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Retro gamers are often frustrated when titles disappear from the Microsoft Store. Happenings in the xCloud backend may be a prelude to Xbox 360 games and other favorites returning. The company has promised to implement backward compatibility on PCs and existing and new Xbox consoles.
Deal | The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 is a high-end Android tablet featuring an 11-inch display, S Pen support, and an aluminum body. Amazon is currently offering the 256GB and 512GB variants at 15% off.
There may be trouble brewing on the horizon for the Galaxy A57 and A37 – the results from last week’s poll are in and the consensus is that the two phones are overpriced. And that there is some serious competition in the mid-range market. Luckily, Galaxy A phones don’t stay at MSRP for long, so the first issue will correct itself soon enough. If it hasn’t already – we’re seeing deals in some markets.
Zooming in on the Samsung Galaxy A57, there is interest there, but it is strongly contingent on a lower price or a good bundle deal. At least one person in the comments appreciated the thinner...
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly learned his compatriot’s fate amid rising Portugal and Saudi Arabia links, creating intrigue around what lies ahead for both figures.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus have once again found themselves at the center of growing speculation, as the Al-Nassr coach’s future becomes intertwined with international ambitions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now, the veteran star has reportedly learned his compatriot’s fate amid rising Portugal and Saudi Arabia links, creating intrigue around what lies ahead for both figures.
Jorge Jesus has delivered an exceptional run of form at Al-Nassr, turning the club into one of the most dominant forces in the Saudi Pro League. Under his guidance, the club has won all 15 of its last 15 matches, while also leading the league with 70 points and progressing to the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.
The Portuguese coach has also overseen a perfect 39 points from 39 in the last 13 league matches, highlighting a level of consistency rarely seen in modern soccer. As success builds at the club level, speculation has grown linking Jorge Jesus to the Saudi Arabia national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of current coach Herve Renard and a broader push to stabilize the national side.
Reports have suggested discussions around a potential managerial change, with the 71-year-old among several high-profile names being considered. Amid mounting speculation, the experienced manager recently addressed his future directly, offering a clear but measured stance. “In football, there is no ‘if’… Now, my focus is on winning the league with Al-Nassr,” he stated.
Jorge Jesus, Manager of Al-Nassr, interacts with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr.
What lies ahead for Jorge Jesus?
Despite speculation, a major update has clarified the situation: Jorge Jesus will remain at Al-Nassr beyond his contract expiration in June 2026. This decision reflects both the club’s confidence in his leadership and his commitment to the ongoing project.
According to reports from the club’s former Legal Department Manager, Saad Al-Subaie, the coach has chosen continuity over new opportunities, including a reported approach from Brazilian side Cruzeiro. This move signals stability at a crucial time, particularly as the club continues to compete on multiple fronts.
Jorge Jesus team Manager of Al-Nassr FC and Al-Nassr FC Players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans.
Portugal ambitions still in the background
Looking beyond club soccer, Jorge Jesus has long been linked with a future role as Portugal’s national team coach. However, current reports confirm that no formal negotiations have taken place, keeping the idea purely speculative for now.
The Portugal national team remains under the management of Roberto Martinez, whose contract extends through the 2026 World Cup. After the tournament, a potential managerial change could open the door for Jesus, aligning with his long-term ambitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest efforts and Ivan Toney’s relentless scoring have reignited one of the most compelling storylines of the Saudi Pro League season, as both players continue to define the race for the Golden Boot. On Saturday, Ivan Toney netted his 26th Saudi Pro League goal this season, raising the question of whether Ronaldo can truly mount a comeback in the race against the Al-Ahli striker.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest efforts and Ivan Toney’s relentless scoring have reignited one of the most compelling storylines of the Saudi Pro League season, as both players continue to define the race for the Golden Boot. On Saturday, Ivan Toney netted his 26th Saudi Pro League goal this season, raising the question of whether Ronaldo can truly mount a comeback in the race against the Al-Ahli striker.
Ivan Toney once again delivered when it mattered most, scoring as Al-Ahli secured a 2-0 victory over Damac in Round 27 of the Saudi top division. The result reinforced Al-Ahli’s position in third place with 62 points from 26 matches, as it continues pushing for both domestic and continental success. The match was effectively decided within minutes, with Toney finding the net early after an own goal opened the scoring.
The Englishman’s scoring record has placed him firmly at the top of the Golden Boot race, making him the player to beat this season. With 26 goals in the Saudi Pro League, the English striker continues to separate himself from the chasing pack. His consistency has been remarkable, with a standout run between Matchdays 12 and 23 where he scored 18 goals in just 12 games.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains firmly in the Golden Boot conversation, though the gap to Toney is becoming more significant. The Al-Nassr captain has scored 23 goals in 27 league appearances this season, trailing the Al-Ahli forward by three goals in the race.
Despite missing several matches, the Portuguese has continued to deliver at a high level, maintaining his status as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers. His ability to produce decisive moments ensures he cannot be ruled out, even if the challenge is becoming more difficult.
Other challengers also battle to stop Ronaldo from making history
As the season approaches its final stretch, the question remains whether Ronaldo can realistically close the gap on Toney. With both players in strong form, the race remains open, but Toney’s consistency and current lead give him the advantage.
Naturally, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has claimed the Golden Boot honor in the last couple of years. However, the current campaign presents a different challenge. With seven matches remaining, every goal will be critical in determining whether Ronaldo can reclaim the top spot.
While the spotlight remains on Ronaldo and Toney, other players are still in contention, adding further intensity to the race. Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah has scored 24 goals, placing him just behind Toney and ahead of Ronaldo.
Similarly, Roger Martínez of Al-Taawoun has reached 20 goals, showcasing strong form throughout the campaign. These challengers ensure that the Golden Boot battle remains highly competitive across the league’s final fixtures.
What it would take for Ronaldo to surpass Toney
Cristiano Ronaldo is three goals behind Ivan Toney in the Saudi Pro League scoring race (26 vs 23). For Ronaldo to surpass Toney, two things need to happen:
Ronaldo must continue scoring at his current pace or better
He has 23 goals in 23 matches, which is a goal-per-game ratio of 1.00. If he maintains this, he can realistically close the gap in just a few games: three goals to tie, four to overtake.
Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring
Toney needs to slow down or stop scoring
Toney has 26 goals in 26 matches, also averaging 1.00 per game. If he keeps scoring at the same pace, Ronaldo will need a scoring surge (a run of braces or hat-tricks) to overtake him. Thus, the Portuguese overtakes Toney only if he outperforms him from this point forward.
had a clear message for following his win against . Wilder proved some of his doubters wrong as he was able to claim bragging rights against fellow veteran Chisora with a split decision victory at The O2 Arena in London. It was a scrappy affair between the two men, with Wilder earning two knockdowns across […]
Robert Lewandowski scored an 87th-minute winner as Barcelona defeated 10-man Atletico Madrid to move seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga. Having watched their Clasico rivals suffer a stoppage-time defeat to Mallorca earlier on Saturday, Hansi Flick’s defending champions had a big chance to widen their lead at the summit, though […]
CLEMSON, SC - DECEMBER 16: Clemson Tigers Assistance coach Sean Dixon during a college basketball game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers on December 16, 2025 at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson, S.C. (Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Pat Kelsey’s second major staff addition of the 2026 offseason will come from within the ACC.
Sean Dixon, who has spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach on Brad Brownell’s staff at Clemson, will take on the same role at Louisville. He joins former Campbell head coach John Andrzejek as assistants who will replace the departed Thomas Carr and Brian Kloman in 2026-27.
Before being hired at Clemson, Dixon had assistant stints at Middle Tennessee, UNC Asheville and Presbyterian, where he had previously earned first team All-Big South honors and served as a team captain as a player. At his various stops as an assistant, Dixon acquired a reputation as a defensive-minded coach with solid success working with guards and wings.
One hire with a background of primarily working with bigs. Another hire with a background of primarily working with guards and wings. Both coaches having a background of being more defensive than offensive-minded.
It certainly seems like at least a moderate philosophical shift could be coming to Louisville basketball in 2026-27.
The Miami Dolphins' wide receiver room is almost tough to look at, as I've said a few times now. If there's one thing Miami has to improve on, it's adding a wide receiver or two for Malik Willis to throw the football to. Bringing in Willis just to have this wide receiver room doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, but that's seemingly where the Dolphins are going right now.
If the Dolphins want to take a risk, there will be some options for them to go after, including Brandon Aiyuk. There have been times when the current San Francisco 49ers wide receiver has been a very good player throughout his career. The issue, however, is that he seems to be a bit of a head case. The last thing the Dolphins want to deal with while implementing a new regime would be somebody who doesn't want to be there. However, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report doesn't believe that's too big of an issue, linking the Dolphins to him.
“The Dolphins can't roll out a receiver room of backups and rookies and expect Malik Willis to grow as a first-time full-time starter. He needs help in the passing game. Nearly three weeks ahead of the draft, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Malik Washington lead the Dolphins' receiver unit. None of them have caught 50 passes or eclipsed 610 receiving yards in a season.
“Aiyuk would be the clear-cut No. 1 option in Miami's aerial attack. Also working in his favor, he's familiar with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was the 49ers' passing game specialist and coordinator from 2021 to 2022. In the latter year, Aiyuk recorded career highs in catches (78) and touchdown receptions (eight).”
A receiver of his caliber would help. However, considering what we've seen out of the Dolphins for much of the past 20-plus years, I'd rather see this team make smart decisions and bring in guys who are going to fit the culture of what they're trying to build.
Argentine striker Lionel Messi scored Inter Miami's first goal at Nu Stadium when he found the net in the 10th minute against Austin FC on Saturday in Miami. Photo by Paolo Aguilar/EPA
MIAMI, April 4 (UPI) -- Argentine soccer icon Lionel Messi netted Inter Miami's first goal at Nu Stadium, finding the threads with a header Saturday against Austin FC.
Messi tallied the Herons score in the 10th minute of the matchup in Miami. Thousands of pink clad Herons fans serenaded the striker after he scored the equalizer on opening night of the $350 million stadium.
Left back Guilherme Biro gave the Verde and Black an initial edge in the sixth minute. The Brazilian scored that goal when he beat Herons goalie Dayne St. Clair by heading in a corner kick from Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres.
Less than four minutes later, the Herons' eight-time Ballon d'Or winner leveled the match. Messi started the play with an entry pass to winger Telasco Segovia, who turned and sent another pass onto Ian Frey. The right back brought the ball in near the end line and chipped a feed back through the box, finding a hovering Messi.
The Argentine pounced on the chance, smashing the ball into the right side of the net for his fifth goal in five games.
The game remained level at 1-1 through the first portion of the first half. The Herons held an edge in possession of 64.% to 35.2% during that span. They also out-passed the visitors 133-77 through 24 minutes.
“I wanted to defend myself. I didn’t want to have a go at the BVB fans. I spoke with the club this week. I wanted to hear Ole’s point of view and how he approaches things," he told Sky Germany.
“I had a good conversation with Lars Ricken and with Ole Book. The talks will continue this week. I think it won’t take much longer before I make a decision.
“I’ve said it all along: of course I can imagine staying. But all the discussions have to be right. Now we’ll see how things develop,” Schlotterbeck added.
The central defender's suggestive smile caught on camera appeared to hint that an outcome is near. The question is, will it be in yellow and black or different colours entirely.
The Cleveland Browns still don’t have ideal options at the quarterback position or in many other places offensively. If the Browns want to improve moving forward, even if they decide to go with Shedeur Sanders, finding him help offensively will be just as important as him developing at the level Cleveland is hoping for.
Among the options that could be available, Brandon Aiyuk is one of them. Not that the San Francisco 49ers receiver is a star at this point in his career by any means, as there are certainly questions about his attitude and game due to the stunts he pulled last year, but if his head is on right, the Browns could certainly use a player of his caliber.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report thinks the Browns could be one of the top landing spots for the disgruntled receiver, adding that he's a dynamic player when he was on the field and could be useful in Cleveland.
“If Aiyuk bounces back into pre-injury form, the Browns would have a dynamic receiver who can lead their passing attack with big plays. He averaged at least 15 yards per catch in the previous two seasons. Cleveland will likely take a wideout early in the upcoming draft, though it would help whoever starts at quarterback tremendously to acquire a talented veteran who's ready to contribute right away.”
If something like this were to happen, and the Browns also added a wide receiver in the NFL Draft who can come in and make an immediate impact, we’d suddenly have an offense that goes from one of the ugliest in the league to potentially decent.
A lot of this would hinge on how Sanders, or whoever they pick to be the quarterback, looks, but at least they'd actually have somebody to throw the football to. That would solve half the problems in that offense.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 01: Romello Height #9 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after a sack against the Oregon Ducks in the first quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Height ranked just 91st on Teets’s big board, implying that this is a “get it while you can” pick for Snead.
The six-year college athlete played at Auburn, USC, Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech. Extend your career long enough and who knows what will happen. Finally, Heights reached his ceiling in 2025 with the Red Raiders, totaling 10 sacks in 14 games.
Must add more muscle mass to hold up as a pro. Lacks instincts and post-snap recognition. Will struggle to hold the point and leverage gaps as a pro. Missing base and contact balance to keep from getting jostled around. Lacks the play strength to fight through redirect blocks.
An edge defender with a lean, angular frame, Height will need a heavy dose of weight-room work to compete at the pro level. His rush is fast and relentless. He uses long strides to challenge at the top and can leap inside the protection. However, his lack of play strength and contact balance allow blockers to bounce him around. Height needs to improve his skill level and refine his approach if he’s going to make an impact as a designated pass rusher, but he has the talent to cause some chaos in the pocket.
In Chris Shula’s hands, can Height hone his athletic and physical gifts to challenge Josaiah Stewart for snaps?
Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Coming in at 91, Benny is 6’3, 300 lbs, but considered an effective two-gapper at 3-tech.
Benny is a tricky evaluation as a 3-technique. He has good length and is consistent entering into block battles. He’s an effective two-gapper who locates the ball-carrier and quickly sheds. On the flip side, he’s not a true wide-body and struggles to drop a sudden anchor when challenged by downhill double teams. He lacks ideal explosiveness and is unlikely to be much of a disruptor. Benny is capable of competing for a backup role as an early down interior lineman who can play in one- or two-gapping fronts.
As opposed to Height, Benny spent all five college seasons at Michigan, going back far enough to be teammates with Aidan Hutchinson. Surprisingly, he’s another reach on Teets’s own list, as Benny was 142nd on the big board but goes 91 here.
Now what would the Rams defensive line room look like after this class?
Imagine a Rams defensive line like this in 2026:
EDGE Jared Verse
EDGE Byron Young
EDGE Josaiah Stewart
EDGE Romello Height
DT Kobie Turner
DT Poona Ford
DE Braden Fiske
DT Rayshaun Benny
DT Tyler Davis
DT Ty Hamilton
DE Desjuan Johnson
DE Larrell Murchison
Overkill?
Maybe. Perhaps Teets is looking at it from the perspective that Turner, Young, Murchison, and Johnson are free agents in 2027, then Verse, Fiske, Ford, and Davis in 2028.
The Rams will most likely need a Ford replacement, while it could be difficult to retain both Young and Verse.
We have no idea if Stewart is even going to be a hit or a miss yet. Plus, if either Benny or Height are steals, they could end up eclipsing the value of someone like Fiske or Young.
The Syracuse Orange celebrate 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
Saturday was not the day for the Syracuse Orange, who traveled down to Chapel Hill and had their six-game winning streak exploded in a 14-9 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Carolina used a 6-0 run that started late in the first quarter and continued into the second to take control of the game, turning a one-goal deficit into a five-goal advantage and never looking back. ‘Cuse would not get closer than three goals the rest of the game.
It was a disaster of a day for the Orange, who got out-played in every aspect of the game by the Tar Heels.
Johnny Mullen, Drew Angelo and the face-off unit hung with Brady Wambach for a while, at one point tied 8-8, but ultimately lost that battle, 17-10, as the second half wore on.
But the real issues were everywhere else, where ‘Cuse’s performance was defined by the mistakes they made, the opportunities they wasted and the way they allowed UNC to dictate the way it all played out.
The offense was shut down by Carolina’s defense. SU never generated anything from behind the cage (barely ever venturing back there), lacked conviction and effectiveness in their ball movement and dodging, and largely didn’t force slides or switches. As a result, the Tar Heels were able to play straight up on their marks, pack themselves in and keep all the action in front of them and above GLE.
‘Cuse only had four assists on the game because the passing and off-ball cutting lanes simply were not available in any area of danger in the 6-on-6. The Orange were forced into mostly shots from distance in the half field, helping goalie Josh Marcus be a difference-maker with 15 saves on the day.
The Orange’s sloppy play, especially in the first half, was back-breaking. Some of it was forced by UNC’s solid defense, and some of it was unforced on simple passes, but wasting opportunities against this team is a no-no given their baked-in possession advantage to begin with.
In a first half that was defined by Carolina’s 6-0 run, the Heels actually only had an 8-7 edge on face-offs, but 10 Orange turnovers opened the door for a 24-14 shot advantage that the home team was more than happy to turn into a game-defining run.
Michael Leo was the point-producer on the day with five points on a hat trick and two assists, while Luke Rhoa added a pair of goals. Six other players tallied a single point. Joey Spallina was not one of them as he was completely shut off by their defense, only finding three shots while finishing with zero points.
Defensively for SU, the opposite was true as North Carolina spent all afternoon creating havoc through the pick game and causing a deluge of confusion from the Orange as they lost their marks and scrambled to recover and rotate.
Jimmy McCool started off hot with five saves in the first quarter, bailing out his defense a few times, but lost sight of the ball as the game wore on and was ultimately replaced by Michael Ippoliti in the second half in a move that was effective but came too late. McCool finished with seven saves and a .368 save percentage on the day.
Dom Pietramala proved to be unstoppable in this one, scoring five goals on 10 shots as the Tar Heels spent much of the afternoon shaking him loose from his matchup with Billy Dwan. They were extremely effective in getting Pietramala into the pick game and giving him a more favorable mark and/or finding him time-and-room to step into a shot, a few of which he buried from distance. It was exactly the kind of thing the Orange failed to do themselves, and it was a clinic from Petro and the Heels.
They wasted no time in executing that clinic, opening the score book 51 seconds in when they used a big-little two-man to switch Dante Bowen onto Pietramala, giving him plenty of space to sizzle the net on his first look of the game.
‘Cuse answered with a patented Wyatt Hottle blow-by goal from up top paired with a nice shot on-the-run to tie it up, followed by a quick little flick-of-the-wrist finish from just above left-side GLE by Michael Leo after his defender lost his stick on a wrap-around check attempt.
The Heels tied it back up after Owen Duffy got Riley Figueiras hung up, and found Caden Harshbarger coming off a pick out in front of goal.
After roughly seven minutes of scoreless play, SU would get their nose back out in front for the final time when Tucker Kellogg took a bounce shot around his defender to beat Marcus and give ‘Cuse a 3-2 lead with 1:13 left in the first.
UNC taking over the game from there came swiftly and brutally, as long-pole Peter Thomann, who did a terrific job helping shut down the offense all day, strayed up the field off the ensuing face-off win to score 13 seconds later to re-tie the game with exactly one minute left in the first. Then, with five seconds left in the first, Ty English scored a transition goal after a bad ‘Cuse turnover was committed high up the field to make for easier transition play for the Heels.
That was two goals scored in the final minute of the first quarter, both in transition opportunities before the defense had any chance of getting settled, to kick off their 6-0 run and turn a deficit into a lead in the final minute of the opening frame.
The second quarter continued the onslaught, as Riley Figueiras got blown up in a pick behind the cage, which Duffy came up and scored on without a switch from Jayden Kittelberger. A couple minutes after that, Pietramala got his second when multiple offensive midfielders got caught on defense, leading to a wide open look from up top that he canned for their fourth straight goal.
They added two more to complete their run with 4:56 left in the first half, taking complete control with an 8-3 lead while the SU offense simultaneously floundered with turnovers and, when they actually got them off, weak shot attempts.
The Orange did find a way to punch back late in the half to give themselves a little bit of life heading into halftime. After a UNC turnover, Michael Leo found Finn Thomson in transition after a quick restart, on what was a beautiful catch where he had to reach back across his body before turning back to finish with a twister as he streaked his way towards the crease with 1:31 on the clock.
About 40 seconds later, Luke Rhoa gave a little shake-n-bake to a shortie up top, which drew an actual slide to kick start the ball movement. Rhoa fed Payton Anderson, who helped it along to Leo with his feet set from the low wing for a goal that made it an 8-5 game heading into the break. It was a little bit of hope that stemmed the onslaught from the Tar Heels and simultaneously brought the deficit to a much less-daunting three goals.
It ended up being irrelevant, as Pietramala got both goals back quickly in the first three minutes of the third quarter. First, he easily beat Jordan Beck off the dodge for the first before yet again taking advantage of bad pick defense and finishing from deep for the second, restoring the five-goal lead at 10-5.
Rhoa got his second with a lefty rip from up top, but UNC once again scored off a face-off, taking advantage of a disorganized defense that was still subbing players into the game when the goal was scored. They added another one just over a minute after that for their most emphatic lead of the day at 12-6.
After that goal, Gary Gait put Ippoliti into the game for McCool in a move that worked nicely and allowed the Orange to actually re-insert a little bit of doubt into the outcome. The Orange scored three straight goals while holding the Heels off the board for more than 18 minutes after Ippoliti subbed in, making it a 12-9 game with 9:03 to play.
But Carolina ended their drought with a man-up goal and a fifth-and-final tally from Pietramala to put any end to thoughts of a dramatic comeback. Ippoliti finished with four saves, a couple of them of the spectacular variety, against only two goals surrendered.
After the game, Gait had some interesting comments when asked to assess the team’s performance on face-offs, where he ended up talking about the conditions playing on a grass field:
“Some missed ground balls. It’s tough to replicate a grass field. And this ball, you saw it throughout the game, the ball was jumping and popping. And it’s tough, when there’s just no way to practice on grass so you just show up and you try to make the plays and do your best, but obviously they had the advantage there and I think that was a big difference in the game. We missed some that would normally be easy ground balls, starting from the opening face-off all the way through the game. And a very slippery field, too. It was a tough field for both teams, watching them fall all over the place every time they tried to change directions. So, you know, it’s definitely a home field advantage for that field”.
Not the most inspiring comments to hear coming out of that game, especially considering the Final Four will be played on grass this year. But, good news, the Orange have a lot of work still to do before they start thinking about that as a concern.
‘Cuse will return home for next weekend’s showdown with a suddenly hot Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, April 11 at 4 PM on ESPN U.
No. 2 Hawaii outlasted No. 5 UC Irvine 3-2 on the road Friday behind a 53-assist performance from setter Tread Rosenthal.
Back causing trouble in the Bren.
The No. 2-ranked University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team outlasted No. 5 UC Irvine (15-4, 3-2 Big West) in an intense five-set battle on Friday night inside the Bren Events Center, seeing setter Tread Rosenthal do a little bit of everything to help lead the way to another road victory, (25-22, 19-25, 23-25, 25-23, 18-16).
Rosenthal tallied 53 assists, 10 digs, nine kills and six blocks in the win as the Rainbow Warriors improved to 8-0 on the road this year, notching his second double-double of the season while eclipsing the half-century mark of assists in a single match for the third time this campaign.
Kristian Titriyski was on the receiving end of 16 of those dishes, leading Hawai’i (22-3, 5-0 Big West) in kills for the sixth time this year while adding eight digs and two of UH’s four total service aces.
Three other Rainbow Warriors finished with double digit kills alongside Titriyski, seeing Louis Sakanoko rack up 14 kills on 30 swings to go with seven digs while Trevell Jordan and Adrien Roure each tacked on 12 kills apiece.
Errors did haunt Hawai’i for a majority of the match, committing 20 on the attack, 19 from the service box and another four on serve-receive. When looking at the razor-thin finish between the teams on the first night, Rosenthal pointed to the lack of sharpness that the Rainbow Warrior unit typically shows.
“I think we all kind of had our own mental lapses,” the junior setter reflected. “At the end of the day, we all brought it back together, we all relied on each other, and we got it done … I think our execution was bad. We’ve just got to execute better [on Saturday].”
Sakanoko struggled from the service line, sending out eight unplayable rally-starters and handing out a trio of faulty attacking swings. Adrien Roure had an up-and-down showing with seven attack errors and three service miscues himself while Kristian Titriyski added six attack errors in his 40 attempts with another three mistakes from the service box.
Rosenthal also had his fair share of faulty moments, committing three attack errors and picking up a red card in the second set for kicking the ball out of frustration after he sent a strike into the net. It was one of two point-scoring infractions called against the Rainbow Warriors throughout the night as Roure picked up his own red card in the third frame after hitting the antenna and smashing the volleyball into the floor out of frustration afterwards.
Hawai’i did take the night’s opening stanza, hitting .517 as a group as Roure got off to a quick start with six kills to pace the visitors. Titriyski tacked on four of his own putdowns, but a net violation was what ultimately secured the first frame for the Rainbow Warriors.
After a scorching hot first, the encore set saw Hawai’i embark on a rollercoaster ride offensively with as many attack errors as kills midway through the frame. UC Irvine carried over a hot-hitting first set performance, hitting .419 while capitalizing on the free points from UH to knot the match up at one.The Anteaters took the third frame as well, stunning the Rainbow Warriors with a late rally by scoring four of the final five points in the swing set to go up 2-1 and put UH on the brink of the team’s first Big West loss and road loss at the same time.
Hawai’i answered the bell in the fourth set, forcing eight faulty swings and holding UCI to .152 on the attack in the stanza go to a fifth frame for the just the second time all season.
The Rainbow Warriors raced out to an 8-5 advantage by the flip in the fifth, but the Anteaters would swap the momentum with a 5-0 run to snap themselves ahead by a pair in the decisive set, 13-11.Hawai’i again had a response, rattling off three in a row to suddenly set up aloha ball on the road before a service error from Kainoa Wade allowed for UC Irvine to take a momentary breath.The Anteaters fended off two more match points from the Rainbow Warriors behind the heavy swings of Andrej Jokanovic and Trevor Clark, but a service error by UCI’s Micah Goss and a putdown try that skewed wide by Clark helped Hawai’i finally outlast their Big West rivals on the first night of the two-match series, 18-16.
Jokanovic led all players with a game-high 22 kills on 51 swings in the loss for UC Irvine and William D’Arcy tacked on 14 putdowns for the hosts. Goss also finished in double figures, adding 12 kills on 20 swings with seven errors (three service, four attacking) for the Anteaters.
“Every game is a big game now, so honestly we have to keep the momentum,” said UH’s Louis Sakanoko after the hard-fought and – at times – ugly victory. “It’s the Big West now, it’s some big boy things so we just need to win every single game as we can.”
Hawai’i and UC Irvine will rumble for round two on Saturday afternoon with first serve scheduled for 3 p.m. HT / 6 p.m. PT. The Rainbow Warriors are looking to finish the regular season unbeaten on the road for the first time since 2023 when the team went 10-0 away from the Stan Sheriff Center.
While Michigan was settling into the locker room before facing fellow No. 1 seed Arizona, coach Dusty May was away taking care of other responsibilities.
The Wolverines coach set up shop courtside and personally scouted the game between UConn and Illinois at Lucas Oil Field Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday night. It is extremely rare to have a head coach be right there in the middle of the action, especially in the Final Four. But this proves how badly May wants to clinch his first championship.
The moment was captured by Field of 68's Jeff Goodman, who applauded May for his attention to detail. "Haven’t seen too many head coaches in the second semifinal do this," he wrote on X.
The test ahead for May and Michigan is an upbeat Arizona squad, who spend a majority of the regular season as the last major undefeated. The battle for a spot in the National Championship Game is expected to be one that's hard-fought and may come down to the final possession.
Michigan won their games by an average of 22.5 points per game and only suffered three losses. It's the kind of dominance that has many believing May's team will be the toughest test for Tommy Lloyd and Arizona (8:49 p.m. ET, TBS).
Both Chisora and Wilder were fighting in their 50th fight [Getty Images]
Derek Chisora suffered a points defeat by Deontay Wilder in a wild heavyweight contest at London's O2 Arena in what is expected to be his final professional bout.
Chisora, 42, was dropped in the eighth round and sent through the ropes. The Briton looked close to being stopped several times as Wilder pushed for the finish, but the veteran somehow fought his way back.
American Wilder was awarded a split decision with scores of 115–111 and 115–113, while one judge scored it 115–112 to Chisora.
"I had an adorable opponent. I knew Derek was going to bring everything he had," Wilder said afterwards.
"In the ring I saw his temple start to swell, I said 'you've got to live for your kids'. Too many lives have been lost in this ring, nobody gives a damn about us. Us fighters have to look out for each other.
"Tonight, I looked out for him, I want him to live for his kids. It's time for us to take care of each other. I have seven of my own, those are my best friends."
Both men absorbed heavy punishment as the contest, almost inexplicably, went the distance.
Chisora had his moments, notably stunning Wilder, 40, in the fifth round, but the former world champion ultimately deserved the decision.
Remarkably, it was the 50th bout of both men's careers. Londoner Chisora - now with 14 defeats - had said beforehand it would be his last fight, but he hesitated to confirm his retirement when joined in the ring by his family.
It was not pretty, nor particularly elite, but it was undeniably entertaining.
For Wilder, this represents his best win in recent years and extends a career that may also be nearing its end.
It is only the second time in Wilder's career he has won on points [Getty Images]
Chisora - who rolled up to Thursday's news conference in an army tank - travelled to fight night on the London Underground and was greeted by a huge roar.
The crowd inside the 20,000-capacity arena was not quite full, but it was loud and partisan.
A bizarre opening round saw the heavyweights become tangled on the ropes, continuing to throw punches while ignoring the referee's calls to break.
A member of Chisora's team even climbed into the ring before order was restored.
Chisora - fighting at the venue for the 11th time - was second best in the early exchanges. "Go back to your boxing. Get that jab working," his trainer urged.
The Zimbabwe-born heavyweight's jab was largely non-existent but an overhand right - a trademark Chisora shot - stunned Wilder in the fifth.
Suddenly it was Wilder who looked vulnerable, as Chisora pressed forward while two-time world champion Anthony Joshua urged his friend on from ringside by calling for an uppercut that never came.
The fight continued and Wilder pushed Chisora over in the fifth before landing after the bell in the sixth, while both men tumbled to the canvas more than once.
Then came a Wilder right hand in the eighth - the punch responsible for most of his 43 knockouts in 44 previous wins.
Chisora, partly outside of the ropes, beat the count at eight, eyes glazed, as Wilder stalked forward.
Wilder was docked a point for pushing, and both men ended up on the canvas again in the 11th, though neither incident was ruled a knockdown.
How Chisora survived to hear the final bell was astounding.
Despite the absurdity of the whole fight, there was no bad blood as the self-styled "brothers" embraced at the end.
Showman, warrior, controversial - how will Chisora be remembered?
The hope in boxing circles is that this will be the end of the road for Chisora.
If so, the two-time world title challenger has shared the ring with the likes of Vitali Klitschko, David Haye, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.
He fell short at the top level but often earned respect even in defeat.
Many believe he should have retired years ago. Yet Chisora repeatedly defied those calls, extending his career and even finding late momentum with victories over fringe world-level contenders.
Chisora is not the most talented heavyweight of his era, but remained one of British boxing's most reliable ticket sellers.
With his departure, the sport loses a fighter who could draw a crowd and fill out arenas without ever holding a world title.
His longevity is extraordinary - bridging eras from his 2007 debut to facing opponents from a new generation, but Chisora's story has never been confined to the ring.
From a conviction for assaulting his then partner in 2010 and a ban for biting an opponent, to weigh-in flashpoints and the infamous brawl with Haye, controversy followed him throughout.
In the end, Chisora will leave the sport as a warrior, a gatekeeper and a showman inside the ropes, but also a deeply polarising figure whose behaviour outside them at times cast a shadow over his career.
Did we see the Wilder of old?
A feared puncher, Wilder has become wary of pulling the trigger in recent years [Getty Images]
There was a period when Wilder almost single-handedly kept American heavyweight boxing visible on the global stage.
But for those who have watched him in recent years, the signs of decline have been clear.
He has never quite looked the same since his trilogy with Fury - a brutal rivalry in which he was floored five times and stopped twice.
Against Chisora there were fleeting reminders of the fighter who once terrified the division.
The trademark right hand still carried threat, but the explosiveness, timing and confidence that once made him so dangerous were not as prevalent.
Earlier this year Usyk floated Wilder as a potential future opponent, and a victory here at least keeps that possibility alive.
In the modern boxing landscape there may also be crossover opportunities, perhaps against the likes of Francis Ngannou.
Despite the win, at this stage of his career the margins are thin and Father Time has also almost crept up on the Bronze Bomber.
A bloodied Lauren Price dug deep to beat Stephanie Pineiro on points to retain her welterweight world titles in Cardiff before calling for a future fight with Claressa Shields.
The 31-year-old picked up a terrible cut after a clash of heads in the fifth round against the previously unbeaten Puerto Rican.
Price rallied to fight to the final bell and was rewarded with a unanimous decision on the scorecards.
After the fight, American Shields - who has held 15 world title belts across five weight divisions - stepped into the ring to face off with Price.
"I want the biggest fights in boxing, and what a great honour it would be to share the ring with Shields," said Price.
"It makes for a great fight, but not just one fight. I said to her tonight, 'Let's do it, I'll come to America and then you come to Wales,' and she shook on it. So hopefully we can make that happen.
"It is why I'm in the game, I want to fight the best. Credit to Shields - I respect her - but I back myself!"
Shields said the location of any fight would have to be discussed but hinted at a meeting between the two stars at the end of 2026 and said the bout would be at middleweight.
"When you are an Olympic champion you are a special fighter," said Shields.
"Me and you have talked online and me and you can make it happen, you did great tonight.
"No disrespect to you, you've got a little bit of time. I've got one more fight and then we can fight at the end of the year."
Price has spoken often about staging a future fight at either the 33,000-seat Cardiff City Stadium or Principality Stadium, which can hold almost 80,000 fans.
In Shields, Price could face the calibre of opponent who would merit such a step up in venue.
Shields, also 31, currently holds the IBF, WBC, WBF and WBO heavyweight world titles and has a professional fighting record of 18-0.
But Price's win over Pineiro was no walk in the park.
Previously, Price has cruised through fights, but against the previously unbeaten Pineiro - who had promised to shock the Cardiff crowd - she was made to work for her win.
Price expected the "kitchen sink from round one" and Pineiro immediately looked to start the fight on the front foot.
The 35-year-old landed her share of punches in the opening two minutes and did not look out of her depth in her first professional fight outside of Puerto Rico.
However, Price was far more dominant in round two, using speed to her advantage against her significantly taller opponent to land a string of clean punches.
The left eye of Pineiro looked visibly bruised and swollen to begin round three and three more right hooks from Price added to the damage.
But Pineiro proved she was there on merit in the middle rounds, turning in a composed fifth round during which Price's lip was heavily split.
Undeterred, Price took things up a gear in the sixth and seventh rounds, finishing each with a flurry of punches which left Pineiro looking off-balance.
Two relatively uneventful rounds followed, though the damage on both fighters' faces was becoming more and more apparent.
Knowing a knockout was probably needed, Pineiro pressed forward in the 10th and final round, but it was Price who continued to land the more significant strikes while cheered on by the majority-Welsh crowd.
The judges' scorecards told the story, as Price was declared the winner to rapturous applause with scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 98-92.
With a super-fight now in Price's sights, her promoter Ben Shalom said the Welshwoman could be the number one pound-for-pound female fighter on the planet by the end of the year.
"It's only a matter of time. To become the number one fighter in the world, you have to box the number one fighter in the world," he said.
"I believe that fight will happen this year and as Lauren said on a two-fight deal."
Edwards and Powar to 'go again' after draw
In the co-main event of the evening, Rhys Edwards and Gully Powar could not be separated in the British featherweight title fight - with a majority draw verdict coming down from the judges.
Penygraig's Edwards started the brighter and picked up the first couple of rounds after landing quick counter right hands and utilising the jab effectively.
Powar grew into the contest from that point and was the busier fighter throughout, throwing more punches than the Welshman in every round.
Both fighters lifted their arm at the end of the 12th round, each corner believing the belt was theirs.
The first judge's scorecard went the way of the Wolverhampton fighter 115-114, to the delight of Powar's travelling fans who made their voices heard in south Wales.
However, the two other judges scored the contest 114-114, resulting in a majority draw.
The pair - who were far from friendly in the week leading up to the fight - showed great respect for one another at the bell and both vowed to have a rematch following the decision.
"I knew it was a tight fight, he's a very good fighter. I respect him and we go again," said Edwards.
Powar responded: "Rhys is a great fighter but I think I won the fight.
"I was relentless the whole 12 rounds, I didn't let him breathe but let's do it again, I'd love to do it again."
Elsewhere on the undercard, there were wins for Welsh quartet Mikey O'Sullivan, Jacob Robinson, Kyran Jones and Morgan McIntosh, while Ireland's Teo Alin upset hometown fighter Kane Shepherd in the only defeat for a Welsh fighter on the night.
Indianapolis – Tarris Reed Jr. posted his third double-double of the NCAA Tournament and Connecticut beat Illinois 71-62 on Saturday night in the Final Four to advance to Monday night’s national championship game.
The No. 3 Huskies will meet the winner of the second national semifinal between No. 1 seeds Arizona and Michigan.
Reed had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Braylon Mullins had 15 points on 5 of 14 shooting and guard Silas Demary Jr. had 5 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Illinois guard Keaton Wagler posted a game-high 20 points with 8 rebounds. He was joined in double figures by Tomislav Ivicic’s 16 points.
BOX SCORE: UConn 71, Illinois 62
The Huskies went into halftime leading 37-29 behind the two-man game of Reed and Mullins, who posted a combined 23 points on 9 of 16 shooting. After making his only 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left in the Elite Eight win against Duke, Mullins went 3 of 5 from deep in the first half.
Illinois was led by Wagler, who had 10 points and 6 rebounds at the break. Wagler also committed the only two turnovers of the opening half by either team. UConn and Illinois shot a combined 24 of 63 at the break and were 10 of 32 from 3-point range.
The Huskies’ lead would grow to 13 points at 49-36 on a pair of Karaban free throws five minutes into the second half. The Illini would get back within single digits at 49-40 with 12:56 to play but UConn answered with an 8-3 run capped by a Jaylin Stewart corner 3 to go in front 57-43 with 9:24 left.
Illinois would have another response. With UConn in foul trouble after picking up its 10th team foul with 8:03 remaining, the Illini made it 57-51 a minute later on a pair of Ivicic free throws and then 57-53 on a Stojakovic layup with five minutes to play.
After Wagler scored on a driving layup with 1:39 left to make it 63-59, Mullins would make a crucial 3 from the wing to put the Huskies in from 66-59 with 52 seconds to play. They’d make five of six from the line in the final 37 seconds to seal the win.
UConn is chasing its seventh national championship and third in four years after going back-to-back in 2023-24. A seventh title would break a tie with Duke and bump the Huskies into third in NCAA history behind UCLA (11) and Kentucky (eight).
BYU players stand together for the national anthem prior to the Cougars' game against the Columbia Lions in the championship game of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
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Jaren Wilkey/BYU PHOTO
When the BYU women’s basketball team learned March 15 that it came up just short of making the NCAA Tournament, the Cougars could have easily looked forward to next season and beyond.
Instead, they embraced the challenge of competing as a No. 1 seed in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament and went on the program’s longest postseason run, building momentum and optimism for the future.
One more victory, and BYU would have needed to make room in the trophy case for a tangible piece of evidence of a national postseason title.
That postseason run, though, along with the Cougars’ Big 12 tournament showing, highlighted what first-year coach Lee Cummard has cooking in Provo and left Cougar Nation with the impression even brighter days are ahead, thanks to a group that found its chemistry and was peaking in March.
It capped off a memorable season where BYU records were set along the way to a 26-12 record, one full of learning and unforgettable moments, as the Cougars exceeded the expectations they faced heading into the season.
“We love our group. We were all-in. Really pleased with the growth of them as people. Really pleased with how we hit some adversity and the group just got closer,” Cummard said Wednesday night after BYU fell in the WBIT championship game.
“I do think it speaks moreso to (what) we’re trying to establish (as our culture), but they’re just great human beings that want to see everybody succeed.”
BYU guard Delaney Gibb, left, dribbles the ball as Utah guard Lani White defends in a second-round game at the Big 12 women's basketball tournament at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
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Ryan Weaver
Building the culture of a winning program
After BYU had gone three seasons without a winning season under previous head coach Amber Whiting, the culture of the program needed a bit of a reset entering the 2025-26 season.
It all started with Cummard, the former BYU basketball wing who excelled for the Cougars in the 2000s and even earned Mountain West Co-Player of the Year honors in 2008.
He built and molded a roster that relied heavily on underclassmen to play pivotal roles on the court, alongside a small group of seniors who helped provide leadership.
“I think this team wouldn’t be who they are without these coaches and how much they love us. I think that’s really what helped us do really good this season is just the love with these coaches and that they had for us and just all the bonds we have.”
BYU freshman Olivia Hamlin
“It’s super exciting and it’s motivating going into next season, I think,” said sophomore guard Delaney Gibb, a first-team All-Big 12 selection this season. “Coach Cummard has done a great job of inspiring us and holding us to excellence and just caring about us as individuals. You want to pour into a coach when you know that they genuinely have a relationship with you.
“It’s super fun. I just can’t explain enough how fun this group has been, and with the coaching staff, just such great relationships, and it’s so fun to play basketball with a group of people that you care about.”
Freshman Olivia Hamlin, the St. George area native who flipped her commitment from Nebraska to BYU once Cummard was in place as the Cougars’ head coach, credited the coaching staff for its influence in building cohesion on the roster.
“I think this team wouldn’t be who they are without these coaches and how much they love us,” she said. “I think that’s really what helped us do really good this season is just the love with these coaches and that they had for us and just all the bonds we have.”
When Cummard, Gibb and fellow sophomore Brinley Cannon represented BYU at Big 12 media days last October, they laid out expectations for the year. It included finishing in the top half of the Big 12, playing late in the conference tournament and getting back to the NCAAs.
The Cougars lost just once in nonconference play — against a ranked Vanderbilt squad — even as Gibb missed eight games due to injury, before hitting some bumps in Big 12 action.
BYU was 6-9 in conference play before finishing the regular season with three-straight wins, going .500 in the league and earning the No. 9 seed in the Big 12 tournament.
While the Cougars didn’t fully meet those preseason expectations, other notable benchmarks were met — among them the deep WBIT run — and they successfully turned around the trajectory of the program while being more competitive in the Big 12 than their first two seasons in the league.
There were strong leaders at the top of the roster, and the Cougars developed a competitive chemistry as the year wore on.
Gibb, who averaged 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, credited Cannon and senior Hattie Ogden as two individuals who helped provide leadership this season.
“They’ve been huge leaders for our team, and it’s been really helpful for me,” Gibb said before the team’s WBIT semifinal game against Kansas. “I struggled with some injuries this season and that was hard because one of my main goals for this season was to be a bigger leader for this team and someone who’s more vocal. So when you’re injured and you’re on the sideline, that’s kind of a tough situation and it’s a harder dynamic to try and find a leadership role.
“But Brinley and Hattie have been two people that are constantly looking outside of themselves and looking to help everyone else on the team, whether it be on the basketball court or even outside of basketball. They’re just two girls that are amazing human beings and have been just such great leaders for this team.”
Cannon, who was one of three every-game starters for BYU alongside senior Lara Rohkohl and freshman Sydney Benally, put into perspective how Gibb had grown in her second season at BYU.
“She’s the face of this team. Obviously she scores a lot of points, but she also has a really big role of just keeping us connected and tied together because she is such a great player,” Cannon said. “And I think she’s held that role and position with a lot of grace and in a really selfless way.
“I think when you have really good players doing that, then it’s contagious for the rest of the team. So I think that it’s just been a really fun year for us to grow both on and off the court and in that leadership role.”
BYU guard Brinley Cannon drives to the basket during the Cougars' matchup with the Stanford Cardinal in the quarterfinal of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
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Brandon Judd, Deseret News
Finding their stride
The chemistry BYU built started to pay off immensely near the end of the regular season, when the Cougars beat Utah, Arizona State and Colorado to end up with a 9-9 mark in Big 12 play.
BYU carried that momentum over into the postseason, going 9-2 over its final 11 games and ended up with 26 wins, a program record for a first-year head coach.
The Cougars snapped a four-game losing streak to Utah this season — a major milestone considering the Utes had made the NCAAs four-straight years — and beat the Utes three times, including in the second round of the Big 12 tournament.
That was one of two wins BYU had in the conference tournament in Kansas City, the first time the Cougars had won a postseason game since joining the Big 12.
But it wasn’t over.
The Cougars carried that success over into the WBIT, and as a No. 1 seed, they earned the opportunity to play at home for the first three rounds, as they beat Alabama A&M, Missouri and Stanford by an average of 19.3 points to advance to the semifinals.
Gibb said BYU’s stretch of 10 games, prior to losing in the championship game against Columbia, truly represented what the group had become.
“I’m just so grateful to be part of such a culture and such a group of girls that truly just love each other and connect and get along. It’s really fun to play basketball with a group of people that you just really enjoy being around,” Gibb said.
Hamlin, who ended up second on the team by averaging 12.9 points per game, starred in the postseason as well — twice, she tied her career high with 23 points in WBIT action.
“I don’t think you guys really understand how special this group is with the coaching staff and all the girls because we just bond so well,” Hamlin said. “I’m just really thankful to be here with these great people.”
The opportunity to extend BYU’s season — playing an extra five games in the WBIT — was also extremely valuable.
In the semifinals, the Cougars faced a Kansas team they hadn’t beaten since joining the Big 12 and trailed by eight just minutes into the game.
BYU rallied, and, led by its youth, the Cougars won a 70-67 thriller. It was just one example of resiliency that this team showed as the season wore on.
“You can practice all you want, you can’t simulate a game rep. It’s just completely different. Every game had different things that will be so vital for some of these young players going forward,” Cummard said of BYU’s postseason run.
“... There’s just so many good reps in the Big 12 tournament on that stage and then in this tournament on this stage and learning how to get knocked down on your rear end, thinking you’re going to the NCAA Tournament, and having to pick yourself up and show everybody that it still matters, because it does.”
Even though BYU lost in the WBIT championship game, the Cougars’ fight showed up in the fourth quarter, when they went on a 13-0 run sparked largely by a tenacious, turnover-causing defense that led to transition points.
BYU even cut the deficit to nine early in the final minute on the back of another run before the Lions won the game at the free-throw line.
“I think it’s really telling for this group, too, we got down big, and nobody faltered. They just kept playing hard for each other,” Cummard said.
“Whether they’re playing next year or they’re going into the professional world, you get in these moments, you get a chance to go capture something special, you’ve got to go grab it. It’s not going to fall in your lap.”
BYU guards Olivia Hamlin (7) and Sydney Benally (2) celebrate during the Cougars' WBIT semifinal victory over Kansas on March 30, 2026.
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Jaren Wilkey/BYU
What the future holds
How the season ended — with a loss in a national postseason championship game — will sting a little, Cummard said, but it was an invaluable learning experience for a program on the rise.
There’s a lot of young talent for BYU to build around going forward, if the Cougars can avoid having a rash of transfers. Gibb, a two-time All-Big 12 honoree, will be a junior next season, and there are two other main rotational players, Cannon and Kambree Barber, who will also be juniors.
Then there’s a freshman class that includes Hamlin, Benally (who set the program single-season record for assists by a freshman with 148) and Bolanle Yussuf.
“I’m a big dreamer, so I have a lot of expectations. I think with this group being so young, it’s super exciting, and it’s super fun to see. Obviously we’re going to really miss our seniors. They were the foundation of our team, and they were the leaders of this group,” Gibb said.
“Obviously there’s going to have to be some gaps being filled just in that aspect. But it’s super exciting to have such a young group of girls because there is so much potential and there’s so much growth that can happen. So going into the postseason and this offseason, it’s super exciting, and it’s motivating because every single girl wants to be their best and wants to improve for the rest of the group.”
“I’m a big dreamer, so I have a lot of expectations. I think with this group being so young, it’s super exciting, and it’s super fun to see. Obviously we’re going to really miss our seniors. They were the foundation of our team, and they were the leaders of this group.”
BYU guard Delaney Gibb
Playing against established programs like Columbia, Stanford and Missouri — teams the Cougars don’t always get a chance to face — during the postseason also had its advantages for this young group.
“I think this is great for us, especially the young ones, especially me. I think this is a good opportunity to improve and just learn from playing against these really good teams,” Hamlin said.
“And it kind of fuels us, like now we know what it’s going to be like for next season and now we understand these teams are tough and D-1 teams are really good, so I think it fuels us that we can play with them and just build off from that.”
It’s helped elevate expectations for next season, even as the uncertainty of the current era of college sports — with an even more wide open transfer portal — makes it unclear who all will be back.
One player, Marya Hudgins, already announced she is headed to the transfer portal for her final collegiate season. She missed time both of her two years at BYU due to injury.
Others could follow, and the Cougars will say goodbye to three seniors.
On the positive side, there will be transfers coming in and the Cougars are expected to get back Kailey Woolston, who shined as a freshman in 2023-24 before missing the past two seasons while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This year’s group proved that BYU can thrive under Cummard and that the foundation of its culture is strong at the religious school.
“I think we’ve done a fantastic job. The staff has done a great job. But we’ve got a special locker room,” Cummard said. “If you spent time with these athletes, these players, you’ll know why some of the results happened the way they did. They’re high-character young women that carry themselves, and there’s many instances in what we put on them as far as expectations where they’ve risen to the occasion.
“That’s not just on the basketball court. Some of the things that we are trying to expect from them, how they carry themselves, how they talk and act in public. They’re just a great group. They’re special.”
BYU players cheer together as they head towards the arena prior to the Cougars' game against the Columbia Lions in the championship game of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
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Jaren Wilkey/BYU
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 27: Max Strus #1, Sam Merrill #5 and Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 27, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be starting the first round of the playoffs in two weeks. There isn’t much left to prove in the regular season. Their number one focus is making sure they’re healthy for the playoffs. As a result, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they will be without multiple key players for their game against the Indiana Pacers on Easter.
Cleveland will be missing starting center Jarrett Allen for what the injury report labels as right knee injury management. Allen hurt his knee during the Cavs’ March 3 victory over the Detroit Pistons. This caused him to miss 10 games after the injury.
Allen has performed well after returning to the lineup for the team’s March 27 win over the Miami Heat. However, he is still paying through pain. Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor reported last week that Allen is still in pain and not quite 100%.
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Additionally, Evan Mobley will also be out due to left calf injury management. Being without both starting bigs will likely force Thomas Bryant into the lineup. It could also allow two-way forwards, Olivier Sarr and Riley Minix, some playing time with the team after the Cleveland Charge’s season concluded this past week.
The Cavaliers also won’t have the services of Sam Merrill. He’s been dealing with and playing through various injuries throughout the season. Merrill is being held out on Sunday with the designation of left hamstring injury management.
The Cavs will still be without Dean Wade (ankle) and Jaylon Tyson (toe). The team hasn’t released an update on those injuries since saying they both would be missing the team’s recent three-game road trip that wrapped up on Friday. We’ll likely get some sort of update from head coach Kenny Atkinson on their injuries before Sunday’s game.
The Pacers, meanwhile, will be down several key players. They will be without Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Pascal Siakam (ankle), Johnny Furphy (ACL), T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Andrew Nembhard (back), Aaron Nesmith (neck), and Ivica Zubac (rib).
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 12: Landen Roupp #65 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the first inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on July 12, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a very good series opener on Thursday, and a very bad follow-up on Friday, the San Francisco Giants will look to take the lead in their four-game set with the New York Mets this evening.
Taking the mound for the Giants is right-hander Landen Roupp, who will look to reprise his phenomenal season debut last week. Against the San Diego Padres, Roupp pitched six shutout innings, while allowing just four baserunners and striking out seven. Last year, in 22 starts, the 27-year old went 7-7 with a 3.80 ERA, a 3.91 FIP, and 102 strikeouts against 45 walks in 106.2 innings.
For the Mets, it’s righty Clay Holmes, a 33-year old veteran who is also making his second start of the year. In his season debut, Holmes gave up seven baserunners and two earned runs against the St. Louis Cardinals, while striking out five batters in 5.2 innings. He made 31 starts last year (plus two relief appearances), and went 12-8 with a 3.53 ERA, a 4.11 FIP, and 129 strikeouts against 66 walks in 165.2 innings.
Enjoy the game, everyone. Go Giants!
Game #9
Who: San Francisco Giants (3-5) vs. New York Mets (4-4)
The New York Yankees decided to keep Luis Gil in the minors to start the season, and it wasn't the worst idea. The Yankees only needed a four-man rotation to start the year due to a few off days, so having the young right-hander get some work in Triple-A made a lot of sense.
The former Rookie of the Year seems to be doing well health-wise, and according to the latest report, he should be back in the Yankees' big league rotation by next week.
“Luis Gil is headed to join the RailRiders, where he is expected to make a start this weekend, putting him in line to rejoin the Yankees when they need a fifth starter (by April 11),” Greg Joyce posted on X.
As Joyce touched on here, this wasn't due to not throwing well in spring training or any other reason. There simply wasn't much of a reason for the Yankees to have him in the rotation or on the big league roster if he wasn't going to get a chance to pitch early on. Perhaps the Yankees could have used him as a bullpen arm over the first few games, but changing up his routine wouldn't have done anybody any good.
Hopefully, he can now come back up to New York and not miss a beat.
The UConn Huskies entered the 2026 NCAA tournament as the No. 2 seed in the East region, coming off a 20-point blowout loss in the Big East tournament final against St. John’s.
But discount Dan Hurley’s tournament pedigree at your own peril, as pretty much all the Huskies have done is win — and cover — over the past few seasons. After two easy wins over No. 15 Furman and No. 7 UCLA, the Huskies beat No. 3 Michigan State 67-63 and got by No. 1 Duke 73-72 thanks to a miraculous last-second 3-pointer from Braylon Mullins.
Despite closing as a 1.5-point underdog on Saturday night in the Final Four against Illinois, UConn led most of the game before holding on down the stretch to beat Illinois 71-62.
For one bettor at DraftKings, that means another UConn victory would result in a $1 million payout.
The bettor wagered $77,000 on the Huskies to cut down the nets at 13-1 odds, which would win $1,001,000. It’s the biggest liability remaining among reported futures wagers at legal U.S. sportsbooks.
UConn will be an underdog against either No. 1 Arizona or No. 1 Michigan in the national championship game, but bet against the Huskies at your own peril. UConn is now 18-1 straight up and against the spread in its last 19 tournament games under Hurley.
One bettor will certainly be rooting for one more Huskies win.
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
All the focus is on the Minnesota Vikings’ draft pick at No. 18 — and rightfully so. But this week, we asked VikingsTerritory writers to predict the second draft pick of the event, and Minnesota currently holds the 49th selection.
Minnesota’s second-round outlook sparked a wide mix of predictions from the VikingsTerritory staff.
These are their formal predictions, with the draft 2.5 weeks away.
The Prospects Who Stand Out for Minnesota at Pick No. 47
Which player do you think the Vikings will draft in Round 2?
Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard goes through pregame warmups, preparing for action and working through routes ahead of kickoff Oct 11, 2025, at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri. Bernard focused on timing and movement as the Crimson Tide readied for a road matchup against the Missouri Tigers. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
1. Germie Bernard | WR, Alabama
Predictor: Sean Borman
From a roster-building standpoint, getting a talented WR like Bernard with pick 49 makes sense. The Vikings just picked up Jordan Addison’s 5th-year option for 2027. While interim GM Rob Brzezinski said the team has budgeted for an Addison extension, picking Bernard not only adds a WR3 who can play immediately, but also provides insurance and leverage for future Addison negotiations.
2. Treydan Stukes | CB, Arizona
Predictor: Brevan Bane
The kid could fit in Minnesota, playing corner (mostly in nickel) or even at safety, next to a potentially returning Harrison Smith or a replacement to be determined.
3. Logan Jones | C, Iowa
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
Going to Minnesota will be Logan Jones, the center from Iowa (after a trade down in the 2nd). He fits their preferred details for the spot as a smaller option who is an excellent athlete.
4. Jadarian Price | HB, Notre Dame
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
There are multiple reports that the Vikings are targeting an RB early in the Draft. Price is an explosive and patient runner who could also contribute as a kick returner. He also doesn’t have much mileage, as he was Jeremiyah Love’s backup in college.
5. Jonah Coleman | RB, Washington
Predictor: Josh Frey
The Vikings need to inject some youth into their running back room, and Coleman is a player who can impact the game in all aspects, whether it be running the ball, catching passes, or blocking.
t6. Anthony Hill Jr. | ILB, Texas
Predictor: Cole Smith
Smith aligns with the 49th overall pick on the PFSN Industry Consensus Big Board and was one of the nation’s most reliable tacklers in 2025. This gives the Vikings a young linebacker alongside Blake Cashman and allows Brian Flores to be even more creative with Eric Wilson.
t6. Anthony Hill Jr. | ILB, Texas
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Eric Wilson will turn 32 this year, and the other starting off-ball linebacker, Blake Cashman, will be a free agent in 2027. Minnesota needs youth at linebacker.
Flores favors versatile players, and Hill perfectly exemplifies a do-it-all linebacker. While at Texas, he demonstrated the ability to rush the passer from the edge, play off-ball linebacker, and drop into coverage. This hybrid skill set is a mainstay among players who have thrived in Flores’s system, such as Andrew Van Ginkel and Josh Metellus.
t8. D’Angelo Ponds | CB, Indiana
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
Indiana defensive back D’Angelo Ponds stands on the practice field during summer workouts, taking reps and sharpening technique Aug 5, 2025, at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Ponds worked through drills with teammates as the Hoosiers prepared for the upcoming season and evaluated defensive depth in camp. Mandatory Credit: Rich Janzaruk-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ponds thrives in zone-heavy schemes that feature nickel defenders. His awareness, quick reaction, and strong ball skills are best utilized in these systems. He is particularly effective in off-coverage and zone concepts, where he can quickly read the quarterback and react. He’ll be a Viking on Day 2 of the draft.
t8. D’Angelo Ponds | CB, Indiana
Predictor: Steve Hoikkala
The biggest knock on Ponds is that he is undersized at only 5’9, 182 lbs, but he plays a lot bigger than that with his top CB vertical at the Combine at 43.5″, and ran a 4.31 40-time at his pro day. He has a nose for the ball and in (2) seasons at Indiana in the Big 10, he only allowed 1 TD, caught 5 INTs, and allowed a meager 52.4 passer rating to opposing QBs.
If he is there at pick #49, D’Angelo Ponds may be tough to pass on for the Vikings. If the Vikings don’t select a CB in the first round, the second round may be the last chance to get a potential starter for the future in this draft.
t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Adam New
The Vikings need a big nose tackle, and Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter ticks that box. A 24-year-old rookie, he brings plenty of experience and should be able to make a big contribution in Year 1.
t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Tony Schultz
Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter speaks with reporters during conference media availability, discussing preparation and expectations Jul 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Hunter represented his program at Big 12 Media Days, offering insight into the Red Raiders’ defensive outlook heading into the season. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
After taking a starter and a player of need in round one, the Vikings can follow that up immediately in round 2. Safety, cornerback, center, or running back can be addressed in the first round. However, this may be a surprise pick at wide receiver or defensive tackle.
I say they take defensive tackle Lee Hunter over wide receiver Chris Brazzell because Brazzell has some driving violations. Sound familiar? Hunter would shore up the middle on run plays and has some push to collapse the pocket and make plays in the backfield. If his projection pans out, he, Jalen Redmond, and Levi Drake Rodriguez would make a formidable front.
t10. Lee Hunter | DT, Texas Tech
Predictor: Wes Johnson
This pick is obviously based on what happens in the first round, but let’s assume the Vikings go safety — Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren — with their first pick. Hunter fills a need for depth along the defensive interior and should help shore up the defense upfront in a division where they like to run the ball.
That’s how you leave a lasting impression. One half of a slugfest for the ages, Derek Chisora could not have given his adoring fans much more on his farewell fight, assuming it was to be that.
It wasn’t the fairytale ending, with Deontay Wilder edging out victory by split decision after 12 rounds of spine-tingling back-and-forth brawling. But Chisora isn’t the fairytale type. He’s a loveable brute with a maniacal smile and after an up-and-down career, victory on this night didn’t feel imperative for “Delboy” to deliver. Chaos was all we asked for, and that’s what we got.
"I'm going to go home with the boss lady and see,” Chisora said, staying a bit coy over whether his 50th fight would be his last before suggesting this has to be his last fight. “I'm going to go home and drop the kids, do the school run.
Derek Chisora seemed to finally retire after his defeat by Deontay Wilder (Getty Images)
"Thank you very much, I really appreciate it. Thank you very much, United kingdom I really appreciate you. I was born in Zimbabwe, I came over when I was 16, I got in trouble and then got addicted to boxing. I didn't know I was going to get addicted. Thank you very much, I really appreciate it."
For a man who was allegedly on the precipice of retirement, Chisora felt like he was allowing himself to properly enjoy the last build of his career. He was romanticising the “scumbag” world he was about to step out of the spotlight of, and used his final media duties to tick off something of a “Delboy” bucket list; whether that’s arriving to his press conference at the iconic York Hall on a tank with controversial Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, or calling Piers Morgan a specific four-word profanity to his face on air.
But Chisora also didn’t feel desperate to sell his boxing farewell as legacy-defining. His mantra in fight week was “f*** it, let’s go”; he was done with the talk and was at peace with leaving everything between the ropes. Maybe that’s why London’s O2 Arena wasn’t completely sold out for what proved a fight-of-the-year contender.
Chisora (left) arrived to his press conference with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in a tank (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)
Wilder, meanwhile, was hardly pillar of composure in the days and weeks leading up. His future after fight night was far less clear and whether it was his blow-up in front of talkSPORT host Simon Jordan, 58, over the topic of the Tyson Fury trilogy, one which required security to step in, or his bizarre rant on Piers Morgan Uncensored where he made allegations about the conception of his child, he didn’t seem like a man with his mind particularly in check. This felt more like a boom-or-bust for Wilder’s career after seeing his force fade in recent years, and his emotions were indicative of that.
Circumstances created a perfect storm for a fight that seemed guaranteed to bring a finish. Wilder, needing a huge performance, had been knocked out in four of his six losses since being toppled by Fury but of course once boasted the reputation as arguably the hardest hitting heavyweight to ever live. Chisora promised to empty the tank for better or worse in his last hurrah.
Chisora, right, and Wilder entertained the O2 Arena (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Wire)
The expectation of a knockout was entrenched from the outset, with Wilder unloading on Chisora before toppling into “Delboy” on the ropes, refusing to separate. Chisora’s coach darted into the ring to remedy the situation. This was the first round; a sign of the carnage to come.
Chisora knew he had to survive the early attacks, with Wilder’s optimum time to finish expected to come in the first three or four rounds. But Chisora began to turn the tide, starting to pummel Wilder before the end of the fourth. Wilder came back with counter-punches but “Delboy” was getting his American foe to the corners and unloading serious punishment. The home crowd were vociferous, as “Oh, Derek Chisora” rang from stand to stand.
To Chisora’s dismay, Wilder’s chin stayed strong and soon the 42-year-old began to tire. Then came the round of the year so far; the eighth. Wilder responded to a stiff uppercut with two clean crosses before punching Chisora through the ropes, scoring the fight’s first knockdown. “I’m sorry, I love you,” said Wilder before unleashing what he thought would be a legend-killing blow, channelling his inner Shawn Michaels for some pro-wrestling-esque cinema.
Literally and figuratively, Chisora was looking ropey. He beat the count but appeared there for the taking, only for Wilder’s next move - a push - to be deemed illegal by the referee. He was deducted a point and Chisora was given a crucial few extra seconds to regain his composure and survive the round.
Chisora was knocked down in the eighth round (Adam DAvy/PA) (PA Wire)
Each man gassing but still throwing bombs, they seemed to trade knockdowns in the 11th only for both to be ruled trips after the fact. Their war of attrition, somehow, now looked set to go the distance.
As their battered skulls kept spraying sweat, the final 10 seconds of the final round sent the crowd to fever pitch one last time. Both searched for a Hail Mary knockout that didn’t come, and the bell sounded on a barnstormer and surely Chisora’s storied career. The result keeps Wilder’s career alive but it didn’t really matter when it came to the hero of the hour. This was the climax Chisora’s journey warranted; an unadulterated firefight.
Doubt will still hover over the definitiveness of his boxing departure, because of Chisora’s unpredictable and sometimes irrational character. But this should answer his retirement question once and for all. He’s made his money and “Delboy”, despite his true love for the game still burning, just couldn’t really deny that this is how his time in the ring was meant to end.
The road to the national championship goes through Indianapolis, where Michigan basketball has to face a red-hot Arizona team that, like the Wolverines, has been among the best of the best in college basketball this season. The Wildcats are the best team that the maize and blue will have seen thus far, and with a win in the Final Four against Arizona, Michigan would have the opportunity to win the whole shebang, with one final game against 2-seed UConn coming on Monday night.
Saturday night's matchup is a tall task, but it's what the Wolverines have been working toward all season long. With standouts in the frontcourt, including forward Yaxel Lendeborg and center Aday Mara, the maize and blue will work to stall some of the Wildcats' stars, such as Koa Peat and Brayden Burries.
Follow along with our live blog, not only to get the play-by-play, but also our instant analysis of the Final Four contest.
With the Illini band and cheerleaders leading the way, the Fighting Illini nation at Lucas Oil Stadium was pumped up. While there may be four schools there Saturday, Illinois was taking it over.
"It's like a home game. Everybody's wearing orange, and Indianapolis feels like Champaign to me," said Brad Lane with the Chicago Illini Club.
University of Illinois fans flooded Indianapolis for their Final Four March Madness game against UConn.
There seemed to be an endless line of orange-clad Illinois fans walking into pre-parties before the main event at Lucas Oil Stadium.
"We have by far the most amount of fans here from any team," said Matty Kramer with The Boardroom Podcast.
Tracy Abrams played and graduated in 2017.
"We never got to do this," Abrams said. "Just to be here supporting these guys, I'm with it. I'm all in!"
Marcus Griffin played and graduated in 2001.
"Just for all the players that came before," Griffin said. "This is all we ever wanted to see, wanted to see coach and the players get to a national championship."
Of course they need to beat UConn in order to get to that national championship game on Monday night. Almost all the Illinois fans ABC7 talked to in Indianapolis say they are planning on being there Monday night as well.
Final Four March Madness watch parties were sold on the University of Illinois campus in Champaign.
Excitement was also building on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
An Illini Union watch party got underway Saturday afternoon, where eager fans were hoping for a win.
"It's history in the making, since 2005," U of I alum Dwayne Banks, Jr. said. "It's crazy, and it's crazy to see."
Students and alumni gathered in the Illini Union to, hopefully, witness the Fighting Illini basketball team continue its historic winning streak in the Final Four.
"Didn't really see this coming at the start of the tournament, but I mean, we've just been rolling," U of I sophomore student Vivin Anand said.
"It's just great to have an ongoing legacy of Illini just bleeding orange and blue with everybody," U of I class of 1989 alum Lori Nixon said.
"We're old enough that we've seen the Flying Illini in action. We had season tickets back in the day, and this is a big moment," U of I class of 1989 alum Bruce Nixon said.
For most students, they weren't even born the last time the team made it to the Final Four in 2005.
"It's something we've never seen before," U of I sophomore student Ayan Bhakta said. "We've been here for two years. There hasn't been a win, like the Elite Eight. And, we're just going to keep going."
The hype behind the team is palpable beyond campus, too.
ABC7 saw lines stretching out of nearby bars, like Legends , where watch parties were sold out, costing, at some places, $100 or more a ticket. And even then, a ticket might not guarantee a spot inside.
"We're trying to get in. So, we're at the end of the line, like you said, so hopefully we make it in there," U of I alum Giovanni Guzman said. "It's time to celebrate and make sure that we can, at least, enjoy a great game and make some history, too. Let's go! U of I, let's go!"
After every win, the tradition on campus is for everyone to gather outside the Illini Union at the Alma Mater statue. They're hoping the party returns there later Saturday night.
Illinois coach Brad Underwood doesn't need any reminders about what happened the last two times his team faced UConn.
He can just plug in the game tapes, rewind them and watch them again. Back in November, the Huskies led wire-to-wire in a 74-61 victory. Two years ago in the Elite Eight, UConn used a 30-0 run en route to a 77-52 victory on the way to a second straight national championship.
There's nothing the Fighting Illini can do to change those results now, but they do believe they can change the course of this series Saturday when they face UConn in their first Final Four clash in more than two decades.
"I've said all along, you just have to keep knocking on the door and our opportunities were going to come," Underwood said in Indianapolis when asked about the impact of the 2024 postseason loss. "We learned a lot from that game. I thought that team was a Final Four team that just happened to play a damn good basketball team in the Elite Eight, so we didn't get there. But I think we grew from that from the standpoint of understanding how hard it is, what that looks like."
Underwood took those lessons, revised his plan and started plotting how to get the Fighting Illini (28-8) to their first Final Four since 2005. Now, after 39 seasons in the coaching ranks, Underwood has finally made it here in March Madness for the first time.
For Illinois, it's a new experience, too. The Illini last reached the national semifinals during their 2005 runner-up finish. The obstacle again will be getting past UConn (33-5).
But this looks like a very different matchup than this season's previous meeting with two more physical, more balanced and more experienced teams squaring off.
Huskies coach Dan Hurley has built his reputation on tough players eager to the dirty work and this group is more of the same.
Center Tarris Reed Jr. earned the East Region's Most Outstanding Player award by scoring 21.7 points and grabbing 13.5 rebounds in tourney wins over Furman, UCLA, Michigan State and Duke- including 31 points and 27 rebounds in Round 1.
Huskies Forward Alex Karaban already holds school records for most games played (149), most wins (125), most starts (148) and most 3-pointers (288) and now needs two more tourney wins to push his March Madness career mark to 19-1. That would send him past Hurley's brother, Bobby, for second all-time in NCAA tourney wins.
"Defense and rebounding, that's really been our calling card," Karaban said as he chases a rare third title. "Every time we've had success or won championships, that's what our calling card has been."
And, of course, UConn would not be playing at Lucas Oil Stadium without a remarkable 19-point rally and Brayton Mullins' miraculous 35-foot, 3-pointer to beat top-seeded Duke 73-72 last Sunday. Mullins is now playing just 37 minutes away from his hometown - Greenfield, Indiana.
Hurley, too, is chasing milestones. He needs one victory for career win No. 350, two for his 200th win at UConn, giving him his third national title in four years and the Huskies their seventh crown since 1999.
Just don't get fooled by what happened in November.
Mullins entered his college debut on a 10-minute restriction because of an early-season injury that forced him to miss UConn's first six games. Now he's playing in front of a home-state crowd that will include his family and perhaps a large contingent of local residents clad in UConn gear.
"I told him last night, I was like 'Look, man, it's time to get ready for Illinois," Mullins' father, Josh, told The Associated Press during Friday's open practice at the 72,500-seat football stadium turned basketball arena. "Just enjoy the hell out of the time we have right here. It's pretty awesome."
Illinois is different, too. Guard Keaton Wagler, a second-team All-American, was just starting to emerge as a scoring threat in November. Today, he's the Illini's leading scorer (17.9 points) and the South Region MOP.
In November, forward Jake Davis was still coming off the bench and guard Andrej Stojakovic was still trying to find his groove. Davis now starts, Stojakovic's big plays off the bench have played a key role in fueling Illinois' tourney run and the 7-foot Ivisic twins, Tomislav and Zvonimir, have provided a needed physical presence.
The result: Illinois steamrolled its way through four tourney games, beating Penn, VCU, Houston and surprise Elite Eight participant Iowa all by double-digit margins. The second-seeded Cougars, who won a regional in Indy last year before losing in the title game, even were playing in Houston.
Now it's time for Underwood & Co. to prove they have what it takes to contend with the always sturdy Huskies, with a chance to erase the bleak memories from the previous matchups by reaching the school's second title game in front of what is expected to be a large contingent of orange-clad fans making the two-hour drive to Indy.
"I think from the game two years ago, it's a clean slate," Stojakovic said. "But we're not really worried about that game. Obviously, we've gotten better (since November), had some guys return from injuries - both sides."
UConn entered the Final Four with the most distant national championship odds of the four remaining teams, but the Huskies will be one of the last two teams standing on Monday night.
UConn is a perfect 6-0 in national championship games. The Huskies have never lost when playing for a title, picking up wins in 1999, 2004, 2011, 2014, 2023 and 2024. That will have fans feeling positive entering Monday night's game despite UConn entering as an underdog after the win over Illinois in the Final Four.
UConn national titles
UConn has won six national championships, all since 1999:
Year
Championship game
Coach
1999
UConn 77, Duke 74
Jim Calhoun
2004
UConn 82, Georgia Tech 73
Jim Calhoun
2011
UConn 53, Butler 41
Jim Calhoun
2014
UConn 60, Kentucky 54
Kevin Ollie
2023
UConn 76, San Diego State 59
Dan Hurley
2024
UConn 75, Purdue 60
Dan Hurley
The Huskies haven't always been favored to win their titles. UConn entered the championship game as a sizable underdog against Duke in 1999, and the 7-seeded Huskies were slight underdogs against Kentucky in 2014.
To keep their title game record perfect UConn will have to win as an underdog again in 2026.
UConn's six national championships rank third all-time and already exceed blue bloods Duke and Kansas. Another giant could be next.
A win on Monday would put the Huskies ahead of North Carolina, giving UConn its seventh title. The program would stand alone in third behind only UCLA and Kentucky in that scenario.
Hurley has won two national championships, which puts him in rare company even at an early stage of his career. He is one of 17 coaches to win multiple titles and one of three active coaches, alongside Bill Self and Rick Pitino.
A third would put Hurley up there with basketball royalty. Only six head coaches have won three or more national championships: John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski, Adolph Rupp, Roy Williams, Jim Calhoun and Bob Knight. One more win would make Hurley the seventh.
INDIANAPOLIS — Tarris Reed Jr. posted his third double-double of the NCAA Tournament and Connecticut beat Illinois 71-62 in the Final Four to advance to Monday night’s national championship game.
The No. 3 Huskies will meet the winner of the second national semifinal between No. 1 seeds Arizona and Michigan.
Reed had 17 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Braylon Mullins had 15 points on 5 of 14 shooting and guard Silas Demary Jr. had 5 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Illinois guard Keaton Wagler posted a game-high 20 points with 8 rebounds. He was joined in double figures by Tomislav Ivicic’s 16 points.
The Huskies went into halftime leading 37-29 behind the two-man game of Reed and Mullins, who posted a combined 23 points on 9 of 16 shooting. After making his only 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left in the Elite Eight win against Duke, Mullins went 3 of 5 from deep in the first half.
Illinois was led by Wagler, who had 10 points and 6 rebounds at the break. Wagler also committed the only two turnovers of the opening half by either team. UConn and Illinois shot a combined 24 of 63 at the break and were 10 of 32 from 3-point range.
The Huskies’ lead would grow to 13 points at 49-36 on a pair of Alex Karaban free throws five minutes into the second half. The Illini would get back within single digits at 49-40 with 12:56 to play but UConn answered with an 8-3 run capped by a Jaylin Stewart corner 3 to go in front 57-43 with 9:24 left.
Illinois would have another response. With UConn in foul trouble after picking up its 10th team foul with 8:03 remaining, the Illini made it 57-51 a minute later on a pair of Ivicic free throws and then 57-53 on an Andrej Stojakovic layup with five minutes to play.
After Wagler scored on a driving layup with 1:39 left to make it 63-59, Mullins would make a crucial 3 from the wing to put the Huskies in from 66-59 with 52 seconds to play. They’d make five of six from the line in the final 37 seconds to seal the win.
UConn is chasing its seventh national championship and third in four years after going back-to-back in 2023-24. A seventh title would break a tie with Duke and bump the Huskies into third in NCAA history behind UCLA (11) and Kentucky (eight).
The Men's Final Four will be pure cinema, taking place at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Michigan, Arizona, Illinois and UConn are all taking a trip to Indianapolis for the national semifinals. The Huskies will look to grab another title after going back-to-back in 2023 and 2024. Arizona and Michigan are hoping to end long championship droughts, and Illinois is attempting to win the first title in program history.
While two of these programs are No. 1 seeds, the others took down top dogs to secure their spots. UConn defeated No. 1 Duke with a shocking buzzer-beater, while Illinois beat Houston and an Iowa squad that pulled off an upset against defending champion Florida in the second round.
Here is everything you need to know about the Men's Final Four, including TV and streaming options for the 2026 NCAA Tournament semifinals.
Both semifinal games and the national championship game will air on TBS and truTV. Fans can stream those games live on DIRECTV.
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What time is the Men's Final Four today?
Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 6:09 p.m. ET | 8:49 p.m. ET
UConn vs. Illinois will tip off at 6:09 p.m. ET, and Michigan vs. Arizona will start at 8:49 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 4. Both games will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The Toronto Blue Jays now look like they could be without Cody Ponce for the rest of the year after he suffered a tough injury on the mound earlier in the week. It's unfortunate that things have unfolded this way for the Blue Jays early on, but this is the reality of Major League Baseball.
Instead of dwelling on it, the Blue Jays need to go out and make a move for a starter, and one idea from Patrick McAvoy of Sports Illustrated would help solve that. He believes there's an ideal starter for the Blue Jays to go after, and it's none other than Lucas Giolito, who is surprisingly still a free agent.
“It’s unfortunate any time you see an injury pop up around the league. But, on the bright side, there is a free agent starter out there right now who could help Toronto, or any team with a pitching need for that matter: Lucas Giolito. There is no reason why Giolito is available right now. The 31-year-old made 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox in 2025 and logged a 3.41 ERA across 145 innings of work. He also logged a 121-to-56 strikeout-to-walk ratio over that stretch.”
The nice part about Giolito coming in is that he wouldn't need time to find his groove. This is a guy who has been in the league for a very long time now, and there's zero reason why he doesn't have an opportunity with a contending team like the Blue Jays already. However, him waiting in free agency could actually be a good thing, as a team like Toronto, which is now facing injuries, could use him.
No more debates. No more projections. Let March Madness begin.
Led by Sporting News College Basketball Player of the Year Cameron Boozer, Duke (East Region) will enter the bracket as the No. 1 overall seed. Arizona (West Region), Florida (South Region) and Michigan (Midwest Region) earned the other No. 1 seeds in this year's tournament.
Of course, there are also plenty of underdogs hoping to make Cinderella runs. Which teams will navigate their way through a challenging bracket and reach the Final Four?
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including TV and streaming options for each round of March Madness.
How to watch 2026 March Madness games: TV channels, live streams
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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You can listen to NCAA Tournament games live on SiriusXM. Channels for games are listed on the official SiriusXM website.
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March Madness bracket 2026
You can download Sporting News' printable NCAA Tournament bracket (PDF) by clicking here.
Greg McDermott coached his final game at Creighton Saturday as the Bluejays fell to West Virginia in the semifinals of the College Basketball Crown tournament at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS — It has been quite a run to say the least.
Ten NCAA appearances. Fourteen years of 20-plus wins. A trip to the Elite Eight. A smooth transition from the Missouri Valley to the Big East.
Not bad for a small Catholic school in Omaha, Nebraska.
Greg McDermott was the guiding hand to Creighton’s basketball success over the last 16 years. Saturday, he coached his final game with the Bluejays, falling to West Virginia 87-70 in the semifinals of the College Basketball Crown at T-Mobile Arena. The Mountaineers will meet Oklahoma for the Crown championship at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The Sooners earned their spot with an 82-69 win over Baylor in the first semifinal Saturday. The winner will receive $300,000 for its NIL collective.
The final tally on McDermott’s ledger — 366-189.
“I’m going to take a step back for now. I do not think anybody ever says ‘never say never,’ but I am comfortable if I never coach again, I am in a really good spot, with what has transpired here and the relationships I have developed over the last 16 years,” McDermott said last month when he announced his retirement plans.
Saturday, he reiterated those remarks while getting to reminisce about his time on the court and the many special moments he was part of. Perhaps the biggest was getting to coach his son Doug, who became a First-Team All-American and won the John Wooden Award and the James Naismith Award in 2014 as college basketball’s top player.
But even after his son left for the NBA, McDermott was able to maintain a level of excellence with the program for a school whose enrollment is just over 8,400. And that might be the biggest part of McDermott’s coaching legacy.
“When we first talked about the job, it was about the people in the Omaha community and how they’ve been so supportive,” McDermott said. “It’s always about the people stepping up.
“You don’t have success without having good people around you. We were fortunate to have a lot of really good assistant coaches who’ve gone on to have success as head coaches. We also had an administrator that was very supportive and the Omaha community has been tremendous in its support of what we were trying to accomplish. We certainly knocked down some doors getting to Sweet 16s and to the Elite Eight.”
West Virginia coach Ross Hodge said he told McDermott in the postgame handshake line: “If I can have half the success you’ve had it would be a helluva career.
“The consistency he’s had, doing it with class and being a true ambassador having impacted a lot of people,” Hodge added. “He’s had a heck of a run. Sixteen years at one school? That’s incredible.”
Saturday, the Bluejays started slow and were in an early 11-3 hole. But each time Creighton mounted a comeback, West Virginia answered it and managed to extend the lead. The Mountaineers’ quickness coupled with an ability to get to the rim allowed them to stay in front and go wire-to-wire.
West Virginia led 43-37 at the half, extended the lead to 16 (65-49) with 9:17 to play and led by as many as 19 late to earn its spot in Sunday’s title game. Oh, and the Mountaineers (20-14) are getting $100,000 just for advancing.
“We’ll be one of four teams still playing on Sunday,” Hodge said. “Us. Oklahoma. The two teams that won at the Final Four. That’s very special.”
As for the 61-year-old McDermott, he’s likely heading to the golf course where his wife Theresa said he can help her with her swing. Creighton’s basketball future will be in the hands of Alan Huss, who is being promoted from his associate head coach duties.
“it’s not good enough to help anyone else’s,” McDermott said when asked how much he can improve his wife’s golf game.
The Bluejays will have work to do to keep pace in the competitive Big East, where Connecticut and St. John’s currently rule the roost and where schools like Seton Hall, Villanova, Marquette and DePaul are going to be looking to make a push forward.
“You don’t ever want it to end,” McDermott said after Creighton finished 16-18. “This team has been through a lot this season. They were incredibly close and had each other’s back.
“The level of play in college basketball you can argue is the best it has ever been. The level of talent is certainly there. I wish we could figure out a way to restrict the movement a little. I think part of our responsibility as stewards of the game is to prepare the students for the real world. Some of this is not real. It’s not like going out and getting a job that’s 8-to-5 and all that goes with it.
“I love building a program. I think I was good at it. But I’m not sure I want to rebuild a team year after year.”
With McDermott’s exit from coaching, the Transfer Portal and the NIL world appears to have claimed another casualty.
Brace yourselves, college basketball fans. March Madness has finally arrived.
The 2026 edition of the NCAA Tournament will begin with First Four games on March 17 and 18, and it will conclude with the national championship game on April 6.
Arizona, Duke, Florida and Michigan are just a few of the contenders hoping to end the 2025-26 season with a celebration. Which squad will cut down the nets in Indianapolis?
Here is everything you need to know about this year's NCAA Tournament bracket, including key dates and TV and streaming options for each round.
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The Boston Bruins (43-26-8) dropped their second straight on the road trip, losing 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning (48-22-6) at Benchmark International Arena on Saturday night.
Casey Mittelstadt (15) scored the lone Bruins’ goal, set up by both of his linemates, but they did not hold off a three-goal third period from the Lightning.
Jeremy Swayman made 20 saves but picked up his second straight loss. He is now 30-17-4 this season.
Jordan Harris skated in his first game since March 5, and Mikey Eyssimont returned to the lineup to play against one of his old teams.
Fraser Minten won the puck off Ryan McDonagh’s stick and had an early scoring chance for the Bruins. He was taken down on the follow-through, and his skate caught Erik Cernak in the face. Cernak went down the tunnel but returned after a brief trip.
The Bruins had two power play opportunities in the first period but did not capitalize on either.
They finished the game 0-for-4 on the power play.
Both teams were even in goals (0), shots (8), and hits (6) after the first 20 minutes.
The Bruins started to push ahead of the Lightning in the second period, and the second line opened the scoring. Pavel Zacha played it to Viktor Arvidsson, who found Casey Mittelstadt in stride, crashing the slot. Mittelstadt fired and beat Andrei Vasilevskiy low-blocker side at 6:47 of the second period.
Jeremy Swayman turned aside all five shots he faced in the second period. The Bruins got 11 shots on Vasilevskiy.
The Lightning struck in the third period, three times, pulling away from the Bruins. They also outshot the Bruins 10-3 in the final 20 minutes.
Andrew Peeke, in a clearing attempt, played the puck to Charle-Edouard D’Astous. He fired a shot that was saved by Swayman, and he followed his rebound to tie the game 2:11 into the third period.
Darren Raddysh skated into the offensive zone and steered a shot on goal. The puck got through his blocker and into the net behind Swayman, giving the Lightning the lead with 5:31 to play.
Both Lightning goals were scored by defensemen. Raddysh set the Lightning franchise record for most goals in a season by a defenseman (21).
Nikita Kucherov sealed the win with an empty net goal with 93 seconds to play.
The Bruins are now 0-2-1 against the Lightning this season. They will play once more next Saturday in Boston.
They are now 31-1-4 when leading after two periods, and 10-1-2 in games after a loss since January 1.
The Bruins are on a flight to Philadelphia for a game Sunday against the Flyers (38-26-12). They will close out their road trip on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes (48-21-6).
The Huskies led 37-29 at halftime and pushed their lead to 12 early in the second half. UConn played a strong first half, going the entire half without turning the ball over.
Their first turnover came on their 40th possession of the game. The Illini tried to make a run in the second half, getting it down to 10 with 8:41 to go. The Huskies committed their 10th foul of the second half at that point, and Kylan Boswell nailed two free throws. Two more Illinois free throws made it 57-49 at the 8:00 mark. Two more free throws at the 7:00 mark made it 57-51, and the crowd of pro-Illini got loud.
Coach Hurley took a timeout at the 6:08 mark, with a 57-51 lead. More missed shots led to a bucket at the 5:00 mark to cut it to 57-53 Huskies. It was seven straight misses for the Huskies.
A Tarris Reed Jr. bucket silenced the crowd a little for the Huskies. A Solo Ball dunk got the Huskies back up 8 at the under 4:00 mark. A Ben Humrichous made it 61-56 UConn with 3:00 to go.
Reed got to the line and nailed both to put the Huskies back up 7. Illinois went back to the line and split the two to make it a two-possession game with 2:31 to go. A UConn miss kept the hope alive for the Illini. Keaton Wagler go to the rim with 1:37 to go and it was 63-59 Huskies.
After a miss, the Huskies got the offensive rebound, ran some clock, before Mullins hit yet another massive shot to put UConn up seven. Wagler came back with three of his own to make it 66-62 with 43.4 to go.
That forced the Illini to use their last timeout. Following the break, the Huskies had a tough time getting the ball across, but finally did and got fouled with 36.3 to go. UConn made both free throws and got a Wagler miss. The Huskies went back to the line with 26.1 to go.
After splitting the two free throws, it was a seven-point lead. Another miss by the Illini pretty much put the game out of reach. Reed made both free throws to make it 71-62.
That was the final score.
Old hat for Huskies
Overall, UConn is seeking its seventh overall national title. The last time the Huskies played in the title game was in 2024 when they took down Purdue. The previous season, UConn took down San Diego State in the title game.
End of the road
For Illinois, their season is over at 28-9. A three seed in the South region. The Illini were back in the Final Four for the first time since the 2005 season. The loss for the Orange and Blue puts pressure on Michigan in the Big Ten.
The conference has not won an NCAA title since the 2000 season, when Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans cut down the nets.
Illinois entered the Final Four with the best offense in college basketball. It wasn’t enough on Saturday to overcome UConn’s disciplined defense and inside-out attack.
UConn disrupted Illinois’ normally efficient offense and rode its own balanced attack to a 71-62 win in Saturday’s first national semifinal. When Illinois threated to rally from a 13-point second-half deficit, it looked to a familar face.
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 5, 2026
With the win, UConn advances to Monday’s national championship game, where it will seek its third NCAA title in four seasons. It will face the winner of Saturday’s second Final Four game between Arizona and Michigan.
Mullins had a strong first half picked up where he left off with a 3 for the first points of the game. The Indiana native playing close to home at the Indianapolis Final Four hit 3 of his first 5 3-point attempts en route to 12 points before halftime, including a bank shot that extended UConn’s advantage just before the break.
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 4, 2026
Tarris Reed Jr, meanwhile, bullied outmatched Illinois defenders in the paint in the first half. Illinois countered Reed with height on its front line in 6-9 forward David Mirković and 7-1 center Tomislav Ivišić.
But neither had the strength to limit Reed’s offensive impact at the rim and on the glass as he went for 11 points and 5 rebounds before the break.
BIG slam from Tarris Reed and the Huskies are doubling up Illinois early 👀 #MarchMadness
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 4, 2026
While UConn tallied nine assists and zero turnovers before halftime, the Huskies limited Illinois’ normally potent offense to just one assist while taking a 37-29 lead into the break. The 37 points first-half points were the most Illinois had allowed in NCAA tournament play.
UConn kept its foot on the gas after halftime, extending its lead to 49-36 early in the second half, handing Illinois its largest deficit of the entire season. Mullins’ and Reed’s teammates took the offensive baton as UConn’s defense continued to frustrate an Illinois attack that ranks first in the nation in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency, no matter who was on the fllor.
Illinois mounted a rally and held UConn scoreless for more than four minutes to cut its deficit to 57-53 late in the second half. Neither Mullins nor Reed had scored in the second half at that point after leading UConn in the first.
But Reed broke the drought with a layup in traffic to get the UConn offense going again. Illinois again cut the lead to four points before Mullins’ late 3 extended UConn’s cushion to seven points in the final minute. Illinois never got back within four points as UConn held on for the win.
In the end, Reed and Mullins led the way for UConn. Reed finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds while shooting of 12 from the field. A 59.4% free-throw shooter, Reed finished 5 of 5 at the line, including a pair of late clutch free throws to help stymie the Illinois rally.
Mullins finished with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. He struggled from the field overall (5 of 14) but thrived from long distance while hit 4 of 7 shots from beyond the arc. He maintained his composure while trapped in the backcourt late in the game and advanced the ball with a pass over midcourt to avoid a would-be critical turnover.
His poise in that moment was indicative of UConn’s throughout the game.
The Huskies weren’t terribly efficient while shooting 35% from the field. But they limited their mistakes while committing just four turnovers for the game. And they were effective from long distance (36%, 12 of 33) and at the stripe (88%, 15 of 17).
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scrambles during the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Aaron Rodgers isn’t a Pittsburgh Steeler at the moment, but he sure feels like one.
After Kirk Cousins signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, what we’ve felt confident about for a while became even more likely: Rodgers is the last remaining viable quarterback on the market for Pittsburgh, unless the franchise unexpectedly turns to Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or a rookie Week 1.
But even assuming Rodgers is set to return in 2026, a few questions remain. When exactly will he re-sign? And how much will his contract be worth?
Last season, Rodgers signed just a one-year, $13.65 million deal — a far cry from the two-year, $75 million deal he had previously signed with the New York Jets in 2023.
After passing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025, as well as leading his team to the playoffs, Rodgers certainly outplayed what he made during his first year in Pittsburgh, even if he did put up slightly worse statistics than in his final year as a Jet.
Per Spotrac, Rodgers’ yearly market value rests at just $10.6 million. But if you look at the listed “comparable players,” it includes Russell Wilson, Jacoby Brissett, and Davis Mills — all backups.
Spotrac also references Daniel Jones’ one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts before 2025. However, Jones is now averaging $44 million per year in his latest extension.
A more accurate comparison might include Malik Willis’ recent $22.5 million per year — which is an acceptable starting quarterback salary but still a tier below recent Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold’s $33.5 million average. Cousins’ aforementioned deal, that comes down to a one-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $20 million, is also in the ballpark, although he’s near-guaranteed to be a backup in Las Vegas in 2026.
Ultimately, that means even in his age 42 season, Rodgers has the leverage to ask for over $20 million per year entering 2026.
But he clearly took a pay cut in 2025 to play for the Steelers. Even though the league clearly wasn’t high on Rodgers following a disappointing stint for the Jets, he still could’ve demanded far more on the open market than just $13.65 million.
However, Rodgers just didn’t seem to be worried about where his contract ranks at his position. His legacy is secure and per Over the Cap, he has made nearly $395 million in career earnings. Unless there’s a sudden change of heart, I wouldn’t expect Rodgers to play contract hardball with what might be the lone NFL franchise still offering him a starting job.
Still, a raise should be due following Rodgers’ performance in 2025. Something in the $15 to $20 million range per year makes sense if and when he starts Year 2 in the Steel City.
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans suffered a narrow 6-run loss to Rajasthan Royals in a high-scoring IPL clash, but the bigger talking point after the match was the fitness of their regular captain, Shubman Gill. Stand-in skipper Rashid Khan provided some reassurance, saying, “He's good. Hopefully he's gonna be alright for the next game. He just had the muscle spasm, so hopefully he's gonna be alright soon.”
Where GT Lost the Game
Rashid admitted the team started well both with the ball and bat but lost control during a crucial phase. “I felt we have given a great start with the openers. And then I felt in the 12th and 13th overs, we lost back-to-back wickets. That's something which really put us on the back foot.”
He added that the target was achievable but momentum slipped away. “On the wicket like this, 9-10 per over, it's not that the hard job to be done… but I think we just lost a few early quick wickets… which just didn't allow us to go on.”
Final Over & Fightback
Chasing 211, Gujarat needed 11 runs in the last over, but Tushar Deshpande held his nerve brilliantly. Rashid revealed the plan was simple: “Well, the discussion was clear, like, we just need to hit one boundary.” However, he credited the bowler, saying, “I think Tushar bowled really well. He bowled some exceptional yorkers.”
Rashid also admitted he missed a key chance: “The one ball which he missed his line and length, I should have hit that for six.”
Despite the loss, Rashid remained optimistic about the season ahead. “It's gonna be a long tournament and we learn from it and we come back stronger.”
Overall, while Gujarat fell short in a tight finish, the update on Gill’s injury will be a big relief for the team going forward.
Stillwater football player James Cocozzo runs through drills during a practice on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, at Stillwater High School in Stillwater, NY. (Jim Franco/Times Union) | Times Union
Rutgers football now has two commits for the 2027 class as three-star offensive lineman James Cocozzo has decided to commit to the Scarlet Knights, according to the Knight Report. He decided to come to Rutgers despite receiving offers from programs such as Maryland, Penn State, Syracuse, UConn, and Virginia Tech, among others. He did have an official visit scheduled to Syracuse, but it is expected that he will cancel that in the coming days. He is scheduled to take his official visit to Rutgers on May 29th.
The 6-foot-4, 292-pound interior offensive lineman is heading into his senior year at Stillwater High School in upstate New York. Cocozzo is no stranger to Piscataway, as he has made several trips to campus over the past few years, with his most recent visit last Saturday sealing his commitment.
Cocozzo was originally offered under former Knights OL coach Pat Flaherty, but the school’s interest in him did not waver as they switched to current OL coach Jim Turner.
Cocozzo had a stellar sophomore season at Stillwater before missing the entirety of his Junior season with a torn ACL. In 2024, he did not allow a single sack or quarterback hurry. He also earned Times Union First Team honors that season.
Football runs in the Cocozzo family, as James’ father, Joe, played at the University of Michigan, where he earned first-team all-Big Ten honors and was named a second-team all-American in 1992. He was drafted by the Chargers in 1993, where he started 48 games over 7 years, including the Chargers’ loss to the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX.
Cocozzo shared what he liked about Rutgers in a statement to 247sports after he visited campus in early March.
“What stood out to me the most were the facilities and amenities they have for the players. They have all the training and recovery equipment that you could ever need. There is stuff there that I didn’t even know existed. It is like a well-oiled machine how they run all of the stuff there.”
He would revisit campus not long after his early March trip before committing.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Athletics pitchers were in a giving mood on Saturday as they issued 13 walks in their 11-0 loss to the Houston Astros.
Right-hander Luis Morales (0-2) set the pace for the control problems by Athletics pitchers. Morales gave up five runs on eight hits and six walks in only three innings. Relievers Elvis Alvarado, Hogan Harris and Luis Medina each issued two walks. Michael Kelly capped the walk-fest by issuing the final free pass.
In all, five Athletics pitchers threw 200 pitches, including 107 for strikes.
The 13 walks were a significant total but far from a team record.
The A’s walked an Oakland-record 17 batters in a 17-6 loss to the New York Mets on April 14, 2023. It was the second-most in franchise history only behind 18 surrendered by the Philadelphia A’s in 1916.
Houston left fielder Yordan Alvarez was the biggest beneficiary of the generosity by Athletics pitchers with four walks in Saturday's game. Astros batters reached base 32 times with 18 hits, 13 walks and one hit batter.
The 13 walks were tied for the fifth-most in a game for Astros hitters and tied for the second-most in a nine-inning game.
CHENNAI: The new generation of top-order batters with their audacious approach have lately been hogging the limelight in the IPL. While 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as the poster boy of this Gen Z crop, he is far from a lone ranger. Two more young willow wielders are coming into the frame as serious contenders for bigger things going forward.
During Punjab Kings’ five-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday, it was the tale of two young guns — Priyansh Arya and Ayush Mhatre.
While the 18-year-old Mhatre, with his clever strokeplay, powered CSK to 209 with a 43-ball 73, the 24-year-old Arya launched PBKS’s chase in style. The opener’s whirlwind 39 off just 11 balls at a staggering strike rate of 354.54 took the game out of CSK’s hands early.
Both made their debut last year and enjoyed breakout seasons. Now, in their second IPL campaign, they’ve begun brightly and enough to catch the eye of Ravichandran Ashwin, who heaped praise on the “Gen Z players who put on a batting festivity.”
“Both of them (Arya and Mhatre) batted brilliantly. The way these Gen Z batters played, they are changing our mindset. And I absolutely enjoyed seeing their batting. I also expect a lot more Gen Z bowlers, I want more new new bowlers to come up,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel after the match.
Mhatre, a big positive for CSK
Ashwin, a former CSK stalwart, felt the No.3 batter Mhatre’s knock and the shots he played was the silver lining in the five-time champions’ defeat to PBKS, amid a season already strewn with early struggles.
“The way Mhatre batted today, this should be the happiest news and a big positive for CSK. For the next 10 years, they have found a champion player. CSK didn’t get him in the auction, they signed him as an injury replacement. And he has shown what he can do, the way he played and pulled Marco Jansen for a boundary, it was amazing,” Ashwin added.
Arya’s mental toughness aids PBKS
During his onslaught against CSK bowlers, Arya operated with the freedom of knowing there was batting depth behind him to back the team. Hence, he was swinging at everything that came his way with fearless intent and even perished while trying to go big.
Talking about his young teammate, Shashank Singh said it’s Arya’s “strong mentality” that sets him apart. “With Priyansh what we, as a team, really liked last year is that he’s mentally very tough. He knows his role, and he knows his areas where he can score runs. He’s very young, but the way he’s matured regarding his batting, I think, is fantabulous,” said Shashank.
The Panthers have won the past two Stanley Cup championships and have been to the Final the past three years.
Florida lost 4-1 to the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in 2024, and 4-2 in 2025.
The Panthers are the first defending Stanley Cup champions to miss the playoffs the following season since the Los Angeles Kings in 2015.
Florida has been to the postseason every year since 2020, the longest playoff streak in franchise history.
The Panthers had only been to the playoffs in consecutive seasons (1996-97) once before this recent run.
Injuries derailed the Panthers’ hopes of a three-peat almost from the start.
Matthew Tkachuk was injured at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February and, after missing the final 25 games of the 2024-25 regular season, returned for the playoffs and tied for the team lead with 23 points in 23 postseason games.
Only he had surgery to repair a sports hernia and a torn adductor in August and did not return to the Florida lineup until Jan. 19.
Captain Sasha Barkov was lost for the season when he injured his right knee on his first day of training camp in September, requiring reconstructive surgery the following day.
Although Barkov has been skating and practicing with the team in a noncontact jersey, coach Paul Maurice said he would not return for the final games.
Florida was also without a host of key contributors including center Tomas Nosek (knee), defenseman Dmitry Kulikov (shoulder), Jonah Gadjovich (upper body), and Seth Jones (collarbone) as they went into the Olympic break eight points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Although the Panthers came out of the break with a rousing 5-1 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs on Feb. 26, Florida lost its next four making it pretty clear it would not be playing deep into this summer.
The past few weeks have seen the Panthers lose more and more players.
Leading scorers Brad Marchand (lower body) and Sam Reinhart (foot) have been out the past few weeks and will not resume play this season.
On Tuesday night, the Panthers also lost Kulikov when he was struck in the face with a deflected puck; defenseman Aaron Ekblad tied Barkov for the franchise lead in games played with 804 on Tuesday, but he fractured his right hand hand late in the third when he blocked a shot on a penalty kill.
Forwards Evan Rodrigues (broken finger) and Anton Lundell (ribs) are done for the season along with defenseman Niko Mikkola (knee).
The Panthers have had so many injuries this season, Maurice said he uses a spreadsheet to keep track of them all saying if he did not, he would forget about some of them.
Although the Panthers are disappointed they did not get the chance to become the first team to win the Stanley Cup three straight times since the New York Islanders won it four years in a row from 1980-83, they figure they will be back at it next year.
Aside from a handful of free agents, goalie Sergei Bobrovsky leads the list, most of the Panthers are signed for through the next decade.
Healthy, this is a different team.
And, perhaps, the rest will be beneficial.
No team in NHL history had played more games over a three year span than the Panthers did from 2022-25.
Counting the regular season and playoffs, the Panthers played in 314 games besting the Dallas Stars (1997-2000) and Detroit Red Wings (2006-09) which both played in 309.
Reinhart and defenseman Gus Forsling played in 309 of those 314 games which is tied for most games played by an NHL player over a three-year span topping Phil Kessel’s 307 with the 2014-17 Pittsburgh Penguins.
For the first time in a long time, the Panthers will have a full summer to get ready for the next season.
It will be a deserved rest whether they really want it or not.
MIAMI (AP) — Don Garber remembers the earliest days of David Beckham's plans to bring Major League Soccer to Miami, the quest that started more than a dozen years ago.
There were twists. There were turns. Eventually, there was Lionel Messi, too.
But there was never Miami — until now.
“We believed in Miami,” Beckham said. “And Miami believed in us.”
Inter Miami finally played a game in its namesake city on Saturday night, hosting Austin FC after more than six years of calling Fort Lauderdale its home. Garber was there for the ribbon-cutting of Miami Freedom Park, a complex with construction still very much in progress and one that needed temporary approvals from civic officials just so Saturday's match could be held.
Beckham picked Miami as his spot in 2013, the league made it official in 2014 when he formally exercised his option for an expansion franchise, and now, there's a home.
“We made a commitment to him that he would have an option on the team, and he exercised that in Miami," Garber said. "And it was a journey. And that journey, in many ways, didn’t end when Leo Messi joined the club. The journey really came to its conclusion today with the opening of this building.”
The team says the stadium holds 26,700 seats. A public golf course near Miami International Airport was plowed under to make room for the stadium, and tons of construction equipment — from cranes to hard hats and everything in between — is still scattered all over the site. The lack of certain aesthetics didn't stop some fans from spending more than $1,000 on the resale markets for the best seats on Saturday, which was Inter Miami's first “home” match since winning last season's MLS Cup championship.
“It's a great day for the club,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano told Apple TV before the match. “It's our dream day."
By the time Messi came onto the field for warmups, most of the seats were filled. Beckham and the rest of Inter Miami's ownership group came out to applaud the fans moments earlier, even mingling with some in the most ardent supporters' section behind one of the goals. It was an event, with pink glow sticks being waved in the stands and music icon Marc Anthony performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“There were times of trouble, you know, but David, he’s an optimist," Garber said. "I think he was an optimist as a player. Again, he’s got a lot of courage. You’ve seen that throughout his career. He has that same courage as a business person.”
Beckham is a global icon when it comes to soccer, entertainment and fashion — and in many ways, MLS changed forever when he came to the U.S. to play for the LA Galaxy. It was through that deal that he got the option for an expansion franchise, which ultimately meant Miami.
“When I came to America and the MLS 20 years ago, my dream was to win championships, help raise the game of soccer that I love so much and to build my own team,” Beckham said. “Thirteen years ago, I announced Miami was my choice. We had no name. We had no fans. We had no stadium. Today, I stand in our new home. We are champions of the MLS. We have the best player in the history of the game playing in Miami. Dreams really can come true.”
Beckham's celebrity level got things started. Messi put the team onto a global stage. And others now will try to replicate it — including Austin, which has actor and producer Matthew McConaughey as part of its ownership group.
McConaughey wrote an open letter of sorts to Beckham on Saturday.
"As Austin visits Miami today for a little shindig on your new pitch, I want to first shout out a sincere “
Much work remains, both in terms of finishing the construction, all the surrounding areas — the team has promised parks, soccer fields, retail shops and more as part of the complex — and there's still final certifications to obtain from various governmental agencies. Garber said he isn't worried about any of that affecting Inter Miami's home schedule going forward.
MLS gave Inter Miami several road matches to start the season, buying the team time to get closer to finishing construction. And though outside was a traffic nightmare, things seemed to go off without a hitch inside the stadium.
Garber said his initial assessment Saturday was that the stadium was “breathtaking.”
“What’s happened in the last 30 days to where they are today is just remarkable," Garber said. “It’s way further along than I expected it to be. And I’ve learned a lesson that when people tell you things are going to get done, sometimes you've just got to trust them.”
Brayden Burries #5 of the Arizona Wildcats during the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on March 26, 2026 in San Jose, California; Brayden hugs his mother Hannah on March 15, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty; Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Arizona basketball player Brayden Burries' parents, Bobby and Hannah, were both college athletes who met at California State University San Bernardino
Brayden's older brother, BJ, also played college basketball and now works as a graduate assistant on Arizona's men's basketball team
Both Bobby and Hannah attend Brayden's games and show up in custom merch
Brayden Burries may be one of the top recruits playing in March Madness 2026, but he's following in both his parents' footsteps.
The Arizona Wildcats guard started playing basketball from his young age, since both his dad, Bobby Burries, and his mom, Hannah Low-Burries, both played college basketball. The couple met while playing at California State University San Bernardino and married in 2001.
Bobby and Hannah remained in California and welcomed five children together: sons Robert Burries Jr. (BJ) and Brayden and daughters Brianna, Brealani and Brielle. BJ also played college basketball but now works as a graduate assistant coach on his brother's team.
Here's everything to know about Brayden Burries' parents, Bobby Burries and Hannah Low-Burries.
His parents met while playing basketball at the same college
Brayden Burries #5 of Roosevelt Mustangs holding the trophy hugs his mother Hannah after the CIF State Open Division championship basketball game on March 15, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Credit: Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
Brayden inherited the athletic gene from both Bobby and Hannah. Bobby and Hannah played basketball for the California State University San Bernardino's men's and women's teams, respectively.
Bobby got his collegiate start at San Bernardino Valley Junior College before transferring to CSUSB in 2000, per his CSUSB Hall of Fame profile. He went on to lead the team to three California Collegiate Athletic Association titles, three NCAA West Region title appearances and its second appearance in the NCAA Elite Eight in four years.
He graduated in 2004 and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2011.
Meanwhile, Hannah also had her own list of athletic accomplishments. Hannah played volleyball, softball and basketball in high school before continuing her basketball and softball career at Merced College, per her Summerville Union High School Hall of Fame bio.
She received several honors — including two-time MVP of her league and California Player of the Year — before transferring to the University of Tennessee to play softball. She later accepted a full scholarship to CSUSB to play basketball.
Brayden has previously credited his parents' work ethic in helping him become the athlete he is today.
“That’s helped me get to the point where I’m at today,” he told Arizona Desert Swarm in August 2025.
Brayden and his four siblings were raised in California
Brayden Burries playing basketball as a child. Credit: Brayden Burries/Instagram
Shortly after Bobby and Hannah got married, they started their family and welcomed sons BJ and Brayden and daughters Brianna, Brealani and Brielle. The family established roots in San Bernardino, Calif.
Brayden played basketball at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where he was ranked No. 11 in the country and became a five-star recruit, per his Arizona roster.
In April 2025, Brayden committed to play basketball at Arizona, and his parents proudly stood by his side at the press conference where he announced his plans.
Just a month later, his older brother, BJ, who played college basketball at Mesa Community College, announced that he'd be supporting his brother's team as a graduate assistant with Arizona's men's basketball team.
“It’s honestly great continuing to get to know each other, push each other,” Brayden told Arizona Desert Swarm. “Days I don’t feel like it, like say I don’t want to do something. He’s there to push me and make sure I get it done. And it’s great to have somebody like that.”
Bobby and Hannah frequently attend Brayden's games with custom merch
Even before Brayden helped lead the Wildcats to the Final Four, his parents could often be seen cheering him on in the crowds.
In a March 2026 video with Geico, Bobby revealed that he has "not missed one of [Brayden's] games yet."
When the Burries do show up, they can be seen nervously standing, shouting and cheering Bradyen and the Wildcats on, as shown in a Bleacher Report video that mic'd them up. They've further shown their support by making custom merch with their son's face and name printed all over shirts in Arizona colors.
Brayden has cited his success to his family's "sacrifices" for him
Brayden Burries' family cheers during the the CIF State Open Division championship basketball game on March 15, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Credit: Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
Throughout his basketball journey, Brayden has had the support of his family. In the father-son duo's March 2026 video with Geico, Bobby and Brayden explained that Bobby frequently drove his son all over the country to compete in tournaments.
"He's the true definition of cream rises to the top," Bobby said of his son.
Meanwhile, Brayden also acknowledged all the long hours and everything his family has done for him.
"It's just a blessing honestly," Brayden said. "Just to give back to him and my teammates and my family for all the sacrifices they’ve put in."
Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; A general view of the NCAA Men’s Final Four logo ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
It’s Game Day! At the Final Four!
The Arizona Wildcats (36-2) take on the Michigan Wolverines (35-3) in the national semifinals, with the winner advancing to the NCAA title game.
Here’s all the info you need to watch, listen to or follow the game online. Come chat with us!
Arizona-Michigan game time, details:
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Time: 5:49 p.m. PT (approx.)
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Ind.
Line: According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Arizona is a 1.5-point underdog and the over/under is 157.5. KenPom.com gives the UA a 50 percent chance of winning.
How can I watch Arizona-Michigan?
Arizona-Michigan will be shown on TBS. Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Bill Raftery (analyst), Grant Hill (analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline) will be calling the game.
How can I stream Arizona-Michigan online?
The stream of Arizona-Michigan can be viewed on NCAA.com.
How can I listen to Arizona-Michigan on the radio?
MILWAUKEE (AP) — An NBA investigation into the dispute between the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo regarding the two-time MVP’s injury status is ongoing.
The NBA issued a statement offering an update on the investigation Saturday, a day after Antetokounmpo told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and The Athletic that he’s healthy and he wants to play.
Antetokounmpo hasn’t played since leaving a March 15 victory over the Indiana Pacers after landing awkwardly on a dunk. The Bucks released an injury report Saturday ruling him out for Sunday’s matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies, which will mark the 11th straight game he has missed.
“The NBA’s Player Participation Policy investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo is ongoing and certain facts remain in dispute,” an NBA spokesman said. “The investigation has found that the Bucks scheduled Giannis to work out last week in three-on-three scrimmages as part of his return-to-play process, but he declined to participate. There is a disagreement as to whether the team requested that Giannis participate in a group workout earlier this week, and the league is continuing to monitor the situation.”
ESPN first reported that an investigation was taking place.
Since that Indiana game, the Bucks have ruled Antetokounmpo out due to left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise. Antetokounmpo has been participating in pregame warmups lately with no apparent limits.
“I’m healthy,” Antetokounmpo told reporters before the Bucks’ 133-101 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday. “I hate it when people force me to do things against my nature. I’m a player. I get paid to play.”
Sunday will mark the career-high 42nd game Antetokounmpo has missed this season. He had two extended absences earlier this season due to right calf strains. He also sat out four games early this season with a left adductor strain.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo says he’s feeling better now and wants to get back on the floor. He has played his entire 13-year career with Milwaukee, which selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2013 draft.
Given his long history with the team, Antetokounmpo said the Bucks should have known he wouldn’t want to be shut down for the season just because their playoff hopes have vanished.
“You know who you’re dealing with,” Antetokounmpo said Friday. “So, for somebody to come and tell me to not play or to not compete, it’s like a slap in my face.”
This dispute comes amid much speculation regarding Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks.
Antetokounmpo becomes eligible to sign a four-year contract extension worth up to $275 million in October. If he doesn’t sign the extension, Antetokounmpo could become a free agent after the 2026-27 season, or the Bucks could decide to trade him beforehand.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers said after Monday’s game that he wishes this disagreement had been kept between the two parties. Rivers added that “this is a grown man’s game, and it should be handled that way by everybody.”
“I just don’t like that this is so public,” Rivers said. “This is where grown men get in a room and they talk it out. Whether they agree or disagree, that doesn’t matter. But this should not be public, and I don’t like that.”
TOPEKA (KSNT) – A doubleheader split for the Hornets on Saturday.
Emporia State softball (22-13, 8-6 MIAA) went 1-1 on Saturday against Fort Hays State (18-21, 4-10 MIAA).
The Hornets took Game One 15-7 before losing Game Two 8-3.
In Game 1, ESU got on the board first in the second inning thanks to an RBI single from Avery Brewer.
The Hornets added three scores in the third. Brooke Flewelling had a two-run home in the inning, her 14th of the season, while Brewer singled again to bring in another score.
Fort Hays State poured in six runs in the latter half of the inning to lead 6-4 through three.
That score held the same until the 5th when the Hornets exploded for 11 runs. Brynley Smith and Ally Miller opened the inning with a home run each.
Sydney Wagner and Miller both had two-run triples in the inning.
The Tigers would add a score back in the bottom half of the inning.
Flewelling and Miller finished with three RBIs each while Wagner, Brewer and Elina Bartlett had two RBIs each.
Chloe Wilson got the win inside the circle for the Hornets. Through 2.1 innings, she allowed two hits and one run. She struck out one and walked a batter. Hannah Butterbaugh got the start for the Hornets. Through 2.2 innings she allowed four hits and six runs (zero earned) while striking out two.
In Game 2, both teams traded a pair of runs in the first inning.
Addison Callaway and Flewelling both doubled to bring in scores.
Taryn Burkhardt doubled in the third to bring in a score to give the Hornets a temporary lead.
Fort Hays played three in the fourth and two in the sixth to avoid the sweep.
Maci Hayes took the loss for the Hornets inside the circle.
Morgan Tomlinson got the start for ESU, while Chloe Wilson and Izzy Sloan pitched in relief.
The Hornets are back in action on the road on April 10 against Central Oklahoma.
The two will play a doubleheader with the first pitch set for 2 p.m.
For more sports news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Apr. 4, 2026 – 59:43 – The NFL owners and coaches met in Arizona this past week for the annual league meetings, and that means media access to some of the teams’ top personnel. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke and intimated his plans for the Purple’s 2026 quarterbacks
Welcome to the Vikings Territory Breakdown podcast, where co-hosts Joe Oberle and Mark Craig offer their unique insider’s opinion and analysis on the latest Purple news and happenings emanating from TCO Performance Center, U.S. Bank Stadium and beyond. The Minnesota Vikings are a constant source of exciting, enervating and, oftentimes, confounding news, and Craig and Oberle illuminate and explain it all from a perspective of experience and hard-earned insight.
The Insider
Mark Craig Mark Craig is a Vikings writer and the NFL Insider for the Star Tribune newspaper and Startribune. Hailing from Northeast, Ohio, he has been covering the NFL since Brett Favre was a rookie (1991) and writing for the Star Tribune about football for 23 years and the Vikings for the past 20 seasons. He is author of the book, “100 Things Vikings Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die,” and is Minnesota’s only Pro Football Hall of Fame selector and Associated Press post-season NFL Honors voter. Each week he shares venerable insight on everything from one-on-one sit-downs with the Vikings head coach to the latest quarterback change for the Cleveland Browns. Craig covers everything NFL and speaks from a time-worn perspective of one who has seen and wrote about it all. But he’s still the, um, “young gun” of this podcast.
The Homer
Joe Oberle has been in on every iteration of this podcast from when it was called Three Deep (with the website creator Joe Johnson) back in 2016 to today. He has been following the Vikings since before their first Super Bowl loss in 1970 and has covered them for several websites (including CBSSports) for more than 12 years. The award-winning author of three books (including “Unstoppable: The Story of George Mikan—The 1st NBA Superstar”) Mankato-native Oberle has spent a career working in sports (with the Minnesota Timberwolves), covering them (Vikings, Twins, NBA, amateur hockey and golf) and talking about them. His coverage is thorough and often passionate, with a dose of humor sprinkled in to spice up his takes.
Nick Yorke didn’t enter the game until the bottom of the eight inning but delivered a walk-off double in the ninth to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday evening.
Scoring Plays
To 4th, 2-0 BAL: The Orioles (3-5) sent eight men to the plate and plated a pair of runs against Pirates starter Carmen Mlodzinski. Dylan Beavers and Leody Taveras each recorded RBI singles.
Bottom 4th, 2-1 BAL: The Pirates (5-3) got on the board on Spencer Horwitz’s sac fly to left field off right-hander Shane Baz.
Bottom 8th, 2-2: With runners on the corners and two outs, pinch-hitter Jake Mangum grounded a ball weakly to the right of the pitcher’s mound. Orioles right-hander Anthony Nunez was unable to handle the ball for a game-tying RBI single.
Bottom 9th, 3-2 PIT : Bryan Reynolds doubled off Ryan Helsley (0-1) and Ryan O’Hearn was intentionally walked. Nick Yorke, who pinch ran for Marcell Ozuna in the eighth inning, delivered the walk-off blow with an RBI double.
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Some video enthusiasts might be upset as a major audio upgrade/downgrade is coming to the Creator Combo version of the DJI Osmo Pocket 4 - depending on your priorities. The new transmitter, likely the DJI Mic 3, offers a smaller footprint and better sound than the Mic 2 but removes the 3.5mm lav mic input.
The growing rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema has taken a dramatic turn, with Al-Nassr suddenly being handed a major advantage in the title race under unexpected circumstances.
The growing rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema has taken a dramatic turn, with Al-Nassr suddenly being handed a major advantage in the title race under unexpected circumstances. What initially appeared to be a routine stage in the season has now evolved into a defining moment, as the balance of power shifts in favor of the club chasing a historic double.
At the heart of this shift is Al-Nassr’s surge to the top of the Saudi Pro League, where the club now holds a five-point lead after 27 matches, putting it firmly in control of its destiny. With momentum building rapidly, the title race is no longer just competitive; it is increasingly tilting toward a decisive outcome.
Al-Nassr’s dominance has been built on consistency and firepower, led by Ronaldo’s continued influence in attack. The club recently strengthened its position with a convincing victory, reinforcing a run that now includes 13 consecutive league wins and 15 straight victories across all competitions.
This remarkable streak has not only elevated the club’s standing domestically but also created a psychological edge over its rivals. With each passing match, the belief within the squad has grown stronger, turning what once seemed uncertain into a realistic path toward silverware.
Meanwhile, their closest challenger, Al-Hilal, has struggled to maintain pace. A dramatic 2-2 draw against Al-Taawoun proved costly, as dropped points widened the gap at the top and left the title race slipping further away.
The key turning point and how Karim Benzema played huge role
The true turning point, however, lies beneath the surface and only becomes clear when examining the circumstances surrounding Benzema. The French forward was absent for a crucial fixture, and his team failed to secure a victory, an outcome that directly benefited Al-Nassr. This absence, later revealed to be due to a physical issue, disrupted Al-Hilal’s attacking rhythm at a critical stage of the campaign.
Despite a late equalizer, the inability to secure all three points proved decisive in shaping the current standings. Although Benzema has been influential since arriving mid-season, his recent unavailability has raised concerns about consistency during the final stretch. The striker has already missed multiple matches due to injury, and his latest setback came at a time when the club could least afford it.
Karim Benzema will not be able to take part in today’s match against Al-Taawoun due to sustaining toe injury 🔹 https://t.co/24Bg8h1X8k
In contrast, Al-Nassr has benefited from stability and continuity, with its key players consistently available and delivering results. This contrast has amplified the gap between the two sides, making the title race increasingly one-sided.
Unprecedented double within reach
What makes this situation even more significant is the timing. Al-Nassr is now in a position to potentially secure two major trophies within just five days, a scenario that could define the club’s modern era.
— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) April 4, 2026
The schedule presents a rare opportunity:
AFC Champions League Two final – May 16
Final league matchday – May 21
Next month could decide everything, turning an already impressive campaign into a historic achievement. The compressed timeline adds pressure, but also heightens the sense of opportunity for a squad that has found peak form at the perfect moment.
Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Karim Benzema (right)
Reports now suggest Neymar could face a record-breaking suspension ranging from five to 12 matches, a development that could severely impact his World Cup ambitions.
Neymar finds himself at the center of fresh uncertainty just as his push for a return to the Brazil national team intensifies under Carlo Ancelotti. The Santos star is battling to prove his fitness and form, yet a new controversy threatens to derail his progress at a crucial moment. Reports now suggest Neymar could face a record-breaking suspension ranging from five to 12 matches, a development that could severely impact his World Cup ambitions.
The situation is delicate for both the player and the Brazil national team, with the club relying on Neymar’s creativity while the national setup evaluates its final options. Having already been left out of recent selections, the 34-year-old’s margin for error has become extremely narrow. Every performance, and now every off-field incident, carries significant weight in determining his international future.
Neymar’s return to Santos was initially seen as a chance to rebuild momentum after injury setbacks and inconsistent spells abroad. His performances had started to show promise, including a strong display in a 2-0 win over Remo, where he played a decisive role in attack. The club appeared more dynamic and dangerous with him on the pitch, reinforcing his importance.
However, the positive narrative quickly shifted after the final whistle, as attention turned away from his performance and toward his post-match behavior. The Brazilian’s visible frustration with officiating decisions became the focal point, overshadowing what should have been a step forward in his comeback. Instead of strengthening his case for a national team return, the episode introduced new uncertainty.
🎁🇧🇷 Neymar Jr, back with a left footed assist for Santos tonight.
The controversy stems from Neymar’s comments directed at referee Savio Pereira Sampaio following the match. Speaking after the game, the forward did not hold back in his criticism, expressing anger over a late yellow card that will already rule him out of the next fixture. “It’s very unfair because I was fouled from behind,” Neymar said. “It wasn’t the first time… I only went over to complain to him, and I was booked straight away.”
He continued his criticism, adding: “That’s Savio for you; he woke up kind of ‘on his period’ and came onto the pitch in that state. He wants to be the star of the match, he’s incredibly disrespectful to the players, he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t discuss anything, he’s the kind of guy who dictates the game, who wants to control everything. He needs to learn to manage that; it’s disrespectful.”
The remarks quickly sparked backlash, with critics pointing out the nature of his language and calling for disciplinary action. As per ESPN Brasil, authorities are now expected to review the incident, with the possibility of a significant suspension under existing regulations.
During his post-match interview, Neymar remarked “de chico” while giggling. ESPN Brazil claims that “de chico” comes from “chiqueiro,” which means “pigsty,” and alludes to a period of time when menstruation was seen to be dirty and unclean.
🚨😳🇧🇷 Neymar Júnior is facing strong accusations of misogyny in Brazil after his controversial post-match comments following Santos vs Remo.
— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) April 3, 2026
Precedents suggest harsh punishment
Brazilian soccer has previously taken a strict stance on similar cases, and that precedent could prove decisive in Neymar’s situation. The report mentioned Bragantino defender Gustavo Marques as a recent example, who received a 12-match ban for remarks deemed discriminatory toward a female referee, setting a benchmark for potential punishment.
This precedent raises the likelihood that Neymar could face a similarly severe sanction, especially given the widespread reaction to his comments. Even before any additional punishment is confirmed, he is already suspended for the next match due to card accumulation. The cumulative effect could drastically limit his playing time in the coming weeks.
The timing of this controversy could not be worse for the Santos ace, who is fighting to secure a place in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup. Having not represented the national team since 2023, he is already playing catch-up compared to other attacking options. A prolonged absence from competitive matches could effectively end his chances of convincing Ancelotti.
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo commented on the rumors linking Julián Álvarez with Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid lost to Barcelona this Saturday in the buildup to the Champions League quarterfinals, where these same teams will face each other. However, a battle for Julián Álvarez may also be coming.
The club’s president, Enrique Cerezo, was direct with his rivals, sending a message about the forward’s future: “You are crossing the line a little with Álvarez. He’s an Atletico Madrid player and has a long contract with the club.”
Álvarez was not part of the team. He does not appear to be injured since he was on the bench, but he did not come on. The reason may be that there was not much at stake for Atletico Madrid in this match, while next Wednesday they will play the first leg of the European tie.
Barcelona dismissed the subject
These comments from the Atletico Madrid president came during the courtesy meeting before the match, when club executives spoke with the press. Representing Barcelona was Rafael Yuste, the club’s vice president until Joan Laporta takes over.
Cerezo was very critical with Barcelona (Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The club has been working behind the scenes to sign the forward in the summer, but it will not be easy. Yuste did not add fuel to the fire when asked about the player, giving a simple “good afternoon”to avoid the subject.
In reality, Atletico Madrid have no obligation to negotiate with Barcelona. His contract is not ending anytime soon, and the 500 million euro release clause gives Atletico full control over Álvarez. Reportedly, they would not listen to any offer below 100 million euros.
Álvarez has been linked to Barcelona for a few weeks
Santos Laguna face Club America in Matchday 12 of the Liga MX Clausura 2026. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this matchup, including kickoff times and complete TV and streaming information for viewers in the USA.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Santos Laguna vs Club America on US television and via legal streaming:
WHO
Santos Laguna vs Club America
WHAT
Liga MX
WHEN
11:10 PM ET / 8:10 PM PT • Saturday, April 4, 2026
Pressure continues to mount on Club America as they return home needing a convincing result to regain momentum and protect their place in the playoff race. Despite still sitting in a qualifying spot, recent performances have fallen short of expectations, leaving little room for further slip-ups.
Awaiting them is a struggling Santos Laguna squad currently anchored to the bottom of the standings with just eight points, searching for anything that can ignite a turnaround and lift them out of last place.
More details about watching the game on DirecTV Stream
With DirecTV Stream, you can watch Santos Laguna vs Club America and tons more Liga MX games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick as well as Google TV, Samsung and Peloton.
DirecTV Stream offers a free trial, and often shares with you a variety of different packages to choose from, so you can pick what suits you the best. That also includes packages filled with sports other than soccer including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and more.
DirecTV Stream has 140+ channels of live TV and unlimited DVR. That includes all of the most important soccer-related channels such as NBC, FOX, ESPN, TNT, CBS as well as more niche soccer channels including FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Univision, TUDN and GolTV.
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full DirecTV Stream soccer schedule to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).
Derek Chisora lost on the cards to Deontay Wilder in London in what was his 50th fight – and the one he vowed to retire after. It was an all-action, sloppy affair, with both men having spurts of success and showing impressive chins. Wilder ultimately took a split decision win, helped along by two knockdowns. […]
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Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında evinde Galatasaray'ı mağlup ederek şampiyonluk yarışına tutundu. Maçın ardından bordo-mavili ekip, golcüsü Paul Onuachu'ya maç sonu paylaşımlarından birinde...Devamı için tıklayınız
Deontay Wilder beat Briton Derek Chisora in a heavyweight bout at London's O2 Arena on Saturday [Getty Images]
Deontay Wilder "vehemently denies" allegations he physically assaulted the son of his ex-partner, says the former world heavyweight boxing champion's lawyer.
US outlet TMZ reports Kerron Swift has filed a civil lawsuit suing Wilder for claims including "battery, assault, emotional distress, and false imprisonment".
Swift - the son of Wilder's ex-fiancee Telli Swift - claims the abuse took place between 2016 and 2024, a period during which he was a minor.
BBC Sport has not seen the lawsuit, but Wilder's lawyer Paul Patterson confirmed it had been filed in Los Angeles.
He said his client denied allegations which were "riddled with complete and utter fabrications" and had "never physically disciplined any child".
"We look forward to defending this case," he added.
That win came after the 40-year-old had lost four of his previous six bouts, and puts his fight record at 45-4-1.
Patterson said the timing of the lawsuit was a "classic smear campaign" to distract from the fight.
But the law firm representing Swift - the X-Law Group PC - told TMZ it "filed this action quietly and without a press release - the opposite of what we would have done if the intent were to generate publicity".
These two fellas, Miguel Vargas and Munetaka Murakami, have been driving the White Sox offense thus far. | (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
When one of the worst teams in the majors plays one of the best, it’s fair to expect that the mistakes will be made by the team that lost 102 games last year — not the one that was in the World Series.
Scratch that expectation.
For the second day in a row, it was the Blue Jays making the big mistakes and the White Sox taking advantage. Friday, it was emergency substitute catcher Tyler Heineman blowing a routine throw to first that would have ended the game in Toronto’s favor, and today it was … well, er uh … that same Tyler Heineman making a crucial baserunning mistake that kept Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from coming to the plate with two on and the Sox up 4-3 in the seventh. Then Heineman blew the game open with another terrible throw, trying to get Miguel Vargas out in a rundown that would have ended the eighth but instead extended the lead to three.
Not that the White Sox didn’t do good things without Toronto’s help. Grant Taylor had his second straight, nine-pitch, clean inning as an opener, after which a Lenyn Sosa single, Vargas double and Munetaka Murakami sac fly off bullpen-game opener Mason Fluharty gave the Sox a 1-0 lead. That 1-0 would hold up until the fifth, as bulk pitcher Anthony Kay kept the Jays off the board through his first four innings. The Sox went hitless for four innings against second-man-up Lazaro Estrada, while in the top of the fifth Guerrero hit a 431-foot blast to give the Jays a 2-1 lead.
But the White Sox came right back, as in the bottom half Vargas his his second double of the day off Brendon Little (who came into the game with an ERA of more than 18 and left with one 24-plus), and then Little decided the middle of the plate was a good a place as any to pitch Murakami.
Murakami’s blast was six feet shorter than Guerrero’s, so he’ll have to work on his homer swing.
The middle of the plate created such drama with Murakami that Little decided to try the same pitch to Colson Montgomery. Unlike the two big bruisers, Montgomery was only able to hit it 92.9 mph and 348 feet, but it was enough to clear the wall in right and put the Sox up, 4-3.
The insurance runs came in the eighth after Vargas walked and Austin Hays singled. With two outs, Luisangel Acuña hit an infield single, with Vargas getting caught in a rundown between third and home. To balance things out with his throw into right field yesterday, Heinneman threw the ball into left field this time. Two runs scored, to make it 6-3.
They've surged beyond the play-in spots and into a secure playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Recently, though, they ran into an injury that will hurt their cause. The center Jock Landale is out.
They needed a replacement, and they found one in free agency.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Saturday that the Hawks have signed Tony Bradley to a contract.
The Atlanta Hawks are signing veteran center Tony Bradley to a deal for the remainder of the season, adding frontcourt depth in wake of an injury to Jock Landale, sources tell ESPN. Atlanta has had a hot second half, surging to No. 5 in the Eastern Conference.
Bradley is 6-foot-10, a 28 year old originally from Florida.
He played college basketball at North Carolina, and he was the No. 28 overall pick (first round) in the 2017 NBA Draft. The Lakers took him but immediately traded his draft rights to the Jazz.
Bradley has averaged 4.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in his NBA career while shooting 62.1% from the floor.
This season, Bradley had played in 38 games for the Indiana Pacers and averaged 4.0 points and 2.8 rebounds.
He won't get tons of minutes for Atlanta, but Bradley is a logical pickup that the Hawks are hoping will work out.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Derek Chisora punches Deontay Wilder during the Heavyweight fight between Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder as part of the Dereck Chisora v Deontay Wilder: 100 fight night at The O2 Arena on April 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Watch Deontay Wilder vs. Derek Chisora full fight video highlights from their boxing main event showdown Saturday afternoon, courtesy of multiple outlets.
Wilder vs. Chisora took place April 4 at the O2 Arena in London, England. Deontay Wilder (44-4-1) and Derek Chisora (36-13) squared off in the main event clash. The fight aired live on DAZN pay-per-view.
Official result: Deontay Wilder def. Derek Chisora via split decision (115-111, 112-115, 115-113)
For more on Wilder vs. Chisora, check out the live blog below.
Round 1
Both men out in orthodox and Chisora is comically bigger than Wilder. Wilder is lanky and much taller, but Chisora looks huge. And he’s using it early to crowd Wilder to the ropes, looking for a big shot. Wilder flashing the jab to find range and chopping the right hand in early. That’s the kill shot. But Chisora is staying in his grill, and we’re getting a lot of clinch wrestling early.
Wilder has missed the money right hand twice now, and Chisora is staying low and on the gas. Wilder swings a big uppercut that just misses as Chisora bullies him in and lands to the body. Man, what happened to Wilder? He can’t evade Chisora at all, just swinging the right and then clinching for the break up. And honestly, he looks slow, too.
Chisora shuffle steps in and clinch and they both nearly go over the ropes as they refused to break apart and nearly tipped over. The referee tries to get in and he almost goes over with them, so the ref stops the action to give a stern talking to both parties. Gotta listen to him or a DQ is coming.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Chisora.
Round 2
Chisora right back on the pressure, dipping low to evade the punches and bullying in. Good body shot from Chisora. Wilder’s feet look like he’s walking in mud. But now we’re going! Chisora gets him to the corner and Wilder wings the power shots! He lands a good one and Chisora is moving around to avoid a follow up! Wilder sees he hurt Chisora and wild punches but Chisora’s chin holds up, and he comes in again.
Good inside fighting from Chisora, but Wilder with a strong left hook. But Chisora keeps coming at him, rough-housing on the inside. He’s got a nice little sway step to sneak in there, but Wilder tags him with a right hand. Chisora eats it well though. And keeps coming and lands a nice right hand up top! This is a Chisora type of fight despite the damage he’s taken already.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Wilder, 19-19 overall.
Round 3
Chisora right on the attack. He knows how he wins this fight, and he’s going to press the issue. Wilder has atrocious footwork. He’s just backing straight up, trying to land his shot, and then clinching. Chisora working when they clinch and this is gonna get dark for Wilder, I think.
Nice body shot from Wilder but Chisora marches through. Wilder lands a pair of nice counters as Chisora marches in and that gets a reaction but Chisora holds up. And keeps the march going, working the body when he gets inside. Wilder might be winning the battles right now, but losing the war. Chops a BIG right hand that gets another reaction from Chisora, but the old war horse is still going and we get a ref break.
OH! Chisora has something wrong! He’s in the corner and there’s something wrong with his eye. But the round is live and Wilder bombs on him. Chisora takes it and then a weird situation. I’m not sure what it happening but the round ends and everyone is mad. You can’t call a timeout, so Chisora shouldn’t be mad? Maybe a thumb to the eye that the ref missed? No clue what that was, but it was weird and we’re continuing on.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Wilder, 29-28 Wilder overall.
Round 4
Something seems wrong with Chisora’s eye still, but he charges forward, bullying Wilder to the corner. Wilder coming a live a bit though, firing big overhands after getting Chisora off the line. Big thuds from the side of Chisora’s head, but he continues. Wilder actually pawing a jab now, doing better to hold him off. But they clinch and Wilder goes down, rules a push.
Chisora marching and leaning on Wilder, putting that 40 pounds to use. And Wilder is backing up so freely. He pings that right hand in though, but Chisora cracks him with a big right hand!!!! Wilder is on shaky legs against the ropes as the crowd roars to life! He moves away and gets his legs under him, but Chisora puts another right hand into him and Wilder is not loving this!!
Chisora all over Wilder in the corner, bombing away, and Wilder is taking it, working to the end. This fight came to life real quick.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Chisora, 38-38 overall.
Round 5
Now we’re gonna get a fight. Both men have landed big shots, both men have survived. Let’s get rugged.
Wilder chops a nice right hand early, but Chisora is all over him. He’s renewed by that last round, and he’s moving Wilder around the ring, bombing with that looping right hand. Wilder doesn’t have the footwork and right now, his power isn’t backing Chisora off. But then Wilder comes forward, and Chisora hits the mat after a strange clinch. No knockdown.
Wilder coming forward would be a huge help to him, but that’s not what he wants. And he eats two big right hands because he’s backing up with his hands low. And Chisora marches on. Big right hand from Chisora. Wilder in the corner chopping back. Both men throwing some UGLY punches in there, but we’re having fun. And Chisora hits the mat again, this time when Wilder pushed him off and Chisora just fell over. Now Wilder is getting a talking to, and that seems unfair.
Chisora keeps coming and more clinch work. This fight has turned into a real mudfight. I’m having a great time.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Chisora, 48-47 Chisora overall.
Round 6
Chisora is in his 40s and has an incredible gas tank. Man to aspire to. But Wilder tags him early with some good right hands. Chisora keeps coming but Wilder lands a really nice left. Chisora will not be deterred, though. Wilder lands a pair of good ones but eats a big body shot. Chisora is pressuring in but Wilder is having more success creating enough space to return shots. If he had combos, that would help. But Chisora keeps smothering him after one or two.
Wilder keeps cracking away though as Chisora rough-houses. He’s chopping away at the body. Eats a right hand, chops some more. That’s the routine we’re seeing. But Wilder is landing much more this round. And a HUGE uppercut from Wilder puts a jolt into Chisora but he eats it. And Wilder lands a combo just after the bell rang, too.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Wilder, 57-57 overall.
Round 7
Chisora’s chin is incredible. But he is cut now, and the corner had to get to work on that over his left eye. But you’re gonna have to drag Chisora out of there. And he keeps marching in. But Wilder is landing counters better now. Not monster shots, but he’s landing.
And then Chisora gets him to the corner and bangs a few into Wilder. This is a give-and-take matchup. And it’s Wilder’s turn as he lands a big right that gets Chisora out of position. But then Chisora goes, backing Wilder to the rope and digging into the body. Round and round we go. Both men gonna feel this one in the morning.
Chisora keeps marching but his output is dropping a big. And Wilder is smiling in there. Chisora moving forward less and Wilder on him.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Wilder jumped forward and Chisora just kinda fell over, taking Wilder with him. That looked like a straight-up pro wrestling move just before the round ended. Frog splash!
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Wilder, 67-66 Wilder overall.
Round 8
The ref gives the boys a talking to before the round starts, likely telling them to get it together.
Chisora is inspired and comes forward aggressively. Wilder landed a decent counter, but Chisora put 3 into the body. Wilder waiting a little too much, and Chisora is working now. More clinching and HUGE RIGHT HAND FROM CHISORA!!!!!!!! OHHOHOHOHOHOHOH HUGE RIGHT FROM WILDER!!!!!!! OH MY GOD!! WHAT IS HAPPENING!
CHISORA WENT OVER THE TOP AND HAD WILDER ON STILTS BUT A BIG RIGHT FROM WILDER GOT CHISORA WHO RAN BACK TO THE ROPES! WILDER ON HIM BUT CHISORA GETS OUT. AND A BIG COMBO FROM WILDER PUTS CHISORA THROUGH THE ROPES!!!!!
CHISORA GEST UP AND BEATS THE COUNT! WILDER IS NOT JUMPING ON HIM THOUGH!!!!! WHAT IS HAPPENING! WILDER NOW COMING IN AND CHISORA GOES THROUGH THE ROPES AGAIN, BUT I DON’T KNOW IF THAT’S A KNOCKDOWN. THAT LOOKED LIKE A PUSH!!!
This is chaos, and Wilder may have told Chisora he loves him before the second attack. This is insane but Chisora has survived.
Except he just ate a MONSTER right hand that backs him up!!!!!!! And Wilder backs him across the ropes and HUGE SHOT FROM CHISORA!!!!!!!
WHAT A FREAKING ROUND!!!!!!!!!
MMA Fighting scores the round 9-8 Wilder, 76-74 Wilder overall.
Round 9
Chisora has recovered it seems ands comes forward, landing a big left hook to start. Wilder wants that right hand, trying to line it up, but Chisora jabbing him back.
Oh wow! Wilder had a point taken off last round. I didn’t realize that. For the shove. That’s even more nuts. I’ll go back and adjust last round’s score.
Wilder’s legs are still under him, which is impressive, but Chisora keeps marching. The pace slowed after that insane 8th round, but we’re still rocking in here. Chisora marching like a zombie, Wilder trying to line up the shot but can’t. Yet. He does land one just before the end though but Chisora continues on.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Chisora, 85-84 Wilder overall.
Round 10
Wilder digs the body early as Chisora looks a bit slow to start this round. Wilder looking sharp in space, but Chisora is not giving him much. But when Chisora slows, Wilder has the chance. And he’s slowed now. Wilder is talking to him, and Wilder is on the advance, looking for his right hand. Chisora either got hurt or he’s playing possum, I’m not sure. But he’s against the ropes with his hands down, and Wilder is starting to line up a big shot.
Chisora talking back and Wilder can’t find the big one, plying the distance with his jab. Then Chisora moves him across the ring and lands body to head nicely. This is very silly fun. Wilder tries to time an uppercut as Chisora keeps marching. And a big right hand for Chisora. Chisora putting the pressure on him and landing big shots here, but Wilder is taking them well.
Man, when Chisora is up against it, that man digs deeps. Miles and miles of heart.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Chisora, 94-94 overall.
Round 11
Chisora on the match yet again. Wilder still looking spry but his offense is slow early. Wilder is staying in space better, moving his feet more. Chisora’s getting real wild in there, and Wilder lands a nice right hand. Chisora will not let up though and chips away inside.
He keeps backing Wilder to the ropes or corner, and jabs then digs the body. Wilder lands a big right but Chisora seems impervious at this point. Flares a right hand up top that lands. Rugged stuff from Chisora, but now he’s backing up. Is he hurt? He is now! Wilder tags him and puts Chisora through the ropes!
Chisora beats the count but I think he got hurt before that, and he’s still a little shell shocked. OHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Wilder got wayyyy too aggressive and ate a right hand as he slipped, Chisora gets a knockdown for his trouble. The place is so loud and Chisora lands one after the bell, that I couldn’t even hear. This is so fun.
MMA Fighting scores the round 9-8 Wilder, 103-102 Wilder overall.
Round 12
I have no clue who is actually winning this fight. And frankly, who cares. Let’s just enjoy this. Last round. Give it all you got, boys.
Chisora’s final round of his career and he’s coming after Wilder, but Wilder is lively and fires a right hand into him. Chisora is clearly tired but refuses to believe he’s tired. Wilder wantss that right hand and he tags him! Chisora wobbling in space, but dives back into him to clinch. And then Chisora with a big right! Body shots from Chisora and Wilder is banging right back.
The crowd is on its feet and they damn well should be. This is a battle. War. And they keep going. Inside, battling. Break. Chanting from the crowd. Chisora punching away and lands a big right hand but Wilder ties up. 1 minute left and Chisora backing up. Wilder cannot pounce though and Chisora is so spent. He’s almost falling over from exhaustion but he’s swinging away.
10 seconds and Chisora runs at him, missing all his punches, into a clinch.
What. A. Freaking. Fight.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 Chisora, 112-112 overall.
The Cardinals are hiring Sean Dixon, who has spent the past four seasons as an assistant on Brad Brownell’s staff at Clemson, a source close to the program confirmed to The Courier Journal. TigerIllustrated.com was first to report the news of Dixon's intraconference move.
Dixon is the second addition to UofL's staff this offseason, following the departures of assistant Thomas Carr and executive director of player personnel and strategic initiatives Brian Kloman. They left for similar positions at Indiana and Auburn, respectively. On Wednesday, Campbell announced head coach John Andrzejek was joining Kelsey's staff as associate head coach.
Dixon, according to his bio on Clemson Athletics' official website, worked "in lockstep" with Brownell and Tigers associated head coach Billy Donlon on the defensive end. He also focused on developing the program's wings.
Clemson went 24-11 in 2025-26, falling to Iowa in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Per KenPom.com, it ranked 24th in adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing 98.1 points per 100 possessions.
The Tigers won the only meeting with Louisville of the season, 80-75 on Feb. 28 at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Prior to joining Brownell at Clemson, Dixon spent four seasons as an assistant under Nick McDevitt at Middle Tennessee State.
Before that, the Marietta, Georgia, native and McDevitt logged five seasons together at UNC Asheville, where he served as the Bulldogs' recruiting coordinator and, per his Clemson bio, "specialized in guard development."
Dixon is a 2007 graduate of Presbyterian College. He totaled 1,106 career points and earned first team All-Big South honors as a junior and senior. He got his start in the coaching ranks on the Blue Hose's staff.
Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
Arsenal treble dream over after ‘very strange’ Southampton defeat
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted it as “very strange” that his team could not deal with Southampton’s directness following their shock exit from the FA Cup.
The Gunners struggled to break down the Championship side at St. Mary’s Stadium after going behind to Ross Stewart’s first-half opener.
Arteta brought Viktor Gyokeres on to amend that, which he did in the 68th minute when he tapped in from close range to equalise.
But it was the Saints who came out on top after Shea Charles finished off a sweeping team move with a tidy finish late on, booking their place in the semi-finals of the cup.
“We have to congratulate Southampton, they are going to Wembley and we are not,” Arteta told BBC Sport after the final whistle.
“The team had some very good moments. We didn’t capitalise on those moments, and the way we conceded the goals is not at the level we have shown.
“That is the reason we have lost the game.”
Arsenal treble dream over after ‘very strange’ Southampton defeat
When asked if Southampton’s direct approach caught Arsenal by surprise, he simply responded with “no”, but struggled to find an explanation for his side’s subpar performance.
“We didn’t manage the long balls well enough, which is something very strange,” he said.
“In the first half, we just let the ball through us and they were one against one.
“The way we concede the second goal was very similar.
“Very difficult to explain. But it is all credit to them.”
Worryingly for the north London outfit, Gabriel Magalhães was replaced by William Saliba in the second half after going down off the ball clutching his knee.
“He couldn’t continue, so we are going to have to assess him and see if he gets better soon,” Arteta explained.
After 11 of his senior players withdrew from national team duty over the international break, Arteta had to field a rotated lineup. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie were left out of the matchday squad due to injury.
“I hope that we can recover some of the players that we are missing. As quick as we do that, the stronger we are going to be.”
MALLORCA, SPAIN - APRIL 04: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Son Moix on April 04, 2026 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Player Ratings: Mallorca 2 – 1 Real Madrid
Andriy Lunin: 6 Made zero saves and conceded twice, though neither goal was really his fault.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5 Registered an assist, but overall he struggled. He was poor on the ball and his passing lacked its usual precision.
Dean Huijsen: 6.5 Showed good verticality in possession and looked composed on the ball.
Antonio Rüdiger: 7 Did an excellent job man-marking Vedat Muriqi for most of the match. On the late winner, Rüdiger was on the opposite side as the game had become stretched and chaotic.
Álvaro Carreras: 5 A poor outing. Perhaps he lacked match fitness, but his decision-making on the ball was shaky and he was not tight enough defensively.
Aurélien Tchouaméni: 7 Very strong long-range distributor, completing nine of his 10 long balls. Also posed a threat on attacking set pieces.
Manuel Ángel: 6 Not quite ready yet. He showed some neat dribbling, but his passing was off.
Arda Güler: 7.5 Real Madrid’s best player on the night. He easily could have had at least one assist. His passing into Mbappé was consistently dangerous, and he turned well under pressure.
Eduardo Camavinga: 3 Aside from one strong sequence — a driving carry followed by a through ball to Mbappé — this was a rough performance. He was lazy and disengaged on Mallorca’s first goal, attempted unnecessary flicks in deep areas, and looked clumsy throughout.
Brahim Díaz: 5 A quiet night. He was not nearly as involved offensively as he had been in recent matches.
Kylian Mbappé: 6 Unlucky not to score. He finished with six shots and three big chances, though those opportunities were tougher than they may have looked. His off-ball movement to get into those positions was intelligent.
Substitutes
Éder Militão: 7.5 An impressive return after a long injury layoff. Scored a brilliant header and looked strong defensively.
Thiago Pitarch: 6 Worked hard, but lacked quality on the ball.
Franco Mastantuono: 4 Very clumsy in possession. His touches looked robotic and heavy.
Jude Bellingham: 6.5 Put in some good challenges in midfield and nearly played Mbappé through on goal with an excellent pass that was intercepted.
Vinícius Jr.: 5.5 Ineffective in one-on-one situations. Mallorca consistently crowded him out with two or three defenders.
Dec 23, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jasper Johnson (2) reacts after making a basket during the first half against the Bellarmine Knights at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Good morning, BBN!
The roster movement is starting to happen for the Kentucky Wildcats, as we saw two more players enter their names into the transfer portal on Friday night. Joining Jaland Lowe are freshman guard Jasper Johnson and center Brandon Garrison.
Let’s first start with Johnson. The Lexington, KY native came into his freshman season with some lofty expectations as one of the prize recruits in Mark Pope’s first full recruiting class. After the injury to Lowe, things changed the course of the season for Johnson. Becoming the secondary ball-handler, Johnson impressed some but mostly struggled as SEC play got rolling. Now, he will be heading to a new program for his sophomore season.
For Garrison, his second season in Lexington also didn’t go as planned. However, that did not stop BG from getting some BG time going once again.
Garrison could go down as one of the beloved players of the Pope era after he joined the team in Year 1 and helped spark the upset win over Duke in the Champions Classic. Add in the great performance against Santa Clara this year in the NCAA Tournament, and it was a fun two seasons of Garrison.
With the portal opening next week, the picture of what positions the staff will be targeting is starting to take shape.
Best of luck to Jasper and Brandon on their next stops!
Nov 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) is congratulated by forward LeBron James (23) and guard Luka Doncic (77) after a three-point basket in the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ late-season surge has come to an abrupt halt.
After going 14-2 in March and looking like one of the NBA’s hottest teams, the Lakers are now facing a dramatically different outlook following injuries to their two leading scorers, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Dončić suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday’s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, leaving the court with a visibly dejected expression. The injury immediately cast uncertainty over a Lakers team that had been building momentum heading into the postseason.
Before Dončić’s injury on April 2, the Lakers were listed at 20/1 odds to win the NBA championship at BetOnline.ag, with 12/1 odds to win the Western Conference. Those numbers quickly shifted following the injury, dropping to 55/1 for the title and 28/1 to win the West.
The outlook worsened even further after news of Reaves’ oblique injury, which is expected to sideline him at the start of the playoffs. With both stars unavailable, the Lakers’ championship odds have now fallen to 150/1, while their Western Conference odds sit at 80/1.
The shift underscores the magnitude of the losses for a team that had found its rhythm behind Dončić’s scoring and playmaking, along with Reaves’ emergence as a reliable secondary option. The duo had helped stabilize the Lakers’ offense and elevate their standing in a competitive Western Conference.
Just weeks ago, Los Angeles appeared to be rounding into form at the perfect time, with Dončić playing at an MVP-caliber level and the team developing strong chemistry alongside LeBron James. Now, the focus shifts to how the Lakers can stay afloat without two of their primary offensive engines.
With the playoffs approaching, the Lakers’ championship aspirations have gone from promising to precarious, as injuries have dramatically reshaped both their roster outlook and their place in the betting market.
Indianapolis — Hours before coaching his team in the Final Four, Michigan coach Dusty May was getting a head start on his scouting for the national championship game.
May sat courtside at Lucas Oil Stadium for the first half of the opening Final Four game between UConn and Illinois. His Michigan team would face the winner if it beats Arizona later Saturday night.
Michigan’s Final Four game against Arizona (36-2) tips off at 8:49 p.m. and will be broadcast on TBS. There is also an alternate broadcast called by the Fab Five that will air on TruTV.
Dusty May here courtside scouting the first half of this game.
In the NCAA Tournament, each team gets seats courtside for other games to scout out the opponents they might face later in the weekend. Most of the time, assistant coaches take those scouting assignments, but May took them himself Saturday with a potential national championship on the line.
Michigan (35-3) won its most recent — and only — national championship in 1989. It has played in the title game four times since in 1992, 1993, 2013 and 2018.
May is coaching in his second Final Four as a head coach, having taken Florida Atlantic in 2023 where it lost 72-71 to San Diego State. In just his second season at Michigan, May has taken Michigan to its ninth Final Four in program history. He is 62-13 and counting at Michigan over two seasons.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 03: Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after hitting a single during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Braves try to make it (gasp!) four in a row, and three in a row against the Diamondbacks, as Bryce Elder and Michael Soroka square off in the desert.
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: A general view of the exterior of Chase field is seen prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Today’s Lineups
BRAVES
DIAMONDBACKS
Ronald Acuna – RF
Ketel Marte – 2B
Drake Baldwin – C
Corbin Carroll – RF
Matt Olson – 1B
Geraldo Perdomo – SS
Austin Riley – 3B
Gabriel Moreno – C
Mike Yastrzemski – LF
Adrian Del Castillo – DH
Ozzie Albies – 2B
Nolan Arenado – 3B
Michael Harris – CF
Jose Fernandez – 1B
Dominic Smith – DH
Alek Thomas – CF
Mauricio Dubon – SS
Jorge Barrosa – LF
Bryce Elder – RHP
Michael Soroka – RHP
A slightly unusual start time for a Saturday, rather than the typical 5:10 pm. That’s because today’s game is a Fox Sports national broadcast, so we must all bow to their commercial demands. More irritatingly, that means that, a mere nine games in, this will be the fourth different subscription-based service you need to have in order to watch the Diamondbacks. In addition to dbacks.tv, we have already had Netflix on Opening Day, and Apple TV last night. I know you’ll need to add Peacock to the list in June. I will not be engaging with this nonsense, and so will be following this game purely on Gameday, if at all.
After Eduardo Rodriguez proved his first start was no fluke, with an even better one last night, we turn to Michael Soroka to see if he can reproduce his sterling debut as a Diamondback. Right now, he has a FIP of -0.22. Yes: that’s a negative figure. It’s possible because FIP just goes off things like K-rate and BB-rate. Soroka fanned ten batters in only five innings last time on the mound, while walking one. The joys of small sample sizes. It’d be nice if he could keep anything in that solar-system up, though right now, I’m more concerned about the offense. The D-backs now have a collective OPS of a mere .648. Carroll is our only active player with 10+ PA and an OPS+ above a hundred.
To this end, things have been shaken up a bit this afternoon. Jose Fernandez replaces the woeful Carlos Santana at first, and Adrian Del Castillo makes his first start as the designated hitter. Santana’s .043 average is the lowest for any D-back through ten games (25 PA or more). The previous worst was Geraldo Perdomo’s 1-for-20 start in 2022, and he at least had the ability to draw seven walks. Santana’s much-praised plate discipline hasn’t really been seen, with just two walks and eight strikeouts. I know Torey doesn’t want to pull the plug hastily, but Santana has been such a black-hole on offense, he could be a literal black-hole on defense and he’d still be of questionable value.
Atletico Madrid’s Robin Le Normand on Gerard Martin red card – ‘If I do the same, no doubt they send me off’
Atletico Madrid defender Robin Le Normand has joined teammate Juan Musso and manager Diego Simeone in claiming that Gerard Martin’s red card should have stood in their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. Following a VAR review, the referee decided to downgrade Martin’s challenge to a yellow card.
Speaking after the game, Simeone declared that there ‘wasn’t much more to say’, and the officials ‘got it wrong’. Le Normand’s complaints followed a similar line, even going a step further. He was asked about Hansi Flick declaring that it was not a red card in his view.
“Of course he’s going to say it’s a red card, but I think it’s very clear for everyone that understands football, that has played the game. If I do it, no doubt they will send me off. I don’t know what happened, I don’t understand it.”
Le Normand frustration with referee
More generally on the performance of the referee, Le Normand felt that he did not help the game as a whole either.
“No, as you saw, today he didn’t speak to anyone, not even the captain. Whenever anyone tried to speak to him, he showed a yellow card. In my view, his officiating raised the tension of the game. Everyone can get it wrong, and he got it wrong.”
In their previous game against Real Madrid, the officiating ‘details’ from an Atletico point of view went against his side too.
“Everyone is watching it [in reference to decisions against Real Madrid], I’m not going to repeat myself, they are big details, that have a big impact.”
Excitement about Barcelona clash
Looking ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against the Blaugrana on Wednesday, Le Normand said his side were excited.
“We always prepare with all the energy we have, but there’s no feeling of revenge, we have to prepare in order to win the game.”
“We are very excited, today we are very disappointed, but we’ll recompose ourselves, the truth is that we had a lot of energy, a lot of good play.”
Barcelona will no doubt go into the tie as favourites, but Le Normand believes Atletico are competing on level footing.
“We’ve shown in the Copa, Liga, that we’re there, with a lot of desire, energy, talent too, and we’re looking forward to Wednesday a lot.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 21: Fans look on from the stands in the ninth inning at Target Field on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Steven Garcia/Getty Images) | Getty Images
SANDY, Utah (AP) — Diego Luna scored his first goal of the season in the fourth minute, 19-year-old Zavier Gozo added a goal and two assists, and Real Salt Lake beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 on Saturday.
Sergi Solans also scored for RSL (3-1-1). The 23-year-old in his first MLS season has three goals in his first four career MLS starts.
Rafael Cabral had two saves for Real Salt Lake.
Dejan Joveljic scored his first goal of the season in the 59th minute that cut Sporting’s deficit to 2-1.
Luna, as he approached the top of the penalty arc, made a quick cut and blasted a low left-foot shot that slipped inside the right post to give Salt Lake a 1-0 lead.
Solans, on the counter-attack, took a pass from Gozo, cut back to evade a defender and rolled a shot from the center of the area inside the left post to make it 2-0 in the 55th minute.
Gozo made it 3-1 in the 82nd. Noel Caliskan played a short pass to the right corner of the penalty area, where Gozo flicked it up in the air and rifled a volley into the net.
John Pulskamp stopped four shots for Sporting (1-3-1).
RSL outshot Sporting 22-5, 7-3 on target.
Solans hit the crossbar with shots from the center of the area in the 22nd and 41st minutes.
Chelsea seek defender from partner club, Inter target Spurs goalkeeper and Liverpool look to add to defensive ranks.
Chelsea are interested in signing Argentine defender Valentin Barco, 21, from sister club Strasbourg. (Talksport)
Inter Milan want Tottenham's Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, 29, as their new number one. (CalcioMercato - in Italian)
Liverpool will seek to add Atalanta's 21-year-old Italian right-back Marco Palestra to their ranks this summer. (CaughtOffside)
Manchester United are one of a number of Premier League clubs tracking Blackburn's Northern Ireland defender Tom Atcheson, 19. (Teamtalk)
Sunderland could make a move for Almeria's 24-year-old attacking midfielder Sergio Arribas if sporting director Florent Ghisolfi follows up a long-standing interest. (Sport Witness)
Arsenal are set to rival Liverpool for the signing of Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon, 25. (Football Transfers)
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre maintained the lead during the storm-interrupted Valero Texas Open's third round Saturday in San Antonio.
MacIntyre was 1 under through six holes, putting him at 15 under for the tournament and holding a two-stroke edge on Sweden's Ludvig Aberg at TPC San Antonio's Oaks Course. Aberg was 3 under for the round through six holes.
No golfers completed the third round, which will resume Sunday morning.
The third round was suspended late Saturday morning because of storms. There were multiple announced restart times, but the weather prevented those from taking place before the decision to not return to the course Saturday.
A pair of Englishmen made the biggest moves before the weather interfered. Matt Wallace was 7 under through 14 holes, moving to 11 under for the tournament. Marco Penge also completed 14 holes, doing so in 6 under to move to a tie for fifth place at 10 under.
Japan's Ryo Hisatune is tied with Wallace in third place after finishing eight holes at 3 under Saturday.
Chris Kirk, Chandler Phillips, Michael Kim and Tony Finau — all only completing holes on the front side — were all at 10 under.
MacIntyre carried a four-shot lead into the weekend.
At 14 through two rounds, MacIntrye held the lowest opening 36-hole total since the tournament moved to TPC San Antonio.
MacIntrye is bidding to become the third consecutive left-hander to win the tournament following Akshay Bhatia in 2024 and Brian Harman in 2025.
Aberg had top-five finishes in his last two PGA Tour outings.
Defending champion Brian Harman shot 3 under through 11 holes Saturday to move to 6 under.
Play also was suspended Friday in the second round. Luke Clanton had to play his final hole Saturday morning before the third round began, and he made the cut. The third round was pushed up a couple of hours in hopes of avoiding weather problems, but those weren't averted.
It didn’t take long for Munetaka Murakami to adjust to his new home park.
The first baseman hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth inning Saturday during a 6-3 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays in front of 18,389 at Rate Field. Colson Montgomery added a solo shot later in the sixth for the Sox, who secured a series win against last year’s American League champions.
“It was always a dream for me to play here and then hit in front of the crowd here at Rate Field,” Murakami said through an interpreter. “To get that one out is really pleasant.”
Murakami has four home runs in eight games after signing a two-year deal with the Sox in the offseason. The home run Saturday was the first at Rate Field for the two-time Nippon Professional Baseball Japanese Central League Most Valuable Player.
“He’s built for this,” manager Will Venable said. “He’s been everything that we imagined as far as his impact in the clubhouse, who he is as a person, his play on the field defensively as well as the power and plate discipline. Really good stuff from Mune.”
“Both those guys (Murakami and Montgomery) can change the game with one swing, we saw it today,” Venable said. “To have that in your lineup is huge. We want to be able to have slug in there. We want to be able to pressure the defense with Tristan Peters and (Derek) Hill and talking about the bunts we’ve talked about since spring training.
“You’ve got to find different ways to score runs on different nights. Today we were able to do that.”
The Blue Jays started the power display with a two-run home run from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the the top of the sixth for a 2-1 lead. That was the only mistake made by Sox pitcher Anthony Kay, who allowed two runs on three hits with two walks and no strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings following opener Grant Taylor’s perfect one inning of work.
“Overall it was pretty good,” Kay said of his outing. “They’re a very contact-oriented team, so I wanted to let them put the ball in play and let the defense make some plays.
“Those guys behind me made some good plays. Overall, pretty solid. Obviously, the pitch to Vladdy — wasn’t even a terrible pitch, just a good piece of hitting by him. That’s what he does.”
Miguel Vargas began the bottom of the sixth with a double against Blue Jays reliever Brendon Little. Murakami followed with the 431-foot home run on a 1-1 sinker in the lefty-lefty battle, putting the Sox ahead 3-2.
“That (top of the) inning, they got to us,” Murakami said. “So definitely I wanted to get a run in. I wanted to move the runner forward and not too much. It was the best result coming off the bat.
“I was really glad we were able to push that lead.”
Montgomery came up with one out and lined a 3-1 sinker just over the right-field wall, extending the Sox lead to 4-2. It was Montgomery’s second home run of the season.
“It goes back to our preparation during the game,” Montgomery said. “We’re trying to get different looks in the cage before we go out and hit against their lefties who are really pretty good. It goes back to the coaches’ game plans with us.
“Me and Mune probably had very similar plans, we were just trying to see him up and over the plate and try to put our best swing on it, and we were both able to put good swings on the ball.”
The Blue Jays scored a run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly to right by Nathan Lukes. Tyler Heineman attempted to advance from second on the play, but right fielder Peters made a strong throw to the cutoff man Murakami, who fired to third in time to get Heineman for the final out of the inning.
“I was seeing the second-base runner so at that moment I was going to throw it to third,” Murakami said. “I made a good play out of it, so I’m really happy I made that.”
Heineman made a defensive mistake in the eighth, leading to two insurance runs for the Sox. Vargas got caught in a rundown between home and third, and the catcher Heineman threw the ball wildly into left field. Vargas and Austin Hays scored on the sequence, making it 6-3, and the Sox (3-5) were on their way to their second straight home victory.
“It’s a really fun crowd,” Murakami said. “They are really, really loud. They are cheering us on. I’m happy to play in front of them.”
KANSAS CITY – The Milwaukee Brewers have switched up their pitching plan a bit as they try for a split doubleheader sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night, April 4 at Kauffman Stadium.
Right-hander Logan Henderson, on hand for Game 2 as the Brewers' 27th man, now starts with right-hander Brandon Sproat scheduled to follow. Sproat struggled mightily in his Milwaukee debut last weekend.
"We've got to be careful of his pitch count," manager Pat Murphy said of Henderson, who will be making his 2026 debut after having battled arm issues since late season. "When you get that 27th man, you've got to use him. Logan's been used to starting.
"This might give Brandon a little reprieve; he can watch and know (he'll pitch) in a clean inning."
The Brewers beat the Royals, 5-2, in Game 1 thanks to a five-RBI game by Garrett Mitchell.
What time are the Brewers games today?
Time: 1:10 p.m. and 6:10 p.m.
What channel are the Brewers games on today?
TV channel: Brewers.TV.
Brewers 2026 record
6-1 entering Saturday night.
Brewers second game lineup
Brice Turang 2B
Garrett Mitchell CF
Christian Yelich DH
Jake Bauers 1B
Gary Sánchez C
Sal Frelick RF
David Hamilton 3B
Blake Perkins LF
Joey Ortiz SS
Royals lineup
Maikel Garcia 3B
Bobby Witt Jr. SS
Vinnie Pasquantino 1B
Salvador Perez DH
Jac Caglianone RF
Jonathan India 2B
Carter Jensen C
Isaac Collins LF
Kyle Isbel CF
Brewers schedule
Brewers at Royals, April 5, 1:10 p.m.: Milwaukee LHP Kyle Harrison (0-0, 1.80) vs. Kansas City LHP Kris Bubic (1-0, 1.50). TV – Brewers.TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.
Brewers at Red Sox, April 6, 5:45 p.m.: Milwaukee RHP Brandon Woodruff (1-0, 3.60) vs. Boston TBA. TV – Brewers.TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.
Brewers at Red Sox, April 7, 5:45 p.m.: Milwaukee RHP Jacob Misiorowski (1-0, 2.45) vs. Boston TBA. TV – Brewers.TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.
Brewers at Red Sox, April 8, 12:35 p.m.: Milwaukee RHP Chad Patrick (1-0, 0.96) vs. Boston TBA. TV – Brewers.TV. Radio – AM-620 WTMJ.
Tresean Gore pulled off the biggest win of his career against Azamat Bekoev at UFC Fight Night 272, and did so after overcome adversity.
Gore (6-4 MMA, 3-4 UFC) was rocked and on the verge of being stopped in the second round of the middleweight bout vs. Bekoev (20-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC) at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, but that moment only appeared to awaken the beast.
The significant betting underdog Gore started hurting a tiring Bekoev with strikes on the feet in the final frame before latching onto a guillotine choke and putting his opponent to sleep at the 3:27 mark of Round 3.
Check out the replay of the slick submission below (via X):
After the win, an elated Gore spoke about the pride he had for pulling off the unlikely result, according to the odds.
"Look what discipline gets you," Gore said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "This is just the beginning. I'm going to show what I can do. Keep doubting. I have title aspirations, but I've got to take my time."
If that was the floor, things on the south side will get ugly quickly.
The good news is the first two games of the homestand have provided a glimpse into what the Sox’ ceiling might be. Against the defending American League champion Blue Jays, they won their home opener on a walk-off on Friday and then secured a series win with a solid offensive performance and strong pitching on Saturday.
On paper at least, the White Sox should be taking a notable forward this season. They have what should be a much stronger offense than the past two seasons and a pitching staff that’s in better shape too. The difference between how the team looked on the road to open the 2026 campaign and how they’ve looked the first two games in Chicago might come down to simply getting through the nerves of the first few games of the season.
“Credit to being back home,” Colson Montgomery said of the team’s play the past two days. “Being here, we’re all very familiar. We all feel like we play the best at home. We’re most comfortable at home playing in front of these fans. It’s easy for them to hype us up.
“Progressively each game everyone’s been getting better. Settling down, realizing that this is a marathon and you’re not going to swing your way out of slumps or whatever with what swing or one at bat, so you just gotta trust the process, and I feel like we’re doing that.”
Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Montgomery provided a valuable insurance run in the sixth inning with a solo homer to right field after Munetaka Murakami put the White Sox ahead with a two-run blast to center field. Both left-handed batters went up against a tough lefty reliever in Brendon Little and gave the south side fans a boost after Vlad Guerrero, Jr. hit a go-ahead two-run shot in the top half of the inning.
“That last inning, they got to us. So definitely I wanted to get a run in,” Murakami said via team interpreter Kenzo Yagi. “It was more less I wanted to move the runner forward and not too much of it. It was the best result coming off the bat. I was really glad we were able to push that lead.”
Before this homestand, Murakami was the only member of the lineup who looked ready for the season. He homered in his first three games and had at least a base hit in his first five games.
For their part, the pitching staff that looked so rough in the first six games has also settled in at home. On Friday, they limited the Blue Jays to three runs through the first nine innings, and on Saturday, White Sox pitchers held all but Guerrero, Jr. in check.
For the second game in a row, manager Will Venable used Grant Taylor as his opener, a move that’s worked like a charm both times. On Saturday, it took Taylor less than three minutes to retire George Springer, Davis Schneider, and Guerrero, Jr. From there, Venable used five different arms — including Anthony Kay for 4 1/3 innings — to put together a collective quality start.
It’s too early to gauge which version of the White Sox is the real one, and the better thought is that they are something in between the struggles of the first six games on the road and the successes of the first two at Rate Field. Every baseball season contains ebbs and flows that show a team at their best and at their worst, but White Sox fans are understandably itching just a little to see if this year’s group can at least get them closer to 81 wins, a mark they haven’t reached since 2022.
For what it’s worth, pitcher Erick Fedde was with the White Sox through the first half of 2024, when things were at their worst for this organization, and he senses a difference in the team this April compared to what he experienced two years ago.
“When I came into camp, there was a lot of hope, a lot of optimism,” Fedde told CHGO. “Some of the first things guys [told me] was ‘Oh, you’re going to love it here right now. Things are going really well; we like the way things are run.’
“So I think it’s just a lot of people in a good head space and a good place to be.”
Even through the mire of the first six games, Fedde said he and his White Sox teammates maintained an attitude of not jumping to conclusions and settling in to get back to .500 and then go from there.
“As a team, we have a goal of making sure we’re playing important games in July, August, and September. So you start battling now to make sure we get important games then.”
An April series win against the Blue Jays is a good place to start. Maybe the first six games could be chalked up to season-opening jitters. Starting off in Milwaukee against a team that made it to the National League Championship series and is hoping to win their division for the fifth straight year isn’t an easy way to begin a season. There’s a long way to go before we can know if the White Sox of 2026 are going to be significantly better than the previous years, but their first two games back in Chicago were a promising sign.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 04: Tresean Gore reacts after a submission victory against Azamat Bekoev of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on April 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Tresean Gore may have saved his UFC roster spot earlier tonight (Sat., April 4, 2026) at UFC Vegas 115 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, as the former Ultimate Fighter standout turned in an upset submission victory over former LFA middleweight champion Azamat Bekoev with a third-round guillotine choke.
This fight was a solid back-and-forth affair. Bekoev looked better in the early going — including a knockdown that nearly led to a finish along the cage — but Gore came back in the second half of the fight and did a lot of damage with whipping leg kicks. Bekoev kept trying to get inside to throw sharp elbows and test Gore’s questionable chin, but he was barely able to walk.
Gore took full advantage of Bekoev’s immobility and was in complete control of the fight in the third round. Bekoev launched some desperate takedown attempts, but Gore was there to sprawl and ended up locking up a tight guillotine choke along the cage. Bekoev tried to fight the hands, but Gore ended up putting him to sleep for the upset stoppage.
Auburn head football coach Alex Golesh is already understanding the importance of the twelfth game of the season. During spring practice, Auburn has had a period labeled "Iron Bowl". Auburn has not won in college football's best rivalry since 2019, when they won 48-45. During the period, Auburn is playing Dixieland Delight over the loudspeakers during contact drills.
On Friday, Golesh was asked about the period during his press conference recapping Thursday night's scrimmage under the lights at Jordan Hare Stadium.
"It ain't important unless you make it important", Golesh said. "If I've gotten any message from the Auburn family, it's the fact that that game is really, really important. Well, if it's important to them, then it's certainly important to me."
While the Iron Bowl is very important to everyone involved, how the team plays in the 11 games before will dictate how that game goes in late November. It is refreshing to see Golesh not give the topic the typical coach speak. Most other coaches would say it is as important as any other game, and the next game is the most important. Not this coach, though. He understands that winning against Alabama is very important to a lot of people on the Plains.
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Phillip on Twitter@PJordanSports
The Las Vegas Raiders' biggest priority this offseason has to be putting the right pieces around Fernando Mendoza. After signing Kirk Cousins on Thursday, the Raiders now have a veteran quarterback he can learn from who has been around this league for a very long time.
Mendoza, however, needs some better wide receivers to throw the football to, and in a recent trade proposal from Ryan Shea of SI, he'd get just that.
His trade would send a third-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Jerry Jeudy.
“The Cleveland Browns would make this trade to turn a talented but expensive receiver into valuable draft capital that can help address multiple roster needs.
"With Jeudy potentially commanding a significant contract and the Browns looking to balance the roster, a 2026 third-round pick gives them flexibility to invest in areas such as the offensive line, secondary, or defensive front.”
Jeudy is a good player and has proven at times that he can be someone a team like the Raiders is looking for.
The question about him continues to be centered around consistency, though it's also tough to blame him for some of the struggles we've seen him have due to the Browns' offense being that bad.
However, if Mendoza wants to be as good as he can be, the Raiders need to help him out, and adding Jeudy would at least be a step in the right direction.
But Arteta has backed his players to respond immediately, with a Champions League quarter-final first leg against Sporting CP up next.
“I love my players,” Arteta said after the defeat.
“What they’ve done for nine months, what am I going to do, criticise them now because they lost a game here? In the manner that they tried and the way they are putting their bodies through everything? Some of them probably didn’t have to be here today.
“I’m not going to do that. I’m going to defend them more than ever. If someone has to take responsibility, that’s me, and we have the most beautiful period of the season ahead of us.
“In a season, you always have (difficult) moments. Normally two or three. This is the first moment that we have had with a certain level of difficulty.
“We say difficulty, but we’re going to play the Champions League quarter finals and the run in for the league. If this is a difficult period, I believe there are many other ones that are much more difficult.
“So stand up, make yourself accountable, and deliver like we have been doing all season.”
In a further blow for Arsenal, defender Gabriel was forced off injured during the game and Arteta says he will be assessed to determine how serious the issue is.
“I don’t know, he felt something, I don’t know exactly what it is,” he said.
“We’re going to have to assess him but obviously when a player is asking to be substituted, it’s never good news.”
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Diego Simeone on Gerard Martin red card decision: ‘There’s not a lot to say, they got it wrong’
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has told the media that the referee’s decision not to send off Gerard Martin during their 2-1 defeat against Barcelona was incorrect. Los Rojiblancos put in a stirring performance down to ten men, but eventually fell short due to a late Robert Lewandowski goal.
The flashpoint issue of the encounter was the rescinded red card for Gerard Martin following a VAR review. Simeone was convinced the Blaugrana defender should have been dismissed.
“They told me, and I saw the Betis-Rayo, and the CTA said it was a sending off. There’s not a lot to say, he gets there late, he steps on his full ankle. We’ll see if the CTA go back it. The thing is clear.”
“They haven’t been detrimental to me. They got it wrong. Just as managers do, players do. Did you see it or not [the Betis-Rayo]? Did you see it or not? Well it’s clear.”
Asked what he was discussing with the referee at half-time, Simeone revealed it was related to the decision to upgrade Nicolas Gonzalez’s second yellow to a red card.
“I said, what I said. I told the referee it was yellow, yellow, red. He said it was red, red.”
‘Losing isn’t positive, but the performance was good’
Despite falling to defeat, Atletico were impressive in the first half, putting Barcelona on the ropes for a period. In the second, they nearly held out for a point.
“We can speak about the two halves. The first half, we played very well. We created a lot of play, we ran very well. And then we found ourselves with the red that was a red. There are red cards that are red cards, and that was it. In the second half we had to defend, wecouldn’t attack as we would have liked. They got the goal, on a rebound.”
Asked if there was positivity over their performance despite the loss, Simeone was careful not to go over the top in his praise of the side.
“Losing isn’t positive. It’s true the work of the guys was very good. The first half was very, very good. The effort in the second half was enormous. The two debutants came on, and did very well considering the moment they came on in. Focusing on those positive things is useful, but losing isn’t positive.”
Debuts and Champions League first leg
Simeone was also asked about the impact of Raphinha’s absence for the Champions League quarter-final, a player he has praised in the past.
“I’m not thinking about Raphinha, I’m thinking about the quarter-final, at their ground, thinking about the responsibility that the game brings. We have to play better than we did during the Copa del Rey semi-final there, where we couldn’t attack, we couldn’t generate play, we couldn’t do anything.”
With a number of Atletico players being rested, Simeone sent on academy products Taufik Seidu and Javi Morcillo for their debuts in the second half.
“It was a good moment for them to debut, they brought the necessary energy. And Lookman and the others rested, which was good.”
Los Colchoneros travel to Camp Nou on Wednesday night to face Barcelona in the first leg of their quarter-final. The return takes place the following week on the Tuesday at the Metropolitano.
“We limited Arsenal” Ross Stewart proud to knock Arsenal out of FA Cup
Ross Stewart, one of Southampton’s goalscorers in their victory over Arsenal, has expressed his pride in the team’s tactical execution against the Gunners.
Southampton entered the match in strong form, yet the majority of observers still expected Arsenal to secure victory and progress in the FA Cup. The Gunners have performed consistently well across competitions this season, and few anticipated that they would fail to win this fixture.
There had even been discussions about Arsenal completing a treble, with the FA Cup forming part of that ambition, making Southampton’s success appear unlikely before kick-off. However, as the match unfolded, it became evident that Southampton were well prepared and determined to challenge their opponents.
Tactical Discipline Pays Off
From the outset, Southampton demonstrated organisation and intent, making it clear that Arsenal would not find the game straightforward. Their disciplined approach limited Arsenal’s attacking effectiveness and forced them into less dangerous positions.
The Saints ultimately secured a 2-1 victory, executing their strategy effectively over the course of the match. Stewart highlighted the importance of their preparation and tactical awareness, as quoted by Sky Sports:
“Incredible night. Celebrations are mad. Unbelievable night for the club. We believed we could do it, and it was a great result.
“I give credit to the manager. Tactically, he’s been incredible since he came in.
“We limited Arsenal to shots from long range.”
A Statement Performance
Stewart’s comments underline the collective belief within the squad and the impact of the manager’s tactical approach. Southampton’s ability to restrict Arsenal to efforts from distance reflects a well-organised defensive structure and a clear understanding of their game plan.
Although the result is not what Arsenal supporters had hoped for, Southampton delivered an impressive performance and executed their tactics with precision. Their victory serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and discipline, particularly when facing high-quality opposition, and represents a significant achievement for the club in the competition.
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A Minnesota Vikings special teams unit lines up at the line of scrimmage as long snapper Andrew DePaola (42) delivers the snap, initiating the play with precision and timing Aug 14, 2022, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, during a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with execution key to the sequence. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Last week, we brought you the youngest players on the Minnesota Vikings’ 2026 roster; now it’s time for the inverse — the oldest players on the depth chart.
Minnesota’s 2026 roster still leans on several proven veterans at key spots.
The Vikings, in fact, have one of the NFL’s oldest rosters entering 2026, so they’ll need to nail the draft for a long-term fix if the goal is to get younger.
Veteran Presence Still Shapes the Vikings’ 2026 Depth Chart
From bottom to top, these are Minnesota’s elderly players in NFL-speak (No. 1 = oldest player)
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. reacts after reaching the end zone, showing emotion following a scoring play Sep 8, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Jones provided a spark for Minnesota’s offense, delivering key production on the road against a division rival in a tightly contested NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Jones played 12 games last season, battling injuries that have plagued him since his time in Green Bay (2017-2023). Despite the setbacks, he still managed a respectable 747 scrimmage yards and 3 touchdowns in 2025.
The previous year, his first in Minneapolis, Jones totaled 1,546 scrimmage yards and 7 touchdowns, exactly matching Justin Jefferson’s yards-from-scrimmage output.
As he approaches his 32nd birthday in December, Jones will aim for a full, healthy season.
4. Eric Wilson, ILB | Age: 31 Birthdate: September 26, 1994
Wilson, who joined the team last offseason as a depth player, emerged as a key defensive component by the end of 2025.
Initially envisioned for a rotational role, backing up Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. while contributing on special teams, Wilson quickly exceeded expectations. By early October, he had secured a starting position and was performing at a Pro Bowl level.
His statistics reflected his impact, as Wilson consistently disrupted plays. He led all linebackers in sacks and pressures by an off-ball linebacker and ranked near the top in forced fumbles. Flores’s defensive scheme values intelligence and disruption, and Wilson reliably delivered both.
At 31, Wilson achieved career highs, recording 115 tackles, 17 for loss, 10 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Just a year prior, he was considered a depth player and special teams contributor in Green Bay.
Minnesota had ample reason to re-sign him. From September through January, Wilson consistently delivered high-impact football, becoming one of the defense’s most dependable players. With Flores remaining as defensive coordinator, retaining Wilson was a logical decision.
Re-signing him this offseason became an obvious offseason priority, which the Vikings executed. Now, Wilson’s career might begin and end in Minnesota, nine years after the team initially drafted him.
The Vikings fired up a 2-3 record on Wentz’s watch last year, a man signed late in the 2025 offseason to be a grown-up in the kids’ room, also known as Minnesota’s quarterback corps.
He played through a torn labrum for a few weeks in 2025, embodying toughness and winning fans’ hearts along the way.
Even with Kyler Murray on tap as the QB1 next season, in addition to J.J. McCarthy still in the mix at 23 years old, Wentz is back to serve as the dependable QB3 if injuries go nuts again — like last year.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz throws passes during pregame warmups, preparing for action ahead of kickoff Oct 19, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Wentz went through routine drills while getting acclimated before facing his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, in a highly anticipated matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell explained this week why his team re-upped with Wentz as the QB3, “I just think it’s about depth. It’s about the fact that, without too much of a rearview-mirror-looking backward, you see where the final standings were; where we were at 9-8 and ultimately maybe the one or two or three plays or sequences of games where you find your way into the dance.”
“That’s really all you ever want at the beginning of every year is to punch your ticket to compete in that one game to continue moving on. We’ve played three guys in one year. We’ve played four in another.”
2. Johnny Hekker, P | Age: 36 Birthdate: February 8, 1990
From 2013 to 2017, Hekker built an impressive resume, earning Pro Bowl appearances and First-Team All-Pro honors each season. He also received Second-Team All-Pro selections in 2014 and 2018.
Last season, however, was a departure from this standard. Hekker ranked 24th in net yards per punt and 17th in punts inside the 20, with seven touchbacks, placing him in the average-to-below range for 2022. The Vikings will be looking for him to rebound this year.
Hekker’s selection to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s demonstrates the high level he has achieved in the past. With the Vikings, he’s now an elder statesman. Minnesota signed Hekker last month when Ryan Wright unexpectedly found a fat bag of cash dangling from the New Orleans Saints.
1. Andrew DePaola, LS | Age 38 Birthdate: July 28, 1987
At 38, Andrew DePaola remains the NFL’s premier long snapper. Earning Pro Bowl selections from 2022 to 2024 and four consecutive All-Pro honors, he has solidified his top ranking.
Minnesota Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola participates in practice drills, staying sharp with fundamentals ahead of the Pro Bowl festivities Feb 4, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. DePaola represented the NFC unit while continuing to reinforce his reputation as one of the league’s most consistent specialists. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
While long snappers don’t accumulate statistics, Pro Football Focus consistently ranks DePaola among the league’s best.
Within NFL special teams circles, his reputation is unmatched; he’s considered the gold standard, far surpassing his peers. As he enters 2026, DePaola is poised to be the Vikings’ oldest player, a distinction he will likely hold by Week 1 unless Minnesota signs a really old free agent.
Apr 3, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) singles during the eighth inning against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
As far as regular-season games go, this one is as big as it’s gotten so far for Ryan Weathers, personally. The newest member of the Yankee rotation will pitch for the first time in front of his new home crowd and will do so against none other than his former team, the Miami Marlins. This is not your traditional successful big leaguer who inevitably gets moved to a contender, as he doesn’t fit the timeline of his current team. Sure, the Marlins got younger by flipping Weathers to the Yankees, but they also had plenty of time to develop him into a more established starter and then trade him for a better package. He’ll face his former teammates with something to prove, looking to justify the trust the contending Yankees placed in him.
If all of that wasn’t enough, Weathers faces the pressure of maintaining this outstanding run of form that Yankee starters have showcased to begin the year. Through the first seven games of the year, Yankee starters have an ERA below 1.00—Cam Schlittler is validating all the exciting takes he generated after his first year, Max Fried is being his usual outstanding self, and Will Warren has delivered two productive starts. Out of these four, Weathers was the most unpredictable commodity, and if he can hold his own, this rotation will be in a terrific spot, only getting better as the season goes on and more veteran reinforcements arrive
A bit of interesting information about this game and one that ties into last night’s performance: Historically, Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t fared particularly well against his former team, in what’s obviously not that large of a sample size. Stanton has a .391 SLG in 79 PA against the Fish. Amidst the offensive outburst of an 8-2 win on Friday, Stanton was the only Yankee hitter not to reach base safely.
Hansi Flick: ‘I don’t know why Lamine Yamal was annoyed, he’ll be happier on Wednesday’
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has stated that he was happy with his side’s win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday night that moved them seven points clear at the top of the La Liga table, following Real Madrid’s defeat earlier in the day. However he noted that his players did not celebrate the victory too much in the dressing room.
Flick seemed generally content with his side’s showing, despite their struggles to break down Atletico with a man less in the second half.
“We played against 10 men, we tried everything to score the goal. We played against a team with one less player and they defended very well, but we tried everything until we scored the goal. The three points, very valuable. It’s not easy to play here, against a great team, because of the very intense atmosphere.”
“Today we showed how we want to defend, but also how we want to attack. We controlled the game. For this, I think it’s important also good rest defending. Gerard and Pau did a good job, from one side to the other.”
In terms of the gap it opens up between Barcelona and Real Madrid, seven points, he was reluctant to make any sweeping statements on the fate of La Liga.
“The team are happy, everyone knows that it was big points today. But it’s not done. Now Wednesday is the next game, very important game. They are happy, but we don’t celebrate too much.”
“I don’t take care about [the Real Madrid result], I only care about my team. After the international break, the players were away with the national teams. it’s not easy, for us, for Atletico, for Real Madrid, but it’s our business and we have to adapt to it.”
Gerard Martin’s red card reversal
Perhaps the most controversial point in the match was the red card that was handed out to Gerard Martin, but after a VAR review, was downgraded to a yellow card.
“For me it was clear, he wanted to clear the ball, and I think it’s not a foul. But at the end, the VAR acted, and it was good for us. For me, it was not a red card.”
Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford futures
It was also put to Flick that Lewandowski’s goal could be worth a title. The German manager was asked if it might earn him a contract renewal.
“This is looking a little too far. I’m happy with Robert, I’m happy with the players. For me, it is not done, we have eight games to go.”
Similarly, Marcus Rashford came up with an important goal.
“This is the same as Robert, that is for the end of the season. Today he showed his ability one-on-one, and he did good. I’m happy with Marcus, he has to keep showing his ability.”
Lamine Yamal frustration
Despite the dramatic fashion of the win, Lamine Yamal was also seen exiting the pitch frustrated. The cause escaped Flick, but he was pleased with his star forward.
“I don’t know exactly what happened. There was a lot of emotion. Lamine tried everything to score the goal, not everything was perfect, but he was always trying, always available. We have three days to prepare the next match, and he will be in a better mood than today.”
Flick on Bernal and Araujo injuries
Asked about injuries to Ronald Araujo and Marc Bernal, who were both taken off, Flick seemed to imply there was a chance they could feature on Wednesday.
“At the end Ronald is out. Bernal he had problems with the ankle. We have to do our job. Every game is to win, it’s not easy. We need that hunger and that focus.”
“We know that the Champions League is different, every player has an extra 5-10% to give, we all want to be at the semi-finals. We have three days more to prepare, to rest a bit, home game for us. These are the games why we are doing this job,”
Barcelona face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Camp Nou. The return leg a week later on Tuesday at the Metropolitano.
Alvaro Arbeloa takes blame for Real Madrid loss against Mallorca, assesses La Liga chances after slip-up
Real Madrid fell to a disappointing defeat against Mallorca on Saturday, with the home side emerging as 2-1 winners at Son Moix. It is a result that has seen them lose ground in the La Liga title race, with Barcelona now seven points clear after they took advantage to win at Atletico Madrid.
As per Diario AS, head coach Alvaro Arbeloa spoke on the possibility of winning La Liga after the defeat. He recognised the task ahead of him, but all he wants is for his side to do their part in the remaining matches.
“It’s more difficult (to win La Liga) than before the game started. We have eight games left and, as I told the players, no matter how the league is, our next objective is to win the remaining eight. And to do that we have to play better than today and perform at a much higher level. It’s all more difficult, but our objective has to be the same.”
Arbeloa: This defeat is mine, all and absolutely mine
Arbeloa took responsibility for the defeat, as he urged his players to start thinking about Tuesday’s showdown clash against Bayern Munich.
“This defeat is mine, all and absolutely mine. What I need from them is that they are already thinking about Tuesday’s game. When they leave the dressing room this game is already over for them. I’m the one who makes the decisions, the one who makes the line-up, the one who makes the changes, the one who chooses how we have to play and this defeat is absolutely mine. I need my players to believe in winning Tuesday’s game, in that important match we have in the Champions League, a competition that is very important for us. So when they leave the dressing room, they only have to think about Bayern.”
Arbeloa calls for calm with Bellingham
Arbeloa also made it clear that he expects Jude Bellingham to continue gaining prominence and match sharpness over the coming weeks, after an less-than-convincing cameo off the bench at Son Moix.
“Well, it’s normal (that Bellingham lacks rhythm), it’s just that he’s been away for many weeks. During the match against Atlético he played 20 minutes. Today it was a little more than half an hour and the idea is that I can continue to get into the rhythm of competition. He cannot be at his maximum level without hardly playing games. We have to be patient with him, of course.”
Bizarreness in the UFC cage is nothing new, but the latest iteration of wackiness stirred up all sorts of controversy Saturday on the UFC Fight Night 272 prelims.
During a flyweight prelim at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Dione Barbosa wound up and booted a downed Melissa Gatto in the upper chest/neck area early in Round 2. The principle point of contract was a bit unclear, but referee Chris Tognoni immediately called timeout as Gatto (9-3-2 MMA, 3-3 UFC) flopped backward to the canvas and laid flat.
There was discussion amongst Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) officials, as Gatto tried to regain herself, up against the five-minute recovery clock. Ultimately, it was decided a point deduction was proper. Barbosa (9-4 MMA, 3-2 UFC) went on to win a majority decision (28-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Dione Barbosa lands a SUPER illegal soccer kick and has a point deducted and STILL WINS the fight 😳
The decision-making to let the fight continue was highly debated on social media with many users thinking the bout should not have continued, as Gatto presented as if she was knocked out. Others said the kick landed in the chest.
Gatto was not immediately available for comment, as a member of her team told MMA Junkie she was transported to a local hospital for a CT scan and further evaluation.
For Barbosa, the win bounced her back from an August loss to Karine Silva. For Gatto, she falls to 1-3 in her most recent four.
Andrew Luck's retirement from the Indianapolis Colts remains one of the most shocking sports stories in recent memory.
In the last week, there've been some new discussions about what really happened when Luck decided to leave the NFL while in the middle of his prime.
Former NFL tight end Eric Ebron essentially suggested that the Colts forced Luck to retire.
“Andrew then decides that he’s so tired of—he don't tell nobody this, this is the backstory—he's so tired of injury, and he doesn’t wanna do his surgery," Ebron said on his On My Soul podcast. You know who the man is around there that gets on everybody’s nerves. Big drawers over there behind that desk [Chris Ballard]. He tells Andrew, ‘You’re either playing this year, or we’re moving on.' Who the f--- would tell Andrew Luck that? Andrew Luck now says, ‘I’m not gonna be ready. I’m tired of playing with pain. I retire.'”
"Chris and I had a wonderful partnership, especially through my decision to retire, and we remain close. Any notion of internal pressures that influenced my decision are without merit."
Clearly, Luck has no reason to lean into any negative narratives right now, so there are no guarantees that that's the full story.
At the same time, Ebron has also admitted that he isn't a fan of Ballard, so he may not be the perfect source here, either.
It's a fascinating saga, but it's clear that Luck isn't coming back. Besides that, nothing really matters all that much.
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van is out of next week’s UFC 327 card in Miami due to undisclosed reasons, multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed to MMA Fighting.
It’s unclear if Taira will face a different opponent that night or if the title bout will move to a later date. The UFC has considered options over the past few days, sources said.
UFC 327 takes place at the Kaseya Center on April 11 and features Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg for the vacant light heavyweight championship in the main event.
Van (16-2) won the 125-pound title in December when Alexandre Pantoja suffered an arm injury seconds into their UFC 323 bout. With Pantoja sidelined, the UFC opted to book Van against rising contender Taira instead for April 11.
Taira (18-1) inserted himself in the title picture with a second-round knockout victory over ex-champion Brandon Moreno on the same night Van claimed the belt. That was his eighth victory in nine octagon appearances, six of those by stoppage.
The Chicago Bears have had an interesting offseason and are looking to improve upon what was a very successful first campaign for Ben Johnson.
Among the options that make sense for the Bears to pursue is New York Jets running back Breece Hall. Hall is reportedly available for the right price, though it remains uncertain if the Jets actually want to trade him. After not moving him at the deadline a year ago, New York has some interesting decisions to make, to say the least.
In a recent proposal, it feels like a deal that would be too good to pass up for Chicago. Sports Illustrated's Ryan Shea proposed a deal that would send Hall to the Bears for a third-round pick and D'Andre Swift.
“The Chicago Bears would make this move to land a true offensive centerpiece in Breece Hall—something their offense has been missing. Hall isn’t just a solid starter; he’s a home-run threat who can flip games with one touch, whether as a runner or receiver.
"In a system led by Ben Johnson, that versatility becomes even more valuable. Johnson’s offenses are built on creativity, spacing, and getting playmakers into favorable matchups. Hall would likely see more designed touches in space, screens, and mismatch opportunities, which not only boosts real production but also raises his fantasy ceiling.”
In the right system, Hall is the kind of player who can really be a star in this league. He proved that in the earlier stages of his time with the Jets, but he's also been on one of the worst offensive teams in the league over the past few seasons. With Johnson as his head coach, I'd expect that to change.
The No. 2 UConn Huskies and No. 3 Illinois Fighting Illini will begin Saturday's slate of Final Four games from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
Dan Hurley and his Huskies are looking to return to the program's third national championship game in the last four seasons, following their back-to-back 2023 and 2024 championship wins. Their path to the Final Four was impressive, with wins over No. 1 Duke and No. 3 Michigan State. Senior center Tarris Reed Jr. will vie to continue his strong 2026 NCAA Tournament performance history after averaging 21.7 points and 13. 5 rebounds through the team's first four games, including a 31-point, 27-rebound double-double in the opening round against Furman.
After defeating No. 9 Iowa in the Elite Eight and ending the Hawkeyes' March Madness run, the Fighting Illini are back in the Final Four for the first time since 2005. Star freshman guard Keaton Wagler will look to continue his good form in this year's tournament, after averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and a steal in Illinois' first four games. Along with Wagler, the Fighting Illini are also equipped with their "Balkan Five" of European talent: Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, David Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic, and Mihailo Petrovic.
The winner of this game will take on the victor of No. 1 Arizona and No. 1 Michigan on Monday at the home field of the Indianapolis Colts.
Here's a look at the complete box scores for both UConn and Illinois from Saturday's Final Four matchup.
PARIS, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 28: Renato Moicano of Brazil prepares to face Benoit Saint Denis of France in a lightweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at The Accor Arena on September 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is live TONIGHT (Sat., April 4, 2026)with UFC Vegas 115, streaming live online via Paramount+. The happens at the META APEX for tens of tens of fans. The main event is Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan in the Lightweight division. The rest of the card is… well, terrible. So you must be a real hardcore fan if you’re joining us tonight!
UFC Vegas 115 Preview
UFC Vegas 115’s main event is an interesting tilt in the promotion’s premier division. Renato Moicano has lurked around the top fifteen for years, but he’s fallen on hard times. He was dominated by Beneil Dariush in his last fight. That was his first bout since he was smoked by Islam Makhachev in a short notice title fight (which he grabbed after Arman Tsarukyan hurt his back).
Chris Duncan is surging up the ranks right now and will hope to land himself among the upper-middle class of Lightweight with a win over the Brazilian. Duncan has won his last four, including wins over Terrance McKinney and Mateusz Rebecki. He’s gotten a lot of his wins with his trademark guillotine.
The co-main event is Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci at Strawweight. Yeah, I know. Jandiroba is a recent title challenger, though. She lost to Mackenzie Dern last year for the right to keep Zhang Weili’s belt warm. Ricci is on a mini run and a win here might put her in line to meet Zhang at some point in the near future.
The pick of the main card fights include top prospects Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev, Tommy McMillen and Ethyn Ewing. Yakhyaev and McMillen have lay-up opponents. Ewing meets the undefeated Rafael Estevam.
The “Prelims” see the return of Lando Vannata. He fight Darrius Flowers.
UFC Vegas 115 Start Date and Time
It’s the standard operating procedure this weekend.
UFC Vegas 115’s “Prelims” will begin at 5 p.m. ET.
UFC Vegas 115’s main card is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET.
All of UFC Vegas 115 airs on Paramount+, which you can stream here.
The live blog here starts rolling at 5 p.m. ET. Come in and say hi!
UFC VEGAS 115 QUICK RESULTS
Main card
155 lbs.: Renato Moicano vs. Chris Duncan
115 lbs.: Virna Jandiroba vs. Tabatha Ricci
205 lbs.: Abdul Rakhman Yakhyaev vs. Brendson Ribeiro
135 lbs.: Ethyn Ewing vs. Rafael Estevam
145 lbs.: Tommy McMillen vs. Manolo Zecchini
145 lbs.: Jose Delano vs. Robert Ruchala
Prelims
265 lbs.: Guilherme Pat vs. Thomas Petersen
125 lbs.: Alessandro Costa vs. Stewart Nicoll
155 lbs.: Lando Vannata vs. Darrius Flowers
135 lbs.: Alice Pereira vs. Hailey Cowan
185 lbs.: Tresean Gore def. Azamat Bekoev by technical submission (guillotine), round 3 (3:27) — HIGHLIGHTS
155 lbs.: Kai Kamaka III def. Dakota Hope by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 28-29)
UFC VEGAS 115 PLAY-BY-PLAY UPDATES
Prelims
Azamat Bekoev vs. Tresean Gore: Gore wins as a massive underdog here. He unsettled Bekoev early by throwing hard combos. Gore was able to out work Bekoev with his wrestling, too. That all tired out Bekoev. In the third round Gore was still going for the kill. Half way through that round he was able to trap Bekoev in a guillotine, off a scramble. Gore put him to sleep from that position, scoring his third guillotine win in a row. Impressive stuff from Gore.
Make it 3 straight wins via Guillotine 😳
Tresean Gore locks up the finish in impressive fashion!
Official decision: Tresean Gore def. Azamat Bekoev by technical submission (guillotine), round 3 (3:27)
Dione Barbosa vs. Melissa Gatto: Barbosa must have forgotten where she was fighting here. She obliterated Gatto in the second round with a soccer kick to the throat that would have been more than at home at the Saitama Super Arena. Gatto looked unconscious, but she was allowed to keep fighting after a five minute break. Barbosa was docked a point, but that didn’t matter in the end. Barbosa won every round on my card with her very aggressive striking, grappling and submission hunting.
An illegal kick by Dione Barbosa results in one point being deducted.
Official decision: Dione Barbosa def. Melissa Gatto by majority decision (28-28, 28-27, 28-27)
Kai Kamaka III vs. Dakota Hope: Hope gambled that he could get Kamaka out of there with five minutes of furious Muay Thai offense. That didn’t happen, though, and Kamaka was able to take over for the second and third round against a tired Hope (whose gas tank was further depleted by all the body shots he took). I had Kamaka winning 29-28.
The first fight of the night is not disappointing 💥
Official decision: Kai Kamaka III def. Dakota Hope by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 28-29)
Live stream begins at 5 p.m. ET. …
Dealing with a busted bracket?
The Sweet 16 is almost here – who’s still alive? We’re reviewing the week that was in the first week of the NCAA tournament and turning our focus to remaining teams. How bad (or good!) is your bracket? Join us in the SB Nation March Madness Feed and let’s talk about who’s most likely to make a run to glory.
For more UFC Vegas 115: “Moicano vs. Duncan” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
Auriemma has experienced losses in the NCAA Tournament that he never saw coming, unpredictable opponents getting hot at the right moment or making clutch plays when it mattered most. But the 2025-26 Huskies had weaknesses that Auriemma recognized all season long, and they showed in the worst possible moment against the toughest opponent the team faced all year.
“The losses that are the hardest are the ones where you feel like your team has very, very few flaws, very few areas where the other team can exploit,” Auriemma said. “Then there’s other losses, where you come here with a team and you know, there are things that could happen that we would not be able to recover from.
“When your flaws, when things happen that are exposed, you kind of go, ‘Damn man, they found us out.’”
For most of this season, UConn seemed infallible. The Huskies dominated nearly every opponent in their path on their historic 54-game win streak, which tied the fourth longest in NCAA history. The team won 34 in a row by at least 14 points and entered the Final Four leading the country in scoring defense, steals, assists and field goal percentage.
But UConn was also never truly tested throughout its undefeated run. The other three 1-seeds that reached the last weekend of the NCAA Tournament — UCLA, Texas and South Carolina — all played at least one game against another Final Four team during the regular season. The best opponent the Huskies faced before South Carolina was Michigan back in November, and the Wolverines got blown out by Texas in the Elite Eight.
Without having experienced a major challenge, UConn’s flaws were easy to sweep under the rug. South Carolina dragged them into the light.
“I was never comfortable with that (undefeated) narrative, people talking like that going into the season, in the middle of the season,” Auriemma said. “It’s really hard. It’s always been hard. It’s why I don’t like the narrative in November, December, January, February. I don’t care when it is, because there’s too many good teams left to play. There’s too many big moments left to play in.”
The headliner was a combined 7-for-31 shooting performance from the All-American duo of redshirt senior Azzi Fudd and national player of the year Sarah Strong. Strong, who had never experienced a close postseason game since arriving at UConn, struggled to keep her composure against South Carolina’s relentless defensive pressure. The famously even-keeled sophomore looked sped up and out of rhythm the entire night, and she eventually grew so frustrated that she accidentally ripped her own jersey at the collar after missing a layup at the third-quarter buzzer.
Fudd, too, was smothered by the Gamecocks’ defense, finishing with just eight points, and she admitted her shots felt rushed throughout the game.
“Our whole objective was to get them to shoot as inefficiently as possible, make them put the ball on the floor,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. “Don’t give them as many catch-and-shoot opportunities. I thought our kids really locked into that … I just thought that we made it real difficult for them to get clean looks.”
The loss isn’t solely on either star, but neither stepped up when the Huskies desperately needed someone to take over and make plays. As far back as Big East Media Day in October, Auriemma worried that UConn didn’t have an “alpha” personality in the mold of Diana Taurasi or Maya Moore or Breanna Stewart, the kind of dominant force capable of single-handedly willing a team to victory. He’d never seen a team go undefeated without one, and the Final Four performance proved his point.
Rebounding has also been a consistent problem for UConn, and the Huskies’ assistant coaches spent time in nearly every huddle during the Final Four matchup begging the team to commit to boxing out and fighting for boards. UConn came into the game ranked 124th in the country in rebounds per game while South Carolina ranked seventh, and the Huskies’ 47-32 deficit on the Friday reflected the season-long trend.
South Carolina only scored nine points off offensive rebounds, but the inability to bring down boards limited UConn’s ability to push the pace in transition, and the Huskies finished with just nine fastbreak points.
And then there was the foul trouble, which seemed to be the issue at the root of Auriemma’s bizarre late-game meltdown toward Staley. Auriemma complained both on the broadcast to ESPN’s Holly Rowe and during his postgame press conference about the foul disparity between the two teams: South Carolina was assessed eight personal fouls to UConn’s 17, and the Gamecocks also took 22 free throws to the Huskies’ six.
“The biggest problem I think was the difference in free throws,” Auriemma said. “One way to get easy shots is to get to the free throw line. Now, I don’t think, generally speaking, we did enough with the ball to create the contact that we needed to create to get to the free throw line.”
UConn failing to get to the line wasn’t unique to the Final Four game. The Huskies rank 326th out of 359 Division I teams in free throw attempts averaging just over 13 per game, while South Carolina averages more than 20. The Gamecocks are also a top 10 team in fouls per game averaging 12.7, and though UConn typically averages just 13.2, it’s not shocking that the number escalated in a game where the team looked visibly rattled from the very beginning.
Plain and simple, the Huskies got exposed, and they know it. If there’s a lesson the team takes away from the crushing end to their undefeated season, it’s that every detail needs to be perfected by the time they get to this stage, regardless of what their record looks like.
“Things that need to be fixable throughout the season, that nag a little, if you don’t address it sooner, it kind of bites you on the butt on the back end,” junior guard Ashlynn Shade said. “I think just remembering this feeling, knowing what it’s like to be in this spot and using that as fuel to get better.”
UFC 327 just lost its co-main event, as flyweight champion Joshua Van has pulled out from his title fight with challenger Tatsuro Taira according to MMA Fighting’s Guilherme Cruz.
The bout was set to be Van’s first title defense and also the first time two Asian-born men have fought for a UFC title. Van’s reason for pulling out remains unknown.
It remains to be seen if Taira remains on the UFC 327 card to face a different opponent or the whole fight gets postponed. The UFC has reportedly been considering its options over the past few days.
The main event is still Jiří Procházka against Carlos Ulberg for the light heavyweight title.
Van won the belt in surprising and surreal fashion. After a quick rise through the flyweight ranks, he faced Alexandre Pantoja as an interesting underdog then basically got handed the belt after the champion gruesomely dislocated his shoulder on an awkward fall.
A Pantoja rematch would have been a natural choice, but the 35-year-old remains out of commission. That opened the door for Taira, who is coming off a second-round TKO win over former champion Brandon Moreno at UFC 323, the same event as Pantoja-Van.
Augusta National is one of the trickiest courses in the world.Getty Images
The azaleas are in full bloom in Augusta, Ga., which means the Masters is upon us.
Golf fans are getting a sneak peak at Augusta National today as the ladies play the final round of ANWA, while the men with arrive early next week to prep for the 90th playing of the Masters.
If nearly a century of competitive golf being contested at Augusta National has taught us anything, it’s that there may be no better stage in the game to crown a champion.
Below are three shots that competitors at Augusta must have in their repertoire — and some tips on how you can hit them yourself.
3 shots needed to compete at Augusta National
1. Bump-and-check
Why it’s necessary: The bump-and-run is one of the most fundamental short-game shots in golf. But to compete at Augusta, you need to put a little twist on it. Instead of having the ball immediately roll out when it hits the green, it needs to instead hit, check and then roll out.
“Think about long of No. 15,” says GOLF Top 100 Teacher Parker McLachlin. “You’ve got to bump it into the hill, but it can’t be a bump-and-run. If it is, it’ll roll off into the water on the other side. And you can’t hit it high and stop it because you’re into the grain and you can’t spin it as much and landing on a downslope. So you have to hit a bump with a little check.”
How to hit it: Hitting this shot is similar to the traditional bump-and-run, but with a few key adjustments. Play the ball a bit back in your stance with your weight and the handle of the club leaning forward. Open the clubface a bit and then make an in-to-out swing path. If you catch it right, it should come out a little low and check on the second bounce.
2. High, soft pitch
Why it’s necessary: If you’ve watched the pros play Augusta, you know that there are plenty of bad places to miss around the greens. When you find yourself in these spots (particularly when you;re short-sided), you’ve got to know how to hit a pitch that lofts high and lands soft.
How to hit it: The key to hitting a high pitch that lands soft is combining a steep angle of attack with an open clubface. Grab a high-lofted wedge and set up with the face a bit open. Keep a neutral shaft angle and then focus on making a little longer backswing than normal with a bit more wrist hinge than normal. As you come through the impact zone, keep the clubhead moving with some speed. When you clip it clean, the ball will launch high and land soft with some spin.
3. Towering iron
Why it’s necessary: With the speed and firmness of Augusta’s greens, you’ve got to be able to hit your approaches high and land them soft. If you can’t do that, accessing many of the pins is tough.
How to hit it: Set up with the ball a little more forward in your stance and tilt your spine away from the target. This will help you increase the dynamic loft just a bit and create a higher launch. But don’t forget to hit down on the ball, either. A key ingredient of high shots is spin, so you’ll need to create ball-first contact to maximize that spin.
Woodbine (Iowa) four-star wide receiver Landon Blum has committed to Penn State, according to Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett.
He chose the Nittany Lions over a slew of Midwest suitors including Iowa State, Iowa, Minnesota and Kansas State.
Blum is the No. 202 overall prospect and No. 26 WR in the 2027 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all major recruiting media companies. He’s also the top-ranked recruit in Iowa.
The 6-foot-4, 210-pounder was once a heavy lean to Matt Campbell and Iowa State. But once Campbell departed Ames for Happy Valley, Blum quickly became a top PSU target and he’s now set to head to the Keystone State at the next level.
Blum is visiting Penn State for the first time this weekend.
“I have a great relationship with the old ISU staff and new PSU staff right now,” he told Rivals’ Allen Trieu last month. “Really working on building that relationship with Coach Moore right now since he’s new to the program. He’s been great so far.”
Once ranked as a tight end prospect, Blum is being recruited by Penn State as a wideout. He’s the first blue-chipper to choose the Big Ten program this cycle and is commit No. 5 overall.
The Denver Nuggets are on a hot streak as the NBA regular season winds down. The Nuggets have now won eight straight games after securing a 136-134 overtime win at home against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday.
The Spurs had a massive first quarter, scoring 43 points and pulling away from the Nuggets early on. But Denver rolled all the way back: In the final seconds of regulation, Aaron Gordon hit a big dunk to tie the game at 124-each and force overtime.
Nikola Jokić, who finished the night with 40 points, sunk two free throws in the final seconds of OT to ice the game.
Dylan Harper’s very long three-pointer, somewhat shockingly, went in at the buzzer, but it was too late for San Antonio, who had to settle for the two-point overtime loss
Jokić led the game with a near triple-double, recording 40 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and three blocks. Victor Wembanyama’s MVP campaign continued as well, with the Spurs center putting up 34 points and 18 rebounds, but his efforts fell just short.
San Antonio is very comfortably at second in the Western conference with four games left in the season. The Spurs, with a 59-19 record, sit two wins back from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and are well out of reach from the rest of the conference heading into the postseason.
For Denver, though, the win gives them a boost. The Nuggets are neck-and-neck with the Los Angeles Lakers for the third spot in the West, with both currently at 50 wins. Every win also pulls Denver further away from the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves, who sit two and four wins, respectively, away from the fourth-place finish.
The Nuggets and Spurs will meet again in San Antonio next weekend, for the regular season finale on April 12.
Asterisk Talley's ANWA hopes evaporate with 12th hole blowup at Augusta NationalJosh Schrock
Asterisk Talley joined an infamous list on Saturday at Augusta National, but not the one she wanted.
The 17-year-old Talley made the turn at Augusta National holding the final-round lead in the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. After making a par at the 10th, Talley had not made a bogey at the ANWA since the sixth of the final round last year and was in prime position to handle the back-nine pressure at Augusta and leave with a prestigious amateur title. But Talley dropped a shot at the par-4 11th and then arrived at the famous par-3 12th tied for the lead with Maria Jose Marin. The 12th hole at Augusta National has claimed many victims and doomed many title runs. Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, Tony Finau and Francesco Molinari are among the names who have failed the final-round exam at the 12th hole.
Talley surveyed the wind and pulled her club. But the eddy effect at the 12th did what it does, and Talley’s tee shot sailed long and landed in the bushes. However, Talley got a good break as the ball bounced back down into the bunker, leaving her a tricky shot to get up and down and stay in a tie for first place. But her bunker shot came out hot and raced across the green and down into Rae’s Creek.
Talley surveyed her options after her ball met its watery demise. She had two choices: drop on the other side of the creek or play the exact same shot she just played from the bunker. The 17-year-old chose the second option, but the result was the same as her second attempt at the bunker shot sped across the green and into the creek. Talley elected to drop on the other side of the creek after her second water ball, and wound up making a lengthy putt for a quadruple bogey 7, which dropped her from 13 under to 9 under and five shots behind Marin.
“Anything can happen on this golf course is what I would tell her,” McIlroy told NBC’s Cara Banks. “Two par 5s coming up in 13 and 15, with a pin on the left at 16, the water is in play. A lot can happen. Obviously she needs to bounce back on 13 and hopefully make a birdie but it’s certainly not over around this place. I know that better than anyone. Hopefully she regroups and it’ll be an exciting last few holes.”
Talley bounced back with a birdie at the 13th, but her ANWA hopes had already been dashed by the shortest hole on the golf course — and she won’t be the last victim claimed by the hole named Golden Bell.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 01: Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the eighth inning at Petco Park on April 01, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
They have only seen it twice this season, but according to this week’s Padres Reacts Survey on Gaslamp Ball, San Diego Padres fans would not be opposed to seeing Mason Miller and his new bullpen entrance more often.
The problem to this point in the year after the first six games over two series at Petco Park is that there have only been a couple of chances for Miller to job from the bullpen to the mound. Of course, there was at least one other opportunity where many Padres fans thought Miller should have been coming into the game, but San Diego manager Craig Stammen said he and pitching coach Ruben Niebla decided before the start of the game that Miller would not throw more than an inning in a save situation. Stammen cited the early time of year as the reason the right-handed flame thrower was unavailable.
With the team on the road, there is no chance Miller will be accompanied by his entrance music, “Blind” by Korn should he come into a game over the next two series. The Padres dropped the first game of their series against the Boston Red Sox but will look to get on a winning streak as San Diego completes the series in Boston and moves on to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates before returning home to face the Colorado Rockies, April 9.
No. 16 Alabama took the rubber game of the weekend's three-game set against No. 11 Oklahoma on Saturday, 3-2, to win the series.
Oklahoma fell to 5-7 in the Southeastern Conference and has lost five of its last six SEC games. Saturday's finale came down to the wire as the Sooners nearly rallied from a 3-0 deficit.
Alabama jumped out by scoring all three of its runs in the first inning. A wild pitch, a passed ball and a field error allowed the Crimson Tide to score one, two and three in a row. All with two outs and all with the same batter at the plate.
OU coach Skip Johnson went with a committee approach and after starter Trent Collier struggled in the opening frame, the rest of the staff settled down, giving up just six baserunners the rest of the way.
Oklahoma had plenty of chances, leaving 11 runners on base for the game. Brendan Brock plated the first comeback run in the bottom of the first with an RBI single to score Trey Gambill. Kyle Branch pulled the Sooners within one with an RBI single again in the fifth to score Drew Dickerson. OU put a runner into scoring position in the seventh and eighth innings before going down 1-2-3 in the ninth.
Dickerson was the only Sooners player with two hits, going 2 for 3 with a walk and a run as Oklahoma finished with seven hits and seven walks against Alabama pitching.
The Sooners are back in action quickly with a rare Monday game against Dallas Baptist at home. Next weekend, OU travels to Nashville for another Thursday-Friday-Saturday series against Vanderbilt.
Casasplus lets you search for properties in Panama in English or Spanish. You can browse apartments, houses, land, and commercial spaces for sale or rent across the whole country. Filter by city, neighborhood, building name, or private community to find exactly what you're looking for without scrolling through noise. Property owners and agents can list their properties to get in front of both local buyers and people looking at Panama from abroad.
Klyne is a workplace emotional intelligence app that helps you track how you feel at work, surface patterns, and respond with clarity. Quick check-ins feed NEDA, a patent-pending algorithm that measures intensity, frequency, and momentum to show how emotions build over time.
Get personalized insights, actionable strategies, and trend-based reports to manage stress, build resilience, and stay productive. Your data stays private and secure, with encryption and GDPR compliance.
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BlitzSupport is an AI helpdesk for small modern teams running support over email and website chat. When a customer writes in, AI agents detect the request type, collect missing details, search your knowledge base, and draft a reply. Your team opens a ticket that already has everything needed to act on. Approve, adjust, or escalate.
AI-native, not an AI bolt-on. Email and chat are unified into one ticket system. Human-in-the-loop at every step. Built in Germany and GDPR-ready. Currently in Early Access with guided onboarding for a limited number of teams.
Samsung is rumored to be launching a wider form factor Galaxy Z Fold this year alongside the Galaxy Z Fold8, which will keep the taller and narrower form factor of its predecessor. The "Wide Fold" was shown in some leaked renders last month, but it doesn't have an agreed upon name yet, we've heard it referred to as Galaxy Z Fold8 Wide in the past, and today it's the Galaxy Z Wide Fold.
Regardless of its name, here are some images depicting its aspect ratio when unfolded. It's 4:3, which is very far from, and much wider than, the Fold7's 1.11:1 (or 3.33:3). So here's what that actually...
Inter Miami are trailing 2-1 to Austin FC in Major League Soccer play, in the grand opening of Nu Stadium. Stay with us for live minute-by-minute coverage!
Inter Miami are trailing 2-1 to Austin FC on Matchday 6 of the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The matchup carries added significance as it marks the official inauguration of Nu Stadium, the new home of the Herons, making it a landmark occasion for the Florida side.
From a competitive standpoint, Inter Miami are in need of a victory to close the gap at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, currently led by Nashville SC. To achieve that, the role of Lionel Messi will be crucial. After featuring with Argentina during the March FIFA international break, he is set to once again lead his side.
Austin FC, meanwhile, face the challenge of improving on their recent performances, which have fallen short of expectations. In fact, they have opened the 2026 MLS season with just one win in five matches. This Saturday also presents an opportunity to make history in American soccer if they can secure a victory in the inaugural match at Nu Stadium.
Ilie Sanchez #6 of Austin FC is challenged by Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF.
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder meet tonight in London for a heavyweight clash that carries real intrigue despite both men being deep into their careers. With this being the 50th fight for both men, fans are expecting at least one retirement when all is said and done. Chisora, 42, has said he will hang up […]
In four weeks’ time, Tokyo will host the biggest fight in Japanese boxing history, as and Junto Nakatani collide for the undisputed super-bantamweight title. Now, Inoue’s former pound-for-pound rival has offered his thoughts on the fight. After becoming the undisputed bantamweight ruler, Inoue conquered the super-bantamweight scene in just two fights, halting both Stephen Fulton […]
Trabzonspor scout ekibinin kış transfer döneminden bu yana adım adım takip ettiği Valladolid'in 21 yaşındaki yıldızı Chuki, La Liga 2'de sergilediği 7 gol ve 8 asistlik dev performansla Avrupa'yı peşine taktı.
Sözleşmesinin sona ermesiyle "bedelsiz" statüsüne geçen İspanyol yetenek için Trabzonspor; Stuttgart ve Leipzig gibi Bundesliga devleriyle kıyasıya bir transfer savaşına girerken, genç oyuncunun teknik verileri hücum hattında yeni bir dönemin habercisi olarak görülüyor.
Trabzonspor’un uzun süredir radarında olan ve Real Valladolid formasıyla İspanya II. Ligi'nde yıldızı parlayan Chuki için rekabet her geçen gün kızışıyor. Özellikle oyuncunun sözleşme durumunun yarattığı fırsat, bordo-mavilileri Avrupa’nın devleriyle karşı karşıya getirdi.
TRABZONSPOR'UN KARŞISINA ALMANLAR ÇIKTI
Kış transfer döneminden bu yana Trabzonspor gözlemcilerinin yakından takip ettiği 21 yaşındaki Chuki, Valladolid’deki performansıyla Bundesliga ekiplerinin de iştahını kabartmış durumda.
Bordo-mavili yönetimin, oyuncunun gelişimini yerinde izlemek adına İspanya’ya defalarca temsilci gönderdiği bilinirken, en büyük engel Stuttgart ve RB Leipzig gibi kulüplerin de devreye girmesi oldu.
SÖZEŞME YENİLEMEYİ REDDETTİ
Chuki’yi transfer piyasasında "elmas" statüsüne çıkaran en önemli faktör, sözleşmesinin yaz döneminde sona erecek olması. La Liga 2 ekibiyle yeni kontrat imzalamayan genç oyuncu, Avrupa’nın üst düzey kulüplerine bonservissiz transfer olma hakkına sahip. Bu durum, Trabzonspor’un elini ekonomik olarak güçlendirse de oyuncunun tercihini hangi ligden yana kullanacağı merak konusu.
7 GOL VE 8 ASİST OLDUKÇA İYİ
Valladolid her ne kadar küme düşme hattında zorlu bir sezon geçirse de Chuki, takımın negatif tablosundan tamamen bağımsız bir istatistik kağıdı ortaya koyuyor.
Sol ayaklı bir oyuncu olmasına rağmen hücum hattının farklı bölgelerinde görev yapabilen 21 yaşındaki yetenek, bu sezon ligde 7 gol ve 8 asist üretti.
Takımının toplam skor yükünün büyük bir bölümünü tek başına sırtlaması, oyuncunun baskı altında karar verme yetisinin yüksek olduğunu gösteriyor.
8 asistlik performans, sadece bitiriciliğini değil, oyun görüşü ve pas kalitesinin de elit seviyede olduğunu kanıtlıyor.
ÇOK DAHA AGRESİF BİR TEKLİF GEREK
Trabzonspor’un oyun sisteminde "yaratıcı eksikliği" hissedilen bölgeler için Chuki, dinamizmiyle çözüm olabilir. Genç oyuncunun, top rakipteyken gösterdiği reaksiyon ve alan daraltma disiplini, modern futbolun gerektirdiği çift yönlü oyun anlayışına uygunluğuyla dikkat çekiyor.
Ancak Stuttgart ve Leipzig gibi "oyuncu parlatma" konusunda uzman kulüplerin varlığı, bordo-mavililerin çok daha agresif bir teklif paketi sunmasını zorunlu kılıyor.
Okan Buruk'un Galatasaray'a kalmaya devam etmesi ve Tottenham'dan gelen teklifi geri çevirmesi, transfer piyasasında Beşiktaş'ın lehine domino etkisini başlattı. Londra ekibinin rotayı Roberto De Zerbi'ye kırmasıyla João Palhinha ve Randal Kolo Muani için Beşiktaş resmen devreye girdi. Serkan Reçber'in geniş transfer listesinde ilk sıralarda yer alan iki yıldızın, De Zerbi'nin oyun planında düşünülmemesiyle siyah-beyazlıların önü tamamen açıldı.
Okan Buruk’un Tottenham’ın, Galatasaray'ı şampiyonluk yarışında başsız bırakmamak için teklifini geri çevirmesinin ardından, İngiliz ekibi Roberto De Zerbi ile anlaştı. Bu reddediş ve anlaşma, Beşiktaş için beklenmedik bir fırsat doğurdu. Siyah-beyazlıların transfer listesinde üst sıralarda yer alan iki yıldız için yolu bir anda pürüpak oldu.
DE ZERBI'YE UYGUN OLMAYAN İSİMLER
Evening Standard’ın haberine göre, Tottenham’ın yeni patronu Zerbi, mevcut kadroda ciddi bir revizyona gitmeye hazırlanıyor. İtalyan teknik adamın oyun felsefesine uymayan João Palhinha ve Randal Kolo Muani'nin devamlılık şansı zora girdi.
Portekizli yıldızın savunma gücü yüksek olsa da, De Zerbi’nin orta sahada aradığı "oyun kurucu" profiline uzak kalması ayrılık ihtimalini güçlendirdi.
Tek forvetli sistemi tercih eden De Zerbi’nin planlarında Muani’nin as oyuncu olarak düşünülmemesi, Fransız forvetin Londra macerasını noktalayabilir.
SERKAN REÇBER'İN GÖZÜNDEKİ İKİ İSİM
Beşiktaş’ta transferin mutfağındaki isim Serkan Reçber, bu fırsatı değerlendirmek için düğmeye bastı. Reçber’in geniş orta saha listesinde yer alan Palhinha ve forvet adayları arasında ilk sıralarda bulunan Muani için şartlar zorlanacak.
Daha önce sarı-kırmızılıların gündemine gelen Palhinha ve hem Fenerbahçe hem de Galatasaray’ın radarında olan Muani için Beşiktaş şu an en istekli kulüp konumuna geldi.
Tottenham’daki bu belirsizlik, Beşiktaş’ın elini güçlendiriyor. Özellikle Randal Kolo Muani'nin ilk 11 garantisi araması ve Palhinha'nın düzenli oynayabileceği bir yapı istemesi, siyah-beyazlıları transferde bir adım öne çıkarabilir.
Türkiye; İtalya'nın futbol dünyasında sarsılan tahtına aday. Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı, Hükümet ve TFF ortaklığında dev bir vizyon belgesi hazırlandı. 'Borç yapılandırması' sarmalından çıkıp 'kâr odaklı kurumsal yapıya' geçişi hedefleyen bu stratejik hamle; kulüplerin mali disiplininden scouting devrimine kadar uzanıyor.
EURO 2032 verimlilik planına kadar Türk futbolunu Avrupa'nın 5. büyük ligi yapacak 20 yıllık bir kalkınma maratonunun startı verildi.
Türk futbolunda devrim niteliğinde bir dönemin kapıları aralanıyor. İtalya’nın üst üste üçüncü kez Dünya Kupası’nın dışında kaldığı ve Serie A’nın finansal krizlerle boğuştuğu konjonktürde; Türkiye, Avrupa’nın 5. büyük futbol gücü olmak için düğmeye bastı.
Hükümet kanadı, Spor Bakanlığı ve TFF’nin ortak vizyonuyla şekillenen yeni yol haritası, futbolu sadece bir oyun değil, endüstriyel bir ihracat kalemi olarak tanımlıyor.
HEDEF SERIE A'NIN YERİNİ ALMAK
Hükümet ve TFF’nin ajandasındaki ilk madde, kulüplerin finansal DNA’sını değiştirmek. Hazırlanan yeni yasal düzenleme ile kulüplerin "dernek" statüsünden, şeffaf ve denetlenebilir "kâr odaklı kurumsal yapılara" geçişi hızlandırılacak.
Ligin marka değerini hızla yukarı çekmek adına, küresel yatırımcıların Türk kulüplerine girişini kolaylaştıracak teşvik paketleri masada.
Serie A’nın milyar Euro’luk ihale gücüyle rekabet edebilmek için yayın haklarının küresel pazarda daha agresif bir stratejiyle sunulması hedefleniyor.
TEKNİK ADAMLARIN EĞİTİMİ YENİLENECEK
TFF, teknik direktör eğitimlerinde ve lig standartlarında köklü bir değişikliğe gidiyor. Süper Lig’in en büyük sorunu olan "düşük tempo" ve "topun oyunda kalma süresi"ne karşı bir eylem planı hazırlandı.
Maçların durma sürelerini minimize edecek hakem talimatları ve yüksek şiddetli koşu mesafelerini artıracak taktiksel kriterler, antrenör eğitimlerinin merkezine konulacak. Hedef; İtalya’nın taktiksel disipliniyle, İngiltere’nin oyun hızını birleştirmek.
EMEKLİ YILDZ TRANSFER DÖNEMİ KAPANACAK
Bakanlık ve TFF’nin üzerinde en çok durduğu konu ise "Oyuncu Ticareti Hacmi." "Emekli yıldız" transferi döneminin kapandığı vurgulanırken, Türkiye’nin kendi futbol kimliğini tanımlaması gerektiği belirtiliyor.
Arda Güler projesinin bir tesadüf olmadığı kanıtlanacak. Kurulacak "Scouting Takip Merkezleri" ve zorunlu hale getirilecek akademi yatırımlarıyla, Türkiye bir futbolcu fabrikasına dönüştürülecek.
EURO 2032 ÇOK ÖNEMLİ YER KAPLAYACAK
15-20 yıllık uzun soluklu bir maraton olarak nitelendirilen bu projede, İtalya ile ortak düzenlenecek EURO 2032 en kritik eşik olarak görülüyor. Hükümet yetkilileri, bu turnuvanın sadece modern stadyumların inşası değil, bu tesislerin "verimlilik" ve "ekonomik sürdürülebilirlik" ile taçlandırılması için bir laboratuvar olacağını ifade ediyor.
Galatasaray İkinci Başkanı Metin Öztürk, Trabzonspor'a 2-1 mağlup oldukları maçın ardından konuştu.
Süper Lig'de Trabzonspor'a 2-1 mağlup olan Galatasaray'da ikinci başkan Metin Öztürk, maç sonunda açıklamalarda bulundu.
İşte Metin Öztürk'ün sözleri;
Öncelikle bugün futbol takımımızın taşıdığı pankartla başlıyorum. Orhan Kaynak hocamızın vefatı sebebiyle Trabzon camiasına başsağlığı diliyorum. Kendisine Allah rahmet eylesin, mekânı cennet olsun. Çok kıymetli bir spor adamıydı, çok sayıda futbolcu yetiştirdi. Tekrar camianın üzüntüsünü paylaşıyoruz.
Bizim Trabzon camiasıyla ilişkimiz her zaman böyledir; farklı olması düşünülemez. Yönetimler gelir geçer, camialar kalır. Trabzon camiası hem bir futbol kenti olmasıyla hem de milliyetçi duruşuyla hep gönlümüzde yer almıştır.
“KARA PROPAGANDA YAPTILAR”
Biz iki-üç gündür, Trabzon yönetiminin anlamsız şekilde başlattığı bir kara propaganda ile karşı karşıyayız. İki ay önce alınmış bir futbolcuyla ilgili, kendileriyle hiç alakası yokken; parasını verdik, kaldık. Buna rağmen inanılmaz bir kara propaganda yaptılar. Uğurcan Çakır ile ilgili de bugün, tamamen yönetimin provokasyonlarıyla, asla Trabzon taraftarıyla alakası olmayan bir şekilde, baştan sona provoke edildi.
Bugün Uğurcan Çakır olmasaydı, millî takımımız Amerika’ya gidemezdi; bunu kimse unutmasın. Uğurcan Çakır’ı yetiştiren Trabzon’dur; kendilerine şükran borçluyuz. Kendileriyle oturduk, bir transfer pazarlığı yaptık. Beklentilerimin çok üstünde bir ücret aldık. Kendileri de bununla ilgili bir tweet ile Uğurcan Çakır’a teşekkür ettiler. Ancak bugün yönetim eliyle Uğurcan Çakır psikolojik olarak yıpratılmaya çalışıldı.
“BU ÇİRKİNLİK TRABZONSPOR YÖNETİMİNE YAKIŞMADI”
Biz bundan evvel de kaybettik, bundan sonra da hem kazanacağız hem kaybedeceğiz. Ama şunu bilin ki bu çirkinlik Trabzon yönetimine yakışmadı. Biz sadece Trabzon’u değil, tüm takımları inanılmaz şekilde karşılıyoruz. Bir kişi karşılamadı, bir kişi uğurlamadı; yazıklar olsun. Kendilerine yakıştıramadım.
Bununla aldıkları puanla seviniyorlarsa, sevinmeye devam etsinler. Geldiğimizden beri bize küfrediliyor. Hâlâ içeride bizimle ilgili küfürlü müzikler çalınıyor. Şu an biz burada canlı yayındayken, içeride seyirci yokken bile bizimle ilgili küfürlü şarkılar çalınıyor. Aynı şekilde yayıncı kuruluşa da yazıklar olsun; bunların çoğunu ses kısmadan verdiler.
Trabzonspor Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, Galatasaray karşısında alınan galibiyet sonrası konuştu.
Trabzonspor Kulüp Başkanı Ertuğrul Doğan, 2-1 kazandıkları Galatasaray maçının ardından açıklamalarda bulundu.
Ertuğrul Doğan'ın sözleri şu şekilde:
"HERKES HADDİNİ BİLSİN"
“Kimse Trabzonspor’u yönetenlere veya taraftarlarına akıl vermeye kalkmasın. Bizim aklımız bize fazlasıyla yeter. 70-80 yaşındaki teyzelerimiz bile, bu yorumları yapan bazı yorumculardan daha fazla futbol bilgisine sahiptir. Herkesin haddini bilmesini rica ediyorum.”
"MUTLUYUZ AMA UÇMAYALIM"
"Bu sadece bir galibiyet. Bunun mutluluğunu hep birlikte yaşayacağız ama yarından sonra yönetim kurulu arkadaşlarımızla birlikte önümüzdeki haftayı planlayacağız. Maçlara tek tek bakıyoruz. Yarın sabahtan itibaren hedef Alanyaspor maçında 3 puan almak. Bunun keyfini çıkaralım ama uçmayalım."
"FUTBOLUN DOĞASINDA VAR"
"Trabzon, futbolun yazıldığı şehir. Kimse Trabzonspor taraftarına akıl vermeye kalkmasın. Bizim aklımız bize yeter. Taraftarımız bugün çok seviyeli bir tepki vererek gerekeni yaptı ve herkese ders verdi. Protesto olacaktır. Ben kulüp başkanıyım, taraftarım bugün beni istifaya davet eder, yarın destekler. Bu futbolun doğasında var."
Trendyol Süper Lig'de Galatasaray deplasmanda Trabzonspor'a yenildi. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk mağlubiyeti değerlendirdi.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Galatasaray deplasmanda Trabzonspor'a 2-1 yenildi. Sarı kırmızılılar bu sezon ligde 3. yenilgisini yaşadı.
Maçın ardından Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk mağlubiyeti beIN SPORTS'ta değerlendirdi.
MAÇ YORUMU
“Maça iyi başlamadık. İlk yarının birçok bölümünde iyi değildik. 1-0 geriye düştük. Topa sahipken orta saha oyuncularımızın zaman zaman çok arkaya gelmesi, oyun kurmada rakibin baskısını kırmak için doğru yerleşebilsek sahaya, baskıyı kırma şansımız olurdu. İkinci yarı daha iyi şekilde yaptık. Hem İlkay'ın girmesi hem Yunus'un kanada geçmesi, Noa'nın forvet arkasına geçmesiyle topa sahip olmada yüzde 73'lere çıktık. 1-1'den sonrası kazanabiliriz diye düşünüyordum. Oyuna hakimdik, top bizdeydi. Yapılan bir faul, sonra gol, ardından sahalarında bekleyip iyi savunma yaptılar.”
"ONANA MAÇI OYNATMADI"
"Maç da çok oynanmadı. Özellikle son bölüm... Onana, maçı başından sonunda süreyi iyi kullandı. Bir şey demek istemiyorum, Onana bunu iyi yapıyor. Maçı durdurdu, oynatmadı, geç sarı kart geldi. Uzatma dakikaları çok azdı. Uzatma da oynanmadı. 2-3 dakika durdu ve maç bitti. Belki orada üretebilirdik. Rakip yarı alana yerleşmiştik. Birebirleri, yan ortaları... Duran toptan 1-2 pozisyon vardı. İkinci yarı, ilk yarıya göre iyiydik. Genel Galatasaray oyununun altında kaldık. Rakibi tebrik etmek istiyorum."
"ŞAMPİYON OLACAĞIZ"
"Avantajımız var tabii, önemli bir avantaj. Bu maç bize ders olacak. Bizi de motive edecek. Maç sonu yaşananlar burada, soyunma odasında yaşananlar... Hepsi takımımız için motivasyon oldu. İçeride de konuşuldu. Kaybetmek üzücü. Galatasaray, bu ligin şampiyonu olacak. Kimse merak etmesin. Çarşamba günü önemli bir maça çıkacağız. Göztepe maçıyla puan farkını artırmayı deneyeceğiz. Galatasaray taraftarı üzülmesin, moralini bozmasın. İçeride bu konuyu konuştuk. Böyle şeyleri çok yaşadık. Bu dördüncü sene. Ben oyuncularımla beraber çok daha fazlasını yapacağız. Bazen bu tür dersler iyi oluyor. Puan kaybetmek üzücü ama şampiyonluk için enerjimizi daha çok sahaya koymalıyız. Bu tür maçları da daha rahat oynamalıyız. Liverpool ve Juventus'ta da yaşadık. Kendimize daha çok güvenmeliyiz. Bu seviyedeki bir takımın top ayağındayken daha becerikli olması lazım. İç saha ve deplasman arasındaki fark, top bizdeyken özgüven eksikliği. Bunu gidermemiz gerekiyor. Ya oyuncu değiştireceksiniz ya oyuncudan daha iyisini alacaksınız. Bizi önemli bir maç bekliyor."
Bu gün futbol üzrə Fransa çempionatında (Liqa 1) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 28-ci turunun oyunlarına start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə 4 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Yeddi qolun qeydə alındığı “Brest” – “Renn” matçında qonaqlar qələbə qazanıblar. “Lill” doğma meydanda “Lans”ı, “Strasburq” “Nitsa”nı, lider PSJ isə “Tuluza”nı 3 qolla məğlub edib.
Bu gün futbol üzrə İspaniya çempionatında (La Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 30-cu turunun oyunlarına start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə 4 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Real Sosyedad” doğma meydanda “Levante”yə, “Rayo Valyekano” isə “Elçe”yə qalib gəlib.
Səfərdə “Malyorka” ilə qarşılaşmış Madrid “Real”ı turu məğlubiyyətlə başa vurub. Paytaxtın digər təmsilçisi “Atletiko” isə doğma meydanda lider “Barselona”ya uduzub.
Turun qalan görüşləri aprelin 5-də və 6-da keçiriləcək.
İspaniya, La Liqa 30-cu tur 4 aprel
Real Sosyedad – Levante 2:0 Qollar: Martin, 30. Mendes, 83.
Bu gün futbol üzrə İngiltərə Federasiya Kubokunda 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 1/4 final mərhələsinə start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.
“Mançester Siti” doğma meydanda qarşılaşdığı “Liverpul”a 4 cavabsız qolla qalib gələrək ilk yarımfinalçı olub. “Çelsi” də “Port Veyl”lə ev oyununda darmadağına sevinməkə istəyinə çatıb. “Sauthempton”un qonağı olan Premyer Liqanın vahid lideri “Arsenal” isə məğlub olaraq mübarizəni dayandırıb.
Qeyd edək ki, İngiltərə Federasiya Kubokunda sonuncu yarımfinalçı sabah keçiriləcək “Vest Hem” – “Lids” matçında müəyyənləşəcək.
Bu gün futbol üzrə İtaliya çempionatında (A Seriyası) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 31-ci turunun oyunlarına start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə üç qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Üç qolun qeydə alındığı “Sassuolo” – “Kalyari” matçında meydan sahibləri qalib gəliblər. “Fiorentina” “Verona”nı səfərdə tək qolla üstələyib. “Latsio” – “Parma” matçında isə komandalar hərəyə 1 qol və 1 xalla kifayətləniblər.
Turun qalan görüşləri aprelin 5-də və 6-da keçiriləcək.
Trabzonspor, Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında lider Galatasaray'ı 2-1 mağlup ederek şampiyonluk iddiasını sürdürdü. Maç sonu dikkat çeken rakamlar ortaya çıktı!
Abdülkerim Bardakçı ile Trabzonsporlu futbolcular arasında gerginlik yaşandı. Abdülkerim Bardakcı, kırmızı kart gördü ve Göztepe maçında cezalı duruma düştü.
Maurizio Sarri delivered one of his more candid and self-reflective post-match assessments after Lazio’s hard-fought draw with Parma, describing a deeply difficult season in characteristically dry terms, and admitting he could have done without the experience at this stage of his career.
“I would call it a formative season,” Sarri told Sky Sport, via LaLazioSiamoNoi.
“It would have been better if it had come 15 years ago, because I had more need to be formed back then. At this point, I could quite happily have done without it.”
It was a telling admission from a manager who has operated at the very top of European football for over a decade, and a public acknowledgement of just how much this campaign has tested him personally.
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 14: SS Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri during the SS Lazio training session at the Formello sport Centre on January 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio 1-1 Parma – Sarri acknowledges difficulties in tight draw
On the match itself, Sarri acknowledged that Parma’s compact 5-3-2 had caused problems, particularly in the first half.
“Usually if you keep it goalless until the 70th minute against a setup like that, you win, unfortunately we couldn’t manage that,” he said.
“In the first half we played too much with the ball stuck to feet and without the right rhythm. The second half was better given the nature of the game.”
He was also keen to contextualise the result within the broader difficulties his squad have faced throughout the campaign.
Playing without Provedel, Patric, Gila, Zaccagni and Rovella, and in front of a significantly reduced crowd, the point felt more valuable than it might otherwise appear.
“Fortunately the group seems to have become a real group,” Sarri said. “Today’s reaction is testament to that, this was a match that could have ended very badly.”
On the striker situation, Sarri was measured in his assessment of January arrival Ratkov, noting that the forward is still adapting to a new country, language and style of football after just two and a half months in Italy.
“It is normal that he is finding it difficult,” he said. “He is a little behind where we need him to be right now.”
Carlos Cuesta made no attempt to hide his disappointment after Parma were denied all three points against Lazio by a deflected Noslin equaliser, but the Spanish coach was equally emphatic that his side had produced exactly the kind of performance needed to secure their Serie A survival.
“What a shame, it is a real pity,” Cuesta told Sky Sport, via LaLazioSiamoNoi.
“We were strong not only defensively but offensively too. We produced a great performance, though we knew we would face a strong opponent with a lot of individual quality who could cause us problems.”
He was measured in his overall assessment, acknowledging that a point still moves the needle in the right direction.
“We could have won and taken three points, but the approach was right from the very first action, and that will be fundamental to picking up as many points as possible between now and the end of the season.”
GENOA, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Carlos Cuesta, head coach of Parma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 19, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Parma coach Cuesta: ‘We must focus on picking up points’
On the subject of survival, Cuesta refused to engage with any specific targets or calculations. “We do not make tables,” he said plainly. “We will be safe when the mathematics tell us so. We focus on the matches and on making points.”
The Parma head coach also took the opportunity to reflect on the broader principles underpinning his side’s identity.
“The fundamental concept of my football is compactness,” he said.
“And then there are many other aspects linked to the quality of the squad, which were at a high level tonight. We must maintain them and do even better, it is part of our journey. We need to take this restart after two bad defeats and become more aware of our strengths, and above all make sure our supporters can be proud of us.”
Massimiliano Allegri has spoken of his personal disappointment at Italy’s World Cup elimination while calling on football’s governing bodies to address the structural problems holding back the country’s young talent, ahead of Monday’s blockbuster Serie A clash with Napoli at the Maradona.
The Milan head coach was in a positive mood as his squad trained in front of a enthusiastic group of supporters, acknowledging that the players had earned genuine goodwill from the fanbase through their performances this season.
“We are very happy that the fans came out today, because they won’t be with us in Naples,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I think this year the players have earned the respect and esteem of the supporters through their commitment and determination in matches.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan boss Allegri: ‘We must help young players develop better’
On the World Cup, Allegri was measured but sincere. “I don’t know why we didn’t qualify, what I do know is that as an Italian I am very disappointed,” he said.
“From this situation, the relevant authorities must thoroughly examine solutions that can help young players develop into good footballers.”
It is a sentiment that echoes the broader chorus of concern from across Italian football in recent days, and notable coming from one of the country’s most prominent and successful coaches.
On more immediate matters, Allegri confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek has returned to full fitness, with Matteo Gabbia the only absentee, the defender expected back on Tuesday.
The prospect of facing a Napoli side that has recovered its key players was greeted with respect rather than concern.
“Napoli are a strong team, especially now that they have everyone available,” Allegri said. “It will be a wonderful match and we will need a great team performance.”
A scrappy but tense affair at the Stadio Olimpico ended level, with Lazio failing to find a winner after Tijjani Noslin’s fortunate equaliser cancelled out Enrico Delprato’s well-taken opener in a result that does little to help either side’s objectives in the end of season run-in.
Parma arrived in Rome as the more cohesive unit in the opening stages, moving the ball patiently and waiting for gaps to exploit.
Their reward came on 15 minutes when Delprato latched onto a free kick, controlled beautifully inside the box and directed a precise finish into the bottom right corner to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Lazio struggled to find their rhythm in the first half despite plenty of possession.
Edoardo Motta, deputising for the injured Ivan Provedel, was called upon to make a fine save from Emanuele Valeri late in the half, while Alessio Romagnoli met a corner with a well-directed header that Parma’s keeper did brilliantly to tip away.
The home side went in at the break needing a response.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 04: Enrico Delprato of Parma Calcio 1913 celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Olimpico on April 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Lazio 1-1 Parma – Biancocelesti improve in second half to snatch point
Maurizio Sarri made a triple substitution on 58 minutes, introducing Noslin, Lazzari and Cancellieri in search of greater energy and attacking threat.
The changes had the desired effect, and on 77 minutes Lazio levelled, although fortune played its part.
Kenneth Taylor picked out Noslin inside the box, and the Dutch forward’s effort took a significant deflection to wrong-foot goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and find the net.
Parma might have restored their lead late on when a penalty appeal was initially waved away, only for referee Matteo Marcenaro to consult VAR before ultimately deciding against awarding the spot kick, a decision that prompted considerable frustration from Carlos Cuesta’s players on the touchline.
A point each, then, though both sides will feel they had chances to claim all three.
For Lazio, it keeps them unbeaten at a critical stage of the season, although perhaps they should have been winning today, while Parma’s survival battle continues to hang in the balance with the gap above the relegation zone just eight points.
Chelsea booked their spot in the FA Cup semi-finals with a 7-0 thrashing of Port Vale at Stamford Bridge. The Blues needed just 64 seconds to take the lead as Jorrel Hato fired in through a crowd of players, after Joe Gauci failed to get any distance on his punch from Pedro Neto’s corner. Port […]
John Higgins won the Tour Championship in 2025, defeating 10-8 Mark Selby in the final [Getty Images]
John Higgins suffered the heaviest defeat of his 34-year career as he lost 10-1 to Zhao Xingtong in the semi-finals of the Tour Championship in Manchester.
The defending champion was swept aside by China's Zhao, who racked up 11 breaks over 50, including one century.
The four-time world champion avoided failing to win a single frame when he took the 10th with Zhao on the verge of victory.
The 50-year-old has twice lost by a margin of nine frames before - 13-4 against Stephen Hendry at the 2012 World Championship and 18-9 against Judd Trump in the 2019 Crucible final - but had never experienced the manner of this defeat in a best-of-19 contest.
"I played well and I am very happy to reach the final," said Zhao.
"My cueing was very good, I tried not to think too much, I just enjoyed the table and concentrated on the balls. This season I have been in four finals and I am enjoying every moment and trying to get better.
"To play Judd in a final for the first time will be a big moment for me, it will be very tough."
The 29-year-old moved into his sixth ranking final having won his first five - a feat only previously achieved by Steve Davis, Mark Williams and Neil Robertson.
Zhao is trying to become the first player to win all three events in the Players Series in the same season, having triumphed in both the World Grand Prix and Players Championship in February.
He is guaranteed to move to a career-high fourth place in the world rankings regardless of the result of Sunday's final, which will be his first meeting with Trump at this stage of a tournament.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kelly Pannek had two goals and two assists to pad her PWHL-leading points total and help the Minnesota Frost hold off the Vancouver Goldeneyes 6-5 on Saturday, snapping a three-match losing streak and clinching a spot in the postseason for the two-time defending champions.
Pannek scored twice on power plays in the third period to give Minnesota (12-3-4-6) a 6-4 lead. She tops the league with 14 goals and 28 points with five matches left in the regular season. Pannek had seven goals through her first two seasons.
Sarah Nurse redirected a shot by former Frost standout Sophie Jacques just 1:18 into the match to give Vancouver a 1-0 lead. It was the earliest goal this season for the Goldeneyes, who had posted regulation victories the previous five times they scored first.
Pannek used a no-look backward pass to set up Grace Zumwinkle in front of the net for her career-high 12th goal of the season, tying it 1-1 at 9:05. Pannek's 14 assists this season is a career high.
Minnesota took a 2-1 lead with 2:21 left in the first when Katy Knoll scored her seventh goal — with assists from Lee Stecklein and Pannek.
But Tereza Vanišová beat Frost goaltender Nicole Hensley one on one to tie it and Jacques gave the Goldeneyes a 3-2 lead when she scored on a power play. The two clubs combined for three goals in 40 seconds.
Vancouver took a two-goal lead 3:30 into the second period on Jenn Gardiner's fourth goal.
Mae Batherson scored her third goal, and Taylor Heise followed with her 10th — on a power-play 1:18 later — to even it 4-4 at 13:25 and the tie stood heading to the final period.
Pannek gave Minnesota a 5-4 lead a little over four minutes in with Heise notching her career-best 16th assist and rookie Kendall Cooper collecting her 14th.
Pannek scored another power-play goal with 6:16 remaining for some insurance that became necessary when Izzy Daniel scored her seventh goal for the Goldeneyes with 53 seconds left.
Hensley finished with 20 saves for Minnesota.
Emerance Maschmeyer stopped 29 shots for Vancouver.
Naperville Central (Ill.) five-star shooting guard Trinity Jones has been released from her signing with Clemson, Rivals’ Talia Goodman confirms.
Jones, a McDonald’s All American, is the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 2 shooting guard in the 2026 cycle. She committed to the Tigers in October and headlined an impressive blue-chip haul for head coach Shawn Poppie and Co.
She’s the second five-star recruit to re-open her recruitment this weekend, following Five-Star Plus+ power forward Oliviyah Edwards, who requested her release from signing with Tennessee.
Jaden Bradley will have plenty of opportunities off drives when he attracts extra defenders, doing one of the things he does best: facilitating under pressure.
Nobody attacks the rim very efficiently against the Michigan Wolverines, outside an elite few of teams, because they can’t stand up to their physicality. The Arizona Wildcats are one of those exceptions.
So is Duke. And using the Blue Devils as a proxy, they posted over one point per possession on big cuts and rolls in their win against Michigan earlier this year.
The Wildcats can do something similar, and Bradley leads all of those actions. That makes the assist bet a nice accompaniment to my Most Outstanding Player of the tournament bet at +850.
Prop #2: Motiejus Krivas Over 0.5 steals
-140 at bet365
It was probably inevitable that the eventual fallout of the LJ Cason injury for Michigan would be Yaxel Lendeborg taking on more of a point-forward role, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen.
His usage rate has climbed by 2% from what it was before the Cason injury, and he has posted an assist rate of over 25% in back-to-back games. What does this mean for Motiejus Krivas? In two words: ball pressure.
Arizona won't let Lendeborg run that point-forward role without heating him up. Not when they have one of the best defenders in the country, which is quantified by both metrics (+5.2 DPM) and the eye test. Given the increased opportunities to guard a high-volume ballhandler, I make this closer to -175.
Prop #3: Nimari Burnett Over 1.5 made threes
-140 at bet365
Michigan will make a concerted effort to take threes in this matchup. There are myriad reasons, but a prevailing one is that Dusty May has to know if Michigan is making them at a decent clip. Arizona is specifically built to be at a (bigger) deficit than most because of how few it takes.
The Wildcats force a 95th percentile ball-screen rate and protect the rim at an elite level, taking away easy twos and putting pressure on shooters. With Yaxel likely drawing primary attention on-ball, Burnett becomes a key outlet on swing actions, and he’s gone over this number in three of his last five games.
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Newsflash: A Tiger not named Dillon Dingler has homered in 2026.
Kerry Carpenter, off to awful start (.091 with 12 strikeouts through six games), got things started in the first inning with a two-run opposite-field home run off Dustin May (who's no Dusty May) that sent the Tigers on their way back to .500. It was just Detroit's third homer of the year. They made up for lost time. Later, Zach McKinstry hit the fourth (on 0-2), Gleyber Torres the fifth (oppo taco), and Matt Vierling the sixth (through a hurricane).
Carpenter showed some country-strong in flicking the bat at a 91-mph change-up and flipping it into the bullpen. It traveled 359 feet — Colt Keith hit two balls much farther in Arizona, and neither left the yard — but a homer's a homer.
Carpenter snapped his longest homerless drought to start a season, by games started:
2022: First homer in fourth start
2023: First homer in seventh start
2024: First homer in second start
2025: First homer in sixth start
2026: First homer in eighth start
Carpenter had one RBI coming into the game, then had three in his first two trips to the plate Saturday. He tacked on with a sacrifice fly to shallow center in the third, scoring Kevin McGonigle, who led off with a single.
That collective groan you heard moments before the start of Saturday's game might've been the producers of NBC's "Sunday Night Baseball." They're in Detroit this week, and they were geeked to have Justin Verlander making his highly anticipated return to the Comerica Park mound as a Tiger. It won't happen. Verlander, 43, has been placed on the injured list, with left hip inflammation.
It's the eighth time Verlander has gone on the IL in his career, more than half coming since he turned 40.
The Tigers have been successful on 12 of their ABS challenges, but none were bigger than the overturn for Dillon Dingler in the bottom of the fifth. It would've been an inning-ending strikeout; instead, he walked, and Zach McKinstry followed with an RBI single to give the Tigers a two-run lead, right after the Cardinals had pulled within one on a mammoth grand slam by Jordan Walker. Leave it to the catcher to know the zone.
The Tigers' challenge success rate this year:
Hitter: 8-for-12 (75%)
Pitcher/catcher: 4-for-4 (100%)
Next Tigers game
▶ Game 9: Cardinals at Tigers, 7:20 Sunday, Peacock, 97.1
In 2021, Mike Krzyzewski began his final season as Duke head coach before retirement. It was also the start of the NIL era in college sports, though he has made it clear that’s not why he chose to walk away.
Krzyzewski has watched from afar as NIL and the transfer portal became important parts of the college athletics landscape. Specifically, he acknowledged athletes staying in school longer – but that led to an “unintended consequence” as a result.
Speaking with TNT Sports’ Ernie Johnson ahead of the Final Four, Krzyzewski joked about how much fun college is and said the ability to make money adds to it. However, he said those athletes who stay in college aren’t necessarily doing so with the same program with the transfer portal as an option.
“It’s good for the families that need it,” Krzyzewski said. “NIL – name, image and likeness – the reason it was brought in is because you should have the ability to take advantage of your persona. The consequences of doing that are all good. There were some unintended consequences, like when coaches say it keeps [athletes] in school longer. It does, but not at the same school.
“However, how can being in college longer be bad? I mean, really? … It’s the best time of your life. You’re playing a sport that you love. Now, you’re getting an opportunity to make money. Come on.”
Last year’s NBA Draft showed the impact NIL has on the talent pool at both the college and professional level. Notable names such as Labaron Philon, Yaxel Lendeborg and PJ Haggerty returned to school rather than going to the draft. That meant two high-level players remained in college, meaning the second round of the draft took a hit.
This season, the college basketball landscape added another wrinkle. Revenue-sharing arrived as part of the landmark House settlement last year, meaning schools can directly share up to $20.5 million with athletes. That number will grow to $21.3 million this summer.
While the majority of those dollars went to football, as expected, men’s basketball is receiving an estimated $4.2 million in rev-share allocations on average, according to data from Opendorse. Roster costs have also increased, as On3’s Pete Nakos reported, especially for teams competing in the Final Four this weekend.
Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder (right) face off during a press conference at York Hall, London. Picture date: Thursday April 2, 2026. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
MMA Fighting has Deontay Wilder vs. Derek Chisora live round-by-round updates for one of the most anticipated boxing fights of the year at O2 Arena in London, England on Saturday afternoon.
Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 knockouts) has had a rough stretch as of late, losing four of his past six fights. The former WBC heavyweight champion did knock out Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in the seventh round in his last outing this past June.
Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 knockouts) has reeled off three straight wins all via unanimous decision. He defeated Otto Wallin via decision in his last outing last February.
Get the Wilder vs. Chisora round-by-round live blog below:
Every team can use a good X receiver. But not every team has one. And they don't just grow on trees. Raiders brass and coaches have noted this offseason several times that it isn't the easiest thing to find a good one. They didn't sign one in free agency, so the next place to look is the draft. And they are doing their homework to see what talent there is at that spot. They are among 12 teams to set up a visit with Georgia State WR Ted Hurst in the coming days.
Georgia State WR Ted Hurst, one of the busiest draft prospects, has a visit on Monday with the #Dolphins, then he has the #Colts, source said.
The 6-4 receiver didn't go to a big school with a lot of high-end competition and televised games, so teams are very interested in getting a closer look at him. He should get drafted. The question is who will pull the trigger on him and how early.
Most projections have him as a mid-round prospect, going in the third or fourth round.
Hurst was First-team All-Sun Belt last season. He led the Panthers with 71 receptions for 1,004 receiving yards (14.1 per), and six touchdowns over 12 games.
He performed well at the combine, running a 4.42 40-yard dash with a 36.5-inch vertical and an 11-3 broad jump.
Maria Jose Marin started the day one back of the lead in the Augusta National Women's Amateur and finished it winning by four.
The 19-year-old Arkansas junior from Cali, Colombia was firmly in the mix as the final two pairings teed off at Augusta National Golf Club, but it was 17-year-old Asterisk Talley getting the winner's edit entering Saturday.
After two rounds at Champions Retreat Golf Club, Talley was bogey free. She was the runner-up in 2025, and it seemed like it was finally the Stanford commit's time in her third appearance.
But after three birdies in the first nine holes, Talley's bogey-free streak unraveled in devastating fashion.
The bogey at the par-4 11th was manageable – it could easily be made up with two more par 5s to go – but the quadruple bogey at the par-3 12th? Dropping to 9 under? Nearly impossible to come back from.
Marin wasn't waiting in the wings for Talley to mess up, she just played good, clean golf for two rounds and came to Augusta National with a plan. An early bogey could have derailed her, but she followed with five birdies to only one more bogey.
Part of that plan also included opting for an Augusta National Caddie – something the other two leaders entering the day did not do.
The result was a 4-under 68 in the final round and 14-under overall – after two rounds at Champions Retreat and one at Augusta National. That's the lowest score in the history of the Augusta National Women's Amateur.
"It means the world to me," Marin said after becoming the first Colombian to win at this course.
She was also the only player in the field to shoot in the 60s all three rounds.
It didn't happen instantly – this was Marin's fourth appearance in the tournament. She was T-14 in 2023, T-30 in 2024, and missed the cut in 2025.
Marin has found her stride in the past year, becoming the third NCAA individual champion from Arkansas. She's the third NCAA champion to win this event at the home of the Masters, joining Jennifer Kupcho (2019) and Rose Zhang (2023).
Stanford sophomore Andrea Revuelta finished second at 10 under after a final round 4-under 68. The Spaniard carded six birdies on the day, including one at that treacherous par-3 12th that nearly became the hole’s fourth ace ever.
Korea's Oh Soomin was solo third at 9 under – the only player in the field with a clean card at Augusta National after also recording a 4-under 68 with four birdies.
Talley finished T-4 in the group at 8-under overall. After the quad bogey, Talley carded two birdies, a bogey and a double bogey to finish with a 3-over 75 on the day.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 02: A general view of the exterior of Lucas Oil Stadium before the Men's Final Four on April 02, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As hard as it is for Purdue fans to watch four other teams in today’s Final Four, that just so happens to be just down the street in Indianapolis, I know most of us will be tuning in. With that in mind I wanted to give you all a space to talk about the upcoming games. The schedule is below. For me, I can’t decide if I want the Big Ten to win and break their championship drought or if I want Arizona to win so that Purdue lost to the champion. However, we can all agree that we are rooting against UConn. Right?
#3 Illinois vs. #2 UConn – TBS/truTB/HBO Max – 6:09 PM tipoff
#1 Michigan vs. #1 Arizona – TBS/truTV/HBO Max – 8:49 PM tipoff
They should be two great games. There are four great teams right there with a lot of high octane offenses. Points should be coming fast and furious especially in that Michigan vs. Arizona game.
It was a rocky start for the veteran CJ McCollum in an Atlanta Hawks uniform.
During his first six games with the Hawks, McCollum averaged just 16.7 points while shooting just 40.7% from the field and 23.5% from three. During this stretch, Atlanta went 2-4 as McCollum struggled to fit in with the team.
At 34 years old, McCollum is the oldest player on Atlanta’s young roster. Moreover, he is also the Hawks’ highest-paid player, making more than $30.6 million this season.
Given how things started for McCollum in Atlanta, the notion to re-sign him this offseason would not have been popular. However, with how well he and the Hawks have performed as of late, it might be wise for the Hawks to consider bringing him back next season.
McCollum has been in a unique situation this season. Both the Hawks and Washington Wizards have young rosters in need of veteran leadership. McCollum has been a positive force in both locker rooms, as his veteran presence has helped both teams grow and develop.
Winning Cures Everything
Over the last 19 games, McCollum is averaging 17.9 points per game while shooting 44% from the field and 31.2% from three. It’s no coincidence that as he settled in, the Hawks have played their best basketball of the season. Atlanta is 17-2 during that stretch and has risen to a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Of course, McCollum isn’t the sole reason for the Hawks’ recent success, but they certainly wouldn’t be where they are without him.
At first, McCollum’s role was to provide a scoring punch off the bench. He came off the bench in 16 of his first 18 games with Atlanta, and the Hawks went 8-10 during those games. Ironically, Atlanta took off the moment he permanently joined the starting lineup.
CJ McCollum Knows His Role
This season, the Hawks have a 120 offensive rating with McCollum on the floor. Additionally, Atlanta has a NET rating of +11.6 with him on the floor.
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) April 1, 2026
The key factor is McCollum’s understanding of his role within the Atlanta offense. During his time in Atlanta, McCollum’s usage rate is 27.2% compared to 24.4% with the Wizards this season. His 27.2% usage rate is McCollum’s highest for McCollum since the 2022-23 season with New Orleans. Furthermore, he is second on the team in field goal attempts per game (15.3 FGA) since joining Atlanta.
If there’s one thing that’s clear: CJ McCollum can flat out score. Even at his older age, he is still finding ways to be effective. At the same time, the Hawks don’t need to ask much more out of him. Naturally, with Atlanta being a high-volume assist and passing team, McCollum will contribute in the playmaking category. His assist percentage of 20.9% ranks third on the Hawks behind Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels.
McCollum is an offensive machine and has been for his entire career. Since his debut on Jan. 11, the Hawks rank fifth in points per game (118.4) and assists per game (29.3). In that same timeframe, Atlanta also ranks ninth in offensive rating (117.1).
Playoff Pressure
For the first time since the 2020-2021 season, the Hawks are at least 10 games over .500 (45-33). As of now, Atlanta holds a five seed in the Eastern Conference and, with tiebreakers over both the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, they are primed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2022-2023 season.
The Hawks are ten games over .500 for the first time since the final day of the 2020-21 season
CJ McCollum is very familiar with the bright lights of the playoffs. He has by far the most postseason success of anyone on the roster. With 67 playoff games under his belt, McCollum is more than capable of performing under pressure.
From 2015-2021, McCollum averaged 22.3 points per game while also shooting 39% from three in the playoffs. During that time with the Portland Trail Blazers, his team made the Western Conference Finals in 2019. During that series, he averaged 22 points per game, but Portland was swept in the series by the Golden State Warriors.
His playoff experience could prove valuable to a team with very limited playoff experience. The Hawks are still developing as a group, and having veteran leadership to guide the team can be positive in the present and future.
The New York Yankees have been using a four-man rotation to start the season.
Right-hander Luis Gil opened the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, mainly because New York's off days in March and in the early goings of April did not require them to carry five starters.
Instead of keeping Gil on the bench and having him throw bullpen sessions on the side, they felt it was best to have the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year make at least one start against hitters from an opposing team in the minors.
However, we now know when Gil will return to the mound in the Majors for the Yankees.
"The Yankees plan to have Luis Gil return to the rotation on April 10 at Tropicana Field, Aaron Boone said," MLB.com's Bryan Hoch wrote Saturday on X.
What Gil's return means for Ryan Weathers
Gil's return means that offseason trade acquisition Ryan Weathers may be out of the rotation by the time Carlos Rodon and or Gerrit Cole are reinstated from the injured list.
Weathers will start on Saturday night against the Miami Marlins, his former club. The 26-year-old struck out seven and allowed one earned run on four hits in his Yankees debut against the Seattle Mariners.
Given his recent lengthy injury history, a move to the bullpen may not be the worst-case scenario for Weathers. He's never thrown more than 94.2 innings in a season, reaching 86.2 with the Marlins two seasons ago.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Garrett Mitchell matched a career high for RBIs with a two-run double and a three-run homer in the first three innings alone, and the Milwaukee Brewers held on to beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Saturday in the opener of their doubleheader.
Chad Patrick (1-0) scattered four hits and three walks over five scoreless innings for the Brewers. Aaron Ashby and Abner Uribe took over and handed a three-run lead to All-Star closer Trevor Megill, whose two-out walk to Bobby Witt Jr. in the ninth brought the tying run to the plate.
Megill struck out Vinnie Pasquantino with a 98 mph fastball to end the game, much to the delight of the resident “rally tortoise” hanging out in the Milwaukee clubhouse these days.
Mitchell did all of his damage against Luinder Avila (0-1), who made his first major league start for Kansas City after pitching out of the bullpen as a rookie last season. He allowed all five runs on eight hits and two walks in three-plus innings.
Avila was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to start Friday night in place of Michael Wacha, who was scratched because of an illness. That game wound up getting postponed 90 minutes before first pitch because of an approaching storm, setting up the doubleheader.
Mitchell, who had driven in five runs total during a 5-1 season-opening homestand, picked up two RBIs with his two-out double in the first. Two innings later, Mitchell hit Avila's two-out pitch an estimated 420 feet to right-center to give Milwaukee a 5-0 lead.
The Royals had a runner cut down at the plate in the second inning and stranded two more at third before Lane Thomas' RBI single in the seventh. Witt made it 5-2 with his hard-hit single before the Brewers bullpen got out of the inning.
Kansas City's own relief crew wound up pitching six innings of two-hit ball.
Up next
The nightcap of the doubleheader featured the original Saturday afternoon matchups. RHP Brandon Sproat (0-0, 21.00 ERA) was on the mound for Milwaukee while RHP Seth Lugo (1-0, 0.00) got the start for Kansas City.
CHICAGO (AP) — Munetaka Murakami hit a two-run homer and Colson Montgomery followed with a solo shot in Chicago’s three-run sixth inning as the White Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 Saturday for their second straight victory.
Murakami’s 431-foot shot to straightaway center off Brendon Little was his fourth homer and first at home since signing with the White Sox (3-5) as a free agent in December. He added a sacrifice fly to finish with three RBIs. Miguel Vargas added two hits, including a double.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first homer of the season, a two-run shot in the top of the sixth to give Toronto (4-4) a 2-1 lead. Pinch hitter Nathan Lukes drove in a run with a sacrifice fly.
Before the game, the Blue Jays placed two-time All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk on the injured list with a dislocated and fractured left thumb.
Chris Murphy (1-0), the third of six Chicago pitchers, worked one inning and earned the win. Seranthony Dominguez worked around a single and walk in the ninth for his first save.
Little (0-2) got only one out, while allowing three runs on three hits.
Murakami’s sac fly in the first gave the White Sox a 1-0 lead off Toronto opener Mason Fluharty. Lazaro Estrada followed with four scoreless and hitless innings.
Chicago right-hander Grant Taylor opened and pitched a scoreless inning for a second straight day. Anthony Kay followed and pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and Guerrero’s two-run homer, a 437-foot shot to left-center that gave the Jays the lead.
After Murakami and Montgomery gave Chicago a 4-2 lead, Lukes' sac fly cut it to 4-3 in the seventh.
The White Sox added two unearned runs in the eighth on a botched rundown when Toronto catcher Tyler Heineman threw the ball over third base and into left.
Up next
Toronto LHP Eric Lauer (1-0, 3.38 ERA) faces Chicago RHP Davis Martin (1-0, 5.40) on Sunday.
Southampton dumps complacent Arsenal out of FA Cup
Southampton has eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup following a 2-1 victory at home, bringing an end to the Gunners’ hopes of securing a treble. With one trophy already out of reach, Arsenal entered the match under pressure, knowing defeat would see them exit another competition.
The result will come as a disappointment to Arsenal, particularly given their ambitions this season, but Southampton has been in impressive form and approached the game with confidence. Their strong start caught the attention of many, including Arsenal supporters who were surprised by the intensity of the home side’s opening performance.
Southampton Take Control
Southampton understood the importance of capitalising on their opportunities, and their early intent paid off. Despite Arsenal enjoying spells of possession and creating chances of their own, they were unable to convert when it mattered.
The Saints took the lead in the 35th minute through Ross Stewart, a development that surprised many watching the match. Southampton maintained their composure and discipline for the remainder of the first half, going into the interval with a deserved advantage. Their organisation and energy ensured that Arsenal struggled to find a breakthrough before the break.
Late Drama Seals Outcome
After the interval, Arsenal made several tactical adjustments in an attempt to shift the momentum. The introduction of Viktor Gyokeres after the hour mark proved effective, as the Swedish forward scored the equaliser just eight minutes later, raising expectations of a comeback.
However, Southampton remained resilient and continued to frustrate Arsenal’s attacking efforts. Their defensive structure held firm under pressure, limiting clear opportunities for the visitors. In the 85th minute, Shea Charles restored Southampton’s lead, once again surprising Arsenal and putting the hosts in a strong position to secure victory.
Arsenal pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Southampton defended resolutely in the closing stages to preserve their advantage and confirm their progression in the competition, leaving the Gunners to reflect on a missed opportunity.
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Robert Lewandowski sniffs out winner in game of false nines between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona
Barcelona took a major step towards the La Liga title on Saturday night, just about overcoming 10-man Atletico Madrid with a late winner from Robert Lewandowski. A spirited performance from Diego Simeone’s side served only for moral encouragement, with Barcelona taking a seven-point lead home to Catalonia.
A heavily rotated Atletico Madrid were without five key players, but on top of that rested Julian Alvarez and David Hancko. Hansi Flick also experimented, but perhaps not with such a keen eye on Wednesday’s Champions League clash, with Dani Olmo given the false nine role ahead of Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski.
After ten minutes of more gentle probing, both sides decided to burst into the large spaces created by an aggressive press. Antoine Griezmann was the first to take advantage, skipping inside both Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo, but his finish was too tame to beat Joan Garcia. Twice in quick succession, Lamine Yamal used the outside of his foot to bend the ball around the Atletico backline and into Fermin Lopez’s path, with a nutmeg to boot. Both times Lopez was on the stretch though, and couldn’t get a clean strike past Juan Musso.
That flurry of chances gave way to a more consistent rhythm after 15 minutes, and a slightly more tempered pursuit of goal, but one that suited Atletico Madrid. Dani Olmo and Fermin combined to slip Lamine Yamal in on the right side of the box, but his clipped effort hit the outside of the post.
Outside of that, Atletico were having their best spell of the game. Long switches to the side of the pitch where Barcelona were short continued to nourish a sharp and mobile attack, with Griezmann and Alex Baena peeling off behind the centre-backs. The source of the goal was surprisingly Clement Lenglet though. The Frenchman’s raking ball from the back hit Giuliano Simeone in stride and onside. His perfect control and lethal finish gave Atletico the opening goal after 40 minutes.
It was illustrative of the reason the game was absorbing. Both sides felt as though they were one pass away from a chance at all times. When Rashford picked up the ball on the left side after a pass around the corner from Olmo three minutes later, he was in his own half. Driving at Nahuel Molina though, he twisted the Atleti right-back inside out, before a one-two with Olmo allowed him to slot past Musso.
Perhaps the most comical point of the match was when Lamine Yamal was sent running in behind, and makeshift left-back simply caught the ball to avoid a certain chance. That was after 22 minutes, but into stoppage time he was forced to chase the 18-year-old again down the flank. Just before Lamine Yamal reached the box, he cynically took him out. At first it looked like he might be saved by VAR from a second yellow, but the Metropolitano groaned as it was upgraded to a straight red card.
Atletico Madrid’s diligent defending holds off Barcelona
Just two minutes into the second period, Gerard Martin was sent off, but this time the review spared him. Flick and Barcelona were relieved, but it did serve to up the temperature at the Metropolitano, but the Catalan side set about taking the fans out of the game with long possessions in the Atletico half. Down to 10, with only Griezmann up top, Los Colchoneros defended their box in a Christmas tree. Lamine Yamal was determined to duck and weave through the brances, and nearly authored a goal of the season contender after beating four challenges, and curling just wide.
A flurry of substitutions broke the rhythm of the game up, and if Diego Simeone’s priorities were not clear before, 18-year-old Taufik Seidu and Javi Morcillo were sent on for their Atletico Madrid debuts. Barcelona meanwhile had been forced to remove Ronald Araujo and his substitute Marc Bernal through injury. Ferran Torres had come off the bench and was the next to work Musso, the second time after a beautiful exchange with Olmo. The game was almost exclusively being played in the Atletico half with 20 minutes to go – Joan Garcia almost spectating with the rest of the Metropolitano.
By no means did the Barcelona goal feel inevitable though, with Atletico stoutly shuttling back and forth across their box. If anything, the anxious nature of Barcelona’s attacks gave away their concern at the ticking clock. Too tight, too intricate, Barcelona’s laboured build-up was allowing Atletico the chance to get a challenge in at some point in each move. Drifting into the final five minutes, Atletico drew on the memory of Simeone sides of old.
It would have to go down only as encouragement for the coming Champions League ties though. With a minute to go, Joao Cancelo twisted Molina inside out for a second time in the game, powering a shot at Musso. One the Argentine was able to stop, but in the right place, at the right time, was Robert Lewandowski. The game had began with Griezmann and Olmo as false nines, seeking to confuse the defence, Lewandowski was sniffed out the right place to be, and instinctively shouldered the ball into the net.
Simeone will take plenty from his side’s ebullient attack in the first half, proving again that Barcelona don’t have an answer for Atletico’s ability to deconstruct their high line. The second period served for further rotations, but demonstrated an admirable commitment to the cause.
Flick will sleep happily with the gaping lead at the top the top of the table this evening, and there were individual efforts to be pleased with, not least Lamine Yamal’s absurd passing. Olmo might not have been decisive, but he was much improved, at the heart of many of Barcelona’s best sequences of play. Given the effort put into pushing for the winner, potential injuries to Araujo and Bernal, and the rotations Atletico had made, the German coach’s happiness may be tempered by the potential impact on their Champions League clash this Wednesday.
Southampton 2-1 Arsenal: Stewart and Charles send Saints into FA Cup semi-finals
Southampton stunned Arsenal to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at St Mary’s.
Shea Charles’ goal in the final minutes of the second half ended the Gunners’ hopes of a first cup win in six years.
Ross Stewart slotted home the opener only to be cancelled out by Viktor Gyökores in the second half, but the Saints fought back admirably 50 years on from their own famous cup win.
As it happened
The opening stages were evenly contested, with Arsenal enjoying more of the ball but Southampton looking the more direct and purposeful in attack.
The hosts tested the defensive line early with balls played into the channels, while Arsenal probed patiently without creating clear-cut chances.
Southampton made the breakthrough in the 35th minute following a moment of hesitation in the Arsenal defence.
A high ball into the penalty area was not properly cleared, allowing Ross Stewart to take control under pressure.
He cushioned it on his chest, held off his marker and then calmly guided a low finish beyond the goalkeeper into the far corner to give the hosts the lead.
Arsenal struggled to respond before the interval but emerged after the break with greater urgency and intent.
Their equaliser arrived in the 68th minute through a well-worked move, as a precise pass released Kai Havertz down the left channel.
With the goalkeeper drawn towards him, Havertz squared the ball unselfishly across goal for Viktor Gyökeres to tap home from close range.
With momentum now in their favour, Arsenal pushed forward in search of a winner, committing more bodies into attacking areas.
However, this left them vulnerable to Southampton’s counter-attacks, with the hosts continuing to threaten whenever they broke forward at pace.
The decisive moment came late in the game when Southampton exploited that space.
A driving run from midfield pulled Arsenal’s defence out of shape before a perfectly timed through ball released Shea Charles into the box.
The finish was composed and clinical, struck low beyond the goalkeeper to restore the lead and ultimately secure Southampton’s place in the semi-finals.
This tie underlined the importance of efficiency in knockout football. Arsenal’s dominance in possession and territory ultimately counted for little without the clinical finishing or defensive assurance to match it. Their equaliser showcased their quality in attack, but their vulnerability in transition proved their undoing.
Southampton, meanwhile, executed their game plan to near perfection. They remained compact without the ball, limited Arsenal’s clear-cut chances and showed composure when opportunities arose. Stewart’s opener was a product of sharp instinct and technique, while the winning goal reflected their ability to exploit space quickly and decisively.
In the end, it was a performance defined by discipline and belief from Southampton, who embraced the occasion and delivered when it mattered most, while Arsenal were left to reflect on missed opportunities and costly lapses.
Lazio 1-1 Parma: Noslin Confirms Himself as Crociati’s Bogeyman
At the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Lazio salvaged a draw against Parma thanks to Tijjani Noslin’s second-half equalizer.
Lazio Starting Lineup
Maurizio Sarri maintained his 4-3-3 lineup, but was forced to replace Mario Gila and Patric, who weren’t available due to injuries. Oliver Provstgaard filled in at the back alongside Alessio Romagnoli, Adam Marusic, and Nuno Tavares, while Danilo Cataldi made a timely recovery to occupy the Regista role.
The Italian started between Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Kenneth Taylor. The manager entrusted Daniel Maldini with the False 9 role once more, flanked by Pedro and Gustav Isaksen.
Parma Take an Early Lead
After an uneventful quarter of an hour, Parma stunned the meagre home crowds by snatching the lead through Enrico Del Prato. The Crociati captain pounced on a loose ball from a freekick, sending a clinical low shot past Romagnoli and into the bottom corner.
While Lazio continued to dominate possession, their reaction was rather tame, failing to create anything noteworthy during the first half. Maldini and Taylor both had penalty shouts, but the referee didn’t buy them.
On the other hand, the visitors almost doubled their lead before the interval through Emmanuele Valeri, who was set up by a clever square ball from Sascha Britschgi that evaded the crowd. The Lazio youth product tried to beat Edoardo Motta with a venomous shot, but the young goalkeeper pulled off an acrobatic save.
Tijjani Noslin Enjoys Another Memorable Cameo Against Parma
After the break, Lazio immediately showed signs of improvement, while Parma retreated into their areas. Maurizio Sarri’s substitutions also paid off, with the right flank finally functioning thanks to Manuel Lazzari, who caused havoc with his penetrations. The full-back tested Zion Suzuki with a shot from the edge of the box, but the Japanese goalkeeper was able to gather it.
In the 77th minute, the Aquile finally got their goal, thanks to Tijjani Noslin, who was the ultimate hero of the reverse fixture with a last-ditch winner. The versatile attacker played a give-and-go with his compatriot Taylor, before cutting to the middle. His shot took a big deflection off Alessandro Circati before creeping into the bottom corner. This time, the Dutchman’s strike was only worth one point.
Lazio were hoping to add another goal, but they also had a major scare when the referee headed to the monitor for an on-field review following a handball from Tavares inside his own box. But luckily for the home side, the match official decided that Mateo Pellegrino took advantage of his offside position to interfere with the play, so the Biancocelesti were taken off the hook.
Sarri’s men weren’t able to extend their winning run to four, but at least they avoided a setback defeat.
Arsenal knocked out of FA Cup by Championship side Southampton
A fittingly thrilling classic late night FA Cup quarter-final was settled by Southampton substitute Shea Charles as bookies’ favourites Arsenal suffered a shock defeat to exit the competition.
Fresh from their Carabao Cup final humbling by Manchester City last time out, Mikel Arteta’s men were unable to cope with a Championship side that played with an intense sense of belief and destiny.
Make no mistake – Southampton thoroughly deserved this. These are worrying times for Arteta, his players and Arsenal supporters even though they still top the league in their pursuit of their biggest quest this season.
Arsenal substitute Viktor Gyokeres had equalised following Ross Stewart’s first half opener for the Saints.
But Northern Ireland midfielder Charles, once of Manchester City, became the latest cup hero for this famous club with a brilliantly taken low finish as the clock wound down to send Arsenal out and his own side to Wembley.
Southampton go to Wembley for a semi-final in the 50th anniversary of their last win in this competition while the cup’s most successful ever side go to Lisbon on Tuesday for a Champions League tie hoping they can recover some sort of form to restore confidence before they resume their Premier League title challenge at home to Bournemouth next weekend.
Milan coach Allegri on Italy World Cup exit: ‘Very disappointed, we need solutions for young players’
Massimiliano Allegri has spoken of his personal disappointment at Italy’s World Cup elimination while calling on football’s governing bodies to address the structural problems holding back the country’s young talent, ahead of Monday’s blockbuster Serie A clash with Napoli at the Maradona.
The Milan head coach was in a positive mood as his squad trained in front of a enthusiastic group of supporters, acknowledging that the players had earned genuine goodwill from the fanbase through their performances this season.
“We are very happy that the fans came out today, because they won’t be with us in Naples,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I think this year the players have earned the respect and esteem of the supporters through their commitment and determination in matches.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AC Milan and Torino FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Milan boss Allegri: ‘We must help young players develop better’
On the World Cup, Allegri was measured but sincere. “I don’t know why we didn’t qualify, what I do know is that as an Italian I am very disappointed,” he said.
“From this situation, the relevant authorities must thoroughly examine solutions that can help young players develop into good footballers.”
It is a sentiment that echoes the broader chorus of concern from across Italian football in recent days, and notable coming from one of the country’s most prominent and successful coaches.
On more immediate matters, Allegri confirmed that Ruben Loftus-Cheek has returned to full fitness, with Matteo Gabbia the only absentee, the defender expected back on Tuesday.
The prospect of facing a Napoli side that has recovered its key players was greeted with respect rather than concern.
“Napoli are a strong team, especially now that they have everyone available,” Allegri said. “It will be a wonderful match and we will need a great team performance.”
PLAYER RATINGS | Lille 3-0 Lens: Les Dogues embarrass rivals in comfortable Derby du Nord win
Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 28, 04/04/2026
Lille OSC slapped local rivals RC Lens with a bruising 3-0 defeat in the Derby du Nord on Saturday evening.
The Match
The smoke from firecrackers filled the Stade Pierre-Mauroy with a thick white haze, giving the Derby du Nord a fog of war in the opening exchanges. After ten minutes, and with the away team’s white shirts blending in with the smoke, the referee called a halt to the game, setting the tone for a stop-start half.
When the ball was in play, Lille dominated it, with Lens taking up a passive approach out of possession. Lens so often like to harry the opposition high up the pitch, but they settled into a low-to-medium block, likely wary of the pace of Lille’s mobile front line.
Despite Lens’s intentions, Lille still found space behind Lens’s backline to thread through-balls for Matias Fernadez-Pardo and Hákon Arnar Haraldsson to run at. Robin Risser was called into action throughout the first half as he did his best to prevent Lille from taking the lead.
A second break in the game would come into effect in the 38th minute, following chants from the Lille supporters. Six minutes later, Lille would find another sort of break as they opened the scoring. Aïssa Mandi’s ball from deep released Fernandez-Pardo down the left channel. The striker held possession long enough for reinforcements to arrive before delivering a cross on the cut-back. Haraldsson was waiting at the far post and tapped home a well-deserved lead.
A disappointing evening would continue into the second half for Lens. They came out after the break with a higher press, but soon shot themselves in the foot. Matthieu Udol sent a fairly routine pass back to Nidal Čelik, who inexplicably left the ball, believing Risser was closer. Félix Correia slipped in to beat the onrushing goalkeeper and slid his shot home.
It really should have been three when Correia was allowed to once again go clear off the backline, with Ganiou’s recovery sliding tackle only freeing the winger with an unfortunate bounce. However, Correia couldn’t angle his shot past Risser. Lille wouldn’t have to wait long for their third.
Ganiou again was involved as he once more went to ground trying to deny Romain Perraud a crossing opportunity. The centre-back only managed to handle the ball, giving the referee enough cause to point to the spot. Fernandez-Pardo stepped up and slotted his shot low and to the right, sending Risser in the wrong direction.
For Lens, it felt as if any hope that they were still in the title race had been dashed tonight in a bruising result made worse by a performance that lacked any conviction in both attack and defense. This was not the Lens that we have become used to seeing this season. While Lille are now eight games unbeaten in the league and provisionally up to third.
Lille Player Ratings
Berke Özer, 5
Hardly tested throughout the game, did enough when he was actually called upon to keep a clean sheet.
Romain Perraud, 6
Aïssa Mandi, 7
Nathan Ngoy, 7
Thomas Meunier, 6
Nabil Bentaleb, 7
Ayyoub Bouaddi, 7
Félix Correia, 5
A very lucky performance from a winger who has struggled since a bright start to life at Lille. He came close to gifting Lens with their only real chance of merit when his backpass went straight to Édouard. He was fortunate that Lens couldn’t do much with it. He did well to take advantage of Lens’s own error from a backpass. And he really should have made it three when he went one-on-one with Risser.
Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, 7
Ngal’ayel Mukau, 6
Matias Fernandez-Pardo, 8
With Olivier Giroud’s lack of form and Hamza Igamane’s injury, Fernandez-Pardo is making the no. 9 role his own. An early criticism of his gameplay was that he would be brilliant until the final third and then make an inexplicable decision. However, experience is slowly ironing that out. His involvement in the first goal was brilliant, and he was ice-cold with his finish for the penalty. With rumours of Atlético Madrid being interested, it may prove hard to keep hold of him over the summer.
Lens Player Ratings
Robin Risser, 6
The best performer for Lens, and a big reason why Lille didn’t run away with this game early on. It’s quite telling that even when he had a good performance, Lille still managed to put three past him.
Malang Sarr, 3
Ismaëlo Ganiou, 2
From the first ten minutes, it looked as if the young centre-back was going to have a long night. He showed signs of nerves, making strange decisions when usually he is composed at the back. He recovered briefly after the first break in play before his night took a turn for the worse. Poor defending in the first goal, almost allowed the third, before eventually causing the third when he gave away the penalty. A night to forget for a player who looks to have a bright future.
Nidal Čelik, 2
Matthieu Udol, 3
Mamadou Sangaré, 5
Adrien Thomasson, 4
Saud Abdulhamid, 4
Wesley Saïd, 3
Odsonne Édouard, 3
Lens offered very little going forward. The striker was largely isolated throughout the match and only had one moment of note when Correia passed him the ball. However, he couldn’t find the angle to shoot quickly enough, and his shot was closed down by Özer.
The stands of Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium were packed for Lacrosse Day in Chicago, and the Wildcats gave them a performance to write home about.
No. 6 Northwestern (9-3, 3-1 B1G) stayed red hot on Saturday, taking down the USC Trojans (6-8, 0-6 B1G) 11-5 for its fourth win on the bounce.
Madison Taylor’s four goals and two assists were both game highs. Foster registered a hat trick and Kaylee Fravert’s three goals paced the Trojans. USC’s Hollis Mulry and Jaylen Rosga both had four ground balls, while Mulry’s four caused turnovers led the game. Madison Smith’s seven draw controls were a game high.
The first quarter went all NU’s way as the ’Cats scored early and often while dominating the draw control battle. The opening draw control landed in the stick of Kate Ratanaproeska, and the first-year attacker opened the scoring with a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner after Madison Taylor found her on a cut into the fan.
Shortly after, Noel Cumberland charged past two Trojan defenders to fire home the second goal of the game with 12:39 to go in the first quarter.
The game slowed after its explosive start. NU turned the ball over on back-to-back offensive possessions, giving USC its first offensive opportunities. Fravert registered the first USC shot attempt with just under 8 to play in the quarter, but Jaylen Rosga would cause a turnover to end the Trojans’ attack. NU moved quickly in transition and Aditi Foster found the back of the net to push the lead to three with 7:33 on the clock.
The two squads came out of the media timeout sloppy, combining for five turnovers. USC finally registered its first shot on goal of the contest, but Jenika Cuocco got down quickly to deny Alex May from close range. A second Cuocco save ended USC’s first real stretch of positive play.
Northwestern capitalized shortly after. Madison Taylor earned and converted a free position shot to register her 300th career goal and grow the lead to four with 2:18 left in the period. The resulting draw control was the only one USC won all quarter, and the Trojans thought they got on the board through a low effort from Fravert, only for the goal to be disallowed. The ’Cats ended the quarter with a four goal advantage.
The second quarter was much slower than the first quarter. That wasn’t evident at the start, however. The ’Cats won the ball back after Hollis Mulry forced a turnover on their first possession out of the break, but this time it was NU’s turn to see a goal disallowed, as Cumberland’s solo effort was chalked off the board. A third Cuocco save set up NU for another offensive possession, but both Adamson and Taylor put their efforts wide of the net.
NU’s defense continued to stifle USC at every opportunity, forcing multiple turnovers and not allowing it to register a shot. On the other end, NU continued to work the ball inside but didn’t find a second quarter breakthrough until Taylor Lapointe found the net from close range with 7:20 left in the half.
Sydney Stewart’s free position shot was USC’s first attempt of the quarter, but it couldn’t find the target.
The wind appeared to get taken out of the ’Cats’ sails when Adamson went down on the ensuing offensive possession and needed attention from the trainer. She was able to walk off the field without assistance.
But the offense didn’t miss a beat, as Foster rifled home an effort from outside of the fan to give NU its sixth goal with 4:09 left before halftime.
USC finally broke the deadlock thanks to Lily Neilson’s first goal of the season, and the Trojans had the opportunity to double up after winning the ensuing draw control, but a lengthy offensive possession ended with groundball pickup by Cuocco and a timeout by the ’Cats. The two squads went empty on their last two offensive possessions, leaving the score at 6-1 going into the break.
Taylor led the way with three total points while Foster was the only player to score two goals in the first half. Rosga’s three ground balls and three caused turnovers paced all players. The two teams were equal in ground balls (nine) and draw controls (four) while NU led the turnover battle 11 to nine.
NU won the first draw control of the half, and won a free position shot through Annabel Child, but the Mid-season Honorary All-American saw her shot thunder off the crossbar. USC broke the second half deadlock when Fravert darted into the fan and finished off a well-worked Trojan passing sequence. NU couldn’t register a shot in its next possession, and it looked for a moment that USC might find a foothold in the contest after Fravert narrowly missed the target on a short range effort.
But NU wrestled back the momentum almost immediately. Taylor’s second goal of the game put NU up 7-2 with 6:54 to go in the third, and Lapointe found Taylor again 90 seconds later to complete her hattrick and give NU a six goal lead.
From there it was a defensive battle until NU won consecutive free position shots. Taylor’s shot clanged off the post, but with 42 seconds left in the quarter, Maddie Epke found the back of the net for her 15th goal on the season to bring the score to 9-2 going into the fourth.
The fourth opened on an NU possession clock violation, but it didn’t take long for the ‘Cats to add to the scoreboard. Foster fought off contact from a defender and fired home while falling down to join Taylor in the hattrick club on the day. NU continued to dominate possession, and Taylor came close to adding a fourth, but her diving effort was met by the stick of Ellie Thomas.
USC came down the other end and won its second free position shot of the day, this time Fravert converted to notch her second of the day. Another USC goal just over two minutes later, this time from Stewart, brought the score to 10-4 with 7:59 left in the game.
NU continued to dominate the draw control battle, winning the draw for the seventh time in the half to USC’s one, but neither team could find a rhythm offensively. An acrobatic close-range save from Cuocco was a stand out moment amidst a turnover-filled passage of play from both sides. Fravert was the one to end the drought, netting her third of the match and 20th of the season with 2:51 to go.
With 41 seconds to go, Taylor put the finishing touches on a convincing NU victory, dancing past defenders and finishing low past Thomas for her 58th goal of the campaign and the final goal in a 11-5 NU victory.
The ’Cats will be back in action on Thursday when they head to College Park to face the Maryland Terrapins. It will be the second time NU pays the team ranked No. 1 team in the country at the time this season, with both matchups being on the road.
Newcastle Red Bulls were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by a late burst from much-changed La Rochelle.
The French giants, Champions Cup winners in 2022 and 2023, came through some awful weather conditions at Kingston Park to book a quarter-final trip to Ulster next weekend.
Three tries in 13 minutes in the first half through Ihaia West, Jules Favre and Gabin Garault put La Rochelle 12 points up.
But with Newcastle a man extra, scores from Elliott Obatoyinbo and Murray McCallum brought the game level at 15-15.
A Brett Connon penalty put the Red Bulls ahead before Diego Jurd kicked two of his own and then Nolhann Couillaud's try in the final minute ended a disappointing evening for the home side.
More to follow.
Newcastle Red Bulls: E Obatoyinbo; Wade, Hearle, Beeckmans, Spencer; Connon, Benitez Cruz; Brocklebank, McGuigan, Palframan, Hodgson, Clarke, Gordon, Christie, Leathebarrow.
Saturday’s game began with Dustin May on the mound for the Cardinals and Jack Flaherty for the Tigers, but neither was sharp and the game ended up being a slugfest including a grand slam from Jordan Walker, but the Tigers would rock Dustin May and the Cardinals bullpen and win 11-6 after being called an official game by rain.
The scoring started early for the Detroit Tigers as they put 3 runs on the board in the bottom of the 1st inning on a single by Torres and a throwing error on Victor Scott II that allowed Keith to score. That was followed by a 2-run homer by Carpenter that put the Tigers up 3-0 in the first frame.
The Tigers would add to their lead with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 3rd inning by Carpenter. McKinstry homered in the bottom of the 4th inning and Vierling followed that with a sacrifice fly to give Detroit a comfortable 7-1 lead. Or, at least they thought it was comfortable as the St. Louis Cardinals came storming back in the top of the 5th inning as Alec Burleson doubled to left field scoring JJ Wetherholt who had walked. Jack Flaherty then had a hard time finding the strike zone as the Cardinals loaded the bases for Jordan Walker who unloaded them with a monstrous grand slam that traveled 459 feet and had an exit velocity of 113.7 mph.
The Detroit Tigers would strike back in the bottom of the 5th inning as McKinstry singled in Greene to make the score 8-6. In the bottom of the 7th Torres hit a drive to right field that Jordan Walker appeared to have caught, but his back hit the wall which allowed the ball to sail over his glove into the bushes for a home run making in 9-6 Tigers.
Matt Vierling hit another home run in the bottom of the 8th inning giving the Tigers their final score of 11-6. Dustin May’s final stat line was a disappointing 3 innings and a 1/3 giving up 7 earned runs on 7 hits. His ERA is now a hefty 15.95. The Cardinals bullpen including Svanson, Bruihl, and Roycroft were responsible for the other 4 Tigers runs. The game was finally delayed with one out in the 9th inning by rain before it was eventually called.
The Cardinals, now at an even .500 at 4-4 for the season, will try not to get swept by the Tigers when they play Sunday night. According to MLB.com, Kyle Leahy will make the start for the Cardinals while Keider Montero will take the mound for the Tigers.
Recent reporting suggested that Kristaps Porzingis is expected to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors in free agency over the offseason. But, that might not necessarily be the case.
"It's hard to say. Of course, it would be nice for me to go ahead and say, 'Yes, I want to continue here,' and this and that,” Porzingis said. “But the reality is I didn't have a good year at all. I barely showed what I'm capable of. And so I have to see what's out there."
But while he doesn’t know what the future holds, Porzingis made it clear that he has enjoyed his time with Golden State thus far.
"Honestly, the team is great here," Porzingis said. "The team is great, the city is great, the organization is fantastic. The only thing is the time difference with Europe — it's 10 hours, it's too much. But everything else, I enjoy it here."
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski snatched the winner at Atletico as the Catalans extended their lead at the top of La Liga (Pierre-Philippe MARCOU)
Robert Lewandowski shouldered home a dramatic late winner for Barcelona as they edged Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of La Liga after Real Madrid slipped up.
Second-placed Real were beaten 2-1 at Mallorca earlier on and Barca capitalised at the Metropolitano stadium to take a big step towards defending the league title.
Marcus Rashford pulled Barca level after Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half.
Atletico midfielder Nico Gonzalez was sent off just before the break and his team dug deep with 10 men to try and avoid defeat, which they almost managed.
Veteran Polish striker Lewandowski had other ideas and used his shoulder to deflect home a rebound from point-blank range after 87 minutes.
With little left to play for in La Liga, Atletico coach Diego Simeone rotated heavily with Wednesday's visit to Camp Nou in mind.
His Barca counterpart Hansi Flick opted for Dani Olmo as a false nine to rest Lewandowski, while starting Rashford in place of the injured Raphinha on the left wing.
The England international, on loan from Manchester United, tested Juan Musso early on with a free-kick which the goalkeeper fielded comfortably.
At the other end Antoine Griezmann, playing for Atletico for the first time since announcing his departure at the end of the season to MLS side Orlando City, was profligate.
The forward skipped into the box and cleverly nutmegged Gerard Martin but his shot was too close to Barca stopper Joan Garcia to trouble the new Spain international.
Fermin Lopez was similarly wasteful at the other end, unable to find Rashford who had a clear sight of goal, and prodding wide himself when Lamine Yamal sent him scuttling through with a sensational pass.
Barca's 18-year-old star Yamal hit the post with a dinked effort after Lopez laid the ball off to him as the game flowed from end to end.
Atletico took the lead in the 39th minute through Giuliano Simeone, the coach's son bursting in behind Barca's high defensive line onto Clement Lenglet's pass and slamming past Garcia.
The visitors pulled level just three minutes later, Rashford exchanging passes with Olmo and drilling past Musso on only his third league start since January.
Atletico were reduced to 10 men just before half-time when Gonzalez scythed down Yamal on the edge of the box as he ran towards goal.
Barcelona defender Martin was dismissed early in the second half as he thumped the ball away but then clattered Thiago Almada with a high foot. However after a VAR review the red card was revoked, much to Atletico's fury.
Barca substitute Ferran Torres, without a goal since January, was twice thwarted by Musso as the visitors probed for a winner but struggled to make their numerical advantage count.
Eventually their winner came when Joao Cancelo cut his way into the penalty area and his cross-shot was pushed out by Musso, only for wily striker Lewandowski to knock it home with his shoulder.
Florida starting pitcher Aidan King delivered his strongest outing of the season, while center fielder Kyle Jones notched his 13th multi-hit game of the season in Friday night's 2-0 win over the Ole Miss Rebels. Both players pointed to energy and execution behind the performance while speaking to the media after the victory.
King leaned on his fastball command to set the tone. He told reporters that he emphasized attacking early, trusting his defense, and maintaining consistent energy following a letdown series against Alabama. Jones noted how King’s presence and emotion on the mound carried into the dugout, forcing the lineup to "match that intensity."
Jones also broke down the Gators' simplified offensive approach against one of the top starters in the conference, Hunter Elliot. Playing without Brendan Lawson forced Florida to stick to its plan, so it could even up the series going into Saturday.
Here's everything they said.
Aidan King on fastball command and outing
"Just having the fastball early was key. Recognizing they were probably going to take a lot early in counts, I just established the fastball and commanded it in and out. Let the defense work behind me and let (the offense) come in and score some runs."
Aidan King on team energy shift after Alabama
"Energy is very important to us. You’ve got to stay high throughout the entire game. After the Bama series, that was a tough loss for us, but you’ve got to turn around, know what you did wrong, and come back with higher energy."
Aidan King on emotions during the game
"It was high energy all game. They were going back and forth. Tensions are going to get high. I showed emotion; they showed emotion. I knew I was done, so I just showed some emotion."
Aidan King on Blake Cyr’s catch in center field
"I honestly thought it was gone at first, and then I realized the wind. It was crosswind, so it was going to die a little bit. I saw Blake keep running and going, and I thought, 'Well, he might get there.'
"So, he made an outstanding catch. That’s what you do. I expect them to make plays like that, and they expect me to throw strikes. It’s a mutual respect. It's an unbelievable catch, and I'm glad he caught it."
Were you surprised he got up? It looked like he was knocked out for a second
"At first, it looked like it took the wind out of him, so I was glad to see him get up, and he's not hurt. That's the key, is making sure he's okay. I took my time to make sure he got the breath back into him. He was all good. I wasn’t going to rush him. I was going to make sure that he was going to be okay."
Aidan King on rotation conversations with Liam Peterson
"To us, it doesn’t matter. It’s a one-two punch. He deserves the Friday spot as much as he does. He goes out there and throws the ball well, and everyone knows he’s a top guy in the draft this year, and he can throw the ball well. There’s no doubt in my mind he stays the Friday guy.
"Honestly, it doesn't really matter to me. He deserves it. That conversation doesn’t really get brought up to us at all. He keeps doing what he's doing; he's fine. I just keep doing what I'm doing, and make sure that if he has a bad start or a good start, I’m right there behind him continuing to do what I do."
Aidan King on Liam’s support
"We talk back and forth all the time. Tonight I was having trouble with a pitch, so I asked him, like 'Hey, I'm feeling this. Do you have anything that could maybe help?' We just bounce ideas off each other and try to improve each other and ourselves based off what he went through the past three years and what I've gone through the past two years.
"So, it's just bouncing off each other and learning from each other."
Aidan King on pitch mix
"The fastball was there. You just work off the fastball. They weren’t really getting to it, so you throw changeup, slider in there, and a couple splitters. Establish the fastball and then catch them off guard."
Aidan King on mound visit late in outing
"He was just telling me how what we were going to do against the guy; just attack him and get the guy out. He knew I didn’t want to come out of the game, and if he was going to tell me I was done, I was going to argue back. I did my job, and I trusted what he told me on the mound."
Aidan King on retiring 15 of 17 hitters
"Just keep throwing the ball. I don't pay attention to strikeouts or how many guys I retire. You can’t worry about numbers because then you think, 'Oh, I want more strikeouts.' Just keep throwing the baseball."
Kyle Jones on Aidan King’s performance
"Superstar. That’s really the only word you can use to describe it. He set the tone from the beginning. When you go seven innings, it's pretty easy for the bullpen to do what they do, and we've got Barbs and Josh. It's pretty locked down at that point. Aidan did amazing."
Kyle Jones on easy day on defense with King on the mound
"Yeah, exactly. I got like four or five, but still. He makes it look easy."
Kyle Jones on offensive approach
"Just trying to simplify. Hitting the baseball is really hard, so just try to stay easy and not think about it very much. Go out there, do your job, try to get on base. That’s what I’m in the leadoff spot for, so I try my best."
Kyle Jones on Cyr's catch from his perspective
"You knew it was going to be a tough play. Not much launch angle on it; hit pretty hard on a line, so you knew it was going to be a tough play. His route couldn’t have been better to that ball, and him wearing the fence like that. It's not easy. I was checking on him to make sure he was okay.
"But an unbelievable catch, in a huge spot of the game. The fact that he made that was big for the team and momentum."
Kyle Jones on Aidan King’s energy
"It fires up the dugout. It leads into the next inning. Him doing that, going out, we almost have to respond to it by matching his energy, if that makes sense. He was outstanding today."
Kyle Jones on grinding at-bats in a low-scoring series
"Go up there, swing at the strikes and take the balls. You just try to get up and get a good pitch to hit, put a ball on a barrel. Obviously, you're going to have those ones where you hit it hard, and you're going to be out. You have those ones you don't hit well, and it falls. It's just baseball. Just trying to get one at a time, multiple hits, just pass the baton to the person behind you."
Kyle Jones on approach vs. Elliott
"He likes the changeup a lot. He's going to go to it. So, you’ve got to see it up. It's also got fade to it, so you have to keep inside the box, see him up and not chase it down or outside. As righty, keep him inside the black."
Kyle Jones on lineup adjustment without Brendan Lawson
"He’s a huge part of our lineup. I don't exactly know what happened before the game. Hopefully, he's back (Saturday), if not, then on Tuesday. When you're missing him, he's such a huge part of our offense; you have to get things going earlier. He brings a lot of power, so you’ve got to find ways to score. Really, coming together as a team, trying to get it done. Nobody does it by themselves."
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Top-5 recruit Oliviyah Edwards has requested a release from her signing to Tennessee, sources told Rivals. Edwards, ranked No. 5 on Rivals, is a 6-3 forward from Washington.
“I’d say I’m very versatile,” Edwards previously said of her game. “I think that as a big, I do have good handles. I could also post up the little, tiny ones. I feel like it’s hard to guard when I can shoot, I can get to the basket and I could create my own shot. That’s really hard to guard, especially with my height. I also know how to pass the ball too.”
Edwards previously talked to Rivals about several factors that would play a role in her decision.
“I would say that family aspect,” Edwards said. “I want to be able to have a home away from home. That’s really the main thing that I’m looking for. Who do I feel closest with? Who do I know that I can build and grow with? Everything else I feel like, for me, will fall into place. I know, anywhere I go, I’m gonna get better. Anywhere I go, they’re gonna have a good facility. They’re gonna have nice things. In that aspect. I’m not really materialistic. I’m just looking at, okay, how do the players get along? How do the coaches coach? What’s the style of play? I really want to fit in here, not just basketball wise. I want them to love me for who I am and everything I’ve got going on. I want to be able to call these girls my sisters – to be able to, even after I’m done, be over at the coach’s houses. These are people I want to have long, deep connections with.”
Michigan coach Dusty May revived the Wolverines in just two seasons, leading the program to the Final Four in 2026 after taking over a team that went 26-40 in the two years prior to his arrival.
May has only been a head coach for eight seasons but already has two Final Four appearances at two schools – Michigan and Florida Atlantic. A national championship is in Michigan's sights this season.
His services are also – obviously – sought after. He has been tied to the North Carolina opening after the school fired Hubert Davis, and he'll likely always be thought of as a dream candidate at Indiana, where he cut his teeth as a student manager before graduating from his hometown school.
Michigan won't let him walk easy, like any other top-tier program in college basketball.
Here's a look at May's current contract at Michigan, which could increase even more if the Wolverines add another raise after is Final Four run:
Dusty May contract
May signed a new contract with Michigan in February 2025, just under a year after he became the Wolverines' next coach. His current deal is through 2030, and offers him an increase of $250,000 each season, according to his contract obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
His base salary this season was $4.6 million and will increase to $4.85 million next season if his current deal doesn't change, which seems unlikely due to the Wolverines' dominance and other schools' interest in May. His yearly salary would peak at $5.6 million in Year 5 of the deal under the current agreement.
He also earns $150,000 on April 30, 2026, as part of his retention bonus. His retention bonus is set at $450,000 for 2027 and 2028, before going back to $150,000 for 2029 and 2030.
Dusty May bonuses
May has already made $250,000 in bonuses this season for leading Michigan to an outright Big Ten championship and at least a Final Four appearance, according to his contract. He's currently earning $200,000 for a Final Four spot, but that bonus can rise to $300,000 for a national championship berth and $400,000 if Michigan wins the title.
Dusty May buyout
May's buyout is currently set at $7 million, if he were to leave Michigan before April 30, 2026. The number decreases each year, and is set at $5 million until April 30, 2027, $3 million until April 30, 2028, $2 million on April 30, 2029, and $1 million on April 30, 2030.
Lewandowski scores late winner as Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid to move seven points clear
Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in La Liga at the Metropolitano stadium on Saturday evening.
The result moves Barcelona seven points clear at the top of the table after Real Madrid lost 2-1 at Real Mallorca earlier in the day.
Fermin Lopez should have opened the scoring in the 14th minute after being played through by Lamine Yamal’s brilliant pass, but he could not hit the target.
Atletico opened the scoring through Giuliano Simeone in the 39th minute. The Argentine latched onto Clement Lenglet’s pass, before slotting past Joan Garcia.
Barcelona responded immediately, with Marcus Rashford combining with Dani Olmo before squeezing the ball through Juan Musso’s legs.
Atletico were reduced to 10 men before halftime as Nicolas Gonzalez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Shortly after the restart, Gerard Martin was sent off after a challenge on Thiago Almada. However, the red card was rescinded after a VAR check.
There was no either chance at either end untill the hour mark when Yamal skipped past some challenges, but could not steer his effort on target.
Atletico had Musso to thank as the Argentine goalkeeper denied Ferran Torres twice in quick succession to prevent Barcelona from taking the lead.
Lewandowski scored the winning goal for Barcelona two minutes from time, with the ball deflecting off him and into the net.
Liverpool and Richard Hughes considering ridiculous €100m spend
Liverpool could seal a ridiculous €100m spend if a reported deal goes through.
Liverpool needed a new left-back last summer and so went and spent more on a full-back than they’d ever previously spent. The record, in fact, had only been set a month earlier with Jeremie Frimpong signing from Bayer Leverkusen - but they broke it anyway.
That was to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. He cost them £40m (Guardian) - a large fee but one that, hopefully, secured a player who could hold down the role for a long time to come.
Only, it seems that Liverpool are ready to ‘replace’ Kerkez in that role. They’re now aiming to sign another left-back for even more money. Pushing the overall spend on left-backs beyond €100m in the course of two summer windows.
Sport Witness relay a piece from Bild that once again suggests Liverpool are lining up a move for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown. He’d cost around €60m were he to leave in the summer and competition is quite fierce.
But is that a wise spend? Over €100m on left-backs? Liverpool will need to replace Andy Robertson in the squad if he doesn’t agree a new contract, of course, though it seems a bit mad to spend €60m on that replacement.
Kerkez was signed to be the first-choice option and signing Brown for that money feels a lot like giving up on him. Yes, competition is good - but surely €60m would be better spent on other positions?
We’ll see what happens but if this is the course of action, spending €100m on left-backs feels quite ridiculous.
Milos Kerkez: Situation Summary
Liverpool Performance and Role
Milos Kerkez has quickly established himself as Liverpool’s primary left-back during the 2025–2026 season following his arrival from Bournemouth. As of April 4, 2026, the 22-year-old Hungarian international has made 39 appearances across all competitions, effectively displacing long-time veteran Andy Robertson. In the Premier League, Kerkez has started 25 matches, contributing two goals and one assist while maintaining an 88% passing completion rate. His aggressive defensive style and high-energy overlapping runs have made him a crucial component of Arne Slot’s tactical setup, as he continues to adapt to the physical demands of playing for a title-contending side.
Current Status and Form
Heading into the final stretch of the campaign, Kerkez is in excellent physical condition and remains a consistent starter. He was a standout performer for Hungary during the March 2026 international break, playing nearly every minute in matches against Slovenia and Greece. His most recent club goal was a clinical finish during a narrow 1–2 defeat to Brighton on March 21, 2026. While Liverpool has experienced an inconsistent run in the league, Kerkez’s individual development has been a significant positive. With Robertson’s contract set to expire this summer, Kerkez is firmly cemented as the long-term solution for the Reds on the left flank.
An efficient Ulster side saw off Ospreys 28-24 in an enthralling contest at the Affidea Stadium to reach the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
Ospreys, who have reached the last eight of this competition in the past two seasons, led 17-14 at the break after tries from Reuben Morgan-Williams and Dan Kasende.
But with the wind behind them in the second half, Richie Murphy's side fought back with Jacob Stockdale and Nick Timoney crossing to give Ulster a narrow win despite Ospreys having a late try disallowed.
They will now look forward to a home quarter-final tie against La Rochelle which will be played on Friday, 10 April in Belfast.
Second-half showing helps Ulster through
Stockdale crossed early in the second half to spark Ulster's turnaround [Getty Images]
In a game played in blustery conditions as a result of Storm Dave in Belfast, early pressure from Ulster told as after numerous phases, the returning Cormac Izuchukwu crashed over for the opening try on four minutes.
Ospreys responded well to going behind and, playing with the wind, they got their first try on nine minutes as Morgan-Williams jinked his way over after a patient move from the Welsh side.
Mark Jones' side then went ahead on 20 minutes with Morgan-Williams again at the heart of it as he peeled off a driving maul and fed Kasende, who evaded the challenge of Stuart McCloskey and crossed.
Edwards stretched their advantage to 10 points with a penalty before Ulster hit back with a second try before the break.
They eventually broke Ospreys' resolve on 34 minutes as Dave McCann grounded the ball on the line, powering over after a quick tap and go penalty.
Ulster started well in the second half and were rewarded as Stockdale finished off a free-flowing move to race over and restore the home side's advantage.
They produced some super last-ditch defending to hold up Jac Morgan on the line before Timoney then gave them some breathing space with a fourth try on 56 minutes.
McCloskey fed the ball to Timoney out on the left and he sold a sweet dummy before darting to the corner.
Things went from bad to worse for Ospreys as captain Morgan was shown a yellow card for a high tackle in the build-up to that try.
They managed not to concede any more points while Morgan was off the pitch and instead cut the gap to four points with 12 minutes remaining courtesy of a penalty try.
It was awarded when Luke Morgan was taken out by a high tackle from Jack Murphy as he looked to score in the right corner, with the Ulster fly-half sent to the sin bin.
Ospreys continued to battle and thought they had stolen the victory on 78 minutes when Owen Watkin caught Ulster on the break and fed Kieran Hardy, who dotted down.
The try was eventually chalked off following a review from the television match official (TMO) which spotted a forward pass in the build-up as Ulster clung on for victory.
Replacements: T Stewart, Crean, Wilson, Irvine, B Ward, McKee, Murphy, Z Ward.
Ospreys: Walsh; Kasende, Watkin, K Williams, L Morgan; Edwards, R Morgan-Williams; G Thomas, Parry, Henry, R Davies, Smith, Sutton, J Morgan (capt), M Morris.
Replacements: Daniel, S Thomas, Botha, Fender, Deaves, Hardy, Boshoff, Hopkins.
The Boston Celtics have gotten unlikely contributions from numerous role players this season, most of whom have exceeded expectations. It's a big reason why they're second in the Eastern Conference despite missing Jayson Tatum for most of the year.
That includes Ron Harper Jr., who's been a key bench player this season in his first year with the Celtics. After appearing in just 11 games over his first three NBA seasons combined, Harper has appeared in 26 games and counting for Boston this year.
The veteran forward even started two of those contests, helping fill in for the Celtics when they were shorthanded.
With the regular season winding down, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Saturday that Boston is signing Harper to a two-year deal, rewarding him for his contributions this season.
The Boston Celtics are signing two-way wing Ron Harper Jr. to a new two-year deal, agent Drew Gross of WME Basketball tells ESPN. Harper has played a key Celtics rotation role at times this season while spending time starring for their Maine G League affiliate. pic.twitter.com/3g44oay1Ql
Harper's currently on a two-way contract and has also played for the Maine Celtics in the G League this year, performing well for them. A two-year deal gives the 25-year-old some short-term job security and extends his NBA career.
That's a big deal for Harper, who played sparingly early in the season before getting more court time in mid-January. He officially joined the Celtics' rotation in early February and has appeared in most of their games since then, even after Tatum returned in March.
In 10.3 minutes per game this season, he's averaging 3.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament Final Four tips off Saturday night as the UConn Huskies face the Illinois Fighting Illini at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Tip-off is set for 6:09 p.m. ET on TBS and streaming on DIRECTV, as both teams battle for a spot in Monday’s national championship game.
Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) controls the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes forward Cooper Koch (8) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
How to Watch UConn Huskies vs Illinois Fighting Illini
UConn enters the Final Four looking to continue its dominant postseason pedigree. The Huskies have thrived on the biggest stage in recent years, winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 under Dan Hurley. They arrive in Indianapolis after a dramatic 73-72 Elite Eight win over Duke, showing resilience and clutch play under pressure.
Meanwhile, Illinois is making its first Final Four appearance since 2005 and has surged behind a high-powered offense. The Illini have leaned on balanced scoring and improved play down the stretch, emerging as one of the most dangerous teams left in the field. Their success is driven by perimeter shooting, and when they heat up from beyond the arc, they’re one of the hardest teams to stop.
This matchup will pair UConn’s physical interior presence and experience versus Illinois’ offensive firepower and momentum. Both teams have proven they can win in different ways, making this one of the most evenly matched semifinal games in recent memory.
With a trip to the national championship on the line, expect a battle between two programs peaking at the right time.
You can catch all the action on TBS, TNT, and truTV, and if you’re looking to stream the action, DIRECTV has you covered.
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As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Buffalo Bills are still far from done this offseason. They still have some holes on the roster, but one area of strength is at cornerback.
While Benford and Alford are established veterans in the league, Hairston is the wild card among them. However, under new defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard, Hairston is poised for a breakout season.
Hairston Flashed Plenty of Potential
After being selected 30th in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hairston went into Bills training camp fighting for a starting job.
Unfortunately for Hairston, he suffered a knee injury and started the season on injured reserve. By the time he came back, the Bills were already comfortable starting Tre’Davious White opposite of Benford.
While Hairston only played in 11 games and started three due to injury, he made the most of his opportunities. This was most evident during his second-career game against the Chiefs, where he was tasked with covering Xavier Worthy.
Throughout the game, he kept up stride-for-stride with Worthy, who owns the record for fastest 40-yard dash.
For the game, Worthy was held to just three catches for 23 yards. Hairston’s most impressive play came when he intercepted Patrick Mahomes after sticking with Worthy on a deep ball.
Like most rookie corners, there were growing pains for Hairston, but the flashes of potential he showed outweighed the struggles.
What he put on tape should make him a prime candidate to start alongside Christian Benford and Dee Alford.
Multiple things to like on this Max Hairston INT
-3 deep 3 under fire zone -Bosa’s pressure -Solomon (56) carrying in the middle hook with DEPTH -Hairston (31) playing the route distribution + ball tracking -Bishop (24) speed/baseball turn in the post
Due to an ankle injury that held Hairston out of the playoffs, many people forget just how talented he is.
Coming out of Kentucky, Hairston wasn’t the prototypical corner the Bills usually target in the draft. However, when selected, he instantly added a new style of play to the position that they had been lacking.
With a 4.28 40-yard dash and a natural ability to find the ball in the air, Hairston had the tools to excel in off-man zone coverage.
While this was something he excelled at, he was still strong in a zone-heavy scheme under Sean McDermott as a rookie last season.
The versatility in Hairston’s game will allow him to acclimate to whatever kind of scheme the new coaching staff wants to run.
When it comes to tackling and assisting in rush defense, there is still a lot of room for growth with Hairston. The good news is that these are skills that are much easier to coach into a player.
If these are the biggest worries with a corner, then they’re likely in a good spot with their development.
All the attributes that you can’t coach into a player are ones that Hairston already has. If given more snaps this upcoming season, he’ll be able to develop into the perfect corner alongside Christian Benford.
New #Bills CB Maxwell Hairston was the fastest man at the NFL Combine this year, running a 4.28. Long arms, can play both man and zone, excellent ball skills. Concerns about ability to tackle #BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/AoT4DG4CAL
These three corners still need to play games together, but they have the potential to make Brandon Beane’s job much easier in the next few years.
Knowing the team has such an important position on the defensive side of the ball figured out will allow them to allocate more resources to keeping their star quarterback happy and healthy.
The Bills should trust in Maxwell Hairston to break out next season, not just because they spent a first-round pick on him, but because he fits any style of defense Joe Brady and Jim Leonhard want to run.
PHOENIX (AP) — When basketball great Cheryl Miller thinks of the state of the women's game today, she is filled with pride.
Pride with how interest and investment in women's hoops has skyrocketed since her days dominating at Southern California. Pride with how women's athletes are celebrated. Pride with the development in player skill over the years.
“A lot of these players are so dedicated, not just the X's and O's or the physical, their skillset," said Miller, who was honored this week as one of the greatest players of The Associated Press women’s basketball poll era, "but taking care of their bodies, the nutrition and sleeping better and what’s provided for them now at certain universities and programs. It’s just the evolution of the game itself.”
Miller and other women's basketball trailblazers, including Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman and former UCLA standout Ann Meyers Drysdale, spoke about the state of college sports at “The AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience,” which was held at Arizona State’s First Amendment Forum in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Phoenix.
Most conversations centered on how name, image and likeness along with the transfer portal are shaping the college game.
The changes in college sports have permeated politics, and ahead of the start of the Final Four for both men and women, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at restoring “order, fairness and stability” to college athletics.
The order directs federal agencies to bolster the effectiveness of key rules on transferring, eligibility and pay-for-play by evaluating whether violations of such rules render a university unfit for federal grants and contracts.
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, whose team will play Sunday in the national championship game for the fourth time in five years, recently said her conversations with recruits nowadays reflect the new college sports landscape. While Staley's talks with recruits once centered on earning degrees, they're mostly focused now on money, especially with players in the transfer portal.
That's the same adjustment Arizona State coach Molly Miller has been forced to make.
"Recruiting a high school athlete is a lot different than recruiting a portal athlete," Miller said on a panel hosted by the AP on Thursday.
“Their questions are totally different than the portal kids,” she added. "Their questions are, ‘What’s the student-to-teacher ratio?' When you get in the portal they’re like: ‘Am I going to play? What’s the depth chart like, is the culture good and how much (money)?’”
Ackerman, who was the first president of the WNBA, sees tremendous growth in institutional investment in women's college sports, which she pointed out was evident in the success of the Final Four teams — South Carolina, UConn, Texas and UCLA — in Phoenix.
While that growth is paying off in brand value and fan engagement, Ackerman worries that it will lead to a wider disparity between schools with major football revenue and institutions that rely on smaller revenue streams.
“I’m not sure what the future holds,” she said. “I think it’s going to require leadership on campuses and innovation in terms of how to deploy resources that are finite for all sports.”
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Flynn Cameron of the 36ers and Owen Foxwell of the Phoenix during game three in the NBL Playoff Series between Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix at Adelaide Entertainment Centre, on March 17, 2026, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In a surprise move, the Wisconsin Badgers have landed Australian guard Owen Foxwell to kick off a very important offseason, nabbing their potential point guard for the 2026-27 season.
Foxwell, 22, hails from Melbourne and has a connection with forward Austin Rapp, which could be a fun pairing for the Badgers next season. He’s considered a high-level playmaker and quality defender, and was initially set to join the LSU Tigers before flipping to the Badgers on Saturday.
Foxwell averaged 11.1 points and 4.5 assists in the NBL last season while shooting 41.1 percent from the field, 35.2 percent from three, and 80 percent from the free-throw line. He’s a left-handed lead guard and could fill the void left by Nick Boyd this offseason, but his playstyle is a bit different as more of a playmaker.
The Badgers were expected to look for a lead guard this offseason with Boyd gone and John Blackwell’s status up in the air, and Greg Gard and his staff tapped into the international pool for a solution, with Foxwell immediately becoming the frontrunner to compete for the point guard role.
Now, the focus turns to retention, as the Badgers are looking to bring back Blackwell, Nolan Winter, Aleksas Bieliauskas, and Austin Rapp. Those four, combined with Jack Janicki, Hayden Jones, Zach Kinziger, Will Garlock, and Wisconsin’s two incoming freshmen, would be a strong group for the Badgers heading into the offseason.
But one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle was solved on Saturday with the addition of Foxwell. Now, let’s see what else the Badgers can do this offseason.
DETROIT (AP) — Kerry Carpenter, Zach McKinstry and Matt Vierling hit two-run homers and drove in three runs apiece, and the Detroit Tigers powered their way to an 11-6, rain-shortened victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.
The game was called after 8 1/3 innings following a 40-minute rain delay.
Gleyber Torres added a solo shot for the Tigers, who had only two home runs in their first seven games.
The game was delayed with one out in the ninth because of inclement weather. The field was deemed unplayable after the delay.
Detroit starter Jack Flaherty was charged with five runs in four-plus innings. He allowed three hits and four walks and hit three other batters with pitches.
Brant Hurter (1-0) picked up the win with one inning of scoreless relief.
Jordan Walker had three hits, including a grand slam, and drove in five runs to carry St. Louis' offense. Cardinals starter Dustin May (0-2) gave up seven runs and seven hits in 3 1/3 innings.
Carpenter's home run capped the Tigers' three-run first inning. McKinstry's homer highlighted Detroit's three-run fourth as the Tigers built a 7-1 lead.
The Cardinals scored five runs in the fifth, topped off by Walker's 459-foot blast to left-center field.
McKinstry's RBI single in the bottom of the inning gave Detroit an 8-6 lead. Torres led off the seventh with his opposite-field homer and Vierling homered with two out in the eighth.
Up Next
Justin Verlander (0-1, 12.27) was scheduled to make his first start at Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform since Aug. 20, 2017, on Sunday night but he was placed on the 15-day injured list on Saturday with left hip inflammation. RHP Keider Montero was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to take his spot in the rotation. Montero will be opposed by RHP Kyle Leahy (0-1, 7.20) in the finale of the three-game series.
As the Tigers tried to hold onto a huge lead and finish this game, a nasty storm was barreling towards Detroit.
It was one eye on the radar – an ugly, ominous blob of blue, purple and yellow was marching across Michigan and heading toward Comerica Park, which is never good when trying to play baseball.
And the other eye on the field. The rain finally arrived in the eighth inning. Fans pulled out rain gear and others scrambled for cover, as Tyler Holton pitched in relief for the Tigers, holding onto a 9-6 lead, getting a double play and flyout.
Tigers fans embraced the moment, literally singing in the rain before the bottom of the eighth.
Then, Matt Vierling mocked Mother Nature by hitting a two-run homer, shooting a ball through sheets of rain over the right-field wall.
But that light rain turned into a nasty, driving rainstorm and huge puddles were forming on the infield, as relief pitcher Kenly Jansen tried to finish it for the Tigers. But the game was put into a rain delay with one out in the bottom of the ninth – the Tigers two outs from the win – and the tarp was pulled onto the field.
Not long after, the rain stopped, of course.
After a delay, the infield tarp was pulled off the field but the one over home plate remained in place. The managers met at home plate with the umpire, then went into the dugout.
That's when it was called. The Tigers (4-4) won their second-straight game over the Cardinals (4-4).
You like the long ball? Kerry Carpenter, Zach McKinstry, Gleyber Torres and Vierling all jacked home runs.
You like great situational hitting? Carpenter and Matt Vierling both hit sacrifice fly balls to drive in runs.
You like clutch hitting? McKinstry hit a double in the fifth inning, driving in a run.
You like some fancy defense? The Tigers twisted a picture-perfect double play in the sixth inning – from Spencer Torkelson to shortstop Kevin McGonigle back to Torkelson to end the top of the sixth.
You like drama? No, nobody likes drama when it’s watching the Tigers blow a huge, comfortable lead with rain on the horizon.
The Tigers took a 7-1 lead into the fifth inning, but everything fell apart with Jack Flaherty on the mound.
Flaherty, who had started the game, struggled with his control. In the top of the fifth inning, he walked two, hit a batter and gave up a double. He was taken out with the bases loaded and the Tigers holding a 7-2 lead with no outs.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch brought in Drew Anderson. On Anderson's second pitch, Jordan Walker crushed a grand slam – an absolute monster blast – that traveled 459 feet, hitting the brick in left center.
That's the fact, Jack
Flaherty got the start for the Tigers, pitching against the team that drafted him in the supplemental first round (34th overall) of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles.
But he struggled from the start, opening the game with a walk and hitting a batter, then got out of it.
In the second inning, he did it again, walking a batter and then hitting another, but he got out of it once again.
In the third inning, the script changed. Ivan Herrera got a double and then scored on a single.
So, he was trying to gut his way through it, until it fell apart.
Flaherty gave up five earned runs in four innings, walking four, while striking out six. He also hit three batters.
It was just the second time that Flaherty faced the Cardinals. And it was completely different than his first time when he set a career-high with 14 strikeouts on April 30, 2024 at Comerica Park.
Kerry Carpenter comes through
Carpenter has had a strange season, bouncing around the batting order.
He started out the year as the Tigers leadoff batter. But he struggled through a .063 stretch.
So, Hinch moved him to fifth while playing against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second series of the season.
“I wanted to ease off Kerry a little bit,” Hinch said at the time. “He seems to be swinging more and more, which is out of his norm. I mean, he can be a little bit more disciplined. I'll get him back at the top at some point.”
Then, for the home opener, Hinch moved Carpenter to the third spot when the Tigers beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-0. Carpenter went 2-for-3 with a walk.
On Saturday, Hinch put Colt Keith at the leadoff spot and pushed Carpenter back to cleanup.
And Carpenter responded, hitting his homer against Dustin May, a 28-year-old righty.
In the third inning, Carpenter had another great chance, hitting with McGonigle on third with one out.
The speedy rookie had singled and advanced to second on a ball that bounced off catcher Pedro Pagés.
That gave Carpenter a great RBI chance and he lifted a short fly ball to center. Victor Scott II caught the ball but had a bad throw.
McGonigle scored with ease, as the Tigers took a 4-1 lead.
Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on X @seideljeff
LeBron James has shared some insight into one NBA city he isn’t much of a fan of:
Memphis.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, in a recent appearance on the "Bob Does Sports" YouTube show, took some digs at the home of the Grizzlies. He clarified that it wasn’t about the people who live in Memphis, but rather the travel aspect of going to the city as an NBA player, also listing Milwaukee as an unfavorable destination.
James’ comments received some criticism, especially from those close to Memphis — including the city’s mayor.
Here’s what James said about Memphis, how he responded to the backlash and more.
James recently had a rare in-depth media appearance on the YouTube show "Bob Does Sports," where he was asked about traveling in the NBA at the age of 41 and a longtime star. James' response specifically targeted Memphis and Milwaukee.
“A random f---ing Tuesday in Milwaukee,” James said. “Staying at the f---ing Hyatt at 41 years old. You think I want to do that s---? Being in Memphis on a f---ing random a-- Thursday? I’m not like the first guy to even talk about it in the NBA."
LeBron James on the Memphis Grizzlies 💀
“I’m f*cking 41 years old, you think I want to do that sh*t being in Memphis on a random a** Thursday. I’m not like the first guy even to talk about in the NBA. Like, we all like you guys have to move. Go over to Nashville… their only… pic.twitter.com/3z3XnLE69t
James, who said he might have "not showed up" if he was drafted by the Grizzlies in 2003, also suggested that the team shouldn't be in Memphis and should be relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.
"[NBA players are] all like, ‘You guys have to move. Go over to Nashville.’ You got Vanderbilt over there," James said. "You got NASCAR. You got a stadium. Don’t they got a hockey team, too?”
Those comments from the NBA legend were not taken kindly from some people close to Memphis.
Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo was one of the NBA figures who pushed back on the Memphis crticism.
"I can say from my own perspective that I have the complete opposite, 180-degree perspective on that," Iisalo said, per ESPN. "The Memphis where we have arrived less than two years ago has been very warm. Very welcoming."
Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, who was an assistant in Memphis before taking over as head coach in Toronto, also spoke on James' comments.
"I don't care what the rest of the world thinks. I love the people of Memphis," Rajakovic said, per ESPN. "I love the food. I love every single time I come over here."
Additionally, the mayor of Memphis, Paul Young, responded to James' criticism by inviting the Lakers star to the city. In a Facebook post that also highlighted Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins' debate on "First Take" about James' words about Memphis, Young said he would show James the "culture and powerful investment opportunities" of Memphis.
“I would welcome the chance to turn your criticism into action in one of the most important cities in the world,” Young wrote. “Come to Memphis and roll around with me for a bit, and I will show you some of the culture and powerful investment opportunities in our City. Let’s do something epic in one of the largest majority Black cities in the nation!"
Bob Does Sports is a YouTube gold channel that follows Robby Berger (Bobby Fairways) and his friends Nick Stubbe (Fat Perez) and Joseph Demare (Joey Coldcuts), with over one million subscribers on the platform.
The account has had athletes featured in the past, including Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold and Bills QB Kyle Allen in 2024.
On Apr. 2, a video featuring James playing a round of golf was released by the account.
On Saturday, James was asked a follow-up question about his Memphis comments. He made sure to point out that he had also mentioned Milwaukee as a difficult travel spot in the NBA, clarifying that he wasn’t speaking about the people in either city, but simply that those are two places he does not enjoy playing in.
“Milwaukee was, too. Did they miss that one, too? They didn’t see that?” James said. “41 years old, it’s two cities I do not like playing in right now. That’s Milwaukee, and that’s Memphis. What is the problem?”
I asked LeBron James about Memphis and if he wanted to clarify anything
"41 years old. Two cities I do not like playing in right now. That's Milwaukee and that's Memphis... I don't like going home either. Shit, and I'm from there" pic.twitter.com/EIMiDcj2Xo
James also went as far to say that he'd include Cleveland on his list of unfavorable traveling destinations, "and I'm from there."
“I don’t like going home either … and I’m from there,” James said. “People are ridiculous. They also get mad at my son being on the [Lakers], too. So what are we talking about? People need to figure out other ways to put their energy to other things that’s important. Like seriously? I’m not talking about the city, like the people in Memphis. I don’t like staying at the Hyatt Centric. What’s wrong with that? Nothing! What are we talking about? … People need to chill the hell out.”
Memphis Grizzlies attendance numbers
According to ESPN, the Grizzlies rank 29th among the 30 NBA teams in total attendance for the 2025-26 season so far, with 615,489 fans in total.
The Grizzlies, currently the only major professional sports team in the city of Memphis, were originally established in Vancouver, Canada, in 1995. The franchise moved to Memphis after the 2000-01 season.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 4: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates 1-2 during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico Madrid v FC Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 4, 2026 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona will finish Matchday 30 with a huge seven-point lead at the top of the La Liga table thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on Saturday night. Barça had to come from behind to win a true battle in the Spanish capital even though Atlético had only 10 men throughout the second half, but Robert Lewandowski scored a late winner to give Barça three massive points as the Blaugrana took full advantage of Real Madrid’s loss early in the day and are now in full control of the title race.
Reactions & Observations
The opening 45 minutes were a lot of fun for a neutral, with both teams in attack mode and exploring the space in behind both defenses to create huge chances. Antoine Griezmann and Fermín López both missed a couple of big opportunities on either end, and the game was somehow goalless after the first 39 minutes.
The 40th minute brought a goal from Giuliano Simeone, who timed his run in behind the Barça backline to receive a long pass from Clément Lenglet and fired it past Joan Garcia to put Atleti ahead. Marcus Rashford equalized almost immediately after a glorious one-two with Dani Olmo, and Barça were able to respond right away.
Atleti then went down to 10 men right before halftime when Nico González took out Lamine Yamal at the edge of the box, and he was initally shown a second yellow card which was changed to a straight red for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity following a VAR review.
We were all square at the break after a crazy first half, and Barça had a real chance to grab a second half winner playing against 10 men.
The second half almost started with a disaster for Barça when Gerard Martín was shown a straight red card after a collision with Thiago Almada in midfield, with the replays showing Martín kicking the ball before catching Almada’s ankle. VAR called the referee to the screen and the red card was changed to a yellow, and Barça stayed with 11 men.
Barça had to deal with two injuries on the night, with Ronald Araujo and Marc Bernal forced off. Bernal had come on for Araujo, but lasted only 20 minutes before having to come off.
Diego Simeone used all of his substitutions to change the shape to a 5-3-1 and try to preserve the draw, while Hansi Flick sent on Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Gavi looking to rescue a late winner. Ferran missed at least two really good chances, while Gavi looked fantastic even in a short cameo as Pedri’s double pivot partner.
But it was Lewy who decided the game as he scored a proper striker’s goal: João Cancelo fired a shot that was saved by Juan Musso, but the ball went straight to Lewandowski who was at the right place at the right time and scored it with his chest on the rebound to give Barça the lead in the 88th minute.
Atlético had very little time to try and chase a late equalizer, and Barça did a solid job of managing the final minutes and earning a gigantic victory to open up a seven-point gap at the top of the standings.
This was not pretty, but Atlético away is never pretty. The three points were all that mattered after Real’s loss to Mallorca, and Barça got what they needed. This is a huge result, and it’s the confidence boost they need before the Champions League quarter-finals against this same Atleti side.
The research, presented at the IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference in San Francisco earlier this year, shows the receiver can continue operating after exposure to 500 kilograys of radiation. That level of endurance far exceeds what even space-grade electronics are designed to handle.
HummingDeck lets teams share sales decks, proposals, and documents through trackable links and see engagement in real time. Measure opens, time per page, link clicks, downloads, and completion rates, and get instant alerts when prospects view your content. Upload PDFs, PowerPoint, Word, or interactive HTML to create dynamic proposals and see what resonates. View team-wide performance, identify hot prospects, and sync alerts and activity to your CRM and Slack to follow up at the right moment.
Deal | Smalland: Survive the Wilds is an open-world survival game in which your character is a small fairy-like creature. You must venture into a dangerous world, build shelters, and upgrade your equipment in order to complete your mission.
Inter Miami will host Austin in a 2026 MLS regular season matchup. Here’s everything you need to know about this clash, including the date, venue, and broadcast information to watch it live in the United States.
Here are all of the details of where you can watch Inter Miami vs Austin on US television and via legal streaming:
Momentum is firmly on the side of Inter Miami as they continue to chase down Nashville SC in the Eastern Conference standings, now sitting just three points off the top following an electrifying 3-2 win last time out, with Lionel Messi once again leading the charge.
On the other side, Austin FChead into this matchup under pressure after managing only five points through their first five games, leaving them in urgent need of a turnaround to keep their postseason ambitions on track—setting the stage for a high-stakes clash you won’t want to miss.
Details on how to watch
Apple TV is the home for Major League Soccer – where you can watch Inter Miami vs Austin and every MLS game. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, Apple TV, smartphone, tablet, Roku, and other smart streaming devices.
Apple TV will stream every MLS game – including MLS Cup Playoffs and Leagues Cup – with no blackouts.
Apple TV is available via the Apple TV app on all Apple iOS devices, Mac, PC, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, Android TV, Google TV, LG smart TVs, Panasonic smart TVs, Playstation 4 & 5, Roku streaming devices and smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Sony smart TVs, Vizio smart TVs, and Xbox One, One S, Series X and Series S. In addition, you can AirPlay or cast from your phone or computer to any compatible screen.
If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s guide to the best VPNs for streaming soccer.
Trabzonspor Teknik Direktörü Fatih Tekke, Galatasaray galibiyeti sonra değerlendirmelerde bulunurken bordo-mavili takımla ilgili "Bir ateş vardı burada yanan, önce söndürdük, sonra limana çektik. Şimdi rüzgarla beraberiz" yorumunu yaptı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında oynanan derbide Trabzonspor, Galatasaray'ı sahasında 2-1 yendi ve 882 gün sonra derbi galibiyeti yaşadı.
Trabzonspor Teknik Direktörü Fatih Tekke, maçın ardından galibiyeti değerlendirdi.
Fatih Tekke'nin açıklamaları:
"Oyunun özellikle ilk yarısı çok iyiydi. Bütün her şeyi çok doğru yaptık ilk yarıda. İkinci yarı bölüm bölüm bir fazlayı buldular. Baskılarımız delindi. 5-10 dakika boyunca oyuncu değiştirmede tereddüt ettim. Son bölümde savunma iç güdüsü. Bence hak ettiğimiz bir galibiyet. Galatasaray ile oynarken anlarda yenilebiliyorsunuz. Bugün çok fazla an yaşatmadık. Baskılarımız iyi oldu.
"BİR ANTRENMANLA ÇIKTIK"
Bir antrenmanla çıktık. İnanan bir Trabzonspor oyuncu grubu vardı. Bu inanç, taktikle birleşince etkili oluyor. Galatasaray gibi güçlü bir kadroyu yenebiliyorsunuz. Bundan sonra daha dikkatli olmamız lazım. Periyot inanılmaz zor. Aynı duyguyu yansıtamayabiliyor oyuncular. Alanya maçı 5'te bir de. Kalan 6 maçta ne kadar, neler yapabiliyoruz, onu devam ettirmeye çalışacağız.
“YANAN ATEŞ VARDI, SÖNDÜRDÜK”
Takımın patronu olarak, kendi takımımın potansiyelini biliyorum. Şu ana kadar rahat kazandığımız maç yok. Bu bir gerçek. Eksik kaldığımız, sakat veya cezalı olunca sorunlar yaşıyoruz. Sakatlıktan yeni dönenler var. Bu süreç kolay geçmiyor, hala kolay değil. Sınırda olan oyuncular var. Trabzonspor kadrosu istenildiği şekilde kullanmaya elverişli değil şu an. Trabzonspor'un geldiği nokta, 1 senenin tamamında değerlendirilmeli. Şu an çok önde gidiyoruz. Dua edenlerin de çok katkısı var. Her maçta oyunu forse ediyoruz diyemem. Şunu diyebilirim; ufak tefek sorunlar haricinde problem çıkaracak bir takım değil bu. Bu enerji, sevgi saygı ve güvene yansıyor. Bugün ilk yarıda oyunda iyiydik. Kırılgan olduğumuz dönemler var. Bu da gayet normal. Oyuncu portföyümüz çok net. Bir değişiklik, oyunu bile değiştiriyor. Bir ateş vardı burada yanan, önce söndürdük, sonra limana çektik. Şimdi rüzgarla beraberiz. Bunu 1-2 defa görebildik. Bunu devamlı görmemiz lazım. Bu çocuklar bunu hak ediyor. Maç kaybedebilirsin. Hayallerimizi gerçekleştiremeyebiliriz. Bu inanmış adamlar çok şey başardı, bunu devam ettirmek hepimize düşüyor. Sadece teknik adam ve oyuncu değil. Tüm camia olmalı. Maç maç gitmeliyiz. İşimiz kolay değil. Bugün zor bir rakibi yendik ama hiçbirini kolay yenemedik.
Bu şehirde sabır çok yok. Bir senede gelinen nokta, olması gerekenin çok üzerinde. Normali 2-3 sene bunun. Benim 1 günlük sözleşmem var diyorum.
Ülkenin bazı mekanizmaları var, değişmesi lazım. Trabzon değil, Türk insanı. Ahlaklı, çalışkan insanı bulalım yeter ki. Böyle konuşmam arkamdaki tabelaya bağlı değil. Okan Hoca da çok başarılı, Sergen Hoca da. Yapabiliriz biz bunu. Bardağın boş tarafından bakıyoruz hep. Bu işin sadece spontane olmadığını göstermeye çalışan bir ekip var."
Galatasaray, Trabzonspor'a yenilerek şampiyonluk yarışında yol kazasına uğradı. Taraftarlar sosyal medyada "puan kayıplarının devamı gelir mi" diyerek endişelerini dile getirdi. Teknik direktör Okan Buruk ve Yunus Akgün'ün de ısrarlı "şampiyonluk" vurgusu da gözlerden kaçmadı.
Galatasaray zirvede tek başına takılmak varken Trabzonspor'a yenilerek yarışa "heyecan" kattı. Sarı-kırmızılı taraftarları ise "Osimhen'in yokluğunda puan kayıpları devam eder mi, şampiyonluğumuz tehlikeye girer mi" stresi bastı.
Karşılaşma sonrası yayıncı kuruluşa konuşan takımın yıldız isimlerinden Yunus Akgün ise kendisine sorulan soruları kısa cevaplayıp konuyu şampiyonluğa getirerek söylediği sözler de dikkat çekti. Yunus, "Sezon sonu şampiyon biz olacağız. Taraftarlarımız kesinlikle merak etmesin. Mayıs'ta yine gülen taraf biz olacağız. Şampiyonluk konusunda taraftarımız kesinlikle endişe etmesin." diyerek taraftarlara moral vermeye çalıştı.
Şampiyonluk konusunda konuşan bir diğer isim de teknik direktör Okan Buruk oldu. Tecrübeli teknik adam, taraftarlara seslenerek kesinlikle strese girmememelerini istedi ve sezon sonunda şampiyon olacaklarını söyledi. Buruk, "Bu sezon da gülen taraf biz olacağız. Şampiyon olacağız. Bundan kimsenin şüphesi olmasın. Oyuncularımla da konuştum. Bu puan kayıpları olabilir. Bunun tekrarına izin vermeyeceğiz. Taraftarlarımız merak etmesin. 26. şampiyonluk geliyor ve üst üste 4. şampiyonluk için çok az zamanımız kaldı. Mayıs'ta şampiyon olacağımızdan kimsenin şüphesi olmasın" diyerek taraftarına moral vermeye çalıştı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'de lider Galatasaray, Trabzonspor'a deplasmanda 2-1 yenildi. Karşılaşmanın ardından Galatasaray forması giyen Yunus Akgün, açıklamalarda bulundu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Galatasaray deplasmanda Trabzonspor'a 2-1 yenildi. Sarı kırmızılıların tek golü Wilfried Singo'dan geldi. Ligde 3. kez yenilen Galatasaray, 64 puanda kaldı.
Maçın ardından konuşan Yunus Akgün, mayıs ayında şampiyon olacaklarını söyledi.
Milli futbolcu, "İstediğimiz oyunu oynayamadığımız için taraftarlarımızdan özür diliyorum. Taraftarımız hiç merak etmesin; geçen sene de böyle bir şey oldu. Bugün üzdük ama mayısta sevinen biz olacağız. İçleri rahat olacağız. Üst üste 4, toplamda 26. şampiyonluğuna yürüyor bu takım. Mayısta biz sevineceğiz. Apo Ağabey çift sarıdan atıldı galiba. 17-18 yaşında bir çocuk, 30 yaşında adama ağza alınmayacak küfürler ediyor ama Apo Ağabey atılıyor. Biz en iyi şekilde Galatasaray'ı temsil edeceğiz ve mayısta sevinen biz olacağız" dedi.
Maç sonu yaşanan kavganın nedenini açıklayan Yunus Akgün, "Maç sonunda bir şey yoktu. Genç oyuncu küfür edince ortam alevlendi. Trabzonsporlu oyuncuları tebrik ediyorum. Hakemle ilgili bir şey demek istiyorum. Kalan maçları kazanmak istiyoruz. Her şey bizim elimizde. Biz şampiyon olacağız" ifadelerini kullandı.
Galatasaray Osimhen'siz olmuyor. Lider, sakatlığı yüzünden forma giyemediği maçta Trabzonspor'a 2-1 yenilerek şampiyonluk yarışında yara aldı.
Galatasaray, Şampiyonlar Ligi sonrasında bütün ağırlığını Süper Lig'e verdi. Milli ara sonrası Karadeniz'de derbiye çıkan sarı-kırmızılılarda Osimhen, sakatlığı yüzünden forma giyemedi.
Nijeryalının yokluğunda sahaya çıkan Icardi'nin beklentileri veremediği maçta Galatasaray, gol yollarında çok zorluk yaşadı. Rakip sahada pozisyon bulmakta zorlandı.
Osimhen'in daha kaç maç forma giyemeyeceğinin belli olmadığı ortamda teknik direktör Okan Buruk'un bir an önce çare bulmasını isteyen taraftarlar, Icardi ile bu sürecin zor geçeceğini düşünmeye başladı.
Bu arada Icardi'nin etkisiz tek vuruşu ve kendi ceza sahası içinde rakip topunu çıkarmasının dışında pek varlık gösterememesi de kafalarda "acaba Türkiye defterini kapattı mı" sorularının oluşmasına neden oldu.
Fenerbahçe Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Ali Gürbüz, Trabzonspor-Galatasaray maçı sonrası hakem Cihan Aydın'a yönelik paylaşımda bulundu.
Süper Lig'de Trabzonspor'un Galatasaray'ı mağlup ettiği maçın ardından Fenerbahçe Yönetim Kurulu Üyesi Ali Gürbüz, Galatasaray maçı bitiminde paylaşım yaptı.
Maçın hakemi Cihan Aydın, bir hakem seminerine yeğeninin "En büyük GS Mira Aydın" hesabıyla katılmış ve bu görüntü ortaya çıkmıştı. Fenerbahçeli yönetici Ali Gürbüz maç sonu bu olayı hatırlatarak paylaşımda bulundu.
Hakem Cihan Aydın'a gönderme yapan Fenerbahçeli yönetici "En Büyük XX" isimli kullanıcı hiç üzülme, sen görevini harika yaptın" şeklinde paylaşım yaptı.
"En Büyük XX" isimli kullanıcı hiç üzülme, sen görevini harika yaptın. ??
Süper Lig'de zirve karıştı, şampiyonluk yarışında kartlar yeniden dağıtıldı. Trabzonspor, lider Galatasaray'ı 2-1 yenerek aradaki puan farkını kapattı ve "yarışte ben de varım" dedi.
Trabzonspor yenilmeyi unuttu. Bordo-mavililer, Galatasaray'ı da yenerek galibiyet serisini 6'ya çıkardı ve şampiyonluk yarışında iddialı bir konuma geldi.
Camia kenetlendi, taraftarlar müthiş desteğini sürdürdü, Fatih Tekke'ye olan güven tavan yaptı ve Karadeniz Fırtınası ağır ve emin adımlarla zirve yolculuğunu sürdürdü.
Sezon başında mütevazi kadrosu nedeniyle Galatasaray ve Fenerbahçe karşısında çok fazla şans verilmeyen Trabzonspor'da teknik direktör Fatih Tekke, ilmik ilmik örerek oluşturduğu sistem sayesinde takımına yenilgiyi unutturdu. Özellikle ikinci yarıda yükselişe geçen Bordo-mavililer, 6 hafta üst üste galip gelerek şampiyonluk yarışına ortak oldu.
Özellikle Paul Onuachu'nun müthiş performansına takım arkadaşları da eşlik edince bordo-mavililer yenilmez armada oldu.
161 HAFTA SONRA ART ARDA 6 GALİBİYET
Süper Lig'in 27. haftasında ikas Eyüpspor'u deplasmanda 1-0 mağlup ederek 148 hafta sonra ilk kez teknik direktör Fatih Tekke yönetiminde art arda 5 maç kazanma başarısı gösteren Karadeniz ekibi, Galatasaray karşılaşmasında da kazanarak seriyi 6 maça çıkardı.
Ligde Gaziantep FK'yi 2-1, Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük ve Zecorner Kayserispor'u 3-1, Çaykur Rizespor ve ikas Eyüpspor'u 1-0'lık sonuçlarla mağlup ederek son 5 maçını kazanan bordo-mavili takım, Galatasaray'ı da yenerek 161 hafta sonra ilk kez art arda 6 karşılaşma kazanarak en iyi galibiyet serisini gerçekleştirdi.
DERBİ HASRETİ SONA ERDİ
Bu arada Papara Park'ta oynanan müsabakayı 2-1'lik skorla kazanan Trabzonspor, üç büyüklere karşı 882 günlük galibiyet hasretini sonlandırdı.
"Üç büyükler" karşısında son galibiyetini 4 Kasım 2023'te Fenerbahçe'yi deplasmanda 3-2 mağlup ederek alan Trabzonspor, 882 gün sonra Galatasaray'ı yenerek derbilerdeki galibiyet hasretini dindirdi.
Bordo-mavililer; Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe ve Galatasaray karşısında çıktığı son 14 lig müsabakasında 1 galibiyet, 3 beraberlik ve 10 yenilgi aldı.
Şampiyonlar Ligi'ne veda ettikten sonra tamamen lige odaklanan sarı kırmızılılar da, ligde 3 maç sonra mağlup oldu.
Trabzonspor evinde ağırladığı Galatasaray'ı 2-1 yenerek şampiyonluk yarışında zirveyi karıştırdı. Maç sonu ise hopörlerlerden yayınlanan "şinanay" şarkısı bir anda futbolcuların arasında da gerilimlere sebep oldu.
Trabzonspor Galatasaray'ı 2-1 yenerek rakibiyle arasındaki puan farkını 1'e indirdi. Maç boyunca kıran kırana mücadele eden iki ekipten gülen taraf bordo-mavililer oldu.
Maç sonunda ise statta Sezen Aksu'nun ünlü Şinanay şarkısı çalınması bir anda ortamın gerilmesine sebep oldu.
Tribünlerin şarkıya eşlik etmesi ve rakibine karşı kötü tezahürat yapması sarı-kırmızılı oyuncuların tepkisine sebep oldu.
Maç sırasında defalarca gerginlikler yaşayan Abdülkerim Bardakçı ve bazı oyuncular, Trabzonsporlu futbolcularla tartışmaya girdi. Olayların büyümesi üzerine itiş kakışların dozu arttı. Ancak araya giren güvenlik görevlileri ve her iki takımın teknik heyeti, olayların büyümesini önledi.
Bu arada maç sonu olaylar yüzünden Abdülkerim Bardakçı, karşılaşma sonrasında ikinci sarı kartını gördü ve kırmızı kart görmüş oldu.
Karşılaşma sonrası büyük sevinç yaşayan teknik direktör Fatih Tekke'yi tebrik eden Galatasaray Teknik Direktörü Okan Buruk'un centilmen tavırları ve oyuncularını sakinleştirmesi de gözlerden kaçmadı.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Türkiyə çempionatında (Super Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 28-ci turunun oyunlarına start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ilk oyun günündə 4 qarşılaşma baş tutub.
İki qolun qeydə alındığı “Qaziantep” – “Alanyaspor” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. “Kasımpaşa” doğma meydanda “Kayserispor”a, “Göztəpə” isə səfərdə “Gənclərbirliyi”nə 2 cavabsız qolla qalib gəlib. “Trabzonspor”un qonağı olmuş “Qalatasaray” bu turda məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Turun qalan görüşləri aprelin 5-də və 6-da keçiriləcək.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Almaniya çempionatında (Bundesliqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 28-ci turunun oyunlarına start verilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, turun əksər qarşılaşmaları ilk oyun gününə təsadüf edib.
Dörd qolun qeydə alındığı “Borussiya” (Mönhenqladbax) – “Haydenhaym” matçında qalib müəyyənləşməyib. “Hamburq” – “Auqsburq” görüşündə də tərəflər hərəyə 1 qol və 1 xalla kifayətləniblər.
Doqquz qolluq “Bayer” – “Volfsburq” görüşündə meydan sahibləri qələbə qazanıblar. Lider “Bayern” səfərdə “Frayburq”u, Dortmund “Borussiya”sı “Ştutqart”ı, “Maynts” “Hoffenhaym”ı, “Leypsiq” isə “Verder”i məğlub edib.
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Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında evinde Galatasaray'ı 2-1 mağlup etti. Maçın ardından bordo mavililerde Stefan Savic açıklamalarda bulundu. İşte o sözler... | Son dakika Trabzonspor haberleri...Devamı için tıklayınız
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Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında evinde Galatasaray'ı 2-1 mağlup etti. Maçın ardından bordo mavililerde Anthony Nwakaeme açıklamalarda bulundu. İşte o sözler...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Galatasaray, deplasmanda Trabzonspor'a 2-1 yenildi. Bu sonucun ardından sarı kırmızılılar, Victor Osimhen'in oynamadığı bir maçta daha puan kaybı yaşamış oldu. İşte...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Galatasaray, Trabzonspor deplasmanına konuk oldu. Sarı-kırmızılı ekip, maç devam ederken mücadelenin hakemiyle ilgili dikkat çeken paylaşımda bulundu. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Fujitsu launches AI service that automates COBOL analysis and documentation, reducing effort while supporting modernization of widely used legacy systems.
All the ways to watch the March Madness Final Four online – including for FREE – as the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament nears its conclusion.
Inter are moving decisively to secure Guglielmo Vicario as their new first-choice goalkeeper ahead of next season, with sporting director Piero Ausilio having already made a trip to London to accelerate negotiations for the Tottenham stopper.
According to CalcioMercato.it, the Italian international has been on Inter’s radar for some time, and the club are now ready to make their move ahead of what promises to be a busy summer.
Vicario’s valuation of between €15 million and €20 million is considered well within Inter’s reach, and the Nerazzurri are determined to move quickly before rival clubs can enter the race.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito and Yann Sommer celebrate following the team’s victory in the Serie A match at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Vicario ready to succeed Sommer at Inter
The signing would signal the end of an era at the club, with Yann Sommer expected to remain but transition into a backup role.
The Swiss international has been a reliable and high-quality presence since joining the club, but the Nerazzurri’s hierarchy have decided the time is right to plan for the long term with a younger option between the posts.
Vicario has established himself as one of the Premier League’s more dependable goalkeepers since joining Tottenham and is considered ready to step up to a leading role at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
With Italy’s goalkeeping debate set to intensify in the wake of the World Cup elimination, a move to Inter would also keep him in contention for the national team setup under whoever takes charge of the Azzurri.
Former Chelsea and Brazil midfielder Oscar has announced his retirement from football after being diagnosed with a fainting condition. Oscar most recently played for Sao Paulo, but he was hospitalised in November and diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, a type of fainting caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate. He joined the […]
One team will head home with a national championship trophy when Michigan, Arizona, UConn and Illinois face off in the Final Four and national championship game this weekend.
Another team across the country won't be winning a national title, but will be going home with $300,000 in name, image and likeness cash.
The second annual College Basketball Crown, which Nebraska won during its inaugural tournament in 2025, is a five-day tournament in Las Vegas, where eight teams that didn't make the Men's NCAA Tournament compete for cash prizes.
Oklahoma, Baylor, Creighton and West Virginia already earned at least $50,000 each for reaching the semifinals of the tournament, which are being played Saturday, April 4. The championship game will be held Sunday, April 5.
The CBC is a similar postseason tournament to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), which usually features the top non-NCAA Tournament teams in a given season. NIL, though, is shaking up which consolation tournament teams choose to be a part of, especially with the CBC featuring all power conference teams.
Here's a look at the payout structure for the CBC in 2026, which features $500,000 in prize money:
CBC winner's share: How much does champion make in prize money?
CBC champions: $300,000
The champion of the College Basketball Crown earns $300,000 in NIL money.
College Basketball Crown payout structure 2026
Teams competing in the CBC are guaranteed to earn NIL cash prizes as long as they won their first-round game in 2026. Here's how the CBC payout structure works:
CBC champions: $300,000
CBC runners-up: $100,000
Semifinalists: $50,000 each
College Basketball Crown bracket, scores
Here's a look at the full College Basketball Crown bracket so far, with scores for each game:
Fabian Hurzeler “totally committed” to Brighton amid Bayer Leverkusen links
Fabian Hurzeler has moved to dismiss speculation linking him with a return to Germany, insisting he remains “totally committed” to Brighton despite reported interest from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 31-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most admired young coaches, earning praise for Brighton’s progressive style and clear tactical identity. With Leverkusen rumoured to be weighing up a managerial change this summer, reports in Germany suggested Hurzeler is being considered as a potential successor to Kasper Hjulmand.
However, speaking to Sky Sports, Hurzeler made his position clear. While admitting it was “an honour” to be mentioned alongside such a high-profile vacancy, he stressed his focus remains firmly on Brighton’s season run-in.
Hurzeler highlighted the rare sense of trust he feels from the club, pointing to the loyalty and support he has received since arriving on the south coast. In an era where patience is often short and pressure relentless, he suggested Brighton’s stability has allowed him to “express” himself as a coach and build something meaningful.
With European qualification still within reach, Hurzeler insists his only priority is finishing the campaign strongly.
WATCH: Atletico Madrid strike first against Barcelona before Marcus Rashford equalises
Barcelona will go seven points clear at the top of La Liga if they defeat Atletico Madrid, and they still have chances to do so after responding immediately to falling behind at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano inside the first half.
Interestingly, Diego Simeone has opted to rest a number of players for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final first leg between the two teams, and the difference in quality has been noticeable thus. Barcelona have had big chances, but they have failed to take them – and they were punished by conceding the opening goal.
Simeone fires Atleti into first half lead
A long ball over the top was well-collected by Giuliano Simeone, who ran in behind before finishing well beyond Joan Garcia.
But that lead for Atleti lasted mere minutes, as Barcelona are now back on level terms. Marcus Rashford has played a one-two with Dani Olmo before finishing under Juan Musso to make it 1-1.
VAR challenge used in professional football for first time, watch 📹
Football has debuted YET ANOTHER new feature involving technology and officiating. The VAR challenge was used for the first time "officially" this Saturday (4).
The "Football Video Support" (or Challenge) is being used in the Canadian League. And it led to the first review and the first goal in history with this new feature:
In "Football Video Support," each coach is entitled to TWO review requests.
To activate it, the coach must make a circular motion with their finger in the air and hand a card to the fourth official.
If the challenge is successful, the coach KEEPS both review requests in the match.
This challenge can be requested for goal situations, penalties, straight red cards, or mistaken card identity.
So, is this new feature a positive one, or will it "slow down" the flow of the match? Leave your prediction!
In the official debut of "Football Video Support," Fogen Football beat Atlético Ottawa 2-0 in the opening round of the Canadian league.
Tests in 🇧🇷
Other matches — including in Brazil — had already used "Football Video Support," but only on a trial basis.
FIFA had tested this "challenge," for example, in 2025 Copa Paulista matches.
The new feature was also tried at the U-17 World Cup and the U-20 World Cup.
The Chicago Bears are coming out of the first few weeks of free agency with two areas of need that have yet to be fully addressed, if at all.
While edge rusher is a massive issue that needs more help, that help will likely come during the 2026 NFL Draft. But the Bears also need more insurance at left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo coming off a torn patellar tendon last year.
With the need for a left tackle in mind, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox projected that the Bears would go out and sign a former left tackle of the Detroit Lions, Taylor Decker, to reunite with Ben Johnson and be a key LT option in 2026.
Bears projected to sign Taylor Decker in free agency
"Projected landing spot: Chicago Bears," Knox writes. "...In other words, the Bears could use a veteran left tackle, at least during Trapilo's recovery. Chicago also employs former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as its head coach, meaning Decker is a perfect candidate."
Decker is a 32-year-old offensive tackle who is coming off a 14-start season for the Lions and is only one year removed from being a Pro Bowler in 2024.
He's started 140 games in his 10-year NFL career, all with the Lions. While he might be a bit older and maybe not as good as he once was, Decker isn't a bad option for some insurance in Chicago.
With his link to Ben Johnson, and the Bears' very questionable left tackle room with Trapilo down with injury, and Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones being the only other options, Decker would be a great signing well after the first wave of free agency.
It's not an ideal situation, needing to acquire an insurance piece at left tackle. But, for the Bears, with Caleb Williams looking to climb even higher in 2026, good pass protection is a must, and Decker could fill that role nicely.
🎥 Ben White's nightmare continues with shocking FA Cup mistake
It's not easy being Ben White at the moment.
The Arsenal defender found himself booed by England supporters on his long-awaited international return, and things have not gotten much better at club level.
Mikel Arteta's side could see their hopes of a treble dashed after Southampton punished White late in the first half of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final clash.
The 28-year-old hugely misjudged his attempt to head clear a James Bree cross, allowing Ross Stewart to pounce and rifle home an opener for the hosts.
How costly will that goal prove to be for the Gunners?
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 23: Deontay Wilder looks on following the WBC International & WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight title fight between Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker during the Day of Reckoning: Fight Night at Kingdom Arena on December 23, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Deontay Wilder vs. Derek Chisora are set to throw down later TODAY (Sat., April 4, 2026) inside O2 Arena in London, England, streaming live on DAZN PPV (watch it here) in hard-hitting Heavyweight affair that will see two power-punching brawlers try to secure a much-needed win.
Wilder was last seen defeating journeymen Tyrrell Anthony Herndon via seventh round technical knockout back in June 2025, his first win in three years, snapping his two-fight losing streak against Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker. As for Chisora, he is currently riding a three-fight win streak and was last seen defeating Otto Wallin in Feb. 2025.
Many readers check in before, during and after the fights to share their thoughts on all of the action, as the main card kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on DAZN PPV. Feel free to leave a comment (or several) about the bouts and chat with all the other Maniacs during the show — it’s always a lot of fun!
200 lbs.: Viddal Riley vs. Matuesz Masternak – Riley via unanimous decision, becomes new European Cruiserweight champion
160 lbs.: Denzel Bentley vs. Endry Saavedra – Bentley via seventh-round TKO
Heavyweight: Matty Harris vs. Franklin Igantius – Harris via second-round knockout
160 lbs.: Amir Anderson vs. Jordan Dujon – Anderson via eighth-round TKO
130 lbs.: Ashton Sylve vs. Raul Antonio Galaviz Hernandez – Sylve via unanimous decision
130 lbs.: Jermaine Dhilwayo vs. Jake Morgan – Dhilwayo via seventh-round TKO
126 lbs.: Tom Welland vs. Alexander Morales – Welland via unanimous decision
154 lbs.: Dan Toward vs. Misael Da Veiga – Toward via third-round TKO
WILDER VS. CHISORA DAZN PLAY-BY-PLAY
Round 1:
Chisora takes the center of the ring right away. They clinch up against the ropes. Wide base from Wilder, throws a loopy right hand in. Chisora throwing haymakers to kick things off. Chisora bullies Wilder up against the corner. Right hand lands for Wilder. Chisora once again pushes Wilder up against the corner and works the body. Big jab from Wilder. The clinch, up against the ropes and they almost go over the ropes. One of Chisora’s cornermen jumps into the ring, for whatever reason. That was odd. He steps out and now the referee is having a word with him. 10-9 Chisora
Round 2:
Chisora gets in close and goes to work on the body. Wilder trying to keep him at bay with his jab. Chisora again bullies Wilder up against the corner and works the body, then the head. Wilder gets out of danger and they break. Chisora slips to his knees. Wilder land a left hand to the side of the head. Chisora looking a bit slow with his attack. 10-9 Wilder
Round 3:
Chisora looks gassed, his punches are very slow. Wilder with an uppercut to the body. Straight right hand from Wilder. Big shot to the body lands for Chisora. Sneaky left hand lands for Wilder, pushes Chisora up against the corner and hits the body a few times. Big looping left misses for Wilder. Chisora continues to attack the body, pretty sloppy fight so far. Deep breathes now from Wilder. Chisora misses everything on a huge haymaker. Chisora complaining about his eye and the ref stops the fight for a few seconds, odd. Round comes to en and. 10-9 Wilder
Round 4:
They clinch on the first exchange. Jab from Chisora. Two big right hands land for Wilder as Chisora goes in for the clinch once more. Chisora drags Wilder down to the canvas, gets some cheers from the crowd. Wilder back up and they clinch again. Chisora wobbles Wilder with a big right hand. Chisora steps in and tries to finish. Another big shot from Chisora lands and Wilder is getting pummeled up against the corner. 10-9 Chisora
Round 5:
Chisora working the jab, then lands a big right hand. Wilder is now the one who looks a bit gassed. The clinch and Chisora slips and falls to his back. He looks exhausted. Overhand right lands for Chisora. Double jab from Chisora and follows it up with an overhand right up against the corner. Chisora throws another overhand right, Wilder blocks and pushes him to the canvas….again. 10-9 Chisora
Round 6:
Big swing from Chisora. He misses. Wilder takes advantage and tags Chisora with a right hand down the middle. Chisora manages to bully Wilder up against the corner again. They are starting to trade in the middle of the ring. Wilder now has Chisora up against the corner. Wilder lands a big right hand as the bell sounds. 10-9 Wilder
Round 7:
Chisora comes in and attacks the body again. Slap shot from Wilder to the side of the head. Chisora marching forward. Three-punch combo from Chisora. Wilder swinging from way back, overreaching a bit. Chisora doesn’t take advantage. Leaping left hook from Chisora. Uppercut lands for Wilder. They tangled up and they both take a trip down to the canvas. What is going on here. very sloppy. 10-9 Wilder
Round 8:
They clinch right away. Wilder hurts Chisora with a left hand. He goes up against the ropes and Wilder knocks him down with another big shot and nearly out of the ring. He gets back up but he is in trouble. Wilder goes in for the kill but pushes him down to the canvas. Chisora is very tired and it is starting to get sloppy again. Nice jab from Chisora. Upper cut lands for Wilder. Huge right hand lands for WIlder and Chisora felt that one, Chisora returns fire and he is now the one unloading as the round comes to an end. What a round. 10-8 Wilder
Round 9:
Big left hook to start the ninth round from Chisora. Chisora working the body again. Wilder complaining to the ref about something. They clinch. Jab from Chisora. Lazy overhand right from Chisora. Wilder a bit more crisp with his strikes, though not by much. Another looping miss from the Brit. Big miss from Chisora as the round comes to an end. 10-9 Wilder
Round 10:
Chisora lands a right hand to the temple. Wilder with an overhand right hand up against the ropes. Chisora starting to walk Wilder down again. They clinch and dirty box a bit on the inside clinch. Ref breaks it up. Double, triple jab from Wilder. Big right hand crushes Wilder’s jaw. He eats it. Big body shot to the midsection from Chisora, who looks a bit refreshed. 10-9 Chisora.
Round 11:
Chisora goes to the well (the body) once more. Wilder a right hand and a jab right behind it that land. Wilder has loosened up a bit. Wilder working the jab. The ref warns Wilder about something, not clear. Chisora pushes Wilder against the ropes, Wilder fires a right hand the lands. Chisora isn’t backing down, pushes up against the ring. Wilder lands a big right hand and Chisora goes through the ropes once more. He answers the count. Wilder goes down but it is not a knockdown. Chisora lands a short after the bell. Wild round. 10-9 Wilder.
Round 12:
Chisora pushes forward, lands a jab to the body. Overhand right lands for Chisora and he is now unloading to the body. Chisora putting it all on the line here. Wilder clinches. Jab lands from Chisora. Wilder misses a big left hand, Chisora again with a big looping left. Ref tries to break the clinch. Wilder trying to push the pace, he’s spent. Chisora with two shots to the body, then the head. They end the fight with another clinch up against the ropes. 10-9 Chisora.
Final result: Deontay Wilder def. Derek Chisora via split-decision
It has likely played a part in the AL East club's 6-1 start to the season.
"The Yankees stole five bases yesterday (2 by Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2 by Jose Caballero, 1 by Aaron Judge.) That was their most in a game since Sept. 5, 2013 (6 vs. BOS)," MLB.com's Bryan Hoch wrote on X Saturday.
So, the last time the Yankees stole at least five bases in a game is when legendary shortstop Derek Jeter was still active. The captain played just 17 games that year due to complications from a fractured left ankle in the 2012 ALCS.
As of Saturday afternoon, New York ranks second in the majors with 11 steals, four behind the Milwaukee Brewers' 15. The Yankees clearly feel confident that they are a more athletic team than in recent seasons.
During spring training, Chisholm said he's looking to steal 50 bases this season, which would surpass his career high by 10.
Caballero led the American League in stolen bases in each of the past two years. With more plate appearances and opportunities to get on base while Anthony Volpe is out, he could be in contention for MLB's top spot.
Defending champions London Pulse completed a third consecutive victory as they brushed aside Birmingham Panthers 78-45 in Netball Super League - the biggest winning margin of the season so far.
The result at the Copper Box moves Pulse up to second place in the table, overtaking Manchester Thunder who lost 68-58 to leaders Loughborough Lightning.
Pulse took early control against winless Panthers, leading 24-8 by the end of the first quarter and 42-18 at the halfway mark. It was a ruthless effort against a team who have lost all of their matches so far by at least 10 points.
"We needed a game like this. We all came together, we knew exactly what we had to do. We're really proud of ourselves," Pulse's player of the match Funmi Fadoju told BBC Sport.
"It was so important for us to show we're not a one-dimensional team, we have different combos, different structures and they do work. It just gave us confidence going into the second half of the season."
Pulse face London Mavericks in a derby fixture in the next round, marking the halfway stage in the regular season.
Coach Sue Bird said Saturday's victory would help Pulse press on, with the first-time champions looking to triumph again.
"Building on what we've done, stepping up the intensity on everything we do, just becoming a real menace to play against," said Bird, discussing her plan for the rest of the campaign.
"There's been certain games where we've either had our defence firing or our attack firing but maybe not everyone together, but when that comes together like it does today then we're a very dangerous team.
"We've been adjusting a couple of things in training and the girls have taken that on really well this week. I know when we're winning ball, that's our identity, and once we were cooking we'd be fine."
Undefeated Lightning made it six wins in a row at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, with Samantha Wallace-Joseph top-scoring with 26 goals against Thunder.
Defeat means Thunder slip to third, but they remain ahead of Nottingham Forest who fell to a 62-57 loss against Dragons in what was the first game of a double-header in Nottingham.
Forest's South African international Rolene Streutker led the scoring in that fixture with 27 goals, but it was not enough to take her side to victory.
London Mavericks face Leeds Rhinos in Saturday's evening fixture (19:00 BST).
How to follow 2026 Netball Super League on BBC Sport
BBC Sport will show one game per week during the regular season.
These are games you can watch live on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer:
11 April: Dragons v Birmingham Panthers (16:00)
18 April: Loughborough Lightning v London Mavericks (18:00)
Barcelona took advantage of Real Madrid's latest La Liga slip-up as they battled to a pulsating and ill-tempered 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid.
Los Blancos suffered a dramatic 2-1 reverse at Real Mallorca on Saturday, meaning Barca are now seven points clear with eight games to play.
Atleti and Barca will reconvene in Catalonia for the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal next week.
More to follow
Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona score
Starting lineups:
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2, right to left): Musso (GK) — Molina, Lenglet, Le Normand, Gonzalez — Simeone, Vargas, Koke, Baena — Griezmann, Almada
Barcelona (4-2-3-1 right to left): Joan Garcia (GK) — Araujo, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo — Pedri, Eric Garcia — Lamine Yamal, Lopez, Olmo — Rashford
Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona highlights, key incidents
87 mins: LEWANDOWSKI SURELY WINS IT FOR BARCA! Cancelo twists and turns just inside the penalty area to the left. He fires towards goal, Musso pushes his attempt away and Lewandowski turns his shoulder into the ball to find an improvised finish.
69 mins: Fabulous save from Musso! Barca, with the man advantage, are battering their opponents further and further back. Their
49 mins: NO RED CARD! DOWNGRADED TO A YELLOW! Martin gets a reprieve, following a pitchside review. As you can imagine, that's gone down incredibly well with the locals.
46 mins: RED CARD! IT'S 10 vs. 10! Gerard Martin follows through in a challenge by plunging his studs into Almada's ankle. Oh, hang on, we're off to VAR...
45_5 mins: VAR CONFUSION! Right, so a lot went on there. After the offside check, there was a check to see whether the foul was in the penalty area. It was not, however the referee decided Gonzalez denied a clear goalscoring opportunity so upgraded his second yellow to a straight red. Then, from the resulting free-kick, Bernal reeeaaallly should have put Barcelona ahead.
45+2 mins: RED CARD! Nicolas Gonzalez is sent off! It's not so long since Atletico were winning this game. Now they're pegged back and down to 10 men. Gonzalez was already on a yellow card when he bolted after a rampaging Lamine Yamal and clattered into the Barca winger.
But hang on... we're checked to see whether Lamine was offside. If he was, the red card will be overturned... Nope, he's walking.
42 mins: Rashford levels in quicktime! Barca almost instantly back on terms and that's some vintage Marcus Rashford as he comes in off the left flank, exchanges passes with Dani Olmo and slides a finish through Musso's legs. That's Rashford's 11th goal of the season and first since January.
40 mins: Giuliano Simeone makes it 1-0 to Atletico! A proud father celebrates on the touchline as Giuliano springs a flimsy offside trap to smash past Joan Garcia. To compound matters for Barca, Ronald Araujo is injured and makes way for Marc Bernal.
34 mins: Lamine Yamal hits the posts! Glorious interplay from Fermin Lopez and Pedri as the latter releases Lamine Yamal. The winger lifts a deft finish against the upright.
Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona talking points, analysis
Talking points and analysis will be added after full-time.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid upcoming schedules
Oct 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) on the sideline during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Cue the SpongeBob meme in which he is holding a paper clip and a string because that is just about all the Indianapolis Colts sound like they will be getting in return for Anthony Richardson if they can find a trade partner. Gone are the days of the Vikings being rumored to offer four first-round picks to trade up in the draft. Gone are the white hot rumors of teams lining up for his services when he first requested a trade. The market is stone cold, and the Colts have no one to blame but themselves.
Richardson wasn’t ready for the NFL, or at least not right away. His collegiate experience was far from robust. Less than 400 passing attempts and a slew of injuries including one in which he was dancing at the team hotel was the first set of red flags in an ominous football odyssey. The whole idea was that he was a raw talent. His incredible RAS looked good on paper and even in person, but it didn’t mean it would translate to the NFL immediately. Richardson should have been eased in, with an old hat veteran to guide him, but he was thrust into action immediately.
Look, I get it. When you get a new toy, you want to play with it immediately. Richardson was shiny and had all the physical traits and looks of an NFL quarterback, but where were Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen to pull back on the reins? Why not retain Matt Ryan to be a mentor? Gardner Minshew was more competition than assistant and was young and relatively inexperienced himself. Ryan had a wealth of knowledge and would have posed no threat while teaching Richardson how to be a professional.
So, of course he struggled. The injuries are one thing, but when he was deployed, how he was used, and how little time he got have made his trade value close to nothing. When his maturity came into question, he was benched immediately. He is one of the most inaccurate quarterbacks ever. Instead of working through that, the Colts replaced him. It’s a tough league but the Colts provided a rough environment to grow and an unyielding hand to develop Richardson. The quarterback they produced and displayed was well below standards. Expecting there to be a trade market is ridiculous.
Every coin has two sides. Anthony Richardson is not without blame but to put all of that on a 22-year old is tough. The Colts organization could have done a much better job at preparing him for life in the NFL and easing him in. Would things be drastically different? Maybe, maybe not, but we would have a better understanding and acceptance of the situation. The Colts barely know what they have because they didn’t give him much of a chance while at the same time, providing the league with enough data to know to stay away.
Camara, a 6-foot-8 freshman forward, committed to UofL last May and was the final member of Pat Kelsey's Year 2 roster to sign with the program. In a statement at the time, Kelsey said, "Mo is a big-time athlete who has the ability to be an elite defender early in his career. He can guard every position on the floor and disrupts both on the ball and at the rim.
"He has great tools and a mindset that craves coaching, which will allow him to develop quickly. He will be playing on an experienced, veteran team which will allow him to learn and grow daily. We are very excited to have him here at Louisville."
Sure enough, before the Cards' exhibition finale four days later, they released a statement saying Camara would redshirt the season.
"I've said many times in interviews when people ask me about him (that) he has an extremely high ceiling. He is unbelievably talented with a huge upside," Kelsey said. "He's playing on a team with a lot of older guys and a lot of older guys at his position, so there's no reason to rush him. We have a development mindset with him right now, and all of his people in his camp feel the same exact way.
"(I) love Mo, and I have big plans for him. But the situation he's in now, it's all about development with him."
In an evaluation of Camara's game for 247Sports last May, Travis Branham said: "His offensive skillset is a work in progress, but he has the tools and upside to be a valuable contributor as a utility 4 man who can defend and rebound at a high level in the high major ranks."
Camara is the third UofL player to announce their departure before the portal opens, joining fellow frontcourt members Sananda Fru and Khani Rooths.
The portal will be open from April 7 through midnight Wednesday, April 22. That's an entry window; players can take their time finding a new home once they've hit the market. College basketball's regular signing period begins Wednesday, April 15.
Players can choose to withdraw their name from the portal, but programs are not obligated to hold scholarships/roster spots for entrants.
Reach Louisville men's basketball reporter Brooks Holton at bholton@gannett.com and follow him on X at @brooksHolton.
Catalan Dragons survived a scare as they beat neighbours Toulouse Olympique 33-26 in Super League.
After seeing three tries disallowed, the visitors fell 16-0 down inside half an hour before scoring three tries of their own to level the scores.
Three second-half tries then secured the victory for the home side, their fourth of the season so far.
Defeat is Toulouse's fifth in a row this season in the league.
Thomas Lacans crossed inside the first five minutes for Toulouse, but the video referee adjudged there was a knock-on by Romeo Tropis and Kruise Leeming was sent to the sin bin for a foul in the build-up.
Cesar Rouge and Olly Ashall-Bott's also saw tries disallowed before Toby Sexton, Leo Darrelatour and Nick Cotric compounded the visitors' misery with quickfire scores at the other end.
By half-time though Toulouse were level thanks to three tries in 11 minutes. Ashall-Bott finally crossed between two from Mathieu Jussaume.
The Dragons responded with back-to-back tries of their own after the break.
Derralatour's second of the night came as Solomona Faataape's brilliant feet created space in the corner, before Faataape crossed himself.
Quick thinking from a Toulouse penalty saw Jussaume grab this third try in the corner, but Rouge hit the post with his kick.
Phoenix Laulu-Togaga'e's try, converted by Sexton, and a Leeming drop goal, wrapped up the Dragons' win.
Luke Polselli added Toulouse's fifth try on the buzzer, converted by Rouge.
TORONTO (AP) — Josh Sargent had the go-ahead score after notching his first assist in a three-goal second-half run and Toronto FC rallied to beat the Colorado Rapids 3-2 on Saturday in a match that saw three red cards issued.
Alonso Coello's first assist of the season set up Sargent's winner in the 85th minute for Toronto (3-2-1) after a scoreless first half. It was Sargent's first goal in his third career appearance.
Colorado (3-3-0) was forced to play a man down in the 34th minute after midfielder Jackson Travis was charged with a red card for his foul on Raheem Edwards. However, Edwards returned the favor four minutes into the second half for his foul on Wayne Frederick, returning the match to even strength.
Paxten Aaronson scored off a free kick in the 51st minute to give the Rapids a 1-0 lead and defender Keegan Rosenberry made it 2-0 three minutes later. Aaronson's third goal this season and Rosenberry's first were both unassisted.
Richie Laryea used assists from Sargent and José Cifuentes to score, cutting it to 2-1 in the 65th minute, and Miguel Navarro exited in the 74th after he was tagged with a second yellow card, again leaving Colorado short-handed. An own goal by Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffan tied it 2-2 in the 77th.
Steffen finished with three saves for Colorado in the finale of a three-match road trip. He allowed three total goals in his first three starts.
Luka Gavran saved two shots for Toronto in his 22nd career start since 2023.
Anthony is the DH and Jarren Duran is starting in left field again against the Padres as the Red Sox look for their second straight win at Fenway Park. The Red Sox will use the exact same lineup as they did in Friday’s 5-2 win. Marcelo Mayer is at second base against Padres righty Randy Vásquez and Carlos Narváez is catching Connelly Early, who will make his second start of the season.
With five healthy options in the outfield/DH mix, manager Alex Cora vowed to mix and match the group of Anthony, Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela and Masataka Yoshida in the early goings. In the first eight games, though, Yoshida has started just three times.
Crucially, Bayern managed the comeback without their leading scorer Harry Kane, who missed the trip due to an ankle injury - an issue that also ruled him out of England national team duty during the recent international break.
Following the match, sporting director Max Eberl offered an encouraging update on the 32-year-old’s condition, raising optimism that he could return in time for Tuesday’s crucial UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash away to Real Madrid.
“The physios are working on it. He’s constantly on the training ground receiving treatment. We believe it will work,” Eberl explained after the victory, underlining Bayern’s intensive efforts to have their talisman fit in time.
Head coach Vincent Kompany also struck an optimistic tone: “I have a feeling he’ll make it.” Meanwhile, Joshua Kimmich highlighted Kane’s importance in typically emphatic fashion: “I think he'd play even in a wheelchair. Even if he's still in a bit of pain, he'll drag himself onto the pitch. I expect him to be fit and ready to go on Tuesday.”
Kompany’s team selection in Freiburg also hinted at one eye on the Madrid clash. Michael Olise and Konrad Laimer were introduced only in the second half, while Dayot Upamecano was rested entirely. Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies, meanwhile, both made their returns off the bench - further strengthening Bayern’s options ahead of their European showdown.
BVB win 2-0 at VfB – Adeyemi and Brandt score in added time
Personnel matters
Felix Nmecha has been a mainstay in midfield but was sidelined through injury. Captain Emre Can (cruciate ligament rupture) and Filippo Mane (muscle injury) were also unavailable. BVB made three changes to the starting XI from the match against HSV (3-2) before the international break: Ramy Bensebaini, Carney Chukwuemeka and Serhou Guirassy replaced Luca Reggiani, Felix Nmecha and Karim Adeyemi.
The match
While BVB struggled to make an impact in the opposition’s half, VfB created their first chances in the penalty area early on, and Kobel was called into action for the first time after 18 minutes, saving a shot from Stiller. The Black & Yellows were increasingly forced onto the back foot and any time they won the ball, they immediately lost it again. The teams went into the break with VfB having chalked up eight shots on goal to Borussia's two and having 69% possession.
The Black & Yellows started the second half much more proactively, stringing together longer passages of play for the first time but also allowing the opposition a second good chance as Assignon tested Gregor Kobel (55) following a short corner. After just over an hour, Fabio Silva and Karim Adeyemi came on for Guirassy and Chukwuemeka as fresh attacking options. But Stuttgart once again dictated the pace and rhythm during this phase, right up until the start of the six minutes of added time. Then BVB threw everything at it once more…
In the 94th minute, a through ball down the right flank sent Julian Brandt – who was not offside – clear and he crossed into the box. Chabot’s clearing header fell to the lurking Adeyemi, who cut inside past Karazor and fired the ball into the net just to the right of the post, with Nübel having no chance of saving it.
In the 96th minute, substitute Fabio Silva won a duel with Jeltsch with a robust yet fair challenge following a clearance from Marcel Sabitzer. The ball was then crossed into the box to the waiting Brandt, who fired the ball crisply under the bar from a tight angle.
Outlook
There are two more matches against direct rivals to come. First up is the home game against Bayer Leverkusen this coming Saturday (15:30 CEST), followed a week later by the away game at TSG Hoffenheim.
Wayne Rooney: Man United icon makes huge career decision
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has reportedly made a big career decision ahead of the start of next season.
Managerial tenure
Rooney kick-started his managerial career at Derby County in the Championship, having initially joined as a player-coach. He eventually assumed full control of the club and stepped away from playing duties.
Despite severe off-field issues including administration and a points deduction, Rooney steadied the ship and guided Derby from the relegation zone to safety on the final day of the 2020/21 season. He then resigned in June 2022 amid ongoing financial turmoil at the club, which was eventually relegated.
United’s record goalscorer proceeded to take over the reins at MLS outfit D.C. United, where he had enjoyed a brief stint as a player. His time in the dugout was slightly underwhelming, leading to a departure by mutual consent in 2023.
Rooney then landed a high-profile role as Birmingham City boss, replacing John Eustace. His spell was disastrous as he registered nine losses, four draws and just two wins from the 15 games he oversaw before his sacking after 83 days.
After a period out of work, Rooney was named head coach of Championship side Plymouth Argyle on a three-year deal. Under him, Plymouth endured a long winless run as they sat at the bottom of the table at the midway point. He left Plymouth in December 2021, with the side in deep relegation trouble.
The former England international has since reinvented himself as a pundit and is now one of the most ubiquitous faces in football.
However, according to The Sun, Rooney is planning a return to football management next season.
Career decision
The Sun reveal that Rooney’s ambition to manage again was laid bare during the 40th birthday celebrations of his wife, Coleen.
Rumoured to be earning £400,000 a year as a Match of the Day pundit for the BBC, Rooney is keen to get back into the dugout and start afresh after his recent challenging roles.
A source is alleged to have told the newspaper, “Wayne is enjoying his telly work, but he does want to get back into management. He will be open to it if the right opportunity comes up.”
“Ideally, he would get something at the start of the summer so he is in position for the start of the season in August.”
The Sun write that Rooney is eyeing the Championship or League One.
Friday night's bout between No. 1 South Carolina and No. 1 UConn was eventful, to say the least. Besides a defensive back-and-forth that resulted in UConn's 54-game win streak being snapped, Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley's postgame extracurriculars took the main spotlight away from the game, which ended in a 62-48 Gamecock win.
With 0.1 seconds left on the clock, UConn's coach admitted defeat and walked towards Staley's side of the court to shake her hand. After a split-second embrace, the camera caught the coaches going further than the traditional handshake. In an animated turn, both coaches' faces turned hostile and barked back at each other.
On Saturday, Auriemma released an apology statement, saying there was "no excuse" for his end-of-game actions.
Here is everything you need to know about the exchange between Auriemma and what the UConn coach said to Staley inside the Mortgage Matchup Center.
In the videos that have surfaced from the handshake incident, it's not specifically clear what Auriemma said to Staley, but the UConn coach was seen pointing to the floor the two coaches were currently standing on, and towards the direction of the court.
In her postgame press conference, Staley directed questions about the exchange toward Auriemma, saying that he "initiated the conversation" when he was upset about a handshake pregame.
"You can ask Geno the question. He's the one that initiated the conversation. I don't want what happened there to dampen what we were able to accomplish today."
Dawn Staley was asked about what was said between her and Geno Auriemma at the end of tonight's game: pic.twitter.com/bf1LkBw4wf
— UConn Women’s Basketball Videos (@SNYUConn) April 4, 2026
In his press conference, Auriemma said he waited for about three minutes at halfcourt to shake hands with Dawn Staley before the game but never did.
Geno Auriemma says he waited for about three minutes at halfcourt waiting to shake hands with Dawn Staley.
According to South Carolina's coach, Staley shared that Auriemma was dissatisfied that she failed to shake his hand before the game. According to Staley, she shook his entire staff's hands before the game. Here is her interview just after the South Carolina victory, where she discussed the altercation.
Auriemma was already not happy on the sidelines due to, in his opinion, the lack of fouls South Carolina was called for compared to his Huskies. After the game, UConn's coach was nowhere to be seen shaking hands with South Carolina's team. Here is a crowd angle, where Staley seems to be questioning Auriemma's disappearance.
Auriemma and Staley are both coaches of some of the nation's best women's college basketball teams, so a rivalry is always present when the two meet. On Friday night, a new chapter was written in the rivalry's legacy between the Big East's best and one of the top-tier SEC teams.
Prior to their postgame handshake, UConn's coach was already dissatisfied with the lack of foul calls compared to the whistle South Carolina was getting during the game. In an interview that featured an expletive, it's safe to say Auriemma was not happy.
"I'm not making excuses because we can't make a shot. But this is ridiculous."
Just after Auriemma and Staley's postgame back-and-forth, The Athletic reporter Grace Raynor shared that UConn's coach went as far as skipping the postgame handshake lines.
Geno Auriemma just bounced and skipped the handshake line. Went straight into the tunnel. Some beef between him and Staley as this one ends.
After the game, Auriemma was asked if he and Staley had any kind of relationship off the court. According to the UConn coach, "Nah, not really. We don’t have a lot in common.” He went on to elaborate, saying she used to be an assistant on his Olympic team, and that he has a tremendous amount of respect for what she's done with South Carolina. Here is the full video with Auriemma's commentary.
Geno Auriemma said he and Dawn Staley don’t have a relationship, only describing them as rivals. “Nah, not really. We don’t have a lot in common.” pic.twitter.com/sxbQS2s2tD
After the Huskies' Final Four loss, Auriemma went to shake Staley's hand. However, it didn't end there. UConn's coach was seen going much further than just wishing Staley a good game, and South Carolina's coach clearly didn't like what Auriemma said. Here is a video of the altercation.
Geno Auriemma exchanged words with Dawn Staley in the final seconds of South Carolina and UConn’s Final Four matchup. pic.twitter.com/S6anlPKqwe
Just after the incident, Staley had to be separated by her former coaches. It's safe to say the Gamecocks' head coach was far from happy and was heard saying she would "beat Geno's a--" repeatedly. Here is a video of the Staley soundbite.
According to Staley's postgame interview, Auriemma alleged that she did not shake his hand. According to the South Carolina coach, she shook hands with his entire staff before the game, as is customary to display good sportsmanship.
While ESPN's coverage angle made it hard to see what UConn's coach was mouthing to Staley, ESPNreporter Kareem Copeland caught the moment from behind the scorer's table.
On Saturday, the day after South Carolina's win over UConn, Auriemma released a statement apologizing for his interaction with Staley.
"There's no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina. It's unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina," Auriemma's statement said. "It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don't want my actions to detract from that. I've had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them."
UConn and South Carolina, under Auriemma and Staley, have met 15 times during both coaches' tenures. Auriemma holds the overall 9-6 head-to-head record over Staley, with the most recent win achieved by the Gamecocks in the 2026 Final Four.
Staley has been gaining ground on Auriemma, though, with all six of her wins coming within the last eight matchups between the two women's college hoops powerhouses.
The Wildcats are back on the biggest stage in college basketball, breaking a 25-year drought to reach the national semifinals. It's been a remarkable ride, winning the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles to earn a No. 1 seed in March Madness. Arizona hasn't slowed down since then, winning every game by double-digits to make it to Lucas Oil Stadium.
With Arizona having one of its most successful seasons in decades and two wins from its first national title since 1997, fans will sure be rallying around its most famous chant: Bear Down.
People may be hearing it for the first time and may be confused about why the Wildcats are chanting about bears, but it holds a special meaning for Arizona, with a story that is 100 years old.
Why does Arizona say ‘Bear Down’?
Bear Down came from a tragedy.
In 1926, John Byrd “Button” Salmon was a star on campus as the student body president, member of several honor societies, football quarterback and baseball catcher, according to Arizona.
That October after the varsity team beat the freshman squad, Salmon returning from a trip to Phoenix with friends when he was in their car crashed and rolled over, leaving him "critically injured." He was paralyzed below his second rib and his spine was shattered. He had regained some motor function in his arms, but doctors determined that any additional surgeries wouldn’t be effective.
Coach J.F. "Pop" McKale visited him in the hospital regularly, but Salmon died the morning of Oct. 18 at the age of 22. Before he died, his last words with McKale were a message to his teammates, "Tell them... tell the team to 'bear down.'”
Later that season, McKale gathered his team and relayed the message to the players.
Word spread of Salmon's final message and the university student body grew attached to it, painting the slogan on the roof of the gym and it inspired Jack K. Lee to write the song “Bear Down, Arizona” in 1952 for his application to become the university’s band director. He earned it and the song became the fight song, which is played at sporting events and the campus bell tower daily.
Lazio-Parma at the Stadio Olimpico could be a consolidating match: the Gialloblu are 7 points clear of the relegation zone and cannot afford to relax too much, especially with Cremonese and Lecce playing in the next few days.
The Biancocelesti, meanwhile, want to build on their three straight wins against Sassuolo, Milan and Bologna.
🔥 Strefezza escapes, Delprato makes them pay
In a first half that was far from thrilling, Parma made the most of the clearest chance of an opening period that they generally played better than the Biancocelesti, who were blunt and posed little threat going forward.
Parma took the lead in the 15th minute: a scramble in the box saw Circati touch it on for Delprato, who reacted quickly to strike with his right foot and put his side ahead.
In the 27th minute, there was a major scare for Strefezza after a foul on Cataldi: only a yellow card by a matter of centimetres. His high foot did not catch the Lazio midfielder on the shin, but on the upper part of the ankle.
It's the kind of hitting stretch not seen from a 9-hitter in a quarter century.
The Kansas City Royals' centerfielder has now hit safely in all seven games to begin the season, all out of the No. 9 spot in the batting lineup.
In total, that's 10 hits after his first knock on Saturday.
As you might imagine, it's not often that a 9-hitter has a seven-game hitting streak to start the season, especially while remaining down at the bottom of the order.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 01: Lamont Butler #5 of the San Diego State Aztecs celebrates with teammates after making a game winning basket to defeat the Florida Atlantic Owls 72-71 during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at NRG Stadium on April 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We will get another mid-major in the Final Four – at some point.
It’s been bleak. No mid-majors making even the second weekend, let alone the third weekend for a second straight year.
We’re just three years removed from TWO mid-majors in the Final Four. We love you San Diego State and Florida Atlantic. Now, we’re experiencing a second Final Four in a row with four teams that rank in the top 10 in KenPom. Last year, it was the top four teams in the ranking.
So, what does the future look like? When will we see another mid-major on the game’s biggest stage?
According to our recent reacts poll, 38% of fans believe we are five-10 years from the next mid-major playing in the Final Four. Next was three-four years with 31%. More than 10 years had 21%, and one-two years received 10% of the votes.
Let’s look at some history. The NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, and it took 21 years before a true mid-major reached the Final Four – George Mason in 2006. (That’s not counting UNLV and Memphis, who operated at a level and in conferences much closer to power-conference affiliation.)
However, after the 11th-seeded Patriots set the stage, we’ve seen a bunch: Memphis in 2008, Butler in 2010 and 2011, VCU in 2011, Wichita State in 2013, Loyola Chicago in 2018, Houston in 2021, and San Diego State and Florida Atlantic in 2023.
(For the Tigers and the Cougars, their conference affiliations put them in mid-major classification.)
“We’re two years removed from two of them being in there,” he said. “No, I don’t think we’re done [with mid-majors in the Final Four]. I don’t want to believe that we are. If it takes another seven-eight years, then it takes another seven-eight years… I think we can and will get there again, but we’re obviously in the midst a pretty significant sea change that’s going to last the better part of a decade before we get to somewhat stability. I think we’ll get there again. I just don’t know if it’ll happen next year or the year after.”
To Norlander’s point, it’s an ever-changing landscape. NIL. Transfer portal. Revenue sharing.
Those are all factors that have helped to contribute to mid-majors struggling to advance in the Big Dance.
“I do think it’ll be more infrequent than it has been in recent years,” Gary Parrish said. “It’s going to be more difficult than in this range of time where we were getting the George Mason, Loyola Chicago, Butler stories. It’ll be more difficult for programs like that, from leagues like those leagues to bounce to the final weekend of the season I believe going forward, based on rev. share and NIL and transfer waivers.” The odds are certainly stacked against mid-majors. Getting to the Final Four may not happen that soon. But we believe. And let’s hope we’re not starved for that long.
For all your college basketball postseason betting needs, visit FanDuel.
The Cleveland Browns are making history by converting their Dawg Pound into a doggy daycare.
Three starting quarterbacks, one of whom is followed by a camera crew. A new head coach who sent defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz packing. The reigning DPOY Myles Garrett is ghosting the team. A long list of continual heartaches for the faithful Browns fans.
However, not all hope is lost. The Browns signed guard Zion Johnson on a three-year, $49.5 million deal. Additionally, their trade for tackle Tytus Howard from the Texans solidifies a desperate offensive line. Not to mention the quick signing of Quincy Williams to replace Devin Bush, the only defensive starter to enter free agency.
Browns Draft Picks:
Despite their overhaul of the offensive line, the Browns still need more depth and talent. Thankfully, their 2026 draft may very well be the difference maker, with five picks in the first four rounds:
Round 1: Pick 6
Round 1: Pick 24
Round 2: Pick 39
Round 3: Pick 70
Round 4: Pick 107
Round 5: Pick 144
Round 5: Pick 147
Round 6: Pick 206
Round 7: Pick 248
Browns Positions of Need:
Understanding the crucial role of a new head coach, GM Andrew Berry knows that it’s been “fast and furious” getting ready for the NFL draft. With a pitiful wide receiver room and an offensive line that is starting anew, the Browns have clear needs in these areas:
The 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner, Makai Lemon, is a high-profile wide receiver who would change the Browns’ offense. With over 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, Lemon is an explosive slot receiver.
Although he may not be the biggest receiver on the pitch, his speed makes up for it. Lemon is ranked as the 13th overall prospect in the 2026 class and represents a prime target for the Browns.
Arguably the best tackle prospect in the draft, Monroe Freeling could excel as a starter in Cleveland. With a surprising 90 athleticism score in the combine, Freeling would add much-needed length and dexterity.
Freeling is consistently mocked within the top 20 selections and will undoubtedly go in the first round.
Another athletic offensive lineman, Caleb Lomu, ran an unbelievable 4.99 40-yard dash. An All-Big 12 first-team player with zero sacks allowed in the 2025 season, Lomu is an immovable object.
With the addition of Lomu, the Browns would excel in both the run and pass game. The Browns will need to aggressively pursue Lomu, who projects as a first-round talent, to send him to Cleveland.
College basketball fans won't be too shocked by this development, as the actor and comedian has long attended Connecticut men's basketball games. That's because he's the father of Luke Murray, an assistant coach for UConn and future head coach of Boston College.
However, Bill Murray also grew up a fan of Illinois men's basketball — the team UConn happens to play in the Final Four for a chance to compete in the March Madness national championship game.
So, who is the "Saturday Night Live," "Caddyshack," and "Groundhog Day" actor rooting for between UConn and Illinois?
Here's what Bill Murray said ahead of the Final Four meeting between Huskies and Fighting Illini:
Is Bill Murray a UConn or Illinois basketball fan?
Bill Murray grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and is a known longtime Chicago Cubs fan. And, despite attending Regis University in Denver, a private Jesuit school, he still grew up a fan of the Fighting Illini.
He has also been seen supporting Illinois basketball in the past, as evidenced by a 2005 photo of when Illinois last played in the Final Four:
The Tribune went back into the archives to find some photos of Murray at the 2005 Final Four. And look who’s next to him, over his right shoulder, when he was 17 and being heavily recruited by the Illini: pic.twitter.com/RdTOocvUXZ
That said, Bill Murray will be rooting for the Huskies for at least one more game.
“Go Huskies!” Murray wrote in a text message to a Chicago Tribune reporter earlier this week.
His son, Luke Murray, 41, is in his fifth season as an assistant coach to Dan Hurley. He has won two national championships in the role. However, last month, he was hired as the new head coach for Boston College.
BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 29: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 29, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Probable pitchers: RHP Shane Baz (0-0, 6.75 ERA, 4 K) vs. RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (0-0, 4.15 ERA, 8 K)
Where to watch: MASN/MASN+
The Orioles’ Game 1 loss in Pittsburgh followed the same script we’ve seen far too often this young season: the starting pitcher gives up a big inning early and the offense struggles to claw the O’s back into the game. Friday night, the O’s fell just short, with Pete Alonso striking out against former Oriole Gregory Soto to seal a 5-4 loss. This afternoon, Baltimore will look to get off to a faster start and tie the series with the Pirates at one game apiece.
Offseason acquisition and newly minted $68M man Shane Baz will take the ball for the O’s, looking to improve on his first start in the black and orange. Like Kyle Bradish yesterday, Baz ran into early trouble in his Orioles debut vs. the Twins. In the 2nd inning of his start vs. Minnesota, Baz allowed the first four base runners to reach before allowing a bases-loaded double that put Baltimore in a quick 4-0 hole. The 26-year-old right-hander would rebound from there, keeping the Twins off the scoreboard from there and giving the offense the time to rally back for an 8-6 win.
Still, a final line of 5.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER and 4 K was a disappointing debut for the hard-throwing righty, especially coming immediately in the wake of his five-year contract extension. Baz could have the perfect “get-right game” opportunity against the Pirates, however. In his only previous meeting with Pittsburgh, at the start of last season with the Rays, Baz blanked the Buccos over six innings while collecting 10 strikeouts. That outing came in the hitter-friendly confines of Tampa’s temporary home at Steinbrenner Field, meaning Baz may get even more of a boost in the more pitcher-friendly PNC Park.
However, yesterday’s matchup showed that this is a different Pirates offense in 2026. After finishing last in runs, home runs and OPS in 2025, the revamped Pittsburgh order is putting up nearly five runs/game through their first seven games of 2026. Konnor Griffin, the No. 1 prospect in baseball, sparked yesterday’s game-defining rally for the Pirates with an RBI double in his first career AB. Oneil Cruz, former AL East rival Brandon Lowe and former Oriole Ryan O’Hearn have also been crucial for Pittsburgh’s offensive revival.
Opposing Baz and looking to shut down the Baltimore bats is 27-year-old right-hander Carmn Mlodzinski. The South Carolina native began last season in the Pirates’ rotation, but ultimately ended up back in the bullpen after posting a 5.67 in nine starts and spending a month in Triple-A.
The O’s will look to pounce on Mlodzinski early, as the righty has a 4.45 career ERA as a starter (compared to 2.71 as a reliever) and only averages just over 3.1 IP per start. The former first-round pick out of South Carolina did look solid in his first start of the year against the Mets, posting a line of 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER and 8 K. Mlodzinski is also a reverse splits guy, with opposing RHBs posting an OPS 43 points higher than LHBs. That could set up well for Taylor Ward and Pete Alonso, who have already gotten off to strong starts at the top of the Orioles’ order.
The 27-year-old left the club last summer - joining Real Madrid for £10m. And sporting director Richard Hughes made two big moves to safeguard the future of the right-back slot.
Jeremie Frimpong was brought in from Bayer Leverkusen for £29m and Conor Bradley was given a new lucrative long-term contract.
Owing to injury neither deal has yet worked out.
Frimpong, 25, has suffered multiple muscle injuries this season and in any case Arne Slot now seems to prefer using him further up the pitch.
Bradley has been afflicted by serious injury trouble over the past two years since breaking into the first-team picture. And the Northern Ireland captain has been absent since January with a knee injury and won’t play again until next season.
“Liverpool are making “serious preparations” to secure the signing of Atalanta’s young defender Marco Palestra in the upcoming summer transfer window,” the report reads.
“The English club view Palestra as a solution to strengthen squad depth and possibly as a long-term replacement option.”
Fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle and Tottenham have also been linked with the 21-year-old - who has impressed in Serie A this season on loan at Cagliari.
Italian interest is represented by Inter Milan and Juventus but “Liverpool is considered the strongest candidate financially,” says the report, adding that a deal could cost around €45m (£39m).
Marco Palestra: Situation summary
Marco Palestra is a 21-year-old Italian right-sided defender/wing-back, currently on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, and regarded as one of Serie A’s standout young wide players.
Operating mainly on the right, he combines athletic overlap with end-product, contributing a goal and four assists in 2025/26 while ranking strongly for minutes and creative output among Serie A wide men.
Palestra’s profile is that of a modern, aggressive wing-back: high engine, strong recovery running, and willingness to attack space, underpinned by top-flight exposure in Serie A and European competition with Atalanta, including a Europa League win in 2023/24.
Contracted to Atalanta and on loan to Cagliari, he is approaching a pivotal decision point this summer, with his parent club so far reluctant to sell despite heavy interest.
Inter Milan and Liverpool are both monitoring him closely, with reported bids and valuations between €35–50m and talk of a potential €45m deal, suggesting a high-profile move is likely if Atalanta soften their stance.
The Houston Astros (5-3) travel to the Athletics (2-5) this afternoon in Sacrament0 in the second game of a three game series.
Astros game three starterRHP Tatsuya Imai will make his second start of the season for the Astros, this time opposite RHP Luis Morales and the Athletics.
Saturday’S TILT: The Astros and Athletics will play the second game of their three-game series this afternoon as Houston looks to bounce back after last night’s loss.
ON THE HUNT: RHP Tatsuya Imai is making his second career start after getting knocked around in 2.2 innings in game four. He carries am 13.50 ERA with four strikeouts and four walks.
Imai did not give up any runs this spring in more than ten innings of work. He is coming in off a sparkling career in the Japanese Professional League and remains a high ranking rookie of the year candidate this season.
ASTROS VS. Morales: The Astros are squaring off against Morales for the first time. He pitched in only ten games last year as a rookie.
RIVALRY VS. THE ATHLETICS: The Astros and Athletics have squared off 182 times in their history. They have a 101-82 against the Athletics in their lifetime. However, the Athletics were 8-5 against the Astros in the 2025 season and 0-1 so far on the 2026 season.
MR. 500: LF Yordan Alvarez recorded his 500th career RBI last night on a sac-fly RBI in the third inning…became the 15th player in franchise history to record 500 RBI…is also the fastest player in franchise history to record 500 career RBI doing so in just 685 games, passing 1B Jeff Bagwell, who recorded 500 RBI in 717 games.
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 8: A fan of the Green Bay Packers wears a cheese head with the word owner during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field on September 8, 2002 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers beat the Falcons 37-34 in overtime. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Green Bay Packers president and CEO Ed Policy dropped some hints on what the Packers’ new Rivalries jerseys will look like in his recent monthly column. For those who aren’t aware, Nike and the NFL are going to create a new set of alternative uniforms for each team in the league, with two divisions getting these jerseys each season. Last year, it was the AFC East and NFC West that got the first round of the Rivalries series.
Five of the Rivalries uniforms from the 2025 season were home uniforms, while the other three were away uniforms, so it could be a home or away kit for the Packers this upcoming season. In 2026, the NFC North and AFC South will be getting Rivalries uniforms (with the NFC East and AFC West in 2027 and the AFC North and NFC South in 2028).
Here’s what Policy had to say about the Packers’ Rivalries set:
As I mentioned back in November, there is a true alternate uniform in the works. Last year, the NFL unveiled a new rivalries uniform for teams in the AFC East and NFC West. The NFC North is on the docket this year. Stay tuned and you’ll learn more in the coming months – but I will say this truly alternate uniform will celebrate owners and emphasize our uniqueness…
So get ready for another look for your Packers, beyond their classic home and away, their Winter Warning all-whites and their 1923 throwbacks that they added last season. I’m not sure how Green Bay is going to celebrate ownership in the uniform, but feel free to drop your prediction on how they’ll be doing that in the comment section below.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 04: Maria Jose Marin of Colombia plays her shot from the 12th hole tee during the third round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 04, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Maria Jose Marin has won the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Marin held off other elite amateur women including Andrea Revuelta, Soomin Oh, and Meja Örtengren to win with a score of fourteen under par. Marin shot a final round score of 68 at Augusta National Golf Club to cruise to victory with a four shot lead. She is the only golfer to shoot in the 60s for all three rounds of the tournament, shooting a 65, 69, and 68, taking the victory over Andrea Revuelta, the next closest competitor who finished in second. With her win, Marin also sets the tournament scoring record with her score of 202, besting the 2025 champion Carla Bernat Escudar’s previous scoring record of 204 by two strokes.
Marin, who is 19 years old from Cali, Colombia, was making her fourth start at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. In her previous three starts, Marin finished in a tie for fourteenth in 2023, tied for thirtieth in 2024, and missed the cut in 2025.
While Marin won with a comfortable four-shot lead, she did not capture the lead until the second nine. Making the turn at three-under par, Marin went through amen corner at even par and made birdie at the thirteenth. She eventually took the lead after Asterisk Talley made a seven on the twelfth hole. Marin would hold the lead until the end, becoming the first Colombian to win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship.
Marin adds the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship to her already burgeoning resume. She is a two-time First Team All-American and was the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Individual Champion for Arkansas. In addition to her collegiate success, she has twice won the South American Women’s Amateur, won the Women’s Amateur Latin America, and made the cut at the U.S. Women’s Open in 2025. She is the 7th ranked amateur in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
KL Rahul’s remarkable dominance over Mumbai Indians comes to an end after pacer Deepak Chahar dismissed him during Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.
Heading into the match, Rahul had an extraordinary record against Chahar, scoring 160 runs off 103 balls in 13 innings at a strike rate of 155.3 without ever being dismissed by the pacer. This made him the highest-scoring batter against a bowler in IPL history without losing his wicket. However, the streak came to an end in this game, as Chahar dismissed Rahul for just 1 run, marking the first time he managed to get the better of the Delhi Capitals opener.
KL Rahul was also just 24 runs away from becoming the first batter in IPL history to score 1,000 runs against Mumbai Indians. However, he fell well short, managing just 1 run. His dominance over MI has long been one of his biggest strengths, but it eluded him on this occasion.
New Chapter with Delhi Capitals
Rahul’s journey took a new turn ahead of the 2025 IPL season when he was signed by Delhi Capitals for Rs 14 crore in the mega auction. The franchise showed faith in him by retaining him for the 2026 season, expecting him to anchor their batting lineup with experience and class. However, his start to IPL 2026 has been far from ideal. In DC’s opening match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, Rahul was dismissed for a golden duck, and in Delhi's home ground match against Mumbai Indians he again fell for 1 run, raising concerns over his batting in T20.
Match Summary: DC vs MI
Delhi Capitals registered a dominant six-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, powered by a sensational knock from impact substitute Sameer Rizvi. Chasing 163, the 22-year-old played a match-defining innings of 90 off 51 balls, smashing seven fours and seven sixes. Despite losing early wickets, Delhi recovered through a 66-run partnership between Rizvi and Pathum Nissanka (44 off 30). Rizvi then took complete control, adding 78 runs with David Miller (17*) to guide the team home with 11 balls to spare. His aggressive strokeplay, including a 20-run over off Corbin Bosch and back-to-back sixes against Mayank Markande, sealed the chase.
Earlier, Mumbai Indians posted 162/6, with Suryakumar Yadav anchoring the innings with 51 off 36 balls and Rohit Sharma contributing 35. However, MI struggled to build momentum after early wickets, as Mukesh Kumar struck twice in the powerplay. A 53-run stand between Rohit and Suryakumar steadied things briefly, but Delhi’s bowlers maintained control. Captain Axar Patel impressed with figures of 1/22, while Ngidi, Natarajan, and Vipraj Nigam chipped in with crucial wickets. Regular breakthroughs in the death overs restricted MI to a modest total, which Delhi chased comfortably.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma has issued an apology following a heated on-court exchange with South Carolina's Dawn Staley after the Huskies' defeat in the women's Final Four.
The incident occurred in the final seconds of South Carolina’s dominant 62-48 victory on Friday night, where a visibly upset Auriemma approached Staley, appearing to chastise her.
Coaches from both teams intervened to separate them, and Auriemma subsequently bypassed the traditional post-game handshakes, heading directly to the locker room.
The Hall of Fame coach addressed his actions in a statement released Saturday.
Auriemma had explained after the loss that the confrontation stemmed from the absence of a pregame handshake between the coaches (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
"There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina. It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut," Auriemma stated.
"I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them."
Staley, whose team advanced to the title game against UCLA, initially downplayed the incident, stating her focus was elsewhere.
"For me, no distractions at this time. I'm concentrating on winning a national championship, that’s it," she said Saturday morning. "That’s a little disheartening. This is sports, sometimes things like this happen. Continue to focus on my team and ability to advance in this tournament and hopefully win another national championship." She later indicated she would address the matter more fully at a later time.
Auriemma had explained after the loss that the confrontation stemmed from the absence of a pregame handshake between the coaches.
The incident occurred in the final seconds of South Carolina’s dominant 62-48 victory on Friday night, where a visibly upset Auriemma approached Staley, appearing to chastise her (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Staley, however, expressed confusion about the interaction. "I have no idea," the South Carolina coach remarked after the game.
"But I’m going to let you know this: I’m of integrity. I’m of integrity. So if I did something wrong to Geno, I had no idea what I did. I guess he thought I didn’t shake his hand at the beginning of the game. I didn’t know. I went down there pregame, shook everybody on his staff’s hand. I don’t know what he came with after the game, but, hey, sometimes things get heated. We move on."
South Carolina is now set to face UCLA in Sunday's championship game, aiming for their third national title in five seasons. The two powerhouse programs, UConn and South Carolina, are scheduled for future matchups over the next two years, with their next game slated for Connecticut.
Rangers head coach Rohl watches his side play Dundee United [SNS]
Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was satisfied as his team went top of the Scottish Premiership for the first time this season - just don't expect him to follow the Hearts and Celtic games on Sunday.
The 4-2 win over Dundee United at Ibrox marked the first time for two years Rangers have climbed to the top of the league.
It also eclipsed the 13-point gap Rangers had to make up on Hearts when Rohl replaced Russell Martin in October.
They only lead on goal difference and will cede top spot if Hearts, who had led since September, avoid defeat at bottom side Livingston on Sunday.
Not that Rohl will be following closely.
"I will do the same as the last matchday," the Rangers boss said.
"I put my phone off, no ticker [on the bottom of the screen], no live score. Last time, I got a message from my assistant coach saying 'did you see the result [Celtic's loss to Dundee United]?'.
"I said 'no, what happened?' He said 'great result'. So I will do exactly the same and maybe three times in a row it will happen.
"Let's see - but I'm not available this time on Sunday."
Rohl was able to enjoy his side scoring four goals for the second game in a row at Ibrox, with some influential performances in attack.
As the German said after the match, if Rangers win six games they win the league.
The question is whether the performances suggest they are capable of doing that given the opposition only gets tougher. Rohl is "convinced" they can.
The win against United built on improved attacking performances, something that has been thrown at this Rangers side. Are they creative enough?
They are, though, the top-scorers in the league and looking much more of a threat.
Thelo Aasgaard has been a much-maligned figure in his maiden season at Ibrox but was involved in three of the four goals, including scoring the third.
Djeidi Gassama, whose form has dipped after eye-catching early displays, was impactful off the bench in driving Rangers forward, and set up Aasgaard.
Striker Ryan Naderi grabbed his first Premiership goal too, before being withdrawn with an injury at half-time for Youssef Chermiti.
Rangers' number nine ended up with four shots and no goals in a busy display but is still looking for consistency, while Andreas Skov Olsen underwhelmed again before being withdrawn at the break.
Nonetheless, there is plenty to build on.
"We have to be on the front foot and if we win six games then we will have something at the end of the season," Rohl added.
"I am really convinced that my players have the potential to do this. But there is still a long way to go and it's no secret that next week away to Falkirk is a very, very difficult game.
"We will take things step by step, but we had nine 'finals' and we have won the first three of them.
"That gives us a good feeling, but nothing more. We have to be humble and ready for the next fight."
[BBC Sport]
'We need to be stronger against the ball'
Staying humble is the message from Rohl because he acknowledged performances are still falling short of being excellent for entire matches.
With left-back Tuur Rommens injured for the next two games at least, Jayden Meghoma started for the first time since February and struggled defensively.
John Souttar's form is also a concern as he made his return to the starting line-up but was caught out, along with others, by swift United counter-attacking.
Rangers could have been more streetwise when re-establishing their two-goal lead and Rohl laid down the gauntlet to his players.
"I like clean sheets and the last two games we've conceded one - and then two today," Rohl told BBC Scotland.
"It's a little bit too much for me because we needed four goals and in some games you won't have the chance for four goals.
"We need to be stronger against the ball. But we want to play exciting football and in some phases of the game we played enjoyable football.
"At 2-0 and 3-1, you feel our quality - we were finding the spaces and being really brave. But then you bring your opponent back which was unnecessary.
"The 2-1 can happen but the 3-2 we should never allow because we had a lot of situations before to score four or five.
So far this season, every time the conversation shifts toward potential staffing changes for Texas A&M baseball, the Aggies have answered with a statement. This weekend was no different.
Facing a Vanderbilt lineup that entered the series second in the SEC in home runs, head coach Michael Earley knew his pitching staff had almost no margin for error. Game 1 didn’t meet the moment. A&M’s pitching and defense struggled from the jump, and a 14–8 loss raised real concerns about how the rest of the weekend might unfold.
Whatever Earley told his team afterward clearly landed. Over the next two games, the Aggies allowed just four total runs, stabilizing the series with an 8–4 win in Game 2 before completely overwhelming the Commodores in a 12–0 run‑rule shutout to close it out.
"I mean they those guys worked really hard and we're a team and just everyone had each other's back and you know they picked us up plenty his year and you know Friday or Thursday I guess it just wasn't the case. But they were awesome today." - Earley
Offensively, A&M continued its recent surge. The Aggies have looked locked‑in for the better part of the last seven or eight games, and that carried into the weekend as they piled up 28 runs despite not playing their cleanest baseball across all three contests.
"Just relentless. We have a really good game plan and Coach Earley's, you know, big on just the process of our at bats and I think, all weekend you kind of saw just guys just passing the baton to the next guy and I think that's what was going on today." - Hacopian
The clear star of the weekend was sophomore right‑hander Aiden Sims, who delivered a complete‑game masterpiece in the finale. Sims struck out eight, allowed only three hits, and didn’t give up a run. With ongoing conversations about where he fits best in the rotation, he delivered exactly when the Aggies needed him most.
"It's just go out there and pitch like every game's every game. I feel like I go out there and it doesn't matter what the what the series is. It could be 20 or 0. I still got to go out there and throw strike one." - Aiden Sims
Below is the full postgame press conference following Texas A&M’s series‑clinching win over Vanderbilt.
No. 20 Texas A&M will host Texas State in a mid-week matchup on Tuesday, April 7, at 6:00 p.m. CST. The game can be viewed on SEC Network+ and the ESPN App.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
Cooper Flagg exploded for a career performance and further etched his name in the history book on Friday, leading the Dallas Mavericks in a loss against the Orlando Magic.
Flagg produced 51 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and one blocked shot in the 138-127 loss at the American Airlines Center. He finished by shooting 19-of-30 from the field, including a career-high six 3-pointers in 33 minutes of work.
The No. 1 overall pick is one of 10 first-year players to score 50 or more in a game and is just the third to do so since the NBA-ABA merger (1976-77). He is the youngest player and the only teenager in history to reach that mark (19 years, 104 days).
"He should be Rookie of the Year," Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. "It is unbelievable. The country is not watching the same thing that we get to watch on a daily basis, the things that he has done. He is in rare air. He is with the GOAT when you talk about M.J. and what he did in his rookie year, and as a teenager."
Flagg surpassed his own record of 49 points for the most scored in a single game by a teenager in history, which, ironically, came against his top competitor for Rookie of the Year: Former Duke teammate and Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel.
The former All-American closed the gap in the race for the top rookie award, at least, according to most sportsbooks, after seeing his odds move to plus-225. But while that isn't something he is actively campaigning for, Flagg was pleased with his latest outburst.
"It is always fun getting into that type of mode," Flagg said. "The basket feels big. Your teammates are looking out for you, helping you out. But I love to win. That was my main focus. It is hard for me to fully enjoy myself out there when we're down 20, down 10, down 15 for the majority of the game."
Flagg is averaging 20.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 47.2% from the field in 65 appearances. He is the first rookie with three or more 40-point performances since Allen Iverson, who registered five such games in the 1996-97 season.
The 6-foot-8 forward joined the Mavericks with tremendous hype and expectations as the top pick. While he is nearing the end of a historic rookie campaign, the organization is surely excited for his potential on and off the court.
"He plays the game the right way," Kidd said. "He loves the challenge, so when you look at him taking the floor, he has always delivered, and tonight was no different. To be able to have a 50-ball against a really good defensive team, it just shows he is getting better, and we're excited about that. We've talked about that pretty much this week: We have planted our flag, and we're really proud to have Cooper. We're excited about the present, but we're also excited about the future."
Arizona pitcher Jalen Adams (12) faces Oklahoma at Hillenbrand Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026 | Photo by Ryan Kelapire
Weather is a major factor in Midwestern softball. The bulk of the Arizona Wildcats are getting a rare view of that this weekend in Ames, Iowa where their weekend series against Iowa State had to be significantly altered due to expected rain and cold. Pitcher Jalen Adams and second baseman Sereniti Trice are used to it, though.
Adams grew up in Fort Dodge and played her first three years of college at Iowa. Trice finished high school in San Diego, but she was born in Illinois and was on the Cyclones’ roster her first year. They know what it means to navigate the cold, snow, and rain to play softball.
“It was fun at Iowa State,” Trice said. “I mean, seeing the snow is always an experience when you’re used to the sunshine, so I had a lot of fun experiencing that.”
Trice also had a positive experience with the people in Ames.
“Was actually trying to figure out if I can meet up with some of my teammates, maybe go to a dinner,” Trice said. “Super excited to go back and see them. Great relationship. Excited to see the coaching staff. I haven’t seen them in a while, so it’ll be fun to go back.”
She’s really looking forward to one thing, though.
“Oooh! Boulder Tap House!” Trice said. “I’m planning to go this weekend, take my family and some of the teammates to Boulder Tap House. Best place ever.”
This experience will be different than what Adams experienced growing up, though. Like many places in the Midwest, Iowa does not play high school softball in the late winter and early spring. To truly make the sport a national pursuit, it has to be moved to summer in some places.
“Growing up, it was, all I really knew was softball’s in the summertime, so I didn’t think too much of it,” Adams said. “And then, I mean, once you get to college, you kind of just transition to springtime.”
There were some opportunities in the spring, though.
“I did spring tournaments and stuff like that with my different travel ball teams,” Adams said. “But whenever the weekend was nice, we could go outside. We had some indoor tournaments early on in the spring.”
That has helped the sport grow, but it also adds complications for those pursuing spots on college rosters.
“It kind of sometimes…throws a wrench in travel ball, but, man, talk about Iowa softball in general,” said Arizona head coach Caitlin Lowe. “I mean, the amount of great pitching, great players that have come out of Iowa recently, as you look across the country in DI softball, has been great.”
Lowe thinks the development of players like Adams only means more development in Iowa.
“She’s someone that’s gonna go and give back to her community and grow it even more, which is even, I think on my end cooler, to see that she’s going to help develop those little ones that are looking up to her right now,” Lowe said. Adams and Trice are teammates now, but last year they were on the opposite sides of an in-state rivalry. Trice and the Cyclones came out on top 9-5 in Ames.
Arizona’s current second baseman went 2 for 4 and scored a run that day. Adams didn’t take the loss, but she did pitch on a day that was difficult for the Hawkeyes’ pitching staff. The group gave up 11 hits and five walks that day.
“Sereniti was definitely the toughest out on the team,” Adams said. “I don’t know if I did get you out, actually.“
Trice acknowledged that one of her two outs did come at the hands of Adams.
“It was tough then, and I’m really, really happy that we’re on the same team now,” Adams said.
Notes
Arizona freshman first baseman Kez Lucas was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive week after Arizona beat GCU and swept Baylor last week to extend its winning streak to six straight games. She went 8-for-15 with a double, a home run, and a walk in four games. She scored three runs and had three RBI.
The Wildcats and Cyclones will play a doubleheader on Easter Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. MST. On Monday, the two teams finish the series at 11 a.m. MST. All three games will stream on ESPN+. Afterwards, they will fly directly to Baton Rouge to take on LSU next Friday.
Arizona is currently ranked No. 14 by NFCA and Softball America. D1 Softball and USA Softball have the Wildcats at No. 13. More importantly for their postseason hosting hopes, the ‘Cats are No. 12 in RPI, No. 13 in DSR, and No. 14 in KPI.
Is anyone really surprised that the Los Angeles Dodgers still sit in the No. 1 spot in the latest MLB Power Rankings?
The Dodgers didn't really do much to deserve being bumped down the list of all 30 MLB clubs.
For its latest MLB Power Rankings, The Athletic has Los Angeles sitting pretty and looking down to the rest of the teams.
Dodgers fans watched Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and other Dodgers players get off to a slow start at the plate. But it's not really something to worry about because Los Angeles has a powerful lineup from top to bottom.
Here's a statistic that The Athletic's Grant Brisbee pointed out as a real meaningless statistic right now: A .222 team average, 0.00 bullpen ERA.
"It’s not like everyone on the Dodgers is cooking," Brisbee wrote. "Shohei Ohtani hasn’t gotten much to swing at, and he hasn’t done much with the swings he’s gotten off. Four of the everyday players — Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández, Kyle Tucker and Ohtani — were under the Mendoza Line for the first series of the season."
Seeing those four hitting below .200, which is the definition of the Mendoza Line really should not worry Dodgers fans. It's early in the season and everyone probably knows that those four players are not going to be at that level all season long.
"This makes it more than a little terrifying that the Dodgers are still rolling, still laying waste to everyone in their path," Brisbee continued. "At some point, and soon, they’ll really start hitting."
That will happen. Brisbee also pointed out that the Dodgers' bullpen has been lights out early this season, especially with closer Edwin Diaz just blowing opposing batters away.
"As for what won’t last, consider the Dodgers’ bullpen, which hasn’t allowed a run as of this writing," Brisbee wrote. "It’s a fine bullpen, and it might even be an excellent bullpen. But it has to be a tired bullpen, what with the extra month of baseball they have to play every season, the poor devils. Eventually, they’ll give up a run. Maybe."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts must look at his lineup every day and have a big smile on his face. He gets to fill out a lineup card with Ohtani, Betts, Freddie Freeman, and others on the team.
Already, the Dodgers are flexing their muscles and sitting atop the National League West Division standings. Sure, it's early in the 2026 MLB season, but Los Angeles is already making noise.
For the rest of the majors, that's some bad news.
The Dodgers are just going to keep on getting better and better. This team is filled with superstars. Only a lot of injuries sidelining a bunch of players for a long period of time probably will derail them from another division title.
Yet everyone in the City of Angels wants to see the Dodgers have a third straight World Series celebration.
After the first week this season, they are well on their way.
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The Kansas City Chiefs brought Travis Kelce back for this coming season but need to invest in a long-term replacement for the future Hall of Famer. The 2026 NFL Draft lacks star power at tight end outside of Kenyon Sadiq but features several developmental players with starting upside. The Chiefs have several options, but one underdiscussed prospect stands out.
Stanford Cardinal TE Sam Roush possesses prototypical size for an in-line tight end at 6'6", 267 lbs., but his arms are disproportionately short at just 30 5/8 inches. Roush also has significant experience deploying in the slot. He lacks the burst and top speed to threaten off-coverage but is fast enough to draw attention down the seam and slip past the defense’s second level.
#Stanford TE Sam Roush runs his routes with urgency and does a nice job with route pacing and finding soft spots in zone coverage over the middle of the field. Effort is there as a blocker, though not always consistent because his lack of length.
Roush is not a consistent separator because he lacks the explosiveness and suddenness to pull away from defenders or to break free from tight man coverage at the top of the stem. However, he uses quick footwork and active hands to work across the defender’s face and forcibly generate throwing lanes for his quarterback.
Stanford fed Roush many passes in the flat and let him rumble for extra yards. He lacks the athletic traits to be a significant threat after the catch, but defensive backs struggle to tackle him one-on-one. Roush displays a good feel for holes in second level zone coverages. He frequently delivers an initial block before slipping out on a route.
Roush fails to profile as a high-volume passing threat. He doesn’t fit the Kelce mold in that regard. However, if he continues to develop, he could generate 500 to 750 receiving yards per season while serving as an essential part of Kansas City’s revamped run game.
Roush’s size and aggression as an in-line blocker give him a path to earn meaningful snaps early in his career. He uses active hands to refit his blocks and gradually reposition defensive linemen. Outside linebackers struggle to win through Roush’s frame and fail to anchor when the powerful tight end hits them on an angle block.
Roush’s arm length creates some limitations against longer-limbed opponents, but the tight end drives nice power through his extensions to move defenders off the line and win the leverage battle. His size makes him an overwhelming force when facing defensive backs as a perimeter blocker.
Roush needs to continue developing his hand usage and balance but already has the foundation to step in as a team’s second tight end in 2026.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Tyson Hinds (60) warms up before a preseason game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center in San Jose, CA. (Source: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images)
Defenseman Tyson Hinds has been recalled by the Anaheim Ducks from their AHL affiliate team, the San Diego Gulls.
The 23-year-old has scored 19 points (5G, 14A) with a rating of plus-16 in 62 games with San Diego this season, setting new career highs in points and goals.
With 204 career games played through three seasons with the Gulls, the 2021 Draft third-round pick has played the third-most games for a blueliner with the AHL club, recording 47 points (11G, 36A).
There has
been no shortage of storylines around the Montreal Canadiens this season; the
Habs’ struggles in net, Juraj Slafkovsky’s awakening, Cole Caufield’s chase for
the 50-goal mark, the Rocket Richard Trophy and Nick Suzuki’s arrival on the
international stage, which earned him recognition in other NHL markets—lost
amongst all that, though, is the fact that Alex Newhook is having the best
season of his career.
The
25-year-old winger has only played 35 games so far this season, but he still
has 23 points to his name, which is a 54-point pace projected over the course
of a full 82-game campaign. In the past, his highest-scoring season was 34
points in just 55 games in his first year with the Habs, which was a 51-point pace
over 82 games.
Not unlike
Kirby Dach, Newhook has been plagued by injuries since joining the Habs ahead
of the 2023-24 season. In three seasons, he has played just 172 games out of a
possible 239 so far. Still, with regular linemates Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen
this year, he has proven to be a viable option on the top six. A much better option
than Dach, who only put up 14 points in the 32 games he skated in this season,
a 36-point pace over a full 82-game season.
Granted, on
a contending team, Newhook would more than likely be a good third liner, but
playing with a couple of talented youngsters, he has shown an ability to raise the
level of his game. Next season, the Newfoundlander will be entering the final
year of the four-year deal he signed when he joined the Canadiens, and he will
have another chance to prove that he should be part of Montreal’s plans
long-term. In an ideal world, he would be able to remain healthy and prove that
he can consistently produce at the rate he has this season.
As things stand,
he looks like a good option while the Canadiens wait to see how players like
Michael Hage and Alexander Zharovsky will develop in the coming years and how
well their skills will translate to the NHL.
In the
Canadiens’ seven-game winning streak, Newhook has five points and a plus-five
rating.
The Denver Broncos didn't have a lot of areas to address after finishing as the No. 1 seed in the AFC and making a run to the conference title game.
One big one is defensive tackle, which took a big hit after John Franklin-Myers signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
The blockbuster trade for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle saw their first-round pick go to Miami in exchange for the former Alabama star, so that means Denver doesn't pick until the end of the second round in the 2026 NFL Draft.
With April here, Chad Reuter of NFL.com compiled a new mock draft, but this time it is five rounds.
Let's run down the picks from Reuter.
Round 2, No. 62 overall: Stanford tight end Sam Roush
+ Ideal size for a tight end + 9.94 relative athletic score + 545 receiving yards in 2025 + Effort as a blocker + 71.2 pass blocking grade in 2025 + Effective route runner + Special teams’ experience + Physical runner after the catch + Finding soft… pic.twitter.com/bfqizIWvi4
Round 4, No. 108 overall: Missouri defensive tackle Chris McClellan
The Broncos don't have a third-round pick, either, so the next pick wouldn't come until Day 3. But, this is an obvious need, and McClellan is somebody who has played in the SEC, so he should be able to contribute right away.
Missouri DT Chris McClellan caught my eye while watching Zion Young and then balled out in Mobile. 6’3, 315 with 34” arms and 11” hands. Has some position flex to play the one or the three with six sacks in 2025. Will be one of my guys this draft cycle. pic.twitter.com/nKOOTHKh6q
Boettcher is another player who can contribute right away, and he also met with the Broncos during the pre-draft process and said he feels like he meshed well.
Oregon ILB Bryce Boettcher met with the #Broncos at the combine and felt he “meshed well with them.”
“I think we shared a like-minded mentality when it comes to the physicality of the game, but also the mental part of the game.” pic.twitter.com/R8TyT1j3yM
Round 5, No. 170 overall: Kentucky running back Seth McGowan
This is an interesting pick for a few reasons. For starters, J.K. Dobbins is back, but he has also dealt with plenty of injuries.
RJ Harvey broke out for Denver as a rookie, but McGowan is also turning 25 years old, so he is an older player who has plenty of college experience.
At the same time, the Broncos are trying to surround Bo Nix with playmakers, and McGowan is decent injury insurance for Dobbins and Harvey.
Seth McGowan (6’0 223) Kentucky
+ Ideal size for a running back + 9.63 relative athletic score that included a 42.5” vertical jump + Natural hands catcher + Knack for finding pay dirt with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025 + 6.4 yards per carry as a freshman at Oklahoma + Decisive… pic.twitter.com/LvCEFuA1bt
The other draft picks the Broncos have are all in the seventh round, with three selections coming at Nos. 246, 256 and 257.
In this scenario, the Broncos address glaring needs at tight end, linebacker and defensive tackle, and McGowan is a sneaky pick who could be just the type of player Davis Webb is looking for in his offense.
Rosenior has terrible piece of injury news on Chelsea attacker
Chelsea enjoyed an excellent win over Port Vale today, but there was one piece of bad news to blacken the mood at the Bridge.
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It was a really positive day for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today, with the Blues romping to a 7-0 win which raised spirits after some bleak weeks.
Sadly, there was one caveat to all the smiles at Stamford Bridge. In the pre-match press conference, Liam Rosenior noted happily that Jamie Gittens was finally fit and ready to feature. So it was curious when he was left out of the squad. We feared the worst, and post-match Rosenior has confirmed it.
Liam Rosenior drops unfortunate news on winger
“Unfortunately, Jamie, in training yesterday, picked up what looks like a hamstring injury again,” Rosenior explained.
“We have to scan him and make sure. It’s a real shame for him, I think it’s the third time it’s happened. We need to help him and we need to make sure he’s okay. I can’t give you a time frame on that at the moment.”
This really is devastating news for Gittens, whose season started with some bad performances and has now been consistently marred by injury. This sounds like it will be him done for the season now.
The good news is that at least Estevao is back fit now, meaning Chelsea have good options again on both wings.
In other news…
Estevao was the star of the show in today’s win, and he got a goal right at the end, just reward for his effort.
Gusto, Hato And Neto Get 8 | Chelsea Players Rated In Dominant Win Vs Port Vale
Chelsea welcomed Port Vale at Stamford Bridge earlier this evening as they looked to secure a good result at home in the FA Cup. The Blues made a quick start to the game and conceded the opening goal in the second minute when Jorrel Hato found the back of the net. Joao Pedro doubled his side’s advantage in the 25th minute before Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel scored an unfortunate own goal in the latter stages of the first half. Liam Rosenior’s men went into the half-time break 3-0 up on the scoreline.
Tosin Adarabioyo scored Chelsea’s fourth goal in the 57th minute before Andrey Santos got his name on the scoresheet in the 69th minute. Estevao managed to score as well in the 82nd minute. Alejandro Garnacho converted from the penalty spot in injury time as the match ended with Chelsea securing a dominant 7-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
Let’s take a look at how each Chelsea player fared during the clash against Port Vale.
He didn’t have a save to make in the game and kept a comfortable clean sheet at the back.
RB: Malo Gusto – 8/10
Gusto was solid at the back and was lively going forward.
CB: Wesley Fofana – 7/10
He was solid when defending inside his half and was good on the ball.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo – 7.5/10
Adarabioyo was a rock at the back and managed to score in the 57th minute.
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 04: Joao Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Chelsea and Port Vale at Stamford Bridge on April 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LB: Jorrel Hato – 8/10
He didn’t do much wrong defensively and managed to score early in the game.
CM: Romeo Lavia – 6.5/10
Lavia caught the eye at times in the middle of the park.
CM: Andrey Santos – 7/10
He retained the ball well and managed to score in the 69th minute.
RW: Pedro Neto – 8/10
Neto was a constant menace on the right flank.
CAM: Cole Palmer – 7/10
Palmer linked up play well with others around him, but there was no goal for him.
LW: Estevao – 8/10
He did well to score in the 82nd minute and was a real threat up top.
ST: Joao Pedro – 7/10
Pedro managed to score in the 25th minute and caused a few problems for the opposition defenders.
Substitutes:
ST: Liam Delap – 6/10
His impact on the game was minimal.
CAM: Dario Essugo – 7/10
He managed to catch the eye at times in the final third.
The Jak and Daxter Trilogy are now natively playable on PC through OpenGOAL As much as I’d love to see it, Jak and Daxter isn’t getting remastered or remade for modern systems. Sony isn’t bringing this classic game collection to PC. While Sony has closed the door on Jak and Daxter fans, the community has […]
Microsoft is now force-installing the latest version of Windows 11, the 25H2, for users of the older 24H2 version of the operating system. Through what Microsoft calls a "machine learning-based intelligent rollout," the company is automatically updating 24H2 users to Windows 11 25H2 when their devices are ready. This forced update is part of a staged update plan for Windows 11, where Microsoft is gradually updating systems worldwide to phase out the 24H2 version, as support for this operating system will officially end on October 13, 2026. It makes sense to upgrade users to an operating system with a longer support period. However, Windows 11 users might be frustrated with the constant forced upgrades that Microsoft is pushing, which seem to offer little real-world benefit beyond regular security maintenance.
Regarding Windows versions, the situation has been a bit confusing recently. Microsoft has dedicated the 26H1 update exclusively for Windows-on-Arm devices, supporting new silicon, including the Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Plus platforms, as well as the potential launch of NVIDIA's N1/N1X laptop SoCs. The latest feature and security updates have been delivered through both the 24H2 and 25H2 versions, which have been the primary focus for x86-based PC systems. However, as support for 24H2 is coming to an end, the focus is gradually shifting to 25H2. There is still time before October of this year, and Microsoft is using AI for a staged rollout. Importantly, users cannot refuse this update. They can only schedule the restart for the update to be applied or postpone it slightly before it is finally installed.
The feature would represent a significant step toward bridging the gap between official system requirements and actual in-game performance. Even as studios release recommended hardware specs, the experience on diverse PC setups often differs sharply from expectations.
Portifa helps artists create professional portfolios quickly and share a single link that shows who viewed it. Drop images, videos, and links, and AI organizes projects, tags work, and generates a polished bio. Choose from curated themes, add multiple pages, and track real-time viewer activity, including which projects they viewed and video watch time. Use your own domain, remove branding, and manage unlimited projects on the Pro plan to send tailored portfolios and get hired with confidence.
Norwegian Cruise Line Removes Show Reservations for Greater FlexibilityNorwegian Cruise Line no longer requires show reservations, giving passengers more flexibility...
Dubai Rolls Out Economic Relief Measures, Deferring Fees for Hotels, Businesses, and MoreRead full article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/dubai-rolls-out-economic-relief-measures-deferring-fees-for-hotels-businesses-and-more/Dubai has introduced a series...
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Galaxy S27 Ultra release is almost a year away and our initial wishlist highlights the seven biggest upgrades Samsung fans are demanding in 2027.
Samsung doesn’t need another safe upgrade; it needs a statement. The Ultra line has been flirting with greatness for years, but 2027 feels different. Rivals are no longer just catching up, making 2027 the year Samsung either shuts the noise down or fuels it.
Galaxy S27 Ultra Wishlist
Here’s what the Galaxy S27 Ultra must get right.
1. 1-inch camera sensor, the missing piece
Phones from Xiaomi and Vivo are playing with 1-inch camera sensors. Meanwhile, Samsung still leans on megapixels, which works, but it doesn’t wow anymore.
A 1-inch type sensor paired with the next-gen 200MP tech could finally change the conversation. Add proper motion capture, faster shutter speeds, and consistent HDR, and suddenly you’re not just competing, you’re leading.
2. 2nm processor that actually feels fast
A 2nm-class chip, likely the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro flagship chip, paired with LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 5.0 storage, sounds like overkill on paper, but under the hood, this is where Samsung can build a true AI powerhouse.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro (2nm)
Rumored to push insane clock speeds
LPDDR6 RAM (12GB / 16GB / 24GB option)
Could debut as Samsung’s first LPDDR6 phone
UFS 5.0 storage (256GB–1TB)
3. Battery life that breaks the daily charging habit
5000mAh is table stakes now, and if Samsung really wants to move the needle, silicon-carbon batteries in the 6000 to 7000mAh range need to happen. Well, it’s not going to happen.
Galaxy S26 Ultra has upgraded the peak charging speed to 60W, which brings positive outcomes. With the next generations, the days of being tethered to a wall for an hour should feel outdated.
4. Galaxy AI that works fully offline
Samsung is doing great with Galaxy AI, with the S26 series introducing Agentic AI. The next set of upgrades will arrive with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 foldable phones later this year.
For 2027, we are a lot more optimistic. Imagine real-time call translation that works on a flight, photo edits that reconstruct scenes instantly and smart summaries that actually save time.
5. A display that finally kills bezels
Debuted with the S26 Ultra, Privacy Display is the most brilliant mobile innovation. Samsung now needs to push brightness beyond 3000 nits so sunlight is irrelevant.
Improve anti-reflective coating so glare disappears, and maybe, just maybe, trim the bulk so the Ultra feels less like a brick; this is about presence. When you pick it up, it should feel futuristic.
6. Polar ID and security that just works
Face unlock on Android still feels like a compromise, but the rumored Polar ID upgrade could change that, as it’s secure, fast, and reliable, without needing a notch or cutout gimmick.
Combine that with a next-gen ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and continuous authentication, and your phone becomes quietly smarter. Security shouldn’t slow you down; it should disappear into the background.
7. S Pen needs a surprise, not silence
Early signals suggest the S Pen might not get major upgrades, which is absolutely disappointing but not final. The South Korean tech giant has a chance to surprise its most loyal users.
Lower latency for that pen-on-paper feel, and magnetic attachment so it finally feels modern. Maybe Samsung could even bring back smarter Bluetooth features like Air Actions in 2027.
The S27 Ultra doesn’t need to tick boxes, but it needs to win hearts again. A 1-inch sensor changes the camera game. Real AI changes how you use your phone. Better battery and charging change your daily routine, as everything else builds on that.
Pearl Abyss found another way to improve the graphics in its immersive open-world adventure. A new Crimson Desert PS5 Pro patch makes PSSR upscaling available in quality mode. While anti-aliasing sharpens scenery in the PS5 Pro enhanced game, frame rates dip more frequently below 30 fps.
A new expansion board essentially turns the Raspberry Pi 5 into a NAS. It comes with two Ethernet ports and support for multiple storage drives. Both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drives are supported.
Garmin is continuing to improve its own products, as patents that have now become public illustrate. Specifically, an improved technology could presumably lead to better positioning accuracy or stronger connection quality of smartwatches like the Garmin Fenix 9.
This year's Easter surprise is not coming from Oppo itself, but from various leakers in China who have published several hands-on images in the past few hours of what is supposed to be the ultimate Hasselblad camera flagship phone of the year. That said, we have doubts about the authenticity of at least some of them.
We keep hearing about the RAM/chip crisis that's triggered by heavy global investments in AI data centers, which are eating up supply and making prices go up by insane amounts in the process, but what exact amounts are involved for smartphone makers? How much more are they paying?
That's what Xiaomi President Lu Weibing has revealed on Weibo today. According to him, for a package of 12GB of RAM plus 512GB of storage, the company is now paying CNY 1,500 ($217) more than in the first quarter of last year (January to March).
Redmi K90 Pro Max
That's not $217 per RAM/storage package,...
The live coverage of the match Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona in La Liga.
It was a great chance for Barcelona to extend their La Liga lead after Real Madrid had lost to Mallorca earlier. In a tough match against Atletico Madrid, they came away with a 2-1 win that put them seven points clear.
The first half was very balanced, with Lamine Yamal causing plenty of problems for Nicolas Gonzalez. However, Atletico Madrid went ahead with a long ball to Giuliano Simeone, who controlled it and scored. Barcelona responded shortly after with a fine goal by Marcus Rashford.
The play that changed the match came in the final seconds of the first half, with Yamal beating Gonzalez on a long run that led to a red card for the Atletico Madrid player. Barcelona controlled most of the second half but with little effectiveness. That changed when Robert Lewandowski scored off a rebound a few minutes after coming on to seal the win.
On the official opening night of Nu Stadium, Inter Miami are set to face Austin FC, with all eyes on Lionel Messi.
The opening of Nu Stadium marks a long-awaited milestone for Inter Miami, years in the making, and it will finally become a reality this Saturday in their Matchday 6 clash of the 2026 Major League Soccer season against Austin FC. Given the magnitude of the occasion, Lionel Messi will start for the Herons.
Inter Miami have structured their schedule this season with the stadium opening as a focal point. As a result, their first five MLS matches were played on the road while construction was completed at Miami Freedom Park. The day has finally arrived and, despite some last-minute complications related to administrative permits for Nu Stadium, everything is now set for the grand opening.
Beyond the occasion, the match also carries clear sporting significance. The Herons currently sit third in the MLS Eastern Conference standings with three wins, one draw, and one loss, and are aiming to close the gap on the leaders, Nashville SC.
On the other side, Austin FC have endured a disappointing start to the season, managing just one win, two draws, and two losses in their first five matches. That record leaves them in 11th place in the Western Conference standings.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
Confirmed lineup for Inter Miami
Last week, Inter Miami were without several players who left to join their national teams during the March FIFA international break. That included Lionel Messi, who played 45 minutes for Argentina against Mauritania last Friday and the full 90 against Zambia on Tuesday. Despite the workload, head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed that Messi is in good physical condition.
Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup is: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo de Paul, David Ayala, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, Mateo Silvetti, Tadeo Allende.
Confirmed lineup for Austin FC
Austin FC face the dual challenge of improving on recent performances—they have taken just one point from their last nine available—while also finding a way to neutralize Inter Miami, one of the strongest sides in MLS.
With that in mind, head coach Nico Estevez will opt for the following lineup: Brad Stuver; Guilherme Biro, Brendan Hines-Ike, Oleksandr Svatok, Jon Gallagher; Joseph Rosales, Ilie Sanchez, Nicolas Dubersarsky, Facundo Torres; Myrto Uzuni, Christian Ramirez.
Good Friday shut down CME futures and all crypto ETF activity on April 3, removing the institutional bid that has anchored XRP and Solana throughout 2026, according to CoinDesk. The day before, SOL’s ETF managed just $932,850 in inflows, its first positive day in six sessions, per BeInCrypto. When institutional products go dark during a fear cycle, it confirms these assets are institutional grade now, and institutional grade means returns capped by market cap with no path to 100x.
While the XRP price prediction conversation stalls alongside frozen ETF flows, early stage capital keeps moving to Pepeto, where $8.68M raised during extreme fear and a Binance listing approaching could push the token into 267x territory that neither $80 billion asset can produce.
Good Friday Freezes All Crypto ETF Flows as XRP and SOL Drift Without Direction
CoinDesk reported that Good Friday paused CME futures and ETF creation and redemption for all crypto products on April 3, leaving XRP and Solana exposed to thin weekend liquidity. BeInCrypto confirmed that SOL’s ETF broke a six-day drought on April 2 with just $932,850, ending a stretch that included three outflow days totalling $15 million.
For the broader market, the ETF shutdown validates that both tokens now depend on institutional flows for price support, but it also confirms the explosive early returns are behind them. The traders hunting 267x are no longer looking at assets that freeze when Wall Street takes a holiday.
Top Cryptocurrencies to Position Before the Next Breakout
Pepeto: The Exchange Token Where $0.0000001862 Becomes 267x Before Institutions Discover It
While XRP traders monitor resistance levels hoping for modest percentage gains, Pepeto at $0.0000001862 operates in a completely different dimension. The entry cost is smaller, the growth runway is exponentially larger, and presale positioning places you ahead of the public market entirely.
The exchange is under active development, genuinely uncommon at the presale stage. The $8.68M raised while the Fear and Greed Index touched single digits represents deep conviction locked into a SolidProof audited contract, a cofounder who scaled Pepe to $7 billion, and a former Binance executive directing the listing strategy.
That capital entered during extreme fear because Pepeto targets the $45 billion meme coin trading market with zero-fee infrastructure spanning three blockchains, and the 267x math requires only that the market values this exchange token at a fraction of what Pepe achieved with the same 420 trillion supply.
Holders earn from every trade through the revenue model. The bridge spans three networks seamlessly. Zero-fee trading undercuts every competitor. The Binance listing approaches, and unlike the XRP price prediction, Pepeto’s ceiling has not been written yet. The wallets that built wealth in every prior cycle did it by locking into infrastructure presales before listings repriced the entry permanently, and Pepeto’s confirmed Binance listing will erase this price along with the 267x math the moment trading opens.
XRP Price Prediction: Validated by Institutions but Returns Stay Range Locked
XRP holds near $1.30 according to CoinMarketCap after posting its worst quarter in eight years with a 27% decline despite record address growth. Good Friday paused ETF flows entirely, and the CLARITY Act faces its binary Senate markup in late April.
The XRP price prediction targets $2.40 if the CLARITY Act passes, roughly 82% over months, but retail futures open interest remains 80% below its peak. Moving averages stack between $1.43 and $1.80, blocking every rally attempt. Losing $1.30 hands bears the ground they cannot afford to surrender.
Solana: ETF Drought Breaks With $932K but Bears Still Control
Solana traded at $80.06, down 73% from its $293 peak. Its ETF managed only $932,850 on April 2 after six days of zero or negative flows, per BeInCrypto. Support holds at $78, with $89 the key resistance. Losing $78 opens $67.
Conclusion
Ripple will still trade next week regardless of the XRP price prediction. Pepeto’s presale will not. Good Friday froze every institutional flow into XRP and SOL at $1.30 and $80, confirming the explosive early window for both is closed. A $1,000 XRP position buys 757 tokens with modest percentage upside. The same $1,000 in Pepeto secures 5.4 billion tokens, targeting $150,000 at a fraction of Pepe’s ATH valuation.
Two futures branch from this moment. In one, you entered the presale, and the listing math transformed your portfolio. In the other, you followed the XRP price prediction from the sidelines and calculated what you missed. Visit the Pepeto official website while both outcomes are still available to you.
Fenerbahçe'de forvet transferinde rota yeniden İngiltere'ye kırıldı! Liverpool'da yaşanması beklenen büyük revizyonun ardından satış listesine konulan 1.93'lük dev isim Cody Gakpo, sarı-lacivertlilerin radarına girdi.
Asıl mevkisi sol kanat olmasına rağmen teknik heyetin 'sol ayaklı pivot santrfor' olarak sistemin kilit taşı yapmayı planladığı Hollandalı yıldız için tüm şartlar zorlanacak. İşte Tedesco ve Devin Özek'in Gakpo planı ve transferin perde arkasındaki Liverpool kaosu...
Fenerbahçe'de seçim konuşmaları arşa çıkarken bir anda gündem transfer haberleriyle dolmaya başladı. Sanki ortada gündemi, seçim ortamından taraftarı heyecanlandıracak bir ortama çekmek için özel bir çalışma varmış gibi duruyor. Son iddialara göre sarı-lacivertliler, gol yollarındaki sorunu çözmek için rotayı Liverpool’un yıldızına kırdı. Ancak bu transfer hamlesi, akıllara o meşhur soruyu getirdi: Fenerbahçe, bir kez daha asıl mevkisi santrfor olmayan bir oyuncu mu alacak?
SLOT-XABI SÜRECİ BELİRLEYECEK
The Sun'ın haberine göre, Liverpool'da sezon sonu büyük bir revizyon bekleniyor. Mohamed Salah’ın ayrılık ihtimalinin yanı sıra; Joe Gomez, Alexis Mac Allister, Federico Chiesa ve listenin en dikkat çeken ismi Cody Gakpo'nun satış listesine konulabileceği belirtiliyor.
Arne Slot’un geleceğinin belirsizliğini koruması ve yerine Xabi Alonso isminin geçmesi, takımdaki taşları yerinden oynatmış durumda. Şampiyonlar Ligi mücadelesi veren kulüp, uygun bir teklif gelmesi halinde 26 yaşındaki Hollandalı yıldızın ayrılığına onay verebilir.
FORVET PERFORMANSI DA İYİ
1.93 boyundaki Cody Gakpo, aslında bir sol kanat oyuncusu olarak kariyer zirvesini yapmış olsa da, Fenerbahçe teknik heyeti oyuncuya farklı bir misyon yüklemeyi planlıyor.
Teknik ekip, Gakpo'nun fiziksel avantajlarını ve sol ayağını kullanarak sistem içerisinde "sol ayaklı bir pivot santrfor" olarak evrilebileceğine inanıyor.
Gakpo, kariyeri boyunca farklı bölgelerde görev aldı. Ancak merkez forvet hattındaki performansı hala tartışma konusu: Gakpo'nun santrfor karnesinde 78 maç 26 gol ve 9 asist yer alıyor.
ASIL BÖLGESİ SOL KANAT
Fenerbahçe taraftarı, geçmiş sezonlarda asıl bölgesi kanat olup forvete evrilen oyunculardan beklediği verimi her zaman alamadı. Gakpo’nun sol açıkta çok daha etkili olduğu bilinirken, 1.93'lük boyuyla pivot santrfor rolünü üstlenip üstlenemeyeceği camiada şimdiden merak konusu oldu.
Sarı-lacivertli yönetimin, Liverpool'daki bu karışıklığı fırsat bilerek önümüzdeki günlerde resmi temasları hızlandırması bekleniyor.
Milli maç tribünündeki "8 numara" mesajından Trabzonspor deplasmanındaki "muhafız" duruşuna... Fenerbahçe camiasının genç ismi Kerim Rahmi Koç ile Mert Hakan Yandaş arasındaki sarsılmaz bağın şifreleri çözüldü. Sadece bir taraftar-futbolcu diyaloğunun ötesine geçerek zor günlerde bir "vefa" sınavına dönüşen bu dostluğun temelinde; Mert Hakan'ın kulüp aidiyetini her şeyin önüne koyan "savaşçı" karakteri, saha dışındaki sarsılmaz abi-kardeş dinamiği ve hukuki süreçlerin gölgesinde verilen o tarihi destek yatıyor.
Fenerbahçe camiasında Mert Hakan Yandaş'a verilen destek, sadece bir futbolcuya verilen desteğin değil, spor dünyasında eşine az rastlanan bir dostluğun ve "aidiyet" kavramının simgesi haline geldi. Özellike eski Başkan Ali Koç'un oğlu Kerim Rahmi'nin Mert Hakan Yandaş ile arasındaki ilişkinin derinliği basit bir taraftar-futbolcu diyaloğunun çok ötesine geçmiş durumda.
SESSİZ AMA GÜÇLÜ DESTEK
Bu dostluğu kamuoyunun gündemine en somut haliyle taşıyan olay, Milli Takım’ın son müsabakasında yaşandı. Kerim Rahmi tribünde, kendi ismini değil, 8 numaralı "Mert Hakan" yazılı formayı giyerek maçı takip etmesi "sessiz ama en güçlü destek" olarak yorumlandı.
Mert Hakan’ın devam eden hukuki süreci ve tutukluluk durumu göz önüne alındığında, bu forma seçimi sadece bir sevgi gösterisi değil, zor günde sergilenen sarsılmaz bir sadakat ilanı niteliği taşıyor.
Kerim Rahmi Koç'un taraftarın Mert Hakan’ın evinin önünde düzenlediği organizasyonda yer almaşı da çok ciddi bir destek oldu.
FENERBAHÇE'NİN SAHA İÇİ MUHAFIZI
İkilinin arasındaki bağın kırılma noktası, Mart 2024’teki olaylı Trabzonspor deplasmanına kadar uzanıyor. O gün sahada takım arkadaşlarını korumak adına sergilediği agresif ve tavizsiz tutum, Kerim Rahmi'nin gözünde Mert Hakan’ı "yetenekli bir futbolcu"dan, "Fenerbahçe’nin saha içi muhafızı" mertebesine taşıdı.
Koç’un, Mert Hakan’ın bu kavgacı ve kulüp aidiyetini her şeyin önüne koyan karakterini, modern futbolun eksik kalan "ruh" parçası olarak tanımladığı biliniyor.
KOMUTAN LAKABININ SAVUNUCUSU
Mert Hakan’ın performansının eleştirildiği veya transfer spekülasyonlarının arttığı her dönemde, Kerim Rahmi'nin yakın çevresine verdiği mesaj net oldu: Takımın ruhu Mert Hakan’dır.
Mert Hakan’a camia içinde verilen "Komutan" lakabının en büyük savunucularından biri olan Koç, oyuncuyu kulübün kurumsal hafızası ve yeni gelen oyuncular için bir aidiyet köprüsü olarak konumlandırıyor.
ABİ-KARDEŞ DİNAMİĞİ OLUŞTURDU
İkilinin ilişkisi sadece tribünle sınırlı değil. Detaylara inildiğinde, Mert Hakan’ın sakatlık dönemlerinde veya bireysel zorluk yaşadığı anlarda, Kerim Rahmi'nin manevi desteği en ön safta sağladığı görülüyor. Bu durum, futbol dünyasındaki hiyerarşik yapıyı kırarak, iki isim arasında bir "abi-kardeş" dinamiği oluşturmuş durumda.
GÖRÜNÜR BİR DURUŞ SERGİLEDİ
Mert Hakan Yandaş’ın içinde bulunduğu zorlu hukuki süreçte, Kerim Rahmi'nin bu denli görünür bir duruş sergilemesi, Fenerbahçe camiası içinde de bir kenetlenme yarattı.
Bu ilişki; agresif bir karakterin, o karakteri kulüp değerleriyle özdeşleştiren bir vizyonla buluşmasının en spesifik örneği olarak sarı-lacivertli tarihteki yerini alıyor.
Kadıköy'de sadece bir derbi değil, Beşiktaş'ın geleceği masaya gelecek... siyah-beyazlılar, Fenerbahçe deplasmanından zaferle döndüğü takdirde Şampiyonlar Ligi potası için mucizevi bir geri dönüşün fitilini ateşleyecek. Sergen Yalçın'dan yönetime, futbolculardan taraftara kadar tüm camia "şampiyonluk ruhunu" yeniden kuşanacak. Türkiye Kupası yolunda sarsılmaz bir inanç inşa edilecek. Gelecek sezonun şampiyonluk şarkıları bugünden çok daha gür bir sesle bestelenmeye başlanacak!
Beşiktaş cephesinde gözler Kadıköy'de oynanacak kritik Fenerbahçe derbisine çevrilmiş durumda. Siyah-beyazlılar, bu zorlu deplasmandan zaferle dönmesi halinde sadece 3 puanı hanesine yazdırmakla kalmayacak, aynı zamanda sezonun geri kalanı ve gelecek yılın yapılanması için dev bir eşiği aşacak.
İLK 3 POTASI İÇİNE GİRİLECEK
Puan tablosunda şu an 4. sırada bulunan ve zirve takibi için hata lüksü kalmayan Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe’yi devirdiği takdirde ilk 3 potasına iyice yaklaşacak.
Ligin bitimine az bir süre kala bu galibiyet, "Devler Ligi" hedefi için siyah-beyazlıların iştahını kabartacak ve matematiksel umutları gerçeğe dönüştürecek bir moral dopingi olacak.
SERGEN YALÇIN'A İNANÇ ARTACAK
Sergen Yalçın için bu derbi, rüştünü bir kez daha ispatlama maçı niteliğinde. Kadıköy’den çıkacak bir galibiyet; Yalçın’ın taktiksel dehasına olan inancı perçinleyecek. Oyuncu grubu ve yönetim bazında sarsılmaz bir özgüven oluşturacak. Bu sinerji, Beşiktaş’ın sezonun en formda dönemine girmesini sağlayabilecek.
TÜRKİYE KUPASI İÇİN YOL TEMİZLENECEK
Derbi galibiyeti, sadece bugünü değil yarını da inşa edecek. Kadıköy'de kazanılacak bir zafer, camiadaki karamsar havayı tamamen dağıtarak "Gelecek sezonun mutlak şampiyonu biziz" mesajını şimdiden verecek. Taraftarın şampiyonluk şarkıları, bu galibiyetle birlikte çok daha güçlü söylenmeye başlayacak.
Türkiye Kupası'nda grubunu lider tamamlayarak yoluna devam eden Beşiktaş için bu derbi, kupa hedefi öncesi en büyük test olacak. Fenerbahçe karşısında alınacak bir galibiyet, takımın kupa finallerine çok daha inançlı ve rakiplerine korku salan bir kimlikle çıkmasını sağlayacak.
Geçtiğimiz sezon Saint-Maximin yüzünden transferi noktalayamayan Fenerbahçe, "Bay 100 Milyon" Jack Grealish için bu kez çok daha hevesi. Ali Koç'un yarım bıraktığı projeyi bitirmek için Sadettin Saran bizzat devreye girdi. Everton'ın 57 milyon Euro'luk opsiyonu ve haftalık 350 bin sterlinlik astronomik maaşı karşısında tıkandığı noktada Fenerbahçe pusuda bekliyor.
Fenerbahçe camiasında kaybedilen şampiyonluk hevesini ve oluşan seçim sürecini unutturacak bir transfer hamlesi geldi. Geçtiğimiz sezon Allan Saint-Maximin'in "doping" sözlerine kadar işlerin iyi gittiği Jack Grealish konusunda sarı-lacivertliler, bu kez gözünü kararttı. Manchester City’nin "Bay 100 Milyon" lakaplı yıldızı için saflar sıklaştı.
MAAŞI BONSERVİSİNDEN BÜYÜK SORUN
Kiralık gittiği Everton'da başarılı bir grafik çizen İngiliz yıldız için Liverpool ekibinin elinde 57 milyon Euro’luk satın alma opsiyonu var. Ancak Everton için asıl sorun bu rakamdan ziyade, oyuncunun haftalık 350 bin Sterlin olan astronomik maaş yükü. Premier Lig ekibi, bu maliyeti karşılamakta zorlandığı için City’ye yeni bir kiralama teklifi sunmaya hazırlanıyor.
SEZONU KAPATTIĞI KONUŞULUYOR
Ağustos 2021’de Aston Villa’dan Manchester City’ye 100 milyon Sterlin karşılığında transfer olarak tarihe geçen Grealish, şu sıralar sakatlık kabusuyla boğuşuyor.
Yaklaşık 67 gündür sahalardan uzak olan (18 Ocak 2026'daki sakatlığı sonrası sezonu kapattığı belirtiliyor) yıldız oyuncunun durumu Fenerbahçe kurmayları tarafından anbean takip ediliyor.
SARAN'IN BAŞKANLIK HEDİYESİ OLACAK
Fenerbahçe yönetimi, Jack Grealish için pusuda bekliyor. Eğer Everton, Manchester City ile yeni bir kiralama anlaşması yapamazsa; sarı-lacivertliler devreye girecek.
Camiada konuşulan iddia ise bu transferin "seçim kozu" olacağı. Eski başkan Ali Koç’un geçtiğimiz dönemde zeminini hazırladığı ancak bitiremediği bu dev hamleyi, Sadettin Saran’ın bitireceği ve adaylık hediyesi olarak sunacağı belirtiliyor.
Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe'ye konuk olacak. Dev derbi öncesinde tüm gözler sahanın merkezine çevrilirken, oyunun kaderini belirleyecek iki farklı profil mercek altında. Bir yanda %92 pas isabeti ve maç başına 6.3 top geri kazanma istatistiğiyle orta sahayı yöneten Matteo Guendouzi...diğer yanda ise 6 gol, 6 asist ve yarattığı 11 büyük şansla hücumun "orkestra şefi" olan Orkun Kökçü... biri savunma direncini ve oyunun temposunu elinde tutarken, diğeri her an tabelayı değiştirebilecek kilit pasları ve şut tehdidiyle fark yaratıyor.
Fenerbahçe ve Beşiktaş arasındaki dev derbi öncesinde sahanın merkezinde kilit rol oynayan iki isim ön plana çıktı. Matteo Guendouzi ve Orkun Kökçü’nün istatistikleri, iki oyuncunun da farklı rollerle takımlarına nasıl hayat verdiğini ortaya koyuyor.
ORKUN'UN ÜSTÜNLÜK KURDUĞU İSTATİSTİKLER
Orkun Kökçü, skor üretme ve fırsat yaratma konularında rakibine karşı belirgin bir üstünlük kurmuş durumda. Orkun, attığı 6 gol ve yaptığı 6 asistle hücum hattının en verimli dişlilerinden biri. Maç başına 3.2 kilit pas ve toplamda yarattığı 11 büyük şans, onun oyunun üçüncü bölgesindeki keskinliğini gösteriyor. Maç başına 3.0 şut denemesiyle kaleyi her an yoklayan Orkun, özellikle duran toplarda da (1 serbest vuruş golü) ciddi bir tehdit.
GUENDOUZI'NİN ÖNDE OLDUĞU RAKAMLAR
Guendouzi ise daha çok oyunun temposunu ayarlayan ve savunma ile hücum arasındaki köprüyü kusursuz kuran bir profil çiziyor. %92 pas isabeti ile oynayan Fransız oyuncu, kendi yarı sahasında %96 gibi neredeyse hatasız bir oran yakalamış durumda.
Maç başına 79.1 kez topla buluşarak oyunun merkezinde olduğunu kanıtlıyor. Uzun toplardaki %79’luk başarısı, oyunun yönünü değiştirme konusundaki ustalığını simgeliyor.
Maç başına 6.3 top geri kazanma ve ikili mücadelelerdeki %61'lik başarı oranı, Guendouzi'nin fiziksel direncinin ne kadar yüksek olduğunu gösteriyor.
DERBİDE BİZE NE VAAD EDİYORLAR?
İstatistikler, Orkun Kökçü’nün doğrudan skora etki eden, tabelayı değiştiren bir "10 numara" gibi hareket ettiğini gösteriyor. Diğer tarafta Guendouzi, topa sahip olma ve savunma güvenliği konusunda takımının sigortası konumunda.
Derbinin anahtarı; Guendouzi’nin Orkun’un bu yaratıcı pas kanallarını kapatıp kapatamayacağında ya da Orkun'un, Guendouzi'nin kurduğu kusursuz pas trafiğini bozup bozamayacağında saklı olacak.
Derbide birisi oyunun "mimarı", diğeri ise "karar vericisi" olacak.
Kadıköy'de sadece bir derbi değil, Fenerbahçe'nin geleceği masada olacak! Beşiktaş karşısında alınacak olası bir mağlubiyet, sarı-lacivertli camiada taşları yerinden oynatacak dev bir domino etkisini başlatacak.
Şampiyonluk rüyasının mucizelere kalmasından Şampiyonlar Ligi vizesinin tehlikeye girmesine, Tedesco ve Devin Özek döneminin sona ermesinden Başkan Sadettin Saran'ın olağanüstü kongre kararı almasına kadar tüm "felaket senaryoları" masanın üzerine gelecek. Kulübü sezon sonuna kadar sürecek bir kaos ortamına sürükleyebilecek, yıldız oyuncuların ayrılık resti çekmesine neden olacak ve teknik direktör seçiminde yönetimin elini kolunu bağlayacak bir süreç ortaya çıkacak.
Fenerbahçe için Kadıköy’de oynanacak Beşiktaş derbisi, sadece zirveyi ilgilendiren bir maçtan fazlası... bu 90 dakika kulübün geleceğini belirleyecek bir "kader maçı" haline geldi. Mevcut puan tablosunda Galatasaray'ın gerisinde kalan sarı-lacivertliler için olası bir mağlubiyet, taşları yerinden oynatacak bir deprem etkisi yaratacak.
ŞAMPİYONLAR LİGİ BİLE RİSKE GİRER
Beşiktaş karşısında alınacak bir yenilgiyle zirveyle olan puan farkının açılması, şampiyonluk şansını matematiksel olmasa da psikolojik olarak mucizelere bırakacak.
Trabzonspor'a ikincilik koltuğunun kaybedilmesi Şampiyonlar Ligi vizesini de riske atacak. Devler Ligi gelirlerinden mahrum kalmak kulübün ekonomik planlarını strese sokacak.
TEDESCO VE ÖZEK'İ KİMSE TUTAMAZ
Sezon başında büyük umutlarla kurulan yapı, derbi mağlubiyetiyle tamamen sorgulanır hale gelecek. Sportif direktör Devin Özek ve teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco’nun geleceği, bu skorla birlikte pamuk ipliğine bağlı kalacak.
Camiadaki hakim görüş zaten ikilinin kriz anlarını yönetemediği yönünde. Olası bir mağlubiyette, yönetim her iki isimle de yolları ayırarak sezonu "geçici" bir çözümle tamamlama yoluna gitmeye zorlanacak.
KAOS ORTAMI SEZON SONUNA KADAR SÜRER
Başkan Sadettin Saran için bu derbi, koltuğunu koruma sınavı. Kaybedilmesi halinde camianın yükselen sesine kulak vererek olağanüstü kongre tarihini açıklamak zorunda kalacak. Kongre öncesinde "aday olmaması" yönünde camia ileri gelenlerinden ve tribünlerden gelen baskı zirve yapacak. Bu kaos ortamı, muhalif adayların çok daha net ve güçlü şekilde ortaya çıkmasına zemin hazırlayacak.
SARAN İSTEDİĞİ HOCAYI GETİREMEZ
Yönetim devam etse dahi, Tedesco sonrası getirilmesi planlanan yeni teknik adam konusunda eli kolu bağlanacak. Yönetim, kendi istediği profili getirmek yerine, taraftarı sakinleştirecek "popülist" tercihler yapmaya zorlanacak.
Kaos sadece yönetim katında kalmayacak. Avrupa’dan talipleri olan ve kariyer planlaması yapan bazı kilit oyuncular, kulüpteki bu belirsizlik ve istikrarsızlık ortamında kalmak istemeyecek.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında evinde konut ettiği Corendon Alanyaspor ile 1-1 berabere kalan Gaziantep FK'nın teknik direktörü Burak Yılmaz, "Bu oyunun karşılığı kesinlikle galibiyet olmalıydı." dedi.
Gaziantep FK'nın teknik direktörü BurakYılmaz, maçın ardında düzenlenen basın toplantısında yaptığı açıklamada, Alanyaspor'un çok atletik oyunculara sahip olduğunu söyledi.
Alanyaspor'un deplasmandaki oyun tarzı nedeniyle maçın kendileri için zor olacağını bildiklerini ifade eden Yılmaz, şunları söyledi:
"Alanya'nın attığı gole bütün hafta çalıştık. Hem Hwang hem Hagi hem İbrahim oynarsa, ters taraftan arkaya koşacağını biliyorduk. İlk 45 dakika oyunun tamamen hakimi bizdik. Alanyaspor bir kere geldi ve gol attı. Ama futbolun güzelliği bu, acımasız tavrı da bu. 90 dakika harika futbol oynadık. Yüzde 60-65 topa sahip olduk, pozisyonlar bulduk, kazanabilirdik. Oyuncularımı bu oyunlarından dolayı tebrik ediyorum ama bu oyunun karşılığı kesinlikle galibiyet olmalıydı. Biz bunu ilk defa Alanya maçında yaşamıyoruz. En az 5-6 maçımızda böyle oynayıp berabere kalmışızdır hatta mağlup olduğumuz maçlar da var. Ama bugün itibarıyla çok mutluyum. Biz geldiğimizde 18. sırada olan, sıfır gol atmış sıfır puanı olan 6 gol yemiş Gaziantep FK'mızın bugün itibarıyla matematiksel olarak kümede kaldığını düşünüyoruz. Bu benim kendi düşüncem."
Hem Kayseri de hem Kasımpaşa'da yaşadığı başarıyı Gaziantep'te de yaşadığını belirten Yılmaz, sonraki 6 haftayı da üzerine koyarak kazanmak için oynayacaklarını ve gelecek sezon için çalışmalara başlayacaklarını kaydetti.
Kulübün ekonomik anlamda problemleri olduğunu dile getiren Yılmaz, "Bunu söylerken her şey güllük gülistanlık mı, değil. Çok büyük problemlerimiz var. Başkanımız ağır ameliyat geçirdi. Her şeyiyle yanımızda olmaya çalışıyor. Oyuncularımızın maddi sıkıntıları var. Bunun için çok çabalıyor, herkesle konuşmaya çalışıyoruz ama bir dönüş alamadık bu hafta için. Oyuncular çok değerliler, böyle bir ortamda ellerini taşın altına koyup 6 hafta kala bu başarıyı yakalamaları çok değerli benim için." değerlendirmesinde bulundu.
Şehrin ileri gelenlerine seslenen Yılmaz, "Bu takımı sahipsiz bırakmayalım, takımın yanında olalım. Geldiğimizde 18'inci, bugün 8'inci matematiksel olarak da ligde kaldığımızı düşünüyorum." ifadelerini kullandı.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin müdafiəçisi Zamiq Əliyev Albaniyanın “Eqnatiya” komandasının heyətində növbəti matçına çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda Albaniya çempionatının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 30-cu turu çərçivəsində “Bilis”lə qarşılaşıb.
“Eqnatiya” doğma meydanda baş tutmuş bu oyundan qələbə ilə ayrılıb – 3:0. Əliyev görüşə start heyətdə başlayıb. O, 72-ci dəqiqədə sarı vərəqə alıb, 79-cu dəqiqədə isə əvəzlənib.
“Eqnatiya” 30 turdan sonra 54 xalla 10 komandanın mübarizə apardığı Albaniya çempionatının yarış cədvəlində 3-cü pillədə qərarlaşıb. Sözügedən komanda 30 oyunda 15 qələbə qazanıb, 9 heç-heçə edib, 6 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Xatırladaq ki, Zamiq Əliyev Albaniya klubuna 2024-cü ilin yayında “Araz-Naxçıvan”dan azad agent kimi keçib. Müdafiəçi “Eqnatiya” ilə 3 illik müqaviləyə imza atıb. 25 yaşlı futbolçu indiyə qədər bu komandanın heyətində 67 oyuna çıxıb, 1 qola imza atıb. Əliyev “Eqnatiya” ilə ötən mövsüm Albaniya çempionu olub.
Əliyev daha öncə “Qarabağ”da və “Kəpəz”də də oynayıb. Azərbaycanın U-17, U-19 və U-21 yığmalarında forma geyinmiş müdafiəçi 2024-cü ilin noyabr ayında əsas millimizdə də debüt edib və hələlik 2 oyun keçirib.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin yarımmüdafiəçisi Vüsal İsgəndərli Albaniyanın “Partizani” komandasının heyətində növbəti matçına çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komanda Albaniya çempionatının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 30-ci turu çərçivəsində “Vlajniya” ilə qarşılaşıb.
“Partizani” doğma meydanda baş tutmuş bu oyundan məğlubiyyətlə ayrılıb – 0:2. İsgəndərli start heyətdə meydana çıxdığı bu görüşdə 90 dəqiqə mübarizə aparıb.
“Partizani” 30 turdan sonra 44 xalla 10 komandanın mübarizə apardığı Albaniya çempionatının yarış cədvəlində 4-cü pillədə qərarlaşıb. Sözügedən komanda 30 oyunda 12 qələbə qazanıb, 8 heç-heçə edib, 10 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Xatırladaq ki, Vüsal İsgəndərli Albaniya klubuna 2025-ci ilin yayında Türkiyənin “Boluspor” komandasından azad agent kimi keçib. Hücumçu “Partizani” ilə 1+1 illik müqaviləyə imza atıb. O, indiyə qədər bu komandanın heyətində 30 oyuna çıxıb, 5 qola imza atıb, 3 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Vüsal daha öncə “Şamaxı”, “Zirə”, “Sumqayıt”, “Ankara Keçiörengücü”, “Eqnatiya”, “Boluspor” və “Simurq”da da forma geyinib. 2019-cu ilin noyabrında Azərbaycan millisində debüt etmiş 29 yaşlı hücumçu meydana çıxdığı 7 oyunda 1 qola imza atıb, 1 məhsuldar ötürmə verib.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin hücumçusu Mahir Emreli Almaniyanın “Kayzerslautern” klubunun heyətində növbəti matçına çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 28 yaşlı futbolçu 2-ci Bundesliqanın 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 28-ci turu çərçivəsində Düsseldorf “Fortuna”sı ilə oyunun iştirakçısı olub.
Doğma meydanda baş tutmuş bu görüş “Kayzerslautern”in 3:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb. Baş məşqçi Torsten Liberknext bu matçda Emreliyə də şans verib. Azərbaycanlı hücumçu 83-cü dəqiqədə meydana buraxılıb.
28 turdan sonra 43 xalı olan “Kayzerslautern” 18 iştirakçı arasında 7-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Komanda keçirdiyi 28 oyunda 13 qələbə qazanıb, 4 heç-heçə edib, 11 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Xatırladaq ki, Mahir Emreli “Kayzerslautern”lə 2025-ci ilin yayında 3 illik müqavilə bağlayıb. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu bu komandanın heyətində 11 oyuna çıxıb, 2 qola imza atıb.
Mahir ötən mövsümü Almaniyanın digər klubu “Nürnberq”də keçirib. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu sözügedən komandanın heyətində 25 rəsmi matça çıxıb, 11 qol vurub, 1 assistlə yadda qalıb.
“Bakı”nın yetirməsi olan Emreli karyerası ərzində “Qarabağ”, “Legiya” (Polşa), “Konyaspor” (Türkiyə) və “Dinamo” (Zaqreb, Xorvatiya) klublarında da forma geyinib. Hücumçu Azərbaycan milli komandasının heyətində meydana çıxdığı 59 oyunda 6 qol vurub, 3 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
Futbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisinin mərkəz müdafiəçisi Cəlal Hüseynov Bolqarıstanın “Arda” komandasının heyətində növbəti matçına çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Cəlalın komandası Bolqarıstan çempionatının 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 28-ci turu çərçivəsində “Montana” ilə qarşılaşıb.
“Arda” doğma meydanda baş tutmuş bu oyundan qələbə ilə ayrılıb – 2:1. Hüseynov start heyətdə meydana çıxıb və 68-ci dəqiqədə əvəzlənib.
“Arda” 28 turdan sonra 41 xalla 16 iştirakçı arasında 7-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Komanda cari mövsümdə 11 qələbə qazanıb, 8 heç-heçə edib, 9 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
Xatırladaq ki, “Zirə”nin yetirməsi olan Cəlal Hüseynov Bolqarıstan təmsilçisi ilə 2023-cü ilin iyun ayında 3 illik müqavilə imzalayıb. Azərbaycanlı futbolçu bu komandada 76 rəsmi oyuna çıxıb, 2 qol vurub. Cəlal 2024/2025-ci illər mövsümünü icarə əsasında “Şamaxı”da keçirsə də, ötən ilin yayında yenidən Bolqarıstan klubuna qayıdıb.
Hüseynov 2021-ci ilin noyabrında debüt etdiyi Azərbaycan milli komandasının heyətində 9 oyuna çıxsa da, məhsuldar fəaliyyəti ilə yadda qalmayıb.
Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi'nin 25. haftasında Trabzonspor, deplasmanda karşılaştığı TOFAŞ'ı baştan sona üstün oynadığı mücadelede 91-71 mağlup ederek gövde gösterisi yaptı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Alanyaspor ile 1-1 berabere kalan Gaziantep FK'da teknik direktör Burak Yılmaz, maçı domine etmelerine rağmen sahadan beraberlikle ayrılmalarına sitem etti.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Gaziantep FK ile deplasmanda 1-1 berabere kalan Corendon Alanyaspor'un teknik direktörü Joao Pereira, maçın ardından açıklamalarda bulundu.
Paul Onuachu, Trabzonspor formasıyla Galatasaray'a karşı ilk golünü atarak Süper Lig'deki gol sayısını 22'ye yükseltti ve gol krallığı yarışındaki iddiasını sürdürdü.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Trabzonspor, Galatasaray'ı ağırladı. Bordo-mavili ekibin ilk yarının son dakikalarında Onuachu ile bulduğu 2. gol, ofsayt nedeniyle iptal edildi. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Trabzonspor, evinde Galatasaray'ı konuk ediyor. Bordo-mavili ekibin teknik direktörü Fatih Tekke maç önü açıklamalarda bulundu. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Galatasaray deplasmanda Trabzonspor'a konuk oluyor. Ssarı kırmızılıların teknik direktörü Okan Buruk, mücadele öncesi açıklamalarda bulundu.Devamı için tıklayınız
Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF) Başkanı İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, “Futbolun en üst düzeyde birleştirici gücü var. Biz de bunu savunuyoruz. Cenab-ı Allah her alanda birleştirmeyi nasip etsin; sadece Türkiye'de...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Galatasaray, Trabzonspor deplasmanına konuk oldu. Deplasmanda takımını desteklemeye gelen sarı-kırmızılı taraftarlar Filistin'i unutmayarak pankart açtı. İşte detaylar......Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında Trabzonspor ile Galatasaray karşı karşıya geldi. Bordo mavililer, Barış Alper'in Pina'ya yaptığı faul sonrası kırmızı kart bekledi. Hakem Cihan Aydın VAR'da pozisyonu...Devamı için tıklayınız
Almanya Bundesliga 28. hafta maçında Dortmund, Stuttgart deplasmanına konuk oldu. Konuk ekip, uzatmalarda bulduğu 2 golle sahadan galip ayrıldı.Devamı için tıklayınız
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında oynanan dev derbide Trabzonspor evinde Galatasaray'ı ağırladı. Karşılaşma öncesinde ev sahibi ekibin taraftarlarının hazırladığı koreografi gündem oldu. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
Trabzonspor, Trendyol Süper Lig'in 28. haftasında oynanan derbide Galatasaray'ı ağırladı. Mücadele öncesi Papara Park'ta horon gösterisi gerçekleşti. İşte o anlar...Devamı için tıklayınız
İspanya La Liga'nın 30. haftasında Real Madrid deplasmanda Mallorca'ya 2-1 mağlup olarak şampiyonluk yarışında ağır yara aldı. İşte detaylar...Devamı için tıklayınız
NTD komandasının baş məşqçisi Tahir Baxşıyev “Sumqayıt” BK (121:107) ilə qarşılaşmadan sonra fikirlərini bölüşüb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis pley-if mərhələsində qələbə qazandıqları ilk matçla bağlı bunları deyib:
“Komandanı təbrik edirəm. Pley-off yolunda ilk addımı atdıq. Bilirdik ki, bizi çətin oyun gözləyir. Cavab görüşü də çox ağır olacaq. “Sumqayıt” yaxşı komanda olduğunu sübut etdi, sona qədər mübarizə apardılar. Bizim isə arxayınlaşmağa haqqımız yoxdur. Cavab oyununa ciddi hazırlaşacağıq. Hazırda komandamız daha yaxşı oynayır. Sadəcə diqqəti itirmək olmaz. Oyunçularım mənim istədiyim kimi oynaya bilirlər. Əgər bu şəkildə davam etsələr, bizi qarşıda hələ çox oyun gözləyir”.
“Qarabağ”ın U-12 komandasının “Antalya Friendship Cup 2026” turnirində iştirakı çərçivəsində Azərbaycan Respublikasının gənclər və idman naziri Fərid Qayıbov və Azərbaycanın Türkiyə Respublikasındakı fövqəladə və səlahiyyətli səfiri Rəşad Məmmədov komandamızı ziyarət edib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, qonaqlar komanda üzvləri ilə görüşərək onlara növbəti oyunlarda uğurlar arzulayıb və xatirə şəkli çəkdiriblər.
Əlavə edək ki, komanda turnirdə aşağıdakı nəticələri əldə edib:
Jurgen Klinsmann has delivered a stinging verdict on Italian football’s crisis, drawing on his deep personal connection to the country to make one of the most pointed observations yet about why the Azzurri keep failing to qualify for the World Cup.
The former Germany manager and World Cup winner, who played for both Inter and Sampdoria during his career and whose son currently plays for Cesena, told the Corriere dello Sport, that the penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia left him sleepless and deeply saddened. “I suffered enormously with my Italian friends in Los Angeles,” he said.
“The night after I struggled to sleep.”
His diagnosis of the underlying problems, however, was blunt and unsparing.
“Italy is paying for a lack of leaders, a lack of players who take on opponents in one-on-one situations, and a lack of trust in young players,” Klinsmann said.
epa11076040 South Korea head coach Juergen Klinsmann holds a press conference ahead of a Group E match against Bahrain at the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup at the Main Media Centre in Doha, Qatar, 14 January 2024. EPA-EFE/YONHAP SOUTH KOREA OUT
Klinsmann: ‘In Italy, they’d send Yamal and Musiala to Serie B to gain experience’
He then offered a comparison that cuts to the heart of Italian football’s conservatism.
“In Italy, Yamal and Musiala would probably be sent to Serie B to gain experience.”
It is a damning hypothetical but one that resonates powerfully given the ongoing debate about how few young Italians receive meaningful first-team opportunities.
Klinsmann also pointed to a deeply ingrained tactical mentality as a root cause of Italy’s decline. “Many coaches still work with the objective of not losing rather than winning at all costs,” he said. “And these are the results.”
Coming from a man who experienced Italian football firsthand and retains genuine affection for the country, the words carry particular weight, and add an authoritative international perspective to a debate that has, until now, been largely conducted within Italy’s own borders.
This was a huge relegation dogfight, as the Viola were only two points clear of the drop zone and made the trip without Rolando Mandragora, Dodo, Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini, and Tariq Lamptey, but Moise Kean was risked from the start despite a recurring ankle issue.
Hellas were joint rock bottom with Pisa, missing Sandi Lovric, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Suat Serdar, although Domagoj Bradaric and Antoine Bernede were available again.
Fiorentina had a huge chance to take the lead in the fourth minute when the Nicolò Fagioli volley from the edge of the area smacked the top of the crossbar.
At the other end, David De Gea needed a sensational one-handed save to deny the Bernede scorcher at the near post, but Kieron Bowie scuffed from a promising position on the Rafik Belghali pull-back.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Moise Kean of Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
De Gea flew again to palm a Gift Orban strike out from under the crossbar, then had an even tougher save on Oyegoke after Bowie pounced on a Marin Pongracic error.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Albert Gudmundsson of Fiorentina competes for the ball with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Verona kept pushing after the restart, as three times they flashed dangerous balls across the face of goal, with nobody able to get the tap-in, most dangerously when Bowie was inches away from getting his boot to it from four yards.
Bowie also cut inside to bend a left-foot finish just over the bar, but it was Fiorentina who took the lead completely against the run of play. Jack Harrison got down the right and laid it off for Fagioli to sweep in first time with the right foot from 14 yards. The home fans and players were furious, because only moments earlier the referee had stopped play for a Fagioli injury in a clash with Roberto Gagliardini.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Rafik Belghali of Hellas Verona competes for the ball with Jack Harrison of Fiorentina during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The tension spilled out when Tomas Suslov and Albert Gudmundsson got into a brawl before a Verona free kick, leading to them both getting sent off with ripped jerseys.
It was a tough slog, but Fiorentina leapfrog Cagliari in the standings and practically doom Verona to relegation.
Inter are in talks for Sassuolo and Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic, claims Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, also linked with Manchester United, Tottenham and RB Leipzig.
It is no secret that the Nerazzurri need to revamp their defence next season, as veterans like Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij are set to leave, with Alessandro Bastoni heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
Ironically, it is one of the players responsible for Bastoni’s Italy malaise who is their primary target, as pundit Pedullà claims Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-back Muharemovic is first choice.
Muharemovic has impressed Inter scouts
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina competes for the ball with Marco Palestra of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
The asking price would be around €30m, but half of that would go to his former club Juventus, who retain a 50 per cent cut of the sell-on fee.
The 23-year-old first came to Italy for the Juventus youth academy in 2021 and made his mark with the Next Gen team, earning a move to Sassuolo in 2024.
The sale fee was only €2m because Juve knew they would profit far more from a big sale in future and that would seem to be happening this summer.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio scores an own goal, for Juventus’ first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Juventus FC at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on January 06, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Lazio prepare to host Parma at the Stadio Olimpico this evening, as the Biancocelesti look to increase their winning run to four games.
Maurizio Sarri’s side pick up impressive wins before the international break, particularly against Milan and Bologna, as they quietly pushed up into 8th place in the table.
The match kicks off at 20:45 local time (19:45 BST), and you can follow all the action, as it happens, on our Live Blog.
Parma, meanwhile, sit in 12th place – having failed to win in four games after a winning run of their own. Before the international break, a 2-0 home defeat to Cremonese saw the side booed by their own fans.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Mariano Troilo of Parma Calcio celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Daniele De Rossi deflected questions about a potential Italy coaching role with characteristic dry humour on Friday, but the Genoa head coach made no attempt to hide the personal pain of watching close friends and former teammates suffer through another World Cup elimination.
Asked at his pre-match press conference whether the FIGC had already been in touch about taking over as national team manager, De Rossi raised a smile.
“I wasn’t expecting that question, I thought you wanted to talk about Italian football’s programme,” he said, via TuttoMercatoWeb.
“I had prepared myself not to answer.”
He was equally reluctant to add his voice to the wave of public commentary that has flooded Italian football since the Bosnia defeat.
“I think too many people are talking: ex-players, journalists, butchers, delicatessen owners. I am focused on keeping Genoa up, and adding more words to this soup of chatter doesn’t feel particularly important.”
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Coach Daniele De Rossi of Genoa CFC reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Genoa CFC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 15, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
De Rossi: ‘Italy failure not a matter of a coach’s bravery’
His one concession to emotion was genuine and heartfelt.
“What I am left with is the sadness of seeing so many of my friends destroyed, and so many players I grew up alongside as teammates. That sadness stays with me.”
It was a reminder that behind the political noise and institutional drama, the human cost of Italy’s failure is felt most acutely by those closest to the players involved.
On the broader question of whether Italian clubs lack the courage to give young players meaningful opportunities, De Rossi pushed back against oversimplification.
“We could generalise and trivialise the concept if we spoke only about courage,” he said.
“Every player has their own path.”
He pointed to his own record at Genoa, promoting Fini and Venturino while protecting Ekhator from offers and fighting to keep Pisilli at Roma, who has since earned a senior international call-up, as evidence that the issue is more nuanced than a simple lack of bravery from coaches.
“The real courage comes in June,” he added, “when you start from 0-0 and fate tells you whether it paid off.”
Reports in Turkish media claim that Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio is a transfer target for Besiktas, but the idea would be to get him on loan.
The shot-stopper turns 29 in July and is under contract in Turin until June 2029, having been purchased from Monza in 2024 for a total of €19m plus bonuses.
MADRID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 22: Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus saves a shot from Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Real Madrid C.F. and Juventus at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 22, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Di Gregorio was dropped for a few games to make way for Mattia Perin, though neither of them are expected to be first choice next season.
Turkish reports claim that Besiktas have set their sights on the Italian, although because of the transfer fee expected to be around €14m, they would prefer to get him on loan instead.
He made 30 competitive appearances for Juventus this term, keeping 12 clean sheets and conceding 33 goals.
New fan footage has captured a distressing scene at the Etihad Stadium, appearing to show Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai involved in a heated altercation with a section of the traveling supporters following the club’s 4-0 FA Cup exit.
The Hungarian international, who has been one of the few players to receive pass marks during a tumultuous season, seemed to reach a breaking point as the Reds’ domestic cup ambitions were ruthlessly extinguished by Manchester City.
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What happened between Liverpool fans and Dominik Szoboszlai at full-time
The footage, which surfaced on social media shortly after the final whistle, shows Szoboszlai approaching the away end as the players went to acknowledge the fans who had stayed until the end.
While most players offered a despondent applause, the 25-year-old appeared to take exception to comments directed at him from the front rows.
The video shows an animated Szoboszlai gesturing toward a group of supporters before being ushered away by teammate Federico Chiesa.
While the exact dialogue remains unclear, it appeared that Szoboszlai was not happy that the fans were not applauding the players’ efforts.
The confrontation is the latest sign of a club in freefall. Liverpool have now suffered 15 defeats across all competitions this season, a staggering regression for the defending Premier League champions.
Szoboszlai has previously admitted that the team is affected by fans leaving Anfield early, but this direct confrontation at the Etihad suggests the pressure of a crumbling season is finally weighing on the dressing room leaders.
As the Reds prepare for a “do-or-die” Champions League clash with PSG on Wednesday, Arne Slot faces the impossible task of mending a fractured team and a furious fanbase simultaneously.
Arne Slot believes “there are many reoccurring themes” in Liverpool’s season after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City on Saturday. The Reds were thrashed 4-0 in the quarter-finals, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo also getting on the scoresheet, while Mohamed Salah missed a penalty at the […]
Erling Haaland emphasised his desire to lead Manchester City’s charge for trophies this season, after scoring a hat-trick in their FA Cup quarter-final thrashing of Liverpool. Haaland opened the scoring in the 39th minute before rounding off a fine team move in first-half stoppage time to double his, and his team’s, account. The Citizens did […]
FSU baseball pitcher Bryson Moore throws to the plate during his start against Virginia. | FSU Sports Information
Bryson Moore entered Saturday’s Florida State rubber match at Virginia with plenty of pressure on his shoulders.
Top-10 series. FSU’s run of ACC series wins to begin conference play.
Oh, and he was facing off against his former team.
Not only did he rise to that occasion, but it brought out the best start of his young FSU career as he threw seven scoreless innings against the 10th-ranked Cavaliers (24-9, 8-7 ACC), for whom he played his first two seasons in college, to lead No. 7 FSU (24-7, 9-3) to a 9-3 win in the rubber match of the series in Charlottesville, Va.
With the win, the Seminoles have won their first four ACC series to remain atop the conference standings. To do it, they beat a Virginia team which had lost just twice in its first 17 home games on back-to-back days after losing Thursday’s series opener.
Moore (5-1) worked around a leadoff walk in the first and then allowed back-to-back singles to begin the second before really buckling down. Starting with a double play and groundout to escape that jam, Moore retired the next 13 batters he faced, seven of them on strikeouts.
Were it not for an error by Brayden Dowd in center on a liner with two outs in the sixth, he very well could have ended his outing with 17 straight retired.
In all, Moore tossed a career-high seven innings, allowed just two hits and one walk and tied his career high with seven strikeouts. He was commanding his entire pitch mix, pounding the strike zone and consistently getting whiffs with his offspeed pitches.
Moore’s outing proved to be more than good enough as a balanced offensive approach for the FSU lineup. Eight of the nine hitters had at least one hit and all nine reached base. The bottom of the order, in particular, was effective as Cal Fisher, John Stuetzer and Carter McCulley. Each of them had two hits, with Fisher and McCulley providing two RBIs each.
Fisher opened the scoring with a two-run homer — his first of the season — in the second inning.
Hunter Carns (who also had two hits) and Eli Putnam added RBI hits in the fourth to stretch that advantage to 4-0.
McCulley and Chase Williams (who was in the leadoff spot) had consecutive two-out RBI hits to make it 6-0 in the fifth.
After a trio of two-run frames, FSU finally broke through with a three-run seventh inning. McCulley started the scoring with an RBI double under the third baseman’s glove before Williams (RBI groundout) and Noah Sheffield (sacrifice fly) followed with productive outs to stretch that advantage to 9-0.
It was an effective day at the plate for the Noles, who put the leadoff hitter on five times, were 8-of-22 (.364) with runners on base and 5-of-16 (.313) with runners in scoring position. FSU was only set down in order once, in the ninth inning when the result was effectively in hand.
Brodie Purcell replaced Moore on the mound in the eighth. He had allowed homers to Kyle Johnson and Antonio Perotta on his first pitches to end the combined shutout bid and another leadoff homer to Joe Tiroly in the ninth.
Gabe Nard came out of the bullpen to get the final three outs and preserve the victory and series win.
Up Next
With another ACC series in hand, the Seminoles return home for a chance to salvage one game from its midweek rivalry series vs. No. 21 Florida. The series concludes Tuesday at Dick Howser Stadium with a 7 p.m. start which will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Germany U21 captain Tom Bischof celebrates first Bayern Munich goals and makes grand statement ahead of summer World Cup
Germany U21 star Tom Bischof was understandably elated after finally scoring his first Bundesliga goals in a Bayern Munich tricot on Saturday afternoon. Bayern’s spectacular come-from-behind 2-3 away win over SC Freiburg furnished plenty of fabulous news for German football heading into the summer World Cup.
Bischof and his fellow young German attacking phenom Lennart Karl scored the Bayern goals. Karl picked up the assist on the first of Bischof’s tallies. German national team captain Joshua Kimmich played a vital role in Karl’s late winner at 90+9 by playing Alphonso Davies in with a perfectly incisive pass.
Tom Bischof’s Bayern Munich journey
After joining the German record champions on a free transfer this summer, the 20-year-old Bischof found himself behind in the FCB midfield pecking order. German national team starters Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Aleksandar Pavlovic stood ahead of him on the depth chart.
Head coach Vincent Kompany addressed this by converting Bischof into a makeshift left back. The mega-talented youngster thrived in this role and collected three assists in the league during fullback deployments on both the left and right.
Today’s brace certainly helps his German national team prospects.
Bischof’s German national team prospects
Bischof actually initially circumvented the Germany U21 level, earning his first German national team cap last June. As the 2025/26 campaign got under way, Bischof was sent to Antonio Di Salvo’s U21s for the very first time in September. A sluggish start under Di Salvo was soon forgotten.
“Of course, I still have hope and would be very happy to be a part of it [the World Cup],” Bischof noted at a Monday DFB press conference. “Of course I’ve been in contact with the national team coach, but that stays between us for now. It’s his decision if he wants to say anything about it. I haven’t booked any vacation for the summer yet.“
Bischof on scoring his first Bayern goals
“Finally,” Bischof told German broadcaster DAZN when commenting on opening his FCB goal-scoring account in today’s post-match interview. “Before the game, Jo said to me, ‘Can you please shoot on goal now?’. I always do it in training, but in the game I can’t find the opportunity [during the match].“
Bischof on the Bayern victory
“We had some luck, but really wanted it badly,” Bischof said of the Bundesliga win over Freiburg. “We wouldn’t be Bayern if we didn’t believe in ourselves.“
Estevao had a goal and an assist as Chelsea progressed to the FA Cup semifinals with a 7-0 win over third-tier Port Vale at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Jorell Hato's second-minute goal stood alone for a bit, but the Blues led 3-0 by half and scored regularly right into stoppage time to blowout League One's Valiants.
Joao Pedro starred and scored in the game, which also saw Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos, and a Port Valew own goal join a stoppage-time penalty from Alejandro Garnacho on the score sheet.
More to come....
Chelsea vs Port Vale live updates — by Nick Mendola
Chelsea vs Port Vale live score: 7-0
Jorell Hato 2', Joao Pedro 25', Jordan Gabriel o.g. 42', Tosin Adarabioyo 57', Andrey Santos 69', Estevao 84', Alejandro Garnacho pen
Alejandro Garnacho penalty goal — Chelsea 7-0 Port Vale
Alejandro Garnacho wins and converts a penalty to bring the Blues' total to seven goals at Stamford Bridge. It's almost the final kick of the game.
Estevao goal — Chelsea 6-0 Port Vale
The teenager collects a loose ball from very close range and cuts it inside the post, but will it stand?
A pair of through balls are reviewed and onside!
Port Vale subs
Four recent moves for the Valiants, as Andre Gray, George Hall, Elijah Campbell, and Ethon Archer have entered the game at different points for Ben Garrity, Liam Gordon, Ben Waine, and Martin Sherif (in no particular order).
Andrey Santos goal — Chelsea 5-0 Port Vale
Port Vale keeper Gauci can't get to the corner kick service and Andrey Santos flies into the six to head home.
Chelsea triple change
THe Blues make three moves in the 61st minute with Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, and Dario Essugo entering the game for Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro.
Tosin Adarabioyo goal — Chelsea 4-0 Port Vale
Good work off a short-played set-piece, as Gusto crosses high for Tosin Adarabioyo to head home after hanging in the air.
Four-midable!
Tosin rises high to head home @ChelseaFC’s fourth of the day
Stamford Bridge would've wanted a comfortable win with little nonsense and the Blues have pretty much put a bow on this by halftime.
It's what's expected against third-tier visitors at this stage of the competition, but Chelsea and expectations have been odd bedfellows for better or worse the past few years.
Jordan Gabriel own goal — Chelsea 3-0 Port Vale
Drama's been sapped from this one before halftime.
Malo Gusto makes a mixtape on this goal, flicking a Tosin Adarabioyo pass from midfield to Pedro and racing to the right side.
That's where Pedro finds him after a delayed move, and Gusto rips a shot toward goal.
It's pushed away from goal but Cole Palmer and a defender jab their feet at it and the end product is a three on Chelsea's side of the scoreboard.
Chelsea make it three!
Cole Palmer forces an own goal to extend @ChelseaFC’s lead.
Chelsea vs Port Vale preview — by Joe Prince-Wright
Liam Rosenior's Chelsea lost four-straight games ahead of the international break and were dumped out of Europe by Paris Saint-Germain and humbled at Everton in the league. That leaves Rosenior under pressure as the Blues are scrambling to qualify for the Champions League and the FA Cup is now their only chance of silverware this season. With Enzo Fernandez handed a two-game ban for his recent comments on his future at the club, plus Marc Cucurella also openly discussing a potential move away from Chelsea this summer, things are unraveling fast for Rosenior.
Port Vale are bottom of the table in League One and look destined for relegation to the fourth-tier but somehow they're in the last eight of the FA Cup. That is the magic of this competition. The Staffordshire club beat Premier League side Sunderland 1-0 at home in the last 16 to set up this quarterfinal and Port Vale have absolutely nothing to lose. They were last in the FA Cup quarterfinals in 1954, and they reached the semifinals that season...
Chelsea team news, focus
Injuries have been mounting up, especially in defense, for a while for Chelsea. Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Levi Colwill and Filip Jorgensen have all been out, while Jamie Gittens is still out but close to a return. Rosenior will likely rest plenty of players who played lots of minutes and traveled far and wide during the international break, but he will try to have plenty of stars on the pitch to start the game and wrap things up by half time.
Port Vale team news, focus
New Zealand international striker Ben Waine scored the winner against Sunderland, and he scored during the recent international break, and is one to watch out for. Port Vale will sit in deep and try to hurt Chelsea from set pieces and on the break and Rosenior's side have looked particularly susceptible when defending set pieces.
Chelsea vs Port Vale prediction
This should be fairly straightforward for Chelsea but it could take until the second half for them to break through and seal the deal. Chelsea 3-1 Port Vale.
How to watch Chelsea vs Port Vale live, stream link and start time
The Atlanta Falcons made sweeping changes to their coaching staff and front office at the start of the 2026 NFL offseason. The team brought in former quarterback Matt Ryan to be the primary football executive, later hiring Kevin Stefanski as head coach and Ian Cunningham as general manager.
Despite these changes at the top, the Falcons roster will be largely the same in 2026 due to the team's lack of resources. Atlanta has no first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and with almost no salary cap space, the team was limited in free agency.
The Falcons signed a handful of veterans to one-year deals, and while it's hard to criticize these additions considering the lack of cap space, it's also fair to question whether this roster has improved or not from last season.
Those around the league don't seem to be overly impressed with Atlanta's offseason thus far. A new article from The Athletic's Mike Sando provided some insight into what other NFL executives thought of the Falcons' free agency class.
“There is nothing about what they have done that I can say, 'That makes sense,’” one NFL exec told Sando.
So, what exactly did these three anonymous NFL front office members have such a problem with? Based on the quotes, it comes down to the team's perceived lack of vision for 2026. The Falcons don't seem to be trying to win this season, nor do they seem to be in full-rebuild mode.
One NFL exec praised the Tua Tagovailoa signing, but couldn't understand the team's overall plan.
"For the price, you can’t hate on that,” another exec told Sando. “But overall, it seems like they swapped out guys for guys. They have some talent, but they are not in win-now mode. They are not in tank mode, either. They seem very net neutral.”
Another exec questioned the team's decision to sign kicker Nick Folk and punter Jake Bailey to multi-year contracts, while letting star linebacker Kaden Elliss sign with the New Orleans Saints for a three-year, $33 million deal.
“Why are you doing these deals?” a third exec questioned. “If you are going to pay these guys, why wouldn’t you pay to keep Kaden Elliss? He is 30 years old, but a good player coming off one of his best years. Played like 100 percent of the snaps (99.9 percent), can play multiple spots, can rush, play off the ball. It’s crazy.”
Those are undoubtedly some harsh words, however, the fact that the quotes are anonymous makes them feel more like pettiness than legitimate critiques. While I doubt anyone was overly impressed with the Falcons' free agent class, one could argue that they've made the best out of a difficult situation.
Time will tell if these moves come back to bite Atlanta this season, but it's only fair to wait until the 2026 NFL Draft to fairly evaluate the Falcons' offseason.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 03: Raisel Iglesias #26 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates a 2-0 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Diamondbacks News
Diamondbacks Waste a Second E-Rod Gem Eduardo Rodriguez gave the Diamondbacks as good an opportunity to win on Friday as anyone could ask for, throwing seven scoreless innings. Unfortunately, Arizona’s offense was held even quieter.
Offense, Sewald Spoil E-Rod Gem Arizona did not even register their first hit until the sixth inning and never had a runner reach third base. On top of that, Paul Sewald was brought in to pitch the ninth inning, only to watch the first to batter each launch solo-shots to carry to the Braves to a shutout victory.
Arizona’s Outfield Options Growing Thin Once, not so long ago, considered an area of depth for the Diamondbacks, the organization is now perilously thin on reliable starting options for the outfield at the MLB level. The injury to Jordan Lawlar is going to test the mettle of the remaining players and may even create a need to reach down for one of the untested prospect bats, such as Kristian Robinson.
Spencer Giesting Suffers Oblique Injury Arizona’s left-handed pitching depth just took another significant hit. The Reno Aces’ Giesting has been placed on the 7-day IL but is expected to miss more than a month of time.
Yes, Pennants Can Be Lost in April The season is just a week old, but there are already sizable impacts in playoff probabilities around the league.
Brewers Finalize 8-year Extension with Top Prospect Cooper Pratt Cooper Pratt joins the ranks of top prospects getting early extensions. Pratt has now signed an 8-yr/$50.75MM extension that will keep him in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future. Because Pratt signed the deal before making his debut, he will not be eligible to earn a PPI pick should he eventually win Rookie of the Year when he does finally debut. As Pratt has only made his AAA debut a few days ago, it could still be a while for the young shortstop.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Jorrel Hato of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Wesley Fofana during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Chelsea and Port Vale on April 04, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) | Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Liam Rosenior opted for a strong lineup against the worst team in the third division, and it took us barely a minute to open the scoring with Jorrel Hato finding the loose ball and a gap in the sea of bodies in the box to give us the early lead.
Surely the only question at that point was how many more we would add, even as we settled into our usual controlled, low tempo, often rather aimless possession. In fact, it took nearly 25 minutes to double our lead, with João Pedro showing good composure to take advantage of the far too much time afforded to him in the box.
The pick of the first half goals was certainly the third, with Cole Palmer tapping in after a flowing move through the middle — though it would officially to down as own goal.
Chelsea would add several more in the second half to complete an easy afternoon’s work: Tosin, Santos, Estêvão, and Garnacho all getting on the scoresheet.
Job done.
Carefree.
Game 1 of 2 for Enzo’s in-house suspension; sat right behind the substitutes bench, behind Cucurella specifically; the two seen sharing a laugh before kick-off
Hato’s second goal of the season, and second in the FA Cup, one off his career mark set last year
Seven goals, seven different goalscorers
A clean sheet, even!
Can we play third division opposition every week?
Not sure why we had to wait until the hour mark to start making changes, but better late then never
A debut for 17-year-old Ryan Kavuma-McQueen!
Next up: Manchester City, next Sunday at the Bridge
FREIBURG IM BREISGAU, GERMANY - APRIL 04: Tom Bischof of FC Bayern Muenchen gives an interview following the team's victory in the Bundesliga match between SC Freiburg and FC Bayern München at Europa-Park Stadion on April 04, 2026 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by A. Scheuber/FC Bayern via Getty Images) | FC Bayern via Getty Images
99th minute winners are incredibly euphoric. Ergo, Lennart Karl’s late, late winner for Bayern Munich in the 3-2 victory over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga- following two phenomenal long range goals from Tom Bischof- will lead to a massive boost in morale for both the team and the fans. What a way it was to win the match.
But once that euphoria fades, some introspection will be needed. It is important to note that Bayern are returning from an international break, played a rotated side, had to travel to one of the most intimidating avenues in the Bundesliga and left head coach Vincent Kompany satisfied with the performance.
Yet it is also true that Bayern could and possibly should have been 3 or 4 goals down in the second half after the hosts gave up some massive chances while the Bavarians were floundering. Will this performance be enough when Bayern travel to the Bernabeu on Tuesday? Will the likes of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé miss the chances presented to the Freiburg forwards?
Sure, Real Madrid are currently facing their own troubles. But history dictates that one cannot expect to get a result against them in the Champions League without a perfect performance. And Bischof knows the Bavarians will need to better than today to get that desired result.
“We’re aware we have to step it up a notch against Real Madrid,” he admitted after the match, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “We actually need three or four steps up from today.”
Can Bayern manage those steps up once the rotated players return to the side and the pressure is on against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals? We shall see on Tuesday.
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…
DETROIT (AP) — Justin Verlander's long-awaited return to Comerica Park as a member of the Detroit Tigers was put on hold Saturday.
Verlander, the major league's oldest active player at 43, was placed on the 15-day injured list with left hip inflammation. On Sunday night, Verlander was scheduled to make his first start in a Tigers uniform at Detroit's home park since Aug. 20, 2017.
Verlander was dealt to Houston at the trade deadline that season. He re-signed with Detroit on a one-year, $13 million contract in February after spending last season with San Francisco.
Verlander made 380 starts for Detroit from 2005-17. In his first start this season, Verlander gave up five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings against Arizona on Monday and took the loss.
RHP Keider Montero was recalled from Triple-A Toledo and is expected to start the finale of a three-game series against St. Louis.
Golf bettors have their eyes on the skies above Augusta National, trying to figure out how spring weather will impact their Masters picks at this year's eagerly anticipated tournament.
Find out what to expect below and how it could affect the latest Masters odds.
Masters 2026 weather conditions
Overall, Mother Nature will play nice for the first major championship of the season, with mild to warm spring conditions with a gradual warming trend through the weekend.
Date
Temperature
Forecast
PoP
Wind
April 9
70°
Mostly Cloudy
10%
8 mph E/Gusts 12 mph
April 10
75°
Mostly Sunny
0%
8 mph E/Gusts 10 mph
April 11
77°
Partly Sunny
10%
10 mph SE/Gusts 15 mph
April 12
79°
Mostly Sunny
5%
7 mph S/Gusts 12 mph
Masters 2026 forecast
After a cloudier start on Thursday, the weather will clear up beautifully for the weekend. Friday and Sunday look especially ideal for scoring, with plenty of sunshine in the forecast.
Golfers should expect consistent easterly and southeasterly breezes, though they shouldn't reach the high-gust levels often seen earlier in the spring at Augusta National.
The best news of all is there is no significant threat of rain. However, isolated spring showers in Georgia can never be entirely ruled out.
How does the weather affect Masters betting?
Softer fairways
When dry, the spring track at Augusta National's turf is as tender as an airport tarmac. That means extra yards for those big hitters off the tee box. However, cooler temperatures and rain can soften up this hallowed track.
While Augusta National drains well, the fairways will be softer if rains stick around on Friday. That means less length off the tee box but more forgiveness in terms of accuracy, as wayward tee shots won't roll into the rough.
That puts an emphasis on second-shot power and approach when it comes to longer Par-5 holes. Cooler temperatures could keep things soft for the weekend rounds.
Stick the landing
Second shots and approach shots are always tricky at Augusta National but the course should play nice.
The subtle slopes and undulations of Augusta National won't be as slick as past tournaments played in hotter temperatures, so holes like No. 12 Golden Bell, No. 15 Firethorn, and No. 16 Redbud don't hold the same danger of running harder approach shots into the drink.
It's always smart to back golfers with maximum control on their second and approach shots, but those skill sets could have more wiggle room in the opening round of the 2026 Masters.
Not easy being greens
If August National is known for anything, it’s the greens and the challenge the grounds crew lays down every spring. Even during the pandemic-displaced 2020 Masters, state-of-the-art turf management systems allowed the November greens to play closer to their April form.
Even with the rain, the SubAir system-controlled greens at Augusta are regulated and maintained at a level usually reserved for museum masterpieces, so don’t bank on them slowing up much.
Leaning on the best players with a putter is never a bad golf betting strategy, regardless of the event, but finding a short-game combo of pinpoint approach and measured putting is a smart way to cash in those Masters wagers.
Where can I bet on the Masters?
With the Masters being North America's most popular golf event, all sportsbooks and betting sites will offer Masters props and betting markets. The trick is finding one that is reputable, trustworthy and has all the bells and whistles you're looking for.
Geno Auriemma apologized to South Carolina players and staffers on Saturday, less than 24 hours removed from his postgame clash with Dawn Staley that followed a 62-48 defeat in the Final Four.
“There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina,” Auriemma said in the statement.
“It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted.”
Auriemma added: “The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them.”
🚨 Southampton and Arsenal name XIs for FA Cup quarter-final clash
Arsenal's bid for a quadruple across the 2025/26 season may have been dashed, but a crack at a fifteenth FA Cup triumph is still on as the Gunners head to St. Mary's to lock horns with Southampton.
Coming back into action after the recent international break, Arteta's outfit have, once again, been hit with a rash of fitness concerns across the senior side ahead of what could be a somewhat tricky affair away from the capital.
Saints, on the other hand, will hope to carry their form over from the Championship after winning five of their last six league fixtures under February Manager of the Month, Tonda Eckert.
Here is how the two sides will line up this evening...
Will the Gunners march back to the capital with a semi-final ticket booked, or can Saints end another run at major honours for the English giant?
The first leg of tonight's Final Four matchups features a 3-seed in Illinois against 2-seeded UConn. Prediction markets (such as Kalshi) now allow fans to get in on the action in any state (excluding Nevada), and we're breaking down the Illinois vs. UConn win probability for both programs, as well as other March Madness picks that you can trade on for this game.
Illinois is the favorite and has a slight edge in win probability, sitting at a 54% chance to win, which translates to -117 odds. On the other side, UConn's win probability is currently at 46%, which equates to +117 odds of advancing to the National Championship.
Our prediction:UConn (46¢ at Kalshi)
Our college basketball expert Jason Logan believes that the Huskies' screen-heavy offense will force Illinois to work non-stop defensively, and those taxing possessions will grind down the Illini over 40 minutes while also preventing them from ever finding their flow on offense.
Sign up now using our exclusive Kalshi promo code 'COVERS' and get a $10 trading bonus after you trade $10 on any other event contracts — including the Final Four!
Sign Up Now at img src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/336/kalshi.svg" alt="Kalshi" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
*Eligible to ALL states + DC, (excluding Nevada)
More Illinois vs UConn prediction markets
You're certainly not limited to the main game outcome for Illinois vs. UConn at Kalshi; you also have options to trade on the spread, total, mention markets and more, among other March Madness odds markets.
You can buy either side of a market — for example, "Yes" on the Illinois wins by Over 2.5 points means the Illini will cover, while "No" means the Huskies will cover +2.5 — with each side priced based on the implied probability (which can be converted to American, Decimal, or Fraction odds using theCovers odds converter.)
Result (Price)
Illinois wins by over 2.5 points — NO (54¢)
Trade atspan /spanstrongKalshi/strong
Over 139.5 points — NO (50¢)
Trade atspan /spanstrongKalshi/strong
UConn scores 10 points first (46¢)
Trade atspan /spanstrongKalshi/strong
A double-double is mentioned (45¢)
Trade atspan /spanstrongKalshi/strong
Illinois vs UConn spread and total at prediction markets
Outcome
Yes
No
Illinois -2.5
47¢ (+113)
54¢ (-117)
Over 139.5
51¢ (-104)
50¢ (+100)
Our predictions:UConn +2.5 and Under 139.5
Both of these teams love to pass in half-court sets, while utilizing lots of action set up off screens. Possessions will run deep into the shot clock, plus easy scoring opportunities will be few and far between.
Other Illinois vs UConn prediction markets available
Race to 10 points
1st Half Winner
1st Half Spread
1st Half Total
Mentions
What is Kalshi and how does it work?
Kalshi is a federally regulated U.S. exchange where you trade directly on the outcome of real-world future events. Instead of traditional bets, you trade "Event Contracts" which are simple Yes/No questions like "Will Illinois win tonight?" These events are priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and the prices reflect the market’s estimated probability of that event occurring. For instance, $0.55 equals a 55% chance. If your prediction is correct, the contract pays out exactly $1.00; if not, it settles at $0. Kalshi is essentially a stock market for reality.
How does Kalshi differ from sportsbooks?
In a sportsbook, you bet against the bookmaker, who sets fixed odds and takes a "vig," which is a kind of commission. On Kalshi, you trade against other users. This peer-to-peer model means prices are driven by supply and demand, often resulting in fairer odds. Additionally, because these are financial derivatives, you can exit your position early. If your team takes a 14-point lead, the contract price will rise, allowing you to sell your "Yes" shares for a profit before the final whistle even blows.
Why should I wager on Illinois vs UConn at Kalshi?
Kalshi offers four unique advantages over traditional sportsbooks:
Flexibility: Unlike a "locked-in" bet, you can sell your contract at any time.
Transparency: You trade against other users, which can allow you to find better value.
Federal regulation: As a CFTC-regulated exchange, your funds are held in a secure, transparent environment.
Availability: Kalshi is available in 49 states (excluding Nevada) and D.C., including many regions where traditional sportsbooks aren't yet legal.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing the Washington Nationals on Saturday, hoping to keep their hitting success going.
The Dodgers destroyed the Nationals in the first game of the series, winning 13-6 as Freddie Freeman, Kyle Tucker, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts all hit home runs.
The offense was league average in terms of production, and a lot of the hits came in the second half of games for comeback attempts.
However, against Miles Mikolas of the Nationals, they got going early and did not stop all game long.
Apr 3, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) singles against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Dodgers were making hard contact on a regular basis, crushing pitches and converting it into hits.
With the momentum on the Dodgers’ side, they need to capitalize and keep the ball rolling against Jake Irvin on Saturday.
1. Shohei Ohtani, DH 2. Kyle Tucker, RF 3. Mookie Betts, SS 4. Freddie Freeman, 1B 5. Will Smith, C 6. Max Muncy, 3B 7. Andy Pages, CF 8. Alex Freeland, 2B 9. Alex Call, LF P. Tyler Glasnow, RHP
Alex Call gets his first start of the season after making a single cameo on Friday. The Nationals are his former team, which should give him some motivation to put his stamp on the game.
Alex Freeland also came in during the game on Friday, and he will get a full-on start at second base.
The Dodgers’ pitching on the whole has been stellar, limiting the amount of runs on the board, but Emmet Sheehan had a rough start on Friday, and Tyler Glasnow will look to get the rotation back on track.
Glasnow projects to be a sneaky Cy Young candidate if he can put a full season together, and he looks healthier than ever.
Andy Pages, the best hitter on the team at the moment, is only hitting seventh still, with the Dodgers seemingly slowly moving him up the order, but wanting him to make sure that he stays in a good spot to succeed.
Jake Irvin had a good first start, pitching five innings and putting up a 3.60 ERA with seven strikeouts. He is a righty who will be at a disadvantage against the lefty-leaning Dodgers.
Thomas Sorber is getting some shots up at practice. He remains out for the season due to a torn ACL in his right knee, but he looks to be progressing well. pic.twitter.com/hY3hfmiTlg
PHOENIX —UConn coach Geno Auriemma issued a statement to apologize for his behavior at the end of the Huskies loss to South Carolina on April 3 in the Final Four.
Even the end of the Huskies' perfect season, bid for a second-consecutive championship and 54-game win streak was overshadowed by a terse exchange between him and Staley as they went to shake hands just before the final buzzer. When the final remaining fractions of a second played out, Auriemma went back to his team's locker room without shaking the hand of Staley or any of South Carolina's players or coaching staff.
"There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina. It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut. I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them."
Justin Verlander’s return to the Detroit Tigers continues its shaky start. The veteran pitcher was placed on the 15-day injured list with left hip inflammation, the team announced on Saturday.
Verlander, 43, had a difficult season debut in a 9-6 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. He allowed five runs on six hits and two walks, with only one strikeout in 3 2/3 innings.
Prior to Friday’s home opener at Comerica Park, Verlander spoke with reporters about his return to Detroit but also highlighted mechanical flaws that could be fixed to improve his next performance.
“Hips and head position,” Verlander said, via The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen. “Trying to be a little more deceptive and stay in line a little bit longer. “
“I hope it’s not like last year, where I spent months trying to find it,” he added. “Hopefully, it gets right a little quicker than that. Talking to the analysts, they said the stuff was actually pretty good. I’m not that far away, I don’t think.”
Verlander caught the ceremonial first pitch from former teammate Brandon Inge before the Tigers’ 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, after a throwing session on Saturday, the decision was made to put Verlander on the IL. He was scheduled to start Sunday night’s game versus the Cardinals. Instead, Keider Montero was called up from Triple-A and will take Verlander’s turn in the rotation.
Montero, 23, appeared in 20 games for the Tigers last season, making 12 starts. He finished with a 4.37 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 90 2/3 innings. Pitching for Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Montero allowed two runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings, making one start.
Scott Boras has a reputation for not having players who sign extensions before reaching free agency. But baseball’s most renowned agent budged at the persuasion of a 21-year-old prospect who has yet to step foot on a major-league diamond.
Pratt, the No. 51 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America and the Journal Sentinel’s No. 2 prospect in the Brewers organization, could remain with Milwaukee up through 2035 under the current deal, which could maximize at $80 million dollars if two club options are picked up on the back end.
“Me and my family were pretty excited, pretty stoked,” Pratt said in a Zoom news conference alongside Boras on April 4. “They brought it up in spring training, and it just worked out to happen early into the season. But I feel like we made a good decision. I feel like, in my heart, I made a good decision. We thought about it, we prayed about it, and we're super excited to be able to do this with the Brewers, to be able to hopefully be a longtime Brewer.”
While Boras negotiated the numbers with the Brewers, it’s clear the impetus for getting a deal done was on Pratt.
The thinking from the Boras side on early extensions is simple: These deals are, by nature, predominantly team-friendly, with the player typically delaying his entry into free agency in exchange for an early financial guarantee. Boras may have said that the Pratt deal shows his corporation’s reputation can be “miscast” but history also shows it’s also well-earned. Over the past decade-plus, only a small handful of players represented by Boras have signed an extension. Most of those deals, such as the ones for Stephen Strasburg, Jose Altuve and Xander Bogaerts, came with the player holding all the leverage and receiving massive paydays and opt-out clauses.
That put the burden of proof in Pratt’s court to explain why he felt taking this deal and delaying his free agency by likely three years was worth it.
“As Cooper will tell you, it’s a difficult task,” Boras said.
So how did Pratt do it?
For Pratt, the money was undeniably a factor, but that’s no different from the countless other Boras clients over the years who were intrigued by the financial security and never signed. Pratt, whose mother is a doctor and father is an accountant, comes from a stable financial background, as well.
But what Pratt effectively conveyed to Boras was how a contract would allow him to develop into an even better player because it would unburden him developmentally.
“The point of it that I heard was that, for him, this is something that allowed him to explore a corridor where he could go out and risk and seek optimization without restraint,” Boras said. “And when I heard that, we will end up with a better player on both sides, and a more advanced player and potentially a star-level player. Which, then, will justify the contract concerns I have when you are essentially doing a contract like this that will have substantial economic benefits for the team and delay free agency.
“So believing that this would allow him to have the greatest chance to be a star-level player was really the motivation I heard from Cooper that was most persuasive.”
Pratt expanded on his thinking.
“It's not going to change anything on how I want to perform. I'm still going to want to go 5 for 5 every night,” he said. “It's just that thought in the back of your head disappears. You still want to be the best that you can be, but there is no more pressure. There's pressure, but it's different – it's fun pressure. And you get to just enjoy and go and and play and not have to worry about some other things. And that was one of the biggest reasons why I kind of decided to do this.”
In the end, Boras felt comfortable with making Pratt, who he has represented since high school, a very rare exception.
“The fact of the matter is I think this turned out very well for everybody,” Boras said. “And the best thing about this is that there's one person on this call that really knows so much about what he can do as a shortstop, and that's Cooper. That's one thing that he really, really made me aware of as to how he feels about what he can do going forward. So that's what allows me to feel very good about his decision making, because he really is very self-understood at this age.”
Pratt will return to Class AAA the richest man on the Nashville Sounds but with the same goal as everyone else on the team: Make the big leagues. With Pratt on the Brewers 40-man roster, that day will likely come at some point in 2026.
It’s something he can now focus on without any of the outside worries.
“Just the security I'll have the opportunity to set up like I'll never have to worry about anything like that, pretty much, the rest of my life,” Pratt said. “I can just play and play the game like how it's supposed to be played, not think about it as much and also be able to take care of my family for generations.”
NEW DELHI: A meeting of the Bangladesh Cricket Board was held in Dhaka on Saturday, where officials discussed ties with India, news agency ANI reported.
The meeting took place after a communication had earlier been sent to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding upcoming bilateral tours and cooperation.
The meeting was chaired by BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul.
Earlier, director Nazmul Abedin Fahim said the board had sent an email to BCCI as part of routine communication. The letter mentioned the Indian team’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh in September, followed by the Bangladesh women’s team’s tour of India. It also included a proposal to explore more areas of cooperation between the two boards.
Speaking to ANI earlier, Fahim said such exchanges are part of regular engagement with other cricket boards.
"We maintain regular communication with various countries' cricket boards. As part of that regular communication, we recently reached out to the Board of Control for Cricket in India via a letter, through an email, to communicate with them", Nazmul Abedin Fahim, Director (Cricket Operations) of BCB, told ANI.
"In the letter, we mentioned that the Indian national cricket team is scheduled to come to Bangladesh in September to play a series, and after that, our women's team is supposed to go to India. We also included in the letter a request to explore any other possibilities for reciprocal cricket collaborations," he added, as cited by ANI.
The development comes months after IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders had released Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from its 2026 squad on the BCCI’s direction. The move led to a reaction from Bangladesh authorities and the public.
The BCB had then asked for its matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 to be shifted from India to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns. The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, saying there was no credible threat to Bangladesh players.
Bangladesh was later withdrawn from the tournament and replaced by Scotland. The issue was resolved after the BCB avoided a fine from the ICC and secured hosting rights for an ICC event in 2028.
Bangladesh also stopped the telecast of IPL matches in the country.
Sometimes to get wins in March, you need things to go your way. The UCLA Bruins benefitted from an abnormally cold game from Texas Longhorns star junior Madison Booker in Friday’s semifinal game.
UCLA outlasted the Longhorns 51-44 but it took Booker going a shocking 3-23 from the field. Booker began the day with a nice bucket but she went ice cold from there. Booker closed out the game 2-22, with a better performance from Booker perhaps it’s Texas facing South Carolina on Sunday.
Booker, the First Team All-American, entered Friday’s game averaging over 20 points per game in the tournament, so her rough performance caught everyone by surprise. Longhorns Wire writer Trey Luerssen wrote about how much of a shock Booker’s struggles were.
“Booker, who is one of the best players in the sport, had one of the worst games of her life at the worst time. The junior forward finished the game with 3 for 23, 13% from the floor. She had just six points. Over and over Texas tried to go to the All-American throughout the game and time after time, Booker failed to convert,” Luerssen said. “The final Lady Longhorns offensive play was a perfect example. Texas ran a play for Booker who drove to the basket, but a little bump knocked her off kilter and she fell, turning the ball over and ending UT's chances.”
The Bruins will hope that their good fortune hasn’t run out quite yet. UCLA will face South Carolina for an Easter Sunday showdown to decide this year’s national championship.
🧨Fiorentina's vital 1-0! Verona KO, brawl, two 🟥🟥 and Fagioli 💥
Fiorentina beat Verona 1-0 thanks to Fagioli’s goal in the 82nd minute: the Viola’s only shot on target in the match. Verona pushed mainly in the first half, but De Gea saved everything; tempers flared at the end, with a double red card after a brawl between Suslov and Gudmundsson.
Fiorentina move up to 32 points and go five clear of the relegation zone, with Lecce and Cremonese still to play. Verona, meanwhile, stay on 18 points: survival is becoming increasingly difficult.
🧤 De Gea SAVES Fiorentina in the 1st half
In the 1st half, Fiorentina started strongly with a shot from Fagioli that grazed the crossbar, but the Viola’s momentum quickly faded and it was Verona who came close to scoring several times: De Gea made four saves to keep the score level, first on Bowie’s deflected effort (10’), then against Bernede (11’), Orban (32’) and Oyegoke (38’).
Four interventions that combined were worth 1.18 xGOT. Fiorentina, meanwhile, failed to hit the target at all in the 1st half.
💥 Verona dominate but Fagioli scores with the 1st shot!
After the break, Verona also took control of possession but struggled to create clear chances, producing only long-range shots and a dangerous cross that Bowie failed to reach.
Until the 82nd minute Fiorentina did not shoot towards goal but then suddenly found the breakthrough: Harrison laid it off for Fagioli, who from the edge of the box hit the inside of the post and scored. It was the Viola’s first shot on target of the match.
Verona protested because referee Guida had earlier stopped a dangerous move as Fagioli was down on the ground. A potential chance that “would have been ruled out anyway for a foul by Gagliardini,” Marelli told DAZN.
🟥 DOUBLE red: Suslov-Gudmundsson clash
The match boiled over when Suslov and Gudmundsson started arguing with play stopped: the two went face to face, put their hands on each other’s faces and grabbed each other’s shirts. The referee sent both of them off.
The Miami Dolphins have made several changes to their roster this offseason, especially at the receiver position, where they've replaced Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine with Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Terrace Marshall Jr.
While the room still has some capable targets for new quarterback Malik Willis to throw to in 2026, they could still use help at the position.
"The Dolphins can't roll out a receiver room of backups and rookies and expect Malik Willis to grow as a first-time full-time starter. He needs help in the passing game," Moton said. "Aiyuk would be the clear-cut No. 1 option in Miami's aerial attack. Also working in his favor, he's familiar with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who was the 49ers' passing game specialist and coordinator from 2021 to 2022."
The 28-year-old has caught 294 passes for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns in five years before tearing his ACL midway through the 2024 season. San Francisco stripped Aiyuk of his guarantees after several issues during his rehab last year.
If he's healthy, the Dolphins could get a top wide receiver for cheap, but there is a risk.
During a recent appearance on "Bob Does Sports," LeBron James savagely dissed the city of Memphis and said that the Memphis Grizzlies should move to Nashville, which happens to be the most populous city in the state of Tennessee. He even suggested that had the Grizzlies won the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, he might have refused to play for them.
In response, Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo, who has been at the helm of the team since late last season, defended Memphis and said that his experience in the area has been a positive one, per ESPN.
"I can say from my own perspective that I have the complete opposite -- 180-degree perspective on that," Iisalo said. "The Memphis where we have arrived less than two years ago has been very warm. Very welcoming."
He seems very opposed to the idea of the Grizzlies relocating.
"All I can say is Memphis is the right place for the Grizzlies," Iisalo said.
In addition, Darko Rajakovic, who was an assistant coach with the Grizzlies for three seasons starting with the 2020-21 campaign, said he enjoyed several aspects of his time in Memphis.
"I don't care what the rest of the world thinks," Rajakovic said. "I love the people of Memphis. I love the food. I love every single time I come over here."
Just three years ago, when Rajakovic was in his final season as an assistant under Taylor Jenkins, the Grizzlies were starting to look like a budding contender. But that spring, James' Los Angeles Lakers upset them in the first round of the playoffs, and since then, they have dramatically declined. Star guard Ja Morant has been riddled by injuries and off-the-court incidents, and his supporting cast has been underwhelming.
The team currently has a 25-52 record, which puts it in 11th place in the Western Conference, and it is 11 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final play-in tournament spot.
Rafael Estevam and Ethyn Ewing meet on the UFC Fight Night 272 main card Saturday at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Check out this quick preview of the matchup.
Rafael Estevam vs. Ethyn Ewing UFC Fight Night 272 preview
Estevam (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) will look to keep his undefeated record intact, although he's likely in the doghouse with the promotion after missing weight for the third time in four fights – even after moving up to bantamweight for this one. He's won all three of his UFC bouts thus far by decision, getting past Charles Johnson, Jesus Aguilar and Felipe Bunes.
Ewing (9-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) pulled off a big upset in his November debut by picking apart highly-touted Malcolm Wellmaker. After stumbling in the first two fights of his pro career, Ewing hasn't lost since, winning nine straight fights, a streak that includes seven finishes.
Rafael Estevam vs. Ethyn Ewing UFC Fight Night 272 MMA Junkie staff picks
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 06: Scott Wedgewood #41 of the Colorado Avalanche saves a shot by Jason Robertson #21 of the Dallas Stars during a shootout at American Airlines Center on March 06, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The biggest date remaining on the regular season schedule has arrived for the Colorado Avalanche, who have long been the most dominant team in the NHL all year long.
The Dallas Stars, however, won’t stop at nothing to overtake them.
Today, both teams will face each other one last time at American Airlines Center to close out their regular season series, with the winner potentially laying claim to a first place finish in the West.
Colorado Avalanche (49-15-10)
The Opponent: Dallas Stars (45-19-12)
Time: 1:00 P.M. MDT/3:00 P.M. EDT
Watch: ABC, ESPN (US National Broadcast), SNP, SNW, SN+ (Canadian National Broadcast)
Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche wrapped up their final extended home stand on Wednesday night with an underwhelming 8-6 loss to the last-place Vancouver Canucks. The loss was the second during Colorado’s three game home stand, and while the 4-2 loss to Winnipeg a week ago was disappointing, this most recent defeat was exceptionally glaring: a host of defensive miscues and poor puck management opened the door for Vancouver to run up the score early and often. Mackenzie Blackwood, who gave up six goals on nineteen shots, was pulled with 4:39 remaining in second period in favor of Scott Wedgewood. The Avs then rallied from a 6-2 deficit to tie the game late in the third on Sam Malinski’s second goal of the evening, but Vancouver would reclaim the lead twenty-three seconds later, and iced the game with an empty net tally after Wedgewood was pulled for the extra skater.
Coach Jared Bednar, in what was indisputably his shortest press conference of the season, didn’t hold back. “The reality of it is, is if you want to win in this League, you have to play [the way we played in the third period] for sixty minutes, and we weren’t even close. [It] wasn’t a great first and it got worse in the second and […] if you want to hand out badges for good effort and stuff like that, I think we’re beyond that this time of year, you know? Effort for twenty minutes and doing the right things for twenty minutes isn’t good enough.” He went a step further, saying that there were no positives to be found in their effort.
“There’s no excuse,” he continued, “If we’re making excuses for that performance, it’s going to be a short [playoff] run.”
The loss prevented the Avalanche from increasing their points lead over Dallas, and as a result, today’s game still carries weight for both clubs. For the Avs, it’s the start of a back-to-back weekend that sees them returning home for an Easter evening matchup against the St. Louis Blues. With four massive points hanging in the balance for the Avs this weekend, here’s where today’s game matters from their perspective:
The Avs come into Dallas as the undisputed leader across the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings with a total of 108 points. They have eight (8) games remaining on their schedule—two in hand on Dallas—and have forty-six (46) regulation wins on the season. A regulation win for the Avs wouldn’t completely drive the final nail into the coffin for Dallas to catch them, but it would put their chances on life support. A regulation win for the Avs, coupled with a victory on home ice tomorrow, should put first place out of Dallas’ reach.
This is all predicated on the Avs taking care of their own affairs. They control their own destiny, and while they have the tiebreaker advantages over Dallas right now (points and regulation wins), things can flip on a dime, and the last thing they need is giving Dallas any extra motivation with the end of the season in sight.
While this is certainly a huge weekend for the Avs, today’s game also sets a monumental milestone for Brent Burns, as he is slated to skate in his thousandth consecutive game. The forty year old defenseman, who made his NHL debut for the Minnesota Wild after being selected with the twentieth overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft, played his first seven seasons with Minnesota before being traded to San Jose prior to the 2011-2012 season. He spent would spend the next eleven seasons in San Jose, where many of his career milestones would take place. The 2014-2015 season saw the first of eleven consecutive seasons of Burns skating in every every regular season game. He made his Stanley Cup Final debut in 2016, set a career high in goals (27) in a Norris trophy-winning campaign in 2017, and set career highs in assists (67) and points (83) in 2019.
Burns was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes prior to the start of the 2022-2023 season, where he spent three seasons before signing with the Avs prior to the start of this season. After surpassing former NHL defenseman Keith Yandle’s mark of 989 consecutive games on March 14, Burns became the all-time leader in consecutive games played among defensemen. Coming into today’s game, he trails only Phil Kessel, who holds the all-time record of 1064 consecutive games among all NHL skaters.
Nathan MacKinnon is the first player in the NHL to reach 50 goals, having broken the mark this past Wednesday. Despite being the NHL’s goal scoring leader, his 121 points total is three points behind both Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov (124) and five points Edmonton’s Connor McDavid (126). Martin Nečas (35) and Brock Nelson (33) rank second and third in team goal scoring, respectively. Cale Makar, who left Wednesday’s game with injury, did not accompany the team to Dallas, and will be re-evaluated next week. Nicolas Roy also did not travel with the team to Dallas, and his status will be re-evaluated next week as well.
While Bednar did not indicate who would start in today’s game, look for Wedgewood to get the nod today.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Gabriel Landeskog – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas Artturi Lehkonen – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin Parker Kelly – Nazem Kadri – Logan O’Connor Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Joel Kiviranta
Defense: Devon Toews – Sam Malinski Josh Manson – Brent Burns Brett Kulak – Nick Blankenburg
Between the Pipes: Scott Wedgewood Mackenzie Blackwood
Dallas Stars
The run that Dallas has been on has made them a darling of hockey circles everywhere. In any other season, Dallas’s 102 points would tie them with Carolina in a race for first place in the League, and with both teams splitting their two game season series, it would come down to the thinnest of margins to decide who would emerge ahead of the other. Add in Eastern Conference mainstay Tampa Bay Lightning and the come-out-of-nowhere Buffalo Sabres, both of whom boast 100 point seasons of their own, and there would be no shortages of storylines heading into the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with Dallas featured prominently among them.
A ten game winning streak? Done. A gold medal winning goaltender? Check. A top-rated power play threat? Yep. A stellar record at home and away? You bet. If you’re the Dallas Stars, you rightly believe that success is yours for the taking as the Stanley Cup Playoffs grow closer.
In any other season, but not this season.
For all their success to this point, Dallas is, and still remains, second best. Coming into today’s regular season finale against Colorado, Dallas is still looking up at their division rival. That ten game winning streak? Colorado’s done that twice. Home and away records? Colorado remains the only team in the NHL that has yet to lose more than ten games on home ice (24-8-5) compared to everyone else (Dallas is 23-10-4 at home). As good as Dallas has been on the road (22-9-8), Colorado’s 25-7-5 record is still better than everyone else.
Let’s not stop there: A +49 goal differential for Dallas? Colorado’s +90 is tops in the League. Colorado’s allowed the fewest number of goals (193) compared to Dallas (209), and Scott Wedgewood’s 2.19 goals against average and .916 save percentage leads all active goaltenders. By comparison, goaltender Casey DeSmith’s 2.38 goals against average ranks third among active goaltenders, while Jake Oettinger’s 2.61 ranks fifteenth. DeSmith’s .909 save percentage ranks fourteenth among active goaltenders, while Oettinger’s .900 ranks twenty-third.
There are a couple of bright spots for Dallas. Dallas can hang their ten-gallon hats on a second-ranked power play percentage (29.1%), while Colorado’s 17.9% ranks twenty-fifth. Oettinger also ranks third in wins among goaltenders (31), four more than Wedgewood (27), and ten more than Mackenzie Blackwood (21).
Dallas also leads the regular season series 2-0-1, their most recent victory being a 2-1 shootout decision back on March 18 at Ball Arena. To this point in the season, every game against Colorado has ended in a shootout. In their last meeting at America Airlines Center on March 06, Dallas captain Jamie Benn botched an opportunity to ice the game with Wedgewood on the bench for an extra skater, but his shot attempt banked off the side of the net. Valeri Nichushkin would score the game-tying goal moments later, and provided the shootout heroics alongside Martin Nečas to best Oettinger en route to a 5-4 decision for Colorado. That game would also see the departure of Roope Hintz to injury after getting tangled up with Nathan MacKinnon in the second period.
Since then, Dallas has regained the services of former Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen. He returned to action on March 28 in a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rantanen, who sustained injury during his play for Team Finland during the Olympics in Italy, had not made a regular season appearance for Dallas since a 5-4 victory over St. Louis on February 04, prior to the Olympic break.
In order to have a shot at first place in the West, Dallas is banking on a repeat performance from Oettinger, who blanked the Winnipeg Jets by a score of 3-0 this past Thursday. The victory was only Dallas’ third in their past ten games. A regulation win over Colorado would pull Dallas within four points of first place, and with four games remaining in the regular season, today’s head-to-head matchup is Dallas’ last, best chance to prevent Colorado from widening the gap between them. Even with a win over Colorado, Dallas would still have to play nearly flawless hockey down the stretch and hope they get some help from Colorado’s remaining opponents.
Wyatt Johnston leads all Dallas skaters in goals (41) and power play goals (25). Jason Robertson ranks second in goals (40), and leads the team in points (89). Miro Heiskanen leads all Dallas skaters in assists (53), while Rantanen is a close second (52). Rantanen also leads all Dallas skaters in penalty minutes (89).
Today marks the second of a five game home stand for Dallas, their final prolonged stretch of games on home ice. Oettinger will likely start in goal to close out the season series against Colorado.
Projected Lineup
Forwards: Jason Robertson – Wyatt Johnston – Mikko Rantanen Jamie Benn – Matt Duchene – Colin Blackwell Oskar Bäck – Justin Hryckowian – Mavrik Bourque Adam Erne – Arttu Hyry
Defense: Esa Lindell – Miro Heiskanen Thomas Harley – Nils Lundkvist Lian Bischel – Ilya Lyubushkin Kyle Capobianco
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With Joe Pyfer defeating Israel Adesanya by TKO in the second round during UFC Fight Night last weekend, the top contenders to possibly dethrone UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev is coming into picture. But now, the promotion company turns to UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan to get even a better picture surrounding up-and-coming lightweight contenders — ahead of UFC 327 on Saturday, Apr. 11.
On Saturday, Apr. 4, the main event features Brazilian Renato Moicano (20-7-1) taking on Scotitsh fighter Chris Duncan (15-2-0) in a marquee lightweight match. It’s scheduled for five rounds. UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan takes place at Meta APEX in Las Vegas, NV. The prelims start at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, while the main card starts at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan Online
UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan is not a pay-per-view (PPV) event. The event is available to livestream exclusively on Paramount+. For new subscribers, UFC Fight Night starts at $8.99/month for the Paramount+ Essential plan for access to all UFC events (included numbered and fight night events).
If you’re looking to livestream UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Duncan for free, there is a clever workaround since the streamer doesn’t offer a free trial. Right now, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial for Walmart+, which comes with Paramount+ as one its perks.
Aside from streaming access to Paramount+ to watch UFC, you can take advantage of everything Walmart+ has to offer with perks such as free and fast delivery; fuel discounts at Walmart, Sam’s Club, Exxon, Mobil and Murphy stations; Burger King deals; additional savings with early access deals and many other perks. Learn more about what Walmart+ can offer you here.
In my use, Paramount+ is a top tier streaming service, thanks to its amount of highly-rated movies and blockbusters, premium TV shows, broad comedies and live sports with the addition of UFC and live news with in-depth reporting. For $8.99/month, the streamer is best for those who love genre media, like police dramas and westerns, and live sports, while Paramount+ can be watched just about anywhere, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and on the web.
Paramount+ is the home for hit originals, such as “1883,” “Mayor of Kingstown,” “Halo” and “Evil;” popular movies, including “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning” and “Top Gun: Maverick;” live sports from March Madness, NFL on CBS, UEFA, PGA, NWSL and other sports leagues, live news from CBS News and much more.
Meanwhile, Paramount+ Premium, which goes for $13.99/month, features Showtime originals, like “The Chi,” “A Gentleman in Moscow,” “The Curse” and “Yellowjackets,” as well as features films and documentaries, including “Breathe,” “The Wrath of Becky,” “Deadlocked: How America Shaped the Supreme Court” and others.
UFC Fight Night Odds & Predictions
For the main event, Moicano is the favorite to win against Duncan. BetMGM’s oddsmakers give Moicano a -205 moneyline (bet $205 to win $100), while Duncan received a line of +170 (bet $100 to win $270), as the underdog. Want more odds? Check out the complete odds and wagers at BetMGM.com online here.
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 30: Starting pitcher Michael Soroka #34 of the Arizona Diamondbacks reacts after pitching an immaculate fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers of the home opener at Chase Field on March 30, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Is there a more beloved former Brave than Michael Soroka? (Maybe Freddie Freeman?) Perhaps because the phrase, “What could have been?” peals more sharply with regard to Soroka than anyone else, the fondness for the Canadian giraffe-necked right-hander from this corner, at least, is at its max. But, on Saturday night, the Braves will face off against our beloved in search of a fourth win in a row.
Soroka’s injury travails as a Brave after his 2019 4.0 fWAR campaign have been well-documented and are a bit too depressing to recap at this point, so we’ll focus on what happened afterwards. Sent to Chicago’s South Side in the Aaron Bummer deal after the 2023 season, Soroka was a blah swingman out there for a year, and then had a nice time as a starter for the Nationals in 2025 before a midseason trade sent him to Chicago’s North Side, where he barely pitched and didn’t distinguish himself. His contract with the Nats was for $9 million; this past offseason, he signed with the Diamondbacks for a lower, $7.5 million salary, made some starts in the World Baseball Classic, and made it to Opening Day as a member of Arizona’s beleaguered starting staff.
But, things went swimmingly for him in his first start of 2026: he absolutely dominated the Tigers for five innings, with an insane 10/1 K/BB ratio that included an immaculate inning in his final frame of work. He had a 5-0 lead before departing, and the Diamondbacks added even more in the bottom of the fifth. The only real blemish to that outing was that the Tigers made some hard contact off him when they weren’t striking out (three barrels, though only one went for a hit), but that doesn’t really portend anything for him considering the excellent K/BB ratio. Whatever happens while Soroka pitches against the Braves today, it’ll be bittersweet in one direction or another, but maybe it’ll be another game like last night, where the thunder in the Braves’ favor comes exclusively late.
On the Atlanta side of the pitching equation, Bryce Elder will look to keep the good times rolling. After last night’s shutout, the Braves’ pitching staff is in a funny place: they’re seventh in MLB in fWAR, second in ERA-, sixth in FIP-, and 13th in xFIP-. Whereas 2025 was an exercise in “if it can wrong, it will go wrong,” the Braves are putting on a dazzling run prevention display thanks to some elite defensive play (they’re third in MLB in defensive value coming into this game), and a favorable HR/FB for once (they have the fourth-lowest HR/FB against their pitchers). Reynaldo Lopez and Grant Holmes have now made four collective starts with a sub-3.00 ERA (Lopez’ is under 2.00) and an xFIP around 5.00, so hooray for baseball god boons rather than banes at this point.
Speaking of weird starts, that descriptor probably applies to Bryce Elder’s first start of the season, albeit for a different reason than it could be used for Lopez or Holmes thus far. Elder was legitimately good against the Athletics — nothing we haven’t seen before, albeit inconsistently — with a 5/1 K/BB ratio in six shutout innings. The reason why it was weird was that all the stuff that Elder and the team provided messaging about in the offseason, about his work with a biomechanics expert and the like, well… that wasn’t really on display. Elder didn’t appear to be throwing harder nor did he let loose more often with an ehanced four-seamer. Rather, he showed up with a much drop-ier (droopier sounds sad) slider with some added horizontal verve, which was enough to stymie the green-and-gold bats. Whether he can do so again against the Diamondbacks, well, that’s always the question, innit?
This will be Soroka’s second outing against his former team. He had an okay four innings against them in May of last year, with Drake Baldwin hitting a game-tying two-run shot against him in the fourth before Soroka departed. Elder, meanwhile, has made two starts against the Diamondbacks in his career — one in 2023 and one in 2024 — and they were both really rough. The one in 2023 was his shortest start of the year and one of his worst (2 2/3 IP, charged seven runs and gave up a homer despite a 4/1 K/BB ratio), and the one in 2024 featured a 1/2 K/BB ratio in five innings with three runs charged. Both of those games got absolutely insane late, with the Diamondbacks winning 16-13 in 2023 and the Braves prevailing 5-4 in 2024.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, April 4, 7:15 p.m. EDT
Location: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
TV: FOX
Streaming: MLB.tv, probably not blacked out on BravesVision/etc.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 11: Gable Steveson, who qualified for the U.S. Olympic team, is introduced to throw out the ceremonial pitch before the start of the game between the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 11, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Fight fans are still waiting for Gable Steveson to make his official jump to the Octagon, but it may come sooner than expected.
Steveson, who is a former Olympic gold medalist widely regarded as one of the best collegiate wrestlers of all-time, has looked unstoppable across his first three professional mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts. All three fights have taken place over the past seven months and have all ended via first-round knockout, including a victory in Mexico this past February (watch it HERE).
“I got a couple of matches with RAF,” Steveson recently told The Schmo. “I told everybody I’m a full-time mixed martial artist, and. I would love to keep doing that. But I got good news: any day now.”
Steveson, who is just 25 years of age, is already excelling as a full-time MMA fighter under the tutelage of former UFC champion Jon Jones. “Bones” believes Steveson could push for UFC gold by early-2027, but the wrestling phenom will need to make his official Octagon debut first. Steveson hopes that comes soon as he’s completely focused on winning a UFC title.
“I’m doing RAF to show people that I can still wrestle,” said Steveson. “I’ll show people that I’m great at wrestling, I’ll show people I’m one of the best heavyweights of all time. But the UFC title is more important to me.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 03: Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder face off as they weigh in ahead of their heavy weight fight during the Dereck Chisora v Deontay Wilder: 100 weigh-in at York Hall on April 03, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MMA Fighting has Wilder vs. Chisora results for the Deontay Wilder vs. Derek Chisora fight card and more for one of the most highly anticipated events of the year Saturday night at the 02 Arena in London, England.
When the main event begins around 5 p.m. ET, check out our Deontay Wilder vs. Derek Chisora live round-by-round updates for our live blog of the main event. Deontay Wilder is trying for his second straight win in the division against Derek Chisora, who has won three straight via decision.
Gable Steveson is confident that he has the right team in place to succeed in mixed martial arts, and that group includes Jon Jones.
The 2020 Olympic freestyle wrestling champion is already being talked about as one of the top prospects in MMA, with a UFC debut looking more like a matter of when than if.
Since linking up with Jones, Steveson has picked up three wins, all by first-round knockout.
But despite the fast start, Daniel Cormier believes keeping Jones involved might not be in Steveson’s best interest. In a recent episode of “Good Guy / Bad Guy” on ESPN, Cormier offered a word of warning to the young fighter.
Why Daniel Cormier thinks Gable Steveson should cut ties with Jon Jones
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Cormier didn’t mince words when discussing why he thinks Gable Steveson should reconsider his relationship with Jones. According to him, there’s more risk than reward in keeping Jon around.
Jon Jones has been part of Steveson’s camp from the beginning, bringing a wealth of experience from his long career in the sport.
Across nearly two decades in the Octagon, he built one of the most decorated resumes in UFC history, holding records for both title fight wins and successful defences.
Even so, Cormier remains sceptical. He pointed to Jones’ history of distractions and off-field issues as reasons to question whether he can fully commit to guiding Steveson’s rise.
“I believe he (Steveson) has a real chance to be a world champion,” Cormier said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“I believe there are some factors that may slow down [that trajectory] — his coach is Jon Jones.
“As long as he lets the other coaches coach him, yes. But if Jon is actually coaching him, I don’t know,” he added.
The 25-year-old didn’t hold back when asked about doubts surrounding his trainer. Instead, he made it clear just how much faith he has in Jones’ leadership.
“My relationship with him is everything,” Steveson told MMA Fighting.
“I don’t think he does [get enough credit]. I think a lot of people overshadow [his abilities] with a lot of things with just fighting and a lot of the things he has going on. His mentorship is the best thing that we can have.
“He’s the best fighter of all-time leading a new guy to maybe be that person also. It’s a one of a kind opportunity and I’m all ears. I’m a sponge. Just soaking in all the knowledge that I can,” he added.
“He’s perfect. He’s everything you want in a coach. He shows up on time. He’s ready to work. He’s ready to work overtime, also. So the narrative of him being not there, his ego’s there — it’s non-existent with him.”.
When is Gable Steveson scheduled to fight again?
Steveson managed to stay unbeaten in his third fight, surviving a head kick scare before finishing Hugo Lezama at Mexico Fight League 3 back in February.
After that win, Steveson was hoping to feature on the UFC White House card for his debut. However, despite discussions about signing him for the event, he didn’t make the final lineup.
With his UFC debut still on hold, the 25-year-old is set to return to wrestling next.
He’s scheduled to appear at Real American Freestyle’s ninth event on May 30, though an opponent hasn’t been announced yet.
Serie A | Verona 0-1 Fiorentina: Fagioli steals massive victory for safety
Fiorentina thanked several big David De Gea saves and a Nicolò Fagioli goal against the run of play, beating Verona to break away from the drop zone.
This was a huge relegation dogfight, as the Viola were only two points clear of the drop zone and made the trip without Rolando Mandragora, Dodo, Fabiano Parisi, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini, and Tariq Lamptey, but Moise Kean was risked from the start despite a recurring ankle issue.
Hellas were joint rock bottom with Pisa, missing Sandi Lovric, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Suat Serdar, although Domagoj Bradaric and Antoine Bernede were available again.
Fiorentina had a huge chance to take the lead in the fourth minute when the Nicolò Fagioli volley from the edge of the area smacked the top of the crossbar.
At the other end, David De Gea needed a sensational one-handed save to deny the Bernede scorcher at the near post, but Kieron Bowie scuffed from a promising position on the Rafik Belghali pull-back.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Moise Kean of Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
De Gea flew again to palm a Gift Orban strike out from under the crossbar, then had an even tougher save on Oyegoke after Bowie pounced on a Marin Pongracic error.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Albert Gudmundsson of Fiorentina competes for the ball with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
Verona kept pushing after the restart, as three times they flashed dangerous balls across the face of goal, with nobody able to get the tap-in, most dangerously when Bowie was inches away from getting his boot to it from four yards.
Bowie also cut inside to bend a left-foot finish just over the bar, but it was Fiorentina who took the lead completely against the run of play. Jack Harrison got down the right and laid it off for Fagioli to sweep in first time with the right foot from 14 yards. The home fans and players were furious, because only moments earlier the referee had stopped play for a Fagioli injury in a clash with Roberto Gagliardini.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 04: Rafik Belghali of Hellas Verona competes for the ball with Jack Harrison of Fiorentina during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 04, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
The tension spilled out when Tomas Suslov and Albert Gudmundsson got into a brawl before a Verona free kick, leading to them both getting sent off with ripped jerseys.
It was a tough slog, but Fiorentina leapfrog Cagliari in the standings and practically doom Verona to relegation.
CHICAGO — The Toronto Blue Jays placed two-time All-Star catcher Alejandro Kirk on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a dislocated and fractured left thumb and recalled catcher Brandon Valenzuela from Triple-A Buffalo.
Kirk was injured in the 10th inning of a 5-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Friday when Austin Hays fouled a pitch off Kirk’s glove. He left the game immediately and went for X-rays.
The Blue Jays also assigned 36-year-old left-hander Patrick Corbin to Single-A Dunedin on Saturday, a day after signing him to a one-year contract.
Manager John Schneider didn’t have a timeline for Kirk’s return but said before Saturday’s game in Chicago that the 27-year-old would see Dr. Thomas Graham, a hand specialist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Monday to determine the next steps.
“(The thumb) was dislocated,” Schneider said. “They put it back in last night, as well as a fracture. So tough news for us and I think for Kirky for sure.
“They’re going to see if they need to do any kind of surgical intervention or pin or something like that. We’ll know that on Monday, and then kind of determine the timeline after that.”
As an All-Star in 2025, Kirk batted .282 with 15 homers and 76 RBIs in 130 games for AL champion Toronto. He played in all 18 of the Blue Jays’ postseason games and hit .308 with two homers and six RBIs in seven World Series games against the Dodgers.
Kirk was batting .150 with one homer and two RBIs in five games this season.
The 25-year-old Valenzuela has yet to play in the majors, but he arrived in Chicago on Saturday and is expected to split time behind the plate with Tyler Heineman while Kirk is out.
In four games with Buffalo this season, he was batting .200 with one homer and four RBIs.
Corbin, a two-time All-Star in 13 major league seasons, was 7-11 with a 4.40 ERA for Texas last season. For his career, Corbin is 110-142 with a 4.51 ERA over 373 games including 354 starts.
Three Blue Jays starters — Shane Bieber, José Bérrios and Trey Yesavage — are currently on the injured list.
Schneider wasn’t sure how long it would take Corbin to ramp up and return to the majors.
“I think definitely we view him as a starter or definite length option,” Schneider said. “I think until the dominoes kind of start to fall back into place with Trey and Josey and Biebs ... you look for length and how we can use it.”
Oklahoma freshman catcher Kendall Wells tied the NCAA all-time freshman home run record with her 30th homer during the fourth inning of the Sooners' game against Kentucky on Saturday. The homer went 261 feet.
Wells' 30th home run comes in her 40th career game.
Wells ties Hawaii's Kelly Majam, as well as former Sooner greats Jocelyn Alo and Lauren Chamberlain with 30 home runs as freshmen.
Wells, a Bogart, Georgia, native is four home runs away from tying the OU record (34) set by Jocelyn Alo and seven home runs away from the all-time single-season record of 37, set by Arizona's Lauren Espinoza.
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at csulley@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
Last season for Texas, he had a 4.40 ERA in 31 appearances (30 starts). He has thrown at least 150 innings in each of the last five MLB seasons.
The Blue Jays don't have a ton of lefty starting depth, either. Eric Lauer wouldn't even be in the rotation if everyone is healthy, but he's the lone southpaw representation.
Now he has some company in Corbin, and the Blue Jays will see how Corbin looks at Single-A before going from there.
The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to win the World Series in 2026, more so than ever, with their aging core and multiple players hitting the open market after 2027.
Jhoan Duran, the closer they acquired at the trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins, is one of those 2027 free agents. Getting the most out of him now is a must.
And fortunately for the Phillies, as MLB.com's David Adler shared, Duran should be nastier than ever for the Phillies. He's added a new pitch, one that has 34 inches of drop to completely fool hitters this year.
Jhoan Duran adds pitch that drops 34 inches on average
Adler shared how Duran, who was the "pioneer of the 'splinker,'" has added a new pitch to his mix in the form of a splut-change.
"The new split-change (classified as a splitter) averages about 89 mph with 34 inches of drop and 13 inches of run," Adler writes.
With Duran having a fastball that can reach over 100 mph, and a sinker-splitter hybrid that averages 97 mph, this new 89 mph split-change should be a huge weapon for the Phillies' righty closer.
Hitters can't solely rely on fast pitching from Duran; they will have to adjust to offspeed pitches against the Phillies righty more than ever.
While his start to the season hasn't been perfect, his 2.45 ERA with six strikeouts, a 1-1 record, and two saves is a good start as Duran warms up for the heart of the regular season.
Duran looks as good as ever, and if this new pitch can continue to develop and become a weapon, Philadelphia's closer might be able to overtake Mason Miller as the best closer in baseball.
ST. LOUIS, Missouri: Jorge Prado continues to be fast in qualification as he led the first session at The Dome in America's Center.
Qualification 1
Jorge Prado (56.048) continues to be fast during a single lap and he led the field in the first qualification session.
Malcolm Stewart (56.054) earned his first top-five of 2026 two weeks ago in Birmingham and his first podium last week in Detroit. Could he be on track for his first win? He landed second on the chart.
Chase Sexton (56.088) came back to the field last week in Detroit with a vengeance. He was third.
The top two in points, Hunter Lawrence (56.220) and Eli Tomac (56.353) rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth respectively.
There were a lot of fascinating storylines that came out of the MLB offseason. Such as Kyle Tucker signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Alex Bregman going to the Chicago Cubs. However, one of the feel-good moments came when Verlander decided to return to the city where he became a household name, Detroit.
Verlander is top 10 in many of the franchise’s all-time pitching categories after playing 14 seasons for the team. The second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft earned six of his nine All-Star appearances in Detroit, as well as won the AL Cy Young, Triple Crown, and MVP award in a Tigers uniform in 2011. That is why his return to team up with reigning CY Young Tarik Skubal in a formidable rotation excited many long-time fans.
Justin Verlander misses Detroit Tigers start, headed to IL
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Well, Tigers fans will have to wait a bit longer to see the two team greats pitch in the same rotation. “Detroit Tigers great Justin Verlander, who was scheduled to make his first start Sunday night at Comerica Park since 2017, is now going on the 15-day IL with left hip inflammation,” USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale reported on Saturday.
Verlander turned 43 in February and is pitching in his 21 first season in MLB. Unsurprisingly, he has dealt with a variety of injuries due to the wear-and-tear on his body. Including a low-grade teres major strain in his right shoulder in 2023, inflammation in the same shoulder and neck discomfort in 2024, a pectoral injury last year, and now the hip inflammation this season.
If the hip inflammation had forced his start back a few days, then no biggie. However, going from ready to pitch to the injured list and out for two weeks in a snap is why making Verlander part of the rotation was a big risk for the Tigers. Hopefully, this isn’t the beginning of more issues for the legendary future Hall of Famer.
It all comes down to this. The national championship will either head west to Los Angeles or stay on the East Coast, returning to familiar ground in Columbia.
There’s no shortage of talent between these two squads, but in the end, this matchup will be defined by defense.
Both UCLA and South Carolina responded to past losses with statement performances, and now those battle-tested defenses face one final challenge to decide who finishes the job.
Let’s break down why defensive intensity will be the difference in my South Carolina vs. UCLA predictions and college basketball picks for Sunday, April 5.
South Carolina vs UCLA prediction
Who will win South Carolina vs UCLA?
South Carolina: Once you take down a powerhouse like UConn, anything feels possible. Dawn Staley has been through the trenches and used those experiences to shape a tougher, more complete team.
What we saw was a masterclass in turning last year’s loss to the Huskies into a blueprint for success in 2026, as Staley secures her fourth championship over UCLA.
South Carolina vs UCLA best bet: Under 130 (-110 at bet365)
Lockdown defense stole the spotlight in the Final Four, and another defensive showcase is on deck as the South Carolina Gamecocks meet the UCLA Bruins.
South Carolina held the UConn Huskies to a season-low 31% shooting and just 48 points, while UCLA matched that intensity by limiting Texas to 31% from the field.
The Bruins also neutralized Madison Booker and the Longhorns’ starting unit, none of whom reached double figures, which puts the spotlight on Joyce Edwards.
Even if Edwards is contained, South Carolina’s depth continues to shine, with Ta'Niya Latson delivering a timely double-double and freshman Agot Makeer adding 14 points.
Still, with two elite defenses colliding, scoring won’t come easily, making the Under the smart play in what should be a gritty title fight.
COVERS INTEL:The Gamecocks have reached the Final Four in six of the last nine NCAA Tournaments, including an active streak of four consecutive appearances.
UCLA brings plenty of firepower, and Lauren Betts should have the edge inside to help keep the Bruins within striking distance.
But when it comes to experience in closing out a moment like this, Dawn Staley has been here time and time again (18 seasons deep) and knows exactly how to finish the job.
It’s hard to see South Carolina falling short, with Staley poised to capture her fourth title with the Gamecocks.
South Carolina vs UCLA odds
Spread: South Carolina +3.5 (-110) | UCLA -3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: South Carolina -160 | UCLA +135
Over/Under: Over 130 (-110) | Under 130 (-110)
How to watch South Carolina vs UCLA
Location
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Tip-off
3:30 p.m. ET
TV
ABC, ESPN
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
Auburn baseball returns to the diamond Saturday to face Arkansas, looking to clinch another SEC series in the final game of this weekend's set.
Auburn used a middle-inning surge to claim game one of the series on Thursday. Five players logged an RBI in the 5th inning of Auburn's 10-2 win over Arkansas on Thursday, with Mason McCraine and Ethin Bingaman logging two RBI in the seven-run frame.
Friday's game was much closer, with Arkansas putting all of its hope on catcher Ryder Helfrick. Helfrick hit a solo home run in the 6th inning of Friday's game to cut Auburn's lead to 2-1, and he sealed the win for the Razorbacks with a two-run home run in the 8th inning to lift Arkansas to a 3-2 victory to even the series.
What will happen in Saturday's winner-take-all game three? Follow along for the latest score updates, highlights, and notes from Saturday's SEC battle between the No. 11 Auburn Tigers and the No. 16 Arkansas Razorbacks.
Auburn baseball's lineup for game three of its SEC series with Arkansas
From the desk of Auburn head coach Butch Thompson, here's how the Tigers will line up on Saturday as they look to claim the series over No. 16 Arkansas.
CF Bristol Carter
2B Chris Rembert
C Chase Fralick
3B Eric Guevara
1B Ethin Bingaman
LF Bub Terrell
SS Brandon McCraine
DH Todd Clay
RF Cade Belyeu
Auburn announces its starting pitcher for Saturday
Alex Petrovic will get the nod for the Auburn Tigers on Saturday in its SEC series finale with Arkansas. Auburn head coach Butch Thompson elected to go against his usual pitching rotation by moving Andreas Alvarez to Thursday from his usual midweek role, and kept Jake Marciano in his usual Friday slot to keep the routine. Petrovic, the usual Sunday starter for Auburn, takes the mound with one less day of rest and will open the door for Jackson Sanders to take on a relief role as Auburn looks to close the series with a win.
The finale of the SEC series between Auburn and Arkansas is set for 2 p.m. CT on Thursday, April 4.
What channel is Auburn vs Arkansas on today?
TV Channel: None
Livestream: SEC Network+
Auburn vs Arkansas will stream exclusively on SEC Network+ from the broadcast booth at Plainsman Park in Auburn, Alabama, on Saturday.
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
Chelsea have made it 5-0 with a goal from Andrey Santos from a corner as the Blues continue to crush Port Vale.
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It was a superb corner from Estevao, who clipped a perfect delivery to the far post where Santos was charging in to meet it at close range.
The midfielder pointed directly to his fellow Brazilian in thanks, as well he should. Chelsea have really raised their game in the second half, and the home fans will go home happy after witnessing a slew of goals.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — First, the Milwaukee Brewers had “pocket pancakes.” Now, they have pocket turtles.
Ahem, tortoise.
This all probably needs an explanation.
During a game last August, Brewers manager Pat Murphy was caught taking a pancake from the pocket of his hoodie for a midgame bite, right in the middle of a dugout interview during a game against the Nationals. It wasn't necessarily new for Murphy, who's been known to have everything from waffles to eggs rolls close at hand should he get the munchies.
The Brewers were supposed to play the Royals on Friday night on Apple TV, though the game was called 90 minutes before first pitch because of the rain. During a pregame interview with Apple's reporter, Tricia Whitaker, Murphy said he was informed “under no uncertain circumstances, no pocket pancakes” during their talk, so he pulled out what was supposed to be a pocket turtle.
“This is Bobby Jr.,” Murphy said in presenting it to her, having named the creature after his longtime friend, Bobby Witt, and his son, Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. “I didn't want to pull out pancakes so here we are.”
Whitaker posted the moment on social media, and fans immediately informed her that the reptile was not, in fact, a pocket turtle — or any turtle. It was a tortoise, or more specifically a Sulcata tortoise, which can live 70 years and grow to 100 pounds.
“How am I supposed to fly this home?” Whitaker asked.
Good question.
Turns out, as Whitaker later posted on social media, American Airlines has “a strict no reptiles policy,” so Bobby Jr. had to stay behind in Kansas City. The agreement, she wrote, is that the club would keep the tortoise for the time being.
Indeed, the reptile was happily living under a heat lamp in the visiting clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, though the plan is to find Bobby Jr. a good home soon. He won't be traveling with the club all season.
“It was suggested by one player,” Whitaker said, “that they get to keep the ‘rally turtle' if they win today. If they lose, I am hoping, consideration will be given to send me the tortoise.”
NVIDIA has released more details about its Neural Texture Compression (NTC) technology, which significantly reduces GPU VRAM usage by up to seven times. In a technology demo presented during one of the GTC 2026 sessions, NVIDIA revealed that its Neural Texture Compression can reduce VRAM usage from 6.5 GB to just 970 MB in certain scenes. This was demonstrated in a video comparing a Tuscan Villa and its interior. With virtually no difference in texture appearance, Neural Texture Compression represents a major advancement in maintaining graphics fidelity while freeing up GPU memory for more game content. For instance, in both the exterior of the Tuscan Villa and the interior demo showcasing detailed tableware, NTC technology provides users with high-quality textures while maintaining excellent material quality.
NTC technology is an AI-driven texture output that allows games to feature high-quality complex materials without a performance penalty. Games can benefit from the substantial VRAM reduction that NTC offers while maintaining the same texture quality. Traditionally, games use block-compressed formats like BCn, such as BC5, BC6, or BC7, which are commonly applied in 4x4 pixel formats and rendered by the GPU. However, NVIDIA has trained small neural networks that can produce the desired pixel format and texture appearance at a fraction of the size of traditional texture compression formats. Instead of using gigabytes of VRAM for textures, NTC drastically reduces VRAM usage by emulating textures, allowing for either much lower VRAM consumption or significantly enhanced material appearance, depending on the game developer's goals. This enables games to incorporate much more complex scenery without any performance penalty, relying on NVIDIA's AI technology to handle the workload. Below is the demonstration of Tuscan Villa, which shows just how the scene looks.
LinkedIn is understood to inject a JavaScript fingerprinting script on every page load that probes visitors' browsers for 6,236 installed Chrome extensions and collects detailed device telemetry.
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Ali Koç getiremedi, Sadettin Saran bitiriyor! ''Bay 100 milyon'' Fenerbahçe'ye
Mert Hakan Yandaş'tan tahliye kararı sonrası ilk açıklama
Derbi anahtarı ellerinde! Guendouzi mi, Orkun Kökçü mü?
Atiba’dan derbi bombası: Skorunu açıkladı!
Fenerbahçe derbiyi kazanırsa seçim yok! Takılırsa seçim var!
COVERS INTEL:
