UCLA finished the season at No. 1 in The Associated Press women's basketball Top 25 on Monday after routing South Carolina to win its first NCAA championship. The Bruins were a unanimous choice from the 31-member national media panel, ending the season as the top choice for the first time in school history. Their first No. 1 ranking came after they also beat South Carolina in November 2024. The Gamecocks were second behind the Bruins with Final Four participants UConn and Texas third and fourth, respectively. The Huskies, who have finished in the top 10 of the final poll for 33 straight years, had been the No. 1 team all season until Monday. They had been unbeaten until a loss to South Carolina on Friday. No. 5 Duke, No. 6 TCU and No. 7 Michigan, which all reached the Elite Eight, followed the Longhorns. LSU was eighth and Notre Dame ninth. The Fighting Irish made the biggest leap in the poll, climbing 13 spots after reaching the regional final with an upset of Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16.. The Commodores were 10th. In addition to the 25 ranked teams, 13 others received votes in this final poll. Texas Tech led the way with 22, followed by Princeton with 13 and Oklahoma State with 11. Illinois and Georgia each picked up 7 votes, while Fairfield and Columbia each earned 5. Marshall (3), Villanova (3), Oregon (2), Rhode Island (2), NC State (2) and Syracuse (1) rounded out the group. Here is the full top 25: 25. Washington, 22-11, Big Ten24. Alabama, 24-11, SEC23. Baylor, 25-9, Big 1222. Michigan State, 23-9, Big Ten21. Ole Miss, 24-12, SEC20. Maryland, 24-9, Big Ten19. Virginia, 22-12, ACC18. West Virginia, 28-7, Big 1217. Ohio State, 27-8, Big Ten16. Iowa, 27-7, Big Ten15. Minnesota, 24-9, Big Ten14. Kentucky, 25-11, SEC13. North Carolina, 28-8, ACC12. Oklahoma, 26-8, SEC11. Louisville, 29-8, ACC10. Vanderbilt, 29-5, SEC9. Notre Dame, 25-11, ACC8. LSU, 29-6, SEC7. Michigan, 28-7, Big Ten6. TCU, 32-6, Big 125. Duke, 27-9, ACC4. Texas, 35-4, SEC3. UConn, 38-1, Big East2. South Carolina, 36-4, SEC1. UCLA, 37-1, Big Ten Celebrating history The Bruins are one of only three teams that were in both the first womens basketball poll 50 years ago and the final Top 25 this season. Maryland and Baylor are the other two. The Terrapins ended the season ranked 20th and the Bears were 23rd. Ranked Cavaliers No. 19 Virginia earned its first ranking since 2011 after reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time in 26 years. They also became the first team that played in the First Four to reach the regional semifinals. Even with their success, the Cavaliers made a coaching change over the weekend, firing Amaka Agugua-Hamilton. The Cavaliers had been a mainstay in the poll until dropping out on Nov. 10, 2011. Conference supremecy The SEC and the Big Ten each had eight teams in the final Top 25 of the season. The ACC had five and The Big 12 three. The Big East had one. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Ajinkya Rahane and the team management came under a lot of fire for choosing to bat after winning the toss during the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings.

Vitello admitted Sunday that the first-base umpire was right in his call

Report: Arsenal looking to hijack Liverpools move for 100m forwardArsenal Transfer News: Diomande Race Poses Liverpool ChallengeLiverpools long term planning for life after Mohamed Salah has encountered a significant obstacle, with Caught Offside reporting that Arsenal currently hold an advantage in the pursuit of Yan Diomande. The emerging picture is one shaped less by finances and more by circumstance, specifically Champions League qualification.Photo: IMAGODiomandes profile fits what Liverpool are seeking. Young, productive, and adaptable, he has been identified as a leading candidate to refresh the attacking line. Yet the conditions around his next move are beginning to narrow Liverpools margin for manoeuvre.Photo: IMAGOChampions League Requirement Alters LandscapeThe key detail is straightforward. Diomande wants Champions League football. That preference has elevated Arsenals position and placed Liverpool under pressure.Arsenal have reached out to those around Diomande to be kept informed over his future, one source said. That doesnt mean a bid or an offer is imminent or definitely going to happen, but its a position theyre looking to strengthen and hes appreciated by their recruitment team.Liverpools interest has been long established, but their current league position complicates matters.Diomande is Liverpools preferred Salah replacement, but the reality is that theyll struggle to get him without Champions League football, and there is a huge amount of interest from all over Europe, with Arsenal very much in the race, another source added.Liverpool Recruitment Strategy Faces TestThis is where Liverpools recruitment model will be examined. The club have built a reputation for identifying talent early and acting decisively. However, elite targets often come with elite expectations.Diomandes return of 11 goals and six assists this season reflects a player ready to step up. His direct style, combined with composure in the final third, aligns with the qualities Liverpool require.Photo IMAGORecruitment at this level is about opportunity meeting readiness, is a phrase that encapsulates the situation.Liverpool may need to consider alternatives if qualification is not secured, or move quickly to convince the player of a longer term project.Arsenal Interest Highlights Attacking NeedArsenals involvement is logical. Despite their strong league position, there has been criticism of their attacking fluency. Diomande offers a different dynamic, one that could add unpredictability and creativity.Their interest underlines the competitive nature of this market. When multiple top clubs converge on the same target, timing and clarity often prove decisive.Leipzig Position Adds Further ComplexityRB Leipzig remain a central figure in this process. The possibility of a new contract keeps all options open, particularly if they secure Champions League football themselves.That uncertainty benefits the selling club. It allows them to maintain leverage while monitoring developments across Europe.For Liverpool, the situation is finely balanced. The interest is genuine, the fit is clear, but external factors may dictate the outcome.Our View Anfield Index AnalysisThis report is concerning but not entirely surprising.Champions League football has always been a key factor in attracting top talent. If Liverpool fall short, it will inevitably impact their ability to compete for players like Diomande. That reality highlights how important the final weeks of the season are.There is frustration that Liverpool may lose ground to a direct rival. Arsenal strengthening their attack while Liverpool search for a Salah replacement would shift the balance at the top of the table.Supporters will also question contingency planning. If Diomande is viewed as a priority, then the club must have alternative targets ready. Recruitment cannot stall because one deal becomes complicated.At the same time, Liverpools track record offers reassurance. The club have often navigated situations like this effectively, identifying players who fit the system and grow into key roles.The concern lies in timing. Missing out on Champions League football creates a ripple effect across recruitment, squad planning, and momentum.Fans will hope that Liverpool can still make a compelling case, whether through project, playing style, or long term ambition.Ultimately, this is a test of the clubs adaptability. The outcome will say much about their direction.

The Sky have traded two-time WNBA All-Star and two-time rebounding champ Angel Reese to the Dream for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028.

Jeneva Hernandez Gray of Portugal's Sporting CP and AFCToronto's Olivia Chisholm will join Canada's women's under-20 teamfor a pair of friendlies in Costa Rica this month.

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