La Liga Condemns Sevilla Fans’ Threats

La Liga condemned threats and intimidation directed at Sevilla players and directors following a 1‑0 loss to Real Oviedo. The Spanish top‑flight body demanded respect for the sport and called for safe conduct from all supporters.

Women’s college basketball has produced some of the most gripping title games in sports. These NCAA games are about more than just a trophy. They carry pressure, emotion, and moments that stay with fans for years. Some ended with buzzer-beaters. Others saw teams come back from big deficits. A few helped shape the future of the sport.

Over time, the stage has only grown bigger. More people watch now. Bigger stars have emerged. Players like Caitlin Clark and Cheryl Miller brought attention to the game in different eras. Coaches like Dawn Staley and Pat Summitt built programs that defined winning.

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Every game on this list had something unique. Some were tight until the last second. Some featured standout performances. Others had a lasting impact on the sport. Together, they show how strong and exciting women’s college basketball has become.

Here are the 10 best women’s NCAA championship games ever, along with an honorable mention.

10. South Carolina 87, Iowa 75 (2024)

South Carolina capped off a perfect season with this win. They finished 38–0, which makes the game even more special.

Meanwhile, Iowa stayed competitive thanks to Caitlin Clark. She kept scoring and applied constant pressure. However, South Carolina’s depth proved too strong. Their size inside the paint made a huge difference.

As the game went on, the Gamecocks slowly pulled away. They dominated rebounds and controlled the pace.

Why it stands out:
This game completed a perfect season. It also featured a superstar performance and confirmed South Carolina as a modern powerhouse.

9. Maryland 78, Duke 75 OT (2006)

At first, Maryland looked out of the game. They trailed by 13 points, and things seemed over.

However, the comeback changed everything. Kristi Toliver hit a clutch three-pointer to force overtime. That moment shifted the momentum.

In overtime, Maryland stayed composed and finished the job to win their first title.

Why it stands out:
The comeback was huge. The pressure was intense, and the overtime finish made it unforgettable.

8. LSU 102, Iowa 85 (2023)

This game was all about offense from the start. Both teams scored quickly, and the total reached 187 points.

On one side, Angel Reese dominated. On the other, Caitlin Clark delivered another big performance. Even so, LSU pulled away late as their scoring proved too much.

Why it stands out:
The high-scoring action grabbed attention. It also showcased two of the biggest stars in women’s basketball.

7. North Carolina 60, Louisiana Tech 59 (1994)

This game stayed tight from start to finish. Defense controlled the tempo throughout.

Neither team allowed easy points, so every possession mattered. In the end, North Carolina edged out a one-point win in a tense finish.

Why it stands out:
The strong defense stood out. Plus, the one-point margin makes it one of the closest finals ever.

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6. Notre Dame 61, Mississippi State 58 (2018)

This game produced one of the most iconic moments in NCAA history.

With the game on the line, Arike Ogunbowale hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to win it. Even more impressive, she had already done the same in the semifinal. So, doing it again made it legendary.

Why it stands out:
The buzzer-beater was unforgettable. Back-to-back clutch shots turned Ogunbowale into a March legend.

5. Tennessee 70, Virginia 67 OT (1991)

This matchup was a hard-fought battle. Both teams competed for every point. As expected, the game went into overtime, raising the intensity.

In the end, Tennessee came out on top. The win added to the legacy of coach Pat Summitt.

Why it stands out:
The overtime drama made it exciting. It also played a key role in building Tennessee’s early dominance.

4. Notre Dame 68, Purdue 66 (2001)

This game marked a historic moment for Notre Dame. They won their first national title.

Throughout the game, things stayed close. Ruth Riley led the team with strong play inside. Ultimately, better execution in key moments made the difference.

Why it stands out:
It was a breakthrough win. Riley’s performance stood out, and the close finish added excitement.

3. USC 69, Louisiana Tech 67 (1983)

This game came early in NCAA women’s basketball history. So, it played a big role in growing the sport.

Cheryl Miller dominated and led USC to a narrow win. More importantly, the impact of this game went beyond the final score.

Why it stands out:
The historical importance is huge. Miller’s performance helped bring national attention to the sport.

2. Baylor 82, Notre Dame 81 (2019)

This game had everything fans could ask for. Both teams kept trading big plays. As a result, the score remained close until the final seconds.

After all, a controversial no-call added drama, and Baylor held on for a one-point win.

Why it stands out:
The dramatic ending made headlines. The high level of play made it feel like a true championship battle.

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1. Stanford 54, Arizona 53 (2021)

This game came down to the final possession. Arizona had a chance to win at the buzzer.

However, Stanford’s defense held strong, and the shot missed. As a result, Stanford secured a one-point victory in a tense finish.

Why it stands out:
The pressure lasted the entire game. In the end, one defensive stop decided everything.

Honorable Mention – UCLA 79, South Carolina 51 (2026)

UCLA made history in this game by winning its first NCAA-era national title. From the very beginning, they took full control and never looked back.

In fact, UCLA dominated every part of the game. The 28-point margin clearly showed how one-sided it was. On the other hand, South Carolina struggled to respond and could not keep up at any stage.

As the game went on, the gap only grew bigger. Because of that, the match never really felt close or competitive.

Why it stands out:
The victory was historic for UCLA. However, the large margin meant the game lacked tension and drama, which kept it from being an all-time classic.

Final thoughts

These games show the best of women’s college basketball. Close finishes, big plays, and strong teams define them. Each one left a mark on the sport. More great games will come, but these remain special.

Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to the media on Monday ahead of Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich, saying that, “to win in football, you have to get a lot of things right in every phase of the game. To be a great team, you have to be very well-drilled and have that collective mindset. Perhaps that’s what I’m emphasising most to the players. We have the best players but we must also be the best team in the world. We have to put our talent at the service of the team.”

Arbeloa on what he hopes to see against Bayern

“A Madrid side that has always stood up to big rivals. Bayern are having an exceptional season. We know just how much they’ll push us on the pitch. Our history with Bayern is always special. The Bernabéu is set for another great Champions League night.”

Arbeloa on resetting with Mbappé and Bellingham back

“It’s clear that Mbappé has different qualities to Brahim, so we’ll have to play in a different way. But I’m delighted to have such outstanding players at our disposal. Mbappé came here to play this sort of match. We’re lucky to have everyone available and not have a squad with ten or eleven players out.”

Arbeloa on this being a test of the project after a year and a half without trophies

“We’re not thinking about not winning the tie. I understand you have to analyse all the scenarios, but for us there’s only one: beating Bayern. That’s what we want and what we believe in.”

Arbeloa on Mbappé and the team’s attacking threat

“The only thing that matters to me is what I think, and it’s an extraordinary stroke of luck to have a player like Mbappé in the team. I put myself in the shoes of the defenders who have to face Madrid.”

Arbeloa on whether Mbappé understands Real Madrid

“Mbappé knows exactly what Real Madrid is all about; he’s always dreamed of playing here. It hasn’t been easy for him to make it here.”

Arbeloa on one draw in 37 games

“It’s an interesting statistic, and the mentality is that of Real Madrid, which is to win. I always believe we can win. In some matches we’ve conceded in the dying minutes, but this is Madrid and you have to always try to win.”

Arbeloa on the locker room after Mallorca

“It’s a locker room like any other when you lose. Perhaps it hurts more, because if there’s one club where defeat isn’t tolerated, it’s Madrid.”

Arbeloa on bouncing back

“These are different matches and contexts. The players know exactly what lies ahead. I don’t need to warn them about anything. It’s a quarter-final against a team we have a long history with, and with the Bernabéu behind us. I think we’re all aware of that.”

Arbeloa on what changes with Bellingham

“What changes is that we’re a better team; I’m convinced of that. He has different qualities to his teammates and when he’s on the pitch we have to adapt. That’s what football’s all about, having those connections between players. But it’s a blessed problem to have to fit Bellingham into the team.”

Arbeloa on Alaba

“It’s a huge privilege to have a player with a career like Alaba’s, not just for what he’s done at Madrid but also at Bayern and for his country. He’s had games where he’s helped us enormously. All players are important, whatever their role. He embodies all the values a footballer should have.”

Arbeloa on Bayern

“They’re a very well-drilled side; you can quickly spot their hallmarks and style of play. They’re a very aggressive team in defence, forcing you into situations where you see all the players dropping back in a remarkable way. Then, when they have the ball, they create opportunities out wide with their highly talented players. I think they’re a very complete side with plenty of weapons at their disposal. And they’re incredibly committed defensively. Kompany deserves every bit of the praise he’s getting because he’s doing a tremendous job at Bayern Munich.”

Arbeloa on if he’s a man manager or a tactician

“I don’t put myself on a pedestal; I’m whatever you want me to be. My obsession is preparing my teams for what they’re going to face on the pitch and getting the best out of each player. You have to be a manager capable of doing everything.”

Arbeloa on concern about six players being a yellow card away from suspension

“There’s no need. They know they’re on a warning, but tomorrow’s a tight game and they know that if they have to pick up a card for the good of the team, they’ll do it. But we’ve already played many games with players on a card.”

Oliver Burke's 37 km/h burst in a Union Berlin match places him second on the Bundesliga speed list, but Jean‑Matteo Bahoya’s 37.16 km/h remains the top mark. The record may soon be challenged as new data rolls in.

OUDENAARDE, Belgium (AP) — Tadej Pogačar is among the riders being investigated for running a red light at a railway crossing during the Tour de Flanders on Sunday.

Pogačar, who won the race for a record-equaling third time, was in a group of riders who went through the crossing without stopping. The majority of the peloton behind them had to stop before the railway.

Belgium officials confirmed Monday there is an ongoing investigation for the riders who allegedly ran the red light. They said no further details were immediately available.

Local media said the riders could face a fine and a driving suspension if found guilty.

Pogačar, who rides for the UAE Team Emirates-XRG team, reportedly said after the race that the signal for them to stop came in too late.

Race officials ordered the riders who went through to slow down so the rest of the peloton could catch up to them again.

Also known as De Ronde (The Tour), the Tour of Flanders is one of cycling’s most challenging one-day races and was first held in 1913. This year’s 278-kilometer (172.7-mile) route featured 16 short but punishing climbs and several cobblestone sections.

The race is one of the “monuments” of cycling — the five most prestigious one-day events in the sport — along with Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege and the Giro di Lombardia.

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AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling