By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
Sports
The Vikings Still Have Major Free Agency Work to Do
As the expensive Phase 1 of free agency winds down, the Vikings have been busy with player contract restructures, cuts and a few new player signings and re-signings while awaiting the Kyler Murray decision and trying to find a new center, punter and reinforcements in the secondary, on the defensive line and at wide receiver (via free agency or next month’s draft).
Across the entire NFC North, there haven’t been any splashy signings or trades. Since the entire division finished last season with winning records, it’s not a shock to see the Vikings, Bears, Lions, and Packers proceeding with caution compared to losing teams such as the Raiders and Titans overspending in early free agency.
That will change for the Vikings when they likely get Murray signed during or shortly after his visit this week, when they hope to agree to a one-year contract and have Murray pass his physical (after the foot injury that kept him out for most of last season).
Several Key Roster Questions Still Face the Vikings
The Vikings lost a couple of key players, with third wide receiver Jalen Nailor heading to the Raiders and punter/holder Ryan Wright signing with the Saints. The good news was the re-signing of linebacker Eric Wilson, who proved to be a great fit in Brian Flores’ defense with a career year in 2025 (6.5 sacks, 115 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss, and four forced fumbles). The 31-year-old Wilson stays on an affordable deal (three years, $22.5 million).
We’ll see how the Vikings’ signing of James Pierre (two years, $8.5 million) plays out for a corner coming from the Steelers (he played 26% of their defensive snaps last season). He should be an upgrade over Jeff Okudah, who didn’t pan out last season. And I still see the Vikings drafting a corner in the first three rounds to compete with Pierre for the No. 3 corner position.
Beyond the most important move of adding a veteran quarterback, there are several areas of concern with the current state of roster building for the 2026 Vikings. Included are:
Center: The Vikings must have been disappointed to see several top centers sign with other teams this week. Heading that list was Tyler Linderbaum, who left Baltimore for a $27 million per-year overpay by the Raiders (the previous highest paid center was Creed Humphrey of the Chiefs at $18 million per year, with Cowboys guard Tyler Smith the previous highest paid interior O-lineman on his $24 million per year deal).
Among other highly-rated free-agent centers, Connor McGovern re-signed in Buffalo, Cade Mays went to Detroit, Tyler Biadasz went to the Chargers, Elgton Jenkins wound up in Cleveland after the Packers cut him, and Carolina signed Luke Fortner.
Lloyd Cushenberry is available after the Titans released him, but he’s coming off a down year so the Vikings may have to look to the draft for a center with one of their early round picks (the Vikings picked up an additional third-round compensatory pick for the loss of Sam Darnold so they have a first [No. 18]), a second and two third-round picks along with five later round picks. I don’t see the team counting on Michael Jurgens to be the starting center, and Blake Brandel is better suited as a backup guard and tackle.
Punter: Despite a strong season for Ryan Wright, it was somewhat surprising to see him leave for New Orleans on a four-year, $14 million contract. The Vikings could look to free agency or the draft for their next punter, and that punter also must have the ability to hold well for Will Reichard. All-Pro long snapper Andrew DePaolo was re-signed, so that is good news on the special teams front.
Safety: The Vikings are keeping the door open for Harrison Smith to return, and after his strong finish last season, Kevin O’Connell and Flores likely want him back. The Vikings have to be looking at signing a vet safety (beyond Tavierre Thomas, who was re-signed, though he’s more of a special-teamer) and drafting one in the early rounds, with Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson under contract, but both have their limitations.
Defensive Line: With the release of vets Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, the team needs to add some veteran help on the D-line to play alongside the surging Jalen Redmond and two recent draftees who also have shown promise — Levi Drake Rodriguez and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins.
I think it would be a mistake to trade Jonathan Greenard, as has been rumored. He is an elite pass rusher and forms a great trio of Edge/OLBs with Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner (and Flores can get all three on the field together in passing situations).
Running Back and Wide Receiver: I like that the Vikings will have Aaron Jones back after he accepted a reduced 2026 contract. He and Jordan Mason are a solid pair of backs, but I see the team drafting an explosive, speedy back who can become a dual threat, and they could use one of their early draft picks for such a player.
A wide receiver to challenge for the third WR spot is also a strong possibility in free agency or the draft, especially if O’Connell is not sold on last year’s third-rounder Tai Felton to take over that role.
Stay tuned — there are plenty of potential bargain players for the Vikings to sign in the next phases of free agency, and with nine picks in the upcoming draft, they have the opportunity to add a few quality starters and lots of depth, but they have to do a much better job of drafting compared to recent years.
Around the NFL free agency/trade observations
1. Elsewhere in the NFC North, the Bears have downgraded at center by trading for ex-Viking Garrett Bradbury after Pro Bowler Drew Dalman’s surprise retirement. The Bears are also weaker at wide receiver after trading D.J. Moore to Buffalo. And they lost quality corner Nahshon Wright (five interceptions last season) as he signed with the Jets.
Green Bay’s leading receiver last season — Romeo Doubs — has left the Packers for New England (after the Pats cut ex-Viking Stefon Diggs for cap relief). Starting DE Rashan Gary was traded to the Cowboys, and former first-round LB Quay Walker (who led the Packers with 128 tackles) has signed in Las Vegas. Also, the team lost its No. 2 QB, Malik Willis, to Miami. The Packers added former Gophers corner Benjamin St-Juste, who played for the Chargers last season.
The Lions lost a fine back in David Montgomery in a trade with Houston (ex-Chief Isiah Pacheco was signed to replace him), and starting linebacker/defensive leader Alex Anzalone has signed with Tampa Bay.
So, all of the Vikings’ NFC North rivals have lost some key players in free agency and via trades.
2. Quite the wild situation with Maxx Crosby: Baltimore’s trade of two first-rounders to the Raiders for their Pro Bowl DE was called off after he failed the Ravens’ physical. Baltimore quickly pivoted to sign top DE Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals (for $28 million per year).
If the 31-year-old Hendrickson stays healthy (he missed 10 games last season with a hip injury) and returns to his 2024 form when he led the league with 17.5 sacks, it will wind up as a great deal for the Ravens, who don’t lose any draft picks with the Hendrickson signing.
Now the Raiders have a problem with Crosby’s return: Can he be happy in Vegas, or can they still trade him and get a decent return? It clearly won’t be two No. 1 picks.
3. I think the Rams are a team that has improved significantly at their weakest position — cornerback — through the trade for Trent McDuffie and the signing of Jaylen Watson, who both are coming to L.A. from Kansas City. Darnold threw for 348 yards and three TDs in the NFC title game against the Rams’ secondary, so this was a major area of concern entering 2026 for the Rams.
4. Despite coming off a torn Achilles, Daniel Jones is a big winner in free agency as he signed a two-year, $88 million contract with the Colts that could be worth $100 million through incentives.
I’ll have more next week on the Vikings’ free agency moves, including the QB situation and reactions to other signings around the NFL.
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PHOENIX — Matt Olson, Dominic Smith and Mauricio Dubón hit solo homers, Reynaldo López gave up one run over five innings and the Atlanta Braves coasted to a 17-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series.
The Braves broke it open with an eight-run fifth, sending 12 batters to plate to take a 10-1 lead. Austin Riley and Michael Harris II had two-run doubles and Ozzie Albies brought home two more with a single.
It was a frustrating inning for the D-backs — partly thanks to technology. Ryne Nelson walked three batters, including Ronald Acuña Jr., which forced in a run. The right-hander had a potential strike three to Albies overturned by an ABS challenge, turning it into a walk. A potential inning-ending double play was also overturned when Drake Baldwin was ruled safe at first.
On top of that, 10-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado made a costly error, leading to five unearned runs for Nelson.
Nelson (0-1) made it just 4 2/3 innings, giving up seven runs, but only two were earned. He walked three and struck out three.
López (1-0) gave up four hits and a walk while striking out three. Olson finished with three hits and three RBIs.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Taj Bradley pitched six innings of five-hit ball, Minnesota homered three times in the ninth inning to break open a close game, and the Twins beat Kansas City to avoid a three-game series sweep.
Bradley (1-0) struck out three and walked one while out-duelling Cole Ragans (0-2), helping the Twins improve to 2-0 with him on the mound. Minnesota was winless in its other four games on a season-opening six-game trip through Baltimore and Kansas City.
Kody Clemens scored on an error by five-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Salvador Perez in the second, and Byron Buxton added a sacrifice fly off John Schreiber in the eighth, before the Twins teed off against Royals reliever Steven Cruz in the ninth.
Matt Wallner began the barrage with his homer to left, Clemens followed two batters late with his first of the season, and Josh Bell gave the Twins their first back-to-back homers since last July with his shot off Cruz to right field.
The only offence for Kansas City came in the eighth, when Maikel Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. put runners on the corners with back-to-back singles, and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a sacrifice fly. But after Perez grounded into a fielder’s choice, Twins reliever Taylor Rogers struck out Jac Caglianone with a sweeper out of the zone to leave the tying run on second base.
SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco rookie catcher Daniel Susac went 3 for 3 with a walk in his first major league start and the Giants rolled over New York.
The younger brother of former Giants catcher Andrew Susac singled in his first two big league at-bats off David Peterson (0-1), then drew a walk and singled off Sean Manaea.
Rafael Devers homered and Casey Schmitt went 3 for 3 with a walk and an RBI for the Giants, who had 13 hits overall and handed the Mets their third straight loss.
Robbie Ray (1-1) gave up two runs and three hits in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven and walked three.
Former Mets reliever Blade Tidwell worked three scoreless innings to earn his first big league save.
Bo Bichette’s RBI double off Ray gave the Mets a 1-0 lead in the first before the Giants scored three times with two outs in the bottom of the inning.
Luis Arraez tripled off the right-field wall to score Heliot Ramos with San Francisco’s first run. Matt Chapman followed with a double down the right-field line to score Arraez. Chapman scored the third run when Peterson dropped Mark Vientos’ throw to first on Jung Hoo Lee’s grounder. Peterson was charged with an error.
Peterson allowed six runs — five earned — and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five and walked two.
Neymar Jr., a football icon in Brazil, finds different ways to remain in the headlines. Despite the fact that the former Barcelona forward is no longer playing for an elite European club, he has remained in the spotlight for global media publications. Off-field controversies are not new for Neymar, and this time, he is being called out on social media for making a sexist comment regarding referee Savio Pereira Sampaio. Neymar called the referee ‘Chico’ after the conclusion of a match between his team, Santos, and Remo in the Brazilian league.
Although Santos won the match comfortably 2-0, Neymar was unhappy to be given a yellow card. During the post-match chat with Canal Premiere, the 34-year-old made a casual sexist remark about Sampaio.
“This card is unfair. I was on the receiving end of a dangerous, unnecessary tackle at the end of the match. It wasn’t the first, but the third or fourth. I went to protest and received a yellow card,” Neymar fumed at the end of the match in an interview with Canal Premiere.
“That’s Savio for you; he woke up like ‘Chico’ [in a bad mood] and came onto the pitch in that state. He wants to be the star of the match, he’s incredibly disrespectful to the players, he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t discuss anything, he’s the kind of guy who dictates the game, who wants to control everything. He needs to learn to manage that. It’s disrespectful.”
The controversial part of the comment was, “Acordou de chico e veio assim pro jogo,” which translates to “woke up like ‘Chico’ and came to the game in that state.”
Why is the word ‘Chico’ controversial?
While the word “Chico” might sound like a name, in Brazilian slang, “estar de Chico” is a common, albeit quite old and often viewed as sexist, way to say a woman is on her period. Neymar seemed to have suggested that the referee was in a “bad mood” or acting “irrationally” because he was menstruating.
Mariana Pereira, a Brazilian journalist, slammed Neymar for the sexist comment. She said: “”Woke up on his period and came to the game like that” – how easy it is to replicate sexist and prejudiced expressions. For years, women have been shamed for menstruating. A simple BIOLOGICAL process viewed as something dirty, with hormonal fluctuations and physical pain invalidated. There are still those who defend it.”
“Acordou de chico e veio assim pro jogo” – como é fácil replicar expressões sexistas e preconceituosas. Por anos as mulheres foram constrangidas por menstruarem. Um simples processo BIOLÓGICO visto como algo sujo, flutuações hormonais e dores físicas invalidadas. Há quem defenda. pic.twitter.com/HWubLWGOJ7
— Mariana Pereira (@maripereira_j) April 3, 2026
While Neymar remains relevant on the field, at least in Brazil, he continues to find himself involved in off-field controversies. Against Remo, he had a hand in both of his side’s goals but was constantly fouled and jostled by the opponents. He lost his cool after finally being provoked into an aggressive stance following a confrontation with Diego Hernandez in the second half, prompting the referee to issue a yellow card.
Due to the booking, Neymar will miss Santos’ high-profile fixture against Flamengo at the Maracana on Sunday.
Topics mentioned in this article
Auburn Tigers head coach Steven Pearl talks with his team as Auburn Tigers take on Seattle Redhawks during the second round of the National Invitation Tournament at Neville Arena in Auburn, Ala. on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Keyshawn Hall was nearly unstoppable in a 24-point outing for overall No. 1 seed Auburn, and the sharp-shooting Tigers walloped Illinois State 88-66 in Thursday night’s second NIT semifinal in Indianapolis.
The smooth left-hander, who averages 19.4 points per game, stroked 10 of 16 shots from the field, including 2 of 4 from deep, and added six rebounds, three assists and two steals.
With the victory, first-year coach Steven Pearl’s Tigers (21-16) advanced to meet fellow No. 1 seed Tulsa in Sunday night’s title matchup.
The Golden Hurricane toppled New Mexico 74-69 in the night’s first semifinal.
Kevin Overton went 5 for 5 from deep among his 16 points, while Filip Jovic scored 13. Tahaad Pettiford totaled 12 points, five assists, three rebounds, two of Auburn’s 13 steals and two blocks.
The Tigers made 34 of 56 (60.7%) from the field and 12 of 21 (57.1%) from beyond the arc.
Ty’Reek Coleman scored 17 points and Ty Pence and Chase Walker had 13 apiece for the Redbirds (23-13), who went toe-to-toe with the Southeastern Conference school for the first 10 minutes but could not maintain the offensive pace.
The Missouri Valley Conference school committed 18 turnovers that led to 26 Auburn points. The early tempo favored Auburn’s style of play as both teams shot above 60% from the floor and 3-point range in the first eight-plus minutes.
Auburn’s Overton scored six points and Hall added five, while Illinois State’s Johnny Kinziger tallied five as the Power Five squad led 21-16.
Pettiford’s four-point play at 8:36 on a 30-foot trey and a foul put Auburn ahead 33-24 as he, Overton and Hall proved to be too much in the final 10 minutes of the half.
The Tigers increased the lead to double digits with a late 7-0 run and led 51-38 at halftime. Hall poured in 15 points and Overton added 12 – combining for 27 points on 11-of-13 shooting.
Auburn shot 65.6% (21 of 32) overall and canned 7 of 11 (63.6%) 3-pointers, while Illinois State hit 16 of 28 (57.1%) and half of their 12 3-point attempts.
Hall remained hot by scoring seven points in the first four minutes of the second half, and Pettiford drained a trey from the wing as Auburn sprinted out to a commanding 61-41 lead at 15:35 and never let up.
–Field Level Media
Apr 2, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) shoots a three point basket as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) defends during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, Luguentz Dort started hot on both ends of the floor and Jalen Williams came up big all around as the Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the Los Angeles Lakers 139-96 at home Thursday.
The Thunder have won four consecutive games and 16 of their last 17.
Not only was the Lakers’ four-game winning streak snapped, but Luka Doncic suffered an apparent hamstring injury in the second half with the game already out of reach.
An already bad night for Doncic got even worse early in the third quarter when he was dribbling into the lane and began to elevate for a mid-range jumper.
But just as he came off the floor, Doncic came down grabbing his left hamstring and quickly fell to the floor.
Doncic appeared visibly upset as he headed off the floor.
The Thunder controlled the game from the jump, building a double-digit lead less than four minutes into the game. That lead never dipped below nine the rest of the way and didn’t drop below 23 after the first quarter.
Oklahoma City led 82-51 at halftime.
It was the third time this season the Thunder (61-16) led by 30 or more points at halftime.
Two of those have come against the Lakers (50-27). The Thunder led Los Angeles 70-38 at halftime Nov. 12 in Oklahoma City.
Dort and Williams made an impact on both ends quickly.
Williams hit a pull-up jumper on Oklahoma City’s second possession and then quickly picked up a steal and fed Dort for a 3-pointer. Dort then had a steal and a quick dunk on the next possession.
Dort hit all five shots he took in the first — four of them 3-pointers — for 14 points in the opening quarter. He also had a pair of steals.
He played a big part in slowing Doncic, who had scored 40 or more points in his last three games and five of his last seven.
Doncic missed his first four field goals and finished with just 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting. It was tied for his second-lowest scoring game of the season. Shortly after Doncic’s injury, the Thunder got a scare when Dort crashed to the floor after his legs came out from under him as he went to the basket.
Dort quickly got up but went to the locker room before play resumed and did not return.
Williams finished with 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Isaiah Joe scored 20 — 17 in the second half.
Oklahoma City’s 139 points were the most surrendered by the Lakers this season and the 43-point loss was Los Angeles’ worst since a 44-point loss to Philadelphia in November 2023. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 15 points.
–Field Level Media
Arsenal are preparing for their most important run of fixtures in over 20 years – but Mikel Arteta is facing a growing injury list as a host of his star players have withdrawn from international duty over the last week.
The Gunners may have lost the Carabao Cup final to title rivals Manchester City but they remain alive in their three most important trophies this season, with a nine-point lead over City in the Premier League and through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup.
But Arteta is potentially facing a selection crisis ahead of the start of a pivotal week, kicking off with the FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton and the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Sporting Lisbon, while a potential title decider against Pep Guardiola’s side looms large as well.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke all withdrew from England’s squad to face Japan at Wembley on Tuesday – and there are now 10 withdrawals in total from various international squads.
Eberechi Eze – England
Withdraw date – Sunday 22 March
What was said: The midfielder missed the Carabao Cup final due to a calf injury and is reportedly facing several weeks out. England only said that Eze had been ruled from the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan “through injury”. Arteta said before the final that Arsenal had “tried everything” to get the midfielder ready.
William Saliba – France
Withdraw date – Monday 23 March
What was said: France confirmed Saliba had withdrawn from their squad to play Brazil and Colombia due to a “left ankle injury”. The centre-back had played 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
Gabriel Magalhaes – Brazil
Withdraw date – Monday 23 March
What was said: Saliba’s centre-back partner also played 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup final defeat at Wembley. “After the game… [Gabriel] complained of pain in his right knee,” a statement from Brazil said ahead of the games against France and Croatia in the United States. “Imaging tests have confirmed he is not fit to play.”
Jurrien Timber – Netherlands
Withdraw date – Monday 23 March
What was said: With the right back forced off during the first half of the win against Everton and missing both the Bayer Leverkusen second leg and the Carabao Cup final, the Netherlands confirmed Timber “has not yet sufficiently recovered from an injury” ahead of the friendlies against Norway and Ecuador.
Leandro Trossard – Belgium
Withdraw date – Monday 23 March
What was said: Trossard played 82 minutes of Arsenal’s defeat in the Carabao Cup final but Belgium said the winger was not fit enough for the friendlies against the United States and Mexico. “This decision will allow [Trossard] to continue [his] rehabilitation under optimal conditions,” Belgium said.
Declan Rice – England
Withdraw date – Saturday 28 March
What was said: Rice was given a rest from England’s friendly against Uruguay and only joined up with Thomas Tuchel’s squad on Friday. However, a statement from England a day later confirmed he had returned to Arsenal for “medical assessment”.
Bukayo Saka – England
Withdraw date – Saturday 28 March
What was said: The winger, like Rice, had been offered a break during the first week of the international break. But he also withdrew from England’s squad a day after reporting to the camp. England said he had also returned for “medical assessment”.
Noni Madueke – England
Withdraw date – Saturday 28 March
What was said: Madueke was forced off during the first half of England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay, and was later seen walking out of Wembley with his left knee in a brace. “I’m worried, of course, because I think he was a difference-maker today,” Tuchel said. “[I’m] very sad and upset and hopefully it’s not a big injury.”
Piero Hincapie – Ecuador
Withdraw date – Sunday 29 March
What was said: The defender played 72 minutes of Ecuador’s friendly against Morocco in Madrid, before pulling out of the squad to face the Netherlands on Tuesday. A statement from Ecuador reported that Hincapie “underwent medical and imaging tests” and “based on the evaluation” was sent back to Arsenal to “begin the recovery process”.
Martin Zubimendi – Spain
Withdraw date – Sunday 29 March
What was said: The midfielder came off the bench to replace Manchester City’s Rodri for the final 13 minutes of Spain’s 3-0 win over Serbia on Friday, but it was announced by Spain that he had withdrawn “due to discomfort in his right knee”. The statement added: “To avoid any risk and to protect the player’s health, he has been removed from the squad.”
Did anyone still play this week?
Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori and Denmark’s Christian Norgaard all featured in decisive World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, with the latter two left heartbroken in penalty shootout defeats to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Czech Republic respectively – but Graham Potter’s Sweden saw off Poland.
Ben White, ironically, is left as the only Arsenal player in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, after the right back ended his four-year absence from the national team. He scored, gave away a penalty, and was booed in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, and played for 59 minutes in the 1-0 loss to Japan, while teenager Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly were involved for England’s Under-19s and Under-21s, respectively.
Defender Cristhian Mosquera made his Spain debut last week, and he and goalkeeper David Raya started against Egypt, while Kai Havertz played in Germany’s friendly against Ghana on Monday night. Gabriel Martinelli was the last one back as he scored a late third in Brazil’s 3-1 friendly win over Croatia on Wednesday.
Arsenal were already without Norway’s Martin Odegaard, who has been sidelined since the win over Tottenham on February 22, and Spain’s Mikel Merino, with knee and foot problems respectively.
Arsenal’s upcoming games
Arsenal will return from the international break for their FA Cup quarter-final away to Championship side Southampton on Saturday 4 April, kick-off 8pm. It will be followed by the away trip to Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday 7 April.
The Gunners will then return to Premier League duty and will kick off the title race run-in with a home test against Bournemouth on Saturday 11 April, kick-off 12:30, followed by the return leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting on Wednesday 15 April.
Then, it’s the blockbuster trip to Manchester City on Sunday 19 April, kick-off 4:30pm.
The past 25 years have led up to this moment.
Arizona finally broke its Elite 8 curse and is back in the Final Four.
The last time the Wildcats were here, they beat Michigan State to advance to the National Championship Game.
This time, another Big Ten program is standing in their way: The high-octane Michigan Wolverines, a team with enormous size and elite defense.
The winner of this game may very well end up as the 2026 National Champion.
Here’s my preview of what might be the best Final Four matchup in the history of the NCAA Tournament.
No. 1 Michigan vs No. 1 Arizona
Final Four
Saturday, April 4
5:49 pm PT, TBS
Indianapolis, IN
Offensive rebounding and steals.
Those are the keys to the game for Arizona.
Michigan is a great rebounding team, but the Wildcats are elite on the glass. The Cats come into the game No. 2 nationally in rebounds per game and No. 4 overall in rebounding margin.
Getting second-chance opportunities might end up being the difference in the game.
Generating extra possessions by forcing turnovers, however, is just as important.
The Wolverines are sloppy with the ball, coming into the night No. 201 nationally in turnovers per game. And they run at a high pace. That’s a weakness that must be exploited.
If Arizona can generate TOs and get transition buckets, it will be in a stronger position to win the game.
At the same time, the Cats can’t let Michigan get hot from three. The Wolverines are No. 31 overall in three-point percentage.
If they start burying their shots from deep, Tommy Lloyd’s team will be in an uncomfortable spot.
As for the individual matchups, the most important one might be the battle between Motiejus Krivas and Aday Mara. The two bigs are essentially evenly matched.
Whichever player has the better game, on both sides of the floor, could be the deciding factor at the end of the day.
Similarly, the battle between Koa Peat and Yaxel Lendeborg is critical. The two forwards could go toe-to-toe in an all-time battle on the biggest stage.
Lendeborg may be older and more experienced, but Peat is a winner who thrives in the brightest moments.
Yet, the reason why Arizona will win is Brayden Burries.
Who is going to guard him? Nimari Burnett? The guy who averages fewer than one steal per game and commits the least amount of fouls among the UM starters?
He sounds soft.
Burnett is about to learn the type of physical basketball that Arizona plays. Burries gets downhill quickly and finishes with efficiency around the rim.
Plus, the star freshman is the best three-point shooter on the Arizona squad.
Look for Burries to exploit the matchup and take it to Burnett. If Dusty May doesn’t have an answer, the Cats should win.
The Michigan coach could bring Trey McKenney off the bench to handle the defensive assignment.
But that would be a signal that the battle is already lost, potentially resulting in Burries getting even more aggressive and confident.
It’s the type of matchup where Burries could score 25 points or more. You heard it here first.
At the same time, Ivan Kharchenkov is a bit of a wildcard. There have been too many games where Kharchenkov is a high-volume, low-efficiency shooter.
In Arizona’s two losses, the freshman went a combined 10-for-28 from the field while taking 14 shots in each contest. Both were season-highs in field goal attempts, and both ended in losses.
That’s not a coincidence. It’s a clear stat that jumps off the page and is something the Michigan coaching staff will know to exploit.
May’s game plan could be to slack off him from three and the midrange, essentially goading him into jacking up shots. If those shots aren’t falling and Kharchenkov keeps taking them, it could play directly into Michigan’s hands.
The Wolverines are also an elite shot-blocking team. They come into the matchup No. 2 in the country in blocks per game.
That means Arizona might need to have its stroke going from the midrange.
Jaden Bradley, Burries, and Peat’s efficiency from the edge of the paint and inside the arc could end up being a game-changer. If the Cats aren’t making those shots, Michigan might end up on top.
But if Arizona forces turnovers, scores in transition, and gets second-chance buckets, the Wildcats could find themselves in the National Championship Game.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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LAS VEGAS — Shortly after the Vegas Golden Knights put the wraps on their first practice under John Tortorella, the rink at City National Arena turned into something far more meaningful than a workspace.
It became a reunion hall. A reminder. A quiet, emotional tribute to the bonds this sport builds and never breaks.
Instead of heading to his dressing room, Rasmus Andersson headed to the opposite corner of the rink, toward a familiar handful of Calgary Flames staffers and players standing along the glass. He left the ice, sat down on an equipment box in full gear, still sweating, still catching his breath, and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face.
Former teammates, equipment staff, trainers, friends who’d watched him grow from an 18‑year‑old kid into a 29‑year‑old leader.
They emerged from the Flames dressing room, spotted him, and broke into smiles that said everything. Andersson stood to hug each of them, laughed with them, held onto them a little longer than usual.
“It’s friends for life, it’s family,” he said afterward.
“I grew up there. I spent 10 years growing up with them. You spend more time with them than your own family sometimes.”
Fifteen feet away, another reunion unfolded.
Jack Eichel, Keegan Kolesar and a handful of Golden Knights players stepped off the ice when they spotted Zach Whitecloud — their former teammate who was traded to Calgary in the Andersson deal — waiting for them with the same grin, the same warmth, the same open‑armed welcome.
Two reunions. Two players who were clearly beloved.
And for a few minutes, their Pacific Division rivalry paused. The standings didn’t matter. The playoff race didn’t matter. The new jerseys didn’t matter.
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32 Thoughts: The Podcast
Hockey fans already know the name, but this is not the blog. From Sportsnet, 32 Thoughts: The Podcast with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas is a weekly deep dive into the biggest news and interviews from the hockey world.
Whitecloud admitted the moment hit him harder than he expected.
“It’s a lot of emotions, but I think the main emotion is just sadness,” said Whitecloud, who won a Stanley Cup with Vegas.
“Those are guys I went to war with. A lot of ups, a lot of big downs, a lot of tough times, a lot of good times. It’s sad seeing those guys because it reminds you of the times you had. But you’re also grateful that you had them.”
He didn’t expect the outpouring of love. But he understood it.
“You don’t expect anything, but guys who treat people how they want to be treated — those guys go a long way in this game,” said Whitecloud.
“People don’t forget. When you’re done playing, the No. 1 thing you want to be remembered for is not the hockey player, it’s the person.”
He learned that from Alex Pietrangelo, from Mark Stone, from Nic Hague and Nic Holden, “All guys who lead by example.”
For Andersson, the reunion was overwhelming in its own way.
He admitted he spent the first few minutes of practice distracted, sneaking glances at his old teammates watching along the glass.
“I saw Depo (equipment manager Mark DePasquale) in the corner and I kind of focused on them a little too much at the start of practice, so I missed a couple easy passes,” he laughed, following his first practice under Tortorella.
“As soon as practice was over, I wanted to skate over and say hi to all of them.”
Wednesday night, he took the entire Flames team and staff out for dinner. And he paid.
Because that’s what family does.
Thursday’s game also included all the feels, as a video tribute to Whitecloud prompted a stirring standing ovation that touched his soul, as he circled to acknowledge the crowd by tapping his heart.
“It goes to show you how much both those players meant to their teams while they were with them,” said Ryan Huska.
“They have a lot of good friends on both sides, and they spent a lot of time with each other’s organizations. It goes to the character that both the players have.”
Noah Hanifin, who knows both players well, summed it up perfectly.
“The bond we have with the guys over there is special,” said Hanifin, now reunited with Andersson as his defensive partner.
“Equipment guys, trainers, players, that’ll never go away, even when I’m done with hockey.
“Whitey is the man. Unbelievable competitor, great human being, a leader. Soft‑spoken but a winner. Those relationships never go away.”
The love-in all served as a reminder that the game ends, but the relationships don’t. That the jersey changes, but the person doesn’t. That the wins fade, but the memories don’t.
Andersson admitted he was nervous about his first game against a team and a franchise that did so much for him and his family.
“It’ll go forever,” said Andersson, who had a nifty assist in a 6-3 Vegas win that included a 25-minute delay to repair ice damaged when the Zamboni lifted up a logo from under the ice in the second intermission.
“It will always be that special bond.”
Whitecloud said it just as well:
“Everyone’s going to see Zach the human being, how you treated the rink staff, the security guys, the gate guy,” he said of legacy.
“That’s what lasts.”
Whitecloud’s reputation in Vegas is so stellar, the marquee outside the rinkside Beerhaus read simply, “Welcome back Whitecloud.”
On a random Wednesday in Vegas, two reunions broke out at once.
And for everyone watching, it was impossible not to feel something.
Marvel Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 4 AFL game between Western Bulldogs and
Essendon Bombers. The game kicks off at 7:20 pm with Western Bulldogs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Western Bulldogs vs.
Essendon Bombers
game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday April 5, 2026 at 7:20 pm
Where: Marvel Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers Odds
Western Bulldogs vs Essendon Bombers Preview
Well rested and appearing near peak condition, this side enters the clash with confidence and a clear game plan. Their ability to control possession and apply sustained pressure has been a standout feature, while their defensive setup has limited opposition scoring opportunities. The challenge will be maintaining intensity across four quarters against a determined opponent. Expect a structured and disciplined approach, with key contributors likely to play decisive roles. This match shapes as another opportunity to reinforce their standing and continue building a strong early-season platform.
First Goal Scorer
McDonald Jones Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 5 NRL game between Newcastle Knights and
Canberra Raiders. The game kicks off at 4:05 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Newcastle Knights vs.
Canberra Raiders
game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Sunday April 5, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Where: McDonald Jones Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Odds
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Preview
Following a high-scoring encounter last week, this side will look to tighten its defence while maintaining attacking fluency. Their ability to create opportunities is clear, but consistency across both halves will be crucial. Their opponents will aim to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities. Expect an entertaining contest, with momentum likely to shift throughout. Execution under pressure and defensive discipline will be key factors in determining the outcome.
Newcastle Knights vs Canberra Raiders Teams
Knights team: 1. Fletcher Hunt 2. Dominic Young 3. Dane Gagai 4. Bradman Best 5. Greg Marzhew 6. Fletcher Sharpe 7. Sandon Smith 8. Jacob Saifiti 9. Phoenix Crossland 10. Trey Mooney 11. Dylan Lucas 12. Jermaine McEwen 13. Mathew Croker 14. Harrison Graham 15. Tyson Frizell 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Thomas Cant 18. Tyson Gamble 19. Wilson De Courcey 20. Cody Hopwood 21. Francis Manuleleua 22. James Schiller
Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Sebastian Kris 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Josh Papali’i 9. Tom Starling 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Noah Martin 13. Corey Horsburgh 14. Jayden Brailey 15. Zac Hosking 16. Ata Mariota 17. Morgan Smithies 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Matthew Timoko 20. Owen Pattie 21. Jed Stuart 22. Daine Laurie
Asterisk Talley says it was pretty cool.
She’d been asked for her thoughts after finishing as the only player to go bogey free through two rounds at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur — but her response could’ve also worked for a couple other questions. Her play overall at Champions Retreat, where she topped the leaderboard? Pretty cool. Her mindset heading into Saturday’s final round at the tournament’s namesake? Pretty cool.
And all that’s, well, pretty cool.
Below is a look at the leaderboard, a record set, surprising players who missed the cut, highlights, quotes and schedule for Friday and Saturday.
Augusta National Women’s Amateur Round 2 leaderboard (and a record set)
Talley, after shooting a six-under 66 during Wednesday’s first round, fired a 67 during Thursday’s second round, and she leads by one shot over Meja Ortengren and Maria Jose Marin.
Talley, a 17-year-old who’s committed to Stanford University, birdied her first three holes, parred the next 10, birdied 14 and 15 and parred out from there. Combining her play on Wednesday and at last year’s ANWA — where she finished runner-up — Talley has gone bogey free for a tournament-record 48 straight holes.
Here is the ANWA top 10 after two rounds:
1, Asterisk Talley, 11-under (66-67)
T2, Meja Ortengren, 10-under (67-67)
T2, Maria Jose Marin, 10-under (65-69)
T4, Andrea Revuelta, 6-under (66-72)
T4, Avery Weed, 6-under (68-70)
T6, Lauren Kim, 5-under (68-71)
T6, Soomin Oh 5-under (65-74)
T6, Arianna Lau, 5-under (68-71)
T6, Gyubeen Kim, 5-under (69-70)
T6, Amelie Zalsman, 5-under (67-72)
T6, Chloe Kovelesky, 5-under (69-70)
T6, Raegan Denton, 5-under (67-72)
T6, Vanessa Borovilos, 5-under (66-73)
3 surprising players who missed the cut at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
–Megha Ganne: Last year’s U.S. Women’s Amateur winner shot rounds of 77 and 74.
–Eila Galitsky: The world’s eighth-ranked amateur shot 74 and 70.
–Rianne Malixi: The 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur winner shot rounds of 73 and 71.
Highlights of the day
Below are a few, courtesy of the ANWA X feed:
Quotes of the day
“That’s pretty cool.”
–Talley, when asked about going without a bogey over the first two rounds
“No fights, no fights.”
–Ortengren, when asked if she got into any when she revealed she’s also played hockey
“It has been my best friend, which I don’t say usually.”
–Marin, on her putter
Quote from Bailey Shoemaker
Below, Bailey Shoemaker talks with GOLF’s Claire Rogers after her pre-shot routine on Wednesday went viral.
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