Jack Norris 
No. 1-seed UCLA women’s basketball begins its run in the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament against Washington on Friday morning. UCLA is coming off its first Big Ten regular-season championship after going undefeated in conference play with an 18-0 record. The Bruins have also made waves nationally, leading the country with 10 wins against the Top 25.
Wales will face Ireland in the Six Nations. Following disparaging comments, Steve Tandy’s side will have the chance to make them eat their words. Captain Dewi Lake and his players have the opportunity to prove Wales are no laughing matter on the world stage.
The Netherlands and Venezuela are set to clash in the World Baseball Classic. The teams are competing in Pool D at loanDepot park. The winner will have a strong chance of advancing to next week’s quarterfinals.
Corey Perry has informed the Los Angeles Kings that he intends to stay with the team. Perry, who is 40, signed a one-year, $2-million contract with the Kings in the off-season. The two sides are expected to negotiate a contract extension after Friday’s deadline.
Wales captain Dewi Lake says Wales believe they can defy the odds and beat Ireland on Friday evening in Dublin. Wales have lost their past 14 Six Nations matches, while Ireland are buoyed by a record 42-21 away demolition of England. Lake has backed his side after a more encouraging display in the 26-23 defeat by Scotland.
WNBA star Arike Ogunbowale has been arrested after allegedly punching a security guard at a Miami nightclub. The incident reportedly occurred after an unrelated altercation inside E11EVEN. Ogunbowale had been celebrating her Unrivaled championship earlier in the night.
Andy Robertson says Liverpool will have to play better in Friday’s FA Cup tie against Wolves. This comes after their Premier League defeat by the same opposition. Robertson stated the improved performance is needed if the Reds are going to progress to the quarter-finals.
Cuba is set to play against Panama in the World Baseball Classic. The game will be held in San Juan. This is part of the second day of the tournament.
The FA Cup fifth round features several intriguing matchups. Wolves host Liverpool, while Arsenal travel to Mansfield. Garnacho is expected to get a chance to impress for Chelsea against Wrexham.
The Flyers have traded Bobby Brink to the Minnesota Wild for David Jiříček. The NHL trade deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. The Flyers are expected to be sellers.