General Sports 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 11, 2026, 11:50 PM ET
College Basketball Turmoil
Arizona State fired Bobby Hurley after 11 seasons following a historic 91-42 blowout loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament, the largest margin of victory in conference tournament history. The Sun Devils' collapse came hours after the program announced it would not renew Hurley's contract, leaving Arizona State as the sixth power-conference job to open this offseason. Meanwhile, Syracuse terminated Adrian Autry after three seasons without an NCAA tournament appearance, marking another high-profile coaching change in the sport.
International Basketball
Team USA dominated its FIBA World Cup qualifier with a 110-64 victory, led by Caitlin Clark's 17-point, 12-assist performance in her national team debut. Six players, including Clark, made their first appearances for the Americans in the rout. The WNBA and players' union ended a 12-hour bargaining session without reaching a new collective bargaining agreement, leaving contract negotiations unresolved as the league prepares for its 2025 season.
Six Nations Rugby
France flanker Oscar Jegou received a four-week suspension for gouging, ruling him out of Saturday's Six Nations clash with England. The ban comes as Ireland prepares for its Triple Crown decider against Scotland, where flanker Josh van der Flier emphasized the need for a "big performance" against the confident Scots. Ireland's selection dilemma and Scotland's recent success against the Irish dominated pre-match discussions, with Andy Farrell facing key decisions ahead of the Dublin showdown.
Horse Racing and Equestrian
Willie Mullins secured his third Cheltenham win of the festival when Il Etait Temps captured the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The victory came amid controversy as Irish jockey Declan Queally accused English rival Nico de Boinville of verbal abuse before an opening race. Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp's Jukebox Man joined the Cheltenham Gold Cup field, adding another high-profile entry to Friday's feature race.
NFL Transactions
The Baltimore Ravens pivoted from Maxx Crosby to sign four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, addressing their defensive needs through free agency. The move represents Baltimore's strategic shift in building its pass rush after missing out on the Raiders' star edge rusher.
Golf and Tennis
Scottie Scheffler entered The Players Championship as an overwhelming betting favorite, with odds reflecting his dominant form ahead of the PGA Tour's flagship event. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp outlined ambitious plans for the circuit, including potential relegation systems, schedule overhauls, and match play formats in future playoffs, signaling dramatic changes to professional golf's traditional structure.
Cricket and International Sports
Hundred teams with IPL investment denied being directed away from signing Pakistan players in Thursday's men's auction, contradicting earlier reports about potential restrictions. The Afghanistan-Sri Lanka series in the UAE was postponed until year's end due to Middle East conflict, disrupting international cricket scheduling. Meanwhile, German cross-country skiers protested Russian medal winners by turning their backs during Winter Paralympics podium ceremonies, demonstrating opposition to Russia's participation in the Games.
Winter Sports and Paralympics
Paralympic skiing siblings Veronika and Johannes Aigner dominated the competition, earning medals while entertaining fellow athletes in the village. Their success earned them comparisons to the fictional Von Trapp family, highlighting their impact both on and off the slopes. In track and field, Paralympic gold medalist Sammi Kinghorn announced she will miss the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games due to pregnancy, revealing her upcoming child's arrival conflicts with competition plans.
College Basketball Awards
UConn's Sarah Strong led women's college basketball honors, while Mikayla Blakes ensured the Player of the Year race remained competitive. On the men's side, Jay Bilas released his All-America teams, with freshmen claiming six of the 20 spots in his rankings of the season's top performers. The ACC's incoming talent generated significant buzz as programs prepare for next season's challenges.
Miscellaneous Sports News
Former Michigan assistant Chris Partridge sued the university, alleging he was scapegoated during the Wolverines' 2023 sign-stealing scandal that led to his firing. Hofstra returned to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 25 years after winning the Coastal Athletic Association championship. In Big 12 tournament action, AJ Dybantsa set a freshman scoring record with 40 points, powering BYU to a first-round victory over Kansas State.