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Team Edo Crowned Champions at 2nd Niger Delta Games

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Team Edo have emerged overall winners of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games after a brilliant performance on home soil in Benin City, ending a 24-year wait for regional glory.

The hosts secured first place after a tight medal contest that lasted until the final day. Edo finished with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, making a total of 111 medals. They pulled ahead of strong rivals Delta and Bayelsa to seal a famous victory in front of their supporters.

Delta State finished second with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals, recording 102 medals in total. Defending champions Bayelsa placed third with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals.

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Akwa Ibom came fourth with 16 gold medals and a total of 55 medals. Abia finished fifth with 45 medals, while Cross River placed sixth with 38. Ondo ended in seventh position with 34 medals. Rivers finished eighth with 44 medals but fewer gold medals, while Imo completed the table in ninth place with 31 medals.

Reacting to the achievement, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the triumph as a major milestone for sports in the state. He dedicated the success to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa.

Enabulele said the victory was made possible by strong leadership, careful planning and steady investment in sports development. He noted that improved athlete welfare, quality coaching and better training facilities helped the team to perform at their best.

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He added that ending the 24-year wait was the result of hard work, discipline and determination shown by Edo athletes throughout the competition. According to him, the government’s commitment to youth development through sports has now produced clear results.

The chairman also praised the athletes, coaches and officials for their unity and professionalism during the week-long event, saying their performance shows that Edo has returned to the top level of regional sports.

More than 3,000 athletes from nine states took part in 17 sports at the Games, which were sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission. The competition received praise for its good organisation and high level of performance.

With this victory, Team Edo have not only reclaimed regional pride but also set a new standard for excellence in Niger Delta sports.

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UCF center John Bol scores on own basket in March Madness loss to UCLA

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In March Madness, it often comes down to the little things, but for UCF center John Bol, his blunder was not a little thing: he scored on his own basket.

In the first half of No. 7 UCLA’s 75-71 win over No. 10 UCF on Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center, Bol tapped a rebound into his own basket.

With just under two minutes left in the first half and the shot clock winding down, UCLA guard Donovan Dent shot a desperation 3-pointer. Bol, instead of corralling Dent’s miss and turning the other way, tapped the ball into his basket to increase UCLA’s lead to 35-21.

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John Bol reacts in first half

UCF Knights center John Bol (7) reacts against the UCLA Bruins in the first half of a first-round game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 2026. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)

The points were not credited to a UCLA player.

It was the beginning of a rough night for Bol, who went 0-5 from the free throw line with an unorthodox free-throw motion. The 7-foot-2 center scored two points on the night, contributing as many points to his own team as he did to the other team.

Bol’s own basket was not the only odd event during the game, as UCLA guard Skyy Clark also lost a tooth during the game.

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UCLA’S SKYY CLARK LOSES FRONT TOOTH IN MARCH MADNESS THRILLER TO HELP BRUINS SEAL FIRST-ROUND VICTORY

John Bol reacts

UCF Knights guard Riley Kugel (2) and center John Bol (7) react in the first half of a first-round game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 2026. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)

UCF made it close late, erasing a double-digit deficit from the first half, but was not able to cap off the comeback, adding more significance to Bol’s own basket.

Jordan Burks led UCF in the loss with 22 points and six rebounds. Jamichael Stillwell (10 points), Themus Fulks (10 points) and Riley Kugel (13 points) were the only other players to score in double figures in the loss.

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John Bol reacts

UCF Knights center John Bol (7) reacts in the first half of a first-round game of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 2026. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

Eric Dailey Jr. led the Bruins with 20 points and five rebounds, while Trent Perry and Xavier Booker each had 15 points in the win.

UCLA will play No. 2 seed UConn in the Round of 32 on Sunday at 8:45 p.m. ET.

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Duke vs TCU live updates: March Madness Round 2 game score, highlights

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Follow all of Saturday’s NCAA Tournament second round games with USA TODAY Sports’ live updates.

The NCAA Tournament’s overall top seed Duke was in a first-round dogfight against No. 16 seed Siena on Thursday.

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Afterward, Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer called it his toughest March Madness moment.

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“Toughest one,” he told reporters after the 71-65 win. “Not close. Toughest moment, toughest game, toughest position I’ve ever been in in the tournament, no question about it.”

Upset alert! Ranking 5 most likely March Madness upsets in second round

March Madness games today: Ranking all 8 men’s NCAA Tournament games Saturday

You’d imagine things will only get tougher as the tournament goes on.

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Up next for Duke is No. 9 seed TCU. The Horned Frogs beat No. 8 seed Ohio State, 66-64, on a late Xavier Edmonds bucket in Thursday’s first round opener.

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TCU has never won a Round of 32 game in March Madness. Is today the day?

Toppmeyer: If Jon Scheyer feels any Duke pressure, Coach K can relate

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Duke vs TCU live score

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What time is TCU vs Duke ?

  • Time: 5:15 p.m. ET, Saturday.

What channel is Duke vs TCU? Streaming, how to watch

  • The game is airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Odds provided by BetMGM as of 1:15 p.m., Saturday.

  • Moneyline: Duke (-800); TCU (+550)

Cameron Boozer NBA draft stock, mock draft predictions

Boozer is widely projected as a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Here’s a look at where various mock drafts from major outlets have the Duke freshman going:

Is Cameron Boozer related to Carlos Boozer?

Cameron Boozer and his twin brother, Cayden (also a freshman for Duke) are the sons of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer.

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Before his 13-year career in the NBA, Carlos Boozer was a standout forward for the Blue Devils under Mike Krzyzewski from 1999-2002. A member of Duke’s 2001 national championship team, Carlos Boozer finished his three-year career with the Blue Devils with more than 1,500 points scored and started 93 of the 101 games in which he appeared.

Jamie Dixon coaching record: How long has Jamie Dixon coached TCU?

This is Dixon’s 10th season as TCU’s head coach. Dixon returned to his alma mater after after a 13-year run as head coach at Pitt.

Dixon is 199-137 with the Horned Frogs and has led TCU to five NCAA Tournament appearances.

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Has TCU ever reached Sweet 16?

TCU reached the Regional Final in 1968 but only 23 teams were in the NCAA Tournament that year. So the Horned Frogs have never won a Round of 32 game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Duke vs TCU score live update: March Madness highlights in NCAA Round 2

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MLB news: Tigers prospect Max Clark has blunt reaction to 102 mph fastball

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Detroit Tigers top prospect Max Clark had a very honest reaction after seeing a 102.4 mph fastball on the first pitch of the game.

Clark was the leadoff batter for the Tigers in their 8-7 loss to the Pirates in their Spring Breakout game and was up against top prospect Seth Hernandez. Hernandez’s first pitch was a 102.4 mph fastball above the zone, and it got Clark’s attention.

“What the f—,” Clark could be seen saying after the pitch went by him.

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Max Clark warms up

Detroit Tigers outfielder Max Clark (31) warms up before a prospects game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, on March 20, 2026. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Clark, 21, ended up walking in the at-bat. Hernandez ended up inducing an inning-ending ground ball double play to conclude his lone inning of the game.

The game between the Tigers and Pirates was part of MLB’s Spring Breakout, which is an annual four-day event with exhibition games between the top prospects from all of MLB’s teams during spring training.

FORMER MLB OUTFIELDER LARRY STAHL, BEST KNOWN FOR SPOILING A PERFECT GAME, DEAD AT 84

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Max Clark looks on

Max Clark (31) of the Detroit Tigers looks on after batting in the sixth inning during a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, on March 20, 2026. (Julio Aguilar/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Clark is the No. 2 overall prospect in the Tigers farm system, according to MLB.com. Last season at High-A and Double-A, Clark hit .271 with 14 home runs and 67 RBI, and could make his big league debut this season, where he will see a lot of high-octane heat like Hernandez’s.

Hernandez, 19, was drafted by the No. 6 overall pick by the Pirates in last year’s draft. Hernandez already has a legitimate four-pitch mix and will begin his season in rookie ball.

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Seth Hernandez throws pitch

Seth Hernandez (25) of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during a game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida, on March 20, 2026. (Julio Aguilar/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Pirates organization hopes that Hernandez, alongside top pitching prospect Bubba Chandler, will slot in behind National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes atop their rotation for years to come.

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WSL: Manchester United 2-1 Everton highlights

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Watch highlights as Melvine Malard’s 94th-minute winner snatches victory for Manchester United against Everton to send them back into second place in the Women’s Super League table.

MATCH REPORT: Manchester United 2-1 Everton

Available to UK users only.

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Japan clinch Women’s Asian Cup, beat Australia 1-0 in final encounter | Football News

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Maika Hamano took a pass from the left with her back to goal, turned and launched a powerful strike from outside the area in a moment of individual brilliance that secured Japan a third Women’s Asian Cup final with a 1-0 win over Australia.


The 21-year-old Hamano, on loan at Tottenham from Chelsea, scored in the 17th minute to almost silence the crowd of 74,397 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Saturday night.


The Australians applied all the pressure in the last 10 minutes pressing for an equalizer but were continually denied by Japan’s defense, including Alanna Kennedy’s close-range header with two minutes left in regulation.

 

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Japan had beaten Australia in finals to win back-to-back Women’s Asian Cups in 2014 and 2018 and has now won the title three times in the last four continental championships.


“I just want to enjoy it today because it’s only the third time that Japan actually managed to win this tournament,” Japan coach Nils Nielsen said. “(We) really deserve it, I mean we won six games – it’s OK we take the trophy.


“The girls fought with everything they had, so did Matildas, and they made themselves proud as well.” 
The Australians, who reached the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup on home soil in 2023, had 54% of possession, had 14 shots on goal compared to nine for Japan, and considerably more passes, crosses and touches in the opposition box.


But as captain Sam Kerr said, “They beat us just off one moment. For most of the game, we had the better chances and definitely in the second half, most of the possession. So it was just one moment. Unfortunately, that’s what football is decided on. 

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“The last few games, we’ve had the moments and made the most of them. Tonight, they had an amazing goal.” 
Japan, the top-ranked team in Asia, tallied 29 goals and conceded just one in six games in a dominant performance in Australia.


The Matildas haven’t won the continental championship since 2010, when Kerr – then 16 – scored in the decider.


Crowd records 
The crowd of almost 75,000 for the final was a record for the Women’s Asian Cup along with the total crowd of 355,528 across the tournament that started on March 1.


Six teams from the Asian Cup – Japan, Australia, China, South Korea, Philippines and North Korea – have qualified for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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Iran’s involvement 
The 12-team tournament gained global attention due to the involvement of an Iranian squad affected by the Middle East war.


The Iranian team arrived in Australia before the Feb. 28 attacks by the United States and Israel triggered the Iran war, and their participation held the international focus.


Seven members of the Iran delegation initially were granted asylum by the Australian government, though all but two have since returned home.

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One Viking Had an Absolutely Rotten Week

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Max Brosmer jogging onto the field before a Vikings game against the Falcons
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer jogs onto the field during pregame warmups on Sep 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the team prepares for a home matchup against the Atlanta Falcons with anticipation building around the young passer’s role ahead of kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

If you had big plans for 2025 undrafted free-agent quarterback Max Brosmer, it’s officially time to rethink them. In the last week, the Minnesota Vikings have onboarded Kyler Murray and re-signed last year’s QB2, Carson Wentz, spelling a mini-doomsday scenario for Brosmer.

The young quarterback’s roster standing took a serious hit over the course of a few days.

Brosmer may not have possessed the upside of a QB1 in the pros in the first place, but the Vikings’ decision-making proved recently that he’s closer to a practice-squad commodity than anything else.

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Minnesota’s QB Shuffle Leaves Brosmer in a Tough Spot

Back to the drawing board for Brosmer.

Max Brosmer lines up under center during a Vikings game against the Bengals. Max Brosmer
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) lines up under center during second-half action against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sep. 21, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The young signal-caller directed the offense late, working through reads and adjustments as Minnesota pushed to sustain drives in front of the home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Wentz Returns

Wentz has returned to Minnesota after flirting with the New York Jets last week.

NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote Thursday, “The Minnesota Vikings have added another veteran to their quarterback room. Carson Wentz is re-signing with the Vikings on a one-year deal, NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Thursday, per sources informed of the move. The team later announced the news.”

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“The move comes after the Vikings inked Kyler Murray to a one-year deal last week to battle J.J. McCarthy for the starting gig. Retaining Wentz aims at safeguarding against the quarterback issues that sank their 2025 campaign, in which undrafted free agent Max Brosmer was forced to start two games.”

Wentz’s torn labrum should be in tip-top shape before too long, and he’s officially back in the mix for Minnesota.

Murray Added as Probable QB1

And, of course, Minnesota signed Murray on March 12th, following weeks of speculation that the former Arizona Cardinals starter would join the team he rooted for as a child and teenager. The speculation was correct.

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Murray immediately tracks as the QB1 in 2026 — how could a team not start a man who averages about 4,000 passing yards, 30 total touchdowns, and 600 rushing yards every 17 starts? Mind-bogglingly, because the Cardinals are the hook for Murray’s 2026 salary, the Vikings scored Murray for 1.3 million bucks.

He’d probably have to get hurt this summer to lose the starter’s job.

Zone Coverage‘s Nelson Thielen wrote about Murray last week, “Murray represents Kevin O’Connell’s desperate attempt to maximize his upside and save his job — even if it means completely reorienting his offensive principles. Because what Murray does well is not what this offense ran so successfully in 2024.”

“Murray plays his best ball as a point guard at the line of scrimmage with quick, rhythmic passing. He’s a good distributor close to the line of scrimmage and saves most of his intermediate passing to concepts outside the numbers in the form of deep outs, corner routes, and comebacks. Essentially, the only time you see him throw in structure over the middle of the field is up the seam. Otherwise, it simply isn’t an element of his game.”

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O’Connell has five months to figure out his playbook to accommodate Murray. It shouldn’t be difficult.

“There is a world in which Kevin O’Connell rehabilitates Kyler’s career, and the Kyler Murray era in Minnesota extends far beyond 2026. I just hope this coaching staff is willing to go all in on that possibility, because a half measure likely leads to the same type of disjointed mess Murray was hoping to leave behind in Arizona,” Thielen added.

Brosmer Out in the Cold

Therefore, with the quarterback additions and re-signings, the Vikings’ QB depth chart now looks like this:

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  • Kyler Murray
  • J.J. McCarthy
  • Carson Wentz
  • Max Brosmer

Minnesota never keeps four quarterbacks on a regular season roster — sometimes it’s only two — and Brosmer is either on the practice squad in 2026 or outright released. Until this week, no one was too sure if Wentz would re-up with the Vikings, keeping hope alive for Brosmer’s inside path to the QB3 post.

Max Brosmer warms up before a Minnesota Golden Gophers game at Huntington Bank Stadium. Max Brosmer
Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) warms up prior to kickoff against the Rhode Island Rams, Sep. 7, 2024, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The transfer quarterback went through pregame routines, loosening his arm and preparing to lead Minnesota’s offense in an early-season nonconference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Brosmer as the QB3 — or on the roster at all when the regular season rolls around — now feels like a long shot. He went from unknown, undrafted free agent to possible Brock Purdy-like breakout to a probable roster cut or practice squad candidate.

It was not a good week for Brosmer.

“Hope” for a McCarthy Trade?

Brosmer would actually benefit from a McCarthy trade, as the rumor mill has subtly suggested since the club re-signed Wentz on Thursday. Sending McCarthy to Arizona or Pittsburgh, for example, would keep Brosmer in the Vikings’ roster orbit as their single young quarterback in the pipeline.

Vikings quarterbacks McCarthy, Howell, Rypien, and Brosmer practice together during minicamp. Max Brosmer
Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy (9), Sam Howell (8), Brett Rypien (11), and Max Brosmer (12) participate in drills during minicamp, Jun. 10, 2025, at the Vikings Training Facility in Minneapolis. The group rotated through reps, sharpening timing and mechanics as coaches evaluated depth chart options ahead of training camp. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Of course, a McCarthy trade is unlikely, all things considered, and it doesn’t feel like Kevin O’Connell is ready to throw in the towel. During the upcoming buildup to the 2026 season, remember that Murray usually misses about four or five games per season; that would be the perfect opportunity for McCarthy to reclaim his throne — if he’s matured and developed in the background.

Otherwise, if McCarthy is out of the way, Brosmer won’t trend so irreleveantly.

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The P/PTSD Perspective: Vikings Flirt with Elite Speed, MIN Move, and Greenard’s New Job

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Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark (74) stretches during Minicamp at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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 21st, 2026

1) Vikings are Bringing a Runner with Elite Speed in for a Visit: Speed kills in the NFL. So, it makes sense for the Vikings to dig into the possibility of adding someone who possesses elite speed. The 2026 NFL Draft looks likely to kick over at least a single runner to beef up the RB depth.

Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts after a play against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

2) Vikings Finally Pause Inactivity and Make a Move: Minnesota has been participating in a modest free agency period. Strangely enough, the pivot off of that inactivity was to go for a restricted free agent. Buffalo’s backup large lad put pen to paper, but the Bills maintained a lot of power.

3) As Trade Rumors Swirl, Jonathan Greenard Earns a Snazzy New Job: Not the news people have been waiting for in recent days and weeks. The promotion from within the NFLPA does demonstrate something important: Greenard’s peers respect him. He has always offered great leadership and energy. The new job is an extension of that reality.

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Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43), linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) and linebacker Dallas Turner (15) talk during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

4) The Vikings’ GM Didn’t Budge: Rob Brzezinski has been moving through an ongoing job interview. If he crushes these next couple of months, the Vikings’ new GM — read: fill-in GM — may already be under contract.

5) 5 Defensive Free Agents the Vikings Could Still Sign: The Vikings are sitting on some cap space. Not a ton, but a bit of wiggle room. Making a move for some depth-level players isn’t the worst idea in the world, especially if it helps to avoid reaching in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Enjoy the extra reading, Vikings fans.


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

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Wimbledon to introduce video review on six courts starting from this year | Other Sports News

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Wimbledon will use video review technology for the first time at this year’s tournament, the All England Club announced Saturday.


The oldest Grand Slam tennis tournament will have the technology available on Centre Court, No. 1 Court – the club’s second-biggest stadium – plus four other show courts.


Players will be allowed to review specific calls made by the chair umpire – such as double bounces. 

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Video review made its Grand Slam tennis debut at the 2023 U.S. Open. The Australian Open also uses the technology.

 


Centre Court and No. 1 Court will have video review available throughout the tournament, which starts on June 29, and the technology will be used on No. 2 Court, No. 3 Court, Court 12 and Court 18 for singles matches.


Players will not be limited in the number of reviews they can request.

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Video review is separate from the electronic line-calling used for ruling balls in or out.


Last year, Wimbledon replaced line judges with electronic line-calling, though it wasn’t without hiccups.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Mar 21 2026 | 7:27 PM IST

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Managing Madrid Podcast: Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid, PREVIEW, La Liga 2025 – 2026

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On this Members-only episode of the Managing Madrid Podcast, Mehedi Hassan and Jeremy Beren discuss:

– What has changed for Atletico from the beginning of their season?
– Atletico’s crazy fixtures in April
– Key matchups in the Derby: Vini vs. Molina on the left wing
– Will Julian Alvarez leave Atletico or remain the face of the project?

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And more.

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Thanks for being a Member. We hope you enjoy the show!

The site is run by a small team that works tirelessly around the clock to make it into what it is today. Your contributions will allow us to continue to have a real and full-time presence in keeping this website, and it’s podcasts, going.

Hosts this week:

Mehedi Hassan (⁠⁠@MhassanFootball⁠⁠)

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Jeremy Beren (@JBBeren)

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Jared McCain helping on both ends as rolling Thunder visit Wizards

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NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Brooklyn NetsMar 18, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forward Chaney Johnson (31) during the first quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

After his season-high 26-point performance, it’s easy to focus on the offensive side of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain.

Heading into Saturday’s road matchup with the Washington Wizards, however, Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault is focusing more on the defensive side of McCain’s game since he was acquired in a Feb. 4 trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.

“I don’t know how much he’s developed but he’s definitely integrated well. He’s learning his teammates, he’s learning our system, the fundamentals that we emphasize,” Daigneault said. “… He’s done a really good job of committing to our fundamentals and the things that we need to do on the defensive end of the floor.

“Obviously he’s a very potent offensive player, but he gives up some size and needs to be really fundamental and feisty (defensively) and he’s done that, especially lately.”

The Thunder are 15-3 since acquiring McCain after going 11-7 in their 18 games prior to the trade.

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McCain has been particularly important to Oklahoma City during the absence of Jalen Williams, who along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the Thunder’s primary ballhandlers.

Williams hasn’t played since Feb. 11 as he recovers from a hamstring strain.

Oklahoma City (55-15) comes into the Saturday game on a 10-game winning streak and is working to hold off San Antonio for the top seed in the Western Conference.

The Thunder come into the contest with the Wizards three games ahead of the Spurs.

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The Saturday game is the last of two between the Wizards and Thunder this season.

Oklahoma City won the first meeting by 19 on Oct. 30 in the third of what became a 14-game losing streak for the Wizards.

Washington is once again on a 14-game losing streak, with their last win coming Feb. 20. The Wizards have lost by an average of nearly 15 points per game during the streak.

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The Thunder lead the NBA in net rating, outscoring opponents by 10.9 points per 100 possessions, while the Wizards are last at minus-11.1.

Oklahoma City is holding opponents to a league-low 43.4% from the field.

In the earlier meeting, the Thunder scored 26 points on Washington’s 23 turnovers while Oklahoma City turned the ball over just six times for five Wizards’ points.

In Thursday’s 117-95 loss to Detroit, the Pistons scored 23 points on Washington’s 19 turnovers for a plus-10 advantage off turnovers.

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Much like Daigneault when talking about McCain, Wizards coach Brian Keefe has been pleased with the recent defensive growth from third-year reserve center Tristan Vukcevic, who has had the two best offensive games of his career over the past four games.

“He’s one of the better bigs in the league in terms of disruptions — disrupting the ball, getting his hands on things,” Keefe said.

The Wizards remain short-handed, with Anthony Davis still yet to make his D.C. debut after not playing since early January. Additionally, Trae Young has missed the last two games with a quadriceps contusion and has played in just five since being acquired from Atlanta in February.

In an update Friday, the Wizards announced Davis continues to progress, but that he would remain out at least until being evaluated later in the month. On Saturday, the team said Young has a right quadriceps contusion and lower back irritation and the “injuries are being treated conservatively.”

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The Wizards said Young will not require surgery but gave no timeline for his return to the court.

–Field Level Media

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