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Angel Reese embraces role within USA Basketball’s ‘Young and Turnt Crew’ MIAMI — Angel Reese, a rising star for the Chicago Sky, is stepping into a new chapter as part of USA Basketball’s emerging core, dubbed the ‘Young and Turnt Crew.’ The group, which includes Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kiki Iriafen, is set to make its debut in senior national team competition at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico. The event, which begins this week, marks the first time TNT will broadcast USA Basketball’s qualifying games, signaling a shift in how the team’s international efforts are viewed. Reese, who grew up watching USA Basketball games with her grandmother, now finds herself in the spotlight as part of a new era for the team. Longtime veterans like Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird have retired, leaving room for younger players to take center stage. At a recent training camp in Miami, Bueckers coined the nickname ‘Young and Turnt Crew’ to describe the group’s fiery, competitive spirit. “Every time we step on the court, you see passion, you see fire, you see a competitive spirit about us,” Bueckers said. “We don’t shy away from that; we embrace that.” The term, which Bueckers described as a way to “talk crap,” resonates with the team’s approach. Bird, the managing director of USA women’s basketball, praised the group’s vocal intensity. “That’s the type of vocal I like,” Bird said, reflecting on her own career. Bird, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, has remained involved with USA Basketball in retirement, overseeing the selection of the 12-player team for the qualifying tournament. She highlighted the group’s potential, noting their ability to balance individual flair with team cohesion.#angel_reese #usa_basketball #young_and_turnt_crew #fiba_world_cup_qualifying #paige_bueckers

NHL Tonight: Foligno Brothers Join Forces Brothers Nick and Marcus Foligno, both members of the Minnesota Wild, have joined the NHL Tonight segment to discuss their unique opportunity as teammates. The duo shared insights about their experiences playing together, the dynamics of their partnership, and their perspectives on the team’s current season. Their conversation highlighted the challenges and rewards of competing at the highest level while maintaining a strong familial bond. The segment, which aired on Trade Deadline Day, provided a behind-the-scenes look at the brothers’ roles within the Wild. Nick, a forward known for his playmaking ability, and Marcus, a defenseman with a strong physical presence, emphasized the importance of trust and communication in their on-ice interactions. They also touched on the pressures of the trade deadline, balancing personal goals with team strategies. The NHL Tonight segment also included highlights from recent games, such as a power-play goal by Patrik Sturm against the Colorado Avalanche and a shorthanded goal by Kirill Kaprizov. These moments underscored the Wild’s offensive capabilities and resilience during the season. Additionally, the broadcast featured postgame interviews with players and coaches, offering a comprehensive view of the team’s progress and challenges. The brothers’ participation in NHL Tonight reflected their growing influence within the league and their commitment to representing the Wild. Their candid discussions added a personal dimension to the broadcast, appealing to fans who appreciate the human side of professional hockey. The segment ultimately reinforced the significance of teamwork and dedication in the NHL, as the Wild continue to navigate the competitive landscape of the league.#minnesota_wild #nick_foligno #marcus_foligno #nhl_tonight #patrik_sturm

Blackhawks Send Nick Foligno to Play With Brother on Wild The Minnesota Wild have acquired Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno in a trade that allows him to reunite with his brother, Marcus, on the team. The deal, which involves future considerations, is seen as a gesture from the Blackhawks to support Foligno’s pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The Blackhawks have already used their three retention spots, so the trade includes no retention clause. Foligno, 38, is entering the final year of his two-year contract with the Blackhawks, which pays him $4.5 million annually. The move places the Wild near the salary cap, as they have already acquired forward Bobby Brink and defenseman Michael McCarron earlier in the week. According to PuckPedia, Minnesota has $5.25 million in available cap space after taking on Foligno’s full salary. The Wild also sent center Vinnie Hinostroza to the Florida Panthers in exchange for future considerations. Foligno had previously hinted at a potential trade during a media session with the Blackhawks. “It’s tough,” he said, reflecting on his situation. “I’ve made it clear how much I care about this group. You feel weird when you have those hard conversations, but it’s the reality of where we’re sitting. There’s always a personal thing you go through too. You still want to compete, battle and win. So that’s the fight that you have.” Foligno emphasized his commitment to the Blackhawks, stating, “I believe in this group so much. It’s been an absolute honor to be the captain here. I’m still fully committed to that until I’m told otherwise. But there’s a competitor inside of you too, that wants to play meaningful games.” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill confirmed the trade, expressing support for Foligno’s decision. “Obviously, one, I’m happy for him,” Blashill said.#minnesota_wild #nick_foligno #chicago_blackhawks #michael_mccarron #bobby_brink

Gibson vs. Ann Li Prediction, Odds to Win BNP Paribas Open Talia Gibson, ranked 112th, will face Ann Li, the 41st-ranked player, in the Round of 128 of the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday, March 4. The match is set to take place on a hard court, and the betting odds indicate Li is the favorite to win, with -180 odds compared to Gibson’s +140. According to the implied probability from the moneyline, Gibson has a 64.3% chance to advance. Li’s tournament odds also highlight her potential, as she is listed at +2800 to win the entire event, while Gibson’s tournament odds are +5000. In their head-to-head matchup, Li’s -180 line suggests she is heavily favored, though Gibson’s underdog status could create an underdog narrative. The match is part of the BNP Paribas Open, a major tennis tournament in the United States, and will be broadcast on Tennis Channel and other sports platforms. Looking at Li’s recent performance, she suffered a defeat in the Round of 16 at the Merida Open Akron on February 26, losing to No. 81-ranked Zeynep Sonmez in three sets. On hard courts, Li has a solid record, winning 41.9% of break points (135 out of 322), which ranks her 23rd in this category. Her overall hard-court performance is strong, with a 70.4% win rate on service games (295 wins in 419 games) and a 33.8% return game win rate (139 wins in 411 games). Over the past 12 months, Li has compiled a 20-17 record on hard courts, including one tournament title. Gibson’s recent tournament history includes a loss in the Australian Open’s Round of 64 to No. 22-ranked Diana Shnaider, who defeated her 6-3, 5-7, 3-6. On hard courts, Gibson has converted 40% of her break points (48 out of 120), placing her 124th in this category. Her service game performance is solid, with a 68.5% win rate (68.#bnpparibas_open #talia_gibson #ann_li #tennis_channel #merida_open_akron

Talia Gibson Enters Top 100 as Youngest Australian in WTA Rankings At 21 years old, Talia Gibson has become Australia’s youngest player to enter the WTA top 100 rankings, marking a significant milestone in her professional tennis career. The West Australian achieved the feat just six weeks after stating her goal of securing a spot within the elite bracket during a press conference at the 2026 Australian Open. Her breakthrough came during a standout performance at the Indian Wells tournament, where she advanced to the third round without dropping a set. The run included victories over two top 50 players, solidifying her position in the rankings. Gibson’s rise to the top 100 follows a steady progression over the past year, with her ranking fluctuating near the threshold for over a year. She reached a career-high of No. 105 in August 2025 before securing her place in the top 100. Reflecting on the achievement, Gibson expressed disbelief and pride, noting how far she has come since starting her professional journey. She emphasized the importance of reaching this goal, calling it a “crazy” milestone that she is now proud to have achieved. Despite her rapid ascent, Gibson’s path to the top 100 has been marked by perseverance. Her first professional match came over seven years ago at ITF 15K events in Perth, and she has since earned her first pro title in 2022. In the past 18 months alone, she has claimed all seven of her singles finals at W35, W50, and W75 level events. However, her journey has not been without setbacks. At the 2026 Australian Open, she fell to 23rd seed Diana Shnaider in the second round, ending a streak of nine consecutive losses against top 50 players. Gibson described the defeat as a turning point, helping her realize her game is capable of competing with the world’s best.#indian_wells_tournament #talia_gibson #wta_rankings #jarrad_bunt #australian_open_2026

Twenty-eight aces not enough for Tauson in defeat against unsung young Australian Clara Tauson suffered a third-round exit at the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells after a three-set loss to 21-year-old Australian qualifier Talia Gibson. The match, which lasted over two hours and 40 minutes, saw Tauson fall 6-7, 6-4, 4-6 despite recording a career-high 28 service aces. Gibson, ranked 112th in the world, advanced to the round of 16, where she will face either compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic or Italian Jasmine Paolini. Tauson, the 17th-ranked Dane, had been warned about Gibson’s potential after the young Australian stunned second-round opponent Ekaterina Alexandrova with a straight-sets victory. Despite her strong performance, Gibson proved resilient in critical moments, particularly in the final set, to secure the win. Tauson’s 28 aces marked a new personal best, surpassing her previous record of 26 aces set in a 2023 match against Sofia Kenin. The WTA Tour’s all-time ace record remains at 31, held by Czech player Kristyna Pliskova since 2016. The match unfolded under challenging conditions in the Coachella Valley, with temperatures rising during the afternoon session. Gibson’s ability to withstand Tauson’s aggressive serving and capitalize on break points highlighted her composure. While Tauson’s statistics suggested a strong chance of victory, Gibson’s tactical adjustments and mental toughness proved decisive. This loss marks the first time Tauson has been defeated in three sets at the Indian Wells tournament. The result underscores the unpredictable nature of the competition, where lower-ranked players can disrupt top-tier contenders.#indian_wells #clara_tauson #talia_gibson #wta_1000 #coachella_valley

UAB Men’s Basketball Preview: East Carolina The University of Alabama at Birmingham men’s basketball team will face East Carolina in a crucial American Conference matchup on Sunday, March 8, at Bartow Arena. The game, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT, will be broadcast on ESPN+ with Curt Bloom and Mo Finley calling the action, while WJQX 100.5 FM will carry the radio broadcast. UAB, ranked 4th in the conference standings with a 10-7 record, aims to secure a top-four seed for the American Conference tournament, while East Carolina, tied for 11th with a 6-11 record, needs a win and a Memphis loss to earn a tournament berth. UAB enters the game with momentum after sweeping its American Conference road games, including an 80-74 victory over Charlotte. The Blazers have clinched a tournament berth and could be seeded as high as 4th or 5th, depending on results. The team leads the all-time series against East Carolina, 15-7, with a recent 87-85 overtime win in their first meeting of the season. The two teams are separated by 633 miles, adding a geographical challenge for the Pirates. UAB’s success is fueled by its balanced offensive and defensive performance. The team ranks first in the conference in assists-to-turnover ratio and fastbreak points per game, with Chance Westry leading the conference in assists (152) and averaging 5.1 per game. Evan Chatman, a top performer in the American Conference, is 22nd nationally in defensive rebounds (6.43 per game) and leads the league in that category. UAB also excels in rebounding, ranking 17th in total rebounds (40.43 per game) and 4th in the conference for offensive rebounds (13.20 per game). The Blazers’ ability to control the game is evident in their 9.0 turnovers per game, a national ranking of 7th and 2nd in the conference.#uab_men_basketball #east_carolina #bartow_arena #american_conference #curt_bloom

Jordan Spieth uses fans at Arnold Palmer Invitational to search for lost golf ball During Saturday’s third round at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Jordan Spieth faced an unexpected challenge when he hit an errant shot at the 12th hole. Struggling to locate his ball, he enlisted the help of a group of fans who assisted in searching through the bushes at the par-5 12th hole on Bay Hill. The ball was eventually found before Spieth hit his next shot, allowing him to save bogey and keep his score at 2-under for the day. For the tournament, he finished at 3-under with four holes remaining, though the incident on the 12th hole became a memorable moment that encapsulated his experience at the event. Spieth’s day began with a routine performance, posting an even-par 72 in the opening round and a 1-under score in Friday’s second round. He carried a strong start into Saturday, reaching 3-under through the first 11 holes. However, the 12th hole disrupted his rhythm, marking his first bogey of the day. The moment, which saw fans actively participating in the search, highlighted the unpredictable nature of golf and the camaraderie between players and spectators. The incident occurred just before play was suspended due to weather conditions, with the tournament halting at 2:53 p.m. ET as heavy rain arrived. Earlier in the day, another notable development unfolded when Rory McIlroy withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to a back injury. This marked only the second time in McIlroy’s career that he had to skip a tournament. In a statement, he explained that discomfort during morning workouts worsened into muscle spasms on the practice range, forcing him to withdraw. Despite the setback, McIlroy expressed hope for the tournament’s completion and anticipation for his return next year.#arnold_palmer_invitational #jordan_spieth #bay_hill #rory_mcilroy #pga_tour

Spieth leads search party for his ball at Arnold Palmer Invitational Jordan Spieth struggled to locate his ball in the rough during the 12th hole of Saturday’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, prompting a group of nearby spectators to assist in the search. The search effort ultimately succeeded, with the ball being found after a brief but intense effort by the fans. The incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of golf course conditions and the camaraderie often seen among players and supporters during tournaments. Spieth’s situation unfolded as he attempted to recover his ball from a difficult lie in the thick grass. With time limited and the pressure of the round mounting, the golfer turned to the crowd for help. Several fans joined the search, scanning the area for any sign of the lost ball. After a short but focused search, the ball was located, allowing Spieth to continue his round with minimal disruption. The event underscored the challenges of playing in the rough and the role of the audience in supporting players during unexpected setbacks. The Arnold Palmer Invitational, held at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, has long been a showcase for top-tier golfers, with its scenic layout and demanding course conditions testing players’ skills. Spieth’s experience on the 12th hole was a reminder of the unpredictable elements that can arise during competition. While the search for the ball was a minor incident, it added a human element to the tournament, emphasizing the blend of strategy, luck, and teamwork required to succeed in professional golf. Other notable moments from the day included Jordan Scheffler’s double bogey on the 14th hole after his ball became lodged in a tree.#arnold_palmer_invitational #jordan_spieth #bay_hill_club_lodge #jordan_scheffler #hovland_fowler

Jordan Spieth Leaves Golf Fans Speechless With Chaotic Move at $20M PGA Tour Event Jordan Spieth’s dramatic ball search at the Arnold Palmer Invitational became an unexpected highlight of the tournament, drawing widespread attention despite the lack of scoring drama. On Saturday, the 39-year-old golfer was 3-under par after 11 holes at Bay Hill, with a front-nine score of 33. The incident unfolded on the par-5 12th hole when his second shot veered left and disappeared into the landscaping. What followed was a chaotic search involving fans, media, and Spieth himself, as the group combed through bushes to locate the lost ball. The moment quickly went viral, with social media users capturing the surreal scene and sparking a wave of commentary. The incident gained traction after a video posted by No Laying Up on X (formerly Twitter) captioned the moment with “Oh sweet prince,” amassing 63,600 views. Another post by Fore Play labeled the event “another average Jordan Spieth week on Tour,” which garnered 50,500 views before play was suspended for an hour due to heavy rain. The disruption added to the spectacle, as fans and commentators alike turned their focus to the search rather than the scoreboard. Spieth’s efforts to retrieve the ball, combined with the involvement of spectators, created a unique blend of sports and entertainment that overshadowed the tournament’s competitive aspects. This was not the first time Spieth has found himself in an unusual situation on the course. At the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, his drive on the 13th hole landed on a dune outside the gallery. After taking an unplayable lie and dropping a ball on the practice range, Spieth managed to recover with a bogey and went on to win the tournament.#arnold_palmer_invitational #jordan_spieth #bay_hill #no_laying_up #fore_play