Lynx are WNBA champs
MINNEAPOLIS — Sylvia Fowles scored 17 points and broke her own WNBA Finals record by grabbing 20 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Lynx to their fourth championship in seven years with an 85-76 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 5 Wednesday night. Maya Moore had 18 points and 10 rebounds and hit a huge running shot with 26 seconds to play, Lindsay Whalen had 17 points and eight assists, and Seimone Augustus added 14 points, six assists and six rebounds to help the Lynx move into a tie with the Houston Comets for most titles in league history. Candace Parker had 19 points, 15 rebounds and five assists for the Sparks, who were looking to become the first repeat champions in 15 years. Chelsea Gray added 15 points and eight assists. Nneka Ogwumike finished with 11 points before fouling out with 5:29 to play. Los Angeles committed 17 turnovers. Fowles was named Finals MVP for the second time, with her first honor coming two years ago, when Minnesota earned its third championship.
FOOTBALL
› NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans coach Mike Mularkey said Marcus Mariota’s status is still unclear for Sunday’s game at Miami, though he remains hopeful the starting quarterback will play despite a strained hamstring. Mariota, who was hurt in this past Sunday’s loss to Houston, was limited in practice, stretching and throwing passes during the open portion of the workouts Wednesday. Mariota did not speak with the media after practice. Mularkey said he would be comfortable playing Mariota on Sunday even if the quarterback doesn’t have a full practice this week. The Titans signed Brandon Weeden to a one-year deal Tuesday as a third quarterback as insurance if Mariota isn’t able to play Sunday.
› CLEMSON, S.C. — Members of Clemson’s football staff helped rescue a university student involved in a car accident in which his vehicle slid down a hill near the Tigers’ practice field. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was talking to his team at the end of Tuesday’s practice when they heard a collision on a road above their facility. They saw a car slide down about 100 feet, just 20 feet or so from the Saluda River that surrounds the team’s practice fields. Several staffers swam across the river to get to the car while two athletic trainers drove to the scene to help assist emergency medical personnel get Clary Miles out of the car. Paula Miles said her son is recovering in the hospital and is grateful to the team for its help.
HOCKEY
› NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators announced Wednesday that they signed Harry Zolnierczyk to a oneyear, two-way contract that keeps the 30-year-old forward with the franchise. Zolnierczyk played 24 games and scored four points for Nashville last season. He had a goal and two assists in 11 playoff games.