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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BKW--NCAA-DAWN AND GENO

DESCRIPTION: Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma’s coaching rivalry reached a dramatic peak on Friday. A visibly upset Auriemma went over to Staley in the waning seconds of South Carolina’s 62-48 win over the UConn in the Final Four and appeared to chastise her before the two shook hands. Staley responded with “don’t do that” while assistant coaches from both teams separated them. Auriemma later said the exchange was about the lack of a traditional pregame handshake between the coaches. Staley said she was confused. By Alanis Thames. UPCOMING: 620 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKW--NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: South Carolina will be looking to further solidify its place atop the women’s basketball world with a third title in five seasons while UCLA will be going for its first. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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BKC--MARCH MADNESS

BKC--NCAA-ILLINOIS-UCONN — South Region champion Illinois squares off against East Region champ UConn for the second time this season in the first of Saturday’s two national semifinals. The winner advances to Monday’s national championship game. Tip-off is 6 p.m. EDT. By Michael Marot. Text, photos, sidebars on merit.

BKC--NCAA-MICHIGAN-ARIZONA — Tip-off is 8:45 p.m. EDT. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos, sidebars on merit.

BKC--NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP-LOOKAHEAD — A look ahead at Monday night’s national championship game. By Michael Marot. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 11:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text

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BKN--NBA-PLAYOFF CHASE-GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: A daily look at the NBA’s playoff chase.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Bayern Munich can take a big step closer to the Bundesliga title with a win at Freiburg, while second-place Borussia Dortmund faces third-place Stuttgart on a packed day with seven games.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 2:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--AVALANCHE-STARS

DESCRIPTION: The NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche play at the Dallas Stars in a matchup of the top two teams in the Central Division — and Western Conference — two weeks before the start of the playoffs. By Schuyler Dixon. 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--AUGUSTA WOMEN’S AMATEUR

DESCRIPTION: AUGUSTA, Ga. — California teenager Asterisk Talley leads by one shot in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, with the final round Saturday at the home of the Masters. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKW--POLL AT 50-STATE OF THE GAME

DESCRIPTION: The AP hosted a coaches panel at the Final Four as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Women’s Basketball Poll. By Alanis Thames. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--TEXAS OPEN

DESCRIPTION: SAN ANTONIO — Robert MacIntyre has the lead going into the third round of the Valero Texas Open. Upcoming: 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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RAC--SANTA ANITA DERBY-RDP

DESCRIPTION: Results of the Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial and Blue Grass Stakes, with top finishers earning Kentucky Derby qualifying points. By Beth Harris. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 7:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: Lauren Coughlin took a five-shot lead into the third round of the LPGA Tour’s Aramco Championship at Shadow Creek.

UPCOMING: By 04/04/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKW--NCAA-UCLA-TEXAS

UCLA withstands Texas’ late charge, reaches 1st NCAA championship game with grinding 51-44 win

SUMMARY: Lauren Betts had 16 points and made a huge block late, and UCLA withstood a late charge by Texas for a 51-44 win to reach the women’s NCAA Tournament national championship game for the first time. Manhandled by eventual national champion UConn in their first Final Four a year ago, the Bruins (36-1) dominated their way to another national semifinal with the best season in program history. A chance at a first national championship game appearance had to go through the only team to beat them this season. Overpowered in the first meeting, the Bruins turned the bully tables on Texas (35-4), shutting down All-American Madison Booker while building a 13-point lead midway through the fourth quarter.

WORDS: 799 - MOVED: 04/04/2026 1:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:965e552b6f30ba07a9eee033d8bb2746&mediaType=text

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ATH—STAWELL GIFT-US SPRINTERS

US sprinters Richardson and Coleman advance to the Stawell Gift semifinals in Australia

SUMMARY: American sprinters Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman have won their heats and qualified for Monday’s semifinals of the Stawell Gift, an annual race contested over 120 meters on grass in a small Australian town near Melbourne. Both Richardson and Coleman are racing from “scratch” in the 144th edition of the event, meaning they must run the entire distance and chase down opponents who in some cases may start 25 meters ahead of them. Richardson won her heat in 13.815 seconds Saturday and Coleman his in 12.681.

WORDS: 470 - MOVED: 04/04/2026 1:29 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68f8619dd5851301bc49d28bacca88f2&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAVERICKS-FLAGG’S 51

Mavs rookie Cooper Flagg scores 51 points to become first teen to reach 50 in an NBA game

SUMMARY: Cooper Flagg has scored 51 points to become the first teenager to reach the 50-point mark in an NBA game. The rookie No. 1 pick of the Dallas Mavericks scored 24 points in the fourth quarter of a 138-127 loss to the Orlango Magic. Flagg’s fourth-quartery flurry came after coach Jason Kidd and teammate Naji Marshall were ejected over what they thought was a no-call when Flagg was fouled by Desmond Bane. Flagg’s previous career high was 49.

WORDS: 739 - MOVED: 04/04/2026 1:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0c6888023bef5635e9a76047f7950240&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP LOOKAHEAD

South Carolina returns to the NCAA championship game in a showdown with newcomer UCLA

SUMMARY: Dawn Staley and South Carolina are back in a familiar place, reaching the NCAA championship game for the fourth time in five years. They’ll have to beat a title-seeking newcomer in UCLA to win the ultimate prize. South Carolina will be trying to win its fourth national championship in nine years. The Gamecocks played stifling defense to knock off UConn 62-48 and end the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak in the semifinals Friday night. UCLA played incredible defense of its own in its 51-44 win over Texas. The Bruins spoiled a chance at the first all-SEC title game since 2017, when Staley’s team beat Mississippi State, which was led by current Texas coach Vic Schaefer.

WORDS: 586 - MOVED: 04/04/2026 12:48 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dbabd8c74d23cb45715c0d7011528391&mediaType=text

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BBO--METS-SOTO

Mets slugger Juan Soto leaves game against Giants in first inning with right calf tightness

SUMMARY: New York Mets slugger Juan Soto left Friday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning with right calf tightness. Soto singled off Tyler Mahle in the top of the first and appeared to slow up while going first to third on Bo Bichette’s run-scoring single. Soto was forced out at home plate when Brett Baty grounded into a 1-2-3 double play, and Tyrone Taylor replaced Soto in left field for the bottom of the first. The 27-year-old Soto is in the second season of a record $765 million, 15-year contract with the Mets. He had 43 homers and 105 RBIs last season.

WORDS: 174 - MOVED: 04/04/2026 12:01 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c47a6a9e56c8af143aa61fa98cc8e026&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA-SOUTH CAROLINA-UCONN

South Carolina smothers UConn 62-48 to advance to NCAA title game, snaps Huskies’ 54-game win streak

SUMMARY: Ta’Niya Latson scored 16 and Agot Makeer added 14 points and South Carolina played stifling defense to beat UConn 62-48 on Friday night, ending the Huskies’ 54-game winning streak and advancing to the women’s NCAA Tournament championship game.The Gamecocks have now reached the NCAA championship game in four of the last five seasons, including the past three. They will be looking to win a fourth national title Sunday when they face UCLA, capping off another March Madness. South Carolina (36-3) will be looking to win its fourth national championship. UConn (38-1) entered the Final Four undefeated for the ninth time in school history and for the third straight time left without a title. The Huskies also lost in the 2017 and 2018 national semifinals.

WORDS: 869 - MOVED: 04/04/2026 12:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dde3360dc7558a9d98b573a3d07fe500&mediaType=text

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BKN--MAGIC-MAVERICKS

Magic overcome Cooper Flagg’s 51-point night as Mavericks lose 14th straight home game

SUMMARY: Wendell Carter Jr. scored 28 points and the Orlando Magic beat Dallas 138-127, overcoming a 51-point showing from rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg and handing the Mavericks their 14th consecutive loss at home. Desmond Bane had 27 points for the Magic, who are safely in the play-in tournament with an outside shot at the top six and automatic entry into the East playoffs. Flagg scored 24 points in the fourth quarter after he was given a technical that led to the ejections of coach Jason Kidd and teammate Naji Marshall. The 19-year-old Flagg is the youngest in NBA history to score 50 points.

WORDS: 333 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 11:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:dd2e5e4e495d8b7944e96ab16eda4b75&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA-FRUSTRATED UCONN

Auriemma rips officials and beefs with Staley, but bad night for Strong and Fudd is why UConn fell

SUMMARY: UConn’s Geno Auriemma was not a happy man. The Huskies coach was upset about the officiating, with his team’s performance or South Carolina coach Dawn Staley. The Huskies coach ripped into the officiating during a live TV interview and then got into a heated argument with Staley in the final seconds of their 62-48 loss to the Gamecocks. But a rough night for UConn stars Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd was the main cause of their stunning collapse in the national semifinals of the women’s Final Four on Friday night.

WORDS: 771 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 11:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e4acd8d4fcd73aaae2c2a0dbda9108e4&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA EXPANSION DRAFT

Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo lay their foundations in the WNBA expansion draft

SUMMARY: Portland, which is welcoming a WNBA team back in the city after 24 years, selected veteran forward Bridget Carleton with the first pick in the league’s expansion draft on Friday. Guard Julie Allemand, who played last season for the Los Angeles Sparks, was selected by the Toronto Tempo with its first pick. The Tempo won a coin flip and opted to take the sixth pick in the college draft on April 13 over the top pick in the expansion draft. So Portland went first on Friday and will have the seventh pick in the college draft.

WORDS: 635 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 10:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:97b292353b1c1f14f5e74ee4370ea64e&mediaType=text

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US--TRUMP-COLLEGE SPORTS

President Trump signs order intended to stabilize college sports, threatens lost federal funding

SUMMARY: President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at fixing college sports that would give federal agencies authority to cut funding at schools that don’t comply with mandates covering transfers, eligibility and pay-for-play in the rapidly changing industry. The order is a laundry list of proposed fixes that lawmakers and college leaders have been pushing for. Among the notable parts of the order was a call to establish “clear, consistent and fair eligibility limits, including a five-year participation window.”

WORDS: 900 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 9:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:561ca318fb9f2e5f147083c736dab308&mediaType=text

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GLF--TEXAS OPEN

MacIntyre has a big finish and builds 4-shot lead in the Texas Open

SUMMARY: Robert MacIntyre decided to add the Valero Texas Open to his schedule to be sharper for the Masters next week. It looks like a good decision. The Scot shot 64 to take a four-shot lead over Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Aberg into the weekend. MacIntyre pulled away late with four birdies over his last five holes. There was a two-shot swing on the final hole at No. 9 when Aberg made his only bogey. Tony Finau made a 35-foot eagle putt on his last hole for a 69 to keep alive his chances of winning to qualify for the Masters.

WORDS: 521 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 9:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e7f41208f6b07ac956d01112dd075c17&mediaType=text

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BBO--PIRATES-GRIFFIN DEBUTS

Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin, 19, certainly looks ready for the majors during electric debut

SUMMARY: Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin is eager to stop being a prospect and start being a big leaguer. The 19-year-old made his major league debut and hit an RBI double as Pittsburgh beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 in its home opener at PNC Park. Griffin is the first position player to arrive in the majors before his 20th birthday since Juan Soto did it with the Washington Nationals in 2018. Griffin hit .438 during a brief stay at Triple-A Indianapolis, putting a somewhat bumpy spring training behind him. Griffin says he’s eager to stop focusing so much on his personal development and turn his attention to helping the Pirates return to the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade.

WORDS: 979 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 8:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1265b512764445f966d4374ad4f35a75&mediaType=text

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BKO--HALL OF FAME

Parker, Delle Donne and 1996 US Olympic women’s basketball team set for Hall of Fame enshrinement

SUMMARY: Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw and the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team will be enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Parker, Holdsclaw and members of the 1996 Olympic team were all in attendance, as well as Amar’e Stoudemire and Mike D’Antoni. They will be joined by longtime NBA official Joey Crawford, NBA coach Doc Rivers and Gonzaga coach Mark Few.

WORDS: 429 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 8:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c0fcbe22bb4fd60fb57dfd3e1755a721&mediaType=text

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BBW--POLL AT 50-GROWTH OF THE GAME

UConn has remained women’s college basketball’s gold standard amid rapid growth of the game

SUMMARY: When Jennifer Rizzotti arrived at UConn as a player in 1992, the expectations around the school, as well as the women’s basketball landscape, were much different than they are today. Geno Auriemma was only in his eighth season coaching the Huskies. And women’s basketball as a whole hadn’t seen the unprecedented growth in sponsorships and popularity it is experiencing now. Within a few years, the Huskies went undefeated en route to their first national title. Everything about the program changed, and even as women’s basketball has evolved and skyrocketed in exposure, the Huskies have remained the gold standard.

WORDS: 654 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 8:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:de0187e23436b3cbc8e6c9d14ebcd148&mediaType=text

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BKN--JAMES-CRITICIZING MEMPHIS

Coaches push back after LeBron James suggests NBA better if Grizzlies left Memphis

SUMMARY: A pair of NBA head coaches defended Memphis and its culture Friday following criticism by Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James that the Grizzlies should just relocate. Current Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo and Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said their experiences don’t match the criticism James cast on Memphis in a YouTube video earlier this week. James criticized Memphis and indicated the NBA would be better off if the Grizzlies moved 200 miles east to Nashville where Tennessee’s capital city. James even said he might have opted to say he wouldn’t play in Memphis if the Grizzlies had the first pick in the 2003 draft.

WORDS: 370 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 8:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ca9ae071b117543ad9286f13e6157251&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-DONCIC OUT

NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic to miss rest of Lakers’ regular season with hamstring strain

SUMMARY: Luka Doncic will miss the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers’ regular season with a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring, the team says. Doncic is the NBA’s top scorer and the driving force behind the Lakers’ surge into the third spot in the Western Conference standings, but he injured his leg during Los Angeles’ blowout loss to Oklahoma City on Thursday. An MRI exam revealed the severity of the strain. The Lakers (50-27) have just five games left before the postseason, starting Sunday at Dallas. Doncic is averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game.

WORDS: 672 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 7:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:78faf20fe35f4da547ab30ad9e318c62&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-RICE

NFL says Rashee Rice will not be disciplined over ex-girlfriend’s assault allegations

SUMMARY: The NFL has decided not to discipline Rashee Rice after a former girlfriend posted images of bruises and wounds on social media. The league stated that Rice “has not engaged in conduct that violates the personal conduct policy.” Rice’s attorney expressed gratitude for the NFL’s investigation. Rice previously missed six games last season due to a personal conduct policy violation related to a car crash. He pleaded guilty to felony charges and served jail time. The latest allegations involve a lawsuit from his former girlfriend, who claims Rice physically assaulted her multiple times.

WORDS: 353 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 6:47 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:24176642f2b34528fdeb2a564307621d&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-AWARDS-EXPLAINER

Luka Doncic’s injury could mean he’s out of the NBA award race. How does that process work?

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is likely to win the NBA scoring title this season, but he might not make the All-NBA team. It’s the latest instance where one of the game’s biggest stars might not be eligible for the league’s biggest individual awards because of the 65-game eligibility rule. Doncic has played 64 games, and a Grade 2 hamstring strain will keep him out for the rest of the regular season. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards is also missing out on award eligibility because it’s now certain that he won’t get to 65 games either.

WORDS: 1208 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 6:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5d2f99c80f3b94799316dab942f752aa&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-ILLINOIS-UCONN PREVIEW

Illinois throws out book on previous matchups with UConn and tries to flip the script in Final Four

SUMMARY: Illinois coach Brad Underwood doesn’t need any reminders about what happened the last two times his team faced UConn. He can just plug in the game tapes, rewind them and watch them again. Back in November, the Huskies led wire-to-wire in a 74-61 victory. Two years ago in the Elite Eight, UConn used a 30-0 run en route to a 77-52 victory and on the way to a second straight national championship. There’s nothing the Fighting Illini can do to change those results now, but they do believe they can change the course of this series Saturday when they face UConn in their first Final Four clash in more than two decades.

WORDS: 946 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 5:35 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e6db9742a0994f4095eadc7929549651&mediaType=text

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BBO--DODGERS-BREAKOUT

Ohtani, Tucker, Betts and Freeman all homer as the top of the Dodgers’ order breaks out

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Tucker, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman — the first four hitters in the Los Angeles lineup — all homered in a 13-6 win over the Washington Nationals. It was Tucker’s first home run since joining the Dodgers. It was Ohtani’s first RBI of the season. The first four hitters for Los Angeles combined to go 8 for 21 with four homers, 10 RBIs and six runs. The Dodgers tagged Miles Mikolas for a career-high 11 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

WORDS: 358 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 5:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2719d7fb36a367d2493ad37db0554f31&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-UCONN-HURLEY

UConn’s Dan Hurley is in the Final Four yet again. He’s trying to enjoy it a little more, too

SUMMARY: UConn coach Dan Hurley is back in the Final Four for the third time in four seasons. He’s trying to enjoy this ride a little more. The Huskies won the 2023 and 2024 national titles. But they missed out on a rare chance at a three-peat last year. Senior Alex Karaban says last year’s three-peat chase added extra pressure. But he says Hurley has brought more “joy” to the team’s approach this year. The Huskies face Illinois in Saturday’s national semifinals in Indianapolis.

WORDS: 1219 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 5:14 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d0dd5e7cf9e8dd9bdf8f61ab88d0af29&mediaType=text

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HKN--STARS-NAZI SALUTE INVESTIGATION

Dallas Stars’ arena investigating 4 fans for apparently celebrating with a Nazi salute

SUMMARY: The home arena of the Dallas Stars has launched an investigation into a video that apparently shows four fans celebrating a goal with a Nazi salute. A spokesperson for the American Airlines Center told WFAA-TV in Dallas that the arena has “zero tolerance for any acts of hate and/or discrimination.” A Stars fan, Courtney Ripley, told the television station she took a 12-second video at a game against Toronto in late December. It shows fans celebrating a goal with four men appearing to raise and extend their right arms with a straightened right hand facing downward. The video gained traction this week on several social media platforms.

WORDS: 278 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 4:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7894f241fab39f9f8cca7ed73673a993&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARLINS-YANKEES

Aaron Judge’s 2-run homer in 1st inning leads Yankees over Marlins 8-2 in home opener for 6-1 start

SUMMARY: Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the first inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Miami Marlins 8-2 in their home opener for their second 6-1 start in three seasons. Trent Grisham reached leading off with the first of 11 walks by Marlins pitchers and Judge drove a slider into the left-field seats against Eury Pérez. Judge, who had three RBIs, hit a record 20 first-inning home runs last year, when he finished with 53. Three of Judge’s five hits this season have been home runs. Ben Rice homered and hit a two-run double for the Yankees.

WORDS: 299 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 4:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e8709776f653a154fe3cf8d72bdcd84e&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-MICHIGAN-ARIZONA PREVIEW

Arizona coach stays and Michigan awaits the Wildcats for heavyweight game at a distracted Final Four

SUMMARY: More than 24 hours before the first shot flew at a Final Four that really feels like a five-team affair, Arizona already had a win. The Wildcats kept their coach from bolting to that fifth team — North Carolina. Tommy Lloyd had the pleasure of announcing the contract extension that will keep him in Tucson through 2031 as part of the news conference that previewed his team’s titanic matchup against Michigan. It’s all part of a week in which the games have shared the headlines with the UNC coaching search. Also in that speculation is Michigan coach Dusty May, who emphasized that he loves his current job and isn’t talking about anything else.

WORDS: 803 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 4:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8c8b7c7896ce2c085f4a53e96504c996&mediaType=text

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HKN--AVALANCHE-BURNS’ STREAK

At 41, defenseman Brent Burns set for 1,000th straight regular-season game as the Avs chase top seed

SUMMARY: Brent Burns is set to play his 1,000th consecutive NHL regular-season game on Saturday when the Colorado Avalanche play in Dallas against the Stars. The 41-year-old defenseman started his ironman streak on November 21, 2013. He’s played through his share of bumps and bruises along the way. Burns joined the Avalanche this season, aiming for his first Stanley Cup title. He’s become a leader/mentor and even contributes on the scoring end, with 11 goals this season. Burns is closing in on the all-time ironman record of 1,064 regular-season games held by Phil Kessel. The Avalanche hold a six-point lead as they try to wrap up the NHL’s top seed.

WORDS: 930 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 3:46 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e3b72fedb6cd0d26b76677be0acbaa52&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-ARIZONA-LLOYD

Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd agrees to extension amid status as potential candidate for UNC job

SUMMARY: Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd says he’s remaining with the Wildcats after being mentioned as a potential candidate to fill the coaching vacancy at blueblood program North Carolina. The school also announced it had reached an extension with Lloyd through the 2030-31 season. The 51-year-old Lloyd had been considered a top potential target for the Tar Heels. UNC fired Hubert Davis on March 24 after five seasons. Lloyd’s comments came a day before his Wildcats face Michigan in Saturday night’s national semifinals in a matchup of the two remaining 1-seeds.

WORDS: 431 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 3:18 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:495f3591e86e72b0ad5a7029c6083f55&mediaType=text

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HKN--CANADIENS-CAUFIELD-50-GOAL CHASE

Cole Caufield takes aim at joining the Montreal Canadiens’ exclusive 50-goal club

SUMMARY: Of course Cole Caufield has thought about it. After scoring his 48th and 49th goals of the season, he acknowledged as much. The gravity is not lost on him that in the storied history of the Montreal Canadiens. No player has gotten to the 50-goal mark since 1990. They’ve won the Stanley Cup more recently in 1993, and they have a shot this year at ending Canada’s championship drought that has endured since. But first Caufield has the chance to etch his name into the record books and potentially lead the NHL in goals.

WORDS: 774 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 3:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d21df0571acd01c32749eb7002db5bc3&mediaType=text