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Deadspin | No. 1 Arizona brings streak into showdown at No. 11 Kansas

Deadspin | No. 1 Arizona brings streak into showdown at No. 11 Kansas

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Feb 7, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) celebrates during the first half of the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

No. 1 Arizona enters its game at No. 11 Kansas on Monday with the best start in program and Big 12 history, topping the Jayhawks’ performance in 1996-97.

Arizona (23-0, 10-0 Big 12) also has achieved the longest winning streak in its history. Its nine straight weeks ranked No. 1 is also a program record.

The Jayhawks (18-5, 8-2) have won seven consecutive games entering the “Big Monday” showdown at Lawrence, Kan.

“Big game; let’s go,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said after his team routed visiting Oklahoma State 84-47 on Saturday. “I’m sure the preparations have already started with the staff. Like I said, I wish we were playing it (Sunday), we’ll come in and we’ll prepare, and then we’ll jump on the plane and let’s see what we got.”

Arizona is among the nation’s leaders in average scoring margin (fifth at 21.0), rebounding (third at 43.4), field-goal percentage (51.6%), points per game (11th at 89.5) and assists per game (18.2).

“They’re men; they dominate people 12 feet and in,” Kansas coach Bill Self said of Arizona. “We’ve got to play bigger. We’ve got to play tougher. We’ve got to play stronger. We’ve got to play smarter.

“And then, they guard, so we got to give them something to defend on the other end. It’ll be a fun game. It’ll be a fun atmosphere. Only one day to prep, but hopefully we can figure something out to at least slow them down.”

Kansas is 38-0 at Allen Fieldhouse in Big Monday games under Self, but the Jayhawks have never defeated an Associated Press No. 1-ranked team in their current arena. They are 0-5 in such games.

The most recent game Kansas hosted a No. 1 team was in 2003, when Arizona was the opponent. The Jayhawks were outscored 52-22 in the second half, squandering a double-digit lead, and lost 91-74.

Kansas has also lost to top-ranked Oklahoma (1989), Kentucky (1977), Notre Dame (1974), and Cincinnati (1962) at Allen Fieldhouse.

“We played there last year,” Lloyd said, referring to Arizona’s 83-76 loss. “I came away thinking, ‘All right, it is different.’ I have a feeling those Jayhawk fans are going to be out for blood.”

Kansas will counter Arizona’s offensive efficiency with a defense that allows just 67.3 points per game and a home record of 11-1 this season.

The Jayhawks’ success hinges on their shooting accuracy (47.9%) and the emergence of freshman standout Darryn Peterson, who is averaging 20.5 points in 13 games. Peterson has been plagued by cramping.

Arizona’s young talent includes freshmen Brayden Burries (team-leading 15.3 points per game) and Koa Peat (14.6 points and 5.6 rebounds a game).

The Wildcats’ presence inside includes Tobe Awaka (9.9 rebounds a game) and Motiejus Krivas (8.3 boards).

Self will rely on Flory Bidunga (14.6 points and 8.9 rebounds a game) to offset some of Arizona’s inside strength.

“To me, there’s not a better defender, regardless of position anywhere,” Self said of Bidunga. “He’s learning how to not gamble and make somebody score over his length.”

Tre White, a guard, is second on the team in rebounds with 7.1 a game. He also averages 14.6 points.

A key matchup will be on the perimeter between Kansas’ Peterson, White and Melvin Council Jr. (13.7 points and 5.1 assists per game) and Arizona’s Burries, Jaden Bradley (13.8 points and 4.5 assists) and Ivan Kharchenkov (9.4 points and 50.9% field-goal shooting).

–Field Level Media

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The Portland Fire’s roster doesn’t include many big-name WNBA players.

One of two expansion teams to join the league this season, their roster is headlined by strong role players like Bridget Carleton, Carle Leite, and Emily Engslter, players who have never been primary options in the WNBA, and fought tooth and nail to make it.

But on Tuesday night in Portland, as streamers inundated the stands, the roster’s relative name recognition didn’t matter.

Thanks to a Sarah Ashlee-Barker game-winning putback layup, the Fire defeated the New York Liberty 98-96, toppling a veteran squad that boasts stars like Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.

Important disclaimer: the Liberty have not been healthy to begin the season; two of their most important players — Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally — are both sidelined. Still, few would have predicted that the Fire, who fell to the Chicago Sky on opening night, would come away with their first win of the season on Tuesday against.

Bridget Carleton did everything she could to ensure it would happen. The 28-year-old was selected No. 1 overall in the expansion draft, and subsequently signed a 3-year, $3.75 million maximum contract.

Some scoffed at the size of that deal — she’d never before averaged double-figures, and while she was a strong role player for the Minnesota Lynx, she appeared to be just that: a role player.

But, in Tuesday’s win, the Fire’s Carleton vision came to fruition. The Canadian sharpshooter tallied a career-high 26 points on 9-16 shooting, hitting 5 of 11 three-point attempts, while also racking up 4 steals. In her 33 minutes on the floor, the Fire outscored the Liberty by 12 points.

But the victory was far more than just Carleton’s doing.

The 22-year-old Carla Leite appears to be a rising star of her own. Leite showed flashes of potential in her rookie season on the Golden State Valkyries, but is already seeing more opportunities in Portland. She led the way with 21 points in the season opener, and followed that up with another 21-point performance on Tuesday, hitting 8 of 14 field goal attempts alongside 6 assists.

Leite’s most pivotal play came with just 27 seconds to spare, when she blew past Jonquel Jones for a clutch-time layup to tie up the ball game.

Then, it was Sarah Ashlee-Barker who quickly became a franchise hero; the second-year forward corralled Carleton’s missed three-point attempt, and beat the buzzer with the putback.

Immediately, Ashlee-Barker’s teammates piled on top of her in celebration, while the fans at Moda Center went berserk.

A Fire team that didn’t even have players just a few months ago had toppled one of the most talented squads in the WNBA.

And, the fire they played with on Tuesday night suggested it just might be the first of many big-time victories in their inaugural season.

#Portland #Fire #won #game #perfect">The Portland Fire just won their first game, and it was perfect The Portland Fire’s roster doesn’t include many big-name WNBA players.One of two expansion teams to join the league this season, their roster is headlined by strong role players like Bridget Carleton, Carle Leite, and Emily Engslter, players who have never been primary options in the WNBA, and fought tooth and nail to make it.But on Tuesday night in Portland, as streamers inundated the stands, the roster’s relative name recognition didn’t matter.Thanks to a Sarah Ashlee-Barker game-winning putback layup, the Fire defeated the New York Liberty 98-96, toppling a veteran squad that boasts stars like Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones.Important disclaimer: the Liberty have not been healthy to begin the season; two of their most important players — Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally — are both sidelined. Still, few would have predicted that the Fire, who fell to the Chicago Sky on opening night, would come away with their first win of the season on Tuesday against.Bridget Carleton did everything she could to ensure it would happen. The 28-year-old was selected No. 1 overall in the expansion draft, and subsequently signed a 3-year, .75 million maximum contract.Some scoffed at the size of that deal — she’d never before averaged double-figures, and while she was a strong role player for the Minnesota Lynx, she appeared to be just that: a role player.But, in Tuesday’s win, the Fire’s Carleton vision came to fruition. The Canadian sharpshooter tallied a career-high 26 points on 9-16 shooting, hitting 5 of 11 three-point attempts, while also racking up 4 steals. In her 33 minutes on the floor, the Fire outscored the Liberty by 12 points.But the victory was far more than just Carleton’s doing.The 22-year-old Carla Leite appears to be a rising star of her own. Leite showed flashes of potential in her rookie season on the Golden State Valkyries, but is already seeing more opportunities in Portland. She led the way with 21 points in the season opener, and followed that up with another 21-point performance on Tuesday, hitting 8 of 14 field goal attempts alongside 6 assists.Leite’s most pivotal play came with just 27 seconds to spare, when she blew past Jonquel Jones for a clutch-time layup to tie up the ball game.Then, it was Sarah Ashlee-Barker who quickly became a franchise hero; the second-year forward corralled Carleton’s missed three-point attempt, and beat the buzzer with the putback.Immediately, Ashlee-Barker’s teammates piled on top of her in celebration, while the fans at Moda Center went berserk.A Fire team that didn’t even have players just a few months ago had toppled one of the most talented squads in the WNBA.And, the fire they played with on Tuesday night suggested it just might be the first of many big-time victories in their inaugural season. #Portland #Fire #won #game #perfect

Deadspin | Report: NBA taking no action after Bucks, Giannis investigation Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The NBA will not be taking any action after concluding its investigation into Giannis Antetokounmpo being shut down for the final month of the season, according to a report by ESPN on Tuesday. The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee on March 15 against the Indiana Pacers and did not play in the final 15 games of the season for the Bucks, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. However, the team and its star player had differing stories on his health and desire to return by the time the team had been eliminated from contention in late March. Antetokounmpo told reporters in early April that he was healthy but being held out by the team. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available. “For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.” Per the report, the Bucks told investigators that they didn’t believe Antetokounmpo actually wanted to return, citing his refusal to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmage work at practice to show his recovery progress. Antetokounmpo also denied this claim in his exit interview with media members. “From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” Antetokounmpo said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.” ESPN reported Monday that the Bucks are once again exploring a pre-draft trade for Antetokounmpo, 31. Milwaukee also explored this option before the trade deadline before electing to hold onto its star player until at least the summer window. Antetokounmpo has one year left on his deal before a player option for the 2027-28 season. The 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals over 13 seasons and 895 games (830 starts) with the Bucks, leading them to the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years in 2021. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #NBA #action #Bucks #Giannis #investigationMar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The NBA will not be taking any action after concluding its investigation into Giannis Antetokounmpo being shut down for the final month of the season, according to a report by ESPN on Tuesday.

The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee on March 15 against the Indiana Pacers and did not play in the final 15 games of the season for the Bucks, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

However, the team and its star player had differing stories on his health and desire to return by the time the team had been eliminated from contention in late March.

Antetokounmpo told reporters in early April that he was healthy but being held out by the team.

“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available.

“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”


Per the report, the Bucks told investigators that they didn’t believe Antetokounmpo actually wanted to return, citing his refusal to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmage work at practice to show his recovery progress.

Antetokounmpo also denied this claim in his exit interview with media members.

“From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” Antetokounmpo said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.”

ESPN reported Monday that the Bucks are once again exploring a pre-draft trade for Antetokounmpo, 31. Milwaukee also explored this option before the trade deadline before electing to hold onto its star player until at least the summer window.

Antetokounmpo has one year left on his deal before a player option for the 2027-28 season.

The 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals over 13 seasons and 895 games (830 starts) with the Bucks, leading them to the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years in 2021.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Report #NBA #action #Bucks #Giannis #investigation">Deadspin | Report: NBA taking no action after Bucks, Giannis investigation Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots during warmups prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The NBA will not be taking any action after concluding its investigation into Giannis Antetokounmpo being shut down for the final month of the season, according to a report by ESPN on Tuesday. The two-time MVP hyperextended his left knee on March 15 against the Indiana Pacers and did not play in the final 15 games of the season for the Bucks, who missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. However, the team and its star player had differing stories on his health and desire to return by the time the team had been eliminated from contention in late March. Antetokounmpo told reporters in early April that he was healthy but being held out by the team. “I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available. “For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.” Per the report, the Bucks told investigators that they didn’t believe Antetokounmpo actually wanted to return, citing his refusal to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmage work at practice to show his recovery progress. Antetokounmpo also denied this claim in his exit interview with media members. “From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” Antetokounmpo said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.” ESPN reported Monday that the Bucks are once again exploring a pre-draft trade for Antetokounmpo, 31. Milwaukee also explored this option before the trade deadline before electing to hold onto its star player until at least the summer window. Antetokounmpo has one year left on his deal before a player option for the 2027-28 season. The 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals over 13 seasons and 895 games (830 starts) with the Bucks, leading them to the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years in 2021. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Report #NBA #action #Bucks #Giannis #investigation

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