China hands down terms of life to 8 years for sports officials convicted of taking bribes

The former president of the Chinese Football Association has been sentenced to life in prison amid a wide-ranging crackdown on sports corruption. Chinese courts on Tuesday handed down sentences of between eight years and life in prison to officials in the Communist Party controlled sports programs, accusing them of taking bribes and committing other financial crimes. State media reported that Chen Xuyuan, the former CFA president, received a life sentence for helping fix matches and using his various positions to commit financial crimes.

Gonzaga 77, Utah 66

Johnson 1-4 2-2 5, Pili 12-20 7-7 35, McQueen 5-13 0-0 12, Vieira 0-5 0-0 0, Wilke 1-9 0-0 3, Young 5-9 0-0 11, White 0-3 0-0 0, Totals 24-63 9-9 66

Pascal Siakam helps Pacers pull away from Clippers for 133-116 win

Pascal Siakam scored 31 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 133-116 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Myles Turner had 24 points and seven rebounds, helping the Pacers to their sixth win in their last seven road games. Tyrese Haliburton finished with 21 points and nine assists. Los Angeles dropped its fifth consecutive home game. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George each scored 26 points for the Clippers, and Russell Westbrook had 14 points and seven assists in his return after missing 12 games because of a fractured left hand.

Gonzaga uses hot shooting to reach Sweet 16 for first time since 2015 topping Utah 77-66

Kayleigh Truong scored 21 points, Yvonne Ejim added 17 points and 13 rebounds, and fourth-seeded Gonzaga advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in nearly a decade beating No. 5 seed Utah 77-66 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Zags used a barrage of 3-point shooting in the second and third quarters to overcome an early deficit and advanced to their first regional semifinal since 2015. Gonzaga won its 36th consecutive game at home and will face top-seeded Texas in the Portland 4 Regional semifinal on Friday in Portland, Oregon. Alissa Pili led Utah with 35 points, her fifth 30-point game of the season, in her final game for the Utes.

Sabonis' milestone night helps the Kings beat the 76ers 108-96

Domantas Sabonis had his NBA-leading 25th triple-double of the season on a milestone night, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 108-96 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Sabonis had 11 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to become the fifth player in NBA history with at least 25 triple-doubles in a season, joining Nikola Jokic, Russell Westbrook, Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson. Sabonis also posted his 54th consecutive double-double, breaking a tie with Kevin Love for the longest streak since the 1976-77 merger between the NBA and ABA. Tyrese Maxey scored 29 points to lead the Sixers.

Iowa's Clark shows love for the fans after they cheer her on one last time at Carver-Hawkeye Arena

Caitlin Clark raised her arms as she walked across the court, pumped her fists and made a heart with her hands as she bid farewell to her adoring fans who came to see her play one last time at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. The clock had just hit zeroes on No. 1 seed Iowa's hard-earned 64-54 win over No. 8 West Virginia in the women's NCAA Tournament, and she wanted to thank them. She said she's forever grateful for the support shown by Iowa fans. She scored 32 points in her final game at the arena.

JuJu Watkins' double-double leads top-seeded USC over Kansas 73-55 for trip to women's Sweet 16

JuJu Watkins had 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists and top-seeded Southern California beat Kansas 73-55 to reach the Sweet 16 of the women's NCAA Tournament. McKenzie Forbes hit a career-high six 3-pointers and scored 20 points for the Trojans. They will face fifth-seeded Baylor in the Portland Region 3 in Oregon. Kansas was led by freshman S'Mya Nichols with 22 points. The Jayhawks fell to 0-6 all-time when facing a No. 1 seed in the tournament. Taiyanna Jackson added 10 points and 18 rebounds for the Jayhawks.

Kopitar leads Kings to 3-2 win over Canucks for fourth straight victory

Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist to help the Los Angeles Kings beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 for their fourth straight win. Blake Lizotte and Kevin Fiala also scored for the Kings, and Cam Talbot finished with 21 saves. Brock Boeser and Sam Lafferty had goals for Vancouver, which snapped a three-game win streak. Casey DeSmith had 16 saves. The Canucks had a chance to become the first team to clinch a playoff berth. However, they remained one point ahead of Colorado and Dallas for the top spot in the Western Conference standings.

Yankees OF Oscar González departs Mexico City exhibition loss with scary eye injury

New York Yankees outfielder Oscar González left the team's exhibition loss to Diablos Rojos after he fouled a ball off his face in the second inning. González got jammed on an inside pitch and the ball ricocheted off the handle of his bat directly up into his face, knocking off his helmet. He was sitting upright as he was driven off the field in a cart. The Yankees said González had a right orbital fracture and would remain in the hospital overnight before undergoing tests Tuesday. Jose Trevino had two hits and two RBIs for New York in its 8-5 loss.

Mother Nature madness: Arizona Diamondbacks play rare rain-shortened game at Chase Field

Mother Nature has halted a baseball game even in a retractable-roof stadium in the middle of the desert. The Arizona Diamondbacks' preseason game against the Cleveland Guardians was called after six innings Monday night when an unexpected rainstorm hit Chase Field. Because of ongoing mechanical issues, the retractable roof at Chase Field can't be opened or closed with fans in attendance. The weather in Phoenix was mostly pleasant on Monday, which led to the roof being open, but the unexpected storm sent fans scrambling.

Jokic scores 29, Western Conference-leading Nuggets beat Grizzlies 128-103

Nikola Jokic had 29 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, Christian Braun scored 17 and the Denver Nuggets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 128-103. Jokic, who exited with 27 seconds remaining in the third quarter and Denver leading by 21, finished two assists shy of his 23rd triple-double this season. Lamar Stevens matched a season high with 19 points for the Grizzlies. Scotty Pippen Jr. added 17. In the last two games between the teams, both in Denver, the Nuggets have won by a combined 62 points. Denver improved to 15-2 since the All-Star break.

Yankees OF Oscar González suffers a right orbital fracture and will stay in a Mexico City hospital

New York Yankees outfielder Oscar González has sustained a right orbital fracture and was being kept overnight in a Mexico City hospital after fouling a ball off his face during an exhibition game against the Diablos Rojos. González got jammed on an inside pitch and the ball ricocheted off the handle of his bat directly up into his face, knocking off his helmet. He was sitting upright as he was driven off the field in a cart. The Yankees said González was treated at the ballpark by team physician Dr. Carlos Smith and Dr. Elisa Saleme, the head physician assigned to the two-game series. Smith accompanied González to Centro Medico ABC in Mexico City for further evaluation and testing, the club said.

Luka Doncic gets triple-double as Mavericks beat Jazz 115-105

Luka Doncic had 29 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 115-105. Kyrie Irving scored 27 points for the Mavericks, who earned their fourth consecutive victory. P.J. Washington had 16 points, and Daniel Gafford finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Lauri Markkanen made six 3-pointers and scored 34 points for Utah. Markkanen ranks third among NBA 7-footers with 1,001 made 3-pointers for his career in his seventh season. John Collins added 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Jazz, who lost to Dallas for the second time in five days. Collin Sexton had 20 points.

Jonathan Marchessault scores in OT to help the Golden Knights beat the Blues 2-1

Jonathan Marchessault scored 49 seconds into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the St. Louis Blues 2-1 for their third straight win. Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Logan Thompson stopped 30 shots to help Vegas win for the sixth time in its last eight games. The Golden Knights moved five points ahead of the Blues for the final Western Conference wild card. Brandon Saad scored and Jordan Binnington finished with 32 saves for St. Louis, which had won two straight games and five of its last seven. Just 19 seconds after the Blues' Pavel Buchnevich was stopped on a penalty shot, Marchessault picked up a loose puck behind the Blues' net, brought it out on the left side and settled it before firing his 39th goal of the season past Binnington.

Jonathan Marchessault scores in OT to help the Golden Knights beat the Blues 2-1

Jonathan Marchessault scored 49 seconds into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the St. Louis Blues 2-1 for their third straight win. Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Logan Thompson stopped 30 shots to help Vegas win for the sixth time in its last eight games. The Golden Knights moved five points ahead of the Blues for the final Western Conference wild card. Brandon Saad scored and Jordan Binnington finished with 32 saves for St. Louis, which had won two straight games and five of its last seven. Just 19 seconds after the Blues' Pavel Buchnevich was stopped on a penalty shot, Marchessault picked up a loose puck behind the Blues' net, brought it out on the left side and settled it before firing his 39th goal of the season past Binnington.

Jonathan Marchessault scores in OT to help the Golden Knights beat the Blues 2-1

Jonathan Marchessault scored 49 seconds into overtime and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the St. Louis Blues 2-1 for their third straight win. Pavel Dorofeyev also scored and Logan Thompson stopped 30 shots to help Vegas win for the sixth time in its last eight games. The Golden Knights moved five points ahead of the Blues for the final Western Conference wild card. Brandon Saad scored and Jordan Binnington finished with 32 saves for St. Louis, which had won two straight games and five of its last seven. Just 19 seconds after the Blues' Pavel Buchnevich was stopped on a penalty shot, Marchessault picked up a loose puck behind the Blues' net, brought it out on the left side and settled it before firing his 39th goal of the season past Binnington.

Poole scores 23 as Wizards beat Bulls 107-105 for season-high 3rd straight win

got some payback for a 29-point blowout in Chicago last week. DeMar DeRozan led Chicago with 27 points. Coby White scored 22 as the Bulls lost their third in a row.

Kiki Rice scores 24 as UCLA rallies past Creighton 67-63 to reach the Sweet 16

Kiki Rice scored 24 points, Lauren Betts had 20 points and 10 rebounds and second-seeded UCLA rallied in the second half for a 67-63 victory over seventh-seeded Creighton in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament on Monday night. The Bruins, who trailed by 10 points early in the third quarter, will face third-seeded LSU in an Albany 2 Regional semifinal Saturday afternoon. Top-seeded Iowa and fifth-seeded Colorado are in the other semi. Lauren Jensen scored 20 points and Morgan Maly added 18 for the Bluejays.

Sochan, Vassell lead Spurs past Suns 104-102 as injured Wembanyama watches from sidelines

Jeremy Sochan hit a key 3-pointer in the final minute and finished with 26 points and a career-high 18 rebounds as San Antonio beat the Phoenix Suns 104-102 on Monday night with Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama sidelined due to injury. Devin Vassell added 26 points for San Antonio. Devin Booker scored 36 points and Kevin Durant added 29 as Phoenix split a two-game set in San Antonio. Wembanyama sat out with a sprained left ankle. He was injured in Saturday's loss to Phoenix.

Jalen Green's 27 points leads Rockets over Trail Blazers for 9th straight win

Jalen Green scored 27 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 110-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. It was the Rockets' ninth straight win, their longest winning streak since 2019. At 36-35, Houston is now just a half game behind Golden State for the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Dalano Banton led the Blazers with 28 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, while Scoot Henderson added 15 points.

Clark scores 32 as top seed Iowa holds on to beat West Virginia 64-54

Caitlin Clark scored 32 points and No. 1 seed Iowa survived one of its worst offensive performances of the season to beat No. 8 seed West Virginia 64-54 on Monday night in a women's NCAA Tournament second-round game. The Hawkeyes (31-4) advanced to play No. 5 seed Colorado in Saturday's Albany 2 Regional semifinal. Sydney Affolter's three-point play with 2:03 to play, the Hawkeyes' lone field goal of the fourth quarter, gave Iowa a 55-52 lead. Clark and Hannah Stuelke closed the game with nine free throws to clinch the win. As time ran out on the final home game of her career, Clark, who became the NCAA's Division I all-time scoring leader this season, circled the court, making a heart-shaped symbol with her hands as the sellout crowd cheered.

Downie-Landry scores two power-play goals, New York beats Boston to snap a seven-game losing streak

also at UBS Arena. New York has just six points in eight home games, including five points in four games at UBS Arena. Boston (4-4-2-9) won its first four road games of the season but has lost the last five. All three goals by New York came on power plays. Downie-Landry deflected in a shot early in the second period to open the scoring. A little more than three minutes later, Downie-Landry set up Elizabeth Giguère for a 2-0 lead.

Hawks rally from 30 points down to stun NBA-leading Celtics 120-118

De'Andre Hunter scored 24 points, including a clinching 3-pointer with 9.2 seconds remaining, and the patched-together Atlanta Hawks rallied from a 30-point deficit for a stunning 120-118 victory over the NBA-leading Boston Celtics. The Celtics had won 20 of 22 and brought a nine-game winning streak into State Farm Arena. Their run certainly appeared in no jeopardy when Al Horford's 3-pointer put Boston up 68-38 with just under 4 1/2 minutes left in the first half. But the Hawks launched a comeback out of nowhere with All-Star guard Trae Young and three other key players sidelined by injuries. Dejounte Murray put the Hawks ahead to stay at 117-116 on a reverse layup with a minute left. Boston lost despite despite 37 points from Jayson Tatum.

DiVincenzo makes franchise-record 11 3-pointers, scores 40 points as Knicks rout Pistons 124-99

Donte DiVincenzo made a franchise-record 11 3-pointers and scored a career-best 40 points, leading the New York Knicks to a 124-99 rout of Detroit for their 15th straight victory over the Pistons. DiVincenzo broke the Knicks' single-game record of 10 that was held by J.R. Smith and Evan Fournier, and moved into third in the NBA in 3-pointers made this season. He would have had one more, but one of his 3s in the third quarter was later overturned because he had first stepped out of bounds. Jalen Brunson added 28 points and Josh Hart had 11 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in his sixth triple-double this season.

Schroder, Watford score 19 apiece, Nets beat Raptors 96-88 to snap 6-game skid

Dennis Schroder scored 19 points against his former team, Trendon Watford had 11 of his season-high 19 in the second quarter and the Brooklyn Nets snapped a six-game losing streak by beating the short-handed Toronto Raptors 96-88. Mikal Bridges scored 13 points and Jalen Wilson had 12 as the Nets won for the first time since March 10 at Cleveland. Gary Trent Jr. scored 18 points and Javon Freeman-Liberty had 15 for Toronto. The Raptors have lost 11 straight and are winless since a home victory over Charlotte on March 3.

Clippers' Russell Westbrook set to return from fractured hand in game against Pacers

Russell Westbrook will return to the Clippers' lineup after missing 12 games because of a fractured left hand. Los Angeles hosts the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Westbrook broke his hand against the Washington Wizards on March 1 and underwent surgery to repair the injury three days later, depriving the Clippers of an impact player off the bench. Westbrook is averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists this season. The Clippers went .500 in Westbrook's absence and are coming off a 121-107 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.

Bello's 21 lead Purdue Fort Wayne over Tarleton State 73-72 in CIT semifinals

Led by Rasheed Bello's 21 points, the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons defeated the Tarleton State Texans 73-72 on Monday night in the CIT.

Mariners fifth starter Bryan Woo to begin season on injured list with elbow inflammation

The Seattle Mariners will start the season with No. 5 starter Bryan Woo on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow. Seattle general manager Justin Hollander said there is no structural damage in the pitching elbow and the hope is the inflammation will subside in about seven to 10 days and allow Woo to start throwing again. It's similar to last season when Woo had a short stint on the injured list in August. Woo went 4-5 with a 4.21 ERA in 18 starts last season for the Mariners after being called up from the minors.

Evan Mobley scores 17 as Cavaliers respond after Morris elbow, ejection and handle Hornets 115-92

Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen each scored 17 points, and Cleveland bounced back from an embarrassing loss at Miami 24 hours earlier by beating Charlotte 115-92. Mobley also had a career-high eight assists and seven rebounds in 25 minutes in his second game back after he was sidelined by a sprained ankle. Allen grabbed 13 boards. The Cavs were blown out by 37 on Sunday by the Heat, who were up 45 at one point. Brandon Miller scored 24 points for the Hornets, who have lost five straight and 12 of 14.

Schumacher scores 22 as Seattle U takes down Evansville 71-57 in CBI quarterfinals

Led by Alex Schumacher's 22 points, the Seattle U Redhawks defeated the Evansville Purple Aces 71-57 on Monday night in the CBI Tournament.

Mackenzie Holmes spurs late rally that sends Indiana past Oklahoma 75-68 in March Madness

and Holmes came up big late.

Bueckers scored 32 and No. 3 seed UConn holds off No. 6 seed Syracuse 72-64.

All-American Paige Bueckers tied her season high with 32 points, freshman Ashlynn Shade added 19 and No. 3 seed UConn held off Syracuse 73-64 Monday to earn a 30th straight trip to the Sweet 16. It was Bueckers fifth straight game with at least 25 points, and seventh in her last eight games. Third-team All-American Dyaisha Fair scored 18 of her 20 points in the second half as Syracuse came back from as many as 12-points down to cut the deficit to two with just under two minutes left. Sophie Burrows and Georgia Wooley each had 18 points for the Orange. After Syracuse cut the lead to 65-63, UConn closed the game on an 7-1 run.

Montreal coach Martin St. Louis returns to team after taking leave to be with his family

Montreal coach Martin St. Louis is back with the Canadiens after he left the team to be with his family. Montreal announced that St. Louis will be behind the bench again for Tuesday night's game at Colorado. The Canadiens went 1-2-1 while St. Louis was on leave. St. Louis had been with his family to help with his son, Mason, 16, after he got hurt during a youth hockey game, and then suffered complications from the injury and was hospitalized. The Canadiens said Mason is now recovering at the family home in Connecticut.

NBA opens investigation into Raptors' Jontay Porter, AP source says

The NBA has opened an investigation into Toronto two-way player Jontay Porter amid gambling allegations. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic says he learned of the probe shortly before the team's game on Monday night. ESPN first reported the investigation, which it said included Porter's performance in games on Jan. 26 and March 20. Porter was not with the team on Monday and the Raptors said that was because of personal reasons.

Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald will start season on injured list with strained oblique

Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald will start the season on the injured list because of a strained left oblique. Manager Torey Lovullo said the strain was a Grade 2, meaning the right-hander could miss several weeks. The 33-year-old reliever is in his second season with the Diamondbacks after coming to the franchise in a trade-deadline deal with the Mariners last summer. Sewald had 13 saves down the stretch in the regular season and six more in the playoffs, helping the D-backs in their surprise run to the World Series, where they lost to the Texas Rangers in five games.

Marshall's Dan D'Antoni, the oldest coach in Division I at 76, is out after 10 seasons

Marshall men's basketball coach Dan D'Antoni is out after 10 seasons. The school says he'll be replaced by assistant coach Cornelius Jackson. Marshall finished 13-20 this season. D'Antoni was the oldest coach in Division I at age 76. His exit comes a year after D'Antoni led Marshall to a school-record 24 regular-season wins. D'Antoni's 177 wins are the second-most in school history. Jackson has been an assistant under D'Antoni since the 2017-18 season. Before that, he spent four seasons each as an assistant at Cleveland State and UT Martin. He is a former West Virginia high school player of the year.

Rangers expect World Series MVP Corey Seager and All-Star 3B Josh Jung ready for opening day

World Series MVP Corey Seager and All-Star third baseman Josh Jung are expected to be in the lineup on opening day Thursday for the Texas Rangers. Both played in only one Cactus League game before the team broke camp from Arizona. Seager had surgery for a left sports hernia repair on Jan. 30, and Jung had left calf tightness early in spring training. Both played six more innings in an exhibition game in their home ballpark against Boston on Monday night. Manager Bruce Bochy expects them to both play again in the final exhibition game Tuesday against the Red Sox, and be ready for the opener against the Chicago Cubs.

Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell expected to miss start of season with broken hand

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell has a fracture in his left hand and is expected to miss the start of the season. Brewers manager Pat Murphy told reporters about the injury Monday and said Mitchell was seeing a specialist. It's the latest injury-related setback for Mitchell since the Brewers selected him out of UCLA with the 20th overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft. Mitchell missed most of the 2023 season after undergoing surgery last May to repair a torn labrum, though he returned to action in late September.

3-time Grand Slam champ Murray said he sustained serious ankle injury in Miami Open loss

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said he sustained a serious ankle injury at the Miami Open and expects to be out an extended time. The 36-year-old posted his status on Instagram on Monday, a day after losing in three sets to Tomas Machac. Murray said he damaged a pair of ligaments in his ankle and will see a specialist when he returns home. He said he plans to return to the courts when healthy. Murray has won two Wimbledon titles and the U.S. Open.

Case closed? Penguins say stolen Jagr bobbleheads have been recovered and shipped to Pittsburgh

The case of the missing Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads has been resolved. The Pittsburgh Penguins say the stolen shipment of bobbleheads honoring the NHL's second-leading career scorer has been recovered and sent to Pittsburgh. The team had originally planned to hand the trinkets out as part of a promotion on March 14 before they went missing. The team says the bobbleheads were returned to a warehouse in California and then shipped east. Fans who were supposed to receive the bobbleheads on March 14 can pick them up the weekend of April 6-7.

Atlanta United's Gregersen is expected to miss at least 3 weeks after knee surgery

Atlanta United defender Stian Gregersen is expected to miss at least three weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee. Gregersen sustained the meniscus injury two weeks ago in a 2-0 victory over Orlando. He started the first two matches of the season for United. Atlanta acquired the 28-year-old Norwegian from the French club Bordeaux during the recent winter transfer window. Gregersen is one of Atlanta's three designated players.

Fields' 32 lead Fairfield over Chicago State 77-74 in CBI quarterfinals

The Fairfield Stags defeated the Chicago State Cougars 77-74 in the CBI Tournament on Monday night led by Caleb Fields' 32 points.

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek, U.S. Open champ Coco Gauff knocked out of Miami Open

Top-ranked Iga Swiatek and U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff have been knocked out of the Miami Open. Swiatek lost to Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-2 on Monday night, hours after the third-seeded Gauff fell in three sets to No. 23 Caroline Garcia 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. In the men's draw, top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the round of 16 with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Gael Monfils.

Di Maria receives family death threat in Argentina if he returns to play in Rosario

Argentine police and prosecutors are investigating an anonymous death threat to soccer star Ángel di Maria delivered in his hometown of Rosario early Monday. Staffers of the Funes Hills Miraflores condominium where the World Cup winner usually stays in the region, say they found a package containing a death threat to Di Maria's family if he returned to play for one of the city clubs. The 36-year-old winger at Benfica in Portugal said recently he could play again for his boyhood club Rosario Central. He is currently in the United States touring with Argentina. Rosario has been rocked by waves of violence between rival drug dealing groups. The city homicide rate is 22 per 100,000 residents, far above Argentina's average of 4.2 per 100,000.

James, Rivers help No. 3 seed NC State hold off No. 6 seed Tennessee to reach Sweet 16

Aziaha James scored 22 points and No. 3 seed North Carolina State blew nearly all of a 20-point lead before holding off No. 6 seed Tennessee 79-72 in Monday's second round of the NCAA Tournament. That sent the Wolfpack back to the Sweet 16. Saniya Rivers added 20 points for the Wolfpack. Rickea Jackson had 33 points and 10 rebounds to lead Tennessee. The Lady Vols got within a single basket in the fourth quarter before James led the Wolfpack's finishing kick. N.C. State next faces No. 2 seed Stanford.

South Carolina men's basketball leading scorer Johnson to enter transfer portal

South Carolina leading scorer Meechie Johnson is entering the transfer portal, less than a week after the Gamecocks' first NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years. Johnson averaged 13.8 points this season as South Carolina went from 11 wins his first season to tying a program record with 26 victories this year. The Gamecocks were seeded sixth in the NCAAs and fell to No. 11 seed Oregon 87-73 on Thursday. Johnson is a 6-foot-2 guard from Cleveland. He said in his social media post he is also considering going into the NBA draft.

Vanderbilt hires Mark Byington away from James Madison to replace Stackhouse

Vanderbilt has hired Mark Byington away from James Madison just three days after he led the Dukes to a first-round upset of Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament. School officials at Vanderbilt announced the hire Monday afternoon. Byington will be officially introduced at a Thursday afternoon news conference at Vanderbilt's Memorial Gym. The 47-year-old Byington replaces Jerry Stackhouse. Vanderbilt fired Stackhouse after he went 70-92 in five seasons. James Madison went 32-4 this season and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1983 before falling to Duke 93-55.

Nottingham Forest appeals against 4-point penalty for breaking EPL financial rules

Nottingham Forest has lodged an appeal against the four-point penalty imposed by the English Premier League last week for breaching the competition's financial rules. Forest issued a terse statement confirming the course of action the club has taken. It was in contrast to a lengthy and indignant response published by Forest when the sanction was handed out. Forest was found to have breached the league's profitability and sustainability regulations. Forest was permitted losses of up to 61 million pounds in its first year back in the Premier League last season and the club went above the threshold by 34.5 million pounds. Everton regained four points after appealing against its sanction for overspending.

Flamengo striker Barbosa suspended for 2 years in doping fraud case

Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa has been suspended for two years following a doping fraud investigation. The country's Anti-Doping Sports Court of Justice voted 5-4 to punish Barbosa. He brought attention to himself by his erratic behavior during a surprise test on April 8, 2023, one day before Flamengo played the Rio de Janeiro state championship. Anti-doping officers who came to test players at the club training ground were largely ignored by Barbosa, who took his test hours after his teammates. Barbosa's lawyers argued his blood test at the time, which is considered a more effective test, proved he was clean. The lawyers added his unfriendly behavior toward the officers did not mean he tricked the test. He can appeal the decision to ban him to April 2025.

Ex-NBA guard Ben Gordon, arrested for juice shop disturbance, gets program that could erase charges

Former NBA guard Ben Gordon could see criminal charges against him in Connecticut erased from his record next year if he completes a probation program. Gordon was arrested on weapons and threatening charges last year after a disturbance at a Stamford juice shop. He appeared in court Monday in Stamford, where a judge approved the 18-month program. The charges will be erased if he doesn't commit any crimes and follows other conditions. Gordon helped lead UConn to the 2004 NCAA national championship. He had an 11-year NBA career, including five with the Chicago Bulls. Gordon has talked and written about his bipolar disorder and depression.

Kevin Pillar gets $1 million salary in new deal with Chicago White Sox

Outfielder Kevin Pillar's one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox calls for a $1 million salary while in the major leagues and $180,000 while assigned to the minors. Pillar could earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances: $50,000 for 150 and each additional 25 through 375. The White Sox put catcher Max Stassi on the 10-day injured list and agreed to a minor league contract with outfielder Robbie Grossman. Catcher Korey Lee was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte.

Pac-12's remaining schools finalize financial agreement with 10 departing members

Oregon State and Washington State have finalized a settlement over financial distributions with the 10 schools leaving the Pac-12. The departing schools will each have $5 million withheld for the 2024 fiscal year for a total of $50 million. The departing schools also will pay a $1.5 million "supplemental contribution" to the conference that will be used by the remaining schools to navigate an uncertain future. The departing members will not be entitled to any revenue generated after this year and will have no "vote, direction input or other power with the conference's use, allocation of expenditure of the supplemental contribution." The settlement was agreed to in principal late last year.

'Big Three' leads No. 2 Seed Notre Dame past No. 7 Seed Ole Miss 71-56

Maddy Westbeld scored 20 points and Hannah Hidalgo added 19 to help No. 2 seed Notre Dame beat seventh-seeded Mississippi 71-56 on Monday in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament. Sonia Citron added 17 for the Fighting Irish (28-6), who advanced to the Sweet 16 where they will play No. 3 seed Oregon State in the Albany Regional. Kennedy Todd-Williams and Madison Scott led Ole Miss with 15 points each.

Georgia transfer Trevor Etienne's bid for starting RB job could be at risk following DUI charge

An arrest on drunken driving and other charges could endanger Trevor Etienne's projected role as Georgia's new starting running back only months after his transfer from Florida. Jail records show Athens-Clarke County police arrested Etienne early Sunday on charges of drunken driving, failure to maintain a lane or improper driving as well as affixing materials that reduce visibility through the windows or windshield. A Georgia official says the school is gathering additional information about the charges. According to Georgia's team policy, athletes convicted of DUI face a suspension of at least one game.

Winnipeg Jets look to rediscover some consistency as they aim for a long playoff run

The Winnipeg Jets have been a powerhouse for much of this season as a big, defense-first team with elite goaltending and plenty of offensive talent. They've lost three in a row and recently gotten away from their best hockey. The Jets hope that's just a blip on their radar in the hopes of making a long playoff run this spring. They return to Winnipeg for a five-game homestand looking to get back to the basics and find some more consistency.

The NCAA Tournament wants to expand without losing its soul. It will be a delicate needle to thread

The NCAA Tournament could be heading toward expansion. The tournament field is currently set at 68. That number could bump up to 72 or 76 schools in the coming years. There are several factors at play, including how to divide up the increased number of at-large bids in an expanded field. There's a concern that expansion would lean heavily toward awarding teams from power conferences and not deserving schools from mid-major conferences. Oakland coach Greg Kampe says he's OK with the tournament growing provided it doesn't turn its back on small schools that he believes help make the tournament special.

USC Upstate men's basketball coach Dickerson resigns to return to Ohio State

USC Upstate men's basketball coach Dave Dickerson has resigned to become associate head coach at Ohio State. Dickerson spent six seasons leading the Spartans. USC Upstate announced Dickerson's departure before the Buckeyes announced his hiring on coach Jake Diebler's staff. Dickerson went 65-117 during his tenure with the Spartans. His team twice reached the Big South Conference Tournament semifinals. The school said associate head coach Andrew Garcia will lead the program while it searches for Dickerson's replacement.

Pirates pitching prospect Jared Jones finishes off impressive spring by making big-league roster

Jared Jones' impressive spring has earned him a spot on the Pittsburgh Pirates opening-day roster. The team has announced the 22-year-old right-handed pitcher has earned a spot in the starting rotation.  Jones, a second-round pick by the Pirates in 2020, did not allow a run across 16 1/3 innings of Grapefruit League play this spring. Jones is scheduled to make his first major league start on March 31 against Miami.

MLB baserunners went wild last summer. In Year 2 with new rules, steals could keep piling up

Trea Turner's speed and instincts helped him go perfect on the bases. The Philadelphia Phillies' star shortstop set a major league record for most steals in a season without getting caught, going 30-for-30 on the basepaths last year. He wasn't the only player who had a lot of success. Thanks to several rules changes, runners swiped bags more proficiently and stolen bases across the majors increased 41% from 2,486 in 2022 to 3,503 in 2023. That was the most in a season since 1987. Overall, basestealers had a success rate of 80.2%, up from 75.4% in 2022. Turner is one of only six players in MLB history to steal at least 20 bases in a season at a 100% rate.

Holliday, Yamamoto and Chourio are among the majors' most intriguing rookies in 2024

before his big league debut.

Thiam's 27 help High Point defeat Cleveland State 93-74 in CBI

Led by Abdoulaye Thiam's 27 points, the High Point Panthers defeated the Cleveland State Vikings 93-74 on Monday in the CBI Tournament.

Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama to miss rematch against Suns with sprained left ankle

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama will miss Monday night's game against the Phoenix Suns because of a sprained left ankle. The 7-foot-3 center from France was ruled out after participating in San Antonio's morning shootaround to test his ankle. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said the injury is not severe and it is "a little better than 50-50" that Wembanyama will play Wednesday at Utah. Wembanyama got hurt during Saturday's 131-106 loss to Phoenix. He did not play in the fourth quarter, with the Suns leading by as many as 32 points during the game. Wembanyama had 13 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes against Phoenix. The top pick in last year's NBA draft is averaging 20.7 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.

Mets to wear uniform patch honoring late shortstop Bud Harrelson

The New York Mets will wear tribute patches on the sleeves of their uniforms this year in honor of the late Bud Harrelson. New York says the patches will feature Harrelson's No. 3 and "BUDDY." The Mets said the side of the sleeve with the patch will vary depending on whether a player is right-handed or left-handed. The shortstop died on Jan. 10 at age 79 after being stricken with Alzheimer's disease. He was a player on the Mets' 1969 World Series champions and a coach for the 1986 championship team.

UConn's efficiency data on both sides of the ball looks worthy of another March Madness title

Reigning national champion Connecticut has rolled through the regular season, the Big East Tournament and now two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies entered March Madness with top-tier efficiency ratings on both sides of the ball from KenPom. Those figures align with profiles of past champions and Final Four teams. The Huskies are one of seven teams in the top 25 in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency. That applies to 15 of the last 22 NCAA champions going back to 2001. The list includes fellow No. 1 seeds Houston, Purdue and North Carolina. There's also a strong candidate in second-seeded Arizona.

Arizona Coyotes sign Josh Doan, son of former longtime captain Shane Doan

most of those as captain. Shane Doan is currently serving as special advisor to Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving. Josh Doan leads Tucson with 26 goals in 62 games. The Coyotes selected him with the 37th overall pick of the 2021 NHL draft out of Arizona State. He also played 98 games in the USHL.

Another Byron win has Hendrick on a roll heading toward NASCAR team's 40th anniversary party

Hendrick Motorsports has a lot to be happy about as the team barrels toward its big 40th anniversary celebration in two weeks. William Bryon dominated in his second win of the NASCAR season, which came Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas. Alex Bowman earned his third top-four finish of 2024 at COTA. Kyle Larson snatched a wild Xfinity Series win. That's quite a roll ahead of the team's planned celebrations for race weekend at Martinsville Speedway.

Shohei Ohtani says he never bet on sports, interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole money, told lies

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani says he never bet on sports and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara stole money from him and told lies. Ohtani held a news conference at Dodger Stadium, five days after Mizuhara  was fired by the Dodgers following reports from the Los Angeles Times and ESPN about his alleged ties to an illegal bookmaker and debts well over $1 million. Ohtani spoke for nearly 12 minutes, referring to a document in front of him. He did not take questions.

2025 European gymnastics champs won't be in Israel; bidding reopened

Next year's European gymnastics championships will not be staged in Tel Aviv as scheduled because of Israel's ongoing war with Hamas. The governing body of gymnastics in Europe says the decision is "due to the current situation in Israel" and it has reopened the bidding process for a host. Member federations have a month to submit their bids. European Gymnastics adds it would welcome a bid from Israel for later editions.

Declan Rice takes England captaincy on 50th appearance and ready to 'deliver history' at Euro 2024

The milestones are coming around quickly for Declan Rice. Firstly there was the first trophy of his career when he won the Europa Conference League with West Ham in May. Then came a big-money move to a leading European team when Arsenal paid $138 million for his services in July. On Tuesday there's what he says will be a "pinch-me moment" when he leads England out as a captain in his 50th appearance for his country. Next on his to-do list is helping to end England's nearly 60-year wait for a trophy by winning the upcoming European Championship. Rice says England is "close" and "capable of going to Germany to deliver history."

College baseball notebook: Oregon State's Travis Bazzana homers leading off 4 straight games

Travis Bazzana has been the ultimate leadoff man lately. The Oregon State star will enter this week's road series against Southern California having opened the last four games with home runs. The Australian second baseman has 14 homers after hitting 11 in 2023. Eight of his homers have come in the last five games. The NCAA does not track consecutive games with a leadoff homer. Brady Anderson, in 1996, is the only major leaguer to have opened four games with home runs. Bazzana went deep to start a win over Portland last Tuesday and in all three games of a sweep of Washington.

Iceland looks to Euro 2024 bolstered by Gudmundsson after investigation

Albert Gudmundsson scored a hat trick in his comeback to international soccer for Iceland in the European Championship qualifying playoffs. He has become key to Iceland's ambition after he couldn't be picked last year during a criminal investigatione. Iceland plays Ukraine on Tuesday with a place at Euro 2024 at stake. Gudmundsson missed six games for Iceland last year because the national soccer federation excluded him when a woman alleged he sexually assaulted her. Prosecutors in Iceland recently closed their investigation. The Genoa forward was cleared for selection and scored three in a 4-1 win over Israel last week.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin says Russell Wilson has 'pole position' for starting QB job

Russell Wilson's resume and experience give him the edge over Justin Fields. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Monday that Wilson is considered Pittsburgh's starting quarterback but Fields will get a chance to compete. The Steelers revamped their quarterback room earlier this month, signing Wilson to the $1.21 million veteran's minimum after the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback was released by Denver. Kenny Pickett, the team's first-round pick in 2022, asked for a trade after Wilson's arrival, Tomlin said. So, Pittsburgh sent him to Philadelphia and acquired Fields, a first-round pick in 2021, from Chicago for a conditional sixth-round choice in 2025.

Yankees third baseman DJ LeMahieu to start season on the IL

New York Yankees leadoff hitter DJ LeMahieu will start the season on the injured list because of a bruised right foot, the latest injury setback for the former batting champion. The 35-year-old third baseman has been sidelined since fouling a ball off the foot on March 16. He is expected to miss at least the seven-game trip that starts Thursday at Houston. An MRI and CT scan last week were both negative. Cashman said there will be a follow-up MRI this week. LeMahieu was slowed the past two seasons by an injured right toe.

Washington lands Danny Sprinkle as head coach with family ties and Big Ten future

Washington has hired Utah State's Danny Sprinkle as its men's basketball coach. The Huskies are hoping Sprinkle's success at smaller schools and lineage to the university can revitalize the program as it moves into the Big Ten starting next season. His hiring comes after Utah State was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament with a second round loss to Purdue. Sprinkle spent just one season at Utah State but it was a massively successful year winning the Mountain West regular-season title. Sprinkle says "it was going to take something special for me to leave Logan, and the University of Washington was it."

NFL owners unanimously approve a rule that bans the hip-drop tackle

The NFL is eliminating the hip-drop tackle. NFL team owners on Monday unanimously approved a rule that bans players from using a swivel technique to tackle an opponent. A violation will result in a 15-yard penalty and could ultimately result in fines for players. NFL executive Jeff Miller said the hip-drop tackle was used 230 times last season and resulted in 15 players missing time with injuries. The NFL Players Association has opposed the rule.

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews is on pace for the NHL's most goals in a season in nearly 30 years

Toronto's Auston Matthews leads the NHL with 58 goals this season, and he's on pace to score 67. That would surpass Alex Ovechkin's 65 from 2007-08 as the league's most since the salary cap era began in 2005 and tops overall since Mario Lemieux's 68 in 1995-96. Ovechkin says he's rooting for Matthews to pass him and maybe even hit 70. That would Matthews going on a tear with 12 goals in the Maple Leafs' final 12 games to happen.

Vinícius breaks down while talking about racism, says he's losing desire to play because of insults

Vinícius Júnior has broken down in tears while talking about the racist insults that he has been subjected to in Spain. He says he is losing his desire to keep playing because of what he has been going through. Vinícius spoke freely about his struggles fighting against racism on the eve of the "One Skin" friendly game between Spain and Brazil on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The game was set up to raise awareness about racism nearly a year after the Brazil international was racially insulted at a Spanish league game in Valencia. Vinícius says "more and more I'm losing my desire to play."

Without Bale, Wales has a secret weapon going into its playoff final against Lewandowski and Poland

Wales coach Robert Page seemingly has just one job to do before sending his team out to play Poland in Tuesday's playoff final for a place at the European Championship. It's not coming up with a plan to stop Robert Lewandowski. A more urgent focus is keeping one of Wales' key defenders away from a razor. Wales right back Connor Roberts said he has never lost a game at club level while he has sported a mustache. His first unbeaten run came last season with Burnley as the team cruised to promotion from the second-tier Championship. He is repeating the feat now he has dropped down to the same division to play for Leeds. Page says of Roberts' mustache: "He'll be keeping it."

Braves sign pitcher Jesse Chavez to minor league deal, giving veteran chance for 5th stint with team

The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran right-hander Jesse Chavez to a minor league contract, providing the opportunity for the reliever's fifth stint with the team. The 40-year-old Chavez was released by the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. His deal with Atlanta includes an invitation to spring training, giving the Braves 29 players in camp. Chavez had an 11.57 ERA in seven innings this spring with the White Sox. The Braves' eight-man bullpen appeared set before the addition of Chavez only four days before Thursday's first game of the regular season in Philadelphia.

Stanford hires Washington State's Kyle Smith to take over men's basketball program

Stanford has hired Kyle Smith away from Washington State to take over its struggling men's basketball program. Athletic director Bernard Muir announced Monday that Smith had agreed to take over the Cardinal after Jerod Haase was fired earlier this month. Smith is coming off his first career NCAA Tournament appearance as he oversaw an impressive turnaround at Washington State that earned him Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors. He helped the Cougars win 25 games, win an NCAA Tournament game and get into the AP poll in their most successful season since 2008 under Tony Bennett.

Sports on TV for Tuesday, Mar. 26

(All times Eastern)

AP PHOTOS: Batboys keep the action moving at MLB spring training

Stewart Thalblum grew up around the Oakland Athletics as the son of the visiting clubhouse manager.

Swiss stars Odermatt, Gut-Behrami top prize money list for Alpine skiing's World Cup circuit

Swiss stars Marco Odermatt and Lara Gut-Behrami earned the most money on Alpine skiing's World Cup circuit this season, although the two overall champions made less than the record $1 million totals of one year ago. Odermatt again won 13 races to earn 810,000 Swiss francs in prize money, compared to his total of 941,200 Swiss francs last year. Gut-Behrami topped the women's list with 574,200 Swiss francs in a season when she won a career-best eight races. Both missed out on several opportunities to earn more as a series of speed races in the downhill and super-G disciplines were canceled because of weather issues. In her injury-hit season American standout Mikaela Shiffrin earned $621,000. Shiffrin earned a World Cup record $1.04 million last year.

NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Glance

All Times EDT

NCAA Tournament Glance

All Times EDT

Mudryk aims to lift Ukraine past Iceland in Euro 2024 qualifying for first tournament since invasion

forward could be crucial to Ukraine's chances of beating Iceland in Tuesday's qualifying playoff final. Tuesday's game is technically a home fixture for Ukraine. It's in the Polish city of Wroclaw because of the war.

China releases South Korean soccer star after a nearly 1-year detention over bribery suspicions

A star South Korean soccer player who was detained and investigated in China for nearly a year over bribery allegations has been released and returned home. Seoul's Foreign Ministry is giving few details. Son Jun-ho is a former member of the South Korean national team who played professionally in China. He was detained by Chinese authorities at the Shanghai airport in May on suspicion of taking bribes. Chinese soccer has struggled for years to rid itself of a reputation for corruption.

Bryan Cranston leading face of Major League Baseball's promotional campaign

Emmy, Tony and Olivier Award winner Bryan Cranston is a leading face of Major League Baseball's promotional campaign ahead of opening day for the second straight season, recording a video at Dodger Stadium highlighting several stars. The actor is the voice of an "Anything Can Happen" campaign that launched Monday after last year's video promoting rules changes. The new ad features two-way star Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers along with fellow MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, Arizona's Corbin Carroll and Cincinnati's Elly De La Cruz.

Dani Alves released from prison after paying bail while awaiting appeal of rape conviction in Spain

Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves has been released from prison after paying 1 million euros in bail to be set free while appealing a rape conviction. Alves was found guilty last month of raping a woman in a nightclub in December 2022 and sentenced to four years, six months in prison. He denied wrongdoing. The 40-year-old Alves had spent the last 14 months in the Brians II prison located 45 minutes from Barcelona. A court last week granted him the possibility to leave prison on bail after all of his other previous requests had been denied because he was deemed a flight risk.

New rules empowering players have coaches frustrated, contemplating the future of their profession

The job of coaching in college sports has drastically changed. Switching schools is easier than ever via the transfer portal and the lure of better compensation deals can now be a factor for athletes looking to cash in on their celebrity. That has left many coaches frustrated and some even contemplating leaving the profession. Before the NCAA Tournament began last week, the portal opened up and the floodgate was open: Some 748 Division I men and 594  Division I women entered in just the first week, even while many teams were still playing games.

'Obviously the mistake was made': Big East remains unbeaten in NCAA Tournament after only 3 bids

Since a disappointing Selection Sunday for the Big East, the conference has not lost an NCAA Tournament game. Defending national champion UConn, Marquette and Creighton all advanced to the Sweet 16. Three NCAA bids for the Big East was its fewest since 1993. Now it is the only multi-bid conference to get through the first week of the tournament without losing a game. The Atlantic Coast Conference has the most teams in the Sweet 16 with four. Meanwhile, the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference, which combined for 16 bids, each only managed two teams in the regional semifinals.

Bracket not busted: All top 8 seeds advance to Sweet 16 in chalky March Madness

March Madness arrived with visions of chaos. The only surprise so far has been the lack of pandemonium. The top two seeds from each region are still alive. One double-digit seed will join them in the Sweet 16. Top seeds UConn, North Carolina, Houston and Purdue advanced. So did No. 2 seeds Arizona, Tennessee, Marquette and Iowa State also advanced. It is just the fifth time that has happened since the start of seeding in 1979.

Vinícius still a target for racial abuse ahead of Spain's 'One Skin' game against Brazil

Spain hosts Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Tuesday in a soccer friendly aimed at fighting racial abuse. The "One Skin" game was originally set up after Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior was targeted while playing for his club at Valencia last year. The Brazilian international, who is Black, had tears in his eyes after being racially abused by some Valencia fans. That incident sparked an outpouring of support for Vinícius and set off widespread calls for action by Spanish authorities and society in general. At the time many saw it as a turning point in the fight against racism in Spanish soccer. But some 10 months later, Vinícius has continued to be subjected to racist abuse in Spain.