Matildas Kick Off Asian Cup 2026 Against Philippines
The Matildas, Australia's women's national team, hosted their Women's Asian Cup 2026 opener against Philippines at Perth Stadium. Despite recent discussions about renewal under head coach Joe Montemurro, the 26-player squad selected for the tournament includes plenty of experienced players familiar to fans.
The tournament marks a return to home soil for the Matildas, who are looking to build on their performance since their semifinal loss to England at the previous tournament approximately three years ago.
'A nervy 1-0 win' or a 'powerful, dominant performance' by Hearts?
We asked for your views on Hearts' 1-0 win against Aberdeen.
Here's what some of you said:
Ruaridh: Feels a real contradiction, but it was a nervy 1-0 win as well as being a really powerful dominant performance. Time to believe!
Gary: Another win, another three points. Despite the narrow score-line, a comfortable win against a hapless Aberdeen side. Nervy, not because of the opposition but mostly, due to the fact one slip-up could have been costly.
Some great individual performances from Claudio Braga, Blair Spittal and Jamie McCart to name a few. A fortnight off to settle the nerves, then we go again.
Tam: A very professional performance and our goalkeeper was never tested. We could have scored more, but three points is all that matters. Can now sit back and watch Celtic and Rangers battle it out for third and fourth as Motherwell, like us, are better than both of them.
Chris: On paper another 1-0 win at home, but these 1-0s don't tell the whole story. We have been exceptionally comfortable on the whole - Aberdeen didn't manage a shot on target. We played well in stages with players working hard out of possession and I've never been happier in my life to have a free week next weekend.
Steve: Another professional performance which would have been more comfortable if not for some more poor finishing – Pierre Landry Kabore and his causal chip over the keeper is simply not good enough. Tynecastle was loud, Braga adds another million onto his worth and this Hearts still beating. Nine to go.
Harry: I suspected McCart would step in to Stuart Findlay's place with ease and he did, it's unfortunate with our injury issues but having someone as good as McCart waiting to go is fantastic. I'm anticipating the return of Lawrence Shankland more than my newborn by this point. We are so close.
Bezzecchi Wins MotoGP Opener
Marco Bezzecchi triumphed in the season-opening MotoGP race in Thailand, marking a significant achievement for the Italian rider. Defending champion Marc Marquez retired late in the race, adding drama to the opening event of the season.
Montana hosts Northern Colorado after Waddington's 29-point game
Northern Colorado Bears (21-9, 12-5 Big Sky) at Montana Lady Griz (8-20, 5-12 Big Sky)
Missoula, Montana; Monday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Montana hosts Northern Colorado after Avery Waddington scored 29 points in Montana's 55-53 win over the Portland State Vikings.
The Lady Griz have gone 3-9 at home. Montana is 5-9 when it wins the turnover battle and averages 13.6 turnovers per game.
The Bears are 12-5 in Big Sky play. Northern Colorado averages 69.2 points while outscoring opponents by 9.4 points per game.
Montana is shooting 38.4% from the field this season, 0.8 percentage points lower than the 39.2% Northern Colorado allows to opponents. Northern Colorado's 41.9% shooting percentage from the field this season is 2.2 percentage points lower than Montana has allowed to its opponents (44.1%).
The teams square off for the second time in conference play this season. Northern Colorado won the last meeting 77-58 on Jan. 3. Heather Baymon scored 29 points to help lead the Bears to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mack Konig is scoring 14.6 points per game with 2.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Lady Griz. Waddington is averaging 16.6 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 47.2% over the last 10 games.
Gabi Fields is averaging 7.1 points, 3.8 assists and 2.3 steals for the Bears. Tatum West is averaging 11.8 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lady Griz: 3-7, averaging 63.3 points, 26.8 rebounds, 11.1 assists, 6.2 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 39.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 71.6 points per game.
Bears: 7-3, averaging 64.7 points, 31.3 rebounds, 12.5 assists, 10.3 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 40.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 58.2 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Cleveland State Vikings and IU Indianapolis Jaguars play in Horizon League Tournament
IU Indianapolis Jaguars (7-24, 3-17 Horizon League) at Cleveland State Vikings (10-21, 6-14 Horizon League)
Cleveland; Monday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Cleveland State and IU Indianapolis meet in the Horizon League Tournament.
The Vikings have gone 6-14 against Horizon League opponents, with a 4-7 record in non-conference play. Cleveland State has a 3-2 record in one-possession games.
The Jaguars are 3-17 against Horizon League opponents. IU Indianapolis is 1-2 in games decided by less than 4 points.
Cleveland State scores 79.7 points per game, 8.2 fewer points than the 87.9 IU Indianapolis allows. IU Indianapolis averages 83.2 points per game, 2.4 fewer than the 85.6 Cleveland State allows to opponents.
The teams meet for the third time this season. The Jaguars won 82-74 in the last matchup on Feb. 7. Kyler D'Augustino led the Jaguars with 16 points, and Dayan Nessah led the Vikings with 24 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nessah is scoring 15.5 points per game and averaging 6.3 rebounds for the Vikings. Jaidon Lipscomb is averaging 17.0 points and 3.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Maguire Mitchell is shooting 34.4% from beyond the arc with 2.5 made 3-pointers per game for the Jaguars, while averaging 11.5 points. D'Augustino is averaging 13.9 points over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Vikings: 3-7, averaging 80.4 points, 26.1 rebounds, 16.8 assists, 6.1 steals and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 87.9 points per game.
Jaguars: 2-8, averaging 79.4 points, 29.8 rebounds, 19.9 assists, 6.3 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 83.5 points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.