Valkyries secure WNBA Finals spot with OT win over the Aces, face the Dream next
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Kayla Thornton scored 18 points and the second-year Golden State Valkyries became the quickest expansion team to reach the WNBA Finals, sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime Friday night in Game 3. The second-seeded Valkyries will have home-court advantage and will host No. 4 Atlanta beginning Oct. 17. The Dream swept New York earlier in the night, and now teams are 22-0 in playoff history when leading a series 2-0. Las Vegas, which was seeded third, had won three of the past four championships. A’ja Wilson, honored before night’s game for winning an unprecedented fifth MVP, scored 21 points, but on 6-for-19 shooting for the Aces.
Reese, Howard help the Dream sweep Liberty and advance to WNBA Finals for first time since 2013
NEW YORK (AP) — Angel Reese scored 22 points, Rhyne Howard added 21 and the Atlanta Dream beat the New York Liberty 85-83 on Friday night to advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. The fourth-seeded Dream completed the three-game sweep of the Liberty and haven’t lost in the postseason this season. They will face Golden State, which swept Las Vegas, in the WNBA Finals beginning Saturday, Oct. 17. The Dream hadn’t reached the semifinals since 2018 before this season. Now they’ll try to win the franchise’s first championship with four more wins.
Georgia-Alabama showdown is on schedule despite arrival of Hurricane Isaias; Trump will skip game
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference college football game between Georgia and Alabama remains scheduled for Saturday night despite Hurricane Isaias’ arrival on the U.S. Gulf Coast. President Trump announced Friday that he will not attend the game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to allow first responders to focus on the storm. Forecasters have warned of significant storm surge, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. ESPN’s “College GameDay” show has moved indoors, and Alabama officials have shortened tailgating hours. Georgia’s travel plans remain unchanged. The game is one of the biggest of the season, with both teams highly ranked.
Bear Bachmeier powers No. 8 BYU past Iowa State, 24-10
PROVO, Utah (AP) — Bear Bachmeier threw for a season-high 329 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 8 BYU to a 24-10 victory over Iowa State on Friday night. Bachmeier completed 22 of 30 passes en route to his fourth career 300-yard game. He also ran for a career-best 109 yards to help the Cougars (5-0, 3-0 Big 12) overcome the absence of running back LJ Martin. It was the second straight season Bachmeier threw for more than 300 yards against Iowa State (3-3, 1-2) and his first career 100-yard game on the ground. Jaylen Raynor threw for 98 yards and a touchdown to lead the Cyclones. Aiden Flora added 86 yards on the ground but had only 11 rushing yards before halftime.
Aaron Donald thinks he’ll play for Rams vs Bills after a short injury setback in his comeback
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Aaron Donald’s back is feeling much better after a week of rest and treatment, and he plans to play for the Rams against the Buffalo Bills after he missed Los Angeles’ previous game. His dream pairing with Myles Garrett still does not appear to be in the Rams’ immediate future, however. Donald’s first injury setback during his comeback from a 2 1/2-year retirement does not appear to be serious, the 10-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle said Friday after he went through a full practice at the Rams’ training complex with no setbacks. But the Rams haven’t indicated when Garrett could be ready to return from knee surgery.
Guardians ace Gavin Williams to start vs Sean Burke and White Sox in winner-take-all ALDS Game 5
CLEVELAND (AP) — Gavin Williams will start for the Cleveland Guardians against the Chicago White Sox in the deciding Game 5 of their AL Division Series on Saturday night. Williams entered in the ninth inning Thursday night and got the final three outs, helping Cleveland to a 9-5 win that evened the best-of-five playoff at two games apiece. He threw 18 pitches, allowing one hit and striking out one. Williams, who led the AL with 248 strikeouts this season, is ready for the challenge. He struck out 11 in his Game 2 start. Sean Burke will start for Chicago, having performed well against Cleveland this year. The winner advances to the American League Championship Series. Home field hasn’t mattered much, as the road team has won all four games.
Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin helped off ice with leg injury after awkward fall against Capitals
WASHINGTON (AP) — New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has been helped off the ice with a right leg injury after an awkward fall into his own net against the Washington Capitals. Shesterkin came well out of his crease to challenge a shooter midway through the second period Friday night and fell as he scrambled back to the net. The 30-year-old Russian jammed his right skate into the right post as he slid back into the crease and collapsed into the net in pain. Shesterkin stayed down for several minutes holding his right knee as he received medical attention. He did not put any weight on his right leg as he was helped off the ice by teammates.
Kyle Busch’s 11-year-old son highlights his father’s ‘celebration of life’ ceremony with burnout
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — The NASCAR community and over 10,000 fans have celebrated the life of Kyle Busch at Charlotte Motor Speedway. His widow, Samantha Busch, shared memories during an emotional speech. Their 11-year-old son, Brexton, stole the show with a burnout in his father’s car. Samantha emphasized that Kyle’s legacy continues through young racers and shared lessons. Busch died unexpectedly in May at 41. His brother, Kurt, and other drivers shared stories and memories. The event featured som of Busch’s iconic cars and a performance by Cole Swindell. The NASCAR Hall of Fame has also unveiled an exhibit honoring Busch’s 25-year career.