Don’t say it too loud, but Liverpool are starting to become fun to watch again. It’s still not the most convincing Liverpool side, and there are plenty of worries about the effectiveness of the formation and some of the seemingly nailed on starters. Still, there was more emphasis on the attack in a fairly open match with Brighton that saw Liverpool deservedly take a 1-0 lead just ahead of halftime before blowing the game open in the second half as the Reds now advance to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.

Below, we take a look at some winners and losers on the night, and attempt to disentangle narrative from fact.

---

Winners

Milos Kerkez

The Hungarian left back has quite possibly his best performance for Liverpool to date. He was very solid with his positioning and 1v1 defending throughout the match, and showed great aggressiveness getting forward into the attack. He set up the first goal by running down a loose ball before it could go out of play and then sending in a perfect cross that was tapped home by Curtis Jones. Kerkez also forced a brilliant save with a rocket from distance after making himself available for a free kick sent over the top with a heads up early run down the left wing.

Curtis Jones

The Scouser got a rare start since the start of the new year, becoming the latest victim…er player…to slide into the seemingly cursed right back role. Curtis did what he needed to do defensively and was calm withstanding the press out of the back. He scored the opening goal with an instinctive finish from a midfielder’s late run, tapping in from close range after a sumptuous cross by Milos Kerkez. Jones shifted into midfield midway through the second half, and continued to be a strong presence. He finished with an almost 90% pass completion rate.

Dominik Szoboszlai

Szobo returned from his one match suspension, and was somewhat surprisingly unshackled into the midfield. The high press was immediately better than we have seen recently with his presence in the midfield. The Hungarian put in a peach of a set piece that was headed into the net by Cody Gakpo, but the attacker was offside. Szoboszlai made no mistake with his own opportunity as he steamed forward from midfield to get on the end of a perfect layoff by Mohamed Salah before slamming the ball past the goalkeeper from the top of the box. Szoboszlai finished with an almost perfect 47 for 48 passing.

Mohamed Salah

There were still plenty of worrying signs about the decline of Salah throughout the match, but he came up big in a couple of key moments to blow the match wide open. His cushioned first-time pass off of a crossfield ball from Cody Gakpo was perfectly weighted for the run of Szoboszlai that was finished off for the second goal of the match. Mo found a little bit of his old magic later in the second half, facing up a defender and just straight running through him on the dribble before forcing a clear foul in the box that was actually awarded as a penalty kick. Mo drilled the spot kick into the top corner to finish the match with a goal and an assist.

Alisson Becker

Ali had two huge interventions to preserve the lead when Liverpool were only up a goal. He made a fantastic 1v1 save after Curtis Jones slipped, allowing Diego Gomez through on goal. Alisson also made a perfectly timed punch on a header that was put back across the face of goal just ahead of several Brighton players could get a touch. In total, Alisson finished with 3 saves and a couple heart-in-mouth moments with the ball at his feet. All in a day’s work.

Losers

Cody Gakpo

Cody continues to be a ever present frustrating presence up top for the Reds. He did end up with a hockey assist for the second goal from a good crossfield ball for Mohamed Salah, but Gakpo’s only other real contributions was getting fouled. He was again offside in crucial situations where he really should have been able to get onside. He also was saved blushes after blocking a goalbound shot by Milos Kerkez after the flag went up for offside.

Federico Chiesa

Given a rare opportunity to start Chiesa failed to have any real impact on the match. His effervescent energy and boundless running seems a lot more effective when he comes on as a sub. He finished with just 14 touches during his 76 minutes, with one shot.

---

Dissecting the Narrative

With a midweek match, there were many who thought Arne Slot may rotate a decent number of players for the cup match to rest some weary legs. In the end, only Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike of the regular starters were rotated out, giving opportunities to Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa. It would appear that Slot feels the need to put forth a strong effort in the FA Cup competition after a disastrous fall and winter have put him on thin ice with most supporters. While there will rightfully be concerns about tired legs for the likes of Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Virgil van Dijk, the ability to start and build some positive momentum may just have been worth it with a week of rest before the next match.

---

What Happens Next

Liverpool will return to Premier League play next Sunday as they travel to face struggling Nottingham Forest. The hosts will be playing their first league match under new manager Vitor Pereira after Sean Dyche was sacked. Arne Slot will hope his side can continue their positive progression after winning four of their past five matches, and beginning to look like a side that is fun to watch again. Liverpool will need to start stacking up wins as they try to stay in the hunt for Champions League places in the table.

No. 2 Michigan secured the regular season series against No. 5 Penn State with a 6-3 win on Saturday night. The Nittany Lions were down to 10 healthy forwards after Dane Dowiak exited last night’s game with an injury. Penn State’s effort was solid for most of the game, but the Wolverines’ superior talent and depth eventually wore down the visiting Nittany Lions. Reese Laubach scored twice, but the rest of the offense could not find its finishing touch for most of the night.

First Period

Penn State again brought heavy pressure early in the first period, and Shea Van Olm hit the crossbar while wide open in the low slot. The Nittany Lions put up the first four shots of the game, but Michigan quickly settled in. The Wolverines drew first blood when Cole McKinney redirected Luca Fantilli’s point shot into the net. Michigan immediately went back to work and sustained about two minutes of offensive zone time before Nick Moldenhauer finished it off with his 11th goal of the season to put the home team up 2-0.

Shortly after the second Michigan goal, Matt DiMarsico won a huge puck battle on the forecheck and fed the puck to Casey Aman from his knees. Aman’s drop pass reached Reese Laubach’s stick, and Laubach wristed home his second goal of the weekend to cut the Michigan lead to 2-1:

A beauty from Laubs!!#WeAre#HockeyValleypic.twitter.com/k1SFXX1qgG

— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) February 14, 2026

Penn State turned the tide of the game a bit after Laubach’s goal. Gavin McKenna had a couple good chances later in the period, and Aiden Fink nearly tied the game in the dying seconds. Michigan led 2-1 after the first period, but the Lions took some confidence into the locker room.

Second Period

Kevin Reidler made a huge save on Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen two minutes into the period to keep the deficit at just one goal. The McKenna-Misa-Fink line sustained good zone time, and Mac Gadowsky had a great chance to score his first of the season, but Jack Ivankovic made a shoulder save.

Reese Laubach took the first penalty of the game with seven minutes left to give Michigan its first power play of the night. Ben Schoen forechecked well to delay Michigan’s breakout, but once the Wolverines set up their attack, Jayden Perron was wide open in front of the net and slipped one past Reidler to extend the Michigan lead to 3-1.

After Kevin Reidler made a huge save on Cole McKinney, Adam Valentini was called for holding Jarod Crespo, and Penn State got its first man advantage of the game. Penn State got a couple good looks but could not score before the period expired. The Nittany Lions trailed 3-1 entering the third period.

Third Period

Penn State’s power play eventually fizzled out, and the game went back to full strength with the visitors still needing two goals. Jack Ivankovic made a sprawling glove save on Carter Schade, who was still looking for his first goal of the season.

JJ Wiebusch took a slashing penalty to cancel out a Penn State power play, and Will Horcoff scored his 21st goal of the season when his shot deflected in net off Nolan Collins’ skate to extend the Michigan lead to 4-1. Adam Valentini poured it on minutes later with a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle to make it 5-1.

Reese Laubach scored his second of the night when he wrapped home the puck past Jack Ivankovic on the power play:

Laubs get his third of the weekend!! pic.twitter.com/IHjlba9uxH

— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) February 15, 2026

With just under two minutes left, Gavin McKenna finally cracked Ivankovic to cut the deficit to 5-3:

Not done yet!! pic.twitter.com/9bUSep0Og1

— Penn State Men’s Hockey (@PennStateMHKY) February 15, 2026

Nick Moldenhauer iced the game with an empty-netter with one minute left. Another last-minute scuffle resulted in roughing penalties on four players and a game misconduct against Jackson Smith. Michigan skated away with a 6-3 win to take the season series.

Scoring Summary

	1	2	3	Final
Penn State	1	0	2	3
Michigan	2	1	3	6

First Period

• MICH: Cole McKinney (6)- Luca Fantilli (9), Aidan Park (7)- 5v5- 7:34
• MICH: Nick Moldenhauer (11)- Ben Robertson (17), TJ Hughes (28)- 5v5- 11:29
• PSU: Reese Laubach (8)- Casey Aman (4), Matt DiMarsico (19)- 5v5- 12:27

Second Period

• MICH: Jayden Perron (13)- Nick Moldenhauer (13), TJ Hughes (29)- PP- 13:27

Third Period

• MICH: Will Horcoff (21)- Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen (10), Michael Hage (29)- PP- 10:28
• MICH: Adam Valentini (9)- Malcolm Spence (8), Michael Hage (30)- 5v5- 13:27
• PSU: Reese Laubach (9)- Luke Misa (8), Ben Schoen (8)- PP- 16:20
• PSU: Gavin McKenna (12)- Cade Christenson (1), Jarod Crespo (10)- 5v5- 18:09
• MICH: Nick Moldenhauer (12)- Unassisted- EN- 18:59

Shots By Period

• PSU: 11-11-11-33
• MICH: 6-11-9-26

Takeaways

• A Good Effort- Shorthanded at forward, Penn State’s effort was much more focused tonight than last night. There’s only so much you can do against the No. 2 team on the road with this many injuries, but the Nittany Lions looked dangerous on offense for stretches of this game.
• Matt DiMarsico- DD has been one of my favorite players to watch since he arrived in State College three years ago. That man fights for every puck and never takes a shift off. He was rewarded in the first period when he won a puck battle from his knees and Reese Laubach scored seconds later.
• Regression to the Mean- Kevin Reidler had a rough night in net, although he did make several big saves in this one. Michigan and Michigan State are two of the best offensive teams in the country, but Penn State’s goaltending has come back to earth a bit in the last four games.
• Regroup- The most difficult part of the regular season is done. Penn State will still need to bring their best in the final six games, but this final stretch is far more manageable.

Standings & Such

Penn State remains in third place in the Big Ten. Even if Wisconsin beats Ohio State in regulation, Penn State still has two games in hand on the Badgers. The Nittany Lions are still well on pace to host a first round game in the conference tournament.

At the time of posting, Penn State is still No. 5 in the NPI. The Nittany Lions are still essentially a lock to make the NCAA Tournament, and a one seed is still a realistic possibility if Penn State avoids any major slipups in the next few weeks.

What’s Next

Penn State will host Ohio State next weekend at Pegula Ice Arena. Puck drop is at 8:30pm on Friday and 8pm on Saturday. Both games will be televised on Big Ten Network.

Mohamed Salah patted the badge on his chest as the Kop chorused his song. It was a rare feat, even by his standards: just the third time in his Liverpool career he had scored, assisted and won a penalty in the same game.

As Salah was able to celebrate with his public again after scoring, his 252nd goal for Liverpool was only his second since his incendiary interview at Leeds. The process of reintegration began with a cameo against Brighton in December. It accelerated with a spot-kick against Albion in February.

He won it and scored it, tripped by Pascal Gross, rifling his shot into the roof of the net. He had only struck once in his previous 12 games for Liverpool, and that was against Qarabag. He had not found the net against a Premier League club since Aston Villa’s visit at the start of November. This meant a lot. “It was very big for the confidence,” said Salah. “It was very big, for sure.” It felt like another step in the healing process. “It is very nice to have him on the scoresheet again but what I like is that he is helping the team defensively,” said Arne Slot.

Whatever the summer holds for him, Liverpool could enjoy the sight of Salah looking irrepressible. Perhaps, too, they could be grateful that what looked a crisis was defused. That may reflect well on Slot and if the Dutchman has had too few games this season when every decision he has made has brought a rich reward, this victory came with sweet vindication.

As the Liverpool manager fielded his latest line-up without a specialist right-back, the assumption might have been that Dominik Szoboszlai was in the back four and Curtis Jones in midfield. Instead, it was the other way around.

Each was on the scoresheet, and in a way that reflected the role Slot had given him. Jones scored for the first time since 2024 by materialising at the far post. Szoboszlai used his running power to burst through the inside-right channel and unleash his second unstoppable shot in as many weeks at Anfield.

In the process, Slot may have learned a lesson from a game when his choices backfired. At the corresponding stage of the FA Cup a year ago, he selected too much of a weakened side and suffered the embarrassment of defeat to Plymouth. Twelve months on, he started with nine of his strongest available 11 and, while Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch began on the bench, the Dutchman’s rest permitted Jones’s return and allowed Szoboszlai to play in midfield.

The context has changed from Slot’s first taste of the FA Cup, which ended so ignominiously in Devon. Now it is Liverpool’s most realistic chance of silverware this season, and they swept into the fifth round. Their league position remains unsatisfactory but they have only been beaten twice in 18 outings in all competitions and, after the frustration of last week’s loss to Manchester City, they have conjured a response by beating Sunderland and Brighton.

Their season has been a story of makeshift right-backs and, for all the issues injuries have posed, they have added some productivity. Szoboszlai has twin spectacular free kicks against Arsenal and City when deployed as a defender. Jones ended a lengthy drought when – in theory, anyway – stationed further from the Brighton goal. “There have been times I’ve scored more but not played as well as I am now,” he said after getting a first goal in 58 games.

The Liverpudlian had come agonisingly close with a left-footed shot from 20 yards. Then, meeting Milos Kerkez’s inviting cross on the half-volley, he crashed in a shot off the underside of the bar. “It was very pleasing the first goal was an assist from the left-back to the right-back,” Slot said.

Kerkez ended up being overshadowed – not least by his fellow Hungairan – but he was terrific. He married deft skill with dynamic runs. He had drawn a fine save from Jason Steele with a rising, rasping half-volley. Then came his assist.

“The second goal was even nicer than the first one,” Slot said. Salah cushioned a pass into the path of the surging Szoboszlai and, without breaking stride, he drove a shot past Steele. “He is one of the best players in the world right now,” said Salah. Szoboszlai earned a fourth assist for the Egyptian since his return from the African Cup of Nations.

When the 33-year-old then scored himself from the penalty spot, it was cue for Slot to substitute him, to a rousing ovation. His replacement Rio Ngumoha had a goal ruled out for offside; there was no VAR to prove he was onside. Meanwhile, Brighton objected to Salah’s spot kick. “Poor decision,” said Fabian Hurzeler. “Never a penalty.”

He could also lament moments either side of the interval. “We had enough chances to score a goal,” added Hurzeler. But Alisson saved from Diego Gomez, coming to Jones’s rescue after he slipped. He clawed away Lewis Dunk’s header. After his error against City, it was a redemptive return to Anfield for Alisson, and justification for Slot in selecting him, rather than Giorgi Mamardashvili.

So there was no seismic double for Brighton, conquerors of Manchester United at Old Trafford in the third round, no cup run deflect from underachievement in the Premier League.

“We are not in a good moment,” Hurzeler said. But now Salah is.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Germaine Pratt is set to be a free agent this upcoming offseason.

So what might his next contract look like, and will the Colts re-sign him?

Germaine Pratt contract projection

According to Spotrac, Pratt is projected to land a one-year deal in free agency worth $2.874 million.

In terms of player age, contract status, and statistical production, Christian Rozeboom, EJ Speed, and Eric Wilson were used by Spotrac as comparisons to determine what Pratt’s deal could be.

Will the Colts re-sign Germaine Pratt?

The addition of Pratt early on in the season helped provide some stability at linebacker for the Colts. Prior to signing Pratt, several different linebackers saw starting snaps next to Zaire Franklin.

Pratt finished his season with the Colts recording 101 total tackles and holding pass-catchers to 10.1 yards per reception. He also had one interception and three pass breakups.

If Pratt’s contract is in the ballpark that Spotrac is projecting, we can’t rule out his return to the Colts. It’s a short-term deal that doesn’t break the bank.

However, GM Chris Ballard said that he wanted to get younger and faster on defense this offseason. Re-signing Pratt doesn’t accomplish that.

Prediction: Pratt is not re-signed.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts free agency: Will Germaine Pratt be re-signed? Contract prediction

Game Summary:

I would guess Miami got pretty much what they wanted in the first half, other than making free throws. McNeil was 0-1, Williams had 5 points, and Copeland was driving to the basket a lot and only had 2 assists. Rebounding was a nightmare to watch, Miami had 11 offensive rebounds and led total rebounds 20-13.

The second half was very similar, however Paul McNeil got hot and while the Wolfpack wasn’t doing a lot well, they were scoring and slowing the Hurricanes enough to maintain a lead. Then the Wolfpack just gave the game away.

With 1:07 left, Lubin grabbed a rare offensive rebound and put it back in for a 76-69 Pack lead. NC State would not score again. Lubin turned it over, then Holloman turned it over, Copeland fouled with 27 seconds, but they missed, then Copeland got fouled with 17 seconds left and missed the front end of the 1 & 1, and with NC State holding a 2-point lead, at the 3 second mark Williams fouled the 3PT shooter. Washington made all three free throws for the final score, 77-76.

Teams	eFG%	TO%	OR%	FTR
Wolfpack	57.3%	15.9%	28.6%	27.3%
Miami	50.0%	14.1%	48.8%	29.9%

Overall Takeaways:

• The Pack had this game won, and gave it away in the final minute
• Miami had 20 offensive rebounds resulting in 12 more FG attempts

Coach Wade Post Game Comments

Individual Highlights

• Matt Able had one of his better games and tied for the scoring lead with Lubin with 17
• Ven Lubin led rebounding with 9
• Quadir Copeland had 5 assists
• Ven Lubin had 4 blocks
• Tre Holloman had 4 steals

Player Stats and Box Score

Player	PTS	REB	ASST	TO	BLK	STL	MIN
Ven-Allen Lubin	17	9	0	1	4	0	32
Matthew Able	17	1	0	0	1	0	22
Paul McNeil	14	4	0	1	2	0	31
Darrion Williams	11	3	3	3	1	1	33
Quadir Copeland	11	3	5	2	0	1	26
Terrance Arceneaux	4	3	0	1	0	0	14
Tre Holloman	2	1	4	1	0	4	33
Musa Sagnia	0	3	0	1	0	0	9
Scottie Ebube	2	0	0	0	0	0	3
Paul McNeil	0	0	1	2	0	0	26

Box Score

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Australia has won the New Zealand leg of the SailGP series, though racing was overshadowed by a crash involving New Zealand and France on Saturday which left a sailor from each team with serious injuries.

Driver Tom Slingsby steered the Australian Flying Roos to victory in the three-boat final Sunday ahead of Spain and Britain. Britain won the first event of the series in Perth, Australia and now shares the overall series lead with the Australians.

Organizers decided to break the fleet into two groups for racing on the second day Sunday because of expected high winds. For the first time in SailGP history 13 boats took part in racing Saturday and congestion on a narrow course might have been a factor in the crash which saw the New Zealand and French boats extensively damaged.

Louis Sinclair, a “grinder” who works the winches on the New Zealand boat, suffered compound fractures to both legs when the New Zealand Black Foils and France collided at almost 90 kmh (56 mph).

‘Successful surgery’

In a statement Sunday, the New Zealand team said “Sinclair has had successful surgery on his right leg overnight after injuries suffered during yesterday’s collision with France.

“The medical team involved in Sinclair’s treatment have been fantastic and are pleased with the results of the surgery and are positive about his ongoing recovery.”

Team New Zealand said “a comprehensive review of yesterday’s incident will be conducted in coordination with SailGP.”

France strategist Manon Audinet also was injured in the crash. The French team said Audinet suffered abdominal injuries.

“She was thrown forward on impact and actually broke the steering wheel of the French boat,” a team statement said. “The entire Team France has Manon Audinet and Louis Sinclair in their thoughts and stands fully alongside them during this time.”

Racing against the clock

New Zealand and France now face a tight schedule to repair their boats in time for the next leg of the series in Sydney in two weeks time. France suffered damage to one hull but the New Zealand boat seems to be far more extensively damaged.

Racing on Sunday took place in gusty conditions ahead of an impending thunderstorm and the highest speed recorded by any of the matching 50-foot catamarans was 101.99 kmh (63 mph).

___

AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Damian Lillard hasn’t played in a single NBA game this season, but he returned to competition to participate in the 3-point shooting contest during All-Star Weekend at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Saturday, Feb. 14.

Lillard found familiar success in his return and joined Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only players in NBA history to win the 3-point shooting contest three times. He had won the contest in 2023 and 2024.

Lillard spent the prior two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon last season in the playoffs while with the Bucks.

Damian Lillard wins the 3-point contest

Devin Booker falls short in 3-point contest

Lillard scored 29 points in the final round and set the score that Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns needed to beat. Booker had a hot start to his performance but finished with 27 points, falling short of Lillard’s total.

FIRST ROUND: 27
FINAL ROUND: 29

DAMIAN LILLARD IS NOW A 3X @StateFarm NBA 3-POINT CONTEST WINNER 🚨🤯 pic.twitter.com/gMuq5cwdsp

— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026

Kon Knueppel competes in 3-point contest’s final round

Booker finished the first round with the highest score, 30. Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel was the third member to advance to the final round after finishing the opening round tied with Lillard at 27.

Kon Knueppel opens the @StateFarm NBA 3-Point Contest with a score of 27 🎯

Tap to watch: https://t.co/BpnjnxQ8vCpic.twitter.com/hT6SZhItFy

— NBA (@NBA) February 14, 2026

Knueppel finished 4-of-5 on the first rack of the final round but struggled to keep the pace throughout the rest of the racks. He finished the final round with just 17 points.

NBA All-Star 3-point Contest complete highlights

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA 3-point contest highlights as Damian Lillard wins third title

I hope the weekend has been treating y’all well so far! Happy Valentine’s Day to everybody who’s celebrating. Here’s a random clip:

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris each had 14 points to help No. 13 Purdue beat Iowa 78-57 on Saturday.

The Boilermakers (20-5, 11-3 Big Ten), wrapping up a stretch of six of eight games on the road, extended their winning streak to four with an efficient offense that consistently found openings. Purdue, which leads the nation in assists per game, had 20 assists on 25 field goals, with Braden Smith having 12 of those.

Iowa (18-7, 8-6), which had won six of seven, lost for the second time this week. The Hawkeyes lost 77-70 at Maryland on Wednesday night, and were looking to bounce back in front of their first sellout home crowd of the season. Instead, they couldn’t make shots.

Trey Kaufman-Renn had 12 points and 12 rebounds for Purdue. Fletcher Loyer added 12 points.

Bennett Stirtz led Iowa with 19 points. The Hawkeyes shot 37.7% from the field, a percentage raised by a late stretch in which they made nine of their last 13 shots.

Purdue built a 36-25 halftime lead behind a 15-2 run,

Up next

Purdue: Hosts No. Michigan on Tuesday night.

Iowa: Hosts No. 7 Nebraska on Tuesday night.

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball