Wembanyama's return lifts Spurs to NBA Cup final, handing Thunder just 2nd loss
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Victor Wembanyama returned from a 12-game absence to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-109 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The win on Saturday night puts the Spurs in the NBA Cup final against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Oklahoma City entered on a 16-game winning streak and now stands at 24-2, the second-best start in NBA history. Wembanyama scored 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, earning "M-V-P" chants from the crowd. Despite a minutes restriction, he makes a significant impact. The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led his team with 29 points.
Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman Trophy as college football's top player
NEW YORK (AP) — Fernando Mendoza, the enthusiastic quarterback of No. 1 Indiana, won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first Hoosier to win college football’s most prestigious award since its inception in 1935. Mendoza beat Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia.
Colts activate 44-year-old QB Philip Rivers, making him eligible to play Sunday against Seahawks
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts have promoted 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to the active roster, making him eligible to play — and perhaps start — in Sunday’s crucial game at Seattle. Indy (8-5) brought the Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist out of retirement Tuesday when it signed him to the practice squad. Rivers practiced all week but he hasn’t taken a snap since what appeared to be the end of his career following the 2020 season. Rookie Riley Leonard still could make his first career start. The move to add Rivers to the active roster will take him off the Hall of Fame ballot for the class of 2026.
Michigan expands investigation after firing Sherrone Moore, AP source says
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The law firm hired by the University of Michigan to investigate former football coach Sherrone Moore’s relationship with a staffer will continue its probe of the program and is prepared to expand its inquiry throughout the athletic department. That's according to two people familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details. Michigan fired Moore on Wednesday, when the school said an investigation uncovered his inappropriate relationship with a staffer. He is married with three daughters.
Michigan search includes Arizona State's Kenny Dillingham, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, AP source says
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The firm hired by Michigan to search for a football coach to replace Sherrone Moore has contacted representatives for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because they were not authorized to share details of the search. Moore was fired on Wednesday, when the school said an investigation uncovered his inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Two days later, Moore was charged with three crimes.
Jalen Brunson's season-high 40 points lead Knicks past Magic to NBA Cup final
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 40 points to lead the Knicks past the Orlando Magic 132-120. The win put New York in the NBA Cup final. The Knicks have won five in a row and nine of their last 10 games. Brunson also had eight assists and made 16 of 27 shots. Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points for the Knicks. Jalen Suggs scored 25 of his 26 points in the first half for the Magic before leaving in the fourth quarter with a sore left hip. The Knicks will play San Antonio on Tuesday night for the championship.
Horvath to Heidenreich on 4th-and-goal leads No. 22 Navy to a 17-16 win over Army
BALTIMORE (AP) — Navy has beaten Army for a second straight season. Blake Horvath threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Eli Heidenreich with 6:32 remaining — on fourth-and-goal — and the 22nd-ranked Midshipmen rallied for a 17-16 win on Saturday. Horvath turned the ball over twice, and his fumble near the goal line nearly spoiled Navy’s key drive. But Heidenreich fell on the ball, and Horvath found him when Navy gambled and went for it on fourth down. With President Donald Trump in attendance, the Midshipmen won the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy for a second straight season.
Messi's tour of India gets off to chaotic start as angry fans storm field
KOLKATA, India (AP) — Lionel Messi’s much-hyped tour of India has gotten off to a rocky start with angry fans throwing bottles and attempting to vandalize a stadium after many of them failed to get more than just a glimpse of their hero. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has apologized to the Argentine soccer star for apparent mismanagement of the event. The Times of India report that many ticket-holders said that they failed to see Messi at all despite waiting for hours. Messi’s three-day “GOAT India Tour” was to bring the World Cup winner from Kolkata to Hyderabad and then Mumbai before concluding in New Delhi on Monday.
Guerin alters Wild's recipe for success by trading for former Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Bill Guerin was wrist deep in a bowl of meatballs when he completed one of the biggest trades in Minnesota Wild history. The Wild general manager found out Friday night that Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford had agreed to trade former Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes to Minnesota for three young players and a future first-round draft pick. Guerin told reporters Saturday that he was making meatballs for Christmas Eve dinner when Rutherford called. The move is the clearest indication that Guerin and Wild are going all in this season as they seek their first Stanley Cup in the team’s 25-year history.
Azzi Fudd leads No. 1 UConn's 79-51 rout of 16th-ranked USC with JuJu Watkins looking on
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Azzi Fudd scored 17 points and No. 1 UConn dominated 16th-ranked Southern California 79-51. The Trojans' 20-game home winning streak was snapped by the defending national champions. The Huskies improved to 10-0. They shut down USC star freshman Jazzy Davidson, who had 10 points on 3 of 13 shooting. UConn led 32-11 early in the second quarter after a 24-2 run. USC struggled with poor shooting and UConn's strong defense. Kennedy Smith led the Trojans with 16 points and seven rebounds. UConn alum Diana Taurasi and USC alum Cheryl Miller shared a pre-game hug.
