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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BKW--MARCH MADNESS

DESCRIPTION: Text coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four in Phoenix (tipoff times Eastern): 1 South Carolina vs. 1 UConn, 7 p.m. By Doug Feinberg. Text, photos. 1 Texas vs. 1 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. Text, photos sent.

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

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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. BKC--NCAA-UConn-Hurley -- UConn’s Dan Hurley is the biggest coaching name in Indianapolis, winner of two national championships and back in the Final Four for the third time in four years. He’s trying to appreciate the ride more, though the possibility for familiar sideline energy and antics remain strong. By Aaron Beard. Text, photos.

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

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BKC--NCAA-ARIZONA-LLOYD

Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said Friday he’s remaining with the Wildcats after being mentioned as a potential candidate to fill the coaching vacancy at blueblood program North Carolina. SENT: 400 words, photo.

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HKN—CANADIENS-CAUFIELD-50-GOAL CHASE

DESCRIPTION: Of course Cole Caufield has thought about it. After scoring his 48th and 49th goals of the season, he acknowledged as much. The gravity is not lost on him that in the storied history of the Montreal Canadiens, no player has gotten to 50 since 1990. They’ve won the Stanley Cup more recently, and they have a shot this year at ending Canada’s championship drought. But first Caufield has the chance to etch his name into the record books and potentially lead the NHL in goals. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.

UPCOMING: By 04/03/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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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 by 6 p.m. EST.

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

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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. ET draft.

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

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GLF--LPGA TOUR

DESCRIPTION: The second round of the Aramco Championship takes place.

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

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BKC--AP COACH OF THE YEAR

Nebraska’s Fred Hoiberg named Associated Press Coach of the Year after breakthrough season

SUMMARY: Fred Hoiberg of Nebraska has been named The Associated Press men’s basketball coach of the year. He led the Cornhuskers to a 28-win season, including their first NCAA Tournament win and a run to the Sweet 16. Hoiberg received 17 votes from a 61-person media panel, edging Duke’s Jon Scheyer. Hoiberg, with deep roots in Lincoln, built a roster that excited fans and changed the perception of Nebraska as just a football school.

WORDS: 665 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 1:03 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4591ca1c0b6fa9c32d149dd1f2d31c1a&mediaType=text

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GLF-TIGER-WOODS-CRASH-WHAT TO KNOW

What to know about Tiger Woods’ rollover crash in Florida and the aftermath

SUMMARY: Tigers Woods’ second arrest on charges of driving under the influence has put golf on hold for one of the game’s most important figures. There will be no chance of a return to the Masters next week or Ryder Cup captaincy in 2027. Woods is seeking treatment outside the U.S. following his crash a week ago in Florida. Authorities say Woods showed signs of impairment. He pleaded not guilty earlier this week to driving under the influence. Body camera footage of his arrest released Thursday shows Woods telling a deputy he was talking to the president shortly after crash. It’s not clear if Woods was referring to President Donald Trump.

WORDS: 656 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 12:28 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5d9f2443ef415040a45e7f0a7e4f4baa&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: 04/03/2026 12:26 p.m. EDT

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

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BKC--AP PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer named The Associated Press men’s national player of the year

SUMMARY: Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer is The Associated Press men’s college basketball national player of the year. The high-end NBA prospect helped the Blue Devils win 35 games while reaching No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll. Boozer is the fifth freshman to win the honor. He’s also the second in a row from Duke, following Cooper Flagg. Boozer averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds. He claimed 59 of 61 votes from AP Top 25 voters in results released Friday. BYU freshman and fellow top pro prospect AJ Dybantsa claimed the other votes after averaging a national-best 25.5 points.

WORDS: 1005 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 12:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1b2fa0799e0c3ea146d9402027244ae4&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: 04/03/2026 11:44 a.m. EDT

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

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HKN--AVALANCHE-BURNS’ STREAK

At 41, defenseman Brent Burns set for 1,000th straight regular-season game as the Avs chase top seed

SUMMARY: Brent Burns is set to play his 1,000th consecutive NHL regular-season game on Saturday when the Colorado Avalanche play in Dallas against the Stars. The 41-year-old defenseman started his ironman streak on November 21, 2013. He’s played through his share of bumps and bruises along the way. Burns joined the Avalanche this season, aiming for his first Stanley Cup title. He’s become a leader/mentor and even contributes on the scoring end, with 11 goals this season. Burns is closing in on the all-time ironman record of 1,064 regular-season games held by Phil Kessel. The Avalanche hold a six-point lead as they try to wrap up the NHL’s top seed.

WORDS: 847 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 11:43 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e3b72fedb6cd0d26b76677be0acbaa52&mediaType=text

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BKN--NBA-AWARDS-EXPLAINER

Luka Doncic’s injury could mean he’s out of the NBA award race. How does that process work?

SUMMARY: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is likely to win the NBA scoring title this season, but he might not make the All-NBA team. It’s the latest instance where one of the game’s biggest stars might not be eligible for the league’s biggest individual awards because of the 65-game eligibility rule. Doncic has played 64 games, and his injury could keep him out for the rest of the season. Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards is also missing out on award eligibility because it’s now certain that he won’t get to 65 games either.

WORDS: 1122 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 11:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5d2f99c80f3b94799316dab942f752aa&mediaType=text

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SOC--GATTUSO OUT-ITALY

Gennaro Gattuso is out as Italy’s coach after team failed to qualify for World Cup

SUMMARY: Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has left his role by mutual consent after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The Italian soccer federation announced the news Friday in a statement thanking Gattuso “for the dedication and passion” during his nine months in charge. Italy’s chances of reaching this year’s tournament in North America ended on Tuesday after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff. “With pain in my heart, not having achieved the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my experience on the national team bench to be over,” Gattuso says.

WORDS: 564 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 9:33 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:170f8e2320eccaa2e628645bbf966085&mediaType=text

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GLF--MASTERS-CHAMPIONS ROOM

MASTERS ’26: Exclusive locker room, shared company

SUMMARY: Rory McIlroy sounds like a kid on Christmas morning when he talks about finding out who he shares a locker with at the Masters. That’s one of many traditions at Augusta National. Champions have their own room upstairs in the clubhouse. There’s only 27 lockers, so champions share the space. The club put McIlroy’s name on the same locker as Ben Hogan and Raymond Floyd. Hogan also won the career Grand Slam. The surprise when McIlroy returned was finding the lockers empty except for his. Jack Nicklaus had been there and left him a note welcoming him to the club.

WORDS: 1046 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 9:04 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a216220093bb22122ed912b0226b8943&mediaType=text

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BKC--NCAA-PRO BALL

What makes you a pro? At the Final Four, that question is bubbling up once again

SUMMARY: The NCAA is grappling with the blurred lines between amateur and professional sports. This debate is highlighted at the Final Four, where some players from Illinois and Arizona have pro experience in Europe. The NCAA is considering rule changes to address this, especially after two players returned to college after entering the NBA draft. The rise of name, image, and likeness payments has made college sports more lucrative, attracting international talent. Coaches and athletic directors acknowledge the evolving landscape, where college sports increasingly resemble a business.

WORDS: 923 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 8:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d264e595251614d7f25515e950bdc863&mediaType=text

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US--NCAA-DOPING FIGHT

Far from the Final Four, a protest in track spells out NCAA’s drug-fighting issues across all sports

SUMMARY: NCAA anti-doping policies are under criticism after a protest at the Division III 5,000-meter championship race. When Seth Clevenger’s name was announced as the winner, other top finishers walked off the podium because of unproven doping allegations against the Rowan athlete who transferred after being suspended by Iowa State. The NCAA claims to have a rigorous drug-testing policy, but many believe it lacks effective investigatory tools.

WORDS: 1429 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 6:10 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a673a620f85910185002e1362be0c0ea&mediaType=text

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BKW--NCAA-TRANSFER-SUCCESS

Women’s Final Four teams reflect on the transfer portal’s impact

SUMMARY: 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. Gone are the days where programs would only build through getting top high school players. Players enter the transfer portal for different reasons, but teams often sign them for immediate success. lately being able to earn more money through revenue sharing or name, image and likeness deals has become high on that list.

WORDS: 650 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a7bda26d9cdb9a9083074e247a04bdf5&mediaType=text

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BOX--LIN-GENDER CONTROVERSY

Olympic gold medalist boxer at center of gender controversy advances to Asian semifinals

SUMMARY: Olympic gold medalist Lin Yu-ting has won her quarterfinal bout at the Asian boxing championships in her first event since World Boxing said she passed a gene test to confirm her gender. Taiwan’s first Olympic boxing champion beat Thananya Somnuek of Thailand 5-0 in the first round in the 60-kilogram lightweight division earlier this week. She backed that up Friday with another 5-0 win over Ayaka Taguchi of Japan, the top-seeded woman in the division. Lin won every round on all five judges’ scorecards, securing a perfect score of 10 in each round.

WORDS: 295 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 4:19 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:15a5bb14953d80f53a048f59d2d439f0&mediaType=text

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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: 422 - MOVED: 04/03/2026 1:57 a.m. EDT

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

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MOVING TOMORROW ___

—Men’s Final Four

—BKW--Poll at 50-State of the Game

—Women’s NCAA Tournament title game preview