General Sports 3d Briefing
×Basketball Highlights
Tyler Reddick espn.com made NASCAR history by winning his third straight race to start the season at Circuit of the Americas. In college basketball, No. 19 Miami (Ohio) espn.com extended its season-opening winning streak to 30 games with a 74-72 victory over Toledo. Top-ranked Duke espn.com overwhelmed NC State to clinch the outright ACC regular-season title, while No. 2 Arizona espn.com secured the Big 12 crown with a 73-57 win over No. 6 Iowa State. No. 1 UConn espn.com completed its 11th undefeated regular season, positioning itself nine wins from repeating as national champion. Meanwhile, USC announced espn.com that leading scorer Chad Baker-Mazara is no longer with the men's basketball program.
Rugby Union Developments
Dave Rennie bbc.com was appointed New Zealand's new head coach, becoming the first person of Pasifika heritage to lead the All Blacks. Scarlets wing Ellis Mee bbc.com is in line for a Wales recall in Friday's Six Nations game against Ireland. Former British and Irish Lions wing Anthony Watson bbc.com revealed he cheated a concussion test during the 2017 tour of New Zealand to continue playing. England hooker Jamie George bbc.com said rugby's relationship with head injuries has changed dramatically during his career. Wales captain Angharad James bbc.com said her team has a first Women's World Cup "in their sights" as they begin qualifying.
Football and Soccer Updates
Kaiya Wynn espn.com, a reserve guard on the Tennessee women's basketball team, announced she is leaving the program following what she called a "breaking point" on Senior Day. Wynn's departure comes amid ongoing discussions about player treatment in college sports. In international football, captain Angharad James expressed confidence about Wales' World Cup qualifying campaign. The England women's football team bbc.com was among the nominees for this year's Laureus World Sports Awards.
Cricket and Other Sports
India bbc.com secured a T20 World Cup semi-final showdown with England after a five-wicket victory over West Indies, with Sanju Samson's unbeaten 97 leading the way. South Africa bbc.com beat Zimbabwe by five wickets to finish top of Group 1 in the Super 8s and set up a semi-final against New Zealand. Ireland's hockey team bbc.com started their FIH World Cup qualification campaign brightly with a 5-2 victory over Canada. Former fast bowler John Blain bbc.com was reinstated to the Cricket Scotland Hall of Fame following his suspension in July 2022.
Winter Sports and Paralympics
Skiers Menna Fitzpatrick and Scott Meenagh bbc.com were named Great Britain's flagbearers at the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony. The announcement highlighted Britain's strong winter sports contingent heading into the Games. Their selection recognizes their achievements in para-alpine skiing and para-nordic skiing respectively.
Formula One and Motorsport
Formula 1 bbc.com faces its biggest rule change in history with new regulations affecting engines, chassis, tires and fuel. The Australian Grand Prix espn.com could see unprecedented chaos at the start due to new technical regulations. Marco Bezzecchi bbc.com won the opening Moto GP race in Thailand as defending champion Marc Marquez retired late in the race. Organizers remain confident bbc.com that Middle East travel disruption won't impact the Australian Grand Prix despite regional conflicts.
Tennis and Individual Sports
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Hunter Armstrong espn.com plans to swim in the PED-friendly Enhanced Games while still pursuing hopes to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Jade Jones bbc.com described her journey from taekwondo to boxing as "humbling" ahead of her debut against Egypt Criss on March 7. Para-powerlifter Hope Gordon bbc.com discussed her Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games ambitions after overcoming significant challenges in her sporting career.
College Sports Changes
Iowa State espn.com announced it is ending its women's gymnastics program, with the athletic director citing "a pattern of issues within the program." Bruce Branch III espn.com, a top-10 senior, committed to BYU, giving coach Kevin Young his third consecutive recruiting class with a five-star recruit. Duke espn.com is poised for a third straight No. 1 recruiting class in men's basketball for 2026.
NFL and American Football
Outside linebacker Khalil Mack espn.com, who had considered retirement, will play in 2026 and explore all options in free agency. Colorado quarterback Dominiq Ponder espn.com died in a single-car crash at age, with the team mourning his loss at practice. The tragedy highlighted the human side of college athletics amid competitive pressures.
Golf and Other Competitions
Nico Echavarria espn.com won the Cognizant Classic after Shane Lowry collapsed with two double bogeys late in the final round. Casey Jarvis espn.com won the South African Open, earning spots in both the Masters and Open Championship. The USGA espn.com announced that the U.S. Amateur winner will now receive the Tiger Woods Medal, while the U.S. Junior Amateur champ gets the Tiger Woods Trophy.
Administrative and Governance News
The Welsh Rugby Union bbc.com faces pressure to rethink plans to cut a men's professional side after criticism from Welsh government politicians. The Six Nations trophy bbc.com will be replaced after being damaged by fire during transit. England Lions bbc.com returned to the UK following the cancellation of their limited-overs series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates due to regional instability.