The Minnesota Vikings 1st-Round draft pick from Thursday night, Caleb Banks, comes with some injury risk and an overall boom-or-bust profile. The team’s 2nd-Rounder, Jake Golday, might be a bit raw for Year No. 1 readiness, which is fine because the Vikings have plenty of off-ball linebacking depth. What does this mean? Well, the 3rd-Round selection of Iowa State nose tackle Domonique Orange takes the cake from a post-draft standpoint.
Minnesota needed a true interior run-stuffer, and Orange may have the cleanest rookie fit on the roster.
Big Citrus — his nickname because of his last name — is set up to succeed more than any Vikings draft pick in the immediate fallout of the event.
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A New Nose Tackle Option Has Entered the Chat
The Big Citrus fan club has already begun.
Domonique Orange reacts after a defensive play, showing energy and presence along the line for Iowa State during second-half action on Sep 6, 2025, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Wearing No. 95, the Cyclones lineman turns toward teammates as the rivalry matchup against Iowa continues with momentum shifting late. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images.
An Immediate Roster Opening
So long as Orange doesn’t look like an idiot at training camp in July — he won’t — the large defender has a clear path to splash right away. On the pre-draft depth chart, 2024 7th-Rounder Levi Drake Rodriguez was slated for nose tackle duty in 2026. That all changed with the Orange selection.
It just makes more sense that Orange would play sooner rather than later, a sharp contrast to Orange’s new teammate, the aforementioned Banks, who will undergo a summer filled with injury questions about his game-readiness. That will not be the story for Orange. There will be some instant gratification regarding Orange.
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SI.com‘s Will Ragatz on the pick: “Whereas Banks is a freak athlete with big-time pass-rush potential, Orange is a true run-stuffing nose tackle. Across four seasons with the Cyclones, he recorded one sack. He also had just seven career tackles for loss.”
“But at 6’2,” 322 pounds, the work he does generally doesn’t show up in the stat sheet. This is a guy who eats up blocks and is very difficult to move off of his spot, which creates tackle opportunities for others in the run game. Instant grade: B.”
Nose Tackles Are Set Up to Succeed
Drafting nose tackles somewhat high in a draft is like pepperoni pizza. Nobody from your group of hungry folks will complain about the selection — or Orange … or the pizza. Nose tackles have a higher rate of success in the draft, mainly because their job is slightly less complicated than pass-rushing DTs. Nose tackles are instructed to be “big and there.”
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This is a similar situation to safeties: they’re just easier to hit on in the draft. Low risk, high reward.
The Scouting Report
Orange, an early-down option as his career gets off the ground in the big leagues, offers immediate help. At 6’2″ and 325 pounds, he boasts a quick first step, a solid anchor, and long arms evident on tape. He perfectly fits Minnesota’s profile for interior run stoppers.
However, his pass-rush game requires development. He primarily relies on positioning and leverage, rarely demonstrating the bull rush often seen from other defensive tackles in this class. Still, he possesses significant room for growth.
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Generally speaking, the Vikings’ rookie DT roles are clearly defined: Banks will hunt the quarterback, and Orange will handle the interior “dirty work.”
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein on Orange: “Orange is a sturdy nose tackle capable of muddying the middle of the field with his first-step quickness and take-on power. His reaction time makes it hard to reach-block him in zone and he has the anchor to play landlord over the A-gaps against double-teams.”
“He gets bounced around on contact but is excellent in recovery and winning the final phase of the rep. Orange is a non-factor as a pass rusher, but his value versus the run should attract teams.”
Domonique Orange celebrates after bringing down Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, delivering a key sack for Iowa State during first-half action on Dec 7, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The defensive lineman, wearing No. 95, shows emotion following the impactful play in a high-profile matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images.
And The Athletic‘sDane Brugler: “Orange is an ineffective pass rusher but has the frame and play strength to be an immovable, stout nose when he wants to be. He projects best as a one-technique or shade in a 4-3 scheme. Using his long extension, he creates powerful knockback, controls the point and eventually discards blockers, although his shed timing must improve.”
“Despite having a limited range of impact, he played lighter in 2025, and his conditioning is a critical factor in his on-field success. Durable — played in combined 50 games the past four years. Strong, violent hands to rid himself of contact. Trimmed down to 325 pounds and worked well with nutritionists in the program.”
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First Real NT since Dalvin Tomlinson
Remember Tomlinson? Ironically, he’s probably the best NFL comp for Orange, and Orange just so happens to be the first genuine prospective starting nose tackle on the Vikings’ roster since Tomlinson left Minnesota after the 2022 campaign.
Domonique Orange poses during Iowa State football media day, standing confidently in uniform as part of the team’s preseason preparations on Aug 2, 2024, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. The defensive lineman, wearing No. 95, faces the camera during organized media sessions ahead of the upcoming season. Mandatory Credit: Zach Boyden-Holmes-USA TODAY NETWORK.
Before Tomlinson, Linval Joseph held down the NT fort from 2014 to 2019. Since Joseph’s departure, the Vikings have cycled through these NT or faux NT personnel:
Sheldon Day
Javon Hargrave
Michael Pierce
Harrison Phillips
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Shamar Stephen
Taki Taimani
Dalvin Tomlinson
Khyiris Tonga
Elijah Williams
So, yes, it’s a new day and a bit of a throwback for the Vikings to have Orange on the depth chart.
David Benavidez believes one of the sport’s flagship champions is actively avoiding him, claiming there have been “multiple opportunities” to make the fight happen.
The WBC light-heavyweight champion is widely considered to be a top 10 pound-for-pound operator, capable of significantly enhancing his legacy over the next few years.
Irrespective of the result this weekend, the 29-year-old has said he will move back down to 175lbs and pursue an undisputed showdown with Dmitry Bivol.
The unified light-heavyweight champion is gearing up to defend his titles against mandatory challenger Michael Eifert, headlining a card at the UMMC Arena, Russia, on May 30.
Should he wish to become a two-time undisputed king, then the 35-year-old must ultimately face Benavidez, who insists he got the better of their sparring session around eight years ago.
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Back then, the pair had already shared numerous rounds, yet Benavidez has told Ariel Helwani that Bivol came away from their final spar with far less confidence.
“They can say whatever they want… He’s felt my power up close and personal. I felt his power up close and personal, too, but I got the better of that. I got the better of that last sparring session we had.
“I don’t let that get to my head because I know I have to come extremely prepared for him, but I feel like that [sparring session] kind of got stuck in his head.
“We’ve had multiple opportunities to make this fight happen, and it hasn’t happened, so I think that speaks volumes on its own.”
Benavidez was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion after Bivol vacated the belt last year, but this was largely because the Russian needed to undergo back surgery.
Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field Olympian of all time, wants one more crack at adding more medals to her illustrious career.
The 40-year-old told Time she will be making a comeback in hopes of running in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, which will be hosted in her home city.
“So many of us have been told not to do the big, bold thing,” Felix said to the outlet about her comeback. “You know, at this age, I should probably be staying home and taking care of my kids, doing all that. And just, why not? Let’s flip it on its head. Let’s go after the thing. Let’s be vulnerable.”
Allyson Felix, multiple sprint world champion, celebrates after the 4×400 meter mixed relay at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on July 16, 2022. The U.S. relay team won bronze in Felix’s final race.(Michael Kappeler/DPA)
Felix will be 42 when the Olympics begin in L.A., but the winner of 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds, across five different Games has seen others past 40 years old do what many consider impossible. Tom Brady, LeBron James and Lindsey Vonn were mentioned by Felix during the interview.
She wants to push past the age barrier, believing she can get one last shot at Olympic glory.
If Felix were to make the Olympic team at 42, she would be the first American sprinter to ever reach the Games in their 40s. And considering her specialty is sprinting, it will be quite the feat with the talent pool she’d be going up against.
Sha’Carri Richardson, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, Gabby Thomas and more will be vying for spots on the Olympic team come 2028. But that’s clearly not going to deter Felix, who many of these women likely looked up to since she burst onto the Olympic scene in Athens in 2004.
Allyson Felix, multiple sprint world champion, celebrates after the 4×400 meter mixed relay at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on July 16, 2022. The U.S. relay team won bronze in Felix’s final race.(Michael Kappeler/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)
Felix won silver that year in the 200-meter sprint. Then, during the 2008 Games in Beijing, she won gold with the 4×400-meter relay team, while taking home silver in the 200-meter sprint.
Felix reached the height of her running powers during the London Games, notching gold in the 200-meter, the 4×100-meter relay and 4×400-meter relay. She was a part of the team in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo before announcing her retirement following the 2022 track season.
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Since then, Felix was inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2025, while serving as part of the International Olympic Committee’s Athlete’s Commission as well as the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Board of Directors.
So, while Felix is involved heavily in the Games for the U.S., she wants to be back on the track.
Allyson Felix speaks onstage during the 2025 Social Impact Summit by The Hollywood Reporter and Social Impact Fund on July 24, 2025, at the DGA in Los Angeles, Calif.(Monica Schipper/The Hollywood Reporter)
Felix did return to competitive running last year, but she said she will seriously begin training for an Olympic comeback in October.
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If Felix doesn’t make the team in the end, she said she will be present at the 2028 LA Games with her children to cheer on those representing the Stars and Stripes.
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 22: Rafa Jodar of Spain celebrates the victory with a with a dedication to Jude Bellingham presents on the stands at the end of the match against Jesper de Jong of Netherlands during the Mutua Madrid Open 2026 tournament celebrated at La Caja Magica on April 22, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Rafa Jodar defeated João Fonseca 7-6, 4-6, 6-1 in Madrid to reach the round of 16 of a Masters event for the first time.
The match was close early on, with both players sharing the first two sets. Jodar won a close first set, lost the second, and then took over in the final set to seal the win in front of the home crowd.
The 19-year-old continues an impressive run of form. He has now won 11 of his last 12 matches, including his first top-10 win in the previous round.
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After the match, Jodar spoke about how tight the contest was and gave credit to his opponent.
“It was very tough. João is always a very tough player. These matches are decided by very small details and very small points. I think I did a great job in those points, trying to play my game.”
He also praised Fonseca’s progress this season.
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“He’s a very young player, a great player. I wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season and his career.”
Jodar also spoke about his own level and what comes next.
“I’m very, very happy with my level. I’ll try to recover well and think about the next match.”
This result marks another step forward for Jodar as he continues his run in Madrid.
WWE Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley is among the most popular stars on the roster. She reunited with a fellow babyface last week.
The Eradicator spent a lot of time with Damian Priest in The Judgment Day. They were both ousted from the faction at WWE SummerSlam 2024. The two parted ways a couple of months later to focus on their respective singles careers.
Thanks for the submission!
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Despite The Archer of Infamy’s move to SmackDown in January 2025, The Terror Twins crossed paths on several occasions in the past 12 months. After winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match earlier this year, Ripley also joined the blue brand to feud with the then WWE Women’s Champion, Jade Cargill.
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Rhea Ripley recently reunited with Damian Priest backstage. Earlier today, R-Truth posted a picture featuring himself, Priest, and Rhea posing with their respective title belts, recreating an iconic movement from two years ago.
“🙌🏾 Groundhog Day 👀 @RheaRipley_WWE @ArcherOfInfamy,” Truth wrote.
You can check out the tweet below:
While Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill to win the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42, Damian Priest and R-Truth scored a surprising win over The MFTs’ Tama Tonga and JC Mateo on the March 20 edition of Monday Night RAW to become the new WWE Tag Team Champions.
Popular WWE star hinted at potential match against Rhea Ripley
Former WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton was shockingly left off the WrestleMania 42 card. She addressed her absence from the PLE in a recent interview with Joey Karni.
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The Buff Barbie noted that the surprising WrestleMania absence could set her up for bigger opportunities at SummerSlam, competing for the WWE Women’s Championship or main eventing WrestleMania 43.
“I fully believe everything happens for a reason. Me not being on this year’s Mania is setting me up for something bigger. Whether that’s SummerSlam in Minnesota this year and fighting for the WWE Women’s Championship or main eventing next year’s WrestleMania, I fully believe everything happens for a reason,” Stratton added.
On the latest edition of Friday Night SmackDown, Tiffany Stratton defeated Giulia to become the new WWE Women’s United States Champion. After her win, it is likely that The Buff Barbie will cross paths with The Nightmare anytime soon.
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Shakur Stevenson has pumped the brakes following a report that he is in preliminary talks to face Devin Haney.
The two elite Americans each have a claim for pound-for-pound status, both boast undefeated records and are considered amongst the most defensively skilled operators of the modern era.
A weight class or two has always separated them, however, and Haney’s recent move to welterweight – a division which Stevenson says he may arrive at but is in no rush – seemed to make the match-up less likely.
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For it to happen, Stevenson said he would want Haney to agree to a catchweight of 144lbs, the same limit he met when beating Jose Ramirez in 2025.
However, Stevenson has now responded to Coppinger’s claim, saying on X that there has been no contact between the teams.
“I know fans like to get excited and they could play with y’all heads and manipulate y’all easily, but that rumour is cap for the 2nd time. I haven’t heard one word about that, [I don’t know] what they [trying to] cover up or disguise, but for me and my team we haven’t heard s**t.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru sent shivers down Delhi Capitals’ spine in their IPL 2026 clash on Monday. In the worst Powerplay display ever, Delhi Capitals scored just 13/6. At one point, DC were reduced to 8/6. The first six wickets were shared between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. In the first two overs, DC lost three wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar scalped Sahil Parakh (0) on the second ball of the first over, which started the downfall. In the next over, bowled by Josh Hazlewood, KL Rahul (1) and Sameer Rizvi (0) departed. Then, in the third over, Bhuvneshwar came back to dismiss Tristan Stubbs (5) and Axar Patel (0). In the fourth over, Nitish Rana was picked off by Josh Hazlewood. The scorecard then read 8/6 in 3.5 overs. DC ultimately scored 13/6 in Powerplay, and were all out for 75 in 16.3 overs.
Scorching powerplay spells from Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bundle out hosts Delhi Capitals (DC) for just 75 runs in 16.3 overs at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.
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DC was down and out at 8/6 within the first four overs. But it was a valuable knock from Abishek Porel (30 in 33 balls, with three fours) and brief cameos from David Miller (19) and Kyle Jamieson (12) that gave the score some respectability as DC managed to go past their opponent’s record of the lowest IPL total ever (49).
Putting DC to bat first, Bhuvneshwar Kumar got RCB off to a dream start, uprooting debutant Sahil Parakh’s middle-stump for a two-ball duck. DC was 0/1 in 0.2 overs.
In the next over, Josh Hazlewood started by getting the crucial wicket of KL Rahul, who top-edged a pull attempt into the hands of Jitesh Sharma for just one, while Sameer Rizvi also nicked one to Jitesh on first ball itself. DC was 2/3 in 1.2 overs.
Tristan Stubbs released some pressure with a four. However, in next over, he poked at a Bhuvneshwar outswinger, caught by Devdutt Padikkal at slips for a three-ball five. Skipper Axar Patel was also adjudged to be caught behind by Jitesh for a three-ball duck. DC had an absolute horror movie of a start, at 7/5 in 2.4 overs.
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Hazlewood got his third in the third over, as Nitish Rana tried avoiding a bumper, but the ball got some glove on it and went into Padikkal’s hands at gully. DC was 9/6 in 3.5 overs, engulfed by a tsunami of wickets.
At the end of the power play, DC was 13/6, with David Miller and Abishek Porel at the crease. This was only the second instance of a team losing six wickets within the powerplay in IPL history, after Kochi Tuskers Kerala slumped to 29/6 against Deccan Chargers back in the 2011 edition, as per a stat from CricViz.
Miller and Porel started to build a partnership, getting four each against Rasikh Salam Dar in the seventh over. In the ninth over, Miller tried to dominate the young pacer with two fours, but Rasikh managed to have the last laugh, getting Miller’s toe-end of the bat and the ball landed safely in Jitesh’s hands again. Miller was gone for an 18-ball 19. DC was 43/7 in nine overs.
At the end of 10 overs, DC was 46/7, with Porel (18*) and Kyle Jamieson (1*) unbeaten.
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A six sailing over deep square leg by Kyle Jamieson helped DC bring the 50-run mark in 10.2 overs and he scored a four too. However, he became Krunal’s victim for a 13-ball 12, trapped lbw, with DC at 62/8 in 12.3 overs.
Suyash Sharma bowled Kuldeep Yadav through the gates for 10-ball three, with DC down to 71/9 in 15.4 overs. Hazlewood ended Porel’s resistance at 33-ball 30, cleaning up DC for 75 in 16.3 overs.
Hazlewood’s 4/12 in 3.3 overs and Bhuvneshwar’s 3/5 in three overs were the highlights, while Krunal, Rasikh and Suyash also got a wicket each.
With ANI inputs
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IPL 2026 | Delhi Capitals Wins By 6 Wickets Against Mumbai Indians: Redemption For Sameer Rizvi
Finnish forward Miikka Muurinen announced his commitment to John Calipari’s Arkansas on Monday. The five-star prospect’s commitment sent the Razorbacks’ 2026 recruiting class to No. 1 nationally, per ESPN.
The 19-year-old plays for Partizan Belgrade in Serbia after spending time in multiple high schools in the US. His announcement triggered reactions from fans, many of whom took to X to post their comments.
@JoeTipton Pure bag chase kid, doesn’t care if team wins or loses
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“Pure bag chase kid, doesn’t care if team wins or loses,” wrote Jtacosh.
@JoeTipton Pure bag chase kid, doesn’t care if team wins or loses
“One of the worst players I’ve ever seen,” wrote The Kentucky Network.
“Cal won’t know how to use him. His offense is the simple form of the dribble drive motion offense. May get to the sweet 16 tho.”
“How could anyone get excited about Calipari’s roster? He could literally pick 5 of WHOEVER HE WANTS… and find a way to make them underachievers,” John Coy commented.
“It’s another final four or bust year for Coach Cal with this roster. If he doesn’t make it I’m sure the fan base will still be excited.”
Tracing Miikka Muurinen’s recruitment by Arkansas
Miikka Muurinen had taken an official visit to Arkansas in the fall of 2024 before leaving for Europe. He noted the Razorbacks have consistently maintained interest in him since the visit over a year ago.
“Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” he said. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me.
“When I left my Arkansas visit, I was not only excited about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, those are the type of people I want to be around on a daily basis.”
Although his absence from the US means he’s unranked, an ESPN report estimated his scouting grade of 95 would have put him in the top-five.
Miikka Muurinen has earned appearances for Partizan this season, including six in EuroLeague. He has played for the Finland senior team in 15 games, including eight in the FIBA EuroBasket last summer where he averaged 6.6 points.
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Muurinen played this month’s Nike Hoop Summit on the World Team, scoring 10 points and grabbing eight rebounds.
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Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey – who is NCAAW’s highest-paid coach? Find out here
The most decorated American Olympian in athletics, Felix won her only solo gold in the 200m at London in 2012, but also topped the 4x400m relay podium at every Games between 2008 and the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games.
She also won 4x100m relay titles in 2012 and 2016, and took 200m silver in 2004 and 2008, along with 400m silver and bronze in Rio and Tokyo respectively.
The LA native also won a record 20 medals at the World Championships, the most for any woman or man, including 14 titles.
Felix, who also has a daughter born in 2018, attended the 2024 Paris Olympics as a spectator and said she experienced “mixed emotions”.
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“There were moments where I was like, ‘Oh, this is so great. It’s so exciting to be in the stands and on the other side,’” Felix told Time magazine, external.
“And then there were moments where I was, ‘You know, I miss this feeling’.”
Felix, a member of the athletes commission for the 2028 LA Olympic organising committee, said she is realistic about her comeback.
“I know, at 40, I am not at my peak. I have no illusions about that,” she added. “I’m very clear in what it is and what I want to see. And so I hope it’s seen that way.
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“When I was competing, you just heard this roar for host-country athletes at the Olympics. I would love to experience that.
“I would probably be upset at myself if I just didn’t give it a try. However it turns out, I’ll still be there with my kids, hanging out and cheering everybody on.”
Cruzeiro will invite Boca Juniors to Mineirão in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday. Boca have won their two games thus far, while the hosts have a win and a defeat to their name.
Raposa are unbeaten in their last three games, recording two wins. They met Remo in the Brazilian Serie A last week and secured a 1-0 away win. Keny Arroyo scored the only goal of the match in the 34th minute. In their previous Libertadores match, they lost 2-1 at home to Universidad Católica.
Thanks for the submission!
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Xeneize have enjoyed a great run of form and are unbeaten in their last 14 games in all competitions. They extended their winning streak to three games last week, recording a 4-0 away triumph over Defensa y Justicia in the Argentine Primera División. Milton Giménez scored in the first half, while Alan Velasco, Miguel Merentiel, and Adam Bareiro added goals after the break.
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Cruzeiro vs Boca Juniors Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
The two teams have crossed paths 15 times in competitive games. The visitors have the lead in the head-to-head record with seven wins. Raposa are not far behind with six wins, and two games have ended in draws.
They last met in the Copa Sudamericana round of 16 in 2024, and the hosts secured a win on penalties after the score ended 2-2 on aggregate.
Cruzeiro have scored at least two goals in four of their last six home games in all competitions.
Xeneize have kept clean sheets in their last three games in all competitions.
The visitors are on a four-game winning streak in away games, keeping three clean sheets in that period.
Cruzeiro vs Boca Juniors Prediction
Raposa have lost just one of their last six games in all competitions, with that defeat coming at home in the Libertadores. Notably, they have suffered just one defeat at home against the visitors.
Xeneize have been in great touch recently, winning six of their last seven across all competitions. They have the second-best attacking record in the Libertadores this season, scoring five goals in two games.
Considering the visitors’ current form and goalscoring record, we back them to register a win.
Prediction: Cruzeiro 1-2 Boca Juniors
Cruzeiro vs Boca Juniors Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Boca Juniors to win
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Tip 2: Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: Both teams to score – Yes
Tip 4: At least one goal to be scored in the second half – Yes
Four days after declaring for the 2026 NBA draft, AJ Dybantsa penned a message for Cougar Nation.
Dybantsa reflected on and expressed gratitude for his time at BYU in a LinkedIn post Monday.
“When I committed to BYU, I knew I was signing up for something bigger than basketball. A lot of people questioned the decision. For me, the choice was simple. I wanted to go to the place that would best develop me as a basketball player and as a person. BYU was the program that gave me the clearest path to both.”
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Dybantsa said he knew he made the right decision “the moment I stepped on campus.”
“This school welcomed me in, raised the standard for me, and made me a better person every single day I was there. From the coaching staff to the professors to the fans walking across campus, this is a community unlike any other in college sports,” he said.
Dybantsa then thanked BYU basketball head coach Kevin Young and his teammates.
“Coach Young, thank you for trusting me with the keys to your program. You came to BYU with an NBA mind and a deep belief in what this place could become. You pushed me harder than I’ve ever been pushed, and you cared about me as a person before you cared about me as a player. I’ll carry the lessons you taught me for the rest of my life,” he said.
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“To my teammates, the bond we built this year goes way beyond basketball. The film sessions, the bus rides, the late nights in the gym, the conversations that had nothing to do with the game. Y’all are brothers for life. I’m rooting for every single one of you.”
Dybantsa praised BYU fans, writing “what y’all do for this program is special.”
“The way fans show up for BYU basketball is unlike anything in the country. The kindness I felt walking around campus and the city of Provo, the families who treated me like one of their own, the kids who came up to me everywhere I went. That’s the part of this experience I’ll remember most,” he said.
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The NBA now awaits Dybantsa, the likely No. 1 overall pick, but regardless of where he ends up, he said he is “proud to be a Cougar for life.”
“I am proud to have worn the Y. I’m proud to have represented this university. I’m proud to be a Cougar for life. The next chapter starts now, but BYU will always be a part of who I am. Go Cougs.”
AJ Dybantsa, the nation’s No. 1 basketball recruit, is presented at halftime of the BYU and Fresno State game at the Marriott Center in Provo on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
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