Get ready for a blockbuster sequel: Alabama vs. Clemson

Get ready for a blockbuster sequel....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:25 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iqYo18

Washington's proud offense shut down by Tide in Peach Bowl

ATLANTA (AP) -- Washington's proud, high-scoring offense was no match for Alabama....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:03 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hFKnh6

Get ready for a blockbuster sequel: Alabama vs. Clemson

Get ready for a blockbuster sequel....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:44 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iqqKZj

Ohio State offense falls flat in blowout loss to Clemson

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Ohio State made it to the College Football Playoff without winning the Big Ten championship, and on Saturday night did very little to show it deserved to be there....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:24 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iSCO8Z

Harden's has triple-double, career-high 53 in win over NY

HOUSTON (AP) -- Minutes after collecting 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds in his second straight triple-double, Houston's James Harden was asked what it has been like to play in new coach Mike D'Antoni's system....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:07 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hG1lhj

Get ready for a blockbuster sequel: Alabama vs. Clemson

Get ready for a blockbuster sequel....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:33 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iqpQvS

With Ohio State shutout, Clemson earns another shot at 'Bama

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- In a return trip to the desert, Clemson found redemption in utter domination....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:33 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hFw6RT

With Ohio State shutout, Clemson earns another shot at 'Bama

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- In a return trip to the desert, Clemson found redemption in utter domination....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:26 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iRqBNs

WNBA players were near site of Istanbul attack, coach says

A handful of WNBA players, including Essence Carson, Chelsea Gray and Jantel Lavender of the Los Angeles Sparks, were next door to a deadly shooting in a nightclub in Istanbul on Saturday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:08 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iCgv3H

Tiger tale: Clemson routs Ohio State to set up 'Bama rematch

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Deshaun Watson ran for two touchdowns and threw another and No. 3 Clemson crushed No. 2 Ohio State 31-0 Saturday night in the Fiesta Bowl to set up a rematch with Alabama for the College Football Playoff national championship....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:54 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iuuw6r

Harden's has triple-double, career-high 53 in win over NY

HOUSTON (AP) -- James Harden had 53 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds for his second straight triple-double, and the Houston Rockets beat the short-handed New York Knicks 129-122 on Saturday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:54 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iRmgtE

Alabama 7-point favorite over Clemson in CFP Finals

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Alabama is a seven-point favorite against Clemson in a College Football Playoff championship game rematch, according to gambling odds website Pregame.com....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:46 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iuwuDM

Equipment manager gets in game at goalie for Hurricanes

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes could actually enjoy the final seconds of a loss....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:46 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iumWc0

Retire or fight back? UFC stars offer advice to Ronda Rousey

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Ronda Rousey is taking time off to ponder her future after her 48-second loss in her comeback fight at UFC 207....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:50 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iBZxCF

A 'hot' Scarbrough could be Alabama's next star running back

ATLANTA (AP) -- Bo Scarbrough broke tackles, juked defenders and headed to the end zone....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:14 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iS98bS

Jackets reach 15 in row with 4-2 win, stop Wild streak at 12

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Cam Atkinson scored twice and the Columbus Blue Jackets stretched their winning streak to 15 games by stopping Minnesota's 12-game run with a 4-2 victory over the Wild on Saturday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:56 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iR7l2S

The Latest: Fuller's TD catch puts Clemson up 17-0

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Latest on the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl semifinal (all times local):...

from AP Top Sports News at 8:33 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iRdo7u

Alabama wears down Washington 24-7, returns to title game

ATLANTA (AP) -- For Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide, it would be unimaginable to end a season any other way....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:28 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hADmLm

Washington's proud defense shut down by Tide in Peach Bowl

ATLANTA (AP) -- Washington's proud, high-scoring offense was no match for Alabama....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:28 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ikeFH4

The Latest: Clemson up 10-0 over Ohio State at Fiesta Bowl

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Latest on the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl semifinal (all times local):...

from AP Top Sports News at 7:55 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iR2tup

The Latest: Clemson leads 3-0 after Huegel's field goal

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Latest on the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl semifinal (all times local):...

from AP Top Sports News at 7:31 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hEO32T

Alabama wears down Washington 24-7, now heads to title game

ATLANTA (AP) -- Alabama is heading back to the national championship game....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:19 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hFwT6Z

The Latest: Fiesta Bowl has a Buckeye-heavy crowd

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Latest on the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl semifinal (all times local):...

from AP Top Sports News at 7:04 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hFoZuj

Alabama wears down Washington for 24-7 victory in Peach Bowl

ATLANTA (AP) -- Alabama is heading back to the national championship game....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:36 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i8oQfP

The Latest: Fitzpatrick, Tomlinson back on field in 2nd half

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Latest on the College Football Playoff Peach Bowl semifinal game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Washington. All times local....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:32 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iRq1U6

The Latest: Alabama's Ryan Anderson scores on INT return

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Latest on the College Football Playoff Peach Bowl semifinal game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Washington. All times local....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:46 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ijWbGR

Bibbs lifts Hokies to 89-75 upset of No. 5 Duke

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Virginia Tech entered Atlantic Coast Conference play with a sparkling record and several quality wins to its credit, but the Hokies hadn't faced a ranked foe all season....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:07 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1MTswM7

Chelsea gets 13th straight win, Liverpool maintains pursuit

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- Chelsea fought off a dogged Stoke for a record-equaling 13th successive Premier League win as Liverpool maintained its pursuit of the leaders with a victory over Manchester City....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:48 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ea4Uqs

The Latest: Underdog Washington grabs 7-0 lead in Peach Bowl

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Latest on the College Football Playoff Peach Bowl semifinal game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Washington. All times local....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:36 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hWXzvZ

Brunson's career-high 27 lifts No. 1 Nova over Bluejays

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 27 points, and No. 1 Villanova extended its school-record winning streak to 20 games with an 80-70 victory over No. 10 Creighton on Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:18 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1gKeKLo

Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook declares for NFL draft

It didn't take long for Dalvin Cook to announce his future plans....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:06 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2itm2fZ

Title-chasing Liverpool pulls clear of Man City with 1-0 win

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- Georginio Wijnaldum's early header cemented Liverpool's title credentials by clinching a 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday as Pep Guardiola's side slipped 10 points behind leader Chelsea....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:44 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hWWVhT

Georgia Tech

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Dedrick Mills ran for a career-high 169 yards and a touchdown, Justin Thomas scored in his final collegiate game and Georgia Tech beat Kentucky 33-18 in the TaxSlayer Bowl on Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:39 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1AnQeun

The Latest: Alabama seeking milestone wins in Peach Bowl

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Latest on the Peach Bowl game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Washington. All times local....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:39 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hF26qC

Ogokie, Yellow Jackets upset No. 9 North Carolina 75-63

ATLANTA (AP) -- Josh Okogie scored 26 points, Ben Lammers had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Georgia Tech pulled off a major upset with a 75-63 victory over No. 9 North Carolina on Saturday in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:33 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ip1umd

Get rich in 2017! Take Tiger at 20-1 to win the Masters

The most important thing to know about the coming year in sports:...

from AP Top Sports News at 2:18 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ititX0

Bibbs lifts Hokies to 89-75 upset of No. 5 Duke

BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Justin Bibbs scored 18 points to lead Virginia Tech to an 89-75 upset of No. 5 Duke on Saturday in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for both teams....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:18 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ip9CU1

Chelsea defeats Stoke to claim 13th successive EPL win

LONDON (AP) -- Willian scored twice as leader Chelsea overcame Stoke 4-2 to equal an English Premier League record for 13 straight wins in a single season....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:30 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ioPUHH

Fans get all-access in unusual Seton Hall-St John's telecast

NEW YORK (AP) -- Seton Hall coach Tony Bozzella joked just before tipoff that he was going to apologize ahead of time for any colorful language viewers heard during Fox Sports' innovative broadcast of the Pirates' game against St. John's on Friday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:30 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hEV1q1

Austin and Doc Rivers ejected in loss to Rockets

HOUSTON (AP) -- Austin Rivers and father/coach Doc Rivers were ejected in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Clippers' loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:38 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iiMCYH

Family reflects on 10-year anniversary of Williams' death

DENVER (AP) -- The teenager glances at the picture in his room of Darrent Williams returning a kick, reading the inscription he long ago memorized....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:32 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hDQsMN

Ronda Rousey is stopped 48 seconds into comeback at UFC 207

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Ronda Rousey's UFC comeback didn't even last a minute....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:15 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iODZ4Y

Ronda Rousey is stopped 48 seconds into comeback at UFC 207

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Ronda Rousey was stopped 48 seconds into her comeback fight Friday night, losing to bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 on Friday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:59 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ihWi5M

No. 10 FSU wins wild Orange Bowl over No. 6 Michigan, 33-32

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) -- Renegade, the horse that serves as Florida State's mascot, took an uncharacteristic tumble while prancing on the field before kickoff....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:48 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iOC4O4

No. 10 FSU wins wild Orange Bowl over No. 6 Michigan, 33-32

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) -- Deondre Francois threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Nyqwan Murray with 36 seconds remaining, and No. 10 Florida State beat No. 6 Michigan 33-32 in a wild Orange Bowl on Friday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:18 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hDEAud

No. 10 FSU wins wild Orange Bowl over No. 6 Michigan, 33-32

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) -- Deondre Francois threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Nyquan Murray with 36 seconds remaining, and No. 10 Florida State beat No. 6 Michigan 33-32 in a wild Orange Bowl on Friday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:07 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2irlxTy

No. 16 Stanford holds off North Carolina 25-23 in Sun Bowl

EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- Stanford got its usual dual-threat, standout performance from its running back Friday, but this time it wasn't Christian McCaffrey....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:05 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2imUmqo

Ronda Rousey gets $3 million guaranteed payday at UFC 207

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Ronda Rousey is getting one of the biggest guaranteed paydays in UFC history for her comeback fight....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:49 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2imP4eQ

Mascot Renegade falls during Orange Bowl pregame ceremony

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) -- The Orange Bowl has started with a stumble by Florida State's Renegade....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:39 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hxYwK4

Tennessee beats No. 24 Nebraska 38-24 in Music City Bowl

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Joshua Dobbs ran for three touchdowns and 118 yards and threw for 291 yards and another score and Tennessee beat No. 24 Nebraska 38-24 on Friday in the Music City Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:39 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iONs0a

Jabrill Peppers injured, will not play in Orange Bowl

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) -- Michigan linebacker Jabrill Peppers is not playing in the Orange Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:13 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ihd70H

Tennessee beats No. 24 Nebraska 38-24 in Music City Bowl

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Joshua Dobbs ran for three touchdowns and 118 yards and threw for 291 yards and another score and Tennessee beat No. 24 Nebraska 38-24 on Friday in the Music City Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:23 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hDqjOg

No. 16 Stanford holds off North Carolina 25-23 in Sun Bowl

EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- Bryce Love took over for the absent Christian McCaffrey in the Stanford backfield, running for 119 yards and catching a 49-yard touchdown pass to help the No. 16 Cardinal beat North Carolina 25-23 on Friday in the Sun Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:43 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iqJWsd

NHL still searching for reason to play at 2018 Winter Games

TORONTO (AP) -- If the NHL needs a compelling reason to compete in the next Winter Olympics, Bill Daly says the league hasn't found one yet....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:43 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2imBjfS

NHL still searching for reason to play at 2018 Winter Games

TORONTO (AP) -- NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly says the league lacks a compelling reason to have its players compete in the next Winter Olympics in South Korea....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:38 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iyESPY

Peach Bowl: Alabama dynasty vs. playoff outsider Washington

ATLANTA (AP) -- Alabama is very familiar with this role....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2imsS4b

Column: Handing out the Newbys for best and worst in sports

We'll skip the nominees and go straight to the awards....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:19 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hxJX9u

Prosecutor decides no charges after 2nd look at Gophers case

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Ten suspended Minnesota football players will not face criminal charges for their involvement in an alleged sexual assault that happened off-campus....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:07 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hBfpp1

NFL defers decision to reinstate Raiders LB Aldon Smith

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- Suspended Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith will not be reinstated by the NFL this season....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:00 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hfJXfJ

UConn finishes up 2016 surprisingly undefeated

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- As 2016 comes to a close, Geno Auriemma and his UConn Huskies finished the year unbeaten....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:51 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2imdgxV

Georgia rallies to beat TCU 31-23 in Liberty Bowl

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Nick Chubb ran for 142 yards and a touchdown Friday as Georgia beat TCU 31-23 in the Liberty Bowl to win a bowl game for the third straight year....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:46 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hUAyd6

Mathis not saying much about future as Colts' finale looms

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- When Robert Mathis speaks, the Indianapolis Colts listen. Every time....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:31 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2igk1mT

NFL defers decision to reinstate Raiders LB Aldon Smith

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- Suspended Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith will not be reinstated by the NFL this season....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:19 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2eVOaCS

Mathis plans to retire following Colts' season finale

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Outside linebacker Robert Mathis announced Friday he will retire following the Indianapolis Colts' season finale against Jacksonville on Sunday....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:57 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hUptsh

Seattle's Michael Bennett reaches 3-year contract extension

RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- Michael Bennett and the Seattle Seahawks reached agreement on a three-year contract extension on Friday that will keep the defensive end under contract through the 2020 season....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:42 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ilNqKs

Butler team plane loses pressure, terrifying team, staff

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Butler's basketball team endured some terrifying moments Thursday night after their plane lost cabin pressure during a flight home from New York and made a rapid descent for an unscheduled landing in Pittsburgh, Bulldogs coach Chris Holtmann said Friday....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:42 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iq7m0Z

Butler team plane loses pressure, terrifying team, staff

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Butler basketball coach Chris Holtmann says his team and staff endured some terrifying moments Thursday night after their plane lost cabin pressure during a flight home from New York and made a rapid descent for an unscheduled landing in Pittsburgh....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:18 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ifYwCq

In win-now culture of NFL, patience can still be a virtue

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- When the Oakland Raiders lost the first 10 games in general manager Reggie McKenzie's third season back in 2014, fired his hand-picked coach and fell to 11-37 under his leadership, few would have questioned owner Mark Davis had he made a change....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:11 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hCFoPV

Seattle's Michael Bennett reaches 3-year contract extension

RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- Defensive end Michael Bennett has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:56 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iq0l00

Cubs, Cavs douse droughts, cleanse curses with 2016 titles

CLEVELAND (AP) -- They hugged, danced and cried while waving those 'W' flags like never before after an inconceivable win - 108 years of pent-up emotion released....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:24 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hwUn9e

As he turns 32, LeBron James savors 'magical' ride in 2016

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Not everyone wants 2016, month after month of messy moments and mayhem, to end....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ifOIIL

Mathis not saying much about future as Colts' finale looms

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- When Robert Mathis speaks, the Indianapolis Colts listen. Every time....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:41 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iMNQIH

Alabama QB Jalen Hurts deftly handling himself on, off field

ATLANTA (AP) -- Jalen Hurts' go-karting trip with Alabama teammates hit a wall because things "kinda got a little hectic."...

from AP Top Sports News at 10:25 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iNeLbe

Roger Federer says he hopes to play '2 to 3 more years'

PERTH, Australia (AP) -- Roger Federer says he hopes to play for at least another two to three years and that his "mindset is for the long term" in assessing his tennis future....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:47 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ipiYkK

Ferdy Kuebler, 1950 Tour de France champion, dies at 97

LONDON (AP) -- Ferdy Kuebler, who came back from injury and the interruption of World War II to win the 1950 Tour de France, has died. He was 97....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:49 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ikP2DS

Ligety finds a new way to win _ by sponsoring his rivals

SANTA CATERINA VALFURVA, Italy (AP) -- Slowed by injuries, Ted Ligety is finding a new way to win....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:16 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hTqCAx

AP Interview: Ref Clattenburg opens up on coping with errors

In the hours and even days after blowing the final whistle, Mark Clattenburg endures hidden anguish as the decisions made during 90 minutes of refereeing whirl through his mind....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:02 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iLWJCj

Washington's rise came after 25 years of turmoil

SEATTLE (AP) -- Twenty-five years ago, Washington stood on top of college football as co-national champions in the midst of a three-year run as Pac-10 Conference champions....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:30 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ix4r3S

Cal freshman Charlie Moore plays with his father on his mind

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) -- Tanya Moore planned a nice seafood dinner out Friday night to celebrate husband Curtis' 51st birthday, and that meant she would have to hire transportation help because he has struggled to stand up and walk since a devastating, massive stroke almost 16 months ago....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:16 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iLRir4

Player suspended from Belk Bowl for shoplifting at Belk

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Arkansas senior tight end Jeremy Sprinkle was suspended from the Belk Bowl game Thursday night against No. 18 Virginia Tech after police accused him of shoplifting from the department store that sponsors the game....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:52 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hSVfGg

Washington's rise came after 25 years of turmoil

SEATTLE (AP) -- Twenty-five years ago, Washington stood on top of college football as co-national champions in the midst of a three-year run as Pac-10 Conference champions....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:13 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ik5hBj

Mason Rudolph rolls, Oklahoma State routs Colorado 38-8

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Mason Rudolph passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns and No. 13 Oklahoma State's defense smothered No. 11 Colorado in a 38-8 Alamo Bowl victory Thursday night that gave the Cowboys their fifth 10-win season in seven years....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:20 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hB2gzn

Gasol, Randolph lead Grizzlies past OKC as Westbrook ejected

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Memphis Grizzlies were already rolling when Russell Westbrook took his leave - ejected after a pair of technical fouls....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:43 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1hVApDe

Mason Rudolph rolls, Oklahoma State routs Colorado 38-8

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Mason Rudolph passed for 314 yards and three touchdowns and No. 13 Oklahoma State's defense smothered No. 11 Colorado in a 38-8 Alamo Bowl victory Thursday night that gave the Cowboys their fifth 10-win season in seven years....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:30 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hSA2w2

Gasol, Randolph lead Grizzlies past OKC as Westbrook tossed

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Marc Gasol scored 25 points and the Memphis Grizzlies took advantage of Russell Westbrook's ejection, dominating the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 114-80 victory Thursday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:17 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hxYGEE

Blue Jackets get 14th straight victory by beating Jets 5-3

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) -- Alexander Wennberg had two goals and Brandon Saad also scored, helping the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-3 on Thursday night to extend their franchise-record winning streak to 14 games....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:11 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2idWrqz

Gasol, Randolph lead Grizzlies past OKC as Westbrook tossed

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Marc Gasol scored 25 points and the Memphis Grizzlies took advantage of Russell Westbrook's ejection, dominating the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 114-80 victory Thursday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:50 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hy0gGy

NC State women hold on to upset No. 2 Notre Dame 70-62

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina State pestered No. 2 Notre Dame defensively, fought to a draw on the boards and never let the Fighting Irish get their high-scoring offense rolling in transition....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:41 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hy3H01

No. 18 Va. Tech stages epic comeback,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Jerod Evans threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two scores and No. 18 Virginia Tech pulled off the largest comeback in its 124-year history, erasing a 24-point halftime deficit to beat Arkansas 35-24 on Thursday night in the Belk Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:44 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iw0mwO

Ponds scores 26, St. John's upsets No. 13 Butler 76-73

NEW YORK (AP) -- Freshman guard Shamorie Ponds scored 26 points, including four free throws in the final 9.1 seconds, and St. John's upset No. 13 Butler 76-73 on Thursday night in the Big East opener for both teams at Carnesecca Arena....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:33 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iKtHCQ

No. 1 Connecticut outlasts No. 4 Maryland 87-81

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- Top-ranked UConn had just let a 19-point lead dwindle to five, causing the sellout crowd at Maryland to crank the noise to a deafening volume....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:29 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hSuB07

Ponds scores 26, St. John's upsets No. 13 Butler 76-73

NEW YORK (AP) -- Freshman guard Shamorie Ponds scored 26 points, including four free throws in the final 9.1 seconds, and St. John's upset No. 13 Butler 76-73 on Thursday night in the Big East opener for both teams at Carnesecca Arena....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:29 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hAFPdJ

NC State women hold on to upset No. 2 Notre Dame 70-62

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Dominique Wilson scored 18 points to help North Carolina State upset No. 2 Notre Dame 70-62 on Thursday night, snapping the Fighting Irish's 35-game winning streak against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:13 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hSkGYx

No. 1 Connecticut outlasts No. 4 Maryland 87-81

COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) -- Katie Lou Samuelson scored 17 of her 23 points in the second half, and top-ranked Connecticut held off No. 4 Maryland 87-81 on Thursday night for its 87th consecutive victory....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:05 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ivGfyJ

Ronda Rousey returns to reclaim her title belt at UFC 207

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Ronda Rousey climbed on the scale and glared into the distance while the crowd roared. Moments later, she directed that withering gaze at UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes, who stared right back....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:05 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hxCBGc

A coach's son: Jalen Hurts, others benefit from family ties

ATLANTA (AP) -- Jalen Hurts cherished those rides home from high school football practice....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:40 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iKsfVb

No. 25 S Florida beats S Carolina 46-39 in Birmingham Bowl

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Quinton Flowers ran for three touchdowns and threw for two more to lead No. 25 South Florida past South Carolina, 46-39 in overtime Thursday in the Birmingham Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:40 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2idis8Z

Even for contenders, keeping QB pipeline filled is tricky

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The competition to replace Deshaun Watson at Clemson next spring will feature Kelly Bryant, who has already put two seasons of eligibility in behind the Tigers' star, along with redshirt freshman Zerrick Cooper and a five-star recruit who is enrolling in college early....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:27 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2in5fLg

Prescott, Cowboys headline teams winning minus injured stars

FRISCO, Texas (AP) -- Dak Prescott's job was to win without Tony Romo when the Dallas Cowboys lost their 10-year starting quarterback to a preseason back injury after going 1-11 with him sidelined last season....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:16 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iKnTh3

No. 25 S Florida beats S Carolina 46-39 in Birmingham Bowl

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Quinton Flowers ran for three touchdowns and threw for two more to lead No. 25 South Florida past South Carolina, 46-39 in overtime Thursday in the Birmingham Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:06 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2in8BhD

With Matthews, Perry on mend, Packers get pass rush punch

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The star pass rusher has a sore left shoulder. The team leader in sacks played with a thick left wrap resembling a large oven mitt protecting his injured left hand....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:06 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iiSA9Z

AFC has its 6 playoff teams. Who will fill out NFC bracket?

Bad form for the AFC, which has all six of its playoff qualifiers determined heading into the final Sunday of the schedule....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:13 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1tglNjK

From Hurts to Lawrence, freshmen deliver for contenders

ATLANTA (AP) -- With apologies to senior stars like Alabama's Jonathan Allen and Clemson's Deshaun Watson, none of college football's four remaining contenders for the national title made it this far without some help from the youngsters....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:50 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hAibOo

Browns' RG3 practices, will start in finale against Steelers

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Robert Griffin III can finish what he started....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:27 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2id6o7J

Steelers' Brown asks Jets' Marshall to pay up on car bet

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Antonio Brown is in the driver's seat in his car bet with Brandon Marshall, so he's looking for the Jets receiver to turn over the keys....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:03 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iiDPUv

Serena Williams announces engagement on Reddit

Tennis great Serena Williams is tying the knot....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:42 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iv9stR

LaVell Edwards, who made BYU a football power, dies at 86

PROVO, Utah (AP) -- LaVell Edwards, who led BYU to national prominence with his dynamic passing offenses and became one of the most successful coaches in college football history, has died. He was 86....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:30 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iizOiQ

Coroner: Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam's death was a suicide

DENVER (AP) -- Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam killed himself after struggling with depression, an autopsy report confirmed Thursday, but investigators will never know whether the one-time running back suffered chronic head trauma from playing football because his family did not consent to those tests....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:02 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hebVr8

The good, bad and weird of the NFL season

The Associated Press will hand out its individual NFL awards on the night before the Super Bowl in Houston. Until then, here are some off-the-beaten track honors to consider....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:25 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2icB0Gt

LaVell Edwards, who made BYU football power, dies at age 86

PROVO, Utah (AP) -- LaVell Edwards, who led BYU to prominence with his pass-happy offenses and ranks as one of the most successful coaches in college football history, has died. He was 86....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:07 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iiodAc

Coroner confirms Rashaan Salaam's death was a suicide

DENVER (AP) -- Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam killed himself after struggling with depression, an autopsy report confirmed Thursday, but investigators will never know whether the one-time running back suffered chronic head trauma from playing football because his family did not consent to those tests....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:37 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hnfdfx

US skier Shiffrin wins slalom for 3rd WCup win in 3 days

SEMMERING, Austria (AP) -- Olympic slalom champion Mikaela Shiffrin used a spectacular final run to win a night race on Thursday for her third World Cup triumph in three days....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:15 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1lfEvEO

US coach: Bode Miller aiming to race next season at age 40

SANTA CATERINA VALFURVA, Italy (AP) -- Bode Miller is still planning on racing again. Just probably not this season....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:22 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2gJMGfq

Ode to Sports: A year like no other

Well, this sure was something, no turning back,...

from AP Top Sports News at 11:02 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1Ee27GZ

RG3 cleared to practice, likely to start against Steelers

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Robert Griffin III can finish what he started....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:48 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ibROxj

The quirkiest sports moments of 2016

After the curses and death threats and groans across Minnesota from Mankato to International Falls, Blair Walsh needed a little love....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:36 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1CO1EXz

No. 16 Stanford, minus McCaffery, ready for Sun Bowl vs UNC

EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- Christian McCaffery isn't at the Sun Bowl with his Stanford teammates. That doesn't mean the star running back hasn't been a topic of discussion....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:15 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hviZmf

Ertz accounts for 3 TDs, K-State

HOUSTON (AP) -- Kansas State was unbeatable against teams from Texas in the regular season, and that didn't change on Wednesday night in the Texas Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:05 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iHgMG9

Durant, Warriors deliver down stretch to hold off Raptors

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Kevin Durant had 22 points, matched his season best with 17 rebounds, and added seven assists and five blocks as the Golden State Warriors held off the Toronto Raptors 121-111 on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:15 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ianjba

Durant, Warriors deliver down stretch to hold off Raptors

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Kevin Durant had 22 points, matched his season best with 17 rebounds, seven assists and a career high-tying six blocks, and the Golden State Warriors held off the Toronto Raptors 121-111 on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:03 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1EYxq9f

Ertz accounts for 3 TDs, K-State

HOUSTON (AP) -- Jesse Ertz threw for 195 yards and a touchdown and ran for two more scores in Kansas State's 33-28 victory over Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:52 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2igluY3

FSU father-son duo first in ACC to reach 1,000-point club

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Xavier Rathan-Mayes became the 46th Florida State player to reach 1,000 career points on Wednesday. But when his layup with 15:47 remaining in the first half against Wake Forest put him at 1,001, it resulted in another, rarer milestone....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:42 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hy7ImR

Williams leads Utah past Indiana 26-24 in Foster Farms Bowl

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Joe Williams ran for 222 yards and a touchdown and Andy Phillips kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:24 to play to lead Utah to its 14th victory in its past 15 bowl games, 26-24 over Indiana in the Foster Farms Bowl on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:19 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2isMOSz

No. 21 Oregon upsets No. 2 UCLA on Brooks' 3-pointer

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Dillon Brooks hit a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left to give No. 21 Oregon an 89-87 victory over No. 2 UCLA on Wednesday night in the Pac-12 opener for both teams....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:47 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iGUBM6

Kaaya's 4 TDs lead Miami past No. 14 West Virginia, 31-14

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Miami fans asked Brad Kaaya to end the school's 10-year bowl-victory drought, and he delivered....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:29 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hqs2S1

Kaaya's 4 TDs lead Miami past No. 14 West Virginia, 31-14

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Brad Kaaya tied a career best and Miami bowl record with four touchdown passes, and the Hurricanes finally snapped a 10-year bowl drought by beating No. 14 West Virginia 31-14 in the Russell Athletic Bowl on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:28 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2huFd7y

Anthony ejected in Atlanta for flagrant foul 2

ATLANTA (AP) -- Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was ejected late in the second quarter Wednesday night against Atlanta after getting whistled for a flagrant foul 2....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:08 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i9C5Pz

Kaaya's 4 TDs lead Miami past No. 14 West Virginia, 31-14

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Brad Kaaya tied a career best and Miami bowl record with four touchdown passes, and the Hurricanes finally snapped a 10-year bowl drought by beating No. 14 West Virginia 31-14 in the Russell Athletic Bowl on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:08 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iGseNR

Anthony ejected in Atlanta for flagrant foul 2

ATLANTA (AP) -- Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was ejected late in the second quarter Wednesday night against Atlanta after getting whistled for a flagrant foul 2....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:44 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1eY7YDq

Jackson powers Northwestern past Pitt in Pinstripe Bowl

NEW YORK (AP) -- Justin Jackson ran for 224 yards and three touchdowns to power Northwestern to only its third bowl victory, 31-24 over No. 22 Pittsburgh in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:10 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hqbSrH

NFL Clash: Should he stay or should he go in 7 cities

Should he stay or should he go?...

from AP Top Sports News at 6:18 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hucX50

Jackson powers Northwestern past Pitt in Pinstripe Bowl

NEW YORK (AP) -- Justin Jackson ran for 226 yards and three touchdowns and powered Northwestern to only its third bowl victory, 31-24 over No. 22 Pittsburgh in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:53 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iFRdoz

Orange Bowl meltdown led Ohio State to overhaul defense

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Ohio State's defense had been laid to waste by Clemson in the 2014 Orange Bowl, the last in a series of lousy performances by the Buckeyes that caused a promising season to end with a thud....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:48 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hpRBmk

AP Analysis: The good, the bad, the ugly of NFL 2016

The Houston Texans' decision to break the bank for Brock Osweiler was among the worst calls of 2016, aside from Jacksonville's color rush mustard yellow jerseys , of course....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:23 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i8Y3Sr

Top golfers honor military at Patriot All-America

LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. (AP) -- Ginger Gilbert-Ravella stood before the crowd, calmly describing the day her husband died....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:06 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iit3Qq

Comeback: Williams gives Clemson another playoff weapon

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Early in Clemson's 2015 season opener against Wofford, Mike Williams took a short touchdown pass over the middle and was shoved into the padded upright in the end zone. He crumpled to the ground, then was strapped carefully on his back to a cart and rushed to a hospital....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:53 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hu6nLV

Rodgers-to-Nelson: Packers' prolific duo is on a roll

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson have worked with each for so long that it often seems they can create plays just by making eye contact....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:50 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iizLGj

Bucs RB Martin suspended, entering drug treatment facility

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances and said Wednesday he's entering a treatment facility rather than appeal the ban....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:47 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iiAEi9

Ronda Rousey saying little to promote UFC 207 comeback fight

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Ronda Rousey is returning to mixed martial arts Friday after a 13-month absence, taking on Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title at UFC 207....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:10 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i8VmAC

Ravens WR Smith likely to retire after Sunday's game

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Steve Smith sounds like a man who's ready to close the door on an NFL career that has spanned 16 seasons and taken him well beyond his 37th birthday....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:00 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i8FMVq

Cam Newton scores with visit to boy battling heart condition

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- There's no doubt Cam Newton has a soft spot in his heart for kids....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:56 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i8BsFA

Former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic retires from tennis at 29

LONDON (AP) -- Ana Ivanovic is retiring from tennis at age 29, ending a career in which she was ranked No. 1 in 2008 but can no longer play at the highest level because of injuries....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:12 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ieZFYX

Bills have interim coach and interim starting QB: EJ Manuel

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Aside from having an interim head coach in Anthony Lynn, the Buffalo Bills also have an interim starting quarterback: EJ Manuel....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:48 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2htyISM

UConn hires Edsall to return as coach from NFL's Lions

UConn is bringing back Randy Edsall as coach, hoping to turn around the Huskies by rehiring the winningest coach in school history....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:35 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2irakQ3

Ryan Ramczyk's road: From D3 to star OL at No. 8 Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Left tackle Ryan Ramczyk forged a unique path to No. 8 Wisconsin....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:32 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hp6i9f

Bigger stakes produced better games in '16

Don't you love it when the game lives up to the hype?...

from AP Top Sports News at 12:00 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iEOL1Q

Pro Picks won't go through the motions in Week 17

Week 17 always is a tough one for Pro Picks. Some teams have nothing to gain as they prepare for the playoffs, wanting to merely stay as healthy as possible....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:39 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/WbhdZ2

Big Guys, Big Plays: Alabama, Clemson go jumbo on offense

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- Clemson coach Dabo Swinney had simple instructions for 340-pound defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence when he first used him on offense: "Go that way."...

from AP Top Sports News at 11:28 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hNUn5A

Cam Newton scores with visit to boy battling heart condition

ATLANTA (AP) -- Cam Newton surprised a 10-year-old boy with a serious heart condition, and got a big hug in return....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:15 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hoSzPE

Former Tour de France champ Wiggins retires from cycling

LONDON (AP) -- Bradley Wiggins has announced his retirement from cycling, ending a career in which he won a British-record eight Olympic medals and the Tour de France....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:36 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iqSNHI

Bradley fails to revive Swansea, a team and club in turmoil

It is easy to look back on Bob Bradley's 85 days as the first American coach in the English Premier League and say he got things badly wrong at Swansea....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:02 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ht5wLn

Infantino: 'Necessary actions & sanctions' on Russian doping

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- FIFA President Gianni Infantino says any "necessary actions and sanctions" will be taken after investigators alleged that Russian soccer players had suspicious drug-test samples covered up....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:23 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hwl7Mc

AP Photos: Ukraine's wounded soldiers get pumped up

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) -- Half a year after losing his legs in the war against separatists in Ukraine's east, Lt. Volodymyr Kovalsky showed the strength of his body and spirit in a sports competition for disabled servicemen....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:00 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ho4z3K

Column: Great dynasties never have time to savor the moment

ATLANTA (AP) -- Jonathan Allen reflects on his first two years at Alabama as total flops, not even worth remembering, much less bestowed with any sense of accomplishment....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:29 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hMwhZ5

Elite young defensemen are adapting to NHL faster than ever

Zach Werenski and Ivan Provorov are the latest to put cracks in the time-tested theory that defensemen need a long time to develop....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:29 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1NDa5bG

Sidelined with injury in '14, Barrett gets another chance

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- When Ohio State captured an improbable national championship two years ago, J.T. Barrett was pushing himself around on the sideline on a scooter that kept his broken right ankle elevated....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:21 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iD0KZM

Column: Great dynasties never have time to savor the moment

ATLANTA (AP) -- Jonathan Allen reflects on his first two years at Alabama as total flops, not even worth remembering, much less bestowed with any sense of accomplishment....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:16 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ipJWpS

In any language, things are working for No. 11 Miami

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- There's no shortage of languages being spoken in the Miami women's locker room these days. Besides English, there can be some Spanish, German, French, a little Danish, even some Dutch dialects....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:16 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ifXUgO

Longtime special teams coach DeHaven dies of prostate cancer

Bruce DeHaven, a longtime special teams coach who helped the Buffalo Bills go to four consecutive Super Bowls, has died following a battle with prostate cancer. He was 68....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:50 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ipC0ET

Phil Jackson, Jeanie Buss say they have ended engagement

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Knicks President Phil Jackson and Lakers executive Jeanie Buss have ended their engagement....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:44 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ifQo5m

Longtime special teams coach DeHaven dies of prostate cancer

Bruce DeHaven, a longtime special teams coach who helped the Buffalo Bills go to four consecutive Super Bowls, has died following a battle with prostate cancer. He was 68....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:22 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ipjKvg

Longtime special teams coach DeHaven dies of prostate cancer

Bruce DeHaven, a longtime special teams coach who helped the Buffalo Bills go to four consecutive Super Bowls, has died following a battle with prostate cancer. He was 68....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:06 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hmx9m6

Blue Jackets push winning streak to 13 with win over Boston

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Nick Foligno scored a power-play goal midway through the third period, Sergei Bobrovsky had 37 saves and the NHL-leading Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Boston Bruins 4-3 on Tuesday night to extend their winning streak to 13 games....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:15 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i5CB0R

Blue Jackets push winning streak to 13 with win over Boston

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Nick Foligno scored a power-play goal midway through the third period, Sergei Bobrovsky had 37 saves and the NHL-leading Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Boston Bruins 4-3 on Tuesday night to extend their winning streak to 13 games....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:06 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hM1Kuh

Westbrook gets 15th triple-double, Thunder top Heat 106-94

MIAMI (AP) -- Russell Westbrook got his 15th triple-double of the season by the midpoint of the third quarter, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Miami Heat 106-94 on Tuesday night to extend their winning streak to four games....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:00 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1jLz6r3

AP Power Rankings: Pats stay No. 1 going into season finale

NEW YORK (AP) -- Going into the last week of the regular season, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are trying to wrap up home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:53 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1twUnH1

Clemson's D-coordinator brings intensity and then some

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Clemson fans are used to the sight: defensive coordinator Brent Venables charging onto the field in an emotional outburst, being pulled back to the sideline by the assistant strength coach in charge of keeping the intense coach out of trouble....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:59 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ibGY8s

Army rushes past North Texas in OT at Heart of Dallas Bowl

DALLAS (AP) -- Jordan Asberry ran for a 3-yard touchdown on fourth down in overtime, sending Army past North Texas 38-31 on Tuesday in a rematch at the Heart of Dallas Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:54 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/13A5cQM

Column: NFL has issues, but Cowboys making it fun again

Just when it seemed the NFL was losing its tight grip on America's fans, America's team came riding to the rescue....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:44 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ieACaX

Washington to test Alabama defense with offensive balance

ATLANTA (AP) -- Washington is bringing more than its high-powered passing attack to Saturday's Peach Bowl semifinal against Alabama's tough defense ....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:59 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hqDkZD

Bradley out as Swansea manager after less than 3 months

SWANSEA, Wales (AP) -- American coach Bob Bradley has been fired as Swansea manager, less than three months after taking charge at the English Premier League club....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:29 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hqAJiq

Rookie stars want wins, even with Cowboys secure atop NFC

FRISCO, Texas (AP) -- Dak Prescott can help the Dallas Cowboys set a franchise record with 14 wins. Ezekiel Elliott could break Eric Dickerson's 33-year-old rookie rushing record with a career high and a few more yards....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:56 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2io35Z8

The king of 2016: LeBron James named AP Male Athlete of Year

CLEVELAND (AP) -- LeBron James was jolted forward when the massive crowd swelled from the sidewalks and into Cleveland's streets, surrounding the convertible that he and his family were riding in. This wasn't supposed to happen....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:03 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hqg8Lg

Bills fire coach Rex Ryan ahead of last game of season

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- The Bills have fired coach Rex Ryan before the end of his second season after he failed to build Buffalo's defense into a bully or lead the team to the playoffs....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:48 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2inLD72

Poe's TD pass has the Chiefs feeling good

The sight was audacious and bizarre and downright funny, the play itself a head scratcher. It was all anybody wanted to talk about after the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Denver Broncos in a game crucial to their AFC West title hopes....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:48 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ie6KLT

An entertaining year in golf inside and outside the ropes

Jason Day ends the year at No. 1 in the world ranking, another indicator of how much and for how long Tiger Woods dominated golf....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:12 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iAoFgr

Bills fire coach Rex Ryan ahead of last game of season

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- The Bills have fired coach Rex Ryan ahead of their last game of the season after he failed to lead Buffalo to the playoffs....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:59 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iAiglb

Alabama's Gold, Washington's Rondeau give teams their voice

They are the familiar voices in which a fan can find the comforts of home....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:31 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2inAoLR

Alabama's Gold, Washington's Rondeau give teams their voice

They are the familiar voices in which a fan can find the comforts of home....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:16 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iA8WOx

For Benfica, it's business as usual with transfers, titles

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -- Another rising talent turned into a profit. Another title on the horizon....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:56 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2izIVLa

US skier Mikaela Shiffrin leads World Cup GS after 1st run

SEMMERING, Austria (AP) -- Overall World Cup leader Mikaela Shiffrin posted the fastest time in the opening run of a giant slalom on Tuesday....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:03 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2dYcunL

NBA: 2 calls were missed in final moments of Cavs-Warriors

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA says two calls were missed in the final moments of Cleveland's win over Golden State on Sunday, and both aided the Cavaliers in what became their one-point victory....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:51 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i9NCwd

No. 21 Oregon gets 2 straight tests vs. ranked opponents

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Oregon's slow climb from a bumpy start to the season could pick up speed this week....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:20 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1ufliW3

At Minnesota, a boycott is over but tensions are not

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota President Eric Kaler stepped behind the podium and began to speak, a crisis averted after seven Golden Gophers football players announced that the team would not boycott the upcoming Holiday Bowl against Washington State because 10 of their teammates had been suspended in a sexual assault case....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:15 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hj44bb

Lions eye high-stakes finale vs Packers after loss to Dallas

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Matthew Stafford moved on quickly from another loss to his hometown team....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:15 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1xsSIa5

Lions' playoff hopes on hold after 42-21 loss to Cowboys

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Matthew Stafford lost to his hometown team again, and the playoff plans are on hold for the Detroit Lions....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:43 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i1YfTQ

Bryant, Cowboys keep Lions' playoff hopes on hold, 42-21

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Dez Bryant threw his first career touchdown pass between a pair of scoring catches, Ezekiel Elliott ran for two TDs and the Dallas Cowboys kept Detroit from clinching a playoff spot with a 42-21 win over the Lions on Monday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:46 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1HvUnyu

NC State beats Vanderbilt 41-17 in Independence Bowl

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) -- North Carolina State quarterback Ryan Finley has a simple philosophy when it comes to getting do-everything threat Jaylen Samuels involved with the offense....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:17 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hIT5ZG

NC State beats Vanderbilt 41-17 in Independence Bowl

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) -- Jaylen Samuels caught three touchdown passes from Ryan Finley, Nyheim Hines returned a kickoff for a 100-yard touchdown and North Carolina State beat Vanderbilt 41-17 on Monday night in the Independence Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:56 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ibUlIf

No. 3 Clemson returns to site of championship disappointment

PHOENIX (AP) -- Clemson is back in Arizona, hoping to celebrate a College Football Playoff victory in the same stadium the Tigers lamented coming up just short of a national championship last season....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:19 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i1oARO

Boston College builds lead, holds off Maryland for 36-30 win

DETROIT (AP) -- Patrick Towles threw two touchdown passes and caught a pass for a score in the first half, helping Boston College build a big lead in a 36-30 win over Maryland in the Quick Lane Bowl on Monday....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:59 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hIwQTR

Boston College builds lead, holds off Maryland for 36-30 win

DETROIT (AP) -- Patrick Towles threw two touchdown passes and caught a pass for a score in the first half, helping Boston College build a big lead in a 36-30 win over Maryland in the Quick Lane Bowl on Monday....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:42 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1EsNL5F

Ohio State had some surprises in store in 2016

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- When fall camp opened, coach Urban Meyer had a pretty good idea how quarterback J.T. Barrett played would dictate Ohio State's fortunes, that Curtis Samuel would be a top playmaker and Mike Weber had what it took to be the next elite tailback in Columbus....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:51 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i0RwJN

Blocked FG helps Mississippi State hold off Miami 17-16

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- Mississippi State's sideline erupted in celebration, relieved to escape with a victory to end a challenging season....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:17 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ibhrih

Titans QB Mariota will have leg surgery on Wednesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota will have surgery Wednesday for his broken right leg, and coach Mike Mularkey says the recovery process will take four to five months....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:04 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1GdoP1F

Swinney changes mental approach for Clemson

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- As he flew back from Arizona last January, his players' disappointment still fresh in his mind, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney began crafting the message he hoped would lead the Tigers past their national championship loss to Alabama and back for another run at the title....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:15 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i0pSfT

AP Analysis: Poe the QB no longer under wraps

The Kansas City Chiefs can score in all sorts of ways, so was it really necessary for Andy Reid to turn his 346-pound defensive tackle into a quarterback ?...

from AP Top Sports News at 3:11 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2cjxlB1

UConn still unanimous No. 1 in AP women's hoops poll

It's been a wonderful few months for Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:11 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2gvuA5h

Alabama, Washington arrive in Atlanta for semifinal matchup

ATLANTA (AP) -- No. 1 Alabama and coach Nick Saban are the closest the College Football Playoff has to seasoned veterans....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:54 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i8oQfP

Mkhitaryan masterpiece keeps Man United rolling in EPL

LONDON (AP) -- Toppling forward, Henrikh Mkhitaryan looked like he'd misjudged the right-wing cross as he surged into the box seeking a clinching goal for Manchester United....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:54 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ea4Uqs

UConn still unanimous No. 1 in AP women's hoops poll

UConn is still the unanimous No. 1 atop The Associated Press women's basketball poll....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:31 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/Ky5M87

Missed calls aplenty, and the NFL is looking for fixes

This has been the year of the penalty in the NFL....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ixeswX

Simone Biles soars to AP Female Athlete of the Year

Simone Biles tried to treat the 2016 Summer Olympics like just your average ordinary gymnastics meet. So what if the stage and the stakes were different?...

from AP Top Sports News at 1:03 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hnoKC8

FANTASY PLAYS: With most leagues done, W17 for daily fantasy

Before the advent of daily fantasy sports ("DFS"), Week 17 had traditionally been an afterthought for many fantasy players, as league championships had been won (or lost) in Week 16 and it afforded an opportunity to watch a week of football with undivided support for your favorite NFL team....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:35 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1NAIVCw

Villanova on top of AP poll for fourth straight week

Villanova starts its fourth week as the No. 1 team in The Associated Press Top 25 and the ranked teams stay the same from the last poll except for Florida, which replaces fellow Southeastern Conference member South Carolina....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:02 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/KylNe5

UConn fires football coach Diaco after 3-9 third season

STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- UConn says it has fired football coach Bob Diaco after his third season....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:12 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hrb9eI

Dolphins earn 1st playoff berth since 2008 with Denver loss

MIAMI (AP) -- Now that the Miami Dolphins are in the playoffs for the first time in eight years, they'll try to end an even longer drought....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:09 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iweRjg

Resilient Steelers stirring memories with AFC North title

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Ben Roethlisberger doesn't want to get ahead of himself. The stakes, after all, were far different. Still, the similarities were kind of striking....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:42 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1s73BaX

Frenchman sets round-the-world sailing record: 49 days

PARIS (AP) -- A little over 49 days - that's all it took Frenchman Thomas Coville to sail around the world alone, to set what French officials say is a new world record....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:42 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hqJqLn

Resilient Steelers stirring memories with AFC North title

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Ben Roethlisberger doesn't want to get ahead of himself. The stakes, after all, were far different. Still, the similarities were kind of striking....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:59 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i71WW3

Broncos get bounced from playoff contention by Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Ten months ago, confetti rained down on the Denver Broncos after they won the Super Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:08 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hGq5Sj

Wild Week 16 has the good, the bad and the ugly

There's only one way to describe a weekend in which the three worst teams in the NFL all win....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:46 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i9kmrD

At 21-8, it might be time to keep an eye on Toronto

Pop quiz. Name the only team in the NBA to not lose a game by double digits this season....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:46 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/Kwu6Hq

WNBA offers players security app for safety overseas

NEW YORK (AP) -- The WNBA is offering an assist to players trying to stay safe while traveling overseas....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:37 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hq40M1

Travis Kelce leads Chiefs to important win over Broncos

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Chiefs could have sleepwalked through their game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night, content that they were going to the playoffs after Pittsburgh beat Baltimore earlier in the day....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:29 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iuj37a

Lakers snap 11-game skid vs rival Clippers, 111-102

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Nick Young and Timofey Mozgov scored 19 points apiece and the Los Angeles Lakers snapped their 11-game losing streak in their rivalry with the Los Angeles Clippers with a 111-102 victory Sunday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:14 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1ihXIIw

Dolphins earn 1st playoff berth since 2008 with Denver loss

MIAMI (AP) -- The Miami Dolphins are in the playoffs for the first time in eight years....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:02 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ihPKBK

Chiefs rout Broncos 33-10 to keep AFC West title hopes alive

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- With their postseason spot secured, the Kansas City Chiefs turned to Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill to roll past the Denver Broncos 33-10 on Sunday night and keep their AFC West title hopes alive....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:58 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1rIWETf

Westbrook has 31 points, Thunder beat Timberwolves 112-100

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Russell Westbrook had 31 points and 15 assists to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-100 on Sunday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:45 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2itIfuE

Westbrook has 31 points, Thunder beat Timberwolves 112-100

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Russell Westbrook had 31 points and 15 assists to help the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-100 on Sunday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:40 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ihVuv1

Ravens collapse late, miss playoffs after loss to Steelers

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Baltimore Ravens spent the better part of four months shadowboxing the Pittsburgh Steelers for control of the AFC North....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:07 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hpWGQj

Broncos' Kayvon Webster taken off field on cart after hit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Broncos cornerback Kayvon Webster was taken from the field on a cart after getting hurt while covering a touchback in the second quarter Sunday night against the Chiefs....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:50 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i6v4gl

Steelers win AFC North after rallying past Ravens 31-27

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The clock ticking and a season filled with promise evaporating, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took the snap, turned to his left and put the AFC North title in the hands of Antonio Brown....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:23 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hlNDhG

Steelers win AFC North after rallying by Ravens 31-27

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers rode Ben Roethlisberger's right arm and Antonio Brown's left arm to the AFC North title....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:53 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1GcIyNK

Chiefs clinch playoff spot when Steelers beat Ravens

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Kansas City Chiefs clinched a playoff spot for the second straight year when the Steelers scored in the closing seconds to beat the Baltimore Ravens 31-27 on Sunday....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:44 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i6cEMz

Aldridge's season-high 33 help Spurs hold off Bulls

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- LaMarcus Aldridge had a season-high 33 points and the San Antonio Spurs held on to beat the Chicago Bulls 119-100 on Sunday after nearly blowing a hot start....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:44 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1EtFTAr

LeBron, Irving rally Cavaliers past Warriors 109-108

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Kyrie Irving dropped a fadeway jumper over Klay Thompson with 3.4 seconds left and the Cleveland Cavaliers came back on Golden State just like they did last June in the NBA Finals, beating the Warriors 109-108 on Sunday....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:28 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1MX6Dvm

No. 10 Louisville should move up in poll after Kentucky win

Defense has not been a problem for Louisville. Rarely is under coach Rick Pitino....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:57 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2gQ1uJJ

SEC still has plenty of questions heading into league play

As the Southeastern Conference prepares to begin league competition, this much seems clear: Kentucky's freshman class is as good as advertised....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:48 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2isZsnQ

At least now Giants don't have to root for Cowboys

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- At least now the Giants don't have to root for the Cowboys....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:28 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hpfW0p

Stafford comes home, looking to clinch playoffs for Lions

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Matthew Stafford doesn't dwell on Detroit's loss to his hometown Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs two years ago....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:11 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hf6uaN

Celtics recover after late Knicks rally, win 119-114

NEW YORK (AP) -- Isaiah Thomas scored 27 points, Marcus Smart made a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 47 seconds left after Boston blew a late lead, and the Celtics beat the New York Knicks 119-114 on Sunday....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:41 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i5PvKi

Cubs' World Series title voted top AP sports story of 2016

CHICAGO (AP) -- Everything changed for the Chicago Cubs on a rainy November night. A century-plus worth of heartache washed away by a wave of pure joy....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:28 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i7ZUHT

Big Ten race for conference title wide open in a down season

The Big Ten might not be as good as it has been in recent years....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:45 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i7Vjp7

No. 2 UCLA enters Pac-12 season undefeated

PHOENIX (AP) -- Coach Steve Alford's best recruiting class for this season was expected to get UCLA back on track following the Bruins' fourth losing season since 1948....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:31 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2igFQAn

Chelsea, Conte standing out as normality returns to EPL

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- In one sense, normality has returned to the English Premier League after the craziness of Leicester's improbable surge to the title last season....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:24 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2heIULs

No. 5 Duke aiming to get settled, develop as ACC play starts

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Duke started the year as the nation's top-ranked team and Atlantic Coast Conference favorite. Yet as the start of league play arrives, little has gone to plan for the fifth-ranked Blue Devils....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:55 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i7JUFR

Raiders and Colts both left dejected after Oakland's win

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- When the final whistle blew, both the Indianapolis Colts and Oakland Raiders felt like they lost....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:14 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hVCF3h

Inconsistent Seahawks show up again in loss to Cardinals

SEATTLE (AP) -- After 15 games, the only certainty about the Seattle Seahawks is to expect inconsistency....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:14 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2isRNBX

Titans sputter, lose Mariota, fall to inspired Jaguars 38-17

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- The Tennessee Titans delivered their worst performance of the year at the most inopportune time....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:14 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hVGENd

Jackson, Browns emotional after getting season's first win

CLEVELAND (AP) -- For the first time, Hue Jackson stood in front of the Browns as a winner....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:14 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2isRS8J

Ajayi, Franks nudge Miami closer to clinching playoff berth

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Jay Ajayi's legs and Andrew Franks' foot powered the Miami Dolphins a step closer to their first playoff berth since 2008....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:14 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hVIZrB

Packers move step closer to division title, boot Vikings

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- The resurgent Green Bay Packers moved one win away from another NFC North title....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:14 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1xJv0Xu

Clowney, Texans headed to postseason after win over Bengals

HOUSTON (AP) -- Jadeveon Clowney can't wait for his first career playoff appearance after missing Houston's postseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs last season with a foot injury....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:50 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hVHtpj

ICYMI in NFL Week 16: Win comes at cost for Oak; Browns win

In one city, a win felt a lot like a loss. In another, the losers finally figured out how to win....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:21 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1tkHr6s

Carr's injury puts damper on Raiders' 33-25 win over Colts

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- As Derek Carr fell to the turf with a broken leg, a celebratory day in Oakland immediately turned somber....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:23 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hDEkr3

Texans clinch AFC South with 12-10 win over Bengals

HOUSTON (AP) -- Tom Savage threw for 176 yards in his first career start and the Cincinnati Bengals missed a field goal as time expired, giving the Houston Texans a 12-10 victory and their second straight AFC South title Saturday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:24 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1reUNzV

Buccaneers playoff hopes take hit with 31-24 loss to Saints

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston let a veteran safety get the best of him - twice - and wasn't hiding his disappointment about a performance that might have cost the Buccaneers a chance at their first playoff berth since 2007....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:15 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iqmR9z

Catanzaro's field goal gives Arizona 34-31 win over Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Arizona Cardinals continue to give the Seattle Seahawks headaches at home. This time, it will likely end up costing Seattle a first-round bye in the playoffs....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:56 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1vDkKQQ

Buccaneers playoff hopes take hit with 31-24 loss to Saints

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Mark Ingram rushed for two-touchdowns and a game-sealing first down in the final minutes, and the New Orleans Saints put a considerable damper on Tampa Bay's playoff aspirations with a 31-24 victory Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:43 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1s0ejEU

Franks' field goal seals Dolphins' 34-31 OT win over Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Jay Ajayi ran for 206 yards and broke loose for a 57-yarder in overtime to set up Andrew Franks' 27-yard field goal with 47 seconds left to lead the Miami Dolphins to a 34-31 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:53 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hd3taY

Franks' field goal seals Dolphins' 34-31 OT win over Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Jay Ajayi ran for 206 yards and broke loose for a 53-yarder in overtime to set up Andrew Franks' 27-yard field goal with 47 seconds left to lead the Miami Dolphins to a 34-31 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hcYcjV

Christmas gift: Browns get first win, beat Chargers 20-17

CLEVELAND (AP) -- On the verge of infamy and more embarrassment, the Browns triumphed....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:58 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hcOeyQ

Franks' field goal seals Dolphins' 34-31 OT win over Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Jay Ajayi ran for 206 yards and broke loose for a 53-yarder in overtime to set up Andrew Franks' 27-yard field goal with 47 seconds left to lead the Miami Dolphins to a 34-31 win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:58 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ipErL0

Christmas gift: Browns get first win, beat Chargers 20-17

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Browns are winless no more....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:30 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ipyXzY

Rodgers, Nelson shred Vikings as surging Packers win 38-25

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Aaron Rodgers threw for 347 yards and four touchdowns, Jordy Nelson shredded Minnesota's secondary for 154 yards and two scores, and the resurgent Green Bay Packers beat the Vikings 38-25 on Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:27 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1yBgqm4

Inspired Jaguars knock out Mariota, rout Titans 38-17

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Blake Bortles' best game of the season helped the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 38-17 on Saturday and end a nine-game losing streak....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:27 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/13ibUKR

Patriots close in on AFC top seed with 41-3 win over Jets

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- Tom Brady passed for 214 yards and three touchdowns , and the Patriots moved a step closer to securing home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a 41-3 win over the New York Jets on Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:15 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hUwKv2

The Latest: Tom Brady heads to bench; Matt Ryan's lucky 13

The Latest on week 16 of the NFL season on Saturday (all times local):...

from AP Top Sports News at 3:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hcMtSc

Jets without RB Matt Forte, Pats without Hightower, Amendola

Jets running back Matt Forte is missing his first game Saturday against the New England Patriots with a torn meniscus in his right knee and an injured shoulder....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:40 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2cQMpKb

In a year of stunners, sports goes along for the ride

In a year filled with stunners, sports certainly went along for the ride....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:12 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hiLzag

Jets say Todd Bowles to coach from sideline vs Patriots

The New York Jets say that Todd Bowles will coach from the sideline Saturday against the Patriots, a day after going to the hospital with a medical scare....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:06 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i2Tjfb

Woods has wild week: white Santa goatee, golf with Trump

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Tiger Woods is having quite the week....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:52 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hmBA5w

Column: Shifting gears, Bears peddle hacked emails to media

PARIS (AP) -- The message dropped unsolicited into my private Twitter inbox....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:25 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hBDXx6

Jets coach Todd Bowles rejoins team after being hospitalized

NEW YORK (AP) -- Todd Bowles will coach the New York Jets against the New England Patriots on Saturday after rejoining the team following a medical scare ....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:11 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1BmXTcI

Underwood's up-tempo style leading to wins at Oklahoma St

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Brad Underwood is about to find out if his attacking style of offense works in the Big 12....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:39 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2icUXuC

Past and future of Arizona hockey face off in desert

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Shane Doan has been a franchise cornerstone since the Coyotes moved from Winnipeg to Arizona in 1996, a stabilizing force through the good times and the bad....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:31 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hB7RSp

James, Wade, looking to join NBA's Christmas 300-point club

Only Kobe Bryant and Oscar Robertson have scored more than 300 points on Christmas in their NBA careers....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:18 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iqj7kj

30 years later, 'Hoosiers' still has major impact in Milan

MILAN, Ind. (AP) -- Jordan Burton's first serious history lesson about Milan basketball came in first grade....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:09 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2icSjoq

Moyes back at Old Trafford and still thinking: 'What if?'

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- The "Chosen One" banner has gone from the Stretford End. The team has been overhauled through three consecutive offseasons of lavish spending. Alex Ferguson's shadow no longer looms quite so large....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:39 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2gjPBzJ

Blue Jackets beat Canadiens 2-1 for 12th win in a row

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The Columbus Blue Jackets gave their fans quite a gift two days before Christmas - a 12-game winning streak and the best record in the NHL....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:48 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2faoAed

Vikings' plane slides off Wisconsin runway, stuck for hours

APPLETON, Wis. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings' team plane slid off a Wisconsin runway and became stuck in the grass, leaving players waiting for hours to get off the aircraft....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:26 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2imEtDv

Vikings' plane slides off Wisconsin runway, struck for hours

APPLETON, Wis. (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings' team plane slid off a Wisconsin runway and became stuck in the grass, leaving players waiting for hours to get off the aircraft....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hhAAOr

Wild chase Lundqvist, beat Rangers 7-4 for 10th straight win

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild are red hot....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:15 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2imxzxM

Wild chase Lundqvist, beat Rangers 7-4 for 10th straight win

NEW YORK (AP) -- Mikko Koivu, Nino Niederreiter and Marco Scandella scored in a 5-minute span early in the second period, and the Minnesota Wild beat the New York Rangers 7-4 on Friday night for their franchise-record 10th straight win....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:59 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hlrtxI

Cowboys keep focus on Lions with division, home field secure

FRISCO, Texas (AP) -- Jason Witten had to figure the questions were coming after the Dallas Cowboys wrapped up the NFC East and home-field advantage in the playoffs with two games remaining....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:29 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i3Hisf

Jets coach Bowles hospitalized, doesn't travel with team

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Jets coach Todd Bowles was hospitalized Friday with what the team called an "undisclosed illness," and he did not travel for the game at New England on Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:14 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ib4x0G

Oklahoma's Joe Mixon tearfully apologizes for punching woman

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon made a tearful public apology Friday, more than two years after punching a woman and breaking bones in her face....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:43 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ib06TA

APNewsBreak: Rise is MLB average salary lowest since 2004

NEW YORK (AP) -- The rise in Major League Baseball's average salary slowed this year as more players got hurt and wound up on the disabled list, leaving the increase at just under $14,000....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:33 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iaNE6t

Oklahoma's Joe Mixon tearfully apologizes for punching woman

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon made a tearful public apology Friday, more than two years after punching a woman and breaking bones in her face....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:22 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hkMbh2

Ex-England coach Allardyce hired as Crystal Palace manager

LONDON (AP) -- Three months after losing his dream job as England manager, Sam Allardyce was back in football on Friday and facing a familiar task: Keeping a struggling team in the Premier League....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:05 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hzykPY

Cavs' J.R. Smith out 3 months with thumb, blow to NBA champs

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The defending NBA champions will be without a major piece for at least three months....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:52 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2dR2rUh

Cavs' J.R. Smith out 3 months with thumb, blow to NBA champs

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Cavaliers starting guard J.R. Smith will miss at least three months following surgery on his right thumb, a major injury that will have a ripple effect for the defending NBA champions....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:03 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2dqrFYU

For Wade and others, NBA Christmas games remain a privilege

Christmas has already been celebrated at Dwyane Wade's house. His wife and kids unwrapped their presents on Wednesday night, since waiting until Sunday morning wasn't an option this year....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:38 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hgjVdK

Lower-level Division I teams embrace, enjoy epic road trips

ITTA BENA, Miss. (AP) -- Mississippi Valley State was hanging fairly close with nationally ranked Michigan State earlier this year before Spartans' guard Miles Bridges took a pass, sprinted down the lane and threw down a vicious one-handed dunk over Jamal Watson....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:31 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2inS215

LeBron's block in The Finals is the play of 2016

They came from many sports, in many countries, with varying forms of pressure involved....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:01 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1t1EKf5

Ender Inciarte, Braves agree to $30.5M, 5-year contract

ATLANTA (AP) -- Outfielder Ender Inciarte has avoided salary arbitration with the Atlanta Braves, agreeing to a $30,525,000, five-year contract....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:01 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2inSmgw

Family: Ethiopian running legend Miruts Yifter dies at 72

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) -- The family of Ethiopian running legend and Olympic gold medalist Miruts Yifter says he has died in Canada at age 72....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:04 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i1PY2y

NFL teams seeking playoff berth, let Giants' loss be lesson

The New York Giants have given teams chasing playoff berths a fresh reminder to take nobody for granted, especially division rivals....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:52 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2haezkT

Superstars mesh: Curry, Durant thriving as new teammates

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- As shootaround wrapped up one morning last weekend, once Stephen Curry had concluded his methodical session flicking jumpers from every spot on the same practice court he always uses, Kevin Durant took a pass from the MVP's main rebounding man, Bruce Fraser, and let fly an extra-long 3-pointer from the right wing....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:20 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h8NuLn

Omogbo leads Rams year after death of parents in house fire

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) -- Colorado State senior Emmanuel Omogbo's right basketball shoe is a dedication to his parents, their names written in black marker with "RIP" alongside. The left one, a tribute to his niece and nephew....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:07 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i92la1

Eagles prevent Giants from clinching playoff spot, 24-19

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Because they couldn't win on the road, the New York Giants ensured they won't open at home if they make the playoffs....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:52 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1EO21Ut

Idaho outscores Colorado State 61-50 in Potato Bowl

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Matt Linehan threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns and ran for a another score to help Idaho beat Colorado State 61-50 on Thursday night in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in the third-highest scoring game in bowl history....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:05 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iikVzS

Eagles prevent Giants from clinching playoff spot, 24-19

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The New York Giants will have to wait a while to make the playoffs....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:45 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1suBCWy

AP Exclusive: Solo talks about future, fight for equal pay

Hope Solo says she hopes that someday she can return to the U.S. women's national team, but in the meantime she vows to keep fighting for equal pay for the players....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:26 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i7qM7M

Idaho outscores Colorado State 61-50 in Potato Bowl

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Matt Linehan threw for 381 yards and four touchdowns and ran for a another score to help Idaho beat Colorado State 61-50 on Thursday night in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in the third-highest scoring game in bowl history....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:25 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i7EtUz

Durant, Warriors rally for 117-101 win against Nets

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Golden State Warriors knew they would need energy and were missing the guy who often provides it, so they weren't totally surprised by their poor first half....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:22 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i0LfOs

Carson Wentz returns after leaving game with head injury

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz briefly left the Eagles' game in the third quarter Thursday night after taking a late hit from Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:52 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hip7PW

Carson Wentz leaves game with head injury

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz left the Eagles' game in the third quarter Thursday night after taking a late hit from Giants defensive end Olivier Vernon....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:41 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i7yq28

Jaromir Jagr breaks tie for No. 2, Panthers fall to Bruins

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr moved into the outright No. 2 spot on the NHL career scoring list Thursday night, getting an assist in the Florida Panthers' 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:41 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1FsVhID

Jaromir Jagr breaks tie for No. 2, Panthers fall to Bruins

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr moved into the outright No. 2 spot on the NHL career scoring list Thursday night, getting an assist in the Florida Panthers' 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:32 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h7VKLq

He's No. 2: Jagr moves into second on NHL points list

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) -- Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr has moved into outright No. 2 spot on the NHL career scoring list....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:13 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1wlSQEh

Durant, Warriors rally for 117-101 win against Nets

NEW YORK (AP) -- Kevin Durant had 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and the Golden State Warriors turned an ugly start into an easy finish in a 117-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:00 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1vW28vU

Blue streak: Jackets rout Penguins 7-1 to take Metro lead

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Scott Hartnell had his ninth career hat trick and the Columbus Blue Jackets scored four times in a head-spinning third-period flurry to blow out the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-1 on Thursday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:53 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1h8QzYq

AP source: Indians, Encarnacion agree to contract

CLEVELAND (AP) -- A person familiar with the negotiations says the AL champion Cleveland Indians have agreed to a contract with free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:43 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i7jEs9

To the rafters: Heat retire Shaq's No. 32 jersey

MIAMI (AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal once brought in someone to set up a makeshift jewelry store in the Miami Heat players' lounge, and often could be found surprising team executives and employees while naked....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:43 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i0riY0

AP Exclusive: Solo talks about future, fight for equal pay

Hope Solo says she hopes that someday she can return to the U.S. women's national team, but in the meantime she vows to keep fighting for equal pay for the players....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:47 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2heIIis

Beloved Golden State Warriors fan 'Sweetie' dies at 107

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A 107-year-old Northern California woman who gained fame very late in life as an avid and gregarious fan of the Golden State Warriors died Thursday....

from AP Top Sports News at 7:45 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i77hfF

Beloved 107-year-old Golden State Warriors fan dies

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A 107-year-old Northern California woman who gained fame very late in life as an avid and gregarious fan of the Golden State Warriors died Thursday....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:16 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h7gQtj

Column: Big-time college sports keeps falling on its face

Grayson Allen sure picked a lousy week to take college sports on a bad trip down memory lane....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:12 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ihdTeG

Happy Holidays! A look at the best of this year's bowl gifts

If coming up with the perfect present during the holidays for one person is stressful, try doing it for 250....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:28 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hhDiFj

Navy, Louisiana Tech both slip into Armed Forces Bowl

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- Navy is trying to finish back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time. Louisiana Tech can get to nine wins for the third year in a row, something the Bulldogs have never done in Division I....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:17 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1Dc2duG

Georgia fines Shane Beamer $25K for role in Wake scandal

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia has fined assistant coach Shane Beamer $25,000 for accepting leaked game plan information two years ago while at Virginia Tech from a former Wake Forest assistant coach who has been fired from his job as a radio analyst....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:03 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ikQxRi

Georgia fines Shane Beamer $25K for role in Wake scandal

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia has fined assistant coach Shane Beamer $25,000 for accepting leaked game plan information two years ago while at Virginia Tech from a former Wake Forest assistant coach who has been fired from his job as a radio analyst....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:52 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hMUHo4

FBS athletic directors create political action committee

The 129 FBS athletic directors and the programs they represent have formed a political action committee to financially support candidates for office....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:38 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hehmt2

Newton: Panthers should sit Kuechly, not jeopardize future

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Cam Newton said it makes no sense for the Panthers to play three-time All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly the remainder of the season following his second concussion in two years....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:37 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ikSEox

Think you knew sports in 2016? Take this quiz to make sure

The Cubs won their first World Series in 108 years and LeBron James brought an NBA title to long suffering Cleveland. You know that, but how much do you really know about the year in sports? Here's a quiz to find out:...

from AP Top Sports News at 4:06 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h6Vixb

Iowa QB C.J. Beathard wraps up winning career with bowl trip

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- C.J. Beathard won't be remembered for his stats, but he will go down as one of the winningest quarterbacks Iowa has ever had....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:04 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hhvpPO

A look at some of 2016's most inspiring sports moments

We watch sports to see who wins and loses, but also to be inspired - and 2016 offered plenty of examples of the latter, from a touching moment between two strangers on the Olympic track, to a little boy from a war-torn land who met his favorite soccer player, to a warm ovation fueled by empathy for a visiting NHL goalie....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ikAjIa

Former QB Holieway admires Alabama true freshman QB Hurts

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Jamelle Holieway dazzled the college football world as a true freshman who mastered Oklahoma's dynamic wishbone attack and led the Sooners to the 1985 national championship....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hMIUGC

Russia loses biathlon, skating events over doping

Russia has lost speedskating and biathlon events it was due to host this winter following allegations it ran a vast state-sponsored doping scheme....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:44 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hniurx

Cubs won it all just in time for many of its long-time fans

CHICAGO (AP) -- At the end, not much was getting through to Helen Weithman. The memories she collected over 98 years were slipping away. When Kathleen Strobel talked to her, she could tell by the blank look on her mom's face that that she didn't understand a lot of what she was saying....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:23 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i6aPim

Bradley judged on his words as well as results at Swansea

It seems Bob Bradley is being judged on more than just results during his first coaching stint in the English Premier League....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:07 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hMgJHM

Stars promote assistant Vickie Johnson to head coach

The San Antonio Stars stayed within the organization to find their next head coach....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:54 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hM4JFW

AP sources: Beckham Jr. fined for Sager-inspired cleats

New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has been fined $18,000 by the NFL for wearing unapproved cleats against Detroit, two people familiar with the fine tell The Associated Press....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:32 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hLXUUQ

Switzer pulls one over on media about meeting with Trump

Former Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer figured when he told reporters he was going to be the Secretary of Offense for Donald Trump he assumed they knew he was joking about meeting the president-elect....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:23 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hLWfPl

AP source: Pirates, Ivan Nova agree to $26M, 3-year deal

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the deal says pitcher Ivan Nova and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a $26 million, three-year contract....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:20 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hLB4gk

AP source: Pirates, Ivan Nova agree to $26M, 3-year deal

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the deal says pitcher Ivan Nova and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a $26 million, three-year contract....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:40 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hX5cDg

Duke gives Allen indefinite suspension from team after trip

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- Duke has suspended Grayson Allen indefinitely from the team after tripping an opponent for the third time in a year....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:20 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hgst6b

Cops: Boxer Paul Spadafora stabbed brother, fought with cops

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Former lightweight boxing champ Paul Spadafora is in jail again, this time for allegedly stabbing his brother during an argument and then fighting with police officers called to intervene, according to a criminal complaint....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:49 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hL25k7

Duke's Allen says "no excuse" for 3rd trip in past year

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) -- For the third time in a year, Duke's Grayson Allen got caught tripping an opponent in a game....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:20 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i3SvGw

Williams runs for 210 yards, TD in BYU's Poinsettia Bowl win

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Senior Jamaal Williams gained 210 yards on 26 carries and Tanner Mangum ran for a touchdown and threw for another to lead BYU to a 24-21 victory over Wyoming in the Poinsettia Bowl on a rainy Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:42 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1vmlDYx

Westbrook scores 42, Thunder beat Pelicans 121-110

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Russell Westbrook's left-handed, inside-out dribble wrong-footed Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday, creating an open lane for a driving layup. That was one of many scoring highlights for the Oklahoma City star, who sometimes looked like he could have outscored New Orleans by himself....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:18 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ihXdj7

Irving, James lead short-handed Cavs past Bucks 113-102

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Kyrie Irving didn't get tired of seeing the Milwaukee Bucks on consecutive days in December....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:59 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2icWu6O

Westbrook scores 42, Thunder beat Pelicans 121-110

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Russell Westbrook had 42 points and 10 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 121-110 on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:46 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2htvLit

Westbrook scores 42, Thunder beats Pelicans 121-110

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Russell Westbrook had 42 points and 10 rebounds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans 121-110 on Wednesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:28 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1woIkAq

Stoops: RB Mixon would be off Sooners had punch been in 2016

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said Wednesday that Joe Mixon would be off the team if he had punched a woman now instead of 2 1/2 years ago, when he suspended the star running back for a year in a move that has drawn sharp criticism....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:42 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2heflP9

AP Sources: Owners pass new labor deal, players next

A new labor deal in the NBA is on the verge of being finalized, after owners voted Wednesday to approve a proposed seven-year collective bargaining agreement that was tentatively agreed to last week....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:29 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2er5bHx

Saban: Playoffs to blame for players deciding to skip bowls

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama coach Nick Saban believes it's hard to blame players for skipping the bowl games when the playoffs have overshadowed most of them anyway....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:26 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2icaGxd

Stoops: Mixon would be off Sooners team had punch

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops says running back Joe Mixon would be off the team if he had punched a woman now instead of 2 1/2 years ago....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:55 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h3vYYD

Panthers LB Kuechly: No plans to retire after 2nd concussion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Luke Kuechly said he isn't going to let a second concussion end his football career....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:46 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hbpz0Q

Additional practices create balancing act for bowl teams

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney knows quite well how teams and players get long-term benefits from the extra practices that accompany a bowl bid....

from AP Top Sports News at 5:29 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hIX7UH

Panthers LB Kuechly: No plans to retire after 2nd concussion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Panthers three-time All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly says he's not considering retiring from playing football after his second NFL concussion in as many years....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:56 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2fDxweK

Oklahoma dealing with fallout from Mixon punch video

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- In video released this week, Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon sat stone-faced as he, his mother and police officers watched footage of him knocking out a female student with a punch and breaking her jaw and cheekbone....

from AP Top Sports News at 4:17 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i2clC6

NCAA: Baylor penalized for football recruiting violations

WACO, Texas (AP) -- Baylor has been fined $5,000 for NCAA football recruiting violations, the latest blow for a program trying to pick up the pieces from a sexual assault scandal and struggles on the field....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:47 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2igpXsK

Giants at Eagles begins holiday weekend of playoff scenarios

Coming off one of its best weeks ever, Pro Picks is ready to rock the holidays....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:16 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/WbhdZ2

Inconsistent Ohio State working to smooth out passing game

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Whether Ohio State can beat Clemson in the College Football Playoff next week could depend on which version of the wildly inconsistent Buckeyes offense shows up to play in the desert....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:53 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i1IBFq

Giants at Eagles begins holiday weekend of playoff scenarios

Coming off one of its best weeks ever, Pro Picks is ready to rock the holidays....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:32 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2haGLUr

Cavs starting guard J.R. Smith needs thumb surgery

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Cavaliers starting guard J.R. Smith will be out indefinitely with a broken right thumb, an injury that will test the depth of the defending NBA champions....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:21 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i1CNM2

NCAA: Baylor penalized for football recruiting violations

WACO, Texas (AP) -- Baylor has been fined and penalized after an investigation determined assistant football coaches committed recruiting and other NCAA violations....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:15 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hs7kSv

Iowa, McCaffery walks off court without handshake for UND

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- Iowa coach Fran McCaffery walked off the court after the win and waved for his team to follow him to the locker room without shaking hands with North Dakota's players and coaches....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:38 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h2qtJY

When giants fall: Sports loses Ali, Howe, Palmer, Summitt

Mighty sequoias fell in sports in 2016, transformational figures who reshaped the games and the culture - from Muhammad Ali to Gordie Howe, from Arnold Palmer to Pat Summitt....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:24 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hU0mXH

Jagr on Gretzky: 'I don't think he was from this planet'

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr knows No. 2 is as high as he'll go on the NHL career scoring list....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:24 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hI1DmE

Washington's Browning becomes a little more confident

SEATTLE (AP) -- It was so out of character it became the defining moment of his time at Washington. Maybe that's because the most exuberance Jake Browning had ever shown before was a fist pump and a smile....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:24 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hTUEVA

Cavs starting guard J.R. Smith needs thumb surgery

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Cavaliers starting guard J.R. Smith needs surgery on his right thumb and will be sidelined indefinitely....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:15 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hHVc2G

UNC receives 3rd Notice of Allegations in NCAA case

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina has received a third Notice of Allegations from the NCAA outlining violations connected to its multi-year academic fraud scandal....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:04 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h2jikL

Woeful Jaguars trying to avoid 1st winless season at home

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Jacksonville's worst season in team history could become even more dreadful Saturday....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:23 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hTJMag

UNC receives 3rd Notice of Allegations in NCAA case

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina has received a third Notice of Allegations from the NCAA outlining violations connected to its multi-year academic fraud scandal....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:20 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1jEaYDg

Oklahoma lineman Orlando Brown Jr. a chip off the old block

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- Years ago, a much smaller version of Oklahoma left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. was called for a personal foul in a youth football game....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:07 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hTAzyS

Notre Dame hires Wake Forest's Elko as defensive coordinator

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Notre Dame has hired Mike Elko as its defensive coordinator, hoping he can turn around a unit that struggled at the beginning of last season and was blamed in part for a down year for the Fighting Irish....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:29 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hV4adq

North Carolina lawmakers meeting to consider HB2 repeal

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- North Carolina's legislature is reconvening to see if enough lawmakers are willing to repeal a 9-month-old law that limited LGBT rights, including which bathrooms transgender people can use in public schools and government buildings....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:18 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h1Ujhm

Washington's Browning becomes a little more confident

SEATTLE (AP) -- It was so out of character it became the defining moment of his time at Washington. Maybe that's because the most exuberance Jake Browning had ever shown before was a fist pump and a smile....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:50 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2iat0Xc

Iowa's McCaffery walks off court without handshake for UND

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- Iowa coach Fran McCaffery walked off the court after the win and waved for his team to follow him to the locker room without shaking hands with North Dakota's players and coaches....

from AP Top Sports News at 8:56 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h1BLy6

Michael Carrick, the man making Man United tick

MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Amid the likely rotation during the busy festive program in the Premier League, there's one player Manchester United fans won't want to see out of the team....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:54 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i01WXD

4-year-old kids possible victims in soccer sex abuse scandal

LONDON (AP) -- Children as young as 4 years old are potential victims in the sex abuse scandal in British soccer that might be spreading to other sports....

from AP Top Sports News at 6:13 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2fOWjce

Winstrol for muscle growing

Any aspiring bodybuilder asks a lot of different issues at the beginning of his sports path. Starting with what to eat and what exercises to do, how to grow muscles, and ending with such a seemingly insignificant moment, as the genetic limit muscle growth. In the initial stages of training the last point, in general, very little anyone interested. But, no matter how well or badly your training progress goes, sooner or later there comes stagnation. That's when you can found winstrol be useful. Read more about it at https://wheretobuywinstrol.wordpress.com/

Cousins, fined and briefly ejected, scores 55 to rally Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Fined, ejected and then retrieved from the locker room, DeMarcus Cousins capped a tumultuous day with his dominant performance on the court....

from AP Top Sports News at 3:34 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2ieecCT

Marquee rivals: From Crosby and Ovechkin to McDavid and who?

No matter where the Edmonton Oilers travel, captain Connor McDavid is confronted by the same questions and comparisons to the opposing team's star....

from AP Top Sports News at 2:14 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/1NDa5bG

Cousins fined and nearly ejected, scores 55 to lead Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- DeMarcus Cousins returned from a brief ejection and finished with a season-high 55 points, capping a wild day for the hot-tempered big man and sending the Sacramento Kings past the Portland Trail Blazers 126-121 on Tuesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:55 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hYMomR

Curry, Warriors warm up and thump Utah Jazz 104-74

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Stephen Curry scored as many points as Utah's starting five combined. Yet it sure didn't look pretty early for the star-studded Warriors, who eventually found their groove in another lopsided result....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:55 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hTxnWk

Curry, Warriors warm up and thump Utah Jazz 104-74

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Stephen Curry scored 25 points with four 3-pointers, Kevin Durant had 22 points and the Golden State Warriors whipped the Utah Jazz 104-74 on Tuesday night after a slow start....

from AP Top Sports News at 1:06 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2i8yNg8

Whiteside vents about touches after Heat loss

MIAMI (AP) -- Heat center Hassan Whiteside let his frustrations show after Miami's double-overtime loss to Orlando on Tuesday night, complaining about his lack of touches in the final minutes....

from AP Top Sports News at 12:22 a.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hpAQsf

Crosby scores NHL-high 22nd goal, Penguins drop Rangers 7-2

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The standings say the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins are tied atop the hyper competitive Metropolitan Division. On the ice at the moment, there appears to be plenty of separation....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:49 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hG1pME

Jagr ties for 2nd in career points, Panthers beat Sabres

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr had three assists to pull into a tie for second place on the NHL's career points list, Aleksander Barkov and Vincent Trocheck scored in the shootout, and the Florida Panthers beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 on Tuesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:05 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hpgXBy

James lifts Cavs past Bucks in OT, 114-108

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- LeBron James buried a go-ahead 3-pointer with 24 seconds left in overtime and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 114-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night to avenge a late November loss....

from AP Top Sports News at 11:05 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2hpniNo

7 Raiders, 6 Falcons selected to Pro Bowl

NEW YORK (AP) -- After more than a decade as the NFL's black hole, the Oakland Raiders are back in the playoffs and filling up the Pro Bowl....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:58 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2idtV5c

Jagr ties for 2nd in career points, Panthers beat Sabres

SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr had three assists to pull into a tie for second place on the NHL's career points list, Aleksander Barkov and Vincent Trocheck scored in the shootout, and the Florida Panthers beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 on Tuesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:58 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1f9l5AT

Three-pointer by Mills lifts Spurs over Rockets 102-100

HOUSTON (AP) -- Patty Mills hit a 3-pointer with 12.9 seconds left to lift the San Antonio Spurs over the Houston Rockets 102-100 on Tuesday night....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:50 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h8eihZ

Atkinson, Blue Jackets win franchise-record 10th straight

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Cam Atkinson had two goals and scored in the shootout, helping the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-2 on Tuesday night for their franchise-record 10th straight victory....

from AP Top Sports News at 10:19 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h0eHQi

Crosby scores NHL-high 22nd goal, Penguins drop Rangers 7-2

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Sidney Crosby picked up his NHL-leading 22nd goal, Evgeni Malkin added a goal and two assists and the Pittsburgh Penguins toppled the New York Rangers 7-2 on Tuesday night to move into a tie with the Rangers atop the crowded Metropolitan Division....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:46 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/1i3b1dO

Both starting goalies hurt in Red Wings-Lightning game

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Both starting goalies have left with injuries in a game Tuesday night between the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning....

from AP Top Sports News at 9:08 p.m. EST http://ift.tt/2h8a5L8