Mercury beat Aces to advance to WNBA Finals

Semifinal results:

The Mercury outlasted the Aces, 87-84, to take the series and advance to the Finals.

Game 1 of the best-of-five series between Phoenix and Chicago is Sunday at noon PT on ABC.

WNBA player news:

Kia Nurse is out for the season with a torn ACL.

College team news:

Returning chemistry and production bolster Indiana.

Oregon is waiting for the NCAA’s decision on immediate eligibility waivers for Shannon Dufficy and Taylor Hosendove.

Minnesota will lean on its veteran backcourt leadership.

Baylor is picked to win the Big 12.

College player news:

UCLA sophomore Emily Bessoir will miss the season with a torn ACL.

Erin Toller has been dismissed at Kentucky for not upholding the standards of the program.

Big Ten media days gives players a bigger platform.

College coach news:

Northwestern has extended Joe McKeown’s contract through 2024-2025.

Kim Barnes Arico overhauled her staff at Michigan.

Geno Auriemma said sorting out minutes on a loaded UConn roster will be a challenge.