04132026 SPORTS

SPORTS

Top athletes shine

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE weekend was loaded with a number of outstanding performances from Bahamian elite and collegiate athletes at various meets around the United States.

Olympic and world 100m

hurdler Charisma Taylor showed her versatility as she moved up to the women's 400 metre hurdles where she won the race at the Tennessee Invitational in a time of 57.89 seconds. Her nearest rival was Zanri Black who did 59.73 for second place.

Also at the meet at the Tom Black Track at the LaPorte Stadium in Volunteer Boulevard in Knoxville, Tennessee, Jonathan Harris of Middle Tennessee State was 18th overall in the 100m in 10.57. The freshman was also 39th in the 200m in 21.70.

Styles and Pratt triumphant Grand Bahamian Andrew Styles and Amari Pratt chalked up victories

for the University of Akron at the Northeast Ohio Open at the Lee R. Jackson Track and Field Complex. Styles, a junior, captured the

men's 100m title in 10.64 with his team-mate, Rennie Gittens Jr, another junior, coming in second in 10.81. Pratt, also a junior, clocked

lifetime best of 12.16 for her win in the women's century. Her sophomore team-mate Marilyn Moore was second in

King’s Baton Relay on its journey

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN preparation for its journey to Glasgow, Scotland, for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Bahamas Olympic Committee and the British High Commission teamed up to stage the King’s Baton Relay. Held in observance of the games staged every four years, the baton relay served as the official lead up to Glasgow where this year's games will be staged from July 23 to August 2. It was originally scheduled for Australia but after they opted out, Glasgow took it on and will be having 10 disciplines. The Bahamas will be entered in four of them, including athletics, aquatics, judo and boxing. Roy Colebrook, another vice president of

the BOC, will be the chef de mission.

On Friday, the baton relay left Bonefish National Park and with 10 different exchanges, including a stop at St Ambrose Church for a special blessing from Reverend Scott Braynen before it ended up in Rawson Square. On its arrival after an 8-mile traverse through the streets, a brief ceremony was held where D'Arcy Rahming, one of the vice presidents of the BOC, highlighted the success of The Bahamas at the games.

"I am happy to say that The Bahamas has done well in our sporting accomplishments,” he said. "We have won 10 gold (medals) in the Commonwealth Games and 11 in the Commonwealth Youth Games."

He mentioned Karra Hanna, who won The Bahamas' first gold medal

in judo at the Commonwealth Youth Games and will be one of two Bahamians competing in Scotland with Xavion Johnson, along with coach Willard Rahming.  Rahming, the president of the Bahamas Judo Federation, said while The Bahamas enjoys being first, they don't want to be first in adult obesity in the Americas.

"It is estimated that 45 per cent of Bahamian adults are obese. It is also estimated that one out of every seven Bahamians is living with diabetes," he said.

"We do not want to be leaders in these things, and in many instances, they are avoidable."

To help get the message across to the nation, the BOC engaged the services

‘Buddy’ closes regular season with game-high 31 points

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports

Reporter

jburrows@ tribunemedia.net

CHAVANO “Buddy”

Hield closed the regular season with his most productive performance of the year, delivering a game-high 31 points in the Atlanta Hawks’ 143-117 loss to the Miami Heat yesterday.

Hield came off the bench and produced 31 points in just 21 minutes, shooting 66 per cent from the field and 63 per cent from the threepoint line, an extremely high-efficiency scoring output that stood out even in a lopsided loss.

His scoring came primarily from perimeter shooting, where he knocked down seven three-pointers from well beyond the arc, along with finishing plays inside and in transition. He also added three rebounds and three assists.  Despite playing limited minutes due to Atlanta resting key players ahead of the postseason, Hield maintained a high usage rate whenever he was on the floor. He consistently created spacing, worked off

ball screens and capitalised on defensive breakdowns.  This performance marked a strong finish to a season that was defined by transition and role adjustment.

Hield began the 202526 season with the Golden State Warriors, where he appeared in 44 games and averaged 8.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists.  His role there fluctuated within a deep rotation, often coming off the bench as a perimeter shooting specialist. Early in that stint, he showed flashes of scoring ability, including multiple high-scoring games built around his three-point shooting, but consistency and minutes varied.

During that period, Hield emphasised staying focused within a changing role, noting: “This is a good stepping stone… but you can only celebrate so long,” reflecting his approach to adapting within a competitive roster. The shift ultimately came midseason when he was moved to the Atlanta Hawks, a change that provided a different structure and opportunity. In Atlanta, Hield’s role remained primarily off

the bench, but he was utilised as a situational scorer and spacing option within the third string unit. His production was more dependent on game flow and lineup combinations, but his value still remained tied to perimeter efficiency and shot-making. Across the full season, Hield’s numbers reflected that adjustment. His scoring output dipped compared to earlier years of his career. Prior to this performance, Hield only produced five total points in six games played for Atlanta. Atlanta finished the regular season with a 46-35 record, securing a postseason position in the Eastern Conference.  The

team approached the final stretch with a clear focus on health, with head coach Quin Snyder stating: “The focus for us is to get into the postseason healthy,” a decision that directly influenced rotations in the finale.

Heading into the postseason, Atlanta will rely on depth and shooting as key components of its rotation. Hield’s role is expected to remain as a third string scoring option off the bench, capable of changing the pace of a game with his  perimeter shooting. If his final performance is any indication, he remains a capable offensive weapon who can deliver in short bursts.

of IFBB Figure Pro and certified personal trainer, Dekel Quant, who took the participants on hand through a few workout sessions.

"It was a lot of fun. The idea and concept behind it was to encourage people to keep moving and stay active, even if you're not an Olympic level athlete or you're going to represent the country, it's still important to stay physically fit," Quant said.

"So I'm always happy to be a part of anything that's encouraging people how to do it. We didn't use my equipment today, but we were able to get our heart rate elevated and had some fun doing it."

In 24 weeks, Quant is expected to represent The Bahamas as the first female competitor to compete in the Ms Olympia from

September 24-27 where she will be one of 16 competitors entered in the figure competition.

Among those on hand were the British High Commissioner Mrs Smita Rossetti who not only participated in the Baton Relay run during the rowing segment as a coxswain, but also did the exercise routines by Quant.

"We're here today to welcome the Bahamas' King's baton, which is making its way over 70 countries and territories of the Commonwealth that will come together this summer in Glasgow, Scotland," she said.

"We have some representation of The Bahamas team for judo, who will be representing your beautiful country and who I believe will be coming back with

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Giants take 2-1 lead

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@ tribunemedia.net

THE Commonwealth Bank Giants moved one step closer to the NPBA Division I championship with a 101-84 win over the Caribbean Moonshine Rockets in game three of the best-of-five series at the AF Adderley Gymnasium. The victory gives the Giants a 2-1 lead in the series heading into game four, set for today at the AF Adderley Gymnasium, where they will have the opportunity to close out the title.

Eugene Bain led the Giants with 18 points, shooting 5-of-14 from the field (35.7 per cent), including 4-of-9 from three-point range (44.4 per cent), and 4-of-5 from the free throw line (80 per cent). He added six rebounds and three assists in a steady two-way performance.

Jeffrey Henfield followed with 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting (50 per cent), including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc, and 1-of-2 from the free throw line. He also contributed three rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Giants shot 48.2 per cent from the field (35-of-81) and

converted 8-of-25 from three-point range. For the Rockets, Devon Ferguson delivered a dominant performance with a game-high 34 points. He shot 13-of-18 from the field (72.2 per cent), 3-of-4 from three-point range (75 per cent), and 8-of-9 from the free throw line (88.9 per cent), adding four rebounds and three assists.

Leon Bain provided the second scoring option with 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting (33.3 per cent), including 3-of-6 from three-point range (50 per cent), and 3-of-4 from the free throw line (75 per cent). He also controlled the glass with a game-high 13 rebounds. Abel Joseph added 14 points, but the Rockets struggled to find consistent offensive support outside of their top contributors.

The Giants outscored the Rockets 32-15 in points off turnovers and 21-5 in fast break points. The Giants also dominated bench production 40-4 and matched the Rockets 44-44 in points in the paint. The Giants built the largest lead of 19 points and used a 10-0 run during the second half to take firm control of the game. Despite Ferguson’s efficiency, the

Heatwaves keep their season alive with win over defending champs YES Giants

By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@ tribunemedia.net

THE AFS Insurance

Heatwaves kept their season alive with a hardfought 96-93 win over defending champions YES Giants while facing elimination in the NPBA Division II Championship at the AF Adderley Gymnasium over the weekend.

Trailing 0-2 in the best-offive series, the Heatwaves

delivered a composed fourth-quarter push to stay alive and force another game.

Jamerolston Vil led the Heatwaves with a gamehigh 28 points, shooting 7-of-14 from the field (50 per cent), including 3-of-4 from three-point range (75 per cent), and 11-of-13 from the free throw line (84.6 per cent). He added eight rebounds and four assists in a complete performance under pressure. Tyrese Porter Jr followed with 19 points on

7-of-16 shooting (43.8 per cent), hitting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc (50 per cent) and 2-of-4 from the line. He also contributed five rebounds, six assists and two steals.

For the Giants, Matthew Saunders led with 22 points, going 7-of-20 from the field (35 per cent), 2-of-8 from three-point range (25 per cent), and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line. He added four rebounds and four assists.

Tourquee Cartwright added 18 points on 8-of-18

shooting (44.4 per cent), along with 13 rebounds and four assists, while Clive Knight Jr chipped in nine points. Your Essential Store appeared in control for much of the game, building the largest lead of 19 points and holding the advantage for over 34 minutes. However, AFS closed the gap behind improved execution and timely shooting late. The Heatwaves edged key areas down the stretch, including second-chance

points (15-8) and perimeter shooting, while finishing with 22 points off turnovers.

The game featured five lead changes and three ties before AFS secured the result in the closing minutes.

“We ain’t do nothing yet. We said we were going to come out here tonight and be aggressive. They executed and came out here with the win,” said Heatwaves head coach Lynarchieo Moxey.

“Shooting the ball was mostly our game plan.

That's what we have been doing all year. “We got shooters, so we gonna find the corners and hit the shooters,” said Moxey.

“We started building momentum slowly from the third, and then we were really able to pull it out and take the edge on the floor,” said Moxey.

With the series now extended, AFS Insurance will look to continue its comeback attempt today at the AF Adderley Gymnasium.

Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival set

for May 2-3 at Goodman’s Bay

THE Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association (BCDA), led by president Dr Christine Chin, officially launched the 5th Annual Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival, set for May 2-3, on the beautiful shores of Goodman’s Bay.

Record growth and global participation Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the festival has become one of The Bahamas’ most anticipated sporting and cultural showcases. This year promises to be the largest yet, with 16 visiting international teams — more than triple last year’s participation — joining over 20 local

teams, reflecting the growing excitement and unity surrounding the sport of dragon boating.

World‑class sponsors and supporters

BCDA expressed deep appreciation to its sponsors and supporters, including the Chinese Embassy, Breezes Resort, Doctors Hospital, J.S. Johnson, Sands Beer, Tropic Seafood, SoundCrate, Bahamas Waste, Cuba Libre, GSO, NUA, Aliv, and the Ministry of Tourism, along with other valued partners whose generosity helps deliver a world-class event celebrating sport, culture and community.

Local Sports Calendar

BASKETBALL

BBF NATIONALS

THE Bahamas Basketball Federation’s Nationals Championships is scheduled for April 16-18 in Freeport, Grand Bahama, at the St. Georges High School Gymnasium.

This premier national championship will bring together teams, families and communities from across The Bahamas, celebrating youth development, athletic excellence, and community unity. Hosting the event in Grand Bahama underscores the BBF’s commitment to Family Island impact, economic stimulation and national pride.

Participating Teams

Division 1 - Grand Bahama, New Providence, Bimini and Abaco.

Division 2 - Grand Bahama, New Providence, Abaco and Eleuthera.

Teams from multiple island associations will

compete across two divisions, showcasing the depth, talent, and continued growth of basketball throughout the country.

Game Schedule (Preliminary) Day 1 – April 16

Division II - Abaco D2 vs Eleuthera D2; New Providence D2 vs Grand Bahama (D2).

Division I - Abaco vs New Providence; Grand Bahama vs Bimini. Day 2 – April 17

Division II - Eleuthera D2 vs New Providence D2; Grand Bahama D2 vs Abaco D2.

Division I - Bimini vs Abaco; New Providence vs Grand Bahama. Day 3-April 18

Division II - Grand Bahama D2 vs Eleuthera D2; New Providence D2 vs Abaco D2.

Division I - New Providence vs Bimini; Abaco vs Grand Bahama.

Unforgettable weekend

lineup

Festival attendees can look forward to two thrilling days of competitive racing, cultural performances and culinary highlights. Featured entertainment includes:

• Bahamian artist D-Mac

• St. Anne’s School Band and Urban Renewal Marching Band

• W2 Dance Club and Chinese Lion Dance

• A colourful Junkanoo rush-out

• The debut of a Junkanoo Village and Battle of Junkanoo Drummers

• Authentic Bahamian and Chinese food

Championship Round (April 18)

Division II – 3rd Place

Game

Division I – 3rd Place

Game

Division II – Championship Game

Division I – Championship Game The BBF Nationals serve as a vital platform for athlete development, talent identification, and strengthening the national basketball programme. Fans can expect exciting matchups, emerging stars and a high level of competition throughout the tournament. Beyond the on-court action, the event reflects the BBF’s ongoing mission to expand the sport across the Family Islands, foster youth engagement and build stronger basketball communities nationwide. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to come out and support their

and celebratory festival

merchandise

Leadership recognition

Dr Chin also extended special thanks to the festival’s coaching team — especially Roderick “RJ” Rahming — whose dedication, passion and expertise continue to inspire teams and advance the sport of dragon boating throughout The Bahamas.

Media invitation

Dr Chin invited all media representatives to attend

island teams while enjoying a vibrant sporting atmosphere in Freeport. The three-day event is expected to generate positive energy and meaningful economic activity for Grand Bahama. Game schedules and results can be found on the BBF website at bbfbasketball.com and on our social media pages. Come out and support Bahamian basketball as the nation’s best compete for championship honours in Freeport.

TRACK RED-LINE YOUTH

CLASSIC

THE Red-Line Athletics

Track Club is scheduled to hold its Youth Track Classic on Saturday, May 2-3 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The event is open to athletes from the under-7 to under-15 divisions for boys and girls. To register,

festival weekend and capture the action, unity and energy that define this international event. Reporters will have access to interviews, live coverage opportunities and cultural features highlighting The Bahamas’ connection with the global dragon boat community.

“Let’s make this fifth year our best one yet. We look forward to seeing everyone at Goodman’s Bay on May 2nd and 3rd for two days of

persons can log onto www. CoochORegistration.com

CONSTITUENCY

SOFTBALL TOURNEY

world-class racing, music, and cultural celebration,” said Dr Chin.

About the Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association

The Bahamas Chinese Dragon Boat Association (BCDA) organises the annual Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival and promotes physical wellness, teamwork and cultural exchange through the sport of dragon boating.

THE New Providence Sports Council, in conjunction with the Bahamas Softball Federation, is slated to hold the Constituency Games Softball Tournament from Tuesday, April 28 to Sunday, May 3, in the Bankers’ Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

The men will play modified pitch during the tournament, while the women will play slowpitch. For more information, persons can contact BSF president Marvin ‘Togie’ Wood at 808-7281.

Rory McIlroy goes back-to-back at the Masters

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Rory McIlroy is the Masters champion again, this time without falling to his knees on the 18th green and sobbing over finally achieving his lifelong dream.

That didn't make Sunday at Augusta National any easier.

McIlroy coughed up a sixshot lead in the third round. He fell two shots behind two players, Cameron Young and Justin Rose, in an electric final round. And then he delivered two big birdies around Amen Corner to join more elite company.

A year ago, his playoff victory over Rose made McIlroy only the sixth player with the career Grand Slam. With another green jacket, McIlroy joined Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus as the only repeat winners of the Masters.

“I thought it was so difficult to win last year because of trying to win the Masters and the Grand Slam, and then this year I realised it’s just really difficult to win the Masters,” McIlroy said after holding on for a oneshot victory over Scottie Scheffler. “Just incredible.”

As usual, he kept everyone on edge until the very end.

His wedge barely cleared the false front of the par-5

Joins Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods

15th, a shot that could have been disastrous. His putt from behind the 16th green made a sharp turn down the slope to inches away save par. He saved par with a tough chip on the 17th. Staked to a two-shot lead, his tee shot on the 18th wound up closer to the 10th fairway.

“I’d say walking off the 18th tee not knowing where my ball was, that was the moment of greatest stress,” McIlroy said.

He drilled 8-iron around the trees into a bunker, blasted out to 12 feet and took two putts for bogey and a 1-under 71. He thrust both arms in the air and made good on a promise.

“My parting message last year was I can't wait to come back and put the jacket on myself,” McIlroy said at the trophy presentation. “I wasn't quite correct.”

For the first time since Woods won back-to-back in 2002, it was left to the Augusta National chairman — Hootie Johnson for Woods, Fred Ridley for McIlroy — to do the honours. “It still fits,” McIlroy said.

Better than ever.

He now has six majors, tied with Faldo, Lee Trevino

King’s Baton Relay on its journey

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some hardware.”

Rossetti said the Commonwealth Games is about unity and community, adding that “I know that this year, those two things are relevant here in The Bahamas.”

As she commended the BOC for putting on such a spectacular event, she encouraged Bahamians to stay fit and help to reduce plastic waste, which was emphasized by a member from the Bahamas National Trust.

Rossetti said she’s looking forward to seeing how well The Bahamas will participate in the games in Scotland.

Adam Waterhouse said the public was very responsive as the baton made its journey through the streets of New Providence. “The athletes who participated were amazing. They did a good job,” Waterhouse said.

“We’re really happy for the federations that came together and made this happen.”

and Phil Mickelson. And that sense of freedom he brought back to Augusta National as a champion carried him to the finish line.

McIlroy seized control for good with a bold shot over Rae’s Creek to 7 feet for birdie on the par-3 12th. Then he blistered a 350yard drive on the par-5 13th — he had been in the trees the previous three rounds — that set up another birdie to move three shots ahead.

He finished at 12-under 276.

President Donald Trump congratulated McIlroy on social media as he flew back to Washington from Florida.

“With each year, Rory is becoming more and more a LEGEND!” Trump wrote. McIlroy’s next tournament is likely to be the Cadillac Championship in two weeks at Trump Doral outside Miami. It was more heartache for Rose, and frustration for the others who had a chance.

Rose had a two-shot lead that evaporated around Amen Corner with two bogeys and a three-putt par. He had to settle for a third close call at the Masters.

Young lost his two-shot lead much earlier with a long three-putt bogey on the par-3 sixth and taking

bogey on the next hole when he hit wedge from the fairway into a bunker. One shot behind going to the back nine, Young closed with nine straight pars.

“There is no negative to take away other than obviously I would’ve loved a different result,” Young said. “I pretty much had a birdie chance on every hole and didn’t make any. That’s how it goes sometimes.”

As for Scheffler, the world's No. 1 player was in position to shatter the Masters record with the largest 36-hole comeback in history. He was 12 behind going into the weekend. He was two shots behind as he approached the turn. But he ran off 11 straight pars, and that wasn't going to cut it during a final round with accessible pins to create excitement.

Scheffler had to settle for his third runner-up finish in the majors to go along with four titles. His 65-68 weekend made him the first player since 1942 to go

bogey-free on the weekend at Augusta.

“I put up a good fight in order to give myself a chance,” Scheffler said.

Rose, at age 45 trying to become the second-oldest Masters champion behind Jack Nicklaus (46) in 1986, made a most improbable birdie with a shot out of the trees to a foot on the seventh. That was the start of three straight birdies to close out the front nine and give him the lead.

But his approach to the 11th was well to the right and he failed to save par. His tee shot on the 12th was long, and his delicate chip didn't reach the green, leading to another bogey. And his 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 13th ran 8 feet by the hole and he missed the birdie putt.

“Chance that got away,” Rose said. “I was by no means free and clear and was nowhere kind of close to having the job done, but I was right in position. ... I was playing great, but just

momentum shifted for me around the Amen Corner.”

That's where McIlroy thrived. No shot at Augusta is more terrifying that the par-3 12th with the deceptive, swirling wind. McIlroy said he thought back to a practice round at his first Masters in 2009 when Tom Watson told him to wait for the right wind and hit.

His three-quarter 9-iron aimed at the middle bunker drifted more to the right that he imagined, but it turned out perfect, closer than anyone all day.

“That was a really good golf shot at the right time,” he said. “Huge shot in the tournament.”

Once tormented by his chase for the green jacket, McIlroy is now a two-time winner whose love for the Masters only deepens.

He was so ecstatic a year ago that he asked the media when it was over, “What are we going to talk about next year?” Now the topic is easy. No one has ever won three in a row.

NPBA - from Page E1 NPBA Finals: Giants take 2-1 lead in series

Rockets could not overcome their 20 turnovers and limited perimeter shooting, finishing just 6-of-29 (20.7 per cent) from three-point range.

Top athletes shine in meets in the USA

Waterhouse congratulated all of the participants from the Bahamas Triathlon Association, the Nassau Rowing Club, St Augustine’s College, Just Run Bahamas, the Bahamas Judo Federation, the British High Commission and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. ATHLETES - from Page E1

graduate student Demetrius Rolle pulled off a victory for the DePaul Blue Demons in the men’s 100m in 10.31.  Cooper runner up Lacarthea Cooper competed at the 2026 44 Farms Invitational at the Bryan College Station in Texas where she ran a season’s best of 22.87 for second place. The winning time was 22.56 by Anya Jackson, a sophomore at Texas A&M, while American

Olympian Shamier Little, was third in 23.03. Brown and Farrington s econd and fourth At the 2026 Jo Meaker Classic & Multi, Carlos Brown, Jr and Samalie Farrington both posted their season’s best performances with their second and fourth place finishes in the men’s 100m in 10.14 and 10.34 respectively.

The pair of freshmen competed for New Mexico at the meet held at the West Texas A&M University Track and Soccer

Complex in Canyon, Texas. Brown was third in the 200m in 20.52, while Walter Parker ran 22.35.  Also at the meet, Jehiel Smikle, also competing for New Mexico, was third in the men’s 110m hurdles in 14.28.

Farrington and Brown also ran the second and fourth legs on their men’s 4 x 100m relay team that claimed the gold in 39.61. Treasure Burrows, competing for Eastern New Mexico, was 61st overall in the women’s 200m in 26.20.

Ellis a winner

Quinton Ellis, competing for Minnesota State, won the men’s 200m at the 2026 Stomper Open in a lifetime best of 20.98. His nearest rival was his teammate Quai Hussey, who did 21.27.

Hutchinson PR Brandon Hutchinson, in his senior year at Youngstown State, placed second in the men’s long jump at the 2026 Hurricane Alumni Invitational at the Cobb Stadium in Coral Gables, Florida, with a personal

best leap of 23-feet, 10 3/4inches or 7.28m.

Also at the meet, Calea Jackson, a junior at Miami, was second in the women’s hammer with her toss of 192-5 (58.65m). The winning throw was 204-5 (62.31m) by Jackson’s team-mate Jocelyn Pringle. Nabbie ends up in 11th place Texas Longhorn’s Jamiah Nabbie competed at the 2026 Tyson Invitational and posted a PR in the 60m with 7.38 for 11th place overall.

“We came in, and we had a purpose of playing better defence than we did, especially in game one, where we opened up really sluggish. We made some improvements in game two, but in game three we were able to put a game plan together, and they executed very well,” said Giants head coach Perry Thompson Jr.

“It was a testament to the bench. I decided to make a change in the lineup and brought Brandon (Strachan) off the bench. He’s our energy guy, and I couldn’t find minutes for him in the first two games, but like you saw, he’s able to come in and do, hats off to him, he stayed ready and brought some nice intensity in the third quarter, and he really turned it around for us,” said Thompson.

“We just have to hold steady, we’ve been consistent offensively, but defensively we’re making the right adjustments, so if we stick to what we’ve been doing, I think we can close this out on Monday,” said Thompson.

With momentum on their side and the series now 2-1, the Giants will look to close out the championship in game four, while Caribbean Moonshine faces a must-win situation to force a game five.

Manchester City closes in on Arsenal

in Premier League title race with 3-0 win over Chelsea

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER City

issued a huge statement of intent in the race for the Premier League title with a 3-0 win at Chelsea yesterday.

Pep Guardiola's team moved to within six points of leader Arsenal ahead of next weekend's top of the table clash between the two teams. City also has a game in hand.

Nico O'Reilly, Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku all scored in a blistering second-half performance at Stamford Bridge as City took full advantage of Arsenal's shock defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

“We know that we still have everything in our hands,” Doku said.

Tottenham's survival fight took another blow after a 1-0 loss to Sunderland left it rooted in the relegation zone.

In coach Roberto De Zerbi's first game in charge, Spurs fell to a 16th league loss of the season. Its 14-game winless run in the league dates back to January 1.

Nordi Mukiele's deflected shot sealed the game at the Stadium of Light and plunged Tottenham’s campaign deeper into crisis.

Tottenham is two points adrift of safety with six games to go. Its plight wasn't helped by relegation-fighting Nottingham Forest drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa.

Crystal Palace came back from 1-0 down to beat Newcastle 2-1 at Selhurst Park.

City's title charge gathers pace

While Arsenal's form has hit a slump at the worst possible time, City made it three statement wins in a row after rolling over Chelsea.

Victory followed triumph against Arsenal in the English League Cup final and the 4-0 rout of Liverpool in the FA Cup last week.

While those three results all came in different competitions, City's charge has an ominous feel about it after twice chasing down Arsenal's lead to win the title in 2023 and '24.

Second-placed City has the chance to cut the gap at the top to three points with victory against Arsenal at the Etihad. Guardiola called for respect for Arsenal when looking ahead to

that title showdown. “They have been the best team in this country, in Europe, so far. Beating Arsenal once is so difficult, imagine beating them twice in a few weeks," Guardiola said. “I would like to say to my fans — respect Arsenal a lot, they are an extraordinary team. Come to join us from minute one because the players will do the maximum.”

Rayan Cherki was the inspiration at Stamford Bridge — setting up goals for O'Reilly six minutes after halftime and Guehi in the 57th.

Doku rounded off the win in the 68th.

The result didn't help Chelsea's bid to qualify for the Champions League,

leaving it four points behind fifth-placed Liverpool. Liam Rosenior's team has won just one of its last seven league games. Spurs' crisis deepens

The numbers just keep on getting worse for Tottenham. Now on its third coach of the season, it’s more than three months since its last league win and just one point from a possible 24. This was a seventh defeat in eight games. If the hope was that De Zerbi would provide an immediate bounce in form after replacing Igor Tudor, it didn't come in a typically toothless display at Sunderland.

While the new coach could point to bad luck,

in

given the nature of Mukiele's 61st-minute winner, which took a wicked deflection off Micky van de Ven, his team rarely looked like finding a way back into the match — even during 11 minutes of added time at the end.

An injury to Cristian Romero made a bad day worse for Spurs. The team next faces Brighton, one of De Zerbi's former clubs.

Forest moved three points clear of Spurs after a draw at the City Ground. Neco Williams' long-range shot leveled the game after a Murillo own-goal gave Villa the lead.

Palace leapfrogged Newcastle on goal difference to move up to 13th.

THE WEATHER REPORT

‘VJ’ just misses double double in 126-106 win over Bucks

tune-up for NBA play-in tournament

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— Tyrese Maxey scored 21 points and the Philadelphia 76ers tuned up for the play-in tournament with a 126-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks last night in what could be Hall of Fame coach Doc Rivers' final game. The 76ers did not immediately know at the final

horn their Eastern Conference opponent.The Bucks played without All-Star and former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, while the 76ers were without Joel Embiid after he was stricken last week with appendicitis. Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe just missed a double double with nine points, seven rebounds, 11 assists and a steal.

Antetokounmpo and the Bucks could be headed

toward a separation in the offseason after a tumultuous season limited him to 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in 36 games this season, by far the fewest games of his 13-year career. Coach Nick Nurse had no health update on Embiid, yet the timeline for recovery on an appendectomy would surely rule him out of any early postseason play. Embiid has been limited to 38 games this

season, with the former MVP and two-time scoring champion sitting out primarily to manage injuries to his knees. AJ Green, who set a Bucks single-game record with 11 3-pointers on Friday, set the team’s single-season record for 3’s. Green scored 19 points and made five 3s to push his total to 232 and pass Ray Allen, who had 229 in 200102. Sixers fan loudly booed Rivers — who coached

the team for three seasons — even as he was recognised by public address announcer Matt Cord for making the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Cord, with one of the more recognisable voices in all of Philadelphia sports, called his final regular-season game after 28 seasons on the mic. The 64-year-old Rivers said ahead of the game his final answer on retirement will

come “definitely sooner” rather than later in the offseason. Rivers is going into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame this summer. Only Gregg Popovich, Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan and Pat Riley have more coaching wins than Rivers.

Up next 76ers have more basketball ahead and the Bucks face an offseason full of franchise-altering decisions.