WICHITA – Hutchinson Community College sophomore distance runner Teagan Flanagan posted the third-fastest time in the 10,000 meters this season on Friday at the Friends University Spring Open.

Flanagan qualified for his second NJCAA Outdoor championships event by winning the Friends 10,000 meters in a time of 32:14.44. Flanagan won the race by a staggering 2 minutes, 35 seconds.

Flanagan’s time ranked No. 3 in the NJCAA this season and is the fourth-fastest 10,000-meter time in Blue Dragon outdoor track and field history.

Flanagan was just a handful of Blue Dragon athletes to compete on Day 1 of the two-day event. The majority of the meet at Friends’ Adair Austin Stadium starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Heartland Timing will provide live results.

Other Blue Dragons to place in the Top 8 of an event on Friday are:

+ Matthew Schrag was sixth in the men’s 10,000 meters with a time of 37:29.51.

+ Delaney Cameron was fifth in the men’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase with a time of 10:43.65.

+ Kiana Brown placed second in the women’s pole vault, clearing 10 feet.

+ Noel Hidalgo was fourth in the women’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase with a time of 13:31.06, a PR for Hidalgo and the 14th-best time in the NJCAA this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598535114764.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – Hutchinson Community College sophomore distance runner Teagan Flanagan posted the third-fastest time in the 10,000 meters this season on Friday at the Friends University Spring Open.Flanagan qualified for his second NJCAA Outdoor championships event by winning the Friends 10,000 meters in a time of 32:14.44. Flanagan won the race by a staggering 2 minutes, 35 seconds.Flanagan’s time ranked No. 3 in the NJCAA this season and is the fourth-fastest 10,000-meter time in Blue Dragon outdoor track and field history.Flanagan was just a handful of Blue Dragon athletes to compete on Day 1 of the two-day event. The majority of the meet at Friends’ Adair Austin Stadium starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Heartland Timing will provide live results.Other Blue Dragons to place in the Top 8 of an event on Friday are:+ Matthew Schrag was sixth in the men’s 10,000 meters with a time of 37:29.51.+ Delaney Cameron was fifth in the men’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase with a time of 10:43.65.+ Kiana Brown placed second in the women’s pole vault, clearing 10 feet.+ Noel Hidalgo was fourth in the women’s 3,000-meter Steeplechase with a time of 13:31.06, a PR for Hidalgo and the 14th-best time in the NJCAA this season.

Flanagan qualifies for nationals in 10,000

The Hutchinson Community College softball team’s scheduled Jayhawk Conference doubleheader at Dodge City has been postponed, the teams announced late Friday night.

Hutchinson and Dodge City were supposed to have played at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday at Legends Park in Dodge City. Because of a late cancelation by one of the umpires, no replacement could be found.

The teams will make up the doubleheader at 2 and 4 p.m. on Monday, April 19 at Legends Park in Dodge City.

Next up for the Blue Dragons is a home doubleheader on Thursday, April 15 against Seward County at Fun Valley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566827716588.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hutchinson Community College softball team’s scheduled Jayhawk Conference doubleheader at Dodge City has been postponed, the teams announced late Friday night.Hutchinson and Dodge City were supposed to have played at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday at Legends Park in Dodge City. Because of a late cancelation by one of the umpires, no replacement could be found.The teams will make up the doubleheader at 2 and 4 p.m. on Monday, April 19 at Legends Park in Dodge City.Next up for the Blue Dragons is a home doubleheader on Thursday, April 15 against Seward County at Fun Valley.

HutchCC softball not playing Saturday, rescheduled for April 19

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

WICHITA – Over the final 19.4 seconds of Friday's Region VI Tournament semifinal game, the emotions of Hutchinson Community College forward&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/kuath_majok_xrls">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;went from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs.

And the result for the Jayhawk West champion and tournament top seed Blue Dragons means a berth in the Region VI Championship match on Saturday night.

Kuath hit a go-ahead shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation to spur the Blue Dragons to a wild 76-75 semifinal victory over No. 5 Coffeyville on Friday at the Friends University's Garvey Center.

The victory bolstered the Blue Dragons' postseason resume and puts Hutchinson into its 29th Region VI Championship game. Hutchinson will play No. 15 Cowley at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Garvey Center. Cowley routed Barton 104-77 in the other men's semifinal on Friday.

Tied at 72,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;gave the Blue Dragons a 74-72 lead with 1:51 to play. After both teams traded defensive stops, Coffeyville's Tylor Perry drove to the hoop and was fouled with 19.4 seconds to play. Perry hit the first free throw and Hutchinson called a timeout.

After the timeout, Perry missed his second free-throw attempt. Kuath and Bostyn Holt both went for the rebound. Holt's tip attempt wasn't going to go in, but it did put the ball within the cylinder when Kuath touched the ball. Kuath was called for goaltending and Coffeyville led 75-74.

As Hutchinson's final possession unfolded, Mayers tried to get the ball to Kuath on the low block, but a Raven defender deflected the ball into the corner and Kuath hustled and save the ball from going out of bounds into the hands of&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/baker_josh_lpkm">Josh Baker</a>. Baker then tried a 3-point attempt from the right wing, which was partially deflected by Holt.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/bujdoso_isaiah_t7bk">Isaiah Bujdoso</a>&nbsp;went for the rebound, but knocked the ball into the hands of Kuath, who wildly spun to his right and banked in an eight-foot shot with 1.2 seconds to play to give the Blue Dragons a 76-75 lead.

That play was the 13th and final lead change of the game. Coffeyville's desperation heave from just outside half court was not close.

Baker led the Blue Dragons with 21 points, hitting 2 of 6 3-pointers. Baker jumped into the career Blue Dragon Top 10 for 3-pointers and is tied with Aaron Lashley for ninth with 108 made 3s. Baker also had five assists to lead the Blue Dragons.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;had 18 point, seven rebounds and three assists. Mayers was 6 of 6 from the free-throw line. Kuath finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/okon_jaden_os3t">Jaden Okon</a>&nbsp;had eight points and Bujdoso finished with seven.

The Blue Dragons shot 49.1 percent from the floor (28 of 57), hitting 2 of 7 3-pointers and 18 of 22 from the foul line. The Blue Dragons were outrebounded 36-32, but turned the ball over only nine times.

Perry had 19 points to lead Coffeyville, which at 22-3 is in strong position for an NJCAA Tournament at-large bid. Holt had 14 points.

The Red Ravens shot 40.4 percent for the game (23 of 57), going 6 of 16 from 3-point range and 23 of 27 from the foul line.

The Blue Dragons shot 51.6 percent in the first half in building a 42-31 lead at halftime.

Trailing 13-12, a Mayers short jumper started a 16-5 Hutchinson run that pushed the Dragon lead to double figures for the first time at 28-18 on two&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/gabriel_stephen_ryjf">Stephan Gabriel</a>&nbsp;free throws with 8:14 to play in the half. The lead was pushed to 42-28 when Bujdoso sank a technical free throw with 1:58 to play in the half.

The Blue Dragons led 45-35 with 18:21 to play, when Coffeyville started grinding its way back into the game, eventually tying the game at 61-all on a Perry jumper with 8:32 to play. From that point, there were four lead changes in the game, the final one of Kuath's putback with 1.2 seconds to go.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 29-15 all-time in the Region VI Tournament semifinal round. … Overall, the Dragons are 140-49 in the Region VI Tournament. … Hutchinson is now 12-6 all-time against Coffeyville in the Region VI Tournament and 30-23 all-time against the Red Ravens. … The Blue Dragons had a decisive 23-4 scoring advantage off the bench over Coffeyville.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWICHITA – Over the final 19.4 seconds of Friday's Region VI Tournament semifinal game, the emotions of Hutchinson Community College forward&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/kuath_majok_xrls">Majok Kuath</a>&nbsp;went from the lowest of lows to the highest of highs.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XvYKxI708Vc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>And the result for the Jayhawk West champion and tournament top seed Blue Dragons means a berth in the Region VI Championship match on Saturday night.Kuath hit a go-ahead shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation to spur the Blue Dragons to a wild 76-75 semifinal victory over No. 5 Coffeyville on Friday at the Friends University's Garvey Center.The victory bolstered the Blue Dragons' postseason resume and puts Hutchinson into its 29th Region VI Championship game. Hutchinson will play No. 15 Cowley at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Garvey Center. Cowley routed Barton 104-77 in the other men's semifinal on Friday.Tied at 72,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;gave the Blue Dragons a 74-72 lead with 1:51 to play. After both teams traded defensive stops, Coffeyville's Tylor Perry drove to the hoop and was fouled with 19.4 seconds to play. Perry hit the first free throw and Hutchinson called a timeout.After the timeout, Perry missed his second free-throw attempt. Kuath and Bostyn Holt both went for the rebound. Holt's tip attempt wasn't going to go in, but it did put the ball within the cylinder when Kuath touched the ball. Kuath was called for goaltending and Coffeyville led 75-74.As Hutchinson's final possession unfolded, Mayers tried to get the ball to Kuath on the low block, but a Raven defender deflected the ball into the corner and Kuath hustled and save the ball from going out of bounds into the hands of&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/baker_josh_lpkm">Josh Baker</a>. Baker then tried a 3-point attempt from the right wing, which was partially deflected by Holt.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/bujdoso_isaiah_t7bk">Isaiah Bujdoso</a>&nbsp;went for the rebound, but knocked the ball into the hands of Kuath, who wildly spun to his right and banked in an eight-foot shot with 1.2 seconds to play to give the Blue Dragons a 76-75 lead.That play was the 13th and final lead change of the game. Coffeyville's desperation heave from just outside half court was not close.Baker led the Blue Dragons with 21 points, hitting 2 of 6 3-pointers. Baker jumped into the career Blue Dragon Top 10 for 3-pointers and is tied with Aaron Lashley for ninth with 108 made 3s. Baker also had five assists to lead the Blue Dragons.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;had 18 point, seven rebounds and three assists. Mayers was 6 of 6 from the free-throw line. Kuath finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/okon_jaden_os3t">Jaden Okon</a>&nbsp;had eight points and Bujdoso finished with seven.The Blue Dragons shot 49.1 percent from the floor (28 of 57), hitting 2 of 7 3-pointers and 18 of 22 from the foul line. The Blue Dragons were outrebounded 36-32, but turned the ball over only nine times.Perry had 19 points to lead Coffeyville, which at 22-3 is in strong position for an NJCAA Tournament at-large bid. Holt had 14 points.The Red Ravens shot 40.4 percent for the game (23 of 57), going 6 of 16 from 3-point range and 23 of 27 from the foul line.The Blue Dragons shot 51.6 percent in the first half in building a 42-31 lead at halftime.Trailing 13-12, a Mayers short jumper started a 16-5 Hutchinson run that pushed the Dragon lead to double figures for the first time at 28-18 on two&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/gabriel_stephen_ryjf">Stephan Gabriel</a>&nbsp;free throws with 8:14 to play in the half. The lead was pushed to 42-28 when Bujdoso sank a technical free throw with 1:58 to play in the half.The Blue Dragons led 45-35 with 18:21 to play, when Coffeyville started grinding its way back into the game, eventually tying the game at 61-all on a Perry jumper with 8:32 to play. From that point, there were four lead changes in the game, the final one of Kuath's putback with 1.2 seconds to go.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 29-15 all-time in the Region VI Tournament semifinal round. … Overall, the Dragons are 140-49 in the Region VI Tournament. … Hutchinson is now 12-6 all-time against Coffeyville in the Region VI Tournament and 30-23 all-time against the Red Ravens. … The Blue Dragons had a decisive 23-4 scoring advantage off the bench over Coffeyville.

Kuath putback with 1.2 seconds left sends Dragons to Region VI Finals

WICHITA – The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team's 13th consecutive appearance in the Region VI Tournament semifinals was definitely an unlucky one on Friday.

Just one game after hitting a school-record 18 3-pointers in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, the Blue Dragon' offense struggled and Independence took advantage in a 75-56 semifinal win over the Blue Dragons and Friends University's Garvey Center.

Now the No. 20-ranked Blue Dragons will have to wait to see if their 19-5 overall record will be enough to receive one of the eight at-large bids to the NJCAA National Tournament in Lubbock. The NJCAA Selection Show is at 4 p.m. on Sunday on NJCAATV.com.

Independence (19-6) will play Barton for the Region VI championship on Saturday in Wichita.

The Blue Dragons started well jumping out to a 9-2 lead after a Nafatoumata basket with 5:25 to play in the first quarter.

After that point, the Blue Dragon offense went cold.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/gore_lojong_i68o">Lojong Gore</a>&nbsp;scored to stop a 7-0 Pirate run for a 9-7 lead. The Pirates closed the quarter on a 9-3 run to lead 16-12 after one period. The Dragons missed 13 of their final 15 shot attempts in the first quarter.

That trend continued through the second and third quarters. The Dragons were 2 of 13 shooting in the second period and trailed 33-19 at halftime, the 19 points tied a season low for points in a first half.

Independence then put the foot on the gas and put the game out of reach in the third quarter, outscoring the Blue Dragons 24-13 in the third quarter. Independence hit 9 of 16 shot in the third quarter, including three 3-pointers. The Dragons were 4 of 12 in the third stanza and trailed 57-32 heading into the fourth quarter.

Hutchinson's 56-point output tied for the third lowest of the season. The Dragons shot only 30.5 percent (18 of 59) for the game, which was the second-lowest shot percentage of the season.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/alford_tor-e_j660">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;scored 16 of her team-high 17 points in the second half. Alford was the only Blue Dragon to score in double figures on Friday.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ervin_kalyn_foze">Kalyn Ervin</a>, K.K. Adams and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/suttington_ishante_gbs8">Ishante Suttington</a>&nbsp;finished with nine points each. Gore had eight points and 10 rebounds.

The Blue Dragons hit 8 of 30 3-point attempts and 12 of 20 from the free-throw line. The Dragons committed 19 turnovers and were out-rebounded 45-38.

Maisa Marcal had eight points to lead the Pirates, hitting 4 of 8 3-pointers. Delani Harris had 12 points and Miriam Bazylewicz had 11.

The Pirates shot 41.3 percent from the floor (26 of 63), going 8 of 23 from distanced and 15 of 20 from the free-throw line.

GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 63-37 all-time in the Region VI Tournament and are now 9-10 in the semifinal round. … Hutchinson is 10-7 against Independence all-time in Region VI Tournament games and are 36-14 all-time against the Pirates.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWICHITA – The Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team's 13th consecutive appearance in the Region VI Tournament semifinals was definitely an unlucky one on Friday.Just one game after hitting a school-record 18 3-pointers in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, the Blue Dragon' offense struggled and Independence took advantage in a 75-56 semifinal win over the Blue Dragons and Friends University's Garvey Center.Now the No. 20-ranked Blue Dragons will have to wait to see if their 19-5 overall record will be enough to receive one of the eight at-large bids to the NJCAA National Tournament in Lubbock. The NJCAA Selection Show is at 4 p.m. on Sunday on NJCAATV.com.Independence (19-6) will play Barton for the Region VI championship on Saturday in Wichita.The Blue Dragons started well jumping out to a 9-2 lead after a Nafatoumata basket with 5:25 to play in the first quarter.After that point, the Blue Dragon offense went cold.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/gore_lojong_i68o">Lojong Gore</a>&nbsp;scored to stop a 7-0 Pirate run for a 9-7 lead. The Pirates closed the quarter on a 9-3 run to lead 16-12 after one period. The Dragons missed 13 of their final 15 shot attempts in the first quarter.That trend continued through the second and third quarters. The Dragons were 2 of 13 shooting in the second period and trailed 33-19 at halftime, the 19 points tied a season low for points in a first half.Independence then put the foot on the gas and put the game out of reach in the third quarter, outscoring the Blue Dragons 24-13 in the third quarter. Independence hit 9 of 16 shot in the third quarter, including three 3-pointers. The Dragons were 4 of 12 in the third stanza and trailed 57-32 heading into the fourth quarter.Hutchinson's 56-point output tied for the third lowest of the season. The Dragons shot only 30.5 percent (18 of 59) for the game, which was the second-lowest shot percentage of the season.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/alford_tor-e_j660">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;scored 16 of her team-high 17 points in the second half. Alford was the only Blue Dragon to score in double figures on Friday.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/ervin_kalyn_foze">Kalyn Ervin</a>, K.K. Adams and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/suttington_ishante_gbs8">Ishante Suttington</a>&nbsp;finished with nine points each. Gore had eight points and 10 rebounds.The Blue Dragons hit 8 of 30 3-point attempts and 12 of 20 from the free-throw line. The Dragons committed 19 turnovers and were out-rebounded 45-38.Maisa Marcal had eight points to lead the Pirates, hitting 4 of 8 3-pointers. Delani Harris had 12 points and Miriam Bazylewicz had 11.The Pirates shot 41.3 percent from the floor (26 of 63), going 8 of 23 from distanced and 15 of 20 from the free-throw line.GAME NOTES&nbsp;– The Blue Dragons are now 63-37 all-time in the Region VI Tournament and are now 9-10 in the semifinal round. … Hutchinson is 10-7 against Independence all-time in Region VI Tournament games and are 36-14 all-time against the Pirates.

🏀  Blue Dragon Women fall in Region VI semis to Independence

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ryan O'Reilly had three goals and an assist, Jaden Schwartz scored twice and the St. Louis Blues beat the Minnesota Wild 9-1. Justin Faulk and Sammy Blais each had a goal and two assists, and Zach Sanford and Ivan Barbashev also scored for the Blues.Jordan Binnington made 23 saves as St. Louis won its second straight game.Zach Parise scored his first goal in 14 games and Kaapo Kahkonen made 29 saves for the Wild. Minnesota has allowed 17 goals in its last three games.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A day after volleyball coaches criticized ESPN's coverage plans for the NCAA tournament, the cable network reversed course and announced there would be commentators for all matches streamed on its digital platforms. ESPN's original plan was to stream the first- and second-round matches with no play-by-play announcers or analysts. Several coaches complained publicly that having no announcers would diminish the stature of the tournament.&nbsp;

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Rocky Rodriquez and Tyler Lussi each scored and the Portland Thorns welcomed their fans to Providence Park for the the first time in 545 days with a 2-1 victory over KC NWSL on Friday night. It was the first professional sporting event in Oregon to have fans in attendance since the Portland Trail Blazers on March 10 last year. State officials are allowing outdoor venues to host events at 25% capacity, but fans are still not allowed at indoor arenas. &nbsp;

Rose salvages 72 to stay in front at Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) —Justin Rose continues to lead the Masters, but his advantage has shrunk from four to one shot over Brian Harman and Will Zalatoris (sal-ah-TOHR'-ihs). 

Rose is 7 under following his even-par 72 that included three birdies on the back nine.

Zalatoris climbed the leaderboard with a 4-under 68, while Harman signed off on a 69. 

Jordan Spieth (speeth) and Marc Leishman (LEESH'-man) are two strokes back and one ahead of six others, including Justin Thomas. 

Defending champ Justin Thomas missed the cut, as did Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka (KEHP'-kuh).

Padres finally get a no-hitter...Dodgers, Rays celebrate after celebrations

UNDATED (AP) — The first no-hitter of 2021 has been authored by a team that had never thrown one in their first 52 seasons.

San Diego-area native Joe Musgrove did the honors for the Padres, allowing only one baserunner in a 3-0 victory over the Rangers. The Padres were the only active MLB franchise without a no-hitter, and it came in their 8,206th regular-season game. 

The only hitter standing between Musgrove and perfection was Joey Gallo, who was hit by a pitch with two out in the fourth inning. 

Wil Meyers put the Padres ahead to stay in the second inning with his RBI double, then scored from second base on Tommy Pham's flyout to deep right-center to make it 2-0.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers received their World Series rings Friday and hoisted their World Series banner, about an hour after the Tampa Bay Rays unveiled their American League East and AL pennant banners. Both teams also celebrated victories.

Justin Turner's sixth-inning homer accounted for the only run as the Dodgers blanked Washington, 1-0. Walker Buehler (BYOO'-lur) pitched six strong innings as the Dodgers won without injured star outfielders Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. 

Joe Ross threw five scoreless innings of two-hit ball for the Nationals, who lost their third straight since their pandemic-delayed, season-opening win on Tuesday.

The Rays roughed up Corey Kluber while winning their home opener, 10-5 over the New York Yankees. The Rays tagged Kluber for five runs and five hits over 2 1/3 innings.

Brandon Lowe (low) delivered a three-run double and Austin Meadows had three of the Rays' 13 hits.

— Shohei Ohtani (SHOH'-hay oh-TAH'-nee) hit a solo homer and a three-run double to finish with four RBIs in the Angels' 7-1 win over the Blue Jays. Andrew Heaney allowed three hits, struck out nine and walked two over six scoreless innings. Jared Walsh hit a two-run drive in the fifth as Los Angeles improved to 6-2, matching the best eight-game start in franchise history. 

— Tyler Naquin (NAY'-kwihn) crushed his league-leading fifth homer before Tucker Barnhart singled home the winning run in the 10th inning of the Reds' 6-5 verdict over the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks trailed 5-0 before scoring three times in the seventh and tying it on Eduardo Escobar's towering, two-run homer in the eighth. The Reds came into Friday's game on an offensive roll, batting .316 with 14 homers during their 5-1 homestand to start the season. 

— Ronald Acuña (ah-KOON'-yah) Jr. had four hits, including a long two-run homer that gave Atlanta the lead in an 8-1 thumping of the Phillies. Acuña's fifth-inning blast off Zack Wheeler (1-1) traveled an estimated 456 feet, landing deep in the center-field seats behind the Braves bullpen for a 2-1 lead. He also had two doubles and an infield single to back Charlie Morton, who allowed a run and four hits over six innings. Mark Canha (KAN'-ah) added a two-run homer in the ninth to pad the lead.

— Matt Olson's tiebreaking, three-run homer in the eighth lifted the Athletics to a 6-2 win over Astros. Jed Lowrie furnished a solo shot for Oakland, which had dropped its previous five meetings with Houston this season. 

— Brandon Crawford broke up a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded, two-run double in the seventh inning before the Giants completed a 3-1 win over the Rockies. Johnny Cueto (KWAY'-toh) came within one out of a complete game, scattering four hits and blanking Colorado until pinch-hitter Chris Owings tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly in the ninth.

— Franmil (FRAHN'-meel) Reyes homered twice and Zach Plesac (PLEE'-sak) pitched seven dominant innings to give the Cleveland Indians a 4-1 win over the Tigers, who scratched starter Julio Teheran just before the first pitch. Reyes hit a two-run homer in the first off emergency starter Derek Holland and added a 446-foot solo shot in the sixth to make it 4-0. Plesac pitched scoreless ball, allowing just three singles while improving to 3-1 in five career starts against the Tigers.

Free agent pitcher banned 1 year for drug violation

UNDATED (AP) — Free agent pitcher David Carpenter has been suspended for one year for violating the minor league joint drug prevention and treatment program. 

The 35-year-old Carpenter has pitched in six big league seasons and last appeared in the majors in 2019 for the Texas Rangers. The right-handed reliever has a 3.69 career ERA but hasn't held down a full-time bullpen job since 2015, when he made 30 appearances with the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees. 

— The Dodgers have placed former NL MVP Cody Bellinger on injured reserve with a bruised left calf. Bellinger was accidentally spiked by Athletics reliever Reymin Guduan on Monday while beating out an infield single in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 10-3 win in Oakland. 

— Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was held out of New York's lineup for the second straight game with soreness in his left side. Judge had a homer, three hits and four RBIs in a 7-2 win over Baltimore on Tuesday night but didn't play in the Yankees' 4-3, 11-inning loss a day later. 

— An usher who spent more than 80 years guiding Pirates fans to their seats through varying stages of success and failure by the team has died. Phil Coyne was 102. Coyne began working for the Pirates in 1936 and served as a fixture in the stands as the franchise moved from Forbes Field to Three Rivers Stadium to PNC Park.

UNDATED (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets enjoy sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference

The 76ers are a full game behind the Nets following a 101-94 loss at New Orleans. Zion Williamson scored 14 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter, including the first six of the period. Williamson was 15 of 28 from the field and added 15 rebounds and eight assists.

Brandon Ingram added 17 points but shot 5 of 21 in his first game back since missing five with a right foot injury.

Joel Embiid had scored 59 points in two games since returning from injury, but he provided just 14 on 5-of-16 shooting in this one.

— Kawhi (kah=WY') Leonard scored 31 points, Reggie Jackson added 26 and the Clippers used a dominating second quarter to defeat the Rockets, 126-109 and extend their winning streak to four games. The Clippers trailed 40-26 with 9:57 remaining in the second before outscoring the Rockets 41-6 the remainder of the period. The Clippers were 15 of 21 from the field during the quarter while the Rockets missed 14 of 15 after making their first two shots.

— Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) had 26 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds for the Nuggets in a 121-119 win against the Spurs. Jokic posted his 54th career triple-double to help the Nuggets to their eighth straight victory. Michael Porter Jr. had 22 points and reserve Monte Morris chipped in 21 for Denver, which didn't ice the victory until DeMar DeRozan's tip attempt at the buzzer spun out. 

— Miles Bridges scored 26 points to lead the Hornets to a 127-119 victory over the Bucks, who were playing without all five of their usual starters. Charlotte had five players score at least 18 points, with Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham each providing 20. Charlotte is three games over .500 for the first time since January 2017. 

— Jayson Tatum poured in 18 of his career-high 53 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to help the Celtics outlast the Timberwolves, 145-136. It was the first 50-point game for the All-Star, who eclipsed his previous high of 41. Jaylen Brown had 26 points. Marcus Smart added 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds to help Boston post its fourth win in five games. 

— The Hawks knocked off the Bulls, 120-108 as Trae Young scored 42 points, and Clint Capela added a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Zach LaVine (lah-VEEN') scored 39 of his career-high 50 points in the first half, but the Bulls lost for the first time in four games. Nikola Vucevic (nih-KOH'-lah VOO'-cheh-vihch) had 25 points and 10 boards for Chicago.

— RJ Barrett drained a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:15 left in overtime and finished with 20 points as the Knicks ended the Grizzlies' four-game winning streak, 133-129. Alec Burks had nine of his 19 in OT, and Julius Randle recovered from a scoreless first half to finish with 15 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in his fifth triple-double of the season. Ja (jah) Morant scored 26 points and Dillon Brooks had 23 for the Grizzlies, who were trying to complete a perfect four-game road trip through the Eastern Conference.

— Bradley Beal shook off a sluggish performance and scored six points in the final 6.1 seconds to lift the Wizards past the Warriors, 110-107. Washington guard Russell Westbrook had 19 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds for his league-leading 21st triple-double. Rui Hachimura added 22 points and five rebounds for the Wizards, who had lost 12 of 16. 

— Domantas Sabonis (doh-MAHN'-tahs sah-BOH'-nihs) had 16 points, 15 rebounds and six assists in his return from a three-game injury absence, helping the Pacers earn a 111-106 win over the Magic. Aaron Holiday made six of Indiana's 11 3-pointers and finished with 20 points for Indiana. Doug McDermott made 8 of 13 shots and added 19 points off the bench as the Pacers improved to 15-12 on the road.

MIAMI (AP) — Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE'-poh) will not be with the Miami Heat when they depart Saturday for a four-game West Coast trip.

The team says more evaluation will be required before the team knows the full extent of his right-knee issue.

Oladipo hurt the knee during the fourth quarter of Miami's win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.

UNDATED (AP) — The Washington Capitals and New York Islanders are back in a dead heat for first place in the NHL's East Division.

Justin Schultz had a goal and two assists as the Capitals knocked off the Sabres, 4-3, putting Washington back into a first-place tie. Brenden Dillon opened the scoring 2:39 into the first and set up Alex Ovechkin's 727th career goal nine minutes later. Justin Schultz and Jakub Vrana also scored as the Caps ended a two-game losing streak.

Vitek Vanecek (VEE'-tehk VAN'-eh-chehk) stopped 30 shots in his 16th win, tops among all league rookies.

The Islanders fell to 4-1 on their six-game homestand with a 4-1 setback against the Rangers.

Neither team scored until Alexis Lafrienere (ah -LEX'-ee lah-frehn-YEHR') and Colin Blackwell tallied about four minutes apart in the second period. Alexander Georgiev (JUR'-jee-ehv) stopped 31 shots to help the Rangers win for the fifth time in seven games.

Andy Greene scored his first goal of the season for the Isles, who fell to 17-2-2 at Nassau Coliseum.

— Jonas Johansson made 28 saves in his first career shutout and Valeri Nichushkin scored the game-winner as the Avalanche blanked the Ducks, 2-0. Mikko Rantanen (MEE'-koh RAN'-tah-nehn) notched his seventh goal in as many games with an empty-netter as Colorado rebounded from Wednesday's 8-3 loss to the Wild. Nathan MacKinnon extended his points streak to eight games with an assist on Rantanen's late goal, helping the Avs secure a point for the 16th time in 17 games.

— The Wild followed their blowout win over Colorado with a 9-1 loss at St. Louis as Ryan O'Reilly had three goals and an assist. Jaden Schwartz scored twice and St. Louis posted a season high for goals in a game. Jordan Binnington made 23 saves as the Blues won its second straight game.

— Reilly Smith scored twice to lead the Golden Knights to a 7-4 win over the Coyotes. Jonathan Marchessault (MAHR'-sheh-soh), William Carrier, Keegan Kolesar, Chandler Stephenson, and Max Pacioretty (patch-uh-REH'-tee) also scored for Vegas, while Robin Lehner made 22 saves. After opening a 5-0 lead early in the second period, the Knights survived a third-period rally and improved to 12-5-0 all-time against Arizona.

— Bryan Rust scored twice and Sidney Crosby had a goal and two assists in leading the streaking Penguins to a 6-4 victory over the Devils. Jared McCann, Brian Dumoulin (DOO'-muh-lihn) and Colton Sceviour (SEE'-vee-ur) also scored as the banged-up Pens won their second game in as many nights to get within two points of the East Division lead. Casey DeSmith made 25 saves in snapping a personal two-game losing streak.

— The Sharks were 5-2 winners over the Kings as Martin Jones made 32 saves and Patrick Marleau scored his 566th career goal. Jones beat the Kings for the sixth time this season and has a .933 save percentage in seven games against his former team. Kevin Labanc, Rudolfs Balcers (BAHL'-surs) and Dylan Gambrell also scored, and Brent Burns had three assists to give San Jose its fifth win in six games. 

Virus-battered Canucks aim to complete condensed season

UNDATED (AP) — The Vancouver Canucks are recovering from the NHL's worst COVID-19 outbreak but believe they can complete the pandemic-condensed season. 

The team has not played since March 24. An outbreak has ripped through the team over the past week and a half. Four coaches and 21 players have tested positive, and one additional player being deemed a close contact. 

— Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski is scheduled to undergo sports hernia surgery next week and will miss the rest of the season. It's the latest injury blow to the team after forward Boone Jenner's season-ending broken finger.

— The Predators have placed forward Filip Forsberg on injured reserve, Also Nashville right wing Mathieu Olivier will miss four to six weeks with a lower body injury after being hurt in the second period of Thursday night's 7-1 win over Detroit. 

HOUSTON (AP) — The names of 13 of the 22 women who have filed lawsuits accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment will be made public following court hearings. The 13 women have sued under the name Jane Doe. 

During two court hearings Friday, Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, asked that their names be publicly identified so his client can "have a chance at properly defending himself." 

The women's lawyer, Tony Buzbee, argued against releasing their names. He said doing so could put their lives in danger. He said one woman who spoke publicly at a Tuesday news conference has already received death threats.

Gonzaga guard Joel Ayayi declares for NBA draft

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Gonzaga guard Joel Ayayi (ah-YAH'-ee) has declared for the NBA draft and will skip his senior season. The school says Ayayi will hire an agent and pursue a professional career. Ayayi was a finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award this season. He averaged 12 points per game while shooting 57.5% from the field. The French native's 6.8 rebounds per game were second on the team as Gonzaga advanced to the NCAA title game, where the Bulldogs lost to Baylor. Ayayi recorded the first triple-double in program history in a win at Portland on Jan. 9.

Advocates call on NCAA to act in response to anti-trans laws

UNDATED (AP) — Athletes, coaches and advocates are calling on the NCAA to act in response to state laws banning transgender athletes from competing in organized sports. 

The NCAA has had a transgender inclusion policy since 2011 and requires states that host championships to provide an environment that is "safe, healthy and free of discrimination." The organization has said it is monitoring the wave of proposed bills and laws enacted that impact transgender student-athletes. 

Conservative lawmakers in at least 28 states have introduced legislation to ban or limit transgender athletes from competing on teams or sports that align with their gender identity.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ryan O'Reilly had three goals and an assist, Jaden Schwartz scored twice and the St. Louis Blues beat the Minnesota Wild 9-1. Justin Faulk and Sammy Blais each had a goal and two assists, and Zach Sanford and Ivan Barbashev also scored for the Blues.Jordan Binnington made 23 saves as St. Louis won its second straight game.Zach Parise scored his first goal in 14 games and Kaapo Kahkonen made 29 saves for the Wild. Minnesota has allowed 17 goals in its last three games.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A day after volleyball coaches criticized ESPN's coverage plans for the NCAA tournament, the cable network reversed course and announced there would be commentators for all matches streamed on its digital platforms. ESPN's original plan was to stream the first- and second-round matches with no play-by-play announcers or analysts. Several coaches complained publicly that having no announcers would diminish the stature of the tournament.&nbsp;PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Rocky Rodriquez and Tyler Lussi each scored and the Portland Thorns welcomed their fans to Providence Park for the the first time in 545 days with a 2-1 victory over KC NWSL on Friday night. It was the first professional sporting event in Oregon to have fans in attendance since the Portland Trail Blazers on March 10 last year. State officials are allowing outdoor venues to host events at 25% capacity, but fans are still not allowed at indoor arenas. &nbsp;<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>PGA-MASTERSRose salvages 72 to stay in front at MastersAUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) —Justin Rose continues to lead the Masters, but his advantage has shrunk from four to one shot over Brian Harman and Will Zalatoris (sal-ah-TOHR'-ihs). Rose is 7 under following his even-par 72 that included three birdies on the back nine.Zalatoris climbed the leaderboard with a 4-under 68, while Harman signed off on a 69. Jordan Spieth (speeth) and Marc Leishman (LEESH'-man) are two strokes back and one ahead of six others, including Justin Thomas. Defending champ Justin Thomas missed the cut, as did Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka (KEHP'-kuh).MLB-SCHEDULEPadres finally get a no-hitter...Dodgers, Rays celebrate after celebrationsUNDATED (AP) — The first no-hitter of 2021 has been authored by a team that had never thrown one in their first 52 seasons.San Diego-area native Joe Musgrove did the honors for the Padres, allowing only one baserunner in a 3-0 victory over the Rangers. The Padres were the only active MLB franchise without a no-hitter, and it came in their 8,206th regular-season game. The only hitter standing between Musgrove and perfection was Joey Gallo, who was hit by a pitch with two out in the fourth inning. Wil Meyers put the Padres ahead to stay in the second inning with his RBI double, then scored from second base on Tommy Pham's flyout to deep right-center to make it 2-0.Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers received their World Series rings Friday and hoisted their World Series banner, about an hour after the Tampa Bay Rays unveiled their American League East and AL pennant banners. Both teams also celebrated victories.Justin Turner's sixth-inning homer accounted for the only run as the Dodgers blanked Washington, 1-0. Walker Buehler (BYOO'-lur) pitched six strong innings as the Dodgers won without injured star outfielders Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Joe Ross threw five scoreless innings of two-hit ball for the Nationals, who lost their third straight since their pandemic-delayed, season-opening win on Tuesday.The Rays roughed up Corey Kluber while winning their home opener, 10-5 over the New York Yankees. The Rays tagged Kluber for five runs and five hits over 2 1/3 innings.Brandon Lowe (low) delivered a three-run double and Austin Meadows had three of the Rays' 13 hits.Also around major league diamonds:— Shohei Ohtani (SHOH'-hay oh-TAH'-nee) hit a solo homer and a three-run double to finish with four RBIs in the Angels' 7-1 win over the Blue Jays. Andrew Heaney allowed three hits, struck out nine and walked two over six scoreless innings. Jared Walsh hit a two-run drive in the fifth as Los Angeles improved to 6-2, matching the best eight-game start in franchise history. — Tyler Naquin (NAY'-kwihn) crushed his league-leading fifth homer before Tucker Barnhart singled home the winning run in the 10th inning of the Reds' 6-5 verdict over the Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks trailed 5-0 before scoring three times in the seventh and tying it on Eduardo Escobar's towering, two-run homer in the eighth. The Reds came into Friday's game on an offensive roll, batting .316 with 14 homers during their 5-1 homestand to start the season. — Ronald Acuña (ah-KOON'-yah) Jr. had four hits, including a long two-run homer that gave Atlanta the lead in an 8-1 thumping of the Phillies. Acuña's fifth-inning blast off Zack Wheeler (1-1) traveled an estimated 456 feet, landing deep in the center-field seats behind the Braves bullpen for a 2-1 lead. He also had two doubles and an infield single to back Charlie Morton, who allowed a run and four hits over six innings. Mark Canha (KAN'-ah) added a two-run homer in the ninth to pad the lead.— Matt Olson's tiebreaking, three-run homer in the eighth lifted the Athletics to a 6-2 win over Astros. Jed Lowrie furnished a solo shot for Oakland, which had dropped its previous five meetings with Houston this season. — Brandon Crawford broke up a scoreless tie with a bases-loaded, two-run double in the seventh inning before the Giants completed a 3-1 win over the Rockies. Johnny Cueto (KWAY'-toh) came within one out of a complete game, scattering four hits and blanking Colorado until pinch-hitter Chris Owings tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly in the ninth.— Franmil (FRAHN'-meel) Reyes homered twice and Zach Plesac (PLEE'-sak) pitched seven dominant innings to give the Cleveland Indians a 4-1 win over the Tigers, who scratched starter Julio Teheran just before the first pitch. Reyes hit a two-run homer in the first off emergency starter Derek Holland and added a 446-foot solo shot in the sixth to make it 4-0. Plesac pitched scoreless ball, allowing just three singles while improving to 3-1 in five career starts against the Tigers.MLB-NEWSFree agent pitcher banned 1 year for drug violationUNDATED (AP) — Free agent pitcher David Carpenter has been suspended for one year for violating the minor league joint drug prevention and treatment program. The 35-year-old Carpenter has pitched in six big league seasons and last appeared in the majors in 2019 for the Texas Rangers. The right-handed reliever has a 3.69 career ERA but hasn't held down a full-time bullpen job since 2015, when he made 30 appearances with the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees. In other baseball news: — The Dodgers have placed former NL MVP Cody Bellinger on injured reserve with a bruised left calf. Bellinger was accidentally spiked by Athletics reliever Reymin Guduan on Monday while beating out an infield single in the ninth inning of the Dodgers' 10-3 win in Oakland. — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge was held out of New York's lineup for the second straight game with soreness in his left side. Judge had a homer, three hits and four RBIs in a 7-2 win over Baltimore on Tuesday night but didn't play in the Yankees' 4-3, 11-inning loss a day later. — An usher who spent more than 80 years guiding Pirates fans to their seats through varying stages of success and failure by the team has died. Phil Coyne was 102. Coyne began working for the Pirates in 1936 and served as a fixture in the stands as the franchise moved from Forbes Field to Three Rivers Stadium to PNC Park.NBA-SCHEDULESixers fall to Williamson, PelicansUNDATED (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets enjoy sole possession of first place in the Eastern ConferenceThe 76ers are a full game behind the Nets following a 101-94 loss at New Orleans. Zion Williamson scored 14 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter, including the first six of the period. Williamson was 15 of 28 from the field and added 15 rebounds and eight assists.Brandon Ingram added 17 points but shot 5 of 21 in his first game back since missing five with a right foot injury.Joel Embiid had scored 59 points in two games since returning from injury, but he provided just 14 on 5-of-16 shooting in this one.Checking out Friday's other NBA action:— Kawhi (kah=WY') Leonard scored 31 points, Reggie Jackson added 26 and the Clippers used a dominating second quarter to defeat the Rockets, 126-109 and extend their winning streak to four games. The Clippers trailed 40-26 with 9:57 remaining in the second before outscoring the Rockets 41-6 the remainder of the period. The Clippers were 15 of 21 from the field during the quarter while the Rockets missed 14 of 15 after making their first two shots.— Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) had 26 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds for the Nuggets in a 121-119 win against the Spurs. Jokic posted his 54th career triple-double to help the Nuggets to their eighth straight victory. Michael Porter Jr. had 22 points and reserve Monte Morris chipped in 21 for Denver, which didn't ice the victory until DeMar DeRozan's tip attempt at the buzzer spun out. — Miles Bridges scored 26 points to lead the Hornets to a 127-119 victory over the Bucks, who were playing without all five of their usual starters. Charlotte had five players score at least 18 points, with Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham each providing 20. Charlotte is three games over .500 for the first time since January 2017. — Jayson Tatum poured in 18 of his career-high 53 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to help the Celtics outlast the Timberwolves, 145-136. It was the first 50-point game for the All-Star, who eclipsed his previous high of 41. Jaylen Brown had 26 points. Marcus Smart added 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds to help Boston post its fourth win in five games. — The Hawks knocked off the Bulls, 120-108 as Trae Young scored 42 points, and Clint Capela added a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Zach LaVine (lah-VEEN') scored 39 of his career-high 50 points in the first half, but the Bulls lost for the first time in four games. Nikola Vucevic (nih-KOH'-lah VOO'-cheh-vihch) had 25 points and 10 boards for Chicago.— RJ Barrett drained a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:15 left in overtime and finished with 20 points as the Knicks ended the Grizzlies' four-game winning streak, 133-129. Alec Burks had nine of his 19 in OT, and Julius Randle recovered from a scoreless first half to finish with 15 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in his fifth triple-double of the season. Ja (jah) Morant scored 26 points and Dillon Brooks had 23 for the Grizzlies, who were trying to complete a perfect four-game road trip through the Eastern Conference.— Bradley Beal shook off a sluggish performance and scored six points in the final 6.1 seconds to lift the Wizards past the Warriors, 110-107. Washington guard Russell Westbrook had 19 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds for his league-leading 21st triple-double. Rui Hachimura added 22 points and five rebounds for the Wizards, who had lost 12 of 16. — Domantas Sabonis (doh-MAHN'-tahs sah-BOH'-nihs) had 16 points, 15 rebounds and six assists in his return from a three-game injury absence, helping the Pacers earn a 111-106 win over the Magic. Aaron Holiday made six of Indiana's 11 3-pointers and finished with 20 points for Indiana. Doug McDermott made 8 of 13 shots and added 19 points off the bench as the Pacers improved to 15-12 on the road.NBA-HEAT-OLADIPOOladipo not leaving with Heat for tripMIAMI (AP) — Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE'-poh) will not be with the Miami Heat when they depart Saturday for a four-game West Coast trip.The team says more evaluation will be required before the team knows the full extent of his right-knee issue.Oladipo hurt the knee during the fourth quarter of Miami's win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.NHL-SCHEDULECaps catch Isles in EastUNDATED (AP) — The Washington Capitals and New York Islanders are back in a dead heat for first place in the NHL's East Division.Justin Schultz had a goal and two assists as the Capitals knocked off the Sabres, 4-3, putting Washington back into a first-place tie. Brenden Dillon opened the scoring 2:39 into the first and set up Alex Ovechkin's 727th career goal nine minutes later. Justin Schultz and Jakub Vrana also scored as the Caps ended a two-game losing streak.Vitek Vanecek (VEE'-tehk VAN'-eh-chehk) stopped 30 shots in his 16th win, tops among all league rookies.The Islanders fell to 4-1 on their six-game homestand with a 4-1 setback against the Rangers.Neither team scored until Alexis Lafrienere (ah -LEX'-ee lah-frehn-YEHR') and Colin Blackwell tallied about four minutes apart in the second period. Alexander Georgiev (JUR'-jee-ehv) stopped 31 shots to help the Rangers win for the fifth time in seven games.Andy Greene scored his first goal of the season for the Isles, who fell to 17-2-2 at Nassau Coliseum.Elsewhere on NHL ice:— Jonas Johansson made 28 saves in his first career shutout and Valeri Nichushkin scored the game-winner as the Avalanche blanked the Ducks, 2-0. Mikko Rantanen (MEE'-koh RAN'-tah-nehn) notched his seventh goal in as many games with an empty-netter as Colorado rebounded from Wednesday's 8-3 loss to the Wild. Nathan MacKinnon extended his points streak to eight games with an assist on Rantanen's late goal, helping the Avs secure a point for the 16th time in 17 games.— The Wild followed their blowout win over Colorado with a 9-1 loss at St. Louis as Ryan O'Reilly had three goals and an assist. Jaden Schwartz scored twice and St. Louis posted a season high for goals in a game. Jordan Binnington made 23 saves as the Blues won its second straight game.— Reilly Smith scored twice to lead the Golden Knights to a 7-4 win over the Coyotes. Jonathan Marchessault (MAHR'-sheh-soh), William Carrier, Keegan Kolesar, Chandler Stephenson, and Max Pacioretty (patch-uh-REH'-tee) also scored for Vegas, while Robin Lehner made 22 saves. After opening a 5-0 lead early in the second period, the Knights survived a third-period rally and improved to 12-5-0 all-time against Arizona.— Bryan Rust scored twice and Sidney Crosby had a goal and two assists in leading the streaking Penguins to a 6-4 victory over the Devils. Jared McCann, Brian Dumoulin (DOO'-muh-lihn) and Colton Sceviour (SEE'-vee-ur) also scored as the banged-up Pens won their second game in as many nights to get within two points of the East Division lead. Casey DeSmith made 25 saves in snapping a personal two-game losing streak.— The Sharks were 5-2 winners over the Kings as Martin Jones made 32 saves and Patrick Marleau scored his 566th career goal. Jones beat the Kings for the sixth time this season and has a .933 save percentage in seven games against his former team. Kevin Labanc, Rudolfs Balcers (BAHL'-surs) and Dylan Gambrell also scored, and Brent Burns had three assists to give San Jose its fifth win in six games. NHL-NEWSVirus-battered Canucks aim to complete condensed seasonUNDATED (AP) — The Vancouver Canucks are recovering from the NHL's worst COVID-19 outbreak but believe they can complete the pandemic-condensed season. The team has not played since March 24. An outbreak has ripped through the team over the past week and a half. Four coaches and 21 players have tested positive, and one additional player being deemed a close contact. In other NHL developments:— Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski is scheduled to undergo sports hernia surgery next week and will miss the rest of the season. It's the latest injury blow to the team after forward Boone Jenner's season-ending broken finger.— The Predators have placed forward Filip Forsberg on injured reserve, Also Nashville right wing Mathieu Olivier will miss four to six weeks with a lower body injury after being hurt in the second period of Thursday night's 7-1 win over Detroit. NFL-TEXANS-WATSON-LAWSUITSNames of 13 accusers to be made publicHOUSTON (AP) — The names of 13 of the 22 women who have filed lawsuits accusing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment will be made public following court hearings. The 13 women have sued under the name Jane Doe. During two court hearings Friday, Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, asked that their names be publicly identified so his client can "have a chance at properly defending himself." The women's lawyer, Tony Buzbee, argued against releasing their names. He said doing so could put their lives in danger. He said one woman who spoke publicly at a Tuesday news conference has already received death threats.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-GONZAGA-AYAYIGonzaga guard Joel Ayayi declares for NBA draftSPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Gonzaga guard Joel Ayayi (ah-YAH'-ee) has declared for the NBA draft and will skip his senior season. The school says Ayayi will hire an agent and pursue a professional career. Ayayi was a finalist for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award this season. He averaged 12 points per game while shooting 57.5% from the field. The French native's 6.8 rebounds per game were second on the team as Gonzaga advanced to the NCAA title game, where the Bulldogs lost to Baylor. Ayayi recorded the first triple-double in program history in a win at Portland on Jan. 9.TRANSGENDER ATHLETES-NCAAAdvocates call on NCAA to act in response to anti-trans lawsUNDATED (AP) — Athletes, coaches and advocates are calling on the NCAA to act in response to state laws banning transgender athletes from competing in organized sports. The NCAA has had a transgender inclusion policy since 2011 and requires states that host championships to provide an environment that is "safe, healthy and free of discrimination." The organization has said it is monitoring the wave of proposed bills and laws enacted that impact transgender student-athletes. Conservative lawmakers in at least 28 states have introduced legislation to ban or limit transgender athletes from competing on teams or sports that align with their gender identity.

Sports Headlines for Saturday

WICHITA, Kan.—Majok Kuath's last second desperation bank shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation was enough as Hutchinson moves into the Region 6 Championship vs Cowley College Saturday at Friends University in Wichita.&nbsp; Cowley defeated Barton in the other men's semifinal game 104-77 late Friday night. A full story on the Blue Dragon victory will follow.

WICHITA, Kan.—Majok Kuath's last second desperation bank shot with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation was enough as Hutchinson moves into the Region 6 Championship vs Cowley College Saturday at Friends University in Wichita.&nbsp; Cowley defeated Barton in the other men's semifinal game 104-77 late Friday night. A full story on the Blue Dragon victory will follow.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XvYKxI708Vc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏀  Kuath's last second prayer answered; Hutch 76, No. 5 Coffeyville 75

Normally, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team is the hunted when it comes to the Region VI Tournament.

In Friday's semifinals, the Blue Dragons will be the hunters, hoping to knock off the defending Region VI Champions.

Top-seeded Hutchinson will take on No. 5 Coffeyville in the 2021 Region VI Tournament semifinals on Friday at the Garvey Physical Education Center of the campus of Friends University in Wichita. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

The Hutchinson-Coffeyville winner will play the Barton/Cowley winner in the Region VI Championship game at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Garvey Center.

The Blue Dragons (17-5) earned their 44th Region VI Tournament semifinal berth after a dominant 93-74 quarterfinal victory over the Independence Pirates on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;scored 20 of his team-high 26 points in the first half as Hutchinson raced out to a quick 16-point lead and led 45-27 at halftime.

Coffeyville (22-2) dominated its quarterfinal matchup with Dodge City, defeating the Conquistadors 99-79 on Wednesday. The Red Ravens defeated Colby 91-68 in the opening round on Monday.

Friday's matchup will be the 18th postseason meeting between Hutchinson and Coffeyville. The Blue Dragons lead the postseason series with Coffeyville 11-6. The last time the two teams met in the Region VI Tournament was a 2019 semifinal matchup in Park City. The Blue Dragons won 94-89 in double overtime.

Coffeyville won the only meeting between the Blue Dragons and Red Ravens this season.

The Ravens downed the Blue Dragons 86-66 on January 26 in the Jayhawk Conference opener for both teams. Coffeyville's 20-point margin of victory was the largest for the Red Ravens over the Blue Dragons in series history.

Blue Dragon guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/baker_josh_lpkm">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;also got hurt early in the first half of that game and wound up missing the next nine games because of the injury.

The Blue Dragons, who are looking for their first Region VI championship game berth since 2019, are 28-15 all-time in the Region VI Tournament semifinals.

Hutchinson CC Sports InformationNormally, the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team is the hunted when it comes to the Region VI Tournament.In Friday's semifinals, the Blue Dragons will be the hunters, hoping to knock off the defending Region VI Champions.Top-seeded Hutchinson will take on No. 5 Coffeyville in the 2021 Region VI Tournament semifinals on Friday at the Garvey Physical Education Center of the campus of Friends University in Wichita. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.The Hutchinson-Coffeyville winner will play the Barton/Cowley winner in the Region VI Championship game at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Garvey Center.The Blue Dragons (17-5) earned their 44th Region VI Tournament semifinal berth after a dominant 93-74 quarterfinal victory over the Independence Pirates on Wednesday night at the Sports Arena.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/mayers_matt_jfk4">Matt Mayers</a>&nbsp;scored 20 of his team-high 26 points in the first half as Hutchinson raced out to a quick 16-point lead and led 45-27 at halftime.Coffeyville (22-2) dominated its quarterfinal matchup with Dodge City, defeating the Conquistadors 99-79 on Wednesday. The Red Ravens defeated Colby 91-68 in the opening round on Monday.Friday's matchup will be the 18th postseason meeting between Hutchinson and Coffeyville. The Blue Dragons lead the postseason series with Coffeyville 11-6. The last time the two teams met in the Region VI Tournament was a 2019 semifinal matchup in Park City. The Blue Dragons won 94-89 in double overtime.Coffeyville won the only meeting between the Blue Dragons and Red Ravens this season.The Ravens downed the Blue Dragons 86-66 on January 26 in the Jayhawk Conference opener for both teams. Coffeyville's 20-point margin of victory was the largest for the Red Ravens over the Blue Dragons in series history.Blue Dragon guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2020-21/bios/baker_josh_lpkm">Josh Baker</a>&nbsp;also got hurt early in the first half of that game and wound up missing the next nine games because of the injury.The Blue Dragons, who are looking for their first Region VI championship game berth since 2019, are 28-15 all-time in the Region VI Tournament semifinals.

🏀  Dragons look to bump off defending Region VI Champions Friay

The No. 20-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team bids for a 10th Region VI Tournament championship game appearance on Friday when the Blue Dragons take on the Independence Pirates in the first of two semifinal matchups.

Tipoff is at Noon at the Garvey Physical Education Center on the campus of Friends University in Wichita. The Hutchinson-Independence winner - the teams are seeded No. 1 and No. 4, respectively - will play the Butler/Barton winner at 6 p.m. on Saturday for the Region VI championship.

The Blue Dragons (19-4) advanced with an 85-65 quarterfinal victory over Cowley on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons nailed a single-game school record 18 3-pointers en route to a 13th-straight quarterfinal-round victory. Sophomore guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/alford_tor-e_j660">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;had career highs of eight 3-pointers and 26 points against the Tigers.

Independence pulled away in the fourth quarter of its Region VI quarterfinal game on Wednesday against Seward County, defeating the Saints 70-61.

Independence won the only meeting of the season with the Blue Dragons, winning 70-64 on February 10 in Independence. The Pirate duo of Maisa Marcel and Miriam Bazylewicz combined for 41 points in the regular-season game. The Blue Dragons shot only 36.4 percent for the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/grassity_yana_fdqu">Yana Grassity</a>&nbsp;and Alford had 12 points each to lead the Blue Dragons, which had the lead at the end of three quarters. Marcel had 21 points to lead Independence and Bazylewicz hit four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points.

This will be the 17th Region VI meeting all-time against Hutchinson and Independence. The Blue Dragons have a 10-6 all-time postseason series advantage over the Pirates. The last postseason meeting between the Blue Dragons and Pirates was 2019, a 76-62 quarterfinal Hutchinson victory. The last Pirate postseason win over Hutchinson was a 2018 semifinal triumph.

Hutchinson is 9-9 all-time in the Region VI Semifinals. Last season, the Blue Dragons were eliminated in the semifinals when Barton stunned the Blue Dragons 58-57 on a Vanessa Oduah buzzer-beater.

By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe No. 20-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team bids for a 10th Region VI Tournament championship game appearance on Friday when the Blue Dragons take on the Independence Pirates in the first of two semifinal matchups.Tipoff is at Noon at the Garvey Physical Education Center on the campus of Friends University in Wichita. The Hutchinson-Independence winner - the teams are seeded No. 1 and No. 4, respectively - will play the Butler/Barton winner at 6 p.m. on Saturday for the Region VI championship.The Blue Dragons (19-4) advanced with an 85-65 quarterfinal victory over Cowley on Wednesday at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons nailed a single-game school record 18 3-pointers en route to a 13th-straight quarterfinal-round victory. Sophomore guard&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/alford_tor-e_j660">Tor'e Alford</a>&nbsp;had career highs of eight 3-pointers and 26 points against the Tigers.Independence pulled away in the fourth quarter of its Region VI quarterfinal game on Wednesday against Seward County, defeating the Saints 70-61.Independence won the only meeting of the season with the Blue Dragons, winning 70-64 on February 10 in Independence. The Pirate duo of Maisa Marcel and Miriam Bazylewicz combined for 41 points in the regular-season game. The Blue Dragons shot only 36.4 percent for the game.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2020-21/bios/grassity_yana_fdqu">Yana Grassity</a>&nbsp;and Alford had 12 points each to lead the Blue Dragons, which had the lead at the end of three quarters. Marcel had 21 points to lead Independence and Bazylewicz hit four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points.This will be the 17th Region VI meeting all-time against Hutchinson and Independence. The Blue Dragons have a 10-6 all-time postseason series advantage over the Pirates. The last postseason meeting between the Blue Dragons and Pirates was 2019, a 76-62 quarterfinal Hutchinson victory. The last Pirate postseason win over Hutchinson was a 2018 semifinal triumph.Hutchinson is 9-9 all-time in the Region VI Semifinals. Last season, the Blue Dragons were eliminated in the semifinals when Barton stunned the Blue Dragons 58-57 on a Vanessa Oduah buzzer-beater.

🏀  Blue Dragon Women to meet Independence in Region VI Semifinals

Hutchinson (16-5) def (13-9) Independence 93-74

Coffeyville (21-2) def (14-8) Dodge City 99-79

Barton (15-8) def (9-12) Garden City 81-80

Cowley (18-4) def (9-13) Neosho County 105-71

Friday Semifinals at Friends University, Wichita

2PM - Hutchinson (17-5) vs (22-2) Coffeyville

Saturday Finals at Friends Univesity, Wichita

Hutchinson (18-4) def (15-8) Cowley 84-64

Independence (17-6) def (17-5) Seward County 70-61

Barton (18-5) def (15-6) Coffeyville 80-71

Butler (19-2) def (13-10) Garden City 70-44

12PM - Hutchinson (19-4) vs (18-6) Independence

Region 6 MenWednesday quarterfinalsHutchinson (16-5) def (13-9) Independence 93-74Coffeyville (21-2) def (14-8) Dodge City 99-79Barton (15-8) def (9-12) Garden City 81-80Cowley (18-4) def (9-13) Neosho County 105-71Friday Semifinals at Friends University, Wichita2PM - Hutchinson (17-5) vs (22-2) Coffeyville8PM - Barton (16-8) vs (19-4) CowleySaturday Finals at Friends Univesity, Wichita8PM - Championship GameRegion 6 WomenWednesday quarterfinalsHutchinson (18-4) def (15-8) Cowley 84-64Independence (17-6) def (17-5) Seward County 70-61Barton (18-5) def (15-6) Coffeyville 80-71Butler (19-2) def (13-10) Garden City 70-44Friday Semifinals at Friends University, Wichita12PM - Hutchinson (19-4) vs (18-6) Independence6PM - Butler (20-2) vs (19-5) BartonSaturday Finals at Friends Univesity, Wichita6PM - Championship Game

Region 6 Results and Schedule for Friday

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched a five-hitter for the first complete game and shutout in the major leagues this season, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on a rainy Thursday. Yermín Mercedes kept up his scorching start with a 485-foot homer. Yoán Moncada went deep, and the White Sox gave manager Tony La Russa the win in his first home game on the South Side in 35 years. Lynn (1-0) struck out 11 and walked none in his second shutout in 238 career starts, his first since a five-hitter against the New York Yankees on May 27, 2014. Kansas City's Brad Keller got tagged for four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nolan Arenado hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the eighth inning of his home debut with the Cardinals, lifting St. Louis over the Milwaukee Brewers 3-1 as fans returned to Busch Stadium for the first time since 2019. Arenado, a five-time All-Star acquired from Colorado on Feb. 1 after eight seasons with the Rockies, followed a walk to Austin Dean with the score 1-1. Arenado turned on a first-pitch 96.6 mph offering from Drew Rasmussen and sent the ball 373 feet to left for his second homer this season.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (AP) — Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt was not in the starting lineup against Milwaukee because of lower back tightness. St. Louis said the move was made for precautionary reasons. The 33-year-old, starting his third season with the Cardinals, is batting .308 with no homers and two RBIs in 26 at-bats through the first six games. Goldschmidt was a six-time All-Star with Arizona before he was acquired by the Cardinals.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Coaches of two of the top teams in the NCAA Division I volleyball tournament are complaining about the setup for the event next week in Omaha, Nebraska. First- and second-round matches and regional semifinals will be played in a convention center with what Nebraska coach John Cook says are inadequate locker facilities. The CHI Health Center arena will be site of the national semifinals and final. Wisconsin's Kelly Sheffield says he's disappointed that first- and second-round matches will be streamed on ESPN's digital platforms without play-by-play announcers or analysts.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — A Rose looked very good amid the azaleas at Augusta national.

Justin Rose opened with a 5-under 65 to grab a four-stroke lead in The Masters. He played the last 11 holes at 9 under and shot 30 on the back side, one off the tournament record shared by Mark Calcaveccia (kal-kah-VEH'-kee-uh) and David Toms. 

Rose's 65 looked even better on a day so tough only 12 players broke par, and the average score was 74.5.

He tied a Masters record by taking at least a share of first-round lead for the fourth time. Rose has a pair of runner-up finishes at Augusta, including a playoff loss to Sergio Garcia four years ago.

Brian Harman and Hideki Matsuyama (maht-soo-YAH'mah) share second, one ahead of Patrick Reed, Webb Simpson, Will Zalatoris, Christiaan Bezuidenhout. Harman was the last player to get into the 88-man field.

Defending champion Dustin Johnson struggled after setting the record last year at 20-under 268. He failed to break par at Augusta for the first time since the opening round in 2018, closing with a three-putt for double bogey on the 18th to complete a 74. 

UNDATED (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks have dropped the Milwaukee Bucks another half-game out of first place in the NBA's Eastern Conference.

Luka Doncic (DAHN'-chihch) scored 27 points and Kristaps Porzingis (KRIHS'-tahps pohr-ZIHN'-gihs) had a double-double as the Mavericks dumped the Bucks, 116-101. Porzingis contributed 26 points and 17 rebounds playing on consecutive days for the first time in two months.

Porzingis scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, including eight in a row while giving Dallas the lead for good.

Donte DiVincenzo scored 22 points for the Bucks, who dropped to 1-2 since reigning two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) left the lineup due to left knee soreness. 

The outcome puts Milwaukee 3 1/2 games behind the East-leading Nets.

Checking out Thursday's other NBA action:

— Donovan Mitchell scored 37 points to lead the Jazz to their 23rd straight home victory, 122-103 over the Trail Blazers. Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR') had 18 points and 21 rebounds for the Jazz, who won the battle of the boards, 58-41 while snapping a two-game skid. Utah went on a 25-4 run over a six-minute stretch to take a 93-72 lead. 

— The Clippers earned a 113-103 win over the Suns as Paul George and Kawhi (kah-WY') Leonard combined for 60 points. George was 7 of 9 from 3-point range while scoring 33 points in 30 minutes. Leonard furnished 19 of his 27 points in the second half for Los Angeles, which hit 18 3s.

— Jimmy Butler scored 28 points to lead the Heat past the Lakers, 110-104. Victor Oladipo (oh-lah-DEE'-poh) added 18 points but limped off the court, favoring his right knee, after a dunk late in the fourth quarter. Tyler Herro (HEE'-roh) finished with 15 points for the Heat, who bounced back from Tuesday's 12-point home loss against Memphis.

— Nikola Vucevic (VOO'-cheh-vihch) and Zach Lavine (lah-VEEN') each scored 22 points and the Bulls earned their third straight win by topping the Raptors, 122-113. LaVine and Vucevic combined for 15 points on an early 19-3 run that gave the Bulls their first 10-point lead. LaVine also had 15 assists, and Lauri Markkanen came off the bench to score 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting. 

— Cory Joseph had a season-high 24 points and seven assists in his first game against his former team, helping the Pistons beat the Kings by a 113-101 margin. Isaiah Stewart added 16 points and 13 rebounds in place of injured Mason Plumlee for the Pistons. Jhalil Okafor (jah-LEEL' OH'-kah-fohr) had 11 points in his first game since missing 27 straight due to left knee surgery.

— Collin Sexton provided 27 points to help the Cavaliers beat the Thunder for the first time in their last six meetings, 129-102. Taurean Prince scored 22 points and Cleveland began the second half with an 11-0 run to break the game open. Kevin Love had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Cavs.

Van Vleet, Bembry, Horton-Tucker suspended for fighting

UNDATED (AP) — Toronto Raptors guards DeAndre' Bembry and Fred Van Vleet and Los Angeles Lakers guard Talen Horton-Tucker have been suspended one game without pay following their fight in Tuesday night's game. The suspensions were the result of the three players leaving their bench areas during the scuffle in the Lakers' 110-101 win.

Also, Toronto's OG Anunoby (an-oo-NOH'-bee) and Montrezl (MAHN'-trehz) Harrell of Los Angeles were fined for their roles, leading to their ejections. 

The altercation came in the first quarter after Dennis Schroder (SHROO'-dur) fouled Anunoby's layup attempt. Schroder and Anunoby squared off and other players became involved. 

— Hawks forward John Collins will be out at least another 7-to-10 days with a sprained left ankle. The team announced that Collins has progressed to drills such lateral shuffling and individual court work. Collins was injured in a March 30 loss at Phoenix. 

— Golden State Warriors President and chief operating officer Rick Welts will leave his job after this season but stay with the organization as an adviser. The Warriors said Thursday they expect to name a successor within a week. 

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Mets received a gift in their home opener.

Michael Conforto was credited with a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded by plate umpire Ron Kulpa, bringing home the winning run in the Mets' 3-2 decision over the Marlins. The pitch was in the strike zone, and Conforto made no attempt to avoid the pitch. Certain camera angles made it unclear he was hit by the pitch.

Kulpa admitted to a pool reporter after the game that he should have called Conforto out.

The Mets filled the bases after Jeff McNeil led off the bottom of the ninth with a homer.

Taijaun (TY'-wahn) Walker looked good in his Mets debut, throwing shutout ball before Miami nicked up for two runs in the sixth.