Worldwide Sports News

February 19, 2026

Traore, Utah hold off West Virginia 61-56 while putting a dent in Mountaineers' NCAA Tourney hopes

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Seydou Traore scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Utah held off West Virginia's desperate rally and beat the Mountaineers 61-56 on Wednesday night.

Terrence Brown and Don McHenry each scored 16 points for the Utes, who never trailed and ended a seven-game losing streak. Utah (10-16, 2-11 Big 12) entered the contest have lost 12 of its last 13.

It was also Utah’s first true road victory since Jan. 15, 2025 when the Utes beat TCU, 73-65.

Reserve Chance Moore and Honor Huff scored 12 points apiece and Brenen Lorient scored 10 for West Virginia.

Both teams left points on the table via the foul line with Utah shooting 14 of 21 and West Virginia at 7 of 15.

Utah led 59-56 with 5.6 seconds left when West Virginia intentionally fouled Traore who missed both foul shots. Jasper Floyd grabbed the defensive rebound but then threw a pass out of bounds trying to connect with Huff. Brown made a pair of foul shots to seal it.

The Utes led 31-21 at halftime and used a 15-5 run to start the second half for their largest lead of the game, 41-26. The Mountaineers then outscored Utah 16-6 over a 7-minute span to get within 47-42 with 8:58 left.

West Virginia's (16-10, 7-6) NCAA Tournament hopes received a substantial blow with the home loss to Quad-3 Utah.

The Mountaineers have a win against Kansas — but in a loaded Big 12 — owns losses to ranked conference opponents Arizona, Houston, Iowa State and Texas Tech.

Up Next

Utah: Will host UCF on Saturday.

West Virginia: Travels to face TCU on Saturday. ___

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February 19, 2026

Blue Jays Claim Ben Cowles From Cubs

MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 04, 2025: Ben Cowles #79 of the Chicago Cubs takes a lead at second base during the seventh inning of a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Sloan Park on March 04, 2025 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

The Jays have claimed Ben Cowles off waivers from the Cubs. The Cubs DFAed him Sunday. The Jays put Bowden Francis on the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster. Francis is going to be out all season.

Cowles has two options.

He’s a right-handed-hitting infielder, 26 years old. He hasn’t played in the majors yet. Last year he hit .235/.300/.371 with 9 home runs in 128 games in Triple-A

Duane Pesice, at Bleed Cubbie Blue, has a profile on him here.

He’s a lifetime .268/.365/.426 in four seasons of Minor League ball, with 30 home runs and 158 RBI in 1,128 at-bats. Not great, but not too shabby. He could hit 1-15 dingers in The Show, hit .250 or so, walk enough to be .300+ OBP man. He’ll take a bag if he can. Cowles is a slightly-less-effective Nico Hoerner type. He’ll back up or start at short/second in Iowa.
His contact bat helps his cause, but Cowles just doesn’t bring enough to the table to beat out the people in front of him. But he’s a fine platoon partner with Triantos and backup at second and short, and can play third in a pinch.

He was #14 on Baseball America’s top Cubs prospect list last year

Baseball Prospects says:

Prospects TLDR: Cowles’ Double-A stats are a bit of a mirage, but he’s a capable shortstop defender who provides enough offense to consider him a low-impact bench infielder.

It looks like he will be battling Leo Jimenez for the utility infielder role this spring.

February 19, 2026

No. 25 Alabama edges No. 20 Arkansas 117-115 in 2OT

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Houston Mallette hit a 3-pointer with 51 seconds remaining in the second overtime and No. 25 Alabama survived one of the best single-game performances of the season to edge 20th-ranked Arkansas 117-115 on Wednesday night.

Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. scored 49 points — the second most in college basketball this season — while playing all 50 minutes. But Acuff missed jumpers at the end of both extra frames that would have given the Razorbacks (19-7, 9-4 Southeastern Conference) a short-handed road victory.

Arkansas used a seven-man rotation throughout regulation but had four players foul out in overtime. That forced coach John Calipari to turn to two guys who had played a combined 35 minutes all season.

It was the opening the Crimson Tide (19-7, 9-4) needed to pull out a game that will go down as an instant classic.

Labaron Philon Jr. scored 35 points and Aiden Sherrell added 26 — both career highs — to help Alabama win its fifth consecutive game.

Arkansas, meanwhile, lost for the first time in four games. Acuff’s 49 points are the second most by an Arkansas player and the most by an Arkansas player in SEC play.

Alabama trailed by 14 in the second half, but an 18-4 run tied the game. They moved in front in the waning seconds of regulation — until Acuff’s 3-pointer tied the game at 95 and sent it to OT.

Meleek Thomas (24) and Billy Richmond III (20) also scored in double figures for the Razorbacks before fouling out.

NO. 4 ARIZONA 75, NO. 23 68

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Anthony Dell’Orso scored a season-high 22 points after coming off the bench, Ivan Kharchenkov added 18 and Arizona bounced back from its first two losses of the season by beating BYU.

Arizona (24-2, 11-2 Big 12) started the season with 23 consecutive wins, spending nine straight weeks as the nation’s No. 1 team before losing back-to-back games to No. 9 Kansas and No. 16 Texas Tech.

Dell’Orso — a 6-foot-6 Australian — helped the Wildcats get back in the win column after shooting 8 of 15 from the field, including 4 of 8 on 3-pointers.

BYU (19-7, 7-6) was led by freshman star AJ Dybantsa, who finished with 33 points on 12-of-27 shooting. The 6-foot-9 forward topped 30 points for the sixth time this season.

The Cougars were playing their first game without starting guard Richie Saunders, who tore his ACL in a 90-86 overtime victory against Colorado on Saturday. He’s out for the rest of the season.

Arizona never trailed in the second half and slowly pulled away, taking a 66-50 lead on Dell’Orso’s 3-pointer with 6:40 left. BYU cut the deficit 73-68 with 1:05 remaining but couldn’t get any closer.

CREIGHTON 91, NO. 5 UCONN 84

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Josh Dix scored 13 of his 21 points in the second half, Nik Graves added 18 points and Creighton beat UConn to spoil former Huskies star Emeka Okafor’s number retirement.

Creighton (14-13, 8-8 Big East) handed UConn (24-2, 14-2) its first conference home loss of the season. Creighton coach Greg McDermott became the first coach to beat a Dan Hurley-coached team four times on the road.

Okafor became the third UConn men’s basketball player to have his number retired, with the Huskies honoring the 2004 NCAA champion and national player of the year at halftime. Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton are the only players to have their numbers retired.

The Huskies led by seven points early in the second half, but shot 34% in the half.

Braylon Mullins led UConn with 25 points. Silas Demary Jr. added 17 points and nine assists. Tarris Reed Jr. had 15 points and 11 rebounds, but had just two points in the second half.

Fedor Zugic added 14 points for Creighton, which outscored UConn 27-11 at the foul line.

NO. 8 KANSAS 81, OKLAHOMA STATE 69

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Freshman Darryn Peterson scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half, sparking Kansas to a win over Oklahoma State.

Peterson, a guard who is expected to be among the first picks in the NBA draft later this year, had shot 13 for 36 from the field combined in his previous three games. He made 7 of 12 field goals against the Cowboys, including 6 of 10 3-pointers.

Tre White scored 16 points and Elmarko Jackson added 14 for Kansas. Bryson Tiller had 10 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and Flory Bidunga added eight points, 11 rebounds and four blocks for the Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12), who made 11 of 24 3-pointers and bounced back from a blowout loss at Iowa State last Saturday.

Parsa Fallah scored 21 points and Anthony Roy added 16 for Oklahoma State (16-10, 4-9), which lost its fourth straight since a win over BYU.

NO. 14 VIRGINIA 94, GEORGIA TECH 68

ATLANTA (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 22 points, Malik Thomas added 17 and Virginia won its seventh straight game and eighth in a row on the road, beating Georgia Tech.

The Cavaliers (23-3, 11-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) raced to a 42-9 lead in the opening 13:24. Virginia’s 59-27 advantage at the half was its largest in an ACC game since February 2001.

Jaeden Mustaf led Georgia Tech (11-16, 2-12) with 18 points. Baye Ndongo had 13 points and eight rebounds. The Yellow Jackets have lost eight straight.

Virginia was 36 of 79 from the field and 14 of 37 from 3-point range. Georgia Tech was 24 of 64 from the field and 4 of 19 on 3s.

Cavaliers forward Devin Tillis had six points and a rebound before leaving in the second half because of a lower-body injury.

NO. 17 ST. JOHN'S 76, MARQUETTE 70

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Bryce Hopkins had 23 points and 10 rebounds as St. John’s defeated Marquette to earn its 12th straight victory and move atop the Big East standings.

St. John’s (21-5, 14-1) rallied from a six-point deficit in the second half after squandering an 11-point lead. The Red Storm took over the conference lead from No. 5 UConn, which lost 91-84 at home to Creighton earlier Wednesday.

UConn (24-3, 14-2) hosts the Johnnies on Feb. 25 in the second meeting between the teams. St. John’s beat the Huskies 81-72 at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 6.

St. John’s has won its last 11 Big East road games dating to last season.

Marquette freshman Nigel James Jr. made a three-point play that cut the St. John’s lead to 72-70 with 27.5 seconds left, but Zuby Ejiofor and Hopkins each made a pair of free throws to seal the victory.

James had 18 of his 25 points in the second half for Marquette (9-18, 4-12). Royce Parham added 13 for the Golden Eagles, who have lost three straight.

Oziyah Sellers scored 12 and Ejiofor added 10 for St. John’s.

MISSOURI 81, NO. 19 VANDERBILT 80

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Jayden Stone had 19 points, Trent Pierce and T.O. Barrett each added 16 and Missouri held off Vanderbilt after squandering a big lead.

Anthony Robinson II scored 13 points, and Mark Mitchell had 11 points and a career-best nine assists for Missouri (18-8, 8-5 Southeastern Conference). The Tigers have won four of five and improved to 9-0 against Vanderbilt in Columbia.

Tyler Tanner scored 27 points for Vanderbilt (21-5, 8-5), which entered play having won five of six. Devin McGlockton added 13 points.

Vanderbilt’s Tyler Nickel hit a 3-pointer with two seconds remaining after Barrett hit a pair of free throws. Tanner then intercepted Mitchell’s inbound pass and heaved a half-court shot that rattled around the rim and bounced out.

Vanderbilt rallied after falling behind 66-45 with 8:43 remaining after McGlockton was called for his second flagrant 1 foul. Tigers coach Dennis Gates used a challenge to review contact on a rebound on Vanderbilt’s offensive possession after Tyler Harris was called for a foul on Mitchell as he attempted a layup. Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington unsuccessfully challenged that Missouri’s Anthony Robinson II committed a flagrant foul on the same play.

February 19, 2026

Hubbard hits program-record 10 3s, scores 46 as Mississippi State blows big lead, beats Auburn

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Josh Hubbard made a program-record 10 3-pointers and scored a career-high 46 points Wednesday night as Mississippi State blew an 18-point lead and then rallied to beat Auburn 91-85.

Hubbard, a 6-foot junior, broke the previous mark of eight 3s (done six times) before halftime, making 9 of 12 from behind the arc and scoring 35 points, two more than Auburn (33), as the Bulldogs took a 16-point lead into the intermission.

Hubbard, who has scored at least 30 points in three consecutive games, also set the Mississippi State (13-13, 5-8) record for points in an SEC game, breaking Bailey Howell’s mark of 45, set against LSU on Feb. 22, 1958. Howell also holds the record for points in a game with 47 against Union on Dec. 4, 1958.

Auburn (14-12, 5-8) has lost five games in a row.

Keyshawn Hall led the Tigers with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Tahaad Pettiford scored 21 and Kevin Overton added 15 points.

Hubbard made a layup with 1:11 left and, after Hall made 1 of 2 free throws, hit a corner 3-pointer that gave Mississippi State an 85-83 lead 27 seconds later. Achor Achor blocked consecutive shots by Hall, Ja’Borri McGhee made two free throws, and Jamarion Davis-Fleming blocked a layup attempt by Overton with 14 seconds left.

KeShawn Murphy put back his own miss to give Auburn its first lead at 64-63 with 8:50 remaining.

The Bulldogs scored the first seven points and Hubbard had 13 — which included back-to-back-to-back 3s — as they jumped to a 21-6 lead about eight minutes into the game.

Up next

Auburn: Hosts Kentucky on Saturday.

Mississippi State: Plays Saturday at South Carolina.

___

February 19, 2026

The 5 Most Irreplaceable Astros

Nothing can derail a season like a rash of injuries — just ask the 2025 Astros.
No team used the injured list more. Yordan Alvarez was limited to 48 games, Isaac Paredes missed 60 games, and Jeremy Peña and Jake Meyers also were out significant time.

On the mound, the Astros used 33 different pitchers (plus three position players), a franchise record.

The Astros can’t possibly have worse injury luck in 2026, but they will still deal with their share at some point. Here are the five players they can least afford to lose, in reverse order.

Yainer Diaz

This isn’t as much about Diaz, who had his worst Major League season in 2025, than it is about who is behind him. Victor Caratini is now in Minnesota after serving two excellent seasons as Diaz’s backup, leaving Cesar Salazar as the only other catcher on the Astros’ 40-man roster.

Salazar was drafted by the Astros in 2018 and is respected throughout the organization. But he has started only 14 games behind the plate despite accruing more than a full season of service time. And while he spent a good portion of 2025 on the active roster, Salazar did not appear in a game closer than seven runs until he started against the Rockies on Aug. 27.

Granted, he was on the roster as a third catcher. Still, there were opportunities for Joe Espada to use the switch-hitting Salazar as a pinch hitter — and he never did. That makes it fair to wonder just how much the Astros truly trust the 29-year-old.

Spring training games have yet to begin, so there is time for the Astros to look outside the organization for Diaz’s backup. But at the moment, the job appears to belong to Salazar, and you have to wonder how comfortable the team would be with him as the primary catcher if something were to happen to Diaz.

Jeremy Peña

Peña is coming off a career year that saw him reach the potential he flashed while winning ALCS and World Series MVP as a rookie. An All-Star for the first time, Peña produced 5.6 bWAR despite playing just 125 games and finished 10th in MVP voting. You don’t just replace players like that.

Yes, the Astros have Carlos Correa back, and he could slide to shortstop — which he did a handful of times after being traded back to Houston. But Correa has made it clear he prefers to play third base to help preserve his body over a full season. So what do the Astros do if Peña misses extended time?

Nick Allen is excellent defensively, but he posted a 53 OPS+ in 416 plate appearances with the Braves last season. For context, Zack Greinke had a career 60 OPS+. The options beyond Allen are even thinner — a reminder that the Astros traded Mauricio Dubón, non-tendered Ramón Urías over the winter to save money, and still salary-dumped Jesús Sánchez.

Josh Hader and Brian Abreu

The Astros focused on fortifying and adding depth to a starting rotation that has been pushed to the limit the past three seasons, but they largely ignored the bullpen. Few teams are better in the eighth and ninth innings than the Astros — but what about the bridge to get there?

Steven Okert, Bryan King and Bennett Sousa were outstanding last season, but all three are left-handed, and all three came out of nowhere. No position in baseball is more volatile than relief pitching. Do you trust all three to replicate their 2025 seasons? And who is the right-hander the Astros can rely on after Abreu?

The Astros play 26 games in the first 28 days of the season, so this group will be tested immediately. It will be interesting to see how Joe Espada navigates games when one — or both — of Abreu and Hader are unavailable.

Yordan Alvarez

Kyle Tucker is gone. Alex Bregman is gone. Jose Altuve is 35.

Despite that, the Astros remain a formidable lineup with solid depth one through nine, but at this point Alvarez is the only player who truly moves the needle. Injuries limited his 2025 season to 48 subpar (for him) games, but over the previous three seasons only Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani posted a higher OPS.

A healthy Alvarez elevates everyone else in the lineup. It takes some of the pressure off and gives them better pitches to hit. The Astros ranked 15th in runs scored last season, and a big reason for the drop-off was that they finished 21st in home runs. They need slug, and Alvarez is the one player who can truly provide it.

Hunter Brown

Even with the loss of Framber Valdez, the Astros enter the 2026 season in pretty good shape. They will likely open with a six-man rotation and have solid options to turn to if something happens to one of those six. But none can come close to replacing the innings or the effectiveness of Brown, who has developed into one of baseball’s best starters.

Brown compiled a 2.43 ERA in a season in which he finished behind only Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet in AL Cy Young voting. He completed at least six innings in 22 of 31 starts and pitched into the sixth in five others. Brown is a legitimate staff ace who impacts games even when he doesn’t start.

He allows Espada to be more aggressive with the bullpen before his start day, and because he typically works deep into games, the bullpen is fresh the next day. A player like that is irreplaceable.

February 19, 2026

Former Celtics champion’s injury status in question in Warriors game

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 27: Kristaps Porzingis #8 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics look on during the game against the Orlando Magic during Round 1 Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2025 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO — When the Celtics face the Warriors on Wednesday, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis could both face the Celtics for the very first time since their respective tenures in Boston ended last summer.

Porzingis is questionable to play against the Celtics as he continues to deal with a left Achilles tendon injury, while Horford is good to go.

How Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis have fared this season

Al Horford signed a two-year contract with the Warriors in free agency, while Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a cost-cutting move.

Now, both Celtics champions will lace up against their former squad.

Both players have had somewhat underwhelming years by their own standards.

Horford is averaging 7.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in 20.6 minutes per game, while shooting 42.9% from the field and 33.8% from three. He dealt with sciatica early in the season, ultimately appearing in just 34 of the Warriors’ 55 games.

Porzingis has yet to make his Warriors debut, but he averaged 17.1 points in 17 games for the Atlanta Hawks. Porzingis was traded to the Warriors ahead of the trade deadline after an injury-riddled first-half of the season. While the Celtics and Hawks faced off twice before the trade deadline, Porzingis did not lace up for either game.

While Porzingis is questionable to play, it seems likely he’ll be suiting up. At the Warriors’ practice on Wednesday, Porzingis indicated he’s likely to make his Warriors debut on Thursday against his former squad, per the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn.

“It’s gonna be weird, especially the first game back against Boston,” Porzingis said, per Washburn. “It’s gonna be cool, seeing all the guys again.”

Horford, meanwhile, is not on the injury report for the Warriors and thus should be good to go.

Both the Celtics, Warriors are missing key stars

For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler is out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, while Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation) and Steph Curry (right patellofemoral pain) are also both out.

For the Celtics, the only player on the injury report is Jayson Tatum, who has yet to play this season as he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Tatum’s potential return continues to loom, but he said last week he has yet to make a decision about lacing up this season.

The Warriors (29-26) currently hold the Western Conference’s 8th-best record, while the Celtics (35-19) have the East’s second-best record.

February 19, 2026

Mike Brown challenging Knicks’ pride to turn tide against rival Pistons

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Head coach Mike Brown is challenging his Knicks team to show pride and to not let the Pistons get the best of them again, Image 2 shows Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks passes the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 6, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan — Knicks pistons

This one is about pride.

After his team was shellacked by the conference-leading Pistons in their two previous matchups — including a beatdown less than two weeks ago — Knicks coach Mike Brown hopes his players are fired up for Thursday’s rematch at MSG.

“Yeah, it should [mean something more],” Brown said. “They didn’t just win the game, they beat us pretty bad. So for us, and I don’t like to say that this game is more important than the next game — every game is extremely important — but there comes a certain point when you’re in competition.

“If the wins and losses are as lopsided as those two losses, that should shake you up a little bit.”

Head coach Mike Brown is challenging his Knicks team to show pride against the Pistons. David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Knicks (35-20) lost their two games against the Pistons (40-13) this season by a combined 69 points. In their Feb. 6 defeat, they shot just 35.8 percent and scored just 80 points, a season low.

It was domination, and Brown believes competitiveness should kick in for Thursday. Still, the coach reiterated that the regular-season result won’t give any indication about playoff success against the Pistons.

“At the end of the day, if we win tomorrow or win the next two games — or how many games we play them — that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that we’re going to beat them come playoff time — or vice versa,” Brown said. “I’m a firm believer in that. I’ve been around this thing too long to see — some teams go 0-4 in the regular season and still win the series. … That part doesn’t matter. It’s just about how the first two games turned out for us [and having pride in reversing that].”

Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks passes the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on February 6, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NBAE via Getty Images

The Pistons will be without bruising centers Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, who are suspended for their roles in a brawl last week against the Hornets.

Duren was suspended just two games, with Thursday being the second. Stewart, a repeat offender who left the team bench to confront Charlotte’s Moussa Diabaté, was suspended seven games.

OG Anunoby, a man of few words, described in short but queasy detail the toenail removal that kept him out of four games before the All-Star break.

“It’s a lot of pain,” he said. “Once it’s removed it’s an open wound. Like it’s just flesh and raw, bloody.”

Officially, Anunoby is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pistons, but he’s expected to play after going through a full practice Wednesday.

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The 28-year-old said he didn’t know what led to the toenail problem or when it will grow back.

“I have no toenail,” he said. “I don’t know when, but it’s getting better every day. It feels better.”

The Knicks went 2-2 without Anunoby, including the ugly defeat in Detroit on Feb. 6. Against the Pistons, Anunoby is typically charged with defending Cade Cunningham.

“At that size and his skill set, you always miss that when he’s out,” Brown said. “It’s good to see him on the floor, for sure.”

February 19, 2026

Purple Row After Dark: Come learn how to steal bases with Doug Bernier

Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer has been clear that this year: Spring training will be different.

Yesterday, the Rockies provided us with a behind-the-scenes look of a coaching session. Here’s first base/outfield coach Doug Bernier working with the Rockies in small groups as they focus on stealing bases.

Because the Purple Row Night Owls are all nerds (complimentary!), I thought you might be interested in watching for yourself.

(Spoiler: It’s about 15 minutes long, but I thought the video was fascinating.)

So, let us know what you think. For those of you who are coaches, does this seem like a good approach? What do you make of the new Zac Veen? Are you ready to go grab some bags?

And if you’d like a little more information on the Rockies new approach to spring training, here’s a gift link to Patrick Saunders’ article published earlier today. (The lead photo absolutely rules.) And here’s Thomas Harding’s take.

The video was provided by the Colorado Rockies.

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

February 19, 2026

Jeremy Sochan feeling ‘blessed’ to get Knicks opportunity after rough Spurs exit

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) stretches before substituting in during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.

Jeremy Sochan arrived with his hair dyed Knicks colors and excited to move on from his ugly ending in San Antonio.

“Just no real opportunity, in my opinion,” Sochan said of this campaign with the Spurs before he was waived last week and signed with the Knicks. “And it is what it is. It’s a very deep team. And maybe I didn’t see eye to eye with Coach, and Coach didn’t see anything I could do for the team.

“And it is what it is. And I’m just blessed to be in an opportunity where I can grow and blossom.”

San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) stretches before substituting in during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

Sochan’s availability in the buyout market would’ve been a shocker before this season, when he was coming off three campaigns of averaging more than 25 minutes and a spot on the 2023 first-team All-Rookie squad.

But Sochan never jibed with head coach Mitch Johnson, who replaced Gregg Popovich. He was racking up regular DNPs before the All-Star break. A big hindrance to Sochan’s playing time, according to people familiar with the situation, was the 22-year-old’s poor jump shooting.

His career efficiency from deep is under 30 percent. Sochan’s defense, which had previously facilitated a large role, was uninspiring this season in limited action.

“It’s tough. In my whole career even looking past the NBA I’ve never really been sitting on the bench and getting DNPs. So you go through a process of questioning why or what’s happening,” Sochan said. “It can get stressful. But at the end of the day, I’m from England, where basketball is not big. So I know my worth. I know what I can bring to the team, and I’m blessed that the organization here [in New York] has seen that. And I’m super excited to get a fresh slate and show what I can do.”

Jeremy Sochan of the San Antonio Spurs during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 7, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images

The Knicks were interested in Sochan at the trade deadline, according to sources, but the Spurs had no interest in their offer of Guerschon Yabusele.

So the Knicks pounced when Sochan hit the market.

The plan is to give Sochan a chance as the backup power forward, with coach Mike Brown saying Wednesday that he wants to test the new player before the playoffs. Sochan — who often dyes his hair and settled on orange and blue before his Knicks debut — is getting a fresh start on a bigger stage.

“Very excited. The culture here, at the Knicks and New York in general, is crazy and very global. And I feel like I’m global, too,” said Sochan, who was born in Oklahoma to a Polish mother and grew up in England. “So I’m just super excited to be here and just grow with this city and the club.”

February 19, 2026

Warriors’ Steph Curry out, but Kristaps Porzingis expected to make debut

The Warriors' Kristaps Porzingis and Steph Curry

The Warriors are ready to ramp up for the stretch run, but in their first game after the NBA All-Star break, the team will be without one of its stars — but reportedly will have its new acquisition — when it plays Thursday against the visiting Celtics.

Steph Curry, who became the oldest point guard to be voted as a starter in the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday at age 37, won’t see the court after he returned to the team’s facility Wednesday night and told the training staff his “runner’s knee” prevented him from participating in a live scrimmage.

Atlanta Hawks forward Kristaps Porzingis shoots during warmups before an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Molly J. Smith) AP

“Just wasn’t where he needed to be,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters in San Francisco. “It’s unfortunate. We’ll have an update tomorrow after he goes through his time with the training staff.”

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Curry might undergo another MRI after consulting with Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ lead medical decision-maker. If he doesn’t play, it would be Curry’s sixth consecutive game on the sidelines.

Curry might undergo another MRI after consulting with Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ lead medical decision-maker. Jason Szenes for New York Post

Kristaps Porzingis, the Warriors’ high-profile addition who was acquired in a trade with the Hawks ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, is expected to play Thursday against the Celtics. He was officially listed as questionable but told reporters he is “ready to go.”

Porzingis, 30, who was traded for guard Buddy Hield and forward Jonathan Kuminga, averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.29 blocks in 24.3 minutes over 17 games (12 starts) this season with the Hawks.

Porzingis likely will come off the bench in his debut and play in short bursts and have relatively limited minutes, Kerr said.

February 19, 2026

Darius Acuff Jr. points today: Arkansas G has record game in loss to Alabama

Darius Acuff Jr. turned in one of the best performances of the 2025-26 college basketball season — and in Arkansas men's basketball history.

However, that was not enough for Razorbacks, who lost 117-115 to Alabama in double overtime at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

Acuff scored 49 points on 16-of-27 shooting from the field for the Razorbacks, marking the second-most points scored in a game this season. Only Radford's Dennis Parker Jr., who scored 53 points on a 19-of-24 shooting performance on Dec. 14, 2025, against Coppin State, has topped Acuff's single-game scoring output this season.

The points are the most by an Arkansas player in SEC play.

Acuff, who played all 50 minutes in the game, scored 22 points in the first half for Arkansas. He then followed it up with 19 points in the second half, including a 3-pointer that sent the game to overtime with 11 seconds left in regulation. He scored eight more points in the second overtime period, including three free throws to give the Razorbacks a 113-112 lead with 1:31 left in the game.

Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard also scored 46 points in a 91-85 win for the Bulldogs over Auburn on Feb. 18.

Here's a look at Acuff's full stats against Alabama on Wednesday:

Darius Acuff Jr. points today

Here's Acuff's full stat line from Wednesday's double overtime loss to the Crimson Tide:

Points: 49
Shooting: 16-for-27 (59.3%)
3-point shooting: 6-for-10 (60%)
Free throw shooting: 11-for-12 (91.6%)
Rebounds: 5
Assists: 5
Steals: 1
Blocks: 1
Turnovers: 1

Highest scorers NCAA in 2025-26 basketball season

Here's a look at the top 10 scoring performances in the NCAA during the 2025-26 college basketball season.

1. Dennis Parker Jr., Radford: 53 points (Dec. 14, 2025)
2. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas: 49 points (Feb. 18)
T-3. Dominique Daniels, Jr., California Baptist: 47 points (Jan. 24)
T-3. Javontae Campbell, Bowling Green: 47 points (Jan. 3)
T-3. Paul McNeil, NC State: 47 points (Dec. 17, 2025)
T-6. Josh Hubbard, Arkansas: 46 points (Feb. 18)
T-6. Dontae Horne, Prairie View A&M: 46 points (Feb. 14)
T-6. Keaton Wagler, Illinois: 46 points (Jan. 24)
9. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville: 45 points (Feb. 9)
10. Lamar Wilkerson, Indiana: 44 points (Dec. 9, 2025)
T-11. A.J. Dybantsa, BYU: 43 points (Jan. 24)
T-11. David Coit, Maryland: 43 points (Jan. 18)
T-11. Michael Eley, Hampton: 43 points (Jan. 8)

Most points scored in an Arkansas game

Acuff made history on Feb. 18 with not only the highest scoring output of any Arkansas freshman ever, but also the second-most points in a single game in Razorbacks history.

According to Arkansas' record book, Acuff's 49-point outburst trails only Rotnei Clark's 51-point performance vs. Alcorn State on Nov. 13, 2009. His 49 points are also the most by an SEC player since Clark's 51-point game, according to the SEC basketball media guide.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Darius Acuff Jr. points today: How Arkansas star fared in loss to Alabama

February 19, 2026

Martinelli's 29 points lead Northwestern over Maryland 78-74

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Nick Martinelli scored 29 points to lead Northwestern to a 78-74 victory over Maryland on Wednesday night to end a five-game losing streak.

Northwestern (11-16, 3-13 Big Ten) led 35-34 at halftime and took control midway through the second half with a 16-3 run fueled by four 3-pointers from Jordan Clayton and Jake West. The surge turned a 50-44 deficit into a double-digit lead and gave the Wildcats control for the final 12 minutes.

Maryland (10-16, 3-12) stayed within striking distance behind Andre Mills, who scored 22 points in the first half and finished with a career-high 39. The Terrapins cut the deficit to three when Mills hit a 3-pointer with one second remaining, but Northwestern sealed the win with a free throw on the ensuing possession.

Clayton added a career-high 20 points for Northwestern on a career-best 6 of 7 from 3-point range. Angelo Ciaravino scored 16 points and the Wildcats made 12 of 21 from beyond the arc while assisting on 20 field goals.

Martinelli moved into eighth place on Northwestern’s career scoring list in the first half, surpassing 1,588 career points.

Solomon Washington added 14 rebounds and 11 points for Maryland, which held a 36-24 rebounding advantage but committed 15 turnovers.

The game marked another close finish for Northwestern, which has played 26 games decided by two possessions or fewer since the start of last season, tied for the most among major conference programs.

Up Next

Maryland: hosts Washington on Saturday.

Northwestern: at Indiana on Tuesday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

February 19, 2026

Thursday's Time Schedule

All Times EST

Thursday, Feb. 19

NBA

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Brooklyn at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Houston at Charlotte, 7 p.m.

Indiana at Washington, 7 p.m.

Detroit at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Toronto at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.

Boston at Golden State, 10 p.m.

Orlando at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Denver at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

T25 WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

No. 2 UCLA vs. Washington, 10 p.m.

No. 3 South Carolina at No. 25 Alabama, 8:30 p.m.

No. 4 Texas at Arkansas, 7:30 p.m.

No. 7 LSU at Mississippi, 9 p.m.

No. 9 Duke vs. NC State, 7 p.m.

No. 11 Oklahoma at No. 24 Georgia, 6:30 p.m.

No. 13 Iowa at Purdue, 7 p.m.

No. 21 Tennessee vs. Texas A&M, 6:30 p.m.

No. 22 North Carolina at Virginia Tech, 6 p.m.

_____

February 19, 2026

Francisco Lindor performs baserunning drills with teammates for first time this spring

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Francisco Lindor runs the bases with his Mets teammates during a drill on Feb. 18, 2026 in Port St. Lucie

Observations from Mets’ spring training on Wednesday in Port St. Lucie:

Tobias’ turn

Tobias Myers threw two innings of live batting practice Wednesday.

Mets right-hander Tobias Myers comes off the field after throwing two innings of batting practice on Feb. 18, 2026 Corey Sipkin for New York Post

The right-hander is stretching out for potential starting duty if needed, but otherwise will open the season in the Mets bullpen.

Staying active

Francisco Lindor participated in baserunning drills with his teammates for the first time while rehabbing from left hamate bone surgery, which has left him questionable for Opening Day.

Francisco Lindor runs the bases with his Mets teammates during a drill on Feb. 18, 2026 in Port St. Lucie. Corey Sipkin for New York Post

Caught my eye

In a matchup of potential Hall of Famers, Craig Kimbrel faced Juan Soto twice in live batting practice.

Soto hit an infield grounder and walked in those two plate appearances.

Thursday’s schedule

Full-squad workouts continue ahead of Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener against the Marlins at Clover Park.

February 19, 2026

Grizzlies say Morant's still feeling elbow discomfort and Caldwell-Pope will have finger surgery

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will miss at least two more weeks as he continues his recovery after spraining the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow on Jan. 21.

The Grizzlies announced Wednesday that the two-time All-Star is progressing in his rehabilitation but continues to feel discomfort. The Grizzlies said Morant will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Grizzlies officials also said guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will undergo surgery Thursday to address misalignment of his right pinky finger. A timeline on his recovery will be announced after the procedure.

Morant, 26, has appeared in just 20 games for the Grizzlies this season. He is averaging 19.5 points, 7.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds.

Although Morant’s name came up in plenty of trade rumors over the last month, the Grizzlies kept him at the trade deadline and instead sent two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz.

Caldwell-Pope, 33, has averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 51 games.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba