Thursday Sports Update…Donovan, Gator Softball, More (4/23)

Billy Donovan rumors to the NBA, Gator softball wins, NBA and NHL playoffs continue and more in our Thursday Sports Update… ** Several published reports say Florida men’s basketball coach Billy Donovan is a prime candidate to replace the fired Scott Brooks as coach of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Donovan has said nothing to this point about the reports. ** NBA

playoffs resume today. Last night, San Antonio beat the LA Clippers to tie that series at 1-1 while Atlanta and Memphis go up 2-0 in their respective series. ** The Florida softball team blanks FSU 5-0 Wednesday at home to run its record to 44-4 on the year with Texas A&M coming to town this weekend. ** In the NHL playoffs, Anaheim is the first team to advance after beating Winnipeg last night to sweep that series. The New York Rangers beat Pittsburgh to go up 3-1 and Ottawa avoided a sweep by beating Montreal and St. Louis beat Minnesota. ** In baseball, the New York Mets won their 10th straight game by beating Atlanta 3-2. Miami downs Philadelphia 6-1 and Tampa Bay beat Boston 7-5. The Braves, Marlins and Rays all play this afternoon as well. ** Congratulations today to UF women’s tennis player Brooke Austin as she is named the SEC Freshman of the Year and the SEC Player of the Year.