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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BBO--PIRATES-YOUNG STARS

DESCRIPTION: The future might be now in Pittsburgh, where the arrival of 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin has given a team led by reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes another jolt. Both players were impressive in a 7-1 win over San Diego on Tuesday that gave the Pirates their sixth victory in seven games. By Will Graves.

UPCOMING: By 04/08/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKN--NBA-PLAYOFF CHASE-GUIDE

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

UPCOMING: By 04/08/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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SOC--PSG-LIVERPOOL

DESCRIPTION: Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain faces Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals at Parc des Princes. By Jerome Pugmire.

UPCOMING: By 04/08/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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HKC--NCAA-FRESHMAN GOALIES

DESCRIPTION: All four teams competing in the Frozen Four start freshman goalies, which could be a first in the event’s history.

UPCOMING: By 04/08/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--RAIDERS-COUSINS

DESCRIPTION: Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders last week, meets with the media.

UPCOMING: By 04/08/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--BRAVES-ANGELS FIGHT

Brawl breaks out between Atlanta pitcher Lopez and Angels DH Soler

SUMMARY: Atlanta pitcher Reynaldo Lopez and Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Jorge Soler were ejected after a brawl on Tuesday night. Soler charged the mound after Lopez threw a high inside pitch that tipped off Jonah Heim’s glove in the bottom of the fifth inning. At first Lopez held his hands up quizzically but then squared up before the two started throwing punches. The benches emptied as players from both teams tried to separate the two. Atlanta manager Walt Weiss was among those who tackled Soler.

WORDS: 183 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 12:16 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8305af2fa811240115ce864fb9035597&mediaType=text

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BKN--CELTICS-TATUM

Celtics’ Jayson Tatum reluctantly preparing for 1st trip to New York since Achilles injury

SUMMARY: Jayson Tatum knew it would happen eventually. It still won’t make his return to Madison Square Garden for Thursday’s matchup with thew New York Knicks any easier for him. That will mark the first time he’s returned to the famed New York City arena since he was carried of the court since rupturing his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Boston Celtics’ Eastern Conference semifinals lolss to the Knicks. He acknowledges it’s not something he’s looking forward to, but called it a necessary step his recovery process.

WORDS: 483 - MOVED: 04/08/2026 12:15 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:fbf000d4b4c611ac47e02b8ecaa4152c&mediaType=text

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HKN--AVALANCHE CLINCH

Avalanche clinch top spot in Western Conference and shift focus to bigger goals

SUMMARY: Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar isn’t ready to plan any parades just yet. Moments after the Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 on Tuesday night to clinch Central Division and top seed in the Western Conference, Bednar was already focusing on the next step toward the ultimate goal of a Stanley Cup. It is the third time in five seasons, and first since 2023, that the Avalanche finished as the top team in the conference. The team lost in the first round of the playoffs that season, but won the organization’s third Stanley Cup after finishing first in the Western Conference in 2022.

WORDS: 446 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 11:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bcad905e159e68ab0a0115f1fa804ae1&mediaType=text

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HKN--AVALANCHE-BLUES

Avalanche beat the Blues 3-1 to clinch Central Division and top seed in the Western Conference

SUMMARY: Valeri Nichushkin scored twice and Colorado Avalanche beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 on Tuesday night to clinch the Central Division and the top seed in the Western Conference. It is the third time in five seasons, and first since 2023, that the Avalanche finished as the top team in the conference. Martin Necas also scored and Scott Wedgewood made 18 saves for Colorado, which has earned points in eight of its last 11 games. Robert Thomas scored and Joel Hofer made 34 saves for the Blues, whose slim playoff hope took a hit with the loss.

WORDS: 303 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 10:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6239ea6233b27d0f0dd78965beb81120&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-MAVERICKS-REAVES MRI

JJ Redick wants to move on after Mavs contradict his contention of MRI mistake on Austin Reaves

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick says he just wants to move on after the Dallas Mavericks contradicted his contention that their medical staff incorrectly conducted an MRI on Austin Reaves last weekend. Redick claimed last weekend that the Mavs’ medical team “scanned the wrong area” and had to do two MRIs to identify Reaves’ Grade 2 left oblique strain. The Mavs issued a statement saying the scan was performed properly. Redick now says the Lakers got the image they needed, and he wants to move on.

WORDS: 263 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 9:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5260f533d43a6958df5dd302fd1b211a&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA-STALEY-STATEMENT

South Carolina’s Staley says it is time to move past her Final Four skirmish with UConn’s Auriemma

SUMMARY: South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley says it is time to move past her Final Four skirmish with UConn coach Geno Auriemma that became the talk of the tournament. Staley released a statement on South Carolina’s X account on Tuesday in which she expressed her respect for Auriemma and said the two have spoken since South Carolina’s 62-48 victory on Friday night. The season ended with UCLA’s runaway 79-51 win over South Carolina in Sunday’s national championship game. Staley says “one moment doesn’t define a career” and doesn’t change the impact Auriemma has made on the game. Auriemma released a statement on Tuesday night again apologizing and hoping to shift the focus on growing women’s basketball.

WORDS: 469 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 9:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:671c738896e13b5cd46df54c767c3947&mediaType=text

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BKN--BUCKS-RIVERS FUTURE

Bucks’ Doc Rivers hints that grandkids could have say in his coaching future

SUMMARY: Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers, the NBA’s winningest active coach and someone ranking sixth on the league’s all-time victory list, hinted Tuesday that he might consider giving up his role on the sideline when this tumultuous Bucks season ends. His reason: grandkids. And put simply, he sounds like someone who wants to spent more time with them.

WORDS: 609 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 8:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8cda4f0c80b19bd922f88a6bee4284ce&mediaType=text

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BKC--NORTH CAROLINA-MALONE

Michael Malone takes over at North Carolina as the Tar Heels turn to an outsider from the NBA

SUMMARY: North Carolina has hired NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone to lead the Tar Heels’ basketball program. Malone acknowledged at his introductory news conference on Tuesday that he’s an outsider, having not played or coached for the Tar Heels. But he says he thinks the program is “ready to embrace somebody new.” The 54-year-old Malone signed a six-year deal worth $50 million in base salary. He won an NBA title as coach of the Denver Nuggets in 2023 but was abruptly fired near the end of last season. Malone replaces Hubert Davis, who was fired last month after five seasons.

WORDS: 793 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 8:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d4c41a4fb7a7078854a3c3d2f40744df&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL DRAFT-MENDOZA

Fernando Mendoza to watch the NFL draft from Miami with family and friends, AP source says

SUMMARY: Fernando Mendoza, expected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, will watch the NFL draft with family and friends in Miami, someone with knowledge of the quarterback’s plans said Tuesday. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because Mendoza hasn’t made his plans public. The draft will take place in Pittsburgh starting on April 23, and many top players will be there to receive congratulations and a hug from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. But players, even those who are drafted first, sometimes prefer to watch from a different location.

WORDS: 193 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 6:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9ab0be80ebeec607e65e8f8f49b9fc50&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-REAL MADRID-BAYERN MUNICH

Harry Kane leads Bayern to 2-1 win over Real Madrid in 1st leg of Champions League quarterfinals

SUMMARY: Harry Kane delivered for Bayern Munich on his return from injury, scoring a goal and helping set up another in the team’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals. Kylian Mbappé scored Madrid’s goal. Kane had been listed as a gameday decision after missing the team’s Bundesliga match last weekend because of an ankle injury. The result left Bayern with an edge ahead of the second leg in Germany next week as it tries to reach the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2023-24, when it was eliminated by eventual champion Madrid.

WORDS: 778 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 6:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5b3006fa822bf012fd35253fd34377e1&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-SPORTING LISBON-ARSENAL

Arsenal beats Sporting Lisbon on Havertz’s late goal in Champions League quarterfinals

SUMMARY: Kai Havertz scored in stoppage time to give Arsenal a 1-0 win in the first leg of its Champions League quarterfinal against Sporting Lisbon. The substitute fired past goalkeeper Rui Silva from close range at Estadio Jose Alvalade to give Mikel Arteta’s team the advantage ahead of next week’s second leg at the Emirates. In Tuesday’s other quarterfinal Bayern Munich beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabeu. Havertz settled a tight game of few chances in Lisbon by combining with fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli. The German controlled the ball in the box and then side-footed into the net to hand Sporting its first loss at home since August.

WORDS: 605 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 6:23 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:314faee069b81423322d0dbbe5150325&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-HORTON INJURY

Cubs ace Cade Horton headed for elbow surgery, will miss the rest of the 2026 season

SUMMARY: Chicago Cubs pitcher Cade Horton will miss the rest of the 2026 season after an MRI revealed UCL damage in his right elbow. Manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that Horton will have surgery, though the exact procedure won’t be known until doctors go in. Horton, 24, walked off the mound in Cleveland on April 3 after just 17 pitches, his velocity dropping suddenly in the second inning. It will be his second elbow surgery. He went 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA and finished second in 2025 NL Rookie of the Year voting. The Cubs are already without ace Justin Steele.

WORDS: 379 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 6:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:78b8a689584e60d9f9a93e852894cffc&mediaType=text

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FBN--GIANTS-HARBAUGH’S PROGRAM BEGINS

No Dexter Lawrence looms over the start of John Harbaugh’s first offseason program as Giants coach

SUMMARY: The start of John Harbaugh’s first offseason program as coach of the New York Giants comes with a significant absence looming over it. Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was one of three players not present for the voluntary beginning of phase one after word emerged Monday that he requested a trade. Harbaugh estimated the prospects were high for Lawrence to remain with the Giants. Cornerback Paulson Adebo was also absent with no reason given, according to Harbaugh, who is still getting to know his new team as he takes over following 18 years with the Baltimore Ravens.

WORDS: 770 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 5:52 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:581ae2f23ec737d25b906b8c7a61cde7&mediaType=text

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BKC--PORTAL ROUNDUP

Kansas’ Bidunga, Wake Forest’s Harris, Saint Mary’s Murauskas among players entering men’s portal

SUMMARY: Kansas big man Flory Bidunga, Wake Forest’s Juke Harris and Saint Mary’s Paulius Murauskas are among the parade of players entering the transfer portal on the first of 15 days Division I men’s basketball players can go looking for a new school. Bidunga was the Big 12 defensive player of the year and an all-conference first-team pick. Harris was voted the Atlantic Coast Conference’s most improved player after he increased his scoring average from 6.1 points per game to 21.4. Murauskas was the West Coast Conference’s second-leading scorer with 18.4 points per game and had two 30-point games.

WORDS: 766 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 5:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5e43aa5169ed9d404d0a4aa92cef2202&mediaType=text

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GLF--MASTERS

Rory McIlroy is taking a champion’s victory lap at Augusta National ahead of his Masters defense

SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy thought winning the Masters was one of the greatest days of his career. Returning as the champion is also pretty sweet. He has been taking what amounts to a victory lap ahead of the Masters. And then he gets back to the golf in time for the opening round on Thursday. McIlroy says a weight has been lifted off his shoulders by finally getting that green jacket in his 17th attempt. He expects a difficult test this week, with a forecast for hot and dry weather. McIlroy is trying to become only the fourth back-to-back winner at Augusta National.

WORDS: 933 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 5:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a6ef28693ab26fa9336cf4848494c414&mediaType=text

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GLF--MASTERS-WOODLAND

Gary Woodland details PTSD struggles ahead of the Masters: ‘I thought people were trying to kill me’

SUMMARY: Gary Woodlands is back at the Masters this week, fresh off his victory at the Houston Open. But as he walks through the bucolic setting that is Augusta National, an inner turmoil is raging. Woodland had surgery in 2023 to remove a lesion on his brain that had been causing him unfounded fears of dying. The surgery was largely successful, and Woodland has been playing golf again the past couple of years. But only in the last week or so has Woodland acknowledged the severe PTSD that he’s been dealing with, which has left him racked with tears, and at one point thinking people were trying to kill him. He’s sought help for it, and Woodland hopes that he can provide hope to others by coming forward with his story.

WORDS: 903 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 4:29 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69a46de5693014e059a3759a8ffd09f6&mediaType=text

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HKN--ATLANTIC DIVISION RACE

Lightning remain the constant as Atlantic Division hierarchy shifts with rise of Sabres, Canadiens

SUMMARY: The Atlantic Division’s hierarchy has shifted this season with the sudden rise of the Buffalo Sabres and continued upward trajectory of the Montreal Canadiens. The one constant are the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are in the midst of a neck-and-neck three-team race for the division title. The teams entered Tuesday separated by two points in the standings. Lightning coach Jon Cooper can appreciate the importance of late-season outings between division rivals, before noting those games don’t match the ramped-up intensity of the playoffs. The Sabres, meantime, are relishing their sudden rise in snapping their NHL record 14-season playoff drought.

WORDS: 852 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 4:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:01169fe30008b9e802b2b7e6cfe2345f&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-MEN’S POLL

Michigan ranked No. 1 in final AP Top 25 poll of season ahead of UConn, Arizona, Duke and Illinois

SUMMARY: Michigan is No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 men’s college basketball poll for the 2025-26 season after winning the program’s first national championship in 37 years. The Wolverines claimed all 57 votes in Tuesday’s poll in the third year the AP has released its last poll after the completion of the NCAA Tournament. Michigan beat UConn 69-63 in Indianapolis for the program’s first NCAA title since 1989. UConn finished second, followed by Arizona, Duke and Illinois. No. 15 Iowa and No. 22 Texas jumped into the poll after reaching the tournament’s second weekend.

WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 3:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:614eb1b6c01ff2bfcb25f85c10abb234&mediaType=text

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SOC--LIVERPOOL’S SLIDE

Liverpool aims to stop slide against PSG in Champions League quarterfinals

SUMMARY: Out of the Premier League title race. Routed in the FA Cup. Mounting questions over the manager’s future. A star striker set to leave. A disgruntled captain saying his team gave up. Liverpool heads into the first leg of its Champions League quarterfinal against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in disarray. It is a far cry from when the sides met in the last 16 last year. Back then Liverpool was the side in form and fancied to go through while PSG still had a point to prove in Europe’s elite competition.

WORDS: 672 - MOVED: 04/07/2026 2:59 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cbfc17a4e216fe2471d3da5680dbda18&mediaType=text

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