SPORTS SHORTS
NFL: OBJ has core muscle surgery
Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to make a full recovery following surgery on a core muscle injury that limited the star wide receiver during his first season with the Browns. Cleveland also said Pro Bowl receiver Jarvis
Landry will not have surgery on a hip injury. Former Redskins coach Jay Gruden is close to finalizing a deal to become the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, according to a source familiar with the search.
The NFL will experiment with an alternative to the onside kick during Sunday’s Pro Bowl. Teams will have two options after scoring: an automatic touchback at the 25-yard line, or a fourth-and-15 play to retain possession.
MLB: Ozuna signs with Braves
Free-agent outfielder Marcell Ozuna and the Braves reached an $18 million, one-year deal. Ozuna hit .429 with two homers as the Cardinals beat the Braves in the 2019 NLDS. Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pe
droia had what the team called a “significant setback” while rehabbing his left knee.
Left-hander Jerry Blevins agreed to a minor league contract with the Giants that includes an invitation to spring training.
NBA: KP, Mavs fall to Clippers
Kawhi Leonard scored 36 points and the Clippers beat the Mavericks 110-107 in Dallas. The Mavericks lost center Dwight Powell to a right Achilles tendon injury on a noncontact play just as they welcomed back
Kristaps Porzingis with 10 points after missing 10 games with right knee soreness.
Dwight Howard will participate in the Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Weekend, the Lakers confirmed.
NCAA: Villanova tops Butler
Saddiq Bey hit four 3-pointers and scored 14 points and Jermaine Samuels had 20 points to lead No. 9 Villanova (15-3, 5-1 Big East) to a 76-61 win over No. 13 Butler (15-4, 3-3) in Villanova, Pa.
In Evanston, Ill., Jalen Smith scored a career-high 25 points, and No. 17 Maryland (15-4, 5-3 Big Ten) rallied for a 77-66 win over Northwestern (6-12, 1-7).
Walter McCarty was fired as Evansville’s coach after an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and violations of Title IX policy revealed additional allegations of off-court misconduct. Former Butler coach
Todd Lickliter was hired to replace McCarty.
ETC.: Osaka, Gauff advance at Aussie
Defending champion Naomi Osaka overcame a swirling breeze on Margaret Court Arena to beat Zheng Saisai 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne. On the adjoining show court, 2019 runner-up Petra Kvitova faced three set points in beating Paula Badosa 7-5, 7-5. Teenage sensation Coco Gauff beat Sor
ana Cirstea 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to set up a thirdround match against Osaka.
Brian Elliott made 19 saves for his 39th career shutout and the Flyers beat the Penguins 3-0 in Philadelphia.
In Boston, David Krejci scored with 7:42 left to rally the Bruins to a 3-2 win over the Golden Knights.