Sports | 25HourNews

Miami Hurricanes to Host CFP Title Game After Thrilling 31-27 Win Over Ole Miss Trailing 27-24 with just over three minutes remaining, Carson Beck took the field for a drive that will be remembered in Coral Gables for decades. Over 15 plays and 75 yards, Beck systematically dismantled the Rebels' defense, converting three crucial third downs. The drive culminated in an 18 second remaining 3 yard touchdown scramble by Beck himself, vaulting the Hurricanes into the lead. Beck finished the night with 268 passing yards and two touchdowns, proving his mettle as a "vindicated" leader after his high profile transfer from Georgia.A "Home Game" for the National TitleThe victory is doubly sweet for Miami as it secures their spot in the National Championship game, which is scheduled to take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. This unique "home date" gives the Hurricanes a significant atmospheric advantage as they seek their first national title since 2001. After entering the 12 team playoff as a somewhat controversial No. 10 seed, Miami has now knocked off Texas A&M, No. 2 Ohio State, and No. 6 Ole Miss to reach the final stage.Ole Miss Battle and Fourth Quarter ChaosThe game was a back and forth affair that saw four lead changes in the fourth quarter alone. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was spectacular, throwing for 277 yards and leading a 75-yard go-ahead drive of his own that ended with a 24 yard strike to Dae'Quan Wright. The Rebels, who had rallied around interim leadership after Lane Kiffin’s departure for LSU, fell just short on a last second Hail Mary attempt. Despite the loss, Chambliss’ performance solidified his status as one of the breakout stars of the 2025-26 season.Championship Outlook: Miami vs Oregon/IndianaWith the Fiesta Bowl secured, the Hurricanes now wait to see who they will face in the finale. They will play the winner of the second semifinal between top seeded Indiana and No. 5 Oregon. Coach Mario Cristobal praised his team's resilience, noting that Beck "never flinched" in the face of adversity. As the city of Miami prepares to host the biggest game in college football, the Hurricanes are one win away from completing an improbable "Cinderella" run to the pinnacle of the sport.
Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen Haunt Former Team in Suns' 117-98 Win Over Memphis The story of the night was the dominant play of former Memphis fan favorites Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen. Brooks, who spent six seasons in Memphis, erupted for 21 points, including 18 in the first half to set the tone early. Allen, returning from a nine game absence due to a knee injury, provided an instant spark off the bench with 19 points and five three pointers. Their combined energy allowed Phoenix to nearly lead wire to wire, avenging a series of recent losses to the Grizzlies.Elite Three-Point Shooting DisplayPhoenix put on a shooting clinic, connecting on a season-high 22 three-pointers to dismantle the Memphis zone. The Suns' ball movement was exceptional, resulting in 31 total assists and several open looks for their perimeter threats. While Devin Booker had a quiet scoring night with 13 points, his playmaking was vital as he dished out 8 assists. The Suns' ability to stretch the floor opened up the paint for Mark Williams, who finished with a 12 point, 12-rebound double-double.Short-Handed Grizzlies Struggle Without MorantThe Memphis Grizzlies were severely depleted, missing star guard Ja Morant for a third straight game due to a right calf contusion. In total, eight Grizzlies rotation players were sidelined, leaving Jaren Jackson Jr. to carry the offensive load. Jackson finished with 19 points, but Memphis struggled with consistency, committing 18 turnovers that the Suns converted into 25 points. Despite 14 points each from Cam Spencer and Javon Small, the Grizzlies could not overcome a 26 point fourth quarter deficit.Impact on Standings and MomentumWith this victory, the Phoenix Suns improve to 22-15 and solidify their position in the top half of the Western Conference standings. The win is particularly significant as it snaps a six game losing streak against Memphis dating back to last season. For the Grizzlies, the loss drops them to 16-21 as they continue to navigate a difficult stretch of injuries. Phoenix will return home to face the New York Knicks on Friday, while Memphis looks to regroup before hosting the Dallas Mavericks.
Joel Embiid and Paul George Lead 76ers to Milestone Victory Over Washington For the first time since Paul George joined the team, all three Philadelphia stars scored 20+ points in a single game. Joel Embiid led the way with 28 points on a highly efficient 10 of 14 shooting, while Paul George added 23 points and Tyrese Maxey contributed 22. The trio looked perfectly in sync, combining for 73 points and setting a tone of dominance that the Wizards simply couldn't match. George was particularly impressive in the first half, hitting four three pointers to help Philadelphia settle into a rhythm.Joel Embiid is a Dominant MainstayAfter a heavy 40 minute workload in a recent overtime loss, Joel Embiid needed only 25 minutes to dismantle the Washington frontcourt. He was a force in the paint, pushing around the Wizards' interior defenders to get to his spots at will. Embiid's ability to anchor the offense while also providing a defensive presence (2 blocks) allowed the Sixers to build an early lead. His efficiency from the floor and the free throw line (7 of 8) proved that he remains the undisputed engine of this team.Paul George Still Has ItPaul George silenced any doubts about his offensive juice, starting the game with one of his most aggressive scoring halves of the season. He finished with a team high plus minus of +25, showcasing his value as both a secondary playmaker and a lockdown perimeter defender. George's back-to-back triples in the second quarter halted a Washington run and restored order for the home crowd. His integration into the offense as a "stabilizer" is becoming more apparent as the Sixers' stars learn to accentuate each other's strengths.Full Strength for the First Time in YearsIn a significant development for the franchise, the 76ers had zero players on the injury report for the first time since December 2023. The returns of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford from long term injuries gave coach Nick Nurse his full complement of players for the first time in over two years. While both were on minutes limits, their presence bolstered a bench unit that also saw a spark from Quentin Grimes, who scored 16 points. This newfound depth will be critical as Philadelphia looks to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Fulham Edge Chelsea 2-1 as Harry Wilson Exploits Cucurellas Early Dismissal The game turned in the 22nd minute when Marc Cucurella was shown a straight red card for a professional foul on Harry Wilson. Caught out by a long ball from Bernd Leno, Cucurella dragged down the Welsh winger as the last man, leaving the referee no choice but to issue a dismissal. It was Chelsea’s seventh red card of the 2025-26 season, a statistic that continues to plague the club’s consistency. Cucurella received a nearly unanimous 1/10 rating across major outlets for the "mindless" challenge that changed the entire complexion of the night.Uninfluential Wingers and Midfield StrugglesWith ten men, Chelsea’s attacking width effectively evaporated. Pedro Neto (6.1) and Cole Palmer (6.5) found themselves isolated and were forced to track back deep into their own half, making them almost entirely uninfluential in the final third. Moises Caicedo (5/10) and Enzo Fernandez (7.3) worked tirelessly to bridge the gap, but the numerical disadvantage allowed Fulham to dominate the middle of the park. Even as the Blues attempted to counter, the lack of support for the lone striker made sustained pressure impossible.Liam Delap’s Milestone in a Losing EffortDespite the disadvantage, there was a brief moment of hope for the visitors. In the 72nd minute, Liam Delap (7.9) reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner to fire home his first ever Premier League goal for Chelsea, equalizing at 1-1. It was a deserved reward for Delap, who was the only Chelsea attacker to consistently threaten the Fulham backline. However, the joy was short lived as Harry Wilson, who had been a thorn in Chelsea's side all night, struck the winner just nine minutes later to secure the 2-1 victory for the Cottagers.Liam Rosenior’s Looming TaskIncoming head coach Liam Rosenior was seen taking notes in the stands, and he will have plenty to address when he officially takes over this week. The lack of discipline remains the primary concern, as Chelsea’s talent is frequently undermined by avoidable suspensions. While Robert Sanchez (6.5) made several key saves to keep the scoreline respectable, the overall defensive organization without a full complement of players was porous. Chelsea now sits in
Why Man Utd’s 1-1 Draw at Burnley Felt Like a Necessary Fresh Start in 2026 The Manchester United landscape was rocked on Monday, January 5, 2026, when the club announced the immediate departure of Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge. The decision followed a tense 1-1 draw with Leeds United and a series of "fiery" press conferences where Amorim openly criticized the club's leadership and transfer policy. Despite leading United to a Europa League final in 2025, the hierarchy felt a change was necessary to salvage a top four finish as the team sat in sixth place.Darren Fletcher Steps Into the BreachClub legend and academy coach Darren Fletcher was named interim manager, taking the reigns for the midweek trip to Burnley. Fletcher immediately sought to simplify the team's tactical approach, moving away from Amorim’s rigid back three system in favor of a more traditional and fluid setup. While the result was another draw, the body language of players like Joshua Zirkzee who scored the opening goal and captain Bruno Fernandes suggested a more liberated and cohesive atmosphere on the pitch.Burnley Battle Back at Turf MoorThe match itself was a physical encounter, with United dominating possession but failing to kill the game off. After Zirkzee’s 24th minute strike gave the visitors the lead, Burnley, fighting for Premier League survival, found an equalizer through a clinical counter attack early in the second half. United pushed for a winner, with Patrick Dorgu hitting the crossbar in stoppage time, but they ultimately had to settle for a point. Despite the result, Fletcher praised the "spirit and togetherness" of a squad that had been under immense psychological pressure.A New Chapter and the Search for a SuccessorWhile dropping more points is never ideal for a club with Champions League aspirations, the "fresh start" sentiment comes from the removal of the toxic tension that had come to define the end of Amorim’s tenure. The focus now shifts to director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada as they begin the search for a permanent replacement. With a massive Manchester Derby against Man City looming on January 17, the club is under pressure to find a leader who can build on the fragile positivity established by Fletcher’s interim debut.
OKC Thunder Snap Losing Skid with 129-125 Overtime Victory Against Utah Jazz Shai Gilgeous Alexander proved exactly why he is the reigning MVP, carrying the Thunder through a night where the team struggled from beyond the arc. After Lauri Markkanen put the Jazz ahead with just 3.2 seconds left in regulation, Gilgeous Alexander calmly drained a 13 foot jumper as time expired to tie the game at 114-114. He finished the night with 46 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while extending his historic streak of scoring at least 20 points to 109 consecutive games.Overtime Heroics and Chet Holmgren’s ImpactIn the extra period, Gilgeous-Alexander continued his dominance by scoring nine of the Thunders 15 points. However, the biggest play of overtime came from Chet Holmgren, who slammed home a putback dunk off an SGA miss with 30 seconds left to break a 125-125 tie. Holmgren finished with a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds, providing a much needed interior presence. The Thunder secured the win at the free throw line, improving their record to 31-7 on the season.Jazz Battle Back After 20 Point DeficitThe Utah Jazz showed incredible resilience after falling behind by 20 points early in the second quarter. Led by Lauri Markkanens 29 points and 13 rebounds, Utah fought their way back to take the lead in the fourth quarter. Keyonte George added 25 points and 11 assists, while Jusuf Nurkic contributed 15 points and 15 rebounds before fouling out in overtime. Despite the loss, Utahs ability to out rebound the Thunder 65-45 kept them in the game until the final seconds.Shooting Struggles and Look AheadOklahoma City won despite a diabolical shooting night from three point range, hitting a season low 18.4% of their attempts. The team was especially cold after halftime, making only one of their 18 attempts from deep during the second half and overtime combined. Coach Mark Daigneault credited the win to the teams defensive grit and SGAs ability to create shots in traffic. The Thunder will now head to Memphis for a Friday night matchup, while the Jazz return home to host the Dallas Mavericks.
Knicks Snap Four Game Skid Brunson and Towns Lead New York Past Clippers The New York Knicks entered Wednesday’s matchup against the Clippers on a four game slide, their longest of the 2025-26 season. Jalen Brunson led the charge with a team high 26 points on 80% shooting from three point range, while Karl Anthony Towns provided a versatile 20 points, 11 rebounds, and a season high 7 assists. After trailing early in the first half, the Knicks utilized a massive 24-7 scoring run that started late in the third quarter to pull away for the 123-111 victory.Brunson’s Candid "Desperate" AdmissionIn his post game comments, Brunson was vocal about the team's mental state heading into the contest. "For the most part, we played a little desperate tonight. We needed a win," the All Star guard reflected. He emphasized that regardless of the score, the effort displayed was "Knicks basketball," characterized by high competition and grit. This sense of urgency was evident as the team racked up 31 assists, moving the ball effectively to overcome a 25 point performance from Kawhi Leonard.Managing Injuries and Rotation DepthThe victory was especially significant given that the Knicks were playing without key starter Josh Hart, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. In his absence, OG Anunoby stepped up with an efficient 20 points, and Deuce McBride added 16 points off the bench. Jordan Clarkson also provided a spark with 12 points, helping to stabilize a second unit that has struggled during the recent skid. Josh Hart is scheduled to be re-evaluated this Friday before the team begins a four game road trip.Looking Ahead to the West Coast TripThe win improves the Knicks' record to 24-12, keeping them in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. However, the road ahead remains challenging as the team travels to face the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. Brunson and head coach Mike Brown both noted that while the win over the Clippers was a "reset," the team still has defensive lapses to address. The upcoming road trip will be a critical test for a squad that recently celebrated an NBA Cup title in December.
Deni Avdija Drops 41 Points as Blazers Survive Rockets Late Rally in Portland The game reached a fever pitch in the final seconds when Kevin Durant missed a 19 foot jumper with 2.1 seconds left. Tari Eason soared through the air to tip in the rebound just as the red light on the backboard flashed. The Rockets bench rushed the court in celebration, believing they had secured a one point victory. However, after a meticulous video review, officials determined the ball was still in contact with Eason’s fingertips by a fraction of a second as time expired. The basket was waved off, handing Portland the win.Deni Avdija’s Career NightPortland was led by a sensational performance from Deni Avdija, who poured in a season high 41 points to carry the Blazers' offense. Avdija was relentless, scoring through contact and hitting multiple three point plays in the fourth quarter to keep Portland ahead. His 41 points tied for the most by any Rockets opponent this season. Shaedon Sharpe also contributed 29 points and hit a massive three pointer late in the game that helped Portland weather a furious Houston comeback led by Kevin Durant.Kevin Durant and the Rockets’ StrugglesDespite the loss, Kevin Durant was spectacular for Houston, finishing with 37 points on 14 of 26 shooting. The Rockets dominated the glass, outrebounding Portland 57-38 and grabbing a staggering 24 offensive boards, but they were plagued by poor shooting percentages. Houston hit just 8 of 36 from three point range and missed 9 crucial free throws. Coach Ime Udoka was visibly frustrated after the game, calling the team’s defensive discipline horrendous despite their effort on the boards.Standings and Friday RematchThis victory marks the fourth straight win for the Trail Blazers, who improve to 18-20 and move closer to a play in spot in the Western Conference. The Rockets fall to 22-12 and continue to miss the presence of star center Alperen Sengun, who is sidelined with a sprained ankle. The two teams won’t have to wait long to settle the score, as they are scheduled for a rematch at the Moda Center this Friday night. Houston will look to clean up their defensive rotations to avoid another heartbreaking finish.