HOOPS: Hornets score season high
The Hornets broke the franchise’s single-game scoring record and notched the highest point total in the NBA this season in their 158-126 rout of the Pacers in Indianapolis. Kelly Oubre Jr. had a careerhigh 39 points and LaMelo Ball had his fourth triple-double of the season with 29 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.
In Salt Lake City, Devin Booker had 43 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, Chris Paul scored 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Suns won their eighth straight game, 105-97. over the Jazz
In Cleveland, Kevin Love scored 25 points, and the Cavaliers beat defending NBA champion Milwaukee 115-99.
In Chicago, Caroline Ducharme drove inside for a tiebreaking layup with 1.5 seconds left, and No. 10 UConn topped DePaul 80-78 in a wild women’s matchup between the top teams in the Big East.
In Cincinnati, Jared Bynum’s 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining lifted No. 17 Providence to a 65-62 victory over No. 21 Xavier.
In Davidson, N.C., Vince Williams scored 16 points, Mikeal Brown-Jones had a huge block with 2 seconds left and VCU held off a furious rally from No. 25 Davidson to win 70-68, snapping the Wildcats’ 15-game winning streak.
NFL: Hobbs pleads guilty
Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs pleaded guilty Wednesday to a reduced traffic charge stemming from his arrest early this month on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The 22-year-old rookie did not appear in person while his attorney, Richard Schonfeld, submitted a written guilty plea to a misdemeanor — careless driving.
Safety Tyrann Mathieu was the only player to miss practice for the Chiefs on Wednesday. Mathieu exited the AFC divisional playoff win over the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter on Sunday and remains in concussion protocol.
As he recovers from shoulder surgery, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield plans to rest his thumbs as well. Mayfield said he’s going to take a break from “all social media for the foreseeable future.”
Eagles right guard Brandon Brooks announced his retirement Wednesday after 10 seasons in the NFL.
NHL: Maple Leafs win shootout
Auston Matthews scored the deciding goal in the shootout and the Maple Leafs defeated the visiting Ducks 4-3 in Toronto.
Matthew Tkachuk scored twice and the Calgary Flames fired a team-record 62 shots on goal in trouncing the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-0 in Columbus
GOLF: Horschel leads at Torrey Pines
Top-ranked Jon Rahm closed with an eagle on the tougher South Course at Torrey Pines for a 6-under 66 in San Diego, trailing leader Billy Horschel by three strokes after the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open.