Sports

(AP) — The NCAA women’s basketball tournament is expanding to 68 teams beginning with the current season, giving it an equal number of participants as the men’s tournament as part of a concerted effort at gender parity.

METAIRIE (AP) — New Orleans Saints quarterback Trevor Siemian’s fledging second stint as an NFL starter has been both promising and disappointing. While New Orleans pulled out a victory over NFC South-leading Tampa Bay when Siemian replaced an injured Jameis Winston during the second quarter of a tie game, Siemian’s first two starts have been losses. Fortunately for Siemian, coach Sean Payton doesn’t see quarterback play as a major factor in New Orleans’ recent two-game skid. Both losses came by just two points and plenty went wrong in both games that had little to do with who was throwing the ball.

NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Verlander reached a $25 million deal to remain with the Houston Astros as he comes back from Tommy John surgery, and Brandon Belt accepted an $18.4 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.

CHICAGO (AP) — New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he voted for Major League Baseball’s proposal to lower the luxury tax threshold, a plan opposed by the players’ union with the sport on the brink of its first work stoppage on 26 years.

PORT SULPHUR — The Welsh Greyhounds used a strong running attack to blow past the South Plaquemines Hurricanes in the bi-district round of the non-select class 2-A playoffs Friday night. Welsh will now host a General Trass team in the regional round at Greyhound Stadium Friday night.

LAFAYETTE — Iota’s first trip to the State Volleyball tournament since 2016 came to an abrupt halt Thursday with a straight-sets loss to No. 4 St.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Odell Beckham Jr. and Von Miller are active and will make their debuts for the Los Angeles Rams for their game against the San Francisco 49ers.