The Spin | Going for gold? Why China’s female cricketers may benefit … — and more

The Cricket Research Network was told how the sport is perceived in China and why the women’s side is seen as the national team

The Cambridge wind had a February chill, and the trees at Fenner’s were still without any spring decoration, but the old bleachers to the side and the pavilion, largely unchanged since the 1980s, were reminders of a new season just a turn of the calendar away.

Fenner’s cricket ground sits next door to Hughes Hall, where the Cricket Research Network held their third annual conference last week. The organisation, headed by Raf Nicholson, sometimes of this parish, is a place for cricket academics to exchange ideas, and the conference a chance for rest of us to put an ear to the door of data and detail.

What do Hunter Gaddis and a pelican have in common? They both need help with their bodies.

But first, here’s Kyle Manzardo hitting a grand slam in a losing effort:

In addition to the L, the bad news regarding Gaddis is that he’s been experiencing some “mild forearm tightness” and will begin building back up tomorrow.

Around baseball

• Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the entire season for violating the PED policy again.

• Will Brennan and the San Francisco Giants were no match for the US WBC team of all-stars.

•• A pelican got stuck in a college baseball game’s net.

Barça: Double blow against Atlético

The scenario was already complicated. It turned downright cruel. Knocked out by Atlético Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals, FC Barcelona has also lost two key players to injury.

Everything changed very early in the match. In the 13th minute, Jules Koundé sat down on the pitch, unable to continue. The first major setback for Hansi Flick's men, who were already facing the daunting task of overturning a heavy 0-4 deficit from the first leg. To replace him, the staff brought on Alejandro Balde. But fate had more in store: in the second half, the left-back also had to leave his teammates, struck down in turn.

Meanwhile, hope briefly switched sides. Thanks to a brace from Marc Bernal and a goal by Raphinha, Barça long believed in a historic comeback. But it was not to be. Atlético held firm and booked their ticket to the final. Beyond the elimination, concern now reigns in Catalonia. Upcoming medical tests will determine the full extent of the damage.

South Carolina State Bulldogs (8-21, 6-7 MEAC) at North Carolina Central Eagles (12-16, 8-5 MEAC)

Durham, North Carolina; Thursday, 5 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: North Carolina Central hosts South Carolina State after Gage Lattimore scored 23 points in North Carolina Central's 77-73 victory over the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks.

The Eagles are 8-4 on their home court. North Carolina Central has a 7-12 record in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Bulldogs have gone 6-7 against MEAC opponents. South Carolina State is fifth in the MEAC scoring 66.1 points per game and is shooting 40.9%.

North Carolina Central is shooting 44.3% from the field this season, 3.1 percentage points lower than the 47.4% South Carolina State allows to opponents. South Carolina State's 40.9% shooting percentage from the field this season is 5.5 percentage points lower than North Carolina Central has allowed to its opponents (46.4%).

The teams play for the second time in conference play this season. South Carolina State won the last meeting 85-72 on Feb. 19. Jayden Johnson scored 20 points to help lead the Bulldogs to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Lattimore is shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc with 2.7 made 3-pointers per game for the Eagles, while averaging 17.3 points. Dionte Johnson is shooting 46.0% and averaging 11.9 points over the last 10 games.

Jayden Johnson is scoring 13.1 points per game and averaging 2.7 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Noah Treadwell is averaging 8.7 points and 0.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Eagles: 5-5, averaging 70.0 points, 25.9 rebounds, 12.2 assists, 8.4 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 73.6 points per game.

Bulldogs: 5-5, averaging 66.0 points, 27.8 rebounds, 12.3 assists, 7.9 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 41.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 69.2 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (11-21, 8-11 Sun Belt) vs. James Madison Dukes (17-14, 9-9 Sun Belt)

Pensacola, Florida; Wednesday, 6 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Dukes -5.5; over/under is 134.5

BOTTOM LINE: James Madison and Louisiana play in the Sun Belt Tournament.

The Dukes are 9-9 against Sun Belt opponents and 8-5 in non-conference play. James Madison ranks sixth in the Sun Belt with 12.5 assists per game led by Bradley Douglas averaging 3.6.

The Ragin' Cajuns are 8-11 against Sun Belt opponents. Louisiana ranks seventh in the Sun Belt shooting 33.7% from 3-point range.

James Madison averages 74.0 points per game, 3.8 more points than the 70.2 Louisiana gives up. Louisiana averages 7.7 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.3 more makes per game than James Madison allows.

The teams meet for the second time this season. Louisiana won 64-61 in the last matchup on Feb. 5. Dorian Finister led Louisiana with 18 points, and Cliff Davis led James Madison with 12 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Douglas is averaging 11.7 points and 3.6 assists for the Dukes. Davis is averaging 20.6 points over the last 10 games.

Jaxon Olvera is shooting 35.3% from beyond the arc with 1.7 made 3-pointers per game for the Ragin' Cajuns, while averaging 13.3 points. De'Vion Lavergne is shooting 39.5% and averaging 12.7 points over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Dukes: 7-3, averaging 71.9 points, 33.9 rebounds, 10.3 assists, 5.1 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.4 points per game.

Ragin' Cajuns: 5-5, averaging 68.5 points, 29.3 rebounds, 10.0 assists, 6.8 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 40.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 72.0 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.