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Red Mountain Mining Limited (ASX: RMX, US CODE: RMXFF, or “Company”) a Critical Minerals exploration and development company with an established portfolio in Tier-1 Mining Districts in the United States and Australia, is pleased to announce that it has received continued strong assay results from the second tranche of assays for its auger soil sampling program at the Oaky Creek prospect at the Company’s 100% owned Armidale Antimony-Gold project in New South Wales.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Red Mountain has confirmed the presence of multiple drill-ready Antimony targets at the Oaky Creek Prospect following the second batch of analytical results from its comprehensive auger soil sampling program at the Armidale Antimony-Gold Project
Newly discovered stibnite vein rock samples return up to an exceptionally high grade of 28.1% Sb. The new samples collected ~600m NNW of the Oaky Creek South workings, highlight the potential for a new extension to the current mineralised system at Oaky Creek
Conventional and auger soil sampling and rock analytical results of up to 39.3% Sb and 1.09ppm Au for Oaky Creek indicate the potential of a large-scale orogenic Antimony-gold vein system with a strike extent of ~3km at surface, which is analogous to Larvotto Resources’ Hillgrove project, Australia’s largest known Antimony deposit
Previously identified 200m x 30m Antimony-arsenic anomaly near the Oaky Creek South Main Grid has been extended by a further 30% and remains open to the northeast, with values of up to 251ppm Sb and 1,443ppm As returned
Soil sampling from southern end of Oaky Creek North has further supported the NNW- trending Antimony anomaly, with values of up to 137ppm Sb and 334ppm As. Aligning with previously identified conventional soil anomaly and mineralised stibnite-bearing rock sampling, providing further evidence for widespread antimony mineralisation at Oaky Creek
Results for approximately 900 further auger soil samples collected during January and February are pending and expected to be received before the end of March. These samples will expand auger coverage at both Oaky Creek North and Oaky Creek South, including the newly collected anomalous rock sample, and will be used in conjunction with existing datasets to refine multiple orogenic Antimony vein targets ahead of planned drill-testing
Further assays pending for Thompson Falls Antimony Project in the US following recently announced initial high-grade Antimony results

Assay results from the January-February field program across Oaky Creek North and Oaky Creek South have reported numerous highly anomalous samples including a stibnite vein sample collected ~600m NNW of the Oaky Creek South workings returning 28.1% Sb. 42 rock samples now exceed 0.5% Sb at Oaky Creek, further supporting the presence of widespread antimony mineralisation across the Oaky Creek Prospect and potentially indicating an extension to the Oaky Creek South mineralised system (see below).

Results for approximately 900 further auger soil samples collected during January and February remain pending, with assays expected before the end of March. These results will significantly expand coverage at both Oaky Creek North and Oaky Creek South (Figure 1) and will be used in conjunction with datasets for additional expected orogenic antimony vein targets ahead of planned drill testing in Q2 2026.

New Auger Assay Results Extend Antimony-Arsenic Anomaly at Oaky Creek South

As was reported in November 2025¹, initial auger sampling at the Oaky South Main Grid, located approximately 400m north-northwest of the small historical pits and shafts at Oaky Creek South, defined a coherent NE-striking ~200m x 30m Sb-As anomaly that remained open to the northeast.

Newly received results from sampling completed in late 2025 returned values of up to 251ppm Sb and 1,443ppm As (Appendix 1) and extend this anomaly ~60m further to the northeast (Figure 2). The anomaly remains open in that direction, with analytical results for sampling completed in January and February 2026 pending and represents a priority target for planned drill testing in Q2 2026.

The new results comprise approximately 180 auger soil samples collected over conventional soil anomalies at Oaky Creek South and Oaky Creek North, expanding coverage from the initial ~250 auger samples collected at Oaky Creek South in November 2025² (Figure 1).

Click here for the full ASX Release

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1 Min Read

Jeffrey Christian: Gold, Silver Prices to Rise, Risk Highest Since WWII

Jeffrey Christian, managing partner at CPM Group, sees gold and silver prices continuing to rise as global political and economic risks persist.

‘We look at the world right now and we see a world where the risks and uncertainties are greater now than at any time since Pearl Harbor. December 1941,’ he said.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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5 Mins Read

Crypto Market Update: Iran War Drives Oil Derivatives Boom on Crypto Exchange

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (March 11) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$70,624.29, up by 0.6 percent over the last 24 hours.

Bitcoin price performance, March 11, 2026.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin volatility remains elevated amid macro and oil price shocks. Amberdata’s recent analysis pins Bitcoin’s prolonged correction, which began after its October 2025 peak, partly on carry trade unwind, which has caused the 30 day basis to compress from over 15 percent in January 2025 to just over 5 percent on Wednesday.

Rania Gule, senior market analyst at XS.com, reads the current US$70,000 stall as a bottoming and rebalancing, not an endless correction, with short squeeze and scarcity setting up the next leg up.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$2,075.44, up by 1.7 percent over the last 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.39, up by 0.4 percent over 24 hours.

Solana (SOL) was trading at US$87.19, up by 1.3 percent over 24 hours.

Today’s crypto news to know

Oil trading surges on crypto derivatives platform

Volatility in global energy markets is spilling into crypto trading platforms, where oil derivatives are now among the most active markets. On decentralized exchange Hyperliquid, an oil-linked perpetual futures contract tracking West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude has generated about US$1.32 billion in trading volume over the past 24 hours.

The surge made oil the second most traded contract on the platform after Bitcoin.

It followed the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, which sent oil prices briefly soaring above US$118 per barrel before retreating. Prior to the conflict, the contract typically saw about US$21 million in daily trading.

Data from Hyperliquid shows Bitcoin still dominates trading activity with roughly US$3.64 billion in daily volume, but the WTI contract has now leapfrogged assets such as Ether, silver and gold.

Strategy adds nearly 18,000 Bitcoin in US$1.28 billion purchase

Michael Saylor’s Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) continued its aggressive accumulation strategy last week, revealing that it purchased 17,994 BTC for about US$1.28 billion between March 2 and 8.

According to a regulatory filing, the company paid an average price of roughly US$70,946 per coin. The latest purchase lifts Strategy’s total holdings to 738,731 Bitcoin, acquired at a combined cost of about US$56.04 billion.

Circle launches nanopayments on testnet for AI agent commerce

Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL) launched nanopayments on a testnet on Tuesday (March 10), enabling artificial intelligence (AI) agents and machines to handle instant, gas-free payments of fractions of a cent using USDC. This financial rail allows machine-to-machine commerce, or “agentic economic activity,” by bundling many tiny off-chain transactions for free and settling them periodically on EVM chains like Arbitrum or Base.

Agents sign an off-chain authorization for immediate service. Following the x402 standard, it requires no accounts, just programmable USDC flows. This enables use cases like robots paying to recharge or AI paying per data crawl.

It is currently available for developers on testnet only.

Foundry Digital to launch Zcash mining pool

Foundry Digital, a company that builds infrastructure for digital asset mining, said it is planning to launch a specialized mining pool for Zcash in April of this year, expanding beyond their Bitcoin focus.

A spokesperson for Foundry told Cointelegraph that the company decided to build the new mining pool because “Zcash addresses something we believe is genuinely important: the idea that financial privacy is foundational to economic freedom, and that privacy and compliance can coexist.”

In addition, “When institutional and public miners can mine Zcash through infrastructure built to their standards, it brings new hashrate to the network and strengthens its security.”

Strive allocates US$50 million to Strategy

Strive Asset Management announced a US$50 million allocation of its corporate treasury to Strategy variable-rate perpetual preferred stock on Wednesday, with Chief Risk Officer Jeff Walton saying the company sees the stock as “a high-quality credit, offering material yield, higher liquidity, and attractive risk profile over traditional credit instruments for moderate duration capital.” The firm projects over US$3.9 million in returns per year compared to T-bills.

China’s top court warns of tougher penalties for crypto crime

China’s Supreme People’s Court has signaled a harder line against cryptocurrency-related financial crime, pledging stricter penalties for individuals using digital assets to launder money or move funds overseas.

Chief Justice Zhang Jun issued the warning in the court’s annual report to the National People’s Congress, highlighting the growing role of crypto in cross-border financial offenses.

Authorities say the crackdown is part of a broader campaign against technology-enabled crime, which increasingly includes AI-driven fraud and coordinated online harassment campaigns known as “human flesh search.”

Despite the ban, enforcement agencies say criminals have continued to exploit digital assets to bypass China’s strict capital controls, which limit individuals to transferring US$50,000 abroad each year.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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6 Mins Read

Uranium Market Facing Supply Crunch as Nuclear Fleet Grows

The global uranium market is entering what industry leaders describe as a pivotal phase, with strengthening nuclear demand colliding with tightening supply and rising geopolitical competition for fuel.

At the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto, an executive from Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ) and an analyst from UxC warned that the nuclear fuel cycle is undergoing a structural shift; one that could reshape uranium pricing and supply security over the coming decades.

During a presentation titled “Reviving the Nuclear Life Cycle,’ Grant Isaac, president and COO of Cameco, said the market often underestimates uranium demand because much of it is driven by long-term government and utilities agreements that are negotiated outside the public market.

“The sovereign interest in where nuclear fuel is coming from over a very long period of time is probably one of the most unrecognized pieces of uranium demand out there,” he said.

Unlike most commodities, uranium is rarely traded through large spot exchanges. Instead, utilities typically secure fuel years in advance through long-term contracts tied to reactor operations.

“Uranium is a product for which there is no substitute,” Isaac said.

“We don’t produce uranium to dump into a spot market or to sell to a smelter or metals exchange. That’s not how our market works … the market works on long-term planning tied directly to reactor demand.”

Nuclear expansion reshaping uranium demand

The global nuclear fleet currently includes roughly 441 reactors generating about 400 gigawatts of electricity, according to data from UxC. By 2040, that capacity could grow to more than 580 gigawatts as new reactors come online and existing units receive license extensions.

China alone operates about 60 reactors and has another 38 under construction, representing nearly 40 gigawatts of additional capacity. India is also expanding rapidly as part of its energy security strategy.

Elsewhere, nuclear demand is being supported by reactor restarts in Japan and steady generation in France, as well as new projects in the US and across Central and Eastern Europe.

Isaac noted that many reactors originally slated for closure are now being upgraded and extended, adding new fuel requirements that were not anticipated just a few years ago. Utilities are investing in upgrades that can boost output by 50 to 100 megawatts per reactor, he said — changes that require additional uranium.

“That alone is significant demand for uranium that nobody was talking about three or four years ago,” Isaac said.

Uranium supply challenges intensifying

While demand is strengthening, speakers at PDAC warned that uranium supply faces a range of structural constraints, from geopolitical disruptions to project development risks.

Nick Carter, executive vice president at UxC, said Asia will account for much of that demand growth, particularly in China and India. In terms of supply, global uranium production totaled about 173 million pounds in 2025, according to UxC. The largest producer was Kazakhstan, followed by Canada, Namibia and Australia.

Yet even with new projects planned, UxC forecasts significant deficits beginning around 2030.

“We do start seeing supply gaps starting around 2030 and extending through 2040. Filling that gap will be quite challenging,’ Carter said. Several factors are complicating the supply outlook.

Political instability has already disrupted production in parts of Africa. In 2023, the government of Niger took control of uranium assets previously operated by French nuclear group Orano.

“That is material that used to come into the west that is not coming into the west anymore,” Isaac said.

At the same time, China has aggressively secured uranium supply through overseas investments and long-term contracts. Carter estimates that the Asian nation now controls or has access to nearly 40 percent of global primary uranium production through imports and equity stakes in foreign mines.

“China imported nearly 70 million pounds of open market supply last year,” Carter said, adding that large volumes of Russian material are also being redirected to Chinese buyers.

New mines need higher incentive prices

Despite strong demand fundamentals, uranium prices have not yet fully reflected tightening supply conditions across the nuclear fuel cycle. Downstream services such as enrichment and conversion have already experienced significant price increases, Isaac said, suggesting the uranium market itself could follow.

“We need to see price discovery in our industry,” he said, adding that the era of extremely cheap uranium is likely over.

“We’re out of US$20 uranium, and we’re probably out of US$40,” he said. “And I think we’re running out of US$80.”

Higher uranium prices may ultimately be required to incentivize new mines and ensure long-term fuel availability for the expanding nuclear sector.

“If we treat nuclear fuel as the long-lead item that it actually is,” Isaac said, “Then the industry can transition smoothly into this period of growth.” Otherwise, he warned, the market may face a more abrupt reset.

“It will reset,” he said. “But it may reset more violently than any of us would like.”

Uranium prices enter new phase of volatility

Also speaking at PDAC, Treva Klingbiel, president of TradeTech, said the uranium market is entering a new phase marked by stronger prices and increasing volatility. She noted that uranium prices have historically moved in pronounced “supercycles,” a pattern visible in price data dating back to the late 1960s.

The most recent cycle has been particularly dramatic, she said, highlighting how the market has rebounded from the prolonged downturn that followed the Fukushima accident.

In 2016, uranium prices fell to a low of about US$17.75 per pound as early reactor closures, production costs well above market prices and supportive policies for gas and renewable energy weighed heavily on the sector.

Since then, the market has staged a sharp recovery.

“Since that low point, the price has more than quintupled,” Klingbiel said.

Today, TradeTech’s daily spot price sits around US$85, while the long-term contract price has climbed to about US$90. She added that TradeTech’s exchange value, a monthly pricing indicator, briefly reached US$100 in late January, a level that has been recorded only a handful of times since the firm began tracking uranium prices in 1968.

Looking ahead, Klingbiel said the uranium industry is now grappling with how quickly supply and demand can respond to geopolitical and policy shifts. In her view, the velocity is ‘very different from the past.’

Recent political developments, particularly shifting trade policies and evolving alliances, have already disrupted longstanding nuclear fuel supply chains. While some government initiatives are boosting nuclear power, other policies have placed pressure on available supply of uranium and enrichment services.

Limited investment over the past decade has contributed to what TradeTech views as a widening structural deficit.

“The demand is there,” Klingbiel told listeners at PDAC.

“What we need now is the capital to develop new production to bridge that supply gap.”

Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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9 Mins Read

Syntholene Selects Papadakis Engineering as Integration Partner for Novel Thermal-Hybrid Synthetic Fuel Demonstration Facility Heat Exchanger System

Experienced Thermal Integration Specialist Team Adds Depth to Syntholene’s Construction and Operational Roster

Syntholene Energy CORP (TSXV: ESAF,OTC:SYNTF) (FSE: 3DD0) (OTCQB: SYNTF) (‘Syntholene’ or the ‘Company’) announces that it has selected Papadakis Engineering (‘Papadakis’), the advanced fabrication and systems division of Papadakis Racing, as its development and integration partner for the geothermal heat exchanger system supporting Syntholene’s planned thermal-hybrid synthetic fuel Demonstration Facility.

Papadakis Engineering is a U.S.-based engineering and fabrication firm with deep expertise in high-performance thermal systems, precision manufacturing, and complex system integration.

The Papadakis organization is internationally recognized for its championship-winning motorsports engineering program, having designed and built record-setting powertrains and vehicle systems for top-tier professional racing series, including multiple Formula Drift titles.

The firm is known for translating extreme performance requirements into reliable, precision-engineered systems operating under continuous thermal and mechanical stress, a pedigree that directly informs its approach to advanced industrial thermal and integration challenges.

‘Thermal integration is one of the most important levers for Syntholene’s vision of lowering the cost of electrolytic hydrogen and, by extension, synthetic fuels,’ said Dan Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Syntholene Energy Corp. ‘Papadakis brings an uncommon combination of thermal engineering, fabrication discipline, and execution speed. Their experience delivering tightly integrated, high-performance systems makes them an ideal partner as Syntholene moves from design into physical system validation.‘

The Company’s engagement of Papadakis is pursuant to a written project proposal dated January 28, 2026. The project scope covers detailed engineering, fabrication, containerized integration, and electrical scope associated with a geothermal heat exchanger skid designed to provide low-grade process heat to Syntholene’s Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC)-based hydrogen production system. Under the proposal, Papadakis has agreed to provide electrical and heat exchanger integration services for a total contract value of US$289,026 payable in tranches during the term, with delivery of services expected to be complete by June 1, 2026. The work is intended to support factory acceptance testing and delivery of a fully integrated demonstration-scale system. This proposal was entered into by the Company in the ordinary course of its business in furtherance of the previously announced proposed Demonstration Facility. Papadakis and the Company are arm’s length parties.

‘Syntholene’s proposed Demonstration Facility represents the kind of engineering challenge we’re built for: integrating complex subsystems into a cohesive, performance-driven platform,‘ said Stephan Papadakis, Founder of Papadakis Engineering. ‘My team is excited to apply our high-performance engineering discipline to a program aimed at improving the efficiency and economics of synthetic fuel production.’

The selection of Papadakis represents a key milestone in the execution of Syntholene’s thermal-hybrid production architecture, which aims to integrate electricity with process heat to reduce net electrical demand and improve overall SOEC system efficiency. The proposed Demonstration Facility is designed to validate this approach and to generate operating data required to inform future commercial deployment plans.

The proposed Demonstration Facility is intended to serve as a validation platform for Syntholene’s thermal-hybrid production system, enabling the Company to de-risk system integration, operating performance, and unit economics ahead of targeted future commercial scale-up. Data to be generated from the facility is expected to inform subsequent project development, engagement with strategic partners, and discussions with policymakers and capital providers.

About Papadakis Engineering

Papadakis Engineering is an agile engineering, procurement, and construction firm specializing in advanced design, prototyping, precision fabrication, and integrated system development. The company bridges the gap between engineering and execution, enabling clients to move efficiently from concept through validated hardware.

Papadakis Engineering has deep experience solving complex mechanical, thermal, and electrical integration challenges under compressed timelines and high-performance requirements. Originally founded by champion Stephan Papadakis in the high-performance environment of professional motorsport, the firm applies that same discipline to industrial, energy, and advanced technology programs requiring precision, reliability, and secure operations.

About Syntholene Energy Corp

Syntholene is actively commercializing its novel Hybrid Thermal Production System for low-cost clean fuel synthesis. The target output is ultrapure synthetic jet fuel, which the Company seeks to manufacture at 70% lower cost than the nearest competing technology today. The Company’s mission is to deliver the world’s first truly high-performance, low-cost, and carbon-neutral synthetic fuel at an industrial scale, unlocking the potential to produce clean synthetic fuel at lower cost than fossil fuels, for the first time.

Founded by experienced operators across advanced energy infrastructure, nuclear technology, low-emissions steel refining, process engineering, and capital markets, Syntholene aims to be the first team to deliver a scalable modular production platform for cost-competitive synthetic fuel, thus accelerating the commercialization of carbon-neutral eFuels across global markets.

For further information, please contact:
Dan Sutton, CEO
comms@syntholene.com
www.syntholene.com
+1 608-305-4835

X: @Syntholene
Linkedin: Syntholene Energy
Youtube: Syntholene Energy

Investor Relations
KIN Communications Inc.
604-684-6730
ESAF@kincommunications.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words ‘expect’, ‘anticipate’, ‘aims’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘objective’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘should’, ‘believe’, ‘plans’, ‘intends’, ‘targets’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including but not limited to statements regarding the proposal with Papadakis and proposed services, the timeline and cost for service delivery pursuant to the Papadakis proposal, proposed Demonstration Facility, testing planned at the proposed Demonstration Facility and the proposed use of data from such testing, commercial scalability,proposed benefits to the project from the skills of the engaged service providers, economic benefits of the Company’s products relative to competitive products; protection of the Company’s intellectual property through provisional patents and patents; the Company’s ability to execute on its plans for advancement and commercialization of its technology; technical and economic viability, anticipated geothermal power availability, anticipated benefit of eFuel, and future commercial opportunities, are forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to execute its business plan in the manner and timeline set forth in its public disclosure or at all, that the engaged service providers have the skills to advance the Company’s business plans, that Papadakis will be able to complete the propsal on time and budget, that the eFuel will have its expected benefits, that there will be market adoption, that the Company’s review of the competitive landscape and that its understanding of being the world’s first Company to have geothermal-SOEC integration remain accurate, that any potential competitors to the Company would not be able to develop or execute geothermal-SOEC integration as quickly or as well as the Company, that the Company will be able to produce the eFuel at competitive pricing in the range anticipated in this news release or at all, that the proposed validation testing will be able to be completed, and that the results from such tests will validate the Company’s technology and support further commercialization, that geothermal heat will be available to the Company at the necessary levels, that the proposed Demonstration Facility will be completed on time and on budget, that the Company will continue to have access to skilled personnel with relevant experience, that regulatory requirements remain favourable for the Company, and that the Company will be able to access financing as needed to fund its business plan. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, without limitation, Syntholene’s ability to complete the testing, that the results of the testing will support continued commercialization and the Company’s technology, that the engaged service providers do not have the necessary skills to and do not advance the Company’s business plan, that Papadakis is not able to complete the scope of services on time and on budget or at all, that there are competitors in geothermal-SOEC integration that are unknown to the Company, that the Company may not be able to produce eFuel at the targeted prices or at a price that is lower than potential competitors, that definitive commercial purchase orders for Syntholene’s eFuel may not materialize, Syntholene’s ability to meet production targets, realize projected economic benefits, overcome technical challenges, secure financing, maintain regulatory compliance, manage geopolitical risks, and successfully negotiate definitive terms. Syntholene does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.

This news release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, ‘FOFI’) about the cost and pricing of the eFuel product that Syntholene is seeking to commercialize, which is subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the above paragraphs. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of describing the anticipated effects of advancement of Syntholene’s business operations. Syntholene’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such FOFI. Syntholene disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FOFI contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required pursuant to applicable law. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained herein should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

Readers are advised to exercise caution and not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and FOFI in this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/288190

News Provided by TMX Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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2 Mins Read

Luka Doncic, fiancée break up; Lakers star in custody battle

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is separating from his fiancée and is in a custody battle for their two daughters, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported Tuesday afternoon.

Doncic had been engaged to Anamaria Goltes, a fashion and fitness model, since 2023. The two had known each other since childhood and started dating in 2016. Their first daughter, Gabriela, was born in 2023 in the United States while Doncic was a member of the Dallas Mavericks and their second child, Olivia, was born this past December.

‘I love my daughters more than anything and I’ve been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the U.S. during the season, but that hasn’t been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement,’ Doncic told McMenamin in a statement provided to ESPN on Tuesday. ‘Everything I do is for my daughters’ happiness and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can.’

Doncic traveled to Slovenia for the birth of Olivia, missing two games before returning to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 7. According to the ESPN report, it was here where things took a sour turn.

Doncic reportedly expressed a desire to bring Gabriela back to Los Angeles with him, and a disagreement between he and Goltes escalated to the point where police were called. Doncic ‘left peacefully’ according to ESPN, and flew back to the United States later that day. Doncic has reportedly not seen Goltes or his daughters since.

Earlier Tuesday, TMZ reported that Goltes had filed a petition for child support. The petition, filed in California according to ESPN, seeks only child support and attorney fees but not custody orders. Doncic reportedly ‘had no idea’ about the petition.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

7 Mins Read

Bubble watch: Teams on fringe of making March Madness get final chance

The time is now to prove you belong in the NCAA Tournament.

Conference championship week is the last opportunity teams on the fringe of making March Madness to show they should be in the bracket, resulting in a very tense final few days before Selection Sunday. Every team on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament will play this week.

The tournament picture is already shifting as some teams began action Tuesday, March 10, including a candidate that played for a chance to earn the automatic bid and send ripple effects to the rest of the field. Here are the teams on the bubble in the latest USA TODAY Sports Bracketology as the clock inches closer to midnight.

Missouri

Record: 20-11 (10-8)
NET Ranking: 60
Quad 1 record: 5-6
Projected seed: No. 11
Quality wins: vs. Florida, at Kentucky, vs. Vanderbilt, vs. Tennessee
Bad losses: at Notre Dame, at Mississippi, at LSU

Next game: vs. Kentucky/LSU winner (Thursday, SEC tournament second round)

Missouri has slipped, not feeling as secure as it was a few weeks ago thanks to two straight losses to end the regular season. The Tigers are more safe than others, but they do have to worry about that high NET ranking when it comes to comparing with other resumes. At least a win in the SEC tournament should be enough to secure a spot.

Miami Ohio

Record: 31-0 (18-0)
NET Ranking: 55
Quad 1 record: 0-0
Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
Quality wins: vs. Akron
Bad losses: none

The still undefeated RedHawks remain one of the most polarizing teams in the country, as there’s much debate on whether they still need the automatic berth. Regardless, Miami can put all of it to bed by winning three more games and claim the MAC title.

Next game: vs. UMass (Thursday, MAC tournament quarterfinals)

SMU

Record: 20-12 (8-10)
NET Ranking: 39
Quad 1 record: 4-8
Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
Quality wins: vs. North Carolina, vs. Louisville
Bad losses: vs. LSU (neutral), at Syracuse

The Mustangs are no longer safe for the NCAA Tournament with a four-game losing streak to end the regular season. While three were Quad 1 losses, they were must wins and really hurt a resume that has a measly 4-4 Quad 2 mark. The skid was finally ended with a win over Syracuse to open the ACC tournament, allowing SMU to breathe. Another win against Louisville would help them breathe much more comfortably.

Next game: vs. Louisville (Wednesday, ACC tournament second round)

Santa Clara

Record: 26-8 (15-3)
NET Ranking: 38
Quad 1 record: 2-6
Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
Quality wins: vs. Saint Mary’s (twice)
Bad losses: vs. Loyola Chicago (neutral), vs. Arizona State (neutral)

Santa Clara had a chance to dramatically shift the bracket with an upset win over Gonzaga and take the WCC title for the first time since 1993. However, the Broncos couldn’t hold on to knock down the heavyweight to secure the automatic bid. While it will have to wait, the semifinal win over Saint Mary’s was a major boost and could have been enough to secure their berth.

Indiana

Record: 18-13 (9-11)
NET Ranking: 37
Quad 1 record: 3-11
Projected seed: No. 11 (first four)
Quality wins: vs. Purdue, at UCLA
Bad losses: at Minnesota, at USC, vs. Northwestern

The Hoosiers were unable to get another Quad 1 victory, something they desperately needed with how many losses it has in the category. A 1-5 finish to the regular season is uninspiring and Indiana needs to win its second round game in the Big Ten tournament or it can kiss its March Madness hopes goodbye.

Next game: vs. Northwestern (Wednesday, Big Ten tournament second round)

Virginia Commonwealth

Record: 24-7 (15-3)
NET Ranking: 44
Quad 1 record: 1-5
Projected seed: No. 11 (First Four)
Quality wins: vs. South Florida (neutral)
Bad losses: at George Mason

It’s unfortunate a shift in the NET rankings resulted in the win at Dayton becoming a Quad 2 result instead of Quad 1 because the Rams needed another mark. The last team in the field, VCU has the most work to do of the teams projected to play in Dayton. It needs to at least make the Atlantic 10 championship game, as a loss any earlier will make it vulnerable to get leaped over by another contender.

Next game: vs. Duquesne/Rhode Island winner (Friday, Atlantic 10 tournament quarterfinals)

Cincinnati

Record: 18-14 (9-9)
NET Ranking: 46
Quad 1 record: 3-11
Projected seed: First four out
Quality wins: vs. Iowa State, at Kansas, vs. BYU
Bad losses: vs. Eastern Michigan, at Xavier

A team surging into the picture is a Cincinnati team that finished with six wins in the last eight regular-season games, with some notable victories in that span. The Bearcats have some of the best wins and worst losses, so it still has work to do. They were able to handle Utah to open the Big 12 tournament, and now must beat UCF in the next round to stay in the fight.

Next game: vs. UCF (Wednesday, Big 12 tournament second round)

West Virginia

Record: 18-13 (9-9)
NET Ranking: 58
Quad 1 record: 5-7
Projected seed: First four out
Quality wins: vs. Kansas, vs. BYU
Bad losses: vs. Xavier (neutral), at Kansas State, vs. Utah

Ross Hodge’s first season in Morgantown has largely gone unnoticed, but the Mountaineers have a chance to make the tournament thanks to some other contenders faltering. Still, it’s a long road ahead considering how high the NET ranking is and some questionable losses. The only way to the tournament is beating Houston in the Big 12 quarterfinals.

Next game: vs. BYU (Wednesday, Big 12 tournament second round)

Auburn

Record: 16-15 (7-11)
NET Ranking: 40
Quad 1 record: 4-12
Projected seed: First four out
Quality wins: vs. St John’s (neutral), vs. Arkansas, at Florida
Bad losses: vs. Mississippi, at Mississippi State

Another team in plenty of debate, the Tigers have fallen out of the projected field after failing to beat Alabama in the regular-season finale. Auburn has some incredible wins but so many losses, it’s going to have to make a real strong case for the selection committee to ignore it’s ugly record. At least two wins are needed.

Next game: vs. Mississippi State (Wednesday, SEC tournament first round)

Stanford

Record: 20-12 (9-9)
NET Ranking: 59
Quad 1 record: 5-6
Projected seed: First four out
Quality wins: vs. Saint Louis (neutral), vs. Louisville, vs. North Carolina
Bad losses: vs. Seattle, vs. UNLV, vs. Notre Dame, vs. Pittsburgh (neutral)

Hello and goodbye Stanford. Just as the Cardinal were entering the NCAA Tournament conversation, they immediately get taken out thanks to a last-second loss to Pittsburgh in the ACC tournament opening round. Stanford needed to win, and as a result, sees itself taken out of the March Madness picture.

Oklahoma

Record: 17-14 (7-11)
NET Ranking: 54
Quad 1 record: 3-9
Projected seed: Next out
Quality wins: at Vanderbilt
Bad losses: vs. Arizona State (neutral), at Mississippi State, at South Carolina

Stanford’s loss opens the door for another team to join the first four out, and that honor goes to Oklahoma. While the Sooners don’t have a great resume, they’ve been winning, and that’s something not many bubble teams can say. With four straight wins, Oklahoma has to extend it to at least six to move up the conversation.

Next game: vs. South Carolina (Wednesday, SEC tournament first round)

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2 Mins Read

Speedy Claxton leads alma mater, Hofstra, back to March Madness

The emotions of winning in March were on full display in the Coastal Athletic Association on Monday.

As time wound down inside Washington D.C.’s CareFirstArena, the CBS Sports Network broadcast caught Hofstra men’s basketball coach Speedy Claxton crying into the shoulders of one of his assistant coaches, as the three-seeded Pride defeated No. 4 Monmouth in the CAA Tournament Championship Game to punch their ticket to March Madness.

It marked the NCAA Tournament appearance over two decades for Claxton’s alma mater, and the first he’s led them to in his five years at the helm of the program.

The first time Hofstra was included in the 68-team NCAA Tournament bracket came in 2000, when Claxton was a player for the Pride, and Jay Wright was in his sixth season as a college basketball coach, before he became a two-time national championship coach at Villanova. That was also the first of back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the Pride.

Claxton played for Hofstra from 1996 to 2000 under Wright, and remains the program’s all-time leader in assists and steals. He now has them in the Big Dance. Talk about an awesome full circle moment in March.

‘I’m excited they get to share this moment with each other because this is going to last a lifetime. I won championships on a high school level, college level, and professional level, and my collegiate championship meant the most to me,’ Claxton said on CBS Sports Network on the significance of the Pride’s win.

The Pride looked to be on their way to a potential NCAA Tournament berth in 2020 after they won the CAA regular season and tournament crowns, but the COVID-19 pandemic took that opportunity away as the NCAA Tournament was canceled that season.

To win the 2026 CAA Championship, Hofstra also defeated William & Mary 91-62 in the quarterfinals and Towson 68-65 in the semifinals.

The Pride will now have to wait a few more days until Selection Sunday to learn who they will open their March Madness run against, and where. The NCAA Tournament bracket will be released at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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6 Mins Read

Doncic triple-double lifts Lakers past Timberwolves

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away in the second half to secure a 120-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As a result, the Lakers and Timberwolves both have a 40-25 overall record this season. The Lakers move ahead of Minnesota for fourth in the Western Conference standings due to a tiebreaker. Los Angeles won all three games in the series this season.

The Lakers have also won six of their last seven games, while the Timberwolves have lost back-to-back games.

The Lakers led by as many as 19 points in the third quarter and 23 in the fourth quarter after the game was initially tied at 45 between the two teams at halftime.

Doncic produced a triple-double with 31 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles. He scored 19 of his 31 points in the second half, while teammate Austin Reaves also added 31.

USA TODAY Sports provided updates and highlights for the Lakers-Timberwolves game:

Final: Lakers 120, Timberwolves 106

The Lakers beat the Timberwolves after running away with the game in the second half. The game entered the locker room at halftime tied at 45.

3Q: Lakers 84, Timberwolves 68

The Lakers pulled away from the Timberwolves in the period with 14 points from Luka Doncic.

Doncic nearly produced a triple-double through the first three quarters ofplay with 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

Anthony Edwards scored 11 points in the third quarter after scoring just three in the first half.

Lakers lead Timberwolves by 13

The Lakers built up a 13-point lead against the Timberwolves with 5:29 left in the third quarter. Austin Reaves scored on a driving layup while he was being fouled by Jaden McDaniels. Reaves made the free throw attempt. Los Angeles leads Minnesota 67-54.

Halftime: Lakers 45, Timberwolves 45

Rui Hachimura scored a 3-pointer with five seconds left in the first half to tie the game. Austin Reeves was credited with the assist. Deandre Ayton has led the way for the Lakers with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Luka Doncic scored eight of his 12 points in the second quarter. He also has six assists and five rebounds.

Julius Randle was the only double-digit scorer for the Timberwolves in the first half. He had 12 points and five rebounds. Anthony Edwards was held to three points and two assists in the first half.

The Lakers have outscored the Timberwolves 28-20 in paint.

Timberwolves lead Lakers late in second quarter

Julius Randle scored on a driving layup to give the Lakers a 39-37 lead with 2:42 left in the first half. Randle has a team-high 10 points for the Timberwolves. Deandre Ayton scored under the basket on the previous play to tie the game at 37 for the Lakers. Ayton leads the Lakers with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

1Q: Timberwolves 21, Lakers 16

Marcus Smart had a team-high 5 points in the first quarter for the Lakers. Luka Doncic had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Doncic was 2-for-10 from the field and 0-for-3 from 3.

Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 6 points in the first quarter. Anthony Edwards had 3 points. He went 1-for-8 from the field and 0-for-5 from 3.

Luka Doncic provides Lakers with first lead of game

Luka Doncic provided the Lakers with their first lead of the game with a driving layup. Lakers lead Timberwolves 7-6 with 5:53 left in the first quarter. The Lakers had a chance to extend that lead moments later, but Deandre Ayton missed a pair of free throws.

Marcus Smart adds Lakers’ first points

Guard Marcus Smart scored the Lakers’ first points of the game with a cutting layup off an assist from Luka Doncic with 7:25 left in the first quarter. The Lakers started the game 0-for-8 before Smart scored. Bothteams were a combined 3-for-21 to start the game.

Timberwolves take early lead vs. Lakers

How to watch Lakers vs. Timberwolves: TV channel, live stream

Start time: 11 p.m. ET
Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles)
TV Channel: NBC, Spectrum SportsNet (Los Angeles)
Live stream: Fubo; Peacock; NBA League Pass (subscription required); Spectrum SportsNet+ (subscription required)

Watch NBA games on Fubo

Lakers without Kleber and Hayes

The Lakers will out both backup centers tonight. Maxi Kleber has been ruled out with a lumbar back strain. Jaxson Hayes was also ruled out with back soreness.

Drew Timme will serve as the backup center for the Lakers tonight.

Bam Adebayo moves ahead of Kobe Bryant

Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter announced at Crypto.com Arena that Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat moved ahead of Kobe Bryant for the second-highest single-game scoring performance tonight.

Adebayo scored 83 points against the Washington Wizards. Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006.

The announcement was met with boos from the home crowd.

Timberwolves starting lineup vs. Lakers

Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo will make up the Minnesota Timberwolves’ starting lineup tonight against the Lakers.

Lakers starting lineup vs. Timberwolves

Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic will make up the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup tonight against the Timberwolves.

Luka Doncic arrives for warmups

Doncic is expected to play tonight for the Lakers. He was on the court for warmups just hours after the report regarding his breakupfromhis fiancée and the potential custody battle that will follow. The couple has two children together.

LeBron James ruled out vs. Timberwolves

LeBron James has been ruled out for tonight’s game against the Timberwolves. James has a right hip and left foot injury. It will be his third straight missed game.

James did participate in a shoot-around at the team’s facility on Tuesday.

‘He still just needs a couple more days,’ Lakers coach JJ Redick said during his pregame media availability. ‘He’s still day-to-day. …’

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch believes the Lakers will start Rui Hachimura, citing that he’s having a career year with his 3-point shot.Finch also stated during his pregame media availability that he expects Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves to continue to make up a bulk of the offense for Los Angeles with James out.

Lakers vs. Timberwolves injury report

(Updated 10:30 p.m. ET on March 9)

Lakers: LeBron James (right hip contusion, left foot arthritis; out)

Timberwolves: Kyle Anderson (right knee soreness; questionable)

Lakers next five games

March 12 vs. Chicago Bulls
March 14 vs. Denver Nuggets
March 16 @ Houston Rockets
March 18 @ Houston Rockets
March 19 @ Miami Heat

Lakers vs Timberwolves odds

(Odds according to BetMGM)

Spread: Timberwolves (-2.5)
Moneyline: Timberwolves (-125), Lakers (+105)
Over/under: 233.5

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2 Mins Read

US men calling Southern California home during World Cup

The U.S. men will make their home in Irvine, California, during the World Cup.

The USMNT will be based at Great Park during the tournament, which begins June 11 and will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Orange County complex has a soccer stadium with locker rooms and a training facility, as well as six lighted grass fields and a natural grass flex field that can hold another four full-size grass fields.

The facility also is less than 15 miles from John Wayne Airport and about an hour bus ride from SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where the U.S. men will play two of their group-stage games.

The U.S. men will play all of their group-stage games on the West Coast. The Americans, who were drawn into Group D, open against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium. They play Australia on June 19 in Seattle and wrap up the group stage June 25 against a still-to-be-determined European team at SoFi.

“The (Great Park) facilities are simply outstanding and will provide the perfect training environment for our team to prepare to be successful at the World Cup,’ U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker said in announcing the training site.

The USMNT will announce its 26-man roster on May 26 in New York City.

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