THE HOT CORNER

PRO BASKETBALL: Houston’s opener vs. Oklahoma City was canceled after coronavirus cases and James Harden’s violation of COVID- 19 protocols left the Rockets without enough players. The NBA said three Rockets returned tests that were positive or inconclusive. Four others were quarantined due to contract tracing.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy honoring the nation’s best defensive player. The 6- foot- 4, 260- pound Collins totaled 54 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions. The junior had three sacks against Oklahoma State. Two of his interceptions were game- clinchers — a late one against SMU and a 96- yard return for a touchdown against Tulane in overtime.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL:

Wake Forest says redshirt freshman Tariq Ingraham is out for the season as he recovers from COVID- 19, while graduate transfer Ian Dubose is out indefinitely for medical reasons. The school’s announcement didn’t discuss additional details for either player, citing medical privacy laws. The Demon Deacons haven’t played since Nov. 27 after pausing team activities due to coronavirus issues.

PRO SOCCER:

Lionel Messi broke Pelé’s all- time club soccer scoring milestone with his 644th career goal for Barcelona on Tuesday. Messi, who helped Barcelona win 3- 0 at Valladolid, had equaled Pelé’s all- time scoring tally on Saturday. His 643rd career goal for Barcelona since his 2004 debut matched Pelé’s tally for Santos from 1957- 74.

PRO HOCKEY:

The Vegas Golden Knights’ Deryk Engelland has decided to retire at age 38, the latest NHL veteran to step away before players report to training camps to prepare for a shortened 2021 season.