Month: April 2024

Wehiwa Aloy’s first-inning grand slam helps Arkansas past Missouri State

Arkansas Baseball: The Arkansas Razorbacks continued its roll through midweek play with a 12-7 victory over Missouri State Tuesday night at Baum-Walker Stadium.

Wehiwa Aloy’s first-inning grand slam gave No. 2 Arkansas the early lead, and the hits kept coming in a 12-7 Razorbacks victory over Missouri State in midweek play Tuesday at Baum-Walker Stadium.

It took only 10 pitches from Missouri State starter Brandon Beaver for the Razorbacks (38-7 overall) to grab a 4-0 lead on Aloy’s home run, a tape-measure shot to straight-away center field. It was Aloy’s 11th homer of the season and third grand slam.

The Diamond Hogs upped the lead to 5-0 an inning later on an RBI single from Peyton Holt before erupting for four runs in the third. Jack Wagner and Hudson White had run-scoring hits before two more scored on a hard-hit ball from Peyton Stovall that made it 9-0 after three innings.

After Missouri State (18-25) plated four runs against right-hander Cooper Dossett to pull to within five at 9-4, the Razorbacks continued their onslaught in the bottom of the fourth by tacking on two more runs. Ryder Helfrick doubled on a ball that caromed off the wall down the left field line to score Jared Sprague-Lott from first. Jayson Jones then brought Helfrick home with an RBI single that made the score 11-4.

Leading by four in the eighth inning, Arkansas tacked on an insurance run when Sprague-Lott hit his sixth home run of the season to cap the scoring at 12-7.

Arkansas used eight pitchers to get the win. Gage Wood (3-1) started and pitched three scoreless innings for the win, yielding just one hit and striking out four batters without allowing a walk.

Will McEntire pitched a scoreless sixth inning in his team-leading 21st relief appearance. Jake Faherty pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out two to lower his ERA to 1.08 in 11 appearances.

Beaver (2-3) was the losing pitcher for Missouri State, allowing five runs (all earned) in two innings. Arkansas out-hit the Bears, 10-5.

The win was the 31st home victory of the year for the Razorbacks, who remain unbeaten in midweek play at 11-0.

First pitch for the second game of the midweek series against Missouri State is scheduled for 4 p.m. CDT Wednesday.

Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day reprised their SNL roles of Beavis and Butt-Head for The Fall Guy’s L.A. premiere

That was cool.

After gifting Saturday Night Live with one of its funniest skits in years, Ryan Gosling teamed up with SNL cast member Mikey Day to reprise their roles as everyone’s favorite chortling teenage couch slackers.

Gosling and Day dressed up as Beavis and Butt-Head (well, at least two people who just so happen to look and laugh just like Beavis and Butt-Head) at the Los Angeles premiere of Gosling’s new film, The Fall Guy.

The two just stood there like nothing was at all was unusual about how they were dressed, which is also what happened in the aforementioned SNL skit.

This was just too good to be true.

We hope Gosling and Day consider making a live-action Beavis and Butt-Head movie at some point, as someone needs to get series creator Mike Judge on the phone and make this happen sooner than later.

That would be, uh, *heh heh heh* pretty cool.

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Zay Jones may make sense as another Raiders reunion for Saints

The Saints are already flush with former Raiders, but Zay Jones may make sense as a safety net in case one of their young wideouts slips and falls:

The NFL draft is always tough on older players. Teams come out of it flush with young talent, which often leads to redundancies —  that are quickly dealt with in a wave of cuts around the league.

And that’s exactly what Zay Jones experienced with the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. Jacksonville drafted former LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of this year’s draft, and a few days later chose to make room in the receiving corps by letting Jones go. Now he’s a free agent, and the former Las Vegas Raiders wideout could make sense for the New Orleans Saints.

Sure, the Saints are flush with Derek Carr’s former teammates already. But they could use another veteran at receiver, and Jones is better-accomplished than other free agents they’ve picked up over the last month. Jones caught 34 passes for 321 yards last season. The Saints’ trio of Cedrick Wilson Jr., Stanley Morgan, and Equanimeous St. Brown combined for 27 receptions and 358 yards on their previous teams in 2023. Add up their careers and Jones outpaces them by 118 catches and 802 yards.

Signing him could make sense. The Saints don’t have much to hang their hats on after Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. A.T. Perry has a ton of potential but we should remember he only caught a dozen passes last year. It would be wise to invest in a safety net in case one of those youngsters slips and falls. Jones isn’t likely to be expensive, and he already has a connection to Carr. If the money makes sense there’s no reason not to bring him into training camp and see if he can compete for a roster spot.

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Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG odds and lines, with Champions League expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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Borussia Dortmund welcomes PSG to Signal Iduna Park Wednesday for the 1st leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG odds, and make our best Champions League bets, picks and predictions.

PSG sits 12 points ahead of AS Monaco in Ligue 1 play — the top league in France. PSG beat Barcelona 4-1 on the road in the 2nd leg of its quarterfinal matchup April 16, and won 6-4 on aggregate. PSG beat Real Sociedad a combined 4-1 through 2 legs of the Round of 16 following a disappointing 2-2-2 group-stage effort. It finished 2nd in a group led by Dortmund, so these teams are familiar with each other.

Dortmund was 3-2-1 in the group stage, ending with 7 goals for and 4 against. It beat Atletico Madrid a combined 5-4, winning 4-2 at home in the 2nd leg April 16. Dortmund beat PSV 3-1 in the Round of 16. Dortmund has had a disappointing season in league play, sitting 5th in the Bundesliga despite a +20 goal differential. F Niclas Fullkrug, who has 12 goals and 8 asssists in 28 league matches, is Dortmund’s top attacking threat.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:34 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Borussia Dortmund +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | PSG +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +126 | U: -154)

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Borussia Dortmund vs. PSG picks and predictions

Prediction

PSG 2, Borussia Dortmund 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET PSG (+145).

In 2 group-stage matches against Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 at home (Sept. 19, 2023) and drew 1-1 on the road (Dec. 13, 2023).

Dortmund ended with 1.4 fewer expected goals at home and 1.7 fewer on the road. Dortmund has had as many or fewer expected goals in all 4 games following the group stage. It has gotten the results but hasn’t played like an elite side, and PSG should be able to expose that.

PSG is coming off an impressive 4-1 road win over Barcelona, which sits 2nd in La Liga. PSG has the firepower in F Kylian Mbappe (26 goals, 7 assists in 28 matches) to get the job done and has proven it can win big games on the road.

BACK PSG (+145).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 3.5 (-154).

While both teams netted 4 goals in their last respective Champions League match, neither has consistently scored throughout the league this season. Dortmund tallied 7 goals in 6 group-stage matches and then 4 goals in its first 3 games following. It has only scored 2 or more in 4 of 10 games.

PSG has gone Under this total in 6 of its last 8 Champions League matches, having tallied more than 2 in just 2 of 10 matches. It has allowed fewer than 1.5 expected goals in every Champions League match this season.

Expect fewer goals, especially given how familiar the teams are with each other and how the 2 group-stage games were played. TAKE UNDER 3.5 (-154).

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Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Miami Heat at Boston Celtics Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Miami Heat at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics meet Wednesday for Game 5 of their best-of-7 Eastern Conference 1st-round series, which Boston leads 3-1. Tip-off from TD Garden is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Heat vs. Celtics odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Boston routed Miami 102-88 in Monday’s Game 4 of the series while covering as a 10.5-point road favorite. G Derrick White dropped a game-high 38 points on 15-of-26 shooting in the win. Boston also hit 14 deep balls, while the Heat hit only 9. After hitting 23 from deep in their lone win in the series (Game 2), the Heat have been held to single-digit 3’s in back-to-back outings.

Miami’s offense continues to struggle as it has been held to under 100 points in each of its 3 losses this series — it was held under 90 points in the last 2 games.

Heat at Celtics odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:32 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Heat +625 (bet $100 to win $625) | Celtics -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Heat +13.5 (-110) | Celtics -13.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 199.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Heat at Celtics key injuries

Heat

  • F Jimmy Butler (knee) out
  • G Jaime Jaquez Jr. (hip) out
  • F Duncan Robinson (back) available
  • G Terry Rozier (neck) out

Celtics

  • C Kristaps Porzingis (calf) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Heat at Celtics picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 105, Heat 90

Moneyline

PASS.

The Celtics should pick up the win and end this series, but they are not worth the risk of betting on as -1000 favorites. Back the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

LEAN CELTICS -13.5 (-110).

Boston has covered the spread in 3 of the 4 games this series, including each of the last 2 games. The Celtics are also 4-2 ATS in their last 6 matchups vs. Miami.

This is only a lean because Miami is still a very good team and has proven in this series that its offense can come alive. Miami has also given Boston a lot of trouble in recent history, especially in the playoffs.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 199.5 (-110).

The Under has hit in 4 of Miami’s last 5 games, including in 3 of the 4 games this series. The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 Miami-Boston matchups overall, and 7-3 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings dating back to May, 2023.

An Under number this low is always risky in today’s NBA, but Miami’s offense has not looked good all series and both teams are very good defensively, making this play the best bet in the contest.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Nic Anderson among Pro Football Network’s top wideouts for 2025 NFL draft

Nic Anderson is receiving early love for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Oklahoma did not have a single skill player drafted in this year’s NFL draft, but Pro Football Network expects that to change for 2025.

We’re not even a week removed from the end of the 2024 NFL draft, but Pro Football Network is already at work crafting its way-too-early rankings for each position for next year’s draft.

After this year’s historic and talent-laden wide receiver group, next year may look underwhelming overall, but there’s still plenty of talent to be had next April. Fortunately, the Sooners have a player that is already considered one of the best at his position a year ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Nic Anderson.

Redshirt sophomore receiver Nic Anderson checks in at No. 5 in Pro Football Network’s WR rankings. Anderson will be draft-eligible after this season, and the pass catcher is a rising star in college football.

Last season Anderson reeled in 38 catches for 798 yards and ten touchdowns. He was a touchdown-scoring machine and a big play threat every time he took the field.

His excellent speed, long strides, and ability to make things happen after the catch make him an enticing prospect. Size-wise, he stands 6-foot-4 and clocks in at 210 pounds.

Anderskn will likely need to showcase improved route running and an enhanced focus on reeling in routine catches. Still, it’s impossible not to see the tools and why draft analysts may be salivating at what Anderson can become over the next year.

Jackson Arnold will play a pivotal role in how Anderson looks to scouts this upcoming year. The sophomore quarterback is set to enter his first season as the starting quarterback. It will be interesting to see what rapport Arnold builds with Anderson as the season kicks off. Early in 2023, the two seemed to work well together, connecting on a number of deep balls, including this touchdown against Tulsa. They also hooked up for a highlight reel touchdown in Arnold’s first start during the Valero Alamo Bowl.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on X @thatmanbryant.

LSU baseball run rules Grambling at The Box in dominating fashion

LSU made light work out of Grambling as it won 26-2 on Tuesday night.

LSU welcomed Grambling to the box for a mid-week matchup as the Tigers tune-up to play against the No. 1 team in the country this weekend. LSU made light work out of Grambling as they won 26-2.

The Tigers got the scoring started in the bottom of the first inning, LSU initiated a double steal where [autotag]Ashton Larson[/autotag] stole second and [autotag]Michael Braswell III[/autotag] stole home to make it 1-0 LSU. Josh Pearson followed that with an RBI double to extend the lead to 2-0.

In the bottom of the second inning, LSU scored seven runs as [autotag]Brady Neal[/autotag] scored on a wild pitch, [autotag]Tommy White[/autotag] hit a three RBI double, and [autotag]Hayden Travinski[/autotag] hit a three-run homer to increase the lead to 9-0 after two innings.

 

In the bottom of the fourth inning, LSU scored 13 runs as [autotag]Jared Jones[/autotag] hit an RBI double to increase the Tigers’ lead to 10-0. [autotag]Ethan Frey[/autotag] hit a sacrifice fly to score Tommy tanks and increase the lead to 11-0. [autotag]Mac Bingham[/autotag] hit a two-RBI single to increase the lead to 13-0. [autotag]Ryan Kucherak[/autotag] hit an RBI single to increase the lead to 14-0. Bingham then scored on a wild pitch to make it 15-0 Tigers.

[autotag]Jake Brown[/autotag] followed that with a two-RBI double to increase the lead to 17-0. Tommy followed that with a tank to increase the lead to 19-0. Neal then hit a three-run homer to increase the lead to 22-0.

In the top of the fifth inning, Grambling hit a two-run homer to put themselves on the board and cut the lead to 22-2. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Brown hit a two-run homer and [autotag]Zeb Ruddell[/autotag] hit a two-run homer to extend the lead to 26-2.

LSU will start a three-game series with No. 1 Texas A&M on Friday night at 7 p.m. CT.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Alontae Taylor hints at changing his Saints jersey number again

Alontae Taylor hinted at changing his Saints jersey number again on social media. Who could end up wearing No. 1?

Alontae Taylor has maintained an interesting social media presence during his career with the New Orleans Saints, and another chapter was added on Tuesday as he hinted at changing his jersey number for a second time.

After coming into the NFL and initially choosing the No. 27, he switched to No. 1 for 2023. Now, he is hinting at changing to his college number of 2. Jameis Winston held it when Taylor first joined the team, so it only recently became available.

The No. 2 jersey is currently being used by backup quarterback Kellen Mond. Mond could be cut, though, after the team drafted Spencer Rattler. Taylor may be hinting at changing his number because rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry wore No. 1 in college.

This also isn’t the first time this offseason that someone has mentioned changing into No. 2, as Chris Olave also made a reference to switching his number as well. That didn’t come to fruition, possibly because of the costs involved in buying unsold No. 12 jerseys to facilitate the move (which would be prohibitive on a rookie salary).

Who will end up wearing the number? Is Taylor really hinting at a move? Only time will tell.

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USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, April 30: Alex Perez joins top 15 at flyweight after upset KO

The women’s and men’s flyweight divisions saw some movement in the MMA Junkie Rankings after UFC on ESPN 55, with Alex Perez making the biggest leap.

Although it was a low-profile event by UFC standards, this past Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 55 event created some movement in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.

Two main card winners in particular gained attention. Former UFC flyweight title challenger [autotag]Alex Perez[/autotag] snapped a three-fight losing skid with a blistering knockout of Matheus Nicolau in the headliner, while Brazilian women’s flyweight [autotag]Karine Silva[/autotag] made it 4-0 inside the octagon with a unanimous decision over Ariane da Silva at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Check out where both fighters are now slotted in their respective weight classes after notable victories.

Jon Stewart’s stunned reaction to Tyrese Maxey’s epic 3-pointer to force OT in 76ers-Knicks was priceless

We get it, Jon Stewart. We get it.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey hit the shot of the playoffs so far on Tuesday night as he drilled a stunning 3-pointer from near halfcourt to send Game 5 of his team’s playoff series with the New York Knicks to overtime.

The cold-blooded bucket further proves why Maxey is a shining star in this new generation of NBA players, and why Knicks fans just can’t have nice things, even when they’re in Madison Square Garden.

Well, Maxey stunned the MSG crowd, part-time Daily Show host Jon Stewart included. A camera caught the legendary comedian’s reaction to the Maxey 3-pointer, one of absolutely befuddlement at what in the world just happened.

Stewart’s shocked reaction was just priceless, as anyone who has ever had a basket scored on their team like that in the playoffs can empathize with just how jarring it is.

The 76ers prevented being eliminated with the 112-106 overtime victory, keeping its hopes alive of evening things out later this week. Like all Knicks fans, Stewart will probably keep ruminating on how this happened, especially if Philly pulls off the improbable 3-1 series comeback.

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