WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Led by Kendric Davis' 19 points, the Memphis Tigers defeated the Wichita State Shockers 83-78 on Thursday night. The Tigers are now 21-7 on the season, while the Shockers moved to 14-13.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — No. 5 Purdue big man Zach Edey has muscled his way into the national player of the year conversation. His 7-foot-4, 305-pound frame makes him hard to defend. He's leading the Big Ten in scoring with 22.1 points and rebounding with 12.7. He's fifth in scoring and second in rebounding nationally, and is also 10th nationally in blocks with 2.4. His former coach at IMG Academy, where Edey really learned how to play the game as a teen, can barely believe the ascension.
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Eric Bieniemy brushed off questions about not getting an NFL head coaching job and says he's embracing his new challenge as offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders. Bieniemy at his introductory news conference also defended his decision to leave the Kansas City Chiefs after 10 years and two Super Bowl championships and explained why this job was the right fit for him. The longtime Chiefs offensive coordinator interviewed for 15 different head jobs in recent years. But coaching two-time league MVP Patrick Mahomes and working under offensive coach Andy Reid clouded what Bieniemy might be responsible for. He will now have a chance to show what he can do calling plays in Washington.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the hire tells The Associated Press that new Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has hired ex-Broncos head coach Vance Joseph as his defensive coordinator. The hiring comes after a deliberate search that included fellow former head coaches Rex Ryan and Matt Patricia. Joseph coached the Broncos from 2017-18, compiling an 11-21 record. He spent the past four seasons as the Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator.
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Major League Baseball is introducing bigger bases this season as part of a flurry of changes designed to put more action and athleticism back in the game. The bases are expanding from 15-inch squares to 18 inches, which cuts down the distance between them by 4 1/2 inches. The distance between third and home and home and first was trimmed by 3 inches. With the new bases, major league teams could try a more aggressive approach on the basepaths. The bases also could help prevent injuries.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Billy Horschel has never won a PGA Tour event in his home state of Florida. His quest to change that is off to a fine start. Horschel shot a 5-under 65 on Thursday, tying him with Joseph Bramlett for the first-round lead in the Honda Classic at PGA National. Bramlett had a bogey-free round. Horschel had six birdies and one bogey. Pierceson Coody and Justin Suh were one shot back. Coody is playing his first PGA Tour event as a professional on a sponsor exemption. He's a two-time winner in 15 starts on the Korn Ferry Tour since turning pro last summer.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico (AP) — LIV Golf embarks on its second season with more emphasis on the team concept and a few new faces. Dustin Johnson is coming off a big year with the Saudi-funded rival league. He amassed just over $35.6 million in eight tournaments. There was minor movement among the teams. LIV Golf was not able to add big stars to its roster during the offseason. The highest-ranked player was Thomas Pieters of Belgium at No. 35 in the world. The first tournament starts Friday at Mayakoba. The Mexican resort hosted a PGA Tour event in the fall.
THURSDAY SCORES
TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL
Final (4)UCLA 78 Utah 71
Final (12)Gonzaga 97 San Diego 72
Final (15)Saint Mary's (Cal.) 83 Pacific 52
Final Illinois 66 (21)Northwestern 62
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Final Denver 115 Cleveland 109
Final Orlando 108 Detroit 106
Final OT Boston 142 Indiana 138
Final Toronto 115 New Orleans 110
Final Philadelphia 110 Memphis 105
Final OT Utah 120 Oklahoma City 119
Final Sacramento 133 Portland 116
Final Dallas 142 San Antonio 116
Final L.A. Lakers 124 Golden State 111
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Final Minnesota 2 Columbus 0
Final OT New Jersey 4 Los Angeles 3
Final Edmonton 7 Pittsburgh 2
Final OT Buffalo 6 Tampa Bay 5
Final Anaheim 4 Washington 2
Final Detroit 4 N-Y Rangers 1
Final OT Vancouver 3 St. Louis 2
Final OT Vegas 4 Calgary 3
Final Boston 6 Seattle 5
Final Nashville 6 San Jose 2