Sports

MIDDLE POINT — With their two top scorers struggling from the field Allen East needed some other players to step up.

ORLANDO — Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield beat Houston’s C.J. Stroud in the Precision Passing skills challenge, helping the NFC build a 12-6 lead over the AFC on the opening night of the 2024 Pro Bowl Games.

Patrick Mahomes is chasing Tom Brady. Brock Purdy is playing in the shadow of Joe Montana.

NEW YORK — Kawhi Leonard and Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers were chosen as All-Star reserves Thursday, while the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks also had two players selected.

FOXBOROUGH — Fired Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has been hired for the same job with the New England Patriots, giving first-time head coach Jerod Mayo an experienced voice on offense.

Ohio State Buckeyes (13-8, 3-7 Big Ten) at Iowa Hawkeyes (12-9, 4-6 Big Ten)

CLEVELAND — There are now two Callahans with the Titans.

COLUMBUS — Jacy Sheldon scored 17 points, Cotie McMahon had 15 and Eboni Walker 11 as No. 8 Ohio State won its eighth straight game, 87-49 over Wisconsin on Thursday night.

MEMPHIS — Donovan Mitchell had 25 points and seven assists and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 108-101 on Thursday night for their fourth straight victory and 12th in 13 games.

LEIPSIC – After two consecutive tough losses, Delphos Jefferson coach Denise Lindeman was looking for her squad to get back on track.