Last updated: March 19, 2026, 6:30 AM ET
NCAA Tournament & College Hoops
The NCAA Men's Tournament First Four provided immediate drama, as Miami (Ohio) defeated SMU in a contest that proved the doubters wrong following selection debates, while Prairie View A&M secured its first tournament victory by beating Lehigh 67-55, marking a significant turnaround from a five-win season last year. Pressure mounts on Duke as they prepare to open their tournament run without key big man Patrick Ngongba due to a foot injury, placing added responsibility on freshman star Cameron Boozer. In personnel news, SMU coach Andy Enfield stated that standout guard B.J. Edwards was held out of the Miami (Ohio) loss because he did not feel "game ready," denying allegations of misleading the NCAA regarding the injury status reported last Friday. Meanwhile, Louisville will also be handicapped for its opening game against South Florida, as star freshman Mikel Brown Jr. is officially out.
Coaches and analysts are deep into tournament predictions, with sixteen ESPN personalities selecting their Men's Final Four participants, one of whom emerged as the clear national champion favorite across the panel. A poll of 25 coaches revealed a single consensus favorite among the seven contenders discussed, alongside insights on potential Cinderella stories in the men's bracket. The women's side also features high-level talent, with UConn's Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd headlining the AP All-America team, joined by Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes, Texas' Madison Booker, and UCLA's Lauren Betts in a group that comprises some of the top players in the women's bracket. Elsewhere in college hoops, former Cal State Bakersfield assistant Kevin Mays was ordered to face trial on pimping charges after a judge found sufficient evidence against him, a case distinct from the tournament action.
International & Domestic Rugby
The international rugby scene saw major developments for the Six Nations, as Ireland head coach Scott Bemand cemented his future by signing a contract extension that keeps him in charge through the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup. However, Ireland will be without winger Amee-Leigh Costigan for the upcoming tournament despite naming nine uncapped players in the squad announced by Bemand. Scotland's preparations were also impacted as they named nine uncapped players in their own Six Nations training squad under new coach Sione Fukofuka announced Wednesday. On the southern hemisphere front, Argentina is actively pursuing a bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, a move that would bring the global tournament to South America for the first time in history.
In club rugby news, the English Premiership picture is tightening after an eight-week hiatus, with Northampton holding the top spot and six different teams still in contention for the play-offs. Further investment arrived in the sport as Sir James Dyson, a long-time supporter, acquired a 50% share in Bath Rugby, stating the capital infusion will support plans for a new stadium development. Meanwhile, in the United Rugby Championship, coach Corniel van Zyl confirmed holding positive discussions with Cardiff regarding their head coach position after failing to secure the top job at URC rival Benetton. In unfortunate news, former Scotland captain Stuart Hogg was detained and interviewed following an alleged breach of a non-harassment order related to contact with his ex-wife.
Athlete Health & Personal Stories
Olympic medal-winning rower Becky Wilde shared a personal account of her past struggles, revealing that living with an eating disorder was "her normal" and emphasizing that she now recognizes the incredible strength of her body. Sprinter Amy Hunt is focusing on dual pursuits as she prepares for the World Athletics Indoor Championships, using her platform to encourage other female athletes to secure university degrees alongside elite sport careers. In a separate development regarding player status, Tiger Woods offered no clarity on his participation in next month's Masters, telling reporters after the TGL semifinals that his health remains inconsistent.
Other Sports Updates
In professional football, 15-year-old Manchester United talent JJ Gabriel is already demonstrating immense potential, though he remains ineligible to compete in senior Premier League fixtures due to his age. In the boxing world, Michael Conlan views his upcoming Belfast bout against Kevin Walsh as "all or nothing" as he maneuvers toward a shot at a world title, while Gabriela Fundora's continued knockout dominance has fueled her ascent into the top three of the latest women's pound-for-pound rankings. In snooker, Shaun Murphy secured a decisive 5-1 victory over China's Xu Si, setting up a last-16 match-up against Ronnie O'Sullivan at the World Open. Cyclist Tom Pidcock launched a late surge to claim victory in the Milano-Torino race, marking a win in his debut at the world's oldest classic event. In curling, Scotland faced a difficult day at the Women's World Championship, suffering a double defeat against both South Korea and Canada, which severely hampered their chances of reaching the play-offs.