NCAA Tournament bubble games to watch as March Madness heats up Wednesday

Over the last month of the men's college basketball regular season, there've seemingly been safe spots in theNCAA tournament at-large poolavailable for the taking. Most teams, however, haven't taken them.

As a result, more than a handful of teams enter tournament week with work to do to push their way to the right side of the proverbial bubble. For some such squads, the quest might already be over – better luck next year, Stanford.

Here are five games to watch involving other bubble dwellers hoping to avoid the same fate on the Wednesday schedule. All four power conferences are represented on this list, but we'll start with a couple more matchups in the afore-mentioned ACC.

North Carolina State vs. Pittsburgh

Time/TV:noon ET, ESPN2.

The Wolfpack have been a wildly inconsistent bunch, having won just once in their last seven outings. That victory was a blowout over rival North Carolina, but some of the losses have been downright unsightly. They're probably still safe given the chaos on the rest of the bubble over the last few weeks, but a setback here to the Panthers, who are outside the top 100 in the NCAA's NET ranking, would be more damaging than a result against Stanford would have been.

SMU vs. Louisville

Time/TV:2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

The Mustangs were able to avoid a resume-killer against Syracuse in the first round of the ACC tournament, and now they have an opportunity to boost their cause. The Cardinals are in much safer territory, thanks to a solid road win at Miami to conclude the regular season, but would like to turn in a good performance nevertheless on the eve of March Madness.

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Cincinnati vs. Central Florida

Time/TV:3 p.m. ET, ESPNU.

The 8-9 pairing in the Big 12 second round isn't an bubble-elimination game per se. The Knights have a few more quality results on their resume and would probably still be in with a loss, though they might be shuffled closer to the First Four. The Bearcats spent much of the conference campaign trying to erase some bad outcomes from November and early December. They've won six of eight entering the postseason. A victory won't clinch a berth, but it would keep them in the conversation.

Auburn vs. Mississippi State

Time/TV:3 p.m. ET, SECN.

Hardwood pundits from just about every locale in the nation outside of Auburn, Alabama, cite the Tigers, just a game above .500 entering the SEC tournament, as Exhibit A in the case against NCAA expansion. Through sheer volume they've amassed numerous Quad 1 victories, but the number in the loss column, especially if it came against the sub-.500 Bulldogs, would become too large to dismiss. Just advancing isn't enough for Steven Pearl's team but it gives them a chance to fight another day.

Indiana vs. Northwestern

Time/TV:5:30 p.m. ET, BTN.

Exhibit B is Indiana, although most bracketologists have the Hoosiers on the outside anyway. IU enters the Big Ten tournament needing a deep run. Beating the Wildcats won't move the needle on its own, but a loss would end chance to add more quality wins.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NCAA Tournament bubble games impacting March Madness field Wednesday

byDaniel Coleman

in

March 11, 2026

NCAA Tournament bubble games to watch as March Madness heats up Wednesday

Over the last month of the men's college basketball regular season, there've seemingly been safe spots in theNCAA...

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IEA agrees to record release of emergency oil reserves in an effort to calm surging prices

PARIS (AP) — The International Energy Agency agreed Wednesday to release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves in its history, in a bid to counter the effects on energy markets of the war in the Middle East.

Germany Oil Reserves

The Paris-based organization said it will make 400 million barrels of oil available from its members' emergency reserves. It's a larger stock than the 182.7 million barrels that were released in 2022 by the IEA's 32 member countries in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"Without sufficient routes to market and with no more available storage, Middle East oil producers have started to reduce production," IEA executive director Fatih Birol said. "And we have seen further attacks and damage to energy and energy-related infrastructure. Refinery operations have also been disrupted, with major implications for jet fuel and diesel supplies in particular."

IEA member countries currently hold over 1.2 billion barrels of public emergency oil stocks, with a further 600 million barrels of industry stocks held under government obligation.

In response to U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran hasattacked commercial shipsacross the Persian Gulf, escalating a campaign of squeezing the oil-rich region asglobal energy concerns mount.

Iran has effectively stopped cargo traffic in the narrow Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of all oil is shipped from the Persian Gulf toward the Indian Ocean. It has alsotargeted oil fields and refineriesin Gulf Arab nations, aiming at generating enoughglobal economic painto pressure the United States and Israel to end their strikes.

Germany, Austria and Japan said earlier Wednesday they would release parts oftheir oil reservesfollowing an IEA request for members to release the record 400 million barrels to help temper energy price spikes due tothe Iran war.

Group of Seven energy ministers met Tuesday at IEA headquarters in Paris to look at ways to bring down prices. Birol said afterward that they discussed all available options, including making IEA emergency oil stocks available to the market.

The IEA reserves were established in 1974 following the Arab oil embargo.

"This is a major action aiming to alleviate the immediate impacts of the disruption in markets," Birol added. "But, to be clear, the most important thing for a return to stable flows of oil and gas is the resumption of transit through the Strait of Hormuz."

Birol said that 15 million barrels per day of crude oil and another five million barrels per day of oil products normally pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"This amounts to around 25% of the world's oil trade via sea. And now the flows of oil, gas and other commodities through the strait have all but stopped."

The G7 is comprised of the leading industrialized nations of Canada, the United States, France, Italy, Japan, Germany and Britain. Austria is not a member.

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The group's leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, met Wednesday via videoconference to discuss energy issues.

During his introductory remarks, French President Emmanuel Macron praised the IEA decision to release emergency oil stocks, saying it amounted to the equivalent of "20 days of the volume being exported through the Strait of Hormuz." The amount being released by G7 nations, alone, comprises 70% of the total, he said.

"I think it's very important to see as well everything we can do in order to increase our global production," Macron added.

Germany's economy ministry, Katherina Reiche, said the IEA asked Germany to release 2.64 million tons of its oil reserves. It was not immediately clear how much Austria was releasing.

She said it would take a couple of days before the delivery of the first quantities.

"Germany stands behind the IEA's most important principle of mutual solidarity," Reiche said.

The German government also said it will introduce a measure to allow gas stations in Germany to raise fuel prices no more than once a day. The federal government wants to introduce this as quickly as possible, Reiche said.

According to the IEA, export volumes of crude and refined products are currently at less than 10% of prewar levels.

In Austria, starting Monday, price increases at gas stations will be allowed only three times a week, the country's economy minister said. Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer said his country was releasing part of the emergency oil reserve and extending the national strategic gas reserve, adding: "One thing is clear: in a crisis, there must be no crisis winners at the expense of commuters and businesses."

IEA nations have released emergency stocks on five previous occasions: During the 1990-1991 Gulf War, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, during the Libyan civil war in 2011, and twice after theRussian invasion of Ukraine.

Birol noted that the situation in natural gas markets is also very challenging, with Asia the most severely affected region.

"There are few options to replace the missing LNG cargoes from Qatar and the Emirates," he said. "Global energy supply has been reduced by around 20%."

Grieshaber reported from Berlin. Associated Press reporters John Leicester and Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.

byDaniel Coleman

in

March 11, 2026

IEA agrees to record release of emergency oil reserves in an effort to calm surging prices

PARIS (AP) — The International Energy Agency agreed Wednesday to release the largest volume of emergency oil reserves in ...

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What we know on the 12th day of the US and Israel’s war with Iran

A wave of strikes on Iran hit the capital and northern areas overnight into Wednesday, while Tehran launched what it called its "most intense" operation ofthe war,targeting Israel and Gulf nations, and attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz escalated.

Throughout the region, a humanitarian crisis is mounting – withthe UN warningof toxic black rain, mass displacement and disrupted supply chains for life-saving goods. And the death toll continues to rise.

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Here's what you need to know on day 12.

What's happening in the region?

• Attacks near Strait of Hormuz: Three vessels near the Strait of Hormuz were hit by "unknown projectiles," the UK's maritime agency said. One cargo ship caught fire after it was struck, but that was later extinguished and caused "no environmental damage." The waterway, which Iran has effectively shut, is a crucial artery for the global economy since about one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through there.

• Israeli strikes: Israel launched a wave of strikes in the Iranian capital overnight into Wednesday, with the Iranian Red Crescent saying a residential area in Tehran had been targeted. Beyond the capital, CNN staff in northern Iran also reported major nighttime air raids. Israel also said it struck targets in Beirut in Lebanon, and issued another sweeping evacuation order for residents in the south of the city. Videos showed parts of a high-rise building engulfed in flames. Further south in Lebanon, a paramedic was killed after an Israeli strike hit a Red Cross ambulance.

• Iran ramps up: Iran's military said it launched its "most intense and heaviest operation" since the start of the war overnight into Wednesday, according to state media. The attack targeted locations in Israel and US assets in the region, state media reported.

• Regional attacks: Gulf states have been intercepting new waves of Iranian drones and missiles early Wednesday local time. A suspected Iranian drone also hit a US diplomatic facility in Iraq Tuesday, near the Baghdad airport, two sources told CNN.

• Toxic black rain: The World Health Organization is warning that black rain - contaminated rainfall - resulting from pollution could pose health risks after strikes in Iran. After fuel depots were hit last week, including in Tehran, thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the air, mixing with precipitation in the air to create toxic rain.

• Growing death toll: Iran has accused the US and Israel of deliberately targeting civilians, with strikes killing more than 1,300 since the conflict started, according to Iran's UN ambassador. In Lebanon, Israel's strikes have killed more than 10 children every day so far, according to the UN's children's agency. Dozens more have been killed elsewhere around the region, including by Iranian strikes. Seven US service members have been killed and 140 troops wounded, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

• New supreme leader's condition: Mojtaba Khamenei "is safe," the son of Iran's president said, amid rumors the new supreme leader was wounded by US-Israeli strikes. Mojtaba has not been seen in public nor issued a written statement since being chosen as Iran's new leader.

What are the other headlines?

• Mines in the Strait: The US military said it destroyed Iranian naval ships — including 16 minelayers — near the Strait of Hormuz. Sources earlier told CNN that Tehran has begun laying mines in the waterway, the world's most important energy chokepoint, through which about one-fifth of all crude oil travels.

• US terms: The White House laid out demands for what an "unconditional surrender" by Iran could look like, saying it will be personally determined by President Donald Trump. This includes dismantling Iran's ballistic missile arsenal that "protects" their nuclear ambitions, it said – adding that Trump does "not rule options out" in the war, including deploying US ground troops.

• School strike: The Pentagon will release its report into a strike on an Iranian girls' school that killed at least 168 children, the White House said Tuesday. The US military was likely responsible, according to CNN and expert analysis of evidence. And footage has emerged that appears to show a US missile targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval base adjacent to the school.

• Iranian women's soccer team: Seven members of the Iranian football team were granted humanitarian visas in Australia after seeking asylum, though one member changed her mind afterward and said she wanted to return home. The rest of the team left Sydney late Tuesday.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byDaniel Coleman

in

March 11, 2026

What we know on the 12th day of the US and Israel’s war with Iran

A wave of strikes on Iran hit the capital and northern areas overnight into Wednesday, while Tehran launched what it call...

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Millions face tornado and storm warnings after homes destroyed in Midwest

More than 77 million people from the Midwest to the southern Plains were under some form of tornado warning on Wednesday after multiple apparent twisters caused extensive damage in Illinois and Indiana.

Northern Illinois remains the highest risk, with a "moderate" tornado warning for 2 million people in cities south and east of Chicago, including Joliet, Peoria and Bloomington. A marginal risk extends all the way down to Texas and Tennessee.

A tornado emergency was declared in Knox, Indiana, on Tuesday, with the National Weather Service telling residents, "This is a life-threatening situation. Seek shelter now!"

On Tuesday, the parent thunderstorm that produced tornadoes in northern Illinois and northern Indiana persisted for over 7 hours, along a 200-mile path. According to the National Weather Service, there were eight reports of tornadoes between the two states on Tuesday, and two in Texas.

An elderly couple from Lake Village, Indiana, was killed in one of the tornadoes on Tuesday night, officials said on Wednesday. Several others were hospitalized from the storms, officials added.

Many areas were also hit by strong storms and heavy rain, with strong winds and hail the size of golf balls in the Chicago region. Flood warnings are in place along rivers in Illinois and Indiana.

Much of Indiana, northern Kentucky and western Ohio — including in Indianapolis, Evansville, Louisville and Cincinnati — are under a tornado watch until 12 p.m. ET. Approximately 67 million people are under the threat of severe storms from northern Pennsylvania down to the Gulf Coast.

More than 12,000 energy customers were without power across the Midwest and 23,000 across the Great Lakes region on Wednesday morning, according to PowerOutage.us.

NBC Chicagoreported that there was significant but, so far unquantified, damage across northern Illinois and northwest Indiana, including to homes, other buildings and roads.

Kankakee County, south of Chicago, declared a state of emergency and said local officials and sheriff's deputies were carrying out search and rescue efforts, as well as damage assessments. There have been no confirmed reports of deaths so far.

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A house in the village of Aroma Park had its roof partially blown off and its walls collapsed, NBC Chicago reported. The local school district is shut Wednesday.

The resident, who gave his name as Bob,told NBC Chicagothat the storm "started getting louder and I started hearing stuff breaking and caving in and pretty soon my kitchen fell on top of me from upstairs."

"Everything caved in, the fridge and everything. Luckily, I was in, like, a hole, so I didn't get hurt at all — I was just trapped," he said. Neighbors came to rescue him.

Rob Churchill, the chief of the Lake Township Fire Department, said in a video posted to Facebook that multiple homes in Lake Village, Indiana, were destroyed when the town took a "direct hit" from a tornado. People forced from their homes were being sheltered in a local school. "It's going to be a long night," he added.

In the same video, while standing in front of what appeared to be a destroyed home, Newton County Sheriff Shannon Cothran said, "Please do not come here. Do not try to help right now."

Separately, Cothran told reporters that "injuries so far have been reported as being minor, but the home damage is pretty significant."

The midweek threat of storms and tornadoes makes this the most "widespread and impactful severe weather outbreak so far this year," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Courtney Travis.

"The overlap of strong winds aloft, abundant moisture from the Gulf and sharp temperature contrasts creates an environment supportive of tornadoes, damaging wind gusts and large hail," he said.

The weather service told peoplein the Chicago area to reduce their water usage ahead of the storm to prevent flooding and protect the limited local water supply.

Parts of the Northeast also experienced extreme weather this week. On Tuesday, New York City's Central Park broke its daily high temperature record, with the temperature soaring to 80 degrees, melting away remaining snow and ice from a recent blizzard.

byDaniel Coleman

in

March 11, 2026

Millions face tornado and storm warnings after homes destroyed in Midwest

More than 77 million people from the Midwest to the southern Plains were under some form of tornado warning on Wednesday ...

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Team USA's World Baseball Classic hopes take massive hit with Italy upset

Team USA suffered a massive upset at the hands of Italy on Tuesday night at theWorld Baseball Classic, putting their hopes of moving to the quarterfinal round in jeopardy.

Italy's Kyle Teel, Sam Antonacci and Jac Caglianone homered as Italy defeated the U.S., 8-6, in the Americans' final game in pool play.

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Italian starter Michael Lorenzen allowed two hits in 4.2 scoreless innings. The U.S. got homers from Pete Crow-Armstrong twice and Gunnar Henderson, but their rally fell short.

Aaron Judgehad a chance to extend the game for the U.S. in the ninth inning, but he struck out.

"It's the toughest thing," he said. "You always like having your destiny in your own hands, and we had it right in front of us and Italy came out swinging."

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The Americans were down 8-1 in the seventh inning before Crow-Armstrong's home run.

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Italy's Dugout Espresso Machine Tradition Fuels Hot Start In World Baseball Classic

The U.S. appeared to be dealt a confusing situation, possibly thinking they had already clinched a spot in the next round. Manager Mark DeRosa seemed to think that when he said in a TV appearance that the team wanted to win the game "even though our ticket's punched to the quarterfinals …"

DeRosa said he "misspoke" and Judge added that he didn't think players had already thought their spot was secured.

"It's out of our control now," he said. "We just need a little luck, and we'll see what happens."

Now, the U.S. will need to hope for anItaly win over Mexico. If Mexico wins, then all three teams will move to 3-1 and 1-1 against each other and send it to a tiebreaker.

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The tiebreaker is the number of runs allowed in games between the tied teams. The U.S. could advance even if Mexico wins and scores at least five runs.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Original article source:Team USA's World Baseball Classic hopes take massive hit with Italy upset

byDaniel Coleman

in

March 11, 2026

Team USA's World Baseball Classic hopes take massive hit with Italy upset

Team USA suffered a massive upset at the hands of Italy on Tuesday night at theWorld Baseball Classic, putting their hope...

Read More