General Sports 8-Hour Briefing
×High School Basketball
Iowa HS sophomore Ava Smid caught fire at the game's conclusion to avoid elimination and punch her ticket to the state title game. Smid's six-point burst with 14 seconds remaining secured Dallas Center-Grimes' spot in the championship.
Rugby Union
Wales captain Dewi Lake says a win is just around the corner after an encouraging display in the 27-17 Six Nations defeat by Ireland in Dublin. Wales prop Rhys Carre scored a sensational solo try during their Six Nations defeat against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium. Ireland kept alive their slim hopes of reclaiming the Six Nations title with a bonus-point victory over spirited Wales in Dublin. Meanwhile, England's Under-20 title hopes ended on Friday despite a 37-17 victory over Italy in Treviso. Scotland aims to prevent France's Grand Slam procession at Murrayfield.
Tennis
Hungary's Panna Udvardy says she was sent "disturbing" messages including a picture of a gun, warning her family would be harmed unless she lost a match. The player called the threats unacceptable and is working with authorities.
Netball
A "solid team performance" saw Loughborough Lightning strike down Leeds Rhinos in round two of the Netball Super League season, while London Pulse edged out Dragons. The Lightning's victory maintains their strong start to the campaign.
Boxing & MMA
Alycia Baumgardner will defend her world titles against Bo Mi Re Shin on April 17 as part of MVPW, a newly launched women's boxing league from Most Valuable Promotions. Tom Aspinall says seeing Conor Benn secure a reported £11m one-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing helped convince him to sign with Eddie Hearn to maximize his earnings outside of the UFC.
Track & Field
Former world 100m champion Fred Kerley is banned for two years for an anti-doping whereabouts violation. The suspension marks a significant setback for one of track's most prominent sprinters.
Ice Hockey
The NHL trade deadline produced several surprises with winners and losers emerging from the final week's activity. Some teams made aggressive moves to bolster their playoff chances while others focused on the future.
Basketball
Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery in Miami early Thursday morning after allegedly punching a man in the face, according to police records. The incident occurred shortly after her team's championship victory.
Rugby League
Warrington Wolves maintained their 100% start to the Super League season by holding off a spirited York Knights side in a high-scoring encounter. The Wolves showed championship form to remain perfect through their opening matches.