Steelers and Mike McCarthy have reached a verbal agreement for McCarthy to coach his hometown team
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike McCarthy have reached a verbal agreement for McCarthy to become the club's next head coach. McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, would replace Mike Tomlin, whose surprise departure created just the third job opening in Pittsburgh since 1969. Tomlin stepped down earlier this month after his 19th season ended with a seventh straight playoff loss. McCarthy posted a 185–123–2 record across 18 seasons, 13 with Green Bay and five with Dallas. His resume includes a victory over the Steelers in the Super Bowl following the 2010 season.
NBA postpones Timberwolves-Warriors game in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by federal officer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The NBA game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors has been postponed following another fatal shooting by a federal officer in Minneapolis. The league announced the decision was made Saturday to “prioritize the safety and security of the Minneapolis community” after 37-year-old Alex Pretti was killed in a confrontation with officers on a street in a commercial district less than two miles from Target Center, the downtown arena where the Timberwolves play. The game was rescheduled for Sunday afternoon. The Timberwolves and Warriors are also scheduled to play on Monday night.
Si Koo Kim leads American Express with Scheffler and teenager Blades Brown 1 shot behind.
LA QUINTA, Calif. (AP) — Si Woo Kim has the lead at The American Express. One shot behind are world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and 18-year-old Blades Brown. Scheffler had to make a 25-foot par save on the final hole for his 68 at the Stadium Course at PGA West. Brown ended his round on the same course by making three straight birdies for a 68. All but forgotten was Kim. The 30-year-old South Korean was 15 minutes away at La Quinta and posted a 66 to lead by one shot. Brown is trying to become the youngest winner of the modern PGA Tour.
Charles Bediako makes immediate impact for No. 17 Alabama in his return to college basketball
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama’s Charles Bediako had four dunks, two steals and two blocks in his first college action in nearly three years against Tennessee. Playing two days after a Tuscaloosa judge temporarily reinstated his college eligibility and blocked the NCAA from retaliating for his return, the 7-footer finished with 13 points and three rebounds in 25 minutes in a 79-73 loss to the Volunteers. Bediako checked into the game amid a rousing ovation with 16:11 to play in the first half and helped the 17th-ranked Crimson Tide score 26 points in the paint while building a 39-36 lead at the break. The 23-year-old center added an inside presence that Alabama had been missing all season.
Aryna Sabalenka beats 19-year-old Mboko, faces 18-year-old Jovic in Australian Open quarterfinals
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka held off 19-year-old Vicky Mboko 6-1, 7-6 (1) to advance to an Australian Open quarterfinal against another teenager, 18-year-old Iva Jovic. The 29-seeded Jovic overwhelmed Yulia Putintseva 6-0, 6-1 in 53 minutes as she moved into the last eight in a Grand Slam for the first time. She's been getting some good advice from 24-time major winner Novak Djokovic during the tournament. Sabalenka raced through the first set against Mboko in 31 minutes. The second set Sunday was a different story. Mboko saved match points and played well enough to beat many players, but not the two-time Australian Open champion.
In the rehearsal tent: Here's what makes the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony special
MILAN (AP) — Classically trained dancers from La Scala’s academy are rehearsing for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony. The event is set for Feb. 6 at Milan’s San Siro stadium. Around 1,200 volunteers have been practicing since November. Rehearsals will increase to nine hours a day over the next two weeks. Creative director Marco Balich emphasizes the theme of “Harmony,” promoting peace and dialogue. Performers include Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. The ceremony will feature two Olympic cauldrons and a Parade of Athletes broadcast from multiple venues. Balich highlights Italian excellence and creativity, promising surprises for the audience.
AJ Dybantsa scores 43 points to set a BYU freshman record as No. 13 Cougars beat Utah 91-78
PROVO, Utah (AP) — AJ Dybantsa scored 43 points to break BYU’s freshman scoring record, leading the No. 13 Cougars to a 91-78 victory over Utah on Saturday. Dybantsa went 15 for 24 from the floor and 9 for 10 from the free throw line for his first 40-point game. He surpassed Danny Ainge’s record for points in a game by a BYU freshman and added six rebounds, three assists and blocked a shot. Rob Wright III finished with 21 points to help the Cougars (17-2, 5-1 Big 12) bounce back from an 84-71 loss to Texas Tech a week earlier. BYU faces No. 1 Arizona on Monday.
Rick Pitino savors reaching 900 victories as a college head coach in St. John's win over Xavier
CINCINNATI (AP) — Rick Pitino has reached a milestone with his 900th victory as a Division I men's basketball coach. St. John's rallied from a 16-point deficit to defeat Xavier 88-83 on Saturday. The victory came against his son, Richard, who is coaching the Musketeers. The 73-year-old Pitino has coached for 38 seasons, including stints at Kentucky and Louisville. He is the only coach to win NCAA titles at two schools. Pitino expressed gratitude to his players and assistants for his success. His son, Richard, praised him as the best college basketball coach. St. John's players celebrated the milestone with enthusiasm.
Luka Doncic beats the Mavericks again as Lakers rally in 4th for 116-110 victory
DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic had 33 points and 11 assists, and the Lakers erased a 15-point deficit in the final seven minutes of a 116-110 victory over the Mavericks in the star guard’s second visit to Dallas since his shocking trade to Los Angeles almost a year ago. LeBron James scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter. Rui Hachimura had a four-point play before another 3-pointer on the next possession to put the Lakers in front for good as Doncic improved to 4-0 against his former team. Max Christie scored 24 points for Dallas.
Naomi Osaka withdraws from Australian Open before third round because of injury
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open before her third-round match against Maddison Inglis. She announced the decision on social media, citing a need to address a physical issue after her last match. Osaka expressed disappointment, saying the run meant a lot to her, but she couldn't risk further injury. Her entrance earlier in the tournament went viral due to her unique outfit. In the second round, she defeated Sorana Cirstea in a tense match that ended with a frosty exchange. In comments later published by the tournament, Osaka says she had a left abdominal issue.
