Category: Sports

N0.18 Pitt Dominated by Mississippi State om SEC/ACC Challenge

Mississippi State forward Cameron Matthews (4) pulls down an offensive rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Pittsburgh, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — KeShawn Murphy scored a season-high 20 points and Mississippi State led from start to finish in thumping No. 18 Pittsburgh 90-57 in the SEC/ACC Challenge. The Bulldogs opened a 35-point advantage in the second half and were never threatened. Michael Nwoko had his first double-double of the season with a career-high 18 points and 11 rebounds. Josh Hubbard scored 12. Jaland Lowe led Pittsburgh with 19 points and Brandin Cummings added 12 for the Panthers, who shot 31% and were outrebounded 49-27.

Skenes Elected to MLB Players’ Union Leadership

FILE – Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

By DAVID BRANDT and RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writers

PHOENIX (AP) — National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes was elected to the players’ association eight-man executive subcommittee on Wednesday just six months after his big league debut as three players were dropped who had advocated for the ouster of union deputy executive director Bruce Meyer.
Jack Flaherty, Ian Happ and Lucas Giolito were dropped along with Francisco Lindor, Lance McCullers Jr. and Austin Slater.
Flaherty, Giolito and Happ were among the players who in March advocated for the ouster of Meyer, the union’s chief labor negotiator. The effort, led by former union lawyer Harry Marino, proved unsuccessful.
Union head Tony Clark vowed to keep deliberations internal this summer.
Also new to the committee are American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of Detroit, Toronto pitcher Chris Bassitt, San Diego infielder Jake Cronenworth, Tampa Bay pitcher Pete Fairbanks and Baltimore outfielder Cedric Mullins.
Texas infielder Marcus Semien and Cincinnati pitcher Brent Suter remain on the committee, with Semien the only holdover from the 2021-22 lockout.
The eight, all born in the U.S., were elected by representatives of the 30 big league teams, the Major League Baseball Players Association said. The two-year terms run through start of bargaining for a labor contract to replace the five-year deal that expires in December 2026.
The 22-year-old Skenes debuted on May 11 and went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 amateur draft out of LSU started the All-Star Game about two months after his promotion.
Semien is the longest-serving member, having held a spot since December 2020. Suter was elected in 2022.
Bassitt and Semien are association representatives, Cronenworth and Skenes alternate associations representatives, Fairbanks and Suter pension committee representatives, and Mullins and Skubal alternate pension committee representatives.
Baltimore pitcher Ryan Long, New York Yankees pitcher Adam Stone and Athletics first baseman Danny Bautista Jr. were elected to fill the remaining year of two-year terms leading the representation of players with minor league contracts. They join Chicago Cubs catcher William Simoneit, who was elected to a two-year term in November 2023.
Long and Simoneit are association representatives, and Bautista and Stone alternate association representatives. Bautista’s father, Danny, was a big league outfielder from 1993-2004.
The union is having its annual series of meetings in Scottsdale this week.
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Blum reported from New York.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Robert Morris falls to Youngstown State

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Led by Juwan Maxey’s 16 points, the Youngstown State Penguins defeated the Robert Morris Colonials 72-58 on Wednesday night. The Penguins are now 4-5 with the victory and the Colonials dropped to 6-4.

Rust’s OT winner helps Penguins avoid another late collapse in 5-4 win over Florida

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) makes a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

BC-HKN–Panthers-Penguins

Dec 3, 2024 10:05 PM

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bryan Rust scored 1:31 into overtime and the Pittsburgh Penguins avoided another late collapse by beating the Florida Panthers 5-4 in overtime. The Penguins had let a three-goal third-period lead evaporate when Florida’s Sam Bennett, Adam Boqvist and Matthew Tkachuk scored within a 4:32 span to pull the Panthers even at 4. Rust, however, extended Pittsburgh’s winning streak to four by flipping a wrist shot from the right by Spencer Knight for his eighth goal of the season.

No. 4 Nittany Lions hoping to clinch CFP spot in regular-season finale with Maryland

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar looks to pass the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Nov 27, 2024

By TRAVIS JOHNSON Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Tyler Warren and the rest of Penn State’s senior class normally would be preparing to take in the sights and sounds in their last game at Beaver Stadium. This season’s Senior Day festivities won’t have that sense of finality. The No. 4 Nittany Lions (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, No. 4 CFP) are readying for a postseason run that could feature a first-round playoff game in Happy Valley. That is if they take care of business against Maryland (4-7, 1-7 Big Ten) on Saturday. If Michigan beats No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus, Penn State would play No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten title game by beating Maryland.

Tanner, Charles connect for 2 TDs and Robert Morris tops Stonehill 31-13

(File Photo)

Nov 23, 2024

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — Zach Tanner threw two touchdown passes to Shawn Charles and Robert Morris ended the season with a 31-13 win over Stonehill. Tanner and Charles hooked up for an 86-yard score on the second snap for the Colonials and then went for 51 yards to make it 21-0 after one quarter. Tanner was 13 of 20 for 268 yards with two interceptions. Charles caught four passes for 149 yards. DJ Moyer capped a 69-yard drive in the first quarter with a 1-yard plunge. Danny Hurley kicked two field goals to help get the Skyhawks within eight points but a field goal and a Turner Schmidt fumble recovery for a score wrapped up the game for Robert Morris.

No. 4 Penn State stays on playoff track with narrow 26-25 win over Minnesota

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Nov 23, 2024

By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Drew Allar passed for 244 yards and a touchdown, rushed for a score and completed a late fourth-down conversion to help No. 4 Penn State fend off Minnesota 26-25 and stay on track for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions are 10-1 overall and 7-1 in the Big Ten. Tyler Warren had eight receptions for 102 yards as Penn State kept alive a slim conference title hope. Nick Singleton’s 12-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter gave the Nittany Lions their first lead at 23-22. Penn State converted three fourth downs on its final drive.

Eli Holstein knocked out of game, Pitt falls to Louisville 37-9

Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against SMU in Dallas, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Nov 23, 2024

By GARY B. GRAVES AP Sports Writer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field with a left leg injury sustained while being sacked in the first quarter at Louisville but returned to the sideline by halftime of the Panthers’ 37-9 loss on Saturday. Coach Pat Narduzzi said Holstein was ‘banged up’ without elaborating. The redshirt freshman’s left ankle was caught at an awkward angle beneath Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte’s hip on the twisting tackle for a 4-yard loss at midfield. Panthers medical personnel rushed to Holstein’s aid with a cart arriving quickly on the field within minutes. Holstein’s leg was placed in a boot before he was helped up and onto the cart. He gave a thumbs-up to nearby teammates as he left the field to applause.

Penguins’ Crosby scores 600th NHL goal

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates after getting his 600th career goal in the NHL during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Utah Hockey Club, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Nov 23, 2024 10:52 PM

By DAN SCIFO Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby became the 21st player in NHL history to score 600 goals when he reached the mark in the second period against the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday night. Crosby got his 600th with 10 seconds left on a 5-on-3 power play. The Penguins’ bench emptied following Crosby’s goal, which was also his first against Utah. Crosby finished a one-timer from the right side of the net, set up by a pass from Erik Karlsson at 3:11 of the second. After the goal was announced, the crowd gave Crosby a standing ovation and the Penguins’ captain acknowledged the fans and raised his stick in the air. Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are the only active players to have scored at least 600 goals in the NHL.

Nick Chubb plows through heavy snow for 2-yard TD, giving Browns 24-19 win over Steelers

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) carries for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) — With snow falling, Nick Chubb plowed forward.
On a play that looked eerily similar to the one in Pittsburgh last year that threatened to end his career, Chubb kept his legs moving and pushed his way into the end zone for a touchdown he and his teammates won’t forget.
Chubb ran for a 2-yard touchdown w ith 57 seconds left, and the Cleveland Browns stunned one of their division rivals on Thursday night, beating the Steelers 24-19 and ending their five-game winning streak.
Chubb’s score came in his first game against the AFC North-leading Steelers (8-3) since the running back sustained a season-ending left knee injury in Week 2 last September in a Monday night game against the Steelers.
Chubb, who had injured the same knee while playing at Georiga in 2015, had to endure grueling rehab sessions to make it back on the field, and the sight of him scoring against the dreaded Steelers was almost poetic.
“It meant a lot to me. I know it means a lot to him,” said Myles Garrett, who had three sacks. “He won’t say it, but it’s true. I’ll say it because this time last year we were sick to our stomachs. There was just so much in the air, so for him to come back and be pivotal in this game just speaks to the kind of resilience and the man that he is.
“We absolutely love him.”
Chubb also scored on a 2-yard run in the second quarter.
The Browns (3-8) had blown a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter and were down 19-18 before getting the ball back with 3:22 remaining after Pittsburgh punter Corliss Waitman shanked a 16-yarder.
With snow piling up and covering the yard lines on the field, Cleveland’s Jameis Winston c ompleted a third-down pass to Jerry Jeudy to the Pittsburgh 9. Two plays later, Chubb barreled into the end zone.
Chubb did not speak to the media afterward, but his teammates were overjoyed and couldn’t wait to share his story.
“I’m his No. 1 fan when he’s out there,” Browns running back Jerome Ford said. “If I could, I would start the ‘Chubb’ chant every time he steps on the field.”
The Steelers had one last chance, but Russell Wilson’s Hail Mary on the final play was knocked down by Browns safety Grant Delpit in the end zone, touching off a wild celebration at Huntington Bank Field.
Amid a disastrous season, beating the Steelers eased pressure on coach Kevin Stefanski and gave Cleveland fans something to savor.
“Our guys love playing under the lights,” Stefanski said. “They love playing in front of these fans. Add the snow element, it was pretty cool.”
With early snow flurries giving way to blizzard-like conditions in the fourth quarter that blanketed the field in white — Amazon Prime Video used graphics on its telecast to show the otherwise invisible numbers and hash marks — the Steelers quickly erased an 18-6 deficit, scoring two touchdowns in just over a minute.
Wilson’s 23-yard TD pass to Calvin Austin III with 6:15 left put Pittsburgh ahead by one. Nick Herbig’s strip-sack of Winston set up the go-ahead score and put the Steelers in position to win their sixth straight and open a two-game lead in the AFC North over Baltimore.
However, the Browns responded and pulled off their second divisional win after beating the Ravens last month.
“We should’ve won that game,” Wilson said. “We felt like we battled in a tough environment. The way we answered in the fourth quarter was pretty special and we had a chance at the end, too.”
Jaylen Warren scored on a 3-yard run midway through the fourth to pull the Steelers to 18-13. Then, as always seems to be the case, Pittsburgh’s defense came up with the big play as Herbig got to Winston and safety DeShon Elliott recovered the fumble.
Garrett outplayed Steelers star T.J. Watt — like he planned.
Garrett dominated the first half, sacking Wilson and putting constant pressure on the Steelers’ QB. The performance came during a week in which the Browns star commented about Watt’s seeming slight when Garrett was named Defensive Player of the Year over him last season.
“I wanted to make it known that I’m the guy, I’m No. 1 as an edge defender. That was a statement I was intending to make and I think I made.”
Garrett set up Cleveland’s second score with a strip-sack of Wilson. As he was being blocked, Garrett popped the ball from Wilson’s grip and linebacker Winston Reid recovered.
The Browns drove to the 16 and settled for a 34-yard field from Dustin Hopkins, who missed two kicks weeks a week ago in a loss at New Orleans.
Chubb’s TD dive in the second quarter capped a 12-play, 80-yard drive by the Browns, who gained just 19 yards and had two three-and-outs in the first quarter.
The Steelers drove inside Browns territory on their first three possessions, but came away with just three points.
Chris Boswell, who made six field goals last Sunday for all of Pittsburgh’s points in a win over Baltimore, missed a 58-yard field goal in the first quarter while the field was still in good shape. It was only his second miss in 31 attempts this season.
Injuries
Steelers: WR Van Jefferson (quadriceps) left briefly in the first half but returned. … LB Elandon Roberts was forced out in the fourth quarter with an unspecified injury.
Browns: WR Cedric Tillman is in concussion protocol.
Up next
Steelers: At Cincinnati on Dec. 1.
Browns: At Denver on Dec. 3.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl