03032026 SPORTS

SPORTS

Teeing off on day 1

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

PRIVATE primary schools set the early pace across four divisions as day one of the National School Golf Championships got underway yesterday at the Bahamas Golf Federation Driving Range and Academy.

The opening round featured boys and girls in both lower primary (grades 1-3) and upper primary (grades 4-6). With separate team and individual titles on the line, players competed in stroke play, looking to position themselves for Wednesday’s interschool finals.

In the Upper Primary Girls’ division, Poitier Golf Home School was atop the leaderboard from the start. Zaire Poitier posted a 6-over-par 33 to claim first place individually, finishing three shots clear of Zion Poitier at 36 (+9).

Zeden Poitier tied for third at 40 (+13) alongside Azaria Bethel of Lyford Cay International School. The depth of Poitier Golf Home School proved decisive in the team standings.

On the boys’ side in the Upper Primary division, Maximilien Demole of King’s College School, The Bahamas, delivered the round of the day. He shot even par 27 to win the individual title by 11 shots. Connor Stevenson of St Andrew’s placed second at 38 (+11), followed by

Windsor and King’s College emerge as the early leaders in National School Golf Championships

Dakota Bastian of St. Andrews at 41 (+14). King’s College used that performance to secure the team lead. In the Lower Primary Girls’ division, Jermany Dawkins of St. Cecilia’s Primary School took top honours with a 38 (+11). Eliana Rodarmel of King’s College finished second at 42 (+15), while Lauren Zamora of Windsor School placed third at 51 (+24). The Lower Primary Boys’ division saw Windsor School’s Enok Saulnier shoot 29 (+2) to edge Liam Bethel of King’s College, who finished at 32 (+5). Luca Greaves of Windsor

School was third at 33 (+6). Windsor’s consistency across its lineup translated into a strong team total. With day one complete, Windsor School and King’s College School emerged as early leaders in multiple categories, while Poitier Golf Home School made a statement in the Upper Primary Girls’ division. Official day one results: UPPER PRIMARY GIRLS – PRIVATE

PRIMARY Individual Zaire Poitier (Poitier Golf Home School) – 33 (+6)

Zion Poitier (Poitier Golf Home School) – 36 (+9)

Zeden Poitier (Poitier Golf Home School) – 40 (+13) T3. Azaria Bethel (Lyford Cay International School) –40 (+13)

Sarah Scheidecker (Nassau Christian Academy) – 42 (+15)

Skyrah Chambers (Home School) – 42 (+15)

Team Poitier Golf Home – +28

Queens College – +100

St. Cecilia’s – +105

UPPER PRIMARY BOYS – PRIVATE PRIMARY

Individual Maximilien Demole (King’s College School) –27 (E)

Career night: Donnie Freeman erupts for 28 points in 88-83 loss to Deacons

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

DONNIE Freeman delivered a career night at Wake Forest and did everything he could to carry Syracuse on the road. The sophomore forward erupted for 28 points in an 88-83 loss to the Demon Deacons, putting together one of the most efficient performances of his college career. It marked a career high in points in ACC play and one of his strongest allaround offensive showings this season. Freeman played 36 minutes and shot 9-for-13 from the field. He knocked down 4-of-7 from three-point

range and went 6-of-7 at the free throw line. He added five rebounds and consistently scored in key stretches to keep the Orange within striking distance. Freeman was aggressive early with 15 points in the first half. He attacked closeouts, stepped confidently into perimeter jumpers and finished through contact in the lane. When Syracuse needed a bucket, the ball found him. He scored at all three levels and showed poise against a physical Wake Forest defence. Syracuse shot 51.9 per cent from the field and hit 13 three-pointers as a team, but Wake Forest controlled the rebounding margin 30-18 and executed late to secure the win. The loss

drops the Orange to 15-14 overall and 6-10 in conference play.

Freeman has been Syracuse’s most reliable offensive piece this season. Through 20 games, he is averaging 17.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He is shooting 49.6 per cent from the field, 32.9 per cent from three and 75.6 per cent from the free throw line. He has scored 345 total points and started 18 games, anchoring the frontcourt with versatility and efficiency.

Earlier this season, after returning from injury, Freeman spoke about what being back meant to him, saying: “All stats aside, I’m just happy to be back out here… doing what I love with the people I love.

Individual Jermany Dawkins (St. Cecilia’s Primary School) –38 (+11)

Eliana Rodarmel (King’s College School) – 42 (+15)

T3. Lauren Zamora (Windsor School) – 51 (+24) T3. Alessandra Advani (Windsor School) – 51 (+24)

Sarah Saulnier (Windsor School) – 53 (+26)

Savannah Mackey (St. Andrews) – 53 (+26) Team Windsor School – +74

No better feeling.” That approach has defined his year. He has embraced the role of go-to scorer and has delivered consistently in big moments.

Syracuse, under head coach Adrian Autry, is fighting to stay relevant in the NCAA Tournament conversation. The Orange are currently outside the projected field and likely need a strong finish plus a deep ACC Tournament run to improve their chances. What Freeman showed at Wake Forest is that he is capable of taking over highlevel conference games. If Syracuse is going to make a late push toward March, it will be because Freeman continues to play at this level.

Connor Stevenson (St. Andrews) – 38 (+11)

Dakota Bastian (St. Andrews) – 41 (+14)

Tyhler Rolle (Nassau Christian Academy) – 43 (+16)

Marius deGraaf (King’s College School) – 44 (+17)

Team King’s College School – +37

St. Andrews – +52

Lyford Cay International School – +66

Windsor School – +71

St. Cecilia’s Primary School – +80

DNF. Queens College LOWER PRIMARY GIRLS – PRIVATE PRIMARY

UTR tournament shows signs of continued growth in junior tennis

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE UTR Junior Tournament wrapped up this past weekend, held for the first time at Baha Mar’s John McEnroe Tennis Centre, with organisers pointing to strong participation and competitive matches as signs of continued growth in junior tennis.

The two-day event was held in collaboration with GSM Tennis Solutions with a full slate of matches across multiple age divisions. From 10-and-under to under-16, players logged valuable match time in a structured competitive setting designed to build experience and confidence. Tournament directors Derron Donaldson and Nikkita Fountain said the

weekend met expectations on and off the court. Both stressed that consistent match play remains one of the biggest factors in longterm player development. They noted that expanding competitive opportunities across the country is key to raising the overall standard of Bahamian junior tennis. Action in the Under-16 Yellow Ball final saw Tatyana Madu deliver one of the most decisive performances of the tournament, defeating Harrison Van Onselen 6-2, 6-2. In the 10-and-under Orange Ball division, Lorenzo Bisterzo claimed the title with a 4-1, 4-0 victory over James Fernandez.

The 12-and-under Yellow Ball final featured a notable international presence with Akshara Nagarajan, who travelled from Turks and

Caicos, defeating Graydon Glassman 4-0, 4-2.  In the 12-and-under Green Dot division, Finley Bacon topped the pool with a perfect 4-0 record.  The structure of the UTR format ensures players receive meaningful court time regardless of early results, an approach organisers believe is critical for skill progression. Rather than focusing solely on championship matches, the tournament emphasizes exposure to different playing styles and experience in pressure situations. With the next junior tournament scheduled for March 6-7, momentum continues to build. Organisers expect participation to remain strong as families and players recognise the value of consistent, organised competition.

Rowers race at Sarasota Invitational Regatta

YOUNG rowers from The Bahamas raced at the Sarasota Invitational Regatta in Florida on Saturday, February 28.

The team, composed of rowers from Nassau Rowing Club (NRC), who are students at Lyford Cay International School, St John’s College and St Andrew’s International School, competed alongside peers from King’s College School Bahamas and Windsor School Bahamas.

The race featured 823 crews from 71 rowing programmes competing in 75 major events. Rowers travelled from across the United States to race at Nathan Benderson Park, North America's only class A venue able to host international regattas.

The regatta was expertly run by organiser Norman Thetford and volunteers who were delighted to have international participation from The Bahamas. The referees, headed by Elaine Roden, kept the regatta running smoothly and safely.

The Bahamian contingent achieved their greatest success in both the boys’ novice coxed fours and the novice eights events,

winning silver medals in closely contested races.

These crews featured rowers from both NRC and King’s, and were steered by local coxswains from Lake Brantley Rowing Association and Sarasota Crew.

NRC’s Michael Ford (15), a student at St John’s College, reflected on his crew’s medal-winning performances. “It was an immense effort that was rewarded by crossing the finish line just barely ahead of the bronze medal crews," he said. "I was glad my teammates were there to help row me across the line, especially our coxswains from Sarasota and Brantley.”  Jamie Barnwell, King's College School’s Head of Sport, was delighted with the team’s performance.

“It was amazing watching the races live streamed from drone footage. It was very close racing and the staff at King’s are impressed and proud of our rowers' accomplishments," he stared. "We look forward to the continuing development of rowing here at school.”

Windsor School fielded eight athletes into seven crews across four events.

Junior rower Jai Smith, who competed in the high school

boys double and mixed quad events, described the experience as eye-opening.

“I was definitely expecting the intensity to be up a notch from what we practiced, but it exceeded my expectations,” he said. “In my first race, the excitement got the best of me. In the second, I found more composure, stopped gripping the oars too tightly, and settled into a better pace. I learned a ton, and I’m heading back motivated to keep improving.”

Kevaro leads Mingoes over BDOCS in UB Showcase Series action

KEVARO Rus-

sell scored 32 points to lead The University of The Bahamas Men’s Basketball team to a 91-60 win over Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Challengers in UB Showcase Series action at the Kendal Isaacs Gym last week. The Mingoes’ offence was led by three key players. Behind Russell’s 32-point contribution, Terrance Higgs scored 24 points, while John McKenzie added 12. Jarius Hall rounded out the scoring with 10 points.

In a game where the Mingoes never trailed, it was a strong performance across the board for the team.  The Mingoes went up eight points to end the first quarter 21-13 as McKenzie led the team with six points in that quarter.

UB guard Kevaro Russell dunks the ball against The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Challengers last week Thursday at The Kendal Isaacs Gym. The Mingoes won 91-60. Photo: UB Athletics

At the half, The Mingoes lead 40-25 thanks to a 10-point contribution from Higgs. Russell dumped 12 points for the Mingoes in the third quarter as they led 64-45 heading into the fourth quarter. The Mingoes’ balanced attacked

sealed the 91-60 win. “It was a good win,” Russell said. “I liked how we came out with a lot of energy. We’re looking to carry that into the next game and end the season with a bang.”

Higgs, who shot 11-14, said the performance carried added meaning as the squad looked to bounce back from its previous outing.

“I feel like this was more of a statement game for us,” Higgs said. “We just came off a loss in Freeport, so we wanted to redeem ourselves.”

The win extends the team's current streak as they head into the final stretch of the season.

For the Challengers, Don Hanna Jr led the team with nine points and Patrick Brice, Rashaad Woodside, Jayden Stubbs and Jude Rolle each posted six points in a losing effort.

The Mingoes next play Customs 7pm tonight at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Local Sports Calendar

GOLF FLAMINGO WOMEN’S

GOLF CLUB

NEW BOARD

THE Flamingos Women’s Golf Club held its election of officers over the weekend and the following persons have been elected to serve:

President - Immalasha Johnson.

Vice President: - Anja Marie Charles.

Secretary - Sheryl Collins Treasurer - Dianne Miller. Agatha Delancy is the outgoing president. She opted not to seek another term in office.

GOLF REGISTRATION FOR TOP CLASS SESSIONS

THE opening session of the Top Classic Golf Institute is scheduled to get underway on Saturday at the Bahamas Golf Federation’s Nine-Hole Driving Range. It will end on Saturday, April 11. There will be one hour per session beginning at 8 am and will run every hour on the hour until the final session for each day kicks off at 4pm. The class size will be a maximum of four students per class. Fees are

determined by the number of students and includes four students = 30.00 P/S; 3 Students = 40.00 P/S; 2 Students = 60.00 P/S and 1 Student = 120.00.

Coach Vernon Lockhart and JP Michielson will conduct the sessions. To register, golfers are urged to contact administrator Agatha Mona DeLancy 819-3184 or email her at delancyagatha6@gmail.com for more information.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

AWARENESS

WALK SPECIAL Olympics Bahamas is scheduled to

Senior rowers Jaiden Mackey and Priya Alexander reflected on the experience of competing abroad.

“It was an honour to be ambassadors for The Bahamas,” they shared.

“Each race was an opportunity to show pride and leave a mark for our country and for Windsor. As seniors, we hope the next group of rowers continues to value these opportunities and enjoy them as much as we have.”

Coaches Dehron and Beatrise were pleased with the Windsor team’s overall effort. “We were really happy to have a smooth regatta and great efforts from all the rowers,” they said. “Travelling has its challenges, but that’s what we came for. Each race is a stepping stone. We hope this experience lights a fire in every athlete to see what can be accomplished through their effort and to take another step upward and onward.”

With valuable lessons learned and confidence gained, the squad returns home focused, motivated, and eager for the next challenge on the water.

Rowers will be back in action, racing on home water at the New Providence Community Regatta - a fun, community-oriented race where rowers will be able to test their racing skills in a familiar and supportive hometown environment -  on Saturday, March 21.

Advantage Her: John McEnroe Tennis Center hosts inaugural Women’s Doubles Classic

THE John McEnroe Tennis Center hosted the inaugural Women’s Doubles Classic, ‘Advantage Her’, at Baha Mar and it exceeded all expectations over the weekend.

With more than 25 participants in attendance, the ladies enjoyed an engaging and competitive afternoon of tennis. The event began with a dynamic doubles clinic led by director of racquets Derron Donaldson, alongside former national

hold its Awareness Walk on Saturday, March 28, starting at 9am at the Western Esplanade.

The route will leave from the Western Esplanade, turn south onto Nassau Street to Poinciana Drive, continue south to University Drive and ending at the entrance of the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre’s Legends Walk of Fame. Individuals and groups/ organisations are invited to participate. Registration is now open. Persons can enter the QR code, open the link, complete the applicable Individual OR Group

standout, Fed Cup representative, and former WTA-ranked player Nikkita Fountain, and former national player Jody Turnquest.  Participants received valuable instruction focused on doubles strategy, court positioning and match play tactics.

Following the clinic, players competed in a spirited round-robin doubles tournament with eight prizes awarded. Deitra Delancy and Malaka Masson

Registration Form, submit along with their donation and they are all set to go.

BBSF ELECTION OF OFFICERS

THE Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation, now heading into its third year since the transformation from the Baptist Sports Council, will hold its first election of officers.

The election of officers will take place at 10am on Saturday, March 14, at the Bahamas Baptist College/ University on Jean Street. All positions, including president, first vice president, second vice president, third vice president and fourth vice president, along with the secretary general and assistant secretary and the treasurer and assistant treasurer, will be up for grabs. Nominations will be taken from the floor.

BAHAMAS TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIP

THE Bahamas Triathlon Association, which postponed its National Championships on February 1 due to the inclement weather, is scheduled to host its new date on Sunday, March 15 at Jaws Beach, starting at 7am. The competition will have the Olympic competition including a 1.5 kilometre swim, 40K bike ride and 10k run, a sprint (750m swim, 20K bike and 5K run) and relay for teams of 2-3 people for all ages.

emerged as overall champions, finishing tied for first place after an impressive performance throughout the competition.

Special thanks to Bernadette Major and Shena Bowleg for rallying the ladies and the ladies of Nassau Lawn Tennis Club.

“The John McEnroe Tennis Centre looks forward to hosting future events that continue to elevate and celebrate women’s tennis in our community,” said a press release.

THE National School Golf Tournament will

Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation members

enjoy their third annual Family Fun Run/Walk

SATURDAY’s

early morning riser for the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation's third annual Family Fun Run/Walk didn't draw the crowd as anticipated, but those that showed up enjoyed themselves.

The runners participated in the run that left Jean Street and travelled east to East Hill Road, onto Bernard Road and back to Jean Street. The walkers left Jean Street for Bernard Road to Soldier Road to Prince Charles and back to Jean Street.  Z Eve Maycock said there was no way she was going to miss the event. She

successfully defended her title in the women's run that covered about 4.2 miles. Godfrey Rolle and Denise Strachan turned in strong performances in taking their respective men’s and women’s titles in the 2.5 walk race. They both made it look so easy. And there was also a time of celebration for Derek Harvey, who celebrated his 72nd birthday. Those in attendance sang the happy birthday song to him, leaving him a bit emotional.  Harvey was the oldest competitor entered in the event, while Delyn Fernander was the younger competitor. She

took bragging rights over her father, Bishop Delton Fernander, as she bet out at the finish line. Fernander, the Bahamas National Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention and pastor of New Destiny Baptist Cathedral, was joined by his executive secretary Rev Daniel Nottage, the pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, who was a few steps ahead of his compatriot.

The Rev Stephen Duncombe, the senior master at the Charles W Saunders High School and pastor of the Jubilee Mission Baptist Ministries, also participated

and was able to finish. The Rev Albert Porter led a team of competitors from Mount Horeb that included Shemeka Symonette, June Deleveaux and Karen Porter.

Among the other winners were Minister Michael Butler, Rev Dereck Munroe, Lisa Sands, Lisa Bastian and Nicola Major.

Foster Dorsett, the head of the Physical Education Department at Charles W. Saunders, officiated the race and was joined by Ann Thompson, the official statistician.

A health expo was also held with members of the Ministry of Health conducting health screening, while Philip Gray from Quality Care Pharmacy provided some medical tips for all to follow.

The BBSF now prepares for its election of officers, scheduled for 10am Saturday, March 14 at the Bahamas Baptist University/College. All positions will be available. Nominations will be accepted from the floor.

Giddey ties Pippen for franchise triple-doubles as Bulls rout Bucks 120-97

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — Josh Giddey had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists for his eighth triple-double this season, and the Chicago Bulls used a 27-0 run to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 120-97 on Sunday and stop an 11-game losing streak.

Giddey had his 15th triple-double as a member of the Bulls, tying Scottie Pippen for second on the franchise list.

Collin Sexton added 22 points, and Matas Buzelis had 20, helping Chicago come out on top after matching the third-worst skid in franchise history. The Bulls were 0-11 in February and had not won since January 31 at Miami.

Bobby Portis scored 18 points for Milwaukee. The Bucks missed 17 straight shots down the stretch in their second straight blowout loss.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his 15th consecutive game because of a strained right calf. The two-time MVP has not played since January 23.

KNICKS 114, SPURS 89

NEW YORK (AP) — Mikal Bridges had 25 points, Jalen Brunson scored 24 and New York snapped San Antonio's 11-game winning streak with a victory.

After going unbeaten in February, the Spurs were shut down to open March, never recovering from the Knicks’ 26-2 run in the first half and losing for the first time since Jan. 31 in Charlotte.

Victor Wembanyama bounced back from two quiet offensive games with 25 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, but a Spurs team that became the first in NBA history to go unbeaten and score at least 110 points in every game while playing at least 10 in a month fell flat after a fast start.

Mohamed Diawara had 14 points off the bench for the Knicks, who also beat the Spurs earlier this season to win the NBA Cup in Las Vegas.

CAVALIERS 106, NETS 102

NEW YORK (AP) — James Harden scored 22 points in his return to the lineup with a broken thumb and Cleveland snapped a two-game skid with a victory over Brooklyn.

Harden missed two games after fracturing his thumb earlier in the week. He bounced back and shot 5 for 9 from the field, 4 for 7 from 3-point distance and 8 for 12 from the line, with nine rebounds and eight assists. He was injured Tuesday night in a 109-94 home victory over New York. X-rays Wednesday showed a non-displaced fracture of the distal phalanx.

Jarrett Allen scored 20 points and Evan Mobley added 16 points and 13 rebounds as the Cavaliers improved to 12-1 in their last 13 games against the Nets. Sam Merrill finished with 15 points and Dennis Schroder had 10. Michael Porter Jr. scored 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting, and Danny Wolf added 23 points and nine rebounds for Brooklyn, which lost its eighth straight game and for the 11th time in 13 games.

Nolan Traore contributed 17 points and Grant Nelson 11 as the Nets slipped to 15-45 overall.

TIMBERWOVLES 117, NUGGETS 108

DENVER (AP) —

Anthony Edwards scored 21 points, Bones Hyland had 15 of his 18 points in the first half against his former team, and Minnesota moved a game ahead of Denver in the Western Conference with a win over the Nuggets.

Minnesota swept its three-game trip to improve to 38-23 and jump into fourth in the West, beating Denver for the first time in four games this season.

There are just two games separating third-seeded Houston and the Los Angeles Lakers in sixth place, with Los Angeles set to host Sacramento later Sunday.

Nikola Jokic finished with 35 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists but couldn’t carry the Nuggets over their Northwest Division rivals. Jamal Murray had 25 points on 9-of-22 shooting, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range.

GRIZZLIES 125, PACERS 106

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Taylor Hendricks scored 19 points, Jaylen Wells had 18 and Memphis beat Indiana. Olivier-Maxence Prosper added 17 points, and Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ryan Rupert each had 16 to help Memphis sweep the season series for the third time in five years. Jarace Walker led Indiana with 21 points, and Micah Potter had 18.

Memphis took a 77-66 advantage four minutes into the third period. The Grizzlies were without guard Ja Morant for the 17th consecutive game because of a left elbow injury. Rookie Cedric Coward sat out with a knee injury.

HAWKS 135, TRAIL BLAZERS 101

ATLANTA (AP) — Onyeka Okongwu scored 25 points, CJ McCollum added 19 and Atlanta rode a huge first quarter to an easy win over Portland. Jonathan Kuminga had 20 points and seven rebounds off the bench for the Hawks (31-31), who reached .500 for the first time since Dec. 23. They have won four straight games by an average of 26.5 points and moved into ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

Kuminga played his third game for the Hawks since being traded by Golden State. He is averaging 21.3 points and 7.7 rebounds with Atlanta after barely playing for the Warriors. He soared for a windmill dunk on a breakaway late in the fourth quarter that ignited the home crowd.

Jrue Holiday scored 23 points for Portland, which has lost its last two games. Donovan Clingan had 15 points, 15 rebounds and a team-high five assists.

PISTONS 106, MAGIC 92

ORLANDO, Florida (AP) — Cade Cunningham had 29 points and 11 assists, Tobias Harris scored 23 points and the NBA-leading Detroit beat Orlando for their sixth straight road victory. The Pistons improved to 45-14, winning for the eighth time in nine games. They have won 10 of 11 on the road and are 21-7 overall away from home. Jalen Duren added 16 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 24 points and

11 rebounds, but also had nine turnovers.

Tristan da Silva added 19 points and Desmond Bane had 17, but the Magic shot 30.7% in the second half and experienced a third-quarter collapse for the second time in three nights.

CELTICS 114, 76ERS 98

BOSTON (AP) — Neemias Queta scored a career-high 27 points and added 17 rebounds to help Boston recover from a slow start and rally to beat Philadelphia.

Jaylen Brown added 27 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, and Derrick White finished with 21 points and eight assists as the Celtics became the fourth team to reach 40 victories. They have won six of seven. It was the 11th double-double of the season for Queta, who also had three blocks. He has three double-doubles — with at least two blocks in each — over his last five games. Philadelphia cut what was a 16-point lead by Boston in the second half to 103-97 with just over four minutes to play. But Queta scored Boston’s next eight points to put the Celtics in front 111-98 and help close it out. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points and six assists.

VJ Edgecombe added 23 points as Philadelphia’s three-game win streak was snapped.

THUNDER 100, MAVERICKS 87

DALLAS (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, Chet Holmgren had 19 points and nine rebounds and Oklahoma City beat Dallas. Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in 59 consecutive road games, the longest streak in NBA history. The reigning NBA MVP played his second game after missing nine because of an abdominal strain.

The Mavericks, with star rookie Cooper Flagg among three regular starters sidelined, were held to a season low in points and saw the NBA’s longest active streak of triple-digit games end at 41. They are 21-39. Caleb Martin scored a season-high 18 points to lead the Mavericks, who lost their eighth consecutive home game and 13th overall in the last 15. It’s their longest such home drought since dropping 12 straight in 1993-94.

CLIPPERS 137, PELICANS 117

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points and Los Angeles beat New Orleans to end a three-game losing streak. Tenth in the Western Conference, the Clippers improved to 28-31. The Pelicans are 13th in the West at 19-43.

New Orleans star Zion Williamson sat out after injuring his right ankle at Utah on Saturday night. He had played a career-high 35 straight games.

Los Angeles never trailed. It led 43-32 after a quarter and had a 76-70 advantage at the half. It was 107-94 after three, and the Clippers stretched the margin to 26 in the fourth.

Jordan Miller added 19 points for Los Angeles. Derrick Jones Jr. had 17, Brook Lopez 16 and John Collins 15.

War disrupts sports with doubt over Messi’s

‘Finalissima,’ Ronaldo games and F1 races

By JAMES ELLINGWORTH AP Sports Writer

LIONEL Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton are among the sports stars whose schedules are in doubt because of the spreading war in the Middle East.

Cancellations and travel shutdowns are already affecting events since the United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran on Saturday. Organisers of Formula 1 and major soccer games face deciding within weeks whether they can go ahead as scheduled.

Middle Eastern nations have become crucial to the world sports landscape over the last decade as event hosts, financial backers and employers for some of the world's top athletes.

Key upcoming events

The clock is ticking for a decision on whether to cancel or move the Finalissima soccer game on March 27 between Spain and Argentina, the champions of Europe and South America. That match would offer Messi a chance to win yet another trophy in a glittering career.

Qatar suspended all soccer games until further notice Sunday. Argentina was also scheduled to play

Qatar in a friendly March 31.

“UEFA is monitoring and carefully assessing all developments of the situation in cooperation with (South American soccer body) CONMEBOL and the (local organising committee),” European soccer body UEFA told The Associated Press on Monday.

Ronaldo's soccer team, Saudi club Al-Nassr, has already been affected by a wave of cancellations of Asian Champions League games. His team was scheduled to play Wednesday in Dubai.

F1 has races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month. F1 and its teams typically start to fly in staff and freight weeks in advance, limiting the time to make a decision on whether to go ahead. Governing body

FIA says its priority is “safety and wellbeing.”

The men's and women's tennis tours and golf's European tour have just finished their Middle East tournament swings and aren't due back for months.

Iran is set to play in US at the World Cup Iran is due to send its men's soccer team to the U.S. for the World Cup in just over three months, with a first game June 16 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California.

There's doubt over whether Iran can or will take part in the tournament. Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj has said “we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

The U.S. government has promised exemptions from its travel bans for athletes and coaches at events like

the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Airspace closures leave athletes stranded Even if some events go ahead, a major concern for athletes and teams will be how they can travel in and out of the region safely.

Former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev is among a group of tennis

players waiting in Dubai for a chance to fly out after a tournament there concluded last week. If they can't travel soon, it will affect the BNP Paribas Open starting Wednesday in Indian Wells, California. There are also travel difficulties for some athletes heading to the Winter Paralympics, which start

THE WEATHER REPORT

Friday in Italy. The International Paralympic Committee says most teams are already in Europe for training and it's helping out others with travel. Iran is due to have one skier at the Paralympics.

Cricket and basketball players are facing challenges, too, along with thousands of foreign tourists, while F1 personnel are seeking alternative travel to avoid the region on their way to this week's Australian Grand Prix.

A key region for world sports

The Middle East's influence on world sports has surged in recent years as countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have hosted major events and become crucial financial backers.

Besides soccer and auto racing, Qatar has a World Endurance Championship sportscar race this month, a MotoGP motorcycle race, a gymnastics World Cup next month and hosts the first Diamond League track meet of the year in May.

Qatar also owns the Champions League-winning soccer team Paris Saint-Germain.

Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer, has funded the LIV Golf breakaway league and become a major player in world boxing.

MARINE FORECAST

Durant’s LA 2028 hopes land on Spoelstra’s desk, and the US Olympic coach is listening

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

MIAMI (AP)

— If Kevin Durant ultimately decides to chase more Olympic gold, Erik Spoelstra seems interested in coaching him.

Spoelstra, the Miami Heat coach who will lead the United States men's basketball team at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, said Saturday he's aware of Durant's recent comments about the potential of playing for what would be a fifth gold medal. And the concept is clearly intriguing.

“Just him saying that is incredible," Spoelstra — an assistant on the 2024 Olympic team — said before the Heat beat Durant and the Houston Rockets 115-105.

"You know, that’s the culture of USA Basketball.

You just want the best American players to raise their hand and say, ‘I want to do this.’”

When the 2024 Games were complete, Durant said he wouldn't rule out a chance at playing in the Olympics again. And Durant told ESPN in a recent interview that he “would love to" play in the Los Angeles Games, adding that he wants his level of play between now and then to convince USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill, national team director Sean Ford, Spoelstra and anyone else involved in the selection process that he's worthy of a spot.

“Hopefully I get that chance," Durant said Saturday. “I've got to stay on top of my game. I keep saying that. I want to earn my spot on the team. Got to stay on top of my game and hopefully I'm out there with Coach Spo and his staff.”

Durant gave his time with Spoelstra at the Paris Games rave reviews. “I've always been impressed with

Coach Spo from afar, but to be in the same locker room with him, to see his intensity, his scouts just made me want to run through a wall,” Durant said. “He was so enthused about being an assistant coach on Team USA and he understood that we wanted to make a statement out there as a team and he backed us."

Durant's place in USA Basketball lore was secured long ago.

He's the only four-time gold medallist in men's Olympic basketball history, after winning golds in London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, the Tokyo Games that were delayed a year until 2021, then Paris in 2024. In Paris, he became the career leader in points for the U.S. in Olympic competition, passing Lisa Leslie for that mark.

“You can feel his passion for representing the country and having the USA on the jersey," Spoelstra said. “He's been incredible in those competitions.”

Durant said one of the big takeaways from his time with Spoelstra in Paris was how someone who is a head coach — an NBA champion head coach, at that — serve as an assistant. As part of Golden State coach Steve Kerr's staff in Paris, Spoelstra was on the floor after practices and before games to work with players individually, throw them passes in warm-ups, even rebound for them.

“Just doing the dirty work. Spo was great at that,” Durant said. “He made it exciting to come into work every day.”

Spoelstra says the 37-year-old Durant's game is timeless — proven by the fact that the No. 6 scorer in NBA history, who is on pace to pass Michael Jordan for the No. 5 spot in the coming weeks, is still putting up numbers almost

unheard of for someone at that age. At 26.2 points per game this season — 32 of them coming on Saturday — Durant could pass Jordan in about 10 games, or sometime around the third week of March.

“He's an absolute tactician in terms of his work ethic and how he drills,” Spoelstra said. "It’s a great lesson for all the young players coming into the league. There’s one thing to get up shots and there’s another thing to really work player development and I think that’s a takeaway that we all had, watching him work during the summer, those six weeks.

"After practice, before practice, the days in between, he’s going in there with intention to try — even at this age — to get better and improve. What a beautiful mindset that is.”

Deandre Ayton scores 12 to help Lakers beat Kings 128-104

By GREG BEACHAM

AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic had 28 points and nine assists, LeBron James added 24 points and the Los Angeles Lakers finished a back-to-back set with a 128-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.

Bahamian centre Deandre Ayton contributed 12 points on 6-of-6 shooting for the Lakers, who also won at Golden State on Saturday to end a three-game

Luka and LeBron complete back-to-back weekend wins

skid. The big man, who played 18 minutes, also had four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. Austin Reaves scored 12 points. LA opened a 22-point lead in the first half.

After a week of unimpressive play following the All-Star break, Los Angeles snapped back into form on the weekend, beating its two Northern California rivals by a combined 52 points.

Doncic made four 3-pointers as the NBA's

Doncic, Reaves and Ayton all got the fourth quarter off to rest up with four games looming over the next seven days. Los Angeles is still early in a five-week stretch with no consecutive days off.

leading scorer played only the first three quarters, while James, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard hit three 3s apiece.

The Lakers made 17 of their first 33 3-point attempts while the starters were still playing, flirting with the franchise record for 3-point shooting percentage before finishing 18 of 39.

The 41-year-old James had a pair of rim-shaking dunks that he celebrated with zeal during a comfortable win for the Lakers, who never trailed again after Sacramento scored the game's opening basket. Nique Clifford scored 26

points for the Kings in their fourth consecutive loss at the Lakers' downtown arena.

Russell Westbrook had 14 points against his former team in his hometown.

NBA-worst Sacramento has lost 18 of 20.