Sports in brief

GOLF

McIlroy eyes No. 1 ranking

Rory McIlroy is one round away from taking over the No. 1 ranking in the world from Luke Donald. McIlroy made two par saves on a windy back nine at PGA National and finished with a birdie from the bunker for a 4-under-par 66, giving him a two-shot lead over Harris English and Tom Gillis in the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Tiger Woods is nine shots back after a 69.

TENNISFed beats Murray in Dubai

Roger Federer edged Andy Murray, 7-5, 6-4, to win his fifth Dubai Championships title. The second-seeded Federer didn't drop a set all week. The win was Federer's fifth title in seven tournaments and his 72nd overall. Federer improved to 7-8 against Murray. -- APCOLLEGES

McCaskell free throw wins it

Kwasean McCaskell hit a free throw with 6.5 seconds left to lift Nassau CC to a 70-69 win over top-seeded Sullivan CC in a Region XV semifinal at Monroe College. Tim Johnson led the Lions (21-10) with 16 points. Nassau plays Bronx CC in the final Sunday at 2:30.

Puwalski keys Dowling win

Kelly Puwalski had 18 points for Dowling in a 70-53 win over LIU Post in an ECC women's basketball semifinal at Queens College. Dowling (21-6) plays the winner of the District of Columbia-St. Thomas Aquinas in the final Sunday at noon.

Pride wrestlers win CAA title

Hofstra won its 10th CAA team wrestling championship in the last 11 seasons. P.J. Gillespie (165 pounds), Ben Clymer (184), Steve Bonanno (125), and Luke Vaith (141) all captured individual titles for the Pride.