Loyola pioneer Harkness dies at 81

Jerry Harkness, a two-time All-American who led Loyola Chicago to a barrier-breaking national basketball championship in 1963 and a was civil rights pioneer, died. He was 81.

Harkness was part of the 1963 Ramblers team that won a national championship with four Black starters. and played in what became known as the Game of Change. In an NCAA Mideast Regional semifinal against Mississsippi State, the Maroons left town under cover of darkness to play Loyola in East Lansing, Mich. Loyola won 61-51. Playing for the NCAA championship three games later, the Ramblers defeated Cincinnati 60-58 in overtime.

Harkness played one season with the NBA’s New York Knicks after being drafted in the second round and two with the ABA’s Indiana Pacers. He went on to a successful career in business and broadcasting.

⏩ Buckie Leach, an elite fencing coach who guided American Lee Kiefer to a gold medal in Tokyo last month, died Aug. 14 in a motorcycle accident in Pennsylvania. He was 62.

Hockey: Hilary Knight became the all-time scoring leader in women’s world championship history with her 45th goal during the United States’ 6-0 victory over Russia in Calgary, Alberta. The U.S. (3-0) looks to extend a 29-game winning streak Thursday in a matchup against Canada (3-0).

Golf: The LPGA Tour said that the Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament in mid-October has been canceled because of ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions.

NBA: The Boston Celtics signed center Robert Williams III and guard Josh Richardson to contract extensions.

⏩ Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer has received a contract extension. Details were not disclosed.