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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FBN--FREE AGENCY RDP

DESCRIPTION: A roundup of activity on the opening day of NFL free agency. By Schuyler Dixon.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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US-PATRIOTS-BARMORE-ASSAULT

DESCRIPTION: New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian J. Barmore is scheduled to be arraigned over allegations that he assaulted his girlfriend in August.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text, Video

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BKW--T25-WOMENS POLL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its latest AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, DigitalPlans, Text

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AMERICA 250 - GRAND PRIX PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: High-speed racing is heading to the nation’s capital. Organizers are set to unveil the race course, logo and car for the first-ever IndyCar street race happening in August as part of the America 250 celebrations. Coverage on merit. Live feed via U.S. Network Pool.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, LiveVideo, Text, Video

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FBC--TRANSFER PORTAL-NEXT CHAMBLISS

DESCRIPTION: Trinidad Chambliss’ rise from Division II Ferris State to leader of Mississippi’s run to the College Football Playoff semifinals was one of the top storylines of the 2025 season, and Mason McKenzie followed it with keen interest. McKenzie was the starting quarterback the past two seasons as Saginaw Valley State, which plays in the same Michigan-based conference as Ferris State, and he hopes to follow a similar path. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKC--T25-MENS POLL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its latest AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, DigitalPlans, Text

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FBN CHIEFS-MAHOMES-FATHER-ARREST

DESCRIPTION: TYLER, Texas — A hearing is set for Monday for the father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes after authorities earlier this year that he violated his probation from a conviction for driving while intoxicated. Patrick “Pat” Mahomes Sr. was arrested in February during a meeting with his probation officer after a warrant was obtained for a probation violation, authorities said. On merits.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKC--T25-ACC TOURNAMENT-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: The Atlantic Coast Conference entered the season hoping to find a jolt for men’s basketball. It heads into this week’s ACC Tournament looking like those efforts worked. By Aaron Beard. 850 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKC--T25-BIG 12 TOURNAMENT-PREVIEW

DESCRIPTION: KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Top-seeded Arizona will be trying to win its first conference tournament title as a member of the Big 12 when the Wildcats begin play in the quarterfinal round on Thursday. No fewer than eight games will take place even before the quarterfinals arrive. By Dave Skretta. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 3:30 p.m. EDT, Text

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CAR--NASCAR-IN THE PITS

DESCRIPTION: In 60 years of racing, Roger Penske had never celebrated an IndyCar and NASCAR victory on the same track on the same weekend. The “desert doubleheader” at Phoenix Raceway gave Penske the rare sweep with Josef Newgarden winning the IndyCar race and Ryan Blaney winning in NASCAR.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBC--COLLEGE BASEBALL NOTEBOOK

DESCRIPTION: Texas is streaking into Southeastern Conference competition after winning each of its first 15 games while outscoring opponents 147-36. By Steve Megargee. 600 words.

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 7:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BKW--T25-BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP

DESCRIPTION: No. 1 UConn looks to win its sixth consecutive Big East tournament championship since re-entering the league in 2021. The Huskies will face Villanova for the title. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg

UPCOMING: By 03/09/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBI--WBC RDP

Japan rallies late to beat Australia 4-3, clinches first place in group at World Baseball Classic

SUMMARY: Defending champion Japan became the first nation to clinch a quarterfinal berth in the World Baseball Classic, then rallied on Masataka Yoshida’s two-run homer in the seventh inning to beat Australia 4-3 at Tokyo Dome and assure first place in its first-round group. Japan advanced earlier Sunday when South Korea lost to Taiwan 5-4 in 10 innings. Japan’s win clinched first place in Pool C for Shohei Ohtani and the Samurai Warriors, who are 3-0. At Miami, Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Junior Caminero and Austin Wells homered as the Dominican Republic routed the Netherlands 12-1 in seven innings.

WORDS: 2087 - MOVED: 03/09/2026 12:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9864c675c6f6654e5a526ce6f4b46c47&mediaType=text

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FBN--BILLS-RAIDERS TRADE

Raiders acquiring cornerback Taron Johnson in trade with Bills, AP source says

SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press the Las Vegas Raiders will acquire cornerback Taron Johnson from the Buffalo Bills after the teams agreed to a trade. The Raiders will also receive a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because Johnson needs to pass a physical. NFL Network first reported the trade, which can’t be finalized until the first day of the league’s new year Wednesday. The Bills announced Friday they were releasing Johnson but the move hadn’t yet become official and Buffalo found a trade partner for the 29-year-old Johnson, who played eight seasons with the Bills.

WORDS: 342 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 11:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5c3a70ffd6e2b7e99c43cea3ecf21e49&mediaType=text

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FBN--RAMS-MCDUFFIE CONTRACT

Rams, Trent McDuffie finishing up extension to make him the highest-paid CB in NFL, AP source says

SUMMARY: Trent McDuffie and the Los Angeles Rams are closing in on a contract extension that will make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday night because the deal had not been finalized. The Rams have yet to confirm they’ve even acquired McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs for a package of draft picks in a trade. After falling one game short of the Super Bowl last season, the Rams have stepped up to address the most glaring weakness on their roster.

WORDS: 507 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 10:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b301f679e9fd134bd5e5d4f0379abd18&mediaType=text

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CRI--T20 WORLD CUP FINAL

Brilliant India crushes New Zealand by 96 runs to win Twenty20 World Cup for a record 3rd time

SUMMARY: India has won the T20 World Cup for a record third time with a 96-run victory over New Zealand to the delight of 86,000 cricket fans at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Defending champion India scored an imposing 255-5 in Sunday’s final after losing the toss and batting first. Opener Sanju Samson hit a 46-ball 89 with eight sixes. New Zealand didn’t pose a real threat in its chase and was dismissed for 159 in 19 overs. Tim Seifert scored 52. India won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and 2024. It’s the first country to successfully defend its T20 title. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah took 4-15 in four overs and was player of the match in another big day for Indian cricket.

WORDS: 741 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 9:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5461fd654307835216341c9f0fa2b69e&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-PHOENIX

Blaney ends Reddick’s streak to give Team Penske a Phoenix weekend sweep

SUMMARY: Ryan Blaney completed a Team Penske sweep at Phoenix Raceway by winning the Cup Series race on Sunday. The victory that denied Tyler Reddick a fourth consecutive win to start the NASCAR season. Blaney passed 49 cars to earn his 18th career victory and second at Phoenix. The victory came during a weekend celebration of Team Penske’s 60th season of competition and during a “desert doubleheader” that bundled IndyCar and NASCAR together at Phoenix. David Malukas won the IndyCar pole for Penske and then Josef Newgarden won Saturday’s race; Joey Logano won the pole for the Cup race and then Blaney completed the sweep.

WORDS: 883 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 8:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8241051b8c19e5a14451e13c1335cf5d&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP-IRAN EXIT

Iran soccer team exits Women’s Asian Cup and faces the prospect of a return home

SUMMARY: Iran’s national soccer team has finished the Women’s Asian Cup group stage in Australia and now faces a return home to a country embroiled in war. Iran lost 2-0 to Philippines after earlier losses to South Korea and Australia in the group stage. The squad arrived in Australia before strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran. Players have mostly declined to comment on the war, although a muted anthem moment has sparked debate. The Australian Iranian Council has urged Australia’s government to protect the squad while it is still in Australia. It has launched an online petition that had more than 50,000 electronic signatures by kick-off in Iran’s last group game.

WORDS: 699 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 8:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6a9fd17b140e01b9e841a766c9ff2670&mediaType=text

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GLF--BAY HILL

Akshay Bhatia has a charge that would make Arnie proud. He rallies from 5 down to win Bay Hill

SUMMARY: Akshay Bhatia has lived up to Arnold Palmer’s famous quote that “you must play boldly to win.” He was every bit of that at Bay Hill. The 24-year-old Bhatia rallied from five shots behind at the turn with four straight birdies and a 6-iron right at the pin to set up eagle. He shot 69 to force a playoff with Daniel Berger and beat him with a par on the first extra hole. Bhatia now has three PGA Tour titles and all of them have come in a playoff. Berger made bogey in the playoff, three-putting from 106 feet.

WORDS: 921 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 7:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f52e1367499bffc2ebd5fa472675e1e1&mediaType=text

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BKN--76ERS-MAXEY

76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey to miss at least 2 games with a sprained finger

SUMMARY: Tyrese Maxey will miss at least two games after he sprained his right pinkie. The 76ers said on Sunday that Maxey needs more tests before doctors decide on a treatment plan. The injury happened late Saturday night when Maxey collided with teammate Adem Bona while chasing a loose ball in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He grabbed his hand right away and coach Nick Nurse said Maxey would have X-rays. Philadelphia said it will have more updates after the 76ers’ games at Cleveland on Monday and at home against Memphis on Tuesday. Maxey leads the team in scoring.

WORDS: 226 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 6:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0ed7055dc46e5e66356d7fdb13dda611&mediaType=text

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BKW--T25-SEC-TEXAS SOUTH CAROLINA

No. 4 Texas beats No. 3 South Carolina 78-61 for its first women’s SEC Tournament title

SUMMARY: Texas has won its first women’s Southeastern Conference Tournament title. Madison Booker scored 18 points as the fourth-ranked Longhorns sprinted to a 14-0 lead and beat three-time defending champion and third-ranked South Carolina 78-61 on Sunday. Booker was named MVP of the tournament. Justice Carlton added 15 points and Jordan Lee had 12 for the Longhorns, who joined the SEC in 2024. Texas shot 57% from the field to avenge last year’s 19-point loss to the Gamecocks in the championship game. Joyce Edwards had 13 points for the Gamecocks, who had their 12-game win streak snapped.

WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 6:27 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:83548aebdebced375a092080d9c19022&mediaType=text

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BBI--WBC-SKUBAL

Tarik Skubal rethinks World Baseball Classic plan after an emotional US start

SUMMARY: Tarik Skubal is thinking about pitching again for the United States in the World Baseball Classic after the Detroit Tigers ace had previously planned to make just one start. His mindset changed after he started for the U.S. in a 9-1 win over Britain on Saturday night. Skubal said he was talking with his agent, Scott Boras, and the Tigers about the situation but had not made a final decision.

WORDS: 500 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 6:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ff9c140fb118ee19f268f17b1c70e6eb&mediaType=text

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OLY-PARALYMPICS-SNOWBOARD TEARS

What does it mean to win gold at the Paralympics? Ask snowboard great Hernandez and her daughter

SUMMARY: As the French national anthem played, the 51-year-old Para snowboard great Cécile Hernandez cried at the top of the podium. A few meters away from Hernandez, her 18-year-old daughter wept profusely. It was the ending that Hernandez, who won her second Paralympic gold medal on Sunday, had dreamed about at the Milan Cortina Paralympics. Victoire-Eléonore carried a French flag with a photo of her mom on it as she celebrated.

WORDS: 413 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 5:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e84fc13314a15d3fc94cd3d8436d5b4d&mediaType=text

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BKN--CELTICS-CAVALIERS

Jaylen Brown has 23 points, nine rebounds and eight assists as Celtics beat Cavaliers 109-98

SUMMARY: Jaylen Brown scored 23 points and Jayson Tatum had 20 in his second game back from a torn right Achilles, lifting the Boston Celtics to a 109-98 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a battle of Eastern Conference contenders. Brown also had nine rebounds and eight assists as the Celtics built an 81-55 lead in the third quarter, sweeping their three-game season series with Cleveland. Tatum scored six points in the fourth. Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points and Evan Mobley had 24 points and eight rebounds for the fourth-place Cavaliers, who had won a season-high seven straight at home.

WORDS: 336 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 3:51 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:68135613cbafd54fce7f167776264d51&mediaType=text

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BKN--BUCKS-ANTETOKOUNMPO

Bucks won’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo available for Sunday’s game with Magic

SUMMARY: Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t play Sunday night against the Orlando Magic as the Milwaukee Bucks continue to work him back gradually from the right calf strain that caused him to miss 15 straight games. The Bucks are playing for a second straight night. The 6-foot-11 forward had 27 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 27 minutes Saturday as the Bucks snapped a four-game skid with a 113-99 victory over the Utah Jazz. Antetokounmpo has played three games since returning from the calf injury that knocked him out for five weeks.

WORDS: 192 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 2:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8907d04d3da5887e0279fb1529b681ad&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-JAMES OUT

LeBron James misses 2nd straight game with injuries when Lakers host Knicks

SUMMARY: LeBron James is missing his second consecutive game to rest injuries to his left elbow and left foot when the Los Angeles Lakers host the New York Knicks. The Lakers announced James’ absence about 75 minutes before they tipped off. The 41-year-old James also missed the Lakers’ victory over Indiana on Friday with what the team described as a bruised left elbow and arthritis in his left foot. James set the NBA record for career field goals when he played against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. He also hurt his elbow in a late-game collision with Nikola Jokic.

WORDS: 366 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 2:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5856fe73152ffd2801619b73057ba6a8&mediaType=text

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SOC--ENGLISH ROUNDUP

Port Vale, Southampton stun Premier League opponents in the FA Cup to advance to quarterfinals

SUMMARY: Third-tier Port Vale pulled off a massive FA Cup upset by beating Premier League Sunderland to advance to the quarterfinals of the historic competition. Ben Waine’s first-half header sealed a 1-0 win at Vale Park to book his team’s place alongside Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in the last eight. Port Vale is bottom of League One and 57 places below Sunderland. But it frustrated its top-flight opponent, which had no response to Waine’s looping header from inside the box in the 28th minute. Earlier, Southampton produced another upset to knock out Fulham. Ross Stewart’s 91st-minute penalty sealed a 1-0 win for the Championship side at Craven Cottage and booked its place in the quarterfinals.

WORDS: 558 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 2:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b709c59cfe19f286b1c7db161d06572b&mediaType=text

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CAR-F1-AUSTRALIAN-GP

George Russell wins Formula 1’s Australian GP as Mercedes goes 1-2

SUMMARY: George Russell wins a dramatic season-opening Australian Grand Prix, and Mercedes seals a 1-2 with Kimi Antonelli. Mercedes says this was its 132nd GP victory overall and 61st 1-2 finish. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc jumps into the lead at the first corner and then trades positions with pole sitter Russell. On lap 12, a virtual safety car comes out after Isack Hadjar stops on track. Mercedes pits both cars and gains an edge. Leclerc finishes third as Ferrari’s slow reaction during the yellow flags cost the team. Lewis Hamilton takes fourth. Oscar Piastri crashes before the start and misses his home race.

WORDS: 690 - MOVED: 03/08/2026 2:31 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:352eab6afa3a55d6230d279501148370&mediaType=text