Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Sports

Why Duke and Michigan Are Dead Even Entering Selection Sunday

Published

on

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

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

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

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

Advertisement

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

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

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

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

Advertisement

What else will happen on Selection Sunday?

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

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

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

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

Advertisement

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

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

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

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

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

World Men’s Curling Championship: Scotland meet Canada in semi-final, watch on BBC

Published

on

Scotland will meet Canada in Friday’s World Men’s Curling Championship semi-final, with the match live on the BBC Sport website & iPlayer (22:00 BST).

Matt Dunstone’s Canada made a three at the 10th end to defeat Italy 9-7 in their play-off. The United States registered the vital extra-end point to beat Switzerland 9-8 to set up a semi-final meeting with Sweden.

The winners will meet in Saturday’s final (21:00) after the third and fourth place play-off (16:00).

Scotland, led by Ross Whyte, reeled off 10 successive wins to seal their semi-final place in Utah. The Swedes, Scots and Canadians all finished the round-robin stage with a record of 10 wins and two defeats.

Advertisement

Sweden beat the Scots in their opening game, Scotland beat the Canadians and Canada beat the Swedes, ruling out head-to-head records, with the top two spots settled on the “draw-shot challenge”, the most accurate first shot that decides which rink has “hammer” at the start of each match.

In their tournament debut, skip Whyte, along with Robin Brydone, Euan Kyle and Craig Waddell, are looking to retain the title for Scotland after last year’s win by Bruce Mouat’s world number ones. Mouat’s rink elected not to compete following their silver medal at the Olympics in Cortina.

Brad Jacobs’ Olympic champions from Canada, currently ranked two in the world, are also missing this world championship, leaving Dunstone and Whyte’s rinks as the two highest ranked sides in the competition.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

CSK vs PBKS Highlights, IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer Shines With Fifty As PBKS Beat CSK By 5 Wickets

Published

on

Punjab Kings Squad: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge, Yash Thakur, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ben Dwarshuis, Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Owen, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash, Vishal Nishad.

Chennai Super Kings Squad: Sanju Samson (w), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, Matthew Short, Kartik Sharma, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Khaleel Ahmed, Sarfaraz Khan, Prashant Veer, Rahul Chahar, Gurjapneet Singh, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Akeal Hosein, MS Dhoni, Shreyas Gopal, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Aman Khan, Dewald Brevis, Zakary Foulkes, Urvil Patel.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Italy’s head coach quits after team fails to qualify for World Cup

Published

on

Gennaro Gattuso quit as Italy coach on Friday as the Azzurri failing to reach a third straight World Cup continued to send shockwaves through Italian football.

A World Cup winner in 2006, Gattuso leaves after less than a year in charge of Italy, a team which has fallen far behind historic rivals like France and Spain in the last two decades.

Read moreItaly’s World Cup nightmare deepens with shoot-out defeat to Bosnia

Defeat on penalties to Bosnia and Hercegovina in Tuesday’s qualification play-off final ended up costing Gattuso his job, as the man who hired him also stepped down as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Advertisement

Gabriele Gravina had asked Gattuso to stay on immediately after elimination in Zenica but his departure, and that of national team general manager Gianluigi Buffon, paved the way for the 48-year-old to resign.

Read more2026 World Cup: Mexico ramps up security amid threat from cartels

Gattuso took charge of Italy in June last year following the sacking of Luciano Spalletti, himself a victim of a dismal title defence at Euro 2024 and a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Erling Haaland’s Norway in their first World Cup qualifier.

His record is impressive on paper, with six wins, one defeat and one draw in eight matches with 22 goals scored and 10 conceded.

Advertisement

But that draw was the 1-1 with Bosnia which preceded a penalty shoot-out in which Italy missed twice, while the loss was another humiliating one to Norway, this time 4-1 at the San Siro.

Gattuso was considered by many a strange choice to replace Spalletti due to his spotty club coaching record, and he was heavily criticised after Tuesday’s elimination.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Richmond Tigers vs Port Adelaide Power Tips, Odds and Teams – AFL Round 4 2026

Published

on

MCG will play host to Saturday’s
Round 4 AFL game between Richmond Tigers and
Port Adelaide Power. The game kicks off at 4:15 pm with Port Adelaide Power heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Richmond Tigers vs.
Port Adelaide Power
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday April 4, 2026 at 4:15 pm

Where: MCG

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Advertisement

Richmond Tigers vs Port Adelaide Power Odds

Richmond Tigers vs Port Adelaide Power Preview

Richmond will be eager to secure its first win of the season as it returns to familiar territory. The Tigers have shown patches of competitiveness but will need greater cohesion across all lines to challenge a disciplined opponent. Ball movement and forward connection remain areas of focus, while defensive resilience will be tested under sustained pressure. Expect a hard-fought contest, with both sides likely to prioritise territory and contested possession. For Richmond, it’s an opportunity to reset and build confidence, while their opponents will be keen to maintain momentum and assert their early-season credentials.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Champions Cup last 16 team news and line-ups

Published

on

Champions Cup team news and line-ups for this weekend’s last-16 matches – all in one place.

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Tiger Woods says ‘this is fun’ in bodycam footage after DUI arrest

Published

on

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Bodycam footage obtained by Fox News Digital showed Tiger Woods appearing drowsy, sweaty, and simply out of it when he was arrested on a DUI charge last Friday.

Woods crashed into another vehicle, resulting in his 2025 Range Rover to turn onto its driver’s side. Roughly two hours after escaping through the passenger side door with some assistance, he was placed in the back of a cop car.

It was not the first time Woods was placed in custody for driving under the influence, also doing so in 2017.

Advertisement

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Tiger Woods in cop car

Tiger Woods sits in the back of a cop car after getting arrested on March 27, 2026. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

Unfortunately for Woods, the back of a cop car was familiar territory, and moments after he was placed in the car, he simply uttered three words.

“This is fun,” he groggily and sarcastically said to himself.

Woods was placed in the vehicle after failing a field sobriety test, taken after he showed “signs of impairment” and was “lethargic.” He blew “triple-zeroes” in a breathalyzer, but after he failed to submit a urine test, he was hit with another charge. Officers found two pills that were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid used for pain relief.

Advertisement

Woods previously told law enforcement prior to the field sobriety tests that he underwent seven back surgeries and “over 20 operations on his leg.” He told law enforcement that “I take a few” prescription medications. In 2021, he got into a wreck that resulted in serious leg injuries that kept him off the golf course for the entire year.

Tiger Woods asleep

Tiger Woods was drowsy after getting arrested. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

TIGER WOODS TOLD AUTHORITIES HE WAS ‘TALKING TO THE PRESIDENT’ BEFORE DUI ARREST, BODYCAM FOOTAGE SHOWS

President Donald Trump said the five-time Masters champion “lives a life of pain.” Woods dates the mother of Trump’s granddaughter Kai, Vanessa. Vanessa is Donald Jr.’s ex-wife.

“He lives a life of pain. He has a lot of pain. He’s an amazing guy. He’s an amazing athlete. He does have pain,” Trump added Tuesday of Woods. “He doesn’t have an alcohol problem, but he does have pain,” Trump said.

Advertisement

Woods told officers he was “hoping to” play in the Masters, but in a statement earlier this week, Woods said he would pause his quest to get back on the golf course to “seek treatment.”

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery,” Woods said in a statement Tuesday posted to social media.

Tiger Woods handcuffed

Tiger Woods was handcuffed after a field sobriety test, (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

Advertisement

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Man Utd legend backs Jose Mourinho return but club would ‘never allow it’

Published

on

Jose Mourinho is currently manager of Benfica having previously been in charge of Manchester United between 2016 and 2018

Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has backed the potential return of Jose Mourinho to Old Trafford. The Reds are on the hunt for a permanent manager following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January.

Interim boss Michael Carrick has impressed during his temporary stint, suffering just one loss so far – positioning himself as a contender for the permanent role. United currently occupy third place under their former midfielder as they move closer to securing Champions League qualification – a tournament they have been absent from for three years.

Advertisement

United’s decision-makers have yet to determine who will steer the club into next season. Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Enrique, Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner have all been mentioned as potential candidates.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

Former Reds midfielder Butt has revealed to Paddy Power why he would welcome Mourinho’s return. The Portuguese was in charge of United from 2016 to 2018, claiming the League Cup and Europa League during his two-and-a-half-year tenure.

He said: “I would have him back. He’s a winner and can carry that football club, but the powers that be would never allow it, as they now prefer a manager who focuses solely on coaching rather than controlling recruitment.

Advertisement

“No established manager will want to come to Manchester United without guarantees on budget, time, and control. The structure right now makes it difficult, and they may prefer someone like Michael Carrick instead.”

Up to 70% off Man United kits and merch

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image

Various Prices

Fanatics

Buy Now on Fanatics

Fanatics has slashed the price of Man United kits and merch with up to 70% off select items.

Advertisement

Carrick’s side require 16 points from their remaining fixtures to secure a place in the Champions League, though that would hinge on their rivals winning all of their remaining league matches.

United return to action on Monday, April 13, with a home clash against Leeds (8pm BST). They then face just six further matches, with their final game coming away at Brighton and Hove Albion on May 24.

……

Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.

Advertisement

Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.

You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.

And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Sports

Indian-origin Bodhana Sivanandan becomes England’s top female chess player | World News

Published

on


Indian-origin chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan has become England’s top-rated female player, according to the latest rating list of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).


The 11-year-old, whose parents moved from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu to England in 2007, has 2366 FIDE rating points.


The primary school student based in North London has overtaken four-time British women’s champion, Lan Yao, who is 25, at the top of the FIDE list for England.


With this, she has also broken into the world’s top 100 women for the first time, currently sitting at number 72, stated the English Chess Federation in a press release.

Advertisement

 


“It is an extraordinary rise for a Harrow schoolgirl who took up the game during (the 2020 COVID-19) lockdown after finding a chessboard and set in a bag her father wanted to throw out,” the release added.


Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is also of Indian origin, congratulated Sivanandan and recalled the time he played a game with her at his official residence.


“Huge congratulations to Bodhana Sivanandan on becoming England’s top female chess player at just 11 years old. We once played each other in the Downing Street garden. Let’s just say her success has not come as a shock,” he posted on ‘X’.

Advertisement


Sivanandan became a Woman International Master last year.


She went on to outwit Ukraine’s former world champion, Grandmaster Mariya Muzychuk, at the European Club Cup in Rhodes, Greece.


“She is blazing a trail not just for women and girls in the game, but for all chess players in England. Across all sports, she must be one of the most prodigious talents England has ever produced,” Richard Walsh, CEO of the English Chess Federation, said.


“We cannot wait to see what she can do in her career. Bodhana has worked so hard, her family have worked so hard, and now she is competing at the highest level flying the flag,” he added.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

70-Year-Old Legend Praises Triple H, But Reveals The One Big Problem With WWE

Published

on

A 70-year-old legend has praised Triple H but also revealed the one big problem with WWE. The Stamford-based promotion is gearing up for its biggest show of the year, WrestleMania, in a few weeks but has faced scrutiny over some of its creative decisions.

Now, Hall of Famer Eric Bischoff has offered his take on the current WWE product. Speaking on D-Von Dudley’s YouTube channel, Bischoff said while the in-ring action is great, the storylines haven’t captured his attention.

He mentioned the storylines aren’t “rich enough”; however, he backed Triple H, saying he is the best man for the job when it comes to the creative.

“I think Paul Levesque is absolutely the best choice for that role. Paul is a traditional wrestling guy. He probably has much more respect for the old-school psychology, pacing, and match style than probably anybody in that company, other than maybe Shawn Michaels and Undertaker,” he said.

Advertisement

Bischoff did have one complaint, though, as he pointed out the biggest problem with the current WWE product. He said the product suffers from a “sameness” across characters and storylines.

“I think if there’s a problem with the product, if it feels a little flat right now, I think it’s starting to feel flat for the same reasons it felt flat to me back in 2019 when I complained about there being a sameness. There’s just a level of familiarity in each one of the characters and each one of the storylines and each one of the presentations and each one of the promos,” he added.

youtube-cover

Triple H revealed the challenges of backstage role in WWE

Triple H has been heading WWE’s creative as the Chief Content Officer since 2022. During this tenure, he has overseen major creative decisions of the promotion and has also faced criticism for some choices.

In an interview with TKO Spotlight, The Game revealed the struggle after transitioning from an in-ring performer to a creative head.

He said as a wrestler one has to focus only on onself, but that changes with being an executive. He mentioned that you have to deal with a lot of people and focus on everything.

Advertisement

If you use quotes from this article, please credit D-Von Dudley’s YouTube channel and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.