Arthur Elias and Lauren discuss the upcoming clash with Venezuela — and more

The Brazilian National Team will play another friendly this Wednesday (4), this time against Venezuela. The match will take place at the Mexican Federation Training Center in Toluca at 6:30 PM (Brasília time). The team's last training session was held on the afternoon of this Tuesday (3), and before leading the activity, coach Arthur Elias shared his expectations for the match.

“Venezuela is a team that has been aggressive in its marking, has players with international experience and who play for major clubs. Like all national teams, they are also evolving. The advantage of having a Brazilian coach on the other side is always knowing the players individually a bit better. On a collective level, everyone studies everyone. We need to focus on what the game is,” he said.

“Brazil and Venezuela was a very tough match in the Copa América, especially due to the altitude, since the Venezuelans were already adapted. Here (in Toluca) both teams are on the same level regarding this adaptation. But we also have to take advantage, focus not only on the opponent, but on the growth of the Brazilian National Team, give opportunities to the players, and maintain consistency throughout the entire game,” he added.

Arthur Elias during the Brazilian National Team's training this TuesdayCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/Staff Images/CBF

BACK WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM

Defender Lauren, silver medalist at the 2024 Olympics, had not worn the Yellow Jersey for some time. Called up for this first FIFA Date of 2026, she stated that representing the Brazilian National Team is always an honor.

“It's always very good to be here. It's a joy, a huge honor to wear the Brazil shirt and it always will be. So I am very happy to be here again,” she said.

Lauren during the Brazilian National Team's training this TuesdayCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/Staff Images/CBF

Regarding the upcoming match against Venezuela, the Atlético de Madrid player emphasized that, for Brazil, all matches are high-level. Therefore, it is important for the team to stay alert to avoid possible mistakes.

“In the National Team, all matches are very tough and competitive, so of course you have to stay focused for the 90, 100 minutes, or however long the game lasts. Every gap you give the opponent is a chance for them to score. We have to be very attentive to all situations and every moment of the game.”

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The Philadelphia 76ers are facing criticism as their recent acquisition of Jared McCain from the Oklahoma City Thunder appears to be favoring the Thunder side of the deal. Sources indicate that the 76ers organization has been unable to determine how to best incorporate McCain into their rotation, raising questions about the value they received in return.

Rutgers has hired Drake defensive line coach Joe Evans to join its staff as an assistant defensive line coach. Evans spent one season at Drake where he helped develop defensive linemen including Jacob Auen, who had six sacks last season.

Evans had a standout playing career at Iowa, recording 28.0 sacks and 35.0 tackles for loss. He notably recorded four sacks against Rutgers in a 2022 game while playing for the Hawkeyes. Evans joins former Drake coaches Joe Woodley and Adam Cox on Rutgers' defensive staff.

Things were a bit sleepy at Kimrey Family Stadium on Tuesday night. When you're staring at five games in six days, that's a good thing.

The No. 12 Oklahoma baseball team, which knocked off Dallas Baptist, 2-0, in a one-off, midweek game finds themselves in such a scenario this week. One down, one to go now as Oklahoma (11-2) next prepares for a four-game set with Santa Clara from Thursday to Sunday.

Both the Sooners' runs came off the bat of first baseman Deiten LaChance. He hit an RBI single in the third inning to center field that scored Kyle Branch. Then in the eighth inning, his flyball to center plated Dasan Harris. Oklahoma had managed just one base-runner over the fourth, fifth and sixth innings before threatening in the seventh after the first two batters reached. A wild pitch with two outs sent them second and third base, but Jason Walk struck out to end the inning.

Harris then started the eighth with a single, too, ultimately putting himself into position to give OU's pitchers some breathing room. Not that they needed it.

Coach Skip Johnson used eight different pitchers against the Patriots. Combined, they gave up just two hits, two walks and hit two batters. They also struck out 11 while allowing just one DBU runner to reach third base. Jackson Cleveland pitched the ninth and allowed Dallas Baptist to bring the potential winning run to the plate, but he got Adam Berghul swinging to end the game.

No Sooners player had more than one hit, though Camden Johnson reached twice with a single and a walk. Jaxon Willits and Drew Dickerson each knocked a double.

OU's series against the Broncos begins Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: No. 13 Oklahoma baseball beats Dallas Baptist

Illinois ended its recent losing streak with a dominant 80-54 win over Oregon on Senior Night at the State Farm Center. The victory, which featured a 38-12 run in the first half, helps the Illini secure a top-four finish and a triple-bye in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.

Junior Andrej Stojakovic led the way with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while seniors Kylan Boswell, Ben Humrichous, and AJ Redd were honored before their final career home game. Freshmen Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic also contributed significantly with 11 and 19 points respectively.