For the first time in Sabrina Ionescu’s four-year collegiate career at Oregon, she went to Gill Coliseum on the Oregon State campus and won. There were hugs and tears after the 66-57 victory completed a pivotal weekend sweep. Yet it wasn’t much of a celebration.
Kobe Bryant was not only a force in the NBA, he was a vibrant supporter of women’s basketball at all levels especially as fans of Ionescu. Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were two of nine who died when his helicopter crashed outside Los Angeles en route to a travel basketball game.