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Abou Ousmane scored a season-best 19 points and Bryce Thompson added 14 as Oklahoma State topped visiting Oral Roberts 86-74 on Sunday in Stillwater, Okla. Oklahoma State (8-3) led by as many as 20 points in the second half while winning for the fourth time in five games. Khalil Brantley and Jamyron Keller chipped in 10 points apiece for the Cowboys. Issac McBride had a game-high 27 points for the Golden Eagles on 8-for-13 shooting, including 5-for-7 from long range. Luke Gray scored all 12 of his points in the second half for Oral Roberts (3-9). JoJo Moore and McBride each dished five assists for the Golden Eagles. The Cowboys created distance with a 13-1 run late in the second half, holding Oral Roberts without a field goal over a stretch of nearly five minutes during one sequence. Oklahoma State shot 53.3 percent from the field in the second half and 48.1 percent overall. The Cowboys finished plus-24 on the glass. Ousmane swished each of his nine attempts from the foul line, where Oklahoma State finished 31-for-39. He added a game-high seven rebounds. Oklahoma State started to shake some early sloppiness in the closing stages of the first half, using a 10-2 run to take a 38-31 lead into intermission. Oral Roberts took its last lead of the afternoon on Jackson Skipper's trey with 3:48 left in the first half. The Golden Eagles went without a field goal for the rest of the half. Ousmane scored five points during the Cowboys' surge while Arturo Dean added four. Both schools slogged through the first half, shooting a combined 20-for-47 while teaming to commit 19 turnovers. The Golden Eagles had 12 turnovers in the first 20 minutes, including six from McBride, who led all scorers with 10 points at the break. Oklahoma State scored 17 of its first-half points at the free-throw line. Oklahoma State extended its dominance in the all-time series against the in-state rival Golden Eagles. The Cowboys' 21-5 advantage includes a 14-1 edge in games played at home. --Field Level MediaJoe Douglas is gone. Robert Saleh already was fired. Aaron Rodgers could be next to leave the New York Jets. Douglas lost his job as the general manager on Tuesday, six weeks after the head coach was replaced following a 2-3 start. The Jets have gone 1-5 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich so owner Woody Johnson sent Douglas packing. Rodgers has played more like a 40-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles tendon injury than a four-time NFL MVP. He's expressed a desire to play another season. The big question is whether the Jets will want him back. Maybe they'll decide to take one more shot at a playoff run with Rodgers while having him mentor a rookie quarterback. Or, they could start fresh. There are significant contract ramifications either way. Rodgers is slated to make a non-guaranteed $37.5 million in 2025 with a dead cap hit of $49 million as his salary cap total goes from $17.1 million to $23.5 million. The Jets could spread the dead money over two years by releasing Rodgers with the use of post-June 1 designation. He has a no-trade clause in his contract so they would need his permission to make a deal. If Rodgers doesn't retire and New York's new regime wants a clean slate, here are potential destinations for the future first-ballot Hall of Famer: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: This could only happen if Brock Purdy's shoulder injury is more significant than is known. Rodgers is a native of northern California and grew up a Niners fan. Returning home to help San Francisco win its sixth Super Bowl has to be attractive. Playing for coach Kyle Shanahan surrounded by playmakers Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle would be a quarterback's dream. Again, Purdy is the team's present and future. And, he's resilient. Purdy rebounded from elbow surgery following his rookie season to start Week 1 last year and ended up finishing fourth in MVP voting, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Purdy also is due for a contract extension and a major raise so the salary cap makes this even more of a longshot. But never say never in the NFL. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Sam Darnold has been more than a stopgap, helping the Vikings (8-2) to an impressive start. J.J. McCarthy is the future, however, and Darnold will be a free agent after the season. If the Vikings fall short of a Super Bowl and Rodgers shows over the final six weeks that he can play championship football, this could be a fit. The Vikings could let McCarthy sit and learn for another year, especially coming off a knee injury that required a second surgery earlier this month. NEW YORK GIANTS: Rodgers wouldn't have to move. The Giants will need a quarterback after benching Daniel Jones and eventually releasing him. They could draft a quarterback in the first round and have him learn behind Rodgers for a season. That'll depend on which pick New York ends up with because it's a thin draft class. Unlike the Jets, the Giants (2-8) haven't made any coaching or GM changes yet. If it's status quo with GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll, one year with Rodgers isn't unrealistic. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: They also need a quarterback. Brock Bowers could set an NFL record for most catches by a tight end if he had Rodgers next season. The Raiders (2-8) are aiming for a high pick to get a shot at a quarterback of their choice. New minority owner Tom Brady believes rookie quarterbacks need time to develop and learn. The seven-time Super Bowl champion would have to be in favor of having Rodgers start and tutor a youngster. TENNESSEE TITANS: If Will Levis doesn't prove over the final seven games that he can be a No. 1 quarterback, the Titans (2-8) will be in the QB market and likely have a high draft pick. It's another scenario where Rodgers would fit as a one-year bridge. Get local news delivered to your inbox!The 49ers will have running back Isaac Guerendo for Monday Night Football. Guerendo, who missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury, does not have an injury designation for the game against the Lions. Patrick Taylor Jr. started in his place against the Dolphins. The 49ers have running backs Christian McCaffrey (knee), Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and Jordan Mason (ankle) on injured reserve, which elevated Guerendo to the starting role Dec. 8. The team ruled out offensive guard Spencer Burford (calf), offensive guard Aaron Banks (knee), defensive end Robert Beal (ankle) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf) for Monday night. The 49ers list cornerback Charvarius Ward (personal), safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle), offensive tackle Colton McKivitz (knee) and linebacker Tatum Bethune (knee) as questionable.

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Former This Morning presenter Judy Finnigan has made a rare TV appearance as she was spotted in the audience of Princess Kate Middleton's carol service. However, the broadcaster was spotted looking particularly emotional as the Royal Ballet School took to the Westminster Abbey stage. A number of stars attended the royal's carol service, with the likes of Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery, actor Sophie Okonedo, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and singer Paloma Faith among those in the audience. Several ITV stars were also invited to the service - including Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley, who was sat next to his wife Judy Finnigan throughout the event. While Judy, 76, is best known for hosting This Morning with husband Richard, she has mainly stayed out of the limelight, with her last presenting role being in 2020 for Richard & Judy: Keep Reading and Carry On. However, the TV star was spotted in the audience of Princess Kate's service - and even looked emotional during points of the night. Fans took to X to comment on how Judy looked tearful during The Royal Ballet and The Royal Ballet School's performance to the Colours of Christmas . One wrote: "Oh Judy Finnigan crying at the little ballet dancers," alongside a heart emoji. Meanwhile, another viewer wrote on social media: "Same Judy Finnegan, same," with a crying emoji. Airing on ITV tonight, Together at Christmas was filmed on Sunday , hosted by the Princess of Wales in her first major public appearance since undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Speaking ahead of the programme, the Prince and Princess shared a teaser of the show on Instagram, including Kate's personal message. It read: "Across the United Kingdom, there are so many inspiring people embracing those in need. "This carol service is a heartfelt celebration of everyone of you and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other's light. I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas." At the weekend, an expert analysed The Prince and Princess of Wales' Christmas card - claiming that it highlights the stark contrast between the couple and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle . Prince William and Princess Kate shared their 2024 festive card on social media last week, featuring an adorable photo of the couple and their children, Prince George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis .Protein's 'hopping' behavior uncovers new drug development avenues

Brooklyn Rae Silzer has broken her silence on her “General Hospital” exit. The actress, 18, played the character Emma Drake for 13 years before being replaced by Braedyn Bruner, 24. In a social media post shared Monday, the same day Bruner took over the role of Emma on “GH,” Silzer wrote that she is “forever grateful” that she got to work on the daytime series. “A little note to my @GeneralHospital family and fans who have loved me over the years ❤️ B xoxo,” she captioned the post. “To my amazing General Hospital family who have supported me and watched me grow up over the years as Emma I am forever grateful.” “Although sad my time as Emma has come to an end I will cherish all of my memories and friendships made. I am so lucky to have been casted as Emma 13 years ago and to have had the opportunity to grow her character over the years,” she went on. “I am so excited to see how Braedyn takes care of Emma and bring new layers to her character. I am forever thankful for General Hospital and Emma will always hold a special place in my heart,” Silzer wrote Just 5 years old when she began her run as Emma in 2011, Silzer was a series regular on “General Hospital” until 2016. She continued to appear on the show as a guest star over the past eight years. Many of Silzer’s fans responded to her post expressing how much they will miss her and tried to decipher whether she made the decision to end her run on the series. “Brooklyn, I enjoyed watching you as Emma for all these years,” one fan commented. “You are a shining star! You will always be remembered as Emma. Much love and luck in all your future endeavors. You will be missed ❤️.” Another wrote, “You ARE Emma to us. I’m hoping this was your choice. If so best of everything to you in your future.” “Loved watching you grow up on G.H.,” one person shared, adding, “wish you all the best! Like [said] before I hope this was your decision.” Several regular cast members of “General Hospital” have left the soap in 2024, including Michael Easton , Kelly Monaco and Chad Duell. Easton appeared on over 940 episodes of “GH” across 10 years and revealed in June his time on the show was ending. “I’ve always been partial to the Irish goodbye,” he said a video posted on Instagram . “That’s where you leave the party without actually telling anyone you’re gone. But I thought you all deserved better, so I just wanted to let you know that I just filmed my final scenes here at General Hospital.” “I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been here,” Easton added. “I want to thank the entire cast and crew for allowing me to share their stage this past 10 years. Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for the kindness and love you’ve shown me and my family.” “I won’t ever forget you. And as I walk out here for the last time, and with apologies to the great Lou Gehrig, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the Earth,” he added. In October, Monaco said farewell to her role as Sam McCall on “General Hospital” after 21 years. Monaco later suggested that her exit wasn’t her decision. “‘No primary role’.. do your homework. When Billy Miller was fired, Sam’s storyline stopped. Stripping Sam of every characteristic she had,” the star wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post on Soap Hub. “Something I worked for decades to build... Slowly dismantling her, into a character that I did not recognize, let alone the audience. Call it what you will... retaliation at it [sic] finest. I will give a proper statement. The truth will set you free.”

Abortion has become slightly more common despite bans or deep restrictions in most Republican-controlled states, and the legal and political fights over its future are not over yet. It's now been two and a half years since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and opened the door for states to implement bans. The policies and their impact have been in flux ever since the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. Here's a look at data on where things stand: Overturning Roe and enforcing abortion bans has changed how woman obtain abortions in the U.S. But one thing it hasn't done is put a dent in the number of abortions being obtained. There have been slightly more monthly abortions across the country recently than there were in the months leading up to the June 2022 ruling, even as the number in states with bans dropped to near zero. “Abortion bans don’t actually prevent abortions from happening,” said Ushma Upadhyay, a public health social scientist at the University of California San Francisco. But, she said, they do change care. For women in some states, there are major obstacles to getting abortions — and advocates say that low-income, minority and immigrant women are least likely to be able to get them when they want. For those living in states with bans, the ways to access abortion are through travel or abortion pills. As the bans swept in, abortion pills became a bigger part of the equation. They were involved in about half the abortions before Dobbs. More recently, it’s been closer to two-thirds of them, according to research by the Guttmacher Institute. The uptick of that kind of abortion, usually involving a combination of two drugs, was underway before the ruling. But now, it's become more common for pill prescriptions to be made by telehealth. By the summer of 2024, about 1 in 10 abortions was via pills prescribed via telehealth to patients in states where abortion is banned. As a result, the pills are now at the center of battles over abortion access. This month, Texas sued a New York doctor for prescribing pills to a Texas woman via telemedicine. There's also an effort by Idaho, Kansas and Missouri to roll back their federal approvals and treat them as “controlled dangerous substances,” and a push for the federal government to start enforcing a 19th-century federal law to ban mailing them. Clinics have closed or halted abortions in states with bans. But a network of efforts to get women seeking abortions to places where they're legal has strengthened and travel for abortion is now common. The Guttmacher Institute found that more than twice as many Texas residents obtained abortion in 2023 in New Mexico as New Mexico residents did. And as many Texans received them in Kansas as Kansans. Abortion funds, which benefitted from “rage giving” in 2022, have helped pay the costs for many abortion-seekers. But some funds have had to cap how much they can give . Since the downfall of Roe, the actions of lawmakers and courts have kept shifting where abortion is legal and under what conditions. Here's where it stands now: Florida, the nation’s third most-populous state, began enforcing a ban on abortions after the first six weeks of pregnancy on May 1. That immediately changed the state from one that was a refuge for other Southerners seeking abortion to an exporter of people looking for them. There were about 30% fewer abortions there in May compared with the average for the first three months of the year. And in June, there were 35% fewer. While the ban is not unique, the impact is especially large. The average driving time from Florida to a facility in North Carolina where abortion is available for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy is more than nine hours, according to data maintained by Caitlin Myers, a Middlebury College economics professor. The bans have meant clinics closed or stopped offering abortions in some states. But some states where abortion remains legal until viability – generally considered to be sometime past 21 weeks of pregnancy , though there’s no fixed time for it – have seen clinics open and expand . Illinois, Kansas and New Mexico are among the states with new clinics. There were 799 publicly identifiable abortion providers in the U.S. in May 2022, the month before the Supreme Court reversed Roe v. Wade. And by this November, it was 792, according to a tally by Myers, who is collecting data on abortion providers. But Myers says some hospitals that always provided some abortions have begun advertising it. So they’re now in the count of clinics – even though they might provide few of them. How hospitals handle pregnancy complications , especially those that threaten the lives of the women, has emerged as a major issue since Roe was overturned. President Joe Biden's administration says hospitals must offer abortions when they're needed to prevent organ loss, hemorrhage or deadly infections, even in states with bans. Texas is challenging the administration’s policy and the U.S. Supreme Court this year declined to take it up after the Biden administration sued Idaho. More than 100 pregnant women seeking help in emergency rooms and were turned away or left unstable since 2022, The Associated Press found in an analysis of federal hospital investigative records. Among the complaints were a woman who miscarried in the lobby restroom of Texas emergency room after staff refused to see her and a woman who gave birth in a car after a North Carolina hospital couldn't offer an ultrasound. The baby later died. “It is increasingly less safe to be pregnant and seeking emergency care in an emergency department,” Dara Kass, an emergency medicine doctor and former U.S. Health and Human Services official told the AP earlier this year. Since Roe was overturned, there have been 18 reproductive rights-related statewide ballot questions. Abortion rights advocates have prevailed on 14 of them and lost on four. In the 2024 election , they amended the constitutions in five states to add the right to abortion. Such measures failed in three states: In Florida, where it required 60% support; in Nebraska, which had competing abortion ballot measures; and in South Dakota, where most national abortion rights groups did support the measure. AP VoteCast data found that more than three-fifths of voters in 2024 supported abortion being legal in all or most cases – a slight uptick from 2020. The support came even as voters supported Republicans to control the White House and both houses of Congress. Associated Press writers Linley Sanders, Amanda Seitz and Laura Ungar contributed to this article.Britt Baker says she’s ‘exhausted’ by social media critics: ‘I’m done being polite’Agora, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial ResultsCOLUMBUS, Ga. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated AFL announced today that it will webcast its annual Financial Analysts Briefing on December 3, 2024 at starting 8:00 a.m. (ET) . Aflac's executive management will discuss the Company's operations and strategy for the U.S. and Japan , as well as its medium-term outlook. The presentations will be available via webcast, and you must register here prior to the event. Presentation slides will be posted on investors.aflac.com after the market closes on December 2, 2024 , and an archive of the presentations will also be available on investors.aflac.com for two weeks following the conclusion of the webcast. ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL ), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan . In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products. 1 In Japan , Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment ( PRI ) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol . Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under " Sustainability ." 1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The company desires to take advantage of these provisions. This document contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "goal," "objective," "may," "should," "estimate," "intends," "projects," "will," "assumes," "potential," "target," "outlook" or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Aflac undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. The company cautions readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: difficult conditions in global capital markets and the economy, including inflation defaults and credit downgrades of investments global fluctuations in interest rates and exposure to significant interest rate risk concentration of business in Japan limited availability of acceptable yen-denominated investments foreign currency fluctuations in the yen/dollar exchange rate differing interpretations applied to investment valuations significant valuation judgments in determination of expected credit losses recorded on the Company's investments decreases in the Company's financial strength or debt ratings decline in creditworthiness of other financial institutions the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified sales associates, brokers, employees, and distribution partners deviations in actual experience from pricing and reserving assumptions ability to continue to develop and implement improvements in information technology systems and on successful execution of revenue growth and expense management initiatives interruption in telecommunication, information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality, integrity or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems interruption in telecommunication, information technology and other operational systems, or a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data residing on such systems subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to the Parent Company inherent limitations to risk management policies and procedures operational risks of third-party vendors tax rates applicable to the Company may change failure to comply with restrictions on policyholder privacy and information security extensive regulation and changes in law or regulation by governmental authorities competitive environment and ability to anticipate and respond to market trends catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, as a result of climate change, epidemics, pandemics, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, war or other military action, major public health issues, terrorism or other acts of violence, and damage incidental to such events ability to protect the Aflac brand and the Company's reputation ability to effectively manage key executive succession changes in accounting standards level and outcome of litigation or regulatory inquiries allegations or determinations of worker misclassification in the United States Analyst and investor contact - David A. Young , 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667 or dyoung@aflac.com Media contact - Ines Gutzmer , 762.207.7601 or igutzmer@aflac.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aflac-incorporated-to-webcast-2024-financial-analysts-briefing-302313462.html SOURCE Aflac Incorporated © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

One lucky winner could take home game's seventh billion-dollar prize during Christmas Eve drawing New Jackpot.com customers can claim a free Mega Millions ticket on their first play with promo code XMAS SAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With Christmas Day just hours away, lottery players across the country are preparing for an extraordinary opportunity to take home Mega Millions' seventh-largest Jackpot as a winner has not won the grand prize in the last 29 drawings, dating back to September 10th when a Texas resident took home $810 million . 2024 has already been a record-breaking year for the lottery as it hit the ground running with a massive $842.4 million Powerball win on New Year's Day. Shortly after, a second lucky winner took home a staggering $1.13 billion Mega Millions prize in March, followed by a $1.326 billion Powerball jackpot in April, all of which signify some of the largest prizes ever awarded. 2025 represents a significant year for Mega Millions players, as the game as they know it will undergo a variety of changes come April. The game will feature larger starting jackpots, expedited rollover growth, and better odds. Lottery courier services like Jackpot.com eagerly await these welcome changes, which will not only enhance gameplay, but also elevate player experience(s). "There's a lot to like about the upcoming changes to Mega Millions," said CEO and co-founder of Jackpot.com, Akshay Khanna . "Whether you're a casual player or avid lottery user, the faster-growing jackpots, improved odds, and built-in multipliers will offer an entirely new feel to the game - hopefully one that encourages new players to get in on the action. That said, we have a one billion-dollar prize just before Christmas and potentially the ultimate present for one lucky winner, a life-changing gift at that." While tonight's drawing occurs on Christmas Eve, the Mega Millions jackpot has been won just once on the "Eve." Back in 2002, a $68 million jackpot was won in New York , unfortunately going unclaimed. Currently available in Colorado , Massachusetts , Arkansas , New Jersey , New York , Ohio , Texas , and Arizona , New Jackpot.com customers can get in on the fun this holiday by scoring a free Mega Millions ticket on their first play by using promo code XMAS. Amid the Mega Millions frenzy, Jackpot.com remains committed to upholding responsible gaming protocols through the integration of modern conveniences and safety guardrails, one of the standout features of digital lottery platforms. Through responsible gaming protections including spend limits, default limits on daily deposits, access to local and national responsible gambling resources, self-exclusion, self-suspension and automated notifications that offer help should problematic behavior arise, Jackpot.com ensures safe and secure transactions and play. The platform is also the only lottery courier service to launch with iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gambling . To get started, download the Jackpot.com Lottery App on the iOS or Android App Stores, or visit www.jackpot.com to learn more. About Jackpot.com Jackpot.com allows customers to order official state lottery tickets from their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. Currently available in Colorado , Massachusetts , Arkansas , New Jersey , New York , Ohio and Texas , Jackpot.com is expanding its safe and secure lottery courier service to additional markets across the US. An Associate Member of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), Jackpot.com has invested significantly in responsible gaming safeguards, with default spending limits and other features built in throughout the experience, earning it iCap certification from the National Council on Problem Gaming. To learn more, visit www.jackpot.com or download the iOS or Android app. Jason Heller Senior Vice President 212.584.4278| 5WPR.com 3 Park Avenue, Floor 19 New York, NY 10016 SOURCE Jackpot.com

Top 20 footballers whose transfer value rose most in 2024 with seven Premier League stars including Cole PalmerHUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) — Paul Zilinskas put up 32 points as IU Indianapolis beat Alabama A&M 88-83 on Monday. Zilinskas shot 11 for 20 (5 for 10 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line for the Jaguars (3-5). Jarvis Walker scored 13 points while going 3 of 9 from the floor, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and 5 for 7 from the line. Timaris Brown and Sean Craight both added 11 points. Darius Ford led the Bulldogs (4-4) in scoring, finishing with 20 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Anthony Bryant added 17 points for Alabama A&M. Chad Moodie also had 16 points and three blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, Data Skrive.

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has refuted recent claims suggesting that its employment practices and leadership appointments are influenced by ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. This response comes in the wake of an article by Farooq Kperogi, which raised concerns about the impact of ethnicity on the leadership structure of the NNPC. In a statement over the weekend, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, firmly rejected these assertions, insisting that the company’s decisions are guided by merit, professionalism, and business requirements. Soneye emphasised that the NNPC operates as a professional and meritocratic organisation, where employment, promotions, and appointments are based solely on qualifications, experience, and individual competencies. He assured the public that these processes are free from considerations of ethnicity, religion, or political connections, reflecting the company’s commitment to efficient service delivery. “The NNPC prides itself on being a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria. The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable. “It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu. This editorial preoccupation of Mr Kperogi is nothing but a sheer red herring, ostensibly orchestrated to detract from the President’s disciplined leadership that upholds the freedom of the NNPC as well as the company’s work ethic that has produced its strings of sterling performances. “Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several ‘firsts’ in the industry. These milestones were not defined, coloured, or contoured by primordial fault lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence. These achievements include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable. This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than parochialism, as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi,” Soneye said. The Spokesperson further clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has not interfered in NNPC’s operations but has instead introduced policies aimed at empowering the company and fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation. Soneye also extended an open invitation to critics to visit the corporation and witness firsthand the professionalism and dedication that characterise its operations. He emphasised that the focus should be on the tangible results of NNPC’s work, which contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic development. He reiterated that the NNPC remains committed to fostering unity, embracing diversity, and upholding meritocratic principles, with a continued focus on positioning Nigeria as a global leader in the energy sector.None

AP News Summary at 1:47 p.m. EST