Four talking points from dramatic week of Asian World Cup qualifiers
AUSTRALIA: Remember when critics of FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams claimed it would spell the end of the qualifying stages?
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Surprise Bento dismissal raises questions about rest of UAE World Cup qualifying campaign
DUBAI: It takes something special to top the drama of a 98th-minute winner which kept UAE dreams of automatic World Cup 2026 qualification alive.
Big hitters shine as unstoppable Indian Premier League begins
The 18th Indian Premier League has begun with a bang. Although not as big a one as the very first match in 2008, when Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 158 off 73 deliveries in a total of 222 for Kolkata Knight Riders, it has generated some powerful batting displays. In the first five matches, an average of 208.7 runs has been scored per innings in the first five matches; in 2008, it was 152.
LeBron James buzzer-beater rescues Lakers to halt losing streak
LOS ANGELES: LeBron James tipped in a buzzer-beating rebound with 0.1 seconds remaining as the Los Angeles Lakers halted their three-game losing streak with a pulsating 120-119 road victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. A thrilling duel in Indianapolis saw the Pacers climb out of a 13-point fourth-quarter hole to snatch a 119-118 lead with 42 seconds remaining and leave the Lakers staring down the barrel of a fourth straight defeat. But with the clock ticking down, Luka Doncic made one last drive to the basket – only to see his attempted 13-foot floater bounce off the rim. James reacted fastest, leaping to palm the ball into the bucket for the winning score and give the Lakers a precious victory in the race for Western Conference playoff berths. The 40-year-old James – who had failed to score from the field in the opening three quarters – finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Lakers coach J.J. Redick saluted the veteran superstar’s perseverance in dragging his team over the line despite having an offensive off-night. “It’s another great example of where he doesn’t necessarily have it going early, and got off to a slow start offensively,” Redick said. “But he was so good defensively for us.
Rivers Hoopers sign DR Congo’s captain to boost BAL chances
Determined to mount the podium at this year’s Basketball Africa League (BAL), Nigeria’s representatives, Rivers Hoopers, have continued assembling a tough squad capable of battling for honours when the BAL tips off on April 5 in Rabat, Morocco. The latest of the players to join Rivers Hoopers’ squad is Congo DR’s national team captain, Maxi Munanga Shamba. Since the 2017 Afrobasket tournament in Rwanda, Shamba has been a crucial member of the Congolese national team. The 31-year-old point guard also featured in the former club competition for men (FIBA Africa Champions Cup) before it transitioned to the BAL, for Lupopo (DR Congo), Zamalek (Egypt), and Association Sportive de Sale (Morocco) in 2009, 2013 and 2017 respectively. Shamba, who currently plays in France, averaged 12.7 points per game, three rebounds per game, and 6.7 assists per game at the 2021 Afrobasket. He guided DR Congo to a remarkable 65-55 victory over Morocco during the 2025 Afrobasket qualifiers in February. In 20 minutes, he managed to score 15 points and hit 4-of-6 shots from beyond the arc. Already in Rivers Hoopers’ team are Kelvin Amayo, a combo guard (Nigeria/Canada),Madut Akec, a small forward from South Sudan,Raphael Putney, a power forward (USA), and Peter Olisemeka of Nigeria, a centre.
UConn's Hurley admits 'mistakes,' won't change how he coaches - ESPN
STORRS, Conn. — UConn coach Dan Hurley acknowledged there are things that «I wish I didn't do» as he expressed regret over making profane comments about the officiating after the Huskies' NCAA tournament lossto Florida on Sunday.
LeBron James opens up on relationship with idol Michael Jordan - ESPN
Michael Jordan went from being LeBron James' childhood idol to now, in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, the basketball figure whose James' résumé is most often judged against.
NBA and European football teams in talks to back new basketball league
The National Basketball Association is in discussions with some of Europe's top football clubs about backing teams in a new basketball league on the continent, in what could potentially be a significant international expansion effort by a U.S. sports league.