10162025 SPORTS

Yo the boss

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

AT THE 2025 SEC Basketball Media Day in Birmingham, Ole Miss Women’s Basketball head coach Yolett “Coach Yo” McPhee-McCuin, pictured, and several of her players appeared before the media to set the tone for the season.

Coach Yo reflected on how far the programme has come since her arrival. “I used to hate coming to SEC media Days,” she said,” because back then, we were trying to build something from the ground up. Now I love it because we’ve built something that matters.”

Heading into the 2025-2026 season, Ole Miss is ranked number 12 in women’s college basketball. In addition, in the SEC’s predictions, Ole Miss is slated to finish sixth in the conference.

Coach Yo’s eight-year tenure at Ole Miss has featured a series of milestones. During the 2023-2024 season, she won her 100th game as head coach, a position she has held since 2018. She became the second coach in the program’s history to reach that mark.

The Rebels also captured the Battle4Atlanis title in 2023, going 3-0 over three days under her coaching. She has also led the Rebels to many NCAA tournaments.

In the 2021-2022 season, Ole Miss earned its first NCAA tournament berth since 2007. In the 2022-2023 season, Ole Miss made it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen, defeating powerhouse schools such as Stanford along

YO - SEE PAGE THREE

REPRESENTATIVES from the Ministry of Education, the Bahamas Football Association, and FIFA gather at Columbus Primary School following the official groundbreaking for the new soccer pit, part of FIFA’s global Arena initiative.

New soccer pit lined up for Columbus Primary

THE Bahamas Football Association (BFA), in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), recently held a groundbreaking ceremony at Columbus Primary School for the construction of a new soccer pit, signaling another major investment in youth and school sport development.

The event, which took place on October 4, brought together representatives from all three organisations and the education community to mark the start of this collaborative project. Leading the ceremony were Glenys Hanna Martin, Minister of Education; Frederick Lunn, BFA general secretary; Carl Lynch Jr, BFA deputy general secretary; Bruce Swan, technical director; Jordan Victoire, lead, FIFA regional office; André Moss,

projects and infrastructure; and Walter Holleran, senior infrastructure manager.

Also in attendance were Crystal Strachan, education officer for the Sports Unit (MOE); Floyd Armbrister, consultant of sports (MOE); Carlton Adderley, construction –Future Titan Development; Annie Cartwright, director of security; Oria Wood Knowles, deputy director of sports (MOE); Romero Mortimer, contractor; and Ayo Martin, grandson of Mrs Hanna Martin.

Although BFA president Anya James was unable to attend, she expressed her full support and appreciation for the collaboration between the Ministry of Education, FIFA, and the BFA.

“I’m proud of the teamwork that

brought this project to life,” said President James. “Creating opportunities like this helps our children grow, stay active, and develop the kind of character that football teaches so well.”

The project forms part of FIFA’s Global Arena initiative, which aims to build at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide, particularly in communities and schools with limited access to sports facilities.

BFA technical director Bruce Swan noted that the soccer pit would serve as a model for future school-based facilities across the country.

“Facilities like this create a bridge between education and sport. When young people can learn, play, and grow in safe spaces, we all win, schools, communities, and the game itself.”

WHITE SANDS GOLF TOURNAMENT TO RETURN TO PARADISE ISLAND

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE 2025 White Sands Bahamas NCAA Invitational is set to return to Atlantis Paradise Island later this month, featuring seven collegiate women’s golf teams for this tournament. Hosted by Northern Illinois University (NIU), the annual tournament will take place from October 24 to 26 at the Ocean Club Gold Course, marking the sixth year the invitational has been played at the world-renowned venue.

NIU head women’s golf coach Kim Kester expressed excitement about returning to The Bahamas for the tournament. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host and compete in this prestigious event at an incredible island location,” said Kester. “Being able to compete alongside other marquee programs in a paradise setting will be a terrific experience for our team and everyone involved.”

The seven teams include High Point University, the University of Miami, Middle Tennessee State, Ohio University, Prairie View A&M, the University of South Florida, and host Southern Illinois. These teams will compete over three rounds totaling 54 holes across three days.

In addition to the tournament, the week will feature several special events, including a VIP

welcome reception, a junior golf clinic, and a CollegeAm competition, providing visiting athletes and guests with a full experience of Bahamian Hospitality.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, Hon. Chester Cooper, welcomed the return of the tournament, emphasising the importance of the Bahamas’ growing sports tourism sector. “The Bahamas is honored to again host the White Sands Bahamas NCAA invitational,” Cooper said. “Our destination is renowned as a golfer’s haven, with great golf courses set against the backdrop of breathtaking sea views.”

Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director at Atlantis Paradise Island, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the tournament’s role in showcasing both the Ocean Club Gold Course and the island itself. “On behalf of the Ocean Club Golf Course and Atlantis Paradise Island, we extend a warm welcome to all the athletes competing in the 2025 White Sands Bahamas NCAA invitational, along with their coaches, alumni, and fans,” said Oswell. “The invitation is an excellent opportunity to present our course as a true challenge for top women’s amateur golfers. We are looking forward to the competition and the chance to showcase our beautiful destination.”

GOLF - SEE PAGE THREE

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BATTLE IT OUT IN FOUR-GAME HEADER

THE Catholic Primary School Basketball season continued over the weekend at Loyola Hall with a four-game header, two in the girls’ division and two in the boys’.

In the opening girls’ game, St Francis and Joseph dominated St Cecilia’s with a 32-0 win. Jameah Williams led the way for St Francis and Joseph with 11 points, while Kimora Dormeus added six points in the win.

In the second girls’ game, Xavier’s defeated St Thomas More 22-2. J’Lynn Bain led the team with 10 points followed by D’Antia Rose with nine points. Tanaz Davis scored the only two points for St. Thomas More. In the boys’ first game, St Francis and Joseph defeated St Cecilia’s 9-7 in a defensive battle. Kamrin Lewis led St Francis and Joseph with five points followed by Mason Gardiner

with two. Ethan Newbold was the top scorer for St Cecilia with three points. The final game of the day was between St Thomas More and Xavier’s. St Thomas More would beat Xavier’s 36-8. Brian Bullard led all scorers with 10 points, followed by teammates Aiden Archer and Macario McKenzie, who both scored six points. Kyle Rolle led Xavier’s with four points.

Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

Coach shows off style at media day

the way marking one of the school’s best season performances in decades.

Ole Miss returned to the NCAA tournament the next season, marking three straight appearances for the first time since the 1980s. Ole Miss returned to the NCAA tournament for the fourth time this past season capping the tournament in the Sweet Sixteen, losing to the number one-ranked UCLA Bruins.

With a top-15 ranking and a veteran roster returning, Coach Yo and the Rebels are once again positioned to make noise in the SEC.

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR TRACK AND FIELD OFFICIALS BODY

THE Bahamas Association of Certified

Officials in Track and Field (BACOITF) has announced plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of excellence, service, and dedication to the sport of athletics in The Bahamas.

“It’s A Red and White Affair,” said BACOITF’s head Val Kemp.

The milestone will honour the organisation’s legacy and commitment to service. As part of the golden celebration, BACOITF will pay

tribute to its first president, Leviticus “Uncle Lou” Adderly. Officials who have served more than 25 years will also be recognised for their contributions. During the anniversary festivities, the association will name the Official of the Year and announce its pick for the Bahamian Athlete of the Games for CARFITA.

In the lead-up to the main event, a church service was held on September 7.

Westbrook to join Kings

The main event will take place at the old Thomas A Robinson Stadium on November 1, featuring tributes, awards, and reflections on BACOITF’s 50-year journey. The evening is expected to be one of elegance and remembrance, highlighting the organisation’s impact while renewing its commitment to the future.

As the association’s theme declares, “BACOITF: The Heartbeat of Track and Field,” the celebration aims to honor the past and inspire continued excellence in the years ahead.

By JOSH DUBOW AP Sports

WHITE SANDS MAKES A WELCOME RETURN

GOLF from page one

The women’s tournament will be held on the par-72, 6,385-yard Ocean Club Golf Course, a scenic and challenging layout designed by major champion Tom Weiskopf.

Past winners of the women’s invitational include Texas, Campbell, Lipscomb, Kansas State, and Kansas, which beat Purdue by two strokes to claim the 2024 title.

The 2025 edition promises another competitive showcase of collegiate golf, with student-athletes competing in an idyllic setting that continues to solidify the Bahamas as a premier international golf destination.

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association congratulates Jerald Carroll who advanced to the quarterfinals of both the singles and doubles J200 in Lima Peru in September. In singles, Carroll won over Pajares from Peru 6-2, 6-2 in R32 and in the R16 he won over Bolivian 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. He fought but lost in the quarterfinals to Colombian Idarraga 2,6, 2-6. In doubles, he teamed up with Peruvian Belaunde to defeat Blotte and Vargas in R16 from Peru 3-6, 6-1, 10-3. In the doubles quarterfinals the duo lost a three-set thriller 6-7, 6-3, 8-10. Carroll continues to press, participating in the J200 in Santiago Chile in October defeating Angel Veliz 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 and advancing to R2 in Main Draw against Leonardo Franca from Brasil 3-6, 4-6. Carroll also advanced to the doubles quarterfinals with American partner Rushter losing a tight one 6-7(4), 6-7(5) to Paraguay’s Alonso and Peru’s Baena. In October, Carroll has attained a career-high ranking of 273 putting him in an elite class of tennis juniors, in the top 300 in the world. The BLTA congratulates Carroll for his dedication and strong work ethic, and

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS: TOP 25’S FIVE LOSSES TO UNRANKED TEAMS LAST WEEK RUN COUNTER TO SEASON’S TREND

By ERIC OLSON AP College Football Writer

LAST week was the toughest of the season for Associated Press Top 25 teams as a group, with five losing to unranked opponents a week after three others went down the same way.

Big picture, the upper echelon of the sport is on track to have one of its better seasons against the unranked.

The Top 25 is 95-17 against unranked opponents for an .848 winning percentage that, if it holds, would be tied for fifth-best since at least 2000, according to Sportradar. Last year, the Top 25 was 191-41 (.823).

Teams in the top 10 when they played unranked opponents are 32-5 through Week 7, with Penn State’s loss to UCLA the one we remember best. The .865 winning percentage is middle-of-the-pack since 2000 but well ahead of the top 10’s record of 78-15 (.839) for the 2024 season.

Over the last quarter century, 2006 ranks as the best for the Top 25 (206-30, .873) and 2010 the best for the top 10 (79-4, .952).

Enough geeking out. Here are picks for this week’s games involving AP Top 25 teams and lines from BetMGM Sportsbook:

No. 1 Ohio State (minus 25 1/2) at Wisconsin

The Badgers haven’t scored more than 14 points against a power-conference opponent and are coming off a 37-0 home loss to Iowa. Ohio State is allowing just 6.8 points per game to lead nation.

Pick: Ohio State 45-3.

Louisville (plus 13 1/2) at No. 2 Miami

The Cardinals’ offensive line could have a problem coping with Miami’s ferocious front seven, though the last two meetings were decided by a touchdown.

Pick: Miami 38-26.

Michigan State at No. 3

Indiana (minus 27 1/2)

The Spartans have lost

three straight and Jonathan Smith’s job security is getting shaky. Don’t expect the Hoosiers to take their foot off the gas.

Pick: Indiana 51-17.

No. 4 Texas A&M (minus 7 1/2) at Arkansas

Experienced backup Rueben Owens II is set to take over as Aggies’ primary ball-carrier for the injured Le’Veon Moss. Arkansas has scored at least 31 points in all but one of its six games and is still just 2-4. Pick: Texas A&M 41-24.

No. 5 Mississippi (plus 7) at No. 9 Georgia Mississippi QB Trinidad Chambliss’s first road start comes at Sanford Stadium in Athens, where the Rebels haven’t won since 1996. Pick: Georgia 32-29.

No. 11 Tennessee at No. 6 Alabama (minus 8 1/2)

Crimson Tide have beaten three straight ranked opponents, are 10-0 at home under secondyear coach Kalen DeBoer and have won 10 straight against the Volunteers in Tuscaloosa. Pick: Alabama 35-26.

No. 7 Texas Tech (minus 9 1/2) at Arizona State Both teams have uncertain quarterback situations. Tech has the better backup. The Red Raiders also have one of the most disruptive defenses in the country. Pick: Texas Tech 34-22.

No. 8 Oregon at Rutgers (plus 17)

The Ducks, who are making their second crosscountry trip in three weeks, take out some frustration after its loss to Indiana. The Scarlet Knights are desperate to avoid a fourth straight loss. Pick: Oregon 36-20.

No. 10 LSU (plus 2 1/2)

at No. 17 Vanderbilt

Commodores are favored against LSU for the first time since 1948 and for the first time against a ranked opponent since at least 1978, according to CBS Sports Research. Pick: LSU 21-20.

No. 12 Georgia Tech at Duke (minus 1 1/2)

Since coughing up the ball five times against Illinois five weeks ago, the Blue Devils have committed one turnover and recorded 12 takeaways.

Pick: Duke 33-30.

No. 20 Southern California (plus 9 1/2) at No. 13

Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish have allowed a total of 27 points over last three games but Jayden Maiava and the Trojans’ offense are hot. Pick: USC 33-28.

No. 14 Oklahoma at

South Carolina (plus 5 1/2)

John Mateer had a rough outing against Texas in his first game after thumb surgery. He declared himself 100% this week.

Pick: Oklahoma 22-19.

No. 23 Utah at No. 15

BYU (plus 3 1/2) This matchup of the top two rushing offenses in the Big 12 will come down to which team stops the run better. The Cougars have been a bit better at that.

Pick: BYU 24-23.

No. 16 Missouri (minus 1 1/2) at Auburn Missouri totaled nine sacks in their first two SEC games. Only one QB has been sacked more than Auburn’s Jackson Arnold (21). Pick: Missouri 27-21.

Washington State at No.

18 Virginia (minus 17 1/2) Virginia should be fresh after an open date. Fatigue could be a factor for Cougars, who are playing their third straight road game and second in a row east of the Mississippi River.

Pick: Virginia 44-26.

Florida Atlantic at No.

19 South Florida (minus 21 1/2)

FAU’s Air Raid offense generates lots of yards, but Caden Veltkampit has a problem with interceptions (9). Only five teams have picked off more passes than the Bulls (9).

Pick: South Florida 48-24.

No. 21 Texas (minus 12 1/2) at Kentucky Arch Manning, coming off back-to-back games against top-40 defenses, should have an opportunity to break out.

Pick: Texas 31-14.

No. 22 Memphis at UAB (plus 21 1/2)

The Blazers are playing their first game since the firing of Trent Dilfer. Brendon Lewis-led Tigers should be able to move ball at will against American Conference’s worst defense.

Pick: Memphis 38-19.

No. 24 Cincinnati (minus 21 1/2) at Oklahoma State Streaking Bearcats average 6.23 yards per carry, fifth-best nationally, and Brendan Sorsby is 10th in passer rating. The Cowboys’ defense is second worst in the FBS.

Pick: Cincinnati 42-14.

No. 25 Nebraska at Minnesota (plus 7 1/2) Nebraska fans are talking more this week about whether Matt Rhule will bolt for Penn State than they are about the Gophers. Huskers have lost five straight to Minnesota.

Pick: Nebraska 24-17.

AP predictions scorecard

Last week: Straight-up — 13-5; Against spread — 8-9-1.

Season: Straight-up — 92-20; Against spread — 54-57-1.

Pro Picks: Eagles will get back on track with a victory at Minnesota

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

THE Philadelphia Eagles had a few extra days off to seethe and regroup after a humiliating loss to the New York Giants.

The Minnesota Vikings (3-2) had an extra week off to rest, prepare and let their ailing quarterbacks heal up.

Critics were bashing Philadelphia (4-2) after a 4-0 start because an offense featuring Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown looked stagnant and predictable. The defending Super Bowl champions are hearing even more criticism following losses to Denver and New York.

It won’t get easier for Hurts and Co. against Minnesota’s defense.

The Vikings are 2-1 with Carson Wentz. He’s dealing with a shoulder injury and would face the team that drafted him if he can play and J.J. McCarthy can’t. McCarthy is trying to return from an ankle injury after splitting his first two career starts.

The Eagles are 2-point favorites on the road, per BetMGM Sportsbook. Pro Picks sees Philadelphia rebounding no matter who is under center in Minnesota.

BEST BET: EAGLES 26-18

Indianapolis (5-1) at LA Chargers (4-2)

Line: Chargers minus 1 1/2

Daniel Jones has revived his career in Indianapolis and Jonathan Taylor is having an outstanding season. He’ll be running against a defense that allowed De’Von Achane to average 8.0 yards per carry last week. Justin Herbert rallied the Chargers to a win at Miami and thirdstring running back Kimani Vidal had a breakout game. A depleted offensive line needs to protect Herbert, though the Colts have the fewest sacks in the NFL.

Jim Harbaugh hasn’t lost four straight games against the spread in his career.

UPSET SPECIAL: COLTS: 23-21

Pittsburgh (4-1) at Cincinnati (2-4)

Line: Steelers minus 5 1/2

Aaron Rodgers vs. Joe Flacco. Advantage goes to the Steelers, who can increase their lead in the AFC North with a victory over the reeling Bengals. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is 4-1 straight up and ATS against Bengals coach Zac Taylor when Joe Burrow isn’t playing. But Pittsburgh is 2-8 straight up, 3-7 ATS on Thursday nights under Tomlin.

STEELERS: 23-18

LA Rams (4-2) vs. Jacksonville (4-2), in London Line: Rams minus 3

A stingy defense led the Rams to a victory last week, but they’ll need Matthew Stafford and the offense to get on track against the Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence needs better protection, especially against a fierce pass rush. Jacksonville won’t have linebacker Devin Lloyd, who was the AFC defensive player of the month in September. Los Angeles is 2-0 in international games under coach Sean McVay. The Jaguars are 7-6 abroad.

RAMS: 24-20

Las Vegas (2-4) at Kansas City (3-3) Line: Chiefs minus 12 Geno Smith, Ashton Jeanty and the rest of the Raiders’ offense is underachieving. But they’ve played well against Kansas City in recent years, winning twice on the road since 2020. The Chiefs are back after an 0-2 start, and looked like contenders in a convincing win over Detroit. Rashee Rice is returning to give Patrick Mahomes another playmaker. The Chiefs are 9-0 straight up, but 1-7-1

ATS under Mahomes as a favorite of six points or more over the past two seasons.

CHIEFS: 27-16

New Orleans (1-5) at Chicago (3-2) Line: Bears minus 5 1/2

The Saints have been competitive in losses. They haven’t started 1-5 since 1999 and have defeated the Bears eight straight games. Coming off an impressive Monday night win at Washington, Caleb Williams and the Bears have to avoid a letdown on a quick turnaround. They’re 0-4 with Williams on short rest.

BEARS: 20-17

Miami (1-5) at Cleveland (1-5)

Line: Browns minus 3 Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is on the hot seat and a loss to the Browns could be the final straw. Tua Tagovailoa needs to put up after calling out teammates. Won’t be easy against Myles Garrett and a tough defense. Rookie Dillon Gabriel makes his third start for Cleveland, which

has scored 17 points or fewer in 11 straight games. The Browns are 0-5 straight up as favorites the past two seasons.

BROWNS: 19-17

New England (4-2) at Tennessee (1-5)

Line: Patriots minus 7

Mike Vrabel goes back to Tennessee with his firstplace Patriots in the first game since the Titans fired the coach who replaced him. Drake Maye is playing at a high level under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Cam Ward has an interim coach for the next 11 games. It’s a bad situation for a rookie quarterback.

Patriots 24-13

Carolina (3-3) at New York Jets (0-6)

Line: Panthers minus 2 Rico Dowdle has helped the Panthers win two in a row to even their record. He has 473 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in the past two games. The Jets had a chance to upset the Broncos in London but Justin Fields struggled and

Aaron Glenn made questionable coaching decisions.

Carolina is 0-10 straight up and ATS as a favorite since 2021.

PANTHERS: 24-17

New York Giants (2-4) at Denver (4-2)

Line: Broncos minus 7 Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo have brought excitement and a pair of wins to New York, and the Giants have a formidable front four. Defense has carried the Broncos, who need more from their offense after a lackluster performance in London. Denver is 4-0 ATS the week after scoring fewer than 14 points under Sean Payton.

BRONCOS: 24-16

Washington (3-3) at Dallas (2-3-1)

Line: Commanders minus 2 The Commanders aren’t playing like the team that reached the NFC championship game last season. Jayden Daniels and the offense need to get going. Playing against the worst defense in the NFL should help. But Washington’s defense has struggled, too. The Cowboys present a major challenge offensively. Dak Prescott is playing at an MVP level so this could be a shootout.

COMMANDERS: 33-30

Green Bay (3-1-1) at Arizona (2-4)

Line: Packers minus 6 1/2 Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs have been productive, and Micah Parsons has been a disruptive force yet the Packers haven’t been dominant the past three games. Jacoby Brissett nearly led the Cardinals to an upset in Indianapolis while filling in for Kyler Murray. Quarterback controversy? Not really. The Packers are 16-2 straight up under coach Matt LaFleur against backups.

PACKERS: 30-19

Atlanta (3-2) at San Francisco (4-2) Line: 49ers minus 2 Michael Penix Jr. and

Bijan Robinson were impressive in a Monday night win over Buffalo. The Falcons have a quick turnaround for a trip to the West Coast to face a 49ers team decimated by injuries. Losing All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner for the season was a crushing blow for San Francisco. If Brock Purdy and George Kittle return, that’ll be a major boost.

49ERS: 23-20

Tampa Bay (5-1) at Detroit (4-2)

Line: Lions minus 5 1/2

Baker Mayfield is doing whatever it takes to win games for the Buccaneers, who will be missing at least three of their top four receivers and possibly all four if Mike Evans doesn’t return. The Lions have injuries in their secondary and Brian Branch is suspended so that could help even things out. Jared Goff and Detroit’s dynamic offense struggled in Kansas City. Now, they have to face Todd Bowles’ defense.

LIONS: 30-27

Houston (2-3) at Seattle (4-2) Line: Seahawks minus 3 1/2 The Texans have won two in a row after opening 0-3 and will have gone 15 days between games by the time this one kicks off. Houston has the league’s stingiest defense, allowing 12.2 points per game. The Seahawks are 10-1 on the road and only 4-8 at home under coach Mike Macdonald. But Sam Darnold is 14-4 when facing teams that allow fewer than 20 points per game.

SEAHAWKS: 21-16

Last week: Straight up: 11-4. Against spread: 8-7. Overall: Straight up: 66-26-1.

DODGERS’ STARTERS DOMINATE BREWERS. GLASNOW, OHTANI WILL TRY TO CONTINUE THE TREND IN NLCS

By BETH HARRIS

AP Sports Writer

DAVE Roberts has found a way around the Los Angeles Dodgers’ struggling relievers. Barely use ‘em.

The defending World Series champions have relied on their starting pitching to take a commanding 2-0 lead against the Milwaukee Brewers in their best-of-seven NL Championship Series.

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell tossed eight scoreless innings to go with 10 strikeouts before rookie Roki Sasaki and Blake Treinen tamped down a late Brewers rally in closing out Game 1.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed a three-hitter in the first postseason complete game by a Dodgers pitcher since Jose Lima threw a five-hit shutout in the 2004 NL Division Series against St Louis in Game 2.

“I’ll take as many as we can get,” Roberts said, laughing when asked how many complete games his staff can deliver. “They’re doing their part by attacking, being efficient and putting themselves in a position to do that.”

Snell and Yamamoto combined to allow one run on four hits over 17 of 18 innings in Milwaukee. Now, here come Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani.

Glasnow starts Game 3 at Dodger Stadium on Thursday. Ohtani is set to go in Game 4 on Friday.

The Dodgers’ rotation struggled earlier in the season with injuries and slumps, but it’s clicking now.

“It’s perfect timing,” Glasnow said Wednesday. “The vibe is really good in the clubhouse. Everyone is feeling great. It’s just a good time to get hot, for sure.” Glasnow allowed two hits over six scoreless innings in Game 4 of the NLDS against Philadelphia, when the Dodgers finished off the best-of-five series.

The Dodgers have carefully managed Ohtani’s innings this season — his first pitching since he had a second elbow surgery in December 2023 when he was with the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander

twice pitched into the seventh in the regular season. “The century mark isn’t like a ceiling on pitches. Yeah, I think it’s just kind of contingent on how he’s throwing,” Roberts said. “He’s waited for this moment, and I think with the rest that he’s got going into that game, he’s going to be ready to go.” Ohtani was impressed

with Snell and Yamamoto pitching deep into their starts and he’s eager to do the same.

“That would be great,” he said through a translator. “But my number one priority is making sure I’m putting up zeros no matter what and making sure we’re the team that scores first.” The Brewers have lost their last nine road playoff

games since 2018, and will need to win at least two of the next three games in Los Angeles to force the series back to Wisconsin. They swept a three-game series at Dodger Stadium in July. Milwaukee had not yet announced its Game 3 starter. Manager Pat Murphy said the pitching plans were “under construction.” Left-hander José Quintana expects to see

action, whether he starts or an opener is used ahead of him. “I think we pitched better than we played, our defense,” Quintana said. “We stay positive for the game tomorrow. We need to show really good baseball and win one ballgame at a time. Tomorrow we expect to get the first win.” A relatively quiet Dodger Stadium got jolted with a

blast of Ohtani’s walk-up song, “Feeling Good.” The three-time MVP walked to the batting cage as Clayton Kershaw and other teammates hooted and hollered at him. Ohtani went through five rounds of hitting in an attempt to regain his stroke amidst a postseason offensive skid. He hit the metal roof of the right-field pavilion on one left-handed cut.

The two-way superstar is 2 for 25 with no extrabase hits in the NL Division Series and NLCS. He hit a career-high 55 home runs during the regular season.

Still, the Dodgers have won seven of eight postseason games with Ohtani contributing very little offensively.

“The contribution is not just by batting average,” Roberts said. “Certainly him being in the lineup, posting, I think getting the walks, allowing for Mookie (Betts) to have opportunities to drive runs in, that’s contribution. The first two games in Milwaukee his at-bats have been fantastic. That’s what I’ve been looking for. That’s what I’m counting on.” Murphy dismissed any suggestion that Ohtani is struggling at the plate.

“He’s dangerous,” he said, “and we pitch him as tough and as careful as we can pitch him, and we bring a matchup in anytime we can.” Murphy brought along his 10-year-old son, Austin, when he spoke to the media.

He said the boy’s middle name, Lynn, is a tribute to Bob Welch, the retired Dodgers pitcher born Robert Lynn Welch who was a friend of Murphy’s until his death in 2014 at age 57. Austin sat quietly and yawned once until he was asked what the Brewers need to do to get back in the series. “Just stick with it and keep battling through it,” he said, sounding a lot like his dad.

The kid was just getting warmed up.

Leaning into the microphone like an old pro, he said, “The guys respond back really good. Started the season 0-4. Those games were not good. But then they responded with the best record in baseball, so I believe they can do it.”

LEBRON JAMES, CHRIS PAUL AND KYLE LOWRY ENTER SEASON AS NBA’S LARGEST 20-YEAR CLUB

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

LEBRON James’ beard has quite a bit of gray in it these days. Chris Paul has been hearing questions for years about how much longer he wants to play.

Kyle Lowry already has his retirement job lined up, for whenever that day comes.

Meet the NBA’s current 20-year club. It’s bigger than ever before.

There are no players currently in the league — and very few in the league’s 80-season history — with more seniority than the trio of James, Paul and Lowry. For the first time, the NBA has three players simultaneously entering their 20th seasons; James, when he makes his 2025-26 debut, will be the first 23-year player in league history, while Paul is going into his 21st season and Lowry is entering his 20th.

“The love of the game is still high. The love of the process is even higher,” James said. “So, that’s what continues to push me to

play this game. I mean, it is really that simple.”

There’s nothing simple about it. To still be contributing at this level, at this point in their careers, is practically unheard of.

All three invest plenty of their own money (they’ve made a combined $1.2 billion in NBA salaries) in their own individualized programs that have helped them survive the rigors of NBA life for this long.

James’ workout regimen is legendary, yet still not invincible — he’ll miss the start of this season while dealing with sciatica and there’s no firm timetable for when he’ll actually take the floor with the Los Angeles Lakers to start Year 23. Lowry, at least since the NBA began tracking such stats, is the NBA’s all-time leader in charges taken, which means he’s probably taken more hard falls than anybody.

And last season with San Antonio, Paul became the first player in NBA history to play 82 games in a 20th year of a career — and he started all of them, too.

“I’ve always believed in ‘keep stacking days’ and that you just have to show up every single day, every single day,” said Paul, who rejoined the Los Angeles Clippers this summer. “So, that’s what I plan on bringing to this team. … My role on this team is obviously different than it’s been the past 20 years of being in the NBA, but showing up every day, if I can show some of the guys what it looks like every day to clock in and clock out, I’m excited for it.”

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the first player in the 20-season club, getting there in 1988-89. Robert Parish followed in 1995-96 (and played a 21st season as well). Kevin Willis played 21 seasons, his career ending in 2006-07.

The rest of the entrants into the club have all come in the last decade: Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter (the league’s first 22-year player before James tied that mark last year), Jamal Crawford, Udonis Haslem, James, Paul and soon, Lowry.

What the likes of James, Paul and Lowry have done, and how they’ve done it, has been noticed by everyone — veteran and younger players alike.

“I’m asking and taking advice from these guys and I want to take even more advice from them in the future,” said San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama, who is going into his third season. “They’re definitely examples.”

Milwaukee forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is entering his 13th season, pointed out that constant innovation in medicine, recovery, technology and more has made it possible for players to extend their careers if they choose to put in the effort.

“At this point, if you don’t follow the blueprint

that guys like Vince Carter, Dirk, LeBron … if you don’t follow that blueprint, I don’t know what blueprint you should follow,” Antetokounmpo said. “Those guys have been playing at a high level for so many years, they’ve been taking such good care of their body. They have their own physio, they have their chef. You know how you sit down with your financial advisor four times a year and you go through your finances?

I think you should sit down with your doctors and your physios four times a year, minimum, to talk about what you want from your body.”

Lowry is back with the Philadelphia 76ers this season, though he has signed with another team as well — Amazon Prime, which he’s joining as an

analyst this season, even while still playing. It’s a multiyear deal with one of the NBA’s new broadcast partners, with the assumption that when he stops playing he’ll simply slide into a bigger analysis role. He’ll debut on Amazon next week. But his mind is fully on Year 20 as a player, not Year 1 of TV.

“I love the game of basketball and I have had the ability to play professional basketball for 20 years and basketball my whole life,” Lowry said. “When you wake up every day you should still be motivated to play basketball. … And I have some unbelievable teammates, unbelievable teammates. That’s my motivation. I just want to continue to give what I’ve learned for as long as I can.”

MARINE FORECAST

Another No 1 pick QB, another

coach: Titans’ Brian Callahan out after six games

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer

WHEN Tennessee used the No 1 overall draft pick on quarterback Cam Ward, the plan was for a long-term pairing with head coach Brian Callahan to bring success to the Titans.

The marriage didn’t even last a full season with Callahan fired after six games in a move that maybe should have been predictable based on recent history.

Over the last decade, nothing has put an NFL coach on the hot seat more than the franchise using a high draft pick on a quarterback.

Ward is the fourth straight quarterback picked No 1 overall to have his coach fired before the end of his rookie season. Caleb Williams and Matt Eberflus lasted 12 games together in Chicago in 2024; Bryce Young and Frank Reich got 11 games in Carolina in 2023; and Trevor Lawrence and Urban Meyer got 13 games in Jacksonville in 2021.

In all, there have been eight quarterbacks selected first overall in the last 10 drafts and six of those teams fired their coach during that season. It also happened in 2018 with Hue Jackson and Baker Mayfield in Cleveland and in 2016 with Jeff Fisher and Jared Goff with the Rams.

The only No 1 pick quarterback in the NFL still with his original coach is 2020 top selection Joe Burrow in Cincinnati with Zac Taylor.

Teams picking first in the draft typically have many holes based on getting that selection although the Bears and Rams got their No 1 picks in trades. Four of the fired coaches — Callahan, Eberflus, Jackson and Fisher — came into those seasons on thin ice based on a lack of success already during their tenure.

Reich got fired in his first season with the Panthers and Meyer got fired in year one with the Jaguars, although that decision went far deeper than just the quarterback.

But the issue of quick hooks potentially stunting the growth of young quarterbacks goes beyond players picked first overall.

There have been 35 quarterbacks taken in the first round of the past 10 drafts — including Ward and Jaxson Dart of the New

York Giants this season. Seven of those teams fired their coach during the rookie season of the quarterback with eight more making a change before the start of year two. Only seven of those firstround picks finished their four-year rookie deals with the same coach, with the verdict still out on several members of the 2023-25 drafts.

FIELDS GOES BACKWARD WITH THE JETS

One of those first-round quarterbacks who had a coaching change before the start of his second season was Justin Fields with Chicago. Fields spent his rookie season in 2021 under Matt Nagy before playing the next two seasons for Eberflus.

Fields is now on his third team with the Jets and his game is trending in the wrong direction. Fields was sacked nine times and completed only nine passes in a 13-11 loss to Denver on Sunday in London, with the Jets finishing with minus10 net yards passing thanks to the sacks for the lowest total in any game since the Chargers had minus19 against Kansas City on Sept. 20, 1998, in Ryan Leaf’s third career start.

Fields had the 10th game since the merger with at least nine sacks and nine or fewer completions and is the first player to do it twice with it also happening in his first career start in 2021 for Chicago against Cleveland. He has one other start when his sack total matched his completion total when he had seven of each in a loss to Detroit in Week 17 of the 2022 season.

The only other quarterbacks this century with at least nine sacks and nine or fewer completions were Jay Cutler for Chicago against the New York Giants in Week 4 of the 2010 season and David Carr for the expansion Houston Texans against the Chargers in Week 2 of the 2002 season.

New York is the first team in 20 years to start 0-6 while averaging less than 150 net yards passing (144.2) with Houston averaging just 87.2 in the first six games in 2005 with the sack-prone Carr at QB.

The Jets have lost all those games despite holding a fourth-quarter lead in three of them: Week 1

versus Pittsburgh, Week 3 against Tampa Bay and last week versus Denver.

According to Sportradar, the Jets are the fourth team in NFL history to start 0-6 despite holding at least three fourth-quarter leads, joining the Buccaneers in 2013, the 1999 Detroit Lions and the 1953 Chicago Cardinals.

RACE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE AFC

There is a big crowd at the bottom of the AFC standings with four teams

— Baltimore, Cleveland, Miami and Tennessee — tied for second-worst record at 1-5 with the Jets in last at 0-6. This is just the third time since the merger in 1970 that a conference has had at least five teams at 1-5 or worse through five games with it last happening in the AFC in 1986 when four teams started 1-5 and the Indianapolis Colts were 0-6. The only other season it happened came in 1974 when five AFC teams were 1-5.

STEELERS LAPPING THE AFC NORTH

The last three weeks couldn’t have gone much better for the Pittsburgh Steelers when it comes to their hopes of winning the division.

Pittsburgh beat Minnesota in Week 4 and Cleveland in Week 6 surrounding a bye and opened up a wide lead in the division thanks to the poor performance of the other three teams.

Baltimore, Cincinnati and Cleveland all went 0-3

in that stretch, marking just the third time since 2002 realignment that one team in a division won every game in a three-week span and the other three teams lost every game. According to Sportradar, the only other times that happened came in 2012 in the AFC West when Denver went 3-0 and the rest of the division was 0-9 from Weeks 10-12 and in 2009 in the AFC West when the Chargers went 3-0 and the other three teams were 0-6, with each having a bye, from Weeks 7-9.