Before we turned our full attention to March Madness, baseball had its own knockout tournament, settling this week’s World Baseball Classic. In the final last night, Venezuela defeated Team USA 3-2 on a ninth-inning double Eugenio Suarez.
our Rohan Nadkarni Six players — three men and three women — who could come to define this year’s NCAA Tournament were also evaluated. The first round of matches kicks off tomorrow and we’ll be live-blogging all the action from 12:15 pm tipoff through the nightcap, so check back for our real-time analysis NBC News.
A world platform
Aaron JudgeThe Yankees star and Team USA captain sparked an online debate this week when he said the World Baseball Classic is “bigger and better than the World Series” given the “passion these fans have to represent their country.” (Other players later echoed similar sentiments.)
A lot of people weighed in including Derek Jeter“I think people who say, ‘This is bigger than the World Series,’ have never played in a World Series,” the former Yankees captain said on Fox.
Don’t tell that to Venezuela.
After winning it, the Venezuelan team ran onto the field and celebrated were World Series. Players and coaches hugged each other. They draped themselves in the flag of their homeland. He cried tears of joy.
“I mean, what can I say about this?” of Venezuela Eugenio Suarez Fox said on the broadcast. “It’s great. God is good. … It’s a celebration for all of Venezuela.”
Win against Venezuela This opponent It must mean something. A few months ago, US military forces captured the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia FloresAnd brought him to the US to face criminal charges, sending shockwaves across the country.
“A lot of emotions, you know,” Venezuela’s Ronald Acuna Jr. told MLB Network when asked why the win was so special. “My country (needs) a championship. … I want to make my people proud.”
Men’s bracket: Players to watch
Every March Madness, new players take center stage and capture our imagination. This year, we’re keeping an eye on three rookies who could end up as top three picks in this upcoming NBA Draft.
Darrin Peterson One of the most enticing guard prospects in recent NBA history, his availability has been limited this year due to injuries, including a persistent cramp problem. If they give up the entire goal during the tournament, Kansas will be very dangerous.
Cameron BoozerMeanwhile, arguably the best player, Duke has a 32-2 record and the tournament’s No. 1 ranking. Boozer has a reputation for being unflappable under pressure, which will be put to the test as he carries the high expectations of one of the game’s elite programs into the tournament.
Then no AJ DybantsaHe surprised many when he chose to play for BYU, becoming the highest-rated recruit in program history. Dybantsa has improved over the season and is one of the most aggressive attacking players in the country. They are now playing in the major spotlight as they try to push the relative underdog to the final four.
Women’s bracket: Players to watch
On the women’s side, our trio of players to watch are all veterans leading juggernaut teams hoping to cement their legacy.
Connecticut Senior Grandma Fud The 33-0 Huskies enter the tournament looking for her second straight championship and second straight MVP award. Last year’s title ended a nine-year championship drought for UConn. Now Fudd is looking to stamp a new dynasty before he turns pro.
The biggest challenge for the Huskies will be the UCLA Bruins led by Kendra Lauren Betts. The Bruins went 31-1 during the regular season, and Betts averaged 16.4 points and 8.6 rebounds. A senior with a storied career, Betts is looking for her first title — and to avenge last year’s Final Four loss to the Huskies.
Looking to play spoiler will be junior-led Texas Madison Brooks. The Longhorns went 31-3 and handed UCLA its only loss of the regular season. Brooks is looking for redemption after struggling in the Final Four a year ago, scoring just 11 points in a humbling 74-57 loss to South Carolina. Booker is coming off her best and most efficient season and will ensure Texas makes any push in the face of some heavy favorites.
What are we reading?
The WNBA season looks set to start on time after the league and players’ union reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract.
The controversial end to the AFCON tournament took another turn yesterday as Morocco were declared champions over Senegal, who were stripped of their title after walking off the pitch during the match.
In the NFL, the Denver Broncos made a major trade dealing for a Miami Dolphins wide receiver. Jaylen Waddle In exchange for a few draft picks, including a first rounder.
Former Syracuse quarterback Rex CulpepperHe overcame testicular cancer during his college career, dying at age 28, writes Us David K. Ltd.
What are we looking at?
Tonight, the NCAA Tournament “First Four” games continue in Dayton, Ohio, where 11th-seeded Miami (Ohio) makes its debut. The Redhawks went 31-0 in the regular season before stumbling in their conference tournament. His athletic director says he’s fighting for “the heart and soul of March Madness” for little boys everywhere.
All times pre:
- 6:40 PM: No. on TruTV. 16 seed Prairie View A&M vs. no. 16 Lehi
- 9:15 PM: No. 11 seed Miami (Ohio) vs. no. 11 at SMU, TruTV
- 9:30 PM: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets on ESPN
That’s it for now! We will be back tomorrow.
