, Texas — A Baylor program that produced the likes of Michael Johnson and Jeremy Wariner enjoyed what coach Todd Harbour called one of its “best days ever” Saturday, combining for 30 NCAA regional qualifying marks.

AUSTIN, Texas — They’ve lost six of their last seven. They were swept for the first time at home by a conference opponent last weekend. Right now, the postseason is no guarantee. But the No. 20 Longhorns are far from rock bottom.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The shirts stood out along the sideline Saturday afternoon. Almost as if they had traded their Penn State jerseys for uniforms for a bigger cause, a group of former Nittany Lions showed their support for Tuesday’s vote.