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Deadspin | Kodai Senga aims to extend Mets’ pitching prowess vs. Giants Mar 31, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) reacts after the third out of the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Two pitchers with Cy Young Award aspirations wil meet for the first time Sunday when right-handers Kodai Senga and Logan Webb go head-to-head as the New York Mets and host San Francisco Giants complete a four-game series. The Mets have won two of the first three in a series in which no outcome has been closer than five runs. New York starters Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes have dominated 10-3 and 9-0 wins the past two nights, limiting the Giants to a total of one earned run and four hits in 12 1/3 innings. They will hand the ball and a slumping opponent to Senga (0-1, 3.00 ERA), who had teammates and coaches gushing after his first start of the season, when he allowed just four hits and two runs over six innings at St. Louis on Tuesday. He struck out nine of the 25 batters he faced but got no support in a 3-0 defeat. “It was a great start to the year,” Senga said afterward. “It makes me excited for this year. It felt like I’m a starting pitcher again.” The 33-year-old right-hander battled injuries during a 7-6 campaign a year ago. But he was back on his 2023 All-Star form, pitching coach Justin Willard told reporters, which already is doing wonders for his confidence. “This guy wants to be great,” Willard said. “I think you saw it (in 2023) when he was here, and then a couple injuries derailed him a bit. But he wants to be great. He wants to be the best pitcher in baseball. And he’s going to do things he needs to do to be that.” While his 1-0 record wouldn’t indicate it, Senga has struggled in his three career starts against the Giants, roughed up for 14 hits and 11 runs in 14 innings. He also has walked 12, contributing to a 7.07 ERA. Senga will see a Giants team that has struggled both in the field and at the plate in the past two games. Manager Tony Vitello clearly was more concerned about the former when defending his losing pitcher, Landen Roupp, after Saturday’s defeat. “Too many innings where there are four outs that have to be recorded,” he lamented in his postgame press conference. “They (the Mets) have done a really good job of swinging the bat, but you’d be hard-pressed to find an inning where they scored where there wasn’t the potential for the inning to be over. Our defense, we can certainly do better.” Hoping for more help behind him will be Webb (1-1, 7.36), who bounced back from a shaky Opening Day start against the New York Yankees to limit the San Diego Padres to three hits and three runs over six innings in a 9-3 road win Tuesday. He allowed seven runs (six earned) in five innings in a 7-0 loss to the Yankees. The two-time All-Star is 3-2 with a 3.21 ERA in seven career starts against the Mets. After racking up a total of 27 hits in its last two games, New York likely will once again be without Juan Soto, who experienced tightness in his right calf in the first inning of Friday’s win. Jared Young started in his spot Saturday, then gave way to Tyrone Taylor, who belted a game-breaking, three-run home run as a pinch hitter. Taylor finished the game with four RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kodai #Senga #aims #extend #Mets #pitching #prowess #Giants

Deadspin | Kodai Senga aims to extend Mets’ pitching prowess vs. Giants
Deadspin | Kodai Senga aims to extend Mets’ pitching prowess vs. Giants Mar 31, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) reacts after the third out of the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images Two pitchers with Cy Young Award aspirations wil meet for the first time Sunday when right-handers Kodai Senga and Logan Webb go head-to-head as the New York Mets and host San Francisco Giants complete a four-game series. The Mets have won two of the first three in a series in which no outcome has been closer than five runs. New York starters Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes have dominated 10-3 and 9-0 wins the past two nights, limiting the Giants to a total of one earned run and four hits in 12 1/3 innings. They will hand the ball and a slumping opponent to Senga (0-1, 3.00 ERA), who had teammates and coaches gushing after his first start of the season, when he allowed just four hits and two runs over six innings at St. Louis on Tuesday. He struck out nine of the 25 batters he faced but got no support in a 3-0 defeat. “It was a great start to the year,” Senga said afterward. “It makes me excited for this year. It felt like I’m a starting pitcher again.” The 33-year-old right-hander battled injuries during a 7-6 campaign a year ago. But he was back on his 2023 All-Star form, pitching coach Justin Willard told reporters, which already is doing wonders for his confidence. “This guy wants to be great,” Willard said. “I think you saw it (in 2023) when he was here, and then a couple injuries derailed him a bit. But he wants to be great. He wants to be the best pitcher in baseball. And he’s going to do things he needs to do to be that.” While his 1-0 record wouldn’t indicate it, Senga has struggled in his three career starts against the Giants, roughed up for 14 hits and 11 runs in 14 innings. He also has walked 12, contributing to a 7.07 ERA. Senga will see a Giants team that has struggled both in the field and at the plate in the past two games. Manager Tony Vitello clearly was more concerned about the former when defending his losing pitcher, Landen Roupp, after Saturday’s defeat. “Too many innings where there are four outs that have to be recorded,” he lamented in his postgame press conference. “They (the Mets) have done a really good job of swinging the bat, but you’d be hard-pressed to find an inning where they scored where there wasn’t the potential for the inning to be over. Our defense, we can certainly do better.” Hoping for more help behind him will be Webb (1-1, 7.36), who bounced back from a shaky Opening Day start against the New York Yankees to limit the San Diego Padres to three hits and three runs over six innings in a 9-3 road win Tuesday. He allowed seven runs (six earned) in five innings in a 7-0 loss to the Yankees. The two-time All-Star is 3-2 with a 3.21 ERA in seven career starts against the Mets. After racking up a total of 27 hits in its last two games, New York likely will once again be without Juan Soto, who experienced tightness in his right calf in the first inning of Friday’s win. Jared Young started in his spot Saturday, then gave way to Tyrone Taylor, who belted a game-breaking, three-run home run as a pinch hitter. Taylor finished the game with four RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Kodai #Senga #aims #extend #Mets #pitching #prowess #GiantsMar 31, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) reacts after the third out of the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Two pitchers with Cy Young Award aspirations wil meet for the first time Sunday when right-handers Kodai Senga and Logan Webb go head-to-head as the New York Mets and host San Francisco Giants complete a four-game series.

The Mets have won two of the first three in a series in which no outcome has been closer than five runs.

New York starters Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes have dominated 10-3 and 9-0 wins the past two nights, limiting the Giants to a total of one earned run and four hits in 12 1/3 innings.

They will hand the ball and a slumping opponent to Senga (0-1, 3.00 ERA), who had teammates and coaches gushing after his first start of the season, when he allowed just four hits and two runs over six innings at St. Louis on Tuesday. He struck out nine of the 25 batters he faced but got no support in a 3-0 defeat.

“It was a great start to the year,” Senga said afterward. “It makes me excited for this year. It felt like I’m a starting pitcher again.”

The 33-year-old right-hander battled injuries during a 7-6 campaign a year ago. But he was back on his 2023 All-Star form, pitching coach Justin Willard told reporters, which already is doing wonders for his confidence.

“This guy wants to be great,” Willard said. “I think you saw it (in 2023) when he was here, and then a couple injuries derailed him a bit. But he wants to be great. He wants to be the best pitcher in baseball. And he’s going to do things he needs to do to be that.”


While his 1-0 record wouldn’t indicate it, Senga has struggled in his three career starts against the Giants, roughed up for 14 hits and 11 runs in 14 innings. He also has walked 12, contributing to a 7.07 ERA.

Senga will see a Giants team that has struggled both in the field and at the plate in the past two games. Manager Tony Vitello clearly was more concerned about the former when defending his losing pitcher, Landen Roupp, after Saturday’s defeat.

“Too many innings where there are four outs that have to be recorded,” he lamented in his postgame press conference.

“They (the Mets) have done a really good job of swinging the bat, but you’d be hard-pressed to find an inning where they scored where there wasn’t the potential for the inning to be over. Our defense, we can certainly do better.”

Hoping for more help behind him will be Webb (1-1, 7.36), who bounced back from a shaky Opening Day start against the New York Yankees to limit the San Diego Padres to three hits and three runs over six innings in a 9-3 road win Tuesday. He allowed seven runs (six earned) in five innings in a 7-0 loss to the Yankees.

The two-time All-Star is 3-2 with a 3.21 ERA in seven career starts against the Mets.

After racking up a total of 27 hits in its last two games, New York likely will once again be without Juan Soto, who experienced tightness in his right calf in the first inning of Friday’s win.

Jared Young started in his spot Saturday, then gave way to Tyrone Taylor, who belted a game-breaking, three-run home run as a pinch hitter. Taylor finished the game with four RBIs.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kodai #Senga #aims #extend #Mets #pitching #prowess #Giants

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Mar 31, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (34) reacts after the third out of the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Two pitchers with Cy Young Award aspirations wil meet for the first time Sunday when right-handers Kodai Senga and Logan Webb go head-to-head as the New York Mets and host San Francisco Giants complete a four-game series.

The Mets have won two of the first three in a series in which no outcome has been closer than five runs.

New York starters Nolan McLean and Clay Holmes have dominated 10-3 and 9-0 wins the past two nights, limiting the Giants to a total of one earned run and four hits in 12 1/3 innings.

They will hand the ball and a slumping opponent to Senga (0-1, 3.00 ERA), who had teammates and coaches gushing after his first start of the season, when he allowed just four hits and two runs over six innings at St. Louis on Tuesday. He struck out nine of the 25 batters he faced but got no support in a 3-0 defeat.

“It was a great start to the year,” Senga said afterward. “It makes me excited for this year. It felt like I’m a starting pitcher again.”

The 33-year-old right-hander battled injuries during a 7-6 campaign a year ago. But he was back on his 2023 All-Star form, pitching coach Justin Willard told reporters, which already is doing wonders for his confidence.

“This guy wants to be great,” Willard said. “I think you saw it (in 2023) when he was here, and then a couple injuries derailed him a bit. But he wants to be great. He wants to be the best pitcher in baseball. And he’s going to do things he needs to do to be that.”

While his 1-0 record wouldn’t indicate it, Senga has struggled in his three career starts against the Giants, roughed up for 14 hits and 11 runs in 14 innings. He also has walked 12, contributing to a 7.07 ERA.

Senga will see a Giants team that has struggled both in the field and at the plate in the past two games. Manager Tony Vitello clearly was more concerned about the former when defending his losing pitcher, Landen Roupp, after Saturday’s defeat.

“Too many innings where there are four outs that have to be recorded,” he lamented in his postgame press conference.

“They (the Mets) have done a really good job of swinging the bat, but you’d be hard-pressed to find an inning where they scored where there wasn’t the potential for the inning to be over. Our defense, we can certainly do better.”

Hoping for more help behind him will be Webb (1-1, 7.36), who bounced back from a shaky Opening Day start against the New York Yankees to limit the San Diego Padres to three hits and three runs over six innings in a 9-3 road win Tuesday. He allowed seven runs (six earned) in five innings in a 7-0 loss to the Yankees.

The two-time All-Star is 3-2 with a 3.21 ERA in seven career starts against the Mets.

After racking up a total of 27 hits in its last two games, New York likely will once again be without Juan Soto, who experienced tightness in his right calf in the first inning of Friday’s win.

Jared Young started in his spot Saturday, then gave way to Tyrone Taylor, who belted a game-breaking, three-run home run as a pinch hitter. Taylor finished the game with four RBIs.

–Field Level Media

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UCLA women’s basketball went from underdog to national champion behind an ultimate team effort <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">PHOENIX — With under four minutes left to go in the 2026 NCAA women’s national championship game, UCLA’s Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice were subbed out of the game, headed to their bench and hugged their head coach Cori Close. Seconds later, senior Gabriela Jaquez hits a 3-point shot to give the Bruins a 79-45 lead. Jaquez then heads to the bench to be subbed out, waves her hands in the air to pump up the UCLA crowd and braces for a hug with Close. The UCLA student section was yelling “MVP, MVP.” In a matchup where heading into the game, they were considered the underdogs, facing a South Carolina team making its fifth national championship appearance since 2017, the Bruins looked like everything but that on Sunday afternoon in Phoenix, Arizona.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">UCLA made history on Sunday afternoon at Mortgage Matchup Center, winning its first national championship in program history for the NCAA Tournament era. The Bruins won an AIAW national championship back in 1978, lead by notable women’s basketball legend Ann Meyers Drysdale.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">From the first whistle, UCLA looked like a focused team on a mission. The Bruins were quick with pace, aggressive on defense and making shots. The Gamecocks on the other hand had a horrible night shooting. At halftime, South Carolina shot 26 percent from the field and 1-for-8 from the 3-point line. The Gamecocks finished the game going 18-for-62 from the field and 2-for-15 from the arc.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“UCLA had a lot to do with it,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said about her team’s shooting woes. “I didn’t think we had to play perfect basketball, but we had to play better basketball. We had to make shots, create offense for our defense. We had to be better defensively, actually pushing them off their spots. I think they got to where they needed to go. We didn’t apply enough pressure for us to make an impact on the offensive side of the ball. Because you can have a good defensive possession, but give up an offensive rebound, that’s just really deflating.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Despite glimpses of full-court press and switching to zone defense, South Carolina never found a spark and the shots never fell. The Gamecocks were also out-rebounded 49-37 and had 12 less points in the paint compared to UCLA’s 40. With 5 minutes left in the third quarter, UCLA was up by 20 points, and heading into the fourth quarter the Bruins led 61-32.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“UCLA is a quality team with very experienced players who got a taste of being in the Final Four last year. You make adjustments. You use that experience as a learning lesson and you come back sharper and you increase your chances of winning. From last year to this year, they played determined last year, but they played more determined this year. They were so close. They’ve had the experience to do that. They took advantage of it,” Staley said.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Bruins finished the season with a 37-1 overall record, which marks the most wins in a single season for the program. They also finished the season on a 31-game win streak, marking the longest in program history.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“The confidence we came out with, we knew we were going to win. When we play together, no one can stop us,” Betts said. “No one cares about stats when you have a ring around your finger.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Last season, Close’s squad lost in the Final Four to eventual national champions UConn, 85-51. Heading into the Final Four games, head coach Close said on Thursday that she didn’t celebrate enough last season and all their accomplishments, but she can today.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">All five of the Bruins starters scored in double digits figures, and were lead by Jaquez who finished the game with 21 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Angela Dugalic came off the bench contributing with nine points, five rebounds and four assists.. Betts won Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 women’s NCAA Tournament.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“We said all year our selflessness and work ethic would fuel us all season,” Close said to ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the game.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">UCLA will lose some key pieces from this championship team, with at least four players predicted to be WNBA draft picks. But for now they celebrate, at least until the transfer portal opens tomorrow.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“We had a feeling this was our time, and this is our year,” said Rice in the postgame press conference.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">For South Carolina, Staley said postgame that this loss can drive her team for next year.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“Losing in the national championship game the way we lost, I guess that will be the thing that really drives us,” Staley said. “You need something to drive you throughout the really hard times and the challenging times, and also the good times.”</p></div></div> #UCLA #womens #basketball #underdog #national #champion #ultimate #team #effort

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Deadspin | West Virginia rallies, beats Oklahoma in OT to win College Basketball Crown Feb 28, 2026; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Honor Huff (3) is interviewed after the game after defeating the BYU Cougars at Hope Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images Honor Huff scored 38 points and made eight 3-pointers to help West Virginia rally for an 89-82 overtime victory over Oklahoma in the College Basketball Crown championship game on Sunday in Las Vegas. Chance Moore added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Mountaineers (21-14), who trailed by 13 points in the second half before rallying. Brenen Lorient scored 15 points in the program’s first postseason tournament title since winning the 2007 NIT. Nijel Pack led Oklahoma (21-16) with 24 points and seven assists, followed by Tae Davis’ 19 points and Xzayvier Brown’s 13. Oklahoma scored the first six points of overtime, taking an 82-76 lead on Pack’s layup. Jasper Floyd then hit his first 3-pointer of the game, followed by Huff’s triple to tie the score with 2:14 remaining. After Pack missed a 3-pointer, Floyd hit another trey to give the Mountaineers an 85-82 lead. West Virginia got stops on its next two possessions and Huff drilled four straight free throws to seal the championship win. Oklahoma pushed its four-point halftime lead to 10 on Pack’s 3-pointer, forcing a West Virginia timeout less than four minutes into the second half. Brown’s jumper extended the margin to 13, before Huff’s three-point play and Moore’s layup cut the deficit to 59-51. Lorient’s basket at the 5:23 mark pulled West Virginia within three. Derrion Reid and Davis scored on Oklahoma’s next two possessions, giving the Sooners a 71-64 lead. From there, Huff scored five straight points and Lorient made a layup to tie the score at 71 with 1:45 remaining. After an Oklahoma timeout, Pack and Huff traded triples. Davis then turned the ball over and committed a foul on Huff, who drained two free throws with 33 seconds left. Davis’ ensuing layup tied the score at 76. Huff missed a go-ahead 3-pointer on the other end, sending the game to overtime. The Mountaineers connected on eight of their first 10 3-point attempts, including Huff’s three straight triples to build a 26-11 lead. Oklahoma answered with a 16-2 run, cutting its deficit to a point on Pack’s mid-range jumper with 5:25 left in the first half. After Moore’s layup snapped a four-plus minute West Virginia scoring drought, the Sooners scored nine straight points, taking a 36-30 advantage. Davis closed the first half with a three-point play to give Oklahoma a 41-37 halftime lead. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #West #Virginia #rallies #beats #Oklahoma #win #College #Basketball #CrownFeb 28, 2026; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Honor Huff (3) is interviewed after the game after defeating the BYU Cougars at Hope Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images

Honor Huff scored 38 points and made eight 3-pointers to help West Virginia rally for an 89-82 overtime victory over Oklahoma in the College Basketball Crown championship game on Sunday in Las Vegas.

Chance Moore added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Mountaineers (21-14), who trailed by 13 points in the second half before rallying. Brenen Lorient scored 15 points in the program’s first postseason tournament title since winning the 2007 NIT.

Nijel Pack led Oklahoma (21-16) with 24 points and seven assists, followed by Tae Davis’ 19 points and Xzayvier Brown’s 13.

Oklahoma scored the first six points of overtime, taking an 82-76 lead on Pack’s layup.

Jasper Floyd then hit his first 3-pointer of the game, followed by Huff’s triple to tie the score with 2:14 remaining. After Pack missed a 3-pointer, Floyd hit another trey to give the Mountaineers an 85-82 lead.

West Virginia got stops on its next two possessions and Huff drilled four straight free throws to seal the championship win.

Oklahoma pushed its four-point halftime lead to 10 on Pack’s 3-pointer, forcing a West Virginia timeout less than four minutes into the second half.


Brown’s jumper extended the margin to 13, before Huff’s three-point play and Moore’s layup cut the deficit to 59-51.

Lorient’s basket at the 5:23 mark pulled West Virginia within three. Derrion Reid and Davis scored on Oklahoma’s next two possessions, giving the Sooners a 71-64 lead.

From there, Huff scored five straight points and Lorient made a layup to tie the score at 71 with 1:45 remaining.

After an Oklahoma timeout, Pack and Huff traded triples. Davis then turned the ball over and committed a foul on Huff, who drained two free throws with 33 seconds left.

Davis’ ensuing layup tied the score at 76. Huff missed a go-ahead 3-pointer on the other end, sending the game to overtime.

The Mountaineers connected on eight of their first 10 3-point attempts, including Huff’s three straight triples to build a 26-11 lead.

Oklahoma answered with a 16-2 run, cutting its deficit to a point on Pack’s mid-range jumper with 5:25 left in the first half.

After Moore’s layup snapped a four-plus minute West Virginia scoring drought, the Sooners scored nine straight points, taking a 36-30 advantage. Davis closed the first half with a three-point play to give Oklahoma a 41-37 halftime lead.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #West #Virginia #rallies #beats #Oklahoma #win #College #Basketball #Crown">Deadspin | West Virginia rallies, beats Oklahoma in OT to win College Basketball Crown Feb 28, 2026; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Honor Huff (3) is interviewed after the game after defeating the BYU Cougars at Hope Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images Honor Huff scored 38 points and made eight 3-pointers to help West Virginia rally for an 89-82 overtime victory over Oklahoma in the College Basketball Crown championship game on Sunday in Las Vegas. Chance Moore added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Mountaineers (21-14), who trailed by 13 points in the second half before rallying. Brenen Lorient scored 15 points in the program’s first postseason tournament title since winning the 2007 NIT. Nijel Pack led Oklahoma (21-16) with 24 points and seven assists, followed by Tae Davis’ 19 points and Xzayvier Brown’s 13. Oklahoma scored the first six points of overtime, taking an 82-76 lead on Pack’s layup. Jasper Floyd then hit his first 3-pointer of the game, followed by Huff’s triple to tie the score with 2:14 remaining. After Pack missed a 3-pointer, Floyd hit another trey to give the Mountaineers an 85-82 lead. West Virginia got stops on its next two possessions and Huff drilled four straight free throws to seal the championship win. Oklahoma pushed its four-point halftime lead to 10 on Pack’s 3-pointer, forcing a West Virginia timeout less than four minutes into the second half. Brown’s jumper extended the margin to 13, before Huff’s three-point play and Moore’s layup cut the deficit to 59-51. Lorient’s basket at the 5:23 mark pulled West Virginia within three. Derrion Reid and Davis scored on Oklahoma’s next two possessions, giving the Sooners a 71-64 lead. From there, Huff scored five straight points and Lorient made a layup to tie the score at 71 with 1:45 remaining. After an Oklahoma timeout, Pack and Huff traded triples. Davis then turned the ball over and committed a foul on Huff, who drained two free throws with 33 seconds left. Davis’ ensuing layup tied the score at 76. Huff missed a go-ahead 3-pointer on the other end, sending the game to overtime. The Mountaineers connected on eight of their first 10 3-point attempts, including Huff’s three straight triples to build a 26-11 lead. Oklahoma answered with a 16-2 run, cutting its deficit to a point on Pack’s mid-range jumper with 5:25 left in the first half. After Moore’s layup snapped a four-plus minute West Virginia scoring drought, the Sooners scored nine straight points, taking a 36-30 advantage. Davis closed the first half with a three-point play to give Oklahoma a 41-37 halftime lead. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #West #Virginia #rallies #beats #Oklahoma #win #College #Basketball #Crown

Mohammed Shami came back to haunt his old team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, mercilessly, taking the sting out of its explosive batting unit before the side was even ready to get going.

The success on one side, Shami vulnerably declared after a match-winning performance for Lucknow Super Giants, “I am not a machine. My seasons can go up and down. I have performed well in the last few years. People didn’t notice, that’s a different story. But I always try to do well.”

Besides scalping SRH’s openers, his spell on Sunday featured 16 dot balls to stifle the home side early.

“Dot balls depend on your preparation, followed by execution. Sometimes it happens that a very good ball leaves your hand. It’s important to hold that line and flow, and I did just that. Pace off works a little against Hyderabad batsmen, so I did that too,” he added.

ALSO READ | IPL 2026: Bowlers’ off day cost Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals, says Matthew Hayden

With former India bowling coach Bharat Arun in his corner, the 35-year-old credited meticulous planning and hard work for his strong performances against Delhi Capitals and SRH.

“My strength has always been with the new ball. On that particular day, if your bowling is going well, then you put in three overs early. If three go well, then put the fourth quickly,” he said.

When asked about playing on a familiar turf but for his ‘home’ team, Shami said, “Whole India is my local. I play all over. Everyone knows how the wicket is anywhere, what the conditions are and how to use them. It is very important to know how to use that against different teams.”

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#SRH #LSG #IPL #performed #years #people #didnt #notice #Mohammed #Shami">SRH vs LSG, IPL 2026: I have performed well in the last few years, people didn’t notice — Mohammed Shami Mohammed Shami came back to haunt his old team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, mercilessly, taking the sting out of its explosive batting unit before the side was even ready to get going.The success on one side, Shami vulnerably declared after a match-winning performance for Lucknow Super Giants, “I am not a machine. My seasons can go up and down. I have performed well in the last few years. People didn’t notice, that’s a different story. But I always try to do well.”Besides scalping SRH’s openers, his spell on Sunday featured 16 dot balls to stifle the home side early.“Dot balls depend on your preparation, followed by execution. Sometimes it happens that a very good ball leaves your hand. It’s important to hold that line and flow, and I did just that. Pace off works a little against Hyderabad batsmen, so I did that too,” he added.ALSO READ | IPL 2026: Bowlers’ off day cost Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals, says Matthew HaydenWith former India bowling coach Bharat Arun in his corner, the 35-year-old credited meticulous planning and hard work for his strong performances against Delhi Capitals and SRH.“My strength has always been with the new ball. On that particular day, if your bowling is going well, then you put in three overs early. If three go well, then put the fourth quickly,” he said.When asked about playing on a familiar turf but for his ‘home’ team, Shami said, “Whole India is my local. I play all over. Everyone knows how the wicket is anywhere, what the conditions are and how to use them. It is very important to know how to use that against different teams.”Published on Apr 05, 2026 #SRH #LSG #IPL #performed #years #people #didnt #notice #Mohammed #Shami

IPL 2026: Bowlers’ off day cost Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals, says Matthew Hayden

With former India bowling coach Bharat Arun in his corner, the 35-year-old credited meticulous planning and hard work for his strong performances against Delhi Capitals and SRH.

“My strength has always been with the new ball. On that particular day, if your bowling is going well, then you put in three overs early. If three go well, then put the fourth quickly,” he said.

When asked about playing on a familiar turf but for his ‘home’ team, Shami said, “Whole India is my local. I play all over. Everyone knows how the wicket is anywhere, what the conditions are and how to use them. It is very important to know how to use that against different teams.”

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#SRH #LSG #IPL #performed #years #people #didnt #notice #Mohammed #Shami">SRH vs LSG, IPL 2026: I have performed well in the last few years, people didn’t notice — Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami came back to haunt his old team, Sunrisers Hyderabad, mercilessly, taking the sting out of its explosive batting unit before the side was even ready to get going.

The success on one side, Shami vulnerably declared after a match-winning performance for Lucknow Super Giants, “I am not a machine. My seasons can go up and down. I have performed well in the last few years. People didn’t notice, that’s a different story. But I always try to do well.”

Besides scalping SRH’s openers, his spell on Sunday featured 16 dot balls to stifle the home side early.

“Dot balls depend on your preparation, followed by execution. Sometimes it happens that a very good ball leaves your hand. It’s important to hold that line and flow, and I did just that. Pace off works a little against Hyderabad batsmen, so I did that too,” he added.

ALSO READ | IPL 2026: Bowlers’ off day cost Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals, says Matthew Hayden

With former India bowling coach Bharat Arun in his corner, the 35-year-old credited meticulous planning and hard work for his strong performances against Delhi Capitals and SRH.

“My strength has always been with the new ball. On that particular day, if your bowling is going well, then you put in three overs early. If three go well, then put the fourth quickly,” he said.

When asked about playing on a familiar turf but for his ‘home’ team, Shami said, “Whole India is my local. I play all over. Everyone knows how the wicket is anywhere, what the conditions are and how to use them. It is very important to know how to use that against different teams.”

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#SRH #LSG #IPL #performed #years #people #didnt #notice #Mohammed #Shami
Deadspin | Dusty May informs Michigan officials of intention to stay put, spurn UNC Apr 5, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Michigan head coach Dusty May informed Michigan officials that he would not take part as a candidate in North Carolina’s coaching search — nor any other — ESPN reported on Sunday. May, 49, has guided the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship Game in his second season in Ann Arbor. A year after he took them to the Sweet 16, May has the Wolverines sitting at 36-3 ahead of Monday’s championship matchup with UConn. The Tarheels have been in pursuit of a new coach since firing Hubert Davis on March 24. The school is now facing a looming deadline of sorts with the transfer portal opening on Tuesday, yet it has also been doing due diligence with coaches still in the tournament. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd had been squarely in North Carolina’s sights until Friday, when Lloyd was given a significant contract extension to remain with the Wildcats. That provoked speculation that the Tarheels could turn their attention to another Final Four coach. As Lloyd’s new deal became public, May — whose buyout is million — also addressed job rumors on Friday, reiterating his commitment to Michigan. “After last year, I decided that I’ll never, ever respond to any job speculation,” May said. “I think it’s well-documented how happy I am at Michigan. Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important.” Interestingly, Lloyd and May squared off on Saturday, with May’s Wolverines winning a one-sided affair, 91-73. North Carolina finished 24-9 with a first-round exit in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Alabama’s Nate Oats have also publicly taken themselves out of the running in recent days. Other reported candidates include the Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan and Vanderbilt’s Mark Byington, among others. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dusty #informs #Michigan #officials #intention #stay #put #spurn #UNCApr 5, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Michigan head coach Dusty May informed Michigan officials that he would not take part as a candidate in North Carolina’s coaching search — nor any other — ESPN reported on Sunday.

May, 49, has guided the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship Game in his second season in Ann Arbor. A year after he took them to the Sweet 16, May has the Wolverines sitting at 36-3 ahead of Monday’s championship matchup with UConn.

The Tarheels have been in pursuit of a new coach since firing Hubert Davis on March 24. The school is now facing a looming deadline of sorts with the transfer portal opening on Tuesday, yet it has also been doing due diligence with coaches still in the tournament.

Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd had been squarely in North Carolina’s sights until Friday, when Lloyd was given a significant contract extension to remain with the Wildcats. That provoked speculation that the Tarheels could turn their attention to another Final Four coach.


As Lloyd’s new deal became public, May — whose buyout is $7 million — also addressed job rumors on Friday, reiterating his commitment to Michigan.

“After last year, I decided that I’ll never, ever respond to any job speculation,” May said. “I think it’s well-documented how happy I am at Michigan. Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important.”

Interestingly, Lloyd and May squared off on Saturday, with May’s Wolverines winning a one-sided affair, 91-73.

North Carolina finished 24-9 with a first-round exit in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Alabama’s Nate Oats have also publicly taken themselves out of the running in recent days. Other reported candidates include the Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan and Vanderbilt’s Mark Byington, among others.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dusty #informs #Michigan #officials #intention #stay #put #spurn #UNC">Deadspin | Dusty May informs Michigan officials of intention to stay put, spurn UNC Apr 5, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Michigan head coach Dusty May informed Michigan officials that he would not take part as a candidate in North Carolina’s coaching search — nor any other — ESPN reported on Sunday. May, 49, has guided the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship Game in his second season in Ann Arbor. A year after he took them to the Sweet 16, May has the Wolverines sitting at 36-3 ahead of Monday’s championship matchup with UConn. The Tarheels have been in pursuit of a new coach since firing Hubert Davis on March 24. The school is now facing a looming deadline of sorts with the transfer portal opening on Tuesday, yet it has also been doing due diligence with coaches still in the tournament. Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd had been squarely in North Carolina’s sights until Friday, when Lloyd was given a significant contract extension to remain with the Wildcats. That provoked speculation that the Tarheels could turn their attention to another Final Four coach. As Lloyd’s new deal became public, May — whose buyout is million — also addressed job rumors on Friday, reiterating his commitment to Michigan. “After last year, I decided that I’ll never, ever respond to any job speculation,” May said. “I think it’s well-documented how happy I am at Michigan. Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important.” Interestingly, Lloyd and May squared off on Saturday, with May’s Wolverines winning a one-sided affair, 91-73. North Carolina finished 24-9 with a first-round exit in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Alabama’s Nate Oats have also publicly taken themselves out of the running in recent days. Other reported candidates include the Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan and Vanderbilt’s Mark Byington, among others. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dusty #informs #Michigan #officials #intention #stay #put #spurn #UNC

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