1. NFL Conference Championship Stage is Set

The Scoop: History continues to be written in Detroit, as the Lions are one win away from the Super Bowl. A game-clinching interception sealed their ticket to the NFC Championship game in San Francisco. They’ll play the Niners, whose stout defense and game-changing offensive playmakers will be the betting favorites coming off of a come-from-behind win over the Packers.

The AFC matchup pits the Baltimore Ravens who boast the top defense in football with the explosive offense of the Kansas City Chiefs. Lamar Jackson has been one of the best players in football, and the Ravens are dancing their way through the playoffs after a dominant 34-10 win against the Texans. The Chiefs proved they could win on the road in a gritty 27-24 win over the Bills, and will need to do so again for a chance to play in the Super Bowl.

Want more details? See game highlights for the Lions, 49ers, Ravens, and Chiefs.

2. Stanford’s VanDerveer Sets Wins Record

The Scoop: Tara VanDerveer finished her college basketball playing career and was earning money to pay for Law School by coaching her sister’s high school team. She realized her love for coaching and pivoted to a Sports Management program that would allow her to volunteer as an assistant coach.

A few years later she began coaching at the University of Idaho and never looked back. After 46 years, 1,470 games, 31 Conference Championships, 13 Final Fours, 5 National Coach of the Years, and 3 National Championships, she is now the winningest coach in D1 College Basketball. Stanford’s win over Oregon State pushed her past Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, who famously lost his last game to North Carolina in the Final Four.  

The crowd chanted her name as the clock hit zero to earn her 1,203rd win. Her message after the win? It’s always been about family. 

Want more details? See Tara’s interview on what this achievement means.

3. Caitlin Clark Gets Flattened as OSU Fans Storm Court

The Scoop: #2 Iowa lost for only the second time this season in overtime at Ohio State. Iowa star Caitlin Clark had 45 points, but it wasn’t enough. Ohio State fans stormed the court to celebrate the win. Trying to exit quickly Clark ran directly into a fan going full tilt and had to be helped to the tunnel by teammates.

There are no details on the injury, but it was a scary moment for one of women’s basketball’s biggest stars. While there is disappointment on the Iowa side, the team is selling out arenas and creating enough excitement that, anywhere they go, fans are lining up to see the Hawkeyes play.   

Want more details? See full game highlights.

4. Cameron Crazies Put in Their Place

The Scoop: Duke basketball fans camp outside the stadium to get tickets. This wave of support at Cameron Indoor Stadium has made the “Cameron Crazies” some of the loudest and most intense fans in college basketball. On Saturday, the crazies were awfully quiet when their #7 Blue Devils were upset by Pitt, the last place team in the ACC. To rub it in, Pitt guard Blake Hinson climbed up onto the scorer’s table to taunt the fans.

He was met by a barrage of middle fingers, but he walked off laughing, having spoiled their night. This disrespect was not appreciated by Duke fans, but, as star player Kyle Filipowski pointed out, if they don’t want people to celebrate on their floor, it’s their job to win the game. 

Want more details? See Hinson’s celebration & full game highlights.

5. From a Refugee Camp to Team USA: Bernard Kamungo

The Scoop: On Saturday, 22-year-old Bernard “Bernie” Kamungo made his first appearance for the US Men’s National Team. Bernard found a love of soccer in a Tanzanian refugee camp, where his parents relocated after escaping conflicts in the DRC. Kamungo relocated to Abilene, Texas, where his star has risen, from the high school fields, to FC Dallas, to making an appearance for the USMNT against Slovenia. He says the soccer field is “where [he] finds joy” and we can’t help but smile as he took the field for the Stars and Stripes for the first time.”

Want more details? Hear Kamungo talk about his journey.

A shirtless Jason Kelce celebrates his brother’s touchdown

Taylor Swift screaming with Brittany Mahomes, as Jason Kelce chugs a beer. Imagine reading that sentence 6 months ago

Punish that man!

I’m sensing a trend in North Carolina

Wemby is just absurd

We honestly just love this account

Spiderman meme irl

Soccer

Event: African Cup of Nations and Asian Cup
Details: AFCON: Jan 13 - Feb 11th in Ivory Coat | Asian Cup: Jan 12 - Feb 10th in Qatar
Key Players: AFCON: Mo Salah (Egypt), Sadio Mane (Senegal), Victor Osihmen (Nigeria) | Asian Cup: Son Hueng-Min (South Korea), Mehdi Taremi (Iran), Takumi Minamino (Japan)

Tennis

Event: Australian Open
Details: Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles Tennis; January 8th - January 27th
Key Players: Men’s: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz | Women’s: Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka

Until next time,

The Fastbreakk