Chicago Cubs, LHP Drew Smyly agree to 1-year contract

The Cubs also announced one-year deals with infielder Jonathan Villar and left-hander Daniel Norris.

Alfonso Plummer's late free throws lift Illini by Chattanooga 54-53

The Illini didn’t panic. They dug in behind Cockburn and guard Alfonso Plummer, whose go-ahead free throws with 12 seconds to go helped them pull out a 54-53 NCAA Tournament win that maybe they didn’t deserve but will certainly take.

Clark, Czinano lead Iowa past Illinois State 95-58 in NCAA

The sound of Caitlin Clark hitting the floor and the sight of her limping when she got up was enough to quiet a sellout home crowd.

Blackhawks deal Hagel to Lightning for first round picks, pair of forwards

On Friday, the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired Brandon Hagel from the Chicago Blackhawks, a 23-year-old forward who is under contract for two more seasons after this one.

Ohio State puts clamps on Loyola Chicago in 54-41 NCAA win

E.J. Liddell scored 16 points, Big Ten Freshman of the Year Malaki Branham added 14 and seventh-seeded Ohio State shut down 10th-seeded Loyola Chicago from start to finish, winning 54-41 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.

Chicago Cubs reach deal with outfielder Seiya Suzuki on a 5-year major league contract

The Chicago Cubs agreed to terms on Friday with outfielder Seiya Suzuki on a five-year major league contract, according to a news release from the team. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Ogunjobi fails physical, deal with Bears is negated

Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi failed a physical Thursday, undoing Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ first big free-agent deal.

Indiana cheerleader saves March Madness game after freeing stuck basketball

An Indiana cheerleader became “the hero in Portland” after the ball got stuck behind the backboard during Thursday night’s game against St. Mary’s.

Loyola, Sister Jean eyeing another March run

The packaging is still there. On the surface anyway. Don’t be fooled. The whole “Cinderella” thing surrounding Loyola Chicago no longer applies.

Bracket busters: Saint Peter's upsets No. 2 seed Kentucky 85-79 in OT

Tiny Saint Peter’s took down basketball royalty on Thursday night, getting 27 points from Daryl Banks III in an 85-79 overtime victory over second-seeded Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Cubs' Hendricks eyes return to form coming off rough season

Kyle Hendricks hopes to return to the form that made him one of the Chicago Cubs’ most reliable pitchers in recent years.

Cubs add Villar, Givens in flurry of moves: AP sources

The Chicago Cubs stayed busy on Thursday, agreeing to contracts with infielder Jonathan Villar and pitchers Mychal Givens, Daniel Norris and Robert Gsellman.

Packers trading Davante Adams to Raiders: report

The Las Vegas Raiders have made a blockbuster move to keep up in the AFC West, acquiring All-Pro receiver Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers.

LA Rams to sign former Pro Bowl WR Allen Robinson

Allen Robinson, who turns 29 in August, is expected to join the defending Super Bowl champs on a 3-year deal.

Abreu shakes off strange 2021 season, back to lead White Sox

Abreu went to first base without incident, but La Russa, the White Sox manager, came out of the dugout and argued for several minutes with plate umpire Vic Carapazza, convinced Graveman had done so on purpose, whether on his own or on orders from Houston manager Dusty Baker. No one was ejected.

Bears agree to deals with LS Scales, OL Simmons

The Chicago Bears signed long snapper Patrick Scales to a one-year extension and offensive lineman Lachavious Simmons to a one-year contract on Wednesday.