5 THINGS TO KNOW

1. S. Carolina star misses practice

Sindarius Thornwell, South Carolina’s best player and the biggest reason why the team is in the Final Four, didn’t practice Thursday after feeling sick. He stayed at the team hotel and missed USC’s practice session at University of Phoenix Stadium. “I’ve got a bug myself. Luckily, I don’t have to play,” coach Frank Martin said. “He had a little body temperature last night when we landed. He was a little better this morning. ”

2. Cam recovering after surgery

Cam Newton is recovering from surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. Dr. Pat Connor performed the surgery on the Panthers quarterback Thursday in Charlotte. Panthers head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion said,“Dr. Connor was pleased with the results of the surgery and Cam is at home resting.” Newton, the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2015 who’s from Atlanta, sustained the injury last December in a win over the San Diego Chargers.

3. Westbrook’s record feat

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook set a record for points scored in a tripledouble on Wednesday in the Thunder’s 114-106 overtime win at Orlando. Westbrook scored 57 points and had 13 rebounds and 11 assists.

4. A face for the future

Lucy Li, the 14-year-old Californian who qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst when she was11, is tied for 24th after an opening 1-under 71at the ANA Inspiration, the LPGA’s first major of the year.

5. Catch the trucks while you can

NASCAR’s truck series is easing into its season. After nearly a month since the Atlanta race, the trucks reconvene at Martinsville, Va., this week. And the series then will take another extended hiatus, with the next event set for Kansas City in mid-May.