ANNE M. PETERSON

AP Sports Writer

Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara, left, dribbles the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Howard Lao)

Trail Blazers end season with 109-81 win over short-handed playoff-bound Lakers

Dalano Banton scored 23 points and the Portland Trail Blazers ended the season with a 109-81 victory over the playoff-bound Los Angeles Lakers, playing without Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups watches play against the Atlanta Hawks diring the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Blazers sign coach Chauncey Billups to a multi-year extension

Coach Chauncey Billups has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers did not release terms of the deal, announced before the regular-season finale against the Lakers on Sunday.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III, center, grabs a rebound against Portland Trail Blazers guard Matisse Thybulle, center left, and guard Dalano Banton, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, April 11, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Howard Lao)

Butler scores 24 points to lead Warriors in 103-86 rout of Trail Blazers

Jimmy Butler III scored 24 points and the Golden State Warriors routed the Trail Blazers 103-86. But they did not clinch a playoff spot with one game remaining.

Portland Thorns FC forward Deyna Castellanos (10) runs up field during an NWSL soccer match against the Kansas City Current in Kansas City, Mo., March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Peter Aiken, File)

Venezuelan NWSL star opts out of national team duty fearing possible return issues

Portland Thorns forward Deyna Castellanos says she did not play for Venezuela’s national team in a pair of recent games because of concerns she might not be able to return to the United States.

San Diego FC fans celebrate a goal against the Seattle Sounders during an MLS soccer match Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Diego. (Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)

MLS will give further consideration to adopting a fall-to-spring calendar

Major League Soccer’s Board of Governors will give further consideration to adopting a fall-to-spring calendar, a major move that would align the league with its international counterparts.

Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) shoots against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, April 6, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)

Blazers beat Spurs 120-109, but both teams are eliminated from play-in contention

Toumani Camara had 23 points and 11 rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers held off a late rally by the San Antonio Spurs for a 120-109 victory.

A bar top is seen at The Sports Bra that the sports bar on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Portland, Ore., which was made from the court with the mismatched 3-point lines that caused a stir during the women's tournament games played in Portland in 2024. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Those mismatched 3-point arcs from March Madness last year? The Sports Bra made that court its bar

The nation’s first women’s sports bar is flipping the script on one of the blunders from last year’s NCAA Tournament.

UConn guard Paige Bueckers, left, places confetti onto head coach Geno Auriemma, front right, after the team's win over Southern California in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 31, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

UConn’s Paige Bueckers and Geno Auriemma share mutual respect heading into the Final Four

UConn’s run to the Final Four reveals the partnership guard Paige Bueckers and coach Geno Auriemma have forged over her time with the Huskies.

UCLA center Lauren Betts, second from left, hugs UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) during the second half of a game against LSU in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Lauren Betts’ brief absence provides valuable test for UCLA in March Madness

If there’s one thing UCLA’s Elite Eight victory over LSU showed, it’s that the Bruins are about more than just Lauren Betts. The 6-foot-7 All America center is the centerpiece of UCLA’s offense and a menace for their opponents.

UConn guard Paige Bueckers leaves the court after a game against Southern California in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament Monday, March 31, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Paige Bueckers carries UConn to record 24th women’s Final Four with 78-64 win over USC

UCLA players and staff surround a trophy and banner for a photograph after their win against LSU in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Lauren Betts and UCLA reach first Final Four of women’s NCAA Tournament, beating LSU 72-65

Lauren Betts had 17 points and seven rebounds despite spending the entire second quarter on the bench, and top overall seed UCLA reached its first Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament with a 72-65 victory over LSU.

UConn guard Paige Bueckers, left, hugs center Jana El Alfy during the second half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Paige Bueckers and UConn hope to take next step toward title in Elite Eight rematch with USC

UConn coach Geno Auriemma caused a minor stir during last year’s NCAA Tournament when he proclaimed that his star guard, Paige Bueckers, was the best player in the country.

Southern California players celebrate after their win over Kansas State in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

USC shakes off JuJu Watkins’ absence and beats Kansas State 67-61 in March Madness

Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament.

UConn guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts after scoring a basket during the second half against Oklahoma in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Bueckers has career-high 40 to lead one-woman March Madness rout for UConn, 82-59 over Oklahoma

Paige Bueckers scored a career-high 40 points, rescuing UConn from its first-half doldrums and single-handedly turning a tight game against Oklahoma into an 82-59 rout that sent the Huskies to the Elite Eight of the women’s NCAA Tournament.

UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) controls the ball while pressured by Mississippi forward Starr Jacobs during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)

Betts, top overall seed UCLA look for March Madness success in Elite Eight meeting with LSU

With back-to-back games of at least 30-plus points and 10 or more rebounds, UCLA center Lauren Betts certainly appears unstoppable. But, LSU has thwarted the Bruins before — in the Sweet 16 of last years women’s NCAA Tournament.

Southern California players walk to the court for practice before the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament Friday, March 28, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

There’s less March Madness chaos this year in Spokane, with fewer teams and lessons learned

There’s a lot less chaos in Spokane for this year’s NCAA Tournament with fewer teams, games and fans in town. The city is hosting women’s tournament games at Spokane Arena.

UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) looks to pass the ball as Mississippi forward Starr Jacobs (7) defends during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament Friday, March 28, 2025, in Spokane, Wash. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

Lauren Betts is nearly perfect to lead UCLA past Ole Miss 76-62 and into Elite Eight

Lauren Betts was so dominant inside that she barely missed, scoring 31 points on 15-of-16 shooting to lead UCLA past Mississippi 76-62 and sending the Bruins to the Elite Eight of the women’s NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma gestures during the second half against South Dakota State in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Monday, March 24, 2025, in Storrs, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

UConn coach Geno Auriemma says super regional format for women’s March Madness ‘ruined the game’

UConn coach Geno Auriemma has complained about the women’s NCAA Tournament format that once again has sent the Huskies across the country. And possibly back again.

Southern California guard JuJu Watkins stands on the court during the second half against UNC Greensboro in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

USC vows to soldier on in March Madness without injured star JuJu Watkins

While heartbroken at the loss of star guard JuJu Watkins, Southern California’s players are determined to move forward in the women’s NCAA Tournament. The top-seeded Trojans will face No. 5 seed Kansas State on Saturday in the Sweet 16.

UCLA center Lauren Betts (51) celebrates with forward Kendall Dudley (22) during the second half of a game against Richmond in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

UCLA players send well wishes to rival JuJu Watkins while preparing for Ole Miss in March Madness

As top overall seed UCLA and star center Lauren Betts prepared for a Sweet 16 meeting with Mississippi, the Bruins’ thoughts were also on a familiar foe.

Fans gather during a kickoff celebration for National Women's Soccer League's Boston franchise, which is to be named BOS Nation Football Club, Tuesday, Oct.. 15, 2024, in Boston. (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via AP,File)

NWSL expansion team rebrands as the Boston Legacy after shedding previous name

After having to apologize for its first team name reveal, the expansion National Women’s Soccer League team in Boston has a new moniker: Boston Legacy FC.

Maryland center Derik Queen celebrates with teammates after making the winning basket for a 72-71 win over Colorado State in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Derik Queen, aka ‘Baby Jokic,’ makes his mark on March Madness

Derik Queen’s teammates at Maryland call him “Baby Jokic.” But while Queen is an obviously gifted big man, he’s still something of a big kid, quick to joke with a broad smile that reveals his braces.

United States' Trinity Rodman (5) dribbles passt Germany's Felicitas Rauch, right, during a women's semifinal soccer match between the United States and Germany at the 2024 Summer Olympics at Lyon Stadium in Decines, France, Aug. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, File)

Trinity Rodman is back with the US soccer team for a pair of games against Brazil

Trinity Rodman is back with the U.S. women’s national team for the first time since last summer’s Paris Olympics. Rodman had been nursing a back injury and was left out of the U.S. team’s January camp and the recent SheBelieves Cup tournament.

Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda (22) runs past Washington Spirit defender Tara McKeown (9) during the second half of the NWSL championship at CPKC Stadium, Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)

NWSL, union and 2 teams denounce fans’ reported ‘hateful language’ against Barbra Banda

The National Women’s Soccer League, its players union and the Orlando Pride and Gotham FC have denounced reports of “hateful language” directed at Pride forward Barbra Banda.

Arizona guard Caleb Love reacts after dunking against Oregon during the second half in the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Caleb Love leads Arizona past Oregon 87-83 to set up a showdown with Duke in March Madness

Caleb Love had 29 points and nine rebounds, and fourth-seeded Arizona advanced to the Sweet 16, surviving a ragged finish to beat former Pac-12 rival Oregon 87-83 in the NCAA Tournament.

Oregon center Nate Bittle, right, backs up against Liberty forward Zander Yates during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Former Pac-12 foes Oregon and Arizona set for first March Madness meeting

In the very recent past, the NCAA Tournament selection committee would seek to avoid having Oregon face Arizona in the second round of March Madness.

Oregon center Nate Bittle, right, drives against Liberty forward Owen Aquino during the first half in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Oregon routs Liberty 81-52 in March Madness opener

Jackson Shelstad scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half, and fifth-seeded Oregon routed No. 12 seed Liberty 81-52 on Friday night to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Maryland guard DeShawn Harris-Smith, left, celebrates a three-point basket with guard Selton Miguel during the second half against Grand Canyon in the first round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Julian Reese and Maryland blow out Grand Canyon 81-49 in March Madness

Julian Reese had 18 points and nine rebounds, and fourth-seeded Maryland pounded No. 13 seed Grand Canyon 81-49 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Maryland head coach Kevin Willard watches against the Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Willard addresses future at Maryland as March Madness opener looms

As rumors swirl about his future, Maryland coach Kevin Willard expressed concerns with the direction of his program on the eve of the Terrapins’ opening game in the NCAA Tournament.

Maryland center Derik Queen (25) reacts to a basket against the Michigan during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Big Ten Conference tournament in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Maryland’s March Madness hopes rest with the ‘Crab Five’

The cute “Crab Five” nickname belies the resiliency of Maryland’s starters. The group that has started every game since Nov. 19 is averaging 70 points, most among the major conference programs. All five starters average double figures.