It has been one year since COVID-19 was officially categorized as a “global pandemic,” so today we’re bringing you a special pop-up newsletter to look back at how the sports world responded in the early days of this ongoing challenge.

The GIST: March isn’t just the perfect month for Shamrock Shakes (our guilty pleasure) and the Erin Express (RIP) — it’s also the perfect month for college basketball.

The GIST: With both Gonzaga basketball teams dishing out nail biters en route to their WCC championship victories, the madness is already here. No pressure, no diamonds.

The GIST: Temps finally warmed above 60 degrees in Chicagoland this week, and it’s a BFD. You know what else is a BFD? The Big Ten Conference Tournament.

This week in USC and UCLA men's basketball and UCLA softball (cc: Maya Brady)

This week from the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, BU Terriers, and BC Eagles

The GIST: The WNBA giveth, and the WNBA taketh away. Read on to see what we mean.

The GIST: A handful of men’s March Madness spots have already been clinched and Selection Sunday is just days away. Who’s in, who’s on the bubble and who will be served a big slice of humble pi(e) come Sunday? Let us fill you in.

The GIST: College football has rid itself of a couple of problems...for now, at least.

This week from the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers

Mystics: Like we said, fearless leader (and quietly married!) Natasha Cloud re-signed with the Mystics yesterday, and we can’t wait to see her back on the court. But you know her return to the hardwood won’t stop her fight for social justice. Get a girl who can do both.