La Crosse Tribune Sports News

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Eight-time winner Rafael Nadal beat 12th-seeded Fabio Fognini 6-2, 7-6 (1) to advance to the semifinals of the Barcelona Open on Friday, avenging a loss to the Italian at the tournament last year.

DALLAS (AP) — Kevin Durant says he's happy new Washington coach Scott Brooks is back in the NBA a year after being let go by Oklahoma City.

So, you have a quarterback who played in the spread and never took a snap at the line of scrimmage. And receivers who don't understand route trees.

The Packers are favored in 15 of their 16 regular-season games in 2016.

STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Defending champion Angelique Kerber will face Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in the Porsche Grand Prix semifinals.

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Third-seeded Federico Delbonis advanced to the semifinals of the Nastase Tiriac Trophy on Friday by beating Marco Cecchinato 6-2, 6-2.

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota State Athletic Director Matt Larsen says the Bison have signed football coach Chris Klieman to a new six-year contract that will keep him with the team through the 2021 season.

ZURICH (AP) — A seven-year FIFA ban imposed on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid inspector has been cut by four years on appeal.

NEW YORK (AP) — Portland guard CJ McCollum has won the NBA's Most Improved Player award, while Stephen Curry finished fourth after winning the MVP award last season.

SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Lee Soo-min shot a 7-under 65 Friday to take a three-stroke lead on the rain-interrupted second day of Shenzhen International.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tony Stewart's peers will pay the $35,000 fine NASCAR levied against the three-time champion for criticizing the series about a potential safety hazard during races.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — FIFA will create a panel to monitor construction at World Cup stadiums in Qatar to ensure "decent working conditions."

MONTREAL (AP) — Bolivia has been removed from the list of countries deemed non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Agency code.

MADRID (AP) — One thing hasn't changed in soccer the last few seasons: The success of Spanish clubs in European competitions.

In the first round, the Packers could buttress the middle of the line with prospects such as Alabama's Jarran Reed or Baylor's Andrew Billings.

A look at what's happening all around the majors today:

There have been verbal jabs, untimely injuries, and plenty of lopsided results.

Closing time is here for three Stanley Cup contenders.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning can use a break — and they've earned it.

CINCINNATI (AP) — When he went to the Chicago Cubs as part of a trade that included bonus slots for international players, Jake Arrieta was convinced he'd someday do great things.