Who 'dat? The NFL season culminated in a fantastic finale. The conclusion wasn’t one the Colts would like to savor. Miami’s Sun Life Stadium played host to Superbowl XLIV where 16-3 Indianapolis was dramatically defeated by 16-3 New Orleans. The Saints sailed away with their first championship in franchise history after a 31-17 capping of the Colts. Indianapolis was stunned in the end, despite running and protecting the football well enough throughout the contest. New Orleans quarterback, Drew Brees, tied a Superbowl record with 32 completions. He was saintly in the final three quarters, missing only three attempts. The Colts had a chance to tie the score late in the fourth quarter. Peyton Manning , the league MVP and magnificent Colts signal caller, mistakenly threw in game-altering interception on third down. Saints second year cornerback, Tracy Porter, returned the ball 74 yards the other way to shock the shaken Colts.
Indianapolis kicked off the ball the begin their quest for another Superbowl behind Manning. The Colts put up the game’s first ten points, and only tallies of the first quarter. Matt Stover legged a 38 yard field goal to complete a 53 yard, 11 play Indianapolis drive seven and a half minutes into the first quarter. The blue and white lead was increased to 10-0 following Manning’s 19 yard haul into the end zone to wideout, Pierre Garcon. Garcon was being defended by a safety in the corner slot and Manning took advantage of the matchup. The 96 yard drive was the longest in Superbowl history. Indianapolis’ injured defensive standout, Dwight Freeney, started and played most of the contest. Freeney was a disruptive force in the first half. The Pro Bowl defensive end pressured and pulled down Brees with a one-handed grab midway through the second quarter. The result was a Garrett Hartley 46 yard field goal. The Saints settled for three again before time expired in the half. Hartley knocked home his second field goal, a 44-yard straightaway boot that trimmed the New Orleans deficit to four points. Although the Colts led at the break, they held the ball for less than three minutes and went three-and-out on both possessions of the second quarter. The tide was starting to turn the New Orleans’ way.
The Who plodded together a nostalgic, but arguably awful-sounding halftime show before the most surprising and dramatic play of the Superbowl. Saints’ head coach, Sean Payton, called for an onside kick to begin the second half. New Orleans recovered the gamble when wide receiver, Hank Baskett, let the ball squirt through his hands. The risk paid off immediately for Payton and the Saints. Running back, Pierre Thomas, finished with double digit touches, and caught the first loft from Brees during the second half’s opening drive. Brees proceeded downfield, frustrating the Colts’ defense. The Saints’ cool quarterback found an open Devery Henderson for nine and five yard receptions, and hit Marques Colston on first down for a nine yard gain. Thomas scrambled up the middle for seven, and another Saints first down at the Indy 16 yard line. The stark back gave New Orleans their first lead of the game by pulling down a 16 yard touchdown pass from Brees.
Joseph Addai ignited the running game for the Colts. Indy’s ground game would eclipse that of the Saints’ 51. Addai finished with 13 carries for 77 yards and one touchdown. The seven pointer came on a divine four yard twisting rush with 6:15 remaining in the third quarter. The 10 play, 76 yard drive placed the Colts back on top by three points, but would be the last points for Indy of the night. Lance Moore made a dazzling two-point conversion catch with just under six minutes left in the game to follow up a Jeremy Shockey touchdown grab. The former Giants tight end heaved in a two yard pass from Brees and the two-point conversation provided the Saints a seven point advantage. Colston led all Saints with 83 receiving yards. He shook off a rough first quarter to come up with big gains. Reggie Bush, the former USC tailback, was also a key factor in the win for New Orleans. Neither Bush nor Colston scored, but they kept the chains moving down the stretch. Indy’s defense failed to tackle and make plays throughout the second half. Brees’ arm was on fire and most deservedly the game’s MVP. The man behind center for the Saints completed 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Manning went 31 of 45 for 33 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Manning was poised to set up a tying touchdown with under five minutes in the game. He completed to Garcon for 17 yards and twice found Reggie Wayne to give the Colts a chance at the New Orleans’ 36 yard line. Coverage ace and unsung hero, Porter, snagged the pick that eventually sent the Saints to their 31-17 victory. Manning again led the charge as the Colts tried to manufacture a late touchdown. Wayne dropped a fourth down pass at the goal line to seal the loss for Indianapolis. Wayne had five catches for 46 yards, and Dallas Clark finished in with a team high 86 yards on 7 receptions. The finely-tuned aerial passing attack just didn’t work for Manning last night. The Saints were the better team, coming up big in big situations. Brees’ quick release and route reads were nearly impeccable Sunday night. Both quarterbacks were the central part of the outcome. The impenitent Indy team that won 14 straight games under Jim Caldwell was stopped by a more determined and efficient football club from New Orleans.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “When the Saints go Marching in”
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Talented Twenty-Two Takes The Turf
Emmitt Smith was among seven former NFL players elected to the Football Hall of Fame Saturday. The Dallas Cowboys running back deserves inclusion in Canton because he was a record-setting, explosive player his entire career. Here’s a short tribute to the great number 22 and his illustrious career.
Twenty-two torches the turf
He takes the handoff and glides
Sailing through defenders like on surf
Whistling and spinning, he slides
The feet move fast to open holes
Slipping by without a trace
Down the sidelines he goes
To the endzone and the open space
Sturdy and strong he grips the ball
Plows his way with awe-inspiring aura
Tucking it in to protect a fall
His flair prettier than blooming flora
Blue and silver stars flash, overcoming yard by yard
The pylon waits to greet his brimming charm
His terrific talent and skills are not marred
What he does to the scores of foes his only harm
Parting Points: Superbowl Sunday Song- “Beautiful As You” by All-4-One (sorry Who fans)
The Hoyas take down ‘Nova in a Big East Saturday game. It marks the first conference loss for the Wildcats. I can’t wait for the Big East tournament this year. Sometimes, it’s more exciting than the NCAA tourney.
Twenty-two torches the turf
He takes the handoff and glides
Sailing through defenders like on surf
Whistling and spinning, he slides
The feet move fast to open holes
Slipping by without a trace
Down the sidelines he goes
To the endzone and the open space
Sturdy and strong he grips the ball
Plows his way with awe-inspiring aura
Tucking it in to protect a fall
His flair prettier than blooming flora
Blue and silver stars flash, overcoming yard by yard
The pylon waits to greet his brimming charm
His terrific talent and skills are not marred
What he does to the scores of foes his only harm
Parting Points: Superbowl Sunday Song- “Beautiful As You” by All-4-One (sorry Who fans)
The Hoyas take down ‘Nova in a Big East Saturday game. It marks the first conference loss for the Wildcats. I can’t wait for the Big East tournament this year. Sometimes, it’s more exciting than the NCAA tourney.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Deep Denver Depresses Defense
The Los Angeles Lakers underwent an ugly loss and gave up a season high in points last night against the Denver Nuggets. Chauncey Billups dropped a career high 39 points in Denver’s 126-113 victory at the Staples Center. The Friday stunner from the Nuggets occurred without the top scorer in the league, Carmelo Anthony. Billups buoyed the Nugget and more than made up for the absence of Melo with nine three pointers. The Nuggets bested LA for the second time this season and snapped their eight game home winning streak.
Denver delivered a demoralizing win by blowing the Lakers out of the Staples Center. Los Angeles was pitiful on defense and allowed the Nuggets to shoot 68% from the arc. The uncanny road performance from George Karl’s team puts Denver 3 ½ games behind LA in the standings. Anthony missed his seventh consecutive game because of a sprained ankle. The Nuggets need their scoring stud to compete in the Western conference. Friday proved they can still bring an effective effort to the hardwood. Billups manhandled LA with 21 points in the third quarter alone. Those buckets were enough to fall second to Wilt Chamberlain’s record 23 against LA in 1966. Billups also fell one three point shot shy of Peja Stojakovic’s 10 hits from downtown against the 2007 Lakers. LA’s MVP, Kobe Bryant, scored 33 points in the loss but it wasn’t enough to prevent six Nugget players from reaching double digits. Bryant was 8-of-11 in the first half, with 23 tallies. He hit the 15 point mark just seven minutes into the contest. The Nuggets trailed 64-59 at the break. Bryant slowed down after halftime, making three of ten shots and failing to record an assist. J.R. Smith propelled Denver with 27 points. Seven year veteran, Chris Andersen, grabbed 15 rebounds in the win, and reserve, Ty Lawson posted 13 points in 19 minutes.
Pau Gasol was a rebounding machine for the Lakers. LA’s big man finished with a game-leading 17 rebounds and 17 points to match. He dumped in the final bucket of the first half to account for LA’s five point benefit. The NBA champions were buried and beaten by Billups in the second half. The nine points Lakers edge was erased early in the half on four straight from downtown. Billups turned it into a two points Nuggets lead. Lawson stepped up at the end of the third quarter as the Nuggets gripped a 94-89 advantage. He came through early in the final quarter with a pair of free throws to make it a 102-91 Nuggets’ nudge. Lawson and Smith combined for 12 points during the game’s final 12 minutes. Denver secured a season high 15 three-pointers by night’s end, as Aaron Affalo got into the act with two. The Nuggets have the upper hand in this regular season rivalry. Bryan’t ankle is a problem for the Lakers. An ineffective and inept Bryant makes it increasingly difficult for LA to beat teams with Denver’s talent in the playoffs. Ron Artest, Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum are a nice supporting cast, but Bryant remains the star. Artest was perfect from the line (4-of-4) but shot 30% from the field. Odom and Bynum had 10 points and 5 rebounds each on Friday night. Neither managed an assist. The Lakers did not have much on defense against chic Denver in their arena last night.
Parting Points: Weekend poem- Robert Frost’s “Dust of Snow”
Denver delivered a demoralizing win by blowing the Lakers out of the Staples Center. Los Angeles was pitiful on defense and allowed the Nuggets to shoot 68% from the arc. The uncanny road performance from George Karl’s team puts Denver 3 ½ games behind LA in the standings. Anthony missed his seventh consecutive game because of a sprained ankle. The Nuggets need their scoring stud to compete in the Western conference. Friday proved they can still bring an effective effort to the hardwood. Billups manhandled LA with 21 points in the third quarter alone. Those buckets were enough to fall second to Wilt Chamberlain’s record 23 against LA in 1966. Billups also fell one three point shot shy of Peja Stojakovic’s 10 hits from downtown against the 2007 Lakers. LA’s MVP, Kobe Bryant, scored 33 points in the loss but it wasn’t enough to prevent six Nugget players from reaching double digits. Bryant was 8-of-11 in the first half, with 23 tallies. He hit the 15 point mark just seven minutes into the contest. The Nuggets trailed 64-59 at the break. Bryant slowed down after halftime, making three of ten shots and failing to record an assist. J.R. Smith propelled Denver with 27 points. Seven year veteran, Chris Andersen, grabbed 15 rebounds in the win, and reserve, Ty Lawson posted 13 points in 19 minutes.
Pau Gasol was a rebounding machine for the Lakers. LA’s big man finished with a game-leading 17 rebounds and 17 points to match. He dumped in the final bucket of the first half to account for LA’s five point benefit. The NBA champions were buried and beaten by Billups in the second half. The nine points Lakers edge was erased early in the half on four straight from downtown. Billups turned it into a two points Nuggets lead. Lawson stepped up at the end of the third quarter as the Nuggets gripped a 94-89 advantage. He came through early in the final quarter with a pair of free throws to make it a 102-91 Nuggets’ nudge. Lawson and Smith combined for 12 points during the game’s final 12 minutes. Denver secured a season high 15 three-pointers by night’s end, as Aaron Affalo got into the act with two. The Nuggets have the upper hand in this regular season rivalry. Bryan’t ankle is a problem for the Lakers. An ineffective and inept Bryant makes it increasingly difficult for LA to beat teams with Denver’s talent in the playoffs. Ron Artest, Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum are a nice supporting cast, but Bryant remains the star. Artest was perfect from the line (4-of-4) but shot 30% from the field. Odom and Bynum had 10 points and 5 rebounds each on Friday night. Neither managed an assist. The Lakers did not have much on defense against chic Denver in their arena last night.
Parting Points: Weekend poem- Robert Frost’s “Dust of Snow”
Friday, February 5, 2010
Devil Dealin’ & Dishin’
Ilya Kovalchuk was one of the players included in a blockbuster NHL trade Thursday. The defensive-minded Devils traded for the marquee left wing in a deal with the Atlanta Thrashers. New Jersey acquired the high scoring, three-time All-Star and Anssi Salmela for four of their own yesterday. Defenseman Johnny Oduya, rookie forward Niclas Bergfors, junior prospect Patrice Cormier and a first-round draft pick were part of the blockbuster swap. Kovalchuk arrives just in time to bolster an ailing and injured New Jersey roster. The 26 year old Russian had 31 goals this season for Atlanta, and has posted 50 goal seasons twice in his young career. General manager, Lou Lamoriello, believes Kovalchuk will add his unsullied hockey sense at the power forward position on the Devils’ ice. The new skater in black and red is expected to play Friday as the Devils host Toronto. He should be an assest to a team that has struggled to score goals as of late. Kovalchuk was drafted in 2001 by the Thrashers. Since his NHL debut, he has continued to lead the NHL. The Olympian has 328 goals and will become a free agent at season’s end.
Oduya, the 28 year old Swedish skater, was having a disappointing season in New Jersey. Oduya and Bergfors are both serviceable players but the Devils got the better end of this bargain deal. New Jersey, second in the conference, immediately upgrades their credibility at both ends of the puck. Oduya has four points all season for the Devils. Bergfors has 13 goals on the season with 27 points, landing him at fifth place among league rookies. Still, it’s hard to decipher whether Bergfors’ future production will equal what Kovalchuk brings to the ice. The Atlantic Division-leading Devils drafted the rookie in 2005 at 23rd overall, but Bergfors is not the better player in the trade. Thrashers GM, Don Waddell, attempted to sign Kovalchuk to an extension. Kovalchuk turned him down what would have been the biggest contract over 12 years. The Russian declined all the offers from Atlanta, a major blow to the suffering franchise. Salmela is a mobile 25 year old defenseman, but his output this season has been mediocre at best. He managed just four assists in 29 games for the Thrashers this year. Salmela was drafted by the Devils in 2008 before being dealt in the Niclas Havelid deal with Atlanta. New Jersey also waved adieu to Cormier, their temperamental 19 year old. Cormier will impact the Thrashers down the road. He captained the Canadian team to a 2010 World Junior Championship but endured a season-ending suspension after hitting an opposing player.
In other Devils news, the Duke Blue Devils showed their horns last night in Durham. The ACC leaders toppled Georgia Tech 86-67 behind Kyle Singler’s 30 point barrage. Jon Scheyer added 21 points for 10th ranked Duke. Nolan Smith contributed 14 for the 18-4 Blue Devils, who hit nearly 67% of their 3-pointers. The Yellowjackets, fourth best in the nation in field-goal percentage defense, couldn’t stop Duke from finishing 45% from the field. Singler stymied Tech from the rainbow and was given the freedom to have open looks all night. The junior forward was 8-of-10 from the arc on this career night. The Devils dominated the second half and it all added up to Mike Krzyzewski’s 15th consecutive Cameron Indoor Stadium victory. Singler, Scheyer and Smith are the most productive scoring trio in college basketball. The three average 53 points per game. It was apparent they were too much for the young Yellowjackets. Twenty-first ranked Tech was led by senior Zachery Peacock’s 11 tallies.
Parting Points: It’s nice to see the LA Kings off to their best start since the ’80 season . At 35-19-3, this Kings fan cannot complain.
“There’s a freedom in your arms that carries me through”- Lee Ann Rimes
Oduya, the 28 year old Swedish skater, was having a disappointing season in New Jersey. Oduya and Bergfors are both serviceable players but the Devils got the better end of this bargain deal. New Jersey, second in the conference, immediately upgrades their credibility at both ends of the puck. Oduya has four points all season for the Devils. Bergfors has 13 goals on the season with 27 points, landing him at fifth place among league rookies. Still, it’s hard to decipher whether Bergfors’ future production will equal what Kovalchuk brings to the ice. The Atlantic Division-leading Devils drafted the rookie in 2005 at 23rd overall, but Bergfors is not the better player in the trade. Thrashers GM, Don Waddell, attempted to sign Kovalchuk to an extension. Kovalchuk turned him down what would have been the biggest contract over 12 years. The Russian declined all the offers from Atlanta, a major blow to the suffering franchise. Salmela is a mobile 25 year old defenseman, but his output this season has been mediocre at best. He managed just four assists in 29 games for the Thrashers this year. Salmela was drafted by the Devils in 2008 before being dealt in the Niclas Havelid deal with Atlanta. New Jersey also waved adieu to Cormier, their temperamental 19 year old. Cormier will impact the Thrashers down the road. He captained the Canadian team to a 2010 World Junior Championship but endured a season-ending suspension after hitting an opposing player.
In other Devils news, the Duke Blue Devils showed their horns last night in Durham. The ACC leaders toppled Georgia Tech 86-67 behind Kyle Singler’s 30 point barrage. Jon Scheyer added 21 points for 10th ranked Duke. Nolan Smith contributed 14 for the 18-4 Blue Devils, who hit nearly 67% of their 3-pointers. The Yellowjackets, fourth best in the nation in field-goal percentage defense, couldn’t stop Duke from finishing 45% from the field. Singler stymied Tech from the rainbow and was given the freedom to have open looks all night. The junior forward was 8-of-10 from the arc on this career night. The Devils dominated the second half and it all added up to Mike Krzyzewski’s 15th consecutive Cameron Indoor Stadium victory. Singler, Scheyer and Smith are the most productive scoring trio in college basketball. The three average 53 points per game. It was apparent they were too much for the young Yellowjackets. Twenty-first ranked Tech was led by senior Zachery Peacock’s 11 tallies.
Parting Points: It’s nice to see the LA Kings off to their best start since the ’80 season . At 35-19-3, this Kings fan cannot complain.
“There’s a freedom in your arms that carries me through”- Lee Ann Rimes
Thursday, February 4, 2010
WVU's Wacky Whipping
An assemblage of fans in Morgantown witnessed something that hasn’t happened in nine years to the Pittsburgh Panthers. They were out in force and at times, too excessive in the stands. The hometown Mountaineers pasted Pittsburgh 70-51 at the WVU Coliseum Wednesday night. The loss marked the Panthers’ fourth straight in five games. Sixth-ranked West Virginia held the usually tenacious 22nd ranked Panthers to 30% shooting from the field. Pittsburgh coasted through their first five Big East games unscathed, but has now lost four against conference opponents. The Panthers are 6-4 in the Big East, while the Mountaineers hang tough at 7-2. West Virginia fans gave a new meaning to the coin flip. During the contest, Pitt assistant coach, Tom Herrion, was pelted in the face by a coin. West Virginia was charged with a technical foul after one of their fans foolishly flicked the object. Wild and wacky West Virginia backers also threw bottles and T-shirts on the court. The unruliness prompted Coach Bob Huggins to address the crowd. The 18-3 Mountaineers have plenty to cheer about this season. The disruptive student section in the Coliseum is not one of them. Play even got physical in the second half. Pitt’s Gary McGhee and two WVU players got into a scuffle under the basket. The referee broke up the fight and charged the players with fouls. It’s too bad the rowdiness didn’t ignite the Panthers’ offense. It’s also a shame the home crowd can’t be as classy as the coach.
Jamie Dixon’s Panthers were outrebounded and outworked by Huggins’ team Wednesday in Morgantown. Da’Sean Butler scored 18 points to lead West Virginia. Butler had a trio of treys in the hardwood version of the Backyard Brawl. Kevin Jones added 16. Turkey native, Deniz Kilicli, had nine points in seven minutes for WVU. The freshman was a factor in the first half, going three of three from the field. The Panthers trailed by six at halftime and trimmed the lead to two following the break. J.J. Richardson, the little-used first year Pitt shooter, tallied five points in the span of one minute. Jermaine Dixon, playing injured, led the Panthers with 13 points, and Ashton Gibbs finished another sluggish night with 11. The visitors gained momentum during the second half but each highlight was halted by West Virginia. The Mountaineers resumed control of the game to take a ten point lead again. The Panthers did not record a field goal in the game’s final four minutes and missed on ten consecutive shots. Pitt wouldn’t get any closer than 43-41 and failed to pick up a rebound in the final 12 minutes. West Virginia went on a 15-4 run after the coin throwing incident to pull ahead 56-43 with six minutes on the clock. The Mountaineers were steady from long range and fed off the energetic home crowd to hand Pitt their sixth loss of the season. WVU was near 74% from the free throw line and had 11 takeaways. The Panthers were outrebounded 45-31. Devin Ebanks had 16 rebounds for West Virginia, more than half the total of the entire visiting team. Stunningly, Pitt’s second leading scorer, Brad Wanamaker, was held without a basket.
Parting Points: Can Kansas please not do this to be anymore? KU squeaks by 11-11 Colorado in overtime and Jayhawks fans are supposed to rejoice?
Thursday’s tune- Foo Fighters’ “Big Me”
Jamie Dixon’s Panthers were outrebounded and outworked by Huggins’ team Wednesday in Morgantown. Da’Sean Butler scored 18 points to lead West Virginia. Butler had a trio of treys in the hardwood version of the Backyard Brawl. Kevin Jones added 16. Turkey native, Deniz Kilicli, had nine points in seven minutes for WVU. The freshman was a factor in the first half, going three of three from the field. The Panthers trailed by six at halftime and trimmed the lead to two following the break. J.J. Richardson, the little-used first year Pitt shooter, tallied five points in the span of one minute. Jermaine Dixon, playing injured, led the Panthers with 13 points, and Ashton Gibbs finished another sluggish night with 11. The visitors gained momentum during the second half but each highlight was halted by West Virginia. The Mountaineers resumed control of the game to take a ten point lead again. The Panthers did not record a field goal in the game’s final four minutes and missed on ten consecutive shots. Pitt wouldn’t get any closer than 43-41 and failed to pick up a rebound in the final 12 minutes. West Virginia went on a 15-4 run after the coin throwing incident to pull ahead 56-43 with six minutes on the clock. The Mountaineers were steady from long range and fed off the energetic home crowd to hand Pitt their sixth loss of the season. WVU was near 74% from the free throw line and had 11 takeaways. The Panthers were outrebounded 45-31. Devin Ebanks had 16 rebounds for West Virginia, more than half the total of the entire visiting team. Stunningly, Pitt’s second leading scorer, Brad Wanamaker, was held without a basket.
Parting Points: Can Kansas please not do this to be anymore? KU squeaks by 11-11 Colorado in overtime and Jayhawks fans are supposed to rejoice?
Thursday’s tune- Foo Fighters’ “Big Me”
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
'Cuse Climbing in Conference
The Syracuse Orange came up on the winning end of a basketball game, something they’ve been doing plenty of this season. It was the 22nd time and ninth straight win for the program. The Orange cruised to their best start in school history and are currently ranked third in the nation. Sophomore Syracuse reserve, Kris Joseph, poured in a career high 23 points in his team’s Tuesday topping of Providence. Center, Arinze Onuaku piled on a season-high 20 in the 85-68 frying of the Friars at the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse improved to 14-1 this season after blowing most of a ten point first half lead. The Orange pounded the ball inside during an 11-0 run early in the contest. The hosts took an 18-8 lead with just over seven minutes into regulation. Syracuse shot 57.6% from the field but held just a three point advantage heading into halftime. Vincent Council logged 16 points and nine assists for Providence. The Friars’ freshman scored the final eight buckets of the first half as Providence closed in on the Orange lead. Jamine Peterson added 25 points for the visitors who have lost four of their last five games. Peterson was 3-of-8 from the arc and knocked down 11 rebounds in the loss. Marshon Brooks snagged 14 points for visiting Providence.
Onuaku was owner of half the Orange’s eight blocks Tuesday night. The senior charged the court in the second half, beginning with a resounding two-hand dunk. He fronted the 22-5 push to begin the second half and scored eight points in the paint in a seven minute stretch. Rick Jackson paired with Onuaku down low to contribute a career-high seven assists. The Friars came into the contest ranked fifth nationally in scoring. They managed just over 40% from the field and barely escaped a season low in points with 65. Providence did find gaps in the Orange zone and converted backdoor layups to stay within reach. But the Friars only had four second-chance points in the opening half. The Orange defense was too aggressive and succeeded in derailing the staggering Friars down the stretch. Wes Johnson, the Orange’s leading scorer, played only three minutes in the second half after crashing hard to the court during the first half. Johnson drained three pointers to punish Providence early on before being replaced in the second half. Syracuse humbled Keno Davis’ Friars with their deep bench. Joseph boosted the Orange off the pine with consistent play. Syracuse went out in front 64-41 with 11:24 remaining. The commanding surge was aided by Providence turnovers and Joseph’s four steals. Brandon Triche keyed the first half scoring to finish with 15 points for the Orange. Triche also went without a turnover in recording four assists at the Carrier Dome showdown. Villanova stands in the way of an Orange first place Big East standing. The second ranked Wildcats are 20-1 overall and undefeated in the conference. They’ve ripped off 11 straight victories. Syracuse’s only Big East loss came on the first game of 2010, a ten point plummeting against Pittsburgh. Villanova raids the Carrier Dome February 27th to close out the month with the most anticipated Big East game of the season. Conference bragging rights could very well be on the line.
Parting Points: Happy National Singing Day!
Sad note- Dick McGuire passed away today.
Syracuse improved to 14-1 this season after blowing most of a ten point first half lead. The Orange pounded the ball inside during an 11-0 run early in the contest. The hosts took an 18-8 lead with just over seven minutes into regulation. Syracuse shot 57.6% from the field but held just a three point advantage heading into halftime. Vincent Council logged 16 points and nine assists for Providence. The Friars’ freshman scored the final eight buckets of the first half as Providence closed in on the Orange lead. Jamine Peterson added 25 points for the visitors who have lost four of their last five games. Peterson was 3-of-8 from the arc and knocked down 11 rebounds in the loss. Marshon Brooks snagged 14 points for visiting Providence.
Onuaku was owner of half the Orange’s eight blocks Tuesday night. The senior charged the court in the second half, beginning with a resounding two-hand dunk. He fronted the 22-5 push to begin the second half and scored eight points in the paint in a seven minute stretch. Rick Jackson paired with Onuaku down low to contribute a career-high seven assists. The Friars came into the contest ranked fifth nationally in scoring. They managed just over 40% from the field and barely escaped a season low in points with 65. Providence did find gaps in the Orange zone and converted backdoor layups to stay within reach. But the Friars only had four second-chance points in the opening half. The Orange defense was too aggressive and succeeded in derailing the staggering Friars down the stretch. Wes Johnson, the Orange’s leading scorer, played only three minutes in the second half after crashing hard to the court during the first half. Johnson drained three pointers to punish Providence early on before being replaced in the second half. Syracuse humbled Keno Davis’ Friars with their deep bench. Joseph boosted the Orange off the pine with consistent play. Syracuse went out in front 64-41 with 11:24 remaining. The commanding surge was aided by Providence turnovers and Joseph’s four steals. Brandon Triche keyed the first half scoring to finish with 15 points for the Orange. Triche also went without a turnover in recording four assists at the Carrier Dome showdown. Villanova stands in the way of an Orange first place Big East standing. The second ranked Wildcats are 20-1 overall and undefeated in the conference. They’ve ripped off 11 straight victories. Syracuse’s only Big East loss came on the first game of 2010, a ten point plummeting against Pittsburgh. Villanova raids the Carrier Dome February 27th to close out the month with the most anticipated Big East game of the season. Conference bragging rights could very well be on the line.
Parting Points: Happy National Singing Day!
Sad note- Dick McGuire passed away today.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Finishing First
Do you ever wish you could go back in time to a certain day? If you could go back and change a few things or relive one special day, which would you choose? Today is Groundhog Day. Bill Murray’s classic film of the same name is about re-doing the same day over and over until you get it right. All of us probably have a handful of days we wish we could finish differently. Since this is a sports-themed blog, I’ll talk about the one day I wish I could get back as an athlete. I am pretty sure this day left a shadow on my tennis game forever.
It was August of my senior year in high school and the first time I was ever slated at first singles. The season had yet to begin. Our first preseason exhibition match was scheduled before school even started. Every year since I could remember, I dreamed of playing number one. This was my first crack at it, and I was anything but nervous. After all, I had prepared for this my entire high school career. I placed a brand new blue grip on my Wilson Pro Staff 98. My mom ironed my shirt and washed and pressed my shorts the night before the match. I remember stepping out onto the top court and thinking this is exactly where I belong. It’s where I want to be. I had played on this court so many times you could probably see my sneaker marks. I knew how the ball bounced at specific spots. I knew where the hidden cracks unexpectedly kicked up the ball when irritated. Court one was used in practice as the ball machine court. I practiced and perfected my groundstrokes for hours on court one. At times, I felt more at home on that court than if I were in my own bedroom.
My over exuberant coach announced the lineup as we snacked on apples and bagels on the bleachers. She proudly named be at number one and encouraged me to lead the team in our ritual pre-match prayer. If I could go back to that moment, I would have tried harder to encourage my teammates. I would have tried to make them believe in themselves as players. Too often, I think the role of leader gets lost on top players. They do not think about the bottom of the ladder. I know what it’s like to work your way up on a team. I could have at least cheered them on and rallied them with more enthusiasm. Coach informed me I was playing against a freshman. Piece of cake, I figured. I was four years older and obviously had more high school experience than some fresh-faced student who hadn’t stepped foot in high school yet. You know where this is going. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
My opponent barely greeted me as I opened a new can of tennis balls. In fact, she didn’t even introduce herself. If she smiled the entire match it was only because the sun was in her eyes and caused a squinting grin. The zero personality freshman’s parents were the most obnoxious creatures within a 30 mile radius of court one. They set up shop directly behind me and literally kept giving me dirty looks. After our warm-ups, we started to play. I served first, and won the first game with relative ease. If I could go back to that day, perhaps I would have looked those two nasty parents directly in the eye and just smiled. Nah that really is not my style. My opponent soon took over the match, controlling me with her smooth serves and wicked winners down the line. I was gasping for air by the fourth game and down on myself after letting her break me. I won just one game the first set. My opponent was quick to turn the scorecard in her favor after each game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a girl move so rapidly to a number than her that day. It was like she was on the clock, trying to dust me off in record time.
It turns out, she came pretty close to sweeping me off my home court in efficient fashion. I lost the second set 6-0. Just like that, my first shot at first singles was over. I felt like it barely started. She didn’t break a sweat, but her parents sure did after I took a 1-0 lead. I listened to my opponent cough up some excuse as to why she dropped the first game. From that point on, every time I hit the ball into the net, her parents cheered wildly. It was like a game to them. I learned a lot about myself that day. You can’t win them all, sure. But I already knew that. I learned that there are always going to be people players than you, even if they aren’t better human beings. Here I was in my senior year with so many memorable and great wins under my belt. I was ready for the next level. It was just my luck, that initial chance at the next level came against the player who would go on to win more than one division crown and make the state championship look like a cakewalk. After the match, I was consoled by my parents. They thought the world of me despite my dismal performance. Maybe that was the most valuable lesson from the day. No matter what happens, your parents still seem to find a way to make it better. They still love you even if you lose to a grouchy, pouty freshman. If I could go back, I would. I would relive the most humiliating match of my life. I would tell her my opponent she was the better player. I would tell her she was so talented and had so much potential. Years from now, people would be talking about her tennis I might add.
It is years later. I know for a fact my opponent that August day never went on to play at the next level. She got involved with the wrong people and ran into quite some trouble throughout the rest of her high school years. It’s a shame really. I doubt anything I could have said to her that day would have altered her path and the choices she made down the road. But who’s to say it wouldn’t have? Who’s to say that even in defeat, you can change someone’s life or even just make them think twice? I remember crushing other girls 6-0, 6-0 and then being told how awesome I was. It drove me harder and meant everything, even if they were not as skillful as me. I wonder if the girls I clobbered felt as miserably horrible as I did that day. It’s funny to think how many different ways different people remember you.
It’s incredible how I actually gave myself a chance in that preseason scrimmage. I now know she was the best player in the area. I know she could have beaten me on my best day. She knew that too. I wonder if her parents affected how she acted. I wonder if they hadn’t been at that match, would she have at least smiled? If her parents weren’t so involved in her tennis, would she still be swinging a racquet today? Here I am and this game still takes my breath away. I play because it’s what I do and what I love. She didn’t seem like she loved the game. I still sit around on August days and toss a tennis ball around my yard just for fun. Pleasant signals dance around in my head when I open a new can of tennis balls. I still go back to my high school. I only go because there are six tennis courts there that can fill a void nothing else in this world can fill. I’m thankful my parents are the way they are. I’m thankful I have had the opportunity to share the game I love with the people I love. Most of all, I am glad I got my first chance at the top. I didn’t finish the way I would have liked to, but I’m not sure I would change the ending after all. Finishing first isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Many times it’s not how you finish but how you got there that means the most.
Parting Points: “There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don't see any other way out. He's got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.”- Groundhog Day
It was August of my senior year in high school and the first time I was ever slated at first singles. The season had yet to begin. Our first preseason exhibition match was scheduled before school even started. Every year since I could remember, I dreamed of playing number one. This was my first crack at it, and I was anything but nervous. After all, I had prepared for this my entire high school career. I placed a brand new blue grip on my Wilson Pro Staff 98. My mom ironed my shirt and washed and pressed my shorts the night before the match. I remember stepping out onto the top court and thinking this is exactly where I belong. It’s where I want to be. I had played on this court so many times you could probably see my sneaker marks. I knew how the ball bounced at specific spots. I knew where the hidden cracks unexpectedly kicked up the ball when irritated. Court one was used in practice as the ball machine court. I practiced and perfected my groundstrokes for hours on court one. At times, I felt more at home on that court than if I were in my own bedroom.
My over exuberant coach announced the lineup as we snacked on apples and bagels on the bleachers. She proudly named be at number one and encouraged me to lead the team in our ritual pre-match prayer. If I could go back to that moment, I would have tried harder to encourage my teammates. I would have tried to make them believe in themselves as players. Too often, I think the role of leader gets lost on top players. They do not think about the bottom of the ladder. I know what it’s like to work your way up on a team. I could have at least cheered them on and rallied them with more enthusiasm. Coach informed me I was playing against a freshman. Piece of cake, I figured. I was four years older and obviously had more high school experience than some fresh-faced student who hadn’t stepped foot in high school yet. You know where this is going. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
My opponent barely greeted me as I opened a new can of tennis balls. In fact, she didn’t even introduce herself. If she smiled the entire match it was only because the sun was in her eyes and caused a squinting grin. The zero personality freshman’s parents were the most obnoxious creatures within a 30 mile radius of court one. They set up shop directly behind me and literally kept giving me dirty looks. After our warm-ups, we started to play. I served first, and won the first game with relative ease. If I could go back to that day, perhaps I would have looked those two nasty parents directly in the eye and just smiled. Nah that really is not my style. My opponent soon took over the match, controlling me with her smooth serves and wicked winners down the line. I was gasping for air by the fourth game and down on myself after letting her break me. I won just one game the first set. My opponent was quick to turn the scorecard in her favor after each game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a girl move so rapidly to a number than her that day. It was like she was on the clock, trying to dust me off in record time.
It turns out, she came pretty close to sweeping me off my home court in efficient fashion. I lost the second set 6-0. Just like that, my first shot at first singles was over. I felt like it barely started. She didn’t break a sweat, but her parents sure did after I took a 1-0 lead. I listened to my opponent cough up some excuse as to why she dropped the first game. From that point on, every time I hit the ball into the net, her parents cheered wildly. It was like a game to them. I learned a lot about myself that day. You can’t win them all, sure. But I already knew that. I learned that there are always going to be people players than you, even if they aren’t better human beings. Here I was in my senior year with so many memorable and great wins under my belt. I was ready for the next level. It was just my luck, that initial chance at the next level came against the player who would go on to win more than one division crown and make the state championship look like a cakewalk. After the match, I was consoled by my parents. They thought the world of me despite my dismal performance. Maybe that was the most valuable lesson from the day. No matter what happens, your parents still seem to find a way to make it better. They still love you even if you lose to a grouchy, pouty freshman. If I could go back, I would. I would relive the most humiliating match of my life. I would tell her my opponent she was the better player. I would tell her she was so talented and had so much potential. Years from now, people would be talking about her tennis I might add.
It is years later. I know for a fact my opponent that August day never went on to play at the next level. She got involved with the wrong people and ran into quite some trouble throughout the rest of her high school years. It’s a shame really. I doubt anything I could have said to her that day would have altered her path and the choices she made down the road. But who’s to say it wouldn’t have? Who’s to say that even in defeat, you can change someone’s life or even just make them think twice? I remember crushing other girls 6-0, 6-0 and then being told how awesome I was. It drove me harder and meant everything, even if they were not as skillful as me. I wonder if the girls I clobbered felt as miserably horrible as I did that day. It’s funny to think how many different ways different people remember you.
It’s incredible how I actually gave myself a chance in that preseason scrimmage. I now know she was the best player in the area. I know she could have beaten me on my best day. She knew that too. I wonder if her parents affected how she acted. I wonder if they hadn’t been at that match, would she have at least smiled? If her parents weren’t so involved in her tennis, would she still be swinging a racquet today? Here I am and this game still takes my breath away. I play because it’s what I do and what I love. She didn’t seem like she loved the game. I still sit around on August days and toss a tennis ball around my yard just for fun. Pleasant signals dance around in my head when I open a new can of tennis balls. I still go back to my high school. I only go because there are six tennis courts there that can fill a void nothing else in this world can fill. I’m thankful my parents are the way they are. I’m thankful I have had the opportunity to share the game I love with the people I love. Most of all, I am glad I got my first chance at the top. I didn’t finish the way I would have liked to, but I’m not sure I would change the ending after all. Finishing first isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Many times it’s not how you finish but how you got there that means the most.
Parting Points: “There is no way that this winter is ever going to end as long as this groundhog keeps seeing his shadow. I don't see any other way out. He's got to be stopped. And I have to stop him.”- Groundhog Day
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
