General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: March 28, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NCAA Tournament Shines: Elite Eight Picture Forms

The Men's NCAA Tournament bracket took shape with several major programs securing spots in the regional finals, though the structure remains somewhat unpredictable, as a 9-seed Iowa team is still among the remaining eight according to one recent ranking Ranking the remaining eight teams. In the South Region, the Tennessee Volunteers achieved their third consecutive Elite Eight appearance by defeating second-seeded Iowa State 76-62, relying on a commanding rebounding effort and a strong second half performance Vols make third straight Elite 8. Meanwhile, in a tight contest, second-seeded UConn held off the third seed Michigan State 67-63, thanks to clutch fourth-quarter free throws from Tarris Reed Jr., who finished with 20 points, and Alex Karaban with 17 Reed, Karaban handle pressure. On the women’s side, the field narrowed dramatically Friday night; No. 1 UConn advanced to their 30th Elite Eight by overwhelming No. 4 North Carolina 63-42 after overcoming an uncharacteristic cold start in the first half UConn recovers from cold 1st half.

Further upsets defined the Women’s Sweet 16 action, including a buzzer-beater that propelled Duke forward, as Ashlon Jackson sank a 3-pointer at the horn to secure an 87-85 victory over No. 2 seed LSU Jackson beats buzzer, LSU to put Duke in Elite 8. Duke’s victory was further bolstered by the return of Caleb Foster, who played an "incredible" game after recovering from a broken foot, helping the top seed rally from a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat St. John’s 80-75 Foster 'incredible' in return. Elsewhere, Notre Dame also punched its ticket to the regional final, propelled by Hannah Hidalgo, who recorded a triple-double and set the Division I record for career steals during their win against Vanderbilt Hidalgo nears quadruple-double. Other winners advancing include Michigan, which used a dominant all-around effort from Yaxel Lendeborg—who posted 23 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists—to dispatch Alabama 90-77 U-M rolls on behind Lendeborg's all-around show.

Coaching Stability & Off-Court Developments

While the tournament dominates the college basketball focus, several coaches pledged their commitment to their current programs amid speculation regarding high-profile job openings. Iowa head coach Ben McCollum confirmed Friday that he will remain with the Hawkeyes for the 2026-27 season, dismissing rumors linking him to other potential vacancies this offseason McCollum says he will remain as Iowa's coach. In stark contrast to the immediate future, the WNBA saw a massive financial transaction as sources confirmed the Connecticut Sun franchise is being sold to the Fertitta family for a reported record $300 million, with plans to relocate the team to Houston beginning in 2027 Sources: Sun sold, will relocate to Houston. Furthermore, the WNBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement is being viewed as a major win for players, establishing permanent changes across several areas of player compensation and travel WNBA's CBA: 10 biggest wins.

International Sports Wrap-up & Personal Milestones

In figure skating, Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto capped her stellar career by capturing her fourth career World Championship gold medal in her final competition, stating she could "say goodbye with this performance" Sakamoto ends career with fourth world gold. Meanwhile, the world of rugby saw a mix of celebratory milestones and setbacks; reigning Super League champions Hull KR bounced back from a recent loss to deliver a decisive hammering to St Helens during the league's 30th birthday weekend Champions Hull KR bounce back. However, Welsh rugby sustained a blow as veteran Taulupe Faletau suffered an injury during Cardiff’s narrow 21-15 defeat against the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship Faletau injured in Cardiff's defeat. A historic moment is set in English Rugby League as referee Tara Jones, recently awarded an MBE, prepares to become the first woman to officiate a men’s Super League fixture on Saturday Trailblazing ref Jones ready to make more history.

Boxing, Softball, and Pro Football Prep

Heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma, who currently holds a 13-fight professional record, acknowledged that his upcoming bout against Jermaine Franklin will represent the toughest test of his career so far, speaking candidly about the family sacrifices required to reach this stage Why quick KOs are not enough. In professional softball, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) issued its inaugural "golden ticket," an honor presented by figures including Kim Ng and Patrick Mahomes, awarded to standout player NiJaree Canady AUSL surprises NiJaree Canady. to the 2026 NFL Draft, former NFL General Manager Mike Tannenbaum released his preferred prospect board, pinpointing players he would target across all seven rounds, including defensive back Dillon Thieneman early and Jaffer Murphy later A former NFL GM's must-draft board.