Sports briefs

NBA

LeBron has broken nose

LeBron James has a broken nose, and his availability for the Heat tomorrow against the Bulls will be a game-time decision. James missed the final 5:50 of Thursday's game when he was struck inadvertently by the Thunder's Serge Ibaka on a drive to the basket. James completed his dunk before crumpling to the floor, blood gushing from his nose.

Al Jefferson had 33 points and 10 rebounds as the host Bobcats beat the Pelicans, 90-87, for their seventh win in the last 10 games. The Bobcats, who moved into a virtual tie with the Hawks for the seventh and eighth playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, are 41/2 games ahead of the Knicks. Jefferson has scored at least 29 points in eight of the last 11 games and at least 20 in 17 of the last 19.

GOLFMcDowell escapes again

Not even Graeme McDowell can believe he's still alive in the Match Play Championship in Marana, Ariz. For the third straight round, he pulled off another improbable escape to advance to the quarterfinals at Dove Mountain. This time, all he had to do was win the last two holes against Hunter Mahan to force overtime and make a 20-foot par putt to stay in the match on the 20th hole. He won with a birdie on the 21st hole. In three matches, McDowell has played 58 holes and has never had the lead until he won. Jordan Spieth beat Matt Kuchar, Ernie Els ousted Jason Dufner, Victor Dubuisson beat Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler won on the last hole against Sergio Garcia.

Harrington has skin cancer

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, 42, said in a radio interview that he has undergone treatment for skin cancer. The Irish golfer's father, Patrick, died from cancer of the esophagus.

TENNIS

Cornet upsets Serena

The hope of an all-Williams final at the Dubai Championships was ended by 26th-ranked Alize Cornet, who earned her first career victory over a No. 1 player when she beat Serena Williams, 6-4, 6-4. Venus Williams beat Caroline Wozniacki, 6-3, 6-2.