Who’s hot, who’s not in the men’s Sweet 16? The ACC, transfer portal and … birds

PHOENIX – Fifty two teams have been eliminated and only 16 remain to fight for the right to call themselves the 2024 men’s NCAA champion. Why is the ACC feeling really good, and is it a bad tournament to be a bird?

The Creighton Bluejays mascot is one of the few bird mascots left in the men’s NCAA Tournament. The Jays are averaging more made 3-point field goals (10.6) than turnovers committed (9.8) per game. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Next big thing: Freddy Peralta begins pathway to Brewers’ ace, will make first career Opening Day start

PHOENIX – After the departure of Corbin Burnes and long-term injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Devin Williams, Freddy Peralta is gearing up to be the next ace for the Brewers’ pitching staff and gets the nod for Opening Day.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta is gearing up to be the next ace for the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff and has secured the nod for Friday’s Opening Day. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

King of the Jungle: Arizona Wildcats looks to pounce on Clemson Tigers in Sweet 16 meeting

LOS ANGELES – Thursday’s Sweet 16 showdown between the Arizona Wildcats and Clemson Tigers offers a chance for the Wildcats to reach the Elite 8 for the first time in nearly a decade. Clemson displays a slow pace which Arizona has struggled with in the past.

Caleb Love, the senior guard for Arizona, who is shooting 30% from the 3-point line throughout the tournament, begins practice by shooting corner threes. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

Jordan Montgomery addition exemplifies Arizona Diamondbacks’ willingness to compete for another World Series

PHOENIX – After Eduardo Rodriguez went down with a lat sprain late into spring training, the Arizona Diamondbacks filled the hole by signing southpaw Jordan Montgomery to a one-year contract.

The Arizona Diamondbacks surprised the baseball community by signing Jordan Montgomery to a one-year, $25 million deal. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

‘Little bit of a fairytale’: Josh Doan scores twice in unforgettable Arizona Coyotes debut

TEMPE – Josh Doan netted two goals in his NHL debut for the Coyotes on Tuesday night in a blowout win over Columbus. The son of Coyotes legend Shane Doan created lifelong memories for family, friends and fans.

Josh Doan scored two goals in his NHL debut for the Coyotes, who beat the Blue Jackets 6-2. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Ultimate coup de grace: ASU men’s swim and dive team seeks to end Pac-12 era with first NCAA championship

PHOENIX – Following a dominant Pac-12 championship win, the Arizona State Sun Devils men’s swim and dive team seeks to end the Pac-12 era with the program’s first NCAA championship.

Arizona State swimming and diving coach Bob Bowman is delighted at the thought of his team possibility winning the program’s first national championship. (Cronkite News file photo)

Lights, churro, action! Diamondbacks highlight upgrades to Chase Field despite uncertain future

PHOENIX – From new lights to new food, the Arizona Diamondbacks unveil changes and upgrades to various areas of Chase Field, even as the team’s future in the ballpark hangs in the balance.

Chase Field will sports new lights and a new sound system as well as a variety of unique food items. (Photo by Bennett Silvyn/Cronkite News)

LPGA Tour Game Night brings together fans, pros in a unique golf experience

SCOTTSDALE – With the LPGA Tour landing in Arizona, PXG Scottsdale hosted its first LPGA Tour Game Night that allowed avid golf lovers of all ages to compete with one another in a series of challenges while being able to interact and learn from four professionals.

Outside of the three challenges, guests were able to practice their putting skills at the shop’s putting green to fully fine tune their game. (Photo by Madison Breuer/Riester)

Chicago Cubs finding identity as 2024 regular season approaches with sights set on NL Central crown

MESA — Spring training has all different types of players, and the Chicago Cubs are still trying to figure themselves out as the season approaches. But they like the group they have with sights of winning the NL Central division.

Chicago Cubs rising stars Seiya Suzuki, right, and Christopher Morel are ready to shine as the team prepares for a season of rebuilding and reclaiming NL Central dominance. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Photo essay: ‘Saddened and shocked’ Ohtani, Dodgers try to move forward after translator betting scandal

GLENDALE – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani and his teammates enjoyed a promising spring training, but a gambling scandal involving the player’s translator changed the tone of the exhibition season.


As spring practice opens, ASU football enters second year of Kenny Dillingham era with higher expectations in 2024

TEMPE – After back-to-back forgettable seasons, ASU football looks to improve in a plethora of ways ahead of 2024 spring practices.

ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham sets the tone for spring practice with an emphasis on competition and improvement after a challenging 3-9 season in 2023. Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Amid abundance of highly touted young players, Milwaukee Brewers will also take a look at ‘older’ prospects

PHOENIX – Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy loves the young prospects in the club’s farm system, but he said some players take longer to blossom. He’s excited about some “older” prospects who could make their big league mark this season.

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy has reason to smile ahead of this upcoming regular season with a roster featuring youth and experience from players like Oliver Dunn and Janson Junk. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)