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Hawai’i’s Tough Tourney Road begins with 4-Seed Arkansas

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  By Stephen Vilardo, SuperWest Sports


The University of Hawaii is dancing in March for the first time since 2016.

And if they are to duplicate that team’s upset win over the four-seed in the first round, they will need to get past a very good Arkansas squad.

That will not be an easy task.

Here is my preview of the First-Round NCAA Tournament matchup between the Rainbow Warriors and the Razorbacks.

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Hawaii Rainbow Warriors logoNo. 13 Hawai’i vs No. 4 Arkansasespn%2Barkansas.png

Thursday, March 19
1:25 pm PT, TBS

Portland, Oregon

Both Hawai’i and Arkansas are coming off conference tournament championships and enter the regional First-Round contest in Portland hot.

Arkansas plays fast and will score in bunches, as its 89.9 points per game are the fourth-most in the nation.

Despite the frantic pace, the Hogs are only turning the ball over on 12% of their possessions, the best mark in the nation. During their run to the SEC Tournament title last week, that figure fell to 11.7%.

The Warriors will present unique challenges for Arkansas’s high-octane offense. UH is one of the taller teams the Hogs have faced, and that length could make things difficult for the SEC outfit.

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The ‘Bows have blocked 6.8% of opponents’ shots this season, ranking 79th in the nation, while rebounding at a rate of 54.1% to rank 24th in the nation.

Arkansas struggles to rebound efficiently, and Hawaii is especially adept on the defensive glass, ranking 10th nationally, collecting 77.2% of opponents’ missed shots.

When Arkansas misses shots, the Rainbow Warriors cannot allow second-chance opportunities.

The bugaboo for Hawaii this season has been turning the ball over. UH ranks 319th nationally, with a turnover on 18.5% of their possessions.

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Isaac Johnson
Hawai’i center Isaac Johnson | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

While the Arkansas defense has not been great this season, they have forced teams into errors at times. The Razorbacks are averaging 19.1 fast break points per outing, the second most in the country.

And with the offensive efficiency UA possesses, this is not a game Hawaii can compete in if they have too many empty possessions.

Collecting offensive boards will also be a key for Hawaii.

Isaac Johnson should be able to produce on both ends of the floor, but the big man is only averaging 21.1 minutes per game.

Will the Rainbow Warriors be able to get production against Arkansas when he is not on the floor?

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This Hawaii team is good enough to make a run in the Tournament, but they got a tough draw in Arkansas.

Darius Acuff Jr. is the kind of electric player that can put a team on his back and shine in March.

If Hawaii can dominate the glass and limit the turnovers, they can keep this one tight.

I think Arkansas comes out of the west and plays in the Final Four, though, and that run starts with a win over Hawaii.

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Shubman Gill issues worrying injury update despite IPL return: ‘It’s something similar’ | Cricket News

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Shubman Gill issues worrying injury update despite IPL return: 'It's something similar'

NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill issued a worrying update on his neck injury despite returning to action during IPL 2026 Match 14 between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. Delhi Capitals chose to bowl first against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, continuing their strong start to the season.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals RR dressing room mood after third straight win

While DC came into the game with two wins, Gujarat Titans were still searching for their first victory. The match also marked the return of GT captain Shubman Gill after he missed the previous game due to a muscle spasm.

Gill’s injury concern and return

Gill’s comeback was a boost for Gujarat, but his update on his fitness raised some concern. When asked about whether it was the same recurring injury he picked up during India’s home series against South Africa, he admitted, “It’s much better, thank you. Yes, it’s something similar.”This suggests the neck problem he faced earlier could still be lingering, even though he is fit enough to play.

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DC vs GT news

At the toss, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel explained the decision to bowl first, pointing to pitch conditions and recent success while chasing.“We will bowl first. We’ve chased well in the last two matches and this is a fresh wicket. It’s been raining; there could be some moisture. Bowl first, have a look at the wicket, restrict them and chase down the score,” he saod.Delhi have looked strong so far with back-to-back wins, while Gujarat Titans have struggled, losing both their matches. With Gill back in the lineup, GT will be hoping to turn things around and get their campaign on track, but concerns over his fitness could remain a talking point going forward.

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Doha Diamond League, where Neeraj Chopra breached 90m mark, postponed this year – here’s why | More sports News

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Doha Diamond League, where Neeraj Chopra breached 90m mark, postponed this year - here's why
Neeraj Chopra (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: The Diamond League athletics meet in Doha has been postponed by six weeks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with organisers prioritising safety amid regional tensions. The event, which was originally scheduled for May 8, will now take place on June 19. The decision comes even as a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran has been announced, reflecting continued uncertainty in the region.The Doha leg holds special significance for Indian fans, as it was at last year’s event that Neeraj Chopra achieved a major milestone.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals RR dressing room mood after third straight win

The Tokyo Olympic champion breached the 90-metre mark for the first time with a throw of 90.23m, though he finished second to Germany’s Julian Weber. His performance was widely seen as a landmark moment in Indian athletics.

Event changes and safety concerns

Organisers made it clear that the postponement was driven by concerns over the safety of athletes, officials and spectators.“In the interests of athlete and spectator safety, a decision has now been taken to postpone the meeting. Should conditions allow, it will now be held on June 19,” they said in a statement, as quoted by AFP.In addition to the date change, the venue has also been shifted from the Qatar Sports Club to the Khalifa International Stadium. The move is aimed at tackling extreme weather conditions, as the stadium is equipped with temperature-control technology and has previously hosted major global events like the World Athletics Championships and FIFA World Cup matches.

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Wider impact on sports

The disruption is not limited to athletics. The ongoing conflict has already forced the cancellation or postponement of several high-profile sporting events across the region. Formula One races in Bahrain and Jeddah were cancelled, while football’s Finalissima clash and other competitions like MotoGP and gymnastics events in Qatar were also affected.Despite this, some events have gone ahead, including a high-profile horse racing meet in Dubai. Meanwhile, the Diamond League season will now begin in Shanghai on May 16, as organisers adjust the calendar to navigate the uncertain situation.

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5 Storylines that could initiate from CM Punk’s controversial pipebomb on WWE RAW

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CM Punk opened this week’s WWE RAW and delivered the kind of promo that made him famous, one that blurred the lines between reality and kayfabe. The Second City Saint is set to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42.

Punk and Reigns had been trading verbal jabs before things turned physical a few weeks ago, as the OTC put The Second City Saint through the commentary table. The World Heavyweight Champion got his lick back last week, sending the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match winner through the commentary table.

Reigns was absent from this week’s episode of RAW, allowing Punk to speak his mind freely. The Best in the World not only addressed his WrestleMania 42 opponent, but he also took shots at the upper brass of the company. The controversial promo has opened up several creative opportunities for the future.

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In this listicle, we will look at five storylines that could stem from CM Punk’s pipebomb on WWE RAW:


#5. CM Punk vs. Randy Orton

During his promo on RAW, CM Punk brought up Pat McAfee’s comments on last week’s SmackDown. The Second City Saint took shots at the NFL legend for talking down on the professional wrestling business and even referred to the reports of Ari Emanuel forcefully inserting McAfee into the feud.

Whether we like it or not, McAfee is now a part of the WrestleMania 42 night one main event as Randy Orton‘s manager. With The Best in the World going out of his way to bring up the NFL legend in his promo, it opens the door for a future rivalry between Punk and Orton.

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McAfee believes The Viper will “save the business.” After The Show of Shows, Orton could be holding the Undisputed WWE Championship, and The Second City Saint may be left without a title. Following ‘Mania, Punk could move to the blue brand and feud with Orton and McAfee, which could stem from the veteran’s promo on RAW.


#4. Roman Reigns becomes TKO’s Golden Boy

CM Punk didn’t hold back in verbally attacking Roman Reigns on RAW. The Second City Saint highlighted a stark contrast between him and the OTC, claiming that he had to earn his success, while Reigns was handed undeserved opportunities.

The Best in the World brought up the corporate backing Reigns has enjoyed throughout his career due to his family, taking shots at The Rock and Vince McMahon. A possible storyline that could stem from these comments is the OTC embracing his privileges and becoming TKO’s ‘golden boy.’

Reigns could turn heel and become the corporate champion backed by The Final Boss and other higher-ups.


#3. Heroes could unite against the authority

On RAW, CM Punk continued what Cody Rhodes started on last week’s SmackDown. Following Pat McAfee’s reveal as Randy Orton’s mystery caller, The American Nightmare cut a promo targeting the NFL legend’s inclusion and challenged the company to fire him. This promo was reportedly unscripted.

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Punk also addressed McAfee’s insertion into the program and took shots at TKO for the rising ticket prices. The QB1 and The Best in the World are two of the top stars of the company, and they seem to have joined forces to stand against the upper brass.

This could lead to them forming a team down the line to battle against a corporate faction. We could see a massive Men’s WarGames Match later this year between Team WWE and Team TKO, with Punk and Rhodes leading the charge for the Stamford-based promotion.


#2. Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk

Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk could be a possibility following The Second City Saint’s promo on RAW. As mentioned earlier, they both seem to have taken a stand against the company’s upper brass for their involvement in the creative decisions.

Now, what if TKO could eliminate them both at the same time? The company could simply book Rhodes and Punk against each other. While they share mutual respect, The Second City Saint and The Best in the World are two very competitive individuals.

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If they are forced to battle each other, Punk and Rhodes may not pull their punches. Their battle against the corporation could turn into a personal war.


#1. CM Punk vs. The Rock

While calling out Roman Reigns over his family background, CM Punk singled out The Rock. The World Heavyweight Champion took shots at The Final Boss’ recent Hollywood shortcomings.

Punk has always been vocal against The Great One. Whether it was during their rivalry in 2013 or after the Hollywood star catalyzed John Cena‘s heel turn last year, The Best in the World has never shied away from taking shots at The Rock.

While it depends on whether the Brahma Bull is willing to step back into the squared circle, a rivalry between him and The Voice of the Voiceless could be a strong possibility following the latter’s promo on RAW.

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