Connect with us

Sports

College baseball Week 3: Top 25 rankings, top moments and what to watch

Published

on

College baseball Week 3: Top 25 rankings, top moments and what to watch


A pitcher throwing 130 times in a game?! Four of the top six teams losing in a single day?! This college baseball season has it all, and we’re not even a month in yet.

Though some top teams did lose (UCLA, LSU, Georgia Tech and Arkansas), they all bounced back in their weekend series, and the top 10 largely remains the same this week with the addition of Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles have been dominating the year so far, and with a top-10 matchup on the horizon, they’ll show us if they’re the real deal.

Coastal Carolina’s slide down the rankings continues. The Chants dropped two games last week in the Bruce Bolt College Classic and now sit at No. 16, down seven spots from last week. One of the teams Costal Carolina lost to was UTSA, which finds itself in the rankings for the first time this season at No. 25, with Ole Miss exiting to make room for the Roadrunners.

Here are the top 25 rankings as of March 2, plus our favorite plays and what we’re watching in the week to come.

Top moments

The aforementioned pitcher throwing 130 pitches in 8⅔ innings? Yeah, that would be UT Arlington’s Caylon Dygert. Sure 130 pitches is wild and even more so this early in the season, but with the opportunity to take down one of the top teams in the country, sometimes you just got to let your pitcher ride it out.

And let’s stay with pitchers, just because we loved this celebration that much. Let’s just have more of this all season long.


Player to watch

Will Gasparino, OF, UCLA

Obviously all eyes have been on UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky this season, the presumptive No. 1 MLB draft pick, but Gasparino has been lighting it up for the Bruins. Gasparino is actually not just UCLA’s home run leader this season with 10 hit already, but the country’s (Cholowsky isn’t far behind with seven), and he also leads the team in RBIs at 22 (tied for second nationally). He was crucial in the win over Mississippi State on Sunday with an early homer. How he and Cholowsky measure up against each other all season will be fun to watch.


Game to watch

No. 4 Mississippi State at No. 10 Southern Miss
7 p.m. on Tuesday (ESPN+)

Another midweek top-10 matchup! Southern Miss has already beaten one SEC squad in the Alabama Crimson Tide — a 14-4 win in eight innings — but can the Golden Eagles hang with the top of the SEC? They do at least have a leg up in it being a home game in Hattiesburg. Mississippi State will certainly be playing with a chip on its shoulder after losing a tight extra-innings battle to No. 1 UCLA on Sunday, and what better way to prove it’s still top-five worthy than a bounce-back win on the road.


Updated top 25

Here are D1baseball.com’s latest rankings, plus information on each team’s next game.

All times Eastern.

1. UCLA Bruins

Previous rank: 1
Record: 9-2
Next game: vs. Cal State Fullerton, 8 p.m. on Tuesday


2. LSU Tigers

Previous rank: 2
Record: 11-1
Next game: vs. Northeastern, 7:30 p.m. on Monday (SEC Network+)


3. Texas Longhorns

Previous rank: 3
Record: 11-0
Next game: vs. Houston Christian, 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday (SEC Network+)


4. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Previous rank: 4
Record: 11-1
Next game: at Southern Miss, 7 p.m. on Tuesday (ESPN+)


5. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Previous rank: 5
Record: 11-1
Next game: at Georgia State, 6 p.m. on Tuesday


6. Arkansas Razorbacks

Previous rank: 6
Record: 9-3
Next game: vs. Oral Roberts, 4 p.m. on Tuesday (SEC Network+)


7. Auburn Tigers

Previous rank: 7
Record: 9-2
Next game: vs. Samford, 7 p.m. on Tuesday (SEC Network+)


8. North Carolina Tar Heels

Previous rank: 8
Record: 11-1-1
Next game: vs. Elon 4 p.m. on Tuesday (ACC Network Extra)


9. Florida Gators

Previous rank: 10
Record: 11-1
Next game: vs. FAU, 6 p.m. on Tuesday (SEC Network+)


10. Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Previous rank: 12
Record: 10-1
Next game: vs. Mississippi State, 7 p.m. on Tuesday (ESPN+)


11. Georgia Bulldogs

Previous rank: 11
Record: 10-2
Next game: at Kennesaw State, 6 p.m. on Tuesday


12. Oklahoma Sooners

Previous rank: 13
Record: 10-2
Next game: vs. Dallas Baptist, 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday (SEC Network+)


13. NC State Wolfpack

Previous rank: 14
Record: 10-1
Next game: vs. Coastal Carolina, 3 p.m. on Tuesday (ACC Network Extra)


14. Clemson Tigers

Previous rank: 15
Record: 10-1
Next game: vs. Michigan State, 6 p.m. on Wednesday in Greenville, South Carolina (ACC Network Extra)


15. Wake Forest Demon Deacons

Previous rank: 16
Record: 11-1
Next game: at App State, 3 p.m. on Wednesday (ESPN+)


16. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Previous rank: 9
Record: 7-4
Next game: at NC State, 3 p.m. on Tuesday (ACC Network Extra)


17. TCU Horned Frogs

Previous rank: 18
Record: 6-5
Next game: vs. Abilene Christian, 7 p.m. on Tuesday (ESPN+)


18. Oregon State Beavers

Previous rank: 19
Record: 6-4
Next game: at Oregon, 6:05 p.m. on Tuesday


19. Tennessee Volunteers

Previous rank: 20
Record: 8-3
Next game: vs. ETSU, 4 p.m. on Tuesday (SEC Network+)


20. Florida State Seminoles

Previous rank: 21
Record: 8-2
Next game: vs. Jacksonville, 6 p.m. on Tuesday (ACC Network Extra)


21. Kentucky Wildcats

Previous rank: 22
Record: 9-2
Next game: at Eastern Kentucky, 5 p.m. on Tuesday (ESPN+)


22. Texas A&M Aggies

Previous rank: 23
Record: 10-1
Next game: vs. UIW, 5 p.m. on Tuesday (SEC Network+)


23. West Virginia Mountaineers

Previous rank: 24
Record: 8-2
Next game: vs. Radford, 2 p.m. on Tuesday (ESPN+)


24. Miami Hurricanes

Previous rank: 17
Record: 10-2
Next game: at UCF, 6 p.m. on Wednesday


25. UTSA Roadrunners

Previous rank: NR
Record: 10-1
Next game: at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday (ESPN+)





Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

Harry Kane vows Bayern Munich have ‘a lot to play for’ after Bundesliga title

Published

on

Harry Kane vows Bayern Munich have ‘a lot to play for’ after Bundesliga title


Harry Kane has reiterated that Bayern Munich still have “a lot to play for” this season after winning the Bundesliga title following their 4-2 thrashing of Stuttgart on Sunday.

The England international was substituted on at half time to bag his 31st goal, taking his tally to 51 across all competitions for Bayern this season, the most by any player for a top-five league side since Erling Haaland in 2022-23 (52).

After retaining the title — Bayern’s 13th in 14 seasons — an overjoyed Kane shared his ambitions for the remainder of the season.

“It’s been a fantastic season for us to finish the league off in the way we have with the goals that we scored.” Kane said.

“It’s a credit to the mentality of the boys, from the first game to the last we just keep pushing.

“We still have a lot to play for in other competitions, but all the hard work and days together this makes it worth it to be champions again.”

Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz have a combined 94 goal contributions between them this season — the most by a trio on record (since 1988) in the Bundesliga.

– The numbers behind Harry Kane’s record-breaking Bundesliga season for Bayern Munich
– Bayern Munich retain Bundesliga title after thrashing Stuttgart
– Who has won Bundesliga? All-time German soccer winners list

Kane celebrated the trio’s chemistry: “It’s special, I feel like the relationship just get stronger and stronger, it grows every time we play and train with each other.

“There is still a lot to play for we feel good every time when we’re on the pitch.

Two more trophies are up for grabs for Vincent Kompany’s side, with a semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup to play next as well as a highly-anticipated clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semifinals.

Kompany, who has now won the Bavarian club’s 34th and 35th Bundesliga crowns, hailed the opportunity to keep winning trophies.

“The numbers are great, but it’s not over yet,” Kompany said.

“We keep going. It’s also a question of mentality. We always give our all, whether in pre-season or for a competitive fixture and I don’t want to stop yet.

“We’ve got crucial weeks to come. We’re excited, but also know how tough it’ll be. Our belief is there, and that’s very valuable in football.”

Additional information from PA contributed to this report.



Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

PCB imposes one-year PSL ban on Dasun Shanaka over contractual breach

Published

on

PCB imposes one-year PSL ban on Dasun Shanaka over contractual breach


Dasun Shanaka of Sri Lanka speaks at the post-match during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights match against Pakistan at Pallekele Cricket Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Kandy, Sri Lanka. — ICC

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka from participation in the next edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), citing contractual violations.

Shanaka was signed by defending champions Lahore Qalandars for Rs7.5 million in the accelerated round of the inaugural players auction, held in February this year.

But just three days before the commencement of the ongoing PSL 11, the franchise confirmed that the Sri Lankan all-rounder has withdrawn due to personal reasons and was replaced by Australia’s Daniel Sams in the squad.

In a statement, the PCB said it conducted a comprehensive assessment of recent contractual developments involving Shanaka and Lahore Qalandars, after the player withdrew from the tournament on March 21, 2026.

The board concluded that the unilateral withdrawal amounted to a clear breach of the player registration terms and the tripartite agreement. It further noted that the reasons cited for the withdrawal were not covered under the existing contractual framework.

While acknowledging Shanaka’s expressions of regret and his stated desire to continue playing in Pakistan, the PCB said the nature of the breach required regulatory action to safeguard the integrity and exclusivity of the league.

As a result, the PCB confirmed that Shanaka has been barred from participating in PSL 12, effective immediately.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by the PCB, the Sri Lankan all-rounder issued an apology to Pakistani fans and the wider cricket community.

“I deeply regret my decision to withdraw from the HBL PSL and offer my sincere apologies to the people of Pakistan, the fans of HBL PSL, and the wider cricket community,” Shanaka was quoted as saying by the PCB.

“The HBL PSL is a prestigious tournament, and I fully understand the disappointment caused by my actions. To the loyal fans of Lahore Qalandars, I am truly sorry for letting you down.”

He further clarified that he had no intention of joining any other franchise league at the time of his withdrawal from the PSL, urging that he has great respect for Pakistani fans and expressing his hope to make his return to the marquee league soon.

“I must clarify that at the time I withdrew from the PSL I had no intention of joining any other tournament. I have the greatest respect for Pakistani Fans and have always enjoyed my time in Pakistan. I hope to return to the HBL PSL in the future with renewed dedication and the trust of the fans.”





Source link

Continue Reading

Sports

Maryland’s Okananwa leads D’Tigress refresh as Nigeria call up NCAA talent to face WNBA

Published

on

Maryland’s Okananwa leads D’Tigress refresh as Nigeria call up NCAA talent to face WNBA


Just under a month ago, Maryland Terrapins guard Oluchi Okanawa went viral for an intense moment with her coach Brenda Frese in their 74-66 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels in the NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament.

Now, she is headlining what appears to be a rebuild of the Nigeria women’s basketball program.

Okananwa, the Terrapins star player, was having a dreadful third quarter where she turned the ball over multiple times, missed three free throws and missed a layup before getting yanked by Frese.

What followed turned out to be one of the most viral moments of March Madness. Frese went forehead-to-forehead with the guard in an intense coaching moment, telling her star Terrapin “I believe in you, but you got to want this moment!”

Oluchi went back into the game, immediately scored, got a steal and ended up with 21 points in a remarkable turnaround. She said after the game that she welcomed the intensity of the coaching moment.

“Coach understands I’m a competitor at heart,” she said. “I’ve told her this before, and I’ll keep on telling her this forever. I love to be coached hard. That’s what she does with me every single day.”

Less than four weeks later, Okananwa is now top of the list on the Nigeria women’s basketball team, as they named a 21-player training camp roster ahead of a series of friendlies against WNBA opposition, part of preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.

Far from routine, the squad named by head coach Rena Wakama, appears to be a clear indication that D’Tigress are fully in refresh season, with a wave of NCAA-based players called up, led by Okananwa and Texas Tech’s Stephanie Okechukwu, the tallest player in the history of NCAA women’s basketball at 7 feet 1 inch.

Both players are part of a total of 15 players on that roster picked from fourteen different US programs. Of those, Okananwa and Okechukwu are the undisputed picks of a bunch spanning Power Four programs, the Ivy League and the junior college ranks.

It is the most concentrated draw on the NCAA pipeline in D’Tigress history and comes in the wake of the departure of former captain Sarah Ogoke, as the NBBF looks to lower the age of the team with players like Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and Victoria Macaulay the other side of 30.

Okananwa, a junior, earned AP and WBCA All-America honorable mention honors this season after averaging 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and a Big Ten-leading 74 steals in 33 starts for the Terrapins. She led Maryland in scoring in 28 of 33 games and reached 20 points or more in 14 outings.

With her talent, Okananwa could well be the face and future of Nigeria women’s basketball.

Okechukwu, the 7-foot-1 center from Umunneochi, Nigeria, who attended high school in Japan, signed with Texas Tech in January as the tallest player in the history of NCAA women’s basketball.

She did not play during the 2025-26 season due to NCAA eligibility complications related to her academic transcripts, but remains enrolled at Texas Tech and is expected to compete beginning next season.

Stanford are the only program to contribute more than one player. They are Shay Ijiwoye, a sophomore guard from Phoenix, Arizona, who appeared in 32 games for the Cardinals last season, averaging 2.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

Her teammate Nora Ezike, a freshman forward from La Grange, Illinois, made her Nigeria debut at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Brno, Czechia, last July, where she opened with 25 points on 8-for-8 shooting in Nigeria’s first-ever U19 World Cup victory against China. She played in nine games off the Stanford bench in 2025-26.

Another addition is Uche Izoje, who may be college basketball’s most compelling origin story. The 6-foot-3 center from Asaba, Delta State, left Nigeria at age 13 to play basketball in Japan, spent two seasons with Chanson V-Magic in the Women’s Japan Basketball League as a two-time All-Star and 2024 Rookie of the Year, then arrived in the United States for the first time to play at Syracuse.

In her debut college season she averaged 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and a conference-leading 2.6 blocks per game, capping a standout debut season by winning ACC Rookie of the Year and going on to score 23 points in 25 minutes against Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Hall of Famer Geno Auriemma called her “the best player we’ve seen this year.”

Miami freshman forward Danielle Osho, a four-star recruit from Dacula, Georgia and a two-time Georgia state high school champion, also earns a call-up. Osho averaged 2.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in her first college season with the Hurricanes.

Despite the seemingly overwhelming number of NCAA-related rookies, the squad is held together by an experienced core of vets that include Kalu, Amukamara, Macaulay, Nicole Enabosi and Pallas Kunayi-Akpanah.

But they are also missing just as much experience, including the leadership of captain Amy Okonkwo, who signed a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings after averaging 11.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals across eight appearances in her WNBA debut with the franchise in 2025.

Elizabeth Balogun is in a similar position with the Toronto Tempo. Murjanatu Musa is also absent, competing instead with Basket Landes at the EuroLeague Women’s Final Six in Zaragoza, Spain, where she is in the running for the MVP in only her first season in that competition.

Despite this influx of largely young and untested players, Kunayi-Akpanah says the objective for those three games in the States is clear.

“These aren’t just exhibition games,” she said. “These are games for us to test our plays, our systems and how we communicate under pressure. Basically, everything we’ve been building. All is to arrive in our best shape for the World Cup in September.”

D’Tigress face the Los Angeles Sparks on April 25, the Minnesota Lynx on April 27, and the Indiana Fever on May 2 as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, which begins September 4 in Berlin, Germany.

Nigeria qualified as AfroBasket champions, but were still required to take part in World Cup qualifying tournament where they went 2-3.

Still, those results were sufficient to maintain their eighth-place standing in the FIBA Women’s World Rankings with 700.3 points and D’Tigress remain the only African nation ranked inside the global top 10.

Full training camp roster:

Promise Amukamara, Shay Ijiwoye, Donanu Regina, Jerni Kiaku, Ezinne Kalu, Oluchi Okananwa, Gabby White, Nora Ezike, Victoria Macaulay, Vivian Iwuchukwu, Pallas Kunayi-Akpanah, Suzie Rafiu, Danielle Osho, Nicole Enabosi, Maryam Dauda, Rita Igbokwe, Stephanie Okechukwu, Uche Izoje, Vera Ojenuwa, Favour Nwaedozi and Blessing Ejiofor.

D’Tigress College Future:

Shay Ijiwoye – Stanford

Donanu Regina – Barton Community College

Jerni Kiaku – Indiana University Hoosiers

Oluchi Okananwa – Maryland

Gabby White – UVA transferring to UNC

Nora Ezike – Stanford

Vivian Iwuchukwu – USC Trojans

Suzie Rafiu – Columbia University

Danielle Osho – Miami Hurricanes

Maryam Dauda – U South Carolina Gamecocks

Rita Igbokwe – Ole Miss

Stephanie Okechukwu – Texas

Uche Izoje – Syracuse

Vera Ojenuwa – UGA

Favour Nwaedozi – Mississippi State





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending