Fudd, No. 1 Huskies roll past Providence in season's final regular-season game at Gampel Pavilion

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Azzi Fudd had 13 points and four steals in her final regular-season game at Gampel Pavilion as top-ranked UConn tied a program record by forcing 39 turnovers in an 81-38 victory over Providence on Sunday, extending the Huskies' winning streak to 45 games.

Providence UConn Basketball

KK Arnold finished with eight points, eight assists, and a season-high seven steals. Sarah Strong had 13 points in 13 minutes for the Huskies (29-0, 18-0 Big East), who have won 56 consecutive conference regular season games.

UConn had a season-high 26 steals, the seventh time this season that UConn had at least 20 steals.

Princess Moody led Providence 14-15 (7-11) with 11 points and Payton Dunbar had nine points.

UConn missed its first seven shots, but had 10 steals in the first quarter as the Huskies used an 18-0 run to take a 21-5 lead heading into the second quarter. UConn added a 10-0 run in the second quarter as the Huskies rolled to their 40th consecutive win over Providence, 33 of those victories have been by at least 25 points. The Huskies led 40-14 at halftime. The 14 points allowed in the first half matched the fewest surrendered by the Huskies this season.

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UConn honored seniors Ice Brady,Caroline Ducharme, Azzi Fudd, Ayanna Patterson and Serah Williams after the game in the final regular-season game at Gampel Pavilion this season.Brady missed the gameafter undergoing season-ending knee surgery. The Huskies will play Georgetown in Hartford on Thursday, and are likely to play two NCAA tournament games at Gampel and as many as three Big East tournament games at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Up next

Providence: Plays at Creighton on Thursday.

UConn: Hosts Georgetown on Thursday.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP women's college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball

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February 22, 2026

Fudd, No. 1 Huskies roll past Providence in season's final regular-season game at Gampel Pavilion

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Azzi Fudd had 13 points and four steals in her final regular-season game at Gampel Pavilion as top-r...

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'He would have been on this team': USA hockey pays tribute to late Johnny Gaudreau after gold-medal win

MILAN — They gathered on the ice, two dozen of the best hockey players the United States has ever produced, all of them with wide smiles on their faces and gold medals around their necks having justbeaten Canada 2-1 in an overtime thriller. They carried the American flag with them, but they carried something else, too: a Team USA jersey emblazoned with the No. 13 on the back, the name of Johnny Gaudreau embroidered along the shoulders.

It felt good to have a jersey for Gaudreau,who died in a shocking traffic accident 18 months ago, out there in the team's finest moment. But it didn't feel quite right.

And then Matthew Tkachuk and Zach Werenski went to the stands and hoisted up Gaudreau's two oldest children, Noa and Johnny Jr., and brought them out onto the ice. In that perfect moment, all of American hockey smiled through tears.

"To have Johnny and Noa out there," Dylan Larkin said afterward, "it just felt right."

Johnny Gaudreau was one of the best hockey players of his generation, a prolific scorer, seven-time All-Star and member of the NHL's Quarter Century Team. On the night of Aug. 29, 2024, he and his brother Matthew were riding bikes near Oldmans Township, N.J. It had been a good day; they were in town for their sister Katie's wedding the next day. But around 8 p.m., the two were struck by a car making an illegal pass. The brothers were pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver was charged with vehicular homicide.

Gaudreau's death devastated the hockey world, including so many members of Team USA. "We miss him on the ice dearly," Brady Tkachuk said. "He would have been on this team."

Throughout its international competitions over the past two years, Team USA has brought along a Gaudreau jersey as motivation, inspiration and comfort. The No. 13 jersey hung in American locker rooms during the 4 Nations Face-Off and the 2025 IIHF World Championships, a testament to Gaudreau's love of international hockey.

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Just prior to the start of the Olympics, Gaudreau's family released a statement noting just how much he would have loved to be a part of these Games.

"In that final summer, John was training harder than ever, with his dad, pushing himself to be in the best shape of his life," the family wrote in a statement. "He was determined to earn his spot on that Olympic roster. While it breaks our hearts that John won't be there to live out that dream, we know he will be so very present with Team USA and all of his close friends competing throughout these games."

Larkin said that maybe the Gaudreau brothers were here in some way after all, helping Team USA on a spiritual level. "Somehow," he said while laughing, "they put a spell around our net where the puck didn't go in."

Members of the Gaudreau family, including Johnny's widow Meredith, parents Guy and Jane, and 10-month-old son Carter, have attended the past two United States hockey games. Cameras captured them in the crowd Sunday in tearful celebration.

"He's touched everybody on the ice, everybody in Team USA's lives," Brady Tkachuk said. "We just wanted to show the Gaudreau family our support. He was so near and dear to a lot of us."

"We miss him and we love him and we love his family," Larkin said. "We can't wait to celebrate with them."

"He's had a big impact on a lot of guys in our room. A lot of guys grew up with him, played with him, spent a lot of time with him," Team USA captain Auston Matthews said, adding that the jersey was "just a subtle reminder that him and his brother, they're with us in spirit."

Nothing will replace Johnny and Matt Goudreau in the lives of all who loved them. But thanks to Team USA, his children will have a treasured memory honoring their father. And thanks to the gold-medal win, his memory will live on as long as there's American hockey.

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February 22, 2026

'He would have been on this team': USA hockey pays tribute to late Johnny Gaudreau after gold-medal win

MILAN — They gathered on the ice, two dozen of the best hockey players the United States has ever produced, all of them w...

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Ex-NFL player critical of league, teams on mental health: 'Don't tell me they care'

This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Minnesota Vikingswide receiverRondale Mooredied yesterdayat 25 years old. The NFL world continues to react to his death as the investigation continues in Floyd County, Indiana.

Current and former NFL players have paid tribute to the former Purdue Boilermakers andArizona Cardinalswideout. Maxx Crosby, Hollywood Brown, J.J. Watt and Raheem Mostert were among the many topost to social media in Moore's honor.

One former player shared his insight criticizing the league for its handling of mental health issues in players.

"Imma keep it a stack.. I don't care, I'm retired I'll say what I want,"former defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko wrote on X. "These NFL teams come out here and post these mental health awareness posts talking about they care about players 'don't be afraid to reach out' etc. All they care about is what you bring to the table when it's game day. Most players don't wanna get help inside the building of an NFL organization because they know you'll get looked at differently. You go to a staff member tell em you struggling watch how different they start treating and looking at you. I seen it first hand."

Fehoko went undrafted in 2020 out of LSU but played for five years in the NFL. He spent the 2020 through 2022 seasons with theLos Angeles Chargersbefore a two-year stint with thePittsburgh Steelers.

"I'll start believing they care about player health when the Owner, GM, & head coach treat everyone on that roster the same from the franchise QB to the janitor," he wrote. "Until then don't tell me they care cause they posted some hotline number when (expletive) like this happens."

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Fehoko finished his statement by encouraging players to reach out to him if they're struggling.

"I'm here for any of my brothers that just wanna talk and shoot the (expletive). I love y'all. I care about y'all. I'm here for y'all."

Fehoko similarly spoke out after the death ofDallas Cowboysdefensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland.

Kneeland, 24,died by suicidein Frisco, Texas last November.

"Sometimes as a man especially in the football world we're afraid of being judged or looked at weak,"Fehoko wrote in response on X. "Make it mandatory to have a sit down with guys cause most of em won't take the initiative."

Moore's cause of death remains under investigation at time of publishing.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Former NFL player critical of teams, league after Rondale Moore death

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February 22, 2026

Ex-NFL player critical of league, teams on mental health: 'Don't tell me they care'

This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is avai...

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Jack Hughes heroics resurfaces Tate McRae rumors: What we know

Team USA men's hockey team won their first gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" team in 1980 afteran overtime goal by Jack Hughes sealed the deal.

It was a hard-fought game that required the extra period, but it was Hughes and the rest of the U.S. team who celebrated after capturing the top honor in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan.

Hughes, uplifting the U.S. on the world's largest stage, has captured the attention of millions, but there's one person he's possibly thinking of most: Tate McRae.

However, that wasn't the person whom he first thought of after hitting the game-winning and gold medal-clinching goal. Hughes told reporters he thought of U.S. national women's team hockey player Megan Keller, whohelped Team USA win the gold medal against Canadawith a game-winning goal of her own.

Everyone believes his mind is now on McRae, though. There are rumors swirling that the two are reportedly dating. Here's what we know.

2026 Winter Games:Olympic Coverage in Milan

Who is Tate McRae?

McRae is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her breakout hit "You Broke Me First" released in 2020.

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She is a 22-year-old who earned her first Grammy Award nomination for the soundtrack single "Just Keep Watching" from the film "F1" in 2025.

Who is Jack Hughes?

Hughes plays for the U.S. national men's hockey team that won the gold medal against Canada. He plays center and is an alternate captain for theNew Jersey Devilsof the NHL.

Hughes is 24-years-old.

Why is Tate McRae rumored with Jack Hughes?

McRae and Hughes are rumored to be dating after the two have been seen spendinglots of time together in recent months,including New York trips.

McRae has been seen supporting Hughes during New Jersey's regular-season hockey games.

She even received some backlash from Canadians after her public support for Team USA men's hockey in the 2026 Winter Games. It led her to post about being "Canada down."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Jack Hughes, Tate McRae rumors: Here's what we know

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February 22, 2026

Jack Hughes heroics resurfaces Tate McRae rumors: What we know

Team USA men's hockey team won their first gold medal since the "Miracle on Ice" team in 1980 afteran ov...

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FBI Director Kash Patel celebrates with USA men's hockey team after gold medal win

FBI Director Kash Patelwas on site in Milan for theUSA men's hockey team's gold-medal winover Canada on Sunday, Feb. 22, and also celebrated with the team in the locker room after the overtime victory.

Patel posted photos of himself with members of the teamto his account on X on Feb. 22. One photo features a group of players, includingovertime hero Jack Hughesand the Tkachuk brothers, sporting their medals around their necks. Another shows the players celebrating in the background as Patel took a photo with USA coach Mike Sullivan.

"Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world," Patel wrote in the post. "These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created."

Patel was also shown drinking what appeared to be alcohol with the team in avideo posted to social mediabefore a player put a gold medal around his neck. Patel, who was jumping up and down while celebrating with the team, shared another message on social media directed at the "concerned media" regarding his appearance.

"For the very concerned media - yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth,"he wrote.

Kash Patelat Olympics

Patel was spotted celebrating the win not long after heannounced on social mediathat the FBI was helping investigate a fatal shooting at PresidentDonald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.

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During the third period of the hockey game, Patel's official government account on Xposted this statementregarding the Mar-A-Lago incident: "FBI is dedicating all necessary resources in the investigation of this morning's incident atPresident Trump's Mar-A-Lago - where an armed individual was shot and killed after unlawfully entering the perimeter. We will continue working closely with (the Secret Service) as well our state and federal partners and will provide updates as we are able."

This latest incident comes afterPatel faced criticismfor his handling of, and communications surrounding, sensitive cases like the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Patel came under fire forkeeping his dinner reservationat a hard-to-get-into New York restaurant on the night of Kirk's killing and making improper public statements about the case.

Patel has alsodrawn scrutiny for his reported use of government jetsfor personal travel.

Jack Eichel #9 of Team United States and Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Team Canada face off in the first period during the Men's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

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See USA and Canada clash as Olympic rivalry continues

Jack Eichel #9 of Team United States and Nathan MacKinnon #29 of Team Canada face off in the first period during theMen's Gold Medal match between Canada and the United Stateson day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy.

Patel's trip to Italy is not personal and reports have "purposefully misled people to think Kash was flying to Italy to hang out at the Olympics," according to Ben Williamson, assistant director for public affairs at the FBI.Williamson said on Xon Feb. 19 the trip would include a meeting with Italian law enforcement and security officials as well as a U.S. consulate briefing on Olympic security.

The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY.

Patel, an avid hockey fan, has appeared at NHL games in the past since taking over as FBI Director.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:FBI's Kash Patel celebrates with Team USA after hockey gold medal win

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February 22, 2026

FBI Director Kash Patel celebrates with USA men's hockey team after gold medal win

FBI Director Kash Patelwas on site in Milan for theUSA men's hockey team's gold-medal winover Canada on Sunday, F...

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Conor McGregor gives more hints about UFC comeback, possible opponent

Conor McGregoris eyeing a return to the UFC Octagon based on his latest social media missives, perhaps in time for the mixed martial arts company's scheduled event at the White House in 2026.

After recently suggestinghe had been offered an opponent and a date for a comeback fight in the UFC, McGregor suggested late Saturday night over a series of tweets that the opponent he could face was "a no name" for what would be his first professional bout in five years.

"It's a no name up next for me possibly, folks," McGregor wrote on X. "And as you know, idgaf. I ACCEPT. Send the contract, lads. CONOR MCGREGORS DEAL."

ANALYST:Why Jon Jones, Conor McGregor shouldn't be on UFC White House card

McGregor issued several tweets during the UFC Fight Night 267 broadcast on Saturday, Feb. 21,according to MMA Junkie, including one with a photo of the UFC welterweight division rankings, "perhaps further confirming his return, should it happen, will be at 170 pounds." Some of the tweets had been deleted fromMcGregor's X accountas of Sunday. They come on the heels oftweets McGregor sent out(and then deleted) indicating he had been offered an opponent and date for his next fight.

McGregor's recent activity surrounding the UFC has led to speculation that his return fight could be part of the UFC card at the White House, scheduled for June 14, 2026. McGregor has previously expressed interest in being part of the event, which UFC CEO Dana White has already declared will be the most-watched event in the company's history.

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McGregor, 37, has not competed since a July 2021 loss toDustin Poirier. McGregor broke his leg in the fight and underwent surgery. He was slated to return to the Octagon for a June 2024 fight with Michael Chandler, but McGregor suffered a broken toe ahead of that bout and has not been scheduled for another fight since then.

McGregor attempted to be part of Ireland's presidential election last year butwithdrew his candidacyafter not meeting the requirements to be included on the ballot.

McGregor became one of the UFC's biggest attractions beginning in 2008, and the first fighter to hold UFC championships in multiple divisions simultaneously (featherweight and lightweight). He has a 22-6 career record and a controversial reputation outside the mixed martial arts arena.

McGregor was found liableby a jury in Dublin and ordered to pay nearly 250,000 Euros in December 2024 after Nikita Hand filed a lawsuit alleging McGregor and another man, James Lawrence, had sex with her without her consent in 2018. McGregor was also sued last January by a woman who alleged McGregor sexually assaulted her after Game 4 of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Previously, he pleaded guilty to assault over a 2019 incident in whichhe punched an elderly man during an argument inside a Dublin bar.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Conor McGregor hints at UFC comeback, says opponent could be 'no name'

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February 22, 2026

Conor McGregor gives more hints about UFC comeback, possible opponent

Conor McGregoris eyeing a return to the UFC Octagon based on his latest social media missives, perhaps in time for the...

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Mikayla Blakes scores 35 as No. 5 Vanderbilt survives No. 16 Kentucky 81-79 on late stop

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Mikayla Blakes scored 35 points and Justine Pissott came up with a big defensive play late to help No. 5 Vanderbilt edge 16th-ranked Kentucky 81-79 on Sunday.

Kentucky Vanderbilt Basketball

Trailing by one, Kentucky's Clara Strack had the ball with 4 seconds left and made a move to the basket from the wing when Pissott deflected it out of Strack's hand. Blakes gained possession and then was fouled with less than a second left. She hit the first of two free throws and then the Wildcats couldn't get off a shot.

Aubrey Galvan, who finished with 20 points, hit the go-ahead jumper with 7.9 seconds left to lift Vanderbilt (25-3, 11-3 SEC). Pissott finished with eight points, including two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. One of those 3's tied the game with 2:21 left.

The victory ties Vanderbilt with No 4 Texas for second place in the SEC with two games left in regular-season play.

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Strack led the Wildcats (20-8, 7-7) in scoring, finishing with 17 points and seven rebounds. Amelia Hassett added 15 points, hitting five 3-pointers.

Up next

Kentucky: At Auburn on Thursday.

Vanderbilt: Hosts No. 25 Alabama on Thursday.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign uphere. AP college basketball:https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-pollandhttps://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

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February 22, 2026

Mikayla Blakes scores 35 as No. 5 Vanderbilt survives No. 16 Kentucky 81-79 on late stop

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Mikayla Blakes scored 35 points and Justine Pissott came up with a big defensive play late to hel...

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