Sports

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer Faster, more competitive games have the NFL feeling proud through the first half of the season. While the league is constantly dealing with off-field issues, including Dan Snyder’s legal troubles, Brian Flores’ lawsuit and Deshaun Watson’s suspension, the NFL points out the product and viewing experience have improved.

By MIKE CORDER Associated Press THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch World Cup squad will meet a group of migrant workers in Qatar after a training session ahead of the team’s first match as part of the Dutch soccer federation’s push to promote human rights at the tournament. The Royal Dutch Soccer Association announced

By ISABEL DEBRE Associated Press JERUSALEM (AP) — Qatar may hope soccer fans ignore politics at the first World Cup in the Middle East. But Israel and Iran, foes locked in conflicts across the region, are bringing sensitive flashpoints to the tournament’s doorstep. Israel is not competing, but it sees the massive spectacle as a

By AYA BATRAWY Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar is a Muslim nation, with laws, customs and practices rooted in Islam. The country is neither as liberal as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates nor as conservative as parts of Saudi Arabia. Most of its citizens are Sunni Muslim. Qatar’s most powerful

LEXINGTON, Va. (AP) — Freshman Asher Woods scored 22 points, freshman Tony Felder added 20 and VMI rolled to a 100-58 victory over USCAA-member Penn State-New Kensington. Woods added six rebounds and four assists, while Felder pitched in with five boards and seven assists for the Keydets (1-1). Andre Hayes scored nine points off the

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Nigel John had 16 points, DeAntoni Gordon scored 14 and Myron Gardner added a double-double as Little Rock turned back NAIA-member Arkansas Baptist 71-60 on Thursday. Gardner finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Trojans (1-1). Kendric Robinson paced the Buffaloes with 16 points and eight rebounds.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zyon Pullin sank a jumper with 1 second left, finishing with 23 points, to rally UC Riverside to an 81-79 win over Loyola Marymount. Pullin added six assists for the Highlanders (1-1). Zyon Pullin sank a jumper with 1 second left, finishing with 23 points, to rally UC Riverside to an

By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons were one of the NFL’s feel-good stories the first month the season. But the NFC South might be starting to slip away from the Falcons after three losses in four games, including a disappointing 25-15 defeat to the Carolina Panthers on Thursday

CEDAR CITY, Utah (AP) — Drake Allen scored 17 points as Southern Utah beat Division III-member La Verne 117-55 on Thursday.Allen made all eight of his shots from the floor for the Thunderbirds (1-1). Harrison Butler recorded 16 points and was 5 of 10 shooting, including 2 for 4 from distance, and went 4 for

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Brandin Podziemski’s 34 points led Santa Clara over Georgia Southern 78-62. Podziemski had 11 rebounds for the Broncos (2-0). Carlos Stewart scored 14 points and added three steals. Kaden Archie finished with 19 points for the Eagles (0-2).

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Khalil Shabazz had 18 points in San Francisco’s 60-48 victory against Cal Poly. Shabazz also contributed seven rebounds for the Dons (2-0). Tyrell Roberts scored 12 points and added six rebounds and three steals. Josh Kunen recorded eight points and was 3 of 7 shooting and 2 of 3 from the

MORAGA, Calif. (AP) — Logan Johnson had 15 points in Saint Mary’s (CA)’s 79-53 win over Vermont. Johnson added seven rebounds for the Gaels (2-0). Alex Ducas scored 14 points while shooting 5 for 10 (2 for 6 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free throw line, and added five rebounds and

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) — Kevin Caldwell Jr.’s 20 points helped Lindenwood defeat NAIA-member Hannibal-La Grange 85-58. Caldwell also contributed seven assists for the Lions (1-1). Brandon Trimble added 16 points while going 5 of 10 from the floor, including 3 for 7 from distance, and 3 for 4 from the line, and they also

OGDEN, Utah (AP) — Dillon Jones scored 21 points as Weber State beat Western Colorado 83-67.  Junior Ballard scored 17 points while shooting 6 for 11 (2 for 4 from 3-point range). Kevin Jimenez led the way for the Mountaineers with 13 points.

MOSCOW, Idaho (AP) — Terren Frank’s 24 points to lead Idaho in a 122-48 rout of Walla Walla University. Isaac Jones added 21 points while shooting 10 of 13 from the field. Andrew Vaughan finished with 14 points for the Wolves.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — David Joplin helped lead Marquette past Central Michigan with 23 points off of the bench in a 97-73 victory. Joplin shot 8 for 12, including 6 for 10 from beyond the arc for the Golden Eagles (2-0). Olivier-Maxence Prosper scored 13 points and added six rebounds and three steals. Jesse Zarzuela led