JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 945

INDIANAPOLIS, UCLA defeated Iowa 96-45 Sunday to win its second straight Big Ten tournament title, extending its school-record win streak to 25 games. Gianna Kneepkens scored 19 points and Kiki Rice added 15 points and eight assists, earning tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. The Bruins set championship records with a 51-point margin and 34 team assists, and secured both the regular-season and tournament crowns this season. Iowa, hampered by injuries and illness to key players, finished 26-6. The result finalizes NCAA tournament positioning and early seeding implications as play concluded this week. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — President Donald Trump promised a booming 2026 but the year opened with job losses, higher gasoline prices and market volatility, according to recent reports. The administration touted January's 130,000 payroll gain and a State of the Union claim that the economy was "roaring," while more recent data since then show weakening job growth and inflationary pressure linked to higher fuel costs, tariffs and uncertainty from the Iran conflict. Officials say stronger growth may still materialize. Economists and political analysts warn the developments could influence this year's midterm elections and congressional control. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Conference tournament play begins as multiple regional college and NBA teams meet in scheduled matchups this week overall. Tulane hosts Memphis after split regular-season results; Memphis won 96-95 on March 8 while Tulane won 78-76 on Feb. 1. Cincinnati faces Utah in the Big 12 Tournament following a 69-65 Cincinnati win on Feb. 15. Texas A&M-CC, Stephen F. Austin, New Orleans, Nevada, Air Force, Richmond, Loyola Chicago, Kentucky, LSU, Texas and Ole Miss prepare for single-elimination conference games. The Philadelphia 76ers host Memphis in an NBA regular-season meeting this week. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

LINCOLN, Neb. Nebraska defeated Iowa 84-75 in overtime Sunday, securing its 26th victory and matching the program record for wins in a season. The Huskers led late, survived a second-half rally, and clinched the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten tournament. Iowa's Bennett Stirtz earlier scored 21 in a prior loss to Michigan and had led a regular-season meeting. Nebraska's win followed a season marked by a 25-5 record entering the finale and renewed attention on coach Fred Hoiberg, whose contract extension through 2031–32 was announced March 9 by university leaders. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Las Vegas — Charles Oliveira defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 326 on Saturday, claiming the BMF title after dominating on the ground with repeated takedowns and submission threats. All three judges scored the bout 50-45 as Oliveira totaled 20:49 of control time across five rounds. The fight marked nearly 11 years since their first meeting in 2015. During UFC 326’s broadcast, the promotion announced the UFC Freedom Fights 250 card and Dana White confirmed Jon Jones and Conor McGregor were not included. Media reports and postfight interviews provided these details. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

New York: Police identified two suspects and detained six people after smoking projectiles filled with nuts, bolts and screws were thrown near Gracie Mansion during an anti-Muslim demonstration this week. Authorities said the devices were wrapped in tape and ignited; investigators, including the NYPD and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, are analysing the items to determine whether they were functional improvised explosive devices or hoaxes. Mayor Zohran Mamdani was not at the residence. Organisers said about 20 far-right protesters faced 125 counterprotesters, and officials are reviewing video evidence and witness statements. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke defeated No. 17 North Carolina 76-61 on Saturday in the regular-season finale at Cameron Indoor Stadium, capitalizing on a 20-2 second-half run and 24 points off turnovers. Cameron Boozer led Duke with 26 points and 15 rebounds in what likely was his final home game. North Carolina played without Caleb Wilson after he suffered a broken right thumb in practice and will miss the remainder of the season; he led UNC with 19.8 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Duke finished 29-2 (17-1 ACC); UNC finished 22-9 (12-6). Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

COLUMBIA, Mo. Arkansas defeated Missouri 88-84 in overtime Saturday, giving coach John Calipari his 900th Division I men's victory. Meleek Thomas scored 28 points, and Trevon Brazile added 19 points and nine rebounds; Malique Ewin contributed 17 points and four late free throws. Mark Mitchell scored a career-high 32 as Missouri finished the regular season 20-11 (10-8 SEC). Darius Acuff Jr. missed the game with an undisclosed injury. The Razorbacks improved to 23-8 (13-5 SEC). Game details and statistics were confirmed by multiple news outlets. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States. Oil price spikes after recent U.S.-Iran-related strikes and disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz pushed global crude above $100 a barrel, prompting rapid pump-price increases this week. GasBuddy and AAA data show national averages rose roughly 51 cents in seven days to about $3.45 per gallon, with larger local jumps reported in Toledo, Hartford, Boise, Peoria, Richmond and other markets. Diesel also climbed about 86 cents to roughly $4.60 per gallon. Retailers and commuters report immediate strain on household budgets. Analysts warn further increases are possible as supply concerns persist. Based on 8 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Boston — The Boston Bruins defeated the Washington Capitals 3-1 Saturday at TD Garden, extending their home winning streak to 12 games. Viktor Arvidsson scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, Pavel Zacha and Elias Lindholm added goals, and Jeremy Swayman made 22 saves. Washington’s Aliaksei Protas scored their lone goal. The Capitals played their first game after trading longtime defenseman John Carlson before the deadline. The teams will meet again March 14 in Washington. The Bruins’ streak is their longest since a 14-game run in 2022–23. Coach Sturm praised cohesion. Based on 7 articles reviewed and supporting research.