Ponder’s 395 yards, 3 TDs lift Seminoles (AP)
Ponder’s 395 yards, 3 TDs lift Seminoles (AP)
Christian Ponder knew Florida State’s offense was good enough to get the Seminoles back in the game, even against one of the nation’s top defenses. Now maybe Bobby Bowden’s critics will back off for a while. Ponder threw for a career-high 395 yards and three touchdowns to help Florida State rally from a big second-half deficit and beat North Carolina 30-27 on Thursday night, a game that…
Oden reinvents Gambling GP online sports for new season (AP)
Greg Oden reinvented himself this summer. After instant play casinos an inconsistent debut season, the 7-foot-center for the Portland Trail Blazers slimmed down, worked on his defense, focused on his footwork and even added a turnaround jumper to his repertoire. He also changed his attitude. “It wasn’t really an ‘Aha!’ ” he said.
sports betting track team to train in Birmingham for 2012 (AP)
The usa internet casinos track and field team that will compete in the 2012 London Olympics will train in Birmingham, England, before the odds spel . Birmingham’s local government says USA Track & Field has agreed to send the team to train there six weeks before the Olympics. The city council says the deal was signed after three years of negotiations.
Related posts
- Comments Off
- Post a comment
Iginla’s 3 points lift Flames by Jackets (AP)
Iginla’s 3 points lift Flames by Jackets (AP)
The Calgary Flames have been getting contributions from just about everyone this season. It was finally captain Jarome Iginla’s turn. Iginla broke out of an extended scoring slump with a goal and two assists in the Flames’ 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. It was the first multipoint game of the season for Iginla, who had only four points in Calgary’s first…
Kiffin: Tide should be No. 1 over Gators (AP)
Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin says the AP Top 25 has it right — Alabama, not Florida, is the No. 1 team in the nation. He’s practically an expert. By vaulting over the Gators into the top spot in The Associated Press poll, the Crimson Tide set up the Vols’ second game against the No. 1 team in the nation this season.
U.S. World Cup viewership rises 41 percent (AP) ABC and ESPN are reporting a 41% increase in U.S. World Cup viewership since 2006. Sports betting may play a role. Read a comprehensive TitanBet Review to see what the buzz is about.
Its fun if you can find a no deposit casino bonus to try out your top games.
Related posts
Golf-India to stage new European Tour event in February (Reuters)
Golf-India to stage new European Tour event in February (Reuters)
India will host a new European Tour event in February, the Avantha Masters in New Delhi worth 1.5 million euros ($2.15 million).
Related posts
Video: Nice to see Richard Jefferson is still alive
Video: Nice to see Richard Jefferson is still alive
via Get Banged On
Related posts
Spurs’ Popovich wins 700th on late dunk (AP)
Spurs’ Popovich wins 700th on late dunk (AP)
Gregg Popovich has won plenty more important games with the San Antonio Spurs, but Tim Duncan gave his coach a memorable 700th career victory. Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert will likely remember this one, too. Duncan dunked over Hibbert with 4.6 seconds left after having his first shot blocked by the second-year big man, and T.J.
Related posts
Yanks ink Johnson, Damon return unlikely (AP)
Yanks ink Johnson, Damon return unlikely (AP)
Nick Johnson is returning to the Yankees, a move that likely will end Johnny Damon's time in New York after four seasons. Johnson reached a preliminary agreement Friday on a $5.5 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement is not yet complete.
Reliever Vargas stays with Brewers (AP)
Reliever Claudio Vargas agreed Friday to a one-year contract to stay with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 31-year-old right-hander went a combined 1-0 with a 1.74 ERA in 36 relief appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee last season while holding opponents to a .177 batting average. He did not allow a run in his final 13 appearances.
Marlins, RHP Nolasco agree on $3.8M deal (AP)
Right-hander Ricky Nolasco and the Florida Marlins have agreed to a $3.8 million, one-year contract, a raise of $1.4 million. Nolasco was 13-9 with a 5.06 ERA last season, down slightly from his 15-8 record in 2008. He missed a large part of 2007 because of elbow inflammation. In four seasons with the Marlins, Nolasco is 40-30 with a 4.43 ERA.
Related posts
Dodgers, 2B Carroll agree to 2-year deal (AP)
Dodgers, 2B Carroll agree to 2-year deal (AP)
The Dodgers have reached preliminary agreement with free agent Jamey Carroll on a $3.85 million, two-year contract. Carroll's agent, Jonathan Maurer, confirmed the deal Thursday, with the second baseman expected to undergo a physical in the next few days. Maurer said the deal includes incentives up to $525,000 a year based on at least 275 plate appearances.
Ryan: Rangers sale puts focus on field (AP)
Chuck Greenberg would have withdrawn his bid to buy the Texas Rangers had Nolan Ryan aligned himself with another group. “There's only one Texas Rangers, only one Nolan Ryan. They need to be together,” Greenberg said on a conference call Wednesday night. A day after the investor group that is headed by the Pittsburgh sports attorney and includes Ryan gained exclusive negotiating rights…
Related posts
Renault says it will stay in Formula 1 (PA SportsTicker)
Renault says it will stay in Formula 1 (PA SportsTicker)
By ANGELA DOLAND Associated Press Writer
TBJ Ep. 484: Throwin’ Bows
Monday to Friday, The Basketball Jones look at the big games and story lines from the night before with a mix of in-depth analysis and irreverent humor. As always, questions and comments are appreciated.On today’s show Skeets and Tas tell you who thrived and who barely survived this weekend. Have the Jazz fully recovered from their early season woes? Is David Stern embracing gambling? Will Trevor Ariza’s(notes) flying elbow get him suspended? All that, plus Corey Brewer(notes) demolishes Derek Fisher(notes), the Heat fall back to Earth and the best and worst off-season trades.TBJ t-shirts make great stocking stuffers! Embrace ‘em at The Jones store!Subscribe to the video show on iTunes | Download the .m4v directlySubscribe to the audio show on iTunes | Download the .mp3 directly
For 250k All-Star votes, Brian Scalabrine will get a spray tan
Forget kids; sports radio hosts say (and do) the darndest things.According to BDL reader Matt B., a Boston sports radio show is attempting to garner up some 250,000 All-Star Game votes for Celtics forward Brian Scalabrine(notes) in exchange for the pasty white ginger getting a spray tan over the All-Star break.Why? No idea. Maybe it’s because Scal looks great with a tan. Maybe it’s because they want him on season two of “Jersey Shore,” brah. Maybe it’s because they’re bored with the C’s 11-game winning streak and have nothing else to talk about. I don’t know, but Scal has agreed to the deal.Of course, as is the case with every All-Star ballot-stuffin’ story, there’s some controversy. Apparently, Scal’s write-in votes may not be getting counted! (Does that warrant an exclamation mark? Probably not.) 98.5 hosts Toucher and Rich have had their listeners voting for some time now and many people have been reporting that their votes do not show up after they’ve voted. They get a confirmation without Scal’s name.But don’t worry, NBA media relations are looking into the “lost orange votes.” (Yeah, right.)In the meantime, stop voting for Tracy McGrady, China, and start writing in Scalabrine’s name.
Related posts
BDL Hump Day Chat!
BDL Hump Day Chat!
You know the drill. Nothing is imminent, of course, but these sorts of subjects are bound to come up. Vinny Del Negro. Is he too hard on the referees? It’s a BDL Hump Day Chat! Trey from the Blowtorch is here, Bernie Bickerstaff won’t be here, and you can click the jump at 3 p.m. Eastern if you want to join in. (Note: If your comment doesn’t appear right away, rest assured, it shouldn’t. Comments are moderated, but because we like you and don’t want to limit contributions to a level that other large sites do, we’ll try to get to it. It might be a few minutes. It might be 20 minutes. Chill out. Eat some papaya.) <a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=2f1eff7dc6" mce_href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=2f1eff7dc6" >BDL Hump Day Chat!</a>
Behind the Box Score, where the glasses aren’t helping, Kiki
New York 106, New Jersey 97 Yes, it was against the hapless Nets, and yes, it came on the heels of an embarrassing first half on that particular side of the ball, but … give it up for New York’s dee-fense! Just 36 points in the second half for New Jersey, as the Knicks stayed in a zone for most of the final 24. The Nets, even a quarter and a half on, still seemed confused by New York’s roaming. They went away from isolations for Devin Harris(notes), they made feeble attempts to get Brook Lopez(notes) the ball, and the small lineups that worked wonders for New Jersey in the first half were rendered useless by a defense that made no concessions for size or speed. David Lee(notes) and Al Harrington(notes) (the latter’s work came mainly in the first half) combined for 50 points in the win, but it was the once-a-fortnight efficient stylings of Larry Hughes(notes) that put New York over the top. 25 points, 20 in the second half, as the Nets seemed to have no clue how to guard him. He mainly pulls up for jumpers off the dribble, New Jersey. Once every 14 days, they go in. Also, I don’t want to pick on the guy, but games like these are why people have to slow down regarding Courtney Lee(notes). He played almost 40 minutes, and had his chances, but scored just four points while taking only five shots. Four turnovers, three assists, and five rebounds. The guy had a 10.7 PER last year at age 23, and was 24 entering this season. He’s old, for a second year player, and hardly setting the world on fire (yes, I’m aware of the injuries). This isn’t to say he won’t be a good rotation player and sometimes starter provided the situation is right, but this isn’t the future borderline All-Star some TV guys would have you believe. The “We want Nate!” chants? At first, I usually fall in favor of not cutting off your nose to spite your face. But if all accounts of Nate’s chirping are true, and he hasn’t gotten it this far into the game (the guy was drafted in 2005, after all), then he needs a little break. Don’t let them tell you that replacing Nate’s minutes with Hughes’ and/or Toney Douglas’(notes) has the Knicks winning three of four (even with Larry’s explosion on Sunday), but Robinson needs to get his head on straight. This is no surprise. Not because Nate-Rob is a punk. I don’t know. He might be. But when your first four years are spent in an organization like this? Where credibility and responsibility in all forms (be they across the board, in Isiah Thomas’ tenure; or defensively or with shot selection, in Mike D’Antoni’s run) are shoved aside? I can see how you might turn out to be sort of a prat. *** Los Angeles 108, Phoenix 88 The offense is improving (up to 12th, now), and while the defense fell a spot over the weekend, geez, the Los Angeles Lakers are third in defensive efficiency right now. Third. And they just held the Phoenix Suns (first in offense entering the game, at around 115 points scored per 100 possessions) only 99 points per 100 possessions on Sunday. That’s less than what the Chicago Bulls average. Concessions need to be made for Phoenix. They’ve had a rough go of it recently, and have been all around the Midwest, the Eastern Seaboard, Canada, back home, and off to El Lay just over the last week and a half. It hasn’t been an easy run, and it hasn’t been a fruitful run. Which is why this team seemed so dogged and perfect to start the season, knowing it would have to build up the wins early. The same, on the opposite tip, goes for the Lakers. They’ve left the home locker room, if memory serves, just once this year. And that was to head to the visitors’ room to play the Clippers. I’m not even sure they know what month it is. They’ve already played, I believe, 40 out of their season-long total of 41 home games. But even with a week’s practice and fewer frequent flyer miles for Alvin Gentry’s crew, who couldn’t see the Lakers doing this to the Suns again? Los Angeles just seemed quicker and longer on Sunday night. Phoenix looked small and slow, mostly small, and the Laker offense was humming. Great ball movement, 20 assists on 38 field goals; and yet no Laker had more than five assists. And the team leader in assists is a new forward who doesn’t fully know the offense, and was criticized incessantly last season (and for a few before that) for acting like a ballhog on two other teams. Kobe Bryant(notes) managed 26 points on only 16 shots. *** (Bobby Jackson(notes) and Pearl Harbor veterans. Pretty cool. Here’s a good read on the subject, if you’re interested.) Miami 115, Sacramento 102 The Heat’s offense established a nice buffer in the first half that Sacramento just couldn’t seem to break into. And while I’d like to give credit to Miami’s D for stopping the Kings from matching the Heat shot for shot in that second quarter, the Kings had some good looks. They just couldn’t finish, and ended the quarter with only 19 points and 10-point deficit. And it was the Miami offense. It really was. 125 points per 100 possessions, 59 percent shooting, 26 made free throws, all sorts of good angles, good patience, and good finishes. On Sacramento’s end, Tyreke Evans(notes) looked every bit as impressive as his 30 points. The kid is finally heading to the rim! He added four rebounds, four assists, and only two turnovers — great for any player that has the ball in his hands that much, terrific for a rookie in any role. Jason Thompson(notes) and Andres Nocioni(notes) combined to miss 16 of 22 shots, however, and the Kings had no answer for Miami’s pinpoint passing (nothing fancy, just running plays), as the Heat finished with 30 assists on 41 field goals. At times, it was a clinic. 34 points on only 16 shots (finally) for Dwyane Wade(notes), who handed out 10 assists. Dorell Wright(notes) had 19 off the bench, along with five assists. *** Detroit 98, Washington 94 Fun towards the end, I suppose (all the intentional fouls and desperate three-pointers kind of slowed things down a bit), but this was an ugly game overall. I didn’t doubt John Kuester and Flip Saunders’ defense acumen entering this season. I just doubted the personnel they had to work with. And while both teams aren’t tearing it up defensively (both are below average), there is a distinct defensive tint to both squads. Only that late game batch of fouls and three-pointers turned this score into something respectable. Otherwise, lots of D, quite a few missed makeable shots for both sides (especially in the third quarter), and lots of free throws. Dull game. For Detroit? Props on making it a dull game. As Woj pointed out, this is not the rotation Kuester and Joe Dumars had in mind. For Washington? You have your guys. Caron Butler(notes) (20 and 10) finally came through with a Caron Butler-type outing, but Gilbert Arenas(notes) is floating, and it’s worth wondering aloud if the insistence on having Earl Boykins(notes) dominate the ball down the stretch is hurting this team. 18 and four assists with no turnovers in 26 minutes for Earl, he’s certainly contributing at an efficient clip, but what does it matter if better players can’t be themselves. Then again, is Gilbert Arenas himself? We guessed it would take at least a month for the real GA to pop back, and it’s been that long. The Pistons hit 24 free throws (though they missed 12), and that was the difference. Literally and figuratively. Rodney Stuckey(notes) finished well, most of the time, hitting for 25 points on 18 shots. Will Bynum(notes) was off from the floor but he got to the line, and while Charlie Villanueva(notes) missed seven of eight three-pointers (Washington had a hand in forcing him to shoot), he did score 18 points overall. Ben Wallace(notes) contributed in every area but making shots. Austin Daye’s(notes) turnaround jumpers held the Wizards at bay in the fourth quarter. Flip Saunders’ offenses, for years, have always been among the best at raking in assists per possession. Tonight? 15 dimes, all night. Not good. *** Cleveland 101, Milwaukee 86 A strange, strange game. The Bucks came out to a raucous crowd reception and proceeded to throw together a quick 10-point lead. They looked quicker, Andrew Bogut(notes) had himself a thunderous follow-dunk, and the Cavs seemed ready to take the afternoon off. Then the Bucks stopped hitting shots. The things you fire at the basket, from various angles and distances, hoping to have the ball go in the goal, subsequently providing points for your team. A 29-0 run for Cleveland. Give Cleveland’s defense credit, they made the Bucks work for absolutely nothing, but a whole lot of this fell on Milwaukee. They took iffy shots, they missed makeable shots, and they couldn’t get to the free throw line. Meanwhile, Delonte West(notes) was doing terrific things in delayed transition with the ball, finding open seams and taking advantage of crossmatches. The Cavaliers reserve guard may have embarrassed himself with his actions over the weekend, and while he didn’t exactly make up for it on Sunday, he did help the Cavs pull out a win. 21 points on nine shots in about 24 minutes. Also, LeBron James(notes) was dancing the entire game. Just making an ass of himself. We’re out of excuses for this guy. If he’s so desperate for attention on a random Sunday afternoon game in Milwaukee, then what hope is there for him to just be a stud on the court and secure with himself one the whistle blows? I’ll try to keep this relatively recent. Damon Jones(notes) danced. Antoine Walker(notes) danced, and Mark Jackson danced. Nick Van Exel danced. These are the players you’re acting like, LeBron. Magic Johnson didn’t dance. Michael Jordan didn’t dance. Kobe Bryant didn’t dance, Larry Bird didn’t dance, and Dr. J didn’t dance. These are the players whose games yours most resembles, LeBron. And it’s your damn fault that we’re walking away from a dominant win like this with me thinking of you more of a Damon Jones sort, than a Magic Johnson sort. Despite those 10 assists. Listen, the game is supposed to be fun. It’s OK to exult. You should be jumping through your skin when your teammates pull off something great. It is fun as hell to knock in a circus shot in Milwaukee, even if you’ve played in the Finals, in the Olympics, and have hit game-winners on national TV in the deep playoffs. The game is a joy. Believe me, I understand. But you have to find a balance. Otherwise, you’re in danger of turning off a couple of different generations of fans, all at once.
Game to pay attention: Magic vs. Suns
Orlando at Phoenix Have I picked the Suns quite a bit in these game previews? Sure. They’re a fun team to watch, they’re a surprising team thus far (on pace for 56 wins after most prognosticators had them around the .500 mark for 2009-10), and they’ve had some pretty worthy and/or just as fun to watch opponents this season. Topping that is the fact that the Suns are playing at home for the first time in a week, and just the second time in 16 days. Adding to that is not only Orlando’s prominence on the national stage, but the team’s continued (from year to year to year) ability to win heaps of road games. Usually more than most other teams of their ilk, whatever their ilk should be that particular year. And the Suns are the only undefeated home team this year. So even though there are 11 games on tonight (comment away!), and even though the Suns have a less-than-stellar percentage when I direct you their way (to watch, mind you, not to wager), you gots to go with this one, righto? It’s on ESPN, as well. So, most can watch. And if Kevin Calabro and/or Hubie Brown are involved, you won’t have to watch with the volume down. Have a great weekend, my lovelies. Orlando Magic: 17-5, 92.4 possessions per game (16th), 110.6 points scored per 100 possessions (fifth), 104 points allowed per 100 possessions (ninth). Phoenix Suns: 15-7, 95.5 possessions per game (fourth), 114.1 points scored per 100 possessions (first), 110.8 points allowed per 100 possessions (26th). All statistics courtesy basketball-reference.com.
Related posts
Dolphins may go without wildcat for now (AP)
Dolphins may go without wildcat for now (AP)
The wildcat formation got an unexpected bye week in Miami. The Dolphins played the entire game without using it once in their 22-21 win over the Patriots on Sunday. The streak ended against New England, one of the teams that has had trouble stopping it in the past. Dolphins coaches have been considering what to do with the wildcat for a few weeks, after running back Ronnie Brown had a season-ending…
Penny, Cards agree on 1-yr, $7.5M deal (AP)
Brad Penny's late-season pitch seems to have paid off. Fresh from an impressive showing in the final month, Penny reached a tentative agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals on a $7.5 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press on Monday night. The deal is contingent on the Cardinals approving the results of the right-hander's physical, said the…
Sandberg to manage Iowa Cubs next year (AP)
The Chicago Cubs say Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg will manage Triple A Iowa next season. Sandberg managed the Double-A Tennessee Smokies in 2009. The 50-year-old Sandberg spent the previous two seasons managing Class A Peoria. Sandberg spent 15 season in the majors, most of those with the Chicago Cubs. Sandberg won nine Gold Gloves, was a 10-time National League All-Star and was inducted into the Hall…
