WASHINGTON, D.C. — Eight games into his first year as a part of the Gallaudet University men’s basketball team, Norway graduate Alex Ortman is making an impact on the court.

On Wednesday, the Bison welcomed United East Conference foe Penn State-Harrisburg to town.

The Bisons ended up falling to 0-8 on the year with an 80-66 loss to the Lions.

Despite falling to 0-2 in conference action, Ortman led Gallaudet with 24 points while going 8 for 15 from the floor and 7 for 9 from the free throw line.

In 33 minutes of play, Ortman also tallied two rebounds and three assists.

The Bison head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Saturday to face Penn College at 2 p.m. CST.

BLACKHAWKS FIRE RICHARDSON

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks have fired coach Luke Richardson, signaling their frustration with the state of the franchise’s rebuilding project.

Chicago has dropped four in a row to fall to an NHL-worst 8-16-2 on the season.

It was outscored 41-27 while going 3-9-1 in its last 13 games.

Anders Sorensen was elevated to interim coach. Sorensen had been coaching the team’s top minor league affiliate in Rockford.

YOUNG LEADS IN THE BAHAMAS

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler has a new putting grip, and it helped him shoot a 5-under 67 in the first round of the Hero World Challenge.

He trails Cameron Young by three shots in the 20-man invitational hosted by Tiger Woods. Young was playing for the first time since the BMW Championship more than three months ago and found great success on and around the greens of Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.

He made four birdie putts from 15 feet or longer for his 64.

Justin Thomas was two shots back.

Thomas and his wife welcomed a daughter a few weeks ago.

JEANTY IS LEAVING BOISE STATE

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Boise State running back and Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty confirmed that this will be his last season at the university.

The nation’s leading rusher with 2,288 yards on 312 carries along with 28 total touchdowns, has long been expected to enter the NFL Draft after his record-setting season.

Jeanty, who needs 341 yards to surpass Barry Sanders’ all-time single-season rushing record, will have at least two more games to break the record.

He also needs 55 yards to pass 1981 Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen.

“I feel like I’m the best player in the country,” Jeanty said at the Mountain West Conference championship press conference.

Friday’s Mountain West title game will be Jeanty’s last chance to make his case for the Heisman Trophy.