The state at midnight. All times EST.
Oskar Garcia, assistant sports editor for the east region of the AP, can be reached at [email protected], or by office phone at 215-446-6632 or cellphone at 702-285-3000. For access to AP Exchange and other technical issues, contact AP Customer Support at [email protected] or 877-836-9477.
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BKN–HORNETS-CAVALIERS
CLEVELAND — Coming off a lackluster performance and loss to Detroit, the Cavaliers host the Charlotte Hornets, who have won four straight road games. SENT.
BKW–T25-OHIO ST-MINNESOTA
MINNEAPOLIS — Ohio State goes for its 12th straight win when the Buckeyes visit Minnesota and star scorer Rachel Banham, who scored 52 points last time out. By Basketball Writer Jon Krawczynski. SENT.
BBN–REDS-PHILLIPS
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has blocked the team’s attempts to trade him, preferring to stay and play on a rebuilding team than one that could contend for a title. By Gary Schatz. SENT: 450 words, photos.
EX-NFL PLAYER-CHARITY
CLEVELAND — A former NFL player has pleaded guilty to federal charges for stealing money from Cleveland nonprofit groups he once ran. A plea agreement signed Wednesday by 68-year-old Reggie Rucker of Warrensville Heights calls for a federal prison sentence of between 21 and 27 months. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 23. By Mark Gillispie. SENT: 340 words.
