Sports

Hat trick puts Alex Ovechkin 13 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record

Feb. 24, 2025

Alex Ovechkin fired a perfect wrist shot past Calvin Pickard for his first goal of the game, scored from his office on the power play for his second and sailed a shot into an empty net from his own zone to complete the hat trick. “I have pretty good chances to score more,” Ovechkin said, “but I’ll take three.” Scoring three goals in the Washington Capitals’ 7-3 rout of the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday put Ovechkin 13 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career record of 894 that long seemed unapproachable. Even after missing 16 games earlier this season because of a broken leg, the 39-year-old is on pace to pass Gretzky this spring.

Sports

Bell takes only lead in OT to edge Hocevar, Larson in another thrilling NASCAR finish in Atlanta

Feb. 24, 2025

Christopher Bell celebrated a drought-ending victory for himself and Joe Gibbs Racing after a dramatic comeback in Atlanta. Bell edged Carson Hocevar and Kyle Larson in overtime Sunday in another close NASCAR Cup Series finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bell led only the final lap in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and had a slight edge on the outside when the caution light came on in overtime following a wreck by Josh Berry. “That last lap of the race we were at our best,” Bell said.

Sports

Alex Rodriguez makes half-court shot, wins Bucknell student $10,000

Feb. 24, 2025

Former Major League Baseball star Alex Rodriguez showed his skill on the hardwood Sunday, making a half-court shot to win a Bucknell student $10,000. The 14-time All-Star was invited to take the shot during halftime of Bucknell’s basketball game against Army, which the Bison won 84-53. The 49-year-old tossed a high-arching shot that banked off the backboard and through the hoop, setting off a celebration with students.

Sports

Lyon owner John Textor dons a cowboy hat ahead of PSG match after rival’s insult

Feb. 24, 2025

Lyon owner John Textor donned a cowboy hat ahead of his team’s French league home match against rival Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday night in a mocking gesture seemingly aimed at PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Textor, an American businessman, waved his hat and applauded the crowd before kickoff, just days after leaked footage from a meeting of Ligue 1 club owners revealed how sour the relationship between Textor and his PSG rival has become.

Sports

Indiana’s defense comes up big in 2nd half and leads Hoosiers past No. 13 Purdue 73-58

Feb. 24, 2025

Malik Reneau and Trey Galloway each scored 15 points, and Indiana allowed just 21 in the second half to overcome a 12-point halftime deficit and beat No. 13 Purdue 73-58 on Sunday. Reneau also had six rebounds and was 7 of 7 from the field as he joined the 1,000-point club. Galloway added nine assists as the Hoosiers (16-11, 7-9 Big Ten) won for the second time in eight games and earned a split in the season series with their biggest rival.

Sports

Aarnisalo’s late free throws give No. 3 UCLA a 67-65 win over Iowa

Feb. 24, 2025

Elina Aarnisalo made two free throws with 3.8 seconds remaining to give No. 3 UCLA a 67-65 comeback win over Iowa on Sunday. Lauren Betts had 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Bruins (26-1, 14-1 Big Ten), who trailed by 12 points twice in the third quarter before rallying. Iowa tied it at 65 when Lucy Olsen made three free throws with 6 seconds left. Aarnisalo was fouled when she was tripped by Olsen after she had fallen to the court trying to defend.

Sports

No. 4 USC beats 25th-ranked Illinois 76-66 to retain sole possession of 1st in the Big Ten at 15-1

Feb. 24, 2025

JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen scored 22 points each and No. 4 Southern California defeated 25th-ranked Illinois 76-66 on Sunday to retain sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. The Trojans (25-2, 15-1) needed their eighth win over a ranked team to avoid falling into a tie with No. 3 UCLA, which edged Iowa on the road to stay in second at 14-1. USC got 12 points and 13 rebounds from Rayah Marshall as the Trojans finished 14-1 at Galen Center after their home finale.

Sports

Fulwiley scores 24 points as No. 6 South Carolina women beat Vanderbilt 82-54

Feb. 24, 2025

MiLaysia Fulwiley scored 24 points as sixth-ranked South Carolina beat the Vanderbilt women 82-54 Sunday for the Gamecocks’ second straight win. South Carolina (25-3, 13-1 Southeastern Conference) improved to 23-21 all-time, winning its 17th straight in this series dating back to Vanderbilt’s last win Jan. 27, 2011, in Columbia, South Carolina. Joyce Edwards added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Gamecocks. Te-Hina Paopao had 13.

Sports

Red Sox-Yankees spring game time moved because of expected rain, foreshadowing Rays’ season

Feb. 24, 2025

The start time for Monday’s spring training game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox has been moved because of expected heavy rainfall, foreshadowing what the Tampa Bay Rays might have to deal with this year as they play a season outdoors. The Red Sox announced on Sunday that Monday’s game at JetBlue Park will be moved from 1:05 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. EST because of significant rainfall expected earlier in the day in the Fort Myers area.

Sports

Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara hits 99 mph in return to mound after missing 2024 season

Feb. 24, 2025

Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara threw one scoreless inning against the New York Mets in a spring training game Sunday as he continues his comeback from elbow surgery that caused him to miss last season. The 29-year-old looked like his old self against the Mets, blowing a 99 mph fastball past Jose Siri for the final out of the first inning. Alcántara threw 17 pitches and gave up one hit.