DULUTH, Ga. (AP) — Tajianna Roberts scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, Mackenly Randolph had 12 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 12 Louisville beat Syracuse 87-61 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.
Second-seeded Louisville (26-6) plays the winner between No. 3 seed North Carolina and sixth-seeded Virginia Tech in the semifinals Saturday.
Reyna Scott made 7 of 10 from the field and finished with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Cardinals. Skylar Jones scored 12 while Imari Berry and Laura Ziegler each added 11 points.
Syracuse (23-8), the No. 7 seed, announced before the game that Dominique Darius — who averages 12.6 points and has a team-high 106 assists this season — would miss the rest of the tournament due to a hand injury suffered in the Orange’s 70-59 win over California in the second round.
Uche Izoje had 22 points, 16 in the first half, and nine rebounds for the Orange. Sophie Burrows added 12 points and nine rebounds and Jasmyn Cooper scored 11.
Roberts opened the scoring with a 3-point shot nearly three minutes into the game that sparked a 17-3 run and Louisville led by at least eight points the rest of the way.
The Cardinals made 36 of 68 (56%) from the field and limited Syracuse to 34% (23 of 67) shooting, 4 of 25 (16%) from 3-point range.
Up next
Syracuse: Awaits a likely at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament.
Mar 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) talks with guard Amen Thompson (1) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston Rockets vs Portland Trail Blazers
March 6, 2026
Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas
TV:Space City Home Network
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790
Online: Rockets App, SCHN+
Time: 7:00 CST
Probable Starting Lineups
Rockets: Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
Boston, MA - March 4: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum applauds from the bench in the second quarter. The Celtics played the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on March 4, 2026. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
BOSTON — Jayson Tatum will start for the first time this season as he makes his debut against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. Tatum will start alongside Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta.
Baylor Scheierman, who has been the Celtics’ starter over the past few weeks, will move to the bench.
Tonight's Celtics starters:
Derrick White Jaylen Brown Sam Hauser Jayson Tatum Neemias Queta
Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum will start pregame, though he normally wouldn’t unveil that kind of information beforehand.
“Don’t ever say I don’t do anything nice for you guys,” Mazzulla said with a half-smile, insinuating it was a rare occasion in which he was willing to share information with reporters before game time.
Mazzulla did not say whether Tatum would be on a minutes restriction.
Tatum has previously shared the floor with all four other starters, although there will be an inevitable adjustment period to playing with this current iteration of the Celtics.
”I have no idea what it’s gonna look like,” said Derrick White on Thursday afternoon. “He hasn’t played in a really long time, and we all hope it’s the best thing in the world — but there’s gonna be ups, and there’s gonna be downs.”
Jaylen Brown addressed Jayson Tatum’s return for the first time
Brown confirmed Tatum was returning on Friday in an appearance on the “Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady” Podcast.
“First, I want to commend JT for taking that notion and be like I want to come back,” Brown said. “Him even wanting to come back is an unselfish act, putting potentially his body on the line in order for us to accomplish something great. We both are on the same page; we had a good talk today about what we want. We talked about just the mindset that we both want to come back and add to winning.”
Jaylen Brown confirms Jayson Tatum will make his return to the Celtics TONIGHT. 🔥🍀 pic.twitter.com/yiRfUoSWpm
— Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady (@VinceAndTmac) March 6, 2026
“We have a great understanding of what it means to win,” Brown said. “We’ve won for a long time. We know how to find success. We’re on the same page.”
MADRID (AP) — Spanish soccer team Celta Vigo is desperately seeking Madonna as it goes in search of a 36-year-old soccer shirt the pop star wore during a 1990 concert at its Balaidos stadium.
Madonna appeared on stage wearing the club's true blue colours during her Blonde Ambition tour in July 1990.
She delighted locals who claimed the material girl as one of their own and brought unexpected attention to defender Jose Manuel Espinosa, whose No. 5 shirt she wore.
However, the whereabouts of the cherished garment are unknown and, after searching fruitlessly for decades, Celta is asking the 67-year-old Madonna to help find it for the club's archive.
“Although ours was not the only football shirt you ever wore on stage, this iconic image has grown to shine differently as years have passed,” Celta president Marián Mouriño Terrazo wrote in an open letter to the American icon.
“Over time we came to better understand what you stood for back then: questioning established norms and standing up to those who try to tell you what you can or cannot do. At our club we recognise ourselves in this line of thought. That is why we hold on to the hope of finding the garment you once wore.
“Do you have it? If you know where it may be, or if you would like to join us in the search to retrieve it, please contact us via private message.”
The appeal caused a commotion on social media after it was published on Wednesday and the club doubled down before Friday's 2-1 home league defeat by Real Madrid, playing Madonna’s songs before kickoff and putting her picture on the field and on social media.
Mouriño Terrazo told local media he was hopeful the repercussions would reach the pop star.
“I imagine that the letter reached Madonna and that she will reply,” he said.
Madonna burst on the scene in 1983 with the hit Holiday and followed that with a run of top-10 hits that included “Like a Virgin”,” Papa Don’t Preach” and “Ray of Light.”
She remains one of the most successful recording artists in history.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 16: Max Strus #1 and Jarrett Allen #31 help Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Rocket Arena on March 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 108-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of a rare four-day break between Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons and Sunday’s game against the Boston Celtics. That layoff is coming at a good time, as it may provide an opportunity for some of the injured Cavaliers, including Donovan Mitchell, to return to the lineup.
This is encouraging. Atkinson mentioned that Mitchell’s injury wasn’t expected to be a “long-term thing” and that if Tuesday’s game against the Pistons was a playoff game, Mitchell could’ve gone.
Mitchell has missed the Cavs’ last four games. They’re 2-2 in that stretch. On the season, Mitchell is averaging 28.5 points and 5.8 assists per game.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Spida shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE.
Atkinson also said that Max Strus — who is yet to play this season as he’s recovering from a Jones fracture in his foot he suffered during an off-season workout — was at “90%” participation and “could’ve gone more,” but they didn’t want to push it.
There isn’t a timetable yet for Strus to make his season debut, but Atkinson has said that he anticipates that happening in the regular season, which has just over a month left. He’s excited about what Strus could add as a connector offensively and believes that bringing him back will be like adding a free agent to this team.
The Cavaliers have also been without Dean Wade for the past three games due to an ankle injury. Along with Mitchell, he was also a full participant in practice on Friday.
Wade is averaging 5.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Jarrett Allen was removed from Tuesday’s game in the third quarter with a knee injury. He was not a participant in Friday’s practice, but he did do cardio work and received treatment. Atkinson did say that Allen’s injury was “not long-term at all.”
Allen is averaging 15.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season.
The status for all four players ahead of Sunday’s matchup is unknown at this time, but there is a chance that Mitchell, Wade, and Allen could be available.
MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid scored with a deflected shot in the 94th minute to win 2-1 at Celta Vigo on Friday and close the gap on La Liga leader Barcelona to one point.
Madrid was seeking to avoid a run of three successive losses for the first time since 2018 and needed a massive dose of luck to secure all three points.
It went ahead after 11 minutes when Aurélien Tchouaméni’s shot from just inside the penalty box left the Celta keeper flatfooted.
Celta’s experienced striker Borja Iglesias equalized for the home side with his third goal in four games after 25 minutes, and strike partner Iago Aspas was unfortunate to see his shot come back off the post with two minutes remaining as both sides pushed for a winner.
But a massive stroke of luck in the dying seconds gave Madrid victory.
Federico Valverde’s shot from outside the box took a wicked deflection that left keeper Ionut Radu with no chance.
“It hurts because it was right at the death,” Iglesias said. “It’s a bit frustrating.”
Barcelona plays its game in hand against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Madrid has 63 points while Barcelona has 64.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the site’s ToS, it’s fair game here.
DALLAS, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 03: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at American Airlines Center on February 03, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (21-41) play their third road game in four nights, this time visiting the Boston Celtics (41-21). Dallas lost a painful one to the Orlando Magic on Thursday, falling on a last-second scramble where they gave up a dunk to seal the game. Boston got drubbed by the streaking Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, so they’ve had a day to think about that loss.
Here’s the main things you need to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Boston Celtics
WHAT: Becoming one with road games.
WHERE: TD Garden, Boston, MA
WHEN: 6:00 pm CST
HOW: ESPN
The injury report for this game is a bit painful for Dallas but what else is new. Both Marvin Bagley and Daniel Gafford are each listed as doubtful as of this writing, which means they aren’t going to play. The three two-way players are questionable but I believe Moussa Cisse has to play unless Dallas is content with only Dwight Powell as a big. Klay Thompson and Brandon Williams are each questionable and I believe both will play. Cooper Flagg is not on the report and we’ll see if he has a minutes restriction.
The Celtics have a pristine injury report, because team health feels like a skill at this point. Heck even Jason Tatum is off the report, so he’s playing!
This is going to be a massive narrative game. On the Dallas side, all we will hear about is how Cooper Flagg is from this region of the country, how his mom is a Celtics fan and he grew up as one as well. It’s all low-hanging fruit meant to provoke we sensitive Dallas fans. But the Celtics side will be thick with narrative: Tatum returns to a team playing great led by Jaylen Brown. How do they figure out roles?
We know Boston may nuke Dallas from three. I don’t expect this one to be close, but we’ll see!
Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!
Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!
WOLVERHAMPTON, England (AP) — Andy Robertson scored for only the second time this season and set up Mohamed Salah for another goal as Liverpool beat Wolverhampton 3-1 on Friday to move into the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
Scotland captain Robertson rifled in a low shot from outside the penalty box 10 minutes into the second half to put Liverpool ahead and then Salah crashed home his enticing cross two minutes later.
Curtis Jones added a third for the visitor 16 minutes from time before Hwang Hee-Chan scored a stoppage-time consolation for Wolves.
Defender Robertson’s only other goal this season came in September when Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. His leading role in Friday’s win was a welcome one after Wolves had humbled Arne Slot's team 2-1 in the Premier League three days ago.
“(That was a) bit more like it,” Robertson told the BBC. “We know we let ourselves down on Tuesday … it was up to us to go and put it right. The FA Cup is do or die.”
The quarterfinals take place on the first weekend in April. The other seven contenders will be decided in matches to be held over the next few days.
“We are trying to fight on all fronts,” Robertson said. “We are still in two cup competitions. If we play like we did tonight, then nobody wants to play against us. We have to start showing that consistency. It is one step forward and two steps back.”
DUBLIN (AP) — Ireland scraped past Wales 27-17 and stayed in the Six Nations title race on Friday for at least 24 hours.
France can successfully retain the title by beating Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
While Ireland won its first-ever Friday home championship match with a four-try bonus point, Wales took most of the plaudits.
Wales started as a 20-point underdog but was trailing by only two points as late as the 68th minute.
Wales hadn't beaten Ireland in Dublin in the championship in 14 years but Irish flyhalf Jack Crowley was made to kick a 77th-minute penalty to avoid the chance of a humbling draw.
Wales was second best in terms of territory and possession but backed up its three-point home loss to Scotland in the last round with magnificent defense, and an even better all-round show of commitment and progress.
Wales' Six Nations losing streak was extended to 15 games and it may yet finish the tournament with a third consecutive wooden spoon, but it was more encouragingly competitive against Ireland than coach Steve Tandy hoped for.
“We're disappointed but massive pride in our character,” Tandy said. “There's confidence building in the team and that is going to take us to the win in the near future.”
There was none of the fist-pumping joy by Ireland coach Andy Farrell during the record away win against England two weeks ago as his team failed to back that up with the expected big win over Wales.
“Credit to Wales, they were outstanding, certainly getting better defensively," he told broadcaster ITV. "They made it a scrap so to come away with a bonus-point, happy with that."
Wales didn't give Ireland the space on the outside that it enjoyed against England. Wales' rush defense, spearheaded by center Eddie James, frequently shut down Ireland attempts to go wide.
The defense was outstanding, especially on the tryline. Alex Mann made 28 tackles and two turnovers in his 22, Dafydd Jenkins added 27 tackles, James Botham 24 and Dewi Lake 23.
Ireland started impressively. Winger Jacob Stockdale ran off the shoulder of midfielder Stuart McCloskey, his Ulster clubmate, to score his first test try since 2021.
Ireland had two more attacks of at least a dozen phases in the first 20 minutes. But an Irish knock-on rubbed out a try for Jack Conan, and the second chance was turned over by Mann.
Holding out Ireland galvanized Wales.
Ireland took a half-hour to score again, through Crowley, who couldn't convert his own try.
The Irish looked set to reach halftime up 12-3. But Wales prop Rhys Carre, who was prevented from adding another tap penalty try that he managed against France and Scotland, made like a winger from 35 meters out and blew past three Irish for a brilliant try. Wales' leading try-scorer in the championship was even smiling before he scored.
"I saw some space and went as hard as I could and no one caught me,” Carre told ITV.
The Irish gave themselves breathing room on the scoreboard again when Conan scored from a tap penalty after halftime.
But Wales refused to bow down. Josh Adams botched a try chance throwing a forward pass to Botham but Botham scored off a ruck and Dan Edwards converted for 19-17.
It took a Joe McCarthy steal to launch the fourth Irish try walked in by fullback Jamie Osborne with 12 minutes to go. Wales lost scrumhalf Tomos Williams to the sin-bin and Crowley, who missed two easy goalkicks, made the result safe for Ireland with his only penalty.
When it comes to the race for NBA Most Valuable Player, we’re coming to an inflection point.
Because of the 65-game eligibility rule stipulating that a player must appear in at least as many games to qualify for individual honors, several stars who have dealt with injuries are now approaching disqualification.
Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, last season’s MVP, must play in 13 of his team’s final 18 games of the regular season. Denver Nuggets All-Star center Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP, can miss no more than a single game over the team's final 20 to maintain eligibility.
It all sets up for a tight finish through the final month of the 2025-26 season.
Here's the latest iteration of the USA TODAY Sports NBA MVP rankings:
His standing here will almost certainly be compromised, now that Jayson Tatum is making his return for the final 20 games of Boston’s season. Brown, though, was a stabilizing presence and may even continue to be the primary option as Tatum works his way back to game shape. The Celtics owe him immense gratitude for his efforts to carry the team on both ends. He’s averaging career-highs in points (28.9; tied for fourth-most in the NBA), rebounds (7.2) and assists (5.0), and is a steady defensive presence. The Celtics are one of the big surprises of the season because of him.
There’s a strong argument for Wembanyama to be higher up on this list. The Spurs are just behind the Thunder in the West, and Wembanyama continues to impact both ends of the floor with efficiency. He leads the NBA in blocks per game (2.7), but he also alters dozens of shot attempts per game. He ranks sixth in rebounds (11.2) and is shooting a career-high 50.1% from the floor. It seems that we write this in every edition of the MVP power rankings, but, once again, he’s only getting better each time he steps on the court.
As mentioned above, the big issue here is Jokić’s availability and eligibility. Yet, consider this: he has played 47 games this season, and 23 of those – or 48.9% – have resulted in triple-doubles. Statically, no player has better numbers than Jokić, who is actually averaging a triple-double (28.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 10.4 assists per game). And, frankly, if Jokić hadn’t missed all the games that he has, he’d probably top this list. But that time missed cannot be overlooked, at least at this point in the season.
Unfair or not, MVPs tend to go to the best player on the best teams. The Pistons have lost two consecutive games to a pair of contenders in the Cavaliers and Spurs. In one of those losses, against Cleveland, Cunningham scored just 10 points on 4-of-16 shooting, though he did generate 14 assists. Still, Cunningham is the catalyst through which Detroit’s offense runs. His 9.8 assist per game rank second in the NBA (behind Jokić), and his defense is an essential part of his game; his length and persistence helps establish Detroit’s defensive identity.
Always the model of consistency, Gilgeous-Alexander moves slightly ahead of Cunningham after an uneven week for the Detroit star. Gilgeous-Alexander is on the verge of breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 126 consecutive games with at least 20 points, now three games away from the mark (through March 5). Gilgeous-Alexander has worked on his efficiency this season – which was already remarkably high. He’s shooting fewer 3s, is at a career-high 55.1% field goal rate and is carrying his team as Oklahoma City is dealing with several injuries.
NAPLES, Italy (AP) — Napoli beat Torino 2-1 on Friday to close the gap on second-place AC Milan to one point and maintain its record as the only team still unbeaten at home in Serie A this season.
Torino hasn’t beaten Napoli in the top tier since the 2008-09 season and it fell behind after six minutes.
Alisson Santos created a meter of space on the edge of the Torino penalty area and fired a low shot past the outstretched arm of Alberto Paleari.
Third-place Napoli dominated throughout and Eljif Elmas spun to volley home Matteo Politano’s knock down and make it 2-0 midway through the second half.
Napoli coach Antonio Conte introduced playmaker Kevin De Bruyne for his first appearance since an October injury, but his team was forced to sweat in the final seconds after Cesare Casadei pulled back a late consolation goal for Torino.
Napoli, though, held on to open a five-point gap on fourth-place Roma. It now has 56 points, one behind Milan and 11 behind champions-elect Inter.
Inter and Milan face off in the Milan derby on Sunday.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 27: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans is defended by Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the game at Smoothie King Center on December 27, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (35-27) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (20-44)
When: 7:00pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center— Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, Suns+
Listen: KMVP 98.7
There is no time to wallow. No time to lick your wounds.
The Phoenix Suns dropped a game last night to the Chicago Bulls, and less than twenty-four hours later, they are back on the floor again. This time the opponent is the New Orleans Pelicans.
On paper, it feels like a matchup Phoenix should handle. That thought probably sounds familiar, because the same thing was said before the Chicago game. The Suns walked into that one flat, unmotivated, and disconnected on the defensive end. That performance came against a team fully comfortable living in the tank. Yet the Suns could only muster 103 points. The taste of blood is still fresh in your mouth as you attempt to get back up off of the mat.
New Orleans presents a different kind of challenge on Friday night as they coem on on the second night of a back-to-back as well. They are coming in off of a victory against the Sacramento Kings.
Yes, the Pelicans bring a 20-44 record into the building. At first glance, that looks like another team drifting toward the lottery. The recent results tell a different story, however. They have won five of their last seven games, and they have zero incentive to lose. Why would they? Their first-round pick in this upcoming draft already belongs to the Atlanta Hawks, the price they paid to acquire Derik Queen. Losing games does not help them. Competing does. Evaluating talent does. Using the final stretch of the season as a launching pad toward next year does.
So when the Suns step on the floor tonight chasing win number 36, a total that would match last season, they will not find an easy path waiting for them. The team from the Big Easy is coming in with a purpose, and Phoenix already learned the hard way what happens when you assume the schedule will cooperate.
That question kept coming up over and over during their loss to the Chicago Bulls. Chicago attacked the paint all night long. It felt like every drive found daylight. Granted, the Bulls bring a pair of unbelievably twitchy guards in Collin Sexton and Tre Jones. Both of them repeatedly beat Suns defenders off the dribble and forced the defense to collapse.
The Pelicans approach the paint in a different way. They do not rely on guard burst in the same fashion, although they still place enormous pressure on the interior. New Orleans attempts the fourth most two-point shots in the NBA. They are also eighth in offensive rebounds, pulling down 12.3 per game. Their offensive identity revolves around pressure near the rim. No team in the league takes more shots in the restricted area than the Pelicans. They average 34.8 attempts per game in that space. That number sits 3.8 attempts more serious than the second-place team.
That second-place team? The Chicago Bulls.
On the other end of the spectrum sit the Suns. Phoenix averages 19.8 attempts per game in the restricted area, the second-lowest mark in the league.
So the script tonight might feel familiar. The method of attack could look slightly different, although the destination remains the same. Chicago leaned on its guards to slice through the defense. New Orleans applies that pressure through size and physicality on the wings and inside. Zion Williamson averages 9.1 field goal attempts per game in the restricted area. Derik Queen sits at 4.7. Trey Murphy adds another 4.4.
They attack the interior with length, power, and volume.
Meanwhile, the Suns will likely lean into their own identity. Phoenix spreads the floor and fires away from deep. That is their offense, as they are 6th in NBA in three-point rate, attempting 45.1% of their shots from deep. Last year’s team was at 44.0%.
The question is whether their defense can survive the constant pressure waiting for them near the rim. Which leads me to…
Key to a Suns Win
The Suns are going to have to hit their three-pointers. Plain and simple.
When this team shoots well from deep, the math works in their favor. When the shots do not fall, the margin disappears quickly. It really is that straightforward. In games where Phoenix shoots under 35% from three point range, they are 9-17. In games where they clear that 35% mark, they are 26-10.
The Phoenix Suns are 15th in the NBA in three-point shooting at 35.9%
In games in which they’ve made >35% of their threes: 26-10 (.722)
That number tells the story. The Suns live and die with the long ball, and nights like this one will likely follow that same script.
We will probably see a similar formula tonight, especially when you consider how much size the Pelicans bring to the interior. The Suns do not have many players who consistently penetrate and finish at the rim. That has been an issue throughout the season, and with more injuries piling up, it becomes even more noticeable.
Without reliable pressure at the rim, the offense continues to lean heavily on the three-point line. That is where the spacing comes from. That is where the scoring bursts arrive. So the math remains the same. If the Suns hit over 35% of their three-pointers, they put themselves in a position to win this game.
Prediction Time
I struggle with this one. The Suns have not looked good for a while now. We all know the reasons. Injuries, totations shifting, and players trying to rediscover rhythm. All of that exists. The reality remains the same: they have not looked good.
It does not seem to matter whether the offense runs through the number one option or the number two option. Some nights, they look unstoppable from beyond the arc. Other nights, the offense goes quiet and the game drifts into long scoring droughts. The inconsistency is real right now. This was a top ten three-point shooting team earlier in the season. They have slipped to fifteenth in the league. Maybe it is tired legs. Maybe it is rhythm. It certainly is not a lack of opportunity.
The Suns take the sixth-most wide-open three pointers in the NBA. Despite that, they rank fourteenth in converting those shots. The looks are there. The results have been uneven.
But I am going to lean toward a bounce back tonight. Grayson Allen does not go 5-of-16. Jalen Green does not go 1-of-8. Collin Gillespie does not go 1-of-5. The Suns hit around 37% of their threes, knock down 17 of them, and that ends up being enough to win the game.
MUNICH, Germany (AP) — Luis Díaz scored one goal and made another as Bayern Munich beat Borussia Monchengladbach 4-1 on Friday to extend its lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 14 points over second-place Borussia Dortmund.
With Harry Kane injured, Nicolas Jackson started in the centre-forward position for Bayern, one of seven changes to the side that beat Dortmund in Der Klassiker last weekend.
But it was Colombian Díaz who started the rampage.
He opened the scoring after 33 minutes with a crashing volley and then turned provider 12 minutes later when his clever pass set up Konrad Laimer to make it 2-0.
Bayern’s task was made easier when Rocco Reitz was sent off for rugby tackling Jackson 10 minutes into the second half.
Jamal Musiala dispatched the resulting penalty to score his first goal of the season and Jackson celebrated his return to the side by adding a fourth 11 minutes from time.
Wael Mohya, 17, grabbed a consolation goal for Gladbach in the dying moments, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
The only disconcerting note for reigning champion Bayern was the withdrawal at halftime of Manuel Neuer. The Germany goalkeeper had returned after missing two games through injury. The extent of his complaint was not immediately apparent.
Gladbach remains in 12th place with 25 points, only three clear of the relegation zone.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Kaety L’Amoreaux scored 21 points, Meghan Andersen added 16 points and No. 25 Fairfield eased by Sacred Heart 69-53 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament for its ninth victory in a row.
Fairfield (26-4), the No. 2 seed, continues its quest for a third straight MAAC championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. The Stags already secured their third straight regular-season title, the seventh in program history.
L’Amoreaux, the conference player of the year, and Andersen combined for 22 points in the first half to help Fairfield build a 35-24 lead. Andersen scored five points during a 12-0 second-quarter run that gave the Stags a 14-point lead.
Fairfield led by double figures the entire second half. The Stags closed the third quarter on a 9-0 run and led by as many as 27 in the fourth before Sacred Heart scored the final 11 points of the game against reserves.
L’Amoreaux and Andersen each went 7 of 11 from the field to help Fairfield shoot 46% overall, while Sacred Heart was held to 19-of-54 shooting (35%). L’Amoreaux reached 20-plus points for the sixth time this season.
Cyanne Coe added 10 points for Fairfield. Carly Thibault-DuDonis reached 100 wins during her four-year career to become the fastest coach in MAAC history to reach the mark.
Emma Kirby led Sacred Heart (13-18), the No. 7 seed, with 15 points. Amelia Wood added 11 points, Missy Nuku had 10 points and Nalyce Dudley grabbed 10 rebounds.
Up next
Sacred Heart: Season likely comes to an end.
Fairfield: Awaits the winner of Saturday's quarterfinal game between Merrimack and Mount St. Mary's — with the semifinal set for Sunday.
