General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: April 5, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NCAA Women's Basketball Tourney & Coaching Carousel

The Women's NCAA championship game is set, with Dawn Staley's Gamecocks seeking their third title in five seasons against UCLA, which is approaching the matchup with a highly focused, businesslike approach following last year's Final Four disappointment. South Carolina previously ended UConn's undefeated run in the semifinals, winning 62-48, while UCLA ground out a sloppy 51-44 victory over Texas, surviving 23 turnovers to reach their first-ever title game in program history. Amid the coaching churn following the tournament, Virginia fired coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton on Saturday despite a Sweet 16 appearance, the program's deepest run since 2000, and Georgia also mutually parted ways with Katie Abrahamson-Henderson.

NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four & Aftermath

The Men's Final Four saw Arizona returning to the semifinals for the first time in 25 years, focusing solely on Michigan while shutting down speculation linking coach Tommy Lloyd to the UNC opening; Lloyd later confirmed he agreed to a new deal with Arizona amid the rumors. Elsewhere in the semifinals, UConn, whose freshman Silas Demary Jr. is reportedly playing at 90% capacity despite a high ankle sprain, defeated Illinois, bringing up the possibility of the school achieving dual men's and women's title appearances for the first time since 2014. In post-season awards, Nebraska's Fred Hoiberg edged out Duke's Jon Scheyer for the AP men's Coach of the Year, while Duke's Cameron Boozer became only the fifth freshman ever to claim the AP Player of the Year award.

College Basketball Player Movement & Governance

The movement in college basketball continues as Iowa State star Audi Crooks announced she will enter the transfer portal for her final year of eligibility, potentially becoming the top available player among the more than 800 athletes intending to transfer this cycle. In governance news, President Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting NCAA athletes to a five-year playing window and dictating transfer frequency, while NCAA President Charlie Baker defended the current two-site regional format, stating that the rise in attendance makes it "pretty hard to argue" against it. Meanwhile, former UConn coach Geno Auriemma's post-game conduct drew criticism, though UConn coach Dan Hurley later stated he is not seeking sympathy for the perception of his style.

Boxing & Combat Sports Updates

Welterweight champion Lauren Price successfully defended her world titles against Stephanie Pineiro and is now targeting a showdown with Claressa Shields by the end of the year. In other combat sports news, former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has vehemently denied allegations of assaulting his ex-partner's son, with his lawyer releasing a statement as rival Derek Chisora arrived at a press event in an army tank alongside politician Nigel Farage. In UFC news, Merab Dvalishvili confirmed he will refuse surgery despite suffering two broken noses in a recent sparring accident.

European Rugby & Cup Competitions

The Champions Cup last 16 saw several decisive results, with Toulouse delivering a ruthless performance against Bristol Bears, scoring nine tries in a dominant French victory, while Sale Sharks held off a second-half comeback by Harlequins to advance. Glasgow Warriors also battled past the Bulls in rain-soaked conditions to reach the quarter-finals, though their season hinges on overcoming a strong Leinster side in Dublin next week. In the Challenge Cup, Ulster secured a 28-24 win over Ospreys to progress to the last eight, and Exeter Chiefs benefited from an injury return try by Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to eliminate Munster.

Snooker & Pool Dominance

The Tour Championship saw Judd Trump sweep past Neil Robertson 10-4 to book his place in the final in Manchester. Trump's opponent will be John Higgins, who staged a dramatic rally to beat Mark Selby 10-8 in his semi-final, though Higgins suffered a far worse result earlier in the week, falling 10-1 to Zhao Xintong in what was reported as the heaviest defeat of his 34-year career.

Cricket County Championship & International Focus

In the County Championship, Lancashire's new red-ball captain Jimmy Anderson took 5-64 to place his side in a commanding position against Northamptonshire at the halfway mark. Surrey also mounted a superior recovery effort, with Ben Foakes and Tom Lawes rescuing the innings from 65-6 to post 328 all out against Warwickshire on day one. England coach Brendon McCullum held discussions with county counterparts in response to ongoing unrest regarding the balance between domestic and international schedules, while Tom Smith was appointed as the summer spin-bowling coach.

Other Global Sports Notes

In rowing, the Oxford women captured their first Boat Race win since 2016 on the Thames, though the Cambridge men secured their fourth consecutive victory. In Netball Super League action, defending champions London Pulse trounced Birmingham Panthers 78-45. Meanwhile, former Welsh record-holder Freya Jones expressed devastation after her javelins were broken while in transit ahead of the Commonwealth Games build-up. Finally, there was positive news in golf betting, where Scottie Scheffler remains the favorite for the upcoming Masters major.