By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
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Dane Miller’s Week 18 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
The Selection Show is next week, and the conference tournaments are in full swing.
After two key wins last week, UCLA arguably locked up its at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Now with six teams from the region expected to receive bids, the remaining programs are fighting for their postseason lives.
Santa Clara and New Mexico are the best candidates to get an invitation, while San Diego State, California, and Stanford are still in the picture.
Here’s how I view the Top 10 College Basketball Teams in the West with one week to go until Selection Sunday.
1. Arizona (29-2, 16-2)
The Wildcats have the 1-seed in the West locked up after beating Iowa State and Colorado last week.
Tommy Lloyd’s team set the program record for most wins in a regular season, ending the year with 29 victories.
But this team will always be defined by what happens in the NCAA Tournament. Anything short of a Final Four run would be a disappointment.
2. Gonzaga (28-3, 16-2)
Mark Few’s team had a full week off. The Zags haven’t played since February 28 in a loss to Saint Mary’s on the road.
As the 1-seed in the WCC Tournament, Gonzaga faces Oregon State in the Semifinals.
Expected to be somewhere around a 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament, another Sweet 16 run could be in the cards. But a loss in the Second Round wouldn’t be a shock.
3. BYU (21-10, 9-9)
After getting blown out by Cincinnati earlier in the week, BYU took down Texas Tech in Provo. The win could change the outlook for the NCAA Tournament.
But the Big 12 Tournament is looming, and an early exit would be damaging. Kevin Young’s team enters Kansas City as a lowly 10-seed, facing Kansas State on Tuesday.
If the Conference tournament goes well, BYU might end up as high as a 6-seed in the Big Dance.
4. UCLA (21-10, 13-7)
Don’t look now because UCLA is playing some of its best basketball of the season. Donovan Dent has been on a tear while the Bruins have won four of their last five.
With recent victories over Illinois and Nebraska, UCLA has moved from a Bubble team to a lock for the NCAA Tournament.
The questions now become about seeding and region.
5. Saint Mary’s (27-4, 16-2)
As the 2-seed in the WCC Tournament, Saint Mary’s gets a full week off before returning to action.
The Gaels have already locked up their bid to the Big Dance and face Santa Clara in the Semifinals on Monday night.
Consistently able to advance out of the Round of 64, don’t overlook Randy Bennett’s team. Perhaps this is finally the year they break through to the Sweet 16.
6. Utah State (25-6, 15-5)
The Aggies won the Mountain West Regular Season Championship in their final year in the league.
It’s a historic milestone for the only MWC team considered a lock for the NCAA Tournament. But how deep Utah State goes is an open question.
The blowout loss to UNLV last week put a damper on expectations. At this point, a loss in the First Round would not be unexpected.
7. Santa Clara (24-7, 15-3)
Santa Clara took advantage of the chaos last week. Multiple Bubble teams lost, which made the Broncos’ path to the NCAA Tournament more likely.
After handling Pacific in the Quarterfinals of the WCC Tournament, Herb Sendek’s team faces Saint Mary’s in the Semifinals.
A win would lock Santa Clara into the Tournament while a loss would make Selection Sunday a nail-biter.
8. New Mexico (22-9, 13-7)
The Lobos played their way out of the NCAA Tournament last week. With losses to Colorado State and Utah State, Eric Olen’s team is now on the outside looking in.
Entering the Mountain West Conference Tournament as the 3-seed, UNM might need to make the Championship Game to keep their hopes alive.
New Mexico is at the mercy of other Bubble teams around the nation and could miss out due to a bid-stealer in another league.
9. San Diego State (20-10, 14-6)
SDSU is in a bad spot. The defeat to Boise State last week arguably destroyed any remaining chance the Aztecs had at an at-large bid.
Now, the only path might be to win the Mountain West Tournament. Circumstances can change and evolve quickly.
But San Diego State has underperformed all season, and the MWC is a potential one-bid league. That’s not a good scenario with one week to go until Selection Sunday.
10. California (21-10, 9-9)
To make the Big Dance, the Bears must make a run in the ACC Tournament. The losses to Pittsburgh and Wake Forest at the end of the year were damaging.
As the 9-seed, California faces Florida State with a chance to play Duke if they handle the Seminoles. There’s always a chance.
But Cal’s NCAA Tournament hopes are on life-support and an at-large bid appears unlikely.
Just Missed: Stanford
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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Dane Miller’s Week 18 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
– March 9, 2026 -
Dane Miller’s Week 17 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
– March 2, 2026 -
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
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Akshay Bhatia is now a three-time PGA Tour winner after defeating Daniel Berger in a playoff at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Interestingly, he’s won each of those three events, starting in 2023, with largely minimal changes to his golf bag over that span, including the same driver.
It’s rare for a player to use the same driver on the PGA Tour for going on five seasons, but Bhatia and his Rogue ST Max LS driver from 2022 seem inseparable at this point. Bhatia switched into the new Quantum Triple Diamond Max driver at the American Express, only to revert back to his old faithful after one event.
Bhatia has a unique swing, with an extreme out-to-in path and an open clubface at impact, which is one reason he doesn’t switch equipment often.
His bag is essentially the same as it was for his last win at the 2024 Valero Texas Open, except for the upgrade to Callaway’s new Opus SP wedges last year and the updated version of his Apex TCB irons.
That includes a Callaway Apex UT 22-degree 4-iron replacement, making him the fourth winner this season to have a utility iron in that spot in the bag, joining Collin Morikawa, Jacob Bridgeman and Scottie Scheffler. More and more often, pros are substituting a 4-iron with a utility iron that prioritizes ball speed retention on mishits and improved peak height.
Bhatia has also played the same shafts for all of his wins, including a Fujikura Ventus Black in all of his woods. Fujikura once again dominated the shaft count this week, with 41.2 percent of the 80-man field playing a Fuji driver shaft, nearly 24 percent higher than their nearest competitor.
Keep reading below for all of Bhatia’s detailed WITB specs.
Akshay Bhatia’s winning WITB at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational
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Callaway
Driver: Rogue ST Max LS 9.0
Actual Loft: 7.2˚
Lie: 57˚
OptiFit Setting: -2/N (Strong Cog)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7X
Length: 44.875″
Tipping: 1″
Swingweight: D3+
Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond Max Custom Driver
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ALSO AVAILABLE AT: PGA Tour Superstore, Callaway
Fujikura Ventus Black Wood Shaft (Previous Gen)
The Fujikura Ventus Black utilizes a Tour-inspired profile and the first to include Fujikura’s VeloCore Technology in an accelerated taper, ultra stiff tip profile. Maximum energy transfer from the tip section boosts the clubhead’s performance and a straight taper design enhances loading and feel. You can purchase the Fujikura Ventus Black in the following models: 6, 7, and 8. You can buy the Fujikura Ventus Black with the adaptor sleeve of choice built to your requires specifications.
JOCKEY TIP: The Fujikura Ventus Black is ideal for the player looking for a low launch, low spin shaft that was designed to significantly tighten shot dispersion and maximize ball speed especially on off-center shots.
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3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 15˚
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 8-X
TaylorMade Qi4D Custom Fairway Wood
PROVEN RECIPE
TaylorMade Fairways have dominated on Tour for over a decade because of their unique performance recipe, which enables maximum distance and versatility.
The Qi4D fairway is designed for golfers who want the most advanced technology while still prioritizing versatility and control with amazing distance.
ADJUSTABLE PERFORMANCE
Utilizing a single Trajectory Adjustment System weight (8g x1) provides the golfer a more mass efficient way to adjust flight, spin and swing weight.
4° loft sleeve can be used to adjust loft, lie and face angle for optimized flight and is available in all lofts.
REFINED ATTRIBUTES, BIG CHANGES
Engineers conducted an objective analysis of all the performance attributes and discovered new methods to enhance performance and confidence.
Sit points, lie angles, address views, and center of gravity locations were all updated based on Tour feedback and the expertise of leading fitters worldwide, ensuring the optimal fairway across skill levels.
TOUR-PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES
New and improved cut-through Speed Pocket™ protects ball speed and reduces spin on low-face strikes.
Advanced CAD modeling creates a design with a clean and powerful sound, a foundation for TaylorMade fairway performance.
Twist Face™ features corrective face curvature designed to provide straighter shots on mishits.
Multi-Material Construction allows engineers to maximize performance by increasing discretionary weight.
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Utility Wood: Callaway Prototype Apex UW 2021 19˚ The Apex UW is designed for serious, avid golfers seeking the perfect blend of a fairway wood’s power and a hybrid’s versatility. Engineered with Tour feedback and loaded with performance technologies, it delivers a higher, more neutral ball flight with the control all players demand.
Actual Loft: 19˚ @ 17.8˚
Lie: 57.9˚
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 10-X
Length: 41.5″
Tipping: 1.5″
Swingweight: D3
Callaway 2025 Apex Custom Utility Wood
TUNGSTEN SPEED WAVE
A dynamic, 41g+ tungsten wave structure positions mass low and forward, enhancing ball speed and launch—particularly on low-face strikes where players tend to lose distance.
STEP SOLE DESIGN
A redesigned sole with a stepped geometry reduces turf interaction, helping to maintain swing speed through impact and promoting more consistent contact across different lies.
TRIAXIAL CARBON CROWN
The lightweight carbon construction allows for strategic weight redistribution, creating a more forgiving clubhead while refining launch and spin for greater shot-making control.
TOUR-INSPIRED SHAPING
Designed with input from the world’s best, the compact, refined shape and neutral face angle inspire confidence at address and deliver workability from tee to turf.
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Irons: Callaway X Forged UT (22 degrees), Callaway Apex TCB Raw (5-PW)
Shafts: KBS $-Taper 125 S+
Length: Standard (37″ 7-iron)
Loft Progression: 22/26/30/34/38/42/46
Lie: 2 Flat (60˚ 7-Iron)
Callaway Apex TCB 24 Custom Irons
Since Xander Schauffele put a TCB iron in play,his strokes gained in approach have significantlyincreased year over year. Now in 2024, he is top 5 inthe world in strokes gained on the field, and has wontwo major championships with the new ’24 TCB Iron.
MAJOR SUCCESS
Trusting the ‘24 Apex TCB iron, Xander Schauffelewent on to secure two major championships in the2024 season.
TOUR FEEL
Combining our best in technology, the ’24 TCB usesa 1025 tour cavity back body with a 17-4 tour tunedface for consistent spin and control up and down thebag. The feel is second to none. Just ask Xander.
PRO LOOKS
The beautiful raw aesthetic and overall footprint isexactly what Xander was looking for. With a compact controllable shape, and shorter blade length, TCB ’24 are players irons for discerning golfers.
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Wedges: Callaway Opus SP (50-10S, 54-10S, 60-08C)
SPIN POCKET™ CONSTRUCTION
Lofts/Grinds: 50-10S @ 49˚, 54-10S, 60-08C @ 61˚
Shafts: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 135 X
Callaway Opus SP Custom Wedge
A re-engineered 2-piece construction head design strategically reshapes mass to optimize CG locations. The Spin Pocket redistributes weight higher, raising the CG, and promoting a lower, more penetrating launch. The result is more spin and enhanced control, especially when you need to flight shots or attack tight pins.
NEW SPIN GEN 2.0 FACE™
The most advanced face in OPUS history. A new 17° groove angle with tighter pitch spacing delivers more groove edge contact for more consistent spin across a variety of lies. Combined with a deeper cross-hatch laser pattern across the face, Spin Gen 2.0 produces enhanced friction for more bite and stopping power on all types of approach shots.
SHAPE 6 – TOUR-VALIDATED PROFILE
Trusted by Tour players for its clean, confident look at address, Shape 6 offers precise leading edge shaping and refined sole geometry. Shape 6 is the 6th and final iteration in the Opus prototype shaping phase, validated by Tour players and major champions. OPUS SP introduces progressive shaping in gap wedges to seamlessly blend with modern iron sets—creating a more cohesive setup from top to bottom.
X GRIND – VERSATILITY WITH BOUNCE
Back by popular demand, the X Grind returns in OPUS SP. Designed for shotmakers who want added bounce for forgiveness, without giving up versatility, the X Grind is ideal for players who like to open the face around the greens or play in firmer turf conditions. It’s the perfect blend of playability and performance in a wide range of shots and conditions.
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Callaway
Putter: Odyssey Jailbird 360 Broomstick DB
Loft: 3˚
Length: 50″
Insert: Micohinge
Grip: SuperStroke Zenergy Split
Odyssey Ai-DUAL 1/2 Ball Jailbird DB Cruiser Custom Putter
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Ball: 2024 Callaway Chrome Tour
SPEED TECHNOLOGY
Callaway 2026 Chrome Tour Golf Balls
Revolutionary new Tour Fast Mantle that increases distance through an optimized core/layer system.
ADVANCED SEAMLESS TOUR AERO®
Incredible distance and flight consistency on every shot.
PRECISION TOUR URETHANE COVER
Exceptional feel and greenside control.
PRECISION TECHNOLOGY
Provides the ultimate in consistency. Every detail in the design, manufacture, and testing of the Chrome Tour ball has been engineered to ensure maximized performance throughout your game.
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Grips: Iomic
Want to overhaul your bag for 2026? Find a club-fitting location near you at True Spec Golf.
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Britain’s Sky Brown has become a skateboarding world champion for the second time after winning gold in a rain-disrupted park event in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The 17-year-old was leading the standings with a score of 88.16 on Sunday when organisers called off the final’s third run because of rain.
Japan’s Mizuho Hasegawa took silver with 84.36, while 83.90 was enough for American Minna Stess to claim bronze.
“The level is crazy. I had to put a lot down to get here, but I am definitely bummed how we couldn’t fully do a final,” Brown told World Skate.
“To win, to be a world champion on International Women’s Day definitely means a lot, but there are bigger things going on.
“This feels huge and I am so thankful but there are bigger things, I just pray for peace.”
Brown became Great Britain’s first skateboarding world champion at the age of 14 when she won park gold in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates in 2023.
She was also Britain’s youngest Olympic medal winner of all time, winning park bronze as a 13-year-old at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.
A dramatic scene unfolded at a German second-division football match on Sunday when a masked fan emerged from the stands to unplug the video assistant referee (VAR) monitor, in an apparent protest against the technology.
The incident occurred as referee Felix Bickel was deciding on a penalty.
The unidentified individual, clad in white overalls and a ski mask in Muenster green, interrupted Bickel during the game between Preussen Muenster and Hertha Berlin.
Muenster later confirmed the fan came out of the stands to unplug the monitor. Television footage captured the person climbing back into the home fans’ section immediately after the act.
Despite the audacious disruption, the decision ultimately went against the home side.
Video assistant referee Katrin Rafalski made a remote ruling, communicating her findings to Bickel. Hertha’s Fabian Reese subsequently scored the penalty, the opening goal in their 2-1 victory.
Preussen Muenster expressed regret, stating it would “do everything it can to identify the perpetrator or perpetrators and bring them to justice”, and added that “initial findings indicate that this was a planned action.”
A large banner displayed by home fans, reading “Pull the plug on VAR”, supported this.
Curiously, Muenster captain Jorrit Hendrix voiced approval of the fan’s actions.
“It shows how the fans experience things and that they want to do everything to win the game,” he said in comments broadcast by TV show Sportschau.
“If they can do something to influence it, they do that. I completely understand it and think it’s a good thing.”
The incident underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding VAR in German football, where it has been a source of fan frustration due to perceived delays and an unwelcome interruption to the flow of the game since its 2017 introduction.
Despite complaints, VAR is set to be given more power at this summer’s World Cup. The technology is set to be used to cover second yellow cards and cards awarded to the wrong team.
Manuel Akanji expressed his disappointment at Inter’s performance during their 1-0 loss against city rivals Milan on Sunday evening, and explained why last night’s defeat differed to their loss against the Rossoneri earlier this season: ‘Today was different. It wasn’t good enough from our side’.
Akanji reacts to Milan 1-0 Inter: ‘Wasn’t good enough from our side’
The Nerazzurri slipped to their second Serie A defeat against Milan of the 2025-26 season as Pervis Estupinan struck with the only goal of the game in San Siro on Sunday night.
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Cristian Chivu’s side still have a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table with 10 league matches of the season left to play, but there is disappointment around the camp in the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat against their city rivals.
“I think they played the way we expected them to play. They try to press a bit up front, if it doesn’t work, they drop deep and that’s what they did, especially in the first half,” explained Akanji in his post-match interview with CBS Sports.
“We had a lot of missed passes or duels that we lost, or we gave them opportunities by losing the ball easily. And also we didn’t defend well in a couple of situations and that’s why we lost the game in the end.”
Inter will make it two Serie A titles in three years if they hold out for the Scudetto in 2025-26. They have also reached the Champions League final in two of the last four seasons and have won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italia twice within the last five campaigns.
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If there is a recurring complaint about Cristian Chivu’s side, though, it is that they have struggled to overcome ‘bigger’ sides in the league and Champions League this term. The Nerazzurri have also failed to beat Milan in any of their last seven encounters.
“I mean, I’ve only played in the last two, today and the one in the first part of the season and for me, they were totally different games,” said Akanji.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Rafael Leao of AC Milan competes for the ball with Manuel Akanji of Inter during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“The first one we dominated them, we had so many chances to score goals, we even missed a penalty. So, we clearly had enough chances to win the game. They had one opportunity and they scored the goal, that’s why they won the game.
“Today was different. It wasn’t good enough from our side. A lot of lost duels, a lot of balls that we should have kept that we lost. Just way too many mistakes and also sometimes in the duels, we weren’t aggressive enough and that’s why we lost today.
“I think as a team we didn’t create enough opportunities up front. We tried to cross the ball, but nothing really happened, not off the crosses. But still we had good opportunities to score a goal.
“I think right before they scored the goal for 1-0, Mkhi (Henrikh Mkhitaryan) runs alone at the keeper and couldn’t score. And even in the second half when Mkhi laid it off to Dima (Federico Dimarco) to score a goal and I think there were also a couple of opportunities with the corner that we had that the referee apparently blew the whistle before. Then a couple of situations where it maybe could have been a penalty.
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“So we tried to create something but I think it just wasn’t enough from our side today.”
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Referee Daniele Doveri at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter after AC Milan 1-0 Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Naturally disappointed by Sunday’s defeat against Milan, Akanji insists that he is still trying to look at the positives.
“The next few days are not going to be good. You’re never happy when you lose a derby. The good thing is that we’re still seven points ahead and we have enough time to recover. The next game is not until next Saturday at home against Atalanta, which is a big game, but we will be ready again.
“We need to make better what we didn’t do good today and I’m confident we can get the win there.”
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New York Knicks vs LA Clippers Preview: Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction (Mar. 9)
The New York Knicks and the LA Clippers will lock horns at the Intuit Dome on Monday, with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET. This will mark their second and final meeting of the season, with the Knicks securing a 123-111 win in the previous matchup.
However, New York enters the game after a 110-97 loss to the LA Lakers at Crypto.com Arena and will be playing on back-to-back nights. The Clippers, meanwhile, come in with momentum after a 123-120 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday at the FedEx Forum.
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New York Knicks vs LA Clippers Preview, Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction
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New York Knicks vs LA Clippers Betting Tips and Odds
Moneyline: Knicks (-135), Clippers (+114)
Spread: Knicks -2.5 (-105), Clippers +2.5 (-115)
Total over/under o/u: Knicks o220.5 (-110), Clippers u220.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: Odds might change closer to tipoff.
Betting Tips
Kawhi Leonard is expected to score over 26.5 points.
Jalen Brunson is projected to combine for over 28.5 points and rebounds.
Darius Garland is expected to make over 1.5 3-pointers.
New York Knicks vs LA Clippers Preview
The New York Knicks had a rare off night offensively on Sunday, finishing with just two players in double figures. Mikal Bridges and Jose Alvarado were both held scoreless, while Jalen Brunson led the backcourt with 24 points.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with a strong double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds, while his frontcourt partner, OG Anunoby, added 16 points. Josh Hart, meanwhile, also struggled, recording just eight.
The Clippers pulled off an impressive comeback against the Memphis Grizzlies. After trailing by 18 points in the first quarter, LA outscored Memphis over the remaining periods to secure the win.
Kawhi Leonard led the team with 28 points, while Darius Garland added 21. Bennedict Mathurin matched Garland’s total off the bench. Despite three players finishing scoreless, the trio’s 20+ point performances were enough to power the Clippers to victory.
New York Knicks vs LA Clippers Starting Lineups Tonight
New York Knicks starting lineup
PG- Jalen Brunson, SG- Mikal Bridges, SF- Josh Hart, PF- OG Anunoby, C- Karl-Anthony Towns
LA Clippers starting lineup
PG- Darius Garland, SG- Kris Dunn, SF- Kawhi Leonard, PF- Derrick Jones Jr., C- Brook Lopez
New York Knicks vs LA Clippers Prediction
The LA Clippers have been better at home and will fancy their chances against the New York Knicks on Monday. However, the Knicks have not lost back-to-back games since January and will likely pull off a win at the Intuit Dome.
Final score prediction: Knicks win 117-101
Edited by Arian Kashyap
Jannik Sinner follows through in his win over Denis Shapovalov during their round 3 match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., March 8, 2026. World No. 2 Jannik Sinner took another step in his quest for his first title at Indian Wells, dominating Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2 in 73 minutes on Sunday at the BNP Paribas Open.
The Italian advanced to the California event’s fourth round for the fifth time in as many appearances. He made the semifinals in 2023 and 2024 but lost to Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, the current No. 1.
Sinner, the second seed, is 2-1 head-to-head against Shapovalov, ranked No. 39 in the world.
“Denis is a high quality-player, as we know,” Sinner said. “He’s an in-form player, so I’m very happy with my performance. I tried to stay solid at the baseline, but also a bit more aggressive in the second set, which helped me. It was a tough start for me, but I’m happy with how I reacted.”
Sinner converted 4 of 8 on break-point opportunities, to 1 of 1 for Shapovalov, who had more unforced errors (25-11) and double faults (7-2). Sinner had the edge in aces (6-2) and won 85% of his first serves (28 of 33), to 62% (21 of 34) for his opponent.
While Sinner cruised on Sunday, World No. 8 Ben Shelton was upset by fellow American and left-hander Learner Tien 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3 in 2 hours, nine minutes in their Round-of-32 match.
The 25th-seeded Tien, making the fourth round at Indian Wells for the first time, is now 2-0 at this ATP Tour level against Shelton and acknowledged that his opponent has been battling through an illness.
“I just want to say, Ben came out not feeling 100%,” Tien said. “I don’t think he’s been feeling great all week, but he’s an amazing competitor and he came out and gave it his all. So I just want to say, huge props to him.” Tien, 20, is from Irvine, Calif., and attended matches at this event over several years as a child growing up in Southern California. He called it “really a full-circle moment.”
He actually out-aced the hard-serving Shelton, 15-8. That power came with more double faults (10-3), but Tien also had more winners (40-34) as neither player was able to break serve more than once during the match.
Another upset came from unseeded Brazilian Joao Fonseca, age 19, eliminated American Tommy Paul, the 23rd seed, 6-2, 6-3. Czech Jakub Mensik, the 12th seed, fell to 18th-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the fourth seed, avoided an upset by outlasting 28th-seeded Brandon Nakashima of the United States 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-4. No. 9 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime won an All-Canadian battle with Gabriel Diallo 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3. American Frances Tiafoe, seeded 21st, got the better of Italian Flavio Cobolli, the 15th seed, 6-1, 6-2.
Frenchman Arthur Fils, seeded 30th, dispatched Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 6-3, 7-5.
–Field Level Media
Fabio Wardley had hoped to face Oleksandr Usyk in 2026, but Ukraine’s unified heavyweight ruler has instead proceeded with a left-field fight with Dutch kickboxer, Rico Verhoeven.
After knocking out Joseph Parker to get his hands on the WBO Interim heavyweight title, Wardley called for a showdown with Usyk, hoping to secure a shot at the coveted undisputed throne.
However, Usyk responded by vacating the WBO world title – with Wardley being elevated to world champion as a result – and was linked to a return to fighting across the pond in possible meetings against either Deontay Wilder or Andy Ruiz Jr.
Two weeks ago, it was instead announced that Usyk will head to Cairo, Egypt, to defend his WBC heavyweight world title against Verhoeven – who boasts a professional boxing record of just 1-0.
Speaking to Boxing News, Wardley admitted that he found the news ‘underwhelming’, declaring that he hopes Usyk will soon return to ‘actual’ professional boxing.
“I think it [my reaction] was the same as the rest of the boxing world, it [the announcement] was quite underwhelming. I understand that he has earned the right to do what he wants but I at least expected it to be [against] an active boxer.
“I don’t actually know much about Verhoeven in terms of what his quality level is, but I expected it [the fight] to be against a decent calibre professional boxer, but if it’s not, fine, do your thing.
“Hopefully he returns to actual professional boxing, against some of the top elites.”
Usyk-Verhoeven will take place at the Pyramids of Giza on Saturday, May 23, as Verhoeven has the chance to become the fastest heavyweight world champion in boxing history.
YMCA member Austin Manengu works the keyboard as he plays a game of Fortnite during the unveiling of the new gaming lab at the Maplewood Family YMCA in Rochester Thursday, June 20, 2024. YMCA of Greater Rochester in partnership with Metro Sports & Entertainment Group will open two gaming labs for youth and teens this year. Team Liquid, Team Spirit, HEROIC and PARIVISION remained unblemished with victories on Sunday in group stage play of PGL Wallachia Season 7 in Bucharest, Romania.
Xtreme Gaming, BetBoom Team, Tundra Esports and Team Yandex registered their first wins on the second day of competition.
The $1 million Dota 2 tournament features a group stage from Saturday through Wednesday with 16 teams playing a modified Swiss system format. All matches are best-of-three. The top eight teams advance to the playoffs, and the bottom eight are eliminated.
The playoffs run from March 12-15 in a double-elimination bracket. All matches are best-of-three until the grand final, which is best-of-five.
First place is worth $300,000, with $175,000 for second place and $120,000 for third.
On Sunday, Team Liquid swept Vici Gaming, winning in 49 minutes and 39 minutes, both on red.
PARIVISION took care of Natus Vincere, winning in 71 minutes on green and 43 minutes on red.
HEROIC stayed unbeaten by downing Aurora Gaming. HEROIC opened with a 51-minute win on red, then Aurora drew even in 36 minutes on green. HEROIC won the final game in 50 minutes on red.
Team Spirit also improved to 2-0 by defeating Team Falcons. Spirit won in 47 minutes on red, then Falcons triumphed in 50 minutes before Spirit emerged with a 41-minute victory on red.
Among teams seeking their first win in the opening two days, BetBoom Team swept OG, winning in 45 and 57 minutes, both on red.
Tundra Esports improved to 1-1 by sweeping Yellow Submarine with wins in 36 and 50 minutes, both on red.
Xtreme Gaming won the first game against Team Nemesis in 45 minutes on green, then Nemesis evened the match with a marathon 69-minute win on green before Xtreme Gaming clinched it in 65 minutes on red.
Round 3 matches on Monday:
2-0 teams:
–Team Liquid vs. PARIVISION
–Team Spirit vs. HEROIC
1-1 teams:
–Aurora Gaming vs. Tundra Esports
–Xtreme Gaming vs. BetBoom Team
–Natus Vincere vs. Vici Gaming
–Team Yandex vs. Team Falcons
0-2 teams:
–Yellow Submarine vs. Team Nemesis
–OG vs. MOUZ
Group stage standings
1. Team Liquid, 2-0
2. Team Spirit, 2-0
3. HEROIC, 2-0 4. PARIVISION, 2-0
5. Natus Vincere, 1-1
6. Aurora Gaming, 1-1
7. Xtreme Gaming, 1-1 8. Team Yandex, 1-1
9. Team Falcons, 1-1
10. BetBoom Team, 1-1
11. Vici Gaming, 1-1 12. Tundra Esports, 1-1
13. Yellow Submarine, 0-2
14. OG, 0-2
15. MOUZ, 0-2 16. Team Nemesis, 0-2
PGL Wallachia Season 7 prize pool
1. $300,000
2. $175,000 3. $120,000
4. $80,000
5-6. $60,000
7-8. $40,000 9-11. $20,000
12-14. $15,000
15-16. $10,000
–Field Level Media
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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders gave an emotional eulogy at the funeral of his sophomore quarterback Dominiq Ponder, who died in a tragic car crash this past week. Ponder was 23.
Sanders went up to the microphone after Ponder’s family, saying it “didn’t feel right” to do so, but he couldn’t help feeling “inspired” by their words.
Then, Sanders, a spiritual man in his own right, began to speak.
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Bethune-Cookman QB Dominiq Ponder takes a snap during the Wildcats’ spring game Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Daytona Stadium. (IMAGN)
“We always ask questions about why this happened … ’God, why this and why that?’” Sanders said.
“When we’re successful, we’re excelling, and overcoming adversity, we never ask God, ‘Why?’ then. Only in our demise and sadness of life, we challenge and ask God,’ Why?’ I think I’ve got the solution.”
Sanders, then, started to speak about his former signal caller.
“As I look right there, and look at a young man so full of life – so full of respect, bustle, hard work, and integrity. I ask God, ‘For real?’ And he whispered: ‘Dom was chosen.’
“Dom was chosen to unite y’all, to bring you all together. Dom was chosen.”
“Coach Prime” directed part of his eulogy to Ponder’s parents, which led to him getting understandably choked up at the podium.
“The only darn thing I have regret for is that when you sent us a boy. I wanted to send you back a man,” Sanders said, taking a pause to try and control his emotions.
Ponder had been a walk-on quarterback with the Buffaloes in Sanders’ first season, as he tried to configure his team. He already had his son, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, set to start for Colorado after their success at Jackson State. But Ponder and others in the quarterback room were looking to work and develop under the elder Sanders’ tutelage.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders watches his players warm up before an NCAA college football game against Utah, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Ponder saw appearances in two of the Buffaloes’ games last season.
But while Sanders has a regret about Ponder, his parents gave him praise, issuing a statement thanking “Coach Prime” for his “unwavering generosity, support, and love shown to our family.” They also thanked everyone for their “heartfelt gratitude” in a separate statement.
Sanders called an emergency meeting with his Buffaloes roster after learning of Ponder’s death, and a raw scene shared on social media showed him comforting emotional players. Sanders himself was emotional while delivering a speech to his team.
“His character, humor, work ethic, and tenacity. It’s something that I want us to remember,” he said in the clip.
Colorado head coach Deion Sanders watches his team warm up before an NCAA college football game against TCU Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
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Sanders also confirmed Ponder’s death last Sunday with a social media post.
“God please comfort the Ponder family, friends and loved ones,” Sanders wrote on social media. “Dom was one of my favorites! He was Loved, Respected & a Born Leader. Let’s pray for all that knew him & had the opportunity to be in his presence. Lord you’re receiving a good 1. Comfort us Lord Comfort us.”
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