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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FBN—ON FOOTBALL-DOMINANT D

DESCRIPTION: Dominant defenses still can carry teams in the NFL. The Houston Texans proved it again Thursday night with another smothering performance against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in a 23-19 victory. The Eagles have carried that defensive success over into this season. They just beat the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions in consecutive games while scoring just 26 points because the defense allowed one touchdown and three field goals. By Rob Maadi. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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FBN--STEELERS-MOUNT WASHINGTON

DESCRIPTION: PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington shakes his head when asked if he is trying to prove that he’s more than merely a big body. The 6-foot-7, 300-plus-pound Washington, whose 31-yard catch-and-run demolition against Cincinnati last weekend quickly went viral, says he’s simply trying to prove to himself that he belongs in the NFL. By Will Graves. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text, Photo

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HKW--PWHL-EXPANSION TEAMS

DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE – It’s game on in the Pacific Northwest, as the PWHL opens its third season on Friday with debut of the Seattle Torrent and Vancouver Goldeneyes. The two expansion teams might need time to gel, but are stocked with veteran talent after the league’s expansion process tilted in their favor, with Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter landing in Seattle and Sarah Nurse and Claire Thompson signing with Vancouver. By Andrew Destin. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos by 6 a.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 9:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--TRADITION GLIMPSE-SMALLER RIVALRIES

DESCRIPTION: The North Dakota State-South Dakota State football rivalry features a unique prize: the 78-pound Dakota Marker trophy. This rock is a replica of quartzite markers from the 1890s, used to delineate the states’ border. Lesser-known rivalries like this one across college football often hold deep significance for the schools and fans who often don’t have a professional team to root for. By Jack Dura. 600 words, file photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 9:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--TRADITION-GLIMPSE-FIGHT SONGS

DESCRIPTION: College football has changed in so many ways over years. Fight songs, though, still ring true and have withstood the test of time. A fight song historian says “The Victors” at Michigan, “Notre Dame Victory March,” and “Fight On” at USC are among the all-time greats. By Larry Lage. 600 words, photos, video by 1 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 1:42 p.m. EST, Text, Photo, Video

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FBC--HARVARD-YALE PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The Game has never been so important. When Harvard and Yale renew their rivalry for the 141st time on Saturday, the winner will earn a first-ever berth into the FCS playoffs. Harvard’s last postseason game was the 1920 Rose Bowl. The Ivy League lifted its ban on postseason play this season, meaning the conference champion will have a chance to compete for a national championship for the first time since the sport’s leather-helmet era. By Jimmy Golen. Upcoming: 700 words, photos by 5 p.m.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 4:49 p.m. EST, Text

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TEN--DAVIS CUP

DESCRIPTION: BOLOGNA, Italy — Two-time defending champion Italy is without No. 2-ranked Jannik Sinner but plays in front of home fans when it faces Belgium in the semifinals of the Davis Cup. UPCOMING.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 5:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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FBN--COWBOYS-PRESCOTT’S MILESTONES

DESCRIPTION: FRISCO, Texas — Dak Prescott is in the midst of several major franchise milestones as quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys. One of the biggest records could be his Sunday against Philadelphia. He needs 160 yards passing to beat Tony Romo’s club mark of 34,183. By Pro Football Writer Schuyler Dixon. UPCOMING: 800 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 6:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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CRI--THE ASHES

DESCRIPTION: Day 2 of the five-test Ashes series gets underway in Perth with Australia aiming to continue its long run of unbeaten tests at home against England.

UPCOMING: By 11/21/2025 11:51 p.m. EST, Text, Photo

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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FBN--BILLS-ALLEN

Josh Allen throws interception in final seconds to seal Bills’ 23-19 loss to Texans

SUMMARY: Little went right for Josh Allen in a frustrating game Thursday night against the Houston Texans. And still he came close to willing the Buffalo Bills to a victory before an interception in the final minute sealed their fate in a 23-19 loss. Allen took consecutive sacks on the Bills’ final possession, leading to a fourth-and-27, but Buffalo (7-4) gained 44 yards on a short pass from Allen to Josh Palmer, who tossed a lateral to Khalil Shakir. After a false-start penalty created a fourth-and-6 for Buffalo (7-4), Bullock picked off Allen’s pass at the 9 with 24 seconds left.

WORDS: 584 - MOVED: 11/21/2025 1:12 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7351a7a01637ef934ea0b9aab6a7d7b5&mediaType=text

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FBN--BILLS-TEXANS

Texans get 8 sacks and Bullock forces 3 turnovers in Houston’s 23-19 win over Bills

SUMMARY: Houston’s dominant defense sacked Josh Allen eight times and Calen Bullock forced three turnovers, with his second interception sealing the Texans’ 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills. After Allen took consecutive sacks on the Bills’ final possession, they faced fourth-and-27 but gained 44 yards on a short pass from Allen to Josh Palmer, who tossed a lateral to Khalil Shakir. But on another fourth down, Bullock picked off Allen’s pass at the Houston 9 with 24 seconds left. Davis Mills threw for 153 yards with two first-half TD passes to help the Texans (6-5) to their third straight victory with C.J. Stroud sidelined by a concussion. Houston moved above .500 for the first time this season. Buffalo is 7-4.

WORDS: 966 - MOVED: 11/21/2025 1:03 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:05372341e6544630e67b5a2d01cb8949&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-MAXEY

76ers’ hard-working Tyrese Maxey joins exclusive fraternity with 54-point, nine-assist performance

SUMMARY: Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey arguably is the NBA’s hardest-working player this season. His heavy workload sure isn’t hindering his production so far. Maxey already was averaging an NBA-leading 40.3 minutes per game this season before he collected a career-high 54 points and nine assists over 46 ½ minutes in a 123-114 overtime victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Maxey and Wilt Chamberlain are the only 76ers ever to have at least 50 points and nine assists in a single game.

WORDS: 745 - MOVED: 11/21/2025 12:42 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b16b0723a8152ba1cfb23c1dd21474c&mediaType=text

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HKN--CAPITALS-OVECHKIN-HAT TRICK

Ovechkin has 33rd hat trick and an assist in Montreal romp to move to No. 10 on points list

SUMMARY: Alex Ovechkin padded his NHL goals record and moved up a couple other big lists in the Washington Capitals’ 8-4 romp over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night. Ovechkin had his 33rd career hat trick to tie Brett Hull for fourth in NHL history and added an assist as he moved past Joe Sakic into 10th on the points list. Ovechkin has 10 goals in 21 games this season to push his NHL-record to 907. The 40-year-old Russian has 1,643 points, two more than Sakic. Ovechkin opened the scoring on a power play a minute into the first period, had an assist in the second and scored twice late in the third, the second into an empty net from his own zone.

WORDS: 317 - MOVED: 11/21/2025 12:34 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b83b0d566b17fc7b75e6f96950766d00&mediaType=text

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HKN--CAPITALS-STROME-DAUGHTER’S BIRTH

Capitals’ Strome learns during game that wife gave birth to daughter

SUMMARY: Washington Capitals center Dylan Strome learned during the first intermission Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens that wife Tayler had given birth to their third daughter. Strome said his wife “felt it” two hours before the 7 p.m. puck drop and gave birth at 7:30 p.m. He said there was no way to get back in time and emphasized the sacrifices Tayler makes while he spends so much time on the road. The couple named the girl Sutton Kimberley. He had three assists in the Capitals 8-4 victory.

WORDS: 371 - MOVED: 11/21/2025 12:11 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:74ad03743d8a236899d55a97f150e647&mediaType=text

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BBW--WPBL-DRAFT

Kelsie Whitmore is top pick, Mo’ne Davis selected 10th in 1st Women’s Pro Baseball League draft

SUMMARY: Pitcher and outfielder Kelsie Whitmore is returning to familiar surroundings after being selected by San Francisco with the first pick in the inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League draft. Mo’ne Davis, meantime, had to wait until the 10th pick before being selected by Los Angeles. The 24-year-old Davis competed at the 2014 Little League World Series at age 13 and became the first girl to win a game and pitch a shutout. Whitmore is from San Diego and and made her professional debut in the Bay Area with a coed team, the Sonoma Stompers. Japan’s Ayami Sato went No. 2 to Los Angeles.

WORDS: 454 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 10:40 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9172e777c83d1fdcd7cee25aa9cdc99f&mediaType=text

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FBC--BAYLOR-RHOADES

Baylor AD Mack Rhoades resigns, a week after taking leave for personal reasons

SUMMARY: Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades has resigned, a week after he took a leave of absence for personal reasons. He also stepped down last week from his role as chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee. School president Linda Livingston said in a letter Thursday that Rhoades informed her of his decision to step away, effective immediately. The school had been investigating unspecified allegations against him, but the status of that investigation is now unclear. The school said last week that the allegations did not involve Title IX, student-athlete welfare, NCAA rules violations, or the football program. Rhoades had been Baylor’s athletic director since July 2016.

WORDS: 676 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 8:37 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0d7bad61a5a9d5364979a5cd77bdacee&mediaType=text

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GLF--LPGA TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

Somi Lee leads LPGA Tour finale and Jeeno Thitikul takes big step toward player of the year

SUMMARY: Somi Lee is leading the CME Group Tour Championship in a race for the LPGA’s season-ending $4 million payoff. Lee shot a 64 despite a three-putt bogey on the final hole. That gives her a two-shot lead over former U.S. Women’s Open champion Allisen Corpuz. Jeeno Thitikul has a tender wrist and didn’t make a birdie on the par 5s at Tiburon. She still shot 67 in her bid to defend her title. A victory also would wrap up LPGA player of the year. Lee decided she needed to change her putting grip so she copied Lydia Ko. It seemed to work.

WORDS: 744 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 6:04 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7b5e8d6b37cb1de39ecd687f9a3f6e41&mediaType=text

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FBC--BIG TEN-PRIVATE INVESTOR

Michigan board publicly declares opposition to proposed $2.4 billion outside investment in Big Ten

SUMMARY: The University of Michigan governing board publicly declared its opposition on Thursday to the possibility of giving up a stake of the Big Ten in exchange for $2.4 billion in private investment. The Big Ten Conference pushed back earlier in the week when the chair of University of Michigan Board of Regents claimed that Commissioner Tony Petitti threatened to penalize the school if it refuses to support the proposal. The Big Ten disputed the allegation that any school is being forced to back the plan.

WORDS: 620 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 5:27 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8317bf23169ef1dd877404855763d7ac&mediaType=text

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FBN--COWBOYS-RECEIVERS

Lamb says casino visit led to curfew violation with fellow Cowboys receiver Pickens

SUMMARY: CeeDee Lamb says he and fellow Dallas Cowboys receiver George Pickens were benched for the first series of a 33-16 victory at Las Vegas because they were at a casino past curfew. Lamb says he and Pickens had dinner and a few drinks at the Red Rock Casino the night before the Monday night meeting with the Raiders. The 2023 All-Pro made the comments to reporters at his locker after a larger media session just outside the locker room at Cowboys headquarters. Lamb and Pickens entered the game on the second Dallas possession, and each scored a touchdown.

WORDS: 192 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:57 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a6e099d2a3e7c1650eb35f0905cc4d0&mediaType=text

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GLF--RSM CLASSIC

Doug Ghim ties course record with a 60 at Sea Island in big step toward keeping PGA Tour card

SUMMARY: Doug Ghim had a shot at becoming the latest player to shoot 59. His 20-foot birdie putt narrowly missed and he settled for a share of the Seaside course record at Sea Island. His 60 also gives him the lead at the RSM Classic. Davis Thompson and Rico Hoey matched his score to par at 10 under. They each shot 62 on the Plantation course. One behind was Andrew Novak and Andrew Putnam at 9-under 61 on Seaside. It’s a big first step for Ghim. He’s at No. 125 in the FedEx Cup and only the top 100 keep their cards.

WORDS: 695 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:56 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:06c6ef375893141690d502f475b6bce0&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-VIEWERSHIP

NBA sees highest opening-month viewership in more than decade, record social media engagement

SUMMARY: The NBA has announced that national games on NBC/Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, or ESPN have drawn over 60 million viewers in the first month of the regular season. This marks the highest opening total in 15 years. The league is in the first year of an 11-year, $76 billion deal with its broadcast partners. NBA content has also reached more than 30 billion views on social media, setting a record for this point in a season. Merchandise sales on NBAStore.com are up over 20%, driven by “next generation stars.” NBA League Pass subscriptions have increased by 10%, and in-arena attendance is strong, with 10 teams selling out every home game so far.

WORDS: 303 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da67a2548d497b86ace01accf8d97bc1&mediaType=text

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SOC--NWSL-RODMAN FUTURE

Trinity Rodman’s free agency puts focus on the NWSL’s salary cap

SUMMARY: The National Women’s Soccer League championship match could be the final league appearance for one of its most dynamic players, at least for now. Spirit forward Trinity Rodman will be a free agent at season’s end and she’s been drawing interest from deep-pocketed European teams. The will-she or won’t-she drama about a possible Rodman move overseas has spurred questions about whether the league’s salary cap is hindering its ability to retain its best players. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman defended the salary cap ut left no doubt about her thoughts toward Rodman. “We want Trinity in the NWSL and we will fight for her,” Berman said.

WORDS: 792 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:39 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8d47c68e7281df0b72bed533cb6eeb77&mediaType=text

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FBN--JETS-SUGAR-FREE JOHNSON

Jets’ Jermaine Johnson’s sweet strategy to sack Ravens’ Lamar Jackson: No sugary drinks

SUMMARY: Jermaine Johnson revealed his unique strategy for more sacks this season. The New York Jets edge rusher is avoiding sugary drinks as he prepares to face Lamar Jackson in Baltimore on Sunday. Johnson says he’s been doing extra running and cutting out sugar to shed any weight that might slow him down. He believes this could help him turn pressures into sacks. Johnson has three sacks and five quarterback hits this season after returning from a torn Achilles tendon. He aims to add more against Jackson, who he helped take down for his first NFL sack in 2022. Johnson says he’d like to get one or two more against him Sunday.

WORDS: 841 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:30 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8434f731d70b96566556039abe3c1477&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-BUSS BROTHERS FIRED

Lakers fire Joey Buss, Jesse Buss from front office positions after ownership change

SUMMARY: Joey Buss and Jesse Buss are no longer working in the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office after the franchise’s recent ownership change. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the move who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday because the Lakers didn’t publicly announce the firings. The brothers are children of longtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss, who died in 2013. The Lakers are also overhauling the scouting staff that worked with the brothers, who will retain their inherited minority ownership stakes. Jesse Buss was an assistant general manager, while Joey Buss was the Lakers’ alternate governor and vice president of research and development.

WORDS: 406 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:09 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bf0d6c823d5fefe51f1df58360cc73c2&mediaType=text

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SOC--MLS-SCHEDULE

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami to play 1st MLS regular-season match in new stadium April 4

SUMMARY: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will play their first Major League Soccer match in their new stadium on April 4. The 2026 MLS regular season starts February 21 and runs through November 7. Inter Miami will open with five road matches, allowing time to finish Miami Freedom Park, their new home. The home opener is against Austin FC in the 25,000-seat stadium. Messi signed a three-year extension to stay with the team. The MLS season will pause for the FIFA World Cup from May 25 to July 16. All 510 MLS matches will be available on Apple TV in over 100 countries.

WORDS: 587 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 3:15 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:439227ad9e4b6f81189835a2a7675c53&mediaType=text

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CAR--F1-LAS VEGAS PREVIEW

F1 in Las Vegas stumbled out of the gate but is adjusting to make it a strong staple to the calendar

SUMMARY: Formula 1 has returned to Las Vegas, aiming to be the most glamorous event on the schedule. Max Verstappen initially criticized the focus on high-rollers and celebrities over the race itself. However, his views seem to have softened, as he now praises the city. The event, now in its third year, has made adjustments, including lower prices and revised schedules. Despite initial negativity, the race remains commercially successful. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s leadership urges drivers to focus on performance, and Oscar Piastri faces challenges in his championship pursuit. The weather poses an additional hurdle, with rain expected.

WORDS: 1227 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 2:35 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9e77e026d7ddf20c0fd53566743ee765&mediaType=text

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BBO--MARINERS-JOHNSON

Mariners will retire Randy Johnson’s No. 51 during the 2026 season

SUMMARY: Hall of Fame left-hander Randy Johnson will have his No. 51 retired by the Seattle Mariners during a pregame ceremony on May 2, 2026. Johnson went 130-74 with a 3.42 ERA across 10 seasons with the Mariners. In June, the Mariners announced that Johnson’s No. 51 would become the fifth number retired in franchise history, joining Ken Griffey Jr. (No. 24), Edgar Martinez (No. 11) and Ichiro Suzuki, who had his No. 51 retired this summer. Johnson, who went on to pitch for four other teams, spent nearly half of his 22-year Major League career with Seattle and won his first of five Cy Young awards with the franchise.

WORDS: 529 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 2:22 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9dede99a5affb63cc3cc7c33ced7c67c&mediaType=text

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FBN--CHIEFS-TRUMP-KICKOFF RULES

Chiefs assistant Dave Toub: President Trump ‘doesn’t even know what he’s looking at’ on NFL kickoffs

SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub doesn’t care much about President Donald Trump’s opinion of the NFL’s new kickoff rules. Trump attended a game earlier this month and criticized the rules on “The Pat McAfee Show.” The rules, made permanent this year, require the ball to be kicked from the 35-yard line, with players waiting at the 40 until the ball is touched or lands. Trump called the rules demeaning and unsafe. Toub, who has coached special teams for over two decades, pointedly dismissed Trump’s comments on Thursday.

WORDS: 331 - MOVED: 11/20/2025 1:55 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:09cd9d46e834ce305a2f946898765875&mediaType=text

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