This ain’t Texas
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Happy new Beyoncé album day!
Heads up: we’ll be off on Monday recovering from a weekend of baskets, both of the Easter and hoops variety. But have no fear, we’ll be hopping right back to our regularly scheduled programming next Wednesday. Until then, today’s news:
— Retired USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe, speaking out in support of the LGBTQIA+ and trans community amid controversial social media activity from USWNT newcomer, midfielder Korbin Albert, for which she later apologized. No place for hate here.
Men’s March Madness
🎓🏀 The best defense is a blistering offense
The GIST: Last night’s Sweet 16 games decided the first four Elite Eight teams, and tonight’s matchups will determine the other four who’ll advance. May the odds be ever in your squad’s — and bracket’s — favor.
Last night’s action: The two early games had very different vibes: No. 1 UConn demolished their 2023 title game opponent, No. 5 San Diego State, 82–52, while No. 6 Clemson neutralized No. 2 Arizona star scorer Caleb Love to kill the Wildcats’ natty dreams (and Pac-12 men’s basketball altogether) with a gutsy 77–72 dub.
- Later, No. 4 Alabama won a fast-paced thriller to oust No. 1 UNC 89–87 behind a historic performance from forward Grant Nelson, Bama’s mustached maestro. And No. 3 Illinois’ scoring prowess proved too much for No. 2 Iowa State’s elite D, lifting the Illini to the 72–69 dub.
Tonight’s throwdowns: The second half of the Elite Eight will punch their tickets tonight, and all four games are set to be barnburners. Tipping off the action? Cinderella squad No. 11 NC State and their March darling, forward DJ Burns Jr., who’ll try to keep the party going against No. 2 Marquette at 7:09 p.m. ET on CBS.
- Then, No. 1 Purdue and No. 1 Houston will face their toughest foes yet in No. 5 Gonzaga and No. 4 Duke, respectively, before the 10:09 p.m. ET grand finale between No. 2 Tennessee and No. 3 Creighton — two teams who barely survived the second round. Dance, dance.
Women’s March Madness
🎓🏀 Dance the night away
The GIST: The women’s Sweet 16 tips off today with eight show-stopping showdowns on deck over the next 48 hours, including four games headlined by the No. 1 seeds (senior Kamilla Cardoso’s South Carolina, senior Caitlin Clark’s Iowa, freshman JuJu Watkin’s USC, and freshman Madison Booker’s Texas).
- But today we’re previewing the other four firepower matchups, with all squads battling for a spot in Sunday and Monday’s Elite Eight. March may be ending, but the Madness has just begun.
No. 3 Oregon State Beavers vs. No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish — Today at 2:30 p.m. ET: Notre Dame freshman phenom Hannah Hidalgo is the player to watch, a rising star and the focal point of her team’s offense and defense. While the Beavers have never beaten ND (in five attempts), they do boast sharp shooting and a deep roster. Anything can happen in the Big Dance.
No. 3 NC State Wolfpack vs. No. 2 Stanford Cardinal — Tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET: NC State has finally found their groove on offense, but they’ll need to rediscover their defense in order to thwart Stanford senior and future WNBAer Cameron Brink and junior Kiki Iriafen.
No. 3 LSU Tigers vs. No. 2 UCLA Bruins — Tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET: This star-powered showdown is bound to be epic with two physical teams known for their offensive rebounding going toe-to-toe. In particular, LSU junior Angel Reese and UCLA sophomore Lauren Betts will be counted on to leave it all on the floor.
No. 7 Duke Blue Devils vs. No. 3 UConn Huskies — Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET: UConn boasts one of the country’s best postseason players in superstar junior Paige Bueckers, but Duke (the lowest seed remaining) just pulled off the biggest upset of the tourney. If the sometimes-slow Blue Devils’ offense matches the Huskies’ pace, they just might shock the nation once again. Game on.
Together With Pizza Pizza
🍕 Make the easy choice
Planning to watch your favorite PWHLers in next week’s IIHF World Championships? You’re going to need snacks for that, and we know the best spot to place an order: Pizza Pizza.
- Just like PWHL Montréal defender Erin Ambrose, Pizza Pizza has serious range available on their menu. Curly Fries and Creamy Garlic Sauce? Sure thing. Cauli Pesto Pizza? You bet. And don’t forget a sweet treat to cap it off.
- Satisfy your cravings with bites from a company that actually supports women’s hockey. Ice time may be earned, but Everyone Deserves Pizza.
🇪🇸 Spanish prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for former Royal Spanish Football Federation League (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales after his non-consensual kiss to Spanish national team player Jenni Hermoso following the team’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup win.
⚽ Portland Thorns forward Sophia Smith is now the NWSL’s highest paid player after inking a new contract on Wednesday. Goals.
🍁 The Toronto Maple Leafs came through last night, earning a crucial 5–1 win over the Washington Capitals and snapping their two-game skid. The Buds next face the Buffalo Sabres tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET.
⚾ The Toronto Blue Jays came out firing in yesterday’s season opener, hitting three home runs en route to an 8–2 win over their American League East foes, the Tampa Bay Rays. The four-game set continues tonight at 6:50 p.m. ET, with pitcher Chris Bassitt on the mound.
- In other Rays news, shortstop Wander Franco has been placed on paid administrative leave through June 1st amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged underage relationship.
🏀 Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark received a $5M offer to play in entertainer Ice Cube’s BIG3 3-on-3 basketball league, which runs concurrently with the WNBA season. The league consists of former NBA and international players, and Clark would be the first woman on a roster if she accepts.
⛳ World No. 94 Pajaree Anannarukarn leads the way after the first round of The Ford Championship, while Canadians world No. 12 Brooke Henderson and world No. 285 Alena Sharp are tied for twentieth. It’s a par-tee.
🦕 Following their worst home loss in franchise history on Wednesday, cross your fingers and toes that the Toronto Raptors can finally end their 12-game losing streak when they face the Joel Embiid–less Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.
Together With Mill Street Brewery
Searching for the perfect beer to pair with your new Lorenzo Insigne jersey? Look no further than Mill Street Brewery, Toronto FC fam.
- The Original Organic Lager is a Reds’ fans’ favorite — a balanced, malty brew that’s available at BMO Field and at your local beer store. As if home matches weren’t already a total vibe.
Here’s what passed The GIST squad’s vibe check this week:
⭐ How to become the Lizzie McGuire of sports
Attend a free RBC Training Ground qualifying event. Across Canada throughout May, they’re matching promising athletes with sports they’d be good at (but maybe haven’t tried), then providing the resources they need to become Olympic stars. This is what dreams are made of.*
🧢 What to wear
This lavender WNBA hat — a spring wardrobe staple.
📖 Where to meet
In your inbox for The GIST Book Club’s discussion of March’s book of the month, Sidelined: Sports, Culture, and Being a Woman in America by Julie DiCaro. Subscribe to The GIST Book Club’s newsletters to keep the conversation going.
*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Hey now, hey now.Question of the Day
As we look ahead to the potential Elite Eight matchups, one possibility stands out. Will we see a rematch of last year’s national championship game between No. 1 Iowa and No. 3 LSU? Shoot your shot below.
Today’s email was brought to you by Lauren Tuiskula, Alessandra Puccio, Marga Sison, Lisa Minutillo, and Briana Ekanem. Editing by Laura Pastore, Emma Leishman, Rachel Fuenzalida, and Lindsay Jost. Fact-checking by Parul Kanwar. Ops by Briana Ekanem and Marga Sison. Ads by Katie Kehoe Foster, Alexis Allison, and Dee Lab. Managing edits by Lauren Tuiskula. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.