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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TUSKEGEE-TAYLOR-HANDCUFFED
DESCRIPTION: Tuskegee Basketball head coach Benjy Taylor will announce a lawsuit against Morehouse College and its campus police. Taylor was handcuffed and led off the court after a game in January. Press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 03/20/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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BKW--MARCH MADNESS
DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament (times Eastern): Previews/features: Site previews for Columbus, Columbia, Morgantown, Storrs, Los Angeles and:
BKW--NCAA-Nashville — The Vanderbilt Commodores start the NCAA Tournament with home-court advantage at Memorial Gym for the first time since 2012, and they open with High Point. Coach Shea Ralph isn’t looking ahead to the possible second-round opponent of Illinois or Colorado. By Teresa M. Walker. 650 words, photos.
BKW--NCAA-Louisville — The Louisville Cardinals like starting an NCAA Tournament both at home and as a No. 3 seed. They reached their first Final Four as a 3 seed, and this is their 15th straight berth under coach Jeff Walz. They open Saturday hosting No. 14 seed Vermont with the winner getting either Alabama or Rhode Island. By Steve Bittenbender. UPCOMING: 550 words, photos.
BKW--NCAA-Iowa City Preview -- Iowa is a No. 2 seed as it opens the NCAA Tournament at home against No. 15 Fairleigh Dickinson, whose 22-game win streak is the third-longest in the country. The other first-round game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena matches No. 7 Georgia against Arizona State or Virginia. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.
Other Games (text, photos planned for each)
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BKC--MARCH MADNESS
DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the men’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament: Previews/features: Games (NCAA seeds listed, tipoff times Eastern). Text, photos planned for each with sidebars on merit:
BKC--NCAA-South Preview Nebraska has finally won its first NCAA Tournament game. Now, the Cornhuskers look to keep the momentum going when they play No. 5 seed Vanderbilt in the second round on Saturday night in Oklahoma City. In other South action on Saturday, No. 2 Houston will play No. 10 Texas A&M in Oklahoma City and No. 3 Illinois will face No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth in Greenville, South Carolina. By Cliff Brunt. 600 words, with photos. Story by 6:30 p.m.
BKC—NCAA-Midwest Preview Though Michigan’s defense might need some work, coach Dusty May was impressed at how the Midwest Region’s top-seeded Wolverines didn’t flinch in a tightly contested first 35 minutes in an eventual rout of Howard in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. It’s that stay-the-course approach Michigan can build upon as the opposition gets tougher with No. 9 seed Saint Louis up next on Saturday. By John Wawrow. 600 words, photos.
BKC—NCAA-Saint Louis-Avila Saint Louis center Robbie Avila fully admits he looks nothing like a basketball player, with his google glasses, the way he lumbers up and down the court, and the self-deprecating nicknames he’s come up with, such as “Cream Abdul-Jabbar.” Or how about “Milk Chamberlain.” Yet beyond the jokes and looks, Avila can actually play the basketball – at a very high level – and has the resume to prove it in helping lead the Billikens to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. By John Wawrow. 700 words, photos.
BKC—NCAA-West Preview PORTLAND, Ore. — Now that No. 12 seed High Point busted brackets with a first-round NCAA Tournament victory over fifth-seeded Wisconsin, the Panthers -- and unlikely hero Chase Johnston -- and will get a chance for an encore against No. 4 seed Arkansas as the West Region heads into Saturday’s second round. By Anne M. Peterson. Developing from media availabilities starting at 4 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 03/20/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo, DigitalPlans
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BBO--SEASON PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: The Los Angeles Dodgers try to become the first team to win three straight titles since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees while baseball officials, players and fans wonder whether the 2026 season will be the last for a while if management pursues a salary cap in bargaining next winter. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 800 words, photos, by 3 p.m.
UPCOMING: By 03/20/2026 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: PALM HARBOR, Fla. -- Sungjae Im leads Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker going into the second round of the Valspar Championship. Upcoming: 500 words.
UPCOMING: By 03/20/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--LPGA TOUR
DESCRIPTION: MENLO PARK, Calif. -- Hyo Joo Kim goes into the second round of the Fortinet Founders Cup with a two-shot lead. Upcoming: 400 words.
UPCOMING: By 03/20/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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SOC--NWSL ROUNDUP
DESCRIPTION: The Portland Thorns host the Seattle Reign in a National Women’s Soccer League rivalry match on Friday night. The Orlando Pride hosts the expansion Denver Summit and the Washington Spirit visit Racing Louisville in the league’s other Friday night games. By Phuoc Nguyen.Final game starts at 10 p.m. ET.
UPCOMING: By 03/20/2026 10:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BKC--NCAA-KENNESAW ST-GONZAGA
Third-seeded Gonzaga holds off No. 14 seed Kennesaw State for a 73-64 March Madness win
SUMMARY: Graham Ike scored 19 points and third-seeded Gonzaga held off tenacious No. 14 seed Kennesaw State 73-64 in a defensive battle that ended with some drama in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Davis Fogle added 17 points for the Bulldogs, who will face No. 11 seed Texas Saturday in the West Region. RJ Johnson and Amir Taylor each had 15 points for Kennesaw State, which made its second March Madness appearance after winning the Conference USA Tournament. The Owls capitalized on a series of fouls by the Bulldogs to make it close late, and Gonzaga coach Mark Few was enraged by some of the calls.
WORDS: 654 - MOVED: 03/20/2026 1:19 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:05a7d52e2977814c21be801871806d86&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA-BRACKETS
High Point’s upset starts run of 4 wins by double-digit seeds, busting March Madness brackets
SUMMARY: The NCAA Tournament brackets have already been busted for millions of college basketball fans. High Point’s upset of Wisconsin played a major factor in ending the hopes of a perfect bracket for more than 25 million who entered ESPN’s perfect bracket challenge. The network reported that just over 10,000 of 26.5 million brackets remained perfect through the first 16 games. The odds of correctly picking every game during the three-week tournament can rise to as much as one in 9.2 quintillion.
WORDS: 459 - MOVED: 03/20/2026 1:10 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4523b2747fb71d73c1ab8bee2134e666&mediaType=text
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SOC--IRAN-WOMEN-ANALYSIS
Political tug of war over Iranian women’s soccer team prompts criticism in Australia
WORDS: 1154 - MOVED: 03/20/2026 1:09 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:82518f8c01e624423e4169af42903789&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA-NORTH CAROLINA’S FINALE
North Carolina blows a huge lead and makes another early March Madness exit under Hubert Davis
SUMMARY: North Carolina blew a 19-point lead to fall in overtime to VCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. It marked a second straight loss for the blueblood program in the tournament’s first round under Hubert Davis. UNC reached the NCAA title game in Davis’ first season in 2022. But the Tar Heels have reached the round of 32 only once in the four seasons since. This year’s UNC team was derailed by a season-ending injury to NBA prospect Caleb Wilson.
WORDS: 898 - MOVED: 03/20/2026 12:28 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:704f6abeddeab1ba074b973789fe4503&mediaType=text
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BKN--LAKERS-JAMES-GAMES PLAYED
Another record for LeBron: He ties Robert Parish by appearing in his 1,611th NBA regular-season game
SUMMARY: LeBron James started for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Miami Heat, making it the 1,611th regular-season game of his career and tying Robert Parish’s all-time NBA mark. Parish held the record for nearly 30 years. He has now been caught by James, someone who now has yet another record on what seems like an endless resume of accomplishment within the game. James is also the NBA leader in, among many categories, points, seasons played, All-NBA nods and All-Star selections.
WORDS: 990 - MOVED: 03/20/2026 12:26 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:124095ab500cbc4c439de6808bbbbd43&mediaType=text
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BKN--LAKERS-DONCIC
The Lakers say Luka Doncic should be in the MVP conversation. A 60-point game is the latest proof
SUMMARY: Luka Doncic stepped to the foul line in the final moments and couldn’t help but hear what the crowd was yelling, over and over and over again. An MVP chant. On the road, no less. The cheers in Miami were certainly warranted, after the NBA’s scoring leader put together one of the best games of his life, a 60-point masterpiece that helped the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat 134-126. It tied the second-most points Doncic has scored in his NBA career.
WORDS: 676 - MOVED: 03/20/2026 12:11 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:da3595f40ff8ba2de4f164faa2214ee7&mediaType=text
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BKN--SUNS-SPURS
Wembanyama hits winner as Spurs beat Suns 101-100 to end 6-season postseason drought
SUMMARY: Victor Wembanyama hit a 17-foot, pullup jumper with a second left and the San Antonio Spurs wrapped up a playoff spot to end a six-season drought, beating the Phoenix Suns 101-100 on Thursday night. Wembanyama had 34 points and 12 rebounds. His winning jumper capped a furious final-minute rally to secure the top-six finish in the Western Conference. De’Aaron Fox added 23 points and Julian Champagnie had 14 in the Spurs’ fourth straight victory. Collin Gillespie scored 24 points and Devin Booker had 22 for the Suns. They remain seventh in the West.
WORDS: 330 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 10:53 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:966084a47e84291e3b5a9c8d9d02a58d&mediaType=text
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SOC--IRAN-WOMEN
Iran women’s soccer team greeted with a welcome ceremony in Tehran
SUMMARY: Members of Iran’s national women’s soccer team were greeted with a welcome ceremony upon their return to the Islamic Republic after several of the players sought asylum in Australia. People in the crowd waved flags while some of the players held bouquets of flowers and signed what appeared to be minisoccer balls. Iranian media had reported that the team returned on Wednesday. Midfielder Fatemeh Shaban says “I wasn’t expecting this many people to come to welcome us.” Two Iranian female players, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, chose to remain in Australia and have been training with the Brisbane Roar club.
WORDS: 293 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 10:44 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:31e86a58956f48bc3afe94c3753e5a76&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA-SIENA’S MOMENT
Siena played fearlessly against Duke. It was enough to flirt with an all-time March Madness upset
SUMMARY: Siena flirted with pulling off an all-time shocking upset in March Madness when it faced No. 1 overall tournament seed Duke. The Blue Devils rallied from 13 down to beat the 16th-seeded Saints 71-65. That allowed Duke to avoid suffering only the third-ever loss by a No. 1 seed against a No. 16 seed. The Blue Devils ultimately used an 11-0 in the final 8 minutes to push ahead after trailing nearly all game.
WORDS: 1092 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 10:21 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:70f82f0b934ceb105ab465d27d95045d&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA-CBA
WNBA players briefed on a transformational 7-year CBA with a $7M 2026 salary cap
SUMMARY: WNBA players are having information sessions over the next day or two to learn more about the new collective bargaining agreement that was agreed to in principle early Wednesday morning. Through zoom calls and one-on-one conversations the players are hearing about some of the details of the transformational new deal that will last for the next seven years with an opt-out after six, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions.
WORDS: 618 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 8:19 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:75a2984d5a7c6f698b800e29ce702600&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA-SIENA-DUKE
No. 1 overall seed Duke survives 16-seed Siena, rallies for 71-65 win in 1st round of March Madness
SUMMARY: Duke barely avoided a shocking upset to open the NCAA Tournament before beating Siena 71-65. The No. 1 overall seed having to rally from 13 down and go ahead for good in the final 5 minutes to beat the 16th-seeded Saints. Cameron Boozer had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Blue Devils. Gavin Doty scored 21 points for Siena. The Saints led by 11 at half and 61-56 with 7:56 left before Duke had an 11-0 run to go ahead for good.
WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 7:55 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5cc5a5653c1d606c268b1c7ce0e94704&mediaType=text
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BKC--NCAA-HIGH POINT-JOHNSTON’S 2
Chase Johnston hadn’t made a 2-pointer all season. His layup gave High Point a March Madness win
SUMMARY: Chase Johnston had tried four 2-point shots all season and missed them all before he made a go-ahead layup in the closing seconds of High Point’s March Madness stunner over Wisconsin. The graduate transfer is a 3-point specialist who makes nearly 50% of his shots behind the arc, including 4 of 6 in Thursday’s 83-82 win. He didn’t try anything flashy when he got free on a fast break for the decisive layup. High Point coach Flynn Clayman says it’s “justice” that Johnston made a 2 at such a big moment. He says Johnston has all-around skills but he focuses on 3-pointers in the name of efficiency.
WORDS: 648 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 6:38 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:04cd810206d4999b6b47363ba979a72b&mediaType=text
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SOC--FIFA-IRAN-ISRAEL
FIFA fines Israel, denies key Palestinian complaint and urges Iran to fulfill World Cup schedule
SUMMARY: FIFA has fined the Israeli soccer federation for breaching anti-discrimination regulations but it took no action on a Palestinian request to suspend Israel from global soccer for allowing clubs based in West Bank settlements. Also, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has further dampened Iran’s attempts to move its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, saying global soccer’s governing body wants the tournament “to go ahead as scheduled.” Infantino reiterated FIFA is not moving toward granting Iranian requests to move the team’s three World Cup group games in June from the United States to Mexico.
WORDS: 830 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 6:20 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9a2680ab021828644fa3286b048af887&mediaType=text
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BBO--GIANTS-VITELLO-THE VOYAGE
Giants’ Tony Vitello is attacking his college-to-pro transition with high energy, help from others
SUMMARY: All eyes are on new San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello as he makes the big jump from coaching the University of Tennessee to major league manager despite no previous professional experience as a player or coach. Giants executive and former catcher Buster Posey believed enough in him to make the unconventional hire. Vitello acknowledges there have been early snags. He knows there will be plenty more along the way. But he has several former managers surrounding him providing support and wisdom.
WORDS: 1075 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 3:53 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:96145ff508a4ff2cbc4ec88310b10ab3&mediaType=text
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BBO--MLB-POLYMARKET
MLB partners with Polymarket, makes integrity pact with federal commission on prediction markets
SUMMARY: Major League Baseball is entering an official partnership with Polymarket and has an agreement with the federal commission overseeing prediction markets to collaborate on integrity concerns. MLB said in a statement it has a memorandum of understanding with Michael S. Selig, the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to “further protect the integrity of baseball by ensuring swift response to incidents and anticipating emerging trends more strongly.” Prediction markets have raised concerns from sports leagues already working to combat issues around legal sports gambling.
WORDS: 597 - MOVED: 03/19/2026 2:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:79965008b559ea3c00940ea6e92dd509&mediaType=text
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