BASKETBALL
Rockets, Cavs win after All-Star break
Lou Williams led the Houston Rockets over New Orleans Pelicans 129-99, the 12-year NBA veteran making the most of his 25 minutes off the bench to score a game-high 27 points.
LeBron James notched up his sixth triple-double this season in Cleveland Cavaliers 119-104 victory over the New York Knicks.
CRICKET
Australia extend lead to 298
Steve O’Keefe turned out to be Australia’s unlikely hero as his six-wicket haul in the first innings enabled the visitors to take a stranglehold of the opening Test at Pune.
After dismissing India for 105 in their first innings, Australia were 143 for four in their second innings at stumps on day two, extending their overall lead to 298.
FOOTBALL
Gent stun Spurs in Europa League
Tottenham Hotspur’s misfortune at Wembley continued as their 2-2 draw with Belgian outfit Gent meant that they exited the Europa League competition following a 1-0 first-leg defeat, losing 3-2 on aggregate.
Ranieri sacked by Leicester
Less than a year since Claudio Ranieri performed a miracle by making Leicester City Premier League champions, he found himself sacked on Thursday as the club’s Thai owners seek survival in the Premier League this season.
