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Women’s March Madness 2026: Ranking the Sweet 16

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Yes, Virginia, there is a Cinderella. Thanks to the Cavaliers, the Sweet 16 has a surprise entrant.

The 2026 women’s NCAA tournament was relatively stunner-free over the first three days. But No. 10 seed Virginia made history when it outlasted No. 2 seed Iowa in double overtime Monday. For the first time, a team that played in the First Four will also play in the Sweet 16. The Hawkeyes’ loss meant that for the third time in four years, at least one No. 2 seed failed to reach the regionals.

And Virginia wasn’t alone in lower-seeded teams winning on the road. No. 6 seed Notre Dame won at No. 3 seed Ohio State and 5-seed Kentucky hung on at 4-seed West Virginia.

The No. 1 seeds had no such issues at home. UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina won their second-round games by an average of 38.5 points. All four were so impressive in the first two rounds that changing the order at the top of the re-rank was impossible.

But there was plenty of shake-up elsewhere in a Sweet 16 dominated by the SEC (six teams) and ACC (five teams).

1. UConn Huskies
Original seed: No. 1 overall (Fort Worth 1)
Results: Defeated No. 16 UTSA 90-52 (first round); defeated No. 9 Syracuse 98-45 (round of 32)

Perhaps a little rusty, UConn got off to a slow start in the first round against UTSA. Syracuse was not given the same luxury. As the Huskies did so often during the regular season, they came out sharp and relentless from the opening tip. After making 13 of their first 17 shots and forcing eight Orange turnovers in the first quarter, the Huskies essentially secured their trip to the Sweet 16 after 10 minutes. Azzi Fudd had her career-best half with 26 points and then finished with 36 to match her career high in her final game at Gampel Pavilion. The Huskies’ 65-point first half marked the seventh time they have exceeded 60 in a half in NCAA tournament play. UConn played four games against ACC opponents this season and beat them by an average of 34 points. Another ACC foe, North Carolina, awaits in Fort Worth, Texas.

Up next: North Carolina (Friday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN)

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Azzi Fudd unleashes 34 points to propel UConn to the Sweet 16

UConn star Azzi Fudd drops 34 points, including 26 in the first half in which she outscored Syracuse, to help the Huskies advance to the Sweet 16.


2. UCLA Bruins
Original seed: No. 1 (Sacramento 2)
Results: Defeated No. 16 Cal Baptist 96-43 (first round); defeated No. 8 Oklahoma State 87-68 (round of 32)

UCLA didn’t put away Oklahoma State as quickly and thoroughly as the other No. 1 seeds disposed of their second-round opponents, but the Bruins hold on to No. 2. These rankings are not just about one game. Just like an NCAA tournament résumé, there is a body of work element. The biggest issue Monday was the Bruins held only a two-rebound advantage over the smaller Cowgirls. UCLA still shot over 50% and assisted on more than two-thirds of its field goals, two earmarks of the Bruins’ season. Lauren Betts took advantage of the size discrepancy with a career-high 35 points as UCLA advanced to its fourth straight Sweet 16.

Up next: vs. Minnesota (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)


3. Texas Longhorns
Original seed: No. 1 (Fort Worth 3)
Results: Defeated No. 16 Missouri State 87-45 (first round); defeated No. 8 Oregon 100-58 (round of 32)

Madison Booker deferred in the first round. She dominated in the second. After scoring 14 points against Missouri State on Friday, Booker produced a career-high and Longhorn NCAA tournament-record 40 points. As she does so well, Booker got most of those points on midrange jumpers, shooting 14-of-21 overall. She also had eight rebounds and five assists, joining Caitlin Clark and Candice Wiggins as the only players to go 40-5-5 in this century. Booker also made two of her three 3-pointers — and that is where the Longhorns’ story gets interesting. For the season, Texas ranks last in Division I in 3-point rate and makes only 4.2 3-pointers per game. But after making 8-of-12 against Oregon on Sunday, the Longhorns have made 27 from deep in the SEC and NCAA tournaments (five games) on 50% accuracy. The biggest Texas weakness has become a strength in the postseason.

Up next: vs. Kentucky (Saturday, 3 p.m. ET, ABC)


4. South Carolina Gamecocks
Original seed: No. 1 (Sacramento 4)
Results: Defeated No. 16 Southern 103-34 (first round); defeated No. 9 USC 101-61 (round of 32)

After watching Texas and UConn overwhelm second-round opponents, South Carolina wasted little time doing the same to USC. Pounding the ball inside early to Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot seemed to demoralize the Trojans. That is what the Gamecocks do best. They are second in the country in points in the paint and delivered another 60 against USC. Edwards finished with 23 points and has 21 20-point games this season, tying A’ja Wilson for the most by a South Carolina player this century. Edwards’ 19.9 scoring average is nearly four points better than Wilson’s as a sophomore. But one of Edwards’ worst games of the season (12 points on 3-of-12 shooting) came in the Jan. 22 overtime loss to Oklahoma in their lone SEC meeting. The Sooners are up next for South Carolina in Sacramento, California.

Up next: vs. Oklahoma (Saturday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN)


5. LSU Tigers
Original seed: No. 2 (Sacramento 2)
Results: Defeated No. 15 Jacksonville 116-58 (first round); defeated No. 7 Texas Tech 101-47 (round of 32)

Early in the season, the Tigers punished 12 mid- and low-major opponents by an average of 63.3 points per game. They nearly did that to a Power 4 opponent in the second-round NCAA tournament with a 54-point win over Texas Tech. In the process, LSU set the NCAA record for the most 100-point games in a season with 16, the last two of which came in the first two rounds. More importantly, it’s the fourth Sweet 16 in the five years since Kim Mulkey became the head coach in Baton Rouge. Overwhelm is not a strong enough verb to describe what LSU did to Texas Tech in Baton Rouge on Sunday. It was a mismatch in size and athleticism from the second quarter on. Flau’jae Johnson finished her career at the Maravich Center in front of 11,000 fans in style with 24 points. Of all the numbers to pull from LSU’s first two NCAA tournament games, 70 total points off turnovers stand out the most. When the Tigers beat Duke 93-77 on Dec. 4 in the ACC/SEC Women’s Challenge, they turned 19 Blue Devils turnovers into 25 points and won the game 93-77.

Up next: vs. Duke (Friday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN)


6. Vanderbilt Commodores
Original seed: No. 2 (Fort Worth 1)
Results: Defeated No. 15 High Point 102-61 (first round); defeated No. 7 Illinois 75-57 (Monday)

In a history-making season for Vanderbilt, the offense has gotten most of the attention. That makes sense when Mikayla Blakes, the nation’s top scorer, is the face of the program. But what about the defense? Only Texas forced more turnovers in SEC play than the Commodores. Vanderbilt was sixth in the country in points off turnovers and was opportunistic against the Illini on Monday, scoring 17 points off turnovers. Still, the turning point in the game came late in the first quarter and into the second when the Illini missed 16 straight shots and Vanderbilt opened a 23-8 lead. With Blakes nearly posting a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists and Illinois shooting just 29.6%, there was no comeback. The Commodores’ 29th win puts them in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009.

Up next: vs. Notre Dame (Friday, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)


7. Michigan Wolverines
Original seed: No. 2 seed (Fort Worth 3)
Results: Defeated No. 15 Holy Cross 83-48 (first round); Defeated No. 7 NC State 92-63 (round of 32)

With NC State leading scorer and point guard Zoe Brooks sidelined with an injury, the Wolverines saw the weakness and exposed it. Entering the game ranked 14th in the country in forced turnovers (21 per game), Michigan matched the season average and turned the Wolfpack over 21 times, converting them into 35 points to pull away with a 64-point second half. Olivia Olson led the charge, with all 27 points coming after halftime. The Wolverines’ 92 points were the program’s most in an NCAA tournament game. A full-court press fueled the Wolverines in the first two rounds. Holy Cross and NC State averaged just 0.63 points per possession against the press. The core group of sophomores — Olson, Syla Swords, Mila Holloway and Te’Yala Delfosse — produced the ninth-most-prolific offense in the country this year and will now play in their first Sweet 16.

Up next: vs. Louisville (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, ABC)


8. Duke Blue Devils
Original seed: No. 3 (Sacramento 2)
Results: Defeated No. 14 Charleston 81-64 (first round); defeated No. 6 Baylor 69-46 (round of 32)

For the second straight game, Duke will face a team it lost to in the regular season when it meets LSU in the regional semifinals. The first of these rematches went well. The Blue Devils clamped down on Baylor’s offense to avenge a 58-52 loss in Paris to start the season. Defense has been Duke’s calling card under Kara Lawson and, according to ESPN Analytics, Duke is fifth in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency this year. The Bears received every bit of that ranking, turning over the ball 23 times, shooting just 30% from the field, missing all 14 of their 3-pointers and scoring a season-low 46 points. Duke’s offense might be a concern though. The Blue Devils turned over the ball 36 times in the first two rounds and were below their points-per-play average for the season in both games.

Up next: vs. LSU (Friday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN)


9. Oklahoma Sooners
Original seed: No. 4 seed (Sacramento 2)
Results: Defeated No. 13 Idaho 89-59 (first round); defeated No. 5 Michigan State 77-71 (round of 32)

The last time Oklahoma lost a game against a team that isn’t a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in this NCAA tournament was Jan. 11 at Kentucky. In that same span, the Sooners have beaten six NCAA tournament teams. To beat the Spartans in the second round, Oklahoma leaned on its stars — Raegan Beers and Aaliyah Chavez — and a big second half. Beers had 18 points and 14 rebounds. Chavez also scored 18 to go with six assists. In the second half, the Sooners assisted on 10 of their 14 field goals and outscored Michigan State 40-29. The Sooners’ assist rate for the game was 72.4%, more than 10% better than their season average.

Up next: vs. South Carolina (Saturday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN)


10. TCU Horned Frogs
Original seed: No. 3 (Sacramento 4)
Results: Defeated No. 14 UC San Diego 86-40 (first round); defeated No. 6 Washington 62-59 OT (round of 32)

Olivia Miles has played only one season at TCU, but she left a lasting imprint in Fort Worth, especially in her most recent two games there. Her 30 points, 26 rebounds and 22 assists marked the first 30-20-20 two-game run in the NCAA tournament since Nicole Powell with Stanford in 2002. Most of Miles’ damage against Washington came late. Playing from behind most of the game after a dismal second quarter, TCU outscored the Huskies by 11 in the second half and overtime. In those 25 minutes Miles had 14 of her 18 points and five of her eight assists. She also played all 45 minutes. What put TCU’s second straight trip to the Sweet 16 in jeopardy was allowing the game to be played at Washington’s pace. The 62 points were the Horned Frogs second fewest in a win this season.

Up next: vs. Virginia (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)


11. Louisville Cardinals
Original seed: No. 3 (Fort Worth 3)
Results: Defeated No. 14 Vermont 72-52 (first round); defeated No. 6 Alabama 69-68 (round of 32)

Laura Ziegler transferred to Louisville for her final season in the hopes of playing deep into March. In part because of her contributions, she is doing just that as the Cardinals are making their first trip to the Sweet 16 since 2023. After leaving Saint Joseph’s, Ziegler became a vital piece to Louisville’s attack and someone Jeff Walz can run his offense through. She leads the team in rebounding and is second in scoring, assists and 3-point percentage. With 12 points in each of the first two NCAA tournament wins, Ziegler has been — alongside Taj Roberts — Louisville’s most consistent postseason player.

Up next: vs. Michigan (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, ABC)

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Reyna Scott floats home clutch bucket to help send Louisville to the Sweet 16

Reyna Scott drains a big insurance bucket as Louisville defeats Alabama to advance to the Sweet 16.


12. North Carolina Tar Heels
Original seed: No. 4 (Fort Worth 1)
Results: Defeated No. 13 Western Illinois 82-41 (first round); defeated No. 5 Maryland 74-66 (round of 32)

A veteran group got North Carolina to the Sweet 16 last year. Sophomores led the Tar Heels this time. Elina Aarnisalo and Lanie Grant, who combined to score or assist on 51 of the team’s 74 points against Maryland, fueled a complete change in game plan from the first round. After taking 40 3-pointers against Western Illinois, North Carolina took just 11 against Maryland, instead focusing on getting to the rim. Spreading the floor for her guards, Courtney Banghart created driving lanes for Aarnisalo and Grant. The Tar Heels also harassed Maryland into shooting 32% overall and 3-of-23 on 3-pointers, tied for the second fewest North Carolina allowed to a Power 4 opponent this season.

Up next: vs. UConn (Friday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN)


13. Kentucky Wildcats
Original seed: No. 5 (Fort Worth 3)
Results: Defeated No. 12 James Madison 71-56 (first round); defeated No. 4 West Virginia 74-73 (round of 32)

When Teonni Key suffered a dislocated elbow and missed six games in January, the Wildcats went 2-4. Since her return, Kentucky’s only losses have been to South Carolina (twice), Vanderbilt (twice) and Texas — all No. 1 or No. 2 seeds in this tournament — and three of the games were decided by single digits. Against West Virginia on Monday, Key and frontcourt partner Clara Strack were the X factors. Key scored a game-high 19 points and added 10 rebounds, while Strack had 18 points and 15 rebounds; they outrebounded the Mountaineers by themselves. Key might be just as important against Texas. In their last meeting Feb. 9, she had eight points and three rebounds, yet Kentucky was within three points with less than five minutes to go before losing 64-53.

Up next: vs. Texas (Saturday, 3 p.m. ET, ABC)

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Clara Strack reflects on Kentucky cementing Sweet 16 bid vs. WVU

Strack recaps the Wildcats’ journey over the season as they reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016, explaining their growth as they prepare to face 1-seed Texas.


14. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Original seed: No. 6 (Fort Worth 1)
Results: Defeated No. 11 Fairfield 79-60 (first round); defeated No. 3 Ohio State 83-73 (round of 32)

Notre Dame entered the NCAA tournament as one of the hottest teams in the country that didn’t win a regular-season or conference tournament championship, winning 11 of its last 13 games. Now the Irish have advanced to their fifth straight Sweet 16. The catch: None of those previous four additions reached the Elite Eight. Niele Ivey has yet to take a Notre Dame team to the regional final. Hannah Hidalgo‘s engine continues to run on all cylinders, but against the Buckeyes she had significant help. Vanessa de Jesus (15 points), Iyana Moore (13 points) and KK Bransford (10 points) all exceeded their season scoring averages. For her part, Hidalgo recorded her second consecutive game with eight steals and also had 26 points and 13 rebounds Monday. She’s the first player since 2000 to have a pair of games with eight steals in one NCAA tournament.

Up next: vs. Vanderbilt (Friday, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)

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Hannah Hidalgo shines in Notre Dame’s upset of Ohio State

Hannah Hidalgo racks up 26 points, 13 rebounds and 8 steals as Notre Dame takes down Ohio State to reach the Sweet 16.


15. Minnesota Gophers
Original seed: No. 4 (Sacramento 2)
Results: Defeated No. 13 Green Bay 75-58 (first round); defeated No. 5 Ole Miss 65-63 (round of 32)

Amaya Battle might not need to buy a meal with her own money in Minneapolis again. Her corner jumper with less than a second left beat Ole Miss and sent the Gophers to their first Sweet 16 since 2005. Minnesota trailed most of the second half and benefited greatly from Ole Miss star Cotie McMahon fouling out with 4:22 left. The Gophers won those last four minutes 11-4. Minnesota’s efficiency is the other key — and it might also be important for the Gophers’ chances to advance even further in the bracket. Minnesota ranks in the bottom quarter in the country in pace but is 16th in points per 100 possessions. The Gophers make the most of their opportunities, best exemplified by Minnesota taking just 12 3-pointers but making seven against the Rebels. Mara Braun‘s 4-of-5 performance from beyond the arc and 17 points were critical.

Up next: vs. UCLA (Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)


16. Virginia Cavaliers
Original seed: No. 8 (Sacramento 4)
Results: Defeated Arizona State 57-55 (First Four); defeated Georgia 82-73 OT (first four); defeated No. 2 Iowa 83-75 2OT (round of 32)

The Cavaliers remain last in the rankings, but just being included in them means they have made history. Virginia is the first team to play in the First Four to reach the Sweet 16. Virginia also became the first double-digit seed to reach the regionals since South Dakota (10) and Creighton (10) did it in 2022, and the Cavaliers pulled off the biggest upset of this NCAA tournament in beating No. 2 seed Iowa in double overtime at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. And while Kymora Johnson might have started this tournament as one of the most underrated players in the field, she has become this year’s new star of March. Despite early struggles against the Hawkeyes, Johnson finished with 28 points for the second straight game, delivering when it mattered most by scoring 14 combined points in the two overtimes. She also hit the game winner in the First Four against Arizona State.

Up next: vs. TCU (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)



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3/23: The Takeout with Major Garrett

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3/23: The Takeout with Major Garrett – CBS News










































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Two pilots die after an Air Canada Express flight hits a fire-rescue truck at LaGuardia Airport; Trump calls off his Strait of Hormuz ultimatum.



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From grief to gratitude: Santa Fe man's story of resilience inspires community

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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – A Santa Fe man who’s faced unimaginable loss is now sharing a message of hope and resiliency, after a simple contest entry turned into something much bigger. Gene Fulgenzi never expected much when he entered a stucco giveaway contest. “I threw my hat into the ocean, figuring it was never going […]



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David Protein Fires Off Its Own ‘Mean Girls’ Zingers in Defending Its Bars’ Calorie Count

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A lawsuit accused the company of undercounting calories in its bars. Tiktokers also took swipes at it, riffing on the 2004 film.



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2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep: Tiers 4.0, all positions on one printable page

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You’ve told me what you want, what you really, really want, and it’s to go back to 1997 — a simpler time, with rankings you could reach out and touch.

The home printer market was booming, and the paper documents flowed like wine. It seemed like it would always be so, but evidently not. They’re pretty hard to come by now, and yet, for a time like Draft Day, they seem like they’d be more convenient than fumbling around with a screen.

That’s how I feel, anyway, and every year, you tell me I’m not alone. As soon as I release the first edition of Tiers, I’m inundated with the same question: When can I get them all on one printable page?

Well, the answer is now, in Version 4.0, just before the biggest draft weekend

Tiers, for those who don’t know, are an alternate form of rankings that signal where the biggest drop-offs are at each position. Players whose impact is essentially the same are bundled together, revealing at a glance how many alike choices remain. With every position’s tiers in hand, you can know during the heat of the draft which position to target next by identifying the one whose active tier is closest to depletion.

And now, every position’s tiers can be in hand literally, provided you have a printer. This link will take you to a one-page document perfectly formatted for printing. Click on it and get to tubthumping.

As for those of you who prefer to stick to screens …

Catcher

The Elite: Cal Raleigh
The Near-Elite: Hunter Goodman, William Contreras, Ben Rice, Shea Langeliers
The Next-Best Things: Agustin Ramirez, Drake Baldwin, Will Smith, Salvador Perez, Adley Rutschman
The Fallback Options: (Ivan Herrera), Samuel Basallo, Carter Jensen, Yainer Diaz, Gabriel Moreno, Francisco Alvarez
The Last Resorts: J.T. Realmuto, Alejandro Kirk, Austin Wells, Kyle Teel, Dillon Dingler, Logan O’Hoppe
The Leftovers: Tyler Stephenson, (Moises Ballesteros), Harry Ford, Victor Caratini, Carson Kelly, Ryan Jeffers, Edgar Quero, Sean Murphy, Miguel Amaya, Carlos Narvaez, Danny Jansen

First base

The Elite: Nick Kurtz, Vladimir Guerrero
The Near-Elite: Pete Alonso, Matt Olson, Bryce Harper, Rafael Devers, Freddie Freeman, Josh Naylor
The Next-Best Things: Ben Rice, Vinnie Pasquantino, Yandy Diaz†, Tyler Soderstrom, Michael Busch
The Fallback Options: Salvador Perez, Jonathan Aranda, Sal Stewart, Spencer Torkelson
The Last Resorts: Munetaka Murakami, Willson Contreras, Alec Burleson, Spencer Steer, Luis Arraez, Kyle Manzardo, Christian Walker, (Bryce Eldridge)
The Leftovers: Andrew Vaughn, Jake Burger, Coby Mayo, Josh Smith, Miguel Vargas, Nolan Schanuel, Ryan O’Hearn, Rhys Hoskins, TJ Rumfield, Charlie Condon, Lenyn Sosa, Paul Goldschmidt, Triston Casas, Romy Gonzalez, Josh Bell

Second base

The Elite: Jazz Chisholm, Ketel Marte
The Near-Elite: Brice Turang
The Next-Best Things: Nico Hoerner, Luke Keaschall, Jose Altuve
The Fallback Options: Ozzie Albies, Brandon Lowe
The Last Resorts: Xavier Edwards, Matt McLain, Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, Gleyber Torres, Brendan Donovan†, Ceddanne Rafaela, Bryson Stott, Otto Lopez, Jackson Holliday
The Leftovers: Luis Garcia, Brett Baty, Cole Young, Colt Keith, Jose Caballero, Willi Castro, Max Muncy, Brooks Lee, Tommy Edman, Jeff McNeil, Jake Cronenworth, Ernie Clement, Lenyn Sosa, Chase Meidroth, Romy Gonzalez, Andres Gimenez, Nolan Gorman, Jonathan India, Christian Moore, Luisangel Acuna, Sung-Mun Song

Third base

The First-Rounders: Jose Ramirez
The Elite: Junior Caminero, Jazz Chisholm
The Near-Elite: Manny Machado, Austin Riley^, Eugenio Suarez^, Maikel Garcia
The Next-Best Things: Alex Bregman†, Max Muncy†
The Fallback Options: Matt Chapman, Kazuma Okamoto, Isaac Paredes
The Last Resorts: Noelvi Marte, Royce Lewis, Alec Bohm, Jordan Westburg^
The Leftovers: Addison Barger, Jordan Lawlar, Carlos Correa, Brett Baty, Josh Jung, Caleb Durbin, Mark Vientos, Matt Shaw, Josh Smith, Zach McKinstry, Colt Keith, Miguel Vargas, Jose Caballero, Willi Castro, Max Muncy, Brooks Lee, Ernie Clement, Connor Norby, Marcelo Mayer, Ryan McMahon, Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Jonathan India

Shortstop

The First-Rounders: Bobby Witt, Elly De La Cruz^
The Elite: Gunnar Henderson, Trea Turner, Francisco Lindor, Mookie Betts†, Geraldo Perdomo†
The Near-Elite: Zachary Neto^, C.J. Abrams^, Corey Seager, Bo Bichette
The Next-Best Things: Trevor Story^, Jeremy Pena
The Fallback Options: Willy Adames, Dansby Swanson, Jacob Wilson†, JJ Wetherholt
The Last Resorts: Colson Montgomery, Xavier Edwards, Kevin McGonigle, Konnor Griffin, Xander Bogaerts†, Otto Lopez
The Leftovers: Carlos Correa, Ezequiel Tovar, Masyn Winn, Colt Emerson, Josh Smith, Anthony Volpe, Zach McKinstry, Jose Caballero, Nasim Nunez, Brooks Lee, J.P. Crawford, Ernie Clement, Ha-seong Kim

Outfield

The First-Rounders: Aaron Judge, (Shohei Ohtani), Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker, Ronald Acuna, Julio Rodriguez^, (Kyle Schwarber)†
The Elite: Fernando Tatis, Corbin Carroll, Jackson Chourio, Pete Crow-Armstrong, James Wood, (Yordan Alvarez)
The Near-Elite: Cody Bellinger, Wyatt Langford, Brent Rooker^, Byron Buxton, Randy Arozarena^, Roman Anthony†, George Springer
The Next-Best Things: (Christian Yelich), Jarren Duran, Riley Greene, Tyler Soderstrom, Michael Harris^, Jackson Merrill, Seiya Suzuki, Jose Altuve, Oneil Cruz^
The Fallback Options: Brandon Nimmo, Jo Adell, Luis Robert, Teoscar Hernandez, Jakob Marsee, Taylor Ward, Ian Happ, Mike Trout, Daulton Varsho, Jac Caglianone, Lawrence Butler, Andy Pages, Chandler Simpson^
The Last Resorts: Daylen Lile, Ramon Laureano, Bryan Reynolds, Noelvi Marte, Kyle Stowers, Ceddanne Rafaela, Brenton Doyle, Steven Kwan, Sal Frelick, Alec Burleson, Wilyer Abreu, Heliot Ramos, Justin Crawford, Carson Benge, Owen Caissie, Chase DeLauter, Trent Grisham, Joshua Lowe, TJ Friedl
The Leftovers: Kerry Carpenter, Addison Barger, Giancarlo Stanton, Jasson Dominguez, Adolis Garcia, Mickey Moniak, (Marcell Ozuna), Cedric Mullins, Dominic Canzone, Dylan Beavers, Jake McCarthy, Isaac Collins, Zach McKinstry, Colton Cowser, Jose Caballero, Willi Castro, Evan Carter, Dylan Crews, Jordan Beck, Andrew Benintendi, Mike Yastrzemski, Jake Mangum, Victor Robles, Nick Castellanos, Jung Hoo Lee, Jorge Soler, Matt Wallner, Austin Hays, Tyler O’Neill, Cam Smith, Jordan Walker, Victor Scott, Harrison Bader, Lars Nootbaar, Jeff McNeil, Ryan O’Hearn, Zach Cole, Trevor Larnach, Tommy Edman, Tyler Freeman, Wenceel Perez, Parker Meadows, Jonathan India, Jake Meyers, Spencer Jones, Gavin Lux, Jacob Melton

Starting pitcher

The First-Rounders: Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, Paul Skenes
The Elite: Chris Sale, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Logan Gilbert, Cristopher Sanchez, Bryan Woo, Max Fried, Hunter Brown, Cole Ragans, Jacob deGrom^, Logan Webb†, Framber Valdez†
The Near-Elite: Jesus Luzardo, Freddy Peralta, George Kirby, Kyle Bradish, Joe Ryan, Shohei Ohtani^, Eury Perez, Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman†
The Next-Best Things: Nolan McLean, Cameron Schlittler, Nick Pivetta, Nick Lodolo, Chase Burns, Brandon Woodruff, Tyler Glasnow, Trevor Rogers, Gavin Williams
The Fallback Options: Nathan Eovaldi, Bubba Chandler, Jacob Misiorowski, Tatsuya Imai, Shota Imanaga, Sandy Alcantara, Michael King, Emmet Sheehan, Cade Horton, Ranger Suarez, Kris Bubic, Sonny Gray, Zack Wheeler, Robbie Ray, Luis Castillo, Carlos Rodon, Drew Rasmussen^, Ryan Pepiot, Matthew Boyd, Trey Yesavage, Spencer Strider
The Last Resorts: Edward Cabrera, MacKenzie Gore, Michael Burrows, Shane McClanahan, Tanner Bibee, Aaron Nola, Zac Gallen, Andrew Abbott, Blake Snell, Gerrit Cole, Ryne Nelson*, Shane Baz, Shane Smith, Merrill Kelly, Ryan Weathers, Cody Ponce*, Jack Leiter, Kodai Senga, Jacob Lopez, Mick Abel, Andrew Painter, Braxton Ashcraft*, Connelly Early, Grayson Rodriguez, Will Warren, Grant Holmes, Chad Patrick, Didier Fuentes, Parker Messick, Matthew Liberatore, Noah Cameron, Roki Sasaki, Sean Manaea, Justin Steele, Shane Bieber, Joe Musgrove
The Leftovers: Bryce Miller, Jack Flaherty Reid Detmers*, Tyler Mahle, Max Scherzer, Luis Severino, Joey Cantillo*, Bailey Ober, Reynaldo Lopez, Payton Tolle*, Robby Snelling, Zebby Matthews, Logan Henderson, Jameson Taillon, Brayan Bello, Seth Lugo, Casey Mize, Brady Singer, Chris Bassitt, Ben Brown*, Quinn Priester, Jose Berrios, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Michael Wacha, Zack Littell, Jose Soriano, Mitch Keller, Rhett Lowder, Cade Cavalli, Taj Bradley, Luis Morales, Luis Gil, Brandon Sproat, Lucas Giolito, Jared Jones, Jonah Tong, Anthony Kay*, Steven Matz*, Ian Seymour*, Tyler Wells, Justin Verlander, Max Meyer, Hunter Greene, Spencer Schwellenbach, Corbin Burnes, Joe Boyle, Zach Eflin, Cristian Javier

Relief pitcher

The Elite: Mason Miller, Edwin Diaz, Andres Munoz, Cade Smith, Aroldis Chapman, Jhoan Duran
The Near-Elite: David Bednar, Devin Williams, Raisel Iglesias, Josh Hader
The Next-Best Things: Jeff Hoffman, Ryan Helsley, Daniel Palencia, Emilio Pagan
The Fallback Options: Kenley Jansen, Pete Fairbanks, Dennis Santana, Seranthony Dominguez, Trevor Megill, Ryan Walker, Griffin Jax, Carlos Estevez
The Last Resorts: Robert Garcia, Riley O’Brien, Kirby Yates, Clayton Beeter, Paul Sewald, Hogan Harris, Taylor Rogers
The Next-in-Line: Abner Uribe, Bryan Abreu, Robert Suarez, Matt Svanson, Chris Martin, JoJo Romero, Edwin Uceta, Garrett Cleavinger, Matt Strahm, Kevin Ginkel, Cole Sands

^:one tier lower in points leagues | †: one tier lower in categories leagues | *:RP-eligible | ( ): DH-only





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A 1,000-year-old temple lies battered after Cambodia-Thailand border clashes

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PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia — It’s been three months since a ceasefire ended bitter border fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, but signs of combat are cut deep in this 11th-century temple atop a 525-meter (1,722-foot) cliff in the Dangrek Mountain range.

The neighboring Southeast Asian countries have been fighting over Preah Vihear temple on and off for decades, and that’s putting the ancient holy site in danger.

Built by the same Khmer Empire that constructed Angkor Wat 160 kilometers (100 miles) southwest, the temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 and are held as an important cultural relic by Cambodians.

But after two rounds of major combat last year, much of the structure is damaged and Cambodian officials say that parts of it may be in danger of collapse.

Where tourists once admired the weather-beaten structure’s elaborate carvings and a magnificent view over the Cambodian plains, there is now stone debris, artillery craters, and the ashes of burnt vegetation.

“The temple has turned quiet, and its beauty looks so sorrowful because of the tragedy,” Hem Sinath, archeologist and deputy director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, told Associated Press journalists visiting earlier this month.

The site is closed to tourism due to unstable walls and concern about the presence of unexploded ordnance. Areas are roped off and dotted with signs warning of land mines, a hazard Cambodians know well after decades of civil war that ended in the late 1990. Conservation staff, groundskeepers and troops remain stationed in and around the temple, from which Thai soldiers can be seen just across the border.

All five of the temple’s notable gateway pavilions were damaged, three almost beyond recognition, according to a damage assessment issued in January by Cambodia’s Culture Ministry. An ancient northern staircase previously restored by a U.S.-funded conservation project sustained severe hits from repeated bombardment.

A statement issued last week by Cambodia’s Culture Ministry said the temple had suffered damage in 142 locations during the fighting in July, and at 420 more during heavier and more sustained combat in December.

“Experts have predicted that during the upcoming rainy season, some structures on the verge of collapsing could finally fall,” Hem Sinath said.

No independent outside evaluations of the damage are available.

Information Minister Neth Pheaktra accused the Thai military of relying on false information to justify incursions and of deliberately damaging the temple.

“Preah Vihear temple belongs to all humankind. It is not an enemy of Thailand,” he wrote.

International law forbids attacks on important historical sites like the temple, but Thailand has argued that Cambodia militarized the temple by installing weapons systems, storing ammunition, and using the site as a base for surveillance equipment, voiding its wartime protection. This included a tall construction crane at the site, which the Thai army attacked after claiming it served as part of a military command and control system.

Thai Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree has insisted that Thai forces directed their fire strictly at military targets.

Cambodia denies that its military ever used the temple, with its Ministry of Culture writing in a statement that the temple is under civilian control and that any security forces present were there only to protect the cultural heritage site.

Each nation blames the other for starting the fighting that flared in July and December. Cambodia has reported that more than 640,000 people were displaced from border regions during the fighting, and almost 37,000 have yet to return to their homes.

The temple, known as Phra Viharn to Thais, has been at the center of a long-standing boundary dispute since the 1950s. In 1962, the International Court of Justice ruled that the temple and surrounding area of less than five square kilometers (two square miles) belong to Cambodia. The Court reaffirmed this ruling in 2013.

For years, it drew visitors from both sides of the border, with many foreign tourists arriving via Thailand before the border was closed.

Its designation by UNESCO as a Cambodian heritage site in 2008 rubbed salt into Thai wounds, and heightened nationalism stoked by domestic politics in Thailand contributed to sporadic armed conflict at the temple in 2008 and 2011.

Restoring the temple will be a major challenge. Hem Sinath fears that weakened structures could collapse during the rainy season, which normally begins in late May or early June and continues through October.

India, China and the United States have been involved in previous renovation efforts, but funding has been on hold since fighting broke out.

Hem Sinath said that new and urgent projects needed to keep the temple from deteriorating further are being hindered by concerns for safety and security while the ceasefire remains fragile.

“We have a plan; we want to do a repair — the sooner the better, but as you see, it depends on the situation along the border,” he said.

___

Associated Press writer Grant Peck in Bangkok contributed to this report.



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Results of Monday’s NCAA games in women’s tournament

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Results of Monday’s NCAA games in women’s tournament

I’m Taking your notes. All right, everyone, good evening. Welcome to the Baton Rouge Regional, the Women’s NCAA tournament. We’re joined by LSU who got the win tonight, 116 to 58. We’re joined by head coach Kim Mulkey, also by Fla Johnson and Makayla Williams. We will start with questions addressed to the players first, please, just the players. We do have *** microphone going around because we are streaming, so please introduce yourself, your affiliation, and please address to which player you’re asking your question. And *** reminder, please turn your cell phones off and no recording on cell phones. Uh, and with that, we will open up the floor for the players. Start with Michael right here. Uh, Michael Cobble, WBRZ TV in Baton Rouge for Makyla and Felage. We’ll start with Makayla, if you don’t mind. Just what did it feel like to get out there, kind of get this thing underway. Obviously, you got *** lot, *** number of girls that didn’t have this experience, right? And it was important to get them some touches. You guys shared the ball so well tonight, I guess just your thoughts on getting this thing started. Well, first off, we were itching. We was itching to play basketball. I was so excited to come in here. Everybody was so excited. The energy was great. I don’t know if y’all could feel it on the court, but the energy was immaculate, um, and We just came in here trying to be disciplined, trying to share the ball, trying to get everybody involved, uh, trying to get *** lot of post touches and I think we came in there and executed our game plan. Yeah, I agree. We’ve just been practicing, practicing, practicing. We’re having great intentional practices. And I think that’s just ***, you know, just an effect of what we’ve been doing in practice and how focused we’ve been. Chesham. Chessa Boucher with NBC 33 here in Baton Rouge. Mkayla, you came out just on fire. What was working so well for you and also, you and Big Four were playing off each other really well. Just talk about y’all’s chemistry. Oh man, me coming out on fire was just excitement. It was just excitement and I’m glad it turned out that way. And I think just playing with 4, we’ve been, we clicked as soon as I came on campus, even before that, um, we met at *** camp and it’s been the rest has been history and, um, I’m just extremely excited to continue to finish out the season with her and I hope we end out on *** bang. Yeah, she’s my recruit. Take pride in when I just, when Makayla gets going, it’s just easier for everybody. Um, I always know she’s gonna hit that cross and hit that 3, so I’ll be ready. Um, but I just, I think she just plays with so much poise and she impacts the game in so many ways and when she’s coming out like we’re *** better team. Right here in the front. Hey, it’s Megan Hall with USA Today. Um, this question is for you, Mikayla. Um, I talked to Flage earlier in the season. I asked her, what are the things that LSU needs to do to win *** national championship. Obviously, today is the first step in that, but from your lens, what do you think are the things that would, you know, help you get there? Um, I don’t know if you ever heard Coach Starkey say, but no rebounds, no rings. So we can, we can start right there with the rebound the ball. And I think us all being on the same page and playing with each other instead of against each other and playing together and playing discipline and closing out those big games in the last 4th quarter. I think that’s the biggest thing for us is just staying disciplined down the stretch. They need to hear me say it while they’re in here. Neither one of them had *** turnover tonight. Bam. Right there, Brit. Yeah, uh, for Flo, what do you think of not having *** turnover while, while doing, uh, behind the back passes and no look, uh, you know, hesitation passes? I mean, I see it in practice, so I’m not really surprised, but I don’t know. I feel like this week, like we just been locked in, like, you know, from *** leadership standpoint, from an energy standpoint, and that, that type of energy. You know, you play your best basketball then. Um, I’m excited to see how she comes out this March healthy, you know, I feel like this is just the beginning, 18 and 10. It’s crazy, but that’s what she’s capable of. She’s that type of player. She’s *** triple-double type of player, so it’s nothing new to me. Uh, I’m just glad that, you know, we had *** minimal. Oh, we had 0, you know, that’s what we do, baby. You know what I’m saying? No, I’m just playing, but no, no, this is what she do, man. This is what she do. She’s elite. John Sokoloff with WGNO in New Orleans, uh, you guys forced 28 turnovers tonight. Also scored 116 points. I mean, you were kind of talking about your overall thoughts on this one. Did it feel like *** complete performance by, uh, you and your team this evening? No, not complete, because that second quarter we kind of gave up, you know, we gave them up too many points. Uh, we weren’t talking. We weren’t, we were making. And like small mistakes which we can’t do. We got to clean up. I know Coach Bob gonna clip that and we’re gonna be able to talk through that tomorrow and flush it and let it go, but not *** complete game. But it’s, it’s, it’s, it’s OK. You know, for the first round, you know, playing in these, you just know you gotta clean up those things game by game. So that’s the blessed thing like if you had *** bad game today, squash it. If you had *** good game today, squash it. Like you’re on to the next. So you know, not *** complete game, but it was decent. Uh, Jacques Dosa, WAPTV here in Baton Rouge to both players, how refreshed and recharged do you think you guys were? It certainly looked like, you know, since the SEC tournament to now, you’re ready to make that next run here. Yeah, I definitely, uh, recharged, um, just got what Thomas did *** lot of extra conditioning, and that’s something you got to continue doing during the tournament, you know, to be in peak shape, you know, when you really need it. Uh, I feel like we got *** lot of rest on our legs, and, um. I mean this is what, this is what March is about like the team who wanted it the most. I was telling them like when it start burning and stuff like that, play hard through that cause that’s when, you know, that’s when you can reach different heights. So I felt like we just, we were just ready to play. We’ve been going for *** while. I, I was sober me and 12 was like let’s get it, like let’s go. Right here in the 2nd row. Kent Ross champy Flage, yesterday you talked about you and your teammates all playing that great game together. You had 7 teammates that, you know, scored in double digits. You all had *** couple of steals. How was it to have, you know, so many teammates play that good game tonight? It was amazing. That’s what we need and that’s who we are. Um, I think like in the beginning of the season, like *** lot of people got playing time and then during SEC, like it dwindled *** little bit, but we have to show that we have *** bench that we can play, you know what I’m saying, that is just as talented, just as disciplined, and just as focused. So I think it’s important for them to gain that. Confidence and know that they can play in the postseason, know that they can play in these games and know that we have confidence in them and Coach Smokey has confidence in them. And I just feel like when everybody’s clicking like we’re great. And so, um, you see flashes of it though. Early in the season, Duke, Bella, big plays, Grace, big plays, the big plays. So just instilling that confidence. We’re gonna need everybody. It’s not gonna just take me and Makayla and Malete no it’s gonna take everybody. So I’m glad everybody, uh, getting their feet wet for sure. Scott Rapala with The Advocate plus, uh, if y’all scored 116 in *** game and y’all tied the record for most 100 point games in *** season. What are your practices like? I mean, how, how, how much do y’all get up and down in practice? I mean, y’all have ***, you know, you know how many points y’all scored in *** practice, or I don’t let them go up against each other. They don’t love each other. We don’t go up and down in all seriousness, we go against the guys because. I want to sometimes and I’m like, no, because if this one scores on this one and she’s gonna get pissed and this one’s gonna get mad at this one and then they just go at what you love in the preseason, but not during the course of the season. I’ve thought so many times I need to do it, but I just say let the guys do it. Yeah. This, I assume when playing basketball if you play at *** high level, this is what you want to play, you know, how, how much fun is it to play like this? It’s so fun, bro. If you wanna hoop, come to LSU, you know, like if you really just wanna hoop like Coach Mokey, like she really just like go ball, you know what I mean? And um, I think like. Everybody looking at her like this is why people like to come and play at LSU. Like this is why we get all the best transfers and the best freshmen because they like to come play this style of basketball. If you could put the ball in the hoop, you know what I’m saying, if you can run the floor, like you’re gonna love playing here and that’s what I love to do. That’s what 12 love to do, like, you know, it’s just really fun. We score *** lot of buckets and um in practice we always just emphasize and just push ahead, push ahead. Two more for the players here in the front and then Michael and that’ll be it for the players. Chasity to Uvi with New Media. This is for Coach Mulkey. Hold on just *** second. Do them first. We’re gonna do the players, the players first. Oh, what y’all think y’all can do differently to win again on Sunday? Clean up mistakes. Um, I believe that, um. If we clean up those small things, those small mistakes, being on help side, talking on defense, helping the helper, being in *** rotation, like those small things win championships, um, transition defense, uh, cleaning up those things, and I think those are like mental lapses, and we’re, and we’re *** younger team. So I think just getting everybody to realize how crucial those little things are, and, um, it starts with us, it starts with me and 12, and so we’re gonna get in the film room and fix that. One more for the players, Michael. Yeah, Michaela, just, um. Flage touched on it earlier, but getting the young girls involved, you know, like we said, it’s the first time for them. How do you think they did tonight? Um, they did great. They came out ready to play. They came out playing hard and they came out listening. I, I think I’ve said this since, um, we started that they’re they’re eager to learn, they’re eager to play, and they’re just great people and humans to be around. So they did great and I’m excited to see how far they go, um, in this tournament. Fla Mika, thanks for your time. Congratulations. Appreciate you joining us. Good. See y’all. Take your drink, baby. Body armor. We’ll get it. OK, same procedure. If you’ll please introduce yourself and your affiliation now, we’ll open up the floor for questions for Coach Mulkey. Ron Higgins Shreveport Bossier Journal. Kim, is there any way you can nitpick *** 58 point victory? I mean, tell me. You want me to tell you, go look at that second quarter we gave up. They shot 50something%, didn’t they? 58%. That, that’s too many points. And I think I said it coming off the floor when the, uh, ESPN lady asked me and I said, it’s too many points. You got to clean that up. And, um, Yeah, well, we will nitpick it, but we won’t nitpick it so much that we’re going to look back at that. We’ve got to move forward. We got to get out here and watch this game and, um, do ***, *** scouting report. On them and get ready to practice tomorrow. Yeah. I think we had *** few too many turnovers, but the second quarter was, was sloppy. Back row. John Sokoloff with, uh, WGNO in New Orleans. What did you think of your offense tonight and, and what did you think of, uh, tying the Division One record for most 100 point games in *** season? Um, the offense is not surprising. We’ve seen that all year. I’ve said it so many times. I, I feel like I’m, you know, *** recorder. Um, we can score the ball. Um, We just have to keep committing to things defensively when you play the great teams that are as good as you or better than you. And we’ve got to make sure that, um, you know, we, we show them turnovers. We gotta make sure the defensive help is there and, uh, we, we got sloppy doing that. Um, the record, um, Yeah, I don’t know how many 100 point, what’s the record? What, how many have we done? 15. So we’ve scored 15 games this year, 100 points. And that’s tied the record? Yeah, that’s, that’s *** lot of scoring, but I’ve got *** lot of scores out there. Michael. Kim, uh, just Amaya, is she good to go? Coach’s decision. Yes, she’s good to go. Yeah, she’ll, she’ll play in the next game. Got you. And then just the decision to, to start grace in the second half. I’m thinking you want to get these young girls’ minutes. Yeah, and it was also my decision to put her back in in the first half when she had 2. See, you didn’t ask me about that, cobble. You’re not staying on top of things, son, OK, because I don’t normally do that, but I needed Grace to get some minutes. And the score was such that, as I told her, I don’t care if you foul out in the first half, play hard. She needed to get in the flow in some minutes, and I don’t know that I’ve done that many times in my career. Um, So what was your question? Time. Oh, I, I thought everybody did fine. Um, we almost had 8 of the 9 that played score double figures. So I think Bella and Devine didn’t, but I think Bella had like 10 rebounds, didn’t she? um. And she tweaked her ankle *** little bit there, and, but she’s fine. Brett. Martel with AP. So I know you emphasize defense and rebounding. How much do you think that has to do with the number of high scoring games you’ve had this year, or is it, is it just the scoring town, or is it the defense creates scoring I think it’s, it’s. It’s *** little of both depending on the game. Some games we’re getting given up one shot. We don’t let them get 2nd and 3rd shot, so we’re turning and we’re throwing it up quickly. I think it’s athleticism. You better get him, you better get on and move when full wall he’s in that ballgame. Um, we’re gonna push the ball up the floor. Uh, some of it is defensive stuff, but I think it just depends on the, the game, uh, you know, the opponent. Um, I think it’s just *** little bit of everything, but. You just look at all of them and they can all score in different ways, um. I mean, Jada’s *** scoring point guard. Full while he’s *** scoring guard when she’s at the point. So let him, let him rip. Let it fly. Chesa Chessa Boucher with NBC 33 here in Baton Rouge. Just talk about what you saw out of Flage and Makayla, their chemistry, and also my second question. Sakaya Johnson just seems to be *** silent assassin. I mean, she got after it and we’re talking about everybody else. Well, there was *** point there, was it, I don’t know, help me, 3 or 4 minutes left in the game, and I looked out there and I had that freshman class, and I thought this is fun for me to watch, you know, to watch those freshmen out there together. Um, Makayla Flage. Um, I say this every chance I get. You may never see the likes of them staying at an institution. This one’s 4 and unless something crazy happens, I would think Makayla’s gonna be here 4 years and she’s right. She had to help recruit Makyla. Um, but that’s what you should do. Great players wanna play with great players. Um, Z. I put her at the 3 *** little bit there at the end of the game. That’s her natural position and she’s done nothing but be *** great teammate, uh, *** joy to coach and whatever you need me to do coach, I just want to play and that’s why I moved her inside. Andre Champa, Tiger Rag, Coach, we’ve seen the depth and the versatility all year, but when it comes to March, just talk about how fun it is being able to roll out so many lineups, especially against teams that you’ve never seen before and how challenging that may be for other teams. Well, it allows you to play them early in the games. Uh, because you have seen them perform in the SEC games. Uh, regardless of what the score is. It gives you some confidence to look down there and go, Bella, get in there for Flage and give her *** breather, regardless of what the score is because, um, Those kids They’re freshmen. And if you don’t give them minutes through the course of the year, you’re not gonna have confidence when you get down to the playoffs. And um I’m very confident putting different lineups out there as you see. Um I don’t think you can do *** scouting report on us and say McKayla Flage and everybody else. I think you better do *** detailed scouting report because you don’t know who we’re gonna start, who we’re gonna play, um, the flow of the game. Uh, I can go big with two bigs. I can go big, small, I can go both small. The game just kind of dictates that. Last two questions for coach, uh, Jacques, and then right here in the front. Jacque, go ahead. Uh, Jacques do say WFBTV in Baton Rouge. Are you looking forward to Sunday and what the atmosphere could be like now that it’s official and this will be the last game? Well, I am, um, I was pleased with the crowd today as the game got going. I looked up and I said, well, we’ve filled this thing other than about 34 sections in the end zone behind the students, and that concerned me because 5 o’clock is traffic around here and it’s people getting off work. Um, but I will say this again. Fla Johnson deserves to have this place sold out. What she has meant to our community, uh, to women’s basketball, to all sports at LSU. When you think about LSU sports, We can all sit here and start naming people that played in all the sports. Flaget may be the only one that we don’t need to know who her what her last name is. You just say Flage. She’ll go down in the history of LSU athletics as not only *** young lady that stayed 4 years, first McDonald’s All-American, I signed here, won *** national championship. Elite Eight, she’s been in, what she gives and does in the community with all her money and, um, she’s just, she’s *** joy. And as *** coach, man, you hope you can just coach those kind of kids. Uh, in your lifetime, and I’ve been blessed to coach several, um, but it’s just we need to sell this place out and it was *** great crowd today, but I saw *** few empty seats so I’m gonna harp on that tonight and tomorrow and um hopefully. It’ll be *** memorable. Day or night, I don’t know if we’re playing *** daytime game or *** night game yet, but. Let’s let’s do our part as people that appreciate *** young athlete like that. Right in the front. Hey, Kim, it’s, uh, Megan Hall with USA Today. Um, this is *** little bit of an off the wall question, but I wanted to ask, um, your outfits during March Madness are some of the most memorable that I’ve seen in the last several seasons. So I wanted to ask, like, what do you do with these like outfits after you’ve worn them at such *** like momentous time? Like, are they in *** collection anywhere? No, they’re in my closet, and I guess at the end of the summer, somebody will come get them and auction them off. I don’t know. Um, Yeah, I don’t know. They just leave them at my house and. So I’m supposed to wear that tonight and I’ll wear it. I don’t, I don’t, yeah, I don’t know. I heard something on the radio that fashion trends recycle every 20 years, so 20 years from now you can. Say that again. Recycle fashion. The cycles in fashion, you know, bell bottoms. I wear *** lot of bell bottoms, and you know, some of y’all are pretty dang old in this room right here. Y’all can remember the bell bottom days, right? Go ahead. I won’t, I won’t point you out, but you know what I’m talking about. I did have *** follow up to my earlier question, um, on defense, uh. Could you just comment specifically on the points off turnovers? I think it was 18 steals, 38 points off turnovers. Well, you’re being active, um, you’re playing *** team, um, that’s, you know, not supposed to win, but you can’t look at, Where they’re placed. You’re, you’re looking at, you’re in our, you’re in our bracket, you’re in our way, and you’re one of the 6 games we need to win and you go out there and you play hard. And I think we have Athleticism, speed and quickness with certain ones on the floor, but we also have strength. We also have some strength out there. So, um, get after it. And, and if people score, and I thought Jacksonville did score in that 2nd quarter, um, Uh, make, make the shots that they make hard. And um, Just play defense. When you head on down this road, guys. It’s gonna get tougher. And you hope that your defense, you hope that you’re rebounding, Uh, can help you when you’re not scoring 100 points or whatever we did, you know, 15 times this year. Good teams are going to make you execute in *** half court. When you get right down to it, you’re not gonna get all those fast break points, you’re not gonna get all those steals. When it gets closer to narrowing this field down, you’re gonna have to execute in *** half court. Coach, congratulations. Thank you for your time. We will see you again tomorrow. We’re gonna do *** reset here in Baton Rouge. We’ll be right back. We’ll hear from Jacksonville in just *** moment. the not for the Hasn’t been announced yet. If we get it after this game, we’ll announce it.

The Madness continues! Day 4 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball is underway. Here’s a look at Monday’s matchups. (3) Louisville 69, (6) Alabama 68Elif Istanbulluoglu had 18 points and a key steal with 1:42 remaining that led to Reyna Scott’s one-handed jumper as the shot clock expired. Imari Berry added two free throws with 8.2 seconds left, and third-seeded Louisville held off No. 6 seed Alabama 69-68 on Monday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.The Cardinals reached their first Sweet 16 since 2023 despite several missed late free throws. Scott missed two with 2.3 seconds to go — the second of which Louisville coach Jeff Walz said was intentional — to give the Crimson Tide one last chance for a desperation basket despite having no timeouts.Diana Collins grabbed the rebound and launched a shot from midcourt that bounced off the backboard, sending Louisville to a matchup Saturday against No. 2 seed Michigan in the Fort Worth 3 regional. The Cardinals will be making their 13th overall appearance in the Sweet 16.(10) Virginia 83, (2) Iowa 75Kymora Johnson scored 28 points as 10th-seeded Virginia became the first First Four to reach the regional semifinals after an 83-75 double-overtime win over No. 2 seed Iowa on Monday in a women’s NCAA Tournament second-round game.The Cavaliers won three games in five days, defeating Arizona State 57-55 in Thursday’s First Four game, following that with an 82-73 overtime win over Georgia in Saturday’s first-round game, and then the Hawkeyes, who were playing in front of a sellout home crowd of 14,332.(6) Notre Dame 83, (3) Ohio State 73Hannah Hidalgo put together another dominant performance with 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight steals as sixth-seeded Notre Dame advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 15th straight time with an 83-73 victory over third-seeded Ohio State in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament It is the second time in the second-team, AP All-American’s career she has had at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals in a game. Fellow AP All-America pick Jaloni Cambridge tied a career high with 41 points for Ohio State.(5) Kentucky 74, (4) West Virginia 73Teonni Key had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Clara Strack had 18 points and 15 rebounds, and Kentucky nearly gave up a big lead and held on to beat West Virginia 74-73 Monday to advance to the NCAA women’s Sweet 16 for the first time in a decade.No. 4 seed West Virginia nearly stormed back from a double-digit deficit. Sydney Shaw scored 11 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter and two Jordan Harrison free throws with 1:20 left brought the Mountaineers within 72-71. But West Virginia never retook the lead.Gia Cooke added 23 points and Kierra Wheeler had 16 for West Virginia, which saw its seven-game winning streak snapped.(1) UConn 98, (9) Syracuse 45Azzi Fudd scored 26 of her 34 points in the first half in her final game at Gampel Pavilion and UConn used a 31-0 run to roll to a 98-45 win over Syracuse to advance to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 for the 32nd season in a row. Fudd’s eight 3-pointers were one short of the NCAA Tournament single-game record.Sarah Strong had 18 points and seven rebounds as UConn won its 52nd consecutive game. Blanca Quinonez added 18 points for UConn.Uche Izoje had 12 points and Sophie Burrows had 10 for Syracuse.(2) Vanderbilt 75, (7) Illinois 57Mikayla Blakes scored 25 points as No. 2 seed Vanderbilt beat seventh-seeded Illinois 75-57 to advance to the Sweet 16 in the women’s NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009. Vanderbilt now is one off matching the 30-win seasons of the 1993 Final Four squad and the 2001-02 Commodores for most wins in program history.Blakes just missed the first triple-double of her career with 10 rebounds and nine assists. Illinois’s Sweet 16 drought continues with its last berth in 1998.Berry Wallace led the Fighting Illini with 18 points, and Cearah Parchment and Jasmine Brown-Hagger each added 12.(1) South Carolina 101, (9) USC 61Joyce Edwards had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Madina Okot added her 22nd double-double this season with 15 points and 15 rebounds, and top-seeded South Carolina advanced to its 12th straight Sweet 16 with a 101-61 victory over ninth-seeded Southern California in the women’s NCAA Tournament.The Gamecocks opened with a 13-0 run, were ahead 51-21 at halftime and cruised to their 18th straight NCAA win home. Londynn Jones led USC with 20 points.(1) UCLA 87, (8) Oklahoma State 68Top-seeded UCLA powered past Oklahoma State and reached the Sweet 16 again with an 87-68 win. The Bruins led from the opening tip and stopped the Cowgirls’ only real push in the third quarter. Lauren Betts had a career-high 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Bruins.UCLA opened the game with nine straight points and built a huge first-half lead. Oklahoma State cut the gap to 13 points early in the third, but Betts answered right away. Achol Akot scored 23 for the Cowgirls before fouling out late.

The Madness continues! Day 4 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball is underway.

Here’s a look at Monday’s matchups.

(3) Louisville 69, (6) Alabama 68

Louisville forward Elif Istanbulluoglu, center, battles Alabama forward Essence Cody, left, for possession of the ball during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Louisville, Ky.

Timothy D. Easley

Louisville forward Elif Istanbulluoglu, center, battles Alabama forward Essence Cody, left, for possession of the ball during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Louisville, Ky.

Elif Istanbulluoglu had 18 points and a key steal with 1:42 remaining that led to Reyna Scott’s one-handed jumper as the shot clock expired. Imari Berry added two free throws with 8.2 seconds left, and third-seeded Louisville held off No. 6 seed Alabama 69-68 on Monday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Cardinals reached their first Sweet 16 since 2023 despite several missed late free throws. Scott missed two with 2.3 seconds to go — the second of which Louisville coach Jeff Walz said was intentional — to give the Crimson Tide one last chance for a desperation basket despite having no timeouts.

Diana Collins grabbed the rebound and launched a shot from midcourt that bounced off the backboard, sending Louisville to a matchup Saturday against No. 2 seed Michigan in the Fort Worth 3 regional. The Cardinals will be making their 13th overall appearance in the Sweet 16.

(10) Virginia 83, (2) Iowa 75

Virginia guard Kymora Johnson (21) celebrates after making a three-point basket during the first half against Iowa in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Charlie Neibergall

Virginia guard Kymora Johnson (21) celebrates after making a three-point basket during the first half against Iowa in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Kymora Johnson scored 28 points as 10th-seeded Virginia became the first First Four to reach the regional semifinals after an 83-75 double-overtime win over No. 2 seed Iowa on Monday in a women’s NCAA Tournament second-round game.

The Cavaliers won three games in five days, defeating Arizona State 57-55 in Thursday’s First Four game, following that with an 82-73 overtime win over Georgia in Saturday’s first-round game, and then the Hawkeyes, who were playing in front of a sellout home crowd of 14,332.

(6) Notre Dame 83, (3) Ohio State 73

Notre Dame guard KK Bransford (14) looks to shoot against Ohio State during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio.

Tom E. Puskar

Notre Dame guard KK Bransford (14) looks to shoot against Ohio State during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio.

Hannah Hidalgo put together another dominant performance with 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight steals as sixth-seeded Notre Dame advanced to the Sweet 16 for the 15th straight time with an 83-73 victory over third-seeded Ohio State in the second round of the women’s NCAA Tournament

It is the second time in the second-team, AP All-American’s career she has had at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals in a game. Fellow AP All-America pick Jaloni Cambridge tied a career high with 41 points for Ohio State.

(5) Kentucky 74, (4) West Virginia 73

West Virginia guard Sydney Shaw (5) goes up to shoot while defended by Kentucky forward Kaelyn Carroll (20) in the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Morgantown, W.Va.

Kathleen Batten

West Virginia guard Sydney Shaw (5) goes up to shoot while defended by Kentucky forward Kaelyn Carroll (20) in the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Morgantown, W.Va.

Teonni Key had 19 points and 10 rebounds, Clara Strack had 18 points and 15 rebounds, and Kentucky nearly gave up a big lead and held on to beat West Virginia 74-73 Monday to advance to the NCAA women’s Sweet 16 for the first time in a decade.

No. 4 seed West Virginia nearly stormed back from a double-digit deficit. Sydney Shaw scored 11 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter and two Jordan Harrison free throws with 1:20 left brought the Mountaineers within 72-71. But West Virginia never retook the lead.

Gia Cooke added 23 points and Kierra Wheeler had 16 for West Virginia, which saw its seven-game winning streak snapped.

(1) UConn 98, (9) Syracuse 45

UConn guard Azzi Fudd (35) shoots a 3-point basket against Syracuse during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Storrs, Conn.

Jessica Hill

UConn guard Azzi Fudd (35) shoots a 3-point basket against Syracuse during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Storrs, Conn.

Azzi Fudd scored 26 of her 34 points in the first half in her final game at Gampel Pavilion and UConn used a 31-0 run to roll to a 98-45 win over Syracuse to advance to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 for the 32nd season in a row. Fudd’s eight 3-pointers were one short of the NCAA Tournament single-game record.

Sarah Strong had 18 points and seven rebounds as UConn won its 52nd consecutive game. Blanca Quinonez added 18 points for UConn.

Uche Izoje had 12 points and Sophie Burrows had 10 for Syracuse.

(2) Vanderbilt 75, (7) Illinois 57

Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) dribble the ball past Illinois guard Maddie Webber, right, during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Monday, March 23, 2026.

George Walker IV

Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes (1) dribble the ball past Illinois guard Maddie Webber, right, during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Monday, March 23, 2026.

Mikayla Blakes scored 25 points as No. 2 seed Vanderbilt beat seventh-seeded Illinois 75-57 to advance to the Sweet 16 in the women’s NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009. Vanderbilt now is one off matching the 30-win seasons of the 1993 Final Four squad and the 2001-02 Commodores for most wins in program history.

Blakes just missed the first triple-double of her career with 10 rebounds and nine assists. Illinois’s Sweet 16 drought continues with its last berth in 1998.

Berry Wallace led the Fighting Illini with 18 points, and Cearah Parchment and Jasmine Brown-Hagger each added 12.

(1) South Carolina 101, (9) USC 61

South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards (8) looks to shoot against Southern California guard Kara Dunn during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Columbia, S.C.

Nell Redmond

South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards (8) looks to shoot against Southern California guard Kara Dunn during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Columbia, S.C.

Joyce Edwards had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Madina Okot added her 22nd double-double this season with 15 points and 15 rebounds, and top-seeded South Carolina advanced to its 12th straight Sweet 16 with a 101-61 victory over ninth-seeded Southern California in the women’s NCAA Tournament.

The Gamecocks opened with a 13-0 run, were ahead 51-21 at halftime and cruised to their 18th straight NCAA win home.

Londynn Jones led USC with 20 points.

(1) UCLA 87, (8) Oklahoma State 68

UCLA guard Kiki Rice, front left, and Oklahoma State forward Achol Akot, front right, battle for the ball as Oklahoma State guard Amari Whiting, back right, watches during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Jessie Alcheh

UCLA guard Kiki Rice, front left, and Oklahoma State forward Achol Akot, front right, battle for the ball as Oklahoma State guard Amari Whiting, back right, watches during the first half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 23, 2026, in Los Angeles.

Top-seeded UCLA powered past Oklahoma State and reached the Sweet 16 again with an 87-68 win. The Bruins led from the opening tip and stopped the Cowgirls’ only real push in the third quarter. Lauren Betts had a career-high 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds for the Bruins.

UCLA opened the game with nine straight points and built a huge first-half lead. Oklahoma State cut the gap to 13 points early in the third, but Betts answered right away. Achol Akot scored 23 for the Cowgirls before fouling out late.



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See a Minute-by-Minute Breakdown of the Fatal LaGuardia Crash

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Video footage, air-traffic control recordings and flight-tracking data show how events unfolded on the ground.



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Women’s History Month feature ESPN Sports Center – Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi

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RODEO NEWS

By Ann Bleiker


Women in Rodeo took center stage on March 18 as part of the Women’s History Month series on ESPN SportsCenter. Representing the WPRA was three-time barrel racing World Champion Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, who was spotlighted for all she has and continues to accomplish in professional rodeo. She joined gold medalist downhill skier Breezy Johnson as part of the 2026 series thus far.



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Trump casts mail ballot in Florida even as he calls the method ‘cheating’

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President Donald Trump cast a mail ballot in an upcoming Florida special election, according to Palm Beach County records, as he publicly condemns the voting method as fraudulent.

“Mail-in voting means mail-in cheating. I call it mail-in cheating, and we got to do something about it all,” Trump said Monday.

Public records indicate his mail ballot was received and counted by election officials in Palm Beach County, where he is registered to vote, though the records don’t detail how it was delivered to election officials.

It’s a familiar refrain — and action — from Trump, who has often criticized mail voting as rife with fraud. He has used such rhetoric to push a massive elections overhaul bill in Congress called the SAVE America Act.

The bill wouldn’t end mail voting, as he has suggested in public comments.

“As President Trump has said, the SAVE America Act has commonsense exceptions for Americans to use mail-in ballots for illness, disability, military, or travel — but universal mail-in voting should not be allowed because it’s highly susceptible to fraud. As everyone knows, the President is a resident of Palm Beach and participates in Florida elections, but he obviously primarily lives at the White House in Washington, D.C. This is a non-story,” White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales said in a statement.

Trump was in Palm Beach over the weekend; early voting ran through Sunday.

This isn’t the first time Trump has voted by mail while condemning the method: He did so in 2020, too.

At that time, NBC News asked Trump how he reconciled his criticism of mail-in voting with the fact that he voted by mail.

“You know why I voted? Because I happened to be in the White House and I won’t be able to go to Florida and vote,” he said.

“There’s a big difference between somebody who is out of state and does a ballot and everything is sealed and certified and everything else,” he said then, before he claimed without evidence that thousands and thousands of people were signing ballots fraudulently in their living rooms. “I think mail-in voting is a terrible thing. I think if you vote, you should go.”

NPR reported at the time that his ballot was hand-delivered by a third party.

Trump blamed the expansion of mail-in voting during the pandemic in 2020 for his loss in his second presidential bid, though there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in American elections. Since then, mail has been at the center of Trump’s repeated false claims about election security.

In his State of the Union address this year, Trump called for “no more crooked mail-in ballots” and said, “Cheating is rampant in our elections.”

Trump has posted on social media that he would want mail-in voting to be available only in cases of “ILLNESS, DISABILITY, MILITARY, OR TRAVEL!”

Mail ballots are verified in different ways depending on the state, often by checking voters’ signatures against their voter registrations.

Trump made his comments Monday as he touted the SAVE America Act, which would add voter ID and documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements to federal elections nationwide. Trump says he won’t sign any bill until it reaches his desk, but the measure is stalled in the Senate, where it lacks the requisite 60 votes to pass under the current rules.

Trump has suggested the SAVE America Act would end mail voting, which isn’t true. The proposed law would make mail voting more complicated — voters would have to photocopy their photo IDs to submit alongside their ballots — but it wouldn’t end the practice.

In his remarks Monday in Memphis, Tennessee, Trump also reiterated a false claim he has made before, saying it was “brought to my attention today that we’re the only country that does mail-in voting.”

Voters cast ballots through the mail in at least 32 countries, according to tracking by a Swedish organization, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, which says it “supports democracy worldwide.”

Florida has a slate of state legislative elections Tuesday to fill vacant seats, including in the state House district that includes Mar-a-Lago. Trump carried the district by about 11 percentage points in the 2024 presidential race, according to The Downballot, a left-leaning political site that tracks partisan change in state special elections.

Trump endorsed Republican Jon Maples in the race and encouraged people to “get out and vote” on Truth Social this month. Maples faces Democrat Emily Gregory.

Since Trump began his second term, Democrats have flipped nine state legislative seats around the country in special elections, in addition to gains they made in regularly scheduled legislative elections in New Jersey and Virginia last year.



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