BETH HARRIS

AP Sports Writer
Mississippi State guard Denim DeShields (0) dribbles against California guard Kayla Williams (4) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
March Madness: Mississippi State beats California 59-46 behind Okot’s double-double
Madina Okot had 14 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out late and ninth-seeded Mississippi State defeated California 59-46 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Southern California center Rayah Marshall, left, and guard Kennedy Smith celebrate during the first half of a game against UNC Greensboro in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
March Madness: JuJu Watkins scores 22 and top-seeded USC routs UNCG 71-25 in 1st round
JuJu Watkins scored 22 points and top-seeded Southern California led all the way in beating 16th-seeded UNC Greensboro 71-25 to open March Madness. The Trojans advanced to the second round at Galen Center.
 
Michigan guard Syla Swords (12) drives on Southern California guard JuJu Watkins (12) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Coming off a loss, JuJu Watkins and USC eager to resume winning ways in March Madness
JuJu Watkins and her Southern California teammates have had plenty of time to stew and then get over their loss to rival UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament title game.
 
Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell, right, drives past Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers rally past Cavaliers 132-119, handing East leaders a second straight loss
Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points and the Los Angeles Clippers handed the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers their second straight loss, 132-119.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins, left, grabs a rebound from UCLA guard Londynn Jones (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
JuJu Watkins driven to lead top-seeded USC on deeper run in women’s NCAA Tournament
JuJu Watkins grew up tuning into the NCAA Tournament and making her own bracket. Now, it’s the super sophomore’s time to shine, leading No. 1 seed Southern California in the Trojans’ pursuit of a deeper run than their Elite Eight appearance a year ago.
 
Purdue guard Myles Colvin, left, defends against UCLA guard Eric Dailey Jr. (3) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in West Lafayette, Ind. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
After a winless Big Ten start, unranked UCLA comes into its first league tourney on a quiet roll
UCLA coach Mick Cronin is urging his team to play with a one-and-done mentality when the Bruins compete in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals on Friday in Indianapolis.
 
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, top, blocks the shot of Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Kawhi Leonard’s only shot in OT is the game winner at the buzzer for Clippers over Kings
Kawhi Leonard’s only shot in overtime proved to be the game winner. His left hook hit the backboard and rim before dropping in at the buzzer, giving the Los Angeles Clippers a 111-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
 
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, left, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Leonard’s hook shot at buzzer in OT gives Clippers 111-110 win over Kings
Kawhi Leonard’s hook shot at the buzzer lifted the Los Angeles Clippers over the Sacramento Kings 111-110 in overtime to tighten their grip on eighth place in the West.
 
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, shoots as New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 7, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Clippers beat Knicks 105-95 to avoid slipping out of West playoff race
James Harden scored 27 points, Kawhi Leonard added 20 and the Los Angeles Clippers held off the New York Knicks 105-95. The win helped keep the Clippers from dropping out of playoff position in the West.
 
Mikey Madison, winner of the award for best performance by an actress in a leading role for "Anora," poses in the press room at the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Breakout star Mikey Madison wins best actress Oscar for ‘Anora’ over Hollywood veteran Demi Moore
Mikey Madison has won the best actress Oscar for “Anora” in an upset over Hollywood veteran Demi Moore.
 
Sean Baker accepts the award for best original screenplay for "Anora" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Sean Baker wins original screenplay Oscar for ‘Anora.’ ‘Conclave’ wins adapted screenplay trophy
Sean Baker has won the original screenplay Oscar for “Anora,” a comedy-drama about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Baker also directed, produced and edited the film starring Mikey Madison.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins, left, reacts to getting a slap on the behind from former USC player Cheryl Miller after scoring during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCLA Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
USC’s JuJu Watkins hangs 30 points on UCLA at historic Pauley Pavilion
JuJu Watkins had 30 points, five assists, three blocks and two steals for No. 4 Southern California an 80-67 victory over No. 2 UCLA. The Trojans won their first Big Ten regular-season championship in the school’s first year in the league.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins, left, blocks the shot of UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
JuJu Watkins scores 30, No. 4 USC defeats No. 2 UCLA 80-67 to win 1st Big Ten regular-season title
JuJu Watkins scored 30 points and No. 4 Southern California defeated second-ranked UCLA 80-67 to clinch the program’s first Big Ten regular-season title in its league debut.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins (12) celebrates after scoring as UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) and guard Londynn Jones (3) look on during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
JuJu Watkins and No. 4 USC visit No. 2 UCLA in winner-take-all game for Big Ten regular-season title
The Big Ten probably didn’t expect to have two West Coast schools dominate the women’s basketball standings when the league opened its doors to UCLA and USC this season.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins (12) celebrates with forward Kiki Iriafen (44) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/William Liang)
No. 4 USC beats 25th-ranked Illinois 76-66 to retain sole possession of 1st in the Big Ten at 15-1
JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen scored 22 points each and No. 4 Southern California defeated 25th-ranked Illinois 76-66 to retain sole possession of first place in the Big Ten.
 
UCLA center Lauren Betts seated on the bench with a boot, fourth from right, follows the action from the bench during the first half against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
No. 1 UCLA bounces back from 1st loss of season to edge No. 22 Michigan State 75-69 without Betts
Timea Gardiner hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 44 seconds remaining to help top-ranked UCLA avoid its second loss of the week by edging No. 22 Michigan State 75-69.
 
UCLA head coach Cori Close gestures during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Southern California, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
No. 1 UCLA ends its run as nation’s lone unbeaten team with upset loss to crosstown rival USC
The unbeaten streak is over for UCLA. The top-ranked Bruins lost 71-60 to sixth-ranked USC and JuJu Watkins, ending their school-record run of 23 consecutive victories to open the season. They were the nation’s last unbeaten women’s team.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins (12) celebrates after scoring as UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) and guard Londynn Jones (3) look on during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
JuJu Watkins lifts sixth-ranked USC to program-defining win over No. 1 UCLA
JuJu Watkins broke out of a scoring slump with 38 points, helping sixth-ranked USC topple No. 1 UCLA 71-60 and further delivering on her goal of restoring the program to its earlier glory.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins (12) shoots during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against UCLA, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
No. 1 UCLA’s 23-game winning streak ends in 71-60 loss to USC and Watkins
JuJu Watkins scored 38 points to lead sixth-ranked Southern California over No. 1 UCLA 71-60, handing the crosstown rival Bruins their first loss of the season.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins (12) dribbles during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Minnesota in Los Angeles, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
No. 1 UCLA takes unbeaten record into crosstown showdown against sixth-ranked USC and JuJu Watkins
Top-ranked UCLA visits sixth-ranked Southern California in a sold-out showdown in Los Angeles on Thursday. At 23-0, the Bruins are the nation’s last remaining undefeated women’s team.
 
Los Angeles Sparks' Kelsey Plum, right, poses with her jersey with Sparks CEO Eric Holoman during an introductory WNBA basketball press conference, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
Kelsey Plum joins LA Sparks in a reunion with former Aces teammate Dearica Hamby
Kelsey Plum used to attend Los Angeles Sparks games as a kid, with her mother driving them from the San Diego area. The 30-year-old point guard has come full circle, joining the Sparks from the Las Vegas Aces in a three-team trade.
 
Washington Wizards' Malcolm Brogdon, left, defends Brooklyn Nets' Ben Simmons during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Ben Simmons says he’s ready to play at a high level for LA Clippers after being waived by Nets
Ben Simmons has opened a new chapter with the Los Angeles Clippers, practicing with the team for the first time after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets.
 
Southern California guard JuJu Watkins reacts after being called for a foul during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iriafen scores 24 points and No. 7 USC beats No. 8 Ohio State 84-63 as Watkins struggles
Kiki Iriafen had 24 points and 13 rebounds and No. 7 Southern California defeated eighth-ranked Ohio State 84-63 on a night when Trojans star JuJu Watkins struggled offensively.
 
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Siakam scores 33 points to help Pacers overcome 22-point deficit in 119-112 win over Clippers
All-Star Pascal Siakam scored 33 points and the Indiana Pacers rallied from a 22-point deficit after losing Myles Turner to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 119-112. Bennedict Mathurin added 25 points.
 
Michigan State guard Tre Holloman (5) dribbles against UCLA center Aday Mara (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)
UCLA edges No. 9 Michigan State 63-61 on Dailey’s basket with 7 seconds left
Eric Dailey Jr. scored the go-ahead basket over two defenders with 7 seconds left, lifting UCLA to a hard-fought 63-61 victory against No. 9 Michigan State. Skyy Clark scored 14 points and Tyler Bilodeau added 13 for the Bruins.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani talks to the media during a baseball interview during DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Ohtani’s return to pitching could come in May for World Series champion Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in May sounds “about right.” That’s according to manager Dave Roberts, who spoke Saturday at the team’s annual fan fest.
 
Bobby Weir, front, and Mickey Hart of 'The Grateful Dead' perform during the MusiCares Person of the Year gala honoring The Grateful Dead on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Tie-dye and dancing bears: Grammy weekend begins with Grateful Dead honored as Persons of the Year
The Grateful Dead kicked off Grammy weekend being honored as MusiCares Persons of the Year. Guitarist Bob Weir and drummer Mickey Hart were on hand as other artists took turns performing the legendary jam band’s songs during a 2 1/2-hour show in Los Angeles on Friday night.
 
Oregon guard Keeshawn Barthelemy, center, shoots as UCLA guard Lazar Stefanovic defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
UCLA beats No. 16 Oregon 78-52 for its 5th straight victory and 4th over a ranked opponent
Eric Dailey Jr. scored 21 points and UCLA led all the way in defeating No. 16 Oregon 78-52 for the Bruins’ fifth straight victory.
 
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, dunks as Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Harden scores 40 points to lead Clippers over Bucks 127-117, snapping Milwaukee’s 5-game win streak
James Harden scored 40 points and the Los Angeles Clippers overcame Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 127-117 on Saturday night.
 
Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) drives the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/William Liang)
Harden notches 79th career triple-double in Clippers’ 110-93 rout of NBA-worst Wizards
James Harden had 17 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds for his 79th career triple-double, and the Los Angeles Clippers led all the way in routing the NBA-worst Washington Wizards 110-93.
 
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