AP Sports Digest

Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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BKC--DARLAN’S PATH

DESCRIPTION: Thierry Darlan is making history at Santa Clara University: He’s the first former NBA G League player to go from the pros to the college classroom, the opposite of a typical progression. Darlan started school in September at age 21 after being granted two years of collegiate eligibility by the NCAA. Darlan has followed his sports dream from the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal and the Basketball Africa League, to the G League Ignite and Delaware Blue Coats, and, now, the West Coast Conference playing for veteran coach Herb Sendek.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text, Photo, Alternate Headlines

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BKW--T25-TOP 25 THIS WEEK

DESCRIPTION: The NCAA released its first NET rankings this week and No. 5 LSU is leading the way. The predictive system doesn’t take into account who teams play against and the Tigers haven’t had a strong schedule to start the season with seven of their eight games coming against Quad 4 teams (the worst ranked group). Kim Mulkey’s squad set a NCAA record scoring over 100 points in its first eight games which has inflated the numbers. There’s a lot of basketball left to be played and LSU could get a test on Thursday when the Tigers visit Duke. LSU will also surely get tested in the SEC, which features so many qualities teams. UConn, Texas and UCLA are behind LSU in the NET. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg. Upcoming: 400 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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SOC--WOMEN’S NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL

DESCRIPTION: Spain and Germany meet for the second leg of their Women’s Nations League Final after a goalless draw in the first leg last week.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 2:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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HKN--GOLDEN KNIGHTS-HART

DESCRIPTION: LAS VEGAS — Vegas Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart could make his first start Tuesday night. He was the first of the five 2018 Canada world junior hockey players to land an NHL contract since they were acquitted of sexual assault. Hart has not played in two seasons after spending six years in Philadelphia. Story is contingent on Hart getting the starting job. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen clash in the third round of the German Cup, where Leipzig, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hertha Berlin are also in action.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 5:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BKC--T25-FLORIDA-DUKE

DESCRIPTION: DURHAM, N.C. — Fourth-ranked Duke hosts 15th-ranked and reigning national champion Florida on Tuesday night in the ACC/SEC Challenge. By Aaron Beard. UPCOMING: 300 words and photos. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 7:30 p.m. EST, Text

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CAR--NASCAR LAWSUIT

DESCRIPTION: CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin is expected to resume testimony Tuesday in the federal antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR. The two teams claim NASCAR is a monopolistic bully that has forced the teams to operate under a revenue-sharing structure that isn’t sustainable. By AP Auto Racing Writer Jenna Fryer. Court can last until 6 pm.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 7:30 p.m. EST, Text

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FBC--STANFORD-PRITCHARD

DESCRIPTION: STANFORD, Calif. — Stanford introduces new football coach Tavita Pritchard. By Josh Dubow. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 8:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKC--T25-UCONN-KANSAS

DESCRIPTION: LAWRENCE, Kan. -- No. 5 UConn plays No. 21 Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. By Dave Skretta. 300 words, photos. Game starts 8 p.m. CT.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 9:00 p.m. EST, Text

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BKC--T25-NORTH CAROLINA-KENTUCKY

DESCRIPTION: LEXINGTON, Ky. — The 18th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats host No. 16 North Carolina on Tuesday night in Mark Pope’s first game coaching Kentucky in this series. By Steve McClain. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts at 9:30 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 10:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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BKC--T25-PURDUE-RUTGERS

DESCRIPTION: PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Top-ranked Purdue (7-0) visits Rutgers (5-3) in the Big Ten opener for both teams. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game starts at 8 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 12/02/2025 10:30 p.m. EST, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--GIANTS-DART

Another hard hit to Jaxson Dart underscores tough return for Giants rookie quarterback

SUMMARY: The return of Jaxson Dart to the New York Giants lineup didn’t provide much of a spark in their 33-15 loss to the New Englad Patriots. But the rookie quarterback came close to learning a valuable lesson the hard way. In his first game back since missing two games with a concussion, Dart scrambled out of the pocket to make a play. As he neared the Giants sideline, Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss delivered a hard but legal hit, briefly sending Dart airborne. He stayed in the game, but couldn’t do much to boost the offense in New York’s third game under interim coach Mike Kafka.

WORDS: 697 - MOVED: 12/02/2025 1:17 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:adeea6c0ad67a9b7587661b855be4825&mediaType=text

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BBO--METS-WILLIAMS

Mets agree to contract with free agent reliever Devin Williams, AP source says

SUMMARY: Free agent reliever Devin Williams has agreed to a contract with the New York Mets, a person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced. Multiple media reports indicated the sides agreed on a three-year contract. Williams spent last season across town with the New York Yankees, going 4-6 with a career-worst 4.79 ERA and 18 saves in 22 chances. He lost the closer’s job, regained it and then lost it again before finishing the year with four scoreless outings during the American League playoffs. The 31-year-old right-hander is a two-time All-Star who twice won the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award with the Milwaukee Brewers.

WORDS: 382 - MOVED: 12/02/2025 12:48 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c1ab87752cbade23e857815af2a419e0&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS-PATRIOTS

Drake Maye passes for 2 TDs, Patriots become 1st team to 11 wins, defeating Giants 33-15

SUMMARY: Drake Maye passed for two touchdowns, and the New England Patriots became the first NFL team to reach 11 wins this season with a 33-15 victory over the New York Giants. It was the 10th straight win for the AFC-leading Patriots, the franchise’s longest streak since winning 10 consecutive games in 2015. Coach Mike Vrabel also became the third coach since 1970 to have a win streak of 10 or more games in his first season with a team. Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards with no interceptions. The 2-11 Giants lost their seventh straight game, and third in a row since firing former coach Brian Daboll.

WORDS: 887 - MOVED: 12/02/2025 12:38 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:16826c9883be1badac84d435081ee2cf&mediaType=text

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FBC--KENTUCKY-STOOPS FIRED

Kentucky fires SEC’s longest-tenured coach in Mark Stoops, hires his replacement hours later

SUMMARY: Kentucky has fired the Southeastern Conference’s longest-tenured coach, ending Mark Stoops’ tenure in his 13th season with the Wildcats after back-to-back losing records. Athletic director Mitch Barnhart says he informed Stoops they decided to go in a new direction and are starting a national search for his replacement. Stoops had been tied with N.C. State coach Dave Doeren for the fifth longest-tenured coach at a Bowl Subdivision program. By Monday night, Kentucky had Stoops’ replacement in Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein. This will be the first head coaching job for the 36-year-old Stein coming home to Kentucky where his father once played.

WORDS: 737 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 11:51 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:157b51871da13b70898a3438976e18a7&mediaType=text

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HKN--PENGUINS-CROSBY

Sidney Crosby nears Mario Lemieux’s Penguins points record with 2 goals against Flyers

SUMMARY: Sidney Crosby is on the verge of breaking Mario Lemieux’s record for career regular-season points with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby needs just eight more points to surpass Lemieux’s 1,723 points. Crosby scored his 58th and 59th career goals against the Philadelphia Flyers, leading the Penguins to a 5-1 victory. The 38-year-old Crosby has dominated the Flyers, collecting 137 points in 92 games against them. Despite the Flyers’ attempts to promote the rivalry, Crosby’s success has overshadowed it. Crosby’s pursuit of Lemieux’s record adds excitement to the Penguins’ season, even as the team struggles.

WORDS: 696 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 11:09 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:72ec6d810e01e98d94ad759003197393&mediaType=text

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FBC--LSU-KIFFIN ARRIVES

Kiffin laments circumstances of his Ole Miss exit, but says he couldn’t pass up LSU

SUMMARY: Lane Kiffin called his past six years at Ole Miss “the best six years” of his life. Then he explained why he felt compelled to leave Oxford, Mississippi, behind and take over an LSU football program that he’s always admired from afar. Kiffin says LSU is “different” and “the best job in football” because of its history, tradition, passion, great players from Louisiana,, and the environment in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night. Kiffin was flown in on a private plane on Sunday night with LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry. Monday afternoon, he was speaking to a festive crowd of LSU dignitaries at Tiger Stadium, where massive video boards were lit up with his name and likeness.

WORDS: 881 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 8:11 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d33d595e63e8514845fe4af886c1449&mediaType=text

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GYM-USA-GYMNASTICS-ABUSE-LAWSUIT

USA Gymnastics and Olympic sports watchdog failed to stop coach’s sexual abuse, lawsuits allege

SUMMARY: Two gymnasts who say they were sexually abused at an elite academy in Iowa have filed lawsuits against the sport’s oversight bodies, alleging Sean Gardner preyed on girls despite repeated complaints about the coach’s behavior. The lawsuits, filed Monday, allege USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport were told about “inappropriate and abusive behaviors” as early as December 2017 when Gardner was a coach in Mississippi. The lawsuits allege the organizations failed to “properly investigate,” revoke Gardner’s coaching credentials, report him to law enforcement or take other actions to protect athletes. Gardner was able to get a coaching job at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 2018, where his abuse allegedly continued for years.

WORDS: 1044 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 8:06 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ef927fb1d1813070d5cc820c6882fc44&mediaType=text

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FBC--LSU-KIFFIN

LSU lures Lane Kiffin away from virtual playoff lock Ole Miss

SUMMARY: Lane Kiffin has left Ole Miss to become the head coach at LSU. This decision comes after Ole Miss’s victory over Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl, which likely secured them a playoff spot. Kiffin expressed disappointment that he wasn’t allowed to coach Ole Miss in the postseason. Ole Miss has promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding to head coach. LSU’s athletic director praised Kiffin as a top coach who can lead the team into the future. Kiffin’s move adds to an already busy hiring cycle in college football, with several coaching changes happening recently.

WORDS: 1102 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 7:39 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:466baa88620fb994ea8677f0b71db986&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR LAWSUIT

Denny Hamlin breaks down in tears as the first witness testifying at NASCAR antitrust trial

SUMMARY: Three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin broke down in tears minutes into his testimony as the first witness called in a federal antitrust trial against NASCAR, which opened Monday. Hamlin’s 23XI Racing, which he co-owns with Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports are suing NASCAR over allegations the Florida-based France family owns and operates the stock car racing series as a monopolistic bully that leaves its teams no option but to comply with rules and financing they don’t agree with.

WORDS: 1126 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 6:52 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:be9ff391ece0891c69255af35c9d2b79&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-MENS POLL

Michigan up to No. 3 in AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll, Michigan State and Iowa State into top 10

SUMMARY: Michigan has jumped to No. 3 in the AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll. Rival Michigan State and Iowa State have both climbed into the top 10. Purdue and Arizona remain at No. 1 and No. 2. Michigan’s rise follows a dominating run through the Players Era Championship. The Wolverines have won four straight games by at least 20 points, including big wins over ranked teams like Gonzaga. Vanderbilt made the biggest jump, moving up seven spots. St. John’s had the biggest drop, losing nine places. Kansas is back in the poll, while UCLA and North Carolina State have dropped out.

WORDS: 599 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 3:28 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3dec0c936b776b1ae4b2a35481b163c0&mediaType=text

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FBN--COLTS-GARDNER

Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner avoids Achilles tendon injury, but will miss time with sore calf

SUMMARY: Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen says starting cornerback Sauce Gardner is expected to miss “some time” after injuring his left calf during Sunday’s 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans, but that Gardner avoided hurting his Achilles tendon. Steichen didn’t provide details on how much time the two-time All-Pro might miss but said he believed Gardner would return this season and that he’s not expected to go on injured reserve. Gardner did not speak with reporters Monday but said after the game he didn’t think he hurt the Achilles tendon because the pain he felt was higher in his leg.

WORDS: 304 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 3:02 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f7fea33d38d557fe0803d2d86e1ad4f6&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-REID

Andy Reid defiant as Chiefs’ playoff hopes dwindle after Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys

SUMMARY: Chiefs coach Andy Reid is defiant about his team’s playoff chances despite recent setbacks. The reigning AFC champions are 6-6 with five games left. Even if they win them all, they need help to reach the postseason. The Chiefs dropped to the 10th spot in the AFC playoff order after the Steelers lost to the Bills on Sunday. Reid emphasizes a fighting spirit, saying they’ll “go after you every game.” The Chiefs are third in the AFC West and nearly out of the division title race. Penalties and mental mistakes have been major challenges this season. Reid remains focused on the opportunities ahead, beginning Sunday night against Houston.

WORDS: 672 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 2:05 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fc36f88babd819e2822d77c0c12af8b3&mediaType=text

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HKN--BIZARRE INJURIES

Alexey Toropchenko is the latest NHL player to be sidelined by a bizarre off-ice injury

SUMMARY: St. Louis Blues forward Alexey Toropchenko is the latest hockey player to miss time in the NHL because of a bizarre off-ice injury. The team said Toropchenko is considered week to week after sustaining burns to his legs as part of a home accident. No other details were provided. Already this season, New Jersey’s Jack Hughes had surgery to repair a finger injury from an off-night dinner and two-time defending champion Florida’s Eetu Luostarinen has been sidelined with an undisclosed ailment following a barbecuing mishap. These follow Dustin Penner hurting his back eating pancakes, David Pastrnak injuring a thumb after a sponsor dinner and Ilya Samsonov missing the 2020 bubble playoffs because of an all-terrain vehicle crash.

WORDS: 664 - MOVED: 12/01/2025 1:55 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b43b9fd1da1a4df56a23eae3f3b84bd&mediaType=text

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