Michigan muscles its way to program's 2nd national title, beating stubborn UConn 69-63
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — High-scoring Michigan had to get down and dirty to dig out the national title, making only two 3-pointers all night but still muscling its way to a 69-63 victory over stingy, stubborn UConn. Elliot Cadeau led the Wolverines with 19 points, including the team’s first 3, which came 7:04 into the second half. The second, from freshman Trey McKenney, came with 1:50 left and felt like a dagger, giving the Wolverines a nine-point lead. UConn fought to the finish in a game that had a 1950s feel. Alex Karaban scored 17 points for UConn, which was denied in its bid for a third title in four seasons.
Michigan built a roster full of transfers who carried the Wolverines to a national title
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Michigan has won a national championship with a roster full of transfers. The Wolverines held off UConn 69-63 on Monday night for the program's first title since 1989. It came behind an all-transfer starting lineup and only two rotation players who had not started their careers elsewhere. Coach Dusty May did such a good job in bringing that roster together that the Wolverines were able to counter every move by the Huskies. They were too much for UConn even though they had a rough shooting night and star Yaxel Lendeborg was hobbled by injury.
North Carolina working to finalize deal to hire Michael Malone as basketball coach, AP source says
North Carolina is working toward finalizing a deal with NBA championship-winning coach Michael Malone to take over the Tar Heels' basketball program. That's according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the school hasn't publicly discussed its search. Malone would replace former UNC player and assistant coach Hubert Davis, who was fired on March 24 after five seasons. Malone had 10-year run with Denver that included leading the Nuggets to the 2023 world title. He joins football coach Bill Belichick as another pro championship winner in Chapel Hill.
Spurs' Wembanyama leaves game against 76ers in first half with left rib contusion
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Victor Wembanyama suffered a left rib contusion and was ruled out of the second half of the San Antonio Spurs’ victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. Wembanyama took an inadvertent elbow to the ribs from Paul George when the Philadelphia forward was attempting to deflect a pass as the 7-foot-4 center was sprinting up court on a fastbreak with 10:49 remaining in the first half. Wembanyama remained on the court for a minute while George patted him on the backside apologetically. Wembanyama subbed out of the game 13 seconds later and immediately went into the tunnel leading to the locker room while keeping his arm pressed to his side.
Tiger Woods is not at the Masters. Jason Day wonders why he was behind the wheel in DUI arrest
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods is a topic of conversation at the Masters without even being there. Jason Day is among players who wish the best for his recovery from an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence during a car accident. But Day also says it was selfish of Woods to be driving. It follows Nick Faldo saying it's time Woods is held accountable. Woods has entered a not guilty plea to the charge from the March 27 accident. He also was granted a motion to seek treatment outside the country. Day says he hopes Woods comes out of this better.
New Jersey Devils part ways with longtime general manager Tom Fitzgerald
The New Jersey Devils are parting ways with general manager Tom Fitzgerald in an abrupt late-season change of direction for a team that is set to miss the playoffs. Co-owner David Blitzer announced Monday that a decision had been made for Fitzgerald to leave the organization. Fitzgerald had been in charge of hockey operations since January 2020 and was responsible for building much of the core of the roster. New Jersey reached the playoffs just twice in the past five seasons.
Blue Jays RHP Scherzer leaves start against Dodgers after two innings because of forearm tendinitis
TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays right-hander and three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer left Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after two innings because of forearm tendinitis. The 41-year-old Scherzer, who re-signed with Toronto in February, allowed two runs and two hits. Scherzer said he’s been sore for a couple of days and didn’t feel any worse after his abbreviated outing. Scherzer said he didn't think there was anything major wrong and that in his mind he'd make his next start.
Dexter Lawrence asks Giants for a trade and won't attend offseason workouts, AP sources say
Three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Dexter Lawrence has requested a trade from the New York Giants and won't attend their offseason workout program, three people familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press. Lawrence played his first seven NFL seasons with the Giants since they selected him with the 17th pick in the 2019 draft. Now 28, he still has two years left on his contract. Lawrence started all 17 games last season and finished with a career-low 31 tackles and a half-sack for a defense that ranked 30th out of 32 teams in the league.
Bulls fire Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley after six years in a front-office shakeup
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley, ending a six-year run that produced just one playoff appearance. The Bulls gutted their roster before the trade deadline. But Karnisovas and Eversley won’t be around for the next phase of a revamp. Chicago was 224-254 during their tenure. The Bulls are 12th in the Eastern Conference at 29-49 and are missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
Patrick Reed’s long road back: Leaving LIV, waiting out a PGA Tour return and playing in the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Patrick Reed is back at the Masters, walking among the Georgia pines. Soon enough, he will be back on the PGA Tour. Reed was one of the early stars who left for the lucrative, Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit a few years ago. But he decided to return earlier this year, and he'll be eligible to play in PGA Tour events again come fall. In the meantime, he's been playing on the European tour, where he already has two wins sandwiched around a playoff loss in Bahrain. His game is in good shape as he prepares to play Augusta National, where he won the green jacket in 2018.
