HARTFORD, CT – Lady Vols basketball was close to making the wrong kind of history on a snowy trip to Connecticut.
No. 15 Tennessee lost 96-66 to No. 1 UConn (23-0) at PeoplesBank Arena on Feb. 1, marking the second-largest margin of defeat in program history. The Lady Vols (14-5) lost by 30 points, only one point short of tying the record of 31 points from a loss at Texas on Dec. 11, 1984.
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It’s only the second time Tennessee has been beaten by 30 or more points in program history.
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The 30-point loss was the largest margin of a loss in the longtime rivalry, beating the previous margin of 23 points.
Tennessee was tied with UConn at halftime, 42-42, before the Huskies broke open the game in the third quarter and outscored the Lady Vols 29-11 to go up 71-53.
UConn leads the series 18-10. Tennessee beat the Huskies last season for the first time since 2007. The Lady Vols won 80-76 in Knoxville during Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell’s first season. The Huskies won the first four meetings when the series was renewed in the 2019-20 season.
The Tennessee-UConn rivalry is one of the most storied in all of college sports. The two programs became catalysts for the growth of women’s college basketball in the late 1990s and early 2000s, selling out arenas and drawing the eyes of the nation with legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt and Geno Auriemma went head-to-head.
The two programs have met in the NCAA tournament seven times, including four times in the national championship game. UConn won all four of the national title matchups in 1995, 2000, 2003 and 2004.
In the WWE RAW episode from Madison Square Garden, The Usos lost the World Tag Team Titles to The Vision. Logan Paul and Austin Theory dethroned the Samoan Twins, with help from IShowSpeed.
Jey and Jimmy Uso losing the titles came as a surprise for many, particularly when we were just inches away from WrestleMania 42. In this article, we will be looking at three potential reasons why The Usos are no longer the World Tag Team Champions.
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#3. To write them off WWE television
One reason for the title switch could be the motive of writing The Usos off television. Naomi, the real-life wife of Jimmy Uso, is currently on break from television due to pregnancy.
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So, there’s a chance Jimmy needs a break for personal reasons. However, as the World Tag Team Champion, WWE can’t put him off TV, especially with WrestleMania approaching.
Considering this, the company took the titles away from The Usos, and now they may remain absent from the red brand for a few weeks.
#2. To set up a feud between The Usos and LA Knight
Things between LA Knight and The Usos aren’t going well on Monday Night RAW. In the latest episode, The Megastar was involved in the World Tag Team Title match. The Usos got distracted when IShowSpeed hit Knight ringside.
So, eventually, Knight is another reason for the Samoan Twins’ title loss. It raises the possibility that the Stamford-based promotion might want to set up a feud between The Usos and LA Knight.
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As a result, they took the titles from Jey & Jimmy because it will heat things up between LA Knight and The Bloodline members.
#1. Lack of credible challengers on WWE RAW
.@ishowspeedsui and The Vision 👀
Since The Usos became the World Tag Team Champions, they haven’t defended their titles on multiple occasions. Even the Samoan Twins had no credible challengers on the red brand.
This led to no hype around The Usos, despite them being tag team titleholders. Therefore, a lack of credible challengers could be another reason for the title change on Monday Night RAW.
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WWE may now move Austin Theory and Logan Paul to the tag team division, particularly in the absence of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. On the other hand, The Usos can be incorporated into the CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns match at WrestleMania 42.
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A few days post her Randwick Guineas conquest, Sheza Alibi gained entry into the Doncaster Mile, and co-trainer Katherine Coleman sees no red flags since to question her preparedness.
The three-year-old filly should jump as the clear favourite in the $4 million Group 1 event run at 1600m on Randwick this Saturday.
Sheza Alibi faces a crucial training session this week at Pakenham Tuesday morning, but Coleman confirmed steady progress following her March 7 Randwick Guineas rout.
“We’ve definitely been very happy with her since she came home from Sydney after winning up there,” Coleman, who trains in partnership with Peter Moody, said.
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“She just hasn’t missed a beat and she seems like she’s really bounced through that.
“Her trial was super, she wasn’t asked for much of an effort and it didn’t take much out of her.
“She seems very bright and well within herself, so she will have a nice gallop on Tuesday morning in preparation for the Doncaster and then head up to Sydney later in the week, all being well.”
Moody and Coleman delayed commitment to the Doncaster Mile until after Sheza Alibi’s 1600m Group 1 Randwick Guineas victory, once back at their Pakenham headquarters.
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Standard routines have continued for the daughter of Saxon Warrior, highlighted by an eye-catching 1000m jumpout win at Pakenham March 24.
In that jumpout, Jamie Melham rode her and will stick aboard Sheza Alibi at 49kg Saturday, seeking to make it five wins in a row.
For John McArdle, the Victoria Handicap represents a pathway to a winter campaign rich in wet-track suits for El Rocko, with an enhanced performance anticipated from the free-rolling gelding on Saturday.
Second start this preparation comes for the seven-year-old Fastnet Rock progeny in the Group 3 1400-metre feature at Caulfield.
The rain-loving miler unplaced last at Caulfield first-up March 21 in the 1200-metre event on a Good surface, yet McArdle explained that the race didn’t unfold ideally for him.
“He needed the run and blew out on the dry track, but he looked as though he was going to hold his gallop and then he got bumped pretty hard,” McArdle said.
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“For a horse as big as he is he’s a bit of a coward and when he got the bump he put the cue in the rack.
“He’ll head towards the Victoria Handicap and then probably back up the week later in the Vase.”
El Rocko secured the Sale Cup and third in the Seymour Cup at 1600m last time out, across 17 starts spanning February 1 to November 23’s Kilmore Cup.
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Aim of the gelding’s opening runs this prep is to forge fitness levels that prepare El Rocko for wet opportunities through winter.
McArdle indicated post-Caulfield, El Rocko might target the Group 3 Cummings Stakes (1600m) Morphettville May 9 or New South Wales races after The Championships.
“If it rains somewhere, he’ll go there,” McArdle said.
“We give him a few runs to get him fit then just take him where there’s rain.”
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El Rocko is nominated among 29 for the Victoria Handicap, topped by Group 1 winners Here To Shock and Desert Lightning as likely foes.
Caulfield’s Saturday Group 3 action includes the Victoria Handicap and the Easter Cup (2000m), with 28 entries like Bankers Choice, Immediacy, Plymouth, Benagil and Chris Waller’s New Zealand runner Doctor Askar.
For the best Victoria Handicap value, visit trusted betting sites and racing odds.
Mar 19, 2026; San Diego, CA, USA; Northern Iowa head coach Ben Jacobson speaks at a press conference ahead of the first round of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Utah State announced the hire of Northern Iowa’s Ben Jacobson to succeed Jerrod Calhoun as its head coach on Monday.
Jacobson, 55, has coached at Northern Iowa for 20 seasons, compiling a 397-259 record and leading the Panthers to the NCAA Tournament for a fifth time in 2025-26. He took them to the Sweet 16 in 2010.
He’ll supervise the Aggies’ move from the Mountain West to the Pac-12 Conference next season.
“Utah State is one of the country’s premier men’s basketball programs, and we needed a leader who embodies that tradition and is committed to building on our rich history,” Utah State AD Cameron Walker said in a statement. “Ben is not only an exceptional person, but across the industry is regarded as one of the best coaches in the country. He will be a tremendous leader and builder of men for our program. As we enter the new Pac-12, it’s critical that our leader drives us to new heights. Ben shares that same passion and vision, and I am thrilled to welcome him and his wife, Dawn, to Cache Valley.”
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Calhoun departed last week to become the head coach at Cincinnati after guiding the Aggies to a 55-15 record with two NCAA Tournament appearances in two seasons.
Jacobson, who is reportedly signing a five-year deal, will be the springboard program’s fifth head coach since 2020. Craig Smith, Ryan Odom, Danny Sprinkle and Calhoun all moved on to bigger jobs after taking the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Utah State as it enters its next chapter in the Pac-12,” Jacobson said in a statement. “I’m grateful to Cameron Walker for trusting me to lead such a historic program and to continue its tradition as one of the top men’s basketball programs in the West. I look forward to getting to know Aggie Nation and the HURD, and for my family to become part of the Cache Valley and Logan community.”
Jacobson was an assistant at North Dakota, North Dakota State and Northern Iowa before taking over the Panthers in 2006. He was named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year five times while winning four MVC regular-season championships and five MVC tournament titles.
Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Brian O’Neill and guard Blake Brandel work through side-by-side reps at the team’s training facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Jun. 10, 2025, focusing on timing, footwork, and communication during minicamp drills. The pair continues building cohesion as the offensive line sharpens execution in offseason preparation. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Have you wondered for a few weeks why the Minnesota Vikings haven’t signed a center from free agency to replace retired four-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kelly? It seems the answer is in-house: the club likes veteran Blake Brandel for the job.
Minnesota’s clearest in-house answer at center is coming into focus.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke to reporters on Monday at the NFL’s league meetings, and he called out Brandel as the odds-on favorite for the starting center post in 2026, with the caveat that next month’s draft has some intriguing names.
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Brandel Has the Early Edge in the Center Battle
The Week 1 center may not be a mystery.
Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) lines up during an NFC Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Jan. 13, 2025, setting his stance before the snap. Brandel prepares to engage at the line as Minnesota’s offense works to establish rhythm in postseason action. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
O’Connell on Brandel as Vikings Center Frontrunner
Until Monday, it didn’t feel like Minnesota had a known starting center on the depth chart. O’Connell changed that mindset.
He told reporters, “It is great that we feel that good about Blake’s versatility, but ultimately we want to do what’s best for Blake to ascend and reach his highest potential at one position or have the flexibility still to play multiple. What his offseason looks like, what his training camp looks like and what his work flow looks like leading into the season, we want to have him more than likely at that center spot and build on some things that he did last year.”
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“It’s a position that’s got some really unique names in the draft, depending on where you may be looking to take one. There’s some guys with experience, there’s some guys with tremendous upside and then some guys that have that flex above the neck of really the smarts and the command that it takes to play center at the National Football League level. We’ll continue to work through it.”
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert added, “O’Connell said the Vikings plan to make center the permanent position for longtime backup Blake Brandel, making him the early front-runner for the job that was vacated by Ryan Kelly’s retirement.”
It’s Brandel’s job to lose.
Brandel’s 2025 Campaign
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While technically a reserve, Brandel played 64% of Minnesota’s offensive snaps in 2025, appearing in all 16 games with nine starts, a workload that underscores the Vikings’ reliance on him.
Although his performance is adequate — evidenced by a 61.4 PFF grade — Brandel’s true value lies in his flexibility and reliability. He can seamlessly transition between guard, tackle, and even center without disrupting the offensive line’s performance.
This versatility was invaluable in 2025 as injuries ravaged the offensive line. Brandel can step in and perform adequately at multiple positions, a rare capability among linemen. And drafted in 2020 alongside Justin Jefferson, Brandel has quietly become a fixture on the team, building one of the longest tenures on the roster. He did enough to project as the starting center in 2026.
All told, Brandel played 383 snaps in 2025 as the Vikings’ center. He improved each week — like clockwork.
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No Interest Whatsoever in Free Agent Centers
The Vikings had no plans to sign a free-agent center, despite about five quality options. These men left their 2025 teams for new destinations:
Tyler Linderbaum — BAL → LV
Elgton Jenkins — GB → CLE
Tyler Biadasz — WAS → LAC
Cade Mays — CAR → DET
Luke Fortner — NO → CAR
Austin Schlottmann — NYG → TEN
Many Vikings fans believed Mays or Fortner could be affordable options for O’Connell’s team, but Minnesota had no interest. They’re content with Brandel.
Minnesota Vikings guard Michael Jurgens (65) takes his position during an NFC Wild Card game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Jan. 13, 2025, focusing on his assignment before the snap. Jurgens readies for contact as the offensive line prepares for the next play. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
O’Connell also mentioned Brandel’s teammate, center Michael Jurgens: “Michael Jurgens has continued to grow and ascend as a young player. And then I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention some of the depth there at that position in the draft.”
“We feel really good about the guys we have in that position right now, with the opportunity potentially maybe to add a player as well in the draft, where we see a talented group of guys who could be available.”
The Names in the Draft
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O’Connell mentioned the draft, which has no main 1st-Rounder center for the Vikings to explore. But it does contain about a half dozen promising rookie candidates.
Auburn offensive lineman Connor Lew (OL32) addresses reporters during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana on Feb. 28, 2026, speaking with media members about his preparation and draft outlook. Lew answers questions while representing Auburn during the pre-draft evaluation process. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images.
Here’s the list, while noting that round placement is obviously approximate:
Round 3 — Connor Lew (Auburn)
Round 3 — Sam Hecht (Kansas State)
Round 3 — Jake Slaughter (Florida)
Round 3/4 — Logan Jones (Iowa)
Round 5 — Parker Brailsford (Alabama)
Round 6 — Pat Coogan (Indiana)
Perhaps the Vikings will draft a player like Coogan, let him develop, and let Brandel roll as the starter in 2026. O’Connell’s hints point to such a plan.
A free agent named Ethan Pocic remains on the open market; he’s probably the last guy left if O’Connell swerves and signs a center from the wire.
Jude Bellingham trained with his England teammates ahead of their friendly against Japan but manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed the midfielder will not be risked, despite the imminent World Cup squad announcement.
The 22-year-old is working his way back from a hamstring issue that reduced him to tears in early February, and only returned to Real Madrid action as a late substitute eight days ago.
Tuchel had initially hoped Bellingham, included in March’s 35-man squad, could feature against Japan after missing Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
However, despite good progress and participating in Monday’s session at Tottenham’s training complex, Tuchel will keep him as a spectator at Wembley once again.
Jude Bellingham has been training with England but is only just back from injury (Bradley Collyer/PA)
“I think it’s too much of a risk,” the England head coach told BBC Radio 5 Live. “So, the tendency is that he will not play.
“We have all gained from him being part of it. He was excellent in training, but he was involved as a neutral player. He was involved in not the whole 100 per cent of the training.
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“So, it looked very, very good but we’re still holding him back, to not take a risk.
“The injury is a muscle, it’s a very particular one, and we absolutely don’t want the re-injury in this moment of the season.
Jordan Henderson has trained away from the main group (Bradley Collyer/PA)
“And him as well, it was very good that he was in camp. He was excellent. But the tendency is that he won’t play.”
Bellingham was among 26 players that took part in Monday’s session at Spurs’ state-of-the-art training ground.
Jordan Henderson, who captained the side against Uruguay, followed his own programme indoors away from the main group.
The German coach picked an expanded 35-man squad for the final camp before making his World Cup selection, with the first wave of players joined by 11 established names on Friday.
Rice and Saka were among the late arrivals but, having watched the 1-1 draw with Uruguay at Wembley, were among five injury withdrawals the following day, along with Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke.
Building combinations, improving fitness levels, and sharpening tactical aspects will be the key focus areas when the tried-and-tested group of 31 probables assemble for the senior women’s national hockey camp from April 1 to prepare for the World Cup later this year.
The camp will be conducted at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The team is currently basking in the glory of a strong performance at the recently-concluded FIH World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, where it secured a silver medal to qualify for the World Cup in Belgium and Netherlands in August.
The camp comes at a crucial juncture as India are also set to compete in the Nations Cup in June, followed by the World Cup and the Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Japan.
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The goalkeeping unit includes Savita Punia, returning after missing the FIH World Cup Qualifiers in Hyderabad, alongside Madhuri Kindo, Bansari Solanki, and Bichu Devi Kharibam, the recent Hockey India Baljit Singh Award-winning goalkeeper.
The defensive line-up includes seasoned players like Nikki Pradhan and Udita, alongside Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, and Shilpi Dabas offering depth at the back.
The midfield included captain Salima Tete, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, and Neha, complemented by promising players such as Sakshi Rana, who was awarded the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year, Sunelita Toppo, and Ishika.
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The forward-line boasts strong attacking options including Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women) winner Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan, Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano,Sonam and Sangita Kumari (Rehab).
Speaking about the camp, coach Sjoerd Marijne said, “This camp is the next step in our preparations for a very competitive season ahead. Our focus will be on improving consistency, refining our structures, and ensuring that we are physically and mentally ready for the challenges ahead.
“We want to build a squad that can perform under pressure and deliver in key moments during major tournaments like the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup and Asian Games.”
The probables: GOALKEEPERS: Savita, Madhuri Kindo, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Bansari Solanki
DEFENDERS: Nikki Pradhan, Ishika Chaudhary, Jyoti Singh, Lalthantluangi, Jyoti, Udita, Shilpi Dabas
MIDFIELDERS: Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Manisha Chauhan, Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, Sakshi Rana, Sunelita Toppo, Salima Tete, Neha, Ishika
FORWARDS: Deepika Soreng, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal, Baljeet Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Annu, Beauty Dungdung, Hina Bano, Sonam, Lalremsiami, Mumtaz Khan Sangita Kumari (Rehab).
O’Neill has always spoken of wanting his players to play at the highest level, but as mentioned, a significant number of players will be going up against his Rovers to avoid the drop and it’s tight at the bottom.
They include Price at West Brom, who are also four points above the relegation zone, Ciaron Brown, Jamie McDonnell, Jamie Donley and Brodie Spencer at Oxford United, who are one point from safety and Terry Devlin at Portsmouth, who are one point above the drop, while he manages Tom Atcheson at Rovers.
Is it a cause for concern for Northern Ireland that the international boss could potentially relegate some of his regulars in the international squad?
O’Neill certainly didn’t think so.
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When asked in February he said he isn’t “having that blood on my hands” and the fate of those clubs lay with their respective managers.
“At the end of the day, my job is to do the best I can for Blackburn Rovers,” he said.
“The lads who manage those respective clubs, their job is to do the best for their clubs as well. I don’t think that’s an issue at all.”
Cynics may question whether O’Neill, who will have reduced preparation time with Rovers for two big games by virtue of preparing NI to face Wales, will deliberately disadvantage Championship rivals while in charge of NI in terms of how he manages the aforementioned players’ loads against Wales with a busy spell of domestic action to follow.
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Coincidentally, three of the four players released from the NI squad in Norwich’s Ruairi McConville (knee), Preston’s Ali McCann (knock) and Hull City’s Paddy McNair (thigh) will face three of O’Neill relegation rivals in Portsmouth, Leicester and Oxford on Friday.
O’Neill would refute any suggestion of meddling no doubt and when asked about the cramped schedule said he was “aware of the situation” but stressed he would still focus on helping Northern Ireland win the game in Cardiff.
“We’re not in charge of the schedule of the games for either the international window or the EFL. I think 80% of my squad play in the EFL. We’re mindful of the situation for the clubs, of course, but when the clubs signed these players, they knew they were international players and, we’re not going to be reckless with the players or anything like that there, but, we have to obviously look after ourselves as a group of players,” he explained.
“The most important thing is that the players just go out and play the game. They’ll be fine. The lads who play in the EFL, they play a lot of football and they’re used to playing regular football. So they’ve got resilience and I’m sure they’ll get through the game fine.”
France comfortably beat Colombia in a friendly match in the United States (3-1). This win caps off a successful tour for Les Bleus in the United States, three days after their victory over Brazil.
Also in this sports roundup:
In tennis, Jannik Sinner won back-to-back titles at Indian Wells and Miami.
Kimi Antonelli won the Japanese Grand Prix in Formula 1.
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In cycling, Jonas Vingegaard won Volta a Catalunya.
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