Mohun Bagan Super Giant have begun their 2025-26 Indian Super League campaign in emphatic fashion, winning all four of their opening matches and then drawing with Bengaluru FC which has quickly established themselves as one of the strongest contenders for the title.

The Mariners have adapted seamlessly to the tactical approach introduced by head coach Sergio Lobera, whose attacking philosophy has helped the team produce fluid, entertaining football. Their early results have not only highlighted their attacking firepower but also their tactical cohesion, which has allowed them to dominate opponents in the opening phase of the season.

Lobera’s attacking system bringing immediate results

Since taking charge, Lobera has implemented a more dynamic attacking structure that focuses on quick ball movement, high pressing and creating consistent chances in the final third. The system encourages creative players to operate behind the striker, allowing the team to build attacks more effectively.

This tactical tweak has given Mohun Bagan a more balanced attacking setup, enabling them to control games while constantly threatening opposition defenses. The presence of creative players like Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings has ensured that the Mariners maintain a steady supply of opportunities in dangerous areas.

Jamie Maclaren leading the goal-scoring charts

A major beneficiary of Lobera’s system has been Australian striker Jamie Maclaren. The forward has enjoyed a sensational start to the campaign, scoring seven goals in the first fivematches and moving to the top of the league’s goal-scoring charts.

Greater freedom in the penalty area

Unlike last season, when Maclaren was often required to drop deep to support build-up play, Lobera’s system allows the striker to remain higher up the pitch. With Petratos and Cummings taking on creative responsibilities, Maclaren can concentrate on positioning himself in dangerous areas.

This tactical freedom has allowed the striker to make sharper runs, anticipate deliveries into the box and consistently get into goal-scoring positions. His improved movement has made it increasingly difficult for defenders to track him.

Improved service in the final third

Another key factor behind Mohun Bagan’s attacking success has been the quality of service reaching their striker. Under Lobera, the team is more focused on delivering the ball into central attacking areas rather than relying on speculative attempts from distance.

As a result, Maclaren is receiving better passes inside the penalty area and more through balls that exploit defensive gaps. The improved understanding between the striker and his teammates has significantly increased his number of goal-scoring opportunities.

Early signs of a title contender

Mohun Bagan’s strong start suggests that Lobera’s tactical blueprint is already yielding results. The combination of a well-structured attacking system and Maclaren’s clinical finishing has made the Mariners one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

If they continue to maintain this momentum, Mohun Bagan could once again find themselves firmly in the race for the ISL title by the end of the season.

The 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament’s field of 68 was revealed on Sunday.

The Duke Blue Devils, led by Cameron Boozer, were the No. 1 overall seed and the top team in the East Region.

. Boozer is averaging 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game and could be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft should he declare. Duke is in the top left quadrant of the bracket.

The Florida Gators are the defending champions and enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the South Region. Florida didn’t get the SEC title this year, but were 26-7. Thomas Haugh is leading the team with 17.1 points per game.

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Duke forward Cameron Boozer, right, looks to drive against Virginia guard Malik Thomas (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

The Arizona Wildcats were named the No. 1 seed in the West Region. The Wildcats won the Big 12 Championship and are 32-2. Brayden Burries leads the team with 15.9 points per game this season. Arizona is in the top right quadrant of the bracket.

The Michigan Wolverines didn’t win the Big Ten Championship, but still earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region. Michigan is 31-3 this season and led by Yaxel Lendeborg, who has 14.4 points and 1.2 steals per game.

Texas will take on NC State for the No. 11 seed in the West Region while Miami (Ohio) and SMU will compete for the No. 11 seed in the Midwest Region.

UMBC will take on Howard for the No. 16 seed in the Midwest Region. Prairie View A&M wll go up against Lehigh for the No. 16 seed in the South Region

The First Four matchups are set for Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The field of 64 will start competing against each other on Thursday and continuing on Friday. The Final Four matchups will begin April 4 and the championship will be played on April 6.

East Region

1. Duke (32-2) vs. 16. Siena (23-11)

8. Ohio State (21-12) vs. TCU (22-11)

5. St. John’s (28-6) vs. 12. Northern Iowa (23-12)

4. Kansas (23-10) vs. 13. California Baptist (25-8)

6. Louisville (23-10) vs. 11. South Florida (25-8)

3. Michigan State (25-7) vs. North Dakota State (27-7)

7. UCLA (23-11) vs. 10. UCF Knights (21-11)

2. UConn (29-5) vs. 15. Furman (22-12)

CALIFORNIA BAPTIST PUNCHES NCAA TOURNAMENT TICKET AS UTAH VALLEY SUFFERS HEARTBREAK

UConn forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) attempts to drive past St. John’s forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big East tournament, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in New York.  (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

South Region

1. Florida (26-7) vs. 16. Prairie View A&M/Lehigh

8. Clemson (24-10) vs. 9. Iowa (21-12)

5. Vanderbilt (26-8) vs. 12. McNeese State (28-5)

4. Nebraska (26-6) vs. 13. Troy (22-11)

6. North Carolina (24-8) vs. 11. VCU (27-7)

3. Illinois (24-8) vs. 14. Penn (18-11)

7. Saint Mary’s (27-5) vs. 10. Texas A&M (21-11)

2. Houston (28-6) vs. 15. Idaho (21-14)

The winner of the East Region will take on the winner of the South Region in the Final Four.

UMASS HANDS MIAMI (OHIO) FIRST LOSS, CRUSHING DREAM SEASON AND JEOPARDIZING TOURNAMENT BID

West Region

1. Arizona (32-2) vs. 16. Long Island (24-10)

8. Villanova (24-8) vs. 9. Utah State (28-6)

5. Wisconsin (24-10) vs 12. High Point (30-4)

4. Arkansas (26-8) vs. 13. Hawaii (24-8)

6. BYU (23-11) vs. 11. Texas/NC State

3. Gonzaga (30-3) vs. 14. Kennesaw State (21-13)

7. Miami-FL (25-8) vs. 10. Missouri (20-12)

2. Purdue (27-8) vs. 15. Queens (21-13)

BRUCE PEARL WONDERS WHETHER AKRON IS BETTER THAN UNDEFEATED MIAMI (OHIO)

Arizona’s Brayden Burries reacts after making a basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Houston in the championship of the Big 12 Conference tournament Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Midwest Region

1. Michigan (31-3) vs. 16. UMBC/Howard

8. Georgia (22-10) vs. 9. Saint Louis (28-5)

5. Texas Tech (22-10) vs. 12. Akron (29-5)

4. Alabama (23-9) vs. 13. Hofstra (24-10)

6. Tennessee (22-11) vs. 11. Miami-Ohio/SMU

3. Virginia (29-5) vs. 14. Wright State (23-11)

7. Kentucky (21-13) vs. 10. Santa Clara (26-8)

2. Iowa State (27-7) vs. 15. Tennessee State (23-9)

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The winner of the West Region will take on the winner of the Midwest Region in the Final Four.

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Lewis Hamilton says he is “incredibly grateful” to Ferrari for letting him guide the development of the car that put him back on a Grand Prix podium for the first time since 2024.

Hamilton’s third-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix followed a race-long battle with teammate Charles Leclerc and what Hamilton called “just a kiss” of contact between the pair.

It ended a long wait for a finish in the top three for Hamilton in a full Formula 1 race since his blockbuster move from Mercedes, which took the win Sunday with the driver who replaced him at the team, Kimi Antonelli.

“To see them listen and put some of those things that I’d asked for on the car I’m just incredibly grateful to them for listening on that side of things,” Hamilton said.

“It just makes you feel more united with everyone because you’re moving in the same direction. I’m looking forward to getting back next week to (Ferrari HQ in) Maranello and seeing everybody. Big, big push.” 
Hamilton’s first year with Ferrari was full of frustration as he and the team failed to get to grips with a car that was very sensitive to setup changes, except for a sprint race win in China a year ago. Ferrari failed to win a single Grand Prix all year. 

At times, Hamilton blamed himself, even suggesting in August the team consider a driver change after he was far off Leclerc’s qualifying pace. He’s said a big part of preparing for 2026 was to come back with a fresh mindset.

Ferrari’s fast-starting car helped Hamilton to charge past Antonelli into the lead at the start Sunday, but holding onto that place proved too difficult against a Mercedes pair with what’s widely considered to be the best all-round car on the grid. Hamilton said Ferrari would double down on working to out-develop Mercedes for the rest of the year.

“It’s really special to see them back at the front, because this is a phenomenal team. And I know we’ve got our work cut out to beat them, because when they’re on form like this, it’s not easy to beat,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton was Russell’s teammate and helped mentor Antonelli before his debut. Also on the podium as Mercedes representative was Hamilton’s longtime race engineer Peter “Bono” Bonnington, who now works with Antonelli.

“It’s like sitting here with my whole family, so that’s great,” Hamilton said.

He’s been defined by being Lewis Hamilton’s successor and George Russell’s teammate. Now Kimi Antonelli is a Formula 1 race-winner in his own right, and the second-youngest in history.

The 19-year-old Italian pulled clear of an entertaining battle between Russell and the two Ferraris to take a commanding win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday and share the podium with his teammate and Hamilton, the seven-time champion he replaced last year.

It’s a vindication of the gamble Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff took in picking the youngster, who’d joined Mercedes’ junior program aged just 11, to replace an all-time great when Hamilton moved to Ferrari for 2025. There were plenty of doubters when Antonelli crashed 10 minutes into his practice debut in 2024.

“Many said it was just too early last year, and obviously we asked ourselves that question, whether it was too much to throw him into this pressure cooker,” Wolff told Sky Sport Germany.

“One year with ups and downs and he’s young. We have to forgive him these mistakes, and now he’s in the second Grand Prix (of 2026) and brings it home ruthlessly. It’s good.” 
The 19-year-old Italian was the youngest pole-position starter and briefly lost the lead to Hamilton at the start but retook it soon after and was in control the rest of the way.

“We did it! We did it!” Antonelli shouted to his team over the radio amid laughs and whoops, and he was holding back tears amid celebrations and a TV interview soon after.

It was another 1-2 finish for Mercedes to start the season as Russell came through a battle with both Ferraris to finish second. Hamilton was third for his long-awaited first Grand Prix podium finish for Ferrari. 

The only driver younger than Antonelli to win a Grand Prix was Max Verstappen, who was 18 when he took his first victory in 2016. He’s the first Italian to win since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.

Russell bests Ferraris in thrillerThe new regulations again produced a dramatic fight for position between Mercedes and the fast-starting Ferraris as Russell fought his way past Charles Leclerc and Hamilton in a multi-lap battle with numerous changes of position. That allowed Antonelli to build his lead at the front.

Even after Russell had pulled away to secure second place, teammates Leclerc and Hamilton kept up their own fight for third. “This is quite a fun battle,” Leclerc exclaimed over the radio.

Leclerc was fourth with Oliver Bearman fifth for Haas, Pierre Gasly sixth for Alpine and Liam Lawson seventh for Racing Bulls. Isack Hadjar recovered from an early spin to place eighth for Red Bull, ahead of Carlos Sainz, Jr. in ninth for Williams, while Franco Colapinto was 10th for Alpine to score his first point since 2024.

Max Verstappen was running sixth when his car lost power and he had to limp back to the pits in another blow for the four-time champion, who has been a leading critic of F1’s new cars.

Double disaster for McLaren 
Formula 1 champion Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri were both unable to start after encountering technical problems minutes before the race began.

Piastri was due to start fifth and Norris sixth for Sunday’s race. Norris was in his car in the pits but didn’t leave for the grid, before Piastri was then withdrawn from the grid.

McLaren said it found “two different electrical problems on the power unit side” after an investigation. It’s the second time Piastri has failed to start in 2026 after he crashed before the start of last week’s race in Australia. Only 18 of 22 cars took the start, with Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto and Williams’ Alex Albon also unable to make it, before both Aston Martin cars and Verstappen hit trouble in the race too.

F1 is racing hours after it announced next month’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will not go ahead because of the war in the Middle East.

The United States has defeated Canada on Olympic ice yet again to secure gold, this time in the Paralympic Games. 

After a 6-2 victory over Canada on Sunday, the U.S. took home gold in men’s Paralympics sled hockey. 

In doing so, they became the first country to ever win five consecutive Paralympic titles. They were also the first to sweep all three Paralympic and Olympic hockey events at a single tournament. 

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USA players celebrate after winning the gold medal ice hockey match between USA’ and Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan on March 15, 2026. (Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP)

Of course, the men’s and women’s ice hockey teams also won gold, doing so in overtime in both gold-medal games at the Milan Cortina Games last month. 

But this contest between the sporting rivals didn’t need any extra time, as the U.S. saw Jack Wallace score a hat trick, while notching an assist, to help the Stars and Stripes’ cause over Canada. 

“This team is so special,” Wallace, who completed his third Paralympic Games, told NBC after the win. “We love each other. This team grinded it out, a gritty f—ing game. It was unbelievable. I love these guys so much.”

TEAM USA MEN’S HOCKEY WINS GOLD MEDAL IN OVERTIME AGAINST CANADA AT WINTER OLYMPICS

Other than Wallace’s goals, Kayden Beasley, Declan Farmer and Brody Roybal each found the back of the net. 

Only Canada’s Liam Hickey could score, tallying two goals that weren’t enough in the end. 

USA’ players celebrate with the gold medals after the ice hockey match between USA’ and Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan on March 15, 2026. (Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP)

While hockey is usually a sport dominated by the Canadians, the Paralympic Games has seen Team USA in that position for quite some time now. And they showcased why throughout the tournament, going through Italy, Germany, China and Czechia before facing Canada in the gold-medal game. 

Canada is one of the top teams in the world, too, having seen the U.S. in three straight Paralympic gold-medal games as well as eight straight world championship finals. 

But it’s been the U.S. having success at the Olympics, and they continued the trend on Sunday to finish what’s been an exciting time for everyone back home watching the red, white and blue on ice. 

USA’ goalkeeper Jen Lee (R) celebrates the gold medal with teammates after the ice hockey match between USA’ and Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan on March 15, 2026.  (Stefano RELLANDINI / AFP)

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With the Paralympics at an end, Team USA’s gold marked the 13th total since the event began on March 6. The U.S. finished with a tally of 24 total medals, including five silver and six bronze. 

China was the medal leader at the end, notching 44 with 15 gold in the bank.

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David Benavidez’s father and trainer, Jose Benavidez Sr, has shelved a potential world title fight while his son targets other champions at light-heavyweight and cruiserweight.

The 29-year-old will face one such fighter on May 2, when he headlines a Premier Boxing Champions card against Gilberto Ramirez at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.

Having never previously fought at 200lbs, Benavidez is entering uncharted waters when he attempts to dethrone the WBO and WBA world champion.

But still, many believe the American’s blistering hands and tremendous engine will be too much for Ramirez, who claimed his titles by dethroning Arsen Goulamirian and Chris Billam-Smith in 2024.

Those two performances were then followed by another unanimous decision victory, this time against Yuniel Dorticos last June, with ‘Zurdo’ having now established himself as a top-flight cruiserweight.

But while Benavidez must remain focused on the task at hand, his father is already mentioning the likes of Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev as potential opponents.

It would therefore appear that, even with a win over Ramirez, the WBC world light-heavyweight champion is likely to move back down to 175lbs.

One fight that has effectively been ruled out is against Jai Opetaia, whose status as IBF world cruiserweight champion remains uncertain after he claimed the inaugural Zuffa title against Brandon Glanton last week.

Speaking with Sean Zittel, Benavidez Sr insisted that a clash between his son and Opetaia is perhaps one for the future, but does not warrant their attention right now.

“I think [Opetaia] gets hurt every [time] he fights; he gets hurt [by] fighters that are not even known. I think he needs a little bit more experience.

“He doesn’t have the experience that David has. I think he is going to be better in about three or four years. I see Beterbiev, Bivol and ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez [as being] more dangerous than Opetaia.

“In the future, anything’s possible. [But] I don’t see ourselves fighting for the Zuffa belt right now. Right now, our mind is on Bivol, Beterbiev and ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.”

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If Benavidez moves back down to 175lbs after facing Ramirez, then an undisputed showdown with Bivol could become increasingly likely.

NASCAR fans are questioning the multinational law firm’s standards after the firm’s blatant disregard for the attorney-client privilege became apparent when courtroom transcripts from the legal fight between NASCAR and two Cup Series teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, became public.

The antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports began in 2024 and ultimately settled in December 2025. But the court transcripts have just been released to the public, and according to Associated Press reporter Jenna Fryer, they show that former driver Bobby Hillin Jr. was a client of Latham & Watkins, the law firm representing NASCAR.

Hillin had explored buying part of Richard Childress Racing and had access to the team’s financial information during those talks.

“Regarding the Childress/Bobby Hillin/under NDA portion of the case… Hillin was a client of Latham & Watkins, which was the firm used by NASCAR. The attorneys knew Hillin had attempted to purchase part of RCR, as well as RCR financials, because Hillin was their client,” Fryer shared on X.

Fans reacted online, questioning whether confidential legal information had been mishandled.

“Not sure what’s more shocking: the blatant violation of attorney/client privilege, the unethical sharing of info or Bobby Hillin attempting to buy in to RCR,” a fan wrote.

“Isn’t that a violation of attorney-client privilege 🧐,” another fan asked.

“L&M should surrender their law licenses,” another wrote.

“Talk about an absolute eff up by Latham & Watkins. A complete disregard for Attorney/Client privilege. SMH,” yet another wrote.

During the December trial cross-examination, NASCAR attorney Christopher Yates questioned Childress about Hillin and his involvement with a potential investor group. Childress acknowledged that conversations had taken place about selling an equity stake in the team.

At the time, Childress owned roughly 60 percent of the organization, with Chartwell Investments holding the remaining 40 percent. Their talks explored selling a portion of that ownership to Hillin’s group. Still, the negotiations had been covered by a non-disclosure agreement, and Childress indicated that he did not expect those details to surface in court.

“This is common in large firms and they should have had a conflict wall up to prevent this. It’s inexcusable…,” a fan explained.

Meanwhile, the potential deal between Hillin and team owner Richard Childress never moved forward after an unrealistic proposal.

“They didn’t have the money” – NASCAR team owner on investment talks surfaced during antitrust lawsuit testimony

During the trial cross-examination in December of 2025, Richard Childress said that the talks ended because the group lacked the financial backing needed to finalize a deal.

Jenna Fryer shared the exchange from the courtroom with Childress, where he asked whether Hillin’s investor group had the funding to buy part of the team.

“They didn’t have the money,” Richard Childress said.

RCR, founded in 1969, is one of NASCAR’s most recognized teams, with multiple championships across the Cup Series and other national series.