General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: March 22, 2026, 6:30 AM ET

NCAA Men's Basketball Second Round Shocks

The men's NCAA tournament second round delivered significant upsets as Texas continued its improbable run, becoming the first team in five years to advance from the First Four to the Sweet 16 following a 74-68 Saturday victory over No. 3 seed Gonzaga 10. Coach Sean Miller of Texas pushed back against Cinderella labels 9 despite the team’s journey from the First Four, while the matchup between Michigan and Saint Louis carried added intrigue as coaches Dusty May and Josh Schertz, who have long exchanged scouting notes, met with a Sweet 16 berth on the line 34. Elsewhere, Nebraska narrowly survived Vanderbilt's desperate attempt 7, escaping 74-72 after a potential game-winning half-court heave by Tyler Tanner missed at the buzzer, and Darius Acuff Jr.’s 36-point outburst propelled Arkansas 33 past High Point in another thrilling regional contest.

NCAA Women's Tournament Advances & Upsets

The women's bracket saw No. 10 seed Virginia secure a historic first upset 13 of the tournament with an 82-73 first-round win over No. 7 Georgia, setting the stage for the remaining 32 teams now under scrutiny in updated rankings 6. USC was saved by a critical review 12 that overturned a Clemson buzzer-beater in regulation, allowing the Trojans to ultimately prevail 71-67 in overtime and move forward. Meanwhile, South Carolina dominated Southern in a 103-34 dismantling 15, led by Joyce Edwards’ 27 points and eight rebounds, though the team’s baseball coach, Paul Mainieri, was dismissed midway through his second season 14 after failing to replicate his previous LSU success. UConn also staved off an upset 36, winning 82-71 against Furman behind Tarris Reed Jr.'s historic 31-point, 27-rebound performance, though UNC officials are currently discussing Hubert Davis's future 17 following a first-round exit.

UFC London Fallout & Fighter Ambitions

The UFC London event reignited the contentious debate over fighter compensation 4 following several career-defining performances on the undercard. Movsar Evloev dented Lerone Murphy's featherweight title aspirations 11, securing a majority decision victory in a closely contested main event. Mason Jones, earning the fight of the night bonus, aimed for a top-15 ranking 8 after securing a redemption win in the same arena where he suffered his last professional loss nearly four years prior. In other promotion news, Paddy Pimblett is targeting a return in July 5 during the UFC’s international fight week, hoping to resume his momentum quickly.

Global Golf & Cycling Dominance

On the international golf circuit, Australia's Hannah Green captured her third consecutive tournament victory 1 by winning the Australian WPGA Championship on the Gold Coast, demonstrating remarkable consistency. In cycling, Tadej Pogacar clinched his maiden Milan-San Remo title 28 after defeating Britain's Tom Pidcock in a gripping finale, though the women's race saw Italian rider Debora Silvestri reveal she fractured five ribs 32 during a serious crash in that classic event. Separately, Josh Kerr completed a high-profile comeback 23, reclaiming his world indoor 3,000m title after recovering from injury to stand atop the global podium once more.

Rugby League & European Competition

In Super League action Warrington Wolves ascended to second place in the standings 24 after Kelepi Tanginoa scored four tries in a commanding defeat of the Castleford Tigers. On the international rugby front, Dragons player Ryan Woodman expressed eagerness for a Wales cap 3 following his first national call-up for the Six Nations period. European club rugby saw mixed results, with Exeter moving into the Premiership play-off positions 26 after defeating Sale 26-14 at Sandy Park, while Edinburgh suffered a heavy 40-point loss away to the Lions 30 in Johannesburg, conceding eight tries in a one-sided affair.

Miscellaneous Sports UpdatesIn domestic honors, Wisconsin defender Caroline** Harvey was voted the top player in college women's hockey** 25, receiving the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. In T20 international cricket, Rwanda’s Fanny Utagushimaninde set a new benchmark 20 by becoming the youngest woman to score a century in the format at just 15 years and 223 days old. Meanwhile, soccer manager Frank Lampard expressed hope that boos would cease 2 against former player Matt Grimes, praising the midfielder's "very classy" decision not to celebrate scoring against his old club Swansea City. Finally, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos group is initiating legal action 22 to recover a boat used by Sir Ben Ainslie's America's Cup team. Great Britain's Mia Brookes secured her fifth World Cup gold 31 in snowboarding slopestyle competition at Flachnau.