Should UConn be favorites to repeat as NCAA champions?

Should UConn be favorites to repeat as NCAA champions?

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As February advances, we are getting closer and closer to March… and therefore March Madness! Last year, UConn women’s basketball defied the odds and won the National Championship, the program’s first since 2016. It was also a significant moment for the eventual No. 1 WNBA Draft pick Paige Bueckers, who spent five seasons at UConn, and persevered through injury in hopes of winning a championship before leaving for the pros.

Despite Bueckers’s departure, this UConn team may be even better this season. Led by redshirt senior Azzi Fudd and superstar sophomore Sarah Strong, UConn has been ranked No. 1 all season and are the last undefeated women’s program in the country at 25-0. They won’t face another ranked opponent now until March Madness, and seem to be steamrolling toward a possible undefeated season and back-to-back National Championships.

They are so powerful in the Big East Conference that the Huskies even kept Strong out for rest in one of their recent games — something that is unheard of in women’s college basketball. Strong is averaging 19.2 points per game in just 27.4 minutes, leading the country in win shares and second nationally in points per scoring attempt (1.38). She very likely leads the Player of the Year conversations as a sophomore despite playing less than 30 minutes per game.

UConn’s other star, Azzi Fudd, likely won’t be held out for rest anytime soon. Fudd is in her fifth and final college season, with sights set on declaring for the WNBA draft this spring. After an injury-filled college career, Fudd’s goal in returning to UConn this season was to get as much playing time as she could in order to show WNBA scouts her full potential as a player. She could very well be drafted No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, with UConn sending two No. 1 picks in a row to the WNBA (and Dallas Wings) after Bueckers last year. Fudd is also being strategically deployed by her coach, averaging 17.4 points in just 28.2 minutes per game.

As the only ranked team in the Big East, UConn is already set to win the regular-season title, is the favorite for the conference tournament, and will likely get the No. 1 seed in the March Madness bracket. Are they a lock for back-to-back National Championships, though? Will other teams be able to keep up with a group that hasn’t even had to put in 100% effort yet? Is there a specific team you think could beat them?

Let’s chat in the comments below!

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The Masters - Round Three
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AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 11: Cameron Young of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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#Cameron #Young #Saturday #rally #Masters">Cameron Young had a Saturday rally at the Masters AUGUSTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 11: Cameron Young of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee during the third round of the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Getty Images #Cameron #Young #Saturday #rally #Masters

When Mumbai Indians set off for back-to-back away fixtures ten days ago, there was a sense of renewed optimism. The long-standing jinx of opening-game defeats had finally been broken, and the early signs hinted at momentum. But as it returns to familiar surroundings for Sunday night’s marquee Indian Premier League clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the mood is likely more subdued than buoyant.

The tag of ‘slow starters’ has resurfaced. Hardik Pandya and Co. have dropped both their away games, and the concern is less about the batting star power and more about a bowling unit that is yet to click. Across three matches, Mumbai Indians’ bowlers have managed only 11 wickets combined — a telling statistic that underlines their struggles. More worrying is that, barring Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner (who has featured in only one game), every other bowler has conceded at an economy rate in double digits.

ALSO READ | Move over Mumbai Indians, Wankhede awaits its OG headliner – Virat Kohli

That lack of control has inevitably placed additional pressure on the batting unit. While the batters have shown flashes of form, they have not quite managed to dominate on the road. Against that backdrop, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will sense an opportunity to breach the Wankhede Stadium fortress.

RCB’s batting has largely been in rhythm, notwithstanding the middle-overs stutter against Rajasthan Royals on Friday night. The return of Krunal Pandya to face his former franchise, with younger brother Hardik leading the opposition, adds an intriguing sub-plot to a contest already headlined by the ever-compelling Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli duel.

ALSO READ | Will Shreyas Iyer be banned if Punjab Kings is found guilty of slow over-rate again?

Krunal’s crafty left-arm spin played a key role in dragging RCB back into the contest after Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s onslaught on Friday. On a surface he knows well, the allrounder will be keen to build on that performance.

While MI will be fretting over Mitchell Santner’s fitness, RCB faces a selection call. Rookie pacer Abhinandan Singh has been expensive in the first three games, and the think-tank may consider turning to Rasikh Dar, last season’s trusted death-overs option, for added control at the back-end.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#IPL #Mumbai #Indians #battle #pesky #slow #starters #tag #RCB #calling">IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians battle pesky ‘slow starters’ tag as RCB comes calling When Mumbai Indians set off for back-to-back away fixtures ten days ago, there was a sense of renewed optimism. The long-standing jinx of opening-game defeats had finally been broken, and the early signs hinted at momentum. But as it returns to familiar surroundings for Sunday night’s marquee Indian Premier League clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the mood is likely more subdued than buoyant.The tag of ‘slow starters’ has resurfaced. Hardik Pandya and Co. have dropped both their away games, and the concern is less about the batting star power and more about a bowling unit that is yet to click. Across three matches, Mumbai Indians’ bowlers have managed only 11 wickets combined — a telling statistic that underlines their struggles. More worrying is that, barring Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner (who has featured in only one game), every other bowler has conceded at an economy rate in double digits.ALSO READ | Move over Mumbai Indians, Wankhede awaits its OG headliner – Virat KohliThat lack of control has inevitably placed additional pressure on the batting unit. While the batters have shown flashes of form, they have not quite managed to dominate on the road. Against that backdrop, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will sense an opportunity to breach the Wankhede Stadium fortress.RCB’s batting has largely been in rhythm, notwithstanding the middle-overs stutter against Rajasthan Royals on Friday night. The return of Krunal Pandya to face his former franchise, with younger brother Hardik leading the opposition, adds an intriguing sub-plot to a contest already headlined by the ever-compelling Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli duel.ALSO READ | Will Shreyas Iyer be banned if Punjab Kings is found guilty of slow over-rate again?Krunal’s crafty left-arm spin played a key role in dragging RCB back into the contest after Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s onslaught on Friday. On a surface he knows well, the allrounder will be keen to build on that performance.While MI will be fretting over Mitchell Santner’s fitness, RCB faces a selection call. Rookie pacer Abhinandan Singh has been expensive in the first three games, and the think-tank may consider turning to Rasikh Dar, last season’s trusted death-overs option, for added control at the back-end.Published on Apr 11, 2026 #IPL #Mumbai #Indians #battle #pesky #slow #starters #tag #RCB #calling

Move over Mumbai Indians, Wankhede awaits its OG headliner – Virat Kohli

That lack of control has inevitably placed additional pressure on the batting unit. While the batters have shown flashes of form, they have not quite managed to dominate on the road. Against that backdrop, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will sense an opportunity to breach the Wankhede Stadium fortress.

RCB’s batting has largely been in rhythm, notwithstanding the middle-overs stutter against Rajasthan Royals on Friday night. The return of Krunal Pandya to face his former franchise, with younger brother Hardik leading the opposition, adds an intriguing sub-plot to a contest already headlined by the ever-compelling Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli duel.

ALSO READ | Will Shreyas Iyer be banned if Punjab Kings is found guilty of slow over-rate again?

Krunal’s crafty left-arm spin played a key role in dragging RCB back into the contest after Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s onslaught on Friday. On a surface he knows well, the allrounder will be keen to build on that performance.

While MI will be fretting over Mitchell Santner’s fitness, RCB faces a selection call. Rookie pacer Abhinandan Singh has been expensive in the first three games, and the think-tank may consider turning to Rasikh Dar, last season’s trusted death-overs option, for added control at the back-end.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#IPL #Mumbai #Indians #battle #pesky #slow #starters #tag #RCB #calling">IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians battle pesky ‘slow starters’ tag as RCB comes calling

When Mumbai Indians set off for back-to-back away fixtures ten days ago, there was a sense of renewed optimism. The long-standing jinx of opening-game defeats had finally been broken, and the early signs hinted at momentum. But as it returns to familiar surroundings for Sunday night’s marquee Indian Premier League clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the mood is likely more subdued than buoyant.

The tag of ‘slow starters’ has resurfaced. Hardik Pandya and Co. have dropped both their away games, and the concern is less about the batting star power and more about a bowling unit that is yet to click. Across three matches, Mumbai Indians’ bowlers have managed only 11 wickets combined — a telling statistic that underlines their struggles. More worrying is that, barring Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner (who has featured in only one game), every other bowler has conceded at an economy rate in double digits.

ALSO READ | Move over Mumbai Indians, Wankhede awaits its OG headliner – Virat Kohli

That lack of control has inevitably placed additional pressure on the batting unit. While the batters have shown flashes of form, they have not quite managed to dominate on the road. Against that backdrop, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will sense an opportunity to breach the Wankhede Stadium fortress.

RCB’s batting has largely been in rhythm, notwithstanding the middle-overs stutter against Rajasthan Royals on Friday night. The return of Krunal Pandya to face his former franchise, with younger brother Hardik leading the opposition, adds an intriguing sub-plot to a contest already headlined by the ever-compelling Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli duel.

ALSO READ | Will Shreyas Iyer be banned if Punjab Kings is found guilty of slow over-rate again?

Krunal’s crafty left-arm spin played a key role in dragging RCB back into the contest after Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s onslaught on Friday. On a surface he knows well, the allrounder will be keen to build on that performance.

While MI will be fretting over Mitchell Santner’s fitness, RCB faces a selection call. Rookie pacer Abhinandan Singh has been expensive in the first three games, and the think-tank may consider turning to Rasikh Dar, last season’s trusted death-overs option, for added control at the back-end.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#IPL #Mumbai #Indians #battle #pesky #slow #starters #tag #RCB #calling
Deadspin | Scottie Scheffler makes charge with Masters-best 65 Apr 11, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Scottie Scheffler walks the third green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Scottie Scheffler vaulted up the Masters leaderboard with a career-low round of 65 at the Masters on Saturday to sit at 7-under-par through three rounds. Scheffler’s previous low round at Augusta National was a 66 in the first round of 2024, when he went on to win his second Masters title. His chances of capturing a third in 2026 appeared very slim as he began the third round at even par, 12 shots behind leader Rory McIlroy after recording his second-highest score at Augusta National with a 74 on Friday. “I don’t feel like I’m out of the tournament,” Scheffler told CBS after the round. “It’s good to put myself back in position.” Scheffler’s charge up the leaderboard started with an eagle on the par-5 second hole, where he knocked his approach to 6 feet. He then rolled in three consecutive birdies on hole Nos. 7-9 to make his turn 5-under 31. He added another birdie on the challenging par-4 11th to begin his trip through “Amen Corner.” The momentum stalled out a bit from there, with Scheffler failing to pick up a stroke on either of the par-5s on the back nine. He did reach 7 under with a birdie on the par-3 16th and had a chance to close the gap even further, but his 8-foot birdie attempt on 17 slid right of the hole. Scheffler pulled his drive left off the 18th hole and had to punch out from under branches. Just when it appeared his career-best score at Augusta National was in jeopardy, Scheffler knocked his third shot from 101 yards to 9 inches for a tap-in par. When he walked off the course, Scheffler was in a tie for sixth, six shots behind McIlroy, who was still playing the front nine. His 65 on Saturday tied the tournament low thus far, matching the 65 McIlroy shot on Friday. Other than his 66 in 2024, Scheffler’s lowest career Masters rounds had been a 67 in the second round en route to his first title in 2022. He has also carded four rounds of 68 through 27 career rounds at Augusta National. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Scottie #Scheffler #charge #MastersbestApr 11, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Scottie Scheffler walks the third green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Scottie Scheffler vaulted up the Masters leaderboard with a career-low round of 65 at the Masters on Saturday to sit at 7-under-par through three rounds.

Scheffler’s previous low round at Augusta National was a 66 in the first round of 2024, when he went on to win his second Masters title.

His chances of capturing a third in 2026 appeared very slim as he began the third round at even par, 12 shots behind leader Rory McIlroy after recording his second-highest score at Augusta National with a 74 on Friday.

“I don’t feel like I’m out of the tournament,” Scheffler told CBS after the round. “It’s good to put myself back in position.”


Scheffler’s charge up the leaderboard started with an eagle on the par-5 second hole, where he knocked his approach to 6 feet. He then rolled in three consecutive birdies on hole Nos. 7-9 to make his turn 5-under 31. He added another birdie on the challenging par-4 11th to begin his trip through “Amen Corner.”

The momentum stalled out a bit from there, with Scheffler failing to pick up a stroke on either of the par-5s on the back nine. He did reach 7 under with a birdie on the par-3 16th and had a chance to close the gap even further, but his 8-foot birdie attempt on 17 slid right of the hole.

Scheffler pulled his drive left off the 18th hole and had to punch out from under branches. Just when it appeared his career-best score at Augusta National was in jeopardy, Scheffler knocked his third shot from 101 yards to 9 inches for a tap-in par.

When he walked off the course, Scheffler was in a tie for sixth, six shots behind McIlroy, who was still playing the front nine. His 65 on Saturday tied the tournament low thus far, matching the 65 McIlroy shot on Friday.

Other than his 66 in 2024, Scheffler’s lowest career Masters rounds had been a 67 in the second round en route to his first title in 2022. He has also carded four rounds of 68 through 27 career rounds at Augusta National.


–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Scottie #Scheffler #charge #Mastersbest">Deadspin | Scottie Scheffler makes charge with Masters-best 65 Apr 11, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Scottie Scheffler walks the third green during the third round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-Imagn Images AUGUSTA, Ga. — Scottie Scheffler vaulted up the Masters leaderboard with a career-low round of 65 at the Masters on Saturday to sit at 7-under-par through three rounds. Scheffler’s previous low round at Augusta National was a 66 in the first round of 2024, when he went on to win his second Masters title. His chances of capturing a third in 2026 appeared very slim as he began the third round at even par, 12 shots behind leader Rory McIlroy after recording his second-highest score at Augusta National with a 74 on Friday. “I don’t feel like I’m out of the tournament,” Scheffler told CBS after the round. “It’s good to put myself back in position.” Scheffler’s charge up the leaderboard started with an eagle on the par-5 second hole, where he knocked his approach to 6 feet. He then rolled in three consecutive birdies on hole Nos. 7-9 to make his turn 5-under 31. He added another birdie on the challenging par-4 11th to begin his trip through “Amen Corner.” The momentum stalled out a bit from there, with Scheffler failing to pick up a stroke on either of the par-5s on the back nine. He did reach 7 under with a birdie on the par-3 16th and had a chance to close the gap even further, but his 8-foot birdie attempt on 17 slid right of the hole. Scheffler pulled his drive left off the 18th hole and had to punch out from under branches. Just when it appeared his career-best score at Augusta National was in jeopardy, Scheffler knocked his third shot from 101 yards to 9 inches for a tap-in par. When he walked off the course, Scheffler was in a tie for sixth, six shots behind McIlroy, who was still playing the front nine. His 65 on Saturday tied the tournament low thus far, matching the 65 McIlroy shot on Friday. Other than his 66 in 2024, Scheffler’s lowest career Masters rounds had been a 67 in the second round en route to his first title in 2022. He has also carded four rounds of 68 through 27 career rounds at Augusta National. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Scottie #Scheffler #charge #Mastersbest

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