LSU basketball star Flau’jae Johnson took the court at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) in Baton Rouge on Sunday afternoon for the final time, as the Tigers stormed past the Texas Tech Red Raiders, 101-47, to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16.
Johnson put on a show in front of the home crowd at the PMAC, tying for a team-high 24 points, adding four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
With the game well in hand midway through the fourth quarter, LSU head coach Kim Mulkey checked Flau’jae out of the game so she could receive a final standing ovation.
It was a special and emotional moment for Flau’jae and Mulkey, who have built a strong relationship throughout her four years at LSU, with both women breaking into tears as the Tigers crowd roared.
Before Sunday’s game, Mulkey was already emotional when speaking about Johnson’s impact on the program.
“She took a chance on LSU before this staff ever won big,” Mulkey said, via FOX Sports. “That’s why you get emotional about a Flau’Jae. And just her spirit, her soul, her joyous personality. I get emotional because that kid just meant so much to our program.”
Apr 2, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau’jae Johnson (4) lifts up LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the final round of the Women’s Final Four NCAA tournament at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Throughout her illustrious career at LSU, Johnson won a national championship, became a two-time All-American, and was named SEC Freshman of the Year.
This season, Johnson is averaging 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
The Tigers will face the winner of No. 3 seed Duke vs. No. 6 Baylor in their next matchup on Friday, March 27, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
Only 12 games remain in this year's regular season. While the Detroit Pistons' NBA Playoffs and home advantage spots are likely secured, they still want to get a huge morale win. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has not been shy at admitting that they want to notch the first seed in the Eastern Conference. This challenge might be harder as the days go by because of not having Cade Cunningham while the Boston Celtics have been on a four-game tear as of late.
Fans should not worry. The Pistons head coach has a solid plan for that and for a successful postseason to materialize.
Pistons plan on changing schemes to ease Cunningham-less squad
Notably, Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung. There is still not a definite timeline for his injury return but it might extend into the NBA Playoffs. Coach Bickerstaff knows the difficulty of winning games without their primary ballhandler and a great perimeter defenders. This is why he plans to tighten up on defense more than ever, via Jeff Zillgitt of NBA.com.
"A big picture thing for us is the goal to win the possession game If you’re getting steals, if you’re getting blocks, it lowers the amount of shot attempts that people get. We try to limit that as best we possibly can. It’s everybody taking up a little bit more. You’re not going to be able to replace what he does individually. But collectively, if everybody just plays to the best of their abilities and plays to their strength and ticks it up a little bit more, collectively we can get the job done. And we’ve proven that all year," Bickerstaff said.
The Pistons know that they will have to fill Cunningham's void through committee. This is exactly what they did against a postseason-hungry Golden State Warriors. Coach Bickerstaff's schemes prevented the Warriors from gaining any sort of momentum because they generated 16 steals to notch 32 points off turnovers. Not to mention, the Pistons also bothered nearly all of the Warriors shots which led them to only get a 46.1% field goal percentage and a subpar 36.4% from beyond the arc.
On the offensive side of things, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Daniss Jenkins, and even Paul Reed became offensive facilitators. These four guys combined for 20 assists. There is still much work to do because the Pistons shot at a horrid 23.8% clip from three-point range without Cunningham. Coach Bickerstaff admitted that those woes will be tougher to patch up.
"Tough for Cade to go through what he’s going through now — how important he is to the team, but how important being with his team is to him It doesn’t make it easy. He’s a huge part of what we do from a leadership standpoint. Obviously, the talent’s there, but just being around him every single day makes people’s days better. And we’ll miss that. But it’s our responsibility to keep pushing forward. And we know he’s there rooting for us, pulling for us. When he’s around, he’ll be cheering for us, help coaching, leading, all those things," the Pistons coach added.
The Pistons are still four games ahead of the Celtics in the standings. If they keep this defensive intensity up while also figuring out how to operate the offense better, they are a team to fear in the NBA Playoffs with or without Cade Cunningham.
Real Madrid host Atletico Madrid in a huge La Liga derby on Sunday.
Los Blancos know that a defeat to their city rivals could prove critically damaging in their hopes of hauling in league leaders Barcelona.
Atleti's title hopes are more or less over already, but they could still finish in second place above Madrid if they can string some consistent results together.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid score
Score
Goal scorers
Real Madrid
1
Vinicius 52'
Atletico Madrid
1
Lookman 33'
Location: Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid, Spain) Referee: Jose Luis Munuera Montero
Starting lineups:
Real Madrid (4-4-2, right to left): Lunin (GK) — Carvajal, Rudiger, Huijsen, F. Garcia — Valverde, Thiago Pitarch, Tchouameni, Guler — B. Diaz, Vinicius
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2, right to left): Musso (GK) — Llorente, Hancko, Le Normand, Ruggeri — Simeone, Cardoso, Koke, Lookman — Griezmann, Alvarez
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid highlights, key incidents
This section will be updated as highlights become available.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid talking points, analysis
This section will be updated after the match.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid reaction
Post-match reaction from both teams to follow.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid upcoming schedules
The No. 5 St. John's Red Storm will face the fourth-seeded Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the NCAA Tournament East Region on Sunday.
Despite being the the lower-ranked seed, Rick Pitino's team has played better basketball this year compared to Bill Self's Jayhawks as of late, including a Big East Tournament championship. St. John's defeated Northern Iowa 79-53 in the first round on Friday, while Kansas outlasted California Baptist 68-60.
Here is a look at the box score from Sunday's second round East Region in San Diego.
The highly energetic and enthusiastic head coach had to answer for the fact that he dropped Mario Götze from his matchday squad ahead of Sunday’s Bundesliga loss against Mainz. Germans naturally had to know why their 2014 World Cup hero had to watch from the stands.
Mario Götze has been fading from Albert Riera’s sights
Götze has actually started three league fixtures under Riera, but remained unused on the bench in the last two Bundesliga rounds. The 33-year-old is neither injured nor carrying any sort of lingering injury. Much of this has to do with the fact that players such as Ansgar Knauff, Younes Enboutalib, Arthur Theate, and Can Uzun have recovered from injury.
Speaking to DAZN prior to kickoff, Riera cited the need to keep defender Elias Baum on the squad as the lone defensive relief player. Riera then lauded Götze for his “professionalism” and “character” in accepting the decision. The Spaniard cited his experience on the Spanish national team as an example of the fact that sometimes there simply isn’t enough room.
Riera then got feisty at the press conference.
Riera’s press conference rant
“You asked me a question, I’ll ask you a question,” Riera – visibly agitated – began in response to the Götze query. “Which player should I remove from the team to make room for Mario? Who? Tell me one player.
“Don’t tell it to me,” Riera then continued, answering his own rhetorical question. “No, don’t tell it to me. Tell it to him [the player hypothetically dropped for Mario]. No, [Elias] Baumi, you’re not in the squad. No Oscar [Højlund], you’re not in the squad.
“I needed the players who were in the squad today,” Riera went on, deliberately talking over the reporter’s attempt at a follow up question. “I need them. Two defenders injured. Who else do I have but Baumi on the bench? If I could take 21 players, Mario would be there.“
“They can’t all go into the squad,” Riera continued. “Mario is a fantastic professional with a fantastic character. He and everyone else understands that every game is different and requires different players. Maybe next game he’ll be in.“
WATCH: Nahuel Molina wondergoal pegs Real Madrid back in Madrid derby
Atletico Madrid have responded to conceding twice in five minutes to Real Madrid by bringing themselves back level at the Bernabeu.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side had a couple of big chances in the opening half hour, with Dani Carvajal denied by Juan Musso and Fede Valverde seeing an effort crash against the post. Atleti had to absorb a lot of pressure, but they were the team to make the breakthrough when Matteo Ruggeri’s cross was brilliantly flicked into the path of Ademola Lookman by Giuliano Simeone, with the Nigeria international making no mistake to score.
Atleti did so well to nullify Real Madrid for the most part in the first half, but seven minutes into the second, they were pegged back. David Hancko took down Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area, and that allowed Vinicius Junior to score from 12 yards. And minutes later, Fede Valverde struck to make it 2-1, although Diego Simeone’s side are now back level.
It’s a brilliant strike to bring Atleti back into the game, as Nahuel Molina has piledriven an effort into the top corner from 25 yards.
Arizona guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates making a three point shot during an NCCA March Madness game against LIU Friday March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California.
The month of March is a fascinating time for the sport of basketball.
In the NCAA, you have the arrival of March Madness, the most bet-on sporting event of the year and the biggest stage of college sports, which through five days has already brought us exciting and iconic moments like Kentucky guard Otega Oweh’s epic 32-foot buzzer-beater in regulation of the Wildcats’ overtime victory over Santa Clara.
Meanwhile in the NBA, a third of the league is aggressively tanking and the rest of the league is focused on just getting to the postseason healthy, leading to anomalies like Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game and a random 11-game win streak for the Atlanta Hawks.
First Pick: No. 1 Arizona -11.5 vs. No. 9 Utah State
Rundown: Unlike other No. 1 seeds like Duke and Michigan, there was no slow start to be found for the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats in their first round stomping of No. 16 Long Island University on Friday, March 20.
One of the premier favorites to be the last ones dancing this March, the Wildcats have shown to not overlook inferior opponents, making them a solid pick to cover over an Aggies team that simply does not have the horsepower to keep up with one of the best teams in the nation.
Against Long Island, the Wildcats needed just seven points from senior guard and Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley, demonstrating their depth.
Utah State likes to pound the interior, outscoring Villanova 42-26 in the paint in its first round matchup, but struggles against fast-paced offenses, making them a bad matchup for an Arizona team that is 18th in the nation in fast-break points per game.
Second Pick: Boston Celtics -10 vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves
Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) defends Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the first half at crypto.com Arena.
Eric Lambkins II
Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) defends Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the first half at crypto.com Arena.
Rundown: There’s not a hotter stock to buy in the NBA right now than the Boston Celtics. The return of star forward Jayson Tatum has skyrocketed the Celtics up to second in NBA Championship odds, and the news of Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung injury has made it not unfathomable for Boston to catch the Detroit Pistons for the No. 1 seed over the course of the final 12 games of the season.
To do that, though, they will need to keep up the momentum of their recent four-game win streak, which they should be able to do decisively against a Timberwolves team missing star guard Anthony Edwards to injury.
Since Tatum’s return, the Celtics are 6-1 in games he’s played, with the only loss being to the San Antonio Spurs in a game where Jaylen Brown got ejected in the first half.
Speaking of Brown, the all-star guard is only heating up more late in his breakout season, scoring over 30 points in four of his last five outings.
The Timberwolves have actually been decently impressive playing without their lone all-star, going 8-5 without Edwards this season and posting a slightly higher offensive rating.
This is a wholly surprising stat considering Minnesota's lack of offensive creators around Edwards, but if anything were to reset that anomaly to its mean, it would be a date with Boston’s fearsome defense that ranks No. 4 in defensive rating this season.
CHICAGO — Too often over the course of the past five weeks, Billy Donovan found himself forgetting.
It happened in quiet moments, a too-rare phenomenon since the trade deadline upended the Chicago Bulls roster. The team was struggling. Most of the players whom Donovan had spent the last four years pouring into were scattered across the country in new jerseys. The Bulls slumped into an 11-game losing streak.
The last month was one of the hardest of Donovan’s life. It had nothing and everything to do with basketball.
In those hard moments — as always — Donovan reflexively went to call his father, Billy Sr.
And then he’d remember.
The last day Donovan called his father was Feb. 13. It was a Friday, the second day of the All-Star break. Billy Sr. didn’t feel great, but he didn’t want his son to worry. He believed his health was trending in the right direction. They swapped a few stories from the day, hung up with their typical goodbyes. The next morning, Donovan’s father died.
Donovan and his wife, Christine, drove from Chicago to Florida for his father’s funeral Mass and burial. Those days brought a peace, a welcome celebration of a man who injected joy and faith into every aspect of his life. But they weren’t the end.
As the couple drove back to Chicago on Feb. 19, Christine received a panicked phone call from her father — he had found her mother, Patricia, unresponsive in their home. Christine took the car back to Jupiter, Fla. Billy flew home to Chicago. Patricia died three days later, eight days after Billy Sr.
The family gathered again for Patricia’s funeral on Feb. 28. That same morning, Billy’s mother, Joan, began to suffer circulation issues that required hospitalization and eventually the amputation of her leg. Donovan’s sisters stayed with their mother while Billy returned to Chicago once again, trusting his family to relay updates and take point on Joan’s recovery.
Sitting on a folding chair at the Mo Ostin Basketball Center after a shootaround in Los Angeles, Donovan recited this onslaught of tragedy and turmoil in a matter-of-fact tone.
It’s not that Donovan has turned numb to the pain of these losses. There just simply hasn’t been enough time or space for the grief to settle in.
“I don’t think I’ve had time to really process or digest any of it,” Donovan told the Chicago Tribune. “It’s been too much.”
Donovan missed only one game during the span, a Feb. 19 home tilt against the Toronto Raptors that served as the team’s reintroduction after the All-Star break. He was absent for three practices in total — two before his father’s funeral, one before Patricia’s.
The Bulls front office and ownership encouraged Donovan to take as much time as he needed. But that was an easier edict to give than receive. Donovan felt trapped between two urgent situations — caring for his family and guiding a Bulls roster through the turmoil of trading eight players and gaining seven new ones at the deadline.
Donovan repeatedly used two words to describe the week of the trade deadline: “chaos” and “unprecedented.”
On the evening of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, new additions such as Guerschon Yabusele had to introduce themselves to the coaching staff barely a half-hour before their Bulls debut in Toronto. Donovan spent the ensuing week ripping his system down to the bare bones while attempting to learn the personalities and tendencies of eight men he barely had met or scouted before.
Perhaps a different team in a different scenario could have managed for a week without their coach. Donovan felt the Bulls needed him. But that didn’t negate the fact his family needed him too. At times, Donovan felt frozen by all this need. He couldn’t be the coach and father and brother and son and husband he wanted to be all at once.
“Quite honestly, there’s a — I don’t want to say guilt — but there’s a responsibility that we feel to support our family and then we also have a job to do,” Donovan said. “I struggle with that balance. Am I doing the right thing? Do I need to be there for somebody else? Does my wife or my sisters or my kids need me? Those are the conversations I’m having every day.”
This month was hard for reasons much bigger than basketball. But the basketball didn’t make things any easier. The All-Star break was supposed to offer both a moment of reprieve and recalculation. Instead, Donovan spent nearly two weeks trying to catch up.
Bulls players quickly become accustomed to Donovan’s relentless style of work. Forward Matas Buzelis often finds Donovan in his office when he steps into the Advocate Center in the evenings after dinner to put up shots. The coach is hard to beat to the gym, even harder to outlast in the evenings, a regular fixture on the treadmill and in the film room.
That didn’t change in the days after his father’s death. If anything, Donovan dove into the work with a heightened urgency.
“This guy, man,” Buzelis told the Tribune, shaking his head. “He shows up the next day. It’s honestly incredible what he’s done. He really loves basketball. He’s always bought in. No matter what — win, lose, draw — he’s there. He’s really bought into this team.”
Donovan is known for his approach as a player-first coach who invests deeply in the development of individuals on and off the court. He’s hardest on the guys he sees the most potential in, leaning on talented youngsters such as Buzelis to expand their perspective beyond the score-first instincts that carried them to the league. He takes players on trips to meet with mentality coaches and flies abroad to connect with players in their home countries.
This would be the easiest part of the job to lay aside. The Bulls mostly acquired players on expiring contracts at the deadline, short-term loans who will be out of contract before they have the time to learn the team’s full system. But guard Collin Sexton was struck by Donovan’s engagement in his personal development from the moment he arrived in Chicago. Even amid personal chaos, the coach sought out Sexton for individual conversations, pushing and prodding the eighth-year guard to challenge himself as a playmaker and defender.
“I respect him so much for him just being here for the team,” Sexton said. “For him to put certain things aside and still push forward every day — I’m truly grateful to have him as a coach and truly grateful for him to teach me.”
This is still the most natural — and the most important — aspect of coaching for Donovan. That makes sense. It’s the part his dad taught him.
For most of his life, basketball was a language Donovan shared with his father. Billy Sr. was an anxious attendee of his son’s games, typically standing away from the crowd in a doorway or quiet corner to watch the action. He flew to most Florida road games, joined the celebration on the court after both NCAA championships. He coached both of Billy’s sons on their youth basketball teams. Just last summer, he helped Billy into his orange sports jacket as he was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame.
Basketball was a cornerstone, but it also was just a conduit. When Donovan spoke to his father about basketball, they mostly talked about life. How to compete without becoming cruel. How to push a young man to grow into the best version of himself. How to accept failure and success with equivalent grace.
“He loved basketball,” Donovan said. “We talked basketball all the time. But if there was anything that he said complimentary about people, about me, it was always predicated on how you treated other people. That was really way more important than individual accolades, success, championships, all that stuff.”
Donovan learned from his father that consistency was a greater measure of character than any win or loss.
Billy Sr. showed up for his wife and son and daughters and all 11 of his grandkids. He was direct and honest. He didn’t BS anyone. He went to Mass every day. He let his faith lead. He was always there.
This trait drove Donovan in the weeks since his father’s death. He can’t call anymore, but he can hear his father’s guidance, the same as it had been for the last six decades. Show up. Be the same man every day. The rest will follow.
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star catcher Will Smith commented on his experience at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Smith played in four games for Team USA, featuring against Great Britain, Italy, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, who won the tournament. Team USA has made the final in each of the last three WBCs, but have won just once. In the tournament, Smith slashed .231/.313/.308 in 13 at-bats and had a single RBI.
“Those games were a lot of fun,” Smith said. “You’re playing for your country. There’s a lot of passion going into it. There’s a lot of excitement. The crowds are awesome. So definitely grateful for those experiences. Wish we would’ve won it.
“It still stings right now. But luckily we get our rings in a couple days from the World Series last year, so I think that’ll change my mind.”
The Dodgers are holding their ring ceremony following their 2025 World Series win against the Diamondbacks Friday. Smith played a huge role in the Dodgers’ thrilling Game 7 comeback win, hitting the game-winning home run in extra innings.
Mar 15, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; United States catcher Will Smith (16) celebrates after defeating the Dominican Republic in a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
What Role will Will Smith Play in 2026?
Smith is set to enter his eighth season with the Dodgers, and will look to put together yet another All-Star campaign. He’s coming off of a fantastic 2025, making a third consecutive All-Star appearance while posting a .901 OPS — his best since the shortened 2020 season.
He hit 17 homers and tallied 61 RBIs through 110 games last year, slashing .296/.404/.497 throughout the year.
The veteran will remain as the Dodgers’ starting catcher next year, though the emergence of Dalton Rushing could take a little more playing time from him. Rushing, who was the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect in 2025, will begin the year with the Dodgers, and is aiming to get a little more time on the field after playing in just 53 games last year.
While his time with the Dodgers’ camp in spring training was brief, he posted great numbers in the Cactus League. He hit a home run and had two RBIs with a 1.215 OPS through five games played.
How are you feeling about Will Smith heading into a new season?
The Los Angeles Chargers under Jim Harbaugh are becoming a consistent team, but not one that seriously challenges in the postseason.
Back-to-back 11-win seasons and a playoff appearance in his first two years, Harbaugh is building a foundation.
But fans don't want a foundation; they want success, and after a quiet free agency period, many are questioning how far this team can go in 2026.
However, in his latest power rankings, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco has the Chargers, surprisingly, at No. 10.
"Adding Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator will liven up the run game if the star tackles come back healthy," Prisco wrote. "By adding fullback Alec Ingold, it's clear Jim Harbaugh is going back to his roots of being a physical running team."
And in Prisco's power rankings, L.A. is the fourth-best team in the AFC. That is quite something.
After a quiet free agency period where you can make the case the Chargers haven't improved on the roster it had last season, I get the sense the franchise is banking on internal development and the coaching change of Mike McDaniel to bring instant results.
And for me, that's a dangerous game to play.
But it appears it is one Harbaugh is intent on playing.
Daniil Medvedev moved into the third round of the Miami Open, but not before a tough fight against youngster Rei Sakamoto.
The Russian dropped the first set to the 22-year-old before rallying to win 6-7, 6-3, 6-1.
Medvedev, who has recently re-established himself as a Grand Slam contender following strong performances in Dubai and Indian Wells, will face 18th seed Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round.
After his win over Sakamoto on Saturday, Medvedev spoke about how he felt conditions in Miami had changed this year, drawing comparisons to Indian Wells.
Medvedev compares court speeds between the Miami Open and Indian Wells
Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
After the match, Medvedev spoke about the Miami Open court conditions, noting they seemed slower than in previous years.
In recent years, the tournament has been known for its quicker hard courts. Tennis Abstract’s data shows an average 2025 court speed of 1.17. Indian Wells’ court speed, meanwhile, was under 0.8 in 2025 before rising to 1.09 this year.
Medvedev reflected on how he adapted during the match against Sakamoto. The Russian spoke about how the courts played compared to previous years.
“It’s completely different conditions, it’s always been,” Medvedev began. “Usually I feel like it’s kind of quicker in Miami, not too much, but a bit. This year it’s slower because Indian Wells was faster… except the serve, the serve can work.
“But in the points it was much slower, so I was losing the rhythm a bit and making some errors. I was just not ready for the ball to react the way it reacted. I managed throughout the match to play a bit better and better. Probably wear him out a bit. It’s just his second or third ATP match or something.
“Happy with the way I played toward the end of the match and again, never easy to make the transition from Indian Wells to Miami. The most important thing is to win.”
Sakamoto was impressive again on Saturday, following up his opening round win over Aleksandar Vukic with a strong performance against Medvedev. Medvedev has a clear path to the quarter-finals. We’ve already touched on this, but Medvedev’s next opponent will be Francisco Cerundolo.
With Ben Shelton, the eighth seed, falling to Alexander Shevchenko on Saturday, the door is open for both players.
The winner between Medvedev and Cerundolo will go on to face either Shevchenko or Ugo Humbert, who is seeded 31st. Reaching the quarter-finals would likely set up a matchup with third seed Alexander Zverev.
Medvedev holds a strong record against Zverev, having won 14 of their 22 meetings. But it was Zverev who came out on top in their most recent match at the 2025 Paris Masters, edging Medvedev 2-6, 6-3, 7-6.
For much of the first half, it looked like the Kentucky Wildcats had control of this game. They were making shots and playing tenaciously on defense.
Then, Iowa State closed the first half on an 8-0 run in 89 seconds to turn a 30-23 deficit into a 31-30 lead. Kentucky never recovered.
Iowa State blitzed their way from there to an 82-63 win, ending the Cats’ season in the Round of 32. After the Cats were up 18-6, the Cyclones outscored them by 31 points the rest of the way. In total, it was 76-45.
Kentucky had 20 turnovers to just 11 assists, shooting 9-25 from three-point range and 21-45 from the field.
Iowa State shot 9-28 from three-point range, including 9-17 after an 0-11 start. The Cyclones shot 28-61 from the field, and they only had seven turnovers to 17 assists.
The Cyclones won the rebound battle 31-30.
First Half
Collin Chandler made his first two three-pointers, and the Cats’ defense held the Cyclones to just 2-8 shooting in the first 4:34 of the game. It led to a 10-4 lead at the first media timeout. The Cats did have three turnovers in the first segment, but they had four assists. They also forced two turnovers on defense.
The Cats continued their hot start in the next segment, with Denzel Aberdeen banging in two three-pointers and Mouhamed Dioubate corralling two offensive rebounds for four points. It led to a 20-9 lead with 11:30 remaining.
A foul by Denzel Aberdeen, while Milan Momcilovic was shooting a three-pointer, started a 9-0 run by the Cyclones that cut it to 20-18 with 9:33 remaining. The Cats had seven turnovers at the time.
Foul trouble continued for the Cats, with Iowa State getting into the bonus before the under-eight media timeout. The Cyclones tied the game at 20-20 before Denzel Aberdeen drove to the basket for an and-one.
It was here when the game slowed to a slog. Both teams were struggling to make shots, especially the Cyclones. Iowa State was struggling mightily from three-point range, enabling Kentucky to keep a lead for the majority of the first half.
Three-pointers by Otega Oweh and Kam Williams helped the Cats to a 28-23 lead with 2:52 remaining in the first half. That lead grew to 30-23 with 1:29 remaining in the second half, but then disaster struck.
Milan Momcilovic made a three-pointer off a broken play with both teams going for a rebound off a missed three-pointer. It started an 8-0 run by the Cyclones that made it 31-30 Iowa State at halftime. In that run, the Cyclones had three turnovers. The Cats had 12 turnovers in the first half alone.
Despite shooting 29 percent from the floor in the first half and 3-16 from three-point range, the Cyclones still managed to lead by one point at halftime. Tamin Lipsey had four steals.
Kentucky shot 47.8 percent from the floor and 6-15 from three-point range. The rebound battle was tied at 18-18. Iowa State had 15 free-throw attempts to Kentucky’s three.
Aberdeen led the Cats with 10 points, while Momcilovic also had 10 points to lead the Cyclones.
Second Half
Both teams were whistled excessively for fouls early in the second half. By the first media timeout, Kentucky had five fouls and Iowa State had three. The Cyclones led 41-36 with 15:57 remaining, with Tamin Lipsey hitting two three-pointers early in the second half.
Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen, and Collin Chandler all had three fouls at the first media timeout. It clearly was impacting the Cats, as Iowa State took advantage by playing free and attacking the rim and attacking on defense. The Cylones led 48-40 with 12:48 remaining.
With the Cats seemingly searching for answers to the Cyclones’ defense, the Cyclones made things even worse, opening up a 52-40 lead with less than 12 minutes remaining. It got to 56-41 with 10:21 remaining and then 65-45 with 7:42 remaining in the second half.
The Cats just didn’t have it. Nothing was going right. Iowa State proved to be too much with their relentless pressure. It changed the whole game.
Credit to Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen for continuing to fight. They went out that way, which is what you want from your Senior leaders.
Tamin Lipsey had 17 of his 26 points in the second half for the Cyclones. Momcilovic had 20 points and four three-pointers. He was the catalyst in Iowa State outscoring Kentucky 51-33 in the second half.
Box Score
MVPs: Otega Oweh and Denzel Aberdeen
They gave everything they had. These two will be remembered, especially Oweh. In a season that was rocky from the beginning, Oweh kept the ship afloat and steady. Aberdeen was the glue of this team, always there to make a play when the Cats needed it.
Aberdeen finished with 20 points and four three-pointers in 37 minutes, while Oweh finished with 18 points and eight rebounds in 36 minutes.
Kentucky vs. Iowa State Twitter Reactions
Big Blue Nation was out in full force for this game. Here are the best Twitter reactions from Big Blue Nation.
The pregame nerves are running wild.
Logging off social media until after the final buzzer. Go ‘Cats.
Turnovers are killing Kentucky, but more specifically, turnover sequences. Five turnovers over a three-minute period, three in the final two minutes, that's what is killing momentum. Clean that up and this team will be okay. 10 of ISU's 31 first-half points were free throws. The…
Unfortunately this second half has turned into an embarrassment and is going to leave a really sour taste in everyone’s mouth heading into the postseason.
If you're Kentucky, and you have the resources (which you do), you have to spend it on bringing in a bonafide star and then making sure the pieces fit around him.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Flau'jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams each scored 24 points and No. 2 seed LSU set an NCAA record for 100-point games in a season with a 101-47 victory over Texas Tech on Sunday in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament.
Amiya Joyner added 11 points and 11 rebounds for LSU, which shot 56% against a Lady Raiders squad that hangs its hat on its pressing defense and had allowed just 52 points to Villanova in the first round.
Jada Richard's 3 in the final minute pushed LSU (29-5) across the 100-point mark for the 16th time this season, a Division I record, eclipsing the mark Long Beach State had owned since the 1986-87 season.
The Tigers, who came in averaging a nation's best 95.1 points per game, advanced to a fifth straight Sweet 16 under coach Kim Mulkey in style.
LSU led by as many as 56 points, dazzling the partisan Pete Maravich Assembly Center crowd with explosive, up-tempo play, accurate spot-up shooting and an ability to finish through contact at the rim.
With LSU leading by 50 early in the fourth quarter, Mulkey ceremoniously subbed Johnson out of the dynamic guard's final game on the Tigers' home court and they shared a long embrace. Johnson then raised both arms above her head to acknowledge the roaring, standing crowd before pulling her jersey up over her face to wipe her eyes.
With the crowd erupting for Johnson during introductions and whenever she had the ball, she gave the fans what they wanted.
There was a crossover dribble through converging defenders to set up a floating scoop as she soared across the lane. She later hit a spot-up 3-pointer and finished at the rim on several fast breaks.
Tech defenders hustled hard to try to stay in front of her, and at one point two Lady Raiders collided and fell under the basket as Johnson rose up along the right side of the key, the ball in her right hand high above her head before she scored softly off the glass.
When Johnson wasn't giving Tech fits, Williams was with an array of mid-range jumpers or finishing through contact in the paint.
Williams had 14 points and Johnson 13 by halftime, when LSU 43-25.
When Johnson whipped a fast-break pass across the court to Williams for an open, take-your-time 3, Tech coach Krista Gerlich reacted with a wry smile. The Tigers were in the zone, and the rout was on.
As the third quarter wound down, Johnson used a jab step on the dribble to set up a step-back 3 from the corner. That made it 76-32, and as the crowd went wild, Johnson hopped in the air and pumped her fist.
Her home finale was going just as she'd envisioned it, and her fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16 was at hand.
Texas Tech's leading scorer was Bailey Maupin with 19 points. The Lady Raiders (26-8) shot just 25% (16 of 63).
Up next
LSU is slated to play on Friday in the Sacramento 2 regional semifinals against Baylor or Duke.
🤯 Valverde continues ludicrous form with clutch Madrid derby goal
In the absence of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, another Real Madrid star needed to step up during Sunday's derby against rivals Atletico.
So that's exactly what Fede Valverde did.
The Uruguayan continues to be in ludicrous form, and bagged yet another goal to turn the score on its head to temporarily make it 2-1 after Vinicius Junior's penalty. Both goals arrived within a five-minute spell.
Valverde remained alert near the box, sprung forward with his impressive strides to jump on the ball, and scored with a trivela finish.
It means he now has a staggering 16 goal contributions (eight goals and eight assists) through only 20 games in 2026.
The Ohio StateBuckeyes are putting themselves in a strong position for a top-100 prospect in the 2028 class.
Kamieon Compton-Nero, a 247 Sports composite four-star player out of Owasso, Oklahoma, will be making an unofficial visit to Ohio State on June 11. At a listed 6-foot-3 and around 180 pounds, Kamieon has the type of long frame that can project to multiple positions on either side of the field. He is a multi-sport athlete and shows that his overall athleticism grades near the top quarter of national prospects. He is ranked as the No. 7 athlete in the 2028 class and also the No. 1 player out of the state of Oklahoma.
Currently, recruiting services list Compton-Nero as an “athlete,” which complements his versatility and potential two-way impact. On film, he shows stride length and acceleration that allow him to separate vertically on offense and close space quickly on defense. His multi-sport background and athletic scores suggest that he could gain the proper weight needed in a proper college weight program.
The list of programs interested in his recruitment is an impressive one. He holds double-digit Power Four offers, including those from Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and many others. While his home state school seems to hold an early edge for his services, his recruitment is still considered open, especially as top schools like Ohio State try to secure official visits.
It is easy to see why Ohio State might be interested in a player like Kamieon. He fits the mold of the long, position-flexible skill player who can be developed according to how his body and skill set eventually mature. His combination of length, range, and multi-sport twitch aligns with the Buckeyes’ recent emphasis on adding matchup pieces who can stay on the field in multiple packages.
With his stock trending up and his recruiting profile labeled “HOT” by analytics services, landing early traction with Compton-Nero could pay off as he ascends deeper into the 2028 cycle.
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Nick Lennear is one of the top wide receivers in the 2027 class. He named Florida State as one of his top five schools back in January, but he ended up committing to the Miami Hurricanes earlier this month.
Although he's committed to the Hurricanes, Lennear is still taking visits throughout the spring and summer months. According to Sam Spiegelman of Rivals, one of those trips will be at FSU.
"Elite WR Nick Lennear was one of the first dominoes to fall for Miami after their run to the national title game to close out the season. Along with the Hurricanes, USC, Florida State and LSU are set to host the nation’s No. 4 WR for official visits."
The Seminoles have had their eyes on Lennear since his freshman season, when they offered him a scholarship in August of 2023. However, the 6-foot, 165-pounder has only been to visit Florida State once, and that was last November when they played Virginia Tech. That makes his upcoming trip to Tallahassee extremely important.
Lennear was a productive player at Miami Northwestern last season. He amassed 20 receptions for 381 yards and seven touchdowns in seven games per MaxPreps. Lennear helped the Bulls reach the state title game, but they lost a nail-biter to Raines High School 23-22. In the title game, Lennear caught six passes for 135 yards and a touchdown while also putting up two tackles and one interception on defense. He'll play at Miami Coral City for his senior season.
Rivals' industry rankings have listed Lennear as the No. 26 overall recruit and the No. 6 wide receiver. In the state of Florida, he's the No. 5 prospect.
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - MARCH 22: Head Basketball Coach Kim Barnes Arico and Syla Swords #12 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate winning their NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament second round game against the NC State Wolfpack at Crisler Arena on March 22, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 92-63. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The No. 2-seed Michigan women’s basketball team defeated No. 7-seed NC State, 92-63, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday afternoon at Crisler Center. The Wolverines will play the winner of No. 3 seed Louisville and No. 6 seed Alabama, which occurs on Monday at 12 p.m. ET.
Here’s everything head coach Kim Barnes Arico and sophomore guards Syla Swords and Olivia Olson told reporters following the game, courtesy of ASAP Sports.
KIM BARNES ARICO: I thought our team just was amazing today. I thought we played our butts off on the defensive end and established ourselves from a defensive perspective really early.
We missed some shots early that we typically make, but it could have been the game, the atmosphere. I just think we needed to settle. Then you saw a glimpse of what we’re capable of doing in the fourth quarter of the game.
It was just an unbelievable performance by us. These two guys to my left are two of the best people and players in the country, and we’re fortunate to have them on our team.
Q.For both players, could you just speak to the moment, making your own Sweet 16, doing this at home, and winning in front of your home crowd?
OLIVIA OLSON: We committed to Michigan to do this, and we committed to Coach Arico to do it for her and for each other. You could see how much fun we were having, and that’s what it’s about, and that’s how close our team is.
It’s just so fun to kind of soak it in, especially on our home court. Like we’re accomplishing the goals we set out to, and we’re not done yet. So we’re going to keep having fun with it and keep preparing.
SYLA SWORDS: I think it really set in when we got subbed in at the end. We got to sit and watch how loud the crowd were, how excited our teammates were, and just soak all in, what we’ve built but also what Coach Arico has been building throughout the years.
I kind of took her at the end and just said — she doesn’t like to take a lot of the credit, but we committed to her at the end of the day. We committed to Michigan, and she’s a huge part of that. So we’re just really excited to be able to continue what Coach has already created as a legacy here.
Q.Olivia, to go from zero points in the first half with some foul trouble to 27 by the end of the game, what clicked for you in the second half?
OLIVIA OLSON: I think just having confidence in myself as well as my teammates having confidence in me and still getting the ball to me. But I think it was a collective effort of just people carrying the load in the first half, and that just shows how much depth we have on our team.
I’m proud of Syla, she hit her 1,000th point. Just like everything that our team did, I think it just — I’m happy to make shots in the second half, but yeah.
Q.Olivia, you actually just teed me up perfectly because I was going to ask Syla, how does it feel to reach 1,000 points in two seasons?
SYLA SWORDS: It’s exciting, but it’s nothing compared to that feeling of just walking into Chrysler and seeing the student section already full, seeing the crowds cheering when Liv was making those big shots or when Brooke was making big steals, that was the feeling that I was more excited about and just being able to celebrate with the team at the end knowing that we’re back in the Sweet 16, it’s something really special.
That’s kind of what I’m going to walk away feeling the most proud of in this day.
Q.For each of you, can you reflect on how much your pressure bothered them and how much of a difference that was in the game?
SYLA SWORDS: We bother a lot of teams with our pressure, and that starts with Brooke Daniels. She was all defensive team for Big Ten. She’s guarding the best player, whether it’s the point guard, whether it’s the shooting guard, no matter how tall they are, she’s constantly picking them up full court for however many minutes, 20, 40 minutes she’s playing. She knows that’s her role, and she’s great at it.
Then it comes from Liv too, being able to run into the trap of Te’Yala Delfosse. But it was definitely like Liv said, a group effort, and everyone just trusting each other to scramble to come back, and we were really disruptive with that.
Q.To see Alyssa Crockett hit that 3-pointer, can you reflect on what she provides to the team and your reaction to that shot?
OLIVIA OLSON: We talked about it in the locker room after, but she was part of the quad squad who stayed a couple years ago and believed in Michigan and believed in Coach and this program. She’s been such a good leader for us.
Coming in last year, she just leads us in whatever minutes the game gives to her. She’s always on the sidelines, always in practice hyping us up and doing — she’s just such a good leader for us. So to see her be able to play her last home game in Chrysler and to have that, it sealed the deal at the end.
Q.Mila again did her thing. What can you say that you haven’t about how good she is and maybe how underappreciated she is?
SYLA SWORDS: Mila Holloway is playing really high level basketball right now. Even on a lot of the lists that went out for top point guard of the year, Mila needs to be on all of those lists. You see she’s playing with great scorers, but we’re great scorers because she puts us in a situation to score, in a position to score.
She’s guarding 94 feet just like everybody else, and she’s grown a lot into that role from a leadership standpoint as well. She’s not the most vocal when she first came here, but now she’s calling the plays and bringing us all into huddles. That just brings a lot of calm to us on the floor, and you don’t see that from a sophomore point guard Power 4.
Q.Playing without Macy today obviously is hard emotionally, but also she’s been such a reliable plug-in from off the bench. Can you touch on how it was kind of filling in that position?
OLIVIA OLSON: Obviously it was hard for all of us just how good of a teammate she is and how good of minutes she’s been playing. We did it for her, and that’s what we talked about at the beginning of the game of everyone rallying around each other. We wanted to give her a good game today.
SYLA SWORDS: Macy is the type of person, when you feel her presence, whenever you’re in the room, you know that Macy is there, and that’s because of the positive energy she exudes. That’s something we’re going to miss on the court, but 100 percent sure she’s going to continue to be that great Macy Brown person she is on the bench for us.
Q.Syla, what were they doing to you to hold you to two points in the first quarter?
SYLA SWORDS: They were face guarding me really well at the beginning, but I wasn’t mad about it because my other teammates got great shots off of it. It opens a lot if I can be a great screener, which I’ve been working on, to open up stuff for them. Mila got great shots. Brooke Daniels had a great first quarter. It just makes stuff for the rest of the team easier.
Again, whatever we can do at that point. Liv, a player that doesn’t go away. She’s going to have a quieter first half, but yeah, she’s going to score 30 in the second half, and that’s not something to be surprised about by any means.
Q.I’m curious with Zoe Brooks out for NC State, how did your team have to pivot with her absence?
KIM BARNES ARICO: She’s a great player, and you’re not sure. Like we didn’t know until a little bit before the game that she wasn’t going to be playing. So we obviously prepped for her, and she makes a difference on their team.
She’s, like I said, a tremendous player. They’re a tremendous team. But one less player, and the same thing happened with us, Macy Brown didn’t play for us, it just affects your depth for sure. Then they got in a little bit of foul trouble, which really affected their depth, which played to our benefit.
I just think when you lose a key player, a key player like her with a ton of experience, other people need to step up and have a really great game. I thought we were able to affect them defensively. Our defense really was able to affect them. Without her and 16 points, that really hurt them a little bit.
Q.You guys forced 22 turnovers. You attempted 27 more shots than NC State did tonight. Were you surprised in any way by how effective the pressing and the trapping was?
KIM BARNES ARICO: No, that’s our goal every day to try to force 20 turnovers. I thought in the first half we sat back, we were nervous to do it. Then Liv got in foul trouble and just going on everyone else’s questions, what happened to Syla, why didn’t she score? Well Liv was out of the game, and they were face guarding and they were in a box and one against Syla.
That affects — you have to make adjustments when people are in foul trouble. Their player was in foul trouble. One of our top players was in foul trouble as well. So that kind of affected that.
Once we decided to press, which really was the second quarter, we said we’re going to get up regardless of what the situation is, I think the tide started to turn a little bit. They made a run at the end of the second quarter, but we got up ten in the middle of the second quarter because of our defensive pressure.
Obviously, we talk about Brooke a lot, but Te’Yala is really buying into that. Liv is a huge piece with that. Kendall does a great job with that. Syla as well. So you can go down the whole line, but that is our goal, and that’s the strength of our team if we can force turnovers.
The flip side tonight is we had 22 assists and only 6 turnovers. That is incredible. When you force 20 turnovers and only have 6 turnovers, that puts you in a pretty good position to win the game.
Q.Coach, you mention Brooke and her value obviously in the press, but can you just speak to what else she brings. You’ll watch the team gather in a dead ball situation in the huddle, she’s the one generally talking, the offensive rebounding at 5’7″, just her knack for all that.
KIM BARNES ARICO: She is the senior on our team. She is the most experienced in terms of minutes of anyone else on our team. She’s played more minutes than anyone else, I’m sure. She has a grit and a toughness and a fire, and every team needs so. So she is that for us.
She’s relentless. She’s an amazing offensive rebounder. She led our team again in offensive rebounds tonight. She finished with six total, but she had four offensive rebounds. She also had five assists tonight, which was really important as well.
So I think she does a lot of different things for our team, but her personality and her drive and her toughness and her grit, like that sets the tone for the rest of the crew, and I think that comes to her being a senior and her being the most experienced person out there.
Q.You’ve talked at length about building this program and standing on the shoulders of the players — Naz was here — and all that. With that in mind, does it feel different to make the Sweet 16 this time given you’re a 2 seed and hosting and all that?
KIM BARNES ARICO: Yeah, it always feels amazing. I think, if you go through the history of college basketball — men’s, women’s, anyone — this isn’t something that’s easy to do. There are a lot of tremendous coaches. There are a lot of great coaches that I followed throughout my entire career that don’t make Sweet 16s. So there’s never a time where I don’t really appreciate that and value that.
The first time we did it was the bubble. That’s an experience I will never forget. But this group is different, and this group has attracted — I mean, Naz was back in the building, Leigha Brown was back in the building. Our alums and our fans and our former players, they are all connected to this group. They talk about it every single opportunity I have a chance to speak with them about how proud they are and how hard they play and how they’re so unselfish.
We have so many talented kids, and they share the basketball, and they play for each other. I think, when people watch us, they can really see that. We get to hang another banner. I always talk about coming to Michigan and there weren’t any banners. Coach Mel, who started with me back in the day, used to always say we came here, there’s a big hole right there. We are going to hang banners in that spot.
And this will be another banner. So there’s not — every team has a special place, and every team helped lay the foundation to where we are today. That sophomore core group of kids came because of what Naz Hillmon did. Naz Hillmon came because of what Katelynn Flaherty did and Hallie Thome did. They wanted their own legacy, but they wanted to be a part of what the Michigan faithful, the Michigan players did before as well.
Q.With Olivia, it seemed like they were roughing her up a bit early and led to her foul trouble as well. Can you reflect on how she bounced back and how confident you were that she was going to have a second half like that?
KIM BARNES ARICO: For anyone watching, is she an All-American or what? Is she arguably not one of the best players in the country? She is phenomenal.
Tonight was a tough matchup for her because they played two bigs. So Liv is a guard for us. She usually matches up with a guard. Today she’s watching up with Khamil Pierre, who’s a double double machine. The girl has 20 double-doubles. So they went right at Liv, and that was their game plan from the start is to try to get Liv in foul trouble and try to attack her, and she picked up her second foul.
For a coach, when Liv does that really early, I’m like ugh, because it messes with her confidence a little bit and it hurts our team without her being out there. But our team was holding strong, so we kind of made the decision to not put her in for an extended period of time after that.
But for her to come back in the second half and do what she did was phenomenal, absolutely incredible. For her to have that confidence, for her teammates to find her early, for them to give her touches, and for her to make plays and put on the performance that she did, I thought was pretty ridiculous. It’s got to be one of the best halves of basketball of any player this season.
Q.Obviously a lot of success going on in Michigan across multiple sports right now. How would you describe the buzz at the university right now? Does that fuel you guys personally at all with the men’s team and the hockey team also raising banners?
KIM BARNES ARICO: Yes, it certainly — that’s why you come to Michigan. I say it 14 years in, but I left everything I ever knew — my family, my mother yelling at me because I was taking her three kids — on the East Coast for an opportunity to be surrounded by excellence every day. That was Carol Hutchins, that was Bev Plocki, that was Ronni Bernstein. That was every one of these women Hall of Fame coaches that are at this tremendous university.
They’ve had a couple good men’s coaches as well, but for me to have that opportunity was absolutely incredible. So when you get to work in this building — and I started with Coach Beilein, and I get to watch his practices and pick his brain, and I get to be surrounded by excellence. Then what our men are doing and what Dusty is doing every single day, I mean, I looked up, and I saw Yaxel in the front row with our whole men’s team and men’s staff at our game.
We share a building. We spend a lot of time together. Dusty used to kid me at the beginning of the year that he wished his best players played as hard as Olivia and Syla. He used to say, man, if I could just get my two best players to play as hard as your two best players are, we have a chance to be really good.
I think they’re doing okay. I think he’s gotten them to play that hard.
But it’s really special for me too. My boy, my son is a graduate assistant for them. So he’s a part of that, which has been special. My daughter is on — did the Lacrosse team win? Does anybody know? She plays Michigan women’s Lacrosse here. They played at Penn State today, which has absolutely been — I mean, for a mom, what greater — yes! They won 11-6. Of course the game times couldn’t work out.
But I just think Michigan is a really special place. It’s a place that prides itself on excellence. Getting to work with the group of people that I do every day and the support from the group of coaches. During COVID we formed a women’s group because we couldn’t stay inside, so all the women’s coaches would meet outside and hang out, and we’d chit-chat. That’s kind of stayed with us throughout the last few years.
I’m grateful every day to be at this amazing university.
Just eight players have managed to win The Masters and The Open Championship in the same year, with the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods all on the list.
There is just one name from that exclusive club who actually failed to win again on the PGA Tour during their careers.
In fact, they only managed to register two more top 10s in the majors after those two victories.
The seventh player to win both The Masters and The Open Championship in the same year
There was plenty of interest heading into the 1998 Masters. It had been one year since Tiger Woods confirmed his status as a superstar with his 12-shot victory at Augusta National.
It would have looked ominous for the field when Woods found himself tied for fourth at the halfway stage. The boy wonder was four shots back of Fred Couples and David Duval.
Mark O’Meara was one shot further back, having recovered from an opening round of 74 to move onto the first page of the leaderboard heading into the weekend.
O’Meara had only ever finished in the top 10 once at The Masters, back in 1992. In fact, his only top 10 in any major after that came at the 1995 PGA Championship.
So while he was only two shots off the lead heading into Sunday, he was probably not the player that most were concerned about.
But O’Meara went on to birdie three of the last four holes to beat Couples by one shot and secure his first major title.
On a side note, the 1998 Masters also saw Jack Nicklaus finish two shots ahead of Woods.
Photo by Timothy A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images
Following his victory, O’Meara would register one top 10 and two missed cuts before The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale arrived.
And there were some eerie similarities about his performance in Southport.
O’Meara crept into the top 10 after the second round, before going into Sunday just two shots behind the leader. On that occasion, it was Brian Watts who led the way.
O’Meara and Watts were tied after 72 holes, but the former emerged victorious after a four-hole playoff.
O’Meara would win the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour in 2004. However, he would never actually win on the PGA Tour again.
He did break the record for the oldest player to win two majors in the same season at the age of 41.
The remaining players who won The Masters and The Open in the same season
It should not come as a surprise that so many of the all-time greats are among the eight players to have won The Masters and The Open in the same season.
Ben Hogan was the first, with his wins coming in 1953. He also won the US Open that year. And the only reason he could not compete in the PGA Championship was because the tournament clashed with qualifying for The Open Championship.
The big three all won The Masters and The Open in the same year. Arnold Palmer was the first to achieve the feat, in 1962. Nicklaus would join him four years later – the season in which the Golden Bear completed the Career Grand Slam.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 14: Lloyd Cushenberry III #79 of the Tennessee Titans stands on the field prior to an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent much of this offseason reshaping their roster, but one area still quietly in need of reinforcement is the interior offensive line. After losing Isaac Seumalo to the Arizona Cardinals, they appear to have a hole at left guard. If they’re serious about stabilizing the offense and protecting their long-term quarterback plans, signing Lloyd Cushenberry III, and moving him to guard, should be near the top of their priority list.
Unfortunately for Cushenberry, he struggled mightily last year, leading to the Tennessee Titans letting him go with an injury designation. He earned a 55.2 grade from Pro Football Focus last season, which was 36th out of 40 qualifying centers, but his recovery from various injuries likely played a large role. In 2024, Cushenberry tore his Achilles tendon and was lost for the season. He returned in 2025, starting 15 games.
There’s also a physical element to his game that fits what Pittsburgh wants to be. The Steelers have long prided themselves on a tough, downhill rushing attack, and adding a center who can hold his ground and create push up front would help re-establish that identity, especially when considering the backfield duo of Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren are more power than finesse.
From a roster-building perspective, the move makes even more sense. Free agency is about finding value, and Cushenberry is still young enough (28) to be part of a multi-year solution rather than just a stopgap. He wouldn’t just fill a hole — if healthy, he could provide stability for multiple years.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
Former IWGP Women's Champion Sareee debuted in WWE back in early 2020 as 'Sarray,' primarily wrestling on "NXT," with a stint in "NXT UK" and several "WWE 205" matches as well. Unfortunately, she parted ways with WWE in 2023, before finding her footing in the promotion.
In a recent interview with "Tokyo Sports," Sareee looked back at her time with WWE.
"That was the most difficult period of my pro-wrestling career," she admitted, citing how both a stacked roster and the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in her struggling to get picked for matches. "I couldn't compete as much as I wanted to."
During her run, Sareee's gimmick was changed to a high school girl-themed character, which she expressed her dislike for. "I went with the intention of bringing strong women's professional wrestling from Japan, but it was painful because what was required in reality was different," she recalled, claiming that the entire experience stressed her out and that she began to binge-eat desserts, developing acne as a result. "Still, I did my best in my heart. Looking back now, it's all become experience that has nourished me, so not a single moment was wasted."
On her return to Japan, Sareee admitted that she felt challenged to return to her home country after achieving nothing in the U.S., but realized she needed to do what she loves instead. "I've been striving to become the strongest in the Japanese women's pro-wrestling scene, which is where it all began for me," she proclaimed. (Translation via "Fightful").
Michigan State baseball head coach Jake Boss Jr. has reached a massive career milestone on Saturday afternoon, earning his 500th career victory with a win over Iowa. The 15-5 win was the clincher to reach the milestone.
Boss, who coached one season at Eastern Michigan (25-34) before spending the last 18 seasons with Michigan State (475-423), holds a 500-457 record with two career trips to the NCAA Tournament. Boss's contract was extended with Michigan State earlier this year.
With the Victory for MSU in G1 of today's DH, Coach Boss won his 500th career game as a collegiate head coach (475 at MSU/25 at EMU)!!
Boss took Michigan State to the NCAA Tournament in 2012 for the first time in 33 years, but has failed to get the Spartans back to the big dance.
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Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders are not rich in draft compensation. In fact, they have just six selections total throughout the three-day event taking place in Pittsburgh this year. However, while the Commanders may not have many selections, they do have a pretty good one, with the seventh overall pick in the first round.
The Commanders have spent a large portion of free agency addressing various concerns on defense. That effort could continue at the top of the NFL draft, where Washington will be able to add a blue-chip talent to the team. Or, maybe they go in a different direction, to make an already dangerous offense even more potent.
Recently, The Athletic‘s Commanders insider Nicki Jhabvala suggested that if star Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is still available when Washington is on the clock at 7, that Washington would “have no reason to hesitate in grabbing him.”
“At running back, Washington signed three veterans — Rachaad White, Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols — to one-year deals to fill out the room and add experience alongside Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt. But if Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is available at No. 7, the room is built such that Washington would have no reason to hesitate in grabbing him to add an explosive and dynamic threat on offense.”
The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala on Commanders RB room
We can’t argue otherwise. Love has the ceiling to be one of the very best players in the draft class. He’s someone who can transcend an offense from the moment he takes the field as a rookie.
Combining one of the NFL’s best overall weapons in dual-threat QB Jayden Daniels with an elite rusher who also has extreme YAC abilities as a pass-catcher like Love should have defenses shaking in their boots. Yet, most projections have Love being off the board before the Commanders are on the clock, and it’s not like they have the type of extra draft capital to go get him if Love is the top target in D.C.
But hey, it’s fun to dream, right? Perhaps there is a scenario where the unexpected happens. We see it take place every year, where a top prospect either falls or teams just make surprise decisions near the top of the draft. Anything is possible, perhaps even Love winding up in a Commanders uniform in late April.
After an injury-blighted first season as Olympic champion, 2026 is about one thing for Keely Hodgkinson: "domination".
The 24-year-old captured her first world indoor title in commanding fashion as she claimed 800m gold in a championship record time on a historic night for Great Britain in Poland on Sunday.
That success came one month after she smashed the long-standing women's indoor 800m world record, set by Slovenia's Jolanda Ceplak on the day the Briton was born in 2002.
The first of two serious hamstring injuries prevented her from attacking that mark 12 months ago, and she was forced to wait 376 days to race again following her crowning moment at Paris 2024.
But Hodgkinson - branded 'Keely 2.0' within her training group following her impressive rebuild in the gym - is already making up for lost time.
"My word this year has been domination," Hodgkinson told BBC Sport.
"When I'm in the shape of my life, why leave it to chance?
"If you want to beat me, I'll make you work hard for it."
Hodgkinson made further history by becoming Britain's first women's 800m world champion - indoors or outdoors - crossing the line more than a second clear of her rivals in one minute 55.30 seconds.
Following Josh Kerr's 3,000m triumph on Saturday, it guaranteed the British team's most successful World Indoor Championships of all time, surpassing the three gold medals achieved in 1999.
Hodgkinson reappeared on the track less than an hour after her gold to join the bid for a women's 4x400m relay medal at the end of the final day of action in Torun.
Despite her best efforts - and running the quickest leg of any athlete in the event with a 50.10-second split - she was unable to overturn a substantial deficit on her anchor leg.
Hodgkinson peerless in pursuit of elusive 800m gold
After executing her seismic, record-breaking run last month, Hodgkinson's attention was fixed firmly on gold in Torun.
This was the final international podium missing from Hodgkinson's extensive list of honours, after various injuries prevented her from competing at each of the past three world indoors.
The 24-year-old, who has 11 international medals, has also been denied in her three attempts to win world gold outdoors, achieving two silvers and one bronze.
Hodgkinson said she hoped it would be "fourth time lucky" indoors in 2026 - but she had to overcome misfortune even before beginning her gold medal bid, after the airline she had travelled with lost her kit.
With her belongings delayed, Hodgkinson was forced to complete her preparations in somebody else's spikes, which ended up giving her a blister.
But that did not affect Hodgkinson as she dominated Friday's heat, before cruising to victory in Saturday's semi-final in a time faster than all but one of her fellow finalist's personal bests.
Switzerland's Audrey Werro was the only contender with an indoor best time within three seconds of Hodgkinson's world record mark, and the Briton's superiority was evident as she comfortably strode clear inside the venue where she achieved her first international medal five years ago.
'Keely 2.0' continues to make up for lost time
Hodgkinson celebrated with fellow British gold medallists Hunter Bell and Caudery [Getty Images]
Five whirlwind years have passed since Hodgkinson announced herself on the international stage by winning a first major title at the European indoors in Torun, going on to claim silver on her Olympic debut later that summer.
Hodgkinson still managed to salvage silverware from her challenging 2025 by making the world podium in Tokyo six months ago and is ultimately appreciative of the perspective that setback has given her.
She says she now feels reconnected to her "fearless" 19-year-old self - and she is already making up for missed opportunities.
Off the back of the "healthiest" winter training she has had for several years, Hodgkinson is in seemingly unstoppable form, with European and Commonwealth titles available on home soil this summer.
Hodgkinson's latest triumph leaves upgrading from silver to gold at the world outdoors and Commonwealths as the final frontiers as far as her international medal collection is concerned.
But her historic start to the season has also only increased anticipation surrounding a tilt at athletics' longest-standing world record - the 43-year outright 800m world record of 1:53.28, set by Jarmila Kratochvilova.
"It has been such a fun few days. I'm really grateful to be here and to be healthy. I'm glad I could show what I know I can do," said Hodgkinson.
"To get three golds in half an hour is absolutely amazing. We absolutely smashed it."
Nashville (Tenn.) Antioch signal-caller Andre Adams is in the midst of a key stretch of spring visits, and once that is over, he plans to make a commitment.
On Sunday, the four-star told Rivals’ Chad Simmons that he will announce his decision on April 11. Adams is coming off visits to Oregon, Kentucky, Mississippi State and Virginia Tech and is also set to visit Colorado and Florida State in the coming weeks. Those schools make up his top schools heading into the decision in a few weeks.
Earlier this month, Adams said Virginia Tech, Colorado and Kentucky have been among the programs pushing hardest recently. His most recent trip came with James Franklin and the Hokies, who have prioritized him as one of their top overall targets.
“They’ve been on me hard,” Adams said. “Coach Franklin came down, and we had a great talk. I like him a lot and I want to get up there.”
The WIldcats and Buffaloes have made strong pushes for him over the past few months, too. And he knows what he wants in a school.
“I want to be somewhere honest,” he told Rivals in January. “Somewhere I feel like I belong. I’m a big relationships guy. How coaches talk to me, how honest they are, and how they treat me really matters. I want to be around people who are going to develop me as a man and as a quarterback.
… My main goal is to play in the NFL. I want to be in a place that’s going to help me get there.”
As a junior, he finished with 3,417 passing yards. He threw 35 touchdown passes with just one interception while completing 71% of his passes. He also rushed for 855 yards and 13 more scores.
"The race energy is so fun. It kicks off the running season. It's just a great way to see the city in a unique way, because all of the streets are closed," said runner Mallie Dowling.
The event attracts runners from all skill sets.
"Basically, the first medal I have won in racing and running. It felt great," said runner Christopher Diaz.
For others, this race has become a tradition.
"I had a blast last year and I got addicted to running, it's the start of the running season. So, I had to come back," said runner Filip Pancerz.
"Doing it for the vibes. You see me in a tank top, cold, windy. Everyone's coming to run," said runner Alex Vo.
The chilly temperatures did not stop thousands from taking part of the 2-mile walk along the lakefront or the 8K through downtown. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson welcomed the runners at the start of the race.
"This race brings energy to our parks, our streets, supports local businesses, and showcases the greatest freaking city in the world, the city of Chicago," Johnson said.
The event kicks off the start of the outdoor running season in the city, with many more events planned for runners to participate in.
"This is the beginning of our Bank of America Chicago distance series. It starts with the 8K, the Shamrock Shuffle. The beginning of the running season. Then, we move to the half marathon, the 13.1 on the West Side in June. And then, it all culminates right back here with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon," said Bank of America Chicago President Rita Cook.
"It's such a privilege to be healthy enough to run and being among other runners. It's awesome," said runner Mallie Dowling.
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's EFL Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City
Here are some of your comments:
Arsenal fans
Graham: Typical Mikel Arteta - conservative safe football. Too slow to make changes, especially when it was obvious City were threatening second half. Why wait until there's 20 minutes left and 2-0 down to make subs? Too many players below par and not one Arsenal player should take their wages - pathetic display. Massive week in April and if we fail to respond against Southampton and Sporting then Arteta needs to ask if he's the man for the job. He's had the money to buy but is he the innovator to inspire us to glory?
Jeff: Arteta's stupidity cost Arsenal the game. It's a final, play your best team - end of story. The instructions he gave at half-time simply had no effect. Arsenal edged the first half, could have been in front but were simply blown away by a team that wanted to win in the second half. Can they recover and finally win something this year? I hope so, but fear for the future with Arteta in charge.
Dyfi: We got what we deserved. It was the wrong team selection - when you get to any final you put out your best team and make a proper game of it. Poor tactics. To be honest, we've only just managed to beat poorer opposition since Christmas. Manchester City were too strong and too organised. There is still a gulf between them and us when it comes to the crunch. We could have played all day and not had a shot.
JJ: Rubbish! Arteta's decision-making and tactics were dire. This is the worst Arsenal have been all season.
Les: Arteta has to be responsible for this result. Having picked his team and watched the first half, it was very clear where the changes had to be made, but he waited too long. Sorry to say it, but Bukayo Saka is not the attacking player he was, or the right player to be captain.
Man City fans
Malc: Great win and a great attacking team picked. Let's see where this leads in the league. Arsenal were poor, they hardly played, although their set-pieces took up a lot of the time!
Youssef: Really chuffed with the lads. It all started with James Trafford's triple save - then, in the second half, we were dominating. Everyone shone, especially our boy Nico O'Reilly. Absolutely buzzing. For Arsenal, bottle one out of four.
Andy: Magnificent second-half performance from the Blues. We were worthy winners. Let's hope we get back on track in the league. Come on, City!
Ian: A totally dominant second-half performance. City were outstanding!
Karl: Arsenal were the better team for 20 minutes. But we dominated, especially in the second half. We won a battle, they might win the war, but looking forward to next season as it's all coming together!
Mar 20, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Jacari White (6) reacts after his three pointer against the Wright State Raiders during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The NCAA Tournament continues on Sunday, as teams look to advance to the Sweet 16, setting the stage for another day of dramatic finishes. With eyes set on a national title, the tournament always promises the chaos and excitement that make March Madness one of the best events to follow in sports.
In a pivotal Midwest Region second‑round duel, the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers, coming off a 78–56 first‑round victory over Miami (Ohio) propelled by a strong offensive night from Ja’Kobi Gillespie and tenacious defense, face No. 3 Virginia, which survived a competitive first round with an 82–73 win over Wright State, as Jacari White hit key shots and led the Cavaliers’ balanced attack.
Tennessee’s ability to control tempo and defend will be challenged by Virginia’s experience and efficient scoring, making this a chess match where late‑game poise and execution likely determine who earns a spot in the Sweet 16.
Watch every matchup during the 2026 NCAA Tournament on DIRECTV.
Games throughout the tournament are broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with DIRECTV packages providing access to all four networks, so viewers can stream every round live.
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WATCH: Vinicius Junior brings Real Madrid level in Madrid derby before Fede Valverde completes comeback
Real Madrid trailed at half time in the Madrid derby, but soon into the second period, they have managed to complete a fine comeback at the Bernabeu.
Alvaro Arbeloa’s side had a couple of big chances in the opening half hour, with Dani Carvajal denied by Juan Musso and Fede Valverde seeing an effort crash against the post. Atleti had to absorb a lot of pressure, but they were the team to make the breakthrough when Matteo Ruggeri’s cross was brilliantly flicked into the path of Ademola Lookman by Giuliano Simeone, with the Nigeria international making no mistake to score.
Atleti did so well to nullify Real Madrid for the most part in the first half, but seven minutes into the second, they have been pegged back. David Hancko takes down Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area, and that has allowed Vinicius Junior to score from 12 yards.
And it would get better for Real Madrid moments later as Fede Valverde has continued his goalscoring form to make it 2-1, as he pounced on an error from Atleti substitute Jose Maria Gimenez.
Real Madrid desperately needed this start to the second half. They had been on course to stay seven points behind Barcelona, but the gap is now poised to reduce back down to four.
Pep Guardiola became the first manager to win the EFL Cup five times with Manchester City's 2-0 win against Arsenal [Getty Images]
Pep Guardiola's wild run and dance down Wembley's touchline demonstrated the hunger for success remains and his competitive fire still burns as fiercely as ever.
It came after Nico O'Reilly's second header in four minutes effectively sealed Manchester City's 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory against Arsenal, giving Guardiola a record fifth win in the competition.
Guardiola was lost in the moment as he pumped his fists in delight towards City's jubilant supporters, the significance of the victory underlined by the crushing bearhugs he gave his players and backroom staff after the final whistle.
"I wanted another yellow card and that is why I did it," joked Guardiola when quizzed about his celebration.
"If I can't celebrate in the moment against a team like Arsenal, and the way we were playing... my emotions are related to the way we are playing.
"I am not artificially intelligent, I am a human being, and I want to celebrate. It was not showing disrespect to Arsenal or for the other fans, I just celebrated with my people. And when I feel it, I express it."
Arsenal, by contrast, were desolate as they missed the chance to win a first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, the result of a timid performance lacking in attacking ambition until it was too late.
City and Guardiola's mission was not simply to win the EFL Cup. It was to put on the sort of dominant performance that might sow seeds of doubt in Arsenal's minds as they hold a nine-point lead in the Premier League title race.
It was the ideal stage for both sides to make a statement. Manchester City made theirs. Arsenal fluffed every line.
Whether this result has wider ramifications remains to be seen.
Will it fuel City for a late rally in the league? Will the disappointment of this defeat derail Arsenal?
City must hope it has inflicted psychological damage on Arsenal. The Gunners must regroup and show the reserves of strength that have sustained their season.
What is beyond doubt is the better - much better - team prevailed on this day.
Manchester City may not have the relentless consistency of the Guardiola team that won four successive Premier Leagues, but this latter-day rebuilt version still looks the best football team in the country when they get it right.
This was Guardiola's 16th major trophy with City, and while speculation still swirls about his future beyond this season, the manner in which his team played and the way the Catalan was so engaged and fired-up illustrated that he still wants more success.
The EFL Cup does not carry the same lustre as the Champions League or Premier League, but Guardiola did not care about that as he basked in his latest success.
Guardiola accepts City's Premier League destiny is out of their hands, but this victory will surely keep hope alive.
"I would love to be nine points in front to be honest," he said. "It's in their hands. We need time, an incredible break. I am exhausted and after we see step by step."
He added: "I'm really pleased because Mikel [Arteta] created a team that is almost unbeatable. A fifth Carabao Cup in 10 years is not bad. Every time you win a title it looks more difficult than in the past. It is really difficult for many reasons."
Guardiola has won everything, but this showed his appetite for silverware remains as sharp as ever.
It is a hunger Arteta, once his assistant at Manchester City now his main rival, is yet to satisfy.
Arsenal remain in a superb position in the Premier League and have the Champions League and FA Cup in their sights, but this was a sobering and disappointing day for the Gunners.
Arteta's decision to keep faith with his EFL Cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga instead of first-choice David Raya blew up in his face when he dropped Rayan Cherki's routine cross for O'Reilly's opener on the hour. It was the moment this final also slipped from Arsenal's grasp.
Guardiola's celebration for the opening goal was only slightly less restrained than his jig down the line for City's second. When O'Reilly broke the deadlock, he leapt high, punching the air flamboyantly before jumping on to an advertising hoarding with a flying kick.
To emphasise the contrasting fortunes, Guardiola followed the same strategy by picking James Trafford rather than Gianluigi Donnarumma. He was rewarded when Trafford made a stunning triple save, once from Kai Havertz and twice from Bukayo Saka, in the opening phase.
After that, Arsenal's game of percentages came back to haunt them. Too passive. Too conservative. Too late to change things when they went wrong.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's wait for a first trophy since 2020's FA Cup continues after the EFL Cup final defeat [Reuters]
The first 45 minutes was the epitome of two teams cancelling each other out - but once the second half began the landscape was set for City's win.
They were the more progressive, aggressive side. Their attacking intent started to overwhelm Arsenal, the pressure became impossible to resist. Smoother on the ball and more cohesive than an Arsenal side based on organisation, the traffic only flowed one way.
Arrizabalaga already had Arsenal's nerves on edge with an injudicious dash from goal which resulted in a yellow card for a panicked foul on Jeremy Doku.
Much, much worse was to come for Arsenal and their goalkeeper.
It remains six years since Arteta won his one and only trophy as Arsenal manager, and the way in which his team went into their shell here will be a concern that he must hope is not repeated as the pressure mounts in the closing weeks of the season.
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport: "Manchester City played to win. I think that's what they're bred to do over ten, 15 years. I think now they're very much bred to win. I think they've been really disappointed with the FA Cup final at the end of last season [when they lost to Crystal Palace].
"A lot will be read into it putting a marker down or whatever, but I don't think so. I think it was just about Manchester City winning trophies, which is what they've done so regularly recently - and this is another big one.
"It is also a huge day for Pep Guardiola, who's won everything, but now stands alone in terms of managers winning the League Cup. He's won it five times, going one clear of Sir Alex Ferguson. How much of a testament is that to his ability, his special touch and what he's done over the years with Manchester City?"
Arteta is braced for the battle to recover from this setback and focus on three trophies, saying: "We had eight amazing months with this team. Today is a disappointment. We need to use that fire in the belly for the next two months to have an incredible season."
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "It's painful, especially for our players and supporters, because we really wanted to lift that trophy. It was two very different halves, especially the first half when I think we were better than them and had the best two chances of the game.
"We didn't capitalise on that. Credit to them for what they have done. A really sad day."
He must hope it is the last sad day of what has been an outstanding season so far - for Guardiola, he will hope City's win, and the manner in which it was achieved, will play on Arsenal's nerves.
Arsenal's Kepa Arrizabalaga made the costly error for Manchester City's opener [Getty Images]
There's no hiding place for a manager when decisions go against them and for Mikel Arteta, his choice to stick by cup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will be one that haunts him.
Arteta is known for his ruthlessness but, by opting to stick with cup goalkeeper Kepa for the Carabao Cup final, he showed a rare glimpse of his sentimental side - especially with Arsenal having not won a major trophy since 2020.
Kepa's error - when he let Rayan Cherki's cross slip through his fingers - allowed Nico O'Reilly to head Manchester City into the lead. And Pep Guardiola's side never looked back as O'Reilly headed in again just four minutes later to seal the win.
Arteta's decision to play Kepa over first choice David Raya was highlighted further because of the performance of City's own cup goalkeeper, James Trafford.
Trafford was re-signed during the summer to be City's number one before Gianluigi Donnarumma became available and the club moved to sign him from Paris St-Germain, which meant Trafford became second choice.
Trafford made an excellent triple save early in the game, when he denied Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka twice, to keep the scores level.
He went on to keep a clean sheet, while the questions about Kepa's selection will dominate the headlines.
Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I never understand why managers play their second-choice goalkeepers in cup finals.
"You're trying to win a trophy, why wouldn't you play your number one to give yourself the best possible chance? That's common sense."
For Arteta, it did not enter his mind to not play Kepa in the final.
The Arsenal manager said it would have been "very unfair" if he had not stuck with the Spain international, who had played every round of the cup competition before the final, and said he accepts the scrutiny coming his way.
"I understand that, but I have to do what I feel is right, which is honest and which is fair," Arteta said.
"And I think we have an understanding keeper in Kepa - he's played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different."
The former Chelsea goalkeeper signed for the Gunners in the summer to compete with first choice David Raya.
Raya has 15 clean sheets in the Premier League, the most in the division, and has produced some standout saves during this campaign as Arsenal look to end their wait for a trophy.
And Arteta says that despite Kepa's limited game time this season he did not guarantee that the goalkeeper would play in Arsenal's cup fixtures.
"I can never promise a player to play certain competitions, because at the end they have to earn it and they have to do enough like any other position," he said.
"We are guided by what we've seen and what he's done in the competition, and he helped us to go all the way through here.
"I believe it's the right thing to do and that's it. Errors are part of football and today it happened unfortunately in a crucial moment."
The EFL Cup brings bad memories for Kepa Arrizabalaga. The keeper has now lost all three of the finals he has played in the competition.
When playing for Chelsea in 2019 he refused to be substituted with the game heading to penalties, in 2022 he put his penalty over the crossbar as Chelsea lost to Liverpool in the shootout - and his error in this year's final handed the lead to City.
"I would never have started Kepa today," European football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"In a final like this, at this moment in the Arsenal project, there is no moment for sentiment. Your best team has to play. Kepa instead of David Raya for me, was the wrong call.
"I know it is harsh but I think Arteta and his players will learn a lot from today because those finals are won on decisions made, not just on the pitch but at half-time."
Kepa was booked before conceding the opener, when he misjudged a clearance and pulled back winger Jeremy Doku as he looked to score.
"Mikel Arteta did not have to play him," former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport.
"That's a decision made by a manager who's potentially going to win quite a lot this season. So he's played Kepa because he believes he's ready.
"But I'll always say it, don't ever feel sorry for a goalkeeper. That's the life that he's chosen.
"And again most of the game he was faultless. But in that big moment obviously he'll have something to reflect on."
A pivotal moment for Trafford
After re-signing for the club where he started his career for £30m in the summer, Trafford expected to be the number one at City.
But since Donnarumma's arrival the England Under-21 international has had to make do with domestic cup appearances and a rare chance in the Champions League.
Trafford has said that this season "hasn't been easy at all" as he finds himself second choice.
But his performance during the win over Arsenal could be a pivotal moment in his career.
"They were obviously big saves because they happened quite early on in the game, but I can't really remember them because they were quite quick," Trafford said.
"I'm just happy to play my part in it, and then Nico [O'Reilly] scored two, which is brilliant from him."
"This moment means a lot to me. Four or five years ago when they [City] beat Spurs to win it, I think I was fourth or fifth choice, and I always imagined that I would win it one day."
"It's a testament to how I believed in myself, and how I acted in training, when I've been brought in for club games. Every time that I play I just give it my best shot," he added.
Shock departure: Schmadtke leaves Hannover - reasons still unclear
In a surprising development, Hannover 96 announced that Jörg Schmadtke’s tenure as sporting director is already over, barely three months after he took over the role on January 1st.
The club released only a brief statement, with no clear explanation given for the decision. According to reports, the separation was agreed upon mutually, but the exact background of the move remains unclear.
Schmadtke had originally signed a long-term deal and returned to Hannover with high expectations, having previously enjoyed a successful spell at the club. His second stint, however, ends far earlier than anticipated.
Despite the boardroom shake-up, Hannover remain in a competitive position in the 2. Bundesliga, still pushing for promotion in the final stretch of the season.
For now, the focus shifts to how the club restructures its sporting leadership - with more clarity on Schmadtke’s sudden exit still expected in the coming days.
The Kentucky Wildcats have been eliminated from the 2026 NCAA Tournament. They earned a No. 7 seed for the tourney and beat No. 10 Santa Clara by five points in the first round to advance to the Round of 32.
The Wildcats matched up with No. 2 Iowa State in the second round. While they were underdogs on paper, the Cyclones were down Joshua Jefferson, one of their best players, due to an ankle injury.
Kentucky led for most of the first half, with Iowa State scoring at the buzzer to take the 31-30 lead. While the first half was razor close, the second half could not have been more lopsided. The Wildcats couldn't control the ball, turning it over 20 times on their way to an 82-63 loss.
Here is more on how Kentucky's turnover issues led to a blowout second-round loss to Iowa State.
Kentucky was the underdog against Iowa State, but the Wildcats kept the game close through the first half. Kentucky went into halftime down just 31-30. It looked like the Wildcats would be able to come away with an upset win, especially given that the Cyclones were without Jefferson.
Kentucky absolutely imploded in the second half. While the offense went ice cold, one of the biggest problems was the high turnover rate. The Wildcats finished with 20 turnovers. That ranked as their most turnovers in a game this season, by five turnovers. It is also the most turnovers the team has had in a game since head coach Mark Pope took over ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
The Wildcats lost to the Cyclones 82-63. 25 of Iowa State's 82 points came from Kentucky turnovers.
Nico O'Reilly has scored eight goals this season for Manchester City [Getty Images]
Nico O'Reilly has a tattoo of the Manchester area code etched on his arm and the Englishman will be the pride of the city following his man-of-the-match showing in his side's brilliant Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal on Sunday.
Academy product O'Reilly won the game for City with a pair of second-half headers into the goal in front of his club's ecstatic supporters.
For a boyhood City fan to score twice at Wembley Stadium, this fairytale story has produced an unforgettable moment for the player, manager Pep Guardiola and supporters alike.
O'Reilly was drafted into the City team last season to aid the squad's injury crisis in defence and has grabbed his opportunity - he now gets his hands on major silverware after delivering a performance that he will never forget.
"Unbelievable feeling," O'Reilly told Sky Sports. "To win a final, to beat this team ... we know how good they are. We need to build on it, it will give us good momentum. Buzzing with today."
Guardiola said of O'Reilly's impact: "He has been so surprising so far even for me, the season he has done so far has been extraordinary."
Cometh the hour, cometh the man - with the '0161' phone code inked on his body, O'Reilly came calling on the big stage when City needed a hero to step up.
His first finish was the easiest goal he is likely to score in his career, stooping close to the goalline to head in after Kepa Arrizabalaga fumbled the ball into his path.
The second just four minutes later was a brilliantly-placed header from Matheus Nunes' cross, effectively sealing victory for a jubilant Guardiola who performed a jig of delight on the touchline.
O'Reilly took the adulation of the City fans after his goals and it will be a double celebration this weekend after turning 21 on Saturday.
The only players younger than O'Reilly to score twice in the final of this competition were 20-year-olds Wayne Rooney for Manchester United in 2006 and Liverpool's Ronnie Whelan back in 1982.
The Englishman took his goalscoring tally to eight for the season and said: "Bit of disbelief seeing all the fans cheering like that when I scored those goals. Really a good feeling and a great birthday weekend.
"My whole family came down today. They are all in the stand and I know they will be buzzing. I can't wait to celebrate with them."
This was O'Reilly's second match-winning double of the season as well, after scoring twice in the 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle a month ago.
Former England defender Matt Upson said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Nico O'Reilly is fast becoming one of the key members in this Manchester City side. He gets the goals, he gets the headlines. He is a player in top form.
"Physically, he is a machine. He's got height, he can run, he has got the strength and physicality."
Where is O'Reilly's best position?
O'Reilly's timely goals came two days after being named in the England squad for the forthcoming friendlies and in front of a watching Thomas Tuchel.
He has looked equally adept whether Guardiola has picked him at left-back or in midfield but on the evidence of these impressive performance, he his playing himself into contention for this summer's World Cup.
O'Reilly has earned two international caps so far and his performances will have put him in serious contention for a start when Three Lions boss Tuchel picks his team for the tournament opener against Croatia on 17 June.
Former City defender Micah Richards told Sky Sports: "Absolutely outstanding moment for Nico O'Reilly, coming from the academy.
"He was a midfielder, but he adapted and learned how to play left-back. It's so good to see what it means to him."
Guardiola added: "When playing in the pocket, [which is] his natural position, every cross he is there. He is strong in the aerial actions especially offensively, [but] defensively he has to improve.
"Maybe he was the signing of the season. When we started the season we had a long conversation with him. He started to play at left-back and impressed a lot.
"He can play in many roles, he is a guy in the final third in a position he likes. He made two fantastic goals."
LAS VEGAS — The Polynesian Bowl National Combine and Showcase concluded at Bishop Gorman HS with a number of players being selected to play in both the 2027 adidas Polynesian Bowl and the 2028 adidas Polynesian Bowl.
There were also several MVPs selected from the event
Here are the new selections to the 2027 adidas Polynesian Bowl.
DB Gideon Gash, 2027, Detroit (Mich.) Central Catholic
Welcome to your March Madness hub for the 2026 men’s NCAA tournament.
Our college basketball experts will guide you through the March Madness bracket with March Madness expert picks, matchup breakdowns, and betting analysis for every game, right through to the National Championship.
Virginia does a good job of essentially stopping all that Tennessee wants to run.
The Vols are a heavy post frequency team, and UVA ranks in the 97th percentile nationally against post-ups. They also slow down some other core tenets of the Tennessee offense, like perimeter cuts.
Meanwhile, on the other side, you don't have to worry about UVA scoring early buckets against an elite transition defense, and the Vols stopping one of the core tenets of Virginia's offense right in its tracks, ranking in the top 10% of basketball against attack and kicks. I'd play this to 134.
The Iowa Hawkeyes could not clear this team total against Clemson despite four free throws in the final 30 seconds. A game with only 54 possessions will cash every Under.
There will be more possessions against the Florida Gators — No. 29 in pace this season — but Iowa will still try to slow it down, its best hope at keeping this close.
A real issue for the Hawkeyes will be their reluctance to take 3-pointers against a defense that already ranks in the Top 30 in preventing those looks.
Iowa will resort to contested 2-pointers against Florida’s massive interior. Good luck getting to 60 points with that approach.
This is a brutal matchup for Utah State, and Arizona has been blowing teams out all year.
The Aggies' biggest strengths are their interior scoring and ability to force turnovers. However, the Wildcats rank second in the country in opponent 2PT% (43.5%), and their ball-handlers have shown the poise to break elite press defenses like Houston and Iowa State.
Utah State also sits outside the top 250 in opponent free-throw rate and defensive rebounding rate. That feeds into Arizona's strengths, which excel at getting to the line and rank fifth in offensive rebounding rate.
Both UCLA and UConn thrive in the half-court, playing with patience that ticks deep into the shot clock.
There’s a ton of motion, away screens and off-ball movement, which takes time to set up. Neither is an explosive 3-point attack, nor do they thrive on fastbreaks or tempo.
While these guys can score, I believe they have a bigger impact on defense, considering the matchups. Bilodeau helps handle the Huskies’ size and Demary deals with the Bruins’ talented backcourt.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders’ attack-and-kick offense ranks No. 1 in the country. Every drive-and-kick is producing an open look, and Tech has the shooters to make the Alabama Crimson Tide pay all afternoon.
Alabama wants to play in transition, but doing so without Aden Holloway forces the team to rely even more on transition plays, limiting their halfcourt options. The Red Raiders' top-tier transition defense, which allows just 1 point per possession, could be a deciding factor.
Given Alabama's shorthanded roster, I don’t think they can score enough in the halfcourt to keep pace.
Single elimination changes everything. One cold shooting night or foul trouble can end a season, so aim for good prices and smart risk, not “can’t-miss” takes.
Start with the basics
Spread: In point spread betting, you’re wagering on how close the game stays. In the tournament, late-game fouling can turn a tight cover into a bad beat (or vice versa).
Moneyline:Moneyline betting is often the cleanest way to play a true March Madness upset, but you risk losing more frequently if you wager just on underdogs.
Total: Pace and shot quality matter in Over/Under betting, but so do tournament quirks like neutral rims, tight legs, and whistle changes.
Neutral-site mindset
Games aren’t played in familiar gyms, and crowds can be split. Travel, time zones, and quick turnarounds can matter, especially for teams that rely heavily on energy, depth, or shooting rhythm. When in doubt, lean on repeatable traits: defense, rebounding, and turnover control.
Why single elimination matters
Underdogs can be live because favorites feel pressure and have less room to “play through” a bad stretch. But favorites can also separate late when depth and free throws matter. Think in game scripts:
Take the underdog + points if they can control tempo, defend without fouling, and protect the ball.
Sprinkle a unit on the moneyline if they have a clear matchup advantage (e.g., elite 3-point volume vs weak perimeter D).
Bet on the favorite if they can force turnovers, dominate the glass, or punish inside.
First half vs full game betting
Early nerves and unfamiliar sightlines can create slow starts. If you expect a tactical feel-out period, 1H Unders or 1H underdog spreads can be sharper than full game.
Overtime and endgame chaos
OT is usually included in spreads/totals, and late fouling can add 10–20 “free” points. Totals can swing wildly in the final minute, but don’t panic if you’re on the right side of pace and shot quality.
Still need help? Our Covers hoops analysts are here to provide you with March Madness expert picks from the First Four to the National Championship Game.
Popular March Madness betting markets
March Madness is a betting buffet - the key is picking the right market for your edge.
Futures: Futures are best when you’re early or disagree with the bracket. Conference tourney week and Selection Sunday can create mispriced numbers on title, Final Four odds, March Madness MVP odds, and region winner odds. Shop prices, and remember: a “good team” isn’t always a good futures bet if the path is brutal.
Game lines: The spread, moneyline, and total are the bread and butter once the bracket starts. Neutral courts, quick turnarounds, and unfamiliar sightlines can impact shooting (and totals) especially early. If you have a strong pace or matchup read, consider team totals or 1st half bets to isolate the edge.
Props:March Madness props shine when roles are stable and matchups are clear: usage, minutes, foul risk, and opponent style (rim protection, pace, rebounding). Ladders and alt lines can be powerful, but keep stakes smaller.
Same-game parlays: SGPs can be fun, but value varies. Compare the parlay payout to betting legs individually, and prioritize lines you’d play on their own.
And be sure to check out our expert NCAA bracket picks before the action begins!
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After Regis le Bris' team won promotion from the Championship play-offs, the Tyne-Wear derby was back on for the first time since 2015-16.
Sunderland have had an excellent campaign, including a 1-0 win over Newcastle in December, but this may be the best moment of the season for the Black Cats fans.
Newcastle have now not won a league game against their bitter rivals in 13 attempts.
Despite going into the break a goal behind, Sunderland had shown they were dangerous when Chemsdine Talbi's superb curling effort from 25 yards was pushed over the bar by Aaron Ramsdale.
But with Brian Brobbey a constant handful for the Newcastle defence, the visitors piled on the pressure and got an equaliser.
The expected Newcastle response did not materalise, with Granit Xhaka having a shot deflected over, Sadiki seeing an effort saved and Brobbey having an attempt blocked by Malick Thiaw.
In the end, Sunderland got their rewards with a result that takes them up to 43 points, guaranteeing their Premier League survival.
However, with seven games to go, they will be wondering just how high could they end up. A push for European football, although unlikely, could still be on the cards in a wonderful season.
No team in the Premier League this season has let slip more points from winning positions than Newcastle's 22.
Club legend Alan Shearer was scathing when he wrote on X that the side's performance was a "pathetic, weak, lazy, limp second half from Newcastle again".
Play fantasy football for a second and add 22 points to Newcastle's tally - they would be second on 64, six behind leaders Arsenal and in the title race.
However, reality has them 12th on 42 points, four adrift of eighth-placed Everton, who, depending on who wins the FA Cup, could be in a qualifying position for the third-tier Conference League.
From Champions League football in two of the past three campaigns, Newcastle face the real prospect of no continental competition in 2026-27.
Anthony Gordon said his side's inability to keep a lead was becoming a real problem.
"In the past few years, once we scored one at home we are looking for two, three, four where we go on and dominate. We haven't been that team this year," said the Magpies winger.
"The stadium gets a bit shaky when we are ahead. Repeatedly, this year, the second half has been a problem. I spoke about that in the changing room before we went out and still we were poor.
"We let them in the game and let them get comfortable. This has been a problem and we haven't fixed it. I don't think it's a physical thing - mentally we let them in."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers knew that Mike Evans was likely walking out the door as soon as the season ended.
With Evans exploring his options, most knew that he was going to play elsewhere in 2026...and he will be, with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Buccaneers revealed they offered more than the 49ers did for Evans, and that says it all about how Mike viewed Tampa Bay's 2026 hopes.
And then there's this. CBS Sports' Garrett Podell has named the Buccaneers as a big loser of free agency due to Evans' decision.
"Wide receiver Mike Evans is perhaps the best Tampa Bay Buccaneer ever," Podell wrote. "For him to leave the franchise after 12 seasons means he gave up on being able to play relevant football in Tampa Bay.
"There isn't any guaranteed money on the contract after Year 1, so it's essentially a one-year deal in which the 49ers have two team options. That says an awful lot about the Buccaneers' current prospects that Evans chose the arrangement with San Francisco over the comfort of his only NFL home where he has already won a Super Bowl."
Well, the thing I keep coming back to is that the receiver cupboard isn't exactly bare with Evans moving on.
Plus, Tampa had good practice over the last two seasons playing without Evans in the lineup, as he only played eight games in 2025 and 14 in 2024.
Baker Mayfield's weapons aren't depleted, and you could make the case that most offenses in the league would love to work with what Baker has.
Yes, Evans does leave a hole, both on and off the field, but I get the sense Tampa is more than capable of dealing with his departure. No, it won't likely challenge for a Super Bowl like the 49ers, but a playoff team? That is possible.
And it is clear that Evans doesn't just want to make the postseason; he wants to win it all.
Former Wolfsburg defender called up to French national team for the first time
The 25-year-old Maxence Lacroix, now playing for Crystal Palace, will report to the French national team on Monday after being drafted into the squad. Lacroix replaces Arsenal's William Saliba, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury.
Having previously represented France at youth level, this call-up marks Lacroix’s long-awaited breakthrough into the senior setup. His consistent performances at club level have now been rewarded with a chance to impress on the international stage.
Lacroix played 130 games for Wolfsburg, more than for any other team in his career so far, between 2020 and 2024. He left Wolfsburg for Crystal Palace for a transfer fee of €18m.
Ann Arbor – Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel celebrated briefly with Michigan women’s basketball coach Kim Barnes Arico, whose team had just defeated North Carolina State on Sunday for a trip to the Sweet 16, and then laughed about his crazy travel arrangements for the next several days.
But this is a good problem for an athletic director. The Michigan hockey team won the Big Ten title Saturday night and is the No. 1 overall seed for the upcoming NCAA tournament, the men’s basketball team is a No. 1 seed that has advanced to the Sweet 16, the women’s team is a No. 2 seed that will now play in the Sweet 16, and the women’s swimming and driving team just finished sixth in the nation.
“I just couldn't be more proud,” Manuel told The Detroit News on Sunday. “I’ve got to get on a bunch of planes and go a bunch of different locations, but it's one of the best problems to have at this point in time as an athletic director, and I'm just super excited to see them, to support them, and to watch them continue to drive success in the regional. It's a great problem to have. It's one that you work so hard for.”
Manuel, whose department currently is being investigated by an outside law firm as requested by him and the university Regents, praised everyone from team trainers to equipment staff, the mental health staff and academic support for the teams’ successes.
“Just everybody comes together, and this is the result,” Manuel said.
He plans to drive to Chicago for the men’s Sweet 16 and then will fly to Fort Worth, the location of the women’s regional, on Saturday for the Wolverines’ game against the winner of Louisville vs. Alabama. Then he likely will return to Chicago and potentially make a return trip to Fort Worth.
“I'm so proud of these ladies and what they've accomplished thus far and for what opportunities lie ahead,” Manuel said. “Right now, we're going to be one of 16 in the country next weekend playing for a national championship, and that's what you want.”
The 7th-seeded Wildcats of the Midwest Region were handed a 19-point loss by 2-seed Iowa State on Sunday in St. Louis in overtime, giving Kentucky its first exit in the first weekend under Pope, who helped lead the program to a national championship under Rick Pitino as a player.
Kentucky found some March magic in Friday's first-round overtime win over 10-seed Santa Clara with Otega Oweh getting off a game-tying 3-pointer from near the logo to tie the game and force overtime. Oweh, who hit a pair of key free throws in overtime, went off for 35 points in the win over the Broncos.
Coming off a Sweet 16 run in Pope's second season, the honeymoon stage of his return to Lexington was quickly ended this season, as the Wildcats had an up-and-down year that featured losses they "should not have" taken as a "blue blood", like Missouri, Georgia, and Auburn in SEC play. Kentucky went 1-4 against top-ranked opponents in the nonconference as well.
There were also wins — like Tennessee, Arkansas, St. John's and Vanderbilt — for the Wildcats that reminded the SEC (and the country) of the talent — that has come at the cost of well over $20 million in NIL value — that Pope has on his roster.
Here's what to know of Pope's buyout and contract information at Kentucky following the Wildcats' loss to Iowa State:
Mark Pope buyout at Kentucky
According to Pope's contract, obtained by the USA TODAY Network, Kentucky would owe the coach $$12,937,500 million if he were fired on April 1.
Mark Pope contract details at Kentucky
Length: Contract has three years remaining
Base salary remaining: $1.2 million
Supplemental compensation remaining: $16,050,000 million
According to Kentucky's contract with Pope, obtained by the USA TODAY Network, there are three additional years remaining. addition to his $1,250,000 annual base salary, he is earning $1,800,00 in supplemental pay for the 2026 contract year. In addition to the $1.2 million in base salary remaining ($400,000 per year), there is $16.05 million in supplemental compensation remaining.
All told, the total left on Pope's deal is $17,250,000. Kentucky would owe the buyout for the remaining 75% of his contract if it decided to fire Pope without cause at anytime.
Manchester City seized the moment that was on offer against Arsenal in today’s Carabao Cup final
Manchester City claimed the first trophy of the 2025/26 season as they beat Arsenal 2-0 to claim the Carabao Cup at Wembley. A second half brace from Nico O’Reilly capped off a superb second-half performance from Pep Guardiola’s side as they picked up a win that they well and truly deserved. What today’s Carabao Cup represented was a moment in the 25/26 season and in the development of this City side. Come the final whistle, they had seized their moment, which helped them pick up a big victory over Mikel Arteta’s side.
Once Manchester City took control of today’s Carabao Cup final, there was no looking back.
Every major cup final is defined by moments, and which players and team seize them. Manchester City were that team today against Arsenal at Wembley. The process began early on in today’s Carabao Cup final. James Trafford made a superb triple save to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka twice in the early stages of today’s match. Mikel Arteta’s side had begun today’s match brightly, but Trafford’s trio of saves denied them the opportunity to gain an early foothold in the match. That was the first big moment to go Manchester City’s way today.
After the opening twenty minutes, Manchester City grew into the game. They navigated their way through Arsenal’s impressive start to gain a foothold in the match. From the 20th minute until halftime, City began to drop Arsenal with their possession. Nothing came of it in terms of chances for City up until halftime. What City had done was put themselves into a good position entering the interval. Erling Haaland headed a chance over from an Antoine Semenyo cross just before halftime. It wasn’t a major chance, but it was a warning to Mikel Arteta’s side. It was a warning that would become something much more in the second half.
Pep Guardiola tweaked his tactics somewhat at halftime. With Arsenal left-back Piero Hincapié on a yellow card, and struggling to contend with Antoine Semenyo, Guardiola sensed a weakness. As Nico O’Reilly explained after the match, the space was on the right for Cherki, Matheus Nunes and Semenyo to exploit. Especially with Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice determined to get at Bernardo Silva or Rodri when they had possession, Manchester City and Pep Guardiola had found a weakness in Mikel Arteta’s side. They exploited it ruthlessly as both of Nico O’Reilly’s goals came from moves that originated from the right.
Manchester City sensed a weakness in Arsenal, and they seized their moment to exploit it. When the tale of the 2026 Carabao Cup is written, Manchester City’s ability to seize, or win, the big moments was the difference between the two teams.
Today’s result feels like a big moment for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Manchester City won their first major trophy of 2026 with their victory over Arsenal today at Wembley. That is a special moment in itself, but more than that, City’s Carabao Cup victory feels like a big moment for this team. This new-look City side has now won their first trophy together. That experience will be huge for them. They now know what it takes to win a competition. That is a big step in the growth of this City side. The naysayers will say it is only the Carabao Cup, but that assessment discounts what the experience of winning a trophy can do for a team. The hope is that this City side can kick on from here.
Another side of the equation is today’s Carabao Cup result shows that anything remains possible this season for Manchester City. Yes, Arsenal sit nine points clear of City at the top of the Premier League table. Pep Guardiola’s side does have a game in hand, and Arsenal has to come to the Etihad in April. The destiny of this season’s Premier League title is in Arsenal’s hands. But today’s result could put doubt into an Arsenal side that is itself learning to win trophies. Time will reveal if today’s result has that effect in the title race.
Manchester City seized their moments when they came at Wembley to win today’s Carabao Cup final over Arsenal. They did that on the pitch at crucial times, and today’s result is an important moment in the journey that this City side is on. It could also be looked back upon as an important moment in the 25/26 season, depending on what unfolds after the international break.
Atlético Madrid star ruled out of Barcelona showdown
La Liga giants Atlético Madrid will be forced to make do without the contributions of a member of the club’s midfield ranks in their upcoming clash with Barcelona.
This comes owing to developments in Sunday’s Madrid Derby.
Atlético are of course currently locked in action on the domestic front, in a league meeting with arch rivals Real Madrid.
The Rojiblancos lead by a goal to nil at the Bernabéu, owing to a first-half strike on the part of Ademola Lookman.
An otherwise positive outing to date for Diego Simeone’s troops, though, has been soured to at least some degree by a blow on the personnel front.
Owing to a foul just shy of the half-hour mark, Johnny Cardoso was shown a yellow card this evening. His fifth of the La Liga campaign, the American is therefore facing up to a one-game suspension.
Cardoso will in turn be unavailable for selection for Atléti’s post-international break clash with table-topping Barcelona.
“I do not understand” Chris Sutton questions starting Kepa in final
David Raya was widely expected to start in goal for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, yet Mikel Arteta opted to retain Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had featured throughout the competition. The decision reflected a degree of loyalty to the goalkeeper who had contributed to the club’s progress in the tournament, though it inevitably raised questions given the magnitude of the occasion.
In the build-up to the match, there was a broader expectation that Arteta might prioritise experience and reliability, particularly in a final where margins are often fine. Raya has consistently been preferred in league and Champions League fixtures when fit, underlining his status as the first-choice goalkeeper. That context made the selection decision all the more notable, as it deviated from the established hierarchy at a critical moment in the season.
Costly Decision in a Crucial Match
The Spaniard delivered an unconvincing performance, ultimately contributing to Manchester City’s victory and their triumph in the Carabao Cup. It is a decision that Arteta may now reflect upon with some regret. While Kepa had performed admirably in earlier rounds, this occasion exposed vulnerabilities that had previously been overlooked.
The Gunners have rarely entrusted him with responsibility in the most important fixtures when Raya is available, and this performance offered a clear illustration of why that has been the case. In one of the most significant matches of his career, he appeared unprepared for the intensity and pressure of the moment.
Questions Over Goalkeeping Selection
Arsenal noticeably lacked the composure and assurance that Raya typically provides, and this absence was keenly felt throughout the match. The decision to persist with Kepa in such a high-stakes encounter also drew criticism from observers, including Chris Sutton.
“I never understand why managers play their second-choice goalkeepers in cup finals. For the life of me, I do not understand that.
“You’re trying to win a trophy, why wouldn’t you play your number one to give yourself the best possible chance? That’s common sense.”
Kepa had earned his place through solid performances earlier in the competition, and it is difficult to fault Arteta entirely for maintaining consistency. However, the final represented a missed opportunity for the goalkeeper to demonstrate that he could be relied upon in the most demanding circumstances.
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Igor Tudor Head coach of Tottenham Hotspur with assistant Bruno Saltor during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Atletico de Madrid at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 18, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Igor Tudor did not face the media after Tottenham Hotspur’s shambolic 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but for a very good reason — he received word right after the final whistle of a sudden bereavement in his family. So assistant coach Bruno Saltor took the microphone in his place, and whoo buddy I don’t think I’d want to be in his position after what just happened at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
There’s a LOT to unpick from that match, but one of the biggest ???? moments had to be Tudor’s second half and halftime substitutions. Although it would be a stretch to call Spurs “good” in the first half, they did thoroughly outplay Forest in the opening period until Igor Jesus’ 45th minute header off of a corner kick put Forest up 1-0. Tudor then opted to make some truly bizarre substitutions, starting by bringing on Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall for Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven.
The sub of Van de Ven was incredibly bizarre, and seemingly nullified a lot of Tottenham’s attacking impetus. It also affected Tottenham’s defense and eliminated a lot of dynamism, with Micky liking to drive forward with the ball at his feet.
Micky looked like he might have picked up a mild knock in the first half after being involved in an end-line challenge that saw him tumble down the slope at the edge of the field. But when asked, Saltor said Tudor’s substitution was not due to injury, but was tactical.
“No, it was a sub with the intention to give more dynamic in the left side and have more legs going forward. And yeah, I thought that was like a tactical sub.”
Frankly, as far as I’m concerned, that’s a sackable offense. Udogie is, arguably, a more progressive left sided fullback than Djed Spence, but taking both Spence and Micky, who provides a lot of attacking width on his own and is also one of the best players at the club, off the pitch after a frustrating but still strangely encouraging half is a little mind-melting. A lot of Tottenham’s attacking nous on the left side dissipated in the second half, and while Bergvall tried his best, he was placed in a wide attacking role that did not suit him.
Tudor’s other substitutions were equally bizarre, including taking off Richarlison instead of the ineffective Dominic Solanke, and waiting until the 60th minute to bring on Xavi Simons, who impressed in the Champions League second leg win over Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham looked far worse in the second half than in the first, as evident by the final score, and while the players themselves should shoulder their share of the blame for a heavy 3-0 defeat at home in a relegation six-pointer, it’s equally clear that Tudor’s starting tactics as well as his bizarre subs did little to help the team get over the hump.
Saltor acknowledged in the press conference that Spurs looked like the better side in the first half but then made a strange admission that Spurs “knew” they would concede today.
“I think in the small details, I thought for 44 minutes in the first half we were the better team. And again, I think any mistake that we make, any small detail goes against us and we’re not able to capitalize on the opposition’s mistakes. And probably that affected the team.
“And that’s our job as coaches, to keep helping the players. And as you can see, the players, they care and they are 100% trying their best. But at the moment, it’s not enough. We need to minimise any mistakes because we know that we’re going to concede a goal.
“The players got affected by the rhythm of the game and we couldn’t find that rhythm to create more chances. The first half, the first 44 minutes I thought were good, really good, creating chances, getting into the box. In the second half, probably, we were unable to deal with the weight of the game.”
The only good news to come out of today’s match is that West Ham fell to Aston Villa, meaning Tottenham go into the three week break still (barely) outside of the relegation zone. Spurs had the chance to jump ahead of both Forest and Leeds with a win, but instead find themselves one point ahead of West Ham in 17th, and in desperate, desperate straits.
I don’t know, y’all. This is a fan blog, and I’m a fan, and I try to stay as objective as possible. That said, Spurs have yet to win a match under Igor Tudor in the Premier League, and it feels like every time we gain a little momentum or have a positive result — like last week against Atleti — something gets changed or things get moved around and we slip right back into terrible patterns of play, especially in the Premier League. Making the “tactical” decision to substitute players like Micky when the result was obviously detrimental to the team is WILD, and seems to show that Tudor still doesn’t really know who his best players are or how best to utilize them.
I’m at the point now where I don’t think Tudor’s tenure can continue. Tottenham desperately need a change, with someone in charge that knows the club, its players, and the vibes needed to get Spurs over the hump. I don’t know who that person is, but with three weeks with no matches, this feels like the right time to make a change and get a new person settled in time for Tottenham to play away at high-flying Sunderland on April 12.
For the second straight game, Reed Sheppard gave the Houston Rockets another big performance as a starter.
With Tari Eason struggling through one of the worst shooting slumps of his career, head coach Ime Udoka opted to move Sheppard into the starting lineup for the first time this season with everyone healthy. After the second-year guard helped the Rockets snap an 11-game win streak for the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, he continued that momentum with one of his best games of the season in Houston's win over the Miami Heat on Saturday.
Sheppard's big night
On a night that Kevin Durant rightfully got most of the attention for passing Michael Jordan to move into fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, Sheppard quietly paced Houston's offense as its lead facilitator.
— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) March 22, 2026
The former Kentucky standout finished with 23 points and 14 assists, just his second double-double of the season after his previous career-high of 10 assists on March 2. Even better, Sheppard also recorded 0 turnovers, a testament to how much he's grown as a playmaker. The Rockets finished with 31 assists as a team, meaning he was responsible for almost half of the team's passing production.
Sheppard had no problem scoring within the flow of Houston's offense while operating as its lead playmaker, as he shot an efficient 8-for-12 from the field in his fifth straight game with at least 10 points, and it was the 18th time in his last 20 games that he's scored that many points. He hit five three-pointers, tied for the team lead with Durant in his third straight game with three made three-pointers.The second-year guard also applied plenty of pressure to Miami's ballhandlers, racking up four steals. All in all, it was an all-around impressive display from Sheppard, who was a game-high plus-17 in his 36 minutes. Over the last two games, the Rockets are a plus-40 in his minutes.
Sheppard's ascent into the starting lineup has been a long time coming, and it's one that Houston fans have been really clamoring for ever since the All-Star break. The Rockets have now come up with two big wins after a demoralizing two-game skid against the Lakers, and the second-year guard has made a great case for himself to stick around in Houston's starting five heading into the home stretch.
With Opening Day less than a week away, you almost wish Spring Training ended with this – – the Spring Breakout game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Here, we’ll see a grip of guys with a lot of promise square up against the product of what MLB.com is calling the #1 ranked farm system in all of baseball.
On that list, the A’s came in at #18. Not terribly great and a little surprising, given how much young talent the team seems to have. It’s also been a Spring Training highlighted by the performance of some of these players listed in the starting lineup
Yes, all eyes will be on Leo De Vries and starting pitcher Jamie Arnold. But me personally? I’m anxious to see how the young Breyson Guedez performs. He initially caught my eye when he took Michael King deep a week or so ago. His swing reminds me of Terrence Long and he’s only 18! So much potential there.
Sure, Tommy “Tanks” White has become the Glen Powell of the A’s farm system, though that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be giving two-way player Shotaro Morii a little love too. He’ll be starting at second base and possibly throwing a few frames? We’ll see. The A’s are carrying a lot of arms I’d like see heave, such as Gage Jump and Braden Nett. I’m curious to how they’ll roll these guys out over nine innings against the Brewers.
Fun day at the yard! This’ll be the last Spring Breakout game before tournament play kicks in next spring. Last year saw the A’s beat up on the San Diego Padres in a game that featured Nick Kurtz, Luis Morales, Max Muncy, Denzel Clarke, and Colby Thomas!
Besides Leo De Vries (because of course) who is a player you’re not only excited to see play today but also hope will be wearing the green and gold in the big ‘26?
We are a week closer to the 2026 NFL draft, and it is time for another full, seven-round Arizona Cardinals mock draft simulation. In this mock draft simulation, using Pro Football Network's simulator, the Cardinals made no trades despite getting offered many.
The land a tackle, but he won't likely get to play until 2027, so they will have to make due with who they have on the roster now until then.
Round 1, No. 3 overall: Ohio State EDGE/LB Arvell Reese
While the Cardinals can go EDGE or tackle here, Reese is going to be hard to pass up on. GM Monti Ossenfort has only taken SEC and Big Ten players in Rounds 1 and 2 of the draft in three years. The Cardinals need a pass rusher and have done absolutely zero with their outside linebacker group this offseason. While Reese might need some development, he could have a perfect rookie year role as a third-down pass rusher, letting the Cardinals take Zaven Collins off the field for pass-rushing downs.
Round 2, No. 34 overall: Alabama QB Ty Simpson
The initial plan was to target a tackle in Round 2, but there are more than whispers about the Cardinals targeting Simpson, and their quarterback room is set up perfectly for Simpson to wait a little bit and then take over at some point. That is why Jacoby Brissett would be a starter, to bridge the gap until a younger, more promising QB is ready.
Halton is 6-3 and 293 pounds, and he is athletic. He ran the 40 at the combine in 4.82 seconds. He is lean for the defensive interior but can make plays. He had 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss last season for the Sooners.
Round 4, No. 104 overall: Oregon OT Isaiah World
He is 6-8 and 318 pounds. He tore his ACL in the College Football Playoff, so his rookie season is probably not going to happen. And while right tackle is a perceived need for the Cardinals, they have a bunch of possibilities for 2026 — Josh Fryar, Demontrey Jacobs, Christian Jones or newly signed Elijah Wilkinson.
Round 5, No. 143: Georgia TE Oscar Delp
With Elijah Higgins in the final year of his contract, the Cardinals could add a tight end with an eye on 2027. He is 6-5 and 245 and a fluid athlete. He is an unspectacular pass catcher but can do it, and he is a solid blocker.
At Miami in 2024, he led the conference, averaging 19.9 yards per reception. He is 6-3 and 187 pounds with a 4.57-second 40. Last season at Texas Tech, he had 57 receptions for 705 yards and six touchdowns.
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Ireland's Kate O'Connor won a bronze medal in the pentathlon at the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Poland.
The silver medallist from last year's championships registered a national record points tally this year of 4839.
Sofie Dokter of the Netherlands finished on 4888 points to win and the USA's Anna Hall secured the silver medal with a total of 4860.
The 25-year-old finished fourth overall in the opening event of the competition - the 60m hurdles - after coming fifth in her heat with a time of 8.23.
O'Connor, who also won silver at the World Championships in Tokyo in 2025, cleared 1.81m after two failures in the high jump as she tied for third overall before posting a personal best 14.70m in the shot put.
The Newry native was on 2909 points after three events, with Dokter leading the standings on 2943 points and Hall in second on 2926 points.
Dokter further extended her lead in the long jump, while a leap of 6.38m moved O'Connor into second position in the overall standings and onto 3878 points.
In the 800m, she finished second and recorded a personal best but finished third overall after Hall won the race with an impressive time of 2:06:32 to leapfrog O'Connor and seal the silver medal.
Great Britain claimed three gold medals in a sensational 28 minutes to make history and achieve the team's best haul at a World Athletics Indoor Championships.
Georgia Hunter Bell stormed to her first global 1500m title to begin Sunday evening's medal rush, before pole vaulter Molly Caudery secured her return to the top of the podium in Poland.
A third triumph never looked in doubt as Olympic champion and world record holder Keely Hodgkinson dominated the women's 800m final to win her first world indoor gold.
Following Josh Kerr's 3,000m triumph on Saturday, it guaranteed the British team's most successful World Athletics Indoor Championships of all time, surpassing the three golds achieved in 1999.
Returning to the championships at which she represented Britain for the first time only two years ago, Olympic bronze medallist Hunter Bell reeled in Ethiopia's Birke Haylom before bursting clear of her rivals on the final lap to win in three minutes 58.53 seconds.
Caudery, already guaranteed silver by the time her team-mate crossed the line, then reclaimed the title which represented her breakthrough success two years ago with a second-time clearance over 4.85 metres.
From tech sales to top of the world for Hunter Bell
This was 32-year-old Hunter Bell's fifth major international medal - and fourth on the global stage - as she continues to establish herself at the top of a sport from which she took a five-year break before returning in 2022.
It was the fourth-placed finish at the 2024 world indoors in Glasgow that proved to Hunter Bell she could compete with the world's best - and should take a summer sabbatical from her full-time job to achieve her Olympic dream.
The British team captain in Torun, Hunter Bell had won both of her 1500m races this season in preparation for a first global crown.
She demonstrated the experience she now has at this level as she remained patient despite Haylom opening up a significant early lead, gradually reducing the gap before launching her devastating attack for gold at the bell.
After making the Olympic podium on her debut at Paris 2024, and edging training partner Hodgkinson to world 800m silver in September, Hunter Bell's remarkable journey to the top of the sport is complete.
A prodigiously talented junior, Hunter Bell has made rapid improvement since re-establishing contact with coach Trevor Painter after repeated injuries and a move to America caused her to fall out of love with the sport.
Co-coach Jenny Meadows has not been allowed to forget her initial response when her husband Painter informed her that Hunter Bell had got back in touch. "Well, that ship has sailed", was her reply.
"This time two years ago I was working in tech sales, now I'm a world champion," Hunter Bell told BBC Sport.
"I felt like the area I needed to progress in was coming into a championships, being the favourite and winning. It is such a relief."
'Six weeks ago I couldn't even get off the ground'
The road since Caudery's breakthrough 2024 season has been far from straightforward.
The 26-year-old endured two heartbreaking experiences at the past two global outdoor championships.
After failing to qualify for the 2024 Olympic final, she sustained an ankle injury in the warm-up for qualification at September's World Championships, where she was consoled by her fellow athletes before tearfully leaving the arena in a wheelchair.
"Honestly, six weeks ago I couldn't even get off the ground. I was in a really dark place," Caudery told BBC Sport.
"To come here and do this today means more than anybody knows."
Caudery was left empty-handed in finishing fourth at the world indoors in China last year.
But this year she beamed with delight after securing her return to the top step of the podium in style to further boost GB's medal haul, before joining fellow gold medallists Hunter Bell and Hodgkinson in celebration.
Caudery had competed just twice on her return from injury this year, with a season's best of 4.70m earlier in March.
That was matched at the first attempt as Caudery maintained a clean record until failing initially at 4.85m - but she celebrated in mid-air as she nailed her second jump to move the gold out of Sutej's reach.
NEW YORK (AP) — Lionel Messi scored the equalizer off a free kick in the second half before helping to set up Micael dos Santos' winner and Inter Miami came from behind to beat New York City FC 3-2 at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.
Inter Miami (3-1-1) pulls into a second-place tie in the Eastern Conference by handing NYCFC (3-1-1) its first loss.
Gonzalo Luján scored his first career goal — unassisted off a rebound in the 4th minute to give Inter Miami an early lead. The 21-year-old defender has started in 23 of his 30 career appearances.
Nicolás Fernández continued his red-hot start with his fifth goal, scoring off a free kick in the 17th minute to pull NYCFC even. Fernández has eight goals in 16 career appearances since last season.
Agustín Ojeda scored — with assists from Maxi Moralez and Kevin O'Toole — to give NYCFC a 2-1 lead in the 59th minute. It was Ojeda's second goal this season and his fifth in 61 career matches. Moralez already has four assists this season.
The advantage lasted for two minutes until Messi drilled a left-footed free kick that ricocheted its way past Matt Freese for his fourth goal this season. It was Messi's 54th goal in his 58th MLS appearance. The Argentine legend has scored 901 goals in his illustrious international and club career.
Messi's corner kick in the 74th minute helped set up a header by Micael and Inter Miami took a 3-2 lead. Noah Allen and David Ayala assisted on Micael's first goal with his new team.
Dayne St. Claire turned away three shots on goal for Inter Miami in his first season with the defending MLS Cup champions. He has surrendered eight goals in his four starts.
Matt Freese had five saves for NYCFC.
Messi had shots bounce off the post and crossbar in the first half.
NYCFC leads the series 7-4-4, but Miami has gone 3-0-4 in the last seven matchups.
In four weeks, fans and figures within the pro wrestling industry will gather for the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, slated for Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, Nevada. Amongst the inductees this year is former WWE World Tag Team Champions Demolition, Grand Slam Champion AJ Styles, and former WWE executive Stephanie McMahon. According to existing WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase, all are worthy of the honor.
"It's about time," DiBiase said on "Everybody's Got A Pod," referencing Bill "Ax" Eadie and Barry "Smash" Darsow of Demolition. "Individually, they're great guys. The first time I met Bill Eadie I think it was on a trip. We were both going to Japan, but I think that's where I met him. He and Darsow, they were a great team."
Regarding AJ Styles, who retired from in-ring competition at the 2026 Royal Rumble, DiBiase noted that he knew Styles as a "good guy" that "definitely deserves" the Hall of Fame induction.
As for Stephanie McMahon, whom fans know as a former Women's Champion and authority WWE figure, DiBiase tipped his hat to her extensive contributions both on-screen and backstage. "Stephanie's been there from the get-go," he said. "She's Vince [McMahon]'s daughter and then obviously Paul [Levesque]'s wife. They had children. I mean, I don't think a lot of the fans would understand it because they go, 'Well, why Stephanie?' Well, all that she has done behind the scenes for years, it's priceless. I'm happy for her. That's great. This is not just about her on-screen being the character. This is about all the work that she has done for the company for so long. Yeah, it's great."
In addition to the aforementioned four names, NBA champion Dennis Rodman will join the 2026 Hall of Fame class. As of this writing, it's unknown if more will follow suit.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Everybody's Got A Pod" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
The March Madness brand belongs to basketball, but the NCAA men's hockey tournament is just as wild and unpredictable.
Sixteen teams are set to vie for a national title over a pair of weekends, and if recent editions are any indication, it truly is anyone's to take. Two of the four national seeds last year lost in the first round, and only one — No. 4 seed and eventual champion Western Michigan — made it to the Frozen Four.
The Broncos are back as the fourth seed to try and defend their title in a season that has seen the balance of power tilt heavily toward the Great Lakes State. Michigan is the top overall seed after winning the Big Ten title, and Michigan State enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed.
Looking for a potential Cinderella story? That would be Merrimack, which won the Hockey East tournament as the No. 8 seed, beating the top three teams in the conference in Providence, UMass and UConn along the way.
Who will hoist the national championship trophy in Las Vegas the second weekend in April? Here's how to follow along with all the action.
NCAA hockey tournament bracket 2026
The 2026 NCAA men's hockey bracket has been revealed. The four national seeds — Michigan, North Dakota, Michigan State and Western Michigan — will each lead a four-team regional. See the full game schedule below.
NCAA hockey tournament games will air on a variety of ESPN platforms, and every game can be streamed live with the ESPN app. All games airing on ESPN broadcast networks can be streamed via Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the new ESPN app.
GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 12: Nick Lodolo #40 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, March 12, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Julia Jacome/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Cincinnati Reds lefty starter Nick Lodolo has repeatedly dealt with blister issues on his left index finger, and left index finger blisters are pretty problematic when you are a lefty starter. On Sunday in his final start of Cactus League play before Thursday’s Opening Day in Cincinnati, Lodolo was forced to exit after facing only two batters when a blister issue popped up once again.
He started out walking Steven Kwan, decidedly not strutting his stuff. He then yielded a two-run homer to Angel Martinez before the Reds training staff was summoned to the mound. It was at that point that the decision was made to get Lodolo out of there, which is not exactly the best tune-up for the season’s start just a handful of days away.
The hope, of course, is that pulling him this early into his work will have kept the issue from getting too serious, much the same way the scenario with Brady Singer has fortunately played out. That said, the Reds had already made plans to carry six starting pitchers with Brandon Williamson, Chase Burns, and Rhett Lowder all theoretically shoehorning into just two starts a turn, so there is at least some baked-in depth should there be any issues with Lodolo a) being ready for his Game Two start or b) not being stretched out enough to go deep into his Game Two start.
Obviously, no blister is a damning issue, but it’s impossible not to notice just how often this keeps happening to Cincinnati’s stud lefty. Let’s just hope they caught this particular iteration early.
LONDON (AP) — Tottenham coach Igor Tudor missed media duties following his team's 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday because of a family bereavement.
Britain's Press Association said Tudor was informed of the bereavement in his “immediate family” after full time. His assistant Bruno Saltor carried out post-match interviews in Tudor's absence.
“It’s a personal family issue and obviously it’s a difficult moment for him,” Saltor said.
The home defeat left Tottenham one place and one point above the relegation zone.
Tottenham - one of English soccer’s most iconic teams and a founding member of the Premier League - is still without a win in the top flight in 2026. Its last win was Dec. 28 and it has lost six of its last seven games.
It has been ever-present in England’s top division since the inception of the Premier League in 1992.
The Philadelphia 76ers will see a familiar face back in the house on Monday when they play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the form of Jared McCain.
The Sixers selected McCain with the No. 16 pick of the 2024 NBA draft and he proved himself to be a valuable piece as a rookie averaging 15.3 points and 2.6 assists while shooting 38.3% from deep in the 2024-25 season before undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He then tore the UCL in his right thumb before the 2025-26 season and had to miss more time.
It was an up-and-down second season in Philadelphia as he played 37 games and averaged only 6.6 points off the bench. His shooting percentages were uneven as he had some tough moments in his return from such a major injury. He had stretches where he didn't play and he also spent some time in the G League.
However, McCain then had a 5-game stretch right before the deadline where he found it again. He shot a ridiculous 15-for-24 from deep (62.5%) and looked like he was in rhythm, but the Sixers then sent him to the Thunder in exchange for four draft picks. Now, McCain is averaging 12.3 points and shooting 44% from deep in 19 games with Oklahoma City.
"It’s gonna be great," VJ Edgecombe told reporters about seeing McCain on Monday. "I know he's coming out to hoop. We're coming out to do the same thing. That’s our dog. Everyone still loves Jared. Pretty sure it's vice versa. So, yeah. That's our dog. I'm just happy to see him hoopin' and playing well."
Time will tell if the McCain trade ever works out in Philadelphia's favor, but the Sixers will be looking to get a win over the Thunder on Monday and keep moving in the right direction.
Most of the splashy happenings from Minnesota Vikings’ 2026 free agency — there weren’t many, other than Kyler Murray’s arrival — are over. The club can still sign depth free-agent pieces, but the firestorm of free-agent movement is done. So, let’s look at the “losers” from the process.
Minnesota’s roster shuffle came with collateral damage.
The criteria? Players most affected — not in a good way — by new arrivals and the front office’s decision-making. The players on this list are in ascending order (No. 1 = biggest “loser”).
Some Vikings Now Face Steeper Climbing This Summer
Who do you consider the biggest loser?
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Dwight McGlothern (29) aligns across from receivers and scans the formation against the Los Angeles Rams, Jan 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in an NFC Wild Card matchup, bringing physical coverage and awareness as Minnesota’s secondary handled a high-pressure postseason test under bright lights. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
4. Dwight McGlothern (CB)
McGlothern may not have been the smoking-gun candidate to earn Minnesota’s CB3 job in 2026, and the signing of veteran defensive back James Pierre made sure of that.
Minnesota found McGlothern via undrafted free agency in 2024, and since then, many fans have held high hopes for a breakout performance because of his tremendous size and production at LSU and Arkansas. So far, it’s just not meant to be, as he’s banked just 50 defensive snaps in two seasons.
McGlothern still profiles as a practice squad candidate in 2026 and could even make the active roster, but with the Vikings likely to draft a cornerback or two in April, his outlook is shaky. He probably needed to contribute more in 2024 and 2025 to have a puncher’s chance at the CB3 or CB4 post this autumn.
3. Will Reichard (K)
Reichard’s fine; no need to worry. He is not a real “loser.” Still, he lost his holder at the start of free agency when the New Orleans Saints stole punter Ryan Wright, handing the specialist a contract worth $14 million over the next four years.
In return, the Vikings signed six-time All-Pro punter Johnny Hekker this week, whom Minnesota hopes will turn back the clock to his glory days of a decade ago. Hekker was an average punter last season.
The 36-year-old also holds extra points and field goals. Reichard will need a competent holder to continue his All-Pro career. If it’s not Hekker, look for Minnesota to find a rookie punter late in the draft or from undrafted free agency.
2. Max Brosmer (QB)
Minnesota rarely carries four quarterbacks on its regular-season roster, sometimes keeping only two, suggesting a roster reduction is coming. Brosmer was already likely headed for the practice squad or outright release, but Carson Wentz’s re-arrival earlier in the week brought a significantly narrower path for Brosmer to potentially secure the QB3 role.
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer (QB01) goes through drills and throws during on-field workouts at the NFL Combine, Mar 1, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium, showcasing mechanics and arm talent as evaluators monitored prospects ahead of the draft in a structured, high-visibility environment. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Brosmer’s prospects have now shifted dramatically. Once an intriguing undrafted free agent—with some even drawing loose comparisons to Brock Purdy — he is now likely destined for the practice squad or outright release. The momentum simply isn’t there.
With the recent additions and re-signings, the quarterback depth chart now includes Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Wentz, and Brosmer, leaving little room for surprises when final cuts are made. It was a tough week for Brosmer.
Our Janik Eckardt on Brosmer’s hellish week: “Sure, he hasn’t particularly earned more reps or trust, but it’s important to note that he didn’t enter the league with high expectations. A developmental undrafted quarterback needs time to grow as a player to become a reliable backup down the line.”
“Completely writing him off after 71 passes is not entirely fair, given his draft status. However, the NFL isn’t fair and if a player can’t get it done, he’ll be replaced, regardless of whether he was supposed to be ready or not. The good news is that Brosmer’s career isn’t over with a stint on the practice squad.”
1. J.J. McCarthy (QB)
McCarthy has encountered an extremely wicked, shockingly evil, and vile offseason. There’s no way around it.
The Vikings don’t have to trade McCarthy — at 23, he has time to develop — but recent developments cast doubt on the team’s long-term commitment to him. If the Vikings were fully behind McCarthy, their quarterback situation would likely look different, especially with Murray now expected to be QB1.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) breaks the pocket and scrambles upfield during second-quarter action, Aug 10, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium, displaying mobility and decision-making in a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders as he extended the play under pressure. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Some speculate that McCarthy was general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s preferred pick, while head coach Kevin O’Connell favored alternatives like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers, or Drake Maye. If that’s the case, Minnesota might move on from McCarthy sooner than anticipated, potentially trading him to a team such as the Arizona Cardinals or Pittsburgh Steelers for a mid-round pick.
This offseason, Minnesota replaced the executive who drafted McCarthy, acquired Murray, and re-signed Wentz, presumably as a QB2 contender. None of these moves suggests a promising future for McCarthy with the team.
The last couple of months have been a nightmare for McCarthy’s long-term outlook.
Liverpool Identify This Bayern Munich Winger As A Target: Dream Option For Slot?
In a recent report, Fichajes claimed that Liverpool have identified Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as a target. It has been revealed that the Reds are eyeing a move to bring the French wide player to Merseyside this summer.
Olise’s Impressive Record In German Football
Olise is having another productive campaign at the Munich club as he has put in a series of impressive displays for them in the final third. The French talent has banged in 16 goals and grabbed 27 assists in 39 matches for Bayern Munich this season across all fronts.
The 24-year-old is currently among the best wingers in European football. Hence, the Reds would do well to get a deal done for him at the end of this campaign.
His current contract at the Bavarian club will expire in the summer of 2029, which could make it tough for Liverpool to sign him on a cut-price deal this off-season.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 21: Michael Olise of FC Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on March 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Will Olise Be A Dream Option For Liverpool Boss Arne Slot?
Olise has got the pace to cause a lot of problems for his marker out in the wide areas. He has got the vision to create some decent chances in the final third and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.
The French wide player can strike the ball with venom from long range and can contribute by scoring and creating his fair share of goals from the flanks. Olise is primarily a right-sided winger but can also play in the number ten position if required. He is already quite familiar with the Premier League from his time at Crystal Palace and won’t take much time to adjust to life at Liverpool.
We can expect Olise to bring more quality and depth to Arne Slot’s frontline. He is good enough to nail down a regular starting place at Anfield in the coming years.
At 24, Olise has his peak years ahead of him, which makes him a dream option for the Reds to consider this summer. Furthermore, he would serve as an ideal successor to Mohamed Salah at the Merseyside club. Therefore, Slot would be wise to step up his efforts to bring Olise back to England later this year.
Gasperini remains silent after Roma’s win over Lecce
Gian Piero Gasperini lost his voice during Roma’s win over Lecce, so the Giallorossi boss did not release any post-match interview.
Roma coach Gasperini won’t speak to the media about the Giallorossi’s win over Lecce on Sunday, having lost his voice during the game, according to Italian sources, including TMW.
Why Gasperini didn’t talk to the media after Roma 1-0 Lecce
Gasperini didn’t show up for interviews with DAZN and Sky Sport Italia and won’t even hold a post-match press conference.
Robinio Vaz’s first goal with Roma allowed Gasperini’s side to secure a much-needed win in the race for the top four.
Roma had collected two defeats and one draw in Serie A prior to today’s fixture.
Gasperini didn’t even hold a pre-match press conference on the eve of the game.
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
Roma have lost 14 games across all competitions this season, but they are level on 54 points with Juventus in the Serie A table, three below fourth-placed Como.
Ake, now 31, joined City in 2020 and has collected 11 major honours while in Manchester.
Now six years on, the central defender is one of the elder statesmen of the dressing room and is surrounded by some exciting starlet talent.
Ake discussed that nurturing role in the squad but stressed that a strong mentality is in the City DNA regardless of age.
“Suddenly, you’re one of the older ones - it’s a bit weird!” he continued.
“We have a lot of young and talented players, but as you saw, a lot of mentality as well.
“The manager already touched on it every day in training and in meetings, that we’re expected to win.
“We’ve had our ups and downs this season. Today we showed, even young players, O’Reilly scoring two, that everyone has the mentality to do good things.”
Police thanked fans of both clubs "who adhered to the provisions in place" [Reuters]
Three people were arrested as part of operations during the Tyne-Wear derby, which police said passed "largely without incident".
Newcastle United lost 2-1 to Sunderland on home turf at St James' Park, their second Premier League defeat to the Black Cats this season.
Northumbria Police said there was an increased police presence in the city to ensure safety, and thanked fans of both clubs "who adhered to the provisions in place".
The force said it was aware of videos circulating on social media showing supporters goading one another before kick-off. The match was also briefly stopped following reports of racial abuse towards Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida.
As well as some clashes outside St James' Park before kick-off, the Sunderland team coach was also reportedly damaged by bottles being thrown at it.
"The policing operation around the match between Newcastle United FC and Sunderland AFC passed largely without incident" Ch Supt Mark Hall said.
He added officers had also responded to a medical emergency on Gallowgate before the match.
"The man is currently in a stable condition, and we wish him well in his ongoing recovery," Ch Supt Hall said.
Sunderland beat Newcastle on home turf at the Tyne-Wear derby [Reuters]
A team spokesman said: "Our stance is clear - we do not tolerate discrimination of any form."
A spokesman for Sunderland AFC said they expected those responsible to be identified and held accountable.
"We stand with Lutsharel, who has our complete backing, and we commend him for displaying bravery and leadership by reporting this incident to the match officials," they said.
The Premier League said the incident would be fully investigated, while a Northumbria Police spokesperson said the force was "aware of a report of discriminatory abuse".
Norway's Johannes Hosflot Klaebo in action ahead of Germany's Jannis during the Men's 10 km Interval Start Classic Style Cross-Country Skiing competition at the FIS Nordic World Cup in Lahti. Petri Korteniemi/Lehtikuva/dpa
Superstar Johannes Høsflot Klæbo won the season-ending 20 kilometres mass start race in the United States on Sunday to complete a sweep of all World Cup trophies while Jessica Diggins ended her trophy laden career with 12th place in the women's race after a late fall.
Klæbo added the cross country distance globe to the overall and sprint titles with his 14th season victory and a 113th overall.
He won 0.8 seconds from Harald Østberg Amundsen and 2.5 seconds from last week's Oslo 50km winner Einar Hedegart in a Norwegian 1-5 finish Lake Placid.
Klæbo lost the distance World Cup lead to Amundson by missing Oslo due to concussion but was fit again for the World Cup finals and reclaimed first place by winning Friday's 10km.
He then skipped Saturday's sprint to be fully fit for Sunday where he controlled Amundsen and the rest of the field.
It was a fitting end to a season for Klæbo in which he famously swept all six Olympic golds for a Winter Games record tally of 11 and also won the Tour de Ski a record fifth time.
Diggins meanwhile cried before the start and was then her usual competitive self before a fall on the final kilometre cost her a possible 32rd World Cup race victory on American home snow.
But Diggins was all smiles after crossing the line in her final race in which Jonna Sundling denied Swedish team-mate Linn Svahn a sweep of the three Lake Placid races by 3.5 seconds, with Norway's Heidi Weng third.
Diggins had clinched a third overall World Cup title and the distance globe before the final weekend and bows out with three golds from 11 medals at worlds and Olympics plus three Tour de Ski titles.
Several others also had their last race, most notably Italy's Federica Pellegrino, a former sprint world champion who has 11 medals from worlds and Olympics and won Saturday's sprint for his 18th World Cup success.
Ski jumpers were in action as well on Sunday but high wind at the Norwegian flying hill of Vikersund forced the cancellation of the men's event and the women managed only one competition jump due to the conditions.
Norway's Eirin Maria Kvandal claimed back-to-back victories with 231.5 metres. She was 4.1 points ahead of World Cup champion Nika Prevc of Slovenia who had 220.5m. Norwegian double Olympic champion Anna Odine Strøm was third.
The ski jumping season ends next weekend on the Slovenian flying hill of Planica.
Feb 24, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
It’s a good thing that it’s still spring training and not the regular season because this was the type of performance that would’ve resulted in a very rough outing for Reynaldo López had it come in a game that counted. Instead, it’s something to think about with the regular season on the horizon as López struggled and ended up getting pulled in the fifth inning of this spring training contest.
This figured to be a stern test for López anyways with the Twins posting something that looks very similar to what their Opening Day lineup could look like laster this week. Still, I’d like to imagine that everybody associated with and rooting for the Braves would’ve preferred if López looked a lot better today.
The first three innings of this outing actually went very smoothly for Reynaldo López — he retired the side in order in the first and second innings (a double-play ball helped him get out of the second) and avoided trouble from a one-out single in the third inning. The fourth inning is when things started to get a little shaky, as López got the inning started off by walking Byron Buxton and then giving up a single to Matt Wallner. Another double play ball got López out of this situation but by now it was clear that López’s velocity was going to be sitting below 90-mph on his heater.
By the time the fifth inning had rolled around, the Twins decided that it was time to tee off. López kept a few pitches hanging enticingly in the strike zone during this frame and the Twins capitalized each time. The first resulted in a Royce Lewis double, the second was a single from Austin Martin and then the third and biggest mistake got crushed by Luke Keaschall for a three-run shot that put the Twins in front.
The 80-mph slider was the last pitch that López threw in this one as he finished with 4.2 innings under his belt, along with four earned runs on five hits and two walks. López only finished with one strikeout once he was done, which was his strikeout of Buxton all the way back in the first inning. His velocity also left something to be desired as well, as he was actually sitting at 89-mph with the four-seamer and the velocity on all of his other pitches was way down as well.
Obviously the hope is that he was trying to ease into the regular season and you could make an argument that that this was the case since his velocity was higher in his most recent start before this one. Granted, his four-seamer was still below his usual average of 95-mph back on March 17 but it still looked more lively back then than it did today. Still, it’s pretty concerning that López did struggle in both of his final two starts before the regular season. We could end up laughing about this if he bounces back once the games begin to count but it’s still not great to see when you’re coming off of a season-ending shoulder injury from the season before!
hard for me to believe this is completely meaningless data for a guy's last spring training start pic.twitter.com/ZlTfdaRlw0
As far as the bats for the Braves go, the first inning was the peak for Atlanta. The Braves scored their first two runs via some good ol’ fashioned A-B-C baseball: Brett Wisely got on with a leadoff walk, Jorge Mateo laid down a sacrifice bunt and ended up making it on base and into scoring position thanks to a throwing error and then Drake Baldwin brought them both in with a bouncer through the middle to initially put the Braves in the lead. Dominic Smith proceeded to cash in Baldwin’s run with an RBI single of his own to make it a three-run first inning.
Drake Baldwin and Dominic Smith both added hits to their tally later on and that was about as good as it got for the Braves from the first inning onwards. Taj Bradley settled down a bit once he got his second chance (he got pulled from the mess during the first inning and returned for the second frame) and the Braves just didn’t get a lot done in terms of production against the Twins and their pitching staff past the first inning.
The big story of the day was Reynaldo López’s underwhelming performance, though. I do remember saying earlier during spring training that if Spencer Strider’s velocity was low in the latter portions of camp like it was to start out then it was perfectly fine to start worrying. Strider doesn’t appear to have that issue but López certainly does and again, the main hope is that he was simply trying not to overexert himself with the regular season around the corner. If it’s like that once things are serious, watch out.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Tom Barlow scored short-handed for the equalizer in the 80th minute and Kévin Denkey followed with the winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time, rallying FC Cincinnati to a 4-3 victory over CF Montreal on Sunday.
Barlow tied it 3-3 when he scored three minutes after subbing in to the match. It was his first MLS goal with his new team. Denkey scored for the second time this season — also unassisted — after notching 15 goals in 29 appearances last season — his first in the league.
Cincinnati (2-3-0) was forced to play a man down after Miles Robinson's red card in the 60th minute.
Newcomer Wiki Carmona used assists from Prince Owusu and Bode Hidalgo in the 6th minute to score for the third time in three matches and give Montreal a 1-0 lead.
Ender Echenique tied it in the 40th minute for Cincinnati with his first goal this season. The 21-year-old scored once in eight appearances last season. Defender Alvas Powell and Matt Miazga had assists. Powell picked up his first assist of the campaign and became the fifth player to make 150 appearances for the club.
Montreal took a 2-1 lead into halftime when Owusu scored in the 45th minute. Carmona and Iván Jaime had assists. It was the third goal this season for Owusu and his 25th in 79 career appearances.
Cincinnati knotted the score again in the 52nd minute on Ayoub Jabbari's first career goal in his 10th appearance. Echenique had his first assist and second overall, while Pavel Bucha notched his first — and 13th in 70 appearances.
Evan Louro totaled four saves in his first start this season for Cincinnati and his sixth career start since 2024.
Thomas Gillier, 21, finished with four saves for Montreal (1-4-0) in his 13th career start.
Cincinnati improves to 8-4-2 all-time versus Montreal and its eight victories in the series is its most against any club.
Up next
Montreal: Visits the New England Revolution on April 4.
Cincinnati: Visits the New York Red Bulls on April 4.
Photo by Gabriel Calvino Alonso/BSR Agency/Getty Images
Stefanos Tsitsipas put on a show to beat Alex de Minaur in Monte Carlo third round
Stefanos Tsitsipas delivered a performance to remember, beating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-6 in the Monte Carlo Masters third round.
The Greek star was in complete control throughout, putting on a clinic against the world number six.
It hasn’t been an easy road back for Tsitsipas, who struggled with injuries and coaching issues during a difficult 2025 season that saw him drop out of the top 50.
He’s shown clear signs of improvement this year but remains outside the top 50 heading into his fourth-round clash with Arthur Fils – who is now working with Ivanisevic. Tsitsipas spoke about his current ranking situation before that match.
Tsitsipas says he is not paying attention to his current ranking
Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty Images
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport, Tsitsipas said: “Well, right now, honestly, it does not matter.
“Why am I saying this? Because when you’re at a certain ranking, you’re used to something else, and you find yourself in the 50s.
“Whether you’re 50 or 60 at this point, it doesn’t really matter. I’m not even checking the ranking anymore; it’s probably going to matter more when I start getting into top 20 again. Then I might start being more conscious and more caring about my status there.”
The interviewer then responded: “Trust me, I’ve heard other players say about your ranking that they’re quite disappointed that you’re so low because they’re afraid of having to face you early on.”
Tsitsipas replied: “You know, I was thinking that it kind of sucks that I get to be so low ranked in tournaments because I’m not seeded anymore.
“Soon you know I guess I will have to play a few more 250s to try and improve my ranking or do really well in this type of tournament. So I thought about that. How tough it might be for me at the moment.
“But also, it all instantly changed when I thought, ‘oh, the guys that are high-ranked right now they’re gonna have to face me early rounds.’ Which actually sucks for them as well as not as good of a feeling.
“My ranking I don’t feel kind of represents my level right now. But again, I have to build it myself. I’m not waiting for anyone to give it to me or hand it to me. This is something that I’m worthy of or not.”
A look back at Tsitsipas’ rise up the rankings
In his breakout season in 2018 – during which he reached an ATP final – Tsitsipas climbed over one hundred places from world number #91 up into the top twenty by year’s end.
A second run to an Australian Open semi-final followed in January 2021 before rising even higher after finishing runner-up at Roland-Garros later that year.
When is the Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Arthur Fils Match?
Fans in the UK can catch Tsitsipas’ match against Fils at 12:30 am GMT. Meanwhile, those on the US east coast can tune in from 8:30 pm local time. Over in Australia, coverage will get underway at 10:30 am AEDT on Monday.
Early rain disrupted the start of this year’s Australian Open, but conditions have since improved and look stable heading into this matchup.
The forecast calls for clear skies and a temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius during the match, with no rain expected to interrupt play.
The No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats face the second-seeded Iowa State Cyclones in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Kentucky advanced with an 89-84 overtime win over Santa Clara in Friday's first round, while Iowa State beat Tennessee State 108-74 that same day.
The Wildcats (22-13), were tied for seventh in the SEC at 10-8, have won three of their last four games. The Cyclones (28-7), who tied for third in the Big 12 at 12-6, have won four of their last five. Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson (ankle) is not likely to play.
Here is a look at the box score from Saturday's second round Midwest Region game in St. Louis.
The Charlotte Hornets set a franchise record of 17 sellouts at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The milestone was announced following a home game against the Orlando Magic that included a halftime ceremony to retire Dell Curry’s No. 30 jersey.
The team also established a new record with seven consecutive sellouts, surpassing the previous mark of six set during the 2022-23 season. The franchise is currently averaging 18,400 fans per game, which is a 7% increase compared to the same point last year, officials said.
The surge in ticket sales follows a period of on-court success, officials said, including a nine-game winning streak in January and February. This was the longest winning streak for the franchise since the 1997-98 season. Individual players have also reached significant benchmarks, with LaMelo Ball becoming the sixth player in team history to surpass 6,000 career points.
Miles Bridges recently became the fourth player in franchise history to collect 3,000 career rebounds. Additionally, Brandon Miller set a franchise single-season record by making at least one three-pointer in 44 consecutive games. Rookie Kon Knueppel has also drawn national attention during a record-breaking debut season that has energized the fanbase.
Spectrum Center is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary and recently welcomed its 25 millionth fan. The facility recently completed an extensive, two-phased renovation totaling $245 million, officials said. Following these upgrades, the arena has been nominated for the Sports Business Journal Sports Facility of the Year award.
The Hornets continue their seven-game homestand Saturday with a City Edition-themed game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
WATCH: Fans show support despite loss as Queens University makes history
Texas A&M's 2027 recruiting class currently consists of 10 commitments, all considered blue-chip prospects, including five-star defensive backs Kamarui Dorsey and Raylaun Henry, and during the first weekend of the Aggies' spring practice schedule, third-year head coach Mike Elko is taking full advantage of the opportunities to host a wide range of elite 2027 recruits.
Still, it's the underrated prospects who aren't getting national attention that stand out to those of us looking for a "diamond in the rough," which has worked out well in Texas A&M's history, leading to the landing of future stars such as linebacker Taurean York and wide receiver Ainias Smith. This weekend, it was revealed that the Aggies hosted three-star Florida-based quarterback Terrance Lewis Jr.
Texas A&M's quarterback future, like most programs, is unknown in the age of the transfer portal. While starting quarterback Marcel Reed, who is entering his third and second full starting season, was a four-star prospect, it's fair to say he was also undervalued, similar to Terrance Lewis.
Coming off another productive season at Vanguard HS in Ocala, Florida, Lewis threw for 1,334 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just one interception, while rushing for 898 yards and ten touchdowns, averaging 9.3 yards per carry. A true dual threat, similar to Marcel Reed, Lewis was reportedly impressed with what Mike Elko and his staff had to offer.
2027 4-star QB Jayce Johnson is the only quarterback commit in Texas A&M's 2027 cycle, and while Terrance Lewis could switch positions at the next level, it's assumed he'll continue to elevate his game enough during his senior year to avoid a position change to see the field.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 11: Will Howard #18 and Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 11, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers has yet to make his decision on whether or not he will be the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback this season. However, he and fellow quarterback Will Howard recently made an appearance together at a charity event.
The two quarterbacks played in the RX3 Foundation flag football tournament, which brings together NFL players, celebrities, and other athletes competing for charities of their choosing.
Rodgers spoke very highly of Howard in a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
“I’m a big Will Howard, not just fan as a human, but believer as a player,” Rodgers said. “And when his time comes, he’s going to be more than capable of being, not just a consistent starter, but a guy who can stick in the league for a long, long time.”
Should Rodgers not return to the Steelers, Howard and Mason Rudolph would remain the only two quarterbacks on the roster before another move is made by Pittsburgh.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
Liverpool’s Richard Hughes replacement now looks clear
Richard Hughes: Situation Summary
Al-Hilal Interest
Reports from Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan indicate that Al-Hilal has reached a preliminary agreement with Hughes to become their new sporting director this summer. While transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms the "strong interest," he notes that Hughes remains focused on his duties at Anfield for the time being. The Saudi club reportedly views Hughes as a key figure who could facilitate high-profile Premier League acquisitions.
Strategic Shift and Future
Hughes’ position has been impacted by FSG’s recent decision to shelve its multi-club ownership model. This shift has altered the remit originally envisioned for the football leadership team, including CEO of Football Michael Edwards. While Hughes remains under contract until June 2027, the changing landscape at the AXA Training Centre has led to speculation that he may consider the Al-Hilal project if his long-term influence at Liverpool is reduced.
“Absolutely superb” Pundit says Man City dominated the second half
Two second-half goals from Nico O’Reilly helped Manchester City defeat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final today, ending any remaining talk of an Arsenal quadruple. The Gunners were left to reflect on a missed opportunity after failing to convert their first-half dominance in a match that ultimately demanded a decisive winner.
Arsenal started strongly and controlled large portions of the opening period, creating chances and applying pressure on their opponents. However, their inability to take advantage of those opportunities proved costly. In high-stakes matches, maintaining performance levels across the full 90 minutes is essential, and this was an area where they ultimately fell short.
Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
The nature of a winner-takes-all contest means that even brief lapses can have significant consequences. Arsenal’s early control suggested they were capable of securing victory, but without a breakthrough, they left themselves vulnerable. Manchester City, known for its composure and efficiency, remained patient and waited for its moment to assert control.
As the game progressed, Arsenal’s intensity began to drop, allowing City to grow into the match. Their inability to sustain pressure highlighted the fine margins that often determine the outcome of major finals. It was a reminder that dominance without an end product rarely leads to success at this level.
City’s Second Half Dominance
In the second half, City elevated their performance and made effective use of Wembley’s wide pitch, stretching Arsenal and creating space in dangerous areas. Their attacking movement caused persistent problems, leaving the Gunners struggling to regain control during key phases of the game.
Reflecting on the performance, Upson said on the BBC, “What a performance Pep Guardiola’s team have delivered. A great example of a team that in a major final are able to make the difference. The second half was absolutely dominated by Manchester City, they were absolutely superb.”
Arsenal must now respond quickly to this setback, ensuring they refocus and return to winning ways in their next fixture.
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The state that's shaped like a mitten might want to consider rebranding to one of those giant foam fingers, at least for the next few weeks during the NCAA hockey tournament.
Three teams from the state have earned No. 1 seeds in the hockey tournament, with Michigan receiving the No. 1 overall seed. Defending national champion Western Michigan and Michigan State also received No. 1 seeds, when the 16-team bracket was officially revealed Sunday afternoon.
Michigan (29-7-1) is the top seed in the Albany, N.Y., Region, and opens up against Bentley (23-11-5) at MVP Arena at 5:30 p.m. Friday. on ESPNU. The regional final is next Sunday.
"I think we're just getting started," Michigan's Luca Fantilli, a senior defenseman, said Saturday night.
North Dakota, Western Michigan's NCHC rival, is the other No. 1 seed in the NCAA Hockey Tournament. Michigan is first, followed by North Dakota, then Michigan State (25-8-2), then Western Michigan (26-10-1).
Michigan State is the top seed in the Worcester, Mass., Region, and starts against Connecticut (20-12-5) at DCU Center at 1:30 p.m. Thursday on ESPN2. The regional final is Saturday.
Western Michigan, which won its first hockey national championship a year ago, will begins its title defense as the top seed in the Loveland, Colo., Region, opening against Minnesota State (22-10-7) at Blue Arena at 2:30 p.m. Friday on ESPNU. The regional final next Sunday.
Michigan State is looking for its first national championship in hockey since 2007, and Michigan since 1998.
Michigan State won the Big Ten regular-season title, and Michigan the tournament title. And the Wolverines certainly believe they have the momentum.
"Oh, yeah, for sure," Michigan senior forward T.J. Hughes, like Fantilli a captain, said after winning the Big Ten championship before a capacity crowd of 5,800 at Yost on Saturday night. (Among those in attendance was Michigan's new football coach, Kyle Whittingham).
"I think it just gives us confidence that we can win these big games on this big stage."
The Frozen Four is set for April 9 and 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored his 1,000th career NHL goal combining the regular season and playoffs, but the league-leading Colorado Avalanche beat the Washington Capitals 3-2 in overtime on Sunday.
Ovechkin's goal, his 26th of the season, came from his traditional spot on the power play and tied the score with 5:43 left in regulation. He extended his career record to 923, nearly a year since passing Wayne Gretzky for the most in league history.
Gretzky has NHL 1,016 goals: 894 in the regular season and 122 in the playoffs, the latter being a record the “Great One” still holds.
U.S. Olympic gold medal winner Brock Nelson scored 82 seconds into 3-on-3 OT off a pass from Martin Necas, his 32nd goal of the season. Gabriel Landeskog and Nicolas Roy scored earlier for the Avalanche, who have won back-to-back games and on Friday became the first team this season to clinch a playoff spot.
Justin Sourdif also scored for the Capitals, whose two-game winning streak came to an end. It was Sourdif's 14th goal of his first season with Washington following a late-June trade from back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida.
Colorado's Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 20 of the 22 shots he faced to earn his 20th win of the season. Logan Thompson made 21 saves in the loss for Washington, which has three teams between it and the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Capitals forward Ethen Frank suffered a lower-body injury in the first period, crashing into the net following a shove from Devon Toews. Frank skated off under his own power, went directly to the locker room and did not return.
Up next
Avalanche: Continue their four-game road trip at the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.
Capitals: Kick off a three-game road swing at the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 01: Dillon Thieneman #31 of the Oregon Ducks pursues a play on defense during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on January 01, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
As I was preparing this, the Wentz signing popped. This is very interesting and curious to say the least. Is it a precursor to a trade of JJ? I don’t think so but I would not be surprised.
Yore AI question … why does Brian Flores not utilize true run stuffing defensive tackle like a nose tackle? who was the last player he had on one of his teams that fit this description?
Brian Flores generally avoids using “true” run-stuffing nose tackles (0-technique space-eaters) because his defensive philosophy prioritizes positionless versatility, explosive movement, and aggressive blitzing over static line play.
Why Flores Eschews Traditional Nose Tackles
One-Gap Aggression: While many 3-4 fronts use a nose tackle to “two-gap” (occupy two blockers to free up linebackers), Flores prefers a one-gap system. This allows his defensive linemen to attack downhill immediately, creating disruption in the backfield rather than just holding ground.
Chaos and Disguise: Flores builds his defense on “chaotic” pre-snap looks. A massive, 330+ lb nose tackle is often a “tell” for an offense; by using lighter, more agile interior defenders (or even safeties like Harrison Smith slanting into the A-gap), he keeps the offense guessing about who is rushing and who is dropping.
“Tite” Fronts: He frequently utilizes “Tite” fronts where defensive linemen align in 4i techniques (inside shoulder of the offensive tackle). This naturally plugs the B-gaps and forces runs outside, where his fast linebackers and safeties can make plays, reducing the need for a central “anchor”.
Personnel over Tradition: Flores has stated he does not see players by their traditional labels (e.g., “D-lineman” vs. “linebacker”) but by their ability to fill specific “spots on the field”.
The Last Player to Fit the Description
Prior to the Vikings trading him to the New York Jets in August 2025, Harrison Phillips was indeed the most recent and prominent “true run-stuffer” under Flores. Before Phillips, Davon Godchaux (Miami Dolphins, 2019–2020) was the primary example.
Harrison Phillips: Phillips was a key starter for the Vikings, recording a massive 92 tackles in 2023 while often playing over the center as what he called the “fire hydrant at the dog show”. Despite his effectiveness as a run-stuffer, the Vikings traded him to the New York Jets in August 2025 to transition toward a more “disruptive” interior featuring Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen.
Why Flores Ultimately Moved On
The trade of Phillips to the Jets highlights why Flores rarely keeps this type of player long-term:
Shift to “Pure” Penetration: By 2025, the Vikings prioritized a move toward a more disruptive, “pass-rush first” interior with players like Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen.
Trade-Off for Mobility: Flores’s scheme increasingly relies on “simulated pressures” and versatile blitzing where even safeties occasionally line up at the nose. A massive, stationary tackle like Phillips can be a “tell” for an offense, whereas smaller, faster linemen allow for more pre-snap disguise.
Youth and Financials: Trading Phillips saved the Vikings approximately $7.5 million in 2026 cap space and allowed younger, cheaper players like Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez to step into a faster-paced rotation.
The team is looking to go with the youth movement. Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake-Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Elijah Williams, Taki Taimani, and Jaylon Hutchings. The draft does have some interesting prospects at the top but they all have issues.
Caleb Banks: Serious Medical Red Flags
Recurring Injury: Banks underwent surgery on March 9, 2026, to repair a fractured fourth metatarsal in his foot. This is the same foot that limited him to just three games during his 2025 season at Florida.
Combine Setback: He originally suffered the new fracture the night before his on-field testing in Indianapolis but completed several drills (recording a 9-foot-6 broad jump) before the full extent of the injury was discovered.
Draft Impact: While his 6’6″, 327-pound frame and rare athleticism are elite, the “recurring” nature of the injury has caused some analysts to drop his stock into Day 2.
Peter Woods: Physical Limitations
Arm Length: Woods officially measured with 31 ¼-inch arms. In NFL terms, this is considered “very poor” (4th percentile) for a defensive tackle.
On-Field Impact: Scouts note that these shorter arms allow offensive blockers to “crowd his frame,” making it difficult for him to shed blocks or maintain an anchor against elite double-teams.
Scheme Fit: Despite the length issues, he is compared to Javon Hargrave due to his explosive lower-body power and “active brawler” style, which fits a one-gap, pocket-collapsing system.
Kayden McDonald: Traditional “Stout” Profile
Play Style: McDonald is a 326-pound “trench warrior” primarily utilized as a stout run-stopper. He led the country in run-stop win rate (7.8%) last season.
Pass Rush Concerns: His pass-rush repertoire is considered “limited” or “underdeveloped,” often stalling if his initial power move doesn’t win immediately.
Flores Conflict: While he has the “brute force” to be a two-gap nose tackle, Flores has recently moved away from this profile, as seen in the trade of Harrison Phillips.
I think we could be looking at a player selected later in the draft and not early at all.
Are they bargain-hunting after two years of spending wildly in free agency? Does their relatively quiet offseason represent a course correction helmed by a loyal longtime employee?
Or are the Vikings pushing for a playoff berth, as they have always done under the Wilf family ownership, even when an aggressive teardown might make more sense? Do they really think that quarterback Kyler Murray, signed as a free agent for $1.3 million, can elevate the team enough to get them there?
To all of those asymmetrical possibilities, the objective answer is “yes” — no matter how unsatisfying that answer might be.
During the first week of free agency, when almost all of the costly contracts are signed, the Vikings committed the NFL’s third-lowest amount of cash, according to Over the Cap. Their biggest deal was to retain linebacker Eric Wilson, who will be paid a total of $8.25 million in 2026; three of their other five transactions were for special teams players.
They’ve parted ways with four starters, although they have not given up hope that safety Harrison Smith will return to play for another season, and convinced another two — running back Aaron Jones Sr. and tight end T.J. Hockenson — to take pay cuts. They have also entertained the idea of trading linebacker Jonathan Greenard rather than give him a raise. … After talking to sources inside and outside the organization, the best way to think of the Vikings’ current approach is an aggressive right-sizing of their roster finances. The Wilfs did not order a lower cash payroll this season, multiple sources confirmed. The NFL is not structured for teams to have indefinite annual spending at the rate the Vikings have in recent years, and essentially the Vikings decided that 2026 was the time to eat their vegetables.
“We had a plan that we devised together,” Brzezinski said, “and I’m just really proud of the way everybody worked together, identifying some targets that we were able to reach agreements with. There’s others we weren’t, but I think I’m really most proud of the patience. … Really grateful also for [Hockenson and Jones] reworking their contracts to find a middle ground. These were two players and two people that are really important to our football team and to [coach Kevin O’Connell] in our locker room.
“So I feel like we’ve navigated responsibly the future versus being competitive this year. And I feel like we’re in a really good spot, but like we keep saying, there’s a long way to go.” … At the moment, the Vikings have roughly $260 million in cash commitments for 2026. Over the Cap calculates their cash-to-cap ratio at 0.85, the third lowest in the league, but projects them to be roughly $67 million under the cap in 2027.
Brzezinski said last month that he envisioned the Vikings as a franchise that looks to “draft and develop and to retain our core, and supplement in free agency.” That served as a reminder that teams don’t just use cap space on free agency, but also — and often more importantly — on signing their existing players to contract extensions. Right tackle Brian O’Neill and receiver Jordan Addison are among the upcoming deals the Vikings have budgeted for. It’s also worth noting that Brzezinski described the Vikings’ 2026 roster build as being “barely out of the gate here,” implying there are other ways than free agency to make substantive roster improvements.
So it’s wrong to say the Vikings are looking for ways to save the Wilfs money, but they also haven’t taken every step imaginable to optimize their 2026 team. Adofo-Mensah once called that approach a “competitive rebuild,” a phrase he later regretted using but retains a level of accuracy today.
What are the Vikings doing? They’re planning a run at the playoffs while resuscitating their financial outlook and adjusting, for at least one year, a quarterback plan that went awry.
Among the best possible solutions is signing a free-agent deal with Christian Wilkins, whom the Las Vegas Raiders released last July for breach of contract and who sat out the 2025 season.
Despite the Raiders’ voiding the remainder Wilkins’ $110 million contract, which he signed in March 2024, and despite Wilkins appearing in just five games over the last two seasons combined, ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently reported that just about the entire NFL has reached out to Wilkins’ representation about his availability, as the DT intends to return to action in 2026.
“Free-agent DT Christian Wilkins fully intends to play this season, but still is rehabbing his foot injury, per his agent David Mulugheta,” Schefter reported on Friday, March 20. “So far 26 teams have reached out and are waiting for Wilkins to be ready, and Wilkins is expected to have a new home as soon as he wants.”
Given the numbers Schefter reported, odds are that Minnesota was among those 26 teams to inquire about Wilkins’ availability.
What Wilkins can command in free agency is an interesting question without a clear answer. That he hasn’t played much at all in two years and that he is already on the wrong side of 30 years old and still injured hurts his market.
However, that so many teams are interested should certainly work in Wilkins’ favor. He makes a ton of sense for a potential contender in Minnesota, but the price has to be right, as Wilkins does not come absent significant risk.
Greenard is looking for a pay raise from the $38 million he is owed over the next two years ($19 million in both 2026 and 2027), and the Vikings are not at the point where they are necessarily willing to offer that.
Minnesota are reportedly looking for compensation in the range of a day two pick in next month’s draft, and given the lack of top tier edge rushers around the league, it is not impossible that they find that sort of compensation in return.
Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick projects that the team who could ultimately make the move for Greenard is one that has multiple top-level forces off the edge, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“The Vikings are open to trading Jonathan Greenard this offseason. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Minnesota would reportedly like to retain the edge rusher, but salary cap “issues” have caused the team to consider moving on.” Kadlick writes. “Greenard, 28, signed a four-year, $76 million contract with Minnesota in the spring of 2024 and after a solid debut season with the club, played in just 12 games in ‘25 while logging only three sacks. ”
“That said, he remains in the prime of his career, and a team like the Jaguars would benefit from bringing him in to play opposite Josh Hines-Allen on defense. Jacksonville would have to do some salary gymnastics to get a deal done, however, as they currently sit just $6.9 million over the cap.” … The Jaguars could well be content with giving up one of their three third round picks (#81, #88 and #100) in the draft in exchange for a proven game-changer on the defense, buying low on a player who is coming of a down season in 2025, where he only managed 3 sacks in 12 games.
The Buffalo Bills should look to give wide receiver Keon Coleman a fresh start after a tumultuous 2025 season, and the Minnesota Vikings could be a possible destination.
FanSided’s Austen Bundy predicts the Vikings will be Coleman’s next team as he prepares for a make-or-break 2026 season.
“Coleman could get a new lease on his career and demonstrate he’s still an elite prospect while Buffalo recoups value and Beane can select the guy he actually wants,” Bundy said.
ESPN’s Seth Walder called the Kyler Murray signing by the Vikings an “absolute coup” at the most important position in the game, labeling it his best free agent signing of the offseason.. Days after being cut by the Cardinals after seven seasons, Murray inked a one-year, $1.3 million veteran minimum deal to join the Vikings.
“Minnesota just got a huge upgrade at quarterback for the veteran minimum,” Walder wrote. … In talking about the signing on his Fully Loaded podcast, Vikings legend Cris Carter got a little bit more explicit with what Murray’s addition to the Vikings means, and how the rest of the North is likely reacting to the signing.
“What do you think Green Bay said when [the Vikings] signed Kyler Murray? They said two words… ‘Oh s,'” said Carter. “What do you think Chicago said? ‘Oh s!'”
When asked by co-host Shawn Meaike if teams aren’t afraid of McCarthy, Carter responded, “Who do you want to play twice? J.J. McCarthy or Kyler Murray?”
After the Johnny Hekker, Ryan Van Demark, and Carson Wentz signing it is hard to tell how much cap space the team has remaining. overthecap is showing $8,025,956 remaining which includes the Carson Wentz signing but not the Van Demark or Hekker signings. Van Demark got 4.25M gtd and Hekker probably got between 1.5M and 2M. Maybe they included a void year on Van Demark’s deal but if they did, then the Bills would have known since the exact offer has to be given to the Bills. Without any void years the team is down to about 2M in cap space. I have noticed over the years that Brez likes to be in this area and will only create more cap space if there is a need. Apparently, the team has filled all the needs and will rely on rookies although they could still sign players to the minimum which would not affect the cap much since the player at the bottom of the top 51 will drop off.
Obviously, an extension for O’Neill would lower his 23M cap hit significantly and a trade of Greenard would save about 12.25M in cap space.
…
I am going to guess a trade of Greenard is coming unless they want to extend him. I think a trade makes the most sense and here is why …
The “Snap Count” Conflict
In 2025, Brian Flores’s scheme struggled to balance three high-level edge rushers when all were healthy.
Veteran Priority: When Greenard and Van Ginkel were active, they often combined for over 80% of defensive snaps. In those games, Turner was frequently limited to a rotational role, sometimes playing as few as 14 to 37 snaps (roughly 21–53%).
Turner’s Production: Despite the rotational role early on, Turner led the team with 8.0 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 2025, largely because he played 402 more snaps than his rookie year due to veteran injuries.
The Dilemma: Keeping both high-priced veterans blocks Turner from becoming a true “every-down” cornerstone, which is the expectation for a top-20 draft pick.
The trade would be Greenard to the Eagles for pick #68 and DT Moro Ojomo who will be in the last year of his deal.
2025 Regular Season Stats
Ojomo finished the season second on the Eagles in sacks, trailing only rookie linebacker Jalyx Hunt.
Games Played: 17
Total Tackles: 38 (17 solo, 21 assisted)
Sacks: 6.0
Sack Yards: 38
Forced Fumbles: 0
Interceptions: 0
Pass Deflections: 1
Advanced Metrics & PFF Efficiency
Despite his status as a former 7th-round pick, Ojomo’s efficiency metrics rivaled elite starters like Chris Jones.
PFF Overall Grade:72.9 (ranked 19th out of 134 qualified Interior Defenders)
PFF Pass Rush Grade:70.3 (ranked 30th out of 134)
Pass Rush Win Rate:15.9% (ranked 5th highest among all NFL DTs and 1st among the 2023 draft class)
Pressure Rate:11.9% (highest among all defensive tackles on the Eagles)
Total Pressures: 23
Usage & Snap Counts
Ojomo transitioned from a rotational depth piece into a primary starter for Vic Fangio’s defense. Pro-Football-Reference.com +1
Total Defensive Snaps:740
Snap Percentage:65.72%
Starts: 9
Special Teams Snaps: 78 (17.77%)
I do not know if they need that to sign any new free agents but there are some still out there that are intriguing.
The first signing would be Christian Wilkins. Here is a deal for him …
Proposed 1-Year “Prove-It” Structure This structure keeps his immediate cap hit near the league minimum while offering significant upside if he returns to his 2023 form.
Component Amount 2026 Cap Impact Notes Base Salary $1,215,000 $1,215,000 Veteran minimum for a player with his experience. Signing Bonus $1,000,000 $1,000,000 Fully guaranteed at signing. Per-Game Roster Bonus $1,000,000 $0 (NLTBE) Since he played 0 games in 2025, every game is NLTBE. Performance (Sacks) $2,000,000 $0 (NLTBE) Tiered: $1M for 5 sacks; $1M for 9+ sacks. Playing Time $1,500,000 $0 (NLTBE) Tiered: 50%, 65%, and 80% of defensive snaps. Total Value$6,715,000$2,215,000Initial 2026 Cap Hit
Deferred Costs: If Wilkins records 9 sacks and plays 80% of snaps, the Vikings would pay him the full $6.7M, but the additional $4.5M in incentives wouldn’t count until the 2027 cap, which is projected to be healthy at over $368 million.
Rehab Protection: By using per-game roster bonuses, the Vikings only pay for the weeks Wilkins is actually healthy and active on the 53-man roster.
Wilkins’ Public Comments on Flores
A “No-Nonsense” Fit: Shortly after being drafted in 2019, Wilkins stated that he and Flores would “hit it off” because Flores is a “no-nonsense kind of guy” who is “about his business” but also “cares for and loves his players”.
The “All Hate” Joke: Wilkins famously joked about their dynamic in 2019, saying, “With me and Flo, there’s no love. All hate, that’s all it is.” He quickly clarified that they have a “really good relationship” and that he often poked fun at Flores to try and get the “stony-faced” coach to smile.
Respecting High Standards: Following a public “scolding” from Flores early in his rookie season, Wilkins noted that being highly regarded by Flores “means a lot” and that he welcomed the “expectations and the standards” Flores held him to.
Flores’ Public Comments on Wilkins
Flores has reciprocated this respect, often calling Wilkins the “face of what we want to be about”. Miami Herald
“I Love Christian”: After disciplining Wilkins for a penalty in 2019, Flores told the media, “I love Christian. He knows that. I’m going to coach him hard… he’s going to be here a long time”.
Vikings Reunion Interest: In July 2025, after Wilkins was released by the Raiders, Flores told reporters, “I have a lot of history with Christian… I don’t mind adding more”. He described Wilkins as an “ascending” player during their time together in Miami.
The next signing one would be Deandre Hopkins.
Recommended Offer Structure Since Hopkins turns 34 in June and is coming off a career-low 330-yard season, a “respectful” offer uses his low 2025 production to keep his 2026 cap hit minimal. One year 5M with MLTBE incentives
… Amount : 2026 Cap Hit : Rationale Base Salary : $1,215,000 : $1,215,000 : Veteran minimum for his years of service. Signing Bonus : $1,285,000 : $1,285,000 : Up-front “respect” cash to secure him NLTBE Catch Bonus : $1,500,000 : $0 : Trigger: 40+ receptions (exceeds his 22 catches in 2025). NLTBE Yardage Bonus : $1,000,000 : $0 : Trigger: 500+ yards (exceeds his 330 yards in 2025). Total Max Value : $5,000,000 : $2,500,000 : Initial 2026 Cap Impact
2026 Salary Cap Breakdown
Your effective cap space for 2026 now stands at approximately $31 million.
2027 Salary Cap Projection
Your projected 2027 cap space has skyrocketed to $114.3 million, providing elite flexibility for future extensions. The 114M is derived from the current 67M minus the O’Neill extension which takes it to about 49M. Then, you add back the Greenard 22.3M that is removed from the books and $12 million in cap credits for the Allen and Hargrave signings. That takes it to about 83.3M.
Trades LAC receive: 1.18, 5.163 <-> MIN receive: 1.22, 3.86 MIN receive: 2.45, 4.115 <-> BAL receive: 2.49, 3.97 KC receive: 3.68 <-> MIN receive: 3.74, 5.148 DAL receive: 3.86 <-> MIN receive: 3.92, 5.180 MIN receive: 4.113 <-> IND receive: 4.115, 7.235 … Pick 22. Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon) 6’0″ 201 Pick 45. Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas) 6’3″ 235 Pick 74. Keylan Rutledge (IOL, Georgia Tech) 6’4″ 316 Pick 82. Joshua Josephs (EDGE, Tennessee) 6’3″ 242 Pick 92. Oscar Delp (TE, Georgia) 6’5″ 245 Pick 113. Zxavian Harris (DL, Ole Miss) 6’8″ 335 Pick 148. Kaytron Allen (RB, Penn State) 5’11” 225 Pick 180. Ephesians Prysock (CB, Washington) 6’3 3/8″ 196 Pick 196. Kaden Wetjen (WR, Iowa) 5’10 1/8 192 Pick 234. Max Bredeson (FB, Michigan) 6’2″ 252 Pick 244. Andre Fuller (CB, Toledo) 6’2″ 195
I like this plan and draft a lot. You get Wilkins and Ojomo to add to the defensive line plus you draft the mammoth Harris. You add Hopkins for insurance on Felton. Thieneman and Allen are good additions and replacements for Harrison Smith and maybe Blake Cashman (in 2027). Rutledge would be the new center. He worked out at center there at the Senior Bowl and had the best agility scores of all linemen at the combine. I like Delp to replace Hockenson in 2027.
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Golden State Warriors guard De'anthony Melton (8) goes up to shoot against Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 20, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) (Duane Burleson/Associated Press)
DALLAS – De'Anthony Melton quietly found satisfaction in playing games on consecutive nights for the first time this season Friday and Saturday. That's no idle achievement for a player fewer than 16 months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL.
Melton's efforts – 14 points against Detroit, then 20 more against Atlanta – did not prevent the Golden State Warriors from absorbing two more frustrating losses. They are skidding toward oblivion, with eight defeats in their past nine games entering Monday night's visit to Dallas.
That helps explain the somber mood in the locker room late Saturday night in Atlanta, after a dispiriting 126-110 loss. But Melton reported no ill effects from playing both ends of the back-to-back, an assignment the Warriors had carefully avoided with him all season.
He's still on a minutes restriction: Melton logged a modest 22-plus minutes against the Pistons and 21-plus against the Hawks. But the notable development was he actually played both nights, setting aside caution for the first time since he returned to action Dec. 4, exactly one year after his surgery.
"I felt great out there," he said. "It's great to play back-to-back and just compete."
The Warriors have leaned on Melton as one of their main sources of offense with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Al Horford all sidelined because of injuries. (Kristaps Porzingis also missed Saturday night's game.) Melton is one of the few Golden State players with the skills to slice into the lane and break down defenses.
This ability – essential with Curry and Co. out – also should prove valuable when No. 30 returns. That could happen as early as Wednesday night's home game against Brooklyn.
Ever since the early days of the 2024-25 season, when head coach Steve Kerr first placed Melton alongside Curry in the starting backcourt – for only two games before Melton got hurt – Kerr has envisioned putting them back together. Melton's torn ACL ruined the plan last season.
Then his slow ramp-up this season – followed by Curry's departure Jan. 30 with his own knee injury – delayed things again. Now, with Curry on the brink of a long-awaited comeback, the mere thought brings a wide smile to Melton's face.
"It's not just the points Steph puts up," he said. "It's the gravity he has, the way he can manipulate defenses – and, honestly, he's sneaky good sometimes defensively with his hands and everything.
"Man, I just can't wait. I'm excited."
Melton is not alone in the sentiment on his discouraged team. The Warriors have fallen behind Portland and the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference standings, into 10th place. That puts them on track to begin the play-in tournament on the road, and would require them to win twice (both on the road) to qualify for the playoffs.
They will need Melton to keep darting to the basket whenever Curry returns, so they found encouragement in his inaugural back-to-back set of the season. Melton also has drawn the opponent's top perimeter defender in recent games, including Detroit's Ausar Thompson and Atlanta's Dyson Daniels.
That figures to change when Curry returns.
"It's meaningful," Kerr said of Melton playing on consecutive nights. "The hope is he can continue to do this, and when we do get Steph and Moses and Al and Kristaps back, we have the firepower we need. Melt will really thrive because he's not going to have the best defender on him, which he's had the last couple of nights.
"His health is everything. I'm so happy for him. The guy missed (most of) two years because of injuries, in the prime of his career."
Melton, 27, is a rare Warriors player not in the twilight of his career, or just starting out. Golden State flows with 35-and-over standouts (Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, Horford) and 25-and-under hopefuls (Moody, Brandin Podziemski, Will Richard).
So, yes, they could use more of Melton.
Kerr often talks about finding ways to "gain an advantage" on offense. Curry provides that with his mere presence, creating space because opponents devote extra attention to him. Butler routinely did the same, opening up room for teammates to operate.
That's also what Melton can do when he beats his man off the dribble, forcing defenses to rotate.
"We need that right now, obviously," teammate Pat Spencer said of Melton's drives. "But when we get everybody healthy, that's such a valuable asset next to Steph."
Melton expects Curry's pending return to make an impact in spirit as much as on the scoreboard.
"To see Steph go out there and smile, play so free-flowing, would be great," Melton said. "We just hope that resonates through the team. And his IQ for the game is sometimes what we're missing, too, what he sees. Man, we can't wait."
Injury update: Moody emerged from Sunday's rehab workout better than expected, according to a Warriors spokesperson, so the team listed him as questionable for Monday night's game in Dallas. Porzingis (back) is probable.
There was no immediate word on Curry's condition after he participated in a scrimmage Sunday. He won't play Monday, but the Warriors have kept open the possibility he will return Wednesday night against Brooklyn.
Judge's first game back as a Yankee after almost three weeks with Team USA was this past Friday's 3-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, in which he struck out three time in as many at-bats. Saturday's 3-1 loss at the Detroit Tigers saw Judge sit, and the day off fared well for his Sunday return.
His 1-for-2 afternoon featured a leadoff home run in the fifth inning against Aaron Nola -- Judge's first long ball since returning to New York from the WBC -- where Judge sent Nola's 2-2 pitch, an 85 mph changeup, down the left-field line and into the second deck.
Players of Judge's caliber should not miss a beat. After he returned to the tune of Friday's 0-for-3 performance, his Sunday bounce back -- a third-inning walk included -- is a welcome sign for the Yankees with three days until Opening Day.
Will Warren saved his best for last. He allowed one hit -- Kyle Schwarber's leadoff double -- in five shutout innings, retiring 15 straight Phillies while striking out six.
Warren threw 44 strikes on 62 pitches. He ends his spring with a 1.42 ERA in 25.1 IP over six starts, striking out 16 and walking three.
Ryan McMahon was a bright spot at the plate. His 2-for-3 day featured a third-inning leadoff single an RBI knock with two outs in the fourth, scoring Giancarlo Stanton and putting the Yankees up 1-0.
In the outfield, Jasson Domínguez and Amed Rosario each had a defensive lapse. Domínguez, who will start the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, did not do himself any favors with his 0-for-2 performance after he replaced Judge's lineup spot. Domínguez's misread on a deep fly ball to left field went down as an error and was a reminder of the struggles and inconsistencies that he has faced at the position.
Rosario's right-field whiff should not be discounted, though he made the most of his mistake with an RBI single to polish off the Yankees' 6-2 lead with two outs in the eighth inning.
Who's the MVP?
Warren, who put the exclamation point on an impressive spring training and seems primed for this season.
The Yankees head to Sloan Park in Mesa, Ariz., for the first of their final two spring training games against the Chicago Cubs -- 3:05 p.m. starts Monday and Tuesday -- before they open the regular season with Wednesday's 8:05 matchup at the San Francisco Giants.
The Miami Dolphins have contributed a lot of action to the NFL this offseason. They've made a litany of roster moves, both in regard to the players they've added and those that they've let go.
Their departing players who've landed on new teams could be steals this offseason. Tua Tagovailoa is an Atlanta Falcon, Jaylen Waddle is with the Denver Broncos, Minkah Fitzpatrick went to the New York Jets, and Bradley Chubb went to the Buffalo Bills.
But, as Bradley Locker of PFF.com notes, there are two current former Dolphins players sitting in free agency that could be steals for their new teams. Those two players are Tyreek Hill and Rasul Douglas.
Dolphins' Tyreek Hill and Rasul Douglas could be steals in FA
If a team were to sign Hill, the All-Pro wide receiver who has a solid Hall of Fame case could be a sneaky massive addition down the stretch.
"Even if Hill can't suit up until the second half of next season," Locker writes, "he could be a low-risk, high-upside signing who can still provide major explosiveness in the passing game."
For a Super Bowl contender looking for some extra wide receiver help in the later stages of the season, Hill is the perfect free agent option to sign this offseason.
While Hill is a possible steal for obvious reasons, the potential of Douglas, a veteran Super Bowl champion cornerback, is a lot more intriguing.
"... If Douglas maintains his tremendous coverage acumen in 2026, he'll be another bargain - and one of the league's best signings regardless of position," Locker writes.
Thinking of Rasul Douglas, the thought of such an unquestioned free agent steal doesn't come to mind. But there's a good reason why Douglas would be a phenomenal pickup this offseason for a cornerback-needy team.
"Among 69 qualified cornerbacks in 2025," Locker writes, "Douglas placed 21st in PFF Coverage grade (72.6), 10th in passer rating allowed (72.6) and tied for 17th in reception rate given up (54.7%)."
Those numbers make for a great cornerback, and yet, for what's looking like a second straight offseason, there's not much interest in the veteran cornerback. He's a solid player and could be a major steal this offseason.
Buck hits a grand slam at Michigan | Nebraska Athletics
It’s always a battle when these two teams get together. With the series on the line today in Ann Arbor, both teams were trading blows until Nebraska launched a combination 1-2 punch for the knockout in the 9th inning, against the best pitchers Michigan had to offer.
The first inning didn’t feature any scoring, but action at second base featured a couple of replays that didn’t go Nebraska’s way. After getting plunked for the 3rd time this series, Husker catcher Jeter Worthley appeared to have stolen second, but under review, went in a little too hot and over-slid the base by just a centimeter, just enough for his fingertips to come off while the tag was applied. In the bottom half, a Michigan runner slid into 2nd spikes up at Jett Buck’s knee height. Bolt asked for an interview for interference, but since Buck avoided the slide, nothing was called. Still a dirty play.
Husker starting pitcher Gavin Blachowicz wasn’t quite himself when the game started. A couple fastballs even dipped below 90. He slowly built back up to where he was hitting 94-95 on occasion, but just never quite seemed to have the presence on the mound we’ve been accustomed to seeing from him all season.
Blachowicz battled hard through his 4 innings of work, holding the Wolverines to 1 run in his 4 innings of work. That happened in the 2nd inning, as the wolverines sandwiched a pair of 2 out singles around a catchers interference call. Blachowicz rebounded and came up with a big full-count strikeout to strand the 2 runners and hold the game at 1-0.
Michigan went with Tate Carey on the mound, making his first start in a month due to injury. He had been the most effective starter for them over the first 3 weeks. He gave up 1 hit and struck out two, but with it being his first appearance in a while was on a very strict pitch count and came out after 2 innings, being replaced by Cade Montgomery who had give up 19 runs in his last 3 weekend starts.
The Husker offense couldn’t touch Montgomery early, as he combined with Carey to retire 10 straight huskers, before Drew Grego finally got a base knock in the top of the 5th.
Nebraska finally got on the board as Rhett Stokes led off the top of the 6th and unloaded on a 2-1 fastball, and parked it over the left field fence, tying the game at 1-1.
Husker reliever Cooper Katskee got into trouble in the bottom of the 6th. A single, followed by a full count walk, and another single loaded the bases with 1 out. Grant Cleavinger came in and appeared to have struck out the batter on a 1-2 count, but the call wasn’t made. On the next pitch he hit the batter on the leg, bringing in a run. Michigan tried to squeeze the next play, but Case Sanderson came in and used his glove to toss the ball to Worthley at home for the force out. Unfortunately Cleavinger hit the next batter too, and handed Michigan a 3-1 lead with Michigan’s best hitter due up with the bases loaded.
Pitching coach Rod Childress went and got J’Shawn Unger to face Colby Turner. They had a lengthy battle, including a ball pulled hard foul that left the ballpark, but Unger climbed the ladder and got him to swing at a fastball above his shoulders to leave the bases loaded.
Nebraska answered right back. Michigan brought in their closer, but Dylan Carey smashed the 2nd straight leadoff home run for the Huskers. DH Miken Miller poked a single through the left side, and advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch. An incredibly due Max Buettenback made his first plate appearance after subbing in at left field, and blooped an RBI single into left to re-tie the game!
CAREY CLOSES THE GAP. ✈️
Solo HR by Carey soars 384 feet to add another run.
The inning continued as Stokes hit one to shallow right field, and Mac Moyer drew a full-count walk to load the bases for Worthley. The former Michigan commit hit a bouncer to the 2nd baseman, who went to tag Moyer as he ran by, only Mac had seen what he was trying to do and took off straight back to first, enticing the 2nd baseman to follow him all the way back for the tag, giving Buettenback plenty of time to scamper home and make an odd somersault slide to give Nebraska its first lead of the game at 4-3.
That lead lasted about 5 minutes, as Michigan’s Brenden Stressloer hit a towering fly to right that easlily cleared the wall for a solo shot, and again we were tied at 4-4.
Remember way back 3 paragraphs when I said Buettenback was due? Well he came up in the top of the 9th and just took out all the frustration of his month-ish long slump on one single baseball and crushed it over the scoreboard in right field.
He wasn’t the only one, Jett “Mount” Buck stepped into the box later in the inning with the bases full of Huskers, He turned on one that the center fielder took one step back and then just watched it go over the fence in left center. That was Nebraska’s 4th home run of the game and they took a commanding 9-4 lead. The softball team, in attendance after playing in East Lansing, could be heard starting “Go Big Red” chants!
Michigan would scratch a run across against Unger whose went about to his max of 59 pitches, but he picked up the win as Timmerman came in to record the last 2 outs and take the series for the Cornhuskers.
The Huskers will finish the weekend no lower than 4th place in the Big Ten as they await the results of the 3 western schools ahead of them. 4th is a spot they need to put a stranglehold on, with the new Big Ten Tournament format.
Nebraska will be back in action on the road at Kansas State on Tuesday, before returning to Big Ten play Friday, March 27 at Haymarket Park in Lincoln.
Arteta defends decision to start Kepa in Carabao Cup final despite costly error – and gives update on Eze
Mikel Arteta defended his decision to start Kepa in goal in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City despite making a costly error during the game.
Kepa failed to catch the ball for City’s opener, giving Nico O’Reilly a simple finish from close range before he later added a second in a 2-0 win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Asked about the criticism of his decision not to start David Raya, Arteta responded: “I understand that but I have to do what I feel is right and honest and what is fair.
“I think we have an outstanding keeper in Kepa. He’s played all the competition and I think it would have been very, very unfair for him and for the team to do something different.
“I can never promise players to play in certain competitions. In the end they have to earn it and they have to do enough, like any other position.
“We are guided by what we feel and when he’s done what he has done in the competition and helped us to go all the way to here, I believe it’s the right thing to do.
“Errors are part of football and today unfortunately it happened in a crucial moment.”
Arteta is now urging his players to use the loss as motivation to end the season by winning other silverware.
“Have some perspective on it,” he said. What this team has done in the last eight months has been incredible and we’re going to use this disappointment and fire in the belly to have the most amazing two months that we’ve ever had together.”
Ebere Eze missed the final due to a calf injury but Arteta says he is not yet sure how long he will be out for.
“We have to do another scan in six or seven days and wait and see the results,” he said.
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The former Nebraska quarterback has switched his number to No. 8 with the Ducks. The two-year starter with the Cornhuskers joined the Ducks after the 2025 season. The man whose mannerisms can look a lot like Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes wore the same number Mahomes wears in the NFL at Nebraska. Now, he’s wearing the same number as two famous Oregon QBs.
Raiola said he spent nearly 10 years of his life in Hawaii and as he was debating wearing No. 8, he called two Hawaiians who have been starters for the Ducks.
Raiola said in a video released by Oregon on Saturday:
“The last two people ,if you look at it, who wore it was Dillon Gabriel and Marcus Mariota, so before I even thought about wearing it, I called Dillon and I asked him, and then I actually asked him if I could have Marcus’ number and I called Marcus. I was blessed with the opportunity to wear it.”
Mariota won the 2014 Heisman Trophy at Oregon before he was the No. 2 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Gabriel, who transferred to Oregon for the 2024 season after two seasons at Oklahoma, finished third in the Heisman voting that season and was a third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Raiola will likely redshirt in 2026 as he prepares to take over as Oregon’s starter in 2027 in an unusual move.
Raiola committed to Oregon before starter Dante Moore had made his draft decision. However, Raiola’s commitment wasn’t contingent on Moore’s departure, and Moore announced that he would be back at Oregon for his fourth season of college football in 2026.
Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (L) (Adrian Dennis)
Mikel Arteta defended his decision to select Kepa Arrizabalaga in the League Cup final after the Arsenal goalkeeper's costly mistake sparked a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday.
Kepa was guilty of a horrendous blunder in the second half at Wembley when he let Rayan Cherki's cross slip through his fingers, gifting Nico O'Reilly the chance to head in City's opener.
Arsenal never recovered and O'Reilly struck again four minutes later to leave the Gunners still waiting for their first major trophy since 2020.
Arteta had opted to keep faith with Kepa instead of picking first-choice stopper David Raya because the former Chelsea star has been a regular in the League Cup this season.
The gamble backfired as Kepa endured another League Cup final moment to forget after his 2019 refusal to be substituted by Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri prior to a penalty shoot-out defeat against Manchester City in which he failed to save a kick.
Kepa also missed a penalty in a shoot-out loss to Liverpool three years later.
Asked about the criticism of his decision, Arteta said: "I understand but I have to do what is right and fair.
"Kepa had played all the competition, I think it would have been unfair to him and the team to do something different.
"He had gone all the way through this competition. Errors are part of football and unfortunately it happened today at a crucial moment."
Sitting nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal were favoured to beat City but they failed to rise to the occasion.
Far too conservative for long periods at Wembley, Arsenal remain without a trophy since the 2020 FA Cup after their quadruple bid came to a painful end.
"Very sad, very hard one to take. We know how much it means and how much we wanted it. The fact we haven't delivered that is disappointing and leaves a bad taste," Arteta said.
"First half we were the better team and had the biggest chance of the game, if we scored that it would have changed the game.
"In the first 20 minutes of the second half we weren't at our best. We struggled to get out of our block and conceded the goal in an unexpected manner obviously.
"You have to give credit to the opposition. They raised their level and capitalised on their moments. We didn't."
Armagh and Kerry played out a thrilling 1-21 to 0-24 draw at the Athletic Grounds which was enough for both to reach their respective goal on the final day in Division One.
Kieran McGeeney's side knew that victory would retain their place in the top flight, but anything less could also do should Dublin fail to beat Galway and with the Dubs pipped late on in Salthill, Armagh beat the drop.
The draw was also enough for Kerry to reach the Division One final thanks to their head-to-head tie-breaker over Mayo and Jack O'Connor's side will now seek to retain their title when they face a repeat of last year's All-Ireland final against Donegal at Croke Park next Sunday.
It seemed Kerry were on their way to record a thumping win early on as they dominated the opening 20 minutes with nine points on the board before Armagh registered.
David Clifford, Dylan Geaney and Joe O'Connor were leading the charge before the hosts got off the mark in the 23rd minute through Cian McConville and this sparked them to life as momentum flipped.
Two-pointers from Darragh McMullen and substitute Conor Turbitt saw them whittle the gap down to one before O'Connor fisted over with the last act of the first half to give Kerry a 0-12 to 0-10 lead.
Armagh picked up where they left off despite a two-pointer from Tom O'Sullivan as two from Ross McQuillan in response preceded Tomas McCormack's equaliser.
Clifford hit back, but Oisin O'Neill found the net for Armagh, finishing on the rebound to give them their first lead, yet another two-pointer from O'Sullivan levelled again.
It was a frantic finish with Clifford and O'Connor nailing two-pointers, while Cian McConville, Oisin Conaty, McMullen and McConville found their range at the other end.
Conaty gave Armagh a late lead only for Sean O'Shea to reply and while the hosts pushed for a late winner, they had to settle for a draw which in the end suited both.
Wake Forest’sCaitlyn Jones plans to enter the transfer portal, she told On3. The 5-8 freshman guard from Rolesville (NC) averaged 8.3 points per game and 2.6 assists per game this season.
Jones posted a career-high performance against Virginia this season, scoring 18 points, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out three assists. She was 73% from the field in the 3OT loss.
The Michigan women's basketball team is headed to the Sweet 16 of the Women's NCAA Tournament. The Wolverines (27-6) won back-to-back games at the Crisler Center on Friday and Sunday to make it to the next round of the Fort Worth Regional. Sunday's Sweet 16-clinching victory was 92-63 over North Carolina State.
Who does Michigan play next in the Women's NCAA Tournament?
No. 2 seed Michigan advances to play the winner of the second-round game between No. 3 seed Louisville and No. 6 seed Alabama. That game is Monday at noon on ESPN.
Michigan vs. Louisville or Alabama game time
The Michigan vs. Louisville or Alabama game will be on Saturday, March 28, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The start time has not been announced.
What channel is Michigan vs. Louisville or Alabama on?
Television coverage for the game has not been announced.
There is a buzz surrounding the New York Giants since John Harbaugh was hired as the team's new head coach. When the 2025 season ended, it should have been no surprise that the Giants' job was considered perhaps the most attractive vacancy in the league.
The team has an exciting nucleus of young offensive players led by Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo. It also has an above-average defense just waiting to break out. But make no mistake, Harbaugh is going to make some big changes with this roster.
The Giants have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, posting an atrocious 13-38 record in that time span. It would make sense for Harbaugh to want to get away from many of the players who have been a part of that, making it difficult for some of these guys to be a part of the team's future.
Giants veterans who may not make 2026 roster
Jalin Hyatt, WR
After signing both Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III in free agency, former third-round pick Jalin Hyatt's days in New York appear to be numbered. When adding those two players to a group that already includes Nabers and Darius Slayton, it's obvious that the team has no room for a massive underachiever like Hyatt.
In three seasons, Hyatt has caught a grand total of 36 passes, including only five last year. He has yet to find the end zone in his career.
Eric Gray, RB
Selected in the fifth round of the 2023 draft, Eric Gray played in 30 games in his first two seasons in the league. Last season, he suited up for just four games and saw a total of three snaps on offense. That is the definition of being phased out of the offensive game plan.
There is no indication he'll hold any different role in Harbaugh's system and the team may choose to just cut the dead weight unless he has a tremendous performance in training camp.
Graham Gano, K
Graham Gano could be released by the Giants at any time now, following the signing of free-agent kicker Jason Sanders. It doesn't seem like the team will have an open competition between these two and will just hand the job to Sanders now.
Gano has spent the past six seasons in New York, but injuries limited him to just five games last season and forced the Giants to go through a comical carousel of kickers. Gano has made 87.4 percent of his field-goal attempts for the Giants, but it appears that his time is up.
Manchester City collected their latest bit of silverware on March 22, 2026 when they beat Arsenal to the League Cup with a 2-0 victory at Wembley Stadium.
It's the latest in a rich and mostly-recent history of trophies for the club, who have piled up the honors under Pep Guardiola of late but began their haul all the way back in 1904 with a triumph over Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup.
Below you'll find all of the final matches played by Manchester City over more than 120 years of winning silverware.
Manchester City trophy history: Finals played and won
Domestic honors
Premier League/First Division (10 titles) 1936-37, 1967-68, 2011-12 (first Premier League era title), 2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24
Charity Shield/Community Shield (16 finals, 7 wins) 1934: Arsenal defeat Manchester City 4-0 1937: Manchester City defeat Sunderland 2-0 1956: Manchester United defeat Manchester City 1-0 1968: Manchester City defeat West Bromwich Albion 6-1 1969: Leeds United defeat Manchester City 2-1 1972: Manchester City defeat Aston Villa 1-0 1973: Burnley defeat Manchester City 1-0 2011: Manchester United defeat Manchester City 3-2 2012: Manchester City defeat Chelsea 3-2 2014: Arsenal defeat Manchester City 3-0 2018: Manchester City defeat Chelsea 2-0 2019: Manchester City defeat Liverpool 1-1 (5-4 pens) 2021: Leicester City defeat Manchester City 1-0 2022: Liverpool defeat Manchester City 3-1 2023: Arsenal defeat Manchester City 1-1 (4-1 pens) 2024: Manchester City defeat Manchester United 1-1 (7-6 pens)
No. 10 Florida State softball pushed its nation‑leading win streak to 17 games Sunday, capping another ACC sweep with a 9-1, five‑inning run‑rule victory over Cal (10-22, 1-8) at JoAnne Graf Field. The Seminoles (28-4, 6-0 ACC) have now recorded run‑rule wins in six of their last seven games, continuing a dominant March surge.
Freshman Marin Heller jump‑started the offense in the first inning, drilling a two‑run homer — the first of her career — to give the Seminoles an early cushion. FSU added two more runs in the second when Hayley Griggs scored on Jaysoni Beachum’s RBI single, followed by a sacrifice fly from Shelby McKenzie that brought home Isa Torres.
— Florida State Softball 🥎 (@FSU_Softball) March 22, 2026
Florida State’s freshmen continued to deliver in the third. After a triple by Kennedy Harp, freshman McKenna Sturgis singled to push across another run. Harp then added an RBI single of her own, scoring McKenzie to make it 6-1.
With two runners aboard, freshman Anna Hinde delivered the decisive swing — a towering three‑run homer that put FSU ahead 9-1 and set up the run‑rule finish.
— Florida State Softball 🥎 (@FSU_Softball) March 22, 2026
Ashtyn Danley earned the start and struck out four but allowed five hits and one earned run through 2⅓ innings. With the bases loaded in the third, senior Makenna Reid entered in relief and worked out of the jam. Reid (3-1) earned the win after 1⅔ innings of scoreless work.
Freshman Bella Dimitrijevic closed the door in the fifth, striking out two of the three batters she faced to secure the shortened victory.
FSU’s sweep marks another step in what has become one of the program’s most efficient stretches in recent seasons, powered in large part by its freshman class. The Seminoles now turn toward maintaining the nation’s longest winning streak as conference play deepens and the postseason picture comes into focus.
Lerone Murphy left his fate in the hands of the judges at UFC Fight Night 270 and did not get the result he wanted.
Murphy (17-1-1 MMA, 9-1-1 UFC) tasted defeat for the first time Saturday when he lost a majority decision to Movsar Evloev (20-0 MMA, 10-0 UFC) in the headliner at The O2 in London. It was a highly competitive fight and it looked at times like "The Miracle" was primed for an underdog win, but it was not meant to be.
Despite the advantage of Evloev fighting him on the feet for much of the first 15 minutes, and giving up a point from a deduction for low blows, Murphy fell flat late and could not close it out. Some claimed he was robbed, but the Brit had no qualms about the scorecards in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping.
It appears a hip injury may have derailed Murphy's performance to a degree, but it's unknown how exactly it happened and whether it was Evloev's doing or a fluke injury. Nevertheless, Murphy goes into previously unseen territory with his first loss.
Ordinarily a loss at this level wouldn't be too devastating, but for Murphy it's hard not to wonder if it means more. It took 10 undefeated performances in the UFC to get to the cusp of the title shot, and now he's 34 and potentially looking at an injury layoff.
If Murphy can get healthy and improve on this loss, though, he's still arguably at the tail end of his prime and could achieve some more high-level wins. Diego Lopes, Yair Rodriguez or the Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal winner on April 25 could all make for solid matchups, but it will all depend on timing and availability when Murphy comes back.
Maryland women's basketball's Round of 32 loss to North Carolina took social media by storm.
The Terps fell to the Tar Heels by eight, struggling to hold up against North Carolina's vaunted defense. The loss represented an early exit for Brenda Frese's side, who failed to get out of the tournament's first weekend for only the second time in the last seven years.
The matchup was marked by a confrontation between Frese, Maryland's veteran taskmaster, and her best player, Oluchi Okananwa. The "confrontation" was anything but; however, Frese's management of Okananwa proved memorable, a beacon of light in an otherwise dour Terrapins outing.
Here's what you need to know about the viral moment.
Video emerged showing Frese appearing to chew out Okananwa, a former Duke standout who transferred to Maryland ahead of the 2025-26 season. The incident came partway through the Terrapins' 74-66 loss to North Carolina on Sunday.
Some intense coaching from Maryland coach Brenda Frese to her star player Oluchi Okananwa 👀pic.twitter.com/uP7fwHSFZX
While Frese's delivery was intense, her actual message was anything but. She praised Okananwa for her skillset, calling upon the All-Big Ten first team selection to showcase the confidence her play warranted.
The Terps fell behind by as many as 11 in the first half. Okananwa tallied just six points in the opening 20 minutes, failing to make a dent against the Tar Heels' daunting back line.
Frese's tirade breathed life into Okananwa. The junior rallied to post final figures of 21 points, six rebounds and two steals on 9-of-18 shooting. It wasn't enough to lead the Terps beyond their ACC foes. But the display represented another strong outing in a season filled with them for Okananwa.
"Coach understands that I'm a competitor at heart," Okananwa said. "I've told her this before and I'll keep on telling her this until forever: I love to be coached hard. And that's what she does with me every single day.
"Really, what that was was a re-group moment for myself and her telling me she believed in me. Because sometimes that's all you need to hear. ... I feel like after that conversation, that's when I really went back out and just did what I had to do for my team in that moment. I'm forever appreciative of that."
Assuming Okananwa stays in College Park beyond this campaign, she should play a major role in Maryland's efforts in 2026-27.
According to USA Today Sports' database, Frese netted $1.88 million in annual salary in 2024, the fifth-highest mark in women's college basketball. Frese's latest contract extension, signed in April 2022, will last through the 2028-29 season.
She figures to make more upon her contract's expiry. Under her tutelage, the Terrapins have captured 14 conference titles, as well as a national championship in 2006.
Manchester City might not win the Premier League this season (still to be determined), but Pep Guardiola's side ended its lengthy (22-month) trophy drought on Sunday by beating Arsenal 2-0 in the League Cup final.
Below is the latest Pep Guardiola reaction, speaking after what might have been his last cup final in charge of Man City, with ongoing speculation that he will step away this summer.
Pep Guardiola reaction — What did Man City boss say after beating Arsenal in League Cup final?
We'll have Guardiola's post-match interviews and press conference as soon as they start, here.
Manchester City lift the League Cup after beating Arsenal!
Pep remains the King.
This Sunday afternoon, the first crucial showdown of the end of the season in England took place at Wembley.
Arsenal and Manchester City faced off in the final of the League Cup, the English League Cup.
And it is... the Citizens who take home the trophy! Manchester City wins 2-0 thanks to a brace scored in just five minutes (60' and 64') by Nico O'Reilly!
📸 ADRIAN DENNIS - AFP or licensors
Five days after being eliminated in the Champions League round of 16 by Real Madrid, Manchester City gets back on track in the best possible way to kick off a final sprint that promises to be more thrilling than ever in the Premier League... against Arsenal!
The two teams will meet again on April 19 in the league.
Philadelphia Phillies reliever Daniel Robert is stable after suffering a cardiac event during spring training on Sunday, the team told multiple reporters. Robert collapsed during a bullpen session at the Phillies’ facility in Clearwater, Florida.
Robert, who suffered a similar cardiac event last year, has an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Per the team, Robert’s ICD was “triggered” during the event. He was tended to by medical personnel and taken to a local hospital, where the ICD data will be reviewed by doctors.
RHP Daniel Robert collapsed throwing a bullpen session this morning in Clearwater. He had an event last year.
Team said, “The ICD was triggered as he was coming off the mound but he is stable and alert. He was taken to the local hospital to have the device data reviewed.”
Marten De Roon becomes highest appearance-maker in Atalanta history
Marten De Roon has made history for Atalanta, officially becoming the club’s all-time record appearance holder during the Serie A fixture against Hellas Verona.
The Dutch midfielder reached 436 total appearances for the Bergamo club on Sunday, March 22, 2026, surpassing the previous record of 435 held by Gianpaolo Bellini. To mark the milestone, De Roon published a heartfelt open letter to the supporters, reflecting on a journey that began with his debut against Cittadella in August 2015.
In his message to the fans, De Roon expressed his deep connection to the city and the shirt:
“I say ‘our’ because from the very first day I felt your support, in the good moments and especially in the difficult ones. The way you always stand by me and the team, with passion and pride, moves me deeply. I truly feel connected to you fans, as if we face everything together.”
The midfielder also paid tribute to the man whose record he inherited, former captain Gianpaolo Bellini, calling him ‘a true man from Bergamo’ and an example of what it means to wear the Atalanta shirt.
While reaching this historic summit, De Roon made it clear that he is not finished yet, stating that his hunger to improve and bring more silverware to the club remains intact.
Since joining in the 2015/16 season, De Roon has also set records for the most Serie A appearances (332) and the most European appearances (75) in the club’s history.
Arsenal and Manchester City played out a cagey goallless first half in the 2026 Carabao Cup final.
Premier League leaders Arsenal started on top and City goalkeeper James Trafford smartly denied Kai Havertz before producing a double save to thwart Bukayo Saka on the follow-up.
It was a physical, attrition affair at times, with Gunners full-back Piero Hincapie and City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov each booked for agricultural challenges.
City gradually managed to get their ball-players and wingers into the game and Erling Haaland should arguably have done better from a couple of right-wing deliveries as Antoine Semenyo found the cautioned Hincapie to his liking.
The Sporting News is following the Carabao Cup final live, providing score updates and commentary
Arsenal vs. Man City score
1st Half
Goalscorers
Arsenal
0
_
Man City
2
O'Reilly 60', 64'
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London Referee: Peter Bankes
Starting lineups:
Arsenal (4-2-3-1 right to left): 13.Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) – 4. Ben White, 6. Gabriel, 2. William Saliba, 5. Piero Hincapie – 36. Martin Zubimendi, 41. Declan Rice – 7. Bukayo Saka, 29. Kai Havertz, 19. Leandro Trossard – 14. Viktor Gyokeres
Man City (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. James Trafford (GK) – 27. Matheus Nunes, 45. Abdukodir Khusanov, 6. Nathan Ake, 33. Nico O'Reilly – 20. Bernardo Silva, 16. Rodri – 42. Antoine Semenyo, 10. Rayan Cherki, 11. Jeremy Doku – 9. Erling Haaland
Arsenal vs. Man City Carabao Cup final live updates, highlights, and commentary
88 mins: Deep cross and it's headed actos the top of the crossbar! Gyokeres down in a head following the rebound, no penalty.
86 mins: A few Arsenal fans have already headed for the exits as their team continue to probe. More unusually slack play from Rodri and Calafiori will get to aim a long throw. Doku punts it clear.
82 mins: Double change for Arsenal, effectively the last roll of the dice. Martinelli and former City striker Jesus on for Trossard and White. That's a switch to a back three and another man in the forward line from Arteta.
80 mins: Cherki nonchalantly down the right wing, killing the clock. Rodri boots a simple pass out for a throw. That's sloppy in a game where an Arsenal goal could still change the entire complexion.
78 mins: Ohhhhh, that's the closest Arsenal have come! Calafiori fires a half-volley towards the bottom corner, a stretching Trossard looks like he gets a stud on it but it's goes agonisingly wide.
75 mins; Cherki with mesmerising close control, into the Arsenal box. He can't find Haaland with the cutback.
73 mins: Madueke darts in off the right flank and wins a free-kick. Arsenal need something to happen soon. Rice delivery, Calafiori gets on the end of it but Trafford's positioning is on point.
69 mins: White into the book. Some after with Bernardo too, the arch provocateur.
66 mins: Double change for Arsenal. Madueke replaces Havertz and Calafiori closes the stable door after the Hincapie horse has bolted halfway down Wembley Way.
There he is again, good heavens this boy is a superstar. City attack Arsenal's pourous left flank again - why is Hincapie still out there. Nunes dinks to O'Reilly at the far post and the boyhood City fan scores his second of the final.
Oh Kepa, oh dear! City lead after Cherki dinks across that the Arsenal goalkeeper allows to slip through his gloves. O'Reilly stoops to head home.
60 mins: If you want an idea of how far City are pushing Arsenal back, Haaland just went up for a header and Nathan Ake was charging into the box for the second ball.
59 mins: Haaland with a chance to stretch his legs. Saliba closes the door imperiously but the City No. 9 has to do better.
58 mins: Cherki the latest player to have a sliding red and white limb in the way of a shot. Nunes wins it back and City go again.
57 mins: Semenyo sizes up Hincapie, who honestly can't be much longer for this game, and clumps a shot wide left-footed. That feels like a waste. City are having their best spell of the game and you sense they have to make it count. Arsenal defending superbly, it must be said.
55 mins: Silva gets into a mazy run. Oh, why hasn't he had a shot? Doku swings it over towards Haaland, Cherki tries to get some space and sets it back to Rodri, whose drive is blocked.
52 mins: Semenyo, perhaps trying to capitalise on a scrambled Kepa, takes on the shot and clears the crossbar by some distance. Guardiola wears a pained expression but I can see the logic.
50 mins: Haaland tries to burrow through Arsenal's triple-embossed lock to no avail. Arsenal go up the other end and win a corner as Havertz's shot hits Khusanov. It looked like it hit the Arsenal man last. Anyway, City clear. Oh drama here.... Nunes hits a big switch to Doku, Kepa comes haring out and grabs the Belgian on the left-hand edge of the box. Yellow card. City are fuming and want a red. There were plenty of covering defenders but, yikes, that was wild from Kepa.
48 mins: Similar pattern to the end of the first half right now as Nunes scoots down the right on the overlap and curls a cross over the goalmouth.
Kickoff: 2nd Half
Silva gets us back underway No changes for either side just yet. If the first half is anything to go by, game-breakers from the bench might be key.
Halftime
There we are then, 45 intriguing, high-tension minutes that could not produce a goal. Arsenal started strongly and Trafford denied Havertz and Saka in quick succession. But City managed to get Cherki and Doku on the ball more often as the match went on and they finished the half on top. Chances remained at a premium, though.
44 mins: There's the chance! Semenyo gets around Huncapie, who you feel might get a sit-down at the break, and Haaland is at the back post. He's under pressure from White and Gabriel and can't get up for a clean contact.
42 mins: Doku wins another City corner that doesn't amount to a hill of beans. But Guardiola's men managed to keep their opponents penned in. Arsenal remain incredibly resolute.
40 mins: Semenyo aims a cross to the back post. Haaland is a big man but he's not one of those novetly inflatables you find outside gas stations, so he won't be getting to that.
38 mins: Deep to the back post, which in itself feels like a mini-win for City, where Hincapie heads over. Interestingly (it's 0-0, let's go with it) City are staying completely zonal for defensive corners and more or less ignoring the cluster of Arsenal players at the far post until they come into their zones. Seems to be working so far.
37 mins: O'Reilly stands Saka up well at the expense of a corner. Surely they'll get one on the money soon...
35 mins: City attack with Doku down the left. Silva with something in between a cross and shot. Hapapand can't get to it. Rice does superbly to read the second ball and then avert the danger under pressure.
33 mins: It's a fine ball but Nunes clears well at the near post. City are still reorganising their line and Arsenal go again. Ake does well to thwart Gyokeres. Long throw coming up. No dice.
32 mins: Khusanov! Slides into and through Gyokeres. Well, if you're going to get booked. Rice will swing one it.
31 mins: City look to bundle through the middle of Arsenal. Haaland, with his limbs all apparently going in different directions. Can't make it stick.
29 mins: Arteta's men clear. Silva cheap-shots Trossard in midfield and then acts like butter wouldn't melt.
28 mins: Decent spell this for City. Semenyo get the better of Hincapie, who has to be careful now, and wins a corner.
26 mins: Some patient work off the ball from City rewarded as Arsenal turn it over to Silva. Haaland lays it to Semenyo into the box but his touch is heavy and he can't get a shot away.
21 mins: Kepa claims Cherki's corner with the minimum of fuss. Havertz looking to break through the middle, Khusanov munches into the tackle (see pre-kickoff post).
20 mins: A bit dicey, but Cherki and Silva get to a could of 50/50s inside their own half and it lets Semenyo motor forward. His cross from the right is just ahead of of Haaland. Doku picks up the pieces and wins a corner.
19 mins: City scrambling after Saka but eventually manage to close the door. Semenyo looks to dribble forward on the couhnter but is fouled. Cherki looked like he knocked knees with Saka there, but seems fine.
16 mins: Silva and Trossard get involved in some nonsense. They both love that sort of caper. Apparently inspired, Hincapie flies on late on Nunes and deservedly collects the afternoon's first booking.
13 mins: Bit of an anti-climax as O'Reilly glances Saka's delivery clear at the near post. Arsenal keep the pressure on, though and Rice will launch a long throw. That's also cleared at the near post.
12 mins: Rice's delivery is cleared by Khusanov as far as Trossard, whose shot is deflected. Despite Silva's best efforts, it's Arsenal's first corner of the afternoon.
11 mins: O'Reilly leaves Saka in a heap and Arsenal get chance to flex their set piece muscle.
10 mins: Ball flipped into the Arsenal box but Haaland is all over Gabriel and it's a free-kick. The Gunners look to turn City around and Ake make a vital block on a through-ball
7 mins: A triple save from James Trafford! Havertz with the first chance of the final for Arsneal after Rodri loses a 50/50 to White. Saka is first to the rebound. but the City goalkeeper also thwarts him twice. Sharp work and it needed to be.
4 mins: Gyokeres gets the better of Ake down the right channel. He cuts a bouncing ball back, with Havertz arriving. But the Germany international boots Khusanov and not the ball, so that's a free-kick.
2 mins: A cacophany of about seven consecutive tackles. We've got our football back! Arsenal emerge with the ball, Gyokeres runs in behind City but he's offside.
Kickoff: 1st Half
Declan Rice gets us underway. it's absolutely crackling in here. The opening exchanges could be spicy. Long ball forward and Rodri is clobbered in mid air. Good afternoon!
5 mins before kickoff: The teams are out. It's loud from the Arsenal end. They sense this is their day. City fans seem apprehensive by comparison. It's funny what decades deep emotional muscle memory does on days like today. We'll have the national anthem and then we're underway.
Dennis Tueart tifo* in the City end from @WeAre1894. 50 years since his overhead kick won the League Cup.
*People get funny about this but I think the fact there are multiple banners makes it a tifo pic.twitter.com/P0hDSr1vI5
30 mins before kickoff: It's worth remembering that, in the past two editions of this fixture, Arsenal have absolutely dominated Manchester City. There was the 5-1 win over forlorn foes at Emirates Stadium in February last year, when City collapsed during the second half despite an Erling Haaland equaliser. Then the sides drew 1-1 at the start of this season, but that match featured Haaland putting City ahead and then hanging on before Gabriel Martinelli struck in stoppage time.
On the other hand, it looks like very robust and muscular Arsenal team but one lacking in craft without Odegaard and Eze. Doku and Cherki both starting for City makes it feels like the battle lines are quite clearly drawn between Guardiola and Arteta, between master and apprentice.
1 hour before kickoff: No Eberechi Eze or Jurrien Timber for Arsenal. Or captain Martin Odegaard, for that matter. Bukayo Saka will wear the armband. Ben White starts at right-back, while Kai Havertz will be the most advanced midfielder in support of Viktor Gyokeres.
1 hr 10 mins before kickoff: The teams are in and City have a relatively unfamiliar central defensive pairing of Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake for this final. Marc Guehi is cup-tied and Ruben Dias has a hamstring injury. Still, Ake boasts vast experience on the biggest stage and, since the turn of the year, Khusanov has arguably been City's best player. The Uzbekistan international has pace to burn but does like a tackle, maybe one to watch amid the intensity of a cup final.
Otherwise, City are at full strength and Guardiola again trusts Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki as his twin creators after they sparkled in the midweek defeat to Real Madrid.
1 hr 20 mins before kickoff: And what of Manchester City? Pep Guardiola is coming towards the conclusion of what once felt like an entirely infeasible 10th season in Manchester, during which time he has won six Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, a couple of FA Cups and a Champions League. He and his players have broken most records worth bothering about in English football. But a shopworn side fell apart midway through last season and a hasty rebuild has happened at no little expense over the past three transfer windows.
City are now an exciting, raw but flawed side as opposed to the bankable winners on the big occasion we've got used to seeing them being. Victory here could be a huge marker for this version of Manchester City. Guardola is contracted for 2026/27, but might a convincing Arsenal win help to persuade him it's time to hand over the reins? For what it's worth, the Catalan seems as enthused as ever when it comes to moulding this new team and solving the challenges of an ever-evolving Premier League. However, a defeat here would persuade some to draw uncomfortable parallels with the forlorn Arsene Wenger he beat in this match eight years ago. Time waits for no man, even footballing pioneers.
1 hr 40 mins before kickoff: So, this is Arsenal's time, right? After three runners-up finishes in a row in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta has his team exactly where he wants them across the four big competitions. Granted, City loom fairly large in the collective Arsenal imagination. Those second-place finishes in 2022/23 and 2023/24 came behind City and there was a chasm between the sides when Guardiola romped to a first trophy in English football in this fixture back in 2018
That was a long time ago, though. And, to all intents and purposes, Arsenal's more recent setbacks in title races with City are a long time ago too. There has been massive player turnover in Manchester their mid-season collapse in winter 2024. This is not the team that wrought so much pain in north London. City are better than the team the Gunners hammered 5-1 last February, but not the team of old. Arsenal have not lost any of the past six meetings. Win today, and that shift into a position of strength in this rivalry will be underscored. If they lose, however…
2 hours before kick: Hello and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of Arsenal vs. Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, live from Wembley Stadium. Silverware being up for grabs means this is a big enough deal in itself, but it also feels like a game that could shape the the end of the season for both these clubs and their manager, perhaps with some ramifications beyond that. Strap yourselves in, this is a big one.
Arsenal vs. Man City Carabao Cup final kick off time
The Carabao Cup final kicks off in London, UK at 4:30 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:
Date
Kickoff time
USA
Sun, Mar. 22
12:30 a.m. ET/ 9:30 a.m. PT
Canada
Sun, Mar. 22
12:30 a.m. ET/ 9:30 a.m. PT
UK
Sun, Mar. 22
4:30 p.m. GMT
Australia
Mon, Mar, 23
3:30 a.m. AEDT
India
Sun, Mar. 22
10:00 p.m. IST
Arsenal vs. Man City team news
Arsenal team news
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been Arteta's cup goalkeeper and should get the nod here over David Raya.
Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard could both be back in contention but Ben White may still get the nod at right-back.
Viktor Gyokeres should hold off Kai Havertz to start up front.
Man City Team News
Josko Gvardiol is Pep Guardiola's only remaining injury absentee. The Croatia international will only return for his club this term in the closing weeks of the season, if at all
A more immediate defensive conundrum for Guardiola are the absences of Ruben Dias and Mark Guehi. Dias was substituted at halftime against Real Madrid in midweek and has suffered a hamstring strain. Guehi is ineligible, having completed his move from Crystal Palace to City after the first leg of the semifinal against Newcastle.
Antoine Semenyo also signed for City in Janaury but his switch from Bournemouth was complete before the Newcastle tie, in which he opnened the scoring at St James' Park. The Ghana internaitonal is poised to start in support of Erling Haaland along with Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku.
Arsenal vs. Man City live stream, TV channel
Here is how to watch the match in some of the world's major regions:
The No. 2 Boilermakers advanced to the second week of the NCAA tournament for the third straight season with a 79-69 win over No. 7 Miami on Sunday. Purdue went on an 11-3 run with less than 10 minutes to go to turn a 57-54 lead into a 68-57 advantage with 5:32 to go.
That 11-point advantage was Purdue’s largest lead of the game.
Guard Fletcher Loyer missed just one shot all game. Loyer scored 24 points as he was 6-of-7 from the field, 4-of-4 from behind the arc, and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line.
As a team, Purdue made its first 15 free throws before Oscar Cluff’s miss with less than three minutes to go.
Miami got Purdue’s lead to four with less than a minute to go, but the Hurricanes were never able to get it to a one-possession game thanks in part to that free-throw shooting. Purdue finished 21-of-22 from the line and was 8-of-14 from behind the arc.
Putting the 2023 NCAA tournament further in the rear-view mirror
Purdue does not look like a program haunted by one of the biggest upsets in NCAA tournament history. The Boilermakers became the second No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed three seasons ago. But they’ve now won at least two NCAA tournament games in each of the past three NCAA tournaments.
The year after losing to St. Peter’s, Purdue made the national title game before losing to UConn. A season ago, the Boilermakers fell to eventual national title game participant Houston 62-60 in the Sweet 16 as a No. 4 seed.
This season, the Boilermakers will be heavily favored to make the Elite Eight against either No. 1 Arizona or No. 4 Arkansas. Purdue will play No. 11 Texas in the Sweet 16 after the Longhorns won three games in five days. Texas beat NC State in the First Four before beating No. 6 BYU in the first round and upsetting No. 3 Gonzaga on Saturday night.
C.J. Cox’s injury scare
The guard suffered an apparent right knee injury on a fast break early in the second half. As Cox was going to the rim, his leg bent awkwardly and he immediately grabbed his knee while shouting multiple expletives in pain.
After a couple moments on the court, Cox was able to gingerly walk to the Purdue locker room and eventually returned to the bench, though he didn’t return to the game. Before the injury, Cox had 11 points and was 3-of-4 from behind the arc in 18 minutes.
If Cox avoided a serious injury and is available for the rest of the tournament, Purdue will be fortunate. The Boilermakes got just five points from their bench on Sunday after its bench players combined to score just 19 points in a 104-71 first-round blowout win over Queens University in the first round.
Braden Smith ties a career-high with eight turnovers
Against Queens, guard Braden Smith became the NCAA’s all-time assists leader. On Sunday, Smith dished out eight assists and had 12 points. But he also tied a career-high he didn’t want.
Smith turned the ball over eight times for the second time in his career. And, coincidentally, Smith’s first eight-turnover game came exactly a year ago in a second-round win. Smith had eight turnovers in the Boilermakers’ 76-62 win over McNeese a season ago.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Connecticut basketball looks to advance to the Sweet 16 for the third time in the last four years under Dan Hurley on Sunday with a win over UCLA.
But the 2-seed Huskies may have to do it without point guard Silas Demary Jr., who was listed as "questionable" for the March 22 second-round game against the 10-seed Bruins in the NCAA's initial player availability report.
The loss of Demary — and his backup, Jaylin Stewart — was notable in UConn's offensive flow against Furman, as the Huskies weren't able to pull away against the Paladins. UConn finished with 22 assists on 32 made shots from the field, shooting 49% from the field.
The Huskies and the Bruins are set for an 8:45 p.m. ET tipoff from Philadelphia. Demary's official status for the game will be known at 6:45 p.m. ET when the next player availability report is released.
Here's the latest on Demary's status:
Will Silas Demary Jr. play tonight in NCAA Tournament? Status vs UCLA
Demary was once again listed as questionable by UConn in its NCAA player availability report on Saturday. The next availability report will come out at 6:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, two hours before tip-off.
If he is unable to go against UCLA on Sunday, it would be the second straight game he misses with that ankle injury. Stewart, who is also dealing with a lingering injury that precedes Demary's, was also listed as questionable on the Huskies' injury report.
Silas Demary Jr. injury update
The Huskies point guard sustained an ankle injury in the second half of UConn's Big East Tournament championship game loss to St. John's on Saturday, March 14. The injury came when St. John's forward Zuby Ejiofor blocked Demary's transition layup and then was stepped on by the Big East Player of the Year.
Demary told assembled media on Thursday, March 19, that he was continuing to rehab his ankle as much as he could and that he was good to go to play in the Huskies' opening round game vs. Furman.
Instead, he was listed "questionable" on the Huskies' injury report for the game before being downgraded to "out." Following the Huskies' 82-71 win vs. the Paladins, Hurley said Demary was "close" to playing against the Paladins.
"I don't want to make any more predictions. The information that I shared in New York (at the Big East Tournament) was the information that I was provided with," Hurley said. "It was close. He tried. He couldn't get himself to the point where he felt like he could go. He's got two more days. ... We'll see where that goes."
It took a full half before the No. 1 seed UCLA Bruins handled the No. 16 seed California Baptist Lancers in a way that we had expected but the Bruins did get it done. UCLA picked up a 96-43 win on Saturday to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
The first 20 minutes was not easy
Even though California Baptist ended up losing by 53 points, they gave the 32-1 Bruins plenty of problems in the first half.
Contrasting styles of basketball
“Those kinds of matchups are difficult for us. As big as we are, we couldn’t take advantage of it as much in the first half on offense,” UCLA head coach Cori Close said postgame. “Defensively it really spreads us out but I want to give them credit.”
UCLA's size advantage was noticeable
The Lancers didn’t have a defender with the size to defend Lauren Betts or the other UCLA frontcourt players. Betts went an efficient 9-15 from the field, scoring 22 points with 10 rebounds. The Bruins' size off the bench excelled too, with Sienna Betts and Angela Dugalic both picking up double-doubles to begin the NCAA tournament.
The Bruins allowed 30 attempts from deep
Close said that the No. 1 thing on UCLA’s scouting report was limiting three-point attempts from the Lancers. The Bruins did not execute. California Baptist got up 30 attempts from three, they just weren’t able to connect on them, going just 6-30 from deep.
Cori Close still believes in her team
It obviously wasn’t costly for UCLA on Saturday but if the Bruins can’t execute their scouting reports, they’ll have trouble making a deep run this tournament. Close isn’t worried yet though, the Bruins defense held the Lancers to just nine points in the second half and move closer to matching the program record in wins for a second-straight season.
“I believe in our team. I love this team,” Close said. “This has been one of the most fun teams I’ve ever coached and it’s been one of the most hard-working teams I’ve ever coached.”
La Liga outfit Real Sociedad have on Sunday announced a personnel blow in the club’s first-team ranks.
This comes amid confirmation that Igor Zubeldia is set for an incoming spell on the sidelines.
Defender Zubeldia for his part featured from the off on Friday, as Real Sociedad made the trip to Villarreal for a La Liga clash.
En route to an eventual 3-1 defeat, however, the 28-year-old was forced into a premature departure from proceedings, owing to a fitness complaint.
Zubeldia, in turn, was put through a round of medical scans and tests back in San Sebastian.
And as alluded to above, on Sunday, the results of as much have been revealed.
As per a statement across Real Sociedad’s website and social media platforms:
‘Igor Zubeldia experienced discomfort in the back of his left thigh during last Friday’s Villarreal CF – Real Sociedad match. Tests carried out by Real Sociedad’s medical staff confirmed a left hamstring injury.
‘He has begun physiotherapy treatment. His return to normal activity will be gradual and will depend on the characteristics of the injury and its progress.’
The New England Patriots would be wise to target tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Hunter Henry and Julian Hill are... fine, but not enough to convince the organization to ignore the position during the draft for the fifth time in the last six seasons. CJ Dippre and Marshall Yang, the only other two options on the roster, aren't exactly long-term answers, so it's time to invest in the future and draft someone who could potentially fit that description.
I'd go as far as to say these are the five likeliest options:
Delp has routinely been tied to the organization, as there is a lot of interest on both sides, according to Tony Pauline, and will be a pre-draft visit, according to Arye Pulli. If those reports are any indication of how things could unfold during the draft, fans might want to start prepping jerseys.
Beck finds Delp for the third straight week and the Dawgs are on the board.
Klare was as steady as they come across stints with Purdue and Ohio State, getting better and better when there was more talent around him -- finishing with 116 receptions in 33 total games. Mike Vrabel would undoubtedly enjoy having another fellow Buckeye with him at One Patriot Place.
Raridon has a rare combination of size, speed, and tenacity. If you're looking for someone who will give you an extremely high floor in the running game and potential to skyrocket in the passing game, this is the guy.
Gyllenborg showed some shocking athleticism during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which put him squarely in the conversation to be taken by teams that can afford to develop someone behind a proven starter.
Trigg is as exciting a player as there is in this class, as his blend of size and athleticism give him perhaps the highest ceiling of anyone at the position -- including Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq and Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers. The Patriots have the right culture in place to take on someone who has proven to be talented, but took a long time to put it together and has questions about buy-in.
1. FC Köln have parted ways with head coach Lukas Kwasniok following a dramatic 3–3 draw against rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach, as the club fights to avoid slipping deeper into the Bundesliga relegation battle.
Saturday’s chaotic “Rhein-derby” proved to be the final straw for Köln’s hierarchy. Despite showing attacking resilience, defensive frailties once again cost the Billy Goats valuable points - leaving them just two points above the relegation play-off spot.
With pressure intensifying and time running out, the club acted swiftly, confirming Kwasniok’s dismissal in the immediate aftermath of the draw.
Wagner steps in - internal solution for now
Assistant coach René Wagner has been appointed as interim head coach, representing the most immediate internal solution as Köln look to stabilise their season.
Wagner is seen as a familiar figure within the squad and could provide short-term continuity during a critical phase of the campaign.
Funkel waiting in the wings?
However, attention is already turning to a more experienced option: Friedhelm Funkel.
The 72-year-old “Feuerwehrmann” (firefighter coach) has built a reputation for rescuing struggling teams and already proved his value to Köln during the 2024–25 2. Bundesliga season. Back then, he guided the club to promotion with crucial wins in the final matches.
Funkel’s calm leadership, experience, and strong relationships within the club make him a trusted emergency and potentially the man to once again steer Köln to safety.
Remarkably, this would mark the third time Funkel has come out of retirement to help rescue Köln in a decisive moment.
Board keeps cards close to chest
Despite the managerial shake-up, Köln’s sporting director stopped short of confirming a permanent appointment after the match, leaving the situation open heading into a crucial week.
With rivals FC St. Pauli still to play, Köln’s position in the table remains under immediate threat.
With only a narrow cushion above the drop zone, Köln now face a defining stretch of the season.
Whether Wagner can steady the ship or Funkel is called upon once more, one thing is clear: Köln are once again fighting for survival - and time is running out.
Colorado football continues to hand out offers for both its 2027 and 2028 recruiting classes. On Saturday, the Buffs extended an offer to 2028 quarterback James Armstrong.
Armstrong is an unranked prospect from Hopewell, Pennsylvania, but holds 10 offers, including Duke, Florida State, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and a few others.
The 6-foot-3, 220-pound signal caller is the Buffaloes' 10th offer to the quarterback position in the 2028 class. Colorado has yet to lock in any commitments in that class and is getting early offers from several prospects.
Locking down a quarterback in the 2028 class is of huge importance for the Buffs, with Julian Lewis possibly eyeing the 2027 NFL draft.
The Washington Nationals are shaking up their roster entering the 2026 MLB season, and while the team won't be a World Series or postseason contender, there are some players worth keeping an eye on.
James Wood and CJ Abrams are the obvious stars, but there are plenty of others who are trying to make a name for themselves in the Majors who could be fun watches this season.
And recently, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Nationals are acquiring such a player in a deal with the New York Yankees. They're taking advantage of the Yankees' stacked roster, trading for a former top infield prospect in a savvy move.
Nationals trade with Yankees for former top INF prospect
"The Nationals are acquiring INF Jorbit Vivas from the Yankees for RHP Sean Paul Linan, per source," Feinsand reports.
Linan is the Nationals 27th ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and while there is some intrigue for the 21-year-old righty highly ranked prospect, acquiring Vivas is worth parting with Linan.
Vivas is 25 years old and is coming off a 29-game debut in the Majors for the Yankees last year. He hit .161 with a .516 OPS last season in limited work, but with the Nationals in 2026, he will look to turn things around in the Majors.
In his minor league career, Vivas has a .271 batting average and .782 OPS in 675 games (.270 with a .753 OPS in 2025 in 100 games). He hasn't been the best prospect, but there's some upside with his game going forward.
While the Yankees might not have wanted to give up on Vivas just yet, he didn't have any more options left, so the Yankees would have had to release him or find a roster spot for him this spring.
And with a stacked roster and no MLB spots open for Vivas, the only viable option for the Yankees to make the most out of Vivas was to trade him to a new team.
In stepped the Nationals, which get to take a chance on a former top prospect of the Yankees for fairly cheap.
This is a savvy move for the Nationals, as they're taking a flier on a former top prospect who was readily available in a trade thanks to the Yankees' strong roster.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Head coach Gerry McNamara of the Siena Saints looks on during the first half against the Duke Blue Devils in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Former Syracuse basketball star Gerry McNamara is coming home.
McNamara is finalizing a deal to become the new head coach at his alma mater, ESPN first reported. The two sides are “working toward a deal," said a person with direct knowledge who was not authorized to speak publicly for McNamara.
He will leave Siena after two seasons to replace former coach Adrian Autry.
McNamara, 42, went 37-30 in two seasons at Siena, leading the program to the MAAC Tournament championship and the NCAA Tournament. They pushed overall No. 1 seed Duke to the brink before losing 71-65 on Thursday.
“G-Mac, he out-coached me,” Duke coach Jon Scheyer said after the game. "They were more ready to play and the readiness and toughness by out guys just to weather that storm in the 2nd half, proud of them."
“I think he’s proven himself against the No. 1 team in the country,” former Syracuse guard Eric Devendorf told @cnycentral. "He got his guys, despite the discrepancy in talent level, to compete at the highest level. And that says a lot."
As a player, McNamara won an NCAA championship alongside Carmelo Anthony in 2003 and was a two-time All-Big East selection (2005, '06).
Some candidates reportedly had concerns about Syracuse’s NIL situation but the school has promised to devote the necessary resources to rebuilding a winning program.
The school has not been to the NCAA Tournament since 2021.
“Frankly, we’re going to attack a very new generation,” new AD Bryan Blair said at his press conference Thursday, per Syracuse.com. “We’re going to attack NIL.
“If we don’t have talented student-athletes, then we can’t win and be competitive. We can’t drive the commercial enterprise to feed this entire ecosystem.”
He added: “We have to do it for our survival and ability to thrive.”
The Duke Blue Devils knocked out TCU Saturday, defeating the Horned Frogs 81-58 behind a dominant second half.
Cameron Boozer led the way, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block, while Maliq Brown finished with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Dame Sarr also performed well, posting 14 points and eight boards. He also shot 4-for-7 from three-point range, leading the team in three-point baskets and three-point percentage.
As a result, the Blue Devils have advanced to the Sweet 16 and now await the winner of Kansas vs. St. John's.
When does Duke play next?
Duke will now have the next five days off before returning to action Friday, March 27, in Washington, D.C., at the Capital One Arena.
The Midwest region will also play Friday, with the West and South regions beginning their Sweet 16 matchups Thursday.
The New York Giants have been one of the most active teams in free agency as they’ve made significant additions to the roster. On paper, they’re much better than the team that finished 4-13 in 2025.
Head coach John Harbaugh, general manager Joe Schoen, and senior vice president of football operations Dawn Aponte deserve credit for addressing several key needs and how they maneuvered the salary cap. The franchise is moving in a different direction under this new regime, and we’re beginning to see what the team will look like in 2026.
Here are five things we’ve learned so far about the Giants during free agency.
New York had the fifth-best rushing game in the league last year, averaging 129.1 yards per game. Both Tyrone Tracy Jr and Cam Skattebo averaged over four yards per carry, and now they’ll have fullback Patrick Ricard paving the running lanes.
The addition of the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Ricard will give the ground game an intimidating presence that will wear out defenses. The Giants’ running game will be even more potent in 2026, and Tracy and Skattebo should have the most productive seasons of their young careers.
Special Teams Emphasis
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Given his special teams background and knowing how New York’s special teams have struggled over the last few seasons, the 63-year-old head coach made an emphasis on upgrading this weakness.
He accomplished this by acquiring his punter from the Baltimore Ravens in Jordan Stout, who was a First-Team All-Pro in 2025. Then they signed former Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Myers to a one-year contract. They re-signed Giants special teams ace Art Green and kick returner Gunner Olszewski, and added former Miami Dolphins special teams ace Elijah Campbell.
In 2025, Big Blue lost seven one-possession games, and special teams played a role in some of those losses. With an improved kicking game, the team should convert more one-score games into wins instead of losses in 2026.
Sending a Message to Giants’ Veteran Receivers
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Before the start of free agency, there were concerns over the New York Giants wide receiver core outside of Malik Nabers. Those concerns have lessened with the additions of Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin, but the front office and coaching staff have clearly sent a message to Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt with these two signings.
Slayton has been plagued by drops, and Hyatt has been a massive disappointment in his three years with the Giants, catching just 36 passes for 470 yards with zero touchdowns. Slayton could have a significantly reduced role with the arrival of Mooney, and Hyatt’s roster spot is in serious jeopardy.
Giants’ First-Round Selection Shrouded in Mystery
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There’s a ton of intrigue about what the Giants will do with the fifth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. There’s been speculation that they’ll take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, despite the fact that they’re solidified at the running back position.
Others feel the decision on who they’ll draft will come down to three Ohio State players: Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, or Carnell Tate. Many mock drafts have all three being taken within the first 10 picks, and all three could make an immediate impact as rookies.
Although New York has addressed all of the prospects’ respective positions this offseason, none of the signings would preclude them from using their first pick in the draft at one of these positions. As of right now, it would be surprising if New York didn’t draft Love or one of the former Buckeye players. But as of right now, none of them has emerged as the clear-cut favorite to be taken number five overall.
Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
When the Ravens parted ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, there were reports that Harbaugh’s voice in the locker room was getting stale. Those rumors appear to be false as several of his players from Baltimore have followed him to New York.
Isaiah Likely, Patrick Ricard, Jordan Stout, and Ar’Darius Washington all followed their coach from Baltimore to New York because they believe in him. Others feel the same way, as New York currently has a projected win total of seven and a half, which is higher than it was a season ago.
With a Super Bowl-winning head coach now in charge and the upgrades they made throughout the roster, it’s clear the Giants are a franchise that’s on the rise.
It's time for season five of LIV Golf, and the breakaway tour will look quite a bit different in 2026.
The most striking change is tournaments will now be 72 holes instead of the 54 that served as the tour's Roman-numeral namesake, putting LIV back on level ground with traditional tours.
LIV also has seen its first major defections, with Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed departing prior to the 2026 season to begin the process of rejoining the PGA Tour. Plenty of top attractions remain, though, led by the likes of Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia.
Here's everything you need to know to watch them as the rest of the LIV crew during the 2026 season.
LIV Golf will air across multiple Fox networks in 2026, including the flagship channel and FS1, FS2 and Fox Business Network.
Fans can stream all of those channels on Fubo, which offers a new trial to new users so you can try before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Select rounds also will be available exclusively on the Fox Sports App.
Carl Robinson has managed in Canada and Australia [PA Media]
St Mirren are in advanced talks to appoint Carl Robinson as their new manager, the 49-year-old former Wales midfielder having had spells in charge of Vancouver Whitecaps, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers. (Football Insider)
Head coach Danny Rohl has told Rangers fans he will do everything in his power to keep Tottenham's Mikey Moore at Ibrox. (Daily Record)
Former Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie has revealed that he helped convince Bournemouth team-mate Julian Araujo to complete his loan move to Parkhead. (Scotsman)
Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal for young Sunderland striker Finn Geragusyan. (Sun)
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou hopes the offside lines were not drawn by a child after Elijah Just had a goal ruled out in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Hibernian. (Daily Record)
Hibs head coach David Gray expects toing and froing in the Scottish Premiership run-in as the fifth-placed Easter Road side target Europe. (Edinburgh Evening News)
Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson delivered "home truths" to his squad following their 4-1 defeat by Rangers. (Press and Journal)
Dundee manager Steven Pressley believes his side are now being shown more respect. (Courier)
Dunfermline Athletic chief executive David Cook says boss Neil Lennon is dedicated to the Pars amid links to managerless St Mirren. (Sun)
Former Texas A&M star outfielder Jace LaViolette left College Station as one of the program's best players over the last two decades. After three seasons, including helping lead the Aggies to the 2026 College World Series Title Game, the Katy, Texas native departed at the end of the 2025 season to pursue his MLB career.
Standing at 6'6", LaViolette solidified his legendary status with the Aggies after just three seasons, including two under former head coach Jim Schlossnagle, and one under current coach Michael Earley, holding several program records, starting with career home runs (68) and walks (163), while also ranking fourth in RBI (196) and total bases (438).
After setting Texas A&M's single-season home run record (29) during the 2024 campaign, LaViolette struggled to find consistency at the plate last season, but still managed to hit 18 home runs, which resulted in him dropping several spots in the 2025 MLB Draft. However, LaViolette's elite frame and power led the Cleveland Guardians to select the Aggie star 27th overall and sign a $4 million deal.
While his future is undoubtedly bright, LaViolette's MLB career has started in the minor leagues, and during his second Cactus League game on Saturday, he hit his first home run, blasting the ball 106.9 mph and 425 feet. For Aggie fans hoping the A&M legend is close to re-establishing his power at the plate, this is certainly a great sign.
Jace LaViolette's first spring homer is a rocket: 106.9 mph 425 ft
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
This week we celebrate derby wins, a few crushings of Juventus, Nesta’s birthday, and the passing of legend Carlo Parola.
Matches of the Week
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2004Venue: Stadio Olimpico, RomeFixture: Lazio Juve 2-0, Coppa Italia Final, First LegDespite a missed penalty by Cesar, two goals by Stefano Fiore put Lazio in a good position in double legged cup final
Date: Sunday, March 18, 2001Venue: Stadio Olimpico, RomeFixture: Lazio Juventus 4-1Lazio finally give a demonstration of their power and demolish Juventus thanks to braces from Nedved and Crespo
Date: Sunday, March 18, 1979Venue: Stadio Olimpico, RomeFixture: Roma Lazio 1-2A last second goal by Nicoli gives Lazio a historic victory
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2008Venue: Stadio Olimpico, RomeFixture: Lazio Roma 3-2The perfect script for a derby and all fans’ dream as a 92nd minute Behrami goal gives Lazio victory over eternal city rivals
Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2000Venue: Stamford Bridge Stadium, LondonFixture: Chelsea Lazio 1-2, Champions League Second Group PhaseA fantastic Mihajlovic free kick gives Lazio the qualification to the Champions League quarter finals
Before the match against Modena at home, Lazio were in a deep crisis, full of problems and just two points above the relegation zone. But they managed to beat the Canarini and draw against Messina and were now 11th, three points above the relegation zone.
But today they had to face Juventus …
Juventus must have thought that this game was going to be easy and they began rather too relaxedly. In the 2nd minute Giancarlo Morrone, completely unmarked on the left, sent a perfect cross into the box and Graziano Landoni beat Roberto Anzolin scoring his first goal in Serie A. A shock start for the Bianconeri who had not expected this. In the 17th minute came their first sign of reaction but Adolfo Gori’s shot was wide.
Ten minutes later Lazio made it two. Vincenzo Gasperi stopped a Juve play and passed to Morrone. Ball to Landoni who crossed for Mario Maraschi. Marvellous volley, Juventus 0 Lazio 2.
Omar Sivori tried to reduce the deficit with a header in the 36th minute but Idilio Cei saved comfortably. He had a little more work to do on a Gianfranco Zigoni attempt a couple of minutes later. In the 41st minute, Maraschi was fouled in the box, but the referee gave a free kick just outside. The Lazio forward did not protest and took the free kick. Goal. But not for the ref who claimed that the Biancoceleste player had taken the free kick before he had whistled. Maraschi picked up the ball but this time did not shoot, he passed it to Morrone who did and now the goal was valid. At the end of the first half Lazio were 3-0 up much to the surprise of the spectators.
In the second half Maraschi in the 52nd minute almost made it four with a long range shot and this was a sign for Juventus that the match was lost. The Bianconeri no longer attacked and Lazio controlled the rest of the game.
Marvellous win for the Biancocelesti. They would win 3-0 again in Turin against Juventus but not until 1995!!!
In Memory: Carlo Parola
Carlo Parola is a legend of Italian football. The image of his bicycle kick has been used by the Panini group as their logo for the Calciatori sticker collection.
Born in Turin on September 20, 1921, he started his career with Dopo Lavoro Fiat (now called Sisport), a team made up of Fiat employees that used to play in the Italian leagues but he soon moved to Juventus. He arrived as centre forward but manager Felice Borel moved him to defence and it is here that he made a name for himself. He played for Juventus from 1939 to 1954 with 334 appearances and 10 goals. He won a Coppa Italia in 1941-42 and the scudetto twice (1949-50 and 1951-52). He played 10 times for the Nazionale and was the only Italian to play the 1947 friendly between Great Britain and Rest of Europe. Despite his team losing 6-1 and scoring an own goal, he stood out positively and several English teams, including Chelsea, tried to sign him.
His last year of active football was with Lazio where he made seven appearances.
Once he stopped playing he stayed in Rome and was assistant to manager Luigi Ferrero in the 1955-56 season. He then became head coach of Anconitana, taking them up to Serie B in 1957-58. In 1959 he was chosen to manage Juventus and stayed for three years, winning the scudetto twice and the Coppa Italia twice. His last year at the club was not so good due to the fact that their star player Giampiero Boniperti had retired, plus the fact that John Charles, legendary Welsh centre forward, was marred with injury. He also had a bad relationship with another star player, Omar Sivori, and the Bianconeri arrived 12th, their worst result ever.
He then went on to manage Prato in 1962, winning promotion to Serie B, then Chieri, Livorno, Napoli, as physical trainer, and Novara with another promotion to Serie B. With the Piedmontese he “discovered” two fundamental players in Italian football: Felice Pulici, who would be one of Lazio’s 1973-74 scudetto heroes, and Renato Zaccarelli who won the scudetto with Torino in 1975-76. Back at Juventus in 1974 he won another scudetto. Despite being substituted by Giovanni Trapattoni, he stayed at the club as a scout.
He died in Turin on March 22, 2000.
Birthdays This Week
Ivan Provedel, 17/3/1994, goalkeeper, Italy, 146 appearances, 1 goal (2022-ongoing)
Giuseppe Greco, 19/3/1958, midfielder, Italy, 39 appearances, 8 goals (1980-81)
This Article Was Written by Dag Jenkins & Simon Basten from Lazio Stories. More Information on the Above Matches and Players can be found on LazioStories.com.
The USA Flag Football team made a huge statement during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.
Team USA rolled over teams consisting of current and former NFL stars and celebrities on March 21 in Los Angeles. The national squad won its three games by a combined score of 106-44, showing the world that flag football is a different ballgame.
Flag football makes its Olympics debut during the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Several NFL players expressed an interest in playing for the USA squad before the Fanatics event.
According to Front Office Sports, each member of the USA Flag Football team received $100,000 for winning the championship.
USA defeated the Wildcats and Founders, teams made up of current NFL stars Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, Von Miller and Alvin Kamara, among others. Retired stars Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Odell Beckham Jr. also joined in, along with celebrities Logan Paul and iShowSpeed.
As a result of the event, USA quarterback Darrell “Housh” Doucette III, the MVP of the classic, felt vindicated. In 2023, Doucette said it was “disrespectful” that NFL players assumed they could join the USA team for the Olympics.
“We came out this weekend with that on our mind to say hey, ‘Let’s show these guys that we are talented, that we are flag football, and not to be overlooked by anyone in the world,'” Doucette said, per The Sporting News.
The current USA squad has won six of the past seven International Federation of American Football world championships.
Brady, who helped organize the event, gave the USA team credit.
“Really happy for the USA flag team,” he said, per Yahoo Sports. “They did a great job. Really, they got a lot of talented, humble kids. And they did a great job. Really well coached.”
NEW YORK (AP) — Washington forward Justin Champagnie and Oklahoma City guard Ajay Mitchell each received a one-game suspension for fighting and escalating an on-court altercation that spilled into the seating area during a game, the league announced Sunday.
Both were suspended without pay. Thunder forward Jaylin Williams was fined $50,000, while Oklahoma City guard Cason Wallace and Wizards forward Anthony Gill each received $35,000 fines for their roles in the altercation that took place late in the first half of the Thunder’s 132-111 victory on Saturday night.
Following a basket by Gill, Williams and Champagnie began shoving each other under the basket. Gill and Mitchell became involved and the quarrel quickly escalated. After a lengthy review by the officials, Champagnie, Williams, Mitchell and Wallace were all ejected.
Champagnie will sit out Sunday as the Wizards face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mitchell's suspension takes place Monday when Oklahoma City plays at Philadelphia.
The NBA's 65-game minimum rule for award eligibility has come under fire this season. With MVP-types like Cade Cunningham or Nikola Jokic having put in massive seasons but in danger of missing out on accolades, many people feel like the NBA should change the way it approaches the rule.
The Ringer's Bill Simmons came up with a good idea in that regard. During a new episode of his podcast, Simmons proposed that sub-65-game players can remain eligible for postseason awards if they play 2,000 minutes. Example A in Simmons' proposal is Tyrese Maxey, who is in danger of missing out on awards this season despite having played the third-most minutes in the entire league.
Simmons also suggested that the 65-game minimum be dropped to 62 games.
If Silver announced today that he’s changing the MVP/All-NBA minimum from 65 to 62 (20 games missed max), would anyone object? Just admit you made the number too high and fix it on the fly. Cade missing out on All-NBA would be outrageous.
"If (NBA commissioner Adam) Silver just said we've dropped it from 65 to 62, I don't think anybody would complain," Simmons said. "Really what they should have done, it should have been 62 games or 2,000-plus minutes. 2,000-plus minutes is a lot. ... Maxey's at 61 (games) now. Let's say he doesn't come back with his hurt finger. Maxey right now is third in the league in total minutes, but he didn't play enough to qualify to make an All-NBA team ... this is just stupid."
"We did this wrong," Simmons continued. "We overreacted. ... You almost have to see it play out with some examples before you know how stupid it is. 2,000-plus minutes, 62 games. Seems totally fair to me."
The Kansas City Chiefs will field a drastically different roster in 2026 than they did during the failed 2025 campaign that saw the team miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
While Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has already made bold moves to address Kansas City's needs during free agency, the decisions he makes in the 2026 NFL Draft will ultimately prove to be the most consequential in determining his offseason performance.
Take a look at this full seven-round Chiefs mock draft, which projects that Veach will go all-in on fixing Kansas City's offense before addressing his team's depleted secondary:
Veach should have no problem making this pick if Love is available at pick No. 9. Fans can decide if Love is a hedge against Kenneth Walker III's injury history — or if Veach's master plan always included designs for the Chiefs to have two elite running backs. Either way, this pick would make Kansas City's offense a force to be reckoned with, on paper.
Round 1, Pick No. 29: Washington Huskies WR Denzel Boston
It should go without saying that Kansas City's approach to the No. 29 selection pick will be determined by Veach's first pick in Round 1. In this scenario, Veach takes Boston, who will compete for snaps against Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as a rookie.
Round 2, Pick No. 40: South Carolina Gamecocks DB Brandon Cisse
After targeting offensive playmakers on Day 1, Veach pivots to upgrade his defense. The selection of Cisse will give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo some flexibility next season, especially when paired with Kansas City's next selection.
Round 3, Pick No. 74: USC Trojans DB Kamari Ramsey
Ramsey and Cisse will both have a chance to force themselves into featured roles with strong performances in training camp and the preseason. Though he struggled to come away with interceptions as a collegian, Ramsey has experience that could help him excel early in his professional career.
Round 4, Pick No. 109: Florida State Seminoles DL Darrell Jackson Jr.
The Chiefs' defensive interior has found itself short of depth in recent seasons, and it seems logical that Veach will choose linemen on both sides of the ball in the middle rounds. Jackson might not be the most exciting pass-rusher in this class, but he projects as a toolsy prospect who would be worth a shot here in Round 4.
Round 5, Pick No. 148: Boston College Eagles OT Jude Bowry
This is another unexciting selection, but it serves a purpose. Andy Reid needs a competent rookie to fight for a backup role behind whoever earns the starting tackle spots. Bowry should — at a bare minimum — be able to force his way onto Kansas City's 53-man roster.
Round 5, Pick No. 169: Cincinnati Bearcats TE Joe Royer
Kansas City has been willing to spend Day 3 picks on developmental pass-catchers in the past, and it feels too good to be true that a Cincinnati Bearcats tight end might be available when the Chiefs are on the clock. This selection is pure narrative. Is Royer the next Travis Kelce? Probably not. But for a few months in July, we'd convince ourselves that he might be.
Igor Tudor’s position has been thrown back into doubt as recent signs of a revival have disintegrated - Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur are facing a crunch decision on the future of Igor Tudor as the club’s season lurched deeper into crisis with a humiliating defeat by Nottingham Forest.
Relegation appears a genuine possibility for Spurs after 13 Premier League matches without a win and Tudor’s position as head coach has been plunged back into doubt after recent signs of promise disintegrated.
Tudor did not undertake media duties following this latest defeat after being informed of a family bereavement. His assistant, Bruno Salter, insisted they feel the full support of the board.
Tottenham have already made contingency plans in the event of the Croatian’s departure, with former Monaco manager Adi Hutter understood to be a serious contender.
Hutter is out of work and available, with Tottenham now facing a major decision with seven games remaining. They are yet to win in the league in 2026 and head into the international break perched just one place above the dreaded dotted line.
All eyes will now be on chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, whose appointment of Tudor has proved such a bitter disappointment.
Tudor also made the bewildering decision to name £51m signing Xavi Simons among the substitutes, despite his impressive performance in Wednesday’s 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid, the first win of his reign despite their aggregate loss. Simons was even named in the Champions League team of the week.
Tottenham do not return to league action for almost three weeks, with a trip to Sunderland on April 12.
Salter said: “We need to carry on because we care, we care for Spurs, we are family and want to get out of this situation.
“I am 100 per cent sure we can get through this situation. We all have the same goal: fight until the end of the season and stay in the Premier League.
“Of course, we feel the support of everybody at the club.”
Forest’s victory hoisted them above Tottenham in the table, with goals from Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Forest will be boosted by the return of last season’s leading scorer Chris Wood after the international break. Wood has missed much of this season with a knee injury.
Only one of these teams looks like surviving and it is not Spurs
Tottenham’s team bus arrived at the stadium before kick-off amid a buoyant atmosphere, with the mood resembling that of returning heroes after a famous cup win.
By the end of this latest humiliation, thousands of those supporters had departed for the streets. Make no mistake, Tottenham are in serious trouble and dropping into the Championship is a very real prospect.
Igor Tudor’s position as head coach appears increasingly precarious after just seven matches in charge and the warning lights are flashing in bright neon.
This had all the hallmarks of a team sliding into the Championship. In the first-half they were the better team but never capitalised on their moments, before collapsing as Forest punctured their weaknesses with ruthless efficiency.
Tottenham’s players were dejected as they lost to Forest, despite being cheered into the stadium on their arrival (below) - riptionTottenham Hotspur's Richarlison appears dejected after their side concede a second goal during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday March 22, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.CreditBradley Collyer/PA
Tottenham fans are not quitting on this team 🤍
A tumultuous 303 days after celebrating Europa League glory with an open-top bus parade, they're back on the streets, giving their team a rapturous welcome before a relegation six-pointer 😤pic.twitter.com/d31TtOws41
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 22, 2026
While the Tottenham hierarchy weigh up making another managerial change, Forest will feel confident that the decision to appoint Vitor Pereira will ultimately pay off.
Forest have made three changes in the dug-out this season and though it has drawn much criticism, this was a huge win for Pereira who this week also secured a place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
Such technical area turbulence will be regarded as irrelevant if his club survives again.
They had the match’s outstanding performers, with giant Serbian centre-back Nikola Milenkovic producing a commanding display.
After such a chaotic season, Tottenham’s supporters will probably have expected Morgan Gibbs-White to not only play impressively but score one of the three goals.
The attacking midfielder was close to joining Tottenham last summer after they triggered his £60m release clause, before a mini-saga ended with him signing a new contract.
This was a perfect response from Gibbs-White to his exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad, with the World Cup looming this summer.
Pereira said: ‘He deserves the national team but it’s not my decision. I respect it but he has the quality and the character to be there.
“He is a fantastic player. He is a little bit sad and disappointed in this moment but these are the moments in our lives when we need to be stronger and come back to the fight.”
Forest have been in this situation before, experiencing three scraps against the drop in four seasons since their promotion in 2022.
Last season’s stirring campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo, with the team eventually finishing seventh, has been the outlier from the norm.
Could their previous dances with danger prove the difference in this year’s relegation scrap?
This is certainly a new experience for Tottenham. Despite their difficult season there was a clear sense of unity and it was not until the end that the atmosphere threatened to become remotely toxic.
There was also a pre-match video on the screens which included a rousing message from captain Cristian Romero who said “we’ll fight for everything, all together.”
Tottenham must now consider whether keeping Tudor in charge damages their chances of scrambling to safety.
After signs of encouragement against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, they were the better team here in a scrappy first-half.
Mathys Tel was a frequent menace on the left and Tottenham were almost gifted a 16th minute lead when Forest’s forward Igor Jesus headed a huge Kevin Danso throw against his own post.
Yet it was Jesus who provided the pivotal moment on the stroke of half-time, forcing a save from Guglielmo Vicario with a hooked shot on the turn.
From the corner, the £16.5m signing from Botafogo was unmarked in the middle of a busy penalty area to nod Neco Williams’ delivery into the opposite corner.
Forest had more chances to increase their lead before Gibbs-White converted from close range in the 62nd minute.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 22, 2026
Tottenham never looked capable of scoring, with Xavi Simons surprisingly benched by Tudor. It seemed a bizarre decision after his two goals in midweek against Atletico in the Champions League.
The £51m signing was finally introduced with 23 minutes left to play, but by then the game was beyond his team.
Taiwo Awoniyi, a substitute, added the third goal from another Williams cross to initiate the exits of home fans.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 22, 2026
Pereira will take huge confidence from two wins in four days, and Forest’s season is proving an unpredictable rollercoaster.
There could be more good news on the horizon, with last season’s leading scorer Chris Wood close to returning from a long-term knee injury.
Wood was at Tottenham’s stadium in a show of support for his team-mates, after scoring in a under-21s match against Newcastle on Friday night.
The New Zealand international is expected to return for the Europa League quarter-final against Porto.
Pereira said: “We are alive, we are committed and we are ready to fight.
“It is good for the moment and good for the belief because we need to believe in ourselves. It is not about Tottenham, it is not about West Ham, it is not about Leeds it is about us. It is about what we want for next season.”
“It is not just about this game, it is about the next seven games and we need to have this personality.”
05:02pm
Thanks for joining us
That brings our coverage of Nottingham Forest’s crucial 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur to an end, with Vitor Pereria’s men leapfrogging the north London side, who are just one point and one place above the relegation zone.
You can follow our coverage of the League Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City here, with things nicely poised at 0-0 after the opening half an hour at Wembley. Thanks for joining us!
05:00pm
‘Forest played with personality and organisation’, says Pereira
Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “We started with a good level. But after 15-20 minutes, we started to lose a lot of possession, second balls and duels. We conceded a lot of set-pieces. We suffered until half-time.
“In the second half, I asked them to be themselves and play at our level. I asked them to play the same way we started the game and told them something will happen. And I am happy that they played with personality and organisation. It was an important win.
“I have a team that have the quality to play with the ball. But it’s difficult to play in our way if you lose the ball often. Tottenham were very aggressive in the duels. It was not our intention to defend but they pushed us. We had some luck till half-time.
“But it was a good time to score the opener. We studied our opponents during the set-pieces and we scored. Set-pieces and even throw-ins are very important at the moment as in football, in every situation, we can get a goal.
“After the [Europa League game] in Denmark, it was important to rest. I tried to balance the energy. The players who played against Midtjylland and today showed that they have the quality to face the next games.
“For me, it’s just three points. We got it. Next game, we have the chance to do it again. And we need to go there to get those points again. This will go on until the end of the season.”
04:58pm
Spurs now have ‘seven finals’ after ‘painful day’, says Romero
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, speaking to Sky Sports: “The season is tough, especially in this moment. Another very bad [result] for us, another lose the game at home. The first thing is for the fans is thank you for today and every day as they stay with us.
“The situation is tough but most important thing is play like a final now. It is a bad season, obviously the first responsibility is with me.
“For me the first thing is when we play here with Atletico Madrid and fantastic game. The first half we were good but the second half we lost the confidence and lose the ball.
“It is painful, it is a sad day but the most important thing is go national team then come back here for the final seven finals.”
04:55pm
Watch: Gibbs-White lands blow against summer suitors
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 22, 2026
04:53pm
Forest dominance over Spurs
Spurs have been beaten 3-0 by Forest in both of their Premier League meetings this season, with Forest now extending their winning run over the north London outfit to four games.
04:51pm
‘It is painful, really painful’, says Spurs assistant Saltor
Tottenham coach Bruno Saltor, speaking to Sky Sports about why he has stepped in for Igor Tudor: “Personal matters, family matters and I am stepping in as it is not right time for him to speak.”
On the game, Saltor said: “Every mistake right now is going against us, every detail is going against us and it affects the players as well.
“You can see how much they are fighting. We are in a difficult situation, everyone knows. In the first half we were the better team and need to be consistent with that.
“We were 1-0 down and wanted to be a little more aggressive with players coming back from injuries. It didn’t work as planned but it was our intention.
“It hurts us, it is painful, really painful, but the fans were outstanding today - from before the game until the end of the game.
“We need to carry on because we care, we care for Spurs, we are family and want to get out of this situation.
“I am 100% sure we can get through this situation.”
04:48pm
Forest ‘alive, committed and ready to fight’, says Pereria
Pereira continued to Sky Sports: “Sometimes we create a lot of chances but don’t score. We have quality to score goals. We cannot create a monster in our minds because sometimes we create one chance and score a goal.
“It is good for the moment and good for the belief because we need to believe in ourselves. It is not about Tottenham, it is not about West Ham, it is not about Leeds it is about us. It is about what we want for next season.
“We are alive, we are committed and we are ready to fight.”
04:45pm
Pereira: We deserved to win
Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira, speaking to Sky Sports:“It means the spirit of the team, the character and the personality. It was not easy.
“We started the game in a good way, after 15-20 minutes we started to lose some long balls - the first ball, the second ball. They cross a lot and they play aggressive on the duels.
“The first half was difficult but at half time I asked the team to play the way they started the game as that was our game.
“They showed their personality, character and quality and we deserved to win.
“They have the spirit to face this kind of game. It is not just about this game, it is about the next seven games and we need to have this personality.
“In the end I am very happy with the team and the supporters because they deserve it. They provided the energy we needed to get the three points.”
04:42pm
Unprecedented lows for Spurs
Tottenham have won just 30 points from 31 Premier League games this season, marking their joint-lowest return after 31 games of a league campaign, along with 1914-15, according to Opta.
Tottenham have suffered yet another defeat in the league - Carlos Jasso/Getty Images
04:39pm
Anderson says win provides ‘huge boost of confidence’
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson speaking to Sky Sports: “Away from home, it’s always tough playing in front of their fans. It was all about the fight and determination today. And to a man, everyone was amazing.
“Everyone worked hard and we scored three good goals. It’s just a huge boost of confidence for us. Going into the international break and with a little bit of rest to freshen things up and be ready for the next stretch.”
04:36pm
Gibbs-White says goal against Spurs ‘not written in stars’ despite summer interest
Morgan Gibbs-White on his goal: “I can’t say it was written in the stars. I am just doing my best to help this team. I have shown that since the first day of coming here.
“It’s not been clean sailing. But we all stick together - the manager, the owner, the fans and the players.
“I am delighted to be on the scoresheet but more importantly, it’s the three points won. Taking three points here and having a bit of time off now to get relaxed and get ready for the fixtures that is to come. I can’t wait for a few days off now.”
04:33pm
‘We defended with our lives’ – Gibbs-White on ‘huge result’
Nottingham Forest goalscorer Morgan Gibbs-White speaking to Sky Sports:“It’s absolutely a huge result. There was a lot of worry going into this game and about the outcome. But the boys were incredible.
“We defended with our lives today. We knew we needed to bring that fire, energy and commitment and the boys showed that in abundance today.
“I was delighted we got the three points because it creates some gap now. But we can’t just focus on that. We need to keep looking forward and keep focussing on the next game.”
04:28pm
What’s next?
Spurs now have to wait until 12 April to put things right, with their next game coming away at Sunderland after the international break.
Forest, meanwhile, will return to action with a trip to Porto in the Europa League quarter-finals on 9 April, before their battle for Premier League survival continues with a home game against Aston Villa three days later.
04:25pm
Tudor’s terrible tenure
Spurs have taken just one point from Igor Tudor’s five league games in charge. Could there be another change in the dugout in north London?
Tottenham Hotspur interim manager Igor Tudor - Jaimi Joy/Reuters
04:22pm
Spurs’ torrid 2026 continues
Spurs’ wait for a Premier League win in 2026 continues, with the north London side failing to claim three points in any of their 13 top flight games since the turn of the year:
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 22, 2026
04:17pm
Spurs drop to 17th
Victory for Forest has taken them two points above Spurs and into 16th place in the Premier League.
The north London side remain in an incredibly perilous position, just one point above the drop-zone.
04:15pm
Villa beat West Ham
Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over West Ham this afternoon is good news for both teams in north London.
It is less good news for Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea who have all failed to win this weekend in the race for Champions League football.
04:13pm
Full time: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 3
The full-time whistle is blown, and not for the first time at Spurs this season, it is met with boos from the home support.
It’s a huge victory for Forest over one of their relegation rivals.
04:11pm
90+5 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 3
Forest are seeing out the remaining minutes of this contest really well, with Spurs perhaps resigned to the fact they are extending their winless run in the league to 13 games.
04:09pm
90+2 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 3
As five minutes of stoppage-time are announced, Forest make their final couple of changes, with McAtee and Dominguez coming on for Gibbs-White and Anderson.
04:07pm
90 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 3
Spurs nearly get one back, with Solanke finding the target with his header from a corner, but Sels makes a smart stop and Kolo Muani fails to find the target on the rebound.
04:06pm
GOAL! Awoniyi tucks home to seal victory for Forest
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 3 (Awoniyi) It’s three for Forest and it’s a fabulous goal to secure the three points.
Williams is found on the visitors’ left and he cuts back onto his right foot before delivering an excellent ball towards the back post, where Awoniyi tucks home on the volley.
Boos ring around the stadium for the first time this afternoon as the home supporters head for the exit.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 22, 2026
04:03pm
86 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
The ball drops to Williams at least 30 yards out and he tries his luck with a speculative effort but it’s easy for Vicario. That would have taken something special from there.
Gibbs-White wins a foul in front of the Forest fans and he takes his time getting back to his feet, soaking in the adulation of the travelling support as Yates whips them up even more.
04:01pm
84 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Porro is found in behind the Forest defence and he forces a stop from Sels at the near post but the ball had just run out of play.
The final change from Tudor now, with Gallagher coming on for the closing stages in place of Gray.
03:59pm
83 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Udogie catches Ndoye and becomes the latest player to go into the book. Forest will take their time over this free-kick.
The visitors take the chance to load the box but Anderson goes short to Ndoye and it eventually comes to nothing.
03:58pm
81 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Another change from Pereira as Ndoye replaces Hutchinson, and Forest are doing well now just to slow things down.
The game has become very scrappy in the last few moments, which will suit the visitors just fine.
03:55pm
78 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
That could have gone anywhere! The corner from the right finds Sarr on the edge of the area and his first-time volley takes a nick, wrong-footing Sels, but it goes just wide of the left post.
03:53pm
77 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Udogie whips a low ball into the area from Spurs’ left and Bergvall is arriving late but he is stretching slightly and his effort skews wide.
Moments later, and Gray skips past Williams, forcing Anderson to come across, and it goes behind for another Spurs corner.
03:52pm
74 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Spurs have Forest really deep in their own half but Anderson collects the ball on the half-turn and shows sublime technique to release Awoniyi into the left channel, forcing Vicario to sweep up and clearing for a throw-in.
It was just wonderful technique from the Englishman and has taken his side 60 yards up the pitch.
03:49pm
73 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Simons’ cross is a really poor one, sailing over everyone towards the Forest fans, who are really starting to enjoy themselves now.
In stark contrast, Spurs supporters look in disbelief, with some already making their way to the exits.
03:48pm
71 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Simons makes an immediate impact, driving towards the edge of the area and winning a free-kick for his side, but the set-piece comes to nothing, with Danso failing to keep it in play.
The first changes now for the visitors, with Hudson-Odoi and Jesus making way for Yates and Awoniyi. Yates’ introduction has seen Gibbs-White shift out towards the left.
03:46pm
69 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Forest’s travelling fans reminding the home supporters over the failed move for Morgan Gibbs-White from last summer.
Tottenham triggered the £60m release clause for the England international to spark a legal row, which ended in Gibbs-White signing a new contract with Forest.
03:45pm
68 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
The Spurs corner comes to nothing, but in better news for the north London side, Aston Villa have doubled their lead over West Ham.
It’s turning into the perfect afternoon for Forest.
03:44pm
67 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2
Porro sends a ball into the area as Spurs look to get back in this game but Milenkovic is there again to turn it behind for a corner.
Before the set-piece can be taken, Tel is requiring some treatment. The Frenchman does eventually make way, with Richarlison also withdrawn, and Simons and Kolo Muani come on.
03:40pm
GOAL! Gibbs-White doubles Forest’s lead
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 2 (Gibbs-White) It’s a huge goal in this season’s relegation battle!
Hudson-Odoi collects the ball down the visitors’ left and he bursts pass Porro to reach the byline before cutting the ball back.
The winger picks out Gibbs-White in space and his side-footed finish squirms past Vicario, who will feel he should have done better.
The home support are stunned.
03:38pm
60 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Romero makes a tackle in midfield and looks to take matters into his own hands, bundling past players down Spurs’ right, but he is eventually crowded and looks aghast when he doesn’t get a free-kick.
03:35pm
58 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Spurs deal with a Forest set piece into the area but the ball drops to Williams on the visitors’ left.
The full-back chops inside and delivers a wonderful inswinging cross to the back post but it is just out of reach of his team-mates.
03:34pm
57 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Nikola Milenkovic has been outstanding for Forest so far today.
A commanding performance from the Serbian centre-back. He would probably like to be less busy, though.
03:33pm
56 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Bergvall is found high up down Spurs’ right and he flashes a dangerous ball across the face of goal but there is no one in a white shirt attacking it.
Moments later, Gray is found in space on the edge of the area but he takes a little too long getting his shot away and his curling effort is charged down.
03:31pm
54 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 1
Spurs win a corner down their left but they give away a foul as the ball comes into the area and that kind of thing will only add to the sense of frustration inside the stadium.
Moments later, Sangare drags Romero back and he goes into the book, perhaps not helped by his three or four fouls in the opening period.
Porro’s set-piece delivery finds Romero but he is a fairly long way out and his header doesn’t cause Forest any problems.
03:28pm
50 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 1
It’s been a fairly flat start to this second half, with Spurs knocking the ball around their defence and Forest happy to sit in.
Williams makes an interception, though, and he can spark a counter. The ball is worked to Anderson and he swings a sensational ball to the back post, picking out Williams who had carried on his run into the area, but his downward header is saved well by Vicario.
A big chance for the Welshman!
03:23pm
47 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 1
It has to be remembered that Nottingham Forest have been here before.
While they were the surprise package last season, that stirring campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo was an outlier with three of their four seasons back in the Premier League proving to be fights against relegation.
Could that experience of scrapping for points at the bottom prove an advantage over other teams such as Tottenham and West Ham who are perhaps not accustomed to it?
03:22pm
46 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 1
We are back underway in north London, with Forest kicking the second half off, going from left to right as they look to defend their lead.
And Tudor is not hanging around, with the Croatian making a double-change at the break. Bergvall and Udogie have come on in place of Spence and Van de Ven.
Udogie for Van de Ven will be like-for-like at left-back, while Porro is likely to drop to right-back with Bergvall perhaps adding an extra body in central midfield.
03:18pm
Even half in terms of numbers
The stats paint an even picture, with Spurs having 52% of the ball and five shots, with one on target, while Forest have hit the target with all three of their efforts.
Despite this, and the visitors starting and finishing strongly, it felt as if it was Tudor’s side in the ascendancy for much of the opening period, particularly with the number of attacking set-pieces they had.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 22, 2026
03:02pm
45 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Gibbs-White wins a corner down Forest’s left and the visitors are just managing to apply some late pressure in this opening period.
The set-piece is initially cleared but it’s nodded back into the area to Jesus, who goes for the acrobatic overhead kick and it requires Vicario to touch it over.
02:59pm
42 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Gibbs-White does well to drag his team up the pitch, driving through midfield and drawing the foul from Spence, just inside Spurs’ half.
Forest take the chance to load the box, but after initially working it short, Van de Ven heads clear from Anderson’s ball into the area.
02:57pm
41 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Spurs have really grown into this opening period, now the dominant team, and there just seems to be a confidence from the players that has been absent for so much of this season.
02:55pm
38 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Tel pulls off a fabulous flick to find Van de Ven and the home fans really enjoyed that one. The winger is full of confidence.
Spurs work the ball out to their right and it’s a good ball into the box from Porro but Milenkovic just gets there ahead of Richarlison, with the striker lining up a volley.
02:53pm
36 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Tottenham now in the ascendancy and pressurising the Forest defence.
There is a buzz whenever Mathys Tel gets on the ball and Forest are conceding a lot of corners.
It was looking very cagey earlier on but now a football match is threatening to break out.
02:52pm
35 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Jesus awkwardly heads the corner behind for another one at the near post, but Forest clear the subsequent set-piece.
Just moments later, though, and the hosts win a corner down their right this time. This one is also headed away by a red shirt.
Spurs are piling on the pressure, though!
02:51pm
34 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Tel carries the ball down Spurs’ left before chopping back onto his right foot and swinging a teasing ball into the area but it’s just out of reach at Richarlison at the back stick.
The winger collects the ball once again moments later and he bursts pass Milenkovic to reach the byline, before showing some quick feet to win the corner from Aina. The Frenchman has had a really bright start to this game.
02:48pm
32 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Gray drives through midfield before feeding Porro to his right and the Spaniard wins a corner, with his cross blocked by Williams, using a sensitive part of his body by the looks of it.
Tel once again drills the set-piece to the back post and it finds Richarlison, who wins another corner as his ball back across goal is blocked. Forest deal with the second corner more comfortably.
02:46pm
29 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
It’s another good opening for Spurs! Spence wins the ball back and drives inside before sliding Richarlison into the right of the area.
The striker flashes a low ball across the face of goal but Solanke can’t get on the end of it and the flag goes up anyway.
02:44pm
27 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Spurs are appealing for another penalty, with Aina once again at the heart of it.
Van de Ven looks to drive past the full-back and goes down as he cuts the ball back across goal, but again, nothing is given and it’s the correct call.
02:40pm
24 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
That was a very nervy moment for Ola Aina there.
The challenge on Pape Matar Sarr in the penalty area felt risky and unnecessary, but referee Michael Oliver was in a good position and very quick to dismiss claims for a penalty.
Still feels like a big escape for the Forest defender there.
02:40pm
23 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Gray stays out after that challenge on Sangare, which will be a worry to those of a Spurs persuasion, but is eventually back on his feet and okay to carry on.
02:39pm
22 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
There are huge penalty appeals from Spurs against Aina! Sarr latches onto a loose ball in the left of the area and goes down as the Forest full-back sticks his toe on.
But the midfielder quickly gets back to his feet and the referee is clear in his decision of no penalty. It looks like the right call, with contract minimal at most.
The game comes to a pause as Gray collides with Sangare and boos whistle around the stadium, with the home fans feeling they deserved a spot-kick.
02:36pm
20 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Archie Gray has been one of the rare positives in a difficult season for Tottenham.
The young midfielder sprayed an outstanding pass from the centre of the pitch to Mathys Tel on the left.
A huge talent.
02:35pm
19 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Forest respond well to the Spurs pressure with a break down their right and Hutchinson manages to cut inside before taking aim but his strike as straight down the throat of Vicario.
02:35pm
18 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
It’s close again for Spurs! Danso launches a cross into the box from the right and Jesus can only flick a header back towards his own goal.
It looks to be landing on the head of Richarlison at the back post but it drops onto the woodwork, where the left post meets the bar, and Forest can clear.
02:33pm
16 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Spurs’ corner from the left is glanced away by a Forest head and out for another corner down their right.
Tel sends his delivery deep to the back post, picking out Richarlison, but the striker’s header, aimed back towards the right side of the goal, goes just wide of the target.
Elsewhere, Villa have gone ahead against West Ham, which will be good news for these two teams.
02:30pm
14 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Forest counter well after clearing Spurs’ corner but Hudson-Odoi’s final cross is slightly over-hit, sailing over Gibbs-White at the back post.
Spurs then carve out their first real opening of the game. Gray pings a wonderful pass out to Tel on the left flank and the winger manages to drive into the area, chopping past Aina, but his low shot on goal deflects wide for a corner.
02:27pm
11 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Spence pings a cross into the box from just inside the Forest half and Aina is forced to nod it behind for a corner, with Tel arriving behind him.
It’s a decent delivery from Tel, whipped with pace towards the near post, but Jesus rises highest to head clear.
02:25pm
9 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Forest have started with purpose here, with midfielder Elliot Anderson at the heart of their best moments.
The first goal feels absolutely crucial for either team when you consider the amount of defeats both have suffered this season.
02:24pm
7 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Replays show Pereira during that previous Forest attack and it was a big case of the manager trying to head the cross home from the touchline.
It’s another good move from Forest, with Hudson-Odoi poking a ball through to Anderson in the left of the area. The midfielder goes down under the challenge of a couple of Spurs defenders as he looks to dribble towards goal but nothing is given, correctly.
02:21pm
4 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Forest dominate the ball for the opening couple of minutes but Gray intercepts a sloppy pass and can drive at the visitors’ back line.
The midfielder gets crowded out, though, and Forest break with pace down the other end. Gibbs-White swings a fabulous cross into the area and a superb header from Danso is required to stop it reaching Jesus.
02:18pm
2 mins: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
It’s looking like a 4-4-2 for Spurs, with Van de Ven at left-back, Spence on the right side of defence and Porro deployed at right midfield.
Richarlison and Solanke lead the line, with Tel operating on the left flank.
02:17pm
1 min: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
Impossible to overstate how much of a positive, party atmosphere it is at Tottenham’s stadium today.
Remember, they haven’t won in the Premier League so far this year.
02:17pm
1 min: Tottenham Hotspur 0 Nottingham Forest 0
We are underway at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with Spurs kicking things off, going from left to right in this opening period.
02:12pm
Kick-off approaching
We are less than five minutes away from kick-off in north London, with the players now gathering in the tunnel.
02:06pm
Spurs’ saviour?
Richarlison’s late winner against Liverpool last weekend was his ninth goal in the Premier League this season.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 15, 2026
Despite starting less than half of their league games this season, he has scored more than twice as many goals as any other Spurs player.
02:02pm
Forest’s struggles in front of goal
Forest have failed to score in 14 Premier League games this season, while they have scored just 28 goals across the campaign.
Only Wolves are performing worse with both of these statistics this season.
Pereira’s side have failed to score in three of their last five league games, though the two they did score in were on the road.
01:58pm
Spurs’ winless start to the year
January
Brentford 0-0 Spurs
Spurs 1-1 Sunderland
Bournemouth 3-2 Spurs
Spurs 1-2 West Ham
Burnley 2-2 Spurs
February
Spurs 2-2 Man City
Man Utd 2-0 Spurs
Spurs 1-2 Newcastle
Spurs 1-4 Arsenal
March
Fulham 2-1 Spurs
Spurs 1-3 Palace
Liverpool 1-1 Spurs
01:54pm
Spurs’ torrid 2026
Tottenham Hotspur remain winless in 12 Premier League games (D5 L7). In their top-flight history, only from April to November 1912 (13) and from December 1934 to April 1935 (16) have they ever gone longer without winning.
Spurs are the only side without a Premier League win so far in 2026. Only three sides have had longer runs without a win from the start of a calendar year, all of whom were relegated (Sunderland, 17 in 2002-03; Derby, 18 in 2007-08; Middlesbrough, 14 in 2016-17).
Tottenham players argue among themselves after conceding against Crystal Palace - Catherine Ivill /Getty Images
01:48pm
Have Spurs turned a corner?
The big question is whether Tottenham Hotspur really have turned the corner.
After encouraging signs against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, Spurs have eased the pressure on their manager Igor Tudor.
Can they follow those two performances with a win today? It would certainly give them a huge boost in the battle to avoid relegation.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 18, 2026
01:45pm
‘It’s not Allan, it’s Arne’ - Tudor on Anfield mix-up
Igor Tudor has said it s “ridiculous” that people think he got a member of his coaching team mixed up with Arne Slot.
A clip of the Croatian addressing Spurs coach Allan Dixon on the Anfield touchline went viral last weekend, with many speculating that he thought it was the Liverpool boss.
But Tudor said this week: “I don’t recognise the guy who I spend 10 hours with every day?! So I come out and don’t know he is? It was a little bit ridiculous.
“Now [on Wednesday] we did it on purpose to make a joke, because from now on I call him ‘Arne’. It’s not Allan, it’s Arne!”
He added: “What happened was my son, who is 20 years old, said in Croatia everyone is laughing with you because you did this mistake. I said, ‘what mistake?’ and I said to him, ‘you do know who the guy is?’.
“So I said, ‘it’s Allan Dixon, I’m spending all days together with him’, so I came out and he’s standing in front of my bench. So what other coach can be there in front of it? It’s my training zone.
“He was there, I came to him to make a joke. If you understand, I came from this side [Dixon’s right], I touched him and go to the other side.”
01:39pm
Spurs fans behind the team
Tottenham’s players arrived to a loud reception from the home supporters outside the stadium.
Despite their issues this season, it feels that the fans are behind them for such a big game where the ramifications could be huge.
Igor Tudor has slightly dampened the mood by dropping Xavi Simons to the bench.
A Tottenham Hotspur supporter sets off a flare as the team bus arrives - Alex Pantling/Getty Images
01:35pm
‘It’s going to be tough’ – Pereira on facing Spurs
Looking ahead to this afternoon’s game against Spurs, Forest boss Pereira said this week: “They’ve played the last two games with quality and spirit. It’s going to be a tough game for us and a tough game for them.”
The Portuguese wants his side to be “tactically intelligent, be compressed, defend well and when we have the ball, attack spaces and express individual qualities”.
He said that despite the game being away from home, the players “need” the fans “a lot”, because “in this moment, we need to be a family and fight as a family together”.
Nottingham Forest’s head coach Vitor Pereira - Bo Amstrup/Shutterstock
01:29pm
Spurs say Marinakis is ‘very welcome’ at crunch clash despite legal threat
Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Evangelos Marinakis into the club’s directors’ lounge if the Nottingham Forest owner attends Sunday’s Premier League relegation six-pointer.
Forest sent a threat of legal action to former Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and considered a complaint to the Premier League after Spurs’ failed bid to sign Morgan Gibbs-White last summer.
Marinakis was enraged by an attempt to trigger a £60m release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract, with Forest convinced that Spurs breached certain levels of confidentiality.
Having seen off the bid, Forest convinced Gibbs-White to sign a new three-year contract and Marinakis announced that “at the end of the day, we always win”.
Despite the bitter fall-out over the Gibbs-White saga, a source close to the Spurs board told Telegraph Sport that Marinakis “would be very welcome” in the directors’ areas at Sunday’s game, adding there are “no issues whatsoever”.
01:26pm
Marinakis set for rare away appearance as Wood nears return
It is understood that Evangelos Marinakis, the Forest owner, will be at Tottenham’s stadium today.
Marinakis rarely attends away games but his presence at this match against Tottenham highlights its importance.
Another piece of interesting news for Forest fans is the presence of Chris Wood, who is making his way back from a knee injury.
Wood was last season’s leading scorer and stepped up his recovery with an appearance for the B team against Newcastle on Friday night.
He is not in the squad today but has just been out on the pitch with his team-mates.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis - Mike Egerton/PA
‘Game will probably not decide anything’, says Tudor
Discussing the challenges Forest will pose this afternoon, Spurs boss Tudor said this week: “It’s a long game to play, a few games in the game. You need to be inside from the first to last second of the game, including five subs.
“So a big respect to them because they have players who can hurt us, but as well, going on our sides, going on with our things, with confidence, with courage, with humbleness, with all the stuff necessary to take the points.”
On the feeling of supporters ahead of such a big game, he said: “There’s a positivity but also an understanding the game will not be easy. It is an important game but will probably not decide anything. We need just to keep going with what we did last week.”
Igor Tudor, interim manager of Tottenham Hotspur - Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
01:17pm
Mammoth encounter for both teams
There is an argument for this being the biggest game of the Premier League season so far.
With Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City looming on April 19, this feels like a mammoth encounter that could prove pivotal for both clubs.
Chaos has underpinned the seasons of both Tottenham and Forest. Thomas Frank and Sean Dyche were the two managers for the meeting in December but have both since been sacked.
Vitor Pereira is Forest’s fourth manager this season, while Igor Tudor’s position at Tottenham is already in jeopardy.
Seven games will remain after today but this cannot possibly be downplayed.
01:12pm
Those line-ups in full
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Porro, Danso, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Sarr; Richarlison, Solanke, Tel.
Nine changes for Forest – Hutchinson and Milenkovic keep places
Vitor Pereira makes nine changes to his Nottingham Forest team following their penalty-shootout win over Midtjylland on Thursday, with Hutchinson and Milenkovic the only players to keep their place.
The Portuguese reverts to a more familiar line-up with Gibbs-White and Anderson among those to return.
Tudor makes three changes – Solanke and Richarlison start
There are three changes to the Spurs side following their Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid, with Tudor bringing in Danso, Solanke and Richarlison in place of Dragusin, Simons and Kolo Muani.
Forest have won their last three Premier League meetings with Spurs by an aggregate scoreline of 6-1, having won the reverse fixture 3-0 in December.
Spurs’ last win over Forest came in April 2024, with a 3-1 victory on home soil.
Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare celebrates scoring against Spurs in December - Andrew Boyers/Reuters
12:52pm
Positive injury news for Spurs
Igor Tudor said this week that he thinks Dominic Solanke will be fit to face Forest: “Dom didn’t train [today] but probably tomorrow he will train with the team and I think he will be available. He had a hip problem but I think he will be OK.”
The Spurs boss added that James Maddison, who has missed the whole campaign with an ACL injury, could play this season. Tudor said: “Maddison is already doing some interesting things with the ball and sprinting, he is positive.”
Mohammed Kudus is progressing “very well” and could be back with the squad in “10 days”, while Rodrigo Bentancur is “edging closer” to a return.
Joao Palhinha returned to training following concussion protocols for his clash of heads with Cristian Romero in the first leg against Atletico Madrid.
Dominic Solanke is expected to feature this afternoon - Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
12:45pm
Forest visit Spurs in relegation six-pointer
Good afternoon, and welcome to live coverage of Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest in what is a huge clash in the battle for Premier League survival.
The north London side start the afternoon in 16th, just one place and one point above their opponents, who are level on points with West Ham United, the current occupants of the first spot in the relegation zone.
Led by former Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, West Ham make the trip to Aston Villa this afternoon, and with their match also kicking off at 14:15 GMT, Spurs and Forest know a defeat could leave them in the bottom three by full time.
Spiralling towards a previously unthinkable relegation, Spurs turned to Igor Tudor at the end of February. But the Croatian’s interim tenure could not have got off to a worse start, with four successive defeats in all competitions, which included Antonin Kinsky’s goalkeeping disaster in the Champions League last 16 first leg against Atletico Madrid.
However, Richarlison’s late goal salvaged a point at Anfield last weekend, and despite a 7-5 aggregate defeat, Spurs claimed an impressive 3-2 victory against Atletico in their second leg on Wednesday, bringing Tudor his first win since arriving in north London and a platform to build on for the season’s run-in.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 15, 2026
Despite this, Spurs continue to wait for their first Premier League win of 2026, now without a victory in England’s top flight in 12 games since the turn of the year.
Forest, meanwhile, will also be looking to maintain some momentum from their European exploits in midweek, having beaten Midtjylland on penalties on Thursday following a 2-1 win on the night to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
But, like Spurs, they are enduring a lengthy winless run in the league. Vitor Pereira’s side have not claimed three points in their last seven games, in a run dating back to the end of January.
With eight games left this season, victory for either side this afternoon will not only offer a marginal but welcome cushion above the bottom three, but a significant psychological upper hand ahead of a vital run-in.
One of the most noticeable changes for the 2026 racing season is right in the name of NASCAR's second-tier series.
After 11 seasons as the Xfinity Series, the circuit is now known as the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Fear not, though — while the branding is different, race fans will still be able to get their fix of (mostly) Saturday afternoon and evening races all season.
This year's schedule features 33 weekends of action, from Daytona through Homestead-Miami, with fireworks guaranteed.
The 2025 season saw Jesse Love win the first and last races of the year and take the drivers' championship, but rookie Connor Zilisch was the story of the year, dominating the second half of the schedule and picking up 10 wins, including seven in eight races during one stretch.
Who will emerge as the stars of the 2026 season? See the full schedule below to find out when to tune into every race throughout the 2026 season.
Where to watch NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026
Every O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race in 2026 will be televised by The CW Network and can be streamed live via DIRECTV.
Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live Soccer, MLB, and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
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Listen live to NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series races all season on SiriusXM, which will provide coverage every week.
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📸 La Catedral with AI? Controversy over Oviedo’s centenary mural
Because bad news never comes alone, following Real Oviedo’s defeat yesterday against Levante—which greatly complicates their chances of staying in the First Division—an incomprehensible blunder by the club has occurred in an initiative meant to commemorate its centenary.
Real Oviedo commissioned a mural at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium from the company Global Street Art, with the aim of representing “the legacy, identity, and passion of all Oviedo fans,” but the result is far from what was expected.
The painting depicts two fans of the Carbayón club, a father and daughter, gazing at the Oviedo Cathedral. Or rather, what is supposed to be the Cathedral, since the iconic monument painted in the mural bears little resemblance to the real one.
Several Oviedo fans have pointed out what appears to be a mistake resulting from the misuse of artificial intelligence in the mural and have reported it on their social media profiles.
The visitors scored two goals towards the end of a lethargic first half, but after Diego Gomez gave Rising a lifeline late in the game, Gunnar Studenhofft found the net deep in stoppage time to secure the draw with his first-ever goal for the club.
A slow first half
Things did not start the way that Phoenix Rising would have wanted.
By the 17th minute mark, the hosts had recorded two shots. That tally hadn’t increased by the break. Instead, Phoenix found itself playing a selection of long balls while lacking urgency in the press to actually pressure their opponent at all.
“I think the first 20 minutes, we started well, but then after the 20 minutes we didn’t control the game,” Rising coach Pa-Modou Kah said. “Then we gave away two goals that I think were very simple, two goals that were avoidable. I think we didn’t defend the box well and stop the crosses as we’d discussed. I think we didn’t press after the 20 minutes together, so it was very disjointed.”
Instead, Oakland punished Rising. Wolfgang Prentice and Julian Bravo found the net in the closing minutes of the first half, sending Phoenix into the break down by two goals.
Another late Phoenix Rising comeback
Rising’s performance started to pick up in the second half, with more signs of urgency in the pressing.
However, it still took until the final ten minutes of the match for the hosts to find a goal of their own, with Diego Gomez netting his first for the club in the 85th.
Ten minutes later, and deep into stoppage time, Gunnar Studenhofft found one of his own to level the scores at 2-2.
“I believe in him and the work that he’s put in,” Kah said of Studenhofft. “He’s far from being a finished product, but with what he has, he’s a handful.”
The final whistle blew just minutes later, with both sides sharing a point apiece.
“I’m very happy with how we’re progressing, but it’s not enough,” Kah said. “Especially when you’re at home, it’s not enough. We can’t give away points at home. It’s far too many.”
Owain’s take
The more things change, the more they stay the same?
Welcome back to 2025, Phoenix Rising fans. Because that’s how it felt, didn’t it?
Some sloppy first half moments. An unnecessary few goals conceded and yet, at the end of it all, Phoenix Rising huffed, and they puffed, and they pulled it off deep into added time.
Still, it’s March. It can be frustrating to see what looks to be the same theme as last season, but it’s still too early to complain about that. If we get to July and are seeing the same problems, then it will be a genuine cause for concern. Just three weeks into the year, with absences already piling up, anything that keeps the points ticking over in spite of issues faced is far from the worst that could happen.
What is concerning though is that the stands are already… well, they’re starting to look sparse.
In this last game, Phoenix Rising recorded its lowest ever March attendance for a league game, with just 4,310 people officially announced as attending. That’s not just breaking the record by a little. The prior worst attendance for a March league match came last season, against Rhode Island, with 5,549 people attending: that’s over 1,200 more than were at this weekend’s match.
This isn’t a one-off, either. After already enjoying the worst-attended home opener in the Phoenix Rising era (save for during COVID, where the club sold out its capacity-restricted stadium), this 2026 team has now put up the two of the three lowest March league crowds in club history. The play on the field, flawed or not at times, doesn’t deserve that.
Unfortunately, it seems once again that while the club’s leadership may put its heart and soul into the on-field product, they are continuing to allow the foundations around them to crumble. There is a clear trend of decline over time, and from the outside it’s hard to tell what exactly they’re going to do about it. Phoenix Rising needs direction from the top, and as best we can tell, one of two things is happening. Either the direction is misguided, or it’s missing entirely. I’m not sure which of those would be worse.
What is clear, though, is that this can’t be allowed to continue. This year is meant to be a celebration as the tenth season under the Phoenix Rising name, but for the sake of this club, something has to change. And if it doesn’t, I have bigger fears than slow starts on the field each week.
Boxing often gives fans a big show, more so when it comes to knockouts. Anthony Joshua destroying Jake Paul a couple of months ago could be the more famous recent example of that.
It is normal to see stars suffering that fate, but when it comes to newcomers, it is hard to see them take punishment. On Saturday, Jocelyn Camarillo recorded a dominant win over 19-year-old Isis Sio.
With 48 seconds left in the first round, Camarillo landed a big left hand in Sio’s face. She landed three more hits before her opponent fell to the ground and the referee stopped the fight. Sio wasn’t in the best shape after that, and the aftermath turned more dramatic.
Vinny’s Corner reported that Sio was in the Intensive Care Unit at Loma Linda Medical following the fight.
Supreme Boxing on Instagram added that Sio suffered a knockout on January 30, during a fight against Perla Bazualda. Giving her another chance to fight so quickly proved to be a bad decision.
In August 2025, Isis Sio prepared for her first professional fight. She became the first pro boxer from North Dakota to compete in North Dakota since Mariah Prussia in March 2019. At the time of writing, she holds a 1-3-0 professional record.
Sio lost to Jessica Radtke Maltez via unanimous decision in her first fight. She bounced back with a UD win over Katelyn Radtka before losing back-to-back fights via knockout.
With just five games remaining, Leicester City need to rapidly turn things around to avoid relegation from the Women's Super League.
Defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday was their sixth in a row and kept the Foxes three points adrift at the foot of the table.
There were faint hopes of their fortunes turning around at King Power Stadium, when Alisha Lehmann netted to give them a 1-0 advantage at the break - but normal service soon resumed.
They lapsed in the second half and Villa came from behind to win.
It was a result former England striker Ellen White described as "gut-wrenching".
Leicester fans have become accustomed to disappointment this season, this their 12th defeat in the league, but despite their situation, Leicester manager Rick Passmoor is hopeful "the tide will turn" for his side.
"The will is there, the togetherness is there, the culture is there," he told BBC Sport."We are not going away - we are not turning our back on this fight. Our destiny is still in our hands."
This loss was particularly galling given victory would have taken them out of the relegation place above West Ham on goal difference and followed a promising first-half display.
Speaking on BBC Two, White said: "They were so positive, so direct and they got 1-0 up in the first half. Then, they just needed to shut up shop."
Even if Leicester finish bottom this season, it will not be fatal for them.
As the Women's Super League is expanding to 14 teams, no side will be automatically relegated, but the 12th-placed club will face a relegation play-off at the home of whoever finishes third in the WSL 2.
Why Leicester are in trouble
Alisha Lehmann's first goal for Leicester was only their ninth in the Women's Super League this season [Getty Images]
This has been a difficult season for Leicester, who have struggled to find the back of the net throughout the campaign.
Their nine goals in the league is the worst of any team, six fewer than anyone else, and they have not scored more than once in any league game.
As a result, Passmoor's priority has to be fixing their attacking issues, which have only worsened due to injury.
Against Villa, they were without Denny Draper, Noemie Mouchon and Jutta Rantala, while Emily van Egmond has only just finished representing Australia at the Asian Cup.
Even though they started well against Villa and caused early problems, their lack of depth was evident as they ran out of steam in the second half.
After the break, they managed just one shot, a blocked effort in stoppage time, and only mustered four touches in the Villa box. Indeed, 0.76 of their 0.81 expected goals tally came in the first half.
Passmoor said his side have "just got to have a bit of luck", adding: "Our destiny is still in our own hands.
"Whatever it might be to get a result then after that, everybody is relieved and can play with a bit more freedom."
Some injured players being close to returning could aid their attacking objectives - but there will need to be significant improvements if they are to avoid the drop.
The only real advantage for Passmoor's side is the fact that they have a game in hand, but that is away at Arsenal at the end of next month.
The rest of their fixtures also make for difficult reading, with Chelsea still to play, and tricky games at London City and Everton after next week's home match with Brighton.
West Ham and Liverpool remain the only other clear relegation contenders, although Liverpool's five-point advantage following their draw at Brighton earlier on Sunday inched them closer to safety.
Despite Leicester's tough run-in, Passmoor noted that "so have other teams around us," with Liverpool facing both Arsenal and Manchester City, and West Ham also hosting league leaders City.
Liverpool and West Ham still have to play each other too.
While acknowledging the damage of this defeat, White refused to give up on Leicester, saying they are "not out of it by any stretch of the imagination".
"They are just lacking in confidence," she added. "It isn't down and out at all - they need to galvanise and stay together.
"They just need something, a point or performance, to bring confidence and momentum."
[BBC]
Listen to a special episode of the Women's Football Weekly as former England striker Ellen White heads to Leicester City to meet boss Rick Passmoor and Switzerland forward Alisha Lehmann. Find it on the Women's Football Weekly feed
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chad Patrick (39) drops the ball in fielding drills during spring training workouts Saturday, February 14, 2026, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
And here we are! The last day of (conventional) spring training, as the Brewers will take on the Cubs this afternoon before heading to Milwaukee to take on the Reds for a pair of exhibition games on Monday and Tuesday. Then, it’s Opening Day this Thursday, as the White Sox visit Milwaukee for the opening weekend.
Chad Patrick will make his last start of the spring this afternoon, as he’s set to enter the season in the rotation. After a solid rookie season in 2025, he’ll look to repeat that performance in year two. As was the case with Robert Gasser yesterday, Patrick enters this one with some less-than-ideal numbers in the spring, pitching to a 9.72 ERA with nine runs allowed over 8 1/3 innings, striking out nine. Six of those nine runs came in his last appearance against the mighty Dodgers, when he lasted 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and four walks. Peter Strzelecki is also slated to pitch behind Patrick.
Opposite Patrick will be another pitcher coming off a solid rookie season in Cade Horton. Horton sports a 5.91 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 10 2/3 innings this spring. The Brewers’ lineup against Horton features a lot of minor leaguers as the major leaguers travel to Milwaukee. That includes Dylan O’Rae, Jeferson Quero, and Mike Boeve in the top-third of the order, followed by Marco Dinges, Eric Brown Jr., and Jacob Hurtubise. Dasan Brown, Juan Baez, and Luis Castillo round out the lineup.
First pitch in this one is at 2:05 p.m. CT. It’ll be available to watch on Brewers.TV and nationally on ESPN Unlimited.
Italiano ‘was convinced Bologna’ would build positive momentum
Vincenzo Italiano ‘was convinced’ Bologna would keep riding the wave of Europa League momentum, so was surprised by a 2-0 home defeat to Lazio.
The team was still buzzing from the thrill of reaching the Europa League quarter-finals, needing extra time to eventually push Roma aside 4-3 on Thursday night at the Stadio Olimpico.
Inevitably, there was some fatigue from that eventful clash, although they had the opportunity to go in front when Riccardo Orsolini’s penalty was saved by Edoardo Motta.
Instead, Kenneth Taylor struck twice late on to give Lazio the 2-0 victory at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
Italiano frustrated by Bologna setback
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 22: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, talks to his team from the sidelines during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It’s a pity we can’t seem to have a consistent run of results, because we wanted to end the week on three big wins in a row,” Italiano told DAZN Italia.
“Up until their opening goal, we were playing really well, hitting the woodwork and missing a penalty. We’ve got to learn how to stay in the game for 90 and more minutes, but we went behind at the first mistake.
“I was convinced the victory over Roma could give us the momentum we needed, but instead we lost to a team that believed in the result more than we did on the day.”
Bologna did have to play 120 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening, so did that take a lot out of them?
“We did well for 70-odd minutes, when so many games are close together, some mental fatigue can set in. It’s disappointing, because we were in a great spell of form and wanted to go into the break for international duty feeling positive.
“Instead, we need to get right back to work and recover lost ground.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 22: Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, waves to the crowd prior to the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on March 22, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
This result means that Lazio leapfrog Bologna into eighth place in the Serie A standings, further damaging their hopes of qualifying for Europe via this route.
Orsolini’s penalty was weak and central, saved by a goalkeeper who was on only his third career Serie A appearance.
“The team has great faith in Orsolini,” assured Italiano.
“Bernardeschi had taken the most recent penalties, but we wanted to see Orso be decisive again. It’s a pity, this could’ve been a confidence booster for him, but we all applauded him when he came off, and so did the crowd.”
The Syracuse Orange parted ways with former head coach Adrian Autry earlier this month after another missed NCAA Tournament, but it didn't take them long to zero in on the next man for the job. According to multiple reports, Syracuse is expected to hire former Siena head coach Gerry McNamara as the next head coach of the Orange.
McNamara is a former Syracuse player, having won a national championship with the Orange in 2003.
He recently led the Saints to an appearance in the NCAA Tournament where they lost to No. 1 overall seed Duke, 71-65, despite having an 11-point lead over the Blue Devils at halftime. It was the largest first-half lead that a No. 16 seed has ever had over a No. 1 seed in tournament history.
McNamara will replace Autry, who had the tall task of replacing the legendary Jim Boeheim. In three seasons at Syracuse, Autry went 49-48, missing the NCAA tournament in all three seasons, extending the Orange's drought to five seasons without a postseason appearance, which is the longest stretch since 1966-1972 for Syracuse.
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Portland Trail Blazers rookie Yang Hansen registered his second straight double-double in the G League, helping the Rip City Remix to a win over the Raptors 905.
Yang finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots in the 117-105 victory on Saturday at the Chiles Center. He shot 6-of-9 from the field and was a game-high plus-24 in 31 minutes, 43 seconds of action.
The 16th overall pick tallied 10 points in the first half alone to help the Remix stay within reach. He once again showcased his overall skill set and ability, from his array of moves in the post to his rim protection, tying his season high in blocks.
Yang has played sporadically with the Trail Blazers, averaging 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in 7.1 minutes across 39 appearances. He recorded a season-high nine points, five rebounds, three assists and one block in a loss to the Phoenix Suns on. Nov. 18.
The 7-footer made his 17th appearance in the G League, averaging 16.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks while shooting 57.4% from the field. He has six double-doubles, including a 17-point, 11-rebound effort on Friday.
Yang has had the opportunity to log extended minutes in the G League, with playing time at a premium with the Trail Blazers. He will likely remain with the Remix, with two regular-season games left on the schedule.
O'Reilly birthday brace spells doom for Arsenal at Wembley 🥳
Manchester City have thrown a one-two haymaker on the Wembley pitch in the Carabao Cup final against rivals Arsenal.
Across what has been a season of contrasting fortunes between the two English giants, the pressure was on for both Mikel Arteta and his former teacher, Pep Guardiola.
After an opening 45 minutes of action that tilted the scales in favour of the Gunners, it has been a tale of two halves in the capital, with City coming out swinging since the interval.
Two goals in the space of just four minutes has shifted City into the driving seat, but the source of their goalscoring celebrations wasn't Haaland, or Semenyo, but Manchester-born and bred hero Nico O'Reilly.
In doing so, the 21-year-old England international has become the first player since Zlatan Ibrahimović (2018) to bag a brace in the League Cup final.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Tommy Eichenberg #44 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates after a tackle in the first quarter of a game at Allegiant Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Earlier in the week, I explored how the Las Vegas Raiders are making a concerted effort to improve all three phases of the game this offseason — namely, special teams.
It shouldn’t be surprising to see the 25-year-old breakout on special teams. At 6-foot-2 and 234 pounds, Eichenberg has the build for it and this past season, showcased the availability and durability to play all 17 games and notch a team-high 371 snaps on special teams (88 percent of the group’s total in 2025). Eichenberg was a core special teamer his rookie season with 313 snaps but played in only 14 games due to injury.
Every. Rep. Counts.
Read how Tommy Eichenberg's willingness to work his way up led to the shattering of a 31-year-old franchise record ⤵️https://t.co/8ApXjjM9dN
The willingness to play special teams is not only Eichenberg’s own determination, it’s out of necessity. Coming to Ohio State, the Cleveland native knew he’d be joining a loaded defense and there was only one path for him to play early as an underclassman.
“Back in college we always used to say, ‘the best players play,’” Eichenberg told the team’s official website. “So I knew that was the only way I could get on the field back in college, because defense was just kind of a far shot when you’re young and there’s a lot of great players ahead of you.
“I really just tried to get on teams my freshman year and I used that to gain trust from the coaches and go from there. If you can do your job right on teams, then they’re like, ‘Maybe we can use him on defense.’ Especially when you’ve got to be able to tackle and run. Some of the harder things in football are what (special) teams requires.”
As a gunner on punt coverage units, for example, you’re sprinting downfield eyeing the return man and trying to both maintain your own speed while weaving through traffic and avoiding blockers. And, even when you do everything right, you can still get washed out or ran past. But there are the occasions where the stars align and special teamers get to unload and display their wallop. Eichenberg is no different.
“I never counted the tackles ever. People would always try to tell me how many I had and I told them, ‘Don’t tell me, I don’t want to know,’” Eichenberg explained. “Honestly, when you look at it, one of the harder things about teams is if the ball is coming your way. Because the ball can go so many different ways and some of these games, the ball just came my way and I got lucky.”
Eichenberg’s hard work so far in his two seasons in Silver & Black will be hard for the new coaching staff to ignore. The willingness and productiveness on special teams will keep the third-year linebacker from getting lost in the shuffle — even with the ideal additions of Young, Heyward, and Olubi. Las Vegas needs more players of Eichenberg’s ilk to make special teams an asset once more and not a liability.
And with each of the aforementioned names, they have an opportunity to make a run or impact in their respective position groupings.
For Eichenberg (and Olubi), the Raiders switch to a 3-4 defensive front under rookie defensive coordinator Rob Leonard opens up competition and potential snaps with four linebackers slated to be on the field at the same time. In year’s past and under a different defensive boss (Patrick Graham, now Pittsburg Steelers play caller), the Silver & Black often deployed just two or three linebackers at a time in the base 4-2-5/4-3 fronts.
Leonard, who rookie head coach Klint Kubiak praised for “having a plan” and “creativity”, has the opportunity to not only get more linebackers on the field. And the additions of free agents Quay Walker (Green Bay Packers) and Nakobe Dean (Philadelphia Eagles) most certainly strengthens what was a questionable linebacker room in terms of talent and depth.
While Eichenberg and Olubi may face an uphill climb to dislodge both Walker and Dean from expected starting spots, Leonard learned under sound defensive minds like Mike Macdonald (Seattle Seahawks head coach) and Brian Flores (Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator) where controlled chaos and unpredictability is key. And if the Raiders defensive play caller is as creative as Kubiak expects, deploying defenders in different looks to confuse the opposing offense is in order.
Eichenberg can fit the thumper role at inside linebacker — a defender whose mission is to eliminate the run by taking on and shedding blocks to get to the ball carrier. It’s a role that he excelled in his junior y ear at Ohio State where he led the team with 120 total tackles (77 solo) with 12 stops for loss, 2.5 sacks, and an interception.
Yet, if Eichenberg can’t crack more defensive snaps — he’s totaled 169 in his first two seasons with Las Vegas — and special teams remains his calling in the pros, the Raiders will good. Because teams can’t have enough special teams mavens. And it’s going to be interesting to see Eichenberg and Olubi elevate DeCamillis’ unit this coming season.
Photo by Stephen Blackberry/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Jorge Martin stepped back onto the MotoGP podium for the first time since 2024, finishing third in the Sprint race in Goiania.
Martin came in behind Marc Marquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio, marking his first top-three finish since he won the title at Valencia in 2024 with Pramac.
The following year was rough for Martin, who finished 21st after missing 15 races due to injuries.
He’s been slowly working his way back to full fitness, and with the RS-GP now a real contender, he’s starting to look like a threat again. Marco Melandri saw Brazil as a key test for Martin against Marco Bezzecchi, and Martin got the better of him in that Sprint.
Pushing through a rough patch
Injury hit Jorge Martin hard during his Pramac days. He spent most of 2025 on the sidelines after crashing out of multiple races. Even though he only managed two race finishes that year – both outside the points – his team still backed him heading into 2026.
The decision paid off early as he took two wins before Aprilia stepped in mid-season to replace an injured Maverick Vinales. That move eventually led him to a permanent seat with Aprilia from 2027 onwards.
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images
Jorge Martin claims he’s ‘same or better’ than 2024 after first Aprilia podium
Martin took advantage of a slip-up from Bezzecchi to move into third, holding that spot to secure his first podium with Aprilia. It’s been a tough road back after a disastrous 2025 season.
Speaking to Motorsport Espana after the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint, Martin was upbeat about both the result and how he felt physically. He even suggested that he’s riding better now than during his championship-winning campaign.
“This podium finish feels really good after everything I’ve been through. I’ve learned a lot from last year. It’s like going from 2024 to 2026. Every time I go out on the track, I understand more what I need.
“I’m very, very happy. It’s been a tough road; a few months ago, I couldn’t eat, my girlfriend was feeding me. My goal was to finish, and the result was secondary. I’m just focusing on how I feel. There’s still a lot of work to do to catch the Ducatis.
Brazilian Grand Prix podium highlights missed potential for Jorge Martin at Aprilia
Martin’s return to the podium was a lift for both him and Aprilia, but there are still questions about whether their time together ever reached its full potential.
Neil Hodgson pointed out that Aprilia never really got to see Martin at his best. Since joining in 2025, injuries and crashes have kept him from showing the form that made him a champion.
There were also moments when Martin looked ready to leave. At one point, he tried to break his contract due to frustration with the project, but ended up staying when a move to Honda fell through. Now, as he gets back into shape, there’s talk that he may already be on his way out of Aprilia.
Reports suggest Martin is set to join Yamaha in 2027, with Francesco Bagnaia expected to fill his seat alongside Bezzecchi next year.
Tries: Harding 2, Ravouvou Cons: Worsley, Williams
Leicester climbed above fellow play-off hopefuls Bristol into third place in The Prem with a thrilling bonus-point 33-19 win at Welford Road.
The new Prem Rugby Cup winners were in their first league action since January and saw off a strong showing from Bristol to end the Bears' five-game winning run in the league.
In-form Billy Searle pulled the strings from fly-half and his kicking helped make the difference in a seesaw encounter full of fast rugby.
Searle's accuracy from the tee was impressive and the Tigers got their fourth try in added time when Gabe Hamer-Webb streaked clear in style.
Bristol, who fall to fifth in the table, last lost in The Prem in October but were up against it early as the Tigers made a fast start.
Leicester captain Ollie Chessum was among a host of internationals to immediately return after the Six Nations while Bristol gave England's Ellis Genge, Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit and Scotland's Tom Jordan a week off.
Joaquin Moro burrowed over from a metre out after a quick tap penalty and Hanro Liebenberg added Leicester's second after a wonderful free-flowing attack took the Tigers from their own 22.
The Bears had been second best but then scored twice in two minutes to ignite the contest.
A fine run and handoff from Gabriel Ibitoye opened up Leicester for the first time and forward Fitz Harding was able to finish, before wing Kalaveti Ravouvou scored a superb individual try after bouncing off a tackle from Freddie Steward.
Searle kicked another penalty to stretch the Leicester lead but Bristol then piled on pressure with their pack and were rewarded with Harding piling over for his second score.
The conversion from James Williams made it 20-19 but the Tigers then raised their game.
Searle led a superb break from Leicester which would have led to one of the tries of the season only for Moro to spill the ball while flying over the line.
But Moro did then assist a pivotal score, teeing up replacement Izaia Perese to power over.
Bristol fought hard but a 78th-minute penalty from Searle secured the win before a superb kick from Steward set Hamer-Webb away for the bonus point.
'Every game feels like a play-off game' - reaction
Leicester coach Geoff Parling to BBC Radio Leicester:
"Could you not hear me at the end? I wanted us to kick it off but I am proud of the lads for playing what they see. What a finish to the game.
"Every game feels like a play-off game now. It is a challenge for the guys who have been away for two months with their country but I am proud of their attitude and effort.
"We overplayed slightly in the first half but it was a great game with two teams going at each other playing positive rugby.
"The players feel free to express themselves, our game is evolving."
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam to BBC Radio Bristol:
"We created enough opportunities to get more out of the game but we squandered them. We showed good fight but ultimately we ended up chasing the game.
"A lot of the boys are disappointed but we will get better. We had the attacking intent we all saw in the Six Nations, we made decisions to go which were right.
"We wanted to take Leicester out of their comfort zone and they were on their knees at one stage. We changed it up but to win here you have to be at your best."
The Denver Broncos took an interesting approach to free agency this year, choosing to re-sign nearly every free agent they had, including players who hardly saw the field last season. However, the team is clearly building continuity.
Before coming to terms with free-agent defensive back Tycen Anderson, the Broncos were the last team in the league to sign a free agent from outside the organization. The focus, at least at first, was to use those resources on their own players.
That said, some of these players are not going to be assured of being on the roster in 2026. They will have to earn their keep in training camp and survive some position battles after the team adds more options in the 2026 NFL Draft and after signing players who go undrafted.
For these four players, nothing is guaranteed.
4 re-signed Broncos players squarely on roster bubble
Jaleel McLaughlin, RB
The Broncos chose not to tender a contract to restricted free agent Jaleel McLaughlin, which made him an unrestricted free agent. He still came back to the Broncos at a lower rate.
But he is clearly the team's fourth option at running back behind J.K. Dobbins, RJ Harvey and Tyler Badie. The Broncos could easily add another running back in the draft, which would all but bump him off the roster.
His best bet will be to improve as much as possible in pass protection to unset Badie for his spot. McLaughlin is a better offensive player than Badie, but Badie gets the snaps due to being better in pass protection and being able to play on special teams.
Matt Henningsen, DL
After missing the entire 2025 season, it was a surprise to see the Broncos bring back Matt Henningsen. There is a lack of depth along the defensive line, which gives him a chance to stick around... for now. He will face long odds to make the 2026 roster.
Lucas Krull, TE
The Broncos, at least as things currently stand, will have the exact same tight end group that they had last season, which doesn't bring about excitement.
Lucas Krull played in just three games last year and is far behind Evan Engram, Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins on the depth chart. If the Broncos add a tight end in the draft or even as an undrafted player, Krull's days could be numbered.
Matt Peart, OL
Matt Peart agreed to take a pay cut to stay in Denver, but he will still have to prove he belongs this summer. Alex Palczewski, who took over as the fill-in for Ben Powers after Peart suffered a knee injury last season, played quite well and should be ahead of Peart on the depth chart.
If the Broncos keep the usual number of eight offensive linemen on the 53-man roster, you'd have to figure that Garett Bolles, Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Palczewski and Frank Crum will be seven of them.
That would leave Peart to battle with guys like Alex Forsyth, Michael Deiter, Nick Gargiulo, Calvin Throckmorton, Nash Jones and Marques Cox, and that's if the team doesn't add anyone else, which is extremely unlikely.
No. 1 Tennessee (28-3, 6-3 SEC) suffered its first series loss during the 2026 softball season. No. 5 Florida (31-2, 8-1 SEC) defeated the Lady Vols, 3-2, on Sunday at Katie Seashole Pressly Softball Stadium in Gainesville, Florida.
Karlyn Pickens started for Tennessee and pitched 4.1 innings. She totaled five strikeouts and 81 pitches, including 42 strikes, against 19 batters. Pickens allowed four hits (one home run), three runs (three earned), five walks and two wild pitches.
Sage Mardjetko relieved Pickens and pitched 1.2 innings, recording one strikeout and 19 pitches (14 strikes).
Gabby Leach hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning for Tennessee's first runs in the series finale. Tennessee's offense recorded five hits against the Gators, including one double from Elsa Morrison.
Florida won its first series against Tennessee since 2017.
The Lady Vols will next play on Tuesday against Tennessee Tech. First pitch for the in-state matchup is slated for 6 p.m. EDT and can be watched on SEC Network+.
Teams are punching their tickets to the Sweet 16 on Sunday.
Don’t forget to check Austin Mock’s projection bracket to see how your team is expected to perform in each game. And if you filled out our “Beat the Expert” bracket, check in to see how you’re faring against our expert, Chantel Jennings.
Follow along for all of the second round action:
Brooks out for NC State
After suffering a foot injury halfway through the third quarter in NC State’s opening-round win, Zoe Brooks has been ruled out for the second-round game against No. 2 seed Michigan. The junior guard missed the final 15 minutes against Tennessee on Friday, but she didn’t practice Saturday and was on crutches while wearing a boot prior to Sunday’s contest. Brooks averages 16 points per game, second on the Wolfpack behind Khamil Pierre (16.8).
This is the first game Brooks will miss all season, and just the second miss of her college career. Destiny “Kyshe” Lunan will make her first career start in place of Brooks. The freshman guard averages 4.5 points on 35.4 percent shooting, so NC State likely will need another big outing from sophomore Zamareya Jones to keep dancing. Jones scored a career-high 30 points to beat the Lady Vols, including 13 after Brooks’ injury. Pierre will also be more of a focal point against a smaller Wolverines frontcourt.
The Wolfpack use a short rotation, with Lunan the lone guard averaging double-digit minutes off the bench. They’ll have to play bigger, with more minutes for wings Devyn Quigley and Qadence Samuels, though neither is much of a scoring threat.
On the ESPN broadcast, sideline reporter Jess Sims said the Wolfpack are optimistic that Brooks could be available if they advance to the Sweet 16, as they have in four of the last five seasons. – Sabreena Merchant
Cricket Australia has revealed its international schedule for the 2026-27 season, outlining a demanding calendar that leaves minimal recovery time ahead of the high-profile Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, likely to start in mid or late January.
The five-match Test tour of India is expected to be a defining stretch for an experienced Australian side led by Pat Cummins, with several senior players facing one of the toughest assignments of their careers.
In total, Australia are scheduled to play 10 Tests within a 14-week span from December to March, making it one of the most intense periods in the team’s history.
The home summer begins in August 2026 with a two-Test series against Bangladesh and runs through to March 2027, ending with a landmark day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to celebrate the 150th anniversary Test against England national cricket team.
A four-Test home series against New Zealand national cricket team has been squeezed into just over a month, adding further pressure to an already tight schedule. Before that, Australia will tour South Africa national cricket team for a three-Test series that runs until the end of October, followed by an eight-match white-ball series against England in November.
According to CA, the India tour represents a significant challenge for senior players such as Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, all of whom are yet to win a Test series in India.
“That Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour, a final frontier for the likes of Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon, who have never won a series in India, will also be a quick-fire campaign given CA’s anniversary Test begins back in Melbourne on March 11,” CA said in a statement.
The board also indicated a cautious approach to workload management, pointing out that the decision to rest key fast bowlers like Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood for the early stages of the Indian Premier League reflects concerns over sustaining them through the packed season.
“The call to hold back all three of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood from at least the first few rounds of the soon-to-begin IPL shows CA is wary of getting their trio to the finishing line of the intense 2026-27 run," the statement added.
Australia’s packed Test itinerary includes:
August: Two Tests vs Bangladesh (home)
October: Three Tests vs South Africa (away)
December-January: Four Tests vs New Zealand (home)
January-March: Five Tests vs India (away)
March 11-15: 150th anniversary Test vs England (home)
Looking further ahead, Australia could feature in the World Test Championship final in June if they qualify, before embarking on a five-Test tour of England between June and August.
📋 Vasco and Grêmio line-ups confirmed for Brasileirão round eight clash
Vasco and Grêmio are LINED UP for the 4 p.m. match this Sunday (22), at São Januário, for the eighth round of the Brasileirão.
Globo (for RJ, RS, AC, AP, AM, ES, PB, PI, MA, RN, RO, RR, SC, SE, and DF) and Premiere will broadcast the game. And you can follow live updates in the card below:
Vasco is in 10th place, with eight points, while Grêmio is in seventh, with 11 points.
Check out the lineups below and leave your prediction!
Vasco Lineup
Jair (knee injury) and Mateus Carvalho (knee injury) are the only absences for Renato Gaúcho.
Barros – suspended during the 3-2 win over Fluminense – is available again.
Despite that, Hugo Moura remains among the starting eleven.
Léo Jardim; Paulo Henrique, Saldivia, Robert Renan, and Cuiabano; Hugo Moura, Thiago Mendes, Tchê Tchê; Nuno Moreira, Andrés Gómez, and David
Grêmio Lineup
Marlon is out after a serious fracture in his right ankle. Villasanti (surgery on his left knee) is the other absence for the tricolor side.
Coach Luís Castro is making a total of THREE changes. Caio Paulista takes Marlon’s spot at left-back.
Arthur and Tetê are the other new faces compared to the 2-0 win over Vitória.
Weverton; Pavon, Balbuena, Viery, and Caio Paulista; Leo Perez, Arthur, and Nardoni; Tetê, Amuzu, and Carlos Vinicius.
The Boston Celtics are terrifying to their opponents again. Or at least that is the point of view of the folks behind the "Backyard Buckets" YouTube channel, who put together a clip taking a closer look at the bounce back of Boston in what was supposed to be a 'gap year' according to many a fan and analyst.
Instead of mailing it in for a season, the Celtics have rebuilt themselves into a contender again against all odds. We say against all odds because Boston lost star forward Jayson Tatum to an Achilles tendon injury in the 2025 NBA East semis, then lost Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis via trades or free agency this past offseason. How did the Celtics thread this impossible needle? Jaylen Brown, a new supporting cast, and the return of Tatum from injury, to start.
Take a look at the clip embedded below to hear what they had to say about why Boston is defying expectations once again.
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 06: Reggie Jackson and Fernando Valenzuela pregame before game of Los Angeles Dodgers and California Angels, April 6, 1986 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images) | Getty Images
Now that the Dodgers are done with the Arizona portion of spring training, they are back home in Southern California for another decades-long tradition — the Freeway Series against the Angels.
The Freeway Series began in 1962 with a single game in Palm Springs before settling into the mostly annual routine of games in Los Angeles and Anaheim ever since. The two teams meeting was a novelty for a long time, as National League and American League teams did not meet except for the World Series for most of baseball history.
But the Dodgers and Angels have played each other in the regular season every year since 1997, which removes a lot of the shine the exhibition Freeway Series. Given the few breaks in the spring training matchups — no Freeway Series from 1965-68, 1972, 1980, and 2000-02 — there have been more years the Dodgers and Angels have played in the regular season (29) than years when the exhibition Freeway Series was their only matchup (27).
Knowing the Dodgers and Angels will meet six times during the regular season — May 15-17 in Anaheim, and June 5-7 in Los Angeles — means folks won’t really be bursting at the seams for these three exhibition games. But in case you were wondering, here are the stats for the history of the Freeway Series.
The Dodgers are 60-79-6 all-time in the exhibition Freeway Series, with the last tie coming in 2017.
The Angels won that first game in Palm Springs, 6-5. The Dodgers are 33-37-3 at Dodger Stadium in these games, and 27-41-3 in Anaheim. Here are the splits by decade:
Decade
Record
Runs scored
Runs allowed
1960s
1-6
18
28
1970s
14-11-1
128
96
1980s
13-14
109
103
1990s
12-14
92
88
2000s
4-9-3
67
85
2010s
9-17-2
97
132
2020s
7-8
66
65
Totals
60-79-6
577
597
Sunday night’s game is at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, with Monday and Tuesday at Dodger Stadium.
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 2: Nathaniel Lowe #37 of the Boston Red Sox speaks to the media before Game Three of the American League Wild Card series against the New York Yankees on October 2, 2025 at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cincinnati Reds made official on Saturday what we’d anticipated regarding their roster, officially informing non-roster invitee Nathaniel Lowe that he would make the Opening Day roster. Cincinnati also opted to include Sam Moll, who is out of options, while using the existing minor league options on spring standouts JJ Bleday, Rece Hinds, and Zach Maxwell to stash that trio in AAA for additional depth.
On Sunday, they’ll play one final time at their home in Goodyear, Arizona before heading to Milwaukee for a pair of exhibition games against the Brewers. Then, on Thursday, the real work begins with Opening Day at home against Garrett Crochet and the Boston Red Sox.
Lowe will get a start at 1B batting cleanup on Sunday vs. the Cleveland Guardians in the Cactus League finale as the Reds roll out a strong, albeit far from peak lineup. Nick Lodolo will toe the rubber for the start.
This game will be watchable via Reds.TV, Guardians.TV, and therefore MLB.tv for subscribers of the lot, so you can use your own eyes to see whether the 14-14 Reds can finish the 2026 Cactus League slate with a winning record, or not.
Here’s the travel roster for the day courtesy of Redleg Nation’s Doug Gray.
It’s officially Opening Week, which isn’t technically a ‘thing,’ but you certainly know of what I speak. Welcome back, baseball!
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 27: Cashius Howell #9 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates after making a sack against Jackson Arnold #11 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) in the fourth quarter of the game at Kyle Field on September 27, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft begins in one month, and the Buffalo Bills currently hold seven picks in the draft, beginning with pick No. 26 in the first round.
After the first wave of free agency, the Bills’ draft needs have come a little more into focus. In today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks, we run through the latest batch of mock drafts to see which players and positions find themselves being commonly linked to the Bills at the end of the first round, including disruptive edge rusher Cashius Howell of Texas A&M (pictured below).
Free agency
According to the mock drafts included below, the Bills could go wide receiver, linebacker, safety, or defensive linemen at pick 26. One name commonly mentioned is talented Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell, who could make plenty of sense if he’s still on the board at the end of Round 1. Howell would bring a stand-up edge rushing presence with ample speed and explosiveness, traits the Bills currently lack among their edge rushers.
Among the other names linked to the Bills are: Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker (pictured below), Missouri edge rusher Zion Young, Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, and Auburn defensive end Keldrick Faulk.
Discussing why retaining center Connor McGovern to protect Josh Allen was Brandon Beane’s top offseason priority. Plus, identifying moves the Bills could make to shore up their depth at cornerback; analyzing how Buffalo factored in the perceived character risks associated with newly signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson; exploring why at least one football pundit says the Bills are among the league’s most improved teams; and more!
No team has made more splashes into this year's free-agency pool than the Carolina Panthers have.
General manager Dan Morgan and his front office began the legal tampering period with a cannonball, reeling in a top pass rusher in Jaelan Phillips on a whopper of a four-year, $120 million deal. They'd proceed to dive a bit deeper—grabbing the market's top inside linebacker Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $42 million pact, then the top left tackle Rasheed Walker on a bargain of a one-year, $4 million agreement.
So, where do the souped up NFC South champions now stand in the league's landscape following their active start to the offseason?
Here's where the Panthers fall across the NFL power rankings as we move through the final few waves of free agency . . .
Take: We'll find out if the money spent on edge Jaelan Phillips ($120 million over four years) and linebacker Devin Lloyd ($45 million over three years) was spent well, but it appears the Panthers have upgraded on defense. Per NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, their pursuit of Phillips was informed by their failure to sign Milton Williams in 2025; Carolina refused to be left out in the cold this time. The Rasheed Walker signing was a mild surprise, giving the offensive line excellent insurance while left tackle Ikem Ekwonu works his way back from a ruptured patellar tendon. The O-line might still need further work following the departure of center Cade Mays, but the Panthers appear to be in relatively decent shape up front. I still think they'll add one more offensive lineman. They're not there yet, but they're also not terribly far, depending on how high you think quarterback Bryce Young's ceiling might be.
Take: [They] spent big on the defensive side of the ball in free agency, getting pass rusher Jaelen Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Signing Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker to take over for the injured Ickey Ekwonu was a nice move.
Take: They massively overpaid for edge rusher Jaelen Phillips, but he and linebacker Devin Lloyd will still help their defense. Losing center Cade Mays and running back Rico Dowdle, though, isn’t good news for a still-growing quarterback.
Take: As one of the biggest winners of free agency, the Panthers have created a promising outlook for 2026. Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips will revamp a defense that struggled to field top talent in the front seven. While the roster has the potential to make major strides in 2026, finding consistency will be the key. And it all starts with Bryce Young and Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, who will aim to further build their chemistry.
Take: The Panthers may not be NFC contenders yet, but they've made smart moves to address major needs. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd could help improve a defensive unit that ranked in the bottom 10 against the pass and run in 2025. Plus, new center Luke Fortner should start, and Rasheed Walker is a solid stop-gap option to replace injured left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, whose 2026 availability remains unclear.
Kane climbs into Bayern Munich's top 10 all-time scorers with 48th goal of incredible season
Harry Kane can't stop scoring this season and added another goal to his Bayern Munich collection this weekend.
Kane was on target as Bayern Munichthrashed Union Berlin 4-0 to edge closer to the Bundesliga title.
The England captain has now scored 48 goals in all competitions in a career-best campaign, spearheading a Bayern side who are closing in on the Bundesliga's single-season goal record.
Bayern have now scored 97 goals in the league alone, just four short of theBundesliga record, set by Bayern in 1971-72.
Incredibly, Kane's latest goal also saw the 32-year-old break into the top 10 goalscorers in the club's illustrious history. In less than three seasons in Germany, Kane has climbed above some legendary figures to make the list.
He's scored 133 goals in 136 games and is now the fourth-highest scoring foreign footballer in club history. Only Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben and Giovane Elber have outscored Kane among non-German players.
On current form, there's a good chance Kane surpasses both Robben and Elber before the season's conclusion.
Mar 12, 2026; Lakeland, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren (98) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images
The Yankees are back in action today on the last sabbath before baseball stats start to matter again. The Bombers take on the Phillies in the final spring training game of the year at GMS Field in Tampa, and dare we label this one a potential pitching duel?
Will Warren gets the ball for New York, and he has quietly become one of the most intriguing storylines in camp. This spring, Warren owns a 1.77 ERA with 16 strikeouts, continuing to build momentum as he pushes to solidify his role. The raw stuff has never really been in question, but what has stood out is how consistent it has looked from start to start.
Fans are buying the early results from Warren. Whether it is the mechanical tweaks or the shift of position on the rubber, there is a growing belief that Warren may be taking that next step.
Because that is what separates arms at this level. Consistency and the ability to competitively eat innings is what turns a depth arm into a major league rotation piece.
Warren entered camp needing to prove he could be trusted in meaningful innings, and so far, he has done exactly that. If this version holds, he should be able to help stabilize the rotation early as the Yankees wait for reinforcements to arrive.
On the other side, Aaron Nola presents a very different kind of storyline. The Phillies’ right-hander returns from the international stage after pitching for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic. Nola was excellent in the tournament, highlighted by five scoreless innings against Mexico as Italy advanced through pool play.
That outing was more than just a spring highlight. It came with improved velocity and sharp command, signs that Nola may be trending back toward the form that made him one of the most reliable starters in the game. That impressive performance was followed up with four innings of one-run ball against the eventual tournament champion Venezuela in the semifinals.
The momentum has carried into camp, where Nola looks like the steady veteran the Phillies have leaned on for years. For a pitcher like him, this part of the spring is usually about fine-tuning, but the added workload from the WBC suggests he may already be a step ahead.
The Yankees lineup today is the starters minus Austin Wells, so very much a lineup and order we should expect to see a few times over the next few months. Rolling Jazz Chisholm Jr. and José Caballero in the six-seven spots in the lineup should make the bottom of the order quite the headache for Nola and the rest of the Phillies staff if they are able to find their way onto the basepaths.
So the questions for today: Will Will Warren keep his momentum rolling in his final spring tune-up? And how will the Yankees’ bats look against a veteran arm ready for the real thing?
Real baseball is almost back!
How to Watch
Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field — Tampa, FL First pitch: 1:05 ET
🚨 Brasileirão club announce manager's exit after a win
Botafogo announced the departure of coach Martín Anselmi this Sunday (22), one day after the 2-1 VICTORY over RB Bragantino in the Brasileirão.
Botafogo was recently eliminated from the pre-Libertadores by Barcelona-EQU. In addition, the club is only in 15th place in the Brasileirão, with six points.
So, Botafogo fan, what did you think of the decision?
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 25: Terrance Ferguson #18 of the Los Angeles Rams runs during an NFC Championship NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Free agency has mostly come and gone, at least in terms of players who can make an immediate impact. The Rams were tied to the Philadelphia Eagles’ AJ Brown before that rumor turned ice cold. LA has also reportedly considered trading away veteran Davante Adams, and his contract now makes that less difficult after a bonus came due.
These were the top of the market signings in 2026:
Alec Pierce (Colts): 4 years, $114M
Wan’dale Robinson (Titans): 4 years, $70M
Romeo Doubs (Patriots): 4 years, $68M
Rashid Shaheed (Seahawks): 3 years, $51M
Mike Evans (49ers): 3 years, $42M
Jalen Nailor (Raiders): 3 years, $35M
Tyquan Thornton (Chiefs): 2 years, $11M
Doubs is making at least $10M less than Adams is this season and probably brings more consistency on a down to down basis. He’s a player that made a lot of sense for LA if they were going to dip into the free agent pool. Overall it’s fair to conclude that these players were paid hefty amounts compared their historical production, and smart money generally sits on the sidelines.
We can also draw potential conclusions about why the Rams sat out of free agency outside of their main signing in corner Jaylen Watson. Here are some possible explainations:
Rams are committed to frequent deployment of 12/13 personnel
LA views Terrance Ferguson as a hybrid TE/WR
Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield are ready for larger roles in seasons three and two, respectively
This is a position better suited for the draft
The last point is the one that rings the most true to me, although reality probably takes a piece of them individually to fit the big picture. This is likely Adams’ last season in the NFL. Receivers are expensive. The Rams can find an immediate contributor with either the #13th overall pick or in the second round that also has the capability to replace Adams into 2027 and beyond.
One concern I do have about leaning into the usage of multiple tight ends at the expense of maintaining a deep core of receivers is that the deployment of these personnel packages are situationally dependent. While the Rams may be getting away from their historical reliance on 11 personnel (three receivers), you still need a deep pass catching bench for late-game comeback situations. You don’t want two or three tight ends on the field in “must have it” scenarios with minimal time on the clock. You need at least three receivers that are dependable in the game’s final moments.
All signs are currently pointing to the Rams landing another talented pass catcher with their first selection in next month’s NFL draft. They surprisingly didn’t tap into the free agent pool, but this is still a position that needs to be addressed over the offseason.
NC State will attempt to pull off what would be the biggest upset in the Women’s NCAA Tournament so far this year without starting guard Zoe Brooks.
Brooks has been ruled out for the No. 7 Wolfpack's second-round matchup with No. 2 Michigan on the Wolverines’ home floor in Ann Arbor. The junior suffered a foot injury in the Wolfpack’s first-round win over Tennessee. She played just 17 minutes, scoring eight points.
Brooks is NC State’s second leading scorer this season at 16.1 points per game and leads the Wolfpack in assists with 4.3. She also averages 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. NC State is 3-0 this season when she scores 25 or more points.
NC State coach Wes Moore said Brooks didn’t practice on Saturday and was wearing a walking boot.
“Obviously, the first priority is going to be her health and making sure she's not at risk as far as her future goes,” Moore said. “I've got a lot of confidence in (freshman guard Ky'She Lunan) and I think the other players do as well. That helps. Still not the same as having Zoe out there, a junior with her experience and all that she's done, but either way we'll be ready to play.”
The Wolfpack will likely have to lean heavily on Zam Jones for scoring. The sophomore guard scored a career-high 30 points in the win over Tennessee. Junior forward Khamil Pierre is also averaging 16.8 points and 12.1 rebounds per game this season.
NC State hasn’t played Michigan since 2018, when the Wolfpack and Wolverines faced off in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge.
A win for NC State would mark its seventh trip to the Sweet 16 in the last eight NCAA Tournaments.
If there's one thing that's undeniable about the Boston Red Sox, it's this: Boston's developmental pitching pipeline is robust.
MassLive's Sean McAdam singled out the Red Sox’s recent pitching draft class on Sunday as the undeniable buzz of camp. The three college pitchers selected in last July’s draft have turned heads throughout spring training, proving the organization’s pitcher-development machine is producing results once again
“Without question, the three most-talked about prospects in Red Sox camp were the top three college pitchers they drafted last July: Kyson Witherspoon, Marcus Phillips and Anthony Eyanson,” McAdam wrote. “The organization’s pitching development pipeline is now flowing freely.”
Witherspoon, the first-rounder out of Oklahoma, Phillips from Tennessee, and Eyanson from LSU have all looked sharp in live batting practice and the recent Spring Breakout showcase. Their ability to miss bats and command the zone has scouts and coaches alike excited.
As the regular season approaches, the trio will likely begin the year in the minors, but their rapid ascent means they could surface in Boston sooner than later if injuries hit. The pipeline’s flow gives Alex Cora and Craig Breslow welcome flexibility at a time when every roster spot matters.
With the club fresh off ending a postseason drought, sustained homegrown pitching could be the difference in sustaining contention through the 2026 campaign and beyond.
Dana White has doubled down on his stance about Jon Jones
never being a part of the White House plan.
Jones is not fighting at the
UFC White House card in June despite having tried for a spot
ever since the event was first mentioned. Jones recently claimed
that he was willing to fight Alex
Pereira for much less than he had demanded to fight Tom
Aspinall last year. However, the UFC was allegedly not willing
to offer more than $15 million to Jones, who didn’t think it was
enough.
“Was ready, willing and physically able to step in,” Jones wrote on
X. “I was willing to take substantially less than the Aspinall ask
but they wouldn’t budge one dollar over $15m. I felt like our fight
was worth more.”
was ready, willing and physically
able to step in. I was willing to take substantially less than the
Aspinall ask but they wouldn’t budge one dollar over $15m. I felt
like our fight was worth more. https://t.co/u9ISd2bD07— Jonny Meat
(@JonnyBones)
March 21, 2026
No Way in Hell
White responded to Jones’ claims at the
UFC London post-fight press conference on Saturday. White
maintains that Jones was never a part of the plan for the White
House card.
“How many f—-ing times I gotta say this?” White said. “He was never fighting on the White House card…
There was no way in hell I was putting him on that card, no matter
what the money was. Jon Jones was
never gonna fight in the White House card.”
Jones (28-1) kept the heavyweight division hanging for over a year,
while White kept promising fans that “Bones” would fight interim
champion Aspinall. However, Jones retired in June 2025 without
fighting Aspinall. Jones would return to the drug testing pool just
weeks later, after plans for the White House card were mentioned.
Jones kept rallying for a spot on the card, even pleading with
White.
When Jones missed out, White claimed that he was never a part of
the plan. However, the former UFC double champ lashed out on social
media, hinting at lengthy negotiations with the promotion about
fighting at the White House. Jones has since called for his release
from the UFC.
After becoming the youngest goal-scorer in Premier League history, Arsenal's teenage sensation Max Dowman has caught the attention of many around the globe, including England manager Thomas Tuchel.
At just 16 years of age, Dowman has already made seven first-team appearances for the Gunners, including three in league play.
However, Dowman made headlines after his open-net goal against Everton in the club's last Premier League match, sealing a 2-0 victory in front of the home faithful at Emirates Stadium.
THE STUFF OF LEGEND. 🤯
16-YEAR-OLD MAX DOWMAN GOES COAST-TO-COAST TO SEAL ARSENAL'S WIN. THE YOUNGEST GOALSCORER IN PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/kYV5jY8DXt
Most recently featuring for England at the U-19 level, Dowman's impressive play has Tuchel mesmerized by the young talent.
"He put himself in the spotlight with this amazing goal against Everton," Tuchel said during a press conference regarding the England squad announcement on Friday. "I think he is, at the moment, obviously a fantastic talent and an outstanding talent. At this age, there cannot be a doubt about it.
"Everyone who tells me about Max praises him and is full of compliments. The reality is at the moment he competes for minutes. He is not a regular starter for Arsenal.
"I think he is in a fantastic environment, the best possible: in a competitive club, a stable club, a club where teamwork is the number one rule. This is how they play, how they function. He learns from the very best environment.
"With these young guys, of course we know all these players. We see them as you do as well. At the moment I think he is in a good place to fight for his minutes at Arsenal. We always have the chance to call him maybe up for the World Cup.
"The thing with young players to keep the momentum maybe going, keep their excitement. They have a level of fearlessness with them. There is no need to call him up now and increase the pressure and increase all the noise that comes with it, but we have all options."
If Dowman were to make the Three Lions and play for them at the upcoming World Cup, he would break the record for the youngest player to feature in the tournament.
Currently, the record is held by Northern Ireland's Norman Whiteside, who was 17 years and 41 days old when he played against Yugoslavia at the 1982 World Cup.
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 21: Nile Miller #25 of the Howard Bison shoots the ball as Kylee Kitts #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes defends during the third quarter of a game in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Jerome Schottenstein Center on March 21, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In what was hopefully the first game of a deep tournament run, No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball routed No. 14 Howard on the Buckeyes’ home turf Saturday, 75-54.
Though the Bison kept things close early, once the Buckeyes pulled away, they never looked back, and in the process, OSU signaled how tournament-ready they are. Here are three things we learned about what we can expect from this team heading into round two.
OSU’s defense has the potential to be destructive
A big reason the Buckeyes were able to create so much separation in Saturday’s game was their dominant defensive effort. The Buckeyes gave up just four points in the second quarter, and the opportunities they generated off defensive pressure were perhaps never more evident than during a 30-2 run that started late in the first quarter and extended into the second.
Turnovers, a strength of this Buckeye team all season, played a major role in this run, with the Buckeyes forcing five turnovers during the run alone to give themselves a lot of breathing room. The Bison finished the game with just three assists, their lowest of the season. It’s a testament to how much pressure the defense put on the Bison—and just how disruptive OSU was to their offensive structure—that they couldn’t sustain any offensive rhythm they had at the outset.
They’ll need this defense on Monday against Notre Dame as they try to contain Hannah Hidalgo and the Fighting Irish offense. If they can continue to channel this disruptive energy to shut down Hidalgo and increase the tempo, they’ll have a decent shot at their first Sweet Sixteen berth since 2023.
At its best, the Buckeye offense is explosive
If Jaloni Cambridge was disappointed by her performance in the Buckeyes’ Big Ten Tournament loss to UCLA, you wouldn’t know it from Saturday’s outing. The sophomore put up 21 points and tacked on 2 blocks and 3 steals for good measure, accounting for 10 points in an impressive second quarter.
Chance Gray, Kennedy Cambridge, and Ava Watson each added 11 points a piece in the decisive victory.
When they were playing at their peak Saturday, the defensive effort created opportunities and the Buckeyes capitalized offensively, giving off an air of unstoppability, most notably on that big second-quarter run.
Though they’ll need to find a way to sustain this firepower for longer stretches the deeper they get into this tournament, Saturday’s outing was a reminder that if you give this team an inch, it’s highly likely they will take a mile. When this offense fires on all cylinders, they have the power to take complete control of both the tempo and the outcome of a game, exactly like they did against the Bison.
Resilience continues to be a strength
You wouldn’t know it from looking at the final score, but the game was competitive early, with five lead changes in the first eight minutes. The Buckeyes went 2-for-6 shooting to start the game and held a narrow 20-15 lead at the end of the first quarter, thanks in large part to missed shots.
Turns out, they didn’t need a hot start to win big.
Coming off a loss in the Big Ten Tournament, the Buckeyes remained composed on their home court, shaking off the early jitters to turn their five-point lead into a 24-point advantage by halftime. In fact, after guard Chance Gray hit the first of two consecutive threes toward the end of the first, the Buckeyes never relinquished the lead again.
When the Buckeyes found themselves in foul trouble in the third quarter, the adversity didn’t rattle them. With Howard in the bonus early in the second half off six quick fouls from OSU (a pair of fouls each for point guard Jaloni Cambridge, center Elsa Lemmilä and forward Kylee Kitts), Ohio State still managed to rebound effectively and maintain a comfortable lead. That the Bison had so many opportunities to make shots and struggled to hit them, failing to close the gap in spite of the free chances, speaks to how in control the Buckeyes were.
Even after head coach Kevin McGuff received a technical (stemming from Kitts’ second foul, after which McGuff screamed at the refs), all it did was fuel the Buckeyes. Guard Kennedy Cambridge even went on the record to say the technical lit a fire for her to “go harder.”
Composure wasn’t necessarily a determining factor in a game they were in solid control of, but a lesser team might never have gained control to begin with after shooting trouble to start. Others might have given away some of that control after the fouls in the third.
Instead, this team stared adversity in the face and dared it to interfere with their plans. So much of tournament success is won in the intangibles—Do you get in your own way? Do you rattle easily? McGuff’s Buckeyes proved today that they don’t, regrouping when the shots didn’t fall early to find a way to victory.
Certainly, a team like Notre Dame might not be as forgiving of critical mistakes, and the deeper the Buckeyes get into the tournament, the less likely they are to have such a wide lead to fall back on, but early adversity won’t do anything but give them a blueprint for improvement in the next outing, and to that end, they rose to the occasion and know what they need to fix before Monday.
Up next, the Buckeyes face the No. 6-seed Fighting Irish in the second round this Monday at 4:00 PM ET in Columbus.
Thanks to a Nebel brace - Late drama seals crucial Mainz victory over Frankfurt
In a match packed with emotion, controversy, and late drama, Mainz 05 secured a vital 2-1 win over regional rivals Eintracht Frankfurt, boosting their hopes in the Bundesliga relegation battle.
Burkardt honoured in emotional pre-match moment
Before kick-off, the focus was on Jonathan Burkardt, now wearing Frankfurt colours, who was honoured for his outstanding time in Mainz. The striker made 144 appearances and scored 45 goals for the club, cementing his place as Mainz’s all-time top Bundesliga scorer.
Fast start: Nebel fires Mainz ahead
Mainz began brightly and applied early pressure. Their aggressive start paid off in the 6th minute when Paul Nebel found space on the right following a throw-in. His deflected effort looped over Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetterer to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
At halftime, injured Mainz midfielder Nadiem Amiri praised the goalscorer: “I told him in training to shoot more often - now you can see what he’s capable of.”
Frankfurt hit back through Brown
Frankfurt responded well to the early setback and grew into the game. In the 20th minute, Burkardt’s turning effort was blocked, but the rebound fell kindly to Jean-Mattéo Bahoya, who squared the ball to Nathaniel Brown. The left-back, recently called up to the Germany national team, calmly finished to make it 1-1.
Both sides continued to create chances in an evenly contested first half before heading into the break level.
Frankfurt dominate after the break
The second half saw a shift in momentum, with Frankfurt largely in control. The visitors enjoyed the majority of possession and repeatedly carved out chances, only to be denied by an inspired Mainz goalkeeper Daniel Batz, who produced a string of outstanding saves.
Frankfurt then were dealt a blow when Nnamdi Collins was forced off injured, potentially putting his upcoming involvement with Germany’s U21 side in doubt.
VAR drama sparks controversy
A major talking point arrived in the 77th minute. Mainz forward Sheraldo Becker went down in the penalty area, and after VAR intervention, a spot-kick seemed likely. However, referee Tobias Stieler instead awarded a free-kick to Frankfurt, having identified a foul in the build-up by Mainz.
Late twist: Nebel strikes again
The decision appeared to galvanise Mainz, who suddenly found new energy late on. Becker came agonisingly close soon after, striking the inside of the post.
Then, in the 90th minute, the decisive moment arrived. A deep cross found Nelson Weiper, whose header was brilliantly saved by Zetterer. But the rebound fell straight to Nebel, who reacted quickest to fire home his second goal of the match and seal a dramatic 2-1 victory.
Mainz hold on for vital three points
Frankfurt pushed hard for a late equaliser, but Mainz held firm to secure three crucial points in their fight for survival.
Final score: Mainz 05 2-1 Eintracht Frankfurt - a huge step forward for the hosts in the relegation battle.
Tottenham dealt massive blow in survival battle as 3-0 Forest defeat takes them one step closer to relegation
Tottenham Hotspur may have sealed their own fate in the Premier League battle for survival after suffering a damning 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest in the high stakes relegation six-pointer.
The North Londoners had built up a head of steam coming into Sunday’s blockbuster after snapping a six-match losing streak and a seven-game winless run with a positive result against Liverpool.
Igor Tudor’s troops were able to snatch a point from the reigning champions and teased further resurgence by outscoring Atletico Madrid 3-2 in their Champions League last 16 second leg.
That result may not have salvaged Tottenham’s Champions League hopes as they crashed out 7-5 on aggregate following a 5-2 humiliation in the first leg.
However, there was a general feeling that the result provided a massive morale boost in the dressing room, considering how the campaign has panned out for the Europa League holders.
Having failed to taste defeat twice in a row, Tottenham came into this relegation dogfight against Forest as slight favorites, although the Tricky Trees also had reason to believe they could get a result.
Vitor Pereira’s side had overturned a 1-0 Europa League deficit against Danish outfit Midtjylland in their last outing away from home.
They secured a 2-1 victory that sent the game to penalty shoot-out, where they ultimately prevailed to set up a Europa League quarter final date against Porto.
Both sides came into this game with a measure of confidence, knowing anything but a win may well seal their fate in the heated relegation battle.
Unfortunately for Spurs, they were not up to the task. After a cagey first half that saw both sides cancel each other out, it seemed like the score would remain level heading into the break.
Tottenham seemed to have done enough to break the deadlock but they somehow failed to do so.
The first real opportunity fell to the hosts when Richarlison’s header from Mathys Tel’s corner flashed across the face of goal and went behind.
Tudor’s side came even closer moments later when Igor Jesus headed Kevin Danso’s long throw against his own post. But it was the visitors who ultimately prevailed when Jesus redeemed himself following a massive reprieve.
He rose highest to head home Neco Williams’ corner at the far post, leaving Tudor and his troops with plenty to ponder at the interval.
You’d expect Tottenham to restart with a vengeance but it was Forest who came close to doubling their advantage just 10 minutes into the second half.
Williams nearly turned scorer when he met Elliot Anderson’s delivery at the far post but could only aim straight at Guglielmo Vicario despite being left in acres of space.
Forest were knocking on the door and Tottenham failed to heed the warning so it was hardly a surprise when the visitors eventually doubled their advantage as Callum Hudson-Odoi set up Morgan Gibbs-White just after the hour mark.
Tottenham hardly put up a fight from here on out, leaving Taiwo Awoniyi to put the final nail in their coffin as the Nigerian turned home Williams’ delivery late in the game.
Unsurprisingly, the boos rang through the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the final whistle as the Europa League holders fell to their 15th Premier League defeat of the season.
West Ham United’s 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa means Tottenham get to keep their heads above water, maintaining a one point advantage over the Hammers.
However, defeat to Forest could spell trouble for Tudor and Spurs who now have just seven games to turning things around before catastrophe hits.
During a recent episode of "What's Your Story?", former WWE executive Stephanie McMahon recalled a thoughtful gesture Wyatt extended to her right before one of her rare in-ring appearances. "I was about to go out and work, which was not my strong suit, and I was always so nervous before a match because I would never want to make our business look bad," McMahon said. "That was always my biggest concern because I'm not [a wrestler]. I don't have the chops that everybody else has. I was so nervous. I always get really, really nervous, but it was Bray who had just come back and he was standing at the curtain. He could tell. He knew what I was going through just by looking at me. He just kind of gave me a little look [of reassurance] and he gave me the knuckles. I was like, alright, I'm gonna be okay. He was amazing and generational."
McMahon did not specify when and where this backstage interaction with Wyatt took place, though context clues suggest it may have been during WWE's 2014 SummerSlam event where she faced Brie Bella directly after Wyatt defeated Chris Jericho. McMahon emerged victorious in her bout as well thanks to Nikki Bella laying out her twin sister.
Both McMahon and Wyatt were generational talents of the pro wrestling business, with McMahon's father and grandfather prominent promoters. Wyatt's father is WWE Hall of Famer Mike Rotunda.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "What's Your Story?" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Milos Kerkez of Liverpool passes the ball during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool at Amex Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool again were unable to build on a positive prior performance, this time thrashing Galatasaray in a midweek fixture before putting forth another klunker in a very winnable match against Brighton on Saturday. The Reds looked extremely mid-table against a side they had beaten twice already this season. Left back Milos Kerkez provided one of the few bright spots as he leveled the game 1-1 in the first half before his side ultimately lost 2-1.
After the match, Kerkez said Liverpool were disappointed in their lack of ability to create chances yet again. He felt there were some tired legs and minds after a quick turnaround.
“I think they definitely played good, had more chances. I think we didn’t create as much as we wanted and it was a tough day, definitely. You could see some of us were maybe a bit tired also. They did good, credit to them.”
Liverpool were not done any favors by the fixture gods, playing Wednesday night before having the early kickoff on Saturday. The Reds were further shorthanded with Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker missing through injury, and Hugo Ekitike needing to be substituted out with an injury after just 7 minutes. When asked if the short turnaround had an impact on Liverpool’s performance, Kerkez said he doesn’t feel like it is an excuse for how the team played.
“I don’t like this excuse. We know where we are in the standings in the Premier League and we know we have to push. I mean, of course, it’s maybe a bit [of an] advantage but [we are] still disappointed, very disappointed today that we couldn’t win.”
The young left back gave Liverpool a lifeline when he gambled on a long ball forward from Giorgi Mamardashvili, continuing his run and anticipating the backward header from Lewis Dunk. Kerkez intercepted the ball and provided a first time finish on the bouncing ball. He said Dunk’s propensity to head or chest the ball back to the goalkeeper was something the squad had noted, so he felt it was worth taking the chance.
“The ball went back to Giorgi [Mamardashvili] and I made a deep run. I know he [Dunk] likes to give the balls to the goalkeeper with his chest and to head it back, so I just thought I’d continue the run. He sent it back and it was not a bad finish. But when you don’t go out with three points, it doesn’t really matter.”
Liverpool yet again need to get their heads screwed on straight after a disappointing loss. The Reds have three matches across three competitions, with knockout play in the FA Cup quarterfinals next Saturday and the Champions League quarterfinals the following Wednesday before returning to Premier League play in two weeks time as the Reds try to stay in the hunt for a top 4 finish. Milos Kerkez said the squad need to get healthy and refocused in a trio of very important matches.
“Straight away in the FA Cup we have City and then big games with PSG [Paris Saint-Germain], really important for us, and Fulham in between. So, all of these games are going to be massively important and we have to come back fit and ready.”
Feb 10, 2026; North Port, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) works out during spring training workouts. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
There’s only three spring training games left and the Opening Day roster is starting to take shape (hello, Didier Fuentes). At this point, it’s all about remaining healthy during the final portions of camp and rounding things out on a high note.
The lineup today is an interesting one — the Braves are on the road and Reynaldo López is starting. He’s joined by Drake Baldwin and Mike Yastrzemski in the lineup, along with Dominic Smith and Kyle Farmer — two players who appear to have earned roster spots as well.
This is a pretty close look at what the Twins may be putting out there for Opening Day, so this’ll certainly be a solid final test for Reynaldo López before the regular season gets on underway.
Gray TV will be televising this one in Atlanta’s market, so check your local listings if you want to watch this one on TV. The radio feed will be on good ol’ fashioned 680 The Fan/93.7 FM in the Atlanta area, so tune in if you want to hear some friendly voices for this contest. First pitch is at 1:05 p.m. ET. Come join us!
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on March 22, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 7-2 annihilation of Newcastle in midweek was just the boost that Hansi Flick and his squad needed as we hurtle into the business end of the domestic and European campaigns.
The visitors were winless in eight La Liga away games and hadn’t scored in their last three away head-to-heads, however, Barca had failed to win more matches against the Lightning than any other side since 2021-22.
Let’s take a look at three talking points from the game…
Araujo heading for more game time at Barca?
Whenever Ronald Araujo is stationed on the right side of defence, I can’t help but think that Barca are the weaker for it.
In fairness to the Uruguayan, although he’s played there many times before, it isn’t his natural position, and you can tell by the number of times he’s caught out of position, how he often isn’t aware if there are runners behind him, etc.
Against Rayo, though he did reasonably well in some exchanges, and was the match winner, though he was at fault for their chance in the opening minute, and he just doesn’t inspire the confidence that a captain should.
Surely putting him in the centre with Pau Cubarsi, placing Joan Cancelo on the right and Gerard Martin on the left gives the back four much more balance?
Movement needed to be sharper up front
Props to Rayo for limiting Barca’s attacking intent for long periods.
Though the hosts were incisive at times, the natural flow from the front three often wasn’t there. Passes didn’t find a teammate, dribbles didn’t come off…
Not quite an off day, but certainly not the best performance from Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.
The visitors had one less day to prepare for the match, and were able to cut out several of Barca’s attacks with ease, which is a damning indictment on a team that is chasing a league title.
Joan Garcia remains vital to Barca’s continued success
Culers have become so accustomed to Joan Garcia’s excellence between the posts that the sort of performance he provided against Rayo is now the expectation.
The flying save from Unai Lopez’s header was world-class, but it wasn’t the only stop of real quality from the custodian.
Not to mention how good he was with his feet again as usual, evidencing how vital he remains to the team.
Such performance levels are what he’s paid to do, of course, though the repercussions if he were to get injured are obvious.
Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Naomi Osaka has decided to skip the Charleston Open after her disappointing Miami Open exit, with the former world number one now planning a reduced clay-court schedule instead.
Osaka’s latest defeat continued a difficult start to 2026 and has clearly shaped how she wants to manage the next phase of the season.
That makes Charleston the first clay event she is prepared to leave out as she looks further ahead.
Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Naomi Osaka Charleston Open decision after Miami loss
“I’m not going to play Charleston from 28th March. I hope I can play Madrid, Rome, and then obviously the French Open,” Osaka confirmed.
That points to a shortened clay swing rather than a full build-up, with Osaka appearing more focused on timing and condition than forcing matches into her schedule.
It also fits the wider uncertainty she expressed after Miami, where her form and long-term direction both came under scrutiny.
Naomi Osaka’s Miami Open performance raises fresh concern
Naomi Osaka’s Miami Open run ended immediately after her first-round bye, with the 16th seed losing 7-5, 6-4 to Australian qualifier Talia Gibson in her opening match of the tournament.
The defeat was notable not just for the scoreline, but for the level of the opponent and the stage of the event, with Gibson arriving as a qualifier and moving on to the round of 32.
Coming after earlier inconsistency this season, the Miami defeat added to the sense that Osaka still has not found a stable rhythm in 2026.
Against that backdrop, skipping Charleston looks less like a sudden reaction and more like a reset before Madrid, Rome, and the French Open.
Tel And Danso Get 7 | Tottenham Hotspur Players Rated In Dismal Loss Vs Nottingham Forest
Tottenham Hotspur entertained Nottingham Forest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier today as they hoped to secure a good result at home in the Premier League. Spurs made a slow start to the game and conceded the opener in the 45th minute when Igor Jesus found the back of the net. Igor Tudor’s men went into the half-time break 1-0 down on the scoreline.
Nottingham doubled his side’s advantage in the 62nd minute before Taiwo Awoniyi killed the game off in the 87th minute. The match ended with Spurs suffering a dismal 3-0 loss in front of their home fans.
Let’s take a look at how each Tottenham player fared during the clash against Nottingham.
He made a few important saves at the back but conceded three goals this afternoon.
RB: Djed Spence – 6/10
Spence got stuck in with some solid tackles and was replaced at half-time.
CB: Kevin Danso – 7/10
He gave a good account of himself defensively, but it was not enough today.
CB: Cristian Romero – 6.5/10
Romero did his fair share of defending, but failed to keep the opposition attackers quiet.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest contends for the aerial ball with Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LB: Micky van de Ven – 6/10
He made one crucial clearance at the back and was substituted at half-time.
RM: Pedro Porro – 6.5/10
Porro caught the eye at times but failed to make a difference in the final third.
CM: Archie Gray – 6/10
He got stuck in with a couple of solid tackles and made one key chance going forward.
CM: Pape Matar Sarr – 6.5/10
He was a positive influence on both halves, but his efforts went in vain.
LM: Mathys Tel – 7/10
Tel was a real menace in the final third but failed to find the back of the net.
ST: Richarlison – 5.5/10
He failed to impress during his time on the field.
ST: Dominic Solanke – 6.5/10
Solanke was a real handful for the opposition defenders, but there was no goal for him.
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard believes that the vibration issues that Aston Martin is battling against are 'more of an issue for the reliability than for the driver'.
Aston Martin has had a difficult start to the year. With a new power unit partnership with Honda and the first Aston Martin F1 car designed under Adrian Newey, expectations were high for the Silverstone outfit. But reliability and vibration issues have plagued the team.
Two-time champion Fernando Alonso was forced to retire from the Chinese Grand Prix due to excessive vibration in the cockpit. The Spanish driver claimed that he “began to lose all feeling in his hands and feet” prior to his retirement.
Coulthard argued during the Up To Speed podcast that the vibrations could be affecting the drivers less than we think.
"Let's again keep things in perspective, and I'm talking with no knowledge of what he's feeling in the car," the former Red Bull driver said. "But I looked at the video, and I've experienced flat spots on tyres, wheel weights coming off, and you get the vibration in the steering.
"The steering's physically doing that. I never stopped if it was a Grand Prix because you want the points. If it were a pitstop that was available, you do it.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
"Have you seen these guys that work construction with the jackhammers, and they're doing that all day, every day? We don't see them sort of going, 'No, I'm not going to come. I'm not doing work today because the job of being a jackhammer guy is making my hands sore.'
"So is it a little bit of a convenience thing just to continue to put the spotlight on Honda? I suspect it's more that vibration is an issue for the reliability than for the driver.
"Because here's my take on it, a driver would learn to sing a national anthem backwards while juggling chainsaws if it gave him a tenth of a second."
They traded away several depth players but have won four of their last six games and moved into the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference on Saturday, March 21.
Nashville has a chance to build on its one-point lead when it plays at Chicago on Sunday, March 22. But if the Predators lose to the Blackhawks in regulation and Los Angeles beats Utah, the Kings will move back into the second wild-card spot.
Also Sunday, the Dallas Stars can become the second NHL team to clinch a 2026 Stanley Cup playoff berth, joining the Colorado Avalanche.
Here's what to know about the NHL standings, tiebreaker procedures and playoff field for the 2025-26 season:
Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs?
Eastern Conference: None
Western Conference: Colorado
Who can clinch today?
The Dallas Stars will clinch a playoff berth if they defeat the Vegas Golden Knights.
NHL games today (Sunday, March 22)
All games ET
Winnipeg at N.Y. Rangers, noon
Colorado at Washington, 12:30
Carolina at Pittsburgh, 3
Nashville at Chicago, 3
Columbus at N.Y. Islanders, 7
Vegas at Dallas, 7
Tampa Bay at Calgary, 8
Buffalo at Anaheim, 8
Los Angeles at Utah, 9
NHL Eastern Conference standings 2025-26
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes (94)
Pittsburgh Penguins (86)
Columbus Blue Jackets (85)
Atlantic Division
Buffalo Sabres (94)
Tampa Bay Lightning (90)
Montreal Canadiens (86)
Wild card
Boston Bruins (86)
Detroit Red Wings (84)
Sitting out of playoff position: New York Islanders (83), Ottawa Senators (81), Philadelphia Flyers (80), Washington Capitals (78), New Jersey Devils (72), Florida Panthers (71), Toronto Maple Leafs (71), New York Rangers (64)
NHL Western Conference standings 2025-26
Central Division
x-Colorado Avalanche (100)
Dallas Stars (97)
Minnesota Wild (92)
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks (80)
Edmonton Oilers (77)
Vegas Golden Knights (76)
Wild card
Utah Mammoth (78)
Nashville Predators (73)
Sitting out of playoff position: Los Angeles Kings (72) Seattle Kraken (71), San Jose Sharks (70), Winnipeg Jets (68), St. Louis Blues (67), Chicago Blackhawks (64), Calgary Flames (63), Vancouver Canucks (50)
NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket
Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended
Carolina (M1) vs Detroit (WC2)
Pittsburgh (M2) vs. Columbus (M3)
Buffalo (A1) vs. Boston (WC1)
Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Montreal (A3)
The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: M - Metropolitan Division. A - Atlantic Division. WC - wild card
NHL Western Conference playoff bracket
Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended
Colorado (C1) vs. Nashville (WC2)
Dallas (C2) vs. Minnesota (C3)
Anaheim (P1) vs. Utah (WC1)
Edmonton (P2) vs. Vegas (P3)
The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild card
NHL tiebreakers: What is the first tiebreaker in NHL standings?
If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, here are the tiebreakers:
Regulation wins
Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
Total wins
Most points earned in head-to-head competition: If teams had an uneven number of meetings, the first game played in the city that has the extra game is excluded.
Goal differential
Total goals
When does the NHL regular season end?
The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 16, with six games.
When do the NHL playoffs start?
The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are expected to begin on Saturday, April 18.
Brian Brobbey scored the winner as Sunderland beat Newcastle (ANDY BUCHANAN)
Tottenham slipped ever closer to relegation from the Premier League with a 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Sunday as Sunderland stretched their hex over local rivals Newcastle.
Spurs have not tasted life outside the English top flight since 1978 but remain the only side without a Premier League win in 2026.
Goals from Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi inflicted the latest in a series of damaging defeats on interim Tottenham boss Igor Tudor.
West Ham's 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa ensured Spurs remain one point outside the relegation zone with seven games remaining.
Vitor Pereira's first league win as Forest boss propels his side four points above the drop zone.
Tottenham fans gathered in north London en masse before kick-off to line the streets in a show of support under the banner "all together, always."
But nerves quickly took over the state-of-the-art 63,000 capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Jesus rose highest to head in a corner just before half-time.
Gibbs-White could have been starting in white rather than red had Forest not stood their ground after Spurs reportedly met his buyout clause last summer.
The Forest captain instead signed a new deal at the City ground and has played a big role in leading his side away from trouble.
Gibbs-White was left completely unmarked to turn in Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross on the hour mark for his third goal in four league games.
No side has taken fewer points at home in the Premier League this season than Tottenham and they failed to muster a response.
Awoniyi inflicted the final blow when he met Neco Williams' cross three minutes from time.
- No excuses for Newcastle -
Villa took full advantage of defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea on Saturday to close in on a return to the Champions League next season.
Unai Emery's men had taken just one point from a possible 12 in their previous four league games.
But the return of skipper John McGinn from injury has been a timely boost.
The Scotland international curled in from outside the box to give Villa the perfect start.
Ollie Watkins then pounced after Mads Hermansen spilled Morgan Rogers' shot to bounce back from his exclusion from Thomas Tuchel's England squad on Friday.
Villa open up a six-point cushion on sixth-placed Chelsea with the top five set to qualify for next season's Champions League.
Newcastle's European ambitions and local pride were dealt a major blow as Sunderland came from behind to win 2-1 in the first Tyne-Wear derby at St. James' Park for 10 years.
Bryan Brobbey struck a 90th minute winner for the Black Cats, who have not lost to Newcastle in the league for 15 years.
Defeat compounded a miserable week for Newcastle, who were humbled 7-2 by Barcelona in exiting the Champions League in midweek.
"I've got very little to use as an excuse. Once you haven't performed and you know how much the game means you have to accept the criticism," said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Defeat sees the Magpies slip below Sunderland in the table to 12th.
Newcastle also promised to identify and hold accountable anyone guilty after Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida reported an incident of racist abuse from the crowd in the second half.
With the NBA regular season winding down, Jaylen Brown is making strides in one of the more surprising areas of his development. The Boston Celtics All-Star is shooting 88.1 percent from the free throw line over his last 16 games on 7.9 attempts per game.
NBA analyst Jake Issenberg pointed this out on X: “Is there precedent for a guy randomly making a free throw making leap deep into his career? Jaylen is shooting 88.1% from the line over his last 16 games. On 7.9 FTAs per game. Always thought it was kinda weird that JB wasn't a better FT shooter. He's money from that range.”
Is there precedent for a guy randomly making a free throw making leap deep into his career? Jaylen is shooting 88.1% from the line over his last 16 games. On 7.9 FTAs per game.
Always thought it was kinda weird that JB wasn't a better FT shooter. He's money from that range.
JB's FT surge arrives at a perfect time for the Celtics as they look to lock in the No. 2 seed in the East. Brown has been a model of consistency throughout the year, and better free throw shooting only enhances his already impressive scoring output. In close contests, those extra points from the line could prove decisive.
The Celts have leaned on Brown's versatility all season. His ability to finish at all three levels, now paired with improved accuracy at the stripe, creates even more matchup problems for opponents.
Through 63 games, Jaylen is averaging 28.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field. He has been the team's most reliable scorer and two-way contributor, helping keep the Celtics in the Eastern Conference mix despite major roster changes.
Brown's recent heater, including several games above 30 points, plus his free throw leap, positions him to peak as the postseason nears.
Misery knows no bounds at Tottenham Hotspur, with a new chapter added to the miserable nightmare that is their 2025-26 Premier League season on Sunday: a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in what was meant to be the club's rallying point to stave off relegation.
Thousands of Spurs fans organized themselves to greet the team bus on arrival in a show of full-throated support, putting aside weeksmonths years of the downward spiral that led to this pivotal moment, and for almost 45 minutes, there were even a few encouraging signs on the field. Then, Forest forward Igor Jesus planted a perfect header into the side netting from a corner kick in the 45th minute and that was, effectively, the end of all hope. Heads dropped
Morgan Gibbs-White, who famously almost joined Spurs in the summer before doing a sharp about-face in the 11th hour, added Forest's second goal in the 62nd minute. This, after Eberechi Eze, who also came within hours of signing for Spurs last summer, instead scored five goals in two games against them for rivals Arsenal. Eze has scored six goals in the PL all season. Just one of a many microcosm to sum up Spurs' season.
Taiwo Awoniyi finished the scoring in the 87th minute when he slid in at the back post and turned home Neco Williams' cross.
Spurs (30 points) are without a win in their last 13 PL games and haven't won a single game in the league in 2026. They are now just one point and one place above the relegation zone. Nottingham Forest (32 points) were fantastic on the day, given they found themselves in the exact same situation as Spurs and had one less day to prepare after playing in Denmark on Thursday. The Tricky Trees aren't yet safe, but a first PL win under Vitor Pereira has done much to steady the ship ahead of this weekend's international break.
What’s next?
Porto vs Nottingham Forest — Thursday, April 9, 3 pm ET (Europa League)
Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur — Sunday, April 12, 9 am ET
Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa — Sunday, April 12, 9 am ET (next PL fixture)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest live updates - by Andy Edwards
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest final score: 0-3
Goalscorers: Igor Jesus (45'), Morgan Gibbs-White (62'), Taiwo Awoniyi (87')
GOAL! Spurs 0-3 Forest: Awoniyi slides in at the back post and puts the game away (87')
Vicario - Danso, Romero, Van de Ven - Porro, Gray, Sarr, Spence - Richarlison, Tel, Solanke
Forest starting XI
Sels - Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams - Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White - Hutchinson, Hudson-Odoi, Jesus
How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest live, stream link and start time
Kick off time:10:15am ET Sunday Venue:Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — North London TV Channel: USA Streaming: Watch on USA Network
Spurs return to the pitch after a midweek Champions League scrap with Atletico Madrid that ended their European dreams, while Forest needed penalties to advance past Midtjylland in the Europa League. Both teams drew their last Premier League match — as did the other five teams in the bottom seven of the table — and Spurs are just one point clear of 18th-place West Ham while Forest are only out of the bottom three on goal differential.
So, yes, this is a huge. A winner will find some rare comfort on the table for the international break while a loser could find themselves in a relegation place for a couple of weeks depending on West Ham's visit to Aston Villa kicking off at the same time.
Tottenham Hotspur team news, focus
OUT: Wilson Odobert (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Mohammed Kudus (groin), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (torn ACL - MORE), Ben Davies (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Joao Palhinha (head), Dominic Solanke (hip), Guglielmo Vicario (hernia)
Nottingham Forest team news, focus
OUT: Jair Cunha (ankle), Willy Boly (knee), Nicola Savona (knee), John Victor (knee), Chris Wood (knee)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest prediction
It's difficult to project this game given all of the injuries and the midweek action. Spurs were in Madrid on Tuesday. Forest were in Denmark on Thursday. The pressure is enormous and that can make the home pitch more of a variable. Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Nottingham Forest.
Luke Littler made his debut at a PDC major event at the 2023 UK Open [Getty Images]
World champion Luke Littler was knocked out of the Belgian Darts Open in the third round with a 6-5 defeat by Niels Zonneveld.
Littler was on a streak of 12 matches unbeaten in the tournament and was bidding for a hat-trick of victories in Wieze, having won the event in 2024 and 2025.
But the 19-year-old Englishman suffered his first defeat in a ranking event since last October at the hands of world number 39 Zonneveld of the Netherlands.
Zonneveld had trailed 3-1 to Littler, after the opening exchanges went against the throw, before he battled back to take a 4-3 lead.
The 27-year-old Dutchman missed three match darts in the 10th leg which allowed Littler to level the score with a 136 checkout.
However, Zonneveld then produced a superb 147 finish in the final-leg decider to secure a memorable victory over the Warrington teenager.
Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton were among those to progress to the quarter-finals later on Sunday.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 12: RJ Petit #58 of the Colorado Rockies plays catch during a spring training workout at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 12, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper/Colorado Rockies/Getty Images)
Thomas Harding announced this morning that Rockies right-hander RJ Petit (No. 23 PuRP) has undergone Tommy John surgery after suffering the initial injury on March 4 against Team USA.
Dr. Keith Meister performed a Tommy John surgery with an internal brace on the right elbow of #Rockies RHP RJ Petit on Friday in Dallas. Petit, a Rule 5 Draft pick from the #Tigers, will miss the season.
Petit was selected by the Rockies in the first round of the Rule 5 Draft back in December from the Detroit Tigers. The 6’8” righty was drafted by the Tigers originally in the 14th round of the 2021 MLB Draft and made it up to Triple-A Toledo before being selected by the Rockies.
In three games this spring (not including the Team USA game), Petit pitched three innings and allowed four hits with three runs (all on a three-run homer by Cleveland Guardians’ infielder Milan Tolentino on March 1). He also walked two and recorded one strikeout.
Petit will miss the 2026 season, but the Rule 5 rules will apply to the 2027 season once Petit is reinstated from the 60-day IL. In the meantime, this move will open another spot on the Rockies roster as they begin planning for Opening Day.
This is a developing story and Purple Row will provide more information as it becomes available.
Nottingham Forest earn important win away to Tottenham Hotspur
Nottingham Forest earned a hugely significant victory away to Tottenham Hotspur that means Spurs' troubles continue.
With both sides in danger of relegation this was a huge game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. After winning their first game under Igor Tudor midweek, albeit while still going out of the Champions League, Spurs almost took the lead here. A typical long throw from Kevin Danso was nodded on by Igor Jesus on to his own post with no home player able to follow up.
However, the momentum swung just before the break. First, Igor Jesus had a shot tipped over the bar by Guglielmo Vicario. However, from the resulting Neco Williams corner this time Jesus did get his goal by heading home.
Tudor made two changes at the break but Spurs weren't able to get back into the game with the Tricky Trees doubling the advantage with just over an hour gone.
Callum Hudson-Odoi did well on the left and ran to the byline pulling the ball back for Morgan Gibbs-White to make it 2-0.
From that point on it was hard to see how Tottenham would get back into the game and it ended 3-0 thanks to a late goal by substitute Taiwo Awoniyi who got in ahead of Danso to convert Williams' whipped-in delivery.
That result is a big one for Vítor Pereira's side who are now in 16th with 32 points, just one behind Leeds United. Tottenham meanwhile have to be grateful that Aston Villa dispatched West Ham as otherwise they'd be in the bottom three.
Incidents: The story of the match
15':
Missed opportunity! Richarlison of Tottenham Hotspur had a header from close range inside the six-yard box but sent it wide to the left. The assist came from Mathys Tel, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.
Nottingham Forest takes the lead against Tottenham Hotspur, 1-0. Igor Jesus scores with a header from the right side of the six-yard box, directing it into the left corner of the net. The assist goes to Neco Williams, who delivered a precise cross following a corner kick.
56':
Missed opportunity. Archie Gray from Tottenham Hotspur attempted a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed over the bar and to the left.
Nottingham Forest takes a 2-0 lead over Tottenham Hotspur. Morgan Gibbs-White scores with a right-footed shot from the middle of the box, finding the center of the net. The assist comes from Callum Hudson-Odoi.Nottingham Forest takes a commanding lead with a score of 3-0 against Tottenham Hotspur. Taiwo Awoniyi finds the back of the net, firing a right-footed shot from close range into the bottom right corner. The assist comes from Neco Williams, who delivered a precise cross.
PARIS (AP) — Maghnes Akliouche scored a brilliant individual goal and American forward Folarin Balogun netted a penalty as Monaco rallied to win 2-1 at Lyon for a sixth straight league victory.
Coach Paulo Fonseca's slumping Lyon side is seven games without a win overall having equalled a club record with 13 straight victories. Although Lyon is in fourth place, Monaco is only one point behind in the race for a Champions League place next season and faces third-place Marseille after the international break.
Brazil forward Endrick set up midfielder Pavel Šulc in the 42nd minute, skipping past two defenders down the right before cutting the ball back to Šulc near the penalty spot.
It was Šulc's 11th league goal and the 19-year-old Endrick's fourth assist since joining Lyon on loan from Real Madrid.
Endrick then went for goal himself in the 57th after breaking down the right and saw his shot cleared near the line, when a frustrated Corentin Tolisso was completely unmarked.
It proved a costly miss as Akliouche equalized five minutes later when he controlled a long pass with one touch to cut inside Clinton Mata and curled a shot into the top-right corner.
Akliouche then won a penalty after cutting inside the area, with Tolisso kicking his foot away just as he was about to shoot. Balogun sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
The penalty was awarded despite a video review clearly showing Endrick had his jersey pulled by Monaco captain Denis Zakaria in the build-up to the penalty.
It was a second straight error from the officials, who somehow failed to spot a headbutt from Lyon left back Nicolas Tagliafico to the side of Akliouche's head. Tagliafico raised his right arm as he was running alongside Akliouche as if to disguise the violent butt.
Tagliafico was sent off in the 89th for a violent lunge on Lamine Camara and Monaco coach Sébastien Pocognoli was also shown a red card moments later for remonstrating with the referee. Camara was lucky to escape injury as his left foot buckled under him.
Later Sunday, Marseille hosted Lille at Stade Velodrome and Rennes faced rock-bottom Metz.
On Saturday, 18-year-old midfielder Dro Fernández scored as Paris Saint-Germain won 4-0 at struggling Nice and reclaimed top spot in Ligue 1.
PSG moved one point above Lens, which crushed Angers 5-1 on Friday. PSG forward Senny Mayulu injured his right calf muscle against Nice and is expected to be out for two weeks. ___
Aston Villa x West Ham - Highlights, Summary and Match Report
Incidents: The story of the match
1':
The match begins
Aston Villa takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against West Ham United. John McGinn scores with a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, placing it perfectly into the left corner of the net. The assist comes from Jadon Sancho.
15':
GOAL Aston Villa: John McGinn (Aston Villa) scores!
John McGinn scores goal number 4 in the competition (24 matches)
20':
Missed opportunity! Amadou Onana from Aston Villa attempted a header from the center of the box, but it went just wide. The assist came from Jadon Sancho.
22':
Missed opportunity! Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa took a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it went wide. The assist came from Morgan Rogers.
31':
Missed opportunity! Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa took a right-footed shot from inside the six-yard box on the left side, but it went just wide to the left after a corner kick.
45 +1':
Missed opportunity! Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa heads the ball from close range but sends it over the bar. The assist came from Lucas Digne, who delivered a cross following a corner.
51':
Missed opportunity. Matty Cash from Aston Villa takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes over the bar and to the right following a corner kick.
59':
Opportunity wasted. Amadou Onana from Aston Villa attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.
Aston Villa leads 2-0 against West Ham United. Ollie Watkins scores with a right-footed shot from close range, finding the top right corner after a swift counterattack.
68':
GOAL Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) scores!
Ollie Watkins scores goal number 9 in the competition (30 matches)
90 +1':
Missed opportunity. Mohamadou Kanté of West Ham United attempted a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant is set to bat at number three in a potentially make or break IPL season beginning on March 28. Stakes are high for Pant going into second season as LSG skipper with the franchise having shelled out a record Rs 27 crore for his services at the 2025 mega auction.
Following the disappointment of last year, a successful season as a leader as well as a top-order batter can make him part of India's T20 plans going forward. Across formats, Pant is only an integral member of the Indian Test side while being a back up wicket-keeper to K L Rahul in ODIs.
Fight for India T20 Comeback
The 28-year-old lost his place in the T20 side following India's World Cup triumph in 2024 and would need to do something special to make a comeback considering Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have made themselves automatic picks by the sheer weight of their recent performances.
Therefore, the upcoming IPL is not just about delivering on a exorbitant price tag, it is also about staying relevant in the shortest format.
Pant majorly batted at number four last season before rightly pushing himself to number three towards the end of the season by when it was too late to turn LSG's fortunes. Nicholas Pooran will move down the order to make way for Pant with number four, five, six being used as floating positions.
The squad had a camp in Chennai and at the moment, they are going through the paces at their home ground in Lucknow ahead of their opener against Delhi Capitals on April 1. The Justin Langer-led support staff and Pant are on the same page when it comes to their leader's batting position.
"It is clear to the team management as well as Pant that his game is best suited for number three. This season the top-order is locked in with Aiden, Marsh and Pant. The middle-order is flexible and players will be floated as per the game situation," an IPL source told PTI.
Flexible Middle Order Setup
Pant batted at an underwhelming strike rate of 133.17 last year and 118 not out of his 269 runs came only in one innings. The LSG middle-order comprises Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad and Shabaz Ahmed.
Bowling was LSG's weakest link last season with pacers including Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan not available due to injuries. The other pace options include Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje, who is another injury prone quick.
"The batting is settled. The bowling group looks a lot better than last year but combinations are yet to be worked. Mayank is fit but needs to bowl a lot more in the nets. Hopefully he will repay the faith the team has shown him over the past four to five years," the source added.
Aston Villa Strengthen Top Four Push with 2-0 West Ham Win
Aston Villa 2-0 West Ham: Watkins Ends Drought in Premier League Push
Aston Villa delivered a timely reminder of their quality with a composed 2-0 victory over West Ham, reigniting their Premier League ambitions at a crucial stage of the season. At Villa Park, Unai Emery’s side combined control with cutting edge, while West Ham’s struggles deepened in the relegation battle.
This was a result shaped by urgency and opportunity. Villa needed a response after inconsistent league form, and they found it through discipline, creativity, and the return of a familiar goalscorer.
McGinn Sets Tone with Authority
From the outset, Aston Villa played with intent. There was a clarity to their movement and a sharpness in possession that had been missing in recent weeks.
The breakthrough came through John McGinn, whose left foot strike from the edge of the area reflected both technique and confidence. The move itself spoke volumes about Villa’s preparation. A rehearsed set piece, executed with precision, allowed Jadon Sancho to tee up his captain for a clean finish.
It was a goal that lifted both players and supporters. Villa, so often searching for rhythm in recent matches, suddenly looked composed and purposeful.
Chances followed. Ollie Watkins threatened twice before the interval, while Lucas Digne fired narrowly wide. West Ham, under pressure, struggled to contain the movement and energy flowing through Villa’s attack.
Watkins Responds with Clinical Finish
For Ollie Watkins, this was a moment of quiet redemption. Left out of the latest England squad, the forward responded in the most effective way possible.
His goal, arriving in the 68th minute, was not one of elegance, but of instinct. After Mats Hermansen saved from Morgan Rogers, Watkins reacted first, prodding home the rebound to double Villa’s lead.
It ended a six match drought and reasserted his importance to Emery’s system. In a team that thrives on fluid attacking patterns, Watkins remains the focal point.
His work rate, movement, and persistence had been evident throughout. This goal was the reward for those efforts, and perhaps a message to those making international selections.
Villa Control Reflects European Ambition
This performance marked a shift in Villa’s league form. Having collected just nine points from their previous ten Premier League matches, there had been concern that their top five hopes were slipping.
Instead, this was a display of control. Villa managed the game intelligently, maintaining pressure without losing defensive shape.
A potential penalty decision added to the narrative. When Konstantinos Mavropanos clipped Watkins in the area, referee Paul Tierney initially waved play on. A VAR review prompted a change, though the decision ultimately did not impact the outcome.
More importantly, Villa looked like a team aligned with their objectives. Fresh from reaching the Europa League quarter finals, they carried that momentum into domestic competition.
West Ham Struggles Continue in Relegation Fight
For West Ham, the afternoon offered little encouragement. Their position in 18th reflects a campaign lacking consistency and resilience.
Despite moments of effort, they were second best across key phases of the match. Villa’s movement exposed gaps, while their own attacking threat remained limited.
With survival still within reach, the margin for error is now minimal. Performances like this underline the scale of the challenge ahead.
Aston Villa now head into the international break in fourth place, strengthening their claim for a Champions League spot. West Ham remain just one point from safety, yet results must come quickly.
For Villa, this was more than a 2-0 win in the Premier League. It was a statement of intent, a return to clarity, and a reminder of what they can achieve when their attacking pieces align.
Jim Michaelian stands for a portrait on a pedestrian bridge above Shoreline Dr in Long Beach in 2019. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Jim Michaelian, the race car driver who helped launch the annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, has died. He was 83.
The Grand Prix Asson. of Long Beach confirmed his death on Saturday, just weeks before this year's race, which is scheduled for April 17-19.
Michaelian joined the Grand Prix Assn. of Long Beach in 1975, a then-fledgling competitive race, and grew it into one of the most popular street racing events in the world. The annual three-day event draws thousands of race car enthusiasts and brings tens of millions of dollars into the city of Long Beach.
"Jim was a leader of a small, passionate group who believed in the concept of bringing elite open-wheel competition to Long Beach in the 1970s," said Roger Penske, Penske Corporation chairman, in a statement. "His vision and energy surrounding this great event remained boundless for 50 years."
Penske Entertainment acquired the Grand Prix Assn. of Long Beach in 2024.
Michaelian was a competitive sports car racer for more than 25 years, competing in endurance events at tracks including Le Mans, Daytona Beach, Nürburgring, Dubai and Sebring in Florida. He told The Times in 2019 that he was still racing sports cars at 76.
“As long as I can achieve some level of success, I’m going to continue doing it until they tell me I can’t anymore,” he said then.
A native of Monterey Park, Michaelian (pronounced meh-KAY-lee-un) graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in physics. But he turned his attention to business and went on to earn an MBA there. Driven by a love of motor racing, Michaelian eventually talked his way onto the staff of the Long Beach Grand Prix.
He served as the association's controller and chief operating officer before being appointed president and chief executive in 2001. During his 51-year tenure, Michaelian transformed Long Beach into an iconic stop in the world of motor racing.
A variety of races are run during the three days on the city’s seaside streets, culminating with a big-league IndyCar Series race Sunday. The races feature different types of cars, and one is for trucks, to appeal to a broad audience.
But the Long Beach Grand Prix is more of a festival that’s been built up around the racing. There are concerts, a lifestyle expo, a kids’ zone with go-karts and other activities, along with an array of food and drink spots, all centered on the Long Beach Convention Center and Shoreline Drive.
Michaelian said he kept the pulse of the crowd by constantly walking the track to monitor how the grand prix’s fans were enjoying the activities. He would survey for problems that might need fixing or whether changes needed to be made for the following year.
“Many young people don’t want to sit in the seats now,” he told The Times in 2019. “They’re out taking selfies, they’re chronicling their experience at Long Beach, and the only way to do that is for them to get around.
"So, if they’re moving around, I’m moving around” by creating more places where they can gather, listen to music and having food options nearby, he said then.
Last year, Michaelian was inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame.
"Jim was a racer’s racer and a dear friend to IMSA and the motorsports community at large," John Doonan, president of International Motor Sports Assn., said in a statement. "We will sorely miss his presence at Long Beach and racetracks everywhere."
The Grand Prix Assn. of Long Beach did not release his cause of death.
Michaelian is survived by his wife, Mary, and his sons, Bob and Mike.
Former Times staff writer James F. Peltz contributed to this report.
Every offseason fans fall in LOVE with a draft prospect for their favorite teams. Passionate Washington fans are no different, and that passion tends to run a bit higher when the team is coming off a 5-12 record and holds a top 10 draft pick. This offseason, a lot of focus has been around EDGE – mainly Texas Tech’s David Bailey, the uber-athletic Sonny Styles and cerebral Caleb Downs from Ohio State and of course Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Prior to the start of free agency, the Commanders had a ton of holes all over the roster, and with only two top 100 picks, the debate began early as to how that seventh overall pick should be spent. After the first week of free agency, the picture became a bit clearer. Adam “The Wizard” Peters waived his magic wand and, POOF, this roster did a complete 180.
Some of those magical moves included, but are not limited to:
Extending Laremy Tunsil
Odafe Oweh
Chig Okonkwo
Leo Chenal
Nick Cross
K’Lavon Chaisson
Amik Robertson
Tim Settle
Charles Omenihu
Rachaad White
Dyami Brown
Re-signing Chris Paul
As you can see, many of these bigger signings came on the defensive side of the football, but it was not for a lack of trying on Peters’ part in his attempt to surround Jayden Daniels with more weapons. Rumor has it that Adam offered Alec Pierce more money than he received from the Colts to join the receiving room in Washington. John Keim reported that had Pierce reached free agency, he would have signed in Washington.
🚨The #Commanders wanted to sign Colts WR Alec Pierce, and were told that he’d “absolutely” sign in Washington if he reached free agency, per John Keim.
Washington was also rumored to be heavily involved in the Romeo Doubs sweepstakes. Doubs ultimately ended up signing with the Patriots on a 4-year, $68M deal worth up to $80M with incentives.
Along with bringing in Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson on one-year deals, it’s believed the Commanders have a sniffed around on 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings, who will turn 29 this summer, and are the favorites to land Brandon Aiyuk if/when he’s released by San Francisco.
Adding a receiving tight end like Chig Okonkwo was a major signing that needs to be lauded. The 26-year-old MOVE tight end with 4.5 speed runs angry and can be a great underneath weapon and redzone target for Jayden.
Veteran running back Rachaad White gives new offensive coordinator David Blough a receiving weapon out of the backfield – something Washington’s offense has missed since losing Austin Ekeler to an Achillies injury last season.
Peters also focused a lot of attention in the last year on improving the offensive line to help protect his greatest asset. Trading for, and extending, Laremy Tunsil was a great play. Adam also drafted Josh Conerly with the 29th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and just re-signed Chris Paul to compete again for the left guard spot. Center is the team’s only weakness up front in the trenches.
All that said, Washington is STILL searching for a compliment to Terry McLaurin on the outside, and that guy who can eventually take over when Terry’s time in Washington is done.
Is Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate too good to pass up if he’s on the board when Washington picks at number seven overall?
Carnell Tate:
True Junior Age – 21
6’2 1/4” 192 pounds
10 1/4” hands
31 3/4” arms
4.53 40
Player Comp – Tee Higgins
Pros:
Advanced route running
Excellent hands
Massive catch-radius
Ability to track deep throws
Wins one-on-one contested catches
Solid blocker
Cons:
Not a huge RAC threat
Wirey frame
Lacks great explosion
Lacks idea play-strength
Tate saw action as a true freshman on a loaded Ohio State team, playing in all 13 games with one start. He has been under the guidance of the best wide receiver coach in college football – Brian Hartline for the last three years. It’s no coincidence that he enters the NFL as one of the more advanced route runners we have seen in the last few drafts.
Carnell Tate’s advanced nuances as a route runner are where they are at thanks to Brian Hartline.
It’s not a coincidence that Ohio St. WRs come into the league NFL ready. Hartline was the BEST WR coach in college football and the way he taught was magical.
What separates Carnell Tate from other receivers in this draft is his ability to manipulate defensive backs at the top of his stem. It’s not often you see a 21-year-old with these types of advanced skills.
Carnell Tate gets a one-on-one and makes the defense pay. Completely loses the DB with his stem work.
Tate came into today averaging 3.19 yards per route run. Potential first-round pick in April. pic.twitter.com/0a6CemCkky
Here you see an example of his contested catch ability. He goes up and high-points the football between two Badger defenders. He shows excellent body control when effortlessly gliding through the air.
People are overthinking this so much
For those wondering, JSN ran a 4.52 at the NFL Combine too
Tate is used to sharing the spotlight with his teammates, as Ohio State has been absolutely loaded at wide receiver since he stepped foot on campus. This past season, he and Jeremiah Smith formed the best one-two punch at wide receiver in the entire nation. With Terry McLaurin in the fold, Tate won’t be asked to come in and be “the guy” as a rookie. I think this is a role he’ll play very well early on in his career, and when the times comes for him to take over, he should be ready to do just that.
Carnell Tate 5 REC, 82 YDS, 1 TD x Jeremiah Smith 3 REC, 40 YDS, 1 TD vs Michigan Today.
In my opinion, Carnell Tate is would be a great Z receiver who can come in and immediately become a great 1B compliment to Terry McLaurin on the outside. Because of his time at Wide Receiver U under the tutelage of Hartline, he should be a high-level contributor right out of the gate and someone who can grow alongside Jayden Daniels.
This new offense under David Blough is expected to resemble Ben Johnson’s offense in Detroit. Deep crossers, horizontal floods, over-routes off vertical clears and play-action downfield shots should all play into Tate’s game.
We saw how aggressive Adam Peter’s was going after a younger weapon in the passing game, and I feel he’s not remotely satisfied with the group we have assembled here. Don’t be surprised if come Thursday, April 23rd and Carnell Tate is on the board when Washington picks seventh overall, he’s your newest Washington Commander.
I selected for the first 7 picks. This is how I see things shaking out in April. pic.twitter.com/kehX7vhiSn
The guard has eclipsed his points line in four straight, and he'll likely opt to shoot the rock over looking to set up his teammates vs. the powerhouse Boston Celtics.
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Donte DiVincenzo Under 13.5 points (-120)
Projection: 11.7 points
Donte DiVincenzo can catch fire on any given night, but he's found himself in a scoring drought. He's eclipsed this point total in just two of his last five, and only four times in 11 March outings.
With no Ant, the C's can hone in on DiVincenzo more and put pressure on his shots from outside.
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Naz Reid Over 12.5 points (-105)
Projection: 14.1 points
Naz Reid has missed back-to-back games with an ankle injury, but all signs are pointing to him suiting up tonight. Reid is a stud off the bench, and he's never shied away from getting shots up.
With no Edwards, the volume will be there for Reid to eclipse this modest total.
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Celtics computer picks
Sam Hauser Over 6.5 points (-115)
Projection: 8.5 points
Sam Hauser can shoot threes with the best of them, and he can pass this total on deep balls alone. With the spread at -10.5, chances are Hauser will get more run tonight. His 38% shooting from deep will help hit this Over.
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Jaylen Brown Over 1.5 threes (+105)
Projection: 2.0 threes
Jaylen Brown has hit two long balls in two of his last three outings, and he's taken at least four in four straight. If his volume remains, he should have no issues drilling two treys.
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Neemias Queta Over 9.5 points (-115)
Projection: 10.9 points
Neemias Queta has developed into a rock-solid big for the C's, shooting 64% from the field. He just recorded 12 points against Memphis, and he'll be leaned on down low against Minny.
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How to watch Timberwolves vs Celtics tonight
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
It's almost two weeks into the new NFL league year, and former New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is still looking for a team to call home.
Diggs didn't join New England until late March last year, which means a deal may be on the horizon soon. According to Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report, the Baltimore Ravens could be a great fit for Diggs.
"Diggs would be a perfect addition for the Baltimore Ravens, who tried to roll with veteran DeAndre Hopkins last year but got underwhelming results (330 yards, 2 TDs)," Knox wrote on Saturday. "Diggs would be a great go-to target for Lamar Jackson and a strong complement to Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman."
Diggs has been in the NFL for 11 seasons, accumulating 11,504 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns across 161 games. However, he still doesn't have a Super Bowl ring. He came close last season, finally making it to the big game, but the New England fell short against the Seattle Seahawks.
The four-time Pro Bowl receiver may not have many seasons left in his football career, and joining the Ravens could be his best shot at clinching a Super Bowl while playing alongside Jackson, who is among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.
Jake Fiegen, 22, of the Cornell Big Red is present during an NCAA men's basketball game at Jadwin Gymnasium in Princeton, United States, on February 13, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
According to Joe Tipton of On3/Rivals, Villanova is one of seven programs “gaining traction” with Cornell transfer guard Jake Fiegen. The 6’4” senior from Wilmette, IL averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting an efficient 54.6% from the floor and 41.7% from three-point range. Fiegen had 15 points at Michigan State on December 29, but he was only 6/16 from the field and 1/8 from deep. His other match-up of note was George Mason, who was an NIT two seed, where he scored 18 points on 6/11 shooting and 4/7 from range.
The other schools listed in the article are Northwestern, Ohio State, Vanderbilt, DePaul, Indiana and Wake Forest. Based on those options and his place of birth, I would be surprised if the Wildcats were the choice. That said, he seems like an ideal replacement for the departing Devin Askew. Though his addition would likely signal that one of the remaining guards has or will transfer out.
Fiegen has played his entire career at Cornell, so he will likely be looking for the biggest payday and/or the best chance at winning in his final collegiate campaign. Cornell went 15-13 on the season, losing to top-seed Yale in the semifinals of the Ivy League Tournament. Fiegen led the Big Red with 23 points on 9/15 shooting.
The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for the start of the 2026 MLB season, and they've begun trimming down the roster to 26 players. With a roster all but confirmed, the Phillies' bullpen features a lot of new faces, with a few veterans not making the roster.
One of those veterans who will head back to the minors is 31-year-old righty Daniel Robert. He's solid depth and could return to the Majors this season at some point. But, before the regular season could begin, Robert went through a very scary situation.
According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, Robert collapsed while throwing a bullpen session for the Phillies on Sunday morning. He dealt with a similar issue last year, and with that history in mind, Robert went to a local hospital and is now alert.
Phillies RHP Daniel Robert collapses during a bullpen session but is now alert
"RHP Daniel Robert collapsed throwing a bullpen session this morning in Clearwater. He had an event last year," Zolecki reports. "Team said, 'The ICD was triggered as he was coming off the mound, but he is stable and alert. He was taken to the local hospital to have the device data reviewed."
This is a very scary situation for Robert, who suffered a cardiovascular event last year. He's at a local hospital in Florida for further evaluation, but the 31-year-old is alert after this scary incident.
Robert was acquired by the Phillies last April from the Texas Rangers, and he made 15 appearances with the MLB team with a 4.15 ERA in the beginning portion of the season. But he was later placed on the 60-day injured list with a right flexor tendon strain.
Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported earlier this year that Robert, set to throw a bullpen session on October 31st for one of the last of the season before he went home for the offseason, "collapsed on the mound and was unconscious."
"As Robert lay on the ground that day in October, the staff sprang into action," Salisbury shared. "CPR was started. An external defibrillator was used to shock his heart."
Fortunately for Robert, the Phillies' trained medical staff was at the ready and saved his life. He was taken in for more analysis, and as Salisbury noted, Robert's diagnosis was "an unknown cardiovascular event."
Now, a few months after his October incident, Robert had another medical incident and will now likely miss more time to make sure he's 100% ready to return to the mound for the Phillies.
It's an incredibly scary situation for Robert, as he was beginning to ramp up in his recovery to get ready for the start of the season.
For now, Robert will have the data from his ICD analyzed at the hospital after his collapse during a bullpen session ahead of the 2026 MLB season.
Randy Arozarena said he apologized to Cal Raleigh following his comments toward his Seattle Mariners teammate earlier this month at the World Baseball Classic.
"I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don't want it to be a distraction," Arozarena said in a statement released by the Mariners. "Cal and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates."
Two different displays of emotion were shown in the World Baseball Classic.
Above, Cal Raleigh didn't welcome Randy Arozarena. Below, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Willson Contreras fully embraced. pic.twitter.com/8YL5qKqYom
Playing for Mexico, Arozarena offered to shake the hand of Raleigh before a first-inning at-bat during the United States' 5-3 victory over Mexico in a Pool B game in Houston on March 9. Raleigh refused, with the Americans reportedly having a philosophy against such things during games.
Arozarena then lashed out in a profanity-laced rant to a Mexican journalist after the game.
"We talked it out, and everything went great," Raleigh said. "Randy knows that I love him, and he's a brother, and it's in the past and none of us are carrying this forward. We're in a good spot. We talked it out. We were both sorry, and we both got in a good place and we're both happy to be here, too.
"It was really good walking in the door and seeing everybody. As fun as (the WBC) was, it was nice to feel back here. It feels like the family's all back together in a way."
Phillies, Sanchez agree to deal
Left-hander Cristopher Sanchez agreed to terms on a six-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, the team announced Sunday.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the Phillies, who announced the deal begins in 2027 and will run through 2032 with a club option for 2033. The Athletic, however, reported the deal guarantees Sanchez $107 million through 2032 – including $3.5 million in 2026.
Sanchez, 29, is slated to be the team's Opening Day starter when the Phillies open the season on March 26 against the visiting Texas Rangers.
He is coming off the best season of his career, posting a 13-5 record with a 2.50 ERA in 32 games (all starts) in 2025. He finished second in last season's National League Cy Young Award voting to Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes.
An All-Star in 2024, Sanchez is 30-21 with a 3.24 ERA in 104 career appearances (85 starts) with the Phillies. He has three complete games and one shutout.
BVB president Hans-Joachim Watzke thanks Sebastian Kehl
“As President of Borussia Dortmund, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Sebastian Kehl, both personally and on behalf of all our members. When I took over as CEO in 2005, Sebastian had already won his first Bundesliga title with BVB. Together, we have since celebrated great successes and endured some painful disappointments over the course of more than 20 years. Sebastian Kehl already has a firm place in the annals of Borussia Dortmund. I wish him all the very best for his personal future and every success in his future career.”
Sunderland boss Le Bris hails his side’s ‘identity’ after beating rivals Newcastle again
Regis Le Bris hailed his Sunderland players after they did the double over rivals Newcastle by winning at St James’ Park.
Brian Brobbey scored a late winner after Chemsdine Talbi had equalised to secure a big three points for the Black Cats.
“I think we have our own story, our own pathway, and we want to get better with our identity,” Sunderland boss Le Bris said after the game. “We are not Newcastle, we are Sunderland with different setups.
“I think last year was an incredible season in the Championship, a long season, like a marathon. It went well and the players got experience, and with the new players in the squad the connection stayed really hard.
“It wasn’t easy to keep this identity, but it’s the case. In this season in the Premier League we had ups and downs, but we stayed connected with the identity and the way we wanted to play.
“Consistency is key. We had a bad run recently, and really quickly doubts can appear.
“I think we stayed composed, because we trust the way we are working. Consistency in this league is key, so winning at Elland Road was really important, winning at Newcastle means a lot.
“We are talking about consistency, not just one good game, we have to repeat, even if sometimes you struggle, because the league is so demanding.”
2. Bundesliga: Żukowski stars in relegation six-pointer as Magdeburg pip Münster
Mateusz Żukowski scored a brace to help Magdeburg to a crucial three points away at fellow relegation-threatened side Preußen Münster. The Polish striker is certainly the surprise story of the season.
The 24-year-old was a versatile player in his time at Slask Wroclaw and Lechia Gdansk as he only scored five goals in over 100 appearances. He also had to wait until matchday 13 for his 2. Bundesliga debut due to an injury.
However, he is now only one goal shy of the league’s top-scorer, Isac Lidberg. After failing to score in the last three matches, Żukowski put the visitors in front from the penalty spot in first-half injury-time.
January signing Richmond Tachie sealed the victory in second-half injury-time with his first goal for the club after Żukowski completed his fourth brace and Etienne Amenyido’s strike that momentarily gave hope for the hosts. The relegation fight intensifies in 2. Bundesliga, with the gap between 12th-placed Dynamo Dresden and cellar-dwellers Münster only three points.
A short cameo to reach a milestone: Brandt makes 300th appearance for BVB
At the end of what was probably his shortest appearance for BVB, Julian Brandt couldn’t help but break into a broad smile. Visibly amused, the midfielder – who had only come on in the sixth minute of stoppage time – first embraced manager Niko Kovac and then sporting director Sebastian Kehl. The player was also honoured in the dressing room: to the applause of the team, Kovac highlighted Brandt’s contributions.
Shortly afterwards, the coach asked for understanding regarding the brief appearance: “Jule only played for a very short time today. That personally hurt me and I felt sorry about it. I actually wanted to bring him on for 20 minutes. But after the 1-2 and the 2-2, we had the momentum – and I didn’t want to interrupt that.” Kehl commented on the curious milestone in similar terms: “It perhaps wasn’t ideal to play for such a short time. But the game was very frantic and very wild towards the end. I think Jule understood that. That shouldn’t detract from his performance over these seven years at Borussia Dortmund.”
Despite the decision to part ways in the summer, the appreciation for Brandt at Borussia Dortmund remains undiminished. “He’s played 300 games for BVB, provided countless assists and scored countless goals. That’s a great career for a very great club. Above all, what Jule shows as a person is unique,” enthused the coach.
With Brandt’s departure, an era is coming to an end in Dortmund. Since his move from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019, the 48-time Germany international has scored 56 goals and set up 69 more. In 2021, he won the DFB-Pokal and also featured in the Champions League final against Real Madrid (a 2-0 loss). Alongside his consistent goal-scoring contributions, his identification with the club was particularly valued. “300 games for Borussia Dortmund – that’s a real milestone,” emphasised Kehl.
Brandt currently ranks 20th on BVB’s list of record appearances. Niko Kovac held out the prospect of further appearances for the 29-year-old until the end of the season: “I hope he gets significantly more minutes in the coming games. ” It is therefore quite possible that Brandt will climb even further up the club’s all-time appearances list. Andreas Möller, with 301 appearances, and Christian Wörns, with 303, are within reach. Michael Zorc remains the undisputed leader with 572 appearances.
Flag football is still football. Even without contact, a risk of injury remains.
And it was clear on Saturday that, for the active NFL quarterbacks in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, there was much more activity than target practice in seven-on-seven drills.
Watch this clip of the things Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was doing. Cutting, spinning, falling, diving. Ditto for Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan in D.C. had this to say during the games: "Jayden Daniels is playing receiver, running routes, juking guys. [Team USA] is playing like it’s an NFL playoff game. Biggest day of their careers. There have been collisions. I just can’t believe the Commanders are cool with this."
There was, at one point, a vague sense that Daniels was hoping the team would tell him not to do it — and that the team was hoping Daniels would decide not to do it. The all-important third year of his career to date is coming, and any injury would have complicated his effort to fully prepare for the football season to come.
In the end, and as far as we know, none of the active NFL players were injured. Former Patriots and Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski pulled a hamstring after catching a pass for a two-point conversion on the first drive of his team's first game. For active players, a hamstring injury could mean weeks of rest and rehab, with the offseason program coming very soon.
So, yes, there's a risk. It'll be there during next year's Fanatics Flag Football Classic. It'll be there if/when USA Football decides to hold a competition to determine the participants in the U.S. men's national team for the 2028 Olympics. It'll be there for the Olympics, which will happen days before the opening of training camps.
The NFL seems to be willing to accept that risk in pursuit of the reward that comes from further globalizing the game. The individual teams are going along with it, with silent reluctance. The players, for the most part, don't think about injuries until they happen.
Still, the risk is there. And quarterbacks, as we saw on Saturday, are far more involved in flag football than standing behind the action and throwing passes.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
The Lakers took some time to find their stride, but they have now. One major reason is a trade GM Rob Pelinka made at the deadline to acquire Luke Kennard.
“The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired guard Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for guard Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round pick, the team announced on Thursday night,” ESPN wrote.
The key for Pelinka was securing another shooter — a move that has elevated his reputation.
“The Lakers are going to score. They have Luka, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. Pelinka needed to find a lights-out shooter to open that bit of extra space for everyone else. Kennard has the second-best 3-point percentage in NBA history, and the Lakers got him for Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick. It was another magic act by Pelinka as he turned virtually nothing into a crucial piece the team desperately needed. If fans had heard all that two months ago, they wouldn’t have believed it. Rob Pelinka deserves a ton of credit. It was his relationship with Nico Harrison that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles. Now, the Luke Kennard trade has lifted the Lakers even further. Fans thought Kennard's defense would make him a non-factor, but they were wrong. Pelinka is doing it all with limited assets and savvy moves. Credit to him,” Lake Show Life’s Tyler Watts wrote.
The Lakers are increasingly looking like a true contender, and Kennard’s floor spacing is a big reason why. Pelinka has now delivered two consecutive seasons of deals that have fundamentally changed the complexion of the Lakers’ season.
Tottenham's home defeat by Nottingham Forest leaves them one place above the Premier League's relegation zone (CARLOS JASSO)
Tottenham suffered a potentially seismic 3-0 defeat to Premier League relegation rivals Nottingham Forest on Sunday, failing to rise to a rallying call from their massed ranks of fans.
Thousands lined the streets to cheer the squad before the crunch fixture in north London and there was a crackling atmosphere in the ground as kick-off approached.
Spurs bossed the first half but Forest took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Brazilian forward Igor Jesus headed home a Neco Williams corner.
Forest doubled their lead just after the hour mark when Morgan Gibbs-White finished under Guglielmo Vicario and substitute Taiwo Awoniyi compounded Tottenham's misery with a late strike.
The vital win for Vitor Pereira's men lifts them above Spurs, who are now just one point and one place above the bottom three.
Last year's Europa League winners are staring at the nightmare prospect of relegation from the top tier of English football for the first time since 1977 unless they can arrest their steep decline.
As if to underline the club's current plight, a few miles across London, bitter rivals Arsenal were gunning for their first trophy of a potential quadruple in the League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
Spurs, led by interim boss Igor Tudor, came into Sunday's game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without a win in the Premier League since late December.
But they were buoyed by last week's 1-1 draw at Liverpool and a midweek win against Atletico Madrid, even though they exited the Champions League on aggregate.
- Fans rally -
Fan groups set up a initiative ahead of the game called "Show Up, Sing Up, Stay Up", calling for supporters to rally.
Fireworks were let off and a section of fans chanted the name of former boss Mauricio Pochettino before the team bus was serenaded with chants of "Come on you Spurs" as white and blue smoke filled the air.
A message on the stadium screens from captain Cristian Romero said: "We'll fight for everything, all together."
Forest, who started the day just outside the drop zone, looked the more dangerous team in the early minutes but Tottenham settled and started to enjoy the bulk of the possession, with Richarlison heading wide.
However, the home side struggled to create clear-cut chances and paid the price when Jesus put Forest ahead in the 45th minute, meeting Williams' corner with a bullet header.
Spurs came within a whisker of levelling at the other end but Forest goalkeeper Matz Selz touched Mathys Tel's powerful shot onto the crossbar in the dying seconds of the opening period.
As the half wore on the home fans among the crowd of 61,519 became increasingly edgy.
And they were shocked into silence when Gibbs-White, a target for Spurs in last summer's transfer window, slotted home in the 62nd minute from Callum Hudson-Odoi's cross.
Tudor made a number of attacking changes, bringing on Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons, but to no avail.
Awoniyi's goal in the 87th minute sent home fans scurrying for the exits.
The only chink of light for Spurs on Sunday was a 2-0 defeat for West Ham against Aston Villa, which leaves the Hammers in the bottom three.
Stand-in Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Ishan Kishan found himself at the centre of a fiery on-field moment during a practice game on Saturday, when teammate Zeeshan Ansari gave him an animated send-off after dismissing him.
The incident unfolded in the eighth over of the second innings. Kishan, who looked in sublime touch early on, took the attack to the 26-year-old leg-spinner, smashing two sixes and two boundaries off the first four deliveries. However, Ansari had the final say. He deceived the wicketkeeper-batter with a full ball, leading to a mistimed shot that was safely caught at deep square leg.
— IS_Netwrk29 (@IS_Netwrk29)
What followed was a charged reaction from the bowler, who gestured Kishan to head back to the pavilion. The SRH skipper, though, chose to take it sportingly and responded with a smile, diffusing the tension.
The moment comes at a time when Kishan has been handed leadership responsibilities for the early phase of the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The franchise named him interim captain, with Abhishek Sharma serving as his deputy, as regular skipper Pat Cummins continues his recovery from a lower back stress injury.
Cummins’ injury had already ruled him out of a significant portion of the recent The Ashes in Australia and also sidelined him during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. While confirming the leadership change, SRH stated that Cummins would miss a few matches but did not clarify the exact duration of his absence.
Kishan steps into the role on the back of an outstanding run in the T20 World Cup, where he played a pivotal part in India’s title-winning campaign. The left-hander finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 317 runs from nine matches, striking at 193 and averaging 35.22, including three half-centuries.
His performances also propelled him to No.2 in the ICC rankings for T20I batters, a chart currently topped by his SRH teammate Abhishek Sharma. Earlier in the domestic season, Kishan had also led Jharkhand to their maiden title in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, further underlining his growing credentials as a leader.
AUSTIN, TEXAS -MARCH 20: Katie Fiso #2 of the Oregon Ducks is congratulated by Kelly Graves head coach of the Oregon Ducks after they defeated Virginia Tech Hookies in a first round NCAA women's basketball tournament game at Moody Center on March 20, 2026 in Austin , Texas. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We have Oregon sports today from morning until into the evening. Here is the least of what is playing today:
Softball vs. Purdue
When: Today, 10:00 am PT
Where: West Lafayette, IN
Watch: Big Ten Plus
Softball won their opener on Friday, but dropped yesterday’s match. Today, the Ducks and the Boilermakers battle for the series win.
Baseball vs. Northwestern
When: Today, 12:05 pm PT
Where: PK Park, Eugene, OR
Watch: Big Ten Plus
Baseball won their series yesterday and look for another conference sweep.
Women’s Basketball vs. Texas
When: Today, 3:00 pm PT
Where: Austin, TX
Watch: ESPN
The odds are very poor for Oregon to win this contest. Texas is just too good, and will probably be in the championship. But can the Ducks make a favorable showing? We shall find out.
The presumed matchup is set and one of the best from the Big Ten will take on one of the best from the SEC to see who can advance to the Sweet Sixteen. The Minnesota Golden Gophers got past #13 seed Green Bay in the First Round with a fourth quarter domination—winning the ten minute period 30-9 to propel them to a 75-58 victory. But Minnesota will not be able to play that poorly for the first three periods on Sunday. Ole Miss dominated the opening three quarters against #12 seeded Gonzaga taking a 31 point lead into the fourth quarter. Then the Zags made a furious run going on a 20-2 run at one point to cut the Rebels lead to just ten, but Ole Miss would finish off a 81-66 victory. If you ask anyone associated with the Ole Miss program from the coaching staff to the players to even the band which was chanting ‘SEE! SEC!“ during their win over the Zags, they think that the SEC is superior to everyone else. In her press conference yesterday, Ole Miss coach Yolette McPhee-McCuin stated that the SEC is a different world. ‘Well, the SEC is the baby WNBA and in the WNBA you’re playing with grown women, and so there is a component that if you’re not physical enough you won’t be able to succeed. Most times, in most things, right, unless you’re doing ice skating or something like that. Maybe you need to be a little lighter. But physicality usually reigns supreme in the sports world.” It’s now up to the Gophers to prove her wrong.
#4 Minnesota Golden Gophers Ohio State Buckeyes Record: 23-8 (13-5)
#5 Ole Miss Rebels Record: 24-11 (8-8)
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN:
PROTECT THE BALL:
This is the absolute number one key, and frankly none of the other ones will matter if this one isn’t achieved. Ole Miss thrives off of turnovers and transition baskets. They are physical in both the front court and the back court and if the Gophers can not make smart passes and play with the same intensity this one could get ugly quick. While the Gophers are one of the best teams in the nation at not turning the ball over averaging just over 11 per game. We have seen them struggle at times with intense full court pressure. The Rebels will bring that from the opening tip. There can be no excuse for not being ready for it. Ole Miss turns teams over more than 18 times per game and averages more than 20 points per game off of turnovers. If at the end of the game the final Gopher turnover number is a lot closer to that 18 than the 11, things probably will not have gone Minnesota’s way.
Return the Physicality:
One thing that I think took the Gophers by surprise in the early moments of the Green Bay game was the level oh physicality that was being allowed. The referees were not calling a ton of physical fouls early in the game and Minnesota appeared to be put off by that. Ole Miss on the other hand is that physical. They will push, shove, bang, and attack until the referees decide to call them on it. Center Christeen Iwuala who is 6’3 is a physical beast and will make Sophie Hart and Finau Tonga work hard all game long. She is the Rebels second leading scorer at 12.6 points per game and is an absolute beast on the boards grabbing 8.4 rebounds a game and 3.5 of those are offensive rebounds. But the Ole Miss guards are even more physical. Sira Thienou returned to the lineup after missing several games with an injury and dominated the guard play with her physicality scoring 12 points and leading the team in rebounds, blocks and steals with eight, four and three. She will be a very touch matchup for either Tori McKinney or Amaya Battle. That not even taking into consideration former Ohio State star and now Ole Miss star Cotie McMahon. The former Buckeye is familiar with the Gophers going 4-0 against them while at OSU. She leads the Rebels with 19.7 points per game. Minnesota will not have the size and length advantage from their guards and wings that they sometimes do. All Ole Miss’s main players are at least 6’1 and athletic. The Rebels rebound exceptionally well averaging seven more boards per game than their opponents and This will not be an easy challenge for the Gophers.
Win The Three-Point Battle
The one thing that Ole Miss is not good at is three-point shooting. The Rebels average just over 29% from beyond the arc as a team. This is where the Gophers must have an advantage. Their three point shooting was atrocious in the first half of the Green Bay game going 1-9. If that happens again Minnesota will have a high hill to climb in the second half as they likely will be down by nearly double digits. With an extra day of practice with the overinflated NCAA Tournament balls, hopefully players like Grace Grocholski and McKinney can dial in their shots. Grocholski did not score in the game against Green Bay and was 0-5 from the field. McKinney was 0-2 from three. In the second half both Battle and Mara Braun locked in and the Gophers were a combined 5-6 from three. That’s what we might need to see again if Minnesota wants to advance to Sacramento next weekend.
Prediction:
The Williams Arena crowd will be loud and ready to go. The Gophers will need to feed off of that energy and get over their nerves quickly. This Ole Miss team is a veteran group who have all mostly been to multiple NCAA Tournaments. They will not be scared of the environment. Minnesota will need to match the Rebels physicality, protect the ball, rebound well and hit shots. The Gophers likely will not be able to keep up if this turns into a game of two point shots. The Rebels have a size and speed advantage and will be able to get decent looks. If Minnesota is going to win they are going to need to hit outside shots. They have done it—but can they do it again. This one will be close to the final horn. IF the Gophers can hit their outside shots, I think they pull out a win. But if the first half Gopher offensive team from Friday shows up, there is not going to be much they can do. We go for the reverse jinx in this situation. Ole Miss 79, Minnesota 73.
Next Up:
The winner advances to Sacramento for the Sweet Sixteen next Friday at either 6:30 or 9 PM against the winner of #1 seed UCLA and #8 seed Oklahoma State.
Manchester City suffer a huge injury blow ahead of today’s Carabao Cup final
Ahead of today’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal, it seemed that Manchester City entered today’s match with an almost fully fit squad. Josko Gvardiol and Marc Guehi were the only two City players ruled out of today’s match. Gvardiol is injured, and Guehi is ineligible to play today at Wembley Stadium. Ahead of kickoff, it has been revealed that Ruben Dias will miss today’s match due to a hamstring injury. That is a huge blow for Pep Guardiola’s side, as the leadership and experience that Dias provides will be sorely missed.
Ruben Dias has been ruled out of today’s match due to a hamstring injury.
Sam Lee has reported for The Athletic that Ruben Dias will miss today’s Carabao Cup final due to a hamstring injury. As per Sam Lee’s report, Dias wasn’t selected in Portugal’s squad for their upcoming friendlies against Mexico and the United States. It has not been revealed at this stage how long Dias is set to be sidelined for.
How Manchester City line up at the back will be fascinating to see.
Manchester City will miss Ruben Dias today at Wembley. The Portuguese international is Manchester City’s defensive leader, and his experience would have been vital to Pep Guardiola’s side today. With Marc Guehi also out of today’s match, City have lost two key players in defense for today’s match. That is a blow that Pep Guardiola’s side will have to overcome if they are to beat Arsenal at Wembley today.
How Pep Guardiola sets up his defence will now be fascinating to see. It would be expected that Abdukodir Khusanov will start at Wembley. It looks to be down to a choice between John Stones or Nathan Ake to partner the young centre-back. Ake and Stones have the experience to thrive at Wembley, although there are question marks that surround their durability.
Losing Ruben Dias for today’s match is a big blow for Manchester City. His leadership and experience will be missed and now it will be up to his teammates to pick up the slack in that regard.
Araujo 9, Raphinha 6.5 | Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano: Player Ratings
The final game ahead of March’s international break saw Barcelona take on Rayo Vallecano at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday afternoon.
Fresh off a 7-2 win over Newcastle, the Catalans entered the game high on momentum but also heavily fatigued, and thus dished out a cohesive yet lethargic performance.
Ronald Araujo gave the team the lead in the first half, and Barcelona defended well to keep Rayo Vallecano off the scoreboard. As the game progressed, however, a lot changed and the game grew nervy for the Blaugrana.
In the end, however, Barcelona did manage to hold on to the lead and took all three points.
Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano.
Joan Garcia: 9
The goalkeeper was tidy with his distribution and did not have a whole lot of saves to make on the night.
However, he did notably go down with discomfort at one point in the game, and while he did opt to warrior on, the situation raises concern about a possible aggravation.
Made a massive save in the second-half to deny the opponents and again another gargantuan effort in the dying minutes of the game.
Joao Cancelo: 8
The left-back was solid both in attack and defence on the night, covering up to the best of his abilities at the back while also serving as the transitional point for the team in the buildup.
Linked up well with Raphinha, both on the flank and with his central movements in the buildup phase. Earned the assist for Ronald Araujo’s opener from a well-taken corner.
Gerard Martin: 7
The centre-back continued his solid partnership with Cubarsi, holding the offside trap well and combining well with his teammates to get out of tight situations.
Was reliable on the ball and with his ambitious vertical passes which found the intended target more often than not.
Pau Cubarsi: 7
Cubarsi was the more stable and dependable of the two centre-backs as usual and was crucial in the team’s buildup in addition to his defensive responsibilities. Did not make any obvious errors in the afternoon.
Ronald Araujo: 9
Barcelona’s decisive goalscorer. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The captain was given a start over Xavi Espart at right-back and did well in a defensive sense although he did understandably struggle to provide attacking output.
He scored the team’s opener with a well-taken header in the first half and handed Barcelona the lead, proving what a potent aerial threat he can be.
Marc Bernal: 7.5
Bernal dished out a routine performance in midfield with not much special beyond the fundamentals which he got spot on.
Was solid with his distribution and combination sequences, and while he did miscue a few passes, he often looked to make runs into the attacking half to progress the buildup better.
Pedri: 8.5
Pedri was handed a start despite putting in a solid shift midweek and did not show too many signs of fatigue. He ran the show in the middle of the park with his deceptive feints and accurate passes.
Fermin Lopez: 8.5
Fermin worked very hard against Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Lopez was a workhorse once again for Barcelona as he appeared to be all over the park throughout his time on the field.
He was crucial in the attack with his runs behind the defenders, but he also ensured to be energetic and tireless in the press off the ball, often running all the way back to Joan Garcia’s goal to complete a recovery.
Lamine Yamal: 8
Yamal was relatively silent in the first half in terms of his dribbling but his passes over the top and around defenders were bang-on. Could well have had two assists to his name in the first half alone.
Improved after the break with some runs and direct attempts on goal but could not find the back of the net on the afternoon.
Raphinha: 6.5
Raphinha looked off in terms of his sharpness against Rayo Vallecano with a couple of misplaced passes and even a 1v1 opportunity scuffed. His work-rate was solid, but he lacked the decisive finishing touch.
Did not improve too much after the break and failed to keep up his goalscoring form from the previous two encounters.
Robert Lewandowski: 6.5
Lewandowski put in a good shift for Barcelona despite not getting into too many goal-scoring positions, often dropping to midfield and looking to start the transitional attack with an ambitious pass forward.
His involvement in the link-up play potentiated Barcelona’s danger and left the opposition defence scrambling for the right position at times.
Ferran Torres: 6.5
Came on to replace Lewandowski in the second half and played 45 minutes against Rayo Vallecano. While he did not manage any clear chances on goal, he was handy in the buildup and press to some extent.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Joan Garcia of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
Barcelona have opened up a temporary seven-point gap at the top of the La Liga table thanks to a tight and hard-fought 1-0 win against Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou on Sunday’s early kickoff. Ronald Araujo scored the only goal of the game, but the real star was Barça goalkeeper Joan Garcia who did everything in his power to secure the clean sheet and give Barça three monster points all by himself.
Reactions & Observations
The start of the game was difficult as expected, with Rayo using their knowledge of how to exploit Barça’s high line very early on and forcing Joan Garcia into a couple of crucial interventions. The visitors created plenty of trouble in the first 10 minutes, and Barça struggled to get out of their own half.
Barça finally started to have some attacking joy once Raphinha and Lamine Yamal got more involved in the action, and the Brazilian missed three big chances, including a bad one-on-one miss and a shot that hit the crossbar after a great save by Batalla. Yamal should have had a penalty when he was taken down by Pathé Ciss in the box, but the referee and VAR ignored the shout.
The Blaugrana were not brilliant at any point in the first period but had created enough to deserve a goal, and they got it thanks to a corner-kick from João Cancelo that found the head of captain Ronald Araujo to put the home team in front.
Hansi Flick’s side had a tight one-goal lead at the break and weren’t playing great, so this one was far from over ahead of the second half.
Barça’s second half performance was an abject disaster, with the Catalans unable to sustain any meaningful sequences of possessions and allowing huge spaces in behind time and time again. Rayo exploited the high line with scary ease, and that’s when Joan García got to shine: the Barça goalkeeper made a remarkable amount of interventions, including at least two gigantic saves, and was the sole reason the home team was able to hold on to their lead.
The Blaugrana somehow survived and the final whistle came to give them all three points on an afternoon where they did very little to deserve a victory. Rayo were as tough as advertised and should have gotten something from the game, but Joan’s heroics secure a monster win that gives Barça a temporary seven-point lead before the Madrid Derby.
Sometimes it’s all about the three points, and today was definitely one of those days.
Iwo Baraniewski reacts after winning his Light Heavyweight Bout against Austen Lane during UFC Fight Night at The O2, London. Picture date: Saturday March 21, 2026. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
UFC London went down yesterday (Sat., March 21, 2026) inside O2 Arena on London, England which saw Movsar Evloev defeat Lerone Murphy via unanimous decision (recap here). In the co-main event, Luke Riley defeated Michael Aswell Jr., also by unanimous decision.
Biggest Winner:Iwo Baraniewski
Baraniewski improved his record to 8-0 after destroying Austen Lane in just 28 seconds of the very first round (see it again here). With the win, he improves to 3-0 inside the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Octagon. What’s even more impressive is that all of his wins have come via knockout in the very first round, totaling just under 2.5 minutes of fight time so far in his UFC career. In fact, all of Baraniewski’s pro wins have come in the very first round. But we’ve seen this before in the form of Houston Alexander and Robelis Despaigne, for example. Both men started off their MMA and UFC careers known as quick finishers, though they didn’t amount to much inside the Octagon. So far, Baraniewski has proven to be the real deal and a few more wins like this could earn him a Top 15 ranking soon, rather than later.
Runner Up: Movsar Evloev
I get it, people are upset at the questionable scorecards, but we would likely be having this same conversation had the decision gone the other way. Nevertheless, Evloev was able to hold on to his undefeated record — which is now at 20-0, 10-0 UFC — while Murphy is the one going home with his first-ever defeat. The only issue is there is no telling if UFC matchmakers were convinced enough to give the Russian grappler the next title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. Regardless, Evloev did what he had to do to convince the judges to remain in the winner’s circle and get one step closer to his first-ever UFC title shot.
Biggest Loser (s): Austen Lane and Antonio Trocoli
Coming into the event, Trocoli was our pick for the fighter who needed a win the most seeing as how he was coming in on a three-fight losing streak. Things went from bad to worse for “Malvado,” who remains without a win inside the Octagon by dropping to 0-4 following his loss to Mantas Kondratavicius. As for Lane, he has now lost three in a row and four of his last five fights getting stopped in all of those defeats, including his lightning-quick defeat to Baraniewski. I don’t expect these two men to get another shot to prove their worth on the biggest stage of them all.
For complete UFC London results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
And that was before their Huskers, in epic fashion, beat Vanderbilt 74-72 on Saturday night to advance to the first Sweet 16 in program history.
After that, city officials could’ve filled the length of the Bricktown Canal with Busch Light and it still wouldn’t have been enough. Not nearly enough to satisfy the horde of Huskers who descended here hoping to see history.
Nebraska fans waited decades to see an NCAA Tournament win. And then they witnessed two of them over a magical three-day stretch in Oklahoma City — now forever a holy city for the Big Red faithful.
Ten months ago, the Thunder beat the Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. At the time, it would’ve been preposterous to even suggest that any environment could match the raucous jubilee of Thunder fans that night.
To which Nebraska fans, if there had been any beer left, would’ve told Thunder fans to hold theirs. Paycom Center rumbled in a way that, up until Saturday, had only been reserved for Thunder playoff games.
It was mayhem. It was madness.
March Madness.
“Never seen an atmosphere like this in the first round,” said Chris Webber, who was on the call for TNT.
Had Vanderbilt’s last-second heave gone in, and man did it come so, so, so close, there would’ve been a mass meltdown.
Instead, there was a volcanic eruption.
Nebraska players ran victory laps around the floor. One of the Huskers stole Herbie’s hat and put it on himself. A half-hour after the final buzzer sounded, Nebraska fans booed a PA announcement that kindly asked them to exit the arena. None of them, their eyes still teary, wanted to leave.
Oklahoma City wasn’t ready for this, by the way. It’s hard to plan for something that’s never happened, but that’s precisely why the Cornhusker incursion was as overwhelming as it was.
It’s 400 miles from Lincoln, Nebraska, to downtown Oklahoma City. Might as well have been four.
And poor Vanderbilt. Nashville felt as close as Neptune.
“That’s one of the best environments, toughest environments that I’ve ever coached in,” Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington said.
The Huskers, and Husker fans, are now bound for the Sweet 16.
“I think they’re all driving down to Houston in the morning,” Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We expect another big turnout again next weekend.”
Big? Ha.
Get ready, Houston. There are thousands of Cornhuskers headed your way.
ROME (AP) — Como took control of Serie A’s final Champions League spot by thrashing relegation-threatened Pisa 5-0 on Sunday for its fifth straight victory in Serie A.
The victory boosted Cesc Fabregas’ club three points clear of fifth-place Juventus, which was held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo on Saturday.
Assane Diao, Anastasios Douvikas, Martin Baturina, Nico Paz and Maximo Perrone scored for the hosts.
Como’s win came three days after one of Como’s owners, Indonesian tobacco billionaire Michael Bambang Hartono, died at 86.
Hartono and his brother, Roberto Budi Hartono, took over Como in 2019 when the team was playing in Italy’s fourth division.
Como returned to Serie A in 2024 for the first time in more than two decades.
Later, Serie A leader Inter Milan was visiting Fiorentina and Roma was hosting Lecce.
STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 20: Jocelyn Amos #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes skates with the puck in the first period during the game against the Northeastern Huskies during the NCAA Women's Ice Hockey Championship held at Pegula Ice Arena on March 20, 2026 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/NCAA Photos/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
For the fourth straight season Ohio State and Wisconsin will meet in the title game of the women’s ice hockey NCAA Tournament.
Along with battling in the final game of the season for the fourth year in a row, this marks the sixth time the Buckeyes and Badgers have met this season, with Wisconsin winning three of the first five meetings. Ohio State has just lost one game during their 2025-26 campaign to a team other than Wisconsin.
The Buckeyes opened the Frozen Four on Friday with a 5-0 win over Northeastern in the first of the two semifinal games played at Pegula Ice Arena. Ohio State took control of the game in the second half of the first period, scoring four goals in the final 10 minutes of the opening period.
Joy Dunne netted the first goal for the Buckeyes on Friday, followed by goals from Kaia Malachino, Sanni Vanhanen, and Emma Peschel in the final four minutes of the first period. Following a scoreless second period, Sara Swiderski scored the only goal of the third period.
With the Buckeye offense applying pressure throughout the game, goaltender Hailey MacLeod didn’t have to work too hard in the semifinal, saving all 15 shots she faced to record her sixth shutout of the season. MacLeod added to her single-season program record with her 26th win this year.
The shutout was the fourth by Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament, with two of them coming against Northeastern. Overall, the Buckeyes are 14-4 in the NCAA Tournament, and 7-4 in the Frozen Four entering today’s championship game.
Ahead of the showdown with Wisconsin, Ohio State had three of their players honored for their play this season. Emma Peschel and Joy Dunne were named All-Americans. Peschel was placed on the first team, while Dunne was named a second team All-American. This marks the third time in program history the Buckeyes have had two All-Americans in the same season.
Along with Peschel and Dunne, Hilda Svensson was named Julie Chu Rookie of the Year, an honor she is sharing with Sara Manness of Clarkson. The last Ohio State player to win the award was Dunne in 2024.
Svensson enters Ohio State’s final game of the season as the team’s leading scorer, registering 51 points. Dunne is right on Svensson’s heels with 50 points and a team-high 27 goals. Jocelyn Amos and Sloane Matthews each have at least 20 goals and 40 points on the season.
Overall, the Buckeyes have 11 skaters with at least 20 points and eight players with at least 10 goals on the season. Through their first 40 games this year, Ohio State has outscored their opponents 179-63.
Following an easy 6-0 win over Quinnipiac last weekend, Wisconsin was pushed in their semifinal by Penn State on Friday, pulling out a 4-3 win in overtime against the Nittany Lions. After Tessa Janecke got Penn State on the board first less than two minutes into the game, Laila Edwards equalized at 4:31 of the first period.
The Nittany Lions responded with another power play goal three minutes later. Edwards again tied the score less than 20 seconds later, this time on the power play. The goal was the 12th by Edwards in the NCAA Tournament, passing Hilary Knight for most in school history.
After the teams went to the locker room after the first tied knotted 2-2, Adela Sapovalivova gave Wisconsin their first lead of the game at 16:09 of the second period. Janecke tied the game up with five minutes to go in the third period to send the game to overtime.
Kirsten Simms secured Wisconsin’s 13th trip to the title game when she scored 50 seconds into overtime, which was also the 100th goal of her career, as well as her fourth game-winning goal in the Frozen Four. Simms is the fifth Badger with 100 goals in program history.
On Saturday, Caroline Harvey was named the recipient of the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, given annually to the top player in women’s college hockey. Harvey is the seventh Wisconsin player to be given the award, and second straight after Casey O’Brien won the award last season. Harvey has 63 points on the season, giving her more than 200 points in her career, which makes her the 10th Badger to record at least 200 points.
Leading Wisconsin in scoring this season is Lacey Eden, who has 29 goals and 76 points. Trailing Eden and Harvey in scoring is Kirsten Simms, Kelly Gorbatenko, Cassie Hall, and Laila Edwards, with each of those players compiling at least 40 points this year.
11 Wisconsin skaters have at least 20 points on the season. For as impressive as Ohio State’s scoring differential is, the Badgers are outscoring their competition 210-58.
Wisconsin holds the edge in the season series so far 3-2, but Ohio State won the most important of the five games played so far when they beat the Badgers 2-1 two weeks ago in the WCHA Final Faceoff championship game.
In the most recent win over Wisconsin, Ohio State fell behind midway through the third period when Lacey Eden scored, but the Buckeyes responded with goals from Hilda Svensson and Jordan Baxter scored two minutes apart later in the third period.
The other win by the Buckeyes came in early February when they won 4-1 in Madison, although both teams were missing key players because of the Winter Olympics.
If recent trends hold, Ohio State has a great chance of winning their third national championship in program history since the Buckeyes have won the last two NCAA Tournaments held in even years. In the last three title game matchups with Wisconsin, the two programs have alternated wins, with Wisconsin winning in 2023 and 2025.
No matter who wins, we are likely headed to another classic game between the two dominant programs in the country.
The battle between the Buckeyes and Badgers is scheduled to start at 4:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPNU.
Jonathan Kuminga tasted victory in his first game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, March 22. Steve Kerr's team fell to a 126-110 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks, as Golden State's current slide continued. They're now 6-15 in the 21 games since Stephen Curry went down with a lingering knee injury.
Despite the Hawks' win, Kuminga had a tough night. The explosive forward didn't score a bucket until late in the fourth quarter. He ended the night with 2 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, shooting 1-of-9 from the field, despite playing 22 minutes.
Even though his first game against his former team didn't go to plan, Kuminga, who was speaking to the media after the game, was quick to note how his focus is on improving his game and helping the Hawks.
“I’m not worried about the past," Kuminga said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. "I’m here. I’m very happy where I’m at. We’re doing great, and our goal is to get whatever we want to get. That comes down to us as a team, and I think that’s just my main focus going forward throughout my whole career and throughout my time with my teammates here. So whatever is being said, whatever is going on, that’s not my problem anymore. I’m onto the next chapter with my teammates, and we’re trying to build something here.”
Kuminga has suited up for the Hawks on seven occasions since being traded at the Feb. 5 trade deadline. He's averaging 13 points, 7 rebounds and 2.6 assists, shooting 51.1% from two-point range and 46.7% from deep. Clearly, his performance on Saturday was an outlier compared to what Atlanta has come to expect of the talented forward.
Nevertheless, both Golden State and Kuminga will look to turn their attention back to the task at hand, and for Golden State, that will be trying to get back in the win column as soon as possible.
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Brian Brobbey struck in the 90th minute to give Sunderland bragging rights in the Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle on Sunday.
Brobbey's close-range effort sealed a 2-1 comeback win at St James' Park and saw Sunderland complete a Premier League double over its fiercest rival.
Sunderland also moved above Newcastle into 11th in the standings.
Anthony Gordon had given the home team the lead after capitalizing on sloppy passing at the back and firing low past Melker Ellborg after 10 minutes.
Chemsdine Talbi leveled shortly before the hour mark and Brobbey stunned the home fans when scoring at the second time of asking late on.
Earlier, the game had been halted due to a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd towards Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida.
Before kickoff, there had been tense scenes between fans outside the stadium. Northumberland police said one arrest was made.
Relegation-fighting Tottenham and Nottingham Forest were playing later on Sunday. Aston Villa was taking on another team trying to avoid the drop - West Ham.
Arsenal and Manchester City were playing for the first major piece of domestic silverware this season in the English League Cup final at Wembley.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Michael Page of England prepares to face Sam Patterson of England in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at The O2 on March 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Michael Page got the win on Saturday in London, but not everyone was thrilled watching it — including, allegedly, Dana White.
Page defeated Sam Patterson via unanimous decision in the featured bout at UFC London, but it brought out the boobirds in the O2 Arena.
In fact, a tweet from Scott Lagdon, who was at UFC London, said that White left during Page’s victory, and didn’t return for quite some time — if at all. Following the win, Page reacted to White potentially leaving his fight.
Dana left during MVP vs. Patterson and hasn’t been back since.
“Nah, not really,” Page said to reporters. “Again, it’s just when you’re a man in those positions, remember everything that you do has a big effect. You create bigger waves with what you do and what you say. I guess he needs to be mindful of these things but he’s known to be his own man. He does what he does.
“But for me, it’s just go out and perform the best as I can next time and, next time, make him sit in his seat.”
Page wasn’t happy with the performance overall, and also placed a lot of the blame on Patterson for not engaging in the low-volume matchup.
“MVP” also made waves with his choice of walkout songs for the fight, selecting “They Don’t Care About Us,” by Michael Jackson.
Page asked if he was using it as a subtle shot at the UFC considering his frustrations in the build to UFC London.
“I think there’s a multitude of things but you only have to look at the world,” Page explained. “You don’t have to look that far. You only have to look at what’s going on. And just, in all honesty, the powers that be in so many different aspects just don’t give a shit about us, if I’m being honest.
“Any time I hear the news, news channels, whatever, it’s just so negative, and [there’s] so much pain going on in the world right now. That track is so old and still so relevant. It’s ridiculous. That track is relevant now — for my own frustrations, and for the world’s frustrations. Right now, that track is relevant, and it shouldn’t be. That’s what’s annoying. … It should be a memorable track, not, ‘That hits home now.’
“I feel like everybody at the top needs to disappear. We need to start fresh.”
Report: Tottenham Hotspur considering move to sign former Man United star
Tottenham Eye Dean Henderson as Goalkeeper Plans Take Shape
Tottenham Hotspur’s summer planning has already begun to gather pace, with uncertainty surrounding Guglielmo Vicario opening the door for potential change between the posts. As reported by the Daily Mail, Spurs are actively exploring options, and Dean Henderson has emerged as a serious contender.
This is not simply about replacing a goalkeeper. It reflects a wider evaluation of reliability, consistency, and the standards required for a club striving to reassert itself at the top end of English football.
Henderson Emerges as Reliable Target
Dean Henderson’s profile fits what Tottenham appear to be seeking. The Crystal Palace captain has delivered a season of composure and authority, underlined by his impressive clean sheet record.
The Daily Mail notes his consistency, with Henderson registering 10 clean sheets in 29 league appearances. Only a select group, including David Raya, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Jordan Pickford, have managed more in the current campaign.
His leadership qualities and Premier League experience make him an appealing option. Having previously navigated the pressures of Manchester United, Henderson offers a blend of resilience and familiarity with elite expectations.
It is no surprise, then, that “According to Jones, a new goalkeeper is on the agenda for Tottenham ahead of the summer, with Vicario now looking at a potential return to Italy.”
Vicario Future Clouds Spurs Plans
Vicario’s situation has shifted significantly in recent weeks. Once viewed as a stable presence, his form has come under scrutiny, and interest from Inter Milan adds further uncertainty.
Photo IMAGO
The Italian goalkeeper’s potential departure feels increasingly plausible, particularly with reports suggesting he has “failed to convince this season.” Spurs now face a decision that could shape their defensive identity for years to come.
Adding to the complexity is his current fitness concern. Vicario is expected to undergo hernia surgery, which could sideline him during a critical phase of the season. This absence places further strain on Tottenham’s already fragile defensive setup.
Goalkeeper Shortlist Reflects Strategic Shift
Tottenham’s recruitment team are casting their net widely. Alongside Henderson, Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu and Manchester City’s James Trafford are under consideration.
This range of targets suggests a club weighing immediate dependability against long term potential. Henderson represents the former, a goalkeeper ready to step in and deliver. Atubolu and Trafford offer youth and development, aligning with a more future focused approach.
Such a decision speaks to Tottenham’s broader strategy. Do they prioritise stability now, or invest in a goalkeeper who could grow into the role?
Defensive Stability Key to Progress
Goalkeeper uncertainty rarely exists in isolation. It often reflects deeper concerns within a team’s structure. For Tottenham, defensive inconsistency has been a recurring issue, and the man between the posts plays a central role in addressing it.
Vicario’s possible absence through surgery only heightens the urgency. Deputy Antonin Kinsky, who has struggled for rhythm since a difficult outing against Atletico Madrid, may be thrust back into action.
This is a defining period for Spurs. Recruitment decisions made now will influence not only results, but also the confidence of a squad seeking direction.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
For Spurs supporters, this situation feels like a necessary reset rather than a reactionary move. Henderson brings something that has been missing at times this season, consistency and presence.
Fans will recognise the appeal of a goalkeeper who has delivered week in, week out in the Premier League. Henderson’s numbers are strong, but it is his command of the area and communication that stand out. Spurs have often looked uncertain defensively, and a vocal, assertive goalkeeper could help address that.
There is also a sense of frustration around Vicario. Injuries and inconsistent form have made it difficult to fully trust him as the long term solution. If there is genuine interest from Inter Milan, many supporters would see this as the right moment to reassess.
That said, Tottenham must get this decision right. Henderson is a safe option, but some fans may question whether he represents a step towards competing with the very best. Trafford or Atubolu might offer higher ceilings, but with greater risk.
Ultimately, supporters want clarity. A settled goalkeeper, a clear defensive structure, and a sense that the club are building with purpose. This summer could provide that foundation.
Payton Anderson (88) of the Syracuse Orange celebrates a goal during an NCAA men's lacrosse game at 1952 Stadium in Princeton, United States, on February 27, 2026. (Photo by Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Syracuse Orange’s long, strange, winding journey has finally come to an end after six games, five states, 5,279 miles traveled, 37 days and a 4-2 record.
They’re finally home for the first time since their February 13 win over Maryland, and today they’re back for another big non-conference battle against the No. 13 Georgetown Hoyas at 1 PM on ACC Network Extra.
This is the 24th all-time meeting between the programs dating back to 1995. The teams played every year after that up until 2013, ‘Cuse’s last year in the Big East and the most recent time they’ve met in the regular season.
The Orange have won 17 of the 23 meetings, although the Hoyas have won two of the last three, including the last meeting in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. They also won the last game in the series inside the Dome back in 2012, a 10-8 win for the visitors.
Did you miss us?
#8 Syracuse vs. #13 Georgetown Sunday | March 22 | 1 p.m. JMA WIRELESS DOME | SYRACUSE, N.Y.
Georgetown is a tough team to figure out at the midway point of the season, and for good reason.
They got off to a very slow start this year, in large part because the winter weather wiped out their first two scheduled games of the year against Loyola and Johns Hopkins. Their first game ended up being February 14 on the road at Penn, which they won, 12-9.
From there, they went on a three-game losing streak against Notre Dame, Ohio State and Richmond to drop themselves to a surprising 1-3 for a team that was ranked in the Top 5 in the preseason. That being said, those three teams are currently ranked No. 1, No. 7 and No. 2, respectively, so there’s not much shame there.
They’ve bounced back in the last couple weeks with relatively comfortable wins over UAlbany and a rescheduled game against Loyola to improve themselves to 3-3 on the year heading into today.
Overview
The Hoyas are a team that have a lot of great pieces, but have yet to fully put it all together. They’ve only played six games, three fewer than the Orange to this point, so they’re obviously behind in game reps for their talented roster.
They currently rank 30th in the country in scoring offense at 11.67 goals per game, and are tied for 31st in scoring defense at 10.5 goals against per game.
Their best team attribute is their shooting accuracy, coming in at seventh nationally with a very strong .338 percentage.
Connor brothers lead the way
The Georgetown offense was in a tough spot coming out of 2025, losing their top two scorers (by far), who accounted for roughly 40 percent of their scoring.
Enter the Connor brothers as transfers from Colgate to take their spots. Amazingly, they’ve done that and more as they’ve combined to score just under 47 percent of the Hoyas’ points thus far. So, while the Connor’s provide a lot of star power on the attack line, the question of who consistently steps up from their supporting cast appears to still be up in the air.
Graduate student Rory Connor is the team’s leading scorer with 27 goals and 33 points. His 4.5 goals per game leads the country and his ridiculous .509 shooting percentage (27-of-53) is fourth best, although he’s the only player in the country to be shooting over 50 percent with over 40 shots taken for the season. He’s by far the best finisher on the team and has three times as many goals as second place, so finding and sticking to him will be a huge assignment for the Syracuse defense.
Younger brother and junior Liam Connor tips the opposite end of the point-scoring scale than his big brother, leading the team with 20 assists and second behind his brother with 25 points. Liam is the pure passer to Rory’s pure finisher, and his 3.33 assists per game is good for second best in the country.
At 6’4”, Liam is the bigger of the brothers, which would seemingly suggest Billy Dwan territory. However, Liam is more of the X-quarterback-style ball carrier and passer, which would suggest Riley Figueiras. It’ll be interesting to see how they divvy up marking the Connor’s.
Elsewhere, Jack Schubert is the second-leading goal scorer with nine, and the only other player who’s scored in double-figures with 13 points on the season.
Last season, Jack Ransom, Kevin Miller and Joe Cesare were third through fifth on the team in scoring, meaning they’re the three highest returning scorers from 2025. They combined to score 90 points last year but are all off to slower paces so far.
Ransom, who had a huge freshman season with 31 goals and 36 points, has only scored six goals and nine points so far as a sophomore. Miller put up 18 goals and 28 points last year, but only has four goals and six points. Cesare scored 19 goals and 26 points but only has a single goal and five assists in 2026.
The production is clearly there for all of them, but has yet to show itself so far this season.
Face-off struggles
The Hoyas’ primary FOGO is freshman Hayden Cody, whose struggled early in his career with a .461 win percentage (41-of-89).
Last season, Ross Prince had a huge freshman season as the main taker, facing-off to 63 percent for the year. This season, he’s missed half their games and has dealt with inconsistency as a result. He’s only at .482 right now (27-of-56), and just returned early this past week for their game against Loyola, where he went 6-of-14 (.429) in his return.
As a team, they’re at a .455 win percentage through six games.
Solid at the back
While the face-offs have been an issue, there’s no such concerns between the pipes where junior Anderson Moore returns to run the show at the back. Moore is one of the best goalies in the country having earned All-American nods in each of his first two years on campus.
One of the most athletic and rangy goalies in the country, he is not afraid to insert himself into a clear situation and carry the ball across midfield himself.
This season, he’s made 72 saves with a 10.62 goals-against average and a .533 save percentage.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 17: Members of Team Venezuela celebrate on the podium after the 2026 World Baseball Classic Championship game presented by Capital One between Team Venezuela and Team USA at loanDepot Park on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It’s Sunday once more, and you know what that means — it’s time for our weekly social media roundup! Since the last time we came together, the World Baseball Classic came to a close, with Team USA shutting down the dominant D.R. lineup before being themselves shut down by the Venezuela pitching staff. Just as importantly, spring is now upon us, and that just means one thing: Opening Day is (almost) here! That’s right, this coming Wednesday, the New York Yankees will take the field against the San Francisco Giants to kickstart the 2026 season. So as we get ready for the big day, let’s check in on our favorite ballplayers, and see what they’ve been up to this week!
Final Photos from and about the Classic
The biggest news of the week, of course, was the World Baseball Classic. I will admit, I wasn’t able to snag everything — Jasson Domínguez, for example, posted about the Dominican Republic’s loss on his Instagram story even though he wasn’t there, which should help give you an idea just how much this tournament means to so many of these players. So this is just a small sample, from official accounts, Yankees players, beloved former Yankees, and other NYC athletes.
This past Wednesday, Gerrit Cole took the mound. Yes, it’s only spring training, and yes, it was only one inning, but it’s a major step in his return from Tommy John surgery.
As spring training comes to a close, so does our daily dose of fun shenanigans from the Yankees and YES Network Instagram accounts. But that doesn’t mean we’re out of material just yet! This week, we have Carlos Lagrange, the pitcher everyone’s talking about this spring, answering questions from the YES Network — but only with wrong answers, giving us a bit of a look into the tall right-hander’s sense of humor.
We also got to learn which music has been most commonly found on the Yankees’ iPods (hey, some of them are still old enough to use iPods), and — what I found rather interesting as a Latin teacher — where exactly a bunch of Yankees stand on a controversial linguistic question.
Dana White has shut down the idea of UFC stars stepping into boxing, making it clear that fighters like Ilia Topuria will remain inside the promotion’s structure.
The topic has resurfaced amid growing crossover interest, but the UFC president has taken a firm and familiar stance.
His comments leave little room for interpretation about where the promotion stands.
Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images
Dana White boxing stance on Ilia Topuria crossover fights
“No. No way in h___. The crossover fights suck, that’s not what we do. I wanna see the best fighters in the world fight the best fighters in the world,” White said.
The response underlines a consistent philosophy, with White focused on maintaining competitive integrity inside MMA rather than chasing novelty events.
It also signals that even rising names like Topuria will be kept within the UFC system rather than diverted into one-off spectacles.
Dana White explains why UFC avoids crossover boxing fights
Dana White expanded on his position by pointing to past experience and questioning the long-term appeal of crossover boxing events.
“There are other networks and other people who do that s___. It’s not what I do,” White continued.
He concluded, stating: “I did it once. Well, I don’t know if it’s amazing, it was financially unbelievable, but how many times can you keep fooling people with that?”
The reference reflects on previous crossover success financially, while also highlighting concerns about sustainability and authenticity.
For White, the priority remains building matchups within the UFC, where rankings and competition carry more weight than spectacle.
Professional wrestler Heath attends Unicon 2021 at the World Market Center - Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images
It's been six years since Heath Slater competed as a WWE star, and has instead worked for TNA as well as other independent wrestling promotions since being part of the company's COVID-19 budget cuts in 2020. Although he's nearing the final stages of his career, Slater recently shared that he's not closed off to the idea of returning to WWE, but would want to reunite with his 3MB partner Drew McIntyre, and work for the promotion after he retires.
"You know, WWE ever called and was like, 'Hey man, Drew needs some help. We need to bring the band back together.' I'll be like 'Hell yeah, baby. Sign me for about a year or two,' but I would follow it up like, 'Yeah, but after that, could I be an agent or a trainer or something?' Maybe help some of these kids out a little bit," he said speaking with "Developmentally Speaking." "I would totally follow up with that because I'm there. I'm not at the bottom of the ninth inning, but I'm definitely at the bottom of the eighth."
Slater also explained that he's continued to keep himself in shape and believes there's still a handful of years left before he officially hangs up his boots for good, but admitted that his future is uncertain once he steps away from being an in-ring competitor.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "Developmentally Speaking" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 20: Head coach Jai Lucas of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates with his team after beating the Missouri Tigers during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Enterprise Center on March 20, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) | NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Welcome back to March Madness Gameday, Miami Hurricanes hoops fans!
After a tougher-than-it-should-have-been 80-66 win over 10-seed Mizzou in the first round, the competition ramps up greatly as Miami faces the 2-seed Purdue Boilermakers in the Round of 32 this afternoon. Purdue beat Queen’s College 104-71 in the first round.
This is clearly the toughest test of the tournament, and one of the toughest opponents of the year for Miami. The Canes played Florida earlier in the year, and the Gators earned a 1-seed in the tournament, so this challenge is comparable to that earlier one.
Here are 3 keys to victory for the Canes today against the Boilermakers:
Make shots – I know this sounds simple, but it’s a fact. You have to hit shots to win games, and Miami has struggled to do so at times this season. Specifically, Miami is one of the worst 3pt shooting and Free Throw shooting teams in the Country, and they’re going to have to find a hot streak, or at least a few timely makes in big moments, to find their way to victory vs Purdue.
Be physical and smart on defense – This might be the #1 thing for many people, but Miami’s defense will be put to the test today. Purdue has the most efficient offense in the country according to KenPom rankings (industry standard for College Hoops advanced stats), so they present a tough opponent for Miami’s defense. If the advanced stats don’t matter to you, maybe the fact that Purdue is on a 5-game win streak, beat a trio of NCAA teams to win the Big 10 tournament (Nebraska, UCLA, and Michigan), and just dropped 104 points in a game 2 days ago should properly frame the challenge for Miami’s defense.
Superstar performances – Upsets happen when stars play like stars. For Miami, that means Malik Reneau and Tre Donaldson are going to need to have the best games of their season, if not careers. Both transferred to Miami from major programs, and have the experience and ability to have a major impact on this game. If someone else wanted to step into the moment and take a star turn — looking at you, Shelton Henderson and Dante Allen — that would be great too. But, simply put, multiple Canes players are going to have to rise to the occasion to pull a pretty big upset over Purdue.
If you’re looking for a player to know on Purdue, look no further than point guard Braden Smith. He’s the NCAA’s all-time career leader in assists, plays 35 minutes a night, and is masterful at directing the Purdue offense that is the most efficient in the country. His matchup with Miami PG Tre Donaldson will be key to the story of this game.
Comment and discuss with your internet friends as we watch the Miami Hurricanes 2nd round game in the 2026 NCAA Basketball tournament.
Dundee Utd 2-0 Celtic – ‘The Big Questions Facing Celtic,’ Business of Sport
Celtic’s dismal performance 2-0 defeat at Tannadice against Dundee United this afternoon puts a massive dent in any chances we had of winning the league this season…
Celtic Huddle at Tannadice.Dundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
And there could be no complaints about the result as Jim Goodwin’s side thoroughly deserved their win against a Celtic team who wee simply dreadful.
Struggling to think of the last time a Celtic team was this bad, how about the 2-0 defeat away to St Johnstone in the 1993 which resulted in Liam Brady leaving the club.
Let’s not entertain any excuses about the state of the pitch. It’s the state of the team that is the problem and well done to the Celtic supporters who were sharing their thoughts with the clowns that are dragging Celtic down, those Celtic directors who have such distain for the supporters and tell themselves that they are world class in everything that they do.
Referee Nick Walsh at Tannadice. Dundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
The Celtic supporters and in particular the Celtic fan media have challenged this proclamation and given that they have left us without a proper striker for over a year, it’s remarkable that they retain some support from a sizeable percentage of the Celtic support. Maybe some of the happy clappers will have a re-think after today. Maybe we can help them along that road to a greater clarity of what is going badly wrong with our club.
This comes not from Celtic supporters but from two articulate podcasters from south of the border who turn out to be well informed and insightful when the Scottish Premiership title race caught their attention.
The side-benefit for Celtic is that they take a close look at what’s going on at Celtic and for every Celtic supporter this in an intelligent, outsiders’ view on what the issues are at Celtic and they deliver a devastating assessment of the Celtic’s board’s strategy.
Kelechi Iheanacho at Tannadice. Dundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
The Business of Sport podcast looks at the situation in the Scottish Premiership where Hearts stand a chance of becoming the first club outside of Glasgow to win the top division in Scottish football since Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen won the title in 1985.
While there is decent – and accurate – coverage of both Hearts and the Rangers, recognising the liquidation event at Ibrox in 2012 – the most interesting aspect of this excellent podcast is how they cover the situation at Celtic which is described as the most fascinating in world football as the support and the Celtic Board have very different views on his how the club should be run.
Iain Jamieson and Martin O’Neill at Tannadice. Dundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“Hearts are top of the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 40 years, and it’s sending shockwaves through Scottish football. Business of Sport digs into the numbers behind Celtic’s extraordinary financial position, why they’re only spending 20% of revenues on player wages, and whether a boardroom coup could be on the horizon. Plus, what Tony Bloom’s arrival at Hearts really means for the title race and the future of the Scottish game…” Business of Sport podcast.
This is an unmissable listen. Every Celtic supporters should watch it with an open mind, especially after what we watched this afternoon.
Let’s have a look at the comments posted by Celtic supporters who have watched this brilliant summary of the situation at Celtic.
“Brilliantly summed up what many Celtic fans have been saying for the last 5-10 years and backed it all up by the finances, great video.”
“Can someone send this to all the members of the board?”
“It’s so refreshing to see a couple of Englishmen who not only understand the situation at Celtic but also respect the size and global appeal of the club. We need to get this current board out by any means necessary. The fans aren’t stupid… we know the board have been running our club poorly.”
“Good to see some unbiased input which legitimises the feelings of a large section of the Celtic support. A club which is only “well-run” when viewed through the prism of securing the board’s performance bonuses but to the overall detriment of the club and it’s standing within not only world football but it’s “peer group” of similar clubs. The Celtic fans are the emotional and financial lifeblood of the club but are treated with disdain by the club hierarchy despite their concerns being legitimised by unbiased external observers such as yourselves. Thanks for the analysis. Sack the board.”
Daizen Maeda at TannadiceDundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“Thank you for doing this, this is the gripe Celtic fans have with the board, they think they are doing a good job.”
“Good to see outsiders articulate this so clearly. Often, fans of other Scottish clubs will dismiss the concerns of Celtic fans as entitlement because we win the league almost every year. The fact is, we should be competing in Europe after Christmas every single season, and we should be able to achieve that in a fairly low risk way.”
“Very good and thanks for dealing with Celtic.”
United celebrations at TannadiceDundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“Confession time…when this podcast episode appeared on my screen, I fully expected to shouting ‘what do a couple of English guys know about my club?’……well I got that 100% wrong! I’ve bleated on for years about Ajax and Benfica and of course let’s get the additional 10,000 season tickets sold! The two Charlie’s have just won over a huge number of Celtic supporters, who are all rightly saying…”see….we told you so”! Excellent episode…hail, hail!”
“Really well articulated and presented gents. It’s crazy how dumbed down the coverage is in Scotland by way of comparison, there is no hard questions asked of the current custodians and the fans aren’t yet united behind any of the single collectives just yet, so they might be able to linger on for a little while longer yet.”
“This was a fantastic summary from two articulate guys with no vested interest in the club. Important to take into account the huge bonuses received by Lawwell, etc. over this time period too.”
United celebrations at TannadiceDundee Utd v Celtic. Sunday 22 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“Thank you for aknowledging the size of our club, that unfortunately doesnt happen very often. Great discussion. I disagree with the end though, the board and our minority shareholder in chief, will never self-reflect and fundamentally change their ways. If they havent done so yet, nothing will act as a wakeup call for them. All we fans can do is to work towards getting them out of our club.”
“Watched this earlier in the longer version. The analysis of Celtic is pretty much bang on. An incompetent, unambitious and complacent board led by an egotistical largest minority shareholder / self-styled owner are gradually destroying the football potential of the club. These are not the type of people that Fergus McCann saved the club for, they are the type of people that McCann saved the club from.”
Chris McKay and Michael Nicholson arrive at Ibrox.theRangers 2 Celtic 2. Sunday 1st March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
“I’ve travelled all around the world to watch Celtic and spent tens of thousands to follow them and its soul destroying the way this board are allowing our club to become a none entity in European football. They have less than zero ambition and that’s giving them a very high compliment. The stadium outside and inside is becoming a dump, the toilet facilities are atrocious. Around 6 years ago Celtic got planning permission to build a new 200 to 300 bedroom hotel, they have done nothing while hundreds of Celtic fans stay in hotels all over Glasgow.
They got planning permission to build a new museum, a new ticket office and to increase the size of the superstore and nothing done.”
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 Dermot Desmond on the 18th tee during the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 on the Old Course at St. Andrews Golf CLub, Fife, . 06/10/2024. Picture Fran Caffrey / Golffile.ie
“As a Celtic fan it’s great to hear an impartial voice from outside of the fan base. The board are letting us down and lining their own pockets. Can someone explain how Dermot Desmond managed to obtain his shares without paying a penny?” (He bought shares, which he retains and have increased in value).
“Participation in the champions league is the key money maker. The biggest gripe the Celtic fans have – the board have repeatedly not properly invested in improving the squad prior to champions league qualification. And as a result of this under investment we have failed to qualify for the champions league, being knocked out at the qualifying stage by smaller teams.”
“Well done. This is an incredibly accurate and in-depth account and description of the finances and historical finances of Both Rangers and Celtic and Scottish football. Seriously well done for reporting this fascinating story about the finances of Both Glasgow clubs. No offence but most commentators and even journalist from England have an incredibly poor grasp or interest in Interesting finances of Scottish football and the fascinating story of the historical finances of Rangers and Celtic. Thanks for covering this so accurately.”
“Every Celtic fan should see this. Celtic using FSR as an excuse to not spend money when wages are 20% of revenue is, or should be criminal.”
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Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
Sep 6, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker CJ Allen (3) tackles Austin Peay Governors quarterback Chris Parson (3) in the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
There has been quite a bit of talk regarding CJ Allen’s workout at the Georgia pro day. After not working out at the scouting combine earlier this month, Allen elected to do positional drills, but no athletic testing at the Georgia pro day earlier this week. Despite impressing on tape in 2025, short clips of Allen’s workout at Georgia left many a bit concerned with his movement skills.
Allen had a minor procedure done on his meniscus back in November that allowed him to return and play the remainder of the Bulldogs season. Allen looked healthy for the remainder of the season, but it has been reported that he did not do any athletic testing due to swelling in his knee. Allen did elect to go through positional drills and some of the footage posted from his workout did show some limitations.
Allen has been heavily mocked to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round throughout the offseason and reports suggest the Cowboys are big fans of the player. The Cowboys should not let his pro day workout completely alter their plans heading into the draft, but the Cowboys would be wise to not overdraft a linebacker, especially with the medical situation come April.
Outside of Sonny Styles (counting Arvell Reese as more as an edge), there are no “home run” linebackers in this class. Allen was viewed by many as the second best off-the-ball linebacker in this draft class, but after not testing at the combine and the knee-swelling holding him out of testing at his pro day, the athleticism question now comes into play. Allen did not show elite athleticism by any means on tape, more known for his instincts, physicality, and ability to stop the run at middle linebacker. While that role is extremely valuable, the questions about his coverage ability and upside will become a lot louder now.
Behind Allen, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez has been on a massive rise since impressing at the combine, paired with his production on tape over the course of his career. While Texas’ Anthony Hill is not one of my favorite prospects, his athletic upside paired with his tape in 2024 could push him ahead of Allen for a lot of teams.
Cincinnati’s Jack Golday is an impressive prospect that has the size and athleticism Christian Parker wants in the middle of his defense. Despite his lack of size, Missouri’s Josiah Trotter is one of my favorite linebacker prospects in this class due to his aggressiveness, instincts, and “enforcer” mentality in the middle of the field. The point here is, the Cowboys are in desperate need of a middle linebacker, but that is there own doing.
Dallas had plenty of opportunities to add a quality, starting caliber linebacker in free agency, but elected to spend their resources elsewhere to improve their defense. After trading Osa Odighizuwa for the 92nd overall pick, the Cowboys have three picks in the top 100 and four picks in the top 115. While a healthy CJ Allen would be an excellent fit in Dallas, the Cowboys will have options on day two or three in Hill, Golday, Trotter, Arizona State’s Keyshaun Elliott, Oregon’s Bryan Boettcher, or Indiana’s Aiden Fisher. Over-drafting a player to fill a position of need is the way the Cowboys have gotten themselves in trouble before, and with so many other positions needing upgrading, they would be wise to not do that again.
Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chára carries the Stanley Cup as fans reach to touch the trophy during a rally in celebration of their NHL hockey Stanley Cup victory in Boston in 2011. The Stanley Cup is one of the most storied trophies in sports.
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Charles Krupa, Associated Press
Editor’s note: This story was originally published on March 22, 2025.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On March 22, 1894, ice hockey’s first Stanley Cup championship game was played, in which the Montreal Hockey Club defeated the Ottawa Hockey Club, 3-1. Since then, Lord Stanley’s Cup has become one of the most cherished and recognized trophies in sport.
The Stanley Cup was the creation of Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, lord of Preston and the 16th earl of Derby. Stanley was the son of a three-time prime minister of England. He served in Britain’s House of Commons until he was named governor general of Canada in 1888.
According to historical accounts, Stanley became an ice hockey fan after watching an 1889 game at the Montreal Winter Carnival. Stanley’s family, sons and daughters alike, also became enraptured with the game that had taken Montreal’s sporting public by storm since its introduction in 1875.
In honor of the new sport, Lord Stanley then donated a lavish trophy to the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. The trophy, originally called the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, was first presented in 1893 to the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association team, champions of the Amateur Hockey Association. Stanley had intended for the cup to be presented to the winner of a challenge series, or tournament, so in 1894 it was given to the Montreal AAA team upon their defeat of the Ottawa Generals in the championship round of a tournament specifically created to award the Cup as Lord Stanley had intended.
A closeup of the Stanley Cup, as Utah native Trevor Lewis of the NHL champion Los Angeles Kings celebrates his day with the Stanley Cup with Utah fans at the Maverik Center on Aug. 30, 2012, in West Valley City.
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Tom Smart, Deseret News
Now the winner of the National Hockey League playoffs keeps the Stanley Cup for a year. There are many fun and quirky facts about the cup, according to many reports, including one anecdote where the trophy was left behind at a home and occupant planted a plant in it:
The original bowl was made of silver and has a dimension of 7.28 inches in height and 11.42 inches in diameter. It was purchased for about $50 in 1892. The current Stanley Cup is made of silver and nickel alloy. It has a height of 35.25 inches and weighs 34.5 pounds.
By tradition, it is the only trophy in pro sports that has the name of the winning players, coaches, management, and club staff engraved on it. Through the years 3,489 names have appeared on the trophy.
There are several misspellings and illegitimate names on the Cup. Many of them have never been corrected.
One player, Jean Béliveau, is on the cup 17 times: 10 as a player and seven as management. Henri Richard has won the most Stanley Cups as a player, with 11.
There are actually three Stanley Cups: the original bowl, the authenticated Cup, and the replica at the Hall of Fame. The original bowl purchased by Lord Stanley is currently displayed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Ontario.
The Salt Lake Golden Eagles played in Utah from 1969 to 1994, winning the Central Hockey League’s Adams Cup in 1976, 1980 and 1981. In 1996 the Utah Grizzlies came to town, winning the Turner Cup in their first season, the International Hockey League version of the Stanley Cup.
Now the Utah Hockey Club is in its first season, with an outside shot at the NHL playoffs. And a shot at the storied Stanley Cup. Here are some Deseret News articles about the Stanley Cup:
The 2026 PGA Tour season wraps up a busy weekend on Sunday, March 22, with Round 4 of the Valspar Championship at Copperhead Course, ranked the seventh-toughest on the PGA Tour, in Palm Harbor, Florida.
Sungjae Im (Im Sung-jae) of South Korea tops the leaderboard at 11-under par.
The American duo of Brandt Snedeker and David Lipsky follow closely behind at 9-under, while England’s Marco Penge and Matt Fitzgerald are also within striking distance at 8-under.
Apr 27, 2024; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Brandt Snedeker looks on during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The final round on Sunday will air live on ESPN+ from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, with live coverage on the Golf Channel from 1:00 p.m. ET to 3:00 p.m. ET, before shifting to NBC at 3:00 p.m. ET for the end of the final round.
When will your favorite golfer be hitting the course?
A full look at the tee times and groupings for Round 4 on Sunday, March 22, can be seen below (all times Eastern).
Mar 21, 2026; Palm Harbor, Florida, USA; Sungjae Im gives a fist bump after a birdie on the 18th hole during the third round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
7:35 a.m. – David Ford, Vince Whaley 7:44 a.m. – Rasmus Hojgaard, Bud Cauley 7:53 a.m. – Kevin Streelman, Davis Thompson 8:02 a.m. – Billy Horschel, Matti Schmid 8:11 a.m. – Kensei Hirata, Pierceson Coody 8:20 a.m. – Kevin Roy, Justin Thomas 8:30 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Henrik Norlander 8:40 a.m. – Nicolai Hojgaard, Andrew Novak 8:55 a.m. Blades Brown, Alejandro Tosti 9:05 a.m. – Ricky Castillo, Sam Ryder 9:15 a.m. – Chad Ramey, Karl Vilips 9:25 a.m. – Michael Kim, Joel Dahmen 9:35 a.m. – Mackenzie Hughes, Christiaan Bezuidenhout 9:45 a.m. – Hank Lebioda, John VanDerLaan 9:55 a.m. – Andrew Putnam, Chandler Phillips 10:05 a.m. – Emiliano Grillo, Takumi Kanaya 10:20 a.m. – Jimmy Stanger, Webb Simpson 10:30 a.m. – Justin Lower, Denny McCarthy 10:40 a.m. – Alex Smalley, John Parry 10:50 a.m. – Xander Schauffele, Patrick Fishburn 11 a.m. – Matt Wallace, Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen 11:10 a.m. – Isaiah Salinda, Ryo Hisatsune 11:20 a.m. – Dylan Wu, Lee Hodges 11:30 a.m. – Davis Chatfield, Stephan Jaegar 11:45 a.m. – A.J. Ewart, Patrick Rodgers 11:55 a.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Doug Ghim 12:05 p.m. – Jordan Spieth, Danny Walker 12:15 p.m. – Patrick Cantlay, David Skinns 12:25 p.m. – Matthieu Pavon, Seamus Power 12:35 p.m. – Gary Woodland, Jordan Smith 12:45 p.m. – Brooks Koepka, Tony Finau 12:55 p.m. – Kevin Yu, Rico Hoey 1:10 p.m. – Corey Conners, Chandler Blanchet 1:20 p.m. – S.H. Kim, Tom Kim 1:30 p.m. – Matt Fitzpatrick, Adrien Dumon de Chassart 1:40 p.m. – David Lipsky, Marco Penge 1:50 p.m. – Sungjae Im, Brandt Snedeker
Veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins is looking for a new NFL team. He's hoping to tap into an old connection.
Hopkins recently told TMZ that he'd like to reunite with quarterback Kyler Murray in Minnesota.
"Kyler . . . that's my bro, man," Hopkins said. "Kyler is like family. Whatever I can do for someone like that -- if Kyler needed me, if the Vikings need me, they know I’ll be there."
The remark reconfirms the perception that Murray is the new starter in Minnesota (or, at a minimum, that it's Murray's job to lose).
The more pressing question for Hopkins is whether the Vikings envision a spot for him in the lineup. The depth chart is led by Justin Jefferson, obviously. Jordan Addison is the No. 2, as he approaches the last year of his first-round rookie deal. (The question of whether they'll exercise his fifth-year option may not be the no-brainer it once seemed to be.) Jalen Nailor, mainly a slot receiver, left in free agency.
Hopkins has a specific and unique skill set. He displayed it during Saturday's flag football event, boxing out an overmatched Team USA defender to make a one-handed catch of the undersized ball.
Hopkins turns 34 in June. He overlapped with Murray in Arizona from 2020 through 2022. He caught the Hail Murray touchdown pass amid a sea of Buffalo defenders, capping arguably the highlight of Murray's career to date.
The challenge becomes setting aside Hopkins's past achievements and assessing his expected contributions as of 2026. He had limited opportunities with the Ravens in 2025, catching 41 passes on 59 targets for 437 yards and four touchdowns.
Still, Hopkins could be a potent weapon in the red zone, giving Murray an option for jump balls in the back corner if/when the defense focuses on Jefferson.
Marc Marquez kicked off his 2026 MotoGP campaign with a win in the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint, though the day was overshadowed by his anger over a start delay caused by a sinkhole on the main straight.
After Ducati’s early-season dominance took a hit from Aprilia in Thailand, Marquez showed he can still make a difference by taking his first win of the year in Brazil.
The Spaniard missed out on pole to Fabio Di Giannantonio by just under a tenth, but came out on top in a close fight during the Sprint race.
The race itself was delayed by 75 minutes after a sinkhole opened up at the Autodromo Internacional Ayrton Senna. The issue affected multiple sessions and threw off preparations for many riders.
Marc Marquez left fuming over the MotoGP Sprint delay in Brazil
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images
After his win, Marquez spoke about how pleased he was to get the result, but also expressed his annoyance over the lengthy delay caused by a sinkhole that had appeared on the pit straight.
Speaking to reporters via Moto.it, when asked whether he had managed the disruption well, the defending world champion said:
“Yes, there was even a moment when I got angry, because it’s super difficult for a driver to connect, disconnect, connect, disconnect.
“We have our rituals before… at least I’m speaking personally, I don’t know about the others, but before the race you have your exercises, your warm-up, so everyone understands, and I think they did, but just in case I’ll explain.
“It’s hard when you’re already in the race to stop and then come back in again, but it was the same for everyone. The important thing is that tomorrow we hope it doesn’t happen again.
“Today they solved it in the best way possible, and we hope that the hole stays in that area and doesn’t affect the track.”
Marc Marquez: “I woke up feeling fresh as a daisy – that’s the number one point”
Following a lengthy recovery from a collarbone injury sustained late last season, Marquez was asked about how he’s currently feeling. Neil Hodgson had noticed changes in Marquez’s riding during qualifying, and the Spaniard acknowledged that adjustments had indeed been made.
“Today I woke up feeling fresh as a daisy: that’s the number one point. No pain, no discomfort, and I was able to ride quite well. But it’s true that these two weeks at home have helped us make a small step forward”.
He also noted ongoing areas for improvement, particularly with his form in left-hand turns.
“Even now, my body position on the bike feels a bit stiff, a bit strange in those left-hand turns that I usually do well and can take quickly, without loosening up. That’s where we need to continue improving.
“It’s clear that there are two completely different riding styles: Fabio rides the Ducati one way, and I ride another, but in the end, he was effective in his sectors, one and four, and I was effective in two and three.”
The 2026 NFL Draft is a little over a month away, and it’s become increasingly obvious what approach general manager Brian Gutekunst is going to take when the Green Bay Packers are on the clock.
Just kidding.
Actually, after addressing multiple areas of the roster during the free agency period, Gutekunst hasn’t boxed himself into any corners when it comes to how the team needs to approach this year’s draft.
The Packers don’t have a first-round pick this year, so the pressure of finding an immediate contributor is absent—it’s not like Gutekunst ever really subscribed to that thought process anyway.
A month ago, if you were trying to narrow down who the Packers would take with the No. 52 overall pick, defensive tackle, cornerback, and maybe even off-ball linebacker all would have been safe choices. Now, your guess is as good as any.
Before free agency even began, Gutekunst traded a defensive tackle on an expiring rookie contract to the Indianapolis Colts for inside linebacker Zaire Franklin. This shut the door on the possibility of bringing back Quay Walker and probably drafting an off-ball linebacker on Day 2.
Corner also would have been a safe bet until Green Bay reached a deal with Benjamin St-Juste. They did release Nate Hobbs, which could be viewed as an addition by subtraction, given how poorly he played last season. St-Juste isn’t an elite playmaker or high-end starter, but he is an ideal fit in the Packers’ new defensive system and will be another experienced option to have along with Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine.
So surely, after trading away a 16-game starter from last season in Colby Wooden, defensive tackle must be a priority in the draft, right? Not necessarily.
After losing Wooden, Gutekunst upgraded by signing Javon Hargrave, reuniting the 33-year-old with the defensive coordinator who was able to unlock his highest potential, and fortified the interior of the defensive line with a reliable veteran presence it had missed last season without Kenny Clark.
So what are the Packers' biggest needs heading into next month’s draft? Corner and defensive tackle still rank high in terms of depth needs. Edge rusher also falls into that category after parting ways with Rashan Gary, and no proven option opposite Micah Parsons.
It also wouldn’t be surprising if Green Bay’s draft board featured a healthy amount of quarterbacks, offensive linemen, tight ends, and wide receivers.
We all saw how valuable it was to have Malik Willis ready to step in for Jordan Love and run an efficient offense. The Packers’ offensive line was a disaster at times last season, and since then, they’ve lost arguably their most versatile offensive lineman in team history and their starting left tackle.
Jordan Morgan is expected to show why he was a first-round pick in 2024 by being trusted to protect Love’s blindside. After proving himself at center last year, Sean Rhyan was brought back for continuity and to ensure the team didn’t have to pigeonhole themselves into drafting a rookie starter as they did five years ago with Josh Myers.
Meanwhile, Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed are all in the final years of their rookie contracts, so you also can’t rule out any pass-catching prospects either.
All this is to say, Gutekunst has done a good job of ensuring he can be flexible when it comes to the draft. He has always preached a “taking the best player available” approach, and that might be even more true this year than in others. The Packers could use reinforcements in a number of spots, which plays right into Gutekunst’s hands in letting the board come to him.
Sunderland Claim 2-1 Derby Win Over Newcastle in Premier League
Newcastle 1-2 Sunderland: Derby Drama Shakes Premier League Race
Few fixtures carry the emotional weight of Newcastle versus Sunderland, and this latest Premier League chapter delivered a contest rich in drama, tension, and consequence. Sunderland’s remarkable 2-1 victory at St James’ Park, sealed by Brian Brobbey’s late strike, will echo loudly across the North East.
For Newcastle, it was a night that began with promise and ended in frustration. For Sunderland, it was another statement in a season that continues to exceed expectations.
Gordon Strike Sets Early Newcastle Control
Newcastle started with purpose, driven by the energy of a crowd desperate to see their side reclaim derby supremacy. Anthony Gordon struck inside nine minutes, capitalising on a costly Sunderland error.
Luke O’Nien’s misplaced pass was seized upon by Nick Woltemade, who fed Gordon with precision. The forward did not hesitate, finishing clinically for his 17th goal of the season. It felt like a moment that could shape the afternoon.
Eddie Howe’s side nearly extended their lead before the break. Sven Botman rose highest to meet Lewis Hall’s cross, only to see his header crash against the post. It was a warning Sunderland would heed.
Sunderland Response Defines Second Half
The game shifted after the interval, both in tempo and control. A brief pause due to reported discriminatory abuse disrupted the rhythm, yet Sunderland regrouped with clarity.
Their equaliser in the 57th minute reflected persistence. Aaron Ramsdale’s punch lacked distance, the ball was recycled into danger, and after Brobbey’s initial effort was cleared off the line by Dan Burn, Chemsdine Talbi reacted quickest to fire home.
Suddenly, Newcastle looked uncertain. Sunderland sensed opportunity and pressed forward with conviction.
Noah Sadiki came close to putting the visitors ahead, only to be denied by Ramsdale. Still, the pressure told. Brobbey, a constant menace throughout, delivered the decisive blow in the closing moments, converting from close range after his first effort was saved.
Missed Chances and VAR Frustration Hurt Newcastle
Newcastle believed they had restored their lead when substitute Malick Thiaw headed in from a Lewis Hall corner. The celebrations were short lived. Jacob Murphy was adjudged to have impeded goalkeeper Melker Ellborg while in an offside position.
It was a turning point. Instead of renewed control, Newcastle’s momentum drained. Sunderland, organised and composed, held firm before striking late.
The defeat leaves Newcastle in 12th, a significant setback in their pursuit of European football. Howe’s ambitions for a swift return to continental competition now appear increasingly distant.
Sunderland Momentum Builds in Premier League Campaign
For Sunderland, this result marks a defining moment in their return to the Premier League. Having already beaten Newcastle earlier in the season, this 2-1 victory secures a memorable league double.
It is their first since the 2014-2015 campaign, and it carries symbolic weight. Sunderland have now gone 13 league games unbeaten against their fiercest rivals, a statistic that will resonate deeply with supporters.
Regis le Bris’ side displayed resilience, tactical discipline, and belief. Even when trailing at half time, there was no panic. Talbi’s earlier long range effort, pushed over by Ramsdale, hinted at the threat to come.
Now on 43 points, survival is assured. With seven games remaining, attention turns to how high they can climb. European qualification may remain ambitious, yet momentum is firmly on their side.
Fulham forward Raul Jimenez closes in on Le Tissier’s insane Premier League penalty record
Raúl Jiménez is the Premier League's most reliable penalty taker and enhanced that reputation after scoring another spot-kick for Fulham this weekend.
The Mexican converted the third from the penalty spot in Fulham's 3-1 win over Burnley at Craven Cottage, firing high past Martin Dubravka. It was an emotional moment for Jimenez, who was reduced to tears as he honoured his late father in celebration.
Jimenez holds the Premier League record for the most penalties scored while still retaining a 100% conversion record (15), and the veteran is now chasing perhaps an even more impressive milestone.
The 34-year-old's 15 consecutive penalties scored is the joint-second-longest run in Premier League history. His effort against Burnley matched the 15 straight spot-kicks also scored by Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah and former Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.
Le Tissier's 23 consecutive penalties was part of an overall career record of 47 scored from 48 attempts. His sole career miss saw Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley deny Le Tissier in October 1993.
Can Jimenez score enough spot-kicks to move past Le Tissier's total?
The New York Jets are a team that desperately needs to improve in 2026.
The team had another miserable season in 2025, finishing with a 3-14 record, and head coach Aaron Glenn is likely already on the hot seat entering his second season.
So far in free agency, the team has made a few nice moves, but nothing that makes you think they'll be much improved in 2026. For example, the team has yet to add at wide receiver, and that's one of the biggest roster weaknesses.
If the season began today, Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Isaiah Williams would be the Jets' starting receivers. Wilson is great, but he can't do it alone. As a result, Jets insider Patrick McAvoy believes the team should trade for Quentin Johnston from the Los Angeles Chargers.
Regarding Johnston and the Jets, McAvoy offered the following:
Johnston is a 24-year-old former first-round pick with back-to-back seasons with over 700 yards receiving under his belt. That's enough in itself to show why he would fit in New York. Wilson was the Jets' leading receiver in 2025 with 395 yards in seven games played. The Jets clearly need more firepower beyond him. What if he gets hurt in 2026? The passing offense will stall out.
As McAvoy mentioned, the Jets' leading receiver in 2025 had 395 yards. That's completely unacceptable, and it will be impossible to win going forward with such a stagnant passing attack.
Wilson should be healthy for 2026, but he still needs more help behind him. Johnston is no star, but he's had back-to-back seasons of 700+ yards and is still just 24 years old. The Chargers picked up Johnson's option for the 2027 season, but it's possible they could trade him rather than pay his $16.4 million salary.
In New York, Johnston would immediately be WR2 and would likely get the most targets of his career. The Jets brought back veteran Geno Smith to be their quarterback this offseason, and Smith loves to air it out.
The Jets don't have to trade for a star receiver because they have Wilson. However, a young receiver with upside like Johnston could be the perfect target.
Are Kelee Ringo's days with the Philadelphia Eagles numbered? It's a fair question. It's becoming harder to ignore as the offseason unfolds. Ringo arrived in Philadelphia with an impressive resume. A two-time College Football Playoff national champion during his days with the Georgia Bulldogs and a fourth-round selection in 2023, he brought size, speed, and upside. Early on, he carved out a role as a reliable special teams contributor. That is something the Eagles have always valued: versatility. There's just one problem. At cornerback, the position that ultimately defines his future, development has been slower to materialize.
Can Kelee Ringo overcome the adversity he has faced and win an Eagles roster spot?
Then there's the addition of Mac McWilliams in 2025, another young player the organization will want to evaluate.
Roster math becomes a factor. While Philadelphia has carried seven cornerbacks before, the league average typically sits closer to six. That leaves little margin for error. Ringo's special teams value helps, but the message is clear. He isn't battling for a starting job anymore. He's battling for a roster spot, and it's clear. There is some writing on the proverbial wall.
Cam Skattebo is used to running forward. Now he's walking back.
The New York Giants running back issued an apology on social media for remarks that he made about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma during an episode of the "Bring the Juice" podcast on March 9.
Skattebo's appearance on the show, and the comments that were made,
"I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma," Skattebo said in a post to X on March 21. "It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma. I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks, and I assure you that I’ll be more mindful and respectful going forward.
"Much love !!!"
The running back has never been one to shy away from contact, even if his head is the thing initiating it. There is a viral clip of Skattebo banging his head against a wall, which is fitting for his style of play.
It's something that made Skattebo a fan-favorite wherever he goes, but the concussion and CTE discussion remains a main topic of interest around the 24-year-old. That's why it came as no surprise that "Bring the Juice" host Frank Delana quickly brought up the topic.
"Do you think CTE is real?" Delana asked.
“No," Skattebo said. "It’s an excuse."
Skattebo agreed when the host added that he thought asthma was also an excuse.
“Is that a hot take?” Delana asked.
“No, that’s a good take,” Skattebo said. “Yes, asthma’s fake.”
“Is there anything worse than when you’re in fourth grade and someone’s huffin’ and puffin’?” Delana said. “You’re just soft.”
“Yeah, just literally breathe air,” Skattebo said.
The exchange appeared to be in a more sarcastic tone rather than an attempt to draw conclusions rooted in science. Sarcasm or not, the comments quickly spread on social media and put Skattebo in the spotlight.
It was something that Skattebo's mother, Becky, pointed out on social media.
"If only people knew how many times cam had to "run and get mom's inhaler" they'd realize the sarcasm...you'll never make everyone happy and you'll never say all the right things and people are bound to spin something sooner or later in a direction it was never intended to go," Becky Skattebo wrote on X.
The Philadelphia Phillies have been slowly and steadily narrowing down their roster to get ready to create a 26-man roster for MLB Opening Day.
With Opening Day less than a week away, the roster is nearly set. But now, on Sunday, March 22nd, the Phillies roster for the 2026 season is essentially set.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies have a 26-man Opening Day roster. The Phillies roster features mostly familiar names, but also some key newcomers to round out a roster with World Series aspirations this season.
Phillies reported 2026 roster revealed by Matt Gelb
At catcher for the Phillies are veteran J.T. Realmuto and Rafael Marcha. Garrett Stubbs, who was vying for a bench spot by trying out in the outfield and infield, hasn't earned an Opening Day roster spot this season.
The rest of the infield is as follows: Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Edmundo Sosa, and Dylan Moore. Only Moore is a new face, as the Phillies are running back both their infield and catcher rooms this season.
In the outfield, Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford, Adolis Garcia, and Otto Kemp make up the new-look group. Crawford and Garcia are new faces, while Kemp's transition to a platoon left fielder with Marsh will be a storyline all season.
Then, in the starting rotation, the Phillies will have Cristopher Sanchez, Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo, Taijuan Walker, and Andrew Painter.
Lastly, the bullpen will have Jhoan Duran as the closer, followed by Brad Keller, Jose Alvarado, Tanner Banks, Jonathan Bowlan, Zach Pop, Kyle Backhus, and Tim Mayza.
Beginning the year on the injured list are ace Zack Wheeler, righty reliever Orion Kerkering, and Max Lazar.
The roster is now set, with all 26 spots being filled for Opening Day. It's a strong roster, with a few new faces.
The Purple Riders (1-1) won in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the seventh inning, completing a comeback after the Comets (0-2) scored four runs in the fifth inning. got on base three times to pace Arcola's offense while and combined for 11 strikeouts in seven strong innings on the mound. had two hits and two RBI for Oakwood.
In softball
Another late comeback effort ended in heartbreak for the Blue Devils (1-4). They trailed 8-2 heading into the sixth inning and nearly clawed their way back to a tie game. had three hits, including a home run, and three RBI while four of her teammates added two hits each.
tossed an 11-strikeout one-hitter to lead the Vikings (2-1) to the shutout win. Her offense finally backed her up in the sixth inning, highlighted by 's two-run triple. had the Storm's (0-2) lone hit, and pitched five shutout innings before Danville started to wear her down.
, and each drove in a pair of runs, but the Cornjerkers (0-2) ultimately fell by just one run.
The Panthers (4-0) continued their dominant start to the season with a four-inning perfect game pitched by . She struck out 10 batters while collecting three hits and three RBI at the plate. also blasted a home run to help LeRoy's offense.
The Blue Devils (1-3) got their day started with a tough loss despite a seventh-inning comeback effort. and each collected two hits, and pitched seven solid innings.
shined on both sides of the diamond to lead the Sages (3-1) to victory. She twirled a complete game while striking out 12 batters and only allowing three hits, and she had two hits with a home run and two RBI at the plate. also notched a pair of hits, and did the same for the Bunnies (0-2).
did it all for the Comets (4-1), striking out eight Trojans (2-1) in five innings pitched while driving in three runs on two hits with the bat. went 3 for 3 with three runs scored, and picked up a pair of hits in the win.
A balanced effort led the Comets (5-1) to their second win of the day. was 2 for 2 with three RBI, and , and all came up with clutch hits. struck out eight Buffaloes (1-3) in five innings of work to earn the win.
The Eagles (4-1) recorded 10 hits from nine different batters, led by 's home run and triple. tallied three RBI and combined with to strike out 13 Falcons (0-3) in the circle.
In girls' soccer
In a tough season-opener between two defending regional champions, the Bulldogs (0-1) fell just short. scored the lone goal for M-S.
In girls' track and field
Centennial senior showed out at the Bloomington Indoor Invitational by winning the 60- and 200-meter dashes with respective season-best times of 7.69 and 24.96 seconds. Charger teammate finished third in the 800 (2:23.61), Champaign Central's took third in the triple jump (33 feet, 10 3/4 inches) and Clinton's placed third in the 400 (1:03.32).
Botman, Burn And Gordon Get 7.5 | Newcastle United Players Rated In Tough Loss Vs Sunderland
Newcastle United entertained Sunderland at St. James’ Park earlier today as they hoped to secure a good result at home in the Tyne-Wear derby. The Magpies made a quick start to the game and scored the opening goal in the tenth minute thanks to Anthony Gordon’s effort. Eddie Howe’s men went into the half-time break 1-0 up on the scoreline.
Chemsdine Talbi equalised for the visitors in the 57th minute before Brian Brobbey completed the turnaround for Sunderland in the 90th minute. The match ended with the Magpies suffering a tough 2-1 loss in the derby.
Let’s take a look at how each Newcastle United player performed during the clash against Sunderland.
He made a few important saves at the back but conceded two goals this afternoon.
RB: Kieran Trippier – 6.5/10
Trippier caught the eye at times on both ends of the field.
CB: Sven Botman – 7.5/10
He did his fair share of defending and was a good presence on the ball.
CB: Dan Burn – 7.5/10
Burn made a lot of crucial clearances inside his half, but it was not enough today.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Joelinton of Newcastle United and Granit Xhaka of Sunderland argue 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 Stu Forster/Getty Images)
LB: Lewis Hall – 6.5/10
He came back to defend when he could and was lively inside the Sunderland half.
CM: Jacob Ramsey – 6.5/10
Ramsey anchored the midfield well at times but offered very little in the final third.
CM: Joelinton – 6.5/10
He did his fair share of defending but offered very little going forward.
CM: Nick Woltemade – 7/10
Woltemade made two key chances in the final third and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
RW: Anthony Elanga – 6/10
He struggled to impress with his performance this afternoon and was replaced after the hour mark.
ST: Anthony Gordon – 7.5/10
Gordon used his pace well at times and managed to score in the tenth minute.
LW: Harvey Barnes – 6/10
He failed to catch the eye on the left wing and never looked like he would score.
Substitutes:
CB: Malick Thiaw – 6.5/10
He did his fair share of defending after coming off the bench.
Mar. 22—NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jasmine Brown-Hagger had her left ankle wrapped in ice and black kinesiology tape covering her shin in the Illinois women's basketball team's locker room late Saturday night after the Illini's first-round NCAA tournament game against Colorado.
That was all the result of an ankle sprain the 5-foot-9 junior guard suffered in the third quarter. A sprain that required the Shorewood native to not put any weight on her left leg while being helped off the court.
Brown-Hagger spent the next three minutes of game time at the end of the Illinois bench sitting on the floor along the baseline with her feet out as trainer Autumn Taylor tried to help the Illini guard contend with the considerable pain she was feeling. Brown-Hagger eventually got to her feet and started stretching before checking back into the game with 35 seconds left in the third quarter.
The aftereffects that Brown-Hagger had been dealing with hadn't subsided nearly 30 minutes after the final buzzer sounded — even if she played basically the entire fourth quarter with that ankle injury.
It's just that Brown-Hagger's Illinois teammates made sure that effort to play through pain wasn't in vain, as the seventh-seeded Illini advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament with a 66-57 victory against the 10th-seeded Buffaloes before an announced crowd of 4,111 fans at historic Memorial Gymnasium on the Vanderbilt University campus.
That Brown-Hagger found a way to play through that injury was indicative in coach Shauna Green's mind of the mindset her team had as a whole on Saturday night.
A key reason Illinois (22-11) is still dancing in the NCAA tournament for a few more days.
"That's what you got to do if you want to win in March, right? It's the NCAA tournament," the Illini fourth-year coach said. "You lose, you go home. I tell them that all the time. I say that all the time. How tough are you going to be? How bad do you want it? Every 50/50 (ball) has to be yours if you're going to continue to move on. I loved it. That's what I want this program to be about is tough, gritty, blue collar, hard nosed, whatever you want to call it. ... And then obviously Jas, you know, the toughness she showed (Saturday night) with playing through an ankle sprain, that's what you want. You want those type of competitors on your team. You want that toughness on your team. You have that, you've got a chance."
And now, the Illini have a chance to break through another barrier — and reach the Sweet 16 of March Madness for the first time since 1998 — if Illinois can pull off the improbable and upset No. 2 seed Vanderbilt on its home floor at 6 p.m. on Monday in a second-round NCAA game.
But Saturday night was as much about how the Illini showed they can win in different ways as Colorado (22-12) forced Illinois to play a grind-it-out style.
Brown-Hagger embraced that style even if the veteran guard didn't score a single point and took just two shot attempts (missed them both). And yet, Illinois was plus 13 in point differential during Brown-Hagger's 28 minutes on the floor. That was the best mark on the Illini team as Brown-Hagger tied a career-high with four steals.
"Honestly, if you want to win, you are willing to do anything it takes," Brown-Hagger said from the locker room afterward. "I mean, I knew I had to make the right reads, the right passes and then defend my butt off. ... I think everyone stepped up in a major way (on Saturday night). Everyone had really good responses in a major way. So, I just think everyone was buying in, and I know for me that I am going to do what it is for this team to win. I think it was more of a leadership day for me and a more defensive day for me. Now, Monday may look a little different for me, you know, but just knowing that I can fit different molds in a game and put that on my chest is huge."
What was also substantial for Illinois in its nine-point win against the Buffaloes was the way in which the freshman duo of Destiny Jackson and Cearah Parchment — alongside sophomore forward Berry Wallace — nearly single-handedly outscored Colorado.
Jackson, Parchment and Wallace collectively accounted for 55 of the Illini's 66 points. That the Buffaloes had only 57 points as a team puts that into context. And what was more impressive is that Jackson and Parchment were making their NCAA tournament debuts.
"It was really cool," Parchment said of having such a big game during her first time playing on the grandest stage in women's college basketball. "I think it was just one of those nights where everything was going in, especially in the first half. So, it was nice to kind of just get used to it, especially after not playing for a couple weeks. So, I'm looking forward to playing on Monday (in the second round against Vanderbilt)."
That Illinois led for 34 minutes, 28 seconds in defeating Colorado didn't paint the complete picture of Saturday's first-round NCAA matchup. The Illini didn't hold a double-digit lead at any point against the Buffaloes until the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter.
Colorado had, in fact, whittled a nine-point deficit midway through the third quarter down to an 47-46 Illinois lead with 9:43 left in the game.
That the youngest NCAA tournament team in the 68-team field in the Illini held steady outscoring the Buffaloes by eight points the rest of the way wasn't lost on Green.
All part of a growth mindset.
"Again, just with how (Colorado) really mucks it up, you know, defensively so they make things really, really hard, but just someone always made a play for us," Green said. "So then we got the stops, so you got to string possessions together on both ends. We were able to do that in that fourth quarter and final few minutes. So again, resiliency down the stretch. We've been in a lot of close games where this group has had to make those key plays. I thought that kind of came through (Saturday), (and) that our league prepared us for a lot of those tight ones and close ones against really tough teams."
Those key plays really came from Jackson in the final 10 minutes.
Few shots were bigger than the corner three-pointer the 5-foot-6 guard confidently stroked into the net to put Illinois ahead 56-50 with 6:23 left in the game as the Chicago native ended up scoring 11 of her points in the fourth quarter.
A personal run that gave the Illini some breathing space, as Colorado never got within four points of Illinois the rest of the way.
And an opportunity on Monday in a second-round matchup with host Vanderbilt for another breakthrough moment for an Illinois program looking to return to the NCAA tournament's second weekend.
"It means a lot to me just that I was able to do what I did to help my team out, especially to get the win," Jackson said. "That's the most important thing. My mindset in that fourth quarter was doing whatever I needed to do to help my team win. Whatever that looked like I was going to do it. That's what my approach was."
Mar. 22—DANVILLE — One by one, Parkland College men's basketball coach John Bowler was making his way through the crowd of reporters.
He was the man of the hour following his team's 76-68 win over Ellsworth Community College in Saturday's NJCAA Division II national championship at Danville Area Community College's Mary Miller Gym. For more than just endless interviews, too.
"Just being able to enjoy it has been a great thing for our team and our program," Bowler said before getting interrupted to take care of something a little more important. "I think I'm actually going to have to cut down the net here in a second."
He tried to let everyone else have their moment first, telling his players and coaches to "just save me the last one," but it was time for the national championship-winning coach to climb the ladder and claim his prize. A special moment for Bowler, who coached the Cobras to a national runner-up finish this time last year.
Bowler had the biggest smile on his face as he tossed the net into the crowd, and when he was finally able to continue answering questions 10 minutes later, all of his teeth were still showing.
"It's a weight off your shoulders that you've completed the journey," Bowler said. "We talked about that full-circle moment where we came up short last year and got this opportunity again this year and were able to close. It's hard to express fully. Maybe I'm not smart enough to do it in the English language. It's emotional and an unbelievable thing. To put on your life resume that you're a national champion, no matter what you're doing, where you're the best in the world at that time and at that level is really special."
Parkland sophomore guard Jaiden Martin remembers last year's national championship game, losing 55-54 to Kirkwood Community College. He even got emotional when Parkland played at DACC in the regular season on Feb. 11, the memories of losing the title on that same court coming back to him.
"That was probably the worst feeling ever," Martin said. "Coming back and winning feels great. It's a full-circle moment. As soon as that buzzer sounded, I was at a loss for words, like 'I'm a national champion now.'"
Martin led the Cobras on the offensive end of the floor all season long, and the national tournament was no exception. In fact, he elevated his game even higher on the biggest stage, scoring an even 100 points over four games this week. He racked up 34 points and eight rebounds on Saturday to earn himself tournament MVP honors.
"He's a bad man," Bowler said of Martin. "He put us on his back the whole tournament run. In my opinion, he's one of the best junior college guards in the country. He's unguardable in a lot of ways. When we played here in the regular season, he was so emotional in the gym because he played so poorly in the national championship. He remembered that moment, and he wanted to deliver on what he didn't do last year. He definitely did."
In the closing stages of Saturday's championship, Martin had the ball in his hands, and he consistently delivered. He scored seven straight Parkland points to reclaim the lead with just under four minutes to play, and he added six more points in the game's final 60 seconds.
"I just had to make a play and get us the lead somehow," Martin said. "I was going to find a way. Just space out, and let me work."
Freshman Chris Bush and redshirt sophomore Grant Chamberlain joined Martin on the All-Tournament Team for Parkland. Bush scored 12 points on Saturday, and Chamberlain tallied 11 points and eight rebounds.
"We go at it every day in practice, and it's amazing to see him get into his mode," Parkland freshman Chris Bush said of Martin's late-game takeover. "We know he's one of the greatest players to ever play at Parkland. We trust him to make those shots, and we live and die with whatever he does."
Bush, a 2025 Champaign Central graduate, has the potential to be the next great player for the Cobras. He cracked the starting lineup just a handful of games into the season and became one of the team's go-to scorers down the stretch. He's now started his college career at the very top, but he's still determined to come back even better next year.
"We knew we were better than all of these teams, so we just came out and proved it. We earned it," Bush said. "It just gives me great motivation knowing that we can get here and knowing what it takes to get here. It's going to make me work 10 times harder to be a better leader and a better player to get back here and win it all again."
That kind of dedication showed for all of Parkland's team throughout its entire national tournament run. The Cobras were the 11 seed and beat a higher-seeded team in every game this week. Having dealt with injuries all season, the Cobras also only had eight players available, making their title even more impressive.
"Our eight were the right eight," Bowler said. "It's a culture-driven thing for us. We try to celebrate the little things. Being a runner-up last year and just being able to go to the tournament is special enough, especially at a level like this where there's only 20 teams that go. To just say you've gone is special. I've been preaching to our guys the last few weeks that you don't know if you're ever going to get this chance again, so when you have these opportunities, take advantage of them."
Parkland won the first-ever NJCAA DII National Tournament back in 1986 and finished second in 1988 and 2025. The Cobras made their 11th tournament appearance this year, including three straight and four of the last five, and finally finished the job for the first time in nearly four decades.
"We have a great culture, which is a winning one," Martin said. "That's all you need to know about Parkland. If you like to win, just come here."
Brobbey strikes late as Sunderland stun Newcastle in Tyne-Wear derby
Sunderland came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.
The hosts had the first chance of the game inside the opening three minutes when Anthony Elanga met Lewis Hall’s delivery, but he headed wide.
The Magpies took the lead in the 10th minute after they latched onto a loose pass and Anthony Gordon finished into the bottom corner.
At the other end, the visitors mustered their first attempt as Chemsdine Talbi almost picked out the top corner, but his curling strike was clawed away by Aaron Ramsdale before Chris Rigg dragged his effort well over the bar.
Just before the break, Elanga slammed his effort into the side netting before Sven Botman’s header from Hall’s delivery struck the post, and the host went into the break with a one-goal lead.
In the 57th minute, Talbi restored parity for the Black Cats after Ramsdale failed to deal with a corner and the Moroccan converted from close range.
Minutes later, Ramsdale made two good saves, denying Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki Sunderland’s second.
Malick Thiaw thought he had given the hosts the lead at the other end after he headed home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Jacob Murphy before Gordon curled wide of the post.
On the stroke of full time, Brian Brobbey fired the Black Cats ahead after he met Enzo Le Fee’s pass to win it at the death.
Scottish PremiershipSunday, March 22 2026Tannadice Stadium, Dundee
DUNDEE UTD…2(Ferry 51, Ageyi 66)
CELTIC…0
Celtic suffered a disappointing setback at Tannadice, as a difficult afternoon on a challenging pitch ended in a 2-0 defeat to Dundee United.
With results elsewhere over the weekend increasing the pressure on the Hoops to respond, Martin O’Neill’s side arrived in Dundee looking to close the gap at the top of the table, but found conditions and an organised home side difficult to overcome.
Dundee United made the brighter start and applied early pressure, with Ross Graham meeting a well-delivered corner from Will Ferry inside the opening stages, although his header failed to trouble Viljami Sinisalo.
Celtic looked to counter shortly after, with neat interplay between Benjamin Nygren, Kelechi Iheanacho and Yang, but Luca Stephenson halted the move with a late challenge on Yang which earned him a booking.
Celtic’s first clear opportunity came from a set-piece. Nygren recycled a corner into the box, where Benjamin Arthur cushioned the ball into the path of Kieran Tierney, but the defender’s powerful strike rose over the crossbar.
The hosts responded with a dangerous moment of their own following a defensive error, as Sam Dalby’s move ended with Ferry driving a fierce effort towards the top corner, only for Sinisalo to produce an excellent save to tip the ball away.
Conditions at Tannadice proved challenging throughout, with a heavily sanded surface disrupting any attempts to build rhythm or tempo, and both sides struggled to establish control in a stop-start first half. Liam Scales was booked after being caught out by a bobble in the pitch, bringing down Max Watters as the hosts threatened again.
Celtic came close to breaking the deadlock late in the half when Reo Hatate threaded a pass through for Iheanacho, but the striker’s effort was well saved by the goalkeeper, ensuring the sides went in level at the break after a quiet opening 45 minutes.
The deadlock was broken early in the second half as Dundee United took the lead. A move down the right saw the ball find its way to Will Ferry, who struck low beyond Vil Sinisalo to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
Celtic came close to pulling a goal back when Reo Hatate, operating from right-back, struck a first-time effort which clipped the inside of the post and rolled along the goal-line before being gathered by the goalkeeper.
Martin O'Neill's side looked to respond with changes, introducing fresh legs in an attempt to regain momentum, but they were dealt a further setback just after the hour mark when the hosts doubled their lead.
Following a series of blocked efforts inside the area, Emmanuel Agyei reacted quickest to fire home through a crowded box to mkae it 2-0.
Further changes followed as the Hoops searched for a route back into the contest, and they continued to press in the closing stages.
Tierney fashioned an opening inside the box, delivering a low ball across goal which Daizen Maeda attempted to convert, but the opportunity passed by.
It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Celtic, who were unable to find a foothold and were ultimately left with no reward, with attention now turning to regrouping after the international break.
Fixtures
Dundee United Vs. Celtic - Sun, Mar 22nd 2026, 12:30 Final score: 2 - 0
Photo: Barcelona stars Pedri, Gavi & more pay tribute to club legend v Rayo Vallecano
The first-team squad at La Liga champions Barcelona made use of the opportunity to pay tribute to an all-time club icon ahead of their latest outing.
The player in question? Ronaldinho.
Barcelona are of course currently locked in action on the domestic front.
Fresh off booking their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in comprehensive fashion in midweek, the Blaugrana have welcomed Rayo Vallecano to Catalunya’s capital for a La Liga clash.
As things stand late in proceedings, Hansi Flick’s troops lead by a solitary goal to nil, on their way to another three-point haul.
As alluded to above, though, ahead of kick-off at the Spotify Camp Nou, it was not Barca’s current crop of players who took their place centre stage in the media chatter.
Instead, it was the name of the aforementioned Ronaldinho.
As much came after the Catalans’ stars took to the pitch donning jerseys with the name of the Brazilian legend across their backs, in recognition of his 46th birthday:
Grown men should never be talking trash about each other’s families, especially not at professional sporting events. The heat of the game is often used as an excuse to tolerate bad behavior when things go overboard like they did last night when the LA Lakers beat the Orlando Magic, it’s not good for anyone; not the players and definitely not the fans.
Heading into the last minute of the tense game, Luka Doncicand Goga Bitadze were seen having a go at each other and rather loudly at that. Some slurs were thrown, and mothers were remembered as both players received technical fouls. For Doncic, of course, this was his 16th of the season, so he now has to sit out the next game as the Lakers try to push their 9-game winning streak to 10.
For Bitadze, this has s meant condemnation, and not just from Lakers fans, former players and analysts but also from NFL legend Shannon Sharpe.
“You have got to be careful talking about people’s girls and wives. I know Lukas not married and had some issues with his mom …We know what he’s going through with his co parent. I understand all of that. But at the end of the day you have to be careful how you talk to someone about their family,”Sharpesaid on the Nightcap Show, criticizing the Magic star.
“Everybody don’t play the same. What’s a joke to you, is death to someone else. Everybody talking bout ‘it’s just jokes’, you not a comedian … Everyday don’t play like you play. ‘I was just playing.’ Ok. Ok just playing, when somebody slap the fire out of you,” he warned.
Whether or not Sharpe’s words have reached Bitadze remains to be seen. But the Georgian was seen remorseful during the post-game press conference, while explaining that it was Doncic who had been abusing him in Serbian and he had just repeated whatever had been said to him.
*“He [Doncic] said something about my mother. Which, it’s really inappropriate. We don’t say that stuff during the game. So, I don’t know if he knew that I understood his language or not. So I just said whatever he told me or [about] my mother [and] said it back. That was pretty much it,”* Bitadze explained.
Doncic and Lakers head coach, however, have maintained that it was the Georgian who had started the altercation by threatening to “f
*k his family.” *It doesn’t seem like either party is intent on taking their foot of the pedal but the Lakers have already appealed the technical foul and are hoping that Doncic doesn’t have to sit out their next game against the Detroit Pistons.
Retired former New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan spent three seasons as teammates with three-time Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard, when the duo were with the Tennessee Titans.
The pair played two years under Mike Vrabel in 2018 and 2019, who is now entering his second campaign with New England.
Ryan, who won two Super Bowl rings with the Patriots, spoke recently about New England's offseason signing of Byard, calling it a "great, great addition."
"Perfect fit. An absolutely perfect fit," Ryan said, according to MassLive's Karen Guregian. "He knows Vrabel’s system extremely well. He knows coach (Scott) Booker, who was his DB coach in Tennessee and is the DB coach in New England. They run a very similar defense that we ran in Tennessee."
Byard was linked to the Patriots early in the offseason before signing a one-year, $9 million deal with the defending AFC champions on March 11.
The 32-year-old was a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro twice during his Titans career, including the 2017 campaign when he tied for the NFL lead with eight interceptions.
Byard was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2025 with the Chicago Bears and paced the league in interceptions with seven.
"With a trusted guy in the back it gives Mike Vrabel the perfect leader on the field, and another leader in the locker room," Ryan said, per Guregian. "He’s just a great, great fit, and a great, great addition to the Patriots."
Mar. 22—Ben Humrichous was talking with Jason Jakstys on Friday when the realization hit. Saturday's game against VCU could be his last. His final game with Illinois. The end to his college career after six years and three schools.
The Rams threatened to make that a reality with a first-half rally that erased a 12-point Illini lead, but Humrichous and Co. ultimately extended their season with a 76-55 victory on Saturday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
Next stop: Houston.
"It's a great feeling," Humrichous said after the game seated in front of his locker in Illinois' locker room. "(Friday) I had one more guaranteed day left as a college basketball player. Now to know that we have 4-5 days guaranteed for my college career, it's an incredible feeling to know we get to continue on with this journey with this team."
The list of players on the Illinois roster that have played in the Sweet 16 is short. Ty Rodgers had four points and six rebounds in the Illini's 72-69 win against Iowa State in Boston in 2024, but he's unavailable as he continues to rehab his surgically-repaired left knee. Senior walk-on AJ Redd didn't play in that game.
Zvonimir Ivisic reached the Sweet 16 last season with Arkansas. Kylan Boswell did the same with Arizona as a sophomore in 2023-24.
"My sophomore year coming to the Sweet 16 and being with a team I felt we should have advanced and came up short, that's a feeling I don't want to feel this year," Boswell said. "It's trusting our process and doing what we do. If we guard like we did (Saturday against VCU), I think we're going to be hard to beat."
Mar. 22—GREENVILLE, S.C. — Tomislav Ivisic launched to his feet as soon as Andrej Stojakovic blasted past VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. and launched himself airborne to posterize Rams forward Lazar Djokovic.
Ivisic's reaction was one of stunned disbelief. Hands firmly clenched behind his head in wonder.
It wasn't the first time the Illinois center would have a monster dunk to celebrate. The next came in the second half as Ivisic watched his brother, Zvonimir, take off from an absurd defense for a transition slam.
"He definitely jumped higher, but I was more hyped," Tomislav Ivisic said of his brother's dunk. "I'm not surprised. He's capable of that. I've seen that 100 times in my life, but every time it's special. He learned that from me."
Tomislav Ivisic had to think for a minute, but he ultimately gave dunk of the night honors in Illinois' 76-55 victory against VCU to lock up a Sweet 16 berth to his brother.
"It's hard, but I've got to take my brother," Tomislav Ivisic said. "Not because he's my brother, but because it looked better and it was on our end. I felt like he jumped from outside the paint. It seemed like he was flying for 5 seconds. It was incredible."
Zvonimir Ivisic's dunk came just mere moments after he erased a dunk attempt by Djokovic at the other end of the court. Then the 7-foot-2 forward/center ran hard in transition to be in position to accept a dump off pass from Kylan Boswell and elevate for his own highlight reel-worthy dunk.
"As soon as I saw him look — when we locked eyes — I knew that ball was coming," Zvonimir Ivisic said.
Zvonimir Ivisic hadn't seen the replay of his dunk by the time the Illinois locker room opened after the game. He had no idea just how far he took off.
"It seemed pretty close to me," he said. "I haven't seen anything yet. I really don't know."
Feeding Zvonimir Ivisic as the trailer on that play wasn't Boswell's first instinct. His first read was David Mirkovic, with a lob to Stojakovic another option.
"I just happened to look behind at half court and see the 7-footer running down," Boswell said. "I decided to wait, wait and wait until he was up enough to get the ball, and I just dumped it to him. I thought I gave it to him too soon, and then seeing him take off from basically the three-point line and 1-2 (step) and almost free throw line punch it was insane."
Stojakovic's dunk came as part of a solo 9-0 run by the Illinois guard, as he scored his team's final 11 points of the first half.
"The realization you get in your head when you do it on a stage like this, it's like no other," Stojakovic said. "I just went up there to challenge and put pressure on the rim."
Mirkovic called both dunks "beautiful" and that he "got hyped on both." But even he gave Zvonimir Ivisic the edge on dunk of the night given the entire sequence of events from blocking one to slamming another.
"His athletic ability is crazy," Mirkovic said. "He's a really important piece of our team because of that. He brings the rim protecting, and he brings those dunks. He hyped the team up and gave us great momentum at that moment."
Those dunks took some of the attention away from an acrobatic layup by Tomislav Ivisic in the first half. That unorthodox finish at the rim was part of his 14-point, 11-rebound performance.
"I thought David was going to throw a lob and kind of jumped and the ball went down," Tomislav Ivisic said. "I just had to find a way there. I've got to see it. Everybody said it looked good."
***
Stojakovic's dominant run at the end of the first half came with little variance in how he scored. It was all a product of getting to the rim. Even a mid-range fadeaway jumper from 10 feet he banked in off the glass.
"This is a team full of shooters, but when you have Dre that's the best driver on our team it gives defenses different looks," Mirkovic said. "It's pretty hard to guard him when he gets in his flow state, and then they start doubling and he passes to us and we knock down shots. It's really scary."
A sentiment Zvonimir Ivisic shared.
"They couldn't guard him," the Illinois big man said. "Dre is, I feel like, the best at what he does in the country, and I don't think anybody can guard him here."
Stojakovic's aggressive takes off the bounce against VCU is what Boswell wants to see from him more consistently. And not just because he typically either finishes at the rim or gets to the free throw line.
"How he can get downhill and how he can attract fouls just makes everything else easier for everybody," Boswell said. "Pick-and-pops become more open. Him being aggressive is vital for us, and it helps everybody else just get open shots."
***
A clear difference in Illinois having to fend off a VCU rally in the first half and pulling away for a 21-point victory in the second was turnovers. As in fewer of them.
Illinois turned the ball over eight times in the first half, giving the Rams the opportunities in transition they value. Three turnovers in the second half by the Illini shut the door on all but two fast break points for VCU in the final 20 minutes.
"If we don't turn the ball over in the first half, then we would have had a much bigger lead," Illinois guard Keaton Wagler said. The Illini's halftime advantage was seven. "When we limited that, it was easier for us to set our defense and get stops. We knew that they were a good team and were going to go on a run because watching the North Carolina team that's what they did. They went on a big run and won the game. Once we got that big lead in the second half, we couldn't lose focus."
***
VCU's rotation took a blow early in Saturday's game. Freshman guard Nyk Lewis landed awkwardly in the physical aftermath of a putback by Tomislav Ivisic, rolled his right ankle and had to leave the game in the opening minute.
That left the Rams without their No. 4 scorer for essentially the entire game.
"It certainly took the wind out of our sails to start," VCU coach Phil Martelli Jr. said. "We ended up getting it back, which was good, but yeah, he's a key to what we do. We aren't built around one guy — we are built as a team — but certainly what Nyk represents, who he is, the person he is, the player he is, all those things, you can't replicate.
"I feel terrible for him. He's worked so hard and done everything that we've ever asked him to do, and for him to go out like that is just a shame."
“It’s just a huge difference between being in that round and just entering the tournament,” Miller said after Texas Longhorns advanced with a 74-68 win over Gonzaga Bulldogs. “Having the opportunity to play through another week…that’s what makes it special.”
Texas earned that opportunity with one of its cleanest performances of the season, finishing with 20 assists and just five turnovers.
“There’s nothing that we talk more about right now than the value of limiting turnovers,” Miller said. “If you play an NCAA Tournament game with 20 assists and five turnovers, you certainly have to feel good about your offense.”
Miller pointed to Jordan Pope, who delivered late despite rolling his ankle.
“I don’t know if there’s too many guards that are playing at a higher level than Jordan Pope,” Miller said. “He can change the game from the three-point line.”
Inside, Texas found answers through Matas Vokietaitis.
“We had to test Matas and just see if he could deliver,” Miller said. “He did a great job.”
Making matters worse, Zach Charbonnet remains a question mark because of his torn ACL suffered in the playoffs that could prevent him from being ready for the start of the season.
What could Seahawks do at RB, EDGE?
According to ESPN's Brady Henderson, the Seahawks aren't likely to land Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane via trade because of a report from Adam Schefter that said the Dolphins aren't interested in trading him.
Instead, Henderson believes the Seahawks will further address the running back spot in the 2026 NFL draft.
"The Dolphins' roster purge has led some to wonder about a potential trade for De'Von Achane, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this week that Miami has told interested teams that the fourth-year speedster is not available," Henderson writes. "That means that the draft -- where they currently have just four picks -- might be the Seahawks' likeliest path to filling their backfield's need for speed."
According to The Athletic's Shawn-Michael Dugar, a trade for Achane is also unlikely because of the high price the Dolphins would ask for if they did decide to move him, and because of the expensive extension Achane would demand.
"Achane would be an excellent fit but perhaps too expensive based on what the Jaylen Waddle trade compensation says about how the Miami Dolphins’ general manager, Jon-Eric Sullivan, values his top players," Dugar wrote. "Achane is also entering the final year of his rookie contract, so he’s either due for an extension this summer or a payday next spring. Neither would seem likely in Seattle."
When it comes to edge rusher, Dugar doesn't think guys like Maxx Crosby or Jonathan Greenard will be options for Seattle.
"Acquiring any of Maxx Crosby, De’Von Achane or Jonathan Greenard would address a need for Seattle, but all three decisions would come with drawbacks," he added. "In addition to medical grades, Seattle also gives prospective players durability scores. General manager John Schneider said they’ve been doing that for years. Based on reporting by my colleagues, it sounds as if Crosby might not fare well in the durability department, even if he’s expected to make a full recovery and play this season. Add that to his age and salary over the next couple of seasons, and a trade seems unlikely for several reasons."
Who Seahawks could target at EDGE
Dugar goes on to say that the Seahawks are likely to wait until after the upcoming draft to add an edge rusher to the roster, with the Seattle beat writer mentioning both Von Miller and Jadeveon Clowney specifically as potential targets.
"It feels more likely the Seahawks will wait until after the draft and kick the tires on a veteran edge rusher who wouldn’t impact the compensatory draft pick formula, such as Von Miller or Jadeveon Clowney," Dugar wrote.
Miller will be 37 on March 26, but he was still very productive for the Washington Commanders last season with nine sacks. Seattle could interest Miller, who will likely be looking for the best opportunity to win a Super Bowl in 2026.
Clowney was also productive in 2025, with the former No. 1 overall pick tallying 8.5 sacks in 13 games for the Dallas Cowboys. Of course, Clowney has already played for the Seahawks when he posted three sacks in 13 games in 2019.
The choice was between and Jackson. But it was the freshman point guard Jackson that served as the Illini's closer on Saturday night in a first-round NCAA tournament win against Colorado at Vanderbilt University's Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn. The 5-foot-6 Chicago native delivered 11 of her 16 points in the fourth quarter. That was part of a double-double for the former Whitney Young standout and five-star recruit as Jackson also pulled down 11 rebounds and added six assists in 36 minutes to help the seventh-seeded Illini to a 66-57 victory against the 10th-seeded Buffaloes.
Backcourt
Illinois: B
Colorado: D
Jackson was superb on a so-so night for the Illini guards. made hustle plays throughout and hit some key buckets, including a banked-in, buzzer-beating three-pointer to end the first quarter en route to nine points. But was largely ineffective for Illinois. That didn't prove consequential to the final result, however, as outside of 's 17 points the Buffaloes' guards really didn't have an impact.
Frontcourt
Illinois: A
Colorado: C-
Parchment established a new single-season freshman scoring record mark on Saturday night —the 6-3 freshman forward was surprised to learn that was the case after the game in the postgame press conference — with her game-high 21 points bringing the Whitby, Ontario, native to 451 points this season. Parchment added five rebounds. That effort was complemented by 's solid 18 points and six rebounds, which helped overshadow what did for the Buffaloes in producing 15 points and supplying five rebounds.
Bench
Illinois: C-
Colorado: B
That Buffaloes coach has continued to bring in Wooten off the bench seems to work with the 5-8 redshirt junior guard again the team's leading scorer. But it also begs the question: Why not start the Dallas native? No matter, neither team went deep with their rotations as the Illini played only seven and Colorado went slightly deeper with nine. A 22-9 bench advantage for the Buffalo really didn't matter to the final result, however.
Overall
Illinois: A
Colorado: C
This wasn't the prettiest offensive game. Far from it. But the name of the game in March Madness is survive and advance. And the Illini did just that on Saturday night. Illinois had the best three players on the floor in Jackson, Parchment and Wallace, and that was more than enough for the Illini to extend their stay in the Music City by a few more days. Will Illinois have to be a lot more effective on Monday night to pull a major upset against No. 2 seed Vanderbilt? Absolutely yes. But the Illini still have that chance, while the Buffaloes are going home. That's the reality of March.
In the next two weeks-ish, I will be ranking each Big Ten team's best nonconference game.
Quick recap: No, 1 Ohio State at Texas, Sept. 12.
2. Michigan vs. Oklahoma, Sept. 12
3. Wisconsin vs. Notre Dame, Sept 6
4. Michigan State at Notre Dame, Sept. 19.
5. Purdue vs. Notre Dame, Sept. 26.
6. Oregon vs. Boise State, Sept. 5.
7. Illinois vs. Duke, Sept. 12.
The bitterness of the Iowa-Iowa State football rivalry dates back more than a century, to 1894 when the teams first played.
So, now that the Cyclones have a new coach, Jimmy Rogers, don't expect the feelings to fall away. If anything, it will get even more intense.
Rogers replaces Matt Campbell, who left Ames for Penn State. Sorry, Iowa fans, but the Nittany Lions aren't on the schedule this season. You will have to wait a minute to get after Campbell again.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, the Big Ten's all-time leader in wins, is apparently in no hurry to retire. Maybe it is all those fun Cy-Hawk games, which usually go down to the wire.
Iowa State is by far the most difficult opponent on the nonconference schedule, which includes Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa. All three games are at Kinnick Stadium.
The schedule catches could catch up to Iowa once Big Ten play starts on Sept. 26. The Hawkeyes open with Michigan in Ann Arbor, followed by a visit frm Ohio State and a trip to Washington. Illinois is also on the schedule.
McGinn sticks to the script amid a week of goals for Villa 🏟️
Aston Villa remain in the thick of the fight for a return to the Champions League next season, with their opener at Villa Park surely a welcome sight for boss Unai Emery.
Emery's Villans came into today's clash against relegation-threatened West Ham on the back of a midweek 2-0 win over Lille in the Europa League's last 16.
One man who has been at the forefront this week for the Midlands side is none other than John McGinn.
The proud owner an opener in the 54th minute against Les Dogues, McGinn repeated that act this afternoon to set Villa on the march, with the possibility of ending the day just one point adrift of third-sitting Manchester United.
In doing so, McGinn bagged his seventh goal of the season across all competitions, six of which have come in front of home support.
Maybe he's just a player who likes a bit of home comfort every now and then.
The Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle and Sunderland was briefly halted after allegations of racist abuse from the crowd towards Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida.
Five minutes into the second half, the Premier League encounter at St James’ Park was paused by referee Anthony Taylor, who called both teams’ captain over to the dugout to discuss the situation with the respective benches.
There was already a break in play after Newcastle centre-back Sven Botman was caught by a high boot, for which he was forced off as a concussion substitution, and Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka took the opportunity to run over to Taylor and alert him to the abuse of Geertruida – the Dutch defender on loan with the Black Cats from RB Leipzig – that had come from the crowd.
Referee Anthony Taylor discussed the incident with both benches (Getty Images)
The game was stopped for three minutes, in line with the competition’s on-field anti-discrimination protocol, and only resumed after Taylor had spoken to Geertruida, Xhaka and both teams’ benches.
The Premier League quickly released a statement confirming that the incident will be fully investigated.
“Today’s match between Newcastle United and Sunderland was temporarily paused during the second half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida,” read the statement.
“This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. The incident at St James’ Park will now be fully investigated.
“We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. Racism has no place in our game or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”
Lutsharel Geertruida could ultimately celebrate a Sunderland win over their bitter rivals (Getty Images)
A small cluster of Sunderland fans reportedly made their way to the stadium without a police escort and were eventually attacked after antagonising a large gathering of Newcastle supporters, with punches thrown and objects hurled in violent clashes.
Earlier on, the Sunderland team bus had also been a target for the home fans, with bottles and cans thrown as the visiting team arrived. Police were seen scrambling to put an end to the incidents, and reports suggest the violence was over quickly.
The Black Cats went on to win the game 2-1 as Brian Brobbey grabbed a 90th-minute winner to extend Sunderland’s unbeaten league record against their bitter rivals to 11 matches, stretching all the way back to 2011 – the longest such streak by either side in the 128-year history of the fixture.
Seattle Mariners teammates Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh made big news while playing for opposing teams in the World Baseball Classic.
Arozarena of Team Mexico reacted angrily after Team USA catcher Raleigh refused to shake his hand before an at bat.
Later, Arozarena ripped his Mariners teammate during an expletive-laced rant to Mexican journalist Luis Gilbert.
But on Saturday, the Seattle players said the spat is resolved.
“I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don’t want it to be a distraction,” Arozarena said, via the Mariners’ website. “Cal and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates. He’s family, and we are both focused on helping the Mariners win the World Series.”
Raleigh responded to Arozarena’s statement after the Mariners’ second-to-last Cactus League game against the Chicago Cubs.
“We talked it out, and everything went great,” Raleigh said. “Randy knows that I love him, and he’s a brother, and it’s in the past and none of us are carrying this forward. We’re in a good spot. We talked it out. We were both sorry, and we both got in a good place and we’re both happy to be here, too.”
Team USA catcher Cal Raleigh (29) looks on during batting practice before a game against Great Britain. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Raleigh and Arozarena are key contributors for a Mariners team that came within nine outs of the World Series last season. Seattle led the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 in Game 7 of the ALCS before George Springer’s three-run homer in the seventh inning sent the Jays to the league crown.
Raleigh finished second in AL MVP voting after hitting 60 home runs and driving in 125 runs. Arozarena cracked 27 home runs and scored 95 runs while stealing 31 bases.
Seattle opens the 2026 season at 10:10 p.m. ET March 26 against the Cleveland Guardians.
Brian Barry-Murphy says some of his players will turn to supporting their team-mates when Wales host Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup qualifying semi-final play-off on Thursday at Cardiff City Stadium (19:45 GMT).
Former Bluebird Craig Bellamy's squad includes Cardiff defenders Dylan Lawlor, and Ronan Kpakio along with midfield brothers Rubin and Joel Colwill.
"A lot of lads will attend the game on Thursday. It's a big game for all of us, in so many ways, because so many of our players are hopefully going to be involved," said Cardiff boss Barry-Murphy.
If Wales win that, they will face either Italy or Northern Ireland on Tuesday, 31 March at the same venue.
Beyond the international break, Cardiff resume their seven-game League One promotion challenge run-in at Peterborough on Monday, 6 April before hosting Bolton Wanderers the following Saturday.
In the meantime, striker Yousef Salech, whose absence has coincided with a dip in Cardiff's success in front of goal, will progress his recovery from a neck injury suffered on 24 January as he begins a return to training.
Barry-Murphy is also set to welcome Isaak Davies back during the international break after the Wales forward was concussed in Cardiff's 3-0 win at Rotherham United on 7 February.
Barry-Murphy said: "We are just going to just continue to train as normal... and start to prepare for the next fixtures."
KVITFJELL, Norway (AP) — Dominik Paris won his second race in two days Sunday as Italy went a perfect four-from-four at the World Cup finals.
A day after winning the downhill, Paris also was the fastest in the super-G, beating Austrians Vincent Kriechmayr by 0.07 and Raphael Haaser by 0.38 seconds.
“It's a surprise for me,” Paris said. “When I saw the green light at the finish line, I had to look twice because I couldn't believe it.”
Paris also won two World Cup races in one weekend in the Norwegian resort a year ago.
On the women’s side, Sofia Goggia and Laura Pirovano triumphed in the super-G and downhill races, respectively, and both secured the discipline title this weekend.
That, though, didn’t apply to Paris, as Swiss star Marco Odermatt had already been confirmed as the World Cup super-G and downhill champion a week ago, when he also locked up his fifth overall title.
Odermatt had a disappointing run in the last super-G of the season when he finished 1.97 seconds behind Paris in 19th, meaning he didn’t even score World Cup points.
“It’s always much cooler if you can collect another globe after a good performance, but today was my worst performance in many years,” he said.
Odermatt is the only skier with multiple super-G wins this season, and he singled out his triumph in Kitzbühel in January as his best one.
“It’s for me the biggest super-G we have on the World Cup tour, and to win there the second time now in a row was a really cool race for me, a lot of emotions,” said Odermatt, who added Olympic bronze a few weeks later.
The next men’s race at the finals is Tuesday’s giant slalom, where Odermatt can secure his fourth globe of the season. He leads the GS standings by 48 points over second-placed Lucas Pinheiro Braathen.
It took an extra hole, but Bryson DeChambeau is a winner yet again.
He topped Jon Rahm on the first playoff hole Sunday to win LIV Golf South Africa. DeChambeau picked up his second straight victory with the playoff triumph, making birdie on the par-5 18th to topple Rahm.
With the win, he takes home his second $4 million prize of the season and heads into the Masters with plenty of momentum.
Here's how much money each LIV Golf player and team earned this week in South Africa:
LIV Golf South Africa 2026 prize money payouts
Position
Player
Score
Earnings
1
Bryson DeChambeau
-26
$4,000,000
2
Jon Rahm
-26
$2,250,000
T3
Thomas Detry
-23
$1,100,000
T3
Branden Grace
-23
$1,100,000
T3
Abraham Ancer
-23
$1,100,000
T6
David Puig
-22
$650,000
T6
Dean Burmester
-22
$650,000
8
Carlos Ortiz
-21
$525,000
T9
Charles Howell III
-20
$432,500
T9
Anirban Lahiri
-20
$432,500
11
Scott Vincent
-19
$380,000
T12
Michael La Sasso
-17
$321,000
T12
Richard Bland
-17
$321,000
T12
Joaquin Niemann
-17
$321,000
T12
Victor Perez
-17
$321,000
T12
Josele Ballester
-17
$321,000
T17
Laurie Canter
-16
$250,000
T17
Louis Oosthuizen
-16
$250,000
T17
Younghan Song
-16
$250,000
T17
Sergio Garcia
-16
$250,000
T17
Cameron Smith
-16
$250,000
T22
Adrian Meronk
-15
$215,000
T22
Jason Kokrak
-15
$215,000
T24
Tom McKibbin
-14
$187,500
T24
Talor Gooch
-14
$187,500
T24
Charl Schwartzel
-14
$187,500
T24
Luis Masaveu
-14
$187,500
T24
Brendan Steele
-14
$187,500
T24
Caleb Surratt
-14
$187,500
30
Peter Uihlein
-13
$170,000
T31
Dustin Johnson
-12
$153,750
T31
Lucas Herbert
-12
$153,750
T31
Martin Kaymer
-12
$153,750
T31
Marc Leishman
-12
$153,750
T31
Cameron Tringale
-12
$153,750
T31
Richard T. Lee
-12
$153,750
37
Sebastian Muñoz
-11
$142,500
T38
Harold Varner III
-10
$135,000
T38
Thomas Pieters
-10
$135,000
T38
Bubba Watson
-10
$135,000
T38
Tyrrell Hatton
-10
$135,000
T38
Paul Casey
-10
$135,000
43
Yosuke Asaji
-9
$129,000
T44
Byeong Hun An
-8
$107,750
T44
Ben Campbell
-8
$107,750
T44
Sam Horsfield
-8
$107,750
T44
Elvis Smylie
-8
$107,750
T48
Phil Mickelson
-7
$50,000
T48
Ian Poulter
-7
$50,000
50
Lee Westwood
-6
$50,000
51
Miguel Tabuena
-4
$50,000
52
Danny Lee
-3
$50,000
T53
Matthew Wolff
-2
$50,000
T53
Graeme McDowell
-2
$50,000
55
Björn Hellgren
-1
$50,000
56
Anthony Kim
1
$50,000
57
Minkyu Kim
3
$50,000
LIV Golf South Africa 2026 team prize money payouts
🤩Cesc, Paz and Diao shine as Como thrash Pisa 5-0, lead Juve by 3👋
Oh Juve! Last night's draw against Sassuolo could weigh heavily in the race for Europe, at least judging by how Como is doing. Fabregas' team didn't let the opportunity slip, took advantage of the unexpected misstep by the Bianconeri, and moved to +3 over Spalletti's team.
Against Pisa, everything was easy for the Larians, who had fun, scored five goals, and also found Nico Paz's goal, who had been goalless for over a month before this afternoon.
Of course, they were up against the bottom of the table, that Pisa which seems to have already given up, especially after the latest exploits of their rivals in the fight to avoid relegation, which have effectively dashed the last hopes of Hiljemark's team.
🤩 A real SHOW
There were few doubts that it was the most entertaining team in our league, but today's five goals confirm it once again. Not even a double, but five different scorers.
First, Diao's solo, then Douvikas' strike, reaching 11 goals in the league. In the second half, Baturina, Nico Paz, and Perrone rounded off the score, in a Sinigaglia that sang from the first to the last minute. Enthusiasm is sky-high, and it's easy to understand why.
A team that just two years ago was playing in Serie B is now the most credible candidate for fourth place, ahead of giants like Juve and Roma. Not bad.
📊 Only two big teams on the schedule!
At this point, the dream can really become reality. The schedule seems favorable, with only two matches against top teams, both at home: on the weekend of May 1st, Inter will arrive, then two weeks later Napoli.
In between, on April 21st, the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal, again against the Nerazzurri but this time at San Siro. Clearly, the priority is the league, but certainly, the idea of playing a final at the Olimpico is something that must cross the mind of an ambitious coach like Fabregas.
The build-up to the Tyne-Wear derby was marred by ugly scenes as Newcastle and Sunderland fans clashed outside St James’ Park.
The bitter rivals were playing in a 12pm kick-off in the Premier League on Sunday, though there was drama outside the stadium before the game even got underway as a small cluster of Sunderland fans made their way to St James’ Park without a police escort.
The visiting fans were eventually attacked after antagonising a large gathering of Newcastle supporters, with punches thrown and objects hurled in violent clashes. Earlier on, the Sunderland team bus had also been a target for the home fans, with bottles and cans thrown as the visiting team arrived.
Bottles and can were thrown outside the stadium (Action Images via Reuters)Police tried to restrain Newcastle fans (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Videos posted on X show large groups of fans outside the stadium, with home supporters seen throwing objects at a group of Sunderland supporters. Police were seen scrambling to put an end to the incidents, and reports suggest the violence was over quickly.
Fighting outside of St James’ Park. One fan appeared in a bad way. CPR administered before being taken away. Not good 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/PwZuo8248l
Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards was at St James’ Park, and reported “brief violent clashes” as “small pockets of Sunderland supporters decided to walk to the stadium without a police escort”.
Edwards said the group disappeared “under a mass of bodies as they unveiled a Sunderland flag which was subsequently stolen, with punches “clearly thrown and missiles hurled”.
The violence was reportedly over quickly as police intervened (Action Images via Reuters)
“It was over very quickly and nobody seemed to be seriously hurt as police moved in to separate the two rival groups,” he added.
The two teams face off in just the second Tyne-Wear derby in the last decade, with only two points separating them ahead of kick-off.
Sunderland began the day in 13th, with Newcastle sitting in 11th as they look to hunt down Chelsea and Liverpool in their bid to return to the Champions League next season.
Northumbria Police had revealed details of the policing operation prior to this weekend's match, including advice for Sunderland fans coming to the game.
(Getty Images)This is the first Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park since 2016 (Action Images via Reuters)
Their statement read: “We can confirm for the safety of all that a police-supported escort to St James’ Park for Sunderland supporters will depart Newcastle Central Station at 10.15am.
“This will mirror the escort seen at the reverse fixture in Sunderland in December last year, and is expected to be utilised by the vast majority of away fans.
“Those who arrive later face having to wait at the station until officers are able to facilitate a second escort, which given the time needed for the journey and the required safety and ticketing checks unfortunately poses a risk of them not being in their seats in time for the 12pm kick-off.
“Sunderland fans are therefore urged to do their utmost to arrive into Central Station ahead of the 10.15am start time. Once inside the station, Sunderland supporters will be directed by officers and partners to the start location where they can gather ahead of departure.”
We know that because Knox recently suggested the Lions and Chargers as possible landing spots for former Tennessee Titans starting guard Kevin Zeitler.
"A return to Detroit, where Zeitler played in 2024, would make plenty of sense. The Lions struggled across the offensive line this past season, with Jared Goff taking a career-high 38 sacks," Knox said of Zeitler to Detroit.
"The Chargers would also make sense for Zeitler. They released guard Mekhi Becton in a cap-saving move and lost guard Zion Johnson to the Cleveland Browns in free agency," he added. "While L.A. did re-sign Trevor Penning and add Cole Strange, Zeitler would be an upgrade, especially at right guard."
Kevin Zeitler's 2025 season was impressive
Zeitler signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Titans last offseason and once again proved to be a reliable starter.
The 36-year-old landed in the top 20 in both Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade (70.8, 20th) and pass-blocking grade (75.4, ninth), showing he's still got plenty left.
It's pretty surprising that Zeitler is still available given how coveted starting-caliber offensive linemen are in free agency.
Kevin Zeitler makes sense for Chargers, Lions
The Lions had two youngsters starting at guard in 2025 with Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany.
The former is locked in for 2026, and he won't be moving to center after the Lions signed Cade Mays. However, the same cannot be said about Mahogany, who struggled mightily in his first full season as a starter.
The Boston College product gave up six sacks, 27 pressures and posted PFF grades of 68.0 in run-blocking and 40.7 in pass-blocking. After allowing 49 sacks as a team, the fourth-most in the NFL, it stands to reason Detroit wants an upgrade.
A potential starting guard duo of Penning and Strange doesn't inspire confidence for a Chargers team that desperately needs to do a better job protecting Justin Herbert, who got banged up behind a terrible offensive line last season.
Zeitler's PFF pass-blocking grade was nearly 23 points higher than Penning's (52.5) and 33 points higher than Strange's.
It goes without saying the veteran would be a massive upgrade both the Lions and Chargers. Now, it'll be interesting to see if either one signs him.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), three-time IPL champions, are gearing up for the 2026 season amid serious concerns in their pace bowling department. With Indian pacers Harshit Rana and Akash Deep ruled out due to injuries, and Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana expected to miss the initial phase, the team management has been forced to rework their strategy significantly.
KKR underwent a major rebuild at the IPL 2026 auction, entering with a massive purse of Rs 64.30 crore. The franchise made headlines by signing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore, making him the most expensive player of the season. They also secured Matheesha Pathirana for Rs 18 crore to strengthen their pace attack. Despite the overhaul, KKR retained a strong core featuring: Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Captain Ajinkya Rahane
Here is the KKR's strongest predicted playing XI for IPL 2026
Finn Allen (WK): New Zealand’s explosive opener Finn Allen is expected to take charge at the top. He recently smashed one of the fastest centuries in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against South Africa which helped New Zealand reach into the finals.
Ajinkya Rahane (C): Captain Ajinkya Rahane is likely to partner Allen at the top. While his strike rate in T20s remains under scrutiny, the management continues to back his experience and leadership.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi: In IPL 2025, Angkrish Raghuvanshi was a key middle-order batter for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring 300 runs in 12 matches with a strike rate of 139.53. He is expected to anchor the No. 3 position.
Cameron Green: Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 25.20 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, making him the most expensive player this season. Expected to be a crucial all-round replacement for Andre Russell.
Rinku Singh: At No. 5 is the crowd favorite, Rinku Singh, who has been the backbone of KKR in the last few IPL seasons. With Andre Russell gone, Rinku is no longer just the "finisher" - he is the senior batter of the lower order.
Ramandeep Singh: In early 2025 tournament appearances, he maintained a high strike rate, exemplified by an early-season performance of 22* runs from 9 balls against Mumbai Indians (MI). Ramandeep Singh offers balance as a reliable all-rounder, contributing in both departments.
Sunil Narine: No. 7 come the Veteran Sunil Narine who has remained a match-winner for KKR for more than a decade, providing mystery spin in the middle overs and valuable depth with the bat.
Varun Chakravarthy: Varun Chakravarthy forms a deadly spin duo with Narine. Although he had a mix 2026 T20 World Cup, finishing as a joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, but facing criticism for inconsistency. After a dominant start (9 wickets, 4 matches) in the group stages, he was expensive and less effective from the Super 8s onwards. He is expected bounce back in IPL for Kolkata.
Vaibhav Arora: Vaibhav Arora steps into a bigger role following injuries to key pacers Harshit Rana and Akashdeep. He has the best IPL campaign 2025, claiming 17 wickets in 12 matches.
Kartik Tyagi: Kartik Tyagi is the young gun pacer in the team and is likely to make debut for Kolkata will be assisting Vaibhav Arora in the team as an fast Indian pacer along side Blessing Muzarabani.
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Blessing Muzarabani: Zimbabwean speedster Blessing Muzarabani has joined KKR as a replacement for Mustafizur Rahman. Standing at 6’8”, he brings steep bounce and valuable T20 experience, he left PSL and joined IPL as replacement.
Impact Sub (Umran Malik): Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana was likely to be an Impact Player option for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. However, his injury has created trouble for KKR ahead of the upcoming season. In absence of Pathirana, bringing in Umran Malik as an Impact Sub during the bowling innings is the most likely move for the side in the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Umran Malik finds himself in a critical "redemption" role for the KKR. After being signed for Rs 75 lakhs in the 2025 mega-auction but missing that season due to injury, KKR has shown faith by retaining him for this year's campaign.
KKR's potential playing XI for IPL 2026: Finn Allen (WK), Ajinkya Rahane (C), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani, Umran Malik (Imp)
Brooks Koepka Credit: Valspar Championship/Instagram; James Gilbert/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
A young girl was struck and run over by a golf cart at the 2026 Valspar Championship
The incident took place during the golf tournament in Palm Harbor, Fla., on March 21
"It's unfortunate. It shouldn't have happened," golfer Brooks Koepka said
A young girl was run over by a golf cart at the 2026 Valspar Championship.
The child was struck and pinned under the golf cart near the 15th hole during the second day of the golf tournament in Palm Harbor, Fla., on Saturday, March 21, Golf Channel reported.
PGA Tour winner Smylie Kaufman reported on the incident as he was covering Brooks Koepka and Danny Walker during a third round at the Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course.
Brooks Koepka playing during the third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship on March 21 Credit: James Gilbert/Getty
As medical staff tended to the child, Koepka, 35, also rushed over to her, according to the Golf Channel.
“Brooks Koepka went underneath the ropes to talk to the girl and comfort her,” Kaufman, 34, said. “She’s going to be okay after medical evaluation."
"[It was a] very scary moment ... I am sure Brooks Koepka’s head is still spinning a little bit," he added.
The identity and age of the child struck has not been shared publicly.
The golf cart that hit the young girl was transporting spectators around the course when the incident occurred, per the Golf Channel.
The child wasn’t seriously injured, Golfweek reported.
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Brooks Koepka at the 2026 Valspar Championship in Florida on March 21 Credit: James Gilbert/Getty
Reacting to the incident during a press conference after his match, Koepka said he “felt terrible” for the young girl.
"From all the reports you've got, she's okay, thankfully, so that's all that matters, as long as she's okay," he added. "I know she's probably a little scared. I just felt for her at the time.”
“It's unfortunate. It shouldn't have happened. But as long as she's okay, nothing crazy happened to her, then it will be okay,” the golfer continued.
Koepka made double-bogey at the par-4 16th on March 21, putting him seven shots away from Sungjae Im’s lead.
“I’m a long ways away. I felt like I needed to get to, at least, it would have been nice to stay at 6,” Koepka said, per Golf. “I need a real low one tomorrow.”
PEOPLE reached out to the Valspar Championship for comment but did not receive an immediate response on Sunday, March 22.
On Saturday, the USC women’s basketball team defeated Clemson 71-67 in overtime in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. With the victory, the Trojans advanced to the second round of the tournament for the third consecutive year.
Following the game, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb discussed her team’s performance.
“That was a great NCAA Tournament game,” Gottlieb said. “First off, the work that Coach [Shawn] Poppie has done at Clemson to get them back in the tournament — we knew they were a good team and it would be a battle.
“For us, it was a real culture win. We played our tails off on defense the whole game . . . really excited to still be playing.”
Gottlieb certainly deserves a lot of credit for the victory. While this season has certainly not gone as the Trojans would have hoped, the fact that USC was able win an overtime NCAA Tournament game without Juju Watkins speaks volumes about the culture of the program.
Up next is a date with No. 1 seed South Carolina on Monday night. Gottlieb and company will be heavy underdogs in that game. Can they pull off a shocker?
Jorge Martin has conceded that Aprilia is lagging behind Ducati heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix, predicting it will be “impossible” to follow the Desmosedici if conditions remain unchanged.
The 2024 MotoGP world champion made that comment following Saturday’s sprint race at Goiania, where title holder Marc Marquez led a 1-2 for Ducati ahead of Fabio di Giannantonio.
Aprilia's charge was spearheaded by an emotional Martin in third, with team-mate Marco Bezzecchi and Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura trailing him in fourth and fifth respectively. The only Aprilia rider to struggle on Saturday was Raul Fernandez, who failed to escape Q1 and then finished outside the points in 16th.
While the Noale-based marque dominated the season-opening Thailand Grand Prix earlier this month with a 1-3-4-5, Martin believes the pendulum has swung back in Ducati’s favour on MotoGP’s first visit to Brazil in over two decades.
“You say it’s an Aprilia track but we have a Ducati 1-2,” Martin told TNT Sports. “We are a step away from them. I‘m confident. Here, it’s more about how fast riders can adapt to the conditions. Today was really different from other practices, so I hope to improve for the race.”
Martin qualified fifth after a late crash in Q2, but climbed up to third in the sprint after overtaking Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo and Bezzecchi, who lost time with a mistake on lap six. But by the time the Spaniard had moved into podium position, he had little chance of closing the gap to the front, and he ultimately finished the sprint 3.6s behind Marquez.
Commenting on the gap between the two Italian brands in the post-race media scrum, Martin said: “When I overtook Marco, I was already 2.5 seconds [behind]. So I lost half a second more in 10 laps. So [the deficit is] not that big.
“I think we [hope to] start a bit better tomorrow. Here, it's difficult to overtake. For sure, both bikes are really fast. In Thailand, we were better, and now it seems like they are a bit better. So we need to improve a bit for tomorrow because they are a bit faster, and for the moment, over 31 laps, it's impossible to follow them.”
Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing Team
Jorge Martin, Aprilia Racing Team
For Brazil, Michelin has brought two stiffer rear tyre casings that are identical to the ones raced in Austria last year, while only the hard rear matches the specification from Thailand - a compound Ducati particularly struggled with.
For the upcoming rounds, Michelin is expected to revert to the standard tyre constructions on both front and rear. Marquez cautioned against drawing conclusions from a single weekend, pointing to the unique tyre situation in Brazil.
“You cannot evaluate the level of a rider or the level of the bike in one race,” the Ducati rider declared. “You need to take five races and then try to understand where we are.
“The fact is that only here we changed the casing, the bike is working in a different way, and it's not the casing that we will have during the [remainder of the] season. So, in Austin, we will have another casing.
"So, the most important thing for me, for a championship, is to be there [at the front]. And it's what I try to do. In rainy conditions, be there; damp conditions, be there; new circuits, be there.”
Nuno Espirito Santo's Irons are in the bottom three on goal differential behind Nottingham Forest, and they're a point back of Spurs and three behind Leeds United. Their 4W-3D-2L record since January 17 is solid but unfortunately includes one more win than they collected in the 21 games before that run.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa's wild season is on a European uptick as they've advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals. Yet their Premier League season — once chock full of title dreams — has been poor.
Unai Emery's men have lost three-straight Premier League games and have a single PL win since the start of February as they sit fourth on the table and could easily tumble out of the European qualification picture if they fail to right the ship.
Will Aston Villa be able to quickly regroup after a solid, emotional win at home to Lille on Thursday? That'll be key because West Ham have been solid, desperate, and a bit ornery, ready to go from the kick. The home ground should help a bit and maybe even tip the scales. Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham.
DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl is leaving the team with immediate effect as the club undergoes a major shakeup after what will be a trophyless season.
Dortmund said Sunday Kehl and the club had “mutually agreed to end their collaboration” after reaching an “amicable” decision with management.
“The summer is the right time for a change. To allow both sides to prepare, we mutually agreed to an immediate termination of Sebastian’s contract,” managing director Lars Ricken said in a statement. “Sebastian and I also share a long history. We not only played together for Borussia Dortmund, but we also won the German championship together in 2002. Sebastian has made enormous contributions to our club.”
Kehl, a former team captain who helped lead Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, took over as the club’s director of licensed players in 2018 before he was promoted to sporting director in 2022.
“The departure of Sebastian Kehl naturally represents a significant change in our sporting leadership,” said Carsten Cramer, who took over as CEO from Hans-Joachim Watzke last October. “To facilitate the necessary changes for the upcoming season and also to give Sebastian time to consider the next steps in his professional career, this separation is the logical step at this time.”
Kehl, who joined Dortmund from Freiburg in January 2002, said it “has been a part of my life for half my life, and I have an extremely strong connection to this great club … Dortmund, the incredible stadium, and the Südtribüne (south stand) will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been an honor.”
A run of four matches unbeaten and a strong desire to keep it going: at the Chinetti in Solbiate Arno, Milan Futuro host Sondrio aiming to win again and consolidate second place in the standings. After the defeat in the first meeting, Oddo’s Rossoneri are looking for three points at home. Matchday 28 of Serie D (Group B) will be live on the AC Milan Official App at 14:30 CET, watch it LIVE!
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 7: Marcelo Mayer #11 of the Boston Red Sox patrols the infield during a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 7, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday, manager Alex Cora announced that Marcelo Mayer would be the starting second baseman for the 2026 Red Sox. Thus concludes one of the sillier spring training storylines we’ve seen in a long time. There was never really any baseball reason to suggest that either Isiah Kiner-Falefa or Andruw Monasterio would make more sense for the big league team than Mayer, even considering Mayer’s struggles at the plate in his first taste of the majors last year. But Cora says he “wanted to push him.” (Alex Speier, Boston Globe)
As a domino move that corresponded with Mayer making the big league team, Krisitian Campbell was officially sent down to AAA. This isn’t surprising, though Cora did sound surprised by some of the things he saw from Campbell in Fort Myers. “The strikeouts were going up and the walks going down, and that’s not him. He’s a guy who controls the strike zone and doesn’t swing and miss. That didn’t happen during camp.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
I’m all for making Marcelo earn his spot in theory. But the problem with putting that theory into practice is that no serious and intelligent front office would ever base any meaningful decisions on spring training performances, marked as they are by small sample sizes and variable competition. Case in point: Garrett Crochet had another rough start yesterday to close out a pretty rough spring overall. But no one seems concerned, nor should they. To quote Crochet: “Whatever.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Willson Contreras’s spring didn’t go exactly to plan either, as he ended up on the bench for Venezuela’s run to the World Baseball Classic championship. But it doesn’t sound like he minds one bit: “I think it’s the best experience of my life. I played in the World Series in ‘16, and it was big, but playing in the WBC for your country, for 37 million people, means a lot more to me. And I enjoyed every single second, every single part of it. I soaked that in, and it was the best.” (Hayden Bird, Boston.com)
Someone who did have a good spring, even if it won’t result in making a big league team, is D’Angelo Ortiz. Little Papi got his first spring hit. “Hopefully he was watching,” he said of his legendary father. “If he wasn’t watching, we’ve got a problem.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)
“I backed him” – Gary Cahill names Chelsea ace he’s starting to lose faith in after Everton loss
Gary Cahill has admitted he’s started to change his mind about Robert Sanchez following Chelsea’s defeat to Everton.
The Blues slumped to a 3-0 defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as they put in another abject performance under Liam Rosenior.
It’s now four defeats in a row in all competitions, and the Blues remain sixth in the table with just seven games remaining.
Gary Cahill starting to have doubts over Robert Sanchez
Rosenior is coming under increased pressure following the defeat, but he once again wasn’t helped by the Chelsea backline.
The Blues were all over the place defensively, with Wesley Fofana in particular having a poor game, and Chelsea have managed just three clean sheets since Liam Rosenior took over.
The Spaniard has had a good season on the whole, but there are still questions marks over him, and Cahill has admitted he’s starting to have doubts.
“Sanchez? I backed him; I’ve been the one who backed him,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think he’s got personality; he can play out from the back, and at times he’s a great shot stopper.
“I’m willing him to stop making these mistakes, and the mistakes are obviously costly at the moment.
“He’ll be disappointed, he knows, you know he’s a professional goalkeeper. He’ll know in these moments he has to do better.”
Mike Penders to be number one next season?
Chelsea have got a serious decision when it comes to the goalkeeping position for next season, with it evident neither Sanchez or Filip Jorgensen are ultimately good enough.
The Blues are said to have high hopes for Mike Penders who’s on loan at Strasbourg, but whether he’s ready for the step-up is unclear, and Chelsea really can’t afford to make the wrong decision.
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ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 20: Mark Mitchell #25 of the Missouri Tigers and Shelton Henderson #7 of the Miami (FL) Hurricanes go for a rebound during the first half 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
Most of Friday’s NCAA tournament games were not that close.
Duke beat TCU by 23, Michigan took out Saint Louis by 23 also, Houston took out Texas A&M by 31, Michigan State handled Louisville by 18, and Illinois smacked Louisville by 21.
We’ll come back to those.
The other three games were really good: Texas knocked off Gonzaga, 74-68, Nebraska escaped Vanderbilt, 74-72, and Arkansas slipped by High Point, 94-88.
And that game was freaking amazing.
Arkansas is a very good team, but High Point? High Point is a fever dream. Those guys are an absolute blast to watch. They pushed Arkansas to the absolute limit, and if they didn’t have a transcendent talent in Darius Acuff, they would not have won this game.
It completely escaped us until quite late in the game, but Cam’Ron Fletcher started out playing for John Calipari at Kentucky, and had a chance to help take him out at Arkansas. Just wild. But it didn’t quite happen.
However, High Point coach Finn Clayman should be on UNC’s radar. He won’t be, but he should be. UNC is focused on getting a big-time coach, when a savant might be an hour and change away. At a minimum, he’s a dramatically better coach than Hubert Davis.
The Texas-Gonzaga game wasn’t as dramatic, but it’s still impressive: the Zags have made the Sweet 16 every year since 2015. Knocking them off is pretty impressive in its own right. But the Longhorns have peaked at exactly the right time. They’ll play the winner of Miami vs. Purdue, and either way, that’s a winnable game.
Finally, it’s impossible not to feel bad for Vanderbilt. They had a heck of a year, and to have that shot rim out like that? You just can’t get any closer. It’s impossible.
In the other games, it wasn’t really surprising that Michigan thumped Saint Louis. It was a fine season for the Billikens, but this was a bridge too far.
No surprise, of course, that Houston beat the Aggies, but was the margin a surprise? Perhaps. Kelvin Sampson and Bucky McMillan have radically different styles, and Sampson’s is more focused on smashing you in the face. That’s usually effective.
McMillan is just 42, and this is his first year running a major program. He’ll learn from this.
VCU pushed back against Illinois in the first half, but by the time this was over, Illinois was pretty terrifying. That’s a very interesting team. We haven’t paid much attention to the Illini, but are they a Final Four threat? Yeah, they are. They’ll have to get past Houston or Florida, though.
Louisville gave Michigan State more trouble than we expected, honestly, and their season ends with a loss, but it was an encouraging loss. We’ll see what they do in the portal, but this is a program to keep an eye on.
On Sunday, Miami and Purdue open things, and that’s going to be a good one. We’ll ride with Jai Lucas and the ‘Canes.
We’d be happy to take Iowa State over Kentucky before the injury to Joshua Jefferson. Actually, that’s a pick one should stick with, and it’s still possible that Jefferson plays Sunday. So we’ll take Iowa State. UK is just too inconsistent.
St. John’s and Kansas are really a tough call. We’ll go with the Johnnies for the same reason we took Iowa State: Kansas has been inconsistent for most of the season. Keep in mind, though, that St. John’s doesn’t shoot overly well and got most of its street cred in a very down Big East. So who knows?
We’ll stick with our ACC buddies Virginia against Tennessee, not least of all because Ugonna Onyenso is a freaking weapon. But we also think Ryan Odom is a heck of a coach.
We can’t see Iowa beating this Florida team. That’s just asking a lot. The Hawkeyes will try to slow them down, and may succeed to an extent, but Florida just has more talent.
You’d have to go out on a limb to take Utah State over Arizona, too. If anyone was willing to bet on Iowa or Utah State, well, good luck. If lightning struck, you’d make some good money. But don’t bet on sports. That’s stupid.
UCLA and UConn are much more interesting. Again, the Big East is so weak this year that it’s hard to get a grip on UConn and St. John’s real strength. Coaching is a huge part of it, obviously, but consider this: Tarris Reid had 31 and 27 Friday night, and still barely beat Furman. Odds are he won’t have that sort of a game against UCLA.
Could UCLA pull off an upset? We’d call this a toss-up, but given UConn’s erratic play, we could see it.
We’re pulling for Texas Tech just out of disgust for the sort of program Nate Oats runs. What a clown show. It’s UNLV in the Bible Belt.
Hansi Flick: “I only care about winning the next match”
Speaking ahead of the Rayo Vallecano match at the Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed concerns regarding player workload, especially after a demanding midweek fixture in the UEFA Champions League.
Flick made it clear that fatigue is not an issue within his squad.
He stated that he is not concerned about his players’ minutes played ahead of this match, adding that everyone on the starting lineup and the roster “is ready to play.”
To further reinforce his point, Flick highlighted the scheduling advantage his team holds heading into this fixture.
While Barcelona were in action earlier in the week, their opponents had less recovery time.
Explaining the situation, he added that, against Rayo Vallecano, Barça “has had an extra day to rest” compared to their opponent.
Barcelona’s home record
Despite Barcelona’s impressive home record since returning to Spotify Camp Nou, Flick was quick to downplay any story around statistics or past performances.
Making his priorities clear, he said, “The only thing that matters to me is the next match, and that is the match against Rayo,” and continued, “I don’t focus on whether I’ve won home matches.
Flick has expressed his confidence. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
“I only care about winning the next match.”
Flick also took a moment to highlight the development of one of Barcelona’s rising talents.
When asked about Marc Bernal, the coach expressed satisfaction with the youngster’s progress, stating, “We’re very happy with his improvement.”
On the other side, Rayo Vallecano manager Inigo Perez offered a clear and ambitious outlook.
He explained that simply defending against Barcelona would not be enough. He expanded on that philosophy by stressing the importance of balance, adding,
“We’ve played some great games against Barça, and while everyone says you have to defend well when you play against them, if you spend the whole game defending and don’t attack, you’re going to have a problem.
“That’s why I want my team to be inspired in attack,” he said.
EAST LANSING – A slow start, a slew of turnovers, a hot shooting opponent and perhaps the worst half of basketball played all season long are not great ingredients for a winning effort on the basketball court as the defending Division 2 champions from Tecumseh would find out Saturday at the Breslin Center.
Tecumseh showed absolutely no quit throughout the 32 minutes of play Saturday, but a tough first half of basketball that featured more turnovers than the Indians committed the entire semifinal, mixed with a hot shooting Goodrich squad, led to heartbreak as it was Goodrich knocking Tecumseh off of the top of the mountain, winning the Division 2 state championship, 55-44.
“We started a little bit shell-shocked tonight. I think our freshmen were a little bit scared on the big stage early on. I think we had more turnovers tonight than we had in any game this season. It was just a rough start,” Tecumseh coach Kristy Zajac said. “You know, in the end, Goodrich played great defense, and we just did not know what to do early on, which let them build the lead.
"I really wanted to come out here and get another championship for Chloe (Bullinger), who is one of the most amazing players I have ever coached. But it just was not in the cards tonight. Goodrich earned this win, and they deserved it.”
With the victory, Goodrich completes an undefeated 2025-26 season, finishing 29-0 on the year, while Tecumseh finishes with runner-up honors and a record of 26-3.
So, What Happened?
All it took to knock off the defending Division 2 state champions was 12 first-half turnovers and 18 total for the game by Tecumseh, leading to 26 points for Goodrich, and a lights-out shooting percentage of 57.1% from the field and a blistering 75% from beyond the arc by Goodrich in the second quarter.
Tecumseh head coach Kristy Zajac admitted wholeheartedly that Tecumseh played “our worst half of the season while Goodrich probably played their best.” Scoring was at a premium early, with only one Tecumseh shot falling as Goodrich led 7-3 after one quarter.
That is when Goodrich exploded, outscoring Tecumseh 22-11 in the second quarter thanks to its pinpoint long-distance shooting. With the huge second quarter, the Martians went into the half with a commanding 29-14 lead.
A much different Tecumseh team came out of the locker room after the half, one looking like the defending state champions. They played with poise, grit, and hustle, leaving many to believe that a miraculous comeback could very well be in the cards.
“I told the girls at the half that we needed to really cut back on the turnovers, and we needed to take care of the ball. We gave them (Goodrich) way too many points early in the game just off of turnovers,” Zajac said. “It is tough to win games like that, but I told the girls there are 16 minutes left in this game, keep battling, they cannot keep shooting this hot all night long.”
Zajac was kind of correct in that Goodrich could not keep up that pace; however, it still kept up a torrid pace off shooting in the second half, hitting on 75% of field goals in the third quarter and 44.4% in the fourth for a total of 59.7% for the half and 48.6% for the game.
When it came down to it, Tecumseh won the second half, outscoring Goodrich 14-12 in the third quarter and 16-14 in the fourth, but it was far too little too late as it was Goodrich taking the 55-44 win and the Division 2 state title.
Top Performers
Avery Zajac, Tecumseh – The freshman led her teammates on the biggest of stages, scoring 19 points, 17 of which came in the second half, to go along with two steals and three rebounds.
Addi Zajac, Tecumseh – Addi finished the night just shy of a double-double, scoring 10 points while pulling down eight rebounds. Addi also added three assists and three blocks in the tough loss.
Chloe Bullinger, Tecumseh – The senior point guard went out on her shield as the old saying goes, scoring seven points to go along with four assists, two steals and four rebounds in a whistle-to-whistle effort.
Also adding to the Tecumseh effort was Delaney Brown with three points and two rebounds and Reese Grounds with five points and four rebounds.
Kayla Hairston, Goodrich – Hairston led all scorers with 21 points to go along with three assists and two rebounds to lead the Martians to victory.
Baylor Lauinger, Goodrich – Lauinger was one of two Goodrich players to score in double figures with 14 points to go with three assists, four steals and five rebounds.
The Tecumseh Indians will watch two key starters in Chloe Bullinger and Makayla Schlorf, who missed the second half of the season with a knee injury, along with reserves Maddy VanBlack and Sophia Torres leave due to graduation.
The Indians are still set up for some big things over the next few years as four of the five starters return next year, including Zajac-squared (Addi and Avery), along with Delaney Brown and Reese Grounds. Do not sleep on the Indians as a ton of talent returns and some very good JV players look to also make their mark for Tecumseh.
John Calipari, that clever ol’ dog. He just unleashed the oldest strategy in the book.
Calipari played possum his final few NCAA Tournament appearances at Kentucky. Jack Gohlke poked Cal with a stick, and there was no movement. Big Blue Nation took Calipari for roadkill, boxed him up and gladly shipped him off to Arkansas.
Calipari continued the act and rolled over the first few months into his first season at Arkansas. Kentucky fans must have thought they’d suckered Arkansas with a Trojan horse, while the Razorbacks lost six straight games in January 2025.
Stick a fork in him, eh? Calipari’s been cooked to a crisp, right?
Nope, just a veteran move. Never set the bar too high, too fast. Rein in expectations, then hit the gas.
Well, look at Calipari now. He's speeding into a second consecutive Sweet 16 with Arkansas, pedal to the metal, cruise set to 90 in the hammer lane.
Folks, this rascal rope-a-doped us! He’s still got a punch left in him yet.
How John Calipari doubled down at Arkansas
Calipari hasn’t changed all that much, either. When he crashed out at Kentucky, he encountered fair criticism he’d not leaned into the transfer portal enough, preferring instead to stick to an assembly line of A-list freshmen. Calipari’s one-and-done bonanza worked well for a while at Kentucky, but then old teams started winning in March, and Calipari’s ‘Cats took a beating from a 24-year-old sharpshooter who transferred to Oakland from Division II.
Surely, for Calipari to resurrect his career, he’d have to navigate away from his super frosh ways, yes?
“It's going to be hard for me to change,” Calipari said of how he builds his roster, two weeks before he left Kentucky for Arkansas.
Well, perhaps he won’t have to change.
Instead of entering the transfer sweepstakes, Calipari doubled down with more McDonald’s All-Americans. Combine Calipari’s recruiting chops with the Tyson chicken man’s checkbook, and Arkansas’ roster swiftly took on a shade of blue-chippers.
Never mind transfers, because Calipari hooked five-star teenagers Darius Acuff Jr. and Maleek Thomas.
Roll out the basketball, and wee! Look at them go.
Acuff went off for 36 points in a second-round win against High Point. Thomas added 19.
Who needs transfers, when you've got freshmen like these two?
Arkansas will go as far as Darius Acuff takes it
To be fair, Calipari did crack the door to some transfers. His lineup features a healthy mix of youngbloods and old bucks who’ve made a few laps around the schoolyard.
Make no mistake, though, this is Acuff’s team. It's the freshman’s show.
"We put it in his hands, and I trust him, and the team trusts him," Calipari said on TNT after the second-round win against an upset-minded High Point team.
This being the year of the freshman in college basketball, Duke's Cameron Boozer sucks up a lot of the spotlight, and still nobody’s outplaying Acuff. He’s surging up the NBA mock draft boards, too.
Acuff’s point totals in the past six games: 36. 24. 30. 24. 37. 28.
Mercy, he's good, and he needed to be against High Point, considering Arkansas' defense took a nap.
Kentucky fans must be having flashbacks. Acuff is just the type of talent Calipari used to bring to Lexington, Kentucky. More studs are on the way, too. Calipari’s latest signing class includes three five-star recruits. And, at Kentucky? Zero. As in, zero recruits, period.
Mark Pope is toiling away with pricey transfers, and while the second-year Kentucky coach tries to meet the unrelenting demands of college basketball's most rabid fan base, Calipari's got his swagger back at Arkansas, free of the pressures of the Kentucky job.
To be clear, ‘Cats fans were within their right to be miffed at Calipari in the last few years of his tenure. He wasn’t meeting the standard, particularly in March. But, Pope’s team has been no great shakes this season, either, and now Calipari is off the mat, looking rejuvenated with an SEC rival. If you had to pick either Arkansas or Kentucky to reach the Elite Eight, the team in red with the bucket-burying freshman sure seems like the smarter play.
Don’t confuse Arkansas or Calipari for an underdog’s story. High Point was Cinderella, not Arkansas. Underdogs don’t land players like Acuff. This roster didn’t come from the bargain rack. Arkansas is fully invested in the Calipari era, and the Razorbacks need to win another game or two for this to truly be a season worthy of adoration.
The way the Razorbacks are playing, fresh off an SEC tournament title, you sure wouldn’t want them located within your region.
Apparently, Calipari didn’t need to change his ways. He just needed a change of scenery and for one of his blue-chip freshmen to play in March Madness like Acuff did against High Point.
Meanwhile, that ol' possum Calipari has his bite back.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Germie Bernard #5 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after running the ball for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the fourth quarter in the 2025 SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and Cleveland still needs to add quite a bit of talent at wide receiver this offseason. They just signed Tylan Wallacein free agency, but he’ll most likely be used as a kick and punt returner for the Browns, though he has shown flashes of reliability as a depth piece in Baltimore’s wide receiver room over the past five years.
Alabama WR Germie Bernard, who Cleveland recently had in for one of their top “30” pre-draft visits, could be a perfect fit for Todd Monken’s offense.
The 6’1”, 206-pound pass-catcher performed pretty well at the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.48s 40-yard dash, a 4.31s 20-yard shuttle, and had a 6.71s 3-cone time. He’s not really a “burner” as you can see, but he wins with suddenness and crisp route-running.
Going forward, Cleveland’s offense should be fairly run-heavy with an emphasis on efficiency and explosion in the passing game. Routes have to be run with precision to help sustain drives and move the chains when the ground game stalls out.
Germie Bernard (5) going up and over to Moss the CB and make the catch. Real nice athleticism, body control, and hands
Bernard might be the best overall route-runner in the 2026 class, and his hands are just as good. He’s only dropped four passes throughout his entire career at three different schools.
He’s not the type of guy who’ll be streaking open 20 yards downfield, but he’ll consistently be able to create separation and find open holes in the intermediate level of the field. That’s exactly the type of player that the Browns are looking for right now, seeing as they already have a somewhat proven deep-threat in Isaiah Bond heading into 2026.
It sounds like Andrew Berry and Co. are still putting feelers out in the trade market, but adding Bernard in round two of April’s draft could be the smartest way to find a day-one starter without having to reach for one at No.6 or No.24. If Cleveland wants to select OT Monroe Freeling at No.6 and then a safety like Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren at No.24, then Bernard could be a shoo-in at No.39.
Winning the March Madness tournament is an accomplishment in itself, but claiming Most Outstanding Player honors means rising above every “shining moment” along the way.
With MOP odds taking shape as the second round closes on Sunday, bettors still have a chance to jump in before breakout performances and deep runs begin to reshape the market even further.
March Madness 2026 MVP odds
Player
Cameron Boozer
+375
Brayden Burries
+1000
Jaden Bradley
+1000
Yaxel Lendeborg
+1100
Aday Mara
+1600
Morez Johnson Jr.
+1600
Thomas Haugh
+1600
Kingston Flemings
+2000
Koa Peat
+2000
Alex Condon
+2800
Keaton Wagler
+2800
Braden Smith
+3000
Joshua Jefferson
+3000
Isaiah Evans
+3500
Emanuel Sharp
+4000
Milan Momcilovic
+4000
Rueben Chinyelu
+4000
Elliot Cadeau
+5000
Boogie Fland
+6000
Darius Acuff Jr.
+6000
Darryn Peterson
+6000
Ivan Kharchenkov
+6000
Trey Kaufman-Renn
+6000
Xaivian Lee
+6000
Anthony Dell'Orso
+7500
Graham Ike
+7500
Jeremy Fears Jr.
+7500
Odds as of 3-21.
Cameron Boozer opens as the clear favorite, which makes sense given Duke’s path and his usage rate. But this market is heavily tied to team success — meaning the real value sits a tier down with players on teams that can realistically make a Final Four run at longer prices.
Once Cooper Flagg and Duke were eliminated, there was no looking back for Florida Gators guard Walter Clayton Jr.
Clayton put the Gators on his back during the tourney, finishing with 30+ points in both the Elite Eight and Final Four.
He also dished out seven assists in Florida’s thrilling 65-63 win over Houston in the national championship game, securing the program’s first title since 2007.
How is the March Madness MVP decided?
The Associated Press awards the March Madness MVP honor after the NCAA Tournament.
Most often, the Most Outstanding Player comes from the NCAA championship team. Twelve players have been named MVP without being on championship teams.
History of the March Madness MVP
Not all Final Four MVPs go on to the pros, but they live on forever in NCAA Tournament glory — especially if you bet on their odds to win March Madness MVP.
Tournament MVPs almost always come from the winning team. The last player to be named MVP whose team did not win was Hakeem Olajuwon for the Houston Cougars in 1983.
Most betting sites have offered odds on the tournament MVP for a few years now, but sportsbooks based in Nevada have only been allowed to bet on March Madness props since 2016.
Odds for March Madness MVP are listed in American format. American odds can be converted to decimal or fractional using our odds converter.
Year
MVP
School
2025
Walter Clayton Jr.
Florida
2024
Tristen Newton
UConn
2023
Adama Sanogo
UConn
2022
Ochai Agbaji
Kansas
2021
Jared Butler
Baylor
2020
No tournament
NA
2019
Kyle Guy
Virginia
2018
Donte DiVincenzo
Villanova
2017
Joel Berry
North Carolina
2016
Ryan Arcidiacono
Villanova
2015
Tyus Jones
Duke
2014
Shabazz Napier
UConn
2013
Luke Hancock
Louisville
2012
Anthony Davis
Kentucky
2011
Kemba Walker
UConn
2010
Kyle Singler
Duke
2009
Wayne Ellington
North Carolina
2008
Mario Chalmers
Kansas
2007
Corey Brewer
Florida
2006
Joakim Noah
Florida
2005
Sean May
North Carolina
2004
Emeka Okafor
UConn
2003
Carmelo Anthony
Syracuse
2002
Juan Dixon
Maryland
2001
Shane Battier
Duke
2000
Mateen Cleaves
Michigan St
March Madness MVP trends
March Madness MVP odds are usually topped by multiple players from the top-seeded teams in the NCAA Tournament.
Final Four MVP odds are released after Selection Sunday and will adjust throughout the tournament as teams advance and get eliminated.
Coleraine have confirmed that striker James Akintunde will undergo surgery after sustaining an ankle fracture-dislocation during Saturday's match against Glentoran.
Akintunde required medical attention during the first minute of the game at the Oval after a collision in the Glentoran box.
The 29-year-old joined Coleraine in January from Finnish side Haka and had previously played under Bannsiders boss Ruaidhri Higgins at Derry City.
"Following yesterday's match at The Oval where James Akintunde was stretched off early in the game, the club can now provide an update on James' condition," a statement on Coleraine's social media read.
"On arrival at hospital, a full x-ray and further assessments were carried out where it was confirmed that James suffered an ankle fracture-dislocation. This is a very significant and serious injury which will carry a long recovery time. James will now be transferred to Derry/Londonderry where he will undergo surgery in the coming days."
Akintunde has scored two goals since joining the club, who thanked the medical professionals, stewards, staff and fans for their support.
"Our thanks go to all of the medical professionals, stewards and staff both at The Oval and at the hospital for their care and attention to James," the statement continued.
"The focus of everybody at the club is on giving James the support he needs during this very difficult time for him.
"We would finally like to thank both sets of supporters for their support to James inside the stadium as he was taken from the field of play."
Over the last few years, the Philadelphia Phillies have had one of the best starting rotations in all of Major League Baseball. Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and, for a while, Ranger Suarez helped make up a dominant rotation.
Jesus Luzardo is the most recent starter to turn into a star for the Phillies, but there's another lefty in Cristopher Sanchez who's been one of the best in baseball the last year or two. Sanchez is currently signed through 2028 with $15 million club options for 2029 and 2030. That's a steal for the Phillies.
But that contract isn't for long, as according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies are extending Sanchez, ripping up his current deal, and signing him for the next six years through 2032 with a club option for 2033. The beloved lefty, ahead of his first Opening Day start, is sticking around for a long time.
Phillies to extend Cristopher Sanchez through 2032
"Phillies have ripped up Cristopher Sanchez's contract and agreed to a new six-year deal from 2027 to 2032 with a club option for 2033. More to come," Gelb reports.
With Sanchez already being under contract for the next four years, this new deal is a testament to how great an owner John Middleton is.
Despite having every reason to keep Sanchez on an extremely cheap contract for the next four years, the Phillies are rewarding Sanchez for being one of the best pitchers in baseball with a big contract extension.
This massive new deal for Sanchez, according to Gelb, comes with $107 million in guarantees through 2032, including his $3.5 million guaranteed in 2026.
The beloved lefty is getting two more years added to his deal, and there's a 2033 club option added as well. The 29-year-old lefty is now under club control for the next seven years as opposed to the next four years.
He's coming off an incredible 2025 season, recording a 2.50 ERA in 32 starts with a 13-5 record and an MLB-best 8.0 bWAR. He also reached 212 strikeouts last season and finished as the runner-up to Paul Skenes for the NL Cy Young award.
Sanchez has been a late bloomer, but he's proven to be one of the best lefty pitchers in baseball, and if he can continue his success, a Cy Young Award is a very realistic goal.
This new deal is a well-earned one for Sanchez and will keep a beloved starter around in Philadelphia for a while, just as the Phillies recently did with Jesus Luzardo's $135 million contract.
🚨 3pm line-ups: decisions on CDK, Rowe, Noslin, Belghali 👀
The Serie A Sunday continues with the two 3 PM matches. In Bergamo, Atalanta hosts a Verona side that is almost relegated, but which already surprised Bologna at the Dall'Ara two weeks ago.
Bryan Hodgson's one-year tenure with South Florida men's basketball is leading to a bigger job.
According to multiplereports, the Bulls' head coach is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach at Providence basketball. Hodgson led USF to the NCAA Tournament following a 25-9 record during the 2025-26 season.
He guided the Bulls to a 15-3 American Conference record, winning both the regular season and conference tournament with 12 wins to end the season to qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the first time as a head coach.
Providence fired head coach Kim English on March 13 following a 15-18 record this season. English went 48-52 in three years with the program, never reaching the NCAA Tournament.
How old is Bryan Hodgson?
Hodgson was born on April 11, 1987, making him 38 years old during the 2025-26 college basketball season.
Bryan Hodgson coaching record
Here's a look at Hodgson's record as a head coach. He has never led a team to fewer than 20 wins in a season.
2023-24 (Arkansas State): 20-17, 11-7 Sun Belt
2024-25 (Arkansas State): 25-11, 13-5 Sun Belt
2025-26 (South Florida): 25-9, 15-3 American
Career: 70-37
Bryan Hodgson's coaching career
Here's a look at Hodgson's coaching career:
Head coach unless otherwise specified. Assistant role listed in parentheses
Serie A official line-ups: Atalanta vs. Verona and Bologna vs. Lazio
Bologna want to ride the wave of Europa League quarter-final qualification against on-form Lazio, while Atalanta try to shake off their Champions League exit by hosting Hellas Verona.
These two games both kick off at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).
There hasn’t been much time to recover after European commitments midweek, but the pressure is already on to deliver in Serie A.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 10: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Atalanta BC and FC Bayern München at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Atalanta vs. Verona
La Dea were eliminated from the Champions League by Bayern Munich midweek, and losing ground in Serie A after just two points from three rounds. Gianluca Scamacca also suffered a fresh injury blow, but Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori are on their way back to full fitness.
It is a special day for Marten de Roon, who becomes Atalanta’s all-time record man with 436 appearances.
Hellas miss Armel Bella-Kotchap, Domagoj Bradaric, Sandi Lovric and Suat Serdar, remaining rock bottom after defeat to Genoa.
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Zalewski; Krstovic
ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Ederson with his teammates of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring the opening goal from penalty spot during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on February 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Bologna vs. Lazio
The Rossoblu are buzzing after their extra time victory over Roma on Thursday to reach the Europa League quarter-finals, but it came at a cost, losing Jens Odgaard and Tommaso Pobega to injury, with Lukasz Skorupski and Lorenzo De Silvestri already out.
Lazio are also enthusiastic after back-to-back wins over Sassuolo and Milan, but the absentee list includes Mattia Zaccagni, Ivan Provedel, Danilo Cataldi, Toma Basic, Nicolò Rovella and Samuel Gigot, with Alessio Romagnoli returning.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Kenneth Taylor of SS Lazio kicks the ball during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Arsenal trio called up by England u21s includes senior international
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly has been called up by the England u21s for the March internationals, along with Ethan Nwaneri and Tommy Setford.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly is set to make his first appearances for the England u21s, with England confirming that he’s received a call-up for the March break alongside fellow Gunners Ethan Nwaneri and Tommy Setford.
Nwaneri is obviously currently on loan with Marseille, but he remains contracted to Arsenal for the long-term, and Lewis-Skelly has spent plenty of time playing alongside his former academy teammate and friend.
The England u21s will play Andorra on Friday, March 27th at 18:30 GMT and Moldova on Tuesday, March 31st at 19:00 BST. Both games will be shown on the England YouTube channel.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
In some ways, Lewis-Skelly’s call-up might feel like a step back, amid suggestions that he’s unlikely to be involved with the England senior team at the World Cup this summer.
The 19-year-old has already made six appearances and scored for the England first team, so it could be argued he’s moved beyond youth football.
But players are regularly held back in the England u21s for much longer than they are in club football.
It was unusual that Lewis-Skelly skipped this level to begin with, not that he’s now dropping down for a couple of games.
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
As for the other two, Setford made his England u21 debut in November, keeping a couple of clean sheets against the Republic of Ireland and Slovakia. Nwaneri has played 13 times for the England u21s, contributing five goals and assists including a goal in that Slovakia win.
All three will be hoping to make a positive impression over the break, as they’d all probably like to be playing for their clubs a bit more often.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Jess Bowen of The Summer Set performs at SF Masonic Auditorium on October 06, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s Sunday. I love Sundays, how about you? Fight night has come and gone and now I can just unwind with the fam and great ready for the week (which is a pretty brutal one in my case).
How are you all? Any plans?
MMA ADJACENT
Live (possibly) Muay Thai.
Free Bud fight.
TOTALLY OFF TOPIC
Lovely stuff.
Another one!
GAME TIME
Doing dynasties today.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Nothing to see here: Dana talks conspiracy theories — FULL STORY
The Bucs have enjoyed having Baker Mayfield as their quarterback since signing him in free agency back in 2023. He came to Tampa Bay after a career that saw him struggle to find his footing after being left out in the proverbial cold by the Cleveland Browns despite leading them to the playoffs.
Now, while Mayfield has enjoyed a career renaissance in Tampa Bay, he has also been up and down in terms of performance. As a result, as he heads into the final year of his contract, the team will have some tough decisions to make. Paying a quarterback is always a tricky situation to handle, and CBS Sports' Joel Corry discussed several angles of it all recently.
The biggest point he makes is that paying him sooner rather than later will be the best-case scenario given how many quarterbacks are about to be paid.
Corry explains, "If Mayfield's situation results in a franchise tag next year, he would have little incentive to do a deal quickly like Jones did under his transition tag. Mayfield's best deal would probably come from letting the quarterback market further develop under the theory that a rising tide lifts all boats. Lamar Jackson will be in a contract year in 2027. As 2024 draft picks, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Bo Nix will be eligible for contract extensions. At least one of the five should reset the quarterback market. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is the league's highest-paid player at $60 million per year."
Mayfield should remain a considerable value for the position in terms of contracts the Bucs may retain him on. However, the reasonable nature of it all could go to the wayside if the team waits too long. All the players that Corry mentioned above are facing massive extensions and there numbers shouldn't affect what the Bucs do but it will if they wait too long.
🚨Breaking news: Simeone faces the derby with several absentees
Players like Oblak, Barrios, or Pubill will not be on a list that includes several youth academy players.
Derby day and a special milestone for Simeone, who will reach 50 matches against the eternal rival. The squad list is makeshift, as it includes several absences, among them Oblak, Barrios, and Pubill.
Atleti wants to conquer the home of their eternal rival at a euphoric moment after securing qualification for the Champions League quarterfinals.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Rocky Mountain College rallied from an 11-point second half deficit to pull within two in the closing seconds Saturday, but the Battlin’ Bears fell 60-55 to Langston (Okla.) in the NAIA men’s basketball national quarterfinals Saturday.
Orlando Thomas knocked down a 3-pointer with 2:13 left to put Langston up 54-44 before Omari Nesbit started a quick comeback for Rocky with a triple.
Nesbit hit two more from deep to make it 55-53 with 27 seconds left and was fouled on another long ball with a chance to make it a one-point game. He went 2-for-3 from the line to cut it to 57-55, but the Bears got no closer.
Thomas and Jaden Williams hit three free throws in the final seconds to seal the win and send Langston into the national semifinals Monday against Ave Maria (Fla.).
Thomas led the Lions with 14 points, Jay Wilson added 12 off the bench.
Nesbit had 21 to guide the Battlin’ Bears; Royce Robinson tallied 16 and Carter McCoy had 10.
NEW DELHI: The Rs 27 crore price tag, Lucknow Super Giants’ failure to enter the playoffs in IPL 2025, and poor form with the bat — Rishabh Pant will hope to bury all ghosts of the 2025 season and start afresh when the 2026 edition kicks off. Lucknow Super Giants will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
Will Pant be under any pressure?
Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes that Lucknow Super Giants skipper Pant will be the player under the most pressure in the tournament.
Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament's history last year when LSG secured the wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 27 crore.
However, his performances with the bat failed to justify his price tag. Although he scored a century, his overall campaign remained underwhelming, as the ton came when LSG were already out of the race for the playoffs.
Pant scored just 269 runs in the 13 matches he played last season at a poor average of 24.45.
"For me, Rishabh Pant is probably the player in the IPL who is under the most pressure this season. Some guys flourish under the price tag pressure, while some don’t. I think last season was a really tough one for him. The team struggled, and he also struggled with runs in the way that he batted," Du Plessis told Jio Hotstar.
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"So, there is all that pressure coming into the season, along with the expectations of what the team is going to do. With a batting-heavy team, how are they going to maximise their bowling? Because there is pressure on your captain, scoring runs is your first job.
"So, if he is scoring runs as a captain, it takes pressure off in the first instance. But then there is a second instance, which is the team performance overall. And last year, both of those things had big red crosses against them," he said.
The offseason is well underway in the NFL, and for the most part, fans are keeping tabs on what their favorite teams are doing to improve their rosters. However, it's also important for the players on those teams to keep their skills sharp, and that seems to be something New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is intent on doing.
Maye is fresh off an MVP-caliber campaign that saw him lead the Pats to Super Bowl LX, where they ended up falling short against the Seattle Seahawks. This offseason, Maye has made it clear he intends to improve his game, and that recently saw him conduct a throwing session with several of his wide receivers at Florida Atlantic University. After doing so, the Owls' head coach, Zach Kittley, had some high praise for Maye.
"I didn't realize how big he was -- man, he's a big guy," Kittley said, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. "Just watching him throw the ball around, super smooth, very nice release. Extremely, extremely accurate with the football. That was probably the biggest thing I saw -- every ball he threw was right on the money, wideouts never had to [break] stride. He was awesome. I know we're just throwing on air but he was pinpoint with every throw."'
Considering how Maye threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns last season, it may seem like he doesn't have many areas in which he can improve upon. As the playoffs showed, though, Maye isn't perfect, so it shouldn't be much of a surprise to see him already putting in some work this offseason.
Of course, the offense around Maye needs some improvement, but that's going to be up to the front office. All Maye can focus on his own game, and after getting some work in with Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Demario Douglas, it wouldn't come as much of a shock to see these guys reunite at some point later on this offseason again.
The Minnesota Vikings’ heavy-lifting portion of 2026 free agency is largely over, and we have grades for the transactions. The club was quieter than usual because of a cash-strapped budget, but that didn’t stop it from landing a big fish at quarterback in Kyler Murray.
Some moves landed better than others for Minnesota.
Oddsmakers believe Minnesota will win eight or nine games in 2026, a familiar spot, as the club seems to have that forecast every offseason at this time on the calendar.
One Vikings Decision Already Looks Better Than the Rest
How did the Vikings fare in free agency? We have answers.
Carolina Panthers punter Johnny Hekker (10) stands ready during special teams action against the Philadelphia Eagles, Dec 8, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field, tracking field position and preparing for the next snap as Carolina navigated a road matchup in a competitive late-season NFC contest. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.
Signing Johnny Hekker (P) Grade: C
Signing Hekker as the punting solution after Ryan Wright’s unexpected departure is phenomenal — if the year were 2015 or 2016.
Indeed, Hekker is a six-time All-Pro, but his best days are in the rearview. In 2026, his performance mirrored that of a middle-of-the-road punter. Thankfully, he can still hold field goals and extra points with the best of them, music to Will Reichard’s ears, who lost his holder when Wright skedaddled for the New Orleans Saints.
Hekker could embark on a late-career surge in Minnesota, but it’s probably best for the Vikings to draft a punter in Round 7 or sign one from undrafted free agency. Georgia’s Brett Thorson comes to mind.
Signing James Pierre (CB) Grade: B
The Vikings needed a CB3, and if Mike Tomlin trusted Pierre for six seasons, so should Brian Flores’s Vikings. Last year’s CB3 at the end of the season, Fabian Moreau, played well, but has not re-signed to date. Minnesota should add him back as the CB4 if it does not draft a cornerback next month.
Pierre logged an outstanding 86.2 Pro Football Focus grade last season, playing 408 snaps — about 40% of the time — and a 41.4 passer rating allowed. If he replicates those stats in Minnesota, the guy should start.
The only knock on Pierre? He’ll turn 30 in September. He’s not a long-term CB1 or anything close to it.
The Extensions Grade: B
The Vikings have re-signed or tendered these free agents:
Andrew DePaola (LS)
Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
Jalen Redmond (DT)
Bo Richter (OLB)
Zavier Scott (RB)
Tavierre Thomas (S)
Carson Wentz (QB)
Eric Wilson (LB)
Wilson posted Pro Bowl-adjacent numbers in 2025; the team gets a ‘B’ for re-adding him alone. The Vikings owed it to themselves to find out if Wilson is suddenly the real deal as an over-30 linebacker.
Re-adding Redmond was a no-brainer; he might’ve been the best defensive player overall on the roster in 2025. Perhaps Pace Jr. will fix his tackling woes. Wentz returning as the QB3 ensures the quarterback room will be deeper than the Pacific in 2026 — unlike last year at this time, when Minnesota enjoyed only Brett Rypien as the QB2.
The Departures Grade: B
These players said their goodbyes:
Jonathan Allen (DT) → CIN
Ty Chandler (RB) → NO
Javon Hargrave (DT) → GB
Jalen Nailor (WR) → LV
Ryan Wright (P) → NO
The only soul-crusher here might be Nailor, especially as the Raiders are on deck to showcase him as the WR1, given their weak WR1 depth chart.
This grade would otherwise be an ‘A’ — nobody really cares that Allen, Chandler, Hargrave, and a punter left — but we’re playing it safe with a ‘B’ in case Nailor erupts for 1,000+ yards in Las Vegas.
Signing Ryan Van Demark (OT) Grade: B+
Buffalo had a deadline to match this offer, but declined. Van Demark ended up in Minnesota, and the depth OT concerns will be basically solved. He’s the new Justin Skule or David Quessenberry.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark (74) loosens up and stretches with teammates during minicamp drills, Jun 11, 2025, at Highmark Stadium, preparing for upcoming reps as Buffalo evaluated depth and development along the offensive line ahead of the new season. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images.
This is the PFF skinny on Van Demark
2025: 74.4 (312 snaps)
2024: 53.3 (199 snaps)
2023: 60.2 (47 snaps)
The pass-blocking:
2025: 65.6
2024: 51.8
2023: 27.2
The run-blocking:
2025: 74.9
2024: 51.4
2023: 64.4
These grades are similar to what Skule brought to the table during the 2024 campaign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Van Demark fetches the ‘B+’ because there’s a chance that he’s sitting on a career breakout, and that would be music to the Vikings’ ears.
Signing Kyler Murray (QB) Grade: A
When it started to feel like Murray would be available this offseason, the first instinct was to think of a trade. Was Murray worth a 3rd-Rounder? Maybe a 2nd-Rounder? Had that deal gone down for Minnesota, this initial grade would be the ‘B’ range.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray goes through pregame warmups with focus and precision, Nov 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium ahead of a matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, working through throws and mechanics on the field as the environment builds toward kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports.
But the Vikings got Murray for the NFL’s version of free. All 31 teams should’ve attempted to sign him, if only as a backup; that’s how outstanding the value is for Minnesota. Kevin O’Connell is getting a quarterback who averages just under 4,000 passing yards, 30 passing + rushing downs, and about 600 rushing yards every 17 starts.
The Murray acquisition is all about the value. If he gets hurt right away, it doesn’t really matter; his price tag is $1.3 million. Suppose he constructed a season of dreams — even better. The Vikings can make him their franchise quarterback until 2033 or so.
This is an unabashed ‘A’ grade for Murray to Minnesota. The Vikings might’ve stumbled into “their guy” at the sport’s most important position, a la Drew Brees to New Orleans two decades ago.
No. 6 seed Tennessee (23-11) will play No. 3 seed Virginia (30-5) in the NCAA Tournament second round on Sunday. Tipoff between the Vols and Cavaliers is slated for 6:10 p.m. EDT at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (TNT).
Sunday will mark the 15th meeting between the two schools in the all-time series, dating to the 1916-17 season. The Vols are 6-8 in previous games in the series. Tennessee and Virginia are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
Tennessee last played the Cavaliers on Nov. 21, 2024. The Vols earned a, 64-62, victory. The two schools first played on Feb. 22, 1917 with the Vols defeating the Cavaliers, 23-21.
Tennessee's all-time basketball results versus Virginia
1916-17: Tennessee 23, Virginia 21
1917-18: Virginia 58, Tennessee 21
1921-22: Virginia 31, Tennessee 21
1940-41: Virginia 41, Tennessee 30
1958-59: Tennessee 79, Virginia 59
1980-81: Virginia 62, Tennessee 48
1981-82: Virginia 54, Tennessee 51
1984-85: Tennessee 61, Virginia 54
1991-92: Virginia 77, Tennessee 52
2000-01: Virginia 107, Tennessee 89
2006-07: Tennessee 77, Virginia 74
2012-13: Virginia 46, Tennessee 38
2013-14: Tennessee 87, Virginia 52
2024-25: Tennessee 64, Virginia 42
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Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; The Miami (FL) Hurricanes mascot during the second half against the Missouri Tigers during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
As I pack up my hotel room and prepare to head for the Arena for today’s matchup, I wanted to share the staff predictions for this one. So no preamble, let’s just get into it.
Ledman:
This Miami team has two Big Ten retreads with Malik Reneau and Tre Donaldson. I think that should give Purdue a bit of an advantage as they’ve prepared for these guys before. Now, they are playing different roles and have certainly improved their games, but the Purdue staff is familiar with them. If you watched that Missouri versus Miami game you’d know that it wasn’t exactly a testament to the beauty of the game of basketball. Now, Purdue’s offense? That’s the beauty of the game of basketball. The defense doesn’t have to be perfect but they have to continue putting forth the effort they’ve been putting forth since they got into tournament time. I think they are able to do that today and will advance to the Sweet 16 once again with a date with former Purdue player Cam Heide and Texas.
Purdue 79 – Miami 68
Jed:
A short turnaround is always difficult but it is made easier when there are two players that most of Purdue’s roster is familiar with. Those two are former Indiana Hoosier Malik Reneau and former Michigan Wolverine Tre Donaldson, who also happen to be Miami’s two most important players (the two average 35.5ppg combined). That is an advantage for the Boilers beyond having advantages all over the court.
That being said, this isn’t a cake walk and some of these games in the NCAAT have opened everyone’s eyes. Miami doesn’t do anything at an elite level but they just seem to be steady at most everything. The biggest key may be the Miami allows opponents to shoot 35.4% from behind the arc, 2.5% higher than the national average (Purdue’s defense is at 34%).
Purdue has the advantage on the inside and definitively have it on the outside. Given what they have shown over the last five games, Purdue appears to have figured out their woes on defense while the offense has continued to improve.
Purdue, on the back of a dominating offensive performance, keeps Miami at arms length and makes it to a third straight Sweet 16 and a matchup with Texas and former Boilermaker Cam Heide.
Boilers: 83 Hurricanes: 73
Drew:
In theory, Miami does some things on defense that could bother Purdue.
I don’t subscribe to that theory.
Purdue’s offense remains red hot and Miami slowly fades out of the game midway through the 2nd half, as the Boilermakers advace to face the Fightin’ Cam Heides’ from Texas in the Sweet 16.
Travis:
This one will be interestin. Tre Donaldson and Malik Reneau have experience facing Purdue and playing well against. The Hurricanes are a solid team, but htey have struggled against elite competition all year. I think Purdue gets about a 10 point win because we’ve been playing really, really well int he postseason.
Sorry this isn’t longer. I drove 800 miles today and I am exhausted. (editor’s note: I don’t know if Travis wanted me to include this but I think it’s funny so I did.)
Ryan:
Miami played two entirely different halves against Mizzou. The first half was just an ugly slog while the second half was a 53-point show. But the problem with Miami this year is consistency. Another issue for Miami could be depth as only 6 players played a meaningful number of minutes against Missouri. These are teens and early 20 year olds so I doubt fatigue plays that much into the game given that each team has a day off, but if somebody on Miami gets into foul trouble, it could be problematic.
For Purdue, the gameplan is simple: run your offense that is the most efficient in the country and rebound the ball. Miami is 16th in the country in terms of offensive rebound percentage so Purdue will want to limit second chance points. Ultimately, Purdue is just the better team and having seen play against Malik Reneau and Tre Donaldson will help. The Boilers head back to their 3rd consecutive Sweet Sixteen with the victory.
There are new shotcallers in the New York Giants' building as the 2026 NFL season gets ready to begin. John Harbaugh is the new head coach, and he has brought his minions along with him to attempt to turn the listless Giants around and make them winners again.
That means that players who were favored and possibly coddled by the previous coaching staffs will no longer get the benefit of the doubt. Even general manager Joe Schoen, who selected many of these players, will not be able to go to bat for them as he is no longer the only decision-maker on personnel.
Here are five Giants whose time could be running out with Big Blue.
Center John Michael Schmitz
The Giants drove hard to sign former Baltimore Raven Tyler Linderbaum in free agency last week, a clear indication that they are not happy with Schmitz, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. They were blown out of the water in the marketplace by the Las Vegas Raiders, who signed Linderbaum to an egregious, three-year, $81 million deal with $60 million in guarantees. One has to wonder what would have happened to Schmitz if they had landed Linderbaum. Don't expect the search to end there, however. Harbaugh wants a physical, dominant offensive line, especially in the middle, and Schmitz has not shown that he can be either of those in his first three seasons here.
Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux
It's no secret the Giants will move Thibodeaux if the right offer is floated under their noses. So far, that hasn't happened. He is set to play under his fifth-year option price of $14.75 million this year and then will be eligible for free agency. Thibodeaux has had issues staying healthy over his four years with the Giants and is considered a luxury now that Abdul Carter will be used more prominently in the pass rush. It's easy to see the Giants making a pre-draft trade involving the former first-round pick, but don't expect a massive return if they do. If they can't, it will be interesting to see how new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson deploys him.
Cornerback Deonte Banks
The Giants would also gladly move Banks if the right offer came along. He's no longer a starter, and one has to wonder what the Giants were thinking, not only taking him in the first round back in 2023, but trading up to do so. He'll have to be totally remade in order to stay with this team, as he is fundamentally unsound and inconsistent. Perhaps Wilson and his staff can redeem Banks, but the Giants will likely decline his fifth-year option, meaning they're prepared to move on.
Guard Jon Runyan Jr.
Runyan is a solid veteran guard who rarely embarrasses himself on the field, but the status quo is no longer acceptable in the Harbaugh era. As stated, the Giants are seeking to establish a punishing offensive line and tried to add Alijah Vera-Tucker in free agency, but he chose to go to New England instead. Adding a veteran guard is still high on the Giants' wish list this spring. They appear to be a little desperate here. They even re-signed two former disappointing high draft picks in Evan Neal and Joshua Ezuedu. Runyan is entering the final year of the three-year deal he signed before the 2024 season, and he doesn't seem to be in the team's long-term plans.
Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt
After three head-scratching years, Hyatt is still in the building. In 2023, the Giants traded up in the third round to get Hyatt, and he has perplexed even the most seasoned experts ever since. He's played in 41 games over his three seasons here and has been targeted just 73 times, catching 36 of them for a total of 470 yards, and has yet to score a touchdown. He will be only 25 come September and is still one of the fastest players in the NFL. That will intrigue Harbaugh and his staff, but can they make something out of Hyatt? We'll see. Don't expect him to stick if they can't. Wide receiver spots will be at a premium this summer.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 19: Amare Bynum #1 and Brandon Noel #14 of the Ohio State Buckeyes react after the game against the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 19, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. The Texas Christian University Horned Frogs defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 66-64. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“Bucketheads” is LGHL’s men’s basketball podcast, hosted by Connor Lemons and Justin Golba. In every episode, they give you the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes and everything else happening in college hoops.
On episode 198 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back for the final episode of the season and the first episode of the offseason as the Ohio State men’s basketball team falls to TCU 66-64 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and the season has now come to an end.
First off, we break down the TCU game, what went wrong in the first half, the final play and why some common themes from the season popped up in this game.
After that, we take a lot at the priorities for the offseason. Where do the Buckeyes have to upgrade, who could they bring in as a GM, and is the talent evaluation all on Jake Diebler?
Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review! We have episodes every Thursday morning.
Waddle brings a WR1 mentality to the Broncos offense, which will hopefully be headed up by a healthy Bo Nix under center, and a new play caller in Davis Webb, trying to unleash the potential of the offense. Fans and pundits alike believe Waddle will help propel a Broncos team that made it to the AFC Championship game to even greater heights in 2026, specifically going into Super Bowl LXI.
And some say they have the math to prove it.
Check out this fun math from Ryan Koenigsberg of DNVR Broncos:
Jalen Waddle wears number 17.
He was traded to the Broncos on the 17th day of the 3rd month.
He is guaranteed 17 million dollars this year on his 3 year contract.
Now, if your head is swimming with all those numbers, you're not alone. For Denver and the other 31 teams, the season is still months away. There's a draft which needs to take place, rookie minicamps, schedule releases, offseason activities, training camp, the preseason and most importantly, 17 (or, more optimistically, 20) games to be played before Super Bowl LXI.
But, with Waddle joining an already potent offense, there may be some merit to the math. Waddle joins Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin and Co. in a wide receiver room primed for a breakout season.
Time will tell if the math adds up. Fans are hoping it does!
The Chicago Blackhawks are going to add two of their most promising prospects to the forward group in the coming days. Both Anton Frondell and Sacha Boisvert are signed, awaiting the moment they are tapped for their NHL debuts.
Last week, Boisvert and the Boston University Terriers were defeated in the Hockey East playoffs, ending their chances at the NCAA Tournament. Since then, he has come to Chicago, signed, and begun the process of getting a work visa in the United States. When that clears, he’ll be ready to practice and play.
As for Frondell, he signed his ELC last offseason but chose to be loaned back to the SHL for one year. His club team, Djurgarden, was just eliminated on Saturday. He has come to Chicago and will make his debut in a couple of days. It could line up where they debut together on the road.
There are a lot of possible line combinations for the Blackhawks once these two are in. Jeff Blashill has some decisions to make. Based on how he has run the team so far this season, the forward lines may look like this:
Greene-Bedard-Burakovsky
Bertuzzi-Nazar-Teravainen
Frondell-Donato-Mikheyev
Lardis-Boisvert-Mangiapane
So far this season, Jeff Blashill has stayed mostly true to the top line with Connor Bedard in between Ryan Greene and Andre Burakovsky. There has been criticism of the decision to keep Burskovsky on the top line given his lack of production, but the coach has stood by it.
It is unlikely that Blashill will take either of these two prospects and put them in the top six right away. Frondell will be there eventually, but it is unlikely that the coaching staff will throw him in the fire like that right away.
Frondell is known as a reliable two-way player, but he needs to show it at the NHL level. Playing on a line with Ryan Donato and Ilya Mikheyev, two guys who defend and can score, is a great place to start.
Boisvert has the ceiling of a middle-six center who can play well on both sides of the puck, but the fourth line makes sense for him out of the gate. He is eager to get into his first career NHL fight and to help the team win. Nick Lardis and Andrew Mangiapane on Boisvert’s wing would give him a chance to play with two guys capable of giving him different elements on each side.
These lines are a projection based on Blashill’s tendencies, how NHL teams usually handle late-season prospect call-ups, and their individual skill sets. Whatever they decide will be part of a development plan, not a chess move.
Landon Slaggert and Sam Lafferty came out in these projections. Each of them has been in and out of the lineup at different points throughout the season. Oliver Moore is injured and could miss the rest of the season. If he does return before it ends, he will certainly get minutes again right away.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
On every game day this season, THN Fantasy will highlight players and goalies for fantasy hockey managers to stream, roster or utilize in standard leagues and/or DFS games. Players and goalies highlighted for streaming in standard leagues are rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues.
Cole Hutson, WSH vs. COL (9% rostered) - FanDuel $4,200 Hutson finished his sophomore season at Boston University with 10 goals and 22 assists in 35 games, the signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Capitals last Sunday. Washington burned the first year of that ELC when Hutson played his first NHL game Wednesday, scoring an empty-net goal. Hutson is skating on the team's second defensive pairing as well as power play unit.
Erik Karlsson, PIT vs. CAR (89% rostered) - FanDuel $6,000 As long as Karlsson keeps scoring, I will keep profiling him. He notched a pair of goals Saturday, extending his current scoring streak to four games and 10 points (five goals, five assists). Karlsson has taken his game to another level lately, posting 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 11 games so far in March. For the year, EK65 is up to 11 tallies and 43 helpers in 64 contests.
Zach Werenski, CLM @ NYI (100% rostered) - FanDuel $7,700 Werenski is the highest-priced blueliner on the board Sunday, showing the respect that he has earned and deserved the past two seasons. He notched a pair of assists Saturday to go with the three he posted Thursday. Werenski is up to 20 goals and 54 helpers in 62 contests, putting the elite defensemen on pace to exceed the career-high 82 points he notched just last season.
Mattias Samuelsson, BUF @ ANA (68% rostered) - FanDuel $5,900 Samuelsson notched an assist for the third straight contest Saturday, continuing his offensive rise. The 26-year-old blueliner is up to 27 helpers to go with his 12 goals in 67 contests. To give you a sense just how much he has raised his production, Samuelsson tallied 43 points in 212 appearances his first five seasons in the NHL. He is just four points of matching that total this season alone.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
The Dubuque Fighting Saints’ offense is taking off in 2025-26. With the help of Colin Frank, the Fighting Saints are tied for the lead the United States Hockey League in goals scored, which has helped power them to a 36-17-4-0 record, good for second place in the Eastern Conference.
Frank has taken his game to a new level this season, totalling 30 goals and 22 assists through 47 games played. Frank’s 30 goals lead the Fighting Saints and place him sixth overall in the USHL.
The 19-year-old forward is in his third season with the Fighting Saints and has seen his role grow in each of the three campaigns with the club. Each season Frank’s point total has risen, recording 15 in his rookie year, 40 in year two and now 52 to this point of the campaign. During an interview last week, Frank spoke about how his game has evolved over his time in Dubuque.
“When you come from Under-16 into the USHL, it’s a change. There’s a lot of bigger and stronger players, so it’s hard to get playing time,” Frank said. “My rookie year, we had such a good team, so it was hard to get playing time. What helped me was focusing on the mental side, and when you get your chance, you need to be ready for it. The second year was just about building my confidence, and this year I’ve found it and continued to grow my game.”
Not only has Frank continued to grow on the ice, but his leadership and maturity was reinforced when he was named one of the Fighting Saints’ assistant captains for the 2025-26 season. Frank touched on what wearing an “A” on his jersey meant to him.
“It is a huge honor. Right from my first year when we made it to the Clark Finals, I learned how much it meant to be a leader on a really good team,” Frank said. “The ability to help some of the younger guys through their first years, it’s a really good feeling for sure.”
Through Frank’s first two seasons, the forward was a part of the Fighting Saints team that fell to the Fargo Force in the Clark Cup and then lost to the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the semi-finals last season. The way the past two seasons ended only fuels Frank for this year's postseason run.
“I think I’ve had a chip on my shoulder since the first year. It sucked losing in the semi-finals last year, but the want to win is even stronger now,” Frank said. “Winning is a huge accomplishment, so we just have to stay close together as a team through adversity and just believe that we can do it.”
As for what has made the Fighting Saints’ offense so prolific this season, Frank spoke on the team's ability to make it tough on opponents throughout the league.
“We like playing fast. We try to break out of our defensive zone, get north and go straight to the net,” Frank said. “We’re trying to hunt pucks down, get shots and have the puck on our stick. Our ability to put the puck in the net has really shown.”
Over the Fighting Saints’ final five regular-season games, they will face the Force twice, who sit second in the Western Conference and the Lumberjacks twice, who trail the Fighting Saints by five points in the standings. This will give the Fighting Saints a good chance to prepare themselves for the test that playoff hockey brings.
“It’s great because we get to see their style of play. Every game will be a good learning lesson for us,” Frank said. “Some teams change their style for the playoffs, but we are treating every game like playoff hockey. It’s really good for us.”
Earlier in the season, Frank represented the United States of America at the World Junior-A Challenge, capturing gold while recording four goals and one assist over five games. The moment of playing for his country was not lost on the California native.
“It’s a great feeling to wear the USA across your chest. It felt really good to play against all the top countries around the world and beat them out,” Frank. “When playing with such good players, it was important to find a role and do whatever it takes to win. That’s all that matters, and I think it’s helped prepare me coming into the playoffs to win a championship.”
Upon the completion of this season, Frank will be taking his talents to the University of Connecticut to play for the Huskies. Before making the jump to collegiate hockey, Frank spoke about what it would mean to bring home a Clark Cup in his final year of junior hockey.
“It would be amazing, especially after going through the previous two seasons of adversity,” Frank said. “Knowing I was able to achieve that with my teammates would give me a lot of confidence before heading to UConn.”
Bringing a title back to Dubuque for the fifth time in franchise history would be extra special for Frank due to the great fans who support the Fighting Saints on a nightly basis.
“They are amazing, and they are always into the game,” Frank said. It’s super loud and just a great atmosphere to play in. I have a lot of love for the fans in Dubuque.”
The Fighting Saints are back in action on Friday, March 27, when they travel to Fargo to take on the Force. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.
While the Montreal Canadiens were taking on the New York Islanders in an important game in the playoff race, Michael Hage and his Michigan Wolverines were taking on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big 10 Championship game. Just like the Habs, the Wolverines came out on the right side of a 7-3 win.
Down 3-2 in the second frame, the Wolverines went on to score five unanswered goals to win the game and the championship. Hage had a quiet night with a single assist on a Will Horcoff goal in the second frame. T.J. stole the show with a goal and a pair of assists in the win. The undrafted 24-year-old center is wrapping up his NCAA career, and teams could come knocking for him. He leads all Wolverines players in points this season with 53, two ahead of Hage and has scored four game-winning goals.
What’s next for Hage and the Wolverines after this win? As champions of the Big 10, they are automatically part of the 16 teams that will compete for the national championship at the Frozen Four. They’ll know who they’ll take on Sunday afternoon when the selection show airs at 3:00 PM on ESPNU.
The tournament will kick off with the regionals next week, from March 26-28, and the Wolverines will be the top seed for the first time since 2022. The second round will be held from March 27 to March 29, and the top four teams will then head to Vegas for the semifinals. Those will be played on April 9, and the Championship game is set for April 11.
So far, only the six conference champions know that they’ll be in the tournament: the Bentley Falcons, the Michigan State Spartans, the Dartmouth Big Green, the Merrimack Warriors, the Denver Pioneers, and, of course, the Wolverines.
It’s been 19 years since the Wolverines last won the Frozen Four in 2007, and there’s no doubt that Hage would like to add a national championship to his resume before making his highly anticipated and likely pro debut.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have three third-round picks in this
year’s NFL Draft, and that might not be such a good thing.
They selected Roman Wilson in 2024 after he helped Michigan
win the national championship. Last year, the Steelers took Iowa running back
Kaleb Johnson after he led the nation in rushing.
Both players have made a negligible impact with the Steelers.
In fact, that might be being kind.
Wilson played in only one game as a rookie and had no catches
as he dealt with injuries. The following season, he appeared in 13 games,
earned four starts for a receiver-needy team, and managed 12 receptions for 166
yards and two touchdowns.
However, general manager Omar Khan says the Steelers are not
giving up on Wilson.
“You guys have heard me talk about my belief in Roman,” Khan
said, referring to the media. “I think Roman's a talented player.”
Wilson had strong production at Michigan, but his impact in
the NFL has not yet matched it.
As it stands now, Wilson is the likely starter at slot
receiver, joining wideouts DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in the lineup.
However, the Steelers seem certain to draft at least one wide receiver
next month, possibly in the first round, who would be capable of starting right
away.
Johnson is another player who was effective in the Big Ten,
but he has struggled to make the transition to pro football. After a critical
mistake on a kickoff return that led to the Seattle Seahawks beating the
Steelers in Week 2, he barely played last season.
Over the course of the season, Johnson rushed for just 69
yards on 28 carries and caught one pass for nine yards. The Steelers still
managed a 10-8 record, winning their first AFC North title since 2020, before
falling 30-6 to the Houston Texans in a Wild Card playoff game.
“I expect Kaleb to turn the corner,” Khan said when asked
about his expectations for Johnson next season.
Johnson had a standout 2024 season in college but hasn’t
replicated that success with the Steelers.
He was productive over his college career but has struggled to
find a role in Pittsburgh.
On the current roster, Johnson finds himself third on the
Steelers’ depth chart behind veterans Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. Barring
injuries to either, Johnson is unlikely to get significant carries in 2026.
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The Boston Celtics have built their teams in a number of ways over the decades, but few if any methods have born more fruit than through the NBA draft. The best players to suit up for the Celtics have, by and large, come to Boston either through being taken directly in the annual event, or via trades made that night.
And it is not just the top stars who have been picked up by the Celtics via the draft. Countless members of the storied ball club's alumni have been taken by the team, and some schools are better represented than others. We can see blue blood programs and some very small schools both delivering top talent to Boston's rosters over the years, so we decided to take a look at which players came from which schools overall.
So without further ado, let's take a look at every player who has been drafted by the Celtics out of Brown.
Mike Cingiser - guard
Draft year and position: ninth round (ninth pick, 80th overall), 1962 NBA Draft
Seasons at Brown: three
Seasons played with Celtics: did not make the team
Mo Mahoney - forward
Draft year and position: sixth round (first pick, 61st overall), 1950 NBA Draft
Seasons at Brown: four
Seasons played with Celtics: one
All stats and data courtesy of Basketball Reference.
No. 2 UConn will look to secure a spot in the Sweet 16 when it takes on No. 7 UCLA.
The Huskies avoided an upset against No. 15 Furman in the first round, eliminating the Paladins behind a spectacular performance from Tarris Reed Jr. The senior center scored 31 points on 12-of-15 shooting from the field and grabbed 27 rebounds (16 defensive, 11 offensive).
UCLA escaped the first round with a 75-71 victory over No. 10 UCF. Eric Dailey Jr. led the Bruins with 20 points, and Xavier Booker and Trent Perry each scored 15 points.
Here is everything you need to know about UConn vs. UCLA, including TV and streaming options for the game.
UConn vs. UCLA will air live on TNT. Andrew Catalon and Steve Lappas will be on the call, and Evan Washburn will serve as the sideline reporter.
Fans looking to stream UConn vs. UCLA can watch live on DIRECTV.
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UConn vs. UCLA start time
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 8:45 p.m. ET
UConn vs. UCLA is scheduled to tip off at 8:45 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22. The game will be played at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Fans of the Dallas Cowboys wear brown paper bags over their head as they watch the Cowboys play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After some moderate activity in the first few days of free agency, the Cowboys have been pretty quiet. And it’s not like the Cowboys have filled all their roster holes, far from it.
Bob Sturm recently opined that the reason the Cowboys are so bad at free agency is that they set valuations on players, which is a smart thing to do in principle, but those valuations result in their first bid being consistently too low (“comic lowballers”). The Cowboys enter these negotiations looking for a bargain, which we see all the time with lowball opening offers for their own free agents (Aubrey, Prescott, Lamb, Parsons, Pickens … the list goes on and on.) But that’s not going to work in free agency, where the winner is always the one who overspends the most.
The Cowboys were never ever going to be successful at free agency and there are a few reasons why. @SportsSturm of 1310 The Ticket breaks down why there was little hope that the Jones boys were going to learn how to make deals in the moment or without leverage to fix their… pic.twitter.com/vh7aKqYl7s
In the second and third week of free agency, prices for players tend to come down, as the auction premium from the free agency frenzy of the first 48 hours rapidly declines. This is the time when agents and players start getting nervous as they see more and more open slots being filled up across the league, and prices drop significantly from where they were at the start of free agency.
So why are the Cowboys sitting on their hands when there already are bargains to be had?
One possibility, though admittedly a long shot, is that they are keeping an eye out for potential compensatory draft picks in 2027.
Right at this moment, they are behind the eight ball regarding comp picks. Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, and P.J. Locke all currently count as compensatory free agents signed by the team, while the Cowboys haven’t yet lost any of their own compensatory free agents. But both of those things could change.
Before we got into the nitty gritty, here’s a quick recap of of how comp picks work.
In principle, compensatory draft picks are awarded to teams losing more or better compensatory free agents than they acquire. The number of comp picks a team receives equals the net loss of compensatory free agents up to a maximum of four per team. Importantly, not every free agent lost or acquired automatically qualifies as a compensatory free agent. Players who do not qualify as compensatory free agents:
Players who have been cut (i.e. Logan Wilson this year)
Restricted or exclusive rights free agents that were not tendered (i.e. Brock Hoffman or Juanyeh Thomas)
Players whose average contract value is below about $4 million (i.e. Otito Ogbonnia)
Players signed after April 27th, the first Monday after the draft, won’t impact the number of comp picks for their former or new team.
The first step in maximizing your chances at a comp pick is figuring out how many compensatory free agents you’ll have. And that starts with the 24 free agents the Cowboys had heading into the season. Here’s the full list:
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2026 Cowboys Free Agents
Status
Player
POS
Contract value estimate
Actual contract
Spotrac
PFF
UFA
George Pickens
WR
—
—
Franchise tagged, $27.3 million
UFA
Javonte Williams
RB
—
—
Re-signed, $24.0 million
UFA
Sam Williams
ED
—
—
Re-signed, $2.5 million
UFA
Donovan Wilson
S
6.9
1.6
UFA
Jadeveon Clowney
ED
5.7
10.0
UFA
Dante Fowler Jr.
ED
5.1
6.0
UFA
Kenneth Murray
LB
4.9
—
UFA
Robert Jones
G
2.5
—
UFA
Jack Sanborn
LB
2.1
—
Chicago, $1.2 million
UFA
Payton Turner
ED
1.9
Detroit, $ tbd
UFA
Miles Sanders
RB
1.8
1.6
UFA
Hakeem Adeniji
LT
1.6
—
UFA
C.J. Goodwin
CB
—
—
UFA
Corey Ballentine
CB
—
—
UFA
Jalen Tolbert
WR
—
—
Miami, 1-yr, $1.4 million
SFA (released)
Logan Wilson
LB
2.5
—
Retired
SFA (waived)
Perrion Winfrey
IDL
—
—
SFA (released)
Will Grier
QB
—
—
RFA
Brandon Aubrey
K
—
—
Tendered, $5.7 million
RFA
T.J. Bass
OL
—
—
Tender signed, $5.7 million
RFA
Juanyeh Thomas
S
—
—
Indianapolis, 1-yr, $1.44 million
RFA
Brock Hoffman
C
—
—
Pittsburgh, 1yr, $ tbd
ERFA
Josh Butler
CB
—
—
Re-signed, $1.1 million
ERFA
Reddy Steward
CB
—
—
ERFA tender signed, $1.0 million
Street free agents (SFA) are players that were cut/waived/released and are therefore not comp pick eligible. Neither are the restricted free agents (RFA) and the exclusive rights free agents (ERFA).
That leaves us with the unrestricted free agents (UFA) who are all comp pick eligible, as long as they sign a contract somewhere else with an annual contract value of at least $4 million. Right now, and based on the contract projections at Spotrac.com and PFF.com, only four players (Donovan Wilson, Jadeveon Clowney, Dante Fowler, and maybe Kenneth Murray) meet that threshold. Plus, to be comp pick eligible, they all need to be signed before the end of the April.
There’s no way for the Cowboys to influence that, of course, so they are currently walking a tightrope regarding potential comp picks in 2027. The upside for the Cowboys is that as more players get signed to contracts above the $4 million threshold across the league, the threshold for comp pick eligible free agents acquired will also increase. And with Cobie Durant, and P.J. Locke sitting at exactly $4 million AAV each, there’s a good chance they will eventually fall below the AAV threshold, leaving Jalen Thompson ($11 million AAV) as the only player counting as a compensatory free agent signed for Dallas.
All of which may be – or may partly be – why the Cowboys haven’t signed any more players to contracts above $4 million AAV. But that doesn’t mean they can’t sign players for lower contracts, or sign street free agents that won’t count against the comp pic formula. But are there any street free agents available that could be of interest to the Cowboys? Have a look at the table below and decide for yourself:
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Non-compensatory Free Agents that won’t affect the comp pick formula
Pos.
Player
2025 Team
Status
Snap percentage 2025
Current Age
Current APY
Spotrac AAV Estimate
PFF Grade
Status
EDGE
Mike Danna
Chiefs
SFA
37.4%
28.2
$8.0 million
$4.9 million
57.3
EDGE
Anfernee Jennings
Patriots
SFA
27.4%
28.8
$4.0 million
$6.4 million
60.5
EDGE
Nick Hampton
Rams
RFA
10.0%
25.9
$1.0 million
—
59.9
March 20: signed by CAR
IDL
Dalvin Tomlinson
Cardinals
SFA
48.4%
32.1
$14.0 million
—
43.2
March 16: signed by LAC
IDL
Kalia Davis
49ers
RFA
45.3%
27.6
$0.9 million
—
39.8
March 16: signed by CLE
IDL
Mario Edwards Jr.
Texans
SFA
27.1%
32.1
$4.8 million
$2.3 million
34.7
IDL
Brandon Pili
Seahawks
RFA
13.4%
26.9
$1.0 million
—
41.5
March 16: signed by SEA
IDL
Sam Roberts
Falcons
RFA
9.2%
27.9
$1.1 million
—
83.0
IDL
Sam Kamara
Browns
RFA
9.1%
28.2
$1.1 million
—
58.3
LB
Bobby Okereke
Giants
SFA
99.0%
29.6
$10.0 million
$12.1 million
56.3
LB
Akeem Davis-Gaither
Cardinals
SFA
68.2%
28.4
$5.0 million
$5.0 million
49.9
March 18: signed by IND
LB
Jack Gibbens
Patriots
RFA
45.2%
27.4
$1.3 million
—
64.0
March 17: signed by ARI
LB
Mohamoud Diabate
Browns
RFA
28.2%
24.8
$0.9 million
—
59.8
LB
Jahlani Tavai
Patriots
SFA
22.3%
29.4
$5.3 million
$2.0 million
67.8
Every single one of these players can be signed immediately without impacting the comp pick formula, but you’ve got to hurry up – between when I started this post and by the time I had completed it two days later, four players had already come off the list (Dalvin Tomlinson, Kalia Davis, Brandon Pili, and Jack Gibbens).
Also note that you’re not getting any superstars when targeting street free agents, the PFF grades combined with the snap count percentage don’t make this a very appealing list.
Still, if I were the Cowboys, I’d take a very serious look at Bobby Okereke with the idea of getting a starting-level linebacker onto the roster, and perhaps take a flyer on Mohamoud Diabate, who is unlikely to cost much more than the vet minimum and has youth on his side.
At IDL, I’d take a look at Sam Roberts. His season was cut short due to a knee injury, so his snap count is low, but he was productive when healthy. The Falcons didn’t tender him, so he’ll also be available on a bargain contract the Cowboys love so much.
The Cowboys still have options in the second week of free agency, even options that could preserve some comp picks in 2027. But they may not have the luxury of time: the longer they wait, the shorter the list of available players will get, and eventually the Cowboys will only be able to sign the scraps from the bottom of the bargain bin.
MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Matt Svanson #49 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Aaron Gash/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
We made it! Opening Week is here! In just five short days, the Chaim Bloom (rebuild) era takes off as the Cardinals host the Tampa Bay Rays to the pomp and circumstance of Opening Day.
Since the 2026 season is officially upon us, I get to wrap up my six week series of breaking down the roster looking at each position group and comparing what we saw last season to the expectations for this year. One main conclusion I came up with was that this Cardinals team cannot be 10 games worse than they were last year, which PECOTA is projecting. As this series comes to a close, I intentionally left the bullpen for last because it is the most interchangeable part of any team, especially one that is in the early stages of a rebuild. Now, with a handful of days remaining until the season begins, the relief corps looks to be mostly settled so the comparison can actually begin.
The 2026 St. Louis Cardinals bullpen is that of a team with no plans to compete
Bullpen alignment has undergone a massive shift in recent years, with few teams actually operating with defined roles from 5th-9th innings and many organizations utilizing player options to keep relievers fresh. The Cardinals have shifted away from Ryan Helsley, who could only pitch one inning at a time or in save situations which hampered the pen, and now are set to employ a group of matchup-based relievers. For a team that is not expected to win more than 75 games, save situations are going to be few and far between anyway.
But, we do hear that it is important for young teams to “learn how to win”, so if the Cardinals do have a lead, it would be a good idea to do whatever they can to hold on for the win, especially since MLB tanking means way less when compared to the other major sports. With the way this Cardinals’ bullpen is built, though, those losses may come on accident anyway.
In the three seasons that the Cardinals have missed the playoffs, their bullpen ranks 11th in baseball in fWAR, but 8th in the NL. Unfortunately, the pitch-to-contact makeup from the starting pitching staff has made it way to the pen, as the arms over the last three seasons 25th in K/9 in an era when competitive teams overload the backend of their bullpens with pitchers who possess wipeout stuff. That setup worked to a point for the Cardinals, as their relievers gave up the second-fewest homers per game, but their staff ERA was 14th at a mediocre 3.96. Now, the Cardinals have shifted their overall pitching philosophy to include more high octane stuff throughout the organization and that could trickle into the bullpen. Because of the season expectations, the bullpen has been put on the back burner when looking at what the team has done to the roster.
After shipping off closer Ryan Helsley last season, the Cardinals cycled through a combination of JoJo Romero and Riley O’Brien combined for 14 of the team’s 16 saves over the last two months of the year. Romero’s contract status, the fact he is a lefty, and his performance in 2025 made him a likely trade candidate, but so far, Chaim Bloom has decided to hang onto him in the hopes that Romero’s trade value increases as the season goes along. Where Romero slots into bullpen will be interesting to see as he has the closing experience, but he is also the lefty who can be used in matchup-specific situations. This is where most teams would probably build from the backend first, knowing the strengths of their closer before building the rest of the bullpen, but since closing opportunities may be few and far between, Oli Marmol has some flexibility to leave guys in whatever role makes sense for that game.
It is because of this that I see the Cardinals opting to go with either O’Brien or Matt Svanson as the “closer” on paper, with the former getting the first crack at the job while Svanson fills the firefighter spot now vacated by Kyle Leahy. Even if it is a matchup based job, I would be surprised to see Romero taking late innings for the Cardinals after the All-Star break, so Marmol may wish to put someone in the 9th inning role now so the team does not have to adjust after Romero’s eventual departure. For now, it may be O’Brien’s job to lose, despite missing time with a calf injury to add to the long list of maladies he has had in his career. Along with his command issues and miniature track record of success, it is likely we will see multiple pitchers recording five or more saves. This gray area in the relief category caused an interesting set of final picks in the First Annual Preliminary Inaugural Brothers vs. Brothers fWAR Draft over on Redbird Rundown, as my brother and I took on the brothers from the podcast in our 2026 draft. The whole show is full of hot takes and analysis, so after you watch, let us know which team you’re riding with!
Svanson is penciled to fill an important, but less defined role in terms of when he’ll pitch, because of his effectiveness last season, as well as his minor league experience. His overall success may push him towards the firefighter role that could pitch any day and any inning as he takes over for Kyle Leahy. I am high on Svanson’s ability to be an impact reliever, although that impact may not be felt much in St. Louis this season. As the year progresses, the usage pattern will be interesting to look at. If Svanson starts working multiple innings at a time, the Cardinals could once again implement their newly found blueprint for the reliever to starter transition. Best case, though, would be for Svanson to settle into the bullpen because the minor league arms are continuing their progress towards the major leagues. Leahy’s shift to the rotation may be more about the current major-league ready personnel in terms of timing as opposed to Leahy’s ultimate starter ceiling.
After those three, feel free to insert any of the next five names in any order, or even with any other people because this bullpen is going to go through some changes. Like all bullpens in the 2020s, the middle inning guys are going to be shuffled around all season, replacing used or struggling arms with fresh ones, similar to how the Cardinals found out what they had in Svanson last year. Justin Bruihl figures to be the Opening Day garbage innings lefty after the rest of his competition was sent out of big league camp earlier in the week. Bruihl has a below average fastball but average enough secondary stuff to be effective in the John King role, but hopefully with more success than King had at the end of his tenure. Waiting in the minors for Bruihl to be overworked or ineffective is the combination of Bruce Zimmerman and Zack Thompson with lefty starters Quinn Mathews, Ixan Henderson, Brycen Mautz, and Pete Hansen potentially getting a look in the bullpen as a way to get their feet wet for the majors. Not a really inspiring group.
The fun continues with the projected bullpen of Ryne Stanek, George Soriano, Gordon Graceffo, and Rule 5 pick Matt Pushard rounding out the FanGraphs relief corps. Stanek could end up being more valuable than being in this paragraph with the others, but he is likely to be in the same camp as Dustin May and Romero and be shipped out of St. Louis before he has time to unpack for the summer. He very well could be an option to close games early in the season since he has some ninth inning experience, but that could just be done to increase his value for his next team. Soriano is a fun one as he was acquired in the strange trade that sent Andre Granillo to Washington for the out-of-options and already DFA’d Soriano. So far this spring, the hard throwing Soriano has not allowed a run in six innings while striking out eight batters without allowing a walk. The command has always been a question for Soriano, so if he can cut his average walk rate in half in 2026, he could be valuable for this iteration of Cardinals.
As for Graceffo, the former starting pitching prospect has been somewhat permanently shifted to the bullpen. He has yet to flourish in either role with a 6.04 ERA in 28 big league games (27 as a reliever) compared to a 3.94 ERA in the minors with 75 of his 109 appearances coming as a starter. Graceffo, who pitched for Italy in the WBC, has been with the Cardinals organization since 2021 and his progress has leveled out, but the consistent reliever role might allow Graceffo to find what works for him in short stints rather than longer outings. He has just one option season remaining and it is very possible that this year will be the final time he can be shuttled up and down to the minors, so Graceffo will need to find a bullpen role that best fits his profile. Because of his starting experience, he may be a long relief option, but the Cardinals have not stretched him out to this point, although that could be due to his WBC absence.
Finally, that brings Matt Pushard as the last pitcher to crack the roster. His status as a Rule 5 choice gives him an upper hand in at least heading north with the team, but we might be putting more weight into the punishment that comes with offering a drafted player back to their organization. If Pushard is offered back to the Marlins, Miami could take him back for a major league spot and $50,000 or decline the offer, allowing the Cardinals to treat Pushard as a regular player and option him to Memphis and clear up a 40-man spot. With other teams around the league also trying to lock in their Opening Day roster, now would be as good a time as any to try to sneak him back through the process. To his credit, though, Pushard has held his own through six spring games, striking out seven in 5.2 innings, but has allowed two walks and two homers.
If the Cardinals decide that Nelson Velazquez has earned a job on the Opening Day roster with his great spring, Pushard could be the odd man out since the outfielder would need a 40-man spot. Losing $50,000 is a low price to pay for someone like Velazquez who, even if he is a flash in the pan, would be more valuable than a middle inning reliever.
Waiting behind these options are Chris Roycroft, who Oli Marmol has been high on, and former Rule 5er Ryan Fernandez. Behind them sits Tink Hence. I am still holding out hope and expectation that Hence has big league stuff and his shift towards the bullpen could finally get him closer to St. Louis.
Overall, the bullpen probably will not have many memorable stories from the 2026 season outside of the return that JoJo Romero received. Maybe we will see Riley O’Brien hone in his electric stuff and grab the closer job with Matt Svanson becoming a valuable late-inning piece. Or, we will see a never ending carousel of cheap arms as the Cardinals limp to the 2027 offseason. No matter how it pans out, we get to watch meaningful baseball this week.
SELF PROMO OF THE WEEK
I had newest member of the VEB writing crew and Redbird Rundown co-host Matt Smith and brother Jonathan on Cardinals on My Time. They took on my brother and me in an fWAR prediction draft… with some twists!
Speaking of my brother, Jim came out with yet another Random Cardinal of the Week. On Friday, he featured a record-setting All-Star.
Redbird Rundown goes live at 6pm tonight with Aidan Gray from Redbirds on the Arch. We discussed the players who will have the biggest impact on the season.
Final chance to join our TICKET GIVEAWAY! If you join our Patreon for $1, you will be entered into a drawing for 2 Coca-Cola tickets to the May 4 game against the Brewers!
Rea threw 77 pitches (50 strikes) and generally looked like the solid pitcher he was for the Cubs most of last year. He’ll be in a long relief/spot starter role to begin the season and he seems to thrive in that role. The Cubs are lucky to have a guy like that.
The Cubs scored first, in the top of the first. With one out, Moisés Ballesteros doubled. Really, that guy is amazing. He might not look like the traditional ballplayer, but man, that guy can hit.
Miguel Amaya singled in Ballesteros. (Had hoped to have video of this, but it doesn’t appear to be available.) I think Amaya is primed to have a huge year, if he stays healthy.
Michael Conforto, who was told Saturday that he’s made the team, had two hits on the night. Personally, I’d rather see him start in right field in place of Seiya Suzuki than have Matt Shaw out there.
Jonathon Long, trying to make up for lost time this spring, also had two hits.
Collin Snider and Corbin Martin threw scoreless innings in relief. Minor leaguer Evan Taylor threw two scoreless frames. After all the regulars departed, some Cubs minor leaguers put three more on the board in the eighth. Cowles had another RBI in that inning, his third of the game.
The Cubs return to Sloan Park Sunday afternoon to take on the Brewers. Cade Horton will start for the Cubs and Chad Patrick will go for Milwaukee. Game time is 12:05 p.m. CT and this one’s being televised all over the place: Marquee Sports Network, Brewers TV and ESPN Unlimited. There’s also a radio broadcast on WSCR The Score.
Lamine Yamal and Pep Chavarria play during the match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano, corresponding to week 24 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 17, 2025. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth hosts the final Barcelona match before the last international break of the season as the Blaugrana welcome Rayo Vallecano, with Barça looking for all three points to extend their advantage at the top of the table before a massive Madrid Derby that could have a major impact on the title race. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
LINEUPS
To be announced.
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 29
Date/Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 1pm GMT (UK), 9am ET, 6am PT (USA), 6.30pm IST (India)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Adrián Cordero Vega
VAR: Raúl Martín González Francés
HOW TO WATCH
On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Premier Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), others
Online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), DAZN (Spain), others
Matchday Thread Rules
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
For all the limitations of Portsmouth's recent performances they had been competitive in every game. They were not close to being so on Saturday.
Yes, Queens Park Rangers scored just about every time they had a shot but the first 30 minutes in particular were so poor defensively from Pompey.
Playing Ebou Adams as a number 10 and John Swift deeper was a huge failure. John Mousinho got that one wrong.
Pompey need Adams' athleticism in the midfield. The news that he's picked up a knee problem added injury to insult.
I can't remember the last time I've seen the away fans as angry as they were at the final whistle. They did not hide their fury when the players went over.
Portsmouth are outside the relegation zone and have a game in hand. But they've taken one point from six games. You'd be hard pushed to find a fan confident of Championship survival right now.
With NFL free agency at a near standstill, we will be evaluating the current state of each Indianapolis Colts' position group, specifically, where things stand and whether or not more moves need to be made.
GM Chris Ballard has now made 10 outside free agent signings over the last week-plus, along with re-signing a number of the Colts' own free agents.
What is the need at running back for the Colts after free agency?
Taylor is still under contract through 2026, so the need remains relatively low. With Taylor still just 27 years old, he could be a potential contract extension candidate at some point during this calendar year.
However, while the need at running back may not be high, the Colts should still make an addition here. Adding to this position group in the draft to bolster the depth and competition behind Taylor could be on Chris Ballard's radar, even if it's not an early-round selection.
Bentley was on the practice squad last season, and Giddens was often inactive, still needing to develop parts of his game, particularly in pass protection.
😎 Belgian midfielder reveals 3-week plan to get Messi’s shirt
If you had the chance to get a shirt worn by Messi, what would you do to make sure you got it?
Midfielder Amadou Onana, currently at Aston Villa, revealed a curious story from when he was still a 19-year-old prospect at Lille.
To get Lionel Messi’s shirt in a match against PSG in 2021, the player spent three weeks studying Spanish.
Onana told the channel Just Riadh that he enlisted the help of a Belgian friend of Spanish descent to memorize the perfect phrases.
The goal was to make the request naturally and “from the heart,” so that Messi would feel confident and hand over the historic item.
“Three weeks before the game, I asked him to teach me the right phrase. I wanted to speak in Spanish so it would seem genuine,” the midfielder revealed.
Despite his effort, Onana almost ended up empty-handed.
At the final whistle, another player was quicker and grabbed the shirt Messi wore in the second half.
The Belgian, however, didn’t give up and intercepted the star in the tunnel, securing the piece worn in the first half.
Onana confessed that the shirt is the only one in his collection that has never been washed. “The worst part is the guy didn’t even sweat. The shirt doesn’t smell like anything,” the player joked.
ALLENTOWN, PA - MARCH 28: The Penn State Nittany Lions celebrate the victory after the third period of the NCAA DI Men's Hockey Eastern Regional Tournament game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Maine Black Bears on March 28, 2025, at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
A wild conference tournament weekend in college hockey has finally concluded. Penn State has been locked into a berth in the NCAA Tournament since its win over Minnesota in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament, but the Nittany Lions’ seed, opponent, and location have been dependent on the outcomes of conference tournaments across the country.
Minnesota State won the CCHA Tournament for the second straight season and the fourth time in the last five seasons with a 4-1 win over St. Thomas. The Tommies were poised to make their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament under head coach Rico Blasi, but the team sputtered down the stretch and ultimately fell short in the title game.
Merrimack stole a bid by winning the Hockey East Tournament with a 2-1 win over UConn on Saturday. Regular season champion Providence had already secured a bid to the NCAA Tournament. UConn secured the final at-large bid with the cutoff falling at No. 14 in the NPI this season.
Princeton took Dartmouth to overtime in the ECAC final and had a chance to make their first NCAA tournament bid since 2018, but Tim Busconi scored the game-winning goal for the Big Green to secure the program’s first conference tournament championship since 1949.
Michigan steamrolled Ohio State 7-3 in the Big Ten final to put a stamp on the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. In the final game of the night, Denver outlasted Minnesota-Duluth 4-3 in overtime to win the NCHC Tournament.
My final projected bracket looks like this:
Albany
Michigan vs. Bentley
Dartmouth vs. Penn State
Loveland
Western Michigan vs. Minnesota State
Denver vs. Wisconsin
Sioux Falls
North Dakota vs. Merrimack
Minnesota-Duluth vs. Cornell
Worcester
Michigan State vs. UConn
Providence vs. Quinnipiac
My projection follows the 1-16 seeding model (used by the NCAA basketball tournaments) with two changes:
I switched Providence and Dartmouth to avoid an ECAC intra-conference matchup in the first round. The Friars and Big Green are in the two northeastern regionals, so swapping the two teams should not have a significant impact on travel.
Quinnipiac moved to the Worcester regional, switching places with Cornell. The Bobcats won the regular season ECAC title and rank one spot ahead of the Big Red in the NPI.
This is just a projection, so don’t start booking tickets and travel accommodations just yet. The official bracket will be revealed at 3pm today on ESPNU.
Strasbourg predicted XI v Nantes: Chelsea loanee David Fofana starts, Joaquín Panichelli benched
RC Strasbourg Alsace travel to FC Nantes this evening in search of their first win in the league since they defeated Olympique Lyonnais on the 22nd of February. Since the win over Lyon, Strasbourg have been held to three successive draws, the latter two goalless stalemates against struggling AJ Auxerre and Paris FC.
A mixture of their barren run in the league and their midweek commitments to the UEFA Europa Conference League will likely lead to Gary O’Neil making some surprising changes. Top scorer Joaquín Panichelli could be left on the bench with Chelsea loanee David Fofana starting up front.
Maxi Oyedele’s return from an injury that has kept him out for much of his debut season looks to be complete, with the Salford-born Polish international set for his first start for the club, replacing Samir El Mourabet.
Strasbourg likely line-up v Nantes
Mike Penders; Abdoul Ouattara, Ismaël Doukouré, Andrew Omobamidele, Guela Doué; Valentín Barco, Maxi Oyedele; Martial Godo, Sebastian Nanasi, Sam Amo-Ameyaw; David Fofana. (L’Éq)
Norway's Eirin Maria Kvandal celebrates on the podium after winning the women's competition at the FIS Ski Flying World Cup in Vikersund. Trond R Teigen/NTB/dpa
Eirin Maria Kvandal claimed back-to-back ski flying victories in her native Norway on Sunday in a wind-marred competition.
The Vikersund competition was stopped and then cancelled after seven jumpers in the second round after Norway Ingvild Synnoeve Midtskogen was hit by a wind gust and landed after 123 metres.
As a result, the first round result was also the final one, with Kvandal top like on Saturday with 231.5 metres. She was 4.1 points ahead of World Cup champion Nika Prevc of Slovenia who had 220.5m.
Norwegian double Olympic champion Anna Odine Strøm was third.
The women's season ends next weekend with one competition on the Slovenian flying hill of Planica.
The men have their second Vikersund competition later on Sunday.The other Nordic competition is the final races of the cross country season in Lake Placid, New York, 20km mass starts for men and women.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been forced into urgent action ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season after a major injury blow to promising pacer Harshit Rana. With their bowling attack suddenly weakened, the franchise has turned to mid-preseason trials at Eden Gardens to identify a suitable replacement.
His absence has left a significant gap in both the powerplay and death overs, forcing the team management to rethink their pace combination just days before the tournament.
Trials Begin: Five Pacers Under Scanner
In response, KKR have invited a group of Indian fast bowlers for trials, hoping to find a reliable replacement:
Navdeep Saini
Akash Madhwal
Simarjeet Singh
Sandeep Warrier
KM Asif
Among them, Navdeep Saini has attracted attention for his raw pace and bounce, while Akash Madhwal has also put himself in strong contention following his impactful performances for Mumbai Indians in previous IPL seasons. Simarjeet Singh, meanwhile, who has previously been part of Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad squads, has taken 11 wickets in 14 IPL appearances. The Kerala medium-pacer duo of Warrier and Asif were also seen at the trials. Adding an element of intrigue is Sunil Kumar from Jammu & Kashmir. The left-arm seamer, who has impressed in longer formats.
KKR’s Bowling Concerns Grow
KKR’s worries extend beyond just one injury. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be without Akash Deep for IPL 2026 after the seamer failed to recover in time from a lower-back stress injury. The franchise had already released Mustafizur Rahman and brought in Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement. While Muzarabani is a strong addition, the tall Zimbabwean pacer has limited experience in the IPL. There is, however, some positive news for KKR fans. Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana is reportedly nearing full fitness after injury concerns.
The three times IPL champion KKR have several other domestic medium-pace bowling options in their squad, their Indian seam options currently comprise Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi, with Cameron Green providing a seam-bowling allrounder option.
Kilmarnock fans, we asked you about the important 2-0 win over Livingston at Rugby Park. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
Robert: A win's a win. Joe Hugill and Findlay Curtis were exceptional and once again Jamie Brandon, Marley Watkins and Greg Kiltie got top marks. However, the referee was abysmal and had to get VAR to make a decision on a red card that the entire stadium knew was a goal-scoring chance.
James: An excellent performance in a vital game. Killie were worthy winners and were never under any concerted pressure. The two centre-backs, George Stanger & Robbie Deas, completely nullified the Livi strikers allowing the midfield players to create more chances. Hugill and Curtis were both excellent and thoroughly deserved their goals. Three points again and you definitely feel Killie are on the up.
Gazza: Imagine if Killie had jettisoned Stuart Kettlewell earlier. We now look like scoring in every game, Neil McCann and Billy Dodds have created a new Greg Kiltie, in addition to Curtis, Hugill and Tyreece John-Jules. We could be a dark horse next season. Aberdeen are my favourites for play-offs.
Gerry: Two well-worked and well-taken goals, and we maybe could have had another couple. Some strong performances from Hugill, Findlay, and Watkins. Brandon and Stanger have stiffened up the defence since their return. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going after the break and pick up the points needed to pull clear of 11th place. Seven Cup finals to come.
Alan: Another great performance, not the most flashy, but certainly looking like a team again. Like most people I wasn't sure about McCann but have to say he has totally changed my mind. He is good to listen to for a start, so the players must feel the exact same, unlike the previous manager who waffled on for 15 minutes saying nothing.
With NFL free agency at a near standstill, we will be evaluating the current state of each Jacksonville Jaguars' position group, specifically, where things stand and whether or not more moves need to be made.
Compared to the rest of the league, it's been a very quiet free agency period for the Jaguars. GM James Gladstone recently explained the reason behind that, and it has to do with the 2027 compensatory draft picks the Jaguars are projected to land. I would also guess that the Jaguars' tight salary cap situation isn't helping things either in that regard.
So the best avenue for addressing their remaining needs likely comes in the NFL draft, where the Jaguars have 11 picks -- including four in the top 100 -- and flexibility, allowing the board to dictate which direction they go at each selection.
Up next in our review are the defensive tackles. If you missed our other positional reviews, you can find them below.
What is the need at defensive tackle for the Jaguars after free agency?
The need here is twofold, and it's quite high. As we can see from the depth chart above, the Jaguars need bodies at this position group. Improved depth and competition are a must.
But in addition to that, this is a position where more pass-rush juice is needed. While the Jaguars held up very well against the run last season, the interior defensive line, in particular, struggled to generate a consistent pass rush down the stretch and into the playoffs.
This is a position where Gladstone could very well double-dip, making multiple additions.
The second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament continues Sunday as No. 1 seed Arizona takes on No. 9 Utah State.
The top seed would normally expect to see the No. 8 seed in the second round, but this year, all four No. 9 seeds won their opening round matchups.
Arizona enters this game with a 33-2 record. The Wildcats dominated No. 16 Long Island University 92-58 in the first round. Arizona is led by guard Brayden Burries, who has averaged 16 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Utah State (29-6) qualified for this year's tournament after winning the Mountain West conference tournament and beat Villanova 86-76 in the first round. The Aggies' top scorer is guard MJ Collins Jr., who averaged 17.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 35 games this season.
Here's what you need to know about Sunday's matchup between Arizona and Utah State, including broadcast information and start time.
Arizona vs. Utah State will air on truTV. The game will be called by Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel, Stan Van Gundy. Lauren Shehadi will serve as the sideline reporter.
Fans looking to stream Arizona vs. Utah State can watch live on DIRECTV.
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What time is Arizona vs. Utah State today?
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 7:50 p.m. ET | 5:50 p.m. MT | 4:50 p.m. PT
The NCAA tournament game between Arizona and Utah State is set to tip off at 7:50 p.m. ET from Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.
Arizona is looking for a win that will send it back to the Sweet 16. If the Wildcats beat the Aggies, they will reach the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive year, and for the fifth time in their last seven tournaments.
Utah State has already tied its best NCAA Tournament finish in school history, win or lose. The Aggies have made it to the second round for the third time, and have so far never made it to the Sweet 16.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM.
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The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:
Four straight home wins is probably enough evidence to suggest Derby have the stamina to maintain their play-off charge. Back-to-back 1-0 wins in the past week have also underlined their capability to be a resilient and durable team.
The January addition of Sammie Szmodics and the return from injury of Carlton Morris means John Eustace has an attacking armoury to rival any other side in the play-off race.
At the back, 37-year-old goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell - Blackpool's second-choice last season in League One - looks wily and assured as he continues to deputise in the absence of both Jacob Zetterstrom and Josh Vickers. Centre-back Matt Clarke appears to be able to head the ball as well as any defender in the division.
Derry Murkin - another of Derby's mid-season acquisitions - brings balance and athleticism on the left.
The Rams had boundless energy on Saturday and the home fans appeared to appreciate that alone. This latest impressive showing indicated Derby are at least a force to be reckoned with in the promotion race.
Tennessee's women's swimming and diving team posted a fifth-place finish at the 2026 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, which concluded March 22 at McAuley Aquatics Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
2026 marks the third consecutive season the Lady Vos finished top five nationally. Tennessee recorded 16 podium finishes and won four medals, including three silver and one bronze. All five Tennessee relay teams earned podium finishes.
Diver Desharne Bent-Ashmeil, along with swimmers Camille Spink and Ella Jansen all earned All-America certificates in multiple events.
Spink, who won a silver medal in the 50-meter freestyle, finished fifth in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 46.28 seconds. Jansen and Emily Brown both earned First-Team AlljAmerica honors in the 200-meter butterfly. Brown finished sixth with a time of 1:52.13, while Jansen came in seventh (1:52.35).
The Lady Vols' 400-meter freestyle relay team of Spink, Emily Armen, Jansen and Julianna Brocska posted an eighth-place finish. The team's time of 3:08.55 set a school record in the event.
Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
David Raya has confirmed that Bayern Munich tried to sign him between Arsenal’s bids, but he’s very glad he ended up in north London.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Arsenal had a fairly protracted pursuit of David Raya, initially trying to sign the Brentford goalkeeper in 2020, while the goalkeeper’s team were still playing in the Championship.
Brentford turned the Gunners down on the basis that they needed him for their promotion push, and when they achieved that promotion in 2021, the transfer became even more complicated.
Raya had a release clause if Brentford stayed in the Championship, but it didn’t apply if they were promoted. That put the move on hold until 2023, at which point Bayern Munich also entered the race and held talks with Brentford.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Bayern, like Arsenal, wanted an initial loan deal, and Brentford would only sanction such a deal if Raya extended his Brentford contract first. The goalkeeper initially refused to do so in Bayern’s case, before agreeing to do so to join Arsenal.
“It was the best choice I’ve made, to come to this club,” Raya told Sky Sports. “I was very close to going to another club, obviously everything happened with Arsenal because it was right in between (Arsenal’s two pursuits) and everything, so I was very, very close to going to another club.
“But luckily, that didn’t happen and Arsenal in the end just made the bid and I came here.
“Yeah, [the other club] was Bayern Munich, it was Bayern Munich.”
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
In the end, there were so many ways the transfer saga could have played out differently.
Brentford could have accepted a sale at the time of Arsenal’s initial interest in 2020, they could have lost the play-off final and made Raya’s release clause valid in 2021, Raya could have accepted Bayern’s bid in 2023.
But none of that happened, and he finally made the move later in that 2023 summer. Thankfully, he still seems pleased with that decision.
Real Madrid set clear condition that will decide Arbeloa’s future – report
Real Madrid’s season has reached a crucial turning point, and with it, the future of Alvaro Arbeloa is now under the spotlight.
What initially began as a temporary solution could soon evolve into something more permanent, but only if results follow.
According to a report from MARCA (h/t RM4 Arab), Arbeloa’s continuity as head coach will largely depend on silverware.
In that regard, winning either La Liga or the UEFA Champions League would significantly strengthen his case to remain in charge.
Even securing the league title with convincing performances could be enough, but failure to deliver a trophy would likely result in his departure.
Steadiying the ship
Arbeloa was brought in to stabilise the team following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, and at the time, expectations were very minimal.
However, recent performances have shifted the story. Convincing victories against Elche and Manchester City have injected fresh optimism into the squad and among supporters.
Arbeloa knows what he has to do. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
In particular, the win over City stands out as a defining moment, as Real Madrid dismantled Pep Guardiola’s side 5-1 on aggregate.
Beyond results, his work off the field has also been notable. With several key players sidelined for large parts of the season, Arbeloa has had to rely heavily on the club’s youth system.
In doing so, he has uncovered valuable options, showing a willingness to trust young players where others might have hesitated.
However, the challenge now becomes even more complex. With injured stars returning, Arbeloa must find the right balance between maintaining the intensity and unity shown in recent matches.
The upcoming fixtures, particularly the Madrid derby and Champions League quarter-final ties against Bayern Munich, will be decisive. These matches will test Arbeloa’s ability to handle expectations at the highest level.
If he successfully manages this phase, the conversation around his future could change entirely.
The reigning champions with the most defeats in a Premier League season as Liverpool slump to 10th league defeat
Liverpool's disappointing campaign continued after a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend.
The champions have been a shadow of last season's title-winning team, with their latest loss leaving the Reds fifth in the table. Arne Slot's side are 21 points behind leaders Arsenal, while their defeat at Brighton made it 10 losses in thePremier League so far this season.
It's the most defeats in a Premier League season for Liverpool for a decade, since losing 10 times on route to an eighth-place finish in 2015-16. Onlyfive reigning Premier League champions have lost more games in a campaign and Liverpool still have seven games to add to their unwanted total.
Leicester City hold the record for the most Premier League defeats by a reigning champions. Leicester entered the 2016-17 season as top-flight champions, after an incredible shock success the previous season.
The Foxes overcame incredible odds to win the title for the first time in their history, but slumped to 12th the following year. Leicester lost almost half (18) of their Premier League games, with title-winning coach Claudio Ranieri sacked and replaced by Craig Shakespeare.
In total, seven different Premier League champions have lost 10+ games in their defence of the trophy the following season, withLeeds United, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers also among the group.
Chelsea are the only team to have 'achieved' the feat twice, doing so in 2015-16 (12) and 2017-18 (10).
The reigning champions with the most defeats in a Premier League season
Leicester City in 2016-17 (18)
Leeds United in 1992-93 (15)*
Blackburn Rovers in 1995-96 (13)
Manchester United in 2013-14 (12)
Chelsea in 2015-16 (12)
Chelsea in 2017-18 (10)
Liverpool in 2025-26 (10)**
* Premier League season was a 42-game campaign
** Entire Premier League season still to be completed
Gauff works through early struggles to reach third round in Miami
Coco Gauff came through a tough test to reach the third round of the Miami Open, overcoming Elisabetta Cocciaretto despite losing the first set.
The American withdrew from her previous match at Indian Wells due to injury, and there were questions about her fitness heading into this tournament.
Earlier this year at the Qatar Open, Gauff was beaten by Cocciaretto, and after dropping the opening set 6-3 in Miami, it looked like history might repeat itself.
But Gauff turned things around with a strong comeback and explained how she managed it after securing the win.
Coco Gauff discusses adjustments to her serve against Elisabetta Cocciaretto
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images
Gauff’s serve has been a recurring issue over the past year, and those problems showed up again early on against Cocciaretto. But as the match went on, particularly in the final set, her serve settled down and became a key part of her comeback.
Speaking to The Tennis Channel, Gauff talked about how she changed things up during the decider. She explained:
“I think just slowing down some of the serves on the first and I think also using the new balls to my advantage when it was time.
“Maybe not going for as small of targets and just letting the new balls fly for me. Just being smart with the serve, mixing it up, taking some pace off and then applying pace.
“I know I can do that with my serve so I think just trying to remember that it doesn’t have to be as big as I want it to be all the time.”
Next up for Gauff is a meeting with Alycia Parks as she continues her bid for a first Miami Open title.
Gauff’s serving performance in Miami win over Cocciaretto
Even with the win, Gauff’s serve issues were still on display. She finished with 11 double faults, a number that continues to be a concern.
The American leads the tour in double faults this year, but she did manage to find better rhythm as the match went on.
She won 63 percent of her service points overall, a stat that played a key role in her comeback against Cocciaretto.
While consistency is still lacking, the ability to make adjustments mid-match is something Gauff will take away as a positive moving forward.
Following the initial free agency frenzy, NFL.com's Chad Reuter has put together a four-round 2026 NFL mock draft. So who did the Indianapolis Colts end up selecting?
The Colts have been quite active in free agency; however, roster holes still exist with Indianapolis short on experience at several position groups.
Finding some immediate impact help in the draft at certain spots will be a must, but GM Chris Ballard will have to do so with relatively limited draft capital.
Let's break down the Colts' selections in Reuter's mock.
Pick 47: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Rodriguez was one of PFF's highest-graded run defenders at the linebacker position. He also had good ball production in coverage, generating four interceptions and three pass breakups. Rodriguez forced seven fumbles as well.
Even with the addition of free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither, adding to the linebacker position remains a top priority. Outside of Davis-Gaither, there is still little experience on the roster at this position.
Pick 78: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
For two seasons, Sarratt was a big part of the Indiana offense, totaling 117 receptions, nearly 1,800 yards, and 23 touchdowns. In 2024, he averaged a whopping 18.1 yards per catch and has been good throughout his career at making plays with the ball in his hands.
After trading Michael Pittman, bolstering the receiver depth and competition behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs on the depth chart was a must. The Colts have since signed Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but further adding to this unit should remain on Ballard's radar.
Pick 113: Zakee Wheatley, S, Penn State
An experienced player with over 2,000 career snaps, most of Wheatley's playing time has come at free safety, according to PFF. In coverage last season, he allowed just 5.1 yards per catch. Wheatley's tackling improved from 2024 to 2025, and he's generated six interceptions and five pass breakups over four seasons.
Similar to the other two picks, while the Colts added to the safety position twice in free agency, that shouldn't stop Ballard from doing so again in the NFL draft.
The Brooklyn Nets (17-53) are embarking on their west coast road trip as this season comes to a close and it seems that more players are getting hurt prior to the finish line. Brooklyn is on a six-game losing streak, but they have a chance of breaking that on Sunday at the Sacramento Kings (18-53) and if you're wondering where you can watch all the action live, you've come to the right place!
The Nets come into this game following Friday's 93-92 loss to the New York Knicks in which Brooklyn led by as many as 13 points against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Forward Josh Minott led the way for the Nets with 22 points and five rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench while forward Ziaire Williams had 17 points and four rebounds.
The Kings enter this matchup after a 139-118 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday in which Sacramento fell behind 45-33 in the first quarter and weren't able to get back into the game after that. Rookie center Maxime Raynaud had 30 points and four rebounds while Daeqwon Plowden had 20 points and two rebounds in the losing effort.
Here is what you need to know to get ready for this matchup:
How To Watch
Date: Sunday, Mar. 22
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Location: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Channel: YES Network
Notable Injuries
Nets: OUT: Egor Demin (left plantar fascia injury management), Day'Ron Sharpe (thumb), Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring), Noah Clowney (wrist), and Nic Claxton (rest). PROBABLE: Terance Mann (illness).
Kings: OUT: Drew Eubanks (thumb), De'Andre Hunter (eye), Zach LaVine (finger), Keegan Murray (ankle), Domantas Sabonis (knee), Russell Westbrook (foot), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (G League), and Isaiah Stevens (G League). QUESTIONABLE: Daeqwon Plowden (G League).
Texas A&M's hopes of making the Sweet 16 for the first time since the 2018 season were dashed after falling to 2-seed Houston 88-57 in the second round, resulting in the program's largest loss in NCAA Tournament history, while the Aggies' 57 points were the program's lowest scoring total of the season.
However, it's important to note that first-year head coach Bucky McMillan inherited a roster with just one player after being the last Power Five coach hired last April, and he had to build his entire team from the transfer portal just to field a team. Also, the Aggies' prized transfer addition, former Indiana forward Mackenzie Mgbako, was lost for the year after appearing in several nonconference games.
Mgbako's injury forced McMillan to rely on senior forward Rashaun Agee, along with his deep guard rotation, to play more small-ball, focused on shooting at a high percentage from beyond the arc, while playing aggressive press defense from start to finish.
This plan was not expected to work by many college basketball "experts," but after a 7-1 start in SEC play, multiple losing streaks paired with a strong finish resulted in a 21-11 overall and 11-7 conference record, while Rashaun Agee, who led the team in scoring and rebounds, was named third-team All-SEC.
Thanks to five Quad 1 wins, the Aggies earned a 10-seed in the NCAA Tournament and faced 7-seed Saint Mary's. Despite the size difference, McMillan's veteran squad defeated the Gaels 63-50, thanks to 18 forced turnovers and an elite defensive effort. Houston's roster, chock-full of NBA talent, took full advantage of the Aggies' early miscues, building an 18-point lead into halftime, and didn't let up in the second half.
Still, making it to the second round of March Madness in Year 1 places the Bucky McMillan ahead of schedule in College Station, and with 16 days before the transfer portal opens, adding more size and length in the front court, paired with another reliable scoring guard, will result in a roster ready to compete for a Sweet 16 berth in 2027.
So, what letter grade does McMillan deserve after his first season? It's hard to give the Alabama native anything lower than a B+, but this writer feels a solid A is more deserving, given the preseason circumstances that he and his team overcame from late October to Saturday afternoon.
The future is undoubtedly bright, and even compared to former head coaches, including Buzz Williams, Mark Turgeon, and Billy Gillespie, Bucky McMillan has proven that he can adapt to the new college basketball era and coach among the best in the business.
Texas A&M HC Bucky McMillan said program is "ahead of schedule" after a season-ending loss to Houston in the second round of the NCAA Tourney.
"When these guys come around, even though they didn't get the Final Four, we need to salute these players for what they did for this… pic.twitter.com/Nb6MKeVHH8
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Good morning! Ensure you know how to operate your dancing robot’s kill switch today. Inside:
🚀 WNBA salaries go whoosh
🎆 Second-round men’s drama
😬 A buzzer-not-quite-beater
Big Deals: The WNBA’s historic CBA, by the numbers
Fear not! After months of anticipation, we will indeed have a 2026 WNBA season (and an on-time one, at that) after the league and WNBA Players Association agreed to and signed the new landmark CBA.
Moving forward, players will be paid more — a lot more — than ever before: This season’s lowest-paid player will earn more than 2025’s highest-paid players. For example, incoming rookie Azzi Fudd’s minimum WNBA salary in 2026 will be more than eight-year veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell made on a super-maximum salary in 2025. Wild.
We touched on this earlier this week, but felt like circling back because the numbers are astounding, and well-deserved. Let’s get into some:
$1.4 million: This season’s super-max salaries under the new CBA. Stars like A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart are expected to earn such numbers, and will individually make only $100,000 less than any entire WNBA team last season.
$300,000: This season’s minimum salary. Fever forward Brianna Turner said on X her 2019 rookie salary was $44,207, and that a minimum salary like 2026’s seemed “unfathomable years ago.”
$600,000: The new average salary, once revenue is factored in. (This does make me wonder, will players also need/want/continue to play overseas for additional salary?)
20 percent: The gross league revenue players will receive.
$7 million: This year’s salary cap, nearly five times the previous amount of $1.5 million in 2025.
As most things go, this CBA is relative. The new agreement hinges on that of 2020’s. The negotiations six years ago set the stage for players to demand more, and they did: The maximum salary nearly doubled (to nearly $250,000) and players were granted maternity benefits. Our Chantel Jennings explains how the 2020 CBA was considered a genuine win — until it wasn’t, spurred by the unforeseen and monumental growth of the league (thanks largely to the Caitlin Clark-led 2024 draft class).
But back to the present, where there isn’t much time to look anywhere but forward. It’ll be quite the abbreviated and busy offseason, with more deals and handshakes to come:
Knowing CBA negotiations were taking place in 2026, union leaders previously advised players to position themselves as free agents this year, even if that meant accepting shorter-term contracts, so that they could capitalize on the new salaries afforded by the CBA.
The potential free-agency frenzy is bookended by the expansion draft (likely April 6, for new teams Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo) and the WNBA Draft (April 13). Preseason games start April 25.
There are lots of big names in this free-agency cycle. Find them here.
And I can’t leave you without sharing my favorite WNBA fact, as a native New Yorker: The Liberty’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant, is an ode to Brooklyn. In 1883, elephants were marched across the Brooklyn Bridge after it was built to dispel any concerns about its structural integrity. So, Ellie became the team’s official mascot ahead of its move to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center in 2021.
Funky? Sounds more trunky to me.
News to Know
Madness reigns at night
It was a fantastic evening of basketball. You had No. 11 Texas, who had lost five of six heading into the First Four, playing stifling defense against No. 3 Gonzaga in the second half and nailing the Zags’ coffin with a Camden Heide corner 3. Then Nebraska-Vanderbilt one-upped that with an absolute humdinger — four lead changes in the final couple of minutes, ending as a half-court heave from Vandy’s Tyler Tanner went halfway down and out again. So close:
Anyhow, Nebraska heads to its first-ever Sweet 16. And plucky No. 12 High Point, after stunning No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round, did themselves proud by hanging tough in an eventual loss to No. 4 Arkansas and freshman scoring machine Darius Acuff Jr. It was fun. For much more on those games and other Day 2 highlights, head here.
FDU coach calls for neutral sites
No 15 seed has ever advanced in the women’s tournament — No. 2 seeds are 128-0 in the first round — but Fairleigh Dickinson managed to at least give Iowa a solid scare, trailing by a bucket in the final four minutes before the Hawkeyes pulled away, 58-48. Afterward, FDU coach Stephanie Gaitley was gracious but said it’s time for the women to play on neutral courts in the early rounds. Iowa coach Jan Jensen told her she agreed, Gaitley said. Read the full story here.
Also yesterday: Probably the tourney’s best game so far featured an incredible false ending when Clemson’s Mia Moore raced down the court to drain a wild 3-pointer against heavy contact, only for it to be ruled a fraction late. USC then won 71-67 in OT. Brutal. More on that and other Day 2 takeaways here.
More news:
Team USA flag football mopped the floor with teams made up largely of NFL pros. Interesting.
Ho-hum, another career NBA record for LeBron James. This time it’s games played, passing Robert Parish. And after 1,612 of them, he remains very good.
Meanwhile Kevin Durant moved into fifth on the NBA’s all-time scorer list, displacing one Michael Jordan.
MLB umpire Bill Miller was caught on a hot mic saying “please be a strike” during an ABS pitch challenge. Two amazing things: 1. It’s not the first time he’s been caught on a hot mic. 2. He wanted to be wrong! Read/watch.
The Pirates reassigned baseball’s top prospect, 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, to minor league camp. More here.
Trae Young could be done for the year, which sure suits the tanking Wizards.
Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will miss the rest of the regular season but hopes to return during the playoffs with the help of “Healing Hans.” (Who?)
Team USA flag football mopped the floor with teams made up largely of NFL pros. Interesting.
Ho-hum, another career NBA record for LeBron James. This time it’s games played, passing Robert Parish. And after 1,612 of them, he remains very good.
Meanwhile Kevin Durant moved into fifth on the NBA’s all-time scorer list, displacing one Michael Jordan.
MLB umpire Bill Miller was caught on a hot mic saying “please be a strike” during an ABS pitch challenge. Two amazing things: 1. It’s not the first time he’s been caught on a hot mic. 2. He wanted to be wrong! Read/watch.
The Pirates reassigned baseball’s top prospect, 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, to minor league camp. More here.
The Carabao Cup final carries extra weight this year. Premier League leaders Arsenal are chasing a historic quadruple — the league title, both domestic cups and the Champions League. With no major trophies since 2020, they could mark the beginning of a new era with a win here. City are nine points behind in the league, but have a game in hand and could do serious damage to the Gunners’ psyche by playing spoilers. Check out all the subplots here.
📺 NCAAW: Second round
12 p.m.-10 p.m.
ESPN networks
It stands to be another competitive day, with three 4-5 matchups on the slate. And while two-seed LSU is a legit contender and will be heavily favored against Texas Tech (3 p.m., ABC), this is an intriguing styles clash: the nation’s top scoring offense against a stingy Red Raiders defense.
📺 NCAAM: Second round
12:10 p.m.-9:45 p.m. ET
CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV
A particularly strong block on CBS: Two-seed Iowa State could be without injured star forward Joshua Jefferson against a Kentucky fueled by vibes after Friday’s dramatic finish (2:45 p.m.), followed by a HOF coaches showdown in Kansas-St. John’s (5:15 p.m.).
Anthony Evans was the head coach at Norfolk State when it pulled off one of March Madness’ biggest upsets. The key, he says? Don’t think like an underdog.
I am a sucker for an unhinged minor-league baseball team merch drop and a bunch of new ones just got released! I am debating between the Pawtucket Hot Wieners and the Fort Wayne PufferBellies. — Noah Chestnut
Gotham FC’s path to lifting its second championship trophy in three seasons was every bit intentional. Here’s how to build an NWSL title-winning roster, according to the club.
I’m all about a one-bowl bake, and you might already have all the ingredients on hand for this customizable carrot cake. Maybe even better as leftovers! — Torrey Hart
Quick explainers! When oil prices go up, what else? A lot! And yes, that’s a bird angling for a cigarette. Puff, puff, nest. — Chris Sprow
“The Athletic Show” covers this week’s full slate of basketball news, from the WNBA CBA deal to NBA expansion and March Madness. Stream it on Fire TV, The Athletic app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Most-clicked in the newsletter yesterday: The timeout-that-wasn’t during the crazy end to regulation in Santa Clara-Kentucky.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Wisconsin Badgers will battle it out for the women's hockey national championship. Wisconsin won in 2023 and 2025, while the Buckeyes took the title in 2024.
Last year, Wisconsin came into the game as a heavy favorite, one of the most dominant teams in history. The Buckeyes gave them all they could handle, carrying a one-goal lead into the final seconds. Wisconsin scored the equalizer on a controversial penalty shot, and then won it in overtime.
The Badgers carried that momentum into this season, with an absurdly talented roster that was dominating the sport. Wisconsin swept the Buckeyes in a two-game series (as almost all regular season college hockey series are) in Columbus back in December, including winning the second game 6-1. The Buckeyes did take one of the two from the return trip in Madison in February.
As the season progressed, though, Ohio State constantly improved. Other than the three losses to Wisconsin, the Buckeyes haven't lost a game since October. The final battle between the two teams in the WCHA final was the closest of the season, as both teams played incredible defense. Wisconsin got an early goal and carried the 1-0 lead late into the third period, but two Buckeye goals in the final six minutes gave Ohio State the win.
The Matchup
Wisconsin dominates its matchups by controlling the puck throughout the game. The Badgers are unmatched in offensive zone ice time. The lineup is so powerful and so talented that few teams have the ability to match them anywhere on the ice.
One team that can, though, is Ohio State. The Buckeyes thrive on constant forward pressure and a strong forecheck. Ohio State has versatile defensewomen that can push forward and create offensive pressure. Senior Emma Peschel is second on the team in assists and is a constant factor in the Ohio State offense.
The Buckeyes also, are the only team in the country with a collection of forwards who can really trouble the Wisconsin defense. Junior Joy Dunne is probably the best forward in the country, matching skilled stick-handling with impressive strength and touch in front of the net.
This game will probably be won in the transition zone, as both teams have an impressive collection of talent. The team that controls the puck more will have more opportunities, but both do have exceptional defense, backed by elite goaltenders. Wisconsin defensewoman Laila Edwards is probably the single best player on the ice, and the Badgers have more elite forwards than Ohio State does, even if none are quite as effective as Dunne.
Overall, Wisconsin probably has a bit more talent. However, the Buckeyes are peaking at the right time, playing their best hockey at this point of the year. The Badgers, meanwhile, showed some cracks in the defense in the WCHA tournament, and they needed a crazy overtime game to beat Penn State in the Frozen Four.
In the end, though, none of that might matter. These two teams are by far the best in the country. They know each other's games. Their coaches know each other well. They will both be well-prepared and ready to play high-level hockey. This should be a great showcase for the sport, and neither team should be favored at this point. Fans should be in for a great game.
The game will be broadcast on ESPNU at 4:00 PM Eastern on Sunday.
The fight for Champions League football appears to be turning into the race that no-one wants to win.
For the second year in a row, it is all but certain that the top five teams in the Premier League will qualify for next season's Champions League.
But shock defeats and inconsistency means the form of the so-called top sides is falling off a cliff.
Defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea have opened the door for a team to come out of left-field and clinch a coveted Champions League place.
Could it be Everton? Brentford? Even Fulham, 10th-placed Brighton and teams below remain in touch.
[BBC]
Before Monday's draw with Wolves, Brentford played a video on screens around Gtech Community Stadium showing pre-season predictions from pundits, including Micah Richards and Alan Shearer, who said the Bees would be involved in a relegation battle after losing Thomas Frank to Tottenham.
The video ended by playing lyrics from Stormzy's song Shut Up, with those two words displayed in giant letters across the screen.
Under Keith Andrews Brentford have largely done their talking on the pitch. Rather than looking over their shoulders in the relegation battle, they have written their name into the conversation for European qualification - something never done in the club's history.
The Bees could not capitalise on teams above them dropping points on Saturday, the goalless draw a missed opportunity to go level on points with Chelsea and edge closer to securing not only a spot in Europe, but a push for the Champions League places.
"It's tight," Andrews said after the game. "The league is pretty condensed in that part. Seven to go.
"We have done unbelievably well to get where we are in the league. We deserve to be where we are and it'll take a mammoth effort to stay there.
"Everything we can give, we will give, like they do all the time. The intentions are always good from our players. They are always positive, embrace the occasion and challenge and I would expect it'll lift them for the last seven games."
Texas A&M's future offense could include two of the top playmakers in the 2027 recruiting class, who are taking part in the annual Overtime OT7 Finals in Dallas, Texas, as five-star wide receivers Erik McFarland and Dakota Guerrant have been heavily connected to the Aggies over the past few months, while McFarland has already received a prediction to commit to Texas A&M.
While McFarland has scheduled an official visit to College Station for May 28, the IMG Academy standout is also considering Ohio State, USC, and Georgia, while Guerrant, a Michigan native, has continued to acsend in the rankings, and compared to McFarland, whos stands at 5'8", the incoming Harper Woods HS senior stands at 6'1" and plays like he 6'4" or taller, quickly becoming one of the most reliable 50/50 receivers in the cycle.
When gauging a player's interest in a program, it's important to note the gear each prospect is wearing when participating in various offseason camps, and while none of this is definitive, both McFarland and Guerrant were seen wearing A&M gloves before taking part in Saturday's event, which is still a good sign before both players make their way to College Station. However, Guerrant has yet to schedule an OV.
So far, Texas A&M has landed ten commitments in the 2027 cycle and is still projected to finish with the No. 1-ranked class. which would come to fruition if McFarland and Guerrant choose the Aggies in the coming months.
Elite Class of 2027 WR Eric McFarland at OT7 Dallas today.
Got the A&M gloves out, and is set to visit College Station this spring 👍
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
KANATA, Ont. — Unable to make his scheduled start against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, Toronto Maple leafs Anthony Stolarz has been cleared to return home after some precautionary imaging, following a scary incident in warmups.
Stolarz was sidelined before Toronto’s 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre just before puck drop after taking a routine warmup shot from star forward William Nylander off the throat.
The incident forced an immediate exit for Stolarz and thrust Joseph Woll into the crease. It was a tough ask for Woll, who had just faced 36 shots the previous night in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
Nylander explained that he was aiming for Stolarz’s glove during a standard warmup drill when the shot sailed “a little bit to the left”.
“It was an accident… that happens,” Nylander said. “I'm obviously very upset that he got hurt and couldn't play tonight. I feel very bad about it. I've been texting him, and he's been good. He said, 'It's okay'”.
Anthony Stolarz will not start tonight for the Maple Leafs after taking a shot up high in warmups pic.twitter.com/2fsusNGRuQ
Perhaps more indicting for a Leafs squad struggling for consistency this season was their inability to rally around Woll. The young goaltender has been under siege lately, facing more shots than any other NHL netminder over the last two weeks while starting six of the club’s last seven games. The Leafs allowed 43 shots at Woll.
“It’s tough on Joseph, he did a great job,” Berube said of Woll’s performance under the circumstances. “But the team’s got to respond better than that. We don’t have enough guys that go out and push”.
While Stolarz returning home is an encouraging sign and the team categorized his hospital imaging as precautionary. Berube stopped short of clarifying the goalie's status moving forward. Considering Stolarz was well enough to text teammates that he was fine, the immediate outlook is optimistic.
What remains curious is how the Leafs have managed Stolarz’s workload since his return from the nerve injury. Despite his effectiveness, Woll has handled the lion's share of the work, with Stolarz largely relegated to the tail end of back-to-back sets. When pressed on the decision making for goaltending starts, Berube hasn't offered much on Stolarz specifically, noting only that he wanted to give Woll a "run".
It is a head-scratching strategy for a team currently spiraling out of the playoff picture. The decision to ride one goaltender while the other sits is especially risky given the club's recent history of health issues at the position.
The organization’s long-term anxiety regarding the crease was evident six days ago when they signed fourth-string option Artur Akhtyamov to a three-year extension well ahead of his RFA status. This stands in stark contrast to last season; despite Woll and Stolarz posting elite save percentages, the club waited until days before training camp to sign No. 3 option Dennis Hildeby.
With Stolarz signed to a four-year, $15 million extension that begins next season, the Leafs are clearly in a protective state over their investment. The crease is crowded, but for Stolarz and Woll’s sake, they need to find a way to split the workload evenly.
Teams Up – Iheanacho and McGregor start, Trusty on bench
Martin O’Neill brings back Kelechi Iheanacho today to lead the line for Celtic at Tannadice against Dundee United…
Callum McGregor celebrates. Aberdeen v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 4th March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou
And Aston Trusty can only make the bench as the Celtic manager retains the services of Benjamin Arthur in his starting XI which also includes, as expected, the return of the Celtic captain Callum McGregor. The Celtic team, playing the usual 4-3-3 formation is as follows for what is a must win match which will be played on a terrible surface.
Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at Celtic Park, on 5th October 2025 Photo by Mark Runnacles IMAGO /Shutterstock
With Kelechi Iheanacho back in the starting line-up for Celtic its’ Junior Adamu who is the back-up striker on the bench with no place in today’s squad for Tomas Cvancara, who scored against Motherwell last weekend. Paulo Bernardo also finds himself watching from the stand yet again in what has been a frustrating season for the former Portugal U21 captain.
Kick-off is at 12.30pm. Here’s the Celtic team news…
Baltimore Ravens' Tylan Wallace flips into the end zone after retuning a punt for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Los Angeles Rams 37-31 in overtime at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (Jerry Jackson/The Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The Browns hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their head coach this offseason, and he in turn brought several of his staffers to Cleveland.
He was not, however, as aggressive in pursuing his former players in free agency, especially compared to John Harbaugh’s Giants. They already snapped up four ex-Ravens, though that has more to do with Harbaugh’s newfound influence in New York and Andrew Berry’s continued control of the roster in Cleveland.
But on Wednesay, the Browns signed a pending free agent fron Baltimore: wide receiver Tylan Wallace:
The 2021 fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma State established himself as a core special teams contributor as a rookie and appeared in every game. Wallace was only active 20 times over the next two seasons, but he added part-time punt return duties in 2023. That generated his signature moment as a Raven, a walk-off 76-yard punt return touchdown in overtime against the Rams that will be remembered in Baltimore for all eternity.
Wallace flashed more receiving potential in 2024 and made the most of his still-limited opportunities with a career-high 11 catches on 12 targets for 193 yards and another memorable touchdown run.
Tylan Wallace’s first three years in Baltimore: 67 receiving yards total, no TDs
In 2025, though, Wallace was largely relegated to blocking duties and saw a downtick in special teams work at the end of the season. Still, with DeAndre Hopkins also hitting free agency, the Ravens will need to add depth to fill out a receiver room that only features two players with meaningful experience and a new offensive coordinator who will run more 11 personnel than in years past. 2024 fourth-rounder Devontez Walker certainly seems capable of a bigger role, but the Ravens will still need to invest in the position in the coming months.
Wallace’s familiarity with Monken’s offense, especially as a blocker, should help him carve out a role in Cleveland. He also brings plenty of special teams experience to a roster that has lost several of their core players from last season.
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - MARCH 21: The Michigan Wolverines pose with the championship trophy after Michigan defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 7-3 in the Big Ten Tournament Championship game at Yost Ice Arena on March 21, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Jaime Crawford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Going into the Big Ten Tournament Championship, there was a clear difference in desires. No. 2 seed Michigan had likely already locked up the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, while No. 5 Ohio State was fighting to keep its season alive.
Desires aside, it was the Wolverines rolling to a 7-3 victory to secure their third tournament championship in five years (first since 2023 and first ever at Yost Ice Arena) with an impressive effort over their rivals to the south.
Early on, freshman forward Adam Valentini took an unfortunate penalty as the Buckeyes’ Max Montes chipped the puck into the offensive zone and drew a trip. On the ensuing power play, senior forward Josh Eernisse helped bleed the clock with a courageous block on the back of his leg. But Ohio State would strike late as William Smith ripped a right circle one-timer past freshman goaltender Jack Ivankovic to make it 1-0.
The Buckeyes came out firing — perhaps riding the high of upsetting Michigan State in East Lansing last weekend — but Ivankovic helped weather the storm and Michigan had its forecheck going.
Late in the frame, senior forward Garrett Schifsky controlled the puck in the defensive zone, fended off an Ohio State forward, drove through the neutral zone and into Buckeye territory unscathed and ripped a deep slot shot top corner for the leveler, 1-1.
The Wolverines came out of the intermission firing, and it did not take long to grab the lead. Not even two minutes in, sophomore forward Michael Hage’s shot went wide and hit off the boards, fortuitously bouncing to sophomore forward Will Horcoff, who got a stick on it for the score to make it 2-1.
The Buckeyes would hang in there, continuing to play a quality brand of hockey and matching this talented Michigan team, eventually tying the game almost eight minutes later; junior defenseman Ben Robertson had trouble clearing the puck, and Ohio State took advantage below the goal line. A strong forecheck led to Jake Karabela beating Ivankovic from the low slot.
Seven minutes after that goal, the Buckeyes struck again, this time on the power play. Freshman forward Cole McKinney ate Adam Eisele’s initial shot, but Eisele found the rebound and a wonky second try beat Ivankovic to make it 3-2 Ohio State.
The Wolverines, unfazed with the home crowd at their backs, answered with less than a minute left in the second. Senior defenseman Tyler Duke drew a controversial tripping penalty, though Michigan did not apologize, and a filthy turnaround pass by senior forward T.J. Hughes found freshman forward Malcolm Spence in the low slot to once again tie the game.
The third period was a less tense frame for the Yost faithful, as almost halfway through, junior forward Jayden Perron did well to win an outnumbered battle on the forecheck. He fired a shot, and the rebound found Hughes on the back door for the go-ahead tally.
Not even 100 seconds later, the Wolverines scored again when, on the power play, Perron controlled the puck off a face off win, weaved through multiple Buckeyes and went five-hole for a crucial insurance goal.
Michigan added another with about seven minutes left, as senior defenseman Luca Fantilli buried a rebound, and the celebration was on in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines got it up to 7-3 on junior forward Nick Moldenhauer’s empty net goal, further securing that No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Hughes earned tournament Most Outstanding Player honors, while the players and coaching staff passed the trophy around.
The 16-team NCAA Tournament field will be announced at 3 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for OBB Media - FANATICS STUDIOS
Tom Brady quickly shifted tone on Logan Paul after their on-field clash, praising the influencer’s effort following their Fanatics event matchup.
The moment stood out because it came shortly after a heated exchange between the two during the game.
It also showed how quickly competitive tension turned into respect once the action was over.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for OBB Media – FANATICS STUDIOS
Tom Brady praises Logan Paul after on-field altercation
During the postgame interview, Brady revealed his view after the incident with Paul during the Fanatics Flag Football event.
“I’ll say this: He impressed me out there. And I think that he’s, and obviously some of the coaches that were coaching him said how seriously he was taking it and how he just wanted to learn and be a sponge to go out there and do a great job,” Brady said.
He added: “And, you know, to watch what he and his brother have done, there’s a little tit-for-tat stuff, but I do have respect for people that are really driven to succeed.”
The comments followed a brief clash where Brady threw a football at Paul before the two exchanged words, with teammates stepping in.
Despite that moment, Brady’s focus shifted toward effort and approach rather than the incident itself.
Brady highlights Logan Paul’s mindset after the Fanatics game
He then expanded on what stood out most from Paul’s performance and attitude.
“I’m a firm believer that you don’t wait for things to happen. You make it you make it happen. And if you want positive things to happen in your life, you go for it.
“You’re fearless, and you don’t settle for a backup plan. And he really displayed that today,” Brady concluded.
The message reframed the narrative, moving from confrontation to recognition. It also reflects how Brady evaluates competitors, focusing on preparation and mindset over background.
In the end, the exchange became less about the altercation and more about the respect earned after it.
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 21: Tom Bischof of FC Bayern Muenchen runs during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on March 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by S. Mellar/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images
Tom Bischof already has a season of running the show from midfield in the Bundesliga — last year, at TSG Hoffenheim. Now at Bayern Munich, the 20-year-old has taken a step back to being a developing depth option behind more established stars, and that has meant playing odd roles wherever he can.
But it’s not a completely new experience for him, and the youngster is determined to make the most of it.
“I trained myself to do a bit of everything,” Bischof shared in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “I also played on the right wing in Hoffenheim – that was new too.
“Here I’ve played at right-back and left-back. I see that as an opportunity. I’m ready to help out wherever I’m needed. And I’m slowly starting to feel good there – but I’m most comfortable when I’m in the number six position.”
Bischof’s time in the FC Bayern midfield will come. For now, the cross-training is valuable experience for the youngster — allowing him to get more minutes on the field, and expanding his feel for the game.
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…
When you’re already an All-American in high school and several new players show up perhaps as talented as you, the challenge is developing chemistry and seeing who’s going to remain humble and unselfish for the good of the team.
Maxi Adams, Sierra Canyon’s 6-foot-8 senior, was the big man on campus until another All-American, Brandon McCoy, showed up this season, along with Brannon Martinsen, a former Trinity League player of the year. Not only did Adams welcome them, he adjusted his game and changed his role.
“Anything for the win,” he said. “Trust the coach’s game plan.”
Adams continued to contribute as a scorer, rebounder and defender, and when the games got much more important in the playoffs, he asserted himself and delivered, such as a 26-point performance in the Southern Section Open Division final.
The North Carolina-bound Adams has been selected The Times’ boys basketball player of the year for the 2025-26 season.
Sierra Canyon went 30-1 and won the Southern Section Open Division championship and state Open Division title even though Adams was injured in the first quarter of the state final. He averaged 16 points and 7.2 rebounds with 10 double doubles.
“He’s a great player,” said Harvard-Westlake coach David Rebibo, whose team lost three times to Sierra Canyon.
Adams’ development of his skills and maturity over his four years of high school, first at Narbonne, then Gardena Serra and his final two seasons at Sierra Canyon, have been impressive. He went from being uncomfortable as a freshman to being versatile, confident and a leader as a senior.
His willingness to embrace the changes at Sierra Canyon this season were key.
Too much Maxi Adams tonight. Sierra Canyon standout. Courtesy Interscholastic Films. pic.twitter.com/eWwleewZdV
“It wasn’t hard,” he said. “We played well together and spent a lot of time together. At the next level, you’re going to have to be able to play with great players. I just carry that forward.”
His older brother, Marcus, was a standout at Narbonne and played this past season at Arizona State after previously being at Cal State Northridge. For Maxi to handle things this season with his brother far away showed he’s ready to embark on his own journey in college basketball.
As for his mentality, Adams said, “We come to work every single time. We put in the time.”
Back in 2022 when the Adams brothers played together at Narbonne. Marcus and Maxi. They've become pretty good basketball players, Marcus at Arizona State, Maxi at Sierra Canyon then on to North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/l6NhXwKIPL
🚨Breaking news: Sebastian Kehl leaves Borussia Dortmund
The former sporting director of the black and yellow team leaves his position after a mutual agreement.
After a career of ups and downs in the offices of Borussia Dortmund, Sebastian Kehl and the club have ended their relationship by mutual agreement, as announced by the club.
This decision comes after yesterday's confirmation of captain Emre Can's contract renewal and leaves the German team in a difficult position as they look for a replacement as soon as possible.
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s premier domestic T20 league will take place in empty stadiums due to the recent spike in oil prices, a top official of the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Sunday.
The Pakistan Super League was set to be played in six cities, but now only Lahore and Karachi will be hosting the games with the opening encounter set to be played at Gaddadi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday.
Pakistan has faced soaring oil prices prompted by the US and Israeli attack on Iran and the subsequent spread of the conflict across the region. Pakistan’s government has asked its citizens to restrict their movement due to rising fuel prices.
“We don’t know how long this war will continue,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said.
“We can’t ask people to restrict their movements and then have 30,000 people in stadiums every day. We decided that as long as this (oil) crisis is ongoing, we will not have crowds at matches. This was a difficult decision, but it needed to be made. The opening ceremony will also be cancelled.”
Naqvi said the PCB will issue refunds for all sold tickets within 72 hours and will also compensate franchise owners for the loss of revenue from gate receipts.
Naqvi apologized to the four cities – Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Peshawar – that will no longer host PSL games this season. “We have to restrict our movements and we do not want to waste our resources,” he said. “I especially apologize to Peshawar, which was due to host PSL games for the first time, (but) there will be no crowds anyway, so there was no reason to go to those cities.”
Naqvi said he consulted Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is also the PCB patron, and the eight franchises before finalizing the decision to cut down the venues and stage the games in empty stadiums.
Several foreign players have pulled out of PSL due to personal reasons, including Australians Jake Fraser-McGurk and Spencer Johnson, South African Ottneil Baartman and Gudakesh Motie of the West Indies.
The fight for Champions League football appears to be turning into the race that no-one wants to win.
For the second year in a row, it is all but certain that the top five teams in the Premier League will qualify for next season's Champions League.
But shock defeats and inconsistency means the form of the so-called top sides is falling off a cliff.
Defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea have opened the door for a team to come out of left-field and clinch a coveted Champions League place.
Could it be Everton? Brentford? Even Fulham, 10th-placed Brighton and teams below remain in touch.
[BBC]
Everton have competed sporadically in Europe throughout the 21st century, most recently in 2017-18 when they featured in the Europa League.
They have not featured in the Champions League proper since 1970-71, when it was known as the European Cup.
But eighth in the Premier League, just three points off the top five with seven league games to go, the Toffees are in serious contention to not only compete in Europe but perhaps even reach the continent's top competition.
Manager David Moyes was keen not to get carried away with the idea of Champions League football at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but did not shy away from what being in Europe would mean to the club.
"I'd love to say it was [a possibility] as I'm trying to be more positive than I would normally be, but for Everton to even be in the mix for Europe is unbelievable, whether it is Conference League or Champions League," Moyes said.
"We were sitting here last year just beginning to edge ourselves away from relegation and still had lots of money to pay off, new ownership and 10 or 12 players out of contract - so for us to be in the position we are now is just great.
"I can imagine, if we could possibly do it, what it would do for the crowds here as Evertonians are desperate to get back amongst it."
Champions League football might have seemed like a far-away dream for a club who have spent more time trying to avoid relegation in recent seasons, but under Moyes they have enjoyed a resurgence that has almost made that dream a reality.
Speaking to BBC Sport the Scot said a top-10 finish would be a "really good year" and that they will "try and give ourselves a chance of getting in the European competitions".
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 21: Patrick Ngongba II #21 of the Duke Blue Devils runs in the first half against the TCU Horned Frogs during the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 21, 2026 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lions are in a quandary at the safety position with the uncertain health status of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. That makes safety a legitimate option in any round of the 2026 NFL draft. The consensus top safety, Caleb Downs, was initially a medically clean prospect until rumors surfaced after the NFL combine. If he slips to the Lions pick at #17, should they grab him?
Post-combine update: Significant knee rumors emerged after the combine. Click here for the full analysis of Downs’ possible knee issues. If the knee rumors are accurate, the concern level becomes very high 9/10. I’ll split the difference and raise his concern level to a 4/10.
Age and reliability are excellent for this consensus top safety in the draft, who compiled 6 INT, 12 PBU, and 3 forced fumbles in college.
His recent “nagging” injury will need to be investigated though. While reassuring that he played a full season afterwards, if it’s a cartilage issue, the problem could re-emerge again at some point (see Kerby Joseph).
Would the Lions consider taking him in the 1st round despite urgent needs at OT and EDGE? If Downs is by far the best player available, they should strongly consider it.
Friday's first-round NCAA tournament games were devoid of major upsets, meaning Sunday should feature numerous competitive second-round matchups.
The most intriguing game of the day could be No. 4 Kansas against No. 5 St. John's as legendary coaches Bill Self and Rick Pitino go head-to-head for only the second time.
But there are plenty of other must-see matchups before and after that one, including Iowa State-Kentucky earlier in the afternoon and Virginia vs. Tennessee starting about an hour after the KU-St. John's tip. A pair of top seeds also will be in the spotlight in prime time, as Florida faces Iowa and Arizona meets Utah State.
Here is everything you need to know about the second round of the NCAA Tournament, including TV and streaming options for Sunday's March Madness games.
NCAA Tournament games will air on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Viewers can also stream March Madness games on DIRECTV (CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV), Fubo (CBS) and Paramount+ (CBS).
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have answered the biggest question at spring training — Konnor Griffin has been reassigned to minor-league camp and will not make the club’s Opening Day roster.
Griffin had been competing to start at shortstop when the Pirates break camp and head to New York for Opening Day against the Mets next week. Had Griffin made the initial roster, he would have become the first teenager to make his MLB debut on Opening Day since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1989.
The 19-year-old Griffin appeared in 16 games during the spring and hit .171 (7 for 41). He led the team with four home runs and was tied for the team lead with nine RBI
The Seattle Torrent have yet to win in regulation on the
road and their fourth game on this five-game trip didn’t change that stat. What
has been a third period comeback team now continues to fall short with only
five regulation wins and one overtime win on the season. Two of the players
with that ability to make a difference in the third are currently out of the
line-up. Those players of course being Hannah Bilka out for the rest of the
season with an upper-body injury, and Hilary Knight out indefinitely with a
torn MCL.
The player noticeably stepping up in their stead was Mikyla
Grant-Mentis. Grant-Mentis was finding her stride just at the right time. Head
Coach Steve O’Rourke had commented on Grant-Mentis’s play noting that her best
game had been against Ottawa on March 4 when she played over 17 minutes, had
two shots on goal, three hits, and won seven out of ten faceoffs. She came out
hungry for a goal in the next game played against Boston where she had five
shots on goal, played over 18 minutes, and scored a Jailbreak Goal.
Grant-Mentis shoots on net during the last Torrent home game. Photo @ PWHL
“I think Buckey has strung together a nice handful of games
where she’s just been outstanding on both ends of the ice. I can’t say enough
about her. Her just growing into the player she’s supposed to be is really cool,”
said O’Rourke. “From day 1, Bummer [assistant coach Christine Bumstead] asked
her to be on the power play early on in the season. She said, ‘No thanks.’
Because she wasn’t confident. She didn’t want to bobble the puck, and, now, you
see her out there- five on five, and on the power play and on her penalty kill.
It’s just amazing to see someone- just their belief in themselves grow, and
that’s just fun.”
Unfortunately, Grant-Mentis was injured in the next game against
the Frost. She took a boarding hit from Britta Curl-Salemme and was slow to get
off the ice. She has now missed her third straight game with an upper-body
injury. Curl-Salemme served a two-minute minor for it, but many believe it
should have been more. When O’Rourke was asked about it post-game, he said, “It’s
a call. Not sure how that’s not a five-minute [major] or at least looked at. I
mean, we’ve lost a key player, and probably long-term because of it.”
Schafzahl’s Game Impact
In addition to missing players due to injury, the
Torrent also made a trade prior to the March 30 deadline. The Torrent
acquired Boston Fleet forward Theresa Schafzahl in exchange for Jessie Eldridge.
Eldridge had 13 points in 19 games with Seattle this season whereas Schafzahl
had six points in 19 games with Boston.
The trade had a lot of people scratching their heads over the
reasoning, especially with General Manager Megan Turner stating, “This trade
was about what we believe is the best fit for our team and the identity we’re
trying to build.” However, now seeing Schafzahl in two games as a Torrent, the picture
is becoming a little bit clearer.
In her first game in a Seattle sweater, Schafzahl had over
eighteen minutes of ice time and registered an assist on the only goal for the
Torrent that night. In her second game, the most recent road game against her
former team, she had over twenty-one minutes of play and four shots on goal-
the most of the team. Schafzahl showcased her speed as well, moving quickly and
efficiently across the ice. She was able to move the puck through traffic and cleaned
up her own rebound in the first to get her first two shots on goal of the game.
Schafzahl discusses moving from a first place team to one fighting for points.
Fourth Line Underutilized
The Torrent only had nine shots on goal among the second and
third periods combined. They were also shut-out for the third time this season
and are still sitting in last place in the league. It is understandable that the team is struggling
with so many out of the line-up, but the system doesn’t appear to be working.
“I thought our opening shift was just really, really good.
We’re having some challenges scoring goals. We could have got the first one
even off the hop there. It just kind of sets the tone. We got out of that first
period even and it’s just a challenge,” said O’Rourke after the most recent
Boston game. “Our group just competes and has that will to compete every night
and we’re going to keep pushing into that.”
At this point in the season, and with the injuries maybe it’s
time to give the fourth-line players a little extra playing time. The fourth
line includes first-round draft pick, Jenna Buglioni who played only 1:08 in
the most recent game against the Fleet. That’s the least amount of ice time any
player had in that game followed by fellow fourth-liner Marah Wagner with 1:25.
Brooke Bryant had the most ice time of the three fourth line players with 2:18
which means that the fourth line had a total of 4:51 of playing time combined.
Buglioni is especially interesting in this situation because
even if she has failed to perform as the organization would like in previous
games, this would be the perfect time to let her work on that. There isn’t a
lot to lose standings-wise, and it would make sense that she would benefit from
more ice time.
The top-line players, Alex Carpenter, Danielle Serdachny,
and now Schafzahl played over 67 minutes combined. The second line played
nearly 60 minutes as well which includes Natalie Snodgrass, Julia Gosling, and
Lexie Adzija. The lines are greatly imbalanced, which is somewhat expected, but
not to this extent. The top lines appear very much overextended particularly when
the team is struggling anyway.
Adzija moves the puck behind the net. Photo @ PWHL
With the PWHL’s Golden Rule for the draft, it behooves the
Torrent to figure out a way to win some games going down the stretch. It will
be interesting to see the adjustments moving forward as the amount of games
dwindle down.
Seattle has a Takeover Tour game next in their schedule.
They host the New York Sirens in Chicago on March 25.
An early goal from Danish midfielder Pelle Mattsson - his first for the club - was enough for Norwich City to earn the three points at Charlton Athletic.
Speaking after the match, Canaries boss Philippe Clement - who celebrates his 52nd birthday on Sunday - gave his thoughts from The Valley after his side's 1-0 win.
"It was a victory with a big heart, lots of physicality. We only came back at 3:00am on Thursday morning, so it was a short turnaround after the Southampton game - which was also a really intense game," Clement told BBC Radio Norfolk.
"The team did brilliantly today, not only physically but also mentally. They did the right things to stick in and keep going until the dying seconds. They played with a really big heart today.
"I think everybody who is not a Charlton fan would have enjoyed how Norwich played football today - our own fans but also neutrals, and that is what I want to see.
"With all the teams playing on Friday after the international window, I do not understand why that is the case.
"We might have some internationals who come back on the Thursday and might not even be able to train. It's not a healthy situation in this modern time, with so many more games and more risks of injury."
We asked you Hearts fans for your views on the 1-0 win over Dundee that set the pace at the top of the table. Here's a taste of what you had to say...
Kris: You could instantly see what a difference Lawrence Shankland made to the way we play. He holds up better than Pierre Landry Kabore, finishes better, links play better and brings out the best in Claudio Braga and Alexandros Kyziridis too! He and Cammy Devlin coming back are massive, as we deserved nothing at half-time and then deserved our (albeit narrow) win.
Alan: Kudos to Michael Steinwender. Played out of position this season, and he's really taken one for the team. Against Dundee, he got played in his normal position and was a real unsung hero. When we win this league, I hope Michael holds the trophy high above his head and we celebrate what he's given to us - his all.
Graham: Brilliant win, thought we controlled the game for the majority but never looked like finding the net. Credit to Dundee who stuck to their gameplan well. Marc Leonard's free kick and Oisin McEntee's header were quality, and reminded me of Kevin Kyle's winner v Hibs in 2011. Bring on the next game.
Chris: When you rock up and play for a draw, as Dundee did, then get beaten 1-0 by a set play - some would call that karma. We were devoid of ideas today and McEntee has saved us with a great header as I couldn't see us scoring from open play. Seven to go.
Steve: I genuinely can't remember the last time we played well, our football is so slow and predictable. Dundee pass the ball three times and get a corner. We pass the ball 20 and are still in our own half. Our physio room is going to be busier than the stands at this rate.
Alfred: Incredibly grateful for the three points as logically that's all that matters just now but the football is regressing and the tactics seem non-existent. Derek McInnes needs to regain his composure and get the players ticking again. Hard stuff to watch but I'd rather win playing poorly than lose playing well.
Peter: We have a lot of injuries and that's playing out on the field. In turn the football is hard to watch. Some players seem low on confidence which is crazy to say. I've never been so happy to have two weeks off. Now to enjoy the view from the top.
Thomas: We can pass a ball upwards of 20 times and be back further than where we started. That slow, across-the-back, side-to-side football drains the life out of you and gets us nowhere. Lost our last two games on plastic pitches and played poorly and I don't see that changing against Livi.
Kaleena Smith averaged 31 points, seven assists and four steals a game this season while playing for the No. 1 program in the Southland, but her expanded leadership role is what earns her the honor of The Times’ girls' basketball player of the year.
The 5-foot-6 junior point guard marshaled Ontario Christian to the CIF state championships in Sacramento for the first time in the program's history and along the way her voice spoke almost as loudly as her game — surprising for someone who is not talkative by nature.
“Her numbers speak for themselves but the biggest difference in Kaleena this season has been her leadership,” Knights coach Aundre Cummings, said. “She’s always coming to practice first and leaving last, which teammates respect, but also knowing when to speak up."
Smith has been nicknamed “Special K” for her talent and charisma, traits that make her one of the top national recruits in the class of 2027. She is garnering attention from multiple college programs. USC women’s coach Lindsay Gottlieb was even on hand to witness Smith score 23 points and contribute six assists in the Southern California regional semifinals against Etiwanda on March 8 and the state championship game against Archbishop Mitty at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
“I’m being more vocal, yes, because I’m gonna have to do that in college,” said Smith, who spent countless hours refining her mid-range jumper this winter. “As captain it’s one of my responsibilities.”
One hundred games into her high school career, Smith is living up to the hype thrust upon her when she was named MaxPreps' national freshman of the Year in 2024. She passed the 2,000-point plateau when she scored 51 points against Esperanza in November.
Smith paced Ontario Christian to the Southern Section Open Division title as a sophomore and although the Knights were denied a repeat (she had 30 points and five assists in a finals defeat to Sierra Canyon) her stats are better in every significant category. Intertwined with her competitive spirit and winning mindset is the maturity and confidence of an upperclassman.
“Her leadership is what stands out,” sophomore teammate Tatianna Griffin said. “She’s a very quiet person. I’m not sure it comes naturally or not but when she says something we listen.”
Griffin’s own game has blossomed because of Smith’s willingness to give her the ball in clutch situations, and Smith has been a mentor to freshman Chloe Jenkins, who led the team in rebounds (11.3 per game).
Adding leadership to her basketball IQ, court vision, defense, quickness, shooting, passing and dribbling has made Smith a complete player, one who is poised for a senior season worth talking about.
Eduardo Camavinga: Real Madrid willing to sell United target on one condition
Manchester United have seemingly intensified their interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães.
Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United have accelerated their efforts to sign Guimarães following Casemiro’s recommendation. The pair are expected to form a partnership for the Seleção at the World Cup.
However, the £69 million-rated Brazilian is not the only midfielder the Red Devils have their sights on. It has emerged that they are considering making a move for a French talent who has also played alongside Casemiro.
Manchester United determined to sign Eduardo Camavinga
According to Football Insider, Manchester United are “seriously” considering a move for Eduardo Camavinga should Real Madrid decide to part ways with him in the summer.
Former Rennes wonderkid Camavinga, who drew comparisons to Paul Pogba due to his long legs and ball-carrying ability, has struggled to live up to expectations after moving to the Santiago Bernabéu in 2021.
The French midfielder’s physicality and technical prowess are still admired across Europe. However, at Real, he has failed to become anything more than a utility player, having been deployed at left-back, left midfield and at the heart of midfield.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, Pete O’Rourke said: “He’s somebody that they will seriously consider, midfield is a key priority for United’s recruitment team. Casemiro is leaving, so he will need to be replaced, and they want to strengthen in that position anyway.
“Camavinga, if there’s any possibility that Real Madrid open the door for the Frenchman to leave, I think there’ll be a queue of clubs ready to sign him.”
Real Madrid set Camavinga price tag
It is added that Real are willing to listen to offers in excess of the £43m mark for Camavinga, who has won an incredible 11 trophies with Los Blancos.
There is a belief that the France international would “tick a lot of boxes for Man United. He’s got good energy, he can run with the ball, he’s a good passer and he would bring huge experience and class.”
However, given the 23-year-old’s immense potential, the competition for his signature is going to be fierce during the summer transfer window.
United have also been strongly linked with Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson as they aim to overhaul their midfield ahead of next season.
American Danielle Collins has not played professional tennis on the WTA Tour in 2026. She is taking time off to recover from a back injury and to undergo fertility-related procedures.
Collins, nicknamed “Danimal,” is well known as a fiery personality on the court. She is not afraid to speak her mind to fans and her opponents in any circumstance. At the 2025 Australian Open, she took the Aussie fans to task after a match win over an Aussie player.
That love/hate relationship with fans has followed Collins to her temporary job at the Tennis Channel. Collins has proven to be a mixed blessing for the network.
What Danielle Collins said
The latest escapade from the Miami Open is a story about her dog pooping in front of a player’s locker during her championship run at the 2024 Miami Open. Collins said it was a player she does not like. She also said the story had never been told before.
Everyone who has watched a few minutes of tennis in the past three years know that Collins does not like Iga Swiatek.
She has yelled at Swiatek on court during their matches. As a member of tennis media, she has continued to thinly veil her extreme dislike for Swiatek.
I don’t need to see or hear her glee when Swiatek loses. It is unprofessional and unbecoming. The Tennis Channel employs many former players: Jim Courier, Lindsey Davenport, Chanda Rubin, and Martina Navratilova to name a few. None has ever behaved like this.
Jul 27, 2025; Montreal, QC, Canada; Danielle Collins (USA) returns the ball to Viktoriya Tomova (BUL) (Not Pictured) in first round play at IGA Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Georgia Bulldogs have a lot of players entering the 2026 NFL draft, and many of them are considered first-round talent. However, Daniel Jeremiah doesn't think so. In his third mock draft of the year, he only included one Georgia Bulldog: offensive tackle Monroe Freeling.
Freeling was mocked to the Detroit Lions at pick No. 17, and it's a hand-and-glove fit. "Freeling has the most upside of any tackle in this year's draft," wrote Jeremiah. "And the Lions have a void to fill at the position after parting ways with Taylor Decker."
The 6-foot-7, 315-pound tackle was an athletic freak at the 2026 NFL combine, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell loves his offensive linemen as athletic freaks. He also pairs up with former Georgia guard Tate Ratledge once again. Ratledge was also a star at the 2025 NFL combine, so the upside of Freeling and Ratledge together will be intriguing to see.
However, that's the only Georgia Bulldog selected in the first round. CJ Allen, who has been popularly mocked to the Denver Broncos at pick No. 30 before they traded away that pick, was passed up in favor of Texas A&M EDGE Cassius Howell. Christen Miller earned first-round draft buzz throughout the year, but he wasn't included.
The biggest explanation was that neither Allen nor Miller tested at the xombine. Thankfully, Georgia scheduled its pro day just two weeks after the NFL combine, giving NFL scouts a feel for the true athleticism of every Georgia Bulldog in the draft pool. Allen and Miller got their chance to shine in drills, and Oscar Delp, who didn't participate in drills due to a foot injury, tested very well.
March Madness continues today with the second round of the women's NCAA tournament. Up next: No. 4 North Carolina vs. No. 5 Maryland. The game tips off at 12 p.m. ET today, airing on ESPN. For a complete breakdown of key dates and how to watch every March Madness game, we've got you covered. Here's a look at how to watch the entire tournament from today's second round to the Championship Final.
How to watch North Carolina vs. Maryland at the women's March Madness tournament:
The North Carolina vs. Maryland second-round basketball game is on Sunday, March 22. Tipoff is at 12 p.m. ET.
Where to watch the North Carolina vs. Maryland game:
The North Carolina vs. Maryland March Madness game will air on ESPN.
Where to stream March Madness games without cable:
Every game of the 2026 women's March Madness Tournament will stream on ESPN Unlimited. You'll also be able to access every game on live TV services like Sling, Fubo, and DirecTV.
2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament game schedule
All times Eastern.
Second round:
Sunday, March 22 No. 4 North Carolina vs. No. 5 Maryland: 12 p.m. (ESPN) No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 7 NC State: 1 p.m. (ESPN) No. 4 Minnesota vs. No. 5 Ole Miss: 2 p.m. (ESPN) No. 2 LSU vs. No. 7 Texas Tech: 3 p.m. (ABC) No. 3 Duke vs. No. 6 Baylor: 4 p.m. (ESPN) No. 1 Texas vs. No. 8 Oregon: 6 p.m. (ESPN) No. 5 Michigan State vs. No. 4 Oklahoma: 8 p.m. (ESPN) No. 3 TCU vs. No. 6 Washington: 10 p.m. (ESPN)
2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament schedule:
The schedule and locations for the women's tournament:
Selection Sunday: 8 p.m. ET Sunday, March 15 on ESPN
First Four: March 18-19
First round: March 20-21
Second round: March 22-23
Sweet 16: March 27-28 in Fort Worth, TX and Sacramento, CA
Elite Eight: March 29-30 in Fort Worth, TX and Sacramento, CA
Final Four: Friday, April 3, Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ
NCAA championship game: Sunday, April 5, Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ
Despite persisting with a strong core for years, Mumbai Indians have failed to win the Indian Premier League title since 2020. To end this drought in 2026, they will need their superstar players to put the team above individual ambitions and respond positively to Hardik Pandya’s leadership style.
MI’s leadership group is vastly experienced, with Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah all capable of turning matches in pressure situations. With most of their top players in form, the fivetime champions would want their title drought to end this season.
With a lethal batting lineup, multiple allrounders, a worldclass pace spearhead in Bumrah and a crafty T20 spinner in Mitchell Santner, MI possess a combination most teams will envy. Being one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, they know the winning formula. They simply need to rediscover it.
Less than a month ago, Pandya delivered another strong allround performance in India’s triumph at the 2026 T20 World Cup, earning praise for his bowling contributions, something R Ashwin recently highlighted as being underappreciated. As a senior player, Hardik played a crucial role in helping India lift the trophy under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy.
When MI begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29, Pandya will expect a similar level of commitment from his India teammates — Suryakumar, Rohit, Bumrah and Tilak Varma.
Add overseas firepower in Will Jacks, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and New Zealand’s white-ball captain Santner and MI appear, on paper, to be one of the strongest franchise sides in world cricket.
Yet, this star-studded outfit — the IPL’s version of the Galacticos — has struggled to gel into a champion team since Pandya returned as captain in 2024. His first season as MI captain was disastrous, with the team managing only four wins in 14 matches.
The situation worsened with the crowd booing him as he had replaced sentimental favourite Rohit as captain. Then, there were reports of dressing-room unrest. However, the management kept faith in Pandya and retained him for IPL 2025. The results improved as MI reached the playoffs, before Shreyas Iyer’s sensational innings knocked them out in Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings.
IPL 2026 could be a defining test for Pandya’s leadership. Suryakumar Yadav’s stature has risen after leading India to the T20 World Cup title and he too would be nursing captaincy ambitions in the IPL. Rohit too remains one of the most respected leaders in world cricket. If MI struggle early, calls for a leadership rethink may grow louder. The best approach for Pandya and head coach Mahela Jayawardene would be a collaborative leadership model that actively involves senior players in decision-making. Such a consultative approach would keep the dressing room united and focused on the trophy rather than individual egos.
This season could also be crucial for Rohit. Now visibly leaner and fitter, the 38-year-old looks motivated for a strong campaign. Used as an ‘Impact Sub’ at times last season, Rohit could play a larger on-field role this year, allowing him to contribute more to tactical decisions. The Mumbaikar remains the emotional heartbeat of MI, though a prolonged dip in form could raise uncomfortable questions for the team.
MI’s batting has tremendous depth. Rohit is likely to open with either Quinton de Kock or Ryan Rickelton, followed by a strong middle order featuring Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak and Hardik, along with power-hitters Sherfane Rutherford and Jacks. Pandya’s own batting position will be key — ideally, he should bat no lower than No. 6 to maximise his impact in the death overs.
Much will also depend on Jasprit Bumrah, whose match-winning spells powered India’s T20 World Cup campaign. Pandya would be wise to use him as a strike bowler throughout the innings, much like Suryakumar did for India, rather than saving him only for the death overs.
Beyond Bumrah and Santner, MI’s bowling could be vulnerable on the flat Wankhede pitch, especially against big-hitting lineups.
Ultimately, Pandya’s biggest challenge is to ensure MI function as a happy, united team rather than a group of superstars with bruised egos. Keeping emotions in check and fostering harmony in the dressing room will be crucial. If MI get that right, Hardik could find himself smiling on the podium after the IPL final on May 31.
THE MI SWOT
Be it a power-packed batting unit, skillful allrounders or a bowling lineup with depth and potency, Mumbai Indians have most bases covered to go deep in IPL 2026...
Strength : Mumbai Indians’ biggest strength is their batting core of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup winners— Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma—who bring stability and firepower. Overseas stars like Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford and Mitchell Santner add depth, while Jasprit Bumrah remains the side’s biggest USP, capable of changing games at any stage. A strong pool of allrounders gives MI flexibility and balance across conditions.
Weakness: The lack of a reliable Indian opener alongside Rohit Sharma and an experienced Indian wicketkeeper could force MI to play both Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, using up overseas slots. With Piyush Chawla retired, Santner becomes the frontline spinner, further limiting combinations and tactical flexibility.
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Opportunity: Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar offer a potent new-ball threat, while allrounders like Hardik, Santner, Jacks and Shardul Thakur provide balance. Hardik and Naman Dhir add finishing power, giving MI the ability to dominate key phases of the game. If their bowling unit clicks, and does so collectively, MI could dominate the powerplay and death overs.
Threat: Ageing stars like Rohit, de Kock, Boult and Santner raise concerns over fielding and consistency. Heavy dependence on senior players and too many options could create selection confusion resulting in issues with role clarity. —Gaurav Gupta
Rwanda's Fanny Utagushimaninde says it was like "a dream" after becoming the youngest woman to make a Twenty20 international century at the age of 15 years and 223 days.
Opening batter Utagushimaninde made an unbeaten 111 from 65 balls on her T20 debut in a 122-run victory over Ghana at a tournament in Lagos, Nigeria.
She had reached three figures off 59 balls in the 18th over with a clip through mid-wicket off Ghana seamer Elizabeth Annor.
The teenager eclipsed the previous record held by Uganda's Prosscovia Alako, who was 16 years and 233 days old when she scored a hundred against Mali in June 2019.
Utagushimaninde, who came through a schools programme in Rwanda supported by the Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation, told BBC Sport it was slightly surreal when she reached the milestone.
"It was a special moment for me and my cricket journey. A dream to achieve it on my debut at 15," she said.
"This shows my hard work, confidence and passion for the game. I'm grateful for the support from my coaches, team-mates and everyone around me.
"I will keep pushing myself to improve and achieve more in the future."
Utagushimaninde's score was also the highest by a woman on T20 debut, beating the 96 made by Australia's Karen Rolton against England in 2005.
Rwanda coach Leonard Nhamburo added: "This record-breaking performance is a testament of the hard work and dedication she did put in.
"It's something that Fanny earned through years of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the game and a true testimony of how development cricket is coming through in Rwanda."
France's Gustav Mckeon, at the age of 18 years and 280 days, is the youngest man to score a T20 international century for his 61-ball 109 against Switzerland in July 2022.
A defensive lineman out of Ohio has decided to reschedule his visit with the Wisconsin Badgers.
Three-star defensive lineman Reilly Newman moved up his visit; he'll now be on campus from May 28-31. Originally, the Lakota West High Schooler was set to visit from June 4-7.
Wisconsin has numerous visits lined up in early June, but its schedule has begun to fill up in both April and May, with this being the latest edition.
Obviously, this change happened for a reason. While Newman posted, "I changed the date for my OV at Wisconsin, I'm excited to get there sooner!" he quickly filled in the original dates. Just three minutes after announcing he was moving up his Wisconsin visit, he revealed he'd be in Iowa City, Iowa, for an official visit with the Hawkeyes from June 5-7.
At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason; it's just a matter of Wisconsin using the earlier visit to their advantage and not letting the 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive lineman go elsewhere in the conference.
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Minnesota is in a tough spot. The No. 4 Gophers are down 9 points to No. 13 Green Bay in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
They hadn’t been to March Madness since 2018. Not only that, but also the Gophers earned a host spot. They should win. But the pressure is mounting.
Luckily for them, the Gophers have something Green Bay doesn’t: Blanket Lady.
During a timeout with 6:01 left in the third quarter, the Blanket Lady begins her ritual. She raises the blanket, decorated with a Minnesota emblem, and she runs, waving the maroon and gold fabric as she goes, up the sideline and down the baseline. As she runs, the crowd cheers, louder and louder until she returns to her seat.
“I was saying in the locker room after the game, that’s probably the loudest it’s been, I think, the whole time I have ever been here,” senior Amaya Battle said. “It was a ton of fun. It was nice to have them rally around us.”
The timeout ends, but the energy hangs in the air. Minnesota responded with a 30-8 run, securing a comeback victory and a spot in the Round of 32 for the first time in eight years.
“I feel like we just won the NCAA Tournament,” the Blanket Lady says the next day.
You know who get this game turned around? BLANKET LADY.
You can forgive the exaggerated excitement. She’s better known in The Barn by her Blanket Lady persona, but she’s really 81-year-old Elvera “Peps” Neuman. She’s a superfan who has been hyping up Minnesota supporters at home games since 2004. And she’s loved basketball long before the sport loved women back.
Neuman grew up on a farm in Eden Valley, Minn., with a basket attached to the side of her family’s barn. It was put there for her four older brothers, but Neuman took to the sport. She practiced shooting whenever she could, even when she was milking the cows.
“The milkers were supposed to be on the cows for like, three minutes,” she said. “Well, I thought I could go out there to shoot for three minutes. But sometimes it got to be five or 10 minutes. It probably wasn’t easy on the cows, but we got more milk.”
Neuman’s passion couldn’t be contained to her family farm. She wanted to play for her high school, but in the early 1960s, there were no teams for girls around her, and the boys wouldn’t let her play with them.
“Not to brag,” Neuman said with a laugh, “but I was better than most of the boys anyway.”
In an effort to stay close to the game, Neuman joined the pep club, supporting the same boys who refused to play with her. Then, a conversation with her English teacher changed everything. She told Neuman a team of women were coming to Paynesville, a town just 14 miles down the road, to challenge some of the local coaches.
Neuman went to the game and was in awe of the Harlem Chicks, a team of Black players. As soon as she got home, Neuman wrote a letter to the team’s promoter. She wanted to play for the Chicks. Segregation prevented that, so instead, Neuman joined the Texas Cowgirls barnstorming team. From there, her basketball career took off — at least as much as it could for a woman at that time.
Neuman played basketball until she was 44, and even founded her own barnstorming team, called the Arkansas Gems. Each season, Neuman played in around 140 games, traveling from town to town, sometimes driving 400 miles in one day. It was a grind, but it was all Neuman knew. And it was the only way she could play basketball.
“I loved it,” she said. “I absolutely loved it.”
Every time Neuman walked on the court, she put on a show, once scoring 108 points in a game. That kind of vivaciousness doesn’t just go away, not even at 81 years old. Neuman still brings it to the court, only now, she’s on the sidelines.
“I get more attention from being the Blanket Lady than I ever did from playing basketball,” Neuman said. “That might upset some people, to not get the attention, or the money, but I’m just the opposite. I’m pulling for these girls at 200 percent.”
The Blanket Lady tradition started accidentally in 2006. Neuman serves as a caregiver for her friend and former basketball teammate, Vicky Nelson. Because Nelson is in a wheelchair, the duo sits courtside in an accessible seating section. The blanket was a gift from two other Minnesota fans who noticed that Nelson always draped her jacket over her knees in an effort to keep warm during games.
Overcome by the kindness of the gesture, Neuman held up the blanket to the crowd, and when she did, everyone cheered. Ever the showman, Neuman took the cheers and ran with it — literally — up the sideline. The Blanket Lady was born.
Neuman and Nelson haven’t missed a Gophers home game since 2004, when All-America point guard Lindsay Whalen was a senior. They certainly won’t miss Minnesota’s March Madness second-round game Sunday against Ole Miss.
If the energy dwindles, Neuman will be ready.
She paved the way for the current Gophers during her barnstorming days, and she’s still doing everything she can to help them succeed.
“I’ll be there,” she said. “I’ll be there with the blanket and my Gophers gear. I love this team.”
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - MARCH 21: Jordan Chiles of the UCLA Bruins competes on the floor during the 2026 Big Ten Gymnastics Championships at State Farm Center on March 21, 2026 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Craig Pessman/Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images)
University Images via Getty Images
It’s time for Jordan Chiles to clear more space in her trophy case.
The UCLA senior gymnast led the No. 5-ranked Bruins to their second-straight Big Ten Championship on Saturday, topping the second-place Michigan State Spartans by a sizable margin.
The Bruins posted a staggering 198.100 to clinch the title over No. 11 Michigan State in second, No. 13 Minnesota in third, and No. 10 Michigan in fourth.
Rewriting the Big Ten Record Books
Her performance on Saturday was also historic.
Chiles’ all-around score marked a conference championship record. With a 39.825 total score, Chiles won the all-around over reigning Big Ten Gymnast of the Year, Nikki Smith of Michigan State. With four individual titles in one meet—winning the all-around and floor exercise outright while sharing the uneven bars and balance beam titles—Chiles tied a conference record.
Despite her numerous collegiate successes, Saturday’s competition marked the first major all-around win of Chiles’ NCAA career.
Winning every event but vault, Chiles brought her total Big Ten title count to seven, adding to two individual wins from UCLA’s tenure in the now-defunct Pac-12 conference. Her effort included two scores of 9.95, one of 9.925, and a perfect ten to secure the floor exercise title, her seventh perfect score of 2026.
The accolades didn’t stop there. Following the competition, Chiles was honored as the Big Ten Gymnast of the Year.
The Road to the Repeat Title
The Bruins started on the balance beam, the one event where Chiles has not earned a 10.0. Though the senior delivered a strong 9.95, the No. 9 Michigan Wolverines took a slim lead after the first rotation.
On floor – Chiles’ best event – the Bruins posted a huge 49.675 to surge into the lead. Earning another perfect score, the rotation felt like déjà vu for Chiles – she executed perfection to claim the floor title at last year’s Big Ten Championships.
“I got a ten last year… and now I’ve got back-to-back tens in the Big Ten. I love it,” Chiles said, adding that she focused on “enjoying the moment.”
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - MARCH 21: The UCAL Bruins celebrate as champions during the 2026 Big Ten Gymnastics Championships at State Farm Center on March 21, 2026 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Craig Pessman/Big Ten/University Images via Getty Images)
University Images via Getty Images
In the third rotation, UCLA maintained the lead on vault, thanks to Chiles’ 9.925 and a meet-winning 9.95 from teammate Riley Jenkins.
With a respectable 0.225 lead heading into the final rotation, the Bruins simply needed to execute cleanly to secure their second consecutive title over the Michigan State Spartans. The team delivered, with Chiles and UCLA sophomore Sydney Barros earning clutch scores of 9.95 to finish in a six-way tie for the event title.
Chiles’ stellar scores didn’t just help the Bruins pull away from the conference field on Saturday – she helped the squad hurdle the Alabama Crimson Tide for fourth place in the national rankings.
Eyes on the National Championship in Fort Worth
Looking ahead, she and the Bruins set their sights on Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The 2026 NCAA Gymnastics Championships begin April 16, and the Bruins look hungry to improve on their runner-up finish from 2025.
The Bruins lost the title to No. 1 Oklahoma in 2025, but entered 2026 with a star-studded freshman class and newfound motivation.
“We’re coming for y’all,” Chiles warned after the competition.
While she hopes to lead her team to an NCAA title, Chiles also looks to turn her 2025 all-around silver into gold.
Postseason competition resumes for Chiles and the Bruins on April 1 with the Regional Championships, where they look to qualify for the NCAA Championships as one of the nation’s top eight teams.
One month away from the NFL Draft, the "Take Command" podcast decided to produce its own mock draft.
Former Washington Redskins tight end Logan Paulsen and co-host Grant Paulsen conducted their mock draft on Friday. The task was to discuss and select the first seven draft choices in the upcoming draft, because, of course, the Commanders hold the No. 7 draft position. Here is the video of their draft.
Here are the first seven choices from Logan Paulsen:
1- Las Vegas Raiders Fernando Mendoza, QB (Indiana)
Paulsen (Logan) decided to give some glimpses of how an NFL general manager might think through this process at No. 7.
Paulsen said he didn't think the Commanders could go wrong choosing any of the next five best available at No. 7 (if the draft fell this way). "This is where the soft science of the draft really becomes important...The thing I can't get by is that I just saw WR Alec Pierce (Colts) receive $30M. So, if you're going to get a top receiver next year, you might have to pay $35M, or you just draft one right now. I am saving about $10M bucks if I draft Carnell Tate (WR Ohio State), which means I could sign another difference-making player. I could sign another Dorance Armstrong."
"This logic is what a GM is paid to do, right?, offered Grant Paulsen. "It is important, it is necessary, it is how this draft works. All facts, you have to draft good football players. So you have to be sure that Carnell Tate is a boss. I mean, it is No. 7, it's not No. 23. This is not 81, 56, this is not 92."
Then Grant Paulsen mentioned he used a draft simulator, and it offered a trade from the Browns at No. 6. The Browns would receive Washington's No. 7 and No. 223, and the Commanders would then receive No. 24, 39, and 70.
With the various needs the Commanders roster still has, Logan Paulsen said he would take that deal, because it would provide him the opportunity to transfer the one pick to three picks in the top 70.
Pryce Sandfort and Brenden Frager led the Huskers with 15 points each. Rienk Mast contributed 13 points and five rebounds. Sam Hoiberg had eight points, six assists and four rebounds. Tyler Tanner had 27 for the Commadores. Tyler Nickel also had 16 points and five rebounds.
Nebraska plays the winner of Sunday's Iowa-Florida contest. The Huskers' Sweet 16 game will be played on Thursday, March 26.
Nebraska fans were understandably excited about the results on Saturday, and we picked some of the best reactions from social media.
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 22, 2026
Sports!
That game is what sports is all about. It's why networks and streaming services pay so much to broadcast the games. So pure! So real! So joyful! Sports is one of the last things we have that truly brings people together. The happiness on those players and fans' faces! Rejoice!
The rest of the country loved what they were watching
idk what the list of "greatest round of 32 games" looks like, but Vandy-Nebraska has to be near the top. The crowd, the shot making, the ending. Just beautiful hoops
Fred Hoiberg's adjustments were noticed and appreciated
Coach Hoiberg did a great job down the stretch going to the 1-3-1 vs Vanderbilt. Was a good change of pace, took away ball screens & dribble penetration & a big reason why Nebraska was able to win.
I normally don’t tweet about anything but agriculture but I’m going to break this rule tonight. The Nebraska men’s basketball team is going to the Sweet Sixteen. Never in my life did I think all of those words would be in the same sentence. It’s a good night to be a Cornhusker!!!
Nebrasketball continues to pull an Indiana football. Had never won an NCAA Tournament game, now going to the Sweet 16, and fans are taking over arenas.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are going to the Sweet 16.
They trailed by 2 with just over a minute to go. Sam Hoiberg, the son of head coach Fred Hoiberg, delivered two mammoth sequences. Braden Frager hits the game-winning shot.
And the Huskers are dancing on to Houston. Unreal.
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Sheffield United 1-2 Wrexham: Blades Drop More Points At Home in Lethargic Display
Sheffield United suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against Wrexham at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.
The Blades took the lead early in the second half when Andre Brooks pounced on the rebound and steered home from close range. But just a few minutes later former Owls man Josh Windass would equalise in front of the away end. With the clock ticking down, Wrexham turned up the pressure and would find the winner through Sam Smith.
The Blades should have taken the lead as early as the 11th minute. Harrison Burrows did brilliantly to square the ball across goal after Dom Hyam slipped, leaving Patrick Bamford completely unmarked just yards out. However, with the goal at his mercy, the striker somehow guided his effort wide, setting the tone for a wasteful afternoon.
That miss was followed by another glaring opportunity when O’Brien rose to meet a pinpoint cross from Kabore, only to send his unmarked header wide from six yards out. United continued to press and thought they had finally broken the deadlock on 33 minutes, when Gustavo Hamer powered in a header from Riedewald’s inswinging delivery. Celebrations were cut short, though, as the assistant referee’s flag ruled it out.
Second Half
The visitors believed they had stunned Bramall Lane just 16 seconds into the second half. Windass fired beyond Davies in what looked like a dream restart, but once again the offside flag came to United’s rescue.
Moments later, the Blades finally made their pressure count. Andre Brooks was denied initially by Okonkwo after a strong effort, but he reacted quickest on 49 minutes, slotting home the rebound after Bamford’s shot proved too powerful for the goalkeeper to hold.
Their lead, however, lasted just six minutes. Josh Windass brought the visitors level, calmly converting from a low cross delivered from the left by Smith, punishing United’s inability to put the game to bed.
The turnaround was completed 12 minutes from time as the Welsh side took the lead. Kabore, influential throughout, delivered another dangerous cross, and Sam Smith rose highest to head into the net, silencing the home crowd.
Late on, United pushed for an equaliser but continued to lack composure in front of goal. Both Brooks and Tom Davies had opportunities to salvage something, yet neither could hit the target.
After this recent defeat the Blades’ season has well and truly fizzled out as they currently sit 17th and 13 points off the top six.
Many supporters want Rosenior replaced during the international break, but that appears unlikely and Romano has provided an update.
“At the moment, I don’t have any message coming from Chelsea’s side about any immediate change or any strong decision,” he told his YouTube channel.
“Obviously, Chelsea can’t be happy with the current situation, but they don’t forget that Liam Rosenior arrived in the middle of the season, not having any pre-season.
“This is not a squad build for Liam Rosenior. So obviously, there are some points to be considered when it’s time to judge Liam Rosenior.
“At the same time, Chelsea want to be in the Champions League next season.”
Chelsea face tough run after the international break
Rosenior will likely be grateful for the international break, as it represents an opportunity for him to reset and regroup.
However, the Blues return after the break with an FA Cup quarter final at home to Port Vale, before league games against Manchester City and Manchester United.
Somehow Chelsea are still only a point off fifth place, but if the Blues are going to finish in the top five, they need to find a level of performance they currently don’t look capable of.
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Barcelona keeping close tabs on 22 G/A Ligue 1 forward who is also wanted by Atletico Madrid – report
Barcelona’s search for a long-term solution in attack continues to evolve, and a new name has now entered the conversation.
As the club prepares for life beyond Robert Lewandowski, the recruitment team is exploring both established stars and emerging talents who can lead the line in the coming years.
In that regard, according to a recent report from Fichajes, Barcelona are closely following the progress of Joaquin Panichelli, a 23-year-old forward currently playing for Strasbourg.
The Argentine striker has been making waves in Ligue 1 this season, and his rapid rise has not gone unnoticed among Europe’s top clubs.
Who is Panichelli?
Panichelli’s journey to this point has been steady but impressive.
A product of Deportivo Alaves’ youth system, he made the move to Strasbourg in the summer of 2025 for a reported fee of around €17 million.
Since then, he has taken a significant step forward in his development, adapting quickly to the demands of French football.
Joaquin Panichelli used to play for Alaves. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
With 18 goals and four assists in 38 appearances across all competitions, Panichelli has established himself as one of the most effective young forwards in Ligue 1.
Atletico Madrid in race too
Naturally, such performances have attracted interest beyond France.
In Spain, both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation, viewing him as a player who could strengthen their attacking options in the near future.
As far as Barcelona are concerned, it is known that they are looking for a striker who can grow into a leading role over time, and the Argentine fits that profile well.
However, any potential deal would require a significant financial commitment, as Strasbourg are fully aware of the value of their forward and have reportedly set a price tag of around €50 million.
While that is a considerable figure, it remains within reach for clubs willing to invest in a player who offers both immediate impact and future potential.
Barcelona, for their part, are not ruling out such an investment. If the club decides to move forward, it is said that they would be prepared to seriously consider meeting Strasbourg’s valuation.
Bayern Munich's Lennart Karl celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Second Leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Atalanta Bergamo at the Allianz Arena. Tom Weller/dpa
Lennart Karl wants to take the carefree attitude that led to his Bayern Munich breakthrough into the German national team but also has a clear aim.
"I am not putting any pressure on myself. I play my kind of football. And then I hope that it works out that I will be at the World Cup," Karl said after Bayern's 4-0 Bundesliga win over Union Berlin.
Karl, 18, was a starter on Saturday and hit the post, two days after getting his first call-up by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann for World Cup tune-ups in Switzerland on Friday and against Ghana three days later.
He has scored eight goals and added five assists in his first Bayern season. Nagelsmann avoided the hype when he did not nominate him in November for World Cup qualifiers but now has high hopes in him.
Nagelsmann wants carefree play
"He should bring his youthful carefree spirit onto the pitch. He should play football freely, from the heart, and without any pressure," Nagelsmann said when he announced the squad.
"He has his World Cup dream and should show what he shows at Bayern – creating plenty of danger in front of goal."
With the two games being the last before Nagelsmann has to select his squad for the June 11-July 19 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Karl will all but certainly get playing time.
Kompany pleased
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany welcomed the first call-up for Karl, and for their goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, saying "it is good for Bayern and good for Germany.
"These are two young players who will play a major role in the national team in the future. This is the first step for them; they should enjoy it. They’re not under any pressure right now; they’ll have plenty of time for that later. They need to enjoy it.
"At some point, they’ll play a key role for the national team. I have every confidence in them.”
The call-up call
The team gathers on Monday, and Karl confirmed on Saturday that Nagelsmann's call reached him during a maths tutoring session for his school degree.
“At first, I didn’t answer. Then I called him back five minutes later – and I was absolutely delighted to hear the news that I’d been nominated,” Karl said.
Nagelsmann said he welcomed this attitude: That makes me happy. Otherwise, I would have told him off if he’d answered straight away.
"What the teacher says carries more weight than what the national coach says,” Nagelsmann said.
ST. LOUIS — Mark Pope got to coach in the Big 12 for only one season, in 2023-24 when BYU moved to the power-conference level after previously spending more than a decade in the West Coast Conference. He then returned to his alma mater to become the head coach of blue-blooded Kentucky.
Even now, at a new school and in a new conference, those old battles with Iowa State have stuck with him. Pope's Wildcats will face off against the Cyclones in a second-round NCAA Tournament game at 1:45 p.m. CT on March 22 (CBS).
"The great thing about Iowa State, and I think what T.J. (Otzelberger) has done so masterfully at Iowa State is they have such an engrained identity of who they are," Pope said.
Pope said he is preparing his Wildcats in the same way regardless of Joshua Jefferson's availability. The Cyclones star has a sprained ankle and is "unlikely" to play, Otzelberger said.
"Clearly, Jefferson is a massive key to what they do. He's a special, special player, but Iowa State is going to be Iowa State whoever T.J. rolls out on the court. He could probably go grab five guys from the rec center and give them a week, and they would come out there and just be an incredibly intense defensive juggernaut that was finding ways to score in big ways."
When Pope was still coaching at BYU, during that lone season in the Big 12, he split the home-and-home series with Iowa State.
Now he and Otzelberger are colliding once again on a bigger stage with a trip to the Sweet 16 at stake.
"He's really talented in terms of being able to get teams offensively to play with great pace and ball movement, purpose," Otzelberger said of Pope. "Defensively, they recruit guys who are bigger guards and wings, and have tremendous versatility, yet have great size on the interior to protect the rim.
"With each job and each opportunity, certainly there's a different way to win games at that place, but I think with coach Pope, you can count on a team that they're going to play really hard, they're going to compete."
Otzelberger and Pope both share a mutual friendship and connection with former ISU player and coach Fred Hoiberg.
Pope, who was a 1996 national champion at Kentucky, was teammates with Hoiberg for two seasons with the Indiana Pacers.
Otzelberger first became acquainted with Pope when he was an assistant coach under Hoiberg at Iowa State from 2010-13. They've crossed paths numerous times on and off the court since then.
"Somebody that has a tremendous track record and we respect very much and just really admire the man that he is and how he goes about his business," Otzelberger said.
Pope won't be the only familiar face for Otzelberger. Kentucky is led by Otega Oweh, who initially started his collegiate career with Oklahoma.
Although he wasn't the star player that he's become today, Oweh went 2-1 against the Cyclones while with the Sooners.
Oweh is a two-time All-SEC player for the Wildcats, and he's scored 20 or more points in six of the last seven games.
He dropped a career-high 35 points, including the game-tying mid-court heave to force overtime, with seven rebounds and seven assists in the Wildcats' NCAA Tournament first-round 89-84 win over 10-seed Santa Clara.
"He was a terrific player then (at Oklahoma) and now he's playing with such tremendous confidence," Otzelberger said of Oweh. "It's definitely not a task for one person. It's a team defense thing and it's being intentional. It's trying to be back in transition, keep him out of space and then make sure that he has to work and earn everything."
While Iowa State gameplans for Oweh, and potentially how to adjust for Jefferson's absence in the lineup — which will likely result in more minutes for Nate Heise or Dominykas Pleta, if they lean big to counter Kentucky's size — the Wildcats are gearing up to face the Cyclones' unrelenting high-pressure defense.
"We're going through a bunch of different lineups, I'm sure they're mixing up lineups, too," Kentucky guard Collin Chandler said. "They play a pretty deep bench, maybe nine guys, something like that, so I think that's ever-changing throughout the game. They play a very aggressive style and so I think if we can match that aggressiveness on offense that they play with defense, then we can use it to an advantage for us."
More than being intentional and wary of limiting turnovers, the Wildcats aim to be the more assertive team, using their size and length across the lineup to impose themselves. Kentucky boasts the 18th-highest average roster height in the country, according to KenPom.
The Wildcats have 7-foot center Malachi Moreno and 6-foot-11 forward Andrija Jelavic in their starting five, as well as three players off the bench who stand 6-foot-7 or taller.
Many teams have been flustered and sped up by the Cyclones' unrelenting style of play, but the Wildcats believe their poise and persistence will shine through.
"Just throwing the first punch kind of thing so we can dictate the game," Williams said. "You allow the other team to dictate the game, you kind of counter what they're doing, but if you're the aggressor then you kind of control the entirety of the game."
It'll be an all-out war on the hardwood.
"I've had a chance to coach teams against T.J.'s teams and they're some of my favorite games," Pope said. "They're relentless, and he's got unbelievable leadership on his team and they got incredible toughness. I think that stems from his personality as a head coach. He's really engrained that on his guys. It's going to be a whole-hearted blood, sweat and tears endeavor, and it makes the games really fun.
"I look forward to these games so much. Not because there's anything easy about them, but because they're so hard. They make them really special."
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5
The Big Ten's run of dominance could come to an end on Sunday, as multiple teams could meet their match and get bounced out of the NCAA Tournament. Purdue will have another chance to keep its contender status alive, while UCLA and Iowa are set to try and shock the world.
Here are my predictions for the NCAA Tournament in the second round on Sunday for Big Ten teams:
No. 2 Purdue over No. 7 Miami
The momentum is at an all-time high for the Purdue Boilermakers, and I do not think it stops vs Miami. The Boilermakers offense is rolling, and I think Braden Smith will put up another star performance to keep the run going.
No. 1 Florida over No. 9 Iowa
Iowa got past Clemson even with a poor shooting performance. Bennett Stirtz will have to be Steph Curry and then some to knock off a loyal people's title team favorite, the Florida Gators. Florida is coming off a 59-point win; they are as dominant as it gets. I think Iowa will put up more of a fight, but this will be a David and Goliath story where Goliath comes out on top.
No. 2 UConn over No. 7 UCLA
UCLA will have its hands full vs Tarris Reed Jr., who is coming off a 30-point and 25-rebound game. The most dominant performance in March Madness history. That is not the type of opponent the Bruins need to face to keep their hopes alive as they head into this matchup banged up. I think Tarris Reed Jr. will have another big game vs UCLA and lead the Huskies to the sweet 16.
Predictions for top performers for Sunday
Braden Smith will be the top performer from the Big Ten on Sunday. I think he will have another 20-point game, but this time after double-digit assists. The offense moves with him, and if he is able to replicate his performance in the first round, Purdue will have no problem moving past a tough Miami Hurricanes team. Smith will be the X-Factor for Purdue vs Miami.
Tarris Reed Jr. is coming off a game where he single-handedly won UConn the game vs Furman. He outrebounded Furman by himself, and he was the dominant scorer in the game. In the last game, he had 31 points and 27 rebounds. I do not think he has that exact stat line vs. UCLA, as they are a more formidable opponent, but I think he still will have himself a day. I think Reed Jr. will have a 20-point game with around 15 rebounds. If Tyler Bilodeau, Reed Jr., is going to dominate both the paint on the glass.
Overview
Purdue is set to try to continue their run at a national title, while both Iowa and UCLA are set to face their steepest competition in quite some time. Braden Smith will look to continue being the engine of one of the more dangerous offensive units in the tournament left. The Bruins could use another stellar performance from Eric Dailey to survive vs UConn.
IOWA CITY — Unexpectedly having to dance around disaster when the NCAA Tournament lights flip on isn't usually a recipe for rational reactions.
Nuance tends to fade when the season dangerously dangles over the edge, especially when the expectations and seeding are as high as they are for Iowa women's basketball. At the same time, entirely chalking up a dicey performance to the madness of March can gloss over glaring areas of concerns.
Such is reality for the No. 2 seed Hawkeyes after needing a 40-minute survival effort against No. 15 seed FDU in the opening round on March 21. The 58-48 win inside a jam-packed Carver-Hawkeye Arena was an uncomfortable sweat, both literally and figuratively, as on-court temperatures pushed 90 degrees with no air conditioning in the building on an unseasonably hot afternoon in Iowa City.
With less than 48 hours until the Hawkeyes' season goes back on the line in the second round against No. 10 seed Virginia (Monday at 1 p.m. CT, ESPN), where should Iowa's appropriate level of concern lie?
The reality is this youthful core needed to feel this level of March tension up close and personal — and not just a coach or veteran teammate uttering words of wisdom. But a full-on freakout won't be productive either. How Iowa handles that balancing act will heavily influence whether this season continues outside its own arena.
"Having the intensity of this game was really important for us to experience," sixth-year guard Kylie Feuerbach said, "especially for those new bodies."
While it may seem like sifting through the clearance bin to pull Iowa positives out of this one, several important sophomores had never really plunged into this kind of pressure before. Yes, Ava Heiden, Taylor Stremlow and Chit-Chat Wright all entered with NCAA Tournament experience — yet nothing like what was thrown at them on this afternoon.
Stremlow and Heiden played double-digit minutes off the bench in both NCAA Tournament games last season, but that was as a No. 6 seed at Oklahoma with crowds far smaller than this one. As a freshman, Wright started on a No. 9-seed Georgia Tech team that was throttled in a largely empty Pauley Pavilion on the UCLA campus.
Although these three certainly aren't new to the elevated roles they were in against FDU, nor were they unfamiliar with a raucous Carver-Hawkeye Arena at their backs, this situation clearly took some adjusting.
With freshman contributions lacking, Stremlow (four points, seven assists) had to be on the floor and finished at +17 (Iowa outscored FDU by 17 points when she was on the court). Wright again nearly went the distance, scoring nine points in 39 minutes while finishing at +19. Neither found a 3-point shooting rhythm, as Iowa ended up 1-for-13 from deep with 12 consecutive misses after Wright splashed her first one home during Iowa's riveting start.
Heiden. however, was the clear guiding light. Her 29 points on 11-for-16 shooting, including an impressive 7-for-7 showing at the line, carried the Hawkeyes home when nothing else really stuck. Had it not been for her 15-point fourth quarter, Iowa is probably forced to stomach one of the most stunning upsets in NCAA Tournament history.
"Last year, our experience with March was a little more mainstream," said Heiden, who helped Iowa beat Murray State as a big favorite in her first NCAA Tournament game, then watched as higher-seeded Oklahoma convincingly ended Iowa's season. "This year, it was a tight game tonight. But we've all watched past games here at Iowa, and the coaching staff was talking about their past Elite Eight run (in 2019) with (a close game against) Mercer (in the first round)
"So anything can happen. And it probably will. But as long as we stick to our values and stay together as a team, I think we'll go pretty far."
The Hawkeyes still have every opportunity to do so even after this unimpressive beginning. And as Heiden alluded to, Iowa's 2019 NCAA Tournament run offers an easy example of how a performance like this one can be quickly hurdled.
Coming off a Big Ten Tournament title with national player of the year Megan Gustafson anchoring a highly touted squad, the Hawkeyes nearly faceplanted in a 66-61 first-round scare against No. 15 seed Mercer. That game was even closer than this one, with the Bears actually leading as the clock ticked under five minutes left.
What happened two days later? Iowa throttled No. 7 seed Missouri, then did the same to No. 3 seed North Carolina State in the Sweet 16 before falling to eventual national champion Baylor in the Elite Eight. All expectations were met despite the precarious beginning.
Iowa coach Jan Jensen brought up that Mercer win on Selection Sunday when asked about tense hosting moments over the years, then did so again in her postgame press conference after surviving FDU. Although the current Hawkeyes were fresh teenagers or not even when those events occurred, the parallels are there if Iowa can respond accordingly.
"Once we got that (Mercer) win, it was like 'Ahh' all of a sudden. I hope that's the same thing (with this team)," Jensen said. "But if we're going to sit here and think, 'Oh my gosh. That (FDU game) was terrible. That never happens.' Well, it happened then. And we went to the Elite Eight.
"We can all get critiqued, but we got the win. They've been pretty resilient all year, and I'm going to look at their resiliency."
Should Iowa topple Virginia with far less drama — the Hawkeyes are early 14.5-point favorites — this hosting experience will be just like the previous ones with only a single tension-filled matchup.
Concern about making that reality is fair after sputtering to the finish line against an FDU team Iowa should've dominated. So is optimism that an emphatic rebound is coming. It's on Iowa to pick this season's final Carver-Hawkeye Arena fate.
Dargan Southard is a sports trending reporter and covers Iowa athletics for the Des Moines Register and HawkCentral.com. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has issued an apology following controversial remarks he made about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma during a recent appearance on the Bring the Juice podcast, hosted by Frank Dalena.
In the discussion, Skattebo described CTE—a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma—as "an excuse" rather than a legitimate condition. He similarly dismissed asthma, calling it "fake" or "an excuse" and suggesting affected individuals could simply "breathe air."
The comments, delivered in a casual, off-the-cuff manner, aligned with Skattebo's established "knucklehead" persona, where he often leans into bold, humorous schtick for entertainment.
The remarks quickly circulated online after the podcast episode surfaced, drawing criticism from fans and observers sensitive to the serious health implications of head injuries in football and respiratory conditions like asthma. CTE, in particular, has been a focal point in NFL discussions, with extensive research linking it to long-term player safety concerns.
Skattebo addressed the backlash on social media.
I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma. I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks, and I…
While the joke reflected his lighthearted style, the episode serves as a reminder that, as a professional athlete in a high-profile league, even playful comments on sensitive topics can carry unintended weight and provoke strong reactions in today's environment.
Q: My question is this: Where was Kel’el Ware at the time of need? He was put in the game to exactly what he did not do, box out. – Roland, Borrego Springs, Calif.
A: Actually, Kel’el Ware was put in a tough spot in the loss to the Rockets, also having to keep a body on Alperen Şengün, which he did. When you look at the video of the final play, of Amen Thompson’s putback, Kel’el Ware did get solid position against Şengün, keeping him positioned away from the rebound. But with the Heat (correctly) throwing the kitchen sink at Kevin Durant, it left open considerable real estate for Thompson. What the Heat needed there was for Kel’el to simply get a hand or even a finger on the ball. But also look at where Pelle Larsson was on that final play, raising his hands as if in victory when Durant’s shot bounded off the rim, instead of remaining in chase mode. But the reality was Kel’el was so poor in his initial stint, that he stood practically unplayable in this one. Inserting Ware, though, was the right move for the final play. It’s almost as if he tried to box out two players and boxed out none. Growing pains. But he also was not alone in that failed final defensive possession.
Q: Ira, I like what Norman Powell did the first half of the season, and he did a lot with Tyler Herro out. But now he’s missing games again. You had mentioned his extension recently. – Scott.
A: Well, that’s supposed to be in the form of a question, but I’ll bite. First, of the 19 games Norman Powell has missed, three were for the birth of his daughter, so that is the type of leave any player deserves. But missing 16 due to ailments to this stage has to be concerning when talking about a 32-year-old who is extension eligible. While some of the speculation is that if the Heat move off of Tyler Herro or elect not to extend him then that money could instead go to Norm. But these ailments, including the recent seven-game absence with the groin strain, have to be concerning. So now we will see how long this calf tightness has him out. At some point, age and injury have to matter in a salary-cap league. The Heat soon enough will be at that crossroads with a payroll decision that could have enduring consequence.
Q: So the Dolphins finally realized that the status quo over the last few years was not working. Now they’re into a total rebuild and I don’t hear the fanbase complaining. When are the Heat going to come to the same realization? – Bob, Davie.
A: Apples and oranges. With their way of doing business, the Heat have been to the NBA Finals this decade in 2020 and ’23 and have made the playoffs each of the last six seasons. So there is a degree of success (unless you only count championships). Patience comes when you haven’t won a playoff game like the Dolphins since 2000. When you haven’t won anything of substance, you tend to be more open, as a fanbase, to trying anything and everything. That said, more play-in followed by anything close to last season’s first-round humiliation at the hands of the Cavaliers certainly could change the thinking of the Heat’s (still?) faithful.
England win European Deaf Futsal Championship: How Para Lionesses became champions
England have been crowned champions of the European Deaf Futsal Championship following their 3-1 win against Poland in the final.
The Para Lionesses have been out in Croatia to challenge for the title this month, which they will bring home after a hard-fought route to glory.
Her Football Hub have been keeping a close eye on their progress. Here’s a rundown of their journey to winning the Euros title.
The England women’s deaf team
The rules of deaf football are based off 11-a-side football. There is one adaption to the laws of the game — referees have a flag which they raise alongside blowing their whistle. This provides a visual cue for players, making it more accessible.
Internationally, players must remove their hearing aids during matches to ensure fairness for all. This isn’t the case domestically for club football. Deaf football is also based off futsal, where each team is a five-a-side. Find out more about deaf football and who can play.
Para Lionesses squad
England head coach Steve Daley selected a 13-player squad for the European championships:
Ellie Betteridge, Kate Bowers, Emma Brown, Danielle Evans, Natasha Hamm, Louise Hogan, Lucindha Lawson, Sophie Mernagh, Zara Musker, Maisie O’Shea, Lucy Scholes, Faye Williams and Macie White.
Match one: Fighting until the end
The Para Lionesses kicked off their Euros campaign with a hard-fought win over Poland. The first of their three group games saw them seal a 4-2 victory.
It was a noteworthy second half where most of the action took place. A brace from Lucindha Lawson and further strikes from Louise Hogan and Macie White proved enough to grab the win.
Match two: Building on success
Next up for the Para Lionesses was a second group game against Italy.
It was a nervy first half, before captain Zara Musker drove home a low shot following a corner from the right to give England the advantage just seconds before the break.
They doubled their lead five minutes into the second half when Faye Williams struck home a long-range shot, before White made it 3-0 with a shot from her own half after the Italian goalkeeper had come out, in the hopes of helping her team find a way back into the game.
Italy did pull a goal back, but England responded with two more goals in the final stages. The next saw Hogan score from her own box with a stunning effort.
The victory was rounded off with just over four minutes remaining when Musker scored from close range after being set up by Ellie Betteridge. Italy scored a second goal just before full-time though, making the final score 5-2.
Match three: Always finding a way back
Off the back of two wins from two, England went into their third and final group game against France full of momentum. They fell behind to an early goal from France, but they soon put the score level after Williams’ close range finish.
France hit back again as a flowing team move ended in an emphatic finish to put them 2-1 up. England weren’t done yet though, and Hogan levelled things up again with a low shot from the edge of the area after White provided the assist to set her up.
A pass from Betteridge provided White with a goal of her own, putting England ahead for the first time in the game.
The second half was less eventful with goals, as France desperately searched for a way back.
A win was secured with four minutes remaining when Hogan won possession in the France half before her low shot was diverted home from close range by White to net her second of the game. The 4-2 result saw England book their place in the semi-finals.
Match four: Beating rivals Ireland to book their spot in the final
A lot was riding on match four of the Women’s Deaf European Championships, as the winner would go through to the final. It was a matchup between none other than close rivals Ireland, who knocked the Para Lionesses out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage last summer.
Nothing separated the two teams in the first half. However, England took the lead four minutes into the second 45 when Hogan put the Para Lionesses ahead after exchanging passes with Betteridge.
Ireland hit back with 12 minutes to go on the clock, equalising from just inside the area. However, England quickly found a way back, when Betteridge’s low cross-shot into the area was met by Musker to make it 2-1.
With Ireland pushing for another equaliser, Betteridge wasn’t one to miss an opportunity and after two assists, put a precise finish into the bottom corner to make the final score 3-1.
The victory saw England book their place in the final against familiar opponents Poland.
Match five: the Para Lionesses become European champions
The Euros final was a rematch of the first group stage game with Poland.
Goalkeeper Emma Brown made a crucial save from a Poland free-kick in the first half as England dug deep not to let the early pressure beat them. The Para Lionesses soon opened the scoring when Lawson whipped the ball through the legs of the Poland goalkeeper from a Hogan pass.
Poland were hungry to find an equaliser, with Brown denying them two further close-range efforts. Lawson then capitalised with her second goal in the opening half, after Danielle Evans’ shot made its way to her from close range.
Although the score remained at 2-0 in the second half, England denied Poland with further opportunities. Betteridge and Evans came closest to England further advantaging their lead, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
The two goals in the first half were enough for England to claim the title. The 2-0 victory against Poland meant that England had completed a 100 percent record of five wins in the campaign.
Related articles from Her Football Hub:
FIFA passes new rule to make women’s coaches mandatory across tournaments
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Wembley special matchday programme for the Carabao Cup final
City can lift the first silverware of 2025/26 when they face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final this Sunday, and supporters can reserve their copy of the official commemorative programme to savour the occasion.
Pep Guardiola’s men beat holders Newcastle United 5-1 over their two-legged semi-final to book an incredible 22nd visit to Wembley under the Spaniard’s tenure.
We will meet Premier League leaders Arsenal at the national stadium, as Mikel Arteta’s men aim to stop us lifting the League Cup trophy for a ninth time.
City supporters can own the perfect accompaniment to such an epic occasion by reserving a copy of the EFL’s official commemorative matchday publication.
Jam-packed with opinion pieces, competition analysis and a welcome from the boss himself, there are also exclusive in-depth features with captain Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and the free-scoring Antoine Semenyo, to name but a few.
The 116-page A4 size spine-bound edition is priced at £10, plus post and packaging to a UK address, and can be ordered directly from Ignition Sports Media here.
This must-have piece treasured memorabilia will be posted first class via Royal Mail on Friday 14 March, although is not expected for a pre-event delivery.
Any pre-orders placed before Wednesday 18 March will be mailed first class on Friday 20, scheduling permitting, and should land on doorsteps no more than five working days after despatch.
Orders placed beyond the 18 March will be despatched in the week commencing 23 March onwards and to similar postage timescales.
Asian Cup final: Japan sink Australia to claim third title in front of tournament record crowd
On what was meant to be the night Australia’s golden generation etched their name in immortality, Maika Hamano tore the script up to seal the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for Japan.
A tournament that has smashed attendance records saw one final flourish as a tournament record 74,397 fans packed into Stadium Australia.
Japan came into the final as heavy favourites, having blitzed their way through the competition. Australia, on the other hand, had at times flattered to deceive, but were hopeful of the wall of green and gold pushing them over the line.
The Matildas started well and Sam Kerr forced Ayaka Yamashita into a smart stop with just two minutes on the clock.
Japan gradually seized the initiative and pinned Australia into their own half. However, chances did come for Joe Montemurro’s side. Caitlin Foord spurned a wonderful opening as she fired straight at Yamashita eleven minutes in.
Those missed chances took on greater significance when Hamano opened the scoring in stunning fashion. Some slick build-up on the Japanese left presented Hamano with the ball. The Chelsea star turned and unleashed a delightful effort from the edge of the box to stun the partisan crowd.
Foord had another chance just before the break, but, surrounded by blue shirts, she could only pull her shot wide of the post.
Riko Ueki should’ve added a second, but she just could only head wide early into the second half. Moments later, she was denied by Mackenzie Arnold. The Australia goalkeeper stood tall to beat the ball away from close range after being threaded in by Hamano.
Recap the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup here
As precious seconds ticked away, Australia grew as an attacking force. Hayley Raso was denied by some brilliant last-ditch defending from Hiarku Kitagawa.
An almighty goalmouth scramble saw Emily van Egmond twice thwarted along with a follow-up from Foord. Alanna Kennedy’s header that Yamashita clung onto with everything she had was the final chance for Montemurro’s side.
The final whistle bought the Australian players to their knees as the victorious Japan side flooded the pitch. It was the third final in which Japan have triumphed over their Aussie counterparts, following on from 2014 and 2018. Those two previous finals were also settled by just a single goal.
For Nils Nielsen, it was time for a well earned beer — if he can find a place open late enough, that is…
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FIFA passes new rule to make women’s coaches mandatory across tournaments
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‘Thank you Mr Slot’ – Ex-Red’s brutal Liverpool verdict
It was another frustrating afternoon for us at the Amex, and Jermaine Pennant didn’t hold back when reacting to Liverpool’s defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.
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The former Red’s comments reflect a growing feeling around the fanbase right now, with performances continuing to swing wildly from one game to the next.
Pennant delivers brutal verdict
Taking to X after the 2-1 defeat, Pennant questioned both the performance levels and the wider direction of the team under Arne Slot.
“Liverpool got out ran again today, and Brighton had a 40 year old [James Milner] playing in midfield.
“We are cooked, Champions League football next season? No chance.
“Thank you Mr Slot for the Premier League title and your service but I wish you all the best next season on your future endeavours.”
It’s a strong reaction, but it taps into a key issue that has been highlighted repeatedly this season, with Liverpool often second best physically despite the quality available in the squad.
Growing criticism after Brighton loss
Pennant’s comments aren’t isolated either, with John Aldridge also venting his frustration after the match, pointing to defensive issues and the fact we were once again outrun by the opposition.
That theme was echoed by Stephen Warnock, who criticised the team’s lack of physical edge and described us as “soft”, highlighting how easily Brighton were able to impose themselves on the game.
When you combine those views, a clear pattern emerges, and it’s not just about tactics or individual errors, it’s about intensity, organisation and the ability to compete in key moments.
This latest defeat now leaves us in a difficult position in the race for Champions League football, with just 49 points from 31 games and momentum slipping at a crucial stage of the campaign.
After the high of dismantling Galatasaray, this was another reminder that consistency remains the biggest problem facing Slot’s side, and unless that changes quickly, the concerns raised by former players may start to feel less like overreactions and more like an accurate reflection of where we are right now.
If extra terrestrials landed in New Haven and somehow traveled north to Hartford on I-91, passing all the billboards, they could teleport two conclusions back to their planet: Earthlings must get into an awful lot of accidents, and they can get help from the firm of Strong, Arnold and Fudd.
We jest, but throughout the state there is evidence of the potential of the UConn basketball brand in local advertising in this age of name-image-likeness, offering endorsement opportunities not available in other markets. Now as March Madness plays out, and viewers see some commercials so many times they can lip sync by the Round of 16, the whole country will be getting to know the UConn players, who will be featured in several national ad campaigns throughout the NCAA Tournament.
Since Selection Sunday, you’ve seen Solo Ball offering tax preparation tips in his baritone voice. (“You can do it solo, and you’ll have a ball, no pun intended … wink.”) … Geno Auriemma and his players drawing up plays with breakfast items for a hotel chain. … Men’s and women’s players talking investments. …KK Arnold and Silas Demary Jr. envisioning you behind the wheel of a new car. … And like good neighbors, Sarah Strong and Malachi Smith are there to help you insure it.
Modern college athletes are adept at creating content for social media, and at UConn they get more far experience interacting with media than in many places.
“They’re in some ways naturals behind the camera,” said Dominic Godi, UConn’s associate AD for strategic initiatives. “which is a unique skill and it makes them more attractive to future companies. They know they have the charisma to be potential talent in future deals.”
Ball’s spot for TurboTax was filmed in January at Gampel Pavilion, a 14-hour production with a crew of 30. Word was spread on campus that “extras” were needed, and about 100 students showed up, paid an hourly wage, and moved around to different sections to provide a backdrop.
“That was stunning, I don’t think any of us were prepared for that,” Dan Hurley said Sunday, after the men’s team watched the Selection Show and saw the finished product. “We didn’t know that was a national spot, we thought it might be a local Connecticut commercial. It was impressive, Solo’s a handsome guy, very charismatic.”
For Invesco QQQ commercials, the massive amount of space available in the new volleyball facility, the converted former hockey rink, served well for three days, 18 hours, as Auriemma and some of his players filmed one spot, a group of men’s players another, and Braylon Mullins a third. Don’t want to be a spoiler, but a popular member of the Yard Goats staff makes an appearance. Yeah, a live goat. Learfield’s production team, UConn’s NIL staffers and Invesco’s marketing agency were on site to set up across three full volleyball courts.
“It works in different ways with different opportunities,” Godi said. “(Some companies) have partnerships with the NCAA, so there’s some synergy there. … A lot of times the agents will have their relationships in the corporate space, and have a deal with the athlete. Then at UConn, our NIL department provides service to the athletes, whether it’s getting them access to our facilities. We have our own sales team selling NIL opportunities and existing partners. CampusOne is a third-party company that has been selling NIL opportunities and procured a lot of these deals. Learfield will bring in a production team to put it together.”
The ads for Nissan Pathfinder were filmed at UConn on March 1 and 2, two-hour shoots on driving around the snow on the Storrs campus for Arnold and Demary. Strong and Smith each spent two hours in Gampel filming segments for State Farm’s “Stanchion to Stanchion” series, where they walk the length of the court for a Q and A. Earlier, when she did the commercials for Jordan’s Furniture, Strong said she really enjoyed the “acting” piece. Both Strong and Smith made mandatory half-court shots, Strong apparently on the first take. Fudd has insurance spots, too, for Geico.
Current NIL Store data indicates Fudd, Strong and Arnold merchandise have been consistently in the top 10 in sales.
“Everybody in America knows our starting five, everybody in America knows our guys coming off the bench,” Auriemma said. “That doesn’t happen just anywhere. (At other places), you have to be big enough to create your own. We have more sponsorships and NIL opportunities for these kids with Fortune 500 (companies) than anyone else in the country, men or women. People are starting to love partnering with women’s programs, they feel they get more value out of it.”
Auriemma and a few players spent a off day at a Marriott filming various spots. One has the coach wearing a post-it note name tag on his forehead, while Kayleigh Heckel says he looks like “a grandpa” and Fudd mimes his angry, sideline gape. For another ad, some actors were used to fill out a team for a pep talk, and in another Auriemma illustrated plays using an apple for Azzi, an orange for Sarah.
It may be funny business, but business it is. UConn is the most prominent school in which both the men’s and women’s programs are so well known, making for such crossover appeal, so it’s positioned to dominate March Madness … in more ways than one.
“You have two basketball programs that have the chance to compete throughout the entire tournament,” Godi said. “It speaks to the value of their NIL in these commercial deals, because where else can you partner with both men’s and women’s basketball programs and have a high likelihood of return on investment. It just builds momentum, because the more successful our programs are, the bigger stage they’re on, so the NIL value of each athlete on the teams goes up and it helps with future deals.”
More for your Sunday Read:
Hall High lacrosse to honor slain teammate
The high school lacrosse season begins on April 4, and Hall-West Hartford will be missing senior Camden Siegal, the teen who was shot outside PeoplesBank Arena while waiting for a ride home on Feb. 22. He died from his injuries two days later.
Siegal, who also played soccer at Hall, will be remembered throughout the lacrosse season, as he had been looking forward to his last season with nine other seniors. Coach Keith Blum remembered that Siegal was “always the first to celebrate others’ (goals), ready with a fist or chest bump, and he carried a constant smile.”
Camden will be named honorary captain. The team will wear decals on their game jerseys, and their warmup shirts will feature the name Siegal and his No. 23. At the opening game, there will be brief remarks, followed by 23 seconds of silence.
His family has established the Camden Siegal Memorial Fund through the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, which will support causes and organizations that meant the most to him, such as academic and sports scholarships for youth in the West Hartford community. Donations may be sent by check to P.O. Box 370366, West Hartford, 06137, or via Venmo (@CamdenSiegal_MemorialFund).
Sunday short takes
*Here’s a fun fact I bet you didn’t know: Heckel’s father, Wally, played minor-league baseball in the Blue Jays’ organization. Among his teammates at St. Catherines (New York-Penn League) in 1990 was future UConn men’s basketball, NBA star and longtime SCSU coach Scott Burrell.
*Former Xavier High and UConn quarterback Tim Boyle, who has had a long NFL career, is among the latest inductees in Middletown Sports Hall of Fame. Inductions are April 19 at the Elks Club. In the Class of ’26 with Boyle are Paul Cubeta, Edward Zywocienski and Stanley “Gus” Gecewicz (posthumously), James Imme, Thomas Liedke, Michael Lombardo, Tory Satagaj Post, Leandra Privott, Cindy Krupa Smith, Joseph Summa, the 1970 Xavier cross country team, Class L and State Open champs, and the 1992 Middletown High football team, CIAC Class M champs.
*Jada Habisch, one of the top scorers in UConn women’s hockey history, has made her pro debut for Seattle in the PWHL.
*Stafford High’s Josh Simpson, a lefty reliever who worked in 31 MLB games last season, was traded last month from the Marlins to the Mariners for cash considerations. He’s been optioned to the minors, but is on the Mariners’ 40-man roster and could be an important bullpen component for a contender.
*Annual plea: Having two NCAA Regionals in one place doesn’t work, especially when both sites are west of the Mississippi River. Hartford, Providence, Boston, New York, Philly, D.C. have plenty of right-sized venues to make travel easier for East Coast women’s basketball fans. Are they trying to grow the sport, or shrink the fan base?
*As Division I women’s basketball jobs begin to open in the region, here’s a reminder that SCSU’s Kate Lynch would be a high-caliber candidate for any such job, as would her husband, Dave Jollon, who has been an assistant and successful recruiter at Fairfield, Sacred Heart and St. Peter’s.
*Look for slugging outfielder Max Belyeu, former Big 12 Player of the Year at Texas, to make his way to Hartford to play with the Yard Goats this season. A second-round pick in ’25, Belyeu hit .318 with 27 homers in 106 college games as the Longhorns moved to the SEC during his career. He’s on a fast track to MLB.
*At our Q&A at the Bushnell last week, Jim Calhoun was asked about European Basketball. “You know why European players shoot so well?” he asked, then he explained that children there shoot at lower baskets, eight feet, so from a young age they learn proper shooting techniques. In America, youngsters shooting at 10-foot rims just “throw it” until they’re old enough to reach the basket, Calhoun said.
*Former UHart coach Dan Leibovitz, who has been a key figure in basketball operations for the American Athletic Conference, SEC and Big East, will bring his wealth of experience and astuteness to the Atlantic 10 as commissioner.
Last word
People like the WBC, it’s fun, it’s entertaining, the players enjoy it, I get all that. But some folks need to snap out of it here. Since there is no way a manager could ever be allowed to use any player, particularly pitchers, in any way necessary to win an elimination or championship game, it’s still essentially a series of all-star exhibition games. Any comparisons to the World Series are ludicrous.
Chloe Jenkins of top-ranked Ontario Christian High scores on a layup during an 80-66 win over Etiwanda in a regional semifinal. (Steve Galluzzo / For The Times)
A look at the top 20 high school girls' basketball teams in the Southland, according to CalHiSports.com.
The Atlanta Falcons have successfully filled out the bottom half of their roster with low-risk, high-upside additions over the first two weeks of NFL free agency. On Friday, the Falcons made another move by acquiring safety Sydney Brown in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Brown, a former third-round pick, gives the team another quality depth piece with the ability to start if necessary. This has been a consistent theme of Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham's first offseason. The team has signed several quality veterans with starting experience, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and edge Samson Ebukam.
Since the team has added over a dozen players, it's time for an updated roster breakdown. Check out each Falcons position group following Friday's trade with the Eagles below (additions/re-signings in bold).
Quarterback (2)
Michael Penix Jr. (9)
Tua Tagovailoa
Tagovailoa replaces Kirk Cousins in Atlanta's quarterback room this season. The former No. 5 pick was released by the Dolphins two years into a four-year, $212 million extension he signed in 2024. Tagovailoa signed with the Falcons for the league minimum and is expected to compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting QB job in 2026.
Running Back (3)
Bijan Robinson (7)
Carlos Washington Jr. (23)
Nathan Carter (25)
Former Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier signed a two-year, $12.2 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The team has yet to add any free-agent running backs, but they have two former undrafted free agents with decent upside in Nathan Carter and Carlos Washington Jr. We'll see if the team adds anyone over next few weeks in free agency or in the 2026 NFL Draft next month.
Wide Receiver (7)
Drake London (5)
Chris Blair (19)
Dylan Drummond (81)
Casey Washington (82)
Deven Thompkins (83)
Jahan Dotson
Olamide Zaccheaus
The Falcons said goodbye to Darnell Mooney and KhaDarel Hodge at the start of NFL free agency, freeing up roughly $10 million cap space. The team used that money to sign former first-round pick Jahan Dotson to a two-year, $15 million contract. Atlanta also brought back Olamide Zaccheaus, who began his career with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent.
Tight End (4)
Kyle Pitts (8)
Charlie Woerner (89)
Joshua Simon (47)
Austin Hooper
The Falcons used the franchise tag on Kyle Pitts, keeping the former top-five pick in Atlanta for at least one more season. Joining Pitts is former Falcons third-round pick Austin Hooper. Plus, veteran Charlie Woerner returns for another year. Hooper can provide some depth to what should be a solid tight end room in Atlanta this season.
Offensive Linemen (11)
Jake Matthews (70)
Matthew Bergeron (65)
Ryan Neuzil (64)
Chris Lindstrom (63)
Kaleb McGary (76)
Andrew Steuber (62)
Kyle Hinton (68)
Jack Nelson (69)
Michael Jerrell (72)
Storm Norton (77)
Corey Levin
Atlanta let Jovaughn Gwyn and Elijah Wilkinson walk in free agency. While Gwyn was a backup, Wilkinson started all 17 games for the Falcons last season in place of injured right tackle Kaleb McGary. Wilkinson signed with the Arizona Cardinals. The Falcons signed veteran Corey Levin. The former Titans offensive lineman can provide depth at center and guard this season.
Defensive Linemen (8)
Brandon Dorlus (53)
Ruke Orhorhoro (98)
Zach Harrison (96)
Elijah Garcia (91)
Ben Stille (95)
LaCale London (94): Re-signed
Da'Shawn Hand
Chris Williams
The Falcons lost veteran David Onyemata, who signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets in free agency, and signed former Chargers defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand as a replacement. Hand started 13 games last year. Plus, the team signed former Bears defensive tackle Chris Williams for depth. LaCale London also returns after posting a career-high five-sacks last season. Meanwhile, Kentavius Street departed for Chicago.
Linebackers (6)
Divine Deablo (0)
JD Bertrand (40)
Malik Verdon (43)
Troy Andersen (44): Adjusted contract
Christian Harris
Channing Tindall
The big loss here is Kaden Elliss. The veteran linebacker signed a three-year $33 million contract with the rival New Orleans Saints. The Falcons added former Georgia Bulldog Channing Tindall and former Texans linebacker Christian Harris. It's going to take more than one player to replace Elliss, which appears to be the team's approach situation in free agency. Divine Deablo returns following a tremendous first season in Atlanta, and Troy Andersen is back on a revised contract. Andersen's versatility could give him an inside track to the starting job.
EDGE (6)
Jalon Walker (11)
James Pearce Jr. (27)
Balen Trice (48)
Azeez Ojulari
Samson Ebukam
Cameron Thomas
The Falcons have added three players to their edge group thus far, signing veterans Azeez Ojulari, Samson Ebukam and Cameron Thomas. These three will help replace Arnold Ebiketie, Leonard Floyd and potentially James Pearce Jr., if he has to miss time this season. On paper, this looks like one of the better edge groups in the NFL.
Cornerbacks (10)
A.J. Terrell (24)
Mike Hughes (21)
Billy Bowman Jr. (33)
Cobee Bryant (37)
Clark Phillips III (22)
C.J. Henderson (39)
Mike Ford Jr. (28)
A.J. Woods (30)
Natrone Brooks (35): Contract extended
Darnay Holmes
The Falcons are adding veteran Darnay Holmes to their cornerback room. The former Raider has experience in the slot and can provide some depth behind Billy Bowman Jr. Starters A.J. Terrell and Mike Hughes will both return in 2026. However, Dee Alford landed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Cobee Bryant and Clark Phillips III could be in for a bigger roles.
Safeties (6)
Jessie Bates III (3)
Xavier Wats (31)
DeMarcco Hellams (23)
Jammie Robinson (34)
Tysheem Johnson (41)
Sydney Brown
The Falcons traded for former Eagles safety Sydney Brown, who will provide depth to one of the deepest position groups on the team. Starters Jessie Bates III and Xavier Watts will be back in 2026. The play-making duo combined for eight interceptions last season. Former seventh-round pick DeMarcco Hellams is also set to return for his fourth season.
Special Teams (4)
LS: Liam McCullough (49)
P: Gil Trenton (32)
K: Nick Folk
P: Jake Bailey
The Falcons signed kicker Nick Folk and punter Jake Bailey in free agency as replacements for Zane Gonzalez and Bradley Pinion. Atlanta's former special teams duo rejoined forces in Miami. Folk is one of the most accurate and experienced kickers in the NFL.
With the Pittsburgh Steelers kicking off the new league year with a bang, many would assume it would be impossible not to give credit where credit is due. Well, they'd be wrong — at least if you ask Fox Sports.
Earlier in the week, Fox Sports' Ben Arthur rated each NFL team's free agency haul and whether they've gotten "better" or "worse." Although the Steelers brought in Michael Pittman Jr. at receiver, Jamel Dean at cornerback, Rico Dowdle at running back, and Jaquan Brisker at safety, Arthur argued the Steelers were worse.
"Rico Dowdle is an upgrade over Kenneth Gainwell in the backfield, and the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. gives the Steelers a much-needed running mate to pair with DK Metcalf at receiver," Arthur wrote. "But you can’t say Pittsburgh is better off, as it remains in quarterback limbo. There’s been no update on Aaron Rodgers, and the available QB options aren’t promising, either."
While Arthur is right to be concerned over the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh, it's tough to take any criticism against the Steelers' 2026 free agency haul seriously.
Hopefully, Rodgers, who was just spotted at a flag football tournament with Steelers QB Will Howard, can officially announce his return to Pittsburgh sooner rather than later so the team can get the proper respect they deserve after an exciting past couple of weeks.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Maryland women's basketball coach Brenda Frese calmly shook Murray State head coach Rechelle Turner’s hand before celebrating with her team Friday afternoon.
For the Terrapins, the 99-67 win punched their ticket to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. For Frese, it was simply another step in a career that has quietly become one of the most accomplished in women’s college basketball history.
When conversations turn to the sport’s most influential coaches, names like Dawn Staley, Kim Mulkey and Geno Auriemma often dominate while Frese’s résumé gets overlooked. But year after year, the Maryland head coach continues to add to her legacy.
Now in her third decade leading the Terrapins, Frese has built the program into one of the most consistent in the country, highlighted by a national championship in 2006. Leading Maryland to 16 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances is a feat in itself, but Frese's impact extends beyond the wins and tournament appearances.
“She’s one of the reasons why I came to play for Maryland,” junior guard Oluchi Okananwa said of her coach. “The way that she’s able to just stay level-headed and calm, because they’ve done this before.”
With at least one tournament win in 15 of the last 16 seasons, Frese has always done a great job preparing her teams for March.
“We’re in tune to our process,” Frese said Saturday. “We understand it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we want to be peaking in March.”
Frese’s coaching experience will be tested Sunday against a familiar regional opponent in North Carolina.
The Tar Heels have built momentum of their own, setting up a matchup between two programs who each hope to make a deep postseason run.
Since Maryland left the ACC for the Big Ten in 2014, the Terrapins and Tar Heels will meet for the first time. Frese still holds an 11-12 record as a head coach when facing North Carolina, with no win being bigger than in the 2006 Final Four, where the Terrapins defeated the Tar Heels 81-70.
Sunday's game won't be Frese's first time coaching against North Carolina head coach Courtney Banghart either. When Banghart was at Princeton, she led them to a historic 31-1 season. The team's only loss that season came against Maryland in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
“What Brenda has done, consistency in this business is really hard,” Banghart said Friday. “The fact that she's been able to be so loved at Maryland and win so many games consistently is remarkable.”
With another NCAA Tournament run underway and another challenge waiting Sunday, the Maryland head coach is doing what she has done for years: Preparing her team for the next game while quietly strengthening her legacy.
Carter Braun is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
Things couldn't have gone much better for the Blue Jackets on March 21 in their hunt for playoff spot, including their 5-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken to bolster their position in third place of the Metropolitan Division with 13 games remaining.
The Pittsburgh Penguins won to stave off a potential takeover by Columbus for second in the Metro, but more important to the Blue Jackets (37-21-11) was the New York Islanders' loss in Montreal. That kept the Islanders (83 points) just outside the playoffs in the Eastern Conference going into a March 22 matchup against the Jackets in Elmont, New York (7 p.m.) to conclude a back-to-back for each team.
Simulation models used by MoneyPuck and The Athletic give the Blue Jackets strong percentage chances to reach the NHL's postseason for first time in six years. Betting odds also favor that outcome.
According to MoneyPuck, an NHL statistical site that provides projections, the Blue Jackets improved their chances of making the playoffs to 84.4% as of 10:32 p.m. ET on March 21. Defeating the Kraken also boosted their chance of advancing to the second round of the playoffs from 40.3% to 47.7% according to MoneyPuck, which derives percentages by running simulations of the remaining NHL schedule 100,000 times.
The Athletic simulate its remaining NHL schedule 50,000 times to get its projections, and that model gives the Blue Jackets an 88% chance to qualify for the playoffs. As for points, MoneyPuck forecasts the Blue Jackets to finish with 100.2 points, while The Athletic model predicts 100.1 points.
MoneyPuck gives Columbus a 5.4% chance of winning the Stanley Cup, while The Athletic says 4% for that outcome.
Sportsbooks are no longer giving odds to make the playoffs for the Blue Jackets, but they are offering odds on their chances to win the Metropolitan Division, Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup.
DraftKings gives the Jackets its sixth-best odds to win the Eastern Conference at +1,500 and assigns them its 13th-best odds at +4,000 to win the Cup.
FanDuel gives Columbus its fifth-best odds to win the East at +1,400 and 11th-best odds at +3,500 to win the Cup. The Colorado Avalanche are favored to win the Cup at +290 on DraftKings and +350 on FanDuel. BetMGM has the Blue Jackets at +1,800 with the seventh-best odds to win the Eastern Conference and 11th-best at +4,000 to win the Cup.
The Blue Jackets have four games remaining against teams they’re competing with for a playoff spot, starting with the Islanders on March 22 in Elmont, New York. The Jackets also have home games March 29 and April 12 against the Boston Bruins (86 points), who defeated the Detroit Red Wings (84 points) on March 21 to retain the East's first wild-card spot. The Blue Jackets also play the Red Wings on April 7 in Detroit.
Here’s a look at how things are going in the Blue Jackets' final 20 games:
The Buckeyes breezed past Northeastern in a Frozen Four semifinal game with a 5-0 win. U.S. gold medalist and Ohio State captain Joy Dunne opened the scoring just over ten minutes into the second period. Three more goals followed Dunne's in the same period, with scores from WHCA Rookie of the Year Hilda Svensson, junior Kaia Malachino and captain Emma Peschel.
Senior defender Sara Swiderski scored early in the third period to cap off the frenzy. Senior goaltender Haley Macleod saved 15 shots through 60 minutes for her fifth shutout of the year.
The Buckeyes were 1-3 against the WCHA regular-season champion Badgers before winning the WCHA Final Faceoff on March 7, earning them the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
Wisconsin won a 4-3 overtime thriller against tournament host Penn State in the other Frozen Four semifinal.
Ohio State coach Nadine Muzerall is looking for the third national championship of her tenure. This is the Buckeyes' seventh trip to the Frozen Four during her time at the helm, and she signed a new five-year contract on March 19.
When does Ohio State women's Hockey play in the national championship?
The Buckeyes take on the Badgers in the national championship game at 4 p.m. March 22.
How to watch Ohio State vs. Northeastern in Frozen Four
You can watch the national championship game on ESPNU with a TV provider. Streaming the game is available on the ESPN app with a subscription, or on Fubo, which has a free trial available.
In a little more than two months, the Blue Jackets have gone from an utterly frustrated bunch to one of the NHL’s most confident teams with the NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs in sight.
Putting it in hockey parlance, they’re an absolute wagon after climbing from last in the Eastern Conference to third in the Metropolitan Division, and nobody’s beaming more than Rick Bowness, the head coach who left the ease of retirement Jan. 12 to rejoin the NHL’s coaching ranks.
“They make it easier coming out of retirement,” Bowness said after the Blue Jackets’ 5-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on March 21 at sold-out Nationwide Arena. “I love coming out of retirement for this. This is awesome. We’re all having fun, right?”
A big road matchup March 22 against the New York Islanders means there’s little time for the Blue Jackets (37-21-11) to enjoy their fourth straight win and 12th straight game earning points, but there’s enough to review what’s happened in Columbus the past two months.
Bowness didn’t just leave retirement. He docked his boat in South Florida, got a thumbs up from his wife, Judy, and walked away from a studio gig on TNT to take over the bench for a last place team brimming with talent and lacking two qualities that now make these Blue Jackets a difficult matchup.
Structure and confidence.
“I mean, ever since we hired ‘Bones,’ what are we, like 18-2-4 or something like that?” forward Cole Sillinger said. “I mean, it’s crazy how the change of energy and a new voice coming in here (helped). ‘Bones’ is such a good leader, really good at teaching principles and I think that just has cleared it up for our group.”
That’s an understatement and spot on. The Blue Jackets are a shiny new wagon in the NHL, and it’s feeling safer by the day to jump onboard. Here are three takeaways:
Sillinger is just 22 and he’s already playing his fifth full NHL season. His goal-scoring is the last thing that needs a boost, but otherwise he’s become quite an NHL forward.
After skating mostly at center in his first four seasons, starting at age 18, Sillinger has begun to thrive on the outside. He’s playing left wing on a fearsome checking line centered by Charlie Coyle and is starting to look like a second pivot while doing it.
He can still take faceoffs, if needed, gets to pucks and hangs onto them, and lately has begun using his vision and hands to set up teammates for scoring chances. Sillinger dished out primary assists on the Blue Jackets’ second and third goals in the first period, blocked two shots, delivered a hit and then scored into an empty net late in the third to seal a win from near center ice.
His seventh goal was his first since Jan. 24 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, ending a 17-game drought, but goals have become a bonus with an impressive young forward.
Kent Johnson and Sean Monahan were already improving under Bowness’ instruction, but general manager Don Waddell adding speedy, snarly undersized Conor Garland at the March 6 trade deadline pushed their wattage to a new brightness.
Garland is a dynamic skater with elite hand-eye skills, and he’s not shy about sticking his nose into puck battles to make things happen. He helps clear the Blue Jackets’ defensive zone, keeps pucks alive in the offensive zone and plays with an intensity that sets a tone that brings out the best in Monahan and Johnson.
Likewise, their elite puck skills pair perfectly with Garland, and that’s not to mention the Jackets’ impressive collection of two-way defensemen who can play that style too. Garland has scored five goals in eight games with the Blue Jackets and set up a tap-in for Johnson that re-established a two-goal lead, 4-2, in the second period.
Kaapo Kakko had just cut it to 3-2 for Seattle with Johnson in the penalty box for high-sticking, but a full-length rush started by Zach Werenski’s stretch pass ended in Seattle’s net. Werenski’s pass was redirected by Adam Fantilli to Garland, who took it toward the left post before passing Johnson on the opposite side.
According to Natural Stat Trick, the Blue Jackets took 59% of the game’s shot attempts in the 10:30 of 5-on-5 that Garland, Monahan and Johnson skated together.
Werenski finished with three secondary assists on Blue Jackets’ first three goals to build a 3-0 lead in the first period. His stretch pass to Fantilli on Johnson’s goal didn’t officially count as a helper on the scoresheet, since passes by Fantilli and Garland notched those, but it was every bit as important in the play.
Werenski was dangerous, including four power plays that didn’t produce a goal, and the Jackets’ leading scorer is back to full strength after an ugly bout with an illness. Werenski has 75 points on 20 goals and 55 assists and trails Edmonton’s Evan Bouchard by four points for the scoring lead among NHL defensemen.
He’s played eight games fewer than Bouchard, so Werenski leads NHL defensemen with a 1.21 points per game average while also leading them in even-strength points (54) and co-leading all blue-liners in goals (17) with Washington’s Jakob Chychrun.
Werenski’s multi-point outing was his 24th of the season, which tied Rick Nash for second all-time in franchise history. He needs just one more in the Jackets' final 13 games to tie former Blue Jackets forward Artemi Panarin for most in one season.
The Valspar Championship is the final stop in the Florida Swing for the early part of the 2026 PGA Tour. And though the players are coming off a signature event in the Players Championship, quite a few of the top 50 players in the world are teeing it up in Palm Harbor.
This year's total purse for the Valspar Championship totals $9.1 million, which is up about $400,000 from 2025.
Here's a look at who's winning what in this year's tournament:
This season, the winner of the Valspar Championship earns $1.638 million, which is 18% of the total purse at the event. First place is the only winner position in this tournament that will earn over $1 million.
Valspar Championship total purse, payout structure
The total purse for the 2026 Valspar Championship is $9.1 million dollars. Here's a look at the top 10 payouts:
With OSU up 3-2, the Buckeyes made a late mental mistake and were called for having too many skaters on the ice, giving Wisconsin a power play. The ensuing final minutes included an infraction in the crease for covering the puck, a Wisconsin penalty shot that tied the game, and then an overtime goal from Kirsten Simms on the rush that gave the Badgers the title and left the Buckeyes devastated.
Ohio State coach Nadine Muzerall has been talking about wanting to play Wisconsin again in the title game and referring to her feelings about the possible rematch as a “vendetta.” She admitted that her word choice there is very deliberate. Her husband, Ryan Venturine, once built a 1965 Ford Mustang from scratch and called the car “Vendetta.” The name resonated with Muzerall.
“I loved that name because of the meaning of the word. I thought it was very fitting because it's also a fast race car that was completely bad--- and pretty. And I just thought it really exemplified who my team is,” Muzerall said.
Wisconsin and Ohio State are poised for their fourth-straight women’s hockey national championship matchup, and Muzerall hopes her players embody the look, feel and attitude of that old car. The speed and swagger may help them get past their rivals, who’ve had a slight edge over the past four years.
The two teams have played 21 times in that span. Each team has won 10 games and one game ended in a 3-3 tie. Crucially, though, in their three national championship matchups to date, Wisconsin has the advantage. UW took a 1-0 win in 2023. OSU answered with a 1-0 victory of their own to earn the title in 2024, and the Badgers miraculously pulled off that 4-3 overtime win in 2025.
So no, Ohio State doesn’t hate Wisconsin. Hostility might be a better word. There’s a deep respect between the programs. But Ohio State does carry a vendetta. They’re looking to score some recompense come March 22.
“We've been here before,” said Muzerall. “Hopefully it's a similar story with a different ending, but we're excited. We've been planning all year with how the season ended last year. Is there a vendetta? Of course there is, and there should be excitement with that. But we're ready to go, and we're excited for the task at hand.”
Ohio State defender Emma Peschel played in a national championship game her freshman year. It was a dream come true, she said. Nothing she ever expected.
But things have changed. Now the team has returned to three more of those games, and it’s not a novelty; it’s an expectation. And the seniors have a distaste for losing one-goal title matches, especially to them.
“It's a really deep-rooted rivalry,” said Peschel. “The last four years have been us and them. We know the commitment that it takes and the drive that we have. It starts in September, when we get on campus. We start preseason and we know that this is the game that you want to come and play in.
“We've grown to know a lot about their program, and that rivalry continues to get bigger and bigger, and I think they feel the same way. It's the best college hockey you'll be able to watch, and I stand by that, and I think both teams will bring their best [March 22]. It'll be physical, it'll be fast, and it'll be fun hockey.”
Wisconsin won three of four games between the teams during the regular season, but the Buckeyes dominated UW in the WCHA conference tournament championship game, causing Badger coach Mark Johnson to say afterwards that his team did not bring their “A-game” to the match.
Despite their repeated meetings in high-pressure and high-leverage situations and both coaches doing their best to keep their team even-keeled, it’s impossible to ignore that there’s a lot more on the line for this final meetup of the season.
“I think the meaning of the game and the opportunity that's at the end for the winning team hopefully gets everybody on both sides of the aisle ready to play their best game,” said Johnson. “If Ohio State plays their best game, and [Wisconsin] plays our best game? Oh, what a treat.
“... It's going to be special. It's going to be fun. And there's going to be a lot of people around the country that are going to be watching it. At the end of the day, if that ends up happening, in the big picture, women's hockey is going to win out.”
That may be true, but Muzerall wants to make sure her team wins out, as well. That means learning from last year and ensuring her team is prepared and won’t find themselves in a similar situation.
“We have to make sure we keep them calm on the bench and focused,” she said. “Last year, we did have an error that cost us a championship. So, we're going to pursue perfection. We won't reach it, but we're going to really be cautious of not making a big error like that again.
“What I do know is going to be a really good game.”
The third day of the Women's NCAA Tournament gets underway Sunday with matchups across the country. Eight games will be held across eight sites as we get down to the round of 32. The winners of Sunday’s games will advance to the Sweet 16.
Odds say we'll see a repeat Final Four with UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina. There are now 28 other teams remaining who want to have a say in that.
The times listed can vary slightly if preceding contests run long, but there should always be something happening throughout the afternoon and evening hours. Here’s the ranking of all the games and everything you need to know about how to watch Sunday’s contests.
1. No. 5 Maryland vs. No. 4 North Carolina
Time/TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN
An old ACC rivalry will be renewed when the Terps take on the Tar Heels in the first game of the day on Sunday. It will mark the first meeting between the two teams since the 2014 ACC Tournament, where UNC handed Maryland a 73-70 loss in the Terps’ final game in the league before bolting for the Big Ten. Maryland coach Brenda Frese beat UNC in the 2006 Final Four en route to winning her only national championship. UNC coach Courtney Banghart twice lost to Frese and the Terps in the NCAA Tournament when she was the head coach at Princeton.
2. No. 6 Baylor vs. No. 3 Duke
Time/TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN
This is a rematch of the season-opener for both teams, as Baylor took a 58-52 win over Duke in November in Paris, France. The Blue Devils are a little bit different now. That loss was one of six they endured in non-conference play before breaking off a 17-game winning streak. One significant change to Duke’s lineup was inserting Riley Nelson for Jadyn Donovan. For Baylor, Taliah Scott led them in scoring with 24 points in that win over Duke while Darianna Littlepage-Buggs had a double-double. They’ll need similar production from their two stars to upset the Blue Devils.
Minnesota avoided an upset on Friday as the Gophers trailed Green Bay by four points entering the fourth quarter before breaking off a 30-9 run to win by 17. Meanwhile, Ole Miss nearly led wire-to-wire in a comfortable double-digit win over Gonzaga where the Rebels flexed their athleticism, scoring 23 points off turnovers and 40 points in the paint. Under Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Ole Miss has been to the Sweet 16 twice in the past three years by winning their second-round game as the lower-seeded team.
4. No. 7 NC State vs. No. 2 Michigan
Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET, ABC
Zam Jones powered Wes Moore’s Wolfpack over Tennessee on Friday with 30 points and five steals. There’s a possibility that NC State will have to play without starting guard Zoe Brooks, who suffered a foot injury in the Wolfpack’s first-round win. Michigan will be the favorite here with homecourt advantage, and the Wolverines’ trio of star sophomores combined for 45 points, 20 rebounds and eight assists in a first-round win over Holy Cross.
5. No. 6 Washington vs. No. 3 TCU
Time/TV: 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
Choosing South Dakota State over Washington in the first round was a trendy upset pick for many heading into the NCAA Tournament, but Tina Langley’s Huskies coasted to a comfortable 18-point win behind 30 points from Avery Howell, who did her best Kelsey Plum impersonation by swishing seven 3-pointers. Now, Washington will be tasked with pulling off an upset over Olivia Miles and the Horned Frogs on their home floor.
6. No. 5 Michigan State vs. No. 4 Oklahoma
Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Michigan State had a close call with its first round opponent as the Spartans narrowly beat No. 12 Colorado State by three points on Friday. Oklahoma, which trounced Idaho by 30 points behind double-doubles from Raegan Beers and Sahara Williams, will be a much tougher opponent for the Spartans.
7. No. 7 Texas Tech vs. No. 2 LSU
Time/TV: 3 p.m. ET, ABC
Texas Tech won an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2005 on Friday by outlasting Villanova by five points. Now, the Red Raiders face an LSU team eyeing its fourth straight trip to the second weekend of March Madness under Kim Mulkey. The Tigers topped 100 points for the 15th time this season in their first-round win over Jacksonville.
8. No. 8 Oregon vs. No. 1 Texas
Time/TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN
Kate Fiso powered the Ducks with 22 points in its first-round victory over Virginia Tech. They’ll now face No. 1 Texas for the chance to go to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2021. A No. 1 seed hasn’t failed to advance to the second weekend of the tournament since 2023, when Indiana and Stanford both lost on their home floors in the second round.
Texas A&M's 2026 spring football season officially kicked off on Friday afternoon, as third-year head coach Mike Elko and his revamped coaching staff welcome 17 additions from the transfer portal, paired with 25 of 26 freshman newcomers from the 2026 signing class.
After making the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history, Elko and his revamped coaching staff have their sights set on returning to the postseason, but compared to last season's schedule, road games against LSU, Missouri, Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma will determine the Aggies' fate, needing to finishing 10-2, or, at the very least, 9-3 to have a chance at the CFP.
With starting quarterback Marcel Reed returning for his third season under center, Texas A&M's passing game, on paper at least, should take another big step forward with Alabama transfer WR Isaiah Horton now on the roster, bringing his 6'4" frame that pairs well with star receiver Mario Craver, whose elite speed is already well known.
On defense, replacing unanimous All-American edge Cashius Howell will be easy, but landing pass-rushers Anto Saka and Ryan Henderson from the portal gives Elko and new defensive coordinator Lyle Hemphill plenty to work with, while the loaded secondary looks like the defense's strength.
While Marcel Reed will need to further elevate his overall play, starting with setting his feet and making smarter decisions in close games for the Aggies to win on the road, and get to nine, ten, or eleven wins, Mike Elko deserves credit for taking an 8-5 2024 team to 11-2 in his second season, leading to On3 analyst J.D. PicKell to "take the over" regarding Texas A&M's recent Draft Kings win total prediciton, set at 9.5.
Within the nearly seven-minute clip, PicKell stated that Texas A&M is more "substance than flash" under Mike Elko, while the return of Marcel Reed combined with five internal coaching elevations should result in less change on both sides of the ball, as continuity is vital after achieving several key goals the previous season.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
Wisconsin and Ohio State ought to just put the NCAA title game on their schedules.
For the fourth consecutive season, the Badgers and Buckeyes will play for the NCAA title in women's hockey on Sunday, March 22. Top-seeded Ohio State beat Northeastern in the Frozen Four semifinal while defending champion Wisconsin, the second seed, edged Penn State in overtime.
"It's special and I'm just really pumped to be able to try and do it again [Sunday] with this group that we have here," Wisconsin's Kirsten Simms told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel after the Badgers' Frozen Four win on Friday, March 20.
"It's a special team, a special group, a special energy, and so I'm really excited that that put us into the game Sunday."
Here's how to watch the NCAA title game:
When and where is the NCAA title game?
The NCAA championship game is at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 22. It will be played at Pegula Ice Arena on the Penn State campus.
How to watch the NCAA title game
The NCAA hockey championship game will air on ESPNU.
How to stream the NCAA title game
The Frozen Four games will be streamed on ESPN+.
Who is playing in the NCAA title game?
Ohio State and Wisconsin, and it's going to be a doozy. The Badgers were the No. 1 team in the country for most of the season until the Buckeyes upset them in the WCHA title game. Now Wisconsin gets a chance to avenge that loss with a national title on the line.
The teams have met in the last three NCAA title games, with Wisconsin winning last year and in 2023 and Ohio State winning in 2024.
Players to watch
Wisconsin is led by Caroline Harvey, who added the Patty Kazmaier Award for college hockey's best player to her MVP award from the Milano Cortina Olympics. The Badgers also have Olympic gold medalists Laila Edwards, Ava McNaughton and Simms.
In addition to Olympian Joy Dunne, Ohio State has the country's best freshman, Hilda Svensson.
The Wisconsin Badgers have been prioritizing in-state recruits, and they've done so again by giving this class of 2029 wide receiver a look.
Not only have the Badgersbeen keeping tabs on Nicholas Payne Jr., but they were the first Division I team to throw an offer his way.
Payne posted, "All the early mornings, late nights, and sacrifices are starting to show. To receive a Big Ten offer as a freshman—right here at home—means everything. This is just the beginning. More work to do."
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound wideout currently plays for Racine Case High School. As just a freshman, he'll gain plenty of attention from other schools, but Wisconsin can always say they were the first to offer. The Badgers elected to do so during Payne's unofficial visit in Madison on March 19.
Payne told Rivals' Allen Trieu he cried upon hearing the news from the Badgers. It's clear just how much this offer means to him, and it's not something he's going to take for granted.
Thank God . 🙏🏾
All the early mornings, late nights, and sacrifices are starting to show. To receive a Big Ten offer as a freshman—right here at home—means everything.
— Nicholas Payne Jr. ( Aka Ghost) (@Paynesworld411) March 19, 2026
As a class of 2029 player, the work has just begun. Payne is coming off a year with 1,274 all-purpose yards. The sky is the limit for what he's able to do in the years to come.
Contact/Follow@TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebook to follow ongoing coverage of WisconsinBadgers news, notes and opinion.
The league's board of governors will meet next week to further discuss an expansion to a 32-league team and approve moving forward on bid offers for a future market in Las Vegas and returning to Seattle, according to ESPN.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said during a February news conference that in the March meeting the league won't be officially voting, but "will likely come out of those meetings ready, prepared to take a next step in terms of potentially talking to interested parties."
"It doesn't have to be a two-team expansion. Frankly, it doesn't have to be any number of teams. I think the logical next move would be to say, all right, we've had those discussions internally, we've made decisions about cities to focus on and what the opportunity is, and now we've got to go out into the marketplace," Silver said. "I think that's probably the most important step, to find out who is potentially interested in owning a franchise in particular cities, what's the value of that franchise. There's some work to do in terms of potential conference realignment. That's the next step there."
When is the vote and how does it work?
If passed, it potentially would bring NBA franchises to Las Vegas and back to Seattle, for the assumed return of the SuperSonics, starting in the 2028-29 season.
"I think in fairness to the cities, Seattle and Las Vegas in particular, I've been very clear I don't want to tease teams, I don't want to tease cities or mislead anyone," Silver said. "I think we wanted to get through collective bargaining, national television deals. We've done that, and now we've turned to it as a league."
The meeting is expected to take place March 24 or 25.
Although an official decision won't come until July, it gives reassurance to potential suitors and bidders that an NBA team could come to a city near them.
To make it happen, 23 of the 30 league owners would need to agree to add teams to the Association. Additionally, bids would cost anywhere between $7 and $10 billion per team, according to ESPN.
Seattle-raised NBA players building excitement
Just the thought of the possibility has brought excitement to many within the NBA community whom were raised in Seattle.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero was born and raised in Seattle. He was a five-star power forward out of O'Dea High School, which he led to a Class 3A state title as a sophomore.
Banchero was 5 years old when the team relocated to Oklahoma City. Although he has no recollection of Sonics basketball, he understands the magnitude of a return and what that'd do for the city.
"If that was to happen that would be a crazy experience just for me. I never got to watch the NBA in Seattle so I don't know what that's like but I know that the city loves basketball," Banchero told USA TODAY Sports. "Big basketball town, even when the NBA did leave, obviously I grew up in that culture. Everyone's been talking about it for going on 10 years about them coming back so if the NBA was to make that happen then I'm sure that the city would be really excited."
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II, another Seattle native, already has his sights set on suiting up for the same franchise that drafted his dad, Gary Payton Sr., with the second pick of the 1990 NBA Draft.
"I would probably request a trade immediately," Payton said, joking with reporter Brian "Scoop B" Robinson. "Even though I love where I’m at, it’s about being able to throw on that Sonics jersey before my career is over. I really hope they end up getting that done so I can go hoop for the hometown one time."
Playing NBA games in your hometown is special
There's a special feeling that comes with playing in your hometown as you see all your family members, old teammates and friends that you grew up with.
Memphis Grizzlies second-year guard Jaylen Wells still gets a joy out of going home to play the Sacramento Kings. The Grizzlies visited California's capital twice this season, winning both, most recently on Feb. 4 when Wells had nearly 100 people − fans, friends, you name it − waiting to greet him after the game.
"Never gets old man, just seeing familiar faces after a game. Can't complain," Wells, a Sacramento-native, told USA TODAY Sports. "It's fun. It kind of like, reminds me, kind of like a high school game where you kind of just know a lot of people in the crowd, so kind of just feels like a second home game.”
Wells graduated from Folsom (Calif.) High School, where he averaged 26.3 points and 3.2 rebounds as a senior. He said he made some of his best memories in Sacramento at Folsom and at Sacramento Country Day School, a private, co-ed college preparatory school which has served pre-kindergarten to 12th graders since 1964.
Whether he knows it or not, he's a hometown hero and a positive example to those who come from the same city, or even play on the same high school or AAU teams as he did growing up.
"I hope that's what I could be labeled as," Wells said. "I feel a lot of people kind of leave Sacramento to get the spotlight, so I was happy to be able to stay in Sacramento, go to Sacramento trainers and play on Sacramento teams just to make a name for myself in Sacramento instead of having to leave."
That homecoming feel that Wells gets at least twice a season is a feeling that Banchero would absolutely welcome given the opportunity.
Hypothetically, maybe in a venue in Uptown Seattle such as Climate Pledge Arena, in front of its capacity-filled 18,300 attendees who would be there to cheer on the SuperSonics but also show love to one of their many homegrown hoopers.
"For me to get to go back and play there one day, that would be a hell of an experience for me and my family. So if that was to happen I would definitely excited for that," Banchero told USA TODAY Sports.
SuperSonic significance in Seattle
If anyone knows how special the Sonics are to Seattle, it's Kings head coach Doug Christie.
Christie is born and raised in Seattle, having attended Rainier Beach High School after spending time in Longview, Washington. He saw the positive effects of the city's lone NBA championship in 1979, and he's seen the team leave for Oklahoma City in 2008.
He told USA TODAY Sports that he'd be "crazy excited" for the Sonics return.
"As a kid, growing up in the inner city of Seattle, that's what probably in many ways saved my life was the Sonics," Christie said. "Gus Williams and DJ [Dennis Johnson], and Jack Sikma and the '79 team that beat the Bullets. Like all of a sudden, you got hope that there's a greater capacity for your life than just what you're seeing everyday."
A city's sports team can have that affect. They breathe life and inspiration. Their presence allows some kid watching them to see a version of themselves they've never imagine.
It gives an opportunity for them dream. For the everyday working person to have a moment where they forget about the problems in their life but instead fraternize amongst fellow sports fans -alike.
"Those people in Seattle are rabid, they want a team," Christie told USA TODAY Sports. "There is everything that is built in there to make it happen. So I would be very excited, on top of the fact that, you know, Portland, Seattle, it just makes a lot of sense. A lot of money there. I would be super excited for that."
The team left after the city wouldn't renovate KeyArena or build an arena. The owner then decided to take the team to Oklahoma and rename them the Oklahoma City Thunder, taking their history with them in 2008.
Years later, KeyArena is now Climate Pledge Arena and has since been redeveloped with private financing and reopened as of 2021.
It's one of the state-of-the-art facilities which house the four-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm and NHL's Seattle Kraken. The best part is it's co-owned by Seattle and a group known as Oak View Group.
Let bygones be bygones. Bring back Seattle's NBA team.
LANCASTER — For some players, when they become seniors, something seems to click and they are able to take their game to another level.
That is exactly what happened for Lancaster senior Drew Whitlatch, who played with more of a sense of urgency, used his ultra-athletic ability and parlayed it into a fantastic season.
Most nights Whitlatch was the best player on the floor, even though the Golden Gales played in one of the toughest conferences — the Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division — in the state, Whitlatch more than held his own.
For his efforts, Whitlatch is the 2026 Eagle-Gazette Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Millersport’s Tyler Coward, who led the Lakers to a 16-8 overall record, including a win over the Mid-State League-Cardinal Division champion Zanesville Rosecrans, is the 2026 Eagle-Gazette Blys Basketball Coach of the Year. After starting the season with two losses, the Lakers quickly turned their season around, winning six straight and were in the thick of the league race right up to the end.
Whitlatch finished the season averaging 17.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He had 38 steals, connected on 24 3-pointers, and went 90-for-116 at the free throw line (77.6%).
Going against tough competition night in and night out, Whitlatch seemed to always raise his game to an elite level against all of those teams. He proved he could score in a variety of different ways, which made him hard to guard for opposing defenses.
He scored a career-high 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a come-from-behind win over Horizon Science, scored 26 points against Canal Winchester and Groveport, 25 against Reynoldsburg and 24 against Dublin Coffman. He scored over 20 points eight times and 19 points twice.
Whitlatch was selected as the Player of the Game in the Shot Clock Battle in the 614 against Coffman at Ohio Dominican University after he scored a game-high 24 points on 10 of 15 shooting, grabbed five rebounds and dished out two assists.
Eagle-Gazette All-Area Boys Basketball Team
Player of the Year: Drew Whitlatch, Sr., Lancaster
Coach of the Year: Tyler Coward, Millersport
First Team
Drew Whitlatch, Sr., Lancaster
Caleb Hinkel, Sr., Bloom-Carroll
Cam Eaton, Sr., Lancaster
Cooper Manson, Sr., Liberty Union
Keaton Webb, Jr., Fairfield Union
Ty Johnston, Sr., Millersport
Second Team
Davis Call, Sr., Lancaster
Asa Kline, Soph., Fairfield Union
Quinn Chaney, Fr., Liberty Union
Mason Ailes, Jr., Fairfield Union
Cayden Penha, Sr., Fairfield Christian Academy
Jason Wells, Sr., Millersport
Third Team
Jayven Griffith, Sr., Bloom-Carroll
Sam Tencza, Jr., Fisher Catholic
Nick Holland, Jr., Amand-Clearcreek
Tanner Rose, Sr., Liberty Union
TJ Blair, Sr., Fairfield Christian Academy
Brady Petty, Jr., Bloom-Carroll
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at twilson@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on X at twil2323.
After demolishing Orlando City 5-0 at Geodis Park on March 21, Nashville (4-0-1, 13 points) is tied atop the Eastern Conference on points and has outscored its opponents 13-2. Include the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Nashville is undefeated through nine games for the first time in franchise history, with a 21-3 scoring margin. And it recently exorcised its most powerful demons by knocking Inter Miami and Lionel Messi out of the Champions Cup.
But the final day of the regular season is Nov. 7 and the MLS Cup final is Dec. 18. What Nashville's accomplished so far boils down to one hot month out of a potential 10.
Nashville SC off to best start in club history
That's not a lot, but Nashville should understand that through experience. In 2025, it won or drew 12 league games in a row — tied for the longest such stretch in MLS — yet only finished sixth in the East. So it makes sense why coach B.J. Callaghan isn't concerned with building a similar unbeaten streak in 2026.
"It sounds boring and maybe cliche, but these guys just come to work each and every day," Callaghan said. "We turn the page, and we want to give a very consistent performance when we turn the lights on each match day."
Although it has six shutouts in nine games, it has suffered through a few offensive off-nights, especially away from home. At other times, its designated-player attacking trio of Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar and Cristian Espinoza has been exactly as advertised. Surridge had a hat trick against Orlando and leads MLS with seven goals, while Espinoza scored the opening goal and contributed to a pair of Surridge's with curling passes from the right wing.
"(Espinoza) has been a great addition," Surridge said. "It's something I think we needed on that right side, where he's brought experience, he's brought goals, assists, and that's what we wanted from someone in that position."
Nashville's attackers thriving together
Callaghan said Mukhtar, though he didn't get on the scoresheet, was just as essential to the win. The three have combined for 15 goal contributions this season.
"We're challenging each other to have a strong mentality, to have a winning mentality," Callaghan said. "I thought Hany Mukhtar led that, in terms of his energy and the encouragement and the demand that he gives the team . . .
"For people that watch the game closely, you can see how much, I call it 'dirty running,' that he does. He's running into the penalty box. He's dragging players. He's obviously a focal point on a lot of opponents, but now you're starting to see things open up for other players."
Surridge believes Nashville has changed its mentality for the better in 2026. He pointed to a game last season against New York City FC, which Nashville dominated in the first half before easing up and blowing a two-goal lead to finish with a 2-2 tie. Against Orlando, Nashville scored three goals after halftime, including one from substitute Warren Madrigal.
"We want that relentless mindset where we're pushing and fighting and wanting to get more goals," Surridge said. "We want to give teams no hope when we go ahead."
Nashville looking forward to off week
Nashville won't play again until April 4, when it visits the Chicago Fire. Rather than squashing its momentum, the team believes having a week off will be beneficial, allow it to rest after playing five games in 15 days and give it a better idea on what it needs to sharpen.
Against Orlando, Callaghan thought the team could have been a bit more "compact" in its press and made better runs into the penalty box.
"We play at a certain intensity where you need energy," Surridge said. "I think it's good for us. We're gonna have a break and look at what we can carry on improving. We know there's still flaws in our system. You look at obviously the Miami games, obviously Dallas and Columbus at points where we can be doing better. I think we can build on a lot."
That's a good place to be for Nashville, seeing as there's a lot of season left.
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on X/Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
After demolishing Orlando City 5-0 at Geodis Park on March 21, Nashville (4-0-1, 13 points) is tied atop the Eastern Conference on points and has outscored its opponents 13-2. Include the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Nashville is undefeated through nine games for the first time in franchise history, with a 21-3 scoring margin. And it recently exorcised its most powerful demons by knocking Inter Miami and Lionel Messi out of the Champions Cup.
But the final day of the regular season is Nov. 7 and the MLS Cup final is Dec. 18. What Nashville's accomplished so far boils down to one hot month out of a potential 10.
Nashville SC off to best start in club history
That's not a lot, but Nashville should understand that through experience. In 2025, it won or drew 12 league games in a row — tied for the longest such stretch in MLS — yet only finished sixth in the East. So it makes sense why coach B.J. Callaghan isn't concerned with building a similar unbeaten streak in 2026.
"It sounds boring and maybe cliche, but these guys just come to work each and every day," Callaghan said. "We turn the page, and we want to give a very consistent performance when we turn the lights on each match day."
Although it has six shutouts in nine games, it has suffered through a few offensive off-nights, especially away from home. At other times, its designated-player attacking trio of Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar and Cristian Espinoza has been exactly as advertised. Surridge had a hat trick against Orlando and leads MLS with seven goals, while Espinoza scored the opening goal and contributed to a pair of Surridge's with curling passes from the right wing.
"(Espinoza) has been a great addition," Surridge said. "It's something I think we needed on that right side, where he's brought experience, he's brought goals, assists, and that's what we wanted from someone in that position."
Nashville's attackers thriving together
Callaghan said Mukhtar, though he didn't get on the scoresheet, was just as essential to the win. The three have combined for 15 goal contributions this season.
"We're challenging each other to have a strong mentality, to have a winning mentality," Callaghan said. "I thought Hany Mukhtar led that, in terms of his energy and the encouragement and the demand that he gives the team . . .
"For people that watch the game closely, you can see how much, I call it 'dirty running,' that he does. He's running into the penalty box. He's dragging players. He's obviously a focal point on a lot of opponents, but now you're starting to see things open up for other players."
Surridge believes Nashville has changed its mentality for the better in 2026. He pointed to a game last season against New York City FC, which Nashville dominated in the first half before easing up and blowing a two-goal lead to finish with a 2-2 tie. Against Orlando, Nashville scored three goals after halftime, including one from substitute Warren Madrigal.
"We want that relentless mindset where we're pushing and fighting and wanting to get more goals," Surridge said. "We want to give teams no hope when we go ahead."
Nashville looking forward to off week
Nashville won't play again until April 4, when it visits the Chicago Fire. Rather than squashing its momentum, the team believes having a week off will be beneficial, allow it to rest after playing five games in 15 days and give it a better idea on what it needs to sharpen.
Against Orlando, Callaghan thought the team could have been a bit more "compact" in its press and made better runs into the penalty box.
"We play at a certain intensity where you need energy," Surridge said. "I think it's good for us. We're gonna have a break and look at what we can carry on improving. We know there's still flaws in our system. You look at obviously the Miami games, obviously Dallas and Columbus at points where we can be doing better. I think we can build on a lot."
That's a good place to be for Nashville, seeing as there's a lot of season left.
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on X/Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
OKLAHOMA CITY — It almost didn’t matter. All of it.
All those Nebraska fans. All the roars and heckles and boos. Vanderbilt had the gumption to stare it down, hopes teetering after another slow start, yet never dissipating. Not until that final impossible heave by Tyler Tanner impossibly touched every bit of the rim but didn’t drop through, meaning his spectacular night somehow still wasn’t spectacular enough.
No event in American sports like it. But gracious, it can be cruel. Sometimes, that’s for someone else to endure. But eventually, it comes for you, too, and then you’re sitting there uttering the truly heartbreaking words that Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington did:
“I just want one play back.”
There were plenty of things in Vanderbilt’s control it could’ve done. I’ll start with an 11-for-19 performance at the free-throw line. That’s 57.9% for a team that led the SEC this season at 79.4%.
Consistently, Nebraska got better looks offensively. That’s why the Cornhuskers shot 55.8%, making 9 of 19 attempts from 3-point range. Vanderbilt shot 37 times from 3-point range and missed 24. Most of the game, you looked at the stats and wondered how the game was still there for the taking. But it was.
The Commodores led 72-70 in the final minute. Then they allowed two buckets and nearly let the shot clock expire on their last full possession, forcing Chandler Bing to hoist a hurried one-timer that missed. That was a tough ask for a freshman with two points who had attempted only one previous shot.
None of that can be blamed on the crowd discrepancy that, again, almost didn’t matter.
But it did matter.
It’s insincere to suggest otherwise.
The record books will state this NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game between Nebraska and Vanderbilt occurred at a “neutral site.”
Tell that to the Commodores.
OKC: Enjoy this video of something you’ll rarely see… A full house in downtown OKC loudly united behind one team…… pic.twitter.com/SEbKr9L2ve
That’s nothing against Nebraska. What the Cornhuskers’ fans did here was special, and their team earned this on the court. The Commodores made sure of it.
From Vanderbilt’s perspective, though, the toughest part of this will just be the what-if of a NCAA selection process that didn’t appropriately value its season. It won’t be easy to look at how this played out in Oklahoma City and not feel shortchanged — and to wonder why you deserved this ordeal.
The day before the NCAA selection show, Vanderbilt whipped Florida — the reigning national champs and a deserving No. 1 seed in this bracket — by 17 points at Bridgestone Arena. That was after consecutive wins over Tennessee, a No. 6 seed that had made the past two Elite Eights.
Vanderbilt was under-seeded as a No. 5. Metrics were consistent in saying that it should’ve been a No. 4 seed, maybe even before beating Florida. Instead, Alabama got that No. 4 seed despite losing to Vandy in January, losing by 23 to Florida in February and to Ole Miss in its lone SEC Tournament game.
The committee tries to favor top-four seeds in determining sites. So Alabama is getting to play in Tampa, while Vanderbilt was sent here. Along with Nebraska. And its fans.
Tell you what, I have a newfound respect for the passion and devotion of Cornhuskers fans. Television didn’t do justice to how loud it was in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s arena.
Sure, teams have crowd advantages all the time in “neutral site” Men’s NCAA Tournament games. But if you were here to experience this, you’d understand how this wasn’t just a typical road game for Vanderbilt. It was the most difficult road game of the season. With all that was riding on the result, the atmosphere never eased up. It was relentless.
“I know it had to be incredible on TV,” Byington said. “It was an incredible game. I mean, it sucks we were on the side we were on. A high-level game, and I'm sure the crowd lifted them up and had them playing. They played so hard.
“But (you) second-guess where you are put or your seeding and all these other things, it just adds to the list of things that you're kind of sitting here thinking, ‘I just want one play back, and we win the game, in this environment.’ And that would have been even more rewarding. It's hard when you felt like you were that close to winning and didn't.”
Vanderbilt, from Byington to his players, didn’t make the crowd an excuse. But it’s hard to believe it wasn’t worth at least three points. It's one thing if it’s a conference game in January, but this is a tournament that rarely, if ever, asks that of its teams, much less an SEC team that won 27 games and had stellar metrics all season.
This wasn’t a second-round matchup of a No. 1 and a No. 9 seed, where the top seed had earned having the crowd in its corner. These were very similar teams who had very similar seasons, and that didn’t justify the disadvantage one was dealt.
You can credit Nebraska's fans for causing that while also wondering what the heck Vanderbilt did (or didn’t do) to deserve to be in such a position in the first place.
A commonly brutal March Madness ending, in this instance, was uncommon. While great seasons end all the time in moments like these, they don’t usually die with thoughts of the court being stormed once it happens.
Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and hang out with him on Bluesky @gentryestes.bsky.social
OKLAHOMA CITY — It almost didn’t matter. All of it.
All those Nebraska fans. All the roars and heckles and boos. Vanderbilt had the gumption to stare it down, hopes teetering after another slow start, yet never dissipating. Not until that final impossible heave by Tyler Tanner impossibly touched every bit of the rim but didn’t drop through, meaning his spectacular night somehow still wasn’t spectacular enough.
No event in American sports like it. But gracious, it can be cruel. Sometimes, that’s for someone else to endure. But eventually, it comes for you, too, and then you’re sitting there uttering the truly heartbreaking words that Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington did:
“I just want one play back.”
There were plenty of things in Vanderbilt’s control it could’ve done. I’ll start with an 11-for-19 performance at the free-throw line. That’s 57.9% for a team that led the SEC this season at 79.4%.
Consistently, Nebraska got better looks offensively. That’s why the Cornhuskers shot 55.8%, making 9 of 19 attempts from 3-point range. Vanderbilt shot 37 times from 3-point range and missed 24. Most of the game, you looked at the stats and wondered how the game was still there for the taking. But it was.
The Commodores led 72-70 in the final minute. Then they allowed two buckets and nearly let the shot clock expire on their last full possession, forcing Chandler Bing to hoist a hurried one-timer that missed. That was a tough ask for a freshman with two points who had attempted only one previous shot.
None of that can be blamed on the crowd discrepancy that, again, almost didn’t matter.
But it did matter.
It’s insincere to suggest otherwise.
The record books will state this NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game between Nebraska and Vanderbilt occurred at a “neutral site.”
Tell that to the Commodores.
OKC: Enjoy this video of something you’ll rarely see… A full house in downtown OKC loudly united behind one team…… pic.twitter.com/SEbKr9L2ve
That’s nothing against Nebraska. What the Cornhuskers’ fans did here was special, and their team earned this on the court. The Commodores made sure of it.
From Vanderbilt’s perspective, though, the toughest part of this will just be the what-if of a NCAA selection process that didn’t appropriately value its season. It won’t be easy to look at how this played out in Oklahoma City and not feel shortchanged — and to wonder why you deserved this ordeal.
The day before the NCAA selection show, Vanderbilt whipped Florida — the reigning national champs and a deserving No. 1 seed in this bracket — by 17 points at Bridgestone Arena. That was after consecutive wins over Tennessee, a No. 6 seed that had made the past two Elite Eights.
Vanderbilt was under-seeded as a No. 5. Metrics were consistent in saying that it should’ve been a No. 4 seed, maybe even before beating Florida. Instead, Alabama got that No. 4 seed despite losing to Vandy in January, losing by 23 to Florida in February and to Ole Miss in its lone SEC Tournament game.
The committee tries to favor top-four seeds in determining sites. So Alabama is getting to play in Tampa, while Vanderbilt was sent here. Along with Nebraska. And its fans.
Tell you what, I have a newfound respect for the passion and devotion of Cornhuskers fans. Television didn’t do justice to how loud it was in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s arena.
Sure, teams have crowd advantages all the time in “neutral site” Men’s NCAA Tournament games. But if you were here to experience this, you’d understand how this wasn’t just a typical road game for Vanderbilt. It was the most difficult road game of the season. With all that was riding on the result, the atmosphere never eased up. It was relentless.
“I know it had to be incredible on TV,” Byington said. “It was an incredible game. I mean, it sucks we were on the side we were on. A high-level game, and I'm sure the crowd lifted them up and had them playing. They played so hard.
“But (you) second-guess where you are put or your seeding and all these other things, it just adds to the list of things that you're kind of sitting here thinking, ‘I just want one play back, and we win the game, in this environment.’ And that would have been even more rewarding. It's hard when you felt like you were that close to winning and didn't.”
Vanderbilt, from Byington to his players, didn’t make the crowd an excuse. But it’s hard to believe it wasn’t worth at least three points. It's one thing if it’s a conference game in January, but this is a tournament that rarely, if ever, asks that of its teams, much less an SEC team that won 27 games and had stellar metrics all season.
This wasn’t a second-round matchup of a No. 1 and a No. 9 seed, where the top seed had earned having the crowd in its corner. These were very similar teams who had very similar seasons, and that didn’t justify the disadvantage one was dealt.
You can credit Nebraska's fans for causing that while also wondering what the heck Vanderbilt did (or didn’t do) to deserve to be in such a position in the first place.
A commonly brutal March Madness ending, in this instance, was uncommon. While great seasons end all the time in moments like these, they don’t usually die with thoughts of the court being stormed once it happens.
Reach Tennessean sports columnist Gentry Estes at gestes@tennessean.com and hang out with him on Bluesky @gentryestes.bsky.social
The Kansas City Chiefs' offseason news has focused on improving the team's roster ahead of the 2026 season. Chiefs defensive lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah is one of many current NFL players and legends participating in offseason programs focusing on life after football.
NFL Player Engagement, in partnership with the NFL Players Association, announced earlier in the month the launch of a series of dynamic offseason programs designed to support player development and expand career opportunities for current players and Legends.
These programs, aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering players, will provide valuable resources for both on-field and off-field success. It began with the NFL x Hidden Empire Film Group x Skydance Career Tour in Santa Monica, California from March 3-6, where participants had the opportunity to create, write, film, act, and produce a short film while working alongside top industry professionals from Disney Animation, Skydance Sports, Hidden Empire Film Group and Sony, an official technology partner of the NFL.
Former Chiefs first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire was also among the many names listed for the tour. The NFL has many more programs throughout April, ahead of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
For more information on these programs, visit NFL Programs.
Today in Boston Celtics history, three former Celtics players were born. The first is Don Chaney, a Celtics guard alum, who was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1946. Chaney played his collegiate basketball at the University of Houston and was picked up 12th overall by Boston in the 1968 NBA Draft.
He won a championship in his rookie year with the Celtics and secured another title with the team in 1974, following season-long stints with the Spirits of St. Louis in the ABA and the rival Los Angeles Lakers. Chaney returned to Boston to finish his career in 1977 and retired as a player in 1979, finishing with an average of 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds over ten seasons with the team.
He went on to coach basketball for 22 more years, and is the only Celtics who played with both Boston legends Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
Birthdays
It is also the birthday of Ed Macauley (born in 1928), who won an NIT championship with St. Louis after being drafted by the St. Louis Bombers in a BAA (a precursor to the NBA) territorial draft. That team disbanded at the end of the season, and Macauley was picked up by Boston in a dispersal draft.
The St. Louis native ended up winning MVP of the first NBA All-Star game the following season, and got the nod five more times while with the Celtics. Macauley was traded to the St. Louis Hawks that summer with Cliff Hagan for legendary big man Bill Russell. He averaged 18.9 points, 8.1 boards and 3.7 assists per game with the Celtics.
Brian Shaw was also born on this day, in 1966. He was drafted by Boston 24th overall in 1988 out of UC Santa Barbara, signing a one-year deal to play with the team, then heading to Il Messaggero Roma, an Italian team, for two years. In January of 1990, Shaw signed a five-year deal with the Celtics, but informed the team he planned on laying the following season with Il Messaggero Roma.
A contract dispute ensued, and Shaw lost, forcing his return to Boston. The Oakland native was traded to the Miami Heat in 1992 for Sherman Douglas.
Transactions
It is also the day that former Celtics coach Alvin "Doggie" Julian was fired after a disappointing 47-81 record over two seasons.
Julian had been a college teammate of Celtics luminary Bob Cousy at Holy Cross.
Not all top basketball coaches, whether in college or the NBA, have a professional playing career under their belt. That cannot be said of the Miami Hurricanes' Jai Lucas, however.
Lucas, who became the Hurricanes' head coach in March 2025, was once a McDonald's All-American in high school, a point guard at both Florida and Texas, and a G League player — that is, until he decided to take up coaching.
In his first year at Miami, Lucas guided his team to an NCAA Tournament bid. But what some may not know about him: playing and coaching basketball seems to run in his family.
Here's what to know about Lucas' connection to former NBA player and coach John Lucas II.
Yes, Jai Lucas, the head coach of Miami men's basketball, is related to John Lucas, the former NBA player and coach who was once at the helm of the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jai Lucas is John's son, following in his father's footsteps as a player-turned-coach. And that's not the end of the basketball lineage — additionally, Jai's brother, John Lucas III, was a college hoops star at Baylor and Oklahoma State before appearances for NBA teams for over a decade. John Lucas III then took up coaching, as he has been an assistant for the Timberwolves, Lakers and Suns, and is currently the player development coach for the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces.
Both Jai Lucas and John Lucas III have taken after their father, John Lucas II, in the basketball coaching ranks.
Jai Lucas is from Houston, Texas. He played high school in the city's suburb of Bellaire, and as a 5-foot-10 guard, he became one of the top prospects of the 2007 class before committing to Florida.
Lucas played two seasons for the Gators, although he sat out in 2008-09 when he intended to transfer. He then played two seasons for the Texas Longhorns.
Before he became a coach, Lucas also played in the NBA's G League from 2011-13.
John Lucas II is a former basketball player and coach who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1976 NBA Draft, a point guard in the NBA for over a decade, and a coach in the league who had stints as head coach for the Spurs, 76ers and Cavaliers.
Lucas was a two-time consensus First-Team All-American and a three-time First-Team All-ACC selection at Maryland, where he also played tennis. He played for the U.S. in the 1974 FIBA World Championship while in college.
After becoming the Houston Rockets' No. 1 pick in the 1976 NBA Draft, Lucas would play in the league for 14 years; he played for Houston for two years, then was sent to the Golden State Warriors by NBA commissioner Larry O'Brien as compensation for the Rockets signing Rick Barry as a free agent.
Lucas faced some off-the-court issues, missing practices and drug issues, which resulted in him entering a rehab program after his time with the Warriors and Washington Bullets. After playing professional tennis and minor-league basketball for some time, he joined the Spurs in 1983. However, Lucas was waived twice by the Rockets over the next few seasons due to his drug issues, failing two tests.
In 1987, he was given another shot by joining the Milwaukee Bucks, where he found success. Lucas averaged a career-high 17.5 points for Milwaukee in 1986-87. After his time in the NBA ended, he spent some time in the Continental Basketball Association.
Lucas later became an NBA coach; he first bought and coached the Miami Tropics of the United States Basketball League, initially wanting to be a team owner, but then wanting to guide players, especially in overcoming drug problems. He led the Tropics to league titles in 1992 and 1993.
Lucas was the head coach of the Spurs from 1992-94, the 76ers from 1994-96, and the Cavaliers from 2001-03. He also was an assistant for the Nuggets (1998-2001), Clippers (2009-10) and Rockets (2020-23).
With his own history of substance abuse, Lucas also later began running a wellness and aftercare substance-abuse recovery program for athletes, per ESPN.
Here's a look at Jai Lucas' coaching career so far.
Texas, assistant coach, 2016-20
Lucas' coaching career began at his alma mater, Texas, in 2016. He was hired by Rick Barnes as an assistant, and even when Shaka Smart took over for the Longhorns, Lucas was retained.
Kentucky, assistant coach, 2020-22
In 2020, Lucas was added to John Calipari's staff at Kentucky as an assistant. He was tabbed as the Wildcats' lead recruiter — and during his tenure, Lucas was rated as the second-best recruiter in the country, trailing only Duke's Jon Scheyer.
Duke, assistant coach & associate head coach, 2022-25
When Scheyer took over at Duke, he brought on Lucas as an assistant coach. He became the first Duke assistant who had not played for the Blue Devils in 30 years.
However, as he coached stars like Kyle Filipowski, Jared McCain, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, Lucas was eventually promoted to associate head coach.
Miami, head coach, 2025-present
In March 2025, Miami hired Lucas to take over its men's basketball program, succeeding Jim Larranaga and interim coach Bill Courtney.
In his first year with the Hurricanes, Lucas has led them to a 13-5 conference record, an NCAA Tournament bid as a No. 7 seed, and a first-round win over Missouri.
The new MotoGP season is officially underway as race fans across the world tune in every week for the 22 Grand Prix races scheduled to see who will be crowned champion come the end of the season.
Marc Marquez remains the man to beat as the defending champion goes in search of his eighth crown in MotoGP.
He'll be joined by a quartet of world champions this season with former winners Jorge Martin (Aprilia Racing), Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and Joan Mir all aiming to deny him further glory alongside the other talented riders.
The Sporting News has all the information you need to watch every race this season.
How to watch MotoGP 2026 in USA: TV channel, live stream
Here's how to watch MotoGP in 2026 in USA:
TV channel: FS1, FS2,
Live Stream: Fubo, DIRECTV, Fox Sports app/website, MotoGP Channel
In the United States, Fox Sports is the home of MotoGP. Every Grand Prix and every sprint race this season will be shown across Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2, with every race set to be available to watch on the Fox Sports app.
Streaming options are available on Fubo and DIRECTV, with both streaming services offering free trials to new subscribers.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
The MotoGP Channel, launched last year, is a free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, offering fans across the U.S. extensive coverage from all 22 race weekends, including MotoGP practice and qualifying sessions, as well as live Moto2, Moto3, and MotoE races.
The channel will be widely available on leading streaming services, including Prime Video, LG Channels, FireTV, FuboTV, Plex and Sling Freestream.
MotoGP 2026 race calendar and schedule
The first of 22 races began in Thailand in March and runs through until the November finale in Valencia.
March 1: Thailand (Chang International Circuit, Buriram)
March 22: Brazil (Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna, Goiânia)
March 29: Americas (Circuit of the Americas, Austin)
April 12: Qatar (Lusail International Circuit, Lusail)
April 26: Spain (Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, Jerez de la Frontera)
May 10: France (Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans)
May 17: Catalonia (Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló)
May 31: Italy (Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello, Scarperia e San Piero)
June 7: Hungary (Balaton Park Circuit, Balatonfőkajár)
June 21: Czech Republic (Automotodrom Brno, Brno)
June 28: Netherlands (TT Circuit Assen, Assen)
July 12: Germany (Sachsenring, Hohenstein-Ernstthal)
Aug. 9: Great Britain (Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone)
Aug. 30: Aragón (MotorLand Aragón, Alcañiz)
Sept. 13: San Marino (Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, Misano Adriatico)
Sept. 20: Austria (Red Bull Ring, Spielberg)
Oct. 4: Japan (Mobility Resort Motegi, Motegi)
Oct. 11: Indonesia (Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Mandalika)
Oct. 25: Australia (Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Phillip Island)
Nov. 1: Malaysia (Sepang International Circuit, Sepang)
Nov. 15: Portugal (Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão)
Chris Thibert, Statesman Cap 10K race director, downtown Austin on Friday, March 20, 2026. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Right from the start, it was clear that the Statesman Capitol 10,000 wasn't just another 10K race. The Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trails could barely contain the 3,400 runners crowding the narrow crushed gravel pathways on March 12, 1978, when Austin’s annual rite of spring was born.
From that humble origin, the race has grown to become the state's largest 10K runs, attracting more than 24,000 participants while building a reputation nationwide as a can't-miss event. Approaching its 50th year, Chris Thibert takes the reins as race director from Jeff Simecek.
When Thibert was only 8 years old, his dad took him along with his brother to Vic Mathias Auditorium Shores to see the race. There the boys sat on a small rise and watched spellbound as wave after wave of competitors streamed by.
“At that time the race came down Riverside Drive,” Thibert said. “We saw a truck roll by, the lead vehicle. Then we saw the runners. The crowd got bigger and bigger — it was like a flash flood. We had to back up to make room for the runners. It was just amazing to see. That was pretty impactful, watching all these people having fun and running a race. It was just so exciting. I knew right then I wanted to be a part of it.”
The elite runners cross the Congress Avenue at the start of the 48th Annual Statesman Capitol 10,000 Sunday April 6, 2025 (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman)
Thibert’s dad helped him train for it and he ran his first Cap10K when he was 10 years old. “I can tell you that wearing that race shirt into school the day after the race was like an Olympian walking in with a gold medal,” he said.
Chris Thibert is standing on shoulders of giants
As he begins his tenure as race director, Thibert credits Simecek — who directed the race for 10 years, and Jann Girard, who directed it for 22 years before that — with building a first-class event.
“The Statesman Capitol 10,000, began in the right place at the right time,” Girard said. “The running boom was just starting in 1978 and it took off right from the start. This race is now woven into the fabric of Austin culture. ... It was my privilege to see families and individuals come back to participate year after year and now continue to bring their family and friends out to this event."
Chris Thibert, Statesman Cap 10K race director, downtown Austin on Friday, March 20, 2026. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Grounded in the running community
Thibert, 52, has always been a runner.
“In elementary school they’d have a track and field day,” he recalled. “We had to run around the perimeter of the school. Maybe it was a mile run — the longest race for that day. I won it every year through sixth grade. I knew I was a runner.”
As a walk-on at UTSA, Thibert brought his 5K track time down to a very respectable 14 minutes, 57 seconds and ran in the 32-minute range for the 10K before graduating with a degree in marketing in 1997.
Today, you’ll find him keeping pace with many of Austin’s running groups and raising a beer with other runners after a workout.
“You might catch me running down Congress Avenue at the crack of dawn,” Thibert said. “I feel like I’m really grounded in the running community, and I’m excited to bring that energy to the race. I want to bring my connection with runners and bring my personal feelings about running to the production of the race. I want to make sure that all participants from fun-runners to elites have an awesome time.”
Said Sara Bryant, the vice president of marketing and events for Hearst Central Texas Media Group: “Chris is truly a runner’s race director — he wants every runner to have a great experience.”
Ari Perez, operating partner at Fleet Feet in Austin, said: "I've witnessed his work and care throughout the years and he's fully prepared to carry on the legacy of the Cap10K for many years to come."
Runners makes their way to the start of the 48th Annual Statesman Capitol 10,000 on Sunday, April 6, 2025. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman)
Technology connects the Cap10K runners
Thibert recalls how during the early years, people filled out paper registrations and mailed them in with a check. Back in the day, runners grabbed popsicle sticks or tear tags at the finish to track their finishing position.
“We’ve seen a lot of transitions,” he said. “Now we have bib tags that transmit where you are along the course and as you cross the finish line. We’ve evolved. I feel like we’re advancing the race because we have a greater reach to people who are experts in the field.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Thibert helped to retool and refocus how to get runners active. To support local coffee shops that had been disrupted by the pandemic, he created Austin's Coffee House 10K Sunrise Tour. These social runs start and finish at the establishments so runners can come to the coffee shop and have pre-programed routes to run. Thibert measured and mapped the routes and put mile markers along the different courses.
Runners gather at the starting line for the 1982 American-Statesman Capitol 10,000 race in downtown Austin, Texas. (American-Statesman file photo/Austin American-Statesman)
To connect runners, he then implemented apps such as Strava and MapMyRun and one called RunGo, an audible running route app. The Strava Cap10K club is an online community specifically for people who are running the Cap10K. Participants can engage with other people who are training for the Cap10K, see where they are running and how fast they are going.
Hearst — a leading global diversified information, services and media company that acquired the American-Statesman last year — is backing efforts to take the race to the next level. So Thibert and staff are now able to choose industry leaders and the best service providers in the business. That includes everything from Haku, a new online registration company, to race timing by RunFar, which allows for leader and participant tracking.
“We’re making meaningful investments in the experience to modernize the race in a way that reflects what today’s runners expect — seamless registration, smarter integration with partners, elevated athlete engagement and a multi-channel presence that meets them where they are,” Bryant said. “We deeply respect the brand of this race as one for everybody. Our goal is to double down on its magic — to protect the spirit while building the infrastructure and energy around it that makes it undeniably a race everyone wants to participate in.”
Bring in the elites; expand the prize purse
Thibert indicated that he’s serious about pumping up the elite field, and to that end he’s brought on Jeff Cunningham — a local coach who heads up the Bat City Track Club — as elite athlete program manager.
“We really want to build our elite roster,” Thibert said. “Jeff has the expertise to manage elite athletes and knows what their needs are. With Jeff, we’ll have the beginning of a new era of elite athletes coming in. You’re going to see some of those course records getting chased. We’re going to triple the prize purse and expand it to the top five men and women. We’ll also include prize money for the overall male and female masters. Another prize money division will be for the first overall male and female local runners.
“We want to improve the overall runner experience for the race. I’m excited to see myself go from a kid standing on the sidelines cheering for the Capitol 10,000 to working for this race and being a part of the community bringing the event into its 50th year.”
Spurs Starting XI vs Nottingham Forest: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup
Tottenham predicted lineup and injury latest ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
Spurs selection picture sharpens before key fixture
Tottenham approach their Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest with a growing sense of clarity around selection, though not without the usual complications that have defined their season. With points at a premium near the lower reaches of the table, every decision carries weight, and the predicted lineup reflects both returning fitness and tactical evolution.
There is cautious optimism surrounding Dominic Solanke, who is expected to be available despite missing training late in the week. The forward’s presence would offer a focal point Spurs have occasionally lacked, though there remains a possibility he is eased back rather than thrust straight into the starting XI.
Cristian Romero is certain to marshal the defence, with Micky van de Ven returning after suspension to restore a partnership that has looked far more assured when intact. Destiny Udogie, having made his comeback from injury off the bench, is pushing strongly to reclaim a starting role at left-back, adding balance and forward thrust.
Photo IMAGO
Midfield options boosted by timely returns
In midfield, Tottenham are suddenly richer in options. The availability of Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall gives the manager flexibility, yet recent performances may dictate continuity over rotation.
Archie Gray has impressed with composure and tactical intelligence, making it difficult to dislodge him. Alongside him, Pape Matar Sarr offers energy and progression, while Pedro Porro and Xavi Simons provide width and attacking impetus from advanced midfield roles.
Simons, in particular, has forced his way into contention with a standout display in Europe, contributing goals and creativity in equal measure. That performance may prove decisive in retaining his place, especially in a system that leans towards a more direct and vertical approach.
Tactical shape hints at continuity
Recent matches suggest Tottenham are leaning towards a 4-4-2 structure, a shift that has yielded their most cohesive performances of the campaign. It allows for two central forwards and better defensive organisation, something that has been lacking at times.
If Solanke is deemed fit enough, he could partner Richarlison, who returns after suspension and is expected to slot straight back into the side. If not, Mathys Tel remains a lively alternative, having impressed with his movement and energy.
The predicted lineup therefore reads with a degree of familiarity: Vicario in goal; a back four of Spence, Romero, Van de Ven and Udogie; midfield comprising Porro, Gray, Sarr and Simons; and a front pairing of Richarlison and Tel or Solanke depending on fitness.
Injury latest shapes final decisions
Injury concerns continue to hover over Tottenham, influencing both squad depth and matchday decisions. Guglielmo Vicario is set to play despite requiring surgery, a situation that underscores the thin margins the club are operating within.
Elsewhere, absences remain significant. Davies, Kudus, Bentancur, Odobert, Bissouma, Maddison and Kulusevski are all sidelined, limiting options particularly in creative areas. These injuries have forced tactical compromises but have also opened the door for emerging players to stake a claim.
The broader context, as reported in the original source, highlights just how finely balanced this encounter is, with both sides separated by a single point in the table. That reality adds urgency to Tottenham’s preparations and elevates the importance of getting both the predicted lineup and injury management exactly right.
Ultimately, Spurs enter this fixture with cautious momentum. The blend of returning players, tactical consistency and emerging form offers hope, but execution on the pitch will determine whether that promise translates into points.
The Dodgers celebrate with the World Series trophy after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7 at the Rogers Centre to secure their second consecutive championship. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
The truth of this Dodgers season was recently found in a place where all sports truths are clipped and tapered and styled into reality.
The barbershop.
Of course, the barbershop, where ball talk is real talk, and where the expectations around the Dodgers upcoming quest for a three-peat recently smothered me like a hot towel to the head.
I was sitting in the chair in mid-shave when a bald gentleman barged into the shop searching not for a cut, but a promise.
“Say it!” he shouted to me from just inside the door. “Say what everybody around here believes!”
“No, say it about the Dodgers!” said the man, and he was serious. “Say that they have the best team in history and they’re going to win another championship! Say it, because that’s what everybody thinks!”
The shop quieted, chairs swiveled, and suddenly everyone was looking at me, at which point I said the one word I’ve never written in any of the last dozen or so Dodger preview columns.
“No.”
“No?” the man replied.
“No, I don’t think the Dodgers are going to win a third consecutive World Series championship.”
The man was clearly taken aback, some of the other patrons chuckling in surprise, the Dodger pulse of this town clearly resonating in a completely unusual fashion.
For the first time in forever, the ever-doubting Dodger nation is convinced this team is destined for a title.
It’s not like it used to be, back in the bad old days of crumbles and collapses. For the previous several years, Dodger fans have spent all spring pondering ways this great team would blow it. The playoff defeats by San Diego and Arizona burned into memories, and even after the Dodgers won it in 2024, their fan base invented scenarios in which they could not possibly repeat it.
But now that they have repeated it? Now that their roster has even gotten more stacked than the previous two seasons? The town is all in. The town expects more. The town is not only believing in a three-peat, they are counting on it.
As this barbershop bystander made clear, for the first time, only a prediction of another championship would be acceptable.
Sorry, but, um, no.
After all these years of picking the Dodgers to win, I’m formally picking them to lose. I don’t know exactly how, or precisely when, but it just feels like somebody, at some point, is going to finally end this run.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hasn't been on the losing end in the postseason since the team was swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2023 National League Division Series, above. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
I know this whole theory sounds crazy. Who’s better than them? Who’s even close to them? That genius Andrew Friedman has seemingly perfectly and tightly sewn together another title team.
But stretch that fabric over six months and look close at its stitching and there’s enough tiny holes to eventually blow the whole thing apart.
Despite mounds of evidence to the contrary, I just can’t bring myself to believe they have all the ingredients to become just the third franchise in baseball history to three-peat.
“They’re not going to win again?” the man shouted as he spun on his heels and marched out of the barbershop. “How can you say that?”
Plenty of reasons, actually.
Start with age.
This is suddenly an older team. They’re seasoned, they’re savvy, but they’re increasingly vulnerable. Too much age can knock you flat with injuries and fatigue. Hangovers are a young person’s game. Hangovers are hell on the old timers.
Did you know a dozen of the Dodgers key players are in their 30s? It happened so quickly, right? Freddie Freeman is 36, Max Muncy is 35, Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández are 33, and nobody is getting any younger.
Case in point: For the first time ever, this spring Freeman acknowledged that against his wishes, the Dodgers may not allow him to play every inning of every game. That’s one tiny, huge example.
One of the older players is 33-year-old Blake Snell, which leads to another potential problem, that being the starting rotation.
Did you realize that the staff leader in games started last year, behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto, was that broken-down fighter Clayton Kershaw?
He’s retired, and the rotation is as tenuous as ever. Snell is starting the season on the injured list. Roki Sasaki has had a shaky spring. Tyler Glasnow still has never pitched more than 134 innings. Yamamoto added extra innings to an already battered arm by pitching for Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
That leaves Shohei Ohtani as the only starter with no baggage, yet he continues to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and, now that he’s the ripe old age of 31, one only hopes Superman can continue to fly.
How much will age be a factor for Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell, left, and right-hander Shohei Ohtani, right? (Brynn Anderson / Associated Press)
Here’s guessing the rotation will also miss the stability once offered by Kershaw, and that could be a problem, because here’s guessing the bullpen could be just as shaky.
Yes, they added the best free agent reliever in closer Edwin Díaz, and the fans will go wild at the first notes of Timmy Trumpet, but will the Dodgers have enough middle relief to get to him?
Speaking of survival, catcher Will Smith has played in 126 games or more four times in the last five years. Throw in 50 postseason games during that time and the physical toll on this World Series hero has been enormous. One can only hope that Dalton Rushing can improve on last year’s .204-hitting performance enough to allow Smith to take a break, because that becomes a big Dodger weakness if he doesn’t.
Rushing isn’t the only young Dodger with something to prove. After a strong regular season, Andy Pages managed just four hits in 51 postseason at-bats, an average which disappeared beneath his season-saving catch over Kiké Hernández in Game 7 of the World Series. One hopes he has rediscovered his swing, because that’s a problem if he hasn’t.
Andy Pages' catch in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series will be remembered forever, but can he bounce back at the plate this season? (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Same with Betts. Last year’s struggles, which ended with a .138 average in the World Series, have been blamed on an early-season stomach ailment and all-season adjustment to shortstop. It’s unfair to doubt those reasons or his commitment to fixing it.
But it is fair to note that he’s coming off the worst two-season OPS since early in his career and that he must become the old Mookie for his teammates to remain the great Dodgers.
Yet even if all those question marks are positively answered, even if every perceived weakness becomes a real strength, even if these Dodgers have the best regular season in baseball history as so many have predicted…
They’ll still need one thing that seems impossible to buy or teach.
They’ll need the sort of incredible good fortune and great breaks that allowed them to win each of their last two titles.
Can any team be that lucky three years in a row?
Even the Dodgers admit that there were many key plays in the last two postseasons that could have gone the other way and changed history forever. Seemingly every one of those breaks broke for the Dodgers. How can this keep happening?
Will a Philadelphia Phillies reliever lose his mind again? Will the Toronto Blue Jays melt under pressure in consecutive home games again? Will they have the baserunning blunders, the bullpen breakdowns, the terrible at-bats?
Celik doubtful for Lecce, Rensch ready to replace him
Gian Piero Gasperini has several questions to answer ahead of the match against Lecce, which will be played today at 6:00 PM at the Olimpico.
The main issue concerns the flanks: without Wesley, who is suspended, on the left, Kostas Tsimikas and Devyne Rensch are in contention.
The latter, however, could still secure a starting spot at the last minute.
Zeki Celik, according to Il Messaggero, is not feeling at his best, and the Dutchman has been put on alert.
This morning’s trial will determine whether the Turk will be fit to play.
Regardless of Rensch, Roma will be playing for their chances against Lecce to stay in the race for fourth place, and Gasperini will likely want to make as few changes to his starting eleven as possible.
There will be one new lineup, however: Robinio Vaz is expected to start alongside Donyell Malen.
NEW DELHI: Former England batter Kevin Pietersen has named his all-time IPL XI, leaving out several big names, including Rohit Sharma, who captained Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. Pietersen, who represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Rising Pune Supergiants during his IPL career, also left out star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
While unveiling his XI, Pietersen described Yuzvendra Chahal’s release by Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the 'worst decision' in the league’s history.
On For the Love of Cricket, Pietersen and Jos Buttler selected their all-time IPL XI.
Pietersen referred to MS Dhoni as the “only non-negotiable” pick in his side.
He included Yuzvendra Chahal in the XI and reiterated that Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s decision to release him was “the worst in IPL history”.
Pietersen’s IPL XI:
Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Andre Russell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sunil Narine, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lasith Malinga, Jasprit Bumrah.
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Pietersen also overlooked a key IPL rule while finalising his XI, selecting more than the permitted four overseas players in the lineup.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions, having won the IPL 2025 title after defeating Punjab Kings in the final.
For nearly a month, Tennessee Volunteers star forward Nate Ament has been dealing with an injury.
Ament, the Vols' second-leading scorer in 2025-26 as a freshman, has proven to be one of the SEC's best players when on the court. But lately, including in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, that availability has been the issue.
Ever since a February ankle injury, Ament has been on and off the court — including a minutes restriction that will likely continue until Tennessee's season ends.
Here's what to know about Ament's injury and how it's impacting his playing time.
Ament has been dealing with a leg/ankle injury since late February. Initially, it sidelined him, as he missed around two weeks of the regular season, then made his return for the second round of the SEC Tournament.
However, while Ament has been able to play through the injury lately, he's also been playing in limited spurts. In Tennessee's first-round win in the NCAA Tournament over Miami (OH), head coach Rick Barnes said Ament wouldn't be 100 percent until the season was over — but suggested the forward will continue to play through his pain and that if it were up to Ament, he would play as much as possible.
“It’s a problem,” Barnes said of Ament’s injury, per Saturday Down South. “Nate is one of the toughest kids I have ever coached. We played every minute ever since he hurt his ankle in the Alabama game and got his knee rolled up on. Doctors knew we had to get him as healthy as we possibly could, but when you have a sprain the nature that he has, it won’t be healthy until he gets time off at the end of the year.”
Rick Barnes says Nate Ament (ankle) ‘is not going to be 100% healthy until the season’s over’ pic.twitter.com/c3gFfVTzXc
Ament initially appeared as if he was back to his typical form when he returned from injury vs. Auburn earlier in March, posting 27 points and eight rebounds. But he has not looked the same since.
In 30 minutes against Vanderbilt in the SEC Tournament, Ament shot 1-for-13 from the floor, despite 11 rebounds. And against Miami (OH), Ament was limited to just 18 minutes, in which he did not score any points on three shot attempts. In that game, he also had a brief exit due to soreness, which he later spoke about.
Nate Ament had a brief exit during the #Vols' NCAA Tournament game vs Miami due to soreness.
"Our athletic trainer and our strength coaches decided it was best for me to get started on the recovery process.”
Projected as a 2026 NBA lottery pick, Ament hasn't been able to play to his best ability recently, which appears set to continue through the rest of the NCAA Tournament in some fashion.
Ament has been dealing with a right leg injury, which Rick Barnes described as an ankle sprain, since Feb. 28, when an Alabama player fell on his leg, causing it to bend.
Nate Ament gets rolled up on and has to leave the game 🥺
Ament left that game after initially returning to the floor in the second half. And afterward, he missed the end of the regular season for Tennessee before returning in limited fashion.
How long was Nate Ament out for?
Ament initially left the Feb. 28 game against Alabama with his leg injury, and he missed the following two Volunteers games to end the regular season. He returned for their SEC Tournament opener against Auburn, posting 27 points and appearing healthy.
But after struggling vs. Vanderbilt in the next round, a loss for Tennessee, Ament has continued to deal with the effects of his injury despite being on the court.
Throughout his freshman season, Ament has remained one of the best forwards in the country. Until recently, he was Tennessee's leading scorer, before his absence resulted in Ja'Kobi Gillespie stepping up more.
Thibaut Courtois’ injury triggers ripple effect across Real Madrid and Castilla
It is often said that one player’s setback can open the door for another, but at Real Madrid, the injury to Thibaut Courtois is proving to be far more complex than a simple change between the posts.
While the first team adjusts, the consequences are being felt within the club’s structure, particularly at Castilla level.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper is expected to step up in a crucial moment, especially with a high-stakes clash against Atletico Madrid on the horizon.
The club has complete trust in Lunin, but his promotion creates a vacuum that must be filled elsewhere.
What’s the story?
To ensure depth in the first team, Real Madrid have turned to Fran Gonzalez from the academy.
The young goalkeeper is now required to step into the role of backup, highlighting how injuries at the top level can quickly impact the development structure below.
However, this is where the situation becomes more complicated. Courtois’s absence is not just a loss for the senior side, it also weakens Castilla in a significant way.
Fran Gonzalez will have to be with the first team. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
The promotion of Fran Gonzalez removes one of the reserve team’s key figures, leaving them exposed at a crucial stage of their own campaign.
It is the classic double-edged sword of La Fabrica: when talent rises to support the first team, it inevitably leaves a gap behind.
At the youth level, with Fran stepping up, the spotlight now shifts to Sergio Mestre, who is set to take over goalkeeping duties for Castilla.
As far as Fran Gonzalez is concerned, there is also a growing belief within the club about his long-term potential.
His style has even drawn comparisons to Gianluigi Buffon, while he continues to take inspiration from Courtois himself, learning from one of the best as he develops his own identity.
Ultimately, what started as an injury concern for Real Madrid’s first team has now created a chain reaction across multiple levels of the club.
While Lunin steps into the spotlight and Fran Gonzalez earns his opportunity, Castilla will need to make up for a big loss.
The Washington Commanders' recent signing details have been released, and they show some bargains for GM Adam Peters, including the return of left guard Chris Paul.
Financial Breakdown of the last signed contracts by the Commanders
*The following financial breakdown is provided by Spotrac.
Left guard Chris Paul's deal is a one-year #3M deal with $2.4M guaranteed. Paul will be a cap hit of $3M next season.
Dyami Brown, returning after a single season with the Jaguars, will be paid $1.75M. The receiver is being guaranteed $250, 000 and will count $1.7M against the 2026 salary cap.
Jeremy McNichols who is a reliable running back and special teams contributor also has a one-year deal. His deal will pay him $1.4M, with $562,000 guaranteed. This means McNichols will be a $1.2M salary cap hit.
Former Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford also signed a single-year deal with the Commanders. Ford will be paid $1.4M, receiving $437,000 guaranteed. Ford will be a $1.2M cap hit for 2026.
Commanders 2026 Cap Allocations and Cap Space
Total Cap Allocations: $298,874,753, the 26th-lowest in the 32-team league.
Total 51 Cap Space: $50,200,873, the second-highest in the NFL for the 2026 season.
Dead Cap Space for 2026: 20,692,731, which is 19th among NFL teams.
Commanders Top 10 Players Counting Most Against the 2026 Salary Cap
Daron Payne: 2026 cap hit $27, 950,000, cap hit pct 9.28%
Sam Cosmi: 2026 cap hit $20,260,000, cap hit pct 6.73%
Terry McLaurin: 2026 cap hit $18,000,000, cap hit pct 5.98%
Javon Kinlaw: 2026 cap hit $16,200,000, cap hit pct 5.38%
Dorance Armstrong: 2026 cap hit $12,055,000, cap hit pct 4.00%
Laremy Tunsil: 2026 cap hit $11,905,000, cap hit pct 3.95%
K'Lavon Chaisson: 2026 cap hit $11,470,000, cap hit pct 3.81%
Frankie Luvu: 2026 cap hit $11,295,000, cap hit pct 3.75%
Jayden Daniels: 2026 cap hit $10,294,541, cap hit pct 3.42%
Odafe Oweh: 2026 cap hit $9,200,000, cap hit pct 3.05%
Now the second-seeded Wolverines' attention turns to their second opponent, 7-seed NC State. The Wolfpack defeated Tennessee, 76-61, in Friday's late matchup.
Here's what you need to know about how to watch the second round matchup:
Michigan women's basketball vs N.C. State game time in March Madness
Date: Sunday, March 22.
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Crisler Center, Ann Arbor.
Michigan women's basketball March Madness TV channel
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 17: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
While the 49ers recently signed All-Pro wideout Mike Evans and former 1,000-yard slot receiver Christian Kirk in free agency, both are aging veterans who help in the short-term. Concepcion, with the size and skill set to be productive in the slot, would add future upside to a position group that also features 2024 first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall.”
49ers named as one of the best fits for two free agent defenders “Pass-rusher Leonard Floyd has entered the ‘veteran mercenary’ stage of his career,” Knox added. “However, the 33-year-old remains a disruptive defender who would make plenty of sense for a contender in need of edge help. This past season, Floyd logged 19 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 19 quarterback pressures, 11 QB hits, and five tackles for loss across 15 games with the Atlanta Falcons. Two of Floyd’s former employers would make sense for him in 2026.”
BOTTOM LINE: No. 17 Kansas faces No. 10 St. John's in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Jayhawks' record in Big 12 play is 13-7, and their record is 11-3 against non-conference opponents. Kansas ranks second in the Big 12 in rebounding with 35.9 rebounds. Flory Bidunga leads the Jayhawks with 9.1 boards.
The Red Storm are 21-2 in Big East play. St. John's scores 81.5 points while outscoring opponents by 12.0 points per game.
Kansas makes 45.2% of its shots from the field this season, which is 3.2 percentage points higher than St. John's has allowed to its opponents (42.0%). St. John's averages 12.4 more points per game (81.5) than Kansas allows to opponents (69.1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Tre White is shooting 45.2% and averaging 13.8 points for the Jayhawks. Darryn Peterson is averaging 2.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Zuby Ejiofor is averaging 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.2 blocks for the Red Storm. Joson Sanon is averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Jayhawks: 5-5, averaging 69.2 points, 35.4 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 5.5 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 39.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 72.4 points per game.
Red Storm: 9-1, averaging 74.4 points, 35.0 rebounds, 16.8 assists, 6.8 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 44.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.0 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 9 Virginia faces No. 23 Tennessee in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Cavaliers have gone 17-4 against ACC teams, with a 13-1 record in non-conference play. Virginia is 23-5 against opponents with a winning record.
The Volunteers' record in SEC games is 12-8. Tennessee averages 79.4 points while outscoring opponents by 10.4 points per game.
Virginia makes 46.4% of its shots from the field this season, which is 5.6 percentage points higher than Tennessee has allowed to its opponents (40.8%). Tennessee scores 10.9 more points per game (79.4) than Virginia allows to opponents (68.5).
TOP PERFORMERS: Thijs De Ridder is averaging 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Malik Thomas is averaging 12.8 points over the last 10 games.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie averages 2.8 made 3-pointers per game for the Volunteers, scoring 18.3 points while shooting 34.1% from beyond the arc. Nate Ament is averaging 12.2 points and 5.6 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Cavaliers: 8-2, averaging 78.9 points, 33.2 rebounds, 15.8 assists, 6.0 steals and 8.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 71.4 points per game.
Volunteers: 6-4, averaging 74.7 points, 37.5 rebounds, 15.6 assists, 6.9 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.6 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Seattle U Redhawks (21-13, 9-11 WCC) at Auburn Tigers (18-16, 8-12 SEC)
Auburn, Alabama; Sunday, 6:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Auburn and Seattle U meet in the National Invitation Tournament.
The Tigers' record in SEC games is 8-12, and their record is 10-4 against non-conference opponents. Auburn scores 82.6 points and has outscored opponents by 3.6 points per game.
The Redhawks' record in WCC action is 9-11. Seattle U has a 4-6 record in games decided by less than 4 points.
Auburn scores 82.6 points, 16.0 more per game than the 66.6 Seattle U allows. Seattle U's 43.8% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.5 percentage points lower than Auburn has allowed to its opponents (46.3%).
TOP PERFORMERS: KeShawn Murphy is averaging 10.7 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Tigers. Kevin Overton is averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Brayden Maldonado averages 2.3 made 3-pointers per game for the Redhawks, scoring 14.4 points while shooting 36.7% from beyond the arc. Will Heimbrodt is averaging 12.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Tigers: 4-6, averaging 78.4 points, 32.3 rebounds, 12.0 assists, 6.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 43.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 79.9 points per game.
Redhawks: 6-4, averaging 66.7 points, 29.0 rebounds, 12.4 assists, 7.4 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 41.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.4 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
UNLV Rebels (18-16, 12-10 MWC) at Tulsa Golden Hurricane (27-7, 14-6 AAC)
Tulsa, Oklahoma; Sunday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Tulsa takes on UNLV in the National Invitation Tournament.
The Golden Hurricane are 14-6 against AAC opponents and 13-1 in non-conference play. Tulsa scores 85.7 points and has outscored opponents by 12.4 points per game.
The Rebels are 12-10 in MWC play. UNLV ranks sixth in the MWC shooting 35.2% from 3-point range.
Tulsa averages 10.6 made 3-pointers per game, 3.3 more made shots than the 7.3 per game UNLV gives up. UNLV averages 6.0 more points per game (79.3) than Tulsa allows to opponents (73.3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Miles Barnstable is shooting 41.0% from beyond the arc with 2.7 made 3-pointers per game for the Golden Hurricane, while averaging 14.5 points. Tylen Riley is averaging 16.2 points, 5.1 assists and 1.5 steals over the past 10 games.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn is averaging 20.4 points and 1.5 steals for the Rebels. Kimani Hamilton is averaging 14.7 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Golden Hurricane: 7-3, averaging 82.7 points, 34.9 rebounds, 15.8 assists, 6.8 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 43.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 74.4 points per game.
Rebels: 6-4, averaging 80.1 points, 31.5 rebounds, 14.5 assists, 6.4 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 77.9 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 18 Alabama faces No. 20 Texas Tech in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Crimson Tide are 13-6 against SEC opponents and 11-3 in non-conference play. Alabama ranks sixth in the SEC with 10.3 offensive rebounds per game led by Aiden Sherrell averaging 2.5.
The Red Raiders are 12-7 against Big 12 teams. Texas Tech ranks seventh in the Big 12 with 33.6 rebounds per game led by JT Toppin averaging 10.8.
Alabama averages 12.6 made 3-pointers per game, 6.0 more made shots than the 6.6 per game Texas Tech allows. Texas Tech averages 11.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 3.3 more made shots on average than the 8.2 per game Alabama gives up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Labaron Philon is averaging 22 points and 4.8 assists for the Crimson Tide. Aden Holloway is averaging 14.6 points over the last 10 games.
Toppin is shooting 54.7% and averaging 21.8 points for the Red Raiders. Donovan Atwell is averaging 4.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Crimson Tide: 8-2, averaging 91.3 points, 35.7 rebounds, 15.5 assists, 6.1 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 82.3 points per game.
Red Raiders: 6-4, averaging 77.0 points, 32.5 rebounds, 14.8 assists, 4.8 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 70.5 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 7 UConn faces UCLA in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Huskies have gone 19-4 against Big East opponents, with an 11-1 record in non-conference play. UConn averages 77.6 points and has outscored opponents by 12.3 points per game.
The Bruins are 15-8 in Big Ten play. UCLA ranks second in the Big Ten shooting 37.9% from 3-point range.
UConn scores 77.6 points, 6.6 more per game than the 71.0 UCLA gives up. UCLA scores 12.4 more points per game (77.7) than UConn gives up (65.3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Tarris Reed Jr. is scoring 14.3 points per game and averaging 8.7 rebounds for the Huskies. Solomon Ball is averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Eric Dailey Jr. is averaging 11.6 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Bruins. Tyler Bilodeau is averaging 13.5 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Huskies: 7-3, averaging 73.5 points, 33.8 rebounds, 18.5 assists, 6.0 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 66.6 points per game.
Bruins: 7-3, averaging 77.0 points, 29.2 rebounds, 18.0 assists, 7.4 steals and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 72.3 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 11 West Virginia and No. 16 Kentucky meet in the NCAA Tournament second round.
The Mountaineers' record in Big 12 games is 17-4, and their record is 11-2 against non-conference opponents. West Virginia averages 14.6 turnovers per game and is 22-4 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents.
The Wildcats' record in SEC games is 10-9. Kentucky ranks eighth in the SEC shooting 33.1% from 3-point range.
West Virginia averages 6.7 made 3-pointers per game, 1.5 more made shots than the 5.2 per game Kentucky allows. Kentucky scores 17.5 more points per game (75.5) than West Virginia allows (58.0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Gia Cooke is averaging 14.8 points for the Mountaineers. Sydney Shaw is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Clara Strack is shooting 48.1% and averaging 16.9 points for the Wildcats. Amelia Hassett is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Mountaineers: 9-1, averaging 76.6 points, 33.3 rebounds, 16.3 assists, 9.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 55.3 points per game.
Wildcats: 6-4, averaging 70.5 points, 34.0 rebounds, 15.9 assists, 4.5 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 43.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 64.1 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
UMBC Retrievers (17-14, 11-7 America East) at Marshall Thundering Herd (23-9, 13-6 Sun Belt)
Huntington, West Virginia; Monday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Marshall squares off against UMBC in the National Invitation Tournament.
The Thundering Herd's record in Sun Belt games is 13-6, and their record is 10-3 in non-conference games. Marshall is sixth in the Sun Belt scoring 72.6 points while shooting 42.4% from the field.
The Retrievers' record in America East games is 11-7. UMBC leads the America East with 12.0 offensive rebounds per game led by Alaina Williams averaging 2.2.
Marshall scores 72.6 points, 14.4 more per game than the 58.2 UMBC allows. UMBC has shot at a 37.5% clip from the field this season, 1.9 percentage points less than the 39.4% shooting opponents of Marshall have averaged.
TOP PERFORMERS: Timaya Lewis-Eutsey is averaging 19.3 points, 3.9 assists and 3.8 steals for the Thundering Herd. Peyton Ilderton is averaging 10.5 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 35.1% over the last 10 games.
Jade Tillman is averaging 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and two steals for the Retrievers. Carmen Yanez is averaging 1.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Thundering Herd: 6-4, averaging 73.4 points, 32.2 rebounds, 12.8 assists, 11.6 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 42.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 69.2 points per game.
Retrievers: 6-4, averaging 60.8 points, 33.3 rebounds, 8.4 assists, 9.4 steals and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 37.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 57.9 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 12 Ohio State squares off against No. 22 Notre Dame in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Buckeyes are 15-6 against Big Ten opponents and 12-1 in non-conference play. Ohio State is 2-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Fighting Irish's record in ACC games is 14-7. Notre Dame is second in the ACC scoring 77.9 points per game and is shooting 46.6%.
Ohio State makes 45.6% of its shots from the field this season, which is 3.2 percentage points higher than Notre Dame has allowed to its opponents (42.4%). Notre Dame has shot at a 46.6% rate from the field this season, 6.5 percentage points above the 40.1% shooting opponents of Ohio State have averaged.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaloni Cambridge is shooting 49.3% and averaging 22.7 points for the Buckeyes. Chance Gray is averaging 17.1 points over the last 10 games.
Hannah Hidalgo is scoring 25.2 points per game with 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the Fighting Irish. Iyana Moore is averaging 14.1 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 41.1% over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Buckeyes: 6-4, averaging 75.7 points, 30.6 rebounds, 17.7 assists, 8.9 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 69.3 points per game.
Fighting Irish: 8-2, averaging 74.4 points, 30.7 rebounds, 13.9 assists, 11.9 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 45.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.1 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls (24-9, 12-7 Big 12) at UCLA Bruins (32-1, 21-0 Big Ten)
Los Angeles; Monday, 10 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: No. 2 UCLA and Oklahoma State square off in the NCAA Tournament second round.
The Bruins' record in Big Ten games is 21-0, and their record is 11-1 in non-conference games. UCLA averages 85.5 points and has outscored opponents by 28.9 points per game.
The Cowgirls are 12-7 against Big 12 teams. Oklahoma State is second in the Big 12 scoring 81.5 points per game and is shooting 46.7%.
UCLA averages 7.5 made 3-pointers per game, 1.7 more made shots than the 5.8 per game Oklahoma State gives up. Oklahoma State scores 24.9 more points per game (81.5) than UCLA allows (56.6).
TOP PERFORMERS: Gianna Kneepkens averages 2.3 made 3-pointers per game for the Bruins, scoring 13.2 points while shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc. Lauren Betts is averaging 16.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.9 blocks over the last 10 games.
Micah Gray is scoring 13.9 points per game with 2.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Cowgirls. Achol Akot is averaging 14.7 points and 6.2 rebounds over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bruins: 10-0, averaging 82.4 points, 40.4 rebounds, 21.2 assists, 7.9 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 56.4 points per game.
Cowgirls: 6-4, averaging 71.2 points, 31.1 rebounds, 14.8 assists, 9.3 steals and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 66.9 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 1 UConn faces Syracuse in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Huskies are 23-0 against Big East opponents and 12-0 in non-conference play. UConn is 30-0 against opponents with a winning record.
The Orange are 13-7 against ACC teams. Syracuse is eighth in the ACC allowing 63.4 points while holding opponents to 40.2% shooting.
UConn averages 9.4 made 3-pointers per game, 4.6 more made shots than the 4.8 per game Syracuse allows. Syracuse has shot at a 42.4% clip from the field this season, 8.9 percentage points greater than the 33.5% shooting opponents of UConn have averaged.
TOP PERFORMERS: Azzi Fudd averages 3.0 made 3-pointers per game for the Huskies, scoring 17.4 points while shooting 44.1% from beyond the arc. Sarah Strong is shooting 59.5% and averaging 16.6 points over the past 10 games.
Dominique Onu is averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals for the Orange. Izoje Uche is averaging 19.0 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Huskies: 10-0, averaging 86.2 points, 34.5 rebounds, 21.4 assists, 15.8 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 50.1 points per game.
Orange: 6-4, averaging 73.4 points, 36.1 rebounds, 13.6 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 42.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.6 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
George Washington Revolutionaries (16-17, 7-12 A-10) at Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles (21-10, 15-7 OVC)
Evansville, Indiana; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Southern Indiana and George Washington play in the National Invitation Tournament.
The Screaming Eagles' record in OVC games is 15-7, and their record is 6-3 against non-conference opponents. Southern Indiana has an 8-9 record against opponents over .500.
The Revolutionaries' record in A-10 action is 7-12. George Washington is 3-3 in games decided by less than 4 points.
Southern Indiana averages 5.8 made 3-pointers per game, 1.0 more made shot than the 4.8 per game George Washington allows. George Washington averages 60.9 points per game, 2.3 more than the 58.6 Southern Indiana gives up to opponents.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ali Saunders averages 2.6 made 3-pointers per game for the Screaming Eagles, scoring 18.0 points while shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc. Chloe Gannon is shooting 48.1% and averaging 14.6 points over the past 10 games.
Gabby Reynolds is averaging 14.1 points for the Revolutionaries. Sara Lewis is averaging 10.4 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Screaming Eagles: 6-4, averaging 69.3 points, 35.9 rebounds, 15.8 assists, 9.1 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 41.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.7 points per game.
Revolutionaries: 4-6, averaging 57.4 points, 29.9 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 5.3 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 39.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.1 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Radford Highlanders (23-12, 14-5 Big South) at Arkansas State Red Wolves (24-9, 15-5 Sun Belt)
Jonesboro, Arkansas; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Arkansas State plays Radford in the National Invitation Tournament.
The Red Wolves' record in Sun Belt games is 15-5, and their record is 9-4 in non-conference play. Arkansas State ranks eighth in the Sun Belt in rebounding with 34.1 rebounds. Wynter Rogers paces the Red Wolves with 6.1 boards.
The Highlanders' record in Big South action is 14-5. Radford is second in the Big South with 24.7 defensive rebounds per game led by Georgia Simonsen averaging 4.3.
Arkansas State averages 10.3 made 3-pointers per game, 4.4 more made shots than the 5.9 per game Radford allows. Radford has shot at a 39.4% rate from the field this season, 1.9 percentage points less than the 41.3% shooting opponents of Arkansas State have averaged.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mia Tarver is shooting 34.3% from beyond the arc with 2.4 made 3-pointers per game for the Red Wolves, while averaging nine points and 1.7 steals. Zyion Shannon is averaging 11.4 points and 2.4 steals over the last 10 games.
Joi Williams is averaging 15.1 points and two steals for the Highlanders. Simonsen is averaging 15.2 points and 7.4 rebounds over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Red Wolves: 5-5, averaging 72.2 points, 33.2 rebounds, 14.3 assists, 13.0 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 35.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 66.9 points per game.
Highlanders: 8-2, averaging 76.0 points, 33.7 rebounds, 14.4 assists, 8.7 steals and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 60.4 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Binghamton Bearcats (20-12, 11-7 America East) at La Salle Explorers (18-13, 11-9 A-10)
Philadelphia; Monday, 6 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: La Salle and Binghamton meet in the National Invitation Tournament.
The Explorers are 11-9 against A-10 opponents and 7-4 in non-conference play. La Salle is ninth in the A-10 in team defense, giving up 63.7 points while holding opponents to 39.6% shooting.
The Bearcats are 11-7 against America East teams. Binghamton is sixth in the America East with 11.0 assists per game led by Meghan Casey averaging 2.5.
La Salle's average of 5.0 made 3-pointers per game is 1.0 fewer made shot on average than the 6.0 per game Binghamton allows. Binghamton averages 5.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.4 fewer makes per game than La Salle gives up.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ashleigh Connor is scoring 15.7 points per game with 5.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Explorers. Aryss Macktoon is averaging 15 points, 9.3 rebounds and two steals over the past 10 games.
Kendall Bennett is averaging 14.1 points and 10 rebounds for the Bearcats. Bella Pucci is averaging 3.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Explorers: 7-3, averaging 64.6 points, 32.2 rebounds, 14.1 assists, 8.2 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 40.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 61.7 points per game.
Bearcats: 4-6, averaging 59.1 points, 27.2 rebounds, 10.9 assists, 6.9 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 43.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 59.2 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
USC Trojans (18-13, 9-10 Big Ten) at South Carolina Gamecocks (32-3, 17-3 SEC)
Columbia, South Carolina; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: No. 4 South Carolina and USC meet in the NCAA Tournament second round.
The Gamecocks' record in SEC games is 17-3, and their record is 15-0 in non-conference games. South Carolina is 27-2 in games decided by 10 or more points.
The Trojans are 9-10 in Big Ten play. USC is fifth in the Big Ten allowing 63.0 points while holding opponents to 39.5% shooting.
South Carolina averages 6.1 made 3-pointers per game, 1.1 more made shots than the 5.0 per game USC allows. USC averages 7.4 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.4 more made shots on average than the 6.0 per game South Carolina gives up.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Gamecocks won 69-52 in the last matchup on Nov. 16. Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 17 points, and Kennedy Smith led the Trojans with 12 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Edwards is scoring 19.8 points per game and averaging 6.3 rebounds for the Gamecocks. Madina Okot is averaging 13.9 points and 12.7 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Jazzy Davidson is averaging 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, two steals and two blocks for the Trojans. Kara Dunn is averaging 14.8 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Gamecocks: 9-1, averaging 83.9 points, 36.7 rebounds, 17.6 assists, 8.4 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 60.7 points per game.
Trojans: 6-4, averaging 71.9 points, 32.3 rebounds, 15.5 assists, 8.0 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 41.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.7 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
BOTTOM LINE: No. 6 Vanderbilt and Illinois play in the NCAA Tournament second round.
The Commodores have gone 13-4 against SEC opponents, with a 15-0 record in non-conference play. Vanderbilt averages 85.2 points while outscoring opponents by 19.8 points per game.
The Fighting Illini are 11-10 in Big Ten play. Illinois ranks fourth in the Big Ten shooting 35.9% from 3-point range.
Vanderbilt scores 85.2 points, 19.4 more per game than the 65.8 Illinois gives up. Illinois has shot at a 45.7% rate from the field this season, 3.5 percentage points above the 42.2% shooting opponents of Vanderbilt have averaged.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mikayla Blakes is averaging 27 points, 4.5 assists and 2.8 steals for the Commodores. Aubrey Galvan is averaging 16.4 points over the last 10 games.
Berry Wallace is shooting 47.7% and averaging 18.4 points for the Fighting Illini. Cearah Parchment is averaging 15.2 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Commodores: 8-2, averaging 86.1 points, 31.7 rebounds, 17.2 assists, 9.3 steals and 2.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 74.7 points per game.
Fighting Illini: 6-4, averaging 75.0 points, 29.5 rebounds, 15.1 assists, 7.1 steals and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.1 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Saint Bonaventure Bonnies (17-15, 7-12 A-10) at Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (16-15, 11-8 CUSA)
Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Monday, 7:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Middle Tennessee and Saint Bonaventure square off in the National Invitation Tournament.
The Blue Raiders' record in CUSA games is 11-8, and their record is 5-7 in non-conference play. Middle Tennessee is fifth in the CUSA at limiting opponent scoring, allowing 60.5 points while holding opponents to 39.8% shooting.
The Bonnies are 7-12 against A-10 teams. Saint Bonaventure is fifth in the A-10 with 22.9 defensive rebounds per game led by Laycee Drake averaging 5.4.
Middle Tennessee averages 61.9 points per game, 0.4 more points than the 61.5 Saint Bonaventure allows. Saint Bonaventure averages 62.3 points per game, 1.8 more than the 60.5 Middle Tennessee gives up to opponents.
TOP PERFORMERS: Alayna Contreras is shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc with 2.0 made 3-pointers per game for the Blue Raiders, while averaging 14.5 points and 1.5 steals. Blair Baugus is shooting 44.0% and averaging 14.3 points over the last 10 games.
Drake averages 1.2 made 3-pointers per game for the Bonnies, scoring 15.5 points while shooting 33.0% from beyond the arc. Aaliyah Parker is averaging 11.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 steals over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Blue Raiders: 4-6, averaging 63.9 points, 28.7 rebounds, 10.1 assists, 8.4 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 38.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.3 points per game.
Bonnies: 5-5, averaging 60.6 points, 28.3 rebounds, 11.9 assists, 7.3 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 39.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 62.5 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
🗞️Today's headlines: Derby Sunday and the race for top spot
The match between Real Madrid and Atleti, just like the clash between Barça and Rayo, takes up a large share of the front pages in the press.
Super Sunday of football and great matches in La Liga, where Barça kicks things off and a capital city derby at the Bernabéu between Madrid and Atleti brings it to a spectacular close. The sports press is unanimous.
Switzerland international Alisha Lehmann has 66 caps for her country [Getty Images]
Leicester City striker Alisha Lehmann is arguably the most recognisable female footballer in the world.
Boasting nearly 16 million followers on Instagram and a further 11.8 million on TikTok, she walked the catwalks of Milan last year while playing in Italy and her striking looks regularly catch the attention of the tabloids.
By her own recognition, that can establish a certain public perception - and it is something she is keen to quash after swapping Mediterranean life for a relegation battle in the East Midlands.
The publicity surrounding her January move focused as much on her off-field persona as what she brought to the team.
"When I was younger, it affected me more because I didn't know how to handle the situation," she says. "There were moments where I was really sad and I used to ask my mum if I could not play football anymore.
"Football is the thing I love the most and it's what I have put the most time into. I rest so well, I sleep every afternoon and I would never do anything before training or a game that would affect how I play. I care so much about it.
"People don't know how much effort I actually put in when they say 'Oh, she's not a footballer'.
"But now, I'm fine. I love my life and the people around me and I don't get affected by it."
She is likely to spearhead Leicester's attack on Sunday in the BBC-televised game against Aston Villa (14:45 GMT).
Lehmann has also played for West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa in England [Getty Images]
Swiss-born Lehmann, 26, has spoken in the past about how she hopes to use her social media platform to build the profile of women's football and bring the game to a new audience.
For comparison, England's Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo have 1.5 million and 1.1 million Instagram followers respectively, while ex-US star Alex Morgan has 9 million.
Her posts alternate between lifestyle content and her football, catering for a broad and diverse following, but make her a target for those who seek to criticise.
"Sometimes, it's frustrating," she tells BBC Sport. "People don't see the work that I put in. They think I just train and then go home to make TikToks - it's not true.
"I'm very professional. I always give everything on the pitch and I want to be the best. If I've not done my best when I check my data after training, I will do extra rounds to try to improve.
"People can think what they want but everything I do is focused on being the best player I can be."
Lehmann first moved to the Women's Super League in 2018, joining West Ham after scoring twice in the 2018 European Under-19 Championship.
Across six years in England, she made 108 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists during spells in east London, Everton and Aston Villa.
After a difficult time in Italy with Juventus and then Como, Lehmann says returning to a country she thinks of as "home" was an obvious decision.
"I signed a long-term deal in Como but after a month I realised I didn't like it and wanted to return to England," she explains.
"I love it here, the football is better and England feels like home to me."
'Incredible' Lehmann 'works harder than anyone else'
Lehmann attended Paris Fashion Week in January shortly after signing for Leicester City [Getty Images]
Lehmann's January arrival at then 11th-placed Leicester City headlined boss Rick Passmoor's attempts to recruit experienced players to help dig his youthful team out of trouble.
She was joined at King Power Stadium by WSL stalwarts Ashleigh Neville, 32, from Tottenham and Manchester United striker Rachel Williams, 38, among others.
However, the ploy has yet to bear dividends.
Last week's defeat by fellow strugglers Liverpool, coupled with West Ham's draw against Manchester United on Wednesday, means the Foxes are adrift at the bottom by three points with five games to go.
Having scored just eight goals all season, the prospect of a relegation play-off against the third-placed side in WSL 2 is looming.
Despite their perilous position, Passmoor believes Lehmann has made a positive impact and backs up how his striker perceives herself.
"She is incredible," he says. "She's exactly what you want - a leader, a professional. She works harder than anyone else in the building.
"She wants us to be successful and she wants to win football matches. If we could mirror her mindset across the football club, we'd be in a very good place."
Lehmann remains convinced Leicester can get out of trouble.
"The situation we're in now isn't the best," she says. "We're all doing everything we can to be the best version of ourselves and stay in the WSL."
[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
22nd March – Five Memorable Celtic Moments on This Day
Five memorable Celtic moments, with a nod to the late Celtic Historian and Celtic Star legend David Potter, on this day starting in 1924…
Willie Maley. Image via The Celtic Wiki
ONE –SATURDAY 22 MARCH 1924 – Celtic’s miserable year of 1924 continues with a 0-1 defeat to Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park. It is a good Raith side, but Celtic’s play has been poor all season, never having recovered from the loss of both central defenders Johnny Gilchrist and Willie Cringan, both of whom fell foul of the despotic Willie Maley.
John Divers scored twice
TWO – SATURDAY 22 MARCH 1941 – Life is not going at well for Great Britain in the Second World War at the moment, and Celtic are struggling without Jimmy Delaney whose broken arm is taking an incredibly long time to heal. Today however they record a 3-1 victory over Airdrie at Celtic Park with two goals from Johnny Divers and one from Matt Lynch.
Bobby Lennox scored twice
THREE – MONDAY 22 MARCH 1965 – A significant result tonight, although no-one realises it at the time. Celtic go down 2-4 to Hibs at Celtic Park with all the goals coming in the first half. Hibs then play superbly in the second half to deny Celtic. Jock Stein, until recently the Manager of Hibs, watches and decides that Bobby Murdoch who had played at right half on Saturday against Dundee, is no inside right and that right half will be his position from now on. Bobby Lennox scored Celtic’s two goals.
Jimmy Johnstone scored
FOUR – SATURDAY 22 MARCH 1969 – Celtic surprise their supporters in the 48,349 crowd for this Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden by appearing in all-white (some of us at the top of the high East Terracing think that it is Morton, the opposition!) and then shock them by losing an early goal in this first minute. Soon however normal service is restored and goals by Willie Wallace, Billy McNeill, Steve Chalmers and Jimmy Johnstone give Celtic a comfortable victory all the more necessary for their supporters who were still smarting from their defeat by A.C.Milan in the European Cup some ten days previously.
Jimmy Johnstone remembered. Celtic v Inverness Caley Thistle programme. 22 March 2006.
FIVE – WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH 2006 – The Scottish League Cup, won on Sunday at Hampden, is tonight paraded at Celtic Park with green and white ribbons by Mrs Agnes Johnstone, widow of the late Jimmy, and then Celtic take another step towards the Scottish Premier League with a 2-1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle with goals from Steve McManus and Shaun Maloney. Inverness’s consolation goal is a last minute howler from Artur Boruc.
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Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
After three consecutive heartbreaks at the Southport Semistate, the Parke Heritage Wolves decided Saturday night was their time.
Their fourth straight semistate tournament trip and third successive championship finals appearance wasn’t just the charm.
It was their moment to bust down the door to the IHSAA State Finals in downtown Indianapolis.
Finally.
Opportunity knocked & the Parke Heritage Wolves answered. Senior Treigh Schelsky had 16 pts, 5 assists, 3 rbs & 2 steals, as 2A Parke Heritage beat Linton Stockton 66-53 for Southport Semistate title. PH was in 3rd straight Semistate final and 4th Semistate in row @indyhsscorespic.twitter.com/WkaencdOux
The Class 2A fourth-ranked Wolves (26-4) made their declaration clear from the tip-off against eighth-ranked Linton Stockton (25-5) inside Southport Fieldhouse, and senior Isaac Pickel added the exclamation point.
Pickel flipped the title game’s opening tip over his shoulder, and junior Brenden Goins found the 6-foot-9 forward in stride towards the basket for a two-handed slam, kicking off a decisive 18-3 run to start, as Parke Heritage led wire-to-wire to win 66-53.
“That’s part of our offense, getting an early lead to get us going, so we can get running,” Pickel said. “And with that dunk right off the tip play, it got everybody hyped. We got the juice flowing, and it was good for us.”
It was just the beginning for the Wolves, who lost to Linton Stockton, 87-59, in the semistate semifinals in 2023 before falling short to both Brownstown Central, 66-56, and University, 53-47, in the past two Southport Semistate championships.
A regional champion five times the past six years with one 2A state runner-up finish in 2021 after winning the Washington Semistate, Southport became the setting where Wolves’ seasons went to die despite back-to-back 20-plus win seasons.
“We had to answer the door. Last year, I felt like we kind of let up in the championship game. We kind of expected it maybe to be given to us. Tonight, there was none of that,” Parke Heritage senior Treigh Schelsky said. “Our guys were locked in. They knew it was going to take a great effort.”
As a freshman, Treigh Schelsky led his father’s program to its second semistate appearance in three years, but their plans to return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse fell flat.
In 2021, Treigh was the team’s manager. Six years later, he’s a state finalist.
“There is no guarantee that we’re ever going to get back to this moment. That was our mantra all state tournament. When opportunity knocks, you’ve got to knock the door down. We did tonight,” Parke Heritage coach Rich Schelsky said.
After 2 years of heartbreak, junior Carter Crum and 2A Parke Heritage said enough is enough. An 18-3 run kicked off by an opening tip outlet dunk set the tone, Crum finished w/a game-high 24 pts. Parke Heritage beat Linton Stockton 66-53 to win Southport Semistate @indyhsscorespic.twitter.com/fBAp70tRsV
“This is the culmination of a year ago this night. These guys were disappointed when we lost that game, and they thought we missed maybe our greatest opportunity to get to Indianapolis. These guys have been driven since we started in June. To watch it all come together, there’s nothing better in high school sports.”
As a final four team, the Wolves proved they deserved to be one of the final two, holding the Linton Stockton Miners scoreless until the 4:26 mark in the first quarter while building a 15-point lead.
The Miners cut the deficit to five points late in the fourth quarter, but the Wolves played to their strengths to fend off a comeback.
One of them was Pickel, who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds with three blocks. Another was Treigh Schelsky, who had 16 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The third component was 6-4 junior Carter Crum, who provided a game-high 24 points, six rebounds and 14 first-half points, as Parke Heritage carried a 34-23 advantage into halftime.
“Coach made it a point getting the ball to me and to Carter, both post players tonight with the inside and out game, especially when they went into a tight 3-1. We kind of exposed them in the post and on the weak side,” Pickel said.
The unexpected factor was a probability of fatigue after Linton Stockton was forced to survive an overtime thriller, 82-74, against unranked Austin (17-9) in the afternoon semifinal round.
A ferocious second-half Austin rally capped by a 3-pointer to end regulation from sophomore Tracen Roush at the buzzer to tie the game 69-69 pushed the Miners to their limits.
The Wolves pounced on the Miners in the title game, intentionally.
“Yes, 100 percent (the dunk) sent a message that we’re coming out. We’re going to play our hardest, and we’re going to be the big dogs tonight,” Pickel said. “Coach was talking in the locker room, when opportunity knocks, you got to open the door and meet it. That’s what we did tonight. We haven’t done it in the past, but tonight, we finally broke down the door, and it feels wonderful.”
Outscored 22-14 in the first quarter, the Miners regrouped in the second half behind a team-high 21 points and six rebounds from senior Paul Oliver, an Indiana State football recruit.
Sophomore Reuben Goodman had 11 points, and both seniors Jackson Miller and Conner Daily each provided 9 points.
A 3-pointer by Miller with 3:15 remaining cut the Miners’ deficit to 55-50, but Schelsky, Goins (4 points), Crum and Pickel took turns during the Wolves’ final 11-3 run.
“We fell short before. My last two years of high school, we fell short the last game, so it feels great to break through and finally get to Gainbridge,” Crum said. “They played the second game, so we obviously got off our feet, got some rest, drank some water and we felt good going into the night. We were ready.”
The Wolves were eager to get back to their identity after scoring a season-low 44 points against No. 6 Triton Central during their semistate semifinal win. The total was the least they’ve produced in a victory. Parke Heritage averages 66.5 points per game.
“Triton Central had a lot to do with how we played offensively this morning. That was the real us in the first half tonight. That was us playing free and loose, and that was a lot of fun to watch,” coach Schelsky said.
“Coach (Mark) James and I were talking about it before our game. We’re a unicorn because we play through the post, and we got a lot of good offensive players out there. Sometimes, we forget where our bread is buttered, and our perimeter lives are so much easier when the ball is played through the post.”
Parke Heritage shot 7 of 16 from 3-point range against Linton Stockton and converted 19 of 27 free throws. The Wolves won the rebounding battle, repeatedly capitalizing on second-chance shots.
“The big key was getting back to being us, running, getting out in transition. We wanted to put pressure on them. They had a great Indiana high school basketball game this afternoon, and that had to take something out of them,” Schelsky said. “Luckily for us, we played the first game.”
Now, they are going to play the last 2A game of the season next weekend.
“I’ve had the dream of making it to Gainbridge Fieldhouse and playing for a state championship since I was a kid. It’s in the back of your mind, but you don’t think it’s possible, but once we’ve gotten here the past three years, it’s stung not to break through the door. To get it done this year, honestly, it still hasn’t sunk in yet,” Treigh Schelsky said. “Not that I knew we were going to win, but I had a feeling our guys were going to come to play, and we weren’t going to let this happen again.”
The 25-year-old midfielder had a very good spell in the first XI around December and into January but has rapidly fallen out of favour once again.
On his day he can set the tempo for the Reds with his forward passing a key feature for the Premier League champions. But Jones is suffering under Arne Slot right now - with only one top-flight start since January 17.
That came against Nottingham Forest - a game in which the homegrown schemer was heavily criticised. He was again left out of the lineup for the game versus Brighton away - despite having Slot having considerable selection difficulties.
He isn’t being preferred by the Dutch head coach - and his contract is running down quickly. Jones last signed a contract renewal back in 2022 - and his current terms expire in 2027.
If no deal is agreed very soon then it looks all but certain that he will be sold for “pure profit” in summer. He was targeted by Tottenham and Inter Milan in January and the Italians have been tipped to come back for Jones in the off-season.
Jones may well consider moving on to play for a coach that rates him higher - something he needs at this stage of his career. And there is another consideration too.
No chance of Jones at World Cup
The midfielder’s World Cup hopes look in tatters as Thomas Tuchel left him out of the 35-man England squad for the March international friendlies.
It is going to take a monumental effort for Jones to get back into the Liverpool team AND England reckoning before the end of the campaign.
And it may well be a wake-up call for Jones - who has fared well on his six England outings to date. In order to gain some semblance of an international career he’s going to have to leave Anfield.
Tuchel won’t pick him on sentiment alone and he requires proper game time. With Slot preferring so many other midfield options to start games right now it could be curtains for Jones at Liverpool.
Roma will face Lecce in a few hours without Wesley, who is suspended, and the Brazilian’s absence will be felt.
The former Flamengo player took over the Roman club in his first season in Europe, and now top clubs are hot on his trail. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are well known to be interested.
The Citizens had already pursued him when he was in Brazil, but ultimately failed to secure a deal, and the 2003-born player has landed in the capital.
Another Premier League club is ready to knock on Trigoria’s door for Wesley.
Arsenal, according to TeamTalk, are also eyeing the Giallorossi winger to replace Ben White, who could leave in the summer transfer window.
For their part, Roma are ready to put up a wall to keep hold of the number 43. The winger will likely also go to the World Cup with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil: this opportunity could skyrocket his value.
SEYMOUR – Before Saturday night’s Class 3A semistate clash between No. 1 Silver Creek and third-ranked Cathedral, Irish head coach Jason Delaney quipped that his game plan to contain the Dragons’ Dane Caldwell was to pray.
Well, that prayer went unanswered – Caldwell scored 31 points for Silver Creek – but a different prayer was in Cathedral’s thrilling 73-68 comeback win to advance to the state final.
“The (other) prayer was us coming together and not folding,” Delaney said. “We had many chances to fold. At halftime, there were some nerves there. Guys stuck together.”
Cathedral trailed by eight points entering the fourth quarter but erased the deficit within minutes to tie the game up 52-52 with under five to play. From there, the Irish kept attacking and warded off a late Dragons' rally that kept it close.
The toughness of senior guard Keaton Aldridge and his ability to match Caldwell’s scoring gave Cathedral a huge lift. At one point, Aldridge took a blow to the face that drew blood. Later, severe cramps got the best of him as he was barely able to stagger to the free throw line.
But Aldridge persevered thanks to his courage and leadership. He finished with 29 points, mostly in the paint on tough takes to the bucket.
“That’s the type of player I am,” Aldridge said. “I know how to get to the rim very well, put it on the right angle of the glass.”
After Aldridge netted Cathedral’s first eight points, Dragons head coach Brandon Hoffman immediately subbed in junior forward Donovan Whitehead, whose 6-6 frame might trouble Aldridge.
It worked for a while, as Aldridge cooled off in the second quarter. But Silver Creek eventually went away from that matchup, which allowed the Detroit Mercy commit to get going again in the second half.
“I was a little surprised because (Whitehead) was doing good,” Aldridge admitted. “Silver Creek has got some great players, great defenders. But it didn’t matter, we wanted to win. Whatever I had to do to win the game I was going to do.”
Cathedral also got quality minutes from freshman Ryan Gold Jr. off the bench. The 6-1 guard scored all eight of his points late with the game on the line.
“Ryan Gold hits a huge three, then gets the layup,” said Delaney. “He’s been fighting injury, didn’t even practice all week. He’s been in and out the last like three, four weeks.”
Cathedral will face New Haven, the winner of the other Class 3A semistate at Logansport, next weekend in the state final. It will be New Haven’s first appearance in the championship game.
If the Iowa State Cyclones are going to earn a Sweet 16 berth, it may be without one of their key contributors.
Star forward Joshua Jefferson left Iowa State's NCAA Tournament opener, an eventual win over Tennessee State, with an ankle injury. The Cyclones didn't find much trouble in his absence, but on Sunday, they face a tougher test: seventh-seeded Kentucky.
Heading into the second-round matchup, Jefferson's status remains up in the air. While he appears to have avoided a serious, long-term injury, the forward also may not be able to play against the Wildcats.
Here's the latest on Jefferson's status for Iowa State's second-round matchup vs. Kentucky.
As of Saturday, it appears Jefferson is unlikely to contribute in Iowa State's second-round game.
Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68 reported that Jefferson was considered "unlikely" to play, and that he would receive treatment pregame despite "slim" chances of being on the court for the Cyclones.
Per ESPN, Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger said Saturday that Jefferson likely wouldn't play vs. Kentucky, but he wouldn't yet make anything official.
"We'll just continue to do what we can in his best interest," Otzelberger said, per ESPN. "We'll be prepared to go either way."
If Jefferson officially can't go vs. Kentucky, his next chance to play would depend on a Cyclones win, looking to advance to the Sweet 16.
What happened to Joshua Jefferson?
In Iowa State's first-round matchup vs. Tennessee State, Jefferson needed to be helped off the floor after injuring his left ankle. He couldn't put weight on it, needing help going to the locker room.
Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson was helped off the floor after an apparent ankle injury pic.twitter.com/R4xaFzgsJU
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 20, 2026
Jefferson had X-rays done, which brought good results for Iowa State. Otzelberger said those X-rays came back negative and Jefferson was dealing with a sprained ankle.
He was seen with his left foot in a boot postgame.
Prognosis for Joshua Jefferson is a sprained left ankle. He says X-rays were negative. pic.twitter.com/ECh0gyCreN
On Saturday, Jefferson told reporters that he was able to put some weight on the foot, although it was still sore.
Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson talks about his ankle injury and what his status for Sunday's game might be. T.J. Otzelberger described him as "unlikely" to play.
Jefferson is Iowa State's leading rebounder this season, ranking second on the team in points per game. A former Saint Mary's forward, he joined the Cyclones in 2024 and has become one of the team's most reliable starters.
Real Madrid defender’s renewal back on track after crucial progress
There has been a noticeable shift in how Real Madrid are viewing Antonio Rudiger’s future, and it could have major implications heading into the summer.
What once looked uncertain is now slowly turning into a realistic possibility, with the club reconsidering its position on the experienced defender.
According to a report from AS, Real Madrid are now open to the idea of extending Rudiger’s stay at the club.
Rudiger had been dealing with persistent knee problems earlier in the season, which raised concerns about his long-term reliability.
However, after taking decisive action to address the issue, the German international has managed to completely change the narrative around him.
As part of his recovery process, Rudiger travelled to London for specialised treatment, and that decision now appears to have paid off.
His performances and availability in recent weeks have convinced the coaching staff that he is once again capable of performing at the highest level.
Rudiger’s renewal is still a possibility. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
His growing importance has not gone unnoticed within the club, as Alvaro Arbeloa recently made his admiration clear while speaking about the defender’s impact.
“I hope that Real Madrid fans realise how lucky we are to have him at this club.”
He has started nine of the last 10 games and completed the full 90 minutes in eight of them.
Despite all this, his contractual situation remains unresolved. His current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning Real Madrid must soon make a definitive decision.
However, unlike earlier in the campaign, the momentum now appears to favour a renewal.
From the player’s perspective, there is little doubt, as Rudiger is eager to continue at Real Madrid, a club he considers a dream destination.
If he continues on this trajectory, the contract situation could ultimately resolve itself naturally.
UDINE, ITALY - MARCH 14: Luciano Spalletti of Juventus during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images) | Juventus FC via Getty Images
Bayern Munich is back to its jaw-dropping, rip-roaring ways.
The German record champions hit the new year at a sputter, at times looking to retain only a shadow of the terrifying form they exhibited in the fall. But with a 6-1 smashing of Atalanta under the Champions League lights — on the road, no less — Vincent Kompany’s side is back to turning heads.
It’s setting the standard, and it’s enough to make other coaches wax poetic in admiration.
“In modern football, everyone has to find their position on the pitch with balance and continual changing of roles, but doing it in a dynamic and fluid way,” Juventus gaffer Luciano Spalletti said (as captured by Football Italia, via @iMiaSanMia). “Just look at Bayern Munich the other day against Atalanta, they showed us a whole encyclopedia of movement and positioning in football.”
The biggest obstacle now? Bayern’s run of injuries, particularly at the goalkeeper position[LINK] but also to stars like Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, have thrown more curveballs. But the keeper situation is passing — thankfully having landed in the first place when the biggest thing at stake was a Champions League Round of 16 second leg in which the Bavarians already held a five-goal advantage — and Bayern’s been here before: Musiala and Davies missed the start of the year, too.
Time for the next edition of Encyclopedia Bavaria to unveil itself.
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…
Arsenal vs Manchester City – Carabao Cup final Combined XI
Arsenal and Manchester City meet in a massive showdown at Wembley this afternoon, with the Carabao Cup the prize.
The top two in the Premier League battle for the season’s first silverware. For Mikel Arteta, it’s a chance to end Arsenal’s six-year trophy drought and keep quadruple hopes alive; City aim for their sixth title in 11 years.
Ahead of this major clash, we created an Arsenal and Manchester City Combined XI.
Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal
Pep Guardiola’s confirmation that James Trafford will start in Manchester City makes this a more straightforward selection than it might have been. Trafford is a terrific young goalkeeper, but Raya has emerged as one of the world’s finest at Arsenal.
There is a chance, of course, that Arteta also sticks with his own number two, Kepa Arrizabalaga, in cup competition. It’s a big decision.
Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal
Arsenal boast the best backline in the Premier League – if not Europe. Jurrien Timber has been a mainstay of the meanest back four in the division, with the Dutchman dependable at both ends of the pitch.
Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal
William Salbia has entered an elite bracket of players who perform with such consistency that their performances now go somewhat overlooked. Gabriel has taken more headlines than Saliba this season, but the Frenchman’s been no less impressive. A Rolls-Royce.
Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal
An unmissable presence in both boxes and a big reason why Arsenal have become such a threat at set-pieces. When the big Brazilian is charging towards a delivery, there’s usually only one outcome.
Left-back: Piero Hincapie – Arsenal
Hincapie nailed down the left-back role at Arsenal despite considerable competition, producing an eye-catching run of form. The Ecuadorian is perhaps the ideal Arteta full-back, combining tenacious defensive work with physical presence.
Midfield: Rodri – Manchester City
Rodri might not have returned to his Ballon d’Or level post-knee injury just yet, but the Spaniard remains the conduit of the Manchester City side. City’s best football flows through him, and Guardiola needs his midfield metronome to shine at Wembley.
Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal
Perhaps the leading candidate for the Footballer of the Year awards, should Arsenal get over the line this season.
Rice’s powerhouse performances have been at the centre of Arsenal’s success this season, while he’s evolved into one of the best set-piece takers in the Premier League.
Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Bukayo Saka has not been at his absolute best this season, but even a below-par campaign for the Arsenal winger is productive. Saka has struck 10 goals and created six more, with the Hale End poster boy likely to have a big role across the run-in.
Left-wing: Rayan Cherki – Manchester City
In an era where clubs spend extraordinary sums on new signings, the arrival of Rayan Cherki for just north of £30m was among the best-value deals in the league.
The Frenchman is a fabulous watch with elite technique, who is closing in on double digits for both goals and assists. We might have only scratched the surface of what Cherki, who doesn’t turn 23 until August, can do.
Forward: Antoine Semenyo – Manchester City
Antoine Semenyo has hit the ground running at Manchester City after arriving from Bournemouth in January.
The £62.5m deal already looks like value, with Semenyo having scored seven times in 16 games. He’s hit 15 for the season in the Premier League in what has been a true coming-of-age campaign.
Forward: Erling Haaland – Manchester City
Erling Haaland is a shoo-in for almost any Combined XI, even amid a drought by his impossible standards.
Haaland hasn’t hit genuine form since the turn of the year, but still leads the Golden Boot race with 22 goals and has 30 in all competitions. He’s surpassed the 30-goal mark in all four seasons at the Etihad, a priceless contribution.
Barcelona find unlikely heroes where no one was looking
In a team like Barcelona, there is hardly anything that goes unnoticed, but one aspect that has, however, gone under the radar is the defensive pairing of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin.
Without much noise or headlines, Cubarsi and Martin have established themselves as a reliable and increasingly indispensable centre-back pairing under Hansi Flick.
What makes their partnership particularly valuable is not just their defensive solidity, but how naturally they complement each other.
Flick has leaned on their ability to build from the back, with Cubarsi operating comfortably on the right side thanks to his right foot, while Gerard offers balance on the left.
This symmetry has allowed Barcelona to maintain fluidity in possession without compromising structure.
Performance to show
As such, both defenders stood out at St. James’ Park and followed it up with another strong display against Sevilla.
They also delivered in the return leg against Newcastle at the Spotify Camp Nou, where the fans are beginning to fully recognise their influence on the team’s style of play.
Individually, Cubarsi has been a near-ever-present figure, starting 36 of Barcelona’s 39 matches this season and maintaining impressive discipline with just three yellow cards.
Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi have been excellent for Barcelona. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Since being rested against Levante in February, he has responded by completing six consecutive full matches.
Martin’s contribution has been equally important, as despite a suspension against Villarreal, he has since played five full matches, all as a left-sided centre-back.
With 82 appearances for the first team, his role has expanded significantly compared to last season, showing Flick’s growing trust in him.
Furthermore, Cubarsi leads the league in successful passes with 1,931, ahead of notable names such as Marcos Alonso and Daley Blind.
Martin, who has started 26 of 40 matches this season, despite fewer minutes, ranks among the top performers in this area and continues to impress with his reading of the game.
Physically, Martin boasts the highest aerial duel success rate in the league at 71.43%, while Cubarsi also ranks strongly in this category.
The best example of this is the fact that together, Cubarsi and Martin have conceded just one headed goal, which is a tied record across Europe’s top five leagues.
Slot admits Liverpool season “not good enough” but slams narrative over spending, cites net spend and injuries
Arne Slot has admitted Liverpool's season has not been 'good enough' but has questioned the narrative around his team.
Liverpool lost 2-1 at Brighton on Saturday in a damaging defeat to the club's Champions League ambitions. The champions have struggled during a disappointing defence of thePremier League and sit fifth in the table after a 10th loss of the league campaign.
It's the most defeats that Liverpool have suffered in a single season since 2015-16, despite a record-breaking spend last summer.
However, Slot has said that critics continue to overlook the context of Liverpool's recruitment, including a substantial amount recouped from sales and injuries to key players this season.
"For all the people who are saying this, because no-one in England is used to the fact that there are also clubs that are selling players," he said at hispost-match press conference.
"So usually in England when a club is buying [for] £450m, which we did, that's adding that to the already great team you are having. But this club has a different model.
"That no-one wants to see that and no-one wants to understand this, that I can also understand, because fans of other teams or certain pundits don't want to tell you that we've sold for £300m.
"Now if then the £150m player is never available, that's already one thing. If Giovanni Leoni has never been available because of his injury, that is already the second thing. So now we're already going underneath what we've sold.
"Jeremie Frimpong is recently much more and more available and [Giorgi] Mamardashvili was one of the other signings for £450m, the second goalkeeper. It makes complete sense if you win the league last season and you spent £150m, not £450m, that expectations are high and those expectations were high for the pundits, for the media, for me, for the fans.
"But at our club we are also looking at the situation and the things we had, the challenge we had during this season and then we might be a bit more realistic why this season has gone the way it has gone. But still it's not good enough. No matter how many excuses I can come up with, it's still not good enough, the position we're in right now."
Liverpool’s latest defeat has drawn a brutally honest response from John Aldridge, with the former forward not holding back after the 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
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After the high of the Galatasaray win, this was another reminder of how quickly things can unravel for us this season, and Aldridge’s reaction reflects the frustration many supporters are feeling right now.
Aldridge slams Liverpool performance
Writing on X, the ex-Liverpool No.8 was immediate and direct in his assessment of the display: “Defensively absolutely shocking again today!”
That defensive fragility has been a recurring issue throughout the campaign, and it once again proved costly on the south coast as we struggled to deal with Brighton’s intensity and movement.
The 66-year-old didn’t stop there either, pointing to a wider physical issue that continues to show up in our performances.
“Beaten fairly, it could have been worse! ps they ran 6 kilometres more which has happened over 20 times apparently this season. I know it doesn’t mean you automatically win games by doing that, BUT? 😩”
That gap in work rate is particularly concerning given how often it has appeared, suggesting this isn’t an isolated off-day but part of a deeper problem within the side.
Top four hopes now under threat
Aldridge also addressed the bigger picture, with Champions League qualification now looking increasingly uncertain.
“It’s a not great when you’re watching and having to support your local rivals in need to get into the top 4/5 and we’ll be doing that till the last day of the season needing favours from other teams because atm we are not capable of finishing in the champs league place!”
For us, that’s now the reality heading into the final stretch of the season, because unless performances improve quickly and consistently, we’re not just relying on ourselves anymore, we’re relying on others, and that’s never a position Liverpool should want to be in.
📺 Penalty in Milan vs Torino, VAR review: a purely accidental challenge 😳
Once again, the use of VAR and, more generally, refereeing decisions are the cause of heated debates in Serie A. This time, the most contested episode is the penalty awarded to Torino in the match against Milan.
In the 83rd minute, the Torino team was awarded the penalty, converted by Vlasic for the final 2-3, due to a contact between Pavlovic and Simeone.
The defender's hand to the face was there, but referee Fourneau did not notice it at first and only after being called by VAR did he decide to award the penalty. However, doubts remain about the intensity of the contact and thus the validity of the decision regarding the intervention protocol.
Massimiliano Allegri's harsh words on the sidelines were also notable, although he softened his stance in the conference: “I try to stay calm… but this makes me lose the will. I'll stop coaching…”
Marelli: "We will never get out of this, subjective intensity"
This is Luca Marelli's opinion on DAZN:
“An episode that Fourneau probably didn't even see. He was called for a slap to the face considered reckless, so much so that Pavlovic was booked. It was assessed that the blow was such as to prevent Simeone from participating in the action. It recalls the Parisi-Gimenez episode in Milan-Fiorentina.
At Open VAR, we were told that the contact was well evaluated by the field referee and the VAR should not have intervened. Today, VAR Nasca and AVAR Maresca probably detected a different intensity in the episode. But we remain with the usual problem: intensity is subjective and we will never get out of it. Football is a contact sport and intensity can never be completely eliminated.”
Calvarese: "Now VAR is pure randomness"
Gian Paolo Calvarese's opinion is even harsher:
"A couple of months ago, the field decision would have remained, but now nothing is clear anymore. We remember that VAR intervention should only occur in the case of a grave and obvious error with equally clear and obvious images. We have 5-6 cameras, but we only have images showing Simeone from behind and none showing the hand contact on the face. The contact is inferred, but its intensity cannot be assessed. Today, the intervention threshold seems a matter of pure randomness, linked to the subjective interpretation of the VAR."
La Gazzetta dello Sport shares the same view, giving Fourneau a score of 5.5 in their ratings, highlighting how the referee "saw well in the two accidental blows by Ismajili, but not in Pavlovic's penalty slap".
Otega Oweh was one of the heroes in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, hitting a buzzer beater that allowed Kentucky to eventually win its first-round game against Santa Clara.
The Wildcats' guard only added to his family's legacy, which is getting pretty impressive. Otega's brother recently signed a nine-figure deal on NFL free agency, resulting in an impressive month of March for the siblings.
As Otega continues his quest to bring Kentucky another title, his older brother is continuing his own career in the NFL. Here's a breakdown of the two brothers and the rest of the Oweh family.
Otega Oweh's brother is NFL pass rusher Odafe Oweh, who just signed a big contract with the Washington Commanders. Odafe was a first round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2021 NFL draft, and he totaled 17.5 sacks the last two seasons.
Sports Highlights (NFL): New Los Angeles Chargers EDGE Odafe Oweh gets his first sack as a member of the Chargers and it comes against Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins. #NFLpic.twitter.com/M4E5p56l9shttps://t.co/e1b6mHAJDN
— Justin David Kish • Sports Journalist (@JustinDavidKish) October 12, 2025
Odafe is five-years older than Otega, but both players have excelled at their respective sports. While Odafe was a star pass rusher at Penn State, Otega has found a role as one of Kentucky's best players.
Odafe Oweh just signed a huge four-year, $100 million contract, which includes $68 million guaranteed, with the Commanders. Oweh was drafted by the Ravens out of Penn State and spent 4.5 seasons in Baltimore before the team traded him to the Los Angeles Chargers in the middle of the 2025 season.
Former Chargers DE Odafe Oweh reached agreement today on a four-year, $100 million deal including $68 million guaranteed with the Washington Commanders, per @DavidMulugheta and Andre Odom of Athletes First. pic.twitter.com/QN3N2a0Jri
Odafe Oweh is the oldest sibling in the Oweh family. He attended Penn State for football, then was drafted into the NFL in 2021 by the Ravens before playing for the Chargers for 2025. Now, Odafe is set to play on a four-year deal with the Commanders.
Otega Oweh
Otega Oweh is the youngest member of his family, but he has certainly made a name for himself. After spending two years at Oklahoma, Otega transferred to Kentucky, where he's averaged 17.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in the last two seasons.
Otega is now known for his buzzer-beater against Santa Clara in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which sent the game to overtime and resulted in a Wildcats win.
While his two brothers have been stars in their respective sports, Irkefe Oweh has tried his hand at both football and basketball. The second-youngest of the four siblings was a basketball player at St. Thomas Aquinas College in 2020-21 and Penn State in 2021-22, but then switched to football.
Irkefe transferred to Clarion University, where he played both basketball and football in 2022, but switched to football full time in 2024. Then, Irkefe transferred to Monmouth University in 2024, and finished his college career on the football team.
Natasha Oweh
The lone sister of the four siblings, Natasha is the second-oldest of the Owehs and was a college athlete herself.
A berth in the Sweet 16 is on the line Sunday as No. 2 seed Michigan hosts No. 7 NC State in the NCAA women's tournament.
The Wolverines (26-6) have their highest seed ever and made a statement in their opener, roaring to a 29-6 lead over Holy Cross and cruising the rest of the way. Mila Holloway led five players in double figures with 20 points and added eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Wolfpack (21-10) navigated a potentially tricky first-round matchup against Tennessee without much trouble, building an 11-point halftime lead and winning 76-61. Zamareya Jones scored 30 and Khamil Pierre added 16 points and 12 rebounds.
NC State has won two of the three previous meetings between the schools, but the most recent came early in the 2018-19 season. Who will prevail this time with their season on the line?
Here's what you need to know about Sunday's matchup between Michigan and NC State, including broadcast information and start time.
Michigan vs. NC State will be broadcast by ABC, with Beth Mowins and Debbie Antonelli on the call.
Fans looking to stream the game can watch live on the ESPN app, which will carry every NCAA women’s basketball tournament game in 2026.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the new ESPN app.
Fans can also stream the game via Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers so you can try before you buy.
Michigan vs. NC State start time
Date: Sun., March 22
Time: 1 p.m. ET
The NCAA women’s tournament game between Michigan and NC State is set to tip off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET from the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Listen to Michigan vs. NC State in the 2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament live on the SiriusXM app.
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The 2025 Women's Final Four is set for April 3 and 5 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. The semifinals will be played Friday night and the national championship game is set for Sunday afternoon.
Women’s March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball tournament:
If Celtic want to be Champions we must beat Dundee United today
Today is a must win match for Martin O’Neill’s Celtic side, like each and every one of our remaining fixtures this season…
This morning we travel to Tannadice to take on Dundee United in yet another vital fixture, and with both our title rivals winning yesterday, resulting in us dropping into third place, I don’t need to tell you that victory on Tayside is of the utmost importance.
Tannadice, were we lost 2-1 in our last visit under the leadership of the inept Wilfried Nancy can sometimes prove a difficult venue for Celtic as Matthew Marr has pointed out earlier today on The Celtic Star, although we have enjoyed some memorable wins there in the past few years, a Kyogo inspired 9-0 rout under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou back in 2022, and a 5-0 win that clinched last seasons title immediately springing to mind.
Hyunjun Yang of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s opening goal with Benjamin Nygren during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on March 14, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
A repeat of either scoreline would be most welcome later today and would really help with our goal difference because that could turn out to be important.
Jim Goodwin’s side still have an outside chance of making the top six, after Falkirk’s home defeat at the hands of St Mirren yesterday afternoon, although it’s looking very unlikely, but they need to win to stay in contention It goes without saying that they will make it extremely tough for Martin O’Neill’s side, so as always we will need to be fully prepared and focused if we are to gain revenge for our freakish defeat in Tayside back in December.
Tomas Cvancara of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on March 14, 2026 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It’s a worn out cliche, but every single game from now on in will be treated like a cup final. And that’s the way that Hearts and the Rangers will be looking at their own games too.
Today is Celtic’s first part of a double trip to the city of discovery, as we head back to Tayside after the international break to take on Steven Pressley’s Dundee who narrowly lost at Tynecastle yesterday. These are two games that can have a defining say in Celtic’s title chances.
Hyunjun Yang of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Motherwell at Celtic Park on March 14, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Win both and we can head into the last game post split, which is a home game against St Mirren, in very high spirits and with great confidence. Fail to win both and it will be looking very difficult indeed.
If Celtic want to be Champions then we really must beat Dundee United today. That’s the long and the short of it. Let’s get the job done Celtic!
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Relief for Reds: Arne Slot says Hugo Ekitike’s injury is just a dead leg after early Brighton blow
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has given a positive update on Hugo Ekitike after the forward's early substitution at Brighton.
Ekitike was withdrawn only eight minutes into Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday. The Frenchman was visibly upset as he left the pitch, following a forceful collision with former Liverpool midfielder James Milner.
Liverpool struggled in the absence of their leading scorer, as two goals from Danny Welbeck condemned the Reds to defeat on the south coast.
The loss leaves fifth in thePremier League table and extended their winless run in the league to three games.
However, Slot has eased concerns over Ekitike's issue. He expects the forward to link up with France for the upcoming international break but said the 23-year-old was unable to continue at Brighton due to a severe dead leg.
"Hugo, I think he could play tomorrow if he needed to. It was a dead leg, as you call it here I think," Slot said at hispost-match press conference.
"Brighton did what we expected. If you face a team that has only had 62 hours of rest and the first thing you do is make it an intense game, play the first duels, play tough duels – nothing wrong with the duels, by the way – but unfortunately it was a collision and that led to Hugo going out. Yeah, that's not helpful after two minutes.
"You have to continue without one of the best strikers that the league has seen in the last three or four years already not available throughout the whole season, Alexander Isak. One of the best goalscorers the league has seen in the last eight years not being available with Mo Salah. And then missing out on Hugo Ekitike, who has had a lot of impact this season, him being out."
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, with the spotlight firmly on 14-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Renowned for his aggressive strokeplay, Sooryavanshi has already piled up records across formats. He heads into IPL 2026 on the back of a stunning 175 in the Under-19 World Cup final, an innings that powered India to the title. He was the second-highest run-scorer with 439 runs in seven matches in the Under-19 World Cup, averaging 62.71 at a strike rate of 169.49, including a century and three fifties. He also smashed a record 30 sixes — the most in the tournament’s history.
Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan said the season will be an important learning phase for the young batter, especially with opposition teams closely studying his game.
Speaking on JioStar’s IPL show, Pathan explained that after succeeding across formats, Sooryavanshi now faces a new challenge as rivals have taken note of both his strengths and potential weaknesses.
“This season of the IPL for Vaibhav Suryavanshi will be a learning one. He played in the tournament last year, he has played domestic cricket and he is playing cricket in all formats everywhere.
He played in the Under-19 World Cup, he has taken part in the Ranji Trophy with Bihar, and he has scored runs everywhere," Pathan said.
“In white-ball cricket and red-ball cricket, everyone is taking note of him. Bowlers are doing the same. Since he has played so much cricket since his IPL debut last year, other players are watching his videos and analysing his weaknesses," he added.
Pathan emphasised that the 14-year-old left-hander must continue evolving his game and addressing areas of improvement. He added that Sooryavanshi’s recent dominance across formats will keep his confidence high as he looks to make a statement.
“He has slammed centuries with ease in all forms of cricket. When you do that consistently, not just in IPL but in domestic cricket, Under-19 cricket and emerging matches, your confidence keeps going higher," Pathan said.
“This IPL season, all bowlers will be ready with their strategies, and Vaibhav will be looking to prove a point. He can do that by slamming another hundred in the IPL. When he scores runs consistently this season, that is when we can say Vaibhav Suryavanshi has upgraded his game," he concluded.
Igor Tudor saw Spurs win for the first time as interim head coach as they still bowed out of the Champions League on aggregate. However he will be hoping that they can take some momentum into a vital meeting against Forest, whom they are ahead of by a single point in the table and will have had 24 hours less rest following their Europa League trip to Midtjylland on Thursday evening.
Vitor Pereira is waiting for his first league victory since taking over as Forest’s fourth coach of the campaign while the team have not taken three points in any of their past eight fixtures, though there have been battling draws against Manchester City and Fulham in their past two outings.
And with West Ham playing at the same time away to Aston Villa, both teams know they could end the afternoon with a buffer to the bottom three or stuck deep in the mire with only seven more matches to play.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Tottenham Hotspur v Nottingham Forest?
Tottenham Hotspur’s meeting with Nottingham Forest kicks off at 2:15pm GMT on Sunday 22 March at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Fans in the UK can watch the clash on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 2pm GMT. Subscribers can also stream the action via NOWTV.
Confirmed line-ups
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Grey, Sarr, Spence; Tel, Richarlison; Solanke.
James is playing in his 23rd NBA season [Getty Images]
LeBron James set the record for the most regular-season games played in NBA history as he helped the Los Angeles Lakers to a dramatic buzzer-beating 105-104 victory against the Orlando Magic in his 1,612th outing.
James, 41, moved one clear of Robert Parish's 1997 record of 1,611 appearances, in a game the Lakers won when Luke Kennard scored a three-pointer with 0.6 seconds left.
"It just kind of happened. It was not on the list of things that I wanted to accomplish," said four-time NBA champion James.
"I wanted to be the best player in this league at some point. I wanted to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to ever play this game. I wanted to be an NBA champion.
"I wanted to possibly win rookie of the year, make All-Star appearances, win a gold medal, win some MVPs - those were some of my goals.
"But some of the stuff that's just been happening over the course of the last few years has been super-duper cool."
James - who is the first player to take part in 23 consecutive NBA seasons and is also the NBA's record points scorer - contributed 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Lakers beat Orlando for a ninth straight win.
The Lakers are third in the Western Conference, while Magic are eighth in the Eastern Conference.
"Availability, I've always wanted to be available to my team-mates," added James.
"It's a mental toll, trying to play a lot and being out there. I just give a lot of praise to the man above and [it's about] just loving the game and appreciating the game."
James was not the only player to achieve a milestone as Kevin Durant passed NBA legend Michael Jordan to go fifth in the all-time scoring list in regular-season games.
Durant moved to 32,294 - two ahead of Jordan - courtesy of a 27-point display for the Houston Rockets, who are fourth in the Western Conference, in their last gasp 123-122 win against the Miami Heat, who are ninth in the Eastern Conference.
"It means a lot," said Durant, who passed Jordan with a three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
"I'm grateful to be here and for this incredible journey it's been. I'm looking forward to continuing."
Elsewhere, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points for the Oklahoma City Thunder as four players were ejected in his side's fiery 132-111 win against the Washington Wizards.
The Thunder's Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams and Cason Wallace were ejected, along with Washington's Justin Champagnie, following a mass brawl near the end of the second quarter.
Reigning NBA champions Thunder remain top of the Western Conference, while the Wizards are one place off the bottom in 14th place.
Newcastle return to action after their 8-3 hiding by Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 with possibly an equally hotly anticipated game: the Tyne and Wear derby.
Eddie Howe’s men largely acquitted themselves well over two and a half legs against the Spanish giants but capitulated in the second half on Wednesday, ultimately losing 7-2 on the night and 8-3 overall.
Now they face North-East rivals Sunderland and will bid to avenge their defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season - and end an 11-game winless run in this most fiercely fought of fixtures.
In a highly congested mid-section of the Premier League table Sunderland - who lost 1-0 to Brighton at home last time out - sit four places behind their local rivals but just two points behind, so a win would see them leapfrog them into ninth place and be a huge boost going into the final few weeks of the season.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Newcastle vs Sunderland?
Newcastle host Sunderland at St James’ Park on Sunday 22 March, with kick-off at 12pm GMT.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK will be able to follow the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, as well as streaming service Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
Team news
Sandro Tonali is a doubt after going off in the defeat to Barcelona, joining Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley and Fabian Schar on the injury list.
Dan Ballard, Robin Roefs, Enzo Le Fee and Nordi Mukiele are being monitored and require late fitness tests but Reinildo is available.
Are you prepared to see 16 teams punch their tickets to the Sweet 16 today??
With the women’s basketball tournament wrapping up the Round of 64 on Saturday, that gives us eight Round of 32 games for both the women and the men today. Even better: The women’s tournament is starting a new game on the hour, every hour, from 11am through 3pm. That’s a nice counterbalance to the men’s tournament giving just one game at a time until about halftime of the St. John’s/Kansas game. No matter what, there’s at least one other game going on for you in case something decides to sideways on us like the Michigan/Saint Louis game did with about eight minutes left on Saturday afternoon.
Added bonus with the women’s tournament: Since there were no upsets back on Friday, that means every single game today will be with the better seeded team playing host to their opponent. Maryland at North Carolina, NC State at Michigan, and so on and so forth. The men’s games might be fun and great neutral court environments, but they don’t get the extra possible spice of someone pulling a stunner on someone else’s floor.
We’re going from 11am Central time today through about 12 hours later, as Alabama/Texas Tech for the men and TCU/Washington for the women will get started right around 9pm and run for two-ish hours. Is it a long time? Sure, but this is the last day of the year like this. There’s eight more women’s games tomorrow, sure, but nothing like the last four days have been until next March.
On the Big East side of things, we’ve got St. John’s and UConn from the men’s tournament in action. The Red Storm get Kansas at 4:15pm this afternoon, while we get Dan Hurley vs Mick Cronin in an Angry-Off at 7:45pm when the Huskies face UCLA.
Here’s the full men’s & women’s tournament schedule for the day, with all times Central, as always.
The Golden State Warriors' rough patch continued on Saturday night with a stop in Atlanta for the fifth game of their current six-game road swing.
After keeping the game close for the first half, trailing by only two points at halftime, the Atlanta Hawks opened things up against the short-handed Warriors with a dominant third quarter. Veteran guard CJ McCollum caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting. Behind McCollum, the Hawks outscored the Hawks 39-20 in the third quarter, taking a 21-point lead into the fourth and final frame.
In the fourth quarter, Dyson Daniels and the Hawks wrapped up a 126-110 blowout win over the Warriors. The Warriors have now lost three straight, including eight losses in their last 10 games. Each loss on the Warriors' three-game losing streak has been by 14 or more points.
Daniels led the Hawks with a game-high 28 points on 12-of-17 shooting from the field with seven boards, six assists and four steals in 32 minutes. McCollum finished with 23 points in 29 minutes against the Warriors.
Saturday marked the highly anticipated reunion between the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga. For the first time since being traded at the deadline, Kuminga suited up against his former team. The former Golden State lottery pick was quiet on Saturday, scoring just two points on 1-of-9 shooting with four rebounds, two assists and a steal in 22 minutes off the bench.
De'Anthony Melton led the Warriors with 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field to go along with four assists and two rebounds in 22 minutes. Nate Williams added 19 points and four rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench. Pat Spencer was also productive off the bench, scoring 18 points in 26 minutes.
The Warriors will get Sunday off before wrapping up their six-game road swing on Monday night in Dallas against the Mavericks.
BOTTOM LINE: The Columbus Blue Jackets visit the New York Islanders seeking to continue a four-game win streak.
New York is 13-6-2 against the Metropolitan Division and 39-26-5 overall. The Islanders have gone 14-5-2 in games they score one or more power-play goals.
Columbus is 10-7-4 against the Metropolitan Division and 37-21-11 overall. The Blue Jackets have gone 34-4-8 when scoring at least three goals.
The teams square off Sunday for the fourth time this season. The Islanders won 4-3 in overtime in the previous matchup.
TOP PERFORMERS: Emil Heineman has scored 20 goals with eight assists for the Islanders. Matthew Schaefer has four goals and six assists over the past 10 games.
Charlie Coyle has 17 goals and 38 assists for the Blue Jackets. Adam Fantilli has five goals and six assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Islanders: 5-5-0, averaging 2.8 goals, 4.5 assists, 3.5 penalties and 9.5 penalty minutes while giving up 3.3 goals per game.
Blue Jackets: 7-0-3, averaging 3.8 goals, 6.5 assists, 3.8 penalties and 10.7 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game.
INJURIES: Islanders: Alexander Romanov: out (shoulder), Pierre Engvall: out for season (ankle), Semyon Varlamov: out for season (knee), Kyle Palmieri: out (knee), Max Shabanov: day to day (lower-body).
Blue Jackets: Brendan Smith: out (knee).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Bill Self is comfortably one of college basketball's greatest coaches. The current Jayhawks head coach has led Kansas for over 800 games and has over 1,000 games under his belt (1,126 to be exact).
He has won 79.6% of his games for Kansas with a 648-166 record as of March 21, 2026. He has also coached Illinois (102 games: 78-24), Tulsa (101 games: 74-27), and Oral Roberts (109 games: 55-54) during his coaching career.
Self led the Kansas Jayhawks to the 2026 NCAA Tournament for the team's 22nd straight appearance. The two-time NCAA champion is currently under contract with the Jayhawks on a lifetime deal, showing the echelon he sits at in the college basketball world.
Here is a closer look at Self's contract and the specific terms his lifetime deal is equipped with.
In April 2021, the Jayhawks signed Self to a lifetime contract to make him the highest-paid coach in college basketball. According to KU Alumni, his contract is laid out as a five-year rolling agreement that automatically adds one year after each season for the rest of his career. The coach is set to make around $53 million in the first five years of his deal, per CBS Sports.
His base salary begins at $500,000, along with a $100,000 signing bonus, but his contract is loaded with incentives and other financial conditions. Starting at the 2023-24 season, when his contract began, here are the payments for his coach responsibilities (public relations, merchandising, appearances, etc.) according to Yahoo Sports:
2023-24 season: $4.2 million
2024-25 season: $4.4 million
2025-26 season: $4.55 million
2026-27 season: $4.85 million
2027-28 season: $5 million
Each season beyond 2027-28: $5 million
Self's contract is also equipped with incentives regarding the Jayhawks performance and results, such as:
Big 12 regular season championship (including ties): $50,000
Big 12 tournament champion: $25,000
Big 12 Coach of the Year (solo or shared): $50,000
AP Coach of the Year: $100,000
NCAA postseason tournament appearance: $50,000
NCAA tournament Sweet 16 appearance: $100,000
NCAA tournament Final Four appearance: $150,000
NCAA tournament National Champion: $150,000
Single year APR (Academic Progress Rate) of 970 or higher: $75,000
Finally, Kansas' coach also receives the following name, image, and likeness payments:
In college sports, lifetime contracts are often structured as rolling agreements. They begin having a standard number of years (in Self's case, five years). After that initial period, the school adds one year after each season for the remainder of the coach's career.
As of March 2026, there are four NCAA coaches who have lifetime contracts:
According to The Kansas City Star, if Self were to leave the Jayhawks' program for another team that is a part of the Power Five or made the Final Four in the last five years before April 1, 2026, he would be bought out for $5 million. On April 1, his buy-out will drop to $4 million, and in April 2027, it will go to $3 million.
If Self were to take an NBA coaching job before this April, he would owe Kansas $3 million. If the coach were to be fired without cause, the Jayhawks would owe him $23.1 million.
Bill Self net worth
Self's net worth sits around $30 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His net worth was accumulated largely by serving as the Jayhawks' coach since 2003.
Self is one of college basketball's highest-paid coaches of all time. Self was the highest-paid college basketball coach in 2025, according to Sporting News.
“You have to win”: Shearer fires up Newcastle ahead of Sunderland clash and warns hurt of defeat will linger
Alan Shearer has warned Newcastle United that it will 'hurt for a while' if the club lose today's Tyne-Wear Derby against Sunderland at St James' Park.
Newcastle host their fierce rivals in thePremier League this lunchtime, needing a positive result to keep alive their European ambitions. The Magpies exited the Champions League in midweek and three points would keep them in the race for a return to the competition next season.
However, Newcastle have a poor recent record in derbies against Sunderland. Eddie Howe's side lost the reverse fixture 1-0 at The Stadium of Light and have not beaten Sunderland in 10 attempts in thePremier League. Their last league win over The Black Cats came in 2011.
Shearer, who scored a club record 206 goals for Newcastle, admits the fixture matters far more than most.
"You can definitely get away with a little bit more in terms of the referees because they understand what it means to you.
"You feel the passion. When the fixtures are out, it's not Liverpool, Arsenal or Man United that you look for. It's Sunderland and when you play them home and away.
"You have to win and be on the right side of it otherwise it hurts you for a while but they're brilliant games to play in and be involved in.
"I can remember all the goals and games, both the good and the bad. Sometimes, you have to put up with the bad but that's the way it is in football.
"I can remember them all, walking up the tunnel and back down it with the emotions and feeling that goes with it.
"You can hear and feel the atmosphere when you're on the way to the stadium. There's just something very different about it in a great way."
Man Utd ready €35M raid for French sensation to supercharge their attack
Manchester United are interested in signing the Inter Milan attacker Ange-Yoan Bonny.
The French youth international is highly rated across Europe, and he has impressed with the Italian club this season. He has 14 contributions, and he could help Manchester United going forward. They are looking to bring in someone who can share the goal-scoring burden with Benjamin Sesko.
According to reports from Spain, Manchester United are very serious about signing the Frenchman.
Bonny would be a long-term acquisition for the club, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester United can convince the Italian outfit to sell the player. He is a talented player with a lot of potential, and Inter Milan will not be keen on losing him.
The player is reportedly valued at €35 million. There is no doubt that Manchester United have the financial means to complete the deal, but they need to convince the Italian club to sell.
Bonny could fancy a move to the Premier League as well. It would be a major step in his career, and he would get to test himself at a high level. Regular football in England could bring out the best in him.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United follow up on their interest with an official proposal in the summer. Adding another reliable attacker will be a priority for Manchester United in the summer. They have done well to bring quality attackers at the start of the season, but they need more quality and depth in that area of the pitch.
Manchester United could be an attractive destination for the young attacker. They could help him fulfil his potential and give him the platform to compete at a high level. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Jacob Devaney: Man United loanee puts in midfield masterclass
Manchester United had six players in loan action on Saturday afternoon.
To find out where all of Manchester United’s loanees are plying their trade this season, click here
Ethan Ennis
Ennis played the full 90 minutes of Fleetwood Town’s 1-0 win over Crawley Town.
He made one key pass and connected with three of his crossing attempts in an impressive display of traditional wing play. Ennis also completed 81% of his passes during the match.
The young winger also completed one successful dribble and came out on top in three duels.
Radek Vitek
The Czech goalkeeper made five stops in Bristol City’s 0-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.
He made one high claim and one clearance for his side. Vitek also won his only aerial duel in a strong performance despite the loss.
Jacob Devaney
The young Irish midfielder played 80 minutes of St Mirren’s 2-1 win away to Falkirk.
He made two key passes and completed an impressive 85% of his passing attempts. Devaney was also a menace in the middle of the park, winning three of his four tackles and five of his six ground duels in a tenacious effort.
Jacob Devaney stats vs Falkirk
Dan Gore
Gore played the final 25 minutes of Rotherham United’s 0-3 defeat to Lincoln City.
He made one key pass and completed 79% of his other passes. He also won his only aerial and ground duel of the match.
Gabriele Biancheri came off the bench for The Millers for the second half. He had zero shots on goal and could not provide any key passes in a disappointing display.
The young striker did win his only tackle and also two out of four ground contests.
Ethan Wheatley played the final 45 minutes of Bradford City’s 1-2 defeat to Burton Albion.
He failed to have any shots on goal or provide any key passes during his time on the pitch.
The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided a major scare after goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the throat during warmups before their game in Ottawa. The incident forced the NHL goalie to leave the ice immediately and seek medical attention.
The team confirmed he was taken to hospital for precautionary imaging shortly after the hit.
“Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz left warmups tonight in Ottawa after taking a puck to the throat and has been taken to hospital for precautionary imaging. An update will be provided when available.” Leafs PR posted on X.
The puck that struck Stolarz came off the stick of teammate William Nylander during routine warmup drills. Nylander expressed concern after the game, explaining the shot did not go where he intended.
“Obviously, it’s, you know, really tough to see that happen,” Nylander said about the hit on Stolarz. “I mean, I always come in and shoot puck in the glove, and this one just came off a little bit to the left, and I hit him in the neck. So, I was obviously worried for him, but I’ve been texting with him, so he seems to be OK.”
Hours later, Toronto shared a positive update, confirming Stolarz had been released and would rejoin the team for the trip back home. The quick release eased concerns around what initially looked like a serious injury.
“Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was released from hospital following precautionary imaging and will return to Toronto with the team.” Leafs PR announced.
With Stolarz unavailable, Joseph Woll stepped in as the starter and made 38 saves in a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
Anthony Stolarz’s incident came during a challenging season
The incident adds to a challenging season for Stolarz, who has already dealt with injuries. He holds an 8-9-3 record with a 3.34 goals-against average in 22 appearances. His availability for the upcoming game against the Boston Bruins remains uncertain.
Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz (41) during a break in the action at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto may need to consider depth options if he cannot play in the upcoming games.
For a team already dealing with inconsistency and injuries, this outcome brings some relief. The focus now shifts to monitoring his recovery and ensuring stability in goal during a critical stretch of the season.
The Los Angeles Lakerswon their ninth straight game on Saturday over the Orlando Magic in dramatic fashion, as reserve guard Luke Kennard made the game-winning 3-pointer just before the final horn. But that win was marred by the fact that Luka Doncic was assessed his 16th technical foul of the season.
He received that technical foul in the third quarter when he and Magic big man Goga Bitadze had a verbal exchange. Per NBA rules, when a player receives his 16th technical foul of the season, it triggers an automatic one-game suspension for him.
"The Los Angeles Lakers have already appealed to the NBA to rescind Luka Doncic's technical foul from L.A.'s 105-104 win on Saturday, a team source told ESPN, while Doncic and Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze offered differing accounts of what led to the tech being called," McMenamin wrote.
Doncic was asked after the game what happened during that exchange.
"I'm definitely hoping [it is rescinded]," Doncic said after the game. "Obviously, I let my team down getting that last tech. But honestly, I wasn't trying to. [Bitadze] said at the free throw, he would [expletive] my whole family. And at some point, this is a basketball court. At some point, I just can't stand it. I got to stand up for myself. But I know I got to do better.
"My teammates, I know they have my back, so I let them down today. But hopefully, it gets rescinded."
Bitadze claimed that Doncic provoked him by cursing in Serbian, and that he merely repeated the same curse back to the superstar (he briefly played basketball in Serbia several years ago). The Lakers have reportedly said in their appeal that the referees working the contest should've given Doncic and Bitadze a warning before calling any technical fouls.
After Doncic shot 10-of-17 from the field and scored 24 points in the first half of Saturday's game, he went 2-of-13 the rest of the way. He continues to lead everyone in the NBA with an average of 33.4 points a game.
“Point to prove”: Arteta targets Carabao Cup glory over Man City to ignite Arsenal’s quadruple dream
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal have a point to prove in Sunday's Carabao Cup final.
Arsenal face Manchester City at Wembley aiming to end a six-year wait for a major trophy. The Gunners have positioned themselves in the running for all four trophies this season, with Arteta's side nine points clear in thePremier League and into the last eight of the FA Cup and Champions League.
A quadruple has never previously been achieved by an English team and Arteta admits Sunday's showdown could be a 'defining moment' for his team. He said Arsenal need to demonstrate an ability to win big games and have a point to prove this weekend.
"It's going to be one of the defining moments because at the end of the day it is about whether you win the trophy or not.
"That is the most important thing once you get to the final but in order to be there you have to do a lot of things. There are a lot of things the team has done so far, but we need to prove that point, that's clear, and it has to be done on the pitch."
Arteta was asked at hispre-match press conference about the role Viktor Gyokeres could have in deciding Sunday's final. The Spaniard was specifically asked whether the club's leading scorer was signed to get Arsenal 'over the line' in finals. Gyokeres has scored 16 goals in all competitions since arriving from Portuguese champions Sporting CP last summer.
"All of our players have to perform daily at this level. When it comes to the crucial moments and when it comes to the moment to attack a trophy and take it and bring it home is when we need players to step up and make a difference, that is clear."
The 25-year-old Germany international is under contract with the Yellow and Blacks until 2027 and without an agreement for a new deal he could be sold.
Manchester City defender Marc Guehi is ineligible to play in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Arsenal because he is cup-tied.
The 25-year-old centre-back appeared three times for previous club Crystal Palace earlier in the competition and was signed by City after the semi-final first leg against Newcastle.
Under new rules brought in by the EFL before the 2025-26 season, players had to be registered before the last-four to be able to play in the competition.
Manager Pep Guardiola said that "pure logic" suggests Guehi should be allowed to play at Wembley, but requests for him to feature were not granted.
Antoine Semenyo joined City from Bournemouth in January but was signed in time for the first leg, scoring in the 2-0 victory at St James' Park.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
The second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament wraps up on Sunday, March 22. One of the final games of the night will feature No. 1 Florida taking on No. 9 Iowa, with the winner heading to the Sweet 16.
The Gators earned the final No. 1 seed in the tournament field. In the opening round. Florida took on No. 16 Prairie View A&M and cruised to a dominant 114-55 victory.
The Hawkeyes made the tournament with an at-large bid out of the NCAA Tournament. After going 20-11 in the regular season, Iowa picked up an important win over Maryland in the first round of the conference tournament to help ensure its ticket was punched.
The Hawkeyes played No. 8 Clemson in the first round and won 67-61. Iowa was one of the four No. 9 seeds that all pulled off upsets against their 8-seed opponents.
The player to watch for Florida is forward Thomas Haugh, who averaged 17 points and 6.2 rebounds in 33 games this season. For Iowa, keep an eye on guard Bennett Stirtz, who averaged 19.9 points and 4.4 assists during 34 games.
Here's what you need to know about Sunday's matchup between Florida and Iowa, including broadcast information and start time.
The second round matchup between Florida and Iowa will air on TBS. The game will be called by Tom McCarthy, Dan Bonner and AJ Ross.
Fans looking to stream Florida vs. Iowa can watch live on DIRECTV.
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What time is Florida vs. Iowa today?
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
The NCAA Tournament game between Florida and Iowa is set to tip off at 7:10 p.m. ET from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
The Gators are the reigning men's basketball national champions after beating Houston 65-63 in the championship. Florida will be looking to make the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year, and only the second time since 2017.
Iowa is back in the NCAA Tournament after missing the field last season. The Hawkeyes haven't been to the Sweet Sixteen since 1999.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM.
New subscribers can listen to SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host one of the most important matches in the context of the 2025/26 Premier League season, but not exactly the one Spurs fans hoped, as Tottenham host Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Spurs are firmly entrenched in the relegation battle, with this game likely to have seismic consequences on the race for Premier League safety.
Tottenham currently sit 16th in the league standings, just one point off the relegation places. Nottingham Forest lie directly behind them in 17th, level on points with West Ham in 18th and above them only on goal differential. Three points here would be monumental in the quest to confirm their place in next season's field, while anything less leaves them in significant peril.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the weekly schedule.
Tottenham vs. Nottingham Forest live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in English across the United States:
TV channel: USA Network Live stream:None
The meeting between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest will be televised on USA Network.
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Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.
What time does Tottenham vs. Nottingham Forestkick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England and kicks off on Sunday, March 22 at 2:15 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the United States, factoring in that daylight savings time has gone into effect in the U.S. but not yet across most of Europe:
Man United plot £60m outlay for number one target who will help them dominate
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is all set to leave the club at the end of the season, and they want Adam Wharton as his replacement.
According to a report from SportsBoom, Manchester United have decided that they want the 22-year-old England international as their number one target, and they are prepared to pay around £50-60 million to get the deal done.
It will be interesting to see if Manchester United come forward with an official proposal to sign the midfielder. He has excelled with Crystal Palace, and there is no doubt that he is good enough for Manchester United. He could prove to be a superb long-term acquisition for Manchester United.
Wharton is a defensive midfielder who is equally adept at controlling the game’s tempo. He will add control and composure to the Manchester United midfield if he joins the club. The 22-year-old is quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He has all the attributes to develop into a top-class player for Manchester United.
Manchester United have been linked to multiple players in recent weeks, and it will be interesting to see who they end up signing. It is no secret that they need a reliable defensive midfielder, and the 22-year-old Crystal Palace star certainly fits the profile of the player they are looking for.
Wharton is already an important player for his club, and the move to Manchester United will help him cement his place in the national team as well. It will also help him compete at the highest level and regularly fight for major trophies. The 22-year-old midfielder will be tempted to join Manchester United as well.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Liverpool FC and Galatasaray SK at Anfield on March 18, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First
❌ 2-1 vs. Palace ❌ 2-1 vs. Chelsea ❌ 2-1 vs. Man Utd ❌ 3-2 vs. Brentford ❌ 3-0 vs. Man City ❌ 3-0 vs. Forest ❌ 3-2 vs. Bournemouth ❌ 2-1 vs. Man City ❌ 2-1 vs. Wolves ❌ 2-1 vs. Brighton
For the first time in 10 years, Liverpool have lost 10 games in the Premier League… pic.twitter.com/V4FoajVP8f
14 – Raúl Jiménez has scored all 14 of his Premier League penalties, only Matt Le Tissier (23 in April 2000), Mohamed Salah (15 in December 2021) and Harry Kane (15 in May 2022) have enjoyed longer scoring runs from the spot in the competition's history. Formality. pic.twitter.com/Bjpvsd34CQ
🚨 Manchester United hold an interest in Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies. The Bundesliga giants could be tempted into a sale because of the Canada international’s injury record.
Rock bottom for Chelsea as Everton media team mock Liam Rosenior on social media
It has reached rock bottom for Chelsea as Everton’s own X account decided to directly mock Liam Rosenior last night.
Everton’s media team on X have spent all night completely milking the win and you know what, fair play to them. They had just beaten Chelsea, the current World Champions, 3-0 at home in the Premier League. It was a massive result for them and they did well to get it.
EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea not changing project but could ‘tweak it’, Certain players growing confused and fed up, Liam Rosenior in for the long haul
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Chelsea were awful once again and went down to their fourth defeat in a row; two defeats in a row in the Premier League now.
The 3-0 score line looks like a thrashing, and you know what? It WAS a thrashing. I don’t care about xG or how many chances Chelsea did or didn’t have, or who controlled the game, this, that, and the other. The score line is all that matters.
Everton mock Rosenior
As you can see above, Everton posted on their X account, ‘respecting the ball’.
This is from Rosenior telling the media that the reason for Chelsea’s huddle around the ball in the centre circle because they wanted to respect the ball in some bizarre comments trying to justify it.
Being mocked directly by Everton, can it get any worse than this!?
In other news…
The managerclaimed that it wasn’t a lack of effortor tactical mistakes that were costing Chelsea – but insisted he didn’t want to blame the players in the wake of the Everton defeat last night.
But Rosenioralso blamed “mistakes”for the goals Chelsea were conceding – but we’re going to need a bit more than that I’m afraid.
If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as apreferred source on Googleto make us a favourite and see more of ourcontent.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
EXCLUSIVE | Rennes’ Arnaud Nordin ‘Everyone wants to play in the Champions League. For now, we’re focused on being in Europe.’
Arnaud Nordin (27), on loan from Mainz, has established himself as a key player in a revived Stade Rennais side who, under new manager Franck Haise, are looking to make a return to European football. Get French Football News caught up with the former AS Saint-Étienne and Montpellier HSC winger to discuss his adaptation to life at Roazhon Park, the club’s upward trajectory, the struggles of his former clubs and his future.
You arrived at Rennes in a difficult situation with the manager under pressure (Habib Beye) and quickly replaced (by Franck Haise). How has your integration been within that context, and how do you evaluate your opening weeks at the club?
I handled it well. I was really well welcomed, be it by the technical staff or the medical staff… really everyone welcomed me very well, even the stewards, the kitchen staff. I was also lucky to already know quite a few players, so, as a player, that helps, too. It has all gone well! From my side, I was looking left and right to see how the club worked, to come to terms, and then slowly but surely you gain in confidence and, naturally, you feel good at this club.
Who were the players that you already knew at Rennes?
I already played with Moussa Al-Taamari at Montpellier HSC and I came through the ranks with Mahdi Camara at AS Saint-Étienne. Esteban Lepaul and I also have friends in common so we had already come across each other and talked on multiple occasions and then also Alidu Seidu a bit.
On Lepaul, you already seem to have a good connection on the pitch, too…
In any case, we have a particular relationship because he is someone that I knew from before coming to Rennes, so he obviously welcomed me really well. We already had this little ‘feeling’ and it is true that, on the pitch, he is an excellent player with his runs in behind. Playing with players like that makes things easier and we’re there to feed him.
Do you think that he should be in contention for a France call-up?
I am not Didier Deschamps but I think that ‘Este’ is a forward who has scored and continues to score lots of goals, so I think, and it is only my opinion, that he is already in his good books (laughs). But we will see if he is selected or not. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Deschamps already knows him. I think that when you score 14 goals in Ligue 1, lots of people know you and so I think that the France national team manager at least knows him and that is the most important thing at the moment.
There has been a managerial change since you arrived, with Haise replacing Beye. How have you found working the former?
On a human level, he is someone who speaks to me a lot, who gives me a lot of advice. He won’t make big speeches, but he will be pointed when it comes to the small details, which allows us to all be in a good environment and it also allows the team to express itself better on the pitch. I think that we have played well in the past three or four matches, despite the loss to Lille OSC. But he brings us a lot on the pitch and also off it.
Photo credit: Luke Entwistle
Does it fill you with confidence, also having the trust of a manager like that?
It helps me, of course! I am always trying to help the team. The manager has started me in the past five games and so, naturally, for a player, you want to play and repay that confidence as much as possible.
And did you need that too after your time at Mainz, which was somewhat mixed?
I want to help the team and to feel important. Feeling important doesn’t necessarily mean starting matches; you can also be important when coming on in a match. That’s why you need everyone in a team. A player needs to feel loved by his teammates, by an entire dressing room, by a whole club, and when you feel that love, you can give your absolute best on the pitch. [In Germany], the methodology is a bit different. The Bundesliga is known for its intensity, so you took lots of hits in training. That was something new. Not many fouls were called; the game was allowed to continue. As a forward, that obliges you to not just stay on the floor but to get up and to defend. It is similar to France, too. In training [at Rennes], the manager doesn’t always blow [for fouls] either, so you’re having to get up and defend. It was a great experience in Germany, which is one of the big European leagues.
You talk about the similarities between France and Germany. Did you make a return to Ligue 1 a priority in the winter?
It was a match straight away because Rennes are a very ambitious club, one that has the ambition of playing in Europe. Those are the club’s objectives. It is really a priority when you see the facilities, the infrastructure, and everything around the club, the city…
“To feel loved, naturally, you want to stay at such a club and fight for their colours” – Nordin on staying at Rennes beyond his loan spell
I think it would be good for the club to be in Europe [next season]. Everyone wants to play in the UEFA Champions League, to play in these kinds of competitions. But for now, our objective is to qualify for European football. We’ll see exactly where we finish at the end of the season.
Coming back to Ligue 1, there is one club that you are not facing, your former club, Montpellier. Does it upset you to see their recent plight?
It is sad because I met some really incredible people there. It is difficult to see a club like that in this situation. I have been following them in Ligue 2. I hope that they can at least make the playoffs and get back into Ligue 1.
And the same for your formative club, Saint-Étienne…
It is a shame for them, too! It proves that Ligue 1 is really hard! Girondins de Bordeaux are another story, but it is another historic club. It hurts not seeing them in Ligue 1. I hope that these kinds of clubs return to Ligue 1, especially ASSE for next year.
Do you also want to stick around to potentially face them next year? Your loan from Mainz has a buy option…
Of course! I feel really good here. I was welcomed in a way that you wouldn’t even imagine. To feel loved, naturally, you want to stay at such a club and fight for their colours. There is really a family feel. And then in terms of ambition, it has always been a club that has had a lot. All of the directors have put in the means, and so I think that, at the very least, you have to repay that at the weekend, on the pitch, by playing for the badge.
Externally at least, you get the impression that, after a couple of difficult seasons, Rennes are heading once again in the right direction. Do you feel that internally, too, and do you think this could be a great end to the season?
We hope so! We are working hard every day in order to ensure that. Eight matches, eight finals, as everyone says; it’s the final sprint. We’ll take stock after the game against Olympique de Marseille (the final game of Rennes’ campaign)!
01 December 2025, Bavaria, Munich: Uli Hoeneß, Honorary President of FC Bayern Munich, takes part in the talk "Wie bleibt Fußball Business-König" at the Sport Marke Medien congress. Photo: Peter Kneffel/dpa (Photo by Peter Kneffel/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeneß delivered a pointed critique of Bundesliga rival club Eintracht Frankfurt at a recent event put on by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management. Appearing together with Frankfurt CEO Axel Hellmann, Hoeneß put forth his own philosophy when it comes to running football clubs, and suggested Hellmann take a page from his book.
“Personally, I’m not a big fan of selling good players,” Hoeneß stated in comments as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “I always say at FC Bayern: we’re a club that buys players, not one that sells them.
“[Frankfurt board member] Axel Hellmann will come to realize that, in the long run, you lose substance with every sale. It’s nice to get 50 or 60 million once in a while, but what are the consequences?”
Indeed, Frankfurt is one of a number of Bundesliga contender clubs that have enjoyed big player sales lately. But it remains to be seen whether that cash influx can be parlayed into long-term success. Yet, at present, what choice do these clubs have?
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…
There’s something fitting about the Tampa Bay Lightning arriving in Edmonton with Corey Perry in tow. Some players return to places they’ve played before and it feels like just another game. Not for Perry. Not for the fans who watched him grind through two playoff runs with the Edmonton Oilers.
Not for a dressing room that knows exactly the kind of player and person who is walking back into the building.
Perry’s career over the last half-decade has been defined by something equal parts impressive and cruel turn of events. Five trips to the Stanley Cup Final since 2020 and five losses.
Teams don’t accidentally make it that far, that often. Players don’t just stumble into June year after year. He’s done it with different teams, in different roles, at different stages of his career. The common thread is him.
“Perry, I mean, he's the ultimate professional," began Zach Hyman. "Obviously, he's played in the league a long time, has had a lot of postseason success. (He) hasn't won recently, but (it’s) no surprise that the teams that he plays on go far just because he's able to elevate his game in the playoffs and play a style that not many guys can.
"So he's a pretty unique and special player, and it's pretty impressive to look at his career, his ability to adapt and change roles and thrive in whatever role he's playing in.”
Everyone in Edmonton saw that up close. Perry doesn’t need to be the best player on the ice. He just needs to be the most difficult one to play against. Net-front, along the boards, chirping, pushing, finding ways to matter when the games get tight and the whistles disappear.
Ironically, his game is very similar to Hyman's in that regard.
But what separates Perry from the rest is why he still plays the game.
Perry won a Stanley Cup back in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks. He's won the ring, his name is etched in the Stanley Cup, his legacy is secured. The job, technically, is done.
Except it isn’t.
His son, Griffin, is eight years old now. He's old enough to understand what his dad does and old enough to remember it.
During last year’s playoff run, Perry spoke multiple times about why he still plays the game and what pushes him to so many Stanley Finals.
He's just a father trying to give his kid a moment that lasts forever.
And Perry made it obvious enough during last year's Cup run. Griffin was in the locker room after games, around the players, and occasionally stealing the spotlight in interviews. He was comfortable in a space most kids only ever see on TV.
Now Perry has handled this carefully. He let his son in, without letting it take away from the job. He let him experience the life, while still respecting the room.
Time, though, is the part no one can control. Perry’s career is closer to the end than the beginning. He knows it, his son knows it, his wife is counting down the days till it's a reality, so every season carries a little more urgency, whether it’s said out loud or not.
There’s only one more thing Griffin needs to see before Perry retires — his dad hoisting the Stanley Cup and no doubt handing it to him.
“I think he's a leader," added Hyman. "Obviously, he played in the league a long time, has been a superstar in the league, and he’s been able to thrive in his 40s, which isn't easy to do.
"And when you have that much experience, you've seen a lot of things, and he's a guy who's seen everything, and knows when to speak up. When he speaks, his voice carries because a lot of the guys he's played with or played against have watched him growing up and have a ton of respect for him.
"So when he talks, you listen. And it was a pleasure playing with him and getting to know him. (He's) just a great person.”
Perry’s voice carries weight because he earned it. Not just through longevity, but through relevance. He hasn’t faded into the background as he’s aged. He’s adapted, changed roles, stayed effective, and found ways to influence the games that matter most.
That’s why teams keep bringing him in. That’s why contenders want him around. That’s why, even now with Tampa Bay, it feels entirely plausible that another deep run is coming.
Arsenal and Manchester City's battle for domestic supremacy shifts to the Wembley stage on Sunday - but this feels like more than just another Carabao Cup final.
Mikel Arteta's side currently hold sway with a nine-point lead in the Premier League and a place in the Champions League quarter-finals, while Pep Guardiola's City were eliminated by Real Madrid in Europe's elite competition for the third time in four seasons.
The two clubs are still involved in the FA Cup - but the first major final of the season offers the possibility to strike a psychological blow as the campaign enters its closing phase.
It could be the first of three meetings between the pair before the season is out, with a huge league match at Etihad Stadium in April and a potential FA Cup tie.
Could a win at Wembley give either an edge in the matches to come and provide momentum for further glory?
Arteta's Arsenal will be desperate to shed their tag as the side that has come up short in recent years.
The Gunners and their manager are seeking a first piece of silverware since they beat Chelsea in the 2020 FA Cup final, only nine months after he left Guardiola's side as his assistant at City to take over at Emirates Stadium.
In that same period, Arteta's managerial mentor Guardiola has a trophy haul of the Champions League, four Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, as well as the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
Arsenal, since Arteta last tasted success, have lost in the Europa League semi-final to Villarreal in 2021, EFL Cup semi-finals in 2022 and 2025 to Liverpool and Newcastle United respectively, as well as last season's Champions League semi-final against eventual winners Paris St-Germain.
The Gunners have finally broken that pattern to reach a final, but Arteta must also release Guardiola's stranglehold, having only won four of their past 16 meetings against him - including the Community Shield in 2023 - while losing nine.
This suggests it is Arteta who is in urgent need of breaking the cycle of finishing empty-handed.
Former Arsenal and England defender Matt Upson told BBC Sport: "I think overall, Arteta needs it most because he has not won enough trophies in his time at Arsenal for how well they have done.
"It has been a case of 'nearly but not quite' for Arteta after the seasons in which they have finished second in the Premier League. They have not quite got there, so this is a big one for Arteta.
"I think Arteta and Guardiola need it for very different reasons, but I feel Arteta needs it more because he needs to put some silverware in the trophy cabinet.
"The overall pressure is on Arteta, but it is also fair to say the short-term pressure is on Guardiola. It is very important City get that win to try and at least dent Arsenal's confidence. That would be really helpful for them in the last eight games of the season."
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha says victory could still be of huge significance to his former club.
"City have just had the pain of defeat in the Champions League, but they can use that in the Carabao Cup final to express how much going out to Real has hurt them, and potentially take that and use it at Wembley," he said.
"This is 100% a great occasion for them to bounce back, and to be able to potentially sign off with the last game before the international break lifting a trophy can change your perspective on the whole season significantly."
Will Wembley match shape title battle?
Arsenal are in a commanding position to win their first Premier League title since Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' in 2003-04, as they stand nine points clear of City having played one game more.
The Gunners have been relentless, while City have faltered by dropping points in draws against relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest and West Ham United in their past two league games.
So could Sunday's Wembley showpiece have a defining impact on the rest of the season?
Upson does not believe defeat will damage Arteta's side, saying: "Arsenal have shown me they have a good enough foundation. They know what they're about. I don't think a defeat, if they do lose, will damage their title chances or impact the title race.
"I think their foundation is too strong. If they lost, I don't think it will derail them."
Upson added: "Victory for Arsenal, on the other hand, would be huge. It would just be like confirmation of where they're at. To beat City in a Wembley final would be massive. It would be a big psychological blow - more to City than vice-versa.
"Arsenal's style has been criticised but they shouldn't care and I don't think they do.
"Arteta has looked at it and asked himself, 'how are we definitely going to win the Premier League?' If it has to be like this they are going to do it unapologetically. It is ingrained in the players and they are winning."
Former Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club he believes the occasion could shape the immediate future for his old club.
"That's the game," said Walcott. "That's the one that essentially sets the tone for how this whole year is going to look for Arsenal.
"I think Manchester City will drop points. I think Arsenal will still drop points. It's that cup final in between."
Onuoha said: "From a City perspective, you do get the feeling their season could go either way here. They are obviously not out of the title race, but are out of the Champions League.
"If they were to potentially lose the final, then the feeling going away for a couple of weeks would be difficult - but then contrast that with if they were to win that final at Wembley, against the team they are trying to chase in the league. To be able to get that feel of them, to beat them, and to beat them at the home of football.
"That could be massive. On the flip side, it could be massive for Arsenal as well if they win. It is a really exciting game that carries huge significance for both teams."
Pep Guardiola has had the better of the battles with his former assistant at Manchester City, Mikel Arteta [Getty Images]
Who will emerge victorious at Wembley?
Upson feels this EFL Cup final falls into the "too close to call" category - but believes one factor makes him just favour Arsenal.
"It is as close to a 50-50 split as you can get," he said. "I have to go Arsenal - just - because I think I pretty much know what sort of performance I'm going to get from them. I know what I'm going to see.
"City are still a fantastic team who have the quality to beat anyone when they get it right, but they are more unpredictable. They could be far better and win it, or they could be a bit sloppy defensively and concede a couple of sloppy goals."
Onuoha said: "I am never confident about calling who will any game of football ever, especially not a final, because I think we have seen in finals that it is not always the team who plays the best football in the moment who wins. It can just be about finding a way to grind out a result.
"This season, so far, we've seen that Arsenal have been pretty much better than anyone else in the Premier League at doing that, finding a way to win games, but again this is a one-off game.
"From my perspective as a Blue, I know they can do it - and I hope they do it as well."
Still just 28, Bastos is already a legend in her own right, having won 10 IBJJF world titles across both gi and no gi. The dominant BJJ champion has won at least one IBJJF world title every year since 2018, along with taking a couple of belts from WNO, ONE and EBI. The only major championship that’s not on her decorated resume is an ADCC world title, and she has now taken the first steps into trying to achieve that goal.
Bastos, a roosterweight champion (48.5 kg with the gi, 46.5 kg in no gi), has been severely undersized in ADCC, which only recently started a 55 kg division. After moving up a division 15 lbs heavier, Bastos won gold this past weekend in Indaiatuba, Brazil.
She won four matches, and never conceded a single point en route to winning her second ADCC trials title.
As this was the second leg of the ADCC South American Trials (women from the first one don’t get invites) Bastos was also able to secure a spot for ADCC 2026. Joining her are two other women who won at the under 65 kg and over 65 kg divisions in Livia Correa and Yana Soares.
In the men’s side of things, Kaua Gabriel won six matches to win a deep 66 kg bracket, joining his two other teammates from Melqui Galvao’s gym to win ADCC 2026 invites. Also standing out from the event is BJJ world champ Gustavo Batista, who landed four submissions in five wins, beating the likes of Magid Hage and Charles Negromonte at the 88 kg division.
ADCC Trialsseason has already begun, with thousands of talented grapplers from various continents competing for slots at the ADCC 2026 World Championships.
While the last few iterations have been hosted in the US, the prestigious biennial grappling event happens at the Tauron Arena in Krakow, Poland this time around. ADCC 2026 happens on September 12-13, 2026, and with the first few sets of invites already handed out, it’s worth tracking the confirmed competitors to the highly anticipated event.
ADCC World Championships are typically headlined by the reigning “Super Fight” champion defending their belt against the previous absolute tournament winner. That should be Gordon Ryan vs. ADCC 2024 double gold medalistKaynan Duarte, but with Ryan seemingly retired, the ADCC 2026 headliner still appears to be up in the air, as of this writing.
Below is the current fight card and full list of competitors that have a slot booked for ADCC 2026. We will be constantly updating this post every time an athlete gets confirmed for the event.
ADCC 2026 World Championships – How to watch, live stream
ADCC 2026 happens on September 12-13, 2026, in Krakow, Poland.
Broadcast details and start times have yet to be revealed, but ADCC 2026 is expected to be streamed live on FloGrappling, with the earlier portions of the event likely streamed live for free on YouTube. We will update this section once more details become available.
For the latest Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and grappling-related news click here.
The No. 3 seed Virginia Cavaliers and No. 6 seed Tennessee Volunteers are set for a heavyweight clash in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Both teams come into this matchup after solid first-round performances, with the Cavaliers surviving a scare from Wright State and the Volunteers dominating Miami (OH) to punch their ticket to Sunday's showdown.
This matchup features two of the nation's most disciplined defensive units. Ryan Odom has revitalized Virginia in his first year, leading them to a 30-win season and their first March Madness win since 2019. Meanwhile, Rick Barnes has the Volunteers eyeing their fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance, relying on the physical play of Nate Ament and the backcourt leadership of Ja'Kobi Gillespie.
The Cavaliers will need to maintain their perimeter shooting, led by Jacari White and Thijs De Ridder, to crack a Tennessee defense that specializes in forcing contested shots and dominating the offensive glass.
Tennessee’s path to victory lies in its physicality. If they can neutralize Virginia’s shot-blockers and capitalize on second-chance points, the Vols could pull off the slight "upset" by seed. Historically, Tennessee has held the upper hand recently, winning the last two meetings in the series, though this is their first NCAA tournament encounter since the 1980s.
Here's what you need to know about Sunday's matchup between Virginia and Tennessee, including broadcast information and start time.
The second-round game between Virginia and Tennessee will be broadcast nationally on TNT. The veteran broadcast team of Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Steve Lappas (analyst), and Evan Washburn (reporter) will be on the call from Philadelphia.
Fans looking to stream Virginia vs. Tennessee can watch live on DIRECTV.
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What time is Virginia vs. Tennessee today?
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
The NCAA tournament game between Virginia and Tennessee is set to tip off at 6:10 p.m. ET from Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Virginia is making its first deep tournament run since their 2019 national title, while Tennessee is looking to cement itself as a perennial Sweet 16 fixture under Rick Barnes; though the Volunteers have never made the Final Four in program historu. These programs last met in 2024, but the stakes have never been higher than this win-or-go-home scenario in Philly.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM channel 204
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The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:
Mar 21, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Angel City FC forward Sveindís Jónsdóttir (32) scores a goal during the first half against Bay FC at PayPal Park.
Sveindís Jónsdóttir lifted Angel City to a 3-1 victory over Bay FC before 10,299 at PayPal Park on Saturday night. It's ACFC's first road win of 2026, bringing the club to a two-match winning streak following last week's season opener.
Jónsdóttir finished the night with two goals and one assist, earning her first Player of the Match designation for Angel City. The Icelandic forward scored less than three minutes in, outrunning Bay FC’s backline to shoot a left-footed ball from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. She was assisted by Kennedy Fuller with a through ball following a fast break.
“It's all about timing,” Jónsdóttir said. “So, it's good for me that I can be on full speed and get the ball, and then I know that I can score.”
Gisele Thompson doubled the score and netted her second NWSL goal in the 31st minute with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner off an assist by Jónsdóttir.
Although Taylor Huff got one back in the 56th minute, Bay FC couldn’t gain enough momentum to break past Angel City’s high press. Saturday's performance is an example of the success head coach Alex Straus has sought since taking over last June.
"Having Alex from preseason has been a huge step in the right direction for us,” said defender Emily Sams, who started and wore the captain’s armband on Saturday. “Just being able to work the whole preseason on what we want [and] the kind of team we want to be has been super helpful.”
“We created big chances,” Straus said. “That’s maybe a little bit different than last year. So we need to continue to do that. We need to execute like Sveindís did today.”
Savy King made her first start in a game, playing 82 minutes since undergoing heart surgery following a cardiac event during a game on May 9, 2025. Sarah Gorden broke the record for the most club appearances, playing her 73rd game on Saturday night.
Angel City's seven total goals scored against Bay FC and Chicago mark the club’s highest two-game mark since ACFC's seven combined scores against the Houston Dash and Portland Thorns in October 2023.
ACFC returns to Los Angeles to host the Houston Dash at BMO Stadium on March 27.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Liam Rosenior, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Chelsea made it four defeats on the bounce with yet another staggeringly poor performance last night at Goodison Hill Dickinson, with all our familiar failings on glorious display. Cheap giveaways, lazy defending, uninspired possession, poor finishing, critical mistakes: the 3-0 win for Everton was their largest ever margin of victory over Chelsea in the Premier League era. Meanwhile, we’ve now gone over 300 minutes without scoring a goal — not exactly ideal for a team relying on scoring goals to overcome defensive frailties.
Head coach (at least in name) Liam Rosenior talked a lot before the game about needing a response from the PSG and Newcastle debacles, about not letting that run of games destroy the rest of the season as well. The only response we got were the proverbial crickets. Doesn’t exactly speak highly of the levels of motivation that are currently being inspired. Just going through the motions ain’t gonna cut it in the Premier League.
Once a force of toxic positivity, Rosenior these days is basically admitting that we’ve got nothing. And who knows where the bottom might be.
“The most disappointing evening so far in terms of the things we’ve spoken about, not gifting goals away and making sure we’re in the game, getting control of the game. It wasn’t there and it turned into a really, really difficult evening where the result and performance was nowhere near what we expected or wanted.”
“[We] had an edgy start in terms of cheap giveaways that we gave away. Then we managed to gain control of the game and we’re arriving and creating moments which we don’t take, we’re not clinical enough. And then out of nowhere, it feels like out of nowhere they score. And it’s not the first time that that’s happened. And what happens in football, if you are in a run, a difficult run of games against big teams, your energy levels and your confidence levels can drop if the other team score first. And that’s what happened. Pickford makes a world-class save at 1-0. Then we come out in the second half, have control of the game. And then we make a mistake and they’re 2-0 up and it gives them even more energy. It’s about flow and momentum. And we didn’t have that in the game today.
“[…] I don’t think there’s a lack of effort. I don’t think there’s a lack of belief or determination in the team [but] it’s a moment of switching off. I want to protect my players always. I always will. And I take responsibility for that lapse in concentration, but that’s what it is. And that’s happened too many times in my time recently for me not to tell the truth as it is.”
I’ve never been a big fan of the “lost the dressing room” narrative in football, as it’s often a reductive bit of cheap and convenient pseudo-analysis, but these last four games under Rosenior might be setting a world record for how quickly one can in fact lose the dressing room. There are many things wrong at Chelsea, many systemic issues far beyond Rosenior’s control or purview. But the things that he can control are all going wrong at the moment, and that’s not a recipe for success in any situation.
Can things turn around when we reconvene after the international break? Hard to see how or from where any such turnaround might come. (Even as other teams around us keep dropping points as well.)
Nathaniel Wood has won his past four fights in the UFC [Getty Images]
Some of the most impressive performances at UFC London came on the undercard.
Nathaniel Wood overcame the odds yet again to beat Losene Keita, while Mason Jones overwhelmed Axel Sola in a bruising back and forth fight of the year encounter.
Jones and Sola were covered in blood and breathing heavily by the end of their contest, with both fighters swinging until the final bell, using every last drop of energy.
Fighters on the prelims like Wood and Jones don't get as much media attention or promotion from the UFC - and strikingly less money than their headlining peers.
But in a sport that demands so much from the flesh and mind, there are arguments the athletes should be better looked after amid a changing landscape in combat sports.
Zuffa Boxing is owned by UFC president Dana White, so critics have asked why the 56-year-old isn't paying similar amounts to his MMA fighters under contract.
The UFC gives about 20% of revenue to fighter pay, compared with boxers who get about 60% of revenue from their events.
London's Wood, who has won 11 of 14 fights in the UFC, says he hopes the Benn deal will spark a change because he was "heartbroken" when he saw how much he would be earning.
"When you think I've been in the UFC for eight years, but I'm not on that, I''m not even on 1% of that," Wood told BBC Sport before UFC London.
"Especially when I believe MMA is the tougher sport as well, but again I just try and control what's in my hands and it's got nothing to do with me.
"It was definitely heartbreaking to see someone is getting paid that much."
When asked about criticisms amid the Benn deal, White has said "it's a good thing" when people make more money and pointed to fighter pay continuously rising since 2001.
White referenced the UFC's new £5.7bn broadcast deal with Paramount, before adding: "I promise you fighter pay is going to be just fine over the next seven years."
While Wood said he is happy with his pay from the UFC because there's "no other promotion that's going to pay me more", he added that it doesn't compare to what top athletes in other sports get - a statement supported by Michael 'Venom' Page.
Page beat fellow Briton Sam Patterson at UFC London in an uninspiring contest and made his walkout to Michael Jackson's They Don't Care About Us.
"I've been a sports fan my whole life, I've been in cricket, skiing, basketball, football, American football - but MMA is one of the most difficult sports you'll ever do," said Page.
"You're also putting your life on the line every single time. I'm not discrediting any other sport, but nobody is trying to kill you.
"And at the top of the game we're getting paid, if you compare to other sports, nowhere near what we should be getting paid."
Page continued: "For me it's just a case of everyone should be getting paid more for the efforts and the danger we put ourselves in, and the attention we get from it.
"We've been talking about how this is the fastest growing sport for so long but yet nothing else is growing."
Earlier this month, UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall signed a "commercial and advisory" deal with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, to maximise his earnings outside the UFC.
Fighters can't compete in other major promotions while in contract with the UFC, and while Aspinall says he has "accepted" the contract he has with the organisation and the restrictions that come with it, the Briton added he wanted to "explore other options".
Welsh lightweight Jones said he would not partner with Eddie Hearn himself, but added fighters must be prepared to take opportunities like Aspinall to supplement their income from fight pay.
"In the modern era of the UFC you have to do more yourself to get yourself noticed. They are a wheel that turns every day and if it's not you, it'll be someone else," said Jones.
"You have to do what you can to get noticed and generate your own wealth and legacy."
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to discuss all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, Ezek Ix and yours truly, Valyrian Steel.
Gameday!! Huge clash in the context of La Liga.
The Santiago Bernabeu awaits round 2 of the Madrid Derby. Who would have thought that Atleti would be so pivotal to the fortunes of Real and Barca in both La Liga and the UCL. They’ve already knocked Barca out of the Copa Del Rey and now have the chance to do so in the UCL as well. Additionally they also host Barca in La Liga at the Wanda a week after tonight’s derby. Let’s hope it all goes to plan starting with a Los Blancos win tonight. Hala Madrid!!!
🗣️ Alvaro Arbeloa: “Thiago Pitarch and Jude Bellingham's return? We'll cross that bridge, when we get there. Bellingham's return is excellent news. Thiago's performances have been remarkable. There are a lot of matches, I love that kind of challenge. They can also play together.” pic.twitter.com/k6rT0IEil7
The No. 4 seed Kansas Jayhawks and No. 5 seed St. John’s Red Storm meet in San Diego on Sunday for one of the highest-profile second-round clashes in recent memory. It pits two legendary Hall of Fame coaches, Bill Self and Rick Pitino, against one another with a spot in the Sweet 16 on the line. Kansas advanced after surviving a late push from California Baptist, while St. John’s entered the Round of 32 on a high note after a dominant 26-point victory over Northern Iowa.
The spotlight in this matchup shines brightest on Jayhawks freshman sensation Darryn Peterson. The projected top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Peterson carried Kansas in the opening round with 28 points, silencing any lingering concerns about early-season health issues. Peterson has been on a tear lately, averaging over 23 points per game in his last four outings, and his ability to score at all three levels will be the focal point of the Red Storm’s defensive game plan.
St. John’s enters this game as one of the hottest teams in the country, having won 20 of their last 21 contests. The Red Storm are led by Big East Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor, a familiar face for Kansas fans as he faces his former team for the first time since transferring from Lawrence. Ejiofor’s presence in the paint, combined with Bryce Hopkins and Dillon Mitchell, gives Pitino a balanced attack that has overwhelmed opponents throughout the Big East tournament and into March.
For Kansas to advance, they must find consistent secondary scoring behind Peterson, likely looking to Flory Bidunga and Tre White. St. John's will look to use its aggressive, Pitino-style pressure to force the Jayhawks into turnovers and transition opportunities. With both programs eyeing their first Sweet 16 appearance in several years, this 4-vs-5 matchup is widely considered the must-watch game of the Sunday slate.
Here's what you need to know about Sunday's matchup between Kansas and St. John's, including broadcast information and start time.
The second-round game between Kansas and St. John's will be broadcast nationally on CBS. The acclaimed broadcast crew of Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Robbie Hummel and Stan Van Gundy (analysts), and Lauren Shehadi (reporter) will provide coverage from San Diego.
Fans can stream the game live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy.
Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Paramount+ is another streaming option for all CBS games in the tournament.
What time is Kansas vs. St. John's today?
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time:5:15 p.m. ET
The NCAA tournament game between Kansas and St. John's is set to tip off at 5:15 p.m. ET from Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.
Kansas holds a 9-5 all-time series lead over St. John's, a rivalry famously headlined by their meeting in the 1952 national championship game. While the Jayhawks are tournament mainstays, last winning it all in 2022, the Red Storm are seeking their first trip to the Sweet 16 since 1999, a milestone that would signify a complete resurgence of the program under Pitino.
St. John's and Kansas can be found on SiriusXM channel 203 on Sunday evening.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM.
New subscribers can listen to SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:
West Ham United XI vs Aston Villa – Predicted lineup and team news
West Ham travel to Villa Park today aiming to secure a vital victory that could move them out of the Premier League relegation zone for the first time since November.
The Hammers have moved into a positive vein of form under manager Nuno Espírito Santo, collecting 15 points from their last nine games—more than they had in their first 21 fixtures combined.
Following a disciplined draw against Manchester City last weekend, West Ham arrive in the West Midlands with high confidence, looking to exploit an Aston Villa side that has lost three straight league matches.
West Ham team news
Nuno Espírito Santo manages a squad dealing with one high-profile absence but otherwise boasting a clean bill of health. Notably, Crysencio Summerville is definitely ruled out tonight with a calf injury.
Consequently, the manager may stick with the conservative wing-back system that frustrated City, or revert to a back four with Adama Traoré providing the pace on the break.
Notably, Jarrod Bowen remains the talisman; he has been involved in seven goals in his last eight appearances and could become only the second West Ham player to assist in four consecutive Premier League games tonight.
Callum Wilson also provides a major threat on the road, where his conversion rate (25%) is significantly higher than at the London Stadium.
Mads Hermansen will start in goal, behind a defence likely to feature Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi.
In midfield, Tomas Soucek and Soungoutou Magassa will look to stifle Villa’s creative units, while Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals provide the service for Valentín Castellanos.
Notably, despite having a league-high 32 players feature this season, West Ham have seen only 10 different goal scorers—the fewest in the Premier League.
They will look to change that tonight against a Villa defence that has conceded nine goals in its last three league matches.
West Ham United predicted lineup
West Ham United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Soucek, Magassa; Bowen, Fernandes, Pablo; Castellanos
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at Villa Park on Sunday, 22 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:15 GMT.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano – Predicted lineup and team news
Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano meet in La Liga on Sunday at the Spotify Camp Nou in matchday 29, in what will be their final game before the last international break of the season.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, already sitting at the top of the La Liga table, are aiming to keep their excellent run going after a commanding 7-2 Champions League victory over Newcastle United.
Barcelona team news
Joan Garcia, who was taken off against Newcastle with a late injury concern, has now shaken off that scare and is understood to be available again after encouraging test results.
Eric Garcia also had to come off early in that same match with a hamstring problem and is still a doubt for this weekend, but there is optimism he could be involved around matchday after being spotted back in training.
Gavi is now fully recovered from his long-term injury, yet he is still expected to start on the bench as his minutes continue to be managed carefully.
Barcelona remain without several other players: Alejandro Balde (hamstring, likely mid-April return), Andreas Christensen (cruciate ligament issue), Jules Koundé and Frenkie de Jong (both hamstring injuries, targeting early April comebacks), Jofre Torrents (calf) and Toni Fernandez (ankle).
Any tactical tweaks will largely depend on whether Joan Garcia and Eric García are cleared to start; if Eric García does not make it, Gerard Martín or Ronald Araújo could be asked to operate in the middle of the defence.
Flick should still be able to field a very strong front line, with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski expected to spearhead the attack as Barca chase a fifth consecutive league win and look to preserve their four-point cushion at the summit.
Barcelona predicted lineup
Possible Barcelona starting XI: J Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 1pm BST on Sunday, 22nd March.
How to watch Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano?
Supporters in the UK can watch the match live on Premier Sports 1.
Celtic XI vs Dundee United – Predicted lineup and team news
Celtic face Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership at Tannadice Park on Sunday, with another vital three points on the line in the title race.
The visitors know a victory would be hugely important in their push to catch Hearts at the top of the table.
Celtic travel in excellent league form after putting together a four-match unbeaten run that has kept them firmly in contention for the league crown, while they also reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.
Celtic team news
The Bhoys remain without Arne Engels, Callum Osmand, Alistair Johnston, Adam Montgomery, Cameron Carter‑Vickers and Jota, who are all sidelined with injury.
Callum McGregor sat out Celtic’s last two matches but is now tipped to return to action, with Martin O’Neill hopeful that the midfielder will be available for this fixture.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign and could face up to a year on the sidelines after it was confirmed he needs two separate operations to make a full recovery.
Defender Auston Trusty is also in line to rejoin the matchday squad and could come back into the XI if Benjamin Arthur drops to the bench.
Benjamin Nygren is expected to be a key figure once more for Celtic. The midfielder has already scored 15 league goals this season, making him the division’s second‑highest scorer, and his total of 19 goal contributions is the best in the competition.
Dundee United vs Celtic – Match preview and team news
Celtic go head-to-head against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership at Tannadice Park on Sunday.
The Bhoys have the second best away record in the division, while the Tangerines have the fifth-worst home record having won just four games on their own patch.
Celtic can overtake Rangers in second place and close the gap to leaders Hearts to two points with a win on the road.
Dundee United vs Celtic – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 22nd March
Kick-off: 12:30pm BST
Venue: Calforth Construction Arena
Last meeting: Celtic 4-0 Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, 10th January 2026
Dundee United team news
Dundee United remain without midfielder Craig Sibbald, who continues to be sidelined by a hamstring problem.
Isaac Pappoe is also out with a knee injury, while centre-back Bert Esselink is not expected to feature as he continues his recovery from his physical issue though he has been on the bench in the previous few matches.
Additionally, Kristijan Trapanovski is in doubt after being sent for a scan on a troublesome knee issue that he suffered against Falkirk.
Amar Fatah will once again start on the left side of the attack. He already has seven goals in this season and scored in his last two league matches.
Celtic team news
Celtic is still missing Arne Engels, Callum Osmand, Alistair Johnston, Adam Montgomery, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota through injuries.
Callum McGregor missed Celtic’s last two matches but is now expected to make a return. Martin O’Neill is hopeful that he will be fit for this match.
Kasper Schmeichel is definitely out for the season and might miss up to a year after it is confirmed that he requires two separate surgeries to recover from it.
Auston Trusty is also expected to come back into the squad in case Benjamin Arthur is dropped to the bench.
Benjamin Nygren will be pivotal for Celtic. The midfielder already scored 15 goals in the season and is the second-highest goal scorer in the competition while his involvement in 19 goals tops the goal involvement chart.
Form
Dundee United: DLWLD
Dundee United remain embroiled in a congested lower half of the table as the split approaches. Goodwin’s team comes to this match after a 2-2 draw in the recent Dundee derby at Dens Park, after losing their two-goal lead in injury time, which showcases their defensive vulnerabilities.
Celtic: WDWDW
Celtic arrive at Tannadice in strong league form after putting together an impressive unbeaten run that has kept them on course in the Premiership title race. Their most recent encounter finished in a 3-1 win against Motherwell which put them just two points behind league leaders Hearts with 61 points from 30 matches. They are also ahead of third-placed Rangers who are sitting with 60 points in the league.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid meet in a derby clash in La Liga this weekend.
The two clubs are separated by just two places in the table, with Real second and Atletico fourth, adding extra weight to an already fierce capital city rivalry.
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 22nd March
Kick-off: 8pm BST
Venue: Estadio Bernabeu, Madrid
Referee: Jose Luis Munuera Montero
Last meeting: Atletico Madrid 1-2 Real Madrid, Spanish Super Cup, 8th January
Real Madrid team news
Alvaro Arbeloa faces several injury headaches heading into the derby. Ferland Mendy (muscle), Dani Ceballos (calf), and Rodrygo (knee) are all unavailable, with Mendy and Ceballos expected to return next month, while Rodrygo is sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Eder Militao has rejoined training but remains a doubt, whereas Jude Bellingham is back in full preparation and could feature.
Thibaut Courtois suffered a thigh problem against Manchester City and is ruled out until April, meaning Andriy Lunin retains his place in goal.
Kylian Mbappe, who returned from injury off the bench against City, is set to start his first match in over a month.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atleti have their own issues to contend with, as Diego Simeone’s side prepares for another intense derby amid a congested calendar at home and in Europe.
The Rojiblancos were recently hit by a fresh blow when midfielder Pablo Barrios suffered a minor hamstring tear in training, just after returning from a previous lay-off. Barrios is expected to be out for around a month.
Also sidelined are Jan Oblak and Rodrigo Mendoza with muscle and thigh injury respectively. Both are expected to return in the month of April.
After losing the match against Tottenham, Diego Simeone might decide to rotate the squad and bring back Alexander Sorloth into the starting XI.
While Julian Alvarez did not start of either of the last two league games, coming off the bench to keep him fresh for the Champions League. He is expected to return to the starting XI and add to his tally of eight league goals.
Form
Real Madrid: LWWWW
Los Blancos are on a four-game winning streak in all competitions and come into the derby on the back of a 2-1 win over Manchester City, which sent them through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. They sit second in the La Liga table, four points off leaders Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid: LWWWL
Atleti are in good form, having won four league games on the bounce. They have only lost two of their last nine games in all competitions, both of which came in the second leg of knockout competitions in which they held a big lead on aggregate. They are fourth in the standings, nine points behind Real.
Arsenal vs Manchester City –Match preview and team news
Wembley Stadium sets the stage this Sunday for a historic Carabao Cup Final as Premier League leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester City battle for the first major silverware of the season.
This showpiece represents a monumental “student vs. master” clash between Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola. Remarkably, it is the first League Cup final in history to be contested by the top two teams in the country. For Arsenal, victory would end a 33-year drought in this competition, with the club last lifting the trophy in 1993.
Notably, the Gunners have lost more finals in this tournament (6) than any other side, including a 3–0 defeat to City in 2018. However, Arteta arrives with a pristine Wembley record; he has never lost at the national stadium with Arsenal as a player or manager.
Manchester City, meanwhile, enter the capital aiming to salvage a season that has hit a sudden and turbulent patch. After being dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in midweek, Pep Guardiola is desperate to avoid going back-to-back campaigns without a major honour for the first time in his career.
While City have won seven consecutive League Cup finals since 1974, they have lost their last two major final appearances at Wembley, both in the FA Cup. Significantly, Guardiola is bidding to become the first manager to win the League Cup five times, but he faces an Arsenal side that is currently unbeaten in their last six meetings with the Sky Blues.
Arsenal vs Manchester City –Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 22 March 2026
Kick-off: 16:30 GMT
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Referee: Peter Bankes
VAR: John Brooks
Last Meeting: Arsenal 1–1 Manchester City (21 Sep 2025, Premier League)
Team News
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is managing a few high-profile doubts, most notably captain Martin Ødegaard (knee) and Jurriën Timber (ankle). Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to keep his place in goal, having started every round of the competition so far.
Notably, Eberechi Eze enters the final with a unique opportunity; having scored the winning goal against City in the 2025 FA Cup Final for Crystal Palace, he could become just the third player in history to score against the same opponent in both a League Cup and FA Cup final.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that James Trafford will start between the sticks at Wembley. The Citizens will be without the cup-tied Marc Guéhi, while Joško Gvardiol remains a long-term absentee with a fractured leg.
Notably, Erling Haaland—who snapped a scoreless streak in midweek—is still searching for his first-ever goal at Wembley on what will be his seventh attempt at the stadium.
Form
Arsenal
Arsenal are in near-optimal form, winning six of their last seven matches across all competitions, including a convincing 2-0 midweek win over Bayer Leverkusen to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Gunners have shown remarkable tactical flexibility, weathering injuries to Ødegaard and Timber without losing their domestic momentum. Notably, they have seen eight different goal scorers in the League Cup this season, with no single player netting more than once.
Manchester City
Manchester City head to Wembley in a jittery state, having won just one of their last five games in all tournaments following their Champions League exit. Despite their recent struggles, City have been perfect in the Carabao Cup this season.
They have won all five games by margins of 2 or more goals. Significantly, City have dominated their recent League Cup meetings with Arsenal, winning the last four by an aggregate score of 11–1.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Manchester City Predicted XI (4-3-3): Trafford; Nunes, Dias, Stones, Ait-Nouri; Silva, Rodri, O’Reilly; Cherki, Haaland, Semenyo
How to Watch Arsenal vs Manchester City?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, and ITV1. Coverage begins at 15:30 GMT.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano – Match preview and team news
Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano meet at the Camp Nou this weekend in their final league match before the international break.
Hansi Flick’s side, who sit on top of the La Liga table, are in a buoyant mood following a 7-2 win over Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League.
Rayo, meanwhile, are looking to pull themselves further away from the relegation zone. The Madrid outfit have enjoyed a surprisingly good record against Barça in recent years, winning three out of nine league encounters since gaining promotion in 2021. They have also secured three draws over that period, including their most recent meeting.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 22nd March
Kick-off: 1pm BST
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona
Referee: Adrian Cordero Vega
Last meeting: Rayo Vallecano 1-1 Barcelona, La Liga, 31st August 2025
Barcelona team news
After being subbed off early against Newcastle, goalkeeper Joan Garcia has recovered from his injury scare and has been declared fit after positive tests.
Eric Garcia was also subbed early in the same match and remains a doubt with a hamstring issue, but is expected to return this week after being seen in training, while Gavi is now fully fit.
Other absentees include Alejandro Balde (hamstring, mid-April return), Andreas Christensen (cruciate), Jules Koundé and Frenkie de Jong (hamstring, early April), Jofre Torrents (calf), Jules Koundé (hamstring, early April return) and Toni Fernandez (ankle).
Possible changes hinge on Garcia’s inclusion and Eric García’s fitness; if out, Gerard Martín or Ronald Araújo may shift centrally. Flick’s attack stays potent with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Lewandowski, eyeing a fifth straight league win to maintain their four-point lead.
Rayo Vallecano team news
Absences include defender Diego Mendez with an injury and defender Nobel Mendy through suspension. There are no other major doubts reported as of now.
Form
Barcelona: WWDWW
The league leaders are enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions, winning six and drawing the other one at Newcastle United in the Champions League. They destroyed the Magpies at home in the return leg to cruise into the quarter-finals.
Rayo Vallecano
Rayo, who are 14th in the table, have not lost in La Liga since the beginning of February when Real Madrid required a penalty in the 10th minute of stoppage time to win at the Bernabeu.
They lost on Thursday to Samsunspor, their first defeat in eight matches, but advanced to the last eight of the UEFA Conference League regardless after winning 3-2 on aggregate.
Manchester City XI vs Arsenal – Predicted lineup and team news
Manchester City travel to Wembley today, aiming to secure their eighth major trophy under Pep Guardiola and halt a worrying run of form against their title rivals.
The Sky Blues have moved into a critical juncture of their season, looking to rebound from a Champions League exit and a nine-point deficit in the league. Manager Pep Guardiola has overseen a perfect Carabao Cup campaign so far, with his side winning every game by a 2+ goal margin.
City have a historic affinity for this competition, having won the last seven finals they have appeared in, but they must now overcome an Arsenal side that has frustrated them in their last six encounters.
Notably, City have won their last four League Cup meetings with the Gunners and will rely on that psychological edge to secure Guardiola’s fifth win in this competition tonight.
Manchester City team news
Pep Guardiola manages a squad missing a key January signing but welcoming back an experienced leader. Notably, James Trafford has been confirmed as the starting goalkeeper for the final, continuing his ever-present run in the competition. Consequently, John Stones is expected to return to the heart of the defence as Marc Guéhi is cup-tied.
Notably, Rayan Cherki has been the competition’s standout performer, averaging a goal involvement every 47 minutes. Erling Haaland will lead the line, desperate to secure his first-ever career goal at Wembley Stadium on his seventh attempt.
James Trafford will start in goal behind a defensive line featuring Ruben Dias and John Stones. In midfield, Rodri will anchor the side alongside Bernardo Silva and the young Nico O’Reilly. Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo are poised to provide the creative spark for Haaland.
Manchester City predicted lineup
Manchester City Predicted XI (4-3-3): Trafford; Nunes, Dias, Stones, Ait-Nouri; Silva, Rodri, O’Reilly; Cherki, Haaland, Semenyo
When will the match kick off?
The Carabao Cup Final takes place at Wembley on Sunday, 22 March 2026, at 16:30 GMT.
How to watch Arsenal vs Man City?
UK fans can watch live on Sky Sports Main Event and ITV1.
Aston Villa vs West Ham United – Match preview and team news
Aston Villa return to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, aiming to arrest a domestic slump and protect their place in the top four as they face a resurgent, relegation-threatened West Ham United.
The Villans enter this fixture in a precarious position, despite sitting fourth in the table. Unai Emery’s men have lost three consecutive Premier League games—as many as their previous 17 combined—and now face the prospect of a fourth straight defeat for the first time in Emery’s managerial career.
While Villa have flourished in Europe, reaching the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, their domestic scoring has dried up; they have netted just 10 league goals so far in 2026, the lowest in the division.
Notably, a win today would see Villa complete a league double over the Hammers for the first time since 2010-11—the season West Ham were last relegated.
West Ham travel to Birmingham in a much healthier frame of mind, sitting level on points with safety and eyeing a climb out of the bottom three. Under Nuno Espírito Santo, the Hammers have undergone a transformation, picking up 15 points from their last nine matches—one more than they managed in their first 21 games of the season.
Despite their improvement, they face a historical hurdle: West Ham are winless in their last six league meetings with Villa. However, Nuno’s tactical preference for a low block could prove the perfect antidote to Emery’s high line, especially with Jarrod Bowen in clinical form.
Aston Villa vs West Ham United – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 22 March 2026
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
Referee: Paul Tierney
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Last Meeting: West Ham 2–3 Aston Villa (14 Dec 2025, Premier League)
Team News
Aston Villa
Unai Emery will assess Youri Tielemans ahead of kick-off after the Belgian returned to training following a two-month layoff. Matty Cash and Emiliano Buendía are both fit after featuring off the bench against Lille, while Ezri Konsa is expected to return to the starting line-up.
Notably, Morgan Rogers has been Villa’s most impactful scorer this term; all eight of his league goals have either put Villa ahead or drawn them level. Boubacar Kamara remains a long-term absentee.
West Ham
Nuno Espírito Santo has confirmed that star winger Crysencio Summerville is ruled out with a calf injury. However, Ollie Scarles is back in contention, and the rest of the squad is fully available.
Jarrod Bowen enters the match as the primary threat, having been involved in seven goals in his last eight appearances. On the road, Callum Wilson has been exceptionally clinical, averaging a goal every 125 minutes away from home compared to every 501 minutes at the London Stadium.
Form
Aston Villa
Aston Villa have looked like two entirely different teams recently, following their 2-0 European win over Lille with three successive domestic defeats against Wolves, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
While they remain fourth, their domestic goals have evaporated; they are the division’s lowest scorers since the turn of the year with just 10 goals—a sharp decline from the 30 they netted before Christmas. Significantly, Villa have won just one of their last seven home league games against West Ham.
West Ham
West Ham arrive in the Midlands on a high after holding Manchester City to a 1-1 draw, part of a run that has seen them lose just twice in their last 12 competitive matches. The Hammers have built their success on tactical resilience and quick, physical transitions.
Despite using a league-high 32 players this season, they have struggled for goal variety, with a tournament-low 10 different goal scorers.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Onana, Luiz; McGinn, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins
West Ham United Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hermansen; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Disasi, Diouf; Soucek, Magassa; Bowen, Fernandes, Pablo; Castellanos
How to Watch Aston Villa vs West Ham United?
The match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 13:30 GMT ahead of the 14:15 kick-off.
Arsenal vs Manchester City – Predicted lineup and team news
Arsenal face Manchester City at Wembley today, aiming to banish a 33-year Carabao Cup hoodoo and secure Mikel Arteta’s second major trophy in North London.
The Gunners have moved into a position of dominance both domestically and in Europe, currently sitting nine points clear at the top of the Premier League. Manager Mikel Arteta has overseen a ruthless path to the final, including a semi-final victory over Chelsea, and now looks to become the first manager in Arsenal history to win both of his first two major cup finals.
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta manages a squad facing late fitness tests for two essential pillars. Notably, captain Martin Ødegaard and defender Jurriën Timber are being assessed up until kick-off for knee and ankle issues, respectively.
Consequently, Eberechi Eze is expected to continue his influential role in the attacking third. Notably, Kepa Arrizabalaga is set to start in goal, having been the designated keeper for this competition. If Gabriel Jesus features tonight, he will make history as the first player to ever play for both sides in a League Cup final fixture.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will start behind a back four likely featuring William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. In midfield, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice will look to dictate the tempo, providing the service for a front three of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli (or Trossard), and Viktor Gyökeres.
Notably, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six games against City and will look to exploit a visiting defence missing the cup-tied Marc Guéhi to secure their first League Cup since 1993.
Arsenal predicted lineup
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
When will the match kick off?
The Carabao Cup Final takes place at Wembley on Sunday, 22 March 2026, at 16:30 GMT.
How to watch Arsenal vs Man City?
UK fans can watch live on Sky Sports Main Event and ITV1.
Journalist details moment he noticed a frustrated Cole Palmer argue with team mate
Journalist Lloyd Canfield has detailed the moment he noticed a frustrated Cole Palmer arguing with Pedro Neto yesterday.
Things like this will be concerning to read for Chelsea fans, because they already think it is going to be really difficult to keep hold of their star players going into the summer, especially if they miss out on getting Champions League football this season, which is not looking very good right now.
EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea not changing project but could ‘tweak it’, Certain players growing confused and fed up, Liam Rosenior in for the long haul
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Palmer was doing all he could to try and salvage something yesterday in their 3-0 defeat away at Everton in the Premier League. But it was all in vain as The Blues slumped to their fourth defeat in a row in all competitions, and second defeat in a row in the Premier League.
Palmer a frustrated figure
Cole Palmer looks frustrated against Burnley. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
‘Cole Palmer was a frustrated figure. On one occasion, a cutback towards the edge of the box occurred, Palmer gestured to leave it, but Pedro Neto took it off him instead. Palmer then spent 20 seconds waving his arms and complaining at Pedro Neto.’
That does not paint a good picture and to be honest, Palmer is always frustrated on the pitch for Chelsea lately. He seems to constantly get annoyed with those around him just not being good enough.
In other news…
The managerclaimed that it wasn’t a lack of effortor tactical mistakes that were costing Chelsea – but insisted he didn’t want to blame the players in the wake of the Everton defeat last night.
But Rosenioralso blamed “mistakes”for the goals Chelsea were conceding – but we’re going to need a bit more than that I’m afraid.
If you enjoy Chelsea News coverage and want to see more of it, add us as apreferred source on Googleto make us a favourite and see more of ourcontent.
Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Tom Brady looks on from the sideline before the CFP National Championship college football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
As flag football prepares for its Olympic debut and the National Football League continues investing in its global expansion, Tom Brady believes the sport’s growth may hinge on a few strategic tweaks rather than a complete overhaul of the game.
Speaking after the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium, Brady outlined how minor rule changes and stronger structural ties to traditional football could help flag football mirror the rise of the NFL itself.
Brady emphasized that the appeal of football, like competition, camaraderie, and skill, already exists in flag football, but he believes the sport could become more engaging for spectators by adjusting certain rules to encourage a more dynamic passing game.
“I would love to see a little modification to some of the rules to bring a little more passing into it,” Brady said. “People really want to see those skill elements.”
Currently governed internationally by the International Federation of American Football, Olympic-style flag football is played in a fast-paced five-on-five format that prioritizes speed and agility over physical contact. Brady suggested that blending elements of seven-on-seven football with traditional flag rules could create a hybrid version that more closely resembles the structure fans associate with the NFL.
“How do you grow globally when people don’t really want to play tackle football?”he said. “Flag is the answer, but it has to be exciting to watch every single day.”
Flag football’s inclusion in Los Angeles 2028 represents the biggest moment in the sport’s history. The Olympic format will feature a condensed field, no linemen, and strict limitations on contact, elements that make the game faster but also fundamentally different from tackle football.
One of Brady’s more ambitious ideas involves leaning into the NFL’s existing conference structure. He floated the possibility of staging future exhibitions featuring American Football Conference versus National Football Conference teams, supplemented by elite international flag players.
Such a format, he argued, could simultaneously boost visibility for the sport and create a bridge between professional tackle football and the growing global flag football community. Brady also credited commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL for backing initiatives designed to elevate flag football, particularly as the sport builds toward its debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The league has increasingly positioned flag football as a safer, more accessible entry point into the sport, especially in regions where full-contact football has struggled to gain traction.
The Fanatics exhibition itself demonstrated that elite NFL talent does not automatically translate to dominance in the flag format. The United States Men’s National Flag Football Team swept the tournament, defeating teams stacked with current and former NFL stars by a combined score of 106–44.
Quarterback Darrell Doucette delivered a standout performance, throwing for multiple touchdowns and showcasing the precision, quick decision-making, and spatial awareness that define the flag game. The results underscored Brady’s own admission that traditional football players are “probably way behind” in understanding the sport’s nuances.
The day has finally come, and we return to Tyneside for the first meeting between Sunderland and N*wcastle at the shit tip for the first time in just over ten years. Join Gav, Andrew and Jonny as we ramp up to this afternoon’s game in the Premier League! Coming up…
How are the matchday nerves?
Is the pressure all on Newcastle to perform?
It’s quiz time…
With Sunderland’s squad ravaged by injuries and lots up in the air, what sort of team will Régis Le Bris field this afternoon?
All this and more! Get subscribed to Haway The Podcast so you never miss another episode of our free daily show.
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𝗛𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 🎙️
👊🏼 MATCHDAY PREVIEW POD 👊🏼
Today’s the day — join us as we preview Sunderland v the skunks at the Wongadome. HAAAAAWAAAAY! 🐈⬛
Paddy Pimblett sits at number six in the lightweight rankings in the UFC [Getty Images]
Paddy Pimblett is targeting a return to fighting in the UFC in July during the MMA promotion's international fight week.
The UFC will hold the yearly event on 11 July at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Pimblett, 31, is still recovering from his defeat by Justin Gaethje in January but was cageside for UFC London on Saturday, where his team-mate Luke Riley was competing.
As Dana White was giving his post-fight news conference, he asked a present Pimblett when he wanted to fight again, to which the Liverpudlian replied: "Hopefully international fight week."
The UFC is yet to announce any fights for the tent-pole summer event, but White replied: "Whenever he wants to fight, we'd love to have him back."
Pimblett missed the opportunity to fight long-time rival Ilia Topuria when he lost to Gaethje in their interim title fight in Vegas.
USA fighter Gaethje is now booked to face the returning champion Topuria at UFC White House on 14 June in Washington.
There are a number of options for Pimblett on his return to action, with Charles Oliveira, Benoit Saint-Denis and Dan Hooker all in the top 10 of the lightweight rankings.
Pimblett's defeat by Gaethje was his first in the UFC and his first loss since 2018.
Houston Rockets (43-27, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (28-42, 12th in the Eastern Conference)
Chicago; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Houston plays Chicago for a non-conference matchup.
The Bulls are 17-20 in home games. Chicago is 12-8 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 14.5 turnovers per game.
The Rockets are 18-17 on the road. Houston scores 114.0 points while outscoring opponents by 4.1 points per game.
The Bulls average 14.6 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.2 more made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Rockets allow. The Bulls average 114.0 points per game, 6.2 fewer points than the 120.2 the Bulls allow to opponents.
The teams square off for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Jan. 14 the Rockets won 119-113 led by 28 points from Kevin Durant, while Tre Jones scored 34 points for the Bulls.
TOP PERFORMERS: Matas Buzelis is averaging 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Bulls. Josh Giddey is averaging 2.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
Amen Thompson is shooting 52.3% and averaging 18.0 points for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard is averaging 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 4-6, averaging 116.2 points, 48.1 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 7.8 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.8 points per game.
Rockets: 5-5, averaging 110.0 points, 45.5 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.3 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.3 points.
INJURIES: Bulls: Anfernee Simons: out (wrist), Jalen Smith: out (calf), Isaac Okoro: day to day (knee), Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Jaden Ivey: out (knee), Zach Collins: out for season (toe).
Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost their first game in over a month on Tuesday when they lost to the Rip City Remix. They got back in the win column on Friday with a 111-98 victory over the Grand Rapids Gold, and on Saturday, they faced Grand Rapids again at UCLA Health Training Center.
Grand Rapids got out to a 28-19 lead late in the first quarter, but the Lakers put up 40 points in the second quarter to take a 63-60 lead into halftime. In the final period, they started to pull ahead and get some separation, and they were able to hold off the Gold for a 119-111 win.
Once again, South Bay got the job done with defense by holding the Gold to 42.1% field-goal shooting and 28.2% from 3-point range, and that defense allowed it to gain a 22-9 edge in fast-break points. R.J. Davis led the team in scoring with 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting, and center Malik Williams had 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Arthur Kaluma added 18 points off the bench.
Rookie forward Adou Thiero made five of his 11 shot attempts, including a 3-pointer, and ended up with 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks. Kobe Bufkin went 3-of-11 from the field and logged 12 points.
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — South Africa captain Keshav Maharaj has won the toss Sunday and chosen to bowl in the fourth Twenty20 against New Zealand.
Tom Latham, who made 63 to lead New Zealand to victory in the third match on Friday, is out of action with a thumb injury.
Latham's opening partner Devon Conway, captain Mitchell Santner and pacer Lockie Ferguson are all unavailable for the last two matches of the series.
Wicketkeeper batter Dane Cleaver has been recalled to the New Zealand lineup for the first time since 2023 and batter Katene Clarke will make his debut while Josh Clarkson returns. Jimmy Neesham will captain New Zealand.
South Africa made two changes, naming offspinner Prenelan Subrayen to make his debut and recalling Ottneil Bartman. Seamers Nqobani Mokoena and Lutho Sipamla are rested.
___
Lineups:
New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Katene Clarke, Dane Cleaver, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Jimmy Neesham (captain), Josh Clarkson, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears.
South Africa: Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Prenelan Subrayen, Ottneil Baartman.
The No. 2 seed Iowa State Cyclones and No. 7 seed Kentucky Wildcats are set for a Midwest Region showdown on Sunday, but both teams enter the second round dealing with the emotional and physical fallout of a wild opening Friday. Iowa State advanced with a convincing 108-74 win over Tennessee State, while Kentucky survived an overtime thriller against Santa Clara to set up this top-25 clash in St. Louis.
The Cyclones' victory was dampened by a significant blow to their rotation when All-American forward Joshua Jefferson suffered a left ankle injury just minutes into the game. Jefferson, a versatile 6-9 playmaker averaging nearly 17 points and 8 rebounds, had to be helped off the floor and later appeared on the bench in a walking boot. While X-rays were negative and coach T.J. Otzelberger has labeled him "day-to-day," his availability for Sunday remains the biggest question mark of the weekend for Iowa State.
Kentucky arrives at the second round thanks to one of the most improbable shots in tournament history. Trailing by three with just 2.4 seconds left in regulation, Otega Oweh sprinted down the floor and banked in a 40-foot heave at the buzzer to force overtime. Oweh’s heroics — part of a career-high 35-point performance — reignited a Wildcats team that had struggled with consistency late in the season, giving Mark Pope’s squad a massive wave of momentum heading into Sunday.
If Jefferson is unable to go, Iowa State will lean even more heavily on Tamin Lipsey and Milan Momcilovic to navigate Kentucky's length. The Wildcats, led by Oweh and big man Mouhamed Dioubate, will look to exploit the interior if the Cyclones are missing their primary rim protector and rebounder. It’s a matchup of Iowa State’s elite defense against a Kentucky offense that finally found its spark in the clutch.
Here's what you need to know about Sunday's matchup between Iowa State and Kentucky, including broadcast information and start time.
The second-round game between Iowa State and Kentucky will be broadcast nationally on CBS. The broadcast team of Spero Dedes (play-by-play), Jim Spanarkel (analyst), and Jon Rothstein (reporter) will be on the call from St. Louis.
Fans can stream the game live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy.
Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Paramount+ is another streaming option for all CBS games in the tournament.
What time is Iowa State vs. Kentucky today?
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
The NCAA tournament game between Iowa State and Kentucky is set to tip off at 2:45 p.m. ET from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Iowa State is looking to reach the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years, while Kentucky is searching for its second straight trip to the second weekend under Pope. Iowa State is looking to reach the Final Four for the first time since 1944.
Fans looking to listen to Iowa State vs. Kentucky can find it on SiriusXM channel 201.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM.
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The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:
The St. Louis Cardinals are just days away from their season-opener against the Tampa Bay Rays, which is set to take place at 3:15 p.m. CT on March 26 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
The Cardinals are set for an interesting season that will see them likely not able to compete for a playoff spot. However, St. Louis will have a lot of young, talented players take the field this season that could define the organization in the future.
Regardless of who begins the season on the Opening Day 26-man roster, the Cardinals will likely make many transactions and moves as the season progresses in efforts of getting a complete look at potential contributors in the farm system.
Despite this fact, St. Louis made an interesting and somewhat shocking move Saturday.
The Cardinals optioned right-handed reliever Gordon Graceffo to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. The 26-year-old right-hander has been predicted to break camp with the team as their long-relief arm out of the bullpen most of this spring, according to FanGraphs. He was also briefly away from the team and competed for Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
According to Belleville News-Democrat reporter Jeff Jones, the move could indicate that 2022 undrafted free agent signee Chris Roycroft could make the Opening Day roster.
Right as my showing of Project Hail Mary ended, the Cardinals optioned Gordon Graceffo. Points strongly to Chris Royroft making the opening day roster.
Graceffo made his major league debut with St. Louis in 2024, but had just two appearances (one start).
The former Villanova product had a more sustained look in the major leagues last season. He posted a 6.28 ERA and fanned 40 batters in 43 innings pitched across 26 appearances.
This spring, Graceffo fanned two batters in three innings pitched across as many outings. He allowed three total hits, no runs and didn't issue a free base.
Roycroft has received at least 20 appearances in each of the last two seasons.
In 2024, Roycroft posted a 4.19 ERA and registered 33 strikeouts across 34.1 innings pitched in 27 outings.
In 2025, the former Aurora University product fanned 15 hitters in 20.2 innings pitched across 20 appearances and had a 7.84 ERA.
This spring, Roycroft has a 0.00 ERA across seven innings pitched in as many Grapefruit League outings. He's struck out six batters.
Currently, FanGraphs projects St. Louis' starting rotation to be comprised of the following: Matt Pushard (right-handed) in long relief; Roycroft, George Soriano (right-handed) and Justin Bruihl (left-handed) in middle relief; and Matt Svanson (right-handed), Ryne Stanek (right-handed), JoJo Romero (left-handed) and Riley O'Brien (right-handed) in closer roles.
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Everton vs Chelsea Player Ratings: Brilliant Beto brace sinks Chelsea
Everton picked up back-to-back wins at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time after beating Chelsea 3-0 on Saturday. It was also their biggest triumph over the side from west London since 1987.
A brilliant brace of goals from Beto on either side of the half-time break was followed by a Iliman Ndiaye adding the icing on the cake to secure all three points. The win allowed David Moyes’ side to close the gap to Chelsea in sixth down to two points. They’re also three points away from city rivals Liverpool who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.
Here are the player ratings for Everton against Chelsea:
Jordan Pickford: 9
Pickford is having his own Save of the Season side quest. After his heroics to secure the win over Newcastle, England’s number 1 produced another top-drawer save to keep out Enzo Fernandez’s goal-bound effort from close range in the first half. He also denied the Argentine again in the second half and has now kept 100 clean sheets for the Toffees.
Jake O’Brien: 7
It was a strong defensive performance from the Irish international who kept both Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho at bay on his flank.
James Tarkowski: 8
Returning to the side after missing the clash against Arsenal, Tarkowski had a strong performance leading the backline. He was excellent in the air and made great blocks off Neto and Malo Gusto in the first half.
Michael Keane: 8
Keane was calm in possession and dealt with the aerial threat from Chelsea. He also reacted well to an underhit pass from Pickford and carried the ball forward on occasions.
Vitalii Mykolenko: 7.5
With Cole Palmer tucking inside despite operating from the flank, Mykolenko found the space to venture forward more than usual in this game. He put in a couple of dangerous crosses and also dealt well with Neto and Estevao.
Idrissa Gueye: 8.5
Played a great role in keeping the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer quiet in the middle. Gueye created the second goal with a fantastic steal of the ball in the middle of the park, going on a lung-bursting run before releasing it to Beto for the latter to find the net.
James Garner: 8.5
James Garner marked his maiden call-up to the England national team with a sublime performance against Chelsea. It was his eye-of-the-needle pass between Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato that Beto latched onto before finishing it coolly. Garner also troubled Robert Sanchez with a deep free-kick and also brought steel to the Everton midfield.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (replaced by Tim Iroegbunam at 89’): 7.5
Dewsbury-Hall had a relatively quieter afternoon against his former club but kept probing and running all game. He had a chance late in the game where he tested Sanchez but could’ve played a simple squared pass to Thierno Barry or Ndiaye instead.
Dwight McNeil (replaced by Jarrad Branthwaite at 77’): 7
Worked his socks off the ball, especially to help out O’Brien defensively. He also combined well with Beto but lacked influence in the final third.
Beto (replaced by Thierno Barry at 81’): 9
Beto put in a classic number 9’s performance to steal the show against Chelsea. He almost capitalised on Sanchez’s mistake early on before beating him with a lovely dinked finish after being set up with an exquisite through ball from Garner.
Beto’s movement was also great for the second goal and found the net after putting the ball through Sanchez’s legs. He then rounded off the night with a headed assist to set up Iliman Ndiaye for the third.
Iliman Ndiaye (replaced by Merlin Rohl at 89’): 8.5
Capped off a magical night by the Mersey with a fantastic third goal. Ndiaye reacted early to Beto’s headed flick-on, beat Moises Caicedo’s attention with his twinkling toes before finding the top right corner with ease.
Substitutions
Jarrad Branthwaite: 6
Was brought on to shore up the backline.
Thierno Barry: 5
Replaced two-goal hero Beto but had very little to work with.
As the final shot hung in the air, Rienk Mast had the perfect view.
He watched in horror from his seat on Nebraska's bench as Vanderbilt guard Tyler Tanner let fly from beyond mid-court, and his shot appeared alarmingly true.
When his shot did not fall, Tanner fell flat on his back, put his hands on his head and then slammed the arena floor in frustration. Heartbroken Vanderbilt teammates and coaches bowed their heads or cried out in anguish as their program-record 27-win season ended one victory shy of the NCAA tournament's second weekend.
Asked by reporters later if he thought his shot was going in, Tanner nodded.
Voice barely above a whisper, he added, "It hurts pretty bad being that close."
For Nebraska, the sight of Tanner's shot rimming out elicited far different emotions. The Huskers went from having their NCAA tournament life flash before their eyes to celebrating their school's first-ever Sweet 16 trip.
Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg was still shaking with nerves and adrenaline minutes after the game ended.
"When that thing was up in the air, I was like, 'Oh man, that's going in,'" he recalled
Nebraska point guard Sam Hoiberg also assumed the worst.
"My heart sank as that ball went in the hoop and then went out," he said. "I think it took me half a second to register that it didn't go in."
Nebraska leading scorer Pryce Sandfort was even more dramatic when describing his emotions as the shot nearly went down.
"Yeah, I just about died," he said.
Nebraska was certainly due some good fortune on the basketball floor after decades of abject misery. This is famously the only power-conference program that had never won an NCAA tournament game prior to Thursday's first-round annihilation of 13th-seeded Troy. The Huskers had only even made the NCAA tournament eight times prior to this season.
A massive turnout of Nebraska fans descended upon Oklahoma City to watch the best team in program history end the drought on Thursday and then win a back-and-forth nail-biter against Vanderbilt two nights later. There was so much red in the building that you'd have thought both games were played in Lincoln.
While Nebraska will look forward to trying to continue its run against either top-seeded Florida or ninth-seeded Iowa next week in Houston, Vanderbilt will stew at home about how close it came. Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington first said the Commodores were "a play away" from winning. Then he corrected himself and said they were "an inch away from being in the Sweet 16."
"It's going to take awhile for us to get over, " Byington continued, "but I think there's going to be a point where we'll look back and think of the unbelievable journey this season has been."
UCLA center Lauren Betts #51 takes a jump shot during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
LOS ANGELES - UCLA may not have many issues at a team, but starting slow stands out as the most apparent example.
It's shown up before in tight games against teams like Ohio State, Michigan and Washington. Even with all those games ending in a UCLA victory, there were still interesting moments early on where that result was in question.
No. 1 UCLA's matchup against No. 16 Cal Baptist in the first round of the NCAA Tournament was no different. The Lancers went into the game as the obvious underdogs, and with something to prove.
UCLA guard Gianna Kneepkens #8 dives for the loose ball during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA guard Gianna Kneepkens #8 dives for the loose ball during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
"My mindset was trying to show everyone we were better than No. 16," Cal Baptist junior guard Filipa Barros said. "We had nothing to lose. So, just trying to come with everything and prove to everyone they were wrong."
Scrappy vs. Strong
The Lancers came into Pauley Pavilion scrappy and ready to shoot. Head coach Jarrod Olson said that the team prided themselves on their pace of play and their talent from three and both were on display.
Their pace rushed UCLA and shut down the Bruins' scoring while the Lancers' performance from three, especially early on in the game, allowed them to keep up with one of the best teams in the nation before heading into halftime trailing by just 10, 44-34.
CBU guard Chance Bucher #10 looks for a team mate during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
CBU guard Chance Bucher #10 looks for a team mate during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
UCLA's players were already quick to take accountability for their shortcomings before head coach Cori Close arrived, but that didn't stop the UCLA skipper from having a hard conversation of her own with them.
A second half resurgence
"It was spirited," Close said of her talk with the team. "It was unacceptable. It's not the fact that we missed shots. Those aren't the things that get me really fired up. It's when we don't execute the scouting report. When we are lackadaisical. When we don't communicate... Those are the controllable things that we made a commitment to each other that we would deliver on."
Whatever exactly that "spirited" conversation entailed, it certainly did the trick.
UCLA head coach Cori Close watches the action during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA head coach Cori Close watches the action during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
The Bruins outscored the Lancers 52-9 and finished the game on a 21-2 run to take over the game 96-43. By the end, three Bruins, graduate forward Angela Dugalic, senior center Lauren Betts and freshman forward Sienna Betts, all finished the game with double-doubles.
While the end result was typically dominant, how it started reveals a point that the Bruins do need to address as they move forward in the tournament. Giving up points due to a lack of commitment to controllable factors, as Close described it, will be less and less survivable as the talent in the competition becomes more equivalent.
"We've had a few instances of that throughout the year... We're not trying to stay in the past, but we need to learn from our mistakes," Dugalic said. "That is something that we need to over-emphasize and over-exaggerate. Those warmups, that first start of the game, even going into the second half as well."
UCLA center Lauren Betts #51 makes a move in the paint during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
Edwin So - The Sporting Tribune
UCLA center Lauren Betts #51 makes a move in the paint during an NCAA Women's Basketball game between California Baptist University and University of California Los Angeles on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles Calif
For now, it's UCLA advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they'll face Oklahoma State.
For Cal Baptist, even though their season has come to a close, they can head home with the satisfaction that at least for a moment, they made the Bruins sweat.
"In my opinion, that's the best team in the country and we gave them all they could handle for about 20 minutes," Olson said. "Unfortunately, whatever Cori [Close] said to them at halftime really got them going... but I was just really proud of the way we played and how we went for it."
Despite having its four-game win streak to open the season come to an end, LAFC remained undefeated in a 0-0 draw with Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Saturday evening. During the match, Los Angeles set a new MLS record, recording its fifth consecutive shutout to open a season.
"It's very, very hard to play five games in MLS without conceding a goal," said LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos. "You can't do that if you're not a team that's together and that has the right mentality."
It took another quality performance from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to help keep Austin off the board, extending a dominant start to the 2026 campaign for the 39-year-old. He made a clutch save in stoppage time to deny Myrto Uzuni of a dagger goal, leaping to his right and managing to deflect the ball.
That was the only shot on goal for Austin all evening, with L.A. also managing just one. Son Heung-min nearly found the go-ahead moment in the 86th minute, surging forward on a breakaway towards the net between Brendan Hines-Ike and Oleksandr Svatok.
At the last moment, Hines-Ike was able to clear the ball from behind and spoil the chance. Mark Delgado also had a late chance moments earlier, as his shot rang off the crossbar.
Austin thought it had scored the game's first goal via Uzuni on a corner kick in the 63rd minute, but the point was wiped away after being ruled offside by VAR.
"I think with how the game ended, we actually had better chances than them," said LAFC defender Nkosi Tafari. "Sometimes it doesn't go your way, and I'm glad we could still get out of here with a point."
L.A. is now 7-0-2 across all competitions and 4-0-1 in MLS play. With the draw, they now hold an all-time record of 5-4-3 over Austin in the regular season.
The Black & Gold will look to earn its 10th consecutive unbeaten performance across all competitions on Saturday, April 4, against Orlando City after returning from the FIFA international break (March 23 to 31). Orlando has struggled to open the season, opening 1-4-0 through its first five matches.
Mason Jones won by unanimous decision to extend his win streak to seven fights [Getty Images]
"Last time I was in London it was the start of the worst part of my life."
Mason Jones did not mince his words in Saturday's post-fight interview with Michael Bisping at the O2 Arena, after a points decision against Axel Sola.
A bloodied Welshman, the 30-year-old reflected on a full-circle moment.
In July 2022, Jones was beaten by Ludovit Klein, the start of what Jones called "a period of tribulation".
Jones would have to wait until May 2025 to return to the UFC octagon, with four wins in Cage Warriors under his belt in between his stints with Dana White's promotion.
This time, in his third fight back in UFC, Jones left with a unanimous decision win, a $100,000 (£74,968) fight of the night bonus and redemption.
"After my last run in London, people told me I needed to give up," Jones said.
"I think I could be an example to everyone never giving up and doing everything you can to get where you want to go, because I'm going to the top."
Standing in Jones' way in London was the previously unbeaten Sola, a six foot Frenchman with a strong all-round fighting resume and 11 professional wins to his name.
In Jones' own words, Sola is "a rangy, dangerous, southpaw, long, things that aren't fun to deal with".
But deal with Sola, he did.
Jones threw his hands with fury and delivered a barrage of knee strikes to his French opponent.
Sola stayed firm, delivering a vicious spinning back elbow into Jones' jaw.
Undaunted though, Jones recovered to bloody Sola before the first five minutes of the bout were completed.
As the fight continued Jones grew in confidence, delivering more successful strikes with every round and a frightening 61 successful strikes in the third.
All three judges scored in favour of the Welshman (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) to extend his win streak to seven and three in a row since re-signing with UFC.
For the Welsh fans of Jones, it is not necessarily a comfortable watch, with his head often taking a lot of damage.
For the neutrals, he might just be the most exciting fighter in the promotion.
With two fight of the night bonuses and one performance of the night from his seven bouts, he makes a great argument for that being the case.
The road not taken
Jones was beaten by Ludovit Klein in July 2022 at UFC London [Getty Images]
After defeat by Klein in July 2022, Jones and UFC mutually agreed to not sign a new deal.
Reflecting on what alternative path he could have chosen, Jones gave an honest appraisal.
"I remember sitting down in my coach's office after the whole thing in London because I was in a mess," he recalled.
"My one coach said to me, 'Look I think you need to go somewhere else and work with someone else because I don't think I can give you what you need'.
"I said to him in tears at the time, 'Please just stick with me, as long as you boys are in my corner I'll go through anything'.
"They've stuck by me since then, and I can't thank the boys enough.
"As long as those boys are there for me I'll give them as much as they give me and I couldn't ask for anyone else to stand by me and help me reach the top."
For Jones there really was no other possibility than to stick to chasing his UFC dreams.
"I had an acknowledgment on this camp when I was running through the mountains, and I chose this life.
"I know it's a weird thing to say, but every day I wake up I choose this life."
Jones admitted the easy thing would have been to go and get a job.
"I could literally at any time just think, no, I'm done, and get a different job that pays on a weekly basis," he added.
"After I left London I didn't get paid for two years, I racked up credit card debt, and family members and friends told me to quit.
"I had a family business I could have gone into, done more with school.
"But for me fighting is what's in my blood and fighting is what I want to do."
Top 15 beckoning for Jones?
Mason Jones handed Axel Sola his first professional defeat [Getty Images]
Jones' performance against Sola makes a solid case from him to fight a ranked opponent next, having "cemented his foundations in the UFC".
When asked at the post-fight press conference who in the top 15 of the lightweight rankings he thought would give him the most exciting fight, Jones did not hesitate.
"I wanted to fight Beneil Dariush, he was booked," he said.
"Michael Chandler was booked, so to be fair I'll go back and have a break because I've been pushing since my fight in Paris last year, six months of churning through training camps six days a week."
Regardless of who The Dragon might fight next, he can head for a welcome break seeing the fruits of his labour and "doubling down" on himself.
"The only person who can make you quit is yourself, there's always a way, if you want it enough you can make it work," he said.
"I proved that I deserve to be here with a number next to my name to be the best in the world and I'm just going to keep proving that.
"I live this life, it's all I've ever wanted to do and I'm going to prove that eventually I am going to be number one."
MADISON — Wisconsin Lutheran boys basketball is perfect for the second time in three years, and a WIAA state champion for the third consecutive year.
"Each team we've had has been different and unique in its own way, and so I'm just thankful that we've had the opportunity to work with great kids who work really, really hard, and who love basketball, and who listen, and who love each other," coach Ryan Walz said.
"God has really blessed us, so we just want to make sure that we're telling the kids 'Hey, He blesses you for reasons that you can bless other people.' We've got it made, Jesus has taken care of everything for these kids. He's got 'em, so they can just go out and enjoy and play basketball."
The Vikings defeated Madison Memorial, 57-37, at the Kohl Center in the latest display of dominance for a team that has met few equals over the past three years. Senior Zavier Zens showed why he was chosen as the Mr. Basketball Award winner with a nearly perfect night from the field, scoring 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting with six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal to lead Wisconsin Lutheran.
Trailing 22-20 at halftime after the first half was largely drained by Madison Memorial, the Vikings saw Zens step up with a coast-to-coast layup to expand a slim second half advantage to 36-30. Madison Memorial coach Steve Collins admitted that moment was a dam-breaker as his Spartans sought to keep the Vikings contained.
"Do I believe we should have a shot clock in the state of Wisconsin? Yes, but we don't, so I'm going to use all the tools that are given to me, and they listened to that, and it kind of got their spark moving a bit," Collins said.
"Super competitive first half. We were struggling to figure out how to score against their zone. Their energy was great. They were hitting shots, they controlled the ball, they controlled the tempo," Walz said. "In the second half, I thought [Zavier] really got us going, came up with some big plays, hit a couple big shots, got us going."
Zens scored 10 of Wisconsin Lutheran's first 16 points of the second half, kick-starting a run that ballooned to a 40-30 lead with seven minutes left. Madison Memorial did not climb back within 10 the rest of the way, as Wisco rolled back to the summit of D1.
"I just felt like we as a team started to figure out the zone a little bit better, and I was able to find some spots to get open and made some big shots," Zens said.
Rounding out the statistical leaders for the Vikings were junior Kager Knueppel with 16 points, seven boards and three blocks, junior Jamail Sewell with nine points and four boards, and sophomore Kinston Knueppel with eight points, five assists and two blocks.
The third consecutive title vaults Wisconsin Lutheran into elite company, and perhaps even a class all its own. Seven other teams have won exactly three consecutive titles in WIAA boys basketball history, including Beloit Memorial (1932-34), Germantown (2012-2014), Marathon (1975-1977), Milwaukee Vincent (1996-1998), Pewaukee (2021-2023), Racine St. Catherine's (2005-2007) and SPASH (2015-2017).
With a combined record of 88-2 over the past three seasons, including one loss to out-of-state opponent Breck (MN) in the 2024-25 season, the Vikings have the most wins and highest-winning percentage in any three-year span in WIAA boys basketball history.
Three-peat champions in WIAA state boys history
Team
Titles won (Division)
Rec.
Win %
Wisconsin Lutheran
2024 (D2), 2025-2026 (D1)
88-2
97.78
Germantown
2012-2014 (D1)
82-2
97.61
Marathon
1975-1977 (Class C)
74-2
97.37
SPASH
2015-2017
79-5
94.05
Racine St. Catherine's
2005 (D2), 2006-2007 (D3)
75-5
93.75
Beloit Memorial
1932-1934 (A)
53-4
92.98
Milwaukee Vincent
1996-1998 (D1)
74-7
91.36
Pewaukee
2021-2023 (D2)
81-9
90.00
*WIAA was one division until 1934
Time will tell whether Wisco can join Randolph (2002-2005) among four-peat champions, or even one day Dominican (2012-2016) as the second to five-peat. Randolph went 101-6 over the span of its four consecutive titles for a win percentage of 94.39. Dominican went 128-12 during its run of five straight for a winning percentage of 91.43. Neither team had a three-year run that surpassed Wisconsin Lutheran's in winning percentage. The Vikings now hold two of the three 30-0 seasons in WIAA history, with De Pere in 2023 being the only other to accomplish the feat.
With the Wisconsin Lutheran JV and freshman teams each finishing 22-0 this season as well, the pipeline hardly seems to be drying up either.
"We are really blessed. Our youth program has done very well. We have 14 varsity guys, 12 of them played in our youth program. Every one of our kids is from one of our membership schools except for one, so we're a close-knit family right now as a basketball unit.
"We're bringing in the kids that are in our family and the kids who have played with us since third and fourth grade, like these guys. So that just changes things. I always thought public schools have had a great advantage over private schools when you have community, and you have kids that grew up together and lived on the same block and they played together all the way through. That brings a different bond, and we have had that, because our kids have played together for so long," Walz said.
The Northern Iowa commit Zens credited the environment fostered by Walz and his staff for setting he and his teammates on the course that has led them to WIAA history.
"I was able to create really strong relationships with some of my teammates, and the coaches," Zens said. "My coaches taught me how to be a better man, and not only to be a better basketball player, but to grow as a person."
PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns are one of the NBA's feel-good stories this season, having much more success than many anticipated after rebuilding their roster over the summer.
Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein says the best part is it's a team he actually enjoys watching.
Fans apparently agree with him.
The franchise had its 200th consecutive sellout crowd Saturday night, a 108-105 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. It's the second-longest streak in franchise history and the fourth-longest in the NBA behind Miami, Golden State and Utah. Local TV ratings are up 64% compared to last season.
Even the current five-game losing streak can't completely dampen the mood. It's going to take more than a rough 10 days to derail the surprising momentum the Suns have built over the past few months.
“It's pride in building a team that makes the community, Suns fans, proud,” Bartelstein said. "That was the goal. It's a basketball city and they love the Suns. We knew if we built a team that resembled the grit, toughness, playing with joy, that this city deserves, with the talent we had and would bring, that we'd be fine.
“Sometimes you've got to go through some tough times to come out on the other side of it.”
The Suns' relative success — they fell to 39-32 after Saturday's loss — comes a year after one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history. Last year's team was built around the so-called “Big 3” of 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker while being led by veteran coach Mike Budenholzer, who won an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
But the Suns didn't even make the playoffs, finishing with a 36-46 record. Even worse, the team was a chore to watch, with spotty defensive effort and an offense that often turned stagnant, wasting the ample scoring power on the roster.
The crowds at Mortgage Matchup Center — once among the NBA's best — were becoming much more docile. They were still technically selling out games thanks to ticket sales from the high expectations at the beginning of the year, but some seats were empty and interest was fading fast.
It seemed as if the streak would end soon.
That's when owner Mat Ishbia, Bartelstein and newly hired general manager Brian Gregory decided on a new strategy. There would be no more star chasing. Sure, the Suns needed good players, but they also needed the right players, ones who would bring a more hard-nosed persona.
Durant was shipped to the Houston Rockets during the offseason for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. The latter has been particularly important to the team's culture change, averaging a career-high 20.9 points per game while providing an edgy presence that gets under the other team's skin.
Brooks has missed the past few weeks with a broken hand, but is expected to return fairly soon.
Beal was released during the offseason, leaving Booker as the team's unquestioned leader and the 29-year-old responded with the fifth All-Star appearance of his career. Budenholzer was fired and first-year coach Jordan Ott was hired.
So far, the moves have worked out quicker than expected.
The Suns are far from perfect, but with three weeks remaining in the regular season, the playoffs are a realistic goal. That's a win for a franchise that looked like as though it might be one of the league's worst teams back in October.
“It's one of the best stories in the NBA, if not the best,” Bartelstein said. “It's all fragile because the season's so long and we're banged up right now, but it's been a really fun season on the court.”
Passing Michael Jordan in the record books is the stuff of legends.
Kevin Durant is unquestionably that. With a late-game corner 3 on Saturday night, Durant passed Jordan to move into fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 32,294 points.
KD PASSES MJ
With this three, Kevin Durant passes Michael Jordan for 5th on the all-time SCORING list! pic.twitter.com/byqx3AFLer
" It's cool, butit'ss hard to take in when you're still on the journey, when you just care about getting better," Durant said post game, via the Associated Press. "I don't ever want to downplay stuff like that, but I've got to get up and come to work tomorrow."
Next up on the all-time list is Kobe Bryant, who's fourth with 33,643 points. Durant already passed Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki this season.
Durant was asked post game about his favorite Jordan memory.
"No. That's like asking me do I got a favorite Drake song," he said, via the Associated Press. ."No, they're just all great. MJ has so many great moments. He just personifies iconic god level – just everything that I believe in, he personifies."
Houston beat the Heat 123-122 because, when Durant missed the game-winning shot, Amen Thompson had the tip-in for the win.
MUNICH, GERMANY - MARCH 21: Harry Kane of FC Bayern München celebrate with fans after during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and 1. FC Union Berlin at Allianz Arena on March 21, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by EyesWideOpen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bayern Munich carried their Champions League momentum into the weekend and handedly dispatched of Union Berlin 4-0 at the Allianz Arena thanks to a brace from Serge Gnabry and goals from both Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Union had taken points off of Bayern earlier in the season at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei in the Bundesliga with the hinrunde 2-2 draw and they were also a tricky opponent for Bayern in the DFB-Pokal round of 16, so this match did have all the hallmarks of being a potential banana skin for the German Rekordmeister.
There was added pressure with last weekend’s dramatic, controversial draw at Bayer Leverkusen that had reduced Bayern’s lead in the table over Borussia Dortmund, and that gap is still at nine points after this weekend’s results. Not to mention, Vincent Kompany had to do without both Luis Díaz and Nicolas Jackson due to the red cards they both received at Leverkusen last weekend. Additionally, Aleksandar Pavlović was a late omission from the win over Union Berlin due to hip problems.
Nonetheless, it was virtually one way traffic for the Bundesliga champions and they out-performed Union Berlin in every single stat line on the afternoon. Bayern could have very well scored more than just four, as Olise struck the post in the second half and Frederik Rønnow made a handful of vital saves in either half.
After the match, Kane, who now has 31 Bundesliga goals to his name this season, says the win was one of Bayern’s best performances of the season in the league. “Probably one of our better performances this season. You know we played two games away against them this year and they’ve been really tough, so expected a tough game, but I think from start to finish the way we moved the ball, the way we got on second balls, kept the rhythm of the game high and intense. And then, you know, our quality shone through the back end of the first half and then carried into the second half. So overall, just a really good win,” he explained to ESPN Bundesliga reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt (via @iMiaSanMia).
Kane also had a handful of chances in the match but scored from what was probably the most difficult chance, with a number of Union Berlin bodies crowding him on the edge of the box. When he was asked about his day in front of goal, he replied, “yeah, frustrating. Scored probably the hardest chance out of the lot. Obviously, missed one in the first half and then one at the end. When you’re a striker, and you miss these types of chances, even when you win 4-0, it just leaves a little bad taste in your mouth, but that it what it is. I’ve said before, strikers just sometimes have days that work well and days that don’t. At least I was able to get one today.”
Overall, it was a major positive for Bayern to get back into the win column in the Bundesliga before the international break to keep the gap over Dortmund at nine points. During the international matches, Kompany will be hoping the squad does not sustain any fresh injury concerns ahead of a massive April.
NEW DELHI: All eyes will be on young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as he prepares to take the field in IPL 2026, with expectations of fireworks following his stunning performances in recent months.
His remarkable 175 in the final of the U-19 World Cup 2026, which played a key role in India lifting the title, is still fresh in memory. A lot will be expected from the 14-year-old as he gears up for his maiden IPL appearance.
Rajasthan Royals will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Known for his solid technique, fearless approach and ability to dominate even top-quality bowling attacks, Sooryavanshi has already made a name for himself with the bat. He has shown the ability to accelerate the scoring rate, build strong foundations and clear the ropes with ease.
Now, he seems to be mastering another skill — handling the spotlight off the field.
While he was initially shy in front of the media, Sooryavanshi is now growing more confident and comfortable in such interactions.
Recently, he left everyone amused with his witty response during a Rajasthan Royals event. The youngster, who also became the youngest-ever player to score an IPL century last season, turned a routine question into a light-hearted moment.
When asked about his personal goals for IPL 2026, he responded with humour.
Reporter: What are your plans for IPL 2026? How many runs you want to score, what are your goals?
Sooryavanshi: Aisa question bologe to main do-teen hazaar runs bol doonga (If you ask me such a question, I will say two to three thousand runs), leaving the whole room break in laughter.
— rajasthanroyals (@rajasthanroyals)
Sooryavanshi: Aisa kuch plan nehi kar sakta na ki mujhe itne run banana hae. Jo process hae wo follow kar rahe hae aur team ke liye trophy jeetna hae (I cannot plan that I have to score so many runs. I am following the process and winning trophies for the team).
Baaki personal goals pe aisa kuch focus nehi hae. Bas humlog apne process pe dhyan de rahe hain aur accha karke ko dekh rahe hae is season. (There is no such focus on other personal goals. We are just focusing on our process and looking to perform well this season).
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 11: Luke Raley #20 of the Seattle Mariners walks into the dugout during a Spring Training game against the Colorado Rockies at Peoria Stadium on March 11, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If there was much to be seen in tonight’s game, it came early. Ironically, in a match up that was moved to the night time so as to mitigate the record heat wave scorching nearly the entire American West, the only things of major consequence came while the sun was still up.
A sloppy first inning for Seattle starter George Kirby set a troubling scene in the righty’s final tune-up before the regular season begins in under a week. Thankfully, while Kirby does continue to be an enigmatic arm as he continues tweaking and refining his repertoire, by the time he departed the game in the sixth inning, he’s yielded just a single run. Kirby’s velocity sat between 96 and 98 mph all evening on his fast ball and wow, his slider was intermittent in its efficacy, he threw a number of impressive change ups and/or splitters.
This was not the most potent version of the Chicago Cubs, with no Ian Happ, Alex Bregman, or Nico Hoerner. But these were largely big league hitters, and ones Chicago expects to play every day or significant roles this year. That estimation holds true for Colin Rea as well, who’s start went disappointingly smoothly against a mostly opening day Mariners lineup. Josh Naylor scattered some singles as he is wont to do, but on the whole it was a quiet night offensively.
Of the rest…
Gabe Speier got roughed up once again. Nothing particularly seemed awry for the southpaw, so I’m not inclined to fret. It’s just been a tricky spate in spring and in the World Baseball Classic for Seattle’s lefty.
Cole Young looked fine at shortstop, albeit without too much high-strain work.
Cole Wilcox continues to impress, with another sharp inning in the 9th that has me considering his capacity to help this club in the very near term.
Yosver Zulueta could not record an out, which is why the final total looked so grim. After some solid location to start his outing, things fell apart swiftly and he was getting rocked by the time Michael Rucker came in to mercifully retire the side.
Nothing entirely standout for Luke Raley, but he did a number of little things that reminded me just how nice of a player he is when properly healthy, something Seattle rarely if ever got in 2025 out of him.
Cal and Randy appear to have fully made nice, with Arozarena delivering an apology and related it to the press.
Nottingham Forest XI vs Tottenham Hotspur – Predicted lineup and team news
Nottingham Forest travel to North London today, aiming to secure a historic fourth consecutive Premier League victory over Tottenham and move out of the relegation zone.
The Tricky Trees have moved into a positive frame of mind after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday, and manager Vítor Pereira oversaw a 3–0 demolition of Spurs in the reverse fixture back in December.
Forest have won four times at Tottenham in their Premier League history—more than any other away ground except Southampton—and will look to use that historical edge to ignite their survival charge.
Nottingham Forest team news
Vítor Pereira manages a squad reaching a critical physical juncture but bolstered by tactical consistency. Notably, Forest have made fewer starting XI changes (46) than any other side in the Premier League this season. Consequently, Pereira is expected to revert to his strongest lineup after resting nine players in midweek.
Notably, Elliot Anderson remains the engine of this team; he has made more successful passes (1,679) and created more chances (45) than any other Forest player this season. Igor Jesus is expected to lead the line despite scoring only twice this season, though Taiwo Awoniyi is pushing for a start after a strong cameo against Fulham.
Matz Sels will start in goal behind a defence anchored by Murillo and Nikola Milenković. In midfield, Anderson will partner Ibrahim Sangaré, while Morgan Gibbs-White operates in his customary creative role.
Notably, Forest have struggled to score lately, failing to find the net in 14 matches this term—a record second only to Wolves’. They will look to exploit a Spurs defence that has frequently collapsed under pressure this year to secure their first away win since January.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 22 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:15 GMT.
How to watch Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest?
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event. Highlights will be available shortly after the final whistle on the Sky Sports app.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest – Predicted lineup and team news
Tottenham Hotspur host Nottingham Forest today, aiming to secure their first Premier League victory of 2026 and move four points clear of the relegation zone.
The Lilywhites have moved into a critical stage of their season under interim boss Igor Tudor, who oversaw a confidence-boosting 3–2 victory over Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.
Despite their European exit, Spurs showed signs of tactical cohesion that had been missing during their 12-match league winless streak. Tottenham have lost their last three meetings with Forest and will need to break that trend tonight to avoid slipping into the bottom three.
Tottenham Hotspur team news
Igor Tudor manages a squad that is finally beginning to welcome back its defensive pillars. Notably, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both fit to start, providing much-needed stability to a backline that has conceded a league-high 11 goals from outside the area this season.
Consequently, the manager is expected to stick with the four-at-the-back system that produced their best performances of the month. Notably, Archie Gray is poised for a record-breaking night; if he starts, he will set a new club record for most Champions League-era starts by a Spurs player under 21.
Guglielmo Vicario will start in goal before undergoing surgery next week. In midfield, Pape Matar Sarr will partner Gray, while Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel keep their places after excelling in midweek.
Notably, Richarlison—who has scored more than twice as many goals (9) as any other teammate this term—is expected to return to the starting XI to support Randal Kolo Muani. The hosts will be wary of Vítor Pereira, who is unbeaten in three previous matches against Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Gray; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 22 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:15 GMT.
How to watch Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest?
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event. Highlights will be available shortly after the final whistle on the Sky Sports app.
Newcastle United vs Sunderland – Predicted lineup and team news
Newcastle United host Sunderland at St James’ Park today, aiming to secure their third consecutive Premier League win and break a 10-game winless streak against their rivals.
The Magpies have moved into the top half of the table under manager Eddie Howe, who oversaw landmark wins over Manchester United and Chelsea earlier this month.
Despite a humbling European exit in midweek, Newcastle have found their domestic groove and will look to use their home advantage to finally reclaim bragging rights on Tyneside.
Notably, Newcastle have dropped 19 points from winning positions this season and will need to remain defensively disciplined against a Sunderland side that thrives on second-half comebacks.
Newcastle United team news
Eddie Howe manages a squad that has played high-intensity football every three days throughout 2026.
Notably, Sandro Tonali is a major doubt after limping off against Barcelona, but his inclusion in the Italy squad suggests the groin issue may not be long-term.
Consequently, Joe Willock—who excelled against Chelsea—is poised to start in midfield if Tonali fails a late fitness test.
Anthony Gordon has scored in back-to-back league games and is looking for a historic third in a row tonight.
Key figures like Bruno Guimarães and Fabian Schär remain sidelined until after the international break.
Aaron Ramsdale will continue in goal behind a defence likely featuring the returning Tino Livramento, Sven Botman, and Malick Thiaw.
In midfield, Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton will provide the physical presence needed for a derby atmosphere, while Anthony Elanga is pushing for a start after his brace in the Nou Camp.
Newcastle United predicted lineup
Newcastle United Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Ramsey, Willock, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at St James’ Park on Sunday, 22 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 GMT.
How to watch Newcastle United vs Sunderland?
UK fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event. Highlights will be available shortly after the final whistle on the Sky Sports app.
Newcastle United vs Sunderland – Match preview and team news
Newcastle United welcome Sunderland to St James’ Park on Sunday for a massive Tyne-Wear derby, with the Magpies desperate to snap a decade-long hoodoo against their fiercest rivals.
The Magpies return to Tyneside looking to heal the wounds of a “black and blue” midweek in Barcelona, where they were eliminated from the Champions League following a bruising 7–2 defeat at the Camp Nou.
Despite their European exit, Eddie Howe’s men have been perfect in the Premier League this March, securing back-to-back wins over Manchester United and Chelsea to climb above Sunderland in the table.
Notably, Newcastle are aiming for a 100% winning month in the league for the first time since 2018. But they must overcome a psychological hurdle; they haven’t kept a clean sheet against the Black Cats since 2011.
Sunderland arrive on Tyneside with a historic record within their grasp, aiming to extend their unbeaten derby streak to an unprecedented 11 matches.
Under Régis Le Bris, the Black Cats have already tasted derby success this term with a 1–0 win in December. This game featured the second-lowest combined xG (0.54) on record for a Premier League match.
While recent form has been patchy—scoring just four goals in their last eight outings—Sunderland have been experts at grinding out results from losing positions. They have earned 16 points from such scenarios this season.
A victory today would see them leapfrog Newcastle and potentially reignite their push for a top-seven finish.
Newcastle United vs Sunderland – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 22 March 2026
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT
Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
Referee: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Paul Howard
Last Meeting: Sunderland 1–0 Newcastle United (14 Dec 2025, Premier League)
Team News
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe faces a major concern over Sandro Tonali, who limped out of the Barcelona defeat with a groin injury. However, he remains in contention following a positive initial assessment. Notably, Tino Livramento and Sven Botman are expected to return to the starting XI after being rested in midweek.
The Magpies remain without Bruno Guimarães, Fabian Schär, and Lewis Miley, all of whom are expected back after the international break. Anthony Gordon enters the derby in sensational form, looking to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time in his career.
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris is hopeful that Enzo Le Fée and Reinildo Mandava will be fit to feature, though Nordi Mukiele and Dan Ballard face late fitness tests. The visitors are definitely without Bertrand Traoré, Romaine Mundle, and Nilson Angulo.
Notably, Sunderland’s defensive organisation has been their bedrock; they have recorded 135 blocks this season, the second-highest tally in the Premier League.
Form
Newcastle United
Newcastle are domestic high-fliers this month, having won their last two Premier League games against Manchester United (2-1) and Chelsea (1-0). Despite their recent European nightmare, the Magpies have extended their scoring run to 15 matches in all competitions.
Significantly, they have struggled for stability, dropping 19 points from winning positions this term—the second-most in the division.
Sunderland
Sunderland’s momentum has stalled following back-to-back 1-0 defeats in the FA Cup and Premier League, leaving them 13th in the table. However, their road form provides a glimmer of hope.
They won their last away league game at Leeds and are looking to record consecutive away wins with clean sheets for the first time in the 21st century. Significantly, they remain unbeaten in their last 10 league games against Newcastle.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ramsdale; Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Ramsey, Willock, Joelinton; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes
Sunderland Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ellborg; Geertruida, O’Nien, Alderete, Reinildo; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Le Fee, Brobbey, Talbi
How to Watch Newcastle United vs Sunderland?
The match will air live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, and Sky Sports Ultra HDR. Coverage begins at 11:30 GMT ahead of the 12:00 kick-off.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest – Match preview and team news
Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest meet in North London this afternoon for what is arguably the biggest match of the season for both clubs, as they battle to preserve their Premier League status.
The Lilywhites enter this fixture sitting just one point above the relegation zone, knowing that anything less than a victory could see them drop into the bottom three. Under interim boss Igor Tudor, Spurs finally tasted victory on Wednesday night with a 3–2 win over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, although they ultimately exited the competition on aggregate.
While that result provided a morale boost, Tottenham remain the only side in the division without a Premier League win so far in 2026. Notably, Spurs have lost their last three league games against Forest and possess the worst home record in the division this season, picking up just 10 points from 15 games.
Nottingham Forest travel to the capital, occupying the final relegation spot, desperate to leapfrog their rivals and secure a massive tactical win under Vítor Pereira. The Tricky Trees arrive on a high after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Midtjylland on Thursday.
However, their domestic form remains fragile; Forest are winless in their last seven Premier League games and have failed to score in 14 different matches this term. Significantly, Pereira remains unbeaten in his three previous league meetings with Spurs, and Forest have a strong recent record at this ground, having won this fixture 2–1 last season.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest – Match preview and team news
Date: Sunday, 22 March 2026
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Referee: Michael Oliver
VAR: Tony Harrington
Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 3–0 Tottenham (14 Dec 2025, Premier League)
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Igor Tudor oversees a squad that looks significantly healthier following the return of Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie. Guglielmo Vicario is expected to start before undergoing hernia surgery next week, while Joao Palhinha is back in training following a head injury.
However, Dominic Solanke remains a doubt with a hip issue, and the hosts are still without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Yves Bissouma. Notably, Richarlison remains the primary threat, having scored nine goals this term—more than twice as many as any other Spurs player.
Nottingham Forest
Vítor Pereira is likely to recall his big guns after making nine changes for the midweek European clash. Notably, Elliot Anderson continues to be a vital component of the Forest engine room.
He has made more successful passes (1,679) than any other midfielder in the Premier League this season. The visitors remain without long-term absentees Chris Wood, Willy Boly, and John Victor, while Callum Hudson-Odoi faces a late fitness test.
Form
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham finally ended their winless rut under Igor Tudor with a midweek European success, following a gritty 1-1 draw at Liverpool that provided the first signs of domestic life in months.
Despite the uptick, the Lilywhites are winless in 12 Premier League matches—their longest such run since 1935. Significantly, Spurs have conceded more goals from outside the box (11) than any other side this term, a weakness Forest will look to exploit.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest arrive in North London fresh from a Europa League breakthrough, though their league form stands at a disappointing seven-game winless run following a 0-0 draw with Fulham.
While they have struggled for consistency, the Tricky Trees have been settled in their selection, making fewer starting XI changes (46) than any other team in the Premier League this season. Notably, Forest convincingly won the reverse fixture 3–0 in December.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Gray; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani
Nottingham Forest Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; McAtee, Gibbs-White, Dominguez; Jesus
How to Watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest?
The match will be televised live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage begins at 13:30 GMT ahead of the 14:15 kick-off.
Kevin Durant created history on Saturday night by surpassing Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, but it was poised to end on a sour note had Amen Thompson not bailed him and the Houston Rockets out in their gritty one point win over the Miami Heat. Post-game, Durant made sure to give his teammate credit where it was due.
The focus was on the two-time champion all night long. All he needed was 26 points, and got over the line scoring 27 on the night. But with the Heat leading by one and just seconds left on the clock, he choked, missing the game winner. Thompson, however, tipped the ball in, winning it for the Rockets.
In the post-game press conference, Durant, in addition to praising Thompson on his special night, also decided to take a dig at his former team, the Phoenix Suns.
“Twin saved the day,” KD said about Amen, before adding, “I remember him saying when I hit that game winner against that ‘team from the desert’ he said that was his favorite moment as a Rocket and I was like nah this gotta be the one now”
Two birds hit with one stone. It was a classic Kevin Durant moment.
He acknowledged the importance of Thompson grabbing the rebound and tipping the ball in. At the same time, he also labeled his ex-side as a “team from the desert”. Those sitting in Arizona may not be too happy to hear that.
That said, it may also have been Thompson who used that phrase, with Durant just repeating it in the presser.
All in all, it was a happy night for Durant and Co. The Rockets won, and Durant moved to No. 5 on the list of all-time scorers in NBA history. The Miami Heat and Erik Spoelstra were praying that didn’t happen against them, but one of the greatest of all time, averaging 25 ppg at 37 years old was certainly not going to miss out on a shot at history.
The seemingly inevitable conclusion has arrived, as the Women's Frozen Four championship will once again come down to Ohio State vs. Wisconsin.
The top two seeds in the 2026 NCAA women's hockey tournament will meet in the final for the fourth consecutive year, and this will mark the seventh straight Frozen Four in which one of the two rivals has taken home the trophy.
No. 1 Ohio State won its two previous tournament games by a combined score of 11-1. The Buckeyes are 36-4 this season, but three of those defeats have come against No. 2 Wisconsin, the defending national champion. Then again, Ohio State has handed the Badgers (34-4-2) two of their four losses, including in the most recent meeting at the WCHS Final FaceOff two weeks ago.
It should be another epic showdown between the nation's top two programs. Will Wisconsin go back-to-back or will Ohio State continue its run of even-year titles?
The championship game of the 2026 NCAA women's hockey tournament will be televised by ESPNU and can be streamed live on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users.
Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
The final can also be streamed live on the ESPN app.
What time is Ohio State vs. Wisconsin women's hockey today?
Date: Sunday, March 22
Time: 4 p.m. ET | 3 p.m. CT
The Women's Frozen Four championship is set to begin Sunday at 4 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Pegula Arena in University Park, Pennsylvania.
NCAA women's hockey tournament 2026 schedule, scores
The notable thing about Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw’s hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur is how simple the Manchester City striker makes all three goals look. A volley in the six-yard box from a failed clearance following Alex Greenwood’s corner. A back-post header from another Greenwood corner, Shaw rising above those of Spurs’ smaller defenders. Another towering six-yard box header, this time from Kerolin Nicoli’s lifted cross.
They are the class of goals upon which the City striker’s legend resides, the bread and butter of her lore, which, after City’s 5-2 Women’ Super League win against Spurs, now includes the fastest hat-trick in WSL history at 12 minutes and 37 seconds (usurping Arsenal legend Kelly Smith’s 16-minute effort), but also the earliest (arriving inside 21 minutes).
Yet it’s a unique phenomenon that a series of goals can be so undeniably textbook and simultaneously threaten to undersell the player entirely.
Because what the words “header”, “close-range volley” and even “fourth successive hat-trick against Spurs at home in the WSL” fail to confer is everything that Shaw does to transform a feat of striking excellence (a hat-trick) into a kind of footballing MOT.
There’s the dexterity to manoeuvre her body in a crowded space for the first, the instinctive understanding of precisely where the goal is in relation to her own centre of gravity.
There’s the sheer strength for the second and third, not only to push her nearest defenders into compromised positions with just one arm but to simultaneously summon the force to propel the ball forwards as she herself is falling backwards.
There’s the intelligence of her positioning for all three, but particularly the third, with Shaw putting space between herself and Kerolin at the top of Spurs’ 18-yard box to seem totally unsuspicious to the two Spurs defenders who should know better.
And of course, there’s everything else: the defensive headers, the pressing, the insatiable flick-ons and crosses to her teammates.
Here, really, lies the incomparable nature of Shaw. We shouldn’t labour under any delusions that what Shaw consistently manages is simple. But honestly, we’re running out of ways to tell you that Bunny Shaw is good. She probably deserves the title of Best Striker in World Women’s Football — less a gamble of opinion and more of an objective observation. Shaw has been too ruthless too many times to be considered a revelation. Yet so often, she reveals feats to this game that, through any other lens, feel ridiculous.
“I felt like I was playing FIFA,” City and USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey said afterwards. “When you can just score three goals in 20 minutes… it felt like a video game. She’s so dominant. I especially love her defensive effort today. She’s one of the best pressing No 9s in the world.”
Shaw’s hat-trick provided the foundation for City’s 5-2 victory over Spurs, putting head coach Andree Jeglertz’s side just three victories shy of guaranteeing their first WSL title in a decade.
The title is an enormous triumph of the collective, but it’s hard to look past Shaw. Even as City boast 12 league goalscorers — a WSL high — Shaw remains unrivalled with 18, 10 more than her nearest City companions — Kerolin and Vivianne Miedema — and nine more than her nearest rival (Aston Villa’s Kirsty Hanson).
At which point it’s prudent to mention the contract looming over all of this, the one Shaw has yet to extend with City despite its summer expiration and Chelsea have been credited with interest as their own world-class striking ranks shrink. Asking Jeglertz in his post-match press conference about Shaw’s contract can feel akin to a ruse, because surely it’s the simplest of matters: give Shaw anything, anything at all. Just keep her.
“That is (City Women’s director of football) Therese Sjogran’s table,” Jeglertz said when the topic of Shaw’s future came up. “Bunny’s a very important player and hopefully we’ll see where we are.”
To lose Shaw on a free to a direct rival in the weeks after stomping to the title over said rival, who is suffering their worst domestic season in recent history, would be an unfathomable blow to City, from a commercial and a sporting sense. If Shaw is the best in the world, then by law of transitive property, the club she represents is probably of the same chemical makeup.
But Shaw’s ability to be both the blunt instrument of City’s execution and so often their connective tissue is second to none. She has learnt to feint defenders, to play in her wingers Lauren Hemp and Kerolin, to press hard and press well. Only Hemp boasts a higher expected assists than Shaw in the City squad, illustrating how the chances Shaw is creating are of a high quality.
“Both set plays (defending and attacking), how she’s pressing, how she’s setting up other players,” Jeglertz said. “She’s developed that part of her game since the beginning of the season. It’s showing what she’d like to bring to the team. It’s not just scoring.”
Of course, there will always be scoring. It’s a measure of Shaw’s accepted brilliance that even Saturday’s exploit was greeted with a degree of fatalism in the terraces and online, that with 80 league goals in 89 appearances, this is just what Shaw does.
Yet, as the Joie Stadium’s announcer declared with no real surprise that Shaw was Saturday’s player of the match, City fans vociferously implored back to “sign her up!”
Shaw might be inevitable — but it’s best she’s inevitable for you.
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