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Illinois State and Louisiana Tech play in NIT

Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters (18-15, 9-11 CUSA) at Illinois State Redbirds (23-12, 15-7 MVC) Bloomington, Illinois; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Illinois State plays Louisiana Tech in the National Invitation Tournament. The Redbirds are 15-7 against MVC opponents and 8-5 in non-conference play.

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Purdue Fort Wayne and Cleveland State square off in NIT

Cleveland State Vikings (26-9, 15-7 Horizon) at Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons (27-8, 20-3 Horizon) Fort Wayne, Indiana; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Purdue Fort Wayne and Cleveland State meet in the National Invitation Tournament. The Mastodons are 20-3 against Horizon opponents and 7-5 in non-conference play.

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FA Cup quarter-finals and more: talking points from the weekend’s action

Manchester City’s fire still burns bright, Marcus Rashford reminds critics of his ability and Eberechi Eze’s great week

A seventh semi-final in succession showed that Manchester City, at least, see magic in the FA Cup. The quarter-finals saw them cast as unwelcome outsiders, lacking the romance of their fellow hopefuls. None of the other seven had won a major trophy this century, four never in their history. Pep Guardiola’s frenzied reaction after Omar Marmoush scored his team’s second at Bournemouth showed his fire still burns brightly. Surely nearing the end at City, Kevin De Bruyne played the 90 minutes, remaining influential and mobile throughout. He and his teammates have played better this season but this display at the Vitality saw real gutsiness, a key part of the makeup during the glory years. If the hosts, shorn of Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez, were incapable of holding City’s hand to the fire as they had in November, a new City is emerging. Nico O’Reilly added impetus from the bench. So did Marmoush, both offering the pace, strength and vigour their manager now desires. John Brewin

Match report: Bournemouth 1-2 Manchester City

Match report: Preston 0-3 Aston Villa

Match report: Brighton 0-0 Nottm Forest (3-4 on pens)

Match report: Fulham 0-3 Crystal Palace

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Sharks Lose 8-1 At The Hands Of Kings

Mar 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Luca Cagnoni (42) defends a shot on goal by Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe (9) in the second period at Crypto.com Arena. 

The Los Angeles Kings defeated the San Jose Sharks 8-1 on Sunday night.

San Jose is coming off a 6-1 loss at the hands of the New York Rangers on Saturday.

Adrian Kempe and Warren Foegele scored two goals for the Kings, while Phillip Danault, Trevor Moore, Trevor Lewis, and Andrei Kuzmenko scored the other goals for LA. David Rittich made 22 saves.

Cam Lund scored his second NHL goal and second goal in as many nights. Marc-Edouard Vlasic returned from an upper-body injury. Georgi Romanov made 28 saves.

Sharks Draft Debate: Michael Misa Or Matthew SchaeferSharks Draft Debate: Michael Misa Or Matthew SchaeferNHL Draft season is around the corner and the San Jose Sharks could have a much harder decision in 2025 if they pick first again.

Danault gave the Kings the 1-0 lead at 5:35 of the first period with a one-timer off a pass from Quinton Byfield.

As the power-play wound down, Kempe netted his 30th goal of the season at 15:`13. Anze Kopitar fed a pass to the top of the crease that Kempe one-timed through Romanov's five-hole.

Lund scored his second NHL goal just 19 second after the Sharks killed his penalty at 4:52 of the second period to make it a 2-1 game.

Moore pushed the lead back to two goals, 3-1. Moore found soft ice behind the Sharks' defense and beat Romanov through the five-hole.

Foegele added another power-play goal to make it 4-1 at 13:21.

Foegele deflects home his second of the game to make it 5-1.

Kempe scored his second goal of the night and 34 seconds after Foegele scored his second. 

Kuzmenko made it 7-1 before Lewis scored 36 seconds later to make it 8-1.

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Knicks Notes: Mitchell Robinson, Delon Wright impact defense; Jalen Brunson gets candid about conditioning

The Knicks have the NBA's sixth-best defensive rating over the past month.

In the four-plus months prior to that, New York ranked 16th in defensive efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions).

That's a large discrepancy.

When you ask players about the defensive jump, there's one factor they cite most often: Mitchell Robinson.

Robinson's season debut was Feb. 28, following a lengthy rehab on his surgically repaired ankle/foot.

The Knicks wanted to bring him along slowly, have him healthy and in rhythm by the time the playoffs rolled around.

It seems like things are trending in the right direction.

Robinson has had to shake off rust over the past four-plus weeks. But recently, he's shown flashes of the rim-protecting, pick-and-roll-disrupting big man the Knicks grew accustomed to over the past two-plus seasons.

"The last month and a half, he's been a monster defensively," said Josh Hart. "Blowing up screens, blowing up handoffs, like a free safety on that backside."

The Knicks' net rating is +4.8 with Robinson on the court.

They rank fifth in the NBA in turnovers and ninth in opponent three-point percentage.

"When you have somebody like that out there, then everybody gets more aggressive," Tom Thibodeau said after Sunday's 110-93 win over Portland. "... He's an elite pick-and-roll defender. His anticipation at the rim, he can cover up for mistakes. His communication is really good, and I think his understanding of what we're doing is really good."

Robinson, again, was a key factor in the Knicks' resurgence Sunday.

During his 15 minutes, New York outscored Portland by 19. He had four rebounds, two blocks and two assists.

Sunday's win was New York's third straight. The Knicks have treaded water without Jalen Brunson and -- more recently -- Miles McBride and Cam Payne. All three guards should all be back before the end of the regular season.

So New York's rotation will look different entering the first round of the playoffs. But barring injury, that rotation will still have Robinson coming off the bench. And if the past few weeks are any indication, the Knicks' defense will be stronger because of it.

Mar 30, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Delon Wright (0) dribbles as Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (5) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mar 30, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Delon Wright (0) dribbles as Portland Trail Blazers guard Dalano Banton (5) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

WRIGHT MOVE

One adjustment New York made that worked Sunday? Delon Wright switched to defend Anfernee Simons. Wright stifled Simons in the third quarter and helped limit him to 1-of-11 shooting in the second half.

Simons, in the first half, was defended at times by Mikal Bridges. OG Anunoby also contested a few of Simons' attempts in the first half. Bridges helped throw Simons off late in the third quarter.

Anunoby and Bridges were tremendous again on offense. Both finished with 28 points. Bridges had seven assists, and Anunoby had three steals and two blocks.

BRUNSON DOING ALL HE CAN

Brunson spoke to reporters before the game. Here is a detailed account of his comments.

One of Brunson's remarks that stood out to me was on his conditioning. He won't be in game shape when he gets back on the court.

But he has been doing conditioning work in the pool and, more recently, on the court, in an attempt to keep his conditioning at a high level.

"I've been able to do stuff to maintain, but I feel like it's definitely going to take a hit," Brunson said. "(The rehab is) not in-game reps. Out-of-game conditioning is different from just traditional conditioning, so I'm working my way back towards that.

"I feel like I've been working my ass off, so we'll see."

I still expect Brunson to play in a handful of games before the regular season ends.

New York has eight games remaining, starting with Tuesday's 7:30 p.m. tipoff against Philadelphia.

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‘All These Points Matter’: Maple Leafs Separate Themselves In Atlantic Division Race With Win Over Ducks, Successful California Road Trip

Mar 27, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs players celebrate a game-tying goal by right wing William Nylander (88) against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs capped off a successful California road trip with a 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday night. The club secured five of a possible six points, going 2-0-1 in three games and creating some breathing room at the top of the Atlantic Division. 

With the win, the Leafs now hold a three-point lead over both the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, sitting at 94 points with just eight regular-season games remaining.

The three-game swing happened all in four nights, and although it started shaky, it ended as a success. On Thursday, the club scratched and clawed their way to earn a single point against the San Jose Sharks, scoring twice in the final 44 seconds to force overtime. Despite falling 6-5 in a shootout, they salvaged a crucial point in a game they didn’t deserve.

'We're Starting To Find A Groove': Maple Leafs' Power Play Success A Positive Entering Final Stretch Of Regular Season'We're Starting To Find A Groove': Maple Leafs' Power Play Success A Positive Entering Final Stretch Of Regular SeasonToronto scored four of their five goals against San Jose on Thursday with an extra man on the ice.

Two days later, the first of a back-to-back, Toronto earned a 3-1 win against the Los Angeles Kings, thanks to a three-goal third period. The Kings, the NHL’s best home team this season, entered the game riding a seven-game win streak on home ice and had collected points in 15 straight contests. The Leafs found a seam in the third period after being shut out in the opening 40 minutes, securing two more points and catapulting to the top of the division. 

On Sunday, the trip concluded in Anaheim, where Steven Lorentz delivered the game-winning goal at 11:35 of the third period to lift the Leafs past the Ducks. Toronto weathered a strong push from Anaheim, getting outshot 31-23 and spending long stretches of the game in their own zone, including a first period where they were heavily outplayed.

'In The Playoffs, That's Going To Be Huge': Steven Lorentz Scores Fourth Game-Winning Goal Of Season In Maple Leafs' Win Over Ducks 'In The Playoffs, That's Going To Be Huge': Steven Lorentz Scores Fourth Game-Winning Goal Of Season In Maple Leafs' Win Over Ducks Lorentz had two goals in the playoffs last spring with Florida, one of which was a game-winner.

Regardless, they cashed in on important points when it mattered. 

“It's great. It's not an easy road trip,” said star forward Mitch Marner. “But anyway, three games and four nights to get used to a three-hour time change. The San Jose game wasn't easy. We made some big mistakes that they counted on. I thought we battled back to get a point, which is great. And these last two, both teams are very good, very hard to play against. So we knew these are important points. We wanted to get them. Just happy with us digging in and battling for them.”

Toronto’s schedule doesn’t get any easier. The Leafs return home to host the Panthers on Wednesday night, though Florida will be playing the second half of a back-to-back after facing the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.

From there, the Leafs face a tough seven-day stretch with matchups against the Columbus Blue Jackets before facing both the Panthers and the Lightning on a back-to-back in Florida on April 8 and 9. With only Eastern Conference opponents remaining on the schedule, every game carries weight.

“Yeah, it's no secret what's going on in the standings right now. All these points matter,” said Lorentz. “We've got three big games coming up against the two teams that are in the mix with us. So those are definitely important games, and important points on the line.”

“At the same time, we just have to take it a game at a time. We can't be thinking of just those three games. We've got eight or nine other ones that we've got to play into. So I think it's just one step at a time, and that's what we've got to focus on. It's just bringing our best every night. Eight games would be great to play our best hockey every single night, but mistakes are going to happen as long as we address those, and we keep going in the right direction, then we're happy.”

Toronto has won six of their last eight games, trending in the right direction towards the postseason. With the ability to win in different ways, whether grinding out low-scoring games or mounting comebacks late, the Leafs have begun to get in a “playoff mindset,” says goaltender Joseph Woll. 

“I think every game throughout the season matters, but these points are very important, and I'm just trying to get myself in a playoff mindset before it starts. I think that's the mood around the room,” said Woll. “I think that's the kind of game we're trying to play as a team. So I think we've done a good job of that.”

“Just the importance of everything, of every moment, right? In the playoffs, the margin for error is even smaller. So I think it's that much more important to be dialed in for a full 60, right? Like goals happen quick, mistakes happen quick. So I think, you know, from my standpoint, at least, it's dialing in the focus to make sure you're there and you're giving your best and you're fully present for all 60 minutes-plus,” he added.

‘Fortunately, It Worked Out In My Favor’: Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Reflects On Lengthy Review, Controversial Short-Handed Goal Against Kings‘Fortunately, It Worked Out In My Favor’: Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews Reflects On Lengthy Review, Controversial Short-Handed Goal Against KingsThe Toronto Maple Leafs got back in the win column in Los Angeles on Saturday, defeating the Kings 3-1. With the win, they moved from third to first in the Atlantic Division with 92 points.

The remaining eight games see seven opponents in or fighting for a playoff spot. For now, they’ve put themselves in an excellent position, controlling their own destiny. However, they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas.

Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

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Novak Djokovic falls short of 100th title as Jakub Mensik, 19, wins Miami Open final

  • Milestone remains out of Serb’s reach after upset
  • 54th-ranked Czech subdues veteran 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4)

Nineteen-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik beat his childhood idol Novak Djokovic 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) in an upset for the ages, claiming his first ATP title at the Miami Open as he denied the former world No 1 in his bid for a milestone 100th.

The 54th-ranked Mensik faced tough odds in only his second ATP final but harnessed his best weapon to subdue the 24-time major winner with 14 aces and collapsed onto the court, overcome with emotion, after sealing it with an unreturnable serve.

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Seven ejected as Timberwolves, Pistons altercation spills into front row

Detroit Pistons v Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MARCH 30: Ronald Holland II #00 of the Detroit Pistons and Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves fight in the second quarter. Holland II and DiVincenzo were ejected from the game at Target Center on March 30, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images)

Getty Images

That really escalated quickly. I mean, that really got out of hand fast.

There had been rising tension between the Pistons and Timberwolves for a few plays, with both Donte DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert having words with Isaiah Stewart. Then, in the middle of the second quarter, Naz Ried drove the lane and was fouled by Pistons rookie Ron Holland. Reid confronted Holland and pointed at him, Donte DiVincenzo stepped in to support Reid (he didn't want a part of Stewart but jumped in on the rookie) and suddenly it was on — and spilling into the first row.

These videos show some of the tension building up, and then the fight.

After a fairly lengthy review, the referees came down hard. For Minnesota, Reid, DiVincenzo, and assistant coach Pablo Prigioni were all ejected. For Detroit, Holland, coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Isaiah Stewart and Marcus Sasser were ejected. That is seven people in total, although it's questionable what Holland did that earned an ejection (it was a common foul, then Reid and DiVincenzo escalated things).

Luke Walton took over coaching the Pistons for the rest of the game but did not pick up a win. Minnesota got the victory 123-104 behind 26 points from Julius Randle and 25 from Anthony Edwards. The Pistons were without Cade Cunningham for this one.

Fines and suspensions are coming for both teams at a time neither needs a setback. Detroit is currently the No. 6 seed in the East, with a 1.5 game lead over the Bucks to keep that spot so they are still looking to rack up wins. Minnesota may need wins more as they sit No. 7 in the West, but are just 1.5 games back on No. 5 seed Memphis, and they are just half a game up on the No. 8 seed Clippers (just three games separate the Lakers at No. 4 and the Clippers at No. 8, every team in that group needs wins to hold their position or improve it).

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LIVE Game Thread: Los Angeles Kings vs. San Jose Sharks

  © David Gonzales  

Game 73: The Los Angeles Kings (40-23-9) host the San Jose Sharks (20-43-9) to close out the season series with their Northern California rival.

The LA Kings will look to get back to their winning wins at Crypto.com Arena after losing to Toronto on March 29th.  Grinder Jeff Mallot will make his third straight start in place  of injured Tanner Jeannot. Currently in 2nd place in the Pacific Division, the Kings will be looking to go two points clear of the idle Edmonton Oilers. The Kings and Oilers appear to be headed to a fourth straight 1st round playoff confrontation. The only question remains seems to be which squad with have home ice in this series.

San Jose has the worst record in the NHL but have had success against their Southern California rivals, winning two out the first three games in the season series. 18-year-old Macklin Celebrini has 11 points (3 G, 8 A) in the month of March and 53 points in his rookie campaign after being selected 1st overall by San Jose in the 2024 NHL Draft. Georgi Romanov will make his second career NHL start in goal tonight for the Sharks. Former King Tyler Toffoli checks in with a team leading 27 goals on the year for San Jose.

Season Series:

Oct. 24--LA 3, SJ 2

Oct. 29--SJ 4, LA 2

Nov. 25--SJ 7, LA 2

Last Ten:

LA Kings: 7-3-0

San Jose Sharks: 4-6-0

Leading Scorers:

LA Kings-- Adrian Kempe, 29 goals, 58 points

SJ Sharks--William Eklund, 17 goals, 54 points

Probable Staring Goalies:

LA Kings--David Rittich, 14-13-2, 2.77 GAA, .888 SV%

SJ Sharks--Georgi Romanov, 0-1-0, 3.66 GAA, .874 SV%

1st Period:

Brandt Clarke with a shot from the point that is easily saved by Romanov.

Good right-pad save from Rittich to keep the game scoreless.

Kuzmenko forces Romanov to make a nice on his wrister from in tight.

Trevor Moore is taken down and LA will go on the power play early in the first.

5th worst power play in the NHL comes out to try to take the lead in this one.

Fiala with a lot of dangles but can't find the net.

LA turnover creates a shorthanded opportunity for the Sharks.

GOAL: Phil Danault scores just as the penalty expires for his 8th of the season. LAK 1-SJS 0. Assists to Quinton Byfield (26) and Trevor Moore (19)

BIG stop by Rittich on a walk-in attempt by Carl Grundstrom.

Quinton Byfield comes right back the other way but Romanov denies him. 

San Jose to go on the power play. LA's Drew Doughty goes off 2 minutes for slashing.

Now other LA King penalty. Phil Danault goes off two minutes for high-sticking. San Jose with now have a long 5 on 3 power play and an excellent chance to tie the game.

Celebrini steps into one and draws iron. 

HUGE kill by LA as San Jose squanders their 5 on 3 power play.

PENALTY PALOOZA continues. SJ penalty to Noah Gregor, two minutes for hooking.

BIG slapper from Doughty stopped by Romanov.

Sustained o-zone time by LA on this power play but still unable to convert.

GOAL: Adrian Kemp from the slot on a nice pass from Kopitar. "Juice" makes it 2-0 on his team leading 30th goal of the season.

END OF ONE

LA 2, SJ 0

The first period story comes down to special teams. LA kills off SJ's 5 on 3 opportunity and the goes on to score a power play goal of their own. 

Shots on goal:

LA 8

SJ 7

2nd Period:

Puck is down and the second period is underway in LA.

Quick counter by San Jose but Rittich makes the stick save.

Doughty with a point shot into traffic that doesn't get through onto Romanov.

Quinton Byfield gets tripped up in the neutral zone and LA will go on the power play for the third time. LA 1/2 on the power play on the night.

Kempe with a one-timer that goes wide.

LA with some good pressure on this power play.

Good sequence from the second power play unit but SJ kills off the penalty.

GOAL: San Jose kills the penalty and immediately makes it a 2-1 hockey game on a goal from Cam Lund, his second of the year. Proving correct again the timeless axiom from Barry Melrose: "A two goal lead is the worst lead in hockey".

GOAL: Trevor Moore takes a nice feed from Kopitar in the slot and beats Romanov down low for his 16th goal of the year. LA retakes a two-goal lead.

Kuzmenko springs Kempe on a nice breakout pass. Kempe draws a hooking penalty and LA will go back on the power play.

Good looks and possession from LA there but unable to beat Romanov.

LA to the power play again as Ferraro goes right back into the box for tripping. 

Good one-time attempt from Kempe turned away by Romanov.

GOAL:  Clarke gets a nice shot through from the point and Warren Foegele knocks in the rebound for a power play goal. Foegele's 21st goal of the year, a new career high.

Eklund walks out and gets a sharp turnaround shot on goal but Rittich turns it away.

Kempe on the rush fires one wide.

Fiala darts through center ice and gets a hard shot in on Romanov get the rookie makes the safe.

GOAL: Warren Foegele redirects a Mikey Anderson point shot five-hole for his 21st goal of the `season. 

GOAL: Adrian Kempe finishes off a BEAUTIFUL passing play starting by Andrei Kuzmenko for his 31st goal of the year. 

END OF TWO:

LAK 6

SJS 1

The Kings turned a close game into a route with some highlight reel passing plays and nice finishing touches. After scoring seven goals against both Carolina and Boston, LA now has six goals in this one with still 20 minutes remaining in this one.

What appeared to be a trap game for LA has turned into a romp.

3rd Period:

Kempe skates right up the middle in front of Romanov but he makes the save.

Big scrum as LA takes exception to a hit from behind on Lewis and the refs are sorting out who is going to the box.

Somehow San Jose ends up with a powerplay for some reason out of all that.

Sharks unable to get set up on the power play and LA kills off the man advantage.

Refs trying to figure out who should come out of the box, not a master class from the zebras tonight right now.

Things have been sorted out and both sides are now skating 5 on 5 with 12:36 remaining in the 3rd.

GOAL: Andrei Kuzmenko skates right through the middle of the ice and fires off a laser that beats Romanov.

GOAL: Trevor Lewis makes it 8-1, which is the most goals that LA has scored in one game all season.

Jeff Mallot with a breakaway but Romanov makes a tough glove save to deny his bid for a 1st NHL goal.

Eight LA skaters have multiple points on the evening, including Kopitar with three assists and Kuzmenko with a goal and two assists.