SPORTS
Team Bahamas named
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
IN assembling what they call its best pitching core in more than 20 years, the Bahamas Baseball Association is confident that they have a team that will not only compete, but win the 2025 Caribbean Baseball Cup.
The team, managed by Michael Butler, is a combination of local, collegiate and semi-professional baseball players. The team was officially introduced to the media yesterday at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
They played an in-squad scrimmage game ahead of the start of the tournament that will begin on Wednesday and wrap up on Monday, December 8, at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
The tournament serves as a qualifier for the Central American and Caribbean Games, scheduled for July 24 to August 8 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The Bahamas will be joined by the Dominican Republic, St Maarten, Curacao and the US Virgin Islands in qualifying for the final spot afforded to the winning team of the tournament.
Cuba was also scheduled to participate but dropped out, citing expenses and the fact that they were granted automatic qualification by the WBSC Americas to the CAC Games.
The Bahamas' team will comprise of the following players:
Pitchers - Tyreek Sherman, Mateo Ferguson, Cavian Roberts, Shameko Smith, Tahnaj Thomas, Giovante Tomlins, Deshaunghn Forbes, Orxavier Saint, Chad McKenzie and Chavez Fernander.
Catchers - Benjamin Dupuch, Caden Walker and Theodore 'Trae' Sweeting Jt.
Infielders - Daunte Stusrt, Cherif Neymour, Jiaden Cartwright, Ellison Hanna II and Daalen Adderley, Outfielders - Kashon Conliffe, Chavez Young, Byron Murray, Zachary Gibson, Pheron Charlton and Toby Simmons.
Butler, whose coaching staff includes Nathaniel Butler, Javier Bowe, Ray Stubbs and Ken Adderley, thanked God for giving him the opportunity to work with some of the finest young men in the country. "This team that we have assembled is a combination of collegiate players, professional players and local players," Butler said. "It's an honour to have the opportunity to work with some fantastic young men."
Bahamas Baseball Association confident team will win the Caribbean Baseball Cup
Butler, a former national team player, said the goal is simply to qualify for the Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic next year.
"We have assembled one of the greatest pitching staff in our nation's history. We will be looking to them to put us in a position to stay in every game and to win every game," Butler said.
"We are quite confident in what we have assembled that we now have the pitching, the defence and the offensive players who can get us to the end. I can assure the Bahamian public when they come out they will not be disappointed."
Butler said the team is both mentally and physically ready for the competition.
BBA president Clarence 'CJ' McKenzie said it's a good day for baseball in the country and his sentiments will be witnessed at the end of the tournament when the team qualifies for CAC.
"This is the most confidence we've had in any team assembled in the past 20 years," McKenzie said. "These are special guys, who have been training for a very long time for this moment."
With Butler leading the team as the manager, McKenzie said they have a "no nonsense guy, who is an animal on the field" and will have the team prepared to play every game.
McKenzie thanked the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for sponsoring the tournament and he encouraged the general public to come out and cheer on Team Bahamas as they make history.
Acting director of sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills, representing the Minister of Sports Mario Bowleg, said their focus is on building youth, sports and culture and they want to encourage Bahamians to come out and cheer on the team as they go for gold.
"This is a qualifying tournament and I can see us going to the next round next year in the Dominican Republic," said Johnson-Sills, as she congratulated Team Bahamas and the BBA.
Nicholas Morley is the team's physiotherapist.
Butler thanked all of the other support staff who have been working behind the scenes over the past few weeks to get the team ready.
GO TEAM BAHAMAS! The Bahamas Baseball Association’s team assembled to compete in the 2025 Caribbean Baseball Cup.
SEATED are ssistant coach Nat Butler, manager Mike Butler, Ministry of Sports’ acting director of sports Kelsie Johnson-Sills, and BBA president Clarence ‘CJ’ McKenzie.
‘Buddy’
Hield scores eight to help Warriors beat Pelicans 104-96
By JANIE McCAULEY AP Sports Writer
FRANCISCO
SAN
(AP) — Jimmy Butler had 24 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors beat the New Orleans Pelicans 104-96 on Saturday night playing without Stephen Curry after he bruised his left quadriceps muscle Wednesday night in a home loss to Houston.
Zion Williamson scored 25 points on 8-for-16 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds and Saddiq Bey added 21 points to lead New Orleans. Jeremiah Fears had 16 points and six rebounds before being ejected with 44.6 seconds left with his second technical foul.
Jonathan Kuminga hit back-to-back 3s midway through the fourth and finished with 10 points after returning from a seven-game absence with tendinitis in both knees.
He received a warm ovation when checking into the game for the first time at the 7:40 mark of the opening quarter and scored moments later.
Brandin Podziemski had 15 points, six assists and five rebounds while Gary
Payton II scored 12 of his 19 points in the first half and contributed 11 rebounds in just the second win by Golden State over its last six, a stretch that included a 124-106 defeat at New Orleans on Nov. 16.
Chavano “Buddy” Hield contributed eight points, four rebounds and a steal in 17 minutes on the floor.
Without Curry, Golden State went 1 for 19 from 3-point range to start the game and was 2 of 22 by halftime with a season-low 42 points for a first half.
The 3-point shooting those two quarters matched the Warriors' worst percentage in 367 games with 20 or more attempts during coach Steve Kerr's tenure. They wound up 12 for 47 from deep.
With 2:26 before halftime, Butler took a hard hit from Micah Peavy and limped toward the bench while the play was reviewed and determined it was a Flagrant 1. Butler remained in the game to take his free throws.
New Orleans forward Trey Murphy, the Pelicans' second-leading scorer averaging 19.7 points, sat out because of right elbow soreness.
GOLDEN State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) drives to the basket against New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens (11) during the first half in San Francisco on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
WARRIORS guard Buddy Hield (7) battles for the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (15) during the second half on Saturday.
(AP Photos/Tony Avelar)
Bahamas falls to Canada 111-75
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter
jburrows@ tribunemedia.net
TEAM Bahamas fell to Canada 111-75 in the opening game of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers held at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium this past weekend.
Canada controlled the game from the jump, building an early lead and never letting go. At halftime, Canada already held a commanding lead, 58-38.
The first half saw the Canadians outscore The Bahamas 34-24 in the first quarter and 24-14 in the second.
Team shooting numbers told the story. Canada shot a scorching 56 per cent from the field overall, including 50 per cent from three and 63.6 per cent on two-point attempts.
The Bahamas struggled to keep the lid open, converting just 44 per cent of their field-goal attempts, with only 30 per cent from three-point range.
Turnovers also plagued Team Bahamas, and Canada was able to convert 32 points off 17 Team Bahamas turnovers which deepened the gap as the game progressed.
For team Bahamas, Domnick Bridgewater was the leading scorer with 15 points, though he shot just 3-of-12 from the floor. Bridgewater added 12 assists as well securing the double-double.
Former NBA forward Kai Jones added 12 points and eight rebounds followed by Kentwan Smith with 11 points in the loss.
From Canada’s side, Kyle Wiltjer led with 22 points and six boards in only 20 minutes of play.
Notably, all five Canadian starters finished in double figures, underlining how effective and efficient
Canada's offence was and how unmatched Team Bahamas' defence was.
“Tough game… It’s basketball, tough conditions for the window but we’re both in the same situation so no excuse but overall, this wasn’t the face we wanted to show at home… It’s a lesson, nothing lost, we’re still in pool play it’s not the championship… we have an opportunity now to regroup to adjust and try to make the changes and go get the win in Toronto on Monday,” said veteran player Jaraun "Kino" Burrows.
“It shows in the mistakes, when you get a training camp you're able to cut a lot of stuff… it was difficult, Kai flew in late last night and you could see a lot of chemistry issues and we wasn’t as tight as we needed to be tonight but it’s no excuse," said Burrows.
“Apologies to the Bahamian public, we appreciate the support and expect a better face on Monday,” said Burrows.
For The Bahamas, this was a disappointing start as Canada’s size, athleticism and shooting combined to overwhelm them on home soil.
Still, there were glimmers of success from The Bahamas who cut the lead as close as three points in the second quarter after trailing by double digits.
Bridgewater secured a double-double and Jones showed flashes with a few highlight dunks to keep the energy in the gym and within his team high. The team will need to lean on the veterans and younger contributors like Hunter who showed promise with a few late buckets as he celebrated his birthday with the loss.
As the squad heads into their next game, The Bahamas now looks to bounce back. The rematch against Canada is scheduled for today in Toronto.
In opening game of 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers
FORMER NBA forward Kai Jones in action against Canada in the opening game of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
Local Sports Calendar
TRACK
ALL-BAHAMIAN
AWARDS
THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is scheduled to hold its 2025 All Bahamian Awards ceremony on Sunday, December 14, starting at 6pm at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium.
Under the theme: "Honouring the Spirit of The Bahamas: Every Athlete, Every Victory," the BAAA will use the opportunity to recognise all 2024-2025 national team members. A reception and dance will follow the presentations.
STAR PERFORMERS
MEET
THE Star Trackers Track
Club is scheduled to hold its 23rd edition of the Star Performers Track and Field Classic on Saturday, January 24, from 9am to 6pm at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.
The event, sponsored Baker Concrete International Division Greyco Limited, will be open to competitors in all age groups to the open divisions for boys and girls and men and women.
Interested persons can contact Laura Pratt-Charlton at 357-3109 for more information.
BASEBALL TICKETS FOR CARIBBEAN CUP
TICKETS for the Caribbean Baseball Cup, scheduled for December 3-8 at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium, is priced at $15 for general admission daily pass, $25 for VIP passes and $80 for tournament pass for all days combined. Children 11-and-under will be charged $5. The event is being sponsored by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and hosted by the Bahamas Baseball Association. Interested persons can contact BBA's secretary general Theodore Sweeting at 4221399 for more information.
RED-LINE
SONJA KNOWLES
TRACK CLASSIC
RED-LINE Athletics, “Where Champions
Commandos win Battle 4 Atlantis men’s basketball title
By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net
THE Vanderbilt Commandos, featuring Bahamian descendant Chandler Bing, rallied to win the 2025 Marriott Bonvoy Battle 4 Atlantis men's basketball title with a 96-71 victory over the Saint Mary's Gaels on Friday on Paradise Island.
Coach Mark Byington's Vanderbilt also avenged a season-ending loss to Saint Mary's in last year's NCAA tournament as Duke Miles made a huge difference in becoming the first player in the history of the tournament to earn back-to-back most valuable player awards.
“The one thing we talked about with Saint Mary’s, they play faster this year than they did last year when we played them,” Byington said. “But at the same time we thought we could dictate pace and when they slowed it down, we had to execute in the half court. The reason why we’re scoring is because we’re sharing the ball and making good decisions.” Miles, who turned down nationally proclaimed commitments to Texas A&M and Virginia to transfer to Vanderbilt, poured in 25 points and finished with a total of 73 in the Commandos' three games played.
"It feels good. I think I was the first one to win the MVP back-to-back, so I feel good about this experience," said Miles, who added four assists and three steals to his ledger.
"It felt a little different from last year because of the adversity that we faced, but we still overcame it all, so it was good."
As the rythmic sound of the junkanoo music played in the background, No. 24 Vanderbilt accepted their awards as they remained undefeated on the season at 8-0.
The victory was so sweet that Miles was joined by four other Commandos scoring in double figures with Jalen Washington posting a career-high 19, while Tyler Tanner chipped in with 13 and Devin McGlockton and Tyler Nickel each had 11.
“I feel like my confidence was at an alltime high in this game,” Washington said.
“My teammates and the coaching staff, they just instil so much confidence in me, no matter how I'm doing. "If I'm doing well they want me to keep going, keep getting better, if I'm not doing as well as I want to, or as I may expect, they tell me to keep going, getting better. So it's constantly reinforcing just a positive attitude, a positive outlook and just looking forward.”
are Made,” will hold its sixth annual Sonja Knowles Track Classic over the weekend of January 31 and February 1. The event will take place at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium on January 31 from 11am to 6pm and Sunday, March 1 from 1-6 pm. Competition will be held in the various age groups from under-7 to masters. Medals and trophies will be presented to the various winners.
Interested persons are urged to contact club founder and head coach Tito Moss at 425-4262 for more information.
LEGENDS TRACK
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, January 10 at noon at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. Interested persons are urged to contact Foster Dorsett at 427-3883 for more details.
BAHAMAS AQUATICS
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
December 5-6 - BEAST Aquatics Meet • Grand Bahama
December 6 - Freeport Aquatics Club Meet ANDROS HEATS
ROAD RACE
THE Andros Heats sixth annual road race will be held on Saturday, December 6 at the Regatta Site in Morgans Bluff, starting at 8am. Competition will take place in all age group divisions with trophies presented to the top three finishers and medals to the fourth place finishers.
The registration fee is $6 per athlete.
ROAD RACE
MACEDONIA
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 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.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff
CHANMPIONS: The Queen’s College Comets have secured the first trophy - in cross country - of the BAISS track and field season.
Queen’s College Comets crowned the champions of cross country
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
THE 2025 BAISS Track and Field calendar officially opened on Saturday morning with the annual BAISS Cross Country Meet, held at the St. Augustine’s College campus.
Athletes from BAISS schools across Nassau lined up for the first major event
of the school year but, by the end of the morning, the Queen’s College Comets were crowned as the defending champions, securing the first trophy of the BAISS track and field season.
“It feels good winning… never know what's going to happen but in the end, the kids came out and showed out. We won again like last year, we showed the same tenacity and fought and
that's all I ask of the kids,” said Queen’s College head coach Everette Fraser.
“We always expect to win, so the goal is the same thing, come out do what we have to do and however it goes we always come out to try to win,” said Fraser.
The course featured a mix of an uphill stretch towards the Monastery, and sharp curves on route to the finish line at the field located to the right of the main
Baha Mar Hoops: Spartans women beat Tigers 71-64 in Junkanoo Division, Red Wolves defeat Golden Flashes 74-54 in Goombay Division
By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
BAHA Mar Hoops continued over the weekend with two divisional women's championship games.
The Michigan State Spartans women’s basketball team beat the Clemson Tigers 71-64 on Sunday night at the Baha Mar Convention Center in the title game of the Junkanoo Division. Michigan State improved to 7-0 on the season while Clemson fell to 5–2. Kennedy Blair was named MVP.
Blair led the Spartans in scoring with 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting and secured the double-double pulling down 11 rebounds (10 defensive) and handed out 5 assists.
Forward Grace VanSlooten added 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting and contributed 3 assists. For Clemson, forward Rusne Augustinaite led all scorers with 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting (including 5-of-11 from three).
Centre Demeara Hinds added 11 points and 10 rebounds, while guard Mia Moore dished seven assists. The Michigan State Spartans shot 59 per cent
(including 67 per cent from three), compared to Clemson’s 41 per cent (32 per cent from three).
Turnovers were nearly even as MSU had 16 and Clemson had 15. Clemson out-rebounded MSU 29-25.
Michigan State defeated the Temple Owls 85-50 to reach the finals. Clemson reached the finals after a 77-44 win over the Western Carolina Catamounts.
With this win, Michigan State remains undefeated and stands as one of the top unblemished teams in the nation.
The Spartans continue to lead the early season in non-conference play.
campus. Divisions went from bantam to under-17.
Among the standout performers for QC was senior girls’ runner Jade Knowles. Knowles placed first in the under-17 girls’ division.
“I came out here a bit nervous but all I had to do was follow my coach's teachings and go out there and do it for my school,” said Knowles.
“It feels great but not to brag it's really a usual
thing for me, but I went out there and did my best and believed in my training and just put the work in.”
“I just want to build on this momentum into the season and believe in ourselves and our teammates and carry it all the way to win BAISS,” said Knowles.
On the boys’ side, senior runner Devon Davis said the team came in focused on execution. “At the start, it wasn’t too bad, it
was going smooth but on the hill, it started to get a little painful but I pushed through,” said Davis.
When asked how the win felt, Davis said:
“It feels great to win four straight.”
Saturday’s meet marked the official opening of the BAISS track season with the Comets looking to carry the momentum of this win throughout the entire season.
Clemson, meanwhile, now prepares to regroup as they enter conference play with a 5–2 overall record.
In the Goombay Division women's championship game, the Arkansas State Red Wolves defeated Kent State Golden Flashes 74-54. Zyion Shannon was named the Goombay Division game MVP.
Four Red Wolves reached double figures in scoring in the game.
D’ Arrah Allen led all scorers with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting (60 per cent), including 3-of-7 from three-point range.
Arkansas State shot
26-of-62 from the floor (41.9 per cent) and connected on 14 of 36 three-pointers (38.9 per cent), marking a season-high in made threes.
With the victory, Arkansas State extended a three-game winning streak for the 2025-26 season.
Marlie Dickerson contributed 12 points, and Mia Tarver scored 10. On the Golden Flashes' side, Tatiana Thomas led Kent State with 17 points.
MICHIGAN State Spartans women’s basketball team beat Clemson Tigers 71-64 Sunday night at the Baha Mar Convention Center in the title game of the Junkanoo Division.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff
Arsenal held by 10-man Chelsea, Isak sets up much-needed Liverpool win and Man United beats Palace
By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer
MIKEL Merino salvaged a 1-1 draw for Arsenal at 10-man Chelsea as the race for the Premier League title tightened yesterday.
Arsenal is five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, with Chelsea a point further back in third.
Mikel Arteta's team was boosted late in the first half at Stamford Bridge when Moises Caicedo was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Merino. But despite being a man down Chelsea went ahead in the 48th minute through Trevoh Chalobah's header.
Merino equalised in the 59th, but Arsenal couldn't make its numerical advantage count and dropped points away from home for the second time in successive matches.
Arsenal beat Bayern Munich midweek in the Champions League and Arteta said it had been a positive week though accepted “we should’ve won the game (Sunday), and we haven’t. That’s a learning point for me.”
The result meant Man City was the big winner of the weekend, following Saturday's late victory against Leeds, which saw Pep Guardiola's team climb above Chelsea to second in the standings.
“I think that we showed that we are in the right direction," Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca told Sky Sports. “We were a much, much better team than them when we were 11 v. 11. Then with 10 players it's
more difficult, but the way they dealt with that situation was outstanding."
Liverpool got back to winning ways -- beating West Ham 2-0 — and Manchester United rallied to a 2-1 win at Crystal Palace. Aston Villa is fourth after a 1-0 win against last-placed Wolverhampton, and fifthplaced Brighton won 2-0 at Nottingham Forest. Isak gets off the mark Alexander Isak scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool to set up a much-needed win for Arne Slot's team. On a day when Mohamed Salah was dropped to the bench, British record signing Isak opened the scoring at the London Stadium. Cody Gakpo got the second for Liverpool, which went into the match on a run of six losses in its last seven league games.
“I am aware that it has been a long time coming and I've been trying to get back to my best form," Isak told Sky Sports. “I am still on the way but I am happy to have that goal.”
Isak, a $170 million signing from Newcastle in the summer, had not scored in his five league games for his new club and only had one goal in 10 games in all.
But in the absence of Salah, the Sweden international converted with a first-time effort in the box after 60 minutes to open his Premier League account for the season.
Slot's bold call to leave out the iconic Salah paid off after the Egypt international's unconvincing form this season. Slot shook up his attack, with Florian Wirtz and Gakpo alongside Isak. Isak's clinical finish into the bottom corner put
Liverpool in control and West Ham's chances were dealt another blow when Lucas Paqueta was sent off in the 84th.
Gakpo converted in the second minute of added time to put the game beyond doubt.
“We have to use this win in a good way, but also be humble because we've had a tough time, so one win doesn't necessarily mean we're back,” said Isak.
Zirkzee on target Joshua Zirkzee ended a scoring drought of his own with his first league goal in almost a year.
The Dutch striker hadn't scored in England's top flight since a double against Everton on Dec. 1 last year, but ended that streak with a stunning strike at Selhurst Park.
A moment of individual brilliance fired United back into the game in the 54th after Jean-Philippe Mateta put Palace ahead from the penalty spot in the first half.
Collecting the ball in the box, Zirkzee spun and scored from a tight angle for only his eighth goal since joining United from Bologna last year and his first this season.
“Scoring is important but it’s not just the goals,” United coach Ruben Amorim said. “They give confidence but Joshua has also improved a lot in how he holds the ball. That should give him a lot of confidence.”
Mason Mount struck the winner from the edge of the box in the 63rd as United ended Palace's 12-game unbeaten home run in the
league. Mateta had given Palace the lead with a twicetaken penalty in the 36th.
The France international was adjudged to have double-kicked his original spot kick and was directed to retake as per the rule clarification that came in after Julian Alvarez's accidental double touch in a shootout against Real Madrid last season helped to eliminate Atletico Madrid from the Champions League.
Villa and Brighton win Villa's Boubacar Kamara scored the only goal of the match to settle the Midlands derby against Wolves. Wolves remains winless at the bottom of the table and nine points from safety. Goals from Maxim De Cuyper and Stefanos Tzimas earned fifth-placed Brighton victory at Forest.
MANCHESTER United’s Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring during the English Premier League soccer match against Crystal Palace in London, Sunday November 30, 2025. (Jordan Pettitt/PA via AP)
Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Liverpool, in London, yesterday. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
SEATTLE Seahawks cornerback Tyler Hall (33) runs against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Seattle.
(AP Photo/ Lindsey Wasson)
Seattle’s defence forces five takeaways in 26-0 win over Vikings, first shutout in years
By The Associated Press
ERNEST Jones IV returned an interception 84 yards for the first touchdown of his career, one of five takeaways by the Seahawks’ dominant defence, and Seattle blanked the Minnesota Vikings 26-0 yesterday for its first shutout victory in more than a decade.
The Vikings were shut out for the first time since Green Bay beat them 34-0 on November 11, 2007. Seattle’s most recent shutout win was 26-0 over Chicago on September 27, 2015.
This one was a mismatch, with the Seahawks (9-3) going against an undrafted rookie quarterback in Max Brosmer, who was making his first NFL start for the free-falling Vikings (4-8).
Seattle moved into a firstplace tie with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West, while Minnesota lost its fourth straight.
The Vikings had the first takeaway of the game, when Sam Darnold — the quarterback who led Minnesota to a 14-3 season a year ago — fumbled deep in Seattle territory early in the second quarter.
Brosmer couldn’t take advantage. Trailing 3-0, the Vikings went for it on fourth-and-1 at the Seattle 4, and DeMarcus Lawrence got a free run at Brosmer, who scrambled to his right and made a desperation sidearm heave. The pass landed in Jones’ arms, and the linebacker took it the distance to give the Seahawks a 10-0 lead. Jones has a career-high four interceptions this season.
Brosmer threw three more picks in the second half, and Aaron Jones lost a fumble when he caught a screen pass and Lawrence chased him down from behind and stripped the ball.
PANTHERS 31, RAMS 28
CHARLOTTE, N.C.
(AP) — Bryce Young completed 15 of 20 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns — two of them coming on fourth down — and Carolina forced three turnovers by Matthew Stafford to beat Los Angeles and snap the Rams’
six-game winning streak.
The Panthers intercepted Stafford twice with Mike Jackson returning one for a 48-yard touchdown and ended the 37-year-old’s NFL record of 28 straight TD passes without an interception.
Derrick Brown, who tipped a ball resulting in one of Stafford’s first pick, came up with a key stripsack with 2:25 left in the game to preserve the win.
The win allowed the Panthers to remain a half game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. The Bucs held on to beat Arizona 20-17 on Sunday. Stafford completed 18 of 28 passes for 243 yards with two touchdown passes to Davante Adams, his 13th and 14th of the season, for the Rams (9-3).
The Panthers (7-6), who had just one pass play of longer than 20 yards in a 20-9 loss to San Francisco on Monday night, got several key ones from Young on Sunday.
He connected on a 35-yard TD pass to Chuba Hubbard, a 33-yard TD strike to Jalen Coker and a 43-yard scoring toss to Tetairoa McMillan with 6:43 remaining that was the decisive score.
The Panthers used a strong running game to control the clock in the second half and keep Stafford and the high-powered offence off the field. Hubbard had 83 yards rushing from Rico Dowdle added 58.
49ERS 26, BROWNS 8
CLEVELAND (AP) — Brock Purdy rushed for a touchdown and passed for another score in the second half, and San Francisco spoiled Shedeur Sanders’ first home start by defeating Cleveland.
Cleveland took an 8-7 lead late in the second quarter when Sanders hooked up with Harold Fannin for a 34-yard touchdown and Quinshon Judkins’ run added the 2-point conversion. But San Francisco (9-4) scored the next 19 points in its third consecutive win.
All three of San Francisco’s touchdowns came on short fields — two the result of recovering turnovers and
another after a 66-yard punt return by Skyy Moore.
Purdy completed 16 of 29 for 168 yards. He ran it in on a 2-yard keeper in the third quarter and then had a 7-yard TD pass to Jauan Jennings in the fourth quarter.
San Francisco star Christian McCaffrey finished with 74 scrimmage yards (53 rushing, 21 receiving) and a touchdown, with most of his yards coming in the second half.
Sanders was 16-of-25 passing for 149 yards and a touchdown for Cleveland (3-9). He was sacked three times. Judkins had 91 yards rushing on 23 carries.
BUCCANEERS 20, CARDINALS 17
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield tossed a 2-yard touchdown pass to All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay’s defence held in the final two minutes and the Buccaneers beat Arizona to snap a three-game losing streak.
Mayfield, who started after sitting out the second half of a 34-7 loss to the Rams because of a left shoulder injury, threw for 194 yards and ran for 27 to help the Buccaneers (7-5) remain first in the NFC South.
Jacoby Brissett, making his seventh start filling in for Kyler Murray, threw a wide pass incomplete on fourth-and-2 from the Cardinals 17 with under a minute remaining.
Arizona (3-9) has lost four straight and nine of 10.
Down 17-3, the Cardinals finally got going in the third quarter.
Brissett connected with Bam Knight on a 22-yard TD to cut it to 17-10.
Tampa Bay’s defence made a big stop when Arizona when for it on fourth-and-1 from its 39. Knight was stuffed by Anthony Nelson after taking a pitch.
The Bucs couldn’t do much with the field position and Chase McLaughlin hit a 57-yard field goal to increase the lead to 20-10.
But Brissett drove the Cardinals 73 yards, throwing a 15-yard TD pass to Trey McBride to trim the deficit to 20-17.Arizona’s defence held and Riley
Dixon boomed a punt that Greg Dortch fielded at the 5 instead of allowing it to go into the end zone for a touchback. He was tackled at the 9 and the offence couldn’t do anything.
JAGUARS 25, TITANS 3
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns and Jacksonville beat Tennessee for its third straight victory.
With the win, the Jaguars (8-4) improved their AFC playoff hopes while chasing their first division title since 2022. The Jaguars still have two games left against Indianapolis, and the Colts fell to 8-4 with a 20-16 loss to Houston.
The Jaguars also beat the Titans for the sixth time in seven games.
Josh Hines-Allen had two of Jacksonville’s three sacks of rookie Cam Ward, and the Jaguars recovered two fumbles.
The Titans (1-11) lost their seventh straight overall and 11th consecutive at home, matching the longest such skid since this franchise moved to Tennessee. They also lost 11 in a row at Nissan Stadium in a stretch over the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Fans booed the Titans early and often before heading to the exits well before the end.
TEXANS 20, COLTS 16
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)
— Nico Collins scored the tiebreaking touchdown on a 7-yard run with 12:38 to play, Nick Chubb also ran for a score, and Houston's top-ranked defence came up with a late stop on to seal a victory over slumping Indianapolis.
Houston (7-5) won its fourth straight, moving within one game of AFC South-leading Indy (8-4), which has lost three of four.
C.J. Stroud improved to 3-0 at Lucas Oil Stadium by going 22 of 35 for 276 yards with one interception in his first game in four weeks. He cleared the concussion protocol Friday.
Collins caught five passes for 98 yards.
Houston sealed the win by forcing a turnover on downs with 1:45 to play
after Daniel Jones had taken Indy to Houston’s 31-yard line. The Colts have lost two straight for the first time this season, and this was the first time they were held under 20 points.
Playing through a lower leg injury, Jones finished 14 of 27 for 201 yards and two TDs. Jonathan Taylor, the NFL’s leading rusher, was held to 85 yards on 21 carries and failed to score for only the fifth time this season.
JETS 27, FALCONS 24
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Nick Folk lined a 56-yard field goal through a heavy mist as time expired to lead New York to a victory over Atlanta.
In a game between two struggling teams that was anything but pretty, Folk’s kick was also far from it. But in tough conditions, the 41-year-old got just enough on the football to bounce back from an earlier miss and was mobbed at midfield by his teammates as the Jets fans in a drenched and halfempty MetLife Stadium went wild.
Tyrod Taylor went 19 of 33 for 172 yards and a touchdown pass and also ran for a score in his second start in a row for the benched Justin Fields as the Jets (3-9) snapped a twogame skid. Adonai Mitchell had eight receptions for 102 yards and a TD, and Breece Hall ran for 68 yards and a score.
After the defence held Kirk Cousins and the Falcons to a three-and-out, the Jets got the ball back at their 43 with 35 seconds left and two timeouts remaining. Taylor had a 14-yard run and hit Mitchell for 10 and 5 yards on the drive to put Folk in position for his winner.
Cousins went 21 of 33 for 234 yards and a touchdown and Bijan Robinson ran for 142 yards and a score and caught five passes for 51 yards for the Falcons (4-8), who lost for the sixth time in seven games.
CHARGERS 31, RAIDERS 14
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Justin Herbert threw two touchdown passes while playing through an injury to his
non-throwing hand, and Kimani Vidal made a 59-yard scoring run during Los Angeles' victory over spiralling Las Vegas. Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey had TD catches and Vidal rushed for a career-high 126 yards for the Chargers (8-4), who snapped back from an embarrassing loss at Jacksonville for their fourth win in five games to keep pressure on the Denver Broncos atop the AFC West. Jaret Patterson rushed for his first NFL touchdown since 2021 to ice the victory with 1:55 to play. Los Angeles comfortably beat its longtime West Coast rivals for the fourth straight time, sweeping the season series and emphasizing the current gulf between the Bolts and the Raiders (2-10), who had less support in the SoFi Stadium crowd than in past seasons.
BILLS 26, STEELERS 7 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Josh Allen threw for a touchdown and ran for another, Joey Bosa sacked Aaron Rodgers to spring Christian Benford for a game-tilting, 17-yard scoopand-score, and Buffalo pushed Pittsburgh around. Buffalo (8-4) bounced back from a loss at Houston by whipping Pittsburgh (6-6) up front. James Cook ran for 144 yards as the Bills piled up 249 yards on the ground and controlled the clock for nearly 42 minutes inside blustery Acrisure Stadium. The swirling winds at one of the league’s trickiest venues made passing nearly impossible. Allen completed 15 of 23 for 123 yards with an interception and a 3-yard scoring toss to Keon Coleman, who returned to the active roster after being a healthy scratch the last two weeks due to disciplinary issues. The reigning MVP essentially put the game away when he bulldozed across the goal line from 8 yards out early in the fourth quarter to give the Bills a 16-point lead. It was the 76th rushing touchdown of Allen’s career, breaking the NFL record for touchdown runs by a quarterback that he briefly shared with Cam Newton.
Achane rushes for 134 yards and a touchdown to help Dolphins edge
Saints 21-17 for 3rd straight win
By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer
MIAMI GARDENS,
Florida (AP) — When the Miami Dolphins needed a big play yesterday, their defence delivered.
Again.
Minkah Fitzpatrick had a fumble recovery and an interception, helping Miami knock off Tyler Shough and the New Orleans Saints 21-17 for their third consecutive victory. The solid performance by the defence comes after the Dolphins shut down Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills three weeks ago, and got a game-sealing interception against the Washington Commanders in Spain the following week.
“I really appreciate how much this defence has been fighting,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We obviously had a pretty rough start to the season. Even throughout our downs and our low periods, we were sticking together.”
De'Von Achane rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown for the Dolphins (5-7), who kept their slim playoffs hopes alive. New Orleans (2-10) has lost six of seven.
The Saints trailed 16-0 at halftime, but they closed to 19-17 with 1:17 remaining on Shough's 15-yard touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele. Shough was intercepted by Fitzpatrick on the 2-point try, and the safety returned it to the opposite end zone to give Miami two points.
The rookie QB got another shot after the Saints recovered the ensuing onside kick by Charlie Smyth — a former Gaelic football player from Northern Ireland making his NFL regular-season debut. But Miami's defence stopped Shough on fourth-and-1 at the Dolphins 36 to end the game. “You hope that they can (get a stop)," Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said, “and the beautiful
thing is, they did. They came through for us. Regardless of what that looks like, we won the game.”
Smyth connected on a 56-yard field goal to make it 19-11 with 6:08 remaining before Shough nearly completed the comeback. Despite a poor first half that featured an interception and a strip sack, Shough finished with 239 yards and two touchdowns. “I loved our guys’ resiliency," Saints coach Kellen Moore said. "The way they battled. We didn’t do enough, even at the very end. It was an unfortunate ending. There is stuff to
learn from and grow from during that game.”
Tagovailoa was not particularly sharp, completing 12 of 23 passes for 157 yards with an interception. He leads the NFL with 14 picks, which also matches his career high from 2023.
The Dolphins recorded 164 yards rushing behind Achane, who finished with 22 carries and topped 1,000 yards for the first time in his three-year career. Achane scored his 10th touchdown of the season on a 29-yard run on Miami’s opening drive, which ended up being the team's only TD of the afternoon. “It reverts
back to how I'm playing and how I'm operating for those guys,” Tagovailoa said. “When I'm able to distribute the ball well, the operation is well. ... It starts with me.”
The Saints, who entered the game tied for the second-worst scoring offence in the NFL, got nothing going offensively until the opening drive of the second half, when Shough capped a 10-play, 65-yard drive — more than the Saints' 63 first-half yards — with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave. Shough then converted the 2-point try on a run to make it
16-8. The Dolphins didn't respond until early in the fourth, when Tagovailoa, after nearly throwing a second interception, found Jaylen Waddle for a 22-yard pickup that set up Riley Patterson's 33-yard kick — his fourth of the day.
Injuries
Saints: S Justin Reid left with a knee injury in the first half.
Dolphins: FB Alec Ingold left in the second quarter with a stinger.
Up next
Saints: At Tampa Bay next Sunday.
Dolphins: At New York Jets next Sunday.
DOLPHINS running back De’Von Achane (28) escapes a tackle by New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during the first half yesterday. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
