March Madness top teams bring talent and, for some, baggage
March 13, 2023 GMTKansas and Alabama are no strangers to playing for national championships.
For the Jayhawks, another high-expectations trip to March Madness is a rite of spring.
Crazy Eight: No top seeds among last 8 in March Madness
March 25, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — March has gone from madness to unprecedented.
With Miami's win over Houston and San Diego State's takedown of Alabama on Friday night, the men's NCAA Tournament will not have a No.
Miami’s mad March sees men, women programs in Elite 8
March 25, 2023 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nijel Pack understands why the question gets asked. He plays for a school that’s won five national championships in football.
Shoma Uno of Japan repeats as world figure skating champion
March 25, 2023 GMTSAITAMA, Japan (AP) — Shoma Uno prevailed in a quad showdown in the free skate on Saturday to become the first Japanese man to defend his title at the figure skating world championships.
Uno, skating to selection of music that included Bach, attempted five quadruple jumps at Saitama Super Arena.
New Mexico St hires Sam Houston’s Hooten to attempt rebuild
March 25, 2023 GMTLAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico State has hired longtime Sam Houston coach Jason Hooten to try to restore a program that was shut down in the middle of the season after one player was involved in a fatal shooting and another accused teammates of hazing.
Grizzlies clinch playoff berth with 151-114 rout of Rockets
March 25, 2023 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Luke Kennard made a franchise-record 10 3-pointers to match his career high with 30 points, Desmond Bane added 25 points and the Memphis Grizzlies clinched a playoff spot after building a 31-point halftime lead and coasting to a 151-114 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
Ohtani returns to Angels camp, fans 8 in minor league game
March 25, 2023 GMTTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — It was back to business as usual for Shohei Ohtani on Friday.
The two-way star returned to Los Angeles Angels camp after his MVP performance in the World Baseball Classic. Three days after striking out Mike Trout to clinch the WBC title for Japan against the United States in Miami, Ohtani was on the back fields in Tempe, pitching in a minor league game against some Arizona Diamondbacks farmhands.
Different types of transfers helped KSU, FAU to Elite Eight
March 25, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — To get a sense of where Kansas State and Florida Atlantic sit in college basketball's hierarchy, look at their transfers.
The Wildcats have nine players who previously played at other Division I schools, several of whom were productive multi-year starters in mid-major conferences.
Miami aims to extend wild NCAA run, meets LSU in Elite 8
March 25, 2023 GMTGREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Miami was only a few hours removed from pushing deeper in the women's NCAA Tournament than ever before.
Coyotes minority owner suspended by NHL following arrest
March 25, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Arizona Coyotes minority owner Andrew Barroway was suspended indefinitely by the NHL on Friday following his arrest for domestic violence in Colorado.
Online court records show Barroway was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of second-degree assault strangulation, a felony, and third-degree assault, a misdemeanor.
NHL teams balance progress, draft lottery as Bedard in play
March 25, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen knows if the season ended today, his team could have the best odds to land who many consider the next generational talent in the NHL.
New skipper Powell leads WI to victory over SA in 1st T20
March 25, 2023 GMTCENTURION, South Africa (AP) — New West Indies captain Rovman Powell launched five sixes in his 43 not out from 18 balls to lead his team to victory in a rain-shortened first Twenty20 game against South Africa on Saturday.
March Madness: Sweet 16 underway from NYC to Las Vegas
March 25, 2023 GMTMarch Madness has reached Sweet 16 weekend. Two No. 1 seeds, Kansas and Purdue, are already gone along with millions of busted brackets and a host of bluebloods including Kentucky, Duke, Indiana and UCLA.
2023 Minn. Boys’ State Tournament Glance
March 25, 2023 GMTBOYS BASKETBALL
March Madness: Sweet 16 arrives with a twist: 2 sites, not 4
March 25, 2023 GMTMarch Madness has reached the Sweet 16! There is a twist this year for the women's tournament: The NCAA picked two regional sites instead of four, with Greenville, South Carolina, and Seattle each hosting eight teams.
Teen striker Ferguson raises Irish hopes with early success
March 25, 2023 GMTTeenage striker Evan Ferguson isn't getting carried away after scoring his first goal for his national team. The rest of Ireland will gladly do that for him.
The 18-year-old Ferguson is having a breakout season with Premier League club Brighton and now for Ireland, which hosts France on Monday in European Championship qualifying.
Cincinnati hires former Memphis coach Katrina Merriweather
March 25, 2023 GMTCincinnati hired former Memphis coach Katrina Merriweather as its new women's basketball coach Saturday.
Merriweather, who starred for the Bearcats from 1997-01, helped the team reach four consecutive postseason tournaments in her time at the school.
Sports on TV for Sunday, March 26
March 25, 2023 GMTSunday, March 26
Piquet fined for racist, homophobic comments about Hamilton
March 25, 2023 GMTRIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Retired Formula One champion Nelson Piquet has been ordered to pay $950,000 in “moral damages” for making racist and homophobic comments about Lewis Hamilton.
The 70-year-old Brazilian had referred to seven-time champion Hamilton as “neguinho,” a racially offensive term which means “little Black guy,” in 2021.
Ballance 64 not out as Zimbabwe wins series over Netherlands
March 25, 2023 GMTHARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Gary Ballance made his second one-day international half-century in Zimbabwe colors Saturday to set up a seven-wicket win over the Netherlands and a come-from-behind series victory.
Miami beats No. 1 seed Houston; all four top NCAA seeds out
March 25, 2023 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Knocking No. 1 seed Houston out of the NCAA Tournament made Jim Larrañaga feel like dancing.
Much to his players' delight, the 73-year-old Miami coach busted moves straight out of the disco era in the locker room Friday night to celebrate an 89-75 Sweet 16 victory that left the tournament without a No.
Today in Sports - T. Woods wins his 1st Players Championship
March 25, 2023 GMTMarch 26
1944 — St. John’s, coached by Joe Lapchick, cruises by DePaul 47-39 to become the first back-to-back winner of the National Invitation Tournament.
1946 — Hank Iba’s Oklahoma A&M Aggies beat North Carolina 43-40 for their second straight NCAA men’s basketball title.
Jerry Green, Detroit sports writer at 56 Super Bowls, dies
March 25, 2023 GMTDETROIT (AP) — Jerry Green, a Detroit sports writer who covered 56 consecutive Super Bowls, has died at 94, The Detroit News said Friday.
Mexico hopes to host Summer Olympics in 2036 or 2040
March 25, 2023 GMTLAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — Mexico has declared its desire to host the Summer Olympics in 2036 or 2040 and says it already has most of the sports infrastructure required.
Interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics had earlier been expressed by officials in countries including Egypt, England, India, Indonesia, Qatar and South Korea.
Tuchel ready for tough start at Bayern after surprise move
March 25, 2023 GMTMUNICH (AP) — New Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged Saturday he faces a challenging start to his new job after his surprise hiring Friday to replace Julian Nagelsmann.
Tuchel goes straight into crucial games, starting with German title rival — and Tuchel’s former club — Borussia Dortmund on April 1.
Highlanders, Hurricanes win big in Super Rugby Pacific
March 25, 2023 GMTDUNEDIN, New Zealand (AP) — The injury-hit Highlanders conceded the first try of the match, then scored five of their own in the first half on the way to a 57-24 win over the Fijian Drua on Saturday in Super Rugby Pacific.
Leeds’ Elland Road stadium evacuated, man arrested
March 25, 2023 GMTLEEDS, England (AP) — The stadium of English Premier League club Leeds was evacuated because of a security threat that led to the arrest of a man on Friday.
Elland Road, its offices and the club shop were closed as police carried out checks after Leeds received a threat via social media.
New Zealand beats Sri Lanka by 198 runs in 1st one-day match
March 25, 2023 GMTAUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Harry Shipley took 5-31 as Sri Lanka was bowled out for 76 on Saturday to lose the first one-day international against New Zealand by 198 runs.
New Zealand made 274 batting first on a drop-in pitch at Eden Park and Sri Lanka was dismissed for its lowest-ever ODI total against New Zealand, its fifth-lowest in all one-day internationals.
Columbus visits Montreal after shootout victory
March 25, 2023 GMTColumbus Blue Jackets (23-41-7, eighth in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (28-38-6, eighth in the Atlantic Division)
Montreal, Quebec; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NHL LINE: Canadiens -121, Blue Jackets +101; over/under is 6
Devils take on the Senators after Hughes’ 2-goal showing
March 25, 2023 GMTOttawa Senators (35-32-5, fifth in the Atlantic Division) vs. New Jersey Devils (45-19-8, second in the Metropolitan Division)
Newark, New Jersey; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NHL LINE: Devils -186, Senators +157; over/under is 6.5
Islanders host the Sabres after Nelson’s 2-goal game
March 25, 2023 GMTBuffalo Sabres (34-31-6, sixth in the Atlantic Division) vs. New York Islanders (37-27-9, fourth in the Metropolitan Division)
Elmont, New York; Saturday, 5 p.m. EDT
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NHL LINE: Islanders -179, Sabres +152; over/under is 6.5
Coyotes take on the Avalanche on losing streak
March 25, 2023 GMTColorado Avalanche (41-23-6, third in the Central Division) vs. Arizona Coyotes (27-33-12, seventh in the Central Division)
Tempe, Arizona; Sunday, 3 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: The Arizona Coyotes look to end a three-game skid when they take on the Colorado Avalanche.
Friday’s Sports In Brief
March 25, 2023 GMTCOLLEGE BASKETBALL
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher has insisted throughout the NCAA Tournament that if his team plays to its strengths, it doesn’t matter what the opposition does.
Anthony Davis scores 37, Lakers hold off Thunder 116-111
March 25, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Anthony Davis had 37 points and 14 rebounds, Dennis Schröder added 13 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Lakers got a vital victory for their playoff hopes, 116-111 over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
Texas blows out Xavier 83-71 for spot in NCAA Elite Eight
March 25, 2023 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rodney Terry stopped on the way to the Texas locker room after his team knocked out Xavier for a spot in the Elite Eight, the interim coach fulfilling a fan's wish for a photograph by flashing that all-too-familiar “Hook ’em Horns” sign.
Warriors rally back from 11 down, beat Embiid, 76ers 120-112
March 25, 2023 GMTSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jordan Poole emerged as one of Golden State's most dependable performers during the championship run last season.
He resembled that go-to guy once again Friday night when the Warriors needed everything he had, with the ever-reliable Draymond Green doing his thing, too.
Creighton ends Princeton’s March Madness run with 86-75 win
March 25, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Creighton coach Greg McDermott understood what his team needed to do if it wanted to make school history.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Big East's two-time defensive player of the year, had to use his 7-foot-1 frame to overwhelm Princeton's defense.
LaVine scores 33, Bulls rout the Trail Blazers 124-96
March 25, 2023 GMTPORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Zach LaVine scored 33 points and the Chicago Bulls dominated the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 124-96 on Friday night.
Nikola Vucevic added 23 points and 15 rebounds for the Bulls, who have won six of their last eight games and sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings with nine regular-season games remaining.
March Madness: Louisville tops Ole Miss 72-62 in Sweet 16
March 25, 2023 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — Hailey Van Lith put on a show in her home state to get Louisville back to a familiar place — the Elite Eight.
Van Lith scored 21 points to help the fifth-seeded Cardinals beat No.
Grizzlies earn playoff berth as Kennard makes 10 3-pointers
March 25, 2023 GMTMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Luke Kennard made a franchise-record 10 3-pointers to match his career high with 30 points, Desmond Bane added 25 points and the Memphis Grizzlies clinched a playoff spot after building a 31-point halftime lead and coasting to a 151-114 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night.
Kevin Huerter scores 29 points, Kings beat Suns 135-127
March 25, 2023 GMTSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Kevin Huerter led all scorers with 29 points and the Sacramento Kings beat the Phoenix Suns 135-127 on Friday night.
Huerter added nine rebounds and five assists for the Kings (44-29), who are in third place in the Western Conference behind Denver and Memphis.
Utah State player upgraded to fair condition after collapse
March 25, 2023 GMTUtah State redshirt freshman wide receiver Josh Davis is in fair condition on Friday, one day after collapsing at spring football practice following sudden cardiac arrest, the university announced.
Clark’s March Madness marches on, Iowa women beat Colorado
March 25, 2023 GMTSEATTLE (AP) — Caitlin Clark felt it was all happening a little too quick and on the stage of playing in a regional semifinal, Iowa's star needed to slow down for a change.
Bucks overwhelm Jazz 144-116 for third straight victory
March 25, 2023 GMTSALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Grayson Allen scored a season-high 25 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 144-116 victory over the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
Allen made five 3-pointers and shot 57% from the field to help the Bucks lead wire-to-wire.
Makar, MacKinnon lead Avalanche to 3-1 win over Coyotes
March 25, 2023 GMTDENVER (AP) — Cale Makar had a goal and two assists in his return to the lineup, Nathan MacKinnon also had a goal and two assists, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Arizona Coyotes 3-1 on Friday night.
Miami beats No. 1 seed Houston, SDSU ousts 1 seed Alabama
March 25, 2023 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nijel Pack and Miami hit shots from near and far against the stingiest defense in the country to beat Houston 89-75 on Friday night in the Sweet 16, leaving the NCAA Tournament without a single No.
Kispert’s 3s help Wizards pull away from Spurs 136-124
March 25, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Corey Kispert scored a career-high 26 points and sank six 3-pointers, Deni Avdija added 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and the Washington Wizards pulled away for a 136-124 win over the San Antonio Spurs in a meeting of depleted teams Friday night.
Weekend Time Schedule
March 25, 2023 GMTAll Times Eastern
Undermanned Hornets beat Doncic, Irving and Mavs 117-109
March 25, 2023 GMTDALLAS (AP) — P.J. Washington Jr. scored 28 points and Gordon Hayward added 25 as the undermanned Charlotte Hornets built a 21-point lead and held on to beat the Dallas Mavericks 117-109 on Friday night.
San Diego State ousts top seed Alabama from March Madness
March 25, 2023 GMTLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher has insisted throughout the NCAA Tournament that if his team plays to its strengths, it doesn't matter what the opposition does.
The Aztecs certainly played the way they wanted to against the top overall seed in March Madness.
Tatum: Celtics need Brown to be ‘best version of ourselves’
March 25, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics have operated at their best when All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both being playing their best basketball at the same time.
Whether that partnership can endure long enough for them to lead the franchise to an 18th NBA title has been the persistent question surrounding the Celtics each of the past two seasons as rumors have swirled about Boston’s willingness to possibly trade Brown for more high-profile stars.
Tuch scores 2, Sabres beat Devils 5-4 to snap 4-game skid
March 25, 2023 GMTBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Alex Tuch had two goals and an assist as the Buffalo Sabres beat the New Jersey Devils 5-4 on Friday night.
Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn each had a goal and an assist, Tage Thompson scored his 44th goal, and JJ Peterka had two assists to help the Sabres snap a four-game skid and win for the third time in 13 games (3-8-2).
Friday’s Scores
March 25, 2023 GMTBOYS PREP BASKETBALL=
Shin, Szeryk, Jutanugarn share lead at Superstition Mountain
March 25, 2023 GMTGOLD CANYON, Ariz. (AP) — Jenny Shin of South Korea had a run of five straight birdies to close out her front nine on the way to a 5-under 67 on Friday and shared the lead with Maddie Szeryk of Canada and Moriya Jutanugarn of Thailand after two rounds of the LPGA Drive on Championship.
2023 Minn. Boys’ State Tournament Glance
March 25, 2023 GMTBOYS BASKETBALL
Memphis player charged over punch in handshake line
March 25, 2023 GMTBOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) — A Memphis basketball player has been charged by Bowling Green campus police with assault after punching a Falcons player in the handshake line following a Women’s NIT game, according to the Bowling Green athletic department.
Siakam scores 32 as Raptors rout struggling Pistons 118-97
March 25, 2023 GMTTORONTO (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 32 points, Chris Boucher had 19 points and 13 rebounds and the Toronto Raptors routed the struggling Detroit Pistons 118-97 on Friday night for their eighth win in nine home games.
Tuch has 2 goals, assist as Sabres beat Devils 5-4
March 25, 2023 GMTBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Alex Tuch had two goals and an assist as the Buffalo Sabres beat the New Jersey Devils 5-4 on Friday night.
Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn each had a goal and an assist, Tage Thompson scored his 44th goal, and JJ Peterka had two assists to help the Sabres snap a four-game skid and win for the third time in 13 games (3-8-2).
Jenner’s OT goal lifts Blue Jackets over Islanders 5-4
March 25, 2023 GMTCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Boone Jenner scored 40 seconds into overtime and the Columbus Blue Jackets rallied to beat the New York Islanders 5-4 Friday night for their second straight win.
Johnny Gaudreau, Liam Foudy, Kent Johnson and Eric Robinson also scored, and Jack Roslovic added two assists for Columbus, which is tied with San Jose for the worst record in the NHL.
Tatum notches 40th 30-point game, Celtics beat Pacers 120-95
March 25, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 34 points, setting a new franchise record with his 40th 30-point game this season, and the Boston Celtics rolled to a 120-95 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
Friday’s Transactions
March 25, 2023 GMTBASEBALL
Final No. 1 seed falls as Houston gets blown out by Miami
March 25, 2023 GMTKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The next stop for Houston's resurrected basketball program is the Big 12.
The Cougars would've preferred it to be the Elite Eight — and eventually back home for the Final Four.
Marchand dominates 400 IM at NCAA swimming championships
March 25, 2023 GMTMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Arizona State’s Leon Marchand crushed his NCAA record in the 400-yard IM on Friday night at the NCAA men's swimming and diving championships.
Marchand became the first swimmer to go below 3:30 in the history of the event with a time of 3:28.82.
Reyna starts 1st match for US since Berhalter flap, 7-1 rout
March 25, 2023 GMTGio Reyna started in his first match with the U.S. after his parents disparaged then-coach Gregg Berhalter for his lack of playing time at the World Cup, a 7-1 rout of 173rd-ranked Grenada in the CONCACAF Nationals League on Friday night at St.
Friday’s Scores
March 25, 2023 GMTBOYS PREP BASKETBALL=
Friday’s Scores
March 25, 2023 GMTGIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=
Alcaraz, Fritz, Andreescu advance to Miami Open 3rd round
March 25, 2023 GMTMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz picked up a straight-set win at the Miami Open on Friday to keep his world No. 1 ranking over idle Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic is not participating in the Miami Open because he still cannot travel to the United States as a foreign citizen who is not vaccinated against COVID-19.
NHRA Arizona Nationals Qualifying
March 25, 2023 GMTFriday
March Madness: Morris, LSU women top Utah, into Elite Eight
March 25, 2023 GMTGREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — LaDazhia Williams was determined to extend her career. Thanks to her best game of the season, her LSU teammates will get to keep playing, too.
Friday’s Scores
March 25, 2023 GMTBOYS PREP BASKETBALL=
Indigenous artists help skateboarding earn stamp of approval
March 25, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Years ago, skateboarding was branded as a hobby for rebels or stoners in city streets, schoolyards and back alleys. Those days are long gone.
Skateboarding, which has Native Hawaiian roots connected to surfing, no longer is on the fringes.
New York, Las Vegas players shine brightest in March Madness
March 25, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Long known as the city that never sleeps, New York has a rival for that title in 24/7 Las Vegas, and in both places, stars shine as bright as the neon lights in Times Square or the Vegas Strip.
Wallace takes 36-hole PGA Tour lead in Dominican Republic
March 25, 2023 GMTPUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic (AP) — Matt Wallace of England birdied his last three holes Friday for a 6-under 66, giving him a one-shot lead going into the weekend in the Corales Puntacana Championship.
49ers acquire K Zane Gonzalez in trade with Panthers
March 25, 2023 GMTSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have found their potential replacement for longtime kicker Robbie Gould after agreeing to acquire Zane Gonzalez from the Carolina Panthers on Friday.
K-State’s Keyontae Johnson thriving 2 years after collapse
March 25, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May had a hard time keeping his emotions in check as he spoke about Kansas State forward Keyontae Johnson.
May's near-tears had nothing to do with preparing his Owls (34-3) to face Johnson and the Wildcats (26-9) in the East Region final on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden with a trip to the Final Four on the line.
Gonzaga faces UConn in Elite Eight after epic win over UCLA
March 25, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Gonzaga pulled off a March miracle against UCLA in Sweet 16, winning an epic game that featured a furious rally and two 3-pointers in the final 13 seconds.
The Zags celebrated on the floor, with their families in the stands and in the locker room.
Miami women hold on, beat Villanova for 1st trip to Elite 8
March 24, 2023 GMTGREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — The horn sounded and Miami coach Katie Meier turned to start jumping and hugging her staff as players and cheerleaders sprinted past for a meet-at-midcourt celebration. She soon made her way into the crowd to embrace players hollering with delight.
Richy Ledezma joins NYC of MLS on loan from Dutch club
March 24, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Midfielder Richy Ledezma, his career slowed by injuries, is joining Major League Soccer's New York City from the Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.
NYC said Friday it acquired the 22-year-old on an intraleague loan from Real Salt Lake through the end of the 2023 season for $50,000 in general allocation money this year and a second-round MLS draft pick in 2024.
Clippers’ Leonard to team: ‘dial in deeper’ without George
March 24, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — That sound heard this week was the Los Angeles Clippers breathing a sigh of relief that Paul George's knee injury wasn't as devastating as it first appeared.
Bruins’ Greer suspended 1 game for crosscheck on Hoffman
March 24, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — Bruins winger A.J. Greer was suspended for one game without pay Friday for his crosscheck to the face of Montreal's Mike Hoffman
The incident occurred in the first period as they awaited a face-off during Boston’s 4-2 win over the Canadiens on Thursday.