SPORTS
OVERALL CHAMPION: Kia-Lynn Bazard at the second CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago.
‘Don’t Blink’ Youth Clinic
By JONATHAN BURROWS
Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
THE Don’t Blink Youth Clinic took centre stage yesterday at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium, officially kicking off four days of events leading into the highly anticipated Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise slated for December 13. The clinic set the tone for the week, bringing together young athletes for a full day of development and
exposure to both baseball and softball at the highest level. “It's been amazing, we have almost 100 professional baseball and softball players. We have a few major league all-stars, Hall of Famers, CC, and Sebastian are here, so just a special day for us to kick off the week. The energy here is contagious and is a good segue into the rest of the week,” said event organiser and co-founder Todd Isaacs Jr. “You know, for me and Lucius and Jazz, that's where it all started
DERBY - SEE PAGE TWO
Gymnast Kia-Lynn
Bazard brings home four gold
KIA-Lynn Bazard had one of the most spectacular performances in leading Team Bahamas at the second CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Couva, Trinidad & Tobago, over the weekend.
While The Bahamas finished third with 44 medals, including eight gold, 11 silver and 25 bronze, Bazard emerged as the Level 7 overall champion, winning gold in four of her five events at the Velodrome National Cycling Center.
Bazard, 15, has been training since she was seven. "It was really thrilling and exciting and I was glad to partake," said Bazard, who has been training since the age of seven for representation for The Bahamas. She is an 11th grade student at Central Florida Christian Academy in Orlando, Florida. "I was really proud of
Her ultimate goal is to represent The Bahamas at Olympic Games
my performance. I personally think that I did very well overall."
Prior to the championships, Bazard noted that she suffered from a shoulder and wrist injury, but she managed to persevere during the competition.
"My dad (Kent Bazard) is a sports physician, so he helped me with my shoulder and my wrist so that I could compete to the best of my ability," she recalled.
Bazard said she was pleased with the team's performance, noting that overall her team-mates did very well, but there's still room for improvement.
The Bahamas trailed Trinidad & Tobago, who won
with 167 medals, including 85 gold, 57 silver and 25 bronze. Jamaica came in second with 71 medals, including 31 gold, 25 silver and 15 bronze.
Bazard, along with A'Niyah Williams, Kayla Culmer, Taevia Wright, Charis Edgecombe and Maleah Miller were some of the top performers for Team Bahamas.
To the younger and upcoming gymnasts in the country, Bazard had her own personal words of encouragement that she offered.
"There's a quote that I personally made. Practice doesn't make perfect, practice makes it permanent. "So that basically
means that practice is not always as perfect as you want it to be sometimes, but make sure that you understand what you are doing and apply those corrections and it will stick in the future."
Having had the second opportunity to represent The Bahamas, Bazard said she's just overjoyed and proud of making history at the championships.
"I'm really grateful for everything that the team, the coaches, the parents and all the support that everyone has given me," she summed up. Bazard said her ultimate goal is to represent The Bahamas at the Olympic Games.
Junior guard Rhema producing breakout performances
By JONATHAN BURROWS
Reporter
JUNIOR guard Rhema
Collins has been turning heads this season with her breakout performances at
Florida International University for the Panthers. Standing at 6′2′, Collins transferred from the Ole Miss Rebels after stints in 2023-24 and 2024-25, during which she saw limited minutes off the bench and also battled a few injuries, but
this season took a dramatic step forward in production.
Since joining FIU for the 2025-26 season, Collins has emerged as one of the more productive players in Conference USA.
Collins is averaging 20.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in 32.3 minutes per game with a field-goal percentage of 46.6 per cent, already a major jump from her time at Ole Miss, where she averaged only about 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in 2024-25. This season she has already recorded multiple double-doubles, and her expanded opportunities have proven that the transfer may have been the right move.
On December 5, Collins had a career-defining performance in a 103-92 home win over the Georgia State Panthers. She exploded for 40 points on 16-of-21 shooting, the most in a single game by any Conference USA player this season and tied for sixth highest in the entire NCAA.
But Collins didn’t stop at scoring. She grabbed 13 rebounds, dished out four assists, had three steals, and blocked two shots, putting together one of the most
complete performances in FIU’s recent history.
Her opening quarter was dominant, scoring 21 points as FIU produced 37 first-quarter points and 63 in the first half, the highest-scoring first half under head coach Jesyka Burks-Wiley.
In recognition of her historic night, Collins was named Conference USA Player of the Week, the first such honour of her career.
After the game, Collins said: “I guess you could say I was in a groove. It was just one of those nights where a lot of things were going right for me.”
Speaking on her transfer to FIU, she added: “I’m happy with the choice I made and comfortable with where I’m at.”
Her coach, Burks-Wiley, praised the team’s offensive explosion and Collins’ leadership, saying: “That 103-point effort … really, really exciting game. If you’re a fan of offence, it’s hard to not love a game like that. I’m really excited to see we’re able to go pretty deep into our game offensively.”
Collins’ 40-point outing made her just the seventh player in FIU’s programme
history since 1994 to reach the 40-point mark, emphasizing the rarity of her achievement. Her breakout year is even more striking considering her quiet start in college basketball. At Ole Miss, Collins struggled to find consistent minutes, recording modest scoring nights and occasional strong rebounding games, but never had the opportunity to showcase her full ability.
Before college, at The Webb School in Tennessee, she had shown promise as
a tall, versatile forward, but her first two NCAA seasons did not provide the platform she needed.
Her move to FIU changed that. In earlier interviews, Collins admitted that adjusting to a new system and facing heightened expectations was nerve-racking but said she is “soaking up everything” and embracing the challenge.
Her mother Angela expressed pride in the transition, saying she was excited knowing FIU would finally give Rhema the playing time she needed for people back home in the Bahamas to truly see her potential.
Collins’ rise this season signals that she is no longer a reserve option but a central force for FIU, delivering dominant scoring, rebounding and defensive performances.
Her breakout year highlights the continued growth of Bahamian talent in NCAA basketball. With her momentum building, the question now is how far she can elevate her game, and whether this season could position her as one of Conference USA’s biggest stars.
YOUNG, aspiring baseball players participate in the Don’t Blink Youth Clinic yesterday at the Andre Rodgers National Baseball Stadium, officially kicking off four days of events leading into the highly anticipated Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in Paradise on December 13.
Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr/Tribune Staff
Local Sports Calendar
TOURNEY
THE 37th Father Marcian Peters Basketball Invitational is scheduled to get underway with the opening ceremonies at 4pm on Friday, December 12, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
The tournament, hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, will feature the primary boys and girls, junior boys and girls, intermediate boys and senior girls. The teams expected to participate are:
Primary Boys AXavier’s Lower School, Freedom Baptist, Kingsway Academy, Temple Christian Academy and Thelma Gibson.
Primary Boys B - Prince Williams, Harbour Island, Temple Christian and Thelma Gibson.
Primary girls - Xavier’s Lower School, Freedom Baptist, Kingsway Academy, Temple Christian and Thelma Gibson. Junior Girls A - HO Nash, Jordan Prince Williams, AF Adderley, Queen’s College and SC McPherson.
Junior Girls B - DW Davis, Kingsway Academy, CH Reeves and Anatol Rodgers.
Junior Boys B - Patrick J Bethel, Jordan Prince Williams, Harbour Island, CH Reeves and SC McPherson.
Junior Boys B - HO Nash, DW Davis, Anatol Rodgers, AF Adderley and Queen’s College.
Intermediate Boys APatrick J Bethel, RM Bailey, Anatol Rodgers, Government High and Jordan Prince Williams.
Intermediate Boys B - CV Bethel, CI Gibson, Teleos, Harbour Island and Queen’s College
Senior Girls A - CR Walker, Harbour Island, Freedom Baptist, Teleos and Kingsway Academy Senior Girls B - Queen’s College, Anatol Rogers, CI Gibson, Government High, Jordan Prince Williams and RM Bailey.
CARIFTA CHARTER
WITH the 2026 CARIFTA Games all set for Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend, persons are being encouraged to secure their seats on the Bahamasair-chartered flight.
The charter will depart Nassau on Thursday, April 2 and return on Tuesday, April 7. The airfare is $1,099 per passenger. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per passenger is required.
However, it can be transferred.
Cash or direct deposits can be made at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) under the account name: Bah Association of (business checking account). Transit No.95165/ Account No.1011089.
Interested persons can contact Laura Pratt-Charlton at 357-3109 or Laketah Charlton at 468-5592 or email baaafriendsandfamily@gmail.com for more information.
BASEBALL HOME RUN DERBY
CLINIC
THE organisers of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby 2025 will host youth baseball and softball camp on Saturday, December 13, at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. The camp is designed for boys and girls between the ages of seven and 18 years. Check-in will begin at 3pm and the camp will run from 4-6 pm. Interested persons can sign up at dbhrderby. com
THE Legends Track In-
vite will be held in honour of Devynne Charlton. Her younger sister, Anthaya, is expected to be one of the special guests.
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.
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.
for us. I probably was in like 5th or 6th grade, Michael Jordan had a celebrity softball game over Atlantis, and me, Lou, Jazz, and Anthony were the bat boys for the teams, and I just remember that day, being around those guys, just seeing it, seeing them in person, being able to have a conversation with them, and they were guys that, you know, we're our heroes, so to be able to bring all the top baseball players, softball players here for our kids to see them, spend time with them, ask them questions, just realise that they're just like each other,” said Issacs on the importance of having professional athletes give back in the community with clinics.
Approximately 400 kids, ranging from ages seven to 18, took part in the clinic. The group included both boys and girls from across The Bahamas, all eager to learn and improve their skills.
For many of the young players, it was their first time receiving instruction from current professional baseball and softball athletes, as well as members of the Players Alliance and several Bahamian pros who recently competed in the Caribbean Baseball Cup at the same venue.
“I'm pleased with the turnout, and we just want this thing to keep on growing. I remember being in their shoes, this really inspired me, just seeing professionals come back just to do a camp, it made me believe that I could accomplish that goal too and that's all you need as a kid.
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.
RED-LINE
SONJA KNOWLES TRACK CLASSIC
RED-LINE Athletics, “Where Champions 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. Interested persons are urged to contact club founder and head coach Tito Moss at 425-4262 for more information.
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.
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.
FLYERS TRACK
CLASSIC
THE 2026 Flyers Track Classic is scheduled for the weekend of January 9-10. The event is being held in memory of the late Gregory Clarke.
The meet will run from 6pm on January 9 and close out on January 10 from noon. The registration fee is $22 per athlete. Trophies will be presented to the winners for all first-place finishers. Medals will go to second and third place. There will also be divisional team winners and the male and female MVP winners.
Once you got the belief that you could do something, the rest is history,” said Don’t Blink co-founder Lucius Fox.
The clinic was designed to give every participant hands-on experience at multiple skill stations. Coaches and players ran specialised drills focusing on batting mechanics, fly-ball tracking, pitching fundamentals, and ground-ball work. Young outfielders received focused training on angles, footwork, and glove control, while infielders were guided through fielding, quick transfers, and accurate throwing techniques. To help cover each area of development, several Bahamian baseball organisations were directly involved in the day’s operations. Among the groups supporting the event were Bahamas Athletic Pride (BAP), Batter's Box, and other local camps that have helped fuel the growth of youth baseball across the island. After rotating through the various stations, the athletes wrapped up the clinic with a full scrimmage. The game allowed them to put everything they learned into action, giving coaches and pros an opportunity to offer real-time adjustments and encouragement. The scrimmage also provided the young players with a chance to showcase their abilities in front of some of the top baseball figures currently connected to the Bahamian baseball scene. With the Home Run Derby celebrations now officially underway, the momentum is expected to build throughout the week as events continue to lead into Derby Day.
DERBY - FROM PAGE E1
Patriots and Broncos are both home underdogs despite 10-game winning streaks
By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer
THE AFC’s two top teams are home underdogs in Week 15.
That sums up the state of the NFL in 2025. There are no dominant teams and even the ones with the best records still have much to prove.
The Denver Broncos and New England Patriots each are 11-2 and both teams have a 10-game winning streak.
But the Broncos are 2 1/2-point underdogs against the Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) on Sunday and the Patriots are 1-point underdogs against the Buffalo Bills (9-4) in a divisional rematch.
Pro Picks breaks down all the games.
CAROLINA (7-6) at NEW ORLEANS (3-10)
Line: Panthers minus 2 1/2
The Panthers control their playoff hopes. They already lost at home to the Saints and won’t overlook them after New Orleans won in Tampa Bay last week. Bryce Young had an excellent game in a stunning upset over the Rams before a bye. Carolina has lost 11 straight games as a favourite and failed to cover the spread in each one. Tyler Shough is 2-3 as a starter with both wins on the road against the Panthers and Buccaneers.
BEST BET: PANTHERS: 23-17
DETROIT (8-5) at LOS ANGELES RAMS (10-3)
Line: Rams minus 5 1/2
Jared Goff is 2-1 against Matthew Stafford, including a playoff win, since they were traded for each other. But the Rams got their Super Bowl victory with Stafford while the Lions are still trying to get to one. They’ve got a tough road to even get in the playoffs, starting this week. Goff and coach Dan Campbell are 23-12 ATS as underdogs. The Rams are 16-3 ATS in December since 2021. Something has to give.
UPSET SPECIAL: LIONS: 27-26
ATLANTA (4-9) at TAMPA BAY (7-6)
Line: Buccaneers minus 4 1/2
Kirk Cousins beat the Buccaneers twice last season, throwing for 785 yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are coming off a terrible loss at home to New Orleans. They have to get on track after losing four of five but the Falcons won’t be a pushover.
The Bucs are 2-9 in night games with Mayfield and coach Todd Bowles.
BUCCANEERS: 23-22
BALTIMORE (6-7) at CINCINNATI (4-9)
Line: Ravens minus 2 1/2
Maybe facing the league’s worst defence will get Lamar Jackson going. The Ravens have no margin for error after a tough loss to the Steelers. Joe Burrow and the Bengals are playing spoiler. They already won in Baltimore on Thanksgiving. Jackson is 6-2 against Burrow.
RAVENS: 29-24
BUFFALO (9-4) at NEW ENGLAND (11-2)
Line: Bills minus 1 The Bills opened 4-0 before the Patriots beat them at home in Week 4. New England has kept on winning. It feels like Josh Allen vs. Drake Maye is going to be a battle for AFC East supremacy for years. While the Bills rallied in a snowstorm to beat Burrow and the Bengals last week, the Patriots rested. Mike Vrabel’s teams in Tennessee were 6-1 overall and 6-1 against the spread off a bye.
BILLS: 27-24
WASHINGTON (3-10) at NEW YORK GIANTS (2-11)
Line: Giants minus 2 Quarterback Jayden Daniels will sit out Washington's game after aggravating his injured left elbow. He's been beat up all season and the Commanders have lost eight in a row. Jaxson Dart is taking his share of shots for the Giants, who’ve lost seven straight. Someone has to win.
GIANTS: 24-20
CLEVELAND (3-10) at CHICAGO (9-4)
Line: Bears minus 7 1/2
Shedeur Sanders has made the Browns watchable. Myles Garrett needs three sacks to set the single-season record. Caleb Williams and the Bears can’t afford to look past Cleveland with three tough games coming up. Chicago is 1-8-1 ATS in the last 10 games after facing Green Bay. But these aren’t the same Bears.
BEARS: 20-13
LOS ANGELES
CHARGERS (9-4) at KANSAS CITY (6-7)
Line: Chiefs minus 4 1/2
Coming off an overtime win against Philadelphia, the Chargers go for a sweep of a Chiefs team that’s on the verge of elimination. Patrick Mahomes and Co. ran out of margin for error. They need to win out and get plenty of help. Chiefs are 9-17 ATS in Mahomes’ last 26 starts.
CHIEFS: 22-20
LAS VEGAS (2-11) at PHILADELPHIA (8-5)
Line: Eagles minus 11
The Raiders are the remedy the Eagles need to snap a three-game losing streak. Jalen Hurts is coming off a five-turnover performance and the calls for backup Tanner McKee to replace the reigning Super Bowl MVP are getting louder in Philly.
EAGLES: 30-13
NEW YORK JETS (3-10) at JACKSONVILLE (9-4)
Line: Jaguars minus 13
The Jets are a disaster under rookie coach Aaron Glenn while the Jaguars’ first-year coach, Liam Coen, turned the team around quickly. The Jets are 1-14 in their last 15 games against teams in Florida.
JAGUARS: 27-13
ARIZONA (3-10) at HOUSTON (8-5)
Line: Texans minus 9 1/2
Trey McBride is trying to become the first tight end to lead the league in receptions since Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez in 2004. That’s the lone bright spot for the Cardinals. Houston’s No. 1 defense will make it difficult on Jacoby Brissett.
TEXANS: 22-13
GREEN BAY (9-3-1) at DENVER (11-2)
Line: Packers minus 2 1/2
Jordan Love, Micah Parsons and the Packers just beat the Bears to regain first place in the NFC North and face Chicago on the road next week. They can’t look ahead with a trip to Denver in between. This is a potential Super Bowl preview. The Broncos have come back to win nine games during their 10-game winning streak. The Packers under coach Matt LaFleur are 10-2 ATS after playing the Bears.
PACKERS: 21-17
TENNESSEE (2-11) at SAN FRANCISCO (9-4)
Line: 49ers minus 12 1/2
The Titans ran all over the Browns to earn their second win. The 49ers have been winning despite missing their best defensive players. But Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and
George Kittle are healthy and carrying the offence.
49ERS: 30-16
INDIANAPOLIS (8-5) at SEATTLE (10-3)
Line: Seahawks minus 13 1/2
The Colts have gone from 7-1 to signing Philip Rivers out of a five-year retirement. They’re in full panic mode, doing whatever it takes to get to the playoffs. The Seahawks are one of the most balanced teams in the NFL with a stifling defence and top-10 offence.
SEAHAWKS: 24-13
MINNESOTA (5-8) at DALLAS (6-6-1)
Line: Cowboys minus 6
J.J. McCarthy is coming off his best game and Minnesota’s defence is tough enough to keep the Vikings close. With the Eagles reeling, the Cowboys still have a shot to win the NFC East. But they have to win out and it starts against the Vikings. COWBOYS: 23-18
MIAMI (6-7) at PITTSBURGH (7-6)
Line: Steelers minus 3 1/2
The Dolphins have won four straight games behind a strong rushing attack and improved defence to stay alive in the playoff chase.
The Steelers are coming off a big win in Baltimore that put them back in first place in the AFC North. They can’t let up against Miami.
STEELERS: 22-17
Last week: Straight up: 9-5. Against spread: 10-4. Overall: Straight up: 149-58-1. Against spread: 106-96-6.
Prime time: Straight up: 28-18-1. Against spread: 20-27.
Best Bet: Straight up: 10-4. Against spread: 7-6-1. Upset Special: Straight up: 11-3. Against spread: 11-3.
PATRIOTS quarterback Drake Maye, front, is sacked by Giants linebacker Zaire Barnes, back, during the second half on Monday, December 1, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
BRONCOS QB Bo Nix (10) passes against the Raiders during the first half in Las Vegas on Sunday, December. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/ Candice Ward)
Jeers as Real Madrid loses 2-1 to Manchester City and pressure grows on Alonso, Arsenal wins, PSG draws
By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer
MANCHESTER, Eng-
land (AP) — The pressure was already on Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso and a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League yesterday raised further questions about his future.
Arsenal remains perfect in this season's competition and three points clear at the top of the standings after a 3-0 win against Club Brugge, while defending champion Paris Saint-Germain was held 0-0 at Athletic Bilbao.
Alonso had faced reports this week that he had lost control of the locker room and speculation over his position is likely to be intense after a latest defeat. It’s now just two wins in eight games for Madrid and back-to-back home losses.
There were jeers inside the Bernabeu at the final whistle.
“We know it’s a tough moment for us and for the coach,” Madrid winger Rodrygo said. “Things are not going our way and I wanted to show that we are behind our the coach. He has been trying. I wanted to show that we are together and we need to be united to keep moving forward and achieve our goals.”
Rodrygo had put Madrid in front in the 28th
minute, but goals from Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland before halftime sealed victory for City.
Alonso looked frustrated on the sidelines as he watched his blunt attack waste chances to salvage something in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappé, who was an unused substitute.
Vinicius Junior failed to hit the target with two chances from close range and Jude Bellingham lifted another effort over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Bellingham said afterward the squad was “100%” behind Alonso.
“The noise will not be helpful. So it’s about us trying to figure it out inside the dressing room,” Bellingham told TNT Sports.
Record 15-time European champion Madrid is seventh in the standings, with only the top eight teams automatically advancing to the round of 16.
“As a player inside the changing room, seeing what we’ve got in there, working with the coach every day, I think we have everything we need to turn it around,” Bellingham said.
“I’ve got full faith that this season isn’t over just because we’ve been on a bad run of form, and obviously as players it kills us and we’re going try to turn it around.”
Arsenal stays perfect
Top of the Premier League and top of the Champions League, too, Arsenal swept aside Club Brugge to maintain its 100% record in Europe.
Noni Madueke scored twice and Gabriel Martinelli got the other for Mikel Arteta's team, which has seen its lead in England's top flight cut from six points to two in recent weeks. There are no such concerns in Europe.
“Our mentality is our strength," Arteta said.
PSG couldn't find a winner in Bilbao, but with 13 points after six games,
the French giant has already equaled the total amount it picked up in the league phase last season before going on to win the trophy.
Italian champion Napoli lost 2-0 at Benfica, while Weston McKennie was on target for Juventus in a 2-0 win at Pafos.
Both Napoli and Juventus have only won two of their six games in the league phase so far.
Newcastle denied late on Alejandro Grimaldo made the difference again for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring in the 88th to rescue a 2-2 draw against Newcastle. A hero of Leverkusen’s
after Norway’s Bodo/Glimt sealed a 2-2 draw, equalizing twice after Julian Brandt goals for Dortmund.
The result helps neither team, with Dortmund’s chances of direct qualification for the round of 16 taking a dent. Bodo/Glimt has three draws but no wins in its debut Champions League season.
Ajax rallies to beat Qarabag
Ajax scored three goals late in the game to deny Qarabag a surprise win in one of the early kickoffs.
Four-time European champion Ajax twice trailed against its Azerbaijani opponent, but fought back to win 4-2 in Baku.
surprise win at Man City last month, Grimaldo surged into the penalty area to level the score.
Leverkusen took an early lead when Bruno Guimaraes deflected Robert Andrich’s header into his own net. Nick Woltemade won a penalty that Anthony Gordon converted in the 51st before 19-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley headed Newcastle in front.
Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand missed the game for personal reasons, the club said an hour before kickoff. Jeers rang out at full time at Borussia Dortmund
Qarabag has been one of the surprise packages in this season’s competition and led after 10 minutes through Camilo Duran. Matheus Silva scored two minutes into the second half to make it 2-1 after Kasper Dolberg had leveled for Ajax.
But Ajax powered back with three goals in 11 minutes. Oscar Gloukh scored in the 79th and 90th, with Anton Gaaei getting the other in the 82nd.
Copenhagen also scored late to win 3-2 at Villarreal.
Substitute Andreas Cornelius struck in the 90th to seal victory in a game where Copenhagen had twice been pegged back after taking the lead.
Kylian Mbappé an unused substitute in Real Madrid’s loss to Man City
By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer
MADRID (AP) — Kylian Mbappé was an unused substitute in Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League yesterday.
Mbappé, who has scored 25 goals for Madrid this season, was left out of Madrid’s starting lineup and stayed on the bench following reports of a minor knee injury.
Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said it was too early to know whether the player will be able to play Sunday at Alaves in the Spanish league.
“We'll go day-by-day,” he said after the match.
“Today he wasn't fit to play, otherwise he would've played. We miss him, but we had enough scoring opportunities without him.”
The forward was among those complaining from the Madrid bench when City scored a first-half equaliser.
Mbappé talked to the fourth official, pointing to a possible foul on Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger during the corner-kick cross into the area. The visitors won 2-1 at the Santiago
Bernabeu stadium, increasing pressure on coach Xabi Alonso.
Madrid has won only just two of its last eight games in all competitions and fell to a 2-0 home loss to Celta Vigo in the Spanish league on Sunday. Mbappé nursed a right ankle injury that kept him out of France’s squad last month, and most recently he fractured a finger in his left hand.
The France striker trained separately from his teammates on Tuesday.
Mbappé has been in outstanding form this season and had scored seven goals in his previous three games before ending that streak against Celta. He is the leading scorer in both the Champions League and the Spanish league.
Gonzalo García was named at the point of Madrid's attack on Wednesday. He was replaced by Arda Güler in the 58th minute. The other Madrid players to come on were
Brahim Díaz, replacing Dani Ceballos in the 67th, and Endrick for Raúl Asencio in the 79th. Mbappé didn’t even warm up with the rest of the substitutes during the game.
MANCHESTER City’s Erling Haaland, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side’s second goal during a Champions League opening phase soccer match against Real Madrid yesterday.
(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
REAL Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe sits at the bench before a Champions League opening phase match yesterday. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Brunson scores 35 as Knicks rout Raptors 117-101 to reach NBA Cup semis for first time
By IAN HARRISON Associated Press
TORONTO (AP) — Jalen Brunson scored 35 points, Josh Hart added 21 and the New York Knicks advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals for the first time in three tries by beating the struggling Toronto Raptors 117-101 on Tuesday night.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 14 points and 16 rebounds for the Knicks, who will face Orlando in the semifinal round at Las Vegas on Saturday.
The Magic reached the semifinals by beating Miami earlier Tuesday.
Towns returned after sitting out Sunday’s home win over Orlando because of tightness in his left calf.
Mikal Bridges scored 15 points for New York and OG Anunoby had 13 against his former team.
The only team to reach the quarterfinals in all three years of the event, the Knicks had lost their previous two appearances by a combined 32 points.
New York is 11-4 all-time in NBA Cup play.
Brunson’s 26 points in the opening half were his most in any half this season.
Brandon Ingram scored 31 points and Jamal Shead had a career-high 18 but the short-handed Raptors lost their fourth straight, all at home.
Scottie Barnes and Ja’Kobe Walter each scored 13 points for the Raptors, and Jakob Poeltl added 10. Toronto went unbeaten in group stage play with all four wins coming during a stretch that saw the Raptors go 13-1. They’re 1-6 since.
Ingram had 17 in the first quarter but the entire Raptors team couldn’t combine to match that total in the second. Toronto missed 13 of its first 15 shot attempts and finished 5 for 21 in a disastrous frame that saw the Raptors outscored 34-13. New York led 69-52 at the half.
Neither of Toronto’s former Knicks was available Tuesday. Immanuel Quickley sat because of an illness while RJ Barrett missed his ninth straight game because of a sprained right knee.
Up next
Knicks: Play Orlando in the semifinal at Las Vegas on Saturday. Raptors: At Miami on Monday.
DICK SCANLON Associated Press
ORLANDO, Florida
(AP) — Desmond Bane matched his season high with 37 points and the Orlando Magic advanced to the NBA Cup semifinals with a 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. Jalen Suggs scored 20 points and Paolo Banchero added 18 points and seven rebounds for the Magic, who will play New York on Saturday in the semifinal round at Las Vegas. Norman Powell led Miami with 21 points. Tyler Herro added 20 and Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins each had 19 for the Heat, who have lost three times in Orlando this season.
Bane hit two 3-pointers and scored on a three-point play in the first 2:06 of the fourth quarter, stretching the Magic's six-point lead to
13. The Heat never got the margin under nine until the final minute. The Magic played for the first time this season without Franz Wagner, who is expected to be out several weeks with a high ankle sprain.
The Heat made their first six shots and led 15-0 when Herro drove for a layup less than three minutes into the game. But Miami went cold and finished the game 8 for 33 (24.2%) from 3-point range. Herro missed all six of his 3-point attempts, including an open shot that could have cut the margin to four with 37 seconds left.
Bane made 6 of 9 3-pointers and the Magic shot 15 for 32 (46.9%).
Up next Heat: Host Toronto on Monday in a regular-season game.
Magic: Play the New York Knicks on Saturday at Las Vegas.
TORONTO Raptors’ Brandon Ingram (3) drives to the net during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game against the New York Knicks in Toronto, Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
(Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press via AP)
MAGIC guard Desmond Bane, right, celebrates with guard Jase Richardson, centre, and guard Jalen Suggs, left, after scoring a 3-pointer during the second half against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. (AP Photo/Phelan M Ebenhack)
Mingoes get the win over Avengers, 75-58
THE University of the Bahamas men’s basketball team had four players in double digits as they grounded the Airport Authority Avengers 75-58 in the UB Showcase at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Monday.
Kevaro Russell led all scorers in the game with 25 points after coming off a six-point showing last week Thursday.
Jerehemiah Miller came away with a double-double, scoring 14 points and a game high 12 rebounds. Alex Minus had 11 points and Terrance Higgs chipped in with 10 points.
Russell said that he liked the ball movement from the team in this game.
“Any one of my teammates can go off on any given night and tonight was my night,” Russell said.
UB used a huge fourth quarter to put the game
away after they outscored the Avengers 26-11. The fourth quarter started with UB holding a slim 49-47 lead. It ballooned to 58-49 on a Lorenz Carter layup with 5:57 left in the game.
Russell put the game away on a jump shot with 2:53 left in the game as they led 63-52.
Russell had a strong end to the second quarter after Avengers started to put pressure on UB as he had six straight points for UB as they half ended with them being up 37-31.
Rufus Dean led the Avengers with 18 points. UB had 19 points off 11 Avengers’ turnovers and outrebounded them 37-25. UB also had 20 assists on 32 made field goals.
Russell said they will look to pick up the intensity on defence as the season goes on.
THE WEATHER REPORT
THE University of the Bahamas Mingoes men’s basketball team in action against the Airport Authority Avengers in the UB Showcase at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium on Monday.
Photos: UB Athletics
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