WASHINGTON (AP) — Seven years ago, when a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico was awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup">2026 World Cup</a>, rifts created by tariffs — yes, back then, too! — and a proposed border wall were glossed over because of the neighbors’ longstanding political and economic alliances.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/71e70169ac9343839436613b7d8dbb31">“The unity of the three nations″</a>&nbsp;was the overriding theme articulated by Carlos Cordeiro, then-president of the U.S. Soccer Federation. “A powerful message,” he called it.

Well, here we are now, with the soccer showcase arriving in North America in about 15 months, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;back in office — inciting trade wars between the neighbors, not to mention across the globe, by levying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-timeline-trade-war-trump-canada-mexico-china-97819f94e424c0e7bba2812e09a721a7">tariffs</a>&nbsp;that come, then go, then return,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-whiskey-cb259623a25ca1bfdb4673262ceef85b">with more promised</a>, including what the Republican calls “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reciprocal-tariff-trade-deficit-4329a37b5a41ac944dcc74093410a126">reciprocal tariffs</a>&nbsp;” starting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-tariffs-liberation-day-import-taxes-118d73f50e5133ef3d9598aed6661a6c">Wednesday</a>.

It’s hard to know how, exactly, the current geopolitical fissures, made all the more stark every time Trump or those in his administration talk provocatively about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-canada-could-become-us-state-42360e10ded96c0046fd11eaaf55ab88">making Canada the 51st state</a>, might affect the World Cup, its organization and coordination, fans’ travel plans and more.

“Oh, I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fifa-world-cup-task-force-dba6def9a56cd1c48be592e1725d4a6a">Trump’s take</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/INDwnNAkTLI?si=fHBRHnggEextYnIZ" target="_blank">an Oval Office appearance with FIFA President Gianni Infantino</a>&nbsp;last month. “Tension’s a good thing.”

Will the world come to the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics?

Given that the U.S. also is preparing to welcome the world for FIFA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fifa-club-world-cup-prize-money-real-madrid-0cdee232b9a3670c77b62cd7dc3b53cb">Club World Cup</a>&nbsp;in June, golf’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ryder-cup-pay-pga-tour-europe-e287158b848e8d447302df31da36a79a">Ryder Cup</a>&nbsp;in September and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/43833244a74643b3a1fd0b2787c2e38d">Los Angeles Olympics</a>&nbsp;in 2028, the question becomes: Will the world want to come?

And, taking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-tourists-german-canadian-detention-immigration-408cd27338e8065268fabc835f8b0c34">Trump’s border and visa policies</a>&nbsp;into account, will the world be able to?

Alan Rothenberg, who ran the 1994 World Cup and successfully oversaw the bid to host the 1999 Women’s World Cup as then-president of U.S. Soccer, thinks the answers to those questions are “Yes.” Pointing to concerns about the last two World Cups, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-260baf7eaa624cf4b39e9ec988ba9114">Russia in 2018</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-soccer-sports-business-discrimination-ee9a8b506525341927b02c97cb19993d">Qatar in 2022</a>, he noted those still attracted attendance totals above 3 million apiece.

“People love the United States around the world — frankly, we wouldn’t have the immigration issue that we’re dealing with if that weren’t the case — so a lot of this is government-to-government,” Rothenberg said. “A passionate soccer fan is not going to be held up by that.”

He doesn’t think one of the host nations would drop out of the World Cup, say, or that other countries might&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-olympics-boycott-9ba0aad38e01013bd0f40ce554317caf">boycott</a>, as happened at the 1976, 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics.

“More than anything, they’ll see it as an opportunity for, perhaps, rapprochement, rather than escalating the tensions,” Rothenberg said.

“Besides, from an organizing standpoint, if either Canada or Mexico withdrew” from the World Cup, he said, “the U.S. would pick up the games in a heartbeat.”

Spectators booing the U.S. national anthem

Still, as the White House stance on tariffs and Russia’s war in Ukraine have put&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-russia-war-putin-zelenskyy-europe-7940f9c5828fc46431928bc073170bc2">Europe on edge</a>, and relations with other countries have become fraught, it might not be a surprise if soccer stadiums for the U.S. games at the World Cup offer the same sort of anti-American sentiment heard when spectators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-anthem-booed-montreal-hockey-9265bda34c95a1ed0ca2e1f90e7da1b1">in Canada booed “The Star-Spangled Banner”</a>&nbsp;during hockey’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February.

FIFA, soccer’s governing body, did not respond to Associated Press requests for comment, but Infantino has never hidden his admiration for Trump, which he often demonstrates via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFCCe0sIRF8/?igsh=MXN1OGZ0ZDhkbGU3OQ%3D%3D&amp;img_index=1" target="_blank">social media</a>. They have met at least five times since the U.S. election in November.

Last week, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ioc-olympics-president-election-coventry-coe-samaranch-762f3442ff2a01be9e822cd017b89a59">Kirsty Coventry</a>&nbsp;was elected president of the International Olympic Committee — becoming the first woman in that position — she was asked how she would work with Trump and what she would tell athletes about traveling to the U.S. for the next Games.

“I have been dealing with, let’s say, difficult men, in high positions since I was 20 years old,” Coventry said with a chuckle, “and first and foremost, what I have learned is that communication will be key. That is something that will happen early on. And my firm belief is that President Trump is a huge lover of sports. He will want these Games to be significant. He will want them to be a success.”

Referring to concerns about whether the administration might deny some athletes visas, she added: “We will not waver from our values … of solidarity in ensuring that every athlete that qualifies for the Olympic Games has the possibility to attend the Olympic Games and be safe during the Olympic Games.”

The overriding assumption among those involved in the Olympics is that Trump will assure the 2028 Games are a success.

As U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-sports-8a89eac6ffd68f3e809cda0ec01ce4ac">Gene Sykes</a>&nbsp;put it: “I can’t speak for him, but I think he’s the kind of person who probably believes that having these go very, very well is a reflection of his leadership.”

Will Trump’s tariffs and other policies affect soccer’s World Cup?

“The most likely outcome is that Trump’s nonsense won’t have an impact,” said Smith College professor Andrew Zimbalist, an expert on the economics of sports.

“My guess is that if relations between Canada and the U.S. deteriorate to the point that there are travel restrictions and spending restrictions,” Zimbalist said, “Trump would — just like he’s making exceptions all the time on his tariffs policies — make an exception for a month or six weeks.”

The U.S. and Canadian soccer federations declined AP requests for comment on how White House policies might affect the 2026 World Cup.

Gabriela Cuevas, who represents Mexico’s government in meetings with FIFA, said she considers the tariffs and the soccer event “separate issues,” adding that she believes “the World Cup could be a route to engage in a conversation.”

Observers tend to agree, saying logistics such as security cooperation or team transportation from city to city — or country to country — should not be hampered when it comes to the World Cup, scheduled to take place in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The borders might become an issue, though.

“The main thing FIFA needs to move for this event is not car parts, and it’s not wheat, and it’s not electricity. It’s people. That’s your real concern,” said Victor Matheson, an economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“What were previously pretty reasonable border crossings could become much more challenging, simply because both sides amp up their level of inspections and the United States, in particular, cuts down government services that allow people to move effectively between countries.”

As for the fans, 29-year-old Mexican businessman German Camacho Pacheco said “soccer is religion” in his country, so when it comes to the World Cup, “I don’t think they care about tariffs.”

Camacho, wearing the Monterrey club jersey of defender Sergio Ramos while on the way to watch a game at a sports bar in Mexico City, said he doesn’t expect there to be any effect at all on the World Cup “unless this goes from a trade war to an actual war.”

AP writers Greg Beacham in Inglewood, California; Nancy Benac in Washington; Ronald Blum in New York; Graham Dunbar in Costa Navarino, Greece; Eddie Pells in Denver; Anne M. Peterson in Portland, Oregon, and Carlos Rodriguez in Mexico City contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741521131212.png" alt="-President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveil the official trophy of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup" />
 <figcaption>-President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveil the official trophy of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Seven years ago, when a joint bid by the United States, Canada and Mexico was awarded the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup">2026 World Cup</a>, rifts created by tariffs — yes, back then, too! — and a proposed border wall were glossed over because of the neighbors’ longstanding political and economic alliances.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/71e70169ac9343839436613b7d8dbb31">“The unity of the three nations″</a>&nbsp;was the overriding theme articulated by Carlos Cordeiro, then-president of the U.S. Soccer Federation. “A powerful message,” he called it.Well, here we are now, with the soccer showcase arriving in North America in about 15 months, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;back in office — inciting trade wars between the neighbors, not to mention across the globe, by levying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-timeline-trade-war-trump-canada-mexico-china-97819f94e424c0e7bba2812e09a721a7">tariffs</a>&nbsp;that come, then go, then return,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-eu-whiskey-cb259623a25ca1bfdb4673262ceef85b">with more promised</a>, including what the Republican calls “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-reciprocal-tariff-trade-deficit-4329a37b5a41ac944dcc74093410a126">reciprocal tariffs</a>&nbsp;” starting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-tariffs-liberation-day-import-taxes-118d73f50e5133ef3d9598aed6661a6c">Wednesday</a>.It’s hard to know how, exactly, the current geopolitical fissures, made all the more stark every time Trump or those in his administration talk provocatively about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-canada-could-become-us-state-42360e10ded96c0046fd11eaaf55ab88">making Canada the 51st state</a>, might affect the World Cup, its organization and coordination, fans’ travel plans and more.“Oh, I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fifa-world-cup-task-force-dba6def9a56cd1c48be592e1725d4a6a">Trump’s take</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/INDwnNAkTLI?si=fHBRHnggEextYnIZ" target="_blank">an Oval Office appearance with FIFA President Gianni Infantino</a>&nbsp;last month. “Tension’s a good thing.”<h2>Will the world come to the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics?</h2>Given that the U.S. also is preparing to welcome the world for FIFA’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fifa-club-world-cup-prize-money-real-madrid-0cdee232b9a3670c77b62cd7dc3b53cb">Club World Cup</a>&nbsp;in June, golf’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ryder-cup-pay-pga-tour-europe-e287158b848e8d447302df31da36a79a">Ryder Cup</a>&nbsp;in September and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/43833244a74643b3a1fd0b2787c2e38d">Los Angeles Olympics</a>&nbsp;in 2028, the question becomes: Will the world want to come?And, taking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-tourists-german-canadian-detention-immigration-408cd27338e8065268fabc835f8b0c34">Trump’s border and visa policies</a>&nbsp;into account, will the world be able to?Alan Rothenberg, who ran the 1994 World Cup and successfully oversaw the bid to host the 1999 Women’s World Cup as then-president of U.S. Soccer, thinks the answers to those questions are “Yes.” Pointing to concerns about the last two World Cups, in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-260baf7eaa624cf4b39e9ec988ba9114">Russia in 2018</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-soccer-sports-business-discrimination-ee9a8b506525341927b02c97cb19993d">Qatar in 2022</a>, he noted those still attracted attendance totals above 3 million apiece.“People love the United States around the world — frankly, we wouldn’t have the immigration issue that we’re dealing with if that weren’t the case — so a lot of this is government-to-government,” Rothenberg said. “A passionate soccer fan is not going to be held up by that.”He doesn’t think one of the host nations would drop out of the World Cup, say, or that other countries might&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jimmy-carter-olympics-boycott-9ba0aad38e01013bd0f40ce554317caf">boycott</a>, as happened at the 1976, 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics.“More than anything, they’ll see it as an opportunity for, perhaps, rapprochement, rather than escalating the tensions,” Rothenberg said.“Besides, from an organizing standpoint, if either Canada or Mexico withdrew” from the World Cup, he said, “the U.S. would pick up the games in a heartbeat.”<h2>Spectators booing the U.S. national anthem</h2>Still, as the White House stance on tariffs and Russia’s war in Ukraine have put&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-russia-war-putin-zelenskyy-europe-7940f9c5828fc46431928bc073170bc2">Europe on edge</a>, and relations with other countries have become fraught, it might not be a surprise if soccer stadiums for the U.S. games at the World Cup offer the same sort of anti-American sentiment heard when spectators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-anthem-booed-montreal-hockey-9265bda34c95a1ed0ca2e1f90e7da1b1">in Canada booed “The Star-Spangled Banner”</a>&nbsp;during hockey’s 4 Nations Face-Off in February.FIFA, soccer’s governing body, did not respond to Associated Press requests for comment, but Infantino has never hidden his admiration for Trump, which he often demonstrates via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFCCe0sIRF8/?igsh=MXN1OGZ0ZDhkbGU3OQ%3D%3D&amp;img_index=1" target="_blank">social media</a>. They have met at least five times since the U.S. election in November.Last week, when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ioc-olympics-president-election-coventry-coe-samaranch-762f3442ff2a01be9e822cd017b89a59">Kirsty Coventry</a>&nbsp;was elected president of the International Olympic Committee — becoming the first woman in that position — she was asked how she would work with Trump and what she would tell athletes about traveling to the U.S. for the next Games.“I have been dealing with, let’s say, difficult men, in high positions since I was 20 years old,” Coventry said with a chuckle, “and first and foremost, what I have learned is that communication will be key. That is something that will happen early on. And my firm belief is that President Trump is a huge lover of sports. He will want these Games to be significant. He will want them to be a success.”Referring to concerns about whether the administration might deny some athletes visas, she added: “We will not waver from our values … of solidarity in ensuring that every athlete that qualifies for the Olympic Games has the possibility to attend the Olympic Games and be safe during the Olympic Games.”The overriding assumption among those involved in the Olympics is that Trump will assure the 2028 Games are a success.As U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee chairman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-sports-8a89eac6ffd68f3e809cda0ec01ce4ac">Gene Sykes</a>&nbsp;put it: “I can’t speak for him, but I think he’s the kind of person who probably believes that having these go very, very well is a reflection of his leadership.”<h2>Will Trump’s tariffs and other policies affect soccer’s World Cup?</h2>“The most likely outcome is that Trump’s nonsense won’t have an impact,” said Smith College professor Andrew Zimbalist, an expert on the economics of sports.“My guess is that if relations between Canada and the U.S. deteriorate to the point that there are travel restrictions and spending restrictions,” Zimbalist said, “Trump would — just like he’s making exceptions all the time on his tariffs policies — make an exception for a month or six weeks.”The U.S. and Canadian soccer federations declined AP requests for comment on how White House policies might affect the 2026 World Cup.Gabriela Cuevas, who represents Mexico’s government in meetings with FIFA, said she considers the tariffs and the soccer event “separate issues,” adding that she believes “the World Cup could be a route to engage in a conversation.”Observers tend to agree, saying logistics such as security cooperation or team transportation from city to city — or country to country — should not be hampered when it comes to the World Cup, scheduled to take place in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.The borders might become an issue, though.“The main thing FIFA needs to move for this event is not car parts, and it’s not wheat, and it’s not electricity. It’s people. That’s your real concern,” said Victor Matheson, an economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.“What were previously pretty reasonable border crossings could become much more challenging, simply because both sides amp up their level of inspections and the United States, in particular, cuts down government services that allow people to move effectively between countries.”As for the fans, 29-year-old Mexican businessman German Camacho Pacheco said “soccer is religion” in his country, so when it comes to the World Cup, “I don’t think they care about tariffs.”Camacho, wearing the Monterrey club jersey of defender Sergio Ramos while on the way to watch a game at a sports bar in Mexico City, said he doesn’t expect there to be any effect at all on the World Cup “unless this goes from a trade war to an actual war.”<h2>___</h2>AP writers Greg Beacham in Inglewood, California; Nancy Benac in Washington; Ronald Blum in New York; Graham Dunbar in Costa Navarino, Greece; Eddie Pells in Denver; Anne M. Peterson in Portland, Oregon, and Carlos Rodriguez in Mexico City contributed.

US-Canada-Mexico joint World Cup goes from unity to acrimony thanks to tariffs

Morgan Nabus, a junior at Junction City High School was recognized by the Centennial League for her play on the basketball court.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nabus received recognition as honorable mention for the league. She started all 20 games for the Lady Jays this year and has been a starter on varsity the past two seasons. Morgan averaged four points per game this season.&nbsp;

Morgan Nabus, a junior at Junction City High School was recognized by the Centennial League for her play on the basketball court.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nabus received recognition as honorable mention for the league. She started all 20 games for the Lady Jays this year and has been a starter on varsity the past two seasons. Morgan averaged four points per game this season.&nbsp;

Lady Jay basketball player earned Centennial League Honors

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Eric Haase and Christian Yelich hit solo home runs to back a strong start by Chad Patrick and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Tuesday night for their first win of the season.

Patrick gave the Brewers something they hadn't had thus far — three scoreless innings to begin the game. Milwaukee surrendered 24 runs in the first three innings of its first four games.

Haase homered from the ninth spot in the order to put the Brewers up 1-0 in the third. Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio followed with singles and Turang scored on a force-out at second on Yelich's grounder to make it 2-0.

Patrick fell an out short of qualifying for the win in his first career start, giving up three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.

Rhys Hoskins had an RBI single in a two-run sixth to up the lead to 4-0, and Yelich hit his first home run to cap the scoring in the eighth.

Jared Koenig pitched an inning, Abner Uribe (1-0) got four outs to get the win, Joel Payamps pitched the eighth and Trevor Megill got the last three outs.

Michael Lorenzen (0-1) allowed four runs — three earned — in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven.

Koenig entered with two outs and two on in the top of the fifth inning. He retired Michael Massey on a grounder to first to preserve a 2-0 lead.

The Brewers began the day with an ERA of 12.27 through four games and that includes two scoreless innings from first baseman Jake Bauers. The staff tied the record set by the 1954 Cardinals for the most runs allowed through four games with 47.

Cole Ragans (0-0) makes his second start for Kansas City in Wednesday's series finale. Freddy Peralta (0—1) starts for the second time for Milwaukee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743590051920.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Lorenzen pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Lorenzen pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Eric Haase and Christian Yelich hit solo home runs to back a strong start by Chad Patrick and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Tuesday night for their first win of the season.Patrick gave the Brewers something they hadn't had thus far — three scoreless innings to begin the game. Milwaukee surrendered 24 runs in the first three innings of its first four games.Haase homered from the ninth spot in the order to put the Brewers up 1-0 in the third. Brice Turang and Jackson Chourio followed with singles and Turang scored on a force-out at second on Yelich's grounder to make it 2-0.Patrick fell an out short of qualifying for the win in his first career start, giving up three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.Rhys Hoskins had an RBI single in a two-run sixth to up the lead to 4-0, and Yelich hit his first home run to cap the scoring in the eighth.Jared Koenig pitched an inning, Abner Uribe (1-0) got four outs to get the win, Joel Payamps pitched the eighth and Trevor Megill got the last three outs.Michael Lorenzen (0-1) allowed four runs — three earned — in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out seven.<h2>Key moment</h2>Koenig entered with two outs and two on in the top of the fifth inning. He retired Michael Massey on a grounder to first to preserve a 2-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Brewers began the day with an ERA of 12.27 through four games and that includes two scoreless innings from first baseman Jake Bauers. The staff tied the record set by the 1954 Cardinals for the most runs allowed through four games with 47.<h2>Up next</h2>Cole Ragans (0-0) makes his second start for Kansas City in Wednesday's series finale. Freddy Peralta (0—1) starts for the second time for Milwaukee.

⚾ Haase, Yelich homer as Brewers blank Royals 

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee's home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers on Monday.

Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had three hits and drove in two runs one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-jonathan-india-21ca211a9ceab0a802ad3e0161c98cd7">he was struck</a>&nbsp;on the left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase.

Bubic (1-0) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-0901437988ea02e1d63792b0b8fcbcb7">April 15, 2023.</a>&nbsp;The 27-year-old left-hander had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kris-bubic-e784a60aeb5aa900ac518966b0a6446b">Tommy John surgery</a>&nbsp;later that month, and he filled a relief role in all 27 of his appearances last season, going 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA.

The two-time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-brewers-984ada478789a7727c5f1333df7afddd">defending NL Central champion</a>&nbsp;Brewers are 0-4 for the first time since 2015, when they finished 68-94.

Garcia connected for a 428-foot drive to center on a 2-1 fastball from Elvin Rodriguez (0-1) in the second. Perez went deep on a 2-2 slider from Elvis Peguero in the seventh, sending a 418-foot drive just inside the left-field foul pole.

Brewers associate manager Rickie Weeks was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Brennan Miller after arguing a ball-strike call from the dugout in the seventh.

After India and Bobby Witt opened the game with back-to-back singles, Rodríguez retired the next two batters and seemed on the verge of getting out of the inning until Michael Massey ripped a 1-1 fastball that bounced over the left-field wall for a ground-rule RBI double. Hunter Renfroe followed with a two-run single.

The Brewers have been outscored 47-15 through their first four games. They opened their season by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/torpedo-bats-yankees-6ac6c797ea935941ed1c0d0e51a7d870">getting swept</a>&nbsp;in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.

Right-hander Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals as the three-game series continues Tuesday. The Brewers haven't announced their starting pitcher.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743508996698.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, March 31, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, March 31, 2025, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kris Bubic struck out eight in six shutout innings in his first start in nearly two years, and the Kansas City Royals spoiled Milwaukee's home opener with an 11-1 victory over the winless Brewers on Monday.Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez homered for the Royals. Jonathan India had three hits and drove in two runs one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-jonathan-india-21ca211a9ceab0a802ad3e0161c98cd7">he was struck</a>&nbsp;on the left side of his face by a 98.9-mph pitch from Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase.Bubic (1-0) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/braves-royals-0901437988ea02e1d63792b0b8fcbcb7">April 15, 2023.</a>&nbsp;The 27-year-old left-hander had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kris-bubic-e784a60aeb5aa900ac518966b0a6446b">Tommy John surgery</a>&nbsp;later that month, and he filled a relief role in all 27 of his appearances last season, going 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA.The two-time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-brewers-984ada478789a7727c5f1333df7afddd">defending NL Central champion</a>&nbsp;Brewers are 0-4 for the first time since 2015, when they finished 68-94.Garcia connected for a 428-foot drive to center on a 2-1 fastball from Elvin Rodriguez (0-1) in the second. Perez went deep on a 2-2 slider from Elvis Peguero in the seventh, sending a 418-foot drive just inside the left-field foul pole.Brewers associate manager Rickie Weeks was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Brennan Miller after arguing a ball-strike call from the dugout in the seventh.<h2>Key moment</h2>After India and Bobby Witt opened the game with back-to-back singles, Rodríguez retired the next two batters and seemed on the verge of getting out of the inning until Michael Massey ripped a 1-1 fastball that bounced over the left-field wall for a ground-rule RBI double. Hunter Renfroe followed with a two-run single.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Brewers have been outscored 47-15 through their first four games. They opened their season by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/torpedo-bats-yankees-6ac6c797ea935941ed1c0d0e51a7d870">getting swept</a>&nbsp;in a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>Right-hander Michael Lorenzen starts for the Royals as the three-game series continues Tuesday. The Brewers haven't announced their starting pitcher.

⚾ Bubic sparkles in first start since April 2023 as Royals trounce Brewers

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas City.

The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season.

Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.

Vermes became the club's technical director in 2006 before being elevated to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins.

He is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team — he led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a central defender, then coached the team to the 2013 championship.

“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a statement. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”

Vermes led the club to 11 playoff appearances and four first-place finishes in the regular season. The club also won U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Last season, the team reached the U.S. Open Cup Final but finished with an 8-19-7 record for its third straight losing campaign.

Vermes' final game was Saturday, when Sporting KC fell 2–1 to FC Dallas for a fifth loss in their first six games of the 2025 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677119648732.png" alt="Peter Vermes courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Peter Vermes courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Longtime manager Peter Vermes is out at Sporting Kansas City.The MLS club announced Monday that it “mutually agreed to part ways” with Vermes after nearly two decades and with Sporting KC chasing its first win since mid-September of last season.Kerry Zavagnin was appointed interim head coach.Vermes became the club's technical director in 2006 before being elevated to head coach in 2009. The member of the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame ranks third on the all-time MLS list with 203 regular-season wins.He is the only person to win the MLS Cup as a player and a coach with the same team — he led Kansas City to the 2000 title as a central defender, then coached the team to the 2013 championship.“It would be hard to list all of the people I want to thank after 20 seasons in managerial positions at Sporting Kansas City,” Vermes said in a statement. “I am thankful to everyone, especially ownership for giving me the opportunity of being a steward of this club for the past two decades. I wish the club nothing but the best in the future.”Vermes led the club to 11 playoff appearances and four first-place finishes in the regular season. The club also won U.S. Open Cup titles in 2012, 2015 and 2017. Last season, the team reached the U.S. Open Cup Final but finished with an 8-19-7 record for its third straight losing campaign.Vermes' final game was Saturday, when Sporting KC fell 2–1 to FC Dallas for a fifth loss in their first six games of the 2025 season.

Peter Vermes is out as Sporting Kansas City manager after 16 years

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tanner Bibee pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning, Kyle Mazardo hit a two-run homer and Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann added solo shots as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Sunday.

Bibee (1-0) gave up no runs and two hits in 6 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The right-hander bounced back after he was scheduled to make the opening day start for Cleveland on Thursday, but was scratched because of an illness.

Royals starter Michael Wacha (0-1) threw 87 pitches over four innings and allowed one run and four hits with two strikeouts and four walks. None of Kansas City's starting pitchers got past the fifth inning in any game during the three-game season-opening series.

Mazardo's home run traveled 417 feet nearly into the right field fountains off Sam Long to give the Guardians a 3-0 lead. It was his second home run of the series.

Arias' homer in the sixth made it 4-0. He started in place of six-time All-Star José Ramírez, who missed the game due to a sprained right wrist he suffered on a slide in Saturday’s game.

Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Arias' sacrifice fly that scored Carlos Santana.

Schneemann's homer in the eighth extended the Guardians' lead to 6-0.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single and Hunter Renfroe drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for the Royals.

The Royals had the tying run at the plate in the eighth, but Hunter Gaddis forced a groundout to first to end the rally.

Steven Kwan went 3 for 5, all of those hits being singles, and had six hits over the series.

The Guardians send RHP Luis Ortiz to the mound to start a three-game series at San Diego on Monday. Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743417602662.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tanner Bibee pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning, Kyle Mazardo hit a two-run homer and Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann added solo shots as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 on Sunday.Bibee (1-0) gave up no runs and two hits in 6 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The right-hander bounced back after he was scheduled to make the opening day start for Cleveland on Thursday, but was scratched because of an illness.Royals starter Michael Wacha (0-1) threw 87 pitches over four innings and allowed one run and four hits with two strikeouts and four walks. None of Kansas City's starting pitchers got past the fifth inning in any game during the three-game season-opening series.Mazardo's home run traveled 417 feet nearly into the right field fountains off Sam Long to give the Guardians a 3-0 lead. It was his second home run of the series.Arias' homer in the sixth made it 4-0. He started in place of six-time All-Star José Ramírez, who missed the game due to a sprained right wrist he suffered on a slide in Saturday’s game.Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Arias' sacrifice fly that scored Carlos Santana.Schneemann's homer in the eighth extended the Guardians' lead to 6-0.Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single and Hunter Renfroe drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for the Royals.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had the tying run at the plate in the eighth, but Hunter Gaddis forced a groundout to first to end the rally.<h2>Key stat</h2>Steven Kwan went 3 for 5, all of those hits being singles, and had six hits over the series.<h2>Up next</h2>The Guardians send RHP Luis Ortiz to the mound to start a three-game series at San Diego on Monday. Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.

⚾ Bibee throws shutout ball into the 7th as Guardians defeat Royals

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.

The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">Watkins tore her right ACL</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-usc-mississippi-state-score-371f2453968abdf9d3416f1beead058d">a second-round victory</a>&nbsp;over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season.

Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC, which went on a 12-0 run during the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching its biggest advantage of the day.

Kansas State (28-8) kept pushing, though, and tied it at 51-all early in the fourth on a layup by Ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall responded with two straight buckets for USC.

A layup by Serena Sundell got the Wildcats within 60-59. Smith responded with a pair of free throws, and USC was solid enough at the foul line to close it out.

Sundell scored 22 points and Lee had 12 for the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8), who fell short of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and first since 1982. They beat Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-kentucky-women-score-bda945b0046c0fee4943a2d0b733cd9d">80-79 in overtime</a>&nbsp;to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2002.

Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built 19-9 lead.

The Wildcats pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell's layup and free throw. USC answered with a pair of 3-pointers from Howell and Malia Samuels.

Sundell hit a jumper and two free throws down the stretch to help Kansas State to a 30-28 advantage at the half.

USC arrived at Spokane Arena wearing Nike T-shirts emblazoned with Watkins’ face.

Players passed around a small Watkins bobblehead, complete with her trademark “JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game.

A day earlier, coach Lindsay Gottlieb said her team was playing for its inured star: “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.”

Watkins was hoping to lead USC to its first national title since it won back to back in 2002 and '03.

SPOKANE, Ore. (AP) — Kennedy Smith stepped into the void left by injured star JuJu Watkins, scoring 19 points to help Southern California hold off Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16 of the women's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;on Saturday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, K-State Family. 💜 <a href="https://t.co/A0E4LQqvZe">pic.twitter.com/A0E4LQqvZe</a>&mdash; K-State Women&#39;s Basketball (@KStateWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateWBB/status/1906166043267207186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The top-seeded Trojans (31-3) were considered title contenders before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-juju-watkins-hurt-usc-12f286a14edad1e632dd1a4938132a88">Watkins tore her right ACL</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-usc-mississippi-state-score-371f2453968abdf9d3416f1beead058d">a second-round victory</a>&nbsp;over Mississippi State. Now they’ll be underdogs in an Elite Eight rematch on Monday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-oklahoma-uconn-score-917699e45b6d7619e93530c3d0415a58">Paige Bueckers</a>&nbsp;and second-seeded UConn. The Huskies knocked the Trojans out of last year’s March Madness in Watkins’ first season.Avery Howell, another freshman, scored 18 points for USC, which went on a 12-0 run during the third quarter to take a 46-39 lead, matching its biggest advantage of the day.Kansas State (28-8) kept pushing, though, and tied it at 51-all early in the fourth on a layup by Ayoka Lee. Rayah Marshall responded with two straight buckets for USC.A layup by Serena Sundell got the Wildcats within 60-59. Smith responded with a pair of free throws, and USC was solid enough at the foul line to close it out.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">From all of us, thank you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCAAWBB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NCAAWBB</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarchMadness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarchMadness</a> <a href="https://t.co/4UB4ezbRP2">pic.twitter.com/4UB4ezbRP2</a>&mdash; NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1906167071911575761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sundell scored 22 points and Lee had 12 for the fifth-seeded Wildcats (28-8), who fell short of the program’s second Elite Eight appearance and first since 1982. They beat Kentucky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/march-madness-kansas-state-kentucky-women-score-bda945b0046c0fee4943a2d0b733cd9d">80-79 in overtime</a>&nbsp;to reach their first Sweet 16 since 2002.Smith had 11 points in the opening quarter as the Trojans built 19-9 lead.The Wildcats pulled ahead 19-16 after Sundell's layup and free throw. USC answered with a pair of 3-pointers from Howell and Malia Samuels.Sundell hit a jumper and two free throws down the stretch to help Kansas State to a 30-28 advantage at the half.<h2>Honoring JuJu</h2>USC arrived at Spokane Arena wearing Nike T-shirts emblazoned with Watkins’ face.Players passed around a small Watkins bobblehead, complete with her trademark “JuJu Bun” hairstyle, on the sidelines during the game.A day earlier, coach Lindsay Gottlieb said her team was playing for its inured star: “I think the prevailing feeling is that we can still do something together, and that’s what JuJu wants us to do.”Watkins was hoping to lead USC to its first national title since it won back to back in 2002 and '03.___

🏀 K-State women's basketball season ends in Sweet 16

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer four batters earlier to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday.

Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald (0-1). Cavan Biggio followed with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second. With two outs, Witt lined a double to left to score Blanco with the go-ahead run.

Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left in the sixth inning with a sprained right wrist after he was hurt in the third inning while attempting to steal second base. Gabriel Arias replaced Ramírez at third base.

Bo Naylor gave the Indians a 1-0 lead on an RBI single in the second, and Carlos Santana scored Steven Kwan on a sacrifice fly in the third.

Kwan's solo homer in the fifth put Cleveland up 3-1.

Royals starter Seth Lugo threw five innings and allowed three earned runs and four hits and struck out four with three walks. Daniel Lynch IV (1-0) followed Lugo and threw two perfect innings for the win. Carlos Estévez walked one and struck out one in the ninth to earn his first save for Kansas City.

Guardians starter Gavin Williams allowed two runs and four hits in five innints with one walk and two strikeouts.

Salvador Perez had RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings.

The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning was powered by Garcia's homer and Witt's double.

The top four hitters for Kansas City — Jonathan India, Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez — went 5 for 14 with five RBIs.

The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743297600088.png" alt="Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia circles the bases after hitting a game-tying home run against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, March 29, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas City Royals photo)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia circles the bases after hitting a game-tying home run against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, March 29, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (Kansas City Royals photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning after Maikel Garcia tied it with a homer four batters earlier to help lead the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Saturday.Garcia led off the seventh with a 405-foot homer off Paul Sewald (0-1). Cavan Biggio followed with a single and was replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who stole second. With two outs, Witt lined a double to left to score Blanco with the go-ahead run.Guardians six-time All-Star José Ramírez left in the sixth inning with a sprained right wrist after he was hurt in the third inning while attempting to steal second base. Gabriel Arias replaced Ramírez at third base.Bo Naylor gave the Indians a 1-0 lead on an RBI single in the second, and Carlos Santana scored Steven Kwan on a sacrifice fly in the third.Kwan's solo homer in the fifth put Cleveland up 3-1.Royals starter Seth Lugo threw five innings and allowed three earned runs and four hits and struck out four with three walks. Daniel Lynch IV (1-0) followed Lugo and threw two perfect innings for the win. Carlos Estévez walked one and struck out one in the ninth to earn his first save for Kansas City.Guardians starter Gavin Williams allowed two runs and four hits in five innints with one walk and two strikeouts.Salvador Perez had RBI singles in the fourth and sixth innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the seventh inning was powered by Garcia's homer and Witt's double.<h2>Key stat</h2>The top four hitters for Kansas City — Jonathan India, Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Perez — went 5 for 14 with five RBIs.<h2>Up next</h2>The Guardians send RHP Tanner Bibee to the mound against RHP Michael Wacha for Kansas City in Sunday’s series finale.—

⚾ Garcia's homer and Witt’s go-ahead RBI double lead Royals past Guardians 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Manzardo had a two-run double in the 10th inning to tie the club record for most RBIs on opening day and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Thursday.

Manzardo joined Tris Speaker (1925) and Leon Wagner (1964) with four RBIs on opening day.

Manzardo also become the third MLB player with a double, triple and homer on opening day, joining Don Baylor (1973), Gee Walker (1937).

Steven Kwan led off the 10th with a run-scoring double. With two outs and Kwan at third, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Carlos Santana to face Manzardo, who drove in both runners.

Emmanuel Clase took the win and Paul Sewald earned the save.

Vinnie Pasquantino broke the scoreless tie with a three-run homer in the third for Kansas City.

The Guardians answered with a run in the fourth. Manzardo hit a one-out triple and Jhonkensy Noel drove him in with a sacrifice fly.

The Guardians got another run in the fifth on another sacrifice fly. Cleveland put runners on first and second with no outs and Jose Ramirez drove in Gabriel Arias with the second run.

Manzardo homered on the first pitch he saw in the sixth to give the Guardians a 4-3.

The Royals tied it at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth off Clase on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.

The Royals had runners on first and third and no outs in the eighth, with the top of the order up. But Jonathan India hit into a fielder's choice, resulting in a double play.

Manzardo had 12 doubles, no triples and five home runs in 145 at bats in his debut last season.

Gavin Williams of Cleveland is scheduled to face Seth Lugo for Kansas City when the clubs resume the three-game series on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743118799657.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run home run during the third inning of&nbsp; the game. Image courtesy KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino hit a three-run home run during the third inning of&nbsp; the game. Image courtesy KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Manzardo had a two-run double in the 10th inning to tie the club record for most RBIs on opening day and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Thursday.Manzardo joined Tris Speaker (1925) and Leon Wagner (1964) with four RBIs on opening day.Manzardo also become the third MLB player with a double, triple and homer on opening day, joining Don Baylor (1973), Gee Walker (1937).Steven Kwan led off the 10th with a run-scoring double. With two outs and Kwan at third, reliever Sam Long intentionally walked Carlos Santana to face Manzardo, who drove in both runners.Emmanuel Clase took the win and Paul Sewald earned the save.Vinnie Pasquantino broke the scoreless tie with a three-run homer in the third for Kansas City.The Guardians answered with a run in the fourth. Manzardo hit a one-out triple and Jhonkensy Noel drove him in with a sacrifice fly.The Guardians got another run in the fifth on another sacrifice fly. Cleveland put runners on first and second with no outs and Jose Ramirez drove in Gabriel Arias with the second run.Manzardo homered on the first pitch he saw in the sixth to give the Guardians a 4-3.The Royals tied it at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth off Clase on Michael Massey’s sacrifice fly.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had runners on first and third and no outs in the eighth, with the top of the order up. But Jonathan India hit into a fielder's choice, resulting in a double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Manzardo had 12 doubles, no triples and five home runs in 145 at bats in his debut last season.<h2>Up next</h2>Gavin Williams of Cleveland is scheduled to face Seth Lugo for Kansas City when the clubs resume the three-game series on Saturday.

⚾ Manzardo shines for Cleveland in opening day win over the Royals

K-State Athletics announced that the Sweet 16 Cats are hitting the road Thursday, The KSU women's basketball team will be leaving from the Ice Family Basketball Center, located on the east side of Bramlage Coliseum (2201 Kimball Ave), at&nbsp;11am. Come show your support, cheer them on, and wish them good luck as they head to Spokane, WA for the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Be sure to wear purple and bring signs.

Enter through Gate 8 off of Kimball Avenue and head towards the south end of the parking lot in front of the Ice Family Basketball Center. Please note that the Denison/Kimball intersection will be closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State Athletics announced that the Sweet 16 Cats are hitting the road Thursday, The KSU women's basketball team will be leaving from the Ice Family Basketball Center, located on the east side of Bramlage Coliseum (2201 Kimball Ave), at&nbsp;11am. Come show your support, cheer them on, and wish them good luck as they head to Spokane, WA for the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Be sure to wear purple and bring signs.Enter through Gate 8 off of Kimball Avenue and head towards the south end of the parking lot in front of the Ice Family Basketball Center. Please note that the Denison/Kimball intersection will be closed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Attend a sendoff for the Cats

Four Junction City High School boys basketball players were recognized for their play on the court this season.&nbsp;

Earning first team Centennial League honors were seniors Jackson Austin and Larkin Turner. Austin averaged 12 points per game, while Turner finished the season averaging 11.5 per game.&nbsp;

Earning second-team Centennial League honors were junior Lovell Autry, and senior Ja'Twaan Williams. Autry finished the season leading the team in average points per game at 13.5. Williams averaged 9.5 points per game.&nbsp;

The Blue Jays finished their season 14-8, and lost to Washburn Rural in the sub-state championship game.&nbsp;

Four Junction City High School boys basketball players were recognized for their play on the court this season.&nbsp;Earning first team Centennial League honors were seniors Jackson Austin and Larkin Turner. Austin averaged 12 points per game, while Turner finished the season averaging 11.5 per game.&nbsp;Earning second-team Centennial League honors were junior Lovell Autry, and senior Ja'Twaan Williams. Autry finished the season leading the team in average points per game at 13.5. Williams averaged 9.5 points per game.&nbsp;The Blue Jays finished their season 14-8, and lost to Washburn Rural in the sub-state championship game.&nbsp;

Four Blue Jay basketball players honored by Centennial League

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kansas State forward Temira Poindexter missed her first six shots against Kentucky in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament. She finished by hitting eight 3-pointers, and the last one sent the visiting Wildcats to the Sweet 16.

Poindexter made a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1903901655135088762">corner 3 with 56 seconds</a>&nbsp;left in overtime, and Kansas State's defense did the rest to preserve an 80-79 victory Sunday on Kentucky's home court.

“In those moments, I do get down on myself,” Poindexter said. “My teammates come in and have my back and tell me to keep shooting so it really lifts me up and gives me confidence.”

Fifth-seeded Kansas State (28-7) dodged four misses by No. 4 seed Kentucky (23-8) in the closing seconds to advance to face either JuJu Watkins and top-seeded Southern California or No. 9 seed Mississippi State in a regional semifinal in Spokane, Washington.

Kentucky star Georgia Amoore missed a jumper with 21 seconds left, a 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining and then a baseline layup at the buzzer. Amelia Haslett also missed a 3 that would have put Kentucky ahead at Rupp Arena.

“As soon as I caught it, I realized how open I was and it’s up to fate at that point,” Amoore said about her final attempt.

Poindexter finished 8 of 15 beyond the arc to score 24 points.

“Give her credit. She knocked down some very tough shots and we had a couple of situations where we had miscommunication and she got free,” Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks said.

Serena Sundell added 19 points and 14 assists for Kansas State, and her turnaround jumper with 8 seconds left forced overtime. Ayoka Lee scored 16.

Clara Strack led Kentucky with 22 points. Amoore scored 18 points on 7-of-23 shooting.

Amoore hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give Kentucky a 69-67 lead with 32 seconds left in regulation. After Sundell's basket, Kentucky's Dazia Lawrence could not get a clean look before time expired.

There were 21 lead changes, seven in the fourth quarter and overtime.

“You go the last ten minutes of the game and there were just huge shots by both teams and different players,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “I’m really proud of our group to to be down five and to need to really dig deep defensively and make plays, but also very little margin for the other end.”

Kansas State: Sundell had 11 points in the first quarter to steady the visiting Wildcats after Kentucky jumped out to an early 7-0 lead. She also became the school's career assist leader.

Kentucky: The host Wildcats built small leads but could never extend their advantage to double digits.

Teonni Key rebounded her own missed jumper to make a layup that gave Kentucky a 66-61 lead with 2:11 to play. Kansas State responded with 3-pointers by Jaelyn Glenn and then Poindexter in a 40-second span. Key finished with 13 points and 15 rebounds.

Kentucky came in averaging seven blocks per game, but it was Kansas State denying shots with 13 blocks, including two on 3-point attempts in the second quarter. Those fueled a 12-3 run that propelled Kansas State to a 33-31 halftime lead.

Kansas State will have to wait until late Monday night to learn its regional semifinal opponent. Kentucky will have to replace Amoore, a second-team All-American, and Lawrence, a key contributor and another transfer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742812835573.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kansas State forward Temira Poindexter missed her first six shots against Kentucky in the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament. She finished by hitting eight 3-pointers, and the last one sent the visiting Wildcats to the Sweet 16.Poindexter made a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MarchMadnessWBB/status/1903901655135088762">corner 3 with 56 seconds</a>&nbsp;left in overtime, and Kansas State's defense did the rest to preserve an 80-79 victory Sunday on Kentucky's home court.“In those moments, I do get down on myself,” Poindexter said. “My teammates come in and have my back and tell me to keep shooting so it really lifts me up and gives me confidence.”Fifth-seeded Kansas State (28-7) dodged four misses by No. 4 seed Kentucky (23-8) in the closing seconds to advance to face either JuJu Watkins and top-seeded Southern California or No. 9 seed Mississippi State in a regional semifinal in Spokane, Washington.Kentucky star Georgia Amoore missed a jumper with 21 seconds left, a 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining and then a baseline layup at the buzzer. Amelia Haslett also missed a 3 that would have put Kentucky ahead at Rupp Arena.“As soon as I caught it, I realized how open I was and it’s up to fate at that point,” Amoore said about her final attempt.Poindexter finished 8 of 15 beyond the arc to score 24 points.“Give her credit. She knocked down some very tough shots and we had a couple of situations where we had miscommunication and she got free,” Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks said.Serena Sundell added 19 points and 14 assists for Kansas State, and her turnaround jumper with 8 seconds left forced overtime. Ayoka Lee scored 16.Clara Strack led Kentucky with 22 points. Amoore scored 18 points on 7-of-23 shooting.Amoore hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give Kentucky a 69-67 lead with 32 seconds left in regulation. After Sundell's basket, Kentucky's Dazia Lawrence could not get a clean look before time expired.There were 21 lead changes, seven in the fourth quarter and overtime.“You go the last ten minutes of the game and there were just huge shots by both teams and different players,” Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie said. “I’m really proud of our group to to be down five and to need to really dig deep defensively and make plays, but also very little margin for the other end.”<h2>Takeaways</h2>Kansas State: Sundell had 11 points in the first quarter to steady the visiting Wildcats after Kentucky jumped out to an early 7-0 lead. She also became the school's career assist leader.Kentucky: The host Wildcats built small leads but could never extend their advantage to double digits.<h2>Key moment</h2>Teonni Key rebounded her own missed jumper to make a layup that gave Kentucky a 66-61 lead with 2:11 to play. Kansas State responded with 3-pointers by Jaelyn Glenn and then Poindexter in a 40-second span. Key finished with 13 points and 15 rebounds.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kentucky came in averaging seven blocks per game, but it was Kansas State denying shots with 13 blocks, including two on 3-point attempts in the second quarter. Those fueled a 12-3 run that propelled Kansas State to a 33-31 halftime lead.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas State will have to wait until late Monday night to learn its regional semifinal opponent. Kentucky will have to replace Amoore, a second-team All-American, and Lawrence, a key contributor and another transfer.___

🏀 K-State women headed to Sweet 16 after OT win over Kentucky

NEW YORK (AP) —George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second act as a 45-year-old champion and a successful businessman, died Friday night. He was 76.

Foreman's family&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHe5UtIJ4IQ/" target="_blank">announced his death on social media</a>.

“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand- and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose," his family wrote.

A native Texan, Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist who inspired fear as he climbed to the peak of the heavyweight division by stopping Joe Frazier in 1973. His formidable aura evaporated only a year later when Ali pulled off one of the most audacious victories in boxing history in Zaire, baiting and taunting Foreman into losing his belt in one of the greatest fights ever staged.

Foreman left the sport a few years later, but returned after a 10-year absence and a self-described religious awakening.

He then pulled off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history in 1994, flooring Michael Moorer — 19 years his junior — with one perfect combination to claim Moorer's two heavyweight belts.

Foreman's transformation into an inspirational figure was complete, and he fought only four more times before moving onto his next career as a genial businessman, pitchman and occasional actor.

He was best known as the face of the George Foreman Grill, a rudimentary cooking machine which sold more than 100 million units and made him much wealthier than his sport ever did.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742612515555.jpeg" alt="Heavyweight boxer George Foreman flexes his muscles after weighing in at 260 pounds for his upcoming fight against Shannon Briggs at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City., N.J., Thursday, Nov. 20, 1997. ((AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)" />
 <figcaption>Heavyweight boxer George Foreman flexes his muscles after weighing in at 260 pounds for his upcoming fight against Shannon Briggs at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City., N.J., Thursday, Nov. 20, 1997. ((AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second act as a 45-year-old champion and a successful businessman, died Friday night. He was 76.Foreman's family&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHe5UtIJ4IQ/" target="_blank">announced his death on social media</a>.“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand- and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose," his family wrote.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742612646985.jpeg" alt="George Foreman (AP Photo, file)" />
 <figcaption>George Foreman (AP Photo, file)</figcaption>
 </figure>A native Texan, Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist who inspired fear as he climbed to the peak of the heavyweight division by stopping Joe Frazier in 1973. His formidable aura evaporated only a year later when Ali pulled off one of the most audacious victories in boxing history in Zaire, baiting and taunting Foreman into losing his belt in one of the greatest fights ever staged.Foreman left the sport a few years later, but returned after a 10-year absence and a self-described religious awakening.He then pulled off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history in 1994, flooring Michael Moorer — 19 years his junior — with one perfect combination to claim Moorer's two heavyweight belts.Foreman's transformation into an inspirational figure was complete, and he fought only four more times before moving onto his next career as a genial businessman, pitchman and occasional actor.He was best known as the face of the George Foreman Grill, a rudimentary cooking machine which sold more than 100 million units and made him much wealthier than his sport ever did.

George Foreman, the glowering heavyweight who became a lovable champion, dies at 76

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Jonas Aidoo scored 22 points to help 10th-seeded Arkansas to a 79-72 opening-round&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;victory over No. 7 seed Kansas on Thursday night in the latest meeting between two of college basketball’s winningest coaches.

Johnell Davis added 18 points, including some crucial late free throws, to help John Calipari to his first tournament victory as Razorbacks coach. Freshman standout Boogie Fland played for the first time since having right thumb surgery in January and scored six points in 24 minutes.

Arkansas will get either No. 2 seed St. John’s or No. 15 Omaha in the second round of the West Region on Saturday.

Zeke Mayo had 18 points for Kansas (21-13), which has made 35 straight NCAA Tournaments and hadn't lost in the first round since 2006. AJ Storr&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1902876748573790487">finished</a>&nbsp;with 15 points and Hunter Dickinson added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Thursday’s matchup was the third March Madness meeting between two of the four active win leaders in men’s college basketball. Calipari is second (876), with Bill Self of Kansas fourth (831) on the list. Both previous meetings were in the national championship game, with each winning once.

Kansas erased what was an 11-point, second-half deficit and nudged ahead 65-64 on a follow shot by Storr with less than six minutes remaining.

The Jayhawks kept the lead until Aidoo connected on a pair of free throws to put the Razorbacks back in front. Arkansas got a stop on the other end and then got a 3-pointer by Davis that gave it a 71-67 cushion with less than two minutes on the clock.

Arkansas’ edge was down to 71-69 before Davis dropped in a pair of free throws. Dickinson missed a 3 on Kansas’ next trip and Arkansas added two more free throws.

The Jayhawks got it back down to 75-72 on a 3-pointer by Rylan Griffen with 13 seconds left. The Razorbacks called back-to-back timeouts trying to get the ball inbounds. They finally did and Davis calmly sank two free throws to help close it out.

Arkansas: Posted its first tournament victory since reaching the Sweet 16 in 2023 under former coach Eric Musselman.

Kansas: Kansas fell to 47-6 record in first-round games all-time.

The Razorbacks could now face the active coach with the most wins – St. John’s Rick Pitino (884) – in Saturday’s second round. The pair were longtime rivals when Calipari was Kentucky and Pitino coached at Louisville.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742520751413.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Jonas Aidoo scored 22 points to help 10th-seeded Arkansas to a 79-72 opening-round&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a>&nbsp;victory over No. 7 seed Kansas on Thursday night in the latest meeting between two of college basketball’s winningest coaches.Johnell Davis added 18 points, including some crucial late free throws, to help John Calipari to his first tournament victory as Razorbacks coach. Freshman standout Boogie Fland played for the first time since having right thumb surgery in January and scored six points in 24 minutes.Arkansas will get either No. 2 seed St. John’s or No. 15 Omaha in the second round of the West Region on Saturday.Zeke Mayo had 18 points for Kansas (21-13), which has made 35 straight NCAA Tournaments and hadn't lost in the first round since 2006. AJ Storr&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MarchMadnessMBB/status/1902876748573790487">finished</a>&nbsp;with 15 points and Hunter Dickinson added 11 points and nine rebounds.Thursday’s matchup was the third March Madness meeting between two of the four active win leaders in men’s college basketball. Calipari is second (876), with Bill Self of Kansas fourth (831) on the list. Both previous meetings were in the national championship game, with each winning once.Kansas erased what was an 11-point, second-half deficit and nudged ahead 65-64 on a follow shot by Storr with less than six minutes remaining.The Jayhawks kept the lead until Aidoo connected on a pair of free throws to put the Razorbacks back in front. Arkansas got a stop on the other end and then got a 3-pointer by Davis that gave it a 71-67 cushion with less than two minutes on the clock.Arkansas’ edge was down to 71-69 before Davis dropped in a pair of free throws. Dickinson missed a 3 on Kansas’ next trip and Arkansas added two more free throws.The Jayhawks got it back down to 75-72 on a 3-pointer by Rylan Griffen with 13 seconds left. The Razorbacks called back-to-back timeouts trying to get the ball inbounds. They finally did and Davis calmly sank two free throws to help close it out.<h2>Takeaways</h2>Arkansas: Posted its first tournament victory since reaching the Sweet 16 in 2023 under former coach Eric Musselman.Kansas: Kansas fell to 47-6 record in first-round games all-time.<h2>Up next</h2>The Razorbacks could now face the active coach with the most wins – St. John’s Rick Pitino (884) – in Saturday’s second round. The pair were longtime rivals when Calipari was Kentucky and Pitino coached at Louisville.

🏀 Arkansas holds off Kansas to post win in matchup of marquee coaches

(AP) — Auburn is the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, with Duke, Houston and Florida joining the Tigers on the No. 1 line in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness brackets</a>&nbsp;released Sunday.

The NCAA selection committee favored the regular-season champs of the record-setting Southeastern Conference despite three losses in their last four games, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-duke-basketball-score-14ea6fd696d93d62d6edc4b47073d608">a loss to Duke</a>&nbsp;back in December.

The Tigers (28-5) and Gators were two of the 14 SEC teams to make the field, which are the most for a conference in the history of the tournament.&nbsp;

It’s Florida, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-florida-score-49478f25c45a901113aef95e22911f58">captured the SEC tournament</a>&nbsp;by winning three games with an average margin of 15 points, that opens as a slight favorite to win it all at the Final Four in San Antonio on April 5 and 7, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

In something of a surprise, both North Carolina and Texas slid in off the bubble, while Indiana, West Virginia and Boise State did not.

The 68-team bracket starts whittling down on Tuesday with preliminary games, and the main draw kicks off on Thursday and Friday, with 32 games at eight sites around the country.

A tribute, then a bracket with plenty to talk about

The selection show began with a heartfelt tribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greg-gumbel-died-ace2925dbb23282079fb2dba06efe9bb">the late Greg Gumbel,</a>&nbsp;the CBS stalwart who oversaw the bracket unveiling for decades.

Then, just as Gumbel would have preferred, it was about the basketball – and this time there was plenty to talk about.&nbsp;

North Carolina looked all but out, a victim of a 1-12 record against so-called Quad 1 opponents and part of a conference (ACC) teetering on the verge of a historically bad season. But the Tar Heels made it, thanks maybe to a strong nonconference slate, while Texas was also in — its seven wins against Quad 1 teams outweighing its overall 15 losses.

The SEC’s 14 teams were followed by the Big Ten with eight and Big 12 with seven. The ACC, meanwhile, ended up with four teams, barely avoiding its worst showing since 2000, back when the conference was half the size it is now.&nbsp;

Even in a down cycle, the ACC has Duke, and Duke has arguably the best player in the country in freshman Cooper Flagg, a 19-point, 7.5-rebound-a-game freshman whose ankle injury, the school says, will not keep him out of March Madness.

Bracket gives Pitino and St. John’s a long and interesting road&nbsp;

Elsewhere in the bracket, coach Rick Pitino leads his unprecedented sixth program into the tournament, and what a road he would have to take to get to the Final Four.

First, he will travel to Providence, the same building where the coach led the Friars to a surprise Final Four trip back in 1987, to lead St. John’s in a first-round game against Omaha. Pitino’s second game could come against Arkansas and John Calipari in what would be a titanic matchup between two of the game’s biggest coaching names.&nbsp;

Another coaching icon, Tom Izzo, leads Michigan State to its 27th straight tournament. The Spartans are seeded second and will face America East champion Bryant in its opener.&nbsp;

And Gonzaga is in for the 26th time, though extending its streak of making the second weekend to 10 years will be tough. The Bulldogs, after an “off” year in which they still won the West Coast Conference, are seeded eighth and could face Houston in the second round.

AP March Madness bracket:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket">https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket</a>and coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741021637501.jpeg" alt="FILE - March Madness branding is displayed (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - March Madness branding is displayed (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) — Auburn is the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, with Duke, Houston and Florida joining the Tigers on the No. 1 line in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness brackets</a>&nbsp;released Sunday.The NCAA selection committee favored the regular-season champs of the record-setting Southeastern Conference despite three losses in their last four games, along with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-duke-basketball-score-14ea6fd696d93d62d6edc4b47073d608">a loss to Duke</a>&nbsp;back in December.The Tigers (28-5) and Gators were two of the 14 SEC teams to make the field, which are the most for a conference in the history of the tournament.&nbsp;It’s Florida, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-florida-score-49478f25c45a901113aef95e22911f58">captured the SEC tournament</a>&nbsp;by winning three games with an average margin of 15 points, that opens as a slight favorite to win it all at the Final Four in San Antonio on April 5 and 7, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.In something of a surprise, both North Carolina and Texas slid in off the bubble, while Indiana, West Virginia and Boise State did not.The 68-team bracket starts whittling down on Tuesday with preliminary games, and the main draw kicks off on Thursday and Friday, with 32 games at eight sites around the country.<h2>A tribute, then a bracket with plenty to talk about</h2>The selection show began with a heartfelt tribute to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/greg-gumbel-died-ace2925dbb23282079fb2dba06efe9bb">the late Greg Gumbel,</a>&nbsp;the CBS stalwart who oversaw the bracket unveiling for decades.Then, just as Gumbel would have preferred, it was about the basketball – and this time there was plenty to talk about.&nbsp;North Carolina looked all but out, a victim of a 1-12 record against so-called Quad 1 opponents and part of a conference (ACC) teetering on the verge of a historically bad season. But the Tar Heels made it, thanks maybe to a strong nonconference slate, while Texas was also in — its seven wins against Quad 1 teams outweighing its overall 15 losses.The SEC’s 14 teams were followed by the Big Ten with eight and Big 12 with seven. The ACC, meanwhile, ended up with four teams, barely avoiding its worst showing since 2000, back when the conference was half the size it is now.&nbsp;Even in a down cycle, the ACC has Duke, and Duke has arguably the best player in the country in freshman Cooper Flagg, a 19-point, 7.5-rebound-a-game freshman whose ankle injury, the school says, will not keep him out of March Madness.<h2>Bracket gives Pitino and St. John’s a long and interesting road&nbsp;</h2>Elsewhere in the bracket, coach Rick Pitino leads his unprecedented sixth program into the tournament, and what a road he would have to take to get to the Final Four.First, he will travel to Providence, the same building where the coach led the Friars to a surprise Final Four trip back in 1987, to lead St. John’s in a first-round game against Omaha. Pitino’s second game could come against Arkansas and John Calipari in what would be a titanic matchup between two of the game’s biggest coaching names.&nbsp;Another coaching icon, Tom Izzo, leads Michigan State to its 27th straight tournament. The Spartans are seeded second and will face America East champion Bryant in its opener.&nbsp;And Gonzaga is in for the 26th time, though extending its streak of making the second weekend to 10 years will be tough. The Bulldogs, after an “off” year in which they still won the West Coast Conference, are seeded eighth and could face Houston in the second round.AP March Madness bracket:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket">https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket</a>and coverage:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness</a>