SPORTS SECTION
E
Wednesday, n ovember 19, 2025
Boxers off to USA Regionals
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
A THREE-member team from the Bahamas Boxing Academy is heading off today for the USA Regional Amateur Boxing Tournament in Los Angeles, California.
The team, consisting of Mario Goddard, Shantao Fernander and Richard Murphy Jr, will be competing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds from November 20-24 in the tournament being organised by the Sugar Bert Boxing Promotions.
Goddard, 18, and Fernander, 17, will both be competing in the 132-pound lightweight youth division, while Murphy Jr, 10, will be in the 65-pound pee-wee division.
Travelling with the team are international coach Rick Ogden and organiser Scott Lovelock, who are a part of the foreign based team, local coaches Valentino Knowles and
Kieshno Major, secretary Melissa Cleare and manager Andy Ford, a representative form the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.
On Monday, Prime Minister Philip 'Brave' Davis and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg showed up to send the team off.
They also got to view the facilities being built by an international company led by Nick Maughan, a philanthropist, entrepreneur and investor from the UK and founder of BoxWise.
The project is expected to transform the original national gym into a mecca facility where boxers will train, live and compete when it's completed early in the new year.
Knowles, who along with Major have transferred their boxers from their Aftershock programme, expressed his profound gratitude to God for making it possible for the boxers to get the opportunity to travel to compete.
"As I reflect on our journey, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the athletes and our entire team for an outstanding job," Knowles said.
"These fighters have committed themselves fully to their training, rising early for intense runs and pushing their limits. They have been shaped by countless hours of preparation and sacrifice leading up to this moment, as head coach in preparation for this event I am confident in the overall performance outcome."
Knowles said he wants to ensure each of them understand that the victories they seek have already been secured through their 11 weeks of dedication and hard work.
"This commitment truly exemplifies the essence of sportsmanship," he said.
"The boys have demonstrated that hard work is not merely a slogan, it is a way of life.
"The countless hours spent refining their skills and supporting one another
showcase their collective strength. I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them."
Amateur boxing, according to Knowles, goes beyond the pursuit of medals and accolades. He noted that it embodies the resilience shown when faced with challenges.
"Each fighter has faced their own set of obstacles and has emerged stronger," he said. "I have full confidence that they will perform exceptionally well
Dawn brings home silver
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor
bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
EVEN though she didn't go on stage at full strength, Dawn Charlton said she was still pleased with her performance at the International Federation of Bodybuilding's Professional League's 2025 Atlantic Coast Pro Show. Charlton, one of two Bahamians participating in the event over the weekend at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, picked up a silver medal in the women's bikini masters 40-plus category.
Competing against 12 competitors, who are among the elite pros, Charlton said she remained in centre stage throughout the comparisons as she ended up with the silver.
"The feedback is that they want me a little tighter, which is my conditioning," said Charlton, a 5-foot, 7-inch paralegal assistant by profession.
"I have one more show for the year, so I will come in a little tighter and see what happens. Hopefully, I can get first place."
track athlete, once again thanked God, her American coach Paul Riveria, her mother, Mavis Charlton, her friend Elroy Weise, her MacFit training family, including Kenny Mackey and Craig Bowe, her mentor Joel Stubbs, her co-workers at Providence Law and her family and friends for their support.
at this event, and I hope they all return victorious.
"I have seen the fire in their eyes. We have put in the work, and now it’s time to execute."
Knowles expressed his gratitude to the public, the parents of the boxers, who represent the first team representing the new Bahamas boxing academy, which will play a pivotal role in our future endeavours.
"I am proud to work with this body as we cultivate a vibrant community and
nurture talent," Knowles said.
Major, another member of the coaching staff, said from what he's seen in their training, the three boxers should represent The Bahamas very well this week. "I think they are both physically and mentally prepared. They were training very hard day in and day out, so we are looking for something great coming from them," he stated. "We are just keeping God first."
Like Knowles, Major said he's thrilled to be working with BoxingWise.
"This is a blessing to us in the amateur boxing community," Major said. "I feel like these guys are genuinely and truly interested in the boxing community here. They are really doing a lot to help the sport. So it's great working along with them."
Both Knowles and Major thanked Prime Minister Davis and Bowleg for laying the groundwork that empowers them as coaches to build upon.
Also representing The Bahamas at the event was Shakira Ferguson, competing in her first NPC show, won the 40-plus masters title as an amateur and was fifth in the Open Bikini D Class. Charlton, finishing behind American Crystal Omalza and ahead of Cheryl Sweeney, said she stepped on stage battling the cold and the effects of a tooth infection.
Coming off her fourth place finish in her first event at the Daytona Pro in September, Charlton will be back in action on December 6 in Union City, California.
"I travelled on Thursday and from Thursday to Saturday, I was battling with the cold and I had a toothache," she pointed out. "But showday I was fine. I only experienced it again on my way back home."
"My first show out of the box was in Daytona where I got fourth place," Charlton said. "The second one was second place, so I'm moving up the ladder."
Charlton, a former soccer player and
Ferguson, in honouring her mother who is living in Florida as she undergoes chemotherapy treatments, noted that she was extremely pleased that NPC gave her the opportunity to compete in the show.
"For me, it was a blessing because I really wanted my mother to see the show," Ferguson said.
"She lives in Florida and this was the first time she got to see me on stage.
"I was so happy that this show was open and I was able to do it and I brought home some hardware. I got gold," said Ferguson.
Kai on the rise
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
KAI Jones continues to rise in the Euro League since his September 15 signing of a one-year contract with Anadolu Efes for the 2025-26 season. The deal includes an NBA-out clause in January, which is a contractual option that allows Jones to leave the team early if he receives an offer from an NBA team.
Through his first five Euro League games with Efes, Jones, 24, averages 4.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks. He has played a total of 70 minutes, starting in three of the five games.
In his last Euro League game, he played 16 minutes, scoring four points (2/2 FG) and grabbing six rebounds.
Postgame, Jones said: “We are eager to play hard, smart, and together… once we translate the habits… we will reach our full potential.”
“So far I like how basketball is played here. It’s really team-oriented, my teammates are great guys, and the atmosphere is fantastic. It’s a very good feeling to belong to a team,” said Jones.
Jones was ruled out of Efes Round 6 game against Fenerbahce due to a severe migraine. But will return in the coming days.
“Everything is going great. I’m glad I chose to come here, and the team is playing really well. This is an excellent club, and so far I’m enjoying it.” Jones said in an interview. He also joked about his nickname on the team, “Goat, they all just call me “GOAT.”
Jones played college basketball at Texas, where he was named the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year. He was selected 19th overall in the 2021 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, then traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he spent his first two NBA seasons. He also spent time in the G League with the Greensboro Swarm.
In March 2024, Jones signed a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and played for their G League affiliate, Delaware Blue Coats. He would be dropped and later signed with the Los Angeles Clippers where he appeared in 28 games averaging 2.2 points and 1.6 rebounds.
In March 2025 he joined the Dallas Mavericks where he played 12 games and averaged 11.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
DAWN CHARLTON
PRIME Minister Philip Davis interacts with amateur boxers Mario Goddard and Shantao Fernander and Richard Murphy Jr (top right).
‘The greatest show on sand’
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
“THE greatest show on sand” is set to return as organisers prepare for the eighth edition of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise.
It was announced during a press conference held at Baha Mar that the derby will take place from December 10-13 across various locations yet to be announced.
Organisers prepare for 8th Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise December 10-13
“We feel that The Bahamas is the best place in the world for sports tourism,” said Todd Isaacs Jr, co-founder of the derby.
“We just wanna continue to grow. We have such beautiful partners and we just thank all for being here. We are eight years in it, which is
Jerald Carroll gets tennis scholarship, signs to play D1 collegiate tennis
ANOTHER Bahamian
tennis player received a tennis scholarship and has signed to play D1 collegiate tennis.
Jerald Carroll announced his signing with the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.
Carroll, who has been a stellar athlete for The Bahamas in tennis, has represented on numerous national teams.
One of the highlights of his representation was capturing the championship for The Bahamas at the Jr Davis Cup pre-qualifier in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023. Carroll went undefeated in singles play during this event.
crazy to think about,” said Issacs.
“Coming off the success of Queens of Paradise, it just made sense for us, we wanted to double down on betting on women and honestly, we think they are gonna show the guys up,” said Issacs.
This June, the Don’t Blink brand was expanded with the inaugural Queens of Paradise women’s professional softball series.
The series featured professional softball teams Orlando Monarchs and the Atlanta Smoke. “Bringing the baseball community
from the four corners of the world to experience our country, our hospitality.
“But, most importantly experience our people, it has been nothing short of amazing,” according to Isaacs.
The traditional World vs Bahamas format will be
replaced by a matchup featuring professional softball players competing against MLB players.
Derby week will begin with the annual kids' baseball and softball camp at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium on December 10.
University of Louisville Cardinals has a rich history, with a strong presence in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
• Conference regular-season titles: 10, with the most recent in 2020-2021.
• Conference tournament titles: 8, with the most recent in 2018.
• NCAA tournament: The team has made 24 appearances, with their most recent being in 2022.
Jerald has also captured some ITF junior titles and is now currently ranked 279 in the world in juniors. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) congratulates Jerald on receiving a tennis scholarship to join University of Louisville (UIL) Men’s Tennis.
ORGANISERS of the 8th Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise set for December 10-13.
BAHAMIAN tennis player Jerald Carroll has received a tennis scholarship and has signed to play D1 collegiate tennis.
NPBA: Commonwealth Bank Giants beat Caribbean Moonshine Rockets
TONIGHT
7pm - Jems Vacation Travel Alliance (DII)
8:15pm - Tucker Boys vs Rebels (D1)
FRIDAY
BIBT Great Whites vs Mason Aces (DII)
8pm - Caribbean Moonshine Rockets vs Shockers (D1)
9:15pm - Island Hoops Titans vs Commonwealth Bank Giants (D1)
SATURDAY
6:30pm - Cyber Tech Blue Marlins vs Shockers (DII)
7:45pm - Mekaddish Millionaires vs TMT Giants (D1)
8:15pm - Caribbean Moonshine Rockets vs Tucker Boys (D1)
9pm - AFS Insurance Heatwaves vs Jems Vacation Travel Alliance (DII).
Local Sports Calendar
SWIM MEETS
BAHAMAS Aquatics has a pair of swim meets on its calendar for the rest of the year in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
Nassau at Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex
November 21-22 - Lightning Aquatics Meet December 5-6 - BEAST Aquatics Meet Grand Bahama
November 15 - Mako Aquatics Club Meet November 22 - Alpha Aquatics Swim Meet
December 6 - Freeport Aquatics Club Meet ROAD RACE ANDROS HEATS THE sixth annual Andros Heats Road Race will be held on Saturday, December 6 on Morgan’s Bluff, Andros, starting at 8:30am. The registration fee is $6 per athlete. Trophies will be presented to the first three finishers in each age division, while fourth place finishers will get medals. Interested persons are urged to contact 242-8238801 for more information.
ROAD RACE MACEDONIA
BAPTIST CHURCH
AS a part of its 60th anniversary, Macedonia Baptist Church will hold a Family Fun Run/Walk race that is open to the general public on January 24. The dual event is scheduled to start at 6am at the church on Bernard Road, Fox Hill. The registration fee is $10 per athlete and the categories include male and female 15-and-under, 20-and-under, 40-and-under, 60-and-under and
over-60 with awards presented to the first three finishers.
The walk will leave the church and head west on Bernard Road to the junction at Wulff and Soldier Roads. The competitors will turn around and head east back to the church. The run will also leave the church and head west on Bernard Road onto Soldier Road, head south to Prince Charles Drive, head east to Fox Hill Road, head north to Bernard Road and head west back to the church.
Interested persons can call 426-7265 or 324-1583 for more details. TRACK LEGENDS TRACK MEET THE Legends Track and Field’s Devynne Charlton Invitational is scheduled for Saturday, February 7 at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. The meet, to be held in honour of world indoor 60m hurdles record holder and two-time champion Devynne Charlton, will have her younger sister Anthaya Charlton as one of
the special guests. Powered by Speed Capital, it will feature athletes competing from the ages of seven to the open categories for boys and girls.
T-BIRD FLYERS THE T-Bird Flyers will hold its 2026 Track Classic, held in memory of the late Gregory Clarke, on Friday, January 9, starting at 6pm and Saturday,
NPBA players in action at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Saturday night.
Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff
Mike McDaniel says family time, chance for rest and Dolphins’ winning streak align perfectly
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer
MIAMI
GARDENS,
Florida (AP) — Mike McDaniel has a big week planned. There are some swing sets and playgrounds in his future for the next few days, since a bye week for the Miami Dolphins will afford him an opportunity to catch up on family time. It just so happens the fun stuff is coming at a good moment for the Dolphins. For the first time all year, the Dolphins are on a winning streak. A 16-13 overtime win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday in Madrid gave Miami back-to-back wins and pushed its record to 4-7 — far from optimal, yet a whole lot better than things looked at 1-6 and 2-7.
So, when McDaniel sees his team at work on Tuesday for the final time
before a few days away, his message will be clear: Go reconnect with the family and get ready for the final six games that await. “I think it’s important and I try to lead by example,” McDaniel said Monday. "So, I will be investing in family time so that I can have an excited daughter at games for the rest of the year.”
There might be some excited players at those games as well. The Dolphins are still well out of playoff contention; they're mathematically alive, sure, but remain an absolute long shot to find their way into the postseason. That said, three of their next four games are against teams that are currently either 2-8 (New Orleans and the New York Jets) or 3-7 (Cincinnati). McDaniel said he doesn't worry about momentum
being sidetracked by the bye week.
“I think it’s a good time to get rest," McDaniel said. "That’s the next thing that we have to win ... an inward look at our game, see where we can minimise inefficiency, and then people doing the right things with their body and their mind so that we can hit the next stretch running.”
What’s working The defence deserves high praise for its continued turnaround. Over the first seven weeks of the season, Miami allowed 29.3 points per game — ranking No. 29 in the 32-team league. In the four weeks since, Miami has allowed 16 points per game — ranking No. 3 in the league.
What needs help Miami continues to struggle on third and fourth down. In their first six games, the Dolphins
converted on 47.4% of third- and fourth-down chances. In the five games since, that number has plummeted to 29.9% — and the 26.8% percent success rate on third downs in that span is 31st in the NFL. Only Atlanta (17.5% in that span) has been worse.
Stock up
LB Jordyn Brooks had a 20-tackle game Sunday, the most by any player in the NFL this season. There have been three games of 18 or more tackles so far in this regular season; Brooks has two of them, and Las Vegas' Elandon Roberts has the other.
Stock down McDaniel exposed himself to a ton of second-guessing by not having
the Dolphins kick what would have been a chipshot field goal that could have given Miami the lead late in regulation; imagine carrying that into a bye week if the Commanders had won the game. That said, the decision was gutsy, as was the (ultimately correct) decision to take the ball second in overtime. Even the analytics types are split on what best practices are for the OT coin toss.
Injuries
It's possible that Miami may get a few players back after the bye, including TE Darren Waller (pectoral), K Jason Sanders (hip), OT Austin Jackson (toe), CB Rasul Douglas (foot, ankle) and WR Dee Eskridge (shoulder). S Jordan
Colbert (stinger) left Sunday's game early, as did CB JuJu Brents. In Brents' case, the injury — announced Sunday as an ankle problem — is evidently severe enough that the Dolphins aren't optimistic about him returning this season.
Key number 21 — The Dolphins are 32-32, including playoffs, under McDaniel. They're 27-4 when giving up 21 or fewer points (4-0 this season) and 5-28 when allowing more than 21 points (0-7 this season).
Next steps
After Sunday night's eight-hour flight back to South Florida, the Dolphins are off this week before playing host to New Orleans on November 30.
Eagles’ defence has carried them to 8-2
record while the offence
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP)
— Take a look at the stat sheet, the game film or even a blip of a TikTok highlight and it's clear the Philadelphia Eagles are winning — and sit atop the NFC standings — because of a defence that ranks among the best in franchise history.
The Eagles' offence, which boasts a Super Bowl MVP in Jalen Hurts and an Offensive Player of the Year in Saquon Barkley, is playing like a unit that knows scoring just one touchdown should be good enough for a win.
In the last two games, at least, one TD has been enough. The Eagles followed their 10-7 win at Green Bay with a 16-9 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday night. Defensive tackles Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis combined to bat down five passes. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips had five tackles, a sack and four QB pressures.
Cooper DeJean had an interception — his first since a pick-6 against Kansas City in the Super Bowl — and linebacker Zack Baun led the Eagles in tackles.
Phillips has been an instant hit in two games since general manager Howie Roseman swung a deal with Miami at the deadline to add depth to the defence. He had his
first sack with the Eagles — he set a Dolphins rookie record with 8 1/2 sacks in his first season in the NFL and followed that with seven sacks the next year — and pressured Jared Goff into one of the worst stat lines of his 10-year career.
How much longer can the Eagles (8-2) ride their defence before the offence breaks though with some explosive plays?
“I'd like to win every game by 30 points,” coach Nick Sirianni said. “I don’t think that’s the reality of the NFL.”
Certainly not with this season's offence.
What’s working
The Lions entered averaging 31.4 points per game, then failed to convert on five fourth-down attempts and were 3 of 13 on third down.
The Eagles have held opponents to single digits in consecutive games for the first time since 2022.
The Lions were held to their lowest scoring output of the season and lowest since they scored six points against Baltimore in 2023.
The Eagles were the second team in the last 25 years not to allow an opponent to convert on five or more fourth-down attempts.
What needs help
Would you believe, the tush push?
struggles
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (37) runs with the ball during the first half against the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
offensive stars, still a troubling pattern through 10 games.
Hurts threw for only 135 yards, Barkley ran for 83 in another average outing a year after he topped 2,000 yards rushing, and former 1,000-yard receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for nine catches for 57 yards.
Injuries Offensive lineman Lane Johnson was expected to miss significant time with a foot injury. Fred Johnson will likely move into Lane Johnson's spot on the line.
“We'll see with Lane,” Sirianni said Monday. “I know he'll do everything he can do to get back as quick as he possibly can. We'll see where that leads.”
Key stats
Maybe it's just a onegame aberration. Or maybe the Lions — the only team on the Eagles' schedule that voted in favour of keeping the play in May — found a way to stop the tush push, which fuelled Philadelphia's run toward the Super Bowl.
Hurts scored the Eagles' lone touchdown on the normally reliable short-yardage play, but the Eagles failed on their other five sneak attempts.
“They’re honing in on it, very strict on the guard and the centre and how they operate and they got their eyes on it,” Hurts said. “We just have to be as clean as possible and then go out there and find ways to convert it.”
Stock up
Cornerback Quinyon
Mitchell shut down Lions
receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who finished with two receptions for 42 yards.
Mitchell has allowed a 41.9% completion percentage this season, the lowest by any player with at least 50 targets since 2018, per Next Gen Stats.
Stock down
The Eagles again hit the trifecta of underachieving
The Eagles set a franchise record by starting 8-2 for the fourth straight season. Sirianni is the seventh coach since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to start 8-2 in four straight seasons, joining Bill Belichick (2014-17 Patriots), Mike Ditka (1985-88 Bears), Marv Levy (1990-93 Bills), John Madden (197477 Raiders), Sean Payton (2017-20 Saints) and Don Shula (1971-74 Dolphins). Next steps It's hard to believe, but the Eagles can't actually clinch the NFC East with a win Sunday at Dallas. The other three teams in the division have a combined eight wins.
MIAMI Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel with his wife Katie Hemstalk and daughter, Ayla before an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.
(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
UB Mingoes shut out Cavalier
for third straight win
KEVIN Thomas picked up a hat-trick to help his University of The Bahamas Mingoes men's soccer team take down Cavalier F.C. 11-0 in Bahamas Men's Soccer League (BMSL) play Sunday at the Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Fields.
It was UB's third straight victory on the young season and third straight match scoring multiple goals.
Joshua Johnson, who wore the captain’s band, was happy for the clean sheet. “The game was pretty calm,” Johnson said. “First half, we rushed it but in the second-half, we had to slow it down a bit but we got 11 goals. We could have gotten more, but we got the win.”
Thomas got the scoring underway for UB in the eighth minute on a pass from Philip Pilgrim for his first goal of the season.
Dylan McPhee gave the goalkeeper no chance when he powered shot off the left foot in the back of the net in the 33rd minute.
Thomas got back on the scoresheet four minutes later to give UB the 3-0 lead. UB was not finished in the first half as winger Ahmaad Smith scored in the 44th minute to put them up 4-0 and put the game out of reach. UB led 4-0 at the half. Forward Darvio Smith finally got on the scoreboard in the 47th minute with a sitter from Ronaldo
Green. Thomas' younger brother Keno Thomas got a goal of his own in the 53rd minute to put UB up 6-0. Kevin Thomas was not finished yet as he sent a bullet shot past the goalkeeper to make it 7-0 to cap off his hat-trick in the 60th minute. “I score a hat-trick against Cavalier every year, so I just love to play against them,” Kevin Thomas said. “Scoring is always a great feeling. I hope I can continue to score more in the future.”
Defender Junior Kelly, who usually starts, came off the bench in this match and got on the scoresheet in the 77th minute on a poorly cleared ball by Cavalier’s defence as UB went up 8-0. Forward and freshman, Nahum Johnson made his BMSL debut for UB and did not disappoint as he scored in the 83rd minute.
Green, who was the leading scorer for UB last season, capped off the scoring for UB with two late goals to make it 11-0.
He scored a well-placed header in the 88th minute on a Clerdjivensky Clerjuste’s pass and then on a Clerjuste’s corner kick that Joshua Johnson flicked to Green who put it away in the 89th minute.
UB will now prepare for a rivalry match against Dynamos F.C Sunday at 3pm at the Roscow A.L Davies Soccer Fields.
UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas soccer players in action against Cavalier F.C. on Sunday, November 16 at the Roscow A.L. Davies Soccer Fields. UB won 11-0.
Photos: UB ATHLETICS
Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland and Austria secure automatic World Cup spots
By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer
EUROPEAN qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finished yesterday with Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Scotland and Austria securing the region’s remaining automatic spots.
Spain, FIFA's top-ranked team, was held to a 2-2 home draw with Turkey but took first place in Group E and equalled Italy's 31-match unbeaten streak in competitive games. Italy's record came between 2018 and 2021.
Scotland beat 10-man Denmark 4-2 in a winnertake-all match in Group C, with Scott McTominay scoring a superb bicycle kick goal three minutes into the match, securing the Scots in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Denmark finished second in the group.
A 1-1 home draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina was enough for Austria in Group H, while Belgium routed Liechtenstein 7-0.
Switzerland qualified after a 1-1 draw at Kosovo.
The 12 group winners qualified directly, while the runners-up will participate in playoffs along with the four best-ranked group winners of the 2024-25 Nations League that did not finish first or second in their groups.
The playoffs will be played on March 26 and March 31. The World Cup will be played in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11-July 19.
Spain's record Mikel Oyarzabal scored the equaliser in the 62nd minute and Spain extended its unbeaten streak — which began in a match against Italy in the semifinals of the Nations League in 2023 — to 31 matches, according to Spain's soccer federation. The only way La Roja would have lost first place was if it was defeated by seven goals or more. Turkey was second in the group. Already eliminated Bulgaria beat Georgia 2-1 at home.
Belgium's rout Belgium reached its fourth straight World Cup by trouncing Liechtenstein to win Group J. Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy
Doku each scored a pair of goals. Second-place went to Wales after it routed North Macedonia 7-1 at home with a hat trick by Harry Wilson.
A draw would have been enough for North Macedonia. Both North Macedonia and Wales were secured in the playoffs through the Nations League.
Switzerland in Switzerland drew with Kosovo to win Group B and secure its sixth straight World Cup appearance. Switzerland arrived in good position and could have guaranteed its spot even if it had lost by five goals. Kosovo, seeking its first World Cup appearance, had already secured second place. Sweden, which will be in the playoffs through the Nations League, drew 1-1 Slovenia. Already eliminated Greece and Belarus drew 0-0.
Austria hangs on In another winner-takeall match, Austria held Bosnia and Herzegovina to a draw at home to win Group H and make it back to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 in France. Michael Gregoritsch scored the equalizer that Austria needed to qualify in the 77th. Bosnia and Herzegovina last played in soccer’s showcase event in 2014 in Brazil. Thirdplace Romania routed San Marino 7-1 at home.
Scotland’s Scott McTominay scores the opening goal with an overhead kick during the 2026 World Cup European Qualifying soccer match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday. (Andrew Milligan/PA via AP)
Austria’s Michael Gregoritsch celebrates his side’s equalising goal during a group H World Cup qualifiying soccer match between Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vienna, Austria, yesterday. (AP Photo/Heinz-Peter Bader)
Switzerland’s, from left, Johan Manzambi, Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez, celebrate with teammates after the 2026 World Cup Group B qualifying match against Kosovo in Pristina, Kosovo, yesterday. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)
Knicks late rally falls short as Heat get 115-113 victory
By The Associated Press
MIAMI (AP) — Norman Powell scored 19 points, Kel’el Ware finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds and the Miami Heat held off a frantic rally in the final moments to beat the New York Knicks 115-113 on Monday night.
Davion Mitchell scored 18 points for Miami, which got 14 from Simone Fontecchio and 13 apiece from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Pelle Larsson.
Deuce McBride scored 25 for New York, which got 23 from Mikal Bridges and a 22-point, 16-rebound effort from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Miami led by 10 with 3 minutes left before the Knicks finished on an 11-3 run. New York got within one point on a 3-pointer by Towns with 22.4 seconds left, and Mitchell pushed Miami’s lead back to two about a second later by making the second of two free throws.
That set up a most eventful final possession for New York, one in which the Knicks thought they tied the game on a goaltending call that was overturned after review.
McBride missed a jumper, Towns got the offensive rebound and missed, and referees said Ware was guilty of goaltending — the call that was overturned.
Play resumed with a jump ball at midcourt that the Knicks controlled.
McBride missed again, Towns got two more offensive rebounds and missed both attempts to tie, and the game ended with Mitchell having corralled the final rebound for Miami as time expired.
CAVALIERS 108,
BUCKS 106
CLEVELAND (AP) —
Donovan Mitchell scored 37 points and Cleveland rallied for a victory over Milwaukee, who saw AllStar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo leave the game due to injury.
Antetokounmpo immediately went to the locker room with 3:03 remaining in the second quarter and did not return due to a left groin strain. The 14-year veteran came into the game tied for second in the league and leading the Eastern Conference in scoring at 32.6 points per game.
Coach Doc Rivers said there would further testing for Antetokounmpo on Tuesday.
Antetokounmpo was listed as probable on the injury report due to left knee patellar tendinopathy, but finished with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in 13 minutes.
Mitchell, second in the Eastern Conference in scoring at 30.4 points per game, had 25 points in the first half. It is the fifth time this season he has had at least 35 points in a game.
Sam Merrill added 20 points, including six 3-pointers, for the Cavaliers, who have won three of their last four. Merrill had 11 points in the final 12 minutes as Cleveland took control.
The game was tied at 88 before Cleveland took control with a 12-3 run late in the third and early in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers’ largest lead was 14 points late in the game.
76ERS 110, CLIPPERS 108
PHILADELPHIA (AP)
— Tyrese Maxey scored 39 points, Paul George had nine points and seven rebounds in his season debut, and Philadelphia rallied for a victory over short-handed Los Angeles.
Quentin Grimes added 19 points and Andre Drummond had 14 points and 18 rebounds while filling in for Joel Embiid.
James Harden scored 28 points for the Clippers, who have lost eight of nine. Harden became the 11th player to eclipse 28,000 career points with a first-quarter layup.
Derrick Jones Jr. sat out after injuring his knee in Sunday’s 121-118 loss at Boston. The Clippers also
were without Kawhi Leonard (ankle/foot sprain) for the seventh straight game. Embiid (right knee injury management) sat out for the third straight game and eighth of 13 this season.
Los Angeles controlled the first 3 1/2 quarters and led 91-81 with 8:44 left on Ivica Zubac’s 10-footer. But Philadelphia used a 14-3 run over the next 2:49, capped by Maxey’s layup, to go in front 95-94. It was close from that point.
PISTONS 127, PACERS 112
DETROIT (AP) — Jalen Duren scored 31 points in his return from an ankle injury and Daniss Jenkins added 26 points as shorthanded Detroit won its 10th straight game, beating NBA-worst Indiana.
The Pistons are on their longest winning streak since an 11-game run in 200708, despite playing the last three games without several key players. Cade Cunningham (hip), Tobias Harris (ankle) and Ausar Thompson (ankle) were among the players on the sidelines against Indiana. The 1-13 Pacers, meanwhile, have lost eight straight games. The NBA finalists from a year ago are mired in their longest losing streak since the 2014-15 season.
Ten players scored for Detroit, with five reaching double figures. Javonte Green scored 20 points off the bench. Duncan Robinson had 13 points and Isaiah Steward 10. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 29 points. Benedict Mathurin added 25 points as Indiana fell to 0-8 on the road.
RAPTORS 110, HORNETS 108
TORONTO (AP) — RJ Barrett scored the tiebreaking basket with 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes both had pivotal blocked shots in the final moments and Toronto won for the eighth time in nine games by beating Charlotte. Ingram scored 27 points, Barnes and Barrett each had 16 and Immanuel Quickley added 15 points
and 10 rebounds as Toronto won its fourth straight. Ingram got the crowd on its feet with an eye-popping fourth quarter dunk over Hornets rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner.
After Barrett’s go-ahead basket, Ingram maintained the lead by blocking Kalkbrenner from behind. On the final possession, Barnes sealed it by blocking Collin Sexton’s putback attempt at the buzzer.
Jakob Poeltl scored 13 points and Gradey Dick had 10 for Toronto.
TIMBERWOLVES 120, MAVERICKS 96
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Naz Reid scored a season-high 22 points and Minnesota beat shorthanded Dallas. Reid scored 10 points in the first quarter and led all scorers with 19 points in the first half. He hit a 3-pointer just before the end of third quarter, capping his 22-point game and sending Minnesota into the fourth quarter with a 32-point lead.
Six Timberwolves scored in double figures, including all five starters. Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert scored 15 points apiece and star Anthony Edwards had a relatively quiet night with 13 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
Top draft pick Cooper Flagg and Brandon Williams each had 15 points for Dallas, which fell to 1-2 in the second game of backto-backs this season. The Mavericks were coming off a win over Portland on Sunday.
THUNDER 126, PELICANS 109
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Chet Holmgren scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Oklahoma City raced to an early double-digit lead they maintained throughout in a victory over reeling New Orleans.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 points and Lu Dort 17 for the Thunder, who set a franchise record for points in a quarter with 49 in the first. Isaiah
Hartenstein added 16 points for Oklahoma City, which won its sixth straight for a 14th victory in 15 games to open the season.
Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears scored a season-high 24 and Trey Murphy III added 18 points for the Pelicans, who’ve lost six straight for the second time in their first 14 games, and two straight since interim coach James Borrego took over in the wake of Willie Green’s firing on Saturday.
BULLS 130, NUGGETS 127 DENVER (AP) — Kevin Huerter and Nikola Vucevic hit big 3-pointers down the stretch and Chicago overcame a triple-double by Nikola Jokic to hold off Denver. The Bulls squandered an 18-point lead in the first half. They also let a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter slip away before rallying late to snap a five-game losing streak. Huerter hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:25 left and Vucevic later extended the
lead with another with 33 seconds remaining.
Denver had a chance to tie it, but Jokic’s shot at the buzzer was off the mark.
Ayo Dosunmu and Josh Giddey led six Bulls players in double figures with 21 points each. Giddey also had 14 rebounds.
Chicago handed the Nuggets their first home loss of the season in a game in which the Bulls held a 66-9 advantage in bench scoring.
The Bulls showed no signs of exhaustion despite arriving in the Mile High City off a 150-147 double-overtime loss in Utah the night before.
Jokic finished with 36 points, 18 rebound and 13 assists for his eighth triple-double of the season. He was an assist shy of reaching the mark by halftime.
Jamal Murray scored 18 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter.
Aaron Gordon had 24 points for the Nuggets, who saw their seven-game winning streak halted.
MIAMI Heat forward Nikola Jovic (5) drives to the basket as New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (2) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Monday night.
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
