JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1104

Missoula, Oakland defeated Montana 95-87 on Tuesday night as Brody Robinson scored 23 points and added eight assists and three steals. Oakland improved to 3-5 while Montana fell to 4-4. Michael Houge scored 19 points and Isaac Garrett added 14 for Oakland. Kenyon Aguino recorded 24 points and 16 rebounds and Tyler Thompson scored 19 for Montana; Money Williams had 15 points and 15 assists. The Associated Press produced game statistics using Data Skrive and Sportradar. Game reports appeared across national and local outlets this week. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research and verified box-score entries from providers.

Riding a nine-game streak and an NBA-best 17-1 start, the Thunder host the Timberwolves in an NBA Cup West Group A clash Wednesday, thriving despite injuries and powered by the league’s stingiest defense and turnover pressure. Minnesota arrives after two blown late leads and seeking rhythm. It’s their first meeting since Oklahoma City ousted them in five in last season’s West final. Elsewhere Tuesday, Luka Doncic led the Lakers past the Clippers to clinch West Group B, Orlando crushed Philadelphia, and Washington snapped a 14-game skid behind C.J. McCollum.

Anthony Black exploded for a career-high 31 points—27 before halftime—and Franz Wagner added 21 as the Orlando Magic crushed the injury-depleted Philadelphia 76ers 144-103 in an NBA Cup game. The Magic seized control with a 26-point second quarter that brought boos from the home crowd and an on-court altercation that led to Jalen Suggs’ ejection. Tyrese Maxey scored 20 for Philadelphia, which was without Joel Embiid, Paul George and rookie VJ Edgecombe. Orlando moved to 3-0 in Cup play; the 76ers fell to 0-3.

Appleton, Wisconsin and multiple U.S. cities held seasonal parades this week, drawing large crowds and community participation; Detroit staged America's Thanksgiving Parade on Nov. 27 with floats and celebrity appearances, Valders High School marched in Chicago, and North Miami marked its 50th parade. In Lumberton, a business was removed 48 hours before its Christmas parade over concerns that costumes could frighten children. Reporting relied on local station coverage, organizer statements, and participant quotes to document events and responses. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Palm Springs, Calif. — Grand Canyon defeated Utah 68-58 at the Acrisure Classic on Tuesday as Jaden Henley and teammates converted free throws and forced turnovers to overcome an 0-for-10 night from three. The next day in Palm Desert, Iowa beat Grand Canyon 59-46 to capture the championship, led by Isaia Howard off the bench. Reports across regional and national outlets cite turnover margins, free-throw accuracy, and defensive runs as key determinants in both games. Tournament schedules proceeded as announced and box scores were published by multiple outlets. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Las Vegas — No. 7 Michigan will play No. 12 Gonzaga in the Players Era Championship final Wednesday after both teams went 2-0 in round‑robin play. Michigan beat Auburn 102-72 and Gonzaga defeated Maryland 100-61, and finalists were determined by point differential. Tennessee, despite beating Houston, moved to the third-place game on a smaller point differential. A four team women's bracket also played. Organizers said average guaranteed NIL compensation exceeds $1 million per team and plan to expand the field to 32 teams in 2026 while retaining point differential in the selection formula. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Los Angeles, the Lakers defeated the Clippers 135-118 on Tuesday, clinching West Group B in the NBA Cup and advancing to the quarterfinals. Luka Dončić scored 43 points with 13 rebounds and nine assists; Austin Reaves added 31 and LeBron James had 25. James Harden scored 29 for the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard returned with 19. Kris Dunn was ejected late after a collision with Doncic. The Lakers will play the Dallas Mavericks in their final group-play game Friday. Officials noted several slips on the specially designed NBA Cup court during game. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

LAS VEGAS, Michigan dominated Gonzaga 101-61 Wednesday to win the Players Era Championship, securing the tournament's $1 million top prize. The Wolverines opened with decisive victories over San Diego State and Auburn, finishing the event 7-0 and outscoring opponents by a combined overall 110 points. Yaxel Lendeborg led Michigan with 20 points and 11 rebounds; Elliot Cadeau added 13 assists. Gonzaga entered 7-0 after wins over Alabama and Maryland but struggled against Michigan, shooting 33.8% with three made 3-pointers on 22 attempts. The loss marked Mark Few's largest margin as Gonzaga coach. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Las Vegas — Aden Holloway scored 26 points and No. 8 Alabama routed UNLV 115-76 Tuesday in the Players Era Championship second round, with six Crimson Tide players reaching double figures and Alabama outrebounding UNLV 48-28. Alabama shot 55.4 percent overall and made 14 of 33 three-pointers; Houston Mallette added 19 and London Jemison scored 18 off the bench. The Rebels' Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn scored 25. Bracket changes were confirmed by officials Monday. Alabama is scheduled to play Maryland in a consolation game Wednesday; UNLV will meet Rutgers in a separate consolation matchup Thursday. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

In Daytona Beach, Fla., Pacific beat Jacksonville 68-53 behind TJ Wainwright’s 15 points and seven rebounds. Elias Ralph added 14 on 5-of-10 shooting, went 4-for-4 at the line, and grabbed 10 boards, while Isaac Jack scored 11. The Tigers took the lead for good with 5:55 left in the first half and led 28-20 at the break, Wainwright with nine. An 8-0 run stretched it to 54-38 in the second half. Chris Arias paced the Dolphins with 10.