By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
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Dane Miller’s Week 16 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
It’s coming down to it.
March is right around the corner, and the at-large resumes are coming under scrutiny.
Last week, UCLA helped itself with a critical win over Illinois while USC shot itself in the foot with two losses.
At the same time, San Diego State played its way out of the projected field with two defeats, while Utah State hurt its projected seed by dropping a game to Nevada.
Over in the ACC, California stayed in contention while essentially knocking Stanford out.
This week, there are several critical games in the WCC and MWC that will affect the Bubble conversation.
Here’s how I view the Top 10 College Basketball Teams in the West with three weeks to go until Selection Sunday.
1. Arizona (25-2, 12-2)
Without Koa Peat, the Wildcats took down BYU and Houston.
The victories underscore the depth of Arizona’s roster and the coaching staff’s ability to adjust. Sidi Gueye and Evan Nelson transitioned from bench warmers to rotational roles, contributing critical minutes in both games.
If anything, the absence of Peat and Dwayne Aristode has made Arizona stronger in the long run.
2. Gonzaga (27-2, 15-1)
The Zags crushed San Francisco and beat Pacific last week. But nobody has forgotten about that loss to Portland earlier this season.
Facing the Pilots in Spokane on Wednesday, Gonzaga has the chance for revenge. Looking further beyond to the Big Dance, it’s probably unwise to doubt Mark Few.
Yet, it’s reasonable to wonder if the Bulldogs go deeper than the Sweet 16.
3. BYU (20-7, 8-6)
Kevin Young and his players are beginning to adjust to the loss of Richie Saunders. In the win over Iowa State, Mihailo Boskovic and Kennard Davis Jr. stepped up.
Young needs his supporting players to continue increasing their production while AJ Dybantsa keeps dominating.
If the season ended today, Dybantsa would be the betting favorite to win the Big 12’s Player of the Year award.
4. Utah State (23-4, 13-3)
A shot at a 5-seed just went out of the window with the road loss to Nevada. Now, the prospect of the dreaded 8 or 9-seed is becoming more realistic.
Utah State does have the talent to get out of the First Round in that scenario, but it likely won’t beat any of the projected 1-seeds.
To make a Sweet 16 run, the Aggies might need to win their final four regular-season contests and at least make the Mountain West Tournament Championship Game.
5. UCLA (18-9, 10-6)
Mick Cronin got another signature win this season with a victory over Illinois. Combined with the previous result against Purdue, the Bruins have effectively moved off the cut line.
And with games remaining against USC, Minnesota, and Nebraska, UCLA could enter the Big Ten Tournament on a five-game winning streak.
Even so, any unexpected stumbles could put the Bruins back into the danger zone.
6. Saint Mary’s (25-4, 14-2)
The Gaels escaped with a two-point win over Seattle and then crushed Washington State.
The close margin of victory over the Redhawks is concerning at this stage of the season. But none of that matters with Santa Clara and Gonzaga coming to Moraga this week.
Beat both opponents, and Saint Mary’s becomes a lock for the NCAA Tournament. Lose both, and the Gaels might drop outside of the projected field.
7. New Mexico (21-6, 12-4)
It took a historic comeback to beat Fresno State on the road. Yet, at the end of the day, a win is a win.
There’s no time to dwell on the result with Nevada and San Diego State up next. The Lobos play the Wolf Pack on the road after Steve Alford’s team just took down Utah State.
Still on the cut line, New Mexico can’t afford to lose this week.
8. Santa Clara (23-6, 14-2)
Santa Clara’s NCAA Tournament hopes are on the line this week against Saint Mary’s. Facing the Gaels on the road, the matchup could wind up being a de facto elimination game.
The WCC probably only gets one at-large bid, which leaves three teams fighting for two spots.
Anything can happen, yet the Broncos will feel much more comfortable on Selection Sunday if they beat Saint Mary’s on Wednesday.
9. California (19-8, 7-7)
Mark Madsen has the Bears in position to make the NCAA Tournament. If the Selection Show were held today, it would be a toss-up.
That makes this week’s game against SMU critical. In some ways, it’s Cal biggest game of the year. Beat the Mustangs, and the Bears will probably move into the projected field.
A loss wouldn’t eliminate California, but it would be a substantial missed opportunity.
10. San Diego State (18-8, 12-4)
The Aztecs are on the wrong side of the conversation. The prospects of an at-large bid were already in question, even prior to the losses to GCU and Colorado State last week.
Fortunately, there are opportunities remaining. San Diego State faces Utah State, New Mexico, Boise State, and UNLV to close the year.
Go 4-0 over that stretch, and a bid seems much more likely.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
Latest posts by Dane Miller (see all)
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Dane Miller’s Week 16 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
> How the region’s best teams stack up across the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, MW, Pac-12, and WCC
– February 23, 2026 -
Dane Miller’s Week 15 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
> How the region’s best teams stack up across the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, MW, Pac-12, and WCC
– February 16, 2026 -
Dane Miller’s Week 14 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
> How the region’s best teams stack up across the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, MW, Pac-12, and WCC
– February 9, 2026
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Team USA men’s hockey stars Matthew and Brady Tkachuk kept America’s heroes in mind as they celebrated their gold medal triumph over Canada at the Winter Olympics on Sunday.
The two players spoke to KSDK-TV with an American flag draped over each of their shoulders.
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United States’ Matthew Tkachuk, left, and Brady Tkachuk pose for the team picture after receiving their gold medals following an overtime win against Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
“I feel on top of the world. Just to do it while my brother’s here. There’s so many people that we can thank. Matthew said everybody in St. Louis, all the family and friends, even every first responder, everyone that protects and serves our country. This is for them. This is for every American,” Brady Tkachuk told the St. Louis station.
Matthew Tkachuk interjected, “All the military that put their life on the line for us.”
He also reflected on the win over Canada and said the brothers couldn’t have done it without a ton of support.
United States’ Brady Tkachuk (7) and Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrate after the United States’ win over Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
“Hockey’s our game. It’s the United States of America’s game. It’s the greatest country in the world,” he said. “We have the best support ever – hundreds of millions of people back home, so many people in St. Louis, everyone in St. Louis.
“We could feel the support whether they’re hockey fans or not. Everyone’s watching. Everyone better be partying right now. Everyone better be wearing the red, white and blue for as long as they can. It should be a month mandate to wear the red, white and blue of the United States and celebrate us and the other Olympian gold medalists.”
It was Jack Hughes who gave Team USA the win in overtime against Canada.
The New Jersey Devils star was able to put the puck past Jordan Binnington for the win.
United States’ Jack Hughes (86) celebrates with United States’ Brady Tkachuk (7) after scoring the game-winning goal against Canada in sudden death overtime during the men’s ice hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA,” he said. “I love my teammates. It’s unbelievable. The U.S. are a hockey brotherhood. It’s so strong and we had so much support from ex-players. I’m so proud to be American today.”
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2026 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Sleepers, breakouts, busts by model that nailed Cal Raleigh’s huge season
MLB Spring Training 2026 is rolling with most days seeing more than a dozen games, which means 2026 Fantasy baseball drafts are going on the clock now. The early 2026 Fantasy baseball ADP shows two-way player Shohei Ohtani as the clear-cut top pick in most drafts, with Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt, Juan Soto, Jose Ramirez and Elly De La Cruz also going in the first round of many drafts. Those are relatively obvious picks for the top of drafts, but finding value in the mid-to-late rounds is the key to building a deep, championship-level roster.
Who are the top 2026 Fantasy baseball sleepers, breakouts and busts, and which 2026 Fantasy baseball picks can give your roster an edge this season? MLB Opening Day is on Wednesday, March 25 with the Yankees vs. Giants, with a full slate of games then taking place the following day, leaving about a month to make Fantasy baseball picks. Before going on the clock in any 2026 Fantasy baseball drafts, be sure to see the 2026 Fantasy baseball rankings and cheat sheets from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
Last season, SportsLine’s Projection Model identified several top Fantasy baseball sleepers, breakouts, and busts, including nailing Cal Raleigh’s huge season. The team at SportsLine was all over Raleigh as a Fantasy breakout from the start. They had him as a top-five catcher in their optimal rankings, ahead of catchers such as Adley Rutschman and William Contreras. The result: Raleigh blasted 60 home runs and gave unprecedented value at a position where it can be tough to find offense from.
The SportsLine model is powered by the same people who powered projections for three major Fantasy sites. And that same group is sharing its 202 Fantasy baseball rankings and cheat sheets over at SportsLine, helping you find Fantasy baseball sleepers, breakouts and busts long before your competition. Their cheat sheets, available for leagues on many major sites, are updated multiple times every day.
Any time more MLB news comes out about trades, signings or Fantasy baseball injuries, the team at SportsLine updates its projections. Go to SportsLine now to see these proven Fantasy baseball cheat sheets.
Top 2026 Fantasy baseball sleepers
One of the 2026 Fantasy baseball sleepers the model is all over: Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe. The longtime Rays infielder was traded to Pittsburgh over the offseason, and he projects to be a centerpiece for the Pirates who will hit near the top of the order. Lowe had a power surge in 2025, with his 31 home runs and 83 RBI marking his best numbers in those categories since 2021.
The latest Fantasy baseball ADP shows Lowe going off the board at pick No. 132. SportsLine’s model, however, projects him as the No. 6 second baseman, ahead of players such as Nico Hoerner, Marcus Semien and Ozzie Albies, all top-100 picks on average. See more Fantasy baseball sleepers at SportsLine.
Top 2026 Fantasy baseball breakouts
One of the 2026 Fantasy baseball breakouts the model is jumping on: Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. Goodman hit below .200 as he got a taste of the Majors in both 2023 and 2024. As the primary catcher for the rebuilding Rockies in 2025, however, Goodman took a giant leap — hitting .278 with an .843 OPS and 31 home runs and 91 RBI as only Raleigh had more homers amongst catchers.
Despite that success and the advantage of hitting in the thin air at Coors Field, Fantasy players are still waiting until late in the top-100 picks to take the 26-year-old catcher this year. SportsLine’s model is projecting him as the No. 2 catcher in 2026, and advises Fantasy players to take him ahead of top-100 picks like Will Smith and Shea Langeliers. See more Fantasy baseball breakouts at SportsLine.
Top 2026 Fantasy baseball busts
As for players to avoid, the model has pinpointed Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts as one of its top Fantasy baseball busts. While the Dodgers have continued to stockpile high-priced talent at almost every position, Betts is a player who has seen his numbers decline recently as he had career-lows in average (.258) and OPS (.732) last year. He especially struggled in the 2025 postseason with a .648 OPS, continuing the season-long trend of struggling at the plate as compared to his lofty career norms.
Entering his age-33 season, the model believes that Betts, who is going off the board pick No. 47, is again overvalued from a Fantasy standpoint this season. The model projects that players such as Jeremy Pena, Corey Seager and Willy Adames, all of whom are going off the board several rounds later, will provide more production. See more Fantasy baseball busts at SportsLine.
How to find proven 2026 Fantasy baseball rankings
SportsLine’s model has some shocking rankings at starting pitcher, projecting that one player who is barely going off the board in the top 200 will outperform huge names such as Max Fried, Chris Sale and Logan Webb. This pick could be the difference between winning your league or going home with nothing. You can only see who it is here.
So which 2026 Fantasy baseball busts, breakouts and sleepers should you target or fade in your drafts? Visit SportsLine now to get 2026 Fantasy baseball rankings for every single position, all from the model that called Cal Raleigh’s monster season, and find out.
England and South Africa have postponed a T20 international series which was originally planned for next winter.
The two sides will play three Test matches and three one-day internationals across December 2026 and January 2027.
In addition to the ODIs the white-ball leg of the tour was supposed to include three T20s as per the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme.
Cricket South Africa and the England and Wales Cricket Board are planning to rearrange the 20-over series to a later date.
South Africa’s domestic T20 franchise tournament – the SA20 – is set to be played from 9 January until 14 February 2027 and a number of players from both sides are expected to participate.
“The originally planned T20 series has been removed from the schedule due to scheduling conflicts,” said an ECB statement.
“Both parties are exploring opportunities to reschedule it at a later date.”
England’s Test series in South Africa starts on 17 December at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
The second Test between the sides will start on 26 December at SuperSport Park at Centurion while the final Test at Newlands in Cape Town begins on 3 January.
The ODI series starts at Boland Park in Paarl on 10 January, with the final two matches of the series at the Manguang Oval in Bloemfontein on 13 and 15 January.
This week, PGA Tour players competed in the second signature event of the season, The Genesis Invitational. The tournament was held at the Riviera Country Club from Feb. 19 to 22.
Jacob Bridgeman was phenomenal in the game and registered a win in the tournament. He outperformed his odds. Below are the five golfers who overperformed their odds at the 2026 Genesis Invitational:
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5 golfers who over-performed their odds at The Genesis Invitational 2026
#1 Jacob Bridgeman
- Odds: +8000
- Result: Winner
As per FanDuel, Jacob Bridgeman had odds of +8000. However, he had an impressive play this week. He started the game with an opening round of 66 and then played the next round of 64. The American golfer was amazing with his game and played another round of 64 to take the lead in the game after 54 holes. He carded the final round of 72 and settled with a score of 18-under. He registered a one-stroke win in the game.
#2 Kurt Kitayama
Kurt Kitayama is another golfer who outperformed his odds at the 2026 Genesis Invitational. He started the game with an opening round of 71 and then played the next three rounds of 64, 68, and 64. He had odds of +7500 but outperformed them and settled in second place.
#3 Adam Scott
Another golfer who overperformed his odds at the 2026 Genesis Invitational is Adam Scott. He had odds of +5500 (via FanDuel). However, he outperformed them and had a phenomenal outing in the tournament. The Australian golfer started the game with an opening round of 70 and then played the next round of 63. He carded the final two rounds of 72 and 63 and settled in solo fourth place.
#4 Pierceson Coody
Pierceson Coody also overperformed his odds at the 2026 Genesis Invitational. He started the game with an opening round of 68 and then played the next round of 71. He carded 68 and 67 in the next two rounds and settled in a tie for 16th place. Per FanDuel, his odds for the event were +6000.
#5 Alex Noren
Alex Noren also overperformed his odds at the Genesis Invitational. Per FanDuel, his odds for the event were around +8000. He had a tough start to his game and carded 74 on Thursday. However, he then played rounds of 66, 67, and 66 and settled in a tie for 12th place.
Edited by Ankita Yadav
Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in the sport, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss Tiger Woods’ chances of playing in the Masters, Jon Rahm’s curious decision and takeaways from the PGA Tour’s West Coast Swing.
Tiger Woods was on-site and even in the TV booth as the host for this week’s Genesis Invitational. Tiger spoke on a variety of topics and somewhat surprisingly said there’s still a chance he’ll play the 2026 Masters. Woods, 50, hasn’t played since the 2024 Open Championship as he’s been recovering from different injuries. But do you buy this? What’s the realistic chance you think he plays at Augusta National? Do you have a percentage chance you’d put on it?
Josh Sens, senior writer (@joshsens): The latest odds I saw from people who make a living setting them were 2-to-1. That seems reasonable. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him try to make a go of it. But I’d be a bit surprised to see him make the cut and walk for rounds.
James Colgan, news and features editor (@jamescolgan26): Judging based on his demeanor at Riviera, I’d couch him at a 61.25 percent chance of playing. I’m not sure he’d entertain [gulps] the Champions Tour as a legitimate competitive option unless he thought it meant that he might be able to USE the Champions Tour to start elsewhere. Like, for example, at Augusta National.
Josh Schrock, news editor (@Schrock_And_Awe): I buy that Tiger believes there’s a chance he can play, and he’s going to try to push it to be able to tee off at Augusta. I’d still put it at around 40%. He said he’s hitting full shots, but then pumped the brakes when Nantz said he could hit the kind of 7-wood Jacob Bridgeman hit into 11 on Saturday. He’s a maniacal competitor and wants to play. But the body has to be able to go where the mind wants, and it’s unclear where his body is in the rehab process.
Why did Anthony Kim’s win resonate so deeply? Tiger Woods has the answer
;)
Speaking of those other topics Tiger touched on, what did he say over the past week that was of most interest to you?
Sens: I wasn’t exactly shocked to hear it, but I would say I raised my eyebrows when he said he hasn’t decided on a Ryder Cup captaincy. Deep down, you and I know he’s going to be the captain. And I think he knows it, too. Also: the idea that riding a cart on the Champions Tour appeals to him. Could you have ever imagined a young Tiger saying that?
Colgan: I was shocked to hear Tiger admit that the Tour is considering moving at least one of the two premier early-season PGA Tour events (Pebble Beach and Riviera) to August to accommodate the new schedule. That change would certainly fix the problem of California rain the Tour currently finds in February, but I wonder if it’d help make the “Playoffs” FEEL bigger, too. I know each of those events feels bigger now solely by proxy of their golf courses. I’m in favor.
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Team USA men’s hockey honored the late Johnny Gaudreau on Sunday as players carried his jersey and his children onto the ice as they celebrated a gold medal win at the Olympics.
Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed by an alleged drunk driver in New Jersey in August 2024. They were in town for their sister’s wedding. The former Columbus Blue Jackets player likely would have been on the team if it wasn’t for the tragedy.
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United States’ Dylan Larkin (21) holds Johnny, the son of the late player Johnny Gaudreau while posing with teammates after a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
United States’ Matthew Tkachuk (19) carries Noa Gaudreau, following a men’s ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Katie Gaudreau appeared on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends” and thanked the team for what they did.
“Team USA really went above and beyond. It meant the world,” she said Monday. “Even just having his jersey out when Matthew (Tkachuk) went out with his jersey round-to-round with the jersey. It really meant a lot. And we thought it was just going to end there.
“And then I remember watching the jersey when they were giving out the gold medals and thinking, ‘Wow, it’s still there,’ and as the celebration went on, when they went to do the picture, they stopped for a little bit. We were like, ‘What are they doing? What are they doing?’ And I thought I heard them say earlier, ‘There’s Meredith in the crowd,’ and when they went and got Johnny (Junior) on his second birthday and Noa, it truly meant the world to us because, honestly, this is what John wanted for his children. He wanted them to experience these experiences, these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that he worked so hard for.”
TEAM USA MEN’S HOCKEY HONORS JOHNNY GAUDREAU AFTER WINNING OLYMPIC GOLD
Team USA pose for group photo Johnny Gaudreau’s children during the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and United States on day sixteen of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images)
Team USA won the game, 2-1, thanks to Jack Hughes’ score in overtime. Canada missed out on a handful of chances to bust the game open.
Katie Gaudreau said she thought there may have been some kind of divine intervention for Canada to have missed some of the opportunities they had.
“They would be very proud. They like a nail-biter, so they probably would’ve been chirping everyone. But they would’ve been proud,” she said. “I think there were a couple goals that … they might have had a little help in saving. They didn’t go in. There was a couple times I was watching, ‘How did that not go in?’ I think they might have had some help behind the net. They were never quite defensive so I don’t know if they woulda made their way back in the defensive zone to stop that puck.”
She added that the grief of losing her brothers was still there, but thanks to the hockey community, she and her family have been able to take it day by day.
“There’s no processing. We’re still taking it day by day,” she said. “But because of the help of the hockey community and really North America as a whole, we’ve been able to go one step everyday further and I’m so thankful for the community’s help. No parent, wife, sister, children should ever have to experience this tragedy.
Auston Matthews (34) of the United States, Zach Werenski (8) of the United States and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States hold up the jersey of John Gaudreau after defeating Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026. (Amber Searls/Imagn Images)
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“The fact that we’re still here and taking it step by step to honor the boys and their legacy is really in thanks to the community and things like Team USA and what they did yesterday. Just the outpour of love and support for John’s kids, Matthew’s trip, it’s truly incredible what this community can really do.”
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With a Group 1 triumph already recorded, Observer approaches his top-tier reappearance this Saturday at Flemington with some lingering aspirations unfulfilled.
Ciaron Maher’s charge, the colt, seeks to claim the $1 million Australian Guineas to pair with his Victoria Derby score from the prior spring at that circuit.
The Ghaiyyath-sired runner confirmed his prowess at 2500 metres against contemporaries via the Derby, emerging previously from the Caulfield Guineas with bad luck, and Maher anticipates a 1600m Group 1 addition to his achievements.
“I think he showed there that he’s good enough to win at that level over that trip,” Maher said of his Caulfield Guineas run, when beaten 2-1/2 lengths by Autumn Boy.
“I hope he can do it for him and his future.
“You would think he’ll only better at Flemington, just with the style he races and the set-up of the track.
“He was good first-up, but he’d be much better at the mile and beyond.”
Observer has notched victories in his three races after the Caulfield Guineas, including the Derby after an impressive success in the Moonee Valley Vase (2040m), and he opened this prep with a solid pace-setting win in the Autumn Stakes (1400m).
Maher passed on that 1400m test for the 2021 Victoria Derby-Australian Guineas hero Hitotsu, and regards Observer’s run on February 7 there as proof of his advancing maturity.
“With Hitotsu, we were very confident to go in fresh at the mile, but with this horse, I wanted to give him a run,” Maher said.
“He’s a different style of horse, he’s a bit more relaxed this time around. He went from the Norton (bit) back to the normal bridle last start, so he is maturing as he goes and is getting stronger.”
Ethan Brown, Observer’s Caulfield Guineas pilot, substituted for the hurt Mark Zahra in the Autumn Stakes saddle and retains the role in the Guineas.
For the Australian Guineas, Observer sits as the $2.40 market leader over Sixties, prepared by Chris Waller and fresh off the C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) win, at $3 in behind.
Visit Australian betting sites to find racing odds for the Australian Guineas.
Feb 21, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) reacts during the second half against the Iowa State Cyclones at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images The stakes are high for both teams when UCF travels to No. 23 BYU for a pivotal Big 12 Conference showdown on Tuesday in Provo, Utah.
With two straight wins, the Knights have firmed up their place squarely on the NCAA Tournament bubble. UCF (19-7, 8-6 Big 12) is ranked No. 46 in the NCAA NET. It is 9-7 in Quadrant 1 and 2 games. The Knights are 10-0 in Quad 3 and 4 games. So while UCF doesn’t have any bad losses, it did start February with a three-game losing streak.
Consecutive wins, an 82-71 home win over fellow bubble mate TCU on Tuesday was followed up with a 73-71 nailbiter of a road win at Utah on Saturday. Themus Fulks led the way against the Utes with 24 points and hit a pair of free throws in the closing seconds for the Knights to escape with a win.
It was a win that kept the Knights’ Quad 3 and 4 sheet clean and it came without their co-leading scorer Riley Kugel (14.0 points per game). Kugel was injured late in the TCU game. The senior guard had started all 25 games. Reserve guard Carmelo Pacheco (5.0 points) was questionable before the Utah game but offered six points off the bench.
“Riley is still day-to-day,” UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. “Pacheco did a great job of giving us a lift in both halves (against Utah).”
Conversely, it appears BYU (20-7, 8-6) is inside the NCAA Tournament cut line. The Cougars are No. 19 in the NET and picked up a valuable 79-69 home win against No. 6 Iowa State on Saturday.
But it has been an up-and-down month for the Cougars. BYU is just 3-3 in February and lost second-leading scorer Richie Saunders, who averaged 18 points per game and 5.8 rebounds, to a torn ACL on Feb. 14 in a home win over Colorado.
“We’ve faced a lot of adversity and no one has blinked,” BYU coach Kevin Young said. “They’ve stayed together and have kept working.” Against the Cyclones, the Cougars sprung the upset as AJ Dybantsa stuffed the stat sheet with 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. In Saunders absence, Kennard Davis Jr., who averages 7.8 points per game, racked up 17 points and pitched in four rebounds. Mihailo Boskovic (3.5 points) also exceeded his average with 13 points and five rebounds.
The senior from Serbia, Boskovic had just three starts this season and played 28 minutes against Iowa State, well above his season average of 12.9.
“I think there’s a lot to be said for opportunity and confidence,” Young said. “Those guys understand with Richie out their numbers are going to get called more. There’s a little more of a deep breath. They don’t have to press because they know the ball is going to come to them a little more.
“With Mihailo he knows he is going to play more minutes, so it’s a little easier to get into a rhythm when you have that mindset. At the same time, they get all the credit because they have stayed ready and they have been able to deliver.” –Field Level Media
Team Akwa Ibom tennis player Etoro Bassey has described her victory over Lorelay Holzendorff as “thrilling” after reaching the women’s singles final at the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Edo State.
“The feeling is thrilling. Last year (1st Edition of the Niger Delta Games) was basically the same thing as we met in the semifinals and I won and to defeat her again is a good thing for me,” Bassey said after her 2-0 (6-1, 6-1) win in the semifinal held on Monday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The 18-year-old said she had no fear going into the match despite Lorelay’s improvement. “I didn’t feel fear at all. I was confident in my game,” she stated.
Bassey also said she is hoping for a repeat of last year’s final against fellow Team Akwa Ibom player, Favour James. “I am really looking forward to a repeat of last years final. I want to face Favour James in the final but if it happens otherwise fine.”
She praised the organisers of the Games for their support and welfare of athletes. “The competition is okay. They are treating us well, giving us good food and everything is okay.
“It has been fun in Edo State. I am getting to meet new people and our team we are supporting each other and so I am enjoying myself here.”
Bassey, who is competing in youth events, also revealed her ambition to reach the top circuit and become a professional tennis player.
The Niger Delta Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Events will run until the closing ceremony on February 26
As the second edition of the Niger Delta Games enters Day-3 in Benin, Edo State, the Scouting Committee has said that it has a mission to identify the next generation of star sportsmen and women from the region.
Chairman of the committee, Godwin Enakhena and his team has been moving round the games venues from morning sessions till the close of the day, monitoring and liaising with the screening committee to ensure that the right athletes were scouted.
“We’re ready to help discover the next Blessing Oborodudu, Victor Ikpeba, Victor Osimhen, Nwankwo Kanu, Efe Ajagba, Enefiok Udo-Obong, Blessing Okagbare, Ese Brume etc for the Niger Delta region”, he asserted Sunday afternoon when he joined a group of former athletics stars at the track and field events at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday.
The line up of athletics greats includes Mary Onyali, Henry Amike, Gabriel Okon, Gabriel Opuama and Enefiok Udo-Obong among others.
“We are happy with the job done by the screening committee to ensure that true U-20s are the ones participating in Benin City.
“We’re going to be meticulous in beaming the searchlight on very talented younger athletes that are being showcased at the Games”, he said amidst the din of cheers that trailed the completion of the 400m hurdles final.
Enakhena recalled that at the last edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, 644 athletes were identified as having the potentials to thrive in the future.
He believes that there exists a possibility to exceed that number given that the states are beginning to embrace the vision of going to the grassroots to discover budding talents.
“To make this happen, we’ve put together experienced coaches and scouts. Blessing Oborududu leads wrestling scouts and Rolake Olagbegi-Kassim leads tennis. She was the first Nigerian female professional tennis player and the first to win Gold and Silver medals at the All-African Games. The longest serving NPFL player, Victor Ezeji will lead the football scouts, amongst others”, he disclosed.
The NDG has been programmed to provide a platform for states in the region to discover, test and nurture indigenous budding talents to become national and international champions.
The games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited led by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
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