Angel Obando never made it out of the Dominican Summer League, hasn’t been affiliated with a Major League Baseball team for eight years yet, at the age of 27, was one strike from pitching Nicaragua to an epic upset over Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic on March 7.

Instead, up two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the bases empty and two strikes on the batter, Obando saw a dream outcome for Dusty Baker’s Nicaragua squad turned into a nightmare by three major league stars.

Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddane Rafaela dunked a squibber into right field – exit velocity, 76.7 mph – to bring the tying run up. San Diego Padres All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts dribbled a ball down the third base line – that struck the bag for a fluke double.

And then, Obando delivered a first-pitch fastball over the heart of the plate to three-time All-Star Ozzie Albies, who with a simple flick sent the ball over the right field wall at loanDepot Park, delivering the heavily favored Netherlands a stunning 4-3 victory that keeps itself alive in Pool D in Miami.

Albies got the standard ice bath after crossing home plate, though his teammates were likely too stunned to produce a garish celebration.

So, too, were the Nicaraguans.

Obando cursed into his mitt after Rafaela’s ball dropped into right, as if to foresee the coming calamity. Baker, soon to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, chomped on his toothpick, per usual, in the Nicaraguan dugout.

Yet nine innings of nearly pristine baseball got undone in just three batters, capping a brutal 18-hour sequence for Nicaragua.

They held leads of 1-0 and 3-2 against a Dominican Republic squad that thoroughly outmanned them on paper, and carried a 3-3 tie into the bottom of the sixth in their March 6 opener. But Junior Caminero’s home run snapped the deadlock and the dam burst: Dominican Republic 12, Nicaragua 3.

Undaunted, Nicaragua came back just hours later and broke a 1-1 eighth-inning tie on Jeter Downs’ two-run homer. Obando, who’d pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against a lineup of five current or recent major league regulars, came back out to close it out.

The first two outs came easily, as a group of Nicaraguan fans gathered behind home plate to video the final out of this upset. Instead, they were left to witness a stunning Netherlands celebration.

And was just one strike, one good hop, away from doing so.

At this rate – as has become something of a recent norm in the NFL – by the time free agency officially begins on March 11 … most of the league’s available big names may have already been scooped up, whether by agreeing to contracts before then or included in trades that can be structured, if not officially finalized, right now.

And those trade winds have blown furiously in recent days, DJ Moore, Trent McDuffie and Tytus Howard already on the move – and those swaps were engineered before the biggest blockbuster of all in 2026 (so far anyway) materialized on the night of March 6. That’s when the Baltimore Ravens agreed to acquire DE Maxx Crosby in exchange for two first-round picks, including No. 14 overall this year.

The move mutually amplifies the Ravens as a Super Bowl 61 contender and the Raiders as a rebuilding bottom-feeder. It also throws another major wrinkle into Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Here’s how Crosby’s relocation further impacts our first-round projections:

1. Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

He didn’t work out at the scouting combine. Didn’t have to. When you’re 6-foot-5, 236 pounds, paced FBS with 41 TD passes, process like a microchip and just led your school to a magical national championship? Heck, there’s virtually nothing Mendoza can do at this point to help his football résumé – though interactions with reporters and his fellow combine attendees continued to burnish his reputation as an outstanding person and teammate. (And good news − now he doesn’t have to contend with McDuffie twice a year! Also, the Raiders’ exportation of Crosby means Mendoza will almost surely get immediate and needed offensive reinforcements.) The Jets are basically on the clock.

2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

The Stanford grad came into his own with the Big 12 champion Red Raiders in 2025, tying for first in the FBS with 14½ sacks while leading the field with a 20.2% pressure percentage and mixing in 19½ tackles for losses. Bailey is scheme diverse, which could also be a boon for a team switching to a three-man front and one that just offloaded DE Jermaine Johnson II, who was optimal for Tennessee’s 4-3 defense.

3. Arizona Cardinals – OLB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

Arizona is the proverbial team that could be at least a year away from being a year away − and maybe two years away from being a year away after QB Kyler Murray confirmed March 3 that the team will release him. But if there was a quarterback worthy of the No. 3 overall pick … then the Jets would have taken him at No. 2. And that means Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort, who traded out of the opportunity to take future All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr. in 2023, probably needs to be in the business of accumulating blue-chip players – and Reese projects as one. The Micah Parsons comparisons are obviously premature, but Reese, who turns 21 in August, has plenty of time to develop into a full-time pass rusher and maybe justify the comp one day. And getting to the quarterback is especially important in the NFC West, where the Cards are looking way up at their competition right now.

4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

What’s the best way to advance the development of QB Cam Ward, last year’s No. 1 overall pick? How about giving him a player perhaps adjacent to Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs in terms of game-breaking ability and versatility? Love is an every-down back, one who’s averaged 6.9 yards per carry and caught 55 passes over the past two seasons. The Titans could keep his usage in check as a rookie with RB Tony Pollard under contract for one more season. But pairing Love and Ward could potentially create an offense primed to surge ticket sales when the Titans move into their new stadium in 2027.

5. New York Giants – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Arguably the star of this year’s combine given the freakish traits (4.46 40-yard dash, 43½-inch vertical leap) he put on display Thursday, the 6-foot-5, 244-pound converted safety could immediately take over the middle of a front-loaded defense – and new Giants coach John Harbaugh is certainly accustomed to having an athletic and cerebral monster orchestrating that side of the ball.

6. Cleveland Browns – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)

A three-year starter for the Hurricanes at right tackle, the 6-foot-6, 329-pound mauler could be the perfect foundation for a team that needs to rebuild its offensive line – which is the primary offseason priority, whether or not GM Andrew Berry and first-year coach Todd Monken revisit the quarterback position. Monken indicated at the combine that improved blocking was paramount in Cleveland, and the team’s pending acquisition of Tytus Howard − he’s played every line position but center in the NFL − doesn’t preclude taking Mauigoa, especially with Crosby now headed for the AFC North.

7. Washington Commanders – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

Is he the best defender in this draft? Arguably. Can he play exceptionally in the slot, box or center field? Yep. And Washington could need a green-dot leader who can make plays behind the line given the potential departure of LB Bobby Wagner, who will be 36 next season, in free agency.

8. New Orleans Saints – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

The latest ready-made wideout product emerging from the Buckeyes’ pipeline, he and fellow Ohio Stater Chris Olave would give second-year QB Tyler Shough quite a tandem – and Olave needs the help given Rashid Shaheed was New Orleans’ second-most productive wideout in 2025 … despite getting traded halfway through the season.

9. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

Almost certainly the premier corner available this year, the 6-foot, 187-pound All-America approximates McDuffie’s size and has lockdown ability that should eventually allow coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to deploy him in multiple schemes and against just about any kind of receiver imaginable – as he did with McDuffie. McDuffie was known for his ability to man the slot, an area where Delane was rarely used at Virginia Tech and LSU, but even the ex-Chief mostly lined up wide the past two seasons.

10. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)

Much has been made about his short arms, but they didn’t stop him from being extremely productive – often against NFL-caliber offensive tackles – for the ‘Canes. Bain bulled his way to 9½ sacks and 15½ TFLs last season and was a menace during the College Football Playoff. Cincinnati could certainly use pass rush help, especially with DE Trey Hendrickson now officially liberated and able to depart during free agency. The Crosby factor should also tempt the Bengals to bolster the blocking in front of QB Joe Burrow, but their defensive deficiencies are just too glaring.

11. Miami Dolphins – OT Spencer Fano, Utah

A rebuilding team could go in any number of directions, and free agency will certainly further shape rookie GM Jon-Eric Sullivan’s roster-altering strategy. But the O-line is always a logical place to start, particularly given the issues this one has had in recent years. Fano played both tackle spots for the Utes but almost exclusively on the right side the past two years. He’d probably be a significant upgrade over Fins RT Austin Jackson, who’s only under contract for one more year anyway, though Fano is willing to play inside if needed.

12. Dallas Cowboys – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

A torn ACL cost him the entire 2025 season, but McCoy was practicing by the end of it and will be 20 months removed from the injury by the time Week 1 rolls around. DaRon Bland is the only proven corner on what will be a reimagined Dallas D in 2026, and McCoy would be a welcome addition.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Obviously zero need now to reach for a corner here with McDuffie inbound. LA had the league’s No. 1 passing game in 2025 – in large part due to Puka Nacua’s heroics. But Davante Adams, 33, was the only other productive wideout and battled injuries late in the season and is only under contract for one more year. Boston (6-4, 212) is the kind of supersized red-zone target (20 TD catches since 2024) and boundary receiver who could provide an easy transition from Adams while perfectly complementing Nacua.

14. Raiders (from Baltimore Ravens) – WR Makai Lemon, USC

Worth wondering if Mendoza might campaign for former Hoosiers teammate Omar Cooper Jr., who’d obviously provide a nice measure of built-in chemistry to an offense woefully short on top-tier wideouts. But as cool a story as such a reunion would be, Penn State won’t be on the Raiders’ schedule next season … or ever, at least until the NFL implements relegation.

No, the right move here would probably be for Lemon – a run-after-catch dynamo who typically works out of the slot and has been widely compared to fellow Trojan Amon-Ra St. Brown. Lemon could not only provide Mendoza with a safety valve at a stage when he’ll almost certainly need one, he should also alleviate pressure on Pro Bowl TE Brock Bowers.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The first tight end in combine history to record a sub-4.4 40, Sadiq, who also had a 43½-inch vert, certainly made some money in Indianapolis. He’d not only give QB Baker Mayfield another downfield weapon, this offense might need a partial reload with WR Mike Evans and TE Cade Otton currently unsigned for 2026.

16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

One of the combine’s standouts, the Ducks All-American is a rangy player who can be weaponized all over the field – box, slot, center field. The Jets are also woefully thin at safety but could wisely invest in one with the pick obtained in last year’s trade of CB Sauce Gardner. Thieneman may not be a facsimile of Brian Branch, whom NYJ coach Aaron Glenn had in Detroit, but he’s a reasonable enough approximation for a defense in dire need of playmakers.

17. Detroit Lions – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

LT Taylor Decker originally intended to return for his 11th season in Motown, but plans change – especially in the NFL. Freeling, who’s 21, may be the best pure left tackle prospect in this draft, and his potential was evident during the combine’s on-field drills. But with only 16 college starts, he’d have to get up to speed quickly in order to fill in for Decker immediately. But, don’t forget, the Lions plucked starting RG Tate Ratledge out of Athens a year ago.

18. Minnesota Vikings – DL Caleb Banks, Florida

After importing starting DTs Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen a year ago, both are expected to be ex-Vikings in a few days as the team gets its salary cap in order. Banks (6-6, 327), who missed much of last fall with a broken foot, is monstrously huge and talented with freaky movement skills but also a bit raw. Still, he is the kind of player who could suck up blocks but also penetrate in coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive defense.

19. Carolina Panthers – DT Peter Woods, Clemson

A gifted lineman who has yet to approach his maximum potential, something of a microcosm of the NFC South champions. Woods would certainly upgrade a D-line anchored by Derrick Brown, whose own ability and leadership could also help to fully unlock the All-ACC performer.

20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

Dallas is transitioning to a 3-4 front under new coordinator Christian Parker but only has two notable edge rushers, 2025 second-rounder Donovan Ezeiruaku and James Houston, under contract going into next season – and no second-round pick in this year’s draft. T.J. Parker’s production dipped from 2024 to ’25, but he’s got more heft than Ezeiruaku and could be a nice complement with plenty of runway to become a really good one.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Could the draft’s host team take a young quarterback to build around in the future? Sure. Is it the best move in a seemingly weaker QB class – especially if the Steelers want to give Aaron Rodgers, assuming he returns, the best chance to take this organization further in 2026? Of course not. The lack of receiving depth behind DK Metcalf was apparent last season but especially so during his late-season suspension. Tyson, a two-time All-Big 12 choice, is a complete package – and one who was coached at ASU by Steelers legend Hines Ward.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Arguably the best blocker in this draft, why wouldn’t the 6-foot-4, 320-pound road grader – one with high RPMs who lined up at tight end in some packages – be coveted by a team that so values its offensive line? That could be particularly true at a time when the Bolts might have three new starters between the tackles.

23. Philadelphia Eagles – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)

They didn’t generate nearly the same level of pressure in 2025 as they did during their Super Bowl run the year before. Jalyx Hunt was the only consistent edge rusher last year, which is why GM Howie Roseman rolled the dice on a midseason trade for pending free agent Jaelan Phillips. Mesidor will be 25 by draft night but could provide instant production – for a team that should be an instant contender – after leading the ACC with 12½ sacks in 2025, including 5½ in the CFP.

24. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Monken’s offense needs more than an overhauled O-line. If QB Shedeur Sanders is to have any shot at developing into a long-term starter here, he not only needs better protection but also more weaponry in the passing game. Mendoza’s leading receiver for the Hoosiers last year, Cooper would provide Sanders with a reliable target out of the slot and theoretically help stabilize this offense.

25. Chicago Bears – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Need a Monster of the Midway? How about a 6-foot-4, 200-pound DB with a penchant for big hits and finding the ball? And it certainly seems like the Bears might be in dire need of safety help with All-Pro Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker headed for the open market.

As for Moore’s departure, it probably shouldn’t come as a huge surprise − even though he caught two epic touchdown passes to beat the Packers at Soldier Field twice last season. But, overall, Moore wasn’t necessarily a hand-in-glove fit in Ben Johnson’s offense. And given the presence of 2024 first-round WR Rome Odunze plus Luther Burden’s encouraging rookie year last season, Chicago doesn’t need to reach or prioritize backfilling Moore with a premium pick in a deep receiver draft − especially given the holes developing elsewhere on the roster.

26. Buffalo Bills – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

The arrival of Moore means GM Brandon Beane doesn’t have to overdraft a wideout here − which is probably what he would have had to do, in a stick-and-pick situation, given none of the best ones were likely to fall this far (despite his Carnell Tate musings at the combine). But the intriguing Faulk, a gem in need of some polish, can fill another area of concern. He should be a three-down player who can kick inside on passing downs. He has a reputation as being an excellent locker-room presence, always a huge plus, and would soften the blow given the likelihood DE Joey Bosa won’t be back in 2026.

27. San Francisco 49ers – OT Caleb Lomu, Utah

GM John Lynch admitted during the combine that he and Trent Williams, 37, are trying to find a financial compromise that keeps the legendary left tackle on the roster in 2026. But even if Williams plays another season, the Niners might be wise to get a replacement in house and – in Lomu’s case – a year to strengthen his 6-foot-6, 313-pound frame might be helpful.

28. Houston Texans – OT Blake Miller, Clemson

The All-ACC right tackle could solidify the protection in front of QB C.J. Stroud by becoming a long-term answer on an O-line that’s been in a state of flux for some time − and is now exporting Howard and Juice Scruggs. Durable, Miller averaged better than 900 snaps during three seasons for the Tigers and can play on the left side in a pinch.

29. Chiefs (from Rams) – OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

This had seemed like a perfect landing spot for Alabama QB Ty Simpson, who might have apprenticed for a year or two – or three – under league MVP Matthew Stafford before potentially taking the reins. Now, maybe Simpson could fill in early for Patrick Mahomes … nope. Just nope. Maybe Simpson lands elsewhere in the first round, but it certainly won’t be in K.C.

Yet Mahomes has suffered the highest sack percentage of his nine-year career over the past two seasons and went down a career-worst six times in K.C.’s Super Bowl 59 loss. As he tries to return in time for this year’s regular-season opener, despite rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered last December, upgrading his protection seems imperative – especially given the pending release of RT Jawaan Taylor for performance and compensation reasons, plus the fact that Jaylon Moore didn’t wrest a starting OT job in 2025. Iheanachor isn’t a finished product but is a gifted athlete − one who might only need a bit of time (and ace tutelage from Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck) to displace Moore for the primary right tackle job opposite 2025 first-rounder Josh Simmons while vastly improving the odds Mahomes won’t continue running for his life in 2026.

30. Denver Broncos – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

He has average size (6-0, 196) but elite short-area burst and quickness that could make him an ideal complement to Courtland Sutton in Denver’s passing game.

31. New England Patriots – OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama

The Pats have several needs and options − and don’t be surprised if they’re on the move, up or down − though it sure seems likely they fill their newly formed Stefon Diggs void somehow during free agency. But the obvious issue for the AFC champs during the playoffs was protecting QB Drake Maye, who was sacked 21 times in four postseason games, including six times by the Seahawks in Super Bowl 60. RT Morgan Moses is under contract for two more years but also just turned 35. Proctor can block out the sun yet is an impressively nimble athlete at 6-foot-7 and 352 pounds. He might remind Patriots fans of former Tom Brady bouncer Trent Brown and could also help launch an already strong ground game to a stratospheric level.

32. Seattle Seahawks – RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame

While they’d certainly like to keep Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, it also didn’t sound at the combine like the reigning champs were going to pull out all the financial stops in order to keep him at the expense of other priorities − and Walker wasn’t tagged by the Seahawks on Tuesday. But Seattle doesn’t have the luxury of standing pat in the run game, either, given RB2 Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in January. Price is a slasher who starred in a timeshare with Love at Notre Dame and could nicely fill Walker’s role – maybe Shaheed’s, too, if the Seahawks’ can’t re-sign their pivotal return ace, either.

The Northeast Conference Tournament isn’t over, but the conference has already determined who it will send to the NCAA Tournament.

Long Island will be in March Madness, punching the first official ticket of 2026 after defeating Wagner on Saturday, March 7 in the NEC tournament semifinals. The conference regular-season champion Sharks clinched the spot even though they haven’t won the tournament title yet, thanks to who they will face in the championship game.

It will be Long Island vs. Mercyhurst in the NEC title, but Mercyhurst isn’t eligible for the NCAA Tournament. Since it made the final with a win over Stonehill, it paved the way for the other participant to get the automatic bid.

Why Mercyhurst isn’t eligible for NCAA Tournament?

Mercyhurst isn’t able to be in March Madness because it is in the middle of its transition to Division I.

The Lakers officially made the jump from Division II to Division I in July 2024, starting the mandatory four-year process under NCAA rules. It means Mercyhurst isn’t eligible for the NCAA Tournament until the 2027-28 season.

Another NEC team is going through a similar process in Le Moyne. The Dolphins made the jump in July 2023 and aren’t able to make the NCAA Tournament until the 2026-27 season.

There was a scenario in place where Mercyhurst and Le Moyne made the NEC conference championship game. If both of those teams would have made it, then there would have been a game between the two losing semifinalists to determine who gets the automatic spot.

Long Island will have the chance to leave no doubt in their selection by winning the conference title. The Sharks and Lakers will play on Tuesday, March 10 for the NEC crown.

The Philadelphia Eagles are making Jordan Davis a very rich man.

Davis and the Eagles agreed to a three-year, $78 million extension, according to multiple reports. The deal comes with $65 million guaranteed and makes Davis the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history.

While he wasn’t slated to be a free agent in 2026, the extension ensures that the defender won’t hit the open market next offseason. Davis will play the 2026 season on the fifth-year option, which is worth about $12.9 million, before the extension kicks in.

Drafted with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Davis has been a mainstay on the Philadelphia defensive line, appearing in 64 regular season games and nine playoff contests through four seasons. The 26-year-old broke out for the Eagles defense in 2025, recording a career-high 4.5 sacks and 72 total tackles after an inconsistent first three seasons.

Davis’ leap was on full display with a field goal block and return for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3 of the 2025 season.

The Eagles will hope for a lot more of that in the future. Here’s what to know about Davis’ big deal with the Eagles:

Jordan Davis contract details

Davis inked a three-year, $78 million deal. Here’s a look at the full terms, per multiple reports:

Term: 3 years
Total contract value: $78 million
Average annual value (AAV): $26 million
Guaranteed money: $65 million

It makes the former Georgia Bulldog the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history. In terms of interior defensive linemen, Davis will be tied with former teammate, Milton Williams, as the second highest-paid at $26 million in AAV.

Jordan Davis stats

Davis has played in 64 games for the Eagles since being drafted in 2022. He has recorded eight sacks, 12 quarterback hits and 162 tackles since debuting.

Longtime Chicago Blackhawks player and analyst Troy Murray died Saturday, March 7, from cancer at the age of 63, the team announced.

‘Troy was the epitome of a Blackhawk, so far beyond his incredible playing career with a presence felt in every corner of our organization over the last 45 years,’ Blackhawks chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz said in a statement. ‘He was admired by his teammates and our players, and was so proud to connect generations of Blackhawks through his work with the Blackhawks Alumni Association. He jumped at every call to support our local community with our Foundation.’

Murray was selected by Chicago in the third round of the 1980 NHL draft and joined the team in the 1982 playoffs after helping lead the University of North Dakota to a national title.

Nicknamed ‘Muzz,’ he would play for the Blackhawks until 1990-91, then return for parts of the 1992-93 and 1993-94 seasons, recording 197 goals and 291 assists in 688 regular-season games, including a career-best 99 points in 1985-86. He also won the Selke Trophy as top defensive forward that season.

He was also captain of the original Winnipeg Jets and played for the Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Colorado Avalanche. He won a Stanley Cup in 1995-96 with Colorado in his final NHL season. He had 230 goals and 354 assists in 914 NHL games.

After retiring from hockey, he went into broadcasting and served as the Blackhawks radio analyst for more than two decades, calling the Stanley Cup championships in 2010, 2013 and 2015.

‘He never missed a chance to say ‘hello’ in our press box and always knew the perfect time for a joke just when someone around the office needed it most,’ Wirtz said. ‘And he absolutely loved bringing Blackhawks hockey to you, our fans, night after night with a dedication to his craft that never wavered to the very end.’

Murray announced in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He would return to the booth and continue working with the community.

‘During his long and hard battle with cancer, it was often said that Troy didn’t have any ‘give up’ in him,’ Wirtz said. ‘While our front office simply won’t be the same without him, we will carry that spirit forward every day in his honor. We’ll miss you, Muzz.”

Reaction to Troy Murray’s death

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DULUTH, GA — No. 2 seed Louisville soundly beat No. 3 North Carolina, 65-57, in the ACC semifinals on Saturday.

With 2:17 remaining in regulation, the Louisville Cardinals built a 10-point lead and closed the door on North Carolina to punch its ticket to the ACC Tournament championship.

After the final buzzer, ACC Sixth Player of the Year Imari Berry and Laura Ziegler chest bumped. ‘Yeahhhhh!’ Ziegler said as Berry smiled. The Cardinals will play defending ACC Tournament champion and No. 1 seed Duke on Sunday (1 p.m ET, ESPN).

Berry was the best player on the floor with a game-high 22 points off the bench. Ziegler added 12 points, including a clutch 3-pointer in the third quarter. Elif Istanbulluoglu had 11 points to help Louisville stay out in front. As a team, the Cardinals held North Carolina to 35% shooting from the field and 25% from deep. Louisville also forced 15 turnovers.

North Carolina had four players in double figures, but only had 10 bench points to Louisville’s 27. Additionally, the Tar Heels didn’t move the ball well against Louisville’s defense. They had just seven assists through four quarters. Elina Aarnisalo led North Carolina with 17 points and five assists, four rebounds and a steal.

Louisville’s starting forward briefly exits with fourth quarter injury

At the 6:47 mark of the fourth quarter, starter Elif Istanbulluoglu fell to the floor after getting tangled up on a play. She immediately grabbed her left ankle as she writhed in pain. Louisville head coach Jeff Walz walked out to the floor to check on her before a trainer came out.

Teammate Reyna Scott untied Istanbulluoglu’s shoe, trying to help as the Louisville forward remained on the floor. Istanbulluoglu was eventually helped to her feet, but she needed help getting to the bench before going back to the locker room. The Louisville forward returned to the bench at the 5:19 mark, and a trainer wrapped her foot before she put her shoe back on. Istanbulluoglu tested out her foot on the sidelines and rejoined a team huddle at the 4:43 mark.

Third quarter: Louisville 45, North Carolina 40

After winning the second quarter, it was Louisville in the tightly contested third quarter that gave it some breathing room. The Cardinals lead by five after three, but it feels gigantic in a game that’s going back-and-forth. Laura Ziegler’s 3-pointer with 25 seconds remaining in the quarter ignited the Gas South Arena as the Cardinals pushed into the fourth quarter.

Louisville has held North Carolina to 35% shooting for the entire matchup and forced six third-quarter turnovers. Imari Berry leads all scorers with 16 points.

Halftime: Louisville 28, North Carolina 27

North Carolina won the second quarter 17-12, paced by Mackenly Randolph, who had seven points in the period. The push from the Tar Heels pulled them within one of Louisville. The Cardinals are shooting 42% with eight turnovers. North Carolina is shooting 33% with six turnovers, with no players in double figures yet. Louisville’s Imari Berry leads all scorers with 11 points.

North Carolina fighting back from the 3-point line

The Tar Heels have withstood an early push from the Cardinals. North Carolina began a mid-second quarter push with a lovely cross-court pass in transition to Nyla Brooks for three. The Tar Heels now have four triples on the day.

First quarter: Louisville, 16, North Carolina 10

Louisville’s Imari Berry is the early winner of the first quarter. The ACC Sixth Player of the Year is 3-for-3 from deep, scoring nine points to help push the Cardinals out in front 16-10. For North Carolina, no player has scored more than five points, and the team is shooting 31% from the field.

Louisville and North Carolina going basket-for-basket early

At the 3:24 mark of the first quarter, it’s been a tug-of-war-between Louisville and North Carolina. The score is tied, 10-10, despite the Cardinals shooting 57% and the Tar Heel shooting 36% from the floor.

Louisville and North Carolina starting lineups

Here are the starting lineups for Louisville and North Carolina women’s basketball.

Louisville Cardinals starting lineup

Head coach: Jeff Walz

22 Tajianna Roberts | G 5-10 – Sophomore
4 Mackenly Randolph | F 6-0 – Sophomore
0 Laura Ziegler | F 6-2 – Senior
11 Elif Instanbulluoglu | F 6-3 – Junior
9 Anaya Hardy | F 6-3 – Sophomore

North Carolina Tar Heels starting lineup

Head coach: Courtney Banghart

0 Lanie Grant | G 5-9 – Sophomore
2 Nyla Harris | F 6-2 – Senior
17 Elina Aarnisalo | G 5-10 – Sophomore
21 Ciera Toomey | F 6-4 – Sophomore
24 Indya Nivar | G 5-10 – Senior

What time is North Carolina vs. Louisville?

Date: Saturday, March 7
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Gas South Arena (Duluth, Georgia)

The North Carolina Tar Heels play the Louisville Cardinals in the second ACC semifinal game at 2:30 p.m. ET Saturday, March 7 at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia.

Notre Dame vs. Duke: TV, streaming

TV: ESPN2
Stream: Sling TV 10

The Buffalo Bills are retaining one of their key offensive players ahead of 2026 NFL free agency.

Buffalo is re-signing center Connor McGovern to a four-year contract, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It will be worth a maximum value of $52 million with $32 million guaranteed.

McGovern, 28, spent the first three years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys before joining the Bills ahead of the 2023 NFL season. He instantly became a starter in Buffalo, spending the 2023 campaign at left guard before moving to center full-time in 2024.

Since shifting to center, McGovern has generally thrived. The 6-5, 318-pound blocker made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and ranked fifth among interior offensive linemen in ESPN’s pass blocking win rate metric during the 2025 season while allowing just 14 total pressures across 16 starts.

McGovern was considered by many to be the second-best center available in free agency behind only Baltimore Ravens star Tyler Linderbaum.

Retaining McGovern will guarantee the Bills will return at least four of the offensive line starters in front of Josh Allen for the 2026 NFL season. The lone exception will be left guard David Edwards, who is expected to test free agency after McGovern’s extension.

Here’s more to know about McGovern’s contract with the Bills:

Connor McGovern contract details

McGovern is signing a four-year deal with the Bills that will pay him a total of $52 million. Here’s a look at the full terms of his contract, per Schefter:

Term: 4 years
Total contract value: $52 million
Average annual value (AAV): $13 million
Guaranteed money: $32 million

McGovern’s $13 million AAV ranks third-highest among NFL centers, per OverTheCap.com. Only Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs ($18 million) and Cam Jurgens of the Philadelphia Eagles ($17 million) are presently making more annually than McGovern.

The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly traded edge rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks, according to multiple reports.
This trade gives Crosby a fresh start and provides the Ravens’ defense with a much-needed boost to its pass rush.
The deal positions the Raiders to make another 2026 first-round selection after taking Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick.

It has been a week of trades in the NFL – and a Friday night blockbuster became a delectable appetizer with free agency beginning, officially, Wednesday, March 11.

The Las Vegas Raiders traded edge rusher Maxx Crosby, no stranger to the subject of trade rumors over the years, to the Baltimore Ravens for a package that included two first-round picks, according to multiple reports. The deal cannot be formally completed until the new league year at 4:00 p.m. ET (to be exact) on the 11th, but it is in place.

As is the case in a trade of this magnitude, there are winners and losers.

WINNERS

Maxx Crosby

All of the reporting from the end of last season indicated Crosby and the Raiders were headed for a divorce. FOX Sports said Crosby left the building when broached with the idea of being shut down for the final two games of the season as Vegas sought the No. 1 pick (which they “earned”). Crosby, 28, had minor surgery to repair his meniscus in January.

Now Crosby has a fresh start on the opposite coast looking to revive a brand built around violent defense – certainly fitting Crosby’s own play style. Injuries have held Crosby back statistically during the past two seasons, but he managed 10 sacks a year ago, and 2024 was the first season he ever missed games.

Ravens’ pass rush

Travis Jones led the Ravens in sacks last year with 5.0. They were 30th in hurry percentage (5.6%), tied for 30th in sacks (30) and 31st in sack percentage (4.6). Baltimore traded Odafe Oweh in the middle of last season, and other pass-rushers Kyle Van Noy and Dre’Mont Jones could leave in free agency. Adding Crosby should mean better production in 2026.

Nnamdi Madubuike’s neck injury eliminated his 2025 campaign and could be career-ending. Having Crosby in the fold means Baltimore’s hopes of getting after the quarterback don’t depend entirely on his recovery.  

Lamar Jackson

Putting stars around other stars is never a bad idea when organizations are in win-now mode. Jackson is a two-time league MVP who has to play better in the biggest games, sure, but eliminating question marks on the other side of the ball can only benefit his ultimate pursuit of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. And it looks like Jackson knew well before the news hit everybody else’s social media feeds.

Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders are now picking first overall and 14th after acquiring the Ravens’ pick. Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and national champion from Indiana, will be pick No. 1. Now the Raiders can add a fellow incoming rookie with whom he can help transform the franchise.

Eric DeCosta

The Ravens had never traded a first-round pick for a player before. Baltimore’s executive vice president and general manager made history by parting with not one, but a pair, to land Crosby.

According to Spotrac, DeCosta can convert Crosby’s salary for this upcoming season into a bonus and lower the acquired cap hit from $30.7 million to $7.73 million. Owner Steve Bisciotti is normally wise enough to make such a thing reality.

DeCosta paid a premium but ultimately landed the object of several contenders’ desires.

John Syptek

Las Vegas’ second-year GM took a distressed asset and nonetheless received market price set by the Dallas Cowboys’ acquisition of Quinnen Williams from the New York Jets last year. He added a top-half-of-the-first-round selection in 2026 to help kickstart the rebuild. And the cap flexibility moving forward can only be a positive if Mendoza can provide some juice while on his rookie deal.

Jesse Minter

The first-year head Baltimore coach has said he expects to call defensive plays in 2026. The growing pains of installing a new system will inevitably become apparent early on. But the 42-year-old now has a potential magic eraser for any scheme mishaps with a game-wrecker such as Crosby lining up.

Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Bo Nix

The trio of AFC West quarterbacks who no longer have to see Crosby twice a year. Which one called the Uber to take Crosby to the airport?

LOSERS        

Las Vegas Raiders, Mark Davis

Not that collecting a paycheck – especially a record-setting (temporarily) one – is a sign of loyalty, but Crosby at least rewarded the Raiders by signing his massive extension (three-year, $106.5 million with $91.5 million guaranteed). To lose a player of Crosby’s ilk on the field and character off of it is a significant blow, however.

Eric Decosta

The Baltimore GM likely will need to do a new Jackson deal with Crosby’s on the books. Baltimore has not been afraid to pay and extend its stars: left tackle Ronnie Stanley, safety Kyle Hamilton, linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey. That means the front office has to hit on filling out the rest of the roster while praying the big names can stay healthy. The formula can work. It’s also a gamble.

Jesse Minter

Replacing John Harbaugh, who led the Ravens for 18 years, was big enough shoes to fill. The added pressure of having a player of Crosby’s merit won’t do anything to limit the playoffs-or-bust expectations in Year 1.

Ravens’ chances of signing Tyler Linderbaum

Linderbaum himself isn’t a loser – the center who was drafted by the Ravens in 2022 will be getting paid no matter what. But the Ravens being the team doing the paying became less likely with Crosby’s massive deal now on the books.

AFC North offensive line coaches

For more than one third of the season, their game plans will have to account for either Crosby, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt or the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett.

Joe Burrow

The lone team in the division without a stud on the edge? His own, assuming a Trey Hendrickson reunion is out of the question.

Rob Leonard

Leonard spent the past three years coaching Crosby and was the run game coordinator/defensive line coach who first-year head coach Klint Kubiak promoted to defensive coordinator. Not having Crosby as part of the scheme won’t make his new job any easier.                                                      

Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots

Otherwise known as the teams left at the altar. Not that 31 other teams couldn’t have used Crosby, but man, the Patriots really could have used him. The Jags’ attempt to acquire Crosby, as reported by The Athletic, suggests they’ll be quite active over the next few weeks.

Lamar Jackson

Unless Crosby starts channeling Mike Vrabel, Jackson won’t be throwing to Crosby. DeCosta and Co. have plenty to address on Jackson’s side of the ball – from Linderbaum to Jackson’s targets (tight end Isaiah Likely is a free agent) – now.