SPORTS HEADLINES

The NCAA is warning schools about travel issues ahead of March Madness. It’s not the first time

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The NCAA is warning schools about potential travel headaches ahead of the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. A lack of charter plane availability, the partial government shutdown and conflict in the Middle East could all have a ripple effect on the 68 team men’s and women’s fields. It is hardly the first time it has been an issue. Atlantic 10 commissioner Bernadette McGlade says she faced the same concerns when she was the director of the women’s tournament years ago. The NCAA is trying to take a “business as usual” approach. McGlade says the benefit of being in the tournament far outweighs any travel snags that might pop up.

The ‘Spieth experience’ is entertaining to fans and frustrating for him at The Players

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The Jordan Spieth experience is on full display at The Players Championship. Spieth made five birdies in a row to get back in the mix. He twice made long putts from off the green. He also hit three trees and twice had to ask the gallery where his ball was. But it ended with a double bogey at the TPC Sawgrass for the second straight day. Spieth had to settle for a 68. He says he feels his game is close and it showed when he made six birdies in a seven-hole stretch. But there’s always one bad hole.

Radko Gudas faces up to a 5-game suspension for kneeing and injuring Auston Matthews

NEW YORK (AP) — Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas faces a suspension of up to five games for his knee-on-knee hit that injured Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. Gudas is having a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Friday. Because the hearing is a conference call and not on Zoom, the league cannot suspend Gudas for more than five games. The 35-year-old was given a 5-minute major penalty and ejected from the game Thursday night. Matthews needed help getting off the ice and did not return.

Paralympians ski in shorts and T-shirts, and some ask: Shouldn’t these Games be earlier?

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — At this month’s Milan Cortina Paralympics, some athletes competed in shorts, T-shirts and even tank tops. One skier lamented conditions as “tropical,” while a snowboarder complained about soft, slow snow he thought put him at a disadvantage. And some worried about something more important: their safety. They are now asking the same question as the International Olympic Committee: Should these Games be moved to earlier in the year when cold temperatures are more reliable? The International Paralympic Committee says moving the dates sounds easier than it could be, but it may be necessary to ensure the best conditions.

Aday Mara helps No. 3 Michigan edge Ohio State 71-67 in the Big Ten Tournament

CHICAGO (AP) — Aday Mara scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half, helping No. 3 Michigan hold off Bruce Thornton and Ohio State for a 71-67 victory in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. Elliot Cadeau had 15 points, seven assists and three steals for Michigan in its fifth consecutive win. Trey McKenney scored 12 points, and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 11. Mara anchored a strong defensive effort that shut down Ohio State in the final minutes. It was the first game of the tournament for the top-seeded Wolverines, while the Buckeyes advanced with a 72-69 victory over Iowa on Thursday.

Louisiana Tech football is on 2 league schedules amid its contentious departure from Conference USA

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Louisiana Tech’s football team is currently listed on both the Sun Belt and Conference USA league schedules as the Bulldogs’ acrimonious departure from Conference USA drags out. When Louisiana Tech announced its intention to join the Sun Belt last July, the school stated the move would occur no later than July 1, 2027. But Tech left little doubt that it aimed to make the move for 2026-27 academic year. Since then, Tech and Conference USA have failed to agree on a financial settlement aimed at compensating the league for the Bulldogs’ departure. Last week, the University of Louisiana System, which includes Louisiana Tech, filed a lawsuit asking a judge to force Conference USA to allow Louisiana Tech to leave this summer.