A role reversal doomed the No. 22 Xavier Musketeers in their only loss of the season, against Michigan at the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Wednesday. Normally a team that avoids committing turnovers and pressures its opponent into making them, Xavier (6-1) will try to recapture its early-season winning form when it hosts South Carolina State on Sunday in Cincinnati. Through their six wins, the Musketeers had just 58 turnovers while forcing 82 by their opponents. But against the Wolverines, they lost the turnover battle 19-10 and the game 78-53. The Musketeers committed 14 turnovers in the first half and fell behind 41-30. Xavier head coach Sean Miller credited his team for typically playing an up-tempo style while avoiding mistakes, while also acknowledging that the turnover bug really bit them against the Wolverines. "We lost to a really good team; no shame in that," Miller said. "We, on top of that, didn't play well." "And that (avoiding turnovers) is something you (usually) do well? That's going to be hard to overcome against a quality team like Michigan." Leading scorer Ryan Conwell (17.6 points per game) gave the Musketeers a boost with 19 points. Zach Freemantle, second on the team at 15.4 ppg, added 14 points and 10 rebounds. Problematically, however, they also contributed to the turnover problem with three apiece. "We didn't play well enough to win the game," Miller said. "The game got out of hand. It's not like our guys quit. Their depth just continued to wear on us." The Musketeers also get 11 points and a team-high 4.4 assists per game from Dayvion McKnight. The guard had just one turnover against Michigan, but he also made just one of his eight shot attempts. Xavier may have an opportunity get right in the turnover area against the Bulldogs (4-4), who are No. 207 in the NCAA in assist-to-turnover ratio at 1.11. South Carolina State is fresh off an 82-53 road loss to Marshall on Wednesday, in a game in which turnovers weren't a huge problem. But assists and made shots were hard to come by for the Bulldogs. Leading scorer Drayton Jones (12.0 ppg) again paced his team in points with 10 vs. Marshall, but the Bulldogs as a team managed just six assists and shot terribly at the 3-point (18.8 percent) and the free-throw (47.1 percent) lines. Jones is also the team's leading rebounder with 5.1 a game, but no Bulldogs player is averaging more than two assists. It's all part of the learning process for coach Erik Martin, whose first team went 5-26 in 2022-23. The Bulldogs improved to 14-18 last season, including 9-5 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. "The only way you can grow sometimes is by failure or by struggling," Martin said this offseason. "You have to fail in order to learn how to deal with failure and move on and become the person you're supposed to be." --Field Level Media
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LONDON — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. The woman said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men returned the verdict after deliberating for about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. The former UFC champion later posted on his X social media account that he planned to appeal the decision . McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. The woman’s voice and hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. “She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice,” the woman said. “I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. “He’s not a man, he’s a coward,” attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. “A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is.” The woman had to take several breaks in her emotional testimony as she said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter. A paramedic who examined the woman the next day, testified that she hadn’t seen someone with that intensity of bruising. The woman said McGregor put her in a chokehold several times and later told her, “Now you know how I felt in the Octagon where I tapped out three times,” referring to an Oct. 6 fight at UFC 229 in Las Vegas when he lost via submission to lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov , followed by a wild post-fight brawl . She feared she would die and never see her daughter again. “He let me go and I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn’t tell anyone so he wouldn’t hurt me again,” she said. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. Police investigated the woman’s complaint, but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor said the two had sex that was athletic and vigorous, but not rough. He said “she never said ‘no’ or stopped” and testified that everything she said was a lie. “It is a full-blown lie among many lies,” he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. “How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings.” McGregor’s lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. “You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise,” attorney Remy Farrell said. “I’m not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch.” The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor’s arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked “happy, happy, happy.” McGregor said that when he was first questioned by police, he read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions.KINGSTON, Ont. — Arnaud Desjardins had 320 passing yards and Felipe Forteza booted six field goals to lead the Laval Rouge et Or to a 22-17 victory over the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks in the Vanier Cup on Saturday. It was the record 12th Canadian university football title for the Quebec champions, who handed the Ontario champion Golden Hawks their first loss of the year. Ryan Hughes and Jaxon Stebbings caught touchdown passes for Laurier. Golden Hawks quarterback Taylor Elgersma won the Hec Crighton Trophy as the outstanding U Sports football player earlier in the week but it was Desjardins who shone early on a breezy, chilly afternoon at Richardson Stadium. Desjardins, a finalist for the award, completed his first 22 pass attempts. Forteza split the uprights five times in the first half to help Laval take a 17-7 lead into the intermission. Forteza’s sixth field goal with 2:31 left in the game set a Vanier Cup record. The Golden Hawks had to punt on their next possession and were pinned in their own end when they got the ball back in the dying seconds. Laurier had an 8-0 record in the regular season and outscored its opposition 128-76 over its first three playoff wins. Laval entered at 10-1 overall (7-1, 3-0) and was coming off two close victories over the last two weeks. A near-capacity crowd at the 8,000-seat Queen’s University venue appeared to be an even split of Laurier and Laval supporters on opposite sides of the field. The weather cooperated after two days of showers in the area. It was cloudy and 8 C at kickoff. Desjardins marched the Rouge et Or deep into Laurier territory on Laval’s first possession before settling for an 18-yard field goal by Forteza. Laval used a no-huddle offence in the early going with Desjardins frequently using dump passes to great effect. The Rouge et Or used a nine-play, 63-yard drive that ended with a Forteza chip shot from 15 yards out. The potent Rouge et Or defence, which led U Sports with just 106 points allowed in the regular season, made an early statement as Jordan Lessard forced a fumble from Elgersma that the Golden Hawks recovered. On the next play, Ndeki Garant-Doumambila walloped the Laurier pivot with a ferocious sack. Laurier didn’t record a first down until late in the first quarter. Laval had a 128-39 edge in total yards over the first 15 minutes. Laval’s special-teams play was also on point. Forteza booted a 73-yard punt and the Rouge et Or coverage swarmed returner Tayshaun Jackson, forcing him down at the Laurier one-yard line. The Golden Hawks would concede a safety to make it 8-0. Forteza added to the lead at 7:01 with a 35-yard field goal. Jackson gave Laurier some life when he broke for a 51-yard run to the Laval five-yard line. Hughes took a shovel pass from Elgersma and sprinted for the corner of the end zone to put the Golden Hawks on the scoreboard. Desjardins guided the Laval offence on a 46-yard drive capped by a 32-yard field goal by Forteza with 2:33 left in the half. Laurier’s ensuing possession was a short one as Lessard forced another fumble and Jackson lost the ball at his 42-yard line. Forteza’s 32-yard kick made it 17-7. The Golden Hawks came out with more jump in the third quarter. Elgersma found Ethan Jordan for a 45-yard reception to highlight a 93-yard drive capped by Stebbings’ three-yard TD catch and Dawson Hodge’s conversion. Laval took a 19-14 lead when Laurier conceded a safety to open the fourth quarter. Hodge made it a two-point game when he hit a 34-yard field goal with 8:26 left. With 4:57 remaining, Laval’s Loic Brodeur forced a fumble at midfield. He knocked the ball out of Elgersma’s hands and Garant-Doumambila recovered. The Golden Hawks beat Queen’s 29-21 before topping Western 51-31 to win the Ontario championship. Laurier looked just as strong on the road, handing the Atlantic champion Bishop’s Gaiters their first loss of the year with a 48-24 rout. Laval’s route to the Vanier Cup started with a comfortable 41-18 win over Concordia. The Rouge et Or then beat the 2023 Vanier champion Montreal Carabins 22-17 for the Quebec title before earning a 17-14 road win over the Canada West champion Regina Rams. The Golden Hawks fell to 2-4 all-time in the national championship game. Laval, which improved to 12-2 all-time, last won the title in 2022. The Rouge et Or had won both previous meetings against the Golden Hawks. The victories – in 2004 and 2016 – came in the Uteck Bowl at Quebec City. The 2025 Vanier Cup will be played in Regina.
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SINGER Dua Lipa is going into 2025 as a bride-to-be after boyfriend Callum Turner proposed. Pals told The Sun the pair quietly got engaged and are planning to celebrate with their friends and family on New Year’s Eve . 4 Stunning singer Dua Lipa is going into 2025 as a bride-to-be Credit: Getty 4 Dua and Callum Turner quietly got engaged and are planning to celebrate on New Year's Eve Credit: Getty 4 The singer posted a snap on Instagram of her wearing a ring on her engagement finger It caps off a great 2024 for Dua, 29, and actor Callum, 34, who have been dating since the start of the year. A source said: “ Dua and Callum are so in love and know this is forever. “They are engaged and couldn’t be happier. “Dua has had one of the best years of her career professionally and this is the cherry on the cake. READ MORE ON DUA LIPA DUA YEAR'S EVE Dua Lipa to host New Year's Eve bash with star guests including Harry Styles training season Dua Lipa sizzles as she strips off to stockings and fur coat “Callum is such a solid support for Dua and they make a wonderful couple. Their family and friends are so happy. It’s been an amazing Christmas for them.” Dua, whose hits include New Rules, Physical and Houdini, posted a snap on Instagram of her wearing a ring on her engagement finger. She has just finished the first leg of her stadium tour and returned to the UK from Asia to spend Christmas with family and Callum. Last week The Sun revealed Dua and Callum were planning a big New Year’s Eve bash in London. It will now be a chance for them to celebrate their engagement. Most read in Celebrity ST MIRREN 2 RANGERS 1 Boyd-Munce stuns Gers with winner deep into added time in Paisley CHRISTMAS CHAOS 'Car crash' leaves dozens of households without power on Christmas Day FAN FEAR Celtic vs Motherwell clash suspended after medical emergency in stands SORE YIN Hearts v Hibs delayed after linesman is struck in face as fans say 'I felt that!' An insider added: “Dua and Callum have gone all out with this party. “It’s in a top-secret location with all their famous pals invited, along with their families. “It will be a New Year’s Eve party no one will ever forget, especially for Callum and Dua .” Dua Lipa becomes unlikely poster girl for naturism after recommending nudist beach in Cornwall They were first seen together in January at an after-party for the premiere of his Apple TV miniseries Masters of the Air. They danced in Beverly Hills before they were photographed together for the first time days later — having dinner with friends in Los Angeles. Callum joined Dua’s family this summer as she headlined at Glastonbury, and was also at several recent gigs, including one at the Royal Albert Hall. 4 Dua and Callum's NYE bash in London will now be a chance for them to celebrate their engagement Credit: splash newsVerisk Analytics Inc. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors despite daily gains
BELA PADILLA – Actress Bela Padilla has shared her thoughts on the ‘chaotic’ situation at airports in the Philippines. Airports often experience chaos due to a combination of operational, technological, and external factors. One significant contributor is the high passenger volume, particularly during peak travel seasons like holidays, when airports see a substantial surge in travelers, leading to overcrowding. Many airports operate at or near capacity, making it challenging to manage this influx efficiently. Technological issues also play a significant role, as airports and airlines heavily rely on IT systems for operations, including check-ins, baggage handling, and scheduling. Bela Padilla has recently sparked significant online conversation by candidly sharing her views on the chaotic state of Philippine airports. On December 24, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her frustrations, and her comments quickly caught the attention of many netizens. In her tweet, Bela identified a major contributor to the disorderliness in airports: the failure of passengers to listen to and comply with the directions given by staff and airport authorities. She remarked that not only do many individuals refuse to follow instructions, but they also tend to become frustrated when situations don’t unfold according to their expectations. Her tweet read, “Of all the airports in the world... one of the major reasons ours are so chaotic is because no one listens or wants to line up when told to and the same people will get angry when things don’t go their way haaaay... Happy Holidays!” With this straightforward commentary, Bela Padilla effectively highlighted a common issue faced by travelers and staff alike. The post resonated with a wide audience, attracting various reactions from netizens who shared their own experiences and frustrations regarding airport operations in the Philippines. Bela’s observations not only shed light on a pressing issue but also opened up a platform for discussion among travelers, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and respect within busy travel environments. Her remarks remind everyone to heed the guidance of those working hard to ensure a smoother travel experience for all. READ ALSO: Bela Padilla Reveals Health Struggles: How PCOS & Hypothyroidism Are Affecting Her Life
SUNY Jamestown Community College Workforce Development hosted graduation ceremonies for 20 students who completed the Industrial Maintenance Technician, Machining/CNC Operator and Welding Fundamentals Advanced Manufacturing programs. Several of the graduates from the local area. WELDING FUNDAMENTALS: Cameron Burdick, Alfred Station; Curtis Burnell, Bolivar; Scott Davenport, Machias; Amber Fetterman, Olean; Travis Ginnery, Olean; Dillon Illberbrun, Kane, Pa.; Dario Peynado, Salamanca; Hunter Tidd, Bolivar; and Landon West, Coudersport, Pa. MACHINING/CNC: Sherry Holliday, Limestone; Christopher Jessie, Olean; Marqus Singh, Olean; and Chase Wineberg, Rew, Pa. The Machining/CNC and Welding ceremonies were held Dec. 18 at the Manufacturing Technology Institute on the Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean. The acquisition of several grants and collaboration with area workforce development boards and several local community foundations made it possible to offer these programs at no cost to students. Enrolled students completed between 200 and 330 hours of training. The majority of the hours were dedicated to hands-on instruction using industry-standard equipment, which allows students to develop job-ready expertise. Students leave these short term training programs with industry credentials needed for in-demand jobs. “Our goal is to get these students the training they need to quickly enter jobs in our communities,” said Gregg Karl, Workforce Development program manager. “To be in one of these cohorts takes a lot of work and dedication. We love seeing these students feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of these programs.” For more information on the Maintenance Technician or the Machining/CNC Operator programs, visit sunyjcc.edu/workforce-advanced-manufacturing .More details regarding Nick Sirianni's clash with former Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz have been revealed. After the Washington Commanders' 36-33 win over the Eagles, the fiery head coach seemingly got into it with Ertz, with the two seemingly unwilling to divulge the contents of their conversation that led to the very brief kerfuffle. When asked about the altercation, Sirianni claimed the two were congratulating each other on a job well done. On the other hand, Ertz told reporters that the two were "exchanging holiday pleasantries," despite what it looked in real time. However, it appears as if there was more being left out of the scuffle than what was originally stated. Eagles new signing reveals Jalen Hurts concussion doubts ahead of playoffs Lamar Jackson told off by NFL legend after Beyonce Christmas show remark Frustrated by how the Eagles played against the Commanders, Sirianni made his displeasure known at Ertz. The two then had to be separated by Eagles security, namely Dom "Big Dom" DiSandro, who led the head coach into the tunnel and away from the 34-year-old and other Commanders players, per unCovering the Birds . After the fact, Sirianni called Ertz after the confrontation to apologize, per The Philadelphia Inquirer . Speaking with reporters Thursday, the Eagles head coach made it clear how much respect he has for his former player, whom he coached in his first year in Philadelphia. "I'll just keep all of my conversations with any guys private," Sirianni said, according to ESPN . "I've got a lot of respect for Zach. Great football player, great person to be around. I really got a lot of respect for Zach and all the good things that he's done and my relationship with him." Ertz echoed Sirianni's sentiments, downplaying the incident and shared that the two of them have sorted out their differences, which ultimately led to their altercation after the game. "I'm not really going to get into the specifics, but just two people that really love to compete," the former Eagles tight end began, according to Sports Illustrated . "Nick and I had a great relationship when I was there, we still have a great relationship. I think it's definitely been blown way out of proportion. We spoke, we're good. There's no ill feelings on my part and I don't think there's any ill feelings on his part." The former Super Bowl champion also added that anything regarding his and his former head coach's spat is embellishing the truth of what actually happened. "Just something in the heat of the moment," Ertz continued. "Probably got blown out of proportion and maybe a misunderstanding but at the end of the day, he and I are fine. Everyone knows how I feel about that place and that building, but at the same time, I love being here. So everything's been blown way out of proportion." With the dust-up between Sirianni and Ertz seemingly resolved, the Eagles will turn their attention to star quarterback Jalen Hurts' status in the final weeks of the season. Against the Commanders, the star appeared to hit his head on the ground after being tackled by Frankie Luvu and quickly ruled out with a concussion . Kenny Pickett, who replaced Hurts against the Commanders, also is dealing with a rib issue. As such, Philadelphia signed quarterback Ian Book to its practice squad in hopes of bolstering the attack as the Eagles determine how long Hurts will be sidelined. **Want to watch more live sports? 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