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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US--NCAA-DOPING FIGHT

DESCRIPTION: A protest at the Division III 5,000-meter championship race highlighted problems with the NCAA’s anti-doping policies that could have an impact at its biggest events, like the Final Four, as well. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 6:30 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BOX--BROTHER-SISTER CHAMPIONS

DESCRIPTION: Caroline Dubois goes for another boxing title this weekend. Her brother Daniel fights for a belt next month. A look at boxing’s successful brother-and-sister siblings including champions Gabriela and Sebastian Fundora. By Ken Maguire. Upcoming: 700 words; photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 7:20 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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GLF--MASTERS-CHAMPIONS ROOM

DESCRIPTION: AUGUSTA, Ga. — Rory McIlroy returned to Augusta National for the first time as the Masters champion without his golf clubs and with high anticipation. The night after he finally won the green jacket last April, McIlroy climbed the 13 spiral stairs to the second floor of the clubhouse and through a door that says, :Masters Club Room. Private.” Champions only. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 1,000 words, photos

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKC--AP COACH OF YEAR

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its men’s college basketball national coach of the year on Friday. By John Marshall. Text words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKC--AP PLAYER OF YEAR

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its men’s college basketball national player of the year on Friday. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 1:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKW--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four in Phoenix (tipoff times Eastern):

South Carolina vs. UConn, 7 p.m. By Doug Feinberg. Text, photos.

Texas vs. UCLA, 9:30 p.m. By John Marshall. Text, photos.

BKW--NCAA-Transfer-Success — The impact of the transfer portal can be felt all around the basketball landscape, and that includes the women’s Final Four. It’s one contributing factor why the same four teams that reached the Final Four in 2025 are back in 2026. Each one has reached into the transfer portal whether to get a pivotal starter or a just-as-important role player. By Basketball Writer Doug Feinberg.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Text, Photo

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BKC--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the men’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

BKC--NCAA-Pro Ball — The notion of what makes a pro athlete has never been more confusing in the age of NIL. Now, Illinois brings five players from the European pro leagues to the Final Four to add another layer to the issue. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos.

BKC--NCAA-The Michigan Mess — Michigan is celebrating right now, with a team in the Final Four in men’s hoops and the Frozen Four in hockey. But when the confetti stops flying, scrutiny of the athletic department will pick back up in the wake of the tawdry scandal involving former football coach Sheronne Moore. By Eddie Pells. Text, photos.

BKC--NCAA-Michigan-Arizona Preview — Somebody has to lose the marquee semifinal in the Final Four, the matchup between Arizona and Michigan. Not to worry. Win or lose Saturday nighyt, hoops fans will see about 10 of these players again, almost certainly in the NBA. By Eddie Pells.

AP Photos. BKC--NCAA-Illinois-Connecticut Preview — South Regional champion Illinois and East Regional champion UConn have already met once this season. The Huskies won that game 74-61. Much has changed since that November game, though, and on Saturday the Fighting Illini and UConn will meet in a rematch with the winner advancing to the national championship game. By Michael Marot. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 2:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Text, Photo

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BKW--POLL AT 50-GROWTH OF THE GAME

DESCRIPTION: The AP hosted panels at the Final Four on the growth of women’s basketball and UConn’s sustained success, featuring leaders like Val Ackerman and Mel Greenberg, along with Jennifer Rizzotti, Shea Ralph and Stefanie Dolson discussing UConn’s impact. By Alanis Thames. 350 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKL--WNBA EXPANSION DRAFT

DESCRIPTION: The Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire select their first players in the WNBA’s Expansion Draft on Friday. By Anne M. Peterson. Developing from 3:30 p.m. EDT draft.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 9:05 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKN--LAKERS-DONCIC

Lakers’ Luka Doncic hurts left hamstring in a blowout loss to Thunder with MRI set for Friday

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic injured his left hamstring in a loss to Oklahoma City and coach JJ Redick said the league’s scoring leader will have an MRI on Friday. On his final play of the game Thursday night, Doncic spun before trying to go up for a shot against Jalen Williams. There was no contact before he stopped, then lay down on the baseline. He left the game for good with 7:39 remaining in the third quarter. Doncic had posted at least 40 points in five of his previous seven games. He was held to 12 points on 3-for-10 shooting.

WORDS: 302 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 1:05 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9946fd8bb265a48e3253145fafefe5a6&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-THUNDER

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 28 points lead Thunder’s 139-96 rout of Lakers as Doncic hurts hamstring

SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Los Angeles Lakers 139-96 in a game in which NBA leading scorer Luka Doncic left due to injury. The Lakers suffered one of their worst losses ever, falling six points short of their record 49-point defeat in 2017. Gilgeous-Alexander outperformed Doncic, who finished with 12 points. Oklahoma City shot 53.9% to turn a matchup between two of the league’s hottest teams into a blowout. The Thunder have won 16 of 17. The Lakers had won four straight. The teams will face off again on April 7.

WORDS: 461 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 12:29 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6027487748465fca206660403aef9359&mediaType=text

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HKN--CANUCKS-WILD

Wild wrap up a playoff spot with 5-2 victory over the Canucks

SUMMARY: Matt Boldy scored his 39th and 40th goals, Kirill Kaprizov added his 40th and the Minnesota Wild wrapped up a playoff spot with a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. Third in the Western Conference and the NHL’s stacked Central Division, Minnesota secured the postseason spot in 75 games after getting in last season in the 82nd and final game before falling to Vegas in the first round. Ryan Hartmman scored twice in the third to reach 20 goals, and Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves. Former Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes had his 67th assist. He joined the Wild in a blockbuster trade in December. Tom Willander and Jake DeBrusk scored for NHL-worst Vancouver.

WORDS: 253 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 10:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c2930e521dba1b784ca252fc50db9acb&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-BIG MEN

Big men, bigger lineups: how length, size got Illinois, UConn, Arizona, Michigan to the Final Four

SUMMARY: Big men and bigger lineups have been standout factors for the teams that have reached the Final Four. Illinois is the nation’s tallest team. Michigan, Arizona and UConn have joined them in Indianapolis. Those teams have the biggest average roster height of any Final Four quartet going back to the start of KenPom’s data in 2007. UConn’s 6-11 center Tarris Reed Jr. has been dominant through four tournament wins. Illinois’ size starts with the 7-foot Ivisic twins. Michigan has 7-3 big man Aday Mara. Arizona can pair 7-2 junior Motiejus Krivas with 6-8 freshman Koa Peat up front.

WORDS: 1109 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 10:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f9541edb3ee130259bd13a8b4e623c7b&mediaType=text

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-EDWARDS OUT

Anthony Edwards ineligible for NBA postseason awards after Timberwolves rule him out against Pistons

SUMMARY: Anthony Edwards is ineligible for NBA postseason awards because he can’t reach the 65-game minimum after the Minnesota Timberwolves ruled out him out against the Detroit Pistons. They listed his right knee injury and an illness Thursday night. He has played in 59 games, but just 58 count toward the league’s record of games and Minnesota has six games left in the regular season. Edwards did not play in Detroit, one game after he scored 17 points in 23 minutes in a win over Dallas in his first game in two weeks while managing knee pain.

WORDS: 198 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 10:10 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d698f917b2dca4e188d4a10cb1e66eb4&mediaType=text

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FBC--VIRGINIA-MORRIS-NCAA

Virginia QB Chandler Morris denied a preliminary injunction as he bids for 7th season

SUMMARY: Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris was denied in his bid for a preliminary injunction as he seeks a seventh season of eligibility. Morris had filed a lawsuit in Charlottesville (Virginia) Circuit Court last month after the NCAA denied his medical redshirt waiver and appeal. A circuit court judge ruled against Morris on Thursday. The dispute surrounding the 25-year-old Morris involves his 2022 season with TCU and whether it should count against his eligibility. Morris suffered a knee that season and applied for a medical redshirt. The NCAA denied that request after Morris made limited appearances in three games later that season.

WORDS: 429 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 9:40 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:641a912f316da3d55b83e72e0669d55e&mediaType=text

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GLF--TEXAS OPEN

Hubbard’s bold finish gives him a 1-shot lead in Texas Open

SUMMARY: Mark Hubbard is leading the Valero Texas Open after a big run of birdied that ended in darkness. Hubbard was in the middle of the pack when he birdied six of his last eight holes. The last one was bold as he took on a winding creek in front of the par-5 18th. He pitched up to 3 feet and made the putt in near darkness. The start was delayed by 90 minutes by dangerous weather. Hubbard broke out of a six-way tie. Tony Finau and Robert MacIntyre were among those one back. Will Zalatoris was two shots behind.

WORDS: 820 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 9:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:df207cc3c3117e97854457b1369b7fe8&mediaType=text

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BBO--ROYALS-JENSEN SCRATCHED

Rookie catcher Carter Jensen gets scratched from Royals’ starting lineup after oversleeping

SUMMARY: Kansas City rookie catcher Carter Jensen was removed from the Royals’ starting lineup for Thursday game with the Minnesota Twins after he overslept. Jensen did end up coming in as Kansas City’s catcher in the ninth inning of the Royals’ 5-1 loss. The 22-year-old told reporters that he felt as though he let his teammates and coaches down. He said that he needs to learn from the experience and that it would not happen again. Salvador Perez ended up catching the first eight innings.

WORDS: 355 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 9:13 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:cd4b22eb1ebe7aebd84448cb8fa03373&mediaType=text

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BKW--AP PLAYER OF YEAR

UConn star sophomore Sarah Strong named the AP Player of the Year in women’s college basketball

SUMMARY: Sarah Strong of UConn is The Associated Press women’s basketball Player of the Year. Strong is averaging 18.6 pints, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 1.6 blocks a game while helping UConn go 38-0 heading into this week’s Final Four. Strong became just the fifth player to win the award in her sophomore year. The AP started giving out the award in 1995. It’s the 13th time that a Huskies player has won the award; Paige Bueckers was the last to do it before Strong in 2021.

WORDS: 544 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 9:01 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb1a7abce07aa652bc4bbdff592b7193&mediaType=text

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GLF-TIGER-WOODS-CRASH

After crash, Tiger Woods told deputy he was ‘talking to the president,’ body camera shows

SUMMARY: After crashing his SUV last week in Florida, Tiger Woods took out his phone and told a deputy, “I was just talking to the president.” That’s according to newly released body camera footage that also shows that Woods appeared astonished as he was handcuffed. It’s not clear if Woods was referring to President Donald Trump. Woods said he was looking at his phone when his speeding Land Rover clipped a truck and rolled onto its side. The video also shows that deputies found painkiller pills in Woods’ pocket after the crash. Woods entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday to suspicion of driving under the influence.

WORDS: 772 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 7:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:528d9a41a1a2c1ece24967192b52b621&mediaType=text

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BBO--PIRATES-GRIFFIN

The Pirates are calling up teenager Konnor Griffin ahead of Friday’s home opener, AP source says

SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, the top prospect in baseball, before the club’s home opener against the Baltimore Orioles. A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press the club is making the move because Griffin is the best shortstop in the organization. Griffin hit .438 with three doubles, an RBI and three stolen bases at Triple-A Indianapolis. Griffin’s arrival comes less than two years after the Pirates selected him with the ninth pick in the 2024 draft. He rocketed through the lower minors last season, hitting .333 with 21 homers, 94 RBIs and 65 stolen bases.

WORDS: 693 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 7:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:455d06c32cebc4c5940bc702ec2ce37a&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA-FINAL-FOUR-CLUTCH

Rusty in crunch time, women’s Final Four teams brace for tight games after so many blowouts

SUMMARY: This year’s Final Four at the women’s NCAA Tournament features a quartet of powerhouse programs, teams that have overwhelmed almost all of their opponents with superior talent and veteran coaching. They have size. They are athletic. They have pedigree. But they haven’t faced a ton of on-court adversity — particularly in March. That could change on Friday night when UConn faces South Carolina and Texas meets UCLA in the national semifinals at Mortgage Matchup Center. After beating up on inferior adversaries for the majority of March, it’s time for the game’s elite to pick on someone their own size.

WORDS: 954 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 6:54 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a78ffe05790a3026f4ba404bc9e51d4d&mediaType=text

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US--OKLAHOMA BASKETBALL-PLAYER DEATH

Attorneys say Oklahoma basketball player who died after game wasn’t given proper medical care

SUMMARY: Attorneys for an Oklahoma college basketball player who died after being injured during a game last year say wasn’t given proper medical care after his injury. Ethan Dietz died on Nov. 25 at a Tulsa hospital after being elbowed in the head during a basketball game in Texas three days earlier. Attorneys representing Dietz’s family say Dietz was not immediately taken out of the game and was not taken to a nearby hospital after the game. A spokesperson for Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma, didn’t respond to questions about what kind of medical care Dietz received after the injury.

WORDS: 427 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 6:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e95ecf41510aa3da964f5b228c580e83&mediaType=text

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GLF--MASTERS-MICKELSON

Mickelson pulls out of the Masters, which will be without Lefty and Woods for first time since 1994

SUMMARY: The Masters will not include Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods for the first time in 32 years. Mickelson says he is not going to play this year while his family attends to a personal health matter. He has not shared further details. But it has kept him out of all but one of the five events this year on LIV Golf. Woods said on Tuesday he was taking an indefinite leave after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence during a March 27 car crash. The last time neither Masters champion was in the field was in 1994.

WORDS: 389 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 6:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:991cb3b41c5c8bf4399c80d578bfb2cf&mediaType=text

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SOC--WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Barcelona routs Real Madrid to reach Women’s Champions League semifinals, Lyonnes also advances

SUMMARY: Barcelona has routed Real Madrid 6-0 to reach its eighth straight semifinal in the Women’s Champions League. Caroline Graham Hansen scored twice, while Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, Ewa Pajor, and Esmee Brugts each added a goal. This victory follows a 6-2 win in Madrid in the first leg of the quarterfinal. The match was watched by 60,067 spectators at the revamped Camp Nou. Barcelona will face Bayern Munich in the semifinals. Lyonnes advanced to the last four after beating Wolfsburg 4-0 in extra time to play defending champion Arsenal next. Barcelona aims to reclaim the title they lost to Arsenal last season.

WORDS: 503 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 6:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:66eb9d784511eccd4f22e01afd9b35ef&mediaType=text

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BKW--POLL AT 50-GREATEST PLAYERS

Cheryl Miller and Breanna Stewart celebrated as the greatest players of the women’s poll era

SUMMARY: Cheryl Miller’s impact on women’s basketball spans generations, from dominating on the court at Southern California in the 1980s to making her mark in the broadcast booth. Miller’s legacy was recognized along with UConn star Breanna Stewart on Thursday. The two women’s hoops game-changers were honored by The Associated Press as the greatest players of the women’s college basketball poll era, selected by a 13-member panel. Miller accepted the honor at “The AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience.” Delta State was also recognized as the first No. 1 team when the women’s basketball poll debuted 50 years ago.

WORDS: 461 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 5:04 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d46d3d7f9ab8919a792fa9f3d5b370e3&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-MICHIGAN-ARIZONA MATCHUPS

Final Four showdown with top seeds Michigan and Arizona includes intriguing matchups

SUMMARY: A March Madness masterpiece might be on tap. Get your popcorn, kick up your feet and get ready for what shapes up to be an epic showdown in the Final Four nightcap on Saturday night. Michigan and Arizona, top-seeded teams in the NCAA Tournament after being at or near the top of the AP Top 25 all season, will face off with a spot in the championship game on Monday night at stake. The nation’s top two teams in KenPom rankings will be on the same court at the Final Four for just the second time since 2015.

WORDS: 1370 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 4:39 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6db064f58790ce587b6f9f081a941139&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-YOUNG GUNS

Keaton Wagler leads deep group of talented freshmen still putting their imprint on March Madness

SUMMARY: Keaton Wagler’s high school basketball transcript contained everything a college coach could want in a recruit. Illinois’ 6-foot-6 sharp-shooting guard helped Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in Kansas win its first two state titles, won a school record 80 games and finished among the top five on the school’s career lists for scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. Yet his seemingly sterling resume didn’t translate into the kind of buzz surrounding some flashier, more highly touted stars in this talented freshman class. Now, as this weekend’s Final Four beckons, Wagler suddenly finds himself squarely in the spotlight as one of college basketball’s top newcomers.

WORDS: 1023 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 4:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:be6982a861c2504a79f627347ff2061f&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-MICHIGAN-CADEAU

Michigan starter Elliot Cadeau joins teammates at Final Four after accidental exposure to nuts

SUMMARY: Michigan starting point guard Elliot Cadeau has rejoined his teammates for the Final Four and said his allergic reaction that required hospitalization a day earlier was due to an accidental exposure to nuts. Cadeau spoke Thursday as he sat at his locker at Lucas Oil Stadium two days before the Wolverines meet fellow No. 1 seed Arizona in the national semifinals. Coach Dusty May said Cadeau is fine. Cadeau’s treatment came as his teammates were flying to the Final Four. He said a Michigan staffer had driven him to Indianapolis to rejoin his teammates.

WORDS: 313 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 4:08 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2db88cb6bb8520f097f5ee30551e8e79&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA-UCONN-FREE FURNITURE

A New England furniture store will refund customers if both UConn teams make the NCAA title games

SUMMARY: Some college basketball fans are hoping for more than national titles at the NCAA Final Four. Some 20,000 customers who bought $50 million worth of furniture from Jordan’s Furniture in New England earlier this year could get full refunds — if both the UConn men’s and women’s teams reach the championship games. For Brian Mazzilli of Plymouth, Massachusetts, that could mean a $3,800 refund. He says he’s now an enthusiastic new UConn fan. Jordan’s isn’t on the hook for the $50 million itself, as it got insurance for the promotion. Eliot Tatelman, the retired president of Jordan’s, says he’s routing for both Huskies teams to make it to the title games.

WORDS: 495 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 4:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:57d67f4f2a567cf8724516bd4f063950&mediaType=text

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BKW--IOWA ST-CROOKS TRANSFERRING

Iowa State star Audi Crooks entering the transfer portal, the latest to leave team in mass exodus

SUMMARY: Iowa State star Audi Crooks announced she is entering the transfer portal, making her the fourth starter and 10th Cyclones player overall to say they will move on after a disappointing second half of the season following a start that matched the best in program history. Crooks averaged 25.8 points per game this season to rank second in the nation. She averaged 22.8 points over 99 games in her three seasons. She scored more than 40 points in four games this season and was an AP All-America second-team pick.

WORDS: 604 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 3:15 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:73e9ed0e7583a8f66b5b38d7e6566490&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-MICHIGAN-FAB FIVE REUNION

Michigan’s ‘Fab Five’ will reunite during Saturday’s Final Four

SUMMARY: Michigan’s “Fab Five” will reunite during Saturday’s Final Four. Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson will be part of an alternate broadcast on truTV and HBO Max when the Wolverines face Arizona in the second national semifinal. The winner will advance to play Connecticut or Illinois for the title on Monday night. The traditional broadcast will be on TBS, TNT and HBO Max. The five members of Michigan’s iconic 1991 recruiting class, who led the Wolverines to the Final Four in 1992 and ’93, have reunited only a handful of times.

WORDS: 304 - MOVED: 04/02/2026 1:50 p.m. EDT

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