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Fenerbahçe'ye Dusan Vlahovic'den düşündüren haber

Fenerbahçe'nin forvet listesinde Juventus'la mukavelesi sezon sonunda bitecek olan Dusan Vlahovic de bulunuyor. Sırp forvetteki tek problem yüksek maaşı değil... 1.90 boyundaki futbolcu, sakatlık sıkıntılarına bir yenisini ekledi.

Juventus, Serie A'da Genoa'yı 2-0 mağlup etti. Bu sezon sakatlık sebebiyle 23 karşılaşmayı kaçıran Dusan Vlahovic, oyuna girmek için ısınırken yine sakatlandı! Ardından soyunma odasına gitti. 26 yaşındaki santrfor, Fenerbahçe'nin yeni golcü adayları arasında bulunuyordu.

22 MİLYON EURO CİVARI

1.90 boyundaki futbolcunun Juventus'la mukavelesi sezon sonunda bitecek. Takımdaki geleceği belirsizliğini koruyor. Vlahovic, İtalyan devinden senelik 22 milyon euro civarında maaş alıyor. Fenerbahçe dışında Milan da onun durumunu takip ediyor. Şu anda Vlahovic'le ilgili büyük sıkıntılar var.

RİSK ALMAK ZORUNDA

Öncelikle Sırp oyuncu, Juventus'ta kazandığından daha az bir para talep etmiyor. Olası transferinde imza parası da isteyecek. Maddi konuların dışında Dusan Vlahovic'in sık sık sakatlanması da kafaları karıştırıyor. Onu kadrosuna katacak ekip, ağır maddi yüklerin dışında sakatlık riskini de üstlenmek zorunda kalacak.

Yabancı sınırı sonrası yeni öneri: 19 yaş altı yerli futbolcu

Türkiye'de yabancı kontenjanıyla ilgili tartışmalar uzun süredir devam ediyor. Kabus gibi bir dönemden geçen İtalyan futbolunda, yeni bir öneri ortaya atıldı.

Juventus Teknik Direktörü Luciano Spalletti, "Udinese-Como karşılaşmasında sahada sadece iki İtalyan oyuncu vardı. Bütün takımlar her maçta bir 19 yaş altı İtalyan oyuncuya forma vermek zorunda olsa, kadrolarda en az dört genç futbolcu bulunur (yedeklerle birlikte)" açıklamasını yaptı.

Luciano Spalletti

GENÇLERİMİZ GELİŞİR

Spalletti ayrıca, "Böylece kendi gençlerimiz gelişir. Ve Serie A'da yetişecek yaklaşık 80 genç İtalyan oyuncu sayesinde ligin seviyesi de yükselir" ifadelerini kullandı. İtalyan futbolu kelimenin tam anlamıyla kabus gibi bir dönemden geçiyor. Milli takım, Dünya Kupası biletini alamadı.

Luciano Spalletti

STADYUMLAR VE ALTYAPI

Ayrıca İtalyan ekipleri, Avrupa'da hüsran yaşadı. Stadyumların ve altyapı tesislerinin durumu da sorgulanıyor. Türkiye'de sürekli değişen yabancı kontenjanı problemlerinin ardından İtalya'da da benzer sıkıntılar kendisini gösterdi. Şu anda önemli isimler, yeniden ayağa kalkmak için bazı projeler üzerinde çalışıyor.

Fenerbahçe'ye sürpriz golcü: Ollie Watkins

Fenerbahçe şu anda birçok forvet için çalışmalarını sürdürüyor. Gündeme son gelen isim; Aston Villa'dan ayrılma kararı alan Ollie Watkins oldu...

Devre arasında elindeki forvetleri gönderen Fenerbahçe'de gerçek yeri santrfor olan tek isim Sidiki Cherif... Sarı-Lacivertliler, ara transferde birçok golcüye gitti ancak istenilen sonuç alınamadı. 2026 yazında kesin olarak forvet takviyesi gerçekleştirilecek...

Ollie Watkins

MUKAVELESİ SÜRÜYOR

Fenerbahçe birçok önemli isim konusunda çalışmalarını sürdürüyor. Gündeme son gelen oyuncunun Ollie Watkins olduğu öğrenildi. 30 yaşındaki İngiliz futbolcu, Aston Villa'dan ayrılmak istiyor. 1.80 boyundaki futbolcunun mukavelesi ise 30 Haziran 2028 tarihine kadar devam ediyor.

Ollie Watkins

PİYASA DEĞERİ 30 MİLYON

Şu anda Fenerbahçe'nin, oyuncunun şartlarını araştırdığı öğrenildi. Ollie Watkins'in tahmini piyasa değeri 30 milyon euro civarında... İngiliz futbolcu bu sezon Premier Lig'de 30 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada 2.306 dakika kaldı. 9 gol ve 1 asist üretti. Ollie Watkins, yurt dışı seçeneklerine ağırlık vermiş durumda. Önümüzdeki süreçte konuyla ilgili sıcak gelişmeler yaşanabilir.

Ollie Watkins

Gençlerbirliği'nde istifa sesleri

Gençlerbirliği'nin Göztepe mağlubiyeti tarihi kulübü karıştırdı. Takımın küme düşme potasına gerilemesi sonrasında camianın önemli ismi İsmail Geliç, başkan Arda Çakmak'ı istifaya davet etti.

Gençlerbirliği'nin Süper Lig'de kalıcı ve büyük hedefleri olması gerektiğini söyleyen İsmail Geliç, gelinen noktada bütün sorumluluğun Arda Çakmak yönetiminde olduğunu belirtti ve şu açıklamayı yaptı:

İsmail Geliç

İsmail Geliç

KAMUOYUNA DUYURU

Göztepe mağlubiyeti sonrası gelinen noktada Arda Çakmak ve yönetimi derhal istifa etmelidir.

2000 delegeyi hukuksuz bir şekilde salona almayarak seçilen Arda Çakmak üst üste aldığı yanlış kararlar, kulübü bugününü ve yarınını kaybetme riskiyle karşı karşıya bırakmıştır.

Kulübe toplamda 400 milyon TL’nin üzerinde bağış yapmış,şampiyonluklar kazandırmış geçmiş üç başkan (Niyazi Akdaş,Osman Sungur,Mehmet Kaya) ve yöneticilere yönelik yalan yanlış açıklamalar ve suç duyuruları; tam da birlik olunması gereken bir dönemde kulübün konsantrasyonunu bozmuştur.

Başkan Arda Çakmak, isim hakkını yalnızca 4 daire karşılığında yok pahasına satarak ve kendi tabiriyle yüzlerce naylon üye yaparak sadece geçmişte söylediklerinin tersini yapmakla kalmamış, aynı zamanda kendisine saygı gösteren ve inanan insanların güvenini de tamamen yitirmiştir.

Unutulmamalıdır ki; yüksek maaşlı oyuncu grubunun büyük bir kısmı iki yıllık kontratlara sahiptir ve bu mali yapının sürdürülebilmesi için Gençlerbirliği’nin Süper Lig’de kalması zorunluluktur.

Takımın iyi sonuçlar aldığı ve küme düşme hattından uzak olduğu bir dönemde, kulübün efsane oyuncusu ve teknik direktörü Metin Diyadin’i hiçbir makul gerekçe olmadan kişisel saiklerle görevden alması, sonrasında kendisiyle çalışmayı reddetmiş bir teknik direktörü tekrar göreve getirmesi,bu sürecin en büyük kırılma noktası olmuştur.

Bugün kulübün önünü açmanın tek yolu bellidir:

Sayın Başkan kurullarıyla birlikte istifa ederek bu yanlış süreci daha fazla derinleştirmeden kendi işine de son vermelidir.

Kamuoyunun bilgisine saygıyla sunulur.

İsmail Geliç

Fenerbahçe'nin ara transfer elması: Matteo Guendouzi

Fenerbahçe'nin devre arasında kadrosuna kattığı Matteo Guendouzi, galibiyetlerde de puan kayıplarında da bireysel anlamda çok iyi iş çıkardı. Kanarya'da son yıllarda ara transferde gelip bu kadar kısa süre içinde büyük katkı yapan fazla isim bulunmuyor.

Fenerbahçe devre arasında Lazio Kulübü'ne 28 milyon euro ödeyerek Guendouzi'yi kadrosuna katmıştı. Bonuslarla birlikte rakam 30 milyona çıkabilir. Oyuncu için ödenen para tartışma konusu olmuştu. Fakat 26 yaşındaki yıldızın performansları, bu tartışmaların sonunu getirdi.

Matteo Guendouzi

HERKESİ ATEŞLEDİ

Fransız futbolcu, ayağının tozuyla TFF Süper Kupa'da Galatasaray ağlarını havalandırmıştı. Süper Lig'de formasını üzerinden hiç çıkarmadı. 11 lig sınavında 984 dakika görev yaptı. 1 gol ve 1 asist üretti. Sahadaki savaşçı kimliğiyle hem takım arkadaşlarını hem de tribünleri ateşledi.

Matteo Guendouzi

SATILMASI SÖZ KONUSU OLAMAZ!

1.85 boyundaki orta saha oyuncusunu şimdiden birçok Avrupa ekibinin takibe aldığı belirtildi. Ancak Fenerbahçe Yönetimi onu kısa vadede satmayı kesinlikle düşünmüyor. Matteo Guendouzi'nin 30 Haziran 2030 tarihine kadar mukavelesi bulunuyor. Fransız futbolcu da İstanbul'da son derece mutlu...

Matteo Guendouzi

Beşiktaş'ın Kristjan Asllani planı değişti

Beşiktaş devre arasında Inter'den satın alma opsiyonuyla birlikte Kristjan Asllani'yi kiralamıştı. 24 yaşındaki futbolcunun kalması planlanıyordu. Ancak son haftalarda ibre tersine dönmüş gibi duruyor.

Beşiktaş ara transfer döneminde Kristjan Asllani'yi kiralık olarak kadrosuna katmıştı. Inter'le yapılan mukavelede Siyah-Beyazlılar'ın 11 milyon euroluk satın alma opsiyonu bulunuyor. Yani bu para, İtalyan ekibine yatırılırsa 24 yaşındaki orta saha oyuncusunun tapusu Kartal'a geçecek.

Kristjan Asllani

TEMASLAR DURDU

Bundan kısa süre önce Arnavut futbolcunun takımda kalması planlanıyordu. Hatta Inter'le 11 milyon euroluk rakamın düşürülmesi konusunda bazı temaslar kurulmuştu. Fakat şu anda temasların durduğu öğrenildi. 1.79 boyundaki futbolcunun son maçlardaki performansı kafaları fena halde karıştırdı.

Kristjan Asllani

DERBİLERDEKİ DURUMU

Kristjan Asllani, Siyah-Beyazlı formayla Süper Lig'de 8 karşılaşmaya çıktı. Sahada toplam 525 dakika kaldı. 1 asisti bulunuyor. Özellikle Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe gibi zorluk derecesi yüksek maçlardaki grafiği, taraftarları memnun etmedi. 1.79 boyundaki futbolcunun, Inter'deki mukavelesi 30 Haziran 2028 tarihinde tamamlanacak. Bugün itibarıyla Beşiktaş kalma ihtimali çok düştü.

 Kristjan Asllani

Sergen Yalçın'ın raporu: Bir forvet daha lazım

Beşiktaş devre arasında Güney Koreli forvet Hyeon-gyu Oh'u kadrosuna katmıştı. Teknik Direktör Sergen Yalçın'ın, yönetimden üst düzey bir forvet talebinde bulunduğu öğrenildi.

Beşiktaş ara transfer döneminde Genk Kulübü'ne 14 milyon euro ödeyerek Hyeon-gyu Oh'u kadrosuna katmıştı. Güney Koreli forvetle 30 Haziran 2029 tarihine kadar mukavele yapıldı. 24 yaşındaki futbolcu, Beşiktaş kariyerine de gollerle girdi. Ancak özellikle büyük maçlardaki performansı, pek de tatmin edici olmadı.

oh

TEK YEDEK MUSTAFA HEKİMOĞLU

Teknik Direktör Sergen Yalçın'ın, yönetimle yaptığı görüşmede önümüzdeki sezon üst düzey bir forvet istediği öğrenildi. Bu sebeple de bir süredir konuyla ilgili çalışmalar sürüyor. Mevcut kadroya baktığımızda Hyeon-gyu Oh dışında asıl yeri santrfor olan tek isim 18 yaşındaki Mustafa Hekimoğlu...

oh

PAUL ONUACHU TARZINDA

Sergen Yalçın'ın özellikle Trabzonsporlu Onuachu tarzında, uzun boylu bir bitirici talep ettiği belirtildi. Onuachu, inanılmaz performansıyla Bordo-Mavililer'i şampiyonluk yarışına soktu. Böyle bir takviyenin ardından Beşiktaş'ın zaman zaman sahaya çift forvetle çıkma şansı da olacak.

oh

“Sabah”ın hücumçusu daha bir oyunu buraxacaq

7 April 2026 at 12:21

“Sabah” Misli Premyer Liqasının XXVI turunda bu gün “Araz-Naxçıvan”ın qonağı olacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “bayquşlar” oyuna bir itki ilə çıxacaq. Hücumçu Pavol Şafranko zədəsini hələ tam sağaltmadığı üçün matçda iştirak etməyəcək. Komandada cəzalı yoxdur.

“Araz-Naxçıvan” – “Sabah” oyununa saat 19:30-da start veriləcək.

“Sabah”  25 turdan sonra 62 xalla liderdir. “Araz-Naxçıvan” isə 39 xalla 6-cı sırada qərarlaşıb.

“Kəpəz”, “Sabah” və “Araz-Naxçıvan” cəzalandı

7 April 2026 at 12:07

AFFA İntizam Komitəsinin iclası keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, toplantıda Əvəzedicilər Liqasının XXII turunun oyunları ilə bağlı aşağıdakı qərarlar qəbul edilib:

“Neftçi-2” – “Kəpəz-2” oyununda “Kəpəz-2” komandasında 6 nəfər sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Kəpəz-2” komandası 70 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

“Sabah-2” – “Zirə-2” oyununda “Sabah-2” komandasının 4 futbolçusu sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Sabah-2” komandası 70 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

“Araz-Naxçıvan-2” – “Turan Tovuz-2” oyununda “Araz-Naxçıvan-2” komandasının 4 futbolçusu sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Araz-Naxçıvan-2” komandası 70 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1).

AFFA “Səbail” və “Mingəçevir”i yüksək məbləğdə cərimələdi

7 April 2026 at 11:55

AFFA İntizam Komitəsinin iclası keçirilib.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, toplantıda I Liqanın XX turunun oyunları ilə bağlı aşağıdakı qərarlar qəbul edilib:

2 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində I Liqada XX turun “Səbail” – “Baku Sportinq” oyununun 65-ci dəqiqəsində “Səbail” komandasının baş məşqçisi Adil Şükürov ikinci sarıdan qırmızı vərəqə aldıqdan sonra hakimləri təhqir etdiyinə görə 4 oyun oyuna buraxılmasın, “Səbail” komandası 3000 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 52.4);

2 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində I Liqada XX turun “Səbail” – “Baku Sportinq” oyununda “Səbail” komandasının azarkeşləri tərəfindən hakimlərin ünvanına kütləvi şəkildə təhqiramiz ifadələr səsləndirildiyinə görə “Səbail” komandası 1500 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 52.5);

3 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində I Liqada XX turun “Mingəçevir” – “Şəfa” oyunu bitdikdən sonra meydançaya kənar şəxslər daxil olduğuna və bu hal cari mövsümdə 2-ci dəfə təkrarlandığına görə “Mingəçevir” komandası 1500 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 86.3);

3 aprel 2026-cı il tarixində I Liqada XX turun “Mingəçevir” – “Şəfa” oyununda “Şəfa” komandasının 5 futbolçusu sarı vərəqə aldığı üçün “Şəfa” komandası 210 manat cərimə edilsin (maddə 43.1);

Millinin məşqçisi: “Görəcəyimiz işlər çoxdur”

7 April 2026 at 11:27

Aprel ayında 4 yoldaşlıq oyunu keçirəcək futzal üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin təlim-məşq toplanışı davam edir.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, komanda dünən də günü 2 məşqlə yekunlaşdırıb. Bu gün axşam saatlarında zala çıxacaq futzalçılarımız sabah – aprelin 8-də Bakı-Tbilisi reysi ilə Gürcüstana yola düşəcək.

Bakıdakı hazırlıqla bağlı baş məşqçi Yevgeni Kukseviç “azfutzal.az”a açıqlama verib:

“Bu cür toplanışları nə qədər çox keçirsək futzalçılarımızın xeyrinə olacaq. Gələcək üçün addımlar atırıq. Hazırda komanda inkişaf prosesindədir. Çalışırıq ki, düşündüklərimizi və etmək istədiklərimizi məşq prosesində tətbiq edək. Üç gün ərzində 5 məşq keçmək planlaşdırılıb. Artıq 4 məşqimizi tamamlamışıq, bu gün isə Bakıda son hazırlıq məşqimizi edəcəyik. Zaldakı məşqlərlə paralel nəzəri çalışmalarımız, videoanalizlərimiz də olur. Yəni toplanış zamanı vaxtdan maksimum yararlanıb, irəliyə doğru addım atmağa çalışırıq. Çünki görəcəyimiz işlər çoxdur”.

Rusiyalı mütəxəssis rəqiblər haqda geniş danışmağa ehtiyac duymayıb:

“Həm Gürcüstan, həm də Qazaxıstan millisi günlü rəqiblərdir. Gürcülər 2 ay əvvəl Avropa çempionatının final mərhələsində iştirak ediblər. Bu komanda son illər ciddi inkişaf mərhələsindən keçir. Qazaxıstan yığması isə reytinq cədvəlinin ilk “4-lüy”ündə qərarlaşıb. Bu komanda dəfələrlə həm Avropa, həm də dünya çempionatının final mərhələsində iştirak edib, eyni zamanda mükafatlar qazanıb. Bu da rəqibimizin güclü olmasından xəbər verir. Oyunlarına  baxmışıq, necə oynadıqlarını bilirik. Belə qarşılaşmalar bizim üçün həm təcrübə qazanmaq, həm də payızda keçirəcəyimiz rəsm görüşlərə daha yaxşı hazırlaşmaq baxımından çox əhəmiyyətlidir”.

Çalışdırıcı bir həftə ərzində 4 oyun keçirməyin ağır olmasına rəğmən, faydalı olacağını qabardıb:

“FİFA-nın yoldaşlıq oyunları üçün nəzərdə tutduğu günlərdən maksimum istifadə etməyə çalışdıq. Oyunların ardıcıllığı belə formalaşdı. Çətin də olsa, ümumiyyətlə oynamamaqdansa, meydanda olmaq daha yaxşıdır. Bir daha qeyd edirəm, komandanın inkişafını və verilən tapşırıqların nə dərəcədə mənimsənildiyini yoxlamaq üçün, çətinliyə baxmayaraq mübarizə aparmalıyıq. Bu cür görüşlərdə nəticədən çox, meydanda görəcəyimiz işlər maraqlıdır. Oyunların çoxluğunu və ağırlığını nəzərə alaraq düşərgəyə 17 futzalçı dəvət etmişik”.

Qeyd edək ki, Azərbaycan millisi aprelin 9-da və 11-də Tbilisidə Gürcüstan, ayın 13-də və 15-də isə Aktauda Qazaxıstan yığması ilə qarşılaşacaq.

“Neftçi”nin sıçrayışı

7 April 2026 at 11:20

“Neftçi” Misli Premyer Liqasında ardıcıl üçüncü qələbəsini qazanıb. Yuri Vernidubun rəhbərlik etdiyi kollektiv son olaraq Sumqayıtda yerli komandaya qalib gəlib – 3:1.

“Ağ-qaralar” yüksəlişdədir. Vernidubun gəlişindən sonra oyun planında artıran bakılılar son üç oyunda 12 qol vurub. “İmişli”ni 6 qolla məğlub edən “Neftçi” “Sumqayıt” və “Qəbələ”yə də eyni hesabla qalib gəlib – 3:1.

Xallarını artıran paytaxt klubu turnir cədvəlində beşinci sıraya yüksəlib. Komanda “Zirə”dən iki xal geri qalır. Üçüncü “Turan Tovuz”la xal fərqi isə 8-dir.

Sıralanan qələbələrlə avrokubok iştahası artan “Neftçi” üçün bu ay həlledici olacaq. Əsas rəqiblər, “Araz-Naxçıvan” və “Zirə” ilə oyunlar, ardıcıl “Qarabağ”la iki duel komandanın mühüm sınaqlarıdır. Vernidub özü də bu qrafiklə “ağ-qaralar”ın nəyə qadir olduğunu görmək üçün yaxşı fürsət yarandığını bildirib.

Bu mövsüm avrokuboklara vəsiqə qazanılmasa belə, Vernidub “Neftçi” üçün doğru seçim olduğunu sübut edib. Həm nəticələr, həm də komandanın sərgilədiyi oyun bunun bariz sübutudur. İlin əvvəlində gözləntiləri qarşılaya bilməyən Bassala Sambu, İmad Faraj, Fredi Varqas kimi adlar artıq komandanın əsas silahlarına çevrilib. “Pafos”la razılaşan Murad Məmmədov da hər oyunda öz keyfiyyətini nümayiş etdirməkdədir. İqor Ribeyro və Elvin Bədəlov tandemi müdafiənin mərkəzində inamlı çıxışı ilə seçilib. Qapıçı Kenan Piriçin də kritik seyvlərini xüsusi qeyd etmək lazımdır.

Heyətin özəyi qorunsa və yeni mövsüm üçün bəzi mövqelərdə güc artırılsa, “Neftçi” çoxdandır arzuladığı çempionluq yarışının əsas adlarından birinə çevrilə bilər. Düzdür, indiki məqamda iddialı danışmaq tezdir, lakin gedişatın göstərdiyi məhz budur. “Neftçi”nin nə göstərəcəyini isə zamanla məlum olacaq.

Şahin Cəfərov

Oskar karyerasını başa vurdu

7 April 2026 at 12:45
Braziliya millisinin sabiq futbolçusu Oskar karyerasını başa vurub. Msport.az xəbər verir ki, yarımmüdafiəçi ürəyindəki problem səbəbindən peşəkar idmanla vidalaşdığını sosial […]

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Roma talent emerges as future midfield option for Italy

7 April 2026 at 12:39

Nicolò Pisilli’s rise at Roma has earned him a senior call-up for the March World Cup play-off, and with growing excitement around the Azzurri, the 21-year-old is shaping up to be a future regular starter.

The Roma midfielder made his Azzurri debut in October 2024 under Luciano Spalletti, but to date, that remains his only senior international appearance.

The adrenaline of an international match further boosts the experience of playing Rocketplay online, bringing on an added sense of excitement that mirrors the intensity and passion seen on the pitch.

Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini could do anything but smile when he learned that Pisilli had earned a call-up to the senior Azzurri team for the crucial World Cup play-off.

Both Pisilli and Cagliari’s Marco Palestra were promoted to Italy’s first team, a source of pride for the Azzurrini.

“It is a success for us that they have been promoted to the senior squad, because it means we contributed to their growth process,” Baldini said.

“I spoke to Gattuso and Gigi Buffon over the last few days; they are accustomed to this kind of stress, having played in the biggest tournaments. They know there is a big responsibility on their shoulders, but we are all behind them, and I don’t think there’s anyone better with which to achieve qualification.”

Pisilli impressed with the Azzurrini, scoring five times in 19 appearances.

His performances at a club level have been just as good this season as the Roma academy product has scored three goals and provided two assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

The 21-year-old is also lucky enough to train with some of his role models while on international duty with Italy.

ROME, ITALY - JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“I think of Barella, Tonali, when he exploded with Milan, I always watched them on TV. It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to learn from them now,” he said last week.

“We’re a very strong group. Everyone here is really strong; they wouldn’t be here.

“There has to be a balance. We need the calmness of a squad that knows that with 100% commitment, they can achieve the goal, but also with the awareness that something really important is at stake.”

ROME, ITALY - JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates with his teammate Kostas Tsimikas after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: Niccolo Pisilli of AS Roma celebrates with his teammate Kostas Tsimikas after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

A complete central midfielder, Pisilli can operate in many areas in the middle of the park, from holding midfielder to box-to-box or even No.10.

Given his role models, Tonali and Barella, Pisilli will be looking to emulate the Azzurri stars and become a midfielder who can make an impact at both ends, and in just a few years, he might be playing alongside them in the Italy midfield.

Roma coach Gasperini under scrutiny, contract talks with five players put on hold

7 April 2026 at 12:31

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is under scrutiny, while contract talks with five players, including Gianluca Mancini and Bryan Cristante, have been put on hold.

Roma suffered a heavy 5-2 loss away at Inter on Sunday night, dropping to sixth, four points behind fourth-placed Como.

Italian sources, including Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Messaggero, claim that Gasperini’s future at the Stadio Olimpico is uncertain and will depend on results in the final part of the campaign.

Roma’s main target is to qualify for the Champions League this season, but their recent poor form, with three defeats in the last five league matches, has enabled direct rivals Como and Juventus to gain an advantage in the standings.

According to Gazzetta, Gasperini isn’t the only one under scrutiny, as Roma owners are also assessing some of the team’s most experienced players, such as Mancini and Cristante.

Both footballers’ contracts expire in 2027, and according to the report, talks have been put on hold, with the club assessing their transfer strategy for next season.

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: Evan Ndicka with his teammate Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Evan Ndicka with his teammate Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico on February 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Likewise, talks with Paulo Dybala, Zeki Celik and Stephan El Shaarawy are on hold, with the trio potentially heading for a summer exit, as their contracts run out at the end of the season.

According to Gazzetta, there have been initial talks between the Giallorossi and Lorenzo Pellegrini’s entourage, but negotiations are far from advanced.

ROME, ITALY - MARCH 22: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on March 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 22: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on March 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

In the meantime, fans seem to have lost patience, and Gazzetta reports they’ll stage a protest against the team and Gasperini during the next Serie A home match against Pisa.

De Laurentiis admits he’d let Conte become Italy national team coach

7 April 2026 at 12:08

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis admits he’d allow Antonio Conte to become the Italy national team coach and backs Giovanni Malagò to become the new FIGC President: ‘The perfect person.’

Napoli President De Laurentiis admits he’s open to letting Conte leave at the end of the season to become the Italy national team coach.

“If Antonio asked me, I think I’d say yes,” De Laurentiis told reporters (via Gazzetta) in Los Angeles, where the documentary on Napoli’s fourth Scudetto premiered on Monday.

“But given that he [Conte] is very intelligent, until there isn’t a serious interlocutor and, until now, there haven’t been many, he’d resist imagining himself as the chief of something that is entirely disorganised,” ADL added.

Conte has emerged as one of the leading candidates to become the new Italy national team coach.

However, the FIGC won’t hire a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso until the end of June, given that a new President will be elected on June 22.

VERONA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 28: Antonio Conte head coach of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
VERONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 28: Antonio Conte head coach of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on February 28, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina resigned following Italy’s World Cup play-off elimination last week, and so did coach Gattuso.

The Azzurri will play two friendly games in June and will be led by a caretaker coach, likely Silvio Baldini, for those matches.

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 26: Aurelio De Laurentiis, President of SSC Napoli, celebrates the victory of Serie A TIM during the SSC Napoli Trophy Parade on May 26, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 26: Aurelio De Laurentiis, President of SSC Napoli, celebrates the victory of Serie A TIM during the SSC Napoli Trophy Parade on May 26, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

De Laurentiis also confirmed Giovanni Malagò is his favourite candidate to become the new FIGC President.

“He’s the perfect person to first serve as a commissioner and then as the President of a new Federation,” concluded the Napoli owner.

Today’s Papers – Conte keeps title race alive and calls Italy

7 April 2026 at 11:34

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Como pull the brake, Atalanta score three and see Europe

Inter, Conte remains

Chivu goes +7 over Napoli (who eliminate Milan)

Lautaro wakes the Nerazzurri up. The Scudetto is closer. Decisive Politano at the Maradona. Allegri: ‘Title? Now it’s gone.’

Antonio calls the national team: ‘If I were the president, I would consider myself.’

Lady, here you are!

-1 from the Champions. Spalletti: ‘Juve, I don’t understand you.’ Vlahovic injured again.

Corriere dello Sport

Milan beaten too

Antonio wins 1-0 and surpasses Allegri: he’s the only rival of the dominant Inter.

Conte keeps it alive

Scudetto: Napoli are -7 from Lautaro

Fourth consecutive win and second spot. Politano is introduced and decides the game. Seven rounds remaining. On Sunday the Fab4 in Parma and Chivu in Como.

Cesc, Juve incoming

Spalletti knocks Genoa down (2-0): -1 from Como, held at Udine (0-0).

Game closed in 17 minutes: Bremer and McKennie score. Champions League race: Lucio gets closer to Fabregas (fourth) and flies +3 over Roma. Di Gregorio replaces Perin (injured) in the second half and saves a penalty from Martin.

Dan has decided: trust in Gasp, but the team must be rebuilt

Roma must be remade: Friedkin’s order

Benevento celebrate: back to Serie B

Tuttosport

Conte doesn’t let Inter go

Without real strikers, the coach of the Italian champions manages to unlock a dull game: 5th consecutive win and overtaking for the second spot; even if with Lautaro and Calhanoglu’s returns, Chivu seems to have put his hands on the Scudetto.

Juve, Champions jump

-1 from Como with Bremer, McKennie and DiGregorio

Fabregas’ team held in Udine. The Bianconeri crush Genoa with a good first half, but the second half infuriates him: ‘We were walking…’ Perin injured, the former starting goalkeeper flies on the penalty and Martin’s rebound, receiving everyone’s hug. Muscle problem for Vlahovic too.

Yes, D’Aversa is saving Toro and appeals…Juric

Easter in Benevento: Serie B after three years.

 

Sources: Liverpool have held transfer “meeting” with £55m star’s agents

7 April 2026 at 12:21

Liverpool have already had a meeting with the Gestifute agency representing West Ham United central midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Sources with connections to the agents industry have informed me that Liverpool have discussed a potential deal for Fernandes, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.

The 21-year-old has impressed with the Hammers this season and it seems the east Londoners are resigned to the fact that they might have to sell for good enough offers this summer, whether they manage to avoid relegation or not.

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Liverpool in Mateus Fernandes transfer contact

For now, my understanding is that Liverpool have the most advanced interest in Fernandes, having spoken with his representatives to sound out interest over a possible move.

Fernandes is also attracting admiring glances from Arsenal and Manchester City, but there have not been any approaches made by these clubs yet.

“Liverpool have had a meeting with someone from Gestifute,” one source told me. “They’re looking at Mateus Fernandes as a serious option in midfield this summer.”

This comes amid speculation that Alexis Mac Allister could be leaving LFC, but I’ve not had this confirmed at this stage even if Fernandes would make sense as a like-for-like replacement.

Mac Allister’s form has dipped a bit this term, while Fernandes has shown himself to be one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League.

Mateus Fernandes TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
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Read more here about our Transfer Fit rating system

The 21-year-old also shone at previous club Southampton before moving to West Ham once they got relegated, so it makes sense that something similar could happen again this year as he’s surely too good to be playing at this level.

Mateus Fernandes asking price revealed

Sources tell me that West Ham are obviously not keen to sell Fernandes, but they’re realistic about the situation and will probably accept something in the region of £55m for the Portugal international.

I cannot yet confirm what sort of budget Liverpool will be working with this summer, as a lot of that will depend on whether or not they qualify for the Champions League.

Arne Slot’s future could also be key, even if the word for now remains that the Dutch tactician is safe in his position at Anfield.

It’s early days yet and a lot could change, but Fernandes to Liverpool is absolutely going to be one to watch in the weeks and months ahead.

The post Sources: Liverpool have held transfer “meeting” with £55m star’s agents appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Reporter claims Liverpool “still” have option to sign €80m star before this deadline

7 April 2026 at 11:57

Liverpool are reportedly not currently in contact over re-signing Jarrell Quansah, but have a buy-back clause option until the end of May.

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That’s according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, with the reporter claiming the Reds have the option to bring Quansah back for a fee of €80m.

See below, however, as Plettenberg claims Liverpool’s current priority in defence is to sort out a new contract for Ibrahima Konate, who is close to the end of his deal…

?? Liverpool still have the option to activate a buy-back clause for Jarell #Quansah until the end of May, set at €80 million.

So far, however, Leverkusen have received no indication – neither from the player nor from Liverpool. #LFC‘s current focus is on extending Ibrahima… pic.twitter.com/nCYRJ8nsAB

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 7, 2026

Plettenberg posted: “Liverpool still have the option to activate a buy-back clause for Jarell #Quansah until the end of May, set at €80 million. So far, however, Leverkusen have received no indication – neither from the player nor from Liverpool. #LFC‘s current focus is on extending Ibrahima Konaté’s contract.”

Jarrell Quansah transfer return could be a sensible option for Liverpool

Even if Konate does stay, LFC surely need another signing in defence this summer after the dip in form of Virgil van Dijk.

Quansah didn’t really put a foot wrong during his first spell at Anfield, but before he left it was hard for him to get regular playing time.

That would probably be easier for the 23-year-old now, with Liverpool in need of more options and fresh blood for next season after this disappointing campaign.

€80m looks like a lot to pay for Quansah, but it’s probably an option worth considering as there probably won’t be many other easily affordable options out there on the market.

Quansah has improved a lot since his move to Leverkusen and now looks ready to come in and make an impact at Liverpool.

The post Reporter claims Liverpool “still” have option to sign €80m star before this deadline appeared first on CaughtOffside.

One Manchester United official has “concerns” over manager candidate

7 April 2026 at 11:40

Manchester United are likely to be weighing up a number of candidates to become their next manager, with one club official said to be unsure about hiring Michael Carrick for the permanent role.

Carrick is currently interim manager at Old Trafford, and he’s surely done his chances of landing the job no harm after a strong start since replacing Ruben Amorim.

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So far, Carrick’s record as Man Utd interim manager reads as: played 10, won 7, drawn 2, lost 1.

Not everyone’s convinced, however, with a team of five relite reporters posting on X that one United official is unsure about Carrick, even if he’s looking outnumbered at the moment.

Should Michael Carrick get the Manchester United job?

Carrick isn’t the biggest or most experienced name in football management, but that shouldn’t necessarily count against him.

The Red Devils might be tempted to hire a more proven winner, but things didn’t exactly work out that well for them under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal in the past.

Carrick is showing that he can do the job, and perhaps he can follow in the footsteps of other inexperienced managers who started well at big clubs.

That patient approach has worked well for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, whose move to take over at the Emirates Stadium was his first job in management.

It’s also easy to forget that Pep Guardiola was a gamble when he first became Barcelona manager after his only prior experience was with their B team.

Other Manchester United candidates

Some big names like Xabi Alonso and Xavi are currently out of work, which will surely affect United’s thinking, while there’ll also be others leaving their current clubs soon.

Oliver Glasner has confirmed he’ll be leaving Crystal Palace at the end of this season, while Andoni Iraola is also coming towards the end of his contract with Bournemouth.

With the 2026 World Cup coming up, it will also surely be worth keeping an eye on if big names like Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, and Carlo Ancelotti keep their jobs.

The post One Manchester United official has “concerns” over manager candidate appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Why Man United remain “seriously in the race” for potential £120m transfer

7 April 2026 at 11:04

Manchester United are reportedly still very much in the race for the transfer of Nottingham Forest central midfielder Elliot Anderson.

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According to Florian Plettenberg, no club has made contact yet over signing Anderson, and it may even be that Manchester City have other priorities.

See below for Plettenberg’s post on X as he explains that Man Utd still look to be in the race with City, who are currently perhaps more focused on a new contract for Rodri instead…

?? Forest expect Manchester United to remain seriously in the race for Elliot #Anderson. Manchester City have also registered their interest, although their current focus is on extending Rodri’s contract. #MUFC #MCFC

So far, no club has made direct contact with Forest. A fee… pic.twitter.com/uQJCMTY0pg

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 6, 2026

“Forest expect Manchester United to remain seriously in the race for Elliot #Anderson. Manchester City have also registered their interest, although their current focus is on extending Rodri’s contract,” the Sky Germany journalist said.

He added: “So far, no club has made direct contact with Forest. A fee in the region of £100-120 million is still being demanded.”

Elliot Anderson transfer saga hots up

Up until now, there has been a lot of speculation about Anderson’s future, with many outlets suggesting City were the frontrunners for the England international.

That’s what has been reported by BBC Sport, though they did also suggest that United wouldn’t give up on Anderson.

Plettenberg’s post gives the Red Devils hope of landing one of the most exciting midfield players in Europe this season, with Anderson putting in a series of superb displays for club and country and looking like someone who’s bound to shine at the 2026 World Cup.

Who else could sign Elliot Anderson?

Meanwhile, we’ve also received information suggesting that the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea can’t be ruled out as suitors for Anderson either.

Sources told us that Arsenal sensed an opportunity to beat City to the 23-year-old, while Chelsea are looking at him as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez.

We also ranked United’s midfield targets and placed Anderson top.

The post Why Man United remain “seriously in the race” for potential £120m transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

‘Ek point de ditta’: Shreyas Iyer’s sister trolls KKR after washout - Watch

A light-hearted moment off the field grabbed attention even as rain had the final say in the clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens on Monday.



Soon after the match was abandoned, Shresta Iyer, sister of PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, shared a fun Instagram reel that quickly went viral. In the clip, she joked in Punjabi, “Saade Punjabiyan da dil vadda hunda hai, lo de ditta ek point,” playfully suggesting that Punjab had generously “given away” a point after the washout.



On the field, however, it was a frustrating evening for both sides as persistent rain and a wet outfield prevented any further play. The match was halted with KKR struggling at 25/2 in 3.4 overs, and despite multiple inspections and a revised cut-off time, conditions never improved enough for a restart.

The shared point helped Punjab Kings climb to the top of the table with five points from three games, continuing their strong start to the season. In contrast, KKR finally opened their account but remain under pressure with just one point from three matches.

Earlier in the evening, the decision by KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane to bat first appeared to backfire almost immediately. With both frontline spinners unavailable — Sunil Narine due to illness and Varun Chakravarthy nursing an injury — their bowling resources were already stretched.

Punjab’s pace attack made full use of the overcast conditions. Xavier Bartlett struck twice in quick succession, removing Finn Allen and Cameron Green in the same over, leaving KKR in early trouble. Arshdeep Singh had already set the tone with a probing opening over, making life difficult for the batters.

Allen survived a couple of close calls but eventually edged one trying to force the pace, while Green’s lean run continued with another early dismissal. With KKR reeling, Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi began a cautious rebuild before rain interrupted proceedings.

The weather worsened as strong winds and heavy showers lashed the ground, even causing the iconic hanging press box at Eden Gardens to sway. Though there was a brief window when the covers came off and the outfield looked largely intact, puddles near the boundary and lingering moisture meant play could not resume.

After multiple inspections involving the umpires and officials, including Sourav Ganguly, the match was officially called off at 11 pm.

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The abandoned fixture mirrored last season’s encounter between the two sides at the same venue, which was also washed out. For KKR, the concerns continue both with form and availability, while Punjab Kings march on with momentum — and, as Shresta’s viral reel cheekily put it, perhaps a “big-hearted” point.

'An incredible league' - inside WSL 2 promotion race

Wilma Leidhammar celebrates scoring for Birmingham City
Wilma Leidhammar joined Birmingham City in January for a club record fee [Getty Images]

With less than a month to go in the Women's Super League 2 season, four clubs are still fighting for promotion and the title remains up for grabs.

Birmingham City lead the way, above Charlton Athletic only on goal difference, while Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are also in the mix.

Two teams will gain automatic promotion to England's top flight, while the third-placed side will face a play-off against the WSL's bottom club.

Birmingham just missed out on promotion last season to London City Lionesses in a final-day thriller - and are desperate to return to the top division.

"We were one of the founding members of the WSL and now if you look at the investment that's been done, the infrastructure, the ambition... absolutely we should be in WSL," manager Amy Merricks told BBC Sport.

"But we have to earn the right. I think emotion is good. We have real experience under our belts of managing the situation.

"Last season, there's probably moments where we thought we were out of it. We weren't out of it until the last minute of the last day.

"I truly believe in this group, the quality and the ability that we have, and that's why I'm excited."

'Everyone's fighting for everything'

Blues had been playing catch-up for most of this campaign with Charlton leading the way until recent weeks - but Birmingham have won three straight games to lead the Addicks on goal difference with just two fixtures left.

However, it looks set to go down to the wire again given Birmingham travel to Charlton on the final day (2 May, 15:00 BST).

But has missing out last season increased the pressure on Merricks' side?

"External noise is external noise. We're in that position because we did so well last season and we have real ambition," she said.

"If you come to Birmingham, you have to accept that. We look for that ambition in players when we recruit because that's what we're about and the direction we're moving in.

"We're fighting for something and that's where we want to be. We've said there's no limits here. You want to win again and again.

"What that means is WSL football, then the Champions League and then you go again. It should be that in elite sports. You want to be the best, don't you?"

Birmingham have had huge investment in recent seasons with NFL legend Tom Brady becoming a minority owner, while US-based Shelby Companies Limited purchased the women's team in February, with ex-England and Blues star Karen Carney part of several independent investors involved in the deal.

Blues broke their club record transfer in January to sign midfielder Wilma Leidhammar, will complete the building of a new gym at the training ground this month and Merricks says they are "WSL ready".

In contrast, rivals Charlton have one of the lowest budgets in WSL 2 and have relied on shrewd signings, as well as a strong defensive record.

They have conceded the league's fewest goals (17), kept the most clean sheets (eight) and had a 27-game unbeaten run, which ended in March.

Charlton had opened up a nine-point lead, but three defeats in their past four matches means they still have work to do to secure promotion.

"Everyone's fighting for everything. We are certainly fighting as well. You look at all the points, you look how tight it is at the top and at the bottom," manager Karen Hills told BBC Sport.

"It's just an incredible league. If you'd have told me in pre-season this is where we would be at this point in the season I'd have bitten your hand off.

"But these players deserve to be where they are. If we were to be promoted then I believe it's probably one of the greatest achievements in my career."

'We've still got work to do'

Jordan Nobbs celebrates for Newcastle
England midfielder Jordan Nobbs is among the stars to have joined Newcastle [Getty Images]

Three successive draws have seen Newcastle drop off the pace, but they are not mathematically out of the promotion race just yet.

However, it is out of their hands as they need to overturn a five-point deficit to Crystal Palace over the final two games.

Palace were relegated from the WSL in April having only come up in 2024. Two managers departed during their short spell in the top flight.

But the arrival of former Rangers boss Jo Potter in June helped rejuvenate the club and Palace have won five of their past six matches to cement their hold on third - three points behind the top two.

Palace's final two games are against bottom-five sides so the fixture list appears to be in their favour - but Newcastle are building for the future either way.

"The club is ambitious. This league is so competitive. The club knows that and we know where we want to get to, but we have to also do that in a sustainable way," Newcastle boss Tanya Oxtoby told BBC Sport.

"We've still got work to do. I think every team in our position would say that but we have the foundations there to launch and I think that's the most important thing.

"Everything that we're doing is to be WSL ready and that started the moment I walked in the door. We are heading in the right direction for sure."

'We'll be even hungrier next season'

Bristol City conceded a late goal to Durham on Sunday in a 2-2 draw which means they are now out of the promotion race.

But the Robins have had big changes this season, with the takeover of investors Mercury13 and appointment of Charlotte Healy as manager.

Inconsistency has ultimately proven costly on the pitch, but interim chief executive officer Lowri Roberts says a project launched two years ago was created to build towards a WSL return.

Changes include new staff in analysis, medical and physical performance teams, as well as clear recruitment targets and commercial growth at Ashton Gate stadium.

"I feel so proud to be able to show people around [our training ground]. It's an incredible facility and a really special environment," Roberts told BBC Sport.

"I came in to develop a new women's football strategy. It was all around how we bring in new investment to be able to unlock its true potential.

"I think we're now building a staffing structure who are excited about the future, have got a real thirst for development and want to grow in their roles.

"If we have to be patient and wait another season, then we'll be even hungrier and even better set up."

Manager Healy had to get up to speed quickly with 13 new players joining in the summer, as well as additional staff.

"It was a case of trying to build foundations on and off the pitch to enable us to be in a position where we can compete in this league," said Healy.

"If we want to attract the level of player that we want to, then we have to make sure that we can support those players and give them the best opportunity to perform."

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines
[BBC]

Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed

Llandudno set for Cymru Premier return after title

Llandudno players celebrate after securing the JD Cymru Premier title
Llandudno finished third in the Cymru Premier in 2015-16 [FAW]

Llandudno have won the JD Cymru North title and are set for a return to the JD Cymru Premier next season.

Jordan Haddaway's side beat Guilsfield 4-1 on Monday – their 25th league win of the season – to secure the title.

The Seasiders were relegated from the top-flight at the end of the 2018-19 season.

Llandudno, along with second placed Airbus UK Broughton and Holywell Town in third, will this week discover whether they have secured an FAW Tier 1 Licence for next season.

The Football Association of Wales announced in October 2024 that the Cymru Premier would expand to 16 teams for the 2026-28 season.

In the Cymru South, the title race between Trefelin and Cambrian United will go down to the final day of the season.

Lawes 'out of England retirement' and joining Sale

Courtney Lawes standing on the pitch with an England shirt on and his hands on his hips
Former England captain Courtney Lawes has 105 caps for his country [Getty Images]

Former England captain Courtney Lawes says he is "officially unretiring from international duty" after signing for Sale Sharks for the 2026-27 season.

The 37-year-old second row won three Six Nations championships and played in the 2019 World Cup final during a glittering 14-year England career before retiring from internationals after the 2023 tournament.

Lawes spent his club career with Northampton Saints, winning two Prem titles, before joining French side Brive in 2024.

"I'm officially un-retiring from international duty and I'd love to play for England again but first and foremost I want to play well for Sale and we'll see what happens after that," he told Sale's website.

Courtney Lawes lifts the Prem trophy at Twickenham Stadium
Lawes won the 2024 Prem title as Northampton beat Bath at Twickenham in his final appearance for Saints [Getty Images]

Lawes made his debut for Saints in 2007 and earned his first England cap two years later.

He was part of England's Six Nations grand slam-winning squad in 2016 and went on to win the championship twice more in 2017 and 2020.

He also featured in four World Cups as the Red Rose exited in the pools stage of the home tournament in 2015, before going all the way to the final in Japan four years later, where they were beaten by South Africa in Yokohama.

Lawes' final England cap came in the semi-final of the 2023 tournament in Paris when England were again eliminated by the Springboks.

More to follow.

IPL 2026 schedule - fixtures and results

Virat Kohli and his RCB team-mates are photographed lifting the trophy
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending IPL champions [Getty Images]

The full schedule for the 2026 Indian Premier League has been announced.

Teams have been split into two groups based on the number of titles they have won, but the results form one league table.

Group A: Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings.

Group B: Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.

A change has been made for this season to facilitate more high-profile matches. In the past three seasons teams in the same group have played each other twice and teams from the other group once. That's been reversed now so you play teams in your group once and the others twice.

Here's the schedule:

All start times 15:00 BST unless stated

28 March

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Sunrisers Hyderabad

RCB won by six wickets

Report; Scorecard

29 March

Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders

Mumbai Indians won by six wickets

Report; Scorecard

30 March

Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings

Rajasthan Royals won by eight wickets

Report; Scorecard

31 March

Punjab Kings v Gujarat Titans

Punjab Kings won by three wickets

Report; Scorecard

1 April

Lucknow Super Giants v Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals won by six wickets

Report; Scorecard

2 April

Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs

Report; Scorecard

3 April

Chennai Super Kings v Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings won by five wickets

Report; Scorecard

4 April

Delhi Capitals v Mumbai Indians

Capitals won by six wickets

Report;Scorecard

Gujarat Titans v Rajasthan Royals

Royals won by six runs

Report;Scorecard

5 April

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Lucknow Super Giants

Giants won by five wickets

Report;Scorecard

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Chennai Super Kings

RCB won by 43 runs

Report;Scorecard

6 April

Kolkata Knight Riders v Punjab Kings

Match abandoned

Scorecard

7 April

Rajasthan Royals v Mumbai Indians

Scorecard

8 April

Delhi Capitals v Gujarat Titans

Scorecard

9 April

Kolkata Knight Riders v Lucknow Super Giants

Scorecard

10 April

Rajasthan Royals v Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Scorecard

11 April

Punjab Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad (11:00 BST)

Scorecard

Chennai Super Kings v Delhi Capitals

Scorecard

12 April

Lucknow Super Giants v Gujarat Titans (11:00 BST)

Scorecard

Mumbai Indians v Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Scorecard

13 April

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Rajasthan Royals

Scorecard

14 April

Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders

Scorecard

15 April

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Lucknow Super Giants

Scorecard

16 April

Mumbai Indians v Punjab Kings

Scorecard

17 April

Gujarat Titans v Kolkata Knight Riders

Scorecard

18 April

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Delhi Capitals (11:00 BST)

Scorecard

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Chennai Super Kings

Scorecard

19 April

Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals (11:00 BST)

Scorecard

Punjab Kings v Lucknow Super Giants

Scorecard

20 April

Gujarat Titans v Mumbai Indians

Scorecard

21 April

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Capitals

Scorecard

22 April

Lucknow Super Giants v Rajasthan Royals

Scorecard

23 April

Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings

Scorecard

24 April

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Gujarat Titans

Scorecard

25 April

Delhi Capitals v Punjab Kings (11:00 BST)

Scorecard

Rajasthan Royals v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Scorecard

26 April

Gujarat Titans v Chennai Super Kings (11:00 BST)

Scorecard

Lucknow Super Giants v Kolkata Knight Riders

Scorecard

27 April

Delhi Capitals v Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Scorecard

28 April

Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals

Scorecard

29 April

Mumbai Indians v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Scorecard

30 April

Gujarat Titans v Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Scorecard

1 May

Rajasthan Royals v Delhi Capitals

Scorecard

2 May

Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians

Scorecard

3 May

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders (11:00 BST)

Scorecard

Gujarat Titans v Punjab Kings

Scorecard

4 May

Mumbai Indians v Lucknow Super Giants

Scorecard

5 May

Delhi Capital v Chennai Super Kings

Scorecard

6 May

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Punjab Kings

Scorecard

7 May

Lucknow Super Giants v Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Scorecard

8 May

Delhi Capitals v Kolkata Knight Riders

Scorecard

9 May

Rajasthan Royals v Gujarat Titans

Scorecard

10 May

Chennai Super Kings v Lucknow Super Giants

Scorecard

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Mumbai Indians

Scorecard

11 May

Punjab Kings v Delhi Capitals

Scorecard

12 May

Gujarat Titans v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Scorecard

13 May

Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Kolkata Knight Riders

Scorecard

14 May

Punjab Kings v Mumbai Indians

Scorecard

15 May

Lucknow Super Giants v Chennai Super Kings

Scorecard

16 May

Kolkata Knight Riders v Gujarat Titans

Scorecard

17 May

Punjab Kings v Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Scorecard

Delhi Capitals v Rajasthan Royals

Scorecard

18 May

Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Scorecard

19 May

Rajasthan Royals v Lucknow Super Giants

Scorecard

20 May

Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians

Scorecard

21 May

Chennai Super Kings v Gujarat Titans

Scorecard

22 May

Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Scorecard

23 May

Lucknow Super Giants v Punjab Kings

Scorecard

24 May

Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals (11:00 BST)

Scorecard

Kolkata Knight Riders v Delhi Capitals

Scorecard

Play-off schedule

26 May

Qualifier 1: First v second for place in final

27 May

Eliminator: Third v fourth - loser is knocked out

29 May

Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 v Winner of Eliminator

31 May

Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 v winner of Qualifier 2

Borussia Dortmund eye Nick Woltemade as potential Guirassy replacement

Borussia Dortmund eye Nick Woltemade as potential Guirassy replacement
Borussia Dortmund eye Nick Woltemade as potential Guirassy replacement

With recent reports suggesting that Serhou Guirassy is targeting a move away from Borussia Dortmund this summer, the Black and Yellows are on the lookout for potential replacements for the forward.

After TSG Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani was initially mentioned as a target, Bild has now added Nick Woltemade to the list of potential options.

According to the report, BVB are keeping a close eye on the German international, who moved to Newcastle United from VfB Stuttgart for a reported €75 million fee last summer.

The 24-year-old has so far insisted that he is not considering a move away from the Premier League side, but the situation could change in the summer depending on how the remainder of the season unfolds.

Woltemade has been in and out of Newcastle’s line-up recently and has often been deployed in a deeper role than he prefers.

A permanent transfer is considered highly unlikely, with a loan appearing to be the most realistic option.

This season, Woltemade has scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 45 appearances for Newcastle.

Liverpool predicted XI vs Paris Saint-Germain: Reds eye redemption after Manchester City drubbing

Liverpool predicted XI vs Paris Saint-Germain: Reds eye redemption after Manchester City drubbing
Liverpool predicted XI vs Paris Saint-Germain: Reds eye redemption after Manchester City drubbing

Liverpool travel to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain aiming to deliver an immediate response after a disappointing result last time out.

The Reds were dismantled 4-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final and are set to surrender their Premier League crown, leaving Europe as their last realistic route to silverware this season. The pressure on Arne Slot could scarcely be greater, and his squad options are far from ideal.

Alisson Becker remains sidelined, so Giorgi Mamardashvili will continue in goal. The Georgian has deputised for the Brazilian in his absence and will need to be at his best against a PSG attack that dismantled Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate in the previous round.

Jeremie Frimpong is set to return at right-back after being limited to a 30-minute cameo against Manchester City due to a minor knock. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will form the central defensive partnership, with Milos Kerkez continuing at left-back. Van Dijk is one of three Liverpool players who will miss the second leg if cautioned on Wednesday, alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones — a significant disciplinary subplot for Slot to manage.

Alexis Mac Allister is expected to replace Curtis Jones, providing a straightforward upgrade for this calibre of opposition. Ryan Gravenberch should partner him in the double pivot, offering the energy Liverpool need against PSG’s dynamic midfield trio of Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Warren Zaire-Emery.

Mohamed Salah, despite a difficult afternoon that included a missed penalty at the Etihad, is set to retain his place on the right flank. Florian Wirtz, who was also underwhelming against Manchester City, is expected to start on the left.

Dominik Szoboszlai will operate in the number ten role, having produced nine goal involvements in ten European fixtures this season, making him one of Liverpool’s most potent assets.

Up front, Hugo Ekitike leads the line against his former club, while Alexander Isak could be an option from the bench after recently returning to full training following a fractured fibula.

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany won’t make decision on Harry Kane until just before match

MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 17: Harry Kane of FC Bayern München plays the ball during a training session at Bayern Munich trainings Ground Saebener Strasse prior their UEFA Champions League 2025/26 round of 16 second leg match on March 17, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images

If you were hoping for Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany to give insight on whether or not Harry Kane would start vs. Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, well, you will be disappointed.

Kompany said that Kane did just about everything he could to get himself ready, but the club will not make a decision on his role vs. Real Madrid (if any) until Tuesday.

“It was important that he did a lot of training. I don’t think he’s lost his rhythm. We’ll wait until tomorrow and then decide. Everyone’s available apart from Sven Ulreich. We have a great squad and are ready for the two legs,” Kompany said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Harry knows how important this match is. He must also say whether he’s ready to start. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.”

Bayern Munich fans will be anxiously waiting for the decision and, surely, Real Madrid will be hoping that the Bavarians take a conservative approach with the high-scoring Englishman.


If you are looking for more Bayern Munich and German national team coverage, check out the latest episodes of Bavarian Podcast Works, which you can get on Acast, Spotify, Apple, or any leading podcast distributor…

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Cartwright to exit Hull FC at end of year

Hull FC head coach John Cartwright will leave the club after two seasons at the end of the year.

The Australian took over for the 2025 season after the Black and Whites' miserable 2024 campaign in which they won just three Super League matches.

He helped them to a much-improved showing last year, as they finished three points outside the play-off places.

They have made a mixed start to 2026, with three wins and four defeats from their opening seven games.

"John joined the club during a challenging period and has played an important role in restoring stability and competitiveness on the field," chief executive officer Richie Myler told the club website.

"The board would like to place on record its sincere thanks for John's contribution during his time with the club."

More to follow.

Toronto plays Washington after Knies' 2-goal performance

Washington Capitals (39-30-9, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (32-31-14, in the Atlantic Division)

Toronto; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Maple Leafs host the Washington Capitals after Matthew Knies' two-goal game against the Los Angeles Kings in the Maple Leafs' 7-6 overtime loss.

Toronto is 32-31-14 overall and 18-12-8 at home. The Maple Leafs have given up 271 goals while scoring 241 for a -30 scoring differential.

Washington is 39-30-9 overall and 15-19-4 on the road. The Capitals have gone 17-7-1 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent.

The matchup Wednesday is the third time these teams play this season. The Capitals won 4-0 in the last meeting. Jakob Chychrun led the Capitals with two goals.

TOP PERFORMERS: John Tavares has 30 goals and 38 assists for the Maple Leafs. Knies has six goals and one assist over the past 10 games.

Chychrun has 25 goals and 34 assists for the Capitals. Pierre-Luc Dubois has one goal and nine assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Maple Leafs: 4-4-2, averaging 3.1 goals, 4.4 assists, 5.4 penalties and 15.3 penalty minutes while giving up 3.8 goals per game.

Capitals: 6-3-1, averaging 3.5 goals, six assists, 4.8 penalties and 14.3 penalty minutes while giving up 3.5 goals per game.

INJURIES: Maple Leafs: Oliver Ekman-Larsson: day to day (lower body), Chris Tanev: out for season (abdomen), Auston Matthews: out for season (knee).

Capitals: None listed.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Ottawa hosts Tampa Bay after Tkachuk's 2-goal game

Tampa Bay Lightning (48-23-6, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Ottawa Senators (40-27-10, in the Atlantic Division)

Ottawa, Ontario; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Senators -128, Lightning +107; over/under is 6.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Ottawa Senators host the Tampa Bay Lightning after Brady Tkachuk's two-goal game against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Senators' 6-3 win.

Ottawa is 40-27-10 overall and 9-8-6 against the Atlantic Division. The Senators have a 34-10-5 record when scoring at least three goals.

Tampa Bay is 14-7-1 against the Atlantic Division and 48-23-6 overall. The Lightning rank third in the league with 275 total goals (averaging 3.6 per game).

The teams square off Tuesday for the third time this season. The Lightning won the last meeting 4-2.

TOP PERFORMERS: Tim Stutzle has 33 goals and 45 assists for the Senators. Shane Pinto has four goals and two assists over the last 10 games.

Nikita Kucherov has 43 goals and 83 assists for the Lightning. Jake Guentzel has seven goals and eight assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Senators: 6-3-1, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.1 assists, 3.8 penalties and 9.6 penalty minutes while giving up 2.8 goals per game.

Lightning: 6-2-2, averaging 3.6 goals, 5.7 assists, 5.6 penalties and 13.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.

INJURIES: Senators: Dennis Gilbert: out (upper-body), Thomas Chabot: out (forearm), Tyler Kleven: out (upper body), Carter Yakemchuk: out (concussion), Nick Jensen: out (lower-body).

Lightning: Brandon Hagel: day to day (undisclosed), Max Crozier: out (abdomen), Anthony Cirelli: day to day (undisclosed), Dominic James: out (leg), Declan Carlile: out (undisclosed), Victor Hedman: out (personal).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Ducks take losing streak into home matchup against the Predators

Nashville Predators (36-31-10, in the Central Division) vs. Anaheim Ducks (41-31-5, in the Pacific Division)

Anaheim, California; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Ducks -148, Predators +124; over/under is 6.5

BOTTOM LINE: The Anaheim Ducks will try to break their five-game skid when they play the Nashville Predators.

Anaheim is 23-12-3 at home and 41-31-5 overall. The Ducks serve 10.1 penalty minutes per game to rank fifth in the league.

Nashville is 16-16-7 in road games and 36-31-10 overall. The Predators have a 30-6-3 record in games they score at least three goals.

The teams match up Tuesday for the second time this season. The Ducks won the previous matchup 5-2.

TOP PERFORMERS: Leo Carlsson has 27 goals and 36 assists for the Ducks. Mikael Granlund has seven goals and one assist over the last 10 games.

Steven Stamkos has 39 goals and 22 assists for the Predators. Filip Forsberg has eight goals and nine assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Ducks: 4-4-2, averaging 3.4 goals, 5.5 assists, 4.1 penalties and 11.3 penalty minutes while giving up 3.6 goals per game.

Predators: 6-3-1, averaging 3.3 goals, 5.3 assists, 3.9 penalties and 10.2 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game.

INJURIES: Ducks: Pavel Mintyukov: day to day (lower body), Petr Mrazek: out for season (lower-body), Jansen Harkins: out (upper body), Cutter Gauthier: out (upper body), Radko Gudas: day to day (lower-body), Ross Johnston: out (lower-body).

Predators: Nicolas Hague: day to day (undisclosed).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Kraken enter matchup against the Wild on losing streak

Seattle Kraken (32-33-11, in the Pacific Division) vs. Minnesota Wild (44-21-12, in the Central Division)

Saint Paul, Minnesota; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EDT

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Wild -257, Kraken +208; over/under is 6

BOTTOM LINE: The Seattle Kraken, on a five-game losing streak, take on the Minnesota Wild.

Minnesota has a 44-21-12 record overall and a 21-10-8 record on its home ice. The Wild have a +34 scoring differential, with 252 total goals scored and 218 given up.

Seattle is 15-17-6 on the road and 32-33-11 overall. The Kraken are 30-7-4 in games they score three or more goals.

The matchup Tuesday is the third time these teams meet this season. The Wild won 3-2 in overtime in the last meeting.

TOP PERFORMERS: Quinn Hughes has six goals and 68 assists for the Wild. Ryan Hartman has seven goals and six assists over the past 10 games.

Vince Dunn has 11 goals and 30 assists for the Kraken. Bobby McMann has scored five goals with two assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wild: 6-4-0, averaging 3.2 goals, 5.4 assists, 3.8 penalties and 9.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game.

Kraken: 1-7-2, averaging 2.1 goals, 3.5 assists, 3.2 penalties and 7.7 penalty minutes while giving up 3.6 goals per game.

INJURIES: Wild: Zach Bogosian: day to day (undisclosed).

Kraken: Ryan Winterton: out (personal), Shane Wright: day to day (upper-body), Philipp Grubauer: day to day (lower-body).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

MW27 Team of the Week: Ronaldo and Mane lead Best XI!

MW27 Team of the Week: Ronaldo and Mane lead Best XI!
MW27 Team of the Week: Ronaldo and Mane lead Best XI!

With Matchweek 27 in the books (check out our must-read Talking Points here), we bring you the best performers in their respective positions for the round, using the Roshn Saudi League’s unique Performance Index.

The explainer is just below, while you can use the filter option to select the appropriate matchweek and choose from a number of formations.

The Team of the Week below is pegged to our traditional 4-4-2.

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Samuel Portugal - 91

The Brazilian stopper contributed significantly to new manager Fathi Al Jabal’s debut win, as Al Okhdood saw off Al Fateh 1-0 to massively boost their survival chances. Portugal made five saves in all, while also led the way for the hosts in recoveries (nine).

--------

Abdulelah Al Amri - 91

While he will no doubt be aggrieved at conceding twice, the Al Nassr centre-back still played in integral role in the RSL leaders’ 5-2 home win against Al Najmah. Al Amri not only topped the game for interceptions (three) and his team for recoveries (seven), but he assisted Abdullah Al Hamdan for the hosts’ first equaliser.

Nawaf Boushal - 91

Like his defensive teammate, the Al Nassr defender recorded an assist to help the table-toppers eventually see off a tricky Al Najmah side, when he teed up Cristiano Ronaldo to make it 4-2. The Saudi Arabian full-back now has five RSL assists this term.

Andrei Girotto - 89

OK, so the Al Taawoun centre-back would typically be expected to make the grade on the back of some expert defending. However, Girotto starred in his team’s excellent 2-2 draw at Al Hilal by scoring both goals. His first drew the visitors level before he then put Al Taawoun ahead as they ultimately secured a precious point.

Andrei Girotto nets a brace in Al Taawoun's draw at Al Hilal

Salem Al Najdi - 85

The third of Al Nassr’s backline to make Team of the Week, Al Najdi set up Sadio Mane to round off the scoring against the bottom club - a result that eventually moved his side five clear at the summit. Al Najdi proves Al Nassr can hurt opponents from any almost any position.

--------

Ruben Neves - 93

The ultra-impressive Al Hilal midfielder got his sixth assist of the season when he laid on Mohamed Keite’s opener - a BSF Goal of the Week contender. Neves also topped a number of stats in the match, including successful passes (69), good long balls (seven), chances created (five) and total touches (112).

Mohammed Kanno - 90

Operating alongside the Portugal international, Kanno continued his excellent form this campaign with a typically all-action display against Al Taawoun. The Saudi Arabia midfielder topped his team for recoveries (eight), as second-placed Al Hilal look to keep up with league leaders Al Nassr.

Marcelo Brozovic - 88

The long-time Al Nassr tempo-setter was his usual influential self against the bottom club, contributing both a game-high 66 successful passes and 88 total touches, while he also led the hosts for good long balls (six). Brozovic continues to make the capital club tick.

Houssem Aouar - 84

A nice reminder of the Algeria international’s importance to the RSL champions, Aouar’s headline act in the 1-0 home win against Al Hazem was to assist Abdulrahman Al Obud for the game’s only goal. Otherwise, the Al Ittihad midfielder provided the experience to drive forward Sergio Conceicao’s side.

--------

Sadio Mane - 98

The Senegal superstar keeps proving instrumental in the title race, netting twice in the come-from-behind victory against Al Najmah. Mane’s first goal was a sublime solo effort, and rightfully is a candidate for that BSF Goal of the Week award, with his second completing the comeback in injury-time.

Cristiano Ronaldo - 96

Of course, an Al Nassr-heavy Best XI wouldn’t be complete without football’s GOAT. Ronaldo returned from injury with a Man of the Match display - it was a fine way to mark his 100th RSL appearance - first putting the hosts 3-2 up before slamming home their fourth.

With the double, Ronaldo moves to 23 goals this term and, crucially, back firmly in the hunt to retain his golden boot.

Who could replace Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United? 

Who could replace Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United? 
Who could replace Kieran Trippier at Newcastle United? 

Kieran Trippier has confirmed he will leave Newcastle United this summer when his contract expires. 

The defender has been an important player since joining the Magpies from Atletico Madrid in January 2022. 

He has made 157 appearances across all competitions, with four goals and 29 assists to his name. 

With Tino Livramento’s future also uncertain, Newcastle may need to sign two full-backs in the upcoming transfer window. 

Below we look at a few quality options the club could sign this summer. 

Ivan Fresneda

Fresneda’s impressive performances at Sporting Lisbon is attracting attention from several top European clubs. 

The 21-year-old initially struggled to make an impact after joining Sporting Lisbon in 2023. 

But he has revived his form under head coach Rui Borges, and has established himself as a regular first-team player. 

Fresneda is very young and is known for his composure under pressure, tackling ability and duel success rate. 

Sporting signed the Spaniard for only €9 million, but they are expected to demand a higher fee with Arsenal and Manchester City also reportedly interested in the player. 

Ben White

Ben White originally played as a centre-back but has successfully transitioned to right-back at Arsenal. 

The England international is Premier League proven and is highly rated for his composure, passing range and aggressive defending.  

White has made 182 senior appearances for the Gunners, scoring seven goals and creating 14 assists in the process. 

But he has been struggling for game time under Mikel Arteta this season, starting only five Premier League games. 

Arsenal could be open to a sale as White is no longer a regular starter and they need to raise funds for new signings this summer. 

Ola Aina

If Nottingham Forest drop down to the Championship, then some of their big names will likely leave the club. 

Elliot Anderson is currently attracting a lot of interest from Manchester United and Manchester City, but full-back Ola Aina is sure to be in demand as well. 

The Nigeria international has established himself as a key first-team member since joining in 2023. 

Aina missed a major chunk of the ongoing season with a hamstring injury, but he has still started 15 Premier League matches. 

Forest could demand a hefty fee for the 29-year-old, who has a contract at the City Ground until 2028. 

But given his versatility and solid defensive skills, a big outlay for a transfer would be justified.  

Stats from Transfermarkt 

Champions League talking points: Gyokeres’ Sporting homecoming, Madrid-Bayern, and Arne Slot’s make-or-break night in Paris

Champions League talking points: Gyokeres’ Sporting homecoming, Madrid-Bayern, and Arne Slot’s make-or-break night in Paris
Champions League talking points: Gyokeres’ Sporting homecoming, Madrid-Bayern, and Arne Slot’s make-or-break night in Paris

Four talking points ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals, featuring Viktor Gyokeres' return to Sporting and Real Madrid's hoodoo over Bayern Munich.

Gyokeres makes Sporting return

Arsenal make the trip to Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-finals with Viktor Gyokeres making an emotional return to Lisbon. The Swedish striker became a household name at Sporting, where he scored 97 goals in 102 games over just two seasons.

Arsenal won the race to sign Gyokeres last summer and the 27-year-old has improved from a modest start. He's scored 17 goals in all competitions and heads into the clash with five goals in his last three games for club and country.

Sporting know more than most the threat that Gyokeres can pose, and stopping him will be key to their chances.

At the other end, the Swede's successor, Luis Suarez, has been in sensational form. Picked up from Segunda División side Almeria in the summer, the Colombian has fired 33 goals in all competitions this season.

Can Real Madrid maintain hoodoo over Bayern?

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich meet in a Champions League classic. Two of Europe's most successful sides do battle in the quarter-finals, as a curious quirk continues.

The rich heritage of the teams means this is the Champions League's most played fixture, though the sides have never met in a final.

Real Madrid hold the advantage when itcomes to recent meetings. The Spanish side have won each of the last four Champions League ties against Bayern and are unbeaten in nine games against the German giants. Bayern's last win in this fixture came back in 2012, on route to the final.

On each of the last five occasions that the teams have met in the Champions League knockout stages, the victor has reached the final.

Simeone must find a plan to stop Yamal

Atletico Madrid and Barcelona will do battle in an all-Spanish affair on Wednesday night. It's the second of three meetings between the teams in 10 days, after Barcelona secured a 2-1 win at Atletico in La Liga at the weekend.

Lamine Yamal was a thorn in the Atletico Madrid side, with makeshift left-back Nico Gonzalez sent off in first-half stoppage time after a torrid time up against the teenager.

Simeone stuck with Gonzalez, despite his struggles and the presence of Matteo Ruggeri and David Hancko on the bench. After Atletico were badly exposed at the weekend, Simeone must now devise a plan to contain Yamal. That will be easier said than done.

Arne Slot faces a defining night in Paris

TheLiverpool fans made their feelings clear during the club's weekend defeat at Manchester City. Fans poured out of the Etihad after the concession of a third goal, the third in a 4-0 thrashing at the Etihad.

It was the club's biggest FA Cup loss since 1946, one of several unwanted records Slot's side has set this season. A 4-1 defeat at home to PSV Eindhoven was the club's joint-biggest European defeat since 1966, while a 3-0 Anfield reverse against Nottingham Forest was the Reds' joint-biggest home league defeat since 1964.

Liverpool fans have a reputation for patience, but it appears to be almost out. Premier League champions last season, Liverpool face the threat of missing out on Champions League qualification, despite their record-breaking spend last summer.

Europe remains their hope of salvation this season, but a daunting task atParis Saint-Germain awaits. PSG are a side capable of exposing the frailties that have plagued Liverpool all season.

The French champions scored eight times over two legs against Chelsea and have the potential to pick another Premier League opponent apart. Slot may not survive another embarrassment.

Mangan a 'really important asset' - Matos

Andy Mangan during his time at Stockport County
[Getty Images]

Vitor Matos says the appointment of Andy Mangan has brought different qualities to his Swansea City coaching staff.

Mangan has joined as what Swansea are calling a first-team consultant until the end of the season.

The 39-year-old previously worked under Swansea chief executive Tom Gorringe at Bristol Rovers, while he was on the same pro licence coaching course as Matos.

Unusually, Swansea have not announced Mangan's appointment but confirmed his role having been asked by BBC Sport Wales.

"He's someone that I know from a long time ago and someone that I think adds quite a lot of value," Matos said.

"He is a really important asset for all of us. He has a big heart, he has experience in the leagues as well, he knows the players.

"I think he just added to us, he was available, that's why [he has come in]."

Mangan's arrival increases Swansea's already sizeable coaching staff.

The Championship club appointed Ryan Maye as their assistant head coach in December, while Matos brought in Portuguese trio Diogo Medeiros, Toze Mendes and Goncalo Ricca from former club Maritimo following his move to Wales last November.

They joined head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson and first-team coach Kristian O'Leary on the Swans' staff, while Leon Britton and Joe Allen also have roles in Matos' backroom team.

"I think all of them have had different values, all of them have different roles," Matos said.

"All of them have a role to build, but the most important [thing] is that the players can drink off all of them and that helps the team to keep pushing themselves.

"You need the right human resources and for me as a manager it's about using the human resources we have available at the club."

While Mangan is initially in place until May, Matos did not rule out the idea of the former Fleetwood, Bristol Rovers and Stockport coach staying at Swansea beyond this season.

Yuki Tsunoda deserves a return to full-time racing, says Laurent Mekies

Motorsport photo

Yuki Tsunoda deserves “another opportunity” to race full time after losing his Formula 1 seat at the end of last year, says Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies.

The Austrian outfit demoted Tsunoda into a reserve driver role after a very poor 2025 campaign, where he scored just 30 points across 22 grands prix for Red Bull, leaving him 17th in the championship.

That was compared to second for team-mate Max Verstappen, so Tsunoda was replaced by Isack Hadjar, who impressed in his rookie season for sister squad Racing Bulls with a podium at Zandvoort.

But Mekies thinks Tsunoda has still shown enough to warrant a full-time seat somewhere, having driven at Racing Bulls for four years before his Red Bull move.

“Yuki is doing a great job with us, not only as a reserve driver, but also as a simulator driver,” Mekies told the Beyond the Grid podcast.

“It's great to have somebody that has such deep, recent experience of the car that can help us behind the scenes. Of course, we wish for him that there is an opportunity that comes soon because racing drivers are meant to race. And that's what we wish for Yuki.

Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing Team Principal

Laurent Mekies, Red Bull Racing Team Principal

“We are conscious that we haven't been as strong as we would have liked in the past in terms of the second-car performance at Red Bull Racing and it's something we are taking the learnings, we are trying to improve day after day.

“It's fair to say that Yuki has shown significant speed in the past and we wish for him that another opportunity comes along the way.”

But that second chance is unlikely to come at Red Bull because Hadjar has shown promise during his three grands prix alongside Verstappen so far, despite a troublesome RB22.

The highlight is undoubtedly qualifying third on his debut in Melbourne, while he also scored points in China and outqualified his world champion team-mate at Suzuka - something Tsunoda never achieved.

“Isack is in a great place right now,” said Mekies before the Japanese Grand Prix. “He has done, I think, everything he could have done to maximise his integration with the team.

“He moved to London in the early days of January. He's at the factory every other day. He spends as much time as he can in the simulator, trying to understand all the engineering parts around the car. He has been as keen as you can be.

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

“I think he even flew back between the two Bahrain tests just to try more stuff on the simulators and flew back to Bahrain. So, credit to him for the level of commitment.

“But the truth is, he's not making an effort, that’s what he loves to do. He has been living, dreaming about that moment for a long time, and for him, it's his dream.

“It's our dream to be able to spend time and energy in the simulator or with the engineer. So he has been doing that very intensely. I think the first two races show that it's already showing the right results.

“He has been able to show the right speed straight away. I'm sure he will remember his first qualifying with us with a P3 in Melbourne, and it's a long season that will be up and down.

“We believe drivers make steps and we expect steps from Isack this year and we think he has all the right talents and all the right approach to be able to make these steps.”

Read Also: Red Bull now ‘paying the price’ for F1 2025 title charge

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Commanders to meet with local product, All-American ahead of NFL draft

The Washington Commanders continue their preparation ahead of this month's 2026 NFL Draft. This month is a busy one for all 32 NFL teams, as players often visit team facilities in the weeks leading up to the draft. Washington is set to host several top prospects, such as Sonny Styles, Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon and others.

But not every visit is an official top-30 visit. That's the case for USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald. A graduate of Gar-Field High School in Prince William County, Virginia, Fitzgerald is a 5-foot-11, 201-pound safety prospect. According to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., Fitzgerald will be in Ashburn on Wednesday to work out for the Commanders and interview. It's unclear if it's a top-30 visit, but it does not appear to be one.

USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald will be in Ashburn working out for and meeting with the Commanders on Wednesday.

He’s a Garfield HS product and a Woodbridge native. He’s hoping to hear his name called in the top 100. Would be a cool story to see him land with WSH.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) April 6, 2026

Fitzgerald began his college career at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he played for two seasons, before transferring to North Carolina State. In two seasons for the Wolfpack, Fitzgerald was a key player on defense, playing in 26 games with 16 starts, recording 97 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, five interceptions and 11 pass breakups.

He was a hot commodity in the transfer portal in 2025, eventually signing with the USC Trojans. Fitzgerald continued his strong play last season, finishing with 51 tackles, including 2.5 for loss, one sack, five interceptions and three pass breakups. His terrific senior season saw him earn All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors.

At the 2026 NFL combine, Fitzgerald ran the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds and is known for his ability to make plays on the ball. That's something Washington desperately needs. Fitzgerald is also a willing and able run defender. He could be a contender for the Commanders' third-round pick, which is No. 71 overall.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders to host USC S Bishop Fitzgerald before NFL draft

Tennessee Titans invite two prospects to local pro day

With the NFL draft just a couple of weeks away, the Tennessee Titans are putting the final touches on their draft board and will be hosting their local pro day in the coming weeks.

As that scouting event draws near, names of the prospects invited to participate are starting to come into focus, and two more came to light on Monday. Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated was the first to report that University of Tennessee defensive lineman Tyre West had been invited to attend. 

West has been building momentum throughout the pre-draft process, following an outstanding American Bowl, an invite, and a solid week at the Senior Bowl. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive lineman has been consistent and brings some versatility to the defensive front. West currently projects as a Day 3 prospect. 

Sources: The Tennessee Titans have invited @Vol_Football DL Tyre West to their local day.

West had 23 tackles and 4.0 sacks for the Volunteers in 2025.

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 6, 2026

That report on X (formerly Twitter) by Melo followed a report by Curran Sports & Entertainment that their client, Vanderbilt offensive tackle Bryce Henderson, was also invited. 

Congrats to Bryce Henderson on getting Local Pro Day Invites to both the Bears & Titans 👏 pic.twitter.com/PnPkm0RzZY

— Curran Sports & Entertainment (@CurranMediaCo) April 6, 2026

A transfer from the University of South Dakota, Henderson is a big man, coming in at 6-foot-8, 330 pounds, with 47 starts in his college career, including 13 in 2025. A college tackle, he may need to move into the interior for a chance to stick in the NFL. 

West and Henderson will join long snapper Ethan Myers at the local pro day when it takes place. 

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Tennessee Titans invite two prospects to local pro day

Real Madrid midfield mainstay still not fit to start against Bayern Munich – report

Real Madrid midfield mainstay still not fit to start against Bayern Munich – report
Real Madrid midfield mainstay still not fit to start against Bayern Munich – report

Real Madrid have been dealt a timely but significant concern ahead of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final showdown against Bayern Munich, with Jude Bellingham not yet ready to start.

According to a recent revelation from Ok Diario, the English midfielder is still not at full fitness, effectively ruling him out of the starting XI for this crucial European encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Careful integration

After spending a significant time on the sidelines, the England midfielder made his return in Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid, where he was introduced from the bench. 

That appearance was followed by another controlled outing in the 2-1 defeat against Mallorca, once again coming on later in the game.

These cameos were not random, as they were carefully managed steps as Alvaro Arbeloa looks to reintegrate one of his most influential players without risking further setbacks.

The plan, it seems, has always been to build Bellingham back to full sharpness gradually, with the bigger picture in mind. However, the timing has not quite aligned with expectations.

Bellingham is not ready

As such, there had been growing anticipation that Bellingham would return to the starting XI for a fixture of this magnitude. 

Bellingham is unlikely to start against Bayern Munich. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

But the reality has forced a different decision.

With match fitness still lacking, Arbeloa appears to hold him back from the start, avoiding unnecessary risk in a high-intensity clash. 

In many ways, this actually simplifies what could have been a difficult selection dilemma.

Had Bellingham been fully fit, someone would have had to make way. Players like Arda Guler or Thiago Pitarch were likely candidates to be sacrificed to accommodate his return.

Now, that decision is effectively made.

Instead of forcing him into the starting lineup, Real Madrid are expected to use Bellingham in the latter part, potentially as a game-changing option off the bench.

Olivier Pantaloni set to depart Lorient

Olivier Pantaloni set to depart Lorient
Olivier Pantaloni set to depart Lorient

A season that has far exceeded expectations could yet have a bitter ending for FC Lorient, according to a report from Ouest-France.

Olivier Pantaloni brought Lorient up from Ligue 2 to Ligue 1. The Breton club, alongside FC Metz, were favourites for an immediate return to the second division, however, with just six games remaining in the season, they currently sit ninth.

As the end of the season approaches, there is, however, uncertainty. Pantaloni’s deal at Lorient is up at the end of the season, and Ouest-France now report that there will be no renewal. The same applies to his assistant manager, Yannick Cahuzac. Les Merlus, therefore, will be in the market for a new manager over the summer. 

L’Équipe have added that whilst it is likely that Pantaloni will leave, talks with the club are still ongoing. The chances of his departure, the publication adds, stand at “80%”. The reason for his impending departure is a “lack of clarity” regarding the project at the Breton club.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Revealed: The eight players Paul Scholes wants Man United to sell

Revealed: The eight players Paul Scholes wants Man United to sell
Revealed: The eight players Paul Scholes wants Man United to sell

Manchester United are preparing for a mass exodus this summer, but club legend Paul Scholes has included some surprising names in the list of players he believes they should offload. The Red Devils are looking ahead to an eventful summer during which they are expected to invest heavily in the squad.

A new midfielder is a priority to offset Casemiro’s impending departure. Several Premier League candidates are being considered at the moment to replace the Brazilian in a move that could cost a massive transfer fee.

There are also plans to upgrade the frontline and sign a new full-back. Recent reports have suggested that United are aiming to raise around £100 million from offloading deadwood.

Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee are likely to leave, while the Red Devils are also expected to permanently offload Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho. However, Scholes believes that some first team regulars should also follow them out the door.

Scholes wants United to offload Maguire

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes named Harry Maguire among the defenders United should offload this summer. He said: “Look, I think he’s been really good and he’s brought himself back from the dead really.”

“I think he’s been sensational with what he’s done, I’m so so pleased for him, but I’m thinking about a Manchester United team you want to win the league and the Champions League and that’s where United should be aiming. I’m not sure you’d do that with Maguire, unless you’ve got someone like a Rio [Ferdinand] next to him then possibly, yeah.”

“It’s Manchester United, you’ve got to be talking about winning the Premier League. If it’s one of four, you’d probably take him but I’d have De Ligt in that as one of four. I think they’re both quite similar but De Ligt is a little bit younger so that’s on his side, he’s a little bit quicker, so I’d probably just go for De Ligt.”

Harry Maguire Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

The former midfielder also stated that Leny Yoro should be sold, adding: “I think he’s struggled, me. I think there’s something in there, I think he needs a bit of time, but if you had to make a choice now, I’d probably sell him.”

Scholes unimpressed by Patrick Dorgu

Scholes was of the same opinion about Noussair Mazraoui, stating: “Sell. I don’t know where he fits in. He’s been like a right-sided centre-half and they don’t play with three centre-halves anymore. If there’s three centre-halves then you’d probably have him as one of five or six but I think it’s probably time to let him go now.”

The Englishman pointed out that Diogo Dalot could be retained as a squad player, but added that Patrick Dorgu should be offloaded. He said: “They brought him in as a wing-back and he’s not really played much there. I’d probably sell. I’m not sure what position he is. Again, if you keep him then he’s just a squad player.”

Luke Shaw has been in resurgent form this season, but it has not been enough to convince Scholes, who said: “When he was playing consistently, I don’t think there was a better left-back in the world, not just Europe. But if you’re asking me now, and he’s done alright appearance-wise this year, but I’d sell him. He doesn’t play enough games.”

The correct Casemiro decision

Scholes went on to add that United were correct in letting Casemiro leave, stating: “Yeah, I think it’s right [he’s going]. I think he’s turned his fortunes around, he’s been very good, but United need strengthening in that position massively.”

The Ginger Prince also outlined why Mason Mount should be offloaded, adding: “I’d probably sell him and I like him, he’s a great footballer. But he’s never going to play in front of Bruno Fernandes. I’m not sure what other position he could play and he doesn’t play enough games.”

The Englishman included Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee in his list of players who should be shown the door this summer.

Final Thoughts

United are close to extending Maguire’s stay, while Yoro and Dorgu remain highly rated at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Shaw, Mazraoui and Mount remain decent squad players, so not every fan will agree with Scholes’ assessment.

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Watch: Barcelona players erupt after heated incident involving Fermin Lopez vs Atletico Madrid

Watch: Barcelona players erupt after heated incident involving Fermin Lopez vs Atletico Madrid
Watch: Barcelona players erupt after heated incident involving Fermin Lopez vs Atletico Madrid

Barcelona’s recent La Liga victory over Atletico Madrid showed Hansi Flick squad’s growing mentality under pressure.

The match, which ended in a 2-1 win for the Catalan side, was filled with intensity, emotion, and moments of confrontation. 

Among those flashpoints, two incidents stood out and became talking points.

What’s the story?

The first involved Dani Olmo and Giuliano Simeone, where a heavy challenge sparked a brief scuffle between players from both sides. 

However, it was the second incident, involving Nahuel Molina and Fermin Lopez, that truly showed the unity within the Barcelona dressing room.

As such, tensions escalated when Nahuel Molina reacted aggressively during a passage of play. 

When Fermin approached him, the Atletico Madrid defender made contact in a way that immediately triggered a response from the Barcelona players.

What followed was telling.

Gerard Martin was the first to step in, forcefully pushing Molina’s arm away to protect his teammate. 

Within seconds, Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia joined the confrontation, with the latter showing particular aggression in defending his Barcelona teammate.

The Barcelona players, through their actions, made it extensively clear that they would not tolerate any form of disrespect towards one of their own. 

Even after diffusing the immediate situation, the protests continued as multiple players surrounded referee Mateo Busquets, demanding action.

In their appeals, they said, “He touched his face,” they told him repeatedly.

That moment, captured on broadcast footage, summed up the mindset within the squad. 

It was not just about the incident itself, but about standing together, something that has often defined successful Barcelona sides in the past.

Steve Smith left fuming as Farhan denies single, fans recall Babar Azam drama

A moment of tension involving Steve Smith and Sahibzada Farhan grabbed attention during a Pakistan Super League 2026 clash, as fans quickly drew comparisons with an earlier controversial incident featuring Babar Azam.

— jalalbalti (@jalalbalti)


During Multan Sultans’ match against Quetta Gladiators on Sunday, Smith looked in sublime touch and was keen to retain strike heading into the fourth over. On the final ball of the third over, he pushed for a single, but Farhan refused the run, leaving the Australian visibly frustrated at the non-striker’s end. The brief exchange was enough to spark chatter online, with many recalling a similar moment from the Big Bash League earlier this year.



Back in January 2026, while representing Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League, Smith had himself denied Babar Azam a single during the ‘Power Surge’ phase. In that instance, Smith wanted to keep strike to maximise the fielding restrictions. Babar, who was nearing his fifty at 47 off 38 balls, appeared unhappy with the call and was dismissed soon after. Smith then capitalised in dramatic fashion, smashing 32 runs in the next over, including four consecutive sixes, turning it into one of the most memorable overs in BBL history.

While fans were quick to label Farhan’s decision as “revenge”, the two incidents were not identical. Farhan’s refusal in the PSL game appeared to be driven by match awareness, as he likely felt the single was too risky and could have led to a run-out. In contrast, Smith’s earlier call against Babar was a calculated tactical move to retain strike during a crucial phase.

130079935


Despite the brief moment of confusion, Smith went on to anchor the chase with a fluent 53 off 35 balls, guiding Multan Sultans to a comfortable win over Quetta Gladiators as they chased down 167 with more than two overs to spare.

How Giants plan for Jaxson Dart offense to live in 'different worlds'

New York Giants coach John Harbaugh believes Jaxson Dart, his quarterback, has plenty of room to grow before coming anywhere close to the ceiling within his game.

The man leading that charge is Matt Nagy, who will run the offense being built from the ground up with Harbaugh's new offensive coordinator at the forefront as he goes from coaching Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City to Dart back home in New Jersey.

What does want from Dart and Co. on that side of the ball? Here's what Harbaugh had to say last week at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, a point he will surely hammer home as the coaches welcome the players back to the facility for the first time for Tuesday's start of the voluntary offseason program.

"Elegant enough to handle all the complicated things that go with attacking defenses nowadays," Harbaugh said. "But simple enough for the players to operate it in action, in battle, in the heat of battle, in a real effective way."

They aren’t chasing myths and ghosts at quarterback with Dart in the fold; rather, there is a real purpose with reestablishing success in 2026 under Harbaugh on their minds.

There's no questioning Dart as the centerpiece of the Giants' offense right now. That was the case when the season ended, and that is the premise by which the Giants are operating as they remake the roster and the identity of this team.

The Harbaugh era will welcome a bit of a culture shock in terms of how the offense will operate. No one is looking to change Dart - if anything, the Giants hope to capitalize on his skill set and will build the playbook around that - but in terms of how the Giants attack schematically, it's going to be a reset.

"The good thing, one of the many great things about Jaxson Dart, is he does so many things so well," Harbaugh said. "I mean, he can live in a lot of different worlds, and if you watch the offenses that we’ve had over the last number of years, it’s built around a lot of different elements, and there’s a lot of different elements that Jaxson can play in. Power run, dropback pass, quarterback-driven stuff, RPOs, quick ball-out type of completions. He can throw the ball downfield, throw it off play action.
I’m not sure what he really can’t do, you know? So we’re gonna try to live in those different worlds and see how it fits all the other guys on the offense."

Nagy, 47, has been a part of an offense established and run in Kansas City by NFL coaching legend and multi-time Super Bowl winner Andy Reid that has featured Patrick Mahomes.

While he did not call plays and has not since his days as head coach of the Chicago Bears, Nagy has played an integral role within the Kansas City offense.

"I think Matt Nagy, I do think the way he runs an offense, it's going to fit Jaxson Dart," NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms told NorthJersey.com and The Record. "Jaxson Dart has that playmaking, backyard football ability and I think Matt Nagy is going to enhance that because he'll understand the player he has. He's going to give the Giants some structure and some rules, and some offensive plays here. But he's not going to wipe away his natural God-given ability and his feel for the game, that's what I like."

The think tank of coaches the Giants have put together to help Dart get his game to the next level is evident of that; any plans will blend ideas from Nagy, quarterbacks coach/pass game coordinator Brian Callahan and senior offensive assistant Greg Roman, who will be heavily involved in the run game. Expect running backs coach Willie Taggart and tight ends coach Tim Kelly - who finished last season as the Giants' interim OC - to also be involved as Harbaugh puts together an offense essentially from scratch.

Establishing the right structure both schematically and from a personnel perspective is paramount to the Giants' success under Harbaugh, especially in the first year. And if he can take a page from what Mike Vrabel did in New England, as he brought Josh McDaniels back as OC for Maye, finding the proper mix of experience, innovation and rapport could be the difference in Dart taking his game to another level.

During his 18-year tenure in Baltimore, Harbaugh hired five offensive coordinators that arrived with NFL head coaching experience: Cam Cameron, Jim Caldwell, Gary Kubiak, Marc Trestman and Marty Mornhinweg. He also hired Todd Monken, who had been a college head coach at Southern Mississippi.

Nagy was a college quarterback at Delaware. He is a proponent of the West Coast offense and likes his quarterbacks to navigate the pocket with the skill to make plays downfield with his arm in addition to keeping defenses on their heels with his legs. That speaks to Dart's talent, and a coaching presence as a teacher of concepts and technique should only work to his benefit in development heading into Year 2.

With Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo expected back from season-ending injury, Isaiah Likely in a fold as a shiny new toy, new voices in his ear and valuable experience gained, Dart has a chance to mature exponentially as a player and a pro.

The Giants could add to that equation on offense and make a major move in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame, the top running back in this class and a dynamic weapon.

Asked if he considered Love to be a very good player, Harbaugh quipped: “I’d probably put ‘very, very’ good player. Put a couple ‘verys’ in front of that, maybe a couple more. He’s really good."

There is more to Dart's skill set as a pocket passer - especially with more frontline playmakers in the fold - and the vertical, downfield element to the Giants’ offense represents untapped, immense potential, especially if free agent receivers Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin can produce as one-year additions.

Seemingly every significant play Dart made as a rookie came from matching his mind to his physical tools. He has impressed with his instincts, an awareness of what is going to happen on the other side of the ball and the moments that call for the throws he knows he can make.

Dart has a knack for making the difficult look routine. He promised last summer he would not be a robot, and he held firm to that during the season while also staying away from negative plays, striking a balance that has an entire organization excited about the potential of what's to come.

Harbaugh has not been shy in declaring how the Giants will build this team around the quarterback, adding: "Fully expect him to make that leap."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How Giants plan for Jaxson Dart offense to live in 'different worlds'

Vote for the Baseball Player of the Week for March 25-April 5

Nearly every SouthCoast baseball team played at least one game last week in the first full week of the spring sports season.

Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances. 

Here’s your chance to vote for the top high school performance from SouthCoast baseball players from the past week.

Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.

Ethan Cleveland, Bishop Stang

Cleveland allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and 2 walks with 4 strikeouts over 4 innings to get the win over Archbishop Williams. 

Tommy Guenette, Bishop Stang

Guenette was 2-for-3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored against Archbishop Williams. 

Devin Lord, Bishop Stang

In a win over Archbishop Williams, Lord went 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs and a double.

Chase Afonso, Dartmouth

Afonso pitched 2 ⅓ innings of relief, allowing 1 run and 1 hit to get the win over GNB Voc-Tech. He also had 2 hits. 

Brady Edgecomb, Dartmouth

Edgecomb had 2 hits in a win over GNB Voc-Tech

Quentin Frias, Dartmouth

Against GNB Voc-Tech, Frias had 2 hits.

Jayden Nunes-Medeiros, Dartmouth

Nunes-Medeiros recorded a pair of hits against GNB Voc-Tech. 

Evan Lamontagne, Fairhaven

In a win over Nauset, Lamontagne went 5 innings, allowing 1 unearned run on 2 hits and no walks with 7 strikeouts. He also went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI, stolen base and 2 runs scored. 

Ryan Pires, Fairhaven

Pires pitched 2 innings in relief against Nauset, allowing 1 unearned run on 1 hit and no walks with 5 strikeouts. At the plate,  he was 1-for-3 with an RBI and run scored. 

Preview: Breaking down the 2026 baseball season for SouthCoast's nine teams

Watch List: SouthCoast high school baseball players to watch this year

Blake Alfaiate, GNB Voc-Tech

In his first start, he went 5 ⅔ innings, striking out 6 and walking 1 in a loss to Dartmouth.

Fabien Garcia, GNB Voc-Tech

Against Dartmouth, Garcia had 2 hits and an RBI. 

Nate Leandre, GNB Voc-Tech

Leandre had 2 hits and an RBI against Dartmouth.

Lennox Brunskill, New Bedford

Brunskill hit a 2-out base-clearing triple in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at 3 against Old Rochester. 

Logan Desmarais, New Bedford

Against ORR, Desmarais had 2 hits and a run scored.

Camden Hill, New Bedford

Hill had 2 singles, a walk and run scored in a loss to Old Rochester.

Trevor Roderiques, New Bedford

Roderiques pitched 4 innings against ORR, allowing 1 hit while striking out 5 and walking 2.

Dimitri Raposo, Old Rochester

In a win over Norton, Raposo went 4-for-4 with an RBI. 

Nolin Viera, Old Rochester

Viera doubled in the winning run in the top of the seventh inning to lift ORR past New Bedford 4-3. He went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Against Wareham, Viera went 3-for-4 with 3 doubles and 2 RBIs. In a win over Norton, he pitched 5 ⅓ innings, allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 7. He also went 2-for-4 with a triple. 

Ben Wesoly, Old Rochester

In three games, Wesoly had a combined 5 hits and 5 RBIs.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Vote SouthCoast Baseball Player of Week March 25-April 5 2026

Vote for the Baseball Player of the Week for March 25-April 5

Nearly every SouthCoast baseball team played at least one game last week in the first full week of the spring sports season.

Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances. 

Here’s your chance to vote for the top high school performance from SouthCoast baseball players from the past week.

Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.

Ethan Cleveland, Bishop Stang

Cleveland allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 4 hits and 2 walks with 4 strikeouts over 4 innings to get the win over Archbishop Williams. 

Tommy Guenette, Bishop Stang

Guenette was 2-for-3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored against Archbishop Williams. 

Devin Lord, Bishop Stang

In a win over Archbishop Williams, Lord went 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs and a double.

Chase Afonso, Dartmouth

Afonso pitched 2 ⅓ innings of relief, allowing 1 run and 1 hit to get the win over GNB Voc-Tech. He also had 2 hits. 

Brady Edgecomb, Dartmouth

Edgecomb had 2 hits in a win over GNB Voc-Tech

Quentin Frias, Dartmouth

Against GNB Voc-Tech, Frias had 2 hits.

Jayden Nunes-Medeiros, Dartmouth

Nunes-Medeiros recorded a pair of hits against GNB Voc-Tech. 

Evan Lamontagne, Fairhaven

In a win over Nauset, Lamontagne went 5 innings, allowing 1 unearned run on 2 hits and no walks with 7 strikeouts. He also went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI, stolen base and 2 runs scored. 

Ryan Pires, Fairhaven

Pires pitched 2 innings in relief against Nauset, allowing 1 unearned run on 1 hit and no walks with 5 strikeouts. At the plate,  he was 1-for-3 with an RBI and run scored. 

Preview: Breaking down the 2026 baseball season for SouthCoast's nine teams

Watch List: SouthCoast high school baseball players to watch this year

Blake Alfaiate, GNB Voc-Tech

In his first start, he went 5 ⅔ innings, striking out 6 and walking 1 in a loss to Dartmouth.

Fabien Garcia, GNB Voc-Tech

Against Dartmouth, Garcia had 2 hits and an RBI. 

Nate Leandre, GNB Voc-Tech

Leandre had 2 hits and an RBI against Dartmouth.

Lennox Brunskill, New Bedford

Brunskill hit a 2-out base-clearing triple in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at 3 against Old Rochester. 

Logan Desmarais, New Bedford

Against ORR, Desmarais had 2 hits and a run scored.

Camden Hill, New Bedford

Hill had 2 singles, a walk and run scored in a loss to Old Rochester.

Trevor Roderiques, New Bedford

Roderiques pitched 4 innings against ORR, allowing 1 hit while striking out 5 and walking 2.

Dimitri Raposo, Old Rochester

In a win over Norton, Raposo went 4-for-4 with an RBI. 

Nolin Viera, Old Rochester

Viera doubled in the winning run in the top of the seventh inning to lift ORR past New Bedford 4-3. He went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs. Against Wareham, Viera went 3-for-4 with 3 doubles and 2 RBIs. In a win over Norton, he pitched 5 ⅓ innings, allowing 1 earned run on 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 7. He also went 2-for-4 with a triple. 

Ben Wesoly, Old Rochester

In three games, Wesoly had a combined 5 hits and 5 RBIs.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Vote SouthCoast Baseball Player of Week March 25-April 5 2026

Vote for the Softball Player of the Week for March 25-April 5

Almost all of the SouthCoast softball teams played at least one game last week in the first full week of the spring sports season.

Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances. 

Here’s your chance to vote for the top high school performance from SouthCoast softball players from the past week.

Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 12.

Kate Suneson, Apponequet

In a win over Middleboro, Suneson was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, run scored and stolen base. 

Reese Taylor, Apponequet

Taylor went the distance in a win over Middleboro, allowing one earned run on four hits and two walks with 12 strikeouts. She also went 1-for-4 at the plate with a double and RBI.

Sybil Zuber, Apponequet

Zuber was 2-for-3 with a double, walk and run scored against Middleboro. 

Teagan Caffrey, Dartmouth

In a loss to GNB Voc-Tech, Caffrey had a three-run home run. 

Katie Dury, Dartmouth

Dury was 2-for-2 in a loss to Voc-Tech. 

Aislyn Flynn, Fairhaven

Flynn was 3-for-4 with three RBIs in a win over Dartmouth.

Kaia Furtado, Fairhaven

Against Dartmouth, Furtado was 3-for-5 with two RBIs. 

Stella Zangao, Fairhaven

Zangao was 2-for-5 with three RBIs against Dartmouth.  

Brianna Pierce, Fairhaven

In a win over Dartmouth, Pierce pitched five innings, allowing just one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts. She also went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run, two-run double with six total RBIs.

Preview: Breaking down the 2026 softball season for SouthCoast's nine teams

Watch List: SouthCoast high school softball players to watch this year

Olivia Araujo, GNB Voc-Tech

In a win over Seekonk, Araujo went 2-for-4 with a triple, home run, RBI and run scored. 

Khloe Pereira, GNB Voc-Tech

In a win over Dartmouth, Pereira went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Leah Perez, GNB Voc-Tech

Perez was 2-for-5 with a walk and four runs scored against Dartmouth. 

Akiira-Ley Vazquez, GNB Voc-Tech

In two games, Vazquez went a combined 4-for-9 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored. She also went the distance on the mound in both games, allowing a combined 10 runs on nine hits with 17 strikeouts. 

Ivy Mattos, New Bedford

In a win over Sandwich, Mattos had three hits, including a two-run home run, and for RBIs. 

Maura McEvoy, New Bedford

McEvoy allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out seven and hitting one batter in a win over Sandwich. She also had two hits at the plate.

Kali Buckingham, Old Rochester

Buckingham, an eighth grader, went 2-for-3 in a loss to Case.

Madison Ferreira, Old Rochester

In her first varsity at-bat, Ferreira, an eighth grader, hit a home run. 

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Vote SouthCoast Softball Player of Week March 25-April 5 2026

Vote for the Softball Player of the Week for March 25-April 5

Almost all of the SouthCoast softball teams played at least one game last week in the first full week of the spring sports season.

Each week during the regular season, we will highlight the top performances. 

Here’s your chance to vote for the top high school performance from SouthCoast softball players from the past week.

Editor’s note: Voting will end at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 12.

Kate Suneson, Apponequet

In a win over Middleboro, Suneson was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, run scored and stolen base. 

Reese Taylor, Apponequet

Taylor went the distance in a win over Middleboro, allowing one earned run on four hits and two walks with 12 strikeouts. She also went 1-for-4 at the plate with a double and RBI.

Sybil Zuber, Apponequet

Zuber was 2-for-3 with a double, walk and run scored against Middleboro. 

Teagan Caffrey, Dartmouth

In a loss to GNB Voc-Tech, Caffrey had a three-run home run. 

Katie Dury, Dartmouth

Dury was 2-for-2 in a loss to Voc-Tech. 

Aislyn Flynn, Fairhaven

Flynn was 3-for-4 with three RBIs in a win over Dartmouth.

Kaia Furtado, Fairhaven

Against Dartmouth, Furtado was 3-for-5 with two RBIs. 

Stella Zangao, Fairhaven

Zangao was 2-for-5 with three RBIs against Dartmouth.  

Brianna Pierce, Fairhaven

In a win over Dartmouth, Pierce pitched five innings, allowing just one run on three hits with no walks and six strikeouts. She also went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run, two-run double with six total RBIs.

Preview: Breaking down the 2026 softball season for SouthCoast's nine teams

Watch List: SouthCoast high school softball players to watch this year

Olivia Araujo, GNB Voc-Tech

In a win over Seekonk, Araujo went 2-for-4 with a triple, home run, RBI and run scored. 

Khloe Pereira, GNB Voc-Tech

In a win over Dartmouth, Pereira went 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored.

Leah Perez, GNB Voc-Tech

Perez was 2-for-5 with a walk and four runs scored against Dartmouth. 

Akiira-Ley Vazquez, GNB Voc-Tech

In two games, Vazquez went a combined 4-for-9 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored. She also went the distance on the mound in both games, allowing a combined 10 runs on nine hits with 17 strikeouts. 

Ivy Mattos, New Bedford

In a win over Sandwich, Mattos had three hits, including a two-run home run, and for RBIs. 

Maura McEvoy, New Bedford

McEvoy allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out seven and hitting one batter in a win over Sandwich. She also had two hits at the plate.

Kali Buckingham, Old Rochester

Buckingham, an eighth grader, went 2-for-3 in a loss to Case.

Madison Ferreira, Old Rochester

In her first varsity at-bat, Ferreira, an eighth grader, hit a home run. 

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Vote SouthCoast Softball Player of Week March 25-April 5 2026

After Jeremiyah Love, long wait expected for the second running back drafted

Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love is universally recognized as the best running back in the 2026 NFL draft, and a likely Top 5 pick. After Love goes off the board, expect a long wait before the second running back is drafted.

The betting odds for two or more running backs going in the first round are +550, meaning more than one running back going in the first round is viewed as highly unlikely.

The second running back off the board in most projections is Love's Notre Dame teammate Jadarian Price, but few see him as a potential first-round pick, and it's possible that neither he or any other running back will go in the second round, either.

Other top running back prospects include Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton of Penn State, Mike Washington of Arkansas, Demond Claiborne of Wake Forest, Jonah Coleman of Washington and Emmett Johnson of Nebraska. But none are viewed as elite prospects.

The running back position has been devalued in the NFL, but teams are still willing to use high picks on top prospects like Ashton Jeanty last year, or Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023. Love is that kind of running back prospect this year. No one else in the 2026 draft is.

Diving deep into the Steinbrenner era of Yankees' ownership

Longtime Hillsdale resident and New York Post sports columnist Mike Vaccaro has authored a new book, “The Bosses of the Bronx: The Endless Drama of the Yankees Under the House of Steinbrenner,’’ which debuted this weekend at No. 14 on the New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover non-fiction.

On Saturday, April 11, at 1 p.m., he’ll be appearing at Bookends in Ridgewood with former Yankees catcher and broadcaster John Flaherty.The following is a brief Q & A with the author.

On memorable personal exchanges with George Steinbrenner

The book opens with a memory of their first phone conversation, with Steinbrenner calling Vaccaro, who was at a San Diego hotel during 2003 Super Bowl week. It was 3:27 a.m.

“I hear you want to talk to me.’’ And after inquiring why Vaccaro was sleeping, “he gave me 40 minutes of gold.’’

By that time, “he was a different kind of George. If I was praising him, or even if I was ripping him, he would send me a handwritten note saying, ‘Hey, I liked your story.’ That’s a different version of the Boss than Phil Pepe or Maury Allen got.’’

On something surprising that came up in your research

Vaccaro mentioned the extent that George Steinbrenner’s purchase of the Yankees prevented them from leaving - and not just to the New Jersey Meadowlands.

“New Orleans was making a real pitch to get them to move. But Bill Paley of CBS didn’t want to be known not only as the guy who let the Yankees disintegrate but also let them leave town like the Giants had.’’

As the front-facing representative of his ownership group, Steinbrenner contributed only a fraction of the purchasing cost: $116,000 of his own money.

On whether there could be another "George Steinbrenner type'' owner in sports

“No shot’’ in today’s world, said Vaccaro. “As younger owners ascend, they become more familiar with the ways of social media. They like what they’ve got. They don’t want to risk it.’’

Jerry Jones, Mark Cuban and the late Marge Schott were owners capable of making headlines, but the only owner “in the same ballpark’’ as Steinbrenner was the late Al Davis.

Plus, “they were both good friends, both born on the Fourth of July, one year apart. Davis was a New York guy through and through. If he’d have owned the Giants or the Jets, he might have gone headine-for-headline with George.’’

On the 'If only George were still around' debates when things go sideways in Yankees Universe

“If we’re talking about the George of 1981, he certainly would’ve fired Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman by now. Boone might be in his third tenure like Billy Martin, because he had a circle of trust.

“You’re more than welcome to be impatient, you’re a Yankees fan, I get it. Some fans only remember the George of the latter 2000s, when he was like everybody's grandpa walking through the stadium and everybody cheered him . There’s a belief that when he fired anybody, everything was better.’’

On Hal Steinbrenner speaking publicly about his bottom line

“If (fans are) going to have opinions, they should be informed opinions...(but) he probably shouldn’t have shared it because it’s never going to be interpreted properly. Even the most reasonable fan doesn’t want to hear it.

"They want to know why the Dodgers get all these players and we can’t. How come Steve Cohen doesn’t care how much money he loses, and you do? Hal’s never called what he does a burden. He calls it a privilege.''

In many ways George Steinbrenner's ownership style gave fans license to be impatient, since "he was the most over the top lunatic fan, sometimes, of all.''

On whether Hal Steinbrenner might ever sell the Yankees

“I think he enjoys being the owner of the Yankees. I think people are going to find that amazing. What’s equally amazing is how much he cares about running it as his father does.''

Hal Steinbrenner told Vaccaro: "If I'm watching a game and the Yankees blow a lead in the ninth inning, I'm going to throw my shoe at the TV.''

George Steinbrenner might do the same. "The difference is, he’d call (a columnist), and say, 'I just threw my shoe through a TV.' And there would be three days' worth of headlines.

Owning the Yankees "mattered to his father in ways it’s impossible to describe,'' said Vaccaro, and having the team remain in the family is "important (to Hal) as a personal kind of permanent monument to his father.''

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Steinbrenner era of Yankees ownership deep dive into history

Cast your vote for the Oshkosh and Fond du Lac Athlete of the Week

The Oshkosh and Fond du Lac Athlete of the Week poll from March 30 – April 5 is live until noon, Friday, April 10.

Cast your vote for an area athlete that participated in sports including baseball, girls soccer, softball and boys and girls track and field.

To nominate someone for Athlete of the Week please email BSchultz@usatodayco.com with the athlete’s name, school, sport and why they’re deserving by noon on Sunday to be considered for the next poll.

More: Here are 35 high school softball players to watch in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac

More: 35 high school girls soccer players to watch in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac

Nominees

Addison Braun, Waupun softball

Braun pitched a complete game shutout with 16 strikeouts and three hits allowed as Waupun beat Winnebago Lutheran, 2-0.

Rylee Braunel, Winneconne soccer

Braunel had three goals in a win over Ripon.

Colson Kleinschmidt, Winneconne baseball

In six innings pitched, Kleinschmidt allowed two hits and had five strikeouts as Winneconne shutout Manitowoc.

Isaac LaMotte, Winnebago Lutheran baseball

LaMotte finished with four hits and three RBIs in a win over Kohler.

Mac Livingston, Mayville track and field

Livingston had three first-place finishes at the Watertown Indoor Invitational in the 55-meter hurdles (8.49), 200-meter hurdles (27.84) and the pole vault (12-0).

Sydnee Nelson, Oshkosh West track and field

Nelson took second in the 60-meter hurdles at the Wisconsin State Indoor Track & Field Championships with a time of 8.88.

Ava Sabish, Cambellsport softball

Sabish had three hits including two doubles and two RBIs in a win over Fond du Lac.

Jamare Scott, Oshkosh North track and field

At the Red Hawk Challenge, Scott finished first in the 60-meter with a time of 7.06.

Selci Sirrell, Berlin track and field

Sirrell had a first-place finish in the high jump (5-4) and a second-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles (9.29) at the UW-Oshkosh Girls D2 & D3 meet.

Addie Smits, Central Wisconsin Christian soccer

Smits had three goals and two assists in a win against Columbus.

Past Winners

Aug. 21 – Aug. 30: Maya Hawi, Lourdes Academy girls tennis (10,768 votes)

Sept. 1 – Sept. 6: Jack O’Brien, Valley Christian cross country (4,437 votes)

Sept. 8 – Sept. 14: MaKaelyn Clark, Oshkosh West volleyball (4,685 votes)

Sept. 15 – Sept. 21: Finley Morgan, Laconia volleyball (4,786 votes)

Sept. 22 – Sept. 28: Tyler Farnsworth, Oshkosh North football (5,107 votes)

Sept. 29 – Oct. 5: Alexis Babiash, Waupun volleyball (4,132 votes)

Oct. 6 – Oct. 12: Matthias Behling, Valley Christian football (227 votes)

Oct. 13 – Oct. 19: Lennon Rauls, Oakfield football (10,582 votes)

Oct. 20 – Oct. 26: Sam Flood, United soccer (552 votes)

Oct. 27- Nov. 2: Thomas McCarthy, Berlin cross country (115 votes)

Nov. 17 – Nov. 23: Joe Promersberger, Mayville football (2,450 votes)

Nov. 24 - Nov. 30: Calistin Schommer, North Fond du Lac girls basketball (592 votes)

Dec. 1 – Dec. 7: Xander Osinga, Valley Christian basketball (5,025 votes)

Dec. 8 - Dec. 14: Caden Umentum, Fond du Lac hockey (4,382 votes)

Dec. 15 – Dec. 21: Lucas Neuens, Lourdes Academy basketball (4,823 votes)

Dec. 22 – Dec. 28: Nick Oberneder, Fond du Lac hockey (229 votes)

Dec. 29 – Jan. 4: Annabelle Chase, Omro basketball (6,813 votes)

Jan. 5 – Jan. 11: Lucas Neuens, Lourdes Academy basketball (7,044 votes)

Jan. 12 – Jan. 18: Taylor Schladweiler, Campbellsport basketball (8,542 votes)

Jan. 19 – Jan. 25: Mya Moran, Valley Christian basketball (9,541 votes)

Jan. 26 – Feb. 1: Emerson Wissink, Campbellsport wrestling (7,143 votes)

Feb. 2 – Feb. 8: Collin Gamble, Fond du Lac hockey (4,701 votes)

Feb. 9 – Feb. 15: Henry Achterberg, Lourdes Academy basketball (12,347 votes)

Feb. 16 – Feb. 22: Paige Boevers, Valley Christian basketball (138 votes)

Feb. 23 – March 1: Joey Ware, Oshkosh West basketball (2,868 votes)

March 2 – March 8: Grace Mitchell, Winneconne basketball (3,998 votes)

March 9 – March 15: Josie Christian, Lomira basketball (2,866 votes)

March 16 – March 22: Koltyn Kachur, Winneconne track and field (784 votes)

March 23 – March 29: Lia Lipinski, Oshkosh West softball (2,263 votes)

Contact or send game stats/info to Ben Schultz at BSchultz@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @benschultz52.

This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Athlete of the Week poll now live

Yesterday Match Result: Rain halts Eden clash; KKR get first point, PBKS top

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders finally opened their account in IPL 2026, albeit in frustrating circumstances, as their clash against Punjab Kings was abandoned due to heavy rain and a wet outfield at Eden Gardens on Monday — marking the first washout of the season.

The game was called off after persistent rain and strong winds made it impossible to resume play, despite officials extending the cut-off time to 11:14 pm. Both teams shared a point each, with Punjab moving to the top of the table with five points from three matches, while KKR now have one point from three outings.



Early blows before rain interruption



Before the weather intervened, KKR were in early trouble at 25 for 2 in 3.4 overs after opting to bat first. PBKS’s pace attack, led by Xavier Bartlett and Arshdeep Singh, made immediate inroads.

Bartlett struck twice in quick succession, removing Finn Allen (6) and Cameron Green (4) in a fiery spell. Allen struggled against Arshdeep’s movement in the opening over before edging one soon after off Bartlett, while Green’s poor run continued with another low score.

With the hosts reeling, skipper Ajinkya Rahane and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempted to stabilise the innings before a steady drizzle brought play to a halt. What initially seemed like a brief interruption soon turned into a full-blown thunderstorm, with gusty winds rattling even the iconic Eden Gardens press box.

First washout of the season



Despite a brief lull in rain around 10:30 pm that allowed ground staff to begin clean-up operations, the conditions did not improve sufficiently for play to resume. On-field umpires, along with officials and team captains, conducted an inspection before deciding to call off the match around 11 pm.

The outfield had developed puddles near the boundary lines, and safety concerns ultimately took precedence.

Interestingly, this is the second consecutive season where a KKR-PBKS fixture at Eden Gardens has been washed out, underlining the venue’s recent weather struggles.

For KKR, the shared point offers some relief after two defeats, though their search for a first win continues. They will next face Lucknow Super Giants at home, with rain again forecast for that fixture on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the action shifts to Guwahati, where Rajasthan Royals host Mumbai Indians in the 13th match of the season on Tuesday.

Here is a look at Bloomington area IHSAA baseball teams

The 2026 high school baseball season made its debut last week, so let's take a look at the Bloomington area's five squads as they prep for the start of sectionals in the last week of May:

South's Reid Walker (0) hits during the Bloomington North versus Bloomington South baseball game at Bloomington High School North on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Can South's experience and depth pay off?

COACH — Phil Kluesner, 18th season. LAST YEAR — 17-7, 4-1 CI.

RETURNING STARTERS — Connor Couch, Sr. P/3B; Collin Marcum, Sr. P/OF; Xavier Hemingway, Sr. P; Amos Ewer, Sr. P; Jake McCammon, Sr. C; Luke Arnett, Sr. 1B; Max Surdam, Sr. 2B; Reid Walker, Jr. SS; Drew Palileo, Jr. OF; Boston Held, 2B/3B.

OUTLOOK — There's a lot to like about this year's Panther squad, a preseason top 10, that will put more than a half-dozen players committed to play in college on the turf. Unfortunately for now, that list does not include Indiana signee Collin Marcum, who hurt his arm at a showcase event. No surgery is required, Kluesner said, but the time frame for return is unknown. Which means a next man up mentality and South still has plenty of live arms, speed and big bats and several players heading into their third year as varsity regulars to win plenty of games. "We've got experience, which I hope helps us," Kluesner said. "And they've got high expectations and we're trying to help them realize those expectations. It's one day at a time, trying to get better each day. We're inconsistent right now, but I think a lot of that has to do with the kids wanting to do things, but not doing what we need to do to get to that point. We've got depth. We've got 11 guys who can pitch, which is probably more than anyone in the state. Our defense is mostly veterans. So if you can pitch and play defense, you've got a chance to win most of your games. I think they're buying into that."

Pitching: It's quite a lineup when it's whole with starters Marcum, Couch (Columbia) and Hemingway (Marian), who missed the first part of last season due to injury, and reliever Ewer, who is also out to start the year. Marcum was looking every bit the part of a Big 10 recruit. "(He) was carving our guys up," Kluesner said. "He has good command and velocity up to 95. Cutter, slider. He was in command of all that stuff. Couch has got some nasty stuff. His secondary stuff is wipeout and if you don't focus on that, he can take his fastball and make you look like you're two pitches behind. He's really balancing his stuff. He's can be in the lower 90s but doesn't have to throw it by people. Hemingway has looked good with his secondary stuff. He can throw against anybody. Ewer hasn't thrown since the middle of last year. We hope he'll be back to form." Arms taking up some slack will be junior Conner Parker, seniors Tyler Morris and Caleb Oliver, Cam Myers, Jarrett McGlothlin, Palileo, Walker and junior Jonathan Winstead, South's backup quarterback. "They pick each other up," Kluesner said.

Batting order: Winstead will be in center, with Marcum and Palileo also in the outfield and Blake Azcui and Corban Dalton in the mix. Surdam (Franklin) can also play some outfield along with his usual spot at second. Couch is at third, with Held (Hanover) there when Couch pitches. Arnett (Taylor) is at first and McCammon (Franklin) is back behind the plate again. The offense should be there on a more consistent basis this year. "I think they understand what they're supposed to and how to do it," Kluesner said. "I think last year, their swing decisions were not very good. I think it was the speed of the game. They understand now. We've been doing live at bats since February and sparring with our better pitchers, so they should be comfortable."

North's Jack Willamson (6) during the Bloomington North versus Bloomington South baseball game at Bloomington High School North on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Can North find its offensive groove again?

COACH — Richard Hurt, 32nd season. LAST YEAR — 15-11, 3-2 CI.

RETURNING STARTERS — Luke Freel, Sr. P/SS; Ryan Grupenhoff, Sr. P; Brogan Hanna, Sr. P; Elio MIller, Jr. P/OF; Bodhi Pulley, So. P; Zach Sipes, Sr. 2B; Liam Smith, Sr. 3B; Conor Steele, Sr. OF.

OUTLOOK — Like South, the Cougars have a squad dominated by college-bound seniors. Will it be enough in a tough sectional that also includes Indiana-bound Briar Goda and defending champs Terre Haute North? The Cougars have strong pitching, it'll be the offense that needs to be sustained all season long if they are to have a chance. "We're going to miss our seniors from last year, especially Chris Barnett, he was outstanding," Hurt said. "But we feel good about this team. We started off really hot last year, something like 64 runs in our first four games while giving up just one. Then we struggled in the middle and then played good baseball toward the end. We have to be more consistent. The schedule is a little tougher this year. We added Castle, Roncalli and the Laughman Tournament is always tough (Carmel, Batesville, Mt. Vernon)." The focus must remain on execution, toughness and willingness to compete.''

2025 rewind: Always looking for a way to win: Bloomington North's Freel leads All-Area Baseball Team

Pitching: Freel (DePauw) will once again be the ace as he was last year in getting North into the sectional title game and earning H-T Player of the Year honors, going 4-2 with a 1.58 ERA and showing the knack to make the right pitch at the right time. Other seniors back are Gruppenhoff (Kalamazoo) and Hanna (Thomas More), Miller and Pulley. "Luke will be our best," Hurt said. "Teams will have to play well to beat him. He's a good athlete and throws the ball well. We'll hang our hat on him for big games. Elio has come around. He throws well and he's bigger. Pulley also throws it well. His ball really moves. He has good breaking stuff. We're going to get him involved in more games." Other arms Hurt is counting on are senior Jake Flynn and juniors Harrison Lloyd and Grady Naugle.

Batting order: Defensively, Hurt is pleased with what he's seeing from a mostly veteran lineup. There's speed and athleticism in the outfield with senior Aiken Urbanski and Steele in either center or left. Miller gets the call in right while junior Gabe Cohen is another option. Smith (Bellarmine) is back at third and has some pop in his bat, while Freel will man short when he's not pitching. Sipes (Bethel) is the second baseman and will play short as well. Lloyd and junior Rudy Burton will back them up. At first, senior Jack Williamson returns and shares the spot with Naugle. The catchers are new in juniors Briar Anderson, up from JV, and Franco Cubillan, who had pinch-hitting duties last year. They were busy this winter building chemistry with the staff. As for getting more runners across the plate. "That's the big question for us," Hurt said. "We started off red-hot and had trouble scoring again (as was the case most of 2024). It happens when you're facing better pitchers. I don't think we had a lot of home run power. We have to be tough with two strikes, run the bases well, manufacture some things. We're capable, but can you beat someone on the mound who is that tough? We just have to put the ball in play and put pressure on the defense."

Edgewood’s Braxton Carpenter scores a run during the baseball game against Bloomington South at Edgewood on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

How will Edgewood's lineup come together?

COACH — Bob Jones, 41st season. LAST YEAR — 12-9, 8-2 WIC.

RETURNING STARTERS — Anthony Shields, Sr. P/OF; Carter Hayden, Sr. 3B; Sam Lawson, Jr. C;

OUTLOOK — The Mustangs are under going a rebuilding project, much like their baseball field will be getting this summer when a new turf surface is installed. Just three full-time starters are back (with senior Gunnar Perry graduating early to start his football career at Valparaiso) while the rest of a varsity roster of around 14 have only limited varsity time, or none at all, under their belts. The pitching staff will be thin on experience to start as head coach Bob Jones hopes a couple of injured hurlers can return by the end of the year. But the new guys got a better head start on the season thanks to the new fieldhouse. "We have two tunnels where we've been able to go with more live pitching," Jones said. "Our guys can see actual batters and the batters can see live pitching instead of a coach or machine. We're hoping that extra ability we have can benefit us. Our kids are working hard." And also trying to adjust to the speed of the varsity game by not rushing things on defense or trying to make the perfect play. And making sure they're making contact and putting the ball in play on offense. "It's a challenging schedule right out of the box," Jones said.

Pitching: Outside of Shields, who brings back a good fastball, development is only going to come with time as the Mustangs rebuild the staff. Jones is putting most of his lineup into the mix: Hayden maybe, juniors Braxton Carpenter, Nick Richey, Mason Marotz, Jack Cosby and Kit Collier and sophomore Rowan Heitink, whose athleticism was apparent in a breakout football season, and freshman Cooper Myers. "Almost everybody except for two or three may pitch," Jones said. "We're emphasizing throwing strikes, getting ahead. then you can throw your junk and nibble. We also want them to work at a good tempo. It keeps the guys behind you on their toes. Marotz has good off-speed and hits his spots. Maybe he can be a relief pitcher. Hayden pitched as a freshman, just in mop up, but we haven't needed him to pitch." Getting them each settled in with some innings will be a focus early on. Junior Noah Cosby and Jack Armstrong are also both possible options later on as both are coming off injuries.

Batting order: "We've got more infielders than outfielders," Jones said. Outfielders include Jack Cosby, Carpenter, Shields, junior Kellan Moore and Collier. Marotz is at first base, senior Nolan Arthur at second, Richey and Myers at short, Hayden at third and Heitink behind the plate with Lawson, who can fill in at short and Moore will provide some utility on the infield as well. "It's a team where I can move some of the chess pieces," Jones said. "I've toyed with three different lineups and batting orders. We don't have what I would consider big sticks with Perry not returning. We're working a lot on making contact with the ball. We're emphasizing more of a two-strike approach, just putting the ball in play. We have to be disciplined at the plate. We have some experience but not a lot of experience. We're still working on that part."

How quickly can Eastern Greene rebuild?

COACH — Auston Matricardi, 1st season. LAST YEAR — 16-8, 5-2 SWIAC.

RETURNING STARTERS — Chaz Perry, Jr. P; Trevor Stogsdill, Jr. C/P.

OUTLOOK — The T-Birds have all but called tech support, trying to upload a new rookie head coach and, after graduation of a big senior class that made Eastern competitive again, an almost brand new lineup. "It's been really interesting," Matricardi said. "These guys are an amalgamation of parts from last year and guys new to the team. It's a whole program reset, to lose as many guys as we did and to bring in a few new coaches. We spent the first few weeks in the off-season just figuring each other out. But it's been great. The boys have bought into our vision of what we want to do. They're good about asking questions and having ideas of what we can do to help them."

Pitching: Perry is now the leader of pitching staff after working a bit in the shadows last year. He's worked hard to bulk up and refine his mechanics in the off-season, Matricardi said. "He's throwing the ball well." A big add is Saxon Pennycuff, less of a raw freshman than he was back in August after a year spent as the starting quarterback in football and forward on the basketball team. "He knocked my socks off last night (at Salem)," Matricardi said after a two-hitter. "I was hoping he'd give us three, four, five solid innings and he spun a gem. He has a chance to be a big impact player. He's one of the better Eastern pitchers I've seen in a while." Also in the pen are Stogsdill, crafty lefthander senior Wyatt Craig and junior Landon Norris. The rest it's too early to tell as they sort themselves out and gain innings at the JV level.

Batting order: A couple of seniors headline the outfield. In left, it's Zach Herndon, who was totally new to baseball last year, but is quickly figuring it out, and in center, it's Aiden Jones, who covers a lot of ground in the fall playing soccer and has some pop in his bat. Right field is a work in progress, but sophomore No. 9 hitter Carter Bailey gets the nod early. Stogsdill is the only returning player with multiple sectional at-bats and will catch, with sophomore utility player Wyatt Hawkins backing him up. Perry and Craig will handle first base while senior Kasch Cullison brings a high baseball IQ to second base, Matricardi said. Pennycuff is at short and Norris is the new man at third after pinch-running mostly last year, but he's worked hard, first in, last out, to earn a spot and nod as a team captain. "We've got some guys with power, we've got some guys with speed and we have guys who can go gap to gap and hit line drives," Matricardi said. "We need to utilize bunts and steal bases. We're preaching putting pressure on our opponents' defense, give them opportunities to make mistakes."

Stats and more: 24 Bloomington area baseball players to watch in 2026

Can Owen Valley overcome its youth?

COACH — Levi Clark, 1st season (interim). LAST YEAR — 10-8, 5-5 WIC.

RETURNING STARTERS — Jake Heidrick, Jr. OF; Parker Greene, So. P/INF; Camden Kay, So. C; Grady Bough, So; INF/P; Javen Hutchison, 3B/P, Jr.

OUTLOOK — Head coach Trent Heckman is taking the season off, turning things over to eight-year OV assistant Levi Clark. So there's plenty of familiarity as a younger group of Patriots inherit the program with no seniors on board. "It's been real nice and it feels really new to me," Clark said. "It feels like new a team. We're so young, it's like we're turning over a new leaf. It's exciting. My brother Laban is helping. He had few of them in third grade. We're both elementary teachers and we're both born and raised here, so we've seen the kids growing up. Now, we're seeing them strive to get better in practice and put it together for games. They work real hard and they're a close team. A lot have played some baseball, travel and such. We seem to be a quick team with some athleticism." They will go as far as their work ethic and it's there. Many of the younger players have been tested in other varsity sports already this school year. "A lot of these freshmen and sophomores we'll be seeing for the next couple years," Clark said. "They just don't have the experience, so they'll be growing together."

Pitching: Only 35 innings return for the Patriots, Clark said. Top arms this year include sophomores Grady Bough, Parker Greene and Blake McIntosh, freshmen Braxton Miller, Wyatt Harmon and Caddy Michael and junior Javen Hutchison. "The top four are still being sorted out," Clark said. "We're still figuring it out. Bough and Greene have some experience. They've played a lot of ball in their lives. It's just getting those innings, competing and getting us through tough situations." Bough and Greene need to answer that call. "They have to be leaders for us even though they are only sophomores," Clark said. "They'll have to pitch a lot more than last year."

Batting order: With just a few practices left before opening day, that was still up in the air like a Major League pop up. With only 12 on the varsity roster, it's going to take everyone contributing at some point. "There are a lot of battles going on," Clark said. "We've told them it's not where you start the season it's where you end it. If you can hit, we'll find a place for you to play in the field. That's the strategy." OV's roster right now lists Hutchison, junior Ethan Wright, Bough, Greene, McIntosh, Harmon and Miller as infielders, Heidrick in the outfield and juniors Jaxon Dill and Brody Koch and Michael as utility players. "We're playing them in different spots in practice," Clark said. "We have some interchangeable features and we'll rotate depending on who is pitching."

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Taking a look at the Bloomington area's 5 IHSAA baseball teams

Vote here for preseason track athlete of the year around Springfield

Here are nominees for the preseason top track and field athlete of the year around Springfield.

Read about the nominees: Here are 46 track and field athletes to know around Springfield for 2026

The poll closes at noon on Friday, April 10. If you have trouble viewing the poll, click on this link.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield preseason high school track and field poll for 2026

What Manny Diaz said about Nate Sheppard, Duke football's 2026 RB room

One year after Nate Sheppard set both the Duke football freshman single-season rushing and touchdown records, head coach Manny Diaz feels the Blue Devils running back room is poised for more in 2026.

Sheppard is undoubtedly a huge return for Duke's running back room and offense, which suffered blows with the transfers of quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate to Miami. The trio was the first 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver trio in program history.

Sheppard, a Mandeville, Louisiana, native, rushed for 1,132 yards and 11 scores in 2025 during his freshman campaign.

He is set to build on that in 2026 with some new pieces around him.

"Nate Sheppard had a phenomenal winter," Diaz said in a March 17 media availability.

"The thing you always have to wonder with a person, any player in any position who had the success that that Nate had as a true freshman is, will they be satisfied, right? Or will they be hungry for more? And really, the (way) Nate's wired is he wants so much more."

Sheppard's season-high rushing yards came in Duke's 2025 finale: the Sun Bowl win over Arizona State, where he ran for 170 yards and one touchdown. Sheppard recorded three 100-yard rushing performances during the 2025 season.

"There's a funny play in the Sun Bowl where we got down to the 1-yard line in the second half in the third quarter. ... And Nate stuffed it in there for a touchdown, ran over a guy on the goal line," Diaz said. "He came off and I said, 'Hey, there's our short-yardage goal line back' because he wants that. He wants to score touchdowns like any back would."

NATE SHEPPARD: 'He's on a mission': How Nate Sheppard has risen to the top of Duke football's running back room

PORTAL HAUL: Duke football transfer portal: Additions, losses after window closes

The Blue Devils lost graduate transfer Anderson Castle, largely used as their short-yardage back, after he exhausted eligibility. They also lost Peyton Jones to the transfer portal, who was the first Duke player to enter and has since committed to Liberty.

Despite their losses, Diaz said they have been able to "to rebuild that room really quickly," now under the guidance of Rodney Freeman after Chris Foster left for the same position at Florida.

"Rodney Freeman's done a really nice job of getting caught up at the speed with what we do on offense and establishing our tradition of outstanding running back play," Diaz said.

From their 2026 class and the transfer portal, the Blue Devils bring in three-star freshmen CJ Givers and Jayvian Tanelus and transfers CJ Campbell Jr. (Rutgers) and Wilhelm Daal (Yale).

Givers, a Roswell, Georgia, native, comes in as Duke's highest-rated recruit from its 2026 cycle.

"I think one of our really great portal additions, C.J. Campbell, who is coming in from Rutgers, I think he will provide outstanding depth," Diaz said. "And then the young backs we signed, Givers and Tanelus, both those guys are already on campus right now and how Nate Sheppard was this time a year ago. And again, I keep saying guys were working in the darkness without the hype that showed up and had really, really great seasons. And we'd expect those two guys like Nate did a year ago because the freshmen can affect the game at running back maybe easier than at some other positions. We're not afraid to play those guys in there as well."

The Blue Devils opened spring practice on Thursday, March 19, and will conclude with their annual Blue and White spring game on Saturday, April 18. They open the 2026 season at Wallace Wade Stadium vs. Tulane on Saturday, Sept. 5.

Anna Snyder covers Duke for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at asnyder@usatodayco.com or follow her @annaesnydr on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Manny Diaz on Nate Sheppard, Duke football's 2026 running back room

Vote for the Oshkosh, Fond du Lac 2026 preseason girls soccer Player of the Year

Games have begun for the 2026 girls high school soccer season and Oshkosh, Fond du Lac area athletes are looking to make their mark.

Which one are you most looking forward to watching or who do you think should be the preseason player of the year? Be sure to vote in the poll below.

The poll will be open until noon on Tuesday, April 14, and votes are limited to one per hour per device. You don't have to be a subscriber to vote.

More: 35 high school girls soccer players to watch in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac

More: Here are 35 high school softball players to watch in Oshkosh, Fond du Lac

Contact or send game stats/info to Ben Schultz at BSchultz@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @benschultz52.

This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Vote for the best Oshkosh, Fond du Lac high school girls soccer player

DeBrincat a Milestone Man For Red Wings

The post DeBrincat a Milestone Man For Red Wings appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Alex DeBrincat, detroit red wings
Alex DeBrincat

There’s plenty of talk about who’s to blame for the latest slide out of the playoffs by the Detroit Red Wings.

One name you won’t hear mentioned is that of Alex DeBrincat. While just about everything around him is falling apart, DeBrincat is a rare wearer of the Winged Wheel in that he’s continuing to deliver the goods.

Over the past 18 games, DeBrincat has accounted for nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points. He’s collected a point in 15 of those 18 games. DeBrincat has accumulated six multi-point games during this span.

Alex DeBrincat – Detroit Red Wings (38)
Power Play Goal pic.twitter.com/gZFU8APlef

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) April 3, 2026

Clearly, he’s doing his part to keep the Red Wings in the playoff chase.

While he’s juggled his lines in search of solutions, Detroit coach Todd McLellan has maintained DeBrincat with Patrick Kane and Andrew Copp as a consistent forward unit.

“We work so well together, play in their zone, and find each other,” DeBrincat said. “Overall, I think we’re pulling up, we’re finding guys, we’re getting chances, and I think that’s our bread and butter.”

DeBrincat Assembling Impressive List Of Red Wings Milestones

DeBrincat leads all Red Wings skaters in goals (39), points (81), power-play goals (14), and shots (271) through 77 games.

He’s already established one team milestone this season and is on the brink of a few others.

With his 80th point of the season last night, Alex DeBrincat became the first U.S.-born player in franchise history to record an 80-point season. pic.twitter.com/3YdsjoQ4Qk

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) April 3, 2026

DeBrincat is the first U.S.-born player to post an 80-point season. With 81 points, he’s already surpassing Lucas Raymond (80 points, 2024-25) and Henrik Zetterberg (80 points, 2010-11) for the most points by a Detroit player in a single season in 17 years.

During the 2008-09 season, the most recent one in which the Wings played in the Stanley Cup final, Pavel Datsyuk led the Red Wings in scoring with 97 points.

Since the 1997-98 season, Datsyuk and Sergei Fedorov are the only Red Wings players to account for more points in a single season than DeBrincat’s 81 points this season.

With 39 goals, DeBrincat is two shy of his career high of 41. He set that total with Chicago in 2018-19, then equaled it in 2021-22, also with the Blackhawks.

If he nets one more goal, DeBrincat will be Detroit’s first 40-goal scorer since Marian Hossa in 2008-09. If he gets to 41, he’ll be even with Brendan Shanahan’s total for the 1999-2000 Red Wings. No Detroit player has scored more than 41 goals in a season since Shanahan netted 47 goals in 1996-97.

A Red Wings player hasn’t scored at least 40 goals in a season when the team missed the playoffs since current Detroit GM Steve Yzerman scored 62 goals for the 1989-90 team.

The post DeBrincat a Milestone Man For Red Wings appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Hurricanes Game 78: Lines, Notes, Goalies, and How to Watch vs. Bruins

Hurricanes Game 78: Lines, Notes, Goalies, and How to Watch vs. Bruins
James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Carolina Hurricanes welcome the Boston Bruins for the final home game of the season in Raleigh, which will be the final game of an arduous road trip for the wild card-gripping Bruins, who have only gotten a single point in the three games played, scoring just one goal in each match.

The game, which will be Fan Appreciation Night in Lenovo Center, is scheduled for 7:00 PM EDT.

However, the last game was its own flavor of arduous for the Hurricanes. Both Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook were absent for undisclosed reasons against the Ottawa Senators, which saw a return to the lineup for Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Nicolas Deslauriers.

The first period was decent enough, with the twenty minutes ending with a tied game, but things soon unraveled as the Hurricanes were unable to meet the urgency-level of a desperate Ottawa team. Alas, at least Taylor Hall – who ironically spent a little over two seasons with the Bruins – scored the 300th goal of his career. You can read all about it here!

In the Crease

For the Hurricanes, due to the alternating tandem, Brandon Bussi will be the likely starter. It will be a reunion of sorts, potentially marking Bussi’s first game against the team that signed him to his first NHL contract in 2022. His save percentage this season is .894, with a goals against average of 2.46 across a 29-6-1 record.

Meanwhile, the Bruins are expected to turn to Jeremy Swayman to mind the pipes after Joonas Korpisalo played the last game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Swayman has taken the brunt of the starts for Boston this season, with 51 out of the 78 games played thus far. His save percentage this season is .907, with a goals against average of 2.70 across a 30-17-4 record.

Expected Carolina Hurricanes Lines

Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis

Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake

William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Nikolaj Ehlers

Nicolas Deslauriers – Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Eric Robinson

Defense

Jaccob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield

K’Andre Miller – Sean Walker

Shayne Gostisbehere – Alexander Nikishin

Goaltenders

Brandon Bussi / Frederik Andersen

Expected Boston Bruins Lines

Morgan Geekie – Elias Lindholm – David Pastrnak

Casey Mittelstadt – Pavel Zacha – Viktor Arvidsson

Lukas Reichel – Fraser Minten – Marat Khusnutdinov

Tanner Jeannot – Sean Kuraly – Mark Kastelic

Defense

Jonathan Aspirot – Charlie McAvoy

Hampus Lindholm – Mason Lohrei

Nikita Zadorov – Andrew Peeke

Goaltenders

Jeremy Swayman / Joonas Korpisalo

Special Teams

Carolina Hurricanes power play: 24.7% (5th)
Carolina Hurricanes penalty kill: 80.1% (12th)

Boston Bruins power play: 23.7% (9th)
Boston Bruins penalty kill: 76.6% (26th)

Hurricanes Game Notes

With just four games of the regular season remaining, the Hurricanes will likely make roster adjustments for load management in preparation for the playoffs. Until the puck drops, all lineups are merely projections – but that is especially true going into the upcoming sets of games.

In the previous game, both Jordan Staal and Jordan Martinook were left off the starting lineup for reasons that were undisclosed, and their return remains uncertain.

How To Watch

TV: FanDuel Sports Network South
Streaming: ESPN+
Radio: 99.9 The Fan

Also Read:: REPORT: Predators Tied to Hurricanes Tulsky, Yorke in General Manager Search

Related Headlines

Borussia Dortmund interested in Rennes’ Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal

Borussia Dortmund interested in Rennes’ Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal
Borussia Dortmund interested in Rennes’ Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal

Stade Rennais are already guaranteed to lose one defender this summer. Jérémy Jacquet’s impending move to Liverpool has already been confirmed. The Frenchman, however, will only complete the move in the summer, despite the announcement in February. The idea was for him to continue to gain experience at Rennes ahead of the move to Anfield. That didn’t work out, with the defender sustaining a shoulder injury almost immediately after the confirmation of the move. He has not played since. 

Another player who has featured more sparingly in the second half of the season is Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal (19). The centre-back started regularly in Ligue 1 in the first half of the season, and his impressive performances earned him his first cap for Morocco back in November. 

However, under Franck Haise, game time has been harder to come by. Against Stade Brestois over the weekend, Ait Boudlal made his first start since 7th February. However, as per a report from Sky Sports, Borussia Dortmund are convinced by the Moroccan’s talent and have identified him as a target ahead of the summer transfer window.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle

Bianconere called up by national teams for April 2026 internationals

Bianconere called up by national teams for April 2026 internationals
Bianconere called up by national teams for April 2026 internationals

The international break is here for the Juventus Women’s First Team players, who will be representing their national teams in the coming days.

Here are the details of their upcoming matches.

THE CALL-UPS

Norway - 1 player (Mathilde Harviken)

Norway have a two-legged FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia, playing both home and away.

Italy - 5 players (Chiara Beccari, Michela Cambiaghi, Martina Lenzini, Cecilia Salvai, Eva Schatzer)

The Italian women’s national team also has two matches coming up, as they’ll face Serbia and Denmark on the road in their qualifying matches.

Denmark - 1 player (Amalie Vangsgaard)

First Sweden and then Italy stand in Denmark’s way as they seek crucial points during this international window to move closer to World Cup qualification.

Switzerland - 2 players (Viola Calligaris, Lia Walti)

The two Juventus players will face Turkey twice in the span of five days, both matches part of the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers.

Portugal - 2 players (Tatiana Pinto, Ana Capeta)

The Portuguese national team faces back-to-back away matches against Latvia and Slovakia.

Netherlands - 1 player (Danielle De Jong)

The Netherlands, placed in Group B of World Cup qualifying, will face France twice—first at home and then on the road.

Austria - 1 player (Larissa Rusek)

Austria have two matches against Germany to navigate.

THE DETAILS

Wednesday, 14 April

Serbia vs Italy Norway vs Slovenia Sweden vs Denmark Switzerland vs Turkey Latvia vs Portugal Netherlands vs France Germany vs Austria

Saturday, 18 April

Denmark vs Italy Slovenia vs Norway Turkey vs Switzerland Slovakia vs Portugal France vs Netherlands Austria vs Germany

Previews of Monroe County Region high school softball teams for 2026

The Monroe County Region has two new softball coaches for the 2026 season, but neither is new to the school.

Flat Rock has hired volleyball coach Morgan Delhey as its new leader and Milan has elevated Micah Higa from assistant coach.

It’s been a hectic spring for Delhey. She and her husband Brad Delhey welcomed their first child in January, a girl named Parker.

“She’s been good,” Delhey said. “She has settled into a little bit of a routine the last few weeks.”

Mom is also settling into a routine.

“It’s been fun,” she said. “I’ve got a lot of help. My husband is my assistant and my sister (Ryley Osentowski) is my other assistant.”

More: Monroe County Region high school baseball team previews for 2026 season

Micah Higa has been hired as Milan's new softball coach for 2026.

Higa coached under Kirk Davis the past three seasons at Milan.

She got the endorsement of her former boss.

“Micah has done an excellent job as an assistant,” Davis said. “The girls respond well to her coaching style, and over the past year, she has taken on an increasingly prominent leadership role with the team.”

Higa is a 2019 graduate of Ann Arbor Huron and played one season at Saginaw Valley State University.

“I want to give back to the game that has given and taught me so much over the years,” Higa said. “And this is a great group of girls with great team spirit.”

Previews of all of the Region teams follow.

Airport's Peyton Zajac celebrates after scoring a run during the Division 2 Regional at Chelsea on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

AIRPORT

Coach: Jessica Irwin, ninth year.

2025 record: 32-9.

Returning starters: Seniors Peyton Zajac (c-u), Brenna Baker (if), Olivia Tilley (if), Jillian Baker (of), Emma Wehrs (of), Kennady Kroll (3b), Alayna McDaniel (p-1b); junior Kendelyn Kozma (c-1b); sophomore Brooklyn Martin (p-1b-3b).

Other players: Juniors Maddyson Myers (of-1b); sophomore Julia Dyson (p); freshman Brityn Duffy (c-u).

Season outlook: The Jets, who lost a heartbreaker in the state semifinals last season, return almost their entire roster. Irwin likes the improved pitching depth and defense of her squad.

Coach’s comments: “Most of the seniors on our squad have been on varsity all four years and I am excited to see what they can accomplish together in their last season at Airport.”

Bedford's Maddy Kwiatkowski scores the first run of a 13-3 victory over Kalamazoo Central in the semifinals of the Division 1 regional at Ypsilanti Lincoln on Saturday, June 27, 2025.

BEDFORD

Coach: Maria Gooding, eighth year.

2025 record: 29-8-1.

Returning starters: Seniors Kaitlyn Kwiatkowski (cf), Emma Price (1b); sophomores Sophia Steinman (lf), Maddy Kwiatkowski (ss), Lily Vidra (2b).

Other players: Juniors Paige Bock (p), Leah Egner (of); sophmores Kinzi Burmeister (of), Ellen Majewski (of); freshmen Luna Gallup (p), Lexi Diesing (c), Mya Smithson (3b-c).

Season outlook: Bedford will play a different game this spring after graduating some tremendous power hitters. The Mules will rely more on great team speed.

Coach’s comments: “We've got to play some clean softball, drive the ball, and manufacture runs. Our circle will need to step up a bit this year. I'm super excited about this season. We have a great mix of returners with a lot of youth.”

DUNDEE

Coach: Darci Marek, second year.

2025 record: 15-12-1.

Returning starters: Juniors Ella Rath (2b), Lydia Homrich (of); sophomore Abby Marek (of).

Other players: Senior Alanna Diaz; juniors Addison Cusac, Annalyse Lay; sophomores Jocelyn Jewell, Lila Warner; freshmen Madison Cousino, Brynn Cusac, Juliet Rouse.

Season outlook: The Vikings will have to count on some young players with just three starters returning from last year. There is just one senior on the roster.

Coach’s comments: “Our success will be measured in small adjustments, focusing on working through adversity and getting one percent better every day. Our theme this year is gratitude. We are grateful to play the game we love.”

ERIE MASON

Coach: Angie Gerber, fourth year.

2025 record: 12-13-1.

Returning starters: Senior Jayanna Willets (lf); juniors Kensey Kreger (cf), Ava Belair (c), Zoie Stubleski (p-ss), Addie Homrich (p-ss), Zayla Brown (3b), Rylie Gardner (1b); sophomores Holly Priest (2b), Addison Oberhaus (rf).

Other players: Freshmen Aubrey Miller (1b-c), Kylie Lavoy (u), Avery Gillenkirk (u), Violet Kauffman (u).

Season outlook: The Eagles are young with just one senior on the roster, but have plenty of experience with nine returning starters.

Coach’s comments: “This group has a growth mindset and has put in the work and time in the off-season to become a cohesive and competitive team. They are students of the game, and represent the best of our community. … Our program motto is "Mudita". It means to cheer for others until it is our turn. Our team does that for each other.”

Charleigh Meggison scores a run for Milan as Flat Rock catcher Jaclynn Motyka takes the throw during a 16-15 Flat Rock victory on Thursday, May 1, 2025.

FLAT ROCK

Coach: Morgan Delhey, first year.

2025 record: 18-16

Returning starters: Seniors Avery Mack (1b-3b-p); Jaclynn Motyka (c-1b), Ashin Woodman (cf); Emma Neace (p-of); juniors Sarah Giroux (2b-ss), Jaliynah Cerroni (rf); sophomores Quinn Robertson (c), Amelia Hooker (lf), Vanessa Neace (p-1b).

Other players: Senior Faith Soden (2b-of); juniors Zoe Ryan (2b), Kadence Howell, (of); sophomores Carlee Mitchell (of), Abby Brown (1b), Sadie Leposky (c-of); freshman Emma Sparks (ss).

Season outlook: Delhey who led Flat Rock to the state finals in volleyball takes over the softball team. She says defense will be the key for the Rams.

Coach’s comments: “After only graduating one senior I am hopeful our experience will help us this year in league play and post season. Our offense is one of the strongest and if our defense can match, I'm hoping we can compete with any team that is across the diamond from us.”

GIBRALTAR CARLSON

Coach: Jason Gyolai, fourth year.

2025 record: 19-14.

Returning starters: Seniors Taylor Konkus (2b), Lauren Dunwoody (c), Addison Skinner (p-cf), Kiley Lewandowski (1b); juniors Aubrey Iwasko (lf), Kennedy Warren (3b), Hayden England (ss); sophomore Emilee Konkus (rf).

Other players: Juniors Brooklyn Billhart (of-2b), Lillian Maynard (of-2b); sophomores Averie Gendron (p-u), Zoey Gunter (p); freshmen Rylynn (Juju) Atcheson (c-u), Addison Burgei (of-ss).

Season outlook: All four seniors are entering their fourth year on the varsity. They are among eight returning starters.

Coach’s comments: “Our goal is clear: we expect to play at the highest level and look to compete for both the league and district titles this spring.  If we continue to grow together, stay disciplined, and embrace competition every day, we believe this team has what it takes to achieve something special.”

Ida Amelia McCoy prepares to throw to first base against Airport on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

IDA

Coach: Chelsea Brancheau, sixth year.

2025 record: 21-13-2.

Returning starters: Seniors Emily Lambert (1b), Alexa Swiderski (of); juniors Karlee Walentowski (of), Alli Schrader (of-if), Adisyn Swiderski (2b); sophomores Alex Haws (p), Amelia McCoy (p), Lilah Derian (p).

Other players: Sophomores Mia Carmon (of), Lily O’Dell (of), Makenna Hall (c), Isabelle Alberts (1b).

Season outlook: Derian led the Blue Streaks in hitting at .409 last spring and earned 11 pitching wins. The offense will be driven by good team speed.

Coach’s comments: “This is going to be an exciting team to watch once they start believing in themselves, knowing how good they really are and trusting each other playing other positions they aren’t used to.”

JEFFERSON

Coach: Alyssa Eppler, first year.

2025 record: 9-20-1.

Returning starters: Seniors Alivia Leburn (ss-2b), Molly Hayford (of); juniors Mikaela Priester (1b-of), Shylynn Dunn-Miles (u); sophomores Emily Grube (p-if), Jalee Leach (p-if), Madison Duvall (c).

Other players: Senior Makenzie Knox (of); sophomores Ava Gratowski (of), Bella Treaster (u), Calyn Kay (if); freshmen Teagahn Geierman (2b-ss), Sierra Powers (u).

Season outlook: LeBrun (.410) and Grube (.402) both hit over .400 last season.

Coach’s comments: “We’re a young team with only three seniors on the roster. Our focus is on building strong fundamentals — especially on defense. The girls are eager to learn, and we’re improving every day.”

MILAN

Coach: Micah Higa, first year.

2025 record: 15-12.

Returning starters: Seniors Kenzie Chrysler (1b), Ginny Heikka (lf), Reese Knox (ss); juniors Kendyll Fell (p), Lexi Knox (2b), Georgia Linzell (cf), Charleigh Meggison (3b), Alexis Vance (p).

Other players: Juniors Aryana Bowden (c-of), Giavanna Gordish (c-3b); sophomore Mya Vance (of); freshmen Allie Hertler (c), Lyric Loomis (of), Teagan Peters (1b-of), Mia Robinson (of), Jada Stines (of).

Season outlook: Higa believes her team will score runs. Consistency and limiting defensive mistakes will be the key.

Coach’s comments: “ I’m really encouraged by how this group has started the season. They’re competing, staying disciplined, and finding ways to contribute up and down the lineup. Communication is going to be a big key for us as we keep building, and if we stay consistent in that, we’ll give ourselves a chance to be successful.”

Aly Lewis (left) and Eloisa Reyes talk in the Monroe dugout during a 15-0 win over Jackson on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

MONROE

Coach: Mickey Moody, second year.

2025 record: 25-14.

Returning starters: Seniors Aly Lewis (c-ss), Olivia McMahon (p-3b), Soffia Elmer (rf); sophomores Sierra Daniels (c-ss), Delaynee Miller (1b-2b).

Other players: Seniors Hayley Overton (2b-3b), Zaylee Richard (1b-3b), Jennah Cadle (of); sophomores Megan Wood (if), Emma Falkenberg (of), Morgan Kleinow (of); Maeve Westerlund (2b-p); freshmen Kodie Peters (if), Evelynn Lentz (of), Jozi Willey (3b), Madison Connolly (of), Cecilia Aulph (p-1b), Harper Loveland (of).

Season outlook: Lewis and Daniels will share catcher and shortstop and be two of the top hitters in the lineup. Moody is excited to get Miller back from an injury.

Coach’s comments: “We have a mix of experienced players and players that are trying to find their way. They’re  a great group and I expect our seniors to lead this team.”

NEW BOSTON HURON

Coach: Tedi Belisle, 10th year.

2025 record: 14-15.

Returning starters: Seniors Addison Ramsby (lf), Rihanna Sartin (of), Sasha Pender (of), Catherine Shore (c); juniors Maria Robbins (ss), Cora Spurlock (u), Makynze O'Dell (3b), Maya Martindale (of); sophomores Madison Kuzara (p), Ava Russo (2b).

Other players: Sophomores Emily Moreno (of), Miranda Lambert (of); freshman Jaeda Prince (of).

Season outlook: Belisle expects strong defense to keep Huron in almost every game.

Coach’s comments: “We would like to be in the mix for a league title, but our ultimate goal is to be prepared for the end of May. And if we can time our peak, we will be the team that can chip and grind out close games in the big moments. …It will take time to jell, but ultimately our ceiling is very high.”

Braelyn Runyon pitches for St. Mary Catholic Central during a 12-0, 15-0 sweep of Ida on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

SMCC

Coach: Dani Emery, seventh year.

2025 record: 22-9.

Returning starters: Juniors Olivia Piepsney (p-1b), Hannah Williams (c-3b), Braelyn Runyon (p-if), Hayden Southerland (u), Hayley Southerland (u).

Other players: Juniors Lauren Tolliver (ss-of), Claire Holton (of), BrionnaMae Chevrette (c-u); sophomores Marla Hayden (if), Natalie Gaynier (if), Gabby Ott (of); freshmen Genavieve Bylow (u), Liz Stumpmier (of), Hailey Kohler (if), Raven Hinkle (of).

Season outlook: The Kestrels, who do not have a senior on the roster, will have a strong battery with their catcher and both pitchers returning.

Coach’s comments: “We have a ton of talent and potential throughout our program and I am excited to see them compete. We know that we will face challenges, but we have put in the work during the offseason to put us in the position to rise to the occasion and give it our all this season.”

SUMMERFIELD

Coach: Christine Zappone, third year.

2025 record: 13-12.

Returning starters: Seniors Mia Samples (of), Brea Olmstead (p-1b), Lilly Delmotte (2b), Makenzie Wolfe (of); juniors Claire Franzen (p-1b), Elena Miller (1b-3b-of); sophomores Savannah Novencido (c-ss-2b), Gabby Ault (3b-of), Hayden Iott (of). 

Other players: Freshmen Aleiah Addis (3b), Calle Schiffler (2b-ss), Chloe Lilly (of), Hayley Khols (utility)

Season outlook: The Bulldogs have nine returning starters and a talented freshman class led by Khols, who can play almost any position and should be one of the team’s top players.

Coach's comments: “We’re excited about the group we have this year. The focus is on competing every day, doing the little things right, and continuing to grow as a team. If we stay locked in and trust each other, we believe we can have a successful season.

WHITEFORD

Coach: Matt VanBrandt, sixth year.

2025 record: 27-6-1.

Returning starters: Seniors Bailey Spradling (ss), Addeson Cousino (2b); juniors Avy Wood (of), Ava Stevens (u-p); sophomores Peyton Welch (p-u), Ava Butz (u), Molly Vida (c), Rory Vida (u).

Other players: Sophomore Ally Griffith (u); freshmen Alexis Williams (u), Macy Ovall (p-u), Raelynn Scott (u), Ava Swy (u-p), Kinsley Anderson (u), Addi Hill (u), Allison McCullough (u).

Season outlook: Cousino was the team’s leading hitter in 2026 with a .485 batting average. VanBrandt expects Welch to make significant progress in her second season in the circle.

Coach’s comments: “We work hard in practice on adapting to changes and staying consistent - never too high, never too low with our energy and attitudes.  … We're going to have some success and some failure — that is our sport. How we react and learn will show our character and determine how well we compete."

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Milan, Flat Rock softball programs to be led by familiar faces in 2026

Mason Edwards’ Evolution Anchors Trojans' Rise

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Since arriving at USC on National Signing Day in 2023, Mason Edwards has steadily transformed from a standout local recruit into the heartbeat of the Trojans’ pitching staff. Now a junior, the Pacific Palisades native isn’t just producing - he’s defining the standard for a USC team in the midst of a historic resurgence.

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.


Edwards’ dominance didn’t happen overnight. Despite entering college as one of California’s top left-handers, his early career was rooted in adjustment. His freshman season offered flashes, but more importantly, it introduced the realities of higher-level competition and the need for growth beyond raw ability.

“I think a lot of players have development stages they don’t really tap into in high school,” Edwards said. “Coming to USC, it was about keeping an open mind… having the ability to be coachable and open to change.”

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.


That openness became the foundation for everything that followed. By his sophomore season, Edwards began refining his command and limiting hard contact, but the true leap came in how he approached the game mentally.

“I think some of the bigger changes were mentality changes and kind of just how I see the game,” Edwards said. “The mental side… that was a big change for me.”

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.


USC pitching coach Sean Allen identified that same turning point, noting that Edwards’ growth between the ears unlocked everything else.

“He’s always had pretty good stuff,” Allen said. “But the biggest growth has been mentally… he’s found a different gear. The mental jump has been even bigger than the stuff.”

That mental clarity now shows up every time Edwards takes the mound. No longer overcomplicating outings, he has embraced a simplified, attack-minded approach.

“I try not to make anything bigger than what it needs to be,” Edwards said. “It’s just an outing… just kind of be freed up.”

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.


That freedom has translated into results. Edwards has emerged as USC’s Friday night starter, consistently setting the tone for a team that opened the 2026 season with a program-record 19-game winning streak. His ability to control games early in series has created both confidence and internal competition within the staff.

“When your Friday guy goes out there and puts up a bunch of zeros… it sets the tone,” Allen said. “I just like the way he does it from a presence standpoint. It’s a high-level compete.”

Edwards’ dominance is also rooted in preparation. Following USC’s regional exit last season, he and the coaching staff mapped out a detailed offseason plan. Rather than logging innings in summer ball, Edwards stayed back to focus on physical development and pitch refinement.

“We had a pretty in-depth plan of what we wanted to do,” Edwards said. “Taking summer ball off gave me an extended offseason… more time in the gym and in the lab.”

That decision has paid off. His pitch mix has taken a significant step forward, particularly with the development of his breaking ball, which has become a go-to weapon against both left- and right-handed hitters.

“When guys are swinging over the top of the breaking ball, it’s a real weapon,” Allen said. “He’s got three weapons… it makes it tough to game plan against.”

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.


Beyond the stuff, Edwards’ ability to manage innings and limit damage has elevated him into one of the most effective starters in the country. Even when traffic builds, he maintains control - something Allen credits to both his mindset and his versatility on the mound.

“He makes teams earn it,” Allen said. “At the end of the day, you’ve got to hit him to beat him.”

As USC continues its push through the 2026 season, Edwards remains at the center of it all - not just as a dominant arm, but as a stabilizing presence. And while his name continues to rise on MLB Draft boards, his focus remains firmly on the present.

“I’m not trying to do too much,” Edwards said. “I’m just trying to stay in the present… and focus on what we’re trying to do here.”

For Edwards, the emergence isn’t just about results - it’s about growth, trust in the process, and a mentality that has turned potential into production.

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune

Mason Edwards #30 of USC Trojans poses for a portrait at Dedeaux Field on April 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.


Colorado Rockies and Houston Astros play in game 2 of series

Houston Astros (6-5) vs. Colorado Rockies (4-6)

Denver; Tuesday, 8:40 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Astros: Mike Burrows (1-1, 5.91 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 12 strikeouts); Rockies: Kyle Freeland (0-1, 2.89 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, eight strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -186, Rockies +155; over/under is 10 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Colorado Rockies take a 1-0 lead into the next game of the series against the Houston Astros.

Colorado had a 43-119 record overall and a 25-56 record at home last season. The Rockies slugged .386 as a team in the 2025 season while hitting 1.0 home run per game.

Houston is 6-5 overall and 1-3 in road games. The Astros are 5-3 in games when they record at least eight hits.

Tuesday's game is the second time these teams meet this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: T.J. Rumfield has a .364 batting average to lead the Rockies, and has a double, a triple and two home runs. Troy Johnston is 10 for 30 with two home runs and five RBIs over the last 10 games.

Yordan Alvarez leads the Astros with four home runs while slugging .794. Cam Smith is 11 for 34 with three home runs and six RBIs over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rockies: 4-6, .232 batting average, 4.23 ERA, outscored by two runs

Astros: 6-4, .304 batting average, 6.03 ERA, outscored opponents by 16 runs

INJURIES: Rockies: Tyler Freeman: day-to-day (undisclosed), McCade Brown: 60-Day IL (shoulder), RJ Petit: 15-Day IL (elbow), Jose Quintana: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Pierson Ohl: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kris Bryant: 60-Day IL (back), Jeff Criswell: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Astros: Hunter Brown: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Hayden Wesneski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Brandon Walter: 60-Day IL (elbow), Nate Pearson: 15-Day IL (elbow), Zach Dezenzo: 10-Day IL (elbow), Ronel Blanco: 15-Day IL (elbow), Bennett Sousa: 15-Day IL (oblique), Josh Hader: 15-Day IL (biceps)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Giants take home losing streak into matchup against the Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies (6-4) vs. San Francisco Giants (3-8)

San Francisco; Tuesday, 9:45 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Phillies: Cristopher Sanchez (1-0, 0.79 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 17 strikeouts); Giants: Robbie Ray (1-1, 3.37 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 11 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Phillies -156, Giants +131; over/under is 7 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The San Francisco Giants play the Philadelphia Phillies looking to stop a four-game home slide.

San Francisco had an 81-81 record overall and a 42-39 record in home games last season. The Giants scored 4.4 runs per game in the 2025 season while giving up 4.2.

Philadelphia has a 3-1 record in road games and a 6-4 record overall. The Phillies have the eighth-ranked team batting average in the NL at .236.

The matchup Tuesday is the second time these teams meet this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Matt Chapman has two doubles, a triple and a home run while hitting .262 for the Giants. Willy Adames is 9 for 38 with four doubles and a home run over the past 10 games.

Kyle Schwarber leads the Phillies with three home runs while slugging .486. Trea Turner is 12 for 43 with four doubles and three RBIs over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Giants: 3-7, .229 batting average, 4.65 ERA, outscored by 20 runs

Phillies: 6-4, .236 batting average, 4.35 ERA, outscored by four runs

INJURIES: Giants: Casey Schmitt: day-to-day (back), Jose Butto: 15-Day IL (arm), Reiver Sanmartin: 60-Day IL (hip), Joel Peguero: 15-Day IL (hamstring), Sam Hentges: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Hayden Birdsong: 60-Day IL (forearm), Jason Foley: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Randy Rodriguez: 60-Day IL (elbow), Rowan Wick: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Phillies: Zack Wheeler: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Lazar: 15-Day IL (oblique), Orion Kerkering: 15-Day IL (hamstring)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Reds visit the Marlins on 4-game road win streak

Cincinnati Reds (7-3) vs. Miami Marlins (6-4)

Miami; Tuesday, 6:40 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Reds: Andrew Abbott (0-1, 3.09 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, nine strikeouts); Marlins: Sandy Alcantara (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.56 WHIP, 12 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Marlins -135, Reds +113; over/under is 7 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Cincinnati Reds hit the road against the Miami Marlins looking to prolong a four-game road winning streak.

Miami had a 79-83 record overall and a 38-43 record at home last season. The Marlins averaged 8.6 hits per game last season while batting a collective .250 and slugging .393.

Cincinnati went 83-79 overall and 38-43 in road games last season. The Reds averaged 8.2 hits per game last season and totaled 167 home runs.

INJURIES: Marlins: Christopher Morel: 10-Day IL (oblique), Esteury Ruiz: 10-Day IL (oblique), Kyle Stowers: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Adam Mazur: 60-Day IL (elbow), Max Acosta: 10-Day IL (oblique), Ronny Henriquez: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Reds: Caleb Ferguson: 15-Day IL (oblique), Hunter Greene: 60-Day IL (elbow), Nick Lodolo: 15-Day IL (finger)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Tigers aim to break road skid, face the Twins

Detroit Tigers (4-6) vs. Minnesota Twins (4-6)

Minneapolis; Tuesday, 7:40 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Tigers: Tarik Skubal (1-1, 0.69 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, nine strikeouts); Twins: Taj Bradley (1-0, 0.87 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 12 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Tigers -172, Twins +143; over/under is 6 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Detroit Tigers will aim to break their five-game road losing streak in a matchup with the Minnesota Twins.

Minnesota had a 70-92 record overall and a 38-43 record at home last season. The Twins averaged 8.0 hits per game last season and totaled 191 home runs.

Detroit had an 87-75 record overall and a 41-40 record on the road last season. The Tigers averaged 8.3 hits per game last season while batting a collective .247.

INJURIES: Twins: David Festa: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Travis Adams: 15-Day IL (tricep), Pablo Lopez: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Tigers: Justin Verlander: 15-Day IL (hip inflammation), Trey Sweeney: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Bailey Horn: 15-Day IL (elbow), Sawyer Gipson-Long: 15-Day IL (oblique), Reese Olson: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Jackson Jobe: 60-Day IL (elbow), Troy Melton: 60-Day IL (elbow), Beau Brieske: 60-Day IL (groin)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Mariners try to stop road skid, take on the Rangers

Seattle Mariners (4-7) vs. Texas Rangers (5-5)

Arlington, Texas; Tuesday, 8:05 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Mariners: George Kirby (1-1, 3.75 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 12 strikeouts); Rangers: Nathan Eovaldi (0-2, 11.42 ERA, 2.19 WHIP, 12 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mariners -120, Rangers +101; over/under is 7 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Seattle Mariners will aim to break their three-game road slide in a matchup against the Texas Rangers.

Texas has a 1-3 record at home and a 5-5 record overall. The Rangers have a 5-0 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

Seattle has a 1-3 record on the road and a 4-7 record overall. The Mariners have a 1-4 record in games decided by one run.

Tuesday's game is the second time these teams square off this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Brandon Nimmo leads the Rangers with a .359 batting average, and has a double, a triple, a home run, five walks and four RBIs. Jake Burger is 13 for 41 with two home runs and seven RBIs over the last 10 games.

Randy Arozarena has three doubles for the Mariners. Brendan Donovan is 10 for 31 with two doubles, two home runs and four RBIs over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rangers: 5-5, .237 batting average, 3.34 ERA, outscored opponents by one run

Mariners: 4-6, .188 batting average, 2.37 ERA, outscored opponents by four runs

INJURIES: Rangers: Carter Baumler: 15-Day IL (ribs), Cody Freeman: 10-Day IL (back ), Cody Bradford: 15-Day IL (elbow), Jordan Montgomery: 60-Day IL (elbow)

Mariners: Carlos Vargas: 15-Day IL (lat), Miles Mastrobuoni: 10-Day IL (calf), Bryce Miller: 15-Day IL (oblique), Logan Evans: 60-Day IL (arm)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Yankees host the Athletics to open 3-game series

Athletics (3-6) vs. New York Yankees (7-2)

New York; Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Aaron Civale (1-0, 3.60 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, three strikeouts); Yankees: Cam Schlittler (2-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.26 WHIP, 15 strikeouts)

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Yankees -211, Athletics +174; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The New York Yankees open a three-game series at home against the Athletics on Tuesday.

New York had a 94-68 record overall and a 50-31 record at home last season. The Yankees slugged .455 as a team in the 2025 season while hitting 1.7 home runs per game.

The Athletics had a 76-86 record overall and a 40-41 record in road games last season. The Athletics averaged 8.7 hits per game last season and totaled 219 home runs.

INJURIES: Yankees: Gerrit Cole: 15-Day IL (elbow), Carlos Rodon: 15-Day IL (elbow), Clarke Schmidt: 60-Day IL (elbow), Anthony Volpe: 10-Day IL (shoulder)

Athletics: Gunnar Hoglund: 15-Day IL (knee)

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Hyperliquid Price Prediction Says Wait Years for 5x, Shiba Inu Playbook in Pepeto Could Hit That in Weeks

7 April 2026 at 12:07
What Is Shiba Inu’s ‘Shib Owes You’ Plan for Hack Victims

The post Hyperliquid Price Prediction Says Wait Years for 5x, Shiba Inu Playbook in Pepeto Could Hit That in Weeks appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Hyperliquid built one of the fastest perps platforms in crypto history. It processes $205 billion in monthly trading volume, runs 100,000 weekly users, and ranks #11 by market cap at $9 billion according to CoinMarketCap. 

Yet HYPE sits at $35.50 today, down 40% from its all-time high of $59.30, and a whale known as Loracle just dumped $15.5 million in HYPE tokens ahead of today’s April 6 token unlock worth $368 million according to Ainvest. The hyperliquid price prediction from CoinPedia targets a peak around $185 by 2030. That is roughly 5x over four years of waiting.

Now look at what happened with Shiba Inu. Two brothers from New York threw $8,000 into SHIB during the pandemic and walked out with $9 million six months later. Shiba Inu had zero tools, zero exchange, zero audit. Raw community energy at the perfect moment created returns that the hyperliquid price prediction over four years will never touch.

That moment is alive right now with Pepeto. The presale blew past $8.74 million during one of the wildest stretches in crypto market history. The same whale wallets that moved $117 million in BTC are building entries here. Running the show is the cofounder of the original Pepe coin, the meme token that hit $11 billion with nothing behind it.

cross-chain-bridge

He built Pepeto with PepetoSwap for zero-fee trading, a cross-chain bridge linking ETH, BNB, and SOL, AI contract screening, and back-to-back audits by SolidProof and Coinsult. A former Binance executive sits on the team. Every buyer who caught the original Pepe coin presale made serious money. Every one of them wishes they went bigger. Pepeto is that second shot with real tools underneath.

Why Does the Hyperliquid Price Prediction Push Serious Capital Toward Pepeto?

The hyperliquid price prediction lays it all out. HYPE at $35.50 according to CoinMarketCap, climbing to $185 over four years is a 5x that needs every part of the market to line up, token unlocks to stop pressuring the price, and no competition to chip away at its lead. Wallets holding real capital do not sit around four years for a 5x when a presale-to-listing window can deliver that return in weeks.

The original Pepe coin showed that one founder with the right timing can build a top-ten token. Pepeto has the same founder, shipped products, verified security, and a Binance listing closing in. The hyperliquid price prediction is a patience game. Pepeto is a timing game. The big wallets have already made their choice.

How Is the Shiba Inu Story Repeating Inside Pepeto Right Now?

The setup mirrors exactly what made SHIB holders rich. An organic community building across social channels faster than any paid campaign could match. Presale demand climbing through a crash while everything else falls apart. Large wallets are entering with the kind of size that only appears when the math is already done.

A listing coming that drops the token onto millions of screens in a single day. Shiba Inu handed presale holders over 25,000% returns with nothing backing it.

Pepeto carries that same viral momentum, except PepetoSwap creates real trading volume, the bridge captures cross-chain flow, and revenue sharing sends a cut of every trade to holders based on their bag size. The more you hold, the more you earn from every swap. The cofounder of the original Pepe coin already pulled this off at a $11 billion scale. That is not a guess. That is a record anyone can check.

Conclusion

Rounds fill ahead of schedule every time. The Binance listing draws closer by the day, and the whale wallets that crashed Bitcoin are already locked into position. Everyone who missed Shiba Inu, everyone who watched HYPE bleed through token unlocks, everyone who promised themselves they would catch the next big one early is staring at the answer.

The hyperliquid price prediction tells you to sit tight for four years. Pepeto’s presale asks you to act before the listing resets the price for good. The Pepeto official website is still live. The window will not stay open much longer.

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

Turn $100 into $1,000 With PEPETO, XRP, and BT

FAQs

What is the hyperliquid price prediction for 2026, and how does it compare to Pepeto?

HYPE at $35.50 targets a ceiling near $90 by late 2026, according to CoinPedia, a 2.5x that requires every part of the market to lift it. Pepeto at $0.0000001862 targets 150x to the level Pepe reached with zero products, backed by a full exchange and a confirmed Binance listing.

How does Pepeto follow the Shiba Inu playbook while offering more than SHIB ever did?

Shiba Inu turned $8,000 into $9 million with no products behind it, and Pepeto repeats that viral pattern while adding PepetoSwap with zero-fee trading, a cross-chain bridge, AI screening, and verified audits from SolidProof and Coinsult. The presale has collected $8.74 million at $0.0000001862 with a Binance listing locked in.

Grayscale’s Quantum Alert Frames XRP as Early Mover in Security Shift

7 April 2026 at 12:00
Grayscale: Quantum Threat to Bitcoin Still Years Away

The post Grayscale’s Quantum Alert Frames XRP as Early Mover in Security Shift appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Grayscale is pushing the crypto industry to speed up preparations after insights from Google Quantum AI. The latest research suggests quantum progress may not be gradual; it could arrive in sudden breakthroughs, leaving less time to react.

This concern ties back to work by Peter Shor, whose algorithm showed how quantum machines could break modern cryptography. While such computers don’t yet exist at scale, the path toward them may be shorter than expected.

Why Delays Could Backfire

The research estimates that around 1,200 to 1,450 logical qubits could be enough to challenge current encryption systems. That level hasn’t been reached, but it’s no longer seen as distant.

At the same time, blockchain upgrades are slow by design. They require coordination across global communities, technical changes, and consensus. If quantum progress accelerates suddenly, networks that haven’t prepared may struggle to catch up.

Post-Quantum Crypto Is Already Here

Grayscale says the Google paper shows a clear direction, while there’s urgency, the solution is already in place. Post-quantum cryptography is mature and actively used in securing internet systems. Some blockchain networks, including Solana and the XRP Ledger, have already started experimenting with it, showing that the transition is already underway.

“The path forward is “technically clear”: blockchains need to adopt post-quantum cryptography; this is a “mature cryptographic discipline” with tools that have been “proposed, scrutinized, implemented, and deployed.” These systems are already securing internet traffic and certain blockchain transactions. Both Solana and the XRP Ledger are already experimenting with post-quantum cryptography.”

Not Every Blockchain Faces the Same Risk 

Grayscale added that Quantum impact depends heavily on how each network is designed. Systems like Bitcoin use a UTXO model and proof-of-work, which lowers certain risks compared to more complex smart contract platforms. 

Still, Bitcoin faces a different issue. The community must decide how to handle lost or inactive coins, with options like burning them or limiting access. The challenge isn’t technical; it’s getting everyone to agree.

Loops in Decentralized Networks 

Unlike banks or tech firms that can act quickly under centralized control, blockchains rely on community consensus. That slows down upgrades but also makes them more resilient over time. Right now, there’s no immediate danger. But the direction is clear, quantum computing is advancing, and preparation needs to keep pace.

MARA Transfers 250 BTC Following $1.1B March Sale

7 April 2026 at 11:36
MARA Transfers 250 BTC Following $1.1B March Sale

The post MARA Transfers 250 BTC Following $1.1B March Sale appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin mining company MARA transferred 250 BTC worth about $17.37 million to an external address, according to on-chain data. This latest move follows the firm’s large sale of 15,133 BTC valued at roughly $1.1 billion between March 4 and March 25, which was part of its broader balance-sheet strategy. The continued transfers have drawn market attention as investors watch how public miners manage their Bitcoin reserves amid changing conditions in the crypto sector.

Strategy Reports $14.5B Bitcoin Paper Loss in Q1

7 April 2026 at 11:27
Strategy Reports $14.5B Bitcoin Paper Loss in Q1

The post Strategy Reports $14.5B Bitcoin Paper Loss in Q1 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Strategy Inc., the Bitcoin-focused company led by Michael Saylor, posted an approximately $14.46 billion unrealized loss in the first quarter of 2026 as the value of its Bitcoin holdings declined sharply. This drop reflects weaker market prices, with Bitcoin falling around 23% and marking its worst first-quarter performance since 2018. The company also recorded a deferred tax benefit of about $2.42 billion, which partly offset the paper loss. Despite this, Strategy continued buying Bitcoin even as it held roughly $51.65 billion in digital assets at quarter-end.

Polymarket Launches Its Own Stablecoin, Reduces USDC Dependence

7 April 2026 at 11:09
Portugal Bans Polymarket Over €110M Election Bets

The post Polymarket Launches Its Own Stablecoin, Reduces USDC Dependence appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Polymarket, one the biggest prediction market has announced a major platform upgrade that includes launching its own stablecoin, Polymarket USD. The prediction market will migrate from USDC.e to the new collateral token, which will be backed 1:1 by USDC. 

The aims to improve trading efficiency and giving Polymarket more control over its liquidity.

Polymarket Introduces Its Own USD Stablecoin

In a recent tweet post Polymarket developers team confirmed that Polymarket USD will replace USDC.e as the main collateral token on the platform. The transition will happen over the next two to three weeks alongside upgrades to smart contracts, order books, and the trading engine.

For most users, the migration will happen automatically. The platform’s frontend will handle the conversion with a one-time approval. However, power users and API traders will need to manually wrap USDC or USDC.e into Polymarket USD using the platform’s collateral onramp contract.

We've heard your feedback, and we're excited to announce Polymarket is getting a full exchange upgrade.

Over the next few weeks, we're rolling out a rebuilt trading engine, upgraded smart contracts, and a new collateral token (Polymarket USD) to move off USDC.e. 🧵

— Polymarket (@Polymarket) April 6, 2026

The platform said the update will also improve order matching, simplify orders, and enhance fee distribution. A new SDK will help developers migrate bots, though existing order books will be cleared.

This change comes as Polymarket sees rapid growth, recording over $22 billion in trading volume in the first 11 months of 2025.

Users Question Trust and Adoption, Warn Risk to Circle

The announcement triggered strong reactions from users. One X user said the move could become “the biggest threat for CRCL,” as Polymarket is currently paying around 3.5%–4% to Circle on deposits, which could push it to reduce this dependency.

If large platforms may start launching their own stablecoins, it may gives more control, lets them earn from deposits, and keeps users engaged.

While, not everyone is convinced the new stablecoin will succeed. 

Another X user pointed out that many institutions have tried launching stablecoins but failed to scale. They said that trust remains the most important factor, and Polymarket’s brand alone may not be enough.

Upgrade Requires Changes for Bots and Integrations

Polymarket is also releasing a new CLOB client SDK to support the migration. The update will automatically handle the switch from the old system to the new one, but developers must upgrade to the latest version.

Bots and integrations will need to re-sign orders using the new structure. TypeScript, Python, and Go clients will be supported, with documentation provided before launch.

During the upgrade, existing order books will be cleared, and the platform will enter a short maintenance window. Polymarket said it will announce the exact timing at least one week in advance.

If the rollout goes smoothly, the new stablecoin could streamline trading and improve platform performance

Pepe Coin Price Prediction and Pepeto 150x Setup: Same Cofounder, Same Supply, Full Exchange and Binance Listing Near

7 April 2026 at 10:54
pepeto (6)

The post Pepe Coin Price Prediction and Pepeto 150x Setup: Same Cofounder, Same Supply, Full Exchange and Binance Listing Near appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The pepe coin price prediction draws fresh attention this week as meme coin dominance falls to a record low of 3.2%, with the entire sector bleeding 77% from its December 2024 peak according to SpotedCrypto. But the real conversation in the Pepe universe is not about charts or bounces. 

The person who turned Pepe from a joke into an $11 billion token using 420 trillion coins and zero products is now behind Pepeto, carrying the same supply count, the same explosive community energy, and an actual working exchange that the original never delivered.

The earliest Pepe buyers who jumped in during those first April 2023 weeks turned $1,000 entries into six figures as the coin ripped over 7,000% inside its first 30 days. Those gains came from pure meme power with no tools and no audit behind them.

Pepeto brings both to the table, along with a Binance listing set to drop right after launch and rising buzz from the same communities that pushed Pepe to global status. The Pepe coin price prediction matters as context, but the real opportunity sits in the presale that is still open, where the path from entry to listing carries the same wealth-changing math.

The Next Pepe Coin: Same Builder, Better Tools, and a Binance Listing Locked In

Pepe showed the world that a meme token with absolutely nothing behind it can hit $11 billion on viral force alone. Every single wallet that got in early and stayed through the listing walked away with life-changing money. But Pepe shipped no exchange, no bridge, no risk tools, and no plan for survival once the hype cooled.

That explains why its price sits more than 88% below the all-time high right now, with meme sector dominance at its lowest point ever. Pepeto addresses every gap. The same cofounder is delivering a zero-fee trading platform, a cross-chain bridge spanning ETH, BNB, and SOL, a contract scanner that catches traps before your money touches them, and a completed SolidProof audit. 

The Binance listing goes live right before launch day, and the viral energy stacking around Pepeto mirrors the exact pattern that sent the original parabolic. With growing signals of Elon Musk engagement, Pepeto carries a floor the first version never had.

Pepe Coin Price Prediction 2026 and the Presale Where the Same Builder Creates Something Stronger

Pepeto: The Complete Exchange Presale From the Builder Who Already Made an $11 Billion Token

Pepeto is not just the hottest presale in crypto right now. It is the presale backed by the deepest product development from a builder who already proved what happens when meme energy meets perfect timing.

The project ships a full exchange built on Ethereum, where the tools exist to protect capital rather than drain it. The risk scoring engine flags toxic contracts before your funds get anywhere close, catching hidden ownership traps and liquidity locks that most traders miss until the damage is done.

cross-chain-bridge

Next to the original Pepe, which crossed $11 billion on nothing but hype, Pepeto delivers working exchange tools, a finished SolidProof audit, and a former Binance executive steering the listing path. Over $8.74 million collected with wallet sizes growing every round proves this is the entry point of the cycle. 

Staking at 188% APY already compounds positions inside the presale, building balances while everyone else stares at Pepe coin price prediction charts. At $0.0000001862 with the same 420 trillion supply, reaching what Pepe hit with nothing equals 150x, and the exchange turns that peak into a floor. But this door shuts for good the moment the Binance listing drops, and each round fills faster than the last.

Pepe Coin Price Prediction: Where Recovery Hits a Wall and Why the Upside Has a Ceiling

PEPE currently trades near $0.00000332, roughly 88% below its December 2024 all-time high, holding a market cap around $1.39 billion according to CoinMarketCap.

The 50-day EMA hovers near $0.0000040, about 19% above the spot price according to FXStreet. Getting back to the all-time high of $0.00002803 works out to roughly 8x. For a token that already showed what meme virality can achieve, 8x does not reshape a portfolio. The same builder behind Pepeto at 150x from presale to that same peak tells you exactly where the better math lives.

Conclusion

That mix of meme virality and real exchange function on the Ethereum blockchain is why the wallets entering every round link back to addresses that held major bags through multiple cycles. These are holders who built real wealth by catching infrastructure before everyone else noticed.

They commit with size, verify every detail, and only move when they spot something the broader market has not priced in yet. The Pepe coin price prediction offers a recovery trade, but the next Pepe coin is the one where the same builder ships better tools and a presale window that closes the second the listing goes live. The Pepeto official website is where those entries are happening right now.

Potential 30X Gains: PEPETO, DOGE, and BONK Poised for Massive Growth by February 2025

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

FAQs

What makes the Pepe coin price prediction for 2026 different from Pepeto’s upside potential?

PEPE at $0.00000332 targets a recovery toward $0.0000040 in the short term, but even hitting its all-time high only delivers 8x. Pepeto at presale pricing carries 150x to that same level with a full exchange and confirmed Binance listing backing it.

Why do crypto investors keep calling Pepeto the next Pepe coin heading into 2026?

Pepeto shares the same cofounder and the same 420 trillion supply as the original, but adds a zero-fee exchange, a cross-chain bridge, and a SolidProof audit. Visit the Pepeto official website before the presale closes for good.

Crypto market outlook as Trump says Iran’s proposal is “not enough” to avert strikes

7 April 2026 at 11:53
The crypto market fell 2% to $2.42 trillion after U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s proposal to end the war was not enough and warned that Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz by the deadline or face strikes on…

Solana Foundation unveils STRIDE framework to strengthen DeFi security

7 April 2026 at 11:29
A new security framework has been unveiled by the Solana Foundation to audit Solana-based protocols and strengthen risk monitoring. According to the official announcement, the initiative was developed with Asymmetric Research and is called STRIDE. It is designed to assess…

FORMLOVA – Chat-first form operations powered by MCP


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Most AI form tools stop at creation. FORMLOVA was built by a solo founder with years in digital marketing who knew the real burden was in post-publish operations. It's free to start with unlimited forms and responses.

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Detect7 – Block attacks and threats by auto-managing Cloudflare firewall rules


If you're running a website on Cloudflare's free or pro plan and don't have time to babysit logs or tune WAF rules, Detect7 fits. It gives you automated, intelligent protection that works in the background without needing you to be a security expert. You set it up once, and it handles the rest: detecting threats, escalating from challenge to block, learning traffic patterns, and managing Cloudflare firewall rules and IP lists for you. It analyzes 100% of your origin logs in real time, learns your normal patterns, and auto-blocks threats with adaptive rules pushed to your Cloudflare integration.

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China-Linked Storm-1175 Exploits Zero-Days to Rapidly Deploy Medusa Ransomware

A China-based threat actor known for deploying Medusa ransomware has been linked to the weaponization of a combination of zero-day and N-day vulnerabilities to orchestrate "high-velocity" attacks and break into susceptible internet-facing systems. "The threat actor's high operational tempo and proficiency in identifying exposed perimeter assets have proven successful, with recent

Stable One UI 8.5 release dates leak for Galaxy S25 series

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 10:57

Galaxy S25 users are mentally prepared to receive the Stable One UI 8.5 update after two more Beta builds. Now, we’re hearing the potential release dates from a credible source who has a solid track record of Samsung leaks.

According to TarunVats, Samsung may start Stable One UI 8.5 release on April 30. It is said to be the date for initial rollout that will happen in South Korea. If this date is accurate, Global users may begin getting the update on May 4.

On March 11, Samsung began the official rollout of One UI 8.5. It was the same day that the Galaxy S26 series started shipping to users. Now, the next wave is set to take place on April 10 when the new A phones go on sale.

One UI 8.5 Beta is running for more than three months. Back in December, Samsung launched it for the Galaxy S25 series. After receiving eight Beta updates, Galaxy S25 users were waiting for the Stable One UI 8.5 update.

Meanwhile, Samsung plans to push at least two more Beta updates. The 9th Beta could be available this week, while the Beta 10 could arrive sometime around April 20.

Samsung just confirmed the rollout of several Galaxy S26 features to the Galaxy S25 series. The company pushed a notice through Samsung Members app. Call Screening is the main highlight, along with other enhancements.

That said, if you are on One UI 8, the end of April and beginning of May are a crucial period, especially for Galaxy S25 users. The expected dates align with our own estimations, but they are not officially confirmed yet.

Samsung Galaxy S25 One UI 8.5 Stable Update

The post Stable One UI 8.5 release dates leak for Galaxy S25 series appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung pushes April 2026 update to the Galaxy S25 FE

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 10:31

Samsung’s April 2026 update is covering another important smartphone, the Galaxy S25 FE. Samsung started the latest SMR rollout for the Galaxy S26 series, which later expanded to the S25 series and several foldables.

Now, Galaxy S25 FE users can download the April 2026 update. The OTA is readily available for installs in South Korea. Owners of the phone can identify the software update through the PDA build version S731NKSS6AZCH.

Samsung revealed the details of April patch, confirming 47 patches for Galaxy devices. Since the S25 FE comes with Exynos chipset, it gets the complete package. The SMR contains critical, high and moderate levels of fixes.

The Korean tech giant is also running One UI 8.5 Beta Program. It’s available in South Korea and a few more countries. If you are on Beta firmware, wait for the second build, which should carry the April security improvements.

One UI 8-based April patch has arrived for those avoiding Beta testing. The smartphone is eligible for new security updates every month. Samsung guarantees seven years of software support, including major OS and patches.

Check for updates through Settings, followed by Software update and Download and install. Once fetched, the firmware will be downloaded. Once it gets done, hit Install/Restart now to initiate the installation process.

The post Samsung pushes April 2026 update to the Galaxy S25 FE appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Google Pixel 10a gets an Isai Blue color option

7 April 2026 at 11:22

After teasing a special launch in Japan, Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 10a in a new “Isai Blue” finish. The colorway has been created exclusively for the Japanese market in collaboration with the Japanese brand Heralbony, marking the Pixel’s 10th anniversary. The Google Pixel 10a in Isai Blue offers more than just a fresh coat of paint. It arrives in a special edition box featuring artwork by Heralbony artist Midori Kudo. The package also includes a custom blue bumper case and a set of stickers showcasing original artwork by Heralbony artist Nozomi Fujita. Beyond...

WhatsApp is gaining noise cancellation for voice and video calls

7 April 2026 at 10:33

WhatsApp is currently working on bringing its own in-app noise cancellation for voice and video calls. This has been spotted in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android, so it's still actively being worked on. This feature automatically filters out background noise to make conversations clearer. So if you're surrounded by traffic or crowds, or if you're in a windy environment, this will hopefully help you be heard better by those you're talking to. This can be enabled and disabled at will, as you can see in the screenshots above. The toggle is available in the call menu. It...

vivo X300 FE is getting a green version, here it is in a leaked image

7 April 2026 at 10:31

vivo initially launched the X300 FE in Russia in early March, in white, purple, and black. Now, the phone is expected to make it to India "very soon", according to a new leak. Over there, it will be available in black and purple (already seen in Russia), but also in green. If you were wondering what a green X300 FE might look like, wonder no more, for we have a leaked image of it to show you. The phone comes with a 6.31-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC at the helm, a triple rear camera system (50MP main with OIS, 50MP periscope telephoto...

Martin Bakole ‘pulls out of fight’ on Usyk card at ‘last minute’: “Find your courage”

7 April 2026 at 11:12

Martin Bakole has been out of the ring since drawing with Efe Ajagba in May 2025. It now appears he will remain inactive beyond the one-year mark. Once considered the bogeyman of the heavyweight division, buoyed by claims of punishing the top dogs in sparring, Bakole announced himself on the big stage when he halted […]

The post Martin Bakole ‘pulls out of fight’ on Usyk card at ‘last minute’: “Find your courage” appeared first on Boxing News.

Galatasaray'da sirtaki zamanı: Christos Tzolis

Galatasaray, Club Brugge forması giyen Christos Tzolis'i yakın takibe aldı. Her iki kanatta ve santrforda görev yapabilen Yunan futbolcunun bonservisi yüksek... Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın buna rağmen şartları zorlayacağı öğrenildi.

Galatasaray şampiyonluk mücadelesini sürdürürken bir yandan da transfer çalışmalarına devam ediyor. Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın son olarak Club Brugge forması giyen Christos Tzolis'i takibe aldığı öğrenildi. 24 yaşındaki Yunan futbolcunun asıl yeri sol kanat... Ancak zorunla hallerde sağ taraf ve santrforda da görev yapabiliyor.

Christos Tzolis

9 GOL-13 ASİST

Aslan'da kiralık Lang'ın geleceği belirsiz... Barış Alper Yılmaz'la ilgili de çok sayıda transfer iddiası var. Bu sebeple Sarı-Kırmızılılar'ın, Christos Tzolis'i radarına aldığı belirtildi. 1.79 boyundaki futbolcu bu sezon Belçika Ligi'nde normal sezonda 26 karşılaşmaya çıktı. 9 gol ve 13 asist üretti.

Christos Tzolis

30'UN ALTINA BİTMEYECEK!

Club Brugge onu 2024 yazında Düsseldorf'tan 6.5 milyon euroya almıştı. Olası satışının 30 milyon euronun altına bitmesi beklenmiyor. Yunan futbolcu, Belçika temsilcisinde toplam 99 mücadeleye çıktı. 36 gol ve 37 asist üretti. Yani hücum anlamında çok önemli bir koz...

Süper Lig'de yabancı kontenjanı yine değişti

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu, önümüzdeki sezon için 10+4'lük yabancı kontenjanı belirlemişti. Ancak bunun değişeceği iddia edildi. 2026-2027 sezonunda kontenjan 12+2 olacak.

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu'nun 2026-2027 sezonu için belirlediği yabancı kontenjanı 10+4'tü... 14 yabancı futbolcunun en az 4'ünün 01.01.2004 veya daha sonraki tarihte doğmuş olması zorunluydu... Ancak alınan bilgilere göre bu kuralda değişikliğe gidilecek. Yeni kontenjan 12+2 olacak.

ibrahim hacıosmanoğlu

+2'LİK BÖLÜM AYNI KALACAK

Önceki kuralda 4 yabancının 01.01.2004 veya sonraki bir tarihte doğmuş olması zorunluydu. Yeni kuralda bu kriter, +2'lik bölüm için geçerliliğini sürdürecek. Bu durumda kulüplerin transfer stratejisi de değişecek. Üstelik yeni kural sadece takıma yeni katılacaklar açısından önemli olmayacak.

ibrahim hacıosmanoğlu

MUKAVELESİ DEVAM EDENLER

Uzun süreli kontratı bulunan isimlerin, takımlardaki geleceği de 12+2'de farklı olacak. 10+4'te birçok kulüp bazı yabancılarla yollarını ayırmak zorunda kalacaktı. 12+2 resmen açıklandığında planlar da değişecek. Süper Lig'deki birçok ekip uzun süredir 10+4'ün değiştirilmesini bekliyordu.

MS-in istədiyi futbolçu üçün 50 milyon tələb edirlər

7 April 2026 at 10:46

“Mançester Siti” heyətini yeni futbolçu ilə gücləndirmək istəyir.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “şəhərlilər” “Brentford”dan Mikael Kayode ilə maraqlanır. Bu barədə “Sport” nəşri məlumat yayıb.

“Brentford” adı İspaniya klubları ilə də hallanan 21 yaşlı futbolçu üçün 50 milyon funt-sterlinq tələb edir.

Kayode bu mövsüm Premyer Liqada 30 oyunda 1 qol vurub.

“Çelsi” Barkonun “hə”sini aldı

7 April 2026 at 10:26

“Brayton”un futbolçusu Valentin Barko yayda klubunu dəyişəcək.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, yarımmüdafiəçi “Çelsi” ilə razılaşıb. Bu barədə “TalkSPORT” portalı məlumat yayıb.

Futbolçu ilə anlaşan “zadəganlar” klubla danışıqları davam etdirir. Tərəflər maliyyə məsələsində hələ razılığa gəlməyib.

Barko bu mövsüm 24 oyunda 3 məhsuldar ötürmə edib.

Qərar verildi: 15 milyon avro ödəyəcəklər

7 April 2026 at 10:13

“Napoli” icarə əsasında komandada çıxış edən Alisson Santosun transfer hüquqlarını alacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə insayder Fabrizio Romano məlumat yayıb.

Neapol klubu futbolçu üçün “Sportinq”ə 15,5 milyon avro ödəyəcək. Tərəflər arasında yayda yeni – uzunmüddətli müqavilə imzalanacaq.

23 yaşlı futbolçu fevraldan “Napoli”də çıxış edir. O, A Seriyasında 7 oyunda 2 qol vurub.

“Qırmızı şeytan” satışa çıxarıldı

7 April 2026 at 09:52

“Mançester Yunayted” futbolçusu Manuel Uqarteni transferə çıxarıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “TEAMtalk” portalı məlumat yayıb. “Qırmızı şeytanlar” uruqvaylı yarımmüdafiəçi üçün təklifləri dəyərləndirəcək.

Uqartenin adı İtaliya və Türkiyə klubları ilə hallanır.

Futbolçu 2024-cü ildə PSJ-dən “Mançester Yunayted”ə keçib. O, bu mövsüm 23 oyunda meydana çıxıb.

Hansı oyun, hansı kanalda? – TV

7 April 2026 at 09:38

Bu gün dünyanın yaşıl meydanlarında futbol oyunları keçiriləcək.

Futbolpress.az qarşılaşmaları canlı yayımlayacaq telekanalların siyahısını təqdim edir…

Azərbaycan, Premyer Liqa
15:00 İmişli – Turan Tovuz (CBC Sport)
17:15 Zirə – Şamaxı (CBC Sport)
19:30 Araz-Naxçıvan – Sabah (CBC Sport)

Rusiya Kuboku
19:00 Krılya Sovetov – ÇSKA (Matç Premyer, Matç TV)

Çempionlar Liqası
23:00 Sportinq – Arsenal (İctimai TV)
23:00 Real – Bayern (CBC Sport)

Director breaks silence on future of “very important” Arsenal transfer target

7 April 2026 at 10:37

AC Milan sporting director Igli Tare has spoken out on the future of star player Rafael Leao amid recent Arsenal transfer rumours.

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Leao has been a key player for Milan down the years, and there’s often been speculation that top Premier League clubs could try to sign him.

That hasn’t happened so far, but a recent report from Football Transfers stated that Arsenal were in initial discussions over a potential €80m deal this summer.

See below as Fabrizio Romano has quoted Milan chief Tare as appearing to hint at being keen to keep Leao this summer, pointing to the two years he has left on his contract at the San Siro…

???? AC Milan director Igli Tare on Rafa Leão’s future: “Rafa has two years left on his contract and he’s very important for us”.

“His skills are not in doubt, this season he’s suffered from injuries”. pic.twitter.com/ilYRlMbKii

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2026

Arsenal would surely benefit from bringing in something a bit different up front, with Leao’s skill and flair making him an ideal upgrade on inconsistent performers like Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Rafael Leao transfer could be a great option for Arsenal

Leao has nine goals and two assists in Serie A this season, despite being limited to only 18 starts so far after a few injury problems.

The Portugal international is clearly more of a goal threat than someone like Martinelli, though his stats below paint an interesting picture in terms of how he compares to Martinelli and Trossard…

Leao vs Martinelli and Trossard
Leao vs Martinelli and Trossard (DataMB)

Overall, there are perhaps signs there that Arsenal could do better than Leao, even if he is an option worth considering.

It may also be that the 26-year-old would improve with better players around him, and with a manager like Mikel Arteta to take him to the next level.

Rafael Leao TOTAL SCORE: 16/25
Transfer fee **
Performance ****
Achievements **
Career phase ***
Squad need *****

See the table above for our Leao to Arsenal Transfer Fit rating (more info on this here) and give us your thoughts on whether he’d be good value for money and the right stylistic fit for this Gunners side.

The post Director breaks silence on future of “very important” Arsenal transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea in “very favourable” position as €40m-rated star “planning” transfer for this summer

7 April 2026 at 10:11

Chelsea are reportedly in a favourable position with regards to Diego Moreira as he attracts transfer interest from Borussia Dortmund.

The talented 21-year-old, who is currently on the books at Strasbourg, was previously a Chelsea player and they have a “very favourable” buy-back clause for him, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Moreira has impressed during his time in Ligue 1 and is said to be planning a move for this summer, with Dortmund showing an interest in snapping him up.

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See below for details as Plettenberg adds that Moreira could move for around €40m, though Chelsea could hold the advantage here due to their clause

???? EXCL | Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs to have Diego #Moreira on their shortlist for the summer.

The 21 y/o, currently under contract at Strasbourg until 2029, is planning a move in the upcoming window, with a potential fee in the region of €30–40 million. #BVBpic.twitter.com/tFgmFEhj7M

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 6, 2026

“Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs to have Diego #Moreira on their shortlist for the summer,” Plettenberg posted on X.

“The 21 y/o, currently under contract at Strasbourg until 2029, is planning a move in the upcoming window, with a potential fee in the region of €30–40 million.

“Moreira is highly versatile and can operate in almost any role on the left flank. Chelsea are believed to hold a very favourable buy-back option.”

Who is Diego Moreira and will he return to Chelsea?

Moreira is a 21-year-old wide-player capable of filling in as a full-back, wing-back, or winger, and he’s having a fine season with Strasbourg.

The youngster has three goals and four assists in Ligue 1 so far, and he’s also increasingly been involved with the senior Belgian national team.

Moreira won his first two caps for Belgium in 2025, and also had the option of representing Portugal, whom he played for at various stages of youth level.

Moreira joined Chelsea in 2023 but only ever made one appearance for the club, initially going out on loan to Lyon before his permanent transfer to fellow BlueCo team Strasbourg.

It’s not yet clear if CFC are actually interested in bringing him back, but that buy-back clause gives them that option, though it could also allow them to capitalise on interest from someone like Dortmund and sell the player for a profit.

The post Chelsea in “very favourable” position as €40m-rated star “planning” transfer for this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

From France: Liverpool on alert 2x UCL winner made available, Arsenal also offered transfer

7 April 2026 at 09:43

Liverpool are reportedly one of the clubs on alert as Real Madrid look prepared to let Eduardo Camavinga leave this summer.

That’s according to respected French outlet L’Equipe, who describe Camavinga’s future at the Bernabeu as increasingly uncertain.

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Despite being part of two Champions League-winning sides during his time at Real Madrid, Camavinga’s form has taken a bit of a dip this season and it could be the right time for both parties to go their separate ways.

Our understanding is that Camavinga has also been offered to Arsenal, with the France international likely to prioritise Champions League football when it comes to choosing his next club.

Eduardo Camavinga to Liverpool or Arsenal?

Camavinga has long been regarded as a top talent, and is still only 23 years of age, so one imagines there’ll be a lot of interest in him this summer.

The former Rennes star has been something of a utility player during his time with Los Blancos, filling in in midfield and also occasionally at left-back.

That could make him useful for Liverpool and Arsenal, but he’d perhaps also do well to move somewhere where he’ll be the clear first choice in one position.

It’s not necessarily clear that would happen for him at Anfield or the Emirates Stadium.

Is Eduardo Camavinga good enough?

Camavinga has his qualities, but he doesn’t really look at the moment like he’d be an upgrade on Ryan Gravenberch in that defensive midfield role at LFC.

Meanwhile, it’s also hard to see many players starting over Declan Rice or Martin Zubimendi on a regular basis in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Camavinga might be a useful squad player for these teams, but he’ll probably have to step down to a slightly less competitive level if he wants more playing time and a more important role next season.

The post From France: Liverpool on alert 2x UCL winner made available, Arsenal also offered transfer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

☕️🥐 FC breakfast: Arteta 🖊, Messi at his peak 🤯, CR7 📊

☕️
☕️🥐 FC breakfast: Arteta 🖊, Messi at his peak 🤯, CR7 📊

📽 When prime Messi destroyed Arsenal

The Champions League is back this Tuesday. What better way to get in the mood than with an unforgettable memory. Almost exactly 16 years ago, Arsenal held Barcelona to a draw in the first leg (2-2) of the quarter-final. In the return leg, Messi put on a show with a crazy four-goal haul. 


CR7, yet another surprising stat 😯

Did you know? CR7 has scored against goalkeepers from all over the world, but also of all ages. The oldest of the Portuguese star’s victims is Nigel Martyn, who is now 59 years old. But the former Real man has also scored against a certain Gavin Bazunu, now 24. A whole generation has gone by!


Arteta’s new training drills 😅

Team-bonding games like no other — Arteta knows how to manage his squad even on a public holiday. Though the bit with the pens... what was that for?


TV schedule 📺

21:00: Real Madrid - Bayern (Canal+ Foot)

21:00: Sporting - Arsenal (Canal+ Sport)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

‘I cannot understand this call’: Kumble, Ashwin slam Rahane’s shocking decision

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane found himself under intense scrutiny after opting to bat first against Punjab Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at Eden Gardens, a decision that drew sharp criticism from several former cricketers.

With rain forecast and conditions heavily favouring bowlers early on, many expected the captain winning the toss to field first and take advantage of the uncertainty. Adding to that, Eden Gardens has historically not been the easiest venue to defend totals, making Rahane’s decision all the more surprising.



KKR were also without their key spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, leaving their bowling attack considerably thin. Despite these factors, Rahane chose to bat, a move that immediately raised eyebrows.

The decision quickly came under pressure as Xavier Bartlett exploited the overcast conditions brilliantly, dismissing Finn Allen and Cameron Green in the same over to leave KKR reeling early. Soon after, rain interrupted play, and the match was eventually abandoned with both teams sharing a point.

During the rain break, former India captain Anil Kumble openly questioned the call.

“I am surprised that Rahane won the toss and chose to bat first. On a pitch like this, where there's some rain around, ideally, you would want to field first,” Kumble said.

Echoing similar confusion, former selector Saba Karim added, “I cannot understand this call. I cannot wrap my head around it.”

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also weighed in on social media, criticising the thinking behind the decision.



“When you know it’s going to be a rain-affected game, with an inexperienced bowling attack at your disposal, you choose to bat first. Interesting thought process. #ipl2026.”

Before the rain halted proceedings, KKR were struggling at 25/2, with Bartlett’s incisive spell putting them on the back foot. The interruption may have come as a relief for KKR, while PBKS, who had started strongly, were left frustrated.

The abandoned game meant both sides shared points, with Punjab continuing their strong run in the tournament, while KKR slipped further down the table after another underwhelming outing.

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Seven Eritrean players fail to return home after international match

A team photo posed before a match by the Eritrean men's football side. The outfield players are wearing all-blue kit with red, green and gold trim. Five players in the front row bend forward with their hands placed on their knees, with the player on the far right of the front row holding a team pennant. Six players stand in the back row with their arms wrapped around the team-mate to either side. The goalkeeper is in a pink jersey with the number one on its chest. The players are on a green pitch with an empty wooden stand in the background
Eritrea has reached the qualifying group stages for the Africa Cup of Nations [ENFF]

Seven players from the Eritrean football squad that scored a historic victory in Eswatini last week have failed to return home, a source close to the team has told the BBC.

While some of their teammates flew back from Eswatini's neighbour, South Africa, the seven are said to have absconded.

There have been several cases when Eritreans competing in various sports have not gone home after international fixtures in recent years.

Rights groups have described the government in Asmara as highly repressive - a charge which the authorities reject. Despite its small population, hundreds of thousands of Eritreans have sought asylum abroad.

The news of the players absconding will come as a blow to the team, which, following its 2-1 win in Eswatini and 4-1 victory on aggregate, was celebrating a return to the qualifying group stages for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 19 years.

Only 10 of the 24-man squad were based in Eritrea and just three of those players, including team captain Ablelom Teklezghi, have now returned, sources in Asmara told BBC Tigrinya.

While it is unclear where the missing players have gone, reports say some of them have been seen in South Africa.

Those who have absconded include goalkeeper Kubrom Solomon and veteran winger Medhanie Redie.

Eritrea's state-owned media outlets have been unusually quiet on the victorious team's return, which have in the past been accompanied by a big fanfare.

Sources say preparations were made for a similar reception but was cancelled following news of the disappearance of the players.

The spokesperson of Eritrea's Sport and Culture Commission, who has been providing updates on social media about the recent success of the team, posted pictures of some of the returning players and staff in Egypt, where the Eritrean embassy and community members organised a reception for them.

They stopped in Cairo on the way back to Eritrea.

But the only players seen in those pictures were the ones who then went on to fly to Asmara.

Many Eritrean fans had been hoping that the victory over Eswatini would lead to a renaissance of Eritrean football, but for many Eritreans the latest news has a familiar ring.

Over the last two decades, the national team at different levels has been scarred by a series of events in which players, and even almost entire squads, have disappeared either before or after games abroad.

In 2019, seven players from the Eritrean under-20 side went missing after playing in the East African regional championship in Uganda.

In 2015, 10 senior squad players refused to return home after playing a World Cup qualifying match in Botswana.

Two years earlier, 15 players and the team doctor were granted asylum in Uganda after they absconded.

And in 2009 the entire senior team, apart from the coach and an official, failed to return home from Kenya.

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A coach secretly filmed his women players undressing – yet he can still work in football

A coach secretly filmed his women players undressing – yet he can still work in footballIt was when the police officer called that it really hit Kristyna Janku.

The Czech Republic international was asked to go to the police station to identify herself in video footage and photos taken between 2019 and 2023 by her former coach, Petr Vlachovsky.

Janku could not believe what she was watching.

Using a miniature camera hidden in his backpack, Vlachovsky, who managed first-division side 1. FC Slovacko in the Champions League and was once voted the Czech Republic’s best women’s coach — recorded 15 players, the youngest aged 17, showering and changing in various locker rooms before and after practice and matches.

Janku, 31, had known Vlachovsky, former coach of the Czech Under-19 women’s team, for a long time. She thought she had a good working relationship with him, was friends with his wife, and knew his children. Janku and other players had been invited to a party before his wedding, yet this man invaded their privacy at a club that Janku called “home”.

“You never think something like that can happen,” Janku, who spent 13 seasons at 1. FC Slovacko, tells The Athletic via a video call.

“When I saw the videotapes, he was really thinking about what he was doing. I could tell he was really good at it. It was not just by accident. He was professional about football. When I saw the tapes, I could tell he was professional about this, too.”

She says players only learned they had been secretly filmed after Vlachovsky’s arrest in 2023. Some vomited when they found out, some needed to leave the club, and others sought psychological help. Janku, who now plays in Poland, says she is always vigilant when visiting new places and hides slightly when changing.

The court awarded 20,000 CZK ($940) in compensation to 13 players for the harm suffered, but the impact on those players will last, in Janku’s words, a “lifetime”.

In May 2025, a criminal court, without a public hearing, also handed Vlachovsky a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year domestic coaching ban, and he was found guilty of possessing child pornography material on his computer. European governing body UEFA could choose to remove the coach’s licence, but at the moment, there is nothing stopping Vlachovsky from coaching outside of the Czech Republic.

Janku calls the sentence, which the players could not appeal against, “ridiculous”. FIFPRO, the global players’ union, is calling on FIFA, football’s global governing body, to hand Vlachovsky a worldwide lifetime ban. A FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic: “FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident.”

Following Vlachovsky’s conviction, the Czech football federation did not take further action and did not have the power to sanction him further because he is no longer a member of the federation. The Czech players’ union, CAFH, has recently submitted proposals for new regulations to the federation’s disciplinary code regarding sexual abuse and abuse of position. The federation, 1. FC Slovacko, and Vlachovsky had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.

“It’s important to name it for what it is,” FIFPRO legal counsel Barbara Mere Carrion, along with other FIFPRO representatives, told media last week. “Despite the fact that it’s non-contact sexual abuse, it’s still sexual abuse. That helps players and everyone be aware of its severity.” The Czech players’ union also says it is pushing to change national law.

FIFPRO director of women’s football, Alex Culvin, argues the lack of proactiveness from football’s governing bodies means it falls on players such as Janku to speak out publicly to try to enforce change. Not every player, however, has a union to call on, with only 70 spread across football’s 211 member associations.

FIFPRO’s legal counsel also warns that if governing bodies do not impose a stronger sanction on Vlachovsky, it may discourage other players from coming forward.

But Janku wanted to speak out. “If there is a chance to make football safer for women and younger girls, I want to try to do something,” she says.

FIFPRO secretary general Alex Phillips believes what happened to Janku and her team-mates is “the tip of the iceberg”. He adds: “Abusers move to unregulated spaces where they know the risk of getting caught or punished is very low and where they have power — picking the team, for example. If nobody is checking your power, you can abuse it. That’s why the sanctions must send a message.”

The Czech players’ experiences also reflect how football values women’s players, according to FIFPRO. The footballers were not considered 1. FC Slovacko employees, for example, because they were not fully professional. “The players are just not high enough up the food chain for anyone to give a s**t,” says Culvin. “It is not a lack of capacity, it is a lack of will.”

This case exposes a system which, according to Culvin, is “not set up for players”. FIFPRO says the problems include:

No legal obligation for national federations to report such cases to FIFA at international level

No global database to check whether an official is an offender

No necessity for all coaches to complete a compulsory safeguarding course

A lack of signposting about how to report alleged abuse, with FIFA’s reporting mechanisms not familiar to everyone.

FIFA’s website says young people over the age of 18, women, and people with disabilities are “especially vulnerable groups who must be safeguarded” in football and has a confidential reporting platform. FIFA’s independent ethics committee can also investigate alleged breaches of the organisation’s ethics code, including safeguarding concerns or sexual assault. FIFA says it has put in place “an extensive safeguarding programme, including at FIFA tournaments, and has made significant investment and resources around safeguarding education in football”.

A FIFA spokesperson told The Athletic: “As a general rule, please understand that the independent ethics committee does not comment on allegations it may or may not have received, or whether or not investigations are underway into alleged cases. As usual, any information the ethics committee may like to share will be communicated at their discretion.

“Nevertheless, anyone who wishes to report allegations or information related to abuse in football can do so via FIFA’s confidential reporting platform, with all information that is submitted to FIFA handled in the strictest of confidence.”

“Federations have a conflict of interest,” argues Phillips. “They are not incentivised to investigate their own coaches or officials because those people are part of their system, which keeps them in power. Similarly, on an international level, FIFA and UEFA are not incentivised to sanction their own members because they are the ones that will vote them back into power in those elections next year, for example. That governance structure has never changed over many, many years. It’s still the same as it always was.

“Why would you report to the federation when the federation is in charge of employing a coach? Until we have properly independent bodies in football, then this will always come back.”

Last month, the FIFA Council approved its first comprehensive safeguarding policy, a summary of processes, standards and reporting mechanisms. FIFA, unlike confederations, is not responsible for issuing coaching badges, but offers a FIFA guardians safeguarding in football diploma — in 2026, FIFA says it recognised 123 graduates from 100 FIFA member associations — and their optional coach educator diploma includes a mandatory safeguarding module.

The UEFA coaching convention, meanwhile, introduces safeguarding at the first level of coaching, and UEFA maintains that all national associations are required to educate coaches on safeguarding, either by following their own national policies and programmes or by using UEFA’s safeguarding toolkit.

“You will find many certificates, courses, workshops and conferences about safeguarding,” said Phillips. “But if you ask how many individuals have been sanctioned for abuse over the last five years, I don’t know what answer you will get.”

According to the FIFA disciplinary and ethics report, the disciplinary committee received 3,445 cases relating to matters such as payment distribution in the transfer system and match-related incidents between 2024 and 2025. It resolved 97 per cent of cases and received a further 115 requests to extend sanctions to have worldwide effect. The report, however, does not identify the number of cases related to abuse.

“There is probably a black hole in understanding just how many players are affected by different forms of abuse,” adds Culvin. “Not only that, but a report mechanism and a response… Who’s going to listen to these players?

“It reminds me of when the MeToo movement started. Just believe players, that is the fundamental backstop of all these different exacerbations of what you see in the National Women’s Soccer League (referring to the Yates Report) and Spain (referring to the Luis Rubiales case).

“Unless governing bodies act, players are going to feel inhibited by the system.”

For Janku, however, her reason for speaking out about Vlachovsky is clear.

“It’s not comfortable to speak about it but it is needed,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to solve the problem, don’t be silent about it. When something like that happens, don’t let him coach again.”

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

International Football, Women's Soccer

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Michigan holds off UConn to win 2026 NCAA men's basketball title

Michigan defeated UConn 69-63 in the NCAA men's basketball national championship game on Monday night, ending a 26-year national championship drought for the Big Ten. 

The Wolverines captured the second NCAA title in school history and its first since 1989.

Elliot Cadeau led the Wolverines with 19 points, including the team's first 3, which came 7:04 into the second half. The second, from freshman Trey McKenney, came with 1:50 left and felt like a dagger, giving the Wolverines a nine-point lead.

To no one's surprise, UConn fought to the finish — Solo Ball banked in a 3 to cut it to four with 37 seconds left — and after two missed free throws, UConn's Alex Karaban (17 points) barely grazed the rim on a 3 that would've cut the deficit to one with 17 seconds left.

Not until McKenney sank two free throws to bring Michigan's shooting from the line to 25 for 28 for the night could the Wolverines (37-3) kick off the celebration.

Head coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines hoists the trophy after defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the national championship of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. / Credit: Michael Reaves / Getty Images

"Nobody cared about stats the whole season. Nobody cared about nothing but winning," Cadeau said from the trophy presentation stage amid a confetti-strewn court.

The game had a 1950s feel to it.

"If you'd told me we would shoot it this poorly and (be) dominated on the glass and still find a way to win, I don't know if I would have believed you," May said. "This team just found a way all season."

Michigan had to fight for everything. The Wolverines missed their first 11 shots from 3, finished 2 for 15 from there and won despite the struggles of its best player, Yaxel Lendeborg. Ailing with a hurt knee and foot that kept him from elevating, the graduate transfer from UAB finished with 13 points on 4-for-13 shooting. 

Truth be told, it wasn't anyone's prettiest night.

UConn's hopes at becoming the first team since John Wooden's UCLA dynasty to win three titles in four seasons came up short, done in by massive foul trouble and its own terrible shooting.

Coach Dan Hurley's team shot 30.9% from the floor and missed its first 11 shots from 3 in the second half.

Braylon Mullins, the hero of the Duke win that put UConn in the Final Four, finished 4 of 17, though he made a pair of late 3s that kept the game in reach.

UConn (35-5) covered the 6 1/2-point spread, and Hurley kept his players out on the court to watch the podium get set up for the presentation of a trophy heading not to Storrs, but Ann Arbor.

About the only consolation: The Huskies clogged things up, slowed things down and made Michigan beat them at their game.

Michigan had become the first team to score 90-plus points in five straight tournament games in the same season. With the help of 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara, the defense amassed eight or more blocks in the first four games of the tournament — the first time that's happened since blocks became an official stat in the 1980s.

The Wolverines had only three swats against Arizona, but that was a 91-73 win in a game that was supposed to be the best of the tournament but turned into something else.

Style points aside, this was a championship built from outside — the best team money could buy.

All five Wolverines starters played college ball elsewhere, and all but Nimari Burnett came to Ann Arbor this season. That's the product of the transfer portal that May has shown no reluctance to use. His ability to form a makeshift group into a winner is still the value of a coach and a culture.

"They might be still calling us mercenaries but we're the hardest-working team," Lendenborg said. "We're the best in college basketball and we'll be one of the greatest ever."

The Ann Arbor Police Department said it had a large presence "as thousands of fans celebrated" the win.

It added that "two people were arrested and Ann Arbor Fire extinguished more than 40 fires in connection with the post-game celebration. Multiple street signs were also damaged during the celebration. There were no serious injuries reported."

Expert weighs in on rescue missions for downed U.S. fighter jet, Trump's threats against Iran

Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie on the rescue of a U.S. airman and a "hard lesson for Iran"

Key details on Iran war after Trump posts profanity-laced threats

🥐 Clash of giants, rematches, praise... 5️⃣ stories to start Tuesday

🥐 Clash of giants, rematches, praise... 5️⃣ stories to start Tuesday

European football pauses today to turn its eyes to one of those occasions that justify the mystique of this sport. The Bernabéu opens its doors for a Real Madrid-Bayern Munich, a clash that is not just a quarter-final match, but a meeting of two institutions that breathe the European Cup like no one else.

However, the sound of boots echoing through the players’ tunnel is not the only thing making noise today. The build-up arrives heated by the statements of Lothar Matthäus, who has put the spotlight on Vinicius Jr. in an obvious attempt to tilt the emotional balance before the opening whistle.

Between old scores to settle for Barça against Atlético and the injury problems of an Arsenal side looking to conquer Lisbon, a day of maximum intensity awaits us, where the details — and the dugouts, with Conte once again appearing on the Italian horizon — will decide everything.

Clash of titans at the Bernabéu

The Bernabéu rolls out the red carpet to welcome Bayern Munich for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. This duel, regarded as the "European Clasico", promises a galaxy of stars with figures such as Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Harry Kane and Olise on the pitch. The competitive tension is at its peak in a tie that brings the continent to a standstill.

Matthäus sparks controversy

The build-up has been marked by Lothar Matthäus’ harsh words against Vinicius Jr. The German legend accused the Brazilian of "constantly provoking" and "whining" about heavy challenges. These comments add extra spice to a match where the focus will be on how the Real Madrid forward reacts to Bavarian pressure.

Barça seek redemption

Meanwhile, FC Barcelona are already preparing for tomorrow’s clash against Atlético de Madrid. The Catalan side come in hungry for revenge after the painful European eliminations of 2014 and 2016, as well as the recent setback in the Copa del Rey. Hansi Flick is looking to break the historic curse against Simeone’s men in continental competition.

Major absences for Arsenal

In Lisbon, Arsenal under Mikel Arteta face a huge challenge against surprise package Sporting CP. The Gunners arrive at Alvalade weakened by the confirmed absences of Bukayo Saka and JurriënTimber. The hosts, meanwhile, are counting on the atmosphere in their stadium to keep their dream alive in this edition of the European Cup.

Conte offers himself to the 'Azzurra'

On the managerial front, Antonio Conte has stirred up Italian football. After beating Milan with Napoli, the coach openly put himself forward to return to the national team. "If I were the Federation president, I would consider myself," Conte told DAZN, making it clear that his ambition to lead Italy remains fully intact.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

'Celtic assess Dundee goalkeeper McCracken' - gossip

Celtic are being linked with a Dundee goalkeeper and Hibernian midfielder as Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou addresses speculation about his future.

Dundee goalkeeper Jon McCracken is among the signing targets being assessed by Celtic, with the 25-year-old out of contract in the summer and available without a transfer fee. (Football Insider)

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill and assistant Mark Fortheringham were at Deepdale on Monday as 28-year-old Preston North End goalkeeper Daniel Iversen starred against Queens Park Rangers. (Football Insider)

Celtic's interest in Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa has moved beyond early scouting, with discussions between the clubs about the 21-year-old taking place both in January and more recently. (Celts Are Here)

Odin Thiago Holm, who has returned to former club Valerenga on loan, has suggested he has been joyless at Celtic since the 23-year-old midfielder made the move in 2023. (VG Podcast via Glasgow Times)

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou, who has been linked with the vacancy at Celtic, insists he is planning on building on this season's success next term. (Scottish Sun)

Aberdeen head coach Stephen Robinson says it would have been unfair to stand in the way of Sivert Heltne Nilsen being sold to Haugesund because the 34-year-old midfielder was not in his plans for the rest of the season and was being offered a seven-year playing and coaching contract back in his homeland. (Press & Journal)

Former St Johnstone midfielder Max Kucheriavyi is back in football – signing a one-year contract with Kazakhstan Premier League club Caspiy - nearly 12 months after the 24-year-old left the Scottish Championship leaders. (The Courier)

Former Scotland defender Charlie Mulgrew has revealed he was Celtic's first signing under Neil Lennon but was not announced for a whole month because he was "too underwhelming" an acquisition. (The National)

Key Heart of Midlothian centre-back Stuart Findlay is likely to return on Saturday following six weeks out with a calf injury. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Albion Rovers manager Sandy Clark was happy to see the Green Brigade ultra's out in force in support of Celtic B - despite their pyrotechnics holding the game up twice - because the boost in attendance will pay the Lowland League club's players' wages for a month. (Daily Record)

The Weekly Bobbins: A Shrug Dressed As Professional Football

In his post‑match interview, Leam Richardson looked furious, anxious, feisty – pick your adjective, they all fit. And honestly, good. He should’ve been. Most of us felt the same, if not worse, after that timid, quarter‑hearted loss to a promoted Lincoln City side who barely had to break sweat.

Up until now, I’ve been… fine. Content enough. Not thrilled, not convinced, but fine. The points have totted up, the decent performances have been AWOL, and even that’s being generous because we’ve only put in a handful of genuinely good showings all season. But this? This was the day LeamBall officially jumped the shark.

We’ve reached the point where doing the same thing over and over again and expecting anything different isn’t just stubborn, it’s delusional. Yet there we were, dutifully rolling out the same tired routine: give it to Lewis Wing and… well, what? What exactly?

“It was devoid of entertainment or anything remotely close to joy”

We knew – knew – Lincoln don’t want the ball. They thrive without it. They sit in, stay organised and wait for you to do something stupid. The table doesn’t lie.

And still we played like we’d never seen or even heard of them before, like we were trying to impose a “style” that barely looks fluid even on our best days. It was naïve. It was predictable. It was devoid of entertainment or anything remotely close to joy.

Over 70% possession. Zero shots in open play. And still the same move, over and over again: give it to Wing, lose the ball, get the ball back, pass it around the back. Reset. Repeat. Hope that something magically changes. It never did.

At many points we had Paudie O’Connor, Finley Burns, Wing, Jeriel Dorsett, Liam Fraser and sometimes Ryan Nyambe all stood in our own half while Wing – unopposed, unbothered – was left to pick out Daniel Kyerewaa, Charlie Savage, Paddy Lane and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan against 10 Lincoln players. 10.

How is that a tactic? How is that a plan? How is that anything other than a shrug dressed up as professional football?

And this is supposed to be the product of a week’s training, every week’s training? This is the grand design? The fine‑tuned, meticulously drilled approach?

Come on now. When do we switch the play up? When do we move through the lines? When does someone do something unexpected or pop up when you least expect them? Even the players looked disengaged, disinterested, disheartened.

A one-man team?

Conversely, there are other factors at play. Yes, the injuries matter. Yes, it’s a recovery season. Yes, maybe we’re all guilty of wanting too much too soon. But none of that excuses how meek we looked.

The body language was off. The belief was non‑existent. Not one player carried themselves like we were a genuine top-six side. It felt like a group going through the motions, ticking boxes, doing the bare minimum of professional movement without any conviction behind it, already defeated.

“No shared responsibility. Just Wing or bust”

And this is where Richardson and Wing become the same problem. Wing does what Wing wants – and fair enough, he’s earned that freedom. He’s our best player by a mile.

But it has warped everything else. We’ve become a one‑man team, structurally and mentally. Everything goes through him because noone else has been allowed to develop their role. No Plan B. No alternative or repeatable patterns. No shared responsibility. Just Wing or bust.

He’s a blessing and a curse. Capable of the sublime, as we saw with the free‑kick. But where is everyone else? When do they matter? Are they even allowed to?

Richardson has let this dependency calcify. It’s easy to see why, but it’s still a cop‑out. Predictable, boring and increasingly pointless.


And that’s where I am now: bored. Not with the club, not with the evolution that we all want to see, but with the idea that our entire fate rests on one man doing something brilliant while everyone else rehearses the same tired routine of not receiving the bloody ball. Is this really it? Is this all we’ve got?

For my own sanity, I never believed this season was the season. Too much, too soon. But even with that realism, I didn’t expect whatever that was against Lincoln. It wasn’t just a defeat, it was a performance that stripped away any illusion that we’re building something coherent.

And that’s the part that lingers.

Real Madrid midfielder has no intention of leaving club amid PSG, Premier League links

Real Madrid midfielder has no intention of leaving club amid PSG, Premier League links
Real Madrid midfielder has no intention of leaving club amid PSG, Premier League links

Real Madrid are set for a massive transfer window in June with the administration already strategically targeting certain positions on the field.

The central midfield is one such department where the board see the need for a new elite player, and it is clear that such an arrival must be balanced out with departures from the same department.

After all, there is already serious competition for places in midfield.

One player who has been linked with a departure from the club for the same reason is Eduardo Camavinga.

While the player has indeed been far from disappointing, he has also failed to hit the levels expected of him and has already seen his prominence take a steep fall this season.

Camavinga’s stance

In recent days, Camavinga has been linked with a move to the Premier League and has even seen PSG emerge as a candidate interested in his transfer.

Camavinga does not want to leave Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

As confirmed by Florian Plettenberg, however, the Frenchman himself has no intention of leaving Real Madrid.

The player is aware of his complicated situation at the Spanish capital but is far from dissatisfied.

He is willing to fight for his spot and make a name for himself and thus does not even consider leaving the club.

Despite all the talk of interest from England and France, Camavinga has not even spoken to any party and is completely focused on Real Madrid’s season. He wants to stay at the club for as long as possible.

As it stands, the 23-year-old star’s contract with Real Madrid runs out in 2029 and he is thus in no rush to make a move.

Real Madrid has always been the club of his dreams, and he will continue to fight to succeed at the club.

Promising Barcelona talent to miss rest of the season after frightening injury

Promising Barcelona talent to miss rest of the season after frightening injury
Promising Barcelona talent to miss rest of the season after frightening injury

According to a recent report from SPORT, Barcelona have been handed an unfortunate setback, with one of their most promising young talents, Ajay Tavares, set to miss the remainder of the season following a serious injury.

It must be noted that the young winger sustained the injury during a U19 fixture against Gimnastic de Tarragona, in what was meant to be a breakthrough moment in his early Barcelona journey.

The incident itself was both dramatic and concerning. Tavares, eager to make an impression on his full debut as a starter, produced an ambitious solo move that quickly turned into a nightmare. 

What happened to Tavares?

After combining cleverly in a self-initiated one-two, the English youngster lost his footing and collided heavily with the barrier behind the goal.

For a few tense seconds, there was genuine concern inside the stadium. Tavares remained motionless on the ground, leaving spectators and staff visibly shaken. 

Thankfully, he soon began to move, but the seriousness of the situation was clear from the immediate reaction of the medical teams. 

Both Barcelona’s staff and the on-site emergency crew rushed onto the pitch to provide urgent assistance.

Despite managing to get back on his feet, Tavares was in visible discomfort and had to leave the pitch with difficulty. The severity of the injury became clearer shortly after.

As further detailed by the aforementioned outlet, the player was transported to hospital by ambulance, where examinations confirmed a fractured wrist. 

While the injury may not sound season-ending at first glance, the recovery timeline tells a different story. 

Tavares is expected to be sidelined for between six to eight weeks, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the ongoing campaign.

A top talent

It is a particularly cruel blow given the timing, as the match against Gimnàstic marked his first start, and early signs suggested Barcelona had unearthed yet another exciting attacking talent. 

Tavares is widely regarded as one of the most promising players of his age group. 

His performances prior to joining Barcelona had attracted attention from several clubs, particularly from the Premier League. 

However, Barcelona acted decisively in the winter window, securing his signature with a clear long-term development plan in mind.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich– Predicted lineup and team news

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich– Predicted lineup and team news
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich– Predicted lineup and team news

Real Madrid host Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Madrid go into the tie amid some domestic disappointment under Alvaro Arbeloa. Their most recent match was a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Mallorca on April 4, a result that stretched Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to seven points.

Real Madrid team news

Thibaut Courtois is expected to miss around six weeks with a thigh injury, so Andriy Lunin is likely to start in goal for this important match.

Rodrygo is still out with a knee problem, while Jude Bellingham is being carefully managed after a hamstring issue. He has been named in the squad, but there is a good chance he begins on the bench to protect his fitness.

Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are also both doubts for the game.

There is some good news for Madrid, though, as Federico Valverde is set to return to the starting lineup after missing domestic action through suspension.

Vinícius Junior is also expected to come back into the attack alongside Kylian Mbappé after being rested in part over the weekend.

Madrid will need to be careful, because six key players — Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinícius Junior, Aurelien Tchouameni, Álvaro Carreras, and Dean Huijsen — will be suspended for the second leg if they pick up a booking tonight.

Real Madrid predicted lineup

Possible Real Madrid starting XI: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Pitarch, Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

When will the match kick off?

The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday, 7th April.

How to watch Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich?

For viewers in the UK, the match is on TNT Sports, with coverage beginning at 7:00 pm BST on TNT Sports 1. It is also available to stream on HBO Max in the UK.

Read Also – Manchester United join clubs tracking Blackburn teenager

See More – Luka Vuskovic ready for Tottenham return after impressive loan

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Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Match preview and team news

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Match preview and team news
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Match preview and team news

Real Madrid welcome Bayern Munich to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night in a first-leg clash of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

The two European giants will meet in the European Cup/Champions League for the 29th team. Real lead the head-to-head with 13 wins to Bayern’s nine.

Real Madrid are also on a nine-match undefeated run against Bayern in the Champions League since 2012.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Match preview and team news

  • Date: Tuesday, 7th April.
  • Kick-off: 8pm BST.
  • Venue: Estadio Bernabeu, Madrid.

Real Madrid team news

Real Madrid faces several selection headaches. Thibaut Courtois is sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a thigh injury; this leaves Andriy Lunin to take the reins in goal for this crucial first leg.

Adding to the medical room concerns, Rodrygo remains out with a knee injury. Jude Bellingham will be managed cautiously after his hamstring issue.

While Bellingham has been included in the squad, there are strong indications that he may start on the bench to manage his fitness levels.

Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are two more players that remains a doubt for this match.

On a more positive note, Federico Valverde is set to return to the starting XI after serving a domestic suspension, and Vinícius Junior is expected to join the attack alongside Kylian Mbappe after being partially rested over the weekend.

However, the team must play with caution, as six key players including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Junior, Aurelien Tchouameni, Alvaro Carreras, and Dean Huijsen—will miss the second leg if booked tonight.

Bayern Munich team news

Bayern Munich enter this clash in a much more stable position regarding player availability, providing manager Vincent Kompany with several tactical options.

The headline news for the German giants is the return of star striker Harry Kane, who travelled with the squad and participated in Monday’s training session after recovering from a minor ankle injury that kept him out of the recent fixture against Freiburg.

While his match fitness will be assessed right up until kick-off, he is expected to be available for selection.

Further boosting the squad are Michael Olise and Joshua Kimmich, both of whom have served their European suspensions and are ready to bolster the midfield and attack.

Manuel Neuer and Alphonso Davies are also back to full fitness. The only notable absentee for the visitors is reserve goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, who is out with a muscle tear.

Despite this depth, Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano remain at risk of suspension for the second leg if they receive a booking tonight.

Form

Real Madrid

Real Madrid enters this quarter-final in a state of domestic flux under manager Álvaro Arbeloa. Their last result was a deflating 2-1 loss to Mallorca on April 4, which allowed Barcelona to extend their lead in La Liga to seven points.

This defeat has intensified the pressure on their European campaign, effectively making the Champions League their primary path to silverware this season. Despite league struggles, their continental form remains strong, having recently eliminated Manchester City.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich arrives in Madrid as one of Europe’s most in-form teams, currently boasting a 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions. Their last outing was a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Freiburg on April 4, secured by a 99th-minute winner from Lennart Karl.

This dramatic win maintained their nine-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga and provided a massive psychological boost, with players expressing a feeling of “invincibility” heading into tonight’s high-stakes clash.

Predicted lineups

Real Madrid: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Pitarch, Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Jackson

How to watch Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich?

In the UK, Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich is on TNT Sports, with coverage starting at 7:00 pm BST on TNT Sports 1. It is also listed as available to stream on HBO Max in the UK.

Read Also – Manchester United join clubs tracking Blackburn teenager

See More – Chelsea set sights on Sunderland shot-stopper for summer deal

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Bayern Munich predicted lineup and team news vs Real Madrid

Bayern Munich predicted lineup and team news vs Real Madrid
Bayern Munich predicted lineup and team news vs Real Madrid

Bayern Munich visit the Santiago Bernabeu as they face Real Madrid in a rivalry known as the European Clásico for the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

Bayern Munich arrive in Madrid in strong form, with a 13‑game unbeaten run across all competitions. Their last match was an exciting 3‑2 comeback win over Freiburg on April 4, sealed by a 99th‑minute strike from Lennart Karl.

Bayern Munich team news

Ahead of this clash, Bayern are in a much more settled state in terms of squad availability, giving manager Vincent Kompany several tactical choices.

The big boost is the return of star striker Harry Kane, who travelled with the team and took part in Monday’s training session after recovering from a minor ankle injury that ruled him out of the Freiburg game.

His match fitness will be checked right up to kick‑off, but he is expected to be available for selection.

The squad is further strengthened by Michael Olise and Joshua Kimmich, both of whom have now served their European suspensions and are ready to strengthen Bayern’s midfield and attack.

Manuel Neuer and Alphonso Davies are also back to full fitness. The only confirmed absentee is the backup goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, who is sidelined with a muscle tear.

Even with this depth, Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano face the risk of suspension for the second leg if they are booked tonight.

Bayern Munich predicted lineup

Possible Bayern Munich starting XI: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Jackson

When will the match kick off?

The match will kick off at 8pm BST on Tuesday, 7th April.

How to watch Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich?

For viewers in the UK, Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich will be shown on TNT Sports, with coverage starting at 7:00 pm BST on TNT Sports 1. The match is also available to stream on HBO Max in the UK.

Read Also – Iconic Performances: Messi’s four-goal demolition of Arsenal

See More – Lijnders says departing Manchester City captain Bernardo will be impossible to replace

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Radek Vitek: Man United loanee stands tall for loan side

Radek Vitek: Man United loanee stands tall for loan side
Radek Vitek: Man United loanee stands tall for loan side

Manchester United had three players in loan action this Easter Monday.

To find out where all of United’s loanees are plying their trade this season, click here.

Radek Vitek

Vitek had a stunning game as Bristol City defeated Sheffield United 1-0.

He made a total of seven saves in the match, with five coming from shots inside the area. Vitek also completed two high claims and punched the ball to safety once.

His best stop was a stunning one-handed save from a header that looked destined to drop into the back of the net. Vitek and his side will next travel to London to face Queens Park Rangers this Saturday lunchtime.

Radek Vitek stats vs Sheffield United

Ethan Ennis

Ennis played well once more but could not stop his Fleetwood side falling to a 2-5 defeat to Barnet.

He made five key passes in the match and had one assist. His low cross was swept in by Harrison Neal to give the Cod Army hope.

Ennis also completed a total of three crosses and had one shot on goal. The winger was successful in two tackles and came out on top in four duels to help his side defensively.

His dribbles did not come off, though, as he lost the ball five times when trying to carry the ball forward. He will next be in action on Saturday when his side travel to face Accrington Stanley.

Toby Collyer

The United midfielder had a rare start as Hull City drew 0-0 with league leaders Coventry City.

He played 74 minutes, making 79% of his passes. Collyer completed all three of his dribbles and also won all three of his tackle attempts in the match.

The youngster was also strong in his duels, winning an impressive seven of nine attempts.

Collyer and Hull will next travel to Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon as the race for the Championship play-offs heats up.

Feature image Ed Sykes via Getty Images

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Richard Hughes wants deal for £60m American to lead midfield rebuild

Richard Hughes wants deal for £60m American to lead midfield rebuild
Richard Hughes wants deal for £60m American to lead midfield rebuild

Liverpool get serious about Malik Tillman

Malik Tillman is enjoying a fine season with Bayer Leverkusen since completing his £30m deal from PSV last summer. Now the attacking midfielder is a serious target for the Premier League champions according to a new report in Sports Boom.

With a contract until 2030 it could cost the Anfield side around £60m to wrap up a deal for the German-born schemer.

“Malik Tillman is emerging as one of world football’s most talked-about young stars, and Liverpool are circling with serious intent,” the report reads.

“Tillman put pen to paper on a long-term deal until 2030, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool from plotting an ambitious summer swoop as they look to rebuild following a frustrating season in the quest to defend their Premier League crown.

“The Reds are ready to test Leverkusen’s resolve with a blockbuster offer in the region of £60million, double the £30million figure that had previously been mooted.”

Malik Tillman: Situation summary

Malik Tillman is a 23-year-old USA international attacking midfielder, born in Nuremberg and developed at Bayern Munich’s academy before spells with Rangers and PSV Eindhoven, where he won back-to-back Eredivisie titles and produced standout numbers in goals and assists.

Standing around 6'1, he operates primarily as a roaming No.10 or advanced No.8, combining tight dribbling, creative passing and intelligent movement to attack pockets between the lines, while also posing a consistent goal threat arriving late in the box.

Leverkusen signed him from PSV in July 2025 for a reported club-record fee of about €35 million, handing him a five-year deal running to June 2030 after he hit 16 goals and five assists in 34 games for the Dutch champions.

Given the size of the fee, his age profile and early Bundesliga output, he projects as a medium-term core piece in Leverkusen’s attacking structure, with any exit likely contingent on an elite Premier League or Champions League-level bid rather than short-term rotation concerns.

2 years after Michigan made a painful coaching change, Dusty May capped an incredible turnaround with a title

INDIANAPOLIS — A mere 755 days ago, Michigan basketball finished a miserable, degrading eight-win season and did the only thing it could have done.

Five years into a tenure that finally healed the university’s sometimes complicated relationship with the Fab Five, it had no choice but to fire Juwan Howard.

The energy around the program was gone. The roster was threadbare. The impending coaching search was uncertain, as most of them are. Michigan has been a good program for a long time, with a lone national championship banner nearly four decades old, but it was nobody’s idea of a blue blood. There was no guarantee Michigan could land a slam-dunk coaching star.

“I love Juwan Howard,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I thought it was necessary. And the program is where it is today.”

Down in Florida, Dusty May was the most desired coaching prospect on the market. Though the journey had been winding, six years at Florida Atlantic — and the stunning Final Four appearance in 2023 — had put May in a position for the first time in his career to pick the next move. He had always just taken jobs, most of them sight unseen, and then told his wife Anna that it was time to pick up and move.

“She used to get angry with me because I’d just call her and say, ‘Hey, what do you think? Do you mind if I take this job?’” he said. “Even at FAU, I went to see it and before I’d seen anything I already signed the contract. That’s how impulsive I am.”

But this time was different for the Mays. Louisville wanted him badly. Vanderbilt was pitching a big investment into basketball. And then there was Michigan, a school more associated with the championships it lost in 1992 and 1993 with one of the most famous teams in the history of the sport than the title it won in 1989.

“At the end of the day, we left it up to him,” said his son, senior walk-on Charlie May. “I remember him saying, ‘I feel like I can win a national championship at University of Michigan.’”

At 11:19 p.m. on Monday night, it happened. With a 69-63 victory over UConn in the NCAA championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium, May completed one of the great two-year turnarounds in college basketball history, ended the Big Ten’s 25-year national championship drought, fulfilled a destiny the Fab Five could never quite reach and established an elite-level program that seems poised to contend for years to come.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Head Coach Dusty May of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with his team after defeating the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
In just his second season leading the program, head coach Dusty May led Michigan to its first NCAA title in 37 years. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Jamie Schwaberow via Getty Images

Much like Curt Cignetti, who flipped Indiana’s football program from worst in the Big Ten to national champion in the same two-year window, May has shown once again that long rebuilds are for suckers in this era of college athletics.

For decades, fixing a program required patience and luck. Now, it’s a game of investment and competence. But even Michigan didn’t realize when it won the sweepstakes for May how big of a jackpot it had hit.

“It’s insane that the school that hasn’t won a national championship in 37 years, and we were blessed to get it done in Year 2,” Charlie May said. “This is a dream of his, and to see him accomplish his goals and reach the mountaintop is crazy. I’m super proud of him, super happy for him, and it’s special.”

It’s even more remarkable when you think back to 2024 and the spot both Michigan and May were in before they decided on each other.

For the school, it was a traumatic end to the Howard experience, which peaked in his second season with an Elite Eight bid. At Michigan, however, Howard was more than just a basketball coach. He was an important link to an era of Michigan basketball that deserved to be celebrated and reunited after it was estranged for so long over the NCAA sanctions that forced the school to erase a huge part of its history.

But even Howard could not survive on nostalgia alone. After an incident in 2022 when he struck a Wisconsin assistant, resulting in a five-game suspension, his tenure fell apart to the point where it was unsustainable.

It would have been reasonable for May to look at that situation — football school, broken program, following someone with Howard’s gigantic presence — and wonder whether Michigan had as much upside as a true basketball school like Louisville, or even Vanderbilt in an SEC that was sitting atop college athletics.

And really for the first time in his career, May had a choice. The former Indiana student manager had done a lot of moving from Eastern Michigan to Murray State to Alabama-Birmingham to Louisiana Tech to Florida as an assistant. Florida Atlantic had been a bad job, but he took it anyway. It was a chance to be a head coach.

“Even at FAU early on, we were so happy,” his wife, Anna May, told Yahoo Sports. “Dusty felt like he had surpassed any dream he ever had. He was a Division I head coach and we felt at that point he had made it.”

Four years in, however, his record was 66-56. Nobody was trying to pry him out of Boca Raton. The idea he’d have a chance to coach at a place like Michigan two years later seemed ridiculous, never mind having other choices that seemed almost as good.

“Things can change on a dime,” Anna said.

Then the 2023 Final Four happened — one of the great mid-major tournament runs in college basketball history. May could have taken a big payday right away. Instead, he waited. Florida Atlantic didn’t achieve quite as much the next year, but the job market was better. It might be the only opportunity he’d ever have to pick a place that could get him to the very top of the profession.

The Mays recalled their time when he was a 29-year-old in his first full-time assistant job at Eastern Michigan, a school that exists in the shadow of Ann Arbor. The combination of lifestyle and opportunity pulled them back.

“We thought it was a great time to get back to the Midwest,” Dusty May said. “We were empty nesters and just wanted something different and felt like Michigan was a place, ultimately, with the changing landscape, that we could retain really good players. I felt like it was the type of place I’d love to coach at.”

With the resources to acquire players that could help turn the program around quickly, Manuel expected May to be competitive right away. By the end of last season, when Michigan reached the Sweet 16, it seemed clear they had both made the right decision.

This year was another level. All the way back to November, Michigan flashed a level of dominance nobody in the country could match, beating quality teams like Gonzaga by 40 points. And then, in the final game of the season, when the opponent and a knee injury to Yaxel Lendeborg required Michigan to dig deep, its toughness and togetherness carried the Wolverines to the finish line.

Nobody could have imagined it would happen this fast.

“I’m surprised he had it in two years, but what I saw in him is how he talked about building a team and putting people in the right place and connecting with people, and you can see it in the way this team plays for each other,” Manuel said. “He has shown all of that in the last two years.”

For some corners of college sports fandom, May and Michigan’s roster have become the avatar for what’s wrong with the current system. Rather than going out and recruiting a new Fab Five and cultivating it from the ground up, May got four of Michigan’s five starters out of the transfer portal.  But you could also look at it the other way: If you have an opportunity to improve your team quickly, why would you choose to go through the growing pains that come with a traditional rebuild?

“I’ve just seen how hard he’s worked for the 22 years I’ve been alive,” Charlie May said. “It’s definitely special. We bounced around a lot. We all sacrificed as a family. He sacrificed, my mom sacrificed a ton. I’m just very grateful for this experience.”

It took May nearly two decades to build up his career to the point where he could call his own shot about where he was going to coach. Finally, with Michigan’s resources, there was no need to be patient anymore.

And two years after one of the low points in the history of Michigan basketball, a painful decision followed by an inspired marriage produced one of the great college seasons of all time.

NBA awards voting could be delayed due to Luka Doncic's appeal

Due to the Grade 2 hamstring strain he sustained this past Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Luka Dončić will top out at 64 regular-season games this season. Per NBA rules, that leaves him one game short of the 65-game minimum required to be eligible for end-of-season awards.

His agent, Bill Duffy, issued a statement to ESPN saying that he will apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" to the 65-game rule, since Doncic missed two games earlier this year to witness the birth of his second child in Europe.

NBA insider Marc Stein wrote on his Substack about how that will impact the balloting for individual awards this season. That exemption Duffy said he will apply for cannot be submitted until the very end of the regular season, which is just before voting takes place. Stein wrote that it could delay the voting a little bit (h/t Silver Screen and Roll).

"League rules stipulate that such a challenge can only be filed on the final day of the regular season (April 12 in this case). The league will have to rule on the challenge before releasing it’s electronic ballots to voters, meaning that the voting process might be delayed slightly from its planned April 13-14 window."

The balloting process likely won't be delayed for more than a couple of days while Duffy's request is reviewed, so it won't hold things up in a major way.

Doncic will likely not win this season's MVP award, but he currently leads the league with an average of 33.5 points a game, which means he could win his second scoring title. He also has the opportunity to be elected to the All-NBA First Team for the sixth time and the first time in two years.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: NBA awards voting could be delayed due to Luka Doncic's appeal

Will Rob Brzezinski Be the Next Vikings GM?

As the Minnesota Vikings prepare for the NFL Draft at the end of the month with interim GM Rob Brzezinski taking a leading role, there is speculation whether Brzezinski himself will be named the new Vikings general manager after the draft is over.

Vikings Won’t Conduct a Search Until After the Draft

One of the tidbits of information that came out of the NFL Owners Meeting last week was that the Vikings have not begun their search for a new general manager and don’t intend to do so until after the draft. That was a slight update from Mark Wilf’s initial statement on Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s firing, when he said the Vikings would conduct an extensive search but not name a new general manager until after the draft.

This is the busiest time of year for front office personnel involved with scouting and managing both free agency and the draft, including potential candidates for the Vikings’ general manager position. From that standpoint, it makes some sense that the Vikings wouldn’t begin their GM search until after the busy time is over after the draft. On the other hand, coaching searches and interviews happen during crunch time with coaches in the playoffs when coaching candidates have even less time to prepare and conduct interviews.

Brzezinski the Leading Candidate?

The fact that the Vikings haven’t started their search for a new general manager may be one of several signs that they may be leaning toward giving Rob Brzezinski the job after the draft. In particular, the Wilfs may view this as essentially an extended interview and trial run for Brzezinski with draft weekend as the final test. Brzezinski would need to pass that test and want the job- which is also a question- but by putting off their formal GM search the Wilfs are giving Brzezinski every opportunity to land the job if he wants it.

There has also been some reporting by The Athletic recently that there is significant internal support for Brzezinski to be named the new general manager and that the search for a new GM following the draft isn’t expected to be a long one. Those are a couple other tidbits that point toward Brzezinski being the favorite to land the job.

Brzezinski’s Fit in the Vikings’ Leadership Structure

Rob Brzezinski has been with the Vikings for 27 years, including the entirety of the Wilfs’ ownership tenure. He has been the EVP of Football Operations and salary cap guru for over a decade. But he came up on the business side of football operations- business administration, legal affairs, salary cap management and contract negotiations- with degrees in law and education. He doesn’t have a background in scouting or talent evaluation.

But the Wilfs know and trust Brzezinski and see him as the consensus builder they prefer in a general manager. He may also be a good fit with Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores.

Following the firing of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, there was some speculation about Kevin O’Connell’s job security. But in choosing to move ahead without naming a new general manager and leaning into O’Connell, Brian Flores and their staffs to make player evaluations in free agency and the draft, the Wilfs appear to be placing more faith in the coaching staff under O’Connell and Flores to guide them through what Mark Wilf called a critical off-season. Brzezinski’s role is that of consensus builder in addition to his on-going responsibilities of managing the salary cap and negotiating contracts.

It’s not lost on the Wilfs that Kyler Murray, the top QB in free agency, preferring to come to Minnesota to work under O’Connell as a free agent for the veteran minimum, and that was practically a foregone conclusion as free agency approached, is no small thing. O’Connell continues to have a strong reputation around the league as a former Coach of the Year and now Competition Committee member. Internally, the coaching and training staff O’Connell has put together continue to get top marks on the annual NFLPA report cards, which also helps the Vikings land key players.

The growing influence of Brian Flores has been noticeable as well. It was Flores who questioned the direction of the front office and Adofo-Mensah’s inexperience with football operations in mid-January that may have been a catalyst for his removal. And the Wilfs are thought to have ponied up over $6 million annually to make Flores the highest paid coordinator in the league when he was extended shortly after Adofo-Mensah was fired.

So, with O’Connell and Flores tasked with taking the lead in evaluating talent, Brzezinski’s experience making those decisions happen from a business standpoint could fit very well within the Vikings’ leadership structure. Brzezinski himself is not known to be highly opinionated when it comes to personnel decisions nor has he clashed with all the various coaches and general managers the Vikings have employed over his 27-year tenure. He is respected for his experience and ability to do his job well, and that includes both O’Connell and Flores.

Why Bringing in Another GM Could Invite Trouble

There are certainly some seemingly qualified candidates out there who the Vikings could interview for the GM job. Those include Ray Agnew, the Lions Assistant GM and Ed Dodds, the Colts Assistant GM, among others. But bringing in a new general manager, and boss to both O’Connell and Flores, could invite trouble if he clashed with them on personnel decisions or in other ways. It might also be awkward for a new GM to come in after Brzezinski, O’Connell, and Flores have already made the key roster decisions for this offseason cycle. Presumably a new GM would want to make his mark on building the roster and that could lead to some tension and potential power struggles that could prove damaging.

Does Brzezinski Really Want the Job?

Perhaps the biggest question in all of this, however, is whether Brzezinski really wants the job. He has been happy to have operated largely in the background for his entire career with the Vikings, and I don’t believe he has ever put himself forward as a candidate for previous general manager openings, despite his long tenure with the team. He doesn’t like to do media interviews and isn’t a polished public speaker.

But he did agree to be the interim general manager, presumably at the behest of the Wilfs as part of the decision to move on from Adofo-Mensah, during the most critical roster-building period of the year. Clearly Brzezinski knew what that entailed and perhaps his agreeing to take on the interim job represents a trial run for him to see how he likes the job, and for the Wilfs to evaluate his performance.

The final test will doubtlessly come on draft weekend at the end of the month, but the leadup as well will be important in arriving at a consensus internally on building the draft board. But how Brzezinski is able to take charge as the draft unfolds will leave a big impression on the Wilfs as well. In previous drafts Brzezinski was charged with exploring draft trades and he has many contacts and relationships around the league after over 30 years in the league. But that will fall to subordinates this time around with Brzezinski making the final calls. How well Brzezinski can plan for and navigate the storm of trade proposals and decision-making over three days of the draft will go a long way in determining whether he wants and gets the job. But how well he brings together everyone internally will also be an important part of his evaluation.

We’ll see how things unfold, but I suspect if Brzezinski gains a level of comfort in his new role and that shows up in the results, it won’t be long before he is named the Vikings’ new general manager.

Stay tuned.

Follow me on X/Bluesky @wludford

‘I'd tell him I love him': Fred Couples reflects on Tiger Woods' struggles

getty images
Fred Couples and Tiger Woods during a practice round at the 2024 Masters.getty images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Fred Couples knows something about pain. For nearly half of his 66 years he has battled debilitating back issues that at the Masters two years ago had him in such acute discomfort when hitting short irons that he warmed up with only his driver and 3-wood. In the first round, Couples was so miserable that he wanted to quit but resisted only because he didn’t want to throw his playing partners out of sync.

Tiger Woods, you’ve probably heard, also knows something about pain. No one can say with certainty exactly how many surgeries Woods has had in his professional career (somewhere between “a lot” and “a whole lot”), but we do know the most recent of his seven known back procedures came in October to treat a collapsed disc and compromised spinal canal.

When Woods was arrested for suspicion of DUI on March 27, he told police that he had taken prescription pain medication earlier in the day; police also found opioid pills in Woods’s pocket. On March 31, Woods said in a statement that he was stepping away from the game “to seek treatment and focus on my health” as he works “toward lasting recovery.” A day later, a Florida judge approved Woods’s request to travel overseas for “comprehensive inpatient treatment.” 

Chronic pain isn’t the only thing Couples and Woods have in common. They share a bond that dates to the 1997 Ryder Cup when Couples first took Woods under his wing. In the years since, Woods and Couples became Masters practice-round partners, dinner mates and text buddies. They even shared a caddie; Couples’ former looper, Joe LaCava, went on to spend a dozen years on Woods’s bag. In 2022, Woods referred to Couples as “my dad on Tour.”

So, when Couples wrapped his Monday practice round here at the 90th playing of the Masters Tournament, Woods — and his struggles — was a natural talking point. Couples had seen the unconfirmed reports that a private jet belonging to Woods was spotted in Switzerland but sounded uncertain of Woods’s whereabouts. “If he’s in Switzerland,” Couples told reporters, “he must be at a spot that’s going to help him and that’s the key thing.”

Couples said he texted Woods a few days after Woods’s car accident and subsequent arrest but didn’t feel like it was his place to pry for information. “For me now to get involved with this would not make much sense,” Couples said. “Doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention.”

Couples isn’t alone in that sense. Woods, who won his fifth Masters title in 2019, has played such an outsized role in the last 30 years of this annual rite of spring that it’s hard not think about him when you stroll this storied property. Bubba Watson, who has two green jackets of his own, said Monday he “always” pulls for Woods. “I told him from day one that we started hanging out back in ’06, ’07, somewhere in there, that I’m pulling for him as a human being,” Watson said. “Forget his golf, I could care less about his golf.”

Tiger Woods’s fiercest opponent is Tiger Woods himself
By: Michael Bamberger

Jason Day, who is playing in his 14th Masters and, like Woods, has battled back injuries, also was asked to reflect on Woods’s situation. “He’s not immune to [addiction] just because he can hit a golf ball really well,” Day said. “When you’re going through that many procedures, it’s painful coming out of those procedures. I’ve had procedures done and I typically try and stay away from all that stuff because I just know that —— painkillers, there can potentially be a downfall to it.”

The severity of Couples’ back pain has ebbed and flowed, but when it has been at its most persistent, he said Monday, it has affected his mood. “I used to snap at everyone,” Couples said. “Felt like someone was tapping me on the back all day long. After eight to 10 hours, you just can’t take it. It’s like a toothache.”

The pain became so bad in 2011 that Couples couldn’t sleep and reportedly was whispering to friends that he might be done with competitive golf. Drastic times called for . . . a trip to Dusseldorf, Germany, where Couples underwent a treatment called Orthokine therapy, which involves doctors creating an anti-inflammatory serum with the patient’s own blood. The procedure brought Couples relief — for a while, anyway. “I am sleeping,” he said a few months later. But the thing with chronic pain is it’s chronic. All you can do is manage it the best you can. Enjoy the more comfortable moments. Endure the uncomfortable ones.

Couples was asked Monday what he’d tell Woods if he could offer his old friend a word of counsel.

“I’d tell him I love him,” Couples said, “and things can always get better.”

The post ‘I'd tell him I love him': Fred Couples reflects on Tiger Woods' struggles appeared first on Golf.

The wheels on the bus fall off, off, off

Tony Vitello taking the ball from Ryan Borucki on the mound.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 06: Manager Tony Vitello #23 of the San Francisco Giants takes pitcher Ryan Borucki #47 out of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the top of the seventh inning at Oracle Park on April 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

If you’re wondering why the San Francisco Giants have won just three of their first eight games, well, the answer is very simple: they’re playing remarkably sloppy and dispirited baseball.

If you’re wondering why they’re playing remarkably sloppy and dispirited baseball, well … that answer is not so simple. The search for that answer keeps Buster Posey up at night. The search for that answer keeps Tony Vitello up at night. The search for that answer does not keep me up at night, because thankfully my salary is not contingent on the Giants winning games. You poor people are stuck reading my words in baseball sickness and in baseball health, and my goodness are the Giants a deathly sick bunch.

The Giants tried to remedy themselves on Monday, and my goodness it almost worked. They even had a few folks fooled for an hour or two, yours truly most certainly included.

Because here’s what the Giants have been doing all through this two-week slump to start the year: missing the cut off man, missing the tags, making bad throws, forgetting how to hit in situational at-bats, and struggling to stack hits on top of each other.

You know: the basic stuff. The fundamentals. The things that you expect the highly-paid baseball players to do with the baseball during the baseball game.

But on Monday, as they welcomed the Philadelphia Phillies to town, they didn’t do those things. Not at the onset, at least. They played clean, crisp, and sound baseball for quite a while, even when the results weren’t good.

Take the first inning, for example. In the top of the inning, Bryce Harper ripped a liner down the third base line, which felt like an automatic two-bagger. But Heliot Ramos played the carom brilliantly and fired a strike in to second base.

Did it work? Nope. Harper was safe by the slimmest of margins. But it was good baseball.

In the bottom half of the inning, Luis Arráez and Matt Chapman strung together back-to-back hard-hit one-out singles against Andrew Painter, as the offense looked like it knew what it was doing.

Did it work? Nope. Rafael Devers popped out and Ramos struck out, and the Giants didn’t score.

For the first time in a while, the Gians were playing fundamentally sound baseball, and it was fun to watch, even when they flirted with trouble. Like in the top of the third, for instance, when J.T. Realmuto led off with an infield single that was almost a sensational play by Chapman, but his throw was off line. Realmuto took second on a wild pitch before Adrian Houser walked Justin Crawford, putting two runners on base with no outs.

No matter. He struck out Trea Turner, then struck out Kyle Schwarber, then got Harper to ground out. It’s amazing how much more fun baseball is to watch when the team is capable of climbing out of holes and not shooting themselves in the foot.

But it was the bottom of the third where we really saw the Giants play honest-to-goodness, this-is-how-it’s-supposed-to-be-done baseball. It began when Willy Adames showed signs of slump-busting by leading off with his first of two doubles on the day. Arráez followed it up with a single, but the true sign that the Giants had exorcised their sloppy demons was when Arráez read the throw perfectly, and took second base when Crawford’s throw allowed him to.

Suddenly the Giants had two runners in scoring position and no outs, and before you could even make your “let’s see how they blow this” jokes, Chapman had lifted a first-pitch curveball from Painter into triple’s alley, which proved to be very aptly named on this occasion.

The thing about Chapman’s triple, however, was that it put him on third base, and the Giants are not good at scoring the runner from third base. But the Giants scored the runner from third base this time, thanks to a timely single flopped up the middle by Ramos. It was a three-run inning, which broke a streak of 36 straight innings without scoring three or more runs.

Not a good streak to have. But a very good streak to end.

History repeated itself in the fourth inning. Houser again allowed a leadoff single, and again that runner moved to second on a wild pitch, and again the veteran righty got out of it unscathed. And again they rallied in the bottom half of the inning, this time when Harrison Bader and Patrick Bailey bopped back-to-back one-out singles, followed by an Adames walk to load the bases.

Up came Arráez, who sure is a delightful antidote to the team’s situational woes. Who better to knock home a runner on third with just one out than the player who can put the ball in play more reliably than any other human being alive?

Arráez did exactly that, in bittersweet fashion: known more for his dinks and doinks than his power, Arráez absolutely put a charge in a Painter slider, driving it out towards triple’s alley.

It had the sound of a grand slam and, according to Statcast, it would have been in three parks — including the one that the Phillies spend half of the season in.

But Oracle Park giveth and Oracle Park taketh away, and Adolis García — who in the second inning had a similarly-hit ball knocked down by the wind for an out while he was in his home run trot — tracked down Arráez’s fly ball, limiting him to a sacrifice fly, but pushing the lead to 4-0.

That was all they’d score in the inning — and in the game, it would turn out — but the point still stood. The Giants were playing baseball competently. They were playing baseball cleanly. It was fun. More importantly, it was as it should be.

It was also temporary.

Houser’s bend-but-don’t-break approach backfired in the fifth, when he flew too close to the sun by allowing another leadoff single, with Realmuto once again being the offending party. This time Crawford followed with a double, and suddenly the Phillies had two on, no outs, and the top of their potent lineup coming up to bat.

The two sides reached a compromise when Turner grounded out, and a run scored in the process. But after Houser walked Schwarber, Harper made the Giants pay with his second double of the game, scoring a second run in the inning.

Houser would get out of the inning without any further damage, but the dam had cracked, and it was making way for the mistakes that have plagued them in recent games and weeks. And after a quick jaunt through the sixth, we reached the point in the game where it would cave away completely.

With Houser still in — he’d needed just 84 pitches to get through six innings — the Giants once again (and you’ll be shocked to hear this), gave up a leadoff runner, this time on a Crawford single. With Schwarber and Harper — two of the game’s most potent lefties — looming, it was clear that Houser would only be allowed to face one more batter. That batter, however, was Turner, who singled, sending Houser off the mound with a full-on rally started.

Vitello walked to the mound, and when he walked off it, Ryan Borucki had replaced Houser.

If you haven’t been watching the Giants this year (great choice in hindsight), the Borucki experiment has gone something like this: not well. More specifically, it’s gone quite awfully.

Borucki is on the roster because he’s quite good at getting lefties out, but in this era of pinch-hitters and three-batter minimums, it’s very difficult to have lefty specialists that aren’t frequently exposed to right-handed hitters. And Borucki should never, ever, ever face right-handed hitters.

So Vitello at least brought him in this time to face the lefty beef. The tragic error, however, was that Borucki hasn’t been good against lefties, either, this year. And so he walked Schwarber on four pitches and then gave up a game-tying, two-run single to Harper.

Just like that, Borucki had faced the left-handed power, but he hadn’t faced the minimum of three batters, and thus had to stay in to face Alec Bohm, who consequently doubled to score a run. Borucki would stay in to face one more lefty — Bryson Stott — and get his first and only out, before giving way to Caleb Kilian, who allowed one of the inherited runners to score on a sacrifice fly.

It was not pretty baseball by any stretch of the imagination, and the four runs had turned a two-run lead into a two-run deficit.

Fittingly, the offense had run dry during that time. The Giants didn’t have a baserunner in the fifth, sixth, or seventh innings, and their rally attempts in the late innings only came with two outs: a single by Jung Hoo Lee in the eighth, and a double by Adames in the ninth. Neither went anywhere, and so the Giants lost, again, this time 6-4.

After Yaxel Lendeborg's 'awful' first half, his Michigan teammates lifted him up and the rest is history — 'We needed Mad Yax, not Sad Yax'

INDIANAPOLIS — The best player on college basketball’s best team could not hide his frustration.

Yaxel Lendeborg hated that the knee and ankle injuries he suffered two days earlier were preventing him from showcasing his All-American form with Michigan locked in a tight battle against UConn on Monday night and the national championship at stake.

He winced and punched the air in frustration when he airballed an open jump shot. He walked off the floor with his jersey between his teeth after he blew a defensive assignment. He even described his first-half performance to Turner Sports sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson as “awful” and “super weak.” 

“I was very tentative,” Lendeborg said. “I felt like I was holding our team back. I felt like we could have been up way more early in the game. I kept having opportunities to make a play and I couldn’t make a play.” 

One of the biggest reasons Michigan was able to stave off UConn and grind out a 69-63 victory was because Lendeborg’s teammates refused to allow the Big Ten player of the year to let his disgust with himself fester. Nimari Burnett patted Lendeborg on the chest and told him his teammates were with him. L.J. Cason urged Lendeborg to stop being so hard on himself and reminded him that the Wolverines wouldn’t have reached the national title game without him. Roddy Gayle told him an off-color joke to get him to stop playing “soft” and to play more aggressively. 

“Yax is a very emotional guy, so I think it was my duty to push him to get out of his feelings,” Gayle said. “I felt like we needed Mad Yax, not Sad Yax.” 

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines is attended to by training staff during the first half of a game against the UConn Huskies in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg is attended to by training staff during the first half of the national championship game. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Patrick Smith via Getty Images

Mad Yax finally showed up in the final six minutes of Monday’s game as Michigan was trying to stave off a desperate UConn comeback. The 6-foot-9 do-it-all forward scored seven of his 13 total points over a span of 90 seconds, burying a 3-pointer, putting back his own miss and drawing a foul, and sinking a pair of free throws to keep the Wolverines’ advantage at nine despite a couple of clutch UConn 3-pointers.

“We understood that he wasn’t 100% physically,” Burnett said. “I mean, he probably wasn’t even 50%, but he persevered for that though and he did whatever it took for his team to win. He sprinted through screens even though his body didn’t feel like going. That just shows you his selflessness, his selfless nature to give to this team and help us win a national championship.”

Lendeborg’s grit helped Michigan complete a dominant season with the program’s first national title since 1989. The Wolverines (37-3) pummeled the likes of Gonzaga and Villanova in non-league play, won the outright Big Ten title by four games and then demolished their first five NCAA tournament opponents by an average of nearly 22 points.

The driving force behind Michigan’s success was Lendeborg blossoming into the “Dominican LeBron,” as teammates nicknamed him. It was the best year of Lendeborg’s life — and one he didn’t see coming a few years ago when he believed that playing college basketball wasn’t for him. 

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 06: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg looks on after the Wolverines beat the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the 2026 NCAA tournament national championship game. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Patrick Smith via Getty Images

Lendeborg thought that working a warehouse job was going to be his life, but his mom, Yissel Raposo, refused to accept it. She forced him to board a flight to Yuma, Arizona, and go to junior college at Arizona Western. 

That was the start of a five-year journey that took Lendeborg from the anonymity of junior college basketball, to a breakout season at UAB last year, to becoming the centerpiece of this formidable Michigan team. He was averaging 21 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the NCAA tournament before his ill-timed injuries against Arizona on Saturday threatened to end his season early. 

“I definitely felt like I did all this for nothing in that moment,” Lendeborg said Saturday. “I definitely had to calm down for a little bit, speak to myself, get out of my thoughts.”

Two days of nonstop treatment allowed Lendeborg to take the floor on Monday night with just some tape on his injured knee. He didn’t have the game of his dreams, but that didn’t diminish his joy when Michigan captured the national title. 

Championship cap perched on his head and blue and yellow confetti pooled at his feet, he wrapped his mom in a bear hug as soon as he saw her.  

How did Raposo feel at that moment? 

“So happy,” she said. “Grateful. Blessed.”

Did she have any doubt her son would push through the injuries?  

“No, because he’s a warrior,” Raposo responded. 

Before she could say more, Lendeborg interrupted with a “Come on, mom!” It was time for him to cut his strand of net. 

For Lendeborg, a day of hellacious frustration ended with a moment of pure joy. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic: The key stats you need to know in 2026 NBA MVP debate

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander IMAGN 03092026

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic: The key stats you need to know in 2026 NBA MVP debate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Back-to-back MVPs has been a common occurrence in the NBA over the last 15 years, but Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would still be joining an elite club if he won the league's top individual honor for the second consecutive season.

Only 15 players in NBA history have earned multiple MVP awards, with 13 of them winning the award in back-to-back seasons. Recent repeats by Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo indicate it takes longer than just a year for voter fatigue to set in, if it exists at all, so Gilgeous-Alexander could claim MVP No. 2 in the spring.

There is some room to doubt whether it will happen. A handful of other players have turned in stellar seasons, though late injuries by Doncic and Cade Cunningham likely shrunk the field of candidates.

With Jokic and Victor Wembanyama finishing strong, do they have a case to dethrone Gilgeous-Alexander? 

Here's a complete breakdown of the MVP cases for Gilgeous-Alexander, Wembanyama and Jokic.

MORE:Updated NBA mock draft

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic: Offensive stats

StatShai Gilgeous-AlexanderVictor WembanyamaNikola Jokic
Games played666262
PPG31.424.927.9
RPG4.411.612.9
APG6.53.110.9
FG%55.2%50.9%57.1%
3-pt%38.3%35.0%38.3%
FT%88.0%82.8%82.7%
eFG%59.5%56.5%62.2%

Gilgeous-Alexander has a major advantage on the offensive end, as the Thunder star is averaging 31.4 points per game and has a higher field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage as a guard than the 7-4 Wembanyama.

Jokic's offensive prowess shouldn't be ignored, either. The three-time MVP is once again averaging a triple-double, posting close to 28 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists per game. He leads the trio in effective field goal percentage even while averaging more 3-point attempts per game than Gilgeous-Alexander.

Wembanyama doesn't score quite at the level of his counterparts, but he still put together a terrific offensive season that stacks up well next to his defensive excellence.

MORE:Mock NBA expansion draft

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic: Defensive metrics

StatShai Gilgeous-AlexanderVictor WembanyamaNikola Jokic
Defensive win shares4.14.93.3
Blocks per game0.83.10.8
Steals per game1.41.01.4
Defensive rating105.5103.3125.8

Wembanyama predictably has the advantage on the defensive end, where he has an NBA-best 4.9 defensive win shares. A lower defensive rating is better than a higher defensive rating, so Wembanyama's mark of 103.3 also leads the trio.

Wembanyama averages 3.1 blocks per game; the next-highest mark from a qualified player is 2.0. While his offensive numbers don't necessarily line up with Gilgeous-Alexander or Jokic, his defense puts him in the MVP discussion. 

Gilgeous-Alexander isn't far behind in terms of defensive metrics, but there is a sizable gap between the two and Jokic, whose defensive rating is dramatically worse at 125.8. 

MORE:Why Michael Malone is returning to college ranks as UNC coach

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic: Team success

Whether fair or not, team success is often a factor in NBA MVP debates because a star can have such an impact on his team's record. In that category, Gilgeous-Alexander has the advantage with the Thunder at the top of the Western Conference again. Here is each team's record:

  • Thunder: 62-16 (.795)
  • Spurs: 59-19 (.756)
  • Nuggets: 50-28 (.641)

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are 3-0 against Jokic and the Nuggets, which could be a pretty important result to remember in this year's race.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Victor Wembanyama vs. Nikola Jokic: Who's better?

If you're looking for the best all-around player this season, the answer is probably Gilgeous-Alexander once again.

The Thunder star has been even more efficient than he was on the offensive end last season, shooting a career-high 55.2 percent from the field and getting to the free-throw line more than he did in either of the last two years. Gilgeous-Alexander has Oklahoma City right at the top of the West yet again and beat Jokic head-to-head three times.

Jokic has been unbelievable at times offensively, but there is a gap between his defense and Gilgeous-Alexander's. That gap could have certainly been made up on the offensive end, but with Gilgeous-Alexander so effective on both ends of the floor and the Nuggets lagging far behind the Thunder in the West, it's hard to imagine Jokic did enough. All three candidates have missed time this season, so it's possible an 80-game season from Jokic could have forced more of a debate.

Wembanyama looks like he will be an MVP one day, but a terrific close to the season might not be enough. He hasn't been as effective on the offensive end as Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic, and his defense, while excellent, is unlikely to close the gap with Gilgeous-Alexander given the Thunder star is still strong on that end as well.

Recent history tells us voter fatigue doesn't set in quickly enough to deny Gilgeous-Alexander a second consecutive MVP; LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jokic have all won back-to-back MVPs over the last 15 years, and there is a strong chance they are joined by Gilgeous-Alexander this spring.

Barcelona hold a secret weapon that Atletico Madrid will fear before Champions League clash

Barcelona hold a secret weapon that Atletico Madrid will fear before Champions League clash
Barcelona hold a secret weapon that Atletico Madrid will fear before Champions League clash

As Barcelona gear up for a high-stakes UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, there is a growing sense that this tie could hinge on more than just current form. 

While momentum certainly favours the Catalan giants after their recent 2-1 victory at the Metropolitano in La Liga, the bigger story lies in one man on the touchline – Hansi Flick.

Barcelona’s recent win over Atletico reinforced the belief within the squad and gave them a psychological advantage heading into a knockout scenario where margins are razor-thin. 

However, if there is one factor that could truly tilt the balance, it is Flick’s exceptional pedigree in knockout competitions.

Hansi Flick’s knockout record

Flick has built a reputation as one of the most reliable tacticians when it comes to high-pressure elimination ties. 

To put it in numbers, across his spells with Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Flick has been involved in 41 knockout ties, progressing in an astonishing 37 of them. 

That translates to an elite success rate: just four eliminations in total, with only two involving Barcelona.

Since taking charge of Barcelona, Flick has played 18 knockout ties, advancing in 16 and falling short only twice. 

Flick has an elite record in knockout competitions. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

That 88% success rate rises to nearly 90% when viewed across his career, establishing him as a specialist in these decisive encounters.

Barcelona journey

His journey with Barcelona in knockout formats has been nothing short of dominant. 

From emphatic Copa del Rey wins to commanding performances in the Spanish Super Cup, Flick has repeatedly shown his ability to prepare his side for do-or-die situations. 

Victories over teams like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in domestic competitions have only strengthened that reputation.

In Europe, too, Barcelona have thrived under his leadership. Clinical performances against sides like Benfica and Borussia Dortmund demonstrated tactical maturity and ruthless efficiency. 

That said, there have been setbacks. Eliminations against Atlético Madrid in Copa del Rey this season and Inter Milan in the Champions League last season serve as reminders that knockout football remains unpredictable. 

Yet, rather than exposing weaknesses, those defeats have give much-needed experience to a team that continues to evolve under Flick.

Real Madrid veteran ‘closer than ever’ to renewing his contract

Real Madrid veteran ‘closer than ever’ to renewing his contract
Real Madrid veteran ‘closer than ever’ to renewing his contract

Despite Real Madrid looking to make the transition to the next generation in defence, Antonio Rudiger has continually given the manager no reason to drop him and has come in the way of the club’s long-term goal.

The German star, after all, has always been one to place the club over his personal interests since he joined Real Madrid, and played through knee pain for months to ensure the club had him available during a critical phase of the previous season.

“I put my own health aside and wanted to be 100% for Real Madrid because there’s nothing I hate more than letting my teammates down,” he confessed in a recent interview.

A renewal is close

In recent days, it came to light that Real Madrid and Antonio Rudiger were in talks to extend the player’s contract by one season with a reduction in wages.

Now, Diario AS confirm that Rudiger is closer than ever to renewing his deal with Los Blancos, putting an end to all the speculation regarding his future.

Rudiger will renew his contract. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

His current deal is set to run out in June, but the club highly value his dedication and the consistency he has brought in defence for them this season, and will thus reward him with an added year on his deal. 

Moreover, Rudiger’s physical condition has also taken a steep turn towards improvement since late January and he is now able to take on back-to-back games in a hectic schedule for the club.

In fact, he has already started six of the team’s last seven games and eight of their last ten.

Heading into the business end of the season, Rudiger seems set to be a regular starter for Alvaro Arbeloa, likely alongside Eder Militao.

As the quality of opposition increases deeper into events like the UEFA Champions League, his experience will be key for Los Blancos. Tonight’s game against Bayern Munich will be the first such test for Rudiger.

Lincoln City earn Championship promotion after 65-year absence

Lincoln City earn Championship promotion after 65-year absence
Lincoln City earn Championship promotion after 65-year absence

Lincoln City secured promotion to the Championship with a 2-1 win at Reading yesterday. 

The Imps needed one point to return to the second-tier for the first time since 1961, and Jack Moylan delivered the victory by scoring in stoppage time.

Michael Skubala’s side got an early breakthrough when Ryan One headed home a Reeco Hackett-Fairchild free-kick in the fifth minute. 

Reading threatened to level the scores when Charlie Savage fired wastefully wide in a rare home attack. 

Ryley Towler had a chance to double the visitors’ advantage, but he failed to hit the target. 

Lincoln didn’t take many risks in the second half as they were happy to sit back and protect their lead. 

The Imps were on course for a comfortable victory before Lewis Wing scored from a free-kick. 

However, Lincoln had the last laugh as Moylan slammed home from close range to spark massive celebrations among the away supporters. 

The victory guarantees automatic promotion with five games to spare. 

It is a remarkable rise from Lincoln, who were relegated to the National League in 2011 and subsequently spent six seasons outside the English Football League. 

They won the National League title in 2016/17 to return to the fourth-tier while also staging a historic FA Cup run to the quarter-finals. 

Lincoln then earned promotion to League One in 2018-19, finishing six points clear at the top. 

The Michigan Wolverines won a title by mastering college basketball’s new world. It might change the sport

Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau celebrates with the championship trophy after the win over UConn on Monday night. - Bob Donnan/Imagn Images/Reuters
Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau celebrates with the championship trophy after the win over UConn on Monday night. - Bob Donnan/Imagn Images/Reuters

The one-man tour began just above the 3-point line, not far from where the ladder stood beneath the recently cut nets.

Elliot Cadeau brought his favorite new bauble, the brow- wood 2026 NCAA basketball national championship trophy, over to where his mother, Michelle, and older brother and doppelganger Justin stood.

As Cadeau pecked his way through the blue-and-maize confetti littering the court, Justin did a quick change. He shook off his blue leather jacket, revealing a replica of his brother’s white jersey, then stripped out of his black sweatpants to show off his maize-colored Michigan game shorts. Justin popped a black national championship trophy on his head, scooped up some confetti and the brothers proceeded to bang out a photo shoot.

“This was all his idea,’’ Michelle said, nodding to Justin, a social media influencer. “Make it look like he won, too.’’

The brothers posed with the trophy on the court and held it in their arms. They snapped plain pics and others with confetti raining down on their heads. At one point, Justin went solo, as if he did indeed play, while Cadeau stood off to the side and smiled. In all they probably spent a good five minutes to get all the content they needed.

Except Cadeau was hardly done. Trophy in hand, he bounced over to the seats behind the Michigan bench. He posed with fans there, happily obliging when they asked him to lift it up so their cellphones, held over their heads, could snap a good picture. A few selfies later, Cadeau climbed back up the steps to the elevated court, this time stopping in front of the pep band who roared their approval and snapped more pics.

Finally, Cadeau cut across the center of the court, clutching the trophy to his chest like his favorite stuffy he refused to let go of. Asked by CNN Sports what it meant to him he said simply, “Everything. It means everything.”

Michigan, a team that has performed like a freight train in this NCAA tournament, won the national title – the Big Ten’s first in 26 years – by playing more like a bulldozer. Against a Connecticut team more difficult to kill than a cockroach in body armor and their leading scorer hobbling around with a knee sprain, ankle sprain and bone bruise, the Wolverines gutted out every point in their 69-63 national championship victory.

Usually a team of elegant offense, Michigan instead clanked 13 triples off the rim and relied on its inside defensive ferocity to win a game nearly as aesthetically unpleasing as UConn’s 53-41 win over Butler in 2011.

Michigan guard Trey McKenney blocks the shot of UConn's Jayden Ross in the second half of Monday's title game. - AJ Mast/AP
Michigan guard Trey McKenney blocks the shot of UConn's Jayden Ross in the second half of Monday's title game. - AJ Mast/AP

Delivered by a team full of transfers, Michigan’s championship will undoubtedly become a referendum on the state of modern-day college basketball. But lost in the transactions is what’s required to make the exchange work: A person who’s willing to take a leap of faith, and someone else offering them the safety net.

“Coach believed in me,’’ Cadeau told CNN Sports as he traipsed around with his trophy. “And I believed in him.’’

‘A bunch of outcasts’

There is a preconceived notion about transfers – that they are all mercenaries who trade loyalty for easy dollars, hard stuff for easy street and would happily trade the name on the front of the jersey for much bling around their own.

In the days leading up to the title game, it occasionally felt like reporters were trying to stump the Wolverines, as if trying to figure out just how invested they were in their new school. Someone asked Cadeau to rank his favorite Fab Five players. He declined, which could be construed as lack of knowledge. Or maybe that he wasn’t born until 2004, more than a decade after the Fab Five played. Another asked Nimari Burnett if he knew when Michigan last won a title.

“I know about 1989,’’ he said with a smirk.

Michigan's Nimari Burnett looks to pass around UConn's Braylon Mullins. - Michael Conroy/AP
Michigan's Nimari Burnett looks to pass around UConn's Braylon Mullins. - Michael Conroy/AP

To be clear, after the disastrous Juwan Howard run ended, administrators made sure May was armed with enough money to not have to shop in the bargain bin of the portal. But these Michigan players are not exactly off the designer’s rack, either.

“We’re all a bunch of outcasts,’’ May told CNN Sports as he stood on the court, waiting to snip the final piece of twine on the second net. “None of us had an easy journey to get here.’’

Aday Mara couldn’t get on the court at UCLA, sticking around for two seasons in the hopes that Mick Cronin would see his value. He didn’t, and so Mara took a flyer on May, liking how the coach developed big men Danny Wulf and Vlad Goldin. On Monday night, after jumping up and down like a little kid while bear hugging Morez Johnson, Mara dipped in the crowd to find a flag from his native Spain and made like Superman with a cape. Which he kinda was.

Mara was the immovable force not even the Huskies championship-wining unstoppable object could conquer. Mara was credited with just one block, but his mere presence made UConn either throw up circus shots high off the glass or retreat from the paint altogether.

Michigan center Aday Mara finishes a fast break with an emphatic alley-oop dunk on Monday night. - Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images/Reuters
Michigan center Aday Mara finishes a fast break with an emphatic alley-oop dunk on Monday night. - Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images/Reuters

Yaxel Lendeborg was pulling pallets in a warehouse in high school, a lost kid who spent more time playing video games than studying. Only his mother’s conviction that he could be something got him off the screen and back into the classroom, her determination leading him from a New Jersey high school to an Arizona junior college to UAB and finally to Michigan.

His knee and ankle banged up, he fought himself and his own insecurities en route to 13 points and a national title he never could have imagined.

“I didn’t think I belonged here,’’ he said. “I still don’t think I do. Only my mother did.’’

Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg celebrates after the title win. - AJ Mast/AP
Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg celebrates after the title win. - AJ Mast/AP

As Lendeborg spoke his mother, Yissel Riposo, stood behind him, resting her cheek between his shoulder blades.

“So blessed, so happy,’’ she said.

Cadeau finds joy at Michigan

Then there is Cadeau, maybe the most surprising reclamation project of all. A year and change ago, he because the central figure in North Carolina’s soap opera struggles. A former top recruit out of New Jersey, he turned into a freshman who couldn’t buy an outside shot and a point guard who turned the ball over nearly as much as he passed it.

And then May came calling. He wanted a pass-first point guard that he could surround with equally unselfish but talented players. He heard the knocks about Cadeau but called Carolina assistant Sean May, who he coached way back when in AAU.

“I asked him, ‘would 17-, 18-year-old Sean May, who was a McDonald’s All-American, NBA player, would he want to play with Elliot Cadeau?” May said. “And he said an expletive, yeah, absolutely, let’s go.’’

Cadeau reacts to a first-half play on Monday night. He finished with a game-high 19 points and was named the Final Four's most outstanding player. - Michael Conroy/AP
Cadeau reacts to a first-half play on Monday night. He finished with a game-high 19 points and was named the Final Four's most outstanding player. - Michael Conroy/AP

When he got Cadeau to Ann Arbor, May did what he promised – he surrounded him with the sort of options that make a pass-happy guard salivate – but he also insisted that Cadeau not be afraid to shoot; that, in fact, the coach would be angry if he didn’t shoot.

Against Connecticut, for a while Cadeau was the only one who could shoot. In a case of serious schadenfreude, the player left on the Carolina trash heap earned most outstanding player honors, courtesy of 19 points, two assists and one turnover, on the same day that his old school finally found a new head coach – having been spurned by, among others, his current coach.

The thing about player development, sometimes the only that needs developing is confidence.

“He was struggling so much,’’ Cadeau’s mother, Michelle, said. “But now the joy for the game, it’s back.’’

Dusty May uses the transfer portal to become a Michigan icon

May rightly lumped himself into the group. He tried to play college hoops –bat NAIA Oakland City – but quickly realized that his sub-six-foot height probably didn’t lend itself to a player career. Instead, he switched to student manager at Indiana, the lowest possible rung on any basketball ladder. His big break came 22 slogging years later at Florida Atlantic, a school with a great location and not much else.

Maybe it’s because he understands what it is to grind, or perhaps it’s a recognition that there is value in getting a chance. Whatever May’s own story helped fuel the way he built this Michigan team.

Michigan head coach Dusty May celebrates Monday's win by cutting down the net. - Michael Conroy/AP
Michigan head coach Dusty May celebrates Monday's win by cutting down the net. - Michael Conroy/AP

He was intentional with his selections, putting a premium on skill sets and personalities that blended together. He avoided divas, understanding that the only way the basketball InstaPot could work without exploding was if everyone at least played nice with each other.

“Just be coachable,’’ is how Roddy Gayle summarized it.

Michigan, not coincidentally, ranks fourth in the nation in assists per game and is 21st in the nation in assists per field goals made.

To coalesce, over the summer and into the season the players met up for team dinners – L.J. Cason hosted one, ordering up pizzas to watch Alabama play Texas Tech - but generally relied on the mutual language of hoops to figure it out and a willingness to subvert individual success for team.

“Once we all got together, they were super genuine with us the whole way,’’ Lendeborg said of his returning teammates. “They tucked us in under their wing and showed us the Michigan way. They could have easily got hurt or something because the new guys were coming in, stealing their minutes, stealing their points, but they didn’t care. All they cared about was winning and look where it led us.”

The new way or Michigan’s way?

Time will tell if this is indeed the new way to win in college basketball, or just the way that Michigan won. In 2012, when John Calipari stuffed his roster with one-and-one pros, everyone assumed that his was the new path to instant success. Since then, only one freshman – Tyus Jones at Duke in 2015 – has won the Final Four most outstanding players. Six seniors have won in that span.

But the portal does what one-and-done did not – it allows teams to get old in a hurry, and as those six MOPs show, old wins. The Wolverines may be new to wearing maize and blue, but they are not new to basketball. At an average 2.12 years of playing experience, Michigan is the 46th oldest team in college basketball.

Michigan players celebrate after the final buzzer. - AJ Mast/AP
Michigan players celebrate after the final buzzer. - AJ Mast/AP

People presume that, because May came up under Bob Knight as an Indiana boy living out his Hoosier dream as an IU manager, he is a traditionalist. If anything, Knight taught May how to live on your toes and think five steps ahead so as not to disappoint – or frankly be noticed by – the head coach.

He is, if anything, a coaching opportunist. Not unlike Calipari, who didn’t necessarily agree with the one–and-done rule but used it anyway, or Rick Pitino, who embraced out the 3-point line when everyone else fought it. May did not create the new world order; he’s just figured out how to maximize it.

May studied the Oklahoma City Thunder, last year’s NBA champion, and considered the team’s roster construction, even picked Mark Daigneault’s brain about it a little bit. He considered how the team used the NBA system to their advantage – traded for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and brought in Isaiah Hartenstein as a free agent – to build a team that played some beautiful basketball.

Why couldn’t he, May argued, do the same thing? The angry purists shrieked their response, rattling their Converse sneakers in their fists, to remind everyone that trades and free agents aren’t part of college basketball.

Except, of course, they are. Mere hours after the last bit of blue-and=yellow confetti was swept away from the Lucas Oil Stadium floor, the transfer portal opened and the pre-game social media feed was filled with players shared long posts professing their love for (Insert School Here) Nation and their gratitude but announcing they were leaving anyway.

Armed with money to spend a year ago, back when the portal opened in the middle of the NCAA tournament, Michigan already had essentially assembled its roster within a week of Florida cutting down the nets, signing Cadeau (March 31), Johnson (April 1), Lendeborg (April 5) and Mara (April 11), and partnering them with Burnett, who came in 2023 and Gayle, who arrived in 2024.

Are the critics right? Is May right? Does it even matter anymore?

For better or worse, this is where college athletics has landed and for at least one moment, a shining one, it worked quite well.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

The Michigan Wolverines won a title by mastering college basketball’s new world. It might change the sport

Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau celebrates with the championship trophy after the win over UConn on Monday night. - Bob Donnan/Imagn Images/Reuters
Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau celebrates with the championship trophy after the win over UConn on Monday night. - Bob Donnan/Imagn Images/Reuters

The one-man tour began just above the 3-point line, not far from where the ladder stood beneath the recently cut nets.

Elliot Cadeau brought his favorite new bauble, the brow- wood 2026 NCAA basketball national championship trophy, over to where his mother, Michelle, and older brother and doppelganger Justin stood.

As Cadeau pecked his way through the blue-and-maize confetti littering the court, Justin did a quick change. He shook off his blue leather jacket, revealing a replica of his brother’s white jersey, then stripped out of his black sweatpants to show off his maize-colored Michigan game shorts. Justin popped a black national championship trophy on his head, scooped up some confetti and the brothers proceeded to bang out a photo shoot.

“This was all his idea,’’ Michelle said, nodding to Justin, a social media influencer. “Make it look like he won, too.’’

The brothers posed with the trophy on the court and held it in their arms. They snapped plain pics and others with confetti raining down on their heads. At one point, Justin went solo, as if he did indeed play, while Cadeau stood off to the side and smiled. In all they probably spent a good five minutes to get all the content they needed.

Except Cadeau was hardly done. Trophy in hand, he bounced over to the seats behind the Michigan bench. He posed with fans there, happily obliging when they asked him to lift it up so their cellphones, held over their heads, could snap a good picture. A few selfies later, Cadeau climbed back up the steps to the elevated court, this time stopping in front of the pep band who roared their approval and snapped more pics.

Finally, Cadeau cut across the center of the court, clutching the trophy to his chest like his favorite stuffy he refused to let go of. Asked by CNN Sports what it meant to him he said simply, “Everything. It means everything.”

Michigan, a team that has performed like a freight train in this NCAA tournament, won the national title – the Big Ten’s first in 26 years – by playing more like a bulldozer. Against a Connecticut team more difficult to kill than a cockroach in body armor and their leading scorer hobbling around with a knee sprain, ankle sprain and bone bruise, the Wolverines gutted out every point in their 69-63 national championship victory.

Usually a team of elegant offense, Michigan instead clanked 13 triples off the rim and relied on its inside defensive ferocity to win a game nearly as aesthetically unpleasing as UConn’s 53-41 win over Butler in 2011.

Michigan guard Trey McKenney blocks the shot of UConn's Jayden Ross in the second half of Monday's title game. - AJ Mast/AP
Michigan guard Trey McKenney blocks the shot of UConn's Jayden Ross in the second half of Monday's title game. - AJ Mast/AP

Delivered by a team full of transfers, Michigan’s championship will undoubtedly become a referendum on the state of modern-day college basketball. But lost in the transactions is what’s required to make the exchange work: A person who’s willing to take a leap of faith, and someone else offering them the safety net.

“Coach believed in me,’’ Cadeau told CNN Sports as he traipsed around with his trophy. “And I believed in him.’’

‘A bunch of outcasts’

There is a preconceived notion about transfers – that they are all mercenaries who trade loyalty for easy dollars, hard stuff for easy street and would happily trade the name on the front of the jersey for much bling around their own.

In the days leading up to the title game, it occasionally felt like reporters were trying to stump the Wolverines, as if trying to figure out just how invested they were in their new school. Someone asked Cadeau to rank his favorite Fab Five players. He declined, which could be construed as lack of knowledge. Or maybe that he wasn’t born until 2004, more than a decade after the Fab Five played. Another asked Nimari Burnett if he knew when Michigan last won a title.

“I know about 1989,’’ he said with a smirk.

Michigan's Nimari Burnett looks to pass around UConn's Braylon Mullins. - Michael Conroy/AP
Michigan's Nimari Burnett looks to pass around UConn's Braylon Mullins. - Michael Conroy/AP

To be clear, after the disastrous Juwan Howard run ended, administrators made sure May was armed with enough money to not have to shop in the bargain bin of the portal. But these Michigan players are not exactly off the designer’s rack, either.

“We’re all a bunch of outcasts,’’ May told CNN Sports as he stood on the court, waiting to snip the final piece of twine on the second net. “None of us had an easy journey to get here.’’

Aday Mara couldn’t get on the court at UCLA, sticking around for two seasons in the hopes that Mick Cronin would see his value. He didn’t, and so Mara took a flyer on May, liking how the coach developed big men Danny Wulf and Vlad Goldin. On Monday night, after jumping up and down like a little kid while bear hugging Morez Johnson, Mara dipped in the crowd to find a flag from his native Spain and made like Superman with a cape. Which he kinda was.

Mara was the immovable force not even the Huskies championship-wining unstoppable object could conquer. Mara was credited with just one block, but his mere presence made UConn either throw up circus shots high off the glass or retreat from the paint altogether.

Michigan center Aday Mara finishes a fast break with an emphatic alley-oop dunk on Monday night. - Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images/Reuters
Michigan center Aday Mara finishes a fast break with an emphatic alley-oop dunk on Monday night. - Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images/Reuters

Yaxel Lendeborg was pulling pallets in a warehouse in high school, a lost kid who spent more time playing video games than studying. Only his mother’s conviction that he could be something got him off the screen and back into the classroom, her determination leading him from a New Jersey high school to an Arizona junior college to UAB and finally to Michigan.

His knee and ankle banged up, he fought himself and his own insecurities en route to 13 points and a national title he never could have imagined.

“I didn’t think I belonged here,’’ he said. “I still don’t think I do. Only my mother did.’’

Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg celebrates after the title win. - AJ Mast/AP
Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg celebrates after the title win. - AJ Mast/AP

As Lendeborg spoke his mother, Yissel Riposo, stood behind him, resting her cheek between his shoulder blades.

“So blessed, so happy,’’ she said.

Cadeau finds joy at Michigan

Then there is Cadeau, maybe the most surprising reclamation project of all. A year and change ago, he because the central figure in North Carolina’s soap opera struggles. A former top recruit out of New Jersey, he turned into a freshman who couldn’t buy an outside shot and a point guard who turned the ball over nearly as much as he passed it.

And then May came calling. He wanted a pass-first point guard that he could surround with equally unselfish but talented players. He heard the knocks about Cadeau but called Carolina assistant Sean May, who he coached way back when in AAU.

“I asked him, ‘would 17-, 18-year-old Sean May, who was a McDonald’s All-American, NBA player, would he want to play with Elliot Cadeau?” May said. “And he said an expletive, yeah, absolutely, let’s go.’’

Cadeau reacts to a first-half play on Monday night. He finished with a game-high 19 points and was named the Final Four's most outstanding player. - Michael Conroy/AP
Cadeau reacts to a first-half play on Monday night. He finished with a game-high 19 points and was named the Final Four's most outstanding player. - Michael Conroy/AP

When he got Cadeau to Ann Arbor, May did what he promised – he surrounded him with the sort of options that make a pass-happy guard salivate – but he also insisted that Cadeau not be afraid to shoot; that, in fact, the coach would be angry if he didn’t shoot.

Against Connecticut, for a while Cadeau was the only one who could shoot. In a case of serious schadenfreude, the player left on the Carolina trash heap earned most outstanding player honors, courtesy of 19 points, two assists and one turnover, on the same day that his old school finally found a new head coach – having been spurned by, among others, his current coach.

The thing about player development, sometimes the only that needs developing is confidence.

“He was struggling so much,’’ Cadeau’s mother, Michelle, said. “But now the joy for the game, it’s back.’’

Dusty May uses the transfer portal to become a Michigan icon

May rightly lumped himself into the group. He tried to play college hoops –bat NAIA Oakland City – but quickly realized that his sub-six-foot height probably didn’t lend itself to a player career. Instead, he switched to student manager at Indiana, the lowest possible rung on any basketball ladder. His big break came 22 slogging years later at Florida Atlantic, a school with a great location and not much else.

Maybe it’s because he understands what it is to grind, or perhaps it’s a recognition that there is value in getting a chance. Whatever May’s own story helped fuel the way he built this Michigan team.

Michigan head coach Dusty May celebrates Monday's win by cutting down the net. - Michael Conroy/AP
Michigan head coach Dusty May celebrates Monday's win by cutting down the net. - Michael Conroy/AP

He was intentional with his selections, putting a premium on skill sets and personalities that blended together. He avoided divas, understanding that the only way the basketball InstaPot could work without exploding was if everyone at least played nice with each other.

“Just be coachable,’’ is how Roddy Gayle summarized it.

Michigan, not coincidentally, ranks fourth in the nation in assists per game and is 21st in the nation in assists per field goals made.

To coalesce, over the summer and into the season the players met up for team dinners – L.J. Cason hosted one, ordering up pizzas to watch Alabama play Texas Tech - but generally relied on the mutual language of hoops to figure it out and a willingness to subvert individual success for team.

“Once we all got together, they were super genuine with us the whole way,’’ Lendeborg said of his returning teammates. “They tucked us in under their wing and showed us the Michigan way. They could have easily got hurt or something because the new guys were coming in, stealing their minutes, stealing their points, but they didn’t care. All they cared about was winning and look where it led us.”

The new way or Michigan’s way?

Time will tell if this is indeed the new way to win in college basketball, or just the way that Michigan won. In 2012, when John Calipari stuffed his roster with one-and-one pros, everyone assumed that his was the new path to instant success. Since then, only one freshman – Tyus Jones at Duke in 2015 – has won the Final Four most outstanding players. Six seniors have won in that span.

But the portal does what one-and-done did not – it allows teams to get old in a hurry, and as those six MOPs show, old wins. The Wolverines may be new to wearing maize and blue, but they are not new to basketball. At an average 2.12 years of playing experience, Michigan is the 46th oldest team in college basketball.

Michigan players celebrate after the final buzzer. - AJ Mast/AP
Michigan players celebrate after the final buzzer. - AJ Mast/AP

People presume that, because May came up under Bob Knight as an Indiana boy living out his Hoosier dream as an IU manager, he is a traditionalist. If anything, Knight taught May how to live on your toes and think five steps ahead so as not to disappoint – or frankly be noticed by – the head coach.

He is, if anything, a coaching opportunist. Not unlike Calipari, who didn’t necessarily agree with the one–and-done rule but used it anyway, or Rick Pitino, who embraced out the 3-point line when everyone else fought it. May did not create the new world order; he’s just figured out how to maximize it.

May studied the Oklahoma City Thunder, last year’s NBA champion, and considered the team’s roster construction, even picked Mark Daigneault’s brain about it a little bit. He considered how the team used the NBA system to their advantage – traded for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and brought in Isaiah Hartenstein as a free agent – to build a team that played some beautiful basketball.

Why couldn’t he, May argued, do the same thing? The angry purists shrieked their response, rattling their Converse sneakers in their fists, to remind everyone that trades and free agents aren’t part of college basketball.

Except, of course, they are. Mere hours after the last bit of blue-and=yellow confetti was swept away from the Lucas Oil Stadium floor, the transfer portal opened and the pre-game social media feed was filled with players shared long posts professing their love for (Insert School Here) Nation and their gratitude but announcing they were leaving anyway.

Armed with money to spend a year ago, back when the portal opened in the middle of the NCAA tournament, Michigan already had essentially assembled its roster within a week of Florida cutting down the nets, signing Cadeau (March 31), Johnson (April 1), Lendeborg (April 5) and Mara (April 11), and partnering them with Burnett, who came in 2023 and Gayle, who arrived in 2024.

Are the critics right? Is May right? Does it even matter anymore?

For better or worse, this is where college athletics has landed and for at least one moment, a shining one, it worked quite well.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Is Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Champions League quarter-final

A double by Vinicius Junior ended City’s Champions League hopes (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)

Real Madrid play host to Bayern Munich in a quarter-final clash of European superpowers as the Champions League season enters its business end.

Record-winners Real are seeking to add a 16th crown to their collection but will need to put their stuttering LaLiga title charge out of their mind, with shock defeat to Mallorca on the weekend seeing them drop seven points behind leaders Barcelona.

Bayern, on the other hand, are yet to properly stumble this term and sit nine points clear atop the Bundesliga, with the treble firmly in their sights.

Real Madrid have already slain a giant to get to this stage, dumping out Manchester City in the previous round, while Vincent Kompany’s side made easy work of Atalanta to reach the last eight, thrashing them 10-2 on aggregate.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich?

Real Madrid’s quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich kicks off at 8pm BST on Tuesday 7 April at the Santiago Bernabeu.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the UK can watch the match on TNT Sports 1 with coverage starting at 7pm BST. It will also be streamed on HBO Max.

Team news

Real Madrid are dealing with some high-profile absentees in the form of Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo, while Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos are doubts to feature for Alvaro Arbeloa.

Bayern top scorer Harry Kane faces a race against time to be fit to start after pulling out of England duty with a minor problem, with Kompany set to make a late call. It means Nicolas Jackson could lead the line.

Predicted line-ups

Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Pitarch, Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Bayern Munich XI: Neuer; Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane.

🎥 Tiki-taka, Scottish style: amateur club suddenly plays like prime Barça

🎥 Tiki-taka, Scottish style: amateur club suddenly plays like prime Barça

Scottish football is generally not exactly known for its finesse. The men from the north of Great Britain tend to define themselves much more through impressive physicality and indomitable fighting spirit.

But a fifth-division side has now proven that the Scots can really play too.

In a league match, the lads from Clydebank FC suddenly turned into prime Barcelona and carved up an astonished opposing back line with masterful precision.

That’s one-touch football straight out of the textbook!

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

Barcelona planning two sales this summer – Deco decision made

Barcelona planning two sales this summer – Deco decision made
Barcelona planning two sales this summer – Deco decision made

Barcelona have already made their mind up to move on from two of their first team players next season. Director of Football Deco has been reluctant to make sales since he arrived at the club, with the exit of Vitor Roque, who arrived just over a year earlier, the only departure exceeding €11m.

Yet this summer is shaping up differently if reports from Catalonia are to be believed. The club have briefed that they are just €11-12m away from moving within their salary limit, and thus being able to use all of the money that they save or make from sales on registering new players. For the past five years, that figure has been at around 60%. Sport say that as a result, Barcelona are keen to make two sales to raise their budget to bring in priority targets.

Marc Casado’s importance has declined

One of the revelations of the season early on for Barcelona last year, Marc Casado was a fixture until 2025 under Hansi Flick, and even made his Spain debut after impressive performances against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. This year Casado has not managed the same impact, and it seems Barcelona will try to sell him with a deal until 2028.

The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia of late, and has also been suggested as a potential makeweight with Al-Hilal in a deal for Joao Cancelo to stay at the club.

Patience with Ferran Torres runs out

The other is Ferran Torres, who enjoyed an excellent 2025, but has struggled since the turn of the year. Torres has not scored since January, and the feeling is that despite being given more minutes than Robert Lewandowski, but has failed to meet expectations. Torres has a year left on his deal, and has also been cited as a potential makeweight with Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez, or Inter for Alessandro Bastoni.

So far both Torres and Casado have shown a desire to stay at Barcelona. It has been noted that Torres’ close relationship with Pedri will be considered in the decision to shop him, but that appears not to be enough of an argument to keep him on the books, or in all likelihood, offer him a new deal.

Karim Coulibaly: Man United join rivals in race for Werder Bremen starlet

Karim Coulibaly: Man United join rivals in race for Werder Bremen starlet
Karim Coulibaly: Man United join rivals in race for Werder Bremen starlet

Manchester United have dispatched scouts to watch Karim Coulibaly – but face competition from their bitter rivals for the German starlet, according to a well-placed source.

German Giant

Coulibaly has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in the Bundesliga this season after a series of impressive displays at the heart of Werder Bremen’s defence. The 18-year-old centre-back has played 22 times for Die Grün-Weißen, becoming an integral part of the side in spite of his age.

Already possessing an imposing 6’3 frame, the Germany under-21 international retains outstanding speed for a defender of his size – a rare combination which every top European side aspires to have in their backline.

Furthermore, Coulibaly is left-footed, offering the type of comfort in possession that every world-class centre-back must have in their arsenal. His first touch is excellent and he already demonstrates a high level of tactical understanding.

There is even a sense that the Oldenburg native may have a long-term future as a defensive midfielder, such is his ease on the ball and ability to dominate large spaces in transition.

“The intrigue surrounding Karim Coulibaly stems from the scarcity of his profile. Elite-level left-footed centre-backs are the unicorns of the transfer market, serving as the essential building blocks for teams intent on building from the back,” Total Football Analysis concludes.

United on the hunt

It’s little wonder, therefore, that a host of clubs across the continent are keeping tabs on his situation at the Weser Stadium, with England’s elite looking ready to battle for his signature this summer.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano contends a “big race” is underway for Coulibaly, with Newcastle and “five more clubs around Europe” taking an interest.

A different report mentions Chelsea as a potential suitor, while another says Paris Saint-Germain are hot on his heels at the behest of Luis Enrique, as per Total Football Analysis.

“It is a rise that has not gone unnoticed by the continent’s elite; scouts from Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have become permanent fixtures at the Weserstadion, with reports from Bild and Deichstube suggesting that Luis Enrique has placed the young German-Ivorian at the top of his summer shortlist for Les Parisiens.”

However, a well-placed source reveals United scouts have also been closely monitoring Coulibaly’s performances this season. Arsenal and Manchester City are similarly mentioned as suitors.

The Red Devils are understood to be considering defensive reinforcements, with an eye on a potential successor to Harry Maguire, given the 33-year-old England international is set to sign a short-term contract extension to remain at Old Trafford next year.

If United signed Coulibaly to play alongside Leny Yoro in defence, or Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, it could prove a masterstroke in forming an outstanding partnership in not one, but two key areas of the pitch.

Romano concludes that the German starlet is “prepared for a new chapter in the summer” – with INEOS hoping it will come in a red shirt at Old Trafford, instead of a rival elsewhere in England.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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Is Sporting v Arsenal on TV? Channel, streaming and how to watch Champions League quarter-final

 (REUTERS)

The Champions League returns this week with the first legs of the quarter-final ties and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal travel to Portugal to take on Sporting CP.

The Gunners have been near perfect in European competition this season having finished top of the table during the league phase before coming through a tricky, if not hugely testing, last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen where they won 3-1 on aggregate.

However, there are signs of vulnerability creeping into Arteta’s squad after Arsenal lost back-to-back games for the first time this season. To make matters worse, those defeats - to Man City in the Carabao Cup final and to Southampton in the FA Cup - ended the Gunners’ journey in two competitions and they will hope to avoid a similar fate in Europe.

Sporting, meanwhile, will prove to be strong opponents. Having also finished inside the top eight in the Champions League table, they swept past Bodo/Glimt 5-3 in the last-16 and sit second in the Portuguese top-flight.

Here’s everything you need to know about this Champions League clash:

When is Sporting v Arsenal?

The Champions League first leg between Sporting and Arsenal is at 8pm BST on Tuesday 7 April at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.

How can I watch it?

The match will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video with coverage beginning at 6.30pm. If you're not an Amazon Prime Video subscriber you can start a free 30-day trial here.

What is the team news?

Luis Suarez is set to return to Sporting’s startin XI having missed their previous Champions League outing due to suspension. The hosts are without Fotis Ioannidis, Geovany Quenda and Nuno Santos, while Luis Guilherme is also a doubt due to an ankle problem. Captain Morten Hjulmand is suspended for this clash and will miss the first leg.

For Arsenal, Gabriel was taken off during the defeat to Southampton with an injury knock and might not be fit to feature. Other doubts are Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Jurrien Timber but there is more hope that each will be fit enough to return. Definitely out are Eberechi Eze, Piero Hincapie and Mikel Merino who continue their recoveries from injury.

Predicted line-ups

Sporting XI: Silva; Vagiannidis, Diomande, Inacio, Mangas; Braganca, Morita; Catamo, Trincao, Goncalves; Suarez

Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

What has Mikel Arteta said?

Following the defeat to Southampton in the FA Cup, the Arsenal manager explained how his team are going through a difficult period but will remain focused for the run-in to the end of the season.

“Really disappointed in the manner that we lost the opportunity to get back to Wembley,” said Arteta. “Someone has to take responsibility. That’s me and we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us.

“This is the first moment that we have with a certain level of difficulty. We’re going to say difficulty when we’re going to play the Champions League quarter-finals and the run-up for the league.

“If this is a difficult period, I believe there are many other ones that are much more difficult, so let’s stand up, make yourself comfortable and deliver like we’ve been doing all season.”

Ailing Yaxel Lendeborg did his best, but it was Elliot Cadeau who pushed Michigan to the top

Yaxel Lendeborg Imagn 04072026

Ailing Yaxel Lendeborg did his best, but it was Elliot Cadeau who pushed Michigan to the top originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Most Outstanding Player Award, ideally, is presented to the most outstanding player at the NCAA Final Four. Makes sense, right? So it never was going to belong to Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg on this night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Outstanding? Hey, he was pleased merely to be standing.

How did he look as he celebrated the Wolverines’ 69-63 victory over UConn, the Wolverines’ first NCAA Championship since Glen Rice shot them into history all the way back in 1989? Lendeborg was joyful, elated, flashing the smile that has come to define his personality throughout the 2026 edition of March Madness.

He stood his ground, though. There was no jumping or dancing or bouncing around. He hugged his teammates. He high-fived them after the sportsmanlike handshakes with the Huskies. He did nothing to make obvious the sacrifices that were made Monday night, but subtly reminded those of us watching closely he had played hurt, but ferociously.

“Absolutely, yes,” Lendeborg told The Sporting News. “I tried to show that I was excited, I was happy, just share a moment with my teammates. But I couldn’t do too much jumping around.”

BENDER: Winners and losers from NCAA title game

Michigan point guard Elliot Cadeau, the player who was presented the MOP trophy, was in the middle of that group hug, and he was bouncing with the knowledge that he’d overcome so many doubts about his potential to become a championship point guard, including his own.

He scored 19 points, gaining a significant portion of that at the foul line, making such clever plays as suckering UConn point guard Silas Demary into the air with a pump-fake and then going up to draw a 3-point shooting foul. Cadeau also completed two muscular drives to the goal that resulted in and-1 opportunities, one of which he converted. Ultimately Demary was disqualified having played just 21 minutes, and shooting guard Solo Ball was limited to 17 minutes because of foul issues.

Cadeau’s honor was announced on the platform by Turner Sports’ Ernie Johnson, and the crowd immediately chanted, “MVP”. It’s MOP at the Final Four, but the misspelling did not dim Cadeau’s delight.

“It means the world to me. I’m just so proud of myself, where I came from,” Cadeau said. “Last year, I was really down on myself, a lot of people doubted me. And I’m just so proud of myself for me to be able to say I was the Most Outstanding Player and win a national championship at the same time.”

MORE: Elliot Cadeau earns his Final Four honor

The doubts about Cadeau were there from the moment he committed to Michigan before last year’s champion even was decided. How was the guy who busted at North Carolina, who presided over perhaps the least qualified team ever selected for the NCAA Tournament – how was that guy going to make the Wolverines better?

“We had seen him in the prep ranks, and we felt like we needed a quarterback: a pass-first quarterback on the floor,” May told SN. “Once we got him, we were able to sell him.”

Two decades ago, on the summer circuit, May had coached Sean May, who was a North Carolina assistant coach when Cadeau played there. So he made contact when Cadeau showed up in the portal.

“I said let me ask you one question: Would 17, 18-year-old Sean May – McDonald’s All-American, NBA player, All-American – would he want to play with Elliot Cadeau?” Dusty May said. “And he said an expletive yeah. I said, ‘That’s all I need to know.’ ”

The public doubt escalated, though, as that massive, monstrous frontcourt began to assemble in Ann Arbor. First it was 6-10 Morez Johnson from Illinois, then 6-9 Lendeborg from UAB and, a bit later, 7-3 Aday Mara from UCLA. The Wolverines were starting to resemble a team with serious Final Four intentions, but Cadeau, who had to work his way from 18 percent long-distance shooting as a freshman to 33.7 in his second season, how would that go?

And when Michigan traveled to Northwestern in February and played so miserably against a team that wound up with 15 wins, and May had to bench Cadeau and go with reserve L.J. Cason to climb from a 13-point deficit to a 12-point victory, at last there was the assurance that Cason’s sturdy play provided insurance against any additional Cadeau misadventures.

Until Cason blew out his knee in early March.

So then the Wolverines weren’t just lacking an outstanding backup, probably the best in Division I, they had no reserves at the point guard position whatsoever.

You are to be forgiven if you believed, at that point, this night never would come.

I hope you can be forgiven for thinking this, because I surely did.

WATCH: Get all the feels from 'One Shining Moment'

Imagn Images

“We have Trey McKenney and Roddy Gayle and Yaxel Lendeborg, those three being able to bring the ball up no matter what,” backup power forward Will Tschetter told SN. “We’ve got four or five point guards on our team.”

Understand, that’s a freshman shooting guard, a senior small forward and a senior small forward who’d been converted from playing center and power forward just this year. Tschetter is a leader and believes in his teammates, but it was remarkable they survived Cadeau’s 10 minutes of rest against UConn.

“All year, we’ve been just finding ways to win,” Cadeau said. “We made two threes the whole game. We weren’t making shots. You learned. We’ve constantly just been finding ways to win all year, no matter how anybody’s playing.”

MORE: SN's post-March Madness NBA Mock Draft

On so many occasions, that was because Lendeborg rarely played anything but exceptionally. That was until one single play in Saturday’s semifinal victory against Arizona left Lendeborg with an injury list long enough to cover an NFL team after a savage Sunday. On a drive from the foul line, he’d accidentally stepped on an opponent’s sneaker and thus was thrown off balance and crashed to the court. That left him with a sprained ankle, a bone bruise on inside of his knee and something squirrely with his lateral collateral ligament that he never quite ascertained.

“It was a bunch of pinchy feelings in my leg all day,” he said. “I was like 50 percent all game. I tried to save myself to make a push in the end. We got the win, so I’m just glad we got it done.”

WAY-TOO-EARLY TOP 25: Michigan begins at the top

To understand why Lendeborg would have to explain away a performance in which he only left the court for four minutes and scored 13 point, it was necessary to understand how comprehensively great he was throughout the season. At the very least, he was the best defensive player in college basketball who won zero defensive player of the year awards. He was UM’s leader in scoring and steals and No. 2 in rebounds, blocks and assists.

On this night, he managed only two rebounds, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and also offered some curious layup attempts. In the second half, though, he began to at least attempt to demonstrate the unyielding dynamism and energy that made him a Sporting News first-team All-American. He scored 9 points after the break and grabbed all 3 of his rebounds.

“I knew I wasn’t going to miss this game no matter what was going on. I was very tentative. I felt like I was pretty much holding my team down,” Lendeborg said. “I kept having opportunities to make plays and I couldn’t make a play. But these guys stuck with me. They all believed in me.

“I was trying to push through my mental and physical battle. These guys really helped me out. They helped me push through.”

At one point in he second half, Lendeborg departed the game obviously frustrated with the limitations the injuries had imposed on his game. It was Cason who approached him and presented the encouragement to help him cope, to help him finish as a champion.

“He was telling me to stop being so hard on myself,” Lendeborg said. “He was basically saying I’m one of the reasons why we’re here, one of the biggest reasons we got to this moment … He was telling me to keep going no matter what.”

Lendeborg would not end the night as MOP or MVP or even All-Tournament.

He is a champion, though.

That will be his long after the ache in his knee abates.

SPORTING NEWS 140:

Arman Tsarukyan mocks Colby Covington for filing lawsuit against Jorge Masvidal

Arman Tsarukyan has subtly mocked Colby Covington and his decision to file a lawsuit against Jorge Masvidal from their 2022 incident.

The Armenian has become somewhat of an internet sensation during his hiatus from the UFC. Instead of making a name for himself inside the octagon, the 29-year-old has been making friends with popular streamers and getting as many eyes on him as possible. The time away from competing has been beneficial to his reputation, but he hasn't been completely idle.

During his absence from fighting in the cage and his subsequent social media tour, Arman Tsarukyan has found success in Real American Freestyle, a newly-founded wrestling promotion showcasing some of the best the sport has to offer. As they attempt to promote elite-level wrestling to a more mainstream audience, Tsarukyan has arguably emerged as the standout name on the mats.

The UFC ace has amassed a perfect 3-0 start to life in RAF, but could face stiff competition in the future. His grappling brilliance has caught the attention of Colby Covington, who also has a positive 2-0 record in the company.

Both men have been caught in an escalating war of words, and the interest in their potential match is beginning to grow. According to reports, the UFC is preventing any chance of the two colliding under the RAF banner, but that hasn't stopped Tsarukyan's verbal assault on Covington.

In 2022, Colby Covington was assaulted outside of a restaurant by Jorge Masvidal in the streets of Miami. The two fought just weeks before the events of March 21, but their feud transcended the octagon, leading to the assault. Covington has since decided to press charges against Masvidal, seeking damages in excess of $50,000.

Amid the news of the lawsuit, Arman Tsarukyan took to social media to taunt 'Chaos'.

"The real king of Miami," Tsarukyan wrote on Instagram in an attempt to draw a reaction out of Covington. "Don't worry, I don't sue when I get in a fight."

Arman Tsarukyan says he would defeat prime Khabib: 'I’m more well-rounded'

Arman Tsarukyan is making bold claims. 

Tsarukyan was recently asked who would win a fight between him and a prime Khabib Nurmagomedov. Tsarukyan believes he would defeat “The Eagle” via a decision. According to “Ahalkalakets,” he is more well rounded than Nurmagomedov.

Betting on Himself


“It’s probably a decision… My skills, I’m more well-rounded than him,” Tsarukyan told influencer Nawid Yosufi.

Nurmagomedov (29-0) is considered one of the greatest fighters of all time. Nurmagomedov retired as the undefeated UFC lightweight champion following the demise of his father in 2020. 

Meanwhile, Tsarukyan (23-3) is currently considered one of the best active fighters in the world. Tsarukyan gave a tough contest to Nurmagomedov’s teammate and successor Islam Makhachev in his short notice UFC debut in 2019. While Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge Makhachev for the lightweight title in a rematch last year, he was forced out with an injury. The decision to pull out cost Tsarukyan heavily as he has since been sidelined from the title picture. Tsarukyan is keeping himself active in wrestling competitions in the meantime. 

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Bring him home: Liverpool get chance to end Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid nightmare

Bring him home: Liverpool get chance to end Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid nightmare
Bring him home: Liverpool get chance to end Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid nightmare

Liverpool fans were left disappointed by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to run down his contract.

The 27-year-old left Anfield after 20 years at the club in order to move to Real Madrid in a cut-price deal worth around £10m.

The Premier League champions have been struggling badly without Trent at right-back with Arne Slot often resorting to using Dominik Szoboszlai in that position.

Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have been frequently injured with .

The move isn’t going well for Trent either - with the defender injured during much of his first season in Madrid.

That - and a lack of consistency - have cost him his place in the England squad and it appears he’s got no chance of making the FIFA World Cup travelling party.

And now it looks like Madrid are running out of patience too.

Real Madrid losing patience with £300k per week Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold was involved in yet another catastrophe at the weekend as Madrid slumped to a terrible 2-1 loss at Mallorca - which is likely to cost Alvaro Arbeloa’s side the Spanish title.

Despite an overall poor display from the team it’s Trent who is being singled out by Madrid media for the result.

“Real Madrid is starting to lose patience with Trent,” a report reads in Defensa Central.

The player is making far more than the £180k per week he was reportedly paid at Liverpool with estimates suggesting that he is on around £300k per week.

And for the money they are paying the 15-time European champions are completely dissatisfied.

“He arrived at the club on a free transfer, but we're talking about one of the highest-paid players at the club, earning around €9 million net per season.

"That's far too high a figure for such poor performances,” the report reads.

Trent warned: He could be sold

And the question of Trent’s continuity has now been raised with it being speculated that he could be SOLD only one year after arriving.

“At Real Madrid they're starting to reconsider whether signing him was a good decision and even if he's the right-back they want as the club's starting right-back for years to come,” the report reads.

“The positive aspect is that, since he arrived on a free transfer, any potential sale would generate a positive financial balance.”

While that part isn’t strictly true - Madrid had to pay £10m - it stands to reason that Florentino Perez might listen to offers this summer.

Bring Trent home

And Liverpool should be right there for his signature should that happens.

They will have extra money in the wage budget considering Mohamed Salah and others will be leaving. And with links to right-backs including Jules Kounde and Denzel Dumfries it looks like Richard Hughes is looking at fortifying the position next summer.

Why not Trent?

Denver plays Memphis, looks for 10th straight home win

Memphis Grizzlies (25-54, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (51-28, third in the Western Conference)

Denver; Wednesday, 9 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Denver will try to keep its nine-game home win streak alive when the Nuggets face Memphis.

The Nuggets are 33-16 against conference opponents. Denver leads the Western Conference with 121.8 points and is shooting 49.5%.

The Grizzlies are 19-30 against Western Conference opponents. Memphis is eighth in the Western Conference scoring 115.0 points per game and is shooting 45.8%.

The Nuggets are shooting 49.5% from the field this season, 1.2 percentage points higher than the 48.3% the Grizzlies allow to opponents. The Grizzlies average 13.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 more makes per game than the Nuggets allow.

The teams play for the fourth time this season. The Grizzlies won the last matchup 125-118 on March 19, with Ty Jerome scoring 21 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jamal Murray is shooting 48.3% and averaging 25.4 points for the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic is averaging 26.7 points over the last 10 games.

GG Jackson is shooting 49.6% and averaging 12.5 points for the Grizzlies. Walter Clayton Jr. is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nuggets: 9-1, averaging 128.8 points, 45.3 rebounds, 33.4 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.5 points per game.

Grizzlies: 1-9, averaging 110.1 points, 33.7 rebounds, 24.9 assists, 9.6 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 129.8 points.

INJURIES: Nuggets: Zeke Nnaji: day to day (hip), Peyton Watson: out (hamstring), Spencer Jones: day to day (hamstring).

Grizzlies: Santi Aldama: out for season (knee), Jahmai Mashack: day to day (neck), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: out for season (finger), Taylor Hendricks: day to day (thumb), Ja Morant: out for season (elbow), Scotty Pippen Jr.: out for season (toe), Zach Edey: out for season (ankle), Ty Jerome: day to day (ankle), Jaylen Wells: out for season (toe), Taj Gibson: day to day (foot), Brandon Clarke: out for season (calf), Javon Small: day to day (thigh).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

San Antonio takes home win streak into matchup with Portland

Portland Trail Blazers (40-39, ninth in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (60-19, second in the Western Conference)

San Antonio; Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio hosts Portland looking to extend its five-game home winning streak.

The Spurs have gone 34-15 against Western Conference opponents. San Antonio is second in the Western Conference in rebounding with 47.1 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama paces the Spurs with 11.5 boards.

The Trail Blazers are 27-22 in Western Conference play. Portland is 21-17 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Spurs average 13.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.0 more made shot on average than the 12.6 per game the Trail Blazers allow. The Trail Blazers are shooting 45.3% from the field, 0.3% higher than the 45.0% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.

The teams play for the third time this season. The Trail Blazers won the last meeting 115-110 on Jan. 4, with Deni Avdija scoring 29 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: De'Aaron Fox is averaging 18.4 points and 6.1 assists for the Spurs. Wembanyama is averaging 25.5 points over the last 10 games.

Avdija is averaging 24 points, seven rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Trail Blazers. Toumani Camara is averaging 4.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 9-1, averaging 124.4 points, 50.1 rebounds, 31.5 assists, 7.4 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.7 points per game.

Trail Blazers: 7-3, averaging 119.1 points, 47.6 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 8.2 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.4 points.

INJURIES: Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Victor Wembanyama: day to day (rib).

Trail Blazers: Jerami Grant: day to day (calf), Shaedon Sharpe: out (calf), Vit Krejci: day to day (calf), Damian Lillard: out for season (achilles).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Adrian Kempe scores in shootout as Kings beat Predators 3-2

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Adrian Kempe scored the only goal of the shootout in the second round, and the Los Angeles Kings tightened the Western Conference playoff race with a 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators on Monday night.

Los Angeles has played extra time in seven of its last 10 games — and 32 this season.

Joel Armia opened the scoring for the Kings and Scott Laughton made it a 2-1 lead in the second period. Jared Wright has an assist in a career-best three straight games.

Steven Stamkos tied it at 1-all for the Predators and Roman Josi knotted it at 2 early in the third.

Anton Forsberg made 29 saves in the win for the Kings. Saros made 26 saves for the Predators.

The Kings won 58.3% of the faceoffs in the game.

All three series matchups this season went to a shootout, including a 5-4 victory for the Predators in Los Angeles last Thursday.

Up next

Predators: Visit the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.

Kings: Host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

HoopsHype Daily: Another monster triple-double for Nikola Jokic, Jalen Brunson excels in the clutch

Every day, we bring you the best and worst performers from the previous night in the NBA.

🏀 Best players of the day
PLAYERRATSTATS
1DENNikola Jokic43.8035 pts - 14 reb - 13 ast - 5 stl - 15-31 FG
2ORLPaolo Banchero36.0531 pts - 5 reb - 3 ast - 3 stl - 10-16 FG
3NYKJalen Brunson32.5630 pts - 13 ast - 3 reb - 2 stl - 11-26 FG
4CLEDennis Schroeder30.1622 pts - 11 ast - 5 reb - 0 stl - 8-12 FG
5NYKKarl-Anthony Towns29.4621 pts - 12 reb - 6 ast - 2 stl - 9-12 FG
6CLEEvan Mobley29.1724 pts - 6 reb - 4 ast - 0 stl - 9-11 FG
7SASStephon Castle29.1719 pts - 13 ast - 10 reb - 2 stl - 6-13 FG
8DENAaron Gordon28.9723 pts - 9 reb - 5 ast - 0 stl - 8-14 FG
9CLEKeon Ellis26.8519 pts - 8 ast - 3 reb - 1 stl - 7-11 FG
10ORLDesmond Bane26.2725 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 3 blk - 9-17 FG
11ORLJalen Suggs26.0712 pts - 12 ast - 6 reb - 3 stl - 4-9 FG
12CLECraig Porter24.1911 pts - 8 reb - 6 ast - 2 stl - 4-7 FG
13CLESam Merrill23.3721 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 3 stl - 7-16 FG
14ATLNickeil Alexander-Walker22.6836 pts - 3 ast - 2 reb - 1 blk - 12-19 FG
15PHIJoel Embiid22.3434 pts - 12 reb - 1 ast - 4 blk - 8-19 FG
16DENCameron Johnson21.5117 pts - 7 ast - 6 reb - 0 stl - 6-9 FG
17DENJamal Murray20.3920 pts - 7 ast - 1 reb - 2 blk - 7-15 FG
18NYKOG Anunoby20.2822 pts - 5 reb - 1 ast - 2 blk - 7-14 FG
19CLEJarrett Allen19.9013 pts - 9 reb - 1 ast - 2 blk - 5-7 FG
20SASDylan Harper19.8617 pts - 4 ast - 3 reb - 0 stl - 7-11 FG
* (RAT) Global Rating, which measures performance based on individual and team stats. You can check season rankings here.
📉 Worst players of the day
PLAYERRATSTATS
1MEMToby Okani-2.793 pts - 2 reb - 1 ast - 1 tov - 1-8 FG
2DETChaz Lanier-1.812 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 tov - 1-7 FG
3DENTim Hardaway Jr-1.213 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 1 tov - 1-7 FG
4PORKris Murray-0.501 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 tov - 0-0 FG
5PHIQuentin Grimes-0.085 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 0 tov - 2-7 FG
6SASHarrison Barnes0.122 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 0 tov - 1-3 FG
7DETRon Holland0.465 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 1 tov - 2-6 FG
8DETMarcus Sasser0.635 pts - 4 ast - 2 reb - 2 tov - 2-8 FG
9PHIKelly Oubre1.275 pts - 8 reb - 0 ast - 1 tov - 2-7 FG
10NYKLandry Shamet1.551 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 tov - 0-2 FG
11NYKJosh Hart2.312 pts - 5 reb - 3 ast - 2 tov - 1-3 FG
12DENBruce Brown2.546 pts - 5 reb - 2 ast - 2 tov - 1-6 FG
13ATLJonathan Kuminga3.725 pts - 5 reb - 2 ast - 1 tov - 2-6 FG
14ORLJevon Carter4.790 pts - 4 reb - 3 ast - 1 tov - 0-3 FG
15NYKMiles McBride5.036 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 1 tov - 2-6 FG
16ATLOnyeka Okongwu5.2612 pts - 8 reb - 1 ast - 2 tov - 4-13 FG
17PORRobert Williams5.746 pts - 6 reb - 3 ast - 1 tov - 2-4 FG
18PHITyrese Maxey6.0915 pts - 8 ast - 3 reb - 4 tov - 6-16 FG
19DETPaul Reed6.159 pts - 6 reb - 2 ast - 1 tov - 4-7 FG
20MEMDariq Whitehead6.6720 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 4 tov - 7-15 FG
* Minimum 15 minutes played
🚀 Breakout players of the day
PLAYERDIFFSTATS
1ORLPaolo Banchero24.7931 pts - 5 reb - 3 ast - 3 stl - 10-16 FG
2CLEKeon Ellis24.1119 pts - 8 ast - 3 reb - 1 stl - 7-11 FG
3CLEDennis Schroeder22.5022 pts - 11 ast - 5 reb - 0 stl - 8-12 FG
4DENAaron Gordon21.3423 pts - 9 reb - 5 ast - 0 stl - 8-14 FG
5CLECraig Porter17.8211 pts - 8 reb - 6 ast - 2 stl - 4-7 FG
6CLESam Merrill17.8021 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 3 stl - 7-16 FG
7ORLJalen Suggs16.7612 pts - 12 ast - 6 reb - 3 stl - 4-9 FG
8SASStephon Castle15.9919 pts - 13 ast - 10 reb - 2 stl - 6-13 FG
9PHIJoel Embiid15.5134 pts - 12 reb - 1 ast - 4 blk - 8-19 FG
10CLEEvan Mobley14.0524 pts - 6 reb - 4 ast - 0 stl - 9-11 FG
11MEMOlivier-Maxence Prosper12.6824 pts - 3 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 10-12 FG
12SASDylan Harper11.8417 pts - 4 ast - 3 reb - 0 stl - 7-11 FG
13NYKMitchell Robinson11.708 pts - 12 reb - 1 ast - 3 blk - 4-6 FG
14ORLDesmond Bane11.3025 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 3 blk - 9-17 FG
15DENCameron Johnson11.2217 pts - 7 ast - 6 reb - 0 stl - 6-9 FG
16DENJulian Strawther11.2211 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 4-5 FG
17NYKOG Anunoby10.6222 pts - 5 reb - 1 ast - 2 blk - 7-14 FG
18CLENae'Qwan Tomlin10.6110 pts - 9 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 4-7 FG
19CLEJarrett Allen10.5713 pts - 9 reb - 1 ast - 2 blk - 5-7 FG
20CLELarry Nance Jr9.6410 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 1 stl - 5-8 FG
* (DIFF) Difference between last game and 2025-26 Global Rating (minimum five games played)
😞 Bombs of the day
PLAYERDIFFSTATS
1PHITyrese Maxey-17.6515 pts - 8 ast - 3 reb - 4 tov - 6-16 FG
2DENTim Hardaway Jr-12.583 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 1 tov - 1-7 FG
3SASHarrison Barnes-12.232 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 0 tov - 1-3 FG
4NYKJosh Hart-12.192 pts - 5 reb - 3 ast - 2 tov - 1-3 FG
5PHIQuentin Grimes-11.855 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 0 tov - 2-7 FG
6ATLJalen Johnson-8.0521 pts - 11 reb - 5 ast - 5 tov - 8-19 FG
7ATLOnyeka Okongwu-7.7312 pts - 8 reb - 1 ast - 2 tov - 4-13 FG
8DETRon Holland-6.555 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 1 tov - 2-6 FG
9DETJalen Duren-6.2418 pts - 9 reb - 4 ast - 4 tov - 7-9 FG
10DENBruce Brown-5.636 pts - 5 reb - 2 ast - 2 tov - 1-6 FG
11PORKris Murray-5.141 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 tov - 0-0 FG
12PHIKelly Oubre-4.545 pts - 8 reb - 0 ast - 1 tov - 2-7 FG
13PHIVJ Edgecombe-3.9914 pts - 8 reb - 3 ast - 1 tov - 6-15 FG
14DETAusar Thompson-3.598 pts - 6 ast - 3 reb - 1 tov - 4-5 FG
15DETChaz Lanier-3.202 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 tov - 1-7 FG
16PORDeni Avdija-3.0026 pts - 7 ast - 4 reb - 4 tov - 6-15 FG
17DENJamal Murray-2.8620 pts - 7 ast - 1 reb - 1 tov - 7-15 FG
18NYKLandry Shamet-2.761 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 tov - 0-2 FG
19NYKMiles McBride-2.756 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 1 tov - 2-6 FG
20ATLDyson Daniels-2.6711 pts - 12 reb - 3 ast - 1 tov - 4-11 FG
* (DIFF) Difference between last game and 2025-26 Global Rating (minimum five games played)
Best rookies of the day
PLAYERRATSTATS
1SASDylan Harper19.8617 pts - 4 ast - 3 reb - 0 stl - 7-11 FG
2MEMCedric Coward12.1312 pts - 5 reb - 3 ast - 2 blk - 5-6 FG
3CLETyrese Proctor11.3110 pts - 2 reb - 1 ast - 3 stl - 2-8 FG
4PHIVJ Edgecombe7.9114 pts - 8 reb - 3 ast - 1 stl - 6-15 FG
5MEMWalter Clayton6.8610 pts - 11 ast - 1 reb - 0 stl - 4-10 FG
6ORLJase Richardson4.413 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 1-1 FG
7SASCarter Bryant4.155 pts - 2 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 1-2 FG
8ORLNoah Penda-0.820 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-1 FG
9DETChaz Lanier-1.812 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 1-7 FG
* You can check season rankings here.
🎯 Most clutch players
PLAYERRATSTATS
1NYKJalen Brunson14.2514 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 5-8 FG
2DENAaron Gordon9.638 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 3-3 FG
3DENNikola Jokic8.636 pts - 4 reb - 2 ast - 0 stl - 1-3 FG
4DENJamal Murray8.007 pts - 2 ast - 0 reb - 0 stl - 2-4 FG
5NYKOG Anunoby5.384 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
6NYKKarl-Anthony Towns3.880 pts - 3 ast - 2 reb - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
7PORDeni Avdija3.525 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 1-2 FG
8ATLCJ McCollum2.965 pts - 1 ast - 0 reb - 0 stl - 2-2 FG
9ATLNickeil Alexander-Walker2.886 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 2-4 FG
10ORLPaolo Banchero2.502 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
11ATLJalen Johnson1.360 pts - 2 ast - 0 reb - 1 stl - 0-1 FG
12ATLOnyeka Okongwu0.800 pts - 1 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
13PORRobert Williams0.801 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
14NYKJosh Hart0.500 pts - 2 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
15ATLDyson Daniels0.402 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 1-1 FG
16DENCameron Johnson0.380 pts - 1 ast - 0 reb - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
17PORDonovan Clingan0.240 pts - 1 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
18DENBruce Brown0.000 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
19DETDaniss Jenkins0.000 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
20ORLDesmond Bane0.000 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 0 stl - 0-0 FG
* (RAT) Clutch Rating, which measures performance in the last five minutes of 4Q or OT when the score is within five points
🌍 Best international players
PLAYERRATSTATS
1RSNikola Jokic43.8035 pts - 14 reb - 13 ast - 5 stl - 15-31 FG
2DEDennis Schroeder30.1622 pts - 11 ast - 5 reb - 0 stl - 8-12 FG
3DOKarl-Anthony Towns29.4621 pts - 12 reb - 6 ast - 2 stl - 9-12 FG
4CANickeil Alexander-Walker22.6836 pts - 3 ast - 2 reb - 1 blk - 12-19 FG
5CAJamal Murray20.3920 pts - 7 ast - 1 reb - 2 blk - 7-15 FG
6GBOG Anunoby20.2822 pts - 5 reb - 1 ast - 2 blk - 7-14 FG
7FRVictor Wembanyama17.9717 pts - 5 reb - 1 ast - 3 blk - 7-11 FG
8BEToumani Camara17.6830 pts - 5 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 10-16 FG
9LTJonas Valanciunas17.4414 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 6-7 FG
10ILDeni Avdija16.4626 pts - 7 ast - 4 reb - 1 stl - 6-15 FG
11CAOlivier-Maxence Prosper14.8924 pts - 3 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 10-12 FG
12MEJavonte Green12.8717 pts - 6 reb - 2 ast - 3 stl - 6-13 FG
13PRJulian Strawther12.2611 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 4-5 FG
14GEGoga Bitadze11.559 pts - 4 reb - 1 ast - 3 blk - 4-6 FG
15AUTyrese Proctor11.3110 pts - 2 reb - 1 ast - 3 stl - 2-8 FG
16AUMatisse Thybulle10.8114 pts - 3 ast - 1 reb - 5 stl - 5-7 FG
17AUDyson Daniels9.5711 pts - 12 reb - 3 ast - 2 stl - 4-11 FG
18BSVJ Edgecombe7.9114 pts - 8 reb - 3 ast - 1 stl - 6-15 FG
19DETristan Da Silva7.3012 pts - 4 reb - 1 ast - 1 stl - 5-10 FG
20CDJonathan Kuminga3.725 pts - 5 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 2-6 FG
* Includes players who represent national teams other than Team USA
💺 Best bench players
PLAYERRATSTATS
1CLECraig Porter24.1911 pts - 8 reb - 6 ast - 2 stl - 4-7 FG
2SASDylan Harper19.8617 pts - 4 ast - 3 reb - 0 stl - 7-11 FG
3NYKMitchell Robinson18.668 pts - 12 reb - 1 ast - 3 blk - 4-6 FG
4DENJonas Valanciunas17.4414 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 6-7 FG
5SASKeldon Johnson15.3013 pts - 9 reb - 1 ast - 2 stl - 4-14 FG
6CLENae'Qwan Tomlin14.6710 pts - 9 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 4-7 FG
7ORLAnthony Black13.9314 pts - 2 ast - 1 reb - 2 stl - 4-11 FG
8DETJavonte Green12.8717 pts - 6 reb - 2 ast - 3 stl - 6-13 FG
9DENJulian Strawther12.2611 pts - 0 reb - 0 ast - 1 stl - 4-5 FG
10ORLGoga Bitadze11.559 pts - 4 reb - 1 ast - 3 blk - 4-6 FG
11CLETyrese Proctor11.3110 pts - 2 reb - 1 ast - 3 stl - 2-8 FG
12CLELarry Nance Jr11.1710 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 1 stl - 5-8 FG
13PORMatisse Thybulle10.8114 pts - 3 ast - 1 reb - 5 stl - 5-7 FG
14SASLuke Kornet10.2410 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 4-6 FG
15PHIDominick Barlow7.786 pts - 8 reb - 0 ast - 2 stl - 2-4 FG
16MEMWalter Clayton6.8610 pts - 11 ast - 1 reb - 0 stl - 4-10 FG
17ORLJamal Cain6.313 pts - 2 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 1-1 FG
18PORRobert Williams5.746 pts - 6 reb - 3 ast - 0 stl - 2-4 FG
19DETTolu Smith5.618 pts - 3 reb - 1 ast - 0 stl - 3-5 FG
20NYKMiles McBride5.036 pts - 2 reb - 2 ast - 1 stl - 2-6 FG
🏆 All-Time Ranking
PLAYERCATEGORYRANKPASSED
PHIPaul GeorgeSteals39Stephen Curry
DENNikola JokicScoring84World Free, Calvin Murphy, Lou Hudson
PORJrue HolidayScoring106Jeff Malone
ATLCJ McCollumScoring113Buck Williams
NYKKarl-Anthony TownsBlocks152Joe Meriweather
SASDe'Aaron FoxAssists161Boris Diaw
PHIJoel EmbiidBlocks165Garfield Heard
CLEJarrett AllenBlocks175Rich Kelley
ATLCJ McCollumAssists200John Johnson
PHIJoel EmbiidScoring217Dave Cowens, Khris Middleton
SASVictor WembanyamaBlocks224James Worthy
DENJamal MurrayAssists238Elfrid Payton
DENNikola JokicBlocks240Kent Benson, Andrew Wiggins
DENJonas ValanciunasScoring248Lamar Odom
🌐 Stats per country
COUNTRYSTATSPLAYERS
1United States780 points - 301 rebounds - 220 assists70
Rest of the World400 points - 117 rebounds - 70 assists31
2Canada80 points - 10 assists - 6 rebounds -3
3France40 points - 14 rebounds - 1 assist6
4Germany36 points - 13 assists - 10 rebounds -3
5Australia35 points - 15 rebounds - 7 assists3
6Serbia35 points - 14 rebounds - 13 assists1
7Belgium30 points - 5 rebounds - 0 assists1
8Israel26 points - 7 assists - 4 rebounds -1
9Great Britain22 points - 5 rebounds - 1 assist1
10Dominican Republic21 points - 12 rebounds - 6 assists1
11Montenegro17 points - 6 rebounds - 2 assists1
12Lithuania14 points - 3 rebounds - 1 assist1
13Bahamas14 points - 8 rebounds - 3 assists1
14Puerto Rico11 points - 0 rebounds - 0 assists2
15Georgia9 points - 4 rebounds - 1 assist1
16DR Congo5 points - 5 rebounds - 2 assists1
17Philippines3 points - 2 rebounds - 0 assists1
18Netherlands2 points - 1 rebound - 0 assists1
19Nigeria0 points - 3 assists - 2 rebounds -1
20Senegal0 points - 1 rebound - 0 assists1
* Includes players who represent national teams other than Team USA
👟 Sneakers
BRANDSTATSPLAYERS
Nike511 points - 170 rebounds - 128 assists41
Jordan Brand51 points - 11 rebounds - 10 assists5
Puma40 points - 14 assists - 9 rebounds -4
Adidas37 points - 18 assists - 13 rebounds -3
361.0023 points - 9 rebounds - 5 assists1
New Balance20 points - 7 assists - 1 rebound -1
Li-Ning17 points - 6 assists - 3 rebounds -1
Serious Player Only11 points - 5 rebounds - 3 assists1

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: HoopsHype Daily: Another monster triple-double for Nikola Jokic, Jalen Brunson excels in the clutch

Forget the Masters Champions Dinner, this is the most fun Tuesday supper in Augusta

On March 31, 1952, Ben Hogan invited his fellow Masters champions to attend ”a stag dinner.”

A table of men. No wives allowed.

And while that practice remains today at the Masters Tournament, a handful of the First Ladies of the Masters Club have created their own tradition. 

Another supper.

“We get the best of both worlds,” said 2011 winner Charl Schwartzel. “We get to eat with the boys and then join the wives afterwards.”

A dinner. Then an afterparty?

MASTERS CHAMPIONS DINNER: What's on Rory McIlroy's menu? See what's served

MASTERS CHAMPIONS DINNER: Rory McIlroy's wine list is quite impressive

How the wives of past champions created their own Masters dinner

For years, the wives have been hosted by Bradford Freeman, a political fundraiser who needed little persuasion to join the table of bright dresses inside Augusta National’s clubhouse dining room.

George W. Bush calls him Bradley. His friends coined him “Fargo.” Stanford University claims him as its largest football donor.

At Augusta National, the North Dakota native earned a different title: host.

For years, Freeman anchored the supper, occurring simultaneously with the Champions Dinner … and then tailing on a little after. Due to health reasons, Freeman will not attend the wives supper this year. Instead, it will be hosted by Frank Anderson.

Spurs playoff standings: Updated scenarios, schedule for San Antonio in 2026 NBA bracket

Victor Wembanyama 02112026

Spurs playoff standings: Updated scenarios, schedule for San Antonio in 2026 NBA bracket originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Postseason basketball will soon be returning to San Antonio.

The Spurs are heading back to the playoffs for the first time since 2019 — and they didn't merely sneak into the 2026 bracket. Victor Wembayama has guided San Antonio to one of the league's best records, with the Spurs set to be a top contender to come out of the Western Conference.

While the Spurs know they'll be in the playoffs, seeding remains crucial down the stretch of the regular season. They've been lurking behind the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder all season.

Here's an updated look at the Spurs' spot in the Western Conference standings, their potential playoff matchups and more.

SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

Spurs playoff scenarios 2026

The Spurs have already clinched a playoff spot, tracking for their first 60-win season since 2016-17.

Seeding-wise there remains just two possibilities for San Antonio: the first or second seed. The more likely outcome will be the No. 2 spot in the conference, as the Spurs trail the Thunder for the top seed by multiple games with the regular season ticking away.

However, at worst, San Antonio will have home-court advantage for a first-round series as the No. 2 seed. With a 29-7 record at home this season, that advantage is one Wembanyama and company will certainly be content with on their path to the title.

MORE: Updated NBA playoff bracket, clinching scenarios 

Spurs standings 2026

SeedTeam RecordGames Back
1Thunder - X62-16--
2Spurs - X59-193.0
3Lakers - X50-2812.0
4Nuggets - X50-2812.0
5Rockets - X49-2913.0
6Timberwolves 46-3216.0
7Suns43-3519.0
8Clippers40-3822.0
9Trail Blazers40-3822.0
10Warriors36-4226.0

X = clinched playoff spot

MORETracking NBA Awards eligibility

Spurs remaining schedule

DateOpponentTime (ET)TV channel
April 8vs. Trail Blazers9:30 p.m.ESPN
April 10vs. Mavericks8 p.m.
April 12vs. Nuggets8:30 p.m.

Spurs playoff opponent

The Spurs' playoff opponent will be determined by the results of the 2026 Play-In Tournament. 

If San Antonio comes back to claim the No. 1 seed in the West, then it would play the No. 8 seed, the winner of the final Play-In game. If the Spurs hold onto the No. 2 seed, then they would play the winner of the first Play-In game between the No. 7 and No. 8 seed.

The current No. 7 seed in the conference is the Suns, while the No. 8 seed is the Clippers. The winner of that hypothetical Play-In matchup would currently be in-line to take on San Antonio in Round 2.

MORE:Updated 2026 NBA mock draft

Real Madrid coach likely to start Spaniard vs Bayern in key position ahead of first-choice star

Real Madrid coach likely to start Spaniard vs Bayern in key position ahead of first-choice star
Real Madrid coach likely to start Spaniard vs Bayern in key position ahead of first-choice star

Real Madrid are gearing up for perhaps their biggest match of the season as they play hosts to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Heading into this game tonight, there are multiple selection dilemmas for coach Alvaro Arbeloa, one of which is in the left-back position.

It was believed that the coach would have no less than three options to choose from, but it appears Ferland Mendy has been ruled out of the clash, leaving Arbeloa to choose between either Fran Garcia or Alvaro Carreras.

Fran Garcia to start vs Bayern?

According to Diario AS, Real Madrid are likely to start with Garcia in the left-back position against Bayern Munich, ahead of Carreras.

This could prove to be a prudent decision as Garcia has shown a lot of promise in recent times, whereas Carreras has struggled with injuries.

Not to mention, the former SL Benfica starlet struggled immensely in the recent defeat to Mallorca and was one of three players singled out after that shock defeat.

Alvaro Carreras struggled to perform against Mallorca this past weekend. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Garcia, to that end, could prove more stability on the left flank, where Real Madrid would have to defend against the onslaught of Michael Olise, widely considered the best winger in the Bundesliga right now.

Although Garcia has struggled with consistency throughout his spell at Real Madrid so far, he is the most fit left-back available at the disposal of Arbeloa currently.

Carreras, in contrast, has a more attacking nature and could leave acres of space in behind, potentially allowing the likes of Olise to capitalise and punish the Los Blancos defence.

Tuesday’s Everton News: Charles and Summerville links, right back options

Everton manager David Moyes with James Garner (centre) and Jake O'Brien after the Premier League match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday March 21, 2026. (Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images

Your daily dose of Everton news and rumours

How does Everton’s slate of last seven games compare to their European place competitors? [ToffeeWeb]

Everton and Manchester United are among the clubs that are scouting Southampton FA Cup hero Shea Charles. [Mail Online]

Why Everton could be cheering on Manchester City and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals. [Liverpool Echo]

The three ideal signings to solve the right-back problem at Everton. [Sports View]

Wishing all of our followers a bank holiday Monday where you feel (almost) as happy as Eddie Cavanagh famously was on 14 May 1966. pic.twitter.com/LokK7JSbwn

— Everton FC Heritage Society (@EvertonHeritage) April 6, 2026

Why Manchester United allowed James Garner to join Everton as return transfer verdict delivered. [Liverpool Echo]

Everton are one of the sides showing an interest in West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville ahead of the summer transfer window. [Give Me Sport]

What to Watch

UEFA Champions League continues with Arsenal taking on Sporting Club Lisbon and Real Madrid hosting Bayern Munich.

Full schedule of games here.

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— Ronald Agaba Jr 🏳️‍🌈🇺🇬 (@ronnieagabajr) April 6, 2026

“Run it like a business” – Journalist says Chelsea players will have “a short career” at the club

“Run it like a business” – Journalist says Chelsea players will have “a short career” at the club
“Run it like a business” – Journalist says Chelsea players will have “a short career” at the club

The Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards claims that because Chelsea is run like a business, players will have short careers there.

There’s been a lot of criticism around Chelsea’s owners lately and how they are running things. Many believe that the project is failing, others just generally do not like the way the club is run.

EXCLUSIVE! What the expect this summer as Chelsea look to sign established players – list of names in this 👀

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There is a belief that they are all about profits, buy young to sell on at a larger fee, and with the strict wage structure in place, they will never be challenging at the very top again on all levels.

It’s all up for debate of course, but this seems to be the general consensus right now. Luke Edwards of The Telegraph is the latest to get involved.

Edwards on Chelsea

Cole Palmer looks frustrated against Burnley. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

In words quoted on X this week, Edwards said:

“There’s constant noise which I suspect will get louder about Cole Palmer wanting out as well. This is the problem Chelsea and BlueCo have when they run it like a business. They’ve recruited all these players on long-term contracts but it’s a short career.

“These players might not see that they’re going to win the big prizes at Chelsea so they might want out.”

In other news today

I personally didn’t think it was fair that Fernandez got punishment but Marc Cucurella didn’t. There was variations in their comments but they both essentially did the same thing. Podcasters have been debating this very subject.

Chelsea academy star Ryan Kavuma-McQueen made his debut for the club against Port Vale at the weekend, and he has since been compared with academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is of course now at Nottingham Forest.

If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

Explained: Why Barcelona superstar left the pitch angrily vs Atletico Madrid

Explained: Why Barcelona superstar left the pitch angrily vs Atletico Madrid
Explained: Why Barcelona superstar left the pitch angrily vs Atletico Madrid

Barcelona’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano was a monumental step toward securing the La Liga title.

However, the post-match catter has been dominated by the visible frustration of Lamine Yamal. Despite Robert Lewandowski’s late heroics, the Barcelona number ten was seen arguing with Hansi Flick and refusing to celebrate the winning goal.

This led to immediate chatter online, with many blaming Yamal for not respecting Hansi Flick.

Why was Yamal upset?

Clarity finally emerged via DAZN (h/t Diario SPORT), which tracked Yamal’s movements throughout the final minutes of the clash.

It appears the tension began when the winger attempted a cutback that was intercepted, leading to a dangerous Atletico counter-attack.

However, the situation boiled over following a subsequent play where Yamal’s curling effort from the edge of the box sailed significantly wide of the target.

Yamal was not too happy with goalkeeping coach. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

It was at this moment that Jose Ramon de la Fuente, Barcelona’s goalkeeping coach, was seen gesturing critically toward the player from the touchline.

Yamal did not take the criticism well. He was seen pointing emphatically at the scoreboard, reminding the bench that the match was still tied and the clock was ticking. This exchange left the youngster visibly upset.

The frustration was so palpable that when Lewandowski eventually bundled the ball home following a Joao Cancelo rebound, Yamal opted not to join the wild celebrations.

Instead, he remained isolated, briefly greeting Pau Cubarsí before heading toward the tunnel in a heated discussion with Hansi Flick.

Speaking after the match, Flick was quick to downplay the incident, attributing it to the player’s elite competitive nature. “I don’t know, he was a little angry. It’s normal, he gave it his all and couldn’t score,” Flick explained.

Why Honda engine is not the only issue with Aston Martin - F1 Q&A

Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso ahead of team-mate Lance Stroll during the Japanese Grand Prix
Fernando Alonso (right) finished 18th in the Japanese Grand Prix, ahead of Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas and Williams' Alex Albon. Lance Stroll failed to finish the race [EPA]

Formula 1 is taking a break from racing during April because of the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix but there is still plenty to talk about.

BBC F1 correspondent Andrew Benson has been answering your latest questions...

Andrew mentioned in his Japanese GP race report that half of Aston Martin's time deficit is down to the chassis and therefore not just the Honda engine. Please could he elaborate on exactly what he has learned because this has not been widely reported and I think deserves to be heard, as it does not seem fair to burden all of the blame on to Honda - Kevin

The race report from Suzuka actually mentioned that more than half Aston Martin's deficit to the front was caused by the chassis.

That information came from a very senior and knowledgeable figure over the course of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.

It also tallies with what other teams are seeing on the GPS data to which all have access, in terms of the cars' speed on different parts of the track.

The exact split in terms of the losses that can be attributed to car and engine at Aston Martin-Honda is not known, and it's probably not possible to know, as of course the behaviour of the engine can also have an impact on the cornering performance of the car.

It's worth adding that, while it's true that much of the public focus has been on the Honda engine, and especially the severe vibrations that have been causing reliability problems, team principal Adrian Newey has been clear that the car is also lacking.

It's also the case that it's not clear where the vibrations are coming from - are they intrinsic to the engine, or is there something about the way the engine is mounted to the chassis that exacerbates them?

In Australia, Newey said that on the chassis side "we're maybe the fifth best team, so sort of potential Q3 qualifiers on the chassis side, but with the potential to be up front at some point in the season".

On average over the four qualifying sessions of the first three races, including for the sprint in China, the Aston Martin is 3.6 seconds off the pace.

The fifth fastest team on average are Alpine, at 1.268secs off the pace, followed by Haas at 1.567secs.

So Aston Martin are about 2.3secs off qualifying in the top 10, with the majority down to the chassis and the rest the engine.

In other words, put a Mercedes engine in the car, and it would be about where Alpine or Haas are. Exactly as Newey suggested.

Given the Aston Martin's troubled birth - effectively starting again when Newey arrived in March last year, a delayed entry into the wind tunnel until April, and a consequent compressed development programme - that sounds entirely feasible.

The car is overweight, and is especially poor in high-speed corners.

The fundamental point, though, is that it doesn't really matter where exactly the deficit lies between car and engine. Both Aston Martin and Honda are a long way from being competitive, both know that's the case, and both have a lot of work to do.

Allowing drivers a 'free' stop during a safety car period just seems to bring an unnecessary element of luck to races. It certainly made a huge impact at Suzuka. Why not just change the rules and prevent stops? - Alan

There have been a variety of rules governing the safety car since it was introduced into F1 30-odd years ago and the current ones have been arrived at organically.

It's true that an element of luck can enter into the equation, but the same would inevitably be true whatever the rules were.

And at the moment, while drivers who are on the wrong end of a safety car intervention inevitably bemoan their luck at the time, I've not heard anyone suggest the rules should be changed to prevent it.

As for the specific incident in question, it is debatable whether the safety car in Japan changed the outcome of the race.

It certainly looked like it did, as it gave Kimi Antonelli a chance to have a stop under the safety car when Oscar Piastri and George Russell, who were leading the first part of the race, had pitted under green-flag conditions.

However, Mercedes believe that the safety car effectively made no difference, that Antonelli would have won anyway.

They based that on the fact that once Charles Leclerc's Ferrari had pitted and Antonelli was in clear air, the Italian was lapping faster than Piastri and Russell.

Their plan was to leave him out as long as possible on his medium tyres to enable him to make up the lost time.

Remember, too, that Russell was still stuck behind Piastri.

It's impossible to be definitive, because there was only one lap after Russell stopped before the safety car was called.

But assuming Antonelli's tyres had stayed in good enough condition for his pace to continue for a few more laps, he would have 'over-cut' both Piastri and Russell and returned to the track from his pit stop in the lead.

During the race in Japan we heard that the McLaren pit wall had lost power and they had to move to the garage. What benefit is there of having the pit wall vs garage - is it a space thing? - Alice

Teams have their senior management on the pit wall for historic reasons as much as anything.

Before digital timing, it was a necessity for timing purposes to be on the pit wall, as it gave the best view of the track, and it was the best way to time laps and lap chart the race by hand.

It continues today out of convention as much as anything else.

No team have to have their senior management on the pit wall during the race. There is no benefit to it - all the data that is accessible to them there is also accessible in the garage.

And, with the odd exception, they tend to communicate by radio when they're on the pit wall, even if they are sitting next to each other.

Having said that, if a team are set up that way, then obviously it is a disruption to have the pit wall gantry go down.

Much has been said about the new regulations affecting racing, so how much slower have lap times been during qualifying and races so far? - Chris

In Australia, pole position this year was 3.422 seconds slower than than last year. In China, it was 1.423secs and in Japan 1.793secs.

In the races, the fastest laps this year in Australia and China were actually quicker than last year - by 0.076secs and 0.179secs.

That was not the case in Japan, where last year the fastest lap was 1.467secs faster than this.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri with Mercedes' George Russell behind him during the Japanese Grand Prix
McLaren's Oscar Piastri with Mercedes' George Russell behind him during the Japanese Grand Prix [Getty Images]

How much do the power-unit suppliers share with their customers compared with the works team? Does the deal include software, ancillary components, operating procedures etc? Do they get updates at the same time and are they privy to development information? - Freddie

The rules dictate that power-unit manufacturers must supply to their customers engines of exactly the same specification as those used by the works team.

That includes everything that the engine needs to operate to its maximum capacity.

The theory that a team needs to have a works engine relationship to win the championship was founded on the fact that if a chassis team has input into an engine design from the beginning, then the way the car and engine operate together can be optimised.

Choices can be made with regard to engine architecture that could have a positive influence on aspects such as weight distribution and even aerodynamics.

In contrast, a customer team have to take the engine they are given and design the car around it.

That is not necessarily a disadvantage, but it does mean the design timelines are changed.

McLaren proved in 2025 and 2026 that this does not necessarily prevent a team from winning a championship as a customer, especially in a situation where a set of engine regulations had been in existence for a long time and the power-units were well understood.

The issue for McLaren this year is that in a new power-unit regulation, and one in which the operation of the engine was complex because of the degree of energy-management required and the intricacies of the rules that have been imposed, they were behind in terms of operating the engine.

That gap has narrowed rapidly, thanks to work McLaren has done alongside Mercedes, to the extent that team principal Andrea Stella said in Japan that he "didn't think that we have left much unexploited".

It remains the case, however, that the Mercedes car is better than the McLaren one - or was until Japan.

McLaren have upgrades coming for the next races in Miami and Canada.

Blackhawks Can’t Play Spoiler, Lose 3-2 To Celebrini & Sharks

Blackhawks Can’t Play Spoiler, Lose 3-2 To Celebrini & Sharks

The Chicago Blackhawks fell short in their bid to play spoiler on Monday night, losing 3-2 to the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center to close out a three-game road trip. It’s the Blackhawks eighth loss in their last 10 games, dating back to Mar. 20.

The Sharks entered Monday’s matchup in must-win territory, sitting two points back of the Nashville Predators for the second and final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. With the Predators also having more regulation wins than San Jose, which is the tiebreaker, they couldn’t afford to lose on home ice against a young and struggling Blackhawks squad. Not with so few games remaining in the regular season.

The Hawks were hoping to carry over some momentum from Saturday’s win in Seattle and prevent the Sharks from earning a crucial two points, and they were successful in doing so in the early going. Ryan Donato kicked off the scoring just over nine minutes in, and the 1-0 lead held through the end of the first period. Chicago also limited San Jose to six shots on goal, with only four coming at even strength.

The second period, however, was a much different story, as the Sharks showed their desperation and played like a team with its back against the wall. The Blackhawks started to crack under pressure and couldn’t stay structured defensively, with goaltender Spencer Knight subsequently facing a wave of odd-man rushes. Knight did all he could to keep his team ahead for as long as possible, but eventually, the inevitable occurred.

With two goals in just shy of eight minutes from William Eklund and Kiefer Sherwood, San Jose flipped a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 advantage and never looked back. Will Smith added an insurance tally at 3:28 of the third period to extend the lead to 3-1, which proved to be the game-winning goal. Macklin Celebrini tallied the secondary assist for his lone point of the night.

Frank Nazar responded less than three minutes later with a power-play goal for his second point of the game, trimming the Sharks’ lead to 3-2 with still plenty of time remaining. The Blackhawks’ five-forward top power-play unit looked dangerous every time they stepped onto the ice, generating 14 scoring chances and nine shots on goal combined in their three opportunities. Finally, after countless close calls, the man advantage converted via a one-timer from Nazar.

Outside of the power play, the Blackhawks’ offense didn’t find much success on Monday, as the Sharks shut them down during 5v5 play following the first period. Over the final 20 minutes, the Hawks were credited with only one scoring chance and four shots on goal. They couldn’t even get Knight off the ice for the extra attacker until 1:17 was left on the clock, leaving little time to find the game-tying goal.

In the end, the Sharks were strong enough defensively to secure the one-goal win, evening the season series through two games. The third and final meeting comes in nine days at the United Center, serving as the Blackhawks’ final game of the 2025-26 campaign. That matchup will also likely have heavy playoff implications for San Jose, offering a second chance to play spoiler and close out the regular season on a high note.

Here are the highlights from the Blackhawks’ 3-2 loss to the Sharks, dropping their record to 28-36-14 through 78 games. Only four more to go.

FIRST PERIOD

The Blackhawks struck first for the second straight game as visitors, with Donato scoring just seconds after Macklin Celebrini’s holding penalty expired. Donato put home Nazar’s rebound for his 15th goal of the season, and third against the Sharks, to give Chicago a 1-0 lead at 9:01. With the secondary assist, Connor Bedard recorded his 200th career NHL point.

Connor Bedard➡️Frank Nazar➡️Ryan Donato🚨

Donato whacks Nazar’s rebound into a yawning cage for his 15th goal of the season to put the #Blackhawks ahead 1-0! Bedard extends his point streak to 3 games. pic.twitter.com/dRvt60ZDqo

— Talkin’ Hawkey (@TalkinHawkey) April 7, 2026

After a fast-paced opening 20 minutes, the Blackhawks held a 1-0 advantage and led 7-6 in shots on goal.

SECOND PERIOD

San Jose was quiet offensively in the first period, but they came to life and started racking up scoring chances early in the second. Knight was terrific to keep his team ahead for as long as possible, but eventually, the Sharks evened the score.

Wyatt Kaiser committed a costly turnover in his own end, springing Eklund for a breakaway chance in the other direction. Eklund snuck a shot through Knight’s five-hole at 6:57 to get San Jose on the board. 1-1.

And what a beauty. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/PpCX8hyl5m

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 7, 2026

The Sharks kept up the pressure and grabbed the lead for the first time at 14:55, with Sherwood blasting a one-timer past Knight from the right circle. Sherwood got lost in coverage between Nick Lardis and Teuvo Teravainen, leading to a wide-open shot. 2-1, San Jose.

BANG!! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/R4HEKFdmT7

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 7, 2026

The Blackhawks went to the power play for the second time in the game late in the second period and nearly knotted up the score, with a one-timer from Anton Frondell at the right circle ringing off the post. Frondell registered five shot attempts during the two-minute sequence, with each being blasts from the faceoff dot. He’s yet to bury one from that spot, but with his power, it’s coming sometime soon.

Anton Frondell registered 6 shot attempts on this power play, which included a post. #Blackhawkspic.twitter.com/LXDuOQefhy

— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 7, 2026

San Jose took a 2-1 lead into the second intermission, while the Blackhawks led 20-18 in shots on goal thanks to a late flurry from Frondell. The Sharks were ahead 15-10 in scoring chances at even strength through 40 minutes.

THIRD PERIOD

Smith scored a third straight goal for San Jose, extending the lead to 3-1 at 3:28. Celebrini skated into the offensive zone, bought some time, then shipped the puck down low to Collin Graf. With his back turned away from the play, Graf sent a perfect backhanded pass to set up Smith with an open net. Both Teravainen and Ethan Del Mastro got beat by Smith to the far post.

Celebrini ➡️ Graf ➡️ SMITH pic.twitter.com/f1G9KX3N9E

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 7, 2026

Nazar cut the Blackhawks’ deficit to 3-2 with a power-play goal at 6:09, clapping a one-timer from the left circle for his 15th goal of the season. With the primary assist, Teravainen extended his point streak to three games.

Anton Frondell➡️Teuvo Teravainen➡️Frank Nazar🚨

Nazar buries a one-timer for his 15th goal of the season to cut the #Blackhawks deficit to 3-2 on the power play! Nazar with his 2nd point of the game. Teravainen extends his point streak to 3 games. pic.twitter.com/gN1dyFzwHj

— Talkin’ Hawkey (@TalkinHawkey) April 7, 2026

Nazar had a golden opportunity for his second goal and third point of the game, as he found the puck sitting in the crease with Knight off for the extra attacker. Somehow, his shot from point-blank stayed out of the net, either hitting defenseman Mario Ferraro or a sprawling Alex Nedeljkovic in net for San Jose. Regardless, the puck was deflected wide, and the Blackhawks fell just short of tying the game.

Ohhh man what a look for Frank Nazar: pic.twitter.com/cmFYZceNYl

— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) April 7, 2026

The final horn sounded at SAP Center, sending the Sharks to an emphatic victory, and the Blackhawks to yet another rough loss. They’ll head back to Chicago and look to start the season-ending four-game homestand with a win on Thursday over the Carolina Hurricanes. Probably easier said than done.

For more Blackhawks news, visit Chicago Hockey Now and like our Facebook Page.

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The post Blackhawks Can’t Play Spoiler, Lose 3-2 To Celebrini & Sharks appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now.

Ex-President and LA alumnus reacted to Michigan after first national title win since 1989

Michigan celebrates winning the NCAA national championship against Connecticut at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Michigan celebrates winning the NCAA national championship against Connecticut at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Monday, April 6, 2026.

INDIANAPOLIS -- On Monday, former U.S. President and Occidental College alumnus Barack Obama came on social media to share his reaction to the Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball team winning the 2026 NCAA National Championship. Obama made this post after the No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines defeated the defending champion and No. 2 seed UConn Huskies, 69–63, in the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball national championship game held at Lucas Oil Stadium. This marks Michigan’s second national title in program history and its first since 1989. 

Obama, who follows college basketball and fills out an annual March Madness bracket, tagged head coach Dusty May and point guard Elliot Cadeau after this result and sent warm congratulations and wrote on his X handle: 

“Congratulations to @CoachDustyMay, Elliot Cadeau, and @UMichBBall on winning their first title since 1989! This team dominated the tournament from start to finish. Well deserved. Go Blue!”

The image Obama shared was the Michigan men’s basketball official post showing Coach May lifting the trophy, and Yaxel Lendeborg holding a yellow sign, “SHOCK THE WORLD BOYS GO BLUE!”

Congratulations to @CoachDustyMay, Elliot Cadeau, and @UMichBBall on winning their first title since 1989! This team dominated the tournament from start to finish. Well deserved. Go Blue! https://t.co/Z9hIq5Wrwa

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 7, 2026

NCAA March Madness’s Instagram handle posted an emotional picture of Lendeborg, captioning:

“YAXEL LENDEBORG. CHAMPION.”

University of Michigan reacted to the post, writing:

“Bro is a Wolverine legend for life.”


Dusty May orchestrated a massive program turnaround

The Wolverines became the first team in tournament history to score 90 or more points in five consecutive games. Coach May’s Wolverines had beaten Howard 101–80 in the opening round, with a shooting performance of 67.2%.

And this offensive momentum was seen again in the second round, when the Wolverines crushed Saint Louis 95–72, putting on a brilliant show with 11 three‑pointers and a 42–27 rebounding edge.

Then, in the Sweet 16, May’s team made a comeback by overcoming a halftime deficit and defeating Alabama 90–77, holding the Crimson Tide to 28 points in the second half.

In the Elite Eight, Michigan knocked out Tennessee 95–62 to secure its Final Four berth, holding a 22‑point lead after halftime.

By the time the semifinals arrived, Michigan faced Arizona head‑on, and the Wolverines dominated the national semifinal 91–73, making history in the process. On that night, Aday Mara dropped 26 points, and Elliot Cadeau dished out 10 assists.

After that, the only thing left was the title game. The Wolverines were ready. They overcame a tough 2‑for‑15 shooting performance from beyond the arc and Yaxel Lendeborg’s injuries, and hoops fans got to see them outlast UConn. Cadeau led the way with 19 points and walked away with Most Outstanding Player honors. During the trophy presentation, Cadeau said, “Nobody cared about stats the whole season. Nobody cared about nothing but winning.”

Bitgert (BRISE) Price Surges 130%—But Could This be Just a Liquidity-Driven Rally?

7 April 2026 at 10:34
bitgert-brise

The post Bitgert (BRISE) Price Surges 130%—But Could This be Just a Liquidity-Driven Rally? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The Bitgert (BRISE) price has exploded by over 130% in a sudden move that’s turning heads across the market. The token surged from the lows around $0.0000000174, marking the monthly high at $0.00000004117, outperforming the slightly down broader market. But beneath the surface, the rally raises more questions than answers. 

With no clear catalyst and a sharp spike in on-chain activity appearing almost overnight, traders are now facing a familiar dilemma—is the current price the start of a real breakout or just another low-cap liquidity grab?

On-Chain Data Signals Sudden Activity — Not Steady Growth

Bitgert’s on-chain data shows a synchronised surge across multiple key metrics, pointing to a sudden burst of network activity rather than gradual growth. New transactions recorded a sharp vertical spike after weeks of relatively muted movement, while active accounts followed a similar pattern with a late-stage jump. At the same time, contract growth increased in step-like bursts, indicating discrete waves of interaction rather than continuous expansion.

brise price
brise price

Taken together, this pattern suggests that the recent activity is concentrated within a short time window, not built through sustained user adoption. Such synchronized spikes across transactions, users, and contracts are often associated with short-term participation, including speculative trading flows or coordinated network interactions— rather than organic ecosystem growth. If this activity doesn’t last, it’s more likely to be a short-term spike in usage than a long-term change in demand.

Price Structure Remains Weak Despite Sharp Rally

Bitgert (BRISE) has surged over 130% on the week, pushing the price back toward a critical supply zone near 0.17e⁻⁶. However, the broader structure remains bearish, with price still trading below a long-term descending trendline that has capped rallies since 2023. The current move appears to be a relief bounce from the 0.04e-6 base, rather than a confirmed trend reversal.

brise price

From a momentum standpoint, RSI has bounced from the 30–35 zone to near 60, signaling short-term strength, while MACD is attempting a bullish crossover after an extended bearish phase. But both indicators are still in early-stage recovery and require price confirmation.

Key Levels to Watch

  • Immediate Resistance: 0.17e-6
  • Breakout Confirmation: Sustained move above 0.17e-6
  • Upside Targets (if breakout holds): 0.30e-6 → 0.40e-6
  • Support Zone: 0.04e-6 – 0.06e-6

A clean breakout and hold above 0.17e-6 could trigger momentum continuation toward 0.30e-6, with extension potential to 0.40e-6 if volume follows. Rejection at 0.17e-6 would confirm this as a relief rally, with downside risk back toward 0.06e-6 and possibly the 0.04e-6 base. If the price fails to hold above 0.10e⁻⁶ after the spike, it signals weakening momentum and increases the probability that this move was liquidity-driven rather than structural.

Wrapping it Up

Bitgret (BRISE) price rally has momentum but no confirmation. With the price sitting just below 0.17e⁻⁶ resistance, the next move will decide everything—breakout or rejection. Until that level is reclaimed with strength, this remains a high-risk, liquidity-driven setup rather than a confirmed trend reversal.

Hoskinson Clarifies ‘Bad Behavior’ Remark on Ripple’s Garlinghouse, Warns of ‘Gensler 2.0’ Crypto Bill

7 April 2026 at 10:19
CLARITY Act

The post Hoskinson Clarifies ‘Bad Behavior’ Remark on Ripple’s Garlinghouse, Warns of ‘Gensler 2.0’ Crypto Bill appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Charles Hoskinson has responded to the backlash over his comments on XRP and Brad Garlinghouse, saying things got blown out of proportion. He said clips of his statements were cut and shared in a way that made them look worse.

According to him, people are no longer listening to the full context. He clarified that he was talking about Garlinghouse’s actions around crypto regulation, not targeting him personally.

“He’s trying to pass a bill that makes everything by default a security until proven otherwise, which was the treatment Gary Gensler inflicted on his own ecosystem. It’s a non-starter because he knows that he’s going to get an exemption, and it reduces competition,” Hoskinson said.

Opening up about the CLARITY Act, Hoskinson said the bill could treat most crypto projects as securities by default, similar to how Gary Gensler handled things.

What He Said Earlier About XRP and the Bill

Before this, Hoskinson had taken a much stronger tone while reacting to Garlinghouse’s support for the CLARITY Act. He called the bill a “horrific” proposal and said it could favor big players like Ripple while putting pressure on smaller projects.

He pointed out that new projects may have to deal with strict rules from day one, needing to prove they are not securities. At the same time, he raised concerns that companies like Ripple could get certain exemptions, giving them an advantage.

He also mentioned that regulators could use this framework to go after more projects across the space, which could slow down innovation and limit competition.

Where Things Stand Now

His position hasn’t really changed. He still doesn’t agree with the bill, but now says his comments were more about protecting the industry as a whole. Calling it “tough love,” he tried to make it clear that his focus is on the long-term impact, not just XRP.

What Every ETH Holder Should Know After the Drop Below $2,100 and the Opportunity Taking Shape

7 April 2026 at 09:01
crypto-news-eth

The post What Every ETH Holder Should Know After the Drop Below $2,100 and the Opportunity Taking Shape appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

BitMine just added 71,179 ETH worth $143 million to its treasury in a single move, expanding one of the largest institutional Ether positions in the market while the token trades 58% below its all-time high. Institutions are buying while retail watches.

The Ethereum price prediction matters for holders watching ETH sit at $2,024 during the correction. The broader picture is worth noting: the US classified crypto as commodities, spot ETFs launched across every major token, and the Ethereum Foundation locked $143 million into staking rather than selling. The infrastructure buildout is accelerating.

Pepeto raised $8.68 million during this fear with a working exchange already live, and analysts project 100x from the Binance listing because a single event delivers what the ETH recovery stretches over quarters.

Ethereum Price Prediction Gets Context as BitMine Adds $143 Million in ETH While Foundation Stops Selling

BitMine expanded its ETH treasury by 71,179 ETH in a purchase worth roughly $143 million, pushing its MAVAN staking platform past 3.1 million ETH under management backed by firms like ARK Invest, Pantera, and Galaxy Digital, per CoinDesk.

The Ethereum Foundation completed its 70,000 ETH staking target on April 3 by depositing $93 million in one session, shifting its operating model from selling ETH to earning yield, per CoinDesk.

Institutional yield infrastructure lifts the outlook, but the exchange still at presale pricing with a confirmed Binance listing is where compressed returns sit while ETH slowly recovers.

Where Institutional ETH Yield Meets Presale Opportunity Before the Listing

Pepeto

Every bull market creates fresh opportunities and fresh risks. Fraud picks up speed when prices move, and most traders lack tools to check what they buy before linking a wallet. Pepeto addresses this directly. The working exchange provides contract safety checks, whale wallet tracking, and real-time verified signals through one platform.

When a trading tool gets used daily, the token behind it builds lasting demand that supports price long after listing excitement fades. The contract scanner flags risky tokens before capital commits. PepetoSwap runs every swap at zero cost. The cross-chain bridge moves tokens between ETH, BNB, and Solana without any fee.

cross-chain-bridge

The token sits at $0.0000001862 with $8.68 million raised during extreme fear. Staking at 188% APY compounds early positions while stages fill. SolidProof reviewed the full codebase, and the founder who took the original Pepe token to $11 billion on a 420 trillion supply designed this exchange with a former Binance executive.

Historical data shows that projects combining working products, strong team credentials, and presale pricing during market fear have consistently produced the largest returns in crypto. Pepeto fits that pattern at $0.0000001862, and the Binance listing represents the catalyst that historically turns presale entries into the returns later buyers wish they had caught.

Ethereum Price Prediction: Can ETH Recover to $3,000 and Eventually Reach $10,000?

Ethereum trades at $2,024 as of April 5, sitting 58% below its $4,953 all-time high from August 2025, per CoinMarketCap. The Fear and Greed Index reads 9.

The ETH forecast depends on holding $2,000 and clearing $2,250, which opens $2,500 and then $3,000. Standard Chartered holds a $7,500 year-end target, and at $10,000 ETH’s market cap would reach roughly $1.2 trillion, a level achievable in a strong cycle but likely requiring the 2027-2028 post-halving window rather than months.

The bullish case for 2026 targets $3,000 to $3,600 in the bullish case, roughly 46% to 75% over months. The institutional staking buildout removes sell pressure and supports long-term price, but those returns take quarters to play out, not the concentrated timeline a presale-to-listing event compresses into.

Conclusion

The Ethereum price prediction shows institutions treating ETH as a yield-bearing asset, a sign of maturity that benefits long-term holders. SHIB converted $1,000 positions into $1 million in 2021 with no working product behind it.

Pepeto offers a working exchange, the same founder who built Pepe to $11 billion, and a confirmed Binance listing. More infrastructure behind a project has historically reached further than zero infrastructure did, and $8.68 million entering during a Fear Index of 9 suggests the informed capital has already calculated where this is heading.

The Pepeto official website is where those positions are still available. Holders who caught ETH below $100 in 2019 or XRP at $0.003 before the 2021 rally did not need headlines to confirm the opportunity. They read the data, weighed the risk, and moved.

pepeto-presale

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

FAQs

Can Ethereum reach $10,000 based on the Ethereum price prediction?

Possible but not soon. $10,000 means a $1.2 trillion market cap, likely requiring the 2027-2028 post-halving cycle to reach.

Why is capital entering Pepeto during the Ethereum price prediction correction?

$8.68 million raised at a Fear Index of 9. The working exchange and Binance listing target 100x at Pepeto.

How does institutional staking affect the Ethereum price prediction?

BitMine and the Foundation staking millions of ETH removes selling pressure. Long-term outlook improves while returns take quarters.

Clarity Act News Today: Banks and Crypto Agree on a Deal, but Deaton Says the Window to Pass It Is Closing Fast

7 April 2026 at 08:49
CLARITY Act News

The post Clarity Act News Today: Banks and Crypto Agree on a Deal, but Deaton Says the Window to Pass It Is Closing Fast appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

According to the latest reports, Banks and crypto firms have agreed on a deal for the Bitcoin market structure bill, with an official announcement expected this week. The CLARITY Act had been stuck since January over whether crypto platforms could offer yield on stablecoins, but that issue now appears resolved.

However, John E. Deaton has warned that the CLARITY Act could collapse if not passed soon.

“It’s going to die… Innovation will die potentially here,” Deaton said in a recent interview, stressing that time is running out as political focus begins shifting toward the 2026 midterm elections.

Why the CLARITY Act Could Stall

According to Deaton, the biggest threat isn’t opposition, it’s timing. Once summer arrives, election campaigns are expected to dominate Washington, leaving little room for complex legislation like crypto regulation.

“If we get into the summer months, it’s just probably not going to happen,” he said, pointing out that lawmakers will be consumed by campaigning rather than policymaking.

This creates a narrow window over the next few weeks for progress before Congress slows down ahead of the August recess.

Midterms Could Change Everything

Deaton also warned that election outcomes could reshape the entire regulatory landscape. If Democrats gain control, Elizabeth Warren could lead the Senate Banking Committee.

He argues that under her leadership, the approach would lean toward stricter enforcement rather than innovation-friendly rules, making the CLARITY Act unlikely to pass.

With limited time and rising political pressure, the coming weeks may decide whether the U.S. gets clear crypto regulation or sees the effort fade entirely.

Meanwhile, chances of the CLARITY Act passing are slipping, with Polymarket now showing odds at 60% in April, down from 82% in February, showing that confidence around the bill is starting to cool.

SEC crypo safe harbor framework reaches White House

7 April 2026 at 10:38
Progress on a potential crypto safe harbor framework is now entering a key regulatory phase as it is up for White review. US Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins said the agency’s proposed “Regulation Crypto Assets” package has been…

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SEC chair Paul Atkins said a crypto safe harbor proposal is now under White House review as regulators define how digital assets are treated.

What happens to Bitcoin if US Iran talks break down?

7 April 2026 at 10:20
Bitcoin price struggled to maintain footing above the $70,000 level as traders waited for clearer direction from ongoing geopolitical negotiations between the United States and Iran. Bitcoin briefly climbed past $70,200 earlier in the week after reports suggested both sides…

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Bitcoin remained rangebound below $70K as geopolitical signals stayed unclear, while ongoing demand continued to absorb available supply.

Spawnbase – Turn recurring work into reliable AI workflows


Spawnbase turns recurring work into reliable AI-powered workflows. Teams describe goals in plain language, then build agentic flows with triggers, AI steps, and app actions across seven providers and 200+ models. Configure nodes, test each run, and deploy on schedules or events while monitoring performance. Connect Slack, GitHub, HubSpot, Notion, Jira, and more, and pay only for executions with credit-based pricing.

View startup

Flowise AI Agent Builder Under Active CVSS 10.0 RCE Exploitation; 12,000+ Instances Exposed

Threat actors are exploiting a maximum-severity security flaw in Flowise, an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) platform, according to new findings from VulnCheck. The vulnerability in question is CVE-2025-59528 (CVSS score: 10.0), a code injection vulnerability that could result in remote code execution. "The CustomMCP node allows users to input configuration settings for connecting

Here’s everything new in April 2026 Google Play system updates

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 10:02

Google will be rolling out its April 2026 Google Play system updates. While nothing here screams “major feature drop,” the changes quietly touch almost every Android and Samsung Galaxy device you might be using right now.

It is the kind of update that works in the background, but still shapes how smooth, secure, and connected your experience feels. For Samsung users running One UI, these updates matter more than they look on paper.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what Google is pushing with Play services v26.13 and Play Store v50.9:

Smarter sign-in on Android Automotive

  • Shows the requesting device name during QR login, improving clarity and reducing chances of accidental sign-ins.

Device Connectivity upgrades (Phone)

  • Adds new developer tools to improve how apps manage connections across devices like phones, watches, and accessories.

Location Sharing gets refined (Phone)

  • Improves location APIs, enabling apps to deliver more accurate, reliable, and controlled real-time location sharing experiences.

More frequent Location History processing (Phone)

  • Processes on-device location history more often, making store visit tracking and timeline data more precise and timely.

System Management improvements (All devices)

  • Enhances core system services with better security patches and stability fixes across phones, wearables, TVs, and cars.

Google Wallet bug fixes (Phone)

  • Resolves minor issues to improve payment reliability and ensure smoother contactless transactions on supported devices.

Play Store now shows download numbers in ads (Phone)

  • Displays app download counts in ads, helping users quickly judge popularity and make more informed install decisions.

Play Games Leagues from the You tab (Phone)

  • Lets users join and compete in gaming leagues directly from the Play Store, simplifying competitive gameplay access.

Samsung’s One UI already layers a lot on top of Android. That sometimes makes these Play system updates feel invisible, but they are not. In the April 2026 release, security and stability improvements are listed as a single line.

On Samsung Galaxy devices, where One UI, Knox security, and Google Mobile Services all stack together, these under-the-hood updates reduce crashes, tighten data protection, and keep everything running smoothly.

The post Here’s everything new in April 2026 Google Play system updates appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung Updates 2026: March to April – Breakdown of all changes

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 09:26

Samsung added, removed, and shifted Galaxy devices from one category to another in its April 2026 software updates chart.

We keep a record of Samsung updates chart editions of each month, helping us detect exactly what changed month over month, and the April 2026 edition has some notable tweaks.

Samsung’s software plan page added Galaxy A37 and A57 phones, which were introduced in late March 2026. The company also tweaked the identity of a category, impacting Galaxy A56, but users face no impact from this change.

One budget phone from the Galaxy M series has been retired, while one popular Galaxy A phone has been shifted to Quarterly updates.

Breakdown of all changes from March to April:

Newly Added

  • Galaxy A57 5G – added to Monthly > Enterprise Models (brand new entry)
  • Galaxy A37 5G – added to Quarterly > Galaxy A Series

Removed / Dropped

  • Galaxy M23 5G – present in Quarterly > Galaxy M Series in March; completely absent in April (not moved anywhere)

Shifted: Monthly → Quarterly

  • Galaxy A53 5G – moved from Monthly > Enterprise Models to Quarterly > Enterprise Models

Reclassified (within Monthly, section change)

  • Galaxy A56 5G – in March it was listed under its own standalone “Galaxy A Series” section in Monthly; in April it was folded into Monthly > Enterprise Models

Related articles:

The post Samsung Updates 2026: March to April – Breakdown of all changes appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung spent years fixing foldables, now Apple is learning why that was so hard

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 08:49

The first Apple foldable iPhone appears to be delayed again: details surfacing from the supply chain suggest serious engineering problems during the test phase.

We’re talking core design validation failures, the kind that force teams to tear back to fundamentals before the device moves toward mass production. Apple had lined up an initial production target somewhere between 7 and 8 million units.

Worth remembering that the number exists because Apple believed demand would be there. It probably still is, but demand doesn’t matter if the hardware isn’t ready to ship, as per the NikkeiAsia report (via Jukan).

Here’s the thing about building a foldable: the problems are always the same.

  • Hinge durability
  • Crease visibility
  • Internal display reliability over thousands of cycles
  • Structural integrity after real-world abuse

Samsung knows this intimately because the company bled for it publicly. The company spent years perfecting foldables with each generation. The current foldable lineup operates on a foundation that took years to stabilize.

The first foldable iPhone has to be close to perfect. Apple’s entire market identity depends on it. A stumbling debut isn’t just bad PR; it’s a category-defining mistake that competitors will reference for a decade.

A late entry into a mature category requires something more than polish. It requires a genuinely different product, and right now Apple is still figuring out if its product can even survive testing.

The post Samsung spent years fixing foldables, now Apple is learning why that was so hard appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

7 April 2026 at 09:22

In the market for a big-screen Android flagship? If so, it's nearly impossible not to come across the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra or the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. The newly announced Galaxy S26 Ultra and the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL are two different worlds, or just the two opposite ends of the spectrum called Android, if you wish. One represents a philosophy built around heavy customizations and heaps upon heaps of features (S26 Ultra), while the other represents Google's take on the Android experience (Pixel 10 Pro XL). That doesn't mean there are no proprietary features on the Pixel, but...

Robert Lewandowski on verge of matching 75-year La Liga goalscoring record that not even Messi achieved at Barcelona

7 April 2026 at 09:00
With the winning goal against Atletico Madrid, Robert Lewandowski is close to matching a 75-year goalscoring record in La Liga not even Lionel Messi got the chance to challenge.

Robert Lewandowski proved once again that age is just a number, delivering the decisive blow for FC Barcelona in their win over Atletico Madrid despite being 37 years old and operating in a reduced role this season. That late winner has now positioned the Polish striker on the brink of a 75-year-old La Liga goalscoring record that even Lionel Messi was unable to reach during his time at the club.

With head coach Hansi Flick deploying Dani Olmo as a false nine, neither Ferran Torres nor Lewandowski was in the starting lineup against Atletico Madrid. Coming off the bench in the 79th minute with the score level at 1-1, Lewandowski pounced in the 87th minute, turning home a rebound from Juan Musso after a powerful Joao Cancelo strike, to seal a crucial 2-1 victory and inch closer to a remarkable milestone.

According to Diario Sport, that goal against Atletico leaves Lewandowski just one behind the record set by Juan Vazquez, who became La Liga’s top scorer among players aged 37 or older during the 1950-51 season with Celta de Vigo, netting 13 goals. Lewandowski, 75 years on, now sits at 12 La Liga goals for the campaign.

A muscle issue during preseason slowed Lewandowski’s start to the 2025-26 campaign, gradually costing him his place as Barcelona’s undisputed first-choice striker. Still, he opened his La Liga account with a brace against Valencia on Matchday 4 on September 14, and with his birthday falling on August 21, every single one of his 12 league goals this season has been scored as a 37-year-old.

Messi has claimed countless records in La Liga over the years, both as Barcelona‘s all-time top scorer and across the competition’s history. However, his 2021 departure from the Blaugrana at age 34 cut short any chance he had of ever challenging Vazquez’s mark, leaving the record untouched for Lewandowski to now chase.

With 30 La Liga matchdays in the books, Lewandowski still has up to eight games remaining to not only match but surpass the 75-year-old record. Having scored 12 goals in 25 appearances, if he can maintain anywhere near that pace, the Polish legend is well-placed to make history before the season is out.

Lewandowski chasing another record he already shares with Messi

Several factors have chipped away at Lewandowski’s status as an automatic starter, including his contract expiring at the end of the season, the emergence of Ferran Torres and Flick’s tactical flexibility in deploying Marcus Rashford or Dani Olmo in central positions. Yet the veteran continues to prove his value from the bench, where he is now chasing yet another record.

Lewandowski has scored six goals as a substitute in the current season, matching the total Ferran Torres managed last season and equaling Messi‘s own benchmark from the 2012-13 campaign. The outright record belongs to fellow Argentine Juan Antonio Pizzi, who scored eight goals off the bench across the 1996-97 seasons, another milestone well within the Polish striker’s reach before the curtain falls on the campaign.

Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi playing for Barcelona.

Renat Dadaşov “Radomyak”la matçda ehtiyatda qaldı

7 April 2026 at 09:00

Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin hücumçusu Renat Dadaşov Polşanın “Motor” komandasının “Radomyak”a qarşı keçirdiyi oyunu buraxıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 26 yaşlı hücumçunun komandası Polşa çempionatının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 27-ci turu çərçivəsində “Radomyak”la qarşılaşıb.

Lyublin təmsilçisi bu rəqiblə səfərdə üz-üzə gəlib və 1:1 hesablı heç-heçə ilə kifayətlənib. Renat bu görüşün iştirakçısı olmayıb. O, sonadək ehtiyatda qalıb.

27 turdan sonra 38 xalı olan “Motor” hazırda Polşa çempionatının turnir cədvəlində 18 iştirakçı arasında 8-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Renatın komandası keçirdiyi 27 oyunda 9 qələbə qazanıb, 11 heç-heçə edib, 7 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.

Xatırladaq ki, Dadaşov “Motor”la 2025-ci ilin yayında 1+1 illik müqaviləyə imza atıb. O, Lyublin klubunun heyətində meydana çıxdığı 19 oyunda fərqlənə bilməyib.

Renat Dadaşov ötən mövsümü Polşanın digər klubu “Radomyak”da keçirib. Amma o, mövsüm bitən kimi sözügedən klubu tərk edib və “Motor”la razılaşıb. Renat karyerası ərzində “Qrasshopper”, “Tondela”, “Eştoril”, “Pasuş de Ferreyra”, “Hatayspor”, “Ankaragücü” kimi klublarda da forma geyinib. O, Azərbaycan milli komandasının heyətində meydana çıxdığı 43 oyunda 6 qol, 2 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.

Premyer Liqa: 26-cı tura 3 oyunla yekun vurulur

7 April 2026 at 09:00

Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 26-cı turuna yekun vurulacaq.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutacaq.

Əvvəlcə, “İmişli” Qubada “Turan Tovuz”la üz-üzə gələcək. Bu qarşılaşmanı Cavid Cəlilov idarə edəcək.

Ardından “Zirə” “Şamaxı”nı qəbul edəcək. Zirədə baş tutacaq oyunun baş hakimi Elçin Məsiyev olacaq.

Turun qapanış matçında isə “Araz-Naxçıvan”la lider “Sabah” qarşılaşacaq.
“Dalğa Arena”da keçiriləcək oyunu Fərid Hacıyev idarə edəcək.

Premyer Liqa
26-cı tur
5 aprel

“Kəpəz” – “Qəbələ” 0:2
Qollar: İsmael Akinade, 74. Domi Massumu, 89.
Hakimlər: Vüqar Həsənli, Elşad Abdullayev, Zöhrab Abbasov, Kamran Əliyev.
VAR: Elvin Bayramov.
AVAR: İnqilab Məmmədov.
Hakim-inspektor: İmanxan Sultani.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Məmmədəli Məmmədov.
Yevlax şəhər stadionu, 15:30.

“Sumqayıt” – “Neftçi” 1:3
Qollar: Nikola Ninkoviç, 53 – Freddi Varqas, 36-pen. İfeanyi Metyu, 65. Vensan Abubakar, 89.
Hakimlər: Kamal Umudlu, Vüsal Məmmədov, Eyyub İbrahimov, Əli Əliyev.
VAR: Rəvan Həmzəzadə.
AVAR: Cəmil Quliyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Şahin Cəfərov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Seymur Səlimli.
Mehdi Hüseynzadə adına Sumqayıt şəhər stadionu, 18:00.

6 aprel

“Qarabağ” – “Karvan” 7:0
Qollar: Leandro Andrade, 23; 64. Kamilo Duran, 31; 45; 48. Dani Bolt, 40. Abdullah Zubir, 43.
Hakimlər: Kamranbəy Rəhimov, Asiman Əzizli, Kərim Zeynalov, Əkbər Əhmədov.
VAR: Emin Əliyev.
AVAR: Əliyar Ağayev.
Hakim-inspektor: Rəhim Həsənov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: İlham Əliyev.
Bakı. Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionu, 19:00.

7 aprel

“İmişli” – “Turan Tovuz”
Hakimlər: Cavid Cəlilov, Kamran Bayramov, Müslüm Əliyev, İslam Məmmədov.
VAR: Nicat İsmayıllı.
AVAR: Şirmamed Mamedov.
Hakim-inspektor: Orxan Məmmədov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Rüfət Əmirov.
Quba Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 15:00.

“Zirə” – “Şamaxı”
Hakimlər: Elçin Məsiyev, Rahil Ramazanov, Teymur Teymurov, İnqilab Məmmədov.
VAR: Rauf Cabbarov.
AVAR: Pərvin Talıbov.
Hakim-inspektor: Munis Abdullayev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Zaur Hacı-Məhərrəmov.
Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 17:15.

“Araz-Naxçıvan” – “Sabah”
Hakimlər: Fərid Hacıyev, Namiq Hüseynov, Rəhman İmami, Rəşad Əhmədov.
VAR: Tural Qurbanov.
AVAR: Zeynal Zeynalov.
Hakim-inspektor: Ömər Paşayev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Yavər Rəhimov.
“Dalğa Arena”, 19:30.

Oğlu Luçeskunun son durumunu açıqladı

7 April 2026 at 09:22

Rumıniyalı məşqçi Mirça Luçesku komadadır.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə mütəxəssisin oğlu Razvan Luçesku ölkəsinin mətbuatına açıqlamasında deyib. O, atasının komada olduğunu bildirib və insanları məlumatları yalnız rəsmi mənbələrdən öyrənməyə çağırıb.

İki gün öncə Rumıniya mətbuatı Luçeskunun vəfat xəbərini yaysa da, daha sonra məlumatlar təkzib edilib.

ÇL: “Real” “Bavariya”ya qarşı

7 April 2026 at 09:00

Bu gün UEFA Çempionlar Liqasında 1/4 final mərhələsinə start veriləcək.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, ilk gündə iki qarşılaşma keçiriləcək.

“Real” azarkeşləri önündə “Bavariya”nı qəbul edəcək. Digər matçda “Arsenal” “Sportinq”lə səfərdə üz-üzə gələcək.

UEFA Çempionlar Liqası
1/4 final mərhələsi, ilk oyunlar

7 aprel

23:00 Real – Bavariya
23:00 Sportinq – Arsenal

“Qarabağ” belə rahat olmamışdı…

7 April 2026 at 08:50

“Qarabağ” Misli Premyer Liqasının XXVI turunda autsayder “Karvan-Yevlax”ı darmadağın edib – 7:0.

Oyundan öncə proqnozlaşdırıldığı kimi rahat qələbə qazanan “atlılar” liqanın sonuncusu qarşısında çətinlik çəkmədi. İlk hissədə vurduğu ardıcıl qollarla oyunun taleyini həll edən Qurban Qurbanovun yetirmələri mövsümün ən böyükhesablı qələbəsini qazanıb.

Rahat hücumlar təşkil edən, qısa və bəzən də uzun ötürmələrdə qol şansları yaradan “Qarabağ” bəlkə də, bu “futbol ili”ndə ilk dəfə şanslarından bu qədər maksimum yararlanmağı bacardı. Rəqib müdafiəsinin kobud səhvlərini də qeyd etmək yerinə düşər. “Karvan-Yevlax” son çempion qarşısında məhəllə komandası təsirini bağışlayırdı.

Autsayder “Karvan-Yevlax” 11-ci sırada yer alan “Qəbələ”dən 11 xal geri qalır. Qarşıda 7 tur var və yevlaxlıların bu fərqi bağlayacağı inandırıcı görünmür. Komandanın sərgilədiyi oyun ümid vermir. “Qarabağ”la matçda alınan böyükhesablı məğlubiyyət bölgə klubu üçün əlavə zərbə oldu. Oyuna baxsaq, artıq autsayderin də taleyi ilə barışdığını demək olar. Heyət baxımından “Qəbələ” və “Kəpəz”dən geri qalan “Karvan-Yevlax”ın liqada qalması üçün artıq möcüzəyə ehtiyacı var.

Şahin Cəfərov

Premyer Liqada tura yekun vurulur – YENİLƏNİR

7 April 2026 at 08:43

Bu gün Misli Premyer Liqasında XXVI tura yekun vurulacaq.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, sonuncu gündə üç qarşılaşma keçiriləcək.

Lider “Sabah” səfərdə “Araz-Naxçıvan”la üz-üzə gələcək.

“Turan Tovuz” “İmişli”nin qonağı olacaq, “Zirə” isə “Şamaxı”nı qəbul edəcək.

Misli Premyer Liqası
XXVI tur

7 aprel

15:00 İmişli – Turan Tovuz
Quba OİK stadionu

17:15 Zirə – Şamaxı
Zirə İK stadionu

19:30 Araz-Naxçıvan – Sabah
Liv Bona Dea Arena

Fee set: Man United quoted £43.5m to sign important Tottenham player

7 April 2026 at 09:22

Manchester United and Atletico Madrid could reportedly have to pay a fee of around £43.5m to sign Tottenham central defender Cristian Romero this summer.

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The Argentina international is seemingly set to be allowed to leave Spurs as long as the money is right, and there have been plenty of transfer rumours about his situation recently.

Man Utd have been linked with Romero by Marca, while Fabrizio Romano also posted on X to confirm that there were serious chances for him to leave Tottenham this summer, with clubs already calling to enquire about a deal…

??? Cuti Romero has serious chances to leave Tottenham in the summer.

Top clubs have started to call as exit is a possibility despite new deal signed last summer.

Romero could be open to a sale, as Telegraph and TyC Sports reported.

?? https://t.co/Q4fcYNPTBg pic.twitter.com/pZlRd2h749

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 11, 2026

Romano also added that Romero himself would be open to leaving THFC for a new chapter, and there’s now been a further update from Fichajes as Atletico Madrid are linked as his main suitor.

Cristian Romero asking price revealed

The Fichajes report states that Spurs will let Romero go for around €50m (£43.5m), with the north Londoners not prepared to lose such an important player on the cheap.

Atletico Madrid are said to have identified Romero as an ideal target to bolster their defence, and one imagines the 27-year-old could also do a job for United.

The Red Devils already have decent defensive options, though, so it’s not clear yet if it would make sense for them to spend a decent chunk of their budget on Romero.

Where next for Cristian Romero?

It will be interesting to see what happens with Romero this summer, but one imagines Tottenham would prefer to sell him abroad.

Of course, it will also be important to see what happens with Spurs in the next few games, as relegation to the Championship will surely complicate things.

That would surely be a huge hit to their finances, meaning they could probably be less picky about who to sell Romero and other key players to.

Meanwhile, if Roberto De Zerbi manages to keep them up, perhaps there’s always a chance Romero could be persuaded to stay as part of the new project.

The post Fee set: Man United quoted £43.5m to sign important Tottenham player appeared first on CaughtOffside.

UConn coach Dan Hurley laughs when asked about officiating after loss to Michigan in national championship game

Dan Hurley couldn’t help but laugh on Monday night when he was asked about the officials during their loss in the national championship game

“Is there a fine?” Hurley turned to ask when the topic was brought up in the interview room at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, clearly joking around.

"How much did the officiating change the game?"

Dan Hurley: "HAHA, THIS GUY!" 😭 pic.twitter.com/I7pwI2vPti

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 7, 2026

Hurley was plenty animated on the sidelines throughout UConn’s 69-63 loss to Michigan on Monday night in the national title game, which actually marked the program’s first ever loss in the championship game. 

That’s been pretty normal for the Huskies head coach, however, and it’s been a recurring trend throughout the NCAA tournament. Hurley went head-to-head with a referee without penalty at the tail end of their wild win over Duke in the Elite Eight, and he was booed hard by Illinois fans after their win over the Illini in the semifinals on Saturday.

Dan Hurley went face-to-face with the ref after UConn beat Duke 😭 pic.twitter.com/FrDGBQZI2q

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 30, 2026

UConn was called for 22 fouls on Monday night, compared to just the 13 that Michigan was called for. Three key UConn players — Silas Demary, Tarris Reed and Solo Ball — all had two fouls each in the first half. Demary ended up fouling out, too.

“I just thought the two fouls on those three guys in the first half, I thought we had a real good chance to go into the half with the lead … [that] really put us down at the half,” Hurley said on TBS after the game. “We just had to make more shots. We had great opportunities, I thought, from three. If you make three or four more, you have a great chance to win it. But how are you disappointed at all in your group?”

Michigan led the entire second half and held on late to grab the six-point win behind 19 points from Elliot Cadeau, who was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. Alex Karaban led UConn with 17 points and 11 rebounds, but the Huskies went just 9-of-33 from behind the arc as a group. They did out-rebound Michigan 46-39 and had 22 offensive rebounds.  

But despite the foul discrepancy, Hurley didn’t place any blame on the officiating. The crew that worked the game, he said, was an “all-star group.”

“It’s such a physical game. Michigan is so physical,” Hurley said. “I just thought, again, it’s not the reason that we lost the game.”

Will Smith scores to lead Sharks past Blackhawks 3-2

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Will Smith earned his 100th NHL point with a third-period goal, and the San Jose Sharks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Smith scored the winning goal on a wrist shot 3:28 into the third, assisted by Collin Graf and Macklin Celebrini, putting the Sharks on top 3-1.

William Eklund had a goal and assist and Kiefer Sherwood also scored for the Sharks.

Ryan Donato and Frank Nazar each scored for the Blackhawks.

Connor Bedard earned his 200th career point with an assist on Donato’s first-period goal. Bedard has four assists in his last three games.

Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 27 shots in the win for the Sharks. Spencer Knight had 20 saves for the Blackhawks.

The Sharks won 69.2% of the faceoffs in the game.

Up next

Blackhawks: Host the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.

Sharks: Host the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Spurs' coach praises Victor Wembanyama's tenacity after rib injury

Victor Wembanyama 02112026

Spurs' coach praises Victor Wembanyama's tenacity after rib injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

On Monday night, the San Antonio Spurs took on the Philadelphia 76ers, looking to close the gap at the top of the Western Conference and take the top seed heading into the NBA playoffs from the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Victor Wembanyama left the game with a shoulder injury and will not return 🙏 pic.twitter.com/7k4cxXADUB

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 7, 2026

Things were going well for San Antonio as they led Philadelphia by one point exiting the first quarter of play, with Victor Wembanyama leading the way with nine points and two blocks. But all of this energy would come to a sudden halt in the second quarter, when the French phenom collided with Paul George, leaving him on the ground, grabbing his shoulder.

In the following minutes, Wembanyama would be ruled out for the remainder of the match due to a left rib contusion, ending his night with 17 points to his name along with five rebounds. 

Is there any update on Wembanyama’s injury?

While the Spurs would pull out the victory, toppling the Sixers, 115-102, the team’s main concern was on the health of their franchise superstar. When San Antonio head coach Mitch Johnson was asked about a potential update on the French superstar, he didn’t have one, but took solace in knowing that the 22-year-old wanted to return against Philadelphia.

Mitch Johnson says he hasn’t received an update yet on why Victor Wembanyama sat out the second half with a left rib contusion, but said it was a positive that Wemby did come back to play in the first half initially. pic.twitter.com/s5L6K4PIF1

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 7, 2026

“No. I think it would be a positive that he felt like he could come back and he played the last four or five minutes in the half,” Johnson stated to reporters. “So, that's a positive from my perspective."

Given that the Spurs have a day off on Tuesday as they prepare to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, the status of Wembanyama will be another storyline to keep an eye on.

More NBA news

NHL standings 2026: Updated Stanley Cup playoff bracket, clinching scenarios through April 6

NHL standings 2026: Updated Stanley Cup playoff bracket, clinching scenarios through April 6 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The end of the 2025-2026 NHL regular season is approaching, but worry not, fans, playoff hockey rises above all other sports, so some of the most exciting action of the entire year is almost upon us. 

Sixteen teams, eight from each conference, will make the playoff field. The final games of the regular season are scheduled for Thursday, April 16, with the first-round playoff matchups set to begin the following weekend. The Stanley Cup Finals will be held in June, giving us almost two months of playoff hockey. 

The Florida Panthers won the 2025 Stanley Cup, the franchise's second consecutive trophy. Ironically, they played the Edmonton Oilers both years. With two weeks left in the regular season, the Panthers are sitting outside of the playoff picture, suggesting there will likely be a new champion crowned in 2026. 

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. 

SN's NHL HQ: Live NHL scores | Updated NHL standings | Full NHL schedule

NHL playoff bracket 2026

Bracket as of results on April 6

Eastern Conference

(A1) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (WC1) Boston Bruins

(A2) Buffalo Sabres vs. (A3) Montreal Canadiens

(M1) Carolina Hurricanes vs. (WC2) Ottawa Senators

(M2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (M3) Philadelphia Flyers

Western Conference

(C1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (WC2) Nashville Predators

(C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Minnesota Wild

(P1) Edmonton Oilers vs. (WC1) Utah Mammoth

(P2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (P3) Vegas Golden Knights

NHL standings 2026

The tables below will be updated with the latest NHL standings on a daily basis until the playoffs begin (current through April 6). 

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

SeedTeamGamesRecordPoints
1Lightning - X7748-23-6102
2Sabres - X7847-23-8102
3Canadiens - X7745-22-10100

Metropolitan Division

SeedTeamGamesRecordPoints
1Hurricanes - X7749-22-6104
2Penguins7840-22-1696
3Flyers7739-26-1290

Wild Card

SeedTeamGamesRecordPoints
1Bruins7843-26-995
2Senators7740-27-1090
Islanders7842-31-589
Red Wings7740-26-888
Blue Jackets7738-27-1288
Capitals7839-30-987
Devils7740-34-383
Maple Leafs-E7732-31-1478
Panthers-E7737-37-377
Rangers - E7833-36-975

X = clinched playoff
E = eliminated

Western Conference

Central Division

SeedTeamGamesRecordPoints
1Avalanche -X7650-16-10110
2Stars - X7745-20-12102
3Wild - X7744-21-12100

Pacific Division

SeedTeamGamesRecordPoints
1Oilers7739-29-987
2Ducks7741-31-587
3Golden Knights7735-26-1686

Wild Card

SeedTeamGamesRecordPoints
1Mammoth7640-30-686
2Predators7636-31-981
Sharks7637-32-781
Kings7631-26-1981
Jets7734-31-1280
Blues7633-31-1278
Kraken7632-33-1175
Flames7632-36-872
Blackhawks - E7828-36-1470
Canucks - E7622-46-852

X = clinched playoff
E = eliminated

NHL clinching scenarios today

This section will be updated.

When do the NHL playoffs start?

  • Start date: Saturday, April 18

The first round of the NHL playoffs is expected to start on Saturday, April 18, two days after the culmination of the regular season. 

MORE: Golden Knights making shocking move to fire Bruce Cassidy, hire John Tortorella

How will the 2026 NHL playoffs work?

Sixteen teams qualify for the NHL playoffs, eight from each conference. The top three teams in each division will get the top six seeds in their respective conference's playoff bracket. The remaining two spots in each conference will be filled with the next two highest-placed finishers, regardless of division. So, theoretically, one division could send five teams to the playoffs while the other sends only three. 

In the first round, the division winner with the best record in each conference will face the worst wild-card team. Then, the teams that finished second and third in their division will face off. The winners from those games will play each other in the second round.

Those winners will duke it out in the conference finals, sending one representative to the Stanley Cup Finals from each conference. Each round of the playoffs is best-of-seven, so the first team to win four games will advance. 

Why Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich could hinge on an intriguing Liverpool reunion

What a difference a year can make.

We are 20 days out from the first anniversary of Liverpool sealing their 20th Premier League title, a triumph of which Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz were integral to. They will now be pitted against each other for two different teams - Real Madrid and Bayern Munich - in a colossal Champions League quarter-final, having gone down vastly contrasting paths since that afternoon of ecstasy at Anfield.

The local hero among Liverpool title-winners, Alexander-Arnold turned villain within the week of their crowning moment. The confirmation of his departure at the end of his contract, set to swap his boyhood club for a fierce European rival who had dealt the Reds so much heartache in years gone by, left a vocal section of the fanbase feeling betrayed and shortchanged. The right-back was 26, already among the best in his position but theoretically yet to enter his prime years, but bid farewell for only a fraction of his worth; Liverpool had the Club World Cup schedule to thank for the £10m that came in return, otherwise he would have left for free. It was anything but a clean break.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool was anything but a clean break (Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure from Liverpool was anything but a clean break (Getty Images)

Two months later, Diaz followed out the door and garnered a reaction that diametrically opposed the wrath Alexander-Arnold received. Diaz was nearing his 30s, in his prime but at a point where his return on investment was probably at its peak, especially considering he had less than two years left on his contract. So despite an impressive season, where he was utilised effectively both on the left and up front, supporters accepted the decision to cash in on the Columbian as he made the move to Bayern Munich for £65.5m. It wasn’t as if Diaz didn’t want to move; it was quite the opposite, having also asked to leave the summer the prior. But there was little to no ill-feeling towards the player.

A tale of two sales, the duo’s debut seasons at their new clubs have very much conformed with how they left things at their old stomping grounds.

Diaz’s impact at Bayern was instant and fan adoration came accordingly, scoring in each of his first three Bundesliga outings after marking his maiden appearance with a decisive goal in the DFB-Supercup, the curtain-raiser the German season. He’s gone on to net 22 goals and bag 18 assists across all competitions in a spellbinding first campaign in Bavaria; his ability to single-handedly change the game in a moment has been sorely missed during Liverpool’s dire title defence. His attacking exploits are only second to one Harry Kane at league leaders Bayern, who is leading the race for the continent’s golden boot.

Luis Diaz has starred for Bayern Munich since leaving Liverpool (Getty Images)
Luis Diaz has starred for Bayern Munich since leaving Liverpool (Getty Images)

Then there’s Alexander-Arnold, who feels somewhat at risk of becoming the latest example of a Liverpool superstar to discover that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side; something Philippe Coutinho, Gini Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane all experienced before him. In the toxic cauldron of the Santiago Bernabeu, his defensive shortcomings that were always central to the arguments of his critics have translated into the Spanish game; it didn’t take long for fans to wonder whether then-manager Xabi Alonso should move him into midfield, a debate inherited from his Liverpool days.

So while Diaz is a nailed-on starter at Bayern, Alexander-Arnold’s inconsistency - compounded by injuries - has left him in a three-way battle for the right-back spot this season, mostly with veteran Dani Carvajal but also versatile midfielder Federico Valverde, who even when Carvajal was unavailable was sometimes preferred to the Englishman.

Alexander-Arnold has only completed a full 90 minutes four times in LaLiga this season. But in the Champions League, an arena he’s far more familiar with, he appears to be trusted. His league phase was hampered by muscle woes but against both Benfica and Manchester City in the knockouts, he started all four games, assisting Real’s progression.

There is good reason to believe he will keep his place against Bayern, providing for what could be a defining duel of former team-mates. Alexander-Arnold is yet to truly announce himself for Los Blancos but against Diaz, one of the continent’s most prolific players and a man he knows all too well, an opportunity to do so has presented itself.

Alexander-Arnold will know Diaz’s playbook, having trained against him for over three years. This experience puts him among the world’s most qualified right-sided defenders to thwart his threat, regardless of form.

Alexander-Arnold (left) and Diaz during their Liverpool days (Getty Images)
Alexander-Arnold (left) and Diaz during their Liverpool days (Getty Images)

And thanks to favourable circumstances, this could be the difference-maker for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side, who are very much leaning on the Champions League to turn their season around after the weekend’s shock defeat to Mallorca left them seven points behind LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

Bayern marksman Kane might just make fitness for the first leg following his late withdrawal from the England camp with a minor ankle injury, but he won’t be at peak match sharpness after 16 days without a minute. We may not get the Kane show in Madrid, meaning the impetus for goals is set to fall more on Diaz’s shoulders.

Bayern’s top scorer Harry Kane (right) will lack match sharpness, putting the pressure for goals on Diaz’s shoulders (Getty Images)
Bayern’s top scorer Harry Kane (right) will lack match sharpness, putting the pressure for goals on Diaz’s shoulders (Getty Images)

Shutting out the Colombian could therefore put Real in prime position to take control of this tie. The emphasis on European success among Spain’s giants grants Alexander-Arnold the chance to overwrite any domestic struggles if he becomes key to Champions League glory.

There is a real possibility that the opposite could be true - that both players stay on the same track their campaigns have so far taken and Alexander-Arnold is undone by his former colleague, suffering a home humiliation he might not be able to recover from, two months before he is inevitably snubbed from England’s World Cup squad.

But if fortunes flip, this quarter-final could be the turning point for Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid, coming at the expense of Diaz’s near-perfect season.

What Do Sunderland Need To Reach A European-Level Points Total?

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Regis Le Bris Manager of Sunderland on the side line during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Sunderland at St James' Park on March 22, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) | Getty Images


Gav says…

I’m going to be really boring and clichéd here, but we have to take it one game at a time. If we beat Spurs on Sunday – and, regardless of what anyone thinks or says, that would still be a huge win given the amount of quality they actually have at their disposal, and the fact that this will be their new manager’s first game in charge – then I reckon people will start believing that we can actually do it.

Winning the home game places less pressure on us going to Villa, who are not in the best of form, yet are in a pretty confident fourth position, five points clear of Liverpool. A draw would be amazing at Villa Park, but I wouldn’t be too disheartened if we lost. The mad thing is that even despite the fact they’re flying, it honestly would not shock or surprise me if we managed to get something, because we are a match for any team in this league on our day, and with so many players returning from injury, I reckon we’re in with a shout.

Then, we’ve got games against Forest and Wolves, and in the case of Forest, they’re scrapping for survival, so it won’t be easy. We’ve been better than them all season, though, but I don’t like us when we’re expected to beat a team, and that makes it tough to predict what will happen in those two games. I’d be over the moon with four points, which I reckon would have us on seven from four games – not a bad return.

After that, we’ll hopefully be in some proper scraps against other teams hoping to qualify for Europe. It feels far too early to say what will happen in those games, but I’m hoping that we can escape from Everton with a draw and then nick a win from either of our last two matches – preferably Chelsea. Imagine if we did that and qualified for Europe on the final day of the season, at home in front of our own fans? If we’ve still got something to play for going into that game, the atmosphere will be unbelievable, and I reckon we’ll do them.

That’s a very optimistic prediction of events, in which we possibly only lose two more games between now and the end of the season, but that’s what I’m going with. This team has taken us to some ridiculous places over the last twelve months, and there’s a feeling right in the pit of my stomach that we are not done yet.


John Wilson says…

Not only do I not like computer predictions that make no consideration for players’ attitudes and approaches to various games, but I also don’t like predictions in any form!

The reason for this is that you never really know which version of your team is going to turn up. Wolves, for example, are already in full “Let’s generate some momentum for next season” mode, whilst Spurs are about (I’d guess) to start fighting big time, as are Nottingham Forest.

The Lads love to be underdogs, and for me, it isn’t the Wolves and Spurs games that will necessarily provide us with points — I’d be more of the opinion to gamble that we’ll give Manchester United and Chelsea proper scares.

Like I say, no one is ever sure of the mindset of the team.

If we were absolutely up for every remaining game, fifty-six points is very doable, but I don’t think we’ve quite mastered the art of top-level consistency yet, so I don’t see us getting anything from Aston Villa or Everton.

We’ll have to battle for points during the other five games, so a return of a couple of wins and three draws is absolutely the top limit for me. If it’s a computer-type prediction you’re looking for, it’s a total of fifty-two points for me: top ten and above ‘the Visitors’ — got to be happy days.


Malc Dugdale says…

I’m not sure how much I agree with these computer predictions, despite being employed for many years in the IT world — but if this “guesstimate” is about right, I think we have a real chance.

The games against Spurs, Nottingham Forest, and Wolves have to be the go-to three-point expectation areas, and having teams who are embroiled in the drop zone in our last seven is a good thing from the perspective that they’re down there for a reason.

On the flip side, they’re all playing for survival. Both Forest and Wolves have occasionally had some good results of late, while Spurs have yet another new head coach. With that all in the mix, form and odds can go down the pan very quickly.

Assuming we get those three wins, I’d be very happy with a point against Aston Villa, but I see that as a low likelihood. If we got three points from Manchester United at home and Everton away (who are also very much in the mix), the home game against Chelsea could be the decider.

All we can do is knock over one peg at a time and see how it pans out, but it shows our season is far from over, nor are our aspirations of nicking a Europe spot at the first time of asking under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.


On This Day (7th April): Ten Takeaways from the 1973 FA Cup Semi-Final

An emotional Bob Stokes after Sunderland's victory over Arsenal. 7th April 1973. Arsenal 1-2 Sunderland. FA Cup Semi-final match held at Hillsborough Stadium (Photo by Monte Fresco/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) | Mirrorpix via Getty Images

Did you know in the 1972/73 season a player involved in this game played for both teams in the FA Cup?

Brian Chambers, who was an unused substitute for Sunderland at Hillsborough in 1973, was transferred to Arsenal shortly after the final for £30,000 and played for them against Wolves in the 3rd/4th play-off game. The game was played at Highbury in August 1973 and 21,000 fans turned up to see Wolves win 3-1 in the sunshine.

The crowd was not the biggest attracted for this game; that accolade belongs to the 1972 game between Birmingham and Stoke. The FA had decided, given the apparent apathy toward the game, to play it at the venue of one of the two clubs involved and stage the game in August after the final, instead of somewhere in London on the Friday night before the final. 25,000 people turned up at St Andrews and saw second-division Birmingham become the first team to win an FA Cup tie by a penalty shoot-out.

The 3rd/4th play-off was scrapped after 1974 when only 4,432 people turned up at Filbert Street to see Burnley take 3rd place by virtue of a Ray Hankin goal.

For the record – 3rd/4th play-off winners:

April 1970 Man Utd 2 – 0 Watford at Highbury (15,105 att).

May 1971 Stoke 3 – 2 Everton at Selhurst Park (5,031 att).

August 1972 Birmingham 0 – 0 Stoke at St Andrews. Birmingham won 4-3 on pens (25,841 att).

August 1973 Arsenal 1 – 3 Wolves at Highbury (21,038 att).

May 1974 Leicester City 0 – 1 Burnley at Filbert Street (4,432 att).


Chambers would probably not have made the bench if David Young had not been suspended under the bookings totting-up system in operation. Arsenal’s 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball was also suspended and should have missed the game, but Arsenal timed a “strategic appeal” perfectly and Ball played.


Richie Pitt could have been playing for Arsenal against Sunderland in this game if things had worked out differently.

Pitt had gone out on loan to Arsenal earlier in the season. He did not enjoy a particularly good relationship with Bob Stokoe, who shortly after arriving at the club bought David Young from Newcastle and made it clear to Pitt that Young was his first choice. An injury to centre-forward John Hughes in his very first game just before the replay with Reading at Elm Park saw Pitt (who was actually on his way to Arsenal for a second loan spell) drafted into the team and play alongside David Young in the centre of defence, to allow Dave Watson to fill in for Hughes up front. Pitt played so well that Stokoe could not drop him and the move to Arsenal was put on ice!


Sunderland were scheduled to play six second-division games between 10 March and 4 April prior to their semi-final with Arsenal. It was a brutal schedule with the Football League insisting Sunderland play these games as they had fallen so far behind some of their relegation rivals – they had seven games in hand on some of them. The fixture pile-up had been caused by a flu outbreak at the club during the festive period, and the number of replays in the FA Cup run the Lads were having to play. Luckily, the game just before the semi-final against QPR at Roker Park had to be postponed because of the weather, giving Sunderland four clear days before the big game at Hillsborough.


Vic Halom scored Sunderland’s first goal in the semi-final and had a great game. Had it not been for an injury to centre-forward John “Yogi” Hughes (Billy Hughes’ brother) in his very first game against Millwall in the league at Roker Park in late January, Halom would have likely played against Sunderland for Luton in the quarter-final game.


The Dagenham Girl Pipe Band (the only female pipe band in the world at the time) provided the pre-match and half-time entertainment at the Hillsborough semi-final in 1973. Sunderland fan and song-writer Tim Rice (who would find great fame in partnership with Andrew Lloyd Webber) was lucky enough to have hitched a ride in the Dagenham girls’ bus to the game – they shared the same agent at the time.

Dagenham bagpipe band break up amid recruitment struggles - BBC News

Had Arsenal beaten Sunderland in 1973, they would have been in their third final in succession. They beat Liverpool 2-1 in 1970/71 and were beaten by Leeds 1-0 in 1971/72. Not too many pundits thought Sunderland could beat Arsenal; indeed, Alan Ball declared boldly in the press on the morning of the game that “there is no way Arsenal can lose this game”.


The weather that had forced the cancellation of the QPR game earlier in the week before the semi-final persisted to the day of the game. Biting freezing rain and wind, as well as snow on the journey down, saw atrocious conditions on the day of the game. In a portent of things to come, Arsenal’s flag became snared around its pole and remained so for the whole of the game, whilst Sunderland’s flew proudly throughout the match.


The Sunderland players that gathered in the dressing room after this game had finished will no doubt have been excited about playing at Wembley. However, only one player in the squad that day at Hillsborough had ever played at Wembley before! Richie Pitt was that solitary player; he had played there for England Schoolboys, for whom he played at Under-15 and Under-18 level, earning six caps in total.


Despite the shock of losing this game and the disappointment of not making it to Wembley for the third year in a row, the 1973 league Division One runners-up were magnanimous in defeat. Goalkeeper Bob Wilson and manager Bertie Mee praised the Sunderland fans for their vocal backing and asserted that Sunderland deserved to win the game. Alan Ball was fulsome in his praise of Sunderland’s fighting performance and said that Arsenal just could not settle into the game because of the Black Cats’ harrying and willingness to run for the whole game.


Sunderland of course went on to beat Leeds in the final in one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history.If you would like to read more about the semi-final played on this day in 1973 why not enjoy: https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2023/4/7/23672955/fa-cup-fairytale-here-comes-the-bride-as-the-lads-march-on-to-wembley

Liam Rosenior rejects Chelsea players Enzo Fernandez appeal and stays firm on it

Liam Rosenior rejects Chelsea players Enzo Fernandez appeal and stays firm on it
Liam Rosenior rejects Chelsea players Enzo Fernandez appeal and stays firm on it

Liam Rosenior has reportedly rejected the pleas of Enzo Fernandez’ Chelsea team mates to lift the suspension on him.

Due to the comments Fernandez made about wanting to live in Madrid last week, hence a bit of indirect twerking to join Real Madrid, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior sanctioned the midfielder for a two game suspension.

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Fernandez has already missed one game, the FA Cup quarter final win against Port Vale on Saturday, and now he is set to miss this weekend’s clash against Manchester City – a crucial game in the race for Champions League football.

Players make plea

Enzo Fernandez in the Champions League. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

According to Argentinian journalist Veronica Brunati, the Chelsea team mates of Fernandez asked Liam Rosenior to lift his suspension for the City game this weekend after having seen him as key for this match.

It was then followed up with a second post a couple of hours later confirming that Fernandez camp were not expecting their suspension to be lifted. She says the situation is now ‘virtually decided’.

In other news today

I personally didn’t think it was fair that Fernandez got punishment but Marc Cucurella didn’t. There was variations in their comments but they both essentially did the same thing. Podcasters have been debating this very subject.

Chelsea academy star Ryan Kavuma-McQueen made his debut for the club against Port Vale at the weekend, and he has since been compared with academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is of course now at Nottingham Forest.

If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:

In the end, Michigan basketball was too big to fail

Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May cuts down the net after defeating the Connecticut Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

On a night where they shot a season-worst 2-of-15 from three, where their injured star looked like a shell of himself, where they lost the rebounding battle and played a style and pace for more conducive to their opponent’s strengths, on a night where seemingly everything that needed to happen in order for Michigan to be once again deprived of its long-awaited second national championship … none of it mattered.

To quote Ellis Pine, “you can’t stop what’s coming,” and Dusty May’s Wolverines have seemed like they’ve been coming for the top of the college basketball mountain since November.

That statement is a far cry from the days of the not-so-distant past when no level of success felt like a certainty for the maize and blue.

A little over 24 months ago, Michigan was at a crossroads. “Breaking point” might be a more accurate descriptor.

The Wolverines had just gone 8-24 overall and 3-17 in the Big Ten, good for the worst season in the modern history of the program. Ann Arbor legend Juwan Howard was shown the door after five up-and-down seasons, and weeks later, Michigan beat out the likes of Louisville and Vanderbilt to hire May away from Florida Atlantic.

Three Michigan players — Nimari Burnett, Will Tschetter and walk-on Harrison Hochberg — experienced every moment of the 8-win season and still chose to stick with the program through the transition. On Monday night, 741 days after May was hired, all three climbed the ladder inside Lucas Oil Stadium to cut down a piece of the national championship net.

Of course loyalty, while an attractive subplot and an easy storyline to latch onto, might not be the central theme of the 2025-26 Michigan Wolverines. Not the team that just became the first in the history of college basketball to win a national championship with five starters who all transferred into the program.

So what is the central theme?

Well … big matters.

Think Big.

May’s potential to be one of the primary faces of the next wave of great college basketball coaches wasn’t exactly a secret in 2024. A year earlier he had taken Florida Atlantic all the way to the Final Four, and then proved it wasn’t a fluke by winning 25 games and earning an 8-seed in the NCAA Tournament a year later.

In just six seasons as a Division-I head coach, May had already earned the reputation for pairing a remarkable basketball mind with an incredible knack for identifying talent. That combination made him the perfect hire for a power conference program looking for a quick turnaround after falling on hard times.

Two such programs — Michigan and Louisville, both coming off of 8-24 seasons — came calling. Ultimately, UM athletic director Warde Manuel won the battle by selling May on the notion that we have more resources, more institutional support, and a better overall living arrangement for his family in Ann Arbor than anywhere else that might come calling.

“Louisville is an unbelievable basketball school. But this was the right fit for me, my family, and it just felt right,” May said at the time.

An agreement was made, and both sides got to work.

Spend Big.

NIL and the transfer portal have both opened the door for instant turnarounds to be more of a thing in college basketball than ever before.

A decade ago, a coach brought in to take command of a Big Ten program that had just gone 3-17 in league play would have merely been expected to show an aptitude for the job and some tangible signs of progress in year one. Now, if you’ve got the bankroll, anything is possible, and it’s possible right away.

May convinced Burnett and Tschetter to stick around, he brought big man Vlad Goldin with him from FAU, and he signed Tre Donaldson (Auburn), Danny Wolf (Yale), Roddy Gayle (Ohio State) and Sam Walters (Alabama) from the transfer portal to form the nucleus of a team that seemed on paper like they should have been able to compete right out of the gate. They did. Michigan won 27 games, captured the Big Ten Tournament title, and advanced to the Sweet 16 before falling to eventual semifinalist Auburn.

With the bar raised, May used Michigan’s deep pockets to go to work again. While Gayle, Tschetter and Burnett all returned, each of UM’s five leading scorers in 2025-26 was a newcomer.

UAB’s Yaxel Lendeborg was the highest-ranked transfer in the country according to most who rank that sort of thing. When Donaldson bolted for Miami, May simply replaced him with North Carolina floor general Elliot Cadeau. Everyone knew Morez Johnson was destined for a breakout sophomore season, and May made sure it happened at Michigan and not conference rival Illinois. And then there was Aday Mara, a 7-foot-2 center who had played sparingly over two seasons at UCLA before emerging as a star for the Wolverines this season.

Identifying talent is still a skill that can pay off big in this brave, new world.

Play Big.

A healthy chunk of May’s imports have fit a similar description: Big, long, athletic, versatile and active. He seeks out monsters who can control the paint on both ends of the court, and is especially fond of players who can effectively guard multiple positions.

The results speak pretty loudly.

Michigan will end this season ranked No. 1 in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. They rank first in the country in effective field foal percentage defense, second in the country in two-point percentage defense, and third in the country in block percentage. Offensively, they were fourth in the country in overall efficiency and fifth in the country in two-percentage.

In each of Michigan’s last four games of the NCAA Tournament, the Wolverines held their opponents — Alabama, Tennessee, Arizona and UConn — to their worst field goal shooting performance of the season.

Win Big.

Michigan’s 2025-26 squad won’t just be remembered for its gaudy 37-3 final record, it’ll be remembered for the way in which it won a hefty chunk of those 37 games.

In simpler terms, it’ll be remembered for just how severely it kicked the shit out of teams all season long.

In its capturing of the Players Era Festival championship during Thanksgiving week, the Wolverines became the first team in the history of the AP poll to beat three straight ranked opponents all by 30 points or more. The last of those was a 101-61 championship game slaughtering of a Gonzaga team that, up until that point, had looked every bit as dominant as May’s team had.

When the dust finally cleared on Monday night, Michigan had won 29 of its 37 games by double figures. It won an astounding 11 games by 30 points or more, and its seven wins by 40 points or more are the most by any team in the history of the Big Ten.

Talk Big.

From the jump, confidence was never lacking with this group. Nor should it have been.

Lendeborg, the eventual First Team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year, was the first to raise eyebrows with a public declaration.

“I feel like we’re the best team in college basketball,” Lendeborg said after the Players Era Festival triumph in November. “We might be the best Michigan team ever. We’re going to try to go for that.”

Instead of shying away from their star’s bravado, the rest of the Wolverines leaned into it.

“We say it before every game when we step onto the court,” Morez Johnson said in February of Lendeborg’s initial proclamation. “Everybody truly believes that.”

Yaxel laughed last on Monday night, telling a national TV audience:

“We’re the best team in college basketball, and we want to go down as one of the greatest ever.”

Finish Big … finally

Despite the Big Ten’s perennial status as one of the two or three best conferences in college basketball, the league has been burdened for the past two and-a-half-decades with the stigma of having won zero national championships since Michigan State cut down the nets in 2000.

From 2001-2025, Big Ten teams played in eight national championships and astoundingly lost them all. Michigan accounted for 25 percent of that total, falling to Louisville for the title in 2013 and getting blown out by Villanova on the first Monday in April five years later.

No trend was too tall for this team. Neither was any opponent.

In the end, Michigan was simply too big to fail.

Yod-IQ Vs. Nabati, Lobo Vs. Nontachai Explosive Muay Thai Showdowns Added To ONE Fight Night 43

ONE Fight Night 43: Tang vs. Gasanov on Prime Video has some serious firepower after the addition of two bantamweight Muay Thai showdowns, airing live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.

On Friday, May 15, newly contracted Yod-IQ Or Pimolsri faces undefeated Russian Kiamran Nabati, while former two-time ONE World Title challenger Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo takes on Thai contender Nontachai Jitmuangnon.

Yod-IQ enters as one of the most in-form strikers in the sport. The 24-year-old owns a 126-36 professional record and built his reputation in ONE Friday Fights, where he secured 11 wins in 12 appearances.

After suffering his lone promotional defeat to Alexey Balyko in September 2023, the PK Saenchai Muaythaigym product responded with a nine-fight winning streak that reached a poetic conclusion in December 2025.

At ONE Friday Fights 137, Yod-IQ delivered a stunning first-round head-kick knockout of Balyko to avenge that loss, earning redemption and a life-changing US$100,000 contract.

Now he faces the toughest challenge of his career against a man who has never been beaten.

Nabati has been flawless since turning professional in 2015. The 31-year-old compiled a perfect 18-0 record across Europe, capturing the Fair Fight Muay Thai belt three times before arriving in ONE.

He wasted no time proving he belongs among the elite.

After winning his first two outings, Nabati earned a six-figure contract with a first-round knockout of Suablack Tor Pran49 at ONE Friday Fights 68 in June 2024. He then defeated former bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama three months later.

Following a no contest against Ferrari Fairtex at ONE Friday Fights 95, Nabati looks to preserve his unblemished record against another elite opponent.

In the other bantamweight Muay Thai clash, Lobo and Nontachai collide in a high-octane showdown with major divisional implications.

A former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Title challenger, Lobo has long been a staple of the division’s upper echelon. The 32-year-old Brazilian holds notable wins over Rodlek PK Saenchai and Saemapetch Fairtex.

After coming up short in his most recent outing, “Demolition Man” enters with urgency. A victory could propel him back into World Title contention.

Standing in his way is a dangerous Thai contender.

The 26-year-old Nontachai has amassed over 50 career wins and holds five victories in ONE. The Road to ONE: Thailand winner carries a two-fight winning streak into this bout, capped by a dominant performance at ONE Friday Fights 145 — three knockdowns en route to a third-round TKO over Semih Sah Cindir.

Now he aims to secure the biggest victory of his career in U.S. primetime.

With four elite strikers and major stakes attached, these matchups add serious firepower to an already stacked ONE Fight Night 43.

Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news about ONE Fight Night 43.

Source

NBA awards eligibility tracker: Updated games played for Cade Cunningham, SGA, other stars up for honors

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham

NBA awards eligibility tracker: Updated games played for Cade Cunningham, SGA, other stars up for honors originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NBA’s 65-game rule has its share of critics, but for now, it isn’t going anywhere. Cade Cunningham, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic and other stars will need to play at least 65 games to be eligible for awards such as MVP and All-NBA honors.

With all three missing time this season, it could be a close call for each.

The 65-game rule didn’t heavily impact the MVP race in either of its first two seasons after being implemented as part of the new collective bargaining agreement in 2023, but it could, at the very least, prevent Cunningham from earning All-NBA honors in a season that has seen him emerge as a legitimate MVP candidate.

The NBPA has already called for the rule to be changed, saying in a statement, "Cade Cunningham’s potential ineligibility for postseason awards after a career-defining season is a clear indictment of the 65-game rule and yet another example of why it must be abolished or reformed to create an exception for significant injuries."

While there is a minor exception for season-ending injuries, Cunningham doesn’t meet it. Neither does Anthony Edwards, who saw his chances of hitting the 65-game mark vanish after he was ruled out of the Timberwolves' April 2 tilt vs. the Pistons with illness.

Luka Doncic still might be eligible for season-long awards despite being shut down for the regular season on Friday with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Doncic and his representatives are reportedly applying for a extraordinary circumstances grievance due to his two games missed for the birth of his son earlier in the season. 

The Sporting News is tracking the award eligibility for some of the NBA’s stars, including Cunningham, Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic. Follow along below with each player’s games played count. 

MORE:Updated 2026 NBA mock draft

NBA awards eligibility tracker

With Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic both back on the court after dealing with injuries, each has a path to 65 games. MVP favorite Gilgeous-Alexander is set to clear the bar with some wiggle room, while Jokic can only miss one more game if he wants to be eligible for awards.

Cunningham, however, is in a different boat. While he has played 61 games, he is out with a collapsed lung and isn't sure when he will play again. 76ers star Tyrese Maxey has returned from a finger injury, but was close to not qualifying and is two games short. While Maxey isn't in MVP contention, an All-NBA spot could be on the line.

Edwards is officially unable to add to his collection of All-NBA placements after being ruled out of Minnesota's game vs. Detroit with illness.

Victor Wembamyama left the Spurs' Apr. 7 win over the 76ers after 16 minutes. He will need to log just one more game with 20-plus minutes this season to qualify for awards.

Here are the latest games played totals for notable award and All-NBA contenders:

PlayerGames playedRemaining games
Tyrese Maxey673
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander664
Cooper Flagg664
Luka Doncic644
Nikola Jokic633
Victor Wembanyama633
Evan Mobley624
Deni Avdija633
Cade Cunningham613
Kawhi Leonard615
Anthony Edwards603

An exception to the 65-game rule allows players to retain award eligibility if they suffer a season-ending injury with at least 62 games played, but that doesn't apply to Cunningham, even if he can't return, as they have each played only 61 games. 

MORE: Ranking 10 best NBA Draft prospects in 2026 March Madness

NBA 65-game rule, explained

Starting with the 2023-24 season, NBA rules state that players must appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player awards, as well as All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. The rule doesn't apply to the Rookie of the Year or Sixth Man of the Year awards.

The rule was agreed upon in the league's current collective bargaining agreement to help combat the trend of "load management," in which teams rested players to either keep them fresh or nurse minor ailments.

Despite the rule, stars continue to miss games. As of March 25, only two of the NBA's 45 20-point-per-game scorers rank among the top 25 in games played: Minnesota's Julius Randle and Orlando's Desmond Bane.

Dusty May NCAA Tournament winning percentage: Michigan coach has eye-popping record in small sample size

Dusty May NCAA Tournament winning percentage: Michigan coach has eye-popping record in small sample size originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Dusty May has made history twice in his short head-coaching career.

As the coach of Florida Atlantic, he led the Owls to the school’s first Final Four appearance and was one rim-bounce away from the program’s first championship appearance. Now, he has led the Michigan Wolverines to their first title since 1989.

May has only been a Division I head coach for eight seasons, but his growth is telling. There’s a reason he jumped from FAU to Michigan, and his tournament record proves it.

Let’s take a look at May’s short but impressive NCAA Tournament record and how it compares to the rest of the field.

MORE: Winners and Losers from the Michigan-UConn national title game

Dusty May NCAA Tournament winning percentage

With Michigan's 2026 NCAA Championship win, May now has a 12-3 tournament record. His tournament win percentage is now .800.

With him at the helm, his teams have made the NCAA Tournament four times (FAU: 2, Michigan: 2). Prior to his championship win, May burst onto the scene with FAU, leading them to the school's first-ever Final Four and was a buzzer-beater away from their first championship appearance in 2023.

MORE: Michigan vs. UConn National Championship box score

Coaches with best NCAA Tournament winning percentages

Despite his small sample size, May has a phenomenal NCAA Tournament record and win percentage. The Wolverines coach now has a 12-3 record and an .800 win percentage.

While he hasn’t reached the 20-game threshold that the following coaches have, it’s still viable to compare him with some of the NCAA’s best. Standing atop the list is UCLA’s John Wooden. Wooden was the coach during the Bruins’ dynasty and accumulated a 47-10 record, with an .825 win percentage. May would be second on the list with his current percentage if he had coached more than 20 tournament games.

Coming in third place, just barely, is UConn’s Dan Hurley. While Hurley’s win percentage was .800 after UConn’s Final Four win, it fell to .769 with their 2026 championship loss. Hurley’s record now stands at 20-6. Just behind Hurley, in fourth, is former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. Through 132 NCAA Tournament games, his record was 101-31, with a win percentage of .765. In fifth place sits former Kansas and North Carolina coach Roy Williams, with a tournament win percentage of .745 from his 79-27 record. 

MORE: Comparing Dan Hurley's tournament dominance with the NCAA's best

Dusty May career record

Across his coaching career, May has coached 271 games and achieved a 189-82 record. His career win percentage sits at .697. Here is a per-season look at his career totals.

SeasonTeamRecordTournament finish
2018-19FAU17-16N/A
2019-20FAU17-15N/A
2020-21FAU13-10N/A
2021-22FAU19-15N/A
2022-23FAU35-4Final Four
2023-24FAU25-9Round of 64
FAU TOTAL:126-69
2024-25Michigan27-10Sweet 16
2025-26Michigan36-3Won Championship
MICHIGAN TOTAL:63-13
CAREER TOTAL:189-82

Dusty May salary

In February 2025, May agreed to a five-year extension at Michigan. His deal features a $4.6 million base salary for the 2026 season, set to increase by $250,000 each of the next four seasons and peaks at $5.6 million in the 2029-30 season.

This season, May already earned a $50,000 bonus for winning the Big Ten regular-season title outright, a $50,000 bonus for being named Big Ten coach of the year (an award he got from the media, sharing the honor with the coaches' pick. Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg) and earned another $400,000 for leading the Wolverines to their first championship since 1989.

SPORTING NEWS 140:

How old is Dusty May?

Dusty May is 49 years old. The Michigan coach was born on December 30, 1976. He was born in Terre Haute, Ind., and graduated from the University of Indiana in 2000.

He has been a D1 coach for 8 seasons, with six at Florida Atlantic University and two at the University of Michigan.

NBA SCOUTING REPORTS:

Islam Makhachev is tired of Ilia Topuria's 'made-up stories'

Two-division UFC titleholder and current UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev claims that a super fight against lightweight champion Ilia Topuria did not get booked for the UFC Freedom 250 fight card at the White House because Topuria 'pulled out' of the fight negotiations.

In a recent interview, Topuria accused Makhachev of refusing to fight him at the White House event. Makhachev responded to Topuria's allegations in a social media post on Monday saying it was Topuria that prevented the matchup from happening.

"I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team. I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House," Makhachev wrote on X. "The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it.

"Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it."

I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team.
I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse. The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it.
Even his manager confirmed it.…

— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) April 7, 2026

Topuria headlines the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14 against interim champion Justin Gaethje in a title unification bout. UFC CEO Dana White recently revealed that Makhachev is dealing with a hand injury. Makhachev is eyeing a July return to the octagon.

Alec Bohm and Bryce Harper lead rally in 7th as Phillies come back to beat Giants 6-4

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alec Bohm hit a go-ahead double in the seventh inning after Bryce Harper's two-run single tied it, and the Philadelphia Phillies rallied past the struggling San Francisco Giants for a 6-4 win Monday night.

Jonathan Bowlan (1-0) pitched the sixth for the win, receiving another run of support on a sacrifice fly by Brandon Marsh in the decisive inning.

Giants right-hander Adrian Houser looked strong pitching into the seventh in his home debut before Justin Crawford's leadoff single got the Phillies going on the way to their fifth victory in six games. Ryan Borucki (0-1) relieved and took the loss.

Matt Chapman hit a two-run triple in the third, one night after his baserunning blunder cost San Francisco, and Heliot Ramos added an RBI single against Phillies rookie Andrew Painter. Luis Arraez contributed a sacrifice fly in the fourth, but the Giants couldn't protect a four-run lead.

Painter was tagged for four runs and nine hits over four innings in his second career start after a memorable major league debut March 31, when the 22-year-old right-hander struck out eight with one walk and allowed only one run on four hits over 5 1/3 innings to beat Washington.

Jhoan Duran, Philadelphia's sixth pitcher, allowed a two-out double to Willy Adames in the ninth before finishing for his fourth save.

The Giants have lost four straight and five of six. San Francisco’s 3-8 record is its worst start since 2019.

Coming into Monday, the Giants had been outscored by 25 runs — the worst mark through 10 games for the franchise since it was minus-49 in 1896. Their won-loss record was tied for the team's second-worst through 10 games since moving to San Francisco in 1958 — the Giants began 2-8 in 1983.

Up next

Phillies LHP Cristopher Sánchez (1-0, 0.79 ERA) pitches Tuesday night against Giants LHP Robbie Ray (1-1, 3.38).

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

NBA standings 2026: Updated playoff bracket, clinching scenarios through April 6

NBA standings 2026: Updated playoff bracket, clinching scenarios through April 6 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Playoff basketball is almost here.

It's early April, meaning the 2026 NBA playoffs will soon begin — but first, there's plenty to be settled in the standings. While "tanking" teams have been a major storyline of the 2025-26 campaign, leaving far fewer questions over which franchises remain in contention, seeding will remain critical over the last days of the regular season.

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have secured the No. 1 seed despite Cade Cunningham's recent absence, while the surging Boston Celtics look like another favorite with Jayson Tatum's return. The middle of the pack is where it gets interesting — between the Hawks, 76ers, Raptors, Hornets, Magic and Heat, only two teams will avoid the Play-In Tournament.

Out West, the San Antonio Spurs are still in the running to catch the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top seed. Three teams have already locked in Play-In bids in the Western Conference, including Stephen Curry's Warriors — so the only other significant question will be how the first-round matchups play out.

The playoffs are almost here. Below, you can find the latest breakdown of the 2025-26 NBA standings, including an updated playoff bracket projection.

SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule

NBA standings 2026

The tables below will be updated with the final NBA standings for the 2025-26 regular season. Updated through Apr. 6 games.

Eastern Conference

SeedTeamRecordGames Back
1.Pistons*57-22
2.Celtics*53-253.5
3.Knicks*51-286.0
4.Cavaliers*50-297.0
5.Hawks45-3412
6.Raptors43-3513.5
7.76ers43-3614
8.Hornets43-3614
9.Magic43-3614
10.Heat41-3715.5
Bucks31-4725.5
Bulls29-4927.5
Nets19-5937.5
Pacers18-6038.5
Wizards17-6139.5

*clinched NBA Playoff berth

Eliminated from NBA Playoff contention: Bucks, Bulls, Pacers, Nets, Wizards

Western Conference

SeedTeamRecordGames Back
1.Thunder*62-16
2.Spurs*60-192.5
3.Nuggets*51-2811.5
4.Lakers*50-2812
5.Rockets*49-2913
6.Timberwolves46-3216
7.Suns43-3519
8.Clippers**40-3822
9.Trail Blazers**40-3922.5
10.Warriors**36-4226
Mavericks25-5337
Pelicans25-5437.5
Grizzlies25-5437.5
Jazz21-5841.5
Kings21-5841.5

*clinched NBA Playoff berth

**clinched Play-In Tournament berth

Eliminated from NBA Playoff contention: Grizzlies, Pelicans, Mavericks, Jazz, Kings

MORE:Latest injury updates on Luka Doncic

NBA Playoff bracket 2026

Here's a look at how the 2026 NBA Playoff bracket would look based on the current standings.

Updated through Apr. 6 games. 

Eastern Conference

(1) Pistons vs. (8) Play-in Winner

(2) Celtics vs. (7) Play-in Winner

(3) Knicks vs. (6) Raptors

(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Hawks

Western Conference

(1) Thunder vs. (8) Play-in Winner

(2) Spurs vs. (7) Play-in Winner

(3) Nuggets vs. (6) Timberwolves

(4) Lakers vs. (5) Rockets

MORETracking NBA Awards eligibility

NBA Play-In Tournament bracket 2026

Here's a look at how the 2026 Play-In Tournament would look based on the current standings.

Updated through Apr. 6 games.

Eastern Conference

(7) 76ers vs. (8) Hornets

(9) Magic vs. (10) Heat

Western Conference

(7) Suns vs. (8) Clippers

(9) Trail Blazers vs. (10) Warriors

When do the NBA Playoffs start?

  • Play-In Tournament: April 14-17
  • NBA Playoffs: April 18

The 2025-26 regular season will end on Sunday, April 12, and the Play-In Tournament will then begin two days later on Tuesday, April 14. From there, the Play-In Tournament will take place over the next four days, with the playoffs set to begin on Saturday, April 18.

How will the 2026 NBA Playoffs work?

Similar to the format for the last few seasons, here is a rundown of how the 2026 NBA Playoffs will work: 

  • When the regular season ends, the top six seeds in each conference will automatically make the playoffs, while the teams ranked Nos. 7-10 will participate in the NBA Play-In Tournament over the course of four days.
  • In each conference, the teams ranked Nos. 7 and 8 will play in the Play-In Tournament, with the winner moving on to play the No. 2 seed in each conference.
  • The teams ranked Nos. 9 and 10 in each conference will play in a different Play-In Tournament game, with the loser being eliminated from playoff contention.
  • The losers of the 7-8 games and the winners of the 9-10 games will then face off, with the winner earning the No. 8 seed in each conference and moving on to play the conference's No. 1 seed.
  • From there, the playoffs will follow the usual bracket format, with each series being a best-of-7 format.

MORE:Updated 2026 NBA mock draft

Giants Magic Dies: Phillies 6 Giants 4

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies drives in Justin Crawford with a double in the top of the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on April 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It wasn’t Andrew Painter’s best start. It just wasn’t. In the four-inning, 90-pitch outing for the rookie right-hander, there was bad command, which led to hitters’ counts and good swings from the Giants offense.

That San Francisco offense might not have capitalized in the first. After back-to-back singles from Luis Arraez and Matt Chapman, he did not look ready for his mix quite yet. Rafael Devers popped up a slider in on his hands for the second out of the inning and Heliot Ramos couldn’t handle the power of the cut-fastball.

Painter wasn’t the only pitcher that needed to work around base runners. The veteran sinker-baller Adrian Houser struggled against the bottom of the Phillies order in the third, allowing an infield single from JT Realmuto and walking Justin Crawford on four pitches.

Houser then pounded Turner with sinkers after a first pitch breaking ball then slowed him down with an inside changeup off the same tunnel. Kyle Schwarber half swung at an inside slider for a strikeout, then Bryce Harper hit a soft grounder to end the inning.

The second time through the Giants order turned Painter’s command problems into results. Willy Adames took a 2-1 sinker down the left field line for a leadoff double. Arraez then smacked a hanging slider, then a poor throwing decision by Crawford allowed him to take an extra base.

For the entire night, Painter struggled to locate early count fastballs. Of his 30 four-seam fastballs, Painter threw just 9 of them for either a called strike or a whiff. Matt Chapman came up and sat a breaking ball because falling behind on a fastball again was a bad idea. He put a great swing on a curveball to triple’s alley that just kept carrying past the sliding Crawford in center.

Three runs on the board in the third 👌 pic.twitter.com/WHpfsuQl18

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) April 7, 2026

With one out, Ramos was able to pull his hands in just enough to bloop a single to no-mans-land in center field to make it 3-0.

The fourth, and Painter’s last inning of the night was another slog. After a Jerar Encarnacion groundout, three straight base runners got on to load the bases. He fell behind again to Arraez but Oracle kept a deep flyball in the yard to make it 4-0.

The bottom of the Phillies order once again tried to start a rally. Realmuto started it off with a single to center field with no outs. After seeing fastballs and sliders in for roughly a week, Crawford was able to get his hands extended on a down and away Houser sinker to put runners on second and third.

Trea Turner then did his job to move the runners, hitting a ground ball to second base for to put the Phillies on the board. After a Schwarber walk, Harper smoked a 112.5 mph double to right that scored Crawford and put runners on second and third.

That was all for the fourth but the bottom of the order started another rally two innings later. Crawford took a hanging 0-2 changeup to right for a single, Trea Turner hit a spinner in front of Jung Hoo Lee for a knock that forced a Tony Vitello pitching change.

Former Pittsburgh Pirate left-hander Ryan Borucki came in to left Schwarber and Harper in a high-leverage situation. He has allowed a .522 OPS over his career against left-handed hitters so it made sense for Vitello to make the call.

However, the former college manager is learning quickly that plans don’t always work at the big league level. Schwarber watched four pitches and then walked to first base after tapping his helmet. Harper then picked up his third hit of the night with a single to tie the game.

BRYCE'S THIRD HIT OF THE NIGHT TIES US UP! pic.twitter.com/KKiXE7BgLj

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 7, 2026

Then Alec Bohm squibbled a backup slider right down the first base line to give the Phillies the lead for good. A Brandon Marsh sacrifice fly would add some insurance.

The bullpen stood tall and lived up to the preseason hype. Rob Thomson used five different relievers, each for exactly one inning, to finish this one out. Tim Mayza struck out Adames in a scoreless fifth, Jonathan Bowlan threw some pitches that will go on PitchingNinja in the sixth, then the veterans in Jose Alvarado and Brad Keller put up scoreless innings to set things up for Jhoan Duran.

The Giants made things a little interesting with two outs in the ninth. Adames worked a 2-0 count, then smoked a get-me-over splinker off the right field wall for a casual double. It was up to Luis Arraez to keep the inning going but the Giants threat only lasted two pitches, hitting a ground ball to Turner at shortstop to end the night.

Who knows what Giants manager Tony Vitello will say tonight or tomorrow? His media appearances have ranged from regretting a big speech he gave to players to mentioning Kanye West. On Sunday, Vitello defended his first ejection as a big league manager by talking about how he called Frank Anderson and Oklahoma State’s college baseball team “cheaters”. You can’t make this stuff up.

Best Michigan teams ever: Comparing 2026 squad to Fab Five years, 1989 championship team

Best Michigan teams ever: Comparing 2026 squad to Fab Five years, 1989 championship team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Shortly after Michigan’s 2026 Sweet Sixteen victory over Alabama, senior star Yaxel Lendeborg made headlines by proclaiming that his Wolverines squad “might be” the best in the school’s history.

The statement sent shockwaves across social media and drew reactions from Jalen Rose, a member of the “Fab Five.” Lendeborg's team may have a case now that they delivered Michigan their first basketball championship win since 1989. This year’s team does boast the fewest points allowed per game when compared with the 1989 title-winning team and both Fab Five squads, but basketball is about much more than numbers on a page.

Despite playing in eight national championship games, the program has a 2-6 record in those matchups. Lendeborg’s squad added a win to that tally on Monday night and strengthened their case. According to Rose, since this year’s Wolverines won the title, “Of course it’s time to have that conversation, ’89 versus this team."

Here is a deep dive into Michigan’s best teams and how this year’s Wolverines stack up against their predecessors.

MORE: Wolverines' defense helps school lock up first championship since 1989

How 2026 Michigan compares to other great Wolverines teams

The Wolverines have had multiple powerhouse teams, including this year’s squad. According to former Fab Five member Jalen Rose, no team has topped the 1989 title-winning group Michigan put on the floor. That starting five of Glen Rice, Rumeal Robinson, Loy Vaught, Terry Mills and Sean Higgins remains the only group in school history to win a championship. Along with delivering the program’s lone title, that team averaged 91.7 points per game, the highest mark in school history. All five starters went on to play in the NBA, with Rice, Vaught and Mills each logging double-digit NBA seasons.

Four years after that championship run, Michigan introduced its “Fab Five” era. The 1992 and 1993 teams featured Jimmy King, Jalen Rose, Chris Webber, Ray Jackson and Juwan Howard. All five were part of the 1991 recruiting class and arrived in Ann Arbor as freshmen. The group made NCAA history as the first to start five freshmen. While the Fab Five reached two national championship games, they lost both—71-51 to Duke in 1992 and 77-71 to North Carolina in 1993. Four of the five members went on to NBA careers: Webber, Howard, Rose and King.

Strictly by the numbers, the 2026 Michigan team can hold its own among the program’s best. The team that featured Elliot Cadeau, Nimari Burnett, Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara did their part for the program and delivered a championship. Beyond that, when comparing eras, sustained NBA success from multiple starters would strengthen the case. Their stat of 87.7 points per game is impressive, but there’s more to basketball than scoring.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of Michigan’s best teams in school history.

TeamRecordPTS/GamePTS againstAP poll top positionTournament seedSeason result
2026 Michigan35-387.769.611Won championship
1993 Michigan31-581.971.811Lost championship
1992 Michigan25-977.971.4116Lost championship
1989 Michigan30-791.774.823Won championship

SPORTING NEWS 140:

Yaxel Lendeborg quote on 2026 being 'best Michigan team ever'

Following Michigan's 90-77 Sweet Sixteen victory over Alabama in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, Lendeborg mentioned that his team "might be" Michigan's best team of all time. The star's statement was immediately met with backlash from college basketball fans, as if Lendeborg had forgotten the Fab Five teams or even Michigan's 1989 title-winning team. Here is when Lendeborg gave his take.

"We might be the best Michigan team ever. We're gonna try to go for that." 🗣️

Yaxel Lendeborg never afraid of the moment as he spoke after Michigan advanced to the Elite 8 😤 pic.twitter.com/TEmNzuxx0i

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) March 28, 2026

Fab Five member Jalen Rose pumped the brakes on Lendeborg's statement, saying the team had to win a championship first before making any comparisons. Rose stated that the best Michigan team was, in fact, the 1989 title-winning team, not any of the Fab Five teams. Here is Rose's statement.

Jalen Rose reacts to Yaxel Lendeborg saying this "might be the best Michigan team ever" 🍿 pic.twitter.com/8v3NvP1Lg5

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 28, 2026

One fan compared the 1989 and 2026 Michigan starting lineups, which would be a matchup of the ages. Here is what a 5 vs. 5 would look like between the two sides.

Jalen spot on 🎯

No debate unless Michigan wins this yr

'89 would be a tough matchup 🔥

6'2" Cudeau v 6'3" Rumeal
6'5" Trey v 6'9" Higgins (yikes)
6'9" Yax v 6'8" Rice 🔥👀
6'10" Rez v 6'9" Vaught
7'4" Mara v 6'10" Mills

Yax v Rice would be an insane matchup

— Chad Smeaton (@smeaton_chad) March 28, 2026

How many times has Michigan been to the national title game?

Since their Final Four appearance in 1964, when they lost to Duke 91-80, Michigan has played in eight national title games. In those championship games, they currently hold a 2-6 record. Here is a table breaking down all of the Wolverines' national championship appearances.

YearOpponentResult
1965UCLAL, 91-80
1976IndianaL, 86-68
1989Seton HallW, 80-79
1992DukeL, 71-51
1993North CarolinaL, 77-71
2013LouisvilleL, 82-76
2018VillanovaL, 79-62
2026UConnW, 69-63

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Has Michigan ever won a championship in basketball? History of Wolverines' Final Four appearances

Has Michigan ever won a championship in basketball? History of Wolverines' Final Four appearances originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

After coming up short in each of their previous four national championship game appearances, Michigan climbed back to the pinnacle of college basketball in 2026.

The Wolverines finished off a title run with wins over Arizona and UConn in Indianapolis, giving coach Dusty May his first championship and sending off star Yaxel Lendeborg with a trophy in hand.

The title was the first in quite a long time for Michigan, and for the Big Ten as well. 

Here is more on Michigan's championship history in men's basketball.

Michigan championship history

Has Michigan ever won a national championship?

The Wolverines have now won two national championships in their history. Michigan's first title came in 1989 under interim head coach Steve Fisher. The Wolverines had started the season with Bill Frieder as head coach, but shortly before the 1989 NCAA Tournament, Frieder announced that he would be leaving and taking the opening at Arizona State. 

Michigan athletic director Bo Schembechler mandated that Frieder leave immediately, and proceeded to name Fisher the interim head coach. The Wolverines were awarded a No. 3 seed in the 1989 NCAA Tournament. They beat No. 14 Xavier, No. 11 South Alabama, No. 2 North Carolina and No. 5 Virginia to reach the Final Four.

Michigan beat No. 1 Illinois by two points in the semifinals to reach the national championship. The Wolverines needed overtime, but narrowly clinched an 80-79 win over No. 3 Seton Hall to cut down the nets for the first and only time. 

In 2026, Michigan made it two with a 37-3 season that ended in a national championship. The Wolverines started the season with dominant win after dominant win, and they ended it with five consecutive NCAA Tournament games with at least 90 points before a much grittier title game victory over UConn.

The win gave coach Dusty May his first national championship, and it catapulted Michigan to the top of the sport just two years after an 8-24 season.

DECOURCY: Yaxel Lendeborg shows he has plenty of upside

Michigan Final Four history

Michigan has reached the Final Four nine times in its program history. The first came in 1964 when head coach Dave Strack led the Wolverines to the Final Four. That squad lost to Duke 91-80. Back then, the NCAA tournament had a consolation game for third place. Michigan did win that, 100-90, over Kansas State. 

Here is a look at Michigan's history in the Final Four.

YearOpponentResultTournament Result
1964DukeL, 91-80Eliminated in Final Four
1965PrincetonW, 93-76Lost national championship vs. UCLA
1976RutgersW, 86-70Lost national championship vs. Indiana
1989IllinoisW, 83-81Won national championship vs. Seton Hall
1992CincinnatiW, 76-72Lost national championship vs. Duke
1993KentuckyW, 81-78 (OT)Lost national championship vs. North Carolina
2013SyracuseW, 61-56Lost national championship vs. Louisville
2018Loyola-ChicagoW, 69-57Lost national championship vs. Villanova
2026ArizonaW, 91-73Won national championship vs. UConn

MORE: What to know about relationship between Charlie, Dusty May

When was Michigan's last Final Four appearance?

The Wolverines' last appearance in the Final Four came in 2026, when they won the national championship. Before 2026, Michigan reached the Final Four in 2018.

Michigan was the West Region winner during that 2018 run and matched up with that year's Cinderella, Loyola-Chicago, which won the South Region as an 11-seed. The Wolverines won the game 69-57, advancing to the national championship.

Michigan matched up with No. 1 Villanova. The Wildcats were led by Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges, who combined for 50 points. The Wolverines were down nine points at halftime and never fully got back into the game. Villanova won 79-62. 

MORE: Where is Yaxel Lendeborg from?

President Obama, Empire State Building celebrate Michigan basketball

Social media was sounding off late Monday and early Tuesday, following Michigan men's basketball's 69-63 win over UConn in the NCAA Tournament national-championship game.

Among the highlights ...

Former President Obama, a big basketball fan:

Congratulations to @CoachDustyMay, Elliot Cadeau, and @UMichBBall on winning their first title since 1989! This team dominated the tournament from start to finish. Well deserved. Go Blue! https://t.co/Z9hIq5Wrwa

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 7, 2026

NYC's Empire State Building was in a maize-and-blue mood:

Shining in maize and blue tonight to celebrate @UMICHBBALL - your NCAA Champions. 🏆

Text CONNECT to 274-16 to get alerts on our lights!

See the lights live: https://t.co/hz2FQavwPlpic.twitter.com/51ZjfXYpaV

— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) April 7, 2026

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer even tipped the cap, even as a Michigan State alum:

Congrats @umichbball on a March Madness run for the books 〽️ https://t.co/42Y4wkhIft

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) April 7, 2026

Bartstool's Dave Portnoy, never the shy one, celebrated another Michigan national championship:

It never gets old!!! pic.twitter.com/G3MOrphtA4

— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) April 7, 2026

Michigan won its first basketball national championship since 1989, and the Big Ten's first since 2000.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: President Obama, Empire State Building celebrate Michigan basketball

Departing Griezmann back at Barca in search of Atletico grand finale

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann returns to Camp Nou to face Barcelona in a Champions League quarter-final showdown on Wednesday (NICOLAS TUCAT)

Antoine Griezmann's Barcelona story ended in the depths of misery but as he returns to Camp Nou in the Champions League quarter-finals, the French forward is desperate to close out his time with Atletico Madrid on the greatest of highs.

Diego Simeone's side, defeated in the 2014 and 2016 finals, have never lifted the trophy and veteran forward Griezmann, who will move to MLS side Orlando City at the end of the season, has not won a trophy with Atletico since the 2018 Europa League and subsequent UEFA Super Cup.

Griezmann switched Atletico for Barca in 2019, lasting just two years in the Catalan capital before returning to Simeone's side on loan, and making the return permanent in 2022.

During that short stint in Barca colours Griezmann missed out on Atletico's La Liga title win in 2021, a trophy that has eluded him through his career.

At Barca he was on the receiving end of the brutal 8-2 thrashing by Bayern in the 2020 Champions League quarter-finals, and failed to fit into the team alongside Lionel Messi.

Griezmann wants to leave Atletico, where he is the all-time top scorer with 211 goals, with major silverware in his hands at last, to add to the 2018 World Cup he won with France.

The first step towards that, since announcing the decision to depart last week, is at Camp Nou on Wednesday in the fifth meeting between Atletico and Barca this season.

Orlando wanted him to join by the end of March, but Griezmann said he would stay at Atletico, in no small part for a final shot at biggest trophy in the club game, as well as the Copa del Rey final.

The 35-year-old, one of Simeone's very greatest soldiers during the coach's 14-year reign, combined the work ethic the Argentine demanded with immense skill and quality.

"Griezmann is a maverick, it's unbelievable how he plays football," enthused Barca coach Hansi Flick last week. "It seems so light, it's like he's dancing."

- 'Something big' -

Griezmann may not have won as many trophies as he would have liked, but has often dazzled with his elegance and vision.

"I hope we can do something big," said Griezmann after helping Atletico crush Spurs 5-2 in the last 16 first leg, netting his side's second goal.

Griezmann has rocked Barca before, scoring twice in the 2016 quarter-finals a decade ago to send Atletico through and knock out Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar and Co, although that campaign ended in tears in the Milan final at the hands of rivals Real Madrid.

After Griezmann started in the 2-1 La Liga defeat by Barca on Saturday, there is the chance he may be used from the bench on Wednesday.

For much of this season Simeone has been sparing with his minutes, perhaps tipping him towards the decision to leave.

Another Atletico player who might one day follow the Frenchman's path to Barcelona is striker Julian Alvarez, who is likely to start at Camp Nou and has been frequently linked with the Catalans.

The Argentine caused consternation in the Spanish capital earlier this season when he said "maybe yes, maybe no" over whether he was planning to stay at the club beyond the summer.

Barca, still not in a healthy financial position, may not be able to produce the hefty transfer fee the Rojiblancos would demand, after Alvarez arrived from Manchester City for £81.5 million ($108m) in 2024.

Alvarez has had a mixed bag of a season, but Simeone has repeatedly backed the forward who is in better form after a winter drought.

"Thank God he is back," said Simeone after Alvarez netted against Barca in a 4-0 win in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg in February, with Griezmann also on target as Barca collapsed at the Metropolitano stadium.

Five-time winners Barca may be favourites for the tie but between Griezmann's desire for a grand finale and Alvarez's chance to dazzle his suitors, Atletico have the tools they need to cause an upset.

rbs/dmc

PSG look to pile misery on Liverpool as sides meet again in Champions League

Ousmane Dembele celebrates after scoring for PSG against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League last season (Oli SCARFF)

When Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool last met in the Champions League a year ago, the Anfield outfit were marching towards the Premier League title and were described as "an almost perfect team" by the French club's coach Luis Enrique.

Fast forward to this season and a formidable PSG appear clear favourites as the sides clash again in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg in Paris on Wednesday.

PSG's triumph on penalties against Liverpool in the last 16 last season was pivotal on their run to a first ever Champions League title.

They had to overturn a 1-0 defeat at home in a first leg they completely dominated before holding their nerve at Anfield, and the two teams have set off on different trajectories since.

Arne Slot's side somewhat ran out of steam after that, albeit having done more than enough to get over the line in the Premier League.

This season has been a huge disappointment, however, and they return to Paris in especially downbeat mood after a chastening 4-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

- 'So tough' -

That had Slot saying his team lacked fighting spirit, while captain Virgil van Dijk suggested they had given up and admitted it would be "very difficult" for Liverpool to lift themselves against PSG.

"But we have a responsibility, not only to ourselves but especially to the fans and, if we want to make something out of this season, we have to try and do something special in the next three games," he said, with the Champions League tie taking place either side of an awkward clash with Fulham.

"The matter of fact is now, PSG are waiting for us. It will be so tough again. So we have to be ready mentally as soon as possible," Van Dijk added.

Liverpool have won just one of their last five matches and have suffered 15 defeats in this campaign.

Securing a return to Europe's top table for next season has to be the main aim now for a team currently lying fifth in the Premier League.

PSG, in contrast, have had a tricky season at times due to injuries but look like they might be returning to their very best form at the right time.

A 3-1 win over Toulouse last Friday, featuring one marvellous goal from reigning Ballon d'Or Ousmane Dembele, helped them extend their lead atop Ligue 1 to four points from nearest challengers Lens, with a game in hand.

But the Champions League is what really matters -- the French league even accepted their request to postpone this Saturday's key trip to Lens to allow them to concentrate fully on Liverpool.

"I think we have shown for a long time that we are ready, regardless of the competition, but there are obviously things we can improve," warned Luis Enrique.

Dembele is fully fit and firing, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was the inspiration in the last round, when PSG destroyed Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate -- Wednesday's game will be their 14th against Premier League opposition since January 2025.

- Ekitike back in Paris -

There is one obvious weakness in PSG's ranks, however -- they have not successfully replaced goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, the hero in last season's shoot-out against Liverpool who is now at Manchester City.

Lucas Chevalier was signed as the Italian's successor but has lost his place to Matvey Safonov, the Russian who made two glaring mistakes to cost his side a goal at the weekend.

"A goalkeeper is like any other player. They can make mistakes, because that's normal in football," said Luis Enrique.

The key for the visitors, meanwhile, could be Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool's leading scorer this season with 17 goals, who comes up against the club where he failed to make an impact earlier in his career.

Ekitike, 23, joined PSG from Reims in 2022 but scored just four goals in 18 months before leaving for Eintracht Frankfurt.

He struggled to break into an attack featuring Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar but returns to his homeland as a genuine contender to start for France at the World Cup.

"Hugo is a great player. He is really in form so we are just hoping he won't be against us," said PSG's Dembele, his international teammate.

as/nf

Atlanta Braves Star Continues Hot Streak Despite Loss to Angels

The Atlanta Braves were defeated 6-2 by the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night in Anaheim. It was an all-around difficult game. Braves ace Chris Sale surprisingly struggled after a strong start to the year, as he surrendered six runs across four innings of work. The good news for the Braves is that catcher Drake Baldwin continued to swing the bat well. 

Baldwin, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, went 2-4 with a home run, an RBI and a run scored. The 25-year-old is performing at an especially high level right now. He was one of the few bright spots for the Braves on Monday night against the Angels.

Baldwin is now slashing .318/.388/.682. He has hit five home runs and one double to go along with 13 RBIs and four walks. It has only been 11 games, but Baldwin looks like a potential All-Star. He is establishing himself as one of the better catchers in all of MLB.

Braves Lose Despite Drake Baldwin's Impressive Game

The Braves still fell short on Monday night in Anaheim. Sale never found a rhythm on the mound and the lineup did not offer too much help aside from Baldwin.

For the Angels, Jose Soriano turned in a tremendous start. He allowed only one run across eight innings while striking out 10 hitters. It was an incredible performance without question.

Outfielder Joe Adell led the Angels offense with two hits, two RBIs and a home run. The overall lineup played well in the six-run performance.

With the victory, Los Angeles improved to 6-5. The Angels and Houston Astros are now tied for the lead in the American League West. The Braves are also now 6-5, but they are in fourth place in the National League East.

What's Next for Angels, Braves?

The Braves will play the Angels once again on Tuesday night at 9:38 PM EST. The teams will complete their three-game series in Southern California on Wednesday afternoon at 4:07 PM EST.

Reynaldo Lopez will get the start for Atlanta on Tuesday. He is looking for a better performance than the one Sale had on Monday night. For the Angels, Yusei Kikuchi is set to start the game. He will attempt to help his team earn another victory. 

The Braves are hoping to get back on track soon following a forgettable contest on Monday. Perhaps Drake Baldwin will lead them to a big win on Tuesday night.

Dennis Schroder reveals the importance of the Cavaliers securing home-court advantage

Donovan Mitchell Cleveland Cavaliers

Dennis Schroder reveals the importance of the Cavaliers securing home-court advantage originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are not only in the 2026 Playoffs but also have home-court advantage in their first-round matchup. While they can still reach the third seed held by the New York Knicks, they are assured that they will not drop to the fifth seed. 

It has been a tough season for the Cavs, especially with their slow start. Now that they have secured at least the fourth seed, they will have an advantage against their first-round matchup, which will be the fifth or sixth seed. 

Schroder speaks about why home-court advantage is crucial for the Cavs

Before the 2025-26 season, most NBA experts saw the Cavaliers as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference. Considering they won 60+ games in the 2024-25 regular season, this was a fair argument to make.

Unfortunately, it did not go to plan because the Cavs struggled with injuries. It got to a point that they were shuffling starting lineups almost every game, which stabilized in the second half of the season.

MORE: The Cavaliers are still trying to find their rhythm for the Playoffs

The Cavaliers' front office recognized they needed some changes within the roster, so they made trades. They acquired Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and James Harden. 

The team also parted ways with Darius Garland, who was a long-time Cavaliers starter. That helped the team turn the season around because all those players were massive contributors to their promising second half of the season.

"Especially with Cavs fans, I think it’s very important that we have the home crowd advantage. It’s going to help us in the first round. We just got to focus, finishing those games, and be ready," Schroder said after the Cavs' win on Monday.

As the Cavaliers progress into the Playoffs, they will take what they can get in terms of advantages. In the postseason, that could be valuable for their success in their attempt to reach the NBA Finals.

More NBA news: 

Nick Raquet's MLB Dreams with Cards End After Trade to Orioles

Nick Raquet’s unusual, but inspiring road to the big leagues – one that was interrupted by a brief retirement and a job in finance that he despised – came with a Cardinals club that promoted him in 2025.

His future and his bid to get back to MLB, however, will be with the Orioles following a trade on Monday night.

Raquet, who was designated for assignment on Sunday to make room on the 40-man roster for lefty reliever Jared Shuster, was traded to the Orioles for outfielder Brayden Smith, according to published reports out of Washington where St. Louis lost 9-6 to the Nats on Monday night

Cardinals are trading Nick Raquet out of DFA limbo to Baltimore for OF Brayden Smith, their 13th round pick last year. Was a charge of Josh Holliday’s at Oklahoma State.

— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) April 7, 2026

Raquet, 30, appeared in two games for the Cardinals in 2025 and did not surrender a run. Wearing No. 70 and pitching in front of family members who hurriedly scrambled to get to Seattle, Raquet made his MLB debut on Sept. 9 and retired three Mariners on eight pitches – seven of them being strikes.

Raquet had hoped to make the Cardinals Opening Day roster out of Spring Training, but instead he was assigned to the roster of the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. He was 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two outings with Memphis this season.

Raquet, of course, was quite familiar with life in the Minor Leagues. After being a third-round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft by the Nats, Raquet spent three years in the minors and mostly struggled. Ultimately, he decided to turn his College of William and Mary finance degree into a job as an Enterprise Risk Consultant with Ernst and Young.

Unhappy professionally and missing baseball, Raquet embarked on a return in 2023 – first with the York (Pa.) Revolution of the Independent Atlantic League and then through the Minor Leagues with the Cardinals. Upon reaching the big leagues, Raquet had this to say of his journey: “I’m pretty numb.”

Smith played for Josh Holliday at Oklahoma State

Smith, 22, was a 13th-round pick by the Orioles in the 2025 MLB Draft. He played collegiately at Oklahoma State for coach Josh Holliday, brother of Cardinals Hall of Famer Matt Holliday. With the Cowboys in 2025, Smith slashed .304/.388/.548/.936 with 16 doubles and 11 homers in 54 games.

After finishing 2025 with Class A Delmarva (two doubles and a homer in 16 games), he played one game with High-A Frederick (a hit, stolen base and a walk) in 2026.

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Sharks Keep Pace in West, Professional 3-2 Win Over Hawks

Apr 06, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; during San Jose Sharks vs Chicago Blackhawks at SAP Center. Photo: Sport Shots / Dean Tait

San Jose Sharks welcome the Chicago Blackhawks into SAP Center.

William Eklund and Kiefer Sherwood and Will Smith scored, and the Sharks won it 3-2.

Period 1

4 in: Celebrini bullies Frondell for the puck, welcome to the league, rook. Then a ridiculous backwards loft area pass from this blueline to other blueline that lands perfectly in slot for a Graf breakaway chance. I can’t believe he did that on purpose, that’s too ridiculous, too perfect.

However, Celebrini follows that with a 3-on-2 mistake, good vision by Mukhamadullin to take advantage of whatever happened to Hawks defensively, maybe a bad line change, Graf and Smith are marked, and an open Celebrini insists on trying to get it through to Smith. That wasn’t one to force there IMO. He actually might need to work on being more selfish. Celebrini bangs his stick on glass when play ends.

Donato goal: Just after PP ended. Incredible Bedard pass that Nazar actually fumbles. But he gets a shot off, rebound, and Donato kills the Sharks again. What did Bob Boughner do to him lol? The Nazar fumble might have helped the Hawks, because I bet it threw Nedeljkovic’s rebound control off.

Donato has 12 points in 7 games against the Sharks since joining the Hawks

— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) April 7, 2026

San Jose Sharks feel like they’re trying to score three goals on one shift. Calm down, mark your man defensively. Sharks haven’t had a shot in like 10 minutes. Couple sloppy defensive shifts there.

6 left: Sherwood with blast off OZ faceoff win, Knight save, Sherwood feels due. He and line has been playing good hockey, all in all.

2 left: Nice vision by Toffoli high, almost hits Wennberg net front for a brilliant PP set-up. Good example of pace he plays at, sees Wennberg, rifles the puck down. Otherwise, disappointing power play. But Sharks did find their 5-on-5 game with about seven minutes to go. Keep that going, should be in good shape.

Interesting 6-on-5 line construction with 0.9 seconds to go, Desharnais lone defenseman out there with Celebrini, Wennberg, Smith, Toffoli, and Sherwood. Desharnais was lined up as a forward though, and he goes right to the net off the draw.

Period 2

1 in: Dickinson gets low, prevents a Frondell pass to Bertuzzi in front. Clutch defense in a vulnerable spot.

Misa no-goal: That was a kick. But like the NZ defense there, attentive Chernyshov stick gets it into zone when Hawks trying to break out. Then Chernyshov attacks and I like him throwing the rebound, from behind the goal line, at Knight, chaos!

4 in: Power play, again, doesn’t create enough momentum.

5 in: Strong fourth-line shift, Sharks are rolling 5-on-5, got to keep it up.

Eklund goal: Big Willy style! Eklund manufactures a goal out of thin air, pressure high on Kaiser, jumps a Kaiser pass to Bedard at the point, races out on breakaway, and most importantly, finishes. That’s the Eklund that I saw in October and for some of post-Olympic break, even if production not there as much. Tenacious on the puck, which absolutely can make up for some of the size concerns with him.

9 in: Bedard a one-man offensive machine on that shift, takes advantage of being open man in down-low 3-on-2. Big Ned stops.

10 in: Brilliant Smith pass, back turned up the ice, gets it and knows where Celebrini is, backs right into Hawks D to help himself protect the puck, a clear 2-on-1 opens up for Mack and Graf. Celebrini selfish this time, good, fires it, big Knight stop.

8 left: Sensational third line shift, see that Misa and Chernyshov magic. Save for one Bedard shift, I think, Sharks have played an excellent second.

7 left: Orlov with poor and then great execution. A simple D-to-D pass to Desharnais, got to re-watch, but just not in a place that Desharnais can handle, leads to a Bedard chance. But in OZ, Orlov attacking low, finds Celebrini in the slot for a Grade-A.

6 left: Goodrow and Dellandrea 2-on-1, San Jose Sharks getting a lot of outnumbered attacks through area lob passes.

Sherwood goal: Chief Kief snaps a nine-game goal-less drought, he just sets up in slot off draw, Eklund finds him, Hawks fell asleep on Sherwood, and you see how good a shot that Sherwood has. First Sherwood goal since Mar. 17. If second line keeps scoring, Wennberg was on a heater, Sharks will make it to the playoffs.

Orlov penalty: Huge kill coming up with two minutes to go. San Jose Sharks have earned a lead in this period, shame to lose it on special teams to close period.

Subtle PK change, Wennberg-Goodrow first forwards out, followed by Dellandrea-Graf

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) April 7, 2026

2 left: Hawks’ top PP slicing up Sharks’ PK, big Ferraro block and Nedeljkovic saves, get a stoppage. Huge kill by the Sharks, with help from a post, Chicago got seven shots on that power play.

Period 3

Smith goal: What a pass by Graf. We, including myself, underrate Graf’s skill at times. Long run, I still see Chernyshov a better fit for this line, but man, great pass. Great job by Smith to beat Teravainen to the net. And Celebrini, as he does so well, a NZ clear lands on his stick, and his ability to go from defense to offense is world-class.

Nazar goal: Remenda says it was Donato dive, can see it. Massive Ferraro block on that PK, but Sharks can’t get it out. Wennberg had a chance, but his clear was weak, didn’t get out.

9 in: Celebrini’s ability to navigate through traffic in OZ just jaw-dropping. He absolutely controls that shift, leads to Graf just missing on another Smith Grade-A chance.

2 left: Orlov turnover, whoa. Big Ned save there. He’s been, honestly, like that Days Between Accidents at Work Sign, recently. Zero, of course. So good most of the year, hopefully, he can find his consistency soon again, the team needs it.

 

The post Sharks Keep Pace in West, Professional 3-2 Win Over Hawks appeared first on San Jose Hockey Now.

Yaxel Lendeborg career timeline: How Michigan star went from JUCO to NCAA Tournament title with Wolverines

Yaxel Lendeborg career timeline: How Michigan star went from JUCO to NCAA Tournament title with Wolverines originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Yaxel Lendeborg has helped bring a title to Ann Arbor.

The star forward wasn't just instrumental in helping the Wolverines earn a No. 1 seed for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, but in his first season at a Power 4 school, he also fought through injuries to help Michigan take down UConn for his team's first title since 1989.

Lendeborg got his start at junior college, attending Arizona Western for three years. He then transferred to UAB for two years, and used his last year of eligibility from the COVID-19 pandemic to play at Michigan for the 2025-2026 season. Lendeborg has had a tumultuous basketball journey. He made his high school team as a freshman but was cut for poor academic performance. 

He missed his sophomore and junior seasons due to academic struggles. After transferring to a dual-enrollment program at Camden County College, he raised his grades enough to play 11 games of varsity basketball. 

Lendeborg wasn't able to turn his late-blossoming basketball success into a Division I offer, but went the JUCO route and was motivated enough to work his way up to Michigan, where he's now won a national title.

Here is more on Lendeborg's college basketball career. 

MARCH MADNESS HQ:Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

Yaxel Lendeborg career timeline

Arizona Western (2020-2023)

Lendeborg started showing off his basketball potential at Arizona Western. As a freshman, he played in 14 games and averaged 6.1 points and  7.1 rebounds. As a sophomore, he played in 31 games and averaged a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He was named a National Junior College Athletic Association All-American and was the Arizona Community College Player of the Year. 

In his final JUCO season, Lendeborg was again named the Arizona Community College Player of the Year and averaged 17.2 points and 13 rebounds per game. When he left Arizona Western, he was the program's all-time leading rebounder. 

UAB (2023-2025)

In his first season with UAB, Lendeborg played against Dusty May, who would later become his coach at Michigan. Against May's Florida Atlantic, he had 17 points and had a career-high 21 rebounds. In his first season, Lendeborg was the American Athletic Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. 

In his second season for the Blazers, he dominated East Carolina to the tune of 30 points, 20 rebounds, eight assists, five steals and four blocks. For the second consecutive year, he was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year. Lendeborg became just the second player ever to have more than 600 points, 400 rebounds and 150 assists, joining only Larry Bird. 

With one year of eligibility remaining, Lendeborg opted not to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft and instead entered the transfer portal and committed to Michigan. 

Michigan (2025-present)

Lendeborg was projected as a late first-round pick, but decided to withdraw from draft consideration and join the Wolverines. After a dominant season, he was named the Big Ten player of the Year, the first Michigan player to win the award since 2014. Lendeborg was a first-team All-American, and when Michigan won the Midwest Region in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, he was named the region MVP. 

Yaxel getting busy off the screen 👀#MarchMadness@umichbballpic.twitter.com/OJ05GPaEVu

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 28, 2026

Lendeborg proceeded to play through injuries at the Final Four, still contributing everything he could to Michigan as it won the NCAA Tournament. 

"I feel awful, I feel super weak right now."

Yaxel kept it real during his halftime interview 😅 pic.twitter.com/IT9NRUslrM

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) April 7, 2026

Yaxel Lendeborg career stats

Here is a look at Lendeborg's per-game career stats from his start at JUCO all the way through to his final year at Michigan. 

SeasonTeamGamesStartsMinutesPointsReboundsAssistsBlocksStealsFG%3FG%FT%
2020-21Arizona Western14419.26.17.10.60.60.571.4%0%55.2%
2021-22Arizona Western313030.412.011.02.61.51.260.7%35.7%72.2%
2022-23Arizona Western332630.017.213.02.61.41.572.7%43.8%64.7%
2023-24UAB353130.113.810.62.12.10.751.3%33.3%80.0%
2024-25UAB373733.617.711.44.21.81.752.2%35.7%75.7%
2025-26Michigan393830.015.16.93.31.21.252.3%38.3%81.9%

Bullpen Falters Late as Giants Drop Tight Contest to Phillies

The San Francisco Giants turned to Adrian Houser for his second start with the club, and the right-hander delivered a steady performance despite the 6-4 loss against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Houser showed strong command throughout the night, throwing 89 pitches with 60 going for strikes, a 67 percent strike rate. His sinker proved to be his most reliable weapon, as he leaned on it 40 times to keep hitters off balance and generate contact.

He worked through six innings, allowing nine hits and four earned runs while walking two and striking out three. While the Phillies were able to string together hits at times, Houser largely limited the damage and kept the Giants in position to win.

Giants Strike Early Against Painter

Offensively, the Giants found life early against Phillies starter Andrew Painter after recent struggles at the plate.

The breakthrough came in the third inning when Matt Chapman delivered a two-RBI triple to ignite the offense. Heliot Ramos followed with an RBI single, capping a three-run inning that gave San Francisco early control.

The Giants added to their lead in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly from Luis Arraez, extending the advantage and providing what looked like valuable insurance at the time.

The early production marked a positive shift for a lineup that had struggled to generate consistent offense in recent games against the New York Mets.

Trouble Builds in Middle Innings

Houser ran into trouble in the fifth inning as the Phillies began to find more consistent barrels. A string of hits led to two runs, but Houser managed to avoid a bigger inning by limiting further damage.

At that point, the Giants still maintained control, with Houser settling in and giving his team a chance to bridge the game to the bullpen.

Bullpen Struggles Continue

The game shifted in the sixth inning, where the Giants’ bullpen issues once again came to the forefront.

After allowing two hits to open the inning, Houser was pulled in favor of Ryan Borucki. The left-hander immediately ran into trouble, issuing a walk before Bryce Harper delivered a key hit that drove in two runs. The Phillies continued to apply pressure with extra-base hits, quickly erasing the Giants’ lead.

Borucki struggled to record outs and was eventually replaced by Caleb Killian, who hit his first batter and worked through the inning with limited effectiveness.

The sequence underscored a recurring issue for the Giants this season: inconsistency out of the bullpen. While there have been occasional bright spots, the group has struggled to consistently secure outs once the starter exits, often putting additional pressure on the offense to respond.

Missed Opportunity Late

Despite a strong start and early offensive production, the Giants were unable to recover after the Phillies’ late surge.

What began as a controlled outing behind Houser ultimately slipped away, highlighting the fine margins the team continues to navigate. If the Giants are to turn performances like this into wins, tightening up late-inning execution will remain a priority moving forward.

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Special feel to Wrexham v Southampton - Parkinson

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson (left) looks on from the touchline and (seperate picture) Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert
Wrexham have only failed to score in one of their past 25 home league games, while Southampton are second only to Coventry for away goals scored in the Championship this season. [Getty Images]

Phil Parkinson says Wrexham's Championship contest with play-off rivals Southampton on Tuesday (20:00 BST) has a "special" feel given Saints' recent resurgence.

The Red Dragons go into the contest at Stok Cae Ras one place and one point above Southampton, who have a game in hand.

But having stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, Tonda Eckert's men head to north Wales unbeaten in 15 matches across all competitions.

"It's a massive game for us but I think at this stage of the season it's hard to say one game is harder than the next because everybody's fighting for something," said Parkinson, who started his professional career with the Saints.

"With Southampton's resurgence, it's got a special feel to it and we'll be ready for it come Tuesday night."

Wrexham rose back above Southampton in the table courtesy of their 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Friday.

It means, with just six regular season games left to play, the Welsh club's destiny remains firmly in their own hands.

"Football is about making the most of every season. I always feel every season is special and we've got an opportunity to finish it well and we're going to do everything we can," added Parkinson.

"When you get into this position it's important, like we've done in previous years, that we produce good performances.

"That's obviously the intention but we've got 11 players against us that are trying to stop us. We've got to enjoy it and we will.

"The aim is to to go into these last six games and give it absolutely everything to try and finish the season off strongly."

Wrexham came agonisingly close to earning a shock win over the Saints on the opening day of the campaign.

Josh Windass opened the scoring from the penalty spot for the visitors at St Mary's Stadium but last-gasp goals from Ryan Manning and Jack Stephens earned the hosts victory.

Despite that triumph, the Saints struggled under Will Still and parted company with the head coach in early November.

They have drastically improved under German boss Eckert, winning nine of their past 12 league fixtures.

But Lewis O'Brien, who netted his side's second goal at West Brom last time out, feels Wrexham's improvement since the first fixture between the sides is evident.

"We were a pretty new team. There were a lot of signings and we were trying to understand how everyone played," the midfielder said of the August contest.

"We've now got three games at home and three away and hopefully we can pick up as many points as we can."

On the Saints, O'Brien said: "They're a fantastic squad. They're Premier League quality. You can see that when they play.

"We could feel that when we went there for the first game of the season but sometimes it doesn't matter the quality on the pitch, it's how much you want it.

"Recently they've turned that around. They've shown that they've got both sides of the gam, but it'll be a great clash and hopefully we can come out better."

Striker Kieffer Moore is available for the Red Dragons having returned to action against West Brom after a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Parkinson has also said that midfield duo Matty James and Ben Sheaf are making "really good progress" in recoveries from injury.

Green Bay Packers Named Landing Spot for Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher

The Green Bay Packers are in their win-now window with Jordan Love and Micah Parsons on the roster. Brian Gutekunst has emphasized their contender status throughout the offseason, as he has added more veteran talent.

Over the past few seasons, Green Bay has had the youngest roster in the NFL, as they developed in the post-Aaron Rodgers era.

However, they have now reached the all-in window with Love at the helm, and added players like linebacker Zaire Franklin and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

They could look to add another veteran to the roster in free agency, as CBS Sports named the Packers as the ideal landing spot for Von Miller.

Miller is a future Hall of Famer, as he has had a storied career as one of the league's best pass rushers. At 37 years old, Miller is no longer a dominant player, but he has shown he can still be impactful.

In the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, Miller finished with 26 total tackles, six tackles for loss, nine sacks, and 15 quarterback hits.

Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

He is nearing the end of his career and will likely want to play for a contender. The Packers could use another edge rusher opposite Micah Parsons as he recovers from a torn ACL.

Green Bay traded away Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys earlier in the offseason while allowing Kingsley Enagbare to leave in free agency.

This left the pass rush room with Parsons, Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, and Collin Oliver.

While the Packers expect their young edge rushers to play a key role in 2026, adding a veteran like Miller would bolster their defense.

He could be a mentor for the younger pass rushers while still being a productive player on the field. Miller could also be especially vital in the first few weeks of the season, as Parsons likely won't be ready to return for Week 1.

Gutekunst and the front office have shown they aren't waiting around anymore, and now is the time to win the Super Bowl. Signing a former All-Pro in Miller could help the pass rush be potent in 2026 in their new defense under Jonathan Gannon.

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Red Sox's Willson Contreras sends threat to entire Brewers organization after heated altercation

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras

Red Sox's Willson Contreras sends threat to entire Brewers organization after heated altercation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox have gotten off to a slow start to the season, and things continued to worsen after Monday’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Willson Contreras was acquired by the Red Sox during the winter.

“The Boston Red Sox acquired first baseman Willson Contreras in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals, the second big deal between the teams this winter as the Cardinals rebuild and the Red Sox aim to stay competitive in the cutthroat American League East division. Contreras, 33, has been one of the steadiest right-handed hitters in baseball since his debut and will bring his well-above-average glove to a position Boston had spent the offseason trying to fill,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

This was a significant move for the Red Sox. With the Brewers coming into town, the matchup was already set up for some fireworks, considering Contreras spent much of his career with division rivals of Milwaukee, including the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals.

On Monday, tensions boiled over when Contreras was hit by a pitch for the 24th time against Milwaukee. After the game, he issued a warning.

“They always say, 'I'm not trying to hit you.' That gets old. So next time they hit me again, I'm going to take one of them out. That's a message,” Contreras told the media.

It’s safe to say Contreras was frustrated, and it even led to an altercation during the third inning. After the game, Brandon Woodruff—who hit him—downplayed the situation, suggesting it was nothing new.

Willson Contreras didn't like being hit by Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff

He then took a hard slide into second base the next at-bat pic.twitter.com/VwX1uxQ33i

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) April 7, 2026

“We’ve been through this – it’s, what, nine years for me? – it seems like every year,” said Woodruff. “He’s trying to play a game and he’s trying to get his side fired up. Once I knew what was going on, I wasn’t going to let it affect me on the mound. I knew I had a job to do.”

There is clearly no love lost between Contreras and the Brewers, and this was only the first game of the series. With two games still remaining, there’s no doubt things could escalate.

If Contreras is hit by another pitch—intentional or not—he has already made it clear that there could be consequences. The next two games between the Red Sox and Brewers will be closely watched across the baseball world.

More MLB news:

Mom Goes into Labor and Gives Birth in the Middle of NHL Hockey Game

Vegas Golden Knights players Brayden McNabb (left) and Carter Hart (right), and Edmonton Oilers player Trent Frederic (center) on April 4Credit: Leila Devlin/Getty
Vegas Golden Knights players Brayden McNabb (left) and Carter Hart (right), and Edmonton Oilers player Trent Frederic (center) on April 4
Credit: Leila Devlin/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • A baby was born in the middle of an NHL game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, April 4
  • The baby was born on the seventh floor of Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
  • The mom who gave birth has yet to be publicly identified

Hockey fans were in for a big surprise during the Edmonton Oilers' game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, April 4.

A baby was born in the middle of the game at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta.

“Breaking news: We have word that someone has gone into labor here tonight,” play-by-play sportscaster Jack Michaels said live on the Sportsnet broadcast. “There’s a baby being born on the seventh floor at Rogers Place as we speak.”

“So someone’s going to have a great story to tell,” Michaels continued, before joking, “It would be nice to have the mother join us on After Hours to describe what’s happened but that could be asking a bit much.”

A baby is currently being born at Rogers Place… in the middle of the Oilers game 👶 pic.twitter.com/02Tcg1GN2d

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 5, 2026

The mother, whose identity has not been publicly released, did not join the sportscaster for the post-game show. It is unclear if the mom had any assistance in giving birth, and who she was accompanied by at the game.

PEOPLE has reached out to a rep for Rogers Place for comment.

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The Oilers lost to the Knights 5-1, snapping the Oilers' five-game winning streak.

During the same game, a fan was hit by a stray puck in the stands. Players also got into a fight on the ice near the end of the game.

The game happened just weeks ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The NHL's regular season concludes on April 16, with playoffs starting two days later.

Read the original article on People

Blue Jays' Max Scherzer unphased by forearm injury after early exit

Blue Jays' Max Scherzer unphased by forearm injury after early exit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t gotten off to the best start this season, with their struggles culminating in their 2-14 dismantling by the Los Angeles Dodgers in what was the first match between the two World Series opponents since last October.

But above their lackluster offensive productions or their shaky pitching performances, there’s one issue that has been plaguing the club: the injury bug. Looking at the Blue Jays’ injury list, it features some of their bigger names, including Alejandro Kirk, Addison Barger, and Cody Ponce, but it appears that another name might be appearing on that list: Max Scherzer.

The veteran ace took to the mound against the aforementioned Dodgers on Monday night, but was pulled after only two innings, in which he threw 36 pitches, allowing two hits and two runs, while fanning two batters.

What’s Scherzer dealing with?

In the hours following Monday night’s match, news broke that Scherzer has right forearm tendinitis, which was something that Toronto was aware of prior to Monday night’s match, as reported by MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson.

News: Max Scherzer is dealing with right forearm tendinitis.

The #BlueJays knew this going in and it didn’t get any worse. John Schneider is “fairly confident” he’ll make his next start.

— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) April 7, 2026

While the injury is there, Scherzer explained to reporters that he isn’t all too concerned about it, with his main focus being his next match on the rubber.

“I don't think it's a major issue, just something that needs to be addressed,” Scherzer stated to reporters. “My mind is I'm going to be making my next start.”

As noted by Matheson, Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider has confidence in his veteran ace’s ability to take the mound in his next possible outing.

The best-case scenario for both sides is that Scherzer is able to take to the mound and brush off his appearance against Los Angeles, and attempt to get back to the form that he had against the Colorado Rockies, fanning four batters across a six-inning stint.

More MLB news:

Michigan’s national title is the latest chapter in a year of Big Ten dominance

Michigan’s national title is the latest chapter in a year of Big Ten dominanceMichigan’s 69-63 win over UConn in the 2025-26 national title punctuated an athletic season of dominance for the Big Ten Conference in 2025-26.

For the second time ever, a conference has won the football, women’s basketball and men’s basketball national championships.

The SEC enjoyed a similarly fruitful athletic calendar in 2007. That year Florida won in both football and men’s basketball while Tennessee took it home in women’s basketball. But this year the Big Ten’s dominance stretches far beyond just these major sports.

It should be noted that in many sports, including most recently women’s basketball on Sunday, UCLA stands as the Big Ten’s championship representative. The Bruins officially joined the Big Ten in 2023 after the PAC-12’s collapse. Joining alongside USC, Oregon, and Washington, the additions brought considerable athletic prowess to the conference, which has manifested itself in its dominance this year.

The Big Ten’s considerable financial strength has also helped it win multiple national championships across sports. For example, as reported by The Athletic’s Lindsay Schnell and Matt Baker, Big Ten schools (Illinois, Michigan, Michigan State) took up three of the top seven spots in terms of spending among schools in this Sweet 16 in men’s basketball.

Here are all the sports in which the conference won championships during the 2025-26 athletic calendar and where the conference might continue.


Big 10 really runs college sports


Football champs (back-to-back-to back)
Women's Basketball Champs
Women's hockey champs (back-to-back for Badgers, 7th straight for Big 10 teams)
Men's soccer champs
Field hockey champs
Men's water polo champs
#1 Beach Volleyball team
#1 baseball… pic.twitter.com/3MQV7qlGli


— CFB Home (@CFBHome) April 6, 2026

Men’s basketball

Michigan ended UConn’s bid for three championships in four years on Monday. Along with Illinois, the Big Ten accounted for half of the Final Four. The Wolverines became the first team to score 90 points in the first five tournament games on their way to winning a defensive slugfest against UConn in the championship.

Football

Indiana completed a historic 16-0 season behind Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, defeating Miami 27-21 in January. The Hoosiers were the third straight Big Ten team to win the CFP, with Michigan in 2024 and Ohio State in 2025.

Women’s basketball

The UCLA Bruins faced a South Carolina side that was in its third straight national championship game and ran them off the floor, winning 79-51 on Sunday in Phoenix. Senior center Lauren Betts dominated, dropping 30 total points, 22 rebounds, and 5 blocks in her two final four games on the way to winning Most Outstanding Player.

Women’s ice hockey

Wisconsin won the Women’s Ice Hockey Championship 3-2 over Ohio State. It was the seventh straight for the conference dating back to 2019 (There was none in 2020 due to COVID) and fourth in six years for the Badgers. Between 2021 and 2025, Wisconsin and Ohio State alternated championships, with the Buckeyes winning in 2022 and 2024. From 2023 to 2026, Wisconsin and Ohio State have played each other in the championship every year.

Men’s soccer

Washington took the title in men’s soccer in a 3-2 overtime victory over NC State with Harrison Bertos scoring the game-winner less than two minutes into overtime. The Huskies were the first Big Ten team to win a men’s soccer title since Maryland in 2018.

Field hockey

Northwestern repeated as field hockey champions, defeating Princeton 2-1 in overtime. The year prior, the Wildcats beat Saint Joseph’s 5-0 in the championship. The 2025 title was the program’s third since 2021.

Men’s water polo

UCLA continued its dominance in the pool, winning its second straight men’s water polo title against USC, 11-10. In 2024, the Bruins previously dropped off the Trojans again, 11-8. The Bruins made the 2023 men’s water polo championship as well, then lost to Cal 13-11.

Beach volleyball

The Bruins rank first in the current AVCA poll. While the championship left the Big Ten for the Big 12 with TCU winning in 2025, the year prior, USC held the beach volleyball championship with a 3-0 win over the now No. 1-ranked Bruins.

Baseball

As it stands, the UCLA Bruins (29-2) rank No. 1 in the country according to D1Baseball, the NCAA’s official rankings. The Bruins are led by potential No. 1 MLB draft pick junior infielder Roch Cholowsky. Cholowsky is hitting .342 with 11 home runs on the season so far.

Men’s hockey

The Big Ten also houses two, Michigan and Wisconsin, of the four teams left in the Men’s Frozen Four for men’s ice hockey. With both on opposite sides of the bracket, facing Denver and North Dakota, respectively, they could meet in an all-Big Ten championship in that sport as well.

Women’s gymnastics

To round it off, UCLA and Minnesota women’s gymnastics programs are representing the conference in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics semifinals, both advancing out of the Corvallis Regional. If one were to win, it’d be the conference’s first since Michigan won in 2021.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

Indiana Hoosiers, Michigan Wolverines, UCLA Bruins, College Football, Men's College Basketball, Women's College Basketball

2026 The Athletic Media Company

Michigan muscles its way to program’s 2nd national title, beating stubborn UConn 69-63

Michigan celebrates after defeating UConn in the NCAA college basketball tournament national championship game at the Final Four, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Michigan celebrates after defeating UConn in the NCAA college basketball tournament national championship game at the Final Four, Monday, April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) | Michael Conroy

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — This title for Michigan’s newest Fab Five will look better in the trophy case than a time capsule.

Hard to be too picky — this new-age group of ballers in maize and blue showed they can win any which way.

The five fabulous transfers who make up coach Dusty May’s starting lineup got down and dirty with the rest of the Wolverines to dig out the national championship on Monday. Michigan made only two 3-pointers all night but still muscled its way to a 69-63 victory over stingy, stubborn UConn.

Elliot Cadeau led the Wolverines with 19 points, including the team’s first 3, which came 7:04 into the second half. The second, from freshman Trey McKenney, came with 1:50 left and felt like a dagger, giving May’s team — which had scored 90 points in five straight March Madness games leading to the final — a nine-point lead.

Though the shooting wasn’t great, this marked the fourth straight game in which Michigan has held its opponent to a season-low field goal percentage. UConn shot 30.9%.

“These guys have done it all year,” May said. “When one side of the ball has let us down, the other side has picked it up. Our togetherness defensively ultimately got us over the hump.”

To no one’s surprise, UConn fought to the finish. Solo Ball banked in a 3 to cut it to four with 37 seconds left — and after two missed free throws, UConn’s Alex Karaban (17 points) barely grazed the rim on a 3 that would’ve cut the deficit to one with 17 seconds left.

Michigan also got outrebounded 22-12 on the offensive glass by a UConn team that would not go away.

Not until McKenney sank two free throws to bring Michigan’s shooting from the line to 25 for 28 for the night could the Wolverines (37-3) kick off the celebration for the program’s second title — the other coming in 1989, a few years before the Fab Five arrived and made two trips to the Final, but never won a title.

This game, though, had a 1950s feel to it.

Michigan had to fight for everything. The Wolverines missed their first 11 shots from 3, finished 2 for 15 beyond the arc and won despite the struggles of their best player, Yaxel Lendeborg. Ailing with a hurt knee and foot that kept him from elevating, the graduate transfer from UAB finished with 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting.

“If you’d told me we would shoot it this poorly and (be) dominated on the glass and still find a way to win, I don’t know if I would have believed you,” May said. “This team just found a way all season.”

Truth be told, it wasn’t anyone’s prettiest night.

UConn’s hopes at becoming the first team since John Wooden’s UCLA dynasty to win three titles in four seasons came up short, done in by massive foul trouble and its own terrible shooting.

Coach Dan Hurley’s team missed its first 11 shots from 3 in the second half.

Braylon Mullins, the hero of the Duke win that put UConn in the Final Four, finished 4 of 17, though he made a pair of late 3s that kept the game in reach.

UConn (34-6) covered the 6 1/2-point spread, and Hurley kept his players out on the court to watch the podium get set up for the presentation of a trophy heading not to Storrs, but Ann Arbor.

About the only consolation: The Huskies clogged things up, slowed things down and made Michigan beat them at their game.

The Wolverines came in shooting freely and winning big. In each of their five tournament games, they broke 90 and won by 13 or more.

In this one, they didn’t hit 70 and had to battle to the buzzer. But in almost every way, it was the prettiest of them all — the one that gives them what the Fab Five couldn’t manage — namely, a natty.

“Nobody cared about stats the whole season,” Cadeau said. “Nobody cared about nothing but winning. I’m just had to be part of that.”

Style points aside, this was a championship built from outside — the best team money could buy.

All five Wolverines starters played college ball elsewhere, and all but Nimari Burnett came to Ann Arbor this season. That’s the product of the transfer portal that May has shown no reluctance to use. His ability to form a makeshift group into a winner is still the value of a coach and a culture.

“They might be still calling us mercenaries but we’re the hardest-working team,” Lendenborg said. “We’re the best in college basketball and we’ll be one of the greatest ever.”

See what Dan Hurley said after UConn's national championship loss

This NCAA tournament run vaulted Dan Hurley's name up with some of the greatest in men's college basketball.

But when the often-fiery UConn men's basketball coach walked to the postgame podium after the Huskies' 69-63 loss to Michigan in the National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Hurley was measured.

"I'm not real emotional. The players are crying a lot more than I am," Hurley said. "We lost the game because we missed. We didn't make enough shots. It's hard to be disappointed with your team when they fight so hard."

Hurley entered play vs. Michigan on Monday, April 6, with a .800 career winning percentage in March Madness (20-5 record), which ranked as the highest among active coaches, and third-highest in college basketball history (minimum 15 games), only behind San Francisco's Phil Woolpert (13-2, two national titles) and UCLA's John Wooden (47-10, 10 national championships).

UConn drops to 6-1 all-time in the national championship game, with titles in 1999, 2004, 2011, 2014, 2023 and 2024.

A victory over Michigan would've joined Hurley together with six other coaches NCAA history with three or more national titles -- UCLA's John Wooden (10), Duke's Mike Krzyzewski (5), Kentucky's Adolph Rupp (4), Indiana's Bob Knight (3), North Carolina's Roy Williams (3) and UConn's Jim Calhoun (3).

The Huskies were led by four double-digit scorers in the defeat -- Alex Karaban (17), Tarris Reed Jr. (13 points, 14 rebounds), Braylon Mullins (11) and Solo Ball (11). Karaban and Reed Jr. received all-tournament team honors. Michigan's Elliot Cadeau, the Most Outstanding Player, scored 19 points in the title-game triumph.

In the national championship loss, UConn shot 21-for-68 from the field and 9-for-33 from beyond the arc. Michigan went 21-for-55 from the field and 2-for-15 from deep, a mark offset by shooting 25-for-28 from the free-throw line.

Said Hurley, "The whole experience this team has given the coaches, the fanbase. ... To be one of the last two teams standing, a lot of people talk about being better off losing in the Final Four than losing in the championship, it's the biggest bunch of crap of all time. This is where you wanted to be.

"Eventually it'll hit you that you were close to pulling off what would've been a historic third championship, but this team gave us so much this year. Just didn't make enough shots."

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Dan Hurley speaks on UConn basketball loss to Michigan in championship

Michigan among the favorites to win the NCAA Tournament in 2026-27

Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) and guard Nimari Burnett (4) celebrate after their win against the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament between the and the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

After winning the national championship on Monday night in Indianapolis over UConn, Dusty May and the Michigan Wolverines are among the favorites to win it all next season.

According to FanDuel, Michigan has the second-best odds to win the national title next year with +800 odds, right behind Duke at +700. Other teams right behind them include Arizona (+1,200), Florida (+1,300), Houston (+1,400), Michigan State (+1,500), UConn (+1,600) and Kansas (+1,600).

Considering Michigan was +1,400 to win it all prior to the start of the season, it’s truly a crapshoot when it comes to betting on the tournament champion this early. I never advise anybody to actually put money on these way-too-early odds, but especially these types of bets. The offseason just began and the Wolverines are going to look a lot different in a few weeks after transfer portal season.

What do you think of these odds? Should the Wolverines be among the favorites to win the title in 2026-27? Let me know what you think down below!

Soriano pitches Angels past Sale and Braves 6-2 with help from homers by Neto, Adell

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — José Soriano pitched eight dominant innings and the Los Angeles Angels got home runs from Zach Neto and Jo Adell in a 6-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night.

Neto launched a leadoff shot on Chris Sale's first pitch, and Soriano (3-0) struck out 10 as the Angels won their third consecutive game. The right-hander allowed one run and three hits without issuing a walk, throwing 69 of his 96 pitches for strikes.

Soriano gave up a solo homer to Drake Baldwin and a single to Matt Olson in the first, then retired 19 straight batters before Mike Yastrzemski led off the eighth with a single.

Mauricio Dubón homered off Angels reliever Chase Silseth in the ninth. Atlanta put two on with two outs before Jordan Romano replaced Silseth and got Yastrzemski to fly out for his fourth save.

Los Angeles played without star center fielder Mike Trout, who exited Sunday’s game against Seattle after getting hit on the left hand by a 94 mph fastball in the eighth. Trout’s hand swelled so quickly he struggled to remove his batting glove, but X-rays were negative and he is listed as day-to-day.

Sale (2-1) entered 8-0 with a 1.24 ERA in 11 career games against the Angels, but Neto slammed the left-hander’s first pitch, a 95 mph fastball, for a homer to left field.

Sale retired his next nine batters but fell apart during a three-run fourth in which the Angels drew two walks, were twice hit by pitches, had two runners forced out at the plate and hit one ball out of the infield.

Logan O’Hoppe walked and Yoán Moncada was hit by a pitch, both with the bases loaded, to account for two runs. Bryce Teodosio drove in a run with an infield single for a 4-1 lead.

Jorge Soler opened the fifth with a single, and Adell drove a first-pitch fastball 411 feet to left for a two-run homer — his first of the season — and a 6-1 advantage.

Up next

Braves RHP Reynaldo López (1-0, 1.64 ERA) opposes Angels LHP Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 6.52) on Tuesday night.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

Alex Cora Has Surprising Reaction To Red Sox Fans' Mounting Frustrations

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora

Alex Cora Has Surprising Reaction To Red Sox Fans' Mounting Frustrations originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Boston Red Sox lost again on Monday night, dropping their series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6. It was the third straight loss for the Red Sox, dropping them to 1-3 at Fenway Park this season and 2-8 overall.

Boston fans have grown increasingly upset with the team's slow start over the last few days, booing the Red Sox and voicing their displeasure with the team's poor play. 

During his postgame press conference following Monday's loss, Alex Cora addressed Boston fans' frustrations with a surprising response.

"That's why we love it here, because their expectations are up there with us," Cora said. "And, right now, we deserve whatever they’re thinking. We’re not playing good baseball, and we know it."

"That's why we love it here. Their expectations are up there with us"

Alex Cora on playing in Boston and understanding the frustration from fans after a 2-8 start 🎙️

presented by @WBMasonCopic.twitter.com/v57eg6YREo

— NESN (@NESN) April 7, 2026

Now in his eighth season managing the Red Sox, Cora is well aware of how passionate their fans are, especially after spending part of his playing career in Boston, too.

The last-place Red Sox subjected their fans to another disappointing night of sloppy baseball on Monday. They got a second straight bad outing from Brayan Bello, two errors from their defense and a 2-for-12 showing with runners in scoring position.

Boston's played a tough schedule so far, but it hasn't helped that the Red Sox have often been beating themselves. They have the worst record in baseball, and their fans are growing more agitated with each loss.

Cora and his players will try to bounce back and snap their losing streak on Tuesday behind Garrett Crochet, who will square off against Jacob Misiorowski in a must-see pitching duel.

More MLB: Brewers Manager Compares Caleb Durbin To Red Sox Legend Amid Early Woes

One lucky fan at National Championship got a six-figure souvenir thanks to UConn's Alex Karaban

One lucky fan at National Championship got a six-figure souvenir thanks to UConn's Alex Karaban originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Michigan took care of business with a 69-63 win over UConn in Monday's National Championship game. The defensive battle went back-and-forth, but the Wolverines outlasted the Huskies for the second title in school history. Elliot Cadeau led the way with 19 points. 

After the game, there was one key piece missing from Michigan's sideline. The game ball was launched into the stands by UConn's Alex Karaban, giving one lucky fan a $100,000 souvenir, according to former ESPN writer Darren Rovel. No word if Michigan officials were able to make contact with the fan to secure a piece of history. 

As for the game itself, the final minutes were a gritty test of strength from both sides. UConn felt the game slipping away and tried everything to pull back within a one-score contest. However, Michigan wouldn't be denied on the biggest stage. 

Karaban throws game ball into crowd. Congrats to the fan who now has a $100,000 basketball. If we're working for Michigan, we're trying to make a deal with the fan now while you can still get provenance.

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 7, 2026

Dusty May prepared his team for this moment and every small detail paid off. With the Michigan win, the Big Ten's 26-year drought without a title was snapped. For UConn and Dan Hurley, the talk about a dynasty goes away for now. Two titles in four years isn't a terrible feat and still puts the Huskies in the conversation of being an elite in college basketball. 

More:Why UNC hiring Michael Malone over Billy Donovan was a better fit

Michigan was held to the fewest points in the NCAA Tournament. Despite not hitting the 90-point mark, the championship win was an outstanding trade-off. 

More college basketball news:

Last time Big Ten won March Madness: Revisiting 2000 Michigan State and 26-year drought before 2026 Michigan

Last time Big Ten won March Madness: Revisiting 2000 Michigan State and 26-year drought before 2026 Michigan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

When discussing collegiate sports, the term "Power 4" is often used. It refers to the four dominant, most prominent conferences that feature the best teams across most NCAA sports, notably being football and men's basketball. The Big Ten has long been considered one of those power conferences, partially for its annual prowess in men's basketball.

Every year, the Big Ten sends plenty of teams to the NCAA Tournament. Plenty of elite players ever have passed through the conference in the last few decades, from one-and-done stars like Greg Oden (Ohio State) and Ace Bailey (Rutgers), to players with more sustained college success like Evan Turner (Ohio State), Zach Edey (Purdue) and Luka Garza (Michigan).

However, until April 2026, it had been a quarter-century since a Big Ten team last cut down the nets as the March Madness winner. The other three Power 4 conferences — the SEC, Big 12 and ACC — have all had plenty of champions since then. The Michigan Wolverines' championship victory over UConn in the 2026 bracket broke a historic drought for the Big Ten.

Here's a look at the Big Ten's last NCAA Tournament win prior to 2026 Michigan and a breakdown of the conference's 26-year drought that was snapped.

MARCH MADNESS HQ:Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

Last time Big Ten won March Madness

Prior to Michigan in 2026, the last time a Big Ten team was cutting down the nets as the victor of the NCAA Tournament was in 2000, when Michigan State won its second title in program history.

The Spartans took down the Florida Gators in the 2000 championship game in Indianapolis, pulling out an 89-76 victory. Michigan State was the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region that year, while Florida came out of the East Region as a No. 5 seed.

April 3, 2000: Michigan State beats Florida for the National Title.
pic.twitter.com/tXiycvZEYGhttps://t.co/Ptr1m22est

— College Hoops (@CollegeHoops) March 13, 2026

As things played out, Michigan State was the only No. 1 seed to reach the Final Four in 2000. No. 1 Duke lost in the Sweet 16 to Florida in the East Region, No. 1 Stanford lost to No. 8 North Carolina in the second round of the South Region, and No. 1 Arizona fell to No. 8 Wisconsin in the second round of the West Region. Two eighth-seeds, UNC and Wisconsin, made the Final Four.

The Spartans took home the trophy in 2000 🏀

In 2000, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Florida and North Carolina advanced to Indianapolis for the #MFinalFour. In the final, the Spartans defeated Florida, 89-76, to win their second National Championship. pic.twitter.com/D4Z7aRrAky

— NCAA Men's Final Four (@MFinalFour) March 22, 2026

For the Spartans, it was their first NCAA Tournament championship since 1979. Mateen Cleaves was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, while Morris Peterson was March Madness' leading scorer.

In the regular season, Michigan State claimed a share of the Big Ten title, then won the Big Ten Tournament by beating Illinois. The Spartans then went on to take down Valparaiso, Utah, Syracuse, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Florida to win the NCAA Tournament.

Michigan's title behind head coach Dusty May in 2026 was the first Big Ten title-winner since that 2000 Michigan State squad.

SN AWARDS: All-America team | Player of the Year | Coach of the Year

2000 Michigan State basketball roster

The 1999-2000 Michigan State squad was led by 6-7 forward Morris Peterson, who averaged 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists for the season. He was the Big Ten Player of the Year that season.

Other key contributors included guard Charlie Bell, guard Mateen Cleaves and a freshman Jason Richardson, who would spend one more year at Michigan State before heading to the NBA. 

Even casual fans may also recognize another name from the team, but for a far different reason. Mat Ishbia, who is now the CEO and chairman of mortgage lender United Wholesale Mortgage and the majority owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, was a walk-on point guard at Michigan State who was a member of the 2000 title squad.

Here's a look at the full 1999-2000 Michigan State championship roster and their season stats.

PlayerClassPositionHeightSeason Averages
Morris PetersonSeniorForward6' 7''16.8 Pts, 6.0 Reb, 1.3 Ast
Charlie BellJuniorGuard6' 3''11.5 Pts, 4.9 Reb, 3.2 Ast
Andre HutsonJuniorForward6' 8''10.2 Pts, 6.2 Reb, 1.5 Ast
A.J. GrangerSeniorForward6' 9''9.5 Pts, 5.3 Reb, 1.2 Ast
Mateen CleavesSeniorGuard6' 2''12.1 Pts, 1.8 Reb, 6.9 Ast
Mike ChappellJuniorForward6' 9''5.9 Pts, 2.2 Reb, 0.6 Ast
Jason RichardsonFreshmanGuard6' 6''5.1 Pts, 4.1 Reb, 0.6 Ast
Aloysius AnagonyeFreshmanForward6' 8''2.9 Pts, 3.0 Reb, 0.3 Ast
David ThomasJuniorGuard6' 7''2.4 Pts, 2.4 Reb, 1.5 Ast
Adam BallingerFreshmanForward6' 9''2.0 Pts, 1.7 Reb, 0.3 Ast
Brandon SmithJuniorGuard5' 11''0.4 Pts, 0.2 Reb, 0.8 Ast
Mat IshbiaFreshmanGuard5' 10''0.5 Pts, 0.2 Reb, 0.2 Ast
Steve CherryJuniorForward6' 6''0.7 Pts, 0.2 Reb, 0.3 Ast

MORE:How Jeremy Fears Jr. is related to Jeremiah Fears 

Who coached Michigan State in 2000?

If you took a guess, you'd probably be correct. The coach of Michigan State's 2000 championship team has been the Spartans coach for every year since 1995: Tom Izzo.

The legendary coach won his only NCAA Tournament in 2000, but he's accomplished plenty more with the Spartans. They have reached seven other Final Fours, won six Big Ten Tournaments and claimed 11 Big Ten regular-season titles in his run as head coach.

A four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year and 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Izzo has stamped himself as one of the all-time greats. He's continued coaching Michigan State into his 70s, still eyeing championship No. 2 after finishing on top in 2000.

MORE: Where does Tom Izzo rank in all-time March Madness wins?

Big Ten March Madness drought 

For the 25 years following Michigan State's 2000 title, no Big Ten team won the NCAA Tournament. Finally, in 2026, the drought for the conference was broken by Michigan as a No. 1 seed in the bracket.

While there is a current Big Ten member, Maryland, that won March Madness in that 26-year span (2002), the Terrapins were still a member of the ACC at the time.

Here's the conference breakdown of the NCAA Tournament champions from Michigan State in 2000 until Michigan broke the drought in 2026:

  • SEC: 4
  • Big 12: 3
  • ACC: 8
  • Big East: 8
  • American: 1

Members of five different conferences had won an NCAA Tournament since the Big Ten last did, including UConn as a member of the American Athletic Conference in 2014.

There are currently 18 members of the Big Ten, although a chunk of them have not been in the conference since 2000.

Below is a breakdown of each current Big Ten team's NCAA Tournament appearances since 2000, their last tournament championship and when they joined the conference.

TeamNCAA Tournament Appearances Since 2000Last NCA A Tournament ChampionshipAll-Time NCAA Tournament ChampionshipsYear Joined Big Ten
Michigan1320262 (1989, 2026)1896
Illinois16N/A1896
Michigan State2520002 (1979, 2000)1949
Nebraska3N/A02011
Wisconsin2319411 (1941)1896
Purdue18N/A01896
UCLA18199511 (1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1995)2024
Ohio State1619601 (1960)1912
Iowa11N/A01899
Indiana1219875 (1940, 1953, 1976, 1981, 1987)1899
Minnesota6N/A01896
USC11N/A02024
Washington7N/A02024
Rutgers2N/A02014
Northwestern3N/A01896
Oregon1319391 (1939)2024
Maryland142002 (ACC)1 (2002)2014
Penn State3N/A01992

MORE:Most March Madness wins ever by school

UConn slows down Michigan, but physical play can’t make up for poor shooting in title game loss

INDIANAPOLIS — UConn executed coach Dan Hurley’s game plan in Monday night’s national championship slugfest against Michigan.

The Huskies were physical, controlled the pace and held the Wolverines’ potent offense in check. But this time, the big shots that propelled them to the cusp of a third national championship in four seasons simply didn’t fall.

Not for fabulous freshman Braylon Mullins, not for record-breaking forward Alex Karaban, not even for Malachi Smith, who missed a layup with 7 seconds left that might have kept hope alive in Storrs, Connecticut. Instead, UConn came up short in a 69-63 loss, its first in seven title game appearances, thwarting its chance to become the first team since the UCLA dynasty of the 1960s and 1970s to win three crowns in such quick succession.

UConn picked the wrong time to shoot a season-low 30.9% from the field and a dismal 27.3% from 3-point range. The Huskies were even worse in the second half: 28.9% from the field and 4 of 18 from beyond the arc.

Maybe UConn didn’t have enough fight left after it survived the tourney’s top seed, Duke, in the regional semifinals and won a 71-62 bruiser against Illinois on Saturday night.

It was UConn’s first loss after the second round of the NCAA Tournament since 2011, ending a 19-game winning streak in the toughest parts of the bracket.

Michigan, which won its second national title and first since 1989, also brought plenty of physicality to the matchup. The Wolverines held each of their last four opponents to season-low shooting percentages.

They relied on the Big Ten’s brand of bully ball to get UConn into foul trouble, win the wrestling matches for loose balls and eventually wear down the perimeter shooters who had saved UConn in its incredible 19-point comeback against Duke before doing it again when things got close late against Illinois.

This time, the Huskies’ shooters came up empty.

Mullins scored 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting, including 3 of 10 on 3s. After opening the game by making his first two shots, Karaban made three of his next 12 and converted only one of the final eight 3-point attempts of his brilliant career.

Nobody else was much better. Big man Tarris Reed Jr. finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds but was 4 of 12 from the field. And while Mullins and Karaban combined for six 3s, the rest of the team was 3 of 13 beyond the arc.

Michigan 2026 national title by the numbers: Wolverines dominant on way to national championship

Michigan 2026 national title by the numbers: Wolverines dominant on way to national championship originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 NCAA title is heading to Ann Arbor. 

The Michigan Wolverines completed their path to the title as a No. 1 seed on Monday night, taking down the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the championship. Dusty May's squad wasn't quite as dominant as usual against Dan Hurley's deep unit — but in the end, it didn't matter.

The Wolverines' run to the March Madness championship was one of the most dominant in recent memory, especially when factoring in their success in the regular season. With arguably the lengthiest and most unselfish team in the country, Michigan's title capped an authoritative NCAA Tournament run.

Here's a breakdown of Michigan's dominant 2025-26 season and NCAA Tournament run by the numbers.

MORE: How Michigan took down UConn to secure national title

Michigan 2026 national title by the numbers

37

Michigan finished the 2025–26 season with a 37-3 record, which is, by far, the best mark in program history.

In Year 2 under May, the Wolverines lost just three games all year — a three-point loss to Wisconsin in January, a five-point loss to fellow eventual No. 1 seed Duke in February, and an eight-point loss to Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament title game.

Those were the only blemishes on Michigan’s résumé this season. Otherwise, there was no stopping the Wolverines, who won 30-plus games for just the sixth time in program history and the first time since 2018–19.

20.7

In six NCAA Tournament wins, Michigan’s average margin of victory was 20.7. Only one team managed to keep the Wolverines within single digits, and that was Hurley’s UConn unit in the championship.

The biggest blowout was a 33-point win over Tennessee in the Elite Eight, while another No. 1 seed, Arizona, also lost by 18 in the Final Four.

It was a display of dominance for Michigan on both ends of the court, but the defensive end was where the Wolverines’ success was especially apparent. In the final four rounds of the NCAA Tournament, Michigan held each opponent to a season-low field-goal percentage.

Michigan won because, for the fourth straight game, they held their opponents to a season-low shooting percentage:

Sweet Sixteen vs. Alabama – 36%
Elite Eight vs. Tennessee – 32%
Final Four vs. Arizona – 37%
Championship vs. UConn – 31%

An all-time great defense. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7oPEFaGA3M

— Vince Wolfram (@vincewolfram15) April 7, 2026

Here's a look at the margin of each Michigan win in the tournament:

  • Round 1: Michigan 101, Howard 80 (Margin: 21)
  • Round 2: Michigan 95, Saint Louis 72 (Margin: 23)
  • Sweet 16: Michigan 90, Alabama 77 (Margin: 13)
  • Elite Eight: Michigan 95, Tennessee 62 (Margin: 33)
  • Final Four: Michigan 91, Arizona 73 (Margin: 18)
  • Championship: Michigan 69, UConn 63 (Margin: 6)

Michigan also averaged 90.2 points per game as a team in March Madness, becoming the first champions to average over 90 points in the tournament since UNLV in 1990, per ESPN.

MORE: Full winners and losers from Michigan vs. UConn

4

Over six NCAA Tournament wins, four different Wolverines led the team in scoring. Michigan's 2026 title did not come from one March-long, individual heroic effort, similar to how Glen Rice lifted the team to its first championship in 1989. Instead, a collection of players stepped up to the moment.

In the first round against Howard, Morez Johnson Jr. went for 21 points. Over the next three rounds, through the Elite Eight, it was the Yaxel Lendeborg show, with the Big Ten Player of the Year going for 25, 23 and 27 points in those rounds.

But when Lendeborg began dealing with his injuries in the Final Four, new faces stepped up. Big man Aday Mara dominated Arizona for 26 points, and on Monday night, guard Elliot Cadeau was the scoring leader with 19 on a night points were hard to come by.

ELLIOT CADEAU HAS THE STADIUM SHAKING 🫨

MICHIGAN LEADS BY 11 😳#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/D0KwzaJgn3

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026

45

Speaking of Cadeau, the 2026 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, his playmaking was elite in the NCAA Tournament. Over those six games, he totaled 45 assists, averaging 7.5 per contest.

Cadeau dropped double-digit assists against both Tennessee (10) and Arizona (10), plus nine against Howard, on top of his impressive scoring when Michigan needed him.

Per Josh Durbow, Cadeau became just the third player, joining Bobby Hurley and fellow Wolverine Rumeal Robinson, to officially win a title while posting at least 45 assists and 70 points in an NCAA Tournament since 1984.

MORE: Eliot Cadeau joins list of college basketball greats with MOP award

5

That's the number of transfers in Michigan's starting unit. As in: the Wolverines' entire lead group was not in Ann Arbor at this time last year, but was still able to coast to a championship in their first year together.

Michigan became the first-ever title team with five transfers as its starters.

Michigan is the first team in NCAA history to win a National Championship while starting 5 transfers

Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina)
Nimari Burnett (Alabama)
Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB)
Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois)
Aday Mara (UCLA) pic.twitter.com/5PghYkWIGz

— Underdog (@Underdog) April 7, 2026

8-24

That’s the record of the Michigan team May inherited two years ago. In 2023–24, under Juwan Howard, the Wolverines managed just eight wins, including a 3-17 mark in Big Ten play.

After going 27-10 under May in Year 1 and losing in the Sweet 16, a full turnaround is now complete for Michigan. With May’s unit of transfers, the Wolverines improved by 29 wins in just two seasons.

MORE: Way-too-early Top 25 for 2026-27

61

Monday's championship win wasn't a pretty one by any means. Neither team could buy a bucket for long stretches, especially from 3-point range — they combined for just 11 makes on 48 attempts, a clip of 22.9%.

The Wolverines overcame that lack of shooting, however, by remaining efficient in the other areas of the floor. Of Michigan's 69 points vs. UConn, 61 came from either the free-throw line or the paint, with the team's 36 points in the paint being the most the Huskies allowed in the tournament.

Michigan scored 61 of its 69 points from the paint or free throw line in the win ✨

The Wolverines' 36 paint points were the most allowed by UConn all tournament 😮 pic.twitter.com/yL0EvJ8zn9

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 7, 2026

$400,000

May will have more to celebrate than just a trophy. Per KC Smurthwaite, as part of the deal May signed at Michigan, he will make an additional $400,000 for winning the national title.

Dusty May nets $400,000 per his contract for winning the NCAA National Championship.
Michigan ends the season on top.

(Extra Points Library) https://t.co/xx6VEjpC5cpic.twitter.com/mBzLZkh1MM

— KC Smurthwaite (@KcSmurthwaite) April 7, 2026

MORE: What's next for UConn after national championship loss?

5 plays that defined Michigan's NCAA title game win over UConn, including flagrant hook-and-hold on Alex Karaban

UConn went into Monday’s NCAA championship game with a clear plan: Muck things up and grind down Michigan’s offense.

It worked until it didn’t as Michigan made more plays down the stretch to secure a 69-63 win and the national championship.

UConn’s strategy was correct against a deep and more talented Michigan roster that entered Monday’s game averaging 87.8 points per game. And it worked early in the game as UConn limited Michigan’s attack and held a 24-23 lead with 3:16 remaining in the first half. UConn at that point had forced eight Michigan misses in its previous nine shots.

But a flagrant foul on UConn’s Alex Karaban shifted the game’s trajectory. And Michigan made more plays down the stretch to hold on for the program’s second NCAA championship.

Here are five plays (plus one) that led Michigan to victory Monday night.

Hook-and-hold flagrant foul on Alex Karaban

Karaban and Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. were battling for rebounding position off a missed Michigan 3 late in the first half. The two locked elbows, and Karaban held on as Johnson extended in an effort to secure the offensive rebound.

Officials reviewed the play and called Karaban for a hook-and-hold flagrant foul.

Alex Karaban was called for a Flagrant 1 foul for a "hook and hold" on this play@GeneSteratore breaks it down pic.twitter.com/9P6dHkzIqX

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 7, 2026

The call awarded Michigan two free throws and the ball.

Johnson sank both free throws. And Yaxel Lendeborg converted a layup to secure a four-point possession for Michigan.

The sequence triggered a 10-4 run to end the half that sent Michigan into the break with a 33-29 advantage. The Wolverines never trailed again.

Elliot Cadeau and-1/Solo Ball’s fourth foul

With 16:20 remaining, Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau pushed the ball in transition after a UConn miss. He looked up to find UConn’s Solo Ball standing between him and the basket in the paint.

Cadeau charged ahead and drew contact while sinking a layup. The bucket counted, and officials whistled Ball for his fourth foul 3:40 into the second half. Ball went to the bench. Cadeau sank the and-1 free throw to extend Michigan’s lead to 38-31.

ELLIOT CADEAU.

AND ONE.

😤😤 @umichbballpic.twitter.com/QBNWkOOkb1

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 7, 2026

Ball sat for almost 10 minutes. He didn’t return to the game until 6:30 remained as Michigan held a 54-45 lead.

Yaxel Lendeborg’s and-1/Tarris Reed’s third foul

Moments later, it was Lendeborg’s turn for a momentum-extending and-1. The Michigan All-American had the ball on the left wing and backed down the smaller Braylon Mullins from beyond the 3-point line.

When he got to the bucket, UConn’s 6-foot-11 rim protector Tarris Reed Jr. was waiting. But Lendeborg jumped for a one-handed floater over Reed’s outstretched hands. The ball dropped through the basket, and Reed drew a whistle for contact on the shot.

YAXEL GETS IT TO FALL 🔥#MarchMadness@umichbballpic.twitter.com/zmMSLMELVx

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026

The foul was Reed’s third with 15:16 remaining. He didn’t join Ball on the bench, but was forced to play through foul trouble. And Lendeborg hit the free throw to extend Michigan’s lead to 41-33.

The aggression marked a stark contrast from the first half for Lendeborg, who played passively on a sprained MCL and injured ankle that he suffered in Saturday’s Final Four win over Arizona.

He admitted at halftime that “I feel awful, I feel super weak.” But he was notably more aggressive and effective in the second half.

Cadeau’s 3 for 11-point lead

Not long after that, Cadeau delivered on offense again.

Michigan’s lead stood at 45-37, and UConn was reeling. Cadeau took a pass on the wing in a halfcourt set. He faked a pass to the corner, but instead pulled up for a 3. The ball sank through the next to extend Michigan’s lead to 48-37 with 12:54 remaining.

ELLIOT CADEAU HAS THE STADIUM SHAKING 🫨

MICHIGAN LEADS BY 11 😳#MarchMadnesspic.twitter.com/D0KwzaJgn3

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026

It wasn’t a knockout punch. But it was a body blow that wobbled the Huskies.

Yaxel Lendeborg block/Morez Johnson putback

UConn didn’t shrink after Cadeau’s big 3 and had a chance to cut the Michigan lead to 5 in transition. Jaylin Stewart went up for a fast-break layup that would have reduced UConn’s deficit to 48-43.

But Lendeborg chased him down for a block off the glass. UConn got the rebound, but didn’t score on the possession.

So.

Many.

Blocks.@umichbballpic.twitter.com/zB7IqKCb0A

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) April 7, 2026

On the other end, Morez Johnson Jr. put back a missed Trey McKenney layup off the rim.

Johnson flying in for the second chance points ✈️ #MarchMadness

The second half is LIVE: https://t.co/73IDsYprmkpic.twitter.com/NClKIa0z5x

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026

And instead of having its lead cut to five, Michigan extended its advantage back to nine points to thwart the UConn run.

Trey McKenney’s stop and 3

UConn still wasn’t done as the game clock approached two minutes. Alex Karaban hit a 3 with 2:29 remaining to cut Michigan’s lead to two possessions at 62-56.

Karaban from deep 🎯#MarchMadness@UConnMBBpic.twitter.com/vStlRVhIlI

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 7, 2026

UConn then forced a turnover over halfcourt and had a look at a transition layup that would have cut the Michigan lead to 4.

But Ball couldn’t finish a contested layup attempt from the baseline over McKenney, and Michigan secured the rebound to set up its offense on the other end.

There the ball found its way to McKenney, who pulled for a 3 from the wing off a pass from Roddy Gayle Jr.

"A BIG ONE FOR MCKENNEY!" - Ian Eagle@umichbball responds!

📺 TBS, truTV, and March Madness Live pic.twitter.com/OH1UEYwU4r

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 7, 2026

It added up to a five-point swing in which Michigan extended its lead to 65-56 with 1:49 remaining.

UConn continued to apply pressure and forced Michigan to hit free throws down the stretch. But that sequence ultimately provided the knockout blow to secure Michigan’s national championship.

Mizzou Basketball 2026 Transfer Tracker

Welcome to the 2026 Transfer Portal season.

The portal is officially open and the information is about to start flowing.

We’ve got an amended roster count, and it’s a lot lighter than it was just a few days ago. That isn’t a surprise, the portal is easy to get into. For players, coaches, and fans. Here’s where the roster stands (I’ll do my best to keep this part updated:

Copying this from last year’s post: Let me clarify something if there is information behind a paywall ANYWHERE (On3, Rivals, 247sports, RockM+, etc) we are not posting it here. If something is shared publicly (via Twitter, BlueSky, Instagram) we will add it to this post. There are sites where you can pay for and sub and get more information, if you want more you can subscribe to them. I encourage anyone reading this post to understand the stance I’m taking here because following recruiting is hard work and the reason those things are paywalled is because of the amount of work that goes into following it and reporting on it. I believe if you are that passionate about following it you should support that work. That includes all the linked sites above, even the ones I’m not a part of.


The transfer portal is all the rage these days. It’s the hottest place to be in all of college basketball. ~ Stefan-voice from SNL

We expect Missouri to be far more active in the Transfer Portal this year versus last. A year ago they were looking to supplement their younger talent and build around Mark Mitchell. This season, it’s all about Jason Crowe, Jr. So the roster spots available may be limited. We have a transfer portal primer, and a roster math post, both to break down where things stand.

We will also have far more information available at Rockm.Plus. To be frank, if you’re a portal junkie like we are, it makes a lot of sense to the day-to-day or hour-by-hour tracking to join us over there. This post will be updated frequently, but we’ll have more intel available on the Forums.

It’s important to keep in mind ‘Contact’ below doesn’t necessarily mean anything serious as those can come from agents trying to pump their client up.

POINT GUARDS

  • N/A

COMBO GUARDS

  • N/A

WINGS

  • N/A

COMBO FORWARDS

  • N/A

POSTS

  • N/A

This list attempted to note any reported interaction MU had with a transfer target. However, the nature of the portal means there are likely contacts that never become known publicly. We will attempt to keep our accounting updated more information became available.

MIZZOU Players Entering the Portal

Stroke survivor, 12, to be Luton mascot in final

A 12-year-old stroke survivor said he was really excited to be his team's mascot for the English Football League Trophy final at Wembley Stadium.

Kayden Douglas-Imasuen, a Luton Town fan from Wootton in Bedfordshire, suffered a stroke during his third operation to remove a brain tumour, which left him with some paralysis and sight impairment.

Doctors recently said he needed no more treatment after undergoing chemotherapy at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

Kayden said he would give the Hatters "some good advice" when they met Stockport County on Sunday, 12 April, after they came from behind to beat Northampton Town 2-1 in the semi-final.

He was having physiotherapy and music therapy at Keech Hospice when he got the opportunity to meet some of the Luton Town players.

The club stayed in touch, which eventually led to him being asked to be the team's mascot.

It posted video on social media of Kayden visiting the dressing room.

Kayden sits on the sofa with his mum and dad. Kayden is wearing a Luton Town scarf around his neck.
Kayden with his dad and mum, Jayden and Lizzy, who are also Luton Town supporters [BBC]

Kayden said he was prepared for the noise of Wembley, and had got some ear defenders to drown out some of the chanting from fans.

Kayden's mum Lizzy, a student nurse, said his brain tumour was spotted after he went to an opticians in August 2024.

This came after repeated visits to the GP, which she said did not spot the issue.

"The optician did some tests. His eyesight looked like he was having a lazy eye," she said.

He was given an emergency referral to Bedford Hospital after raised pressure was discovered in his head.

"He stayed there overnight and an MRI scan showed a brain tumour," Lizzy added.

She said if it was not for the appointment with the optician, Kayden "might not be here" and that is something she "keeps reliving".

About 420 children are diagnosed with tumours each year, according to Cancer Research UK

The charity added tumours affecting the brain and central nervous system are the second most common type of children's cancer in the UK.

Brain tumour symptoms

Cancer Research UK said the symptoms can be very similar to those of childhood illnesses. They include:

  • Feeling or being sick
  • Headaches
  • Seizure (fit)
  • Problems with eyes or vision
  • Babies head circumference getting bigger
  • Strength, balance and coordination problems
  • Behaviour changes

Cancer Research UK said it was important for children to see their GP if they had worrying symptoms.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story

Related internet links

Denzel Aberdeen, seemingly out of eligibility, enters NCAA Transfer Portal

Denzel Aberdeen isn’t quite ready to call it a college career. According to Pete Nakos, the Kentucky Basketball guard is entering the transfer portal in hopes of securing a fifth playing season, though he will obviously need a Hail-Mary waiver to accomplish this.

Aberdeen, who spent three entire seasons at Florida, completed his fourth and seemingly final playing season at Kentucky this past season, averaging 13.5 points (43.3% shooting and a career-best 36.3% from deep), 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.3 turnovers per game. He’s now appeared in 119 career games since first entering the college ranks in the 2022-23 season.

Maybe the waiver will be ‘I had to endure Mark Pope for an entire year.’

Anyhoo, Kentucky isn’t going to count on Aberdeen being eligible next season, but if by some miracle he secures a waiver in the next month or so, perhaps Pope and Co. would consider a reunion, especially if they sign an injury-prone point guard like Dedan Thomas Jr.

What a way to kick off the transfer portal season!

Denzel Aberdeen will need to file an NCAA waiver to play the 2026-27 season. https://t.co/pS6zHzJyqL

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) April 7, 2026

You want more A Sea Of Blue coverage? Then be sure to follow our Twitter page, like us on Facebook, and add us to your “Preferred Sources” on Google to get all the Kentucky Wildcats news and views. And as always, Go CATS!

How Jake Burger's versatility proved vital to game-ending double play in Rangers' win vs. Mariners

Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger gives a thumbs up to the dugout after a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game at Globe Life Field on Monday, April 6, 2026, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)

ARLINGTON — It's fair to assume that most major leaguers have played a variety of positions on the field throughout their lives. That came into play for Jake Burger in the Texas Rangers' 2-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Monday night at Globe Life Field.

On a night he gave Texas the lead in the sixth inning with an RBI double, Burger delivered what was arguably an even more important play for the Rangers in the ninth inning. With the Rangers holding on to a one-run lead and one out in the inning, Jakob Junis hit the speedy Julio Rodríguez with a pitch, putting the tying run on first base with cleanup hitter Josh Naylor up next.

Naylor ripped a 100.4 mph ground ball down the first base line at Burger, who quickly fired it to Corey Seager before receiving the return throw from Texas' shortstop to complete the game-ending 3-6-3 double play.

Big-time defense. Big-time win. 🔥

Rangers open the series with a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners! #AllForTX

(via @RangersSNtv) pic.twitter.com/Wtyjh4WsSL

— SportsDay Rangers (@dmn_rangers) April 7, 2026

Burger, who has played over 1,700 innings at third base in the major leagues, put his third base-caliber arm to good use in a massively important spot.

"Jake has a really good arm, he's been playing a really good first base," manager Skip Schumaker said after the game. "That's not easy at all, especially with a guy who hit it really hard to him, in Naylor. It's a hard play to turn, Burger executed it perfectly."

When explaining the degree of difficulty of that play, Schumaker mentioned the runner can create his own lane and run on the inside track to get in front of the middle infielder. It requires an instantaneous decision from the first baseman to figure out whether they should throw the ball over the runner or around them.

"You kind of have a split-second decision to decide which lane he's in. Sometimes you don't get that split-second, but fortunately that was hit hard enough where I hit [Corey] Seager in the chest and we turned that pretty quick."

Now that he's a full-time first baseman for the Rangers, Burger doesn't get to use, in Schumaker's words, his "cannon" of an arm very much anymore.

"It's really fun when you get to use your arm at first base. I obviously have a lot of innings over at third base. [Rangers third base coach Corey Ragsdale] always tells me not to rely on it though, to use my feet. Obviously that's always a reminder in the head, but it's fun to show it off, whether it's a play at home plate or a double play like that."

Texas Rangers pitcher Jakob Junis celebrates with first baseman Jake Burger after the final out of a 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game at Globe Life Field on Monday, April 6, 2026, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)

Find more Rangers coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

Click or tap here to sign up for our Rangers newsletter.

UConn slows down Michigan, but physical play can't make up for poor shooting in title game loss

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — UConn executed coach Dan Hurley's game plan in Monday night's national championship slugfest against Michigan.

The Huskies were physical, controlled the pace and held the Wolverines' potent offense in check. But this time, the big shots that propelled them to the cusp of a third national championship in four seasons simply didn't fall.

Not for fabulous freshman Braylon Mullins, not for record-breaking forward Alex Karaban, not even for Malachi Smith, who missed a layup with 7 seconds left that might have kept hope alive in Storrs, Connecticut. Instead, UConn came up short in a 69-63 loss, its first in seven title game appearances, thwarting its chance to become the first team since the UCLA dynasty of the 1960s and 1970s to win three crowns in such quick succession.

“This is where you wanted to be. It hasn’t set in yet,” Hurley said. “On the flight (Monday) it’ll set in, on the bus ride back. Eventually it’ll hit you that you were close to pulling off what would have been a historic third championship. But this team just gave us so much this year — just didn’t make enough shots.”

Karaban also had a shot to become the first player to win three titles since UCLA captured eight during a nine-season span from 1967-75. He played all 40 minutes in his finale and leaves UConn as the school's leader in games played (151), wins (126) and 3-pointers (292).

UConn picked the wrong night to shoot a season-low 30.9% from the field and a dismal 27.3% from 3-point range. The Huskies were even worse in the second half: 28.9% from the field and 4 of 18 from beyond the arc.

Maybe UConn didn't have enough fight left after it survived the tourney's top seed, Duke, with a 19-point comeback in the regional semifinals and after winning a 71-62 bruiser against Illinois on Saturday night.

This loss was UConn's first after the second round of an NCAA Tournament since 2011, ending a 19-game winning streak in the toughest parts of the bracket.

Michigan, which won its second national title and first since 1989, also brought plenty of physicality to the matchup. The Wolverines held each of their last four opponents to season-low shooting percentages.

They relied on the Big Ten's brand of bully ball to get UConn into foul trouble, win the wrestling matches for loose balls and eventually wear down the perimeter shooters who had saved UConn in its incredible 19-point comeback against Duke.

This time, it was the Huskies' shooters who came up empty.

Mullins scored 11 points on 4-of-17 shooting, including 3 of 10 on 3s. After opening the game by making his first two shots, Karaban made three of his next 12 and converted only one of his last eight 3-point attempts to finish with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Nobody else was much better. Big man Tarris Reed Jr. finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds but was 4 of 12 from the field. And while Mullins and Karaban combined for six 3s, the rest of the team was 3 of 13 beyond the arc.

“We came up short, missed some shots we normally make, but we gave it our all,” Karaban said.

The shooting woes were compounded by UConn's foul trouble.

Reed, Solo Ball and Silas Demary Jr. all finished the first half on the bench with two fouls. Ball picked up his third just 29 seconds into the second half and his fourth with 16:20 remaining.

He finished with 11 points but had no assists while playing on a sprained left foot.

“It’s definitely frustrating not being on the court for that long, and it hurts my team at the moment,” Ball sad. “But this has been the most fun year of my life with this group of guys, and I just cherish this team.”

Even though UConn held Michigan to its worst shooting of the tournament — 38.2% — the Huskies came up just short too many times.

“I’m not real emotional. Players are crying a lot more than I am,” Hurley said. “It’s hard to be upset with your team. We lost the game because we missed. We missed — we didn’t make enough shots.”

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

UConn Men’s Basketball Comes Up Short vs. Michigan in Title Game, 63-69

Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) shoots the ball against Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) in the second half during the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The quest for the UConn men’s basketball team’s seven national championship fell short on Monday night, with the Huskies losing to Michigan 63-69. Alex Karaban in his final game of a storied, historic career, led UConn with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Tarris Reed Jr added 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins chipped in 11 points apiece.

The Huskies went punch-for-punch with the Wolverines in the first half, but four-straight turnovers early in the second half put UConn too far behind. There would be no frantic comeback, with Michigan making 25 of its 28 free throws and scoring 36 points in the paint.

UConn cut it to five and had a three to get to within two with 17 seconds, but Karaban’s attempt fell short. The Huskies ended the game making one of their last seven shots.

Tough scenes all around. The gameplan mostly worked; Michigan shot 2-15 from three and UConn won the rebounding margin 46-39. They slowed down the Wolverines in transition and got a 4/13 night from Michigan star Yaxel Lendeborg.

But Michigan just kept throwing its weight around inside, and their switchability on defense disrupted UConn’s usually flowy offense. It was a heck of a fight, with Hurley’s team as advertised; never quitting and needing multiple death knells to kill them.

First Half

In front of a predominately maize and blue crowd of 70,000+, both teams went at each other inside early with post-ups galore. Reed carved out deep positioning but couldn’t get the jump hooks to drop, while the Huskies struggled with the 6-foot-10 Morez Johnson Jr. inside.

A Ball triple — the game’s first three at 13:41 — got the Husky crowd going, but two fouls on Demary Jr. shuffled the rotations. Despite Ball soon joining him on the bench with two fouls, UConn was getting the stops and hitting enough threes to hang around.

Even with Reed, Demary Jr. and Ball sitting, UConn was able to take its first lead after a Karaban triple with around 10 to play. Malachi Smith was a massive injection of energy and production, getting paint touches and crashing the glass like he was 6-foot-6 and not 5-foot-11 in shoes. The Wolverines missed their first seven threes but got whatever they wanted inside, with 14 of their first 17 points in the paint.

It was a gross Big East-style game, with UConn limiting Michigan in transition and winning the rebounding margin. About as ideal as one would realistically expect against a team with this firepower. Foul trouble was an issue, with Michigan entering the bonus at 6:31, but the Wolverines remained ice cold from three.

Reed picked up his second (and UConn’s 10th) with 3:50 to play, so it was gut check time to close out the half with some momentum.

So of course Alex Karaban — who had never been called for a hook-and-hold in his career — was whistled for one by James Breeding, resulting in two free throws and a possession, which helped spur a 6-0 Michigan run.

Out of a timeout, another Ball trey from the top of the key quieted the crowd. A vicious Roddy Gayle Jr. putback put Michigan up five going into the break.

All things considered, it was not a bad half by any means for UConn. They were only -1 with the rebounding margin and played with physicality; sometimes fouls are a downside to the latter. Five threes was another part of the formula, with Michigan going 0-for-8 offsetting the glaring free throw discrepancy. And the staff had to like zero fast break points. It was all there for the taking in the final 20 of the season.

Second Half

But the Huskies didn’t really come out gangbusters, fouling right out of the break in transition. Demary Jr then picked up a third foul quickly, putting Smith back in. The Huskies turned it over four times in four possessions and went on a four-minute scoring drought, which got the Wolverines out on the run and to the free throw line. Down seven, Dusty May sprinkled in some press to speed UConn up, which only exacerbated the sloppiness of UConn’s off-ball movement.

Ball was whistled for his fourth foul on a Lendeborg and-one that put Michigan up eight with 15:16 left, and you could feel UConn losing their grip on the tempo. Ball pressure was really starting to bother the Huskies.

An Elliot Cadeau three — Michigan’s first of the game — put the Wolverines up 11, and it was officially gut check time. Reed was getting the positioning he wanted, but Aday Mara’s combination of length and strength was bothering the Bear. Without that safety valve, Michigan was able to get up and into UConn’s off-ball movement and really muck it up.

The second Mara hit the bench, UConn was able to get some points inside. But even with Mara seated, UConn couldn’t find any layups drives, finesse attempts getting swatted into the second row. Still, the Huskies were able to scrape together stops and broken plays to keep it a two-possession game by the under eight time out.

With a chance to cut it to three, a Karaban turnover led to a Mara slam, halting UConn’s mini-run. It was the Huskies’ turn to go cold, with UConn missing their first nine threes of the half. Two brutal missed free throws by Karaban put UConn down 11, but back-to-back threes from Mullins three kept the dream alive.

The problem with any sort of Duke-esque comeback was free throws; Michigan was in the bonus and feasted on second-chance points to the point it looked like they were just trying to get it on the rim for follow-ups.

The Huskies forced a tough stop, but Mullins was whistled for a moving screen. A Karaban triple kept the deficit at six with 2:11 to play. Reed tried to force a steal, but Ball couldn’t coral the layup, and a Trey McKenney three looked like the nail in the coffin. A back-breaking five-point swing.

The Wolverines remained onions from the charity stripe, but a turnover and banked Ball jumper put UConn down only four with 37.2 left. Gayle missed both free throws, but a Karaban three fell short.

McKenney made his free throws and that would do it.

The Huskies left it all out there. They could have gotten frustrated with the (sometimes) questionable calls, but instead channeled it into a furious comeback.

It stings, but it’s still a historic season for Hurley and the Huskies.

Dusty May: Title for 'all the former Michigan players' who waited 37 years

Michigan basketball coach Dusty May brought the Wolverines their second national championship despite being in just his second season as coach, and taking over a program-worst 8-24 team in 2024.

No matter. May built a completely new team and made the Sweet 16 in 2024-25, then rebuilt it again for the March Madness crown, defeating the UConn Huskies, 69-63, in the NCAA Tournament national championship game Monday, April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

How did May react to the epic 37-3 season and the program's first title since 1989?

"I want to shout-out all the former Michigan players, this was for them," he said to conclude his on-court TV interview immediately after the victory.

Michigan head coach Dusty May swings the net after winning the NCAA national championship against Connecticut at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Here's what else May, an Indiana native, said on the court at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Dusty May. YOU are a National Champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/jQVtRXgogU

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) April 7, 2026

YOUR 2026 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS.

THE MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 〽️ pic.twitter.com/m77Vua5PW1

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) April 7, 2026

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Dusty May: Championship for all the former Michigan players who waited

Pi Network News: First KYC Reward Distribution Pays 0.0504 Pi Per Validation at 21x Mining Rate

Pi Network News

The post Pi Network News: First KYC Reward Distribution Pays 0.0504 Pi Per Validation at 21x Mining Rate appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Pi Network has completed its first round of KYC validator reward distributions, marking a significant milestone for the project’s decentralised human workforce model.

The rewards cover more than 526 million validation tasks completed by over 1 million human validators, work that contributed directly to verifying the identities of 18 million people across Pi’s global network. All validators with active Mainnet wallets have now received their payments on the blockchain.

How the Rewards Were Calculated

The reward pool was built from a simple mechanism. Every Pioneer who migrated to Mainnet contributed 1 Pi into the pool. With 16.5 million successful migrations, the base pool stood at 16.5 million Pi. The Pi Foundation added a further 10 million Pi to supplement the first round, recognising that early validators were still learning the process during the initial bootstrapping phase.

The final calculation divided the total pool of 26.5 million Pi across 526,970,631 successful validations, arriving at a price per validation of approximately 0.0504 Pi, equal to roughly 21 times the current base mining rate.

To qualify for this round, validators needed to have completed at least 50 validations reaching majority agreement by March 5, 2026.

What It Means for Pi’s Broader Vision

Beyond the numbers, Pi Network is positioning this milestone as proof of something larger. The project argues that it has solved a problem that most AI-focused platforms have struggled with: actually getting humans to show up and contribute at scale.

Over half a billion tasks completed by more than a million people, with payments processed directly through the Pi blockchain, is a data point the network will likely lean on heavily as it builds toward human-in-the-loop AI applications and broader decentralised work opportunities.

Future reward rounds are expected to see higher per-validation rates as AI handles more routine checks and fewer human validations are needed per application, meaning the pool gets divided among a smaller number of tasks.

How to Participate Going Forward

Validators who missed the first round can still position themselves for future distributions. Pi Network is encouraging all eligible Pioneers to complete the Mainnet Checklist, set up a Mainnet wallet and begin contributing validation work now ahead of the second distribution round.

The reward rate per validation is expected to vary across future rounds based on pool size, total validations completed and evolving accuracy criteria.

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Samsung releases April 2026 update for Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, TriFold, Fold 6/SE and Flip 6

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 08:00

Samsung’s April 2026 security update is rolling out now to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, TriFold, Fold 6, Fold SE and Flip 6. The initial rollout has started in South Korea, with Global expansion taking place in a couple of days.

Recently, Samsung revealed the details of its April 2026 patch. The company provides up to forty-seven fixes to Galaxy devices. The update has already landed on the Galaxy S26 series (widely) and the Galaxy S25 series (Korea).

Foldables are the latest to join the expansive list of devices. Samsung’s latest April 2026 update expansion covers the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7 and Z Flip 7 FE, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Fold SE and Flip 6, as well as the Z TriFold.

Software build versions

  • AZCS – Galaxy Z TriFold
  • AZCS – Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and Flip 7 FE
  • CZCS – Galaxy Z Fold 6, Fold SE, and Flip 6

If you own one of the eligible models, check now for the latest updates.

You may receive a system notification for the same. However, the process can also be fast-paced by triggering it through Settings > Software update > Download and install.


One UI 8.5 Beta Program is also underway for several devices. That said, if you’re running a Beta firmware, the April patch will arrive with the next Beta. It’s currently available for those sticking to the Stable One UI 8.0 version.

Samsung plans to open the Stable One UI 8.5 rollout in May 2026. Galaxy S25 series may surprise by receiving the update a little earlier. However, users may have to go through two more Beta releases, as per the rumors suggest.

The post Samsung releases April 2026 update for Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, TriFold, Fold 6/SE and Flip 6 appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Samsung updates One UI software rollout roadmap – April 2026

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 07:41

On March 6, Samsung shared its April 2026 software rollout roadmap. It’s important information for every Galaxy device user. The company has made some notable changes in this month’s roadmap, compared to March 2026.

Current Models for Monthly Security Updates

Samsung offers new security updates to premium Galaxy phones and foldables on a monthly basis. This is the company’s most superior software update offering, which also includes Enterprise Edition models and select non-premium devices.

Galaxy Foldable Series

  • Galaxy Z TriFold
  • Galaxy Z Fold4, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
  • Galaxy Z Flip4, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
  • W23, W23 Flip, W24, W24 Flip, W25, W25 Flip, W26

Galaxy S Series

  • Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, Galaxy S26 Ultra
  • Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25 Edge, Galaxy S25 FE
  • Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24 FE
  • Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 FE

Enterprise Models

  • Galaxy A54 5G, Galaxy A55 5G, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A57 5G
  • Galaxy Tab Active5 Pro
  • Galaxy XCover6 Pro, Galaxy XCover7, Galaxy XCover7 Pro

Galaxy A57 5G – added to Monthly > Enterprise Models (brand new entry)

Galaxy A56 5G – shifted from Galaxy A series to Enterprise Models


Current Models for Quarterly Security Updates

Samsung’s Galaxy A, Galaxy M, Galaxy F and Galaxy Tab devices support quarterly software updates. Devices enter this category after their launch, and that’s not the only case with this second-class update category.

Premium Galaxies that receive monthly updates get shifted to the quarterly plan after hitting their first-class support. Samsung usually transfers devices from monthly to quarterly around a year before complete stoppage of updates.

Galaxy Foldable Series

  • Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
  • Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Galaxy S Series

  • Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra
  • Galaxy S21 FE 5G

Galaxy A Series

  • Galaxy A04, Galaxy A04s, Galaxy A04e, Galaxy A05, Galaxy A05s, Galaxy A06, Galaxy A06 5G, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A07 5G
  • Galaxy A13, Galaxy A14, Galaxy A14 5G, Galaxy A15, Galaxy A15 5G, Galaxy A16, Galaxy A16 5G, Galaxy A17, Galaxy A17 5G
  • Galaxy A23, Galaxy A23 5G, Galaxy A24, Galaxy A25 5G, Galaxy A26 5G
  • Galaxy A33 5G, Galaxy A34 5G, Galaxy A35 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A37 5G
  • Galaxy A73 5G

Galaxy A37 5G – added to Quarterly > Galaxy A Series

Galaxy C Series

  • Galaxy C55 5G

Galaxy M Series

  • Galaxy M04, Galaxy M05, Galaxy M06 5G, Galaxy M07
  • Galaxy M13, Galaxy M13 5G, Galaxy M14, Galaxy M14 5G, Galaxy M15 5G, Galaxy M16 5G, Galaxy M17 5G, Galaxy M17e 5G
  • Galaxy M33 5G, Galaxy M34 5G, Galaxy M35 5G, Galaxy M36 5G
  • Galaxy M44 5G
  • Galaxy M53 5G, Galaxy M54 5G, Galaxy M55 5G, Galaxy M55s 5G, Galaxy M56 5G

Galaxy M23 5G – present in March, absent in April

Galaxy F Series

  • Galaxy F04, Galaxy F05, Galaxy F06 5G, Galaxy F07, Galaxy F70e 5G
  • Galaxy F13, Galaxy F14, Galaxy F14 5G, Galaxy F15 5G, Galaxy F16 5G, Galaxy F17 5G
  • Galaxy F34 5G, Galaxy F36 5G
  • Galaxy F54 5G, Galaxy F55 5G, Galaxy F56 5G

Galaxy Tab S Series

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Galaxy Tab A Series

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Enterprise Models

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  • Galaxy XCover5

Galaxy A53 5G – moved from Monthly > Enterprise Models to Quarterly > Enterprise Models

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The post Samsung updates One UI software rollout roadmap – April 2026 appeared first on Sammy Fans.

Don’t ignore April 2026 patch, Samsung reveals crucial details

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 07:03

Samsung today shared the details of its April 2026 security patch. The full update includes 47 improvements for Galaxy devices. If you own a Snapdragon or MediaTek chip device, expect 4 fewer security improvements.

If you’re on a recent Galaxy flagship, this update closes off some genuinely uncomfortable attack paths, especially the kind that rely on brief physical access. Fourteen critical vulnerabilities from Google sit at the core of this SMR.

Several of them target core Android layers where privilege escalation and remote code execution can quietly expand the vulnerability surface.

April 2026 patch from Samsung includes fixes from the Android Security Bulletin alongside its own SVE stack and Samsung Semiconductor patches. Google handles the platform-level cracks, Samsung tightens the device-specific seams.

Android Security Bulletin

Google Patches for the following CVEs from Android Security Bulletin are applied in this Security Maintenance Release – April 2026 Package.

Critical – 14

CVE-2023-20713, CVE-2025-47392, CVE-2025-64505, CVE-2025-64720, CVE-2025-65018, CVE-2026-0039, CVE-2026-0040, CVE-2026-0041, CVE-2026-0042, CVE-2026-0043, CVE-2026-0044, CVE-2026-0049, CVE-2026-0052, CVE-2026-0080

High – 18

CVE-2025-22424, CVE-2025-22426, CVE-2025-48600, CVE-2025-48651(A-467762899), CVE-2026-0016, CVE-2026-0018, CVE-2026-0036, CVE-2026-0045, CVE-2026-0046, CVE-2026-0048, CVE-2026-0050, CVE-2026-0055, CVE-2026-0056, CVE-2026-0058, CVE-2026-0059, CVE-2026-0067, CVE-2026-0079, CVE-2026-21381

Moderate – 1

CVE-2026-20435


Samsung Semiconductor patch

Samsung also patched four high-severity vulnerabilities tied to its semiconductor stack. Anything touching firmware or low-level hardware abstraction layers can undermine the entire security baseline if left exposed.

Samsung Semiconductor patch is also included in this Security Maintenance Release for the following CVEs:

High – 4

CVE-2025-52908, CVE-2025-52909, CVE-2025-54601, CVE-2025-54602


Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures

Samsung’s own Vulnerabilities and Exposures reveal a pattern. Several flaws revolve around physical access abuse and privilege misuse.

The company has confirmed that most of these SVEs affect devices running Android 14, 15, and even early Android 16 builds.

Samsung Mobile provides 10 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) items described below:

High

SVE-2025-2188(CVE-2026-21007)
Affected versions: Android 14, 15, 16

SVE-2025-2589(CVE-2026-21010)
Affected versions: Android 14, 15, 16

SVE-2026-0775(CVE-2026-21003)
Affected versions: Selected Android 14, 15, 16 devices

Moderate

SVE-2025-1863(CVE-2026-21006)
Affected versions: Android 15

SVE-2025-2300(CVE-2026-21008)
Affected versions: Android 14, 15, 16

SVE-2025-2443(CVE-2026-21009)
Affected versions: Android 14, 15, 16

SVE-2026-0025(CVE-2026-21012)
Affected versions: Android 14, 15, 16

SVE-2026-0102(CVE-2026-21011)
Affected versions: Android 14, 15, 16

Samsung has started pushing its April 2026 Security Maintenance Release.

The post Don’t ignore April 2026 patch, Samsung reveals crucial details appeared first on Sammy Fans.

vivo X300 Ultra in for review

7 April 2026 at 07:11

We have some great news. The much-anticipated vivo X300 Ultra has just arrived for review. We're fans of vivo's Ultra, because it always pushes the envelope when it comes to imaging innovation. As usual, we're doing the unboxing first. Like its predecessors, this year's vivo Ultra comes with a color-matching case, a charger, and a USB cable. What's new with the X300 Ultra is the charger. It's now a 100W USB-C unit, up from the 90W USB-A unit of the X200 Ultra. Unboxing the vivo X300 Ultra We also received vivo's new Photography Kit, which has grown substantially in terms of...

Bayern Munich legend Matthaus slams Vinicius Junior for ‘complains and whines’ behavior ahead of Real Madrid UCL clash

7 April 2026 at 08:04
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid, Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus slammed Vinicius Junior and his constant "complains and whines."

Real Madrid will host Bayern Munich in one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, with Vinicius Junior among the players drawing the most attention ahead of the tie. However, German legend Lothar Matthaus has taken aim at the Brazilian star in the buildup, calling out what he described as a persistent habit of “complains and whines.”

With the Champions League quarterfinals getting underway this week, Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich shapes up as a clash that could easily have been a final, pitting a Spanish side that relies heavily on individual brilliance from the likes of Vinicius and Federico Valverde against a Bavarian outfit built on relentless high-intensity soccer. While the Brazilian has the quality to tip the balance in Real Madrid’s favor, Matthaus chose to shine a light on the more controversial side of the winger’s game.

Speaking on Sky Sports Germany, the legend turned pundit did not hold back in his assessment of Vinicius: “He is, of course, a great player, but he provokes incessantly. When someone puts in a proper tackle on him, all he does is complain and whine.

The 65-year-old also revisited the fallout from the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Rodri was named the winner over Vinicius and the entire Real Madrid squad chose to boycott the gala in Paris. “Rodri was chosen and they said: ‘It’s unfair. One of ours should have won. We are boycotting it,’ and you just don’t do that. Out of respect for the opponent, the other teams, and the other players,” he added.

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid.

Matthaus wrapped up his comments by suggesting that this pattern of behavior has taken a toll on the club’s standing in the game: “That is how a club that has achieved great things, which has a truly glorious history, loses prestige. I also don’t think Real Madrid‘s behavior in recent years has been correct.”

The timing of Matthaus’s remarks adds an extra layer of tension to an already charged occasion, coming on the heels of the alleged racial abuse Vinicius suffered during the game against Benfica, as well as the Brazilian’s taunting gesture toward Manchester City fans after Rodri’s flag was displayed in the stands last season. With such a prominent German voice weighing in, all eyes will be on Vinicius to let his performance do the talking when the two sides meet.

Vinicius’ strong record against Bayern

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich rank among the most storied clubs in European soccer, with Los Blancos holding a historical edge in their head-to-head record of 13 wins to Bayern’s 11, with four draws across 28 meetings. When Vinicius has been on the pitch, that advantage has been particularly pronounced on the continental stage.

The only Champions League series between the two clubs in which Vinicius featured came in the 2023-24 semifinal. The first leg in Munich ended 2-2, with Vinicius scoring both of Real Madrid’s goals, before Los Blancos edged the return leg 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to advance, a tie in which the Brazilian proved to be the decisive difference-maker against the German giants.

Vinicius Junior (L) of Real Madrid CF and Lothar Matthaus (R), now Sky Sports pundit.

Intel Desk – Spot conflict headlines and see their market impact faster


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TrackACert.io – Stay on top of IT certifications with expiry alerts and reports


TrackACert.io is a simple tool for IT managers who need to know what certifications their team holds, what's about to expire, and where the gaps are. We connect GIAC, CompTIA, ISC², AWS, Microsoft, and more in one place. Key features include IT certification tracking, certification expiry notices for your team, skill gap analysis to identify missing skills and certifications, and full reports to help justify financing for more certifications.

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Samsung’s $38 billion Q1 2026 is bigger than all of 2025, profits soaring 8x

By:Yash
7 April 2026 at 06:34

Samsung projected an operating profit of 57.2 trillion won ($37.92 billion) for Q1 2026. Revenue is expected to reach 133 trillion won for the quarter, a 68 percent jump year over year.

That’s more than the South Korean chipmaker earned across all of 2025, and it’s nearly triple the previous record quarterly profit of 20 trillion won, set just three months ago.

While analysts expected 40.6 trillion won, Samsung blew past that by a margin that should embarrass forecasters.

Samsung’s chip division did the heavy lifting, generating an estimated 54 trillion won in operating profit, which is 95 percent of the company’s total target; everything else is basically noise.

Data center buildouts have been draining the world’s memory supply for months now, pulling chips away from phones and PCs and game consoles, and tightening supply enough that contract DRAM prices shot up roughly 50% in Q1 alone.

The company’s Mobile Business posted a 4 trillion won profit despite pressure on component costs. Meanwhile, rising memory and materials costs, compounded by Middle East supply chain friction, will squeeze margins in Q2.

“As customers anticipated further increases, actual contract prices came in higher, leading to the beat,” said Kim Sunwoo, senior analyst at Meritz Securities. Straightforward.

Samsung went from a 6.69 trillion won operating profit one year ago to 57.2 trillion won today. The AI gold rush isn’t coming, but it already ran through Samsung’s books.

Full quarterly results drop on April 30.

The post Samsung’s $38 billion Q1 2026 is bigger than all of 2025, profits soaring 8x appeared first on Sammy Fans.

UConn vs. Michigan Box Score: Full Halftime Stats From 2026 National Championship Game

Tarris Reed Jr.

UConn vs. Michigan Box Score: Full Halftime Stats From 2026 National Championship Game originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

UConn will look to establish a modern-day dynasty when it takes on Michigan at Lucas Oil Stadium, aiming for a third national title in just four seasons.

Under the leadership of Dan Hurley, the Huskies (34-5) have once again navigated their way to the biggest stage in college basketball. To cement their place in history, they must overcome a high-powered Michigan team (36-3) that has looked nearly invincible throughout the tournament.

MORE:Live Updates, Highlights From UConn vs. Michigan

The Wolverines enter the matchup as a slight favorite, a nod to their record-breaking run of 90-plus points in five consecutive double-digit tournament wins. However, UConn has shown that it is able to execute its plan against any team in the country.

Will the Huskies or Wolverines hoist the trophy on Monday night?

Here is the complete box score for the 2026 national championship game between UConn and Michigan.

UConn vs. Michigan box score: Wolverines 33, Huskies 29

UConn stats

StarterMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKFGM-FGA3PM-3PAFTM-FTAPF
Alex Karaban20841002-52-52-21
Tarris Reed Jr.14560002-70-11-22
Braylon Mullins17330011-71-40-01
Silas Demary Jr.7010000-10-00-02
Solo Ball10800003-42-20-02
BenchMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKFGM-FGA3PM-3PAFTM-FTAPF
Jayden Ross9110000-00-01-21
Jaylin Stewart4010000-20-10-01
Eric Reibe6000000-00-00-00
Malachi Smith14433002-40-20-01

Michigan stats

StarterMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKFGM-FGA3PM-3PAFTM-FTAPF
Yaxel Lendeborg20400001-50-22-22
Morez Johnson Jr.141040104-50-02-21
Aday Mara15621013-60-00-00
Elliot Cadeau12721102-40-23-42
Nimari Burnett9230000-20-12-20
BenchMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKFGM-FGA3PM-3PAFTM-FTAPF
Will Tschetter4010000-00-00-00
Roddy Gayle Jr.12420011-30-02-20
Trey McKenney13051000-50-30-00

Banchero scores 31, Bane adds 25 to help the Magic turn back the Pistons 123-107

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 31 points, Desmond Bane added 25 and the Orlando Magic beat the Detroit Pistons 123-107 on Monday night.

Jalen Suggs had 12 points, 12 assists, six rebounds and three steals for the Magic, who won for the fourth time in five games.

Jalen Duren and Daniss Jenkins scored 18 points apiece for Detroit. Kevin Huerter and Javonte Green added 17 each for the Pistons, who had 21 turnovers.

Having clinched the top playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on Saturday, the Pistons were without eight players, including Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert and All-Star Cade Cunningham, who missed his 11th straight game with a collapsed lung.

The Magic, playing for position in the packed middle of the Eastern Conference standings, kept alive their chances of finishing as high as sixth. With three games remaining in the regular season, Orlando could also finish as low as 10th.

Orlando played without forward Franz Wagner, whose high ankle sprain was subject to “injury management” after his three-game return from a long absence. Anthony Black, who had missed 15 games with an abdominal strain, returned and scored 14 points in 15 minutes for the Magic.

The first of two Bane 3-pointers in a span of 16 seconds put the Magic up 33-31 early in the second quarter, and they led the rest of the game.

Banchero scored twice during a 12-0 run that stretched Orlando's lead to 26 points late in the third quarter.

Green and Huerter led a late rally by the Pistons, and a 3-pointer by Jenkins cut the margin to three points with 4:07 left before the Magic pulled away.

Up next

Pistons: Host Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Magic: Host Minnesota on Wednesday.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Victor Wembanyama leaves Spurs-76ers early with left rib contusion

San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama exited Monday’s meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers early after suffering a left rib contusion in the first half.

The Spurs say Victor Wembanyama (left rib contusion) is out for the remainder of tonight’s Spurs-76ers game.

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 7, 2026

Wembanyama left the floor to go back to the Spurs locker room early in the second quarter, after a collision with 76ers forward Paul George left him slow to get up, and appearing to favor his left shoulder. He’d return to the bench shortly thereafter, though, and check back into the game with 5:33 to go in the opening half, dueling with star Philadelphia center Joel Embiid over the next few minutes.

Even as he continued to make an impact on both ends of the floor, though, Wembanyama continued to grimace, looking not quite like his MVP candidate self. He checked out of the game and went back to the locker room with 44 seconds remaining in the first half.

Victor Wembanyama, who was originally on the injured list for tonight, headed back to the locker room before any of the players took their half time break. He seemed to be ok, but the announcers were caught by surprise along with everyone else. pic.twitter.com/7LoCrXZMLo

— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) April 7, 2026

When the Spurs returned after intermission, he was not with them; reserve center Luke Kornet took his spot in the lineup to open the third quarter. Wembanyama finished with 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting, five rebounds, three blocks and an assist in just under 16 minutes of work.

This story will be updated.

Jordan Walker Homers, But Cardinals Bullpen Implodes, Nationals Win 9-6

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 03: Jordan Walker #18 of the St. Louis Cardinals looks on during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Friday, April 3, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Carl Jones II/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Andre Pallante started the game wild, but was able to bring the game under control giving the St. Louis Cardinals a chance to win. It looked like they would win with clutch home runs from Ramón Urías and Jordan Walker, but the Cardinals bullpen blew it in the late innings as the Nationals came from behind for a 9-6 victory.

The Washington Nationals took advantage of a wild start from Andre Pallante banking 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning as Wood scored on a Lile groundout and Garcia Jr. scored on a single by Nuñez. However, Pallante was able to work his way out of the inning and didn’t allow another run through the remainder of his 5 innings.

One of the best plays in the game came in the top of the 4th inning when Nolan Gorman hammered a pitch to deep right, but the ball was pulled back into the park thanks to an amazing catch by James Wood.

The Cardinals would get on the board in the 5th inning after Thomas Saggese doubled and later scored on a fielder’s choice groundout by Alec Burleson. But, it was in the top of the 6th inning when the Cardinals would take a temporary lead on a two-run center field blast from Ramón Urías.

The Cardinals bullpen could not hold the lead as Justin Bruihl came into the game relieving Pallante in the bottom of the 6th. He’d get the first two outs, but then walked two leading to a double by Young which tied the score. JoJo Romero was brought in to put out the fire. He promptly walked Wood, but was able to get Mead to flyout to right to Walker.

The Cardinals went down quietly 1-2-3 in the top of the 7th, but JoJo Romero got into trouble in the bottom of the 7th giving up a leadoff double to House. He advanced to 3rd on a single by Lile. Abrams hit a fly ball to left field that looked like it would be a sacrifice fly, but Lile was thrown out by Thomas Saggese at home which was confirmed after review.

Jordan Walker continued his much improved start to the 2026 season with an opposite field home run traveling 366 feet to lead off the 8th inning giving the Cardinals a 4-3 lead.

After a Masyn Winn walk, Ramón Urías struck again. The Cardinals got aggressive again with a hit-and-run which put another run on the board when Winn was able to score from first base on a double by Urías.

Ramón advanced to third on an infield hit beat out by Saggese. He would then score on a sacrifice bunt by Victor Scott II. giving the Cardinals a comfortable 6-3 lead. Stanek was brought into the game to get the last out in the bottom of the 7th. He gave up 2 hits in the bottom of the 8th inning which brought up Wood who tied the game with a laser shot over the 402 mark in center field tying the game 6-6. Matt Svanson was brought in to relieve Stanek and immediately gave up a double to Mead and then a 2-run bomb to Brady House giving Washington an 8-6 lead. Abrams followed that with his own line drive home run over the right field wall putting the Nationals up 9-6.

Jordan Walker would continue his hot hitting with an opposite field single to start the 9th, but the Cardinals were unable to rally resulting in the final score of 9-6.

Monday’s loss brings the Cardinals back to the .500 mark with a 5-5 record. They’ll try to get back to their winning ways Tuesday night as Matthew Liberatore will make his 3rd start of the season against Cade Cavalli who’s scheduled to start for the Nationals.

Jaylen Carey enters transfer portal

Mar 29, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Jaylen Carey (23) shoots in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines during an Elite Eight game of the Midwest Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

The portal train continues to flow out of Knoxville today — the latest entry coming from Jaylen Carey. The former Vanderbilt forward spent just one season with Tennessee and had an up and down season with the Volunteers.

Jaylen Carey is entering the transfer portal to leave Tennessee.

Carey is the fifth Vol to head for the portal and the fourth today. Tennessee's front court is turning over with Carey, J.P. Estrella and Cade Phillips heading elsewhere. https://t.co/OttODh1jqe

— Mike Wilson (@ByMikeWilson) April 7, 2026

The 6-8, 267 pound power forward will be searching for his fourth school in as many years. Carey played 18 minutes per game for Rick Barnes this season, scoring 7.4 points and grabbing six rebounds on average. He was the enforcer for the Volunteers, but struggled to find consistency throughout the season.

Carey’s struggles at the free throw stripe were well-documented. The junior forward ended the season with a 49 percent mark from the stripe.

So that’s four Tennessee big men leaving the program as of now. Felix Okpara has exhausted his eligibility, while J.P. Estrella, Cade Phillips and now Carey will all hit the transfer portal. Needless to say, Tennessee is going to need three or four bodies in the frontcourt to go along with DeWayne Brown, who remains on the roster.

The transfer portal officially opens on Tuesday.

Nets' Jordi Fernandez explains why Nolan Traore was key in Wizards win

NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets rookie guard Nolan Traore began the 2025-26 NBA season working with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn's G League affiliate, as he learned how to play point guard at the next level. Brooklyn has seen Traore grow immensely since he started seeing regular rotation towards the end of December and at this point, he's showing how much he has learned this year.

"I think he did a great job. Obviously, [Traore's] a big reason why we won this game, especially towards the end. Even though at times it gets a little rocky with the amount of games and trials and so forth," Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez said of Traore following Sunday's 121-115 win over the Washington Wizards. Traore is one of the rookies that is seeing more playing time towards the end of this season, but Fernandez is also applauding his improvements.

"Which is part of the NBA, and he's a rookie [so] he's always trying to do the right thing. I've always been pleased with his attitude, his work, and trying to do the right things," Fernandez continued. "Today, he was able to close the game. Obviously, you cannot control always if you're going to make shots, but he made the right play over and over. At the end of the day, [he's a] big reason why we got the win."

Traore, 19, finished Sunday's game with a team-high 23 points and seven assists to just three turnovers as he was able to get whatever he wanted against a Wizards team missing much of its normal rotation. For the season, Traore is averaging 8.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 37.8% from the field and 32.4% from behind the three-point line.

The Nets have four games left in their season, meaning that players like Traore don't have much time left to show what they can do heading into an important summer for the franchise. Assuming that Traore continues producing like he has been, especially against some of the less formidable teams in the league, Brooklyn will be confident in what he can do next season.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets' Jordi Fernandez explains why Nolan Traore was key in Wizards win

Dan Hurley's shocked face gave world new meme during UConn-Michigan

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley might be the most expressive coach in the sport.

During Monday night's national title game to cap 2026 March Madness between the Huskies and Michigan Wolverines in Indianapolis, Hurley lit up like a firework after one of his players got called for a foul.

Just watch the way Hurley reacts and how big his eyes get. He looks like the literally shocked Chevy Chase on the National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation poster. You just know the internet is going to make this a meme once it circulates a bit.

Watching Hurley go through all of the emotions while coaching is just as entertaining as the game itself.

pic.twitter.com/GFVfnzy4ZF

— @MindOfBron (@FunKneeBone) April 7, 2026

Have fun seeing this GIF all over your social media feed this week.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Dan Hurley's shocked face gave world new meme during UConn-Michigan

Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey (23) yells in celebration after scoring a basket during a NCAA basketball game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Kentucky Wildcats at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 17, 2026.

Tennessee forward Jaylen Carey plans to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, per On3’s Joe Tipton. Carey has one season of eligibility remaining.

Carey made 37 appearances and eight starts for Tennessee this past season. He averaged 7.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game. Carey shot 48.7% from the field and went 0-5 from beyond the arc.

Tennessee transferred to Tennessee last offseason after spending the 2024-25 season at Vanderbilt. He’d followed head coach Mark Byington to Vanderbilt from James Madison, where Carey spent his freshman season.

In his lone campaign with the Commodores, Carey averaged a career-high 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, while connecting on 48.8% of his field-goal attempts. In three collegiate seasons, Carey has amassed 106 appearances and nine starts.

Jaylen Carey played high school basketball at Westminster Academy (FL), where he was an unranked prospect, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. Alas, with his loads of collegiate experience and proven track record, Carey will be highly sought-after in the transfer portal.

Tennessee finished the 2025-26 season with a 25-12 overall record. The Volunteers advanced to the Elite Eight for the third-consecutive season, but the program is yet to reach a Final Four.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes confirmed he is returning for next season. After the Volunteers’ season-ending loss to Michigan, Barnes discussed how Tennessee can finally break through the Elite Eight barrier.

“There’s luck in everything you do,” Barnes said. “But, you look at their guys today, they had a lot of guys that played really good basketball, had good days. It’s hard to have a day where maybe one or two guys are off and get there. At this time of year, your players have to play and step up.

“There’s a lot of different ways to get there. But if you want to break through, you’ve got to get here first. You’ve got to put yourself in position to do that. We’ve been able to get here three years in a row, and it’ll be hard to get back to winning games just in the tournament. That first game of the tournament in the hardest one. But our goal would be to keep getting back and kicking and hopefully we can knock the door down.”

The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opens on April 7 and closes on April 21. The new 15-day window was enacted following a recommendation by the men’s basketball oversight committee. Athletes don’t have to commit to a new school by the April 21 deadline.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Top-seed Pistons have off night, lose to Magic, 123-107

Orlando — The Detroit Pistons entered the fourth quarter leading 98-76, appearing to be on the verge of one of their worst losses of the season. For three quarters, the Pistons struggled against the Orlando Magic and trailed by as many as 26 points.

Javonte Green started the fourth quarter with a 3-point shot, helping the Pistons begin a late-game rally. However, it wasn't enough, as the Pistons suffered a 123-107 loss to the Magic on Monday night at Kia Center.

Ausar → Duren = Dawg Pound Activities pic.twitter.com/AiOgshfnUD

— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) April 7, 2026

Green contributed 17 points coming off the bench, with 12 of those points scored in the fourth. He kicked off the period by scoring eight points in the first two minutes, helping Detroit start the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run.

BOX SCORE: Magic 123, Pistons 107

Jalen Duren led the way with 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Daniss Jenkins finished with 18 points and seven assists.

Apr 6, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Jenkins' three-point field goal at the 4:07 mark of the period reduced Detroit's once 26-point deficit to just four (109-105).

However, the Magic responded with a 12-0 run to maintain their lead over the Pistons. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 31 points on 10 of 16 shooting. Desmond Bane added 25 points.

This is a developing story. Come back to detroitnews.com for more on this game.

coty.davis@detroitnews.com

@cotydavis_24

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Despite fourth-quarter rally, Pistons fall to Magic

Basketball Roster Update: Juric Staying; Blackwood and Rice Going; A Pair of Euros Incoming

The last day has featured some significant news for Penn State’s basketball team as Mike Rhoades tries to assemble his roster for next season. Croatian 7-footer Ivan Jurić, who was hands-down PSU’s top post player, is reportedly staying with the Nittany Lions, and will be joined by a couple of incoming European recruits in fellow Croatian Roko Prkačin and François Wibaut from France.

Juric averaged over ten points and five rebounds in his freshman year, so getting him back was very welcome news. Prkačin and Wibaut both bring some height at 6’9” and 6’7” respectively, as well as the maturity factor (Prkačin is 23, Wibaut 21) but time will tell on how key of contributors they can be at a power conference American college basketball program.

Meanwhile, two more Nittany Lions are headed into the transfer portal: Eli Rice, who averaged nearly seven points and shot 38.5 percent from three-point range will seek his third different program after spending his first two years at Nebraska and the past two years at PSU, while freshman Mason Blackwood, who was a promising recruit out of high school but saw limited playing time this past season, will also seek a change in scenery for next season. They both join Melih Tunca and Freddie Dilione as guys headed out of Happy Valley.

We’re still waiting to hear either way on Kayden Mingo, Dominick Stewart, Saša Ciani, and Tibor Mirtič amongst others, but with the portal officially opening tomorrow (April 7th), you probably won’t have to wait too long to find out.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins draft wide receiver

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 22: Jordyn Tyson #0 of the Arizona State Sun Devils looks on as he lines up on offense against the Colorado Buffaloes in the first half of a game at Folsom Field on November 22, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Miami’s offense is in a terrible place right now. Despite signing Malik Willis to be their new starting quarterback, they traded away Jaylen Waddle and cut former All-Pro Tyreek Hill. They are clearly in a rebuild right now, and landing a piece like Tyson would instantly help jump-start a depleted offense. They need help in the secondary and the offensive line as well, but with most of the top players in those areas already gone, Tyson is the pick here. 

He’s not a blazer but has good enough speed to get down the field. Tyson also bench pressed 26 reps at the combine, good for #1 for all wide receivers and just one short of the all-time record.

Tyson is capable of playing X, Y, and Z all over the field, is a crisp, clean, route-runner, and excels at contested deep balls at 6’2”, 203 pounds.

Despite his past injury history (torn ACL, broken collarbone, hamstring issues), Tyson’s pure talent alone makes him a top-five prospect in this year’s draft with All-Pro potential, and the Dolphins would be ecstatic to land such a high-upside WR prospect to pair with Willis.

2026 BGN Mock Draft Order

1) Raiders (Mailata_in_a_Miata): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2) Jets (Dr.MidnightGreen): Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
3) Cardinals (grantspectations): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
4) Titans (DrBubbles): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
5) Giants (ablesser88): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
6) Browns (kjb304): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
7) Commanders (Jerry Robinson 56): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
8) Saints (VetStadiumSection358): David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
9) Chiefs (Hoosinole): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10) Bengals (chuckelberryfinn): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
11) Dolphins (phillyfan): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
12) Cowboys (ejdubya)
13) Rams (All_Hail_Howie)
14) Ravens (215T1LL1D1e)
15) Buccaneers (pascofljoe)
16) Jets (Euegene11)
17) Lions (BCHaas)
18) Vikings (The Player Formerly Known as Mousecop)
19) Panthers (LancGuy)
20) Cowboys (Cravin’ LeBlanc)
21) Steelers (iam4theBirdz)
22) Chargers (Aint1stULast)
23) Eagles (Philly21)
24) Browns (FierceDisc65)
25) Bears (jazztafari)
26) Bills (PhillyTexan)
27) 49ers (granthill7)
28) Texans (CrackTheEaglesNut)
29) Chiefs (z)
30) Dolphins (Booth12)
31) Patriots (Niels Rosenquist)
32) Seahawks (J. Wil)


2026 BGN Community Consensus Mock Draft

Now it’s YOUR TURN to vote for who you think should be selected with this pick.

1) Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza
2) Jets: EDGE Arvell Reese
3) Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa
4) Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love
5) Giants: LB Sonny Styles
6) Browns: WR Carnell Tate
7) Commanders: EDGE David Bailey
8) Saints: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
9) Chiefs: S Caleb Downs
10) Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane
11) Dolphins:

Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (3/7)

The Boston Celtics will play host to the Charlotte Hornets a TD Garden this Tuesday (April 7) night in what will be their third-to-last home contest of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. At the game, the Celtics are going to be looking to keep their current win streak rolling forward as the team starts to tighten up its rotations in anticipation of the league's 2026 postseason.

On the other side of the court, the Hornets are going to be trying to keep a win streak of their own alive vs. Boston, the last team that beat them. We expect a Celtics win for this one, but strange outcomes can happen at the end of a season in the Association.

Records, standing, and streaks

At present, the Celtics have a 53-25 record and a three-game win streak, which has them second in the Eastern Conference standings.

Mar 29, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics guard Hugo González (28) keeps the ball away from Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

The Hornets are the owners of 43-36 record and a four-game win streak, good enough for eighth in the East.

What happened in the last game for each team?

Boston beat the Toronto Raptors 115-101 at home.

Mar 29, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jordan Walsh (27) dives after a loose ball during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

Charlotte beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-108 on the road.

Injuries

For Boston, no players of note are listed

Mar 29, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics forward/guard Jayson Tatum (0) is guarded by Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

For Charlotte, PJ Hall (ankle) is out.

Probable starting lineups - Celtics

  • Derrick White
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Sam Hauser
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Neemias Queta

Mar 29, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell (right) watches from the sideline during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

Probable starting lineups - Hornets

  • Miles Bridges
  • Moussa Diabate
  • Brandon Miller
  • LaMelo Ball
  • Kon Knueppel

What time is tipoff, and on what channels?

Here's when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: 4/7
  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • TV Channel: NBC
  • Live Stream: Fubo (watch for free)

Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3

This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics vs. Hornets: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (3/7)

One-fifth of all women's college basketball players are now in the transfer portal

Iowa State forward Audi Crooks

One-fifth of all women's college basketball players are now in the transfer portal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The transfer portal season has arrived in women's college basketball. Just one day after UCLA took home their first National Championship, some of the best players in the sport are on the move. 

This will be the year of the greatest shift with 1,193 players currently in the portal as of 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday night. That represents over one-fifth or 23 percent of the total players on Division I rosters, which is 5,048, according to the NCAA.

Among the top names are Iowa State center Audi Crooks, Florida guard Liv McGill, Tennessee guard Talaysia Cooper and Virginia guard Kymora Johnson. Crooks is by far the biggest prize for any team around the country. The 6-foot-3 center was named an All-American after averaging 25.8 points per game and 7.7 rebounds this season.

One of the biggest storylines out of this cycle has been Tennessee being reduced to one player on the roster. After a terrible season in Knoxville, the Vols are left wondering what the future will look like under Kim Caldwell. 

More: ESPN analyst slams Tennessee's Kim Caldwell over abandoning her team

Tennessee had two high school recruits who had signed with the program in the 2026 class. But five-star recruit Oliviyah Edwards was released from his letter of intent this week. On the other hand, Gabby Minus has yet to publicly say anything about her commitment. One of the most heartbreaking points for the program that the legendary Pat Summitt rebuilt nearly from scratch. 

The transfer portal window will stay open for the next 15 days and close on April 20. 

More college basketball news:

Luis Gonzalez Explains His Very Own 32 Year Old Easter Egg

In a video posted by MojoSportsLLC a few days ago, Luis Gonzalez talks about a very subtle easter egg planted in the background of one of his baseball cards. While holding his 1994 Donruss Studio card, Gonzo points out that he hung a rubber rat in his locker that can be seen just above his shoulder.

As one of many Diamondbacks fans that name the left field legend as their favorite player in franchise history, I especially love Gonzo for a few reasons. Like I mentioned in my last article, I always sat in left field so I was always sitting closest to Luis. I am left-handed and played left field, and I loved mimicking his batting stance. We even share the same birthday in September. I thought I knew the kind of personality Gonzo had – at least, as much as a normal fan could interpret from interviews and commercials. But this baseball card told a whole different story. I did a little research to see how much of a prankster our World Series hero was.

Gonzalez explains in the video that the rat was a go-to prank method in the clubhouse. He would hide the rubber rats in laundry bins and equipment boxes to terrify clubhouse attendants.

Mustaaaaaaaard!

During his time with the Florida Marlins, Gonzalez put a little mustard on his pranks. He once took a jelly-filled donut, and injected it with bright yellow mustard. He placed the sabotaged pastry back into a fresh box and waited for any sorry sucker that would take the bait. One of the clubhouse staff ended up being the fish at the end of this line.

The victim was so shocked by the taste they called the donut shop to complain about the atrocity.

Par for the Course

One of the more calculated pranks mentioned in an interview involved the visiting clubhouse at San Francisco. There was a rumor that the San Francisco Giants’ away clubhouse attendant, Harvey Hodgerney, wasn’t changing the chili every day and was instead recycling the same pot of chili for the visiting teams throughout a series.

Gonzo decided to see if this was really true. He took a golf ball from the team shop and dropped it into the bottom of the chili pot on the first day of the series. Things didn’t really go to plan when an infuriated Randy Johnson discovered a Titleist in the ladle and chewed out the clubbie for it. Gonzo begged everyone else who knew about it to not tell Randy it was him that did that.

However, that hiccup did not stop him. He tried it again the next day; lo and behold, 24 hours later and the golf ball was still at the bottom of the chili. Hodgerney called Gonzo into his office “like a principal” to tell him he couldn’t believe he did that.

Clowning Around with Bob Melvin

Now this last prank, I haven’t been able to confirm anywhere of it being the brainchild of Gonzalez, but it happened on March 10, 2003. So with the prankster we know him to be now, I’m sure we can find it most likely that he was part of this little welcome party. Bob Melvin just left Arizona to become the manager of the Seattle Mariners, and this day was his first encounter with the Diamondbacks during Spring Training.

Down in Tucson, “Bo-Mel” went to say hi to his former team in their locker room, and that’s when the operation began.

Melvin returned to find his duffel bag in a different state than he left it. His uniform was tied in knots, shoelaces removed, and a lovely picture of Tony Dello, the Diamondbacks’ batting practice pitcher, placed lovingly in the bag.

That was just the beginning.

They did make sure to return some of his old stuff to him, like his trusty fungo bat, dubbed “Wonder Bat.” Although, there was a suspiciously large drilled hole right into the sweet spot. Earlier that morning, someone had told the Diamondbacks about a big secret that Melvin had been able to keep hidden for two years.

Bob Melvin is terrified of clowns.

So we would only find it logical that two fully outfitted clowns, “Bob” and “Melvin,” showed up during the third inning at Tucson Electric Park to throw t-shirts into the stands. I’m sure you can guess where they were standing.

They came out a few more times to stand on the Mariners’ dugout, where Bob Melvin would retreat back into like an underground bunker.

Gonzo just happened to get beaned by Jeff Nelson in the bottom of the sixth; he promptly walked towards the mound screaming who knows what at him and caused the benches to clear.

Bob Brenly later said, “I noticed the clowns. I had nothing to do with it. Other than that, I have no comment.”

Nuggets coach says Michael Malone is 'perfect' for UNC job

North Carolina shook the basketball world when it hired former NBA champion head coach Michael Malone.

Malone, who most recently coached the Denver Nuggets from 2015 to 2025, led the franchise to its first and only NBA title and is also the franchise’s all-time winningest coach.

While there will be an adjustment period for Malone as he returns to the college game for the first time in nearly 25 years, current Nuggets head coach — and Malone’s successor — David Adelman is confident North Carolina made the right call in hiring him.

"He belongs coaching, and that's what he should be doing."

David Adelman gives his thoughts on Michael Malone being named the next head basketball coach at UNC.#milehighbasketball | Driven by: https://t.co/UPNaXWj1mhpic.twitter.com/614ToWULC5

— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports) April 6, 2026

“Super excited for him when I read it,” Adelman said of Malone being hired at UNC. “Very unexpected, just because I hadn’t heard anything about that. But not just the basketball part — which is a historic job to take — but just the cool part of his daughter going to school there and all of the elements to it.”

“Basketball in America has changed with the NIL and college. The hiring processes are different. The coaching pool is different. I just think it’s changed everything. And a guy like him, he’d be perfect for that job. For all of the guys that are here that have known him, we were all super excited. I’m just happy for him and his family. He belongs coaching, and that’s what he should be doing.”

Malone, 54, spent 12 seasons as an NBA head coach with the Sacramento Kings and Nuggets, compiling a 510-394 record. He led Denver for 10 seasons, going 471-327 and delivering the franchise’s first NBA championship in 2023.

Malone left Denver on amicable terms after a power struggle with Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth, a rift that ultimately led to Malone’s firing and, later, Booth’s. Adelman then took control on an interim basis before being promoted full-time.

Malone is the first North Carolina coach without prior playing or coaching experience at the school since Frank McGuire in 1952. His daughter, Bridget, is a member of UNC’s volleyball team.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Nuggets coach reacts to Tar Heels hiring Michael Malone

Analyst names odd position for Buccaneers' surprising draft need

Analyst names odd position for Buccaneers' surprising draft need originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be an interesting watch this season, particularly on offense, as for the first time in over a decade, the franchise won't have Mike Evans on the roster.

Granted, Baker Mayfield and Co. have had good practice without Evans, with injuries over the last two seasons seeing others have to step up.

With Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson, and Jalen McMillan, the cupboard for Mayfield isn't exactly bare with Evans moving on.

But still, for Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, when naming a surprising draft need for every team, he chose receiver for Tampa Bay.

"When we're talking about draft needs for the Bucs, it's usually the defense that gets the attention,” Ballentine wrote. “However, the Buccaneers offense is also hitting a tipping point. Baker Mayfield has just one year left on his contract and they'll be dealing with losing Mike Evans. Chris Godwin is still on the roster, but his injury history and age (30) make it hard to count on him. 

“There are more pressing issues, but the Bucs could still wind up opting to load up their receiver room with another young, affordable option to build around.”

More:Colts urged to find Jonathan Taylor contingency plan

Do Buccaneers need WR help?

For me, no. You ride with Godwin and the others, who should take the next step in their development.

I get Ballentine's thought process here, and taking a receiver in the draft could happen regardless, but shouldn't in the first round.

Mayfield is good enough to make things work with his current receiver options, but you can never have enough weapons. While stating receiver is a "need" might be a little strong, given Tampa Bay's defensive needs, adding a late-round pick might not be the worst idea.

Either way, the Buccaneers appear to be in ok shape heading into the offseason on offense, but franchises are always looking to get better, and if a receiver falls to them in the later rounds, taking a flyer isn't out of the realm of possibility.

More NFL news:

Diego Pavia stuns, impresses Jon Gruden in his QB Class

The NFL is charging toward the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams have begun scheduling their Top 30 visits as April 23 approaches and puts them on the clock.

A number of prospects sit under the microscope from teams, media, and fans alike. Even former coaches have joined the pre-draft evaluation process.

Former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, widely known as a “quarterback guru,” has hosted his “Quarterback Class” for several years.

MORE: NFL executive hints when, where A.J. Brown will be traded

Gruden has worked with quarterbacks like national champion Will Howard and breakout prospect Jaxson Dart, putting them through rigorous tests and giving them a glimpse of the next level.

Former NFL Coache Jon Gruden have a laugh while attending an NFL training camp session ten at the Miller Electric Center, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

QB class is in session

On Monday, clips surfaced of his latest guest: Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Pavia stands out as one of the more polarizing prospects in this year’s class.

Fans tend to either love or hate him. His confidence and swagger can आकर्षक, but some view it as arrogance or unearned bravado.

Pavia faces a steep uphill battle to get drafted into the NFL. During his session with Gruden, however, he rose to the challenge and left the Super Bowl–winning coach stunned.

MORE: All-Pro defender requests trade before Giants’ first workout under John Harbaugh

In a clip posted by Barstool Sports, Gruden put Pavia through a series of audibles, requiring him to memorize specific cadences, plays, and options. The results impressed the veteran coach.

The Athletic releases College football All-America teams 2025: Second team offense
Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Diego Pavia (2) looks to pass against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Pavia handled everything Gruden threw at him with poise. Despite concerns about his perception and measurables, he showed why he remains on some teams’ draft boards.

He proved himself to be both a competitor and a student of the game, energizing Gruden as they worked through play calls.

Gruden’s QB Class not only gives fans insight into how quarterbacks are coached at the professional level, but it may also provide NFL teams with additional evaluation tools. Moments like these showcase that value.

Did Pavia impress more than just Gruden, fans, and media? Could he have caught the attention of a team searching for a hidden gem in the NFL Draft?

Guardians Lose Game and Shortstop

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 6: Brayan Rocchio #4 of the Cleveland Guardians rounds the bases after hitting a home run to left field on a 2-1 count with no outs in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on April 6, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Guardians lost to the Royals in the series opener tonight 4-2. They also lost Gabriel Arias to hamstring tightness – we will see for how long.

The Guardians continued to get good starting pitching, this time for 4 and 2/3rds from Tanner Bibee who gave up 1 run on 5 hits and 1 walk, striking out 3. Tim Herrin finished out the fifth and Peyton Pallette pitched two innings, giving up a homer to Carter Jensen. Kolby Allard finished off the game and gave up a two-run homer to Johnathan India.

The Guardians had one of those “hit the ball hard and got nothing to show for it” games, and were generally stymied by Michael Wacha. But, there were some positive signs – Steven Kwan and Brayan Rocchio hit their first homers of the season, and Jose took two walks.

Steven Kwan gets us on the board first with his first homer of the season!#GuardsBallpic.twitter.com/1KFcsnh9No

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) April 6, 2026

Brayan Rocchio gets us closer with his first homer of the season!#GuardsBallpic.twitter.com/jLONogMWc3

— GuardsTV (@GuardsTV) April 7, 2026

Jose Ramirez is now the franchise leader in games played in a Cleveland uniform. Amazing.

Arias appeared to tweak his hamstring after hitting a double and was removed from the game. I suspect this means an IL stint for Arias which is a real shame because he had been playing well over the last couple games. I wonder if Juan Brito will get a shot at second base with Brayan Rocchio moved to short (where Rocchio made an excellent play late in the game).

No time to feel bad about this one as the Guardians will return to action tomorrow at 1:10PM to accommodate a return to winter temps forecasted for our area. Let’s hope to see our lefty masher lineup come out in full force. Brito generally hits lefties well, so hopefully it will be a good debut if he is called up.

NFL Draft organizer shares more details on planned activities for fans

When you’re driving into the city from the Fort Pitt Tunnel, you can see how quickly the NFL Draft stage is coming together.

As Channel 11 learned from speaking with NFL officials, there are going to be activities and exhibits in every corner of the draft footprint and they’re all free.

The experience spans both Point State Park and the north shore.

On the Point State Park side, they’ll have the red carpet for the NFL Draft prospects to walk ahead of round one.

That’ll turn into a fan photo opp for the remainder of the weekend.

There’s also an autograph stage where Steelers players, legends and players from across the NFL will interact with fans.

On the North Shore, there’s so much more than just the massive draft theatre.

“We’ll have our locker room exhibit there, our Hall of Fame exhibit there. We are also using the existing turf outside the stadium that the Steelers installed, all this beautiful little turf field for play 60 zone, more NFL shop, more food and beverage, more bars. So a lot of things to see and do over the course of those three days,” Vice President of NFL Global Events Nicki Ewell said.

Ewell emphasized that the most important thing fans need to do is download the NFL One Pass App and register before they go downtown during draft week.

It will have all of the information from what to know before you go, the schedule of events and any changes and a map of the entire draft layout.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

Thijs de Ridder, Chance Mallory, Johann Grünloh returning for UVA basketball

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 12: Thijs de Ridder #28 of the Virginia Cavaliers brings the ball up court in the first half against the NC State Wolfpack during the quarterfinals of the 2026 Men's ACC Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 12, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Virginia Cavaliers men’s basketball program announced three major roster wins on Monday: point guard Chance Mallory, forward Thijs De Ridder, and forward Johann Grünloh will be returning for the 2026-27 season. 

The three players will join head coach Ryan Odom in his second season in Charlottesville, showcasing Odom’s ability to not only recruit talent, but retain it. In the nearly unpredictable transfer portal landscape, the retention is a landmark win for Odom an staff — and an indication of the program he intends to develop.

The team’s official social media pages announced the three returners all within two hours of each other. But, all three had the same message: “Let’s run it back.” 

🗣️ HOOS BACK

Chance Mallory WILL be back in the blue and orange #GoHoospic.twitter.com/hBWPtju0af

— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) April 6, 2026

Mallory, a Charlottesville native and hometown hero, will be returning for his sophomore year. Although he didn’t make the starting lineup his freshman year, he averaged 24 minutes and nine points, and 3.4 assists in his 36 games. As a veteran who made a quick impact, his minutes and role are likely to rise.

Soon after, the program announced the anticipated news of De Ridder’s second-year prospects. He led the team in scoring this season, averaging 15.6 points a game. The re-commitment means the Belgian forward, who previously played professionally in Europe, will fulfill his two years of NCAA eligibility in Charlottesville. 

🗣️ HOOS BACK

Thijs De Ridder WILL be back in the blue and orange #GoHoospic.twitter.com/dkxxj4j8Lz

— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) April 6, 2026

Together with Grünloh, Virginia secures starters in the frontcourt. Grünloh contributed 7.1 points per game – but he really shined as a shot blocker, tallying 2.2 a game as the 17th best shot blocker in the country. 

🗣️ HOOS BACK

Johann Grünloh WILL be back in the blue and orange #GoHoospic.twitter.com/6dh7MFtlQ6

— Virginia Men's Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) April 6, 2026

While recruiting season spins into motion, Virginia fans can rest assured that three critical and familiar players will soon be back.

Layoffs are coming for ESPN, again

A week after ESPN absorbed most of NFL Network's employees, the four-letter network will be tightening the corporate belt.

John Ourand of Puck reports that layoffs are coming for Bristol, again.

Ourand explains that the reductions are unrelated to the recent media merger with the NFL. Instead, it's a result of ongoing cord-cutting, the possibility that ESPN will be spun off from Disney, and the financial impact of last year's 15-day dispute with YouTube TV, which ultimately came with a price tag of $100 million.

Meanwhile, ESPN will soon be asked to pay its new 10-percent limited partner (the NFL) more than the $2.7 billion per year that's currently being shelled out for Monday Night Football.

The good news, if there is any when it comes to layoffs, is that as few as 30 jobs will be impacted in the upcoming round, mainly in off-camera jobs. Six years ago, ESPN cut 300 jobs.

Still, the only constant in the current media climate is change. And more changes are coming for ESPN.

Vikings Again Linked to Rising Rookie WR

Vikings Again Linked to Rising Rookie WR
Kirby Lee

The Minnesota Vikings spent a 3rd-Round pick on a wide receiver last year, and they might be on their way to doing it again if the draft rumor mill is on point. Minnesota met with Georgia State pass-catcher Ted Hurst a couple of weeks ago, and according to SI.com, he’s the main developmental prospect for the Vikings to target in 2.5 weeks.

Minnesota may still need another receiver, and Hurst checks the box as a late-round project with size.

Hurst currently ranks 76th on the Consensus Big Board, making him absolutely gettable for the purple team.

Hurst Fits the Vikings’ Search for More WR Depth

From somewhere, the Vikings may need one more WR for the regular season.

Ted Hurst makes a catch for Georgia State against Connecticut at Rentschler Field. Ted Hurst Vikings
Ted Hurst secures a reception in traffic, using his size to win at the catch point during second-half action against Connecticut. The play occurred on Nov 1, 2024; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; at Rentschler Field, where the Georgia State receiver showcased his physical style and ball skills in a competitive road environment. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Hurst Picked as Vikings’ Top Development Fit

SI.com‘s Justin Melo sized up one development rookie for each NFL team on Monday, with Hurst getting the shoutout for Minnesota. Melo explained, “The Minnesota Vikings lost their No. 3 wide receiver Jalen Nailor to free agency. It won’t be a high priority, given Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison form one of the better duos in the NFL.”

“Third-round sophomore Tai Felton only had three receptions last year. Enter Ted Hurst, a small-school threat from Georgia State with a dynamic vertical skill set. Hurst was incredible at the NFL Combine, running a 4.42 and leaping an 11-foot-3 broad jump at 6-foot-3. He’s a downfield winner.”

Hurst has also been frequently connected to the Miami Dolphins in the mock-draft cycle, with The Draft Network‘s Jaime Eisner picking him in Round 3 last week: “Getting a live look at Ted Hurst at the Panini Senior Bowl cemented his status as a day-two prospect. At nearly 6-foot-4 and 206 pounds, he pairs prototype size with unexpected short-area agility.”

“He operates as a refined route-runner, boasting the massive catch radius and contested-catch reliability you covet in a bigger target. He’s not a burner and needs to work on playing to his size with the ball in his hands, but he can develop into a long-term WR2-caliber player for the Dolphins.”

The Vikings’ Current WR Group

If Minnesota turns the Hurst visit into a draft pick and doesn’t add another free agent, the wide receiver room this summer would shape up like this:

  • Justin Jefferson
  • Jordan Addison
  • Tai Felton
  • Ted Hurst
  • Myles Price
  • Jeshaun Jones
  • Dontae Fleming
  • Joaquin Davis

With this group, the Vikings would merely have to hope that Felton or Hurst would be game-ready by Week 1. Otherwise, a free-agent signing would be necessary.

The Skinny on Hurst

Hurst, at 6’3″ and 195 pounds, uses his size to his advantage, especially when making contested catches. His game is built on strength and body control. However, his route running could be improved; he doesn’t consistently separate from defensive backs, which will likely impact his future role.

He banked 127 catches for 1,965 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 24 games. Not bad.

NFL Draft Buzz on Hurst: “Hurst fits best as a ‘Z’ receiver in an offense that uses motion and formation variety to manufacture free releases. That matters early in his career because press coverage remains a real problem, and NFL corners will be stronger and more disciplined than anything he saw in the Sun Belt.”

“His speed is good enough to threaten vertically, but he separates with acceleration and timing rather than blowing past coverage. That style translates if the body catches up. Expect him to push for the number three receiver role as a rookie in the right system, with third-down and red zone reps from Week 1 given his ball tracking, catch radius, and understanding of leverage.”

Ted Hurst lines up during Senior Bowl practice in Mobile, Alabama. Ted Hurst Vikings
Ted Hurst lines up during practice reps, preparing for the next snap while working with the American Team at a key pre-draft showcase. The moment came on Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, Alabama, USA; during Senior Bowl activities at Hancock Whitney Stadium, offering evaluators a closer look at his route work and positioning. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Hurst would instantly become the Vikings’ tallest receiver of those expected to make the September roster.

TBD added, “The drop issues need monitoring. His hands graded average across both Georgia State seasons, and that cannot persist against tighter coverage windows. But the combination of size, route feel, and athletic testing puts a real ceiling on this player.”

“With physical development and an expanded release package, he can grow into a starting outside receiver by year two. The tape backs that up more than the stat sheet does.”

Free Agents if Vikings Pass on Hurst

Pretend the Vikings don’t select a mid-round wideout because they just did that last year with Felton.

Tyreek Hill stands on the field before a Dolphins game at Hard Rock Stadium. Ted Hurst Vikings
Tyreek Hill stands on the field before kickoff, focused as Miami prepares for a divisional matchup at home. The scene unfolded on September 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; at Hard Rock Stadium, capturing Hill’s pregame routine as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers readies for action. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The current free-agent WR group looks like this as of April 6th:

  • Brandon Aiyuk (if released by SF)
  • Curtis Samuel
  • DeAndre Hopkins
  • Deebo Samuel
  • Jauan Jennings
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster
  • Keenan Allen
  • Tyreek Hill
  • Stefon Diggs

The Vikings have drafted just one Round 2 or 3 wide receiver in the last 19 years: Felton in 2025.


Bryce Harper’s Agent Sends Phillies New Contract Ask With Elite Status In Doubt

Washington Nationals v Philadelphia Phillies

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 31: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during a game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Getty Images

The Philadelphia Phillies have won two of their first three series as the team looks to answer lingering questions about its ability to go further into the playoffs with largely the same core of star players.

Though the team shuffled outfielders, revamped the bullpen and promoted a pair of top prospects, it will once again be counting on veterans like Kyle Schwarber, JT Realmuto, Trea Turner and Aaron Nola to perform at star levels. And the Phillies' franchise slugger Bryce Harper is facing perhaps the most pressure to demonstrate that he’s still in his prime.

MORE FROM FORBESYankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr Downplays Mistake After Aaron Boone Call OutBy Peter Chawaga

Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper Slumping At The Plate After Dave Dombrowski Call Out

After a relatively poor season at the plate last year, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski openly questioned whether or not Harper could return to his “elite” status during an end-of-season press conference.

“He didn’t have an elite season like he's had in the past,” Dombrowski said, per ESPN News Services. “I guess we only find out if he becomes elite or he continues to be good."

And with that challenge hovering over him, Harper has responded with some early season struggles.

He slashed just .139/.205/.333 with five hits and seven strikeouts in his first 36 at-bats. And even though the season is still early, fans would have hoped to see a better version of the team’s highest-paid player.

Philadelphia Phillies Hold ‘Discussions’ About Bryce Harper Contract Extension

Harper is in the eighth season of a 13-year, $330 million contract with the team that is set to take through his age-38 season in 2031. And as his elite status is openly questioned by the team’s highest-ranking executive, his agent, Scott Boras, is asking the Phillies for an extension beyond that.

“In my discussions with (Phillies owner) John (Middleton) and Dave (Dombrowski), they’re fully aware that Bryce has a legacy that he wants to fulfill in Philadelphia beyond the current contract,” Boras told The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Scott Lauber. “And we’ve already had discussions about that as we go forward.”

Though the team might not be in a rush to extend Harper beyond his ongoing deal, it is something the player has lobbied for directly in the past. However, it would surely help his case if he can produce some better results at the plate as the season goes on.

Boras added that he is optimistic that Dombrowski’s doubt about Harper’s “elite” status will be resolved this year.

“ I don’t think there’s any question in his mind (that) he’s in the best shape of his life,” Boras said of Harper, per Lauber. “He is a true two-way player at his position, one of the best players in the league, and he has all that skill, and there’s nothing that I can see — and we have so many metrics to look to — there’s nothing that I could see that in any way suggests that he’s not anything but ready for another premium season from what we expect from Bryce Harper.”

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Nick Saban rejects politicizing Donald Trump’s executive order: ‘It should be nonpartisan’

Adam Cairns | Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Donald Trump said at the college sports roundtable last month that would sign an executive order to save college athletics. He followed through, but expects it to be challenged in court before it goes into effect on Aug. 1.

Nick Saban, who has been a leading voice on the matter, doesn’t appear to be a fan of any potential dispute. Amid the mixed response following Trump’s EO, the seven-time national championship-winning coach explained why he believes college sports shouldn’t be politicized in the first place.

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“People say it should be bipartisan,” Saban said in a recent interview with Fox News. “I think it should be nonpartisan.

“I think the spirit and passion that we all have for college athletics is really important to the fabric of our country. It’s also beneficial to create many opportunities for young people who may not have an opportunity for college and improve the quality of their life.”

Saban has taken issue specifically with the continuous litigation from student-athletes against the NCAA each offseason. Players suing the NCAA for a fifth, sixth and sometimes even seventh year of eligibility based on personal circumstances have become all too common over the past year alone.

Trump’s executive order firmly outlines that it wants to establish “clear, consistent, and fair eligibility limits,” which includes a five-year participation window. Additionally, it wants to limit transfers among student-athletes in an attempt to improve academic and athletic continuity.

Still, some believe the president may not have legal authority to reign over NCAA eligibility rules in the first place. This could end up being one of the more contentious point of the process moving into the summer.

For Nick Saban, he’s arguably become the biggest advocate of college athletics having a firm set of rules for NIL across the board. To him, Trump’s executive order does just that, and it appears to have his support.

One potential Dexter Lawrence replacement from each day of the 2026 NFL Draft

dexter lawrence 040626 imagn

One potential Dexter Lawrence replacement from each day of the 2026 NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The spring was going too well for New York Giants fans. The optimism of the Jaxson Dart era, the allure of head coach John Harbaugh, the new toys to play with. It was a nice few months in East Rutherford.

Monday's news threatened to change that.

Adam Schefter reported that New York nose tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade, taking his contract dispute public and stunting an offseason's worth of progress. 

It isn't immediately clear whether the Giants will deal their superstar, and if said deal will commence before the 2026 NFL Draft. But if Lawrence is no longer in New York's long-term plans, it'll be imperative to rebuild the interior of the defensive line in April.

Defensive tackles Giants fans need to know about

Day 1: Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

As much as I would like to see Clemson star Peter Woods lining up between Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, neither his stock nor the Giants' needs align for the fifth pick. Rather, Woods seems likely to be a top-20 pick, and a Lawrence trade could recoup a late Day 1 selection.

As such, New York could opt to replace Lawrence with the draft capital from said deal, presumably toward the end of Round 1. There, Ohio State Buckeyes nose tackle Kayden McDonald makes a good amount of sense.

McDonald isn't the pass rusher that Lawrence is. That's a non-starter. But he has one of the highest floors in this class, and his ability to headline the spine of the defense is worthy of top-40 capital.

McDonald is a versatile lineman whose athleticism exceeds the expectations of his 326-pound frame. He can play anywhere between the tackles, and while he may be just a rotational piece, there's enough juice to not be a total liability on passing downs. 

When he's at his best, McDonald is playing an integral role in run defense, a job made easier by his combination of size and technique. If Harbaugh is looking for instant starters on Day 1, McDonald checks the box.

Day 2: Caleb Banks, Florida

The Giants only have their second-round pick (No. 37) at their disposal on Day 2. A Lawrence deal could change that, but for now it's worth considering options for early that Friday evening.

Here, Caleb Banks comes to mind. Some supporters will have him as their DT1 and a first-round prospect based on his measurables and promising flashes as a pass rusher. Indeed, the bull rushes are fun, and Banks takes up a lot of space. 

MORE: Ranking the 10 best defensive tackles in the 2026 NFL Draft

At 6'6", 327 pounds, with an 85.75-inch wingspan, 35-inch arms, and 10.875-inch hands, there isn't a physical feature of his game below the 89th percentile. Banks is massive, but he moves very well for his size, creating the momentum that knocks SEC linemen back at first contact.

With that said, Banks dealt with a foot injury in his platform season and had to cut his NFL Combine short due to another lower-leg injury. The upside is tantalizing, but the medical history is a warm-colored flag that teams will weigh differently. This keeps him in play for Round 1 and makes Round 2 a more likely option, albeit likely within the top 50.

Banks may be the class's best match of Lawrence's skill set, finding a true pass-rushing talent with more than enough size to play nose tackle. The softer factors in his profile -- like the injuries and a just one season with more than one sack (4.5, 2024) -- make him attainable on Day 2.

Day 3: Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State

Jackson has gotten some late-cycle hype, thrusting him toward the top-100 turn. On my board, he's an early Day 3 pick and someone who could viably be on the board at Nos. 105 or 145.

It goes without saying that replacing Lawrence likely won't be a one-man job. He's a multi-faceted superstar, and even a first-round pick would have a tough time living up to the peak of Lawrence's powers. The two routes to sufficiently replacing him are doing so in the aggregate and hoping a less-expensive player exceeds expectations.

Jackson could play a part in those plans.

Jackson has all the size the Giants could hope for in a mid-to-late-round nose tackle prospect, and he's the last of the bunch that has a reasonable shot to start there. At 315 pounds, he doesn't quite fill the Lawrence-sized hole in New York's defense, but a 99th-percentile wingspan helps his cause.

It's easy to see Jackson being satisfactory against the run as a rookie and growing into his pass-rushing prowess later on -- much like Lawrence, albeit to a lesser extent. Aided by Darius Alexander's Year 2 jump, the Giants could feel okay about their potential on the interior.

Jackson's lack of potency renders him a high-level backup on my board. Still, confirming that his size was as advertised gives his profile a little more credibility, and his experience comes with more production than the aforementioned Banks. His range of outcomes is the narrowest of this bunch. For a team that might need a steady hand, that's not the end of the world. 

More Giants news

UFC 327 video: Prochazka, Ulberg have rare Monday faceoff in Miami

It didn't take long for the men vying to be the next UFC 205-pound champion to get face to face this week.

Jiri Prochazka (32-5-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC) and Carlos Ulberg (13-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) will see each other a few more times this week before they step into the cage for the UFC 327 main event Saturday at Kaseya Center in Miami. But having a faceoff Monday of fight week is a bit of a rarity.

Monday, the light heavyweights faced off on a boat in a harbor in South Florida. The staredown was a cordial one, though intense, and the fighters shook hands at the end of it.

Prochazka is a former light heavyweight champion who never got the chance to defend his title. He vacated it due to an injury. In two tries for the belt after that, he has come up short to Alex Pereira – who vacated the title recently so he could move to heavyweight to go after a third belt in the UFC. That opened the door for Prochazka and Ulberg to fight for the vacant strap.

Check out the first meeting of fight week in the video below.

First faceoff in Florida 👀@Jiri_BJP vs @UlbergCarlos#UFC327 LIVE APRIL 11 at 9pmET on @ParamountPlus! pic.twitter.com/Y07OCDYC1f

— UFC (@ufc) April 6, 2026

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 327 video: Prochazka, Ulberg have rare Monday faceoff in Miami

Canadiens Young Goalie Has Hit A Brand New Level

The Montreal Canadiens have been hot down the stretch, as they have won eight out of their last nine games. This surge undoubtedly has come at a good time for the Canadiens, as they are now very close in the standings to both the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres.

Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes has certainly been a big reason for the Habs' success this season, as he has been very good overall. In 39 games with the Canadiens this season, the 24-year-old goaltender has a 27-8-4 record, a 2.73 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage. Yet, what's important to note is that he has been only getting better as the season rolls on. 

Dobes has been on fire for the Canadiens down the stretch, as he has had a .926 save percentage or better in each of his last seven appearances. This included him stopping 35 out of 38 shots against the New Jersey Devils in his most recent start. He has also had a 7-1 record over that span. 

With the way Dobes has played for the Canadiens during this final portion of the season, it is hard not to feel excited about his future in Montreal. The Canadiens found themselves a good goalie in the youngster, and it will be intriguing to see how he continues to improve his game from here. 

Ravens sign punter Luke Elzinga as a possible replacement for Jordan Stout

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens signed punter Luke Elzinga, about a month after losing standout Jordan Stout to free agency.

The Ravens announced the move Monday.

Stout followed coach John Harbaugh from the Ravens to the New York Giants. Now the Ravens bring in Elzinga, who punted at Central Michigan and Oklahoma from 2020-24 but has not played in an NFL game.

Stout, an All-Pro, averaged a career-high 50.1 yards per punt this past season.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

5 Nets 2026 NBA Draft prospects to watch in NCAA Championship Game

The Brooklyn Nets are nearing the end of their 2025-26 NBA season after enduring another rebuilding campaign that will hopefully provide them with their next franchise player via the 2026 NBA Draft. Brooklyn has been trying to win as many games as possible while developing the younger players on the team, but the Nets are also hoping to get lucky for the Draft.

Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Nets selected five players from the 2025 NBA Draft: guard Egor Demin, guard Nolan Traore, forward Drake Powell, guard Ben Saraf, and forward Danny Wolf. While each of the rookies have had their fair share of successes and struggles, Brooklyn still needs more talent on the roster if it is going to compete as soon as next season.

That's not to say that these rookies won't be a factor in the rotation next season, but the Nets are where they are in the Lottery standings for a reason given how much the team has struggled this year. With that being said, here are five players to pay attention to in Monday's NCAA Tournament National Championship Game between Michigan and Connecticut that could be draft prospects for the Nets (with the help of Tankathon's Big Board):

Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) reacts against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

At this point in the NBA Draft calendar, Lendeborg has proven that he's worthy of a Lottery pick after what he's done for the Wolverines. While Lendeborg is playing through an injury on Monday, he is coming off an 11-point, three-rebound performance against Arizona in the Final Four.

Braylon Mullins, G, UConn

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) shoots over Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Mullins has had some solid performances for the Huskies throughout the NCAA Tournament, including hitting a huge three-pointer against Illinois in the Final Four. Mullins is expected to be taken towards the end of the Lottery so he could be outside Brooklyn's range, but a lot can change between now and the Draft.

Aday Mara, C, Michigan

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines center Aday Mara (15) in action against Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Mara is expected to be taken towards the end of the first round, but if he slips a few spots, he could be taken with the Nets' earliest second-round pick. Mara has shown his ability to protect the rim and score around the basket this year, but his 26-point, nine-rebound outing against Arizona likely elevated his stock.

Morez Johnson Jr., F, Michigan

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward Morez Johnson Jr. (21) rebounds the ball against Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Johnson had been part of one of the country's best frontcourts thanks to his ability to play around Lendeborg and Mara while being efficient with his offensive touches. Johnson could be within Brooklyn's range given that he's firmly expected to be a second-round pick and the Nets could look to change the frontcourt.

Alex Karaban, F, UConn

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 04: Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Karaban had a hot start to the NCAA Tournament thanks to his overall scoring output, but predictably so, the competition has stiffened since the first weekend. Karaban is another one of the players projected to be a second-round pick so if the Nets want to add more shooting to the roster, he could be the pick.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: 5 Nets 2026 NBA Draft prospects to watch in NCAA Championship Game

De La Cruz's 2 hits, Stephenson's HR power Reds to a 2-0 win over the Marlins

MIAMI (AP) — Elly De La Cruz doubled and singled, Tyler Stephenson homered and four Cincinnati pitchers combined for a shutout as the Reds beat the Miami Marlins 2-0 on Monday night.

Brandon Williamson (1-1) scattered three hits over 6 2/3 innings. After a difficult season debut in which he gave up six runs and six hits against Pittsburgh on March 31, the 28-yeaer-old left-hander struck out four and walked one. He kept the Marlins hitless until Otto López’s two-out single in the fourth.

The Reds, who won their fourth straight, began Monday tied with San Francisco for fewest runs scored in the majors with 26. They scored nine runs in their three-game sweep at Texas over the weekend.

Miami native Sal Stewart drove in Cincinnati’s first run with a single off Marlins starter Janson Junk in the fourth. De La Cruz hit a one-out double and raced home on Stewart’s line drive up the middle.

Stephenson extended the lead with his leadoff homer in the eighth. He drove a slider from Junk over the wall in left for his second homer of the season.

Brock Burke relieved Williamson and struck out Xavier Edwards for the third out in the seventh. Tony Santillan pitched the eighth before Emilio Pagan closed for his fourth save.

Agustin Ramirez tripled with two outs in the sixth, but Williamson fanned Jakob Marsee to end Miami’s only threat.

Junk (0-1) gave up two runs and seven hits in a career-high 7 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out three and walked one.

Edwards went 0 for 3, ending his 12-game hit streak that began with the final three games of last season.

Up next

LHP Andrew Abbott (0-1, 3.09) will start for the Reds on Tuesday against Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara (2-0, 0.00).

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Firebirds Clinch Fourth-Consecutive Playoff Bid

Over the weekend, the Kraken’s AHL-affiliate Coachella Valley Firebirds officially clinched their spot in the playoffs.  The team has participated in the Calder Cup playoffs every year since its inception in 2022.  With a 39-22-5 record and six games remaining, the Firebirds are third in Pacific Division standings.  The Ontario Reign and Colorado Eagles are first and second, respectively.  

The Firebirds have faced a slew of injuries in the latter half of this season.  With the Kraken also recalling several players, it has made for a rag-tag roster with multiple players called up from the Kansas City Mavericks to fill roles left vacant.  Ty Nelson, Jagger Firkus, and Caden Price are all among the injured, recently joined by Logan Morrison who left Friday’s game with a lower body injury.

With just over two weeks until playoffs commence, it is likely that much of the currently-sidelined roster will be able to return to the ice.  A healthy team will be necessary if the Firebirds want to make a deep playoff run.

The Firebirds returned home Sunday.  On Wednesday, they will face the 5th-place Henderson Silver Knights, followed by two games against the Ontario Reign.  The final home game of the regular season is April 19th.

Related:

Roster Moves: Kraken Recall Mølgaard, Reassign NymanRoster Moves: Kraken Recall Mølgaard, Reassign NymanSeattle shuffles forwards, sending Nyman down while bringing Mølgaard back up. A look at their season and what this means for the Kraken's lineup.

Colts urged to find Jonathan Taylor contingency plan

Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Colts urged to find Jonathan Taylor contingency plan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Indianapolis Colts' biggest offensive weapon over the past five or so seasons has been running back Jonathan Taylor, and rightly so.

The All-Pro back has been superb, and often the bell cow for the Colts' offense, but that comes with a lot of wear-and-tear.

In three of his six NFL seasons, Taylor has totaled over 300 carries, which is a lot of punishment that he has taken on.

But now playing on the final year of his contract in 2026, what Taylor's future looks like beyond this year is a little murky, which is why Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine thinks the Colts have to look at drafting a running back this offseason.

"Jonathan Taylor had nearly 2,000 total yards and 20 touchdowns so the idea of using one of those picks on a running back might not be popular," Ballentine wrote. "But this isn't about 2026, it's about 2027 and beyond. Taylor is set to play the final year of his current contract in 2026.

"At that point, he'll likely be a 28-year-old back with over 1,800 career carries. It's the sad reality that the Colts need to have a contingency plan at the position. Drafting a back they trust to help carry the load could extend Taylor's prime and provide financial flexibility if extension talks don't go well."

More:Could Raiders still deal Maxx Crosby?

Could Colts really move on from Taylor?

Given what he means to the franchise and how much of a central figure he is to the offense, I find it hard to believe that the Colts would look to move on from Taylor.

Granted, the NFL is a never-say-never league, but Taylor not being a Colt would be shocking.

But as we know, everything has a price, and if Taylor wants, say, for example, between $15 million APY and $20 million APY, Indianapolis will have something to consider.

So maybe drafting a back to be behind Taylor and learn the ropes might not be a bad idea for the Colts to try. You don't want to assume Taylor will be a Colt for life, so it makes sense to hope for the best, but to prepare for the worst.

And drafting a running back covers the Colts if the worst-case scenario were to happen.

More NFL news:

Indiana RB Kaelon Black a Target for Green Bay Packers in 2026 NFL Draft

The Green Bay Packers are not going to shy away from a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft.

They do have other, more pressing needs, of course.

Cornerback is arguably their biggest need, and defensive line is right there, too.

Keep in mind, when healthy, Josh Jacobs is an All-Pro running back, and they do have him on the roster heading into 2026. The "when healthy" part of that statement is doing a bit of work after his 2025 season, but Jacobs is still the starter and "workhorse" running back in Green Bay until further notice.

And yet, behind Jacobs on the depth chart is the always-injured MarShawn Lloyd and then Chris Brooks, who is a solid depth piece, but he's known more for his pass-blocking than his rushing.

That's undoubtedly why general manager Brian Gutekunst recently revealed that the Packers are still looking to add more talent to the running back room.

“I like our group,” Gutekunst said recently at the NFL annual meetings, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. “Obviously, we brought Chris Brooks back. We think the world of him, not only as an offensive running back in all phases but also a special teams player. I feel really confident, if he has to go into a game, what he’s gonna do. We’re certainly gonna add competition to that room. But I like — whether it’s MarShawn (Lloyd) as we get him healthy and get him going, (and) Pierre Strong’s there. There’s guys we really like, but I’m sure there will be more competition to come.”

Not long after Gutekunst said that, news has come out that the Packers will spend one of their Top 30 visits with Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black this week.

The Packers had formally interviewed Black down at the Senior Bowl a few weeks ago, and now he's heading to Green Bay this week for more evaluation and conversation.

The Packers are in the market for a running back, one to back up star Josh Jacobs.
Could that player be Kaelon Black?
The Packers formally interviewed Black at the Senior Bowl and now will be bringing him to Green Bay this week for a Top 30 visit.
Black is coming off a terrific…

— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) April 6, 2026

Black checks in at a stout 5-foot-10, 211 pounds, and he rushed for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for Indiana -- averaging a more than healthy 5.6 yards per carry.

He's a former 2-star recruit who committed to James Madison out of high school, and then he followed Curt Cignetti from JMU to IU.

"Black has adequate size for the NFL, though he is slightly below average in both height and weight," PFF wrote in a scouting report. "He runs with a strong lower body, a high motor and a physical mentality that helps him generate solid yards after contact. His powerful legs also allow him to accelerate quickly once he plants and goes."

That sounds a bit like Jacobs as a runner, so perhaps the Packers won't want to double-up in that regard. He runs like thunder, so maybe they may want to find some lightning.

Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) rushes up the field for a touchdown Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the 112th annual Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. Indiana Hoosiers defeated Alabama Crimson Tide, 38-3. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) rushes up the field for a touchdown Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, during the 112th annual Rose Bowl game in Pasadena. Indiana Hoosiers defeated Alabama Crimson Tide, 38-3. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Still, it's worth noting that the Packers are definitely interested in Black, and it's not like they'd have to use their second- or even third-round pick to get him.

His experience on Indiana's historic national championship team, as well as his track record with Cignetti, arguably the best coach in college football, could make him a very appealing day three pick.

PFF ranks Black as the No. 184 prospect in this draft, which equates to about a fifth-round pick.

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How to watch San Francisco Giants vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Adrian Houser reaching back to throw a pitch.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Adrian Houser #12 of the San Francisco Giants pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 01, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Francisco Giants welcome the Philadelphia Phillies to Oracle Park tonight to begin a three-game series.

Taking the mound for the Giants is righty Adrian Houser, who makes his second start with the organization. His first start was solid, as he gave up three runs to the San Diego Padres in 5.1 innings, but just one of the runs was earned.

Houser will face off against Phillies right-handed rookie Andrew Painter, making his second big league start. His first was in the Phillies’ 3-2 win over the Washington Nationals on March 31st, in which he allowed one run on four hits with eight strikeouts and a walk in five and a third innings.

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Lineups

Giants

  1. Willy Adames — SS
  2. Luis Arráez — 2B
  3. Matt Chapman — 3B
  4. Rafael Devers — 1B
  5. Heliot Ramos — LF
  6. Jung Hoo Lee — RF
  7. Jerar Encarnación — DH
  8. Harrison Bader — CF
  9. Patrick Bailey — C

RHP. Adrian Houser

Phillies

  1. Trea Turner — SS
  2. Kyle Schwarber — DH
  3. Bryce Harper — 1B
  4. Alec Bohm — 3B
  5. Bryson Stott — 2B
  6. Adolis García — RF
  7. Brandon Marsh — LF
  8. J.T. Realmuto — C
  9. Justin Crawford — CF

RHP. Andrew Painter

Game #11

Who: San Francisco Giants (3-7) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (5-4)

Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

When: 6:45 p.m. PT

Regional broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area

National broadcast: n/a

Radio: KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM, KSFN 1510 AM

Missouri basketball point guard T.O. Barrett will enter transfer portal

T.O. Barrett is moving on, and Mizzou’s backcourt is suddenly looking a little barren. 

Barrett, who was Missouri basketball’s starting point guard for most of last season, confirmed Monday via a post to his personal Instagram account that he intends to enter the transfer portal when it opens at midnight Tuesday. 

Barrett was the last remaining returning guard with playing experience on the Mizzou roster, as fellow point guard Anthony Robinson II and combo guard Sebastian Mack each previously announced that they will enter the portal.

More: Early options for Missouri basketball in portal. Who should MU target?

Now, the only returning backcourt that the Tigers have on the 2026-27 roster is local product Aaron Rowe, who redshirted last season without seeing any game action. Of course, Mizzou also has incoming freshman and five-star guard Jason Crowe Jr., who is a top-10 national prospect.

Barrett, listed at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, took over for Robinson as the Tigers’ starting and primary point guard on Jan. 24. The Oklahoma City native made significant progress in his sophomore season and had some highly encouraging early returns in his increased role, including a fabulous career-high 28 points in a win over Tennessee.

But his high-speed, aggressive approach to running the point led to inconsistent performances and mistakes. He was often turnover prone, struggled to score the basketball away from the rim and had several no-show performances in the final few games of the Tigers’ season.

Barrett played 52 games for Missouri over two seasons. As a sophomore, he averaged 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.1 turnovers per game.

His decision to leave changes the math on Mizzou’s portal window.

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers guard T.O. Barrett (5) avoids a fall during the first half \a during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Guard, all of a sudden, has become a massive priority for Dennis Gates and his staff for next season.

Crowe can run the point and, with Robinson and Barrett now both leaving, that seems like an increasingly likely outcome for the Tigers next season.

Still, Mizzou almost certainly will chase a player who can take on some ball-handling duties and another backcourt player who operates in more of an off-ball role.

Missouri, depending on a medical hardship waiver decision for Jevon Porter, likely will have six spots available to use in the transfer portal and remain below the NCAA’s 15-player roster limit.

More: Ranking Missouri basketball transfer portal needs. What's top priority?

More: Missouri basketball live transfer portal tracker, signings, departures, offers

Filling needs in the frontcourt remains a priority for Missouri, but depth has suddenly taken a massive hit ahead of the portal opening.

The transfer portal officially opens Tuesday, April 7 and will remain open through April 22. Teams can still sign players who have entered the portal after the April 22 entry deadline.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Mizzou basketball point guard T.O. Barrett will enter transfer portal

New Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns News Pops Up

Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett rarely shows up for the voluntary offseason program and that may continue this year. 

However, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, just because Garrett is not coming for the voluntary offseason program doesn't mean he wants out of Cleveland. 

From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #Browns star Myles Garrett almost never shows up for the voluntary offseason program, and that may continue tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/1DHoRPPnlA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 6, 2026

After the Browns modified language in Garrett's contract, people around the NFL thought the future Hall of Famer would get traded this offseason. 

However, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that is not the case while speaking to reporters in Phoenix at the annual NFL meetings.

"Myles is a career Brown," Berry said. "He is one of the faces of our organization. I think we've been very clear both past and present in terms of our feelings. I understand all the questions. I'll be honest, I don't really want to waste a ton more breath on the topic."

In the amended terms that were first reported by ESPN's Field Yates, the date for option bonuses to be exercised in Garrett's contract was pushed back from the 15th day of each league year to seven days before the regular season each year. The payment of those bonuses was also modified in a way that benefits Garrett.

The change would make a trade after June 1, in which the dead cap hit could be split into the 2026 and 2027 seasons, more palatable for Cleveland.

arrett requested a trade from the Browns last February. One month later, Cleveland signed the defensive end to a four-year extension averaging $40 million per year and including $123 million in guaranteed money.

Garrett was named Defensive Player of the Year last month after setting the NFL's single-season sack record with 23 last season. He also won the award in 2023, when he led the NFL with 33 tackles for loss. He is the ninth player to win multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards since it was first issued in 1971 and the only active player to do so.

The Browns went 5-12 last season despite Garrett breaking the single-season sack record. Garrett had 23.0 sacks, 43 solo tackles, 33 tackles for loss and 39 QB hits, proving he is undoubtedly the best defender in the NFL. 

Since entering the NFL in 2017, Garrett has racked up 125.5 sacks. He was the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. 

Browns Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Browns. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.     

BREAKING: Mizzou Guard T.O. Barrett to Enter Transfer Portal

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 20: T.O. Barrett #5 of the Missouri Tigers dribbles the ball up the court during the first half against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Another Missouri Tiger has entered the transfer portal. With the departures of Anthony Robinson II and Sebastian Mack, the guard position has taken yet another hit.

In what may be somewhat of a surprise, T.O. Barrett plans to enter the transfer portal per a report from Joe Tipton via On3.

NEWS: Missouri guard T.O. Barrett plans to enter the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3.

The 6-4 sophomore averaged 8.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game this season. Represented by WME.https://t.co/2mOhpKgqnlpic.twitter.com/EYxP7mCFtE

— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 7, 2026

Barrett is coming off of a breakout sophomore season with the Tigers after taking over Anthony Robinson for the starting point guard role in January. In the middle of conference play, Barrett had a five straight game stretch of scoring in double figures. In a 73-69 win over Tennessee on February 24th — Barrett had a career-high 28 points.

With the departure of Barrett, Trent Pierce is set to be the only Missouri starter to return next season. Mizzou is bringing in one of the top recruiting classes in the country highlighted by Jason Crowe Jr., Toni Bryant, and Aidan Chronister, but point guard will now all of a sudden become a glaring position of need in the transfer portal this offseason. For more, join RockM+ for the discussion.

NFL, ESPN make decision on Scott Hanson’s NFL RedZone future

The NFL stands as the king of American sports. It has transformed its product into more than just a game — it is a worldwide spectacle.

One of the league’s strongest offerings is NFL RedZone. The NFL launched the channel in 2009 as part of its Sunday Ticket package. The concept was simple: show every touchdown and every red zone drive by cutting live between games.

Since then, NFL RedZone has become a highly sought-after streaming product, often included in sports add-on packages. Consumers can access it through cable or streaming services on virtually any platform.

MORE: NFL executive hints when, where A.J. Brown will be traded

Other sports leagues have tried to replicate its success, but none have matched it.

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network broadcasters Daniel Jeremiah (left) and Rich Eisen (right) interview Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Scott Hanson serves as the face of NFL RedZone. He has become an icon and coined the phrase “seven hours of commercial-free football.”

The NFL and ESPN recently reached an agreement that gives ESPN rights to NFL Network. Following the deal, both organizations reassigned or released several on-air personalities.

The move raised questions about whether Hanson would remain the host of NFL RedZone, despite his confidence at the end of 2025. Recent reports now indicate that he will stay with the NFL and continue hosting NFL RedZone.

MORE: UFL is outperforming NFL in one key area

ESPN chose not to bring Hanson over, as the NFL will retain control of NFL RedZone. Both sides preferred to keep him in his iconic role.

NaN
Scott Hanson, NFL RedZone host | Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Broadcasting companies often make decisions that seem obviously wrong in hindsight. ESPN spent nearly a decade trying to replace Mike Tirico after allowing him to leave for NBC.

The NFL has also made its share of missteps. The league spent years searching for the right Thursday Night Football broadcast team before Amazon stepped in and took over.

This time, however, the NFL made the right call by ensuring Hanson remains the voice of NFL RedZone. It may no longer be completely commercial-free, but Hanson will still deliver “seven hours of football.”

NCAA makes case against Owen Heinecke returning to OU football in eligibility lawsuit

NORMAN — The NCAA filed a response Monday to Oklahoma football linebacker Owen Heinecke’s motion for a preliminary injunction, according to documents obtained by The Oklahoman.

Heinecke is seeking another year of eligibility after the NCAA denied his initial petition and appeal. An emergency hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16 in Cleveland County District Court. District Judge Thad Balkman, an OU Law graduate, has been assigned to the case.

The NCAA argues Heinecke chose to attend Ohio State on a lacrosse scholarship despite numerous DI scholarship opportunities to play football for institutions outside the Power Four conferences. Heinecke received scholarship offers from Army, Navy, Northeastern State and UCO.

“Plaintiff chose to attend Ohio State on a lacrosse scholarship without any guarantee he could try out for the football team,” the NCAA said, “let alone obtain a roster spot, which was a circumstance expressly within his control.”

The NCAA also argued Heinecke was not offered a spot on the Buckeyes’ football roster and following limited participation in lacrosse, he decided he would prefer to play football and transferred to OU.

In essence, Heinecke chose to attend Ohio State on a lacrosse scholarship with no guarantee to join the football team. His decision to forego concrete offers to play football to attend Ohio State falls within legislated “(c)ircumstances considered to be within the control of the student athlete” that cannot warrant an extension of eligibility, according to NCAA bylaws.

“Plaintiff did not lose the opportunity to play football due to circumstances beyond control because he decided to reject multiple scholarships to play football,” the NCAA said.

CARLSON: OU football LB Owen Heinecke faces uncertainty, but 'this isn't anything new'

Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs after Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.

Why does Owen Heinecke want an extra year of eligibility?

As outlined in his lawsuit, Heinecke seeks to play a fourth season of college football to “compete in the precise number of college football seasons allowed by the NCAA.”

His lawsuit states he’s not seeking money or fame, which he could do by entering the NFL Draft, Heinecke desires to complete his master’s degree in accounting, improve his stock and serve a full season as a team captain for the Sooners.

Several college football players have filed for preliminary injunctions in recent months, including Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who took his case to court in Mississippi and won. A Virginia circuit court judge denied Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris’ request for a preliminary injunction to play a seventh season last week.

Heinecke is currently out of eligibility due to the NCAA counting three games — 15 minutes — of lacrosse at Ohio State against him from his freshman year in 2021. 

Heinecke transferred to OU, but missed the 2022 season due to a season-ending injury. He was not granted a medical hardship.

“The very institution that prides itself on an amateurism model and should, in theory, act in the best interest of its student-athletes stands in Owen’s way,” his lawsuit reads.

Heinecke’s legal counsel includes Tyler Ames, Mary Cooper, Woody Glass (OU football’s former chief of staff), Michael Lauderdale (an OU Law alum) and Andrew Richardson. Balkman previously ruled against OU in 2015, saying steel construction work on OU's stadium expansion must halt.

Heinecke broke out for the Sooners during their run to the College Football Playoff this past season, totaling 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. Getting him back next season would be huge.

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NCAA responds to OU LB Owen Heinecke's preliminary injunction motion

NCAA makes case against Owen Heinecke returning to OU football in eligibility lawsuit

NORMAN — The NCAA filed a response Monday to Oklahoma football linebacker Owen Heinecke’s motion for a preliminary injunction, according to documents obtained by The Oklahoman.

Heinecke is seeking another year of eligibility after the NCAA denied his initial petition and appeal. An emergency hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16 in Cleveland County District Court. District Judge Thad Balkman, an OU Law graduate, has been assigned to the case.

The NCAA argues Heinecke chose to attend Ohio State on a lacrosse scholarship despite numerous DI scholarship opportunities to play football for institutions outside the Power Four conferences. Heinecke received scholarship offers from Army, Navy, Northeastern State and UCO.

“Plaintiff chose to attend Ohio State on a lacrosse scholarship without any guarantee he could try out for the football team,” the NCAA said, “let alone obtain a roster spot, which was a circumstance expressly within his control.”

The NCAA also argued Heinecke was not offered a spot on the Buckeyes’ football roster and following limited participation in lacrosse, he decided he would prefer to play football and transferred to OU.

In essence, Heinecke chose to attend Ohio State on a lacrosse scholarship with no guarantee to join the football team. His decision to forego concrete offers to play football to attend Ohio State falls within legislated “(c)ircumstances considered to be within the control of the student athlete” that cannot warrant an extension of eligibility, according to NCAA bylaws.

“Plaintiff did not lose the opportunity to play football due to circumstances beyond control because he decided to reject multiple scholarships to play football,” the NCAA said.

CARLSON: OU football LB Owen Heinecke faces uncertainty, but 'this isn't anything new'

Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) runs after Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Ole Miss Rebels at Gaylord Family Ð Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. Ole Miss won 34-26.

Why does Owen Heinecke want an extra year of eligibility?

As outlined in his lawsuit, Heinecke seeks to play a fourth season of college football to “compete in the precise number of college football seasons allowed by the NCAA.”

His lawsuit states he’s not seeking money or fame, which he could do by entering the NFL Draft, Heinecke desires to complete his master’s degree in accounting, improve his stock and serve a full season as a team captain for the Sooners.

Several college football players have filed for preliminary injunctions in recent months, including Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who took his case to court in Mississippi and won. A Virginia circuit court judge denied Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris’ request for a preliminary injunction to play a seventh season last week.

Heinecke is currently out of eligibility due to the NCAA counting three games — 15 minutes — of lacrosse at Ohio State against him from his freshman year in 2021. 

Heinecke transferred to OU, but missed the 2022 season due to a season-ending injury. He was not granted a medical hardship.

“The very institution that prides itself on an amateurism model and should, in theory, act in the best interest of its student-athletes stands in Owen’s way,” his lawsuit reads.

Heinecke’s legal counsel includes Tyler Ames, Mary Cooper, Woody Glass (OU football’s former chief of staff), Michael Lauderdale (an OU Law alum) and Andrew Richardson. Balkman previously ruled against OU in 2015, saying steel construction work on OU's stadium expansion must halt.

Heinecke broke out for the Sooners during their run to the College Football Playoff this past season, totaling 74 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. Getting him back next season would be huge.

Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: NCAA responds to OU LB Owen Heinecke's preliminary injunction motion

Why is Bill Murray cheering against Michigan basketball in title game?

It's a little like "Groundhog Day" for UConn men's basketball, back in the national championship game against Michigan on Monday night, after winning titles in 2023 and 2024.

And back in the stands for the championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis was one of UConn's most-recognizable fans, actor Bill Murray, star of such films as "Groundhog Day," "Caddyshack" and the "Ghostbusters" franchise, among more than 100 film credits.

Why is Bill Murray at the Michigan vs. UConn game?

Murray, 75, is an avid sports fan, but his allegiance to UConn isn't random.

Murray's son, Luke, is an assistant coach under head coach Dan Hurley. It's the eighth stop on the resume for Luke Murray, 41, who also has been an assistant at schools like Xavier and Louisville.

Luke Murray joined Dan Hurley's staff in 2021, and was on staff for two previous national championships.

Is Luke Murray the new head coach at Boston College?

Yes. Monday was Murray's last game on staff at UConn, as he was introduced recently as the new head coach at Boston College in the ACC. It is the first head-coaching job for Luke Murray.

Murray takes over a Boston College team that hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament since 2009. He takes over for Earl Grant, who coached for five years, and had one winning season.

Murray played college basketball at Fairfield University, a private Catholic University in Connecticut.

Is Bill Murray a big sports fan?

You betcha. He's an avid golfer, and long a hilarious fixture at the PGA Tour's pro-am tournament at Pebble Beach.

A Chicago native, Murray also is a big fan of the Chicago Cubs (he was at Wrigley Field's first night game in 1989, and at the 2016 World Series victory), as well as the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls.

Murray also has been a fan of the University of Illinois, which made for a bit of interesting viewing experience in the Final Four game, in which UConn beat Illinois, 71-62.

tpaul@detroitnews.com

@tonypaul1984

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Why is Bill Murray cheering against Michigan basketball in title game?

To err is human unless you're the Reds, who beat Marlins for 4th in row

MIAMI – Don't expect much of a verbal response these days from Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona if you start talking about the clean baseball and the fact they're the only team in the majors that hasn't committed an error.

Most likely, he'll find the nearest surface that remotely looks like wood and start rapping his knuckles against it.

But there the Reds were again in the opener of a four-game road series against the Miami Marlins, leaving them at a loss for words again to describe how they keep producing all these low-scoring wins – or at least to predict how long they can keep doing it.

The final score of this one: Reds 2, Marlins 0 in an another clean, errorless performance.

More: Reds base timeline on 'common sense' as Nick Lodolo re-starts throwing

Ten games without an error is the longest streak they've ever had to start a season, which isn't hard to believe for anyone who's seen the last few seasons of catching and throwing by Reds fielders.

Apr 6, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) catches a fly ball to retire Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez (not pictured) during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park.

Twenty-eight runs scored in those 10 games is among the fewest of any team in the majors – including just six in their last three games, all wins. They entered the week tied for last in scoring with the Giants at 26 runs each.

And yet, here they were, the Reds off to a 7-3 start that was their best in five years, since before the bosses blew up the roster and started the youth movement that led to the acquisition of players such as the dominant starter in that 2-0 victory to open the Marlins series, Brandon Williamson.

Which brings up one of the biggest keys: All that clean baseball that leads to low-scoring wins doesn't happen without some of the best pitching in the league so far.

Much of that has come from a starting rotation that has had its depth tested to its limits in the early going with ace Hunter Greene out until at least July (bone chips surgery) and Nick Lodolo fighting through a finger blister that's had him on the IL since the season started.

Apr 6, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at loanDepot Park.

And the youngest part of that depth just pulled off a three-part harmony of exceptional starts capped by Williamson's 6 2/3 scoreless innings against the Marlins – the longest outing of the young season for the Reds so far.

His three-hit performance followed a pair of six-inning starts by rookie Rhett Lowder (scoreless) and last year's rookie sensation, Chase Burns (one run) – both victories in Texas during the Reds' weekend sweep of the Rangers.

The Reds entered the week with the fifth-best team ERA in the majors and lowered that to 2.93 after Game 1 against the Marlins.

The depleted starting rotation has a 3.00 ERA.

Backing Williamson on this night was a run in the fourth manufactured in part by Elly De La Cruz legging out a one-out double on a ball that was cut off in the right-center gap. Sal Stewart, playing in front of 150 of his closest friends and family in hometown Miami, followed with a run-scoring single.

Apr 6, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) hits an RBI single against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park.

Tyler Stephenson added a run of insurance in the eighth with his second home run of a 4-0 road trip that had three games in Miami to go.

For those scoring at home, the last time the Reds started the season 8-3 was 2011.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: To err is human unless you're the Reds, who beat Marlins for 4th in row

To err is human unless you're the Reds, who beat Marlins for 4th in row

MIAMI – Don't expect much of a verbal response these days from Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona if you start talking about the clean baseball and the fact they're the only team in the majors that hasn't committed an error.

Most likely, he'll find the nearest surface that remotely looks like wood and start rapping his knuckles against it.

But there the Reds were again in the opener of a four-game road series against the Miami Marlins, leaving them at a loss for words again to describe how they keep producing all these low-scoring wins – or at least to predict how long they can keep doing it.

The final score of this one: Reds 2, Marlins 0 in an another clean, errorless performance.

More: Reds base timeline on 'common sense' as Nick Lodolo re-starts throwing

Ten games without an error is the longest streak they've ever had to start a season, which isn't hard to believe for anyone who's seen the last few seasons of catching and throwing by Reds fielders.

Apr 6, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) catches a fly ball to retire Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez (not pictured) during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park.

Twenty-eight runs scored in those 10 games is among the fewest of any team in the majors – including just six in their last three games, all wins. They entered the week tied for last in scoring with the Giants at 26 runs each.

And yet, here they were, the Reds off to a 7-3 start that was their best in five years, since before the bosses blew up the roster and started the youth movement that led to the acquisition of players such as the dominant starter in that 2-0 victory to open the Marlins series, Brandon Williamson.

Which brings up one of the biggest keys: All that clean baseball that leads to low-scoring wins doesn't happen without some of the best pitching in the league so far.

Much of that has come from a starting rotation that has had its depth tested to its limits in the early going with ace Hunter Greene out until at least July (bone chips surgery) and Nick Lodolo fighting through a finger blister that's had him on the IL since the season started.

Apr 6, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at loanDepot Park.

And the youngest part of that depth just pulled off a three-part harmony of exceptional starts capped by Williamson's 6 2/3 scoreless innings against the Marlins – the longest outing of the young season for the Reds so far.

His three-hit performance followed a pair of six-inning starts by rookie Rhett Lowder (scoreless) and last year's rookie sensation, Chase Burns (one run) – both victories in Texas during the Reds' weekend sweep of the Rangers.

The Reds entered the week with the fifth-best team ERA in the majors and lowered that to 2.93 after Game 1 against the Marlins.

The depleted starting rotation has a 3.00 ERA.

Backing Williamson on this night was a run in the fourth manufactured in part by Elly De La Cruz legging out a one-out double on a ball that was cut off in the right-center gap. Sal Stewart, playing in front of 150 of his closest friends and family in hometown Miami, followed with a run-scoring single.

Apr 6, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) hits an RBI single against the Miami Marlins during the fourth inning at loanDepot Park.

Tyler Stephenson added a run of insurance in the eighth with his second home run of a 4-0 road trip that had three games in Miami to go.

For those scoring at home, the last time the Reds started the season 8-3 was 2011.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: To err is human unless you're the Reds, who beat Marlins for 4th in row

Michigan vs. UConn box score: Full stats from 2026 NCAA basketball championship game

Michigan vs. UConn box score: Full stats from 2026 NCAA basketball championship game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Two and a half weeks ago, 64 teams were on the board with hopes of bringing their school a national championship. Now, that number has dwindled down to just two.

On Monday night, the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines and No. 2 UConn Huskies will meet at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and only one can walk away hoisting a trophy. For head coach Dan Hurley, this would be his third championship in four seasons. The Huskies do come into this game with good fortune, as they have yet to lose in the Final Four or National Championship under Hurley. Their buzzer-beater win over the Duke Blue Devils and steady showing over the Illinois Fighting Illini in the Final Four have shown they are a legit championship-caliber team, and they are on the cusp of becoming a college basketball dynasty. If the Huskies were to win, center Alex Karaban would become just the ninth player in D1 history to win three championships, and the first player outside of UCLA's 1967-1973 dynasty teams.

Standing in the opposite corner lies a Michigan Wolverines team vying to become the first Big Ten school to win the national championship since 2000 (Michigan State, 89-76 win over Florida). Michigan State all the way back in 2000. The Wolverines come into this game as current 6.5-point favorites over the Huskies, and their star-studded roster is the reason why. Yaxel Lendeborg came back into the game after spraining his MCL and ankle in their Final Four game against Arizona. Sunday's MRI came back clean with a slightly sprained ankle, according to coach Dusty May, so the Wolverine star will be ready to go. Wolverine Aday Mara will look to continue his high-level play after a dominant 26-point, 9-rebound, and two-block game in the Final Four.

The Sporting News is keeping track of the box score for the National Championship matchup between Michigan and UConn.

MORE: Live updates from UConn-Michigan national title game

Michigan vs. UConn box score

Updates will appear during the game.

Michigan stats

StarterMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKFGM-FGA3PM-3PAFTM-FTAPF
Elliot Cadeau8721102-40-23-41
Nimari Burnett5010000-10-00-00
Aday Mara7010000-30-00-00
Morez Johnson Jr.4420002-30-00-00
Yaxel Lendeborg8000000-00-00-01
BenchMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKFGM-FGA3PM-3PAFTM-FTAPF
Roddy Gayle Jr.5000010-00-00-00
Trey McKenney2000000-10-10-00
Will Tschetter
Oscar Goodman
Howard Eisley Jr.
Charlie May
Malick Kordel
Ricky Liburd
L.J. Cason
Winters Grady
Harrison Hochberg

UConn stats

StarterMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKFGM-FGA3PM-3PAFTM-FTAPF
Alex Karaban8310001-11-10-00
Tarris Reed Jr.7230001-30-00-01
Braylon Mullins5000000-20-20-00
Silas Demary Jr.7010000-10-00-02
Solo Ball8500002-31-10-02
BenchMINPTSREBASTSTLBLKFGM-FGA3PM-3PAFTM-FTAPF
Jayden Ross3110000-00-01-10
Eric Reibe1000000-00-00-00
Malachi Smith2000000-00-00-00
Jaylin Stewart
Rrezon Elezaj
Jacob Furphy
Dwayne Koroma
Alec Millender
Uros Paunovic
Jacob Ross

MARCH MADNESS HQ:Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

Brazil Under-17s fight back to thrash Peru at South American U17s

Brazil Under-17s fight back to thrash Peru at South American U17s
Brazil Under-17s fight back to thrash Peru at South American U17s

Brazil youngsters celebrate positive result against PeruCredits: Nelson Terme / CBF

There was that early scare, but Brazil’s Under-17 national team did not let it get to them and came from behind to beat Peru 4-1 this Monday (6) at Estádio Ameliano Villeta, in Villeta, Paraguay, in a match valid for the second round of Group B of the South American Championship in the category. The goals for the Seleção were scored by Vinicius Rocha, Riquelme Henrique, João Bezerra and Eduardo Pape.

With the result, Brazil reached six points and remains top of Group B.

Brazil’s next match is against Argentina on Friday (10) at 8 p.m., once again at Estádio Ameliano Villeta, for the third round of Group B.

THE MATCH

The game started a little scrappy for both sides. In the 18th minute, Brazil conceded a goal. Forward Sandro Del Piero, after a quick move, struck powerfully to open the scoring.

Under-17 team beat Peru in the second round of the South American ChampionshipCredits: Nelson Terme / CBF

Despite conceding, Brazil did not lose heart and pushed forward in search of the equalizer. In the 26th minute, Brazil nearly leveled the score. Kauê Furquim struck hard and the ball cruelly crashed off the crossbar.

The equalizer came in the 34th minute. After a scramble inside the box, the ball fell to Vinicius Rocha, who shot, and the ball deflected off a Peruvian defender and ended up in the back of the net.

The comeback came quickly. Two minutes later, Riquelme Henrique got on the ball and sent it into the goal.

At the start of the second half, Brazil imposed its rhythm and went in search of extending the lead.

In the sixth minute, Eduardo Conceição burst down the left, beat his marker, got into the six-yard box and delivered a pinpoint pass to João Bezerra, who finished and ran off to celebrate Brazil’s third goal of the match.

João Bezerra celebrates his goalCredits: Nelson Terme / CBF

With control of the match, the fourth goal was only a matter of time. In the 13th minute, Eduardo Conceição produced a fine individual play and passed to Eduardo Pape, who ran off to celebrate Brazil’s fourth goal.

Brazil had chances to extend the lead, but was denied by goalkeeper Roberto. And the game ended with a 4-1 win for Brazil.

MATCH DETAILS

Brazil 4 x 1 Peru

South American Under-17 Championship - 2nd round (GROUP B)

Venue: Estádio Ameliano Villeta, in Villeta, Paraguay

Date: 04/06/2026 (Monday)

Time: 8 p.m.

Referee: Mathias de Armas (URU)

Assistant referee 1: Hector Bergaló (URU)

Assistant referee 2: Mathias Muniz (URU)

Fourth official: Jayro Mayorga (COL)

Fifth official: Roberto Padilla (COL)

Brazil: Vitor Wachter; Samuel Almeida, David Brendo (Guilherme Lira), Breno Sales and Arthur Monteiro (Richard Wendel); Vinicius Rocha (Leonardo Cerci), Eduardo Pape and Eduardo Conceição; Kauê Furquim (Lyan), João Bezerra (Ruan Yago) and Riquelme Henrique. Head coach: Carlos Eduardo Patetuci.

Goals: Vinicius Rocha, Riquelme Henrique, João Bezerra and Eduardo Pape.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

SCOREBOARD | Northeast Florida high school sports scores for April 6-11, 2026

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Northeast Florida high school sports scores for Monday, April 6

BASEBALL

Bartram Trail 3, Fleming Island 1

Bartram Trail;100;002;0;--;3;5;1

Fleming Island;100;000;0;--;1;2;1

W: Baum. L: Huber.

2B: McClenaghan (BT).

Paxon 10, Stanton 0

Paxon;004;42;--;10;8;0

Stanton;000;00;--;0;0;3

W: Bryson. L: Abram.

3B: Bryson (P).

University Christian 4, Sandalwood 3

Sandalwood;200;001;0;--;3;5;1

University Christian;300;010;x;--;4;6;2

W: Paulk. L: Barker.

2B: Hammond (UC), Venero (UC), Clark (S).

SOFTBALL

Clay 11, Providence 2

Clay;024;004;1;--;11;12;1

Providence;020;000;0;--;2;9;2

W: Collins. L: Schweitzer.

2B: Loewen (P), Prather (P), Howell (C), Russo (C).

Fleming Island 14, Orange Park 3

Fleming Island;420;224;--;14;21;0

Orange Park;020;100;--;3;6;2

W: Williams. L: Juarez.

2B: Hutchins (OP), Williams (FI), Maass (FI), Collins (FI), Rich (FI), Vazquez (FI).

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville-area high school sports scores, April 6-11

007's softball team, based in Ascension Parish, wins spring title

A youth softball team based in Ascension Parish won a title at the Spring Showdown.

The 007's 8U team went 5-0 and took an 11-0 win over Lady Fury-Rogullio, while outscoring its opponents 71-26 on the way to the title, according to coach BJ Romano.

Based in Ascension Parish, the 007's went 5-0 to take the title at the Spring Showdown.

The team kicked off action with a 15-7 win against the Lady Outlaws as Kori Bourgeois, Freya Gunness, Regan Durgaspard, Ember Williams and Karoline Bourgois each notched multiple hits in the game.

Next, the team rallied from an early deficit to claim a 12-9 win against the Lady Fury. Williams hit a home run and doubled, while Collyns Mock doubled, Briel Paola tripled and K. Bourgeois hit a home run.

They then faced Elite Sports Academy from McComb, Mississippi, posting a 14-0 win. Mock and K. Bourgeois both hit home runs, while Emmalyn Bourgeois had a double and Ainsley Matthews scored twice.

In a rematch with the Outlaws, the 007's pulled away in the high-scoring game to take a 19-10 victory to advance to the championship. Paola hit a home run and tripled twice, as Brynn Mattews collected three hits and Harley Albert added two hits.

The team won the championship game with an 11-0 shutout. Paola hit a home run and double, while Albert had a triple, E. Bourgois a double and K. Bourgeois a home run.

The championship was the second of the spring for the 007's, which earned a 23-3 overall record for the season.

The No. 1 ranked A class team in Louisiana and the No. 6 team in the nation, the 007's are coached by head coach BJ Romano and assistant coaches Kyle Mock and Scott Matthews.

This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: 007's softball team, based in Ascension Parish, wins spring title

Jensen and India back Wacha with homers and propel Royals to 4-2 victory over Guardians

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carter Jensen and Jonathan India homered, Michael Wacha allowed one run in seven innings and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Cleveland Guardians 4-2 on Monday night.

All-Star third baseman José Ramírez became Cleveland's franchise leader in games played with 1,620. Ramírez, who went 0 for 2 with two walks, surpassed Terry Turner's nearly 108-year-old mark.

Steven Kwan and Brayan Rocchio had solo shots for the Guardians, who have dropped two of three.

Kansas City took a 2-1 lead in the sixth when Jensen lined a fastball by Peyton Pallette (0-1) over the wall in right field for a solo homer. India added a two-run shot in the eighth to extend the advantage to three.

Wacha (1-0) allowed only three hits with three walks and three strikeouts in his second start of the season. The right-hander threw six shutout innings March 28 at Atlanta but was scratched from his scheduled April 3 outing against Milwaukee due to illness.

Lucas Erceg earned his third save with a scoreless ninth.

Wacha's only costly mistake came in the third inning when Kwan drove a fastball down the right-field line to put Cleveland up 1-0. Wacha threw 102 pitches, including 62 strikes. He is the second Royals starter this season to go over 100 pitches.

The Royals — who have won two of three — tied it in the fourth by capitalizing on a Guardians mistake. Jensen struck out, which would have ended the inning, but got on base due to Tanner Bibee's wild pitch. India followed with a looping base hit to right field to drive in Vinnie Pasquantino.

Rocchio homered to left-center in the eighth.

Up next

Kansas City lefty Noah Cameron (1-0, 1.80 ERA) opposes Cleveland RHP Gavin Williams (1-1, 2.25) on Tuesday. The game has been moved up to an afternoon start due to forecasted frigid temperatures at night.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Will Worldcoin price set a new all-time low despite Eightco’s $326M bet?

7 April 2026 at 05:00
Worldcoin price is grinding just above an all-time low, and the WLD token has failed to stage any meaningful recovery despite Nasdaq-listed Eightco disclosing a $326 million position on April 2. The descending channel structure on both the daily and…

Will AAVE price recover above $100 as DeFi selling intensifies?

7 April 2026 at 04:30
AAVE price posted one of its sharpest single-session drops in months on April 6, briefly crashing through $84 before a partial recovery took hold. The chart damage is clear: $100 has gone from support to resistance in a single session,…

Rockstar source denies GTA 6 release date will suffer delay due to broken feature

Programming a save and load system is often a fundamental part of game development. Yet, a gossip site claimed that issues with the feature would postpone the GTA 6 release date. A reporter who has covered Rockstar Games extensively refuted the rumor, but fears over a delay persist.

Digital Extremes: Warframe and Soulframe to never use AI-generated content

Digital Extremes says it will not use AI-generated content in either Warframe or its upcoming fantasy title, Soulframe, drawing a clear line as more studios adopt generative AI to speed development. Community director Megan Everett told GameSpot at PAX East 2026 that the company is “very non-AI,” citing growing distrust of online art after mistakenly featuring AI-made fanwork and vowing, “Nothing in our games will be AI-generated. Ever.”

Never released LG Rollable smartphone reveals innovative internals in teardown video

Even Samsung’s 2026 foldables pale in comparison. If LG had not decided to exit the smartphone business, we could have seen a first rollable smartphone as early as 2021, one that was already more innovative five years ago than anything the foldable phone segment has produced recently, as a teardown shows.

vivo X300 Ultra gets disassembled in a thoroughly detailed video

7 April 2026 at 04:12

vivo launched the X300 Ultra last week, and if you have been curious to take a look at this monster of a camera phone's insides, you're in luck. The Chinese YouTube channel WekiHome has taken one apart, and the full disassembly is shown in the video embedded below, complete with details about each and every component. Of course, it's in Chinese, but try the auto-translated captions, they are surprisingly good (at least for English). This device is, as you may already know, vivo's all-out camera-centric flagship for 2026, and unlike its predecessors, it will also be available...

Minnesota United issue positive James Rodriguez health update after Colombia friendlies ahead of World Cup

7 April 2026 at 04:56
As concern grew in Colombia over his fitness for the 2026 World Cup, Minnesota United issued a positive update on James Rodriguez's health.

James Rodriguez sent alarm bells ringing after the Colombia national team revealed the midfielder had suffered a severe case of dehydration following the March friendlies, with the 2026 World Cup just months away. Several days after the episode, Minnesota United offered an encouraging update on the star’s condition.

Rodriguez had been determined not to miss out on representing his country, captaining Colombia in both friendlies against Croatia and France. However, on March 30, the day after the match against Les Bleus, he was examined and diagnosed with severe dehydration, leading to a hospitalization that the federation described as stemming from a “non-sports-related condition.

On Monday, April 6, Minnesota issued a statement with welcome news. “James reported to the club’s training facility today, Monday, April 6, and participated in a supervised return-to-activity session. His reintegration into full team training will follow the protocols established by the club’s medical department and will be guided entirely by his clinical progress,” part of the update read.

The medical setback forced Rodriguez to sit out Minnesota’s last match, a 2-1 road win over the LA Galaxy last Saturday, adding to what has already been a stop-start start to the MLS season in which he has managed just 39 minutes across two appearances.

James Rodriguez of Colombia is challenged by Petar Musa of Croatia.
James Rodriguez of Colombia is challenged by Petar Musa of Croatia.

The Monday statement also moved to put to rest speculation that Rodriguez had been suffering from rhabdomyolysis, with the club stating that “medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.” Minnesota also called for restraint around speculation regarding the midfielder’s health, confirming that all future updates would come directly through official club channels.

Minnesota’s next fixture is an away match against San Diego FC in the 2026 MLS season on Saturday the 11th. While no specific timeline for his return has been provided, the news of Rodriguez not only being discharged but reporting to the club’s training facility has been welcomed by both the Loons and the Colombian national team, who have serious ambitions heading into the World Cup.

Luis Diaz opens up on James Rodriguez’s episode

The March international window was a difficult one for Colombia, who were beaten 2-1 by Croatia and 3-1 by France in back-to-back results that served as a sobering reality check with fewer than three months until the World Cup begins. But for one of Rodriguez’s teammates, Luis Diaz, something about the captain had seemed off even during the games themselves.

Speaking to ESPN on Monday, the Bayern Munich winger shared what he had observed from Rodriguez during the international window. “I saw him looking a bit unwell after the match. He was feeling poorly after the game; it was like food poisoning, but I don’t have the details. I hope he is doing very well and recovers soon,” Diaz said.

Diaz then spoke to Rodriguez’s dedication to the national team and expressed confidence that the No. 10 would arrive at the World Cup in top form. “He is the captain, and obviously he is going to want to be there, helping the team, keeping us in sync to always try to help as much as possible. He is always available; he is going to want to play every time, whether he is physically well or not. Let’s hope he can get his rest in properly, that he continues to make the most of his situation with his club, that he keeps reaching the level we all want from him, and he will arrive (at the World Cup) in good shape,” he concluded.

James Rodriguez #10 of the Minnesota United.

China achieves zero thermal runaway sodium battery, survives 300°C test

7 April 2026 at 04:16

A new sodium battery design prevents fires by forming an internal barrier above 150°C, validated under nail penetration and 300°C testing.

The post China achieves zero thermal runaway sodium battery, survives 300°C test appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.

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