NHL – National Hockey League
Last Night

Detroit Red Wings 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 2

New Jersey Devils 3, Chicago Blackhawks 0

Red Wings 4, Lightning 2 – Husso makes 44 saves, helps Red Wings beat Lightning 4-2

Ville Husso made 28 of his 44 saves in the third period and the Detroit Red Wings beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. The Red Wings got goals from Michael Rasmussen, Jonatan Berggren, Adam Erne and David Perron. Detroit, which has missed the playoffs in each of the last six seasons, moved into a third-place tie in the Atlantic Division with Tampa Bay. Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point scored, and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 shots for the Lightning.

Devils 3, Blackhawks 0 – NHL-leading Devils shut out struggling Chicago Blackhawks

Defenseman Dougie Hamilton had a goal and two assists, Vitek Vanecek made 24 saves for his second shutout and the NHL-leading New Jersey Devils defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0 on Tuesday night. Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt scored goals and Jack Hughes had two outstanding assists for the Devils, who are a league-best 21-4-1 despite losing their first two games. Arvid Soderblom made 26 saves for the slumping Blackhawks, who are 1-9-1 in their last 11. They were also shut out by the New York Islanders 3-0 on Sunday.

NBA – National Basketball Association
Last Night

Detroit Pistons 116, Miami Heat 96

Pistons 116, Heat 96 – Pistons run away in 2nd half, embarrass Heat 116-96

Bojan Bogdanovic scored 31 points, Alec Burks added 18 and the Detroit Pistons pulled away in the second half to beat the Miami Heat 116-96. Saddiq Bey scored 14, Isaiah Stewart had 11 points and 11 rebounds and Cory Joseph also scored 11 for the Pistons, who trailed 50-47 at halftime — then outscored Miami 69-46 in the final two quarters. It was Detroit’s biggest margin of victory this season. Tyler Herro led all scorers with a season high-tying 34 points for Miami, which has dropped three of its last four games.

Tonight

Detroit Pistons at New Orleans Pelicans, 8:00 p.m.

Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls, 8:00 p.m.

Indiana Pacers at Minnesota Timberwolves, 8:00 p.m.

MLB commissioner Manfred says 2023 ‘big year’ for A’s future

The Oakland Athletics will have their relocation fee waived if they decide to move to Las Vegas, and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says 2023 is a big year when it comes to the future of the franchise. Speaking at baseball’s winter meetings in San Diego, Manfred also said the Los Angeles Angels are hoping to have their sale resolved by opening day. He had no update on the sale process for the Washington Nationals. The A’s have played at the Coliseum since 1968 and their lease expires after the 2024 season.

MLB – AP source: Cody Bellinger, Cubs agree to $17.5M, 1-year deal

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that former National League MVP Cody Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a $17.5 million, one-year contract. Bellinger was cut by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Nov. 18 after the 27-year-old outfielder hit .210 with 19 homers in 144 games. Bellinger was the 2019 NL MVP.

MLB – Longtime Free Press writer Lowe wins BBWAA excellence award

John Lowe, who created the quality start statistic while covering baseball for the Detroit Free Press and other newspapers for more than three decades, has won the BBWAA Career Excellence Award. The honor was announced by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Lowe got 137 votes from BBWAA members. The late Gerry Fraley was second with 135 and Bruce Jenkins drew 106. Lowe will be honored during Hall of Fame induction weekend next July in Cooperstown, New York. In 1985, Lowe created the quality start stat, which has since become part of the baseball landscape — six innings pitched, no more than three earned runs allowed. Lowe retired in 2014 after 29 years with the Free Press following previous stints with the Los Angeles Daily News and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

NCAAMBKB – Men’s College Basketball
Tonight

Michigan State at Penn State, 6:30 p.m.                         Superhits 103.7 Cosy-FM 5:30

Boston University at Notre Dame, 7:00 p.m.

Robert Morris at Central Michigan, 7:00 p.m.

Eastern Michigan at Illinois State, 8:00 p.m.

NCAAWBKB – Women’s College Basketball
Tonight

Western Michigan at Valparaiso, 7:00 p.m.

NFL – Injury-plagued LA Rams claim QB Baker Mayfield off waivers

The Los Angeles Rams have claimed quarterback Baker Mayfield off waivers. The Rams made the move Tuesday to add Mayfield, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft by Cleveland. Mayfield was released by the Panthers on Monday at his request after seven disappointing games with Carolina. The Rams need quarterback help. Matthew Stafford is almost certainly out for the season with a bruised spinal cord, and backups John Wolford and Bryce Perkins have been fairly ineffective while playing three of the past four games.

NCAAFB – Hall of Famer Croom: ‘Not enough progress’ for Black coaches

New Hall of Famer Sylvester Croom says there has not been enough progress in college football when it comes to the hiring of Black head coaches. Croom, a star player for Alabama in the early 1970s, became the first Black head football coach in the Southeastern Conference in 2004 when he was hired by Mississippi State. Since then, there have been only four others and there are currently no Black head coaches in the SEC. Only one of 16 head coaching vacancies in major college football this year has been filled by a Black coach. Croom called it ‘disappointing’ and ‘frustrating,’ but said he was happy to see Deion Sanders get an opportunity with Colorado.

Boxing – Mills Lane, Hall of Fame boxing referee, dies at 85

Mills Lane, the Hall of Fame boxing referee who was the third man in the ring when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield’s ear, died Tuesday. He was 85. Respected for being tough but fair, his “Let’s get it on!” command became the final words heard before many memorable fights. Lane had suffered a stroke in 2002 and his son, Tommy, said his father had taken a significant turn for the worse recently before entering hospice care on Friday. He died at his home in Reno, Nevada, with his wife, Kaye, and two sons in the home.

MCCAA – Junior College Athletics
Last Night
Men’s Basketball

South Suburban College 95, Southwestern Michigan 61

Tonight
Women’s Basketball

Lake Michigan College at Mott Community College, 5:30 p.m.

Henry Ford College at Southwestern Michigan, 6:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball

Lake Michigan College at Mott Community College, 7:30 p.m.

AHL – American Hockey League
Tonight

Iowa Wild at Grand Rapids Griffins, 7:00 p.m.

ECHL – ECHL Hockey League
Today

Kalamazoo Wings at Toledo Walleye, 10:35 a.m.

MHSAA – High School Sports
Last Night
Boys Basketball – Season Openers

St. Joseph 58, Harper Creek 32
St. Joe jumped out to a 26-7 lead after the first quarter and just coasted for a season opening 58-32 season opening win over Harper Creek. Chase Sanders and Luke Lehner each had a game high 14 points to lead the Bears

South Bend Clay (IN) 74, Niles 54

Berrien Springs 63, River Valley 50

Bridgman 58, Saugatuck 57 – OT

Buchanan 61, Bloomingdale 37

Bangor 41, Covert 31

GR NorthPointe Christian 81, Fennville 43

Howardsville Christian 38, Burr Oak 22

Decatur 45, New Buffalo 35

South Haven 48, Gobles 20

Wyoming Godwin Heights 73, Eau Claire 54

Lawton 54, Marcellus 48

Allegan 55, Holland Black River 34

Vermontville Maple Valley 56, Delton-Kellogg 53

Mattawan 85, Paw Paw 50

Cassopolis 58, Three Rivers 52

Parchment 73, Comstock 25

Marshall 52, Edwardsburg 39

Plainwell 60, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 44

Kalamazoo Hackett 80, Centreville 37

Schoolcraft 60, Vicksburg 44

Otsego 56, Portage Central 45

Kalamazoo Christian 72, Portage Northern 66

Mendon 57, Colon 54

Battle Creek Central 52, Jackson 42

Coldwater 45, Sturgis 33

Girls Basketball

St. Joseph 47, Benton Harbor 42
Lady Bears sophomore Jaslynn Ward had 31 points in St. Joe’s 47-42 win at Benton Harbor.  Eleah Hedstrom also had 10 for St. Joe.   The Tigers were lead by Desrae Kyles 19 points and 15 points from Jmya Jordan.  St. Joe improves to 2-0 on the season, The Tigers fall to 1-1.

Hackett 60, Our Lady of the Lake 39
Cam Nobis and Layne Ridderman each had 13 points for Kalamazoo Hackett in a 60-39 win over Our Lady of the Lake. The Lakers were led by Claire Jollay with 12 points.

Watervliet 48, Gobles 37

Martin 42, Coloma 17

New Buffalo 35, Watervliet Grace Christian 19

Mattawan 70, Paw Paw 57

Dowagiac 39, Decatur 11

Marcellus 37, Bangor 30

Cassopolis 36, Hartford 28

Lawrence 45, Centreville 37

Holland Black River 54, Fennville 42

Mendon 54, Comstock 25

Otsego 48, Portage Central 44

Burr Oak 33, Howardsville Christian 26

Three Rivers 46, Gull Lake 30

Coldwater 55, Sturgis 21

Vicksburg 37, Schoolcraft 20

Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 42, Plainwell 38

Delton-Kellogg 39, Vermontville Maple Valley 28

Galesburg-Augusta 48, Allegan 18

Tonight
Wrestling

St. Joseph at Paw Paw, 5:30 p.m.

Buchanan, Delton-Kellogg, Fennville, Martin at South Haven, 6:00 p.m.

Girls Basketball

Buchanan at Edwarsburg, 7:00 p.m.

Boys Basketball

White Pigeon at Kalamazoo Phoenix, 7:30 p.m.

MHSAA – SMC to host all-day girls high school basketball event

Southwestern Michigan College is helping celebrate its return to basketball by hosting the inaugural Tri-State Holiday Classic.   The all-day event will feature girls high school basketball teams from Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.  Michigan teams Benton Harbor, Edwardsburg, Dowagiac, Lawton, and Niles will play games at SMC’s 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse on Saturday, December 17.  The games start at 10:30 am with Niles against South Bend Riley, Lawton will face Hillcrest at 12:45.  Dowagiac faces Riley at 3 pm.  Benton Harbor faces Hillcrest at 5:15 pm, with Edwardsburg facing Elkhart in the final game at 7:30.  Hillcrest and Riley will play two games that day, which is allowed for Indiana and Illinois schools.   Tickets are $5 for the day, with doors opening at 10:00 am.   Current SMC player Cameron Thomas went to Hillcrest High School.  SMC Women’s Basketball Coach Jeanine Wasielewski said they plan to add a boys event next year.

FIFA – 2022 FIFA World Cup – Qatar
Yesterday
Knockout Round – Round of 16

Morocco 0, Spain 0 – Morocco wins on PK’s 3-0

Portugal 6, Switzerland 1

Morocco 0, Spain 0 – MOR PK’s 3-0 – Morocco beats Spain on penalties to advance at World Cup

Morocco became the first Arab nation and only the fourth African nation to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals by beating Spain 3-0 in a penalty shootout. Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets missed their penalties for Spain. Sarabia hit the post and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stopped the other two. The teams drew 0-0 in regulation and extra time. Morocco has been the biggest surprise of the tournament and will next face either Portugal or Switzerland. Morocco and Spain are close neighbors with a complex geopolitical relationship.

Portugal 6, Switzerland 1 – Ronaldo dropped, Ramos scores 3 for Portugal at World Cup 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement scored a hat trick to lead Portugal over Switzerland 6-1 and into the World Cup quarterfinals. Goncalo Ramos is a 21-year-old forward who only made his Portugal debut last month. He made his first start for his country by demonstrating the kind of clinical finishing Ronaldo was once known for. Ramos scored the opening goal in the 17th minute and added the others in the 51st and 67th. By that time chants of “RONALDO! RONALDO!” were swirling around the 89,000-seat Lusail Stadium. Ronaldo entered as a substitute in the 72nd.

Friday
Quarterfinals

Croatia vs. Brazil, 10:00 a.m.

Netherlands vs. Argentina, 2:00 p.m.

FIFA – The next World Cup will jump to 48 teams. Is bigger better?

The next World Cup will be the biggest ever after world soccer body FIFA took the leap from a 32-team field to 48 teams in 2026. It means more of soccer’s so-called “little teams” that didn’t make it to Qatar will be given a chance-of-a-lifetime when the World Cup goes to the United States, Canada and Mexico. Great news for everyone who was entertained by Saudi Arabia’s stirring underdog upset of Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Morocco knocking out Spain. More surprises surely await in four years. Only it’s not clear for some that bigger is better at the World Cup.

FIFA – Moroccans celebrate historic World Cup win against Spain

Exuberant Moroccans have poured into the streets of their capital and in cities across Europe to celebrate their national soccer team’s historic win against Spain at the World Cup. Morocco defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in Qatar, making the Atlas Lions the only team from outside Europe or South America to make it to the last eight. The capital, Rabat, was bursting with joy while Morocco fans also celebrated in the streets in France and Spain.

FIFA – Ronaldo a solitary figure after being benched at World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t start Portugal’s game against Switzerland in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The move came a day after his coach expressed frustration about Ronaldo’s attitude in the last match. Gonçalo Ramos started in Ronaldo’s place at Lusail Stadium. Ronaldo showed obvious displeasure at being removed from the game against South Korea on Friday. That led to Ramos getting the start. The 21-year-old made his international debut three weeks ago, then scored a hat trick in his first career start for Portugal, which came in the World Cup as Ronaldo’s replacement. Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (35) makes a save on a shot by Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Nicholas Paul (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) is defended by Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Filip Roos (48) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) defends against Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

NHL – National Hockey League 
Last Night 
Detroit Red Wings 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 2 
New Jersey Devils 3, Chicago Blackhawks 0

Red Wings 4, Lightning 2 – Husso makes 44 saves, helps Red Wings beat Lightning 4-2 
Ville Husso made 28 of his 44 saves in the third period and the Detroit Red Wings beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2. The Red Wings got goals from Michael Rasmussen, Jonatan Berggren, Adam Erne and David Perron. Detroit, which has missed the playoffs in each of the last six seasons, moved into a third-place tie in the Atlantic Division with Tampa Bay. Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point scored, and Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 shots for the Lightning.

Devils 3, Blackhawks 0 – NHL-leading Devils shut out struggling Chicago Blackhawks 
Defenseman Dougie Hamilton had a goal and two assists, Vitek Vanecek made 24 saves for his second shutout and the NHL-leading New Jersey Devils defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 3-0 on Tuesday night. Nico Hischier and Jesper Bratt scored goals and Jack Hughes had two outstanding assists for the Devils, who are a league-best 21-4-1 despite losing their first two games. Arvid Soderblom made 26 saves for the slumping Blackhawks, who are 1-9-1 in their last 11. They were also shut out by the New York Islanders 3-0 on Sunday.
NBA – National Basketball Association 
Last Night 
Detroit Pistons 116, Miami Heat 96

Pistons 116, Heat 96 – Pistons run away in 2nd half, embarrass Heat 116-96 
Bojan Bogdanovic scored 31 points, Alec Burks added 18 and the Detroit Pistons pulled away in the second half to beat the Miami Heat 116-96. Saddiq Bey scored 14, Isaiah Stewart had 11 points and 11 rebounds and Cory Joseph also scored 11 for the Pistons, who trailed 50-47 at halftime — then outscored Miami 69-46 in the final two quarters. It was Detroit’s biggest margin of victory this season. Tyler Herro led all scorers with a season high-tying 34 points for Miami, which has dropped three of its last four games.
Tonight 
Detroit Pistons at New Orleans Pelicans, 8:00 p.m. 
Washington Wizards at Chicago Bulls, 8:00 p.m. 
Indiana Pacers at Minnesota Timberwolves, 8:00 p.m.
MLB commissioner Manfred says 2023 &#8216;big year&#8217; for A&#8217;s future 
The Oakland Athletics will have their relocation fee waived if they decide to move to Las Vegas, and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says 2023 is a big year when it comes to the future of the franchise. Speaking at baseball’s winter meetings in San Diego, Manfred also said the Los Angeles Angels are hoping to have their sale resolved by opening day. He had no update on the sale process for the Washington Nationals. The A’s have played at the Coliseum since 1968 and their lease expires after the 2024 season.
MLB – AP source: Cody Bellinger, Cubs agree to $17.5M, 1-year deal 
A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that former National League MVP Cody Bellinger and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a $17.5 million, one-year contract. Bellinger was cut by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Nov. 18 after the 27-year-old outfielder hit .210 with 19 homers in 144 games. Bellinger was the 2019 NL MVP.
MLB – Longtime Free Press writer Lowe wins BBWAA excellence award 
John Lowe, who created the quality start statistic while covering baseball for the Detroit Free Press and other newspapers for more than three decades, has won the BBWAA Career Excellence Award. The honor was announced by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Lowe got 137 votes from BBWAA members. The late Gerry Fraley was second with 135 and Bruce Jenkins drew 106. Lowe will be honored during Hall of Fame induction weekend next July in Cooperstown, New York. In 1985, Lowe created the quality start stat, which has since become part of the baseball landscape — six innings pitched, no more than three earned runs allowed. Lowe retired in 2014 after 29 years with the Free Press following previous stints with the Los Angeles Daily News and The Philadelphia Inquirer.
NCAAMBKB – Men’s College Basketball 
Tonight 
Michigan State at Penn State, 6:30 p.m.                         Superhits 103.7 Cosy-FM 5:30 
Boston University at Notre Dame, 7:00 p.m. 
Robert Morris at Central Michigan, 7:00 p.m. 
Eastern Michigan at Illinois State, 8:00 p.m.
NCAAWBKB – Women’s College Basketball 
Tonight 
Western Michigan at Valparaiso, 7:00 p.m.
NFL – Injury-plagued LA Rams claim QB Baker Mayfield off waivers 
The Los Angeles Rams have claimed quarterback Baker Mayfield off waivers. The Rams made the move Tuesday to add Mayfield, the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft by Cleveland. Mayfield was released by the Panthers on Monday at his request after seven disappointing games with Carolina. The Rams need quarterback help. Matthew Stafford is almost certainly out for the season with a bruised spinal cord, and backups John Wolford and Bryce Perkins have been fairly ineffective while playing three of the past four games.
NCAAFB – Hall of Famer Croom: &#8216;Not enough progress&#8217; for Black coaches 
New Hall of Famer Sylvester Croom says there has not been enough progress in college football when it comes to the hiring of Black head coaches. Croom, a star player for Alabama in the early 1970s, became the first Black head football coach in the Southeastern Conference in 2004 when he was hired by Mississippi State. Since then, there have been only four others and there are currently no Black head coaches in the SEC. Only one of 16 head coaching vacancies in major college football this year has been filled by a Black coach. Croom called it ‘disappointing’ and ‘frustrating,’ but said he was happy to see Deion Sanders get an opportunity with Colorado.
Boxing – Mills Lane, Hall of Fame boxing referee, dies at 85 
Mills Lane, the Hall of Fame boxing referee who was the third man in the ring when Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield’s ear, died Tuesday. He was 85. Respected for being tough but fair, his “Let’s get it on!” command became the final words heard before many memorable fights. Lane had suffered a stroke in 2002 and his son, Tommy, said his father had taken a significant turn for the worse recently before entering hospice care on Friday. He died at his home in Reno, Nevada, with his wife, Kaye, and two sons in the home.
MCCAA – Junior College Athletics 
Last Night 
Men’s Basketball 
South Suburban College 95, Southwestern Michigan 61
Tonight 
Women’s Basketball 
Lake Michigan College at Mott Community College, 5:30 p.m. 
Henry Ford College at Southwestern Michigan, 6:30 p.m.
Men’s Basketball 
Lake Michigan College at Mott Community College, 7:30 p.m.
AHL – American Hockey League 
Tonight 
Iowa Wild at Grand Rapids Griffins, 7:00 p.m.
ECHL – ECHL Hockey League 
Today 
Kalamazoo Wings at Toledo Walleye, 10:35 a.m.
MHSAA – High School Sports 
Last Night 
Boys Basketball – Season Openers 
St. Joseph 58, Harper Creek 32
<ul>
<li>St. Joe jumped out to a 26-7 lead after the first quarter and just coasted for a season opening 58-32 season opening win over Harper Creek. Chase Sanders and Luke Lehner each had a game high 14 points to lead the Bears</li>
</ul>
South Bend Clay (IN) 74, Niles 54 
Berrien Springs 63, River Valley 50 
Bridgman 58, Saugatuck 57 – OT 
Buchanan 61, Bloomingdale 37 
Bangor 41, Covert 31 
GR NorthPointe Christian 81, Fennville 43 
Howardsville Christian 38, Burr Oak 22 
Decatur 45, New Buffalo 35 
South Haven 48, Gobles 20 
Wyoming Godwin Heights 73, Eau Claire 54 
Lawton 54, Marcellus 48 
Allegan 55, Holland Black River 34 
Vermontville Maple Valley 56, Delton-Kellogg 53 
Mattawan 85, Paw Paw 50 
Cassopolis 58, Three Rivers 52 
Parchment 73, Comstock 25 
Marshall 52, Edwardsburg 39 
Plainwell 60, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 44 
Kalamazoo Hackett 80, Centreville 37 
Schoolcraft 60, Vicksburg 44 
Otsego 56, Portage Central 45 
Kalamazoo Christian 72, Portage Northern 66 
Mendon 57, Colon 54 
Battle Creek Central 52, Jackson 42 
Coldwater 45, Sturgis 33
Girls Basketball 
St. Joseph 47, Benton Harbor 42
<ul>
<li>Lady Bears sophomore Jaslynn Ward had 31 points in St. Joe’s 47-42 win at Benton Harbor.  Eleah Hedstrom also had 10 for St. Joe.   The Tigers were lead by Desrae Kyles 19 points and 15 points from Jmya Jordan.  St. Joe improves to 2-0 on the season, The Tigers fall to 1-1.</li>
</ul>
Hackett 60, Our Lady of the Lake 39
<ul>
<li>Cam Nobis and Layne Ridderman each had 13 points for Kalamazoo Hackett in a 60-39 win over Our Lady of the Lake. The Lakers were led by Claire Jollay with 12 points.</li>
</ul>
Watervliet 48, Gobles 37 
Martin 42, Coloma 17 
New Buffalo 35, Watervliet Grace Christian 19 
Mattawan 70, Paw Paw 57 
Dowagiac 39, Decatur 11 
Marcellus 37, Bangor 30 
Cassopolis 36, Hartford 28 
Lawrence 45, Centreville 37 
Holland Black River 54, Fennville 42 
Mendon 54, Comstock 25 
Otsego 48, Portage Central 44 
Burr Oak 33, Howardsville Christian 26 
Three Rivers 46, Gull Lake 30 
Coldwater 55, Sturgis 21 
Vicksburg 37, Schoolcraft 20 
Middleville Thornapple Kellogg 42, Plainwell 38 
Delton-Kellogg 39, Vermontville Maple Valley 28 
Galesburg-Augusta 48, Allegan 18
Tonight 
Wrestling 
St. Joseph at Paw Paw, 5:30 p.m. 
Buchanan, Delton-Kellogg, Fennville, Martin at South Haven, 6:00 p.m.
Girls Basketball 
Buchanan at Edwarsburg, 7:00 p.m.
Boys Basketball 
White Pigeon at Kalamazoo Phoenix, 7:30 p.m.
MHSAA – SMC to host all-day girls high school basketball event 
Southwestern Michigan College is helping celebrate its return to basketball by hosting the inaugural Tri-State Holiday Classic.   The all-day event will feature girls high school basketball teams from Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.  Michigan teams Benton Harbor, Edwardsburg, Dowagiac, Lawton, and Niles will play games at SMC’s 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse on Saturday, December 17.  The games start at 10:30 am with Niles against South Bend Riley, Lawton will face Hillcrest at 12:45.  Dowagiac faces Riley at 3 pm.  Benton Harbor faces Hillcrest at 5:15 pm, with Edwardsburg facing Elkhart in the final game at 7:30.  Hillcrest and Riley will play two games that day, which is allowed for Indiana and Illinois schools.   Tickets are $5 for the day, with doors opening at 10:00 am.   Current SMC player Cameron Thomas went to Hillcrest High School.  SMC Women’s Basketball Coach Jeanine Wasielewski said they plan to add a boys event next year.
FIFA – 2022 FIFA World Cup &#8211; Qatar 
Yesterday 
Knockout Round – Round of 16 
Morocco 0, Spain 0 – Morocco wins on PK’s 3-0 
Portugal 6, Switzerland 1
Morocco 0, Spain 0 – MOR PK’s 3-0 – Morocco beats Spain on penalties to advance at World Cup 
Morocco became the first Arab nation and only the fourth African nation to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals by beating Spain 3-0 in a penalty shootout. Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets missed their penalties for Spain. Sarabia hit the post and Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stopped the other two. The teams drew 0-0 in regulation and extra time. Morocco has been the biggest surprise of the tournament and will next face either Portugal or Switzerland. Morocco and Spain are close neighbors with a complex geopolitical relationship.
Portugal 6, Switzerland 1 – Ronaldo dropped, Ramos scores 3 for Portugal at World Cup 
Cristiano Ronaldo&#8217;s replacement scored a hat trick to lead Portugal over Switzerland 6-1 and into the World Cup quarterfinals. Goncalo Ramos is a 21-year-old forward who only made his Portugal debut last month. He made his first start for his country by demonstrating the kind of clinical finishing Ronaldo was once known for. Ramos scored the opening goal in the 17th minute and added the others in the 51st and 67th. By that time chants of “RONALDO! RONALDO!” were swirling around the 89,000-seat Lusail Stadium. Ronaldo entered as a substitute in the 72nd.
Friday 
Quarterfinals 
Croatia vs. Brazil, 10:00 a.m. 
Netherlands vs. Argentina, 2:00 p.m.
FIFA – The next World Cup will jump to 48 teams. Is bigger better? 
The next World Cup will be the biggest ever after world soccer body FIFA took the leap from a 32-team field to 48 teams in 2026. It means more of soccer’s so-called “little teams” that didn’t make it to Qatar will be given a chance-of-a-lifetime when the World Cup goes to the United States, Canada and Mexico. Great news for everyone who was entertained by Saudi Arabia’s stirring underdog upset of Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Morocco knocking out Spain. More surprises surely await in four years. Only it’s not clear for some that bigger is better at the World Cup.
FIFA – Moroccans celebrate historic World Cup win against Spain 
Exuberant Moroccans have poured into the streets of their capital and in cities across Europe to celebrate their national soccer team’s historic win against Spain at the World Cup. Morocco defeated Spain in a penalty shootout in Qatar, making the Atlas Lions the only team from outside Europe or South America to make it to the last eight. The capital, Rabat, was bursting with joy while Morocco fans also celebrated in the streets in France and Spain.
FIFA – Ronaldo a solitary figure after being benched at World Cup 
Cristiano Ronaldo didn&#8217;t start Portugal’s game against Switzerland in the round of 16 of the World Cup. The move came a day after his coach expressed frustration about Ronaldo’s attitude in the last match. Gonçalo Ramos started in Ronaldo’s place at Lusail Stadium. Ronaldo showed obvious displeasure at being removed from the game against South Korea on Friday. That led to Ramos getting the start. The 21-year-old made his international debut three weeks ago, then scored a hat trick in his first career start for Portugal, which came in the World Cup as Ronaldo’s replacement. Portugal beat Switzerland 6-1 to advance to the quarterfinals.Detroit Red Wings goaltender Ville Husso (35) makes a save on a shot by Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Nicholas Paul (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O&#8217;Meara)New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) is defended by Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Filip Roos (48) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Newark, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) defends against Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Southwest Michigan's Sports Leader

WSJM Sports

NHL – National Hockey League Last Night Detroit Red Wings 4, Tampa Bay Lightning 2 New Jersey Devils 3, Chicago Blackhawks 0 Red Wings 4, Lightning 2 – Husso makes 44 saves, helps Red Wings beat Lightning