It has been more than a decade since there was such a small difference between college basketball’s best two teams as Selection Sunday beckons.

Look at the metrics. Look at the gambling futures. Look at the evidence on our TV screens. It’s nearly impossible to say whether the Duke Blue Devils or the Michigan Wolverines are the favorite to win it all.

If you go by predictive metrics like KenPom, Duke ranks as roughly a half-point favorite over Michigan. If you go by results-based metrics like Wins Above Bubble, Michigan is a smidge ahead of Duke. If you go by online sportsbooks like Caesars, Duke is listed at +325 to cut down the nets on April 6 in Indianapolis at +325 — but Michigan sits at +325, too.

If you prefer to go by something absurd like on-court results, Duke edged Michigan 68-63 in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 21 in a game where neither team led by more than eight.

In essence, if this year’s tournament turns into nothing more than Duke and Michigan on an inexorable collision course from opposite sides of the bracket (to be unveiled at 6 p.m. ET Sunday), then we’re destined for an amazing three weeks.

The only way it might be greater is if we get a replay of the last NCAA Tournament with its top two teams virtually indistinguishable — because that was the last time a wholly unexpected squad stormed to the NCAA title.

That was way back in 2014, when NCAA Tournament committee members were still such troglodytes when it came to metrics that Louisville entered the tournament ranked as KenPom’s No. 1 overall team — yet received a No. 4 seed.

When the dust settled in Arlington, Texas, 18th-ranked and No. 7 seeded Connecticut claimed the championship while eighth-seeded Kentucky also made the Final Four. Some would argue that’s way more fun than having only No. 1 seeds in the Final Four.

What else will happen on Selection Sunday?

What else can be learned from the 2014 NCAA Tournament that might be applicable as we try to predict what will happen on Selection Sunday? Well, that was the year Wichita State raced through the regular season and the Missouri Valley Conference tournament at 34-0 and was rewarded with a No. 1 seed.

Now, the Shockers played a significantly tougher schedule than the 2025-26 Miami (Ohio) RedHawks — Tennessee, Alabama (on the road), BYU, Saint Louis and Tulsa were among their non-conference conquests — and the MVC was tougher than the current-day MAC.

But for all those who believe the NCAA Tournament committee shouldn’t bow at the feet of an undefeated mid-major, Wichita State’s season ended in the second round when John Calipari’s Kentucky squad rallied for a 78-76 win.

Speaking of the Miami RedHawks, their perfect season went poof Thursday in the MAC quarterfinals against a Massachusetts squad that finished with a 17-16 record. After that flaccid finish, which followed multiple 2-point escapes, there will be howling no matter how the committee treats the 31-1 RedHawks.

Do they deserve the worst at-large seed, which is usually a 12? Does the committee force them into the First Four with an 11 seed, which would inadvertently punish their opponent because Miami’s Millett Hall is just 40.4 miles from University of Dayton Arena?

Or does the committee decide Miami doesn’t deserve a bid at all because it played such a putrid schedule? According to the NET rankings, the RedHawks played zero Quad 1 games and went 2-0 versus Quad 2 foes. Auburn, widely expected to fall short of the 68-team tournament field, went 4-13 versus Quad 1s and 3-2 vs. Quad 2s. Indiana, in a similar spot, went 3-10 versus Quad 1s and 3-4 against Quad 2s.

The prediction here? Miami (Ohio) receives a No. 10 seed — and faces seventh-seeded Miami (Fla.) in the first round.

Duke, Michigan, Arizona and Florida receive the No. 1 seeds. Iowa State, UConn, Houston and Michigan State get the No. 2 seeds. Santa Clara claims an at-large berth and none of the power-conference bubble teams get in.

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have debunked a fake report circulating on social media claiming that captain Hardik Pandya is unhappy with the form of franchise great Rohit Sharma. The report further alleged that Hardik issued an ultimatum to Rohit ahead of IPL 2026, stating there would be “zero tolerance” if the former captain fails to deliver this season. Additionally, the viral post claimed the MI management itself is frustrated with Rohit’s IPL strike-rate and consistency over recent years.

‘Hardik Pandya has informed the management that there will be no tolerance this time if Rohit fails to deliver. The MI management is very frustrated with Rohit’s performances over the last 10-12 years, as he has often scored only around 200-300 runs per season and that too at a strike rate close to 120, despite being one of the highest-paid players in the squad,’ a social media user wrote on X.

However, MI quickly rubbished the claims with a savage response. ‘Kuch bhi (Anything),’ wrote MI, who last won the IPL in 2020, with a GIF of Hardik.

Kuch bhi! https://t.co/lEiFBgaEoh pic.twitter.com/SYw1im5Mfi

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 13, 2026

Hardik had replaced Rohit as captain of MI ahead of IPL 2024, a move which led to heavy criticism from fans.

MI will be aiming to overcome their five-season title drought this year. Last year, they made it to the playoffs, losing to the Punjab Kings by five wickets in the Qualifier two at Ahmedabad. They will open their campaign at home against the Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29.

Mumbai Indians (MI) full squad for IPL 2026: AM Ghazanfar, Ashwani Kumar, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Markande (traded), Mitchell Santner, Naman Dhir, Raghu Sharma, Raj Angad Bawa, Robin Minz, Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Shardul Thakur (traded), Sherfane Rutherford (traded), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, Trent Boult, Will Jacks, Danish Malewar (Rs 30 lakh), Quinton de Kock (INR 1 Cr), Atharva Ankolekar (Rs 30 lakh), Mayank Rawat (Rs 30 lakh), Mohammad Izhar (Rs 30 lakh).

(With IANS Inputs)

Having claimed the Pierro Plate, Ciaron’s Star was retrieved from the paddock and now eyes a last-minute Golden Slipper attempt contingent on success in the Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.

Her most recent run saw her finish sixth behind yardmate Spicy Miss in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m), after which plans shifted to wrapping up her campaign for a spell.

Yet the filly flourished in her brief downtime, encouraging trainer Ciaron Maher to reinstate her and target a place in a particularly unpredictable edition of the Golden Slipper.

Failing that, the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) during The Championships remains a solid backup plan.

“The original plan was to give her a break after last start, but she had a couple of days in the paddock, and she was feeling very well,” Maher’s assistant Johann Gerard-Dubord said.

“We thought, it’s (Golden Slipper) very open this year, so she will run this week.

“If she happened to win, we could consider the Slipper, but she is second favourite for the Percy Sykes Stakes, so it’s hard to bypass that, especially because she is so well.”

Spicy Miss is already confirmed for Ciaron Maher in the Golden Slipper (1200m), while Tornado Valley’s Magic Millions placing makes him a doubtful starter, with preferences leaning towards extending his trip.

“Tornado Valley, he probably goes to a Sires’ Produce Stakes,” Gerard-Dubord said.

“He showed us the other day that 1200 metres is a bit sharp.”

Debutant Hellenic Belle, owned by Annabel and Rob Archibald, will tackle the Magic Night Stakes (1200m) after bypassing a softer option at Warwick Farm midweek.

With a strong barrier trial under her belt, the filly by Hellbent shows promise warranting an immediate black-type test.

“We were in (Wednesday), but we have opted to wait and have a throw of the dice at black type first-up,” Rob Archibald said.

“We think she has got ability, whether she’s ready to do it first-up, I’m not sure. But we can’t fault her, and it’s a nice lead in to a race like the Percy Sykes Stakes if she shows she is up to that level.

“We like her, she looks talented, and we will learn a bit more about her on Saturday.”

The winner of the Magic Night Stakes (1200m) and Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill both earn ballot exemptions for the Golden Slipper (1200m) seven days later.

For the best racing odds on the Magic Night Stakes, check out these betting sites.

Head Coach Andy Farrell’s Ireland side play Scotland this afternoon in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations at a sold-out Aviva Stadium (Kick-off 2.10pm).

The game is live on Virgin Media One television, with live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio One.

Captain Caelan Doris leads Ireland into their final game of this season’s Guinness Six Nations Championship.

Jamie Osborne, Rob Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien are the Ireland back three.

Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose are again named in midfield, with Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley linking up in the half-backs.

In the front row, Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are chosen. Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne will start in the engine room.

Jack Conan is the choice for the role of blindside flanker, Josh van der Flier will start at openside, while Caelan Doris completes Ireland’s starting team at number eight.

Ireland Bench

Andy Farrell has strong options on the bench.

Rónan Kelleher, Michael Milne, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray – who is in line for his Six Nations debut – and Nick Timoney make up the forward replacements.

The backline replacements are Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki.

Trophy up for grabs

Speaking during the week as he looked forward to this afternoon’s game, Andy Farrell stated:

“It is an incredible privilege for the squad to play at home in front of a packed Aviva Stadium with a trophy up for grabs. We know about the challenge facing us on Saturday and Scotland will travel with confidence. You’ll see two teams who like to attack and we’ll look to implement our game plan to get the performance that we want. When you factor in a loud home support, and with the game taking place on St Patrick’s weekend, it really has all the ingredients for a cracking contest.”

Ireland Team

15. Jamie Osborne, 14. Rob Baloucoune, 13. Garry Ringrose, 12. Stuart McCloskey, 11. Tommy O’Brien, 10. Jack Crowley, 9. Jamison Gibson-Park.

1. Tom O’Toole, 2. Dan Sheehan, 3. Tadhg Furlong, 4. Joe McCarthy, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Jack Conan, 7. Josh van der Flier, 8. Caelan Doris (captain).

Ireland Replacements:

16. Rónan Kelleher, 17. Michael Milne, 18. Finlay Bealham, 19. Darragh Murray, 20. Nick Timoney, 21. Craig Casey, 22. Ciaran Frawley, 23. Bundee Aki.

When he first stepped into a boxing gym, Colm Murphy was immediately teased for having a ‘Posh Boy’ accent.

Since then, he has taken ownership of the label – originally intended to be an insult – and used it to his advantage, often fighting with a degree of ferocity that contradicts his intriguing moniker.

It is perhaps because of this that the 26-year-old has always fought with a chip on his shoulder, hoping to show the world exactly what he is made of, which equally explains why he is taking on a sizable challenge against former world title challenger Jono Carroll tonight.

Ahead of his assignment in Dublin, Murphy recalls being underestimated by those who, in the nicest sense, could not even dream of lacing his boots.

“Growing up, I went to a grammar school where the boys played rugby, so it was unheard of for someone to box.

“But I went to my local boxing club [aged 14] in West Belfast – I’m originally from South Belfast – and I stood out with my voice and stuff like that, so they kind of took the piss out of me and called me the ‘Posh Boy’.

“None of those people box anymore, so with me turning professional and reaching a level they couldn’t reach, I now own that [‘Posh Boy’] label.”

While those at Murphy’s gym overlooked his true potential, the kids at his school seemingly gave him no chance of even entering a competitive bout, let alone having considerable amateur success and crafting a 16-0 (6 KOs) professional record.

“People at my school laughed at me for trying out boxing – they all said I’d quit after a few months. Now they get to watch me on TV.

“It’s funny, but I’m also grateful for it. I went to a school that was a wee bit stuck-up, but everyone was really challenging.

“As a kid with learning difficulties, it ended up actually bringing out the best of me, because I was so competitive [with them].”

Having only just claimed the Commonwealth super-featherweight title – scoring a sixth-round finish over Saleh Kassim at the end of January – Murphy will now face Carroll, who fell short on points against then-IBF champion Tevin Farmer in 2019.

But while acknowledging that the 33-year-old is his toughest opponent thus far, by some distance, Murphy equally believes that he is ready for an opportunity of this magnitude.

“When opportunities like this come up, you have to roll the dice a wee bit and take them. I know it’s a huge step-up, and it’s going to be a big challenge, but I believe I rise to these moments.

“I’ve been in with really good operators my whole life, even as an amateur, and me and Jono don’t fall far from the same tree.

“He entered the same competitions as me as an amateur boxer himself, so I think a warrior like him is going to bring out the best out of me.”

The pair will square off for the vacant IBO title, featuring on the undercard of Jazza Dickens vs Anthony Cacace tonight, with Murphy looking to continue proving his detractors wrong.

PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past month in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.

The P/PTSD Perspective: March 14th, 2026

1) Presumably, Kevin O’Connell Isn’t Pleased with the Latest News: Coaches have feelings, folks. Is Minnesota’s skipper sad to see Johnny Mundt opt for the Eagles? Coach O’Connell has been quite outspoken about how he feels about the veteran TE3.

2) Vikings Suddenly Hold Major Leverage: Good chance that Mr. Greenard sticks around. Capable pass rushers are hard to acquire. Even harder is getting capable pass rushers who are operating on strong contracts and who provide excellent leadership. Kicking over some added compensation to keep him happy makes sense.

3) Well, At Least the Vikings Now Have Firm QB News: For a little while, the QB conversation was pretty quiet. Passers with connections to Minnesota were getting deals but nothing was getting done in the Twin Cities. In the end, the Vikings landed Mr. Murray.

4) Vikings See a Young, Ascending Talent Stolen Away: The price tag is large. But, to be sure, Ryan Wright has improved a ton over his career (and may still have more development in front of him). Wish him well in New Orleans. Meanwhile, the Vikings are on the hunt for a new punter.

5) Kyler Murray Sweepstakes Looking Like a Two-Horse Race: The final race may have simply been the Vikings competing against themselves. Going to Pittsburgh made sense insofar as there’s a QB need alongside a roster that’s looking to compete. The Vikings, though, make a lot more sense.

Enjoy the extra reading, Vikings fans.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Carl Froch believes Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao 2 is “more exciting” than their first encounter, with the American hoping to avoid a “stain on his legacy”.

Their welterweight showdown in 2015 resulted in a clear unanimous decision victory for Mayweather, who largely controlled proceedings with his sharper movement and defensive nous.

It was later revealed, however, that Pacquiao had suffered a shoulder injury during his training camp, which only added to the frustration that their clash had arrived far too late.

Although it is statistically the most lucrative boxing event of all time, most believe the contest failed to live up to its billing as the ‘Fight of the Century’.

As for their rematch, which takes place at the Sphere, Las Vegas, on September 19, it is difficult to know exactly what to expect from the two Hall of Famers.

This is largely because Mayweather has not fought professionally since 2017, back when he secured a 10th-round stoppage victory over Conor McGregor.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, boxed to a draw against Mario Barrios, the then-WBC world welterweight champion, in July, proving that he is still capable of maintaining a considerable pace.

For that reason, Froch has said on his YouTube channel that Mayweather must be careful not to lose his unbeaten record – which currently stands at 50-0 (27 KOs) – or else he risks diluting his legacy.

“This fight’s probably a little bit more exciting than their first fight, because Mayweather’s still unbeaten – he still keeps himself active [in the gym] – but Manny Pacquiao has just gone 12 rounds and got a draw with Barrios.

“So Manny Pacquiao can obviously still fight a little bit. Mayweather has got to be careful because, if he gets beat, he’s lost that unbeaten record, and that would be a little stain on his legacy. He’s one of the all-time greats.”

While Mayweather is risking his legacy, to some extent, by putting his unbeaten record on the line, many believe he ultimately has enough left in the tank to defeat Pacquiao once again.

First Published: Mar 14 2026 | 3:05 PM IST