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-TEXAS A&M-TEXAS-RIVAL QBS

DESCRIPTION: AUSTIN, Texas — Texas’ Arch Manning started the season as a Heisman Trophy contender. Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed is finishing it as one. By Jim Vertuno and Kristie Rieken. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--T25-THE BUCKET

DESCRIPTION: INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory learned to appreciate the Indiana-Purdue rivalry the old-fashioned way — through family stories. His father and two uncles often recounted their trophy-winning victories over Purdue as assistants for Will’s grandfather, Bill, the winningest coach in Hoosiers history. The Thanksgiving week stories became as much a part of the Mallory lore as turkey dinners. Today, those stories still make the rounds as the Thanksgiving weekend rivlary hits a new milestone Friday night — the 100th presentation of The Bucket. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBC--T25-SMU-PLAYOFF PUSH

DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — No. 25 SMU could still make the College Football Playoff again. The Mustangs first have to get into the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game, and win it this time. The 8-3 Mustangs can clinch a spot in that ACC title game with a win in their regular-season finale Saturday at 6-5 California. By Stephen Hawkins. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBH--FLORIDA-FLAG FOOTBALL

DESCRIPTION: TAMPA, Fla. — Girls flag football is spreading like wildfire into American high schools, helped along by millions of dollars from benefactors like Nike and the NFL. But for Florida, it’s nothing new. Girls have been playing flag football in the state for over 20 years, and recent participation numbers in the Sunshine State have over 10,000 girls across four divisions and more than 450 schools. By Alyce Brown. UPCOMING: 775 words, photos, AP Graphic

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 6:00 a.m. EST, Photo, Text, Alternate Headlines, DigitalPlans

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FBC--T25-NOTRE DAME-PLAYOFF

DESCRIPTION: SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman sent a clear message to his team this week. Win Saturday at Stanford and the playoff picture will sort itself out. Nothing else matters. UPCOMING: 590 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 9:00 a.m. EST, Text

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FBN--PACKERS-LIONS

DESCRIPTION: DETROIT — The Green Bay Packers play the Detroit Lions at Ford Field with a lot at stake. By Larry Lage. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 1 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 4:20 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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FBN--CHIEFS-COWBOYS

DESCRIPTION: ARLINGTON, Texas — Patrick Mahomes comes home to Texas as the playoff-chasing Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys meet on Thanksgiving. By Schuyler Dixon. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 7:50 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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BKC--T25-ARKANSAS-DUKE

DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — Twin brothers Cameron and Cayden Boozer lead No. 4 Duke into the United Center to take on Meleek Thomas and No. 22 Arkansas. The twins’ father, Carlos, called the United Center home while playing for the Chicago Bulls for four of his 13 seasons in the NBA. By Jay Cohen. UPCOMING: 300 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 11:00 p.m. EST, Text

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FBN--BENGALS-RAVENS

DESCRIPTION: BALTIMORE — The Ravens try to extend their five-game winning streak when they host the Bengals on Thanksgiving night. Cincinnati expects to have star quarterback Joe Burrow for the first time since Week 2. He returns from a toe problem. By Noah Trister. UPCOMING: 750 words, photos. Game scheduled to start at 8:20 p.m. EST.

UPCOMING: By 11/27/2025 11:55 p.m. EST, Photo, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--WARRIORS-CURRY HURT

Stephen Curry bruises right quadriceps in Warriors’ loss, will have MRI exam

SUMMARY: Stephen Curry limped away from the bench late in Golden State’s 104-100 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night after bruising his right quadriceps. He will undergo an MRI exam on the injury to determine his status. The Warriors will have to regroup with the idea that Curry might be out for a stretch. Curry and Amen Thompson went down hard under the basket with 3:24 remaining and the game tied at 91 after Thompson’s drive to the hoop, which initially was whistled an offensive foul. Houston challenged and the call was overturned to a block.

WORDS: 398 - MOVED: 11/27/2025 1:35 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a6d9ed43e019faee3495e29189a55098&mediaType=text

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BKN--THUNDER-GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER

Sick Gilgeous-Alexander still looks like MVP as Thunder beat Timberwolves for 10th straight win

SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Despite being listed as questionable due to illness, he scored 40 points, helping the Thunder secure their 10th straight win and improve to 18-1. Gilgeous-Alexander made 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his performance, especially in the second quarter. The Thunder remain undefeated in West Group A of the NBA Cup.

WORDS: 455 - MOVED: 11/27/2025 1:04 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d14c2fdf4e1fb8d71d21f81c9c6f2358&mediaType=text

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BKC--T25-GONZAGA-MICHIGAN

No. 7 Michigan dominates No. 12 Gonzaga 101-61 to win Players Era Championship

SUMMARY: Yaxel Lendeborg had 20 points and 11 rebounds as No. 7 Michigan routed No. 12 Gonzaga 101-61 to win the Players Era Championship. Trey McKenney added 17 points for the undefeated Wolverines, who dominated every one of their opponents in the event. They won their three games by a combined 110 points, beating San Diego State by 40 and No. 21 Auburn by 30 before handing Mark Few his most lopsided loss in 902 games as Gonzaga’s coach. Lendeborg was selected MVP of the tournament. The 18-team field featured some of the top programs in the country, and Michigan served notice it’s a serious national title contender. Nimari Burnett had 14 points, Aday Mara scored 13 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 11 for the Wolverines.

WORDS: 320 - MOVED: 11/27/2025 12:29 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:21a15edadd50640f0c00bf4d1e43be8f&mediaType=text

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BKN--HEAT-SPOELSTRA

Erik Spoelstra had no idea why he was getting drenched in the locker room. His 800th win was why

SUMMARY: Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra celebrated his 800th career win after the team beat the Milwaukee Bucks in an NBA Cup game. The milestone caught him off guard as water bottles were dumped on him in the locker room. Spoelstra is the 17th coach in NBA history to reach 800 wins and only the third to do so with one team. This achievement comes weeks after he lost his home to a fire. Despite the setback, Spoelstra hasn’t missed work, and the Heat are performing well this season. Heat guard Tyler Herro praised Spoelstra’s accomplishment.

WORDS: 358 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:49 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2fa6cecc469cac9cc00eab54af8b9322&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-THUNDER

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 points while ill, leads Thunder to 10th straight win

SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points despite being ill, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was listed as questionable but delivered a standout performance, making 12 of 19 field goals and 15 of 17 free throws. The Thunder have now won their 10th straight game, improving to 18-1. Oklahoma City is 4-0 in West Group A and is well-positioned for the knockout round. Anthony Edwards scored 31 points for Minnesota, but the Timberwolves lost their third straight. The Thunder host the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

WORDS: 369 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:48 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:46b75d0ca756acf13566a594f6ccb25f&mediaType=text

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BBO--BLUE JAYS-CEASE

Blue Jays and free-agent pitcher Dylan Cease agree to $210 million, 7-year deal, AP source says

SUMMARY: Free-agent pitcher Dylan Cease and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $210 million, seven-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical and had not been announced. Cease would join a terrific rotation with the reigning American League champions that also includes Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber and José Berríos. The right-hander, who turns 30 next month, went 8-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 32 starts last season for the San Diego Padres. He struck out 215 batters and walked 71 in 168 innings.

WORDS: 494 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:42 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e050443b114ce6785a210c91d1798416&mediaType=text

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BKN--PISTONS-CELTICS

Celtics end Pistons’ winning streak at a franchise record-tying 13 with 117-114 victory

SUMMARY: Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and the Boston Celtics ended Detroit’s winning streak at a franchise record-tying 13, outlasting Cade Cunningham and the Pistons 117-114 on Wednesday night. The Eastern Conference-leading Pistons squandered a chance to break the record they share with the 1989-90 and 2003-04 championship teams. They are 15-3. Brown had 33 points and 10 rebounds, and White scored 11 of his 27 points in the final 4 1/2 minutes to help the Celtics overcome Cunningham’s 42-point night. With Detroit down 3, Cunningham was fouled near mid-court just as he was about to go up for a 3-pointer. Cunningham hit the first two, but missed the third. Payton Pritchard grabbed the rebound, was fouled and hit two free throws with 2.4 seconds left.

WORDS: 238 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 8:10 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0633b037c0241f950687ff10c028ffeb&mediaType=text

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BKW--T25-TEXAS-UCLA

No. 4 Texas holds off No. 3 UCLA in 76-65 victory to advance to Players Era Championship

SUMMARY: Rori Harmon scored 26 points and No. 4 Texas defeated No. 3 UCLA 76-65 on Wednesday in the Players Era Championship. After building a 23-point lead late in the third quarter, the Longhorns held off UCLA’s late surge to advance to Thursday’s championship game. Texas (6-0) will face the winner of South Carolina-Duke in the title game, while the Bruins (6-1) will play the loser for third place. Madison Booker finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Longhorns. Jordan Lee had 13 points and Justice Carlton chipped in 10.

WORDS: 357 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 6:41 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:89ae42fc4e30332dd51fbb0dde6228c5&mediaType=text

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FBC--CALM OR CHAOS

The era of supersized conferences can lead to supersized chaos. Just ask the wide-open ACC

SUMMARY: Three months after it kicked off, college football’s regular season is heading to a frantic finish with little decided. Things are particularly messy in the Atlantic Coast Conference, where six teams remain in the mix to reach the league’s title game. Virginia and SMU have the inside track, but Miami, Pitt, Duke and Georgia Tech also have paths to the championship game. The ACC is hoping to have two schools earn bids to the 12-team College Football Playoff, though that may be difficult because of the league’s parity.

WORDS: 1279 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 5:50 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f0e2b736dd1eb0dfd1334785777aaafe&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE-ROUNDUP

Mbappé scores 4, PSG hits 5, Arsenal topples Bayern and teenage scorers shine in Champions League

SUMMARY: It was a wild Champions League night with stellar teenage scorers. Kylian Mbappé also struck four including the second-fastest Champions League hat trick in Real Madrid’s 4-3 win at Olympiakos ever to show the old guys have still got it. Arsenal took Bayern Munich’s top spot in the standings with a 3-1 win. Title holder Paris Saint-Germain romped to a 5-3 win over Tottenham with Vitinha scoring a hat trick. Liverpool slumped again to a 4-1 loss against PSV Eindhoven. Two 17-year-old scored, Lennart Karl for Bayern and Copenhagen’s Viktor Dadason. So did 18-year-old Geovany Quenda for Sporting Lisbon.

WORDS: 698 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 5:44 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6668d767f3fcb9495307a1a38c27bfd5&mediaType=text

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OLY--MILAN CORTINA-FLAME LIGHTING

Under a cloud, the Olympic flame begins its journey to the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

SUMMARY: The Olympic flame began its journey Wednesday for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games after bad weather forced officials to move the traditional lighting from ancient Olympia to a nearby museum. With skies overcast, organizers relied on a backup flame sparked during a sunny rehearsal. Greek rower Petros Gaidatzis opened the torch relay, which will travel through Greece before a Dec. 4 handover to Italy. The flame will then start a 63-day, 12,000-kilometer route across all 110 Italian provinces ahead of the Feb. 6–22 Games, set to feature 116 medal events, ski mountaineering’s debut and the return of NHL players.

WORDS: 552 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 4:30 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4e65b3fd17469322dd0023c4df1fb361&mediaType=text

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FBC--COLORADO STATE-MORA

Colorado State hires Jim Mora away from UConn as it prepares for transition to Pac-12

SUMMARY: Jim Mora built UConn into a winning program. Now he will try to do the same at Colorado State. Colorado State announced Wednesday that it had hired Mora, who has led UConn to nine wins each of the last two seasons. Now the former Seattle Seahawks and UCLA coach is heading west again to help Colorado State adjust to its move to the Pac-12 next year. The 64-year-old Mora owns a 27-23 record in four seasons at UConn. The Huskies are 9-3 this season. Each of their three losses went to overtime.

WORDS: 598 - MOVED: 11/26/2025 2:34 p.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:91cb809f32965729026dd0c660ce638e&mediaType=text