Russell Wilson isn’t going to cost the Pittsburgh Steelers much … except maybe a bona fide opportunity at serious Super Bowl contention.

The news emerged late Sunday night that ‘Mr. Unlimited’ was set to expand Pittsburgh’s depth chart later this week, once the Broncos make his release official. Per reports, the Steelers will essentially pay Wilson the veteran’s minimum ($1.2 million), while Denver kicks in roughly $38 million for him not to be in the Mile High City. Wilson seemed to confirm the development, posting on X, ‘Year 13. Grateful. @Steelers.’ (Just wait until he learns ‘Here We Go, Steelers’ is what gets the Steel City faithful fired up. Maybe he’ll even download a little Styx.)

Regardless, it’s a low-cost, high-ceiling move by a team that needed to do something behind center after injured and generally unimpressive 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett was effectively replaced by longtime third-stringer Mason Rudolph late last season, the latter going 3-0 down the stretch and narrowly threading Pittsburgh into postseason.

Yet it feels like a concession by coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan, who surely could have taken a low-ish cost, higher-ceiling swing at filling Ben Roethlisberger’s still-lingering void by trading for Justin Fields, who remains in apparent limbo on the Chicago Bears’ roster.

Admittedly, there’s no way to know what Chicago’s Ryan Poles, who’s widely expected to take 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams of USC atop the 2024 draft, is asking for Fields – whom the GM said he wanted to ‘do right’ by at the recently completed scouting combine. The closest thing to a recent precedent would seem to be the New York Jets’ divestment of Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in 2018 – he didn’t replicate Fields’ upside through three seasons – in 2021 for a second-, fourth-, and sixth-rounder (spread over two drafts) from the Carolina Panthers. Even if Poles needed some sweetener, wouldn’t it be worth it for Fields, who’s under contract for 2024, has a fifth-year option available for 2025 and could be franchised, if need be, beyond that – that avenue requiring a good outcome anyway?

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Let’s acknowledge here that Wilson played well – at least quite efficiently – in 2023, which was a notable improvement over his first year in Denver. But he’ll be 36 this season, has lost some juice from his legs and zip from his once legendary deep ball, and – despite how involved he’ll get in a local community – isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea (or swig of Iron City Beer) in the locker room or grandstand. And a one-year contract is little more than a Band-Aid for an issue that’s truthfully lingered since Big Ben went into steep decline late in his career and could well continue to fester in 2024 and quite likely beyond.

But Fields?

He can shed pass rushers like prime Roethlisberger. He’s a more dangerous runner out of the pocket than prime Wilson. He’s a highly capable passer – something he displayed consistently at Ohio State – and flashed again in the Windy City when finally coupled with a top-tier receiver like DJ Moore. It would be reasonable to expect Fields to elevate an offense with talents like George Pickens, Diontae Johnson, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in ways Pickett never has. And let’s not forget new coordinator Arthur Smith, who turned Ryan Tannehill into a Pro Bowler with the Tennessee Titans despite hardly asking him to carry the attack. Fields has better tools than Tannehill.

And Fields, with his Big Ten background and stiff upper lip, just seems like he would have more easily become an honorary Yinzer.

He said of his predicament last month on the ‘St. Brown Brothers’ podcast: ‘I ain’t got no control over it. Whatever happens, happens. I think the biggest thing with all this going on right now, I just want it to be over. Like, just let me know if I’m getting traded, let me know if I’m staying.’

Hardly a complaint. Frankly, a reasonably request from a guy who’s pretty much taken it on the chin without complaint for three seasons in Chicago, where he was rarely surrounded by a supporting cast that could enable him to legitimately thrive – very much like Darnold in New York, circa 2019.

But Fields doesn’t seem like damaged goods who’s seeing ghosts. For whatever it’s worth, there’s a huge contingent of Bears fans who want to keep him … whereas Broncos Country (and coach Sean Payton) basically couldn’t wait to write Wilson a one-way ticket to anywhere.

Fields very much seems like he could have been the missing piece for an organization that’s always been competitive under Tomlin but hasn’t won in the postseason for seven years – not to mention helping them significantly close the gap at easily the league’s most important position in a division that includes reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson, probable future MVP Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson. Yet though the Steelers were willing to rescue a first-rounder with a first-rounder in 2019 – All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, albeit during his second year with the Miami Dolphins – to liberate him from a suboptimal scenario, apparently they weren’t willing to sufficiently ante up for Fields.

‘No one wants to live in the gray,’ Poles said of Fields last month. ‘I know that’s uncomfortable. I wouldn’t want to be in that situation, either.’

Too bad he and the Steelers didn’t ‘do right’ by Fields by figuring out how to let him live in black and gold.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.

Beating your archrival is good. Beating your archrival in its storied home venue is even better. Beating your archrival on the road to secure your conference championship? Well, Saturday night was most assuredly all right for North Carolina.

In what will go down in the lore of the rivalry as the Cormac Ryan game, UNC led wire-to-wire and staved off Duke’s late rally, capping the night by waving goodbye to the Cameron Indoor Stadium crowd. Ryan finished with a career-high 31 points, keying the Tar Heels’ first-half surge with a barrage of three-pointers and sealing the deal with the clinching free throws in the final minute.

That win, the biggest of the weekend, keeps the Tar Heels in the mix for a No. 1 NCAA regional seed with the major conference tournaments on deck this week.

Here are a few of the other winners and losers from the close of the regular season.

Winners

Kentucky

The Wildcats claimed a measure of revenge against Tennessee, putting on a shooting exhibition on the Volunteers’ home floor just as the Volunteers had done to the Wildcats last month in Rupp Arena. Kentucky went 15-for-29 from behind the arc in Knoxville and needed just about all of them to overcome Dalton Knecht’s 40-point outburst for Tennessee. Kentucky enters the SEC tournament as the No. 2 seed, but the Wildcats’ high level of play down the stretch will make them a team no one wants to see in their part of the bracket on Selection Sunday. The loss isn’t all that damaging for Tennessee, which already had the regular-season conference title wrapped up, but the Vols have company in their quest for a top regional seed.

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Purdue

The Boilermakers had the Big Ten sewn up but took care of business against Wisconsin Sunday anyway, keeping their record at Mackey Arena unblemished. As usual, Zach Edey led the way with 25 points and 14 rebounds in the 78-70 victory on an emotional Senior Day in which the big man from Toronto had his number retired in pregame ceremonies.

Houston

It’s one thing to beat Kansas. It’s quite another to crush the Jayhawks – albeit a short-handed group – by a 30-point margin. Regardless, it was an impressive statement by the Cougars as they wound up winning the Big 12 by two games in their first season in the league.

Loyola-Chicago

The Ramblers’ first season as Atlantic 10 members didn’t go well to say the least. Their second has been considerably better. Saturday’s 64-54 win against La Salle in their home finale completed their improbable reversal from last place a year ago to a share of the regular-season title. Whether it’s been Drew Valentine’s coaching or Sister Jean’s prayers, there’s no disputing the Ramblers head to Brooklyn for the A-10 tournament with momentum on their side.

Mountain West Conference viewers

The league that had already produced some of the craziest endings of the season delivered more of the same. You’d be forgiven if you missed one of the best finishes of the weekend Friday night/Saturday morning. But if you haven’t seen highlights of it yet you’ll definitely want to seek it out, as Max Rice’s shot-clock beating bomb from near halfcourt that helped the Broncos get out of San Diego State with a needed victory must be seen to be believed. Not to be outdone a night later in the wild wild Mountain West, Darius Brown’s huge tiebreaking three-pointer lifted the Aggies to an overtime victory against New Mexico that clinched the regular-season title for the Aggies. Nevada’s 75-65 triumph over in-state rival UNLV, paced by a 26-point outing by Jarod Lucas, didn’t quite have that level of late-game drama but was just as important as the Wolfpack secured the No. 2 seed behind the Aggies for the conference tourney and are well-positioned to be among the conference’s multiple March Madness entries. However things shake out in Las Vegas this week, anyone who’s been watching this league all season has certainly been entertained.

Losers

Arizona

The Wildcats had a chance to keep their name in the No.-1 seed discussion with Tennessee leaving the door ajar. But they failed to take advantage, taking a bad 13-point loss to a sub-.500 Southern California squad. Turnovers, 18 of them, and an off night from Caleb Love, limited to just two points, undid Arizona, which is still the Pac-12’s top finisher but likely has no path to the top seed line.

Iowa State

Houston didn’t leave the door open for the Cyclones to grab a share of the Big 12 lead, but the Cyclones didn’t help themselves anyway as Iowa State dropped its final road contest at Kansas State. The Cyclones weren’t going to have an easy path in the conference tournament regardless, and the competition to stay in the upper quadrant of the NCAA bracket will be fierce.

South Florida

The Bulls saw their 15-game winning streak snapped, dropping a 76-70 decision at Tulsa on a cold-shooting Saturday. USF had the top spot in the American Athletic Conference tournament locked up but might still have to secure the auto bid to feel safe on Selection Sunday.

Richmond

The Spiders dropped their Atlantic 10 regular-season finale at George Mason and fell into a first-place tie atop the standings with the afore-mentioned Loyola Ramblers. Richmond will be the top seed via league tiebreakers, but neither of the co-champs has much of an at-large profile, so it’s win or look to the NIT.

Indiana State

In the end, the Sycamores dug themselves too big a hole in Sunday’s Missouri Valley Conference final against Drake. They are now in the unfortunate position of hanging in limbo for a week as they await the committee’s verdict on their at-large fate.

Iowa

The Hawkeyes had moved into tournament contention with four wins in five games that included road wins against Michigan State and Northwestern. With Illinois coming to town Sunday, there was an opportunity for another Quad 1 victory that could move them into the projected field. Instead, the Illini dominated, leaving the Hawkeyes in need of a couple wins at the Big Ten tournament to earn at-large consideration.

GREENVILLE, S.C. — A highly competitive women’s college basketball SEC tournament championship game between LSU and South Carolina will go down as ‘the one with the fight.’

The No. 2 seed Tigers (28-5) and No. 1 Gamecocks (32-0) traded metaphorical haymakers for nearly 38 minutes and were within seven points of each other when the pot boiled over inside Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Sunday afternoon.

‘Do you realize that was only foul called on both teams with two minutes to go with the fourth quarter? Are you kidding me?’ LSU coach Kim Mulkey said following her team’s 79-72 loss to South Carolina on Sunday. ‘It might’ve created some of that. Not the way we play, we’re going to foul your ass. Not the way they play, they’re going to foul your ass.

‘But you only blew that whistle one time? Think about that now.’

With 2:08 remaining in the game, South Carolina freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley stripped the ball from LSU sophomore Flau’jae Johnson, who grabbed her as she started up the court for an intentional foul.

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After the foul was called, South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins approached Johnson. The two exchanged words before Johnson gave Watkins a forearm shove. That’s when South Carolina star senior center Kamilla Cardoso rushed Johnson and laid her out with a body check.

The skirmish near the scorer’s table led to Cardoso’s ejection, along with the bench players from both teams with the exception of South Carolina’s Sania Feagin and starter Te-Hina Paopao. The two were allowed to stay because, when the fight broke out, Feagin did not leave the bench area and Paopao was already at the scorer’s table ready to check into the game.

ESPN identified Johnson’s brother as the fan who leapt onto the court during the scuffle and was immediately detained by local authorities.

‘What I saw, Flau’jae intentionally fouled Fulwiley because she stripped her. Great move because she was going to get a layup right there. And then some jawing went on with her and another player. Then the next thing I know Cardoso just waylaid her,’ Mulkey said. ‘So I ran out there because somebody came out of the stands, and I think it was Flau’jae’s brother, trying to keep him from doing anything crazy.

‘That was all I know. I can’t tell from my bench how many left the court. They saw it on film and said everybody had to go. And I think one player from South Carolina didn’t leave the bench, but my question is, I don’t really know the rules, but why didn’t the coaches get tossed if they left the bench? Wouldn’t that be a hell of an ending? I guess it’s just the players that leave the bench area.

‘It’s ugly. It’s not good. No one wants to be a part of that. No one wants to see that ugliness. But I can tell you this: I wish she would’ve pushed Angel Reese. Don’t push a kid – you’re 6-foot-8 – don’t push somebody that little. That was uncalled for in my opinion. Let those two girls that were jawing, let them go at it.’

The universe is trying to tell Caitlin Clark something.

With their third consecutive Big Ten tournament title in hand, Clark and the Hawkeyes now have a week off before Selection Sunday and at least 10 days before their next game. This week just so happens to be Iowa’s spring break, too.

Which means there’s no reason Clark can’t take a few days to kick back and do nothing. Sleep in. Let her textbooks collect dust. Watch bad TV − I hear the latest season of ‘Love is Blind’ is good. Ignore everyone and everything but her friends and family.

Because boy does she need it.

Despite still finding ways to control the game, and even dominate when necessary, Clark often looked gassed during the Big Ten tournament. She finished the tournament shooting 40% (27 of 67) from the floor, six points below her average.

It was even worse from 3-point range, where she hit just 26% (11 of 42), well below her season average of 38%. In the quarterfinal against Penn State, she missed her first 11 shots from long range before finally making two in the fourth quarter.

Clark also had six or more turnovers in all three games, the first such stretch all season.

‘This is definitely the hardest one,’ Clark said after Iowa outlasted Nebraska 94-89 in overtime Sunday. ‘It’s three in a row but it’s, by far, the hardest.’  

To be clear, Clark is still playing at an insane level. Over the last 14-plus minutes of regulation Sunday, she scored (seven) or assisted (four) on every Iowa field goal, and also made a pair of free throws. It was her layup with 33 seconds left that tied the game and sent it into overtime.

But Clark also looks to be running on fumes. And no wonder.

She has spent the entire season at the center of the national spotlight, and it’s been blisteringly hot for the last month. First there was the frenzy surrounding her pursuit of Kelsey Plum’s NCAA women’s scoring record. Then she bettered Lynette Woodard’s all-time women’s record.

Last weekend, she passed Pete Maravich to become college basketball’s all-time leading scorer and celebrated her Senior Day, having announced three days earlier that she will forego a fifth year at Iowa and go pro.

And she still wasn’t done! That first 3-pointer she finally made against Penn State? It was her 163rd of the year, breaking Steph Curry’s NCAA record for most in a single season.

It isn’t just the expectations and hype surrounding her superlatives, either. Clark is the face of a sea change in women’s basketball − in women’s sports, really − and the transformation is playing out in real time.

Yes, she plays to sold-out crowds and ratings for her games are through the roof. She’s the face of national ad campaigns and Nike celebrated her by putting up not one, but two massive billboards in Iowa City. Celebrities show up at her games and in her social media mentions.

But it’s the spill-over effect that’s truly remarkable.

It wasn’t long ago that coverage of women’s basketball started and stopped with UConn, even in March. Conference tournaments got shunted to the Ocho, and you could barely find mention of the games beyond box scores or lists of automatic bids.

This weekend, TV coverage of the women’s conference tournaments practically drowned out that of the regular-season finales in the men’s game, culminating in a 7-hour marathon Sunday that began with Iowa and Nebraska on CBS and rolled on with the ACC, SEC and Pac-12 on ESPN.

And that was before South Carolina and LSU had to play the last two-plus minutes of the SEC title game with five players each after Kamilla Cardoso tossed Flau’jae Johnson to the floor and benches emptied.

Clark has changed the game and continues to do so.

Clark says she doesn’t get caught up in the hype surrounding her, but she’s not ignorant to it, either. She might play as if she’s superhuman, but she’s still a 22-year-old college student. The weight of the attention and the expectations, to say nothing of her decision whether to go pro, has to take its toll, even if it’s just the inevitable emotional letdown after so many big moments over the last month.

Clark has handled all this better than most, but even she needs a break. Take the week and recharge.

Because the NCAA tournament will be here before she knows it and the glaring spotlight will be on her once again.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

For NFL players, when a window of opportunity closes, another opens – a tampering window, that is.

The NFL’s legal tampering window opens on Monday at noon ET, officially signaling the unofficial start of free agency (Wednesday, March 13). For unrestricted free agents testing the waters, this two-day period offers a bit more clarity on their respective markets.

That said, the negotiating window isn’t always cut-and-dry. Players have backed out of deals in years past, opting to take their talents – and bank accounts – elsewhere.

For those unfamiliar with the tampering window, what it means and why you should hold off on any excitement of your favorite team signing a big-name free agent, read on:

What is legal tampering in the NFL?

The NFL’s legal tampering window is a two-day period prior to the start of the new league year, in which teams can speak directly with other players’ representatives and broker deals ahead of the official start of free agency (4 p.m. ET, March 13). The window opens on Monday at noon ET and closes at the start of free agency.

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To combat the amount of backdoor deals which were taking place before players would officially hit the open market, the league instituted the legal tampering period allowing players’ agents to speak with interested teams in 2012. That means you’ll hear a lot of players agreeing to deals with new teams ahead of Wednesday.

That said, the deals that are struck during the legal tampering period aren’t official until they are signed, which means players can back out of any deals made in the window. While that’s not necessarily a common occurrence, it has happened in years past.

There are some restrictions, however. Players cannot visit other teams’ facilities during the tampering window. They cannot speak directly with other organizations’ front offices (that’s left to the agents).

The NFL describes the negotiating window as the following: ‘The purpose of the two-day negotiating period is to create a level playing field in the competition for Unrestricted Free Agents by permitting clubs to negotiate with the certified agents of such players concerning all aspects of an NFL Player Contract.’

When does NFL free agency start?

NFL free agency begins on Wednesday, March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. Players can officially sign deals with new teams at this time, the start of the new league year.

Top NFL free agents 2024

Saquon Barkley, RB
Justin Simmons, S
Kirk Cousins, QB
Christian Wilkins, DT
Derrick Henry, RB
Josh Jacobs, RB
Tyron Smith, OT
Chase Young, DE/OLB
Danielle Hunter, DE/OLB
Calvin Ridley, WR

NFL free agency predictions

Saquon Barkley, RB: Bears
Kirk Cousins, QB: Vikings
Christian Wilkins, DT: Bears
Derrick Henry, RB: Ravens
Josh Jacobs, RB: Texans

Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes captured a third consecutive Big Ten tournament title Sunday in a thrilling, back-and-forth overtime game that ended with Iowa exacting some revenge on the Nebraska Cornhuskers and pulling out a 94-89 win.

Sunday’s game marked the third meeting of the season between these two teams – and served as the rubber match. Clark scored 38 points in their first matchup, a 92-73 victory for the Hawkeyes. She put up 31 points in the second meeting with Nebraska – but was held scoreless in the fourth quarter as the Cornhuskers rallied for an 82-79 victory.

Clark was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for the third consecutive year to match her with Ohio State’s Jantel Lavender, who claimed the award three consecutive seasons from 2009-2011.

‘This is definitely the hardest one,’ Clark said afterward. ‘It’s three in a row but it’s by far the hardest. I’m just so proud of our group. … It’s really hard to get to this spot. Nebraska put up a really great fight but I just thought we always responded and always had an answer for them.’

Iowa trailed by nine at halftime, and Clark was struggling to score. That’s putting it nicely: she had just four points at the break. She finished with 34. She also recorded her 21st double-double of the season, dishing out 12 assists. Additionally, she grabbed seven rebounds and three steals.

‘I’m so proud of our perseverance,’ Iowa coach Lisa Bluder said. ‘We didn’t play very well in the first half. We just kept believing. I thought we played much better. Went through the smoke out there today, baby.’

Here’s a look back at all the highlights and analysis from the Iowa-Nebraska Big Ten championship game:

Final: Iowa 94, Nebraska 89

It’s only fitting, of course, that Iowa came back from as many as 13 down to win the Big Ten Championship because of the play of Caitlin Clark. 

But could anyone have predicted she’d put the game away on defense? 

A steal with 40 seconds to play in overtime – right after she’d hit another 3 to give Iowa an 89-87 lead – was the dagger, and Clark finished it by making two free throws to give Iowa a 91-87 lead and make it a two-possession game. Gabbie Marshall didn’t want to be left out of the defensive party, though, blocking a Nebraska 3 attempt with 30 seconds left and grabbing the ball to give Iowa possession.

Clark finished with 34 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. Hannah Stuelke chipped in 25 points and nine rebounds. 

That was an impressive, gritty performance by Iowa, and it might have locked up a 1 seed for the Hawkeyes in the NCAA tournament.

It also gives Iowa its third consecutive Big Ten tournament championship. Just one more accomplishment to add to Clark’s resume. 

51.3 seconds, OT: Iowa 89, Nebraska 87

Caitlin Clark for 3, who’s heard that before? 

She’s got 32 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. Nebraska is about to have the ball. Will the Huskers execute better out of this timeout than they did their last one? We’ll see.

29.8 seconds, 4Q: Nebraska 77, Iowa 77 

Is it time for some Caitlin Clark magic? 

In the last two minutes the superstar has hit another side-step 3, kicked to her best friend Kate Martin for another 3, and then finished at the rim for a tough two. 

Meanwhile, Hannah Stuelke has four fouls, Alexis Markowski and Natalie Potts both have 19 points and this game has suddenly turned crazy. 

Are we going to see a Clark game-winner before the day is over? Seems possible. 

5:00, 4Q: Nebraska 69, Iowa 65

Caitlin Clark is starting to feel it. 

The senior guard is having a lot of success driving to her right and finishing at the rim through contact. (That’s notable just cause her preferred shot is a one-dribble, sidestep 3 to her left.) She’s also starting to hit her signature 3. 

Keep in mind that in Lincoln, Nebraska dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring Iowa 27-10 in the final period. Clark is going to do everything possible to make sure that doesn’t happen again today. She’s already got her 21st double-double of the season, with 21 points and 10 assists. 

A key development for Nebraska: forward Kendall Coley fouled out with 6:16 to play. Talk about less than ideal, especially given that Hannah Stuelke has 19 points. 

But if Nebraska can keep hitting 3s — the Huskers are 12-of-29 from deep, while Iowa is 8-of-26 — maybe it won’t matter. 

End of 3Q: Nebraska 58, Iowa 58

We’ve got ourselves a game, folks. 

After trailing by as much as 13, Iowa took a 53-52 lead when Caitlin Clark – who else? – drove the lane and scored a layup. Through three quarters she has 16 points, nine assists and six rebounds.

Meanwhile, those legs I talked about for Nebraska? They’re starting to become a problem. The Huskers are settling for, and missing, a lot of long looks. This is the time to pound the ball inside, and get to the free throw line to 1) rest and 2) slow down Iowa’s pace. Iowa took the lead after an 8-0 run.

Natalie Potts leads Nebraska with 16 points, while Alexis Markowski has recorded the 40th double-double of her career, with 11 points and 11 rebounds. 

4:43, 3Q: Nebraska 52, Iowa 47

Gosh, Caitlin Clark needed that. 

After starting 0-10 from 3, Clark finally connected on an attempt from long-distance, hitting her first 3 of the game with 8:35 to play in the third quarter. Before that, Clark was a combined 6-of-35 (!) from 3 during the Big Ten tournament. 

But when she hit that first one early in the third, she pumped her fist and looked visibly relieved. She hasn’t hit one since, but Iowa is getting a little momentum from its defense – Nebraska is on a 3:26 scoring drought, and has hit just one of its last eight attempts. 

Meanwhile Jaz Shelley is 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, and has taken a couple of bad shots early this half. Again, being tired can really wear on you both physically and mentally in conference tournaments. Staying disciplined will be crucial for the Huskers to get their second win this season over Iowa. 

Halftime: Nebraska 46, Iowa 35

Caitlin Clark is clearly annoyed right now — with her shooting, with the defense, with the officiating. 

But the Iowa senior is doing a great job finding her teammates, so while she has only four points, she’s already got eight assists. 

A couple stats to keep an eye on: Nebraska is outrebounding Iowa 26-20, and has already scored 11 second-chance points on nine offensive rebounds. It’s a relatively physical game, and Iowa isn’t handling that very well. 

For Nebraska, Jaz Shelley remains fearless. She has 10 points, and ended the half with a crucial 3. Natalie Potts leads all scorers with 12 points for the Huskers. Meanwhile, Hannah Stuelke has 11 for Iowa. 

Remember: Nebraska is considerably more tired than Iowa, and the Hawkeyes will try to take advantage of that in the second half. Clark will try to get her teammates to run and push pace in transition — right now Nebraska leads in fastbreak points, 7-5. 

There’s no doubt an Iowa run is coming. It’s all about how Nebraska weathers it. 

4:31, 2Q: Nebraska 34, Iowa 28

Clearly, Nebraska has decided it’s going to make players not named Caitlin Clark beat the Huskers. And so far, it’s working. 

The Huskers are going a good job doubling on the pick and roll, forcing Clark to give up the ball (she already has six assists). Clark is 0-for-8 from 3. 

Meanwhile,  Nebraska started the game 4-of-6 on 3, and is 1-7 since. That’s what four games in four days — the Huskers were the No. 5 seed, which means they played in an early game while Iowa had a bye into the quarterfinals — can do to you. It’ll be interesting to see how the Huskers legs hold up the second half. 

End of 1Q: Nebraska 23, Iowa 17 

Caitlin Clark’s scoreless streak vs. Nebraska is over. 

Clark, the Big Ten player of the year, was held scoreless in the fourth quarter at Nebraska on Feb. 11 as the Huskers upset Iowa 82-79. She started the Big Ten Championship Sunday pretty cold from the field, too.

But with a layup with 2:56 to go in the first quarter, Clark has finally scored on the Huskers again. No doubt that for the best scorer in the country, the drought felt like an eternity. And it took her seven attempts to get those points. 

More good news for the Hawkeyes: They ended the quarter on an 8-2 run to pull within six. Iowa still doesn’t look quite like itself — Clark is 0-for-6 from 3 — but there’s still a lot of time left. 

4:43, 1Q: Nebraska 13, Iowa 5

These are are some unfriendly rims for the reigning national player of the year. 

Caitlin Clark is already 0-for-5 from the field, as shot after shot rims out. She’ll settle in, I’m sure. But you can tell she seems … if not frustrated, a little puzzled. 

More problematic for Iowa right now though is the Hawkeyes defense though. Nebraska is on a 13-2 run over the last 3:34, and five Huskers have already scored. Nebraska is currently shooting 63% at the first media timeout, while Iowa is at just 18%. 

It’s a long game, of course, but one thing is clear early: Nebraska is not intimidated by Clark & Co. in the least. 

What time does Iowa-Nebraska game start?

The Big Ten tournament championship game between Iowa and Nebraska is set to tip off inside Minneapolis’ Target Center around noon ET.

How to watch Caitlin Clark, Iowa vs. Nebraska TV channel

The Iowa-Nebraska game will air on CBS.

Iowa vs. Nebraska live stream

The Iowa-Nebraska game can be live streamed via Paramount+ or streamed on Fubo.

Caitlin Clark game-by-game points this season  

Here’s a breakdown of Clark’s scoring this season for the Hawkeyes:  

vs. Michigan, 3/9/24: 28 points (Big Ten tournament)
vs. Penn State, 3/8/24: 24 points (Big Ten tournament)
vs. Ohio State, 3/3/24: 35 points
at Minnesota, 2/28/24: 33 points
vs. Illinois, 2/25/24: 24 points
at Indiana, 2/22/24: 24 points 
vs. Michigan, 2/15/24: 49 points  (season-high, school record for single game)  
vs. Nebraska, 2/11/24: 31 points 
vs. Penn State, 2/8/24: 27 points  
at Maryland, 2/3/24: 38 points  
at Northwestern, 1/31/24: 35 points  
vs. Nebraska, 1/27/2024: 38 points  
at Ohio State, 1/21/2024: 45 points 
vs. Wisconsin, 1/16/2024: 32 points  
vs. Indiana, 1/13/2024: 30 points  
at Purdue, 1/10/2024: 26 points  
at Rutgers, 1/5/2024: 29 points  
vs. Michigan State, 1/2/2024: 40 points  
vs. Minnesota, 12/30/2023: 35 points  
vs. Loyola Chicago, 12/21/2023: 35 points  
vs. Cleveland State, 12/16/2023: 38 points  
at Wisconsin, 12/10/2023: 28 points  
vs. Iowa State, 12/6/2023: 35 points  
vs. Bowling Green, 12/2/2023: 24 points  
vs. Kansas State, 11/26/2023: 32 points  
vs. Florida Gulf Coast, 11/25/2023: 21 points  
vs. Purdue Fort Wayne, 11/24/2023: 29 points  
vs. Drake, 11/19/2023: 35 points  
vs. Kansas State, 11/16/2023: 24 points  
at UNI, 11/12/2023: 24 points  
vs. Virginia Tech, 11/9/2023: 44 points  
vs. FDU, 11/6/2023: 28 points  

What year is Caitlin Clark?

Clark is a senior, but she could have decided to come back next year and be a super senior if she wanted. Because Clark was a freshman during the 2020-21 season, she had a COVID year (basically, that season didn’t count toward anyone’s eligibility).

The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, though, announced this will be her final season of college basketball by declaring for the 2024 WNBA draft.

‘While this season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa,’ Clark wrote on social media. ‘I am excited to be entering the 2024 WNBA Draft.’

Clark is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick, which is owned by the Indiana Fever. — Jordan Mendoza

Sheryl Swoopes’ Caitlin Clark comments

After making a controversial dig at Caitlin Clark as she neared the women’s all-time NCAA scoring record, Sheryl Swoopes said she spoke to the Iowa star about her comments – thanks to LSU’s Angel Reese. 

The three-time WNBA Most Valuable Player was on a broadcast for a game between Baylor and Texas Tech, where Swoopes said Reese helped facilitate a conversation between her and Clark.

‘A couple of weeks ago, I reached out to Angel and had a really good conversation with Angel over the phone and sent a message to Caitlin. She responded. She and I went back and forth,’ Swoopes said. ‘I won’t share what she said, I’ll leave that to her if she wants to share. But I will say, what I said to her was, ‘I made a mistake in saying it was your fifth year when it is your fourth.”  — Jordan Mendoza 

What is Caitlin Clark’s highest-scoring game?  

Clark’s highest-scoring game was also her record-breaking performance on Feb. 15 against Michigan in the 2023-24 season, when she scored 49 points. Clark shot 16-for-31 that game, including 9-for-18 from 3. She also grabbed five rebounds and handed out 13 assists in the 106-89 win. 

What type of Caitlin Clark fan are you? Take the quiz. 

Do you love Caitlin Clark or do you LOVE Caitlin Clark?  

Love her, hate her, like her or think she’s overrated, one thing is for sure: The senior guard from Iowa has serious game.  Not sure exactly where you stand? We can help you out. This USA TODAY Sports quiz will reveal the answer to a crucial question as we prep for March Madness: What kind of Caitlin Clark fan are you? — Lindsay Schnell

WATCH: Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking shots

Caitlin Clark passed Kelsey Plum on Feb. 15 to become the all-time NCAA Division I women’s leading scorer. Watch the shot here:

At various points in the Concacaf W Gold Cup, the U.S. women’s national team didn’t appear to have the juice to win in an increasingly competitive regional landscape.

Once the world’s most feared team, the USWNT has looked like a diminished force in recent years. That trend continued at the Gold Cup, particularly in a stunning group-stage loss to Mexico.

But the USWNT kept grinding through this tournament, beating Colombia and Canada in the knockout stage to reach Sunday’s final against Brazil. And though it hardly put together a vintage performance at Snapdragon Stadium, the U.S. managed to do what it has so many times over the years: win a title.

Lindsey Horan scored the game’s only goal just before halftime, giving the USWNT a 1-0 win in the final of the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup.

It was exactly what the USWNT needed in a transition tournament — coming off a disastrous World Cup, coached by an interim in Twila Kilgore, and looking ahead to the Olympics this summer under Emma Hayes.

After a first half that was low on quality and scoring chances from both sides, Horan came through with a clutch goal just before the break.

Trinity Rodman caught up to a long ball and held it up well, finding Emily Fox with a backward pass from the end line. The Arsenal right back floated up a deep cross and Horan simply ran past her marker to head home at the back post.

For a team that had won all five of its Gold Cup games and scored 15 goals in the process, Brazil offered precious little to threaten the USWNT’s goal.

The Seleção controlled possession in the game but struggled to connect passes in the final third throughout. Even as the game entered its closing stages and the USWNT dropped into a more defensive posture, there was little goal threat from the South Americans.

Two late set-piece chances were the best Brazil could get, but neither — including a free kick in perfect goalscoring range from Debinha — produced a shot on target.

Ultimately the final whistle blew with Alyssa Naeher not facing a single shot on target. The USWNT only had three, but it only needed a header from its captain to see out the title.

PHOENIX — It’s only a quarter-mile walk from the clubhouse to Field 6 on the back fields of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring-training complex, but on Sunday afternoon, it might as well have been to the moon and back.

Three years ago, Trevor Bauer was suiting up in the Dodgers’ spring-training clubhouse, fresh off signing a three-year, $102 million free-agent contract.

This day, while the Dodgers were playing the Arizona Diamondbacks at Camelback Ranch in a rematch of last year’s NL Division Series, Bauer was dressed in an Asian Breeze jersey, wearing No. 77.

It was his first game on American soil since his record-long 194-game suspension for violating MLB’s domestic violence and sexual assault policy.

“I just stay ready,’’ Bauer said, “and maybe people somehow will remember that I’m still one of the best pitchers in the world.’’

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While there were about 150 to 200 fans on hand on the back fields, including his parents, his agent and several fans wearing Bauer jerseys or ‘Bring Back Bauer’ t-shirts, there was not an MLB scout or Dodger executive in sight.

They missed Bauer hitting 99 mph on the radar gun several times, dominating a Dodgers minor league team that included three players on their 40-man roster including prized prospects in outfielder Andy Pages (who produced the only clean hit), and catchers Diego Cartaya and Hunter Feduccia.

He struck out four of the 12 batters he faced on a split-fingered fastball, retired the last eight, and even toyed with Feduccia for the final out by having fans next to the bench call his pitches, with Bauer letting everyone know what was coming.

Feduccia bounced out to Bauer for the out, the crowd roared, and Bauer threw his hands up in the air while his dad, Warren, walked over the bleachers and yelled, “Vintage Trevor! Vintage Trevor!’’

Several fans yelled, “We love you, Trevor.’’ Two fans in the bleacher said they were diehard Dodger fans, but were rooting for Bauer to dominate the minor leaguers. There was not a soul who booed.

Former Dodgers pitching greats Rick Honeycutt and Charlie Hough were on hand watching the performance, but they were there to assist the Dodgers’ minor leaguers, not to provide assessments on Bauer.

‘I mean for those who saw me pitch,’’ Bauer said, “I think it was pretty obvious I was still elite. Telling hitters what pitch was coming, and getting outs. I think anyone who was here could see that the stuff was elite. Command is there. Shapes are there. All that. …

“I’m a better pitcher now than I was the last time people here saw me. Hopefully today reminded them that I’m still an elite pitcher.

“If not, that’s fine too.’’

Bauer, who pitched for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars last season, reminded teams once again that he’ll pitch for the major-league minimum salary of $740,000. And if teams ever change their mind, they can release him with no questions asked.

“I mean if you think about it, I should have the opportunity to sign with a big league team,’’ Bauer said. “I’m just asking for the league minimum, so it’s not a money thing. I’ve served my suspension twice over. I’ve been cleared of everything in the legal system.

“If you think about it logically, there’s really no reason I shouldn’t have a job. But I don’t. So, it is what it is.

We’ll see how it plays out. I don’t want to predict the future. We’ll see.’’

Bauer has no further pitching stints planned with the Asian Breeze, a tryout program that charges players about $2,500 for a 20-day barnstorming tour through the U.S. He has no tryouts scheduled. For now, he’ll return to his Scottsdale, Arizona, fitness center, and continue working out, ready in case someone changes their mind.

Yet, it has been 424 days since the Dodgers released him, making him a free agent, with every team having the opportunity to sign him to a contract.

No team has yet to make an offer.

“I’ll keep training, try to entertain fans on YouTube,’’ Bauer said, “and then see where it goes from there. I don’t know. I don’t really plan at this point, because everything is out of my control.’’

Baker Mayfield is staying in Tampa Bay.

The quarterback will return to the Buccaneers after a career-year with the team, signing a three-year, $100 million contract to stay, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The deal with Tampa Bay gives Mayfield a sense of continuity for the first time in years. After he joined the Buccaneers last season, they became the fourth team he had suited up for in three seasons.

The move comes just six days after the Buccaneers re-signed wide receiver Mike Evans on a two-year, $52 million contract. Tampa Bay also issued the franchise tag to All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. to keep another one of its key pieces off the open market ahead of NFL free agency.

The Cleveland Browns took Mayfield with the first pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Despite in the 2020 season leading the Browns to their first playoff win in 26 years, Mayfield was traded him to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 after the team acquired Deshaun Watson. His time there didn’t last long, with the quarterback going 1-5 as the starter before he was released. He finished the regular season with the Los Angeles Rams and appeared in five games.

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Mayfield joined Tampa Bay on a one-year, $4 million deal and had a career resurgence, taking over the position left vacant by Tom Brady’s retirement. He started all 17 games for the team and threw for a career-high 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while earning his first Pro Bowl nod.

With Brady gone, few expected much from the Buccaneers in 2023, but the team got hot to end the regular season and wound up winning the NFC South title for the third consecutive season. In the playoffs, the Buccaneers ripped apart the defending NFC-champion Philadelphia Eagles 32-9, with Mayfield throwing for 337 yards and three touchdown passes in the wild-card win. In the divisional round, Mayfield threw for 349 passing yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the 31-23 loss to the Detroit Lions.

After the season ended, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said re-signing Baker was the team’s top priority, and Mayfield had wanted to stay with the organization.

Now, Tampa Bay can rest assured its found its franchise quarterback.

Baker Mayfield contract details

Mayfield signed a three-year, $100 million contract to remain in Tampa Bay, according to reports. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Mayfield will get $30 million guaranteed in Year 1, as well as a $10 million signing bonus and a $10 million injury guarantee that becomes fully vested in 2025.