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Venezuela Reaches the Summit: A Historic World Baseball Classic Triumph

Ralph Garcia
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Venezuela Reaches the Summit: A Historic World Baseball Classic Triumph
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In a night that will be etched in the history of South American sports forever, Venezuela defeated Team USA 3–2 on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to capture its first-ever World Baseball Classic title. In a tournament defined by upsets, “La Vinotinto” completed the ultimate gauntlet, taking down the defending champion Japan and the star-studded United States back-to-back to secure the gold.

The victory at LoanDepot Park in Miami was more than a baseball game; it was a national celebration for a country that has waited since 1945 for a global baseball title of this magnitude.

The Rodriguez Masterclass

While the American “Dream Team” featured a lineup of MVP-caliber talent, they were silenced for much of the night by a brilliant performance from veteran left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez.

  • Suffocating the Stars: Rodríguez tossed 4.1 innings of one-hit ball, striking out four and effectively neutralizing Aaron Judge (who finished the night 0-for-4 with three strikeouts).
  • Early Advantage: Venezuela took an early 1–0 lead in the third inning when tournament MVP Maikel García drove in captain Salvador Pérez with a sacrifice fly.
  • The Abreu Blast: In the fifth inning, Wilyer Abreu—the breakout star of this Classic—launched a 414-foot solo home run off USA rookie Nolan McLean to extend the lead to 2–0.

Harper’s Heroics and the Ninth-Inning Answer

The United States, dormant for seven innings, finally found their pulse in the bottom of the eighth.

  • The Roar of the Eighth: With two outs and a runner on, Bryce Harper sent the Miami crowd into a frenzy with a towering 432-foot, two-run home run to center field, tying the game at 2–2.
  • The Suárez Response: Venezuela refused to buckle. In the top of the ninth, Eugenio Suárez stepped up against reliever Garrett Whitlock. With pinch-runner Javier Sanoja at second base, Suárez ripped an RBI double into the left-center field gap to reclaim a 3–2 lead.
  • Closing the Door: Daniel Palencia entered for the bottom of the ninth, striking out Roman Anthony with a 100-mph fastball to seal the championship and spark a wild celebration on the pitcher’s mound.

2026 WBC Final: Box Score

Team R H E Key Performer
Venezuela 3 7 0 Maikel García: Tournament MVP
USA 2 3 1 Bryce Harper: 2-run HR

“No One Believed in Us”

The post-game scene was emotional as the Venezuelan team draped themselves in their national flag.

“Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we won the championship today,” said a tearful Eugenio Suárez. “This is for the 30 million people back home. We are No. 1.”

The victory has been met with such fervor that the Venezuelan government officially declared Wednesday, March 18, a National Day of Joy, making it a non-working holiday for the entire country to celebrate their new world champions.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 World Baseball Classic officially in the books, Venezuela sits atop the baseball world for the first time. For Team USA, it is a second consecutive runner-up finish, leaving them hungry for redemption when the tournament returns in 2029.

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Toronto Sceptres Shut Out League-Leading Fleet in St. Patrick’s Day Clash

Staff Writer
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Toronto Sceptres Shut Out League-Leading Fleet in St. Patrick’s Day Clash
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The Boston Fleet returned to home ice after a 48-day hiatus, which was spoiled on Tuesday night, March 17, 2026, as the Toronto Sceptres secured a hard-fought 2–0 victory at a sold-out Agganis Arena.

In a classic goaltender’s duel that remained scoreless until late in the third period, Toronto’s Raygan Kirk stole the show, recording her second consecutive shutout and handing Boston their first home regulation loss of the season.

The Battle of the Crease

For 50 minutes, the game was a stalemate between two of the league’s premier netminders.

  • Kirk’s Wall: Raygan Kirk was spectacular, stopping all 26 shots she faced. Her most critical save came midway through the second period when she turned away a shorthanded breakaway to keep the game deadlocked.
  • Frankel’s Stand: Boston’s Aerin Frankel was equally impressive for the majority of the night, making 28 saves—including 14 in a high-pressure third period—to keep the Fleet in the game.

The Breakthrough

The silence was finally broken with 11:01 remaining in the third period.

  • The Goal: Toronto forward Daryl Watts, a former Patty Kazmaier winner at Boston College, found a pocket of space and slipped a shot through Frankel’s pads. It was Watts’ eighth goal of the season and her second career game-winner in this building.
  • The Insurance: With Boston’s net empty in the final minute, captain Blayre Turnbull sealed the win with an empty-netter with 27 seconds left. Turnbull’s goal marked her 12th point of the season, setting a new career high.

Standings Impact: Post-Olympic Surge

Team Status Post-Olympic Record Total Points
Boston Fleet 1st Place 1–3–0–1 39
Toronto Sceptres 4th Place 4–0–2–0 31
  • Toronto’s Rise: Since the Olympic break, the Sceptres have been the hottest team in the PWHL, leading the league with 14 points in six games. This win moves them into sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot.
  • Boston’s Cushion: Despite the loss, the Fleet remain atop the standings with a three-point lead over Minnesota and Montréal.

Quick Hits

  • A Historic First: This was the first road shutout win in Toronto Sceptres franchise history.
  • Trade Debut: Jessie Eldridge, acquired by Boston in a trade with Seattle just 24 hours prior, made her Fleet debut. She saw significant ice time on the top line but was unable to solve Kirk.
  • Kirk’s Streak: Raygan Kirk has now made 58 consecutive saves over her last two starts, both 2–0 victories.

What’s Next?

The Fleet won’t have to wait long for a chance at revenge. After hosting Seattle this Saturday and Vancouver next Tuesday, Boston will head north to face the Sceptres again in Toronto on March 27.

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The Return of the Architect: JC Tretter Elected NFLPA Executive Director

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The Return of the Architect: JC Tretter Elected NFLPA Executive Director
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In a stunning reversal of his previous stance, former union president JC Tretter was elected the next executive director of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) on Tuesday. The move follows a high-stakes vote by the 32 team player representatives during the union’s annual meetings in San Diego.

Tretter’s election marks a pivotal moment for the union as it looks to turn the page on a turbulent era defined by leadership turnover and internal controversy.

The Great Pivot

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the election was Tretter’s presence on the ballot at all. Just eight months ago, following the resignation of former executive director Lloyd Howell, Tretter had explicitly stated he had “no interest” in the position.

  • The Change of Heart: “There are times in your life when you know that you are exactly where you’re supposed to be,” Tretter said in a statement Tuesday. “I’m grateful for the trust my fellow players have placed in me… My sole goal is to build up the strength of the NFLPA.”
  • The Finalists: Tretter beat out two other prominent finalists: interim executive director David White (former head of SAG-AFTRA) and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti.
  • Familiar Territory: Tretter is only the fifth executive director in the union’s history and the first former player to hold the role since Gene Upshaw.

A Resume of Reform

Tretter’s victory is largely seen as a mandate from the players for a “football-first” approach. During his tenure as NFLPA president (2020–2024), Tretter became a favorite among the rank-and-file for his data-driven advocacy.

  • The Team Report Cards: Tretter was the architect behind the viral “Team Report Cards,” which graded franchises on everything from locker room cleanliness to travel conditions, forcing several owners to invest in facilities.
  • The COVID Era: He earned high marks for navigating the 2020 season, successfully negotiating health and safety protocols that allowed the league to play a full schedule during the pandemic.
  • Labor Logic: A labor relations major at Cornell, Tretter is widely considered one of the most legally and strategically savvy players to ever lead the union.
  • The New Leadership Landscape
Role Name Background
Executive Director JC Tretter Former Browns/Packers OL; Past NFLPA President
President Jalen Reeves-Maybin Re-elected Tuesday to a second term
Predecessor Lloyd Howell Resigned July 2025 amid internal audit concerns

The Road Ahead: 18 Games and Global Growth

Tretter takes the helm at a critical juncture. The NFL is currently pushing for an 18-game regular season, a move the union has historically resisted without significant concessions on health, safety, and revenue sharing.

  • The Commissioner’s View: Shortly after the announcement, Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a congratulatory statement: “JC brings a unique perspective… we look forward to building upon that relationship to further our shared priorities.”
  • The Looming Battle: Despite the cordiality, Tretter is expected to be a fierce “rival” to the league office. His first order of business will likely involve addressing the league’s desire for 16 international games per year and the growing demand for fully guaranteed contracts across the board.

Looking Forward

Tretter’s term begins immediately. His first public press conference is expected later this week, where he will likely be asked to address the “political contradiction” of accepting a job he once publicly shunned. For the players, however, the consensus in San Diego was clear: they wanted one of their own back in the huddle.

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Miami Dancing: Venezuela Rallies Past Italy to Reach First WBC Final

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Miami Dancing: Venezuela Rallies Past Italy to Reach First WBC Final
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The “party in the dugout” has officially moved to the championship stage. On Monday night, Venezuela authored yet another dramatic comeback, scoring three runs in the seventh inning to defeat Italy 4–2 at LoanDepot Park in Miami. The victory sends Venezuela to its first-ever World Baseball Classic final, where it will meet the United States for the title.

The loss ends Italy’s historic “Cinderella” run, which saw the Azzurri reach the semifinals for the first time after a stunning 5–0 start to the tournament.

 Espresso Effect: Italy’s Early Strike

For much of the night, it appeared Italy’s magic would hold. After shocking the baseball world with an undefeated pool play run, the Italians took an early lead by capitalizing on the nerves of Venezuelan starter Keider Montero.

  • Walking it In: In the second inning, Montero struggled with his command, issuing three consecutive walks. The third, to catcher J.J. D’Orazio, forced in the game’s opening run.
  • The Insurance: Moments later, Dante Nori grounded into a forceout that allowed Jac Caglianone to cross the plate, extending Italy’s lead to 2–0.
  • Nola’s Gem: Philadelphia Phillies star Aaron Nola was brilliant for Italy, allowing just one hit through his first three innings and maintaining the lead against a potent Venezuelan lineup.

The Venezuelan Response

Venezuela refused to panic, leaning on the veteran leadership that helped them dethrone Japan just 48 hours earlier.

  • Suárez Sparks the Flame: In the top of the fourth, designated hitter Eugenio Suárez crushed a solo home run off a low curveball from Nola, trimming the deficit to 2–1 and shifting the energy in the stadium.
  • The Great Escape: The game’s turning point came in the bottom of the sixth. Italy loaded the bases with one out, threatening to break the game open. Venezuela called upon reliever Angel Zerpa, who froze Sam Antonacci with a 95-mph sinker on the outside corner to escape the jam unscathed.

The Seventh-Inning Surge

Trailing 2–1 in the seventh, Venezuela’s All-Star core finally broke through against reliever Michael Lorenzen.

  1. The Equalizer: With two outs and pinch-runner Andrés Giménez at third, Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a sharp grounder to the shortstop hole. Acuña turned on the jets, beating the throw to first as Giménez scored the tying run.
  2. The Go-Ahead: On the very next at-bat, Maikel Garcia lined a 2-0 fastball into left field, driving in Jackson Chourio to give Venezuela their first lead of the night at 3–2.
  3. The Insurance: Luis Arraez followed with a line-drive single to center, plating Acuña and extending the lead to 4–2.

The Grand Finale

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will conclude tonight, with a heavyweight rematch between Venezuela and Team USA.

Both teams enter the final with identical 5–1 records. For Venezuela, it is a chance at redemption following their 2023 quarterfinal loss to the Americans. For the U.S., it is an opportunity to defend their home soil and capture back-to-back titles. Venezuela is expected to start Eduardo Rodríguez on the mound, while the U.S. will counter with breakout star Nolan McLean.

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PWHL Weekly Notebook: March 16, 2026

PWHL Media
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PWHL Weekly Notebook: March 16, 2026
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PWHL sets single-season attendance record and largest weekly attendance in league history

Boston’s Megan Keller named PWHL Player of the Week presented by SharkNinja.

NEW YORK AND TORONTO (March 16, 2026) – Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) attendance records continue to be broken with a new weekly benchmark of 79,356 fans across seven games through Sunday’s return of the PWHL Takeover Tour™ in Denver. As part of the record-setting week, attendance in the 2025-26 season eclipsed last season’s regular-season total in 15 fewer games. The Takeover Tour continues this week in Winnipeg with another seven-game schedule.

SINGLE SEASON AND WEEKLY ATTENDANCE RECORDS

The PWHL surpassed its 90-game 2024-25 regular-season attendance of 653,415 during the 75th game of the 2025-26 campaign on Saturday at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum, where a crowd of 11,120 brought the league total to 662,197 fans. The weekly attendance of 79,356, which included Minnesota’s season-high crowd of 11,120 at Grand Casino Arena on Friday and 15,512 fans at Denver’s Ball Arena on Sunday, averaged 11,337 fans across seven games to exceed the previous weekly record of 72,082 set in nine games played from Dec. 15-21, 2025. The PWHL is on the cusp of surpassing 700,000 fans with attendance through 78 games currently at 696,151 with an average of 8,925 fans per game, up 23% over last season.

MILE HIGH HOMECOMING

The PWHL Takeover Tour™ returned to Denver for the third time in two seasons on Sunday, presented by Woody Creek Distillers, with Minnesota earning a 4-3 victory over New York. It was a homecoming for the league’s only two Colorado natives in Frost rookie Peyton Anderson (Arvada) and goaltender Nicole Hensley (Lakewood), who earned the win with a 23-save performance. On Saturday, the Sirens held an open practice and signed autographs for fans, and members of the Frost participated in a Community Clinic. The community connection extended to Denver’s professional sports scene with the Colorado Avalanche wearing PWHL jerseys for walk-ins earlier in the week and a postgame jersey swap between members of the Sirens and Frost with the Colorado Mammoth and Colorado Rapids. The Ball Arena crowd of 15,512 was the third highest through the first 11 games of the Tour and brought the two-season total attendance in Denver to 41,142 for an average of 13,714 fans per game. Click here to see all PWHL results.

WINNIPEG TO WELCOME PWHL

The province of Manitoba will get its first taste of PWHL action in the DoorDash PWHL Takeover Tour™ on Sunday when Montréal takes on Ottawa at Winnipeg’s Canada Life Centre. It’s another PWHL homecoming for two of the league’s six Manitoba players in Canadian Olympic defenders Jocelyne Larocque (Ste. Anne) of the Charge and Kati Tabin (Winnipeg) of the Victoire. Before the puck drops Sunday night, Charge staff will participate in a career panel on Friday at the University of Manitoba, both teams will host open practices and autograph sessions on Saturday at the Hockey For All Centre, followed by a youth clinic on the outdoor rink at Camp Manitou. See the full Takeover Tour™ schedule and all public events here.

CAPTAIN KELLER LEADS INCREDIBLE COMEBACK

Boston captain Megan Keller scored a goal and two assists for her first career three-point performance Sunday, helping the Fleet erase a 3-0 third-period deficit against the Victoire to emerge victorious by a 4-3 score in overtime in a battle between the league’s top teams. The top-scoring defender and Olympic golden goal scorer has been named PWHL Player of the Week presented by SharkNinja, adding seven shots on goal, a plus-4 rating, and an average time on ice of 28:27 to her three points across three road games. The 29-year-old from Farmington, MI, leads all PWHL defenders with six goals and 15 points in 19 games and is now tied for the all-time lead in scoring among defenders with 43 points (15G, 28A) in 73 career games. Boston’s win was just the third time in PWHL history a team has won after trailing by three goals in the third period, following New York wins over Ottawa on Feb. 4, 2024 (4-3 in OT) and Mar. 25, 2025 (6-3).

FLEET AND TORRENT SWAP VETERAN FORWARDS

The second trade of the regular season was executed on Monday night with Boston acquiring Jessie Eldridge from Seattle in exchange for Theresa Schafzahl. Both players are third-year veteran forwards with contracts through the current 2025-26 campaign. The PWHL trade deadline is March 30, followed by a roster freeze on March 31. Click here for more.

BOSTON ALONE ATOP THE STANDINGS

Boston (9-5-2-3) picked up four of a possible nine points on the road last week and now stands alone in first place in the PWHL standings with 39 points. Minnesota (9-3-3-4) earned all six points in their two games to move into a tie for second with 36 points alongside Montréal (9-4-1-5), who had their six-game winning streak and a perfect seven-win record at Place Bell snapped on Sunday. Ottawa (5-6-1-8) won their league-leading fourth overtime game Saturday to pick up two points for 28 on the season and a share of fourth place with Toronto (7-1-5-8), who won in regulation Sunday and have points in all five of their post-Olympic games. New York (8-0-3-9) was the only team last week not to earn any points with a regulation loss in their only game, dropping down to fifth place with 27 points. Vancouver (5-1-4-9) is up to 21 points in seventh place after a pair of overtime losses, and Seattle (5-1-2-11) is up to 19 points in eighth place after a home win and two road losses. Click here to see the full PWHL standings.

HEISE FIRST TO 20 (PLUS) POINTS

Minnesota’s Taylor Heise became the first player in the PWHL to reach 20 points this season with a goal on Friday, then scored again on Sunday to bring her league-leading point total to 21 (6G, 15A) in 19 games. She is just the third player in PWHL history to record consecutive 20-point seasons, following Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin and Torrent alternate captain Alex Carpenter in the league’s first two seasons. The list is likely to grow as 10 other players reached the 20-point plateau in 2024-25, while both Poulin (9G, 8A) and Carpenter (7G, 6A) have the trifecta within reach. The Frost’s Britta Curl-Salemme (8G, 11A) sits second in league scoring with 19 points, followed by a trio tied for third with 18 points, including co-goal scoring leader Rebecca Leslie (11G, 7A) of Ottawa, Frost alternate captain Kelly Pannek (9G, 9A), and Charge captain Brianne Jenner (9G, 9A). New York’s Kristýna Kaltounková (11G, 1A) is tied for the goal-scoring lead and ranks third in rookie points behind teammate Casey O’Brien (5G, 9A) and Frost defender Kendall Cooper (1G, 12A). Click here for PWHL leaders.

PHILIPS FIRST TO TOP 500 SAVES

Ottawa’s Gwyneth Philips turned aside 34 shots on Saturday to bring her league-leading save total to 532 in 18 games, becoming just the sixth goaltender in PWHL history to surpass 500 saves in a season. Her 576 shots against are 82 more than the next closest goaltender, New York’s Kayle Osborne, while also leading her sophomore counterpart by 81 saves in one fewer game. Philips has the single-season saves record within reach this week, chasing fellow U.S. Olympic netminder Aerin Frankel, who made 591 saves in 23 games in 2024-25. Corinne Schroeder (530 SV in 20 GP) and Ann-Renée Desbiens (518 SV in 21 GP) also exceeded 500 saves in 2024-25, while Emerance Maschmeyer (548 SV in 23 GP) and Kristen Campbell (544 SV in 22 GP) were the only two to do it in the inaugural season. Click here to see this season’s goaltending leaders.

FIRST CAREER SHUTOUT FOR KIRK

Toronto’s Raygan Kirk recorded the first shutout of her career in her 26th all-time appearance on Sunday, stopping all 32 shots faced in a 2-0 triumph over the Torrent. The win was also the 10th of her career and the 12th time this season she’s made more than 25 saves, one fewer than the 13 such games by Philips. Selected by the Sceptres with the final pick of the 2024 PWHL Draft, Kirk was a two-time NCAA National Champion at Ohio State and is among seven goaltenders to produce this season’s 15 shutouts and one of 11 PWHL goaltenders all-time with a clean sheet.

MÜLLER MEETS HALF-CENTURY MARK

The PWHL’s half-century club for career points now has 10 members with the addition of Fleet alternate captain Alina Müller (15G, 35A), who met the mark with a pair of assists on Sunday in her 69th career game. The Swiss Olympic hero, who was the league’s first international player selected in the inaugural PWHL Draft at third overall, is now the first international player to reach the milestone and the only player to score 50 points entirely in a Boston uniform. Fellow Fleet forward Susanna Tapani of Finland is the next highest scoring international player at 43 career points, followed by Vancouver’s Tereza Vanišová of Czechia with 42. Click here to see PWHL all-time leaders.

FIRST CAREER GOAL FOR ANDERSON

It was a week to remember for Anderson as the Frost rookie scored her first career goal on Friday in her 18th career game, then competed before hometown family and friends in Denver on Sunday. The 24-year-old signed with Minnesota after training camp and a five-year collegiate tenure at Northeastern that concluded in 2024. There have been 113 different goal scorers across the PWHL this season, including 25 rookies. Click here to see PWHL rookie leaders.

KNIGHT AND BILKA WALK THE RED CARPET

Seattle captain Hilary Knight and teammate Hannah Bilka made a formal appearance at the Academy Awards on Sunday. The pair of U.S. Olympic gold medalists walked the red carpet in style outside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Click here for more.

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME UNVEILS OLYMPIC ‘26 EXHIBIT

A new installation featuring artifacts from the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, including the golden goal pucks from both the women’s and men’s overtime games, was unveiled today at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Carpenter, who won gold with the U.S., and Torrent teammate Aneta Tejralová, who captained Czechia, took part in the official reveal to reflect the international spirit of the Games. Click here for more.

WOMEN’S FROZEN FOUR

The 2026 National Collegiate women’s ice hockey tournament continues with the women’s Frozen Four on Friday, March 2,0 at Pegula Ice Arena in University Park, PA. The semifinals feature top-ranked Ohio State against the tournament’s fifth-seeded Northeastern, and second-ranked Wisconsin against third-ranked Penn State. The winners will face off on Sunday. In regional competition, Ohio State advanced with a 6-1 win over Yale, Northeastern upset Minnesota 4-2, Wisconsin shut out Quinnipiac 6-0, and Penn State shut out Connecticut 3-0. Wisconsin is the defending champion after defeating Ohio State, 4-3, in overtime in 2025, with a Badgers team that included O’Brien and Charge rookie Sarah Wozniewicz. It marked the third-straight year that the Badgers and Buckeyes met in the national championship game. A total of 42 current PWHL players won collegiate national titles before embarking on their pro careers. Click here for the tournament bracket.

PATTY KAZ TOP THREE

Caroline Harvey (University of Wisconsin), Tessa Janecke (Penn State University), and Abbey Murphy (University of Minnesota) have been named the 2026 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Top-Three Finalists, The USA Hockey Foundation announced last Wednesday. The winner will be announced on Saturday as part of a live show on NHL Network at the HUB-Robeson Center on the campus of Penn State University. Each of the last 12 recipients is currently competing in the PWHL, including O’Brien before she was selected third overall by the Sirens. Click here for more.

U SPORTS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The U SPORTS National Champion will also be crowned on Sunday, with the top eight teams from across Canada beginning tournament play with quarterfinals on Thursday and Friday. UBC (1) takes on Montréal (8), Concordia (2) plays Manitoba (7), Guelph (3) faces host Waterloo (6), and UNB (4) takes on Ottawa (5). In 2025, the Bishop’s Gaiters, coached by current Sirens assistant Valérie Bois, defeated the host Waterloo Warriors in the gold medal game for the program’s first national championship. Click here for more.

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULE

PWHL action continues Tuesday with a St. Patrick’s Day battle between Boston and Toronto in the Fleet’s first home game since the Olympic break at Agganis Arena at 7 p.m. ET. Wednesday features a doubleheader with bobblehead giveaways in both Minnesota and Vancouver. The Frost host the Charge at Grand Casino Arena at 7 p.m. ET, where the first 4,000 fans will receive a Kendall Coyne Schofield Bobblehead presented by Bread Financial, then the Goldeneyes host the Sirens at 10 p.m. ET at Pacific Coliseum, where the first 6,000 fans will receive a Hannah Miller Bobblehead, while quantities last. On Thursday, Seattle visits Montréal for a Sugar Shack Soirée at Place Bell at 7 p.m. ET. Two games on Saturday will see the Goldeneyes welcome the Frost to Pacific Coliseum at 3 p.m. ET, where the first 6,000 fans will receive a Jenn Gardiner Bobblehead, while quantities last, and the Fleet will host the Torrent for Kids and Youth Hockey Day at the Tsongas Center at 4 p.m. ET. The week wraps up with the PWHL Takeover Tour™ at Winnipeg’s Canada Life Center at 7 p.m. ET when the Charge face off against the Victoire. Full broadcast details are below and available online here.

Tuesday, March 17 – 7 PM ET
Toronto Sceptres at Boston Fleet (Agganis Arena)

  • Canada: Prime Video
  • U.S. (In-Market): NESN+
  • U.S. (Out of Market): SNP+ (Pittsburgh)

Wednesday, March 18 – 7 PM ET
Ottawa Charge at Minnesota Frost (Grand Casino Arena)

  • Canada: TSN
  • U.S. (In-Market): FanDuel Sports Network North Extra, FOX 9+
  • U.S. (Out of Market): FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, Great Lakes Sports & Entertainment Network, KCRG-TV 9/Ottumwa–Kirksville CW (Iowa), Last Frontier Sports & Entertainment Network (Alaska), NESN (Boston), Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network, Rock Entertainment Sports Network, Scripps Sports, SNP+ (Pittsburgh), Tennessee Valley Sports Network

Wednesday, March 18 – 10 PM ET
New York Sirens at Vancouver Goldeneyes (Pacific Coliseum)

  • Canada: TSN
  • U.S. (In-Market): MSGSN
  • U.S. (Out of Market): NESN (Boston), SNP+ (Pittsburgh)

Thursday, March 19 – 7 PM ET
Seattle Torrent at Montréal Victoire (Place Bell)

  • Canada: Sportsnet (East, Pacific), RDS
  • U.S. (In-Market): FOX 13+
  • U.S. (Out of Market: Matrix Midwest (St. Louis)

Saturday, March 21 – 3 PM ET
Minnesota Frost at Vancouver Goldeneyes (Pacific Coliseum)

  • Canada: CBC and CBC Gem
  • U.S. (In-Market): FanDuel Sports Network North Extra, FOX 9+
  • U.S. (Out of Market): FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin Extra, FOX 10 Xtra Phoenix, FOX 11+ Los Angeles, Matrix Midwest (St. Louis)

Saturday, March 21 – 4 PM ET
Seattle Torrent at Boston Fleet (Tsongas Center)

  • Canada: Sportsnet 360
  • U.S. (In-Market): NESN, FOX 13+
  • U.S. (Out of Market): SNP+ (Pittsburgh)

Sunday, March 22 – 7 PM ET – PWHL Takeover Tour
Montréal Victoire vs. Ottawa Charge (Canada Life Centre – Winnipeg, MB)

  • Canada: TSN, RDS
  • U.S. (Out of Market): NESN+ (Boston), SNP+ (Pittsburgh)

Fans around the world can continue to follow every game live via the PWHL YouTube channel and thepwhl.com, with the exception of Canada, and in Czechia and Slovakia, where Nova Sport will continue to carry games locally.

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NCAA Men’s First Four: UMBC Faces Howard

John Doucette
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NCAA Men’s First Four: UMBC Faces Howard
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Tonight, the madness begins. For the America East Conference, it means a stop in Dayton, Ohio, for the UMBC Retrievers (24–6) as they face Howard University (23–11) of the MEAC in a First Four matchup. This marks the first time since 2014 that an America East automatic qualifier has played in Dayton and just the second time ever; both previous instances resulted in wins (Vermont in 2012 and Albany in 2014). For UMBC, this is their third tournament appearance and their first since 2018. The game is set to tip off at 6:40 PM on TruTV.

These two programs have met seven times previously, with Howard leading the all-time series 5–2. However, the Retrievers claimed the most recent meeting a year ago with a 95–77 victory. UMBC enters the tournament on a 12-game winning streak, the second-longest active streak in the country. Their .750 winning percentage ranks 36th nationally, supported by a disciplined defense that ranks 2nd in the country in fewest fouls allowed (13.3 per game) and 28th in scoring defense (67.3 PPG). They also excel on the glass, ranking 21st in defensive rebounds per game (27.3), and at the charity stripe, where their 76.2% free-throw shooting ranks 47th in the nation.

During their current 12-game streak, the Retrievers have been dominant, winning 10 of those matches by double figures with an average margin of victory of 16.3 PPG. Their efficiency has been remarkable, shooting .811 from the field (197-for-243) while holding opponents to just .394 shooting. They have also outrebounded opponents by 5.8 boards per game and shot .374 from three-point range. The team boasts a balanced attack, with six players averaging at least 8.4 points per game.

Howard arrives in Dayton having won the MEAC for the third time in the last four years, marking their sixth conference tournament title and fifth overall NCAA appearance. Key players to watch for the Bison include MEAC Player of the Year Bryce Harris and Defensive Player of the Year Cedric Taylor III. Head coach Kenneth Blakeney is now in his seventh year leading the program.

The winner of this First Four showdown will head to Buffalo, NY, to face the top-seeded Michigan Wolverines on Friday.

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The Crown is Vacant: The Race for 2026 National Player of the Year

Ralph Garcia
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The Crown is Vacant: The Race for 2026 National Player of the Year
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For the first time in years, the National Player of the Year race isn’t a foregone conclusion, but a high-stakes battle between a historic sophomore, a triple-double machine, and the leader of a perfect team.

As we head into the Big Dance, here are the frontrunners for the 2026 Naismith and Wooden Awards.

The Frontrunner: Sarah Strong (UConn)

If you had to pick a winner today, it would be UConn’s Sarah Strong. The sophomore forward has somehow exceeded the gargantuan expectations of being the No. 1 recruit in history.

  • The Numbers: Strong is averaging 18.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, and 4.1 APG while shooting a staggering 60.1% from the field.
  • The “Efficiency” Argument: Strong averages under 27 minutes per game because UConn is blowing everyone out, yet her PER (Player Efficiency Rating) leads the nation.
  • The Statement: On March 12, she was officially named ESPN’s National Player of the Year, largely due to her ability to lead the Huskies to a perfect 34-0 record without a single senior in the starting lineup.

The Stat-Stuffer: Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame)

If the award is based on sheer individual brilliance, Hannah Hidalgo is the choice. The junior guard is playing a style of basketball the ACC has never seen.

  • Historic Versatility: Hidalgo is the only player in Division I history (men’s or women’s) to average 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and 5+ steals per game.
  • The “Iron” Guard: She recently became the first player in ACC history to be named both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons.
  • The Resume: She broke the NCAA single-game steals record earlier this season with 16 swipes against Akron and became the fastest player in ACC history to reach 2,000 career points (86 games).

The Tale of the Tape: Top Candidates

Player School Stats (PPG/RPG/APG) Key Accolade
Sarah Strong UConn 18.5 / 7.6 / 4.1 Big East PoY & DPoY
Hannah Hidalgo Notre Dame 25.2 / 6.4 / 5.3 ACC PoY & DPoY (2x)
Madison Booker Texas 18.9 / 6.5 / 3.8 SEC Tournament MVP
Lauren Betts UCLA 16.4 / 8.6/ 3.2 Big Ten PoY & DPoY
Mikayla Blakes Vanderbilt 27.0 / 3.8 / 4.4 SEC Player of the Year

The SEC Powerhouses: Booker and Blakes

The SEC is the deepest conference in the country, and two players have separated themselves from the pack.

  • Madison Booker (Texas): After moving to point guard out of necessity, Booker has blossomed into the most dangerous all-around threat in the South. She led the Longhorns to the SEC Tournament title and was named the tournament’s MVP after outdueling South Carolina’s stars.
  • Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt): The sophomore guard shocked the league by winning SEC Player of the Year, averaging 30 points a game in conference play. As the nation’s leading scorer for much of the season, she single-handedly carried Vanderbilt to a 4-seed, their highest in over a decade.

The Defensive Wall: Lauren Betts (UCLA)

UCLA center Lauren Betts has emerged as the most dominant post presence since Brittney Griner.

  • The Big Ten Takeover: In UCLA’s first year in the Big Ten, Betts claimed both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
  • The Anchor: She is the primary reason the Bruins were able to dismantle Iowa by 51 points in the Big Ten title game, recording 15 points and 4 blocks while altering nearly every shot in the paint.

The “What If”: JuJu Watkins

The elephant in the room remains JuJu Watkins. The USC star would likely be the unanimous favorite for this award had she not been sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season recovering from her March 2025 ACL tear. Her absence has opened the door for Sarah Strong to claim the mantle of the “Face of College Basketball.”

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Thirty-Six Years Later: USF Claims First Conference Tournament Title Since 1990

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Thirty-Six Years Later: USF Claims First Conference Tournament Title Since 1990
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For the first time in nearly four decades, the confetti fell for the South Florida Bulls. On Sunday afternoon, top-seeded USF dismantled the Wichita State Shockers 70–55 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham to capture the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament Championship.

The victory was more than just a trophy—it was a long-awaited “return to glory” for a program that had spent years in the shadows of the college basketball landscape.

A Season of “Firsts”

The 2025–26 campaign has officially become the most decorated season in USF’s 55-year history.

  • The Sweep: For the first time ever, the Bulls won both the regular-season conference title and the conference tournament championship in the same season.
  • The Drought Ends: This was USF’s first conference tournament title since 1990, when they were members of the Sun Belt Conference.
  • The Record: With the win, the Bulls tied the program record for single-season victories (25–8) and extended their current winning streak to 11 games.

The Championship Recap: Defense Wins Titles

The Bulls relied on the same formula that carried them through the regular season: a suffocating defense and a relentless second-half surge.

  • Enis Takes Over: Tournament Most Outstanding Player Wes Enis led the way with 19 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Perhaps more impressively, he played all 40 minutes while holding Wichita State’s leading scorer, Kenyon Giles, to just five points on 2-of-11 shooting.
  • The “Zai” Effect: AAC Player of the Year Izaiyah Nelson anchored the paint with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocks, including an alley-oop dunk early in the first half that set the tone for the afternoon.
  • The Closer: After the Shockers cut the lead to a single point early in the second half, USF responded with a 14–4 run sparked by back-to-back three-pointers from Isaiah Jones and Enis, effectively putting the game out of reach.

USF Men’s Basketball Tournament History

Milestone Year Conference
Last Conference Tourney Title 1990 Sun Belt
Last NCAA Appearance 2012 Big East (At-Large)
Total NCAA Appearances 4 1990, 1992, 2012, 2026
Current Win Streak 11 AAC

Selection Sunday: A Buffalo Homecoming

Just hours after cutting down the nets, the Bulls gathered in Birmingham to watch their name appear on the big screen. The committee awarded USF a No. 11 seed in the East Region.

  • The Opponent: They will face the No. 6 seed Louisville Cardinals (23–10) on Thursday, March 19, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY.
  • The Storyline: The matchup is a poetic “homecoming” for head coach Bryan Hodgson, who grew up in the Buffalo area and served on the staff at the University of Buffalo before his rise to head coaching prominence.
  • Familiar Faces: Louisville is currently coached by Pat Kelsey and features two former Bulls players, Kasean Prior and Ryan Conwell, adding a layer of “revenge” intrigue to the first-round clash.

What’s Next for the Bulls?

The Bulls fly back to Tampa today to celebrate with fans before heading north for their Thursday tip-off. With the program’s first tournament title in 36 years and a “dangerous” 11-seed tag from national pundits, the “SoFlo Rodeo” is officially heading to the Big Dance.

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The Bracket is Set: Top Storylines from NCAA Men’s Selection Sunday

Ralph Garcia
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The Bracket is Set: Top Storylines from NCAA Men’s Selection Sunday
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Selection Sunday has officially passed, and the 68-team field for the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is locked. While the top of the bracket featured familiar blue bloods, the bubble provided high-stakes drama and a historic “near-miss” for a mid-major powerhouse.

Here are the biggest storylines from yesterday’s bracket reveal.

Duke Claims the Throne

The Duke Blue Devils (32–2) earned the No. 1 overall seed after sweeping both the ACC regular-season and tournament titles.

  • The “Boozer” Era: Led by standout sophomore Cameron Boozer, Duke enters the NCAA tournament as the betting favorite. However, they are dealing with significant injury questions; starters Caleb Foster (foot) and Patrick Ngongba (foot) are currently sidelined, though there is optimism for Ngongba’s return.
  • The East Region of Death: Duke headlines a “loaded” East Region that includes coaching legends like Bill Self (Kansas), Tom Izzo (Michigan State), Rick Pitino (St. John’s), and defending two-time champ Dan Hurley (UConn).

The Reigning Champs are Back

Despite a blowout loss in the SEC Tournament, the defending champion Florida Gators (26–7) secured the final No. 1 seed in the South Region.

  • Back-to-Back: This marks the first time in program history the Gators have earned a No. 1 seed in consecutive seasons.
  • The Path to Houston: The South Region’s second weekend will be played in Houston. If chalk holds, Florida could face a “road game” in the Elite Eight against the 2-seeded Houston Cougars.

The 2026 Number 1 Seeds

Region Team Record Location
East Duke 32–2 Washington D.C.
West Arizona 32–2 San Jose, CA
Midwest Michigan 31–3 Chicago, IL
South Florida 26–7 Houston, TX

The Miami (Ohio) Miracle… Barely

The biggest talking point of the week was Miami (Ohio). After a perfect 31–0 regular season, the RedHawks were stunned in the first round of the MAC Tournament, putting their at-large hopes in jeopardy.

  • The Result: The committee rewarded their body of work, but barely. Miami (Ohio) was the final team selected for the field, earning an 11-seed.
  • First Four Bound: They will head to Dayton for a “First Four” matchup against SMU on Wednesday. It is the first time a 31-win team has ever been forced into the play-in games.

The Heartbreak: Major Snubs

The “Last Four Out” list was a graveyard of NCAA power-conference hopefuls.

  • Auburn & Oklahoma: Both SEC programs fell just short after inconsistent finishes to the season. Auburn, in particular, suffered from losing nine of their last 12 games.
  • Indiana: The Hoosiers missed out on the dance for the third straight year after a disastrous Quad 2 loss to Northwestern in the Big Ten Tournament.
  • San Diego State: Despite reaching the Mountain West title game, the Aztecs’ weak non-conference schedule and 3-10 record in Quad 1 games left them on the outside looking in.

Other Key Matchups to Watch

  • UNC’s Injury Woes: North Carolina earned a 6-seed but will be without star Caleb Wilson (broken thumb). They face a dangerous 11-seed in VCU.
  • Rick Pitino’s St. John’s: The Red Storm (a 5-seed) are the hottest team in the East after demolishing UConn by 20 in the Big East final. Many experts have them pegged as a sleeper Final Four pick.
  • The No. 1 Pick Watch: Keep an eye on BYU (7-seed) and Kansas (4-seed). They feature the projected top two picks in the 2026 NBA Draft: AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
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The Field is Set: Top Storylines for the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament

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The Field is Set: Top Storylines for the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament
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Read Time:3 Minute, 2 Second

The bracket has been revealed, and the road to the Final Four in Dallas is officially open. The 2026 tournament features a new generation of icons and a historically dominant favorite looking to protect a perfect season.

Here are the biggest storylines to watch as the Field of 68 tips off.

The UConn Juggernaut: 34-0 and Counting

The UConn Huskies entered the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed and the undisputed team to beat.

  • The Streak: UConn is a perfect 34–0 this season and currently holds a 50-game winning streak dating back to last year.
  • Life Without Paige: While many wondered how the Huskies would fare after Paige Bueckers turned pro, sophomore sensation Sarah Strong has emerged as the National Player of the Year frontrunner, leading Geno Auriemma to the brink of a record 13th national title.
  • The Path: As the top seed in Regional 1, UConn will host the first two rounds in Storrs, where they haven’t lost a tournament game in decades.

USC’s New Reality: Life Without JuJu

Perhaps the most heartbreaking storyline of the season is the absence of USC superstar JuJu Watkins.

  • The Injury: Watkins, the 2025 Wooden Award winner, is sitting out the entire 2025–26 season to recover from a torn ACL suffered in last year’s tournament.
  • The “Next Up” Mentality: Despite losing the face of the program, the Trojans (an 8-seed in Regional 1) have remained competitive thanks to National Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson.
  • A Familiar Foe: If USC survives their opening game against Princeton, they are on a collision course to face UConn in the second round—a rematch of the 2025 Elite Eight.

The South Carolina Redemption Tour

After a heartbreaking loss to UConn in last year’s National Championship, Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks (31–3) are back as a No. 1 seed in Regional 4.

  • SEC Dominance: South Carolina captured both the SEC regular-season and tournament titles, proving they remain the deepest team in the country.
  • The Freshman Factor: Their path to the Final Four is peppered with potential landmines, including a possible second-round matchup against USC (the 9-seed in their region) or a Sweet Sixteen showdown with Oklahoma.

The Number 1 Seeds

Region Team Record Key Player
Regional 1 UConn 34–0 Sarah Strong (So. Forward)
Regional 2 UCLA 31–1 Kiki Rice (Sr. Guard)
Regional 3 Texas 31–3 Madison Booker (Jr. Forward)
Regional 4 South Carolina 31–3 MiLaysia Fulwiley (Jr. Guard)

The “Complete” Campaign: Hannah Hidalgo

Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo has spent the last week on billboards across the country, with the Irish athletic department launching a massive “Complete Player” campaign for her National Player of the Year candidacy.

  • The Numbers: Hidalgo led the nation in steals for the second straight year and averaged over 25 PPG during the ACC tournament.
  • The Trap: Notre Dame enters as a 6-seed in Regional 1, but they face a dangerous “Cinderella” pick in Fairfield (28–4) in the first round.

Quick Hits & Upset Watches

  • Iowa After Clark: The Hawkeyes (26–6) are a 2-seed in Regional 4. While they no longer have No. 22, they remain a high-octane offense led by Hannah Stuelke.
  • The 12-Seed to Watch: Keep an eye on Murray State (31–3) in Regional 1. They face 5-seed Maryland in what many experts are calling the most likely “bracket-buster” of the opening round.
  • The Home Court Advantage: Remember, the Top 16 seeds host the first two rounds. This gives teams like Vanderbilt, LSU, and Ohio State a massive edge in escaping the first weekend.
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