Women’s Basketball Begins B1G Road Trip at Purdue

February 12, 2026

Photo Cred: 1000 Logos

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers women’s basketball team (9-15, 1-12 B1G) will travel to Purdue (11-13, 3-10 B1G) on Saturday, Feb. 14 for a 12 p.m. contest.

The contest will be streamed live on B1G+, and fans can listen on FOX Sports New Jersey.

The entire 2025-26 Rutgers women’s basketball season is presented by Prudential.

Last Time Out

The Scarlet Knights fought hard, but fell to RV/RV Minnesota (18-6, 9-4 B1G), 63-52, at Jersey Mike’s Arena on Sunday afternoon.

The contest was extremely close through the first three quarters, featuring seven lead changes and five ties.

Nene Ndiaye tied her career best with 26 points and set new highs with 10 field goals and five three-pointers. Zachara Perkins also netted a season best 18 points.

Milestones Made

There has been plenty to celebrate “On The Banks” including Faith Blackstone clinching 1,000th Division I points against Lafayette on Dec. 20. She is the 45th overall Scarlet Knight to join the 1,000-point club and currently sits with 1,117 points.

Kaylah Ivey also captured 500 career assists at Michigan State on Dec. 28. Her 542 helpers rank 14th in the nation among active players.

Head coach Coquese Washington also secured her 250th career win on Dec. 20.

The Scarlet Knights Against the Top-25

Rutgers women’s basketball has eight opponents on its schedule ranked in the top 25 between the AP poll and WBCA USA Today poll. In addition, three opponents are ranked between both polls.

No. 2/2 UCLA
No. 7/7 Michigan
No. 8/8 Ohio State
No. 13/13 Michigan State
No. 15/12 Iowa
No. 20/17 Maryland
No. 24/24 Princeton
No. 25/RV Washington
RV/RV Minnesota
RV/– Illinois
–/RV Nebraska

Coaching Staff Changes

Head coach Coquese Washington added four new coaches to her staff this offseason in Senior Associate Head Coach Shannon LeBeauf and assistant coaches Sean LeBeauf, Danielle Edwards and James Spinelli.

Before coming “On The Banks,” Shannon LeBeauf, one of the top assistant coaches in the nation, spent the last 14 seasons on the sidelines at UCLA as an Assistant and Associate Head Coach for the Bruins. She is a proven recruiter, having tallied 14 Top-25 recruiting classes over her stellar career, including UCLA’s first-ever No. 1-ranked recruiting class in 2014-15 and its second No. 1 class in 2021-22. In her extensive time with the Bruins, LeBeauf helped guide the team to 321 wins and nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite 8 berth in 2018 and most recently, a Final Four appearance in a historic 2024-25 campaign.

Sean LeBeauf spent the previous four seasons at UC Riverside as an assistant coach. There he helped the Highlanders to 55 wins including 38 victories in Big West play. He helped the team advance to the Big West Tournament Championship in 2024 and onto the WNIT.

Dani Edwards arrives in Piscataway, New Jersey from SMU where she was hired as the Director of Player Personnel in April 2021 but went onto become an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the past four seasons. Edwards helped the Mustangs to new heights during her tenure, collecting 50+ overall wins and 20+ conference victories. She helped the team reach the WNIT her first two seasons, the first time the Mustangs made the postseason in back-to-back campaigns for the first time since 2014 and 2015.

James Spinelli spent the last two seasons at Northeastern as an assistant coach after spending five seasons as the Video Coordinator at Notre Dame. While with the Huskies, he coached the wings as well as serving as the lead scouter on staff and running in-practice skill development for the guards. Spinelli was also responsible for all the analytics utilized by the Huskies.

Jeanine Wasielewski enters her third season as an assistant coach for the Rutgers women’s basketball team in the 2025-26 campaign and assumes the role of Offensive Coordinator for the Scarlet Knights.

Staff Updates

Washington also made some changes to her staff.

After two seasons as an assistant coach “On The Banks,” Nneka Enemkpali will now serve as the team’s Chief of Staff. In this new role, Enemkpali will helm administrative operations for the program as the team’s primary liaison to internal support units for athletics including compliance, the R Fund, the alumni office, ticketing services, and the offices of the Chancellor and President. In addition, Enemkpali will work closely with Washington concerning matters related to revenue sharing and NIL management.

Enemkpali will also work with external units, collaborating with marketing, sports information and brand advancement on social media and communications initiatives. She will facilitate strategic community engagement opportunities for the program, while also serving as liaison to season ticketholders and the women’s basketball booster club, The Cagers Club.

After one season as the interim Director of Basketball Operations, Alejandro Ramirez has been promoted in the role full time. Ramirez assists Washington with the day-to-day operations of the program in all aspects including team travel, game day organization, practice operations and recruiting.

Ramirez leads multiple game day operations efforts including the game day schedule and managing shootarounds for both home and away teams. Ramirez works in close conjunction with multiple Rutgers departments, in particular, equipment and facilities. He oversees the robust Scarlet Knight student-manager program, hiring, training and scheduling all managers working with the program. In addition, Ramirez organizes and directs all summer camps for Rutgers Women’s Basketball.

Returning to The Banks

RU returns five Scarlet Knights for the upcoming season including Antonia Bates, Deja Young, Zachara Perkins, Kennedy Brandt and Janae Walker.

Transferring In

Washington and her staff welcomed six transfers for this upcoming season including Lauryn Swann (Arizona), Kaylah Ivey (Boston College), Nene Ndiaye (Boston College), Faith Blackstone (Stephen F. Austin), Imani Lester (Kansas State), Yacine Ndiaye (UNCG).

Swann comes to RU after spending her freshman season at Arizona. She was named to the 2025 Big 12 All-Freshman Team as well as earning a Big 12 All State Bench Performance of the Week and Big 12 Freshman of the Week twice. The Queens, New York native recorded 12 double digit outings and led the team in scoring five times, including a career high 22 points against Utah, (Dec. 31) knocking down a career-best six three-pointers and shooting 85 percent from field. She made 50-of-128 three pointers during the 2024-25 slate, making her one of only six Wildcats have made more three-pointers in a campaign in program history.

Ivey spent the last four seasons at Boston College where during her senior season, she led the ACC and ranked third in the nation with a 3.3 assist/turnover ratio on 160 assists and 49 turnovers. She recorded 16 helpers to go along with no turnovers against Miami (Jan. 16), the most by a player in a single ACC game since 2002. Ivey ended the season 8th in program history at BC with 455 assists Nene Ndiaye played the past two seasons at Boston College and most recently during her sophomore season, appeared in 30 games and made 10 starts. She scored a career high 16 points and tied a season-best six rebounds at Pittsburgh (Feb. 6) and ended the campaign averaging 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game and netted points in 23 outings. Ndiaye was also a part of the Senegal U18 National Team and in the 2020 Afrobasket Tournament.

In Blackstone’s most recent season at Helped Stephen F. Austin win the Southland Tournament Championship and secure a spot in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. She was named a First-Team All-Conference selection after leading SFA with 14.8 points per game in addition to averaging 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals.

Lester spent the last two seasons at Kansas State where she helped the Wildcats to a 28-8 overall record and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Tournament. She saw action in 34 contests and set multiple career-highs including points, field goal percentage, rebounds, assists and steals Yacine Ndiaye played her freshman and sophomore seasons at UNCG. She helped the Spartans to a historic 2024-25 slate, including a SoCon Tournament Championship and a trip to the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Ndiaye saw action in 27 games and finished second on the team with 21 blocks. She also appeared in 12 contests during her freshman campaign.

New Knights

The team also brought in two freshmen in Precious Gem Wheeler and Makylah Moore.

Wheeler attended Franklin High School. She broke out during her sophomore season in 2022-23, recording 9.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. Wheeler also helped to lead Franklin to the Somerset County Tournament semifinals.

Moore helped her team at Nazareth High School to a NYSPHSAA Championship recording 18 points and 10 rebounds in the title tilt. She also guided her team to a Borough Championship. During her senior season, the Brooklyn, New York native averaged 21.4 points, 7,0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Reached double digit points in all 29 games, including 20+ points 11 times and 30+ five times. In addition, she posted five double-doubles and six or more rebounds in 19 contests.

Scarlet Knights on the Big Screen

Rutgers will make six appearances on the big screen during the campaign between the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports 1.

Nov. 30 vs. Saint Peter’s – 3 p.m. (BTN)
Dec. 6 vs. Iowa – 6 p.m. (FS1)
Jan. 4 at Ohio State – 2 p.m. (BTN)
Jan. 22 vs. Michigan – 6 p.m. (BTN)
Feb. 17 at Illinois – 7 p.m. (BTN)
Feb. 21 vs. Penn State – 4 p.m. (BTN)

Scouting the Boilermakers

Purdue has dropped its last four games, including a loss to Indiana in its most recent outing, 74-59.

Tara Daye paces the Boilermakers with 12.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Next Up

Rutgers will continue its Big Ten road trip at RV/– Illinois on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. ET.

Follow Along

Follow Rutgers women’s basketball on Twitter and Instagram (@RutgersWBB) for all of the latest news and updates. The team is also on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersWBB). For all Rutgers Athletics news follow us on Twitter(@RUAthletics), Instagram (@RUAthletics), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics). For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.

Kansas Outmuscles No. 1 Arizona in Gritty Allen Fieldhouse Thriller

Keegan Rathje

February 11, 2026

01kh4b1s4rqd17777jcz — Photo Cred: Kansas Jayhawks

On Monday, the #1 Arizona Wildcats (23–1) traveled to Allen Fieldhouse to take on the #9 Kansas Jayhawks (19–5) in a physical battle that came down to the final minute. Kansas walked off its home court victorious, with a 72–68 final score. In a game-time decision, projected #1 pick in the upcoming draft, Darryn Peterson, was ruled out due to flu-like symptoms. This marked the 11th game Peterson has missed, forcing the team around him to adapt to playing without their star. Despite his absence, Kansas came ready to compete and beat the Wildcats by dominating where they are strongest: scoring in the paint.

1st Half:

Arizona started the game with authority, scoring six straight points in the paint. This sent an early message to the Jayhawks regarding the Wildcats’ physicality, forcing Kansas to respond with a more aggressive, paint-oriented defensive approach. Darryn Peterson is a major threat from beyond the arc, attempting over six three-pointers per game, but his absence forced Kansas to adopt a contrasting style of play. That adjustment created immediate momentum, forcing Arizona’s starting center, Motiejus Krivas, into back-to-back traveling violations.

For the first time in conference play, the Wildcats were thrown out of rhythm in an area they are known for dominating. Arizona’s efficiency inside the paint, both offensively and defensively, ranks in the top 10 nationally. On the other side of the ball, Kansas started sloppily, turning the ball over and allowing Arizona easy buckets in transition. Arizona’s ball movement was sharp, allowing all five players on the floor to remain scoring threats and creating balanced offense. Every Wildcat starter scored within the first five minutes.

In contrast, Jayhawks guard Bryson Tiller established himself early, scoring 14 of Kansas’s first 22 points. Kansas also committed to protecting the rim, recording seven blocks in the first half, led by potential Defensive Player of the Year, Flory Bidunga. Bidunga set the defensive tone by stepping up in the paint and forcing Arizona’s guards into uncomfortable shots two to three feet behind their preferred spots. This kept the Wildcats in constant discomfort and prevented them from generating quality looks.

Undisciplined fouling caused by high perimeter pressure put Arizona out of position defensively, forcing Krivas to help from the block and leading to easy baskets. Neither team was able to create a significant run in the first half, as the squads traded scoring spurts. Kansas trailed for most of the half, while Arizona’s largest lead reached seven. However, Kansas’s quick transition offense kept the game within one possession for much of the period. In the final four minutes, the Jayhawks gained momentum with a short run, ending the half trailing 45–42.

Photo Cred: ESPN

2nd Half:

After a tightly contested first half, Arizona searched for a defensive identity. The Wildcats had relied too heavily on Krivas, and Kansas consistently exploited it. Fortunately for Arizona, they opened the second half strong, going on a quick 11–2 run. This marked their largest lead of the night, fueled by active guard play on defense, aggressive passing-lane pressure, and a surge of momentum despite the hostile environment.

Kansas responded with a brief run of free throws and transition buckets, cutting Arizona’s lead to four with just under 12 minutes remaining. That’s when Flory Bidunga took over, sparking an 11–2 run of his own. He applied relentless pressure defensively while anchoring the offense in the paint, giving Kansas a three-point lead. Arizona went scoreless for over four minutes until Braden Burries knocked down a crucial three-pointer. Kansas responded by keeping its foot on the gas, extending the lead to six with under four minutes remaining.

By that point, the Wildcats were clearly fatigued. Kansas had physically dominated the game, shutting down both Koa Peat and Jaden Bradley offensively. The scoring burden shifted heavily to Burries and Kharchenkov. Krivas, whose shot had gone cold after Arizona’s initial drought, was also carrying a heavy defensive workload against Bidunga and Kansas’s quick guards. Burries and Kharchenkov attacked the lane and cut the Jayhawks’ lead to two, 73–71, with under two minutes remaining.

Photo Cred: Kansas Sports

However, a few failed possessions later, Arizona committed costly fouls and defensive lapses, allowing the game to be decided at the free-throw line. Tre White sealed the game at the stripe, with an 82–78 final in favor of the Jayhawks. Kansas snapped Arizona’s record-breaking start in a thrilling matchup in Lawrence. The Wildcats struggled in the road environment, hitting just 8 of 14 free throws. The Jayhawk crowd made its case for the toughest atmosphere in the country, reaching 110 decibels inside Allen Fieldhouse.

Arizona’s starters shot a collective 40% from the field, getting bullied in the paint and forced into difficult shots. The final 12 minutes were especially costly for the Wildcats, as they surrendered their lead and allowed Kansas to seize control and maintain momentum. This was an impressive performance from the Jayhawks without their leading scorer and a promising sign as conference play nears its end. Kansas extended its win streak to eight games, including victories over four top-15 teams.

This is the point in the schedule where teams aim to peak, define their identity, and build momentum. On the other side, Arizona may have benefited from this loss. Defeats expose weaknesses and highlight areas for growth. Perimeter shooting has been a season-long critique for the Wildcats and played a major role in this outcome. Ultimately, the biggest factor was Kansas’s physical dominance.

The Jayhawks understood the game would be decided within 12 feet of the basket and executed a tougher, more effective brand of basketball. This matchup marked the first battle in Arizona’s remaining gauntlet schedule. The two teams will meet again at McKale Center on February 28, where Darryn Peterson is expected to return. That rematch will determine whether Kansas can maintain the same level of pressure on the road.

Chat GPT Predicts the Next 10 Super Bowl Winners

Stephen Patrick

February 10, 2026

ea12025b-000a-4c6e-b37f-8213f92a9680 — Photo Cred:

🏆 Predicted Super Bowl Champions (2026–2035)

Below is a speculative forecast for the winners of the next 10 championships (Super Bowl LX–LXXV). These predictions blend AI-based long-range forecasts with current NFL trends — but they’re just for entertainment and should not be taken as factual:

Season (Championship Year)	Super Bowl #	Predicted Winner

2026 Season (Feb 2027)	LXI	Kansas City Chiefs (prediction)
2027 Season (Feb 2028)	LXII	San Francisco 49ers (prediction)
2028 Season	LXIII	Buffalo Bills (per long-range AI model)
2029 Season	LXIV	New England Patriots (per long-range AI)
2030 Season	LXV	Baltimore Ravens (per long-range AI)
2031 Season	LXVI	Green Bay Packers (per long-range AI)
2032 Season	LXVII	Las Vegas Raiders (per long-range AI)
2033 Season	LXVIII	Philadelphia Eagles (per long-range AI)
2034 Season	LXIX	Chicago Bears (per long-range AI)
2035 Season	LXX	New York Giants (per long-range AI)

Cardinals Hire Mike LaFleur as Head Coach

Keegan Rathje

February 9, 2026

The Arizona Cardinals became one of the final teams to fill their head coaching vacancy. After a lengthy process that spanned more than three weeks, the Cardinals selected former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. Despite his young age, LaFleur has already worked 12 years in the NFL, including coordinator roles with the Jets and most recently the Los Angeles Rams. This will be LaFleur’s first head coaching opportunity, and it comes with the daunting challenge of leading a team in what is widely considered the toughest division in football.

Photo Cred: ESPN

The NFC West is not only dominant right now, but it appears poised to remain that way for years to come. Seattle boasts an extremely young roster and has hit on multiple draft picks over the last three years, building a dominant defense alongside explosive offensive weapons. San Francisco suffered significant injuries last season and still managed to advance to the divisional round while relying heavily on reserves. Los Angeles has been consistently competitive over the past five years and is expected to remain prepared even after the inevitable retirement of Matthew Stafford.

Meanwhile, former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon went just 3–15 against NFC West opponents during his three-year tenure. That abysmal record highlighted Arizona’s inferiority within the division and ultimately led owner Michael Bidwill to pursue a new direction by hiring Mike LaFleur. LaFleur held his introductory press conference on Monday and immediately generated overwhelmingly positive reactions across the fanbase. He expressed a clear determination to turn the franchise around while building a strong culture in Arizona.

Photo Cred: NFL

LaFleur also highlighted his previous experiences at State Farm Stadium, not only while facing the Cardinals, but also during a moment of tragedy. In 2025, wildfires ravaged Southern California, leaving much of Los Angeles uninhabitable, including SoFi Stadium. Upon hearing the news, Bidwill opened the Cardinals’ facilities to the Rams, allowing them to support operations and host a “home” playoff game. That gesture left a lasting impression on LaFleur, who called Arizona’s generosity unlike anything he had experienced in any other organization.

His connection to the franchise was evident as he told the media, “I told Lauren (his wife) at the time about a year ago, ‘I’m going to be the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals someday.’ It just felt right.” The energy LaFleur brought was a breath of fresh air for the fanbase, with his infectious enthusiasm resonating throughout the room. Both management and players showed full support, as more than two dozen players attended the press conference to express their excitement and begin forming a foundation with their new leader.

LaFleur also faced difficult questions, including the situation surrounding Kyler Murray, Arizona’s commitment to winning, roster holes, and the coaching staff he would assemble. As expected, many of his responses were measured and professional, but the confidence and energy he displayed helped spark renewed hope throughout the organization. The first major step of his process came with the hiring of Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator.

Hackett brings two decades of NFL experience. The move has been criticized though due to his failed tenure as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022 and his struggles as the Jets offensive coordinator in 2023. He led a defensive analyst role with the Packers last season. However, Cardinals fans may find reassurance in LaFleur’s commitment to calling plays himself, positioning Hackett to focus on refining and addressing minor offensive issues. Ultimately, the fanbase will have to place its trust in Mike LaFleur and his vision.

Photo Cred: NFL

A new hire was critical for an organization in need of a rebuild after Jonathan Gannon led the franchise to a 3–14 record. It has been five years since Arizona last reached the postseason, and the franchise’s history has been bleak at times, totaling just five division titles and one Super Bowl appearance. What the Cardinals truly need is a spark, and Mike LaFleur is confident he can be the catalyst to usher Arizona into a new era.

Breaking Down the Chaos: Grades from the NBA Trade Deadline

Charles Burgess

February 9, 2026

Screen-Shot-2019-02-08-at-2.21.49-PM — The Beacon

In an unusual NBA trade deadline, we saw a mix of both surprising and expected moves. From the Chicago Bulls finally embracing a full-scale rebuild to the shocking Anthony Davis-to-Washington deal, here is a breakdown and grading of every major move from this year’s deadline.

Cavaliers add Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder; Kings receive De’Andre Hunter in a three-team trade.

Kings: C-
Sacramento’s front office has rightfully developed a reputation for accelerating asset mismanagement. In their most recent move, the Kings shipped off one of their few promising young players in Keon Ellis. While De’Andre Hunter is a solid defender with a strong league-wide reputation, the Kings are in no position to be upgrading their roster for immediate contention.

Cavaliers: B
Cleveland had an extremely active deadline, and it began with the acquisition of Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder. The Cavaliers have searched all season for reliable backup point guard play following the failed Lonzo Ball experiment. Cleveland now adds a healthy mix of young promise and proven veteran experience to its guard rotation.

Wizards land Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Dante Exum, and Jaden Hardy in exchange for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, and Marvin Bagley III.

Wizards: B+
After half a decade in the basement of the Eastern Conference, the Wizards have finally signaled that they are ready to compete. Following last month’s acquisition of Trae Young, Washington now boasts a formidable duo for the present, along with several promising young pieces for the future. While availability concerns loom for Davis, who remains out indefinitely, the Wizards have assembled their most talented roster of the past eight years.

Mavericks: D+
While moving on from Anthony Davis was likely the correct decision for Dallas’ long-term future, it’s hard not to feel uneasy as a Mavericks fan. Just 12 months ago, the franchise made the monumental decision to trade Luka Dončić for a package centered around Davis. Now, the Mavs have effectively flipped one of the league’s best players into Khris Middleton, Max Christie, and two highly protected first-round picks.

Cavaliers acquire James Harden from the Clippers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick.

Cavaliers: A-
Through their deadline moves, Cleveland has made it clear they are going all-in on the present. While Garland—Cleveland’s longest-tenured player—provided quality point guard play, the small backcourt pairing of Garland and Donovan Mitchell posed defensive concerns. Harden may not be an elite defender, but the future Hall of Famer brings size, scoring, and elite playmaking to this roster.

Clippers: B+
After years of relying on aging veterans, the Clippers finally acquire a quality young piece to guide them into the future. Injury concerns with Garland are real, as the former All-Star has surpassed 70 games played only once in his career. Still, for a franchise with limited control over its future, this move represents a step in the right direction.

Jazz acquire Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. from Memphis for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Georges Niang, and three future first-round picks.

Jazz: B-
Like the Wizards, Utah has signaled it believes it’s ready to compete. Jackson, a former Defensive Player of the Year, immediately forms one of the league’s best defensive frontcourts alongside Walker Kessler. After routinely fielding one of the NBA’s worst defenses, the Jazz now boast one of the tallest rosters in the league. While the move improves Utah instantly, it came at a steep price.

Grizzlies: A-
If you told a Grizzlies fan three years ago that the Ja Morant–Jaren Jackson Jr. era would end this way, they’d call you crazy. Yet Memphis has quietly positioned itself well for the future. After dealing both Jackson and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies now control an estimated 11–13 first-round picks over the next six years. They also added sharpshooter Taylor Hendricks and Utah’s 2025 first-round pick in Walter Clayton Jr.

Hornets acquire Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. from Chicago for Collin Sexton, Ousmane Dieng, and three second-round picks.

Hornets: B
With young players like Kon Knuppel and Brandon Miller showing real promise, Charlotte is making a clear effort to surround them with proven talent. While the franchise’s future still hinges on LaMelo Ball’s health, the addition of Coby White provides a reliable scorer and capable starter.

Bulls: B-
Many expected a stronger return for White, but once again the Bulls appear to have held onto a valuable asset too long. Still, acquiring three second-round picks for a player they likely wouldn’t re-sign softens the blow. Chicago’s flurry of moves makes it clear a full-scale rebuild is underway.

Celtics acquire Nikola Vučević and a second-round pick for Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick.

Celtics: B+
Even without Jayson Tatum, Boston remains atop the Eastern Conference. Vučević provides much-needed frontcourt depth for a team that lost three key contributors over the offseason. Though his All-Star days are behind him, he remains a physical, three-level scoring option.

Bulls: B-
As with the Coby White trade, this move was long overdue. However, questions remain about whether Chicago truly maximized its asset value. Anfernee Simons can shoulder significant offensive responsibility on a rebuilding roster, and the second-round pick acquired—originally from New Orleans—projects near the top of the round.

Timberwolves acquire Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips from Chicago for Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, and four second-round picks.

Timberwolves: B+
Given Minnesota’s direction, acquiring Dosunmu at relatively low risk made sense. He immediately provides strong two-way guard play and fits well alongside Anthony Edwards due to his off-ball ability and defensive instincts.

Bulls: A-
While missing out on a first-round pick stings, Chicago still landed an intriguing young guard in Rob Dillingham and four second-rounders. A former top-10 pick in 2024, Dillingham struggled to find minutes on a win-now Timberwolves team. In Chicago, he should see a much larger role during this transition period.

Pacers acquire Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two protected first-round picks, and a second-rounder.

To preface, the gamble both teams are taking here is massive. The ultimate winner may depend entirely on where Indiana’s 2026 first-round pick lands. The pick is protected 1–4, meaning if it falls between 5–7, the Clippers will own it.

Pacers: A-
Despite the lottery implications, Indiana secured Myles Turner’s replacement in Zubac, one of the league’s more reliable centers. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined following his Game 7 injury, this season is largely a wash. Zubac strengthens the roster for next year—and the deal looks even better if the Pacers retain their pick.

Clippers: A
Regardless of the pick outcome, the Clippers added another promising young player in Bennedict Mathurin. Pairing Mathurin with Darius Garland gives Los Angeles legitimate building blocks, along with an additional 2029 first-round pick. For a team that started 6–21 with one of the league’s oldest rosters, the franchise’s outlook has shifted dramatically.

Warriors acquire Kristaps Porziņģis from Atlanta for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield.

Warriors: C+
At long last, the Jonathan Kuminga saga comes to an end. While Golden State resolves a lingering issue, the return reflects Kuminga’s diminished value. Porziņģis adds veteran presence and frontcourt help, but health remains the concern. He has played just 59 of a possible 164 games over the past two seasons and hasn’t reached 70 games since his rookie year a decade ago.

Hawks: B
Atlanta capitalized on Kuminga’s lowered value and added a promising young player to pair with Jalen Johnson and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. With one year left on his deal after this season, Kuminga represents a worthwhile gamble. The Hawks also added one of the league’s best shooters in Buddy Hield to replace Luke Kennard.

Thunder acquire Jared McCain from Philadelphia for a 2026 first-round pick and three second-round picks.

Thunder: A
The Thunder’s embarrassment of riches grows. The defending champions hold the league’s best record and an unmatched cache of draft capital. Trading a late first-round pick and seconds for McCain is a perfect low-risk, high-reward move. If it works, OKC gains another talented rotation player. If not, the cost is negligible.

76ers: B
While moving on from McCain this early is disappointing, there was simply no room for him after the emergence of rookie phenom V.J. Edgecomb. Philadelphia still recouped solid draft capital for a player who no longer fit their long-term plans.

High Hopes: Who Should be the Stanley Cup Favorite?

Rives Reucassel

February 6, 2026

The NHL season is approaching the Olympic break, and three teams stand out as legitimate championship contenders. The Stanley Cup is one of the hardest trophies to win in all of sports, and with hockey being as unpredictable as it is, here are my top three Stanley Cup favorites as the season nears its final stretch.

#3 Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning once again find themselves in familiar territory: underestimated by some, but still very much a Stanley Cup threat. Despite roster turnover from their championship years, Tampa Bay’s identity remains intact. This is still a team built for playoff hockey—structured defensively, mentally tough, and anchored by elite star power. Their core players understand what it takes to win in May and June, and that experience alone elevates the Lightning into the contender tier.

Photo Cred: NHL.com

Offensively, Tampa Bay continues to rely on a mix of high-end skill and situational scoring. They may not overwhelm opponents with depth like younger teams, but they are lethal on special teams and clinical when games tighten. Defensively, the Lightning play a disciplined system that limits high-danger chances and keeps games manageable. Their biggest X-factor, as always, is goaltending. When Tampa’s goalie is locked in, the Lightning can neutralize even the most explosive offenses in the league.

#2 Colorado Avalanche

At number two sit the Colorado Avalanche, a team that continues to define speed, skill, and dominance through puck possession. With the best record in the league so far, Colorado’s roster construction is nearly flawless for the modern NHL, combining elite skating, high-end offensive talent, and a defensive group that thrives in transition. When the Avalanche are at their best, they overwhelm opponents with pace, forcing mistakes and controlling play in all three zones. While many consider them the top championship favorite, they land at number two here—but they are undeniably capable of winning it all, especially on home ice.

Photo Cred: Sportsnet

Colorado’s offensive attack is among the most dangerous in hockey. They generate scoring chances through speed off the rush, relentless forechecking, and constant pressure from the blue line. Unlike some high-powered teams, the Avalanche are not one-dimensional. They can win track meets or grind out low-scoring playoff games. Their defensive structure has improved season over season, and their ability to move the puck quickly out of danger limits extended time spent defending.

#1 Edmonton Oilers

At the top of the list are the Edmonton Oilers, who boast the best player in the league in Connor McDavid and are long known for their offensive firepower. While the Oilers may not be most people’s number one championship contender, they are firmly in the playoff mix and capable of beating anyone they face. Edmonton’s offense is unmatched. They can score in waves, dominate possession, and flip games in a matter of minutes. Their power play is a constant threat and often serves as a series-altering weapon in the postseason.

Photo Cred: The Hockey News

What separates this version of the Oilers from previous contenders is maturity. They no longer rely solely on scoring their way out of trouble. Edmonton plays with patience, trusts its defensive layers, and understands when to push and when to protect a lead. Defensively, the Oilers have taken meaningful steps forward, limiting high-danger chances and improving their play away from the puck. Their goaltending, once a lingering question mark, has stabilized enough to give the team confidence in tight playoff games. Perhaps most importantly, Edmonton carries the urgency of a team that knows its championship window is wide open right now.

Lady Rebels Edge Wolf Pack in Silver State Showdown

Reid Kotiranta

February 4, 2026

The UNLV Lady Rebels edged the Nevada Wolf Pack, 62–57, in Mountain West women’s basketball action in front of a lively home crowd. It was a gritty, back-and-forth contest that showcased the intensity of the in-state rivalry and the competitive spirit of both programs. From the outset, the game lived up to its billing as a Silver State showdown. Both teams came out aggressive on defense and deliberate on offense, trading early buckets and turnovers in a first quarter that ended tied at 21–21.

Neither side was able to gain a decisive edge in the opening stanza, setting the tone for a physical, grind-it-out battle. The second quarter saw UNLV find its rhythm, using balanced scoring and a more efficient offensive approach to build a modest lead. While both teams scored 11 points in the period, key defensive stops late in the quarter allowed the Lady Rebels to maintain control and carry a slim advantage into halftime.

Photo Cred:

After the break, Nevada worked to find its footing offensively. The Wolf Pack showed resilience, responding to UNLV’s pressure with improved ball movement and more aggressive drives to the basket. Timely contributions from the backcourt, along with a few key defensive stops, helped trim the deficit and kept the game within reach through the third quarter. By the fourth quarter, the game was very much alive.

Nevada closed the third strong and entered the final period just a few points behind, setting up a tense final 10 minutes. The Wolf Pack struck first in the fourth, cutting into the lead with a pair of baskets that had Lawlor buzzing with optimism. UNLV, however, responded with poise, answering every push with pressure defense and timely scoring. In the end, UNLV’s ability to convert in the clutch proved to be the difference.

The Lady Rebels knocked down key mid-range shots and free throws late, and a handful of critical possessions in the closing minutes allowed them to maintain a narrow cushion. Despite a late surge from Nevada, UNLV held on for the 62–57 victory. For Nevada, the game highlighted both promise and areas for growth. The Wolf Pack displayed tenacity and competitive fire against one of the Mountain West’s top teams, playing all 40 minutes with intensity and purpose.

Lexie Givens, Imbie Jones, and Izzy Sullivan provided key baskets and strong defensive effort, keeping Nevada within striking distance until the final buzzer. The loss dropped the Wolf Pack to 7–13 overall and 3–7 in conference play as they look to regroup for their next league test. UNLV, meanwhile, improved to 14–6 overall and 9–1 in Mountain West action. As the season moves forward, Nevada’s ability to close out tight games like this one will be crucial, and Tuesday’s battle—though ending in defeat—showed the character of a team determined to compete every night.

Big Ten Conference Well Represented at Winter Olympic Games

Stephen Patrick

February 4, 2026

fa17d760-fdc0-11f0-9fd1-b16cd887f03f — Photo Cred: BBC

A total of 58 athletes will compete for eight nations in Italy

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Fifty-eight athletes with ties to the Big Ten Conference have qualified for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. The Big Ten group consists of active student-athletes, alumni, and non-sport students. In addition, the conference will have individuals serving in coaching and administrative roles.

The Big Ten has placed 31 athletes on Team USA and 27 athletes will compete internationally for Canada, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Switzerland. The majority of athletes (81 percent) will compete in ice hockey with the women’s tournament featuring 38 players. All told, Big Ten athletes are expected to participate in six different sports.

Eleven Big Ten institutions will have representation at the Games with Minnesota (16), Ohio State (13) and Wisconsin (12) leading the way.

Milano Cortina 2026 officially runs February 6-22 with preliminaries for some sports having started on Wednesday. NBCUniversal will provide broadcast and streaming coverage on NBC, USA Network, CNBC and Peacock.

Get closer to the action – Follow @bigten on your favorite social platforms and look for updates on BigTen.org.

2026 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM

NAME	SCHOOL	YEARS	OLYMPIC SPORT
Sarah Warren	Illinois	2014-19 (soccer)	Speed Skating
Evan Bates	Michigan	2007-13 (student)	Ice Dancing
Kyle Connor	Michigan	2015-16	Men’s Ice Hockey
Quinn Hughes	Michigan	2017-19	Men’s Ice Hockey
Dylan Larkin	Michigan	2014-15	Men’s Ice Hockey
Zach Werenski	Michigan	2014-16	Men’s Ice Hockey
Taylor Anderson-Heide	Minnesota	n/a	Curling
Danny Casper	Minnesota	2019-2024	Curling
Brock Faber	Minnesota	2020-23	Men’s Ice Hockey
Taylor Heise	Minnesota	2018-23	Women’s Ice Hockey
Jackson LaCombe	Minnesota	2019-23	Men’s Ice Hockey
Abbey Murphy	Minnesota	2020-present	Women’s Ice Hockey
Kelly Pannek	Minnesota	2014-19	Women’s Ice Hockey
Tabitha Peterson Lovick	Minnesota	2011-15	Curling
Tara Peterson	Minnesota	2014-18	Curling
Lee Stecklein	Minnesota	2012-17	Women’s Ice Hockey
Grace Zumwinkle	Minnesota	2017-23	Women’s Ice Hockey
Cayla Barnes	Ohio State	2023-24	Women’s Ice Hockey
Hannah Bilka	Ohio State	2023-24	Women’s Ice Hockey
Joy Dunne	Ohio State	2023-present	Women’s Ice Hockey
Tessa Janecke	Penn State	2022-present	Women’s Ice Hockey
Alysa Liu	UCLA	2023-present (student)	Figure Skating
Carsten Vissering	USC	2015-19 (swimming)	Bobsled
Anna Gibson	Washington	2018-23 (track & field)	Ski Mountaineering
Luc Violette	Washington	2017-21 (student)	Curling
Britta Curl-Salemme	Wisconsin	2918-24	Women’s Ice Hockey
Laila Edwards	Wisconsin	2022-present	Women’s Ice Hockey
Caroline Harvey	Wisconsin	2022-present	Women’s Ice Hockey
Hilary Knight	Wisconsin	2007-12	Women’s Ice Hockey
Ava McNaughton	Wisconsin	2023-present	Women’s Ice Hockey
Kirsten Simms	Wisconsin	2022-present	Women’s Ice Hockey

2026 INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIANS

NAME	SCHOOL	YEARS	COUNTRY	OLYMPIC SPORT
Dustin Gazley	Michigan State	2007-11	Italy	Men’s Ice Hockey
Wojciech Stachoviak	Michigan State	2018-19	Germany	Men’s Ice Hockey
Josefin Bouveng	Minnesota	2022-present	Sweden	Women’s Ice Hockey
Erik Haula	Minnesota	2010-13	Finland	Men’s Ice Hockey
Nelli Laitinen	Minnesota	2022-present	Finland	Women’s Ice Hockey
Natálie Mlýnková	Minnesota	2024-25	Czechia	Women’s Ice Hockey
Tereza Plosová	Minnesota	2025-present	Czechia	Women’s Ice Hockey
Yohan Eskrick-Parkinson	Northwestern	2018-22 (diving)	Canada	Bobsled
Andrea Brändli	Ohio State	2018-22	Switzerland	Women’s Ice Hockey
Jennifer Gardiner	Ohio State	2019-24	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey
Sophie Jaques	Ohio State	2018-23	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey
Mira Jungåker	Ohio State	2024-present	Sweden	Women’s Ice Hockey
Sofie Lundin	Ohio State	2022-23	Sweden	Women’s Ice Hockey
Emma Maltais	Ohio State	2017-21	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey
Jenna Raunio	Ohio State	2025-present	Sweden	Women’s Ice Hockey
Natalie Spooner	Ohio State	2008-12	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey
Hilda Svensson	Ohio State	2025-present	Sweden	Women’s Ice Hockey
Sanni Vanhanen	Ohio State	2025-present	Finland	Women’s Ice Hockey
Jessica Adolfsson	Penn State	2018-21	Sweden	Women’s Ice Hockey
Matilde Fantin	Penn State	2025-present	Italy	Women’s Ice Hockey
Nicole Hall	Penn State	2024-present	Sweden	Women’s Ice Hockey
Emily Clark	Wisconsin	2014-19	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey
Ann-Renée Desbiens	Wisconsin	2013-17	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey
Sarah Nurse	Wisconsin	2013-17	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey
Adéla Šapovalivová	Wisconsin	2025-present	Czechia	Women’s Ice Hockey
Blayre Turnbull	Wisconsin	2011-15	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey
Daryl Watts	Wisconsin	2019-22	Canada	Women’s Ice Hockey

COACHES/ADMINISTRATORS

NAME	SCHOOL	COUNTRY	ROLE	OLYMPIC SPORT
Cal Dietz	Minnesota	United States	Strength & Conditioning	Women’s Ice Hockey
Stefanie Arndt	Wisconsin	United States	Athletic Trainer	Women’s Ice Hockey
Cyndy Kenyon	Wisconsin 2004-06 (athlete)	Switzerland	Assistant Coach	Women’s Ice Hockey
Carla MacLeod	Wisconsin 2001-05 (athlete)	Czechia	Head Coach	Women’s Ice Hockey
Sis Paulsen	Wisconsin	United States	Equipment Manager	Women’s Ice Hockey

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