JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 920

Columbia, S.C. — Top-seeded South Carolina faces ninth-seeded USC in the women's NCAA Tournament on Monday after both teams advanced past opening-round games; USC won an overtime first-round game against Clemson on Saturday, and JuJu Watkins, sidelined since a March ACL tear, watched practice March 20.

Both programs are pursuing Sweet 16 berths in Sacramento and have adapted rotations after losing All-Americans Chloe Kitts and JuJu Watkins; coaches cited depth and role changes, Watkins marked her rehabilitation with community events and a Nike shoe display, and the regional matchup is scheduled for March 23.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Paul Mainieri and the University of South Carolina announced on March 21 that they have agreed to part ways, ending his tenure after 80 games; Mainieri had returned from retirement in 2025 to lead the Gamecocks baseball program.

The decision follows a 28-29 2025 season, a 6-24 SEC conference mark in 2025, and a 12-11 start with an 0-4 SEC record in 2026, including a run-rule loss to Arkansas; Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati said the program will seek new leadership.

WASHINGTON — Robert S. Mueller III, the former FBI director who led the bureau through a post-9/11 overhaul and later served as special counsel investigating alleged ties between the Trump 2016 campaign and Russia, died Friday at age 81, his family announced Saturday.

The family requested privacy Saturday; his death drew immediate public reaction, including a social-media post from former President Donald Trump. Mueller’s 12-year FBI tenure beginning in September 2001 and his 2017 special counsel inquiry remain focal points for officials and commentators this week.

Los Angeles — Team USA's national flag football squad defeated two teams composed of NFL stars at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic on Saturday at BMO Stadium, sweeping round-robin play and winning the championship game as the exhibition previewed the sport's Olympic debut in 2028.

The wins produced immediate recognition and a reported $100,000 payout per Team USA player this week; MVP Darrell Doucette delivered perfect passing and multi-score production, while organizers and athletes cited the event as a benchmark ahead of Los Angeles 2028 and broader promotion of the sport.

Oklahoma City — Nebraska defeated Vanderbilt 74-72 on Saturday night when Braden Frager drove for a layup with 2.2 seconds remaining at Paycom Center, clinching the Cornhuskers’ advancement to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 after their earlier first-round victory over Troy.

The win, completed this weekend amid a strong Nebraska fan presence, raises Nebraska’s record to 28-6 and sends the Cornhuskers to the South Region semifinals in Houston; Nebraska is scheduled to face either top-seeded Florida or ninth-seeded Iowa on Thursday.

Portland, Ore. — The No. 4 University of Arkansas men’s basketball team defeated No. 12 High Point 94-88 in the NCAA Tournament second round on Saturday, March 21, with freshman Darius Acuff Jr. scoring 36 points to lead the Razorbacks to a regional semifinal berth.

Arkansas’ victory advances the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 in San Jose next weekend, where they will face either No. 1 Arizona or No. 9 Utah State; ticket offers were posted this week and an official game time will be announced following other second-round outcomes.

Washington: The US Treasury on March 21 issued a 30-day authorisation allowing sale and delivery of Iranian-origin crude and petroleum products already loaded on vessels as of March 20, permitting transfers under a Treasury general licence through April 19, 2026, according to official statements.

The action aims to release roughly 140 million barrels stranded at sea to ease supply pressures and curb price spikes; Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the waiver is narrowly tailored, will not permit new production or purchases, and seeks to stabilise markets amid regional tensions this week.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — On Friday night Tyler Fay pitched Alabama's first nine-inning, complete-game no-hitter in 84 years, striking out 13 and throwing 132 pitches as the Crimson Tide beat Florida 6-0 at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

Following the game Alabama improved to 16-7 overall and earned its first SEC win, while Florida fell to near 19-4; coaches and players commented after the game and the performance drew national attention and rotation implications this weekend.

Tampa. The No. 1 seed Florida Gators defeated Prairie View A&M 114-55 on Friday in the NCAA South Region first round, turning a 15-15 tie into a dominant 60-21 halftime lead with sustained paint scoring and efficient shooting.

Florida's victory produced a 59-point margin and advanced the Gators to face ninth-seeded Iowa in the Round of 32 on Sunday; coach Todd Golden highlighted 29 assists and seven turnovers, while Rueben Chinyelu recorded a double-double.

Chicago. The Colorado Avalanche clinched a playoff berth Friday night with a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, becoming the first NHL team this season to secure a postseason spot. Nathan MacKinnon recorded three assists while Martin Necas, Nazem Kadri, Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin scored in the game.

Colorado moved four points ahead of idle Dallas for the Western Conference lead and extended a gap over the Minnesota Wild by ten points this week; the team heads into the upcoming Olympic break with a notable power-play uptick and continues a multi-game road trip.