01302026 SPORTS

SPORTS

‘Jamaal was a perfectionist and a tenacious competitor’

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Volleyball Federation is mourning the sudden passing of veteran player Jamaal Ferguson, who played a key role on the men’s national team at the Caribbean Volleyball Championships here in August.

The 38-year-old outstanding libero player, one who serves as a defensive player wearing a contrasting jersey as he focuses on passing and digging in the back court, was found with stab wounds to his upper body at his residence on Daffodil Avenue on Wednesday.

Yesterday, the BVF and some of its members expressed their condolences to his family.

"Jamaal was a perfectionist and a tenacious competitor whose commitment to excellence set him apart both on and off the court," said BVF’s president Kurkwood Greene.

"As a libero, he brought discipline, resilience, and an unmatched work ethic to the national programme, consistently raising the standard of play for those around him. His passion for the game and his willingness to share his knowledge made him an invaluable mentor, and, unfortunately, he will no longer have the opportunity to pass on his experience to younger national team players."

Ferguson, who was honoured during the awards presentation for his longevity in the CVC Championships, played a pivotal role in Team Bahamas’ runners-up position behind champions Curacao.

The performances of Team Bahamas positioned the team for potential qualification to the Continental Championship in September 2026.

"This loss profoundly saddens the volleyball community. On behalf of the Bahamas Volleyball Federation executives and membership, we extend our deepest condolences to Jamaal’s family, friends,

Bahamas Volleyball Federation mourning sudden passing of veteran player Ferguson

Glen Rolle, who served as the head coach for Team Bahamas, noted that his relationship with Ferguson stemmed from his introduction to the sport of volleyball as a junior competitor coming out of the CI Gibson High School back in the 1980s.

"We came into volleyball around the same time, although I was about a year or two ahead of him," Rolle said. "Before I actually

became a coach, we played together and he looked up

Rolle said if there was one thing that stood out about Ferguson, it would have been his jovial attitude.

Rolle noted that he never saw a player who had an infectious smile that lit up the gymnasium whenever he stepped in it.

"And no matter what team he played on, he always gave it his best shot to win," Rolle said.

"He was dedicated to the sport and he was always

trying to find a way to improve his skills. His heart and soul was in volleyball."

While Ferguson came into the sport as a junior and, after two years, he emerged at the senior level in 2008 in the New Providence Volleyball Association (NPVA) where he played on several teams including the Kalik Gold, the Intruders, the Technicians and the Defenders where he played until his retirement.

Veteran player turned coach Jason Saunders

remembered how he was able to help Ferguson develop his skills when he came into the sport.

"He had some bad habits with bending his elbows.

“And so what I used to do was I bought some sticks and taped it to his hands and elbows so they could stretch out,"  Saunders said.

Eventually, Saunders and Ferguson became teammates as they played in the Baptist Sports Council for the Macedonia Baptist Church Warriors, winning

several championship titles.

"He was a very confident player and he worked very hard on his craft," Saunders recalled.

"We saw it in his improvement in his jumping ability,” he added.

After returning from college, Ferguson played in the NPVA and at one point he ventured into the professional ranks, but fell short of securing a deal. Ferguson eventually started his own business after working for a while at Baha Mar.

‘Jay Shred’ Johnson qualifies for IFBB World Championships again

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FOR the second time in his illustrious career, Jason “Jay Shred” Johnson will be taking his talent to the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Men and Women's World Championships. Johnson, ranked at number three in the points standings, earned the right to compete in the event, scheduled for September 30 to October 5 in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, (UAE) after defending his title in the IFBB Pro Mr Mexico Show in October and placing in the top five in the other three shows he competed in last year.

This year's appearance comes after Johnson made his debut in 2024 via an invitation. This time around, Johnson said he intends to avoid the mistake he made the first time around by going to UAE at least a week ahead of the

competition to get acclimated to the time zone, which is six hours difference from The Bahamas. Johnson, the only Bahamian to obtain a pro card in both the IFBB and the World Bodybuilding Fitness Federation, said he's delighted to represent The Bahamas again in the prestigious championships.

"I'm pleased to know that all of the hard work, sacrifice and dedication that I put into the sport is paying off," Johnson said.

"They are recognising me around the world. So it's a good feeling to be putting The Bahamas on top of the chart."

As he prepares for the competition this year, Johnson said he's looking to compete in at least two shows before the championships and hopefully he will have another one after.

"I'm just going to continue to develop my physique and focus more on my upper chest, which the judges told me I need to improve on," said Johnson,

‘who will work towards competing for the first time in June this year.

"My upper chest is the only lagging part of my body that I have to improve on.

“That's pretty much it. I just need to keep my waist small, continue to keep my shoulders pumped and round and full and just maintain the rest of my body."

As the only Bahamian to qualify for the championships, Johnson said it's a proud moment for him to enjoy.

"I'm always inspired to be the Joel Stubbs of this era in bodybuilding," said Johnson of his Bahamian idol, who went as far as to compete at Mr Olympia. I'm a proud protégé of Mr Joel Stubbs." Johnson has represented The Bahamas at the Central American and Caribbean Championships before he earned his pro card. And he said he would like to one day qualify for

The Olympia but, in order to do that, he will have to switch over to the WBFF. Dekel “Bowflex Barbie” Quant has earned her berth to compete in the 2026 Olympia after winning the women's figure competition at the Ben Weider Naturals Pro/Am held in Alexandria, Virginia, in November. For Johnson, in order to earn a trip to The Olympia, he will have to earn his pro card and win a professional qualifier. But he said while it's possible to do it, he's not quite prepared to make the transition.

In the meantime, Johnson expressed his gratitude to Stubbs, Leonardo 'Nardo' Dean, Wellington 'Cat' Sears and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for their support. As a personal trainer, Johnson said persons interested in a trainer can reach out to him at 432-5165. He said he can also be contacted by anyone who is willing to assist him financially in his journey.

Growing Pains: Understanding the body and mind during growth spurts

By DR KENT L BAZARD Sports Medicine Physician

AT some point in their development, almost every young athlete will complain of vague aches or discomfort, especially in their knees, legs or lower back. Often, these sensations are dismissed as “just growing pains.”

But in the athletic population, where daily training intersects with rapid growth,

these discomforts can be more than just a harmless phase. Understanding the biology behind growing pains, how they affect performance, and how we support our young athletes during this critical window is essential for both health and long-term success.

The Anatomy of Growth

During adolescence, long bones - such as the femur and tibia - lengthen at areas called growth plates, or epiphyseal plates. These are

made of soft cartilage and serve as the epicenter of skeletal elongation.

But while bones may grow quickly and often in spurts, surrounding structures like muscles, tendons, and ligaments adapt more slowly. This creates increased tension on the tissues, particularly where tendons attach to bones.

The result is a mismatch - stiffness, tightness, and micro-irritation at joints, often around the knees

or heels. This explains why conditions like Osgood-Schlatter disease (knee pain) or Sever’s disease (heel pain) are so common in youth athletes during peak growth.

When Growth Meets

Repetition

The problem is magnified when these biological changes meet the repetitive demands of sport.

Many sports - particularly track, basketball, soccer, and swimming - involve repetitive loading patterns. An adolescent swimmer who suddenly grows two inches in a season may develop shoulder or knee pain, not because of an acute injury, but because their lever arms have changed while their stabilising tissues lag behind. Add in early specialisation or year-round competition without structured rest, and you’ve created the perfect storm for overuse discomfort that’s often misdiagnosed or ignored.

How the Body Tries to Adapt

Our tissues are remarkably adaptive - if given the chance. Muscles and tendons remodel in response to training loads, gradually increasing in strength and elasticity. But this process takes time and depends on rest, nutrition, and recovery. When training intensity increases too quickly, or when athletes train through tightness and discomfort, the tissues are never allowed to catch up.The pain becomes chronic, often leading to altered movement patterns, reduced performance, or more serious injury.

Proper load management during the growth period is key. Research from sports science institutions

emphasizes that gradually increasing training volume, monitoring for early signs of pain, and adjusting workload during growth spurts can dramatically reduce the risk of chronic pain and overuse injury.

Growing Pains and Mental Frustration

There’s also a psychological toll. Growing pains aren’t visible on an X-ray or MRI. They don’t always come with swelling or bruising. This can leave young athletes feeling misunderstood - especially when they’re told to “push through it.” For some, the discomfort leads to withdrawal from sport, lack of confidence, or even feelings of inadequacy.

Support systems matter.

Coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals must acknowledge the legitimacy of growing pains and provide athletes with the language and tools to navigate them. Instead of dismissing pain as imaginary or labeling athletes as “soft,” we should educate them about the natural changes in their bodies and how temporary

adjustments can lead to long-term gains.

Smart Strategies for a Safer Transition

Young athletes going through growth spurts benefit from programs that include mobility training, controlled strength work, and deliberate rest cycles. Screening tools such as flexibility checks, strength assessments, and simple growth tracking can help identify at-risk athletes early.

Nutrition also plays a vital role—adequate protein, calcium, and micronutrients like Vitamin D support bone and tissue health during these critical years.

Parents can support the process by encouraging healthy sleep habits, minimising unnecessary competition during intense growth phases, and ensuring their child feels heard when they express discomfort. Coaches, in turn, can modify drills, reduce running volume, and emphasize technique over intensity.

The Takeaway Growing pains are not just a normal part of development - they’re a physiological and psychological challenge that demands attention, understanding, and collaboration. When we treat these aches as an opportunity to build strength, resilience, and body awareness, young athletes come out stronger - not just in body, but in mindset. The goal isn’t to stop the pain completely, it’s to create an environment where athletes can grow into their bodies safely, with support, education and smart planning. Because when growth is managed properly, it doesn’t have to hurt.

Local Sports Calendar

6TH RED-LINE

SONJA KNOWLES

CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club’s sixth annual Sonja Knowles Track Classic will be held over the weekend of January 31 to February 1 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Classic.

The event will begin at 10am on Saturday, January 31 and continue on Sunday, February 1 at 1pm.

The categories for men and women will begin from under-7 to the masters. Interested persons can contact coach Tito Moss at 425-4262 for more information.

BAHAMAS TRIATHLON

THE Bahamas Triathlon Association will hold an Olympic, sprint and relay triathlon on Sunday, February 1 at Jaws Beach starting at 7am. The Olympic course

will feature a 1.5 kilometre swim, a 40K bike run and a 10K run; the sprint will have a 750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run and the relay will comprise teams of two or three people competing together in both the Olympic and sprint courses. Interested persons can contact the BTA for more details.

EDRON KNOWLES

TOURNEY

THE National Sports Authority will pay special tribute to the late Edron ‘Ed’ Knowles with a Home Run Hitting Showcase at the Bankers Field on February 20. The top 20 home run hitters in the country will compete for $500 cash plus five cases of beers for first place, $300 and three cases of beers for second and $200 and two cases of beers for third. The event is being sponsored by GBall and A Sure Win.

BBSF FAMILY FUN RUN/WALK

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation will hold its annual Family Fun Run/ Walk Race on Saturday, February 26, starting at 6am from the Bahamas Baptist College on Jean Street.  The run will leave Jean Street and head north to Bernard Road, turn left onto Bernard Road and head to Village Road, turn left onto Soldier Road, turn left onto Prince Charles Drive, turn left onto Fox Hill Road and turn left onto Bernard Road, heading back to the church.

The registration fee is $10 per person in both the men and women 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 40-and-under, 60-and-under and 60-and-over as well as the Ministers/Pastors.

Interested persons can call Brent Stubbs at 4267265 for more information.

COACHES

Tureano ‘Reno’ Johnson launches his new boxing club

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

TUREANO “Reno” Johnson is eager to work with the next generation of Bahamian amateur boxers as he gives back to the sport that has enabled him to enjoy a successful amateur and professional career.

Along with his sister Kayla Johnson and his original boxing coach, Renaldo 'The Terminator' Minus, Johnson has launched his new boxing club from the parking lot of the Carmichael Road Police Station.

While the club has not been given an official name, Johnson said he decided to open the club as a spinoff from the summer programme that he conducted at the Percy Munnings Park.

"We're out here in the park and I'm making a plea to anybody who can to assist us with some equipment," said Johnson, who noted that he lost all of his equipment from a location near the park after the summer camp came to a close.

"We have some positive kids we are working with right here from the

Carmichael Road community and even in the south of Pinewood Gardens."

The training for the freefor-all club is staged every Monday to Friday from 6:30 to 8pm by Johnson, who was ranked at number four in the world as an amateur at the Beijing Olympic Games to become the number one contender in his division as a pro.

"It's only fitting for me to come out here and share my experience and knowledge with these young boxers," Johnson said. "I thank God for Kayla Johnson, my younger sister and the man who got me started in boxing, Renaldo Minus.

"I have the assistance of a group of people but, at the same time, we need a city to help raise these kids. So we could use a lot more help, including a home and equipment to help these young people."

Minus, the former heavyweight champion of The Bahamas, said when he got the call from Johnson, he

couldn't resist the opportunity to help him just as he did when he got his career started.

"We have a good crop of young men out here and they show good potential," Minus said. "I'm going to assist him as much and as far as I can. I'm here to assist boxing as much as I can."

From what he's seen, Minus said there are a number of potential heavyweights and so he feels he's in the right situation to share his wealth of experience. "I think they will go a long way, once they stick to it and remain disciplined," Minus stressed. "The guys seem to be disciplined. You can work with guys who have grit and discipline. They can go far, so I'm going to put in the effort with Tureano to help push them forward."

If the opportunity presents itself, Johnson said he will prepare his boxers for the local trials for the

Central American and Caribbean Games, if the Amateur Boxing of the Bahamas permits them.

"These kids have only been training for a short time, but I believe they have shown great pedigree and potential to become more than CAC medallists," he projected.

"But that is our first step and after that, we will see where the road takes us. But our ultimate goal is the Olympics. We're trying to get these boxers qualified."

Three of the boxers, including the lone female, indicated that they like what they have seen and are ready to go for the long haul.

Leon Williams, known as the captain, is a 23-year-old novice boxer, who noted that what he's learned so far from the sport, he could not have gotten it anywhere else.

"I feel like I wanted to learn some self defence and to get another sport under my belt," said

Williams, who started out playing basketball.

"I thought I was in shape for basketball, but boxing is a totally different animal on its own.

“The conditioning, footwork, blocking and protection is a whole new ball game."

Williams said he loves the challenge and is willing to see how far he could go into the sport, especially if he gets to compete in the trials for the CAC Games.

Angel Pratt, 18, is a former volleyball player with the CR Walker Knights. She is following in the footsteps of her grandfather, Samuel Pratt - a former pro boxer - and her oldest brother Alex Pratt, who fights in the United States.

"So the idea was always swirling around in my head," said Pratt, who noted that she was sitting on the bench killing some time when Johnson approached her about getting involved in the sport.

"I actually enjoy it. It makes me feel as if I have some strength. I am learning something that can benefit me, especially being motivated by people who are stronger than to do my best and become stronger."

And Anthony Forbes, a 19-year-old former basketball player for the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves, who also plays flag football, said he joined the group to help him control his anger and tempo.

"Since joining the group, I've been able to better my life through the discipline that the sport has to offer," Forbes said. "I'm working on building more stamina and endurance along with my technique."

Forbes said Johnson is an "excellent coach" who really understands how to make you "put your best foot forward." He said he is in the right environment and is hoping to make the best of his opportunity in the sport.

Bahamas Dressage rises to the challenge

Dressage is one of three Olympic equestrian disciplines. It is described by the international governing body for equestrian sport, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), as “the ultimate expression of horse training and elegance.”

Dressage competition consists of the performance of “tests”, which are a prescribed series of movements ridden within a standard arena. Each movement is

SPECTATORS enjoyed a dramatic show at Mariposa Stables, watching riders compete in The Bahamas leg of the 20252026 Caribbean Equestrian Association (CEA) Dressage Challenge. The competition was judged by internationally acclaimed FEI Dressage Judge Alexandre Lacerda Leão (BRA – Level 3). The Dressage Challenge is one of several competitions contested by the 11 member nations of the CEA: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The competition format enables inter-Caribbean competition, without the logistical challenge of traveling overseas.

evaluated and scored by the Judge on a scale from zero to ten. The CEA Dressage Challenge is contested at two levels. The Mini Dressage Challenge features tests at the introductory level, while the Regional Dressage Challenge has tests at a more advanced level. Team scores are comprised of the top three scores in each group.

This year marks The Bahamas’ third year participating in the CEA Dressage Challenge. The continued growth of Dressage in the country was on full display, with the execution of more advanced tests,

many first-time competitors, and a significant increase in participation of adult riders.

• Highlights of the competition results were as follows:

Mini Dressage Challenge Team (Childrens):  Alana Pyfrom (Shakespeare in Paradise)- Training Level Test 1 (65.769%) Poppy Denning (Valentine) – Introductory Test C (64.750%) Selin Karabas (Rags to Riches) - Introductory Test A (64.688%) Mini Dressage Challenge Team (Adults):

Laura Kimble-Morley (Dheusenberg) – Training Level Test 1 (66.923%) Carisa Brogdon (Pistachio) – Introductory Test B (58.750%) Ella Saidi (Vivawell) - Introductory Test C (56.750%)

Four riders - Michelle Stanhope, Laura Kimble-Morley, Hannah Knowles and Kelsey Pyfrom – contested the more advanced Regional Dressage Challenge tests. The High Point Score overall went to Michelle Stanhope (Dheusenberg) riding Training Level Test 3, with a score of 69.20%.  Overall rankings for Individuals and Teams will be announced by the CEA at the end of the 2025-2026 season.

Nesmith makes go-ahead layup, game-saving block as Pacers rally past Bulls 113-110

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

— Aaron Nesmith made a go-ahead reverse layup with 13.9 seconds left and blocked Coby White’s attempt from close range with 2.9 seconds remaining, and Indiana rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Chicago on Wednesday.

Pascal Siakam scored 20 points, Andrew Nembhard had 18, Jarace Walker added 16, Bennedict Mathurin had 15 and Nesmith finished with 14 for the NBA-worst Pacers, who improved to 3-0 against Chicago this season.

Indiana has won two of three, having beaten defending champion Oklahoma City in an NBA Finals rematch on Friday night. The Thunder have the league’s best record while the Pacers have plummeted to the bottom of the standings following Tyrese Haliburton’s torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the Finals.

Nikola Vucevic scored 25 points and Matas Buzelis had 20 for the Bulls, who lost their second straight to fall one game under .500 (23-24).

Chicago led 101-87 on a layup by Jalen Smith with 7:14 to go. But the Pacers responded with an 18-4 run and Jay Huff’s 3-pointer with 2 minutes left tied it at 105-all. Vucevic’s 3-pointer with 33.5 seconds left gave the Bulls their last lead at 110-109. Johnny Furphy hit two free throws for the final margin, which was the Pacers’ biggest lead of the game.

HAWKS 117,

CELTICS 106

BOSTON (AP) —

Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 21 points, Jalen Johnson had 19 points and 14 rebounds and Atlanta beat Boston to avenge a lopsided home loss.

Onyeka Okongwu added 17 points, Dyson Daniels had 15 and Corey Kispert 13 to help the Hawks win their fourth straight. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 21 points. He shot 9 for 20, missing all five of his 3-point attempts. The Hawks hit 42.9% of their 3-pointers (18 of 42) and had 29 assists on 45 baskets. Boston was 9 of 34 from beyond the arc.

Hawks coach Quin Snyder was asked before the game if his team would remember a 132-106 loss at home January 17 in the clubs’ last meeting. He replied: “You want to feel it.”

It looked like his team did from the start. They were locked in defensively, opening a 21-point lead late in the opening quarter on Alexander-Walker’s 3-pointer. They held a 60-38 edge on Kispert’s 3 from the top in the second quarter before Boston closed the first half with an 8-0 spree.

The Celtics made a few brief spurts in the second half but didn’t reduce their deficit below 12 points. Coach Joe Mazzulla removed most of his starters and many fans headed for the exits with the Celtics trailing 115-96 with 4 ½ minutes left.

KNICKS 119, RAPTORS 92

TORONTO (AP) — Mikal Bridges scored 19 of his 30 points in the third quarter, Karl-Anthony Towns had a season-high 22 rebounds and New York extended its winning streak to four, rallying past Toronto.

OG Anunoby had 26 points and a season-high six steals against his former team. Josh Hart scored 22 points and Jalen Brunson added 13 as the Knicks won

their 11th straight meeting with Toronto. Towns had 14 rebounds in the second quarter alone. He finished with eight points on 3-of-11 shooting. Bridges went 12 of 15 from the field, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range.

Brandon Ingram scored 27 points, Scottie Barnes had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and RJ Barrett scored 14 as Toronto’s fourgame winning streak ended. New York shot 4 of 19 from 3-point range in the first half, but Bridges helped turn that around by making 3 of 4 in the third. The Knicks finished 14 for 38 from distance.

HORNETS 112, GRIZZLIES 97

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)

— Brandon Miller scored 26 points, Moussa Diabate had 18 points and 20 rebounds and Charlotte topped its victory total from all of last season, beating Memphis.

Charlotte had won four straight to improve to 20-28 after finishing 19-62 last season. Miles Bridges added 20 points, and LaMelo Ball had 16. Diabate was 9 of 10 from the field in the first night of a back-to-back.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 26 points. Cedric Coward had 17. The Grizzlies have lost four in a row to fall to 18-27. Star guard Ja Morant is out at least three weeks because of a left elbow injury.

Miller scored 14 points in the first quarter to help Charlotte take a 36-28 lead. The Hornets led 29-13 with 3:56 left. The Hornets led 62-55 at the half, and had a 9-75 edge after three quarters.

MAGIC 133, HEAT 124

MIAMI (AP) — Paolo Banchero had 31 points and 12 rebounds, Anthony

Black scored 26 points and Orlando beat Miami to snap a four-game skid.

Desmond Bane finished with 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting and Jalen Suggs scored 16 for the Magic, who are 3-0 against the Heat this season.

Simone Fontecchio scored 23 points in 19 minutes for the Heat. Norman Powell added 22 points and Bam Adebayo had 21.

Franz Wagner (left ankle sprain) missed his fourth straight game for the Magic while Miami was without Tyler Herro (ribs) and Davion Mitchell (shoulder).

The start of the game was delayed by seven minutes because one of the rims was uneven.

The Magic went on a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter and led 121-104 with 5:47 remaining before the Heat rallied and got within 128122 on Powell’s three-point play with 1:25 left. Banchero and Suggs made two free throws each in the final minute to secure the win.

Orlando finished with 36 assists and shot 16 of 38 from 3-point range.

TIMBERWOLVES 118, MAVERICKS 105

DALLAS (AP) — Julius Randle scored 31 points, Naz Reid added 23 and Minnesota beat shorthanded Dallas.

The Mavericks were without rookie No. 1 pick

Cooper Flagg, who sat for left ankle injury management on the first night of a back-to-back. Flagg played the previous three games after an ankle sprain sidelined him for two games.

Klay Thompson sat with left knee soreness for Dallas, which is without 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis due to a hand injury.

Star guard Kyrie Irving hasn’t played all season after tearing an ACL last March.

Anthony Edwards scored 20 points for the Timberwolves, who have won consecutive games since a five-game losing streak that is their longest of the season.

P.J. Washington Jr. scored all 21 of his points in the second half for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall had 18 points and Brandon Williams 17. Randle was 12 of 21 from the field and made all seven of his free throws. He has scored at least 21 points in 11 of his past 12 games against his hometown team.

SPURS 111, ROCKETS 99

HOUSTON (AP) — Victor Wembanyama had 28 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks to help San Antonio rally for a victory over Houston.

The Spurs trailed by 16 and didn’t have a lead until late in the third quarter.

Wembanyama scored nine points, with five free throws, to power an 11-0 run to open the fourth quarter that put the Spurs on top 95-86 with less than eight minutes to go. A pair of free throws by Alperen Sengun got the Rockets within five before San Antonio used a 10-4 run, with six points from Dylan Harper, to make it 107-96 with about 2 1/2 minutes to play.

Wembanyama’s big game comes after he was 5 of 21 for 14 points in a loss to Houston last week.

The victory gives the Spurs a 2-1 lead in the season series with the final game set for March 8 in San Antonio.

Amen Thompson had 25 points and Kevin Durant added 24 for the Rockets. Sengun had 18 points with 10 rebounds and seven assists.

The Spurs shot 53.7% to help them surge late on a night the Rockets shot just 39.4%. Thompson made just 11 of 23 shots and Sengun was 7 of 20.

The Rockets were up by 11 with about eight minutes left in the third quarter before the Spurs used a 16-4 run to make it 79-78 with about two minutes remaining in the quarter to take their first lead of the game. Keldon Johnson made nine points in that stretch and Harper added four points.

‘Buddy’ and Warriors bury Utah 140-124 behind a flurry of 3s

By JOHN COON Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)

— Stephen Curry scored 27 points, Moses Moody had 26 and the Golden State Warriors beat the Utah Jazz 140-124 on Wednesday night.

Brice Sensabaugh scored 22 points off the bench for Utah.

Keyonte George had 19 points and seven assists. Ace Bailey also scored 19 points for the Jazz and

Gui Santos had 16 points off the bench for the Warriors. Golden State made 23 3-pointers and never trailed over the final three quarters. Moody led the way with five 3s.

Lauri Markkanen had 18. Utah trimmed a 22-point deficit to single digits entering the fourth quarter.

The Jazz drew to 108-100 on a pair of free throws from Isaiah Collier with 9:52 left.

Curry made back-toback baskets to restore a double-digit lead. Golden State used a 20-2 run to go up 136-109 with 3:29 left. Golden State made it rain from the perimeter early, going 15 of 31 from long distance before halftime.

Eight different players made an outside basket for the Warriors in the first half. Chavano “Buddy” Hield and Moody accounted for three apiece before halftime.

Hield scored 13 in total, burying back-to-back 3s a minute into the second quarter to cap a 19-8 run. Hield also contributed three rebounds and four assists in 17 minutes on the floor. The Warriors built a 16-point lead three other times in the second quarter - the final time when

Quinten Post made a 3-pointer to make it 64-48.

Golden State expanded its lead to 22 points in the third quarter, going up 91-69 on a pair of free throws from Curry.

Up Next Warriors: Host Detroit on Saturday night. Jazz: Host Brooklyn on Saturday night.

Cavaliers spoil LeBron James’ return, riding big 3rd quarter to 129-99 romp

By JOE REEDY

AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) —

Donovan Mitchell scored 25 points, Jaylon Tyson had 20 and the Cleveland Cavaliers used a big third quarter to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 129-99 and spoil LeBron James' return to Northeast Ohio.

De’Andre Hunter added 19 points, and Jarrett Allen had 17 points and nine rebounds to help Cleveland to its season-best fifth straight victory.

James had only 11 points, the first time in 13 trips to Cleveland as an opposing player he has not had at least 20. The 41-year old Akron native was 3 of 10 from the field, including 0 of 3 on 3-pointers, and was 5 of 6 from the line in 27 minutes.

It also was James' worst loss in Cleveland as a visiting player. He is 10-3, but has been on the losing end in his last two.

James teared up during a timeout with 7:46 remaining in the first quarter when the Cavaliers showed video highlights of him scoring 25 straight points during Game 5 of the 2007 Eastern Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons.

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 29 points.

Deandre Ayton contributed 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block in 19 minutes on the floor. Los Angeles fell to 3-2 on its seven-game road trip.

Doncic missed six minutes in the first quarter after having his left ankle looked at in the locker room.

Doncic tweaked his ankle

Bahamian centre Deandre Ayton scores 10 points in the loss

when he landed awkwardly near the Lakers’ bench after attempting a 3-pointer. Cleveland led 57-55 at halftime, but took control in the third quarter, outscoring Los Angeles by 20 (42-22). It was the 12th time this season that the Cavaliers scored at least 40 points in a period.

It was tied at 57 when the Cavaliers went on a 25-8

run where Mitchell scored eight points and Tyson added seven. Cleveland was 6 of 22 on 3-pointers in the first half, but went 7 of 11 in the third. It also was 17 of 25 from the field in the period.

Up next Lakers: At Washington tonight. Cavaliers: At Phoenix tonight.

To Publish your Financials

Man United fans to protest against ‘inept ownership’ despite Man City, Arsenal wins

By JAMES ROBSON

AP Sports Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Even after back-to-back wins against the Premier League top two and new optimism coursing through Manchester United, fans are still planning to protest before Sunday’s home game against Fulham.

A march to Old Trafford was arranged before the morale-boosting wins against Manchester City and Arsenal and organisers are not backing down, saying they are demonstrating against the 20-time English champion's “dysfunctional, inept ownership.”

“Bring the heat. Bring the noise. Bring your love for the club,” fan group, The 1958, posted on X this week.

The group has been a vocal critic of United's ownership, the American Glazer family and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe, the owner of petrochemical giant INEOS, assumed control of the soccer operations after buying an initial 25 per cent stake for $1.3 billion in 2024, but performances have nosedived with two coaches fired and a worst ever Premier League campaign last season.

The Glazers have been unpopular among fans since their leveraged

buyout of the club in 2005. There was hope Ratcliffe — a boyhood United supporter — would bring the good times back but his minority ownership has so far been marked by high-profile hirings and firings, ticket price hikes and sweeping cost cuts.

Former player Michael Carrick is the latest head coach, only until the end of the season, after Ruben Amorim was fired this month. Despite Carrick's wins against City and Arsenal, fans' anger towards the ownership remains.

The 1958 describes it as a “toxic partnership where fans are getting the worst of both worlds."

Still, the timing looks odd given United's upturn in form under Carrick, rise to fourth in the standings and in the Champions League places. The game against Fulham is a chance for United to produce three consecutive league wins for only the second time this season.

The fans, though, are determined to make their feelings known to the owners.

“We deserve better and our traditions need to be respected,” The 1958 said.

Key matchups On the back of three straight league games without a win, firstplaced Arsenal travels to in-form Leeds on Saturday.

Liverpool is without a win in 2026 and hosts Newcastle. Second-placed Man City can keep the pressure on Arsenal with a win at Tottenham on Sunday.

Third-placed Aston Villa hosts Brentford.

Players to watch

Bryan Mbeumo's return from the Africa Cup of Nations has boosted United, with a goal in each of the wins against City and Arsenal. Tammy Abraham has rejoined Aston Villa and will add more depth to Unai Emery's attack.

Out of action Patrick Dorgu will reportedly be out for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury. Jeremy Doku is set

to miss City's game against Tottenham after hurting his calf in the Champions League midweek, and Villa's Youri Tielemans is also expected to be out for around 10 weeks through injury.

Off the field

The Premier League is making its moves in the final days of the January transfer window. City has gone big with deals for Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, Tottenham has signed midfielder Connor Gallagher and Villa brought in Abraham and Douglas Luiz this week to strengthen its unlikely title challenge. The window closes on Monday.

Bahamas Rugby Union begins Road to the Cup Finals

THE Bahamas Rugby Union began its Road to the Cup Finals on Saturday at the Winton Rugby Center.

The visiting Freeport RFC routed the Cuckoos RFC in a wild fashion,

80-21. The BRU is expected to host a series of games between Cuckoos, Freeport and Baillou up until March 14. There will be one game during the series played in Grand Bahama on

THE WEATHER REPORT

February 14 when Freeport will play Cuckoos. The playoffs between the second and third teams will be played on March 28 with the winner facing the number one team in the Cup Finals on Saturday, April 18.

Are tennis players being treated like zoo animals? Iga Swiatek thinks so

By JOHN PYE AP Sports Writer

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Iga Swiatek picked up a privacy theme that Coco Gauff left the Australian Open with after the 21-year-old American's racquet-smashing, frustration-releasing moments away from the court went viral.

Gauff said “maybe conversations can be had” about the seemingly limitless access-all-areas cameras that track players from the locker room to the court and just about everywhere in between.

After her 7-5, 6-1 quarterfinal loss to fifth-seeded Elena Rybakina on Wednesday, Swiatek was asked how she feels about the lack of off-camera areas for the players and what she thinks should be the balance between constant content and player privacy.

“Yeah, the question is, are we tennis players, or are we, like, animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop, you know?” she said, apologising for the latter reference. “OK, that was exaggerating obviously, but it would be nice to have some privacy.”

Swiatek and Gauff are two of the top three players in women’s tennis, so it stands to reason they’ll be more in focus.

Visions of Swiatek being stopped by security after forgetting her credential became a meme during the tournament. She's won four French Open titles as well as Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. But security is, well, security.

Fan engagement

The off-court camera surveillance occurs at other tournaments and isn't confined to the Australian Open, where organisers have created a three-week festival around the season-opening major by incorporating all manner of fan engagement.

The vision from the non-public stadium areas isn't always broadcast, but players don't need reminding that some moments that get captured will turn up on the internet for being cute, informative or just outright dramatic.

Gauff's racquet

The 24-year-old is one of Poland's biggest stars and is fully aware that being in the public gaze is part-and-parcel of being a champion.

“We’re tennis players. We’re meant to be watched on the court, you know, and in the press. That’s our job,” she said.

No. 2-ranked Swiatek said there were parts of her game she'd like to practice immediately before walking out for a match and “it would be nice to have some space where you can do that without the whole world watching.”

Turned out, there’s pretty much no place within the confines of Rod Laver Arena except for the locker rooms that is beyond the scope of the cameras.

No. 3-ranked Gauff, a two-time major winner, smashed her racquet into the concrete floor of a ramp near the player area seven times after her Australian Open quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina on Day 10. She stayed composed as she left the centre court before trying to find somewhere in the shadows to vent.

“Certain moments - the same thing happened to Aryna (Sabalenka) after I played her in the final of the U.S. Open - I feel like they don’t need to broadcast,” Gauff said in her postmatch news conference.

“I tried to go somewhere where I thought there wasn’t a camera because I don’t necessarily like breaking racquets.”

Serena's advice

Gauff received some encouragement from 23-time major winner Serena Williams, who posted on social media that there's “nothing wrong with hating to lose,” and offering to show her how to demolish in one swipe - Serena style. "

Gauff said she didn't want to smash her racquet on the court within sight of fans, which is why she saved it for a quieter area.

“So, yeah, maybe some conversations can be had,” she said, “because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”

And that's exactly where fourth-seeded Amanda Anisimova proceeded after her quarterfinal loss to fellow American Jessica Pegula.

“There are good moments, obviously that people see, and that’s fun. Then, when you lose, there are probably not-so-good moments,” she said. “The fact that the video of Coco that was posted, it’s tough, because she didn’t have a say in that.”

WTA takes concerns seriously

The women's tour said it “stands with our players

and takes their concerns about privacy and cameras at the Australian Open seriously.”

“Players deserve spaces away from competition where they can recover in private,” WTA chair Valerie Camillo said.

“We have already taken steps to reduce camera presence in off-court player areas to ensure players have appropriate private spaces."

“We agree that there should be clear, respectful boundaries in off-court areas,” Camillo added.

"We believe this issue should be reviewed by tournament organisers and broadcast partners to ensure appropriate boundaries are in place."

Djokovic: Can't see it changing Novak Djokovic, the 24-time major winner, remembers the time before the omnipresent cameras, and preferred it. But he thinks there'll be no winding it back.

“I saw what happened with Coco after her match. I empathise with her,” Djokovic said.

“I agree with her. You know, it’s really sad that you can’t basically move away anywhere and hide and . . . fume out your frustration in a way that won’t be captured by a camera.

“But we live in a society and in times where content is everything, so it’s a deeper discussion. It’s really hard for me to see that that’s going (to go) backward. It’s just something that I guess we have to accept.” Djokovic made a crack about the sanctity of the locker room, which is still off-limits to TV.

“I’m surprised that we have no cameras while we are taking a shower!,” he said.

“I mean, that’s probably the next step.”