BASKETBALL

James’s Missed Layup Keeps Wizards Alive

Caron Butler saved Washington’s season. Butler made a layup with 3.9 seconds left and the Wizards held their breath as LeBron James missed a potential series-ending layup at the horn, giving Washington an 88-87 victory last night and adding at least one more game to this overheated NBA playoff series.

After Butler scored on a drive past James, the Cavs had one more chance but their superstar couldn’t get a banked runner to drop and the Wizards headed home for Game 6 on Friday night down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Butler scored 32 points and DeShawn Stevenson had 17 for the Wizards, who played without guard Gilbert Arenas. Agent Zero announced before the game that his season was over because of a bothersome knee. Arenas’ absence figured to be the decisive blow for the Wizards, but they fought to the finish and, at least for now, prevented the Cavs from ending their season for the third straight year.

James scored 34 points — 24 in the second half — but was unable to make a final shot in traffic that would have sent the Wizards quietly into the summer. The Cavaliers led by five with 1:47 left, but Washington scored the final six points to end a five-game playoff losing streak in Cleveland.

HOCKEY

Briere’s Goal Gives Flyers 3-1 Series Lead Over Montreal

Benching goalie Carey Price couldn’t spark Montreal. Now Danny Briere and the Flyers are one win from ending the Canadiens’ season.

Briere scored the winner on a rebound with 3:38 left to lift Philadelphia to a 4-2 win over the Canadiens last night and a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Flyers, the worst team in the NHL last season, can eliminate the top-seeded Canadiens in Game 5 on Saturday night in Montreal.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

BCS Officials Reject Playoff Proposal

Even a four-game playoff scenario was too much for the BCS. Bowl Championship Series officials rejected a plan Wednesday to turn the much-criticized system for deciding a national champ into a four-team playoff, starting in the 2010 season.