UNDATED (AP) β The Memphis Grizzlies have advanced to the NBA’s Western Conference semifinals and will take on the Golden State Warriors, beginning Sunday in Oakland. Marc Gasol (gah-SAHL’) contributed 26 points and 14 rebounds as the Grizzlies knocked out Portland in five games, 99-93. The Atlanta Hawks are up 3-2 in their first-round series after DeMarre Carroll scored 19 of his team-high 24 points in the first half of a 107-97 win over Brooklyn.
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) β A person familiar with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s coaching search says Billy Donovan could leave the University of Florida to take over for Scott Brooks, who was let go last week. The person said Donovan spent Wednesday in talks with the Thunder about the vacancy, and that he and Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti have spoken repeatedly concerning the position. Donovan left the Gators eight years ago to take the Orlando Magic coaching job, only to change his mind the following day.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) β Ben Bishop picked up his first career playoff shutout and the Tampa Bay Lightning advanced to the second round NHL playoffs against Montreal by downing Detroit 2-0. Bishop made 14 of his 31 saves in the first period and kept the game scoreless until Braydon Coburn scored 3:58 into the third period. Bishop also had the lone assist on Anton Stralman’s empty-netter with 1:18 remaining.
BALTIMORE (AP) β Chris Davis hit a three-run homer and Ubaldo Jimenez (oo-BAHL’-doh hih-MEH’-nehz) worked seven strong innings as the Baltimore Orioles quietly beat the Chicago White Sox 8-2. Fans were not allowed to enter Camden Yards as a safety precaution following riots in Baltimore that caused the first two games of the series to be postponed. Manny Machado also homered after Davis belted a blast that highlighted the Orioles’ six-run first inning.
IRVING, Texas (AP) β Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby says he believes the conference will move toward having a championship football game because not having one puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to placing teams in the College Football Playoff. The Big 12 is the lone Big Five conference that has only 10 teams and does not have a title game. Baylor and TCU tied for the Big 12 title last season, but were both jumped by Ohio State in the final playoff committee rankings.
