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Quantum Stocks Explode: Why Traders Are Obsessed With QBTS and RGTI Right Now

Stock 6 Mins Read

If you regularly follow the SCTR Reports (StockCharts Technical Rank), you’ll notice that some top-ranked stocks aren’t just individual standouts but groupings that call attention to particular sectors, industries, or subgroups within the two.

That’s exactly what happened Tuesday morning. A couple of high-ranking stocks pointed to a growing trend in the thematic subsector of quantum computing.

Quantum Computing Stocks Light Up the SCTR Reports

Occupying the top ranks of the Mid Cap SCTR Top 10 list are quantum computing stocks D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) and Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI).

FIGURE 1. SCTR REPORTS – MID CAP TOP 10. QBTS and RGTI, occupying the top of the list, signal strength in the quantum computing subsector.

The quantum computing subsector made headlines Tuesday morning, with QBTS leading the charge. 

QBTS Leads on Breakout News and Bullish Technical Scans

QBTS shares surged after the company unveiled Advantage2, its most advanced quantum system to date. A quick look at QBTS’s Symbol Summary showed the stock appearing across multiple bullish technical scans on Tuesday, including New 52-week Highs, P&F Double Top Breakout, and Runaway Gap Ups.

Other quantum names, including RGTI, also saw gains, highlighting growing momentum in the space. 

RGTI Gains Momentum with Unique Technical Setups

RGTI’s Symbol Summary profile revealed a different set of predefined scans, suggesting unique technical setups driving its price action. RGTI was triggered in the P&F Ascending Triple Top Breakout, Elder Bar Turned Blue, and P&F Double Top Breakout predefined scans on Tuesday.

With quantum computing stocks like QBTS and RGTI surging and showing unusually strong technical strength, assessing their investment potential requires more than a few headlines. Comparative strength, broader performance of sectors to which they belong, and the underlying factors shaping their price action are some other factors to consider.

FIGURE 2. PERFCHARTS OF QBTS, RGTI, XLK, AND QQQ. At these levels of outperformance, it becomes difficult to separate justified valuations from pure FOMO. As the PerfCharts comparison shows, RTGI and QBTS stocks are outperforming their sector and broader tech-heavy index. 

Technical Breakout: What to Watch with QBTS’ Next Move

From a technical perspective, does either stock present a favorable structure for a market entry? To evaluate this, let’s start with a daily chart of QBTS.

FIGURE 3. DAILY CHART OF QBTS. An impressive parabolic run, support on the downside is relatively clear.

QBTS broke out above its four-month trading range, shooting up to an all-time high of $17.50 on Tuesday’s session, sending the Relative Strength Index (RSI) deep into overbought territory. The Price Channels identify potential areas of support based on previous swing highs and lows.

If QBTS is overbought because its valuations are too high, then a pullback is likely to follow. Whether you should buy the dip depends on your fundamental thesis, but technically, if you decide to enter a position, consider this:

  • QBTS is likely to find support at the top of its previous range, highlighted in green.
  • If it falls below that, there’s another support range, shaded yellow, that marks another set of minor swing highs in the middle of the previous trading range.
  • Below that, however, is support at a low range, shaded red, where the stock has reversed several times over the last few months. 

However, if QBTS drops into the zone between the yellow and red support levels, it could signal a meaningful loss of momentum and growing weakness in the stock’s trend.

That’s why volume becomes especially important here. Note how volume has risen with each successive surge—an encouraging sign of accumulation that somehow dropped at each price peak. If QBTS holds above the top of its previous range, watch for continued volume support; strong follow-through should be backed by equally strong participation.

RGTI Chart Shows Upside Potential—But With Caution

Now let’s look at the second one up on the SCTR Top 10 list. Here’s a daily chart of RGTI.

FIGURE 4. DAILY CHART OF RGTI. The stock is moving steadily upward, but unlike QBTS, there’s no outstanding catalyst to trigger an immediate and outsize move.

Following a fourth bounce at the $7 support range, RGTI broke above resistance, almost hesitantly, at $11. The Volume-by-Price overlay on the left side of the chart shows heavy trading activity in this range, suggesting it could become a strong support level now that resistance has been broken. The ZigZag line further clarifies the support and resistance levels, helping to visualize the stock’s overall trend structure.

The On Balance Volume (OBV) indicator in the bottom panel reflects steady buying pressure. At the same time, the RSI, currently at 61 and rising, suggests the stock still has room to climb before entering overbought territory. 

If RGTI maintains its upward trajectory, the next meaningful resistance level ahead will be at $16, marking its January high. However, whether it gets there may depend less on chart patterns and more on underlying catalysts.

In other words, is RGTI riding the wave of bullish sentiment in quantum computing stocks, or does it have a meaningful fundamental catalyst driving its move higher? On that note, what about QBTS?

Wall Street Weigh In: Real Catalysts or Quantum Hype?

Be careful. Analysts are cautiously optimistic about both stocks, pointing to real catalysts like RGTI’s government partnerships and QBTS’s Advantage2 launch. However, some on Wall Street caution that recent gains may be driven more by hype than fundamentals, with commercial adoption still a long way off.

Action Steps

  • Monitor the support levels. For QBTS, watch the green zone (prior range top) for dip-buying potential; deeper moves into yellow or red zones may signal weakening momentum.
  • Track volume behavior. Continued surges should be matched with strong volume to confirm trend strength.
  • Stay grounded. If you’re trading, closely follow the technicals. If you’re investing, make sure your thesis includes realistic expectations on commercialization timelines.

At the Close

Quantum computing stocks like QBTS and RGTI are showing impressive momentum, backed by technical strength and growing investor interest. But while the setups look promising, remember to stay disciplined. Monitor support levels, watch volume closely, and don’t lose sight of the long runway ahead for true commercial adoption.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

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Investing

Crypto Market Recap: Bitcoin Price Hits New All-time High, Traders Make US$300,000 Bet

Investing 7 Mins Read

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (May 21) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$108,452 as markets closed, up 1.5 percent in 24 hours. The day’s range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$106,490 and a new all-time high of US$109,400.

Bitcoin performance, May 21, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin surpassed its previous record of US$109,228, set on January 20. Following this peak, the price quickly declined to approximately US$106,000 within an hour, but subsequently stabilized around US$107,000.

Ethereum (ETH) finished the trading day at US$2,507.94, a 0.5 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday low of US$2,473.89 and saw a daily high of US$2,597.51.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) closed at US$170.94, up 2 percent over 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$167.29 and a high of US$174.24.
  • XRP is trading at US$2.39, reflecting a 0.5 percent increase over 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached a daily low of US$2.35 and a high of US$2.42.
  • Sui (SUI) is priced at US$3.91, showing an increaseof 0.9 percent over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily low of US$3.86 and a high of US$4.04.
  • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.7606, up 3 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest price of the day was US$0.7487, and it reached a high of US$0.7797.

Today’s crypto news to know

US$300,000 Bitcoin bet gains attention, but remains a long shot

A bold options trade is betting Bitcoin could hit US$300,000 by the end of June.

According to market data, call options at that stratospheric strike price were the second most traded on Deribit on Tuesday (May 20), hinting at a mix of speculative enthusiasm and hedging behavior among traders.

While some analysts remain optimistic — Standard Chartered (LSE:STAN,OTC Pink:SCBFF), for instance, sees Bitcoin possibly reaching US$120,000 by Q2 — no major forecast comes close to US$300,000.

On Tuesday, Bitcoin hovered near US$107,000, not far from its record high of US$109,241 in January.

Still, market experts caution that without a strong catalyst, the current rally may not sustain its upward trajectory. Betting markets like Polymarket place only a 9 percent chance of Bitcoin hitting even US$250,000 this year, underscoring how isolated this US$300,000 wager truly is.

Bitget becomes world’s third top crypto exchange by trading volume

Bitget has officially surged into third place among global crypto exchanges, reporting US$757.6 billion in futures trading volume and US$68.6 billion in spot volume for April of this year.

The Seychelles-based platform has made a name for itself through features like copy trading, which allows users to mimic high-performing traders in real time. Bitget’s April performance stood out despite a broader market correction, expanding its market share to 7.2 percent and pushing its user base above 120 million. The exchange’s rise signals increasing demand for advanced crypto trading products beyond the traditional buy-and-hold strategy.

CME’s XRP futures launch with US$19 million volume

XRP joined the roster of cryptocurrencies traded on CME Group’s (NASDAQ:CME) derivatives exchange as the firm launched futures contracts that pulled in over US$19 million in notional volume on Sunday (May 18).

The first day’s tally easily eclipsed Solana’s March debut of US$12.3 million, putting XRP alongside BTC, ETH and SOL in CME’s crypto futures lineup. Offered in both micro (2,500 XRP) and standard (50,000 XRP) sizes, the cash-settled contracts allow investors to speculate on XRP’s price without owning the token.

The timing is noteworthy, as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continues to drag its feet on pending exchange-traded fund applications for XRP and SOL, leaving futures as the most viable institutional gateway.

XRP futures could see broader uptake if regulatory clarity around token classification progresses. The SEC’s recent legal moves against other issuers may also increase demand for regulated products like these.

Crypto.com and Kraken secure MiFID licenses for European expansion

Crypto.com and Kraken have both secured Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) licenses to offer crypto derivatives in Europe. Crypto.com secured its license through the acquisition of A.N. Allnew Investments, a Cyprus-based financial firm. Kraken acquired an unnamed Cypriot investment firm to gain its MiFID license.

A MiFID license allows entities to offer crypto derivatives in the EU. Platforms must meet strict regulations, enabling them to provide complex crypto financial products to more European investors under harmonized EU rules.

The moves underscore the increasing maturity of the cryptocurrency market and the proactive steps exchanges are taking to operate within established legal and financial frameworks in key global jurisdictions.

SEC accuses Unicoin of US$100 million fraud

The SEC has charged crypto firm Unicoin and four top executives with running what it calls a US$100 million securities fraud scheme, alleging the company lied about its assets and sales performance.

According to the complaint, Unicoin misled investors by falsely claiming to own prime real estate in locations like Thailand and Argentina, inflating the value of these assets by over US$1 billion. The company also allegedly exaggerated the sales of its ‘rights certificates,’ stating it had raised US$3 billion when the real figure was just US$110 million.

The SEC is seeking disgorgement and civil penalties, and notes that Unicoin rejected a prior attempt to settle the matter.

CEO Alexander Konanykhin told investors last month that the company had “declined to show up” for an SEC settlement meeting, labeling it an “ultimatum.”

Robinhood proposes tokenized RWA framework

Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD) has proposed a 42 page framework to the SEC for national regulation of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), as reported by Forbes on Tuesday.

The proposal also outlines the creation of the Real World Asset Exchange (RRE), a trading platform that would offer off-chain trade matching and on-chain settlement. To ensure efficiency, transparency and global compliance, the RRE would integrate KYC and AML tools through partnerships with Jumio and Chainalysis.

A central aspect of Robinhood’s proposal is the concept of token-asset equivalence. This would classify tokens representing assets like US Treasury bonds as the underlying asset itself, rather than a derivative.

This approach aims to enable institutions and broker-dealers to manage tokenized RWAs within the current regulatory structure, potentially simplifying custody, trading and settlement procedures.

New Bitcoin accumulation metric

As enterprises continue to build BTC holdings, a new analytical metric, days to cover mNAV, is being used to estimate how long it would take a company to acquire enough BTC to match its market capitalization.

The calculation uses the company’s current multiple of net asset value (mNAV) and its daily BTC yield, incorporating compounding to provide a forward-looking, growth-adjusted valuation.

The formula is: Days to Cover = ln(mNAV) / ln(1 + BTC Yield)

Data from significant Bitcoin-acquiring companies like Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), Metaplanet (TSE:3350,OTCQX:MTPLF) and Semler Scientific (NASDAQ:SMLR) between October 2024 and May 2025 indicates an increasingly efficient market that facilitates Bitcoin accumulation for large entities.

The formula was proposed by Adam Back on May 9, and gained traction after being reposted by X user @ActuallyClimber on May 14. CoinDesk reported on its increasing adoption within crypto circles on Wednesday.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Blue Sky Uranium Schedules Start of Drill Program for Ivana Uranium-Vanadium Project

Investing 6 Mins Read

TSX Venture Exchange: BSK
Frankfurt Stock Exchange: MAL2
OTCQB Venture Market (OTC): BKUCF

Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSX-V: BSK) (FSE: MAL2) (OTC: BKUCF), (‘Blue Sky’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has secured drill contractors and scheduled a start date of June 1 st 2025 for the previously announced drill programs to advance the Ivana Uranium-Vanadium Project (the ‘ Project ‘).  As reported on May 14, 2025 Blue Sky’s joint-venture operating company Ivana Minerales S.A., (‘ JVCO ‘, a partnership with Abatare Spain, S.L.U.) has planned a two-phase drilling campaign. The first phase will focus on infill drilling at the Ivana deposit, while the subsequent second phase will test satellite targets.  The entire campaign is expected to last approximately five months.

Nikolaos Cacos , President & CEO of the Company stated, ‘Our JVCO team has procured agreements with very capable operators that will enable us to advance Ivana quickly and efficiently. We look forward to seeing the drills turning again as we move our pre-feasibility work forward.’

The infill drilling campaign has been awarded to Patagonia Drilling, which will mobilize two reverse circulation (‘ RC ‘) drill rigs in stages to complete the program. This program aims to achieve better definition of the known mineralized bodies and assess the potential extension of zones where mineralization remains open, particularly in the areas of greatest interest as outlined in the most recent Preliminary Economic Assessment . Patagonia Drilling is a well-established company with extensive experience in mineral exploration across Argentina and successfully conducted the most recent drilling campaign at the Project.

The second campaign, scheduled to begin immediately after the first, has been awarded to AGV Falcon Drilling. This phase will employ both RC and diamond drilling methods. AGV Falcon Drilling is a reputable company with a strong presence in Argentina and significant experience in supporting domestic mineral exploration. The objective of this campaign is to further delineate mineralization previously identified in satellite areas surrounding the Ivana Project, many of which have returned encouraging results from earlier drilling and require more detailed definition.

Qualified Persons

The technical contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Mr. Ariel Testi , CPG, who works for the Company and is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

About Ivana Minerales S.A.

Ivana Minerales S.A. is the operating company for the joint-venture between Blue Sky and its partner Abatare Spain, S.L.U. (‘ COAM ‘) to advance the Ivana Uranium-Vanadium deposit in Rio Negro Province of Argentina . The activities of JVCO are subject to the earn-in transaction (the ‘ Agreement ‘) in which COAM will fund cumulative expenditures of US$35 million to acquire a 49.9% indirect equity interest in the Ivana deposit, and then has the further right to earn up to an 80% equity interest in JVCO by completion of a feasibility study and funding the costs and expenditures up to US$160,000,000 to develop and construct the project to commercial production, subject to the terms and conditions in the Agreement. For additional details, please refer to the News Release dated February 27, 2025 , as well as the Company’s latest Financial Statements and MD&A available at blueskyuranium.com .

About Blue Sky Uranium Corp.

Blue Sky Uranium Corp. is a leader in uranium discovery in Argentina . The Company’s objective is to deliver exceptional returns to shareholders by rapidly advancing a portfolio of surficial uranium deposits into low-cost producers, while respecting the environment, the communities, and the cultures in all the areas in which we work. Blue Sky has the exclusive right to properties in two provinces in Argentina . The Company’s Amarillo Grande Project was an in-house discovery of a new district that has the potential to be both a leading domestic supplier of uranium to the growing Argentine market and a new international market supplier. Blue Sky is advancing its flagship Ivana Uranium-Vanadium Deposit through a joint venture with subsidiaries of Corporación América Group. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

‘Nikolaos Cacos’
______________________________________
Nikolaos Cacos , President, CEO and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, the ‘forward-looking statements’) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘anticipate’, ‘will’, ‘estimates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’ ‘expects’ and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements that, other than statements of historical fact, address activities, events or developments the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements about the Company’s planned drilling campaign at the Ivana deposit. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: uncertainty relating to mineral resources; risks related to heavy metal and transition metal price fluctuations, particularly uranium and vanadium; ri   sks relating to the dependence of the Company on key management personnel and outside parties;   the potential impact of global pandemics; risks and uncertainties related to governmental regulation and the ability to obtain, amend, or maintain licenses, permits, or surface rights; risks associated with technical difficulties in connection with mining activities; and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations, including in respect of the Company’s planned drilling program described in this news release. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company’s public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blue-sky-uranium-schedules-start-of-drill-program-for-ivana-uranium-vanadium-project-302462911.html

SOURCE Blue Sky Uranium Corp.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2025/22/c8921.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins NBA MVP award

Sport 3 Mins Read

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder superstar guard who led his team to the NBA’s best record, was named the league’s most valuable player during Wednesday’s ‘NBA on TNT Pregame Show.’

Gilgeous-Alexander, 26, is the third Thunder player to win the MVP. Kevin Durant took home the honors in 2014 and Russell Westbrook won it in 2017.

It’s the seventh consecutive season a foreign-born player has won the award, as Gilgeous-Alexander is a native of Canada.

ESPN first reported the news.

Led by Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder won 68 regular-season games, including going 29-1 against the Eastern Conference, winning games by an average of 12.9 points per game and outscoring their opponents by 1,055 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander also won his first scoring title, averaging 32.1 points per game, including a streak where he scored 20 or more points in 72 consecutive games. He also averaged five rebounds and a career-high 6.4 assists, and his value was not only on the offensive end but defensively as well, as Oklahoma City was first in defensive rating and third in offensive rating.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished ahead of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, who won the award last season. Jokic averaged 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game, finishing in the top three in each category, while leading the league in performance efficiency rating. Jokic recorded an NBA-high 34 triple-doubles this season and is the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, joining Oscar Robertson and Westbrook.

Gilgeous-Alexander received 71 first-place votes (worth 10 points) and 29 second-place votes (worth seven points) to win the award with 913 points. Jokic received the other 29 first-place votes and 71 second-place votes to finish with 787 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished in third (470 points), marking the seventh consecutive year he’s finished in the top four. Jayson Tatum placed fourth (311 points) and Donovan Mitchell rounded out the top five (74 points).

A two-time first-team All-NBA performer, Gilgeous-Alexander is eligible to sign a four-year, $293 million supermax extension this summer. He made $35.8 million this year, and is scheduled to take home $38.3 million and $40.8 million in the final two years of his current contract, which he signed in 2021.

NBA MVP voting

Check out the full voting totals below:

Watch: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins MVP

See the moment Gilgeous-Alexander was officially named the 2024-25 NBA MVP, and what he said:

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

(This story has been updated with new information).

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Softball tournament super regional breakdown as teams fight for WCWS spots

Sport 4 Mins Read

The round of 16 has arrived in the NCAA softball tournament. The remaining teams are set to square off in eight super regional series, with the winners earning a ticket to the sport’s showcase event, the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.

Two of the eight best-of-three matchups, hosted by fifth-seeded Florida State and No. 6 Texas, will get started Thursday night, with the rest starting on Friday. All could be wrapped up as early as Saturday, but the odds are there will be at least one series that will require a decisive third contest.

Here’s a breakdown of the matchups and the schedule with TV channels for each series (all times eastern).

No. 16 Oregon vs. Liberty

Liberty made the biggest splash of the regionals by eliminating top overall seed Texas A&M. Outfielder Rachel Roupe provides much of the pop from the plate with 23 homers and 73 RBI. Oregon’s Lyndsey Grein has a 28-2 record with a 2.15 ERA.

Friday, May 23

Game 1, 10 p.m., ESPNU

Saturday, May 24

Game 2, 7 p.m., ESPN or ESPN2

Sunday, May 25

Game 3, if necessary.

No. 2 Oklahoma vs. No. 15 Alabama

This Sooners team might not be quite as dominant as some of its recent championship squads, but it finds ways to win more often than not. It usually starts in the circle with Sam Landry, who is 22-4 with an ERA of 2.00. The sparkplug for the Crimson Tide is freshman sensation Audrey Vandagriff, who bats .406 and has swiped 50 bases.

Friday, May 23

Game 1, 5 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, May 24

Game 2, 3 p.m., ESPN

Sunday, May 25

Game 3, if necessary.

No. 3 Florida vs. Georgia

The Bulldogs had to go on the road for their regional but overcame Duke in extra innings in an elimination game to earn this date with the archrival Gators. Florida’s Taylor Shumaker (.387, 21 HR, 83 RBI) was named national freshman of the year by Softball America.

Friday, May 23

Game 1, 11 a.m., ESPN2

Saturday, May 24

Game 2, 11 a.m. ET, ESPN

Sunday, May 25

Game 3, if necessary.

No. 4 Arkansas vs. Mississippi

Arkansas overcame an early challenge by Oklahoma State but powered through the remainder of its regional. The catalyst for the Razorbacks is Bri Ellis (.457, 26 HR, 72 RBI), who already has single-season school records in the latter two categories. Ole Miss, however, took two of three from the Razorbacks in Oxford back in March.

Friday, May 23

Game 1, 8 p.m., ESPNU

Saturday, May 24

Game 2, 9 p.m., ESPN or ESPN2

Sunday, May 25

Game 3, if necessary.

No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 12 Texas Tech

The Seminoles and Red Raiders take the field first this weekend. FSU shortstop Isa Torres is a textbook leadoff hitter with a .448 batting average and 70 runs scored. But she and the ‘Noles will be up against one of the nation’s most dominant pitchers in Red Raiders junior NiJaree Canady, who has struck out 272 over 191 innings.

Thursday, May 22

Game 1, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Friday, May 23

Game 2, 3 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, May 24

Game 3, 7 p.m., if necessary.

No. 6 Texas vs. No. 11 Clemson

National runners-up in Oklahoma City a year ago, the Longhorns look to take the next step on their redemption tour. If they do it, it will likely be battery mates Teagan Kavan and Reese Atwood setting the tone. The Tigers feature ACC pitcher of the year Reese Basinger and do-everything freshman Macey Cintron.

Thursday, May 22

Game 1, 9 p.m., ESPN2

Friday, May 23

Game 2, 9 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, May 24

Game 3, 9 p.m., if necessary.

No. 10 Tennessee vs. Nebraska

The star power in this series makes it arguably the most compelling of the weekend. In this corner, the Volunteers have the nation’s ERA leader in Karlyn Pickens with a minuscule 0.90 average through 186.1 innings pitched. The Cornhuskers, meanwhile, have two-way standout Jordyn Bahl, who can take over a game with her arm and her bat.

Friday, May 23

Game 1, 7 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, May 24

Game 2, 5 p.m., ESPN

Sunday, May 25

Game 3, if necessary.

No. 8 South Carolina vs. No. 9 UCLA

The overall strength of the SEC likely helped the Gamecocks’ case for hosting privileges for this series that could certainly go either way. Jori Heard and the rest of the South Carolina pitching staff will have their hands full with the Bruins’ one-two power punch of Megan Grant (25 HRs) and Jordan Woolery (22).

Friday, May 23

Game 1, 1 p.m., ESPN2

Saturday, May 24

Game 2, 1 p.m., ESPN

Sunday, May 25

Game 3, if necessary.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Stars have stunning turnaround in Game 1 win vs. Oilers: Highlights

Sport 9 Mins Read

Dallas Stars coach Peter DeBoer noted before Game 1 that during last year’s Western Conference finals, his team went 0-for-14 on the power play against the Edmonton Oilers.

It looked like that was going to be a problem again Wednesday after not much was going on with the man advantage in the first 1½ opportunities.

But the Stars had 58 seconds remaining on a carry-over power play heading into the third period. Miro Heiskanen scored and Dallas turned it on, scoring five unanswered goals (three on the power play) in the period for a 6-3 victory and another come-from-behind win.

“I’m happy for our power play,” DeBoer said. “It took a lot of heat last year at this point of the year. It was a difference tonight for us.”

The turnaround was stunning, considering that Edmonton led 3-1 going into the final period and was dominating play. The Stars were unable to contain Leon Draisaitl (three points) or the speed of Connor McDavid (two points) in the first two periods.

Mikael Granlund and Matt Duchene followed Heiskanen with power-play goals and Tyler Seguin scored his second goal of the game before Esa Lindell added an empty-netter.

“We have a lot of belief in us,” Seguin said. “We never really think we’re fully out of a game.”

Duchene, snake-bitten in the playoffs after a 30-goal regular season, hit teammate Roope Hintz with a shot on a wide-open net before picking up the rebound and getting his first goal of the postseason.

“That one bounced for me for tonight,” Duchene said. “Hopefully, there’s more of that to come and less of hitting my own teammate.”

Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, coming off back-to-back shutouts, gave up five goals on 27 shots.

‘They’re competing to get goals, get guys around the net and make my life a lot harder,’ he said. ‘I just got to fight through that. I’ve got to battle them as much as battling for sight of the puck.’

The Stars won Game 1 for a second consecutive series after having lost their previous eight.

USA TODAY provided live updates from Game 1. Highlights:

Stars vs. Oilers highlights

Game recap

Stars-Oilers final score: Stars 6, Oilers 3

Stunning turnaround after the Stars trailed 3-1 heading into the third period. Their power play came to life and they scored five unanswered goals for a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference final.

Stars-Oilers score: Stars pile on

Esa Lindell scores into an empty net. Five unanswered goals. Stars 6, Oilers 3

Stars-Oilers score: Tyler Seguin scores again

Seguin deflects in a Sam Steel backhander. Stars 5, Oilers 3

Oilers go on power play

Lian Bichsel is called for hooking. Edmonton already has a power-play goal in the game. But not this time. Dallas kills the penalty, allowing only one shot.

Stars-Oilers score: Dallas strikes again on power play

That’s three consecutive power-play goals for Dallas and three goals in less than six minutes. Matt Duchene gets his first of the playoffs (after 30 in the regular season). Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen (20 point of the playoffs) get the assists. Stars 4, Oilers 3

Stars back on power play

Evander Kane is called for high-sticking.

Stars-Oilers score: Mikael Granlund ties it up

A second power-play goal for the Stars this period. Granlund rips a shot from the faceoff circle into the net. Officials initially waved it off but it went off the back bar, not the crossbar. Stars 3, Oilers 3

Stars go on power play

Corey Perry is called for high-sticking.

Stars-Oilers score: Miro Heiskanen scores on power play

Heiskanen scores from the point at 32 seconds as Mason Marchment screens Stuart Skinner. The power-play goal is a good sign for the Stars, who didn’t get one in the 2024 conference finals. Oilers 3, Stars 2

Third period underway

Stars start off the period with an abbreviated power play.

End of second period: Oilers 3, Stars 1

The Oilers once again are the more dangerous team, and they score twice on goals by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard. The Stars can’t handle Connor McDavid’s speed as he enters the zone. He has two points, Leon Draisaitl has three and Nugent-Hopkins has two. Dallas forwards Matt Duchene, Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson are minus-2 each. Stars coach Peter DeBoer is juggling his lines a little with Dallas unable to mount much of an attack.

Stars go on power play

Brett Kulak’s second penalty of the game. Not much going on again, but 58 seconds will carry into the third period.

Oilers go on power play

Thomas Harley off for interference. The Oilers scored on their first opportunity, but Dallas kills this one.

Stars-Oilers score: Evan Bouchard adds to Edmonton lead

Evan Bouchard takes a pass, skates to the left faceoff circle and beats Jake Oettinger at 7:48. Leon Draisaitl picks up his third point of the game and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins his second. Oilers 3, Stars 1

Stars-Oilers score: Edmonton connects on power play

A Connor McDavid centering pass deflects off a Stars defender to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who scores to give Edmonton the lead at 6:08. Oilers 2, Stars 1

Oilers go on power play

Mason Marchment trips Zach Hyman. Oilers had four power-play goals in the 2024 conference final.

Second period underway

Game tied at one.

End of first period: Stars 1, Oilers 1

The Oilers have the more dangerous chances in that period. Connor McDavid is flying. Leon Draisaitl factors in both goal. He keeps the puck alive in the Dallas zone before scoring the opening goal. But he gives up the puck, leading to a Tyler Seguin tying goal on a breakaway. Shots are 12-9 Oilers and hits are even at 12.

Stars-Oilers score: Tyler Seguin ties it up

Seguin grabs the puck after a Leon Draisaitl giveaway and beats Stuart Skinner on a breakaway at 15:22. That ends Seguin’s 10-game goal drought and is the first goal allowed by Skinner since Game 3 of the second round.

Stars-Oilers score: Leon Draisaitl goal lifts Edmonton

The Oilers always put Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl out after the team kills a penalty, and they connect for the opening goal. Draisaitl’s shot beats Jake Oettinger to the far side at 10:19. Oilers 1, Stars 0

Stars go on power play

Brett Kulak is called for hooking. Stars power play is clicking at 30.8%. Dallas didn’t get a power-play goal in his last year’s series against the Oilers. Edmonton kills it off. No shot attempts for Dallas.

Edmonton Oilers chance

Connor McDavid uses his speed to get around the Stars defense but is stopped by Jake Oettinger. The Stars goalie stops Zach Hyman’s rebound.

Game underway

Second year in a row these teams are meeting in the conference finals. Dallas going 12 forwards, six defensemen after going recently with 11 and 7.

Starting lines

Strength vs. strength. Edmonton starting the Connor McDavid line. Dallas countering with the Mikko Rantanen line.

What time is Stars vs. Oilers NHL playoff game?

Game 1 of the NHL’s Western Conference finals between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers begins Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

How to watch Stars vs. Oilers NHL playoff game: TV, stream

  • Time: 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. local
  • Location: American Airlines Center (Dallas)
  • TV: ESPN
  • Stream: ESPN+, Fubo

Watch Game 1 of the Stars-Oilers series on Fubo

Dallas Stars lineup

Edmonton Oilers lineup

Connor Brown taking warmups

Brown, a game-time decision, is listed as playing on the NHL roster report.

Goaltending matchup

Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner (2-3, 3.05 goals-against average, .884 save percentage) has back-to-back shutouts. Dallas’ Jake Oettinger (8-5, 2.47, .919) has won six consecutive home games.

Stars seek better power-play numbers this year

A big factor in the Oilers’ win in the 2024 Western Conference finals: Edmonton went 14-for-14 on the penalty kill vs. Dallas. The Stars, though, enter this year’s series with the top playoff power play (30.8%) among the four conference finals teams. Roope Hintz leads the way with three power-play goals. Mikko Rantanen, who was acquired at the trade deadline, and Thomas Harley are tied with six points on the power play.

Stars still deciding defense/forward split vs. Oilers

Coach Peter DeBoer said Wednesday morning he hadn’t decided whether he’ll stick with seven defensemen and 11 forwards in games against the Oilers. He did that in the last round when Miro Heiskanen returned from injury, so the defenseman didn’t have to play big minutes right away. Forward Mikko Rantanen got double-shifted.

Oilers’ Connor Brown is game-time decision

Oilers forward Connor Brown is a game-time decision, coach Kris Knoblauch said.

If Brown (undisclosed injury) can’t go, Viktor Arvidsson would get into Game 1 after missing the past two games.

“I have no hesitation to have him in the lineup,” Knoblauch said of Arvidsson.

Western Conference finals predictions

Predictions from USA TODAY staffers:

Jason Anderson: Stars in 6. Both teams have players lighting it up on the offensive end in the postseason. Mikko Rantanen has 19 points for Dallas, while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for 25 assists. It’s at the other end where each team has had issues, with Edmonton’s goalies combining for a .886 save percentage. The Stars have given up a whopping 408 shots in the playoffs, but Jake Oettinger has been up to the challenge, leading the league in some key underlying metrics for goaltenders. Expect plenty of goals in this series, but ultimately Dallas moves on.

Mike Brehm: Stars in 7. The Oilers are deeper than they were last season, but so are the Stars, with the additions of forwards Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund. Defenseman Thomas Harley took a big jump when Miro Heiskanen was hurt, and now Heiskanen is back. This series will go the distance because Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm will return at some point. The Stars get the edge in the series finale because they’re at home, and coach Peter DeBoer is 9-0 in Game 7.

Jace Evans: Oilers in 6. Seeking to erase last season’s heartbreak, Edmonton has some team of destiny vibes. They looked completely on the ropes against the Kings in the first round only to rally in wild fashion and win six consecutive games after switching to Calvin Pickard in net. After Pickard was injured, Stuart Skinner got his job back and responded with two consecutive shutouts to oust the Golden Knights. You need some magic to win the Stanley Cup. It certainly feels like the Oilers have it. (And having Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl also helps.)

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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Another miracle comeback, a ‘choke’ sign and OT win for Pacers

Sport 4 Mins Read

NEW YORK – Tyrese Haliburton scored 31 points, posted 11 assists and made a game-tying step-back jumper to force overtime, and Aaron Nesmith scored 30 points with eight 3-pointers to key the Pacers’ 138-135 overtime victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Game 2 is Friday in New York (8 p.m. ET, TNT).

Andrew Nembhard scored seven overtime points and finished with 15. Pascal Siakam scored 17 points and center Myles Turner had 14. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 43 points and Karl-Anthony Towns added 35.

Here are three observations:

Andrew Nembhard keys Pacers in overtime

Andrew Nembhard had just eight points on 3-of-6 shooting in regulation and he struggled with foul trouble, but as he tends to do, he stepped up in overtime and helped the Pacers win a game they trailed by 17 points in the fourth quarter.

The Knicks scored the first four points in overtime, but Nembhard hit a 3-pointer and then hit two more buckets, found Obi Toppin for a key dunk in the final minute and deflected the ball off Jalen Brunson with 20 seconds left. He scored seven of the Pacers’ 13 overtime points to make sure their wild comeback in the fourth quarter wasn’t in vain.

Aaron Nesmith 3s, Tyrese Haliburton step-back force OT

The Pacers seemed to be finished when they allowed the Knicks to go on a 14-0 run while Brunson was on the bench with five fouls early in the fourth quarter. They fell behind by as many as 17 points in the fourth, but just as all hope seemed lost, Nesmith went wild from beyond the 3-point arc and willed the Pacers back into it.

The Knicks were up 113-98 with 4:55 to go when Nesmith hit the first of six straight 3-pointers, somehow keeping the Pacers alive with a chance in the final seconds. They were down three with the ball with 13 seconds left when the Knicks’ OG Anunoby fouled Nesmith before he could get off a score-tying 3-pointer. Nesmith made both free throws. Anunoby was fouled on the ensuing possession but made just one of two. The Knicks stopped the Pacers’ initial advance but Haliburton hit a step-back jumper that got an incredible bounce and somehow went in. The Pacers initially thought they had won. However, it was ruled that Haliburton’s foot was on the 3-point line and the shot tied the score rather than winning the game at the buzzer, forcing overtime.

Pacers show no early rust

If there was any question that the eight days the Pacers had between games cost them any rhythm, they answered it in the first 5:30 of the first quarter. They made nine straight shots in that stretch to start the game and 11 of their first 12 field goals, taking a 27-20 lead with 4:45 to go in the first. They cooled some in the period but not much, finishing 14 of 19 from the floor, 3 of 7 from 3 and 3 of 4 at the line in the first period to post 34 points, 1.49 per possession.

The Pacers got no separation in the period as the Knicks scored 36 points, shooting 15 of 23 from the floor and 4 of 6 from 3, for 1.59 points per possession. But the two teams spent much of the rest of Game 1 going shot for shot and the Pacers established out of the gate that time off hadn’t been a problem. After having already won last year’s Second-round series here, they aren’t intimidated by Madison Square Garden.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

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