Feb 7, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyler Tanner (3) and Oklahoma Sooners guard Dayton Forsythe (7) fight for the loose ball during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Searching for a bounce-back performance, No. 15 Vanderbilt will look for its first victory at Auburn in a decade when the Southeastern Conference opponents meet on Tuesday.

Vanderbilt (19-4, 6-4 SEC) had its three-game winning streak snapped on Saturday by lowly Oklahoma, which had lost its last nine games. The Commodores never led in the surprising home loss and trailed by 15 with 2:20 left before rallying in a 92-91 setback.

Vanderbilt still is off to its best 23-game start since 2007-08 (also 19-4 before reaching 24-4), but head coach Mark Byington knows his team can’t afford a slide in conference play.

“In this high level of sports, you get what you deserve, and we did not play well,” Byington said. “We obviously didn’t play well, and we weren’t ready to play. … We’ve got to go back and figure it out and learn from it and we’ve got to fix some things. We can’t ever do this again.”

The Commodores, who haven’t won at Auburn since Feb. 13, 2016, are led by breakout sophomore Tyler Tanner. After averaging 5.7 points per game in a reserve role as a freshman, Tanner ranks fifth in the SEC with 18.6 points per game.

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Tanner has shouldered the load of Vanderbilt’s injured backcourt, as second-leading scorer Duke Miles (16.6 ppg) has missed the last three games with a knee injury and Frankie Collins (7.8 points, 4.7 assists per contest) hasn’t played since Dec. 17 as he also deals with an injured knee.

“I’m just proud of his resiliency,” Byington said of Tanner, who poured in a career-high 37 points against Oklahoma, 15 in the final two minutes. “He was fighting and playing as hard as he could, and he almost got us back into it.”

Byington noted that Miles and Collins don’t have timetables for returns, but they could be back before the end of the regular season.

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Auburn (14-9, 5-5), meanwhile, is out to avoid its first set of consecutive home losses since February 2021. A year removed from their second Final Four appearance in program history, the Tigers are 11th in the SEC standings with a month remaining in the regular season.

First-year head coach Steven Pearl’s team held a 10-point first-half lead against rival Alabama on Saturday, before allowing 59 points after halftime in a 96-92 home loss. Auburn won’t have much time to lick its wounds with another Quad 1 opportunity around the corner.

“You’ve got to have a short memory because you’ve got such a quick turnaround on Tuesday against another really good offensive team,” Pearl said. “Vanderbilt runs a ton of offensive sets, so it’s going to be really hard to break that down to show the guys. I’ve got to do a good job of really identifying areas that we got exposed.”

Vanderbilt ranks 12th in the nation with 88.9 points per game, while Auburn allows 78.4 ppg — third most in the SEC.

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Hoping to steer the Tigers away from the NCAA Tournament bubble has been Keyshawn Hall, who ranks second in the conference at 21 points per game. Playing on his fourth team in four years, Hall is averaging 23.8 points across the last five outings.

–Field Level Media

There may end up being just six or seven fights at the White House this summer, despite Donald Trump claiming “eight or nine championship” bouts are in the UFC’s plans for 14 June.

That is the provisional date for an unprecedented fight card, which would mark a unique celebration of the US president’s 80th birthday and 250 years of his nation’s existence

And Mr Trump suggested in December: “They’re gonna have eight or nine championship fights, the biggest fights they’ve ever had. Every one’s a championship fight, and everyone’s a legendary type of fighter.

“[UFC president Dana White] is actually holding back fights right now, for six months, so he can do it for [14] June.”

But according to Ari Emanuel – the CEO of the UFC’s ownership group, TKO – that might have been an optimistic prediction by Mr Trump, or changes might have been made since then.

“Dana’s working on it right now,” Emanuel said on The Pat McAfee Show. “There’s going to be, approximately, six to seven fights, 14 June.

“He hasn’t said to us what the card is gonna be, but I know they’re working pretty hard at it right now […] It’s gonna be CBS, Paramount+. I mean, I don’t know who is not watching that fight [card].”

Mr Trump had also said, “I think the arena’s gonna be 5,000 or 6,000 seats, right in front of the front door of the White House, and 100,000 people in the back, where they’re putting up eight or 10 very big screens.”

But Emanuel suggested: “At the White House, I think it’s 3,000-4,000 [attendees], and then there will be other areas [to watch the fights].”

UFC president White has said the Octagon will be built on the South Lawn, and he previously hinted at “snipers” while discussing security measures. Furthermore, there will be no ticket sales, per TKO president Mark Shapiro.

Currently, no regular UFC champions are scheduled to defend their titles at any upcoming events. On 7 March, Max Holloway will defend the “Baddest Motherf*****” belt against Charles Oliveira, but none of the official, divisional titles are linked to scheduled fights.

The only title bout so far this year have seen Alexander Volkanovski retain his featherweight belt against Diego Lopes and Justin Gaethje win the interim lightweight strap against Paddy Pimblett. Kayla Harrison was due to defend her bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes in January, but the champion suffered an injury that derailed the fight.

Jon Jones and Conor McGregor are among the former champions to have called for a spot on the White House card, but White has been coy on their involvement. White suggested that Jones, who retired last summer after a career full of legal troubles and failed drug tests, might not be reliable, while McGregor has had his own legal issues since his last fight five years ago.

Former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop warned that England are one of the most dangerous teams in the T20 World Cup because of their powerful batting and smart bowling options. Speaking on JioStar’s show, he said, “We’ve seen across franchise cricket that experience counts for a lot. And sometimes, we’re still trying to work out whether this is an old man’s game or a young man’s game. England are one of the teams that scare me… because they’ve got so much power. Their philosophy, starting with Harry Brook, is very similar, boundary and six-hunting quite often.”

Bishop also praised England’s bowling attack and their ability to use the field cleverly. He added, “Jofra Archer will bring some much-needed cutting edge to that England line-up… Adil Rashid… is still playing very, very well. Jacob Bethell is another one who can throw his name into the mix. They are scoring, utilising areas that traditionally have not yielded runs for many teams, which is part of why they scare me.”England showed that strength in a close four-run win over Nepal in Mumbai. Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook shared a key partnership and scored half-centuries, helping England reach 184 runs. Jos Buttler also climbed the list of top T20 World Cup run-scorers.Nepal chased bravely, with Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee putting pressure on England. However, England’s bowlers took crucial wickets at the right time, and despite a late push from Lokesh Bam, Nepal fell just short, finishing on 180/6.

David Benavidez wants nothing more than to fight the best and, with his star power growing and the WBC Light-Heavyweight World title around his waist, he is becoming hard to ignore.

‘El Monstro’ is set to move up in weight again this summer, facing Gilberto Ramirez for the WBO and WBA belts at cruiserweight. He is then planning to drop back down to 175lbs to face Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Both Russians have expressed their interest in fighting with the 29-year-old pressure fighter.

Despite big main events on the horizon, Benavidez has still failed to secure the signature of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, and that is something that will always irk him.

Asked on The Danza Project if he felt not fighting Alvarez would leave a hole in his career, Benavidez said yes.

“100%. Always in boxing, or whatever sport, everybody has their arch nemesis. Canelo is my arch nemesis, basically. That’s exactly how it’d be. It’d be an unfortunate moment that never happened in boxing. If it doesn’t happen, there’s really nothing I can do about it.”

Benavidez – who has campaigned for the fight for a number of years now – then admitted that the delay has already seen it lose some appeal, given Alvarez’s loss to Terence Crawford last year.

“[Crawford] took a lot away from it. At the time Crawford beat him, Canelo was basically looking invincible. If I could’ve got in there, beat him, it would’ve been more of an impact. Now that Crawford came in and beat him, you don’t know what Canelo is gonna show up – if he’s gonna be extremely prepared or he doesn’t really seem like he’s hungry.”

Despite the consistent calls from both fans and Benavidez to make the fight happen, Canelo has demonstrated that he will make his own decisions in the sport. With a September return date locked in, and a shot at one of his previous super-middleweight world titles likely, it’s anybody’s guess whether or not he will venture back up to light-heavyweight again.

If he does so, he has made it clear that a rematch with Dmitry Bivol is higher on his list than facing Benavidez.

For the $300,000 Expressway Stakes at Randwick this Saturday, Chris Waller has nominated three standout stablemates, yet it’s doubtful they’ll all line up together.

The 1200-metre Group 2 race, featuring 10 entries including Joliestar, Angel Capital and Lady Shenandoah, provides a platform toward Group 1 objectives on the following run, while Waller assesses his options.

“We have got three ace cards for the Expressway, including Angel Capital and Joliestar, so I don’t want to run all three,” Waller said.

“I want to try to hold one back. I don’t know which one, possibly Lady Shenandoah.

“She could run in the mares’ race, the Triscay (Stakes), or run the following week in the Millie Fox.”

That said, Waller is set to send out three contenders for the Expressway Stakes, spearheaded by Lazzura, a four-year-old eyeing the Coolmore Classic, starting her autumn campaign.

“She’s had a couple of Group One placings and hasn’t had a lot of luck with a couple of them. She jarred up a bit in Melbourne with the firm tracks in the spring,” Waller said.

Last Saturday at Randwick, Lazzura and Lady Shenandoah, who are in the 13-horse nominations for the $250,000 Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m), completed 1000m exhibition gallops.

Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Lindermann and Trinity College also engaged in those workouts, which Waller described as helpful for sharpening their condition.

“The day out, the hot weather, the trip home, they’ve been away from the freed bin for six hours. It’s all part of tightening them up,” Waller said.

“It just saves the hard workouts and it saves getting behind. It’s easier to be well ahead. You just can’t play catch up with horses, so being well prepared and exhibitions gallops show everything has gone to plan and there have been no setbacks.

“If I don’t give them an exhibition gallop, it’s either a rushed prep or I just didn’t have time to do it how I wanted to do it.

“It gives them a chance to have a bit of a sweat, break the skin. Then next week they’ll come back and they’ll be picture perfect.”

In the $300,000 Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), Waller lists nine entries such as Autumn Glow, Aeliana, Lindermann and Trinity College, possibly alongside Antino, Ceolwulf and Stefi Magnetica.

Visit the racing betting markets for competitive offers on the upcoming Expressway Stakes.

The post Chris Waller weighing up Expressway Stakes team first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

South Africa vs Canada Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: The opening clash between South Africa and Canada at the T20 World Cup 2026 sets up a classic contest between pedigree and ambition. South Africa arrive in Ahmedabad carrying the weight of expectation, fuelled by unfinished business from the 2024 edition where they fell heartbreakingly short in the final. Nine members of that squad return, bringing continuity and experience, and the Proteas will be keen to make a statement straight away.

T2O World Cup Schedule:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup/schedule

Despite mixed results in T20Is since mid-2024, South Africa boast a settled and formidable core. Quinton de Kock has rediscovered his rhythm at the top, while Aiden Markram continues to lead with calm authority. Dewald Brevis, now playing with renewed freedom, is expected to be a key figure in the middle order after an outstanding SA20 2026, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer and struck a century in the final. The fast-bowling quartet of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi gives South Africa genuine firepower, even if they opt to go with a single specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj.

T20 World Cup Points Table
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup/points-table

Canada, though, are not simply here to make up numbers. Under new captain Dilpreet Bajwa, they are aiming to test stronger opponents whenever the opportunity arises. While warm-up losses to Italy and Nepal exposed areas for improvement, Canada possess enough power and belief to compete. Yuvraj Samra’s aggressive approach at the top, Navneet Dhaliwal’s experience and the all-round value of Saad Bin Zafar and Jaskaran Singh provide a solid framework.

With three of South Africa’s four group games scheduled in Ahmedabad, adapting quickly to the surface will be crucial. For Canada, this match represents a chance to challenge perceptions. For South Africa, it is about starting strongly and laying down a marker in their quest to finally lift the trophy.

India’s newest Davis Cup hero Dhakshineswar Suresh says his dream run for the country is “just the beginning” as he prepares to step into full-fledged competition on the ATP Tour after completing his studies at a US university.

Pursuing communication studies at the Wake Forest University, the 25-year-old will complete his degree in May this year.

In just two ties since making his debut in September 2025, Dhakshineswar boasts an impressive 4-0 record, with three of those wins coming against the Netherlands in Bengaluru last weekend.

“It’s a long way to go. It’s just the beginning,” said Dhakshineswar, who matched Leander Paes’ feat of winning three matches in a single tie back in 2004 against Japan.

 

Following Dhakshineswar’s superlative show, India edged the Netherlands 3-2 to progress to the second round of the Davis Cup Qualifiers, where they will meet Korea in September.

“I’ll go back to the US to finish my studies, then come down in May and figure out my schedule. Once that’s sorted, I’ll start getting into the Tour and prepare for the next Davis Cup,” he said.

On Dhakshinewar’s remarkable record, captain Rohit Rajpal said, “There aren’t many players who go 4-0 in Davis Cup rubbers, especially against quality opponents. He keeps coming up with big serves and big forehands. I hope he keeps enjoying his tennis and keeps performing.” 
Dhakshineswar said representing India had brought out a different side of his game.

“It’s a different feeling when you’re playing for your country. You’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for the whole nation. I played some different tennis in these matches and I’m really proud of that,” he said.

The tall Chennai-born player, who played marathon singles and doubles matches over two days, credited the support staff and team environment for his recovery and consistency.

“The physios and everyone took care of me really well. Team chemistry on and off the court makes a huge difference. Everyone trusting me helps me play good tennis,” he added.

Rajpal also lauded an injured Sumit Nagal for leading the team despite being far from full fitness.

“Sumit was not even 50 per cent fit. He had a grade two tear in his hip and we were working day and night with the physios. But he fought like a tiger and led the team like an India number one should.” 
Rajpal singled out the contribution of the support staff, especially the physios, and said the tie underlined India’s growing depth.

“With these guys, a strong doubles team and the bench strength we now have, India is a tough team to beat. If we play to our potential, we can take on anybody in the world,” he said.

Nagal, who lost both his singles matches after a three-week injury layoff, admitted it was a tough week but felt encouraged by his fight.

“It was disappointing to get injured before such an important tie, but to come out and compete after not playing or practising was not easy. The doubles point was crucial and DK played amazing tennis,” he said, adding that he would resume preparations in Chennai.

Looking ahead to the next tie against Korea, Rajpal said planning would begin after the celebrations.

“We’ll start strategising tomorrow, where they play us, on what surface. I stay in constant touch with the players. Team selection and planning is a collective process,” he said.

Erling Haaland kept Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes alive with a dramatic late penalty at Liverpool.

The Norwegian struck in second-half stoppage time in an explosive game at Anfield on Sunday to seal a 2-1 win and cut the gap on first-place Arsenal back to six points.

City’s title prospects looked in dire shape when Dominik Szoboszlai crashed a stunning long-range free kick in off the post in the 74th minute. And even when Bernardo Silva equalized 10 minutes later, second-place City was still looking at ending the match eight points adrift.

But Haaland sent the away fans wild by firing into the bottom corner from the spot in the 93rd after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson brought down Matheus Nunes in the box.

 

“I was really nervous right beforehand. All my thoughts were getting in the back of the net,” Haaland told Sky Sports. “Incredible feeling.” 
Even after Haaland’s goal, the drama was far from over.

City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a spectacular save to push Alexis Mac Allister’s shot away from the top corner.

And then substitute Rayan Cherki scored from the halfway line – only for VAR to overrule it and send off Szoboszlai for a foul on Haaland before the ball crossed the line.

City makes statement of title intent 
City had won just one of its last 23 visits to Anfield. For Guardiola, the record was one win in 10 since arriving in England in 2016. And even then, that victory came in a behind-closed-doors game during the COVID pandemic in 2021.

It is the first time City has completed a league double over Liverpool since 1936-37.

“It’s special. It’s an incredibly difficult place to come,” Guardiola said.

Arsenal had opened up a nine-point lead at the top on Saturday.

But the gap could be three points by the time Mikel Arteta’s team visits Brentford on Thursday, with City at home to Fulham a day earlier.

It is a very different scenario to the one City faced after Szoboszlai’s free kick that left Donnarumma standing as it swerved in off the post.

Haaland, who had missed a one-on-one early in the match, flicked a header on for Bernardo to slide in and poke an equalizer past Alisson.

Alisson was then guilty of a rash moment when rushing out and bringing down Nunes. With the pressure on, Haaland swept low and into the bottom corner.

Haaland said the result needed to be the start of a determined drive toward the title.

“We need to believe and we need to get it straight. We need to start winning games,” he said. “In the end this is what matters. We need to start winning games – simple as that.” 
Late, late drama 
Donnarumma was left as a spectator for Szoboszlai’s free kick, but he produced a crucial moment to push away Mac Allister’s deflected shot that was dipping into the top corner.

Even more dramatic was Cherki’s shot from the halfway line that rolled into an empty net after Alisson had gone up for a corner.

The celebrations were cut short after referee Craig Pawson reviewed the sideline monitor.

The goal was ruled out because Szoboszlai fouled Haaland as the Norwegian chased the ball. Although the official had initially played the advantage, Haaland then fouled Szoboszlai and prevented him from making a clearance.

Pawson then issued a red card for the initial foul, which was adjudged to have denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

What next for Liverpool? 
Champion last year, Liverpool’s title defense unraveled long before Christmas. Now it faces a fight to secure Champions League qualification.

A top five finish is likely to be enough to qualify for European club soccer’s top competition, but Arne Slot’s team is sixth and four points behind fifth-place Chelsea.

“For us, it is disappointing to come away without a result,” Slot said. “So many times this season we haven’t got what I think we deserved, and this is another game to add to that.” 
Palace wins at last 
Crystal Palace ended a 12-game winless run in all competitions by beating rival Brighton 1-0.

Ismaila Sarr scored the only goal of the match at the Amex Stadium to move Palace nine points clear of the relegation zone and leapfrog Brighton into 13th place.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere and what a way to start my Palace career, a win in a derby,” said Palace’s record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves on deadline day. “It was really important to win as there has been a run without wins before I joined.

“This is the most intense game I have ever played so I’m tired now, but it is worth it.” 
Sarr’s winner came after running through in the 61st minute and firing past goalkeeper Bart Verburggen. It was his second goal in as many games and his 10th of the season.

Palace’s last win in any competition was against Shelbourne in the Conference League on Dec. 11.