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Indian Sports Wrap, April 6: Aditi finishes T-27 as Lauren Coughlin wins in Las Vegas  GOLFIndian golfer Aditi Ashok carded a three-over 75 in her final round to finish tied 27th at the Aramco Championship here, ending the week with an overall total of eight-over par.Aditi dropped three bogeys in her final round — on the fourth, sixth and 17th holes — and with no birdies to offset them, signed off with a three-over par round.She had earlier returned rounds of 74, 71 and 76 in the first three days.Pranavi Urs carded a four-over 76 to finish tied 66th with a total of 17-over par (76-75-78-76), while Avani Prashanth returned a five-over 77 to end the week in 73rd position with an overall score of 21-over par (75-76-81-77).Lauren Coughlin secured her third LPGA Tour title, with the 33-year-old ending her title drought since winning her second at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open in 2024.Coughlin carded a final round of even-par 72 to beat Leona Maguire and Nelly Korda to the title by five strokes.-PTIYellamaraju finishes T-14 at Valero Texas OpenSudarshan Yellamaraju continued his fine run this week, finishing T-14 with a score of 10-under par (69-73-66-70) at the Valero Texas Open here.Yellamaraju put together a bogey-free third round of 6-under 66, including six birdies despite rain interruptions and followed it up with a 2-under 70 final round to climb up from T-41 on the leaderboard when play was suspended on the third day to T-14 by the end of the week.The final round included birdies on the 14th, 15th, fourth and sixth holes, and later two consecutive bogeys on the eighth and ninth holes to close the round, costing Yellamaraju miss out on his third straight top 10 finish.All eyes were focused on Robert MacIntyre and Ludvig Aberg when play was suspended on the third day. The two looked to be in a dominant position with less than two rounds left to play.However, it was a different story as JJ Spaun (69-69-66-67) finished the week at 17-under par after carding 6-under 66 for the third round followed by 5-under 67 to win the title by one shot as MacIntyre (66-64-72-70) finished the week in T-2 alongside Matt Wallace (71-69-64-68) and Michael Kim (72-65-66-69).-PTIIndia’s latest super star Kochhar all set for Mauritius after a fine show in JapanFresh from a brilliant week in Japan, Karandeep Kochhar is excited about getting to Mauritius for the IGPL Invitational 2026, hosted by Leander Paes, which is the start of the 3-leg Africa segment of the event.The Africa leg will feature events in Mauritius, South Africa and Congo, besides one event in each of the franchise’s cities, plus two more international events.The team format will see the two best scores being counted for each round, and the points will accumulate through the season to decide the top finishing teams among the 10 franchises. The individual winners, apart from prize money, also play for positions on the IGPL Order of Merit, which can earn them spots in the m International Series events across Asia, Africa and Europe.The season-long International Series Rankings in turn provides a direct pathway to the LIV Golf League.The 27-year-old Kochhar, who is flying in straight from Japan to Mauritius, finished tied-fifth in Japan for his second top-5 finish in three starts on the Asian Tour this year.He is also keen to add to his tally of IGPL wins after his success at the Dubai event.Even as he got himself ready for the event, Kochhar said, “I am excited about getting to Mauritius. I played there some years ago (2019) in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at the Anahita Course, when it was co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the European Tour and the Sunshine Tour. And now to be getting there for the IGPL at the same golf course is awesome.”Kochhar commented, “I have said earlier also that to put together a Tour like the IGPL, which started not even a year ago, actually six months, and to have associations like the one with the International Series and bring events to Mauritius shows how strong the leadership is. It is awesome and kudos to the leadership and international Series, Liv Golf, and everyone involved.”-PTIFOOTBALLCISF men’s team secures All India Police Games titleThe Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) secured the 74th BN Mullick Memorial All India Police Games Football Championship title after beating Goa Police 1-0 in the final at Hyderabad on Sunday.CISF emerged as champion among a strong field of 35 teams, clinching the coveted gold medal for just the second time.Adding further pride to the Force, the CISF women’s team, which has been recently constituted, delivered an impressive performance by securing the bronze medal among 9 participating teams. The team defeated SSB 2–0 in the third-place playoff.-Team SportstarPublished on Apr 06, 2026  #Indian #Sports #Wrap #April #Aditi #finishes #T27 #Lauren #Coughlin #wins #Las #Vegas

Indian Sports Wrap, April 6: Aditi finishes T-27 as Lauren Coughlin wins in Las Vegas

GOLF

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok carded a three-over 75 in her final round to finish tied 27th at the Aramco Championship here, ending the week with an overall total of eight-over par.

Aditi dropped three bogeys in her final round — on the fourth, sixth and 17th holes — and with no birdies to offset them, signed off with a three-over par round.

She had earlier returned rounds of 74, 71 and 76 in the first three days.

Pranavi Urs carded a four-over 76 to finish tied 66th with a total of 17-over par (76-75-78-76), while Avani Prashanth returned a five-over 77 to end the week in 73rd position with an overall score of 21-over par (75-76-81-77).

Lauren Coughlin secured her third LPGA Tour title, with the 33-year-old ending her title drought since winning her second at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open in 2024.

Coughlin carded a final round of even-par 72 to beat Leona Maguire and Nelly Korda to the title by five strokes.

-PTI

Yellamaraju finishes T-14 at Valero Texas Open

Sudarshan Yellamaraju continued his fine run this week, finishing T-14 with a score of 10-under par (69-73-66-70) at the Valero Texas Open here.

Yellamaraju put together a bogey-free third round of 6-under 66, including six birdies despite rain interruptions and followed it up with a 2-under 70 final round to climb up from T-41 on the leaderboard when play was suspended on the third day to T-14 by the end of the week.

The final round included birdies on the 14th, 15th, fourth and sixth holes, and later two consecutive bogeys on the eighth and ninth holes to close the round, costing Yellamaraju miss out on his third straight top 10 finish.

All eyes were focused on Robert MacIntyre and Ludvig Aberg when play was suspended on the third day. The two looked to be in a dominant position with less than two rounds left to play.

However, it was a different story as JJ Spaun (69-69-66-67) finished the week at 17-under par after carding 6-under 66 for the third round followed by 5-under 67 to win the title by one shot as MacIntyre (66-64-72-70) finished the week in T-2 alongside Matt Wallace (71-69-64-68) and Michael Kim (72-65-66-69).

-PTI

India’s latest super star Kochhar all set for Mauritius after a fine show in Japan

Fresh from a brilliant week in Japan, Karandeep Kochhar is excited about getting to Mauritius for the IGPL Invitational 2026, hosted by Leander Paes, which is the start of the 3-leg Africa segment of the event.

The Africa leg will feature events in Mauritius, South Africa and Congo, besides one event in each of the franchise’s cities, plus two more international events.

The team format will see the two best scores being counted for each round, and the points will accumulate through the season to decide the top finishing teams among the 10 franchises. The individual winners, apart from prize money, also play for positions on the IGPL Order of Merit, which can earn them spots in the $2m International Series events across Asia, Africa and Europe.

The season-long International Series Rankings in turn provides a direct pathway to the LIV Golf League.

The 27-year-old Kochhar, who is flying in straight from Japan to Mauritius, finished tied-fifth in Japan for his second top-5 finish in three starts on the Asian Tour this year.

He is also keen to add to his tally of IGPL wins after his success at the Dubai event.

Even as he got himself ready for the event, Kochhar said, “I am excited about getting to Mauritius. I played there some years ago (2019) in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at the Anahita Course, when it was co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the European Tour and the Sunshine Tour. And now to be getting there for the IGPL at the same golf course is awesome.”

Kochhar commented, “I have said earlier also that to put together a Tour like the IGPL, which started not even a year ago, actually six months, and to have associations like the one with the International Series and bring events to Mauritius shows how strong the leadership is. It is awesome and kudos to the leadership and international Series, Liv Golf, and everyone involved.”

-PTI

FOOTBALL

CISF men’s team secures All India Police Games title

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) secured the 74th BN Mullick Memorial All India Police Games Football Championship title after beating Goa Police 1-0 in the final at Hyderabad on Sunday.

CISF emerged as champion among a strong field of 35 teams, clinching the coveted gold medal for just the second time.

Adding further pride to the Force, the CISF women’s team, which has been recently constituted, delivered an impressive performance by securing the bronze medal among 9 participating teams. The team defeated SSB 2–0 in the third-place playoff.

-Team Sportstar

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#Indian #Sports #Wrap #April #Aditi #finishes #T27 #Lauren #Coughlin #wins #Las #Vegas

GOLF

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok carded a three-over 75 in her final round to finish tied 27th at the Aramco Championship here, ending the week with an overall total of eight-over par.

Aditi dropped three bogeys in her final round — on the fourth, sixth and 17th holes — and with no birdies to offset them, signed off with a three-over par round.

She had earlier returned rounds of 74, 71 and 76 in the first three days.

Pranavi Urs carded a four-over 76 to finish tied 66th with a total of 17-over par (76-75-78-76), while Avani Prashanth returned a five-over 77 to end the week in 73rd position with an overall score of 21-over par (75-76-81-77).

Lauren Coughlin secured her third LPGA Tour title, with the 33-year-old ending her title drought since winning her second at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open in 2024.

Coughlin carded a final round of even-par 72 to beat Leona Maguire and Nelly Korda to the title by five strokes.

-PTI

Yellamaraju finishes T-14 at Valero Texas Open

Sudarshan Yellamaraju continued his fine run this week, finishing T-14 with a score of 10-under par (69-73-66-70) at the Valero Texas Open here.

Yellamaraju put together a bogey-free third round of 6-under 66, including six birdies despite rain interruptions and followed it up with a 2-under 70 final round to climb up from T-41 on the leaderboard when play was suspended on the third day to T-14 by the end of the week.

The final round included birdies on the 14th, 15th, fourth and sixth holes, and later two consecutive bogeys on the eighth and ninth holes to close the round, costing Yellamaraju miss out on his third straight top 10 finish.

All eyes were focused on Robert MacIntyre and Ludvig Aberg when play was suspended on the third day. The two looked to be in a dominant position with less than two rounds left to play.

However, it was a different story as JJ Spaun (69-69-66-67) finished the week at 17-under par after carding 6-under 66 for the third round followed by 5-under 67 to win the title by one shot as MacIntyre (66-64-72-70) finished the week in T-2 alongside Matt Wallace (71-69-64-68) and Michael Kim (72-65-66-69).

-PTI

India’s latest super star Kochhar all set for Mauritius after a fine show in Japan

Fresh from a brilliant week in Japan, Karandeep Kochhar is excited about getting to Mauritius for the IGPL Invitational 2026, hosted by Leander Paes, which is the start of the 3-leg Africa segment of the event.

The Africa leg will feature events in Mauritius, South Africa and Congo, besides one event in each of the franchise’s cities, plus two more international events.

The team format will see the two best scores being counted for each round, and the points will accumulate through the season to decide the top finishing teams among the 10 franchises. The individual winners, apart from prize money, also play for positions on the IGPL Order of Merit, which can earn them spots in the $2m International Series events across Asia, Africa and Europe.

The season-long International Series Rankings in turn provides a direct pathway to the LIV Golf League.

The 27-year-old Kochhar, who is flying in straight from Japan to Mauritius, finished tied-fifth in Japan for his second top-5 finish in three starts on the Asian Tour this year.

He is also keen to add to his tally of IGPL wins after his success at the Dubai event.

Even as he got himself ready for the event, Kochhar said, “I am excited about getting to Mauritius. I played there some years ago (2019) in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at the Anahita Course, when it was co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, the European Tour and the Sunshine Tour. And now to be getting there for the IGPL at the same golf course is awesome.”

Kochhar commented, “I have said earlier also that to put together a Tour like the IGPL, which started not even a year ago, actually six months, and to have associations like the one with the International Series and bring events to Mauritius shows how strong the leadership is. It is awesome and kudos to the leadership and international Series, Liv Golf, and everyone involved.”

-PTI

FOOTBALL

CISF men’s team secures All India Police Games title

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) secured the 74th BN Mullick Memorial All India Police Games Football Championship title after beating Goa Police 1-0 in the final at Hyderabad on Sunday.

CISF emerged as champion among a strong field of 35 teams, clinching the coveted gold medal for just the second time.

Adding further pride to the Force, the CISF women’s team, which has been recently constituted, delivered an impressive performance by securing the bronze medal among 9 participating teams. The team defeated SSB 2–0 in the third-place playoff.

-Team Sportstar

Published on Apr 06, 2026

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Deadspin | Marlins avoid sweep vs. Yankees thanks to eighth-inning surge <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666792.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666792.jpg" alt="MLB: Miami Marlins at New York Yankees" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 5, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman Graham Pauley (21) runs the bases after hitting a two RBI double against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Pinch hitter Graham Pauley lined a go-ahead two-run double with the bases loaded against Jake Bird to spark a four-run eighth inning and the Miami Marlins hung on for a 7-6 victory over the host New York Yankees after a lengthy rain delay Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Marlins chipped away at an early 4-1 deficit following a pregame delay of three hours and 35 minutes and took their first lead in the eighth.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Bird (1-1) replaced Fernando Cruz after Jakob Marsee drew a one-out walk. After Bird walked Otto Lopez and hit pinch hitter Griffin Conine on the left foot, Pauley batted for Connor Norby.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Pauley gave the Marlins a 5-4 lead when he lined a sweeper down the right field line.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Xavier Edwards, who drove in three runs, followed with a two-run single off Ryan Yarbrough for a three-run lead.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>New York’s Ben Rice hit a three-run homer in the first off opener Pete Fairbanks. Aaron Judge scored in the third when Lopez dropped a throw at second from Norby on a grounder by Rice.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>After throwing 13 1/3 scoreless innings in his first two starts, New York’s Max Fried allowed three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. Fried struck out four and walked three.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Lopez hit an RBI single off Fried as the Marlins took a lead in the first inning for the third straight game. </p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Edwards hit a run-scoring double in the fourth and Marsee scored in the sixth on a throwing error by shortstop Jose Caballero, trimming it to 4-3.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Fairbanks allowed three runs on three hits in a 27-pitch first inning. He served as the opener Sunday so he can leave the team and join his wife, who is expecting a child on Monday.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>After Fairbanks exited and Andrew Nardi pitched the second, Chris Paddack allowed one unearned run on three hits in 4 2/3 innings. Paddack struck out four and walked four.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>John King (1-0) notched the last out of the seventh and Calvin Faucher stranded a runner in the eighth. Anthony Bender allowed a two-run double to Jazz Chisholm Jr. before fanning pinch hitter J.C. Escarra to secure his first save.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Marlins allowed nine more walks and issued 30 walks in the three-game series.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Marlins #avoid #sweep #Yankees #eighthinning #surge

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Deadspin | Sky trade F Angel Reese to Dream for 2 first-rounders <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26935414.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26935414.jpg" alt="WNBA: Las Vegas Aces at Chicago Sky" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Aug 25, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) reacts during the second half of a WNBA game against the Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Chicago Sky traded two-time All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream on Monday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>In exchange, Chicago receives Atlanta’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 and the right to swap second-round picks in 2028.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Reese, 23, led the WNBA in rebounding in each of her first two seasons, averaging 13.1 per game in 2024 and 12.6 last season. Those are the two highest single-season marks in league history.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a release. “Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>“We wish Angel all the best in her next chapter.”</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Reese has recorded 49 double-doubles in 64 career games.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” Reese said. “I’m focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I’ve got to the Dream.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>The Dream finished 30-14 last season, setting a franchise record for wins.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Drafted seventh overall out of LSU in 2024, Reese has averaged 14.1 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals through her first two seasons.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” said Dream general manager Dan Padover. “She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Reese expressed frustrations with the Sky during last season’s 10-34 campaign.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>“I’m not settling for the same s–t we did this year,” Reese told the Chicago Tribune in September. “We have to get good players. We have to get great players. That’s a non-negotiable for me. I’m willing and wanting to play with the best.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“… I’d like to be here for my career, but if things don’t pan out, obviously I might have to move in a different direction and do what’s best for me. But while I am here, I’m going to try to stay open-minded about what I have here and maximize that as much as I can.”</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>The Sky suspended her for the first half of their Sept. 7 game due to the comments deemed “detrimental to the team.” Reese ended up sitting out the final four games of the season, reportedly for a back injury. She later apologized to her teammates.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Sky #trade #Angel #Reese #Dream #firstrounders

INDIANAPOLIS — Public discussion of how UConn got here makes little sense to Dan Hurley, and one could relate to his openly confounded demeanor on the dais as the Huskies are painted as big underdogs for the second time in two Final Four games on Monday.

Before we talk present day, consider he’s on the verge of his 200th win in eight seasons at UConn (199-74) a winning percentage a lot of his peers would love to have.

Hurley can win a third national title in four years if the Huskies pull off the upset — technically speaking, as UConn was an 8-point underdog Monday morning — and improve the all-time program record in the Final Four to a remarkable 14-1.

A narrative that somehow a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament with 34 wins is a surprise national title game entry is insincere or lazy. You don’t have to agree with Dan Hurley’s sideline antics or appreciate his personality to approve of the context of his rebuttal to the ‘dog label.

“Underdog, I don’t know that we necessarily feel like a huge, huge underdog,” he said. “Obviously we acknowledge Michigan’s greatness and the team that they are, but we’re a 34-win team coming into the game.”

Michigan has rolled through this tournament and hit a level of dominance the past two games — scorching Tennessee in the Midwest regional final by over 30 and holding a lead by the same count against an Arizona team that beat UConn in November — perhaps even on a track to be compared to Hurley’s best UConn team. It was his second of the back-to-back title winners in 2023 and 2024.

But with dominance and elevated expectations comes a new level of pressure. Hurley ushers his team to the court Monday night with nothing to lose. A third Final Four in four years already stamps his legacy as one of the game’s great modern-era coaches.

“In ’24, you know you have the best team. There is a certain level of pressure that comes with — it’s like when you get to the Final Four and you know you have the best team, that was a different level of pressure than in ’23 where we weren’t really sure,” Hurley said. “It was our first time. We weren’t sure we were the best team in ’23, we were just trying to win the next game.”

Hurley did compare the current team to his 2023 club on Friday before showing off a championship-level defense that muted Illinois’ high-octane attack. UConn held the Illini under 65 points for the second time this season and used a brand of physicality that made freshman point guard Keaton Wagler uncomfortable. When money time came around with under 4 minutes to play, Wagler’s legs were toast. He had two open — but extra long distance — looks that clanged the front of the rim as Illinois closed to within two possessions.

When it appeared Illinois had overcome past demons by handling Houston’s heavy on-ball pressure and physical play in the South regional semifinals, UConn’s Big East muscle hit different.

Now the underdogs — Hurley’s refuse-to-lose Huskies — try to squash a fourth Big Ten foe in this tournament (UCLA, Michigan State, Illinois) with another on-brand effort.

“We’re a tough program. We’re a tough program. We’re a group of fighters. It’s not appealing to everyone. I’m sure there’s some people in here that it’s offputting for,” Hurley said. “But we are a group of fighters. We are incredibly tough. We’ve got incredible will. We go into these games, we’re ready for battle. Again, for us it’s not a game that we’re just kind of running around in uniforms throwing the ball around, hoping it goes in. That’s not what we’re doing out there. We’re fighting. It’s a life-and-death struggle for us to get to Monday night for the opportunity to win a championship, and then just to be able to prolong this season with each other and to make the people of Connecticut proud, to make the university proud and all the former great players.”

#Dan #Hurley #Rejects #Underdog #Label #Ahead #National #Championship #Deadspin.com">Dan Hurley Rejects ‘Underdog’ Label Ahead of National Championship | Deadspin.com   INDIANAPOLIS — Public discussion of how UConn got here makes little sense to Dan Hurley, and one could relate to his openly confounded demeanor on the dais as the Huskies are painted as big underdogs for the second time in two Final Four games on Monday.Before we talk present day, consider he’s on the verge of his 200th win in eight seasons at UConn (199-74) a winning percentage a lot of his peers would love to have.Hurley can win a third national title in four years if the Huskies pull off the upset — technically speaking, as UConn was an 8-point underdog Monday morning — and improve the all-time program record in the Final Four to a remarkable 14-1.A narrative that somehow a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament with 34 wins is a surprise national title game entry is insincere or lazy. You don’t have to agree with Dan Hurley’s sideline antics or appreciate his personality to approve of the context of his rebuttal to the ‘dog label.“Underdog, I don’t know that we necessarily feel like a huge, huge underdog,” he said. “Obviously we acknowledge Michigan’s greatness and the team that they are, but we’re a 34-win team coming into the game.”Michigan has rolled through this tournament and hit a level of dominance the past two games — scorching Tennessee in the Midwest regional final by over 30 and holding a lead by the same count against an Arizona team that beat UConn in November — perhaps even on a track to be compared to Hurley’s best UConn team. It was his second of the back-to-back title winners in 2023 and 2024.But with dominance and elevated expectations comes a new level of pressure. Hurley ushers his team to the court Monday night with nothing to lose. A third Final Four in four years already stamps his legacy as one of the game’s great modern-era coaches.“In ’24, you know you have the best team. There is a certain level of pressure that comes with — it’s like when you get to the Final Four and you know you have the best team, that was a different level of pressure than in ’23 where we weren’t really sure,” Hurley said. “It was our first time. We weren’t sure we were the best team in ’23, we were just trying to win the next game.”Hurley did compare the current team to his 2023 club on Friday before showing off a championship-level defense that muted Illinois’ high-octane attack. UConn held the Illini under 65 points for the second time this season and used a brand of physicality that made freshman point guard Keaton Wagler uncomfortable. When money time came around with under 4 minutes to play, Wagler’s legs were toast. He had two open — but extra long distance — looks that clanged the front of the rim as Illinois closed to within two possessions.When it appeared Illinois had overcome past demons by handling Houston’s heavy on-ball pressure and physical play in the South regional semifinals, UConn’s Big East muscle hit different.Now the underdogs — Hurley’s refuse-to-lose Huskies — try to squash a fourth Big Ten foe in this tournament (UCLA, Michigan State, Illinois) with another on-brand effort.“We’re a tough program. We’re a tough program. We’re a group of fighters. It’s not appealing to everyone. I’m sure there’s some people in here that it’s offputting for,” Hurley said. “But we are a group of fighters. We are incredibly tough. We’ve got incredible will. We go into these games, we’re ready for battle. Again, for us it’s not a game that we’re just kind of running around in uniforms throwing the ball around, hoping it goes in. That’s not what we’re doing out there. We’re fighting. It’s a life-and-death struggle for us to get to Monday night for the opportunity to win a championship, and then just to be able to prolong this season with each other and to make the people of Connecticut proud, to make the university proud and all the former great players.”   #Dan #Hurley #Rejects #Underdog #Label #Ahead #National #Championship #Deadspin.com

big underdogs for the second time in two Final Four games on Monday.

Before we talk present day, consider he’s on the verge of his 200th win in eight seasons at UConn (199-74) a winning percentage a lot of his peers would love to have.

Hurley can win a third national title in four years if the Huskies pull off the upset — technically speaking, as UConn was an 8-point underdog Monday morning — and improve the all-time program record in the Final Four to a remarkable 14-1.

A narrative that somehow a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament with 34 wins is a surprise national title game entry is insincere or lazy. You don’t have to agree with Dan Hurley’s sideline antics or appreciate his personality to approve of the context of his rebuttal to the ‘dog label.

“Underdog, I don’t know that we necessarily feel like a huge, huge underdog,” he said. “Obviously we acknowledge Michigan’s greatness and the team that they are, but we’re a 34-win team coming into the game.”

Michigan has rolled through this tournament and hit a level of dominance the past two games — scorching Tennessee in the Midwest regional final by over 30 and holding a lead by the same count against an Arizona team that beat UConn in November — perhaps even on a track to be compared to Hurley’s best UConn team. It was his second of the back-to-back title winners in 2023 and 2024.

But with dominance and elevated expectations comes a new level of pressure. Hurley ushers his team to the court Monday night with nothing to lose. A third Final Four in four years already stamps his legacy as one of the game’s great modern-era coaches.

“In ’24, you know you have the best team. There is a certain level of pressure that comes with — it’s like when you get to the Final Four and you know you have the best team, that was a different level of pressure than in ’23 where we weren’t really sure,” Hurley said. “It was our first time. We weren’t sure we were the best team in ’23, we were just trying to win the next game.”

Hurley did compare the current team to his 2023 club on Friday before showing off a championship-level defense that muted Illinois’ high-octane attack. UConn held the Illini under 65 points for the second time this season and used a brand of physicality that made freshman point guard Keaton Wagler uncomfortable. When money time came around with under 4 minutes to play, Wagler’s legs were toast. He had two open — but extra long distance — looks that clanged the front of the rim as Illinois closed to within two possessions.

When it appeared Illinois had overcome past demons by handling Houston’s heavy on-ball pressure and physical play in the South regional semifinals, UConn’s Big East muscle hit different.

Now the underdogs — Hurley’s refuse-to-lose Huskies — try to squash a fourth Big Ten foe in this tournament (UCLA, Michigan State, Illinois) with another on-brand effort.

“We’re a tough program. We’re a tough program. We’re a group of fighters. It’s not appealing to everyone. I’m sure there’s some people in here that it’s offputting for,” Hurley said. “But we are a group of fighters. We are incredibly tough. We’ve got incredible will. We go into these games, we’re ready for battle. Again, for us it’s not a game that we’re just kind of running around in uniforms throwing the ball around, hoping it goes in. That’s not what we’re doing out there. We’re fighting. It’s a life-and-death struggle for us to get to Monday night for the opportunity to win a championship, and then just to be able to prolong this season with each other and to make the people of Connecticut proud, to make the university proud and all the former great players.”

#Dan #Hurley #Rejects #Underdog #Label #Ahead #National #Championship #Deadspin.com">Dan Hurley Rejects ‘Underdog’ Label Ahead of National Championship | Deadspin.com

INDIANAPOLIS — Public discussion of how UConn got here makes little sense to Dan Hurley, and one could relate to his openly confounded demeanor on the dais as the Huskies are painted as big underdogs for the second time in two Final Four games on Monday.

Before we talk present day, consider he’s on the verge of his 200th win in eight seasons at UConn (199-74) a winning percentage a lot of his peers would love to have.

Hurley can win a third national title in four years if the Huskies pull off the upset — technically speaking, as UConn was an 8-point underdog Monday morning — and improve the all-time program record in the Final Four to a remarkable 14-1.

A narrative that somehow a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament with 34 wins is a surprise national title game entry is insincere or lazy. You don’t have to agree with Dan Hurley’s sideline antics or appreciate his personality to approve of the context of his rebuttal to the ‘dog label.

“Underdog, I don’t know that we necessarily feel like a huge, huge underdog,” he said. “Obviously we acknowledge Michigan’s greatness and the team that they are, but we’re a 34-win team coming into the game.”

Michigan has rolled through this tournament and hit a level of dominance the past two games — scorching Tennessee in the Midwest regional final by over 30 and holding a lead by the same count against an Arizona team that beat UConn in November — perhaps even on a track to be compared to Hurley’s best UConn team. It was his second of the back-to-back title winners in 2023 and 2024.

But with dominance and elevated expectations comes a new level of pressure. Hurley ushers his team to the court Monday night with nothing to lose. A third Final Four in four years already stamps his legacy as one of the game’s great modern-era coaches.

“In ’24, you know you have the best team. There is a certain level of pressure that comes with — it’s like when you get to the Final Four and you know you have the best team, that was a different level of pressure than in ’23 where we weren’t really sure,” Hurley said. “It was our first time. We weren’t sure we were the best team in ’23, we were just trying to win the next game.”

Hurley did compare the current team to his 2023 club on Friday before showing off a championship-level defense that muted Illinois’ high-octane attack. UConn held the Illini under 65 points for the second time this season and used a brand of physicality that made freshman point guard Keaton Wagler uncomfortable. When money time came around with under 4 minutes to play, Wagler’s legs were toast. He had two open — but extra long distance — looks that clanged the front of the rim as Illinois closed to within two possessions.

When it appeared Illinois had overcome past demons by handling Houston’s heavy on-ball pressure and physical play in the South regional semifinals, UConn’s Big East muscle hit different.

Now the underdogs — Hurley’s refuse-to-lose Huskies — try to squash a fourth Big Ten foe in this tournament (UCLA, Michigan State, Illinois) with another on-brand effort.

“We’re a tough program. We’re a tough program. We’re a group of fighters. It’s not appealing to everyone. I’m sure there’s some people in here that it’s offputting for,” Hurley said. “But we are a group of fighters. We are incredibly tough. We’ve got incredible will. We go into these games, we’re ready for battle. Again, for us it’s not a game that we’re just kind of running around in uniforms throwing the ball around, hoping it goes in. That’s not what we’re doing out there. We’re fighting. It’s a life-and-death struggle for us to get to Monday night for the opportunity to win a championship, and then just to be able to prolong this season with each other and to make the people of Connecticut proud, to make the university proud and all the former great players.”

#Dan #Hurley #Rejects #Underdog #Label #Ahead #National #Championship #Deadspin.com

It’s not wholly surprising that Lawrence is demanding a trade, but the timing is bizarre. This is the first time Lawrence has had a competitive team that could actually win — and now with John Harbaugh at coach, the Giants look actually poised to do something. However, this could be attributed to Lawrence routinely being in trade discussions with contenders, only to see them fall apart at the deadline, coupled with the sides not being able to agree on a new contract.

Lawrence is currently on a rookie extension he signed in 2023, which is set to run through 2027. He has a cap hit of $27M this season, though it’s probable he would sign a contract extension with a new team, which could reduce his cap number. Let’s look at the teams who could afford this move, and who needs an All-Pro defensive tackle.

From one Harbaugh to another, Dexter Lawrence would be an ideal fit to anchor the Chargers defensive line in their 3-4. Right now the team is hoping that short-term free agent pickup Dalvin Tomlinson can hold the middle, and he was atrocious in 2025, rating as one of the worst tackles in the league at the position.

The Chargers have the cap space and the need to add some superstar talent, which is where Lawrence fits in. He can open up pass rush lanes on the edge for Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, while adding a much-needed veteran presence.

The Pats showed how talented they were last season, but we saw in the Super Bowl how a lack of interior pressure hurt them when everything mattered the most. Lawrence would give Mike Vrabel the interior force he needs, and a critical veteran to bring up some of New England’s younger talent.

There’s a very good chance that the Pats could be holding their cap space for a potential A.J. Brown trade to bolster the offense, but they might actually be better suited by trying to get Lawrence to complement the already excellent Patriots pass defense.

Let’s make 31 other teams groan. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Seahawks, but one of them is nose tackle. Jarran Reed is fine, but there’s nothing really impressive about him and adding a pop in the middle like Lawrence would make an already terrifying Seahawks’ defense into an all-consuming black hole.

They won a Super Bowl, so now it’s time to try and turn this into a dynasty by giving them one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL.

#Dexter #Lawrence #requesting #trade #teams #interested">Dexter Lawrence is requesting a trade and these 3 teams should be interested  To say that Dexter Lawrence’s career has been wasted up to this point would be a massive understatement. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has been with the New York Giants since 2019, languishing for seven long years in an organization that has been constantly rebuilding, now on its fourth coach since Lawrence was drafted.It’s not wholly surprising that Lawrence is demanding a trade, but the timing is bizarre. This is the first time Lawrence has had a competitive team that could actually win — and now with John Harbaugh at coach, the Giants look actually poised to do something. However, this could be attributed to Lawrence routinely being in trade discussions with contenders, only to see them fall apart at the deadline, coupled with the sides not being able to agree on a new contract.Lawrence is currently on a rookie extension he signed in 2023, which is set to run through 2027. He has a cap hit of M this season, though it’s probable he would sign a contract extension with a new team, which could reduce his cap number. Let’s look at the teams who could afford this move, and who needs an All-Pro defensive tackle.From one Harbaugh to another, Dexter Lawrence would be an ideal fit to anchor the Chargers defensive line in their 3-4. Right now the team is hoping that short-term free agent pickup Dalvin Tomlinson can hold the middle, and he was atrocious in 2025, rating as one of the worst tackles in the league at the position.The Chargers have the cap space and the need to add some superstar talent, which is where Lawrence fits in. He can open up pass rush lanes on the edge for Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, while adding a much-needed veteran presence.The Pats showed how talented they were last season, but we saw in the Super Bowl how a lack of interior pressure hurt them when everything mattered the most. Lawrence would give Mike Vrabel the interior force he needs, and a critical veteran to bring up some of New England’s younger talent.There’s a very good chance that the Pats could be holding their cap space for a potential A.J. Brown trade to bolster the offense, but they might actually be better suited by trying to get Lawrence to complement the already excellent Patriots pass defense.Let’s make 31 other teams groan. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Seahawks, but one of them is nose tackle. Jarran Reed is fine, but there’s nothing really impressive about him and adding a pop in the middle like Lawrence would make an already terrifying Seahawks’ defense into an all-consuming black hole.They won a Super Bowl, so now it’s time to try and turn this into a dynasty by giving them one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL.  #Dexter #Lawrence #requesting #trade #teams #interested

It’s not wholly surprising that Lawrence is demanding a trade, but the timing is bizarre. This is the first time Lawrence has had a competitive team that could actually win — and now with John Harbaugh at coach, the Giants look actually poised to do something. However, this could be attributed to Lawrence routinely being in trade discussions with contenders, only to see them fall apart at the deadline, coupled with the sides not being able to agree on a new contract.

Lawrence is currently on a rookie extension he signed in 2023, which is set to run through 2027. He has a cap hit of $27M this season, though it’s probable he would sign a contract extension with a new team, which could reduce his cap number. Let’s look at the teams who could afford this move, and who needs an All-Pro defensive tackle.

From one Harbaugh to another, Dexter Lawrence would be an ideal fit to anchor the Chargers defensive line in their 3-4. Right now the team is hoping that short-term free agent pickup Dalvin Tomlinson can hold the middle, and he was atrocious in 2025, rating as one of the worst tackles in the league at the position.

The Chargers have the cap space and the need to add some superstar talent, which is where Lawrence fits in. He can open up pass rush lanes on the edge for Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, while adding a much-needed veteran presence.

The Pats showed how talented they were last season, but we saw in the Super Bowl how a lack of interior pressure hurt them when everything mattered the most. Lawrence would give Mike Vrabel the interior force he needs, and a critical veteran to bring up some of New England’s younger talent.

There’s a very good chance that the Pats could be holding their cap space for a potential A.J. Brown trade to bolster the offense, but they might actually be better suited by trying to get Lawrence to complement the already excellent Patriots pass defense.

Let’s make 31 other teams groan. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Seahawks, but one of them is nose tackle. Jarran Reed is fine, but there’s nothing really impressive about him and adding a pop in the middle like Lawrence would make an already terrifying Seahawks’ defense into an all-consuming black hole.

They won a Super Bowl, so now it’s time to try and turn this into a dynasty by giving them one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL.

#Dexter #Lawrence #requesting #trade #teams #interested">Dexter Lawrence is requesting a trade and these 3 teams should be interested

To say that Dexter Lawrence’s career has been wasted up to this point would be a massive understatement. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has been with the New York Giants since 2019, languishing for seven long years in an organization that has been constantly rebuilding, now on its fourth coach since Lawrence was drafted.

It’s not wholly surprising that Lawrence is demanding a trade, but the timing is bizarre. This is the first time Lawrence has had a competitive team that could actually win — and now with John Harbaugh at coach, the Giants look actually poised to do something. However, this could be attributed to Lawrence routinely being in trade discussions with contenders, only to see them fall apart at the deadline, coupled with the sides not being able to agree on a new contract.

Lawrence is currently on a rookie extension he signed in 2023, which is set to run through 2027. He has a cap hit of $27M this season, though it’s probable he would sign a contract extension with a new team, which could reduce his cap number. Let’s look at the teams who could afford this move, and who needs an All-Pro defensive tackle.

From one Harbaugh to another, Dexter Lawrence would be an ideal fit to anchor the Chargers defensive line in their 3-4. Right now the team is hoping that short-term free agent pickup Dalvin Tomlinson can hold the middle, and he was atrocious in 2025, rating as one of the worst tackles in the league at the position.

The Chargers have the cap space and the need to add some superstar talent, which is where Lawrence fits in. He can open up pass rush lanes on the edge for Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, while adding a much-needed veteran presence.

The Pats showed how talented they were last season, but we saw in the Super Bowl how a lack of interior pressure hurt them when everything mattered the most. Lawrence would give Mike Vrabel the interior force he needs, and a critical veteran to bring up some of New England’s younger talent.

There’s a very good chance that the Pats could be holding their cap space for a potential A.J. Brown trade to bolster the offense, but they might actually be better suited by trying to get Lawrence to complement the already excellent Patriots pass defense.

Let’s make 31 other teams groan. There aren’t a lot of weaknesses on the Seahawks, but one of them is nose tackle. Jarran Reed is fine, but there’s nothing really impressive about him and adding a pop in the middle like Lawrence would make an already terrifying Seahawks’ defense into an all-consuming black hole.

They won a Super Bowl, so now it’s time to try and turn this into a dynasty by giving them one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the NFL.

#Dexter #Lawrence #requesting #trade #teams #interested

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