FRED GOODALL

AP Sports Writer

South Carolina forward Sania Feagin (20) walks off the floor with teammates after South Carolina lost to UConn in the national championship game at the Final Four of the women's NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

South Carolina unable to repeat, but Gamecocks poised to be back for another March Madness run

Dawn Staley and her South Carolina Gamecocks came up short in their bid to repeat and capture a third national championship in four years. But the South Carolina women’s juggernaut is poised to big back for another deep March Madness run.

UConn guard Paige Bueckers shoots free throws during practice at the Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament Saturday, April 5, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Paige Bueckers’ UConn resume is missing an NCAA title. She says others can ponder her legacy

Paige Bueckers’ UConn resume has one glaring omission: She hasn’t been able to lead the storied women’s basketball program to a 12th NCAA title.

South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao (0) reacts during the second half of a national semifinal Final Four game against Texas during the women's NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

South Carolina returns to the NCAA title game and gets a rematch of 2022 against Bueckers and UConn

The journey has been more challenging than usual, but Dawn Staley and defending national champion South Carolina are still getting the job done.

South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards (8) drives to the basket against Texas forward Madison Booker (35) and forward Taylor Jones (44) during the first half of a national semifinal Final Four game during the women's NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

No superstars needed for South Carolina, which uses depth to beat Texas and reach NCAA title game

South Carolina used its depth, led by freshman Joyce Edwards, to wear down Texas and advance to the championship game of the women’s NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season.

Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner, left, recovers a fumble by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, right, during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Botched handoff by Baker Mayfield and late failures by Bucs’ offense contribute to playoff loss

Baker Mayfield’s fourth-quarter fumble led to a touchdown that gave the Washington Commanders a short-lived lead.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving scores a touchdown between New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) and cornerback Will Harris (5) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers won 27-19. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Rookie class led by Bucky Irving and Jalen McMillan helps the Buccaneers reach the playoffs

Baker Mayfield had the best statistical year of his career, Mike Evans topped 1,000 yards receiving again and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are NFC South champions for the fourth straight time.

New Orleans Saints safety Jordan Howden intercepts a deflected pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Bucs’ Evans matches Rice’s NFL record with 11th consecutive season with 1,000 yards receiving

Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans went over 1,000 yards receiving for the 11th consecutive season Sunday, tying Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s NFL record.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates after scoring against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Buccaneers aim to clinch 4th straight NFC South title and help receiver Mike Evans make NFL history

If Tampa Bay can clinch a playoff berth while also helping star receiver Mike Evans make NFL history, the Buccaneers would like to do it.

Michigan defensive end Derrick Moore (8) recovers a fumble by Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during the first half of the ReliaQuest Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Michigan defense pressures Milroe all day, Wolverines beat No. 11 Alabama 19-13 in ReliaQuest Bowl

Michigan’s defense sacked Jalen Milroe five times and forced three turnovers by the Alabama quarterback to lead the Wolverines to a 19-13 victory over the 11th-ranked Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving plays against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Bowles, Bucs get outside help in bid for playoff berth and 4th straight NFC South title

Todd Bowles didn’t bother staying up late to find out whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some much-needed help to make the NFL playoffs.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Auburn during the second half an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

A year after playing in CFP semifinal, No. 11 Alabama and Michigan meet again in ReliaQuest Bowl

The stakes aren’t as high as they were when No. 11 Alabama and Michigan last met in the postseason, however the Crimson Tide and Wolverines say they’re excited about their New Years Eve matchup in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans celebrates after scoring with quarterback Baker Mayfield against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Mayfield throws 5 TD passes and Bucs keep playoff, NFC South hopes alive with 48-14 rout of Panthers

Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep their division and playoff hopes alive with a 48-14 rout of the Carolina Panthers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) prepares to throw a pass in the second half of an NFL football game agianst the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Buccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berth

This isn’t a week when coach Todd Bowles feels he needs to find the right words to ensure his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are motivated to face the last-place Carolina Panthers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, left, talks with quarterback Baker Mayfield, right, late in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)

Nothing’s guaranteed, but Bucs need to win out to give themselves best shot to make the playoffs

Tampa Bay’s surest path to the NFL playoffs is a division championship. The Buccaneers will need help to repeat in the NFC South, but only if they first and foremost give themselves a chance.

Sammie Puisis scores 23 points, Mputu adds 17 to help South Florida top No. 9 Duke women 65-56

Sammie Puisis scored nine of her 23 points in the final seven minutes to help South Florida hold off ninth-ranked Duke for a 65-56 victory on Saturday.

Florida quarterback DJ Lagway (2) throws a pass against Tulane during the first half of the Gasparilla Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Lagway throws for 305 yards to help Florida trounce Tulane 33-8 in the Gasparilla Bowl

DJ Lagway shrugged off a couple of first-half turnovers and threw for 305 yards and a touchdown to lead Florida to a 33-8 victory over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl.

Florida head coach Billy Napier reacts after a play against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Florida and Tulane excited about opportunity to end season on positive note in Gasparilla Bowl

Florida is brimming with confidence after turning its season around. Tulane is looking to regain some swagger.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles answers a question after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Focused, surging Bucs have solid track record of finishing strong under Bowles

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been in a self-declared playoff mode for a month now. Coach Todd Bowles reiterated Monday that it’s not a gimmick to motivate his players, but rather a mindset necessary to save a season that was on the verge of slipping away during a stretch in which the team lost five

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) runbs away from Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Mayfield says streaking Bucs will have to play even better down the stretch to return to playoffs

Baker Mayfield already has matched his career high for touchdown passes in a season, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won three straight games to climb back to the top of the NFC South standings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes in the pocket against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Baker Mayfield throws for 3 TDs, Bucs take over 1st in NFC South with 28-13 win over Raiders

Baker Mayfield threw for 295 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Las Vegas Raiders 28-13 and take over sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) is taken off the field after an injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Raiders QB O’Connell leaves game against Bucs with knee injury

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell was carted off the field with a knee injury after being shoved to the ground after throwing a pass late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Rookie Bucky Irving relishes opportunity to help Buccaneers any way he can against skidding Raiders

Bucky Irving isn’t choosy. The rookie running back relishes any opportunity he gets to contribute to the success of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who have rebounded from a tough stretch to climb back into a tie for first place in the NFC South.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Buccaneers are back to .500 and in position to control their playoff hopes down the stretch

Tampa Bay’s bid for a fourth straight NFC South title and fifth consecutive playoff berth is gaining momentum.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield celebrates with fans after an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Confident Bucs gear up for stretch run against lighter season-ending schedule

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Sunday’s 30-7 rout of the New York Giants started a seven-game, regular season-ending stretch in which the Bucs will face six opponents that currently have losing records.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Bucs TE Cade Otton emerging as reliable target for Baker Mayfield in absence of injured receivers

Cade Otton is showing the rest of the NFL the type of offensive weapon the Tampa Bay Buccaneers always felt he could become.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles speaks at a news conference after an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Struggling Bucs feel they will turn their season around when they stop making critical mistakes

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers blame themselves for a four-game skid that has followed a promising start to the NFL season.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey catches a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Christian McCaffrey happy to be back on field and making plays to help 49ers win in his season debut

Christian McCaffery felt good physically. He’ll wait until he has a chance to watch some tape before deciding how good he looked in his 2024 debut.

San Francisco 49ers place kicker Jake Moody, middle, celebrates with teammates after kicking the game winning field goal during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Moody shrugs off 3 missed FGs to kick 49ers past Buccaneers 23-20 in McCaffrey’s season debut

Jake Moody redeemed himself after missing three earlier field goals by booting a 44-yarder as time expired to give the San Francisco 49ers a 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in running back Christian McCaffrey’s season debut.

Philadelphia Flyers right wing Owen Tippett (74) celebrates his goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning with right wing Travis Konecny (11) and defenseman Jamie Drysdale (9) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Tippett, Konecny score in shootout to give Flyers 2-1 win over Lightning

Owen Tippett scored the tying goal in the closing minutes of regulation, then got the clinching shootout goal as the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1. Travis Konecny also scored in the tiebreaker for the Flyers.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) hits Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Buccaneers and 49ers are aiming to shrug off so-so starts and make strong second-half runs

Baker Mayfield says he would gladly sacrifice some personal success for a few more victories. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are riding a three-game losing streak and have dropped four of their past five to fall below .500 for the first time this year at 4-5.