MIAMI (AP) — Brandon Ingram scored 28 points and the Toronto Raptors snapped a four-game skid with a 106-96 victory Monday night over Miami, extending the Heat’s losing streak to five.

Miami lost forward Nikola Jovic to an elbow injury in the first quarter. Jovic took a hard foul from Collin Murray-Boyles while driving to the basket and fell to the floor 12 seconds after he entered the game.

Scottie Barnes added 17 points and 10 rebounds and Immanuel Quickley finished with 15 points for the Raptors, who made 16 3-pointers. Ingram shot 5 of 7 from behind the arc.

Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 11 points and Gradey Dick added 10 for Toronto.

Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo scored 20 points each and Davion Mitchell added 12 points for the Heat, who played without Tyler Herro. He sat out because of a right toe contusion.

It was the first time this season the Heat were held under 100 points.

Down by five early in the fourth quarter, Toronto took the lead for good with a 17-2 run. Jamal Shead’s 3-pointer with 7:31 remaining put the Raptors ahead 91-81.

The Heat narrowed the deficit to four points when Powell made three free throws with 1:28 left. But Shead hit a floating jumper and Barnes followed with a putback layup.

The Raptors are 4-6 since RJ Barrett, the team’s third-leading scorer, sprained his right knee against Brooklyn on Nov. 23. Barrett, who averages 19.4 points per game, began on-court workouts Monday, coach Darko Rajakovic said.

Raptors: At Milwaukee on Thursday.

Heat: At Brooklyn on Thursday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Dec. 15—Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has spent this season stringing together a streak of dazzling catches and record-setting statistics, making a case he's the best receiver in the National Football League.

It goes beyond that, though, since so many times he has committed acts of outrageous athleticism that Seahawk fans may have never seen — creating memories while making history.

When a young athlete emerges in the early stages of what appears likely to turn into a historic career, analysts search for comparables among former greats to help define the youth's potential.

Sources who can provide big-picture perspective and long-term possibilities are needed.

Steve Raible is perfect, having either played alongside every Seahawks receiver in history, or covered them — and every other elite receiver in the NFL — from the broadcast booth.

So, Steve, does Smith-Njigba remind you of anyone?

"Jerry Rice."

Holy catfish, Raible, Jerry Rice?

Rice, of course, is recognized as the greatest receiver in the history of the National Football League. When sports historians rank the finest NFL players of all time, Rice is generally placed second behind only Browns running back Jim Brown.

"He's as good as I've ever seen," Raible said of Smith-Njigba. "I think he's as good at the top of his route, getting in and out of the break, whether to the sidelines, to the post, to the corner, as anybody in the league. And he just doesn't drop passes."

Raible is a certified Football-Knower. A second-round pick in the Seahawks' first draft (1976), he played six seasons for the Hawks and went immediately into the booth to add commentary to the play-by-play of the legendary Pete Gross. In 2004, he took over the play-by-play call, while also serving as an Emmy-winning television news anchor in Seattle.

And yes, he is well aware that his former teammate, Steve Largent, is and always will be considered the gold standard for Seahawk receivers.

Largent played 14 seasons, with seven Pro Bowls and a golden jacket from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"The first name that came to mind, in the franchise, was Steve," Raible said, citing Largent's great hands and discipline and route running, etc. "But the overarching first name was Jerry Rice. Rice was smooth in a different way, and he had those magnificent hands and knew how to set up defensive backs to get open. Jax does that as well as anybody."

Real artistry is subjective. Like the rare ones, with his great functional quickness and magnetic hands, JSN makes the hard things look easy, and so often observers use the word "smooth" to describe his route-running.

So many times, Smith-Njigba sprints into openings against zones to become an easy target for quarterback Sam Darnold, making it look as simple as a game of backyard catch. And then he sometimes makes catches with the fingertips of a single hand while tip-toeing the sideline at full speed.

Raible said he and broadcast partner Dave Wyman both have noticed how JSN varies his speed to gain separation from defenders, sometimes slowing as the ball descends, and then surging and extending when the ball is about to arrive. Defenders are helpless to close that gap without interfering.

He also has the strength and an uncanny ability to almost always win that final yard of intense hand-parrying with a defensive back to keep his hands free for the catch.

None of us should be surprised by this. Do an internet search for Smith-Njigba highlights, and archives of spectacular JSN catches dating back to his high-school days in Texas will appear. Usually, they're accompanied by comments like "he's not human," along with almost impossible statistics for catches and yardages.

Check out the recap of the January 2023 Rose Bowl when he led Ohio State to a win with 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns — all Rose Bowl records.

Think of how many great receivers have played in the Rose Bowl. None could match that output.

A hamstring injury his junior season at OSU probably helped the Seahawks get him with the 20th pick of the 2023 draft, the first wide receiver taken that year.

With 100 catches for 1,130 yards last season, JSN earned his first Pro Bowl honor.

The Seahawks' trade of veteran DK Metcalf, along with the release of longtime Hawk Tyler Lockett, opened the way for the offense to focus on JSN, supplemented by the addition of vet Cooper Kupp and newly acquired Rashid Shaheed.

Now, with 96 catches for a Seahawks record of 1,541 yards, Smith-Njigba is within 423 yards of Calvin Johnson's NFL season-record of 1,964 yards, with three games remaining.

JSN would have to average 141 yards a game the rest of the way, above his current average of 110.1 yards per game. Still, he stands a good chance to be the only first-team All-Pro receiver for the Seahawks since Largent earned his lone such honor in 1985.

Another remarkable point: Smith-Njigba is in his third season and still just 23 years old — the age Rice was as a rookie.

The Seahawks have had a series of excellent receivers, so many that have been somewhat overlooked. Darrell Jackson, Metcalf and Lockett, Joey Galloway and Bobby Engram. There's been Brian Blades, pound-for-pound, as tough as a champion middleweight. And Doug Baldwin, the king of the get-off, who dodged media coverage with that blinding blend of jitterbug and Riverdance at the line of scrimmage.

And at the top always has been the Incomparable Steve Largent.

Finally, somebody else is showing the potential to enter that lofty discussion. Health and longevity will be determinants over time.

The final convincing assessment of Raible on Smith-Njigba: "I just think he's the combination of every great receiver we've seen. He's got a little bit of everything, and, in some cases, a lot of everything."

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the struggles of Shedeur Sanders and Cleveland's offensive line on Monday, the day after a 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears.

One thing he wasn't going to discuss was what might happen when the season ends in three weeks.

“I’m not going to get in those type of things. Not my focus,” Stefanski said when asked if he has been given any assurances by ownership about his job security.

Stefanski is the first Browns coach since Sam Rutigliano to be at the helm for six seasons. He is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year but is 6-25 since Cleveland made the playoffs in 2023.

Stefanski gave offensive play-calling duties to coordinator Tommy Rees after the Nov. 2 bye week. While it has allowed Stefanski to focus on other matters, the offense continues to struggle.

Cleveland was backed up on its 1 on its first series, only to get flagged for a false start before the first play and too many men on the field before the next play.

Those are missteps that would be expected in the first couple of games, but not in Week 15.

“Yeah, obviously we know what our record is. We understand that. We don’t hide from that. You own it. But we also know how important this game is to us and the work that has to go into it each week and what we pour into it each week,” Stefanski said.

Sanders, the Browns' seventh starting quarterback since the start of last season, struggled in his fourth start and in his first of three straight games facing playoff-caliber defenses. The rookie completed 18 of 35 passes for 177 yards with three interceptions. He had a passer rating of 30.3 after being above 85 in each of his first three starts.

While Sanders had success when the Bears blitzed — going 5 of 6 for 118 yards — he struggled against zone coverage and when defensive coordinator Dennis Allen took away the deep game. Sanders was 1 of 8 for 9 yards and an interception when the Bears played a cover-4 scheme to prevent deep routes.

Stefanski is hoping Sanders can use the game a learning opportunity. The schedule doesn't get any easier, with Buffalo and Pittsburgh up next.

“Sky’s not falling. I think with young players, there’s growing and there’s learning that happens,” Stefanski said. “I don’t care what the position is, but look at history in terms of young players, and sometimes there’s moments that aren’t going to go your way, and you learn from those. So that’s no different for any position, no different for Shedeur versus any other player.”

The sideline heaters. The Browns got out of Chicago, where the kickoff temperature was 8 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of minus-2, without any cases of frostbite.

Defending play-action passes. The Browns have allowed 10 touchdowns off play-action, second-most in the league. Chicago's Caleb Williams was 10 of 13 for 141 yards and two touchdowns on play-action. According to Next Gen Stats, his 151.0 passer rating on such throws was his highest this season.

Kicker Andre Szmyt accounted for all of Cleveland's points for the second game this season. He has four field goals of at least 50 yards this season, including a 50-yarder in windy conditions.

WR Jerry Jeudy. Sanders delivered a perfect pass to Jeudy near the goal line in the third quarter, only to have the ball go through his hands, off his chest and into the arms of Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson for an interception and a touchback. It was Jeudy's 11th dropped pass of the season and his league-leading 24th since being acquired by the Browns last year.

OG Teven Jenkins (shoulder) was injured on Sunday. OG Wyatt Teller (calf), OT Jack Conklin (concussion), DL Aidan Huntington (quad), TE David Njoku (knee), RB Dylan Sampson (calf, hand) and CB Denzel Ward (calf) were inactive.

21 1/2: Sacks for Myles Garrett on the season. He had 1 1/2 on Sunday.

1: Sacks needed by Garrett to tie Michael Strahan and TJ Watt for the NFL single-season record.

The Browns host the Buffalo Bills (10-4), who kept alive their hopes of overtaking New England for the AFC East title after beating the Patriots on Sunday. Buffalo has won three of its past four meetings with Cleveland.

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CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears had just wiped out the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Caleb Williams wasted no time turning his attention toward the next game.

Chicago and Green Bay will meet for the second time in three weeks when the Packers visit Soldier Field on Saturday night. And Williams is ready for the rematch.

“I’m definitely excited,” he said after beating Cleveland. "I’m excited for the moment. They’re coming here, and it’s another game for us. But I’m excited.”

The NFC North-leading Bears (10-4) won five straight games and nine of 10 before losing 28-21 at Lambeau Field two weeks ago, when Williams underthrew Cole Kmet on an interception in the end zone in the closing minute. Chicago fell behind the Packers in the division and dropped from first to seventh in the conference.

The Bears bounced back in a big way against the struggling Browns, winning 31-3 in one of the coldest games ever at Soldier Field. With the Packers (9-4-1) losing at Denver, Chicago regained the division lead.

The schedule is about to take another tough turn, with Green Bay visiting and a trip to San Francisco before Chicago hosts Detroit in the finale. The Bears at least won't have to deal with Micah Parsons after the Packers' superstar pass rusher tore his left ACL in the third quarter at Denver.

Even so, a win over Green Bay is hardly a sure thing for Chicago. The Packers have dominated the NFL's longest-running rivalry the past few decades. And if Williams wants some payback for the most recent meeting, that's fine with coach Ben Johnson.

“I’m glad Caleb didn’t like how the last one ended,” he said Monday. "None of us should. No one likes to lose. And so the only way you can shake that feeling is to look to stack more victories. And so that’s our intent.”

The defense. Chicago held Cleveland to 192 yards and sacked Shedeur Sanders five times in his fourth start. The Bears also had three interceptions, leading to two touchdowns and a field goal, and extended their league-leading totals in INTs (21), takeaways (30) and turnover differential (plus-20).

The way the Bears dominated, it was hard to find fault with their performance.

WR DJ Moore. If Moore seemed like a forgotten man the previous week, well, consider this quite a reintroduction.

He went from being targeted just three times and catching one pass for a 4-yard loss to contributing 69 yards and two touchdowns with leading receiver Rome Odunze missing his second straight game because of a lingering foot injury. That included a highlight-reel grab on a 22-yarder in the third quarter. Williams rolled toward the right sideline and Moore went up in a crowd in the back of the end zone to haul in the pass.

Moore, who is second on the team with 43 receptions and 567 yards, is on pace to finish with 689 yards. His career low is 788 yards in 2018 as a rookie with Carolina.

K Cairo Santos. In seven seasons with the Bears, Santos had never missed a field goal of 39 yards or less. He was 84 for 84 before a 35-yarder nicked the right upright in the second quarter, a bad miss even with the Browns' Myles Garrett coming in off the edge. Santos is 21 of 26 on field goals this season.

Johnson said “all options are on the table” with Odunze after he aggravated his foot injury in warmups and was a late scratch. It's been bothering him since October, and the team had been managing the situation by having him sit out some practices. “There may be a case where we have to protect him from himself a little bit and just make sure we get him right and he’ll be able to help us down the road," Johnson said. ... The Bears opened a 21-day practice window on LB Tremaine Edmunds (groin), who has missed the past four games. He was hurt in Chicago's Week 11 win at Minnesota. ... WR Luther Burden (ankle) is day to day after he was hurt on Sunday.

3 — The three points were the fewest allowed by Chicago since a 29-3 victory over the New York Giants in Week 17 of the 2021 season. The previous low this year was 14 in wins over Dallas in Week 3 and New Orleans in Week 7.

The Bears will try to beat the Packers for the second time in three meetings and get some payback for the loss in Week 14. Chicago won at Lambeau Field in last year's finale, ending an 11-game losing streak against Green Bay.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have largely been a two-wide-receiver team all season, so Davante Adams' hamstring injury is likely to reveal whether Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford have another wideout they actually trust.

Or maybe the Rams (11-3) will just lean even further into the three-tight-end sets that have been McVay's preferred scheme recently on the way to the top of the NFC standings.

Either way, a difficult trip to Seattle on Thursday night likely got even tougher when Adams aggravated his hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of an impressive 41-34 comeback win over the Detroit Lions.

Although the playoff-bound Rams gave no update on Adams' condition Monday, the star receiver seems unlikely to play in Los Angeles’ showdown with the Seahawks (11-3) for the overall NFC lead.

“We’ll probably just go out there with 10 guys and just see what happens,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said with a grin Monday. “No, I’m just kidding. You guys have seen how valuable he’s been for us in so many different ways. ... He’s still playing at that high clip, and we’re just hoping for the best.”

Adams' absence would leave McVay's offense without the NFL's leader in touchdown receptions and the vital counterpoint to No. 1 target Puka Nacua.

“(Adams) is an outstanding football player, a huge part of our offense and a guy that has put it in the end zone a bunch for us this year," MVP favorite Stafford said after passing for 368 yards and two TDs against the Lions. "That’ll be a tough one. ... I have a lot of faith and trust in the other guys that we have in our locker room and our coaching staff to put us in a great position.”

But that trust is questionable when looking at pure numbers: Stafford has targeted Nacua and Adams a combined 243 times in 14 games, while the four wideouts getting sporadic playing time behind Nacua and Adams have seen just 58 combined targets — only about four throws per game.

Three Rams tight ends and running back Kyren Williams have all caught more passes than wide receiver Jordan Whittington, who has 17 catches. Xavier Smith has 14 catches, while rookie Konata Mumpfield and $10 million veteran Tutu Atwell — who missed most of two months with injury — have just five receptions apiece.

These meager numbers are no coincidence, given McVay's wholehearted embrace of offensive sets with three tight ends over the past two months. Los Angeles is running that scheme at the highest rate in NFL history, which has even meant fewer snaps for Nacua and Adams, let alone their backups.

The only other team with double-digit victories relying so heavily on just two wide receivers this season? It's the Seahawks, whose tertiary wideouts have been targeted only 53 times this season — although that number is rising since Rashid Shaheed's arrival to join Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, who was replaced in Los Angeles by Adams.

The running game is on a roll, topping 150 yards in three consecutive games after hitting that mark just twice in the first 11. Williams surpassed 1,000 yards for the third straight season, while Blake Corum has had the three most productive games of his career in the past three weeks.

The defense had an ugly first half against Detroit, allowing 8.5 yards per play while Jared Goff diced up the secondary for 221 yards on the way to a 10-point lead. Los Angeles' halftime adjustments have been excellent this season, but the Lions were a couple of plays away from a 31-point first half that would have been daunting.

Stafford’s confidence in his tight ends showed against the Lions when Colby Parkinson caught two more touchdown passes. After a quiet Rams debut in 2024, Parkinson has rounded into a receiving threat over the past six weeks, catching 22 passes for 230 yards and six TDs with Tyler Higbee sidelined by injury.

The Rams' cornerback play has receded to the level many expected this season. Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Cobie Durant both struggled against Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Josh Wallace looked overmatched at times while playing instead of healthy scratch Ahkello Witherspoon. Quentin Lake's injury absence has been felt — but this time, the Rams were able to outscore their biggest weakness.

DL Braden Fiske left the locker room with a limp, but the Rams didn't provide injury updates Monday.

93.7 — Nacua's yards receiving per game during his career. That's the most in NFL history, surpassing the pace set by Minnesota's Justin Jefferson. Nacua also became the second receiver in Rams history with two 100-catch seasons Sunday, joining Torry Holt.

The Rams face their biggest game of the year on a short week, and a loss would badly damage their hopes of claiming McVay's first No. 1 playoff seed. It's a major test of will for a team that got outgained 414-249 in its 21-19 win over the Seahawks last month.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

South Dakota is a land shaped by ancient forces, with echoes of prehistoric giants still reverberating across its rugged terrain. Some of the world’s most important dinosaur fossils are preserved beneath the rolling hills, eroded canyons, and expansive plains. For millions of years, this land was home to creatures who lived in a world vastly different from modern humans. Visitors to South Dakota can now travel back in time to discover ancient life forms that once dominated the planet.

The state’s rich fossil record has made it a hotbed for paleontological research, and its reputation as a centre for dinosaur discoveries has only grown in recent decades. With iconic formations like the Hell Creek Formation, which spans South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, the region has produced some of the most important dinosaur fossils ever discovered. This fossil haven is an important part of South Dakota’s appeal to visitors interested in exploring its deep prehistoric roots.

The Hell Creek Formation: A Prehistoric Time Capsule

One of the primary sources of South Dakota’s dinosaur legacy is the Hell Creek Formation, a famous geological unit that contains fossils from the Late Cretaceous period. This formation offers an unparalleled glimpse into the final years of the dinosaurs, just before the mass extinction event that wiped out much of life on Earth 66 million years ago. The Hell Creek Formation spans vast stretches of land in South Dakota, particularly in the northwest part of the state, and is renowned for its abundance of dinosaur fossils, including Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and many other species of herbivores, carnivores, and early mammals.

The sedimentary layers of the Hell Creek Formation preserve bones, teeth, and footprints from a time when towering plants and dinosaurs roamed a much warmer, more humid Earth. As the land began to shift, the bones of these prehistoric giants were entombed in layers of silt and sand, eventually forming a time capsule that modern palaeontologists are still uncovering. This extraordinary formation serves as one of the most important fossil beds in the world and continues to yield new discoveries that enhance our understanding of life during the Cretaceous period.

Iconic Dinosaur Discoveries and Fossil Finds

Over the years, South Dakota has been home to some of the most famous dinosaur fossils in history. Perhaps the most well-known of these is the Tyrannosaurus rex specimen known as Sue. Discovered in 1990 in the Hell Creek Formation near Faith, South Dakota, Sue is one of the most complete and best-preserved T. rex skeletons ever found. The fossil has been studied extensively and is now housed at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago. Sue’s discovery was a groundbreaking event in palaeontology, drawing global attention to South Dakota’s dinosaur-rich heritage.

In addition to Sue, South Dakota has also yielded other remarkable T. rex specimens, including one known as Stan, which was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation in 1987. Stan is one of the most complete T. rex skeletons in existence and has been extensively studied to understand more about the species’ anatomy and behaviour. These discoveries have made South Dakota one of the world’s premier destinations for dinosaur lovers and palaeontologists alike.

Museums and Exhibits: Bringing Dinosaurs to Life

While many of South Dakota’s dinosaur fossils are housed in museums across the country, the state itself offers a wealth of opportunities for visitors to learn about its ancient past. Rapid City, the state’s second-largest city, is home to the Museum of Geology at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. This museum is a treasure trove of prehistoric exhibits, featuring fossilized remains from dinosaurs and other ancient life forms that once inhabited the region. With a comprehensive collection of fossilized bones, teeth, and artefacts, the museum provides a fascinating look at the history of life on Earth, from the Age of Dinosaurs to the early evolution of mammals.

In addition to the Museum of Geology, Dinosaur Park in Rapid City offers visitors the chance to experience life-size dinosaur sculptures that were originally created in the 1930s. These towering sculptures serve as both an artistic and educational reminder of South Dakota’s dinosaur legacy. The park is a favourite stop for families and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding Black Hills.

For those looking for a more hands-on experience, Paleo Adventures in Belle Fourche offers guided tours of local fossil sites. Visitors can participate in real fossil digs and unearth their own prehistoric discoveries, giving them a unique opportunity to engage directly with the state’s paleontological heritage.

The Badlands: A Natural Dinosaur Museum

One of the most striking geological features of South Dakota is the Badlands National Park, a vast expanse of eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires. This unique landscape was once home to a variety of prehistoric creatures, and the park continues to yield fossils from the Late Cretaceous and Early Paleogene periods. The Badlands’ rock formations preserve fossils of ancient mammals, reptiles, and plants that lived alongside the dinosaurs.

The park is not only a geological wonder but also a treasure trove of paleontological significance. Fossils from species such as Pachycephalosaurus, Edmontosaurus, and Triceratops have been uncovered within the park’s layers of sediment, providing valuable insights into the diversity of life that once thrived in the area. Visitors to the Badlands can explore its stunning vistas while also learning about the ancient creatures that called this region home.

Dinosaur Experiences for the Modern Traveler

South Dakota offers more than just fossils and fossil sites; it offers an immersive experience for travelers. From guided tours to hands-on fossil digs, visitors can engage with the ancient past in a way that few other destinations can offer. Palaeontologists often lead field expeditions, taking travelers to the most famous fossil sites and explaining the processes involved in unearthing these ancient remains.

For those interested in palaeontology, the state provides an array of educational programmes and exhibits. The Journey Museum and Learning Center in Rapid City offers exhibits that explore the region’s natural and cultural history, tying together the scientific discoveries of South Dakota’s dinosaurs with the state’s Native American heritage.

A Trip Back in Time

South Dakota’s dinosaur legacy is an important part of its natural and cultural history. Whether visiting Rapid City’s museums, exploring the Badlands, or digging for fossils in the Hell Creek Formation, visitors can experience the ancient world in a way that is both educational and awe-inspiring. For palaeontologists, South Dakota remains one of the most important and exciting places to visit in the United States.

With its rich fossil heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class museums, South Dakota provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with the prehistoric past and see the creatures that once roamed this ancient land.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Andrei Svechnikov scored in the shootout and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Sunday.

William Carrier and Taylor Hall scored in regulation for the Hurricanes, who have won four straight — three in a shootout. Brandon Bussi made 24 saves — all in regulation — for his ninth straight win, matching a franchise record.

Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale scored in regulation for Philadelphia and Dan Vladar stopped 31 shots.

Svechnikov was the only skater to score in the shootout, with Bussi stopping all three attempts by the Flyers.

Carolina outshot Philadelphia 3-0 in the overtime period.

Zegras scored with 1:52 left in regulation to tie the score 2-2. Travis Konecny found Zegras alone at the far post after Bussi couldn't control a rebound with Philadelphia pressing with an extra skater.

The Flyers have had hard luck against Carolina this season, losing all three matchups in shootouts, including a 4-3 defeat in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Carrier gave Carolina a 1-0 lead at 5:44 in the first period when he beat Vladar to the glove side, thanks to a perfectly-timed screen from Jordan Martinook.

Getting the first goal has been a good sign for the Hurricanes this season. They improved to 14-2-0 when scoring first.

The Hurricanes made it 2-0 on Hall’s power-play goal with 4:07 left in the first. Hall has three points in the past four games. Defenseman Alexander Nikishin picked up an assist on Hall’s goal and leads all rookies in plus/minus this season at plus-11.

Bussi improved to 11-1 in his rookie season, becoming the first goaltender in NHL history to win 11 of his first 12 starts. The Hurricanes claimed the 27-year-old rookie on waivers on Oct. 5 and he made his first NHL start in a 5-1 win over San Jose on Oct. 14.

Drysdale scored with 52.4 seconds left in the first with assists from Zegras and Matvei Michkov.

The Hurricanes’ defense was bolstered by the return of Jaccob Slavin, who had missed the previous 29 games with a lower-body injury.

Flyers: At Montreal on Tuesday night.

Hurricanes: At Nashville on Wednesday night.

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PITTSBURGH (AP) — John Klingberg capped off a frantic late rally by scoring his second goal of the game 2:57 into overtime to lift the San Jose Sharks to an improbable 6-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday.

Klingberg’s seventh of the season off a feed from Macklin Celebrini gave the Sharks their first victory in the franchise’s 34-year history when trailing by four goals in the third.

San Jose trailed 5-1 with less than 14 minutes to go. Klingberg and William Eklund scored to get the Sharks back in it, and Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli beat Pittsburgh goalie Arturs Silovs with the goaltender pulled to force overtime.

Toffoli, whose tying goal came with 1:38 to play, finished with two goals and two assists. Celebrini had a goal and two assists to push his season point total to 44.

Yaroslav Askarov withstood a second-period deluge from Pittsburgh and finished with 38 saves as San Jose finished a five-game road trip at 3-2.

Sidney Crosby scored a goal and added an assist to move within two of Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux's franchise record for career points. Crosby beat Askarov in the first period for his 19th goal of the season and assisted on Bryan Rust's power-play goal in the second to push his career point total to 1,721.

Kevin Hayes, Rutger McGroarty and Anthony Mantha also scored for the Penguins. Rickard Rakell played 22:12 in his return from a 20-game absence due to a hand injury. Silovs stopped 26 shots as Pittsburgh dropped its fourth straight.

The Penguins fell to 1-8 in overtime and are winless through three games of a season-long five-game homestand. The first loss came against Anaheim on Tuesday when the Ducks forced overtime with one-tenth of a second left.

The loss marked the first time the Penguins blew a four-goal lead in the third period since March 10, 1976.

Sharks: Begin a three-game homestand on Tuesday against Calgary.

Penguins: Host Utah on Sunday.

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AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — David Castillo scored 19 points, Abdi Bashir Jr. added 18 and Kansas State built an early double-digit lead in the second half and held off Creighton for an 83-76 victory on Saturday.

Castillo was 7-of-11 shooting and Bashir hit 6 of 12 from 3-point range. Khamari McGriff added 12 points and P.J. Haggerty scored 10 for Kansas State (7-4).

The Wildcats shot 59% (10 of 36) and hit 11 of 17 3-point shots in the first half, but after the break were just 28% (10 of 36) overall and missed 10 of 11 shots from distance.

K-State led by as many as 20 points early in the second half. About midway through the second, Creighton began a 10-1 surge to pull to 73-70 with 2:41 to play. Castillo answered with a layup and McGriff added a dunk to help the Wildcats pull away.

Josh Dix scored and Isaac Traudt scored 18 points apiece to lead Creighton (5-5). Austin Swartz chipped in with 12 points.

K-State closed the first half on a 23-8 run for a 51-33 halftime lead. Bashir scored 15 points on five 3-pointers to pace the Wildcats

It was the 10th meeting for K-State in Omaha but the first since an 88-78 win on Dec. 5, 1987. The teams last met in the 2018 NCAA Tournament when the Wildcats earned a 69-59 win in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Creighton plays Xavier in a Big East Conference opener on Wednesday.

Kansas State hosts South Dakota on Saturday.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Raegan Beers scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds, and No. 9 Oklahoma won its 10th straight by routing No. 23 Oklahoma State 92-70 on Saturday afternoon.

Sahara Williams scored 18 points and Aaliyah Chavez and Zya Vann added 15 each for the Sooners (11-1), who won their seventh straight in the series. The in-state rivals played annually before Oklahoma left the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference ahead of last season.

Oklahoma shot 51.3% from the field and scored at least 90 points for the eighth straight game. All five Sooners starters scored in double figures.

Micah Gray scored 22 points and Jadyn Wooten added 15 for the Cowgirls (10-2), who had won five straight. Oklahoma State shot just 37.8% from the field and 28.1% from 3-point range.

Vann's 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter gave the Sooners a 21-20 lead.

In the second quarter, Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt disagreed with a foul call against the Cowgirls on a breakaway layup attempt by Oklahoma, then hounded the official until she was called for a technical foul. Chavez, the Sooners' leading scorer for the season, made both free throws — her first two points of the game — to give Oklahoma a 38-28 lead with just under three minutes left in the first half.

The Sooners led 42-37 at halftime, despite Chavez producing only four points before the break.

Oklahoma opened the game up with a 30-point third quarter to take a 72-56 lead into the fourth. Williams scored eight points and Chavez scored seven in the quarter. The Sooners made 13 of 21 field goals in the period and had 10 assists on 13 made field goals.

Oklahoma State: Hosts Tulsa on Monday.

Oklahoma: Hosts North Carolina Central on Dec. 22.

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The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced a significant discovery by an Italian archaeological mission: the remains of a sun temple dedicated to the ancient Egyptian king Nyuserre, located near Cairo in the Abusir necropolis. This remarkable find adds to Egypt’s already rich historical tapestry, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a top cultural tourism destination.

The sun temple of Nyuserre, believed to date back to the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt (around 2400 BCE), is considered one of the most important discoveries in recent years. Located just south of Cairo, the temple is part of the Abusir necropolis, which is already home to the pyramids of the Fifth Dynasty and other ancient monuments. This discovery has the potential to significantly boost tourism in the region by offering visitors a deeper understanding of the ancient Egyptian belief system and architectural advancements.

Discovering the Sun Temple: An Archaeological Breakthrough

The discovery of the sun temple is part of an ongoing archaeological effort in the Abusir necropolis, where Egyptian and international archaeologists have been uncovering tombs, statues, and structures dating back thousands of years. The sun temple is particularly significant because it represents an architectural style that was used by Egyptian kings to honor the solar deity Ra, a central figure in ancient Egyptian religion.

The remains of the temple suggest that it was once a grand structure, with carved stone blocks and fragments of statues that likely depicted the king and the gods of ancient Egypt. Experts believe that the temple was part of a larger complex dedicated to King Nyuserre, who ruled during the Fifth Dynasty and was known for his religious devotion to Ra. The discovery of such a well-preserved temple provides invaluable insights into Egypt’s ancient religious practices and architectural achievements.

The site’s proximity to Cairo makes it an ideal addition to the region’s tourism infrastructure, giving visitors the chance to explore ancient Egyptian history without venturing far from the capital. The excavation will likely bring more attention to the Abusir necropolis, which is less visited than other ancient Egyptian sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, but offers a wealth of hidden gems for tourists seeking a more in-depth exploration of Egypt’s past.

Enhancing Egypt’s Tourism Offerings

The discovery of the sun temple is expected to boost tourism in Cairo and the surrounding regions. Egypt’s tourism industry has faced challenges in recent years, but the country’s rich history, ancient sites, and modern attractions continue to draw millions of visitors. This discovery provides an opportunity for Egypt to expand its tourism offerings and promote less-visited but equally significant historical sites like the Abusir necropolis.

For tourism operators, the discovery provides an opportunity to craft specialized tour packages that include visits to the newly discovered sun temple and other nearby archaeological sites. Guided tours of the Abusir pyramids and the newly uncovered temple could become popular attractions for history enthusiasts, archaeology tourists, and those seeking to learn more about the ancient Egyptian civilization.

Cultural Tourism in Egypt: A Rising Trend

Cultural tourism continues to be a growing trend worldwide, with travelers seeking experiences that immerse them in local history, art, and heritage. Egypt remains one of the world’s most sought-after cultural destinations, with its ancient landmarks, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and Luxor’s Karnak Temple, attracting millions of visitors annually.

With the discovery of the sun temple, Egypt now has the opportunity to market its rich cultural and religious history more extensively. This discovery aligns with Egypt’s broader tourism goals, which focus on promoting the country’s ancient sites while also ensuring sustainable and responsible tourism. Efforts to preserve the Abusir necropolis and other historical areas will help safeguard Egypt’s invaluable cultural heritage for future generations of visitors.

Engaging Visitors with Egypt’s Ancient Religious Practices

The sun temple of Nyuserre also offers an opportunity for tourists to explore ancient Egyptian religious practices. In addition to its historical significance, the temple will give visitors a deeper understanding of the central role that the worship of Ra and other deities played in ancient Egyptian society. Egyptologists and tour guides will be able to provide insights into how these religious beliefs shaped the architecture, art, and rituals of the time.

For tourists interested in religious history and ancient rituals, a visit to the sun temple could be a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of culture, religion, and architecture. Guided tours of the temple and surrounding sites could offer interactive experiences, such as workshops on ancient Egyptian religious beliefs or recreations of the rituals that would have taken place in the temple.

Building on the Legacy of the Pyramids

The newly discovered sun temple adds to Egypt’s already iconic collection of ancient monuments and could attract more visitors to the Giza Plateau and other archaeological hotspots. The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are among the most visited sites in the world, but with the addition of newly discovered temples and unexplored pyramids, Egypt can continue to offer fresh and exciting experiences for tourists.

In addition to cultural tourism, the site could attract academic visitors and archaeologists who are interested in exploring the finer details of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious structures. As the excavation of the sun temple continues, it may yield even more discoveries that will deepen our understanding of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Egypt’s Tourism Sector

The discovery of the sun temple in the Abusir necropolis is a significant moment for Egyptian tourism, offering new opportunities to explore the country’s rich cultural and religious history. As the tourism industry continues to recover, Egypt’s newly discovered sites will help draw visitors from around the world who are eager to experience its ancient wonders. With the sun temple set to become a key attraction, Egypt is poised to continue captivating travelers and scholars alike with its unparalleled historical legacy.

The Baltic States—Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania—are known not only for their beautiful landscapes, mediaeval towns, and vibrant cultures but also for their rich military history. This region, located between Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea, has witnessed some of the most significant events in European history, including World War I battles and struggles for independence from Soviet rule. Today, these countries are welcoming a new wave of tourism: military heritage tourism. This unique mode of transportation takes visitors on a journey through history, allowing them to explore battlefield remnants, Cold War-era bunkers, war museums, and memorials that tell stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph.

The Birth of Military Heritage Tourism in the Baltics

Military heritage tourism in the Baltic States has emerged as an organized and cross-border initiative aimed at preserving and showcasing the military history of the region. The idea behind this form of tourism is not just to offer visitors a chance to explore historical sites but also to educate them about the complex and tumultuous past of these nations. Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have all played pivotal roles in European conflicts, and their military history is deeply intertwined with their national identities.

Over the years, these countries have developed a network of over 900 military heritage sites, ranging from ancient fortifications to remnants of Soviet military installations. These sites are strategically located across the three countries, from the dense forests of Lithuania to the coastal battlegrounds of Estonia. The goal is to highlight the historical significance of these sites while providing an immersive experience for visitors. To facilitate this, detailed travel itineraries, maps, and guides have been created, ensuring that visitors can navigate the region’s military heritage easily.

Key Military Heritage Sites in the Baltic States

The Baltic region boasts a wealth of military heritage sites, each telling a unique story about the area’s history. These sites are spread across the three countries, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while also immersing them in the beauty of the region.

Latvia is home to several important military sites, including forts and bunkers from both World War I and World War II. The Biķernieki Memorial in Riga, for example, is a poignant reminder of the Holocaust and the mass executions carried out by the Nazis. Visitors can also explore the remains of Soviet military bases and bunkers that were once integral to the region’s defence during the Cold War. In addition, Latvia is home to numerous partisan camps, where fighters resisted Soviet occupation. These sites have become key to understanding the broader historical context of the Baltic States’ struggle for independence.

Estonia, with its strategic position along the Baltic Sea, has seen significant military activity over the centuries. One of the most notable sites is the Plokštinė missile base, which was once a part of the Soviet Union’s nuclear arsenal. Today, it stands as a museum, allowing visitors to learn about the Cold War era and the tense geopolitical situation that defined much of the 20th century. Estonia also boasts several coastal fortifications that date back to the Russian Empire, providing insight into the region’s role in naval defence.

Lithuania offers its own set of military heritage sites, including battlefields from World War I and World War II. The Fortress of Kaunas, for instance, is an impressive structure that was used during the wars and later became a prison during the Soviet era. Lithuania is also home to a variety of resistance sites, where local partisans fought against both Nazi and Soviet forces. These sites, along with the many memorials across the country, serve as a testament to Lithuania’s long history of defending its sovereignty.

Thematic Routes and Curated Tours

To fully experience the military heritage of the Baltic States, visitors are encouraged to embark on curated tours that guide them through key historical locations. These tours are designed to provide both an educational and emotional experience, with professional guides sharing stories about the struggles and victories that shaped the region.

One popular thematic route focuses on the Cold War period, allowing visitors to explore Soviet-era bunkers, missile bases, and spy stations. These sites are particularly poignant, as they offer a rare glimpse into the secretive and often tense world of Soviet military strategy. Another route takes visitors through World War II battlefields, where major confrontations between German and Soviet forces took place. These areas have been preserved as historical monuments, and visitors can walk the very ground where soldiers fought for control of the region.

For those interested in the Wars of Independence, there are routes that highlight the partisan resistance movements that fought against Soviet occupation in the years following World War II. These routes are particularly meaningful for the local population, as they commemorate the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of the Baltic States.

The Role of Museums and Memorials

Museums and memorials are essential components of the military heritage tourism experience in the Baltics. These institutions not only preserve artefacts from wars and military operations but also educate the public about the importance of these sites in the broader context of European history.

In Riga, the Latvian War Museum houses an impressive collection of military memorabilia, from weapons and uniforms to documents and photographs. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of Latvia’s military history, from the 1918 War of Independence to the Soviet occupation. Similarly, in Tallinn, the Estonian War Museum presents exhibits about Estonia’s military past, including its struggle for independence and its role in both world wars.

Memorials, such as the Biķernieki Memorial in Latvia and the Resistance Museum in Vilnius, Lithuania, serve as sombre reminders of the human cost of war. These sites provide visitors with an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities of war and the resilience of the people who lived through it.

Preservation and Future of Military Heritage Tourism

The preservation of military heritage sites is a priority for the governments of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. These sites are carefully maintained to ensure that future generations can learn from them and appreciate their historical significance. The military heritage tourism initiative is supported by national and local authorities, who have invested in infrastructure improvements, educational programmes, and visitor services to make these sites accessible to the public.

In addition to preserving history, the military heritage tourism initiative helps to boost local economies. By attracting visitors from around the world, these countries are able to showcase their rich history while generating revenue through tourism. This is particularly important for rural areas, where many of these sites are located, as it helps to promote regional development and cultural exchange.

Conclusion

Military heritage tourism in the Baltic States is more than just a historical journey; it is an opportunity to engage with the past in a way that is both educational and emotionally impactful. Whether exploring Cold War bunkers in Estonia, visiting World War II battlefields in Lithuania, or reflecting on the sacrifices made during Latvia’s independence wars, visitors can gain an understanding of the struggles that have shaped these nations. As the region continues to preserve and promote its military heritage, it invites the world to participate in remembering and learning from the past, ensuring that these stories are never forgotten.