MON SIX

Only one member of this year's quartet has never claimed the ultimate prize, though a couple of the other semifinalists are attempting to end title droughts that date back several decades. Then there's the Beast of the Big East looking to continue a mini dynasty with a third net-cutting ceremony in four years.

PREDICTIONS:Picks for Arizona-Michigan|Picks for Illinois-Connecticut

X-FACTORS:The four players key to their team's national championship hopes

Here's everything you need to know about Saturday's semifinal matchups, including viewing info and keys to victory for all the participants.

No. 2 Connecticut vs. No. 3 Illinois

Time/TV:6:09 p.m. ET, TBS

Taking the court first in Indianapolis will be the Huskies, fresh off one of the most improbable finishes in March Madness history, seeking that afore-mentioned third title in four seasons and the program's seventh championship overall. This is the sixth semifinal appearance for the Fighting Illini, though they've yet to win the whole thing. They came close in their most recent trip in 2005 but fell five points short against North Carolina in the title game.

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As fate would have it, UConn and Illinois actually met earlier this season, with the Huskies taking a 74-61 decision way back on Nov. 28 at Madison Square Garden. Much has changed since then for both teams, as UConn's new March Madness hero Braylon Mullins was just working his way into the rotation, and the Illini had yet to unlock their own freshman sensation Keaton Wagler.

One aspect that hasn't changed for the UConn teams of its recent championship vintage is its relentless perimeter defense. Mullins has become a big part of that, as is veteran wingman Alex Karaban, and their second-half comeback against Duke showed their ability to adjust on the fly. Illinois's Andrej Stojakovic can beat pressure with his driving ability, but he'll likely have to make some passes, a less comfortable aspect of his game, to beat UConn's inside help. The Illini can play defense as well, of course, and Zvonimir Ivisic can be an effective last line, swatting two blocks a game despite being on the floor for just 17.5 minutes on average. He and brother Tomaslav Ivisic will be needed to keep Huskies' big man Tarris Reed at bay. Ultimately, the contest could hinge on each team's No. 3 scoring options. Illinois David Mirkovic is an accurate shooter but needs to be in rhythm, and UConn's Solo Ball is a high-volume launcher who can be quite streaky.

No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 1 Michigan

Time/TV:8:49 p.m. ET, TBS

These programs have enjoyed considerable success on the hardwood over the years, but they each own just one title, and it's been a while for each of them. The Wildcats claimed their championship in 1997 but haven't been to the Final Four since 2001. The Wolverines' lone title came in 1989, though they've been to the final several times since, most recently in 2018.

Both current versions, however, spent time at No. 1 in the polls this season and very much expected to be here on the final weekend. For what it's worth, Arizona can lay claim to being the hottest team left standing, as they ride a 13-game winning streak into Indianapolis and most recently conquered the Purdue squad responsible for Michigan's defeat in the Big Ten title game. The Wolverines, however, are absolutely capable of beating anyone. Both teams also play an aesthetically pleasing brand of basketball with slick passing that leads to high-percentage shots, so it shouldn't disappoint.

The Wildcats by and large keep their starting five in the game. What bench production they do get comes from Tobe Awaka and Anthony Dell'Orso, and both will likely be needed against Michigan's deeper lineup. Sharpshooter Brayden Burries and forward Koa Peat handle much of the scoring, but Jaden Bradley keeps the whole machine operating, and Ivan Kharchenkov is a key contributor as well putting up over 10 points and 2.3 assists per outing. The toughest assignment for Arizona might belong to center Motiejus Krivas, who must contend with Michigan's formidable frontcourt without encountering foul trouble. The Wolverines' strong inside game starts with Yaxel Lendeborg, who can score from all levels, and also features 62.5% finisher Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara in the middle. Losing L.J. Cason to a knee injury was a blow to the Wolverines' back-court rotation, but Trey McKenney has provided valuable minutes off the bench of late. Elliot Cadeau is primarily the facilitator, but he'll likely need to hit a few shots himself to counter the Wildcats' numerous options.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:March Madness games today: Final Four schedule and game breakdowns

The induction class also includes the entire 1996 United States women's national team that earned gold at the Atlanta Summer Olympics and was coached by Tara VanDerveer.

Gonzaga head coach Mark Few was named to the class, as well as Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. Six-time NBA All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire was named along with former NBA referee Joey Crawford, who spent 39 seasons in the NBA. That group was selected by the North American Committee.

The Women's Committee not only selected the entire 1996 women's team, it also named two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne, six-time WNBA All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw and two-time MVP and three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker.

The Contributors Committee selected Mike D'Antoni, who was an NBA head coach for 16 seasons with the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.

Few has guided Gonzaga to 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament berths and championship game appearances in 2017 and 2021. His Bulldogs teams have earned at least 23 wins in every season he has been on the bench since 1999-2000.

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Rivers ranks sixth in NBA history with 1,191 victories and guided the Boston Celtics to the 2008 NBA title as part of his 27 seasons as a coach. He also played 13 seasons with four teams, the first eight with the Atlanta Hawks (1983-91), and played in the 1988 All-Star Game.

Stoudemire was a six-time All-Star during 14 seasons (2013-16), most notably starring for the Suns during the first eight seasons of his career. He won Rookie of the Year honors for the 2002-03 season and had career averages of 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds.

Crawford officiated 2,561 NBA games, second only to Dick Bavetta. He also officiated a record 374 playoff games and 50 NBA Finals games.

Parker won three WNBA titles with three teams in 16 campaigns (2008-23) and was league MVP during the 2008 and 2013 seasons. The seven-time All-Star also won two college national titles at Tennessee (2007, 2008) and two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012).

Delle Donne won WNBA MVP awards in 2015 and 2019 and led the Washington Mystics to the 2019 title. She was a seven-time All-Star in 10 seasons with the Chicago Sky (2013-16) and Mystics (2017-19, 2021-23).

The induction ceremonies are Aug. 14-15 in Springfield, Mass.

--Field Level Media

"There's obviously concern. Every time you send a player for an MRI and those areas, the calf area, could be tricky," managerCarlos Mendoza said. "We just got to wait, but obviously concerned."

Soto appeared to grimace as he was running from first to third and Mendoza said Soto's calf continued to get tight when he was standing on third base. New York's coaching staff noticed something was off when Soto attempted to run home on a ground ball to the pitcher.

Soto was replaced by Tyrone Taylor in left field.

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Soto, in his second season with the Mets after signing a 15-year, $765 million contract – the largest in pro sports history – played in 160 games in 2025. He finished third in NL MVP voting, hitting a career-high 43 home runs with 105 RBIs and an NL-best 38 stolen bases, but the Mets failed to reach the playoffs.

Soto played right field last season but shifted to left for 2026 withtop prospect Carson Bengestepping into an everyday role in right to start the campaign. If Soto were to miss time, the Mets would likely lean on Taylor heavily in a corner outfield spot, perhaps utilizing Brett Baty in the outfield as well, despite his inexperience.

"You never want to lose a guy like that. I don't know how bad it is yet, but I know he works extremely hard and is going to get himself back as soon as possible," second baseman Marcus Semien said.

"The good thing is we have a deep group. The guys on the bench should be starting on this team and somebody else to going to get a chance. We just try and hold it down while he's out."

Here are some of the more interesting foods and beverages available this season at major-league stadiums: The "Take Me Out to the Ballgame Milkshake" at Diamondbacks home games is a salted caramel shake with whipped cream, peanut butter sandwich cookies, Kit Kat bars and Cracker Jack.

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See new food bites at the ballpark this season

Here are some of the more interesting foods and beverages available this season atmajor-leaguestadiums: The "Take Me Out to the Ballgame Milkshake" at Diamondbacks home games is a salted caramel shake with whipped cream, peanut butter sandwich cookies, Kit Kat bars and Cracker Jack.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Juan Soto injury update and news: Mets' star status heading for MRI

Iran War

Activists overseas play a key role in tracking the crackdown, which is complicated by the internet shutdown imposed earlier this year duringmassive nationwide protestsagainst the Islamic theocracy. Watchdogs say security forces shot and killed thousands of people.

The war with the United States and Israel has intensified authorities' threats against anyone speaking to outside media or activists. Now that pressure appears to be expanding to intimidate activists in exile.

Iran 'took my mother away to make me be quiet'

Intelligence agents in Tehran on March 15 detained the brother of Hossein Razzagh, a former political prisoner who fled last year to Europe, Razzagh told the AP.

"My own brother isn't at all political and doesn't do any kind of political activity. It's to put me under pressure," he said.

His brother, Ali, was taken from his home in Tehran and was able to phone his wife that night "for a few seconds" from a detention center run by Iran's Intelligence Ministry, Razzagh said.

Since then, the family and his lawyer have been unable to contact him. But the intelligence ministry told them it was reviewing his contact with his brother, Razzagh said.

Another activist who fled, Behnam Chegini, said his 20-year-old niece was detained on March 10 for a week. The niece was taken from her parents' house in the city of Arak soon after she returned from Tehran, where her university had closed because of the war.

She was later released on bail and put under a travel ban.

Chegini, who is now based in France, said the detention was at least in part "because she is my niece and they know that."

Sareh Sedighi, an activist who fled after her 2021 death sentence was overturned, said her mother was detained from her home last month in the western town of Urmia.

"The Islamic Republic took my mother away to make me be quiet," she said. Her mother suffers from health problems and requires daily insulin doses, she added.

And Mahshid Nazemi, a former political prisoner and activist who now lives in France, said at least one friend was detained and questioned about contact with her.

Authorities target the property of outspoken exiles

Iran's judiciary has begun seizing the property of public figures critical of the country's rulers, under an anti-espionage law approved duringlast year's 12-day warwith Israel that punishes media and cultural activities deemed to support Iran's enemies.

A judiciary spokesman on March 31 said on state TV that more than 200 indictments for confiscations have been or are being issued.

Borzou Arjmand, an Iranian actor living in California, found out from news reports that his assets in Iran had been confiscated. After his outspoken support forprotests in 2022, Arjmand was unable to return to Iran. Since then, authorities have blocked his bank accounts.

Arjmand has expressed support on social media for Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah who has organized an opposition movement abroad and supported U.S.-Israeli strikes.

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Pressuring exiled figures is meant "so the Iranian people's voice doesn't reach the world," Arjmand said.

At least three other figures living outside Iran —star soccer player Sardar Azmoun, musician Mohsen Yeghaneh and university professor Ali Sharifi Zarchi — have been on lists of confiscations, according to two semiofficial news agencies in Iran. Yeghaneh and Zarchi have expressed support for anti-government protesters on social media.

Rights groups say conditions are worsening

Iranian security and judicial officials have warned that any new anti-government protests will be met with lethal force.

State media regularly report arrests around the country, describing people as "mercenaries" or "agents" of Israel and the United States, "royalist thugs" or "traitorous elements."

Reports have alleged that some sent information to "hostile networks."

Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based group, has tracked several hundred detentions since the war began on Feb. 28, using its networks in the country and state media reports, said its director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghhaddam. He said the full number is likely far higher.

Among those detained is human rights lawyerNasrin Sotoudeh, taken by intelligence agents from her house in Tehran, said her daughter Mehraveh Khandan, who lives in Amsterdam. The 64-year-old Sotoudeh had been out on bail for health reasons following an earlier detention.

Little is known about how trials are functioning, as Israeli airstrikes have targeted buildings connected to the judicial system. "It's like they are half-closed. A lot of judges are staying home," said Musa Barzin, a lawyer with Dadban, a group of rights lawyers based abroad.

Some report deteriorating conditions inside crowded prisons. Speaking from Tehran, the wife of a political prisoner held at Iran's Evin Prison worried it could be struck asit was during last year's war.

"Explosions and smoke can be heard and seen from everywhere in the city. Every time we hear a sound, we get scared," she said, speaking on condition of anonymity for her family's safety.

Iranian opposition tries to organize overseas

The situation has led to new attempts to organize the highly fragmented Iranian opposition abroad.

Shortly before the war, Razzagh and others began planning an opposition conference in London, the Iran Freedom Congress, to bring together pro-democracy groups. Razzagh represented a group of Iran-based opposition figures including Soutoudeh and imprisoned Nobel laureateNarges Mohammadi.

He called the conference a first step toward forming a coalition to push for a "political transition" in Iran.

For decades, Iran's rulers have quashed organized political opposition. Some activists in the diaspora say the war is worsening that pressure.

"Israel and America are saying, well, if the Islamic Republic doesn't kill you, let us bomb you. They've been taken hostage from both sides," Nazemi said of Iranians back home.

Associated Press writer Sarah El Deeb in Beirut contributed to this report.

Russia Ukraine War

The attacks came as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Istanbul for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He will also meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians.

Russia fired 286 drones at Ukraine overnight, 260 of which were downed, the Ukrainian Air Force said in an online statement.

Five people — three women and two men — were killed in the city of Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and 19 others, including a 14-year-old girl, were wounded, head of the regional military administration Oleksandr Hanzha said. The attack damaged market stalls and a shop.

In the city of Sumy, not far from the border with Russia, a strike injured 11 people, including a 15-year-old, the National Police said. Residential areas were hit, and houses, cars and utility networks were damaged in the attack.

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In the capital, Kyiv, a drone strike caused a fire on the first floor of a three-story office and warehouse building, Ukraine's State Emergency Service said. No casualties were reported.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Saturday that its forces fired "long-range air- and ground-based precision weapons, as well as strike drones" at unspecified "military-industrial and energy facilities used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces."

In a separate statement, the ministry said that the Russian military overnight shot down 85 Ukrainian drones over nine Russian regions, the annexed Crimea region and the Black Sea.

In Russia's Rostov region, on the border with Ukraine, one person was killed and four sustained injuries, according to the region's governor, Yuri Slyusar. The attack sparked a fire at a warehouse facility of an unspecified logistics company, and another fire on a dry-cargo vessel flying a foreign flag several kilometers from the shore, Slyusar said.

In the Samara region's city of Tolyatti, one person was wounded, Gov. Vyacheslav Fedorishchev said. The roof of a residential building was damaged, and windows were shattered in several apartments, he said.

The National Weather Service defines the term wind chill as "how cold people and animals feel when outside. Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold."

When it's cold outside, your body generates a warm layer of air around your skin. As the wind increases, it disrupts this layer, exposing your skin to the colder weather, which eventually drops your body temperature. This is why itfeelsmuch colder when it is cold and windy outside. Cold air is also much drier than warmer air, so humidity doesn't play a factor during the wintertime.

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Let's talk about the heat index. A warm summer breeze just doesn't have the same effect on the body compared to a frigid winter wind. Yes, the wind can help cool you off, which is how fans work, but it's more about the relative humidity and feels-like temperatures. Heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when the relative humidity is factored into the actual air temperature.

Bottom line is that sweating is how your body cools itself. Your body starts to sweat when you get too hot. Then the sweat begins to evaporate, which is a cooling process. When there is a lot of moisture in the air and the relative humidity is high, it becomes harder for the sweat to evaporate from your body. So you begin to feel even hotter.

The wind chill and heat index charts were created to give ranges when weather conditions can become too dangerous to be outside. Keep in mind that the actual air temperature is taken in the shade, so the sun can actually make it feel even more uncomfortable on those hot and humid summer days.

Do you have a question to ask the meteorologists at weather.com? Drop a weather-related question in the comments below. We'll pick a new one each week from readers to answer.

The Gamecocks have won three championships under coach Dawn Staley and will be looking for a fourth on April 5. Standing in their way will be UCLA, looking for its first NCAA national championship. The Bruins defeated Texas in a defensive battle in the second semifinal game on Friday night.

South Carolina and UCLA will meet Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) for the national title in the Women's NCAA Tournament.

"This is something that we've all dreamt of being in the position in," UCLA senior center Lauren Betts said. "We're all very thankful. We expected to be here.

"Tonight we'll all celebrate with our families and soak this in. Tomorrow we have to lock in and prep for another 1-0."

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Betts had acritical blockwith 18 seconds remaining to help help the Bruins hold on for the win.

Here's everything you need to know to watch South Carolina-UCLA on April 5:

Women's Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head

South Carolina vs. UCLA: NCAA Championship date, start time

The South Carolina Gamecocks and UCLA Bruins and will face off Sunday, April 5 at the Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT)

• Date: Sunday, April 5

• Location: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix)

How to watch South Carolina vs. UCLA: TV channel, streaming

South Carolina vs. UCLA will air live on ABC at 3:30 p.m. ET on April 5, with streaming options onFuboandESPN Unlimited.

• TV channel: ABC

• Streaming: Fubo, ESPN Unlimited

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:South Carolina vs. UCLA in the women's NCAA championship: Time, TV, stream