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March Madness 2022: UCLA avoids upset with late surge, holds off Akron 57-53

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March Madness 2022: UCLA avoids upset with late surge, holds off Akron 57-53

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Tyger Campbell rescued UCLA from a possible upset, scoring eight straight factors late within the second half, and the fourth-seeded Bruins rallied for a 57-53 win over No. 13 seed Akron within the first spherical of the NCAA Match on Thursday evening.

With the Bruins down 51-47 with 3 1/2 minutes left, Campbell took management and helped his crew keep away from getting bounced on the opening day of the event. Campbell hit a nook 3-pointer to drag UCLA inside one, knocked down a 15-footer for the lead and added a 25-footer because the shot clock was expiring to place the Bruins forward 55-51 with 1:17 left.

“My teammates simply stored discovering me and I simply was desirous to make a play,” Campbell stated. “I knew down the stretch, coach made some changes, and I simply needed to execute on them and the photographs went in.”

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Even with Campbell’s streak, the Bruins (26-7) nonetheless needed to sweat the ultimate moments after a missed free throw and Jamie Jacquez Jr. lacking a jumper with 15 seconds left. Akron’s Ali Ali drove to the basket however didn’t have a clear look and was blocked by Cody Riley.

UCLA guard Tyger Campbell (10) shoots a three-pointer towards Akron through the second half of a first-round NCAA school basketball event sport, Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Portland, Ore. 
(AP Picture/Craig Mitchelldyer)

Johnny Juzang knocked down a pair of free throws, and the Bruins moved on to face No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s on Saturday.

“This jogs my memory of my Large East days. You’re going to win a rock struggle, you’ve bought to place your hardhat on and also you’ve bought to care for the ball, get some further possessions,” UCLA coach Mick Cronin stated. “And the offensive rebounding was enormous, and we didn’t flip it over. We had been capable of lastly get some — cling in there and get some stops and get a number of photographs to go down.”

Campbell completed with 16 factors and Jaquez added 15. Jules Bernard, who hit a 3 to start out UCLA’s run when it trailed 47-39, added 10 factors.

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Xavier Castaneda led Akron (24-10) with 18 factors and Enrique Freeman added 14 earlier than fouling out with 2:26 remaining on an unlawful display. Ali, the Zips’ main scorer, was held to 5 factors after averaging almost 15 per sport.

“We had our probabilities,” Akron coach John Groce stated. “Defensively I believed we had been spectacular, fairly frankly, after which offensively we had some empty possessions right here and there that we’ll in all probability check out in some unspecified time in the future in time and need we may have again. That’s the best way it really works.”

A 12 months after an sudden run to the Ultimate 4, the Bruins entered the event a classy choice to make a run within the wide-open East. They almost turned one other upset sufferer for Groce, who misplaced within the opening spherical of the event for the primary time after going 3-0 in his earlier NCAA journeys because the coach at Ohio and Illinois. Akron was a 13 1/2-point underdog, in keeping with FanDuel Sportsbook.

The Zips had their probabilities, particularly after constructing an eight-point lead. Castaneda linked on consecutive 3s after UCLA took a 39-38 lead, and Greg Tribble scored on a baseline reverse, falling down as he was fouled, to push the Zips’ result in 47-39 with 7:54 left.

However UCLA closed the sport on an 18-6 run.

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“I feel we didn’t panic, and like I stated, we’ve been in these positions earlier than final 12 months within the event, additionally all through our season,” Bernard stated. “So we all know what that feeling is like, and we simply attempt to keep composed as greatest as attainable and know that our effort and toughness would pull us by way of.”

OFFICIAL HISTORY

Amy Bonner was one in every of three officers for the nightcap in Portland, turning into the second lady to officiate an NCAA Match sport. Melanie Davis labored a sport between Illinois and San Diego State in 2002.

Bonner has labored in a number of conferences and was employed to work within the Large 12 a few seasons in the past.

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CRONIN’S CONTRACT

Earlier Thursday, UCLA introduced a brand new six-year contract for coach Mick Cronin that runs by way of the 2027-28 season. Cronin was employed in April 2019.

BIG PICTURE

Akron: The Zips entered having received eight straight, together with a sweep of the MAC Match and a 75-55 rout of rival Kent State within the championship sport. It was the fifth NCAA bid for the Zips and their first since 2013. They’re nonetheless in search of their first win.

UCLA: The Bruins received regardless of a quiet evening from Juzang, who completed with 9 factors on 3-of-11 capturing. It was the fourth time in six video games Juzang failed to succeed in double figures.

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The Bruins will face the Gaels within the second spherical on Saturday.

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Which player (or coach) from every NFL team will be next to make the Hall of Fame?

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Which player (or coach) from every NFL team will be next to make the Hall of Fame?

With the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 set to be enshrined on Saturday, let’s look ahead at who might be in Canton next.

For some teams, it’s easy to predict who the next inductee will be. With the Arizona Cardinals, it almost certainly will be wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Tight end Antonio Gates should be the next Charger. The next Indianapolis Colt inducted is likely to be wide receiver Reggie Wayne.

On other teams, it isn’t as clear who could be next.

Some teams, like the New York Jets and Detroit Lions, don’t have an obvious Hall of Fame candidate in the pipeline. With other teams, like the New York Giants (Eli Manning? Everson Walls? Carl Banks? Tiki Barber? Tom Coughlin?), Dallas Cowboys (Jason Witten? Darren Woodson?) and Jacksonville Jaguars (Fred Taylor? Jalen Ramsey? Calais Campbell? Coughlin?), the case could be made for more than one person.

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Here are some possibilities, courtesy of Hall of Fame voters Dan Pompei (who wrote on all AFC teams) and Mike Sando (NFC).

The 11-time Pro Bowl choice ranks second to Jerry Rice in all-time receiving yards. Fitzgerald, who becomes Hall-eligible in 2026, spent his full career with the Cardinals and was an elite playoff producer as well (942 yards in nine playoff games). His 64-yard touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLIII gave Arizona the lead over Pittsburgh with 2:37 remaining.

Jones’ elite production over an eight-year stretch makes him a strong candidate. He had six seasons with at least 1,300 yards, tied with Randy Moss and Torry Holt for second behind Rice. Like Fitzgerald, Jones stood 6-foot-3 and weighed nearly 220 pounds, making him a primary game-plan consideration for defenses.

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He wasn’t as celebrated as defensive teammates Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, but Suggs clearly has a Hall of Fame resume. He ranks eighth in career sacks and was voted to seven Pro Bowls. He also was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2003 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2011. Suggs will be Hall-eligible in 2025, along with former teammate and guard Marshal Yanda, who also should be a strong candidate.


Terrell Suggs, who won two Super Bowls, one with the Ravens and one with the Chiefs, becomes Hall-eligible next year. (Patrick Smith / Getty Images)

He will be remembered mostly as an Eagle because Peters played 11 years in Philadelphia, including all of the 2010s, when he was voted all-decade. But he started in Buffalo and made two of his nine Pro Bowls as a Bill. Peters has not retired, so if the 42-year-old keeps playing and 35-year-old Von Miller retires first, Miller could beat him to Canton.

Kuechly’s credentials mirror those of the recently enshrined Patrick Willis. Both were seven-time Pro Bowl selections and five-time first-team All-Pro choices before retiring earlier than expected. Willis played in 112 games, compared with 118 for Kuechly. Receiver Steve Smith is another strong candidate for Carolina, but Kuechly, who becomes eligible for enshrinement in 2025, could beat him to Canton at a position where there’s less of a logjam.

Reggie White called Hilgenberg one of the five best offensive linemen he faced, along with Anthony Munoz, Jackie Slater, Ed White and Erik Williams. Hilgenberg was a seven-time Pro Bowl choice known for his quickness. It’s tough faulting him for missing the 1980s all-decade team cut when Dwight Stephenson and Mike Webster were the choices.

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He has been a Hall of Fame semifinalist for three straight years and was voted to the top 10 last year before missing the cut. A three-time first-team All-Pro, Anderson is widely considered the best right tackle of his generation. Quarterback Ken Anderson also has been close in recent years as a senior candidate.

Even though Garrett is only 28 years old and has played just seven seasons, he looks like a shoo-in. It’s possible Joel Bitonio will jump him, but it’s difficult for guards to get into the Hall of Fame. Bitonio has an impressive resume, but there are several guards with similar resumes already in the queue, including Jahri Evans.

Woodson played a leading role on the Jimmy Johnson-built Dallas defenses that won three Super Bowls in the 1990s. A finalist for the Hall in each of the past two seasons, Woodson has gotten further in the process than Jason Witten, who ranks second to Tony Gonzalez in receiving yards among tight ends. He had 23 interceptions, including 12 from 1994 to ’96, when he was named first-team All-Pro each season.

Shanahan won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver and took his teams to 10 championship games. With a remarkable coaching tree that continues to shape his legacy, Shanahan is one of the strongest contributor candidates. His offensive philosophy remains prevalent in the NFL, partly because his son Kyle has thrived using it.

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This is a tough one after the Hall of Fame selection committee rejected former Lions coach Buddy Parker as a contributor. If Stafford makes it, he’ll do so based on whatever team success he enjoys in his current job with the Rams. Ndamukong Suh and Darius Slay had excellent careers as Lions, but were they Hall of Famers? Detroit short-timers such as Adrian Peterson don’t count here.

Holmgren turned around the Packers and Seahawks, leading both to the Super Bowl while developing Pro Bowl quarterbacks and ranking among the elite play callers of his era. The Hall’s subcommittee for contributors has named Holmgren one of its 12 semifinalists in recent years. That puts Holmgren in strong position to reach Canton before Aaron Rodgers, who will have to wait five years after retiring.


Mike Holmgren reached three Super Bowls as a head coach, winning one. He has a good shot to get into the Hall before another legendary Packer, Aaron Rodgers. (Rick Stewart / Allsport)

Watt might have been a Hall of Famer if he retired after five seasons. By that point, he had already won three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. He is likely to be voted in as soon as he is eligible, but when that will be is uncertain, as Watt has entertained the possibility of a comeback after one year of retirement.

A finalist for the last five years, Wayne appears to be moving closer. He was caught in a wide receiver logjam with Andre Johnson and Torry Holt, but that was broken this year when Johnson was voted in. Wayne finished in the top five in NFL receiving yards four times, including in 2007, when he led the league.

Taylor was a Hall of Fame finalist for the first time this year. If he advances, it will be because he averaged 4.6 yards per carry. The only other running backs with a 4.6-yard average or better with at least 2,500 carries are Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders. But Taylor was never a first-team All-Pro, and he appeared in only one Pro Bowl, as an alternate. Other Jaguars possibilities include Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell and coach Tom Coughlin.

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A compelling case was made for Lewis in 2023 when he was a first-time finalist. Now he’s a senior candidate, which could work in his favor. Tony Dungy, who coached Lewis, believes he is one of the top five cornerbacks of all time. If Lewis gets lost in the seniors pool, Travis Kelce (or perhaps Andy Reid, depending on how much longer he coaches) could be the next Chief inducted.

He has come close repeatedly. Hayes was a four-time modern-era finalist and has been a senior candidate since 2012. With the help of Stickum, Hayes was at his most dominant in 1980, when he led the league with 13 interceptions and was voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He also was all-decade in the 1980s. Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski also merits consideration.

Many were surprised when he was not voted in this year as a first-time eligible. It’s only a matter of time, as Gates scored more career touchdowns than any tight end and is the most prolific pass catcher in Chargers history, which is saying something. He was an all-decade player, a three-time first-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler.

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Holt is a five-time finalist for the Hall whose chances improved when another receiver, Andre Johnson, earned enshrinement with the 2024 class. He and Reggie Wayne will likely become finalists again in 2025. Meanwhile, the five-year waiting period for enshrinement has begun for another Rams great, Aaron Donald.

Webb deserves a share of the credit for Dan Marino’s success as a passer in the 1990s, but he hasn’t received it from Hall of Fame voters. Though he was voted to seven straight Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pro teams and the all-decade team of the ’90s, Webb never has been a Hall of Fame semifinalist. He has three years of modern-era eligibility remaining.

The former Vikings and Chiefs pass rusher is a four-time Hall finalist, indicating he’ll likely earn enshrinement eventually. Allen, whose 136 sacks rank 12th on the official list (since 1982) and 16th on the unofficial list (since 1960), might soon have competition from another Vikings great. Running back Adrian Peterson would become eligible in 2027 if he does not play again.

Before Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Bill Belichick are inducted, Kraft likely will be given a gold jacket for his contributions to New England and the NFL. He’s had strong support from the contributor committee in recent years. Adam Vinatieri might get in before Kraft. He is eligible for the first time next year. It’s also possible Rodney Harrison will jump Brady, Gronkowski, Belichick and Vinatieri as he was a finalist for the first time last year.

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Brees is such a lock for Canton upon becoming eligible in 2026 that he’s a safer bet than 2024 finalist Jahri Evans to be the next Saint enshrined. Brees trails only Tom Brady in passing yards and passing touchdowns. Evans was a top guard during his era, but his candidacy needs to gain momentum for him to beat Brees to Canton.

Tom Coughlin’s candidacy in the contributor category remains very much alive, but Manning will move front and center once he becomes eligible in 2025. The quarterback’s longevity, prominence and performance during two Super Bowl-winning playoff runs make him a fascinating candidate. Manning was arguably never a top-five quarterback, but those Lombardi Trophies could make the difference.

He won’t make the Hall of Fame for the four snaps he’s played as a Jet, but he will for the 230 games he played for the Packers, and maybe for the snaps he has yet to play for the Jets. After Winston Hill, Joe Klecko, Curtis Martin, Kevin Mawae and Darrelle Revis were inducted recently, Jets players have not had much Hall of Fame traction. Mark Gastineau and Nick Mangold are possibilities.


The Jets don’t have an obvious Hall of Fame candidate in the pipeline other than Aaron Rodgers, who won as many MVPs with the Packers (four) as he has snaps played with the Jets. (Fred Kfoury III / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Kelce’s recent retirement makes him Hall-eligible for 2029, which leaves a wide berth for Eric Allen, Brian Westbrook or another Eagles great to make a push. Kelce was a six-time first-team All-Pro over his final seven seasons and is on a very short list of all-time NFL centers from a movement/athleticism standpoint. Fletcher Cox, who also just retired, and Jason Peters (mentioned above in the Bills section) are also worthy candidates, but Kelce seems like the surest bet to get in first.

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He was overshadowed in his era by Brady and Peyton Manning, but Roethlisberger won two Super Bowls and led the league in passing twice. He will be Hall-eligible in 2027 and will probably become a Hall of Famer not long after. The dark horse in this race is Hines Ward, an unconventional but worthy candidate.

Gore becomes eligible in 2026 and will have a case with 16,000 yards in 16 seasons. Only Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton have rushed for more yards in NFL history. Another former 49ers rusher, Roger Craig, was a Hall finalist in 2010 and 2020, but he hasn’t advanced that far again.

With Holmgren listed in the Packers’ slot, Sherman becomes a logical next choice for the Seahawks. The five-time Pro Bowl cornerback was the voice and face of Seattle’s famed Legion of Boom secondary, which helped the Seahawks become the first team since the 1950s Cleveland Browns to lead the league in fewest points allowed for four successive seasons. Coach Pete Carroll also seems like a strong candidate, but Sherman will likely get in first.

With Buccaneers mainstay Mike Evans still going strong, we do not yet know when he’ll become eligible for enshrinement. Brady (like Rob Gronkowski) was primarily a Patriot, but the role he played in helping Tampa Bay win a Super Bowl legitimizes his classification here.

A two-time NFL rushing leader and one-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Henry is regarded by many as the best running back of his time. He’s still building his resume, and expectations are high for the 30-year-old as he begins a new chapter of his career after signing with the Ravens as a free agent.

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Williams is entering his fifth season with the 49ers after nine with Washington, with no indication he’s slowing at age 36. In fact, Williams only seems to have gotten better. His streak of 10 successive Pro Bowl seasons (in seasons in which he’s played — he missed 2019 because of a contract dispute) includes first-team All-Pro selections in 2021, 2022 and 2023, the first such selections of his career. Joe Jacoby is another former Washington tackle to watch. A three-time Hall finalist for his work on the Joe Gibbs-era “Hogs” offensive line, Jacoby could reappear as a seniors candidate.

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(Top photos of Larry Fitzgerald, left, and Antonio Gates: Christian Petersen, Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)

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Olympic boxer who failed gender test wins quarterfinal bout, guaranteed medal

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Olympic boxer who failed gender test wins quarterfinal bout, guaranteed medal

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Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer who failed a gender test prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be guaranteed at least a bronze medal at the Summer Games after a win Saturday over a Hungarian fighter.

Khelif defeated Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the 66-kilogram fight, via unanimous decision. Because there are no bronze medal fights, even if Khelif loses in the semifinals against Thailand’s Janjaem Suwannapheng.

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Imane Khelif of Team Algeria looks on against Anna Luca Hamori of Team Hungary during the Women’s 66kg Quarter-final round match on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on August 03, 2024 in Paris, France.  (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Khelif has been in the midst of a gender eligibility controversy following a disqualification from the 2023 Women’s World Championships, sanctioned by the International Boxing Association.

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach defended having Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-Ting in the women’s division bouts.

“What is going on in this context in the social media with all this hate speech, with this aggression and abuse, and fueled by this agenda, is totally unacceptable,” Bach said.

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The Algerian Olympic Committee said it filed an official complaint with the IOC to protest the online harassment against Khelif that amounted to a “a serious violation of sports ethics and the Olympic Charter by one of the participants in the boxing tournament.”

Algeria's Imane Khelif looks on

Algeria’s Imane Khelif reacts prior the match against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the women’s 66kg quarter-final boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte on August 3, 2024.  (MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images)

ITALY’S ANGELA CARINI EXPRESSES REGRET OVER OLYMPIC BOXING MATCH AGAINST FIGHTER WHO FAILED GENDER TEST

The organization said another boxer, who was not identified, posted disparaging comments on Khelif and warned the IOC “has issued a final warning to delete every post that concerns our heroine.”

“We reserve the right to prosecute everyone who participated in the heinous campaign against our heroine Imane Khelif,” the Algerian team said.

Hamori vowed to be ready going into the fight despite the controversy surrounding Khelif and protests from her own federation

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“I’m not scared,” Hamori said Thursday. “I don’t care about the press story and social media.”

Anna Luca Hamori fights

Algeria’s Imane Khelif (L) fights against Hungary’s Anna Luca Hamori in the women’s 66kg quarter-final boxing match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the North Paris Arena, in Villepinte on August 3, 2024.  (MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Khelif got to the quarterfinals after Italy’s Angela Carini abandoned the match 46 seconds in the round of 16.

THe Associated Press contributed to this report.

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U.S. Olympic pommel horse hero Stephen Nedoroscik takes bronze in the individual event

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U.S. Olympic pommel horse hero Stephen Nedoroscik takes bronze in the individual event

He only does one routine, but Stephen Nedoroscik is no one-hit wonder.

After clinching the United States’ first Olympic team medal since 2008 on Monday — and becoming an internet sensation in the process — Nedoroscik took bronze in the pommel horse final Saturday for the first U.S. Olympic medal in the event since 2016. Between qualifications, the team final and the event final, Nedoroscik had three opportunities to compete during these Games, and he scored more than 15 points in each of his attempts.

His event final score of 15.300 was one-tenth better than his score from qualification that tied him for first place, but Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan took gold ahead of Kazakhstan’s Nariman Kurbanov. When Nedoroscik’s score flashed across the screen with third place next to it, he flashed a thumbs up to the camera.

The crowd sighed.

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The Rubik’s cube-loving, former electrical engineering major has turned into one of the breakout stars of the Paris Games after his clutch performance in the team final. The NBC screenshot of him closing his eyes with his head leaned back launched a thousand memes.

His teammates couldn’t help but take notice of the posts comparing Nedoroscik to a superhero who swooped in to save the United States.

“It’s so funny to see No. 1, his hard work pay off and clutch it like that,” said U.S. teammate Frederick Richard, a Massachusetts native like Nedoroscik, “but the world [is] starting to fall in love with him too.”

During the days since he and his rectangular, black-rimmed glasses went viral, Nedoroscik has become one of the favorite faces of these Games. He solved Rubik’s cubes on “The Today Show,” signed a sponsorship deal with an eyewear company that named a frame after him and met a young fan who shared the same eye condition as him, which leaves his pupils permanently dilated.

Richard, an internet star in his own right, whose following has grown to nearly 1.5 million on Instagram and TikTok, joked that he’ll give Nedoroscik social media tips.

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Nedoroscik was the only U.S. man to qualify for an eight-athlete event final. By ending a 16-year Olympic team medal drought, the U.S. was hopeful to spark a surge of interest in men’s gymnastics in the United States. Richard, whose social media presence is dedicated to growing the sport, has heard from new fans on social media who praised the team on a final competition that was more thrilling than watching the U.S. women win gold the following day. Nedoroscik’s closing routine was the final touch.

“People are watching now,” Richard said, “people are supporting and we’re building.”

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