Sports

By PETE IACOBELLI AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips thinks its time to expand the NCAA Tournament. He’s not sure about how many teams or how to make it work within the framework of March Madness. But he’s hopeful that more programs can get in the Big Dance sooner rather

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Mo Salah has scored the fastest-ever hat trick in Champions League history in Liverpool’s 7-1 rout of Rangers. The Egyptian came on in the second half with his team leading 3-1 and proceeded to fire a stunning treble in just six minutes, 12 seconds to set a new benchmark in the

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan has left the United Kingdom and is returning to the United States after having a visa issue resolved. Gillan, who was born in Scotland, departed from London on Wednesday and is expected back in the U.S. for practice on Thursday. Gillan was forced to

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Two wins in two matches have given a much-needed boost to Marseille’s chances of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League. Marseille eased to a 2-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday after the Portuguese side had two players sent off. Sporting also had a player sent off in last

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis has finalized an extension keeping coach Penny Hardaway under contract through April 2028. Wednesday’s announcement updates a memo of understanding agreed to in December 2020. The announcement comes two weeks after the NCAA put Memphis on three years of probation with a public reprimand and a fine. The NCAA declined

By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Hockey Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Veteran defenseman Anton Stralman has parlayed his training camp tryout into a contract with the Boston Bruins. Stralman signed for $1 million for this season. The 36-year-old Swede won’t be able to play until the team gets his work visa situation figured out. He’ll miss the

By KRISTIE RIEKEN AP Sports Writer HOUSTON (AP) — Astros starters Framber Valdez and Luis Garcia look like naturals on the mound, even in the hairiest of situations. A lot of work to make it seem that easy — at the ballpark and, as it turns out, at the barber shop. Both pitchers completed their

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The banged-up Chiefs could be missing two more defensive starters and a key contributor in the secondary when they face the Bills on Sunday. They already were without suspended linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and now could be missing cornerback Rashad Fenton to a hamstring

BALTIMORE (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles have claimed outfielder Jake Cave off waivers from the Minnesota Twins and designated right-hander Jake Reed for assignment. The 29-year-old Cave spent his first five major league seasons with the Twins. He played in 54 games last season, hitting .213 with five home runs and 20 RBIs. Baltimore claimed

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Call it the Big Ten’s midseason “Disappointment Bowl.” Michigan State was 15th and Wisconsin 18th in the preseason AP Top 25. Neither team has a winning record as they prepare to face off Saturday at East Lansing. Wisconsin already has made a coaching change. Wisconsin

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn’t practicing Wednesday after hurting his thumb on an unsuccessful desperation pass attempt that ended their 27-22 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday. Packers coach Matt LaFleur announced that the reigning MVP wouldn’t practice Wednesday but

By GEORGE HENRY AP Sports Writer ATLANTA (AP) — Braves reliever Tyler Matzek had Tommy John surgery on Wednesday and will be sidelined for 12 to 18 months. Manager Brian Snitker says the 31-year-old left-hander went to Texas to be evaluated and learned that he had a torn elbow ligament. Atlanta left Matzek off the

By LYNN ELBER AP Television Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — The pickleball craze is getting the Stephen Colbert treatment for charity. Colbert will host CBS’ “Pickled,” described as a sports-comedy special featuring a celebrity pickleball tournament. Among the players: Dierks Bentley, Will Ferrell, Emma Watson, Daniel Dae Kim and Sugar Ray Leonard. Colbert will join

ATLANTA (AP) — The start of Wednesday’s Game 2 of the NL Division Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves has been delayed by rain. Major League Baseball will determine whether the game can be played. Philadelphia won Game 1 7-6 on Tuesday. The best-of-five series is set to resume with Game 3 in

NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had another starring performance with a goal and an assist to help Napoli beat Ajax 4-2 and reach the last 16 of the Champions League with two matches to spare. Napoli was in firm control and 2-0 up within 16 minutes thanks to goals from Hirving Lozano and Giacomo

By ANDREW MENTOCK Associated Press SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame has started putting up points and one big reason is its deep pool of tight ends. Preseason All-American Michael Mayer has played a key role. He leads the Fighting Irish in every major receiving category with 33 catches, 351 yards and five touchdown

By DORIAN COLBERT RosterWatch Our best bets this week combine some new players with the usual stars. These are the strongest candidates to score a touchdown in Week 6.

By The Associated Press West Virginia and Baylor meet on a Thursday night looking to regain some momentum. Both teams are coming off bye weeks that followed losses. Baylor fell at home to eighth-ranked Oklahoma State on Oct. 1, while West Virginia lost at Texas. Baylor can hardly afford another loss in its bid to

SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks will move the kickoff time against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday back by about 90 minutes if there is a Game 4 of the American League Division Series between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros. If there is a Game 4 between the Astros and Mariners, the Seahawks and

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — A visa issue that forced New York Giants punter Jamie Gillan to remain in London after a game is on the verge of being cleared up and he may be back at practice Thursday. Giants coach Brian Daboll said Gillan, who was born in Scotland, was expected to leave the