Posts

Posted on

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Jamie Benn, Esa Lindell among players to target for your playoff push

Twenty-seven days left in the regular season. Teams are fighting for playoff positioning. And you're hopefully doing the same in your fantasy hockey leagues.

Stay focused. Check all the updates. Boost your lineups. Win.

Draft your Yahoo Fantasy Baseball team for the 2026 MLB Season

Consider the upcoming 14 entries. Because one of them could be the player who pushes you to glory. 

(Rostered rates as of Mar. 20)

Troy Terry, ANA (Yahoo: 46%): It's nice when a point-per-game player returns after a long injury layoff and you can pluck him off the wire before others notice. And all Terry has done since returning is notch a goal, three assists and nine shots in two outings while rejoining the Ducks' top line and power play. Get him ASAP.

Anthony Mantha, PIT (Yahoo: 43%): Pittsburgh continues to surprise as an Eastern Conference contender after huge wins in Utah and Colorado, and a 6-5 OT loss at Carolina on Wednesday. The usual suspects have been key, though a couple others have also contributed to the cause. Mantha is enjoying a career season having already eclipsed his previous points peak (48) by five while also racking up 12 goals, 12 assists, three PPPs and 45 shots from his last 23 contests. His man-advantage value will probably diminish once Sidney Crosby goes back on the lead unit, yet, there's too much output over other areas to ignore him.

Jamie Benn, DAL (Yahoo: 19%): Benn went scoreless through 12 outings during January, but he's since accumulated 16 points across the last 15 to go with 21 shots and 28 hits. He's also been active while up a man with all five of his PPPs coming over this stretch. Benn may slide down the depth chart when Mikko Rantanen returns, though he's good for plenty of contributions in the meantime and a stable roster spot within a dangerous forward group. 

Brock Boeser, VAN (Yahoo: 20%): It was expected that Boeser would've been dealt at the deadline, yet nothing materialized. And that's since turned into something positive for the Canucks as he's posted four goals, six assists, 19 shots and 11 hits on 18:25 a night. Boeser has built a rapport alongside Marco Rossi combining in all attacking situations. Boeser is primed to keep the run going the rest of the way with Vancouver possibly looking to shop the winger during the summer.

Frank Nazar, CHI (Yahoo: 20%): Nazar is settling back into a groove following a month-long upper-body issue and a few barren scorelines. In the last eight games, he has 10 points, 16 shots, three PPPs and 59 faceoffs, and is averaging 19-plus minutes while centering Chicago's second trio and first man-advantage. As long as Nazar remains healthy, he'll continue to put up promising fantasy numbers.

Matt Savoie, EDM (Yahoo: 6%): It's rare to see a player earn a repeat in this column after only two weeks, though Savoie's inclusion is justified based on him moving up to the Oilers' top-ranked PP after Leon Draisaitl was ruled out for the rest of the regular season. And if that wasn't enough to entice poolies, he's also recently joined Connor McDavid at five-on-five and has found the scoresheet during three of the last four contests. No one with that type of upside should be available in more than 90% of Yahoo leagues.

Connor Brown, NJD (Yahoo: 3%): Brown has been on a tear during March via three goals, eight assists and 16 shots. He also teamed up with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt as part of New Jersey's second line and lead power play (three PPPs from the last three). Regression could be coming for Brown since he's already near his upper limit in terms of scoring, but he's currently hot and well-positioned within the roster.

Bo Groulx, TOR (Yahoo: 2%): Raise your hand if you're not a Leafs fan and knew who Groulx was when he debuted for Toronto last week. Anaheim's 2018 second-rounder had been unstoppable through most of five AHL campaigns, including 50 points over 54 matchups that led to the latest call-up. Groulx definitely hasn't looked out of place for the Blue and White as he's tallied four points, seven shots, 18 hits and 40 faceoff wins. And there shouldn't be any risk in taking a chance on him with the club looking ahead and Auston Matthews done for the year.

Esa Lindell, DAL (Yahoo: 34%): Lindell has been an even-strength fixture on the Stars' blueline alongside fellow Finn Miro Heiskanen while taking on secondary power-play and lead shorthanded roles. And going back 12 games, he's recorded six assists — one of those a PPA — 11 shots, 25 blocks and a plus-11 on 22:50 per game. Lindell may not be the biggest fantasy producer, but he does enough overall and assumes significant responsibilities to fit somewhere in your lineup.

Sean Walker, CAR (Yahoo: 19%): After a nice scoring run earlier this season, Walker cooled down by only notching six helpers across 38 appearances. And since Feb. 28, he's gone off for nine points, 22 shots, 14 hits and 18 blocks. Walker benefits from partnering with K'Andre Miller while logging major minutes, though his offense could drop when Shayne Gostisbehere eventually returns. Probably best to monitor his situation before picking him up unless you're specifically looking for nonscoring contributions.

Vladislav Gavrikov, NYR (Yahoo: 17%): Gavrikov was last featured here during December as he was deputizing for Adam Fox on the Rangers' top PP. So when the latter finally came back after the Olympic break, it was assumed Gavrikov's attacking stats would suffer. Not only has he provided five goals and five assists from the last 12 outings, but two of those points came while up a man. And that's only part of Gavrikov's all-around effort covering a decent amount of shots and significant ice time.

Cole Hutson, WAS (Yahoo: 9%): In case you missed it, Hutson made his NHL debut on Wednesday. He signed a three-year deal with Washington on Sunday after excelling in the NCAA for Boston University. While there was hype going into Hutson's first pro matchup, no one could've predicted he would score an empty-net PPG or receive more man-advantage minutes than Jakob Chychrun. The Caps probably won't rush him, yet he's extremely talented and will probably get enough scoring chances as a favorable addition in most fantasy formats.

Jakub Dobes, MTL (Yahoo: 35%): The Habs hold on to the third spot in the Atlantic Division mainly thanks to an offense that's scored 57 times over the last 15 games. On the other end, they rank bottom-10 for GAA using a three-goalie setup. Dobes has dominated the starts for most of 2026, where he's gone 10-3-1 while posting a 2.91 GAA and .893 save percentage. Sam Montembeault struggled in his last two outings and hasn't made an appearance since. Jacob Fowler was recently recalled and is being eased into the group. That leaves Dobes as Montreal's lead netminder for the foreseeable future.

Frederik Andersen, CAR (Yahoo: 32%): Andersen endured many absences throughout his career, yet has been mainly available this season. Rookie Brandon Bussi, 27, has been a revelation for the Canes, while Pyotr Kochetkov could return for the playoffs after last appearing in December. Andersen is currently in a rotation with Bussi while winning five of his last six matchups despite allowing a combined 18 goals during that stretch. Bussi has also slipped a bit the last three weeks with a 4.05/.835 line, though he remains Carolina's No. 1. Either goaltender should do well in fantasy as the club excels at suppressing shots on net. Andersen represents a solid selection on his own or as insurance for those who already have Bussi.

Posted on

Ronnie O’Sullivan makes snooker history with 153 break at World Open

  • O’Sullivan snookered Ryan Day at start of first frame

  • Seven-time world champion won 5-0 to reach semi-finals

Ronnie O’Sullivan has made the highest break in professional snooker by hitting a 153 at the World Open in Yushan, China.

The 50-year-old achieved the feat after leaving Ryan Day in a snooker to begin the opening frame of their quarter-final and the Welshman’s failed escape attempt gave O’Sullivan a free ball.

Continue reading...
Posted on

March Madness games today: TV times, how to watch Friday first round schedule

Well, that didn't stink.

How about March Madness? Does it ever disappoint?

Nope.

Thursday's first round had the upsets we love, the close calls that nearly wreck brackets nationwide and memorable moments, like Nebraska's NCAA Tournament long-awaited breakthrough.

Armour: One day in and March Madness already it's usual marvelous self

Can Friday top it?

Here's a look at Friday's full slate of games and TV listings:

March Madness today: NCAA Tournament schedule, TV listings for Friday, March 20

  • 12:15 p.m.: No. 7 Kentucky vs. No. 10 Santa Clara, CBS (Fubo)
  • 12:40 p.m.: No. 5 Texas Tech vs. No. 12 Akron, truTV (Sling TV)
  • 1:35 p.m.: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 16 LIU, TNT (Sling TV)
  • 1:50 p.m.: No. 3 Virginia vs. No. 14 Wright State, TBS (Sling TV)
  • 2:50 p.m.: No. 2 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Tennessee State, CBS (Fubo)
  • 3:15 p.m.: No. 4 Alabama vs. No. 13 Hofstra, truTV (Sling TV)
  • 4:10 p.m.: No. 8 Villanova vs. No. 9 Utah State, TNT (Sling TV)
  • 4:25 p.m.: No. 6 Tennessee vs. No. 11 Miami (Ohio), TBS (Sling TV)
  • 6:50 p.m.: No. 8 Clemson vs. No. 9 Iowa, TNT (Sling TV)
  • 7:10 p.m.: No 5 St. John's vs. No. 12 Northern Iowa, CBS (Fubo)
  • 7:25 p.m.: No. 7 UCLA vs. No. 10 Central Florida, TBS (Sling TV)
  • 7:35 p.m.: No. 2 Purdue vs. No. 15 Queens, truTV (Sling TV)
  • 9:25 p.m.: No. 1 Florida vs. No. 16 Prairie View A&M, TNT (Sling TV)
  • 9:45 p.m.: No. 4 Kansas vs. No. 13 Cal Baptist, CBS (Fubo)
  • 10 p.m.: No. 2 UConn vs. No. 15 Furman, TBS (Sling TV)
  • 10:10 p.m.: No. 7 Miami vs. No. 10 Missouri, truTV (Sling TV)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: March Madness today: NCAA Tournament schedule, how to watch first round

Posted on

Canadiens host the Islanders in Eastern Conference play

New York Islanders (39-25-5, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (37-21-10, in the Atlantic Division)

Montreal, Quebec; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders face off in Eastern Conference play.

Montreal has a 19-13-2 record in home games and a 37-21-10 record overall. The Canadiens have a 15-5-1 record when scoring a power-play goal.

New York has a 21-14-3 record on the road and a 39-25-5 record overall. The Islanders have a +eight scoring differential, with 198 total goals scored and 190 allowed.

Saturday's game is the second meeting between these teams this season. The Islanders won 4-3 in overtime in the previous meeting. Matthew Schaefer led the Islanders with two goals.

TOP PERFORMERS: Nicholas Suzuki has scored 24 goals with 57 assists for the Canadiens. Cole Caufield has seven goals and four assists over the last 10 games.

Schaefer has 21 goals and 29 assists for the Islanders. Mathew Barzal has one goal and 10 assists over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Canadiens: 5-4-1, averaging 3.5 goals, 6.1 assists, 3.4 penalties and 7.3 penalty minutes while giving up three goals per game.

Islanders: 6-4-0, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.6 assists, 2.8 penalties and 6.5 penalty minutes while giving up 2.9 goals per game.

INJURIES: Canadiens: Josh Anderson: day to day (upper body), Patrik Laine: out (lower-body), Kirby Dach: out (upper body).

Islanders: Alexander Romanov: out (shoulder), Pierre Engvall: out for season (ankle), Semyon Varlamov: out for season (knee), Kyle Palmieri: out (knee), Max Shabanov: day to day (lower-body).

___

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

Posted on

Doncic matches Bryant as Lakers beat Heat

Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers player, collects a rebound against the Miami Heat
Luka Doncic scored the most points ever recorded against the Miami Heat [Getty Images]

Luka Doncic became the first player since Kobe Bryant to score 60 points in a game for the LA Lakers as they overcame the Miami Heat 134-126.

Doncic – the NBA's leading scorer this season – has reached 30 points in eight consecutive games and got to 50 twice in his last five appearances but in hitting 60 achieved a mark that no Lakers player had managed since Bryant in 2019.

And on a night of notable marks for the Lakers, LeBron James scored a triple double with 19 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists to move.

The game was his 1,611th regular-season outing, moving him level with Robert Parish for the most in NBA history. The all-time leading scorer in NBA history will set a new record if he features for the Lakers against the Orlando Magic on Saturday.

"He's not only competing against the entire league but also Father Time. And he's giving Father Time hell," Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said of the 41-year-old.

Wembanyama stars as Spurs seal play-off spot; Curry honoured by Hornets

Former Charlotte Hornets Legend Dell Curry has his jersey hung in the rafters during half-time of a basketball game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic at Spectrum Center.
Dell Curry was honoured at half-time alongside his family [Getty Images]

Elsewhere, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Phoenix Suns 101-100 thanks to a Victor Wembanyama effort with 1.1 seconds remaining.

Wembanyama had 34 points and 12 rebounds, and his winning point secured Spurs a play-off spot for the first time in six seasons in the Western Conference.

The in-form Charlotte Hornets also continued their winning run, beating the Orlando Magic 130-111.

But the game was arguably more notable for a half-time ceremony which saw former Hornets star Dell Curry's number 30 jersey retired.

His shirt was lifted to the rafters at the Spectrum Center as his family - including NBA all-star sons Stephen and Seth, watched on.

Meanwhile the Detroit Pistons beat the Washington Wizards 117-95 in their first game without the injured MVP candidate Cade Cunningham, and the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame the Chicago Bulls 115-110.

Posted on

Teen sensations are meant to be one in a million so why does it feel as if prodigies are taking over? | Emma John

From Max Dowman to Kimi Antonelli, Sky Brown and Luke Littler, peak performance can be attained ever earlier thanks to support and science

Des Ryan lives on the west coast of Ireland and gets over to watch Arsenal only about three times a season. It was pure fluke that the director of sports and physical wellbeing at the University of Galway was at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, when Max Dowman became the youngest ever scorer in the Premier League. Only a few years ago he was looking after Dowman in the under-12s.

“If you’re an academy specialist, then seeing the young people get their debuts, that’s your trophy,” says Ryan, who headed the Arsenal academy’s athletic development for nine years. He knows well that while Dowman’s abilities are uniquely precocious, his situation isn’t. Marli Salmon became Arsenal’s youngest defender when he made his senior debut at 16 in December, while Brando Bailey-Joseph replaced Gabriel Martinelli on the wing in a Champions League match in January, aged 17. As Ryan notes: “These older teenagers are playing adult sport, and excelling at it.”

Continue reading...
Posted on

Giants' Matt Chapman explains where ‘great teammate' Rafael Devers is overlooked

Giants' Matt Chapman explains where ‘great teammate' Rafael Devers is overlooked originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It was June of 2025 when Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey broke the internet, as he pulled off a blockbuster deal for Boston Red Sox infielder Rafael Devers.

The trade was somewhat of a shock, but those around Major League Baseball understood that the relationship between Devers and Boston had soured.

Former Red Sox players like Jonathan Papelbon and David Ortiz expressed their disdain with Devers—the former stating that he was a “bad teammate” and the latter stating that the 29-year-old didn’t return his communcation attempts.

However, Matt Chapman doesn’t feel like Devers got his fair shake when it comes to the situation, telling NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic how good of a teammate Devers has been.

“I think the whole Boston thing just kind of got maybe a little bit misconstrued,” Chapman told Pavlovic in the latest edition of “Giants Talk.” “I think they kind of just mishandled the relationship. I don’t think it had anything to do with Rafi. I talked to guys that played with him. They all loved him, Bregman loved him, all his teammates loved him. I think they were sad to see him go, [and] we’re happy to get him.”

Chapman added he hasn’t had a bad encounter with Devers, and while he may not be a “rah rah” guy, the veteran infielder has been a wealth of knowledge for younger teammates.

“All my experiences with Rafi have been unreal,” Chapman told Pavlovic. “He’s a great teammate, great person, everybody loves him, [the] team loves him, and maybe he’s not a guy that’s going to stand up in a meeting and call a meeting or do something like that, but you know he’s been called on, he speaks, he talks to guys one-on-one, really helps guys in the cage. He’s a good teammate, he cares about his teammates and I think he’s the right guy for us.”

While Devers struggled with the Giants last season, as he slashed just .236/.347/.460 in 90 games with San Francisco, Chapman says he’s still a consistent presence in the team’s lineup.

“He’s an elite hitter. He’s been elite his whole career and I think something that’s probably overlooked with him is he’s a smart baseball player; he’s a smart hitter,” Chapman told Pavlovic. “He understands how guys pitch him, what he’s looking for. He doesn’t just go out there and just swing. He’s got a real good routine. He’s always working on getting a good feel and getting in a good position. So, I think he’s just a very advanced hitter, and I think that’s why he’s so consistent.”

Devers had his best month with the Giants in August of last season, when he put up a slash line of .291/.397/.592 while cranking out nine home runs in 28 games.

He finished the season with 35 home runs, 109 RBI and an OPS of .851.

“Every year, you can freaking pencil the dude in for 30 [home runs] and 100 [RBI], .870 OPS, whatever it is,” Chapman told Pavlovic. “He’s just been super consistent, and I think for him to be in our lineup is going to be huge for us. He just is a presence in the lineup, he’s somebody that people circle and pay attention to. I think he’s going to be a guy that can help carry us.”

The Giants will get a full season of the three-time All-Star in 2026, and Chapman says that’s an exciting thing to look forward to.

Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast

Posted on

Trio of home runs leads Brewers to 11-4 win over Rangers

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 09: Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers bats during the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at American Family Fields of Phoenix on March 09, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As Opening Day approaches, the Brewers are making their final tune ups before the start of the season. With Brandon Woodruff’s status still uncertain, he made a crucial start this evening. It ended up being the offense that dominated the game, as the Brewers defeated the Rangers 11-4.

The Brewers got on the board quickly. Sal Frelick led off the game with a walk, stole second, and scored on an Andrew Vaughn single. In the next inning, back-to-back home runs from Gary Sánchez and Luis Rengifo added two more runs. David Hamilton set up another run with a single and steal, and Joey Ortiz drove him in with a single. After two innings, the Brewers had a 4-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, the Brewers unleashed a barrage of runs. Vaughn led off the inning with a single, then Garrett Mitchell reached on a fielding error. Sánchez drew a walk after that to load the bases. After Rengifo flew out to center, Brandon Lockridge continued his strong spring with an RBI double, driving in two. Hamilton followed that up with another RBI double to bring in another two runs. That chased Rangers starter Jacob Latz from the game, and Dane Acker entered in relief. After a Frelick groundout and Ortiz walk, Christian Yelich punctuated the inning with a three-run home run. After the first three innings, the Brewers had scored 11 runs.

Meanwhile, Woodruff started the night with two 1-2-3 innings, striking out two. That started to unravel in the third inning. The Rangers got their first run from a Tyler Wade single and Alejandro Osuna RBI double. Woodruff recovered with strikeouts of Jonah Bride and Joc Pederson, but walked Evan Carter between them. Joe Corbett finished out the inning for Woodruff, striking out Danny Jansen to end the inning.

Woodruff returned for the fourth inning, but promptly allowed back-to-back home runs to Ezequiel Duran and Mark Canha. He got Sam Haggerty to line out, but that was it for his day. In total, he pitched a combination of three innings over the course of the first four innings. He allowed three runs and four hits, two of those going for home runs. He also struck out four and walked one while throwing 62 pitches. While he did get the four ups that he wanted in the game (his goal was to start four innings to get warmed up and pitch), his velocity was noticeably down at the end of his start. After the game, Woodruff said that despite the velocity, he felt great.

Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) on X
Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) on X

After the fourth, both bullpens buckled down for the rest of the game. Trevor Megill pitched the fifth inning and struck out two, but recorded four outs after Canha reached on a wild pitch swinging strikeout. Abner Uribe made his first appearance after returning from the World Baseball Classic, allowed a leadoff single but retired the next three in order, striking out one.

Jared Koenig got into some trouble in the seventh by starting the inning with back-to-back singles. He got two outs thanks to a double play from the defense, then a fly out from Canha ended the inning. Grant Anderson walked one in the eighth inning, but that was it in a scoreless inning of work. Stiven Cruz finished out the game for the Brewers, walked two but held the Rangers scoreless to end the game.

Vaughn and Hamilton each had two-hit days for the Brewers’ offense. Yelich had three RBI from his second home run of the spring, and Lockridge and Hamilton added on two RBI each. Ortiz also reached base twice with a hit and a walk, and also drove a run in. As a team, the Brewers had nine hits — three of those home runs — and four walks.

Tomorrow features a doubleheader of action for the Brewers. The day will start out with the first of two Spring Breakout games for the Brewers’ prospects, as the Mariners’ Prospects travel to face them in Phoenix. That game will take place at 4:10 p.m. and be broadcast on MLB Video. Then, at night the Brewers travel to face the Diamondbacks, with first pitch set for 8:10 p.m. That game will have an audio broadcast available on MLB.com.

Posted on

New Zealand wins the toss and bowls in the 3rd T20 against South Africa

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to field Friday in the third Twenty20 cricket international against South Africa at Eden Park.

The five-match series is level at 1-1 after South Africa won the first match by seven wickets and New Zealand the second by 68 runs.

Both teams made one lineup change. South Africa named right-arm pacer Lutho Sipamla in place of Ottneil Baartman while New Zealand recalled Bevon Jacobs in place of Josh Clarkson.

___

Lineups:

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Tim Robinson, Nick Kelly, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (captain), James Neesham, Cole McConchie, Kyle Jamieson, Ben Sears, Lockie Ferguson.

Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Dian Forrester, George Linde, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj (captain), Nqobani Mokoena, Lutho Sipamla.

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

Posted on

Saint Louis' blowout win over Georgia was two years in the making

BUFFALO, NY — This was a moment delayed by two years, a coaching change and a transfer.

Two seasons ago, Indiana State won the Missouri Valley regular-season crown, earning the program’s first national ranking since the Larry Bird-led team in 1979 along the way, before losing to Drake in the finals of the conference tournament.

The Sycamores were then snubbed by the NCAA selection committee, who held them out of the at-large field despite a NET rating of 28, the highest of any team to miss the tournament.

“It was kind of the biggest disappointment we’ve ever had,” said former Indiana State and current Saint Louis assistant coach Antone Gray. “It was a huge letdown that night.”

Two years later, the biggest pieces behind that season’s success — coach Josh Schertz and center Robbie Avila — embraced after No. 9 Saint Louis routed No. 8 Georgia, 102-77, in the opening round of the Midwest region, celebrating an achievement rooted in the decision to leave Indiana State after the 2024 season.

“Our goal was from the beginning of the year to reach this moment, so we got here, we kind of accomplished that goal,” Avila said. “But obviously that 2024 year was just what it was. I'm just excited and blessed to have the opportunity to do it here.”

The Billikens advanced to face No. 1 Michigan, which pulled away from No. 16 Howard in the second half of a 101-80 win.

Shertz accepted the Saint Louis opening days after the Sycamores lost to Seton Hall in the NIT championship game. Two weeks later, Avila followed suit to become the centerpiece of the Billikens’ transformation from 13-20 in 2023-24 to a school-record 29 wins and growing this season.

“I wanted to get this team to the NCAA Tournament for a lot of reasons, but he was the biggest,” Shertz said of Avila. “There was a lot of people that helped bring me here, but I just never wanted for him to have ended his career not in the tournament, particularly after what happened to our Indiana State team.”

The player with a collection of the best nicknames in the sport — Bert, Steph Blurry, Larry Nerd and many more — showcased his deft touch near the basket and skills as a passer against the Bulldogs, posting 12 points to go with five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal before being replaced with 4:45 remaining and the Billikens holding a 38-point lead.

After drilling a 3-pointer to put Saint Louis ahead 86-52 with just over nine minutes left, Avila raised his arms as fans chanted his first name. At this point, Avila and the Billikens had so demoralized the Bulldogs that Georgia fans sitting behind press row began discussing Thursday’s start of spring football.

“Major impact. Energy booster,” said Saint Louis guard Trey Green. “Robbie hit some key buckets. He made some good passes. Defensively, he held his own. To have your leader make an impact like that, you know, it drives us to have his back and do the same thing.”

This was par for the course for one of the top players on the mid-major level and one of the most balanced players in the country, period, even if Avila was not named one of the five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award as the nation’s best center.

Avila is now averaging a team-best 12.9 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game and a team-leading 4.1 assists per game, all while shooting 50.9% from the field, a career-best 41.7% from deep and 80.3% from the free-throw line.

All this while looking like, well, someone who shouldn’t be this good. With his goatee, beefy frame and lack of rim-shaking athleticism, Avila is a human version of the Spider-Man-pointing meme for those watching at home: Hey, he looks just like me!

“He’s the most team guy that we have,” said Gray. “He leads us. He could’ve gone anywhere in the country and he came here for a reason. He came back for this.”

Robbie Avila looks on to pass the ball during Saint Louis' first-round NCAA Tournament win against Georgia.

Like Avila, Schertz saw his profile grow at Indiana State, which hired him in 2021 after a hugely successful run at Division II Lincoln Memorial. He’s since become one of the hottest names in mid-major coaching, drawing heavy attention for the Syracuse opening before declining the Orange’s overtures and signing a contract extension with Saint Louis last week.

There’s no wonder larger programs are so interested: Schertz has made things happen at every stop, making three Division II Final Four appearances at Lincoln Memorial, winning 62.3% of his games with the Sycamores and now posting a 48-20 mark in his two seasons with the Billikens.

“It’s been everything I’ve ever dreamed of and more,” said his son, Jaden, a walk-on junior guard who followed his dad from Indiana State.

“It’s surreal, man. I’ve known my dad is a great coach since the D-II days. We’ve watched March Madness since we were little. So it’s awesome watching it on this stage.”

Overall, Schertz has won 77.8% of his games, ranking him eighth among active college coaches across all NCAA levels. In four seasons with Avila on the roster, he’s gone 103-40. But this win stands alone.

“This was just a full-circle moment,” said Gray. “I think this was what we deserved and honestly, what Robbie and coach deserved the most.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Saint Louis' NCAA Tournament blowout win was two years in the making

Posted on

Knicks’ Josh Hart to sit out vs. Nets due to right knee issue

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Knicks veteran Josh Hart won't play against the Nets due to a patella femoral syndrome in his right knee

The Knicks again will be a bit shorthanded for their clash against the Nets on Friday.

Josh Hart is out, with the Knicks listing his ailment as patella femoral syndrome in his right knee.

That’s notably different from when he missed two games in Utah and Indiana last week, which was due to left knee soreness.

Hart had his best offensive game of the season Tuesday when he erupted for a season-high 33 points in a rout of the Pacers at MSG.

But the Knicks will be getting Jalen Brunson back.

Knicks veteran Josh Hart won’t play against the Nets due to a patella femoral syndrome in his right knee. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

He missed Tuesday’s game for right ankle management and a neck strain. Brunson practiced fully Thursday.

The Knicks carry a 13-game winning streak against the Nets into Friday’s game.

Brunson had no interest in talking about it.

“No comment,” Brunson said after practice Thursday. “We’re gonna focus on winning the game then moving on from there. I don’t care about the streak.”

The last time the teams met, the Knicks won by 54 points at Madison Square Garden — their biggest-ever margin of victory.

It came during their low point of the year, after they had lost nine of 11 games, and helped reignite their season.

“You have to be ready to go,” Brunson said. “Short-term memory. No matter what the result is, you gotta come ready to play next time you play, next game, whatever it is. We gotta look past it, we gotta look forward. It’s 0-0, new game.”

Jose Alvarado is featured in a new AT&T commercial alongside Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Patrick Ewing and John Starks. It’s the first commercial for Alvarado.

“That’s what New York can do for you: get you in commercials,” Alvarado said. “My agent called me and said, ‘We’ve got a special thing, do you want to be in a commercial?’ I said ‘Yeah,’ I didn’t know who was going to be in the commercial at first. But the commercial came out pretty dope.”

Posted on

Orlando hosts Los Angeles after Doncic's 60-point outing

Los Angeles Lakers (45-25, third in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (38-31, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Orlando, Florida; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles visits the Orlando Magic after Luka Doncic scored 60 points in the Lakers' 134-126 victory against the Miami Heat.

The Magic have gone 22-13 in home games. Orlando is 17-21 against opponents over .500.

The Lakers have gone 22-13 away from home. Los Angeles is 7-2 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Magic average 115.4 points per game, 0.3 more points than the 115.1 the Lakers give up. The Lakers average 116.6 points per game, 2.2 more than the 114.4 the Magic give up.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Magic won the last matchup 110-109 on Feb. 25, with Paolo Banchero scoring 36 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Banchero is averaging 22.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and five assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 22.3 points over the last 10 games.

LeBron James is averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.9 assists for the Lakers. Doncic is averaging 38.1 points and 9.2 rebounds while shooting 49.4% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 7-3, averaging 120.6 points, 44.7 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 8.4 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 47.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points per game.

Lakers: 9-1, averaging 120.8 points, 41.2 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.5 blocks per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.0 points.

INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Wendell Carter Jr.: day to day (rib), Anthony Black: out (abdomen), Jonathan Isaac: out (knee).

Lakers: Maxi Kleber: day to day (back).

___

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

Posted on

New Orleans plays Cleveland, seeks 4th straight win

Cleveland Cavaliers (43-27, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (25-46, 12th in the Western Conference)

New Orleans; Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans is looking to prolong its three-game win streak with a victory against Cleveland.

The Pelicans are 16-21 in home games. New Orleans is 14-20 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 13.6 turnovers per game.

The Cavaliers are 21-14 on the road. Cleveland is eighth in the league averaging 14.5 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.0% from downtown. Donovan Mitchell leads the team averaging 3.3 makes while shooting 36.4% from 3-point range.

The Pelicans average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.6 fewer makes per game than the Cavaliers allow (13.9). The Cavaliers are shooting 47.7% from the field, 0.3% higher than the 47.4% the Pelicans' opponents have shot this season.

The teams square off for the second time this season. The Cavaliers won 141-118 in the last matchup on Dec. 24. Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 27 points, and Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 26 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Trey Murphy III is averaging 22 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pelicans. Williamson is averaging 18.2 points over the last 10 games.

Evan Mobley is scoring 18.3 points per game and averaging 8.9 rebounds for the Cavaliers. James Harden is averaging 20.3 points and 5.2 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 6-4, averaging 119.0 points, 45.4 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 9.1 steals and 5.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points per game.

Cavaliers: 6-4, averaging 116.9 points, 42.5 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 6.8 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.2 points.

INJURIES: Pelicans: Dejounte Murray: day to day (achilles), Bryce McGowens: day to day (toe).

Cavaliers: Craig Porter Jr.: day to day (groin), Tyrese Proctor: day to day (quadricep), Donovan Mitchell: day to day (eye), Jarrett Allen: day to day (knee).

___

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

Posted on

Utah takes on Philadelphia in non-conference play

Philadelphia 76ers (38-32, ninth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Utah Jazz (21-49, 14th in the Western Conference)

Salt Lake City; Saturday, 9:30 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Philadelphia 76ers take on the Utah Jazz in non-conference play.

The Jazz are 13-22 in home games. Utah ranks third in the Western Conference with 16.3 fast break points per game led by Lauri Markkanen averaging 3.3.

The 76ers are 18-16 on the road. Philadelphia is ninth in the Eastern Conference allowing only 116.1 points while holding opponents to 47.0% shooting.

The Jazz's 13.0 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.4 fewer made shots on average than the 13.4 per game the 76ers give up. The Jazz average 115.6 points per game, 9.2 fewer points than the 124.8 the Jazz allow.

The two teams match up for the second time this season. The 76ers defeated the Jazz 106-102 in their last meeting on March 5. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 25 points, and Keyonte George led the Jazz with 30 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Filipowski is averaging 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds for the Jazz. Ace Bailey is averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Dominick Barlow is shooting 53.9% and averaging 8.3 points for the 76ers. Justin Edwards is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Jazz: 3-7, averaging 114.8 points, 43.0 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 10.0 steals and 3.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.2 points per game.

76ers: 5-5, averaging 111.0 points, 42.5 rebounds, 23.9 assists, 9.3 steals and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.5 points.

INJURIES: Jazz: Lauri Markkanen: out (ankle), Brice Sensabaugh: day to day (illness), Isaiah Collier: day to day (hamstring), Keyonte George: out (leg), John Konchar: day to day (quad), Walker Kessler: out for season (shoulder), Jusuf Nurkic: out for season (nose), Jaren Jackson Jr.: out for season (knee).

76ers: Tyrese Maxey: out (finger), Johni Broome: out (knee), Joel Embiid: out (oblique), Kelly Oubre Jr.: out (elbow).

___

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