National Sports - The Morning Sun

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates his shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Atlanta. Doncic had 73 points on the night. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Another scoring spree in the NBA: Luka Doncic scores 73, Devin Booker scores 62

Luka Doncic and Devin Booker went on another NBA scoring spree on Friday night. Doncic broke his own Dallas franchise record by scoring 73 points — tying the fourth-most in NBA history — and … more

By TIM REYNOLDS | 1/26/24

Thomas Detry covers his face after hitting into the water on the 18th hole of the Sorth Course at Torrey Pines during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Stephan Jaeger takes a 1-shot lead in the Farmers Insurance Open after Thomas Detry's watery finish

Stephan Jaeger sank a 6-foot birdie putt on No. 18 at Torrey Pines South for a one-shot lead in the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open. Jaeger went ahead moments after Thomas Detry’s third … more

By BERNIE WILSON | 1/26/24

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) grabs a rebopund from Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Doncic scores franchise-record 73 points, tied for 4th in NBA history, as Mavs edge Hawks 148-143

Luka Doncic scored a franchise-record 73 points, tied for the fourth-most in NBA history and surpassed only by Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant, to power the Mavericks to a 148-143 win over the … more

By CHARLES ODUM | 1/26/24

Luka Doncic reaches 65 points, sets Mavs records for points in a half and a game against Hawks

Luka Doncic has set the Dallas Mavericks record for points in a game — reaching 65 with almost a quarter to spare. Doncic sank a 26-foot 3-pointer about 1 minute into the fourth quarter against … more

By CHARLES ODUM | 1/26/24

Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore watches an NCAA college football practice Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. Michigan is scheduled to play against Alabama on New Year's Day in the Rose Bowl, a semifinal in the College Football Playoff. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Michigan promotes offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore to replace Jim Harbaugh as head coach

Michigan has hired Sherrone Moore to replace coach Jim Harbaugh, giving the 37-year-old offensive coordinator an opportunity to lead college football’s winningest program. The school made the move … more

By LARRY LAGE | 1/26/24

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel catches a pass during an NFL football practice in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. The 49ers are scheduled to play the Detroit Lions Sunday in the NFC championship game. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Deebo Samuel cleared to play for 49ers in the NFC title game vs. Lions

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been cleared to play in the the NFC championship game against the Detroit Lions after leaving last week’s game with a shoulder injury. Samuel was … more

By JOSH DUBOW | 1/26/24

Nelly Korda looks toward spectators after sinking a birdie on the eighth green during the first round of the LPGA Drive On Championship golf tournament at Bradenton Country Club, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

Nelly Korda finishes strong, takes 2-shot lead at LPGA Drive On Championship

Nelly Korda birdied three of her final four holes to shoot a 4-under 67 and take a two-shot lead midway through the LPGA Drive On Championship. Seeking her first LPGA Tour victory since 2022, the … more

1/26/24

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during a press conference following his loss to Jannik Sinner of Italy in their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

Analysis: Don't write off Novak Djokovic after his Australian Open loss to Jannik Sinner

It might be tempting to see some tidy symbolism and greater significance in Novak Djokovic’s loss to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open semifinals. It marks the end of the thirtysomething … more

By HOWARD FENDRICH | 1/26/24

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) works out during an NFL football practice, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Ravens activating Mark Andrews, tight end expected to play in AFC championship game

The Baltimore Ravens are activating Mark Andrews from injured reserve. Coach John Harbaugh says he expects the star tight end to play in this weekend’s AFC championship game against Kansas City. … more

By NOAH TRISTER | 1/26/24

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) runs against Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens (34) during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Final 4 teams in NFL playoffs rely heavily on tight ends

The four teams remaining in the NFL playoffs all have an aspect of their offense in common. The 49ers, Chiefs, Ravens and Lions all rely heavily on their tight ends. Whether it’s a first-team … more

By JOSH DUBOW | 1/26/24

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs during NFL football practice in Santa Clara, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. The 49ers are scheduled to play the Detroit Lions Sunday in the NFC championship game. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Lions-49ers game features 2 of the NFL's top 3 offenses, but San Francisco has big edge on defense

The San Francisco 49ers are back in a familiar spot facing a Detroit Lions team new to this stage. No team has played in the NFC championship game more than the 49ers, who will be making their 19th … more

By ROB MAADDI | 1/26/24

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes stretches during the NFL football team's practice Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Chiefs-Ravens matchup features star quarterbacks, stingy defenses and potential Hall of Fame coaches

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs took a different route to face the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game. They’re going on the road. After hosting this game five straight … more

By ROB MAADDI | 1/26/24

FILE - Liverpool coach Juergen Klopp lifts up the trophy as he celebrates with players after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, June 1, 2019. Jurgen Klopp announced Friday Jan. 26, 2024, he will step down as Liverpool manager at end of this season. (AP Photo/Armando Franca, File)

Jurgen Klopp announces he will step down as Liverpool manager at end of the season

Jurgen Klopp has announced he will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of this season. Klopp has led Liverpool to a Champions League title and Premier League championship in his tenure after … more

By JAMES ROBSON | 1/26/24

Novak Djokovic of Serbia waves as he leaves Rod Laver Arena after his loss to Jannik Sinner of Italy in their semifinal at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Djokovic says one Australian Open semifinal loss is not the beginning of the end

Novak Djokovic is certain his first Australian Open semifinal loss in 11 attempts is “not the beginning of the end.” The 36-year-old Djokovic has won 10 Australian titles among his record 24 in … more

By JOHN PYE | 1/26/24

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after defeating the Buffalo Bills in an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

Analysis: Mahomes and the Chiefs must win a Super Bowl this season to challenge Patriots' dynasty

If Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are going to challenge Tom Brady and the New England Patriots’ unprecedented two-decade run of success, they have to win a Super Bowl this season. … more

By ROB MAADDI | 1/26/24

FILE - The Olympic rings are set up at Trocadero plaza that overlooks the Eiffel Tower, a day after the official announcement that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be in the French capital, in Paris on Sept. 14, 2017. The United States is predicted to top the medals tables — both the overall count and gold-medal count — for the 2024 Paris Olympics, according to one forecast released on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, six months before the Games open on July 26. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)

Paris Olympic medals headed in big numbers to United States and China in one forecast

The United States is predicted to top the medals tables — both the overall count and gold-medal count — for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nielsen's Gracenote Sports predicts the United States will win … more

By STEPHEN WADE | 1/26/24

Oregon State guard Jordan Pope, center, celebrates his game-winning, 3-point basket against Arizona in an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Corvallis, Ore. Oregon State won 83-80. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

Jordan Pope hits 3-pointer at buzzer, Oregon State beats No. 9 Arizona 83-80

Jordan Pope hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Oregon State an 83-80 victory over No. 9 Arizona on Thursday night, with the Beavers’ fans storming the court to celebrate the upset. Pope scored … more

By GARY HOROWITZ | 1/26/24

Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and Evan Bouchard (2) celebrate an Oilers goal, while Chicago Blackhawks' Jaycob Megna (24), Reese Johnson (52) and Joey Anderson (15) skate away during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press via AP)

Oilers win 15th straight game with 3-0 victory over Blackhawks

Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist, backup Calvin Pickard made 27 saves for his fifth career shutout and the Edmonton Oilers won their 15th straight game with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago … more

1/26/24

South Carolina guard Bree Hall (23) and forward Ashlyn Watkins (2) celebrate as LSU guard Aneesah Morrow (24) walks down court in the final moments of the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Baton Rouge, La., Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. South Carolina won 76-70. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Bree Hall makes go-ahead 3 as No. 1 South Carolina rallies past No. 9 LSU 76-70

Bree Hall made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining, and No. 1 South Carolina rallied from an 11-point deficit to beat ninth-ranked and defending national champion LSU 76-70. Chloe Kitts scored … more

By RON HIGGINS | 1/26/24

New Jersey Blue Devils head coach Lindy Ruff watches during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Devils coach Lindy Ruff struck in face by puck, misses 3rd period of 3-2 loss to Hurricanes

New Jersey Devils coach Lindy Ruff was struck in the face by a puck and wasn’t behind the bench for the third period of his team’s 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Ruff, who turns 64 next … more

By BOB SUTTON | 1/25/24