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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FBC--T25-POLL PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: If you’re looking for a possible upset in the Associated Press Top 25 on Saturday, keep your eyes on Iowa City. That’s where No. 6 Oregon plays Iowa. The Ducks are No. 9 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings and must win to keep alive their hopes for a second straight bid. Iowa is just outside the AP Top 25 but is No. 20 in the CFP rankings. By Maura Carey. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 10:10 a.m. EST
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SOC--GERMAN ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: Bayern Munich plays Union Berlin aiming for a 10th Bundesliga win to start the season, which would be a record, and its 17th consecutive win in all competitions. Bayer Leverkusen hosts struggling Heidenheim and Borussia Dortmund visits Hamburger SV. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 2:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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BKC--T25-ALABAMA-ST JOHN’S
DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Zuby Ejiofor and No. 5 St. John’s host No. 15 Alabama at Madison Square Garden in an early test for both ranked teams. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at noon EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--T25-BYU-TEXAS TECH
DESCRIPTION: LUBBOCK, Texas — No. 8 BYU plays at No. 9 Texas Tech in the Big 12’s first matchup of top 10 teams since 2021, and it may not be the only time they meet this season. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at noon EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 3:45 p.m. EST, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans
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FBC--T25-INDIANA-PENN STATE
DESCRIPTION: STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — No. 2 Indiana travels to reeling Penn State on Saturday. The unbeaten Hoosiers (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) can solidify their spot in the College Football Playoff poll if they can hand the Nittany Lions (3-5, 0-5) a sixth straight loss. By Travis Johnson. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at noon EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 4:00 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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FBC--T25-OHIO STATE-PURDUE
DESCRIPTION: WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Defending national champion Ohio State will try to keep its perfect record and chase of a second straight FBS title intact when it visits struggling Purdue on Saturday. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 1 p.m. EST
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 4:30 p.m. EST, Text
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GLF--WWT CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: LOS CABOS, Mexico — Matti Schmid of Germany has a one-shot lead over Nick Dunlap and Sami Valimaki of Finland going into the third round of the World Wide Technology Championship. UPCOMING: 500 words.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 5:00 p.m. EST, Text
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SOC--FRENCH ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: PARIS — Lens travels a long way south to play Monaco and Marseille hosts Brest in Ligue 1, while Le Havre plays Nantes in the other game. By Jerome Pugmire. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 6:45 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--T25-OREGON-IOWA
DESCRIPTION: IOWA CITY, Iowa — No. 6 Oregon visits Iowa at Kinnick Stadium for a key Big Ten game that will have College Football Playoff implications. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 7:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans
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FBC--T25-TEXAS A&M-MISSOURI
DESCRIPTION: COLUMBIA, Mo. — No. 3 Texas A&M faces No. 19 Missouri as the Aggies try to close in on a top-four CFP seed and a first-round bye in the 12-team playoff bracket. UPCOMING: 400 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 7:30 p.m. EST, Text, DigitalPlans
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HKW--RIVALRY SERIES
DESCRIPTION: BUFFALO, N.Y. —Team USA and Canada square off in Game 2 of their pre-Olympic women’s hockey Rivalry Series in Buffalo on Saturday night, two days after the Americans opened with a 4-1 win. By Hockey Writer John Wawrow. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 6 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 9:00 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--T25-NAVY-NOTRE DAME
DESCRIPTION: SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 10 Notre Dame tries to extend its six-game winning streak and keep its playoff hopes alive when it hosts rival Navy on Saturday night. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 11:00 p.m. EST, Text
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BKC--T25-HOLY CROSS-BYU
DESCRIPTION: PROVO, Utah — Heralded freshman AJ Dybantsa makes his home debut when No. 8 BYU hosts Holy Cross. By John Coon. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 9 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 11:30 p.m. EST, Text
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FBC--T25-LSU-ALABAMA
DESCRIPTION: TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 4 Alabama tries to move a step closer to securing a spot in the College Football Playoff when it hosts regrouping LSU, which is playing its first game since firing coach Brian Kelly. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 11:30 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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HKN--AVALANCHE-OILERS
DESCRIPTION: EDMONTON, Alberta Colorado Avalanche visit the Edmonton Oilers in an early-season showdown between of two of the top Stanley Cup Final favorites. UPCOMING: 200 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 10 p.m. EST.
UPCOMING: By 11/08/2025 11:59 p.m. EST, Text, Photo
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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FBC--T25-TULANE-MEMPHIS
Tulane beats No. 22 Memphis 38-32 to stay in contention for the Group of 5 spot in CFP
SUMMARY: Jake Retzlaff threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns and Tulane held off No. 22 Memphis 38-32 on Friday night to stay in contention for the Group of Five’s spot in the College Football Playoff and dash the Tigers’ hopes. Tulane (7-2, 4-1 American Athletic) survived a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt as the Tigers fought back from a 21-point third-quarter deficit. Memphis (8-2, 4-2) had won 11 in a row at home. Brendon Lewis passed for 317 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers. Cortez Braham Jr. caught 11 passes for 113 yards. The Green Wave scored on their first play from scrimmage — a 65-yard pass from Retzlaff to Shazz Preston — and found the end zone on four of their next five possessions.
WORDS: 707 - MOVED: 11/08/2025 1:30 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:12714ee38dcc6b53898378d780c43c21&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-NORTHWESTERN-USC
Lemon scores through air, on ground in No. 20 USC’s 38-17 win over Northwestern
SUMMARY: No. 20 Southern California stayed in the College Football Playoff race with a 38-17 victory over Northwestern. Makai Lemon had a touchdown catch and a scoring run while making 11 receptions for a career-high 161 yards. Jayden Maiava passed for 299 yards and hit Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane for TDs as the Trojans remained unbeaten at the Coliseum this season. King Miller also rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown. Preston Stone passed for 150 yards and Caleb Komolafe rushed for 118 yards and a score for the Wildcats, who lost for just the second time in six games.
WORDS: 590 - MOVED: 11/08/2025 12:34 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ae16f49a5404753d2d411cd2d0faf6dc&mediaType=text
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BKC--T25-NORTH CAROLINA-COMEBACK
No. 25 UNC was down at half to No. 19 Kansas. A dominant 2nd half changed everything
SUMMARY: No. 25 North Carolina used a dominating second half to rally past No. 19 Kansas on Friday night in a matchup of blueblood programs. It also marked a validation for coach Hubert Davis’ retooling of the roster after the Tar Heels barely made last year’s NCAA Tournament. Freshman Caleb Wilson and Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar were standouts. The Tar Heels also got a strong performance from senior returnee Seth Trimble. UNC had lost five straight meetings to Kansas and hadn’t beaten the Jayhawks since November 2002. UNC had also lost eight of nine against ranked teams last year.
WORDS: 925 - MOVED: 11/08/2025 12:22 a.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:50b8cf01a9de9907bece128b7c720836&mediaType=text
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BKN--HEAT-SPOELSTRA-FIRE
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra grateful for support after fire destroys home
SUMMARY: Miami coach Erik Spoelstra has expressed gratitude for the support he received after a fire destroyed his home. The blaze broke out early Thursday, but fortunately, his children were not at home, and no one was injured. Spoelstra praised the first responders for their efforts, even though the house couldn’t be saved. He declined time off offered by the Heat, saying his kids wanted to attend Friday’s game. Spoelstra also thanked the Heat family for their support, noting that some players’ families are helping his children. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
WORDS: 684 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 11:17 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:78f05cc49d260c6f562dd35e36552dc4&mediaType=text
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FBC--T25-USC-FAKE PUNT
No. 20 USC pulls off fake punt after the Trojans’ 3rd-string QB switches to punter’s uniform number
SUMMARY: No. 20 Southern California pulled off a remarkable fake punt against Northwestern by unexpectedly sending out third-string quarterback Sam Huard in the same uniform number as the Trojans’ punter. Huard came on the field with the punt team and completed a 10-yard pass to Tanook Hines for a first down in the second quarter. The trickery extended the Trojans’ second drive, which ended in a TD run by Jayden Maiava. Huard wore No. 7 earlier this season for the Trojans, but he is listed as No. 80 on the USC roster for this week after the team quietly made the change. USC punter Sam Johnson also wears No. 80.
WORDS: 268 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 10:24 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9e19d1bd6da275d99f57fb5da81c9f2a&mediaType=text
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BKN--HEAT-BIG QUARTER
Miami Heat set franchise record with 53-point first quarter against Charlotte Hornets
SUMMARY: The Miami Heat have set a franchise record by scoring 53 points in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. This is the second highest-scoring opening period in NBA history. The NBA record for first quarters is held by Golden State, which scored 55 against Portland in April 2023. Miami made 10 three-pointers in the quarter and led 53-33. Nine players contributed, with Norman Powell scoring 11 points. The previous Heat record for points in a quarter was 48. This 53-point outburst ties for the ninth highest-scoring quarter in NBA history, including playoff games.
WORDS: 318 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 9:13 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c55bdaccc674d0aec9fd3cd51aeb3da0&mediaType=text
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BBO--DODGERS-VESIA
After missing World Series for personal reasons, Dodgers’ Vesia says his baby daughter has died
SUMMARY: Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia has shared the news that his daughter, Sterling, has died. Vesia and his wife, Kayla, expressed their grief and love for their daughter in an Instagram post. Vesia missed the World Series due to what the team initially described as a “deeply personal family matter.” Both team’s pitchers wore Vesia’s No. 51 on their caps in tribute. The Vesias thanked the medical staff and both teams for their support. The Dodgers won the World Series in seven games against Toronto.
WORDS: 290 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 6:48 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8f6970917432de049b33080699b5287e&mediaType=text
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TEN--WTA FINALS
Sabalenka overcomes Anisimova and lines up Rybakina in title match at WTA Finals
SUMMARY: No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka has reached the title match at the WTA Finals for the first time in three years after overcoming Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the semifinals in Riyadh. Sabalenka will play first-time finalist Elena Rybakina on Saturday. Rybakina beat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 on the back of 15 aces. Sabalenka was pushed to the brink by Anisimova, who matched Sabalenka’s power and aggression for more than two hours in a rematch of the U.S. Open final. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion from Kazakhstan, has won all four of her matches this week and clinched the win over Pegula on her first match point.
WORDS: 269 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 5:39 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3e06faffdb7f38797173bb558a701752&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA-GAMBLING
NCAA revokes eligibility of 6 more college basketball players as it continues sports betting probe
SUMMARY: The NCAA has revoked the eligibility of six men’s college basketball players for allegations of sports betting in three separate cases at New Orleans, Mississippi Valley State and Arizona State. The NCAA Committee on Infractions released findings Friday from an investigation that concluded Cedquavious Hunter, Dyquavian Short, Jamond Vincent, Donovan Sanders, Alvin Stredic and Chatton “BJ” Freeman manipulated their performances to lose games, not cover betting lines, ensure certain prop bets were reached or provided information that enabled others to do so during the 2024-25 regular season. In September, the NCAA also banned three college basketball players for betting on their own games at Fresno State and San Jose State.
WORDS: 1080 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 5:03 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:415d6d8987237fd1393819460986db47&mediaType=text
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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-MENTAL HEALTH
Marshawn Kneeland’s death highlights the importance of mental health resources for NFL players
SUMMARY: It’s OK to not be OK. Every conversation about mental health includes that important statement and a message that tough times don’t last, things will get better and help is available. The NFL and the rest of society have come a long way in dealing with mental wellness. The stigma surrounding it has changed. The “suck it up” and “tough it out” mentality are long gone. Players are encouraged to prioritize their mental well-being. They’re told to seek professional support if needed. They have more resources available to them now. The NFL and NFL Players Association in 2019 made it a requirement to have a licensed behavioral health clinician on the staff of each team.
WORDS: 1023 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 5:00 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5405ed4719c86f2b982ebaa1786e0921&mediaType=text
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BKN--NBA-EUROPE LEAGUE
NBA’s new Europe-based league could launch in October 2027, though that remains uncertain
SUMMARY: The NBA is targeting October 2027 as a possible launch date for a new Europe-based league in collaboration with FIBA. NBA Europe managing director George Aivazoglou shared this at a conference in Milan on Friday. The league plans to feature 16 teams, with 12 permanent franchises across countries like Britain, France, Spain and more. The remaining four teams could qualify through FIBA’s Basketball Champions League or domestic league performance. Talks with teams and investors are ongoing. It’s unclear when the NBA will announce anything concrete about the start date or the initial list of franchises.
WORDS: 683 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 4:04 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bf7ab66cc2e7a11c1bf5415ae682f108&mediaType=text
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FBN--FOX-SANCHEZ-BREES
Fox Sports lets go of Mark Sanchez and hires Drew Brees as NFL analyst
SUMMARY: Fox Sports has let go of NFL analyst Mark Sanchez and hired Drew Brees in his place. Sanchez has been off the air since police said he was stabbed during a fight with a truck driver outside an Indianapolis hotel on Oct. 4. He was in Indianapolis for Fox’s coverage of the Oct. 5 game between the Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders. Sanchez faces a felony battery charge, along with several misdemeanor charges, for what prosecutors have said was a fight over parking. Brees will replace Sanchez on Fox’s No. 4 NFL crew. Brees’ first game will be Nov. 16.
WORDS: 701 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 3:41 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb306c3ce267f95f122a4f93ab9f08fe&mediaType=text
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US--TRUMP-STRAWBERRY PARDON
Trump pardons former Mets great Darryl Strawberry on past tax evasion and drug charges
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has pardoned former New York Mets star Darryl Strawberry on past tax evasion and drug charges. Strawberry, an eight-time All-Star, struggled with legal and personal issues after his baseball career. He pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 1995 and went to prison on drug-related charges. A White House official said Trump approved the pardon, highlighting Strawberry’s Christian faith and longtime, post-career sobriety. Strawberry expressed gratitude on Instagram. He emphasized that it wasn’t about politics. Strawberry played for the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants from 1983 to 1999. He was 1983 National League Rookie of the Year and was on four World Series-winning teams with the Mets and Yankees.
WORDS: 738 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 3:10 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cf64f71f89461b61c1424daf7e5c2dd9&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA DRAFT LOTTERY
WNBA draft lottery set for Nov. 23 with Dallas Wings having best odds
SUMMARY: The WNBA will hold its annual draft lottery on Nov. 23 with Dallas having the best chance to win it for the second consecutive season. The Wings, who drafted Paige Bueckers No. 1 last year, have a 42% chance to secure the top pick again. Minnesota, which possesses the Chicago Sky’s first-round pick after a previous trade, has a 26% chance at getting the No. 1 choice. The Lynx had the best regular-season record in the WNBA before losing to the Phoenix Mercury in the semifinals of the playoffs. Seattle owns the Los Angeles Sparks’ top pick and has a 16.7% chance of winning the lottery.
WORDS: 350 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 3:02 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:00f28bdfb02f146dbc4ec954239e7f42&mediaType=text
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EU--PRINCE HARRY-HAT CONTROVERSY
Prince Harry apologizes to Canada over ‘Hat Gate.’ Duke sorry for wearing Dodgers cap
SUMMARY: Prince Harry has apologized to Canadians for wearing an LA Dodgers cap at a World Series game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Speaking to a military charity on Thursday, Harry addressed the perceived snub in Canada, where his father, King Charles III, is head of state. Harry apologized and humorously referred to the “blue-hatted elephant in the room.” He explained he wore the hat under duress because he was given the seats to game four by the Dodgers owner. He donned a Blue Jays cap during an interview about the incident. Harry was in Canada for events marking Remembrance Day that marks the end of World War I.
WORDS: 526 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 2:14 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4842650cb898335fbb63425f028205e1&mediaType=text
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US-FBN--ANTONIO BROWN-SHOOTING
Ex-NFL player Antonio Brown waives extradition on attempted murder charge, will return to Miami
SUMMARY: Former NFL player Antonio Brown will return to Florida after deciding not to contest his extradition from a New Jersey jail on an attempted murder charge. Officials said Friday that Brown waived extradition at a brief court hearing and was awaiting transfer to Miami. He was brought to New Jersey after his arrest by U.S. Marshals in Dubai. Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer after a boxing match on May 16 and firing two shots at a man he had gotten into a fistfight with earlier. Brown was an All-Pro wide receiver with Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and other teams.
WORDS: 514 - MOVED: 11/07/2025 1:47 p.m. EST
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2ae27e033f1241a993a76dc62c9a59cc&mediaType=text
