No. 21 Purdue aims to apply the brakes on a two-game skid when it hosts Toledo on Sunday in a nonconference game in West Lafayette, Ind. The Boilermakers (8-4) are returning home after coming up short in a pair of neutral-court contests against Southeastern Conference opponents. They dropped a 70-66 decision to then-No. 17 Texas A&M in the Indy Classic on Dec. 14 and an 87-69 setback to then-No. 2 Auburn in the Battle in Birmingham on Dec. 21. Purdue head coach Matt Painter expressed both the value and challenges of playing a tough schedule early in the season. While these losses stung, they offered lessons for the Boilermakers. Purdue’s struggles highlight that the team is still working to transition

The Minnesota Timberwolves, buoyed by their dynamic duo of Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, are looking to build on a thrilling comeback victory when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday in Minneapolis. Both teams are showing signs of growth and development, with the Timberwolves striving for consistency and the Spurs exploring fresh rotations to spark success. Minnesota (14-12) is beginning to see how Edwards and Randle can complement each other, both as scorers and leaders. Friday’s 113-112 road win over the Houston Rockets highlighted the potential of the duo. Edwards’ clutch 3-pointer sealed a remarkable 23-6 run to end the game, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Randle delivered 27 points in the win, while Edwards added

Western Kentucky and Michigan are set to clash Sunday night in Ann Arbor, with both teams seeking their 10th victory before the calendar flips to the New Year. Each program comes into the matchup on a winning streak and features high-powered offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard. Western Kentucky (9-3) has been a model of offensive efficiency, averaging 82.0 points per game while shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc. The Hilltoppers have multiple scoring threats, with four players averaging double digits: Western Kentucky’s balanced attack and depth have powered them to six consecutive wins, including a 91-71 rout of Division II Kentucky Wesleyan in their most recent outing. The Hilltoppers will look to carry that momentum into Ann

The Buffalo Sabres will look to continue their recent momentum and capture a third straight victory as they visit the St. Louis Blues on Sunday afternoon. Both teams enter the game on modest winning streaks, aiming to sustain positive play after difficult stretches. Buffalo endured a 13-game winless streak (0-10-3) before turning the tide with back-to-back dominant victories against the New York Islanders (7-1) and Chicago Blackhawks (6-2). Forward Alex Tuch led the charge with a hat trick against Chicago, showcasing his leadership in snapping the team’s prolonged slump. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff credited the team’s renewed focus after the holiday break. The resurgence of Jack Quinn has been a major catalyst for Buffalo. After scoring just one goal in