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Red Wings Lose Andrew Copp, And Twice Lose Lead In 4-3 Loss To Panthers

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The Detroit Red Wings twice held the lead against the severely shorthanded Florida Panthers, who were missing multiple forwards, on Tuesday evening at Amerant Bank Arena. 

But on a night when the Red Wings needed to gain points in the standings and get some outside help, nothing went right. 

The Panthers twice tied the score in the third period, and then scored the game-winning goal with 14 seconds left in regulation, holding on for a victory and dealing the Red Wings perhaps their most disappointing defeat of the season. 

Not only that, but the Red Wings, who were already playing without top center and team captain Dylan Larkin, lost Andrew Copp after he suffered a lower-body injury in the second period; he was ruled out for the remainder of the game. 

Adding extra insult to injury was the fact that the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, and Columbus Blue Jackets all won their respective games.

Montreal is now back in the third place position in the Atlantic, while the Red Wings dropped down to the first Wild Card position; the Bruins are only one point behind, with the Blue Jackets only three points behind. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

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Vinnie Hinostroza, who was recently re-acquired by the Panthers, opened the scoring by deflecting a shot past goaltender John Gibson in the first period. 

However, the Red Wings took the lead in the second period thanks to strikes from Patrick Kane and Justin Faulk. For Faulk, it was his first goal in a Red Wings uniform after being acquired on Friday from the St. Louis Blues. 

While the Panthers tied the game early in the third period, Marco Kasper took a pass from Emmitt Finnie and partially broke in alone before ripping a shot past goaltender Daniil Tarasov. 

But the Panthers managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to a pair of goals from Carter Verhaeghe, who not only tied the score with Tarasov on the bench for an extra attacker but then scored the winner with 14 seconds remaining. 

Gibson finished with 24 saves, while Tarasov countered with 25 saves. 

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Alexis Lafreniere's hat trick leads Rangers over Flames 4-0

NEW YORK (AP) — Rangers forward Alexis Lafreniere got his second career hat trick and Jonathan Quick stopped 21 shots as the New York Rangers defeated the Calgary Flames 4-0 on Tuesday night.

Conor Sheary scored his second goal of the season.

Mika Zibanejad and Gabe Perreault added two assists. Zibanejad's assist on Lafreniere’s first goal gave him 800 career points. Adam Fox’s assist on the goal gave him 400 career points, becoming the fourth Rangers defenseman to hit that milestone.

Lafreniere has eight goals and five assists in his last nine games.

Quick earned his second shutout of the season and the 65th of his career. He passed Henrik Lundqvist for 17th most career shutouts in the NHL and sits one behind Patrick Roy.

Dustin Wolf made 25 saves for the Flames.

The Rangers are in last place in the Eastern Conference. They were coming off a 6-2 win over Philadelphia in which Zibanejad scored twice. Tuesday night was the first time they won two in a row since December.

The Flames have lost six of their last seven.

New York right wing Taylor Raddysh was scratched, missing his second straight game because of the death of his father.

Up next

Flames at New Jersey on Thursday.

Rangers visit Winnipeg on Thursday.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Preston Edmead scores 26 points and Hofstra wins CAA tourney to end 25-year NCAA Tournament drought

WASHINGTON (AP) — Freshman Preston Edmead scored a season-high 26 points and Hofstra is returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 25 years after defeating Monmouth 75-69 for the Coastal Athletic Association Tournament championship on Tuesday night.

Third-seeded Hofstra earned its fifth NCAA Tournament bid and first in the tenure of Hofstra alum Speedy Claxton, who has been head coach since the 2021-22 season. Hofstra last played in the tournament in 2001.

A 3-pointer by Edmead gave Hofstra a 64-58 lead with 3 1/2 minutes remaining. Monmouth battled back and got within 66-65 on a 3 by Justin Ray with 1:18 left.

Hofstra’s German Plotnikov hit a jumper for a 69-65 lead and two free throws by Edmead made it 71-65 with 14 seconds left. Kavion McClains' four-point play made it interesting at 71-69, but he missed his next 3-point attempt and Hofstra locked up the automatic bid with four free throws down the stretch.

Cruz Davis scored 12 points and Plotnikov 10 for Hofstra (24-10). Silas Sunday grabbed 12 rebounds.

Edmead's previous high was 24 points against Monmouth in January.

McClain scored 19 points, Jason Rivera-Torres and Stefanos Spartalis 16 each and Ray 11 for Monmouth (19-15). Spartalis had 11 rebounds.

Monmouth, the No. 4 seed, led throughout the early going and it was 18-13 with 10 1/2 minutes left in the half. Hofstra took its first lead at 24-23 when Davis drained a 3-pointer and the Pride went on to lead 35-32 at halftime.

Before the loss, the Hawks were 8-2 in February and March and had won five in a row.

Up next

NCAA Tournament pairings will be announced on Sunday.

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Wright State rallies to beat Detroit Mercy 66-63 and win Horizon League Championship

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — TJ Burch scored 16 of his 19 points in the second half to help top-seeded Wright State rally from a 12-point deficit and beat No. 3 seed Detroit Mercy 66-63 in the Horizon League Championship title game on Tuesday night.

Wright State used a 25-7 run, capped by consecutive 3-pointers from Logan Woods, for a 62-56 lead with 1:21 remaining. With nine seconds left, TJ Nadeau's 3-pointer pulled Detroit Mercy to 65-63. Michael Cooper then missed two free throws for the Raiders, but on the Titans' final possession Kellen Pickett blocked Orlando Lovejoy's layup attempt. Michael Imariagbe ended it with a free throw.

Pickett added 17 points and Imariagbe finished with 12 for Wright State (23-11). They each had seven rebounds.

Lovejoy scored 26 points on 8-of-19 shooting from the field and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line to lead Detroit Mercy (17-15). Nadeau made four 3-pointers and scored 21 points. Legend Geeter added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Detroit Mercy closed the first half on a 13-1 run for a 29-26 lead at the break. Lovejoy scored nine points during the surge and finished with 13 in the first half.

The Titans led 49-37 with about 10 minutes to play.

It was Wright State’s seventh championship game in the last 14 seasons and the first meeting between the teams in the tournament since 2016. The Raiders have won 22 of the last 26 games against the Titans.

Wright State is the third straight team to complete the regular-season and tournament-title sweep, joining Oakland (2024) and Robert Morris (2025).

Up next

NCAA Tournament pairings will be announced on Sunday.

___ 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

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Flames Shut Out by Rangers 4–0 at Madison Square Garden

The Calgary Flames came up empty on Tuesday night, dropping a 4–0 decision to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

It was a night of milestones despite the result. Forward Ryan Strome skated in his 900th NHL game, doing so in a familiar building where he spent four seasons with the Rangers. Meanwhile, Adam Klapka reached the 100-game mark in his NHL career. In goal, Dustin Wolf got the start for Calgary opposite veteran netminder Jonathan Quick, a player Wolf has often cited as a childhood hero.

© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The Rangers opened the scoring late in the first period during a lengthy two-man advantage. At 17:27, Alexis Lafrenière positioned himself in front of the net and redirected a Mika Zibanejad shot past Wolf for the power-play marker. The assist gave Zibanejad the 800th point of his NHL career and sent the Rangers to the intermission with a 1–0 lead.

New York added to its advantage midway through the second period. After a long dump-in created pressure in the Flames’ zone, Ty Kartye tracked down the puck and fed Conor Sheary trailing into the play. Sheary wasted no time ripping a one-timer past Wolf at 10:28 to double the Rangers’ lead.

© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The home side kept the momentum rolling later in the frame. At 16:31, a quick passing sequence through the slot set up Lafrenière for his second of the night. Zibanejad picked up his second assist on the play as the Rangers executed a crisp tic-tac-toe passing play that left Wolf with little chance. After 40 minutes, New York held a commanding 3–0 edge.

Lafrenière completed the hat trick in the third period. Gabriel Perreault found him open for a one-timer, and the Rangers forward roofed the puck to extend the lead to 4–0 and seal the win for New York.

Despite generating several chances, Calgary was unable to solve Quick, who turned aside every attempt he faced to secure the shutout.

© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
© Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Three Takeaways

Milestone Moments

Ryan Strome reached the 900-game plateau in the same building where he spent four seasons as a Ranger, while Adam Klapka appeared in the 100th game of his NHL career.

Coronato Creating Chances

Matt Coronato remains without a goal in his last 12 games, but the young forward showed signs of progress by generating several quality opportunities and putting six shots on goal.

New Power-Play Look

The Flames debuted a reworked second power-play unit featuring newcomers Ryan Strome and Victor Olofsson, a sign the coaching staff is continuing to experiment with combinations following recent roster changes.

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SEE IT: Nolan McLean strikes out the side in first inning of WBC debut for Team USA

In his first appearance for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Mets young hurler Nolan McLean couldn't have asked for a better start.

Starting the final game of pool play against Team Italy, the 24-year-old struck out the side and needed just 11 pitches to do it while looking absolutely dominant.

McLean began his outing by striking out Jakob Marsee of the Miami Marlins on three pitches, getting him to freeze on a curveball on the outside corner. His next victim was veteran Jon Berti, who struck out swinging on a sweeper down and away. McLean then made quick work of the Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino by getting him to chase a curveball out of the zone.

Tuesday's start is McLean's first appearance in a game since Feb. 26, when he pitched four scoreless innings against the Houston Astros. He allowed a hit and a walk in that outing while striking out six.

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Jaylen Brown’s ejection was absolutely ridiculous in Celtics-Spurs

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was ejected from a Tuesday night game against the San Antonio Spurs with 3:38 remaining in the second quarter after earning a pair of technical fouls from the officials. Brown was driving near the sideline and appeared to be pushed out of bounds by San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, but the refs called it a turnover on Boston and gave San Antonio the ball. Brown berated the refs after the call and earned a technical foul. He kept going, and earned a second one, which triggered the ejection.

It’s only the second ejection of Brown’s career. There’s some context to his frustration: he was fined $35K earlier this year for criticizing the refs in the last meeting with the Spurs. Did Brown really deserve this ejection? Judge for yourself with the video below:

This Celtics vs. Spurs game feels like a possible 2026 NBA Finals matchup. It’s a spotlight national game on Peacock that should be a great advertisement for the playoffs ahead. Ejecting Boston’s best player this year in such a big game takes away from a matchup that should be getting fans excited for the stretch run.

It sure looks like Brown was shoved out of bounds by Castle on the drive in question. He’s right to be upset about that call. Do the refs really think he’d just run out of bounds?

Brown immediately tweeted about his ejection from the locker room:

Here’s what Brown said about the refs after Boston’s loss to the Spurs in Jan. that earned him such a big fine:

“I’m driving to the basket. I’m physical. I don’t flop. I don’t shy away from contact. I go up strong. I’m athletic — and nothing,” he said. “The inconsistency is f—ing crazy. Give me the fine.”

“Curtis, all them dudes was terrible tonight. I don’t care. They can fine me whatever they want,” he said. “But it’s crazy. Every time we play a good team, it’s the same bulls—. Somebody please pull up the clips. I’m irate how they officiated the game today.

The Celtics suddenly look like favorites in the East with Jayson Tatum back from his torn Achilles. Too bad we can’t see them test themselves against an elite Spurs team to end this game.

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Celtics' Brown ejected in first half after argument with officials in battle with Spurs

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown was ejected after receiving two technical fouls during the first half of Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, a battle between the No. 2 teams in each conference.

Brown was upset after no foul was called when he lost the ball out of bounds with 3:42 remaining in the first half.

Official Tyler Ford assessed the first technical four seconds later after Brown continued to voice his displeasure at the no-call.

The technical incensed Brown, who had to be restrained by teammates from approaching Ford. Official Suyash Mehta assessed a second technical seconds later, resulting in an automatic ejection.

Brown did not exit the court immediately after the ejection as he continued yelling at Ford. Players and staff, including Boston coach Joe Mazzulla, had to restrain Brown from approaching Ford. Brown threw his hands up in disgust before walking off the court.

Brown had eight points and seven assists in 15 minutes when he was ejected.

Boston has won two straight and San Antonio has won four in a row in a battle between the No. 2 teams in each conference.

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Keith Hernandez trolls Steve Gelbs over Jets’ Geno Smith trade in hilarious SNY moment

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith #7 is all smiles on the bench during the fourth quarter. , Image 2 shows Jeff McNeil #1 of the New York Mets talks in an interview with SNY reporter Steve Gelbs after having water dumped on him for hitting a walk-off one-run single in the tenth inning to win the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in New York, New York, Image 3 shows Retired New York Mets Keith Hernandez and John Franco throw out the first pitch before Game 3 of the NLDS playoffs against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Filed, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024
geno smith trade

Keith Hernandez had some fun at the expense of his SNY broadcast partner Steve Gelbs after news broke that the Jets were bringing back Geno Smith. 

The pair were on the call for Tuesday’s spring training game between the Mets and Cardinals when Gelbs started to read a promo for the network’s “Jets Nation” free agency special and mentioned the surprising trade news that had broken earlier in the day. 

“Apparently, the Jets are trading for Geno Smith,” Gelbs said, sounding somewhat exasperated.

Geno Smith runs with the ball during his first tenure with the Jets. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Hernandez responded by expressing curiosity over who the Jets traded in the deal. 

“I’d like to know who they trade,” he said. 

“I don’t expect it would be all that much,” Gelb responded. 

After the two learned the details — with New York getting a seventh-round pick and Las Vegas getting a sixth-rounder — of the deal between the Jets and Raiders, there was a brief silence, which then prompted Hernandez to troll Gelbs. 

Jeff McNeil talks in an interview with SNY reporter Steve Gelbs after having water dumped on him for hitting a walk-off one-run single in the tenth inning to win the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in New York, New York. MLB Photos via Getty Images

“Steve, are you OK? I can take over for you for a half inning if you want here,” Hernandez joked. 

“It is what it is here,” Gelbs then said back, which led Hernandez to let out a big chuckle at his broadcast partner’s response. 

The Mets legend and World Series winner tried to give Gelbs, who is part of the Jets’ postgame show during NFL season, some positive comments afterward. 

Hernandez did note the successful stint Smith had after the Jets, but Gelbs noted the QB’s issues last season with the Raiders. 

“He really struggled last year, one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL,” Gelbs said.

The decision to bring Smith back was surprising after his first stint in the Big Apple didn’t go very well. 

Retired New York Mets Keith Hernandez and John Franco throw out the first pitch before Game 3 of the NLDS playoffs against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Filed, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Smith played for the Giants, Chargers, Seahawks, Broncos and Raiders to varying degrees of success. 

The QB had a rocky tenure with the Jets that is most remembered for the altercation he had with then-teammate IK Enemkpali when Smith was punched and broke his jaw.

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March Madness automatic bids tracker: 11 NCAA Tournament spots up for grabs today

Selection Sunday for the 2026 NCAA Tournament is just one day away.

Each of the 31 conference tournament champions earns an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament, with the other 37 spots awarded to at-large teams by the tournament’s selection committee.

March Madness bubble watch: State of play one day before bracket unveiled

College basketball games today: Conference finals, March Madness bids up for grabs

Here are the bids up for grabs today (listed by tip time):

  • America East: Vermont vs. UMBC, 11 a.m. (ESPN2)
  • MEAC: North Carolina Central vs. Howard, 1 p.m. (ESPN2)
  • Big 12: Houston vs. Arizona, 6 p.m., ESPN
  • Mountain West: Utah State vs. San Diego State, 6 p.m. (CBS)
  • Big East: UConn vs. St. John's, 6:30 p.m. (Fox)
  • SWAC: Prairie View A&M vs. Southern, 7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)
  • MAC: Toledo vs. Akron, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
  • ACC:Duke vs. Virginia, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
  • Conference USA: Kennesaw State vs. Louisiana Tech, 8:30 p.m. (CBSN)
  • Big West: Hawaii vs. UC Irvine, 10 p.m. (ESPN2)
  • WAC: Utah Valley vs. California Baptist, 11:59 p.m. (ESPN2)

More: March Madness loses its first Cinderella as 6 games in 6 days takes toll

Here’s a look at the champions of each of the 31 conference tournaments, all of which are on their way to the NCAA Tournament.

HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES.

NCAA Tournament automatic bids: Who is in March Madness bracket 2026?

  • America East:
  • ACC:
  • ASUN: Queens (N.C.)
  • Atlantic 10:
  • Big 12:
  • Big East:
  • Big Sky: Idaho
  • Big South: High Point
  • Big Ten:
  • Big West:
  • CAA: Hofstra
  • Conference USA:
  • Horizon League: Wright State
  • Ivy League:
  • MAAC: Siena
  • MAC:
  • MEAC:
  • Missouri Valley: Northern Iowa
  • Mountain West:
  • Northeast: Long Island
  • Ohio Valley: Tennessee State
  • Patriot League: Lehigh
  • SEC:
  • SoCon: Furman
  • Southland: McNeese
  • SWAC:
  • Summit League: North Dakota State
  • Sun Belt: Troy
  • WAC:
  • West Coast: Gonzaga

Gonzaga takes West Coast berth

Gonzaga didn't see arch-foe Saint Mary's in the final, but wasn't phased by Santa Clara in the West Coast Conference final. The Bulldogs, led by Mario Saint-Suprey's 21 points, unseated the Broncos to make their 27th straight Men's NCAA Tournament. It's their 23rd WCC title.

Troy goes back-to-back in Sun Belt

The Trojans defeated No. 10 seed Georgia Southern 77-61 at the Pensacola Bay Center in Pensacola, Florida on Monday behind a game-high 23 points from Thomas Dowd.

It's back-to-back Sun Belt Conference titles for Scott Cross' program, marking the sixth time in conference history a team has repeated as champions.

NDSU basketball wins Summit League

The Summit League's top seed North Dakota State beat in-state North Dakota in Sunday's Summit League tournament final, 70-62.

NDSU won the conference with a 14-2 league record this season, and will be making its first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2000.

The Bison (27-7) advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the sixth time in its Division I history, joining 2009, 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2020.

Queens wins ASUN, headed to first NCAA Tournament

Queens (N.C.) booked its first trip to March Madness with a win over top-seed Central Arkansas in the ASUN Conference Tournament on Sunday.

The Royals needed to overcome overtime and 49 points from UCA's Camren Hunter, to win 98-93.

High Point repeats as Big South champion

High Point is headed back to March Madness after repeating as Big South Tournament champions.

High Point earned the No. 1 seed in the nine-team field under first-year coach Flynn Clayman with a program-best 15-1 regular season record in conference play.

High Point defeated No. 2 seed Winthrop 91-76 in Sunday's championship game.

UNI back in March Madness for first time since 2016

For the first time in Missouri Valley Conference history, a team won four games in four days to win the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament automatic bid that goes with it.

No. 6 seed Northern Iowa beat No. 5 seed UIC 84-69 on Sunday in the Arch Madness finale in St. Louis to book its spot in March Madness.

It is UNI's first appearance in the Big Dance since 2016.

Tennessee State wins OVC, makes March Madness for first time since 1994

The Tigers are in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1994 after defeating Morehead State 93-67 in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship on March 7 at Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.

The top-seeded Tigers, under former Duke standout Nolan Smith (in his first season as head coach), dominated No. 2 seed Morehead State (20-13) from the tip-off. It was the most points scored by a team in an OVC Tournament final.

Long Island makes NCAA Tournament before NEC final

Because Mercyhurst reached the NEC Tournament final and isn't eligible for NCAA tournament play because of its transition from Division II, Long Island gets the automatic bid regardless of the result in Tuesday's championship game.

Former NBA standout Rod Strickland is LIU's head coach and has engineered an impressive turnaround from one of the country's worst teams two seasons ago.

What day does March Madness start?

The NCAA tournament First Four on the men’s side begins on Tuesday, March 17 and continues on Wednesday, March 18. 

The four men’s games, which are held in Dayton, Ohio, feature the final four at-large selections to the field, as well as the four lowest-rated No. 16 seeds. The winner of each matchup advances to the first round. First-round games will take place on March 19 and March 20.

When is Selection Sunday?

  • Date: Sunday, March 15

Selection Sunday for the 2025-26 college basketball season will take place on Sunday, March 15, with both the men's and women's NCAA Tournament brackets being revealed.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness automatic bids update: Who is in NCAA Tournament bracket?

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Konnor Griffin leads Pirates prospects participating in 2026 Spring Breakout

Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Spring Breakout was created by Major League Baseball in 2024 to showcase baseball franchises’ best up-and-coming players.

The Pirates defeated the Baltimore Orioles 3-1 in an event unlike anything we’ve seen before, and instantly became a hit.

The top prospects from the Pirates organization will play against the top talent from the Tigers organization this year.

It’s a rare time when recent draft picks like 2025 first-round pick right-hander Seth Hernandez can play in the same game as a player who has already made his MLB debut, but is still a prospect like infielder Nick Yorke.

Earlier this month, the Pirates announced 40 players on their 2026 Spring Breakout roster. The unit includes 16 pitchers, five catchers, 12 infielders, and seven outfielders.

All of the Pirates’ Top 30 prospects, per MLB Pipeline, are listed on the team. One question surrounds No. 25 prospect, Jack Brannigan. Brannigan suffered a broken nose at the start of spring training.

The group is led by No. 1 overall prospect phenom Konnor Griffin. Right-handed pitchers Bubba Chandler (No. 2) and Seth Hernandez (No. 3), outfielder/first baseman Edward Florentino (No. 4), and lefty Hunter Barco (No. 5) round out the top five.

It’s a chance for fans across the country to see some of the biggest names in the organization all compete on the same field, potentially watching players they’ve heard much about for the first time. 

Baseball America ranked the Pirates as the No. 1 farm system in baseball earlier this year.

The Pirates battle the Tigers on March 20 at their spring training home, LECOM Park in Bradenton,

Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. and will air on SportsNet Pittsburgh. 

Full Spring Breakout roster:

Pitchers: 

RHP (13): Bubba Chandler, Brandon Bidois, Khristian Curtis, Wilber Dotel, Thomas Harrington, Seth Hernandez, Yonleg Gaetano, Antwone Kelly, Justin Meis, Jeter Martinez, Levi Sterling, Mike Walsh, Zander Mueth

LHP (3): Cy Nelson, Hunter Barco, Reinold Navarro

Catchers (5): Omar Alfonzo, Rafael Flores, Easton Carmichael, Edgleen Perez, Axiel Plaz

Infielders (12): Konnor Griffin, Termarr Johnson, Tony Blanco, Jack Brannigan, Duce Gourson, Murf Gray, Yordany De Los Santos, Michael Callan Moss, Darell Morel, Nick Yorke, Sammy Stafura, Wyatt Sanford 

Outfielders (7): Jhostynxon Garcia, Edward Florentino, Esmerlyn Valdez, Mitch Jebb, Titus Dumitru, Brian Sanchez, Will Taylor 

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AJ Dybantsa scores 40 as No. 10 seed BYU beats Kansas State 105-91 in the Big 12 Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — AJ Dybantsa had 40 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and No. 10 seed BYU use a big second-half run to break open a close game with No. 15 seed Kansas State and roll to a 105-91 victory in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday night.

Robert Wright III added 14 points and six assists, and Kennard Davis Jr. had 15 points for the Cougars (22-10), who set a single-game tournament scoring record while advancing to play seventh-seeded West Virginia on Wednesday night.

P.J. Haggerty matched Dybantsa into the second half and finished with 27 points for the Wildcats (12-20), who played their final game for interim coach Matthew Driscoll, who had taken control of the program after the firing of Jerome Tang last month.

Nate Johnson had 19 points for Kansas State. Khamari McGriff finished with 13.

The fact that BYU was playing at all Tuesday night was somewhat surprising.

Dybantsa could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft this year. Wright has been a star in his own right. At one point early in the season, the Cougars were ranked seventh in the AP Top 25 and living up to the lofty expectations of their expensive lineup.

But things went sideways beginning with a four-game skid in January and February, and floor leader Richie Saunders was lost for the rest of the season to a torn ACL. The Cougars lost three of their last four games, and tiebreakers put them at the No. 10 seed.

They jumped out to a quick lead Tuesday night, though, as Haggerty and Dybantsa began to duel. And while they led just 50-49 at the break, the Cougars went on a 17-2 run beginning with about 9 1/2 minutes to play that allowed them to pull away.

Up next

The Cougars march on to face West Virginia, which beat them 79-71 a couple of weeks ago.

Kansas State turns its focus toward hiring its next permanent coach.

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Roki Sasaki pitches ‘electric’ B-game, stays in Dodgers rotation plans

PHOENIX –– Despite his shaky start to spring training, the Dodgers have been steadfast about having Roki Sasaki in their opening day rotation.

On Tuesday afternoon, in a performance that Dodgers officials described as “electric,” the Japanese phenom finally started to validate that faith.

It was only a backfield B-game at Camelback Ranch. He was only facing minor-leaguers from the Chicago White Sox organization. But in a scoreless four-inning outing in which he allowed just one hit and struck out nine batters, Sasaki showed why manager Dave Roberts reaffirmed him as a virtual roster lock for the start of the season earlier in the morning.

Roki Sasaki bounced back from his shaky spring training start. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“I just don’t see a world where he doesn’t break (camp) with us as a starter,” Roberts said in his pregame address with reporters, before later adding:  “I’m betting on the performance to continue to trend up, to be good enough (to be in the rotation), and to only get better with the talent that he has and the work that he’s put in.”

The fact Sasaki was relegated on Tuesday to backfield duty –– where he pitched against a White Sox lineup full of mostly double-A caliber talent, and in front of only a smattering of fans, team officials, scouts and autograph hounds –– was a reflection of the rough form he’d shown at the start of camp.

In each of his first two Cactus League starts, the 24-year-old right-hander had struggled to command his pitches, and his fastball especially, allowing a combined seven runs and five walks in just 3 ⅓ innings.

Even worse, his inefficient workload had complicated his primary objective this spring, needing to build up innings in his return to a starting role following last postseason’s cameo as emergency closer.

In each of his first two Cactus League starts, Sasaki had struggled to command his pitches,. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Thus, the Dodgers decided to stick Sasaki with the minor-leaguers on Tuesday, while Tyler Glasnow got the start in the team’s main game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Roberts described the decision as a way to ensure Sasaki would get through four innings, given the more controlled environment a B-game allows.

Still, it also felt like a chance for the Dodgers to take some pressure off the second-year fireballer, and shield him from the spotlight as he continues to refine his delivery.

“Command the fastball, use the split, use his breaking ball to get through the lineup, and get through four innings,” Roberts said ahead of Sasaki’s outing. “That’s what the goal is today.”

For the most part, Sasaki checked all those boxes.

He was erratic with his fastball early, but gradually dialed in his command while hitting 98-100 mph on the radar gun.

The Dodgers decided to stick Sasaki with the minor-leaguers on Tuesday. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

His trademark splitter and newly-added cutter left White Sox prospects looking overmatched and helpless, accounting for the majority of the 17 whiffs that helped him breeze through his outing.

The lone hit he gave up came to his first batter of the game, on a ground-ball single through the right side of the infield. After that, he struck out seven in a row and nine of his final 12 batters, allowing only one more baserunner when he plunked a hitter in the third.

Most importantly, Sasaki emerged from the afternoon feeling confident about the latest adjustments he has made to his mechanics.

“Yesterday and the day before, the process of making adjustments didn’t go well,” he said in Japanese. “But the fact it was good today means … I responded with results. I needed that right now.”

Roberts agreed, downplaying a question about the quality of competition Sasaki faced on Tuesday by pointing to the way it could provide him renewed confidence –– and catapult him through the final two weeks leading up to opening day.

“There’s still value to getting hitters out and seeing guys swing and miss,” Roberts said. “We accomplished what we wanted to.”

“Couldn’t have asked for a better day,” he added.

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Bam Adebayo sets Miami Heat record for most points scored in a half

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo set a franchise-record following his first half performance against the Washington Wizards on March 10.

Adebayo torched the Washington defense for a team-record 31 points in the opening quarter, the most in Heat history for points scored in the first quarter.

Adebayo played the entire first quarter. He shot 10-for-16 from the field, including 5-of-8 from long distance. He's also been to the line, shooting 6-of-8 on free throws.

Adebayo scored a franchise-record 43 first-half points on 13-of-24 shooting, 5-of-11 from 3 and 12-of-14 free throws. He's added five rebounds, two steals and a block.

Miami led the Wizards, 76-62, at the halfway point of the game.

Etching name amongst Miami greats

The three-time All-Star eclipsed the record previously held by LeBron James, who scored 25 points in a quarter against the then-Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets). James then scored a career-high 61 points.

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United States vs. Italy WBC game chat

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Will Smith #16 of the United States in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Team USA is 3-0 thus far in Pool B and can win the pool and advance to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals with a win Tuesday night against 2-0 Italy. Will Smith is back in the lineup behind the plate and batting fifth.

Tuesday game info
  • Event: World Baseball Classic, Pool B
  • Teams: United States vs. Italy
  • Ballpark: Daikin Park, Houston
  • Time: 6 p.m. PT
  • TV: FS1
  • Radio: MLB Audio, Sirius XM