Jack Norris 
Cody Williams scored 24 points in Utah’s 135-129 loss to Denver on Friday. He also added seven assists and two steals. Williams is getting an extended look with Utah out of the playoff picture.
The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to a 10-day deal with Adama Bal. Bal, a 6-foot-7 French forward, has been playing with the Westchester Knicks, the New York Knicks’ G League team. He previously played at Santa Clara.
The South Bay Lakers are enjoying an impressive run of form in the G League, recently racking up a franchise-record 12-game winning streak. They currently sit atop the Western Conference standings with a 25-10 record. Nick Smith Jr. has been a standout performer, delivering instant offence.
Trey Kaufman-Renn’s put-back shot in the Sweet 16 secured Purdue’s place in the Elite Eight with a 79-77 victory over Texas. Kaufman-Renn finished with a team-high 20 points. Purdue now awaits the winner of No. 1 Arizona and No. 4 Arkansas.
Sean Strickland is set to battle Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight title at UFC 328. Former Bellator MMA/ PFL champ Johnny Eblen believes Strickland has a good chance at unseating Chimaev. Eblen also plans to assist Strickland in his preparation for the fight.
The Phoenix Suns will conclude a four-game road trip against the Utah Jazz. The Suns have lost six of their last seven games, while the Jazz have lost their last four. Both teams are dealing with significant player injuries.
Manel Kape believes Joshua Van will retain his UFC flyweight title at UFC 327. Kape, a top contender in the division, thinks Van’s takedown defence will be key against Tatsuro Taira. Kape is set to rematch Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Vegas 119.
Arizona is favoured in their Elite Eight matchup against Purdue. The winner of the game will head to the Final Four. Purdue’s coach, Matt Painter, acknowledged Arizona’s talent, athleticism and skill.
Portugal are set to face Mexico in a friendly match that will mark the reopening of the Azteca Stadium. The match serves as preparation for the Mundial2026 football tournament. Several key players are absent from the Portugal squad, but new faces and returning players have been called up.
Alvaro Folgueiras scored 16 points as ninth-seeded Iowa beat Nebraska 77-71. Folgueiras converted a critical three-point play when Nebraska had only four defenders on the court. Iowa advances to the Elite Eight.