MILWAUKEE — Third-seeded Iowa State is preparing for its NCAA Tournament opener against No. 14 Lipscomb on Friday, but the Cyclones will have to do so without a key piece of their lineup. The Cyclones (24-9) will be without starting guard Keshon Gilbert, who missed four of Iowa State’s last seven games with a groin injury. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger confirmed that Gilbert will not return this season, regardless of how far the team advances. Gilbert was a third-team All-Big 12 selection and averaged 13.4 points and 4.1 assists per game. However, Iowa State could receive a boost with the expected return of starting guard Tamin Lipsey, who missed the Big 12 Tournament loss to BYU. Curtis Jones, who scored

Maryland enters the NCAA Tournament with a talented young star leading the charge, while Grand Canyon arrives battle-tested and ready for another deep run. The No. 4-seeded Terrapins take on the 13th-seeded Antelopes in the West Region first round Friday in Seattle. Grand Canyon (26-7) secured its third straight NCAA Tournament appearance by winning the WAC Tournament. The Antelopes, led by head coach Bryce Drew, have won 15 of their last 17 games and know what it takes to pull off an upset. Last season, they took down No. 5 Saint Mary’s in the first round before falling to Alabama. Drew, who famously hit a buzzer-beater for Valparaiso in the 1998 NCAA Tournament, understands the importance of experienced players in

Alabama begins its quest for a second consecutive Final Four appearance on Friday when it faces Robert Morris in a first-round matchup in the East Region in Cleveland. The No. 2-seeded Crimson Tide (25-8) enter the tournament following a loss to Florida in the SEC semifinals. However, the team’s biggest concern is the health of star forward Grant Nelson. The 6-foot-11 senior, who averages 11.4 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, is dealing with a left knee injury and remains questionable for Friday. Despite losing three of their past five games, the Crimson Tide still boast the nation’s most potent offense, averaging 91.1 points per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Even if Nelson is unavailable, Alabama will have

The top-seeded Duke Blue Devils begin their NCAA Tournament journey on Friday against 16th-seeded Mount St. Mary’s in Raleigh, N.C., but much of the focus remains on the status of freshman standout Cooper Flagg. Duke (31-3) enters the tournament riding an 11-game winning streak after capturing the ACC Tournament title. However, Flagg, the team’s leader in scoring (18.9 points), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.1), steals (1.5), and blocks (1.2), has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in the ACC quarterfinals. Head coach Jon Scheyer remains optimistic about Flagg’s return but insists the team will take a cautious approach. While Flagg’s availability is in doubt, Duke boasts a deep lineup. Freshman Kon Knueppel, the ACC Tournament MVP, has been a key