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The Indiana Pacers have the opportunity to close out the New York Knicks, again — this time at home in Indianapolis.

The Pacers went up 3-1 over the Knicks on Tuesday which is usually the kiss of death for opposing teams in the postseason, as teams with a 3-1 advantage in the NBA playoffs have a 284-13 record but the Knicks forced a Game 6 after defeating the Pacers 111-94 in Game 5 in New York.

Can the Knicks do it again and force a decisive Game 7 at Madison Square Garden? New York will need another strong performance from its star-studded duo of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, who are the first teammates to both score 20+ points in each of the first five games of the conference finals since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal did so in 2002 for the Los Angeles Lakers.  

Meanwhile, Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton is looking to bounce back from scoring only eight-points (2-for-7 FG, 0-for-2 3PT) in their Game 5 loss.

The Oklahoma City Thunder await the winner after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 in the Western Conference finals.

Here’s everything you need to know about Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Pacers and Knicks:

What time is Pacers vs. Knicks game today?

The Indiana Pacers will host the New York Knicks Saturday in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

How to watch Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks

Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis)
TV: TNT, truTV
Stream: Sling TV, Max

Watch the Knicks vs. Pacers in Game 6 on Sling

Pacers vs. Knicks remaining schedule: Eastern Conference finals

*-if necessary

Game 1: Pacers 138, Knicks 135 
Game 2: Pacers 114, Knicks 109 
Game 3: Knicks 106, Pacers 100 
Game 4: Pacers 130, Knicks 121
Game 5: Knicks 111, Pacers 94
Game 6, May 31: Knicks at Pacers | TNT, Sling TV | 8 p.m. 
Game 7, June 2: Pacers at Knicks | TNT, Sling TV | 8 p.m.*

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Only two ballparks built prior to 1961 remain in Fenway Park (1912) and Wrigley Field (1914), with both stadiums having undergone substantial modernization efforts over more than a century of use. Dodger Stadium (1962) is the third-oldest MLB stadium, with Angel Stadium (1966) and the Kansas City Royals’ Kauffman Stadium (1973) rounding out the five oldest.

MLB’s newest stadium is the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field (2020), opening three years after the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park, the only other ballpark built since 2012. Temporarily playing in Sacramento, the Athletics expect to open their new Las Vegas ballpark in 2028.

Here’s a look at when every MLB stadium opened:

Oldest stadiums in MLB

Fenway Park – 1912 (Red Sox)
Wrigley Field – 1914 (Cubs)
Dodger Stadium – 1962 (Dodgers)
Angel Stadium – 1966 (Angels)
Kauffman Stadium – 1973 (Royals)
Rogers Centre – 1989 (Blue Jays)
Rate Field – 1991 (White Sox)
Orioles Park at Camden Yards – 1992 (Orioles)
Progressive Field – 1994 (Guardians)
Coors Field – 1995 (Rockies)
George M. Steinbrenner Field – 1996 (Rays’ home ballpark for 2025)
Chase Field – 1998 (Diamondbacks)
T-Mobile Park – 1999 (Mariners)
Daikin Park – 2000 (Astros)
Comerica Park – 2000 (Tigers)
Oracle Park – 2000 (Giants)
Sutter Health Park – 2000 (Athletics’ home ballpark until team moves to Las Vegas)
American Family Field – 2001 (Brewers)
PNC Park – 2001 (Pirates)
Great American Ball Park – 2003 (Reds)
Citizens Bank Park – 2004 (Phillies)
Petco Park – 2004 (Pirates)
Busch Stadium – 2006 (Cardinals)
Nationals Park – 2008 (Nationals)
Citi Field – 2009 (Mets)
Yankee Stadium – 2009 (Yankees)
Target Field – 2010 (Twins)
LoanDepot Park – 2012 (Marlins)
Truist Park – 2017 (Braves)
Globe Life Field – 2020 (Rangers)

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In a recent interview on ‘The Ariel Helwani Show,’ Carter-Williams said stepping in the boxing ring helps him ‘scratch that itch’ for competition since retiring from professional basketball in October 2024. He last played for the Orlando Magic in the 2022-23 NBA season, when he averaged 4.3 points in only four appearances.

‘I’ve been competing my whole life, and that’s something I want to do. I want to continue to compete,’ Carter-Williams said. ‘I respect the sport (of boxing). I’m a big fan. I watch a lot. I’ve got a lot of friends that fight.’

Carter-Williams was drafted out of Syracuse by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 11th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He was named the 2014 NBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds in 70 games (all starts) with the 76ers. He went on to play nine years in the NBA for six different teams, including the 76ers (2013–2015), Milwaukee Bucks (2015–2016), Chicago Bulls (2016–2017), Charlotte Hornets (2017–2018), Houston Rockets (2018–2019) and the Magic (2019–2023).

The 6-foot-5 athlete said he’s taking his new boxing career ‘one step at a time.’

‘I don’t know where it’s going to take me or where it’s going to lead me,’ Carter-Williams said on May 12 ahead of his Thursday debut. ‘I know that there’s an avenue for people who played professional sports, who enter the boxing ring. There’s a lane there. I don’t know, I’m kind of taking it one step at a time. It’s one of those things I definitely want to keep getting better at.’

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According to the lawsuit, which was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court and obtained by USA TODAY Sports, Williamson is being sued for assault, battery, sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, domestic violence, stalking, burglary, false imprisonment and conversion, which is taking someone’s property without their consent.

The accuser, who filed the lawsuit under the name Jane Doe, said the incidents occurred at a residence Williamson rented in Beverly Hills, California, during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. She is requesting a jury trial as well as exemplary and punitive damages.

The lawsuit says the plaintiff and Williamson dated from 2018 to 2023, beginning when he was a freshman at Duke University, and the abuse during the relationship was ‘sexual, physical, emotional, and financial in nature.’

‘We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and we unequivocally deny them. The allegations contained in the complaint are categorically false and and reckless,’ Williamson’s attorneys from the law firm Barrasso, Usdin, Kupperman, Freeman & Sarver said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports.

‘Mr. Williamson and the plaintiff never dated, but did maintain a consensual, casual relationship that began more than six years ago, when he was 18 years old. That relationship ended years ago. At no point during or immediately after that relationship did the plaintiff raise any concerns. Only after the friendship ended did she begin demanding millions of dollars.

‘Mr. Williamson reported the plaintiff’s extortion attempts to law enforcement. We understand that an arrest warrant was issued in connection with that report, and we are prepared to provide the court with documentation that supports these facts. Mr. Williamson also intends to file counterclaims and seek significant damages for this defamatory lawsuit.’

The lawsuit says Williamson assaulted the woman twice — once in September of 2020 and again the following month — and that Williamson ‘continued to abuse, rape, assault and batter Plaintiff in California and other states, including Louisiana and Texas, until the relationship ended in 2023.’

According to the lawsuit, the two-time All-Star threatened the accuser by saying his security guard would shoot her ‘in the head while the security guard was present and carrying a loaded firearm multiple times in Louisiana between 2020 and 2023,” and ‘threatening to have his paid security guard kill Plaintiff’s parents, after informing Plaintiff that he knows their home address multiple times in Louisiana between 2020 and 2023.”

Williamson allegedly took the plaintiff’s car keys, phone and laptop without her consent, pointed a loaded firearm at the plaintiff’s head and filmed sexual encounters between the two, threatening to release videos after she wanted to end the relationship, according to the lawsuit.

‘When many of the wrongful acts were committed against Plaintiff, Defendant was either drunk or on cocaine,’ according to the complaint. ‘As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s conduct, Plaintiff has suffered severe emotional distress, anxiety, depression, humiliation, loss of sleep, and other physical and emotional injuries.’

The plaintiff’s lawyer told USA TODAY Sports: ‘We and our client do not want to litigate this case in the press. These are very serious allegations.’

“This case shows a disturbing pattern of coercive control, threats, and domination, including stalking, strangulation and threats with a loaded firearm,” Rachel Lanier of The Lanier Law Firm, Doe’s co-attorney, said in a statement. “Mr. Williamson used his wealth and fame to isolate, silence and control my client, who only after many months of medical treatment and counseling is able to come forward and describe what she endured.”  

Co-counsel Sam E. Taylor added that each claim in the lawsuit is ‘supported by witnesses and corroborating evidence.’

Williamson averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists this NBA season, in only 30 games due to injuries, including a lower backbone contusion. Williamson just completed the second season of a five-year, $197 million and is set to make nearly $40 million during the 2025-26 season. The final three years of his contract are not guaranteed.

‘While these allegations are false, we recognize the seriousness of the claims and welcome the opportunity to prove the truth in court,’ Williamson’s attorneys said. ‘We are confident that the legal process will expose the truth and fully vindicate Mr. Williamson.’

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama is facing backlash after saying that creating life is ‘the least’ of what a woman’s reproductive system does. 

On the latest episode of the podcast ‘IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson,’ the former first lady and her brother were joined by OB/GYN Dr. Sharon Malone, whose husband, Eric Holder, served as Attorney General under former President Barack Obama. During the discussion, the former first lady lamented that women’s reproductive health ‘has been reduced to the question of choice.’ 

‘I attempted to make the argument on the campaign trail this past election was that there’s just so much more at stake and because so many men have no idea about what women go through,’ Obama said. She went on to claim that the lack of research on women’s health shapes male leaders’ perceptions of the issue of abortion.

‘Women’s reproductive health is about our life. It’s about this whole complicated reproductive system that the least of what it does is produce life,’ Obama added, ‘It’s a very important thing that it does, but you only produce life if the machine that’s producing it — if you want to whittle us down to a machine — is functioning in a healthy, streamlined kind of way.’

In the same episode, the former first lady seemed to scold Republican men by saying that the men who ‘sit on their hands’ over abortion are choosing to ‘trade out women’s health for a tax break or whatever it is.’ Obama also criticized Republican women, suggesting they voted for President Donald Trump because of their husbands.

‘There are a lot of men who have big chairs at their tables, there are a lot of women who vote the way their man is going to vote, it happened in this election.’

The ‘Becoming’ author’s remarks drew criticism from pro-life activists, including Danielle D’Souza Gill, the wife of Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas. The couple announced the birth of their second child earlier in May. 

‘Motherhood is the most beautiful and powerful gift God gave women. Creating life isn’t a side effect, it’s a miracle. Don’t let the Left cheapen it,’ D’Souza Gill wrote in a post on X.

Isabel Brown, a content creator and author, also slammed the former first lady as a ‘supposed feminist icon.’

‘I am SO sick [and] tired of celebrities [and] elitists attempting to convince you that your miraculous superpower ability to GROW LIFE from nothing is somehow demeaning [and] ‘lesser than’ for women,’ Brown wrote.

At the time of this writing, Obama’s podcast is ranked 51 on Apple Podcasts and doesn’t appear on the list of the top 100 podcasts on Spotify. However, it is ranked 91 on the list of 100 trending podcasts on Spotify. The entire episode with Malone is available on YouTube, where it currently has just under 41,150 views so far.

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Hamas has said it has agreed to release ten living hostages being held captive by the terror group and return the bodies of 18 others. 

The militant group made the announcement in a statement Saturday and said it was being done on the condition that a number of Palestinian prisoners be returned in exchange as part of a means to achieve a permanent ceasefire.

Hamas said the agreement comes after a proposal by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has yet to comment publicly on the Hamas statement.

‘After conducting a round of national consultations, and based on our immense sense of responsibility towards our people and their suffering, the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) today submitted its response to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s latest proposal to the mediating parties,’ the Hamas statement reads. 

‘This proposal aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people and our families in the Gaza Strip.’

Hamas is holding 58 hostages in Gaza. Of these, Israeli intelligence assesses that at least 34 are deceased, leaving approximately 24 believed to be alive. More than 250 people were captured during the Hamas terror attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. 

The latest proposal being negotiated involves the release of 10 living hostages and a number of bodies during a 60-day pause in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, including 100 serving long sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks, The Associated Press reported Friday, citing a Hamas official and an Egyptian official speaking on condition of anonymity.

U.S. negotiators had not publicized the terms of the proposal.

President Donald Trump said Friday that negotiators were nearing a deal.

‘They’re very close to an agreement on Gaza, and we’ll let you know about it during the day or maybe tomorrow,’ Trump told reporters in Washington. Late in the evening, asked if he was confident Hamas would approve the deal, he told reporters: ‘They’re in a big mess. I think they want to get out of it.’

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stark warning Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore: China’s military is ‘rehearsing for the real deal,’ and a full-scale invasion of Taiwan ‘could be imminent.’

‘We are not going to sugarcoat it – the threat China poses is real,’ he added.

Beijing swiftly rejected the allegation. Rear Admiral Hu Gangfeng, head of the Chinese delegation and vice president of China’s National Defense University, called the remarks ‘groundless accusations,’ stating that ‘some of the claims are completely fabricated, some distort facts and some are cases of a thief crying ‘stop thief.’’ Despite such denials, a growing body of evidence suggests China may indeed be preparing for a military move against Taiwan.

Numerous indicators draw this conclusion. Here are nine:

1. China has intensified its joint sea and air exercises surrounding Taiwan, including rehearsals simulating blockades, encirclements, and amphibious assaults. These drills closely mirror operational strategies that would likely be employed in an actual invasion and are widely interpreted by analysts as concrete signals of Beijing’s willingness to use force.

2. The Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) has positioned H-6 bombers, capable of delivering nuclear payloads, on outposts such as Woody Island in the South China Sea. These platforms significantly extend China’s strike capability and serve as strategic messaging to both Taipei and Washington.

3. China continues to conduct gray-zone operations aka non-kinetic forms of coercion, including cyberattacks on Taiwan’s infrastructure, disinformation campaigns, and illegal incursions by maritime militia vessels. Though these actions fall below the threshold of open warfare, they are designed to wear down Taiwan’s defenses and destabilize the region. 

4. According to U.S. intelligence assessments, Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed the PLA to be capable of launching an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. While not a confirmed deadline for action, it has catalyzed PLA modernization, emphasizing joint force integration and amphibious readiness. 

5. China’s strategic expansion in Latin America – especially through Belt and Road investments and attempts to influence key nodes such as the Panama Canal reflect broader ambitions to project global power and encircle U.S. interests. These moves indirectly support Taiwan-related ambitions by distracting or overextending U.S. response capabilities.

6. Recent PLA exercises have incorporated civilian ferries capable of transporting tanks and personnel—suggesting preparations for amphibious operations on Taiwan’s shores. The dual-use nature of these assets allows China to mask military buildup under the guise of civilian activity.

7. Beijing has intensified its political narrative around ‘reunification,’ including state media coverage, educational reforms, and speeches by top Chinese officials. These ideological signals often precede military action in authoritarian regimes.

8, China has rapidly expanded its coastal infrastructure, including new docks, airstrips, and logistics hubs in Fujian Province—directly across the Taiwan Strait. Satellite imagery suggests these assets are optimized for a cross-strait operation.

9. Chinese fighter jets and warships have entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) at unprecedented levels. In early 2025 alone, PLA aircraft breached Taiwan’s ADIZ over 1,200 times, prompting elevated readiness levels in Taipei.

The question of whether China will invade Taiwan is no longer hypothetical but a matter of timing and risk calculus. While Beijing continues to deny aggressive intent, the evidence suggests a sustained and deliberate military buildup with the intent to compel reunification—if not peacefully, then by force. 

Hegseth’s warning reflects not alarmism, but a sober assessment of escalating realities. These indicators—military drills, strategic deployments, political rhetoric, and infrastructure mobilization—align with historical precedents for pre-invasion posturing.

The international community must take this threat seriously. Strengthening deterrence, improving intelligence sharing, and reinforcing Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities are critical to avoiding a regional catastrophe. For the United States and its allies, readiness is no longer optional—it is a strategic imperative.

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On May 29, both Oregon and Ole Miss began their respective journeys in the Women’s College World Series with national championship dreams firmly intact.

Just over a day later, one of them has exited the tournament, with their season abruptly over.

Behind three hits from Kai Luschar, two RBIs from Dezianna Patmon and 9 1/3 innings of work from Lyndsey Grein, the Ducks defeated the Rebels 6-5 late Friday night in 10 innings in an elimination game at the WCWS at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Oregon will play again Sunday against the loser of Saturday’s game between No. 2 Oklahoma and No. 6 Texas, last year’s WCWS championship series participants.

With losses to Texas Tech and now Oregon, Ole Miss has been bounced from the double-elimination tournament. The Rebels, who knocked off No. 4 Arkansas in the super regional round, were the lone unranked team in the event.

They didn’t go down without a fight, though. Ole Miss rallied to score three runs in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game, a spurt capped off by a two-run single from Jamie Mackay.

But in the bottom of the 10th inning, with the bases loaded with one out, Kedre Luschar drew a walk, bringing home Presley Lawton from third base for a long-awaited winning run. With the win, the Ducks moved to 9-0 in games after a loss this season and improved the record of teams with leads of at least three runs entering the seventh inning at the WCWS since 2000 to 164-2.

Here’s a look at the score, updates and highlights from Oregon’s marathon win against Ole Miss:

Oregon vs Ole Miss softball score

This section will be updated throughout the game

Oregon vs Ole Miss softball updates

Final: Oregon 6, Ole Miss 5

After nearly four hours, a winner has emerged.

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the 10th inning, Kedre Luschar is walked by Aliyah Binford, bringing the winning run across the plate for Oregon.

The Ducks’ national championship dreams remain alive while the Rebels’ season comes to an end.

Ole Miss leaves two stranded

A little more action in the top of the 10th inning than any of its immediate predecessors, but ultimately, the result’s the same. Ole Miss gets runners on first and second with two outs, but Lair Beautae grounds into a fielder’s choice to end the threat.

Oregon, Ole Miss head to the 10th inning

Three up and three down for Oregon, which is off to the 10th inning against Ole Miss. Not sure the Ducks would have believed that heading into the seventh, but alas, it’s where we find ourselves.

Ole Miss held scoreless

For the third-consecutive inning, Oregon will have a chance to break a deadlock and eliminate Ole Miss. Will the Ducks come through this time?

Oregon shut out, game moves to ninth inning

We’re off to the second extra inning, with Oregon also coming up empty at the plate. Ole Miss and Oregon remain tied 5-5. With it nearing midnight local time, are we due for a decisive play?

Ole Miss comes up empty in eighth inning

The Rebels’ offensive outburst from the seventh inning doesn’t extend to the eighth. Ole Miss gets a runner on first thanks to a base hit from Lair Beautae, but Aliyah Binford grounds into a fielder’s choice with two outs to send Oregon back to the plate with a chance to win it.

Oregon, Ole Miss going to extra innings

Oregon gets a runner on first, but not a whole lot else in the bottom of the seventh inning, with Stefini Ma’ake grounding out to end the inning for the Ducks and sending the game to extra innings.

Ole Miss ties it with seventh-inning rally

An Ole Miss team that had already earned three comeback wins during the NCAA tournament has saved its best for last.

Trailing 5-2 entering the seventh inning, the Rebels have tacked on three runs to tie the game. The biggest play came with runners on second and third with two outs. In her first at-bat of the WCWS, Jamie Mackay ripped a single into left field and brought in both runs to tie the game.

Oregon now heads into the bottom of the seventh with a chance to reclaim the lead and pick up the win.

Ole Miss down to its final three outs

Despite having an Oregon runner on each base with one out, Ole Miss is able to get out of the bottom of the sixth inning unscathed, getting the out at home on a grounder and then striking out Dezianna Patmon.

Rebels need a whole lot of offense in not a lot of time.

Ole Miss leaves two on base

The Rebels are now down to their final three outs after squandering a golden opportunity in the top of the sixth inning. After getting runners on first and second base with one out, Taylor Malvin stuck out and Jaden Pone popped out in foul territory to leave Ole Miss without a run.

Oregon goes back to Lyndsey Grein

Oregon is turning to its starting pitcher to be its closer. With one out, runners on first and second, and the tying run at the plate, the Ducks bring back in Lyndsey Grein, their starter who was pulled in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Oregon extends lead to three

Unsatisfied with the two runs they had already put on the board, the Ducks add a third before the fifth inning wraps up, with Kaylynn Jones singling up the middle to bring home Elyse Kresho.

It’s a 5-2 lead for Oregon, which is six outs away from eliminating Ole Miss.

Oregon pulls ahead, Ole Miss makes pitching changes

Oregon’s offense has come alive in the bottom of the fifth inning, with RBIs from Kedre Luschar and Rylee McCoy giving the Ducks a 4-2 lead.

After McCoy’s double to left center brought home Luschar, Ole Miss turns to its bullpen, bringing in Miali Guachino to relieve Brianna Lopez. Lopez finished the night with six hits, two walks and, for now, four earned runs across four innings. Guachino was quickly replaced, lasting only five pitches over 1/3 of an inning before being taken out in favor of Aliyah Binford.

Ole Miss evens it up

After a series of near-misses, Ole Miss comes through to tie the game.

Following Oregon’s pitching change, and after she was down on a 0-2 count, Persy Llamas rips a single to right field to bring home Jaden Pone from third base. Llamas has driven in both of the Rebels’ runs tonight.

We’ve got a 2-2 game heading into the bottom of the fifth inning.

Oregon makes pitching change

With the tying run on third base and with two outs in the top of the fifth inning, Oregon turns to its bullpen, inserting Staci Chambers to replace Lyndsey Grein. Grein gave up two hits, two walks and, for now, one run in 4 2/3 innings. Chambers has a 3.91 ERA this season.

Oregon retired in order

It’s a drama-free bottom half of the fourth inning for Ole Miss, which gets the Oregon batters out in order.

Ole Miss leaves three stranded

Oregon avoids what could have been a disastrous fourth inning, getting a groundout with two outs and the bases loaded. Ducks maintain a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth.

Ole Miss gets out of jam, holds Oregon scoreless

What a gritty performance from Ole Miss pitcher Brianna Lopez, who was faced with runners on second and third and only one out, but strikes out Dezianna Patmon — who had a two-run single in the first inning — and gets Kaylynn Jones to pop out to end the threat.

Ole Miss comes up empty in third inning

The Rebels looked to pick up where they left off in the first inning, capitalizing on some defensive miscues from Oregon to get runners on first and second with no outs. From there, Lair Beautae grounded into a 5-3 double play and with a runner still at second, Aliyah Binford lined out to center field.

Oregon blanked in second inning

Ole Miss ends the second inning in style, with Kai Luschar hitting a ground ball to short with a runner on first. Luschar is one of Oregon’s fastest players, with 59 steals, but Rebels shortstop Angelina DeLeon fires a bullet to first base from her knees to just barely beat out Luschar. To the third inning we go.

Ole Miss shut out in second inning

After a chaotic first inning, Oregon establishes some sense of order, with pitcher Lyndsey Grein retiring the Ole Miss batters in order.

Oregon answers, pulls ahead

Oregon’s deficit only lasted for so long. Leadoff batter Kai Luschar reached first base on an error and with runners on second and third with two outs, Dezianna Patmon capitalized, roping a single into left field that brought both runs home.

The Ducks entered the day with the second-most runs of all Division I teams this season and in the first inning, they showed why.

Ole Miss strikes first

After getting shut out by Texas Tech in its first game in the 2025 Women’s College World Series, it only takes Ole Miss one inning to get on the board.

With a runner on third after some costly defensive mistakes from Oregon — an errant throw to first, a failed opportunity to finish off a run-down and a wild pitch — Persy Llamas rips a two-out, RBI single into left field to bring home the run and give the Rebels a 1-0 lead.

Of historical note: it’s Ole Miss’ first-ever run in the WCWS.

Oregon softball lineup

Here’s a look at the lineup Oregon will be rolling out Friday against Ole Miss:

Ole Miss softball lineup

Here’s a look at the lineup Ole Miss will put out against Oregon Friday night:

LF Jaden Pone
RF Lair Beautae
DP Aliyah Binford
1B Persy Llamas
C Lexie Brady
2B Mackenzie Pickens
3B Ashton Lansdell
SS Angelina DeLeon
CF Taylor Malvin

Brianna Lopez will be pitching for the Rebels as they look to avoid elimination.

What time does Oregon vs Ole Miss softball start?

Date: Friday, May 30
Time: 9:36 p.m. ET
Location: Devon Park (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

First pitch for Oregon and Ole Miss’ softball game in the 2025 Women’s College World Series is set for 9:36 p.m. ET from Devon Park in Oklahoma City.

The game was originally set to start at 9:30 p.m. ET, but was pushed back slightly due to the preceding Tennessee-Florida game.

Watch Oregon vs Ole Miss softball in the WCWS live with ESPN+

What TV channel is Oregon vs Ole Miss softball on today?

TV channel: ESPN
Live stream: ESPN app | ESPN+

Friday’s WCWS elimination game between Oregon and Ole Miss will air on ESPN. Kevin Brown (play-by-play) and Amanda Scarborough (analyst) will be on the call while Taylor McGregor will serve as the sideline reporter.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app, which requires a valid cable login to access, and ESPN+ the latter of which serves as ESPN’s subscription streaming service.

Oregon vs Ole Miss softball predictions, picks, odds

Odds are courtesy of BetMGM

Moneyline: Oregon (-165) | Ole Miss (+125)

Prediction: Oregon 6, Ole Miss 4

The Rebels’ bats won’t be as silent as they were against Canady and Texas Tech, but they may not have enough firepower to keep up with the Ducks, the No. 2 team in Division I in total runs this season.

Oregon softball schedule 2025

Here are Oregon’s past five results. To see the Ducks’ full 2025 schedule, click here.

Sunday, May 18: Oregon 15, No. 16 Stanford 5 (6 innings)
Sunday, May 18: Oregon 10, No. 16 Stanford 7
Friday, May 23: Oregon 3, Liberty 2 (8 innings)
Saturday, May 24: Oregon 13, Liberty 1
Thursday, May 29: No. 9 UCLA 4, Oregon 2

Ole Miss softball schedule 2025

Here are Ole Miss’ past five results. To see the Rebels’ full 2025 schedule, click here.

Sunday, May 18: Ole Miss 7, No. 12 Arizona 3
Friday, May 23: Ole Miss 9, No. 4 Arkansas 7
Saturday, May 24: No. 4 Arkansas 4, Ole Miss 0
Sunday, May 25: Ole Miss 7, No. 4 Arkansas 4
Thursday, May 29: No. 12 Texas Tech 1, Ole Miss 0

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No. 7 Tennessee entered its Women’s College World Series elimination game against No. 3 Florida reeling from a walk-off loss to No. 2 Oklahoma.

Judging by how the Lady Vols dominated their SEC rivals Friday evening at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, they have since put that loss behind them. Karen Weekly’s squad not only beat the Gators to survive and advance in the WCWS, but also run ruled Tim Walton’s team 11-3 in five innings.

The Lady Vols had a program record-12 hits in the win, spurred by a seven-run first inning that immediately put a run rule victory into play. They jumped out to a 10-0 lead with three more combined runs in the second and third innings, putting all the pressure on Florida to respond and extend its season.

Credit to the Gators, who scored three runs in the fourth inning, but the offensive onslaught from Tennessee proved to be too much, as the Lady Vols scored the run it needed in the bottom of the frame before blanking the Gators in the top of the fifth. Every player in Tennessee’s lineup ended up with a hit. Erin Nuwer was credited for the win after allowing just one hit in two innings of work.

USA TODAY had full coverage of Friday’s game between Tennessee and Florida. Scroll below for highlights and a full recap of the action.

Tennessee vs Florida softball live score

Tennessee vs Florida softball highlights

Lady Vols run rule Florida, 11-3

Gators leave a runner on, but Jocelyn Erickson grounds out to third for the easy last out. Tennessee wins 11-3 after five innings, run-ruling their SEC rivals to stay alive in the WCWS. The Lady Vols advance to play again on Sunday when they face the loser of Saturday’s game between No. 9 UCLA vs. No. 12 Texas Tech.

Gators down to their last out

Kendra Falby lines out to third, leaving the Gators with one last out to work with in the top of the fifth.

Florida down one batter

The Gators are down to two more outs after Rylee Holtorf strikes out lucking.

Alannah Leach puts Vols back up 8 runs

The threat of a run-rule win is back on the table at the WCWS. Alannah Leach manages to land a single to left field, just fair, allowing Laura Mealer to score from second base. The Gators have to score a run here or the game will be called.

Florida belts back-to-back home runs

The Gators aren’t going down without a fight, as Reagan Walsh and Korbe Otis hit back-to-back home runs in the top of the fourth inning.

Walsh’s hit scored two runs, shortening Florida’s deficit to 10-3. The two home runs take Florida out of run-rule territory.

Tennessee scratches across another run

Rylee Holtorf fields a groundball and fires to first base, but the throw is low, and Reagan Walsh can’t field it cleanly, allowing Emma Clarke to score from third base.

Tennessee leads 10-0 heading into the top of the fourth, after the Gators get out of the inning with an Ella Dodge flyout.

Florida goes down in order

Sage Mardjetko puts up another zero, as she retires Florida in order. She struck out Taylor Shumaker to end the inning.

Tennessee leads 9-0 heading into the bottom of the third inning, and has Florida in run-rule territory.

Tennessee hits back-to-back home runs

Sophia Nugent and McKenna Gibson hit back-to-back solo home runs with two outs, after Taylor Pannell and Ella Dodge are sat down to start the second inning.

The Vols lead 9-0, and Florida is turning to Katelynn Oxley in the bullpen.

Tennessee turns to Sage Mardjetko

With a big lead, Tennessee turns to Sage Mardjetko, in a move to likely preserve Karlyn Pickens’ arm, as Pickens threw every pitch for the Lady Vols on Thursday.

Pickens can re-enter if she’s needed.

Florida ends inning with double play

The Gators finally get out of the first inning, as Ava Brown induces a groundball which is turned into a 3-6-3 double play.

Florida has some ground to make up, although there’s still plenty of time remaining.

Tennessee goes up 7-0

Emma Clarke flies out to left field, with the flyball deep enough to score Alannah Leach from third base to give Tennessee a 7-0 lead. Florida finally gets an out.

Tennessee extends lead to 6-0

Alannah Leach doubles to right-center field, which clears the bases for Tennessee and gives the Vols a 6-0 lead with no outs in the top of the first inning.

Tennessee came out swinging after its walk-off loss on Thursday.

Tennessee takes 3-0 lead

Ava Brown walks McKenna Gibson, which gives Tennessee a 2-0 lead. Laura Mealer then singles to left field, extending the lead to 3-0.

Florida turning to Ava Brown

Kara Hammock fails to record an out before Florida turns to Ava Brown, who’s set to face McKenna Gibson with the bases loaded after a Sophia Nugent single.

Florida needs its pitcher to settle in here.

Tennessee takes 1-0 lead

Taylor Pannell ropes a single to left field, scoring Leach from third base to give the Lady Vols a 1-0 lead. Tennessee is coming out hot on Friday.

Gabby Leach with leadoff triple

What a start for Tennessee, as leadoff hitter Gabby Leach squeaks a hard ground ball right down the right-field line. The hit snuck into the deep corner of the outfield, allowing Leach to reach third base.

The hit was reviewed, but umpires upheld the fair ball call.

Karlyn Pickens gets out of jam

Pickens strikes out Reagan Walsh and Korbe Otis in back-to-back at-bats to strand two runners. Pickens got both Florida hitters on riseballs.

Tennessee bats coming up.

Jocelyn Erickson walks

Taylor Shumaker flies out to left field, but Jocelyn Erickson draws another walk to put Florida runners on first and second base with one out.

Florida looking to score an early run here.

Kendra Falby draws leadoff walk

Not a great start for Karlyn Pickens, who walks Florida leadoff hitter Kendra Falby on four pitches. Gators with an early baserunner in the top of the first inning.

Tennessee, Florida starting pitchers

Tennessee is going back to SEC Pitcher of the Year Karlyn Pickens in the elimination game, while Florida is starting Kara Hammock.

Pickens threw a complete game against Oklahoma and allowed four runs on four hits and four walks with eight strikeouts. Hammock, a first-year transfer from UNC-Wilmington, has a 3.61 ERA in 64 innings pitched this season.

Florida softball lineup

CF Kendra Falby
Taylor Shumaker
C Jocelyn Erickson
1B Reagan Walsh
LF Korbe Otis
2B Mia Williams
DP Ava Brown
3B Kenleigh Cahalan
SS Rylee Holtorf

Tennessee softball lineup

RF Gabby Leach
3B Taylor Pannell
2B Ella Dodge
C Sophia Nugent
1B McKenna Gibson
SS Laura Mealer
LF Alannah Leach
DP Emma Clarke
CF Kinsey Fiedler

What time does Tennessee vs Florida softball start?

Time: 7 p.m. ET
Date: Friday, May 30
Location: Devon Park (Oklahoma City)

First pitch for Tennessee and Florida’s elimination game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET from Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

What TV channel is Texas vs Florida softball on today?

TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN app | ESPN+

Tennessee-Florida softball at the WCWS will air live on ESPN, with streaming options on the ESPN app (with a cable login) or ESPN+, the latter of which serves as ESPN’s subscription service.

Women’s College World Series schedule

Women’s College World Series: May 29-June 6
WCWS finals: June 4-June 5/6

The Women’s College World Series will be played at Devon Park in Oklahoma City from May 29 through June 6. The WCWS championship series will be played from June 4 through either June 5 or June 6, depending on whether the series goes to three games.

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NEW YORK — It was always going to be on defense.

For the New York Knicks to stave off elimination, to get back in this Eastern Conference finals, they needed to somehow curb the Indiana Pacers. New York, for at least one game Thursday night, did exactly that, becoming the first team this postseason to hold Indiana to fewer than 100 points for a 111-94 victory.

The question for the Knicks now becomes whether this is something that can be replicated — whether Game 5 revealed a blueprint they can use to even the series at three games apiece.

“In this series, we haven’t lacked scoring, it has been more about us not stopping them from scoring,” Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns said after the game. “I think tonight we did a great job of upping the pressure and making sure we were making it more difficult for them to get open looks and get those shots that they got comfortable with last game. It’s a testament to our team answering the call.”

From the tip, New York harassed Indiana’s starters, flying around the court and swarming. New York held the Pacers’ starters to just 13 made field goals on 33.3% shooting. Forward Pascal Siakam was the only starter to reach double-figures in scoring, and he recorded just 15 points. Indiana’s entire first five combined for 37 points; its bench poured in 57.

Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was coming off a historic 32-point, 15-assist, 12-rebound triple-double in Game 4, was limited to eight points and six assists on 2-of-7 shooting. In fact, Aaron Nesmith (eight attempts), Andrew Nembhard (eight), Obi Toppin (10) and Benedict Mathurin (10) all attempted more shots than Haliburton did.

While wing defenders Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby led the defensive charge — particularly on Haliburton — another player not known for his defense also stepped up. Throughout this series, point guard Jalen Brunson had been a target for Indiana, which often set up pick-and-rolls to attack Brunson, who vowed after Game 5 to amp up his effort on defense.

“We picked up our intensity a little bit,” Brunson told reporters after the game. “We paid attention to detail better as a team. The little things go a long way.”

Little things like showing harder when Indiana tried to get Haliburton open in space, clogging the lanes he normally would have used to drive. Little things like sprinting back on transition defense to take away Indiana’s outlet passes and throw-ahead opportunities.

“They were just more aggressive than us from the jump,” Siakam said. “They brought the fight to us and I just don’t think we brought it enough.

“It was all about will and energy.”

Ahead of Game 6 Saturday in Indianapolis, the Pacers will tweak their operation and make adjustments. For example, coach Rick Carlisle said, “there’s more things I’m going to have to do to help” Haliburton get easier attempts to shoot.

But this was the very best version of the Knicks. When their defensive effort is like it was Thursday, it feeds other facets of their game.

They’re able to generate turnovers and increase their own output in transition, which leads to a barrage of points in the paint — an area where New York bullied Indiana 60-34. That increased effort manifests on the glass, too, where New York claimed a +9 advantage. That, then, feeds second-chance points, where the Knicks outscored the Pacers by a margin of 13-7.

“We’re going to have to be even better next game,” Towns said, “if we expect to have our season continue.”

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