March is finally here. Set the madness in motion. The menacing Mountaineers pounded Georgetown 81-68 in the season’s final home game in Morgantown Monday night. WVU senior, Da’Sean Butler, posted 22 points in the hammering of the 19th ranked Hoyas. The university’s third leading scorer behind Jerry West and Rod Hundley also holds the school’s record with 100 games scoring in double figures. West Virginia’s emphatic thumping of their Big East rival clinches them a double bye into the quarterfinals of the conference tournament. Georgetown’s free fall continued. The Hoyas trailed by as many as 27 points in the early second half before losing their fourth game in five tries.
Number ten West Virginia honored three of their senior players before 13,211 fans Monday (Butler, Wellington Smith and Cam Payne). The Mountaineers tallied 24 points by forcing 20 Georgetown turnovers. The Hoyas committed 12 turnovers in the first half. The home team had nine the entire game. The Georgetown giveaways resulted in a crushing 43-26 halftime lead for Bob Huggins’ Mountaineers. Georgetown entered Monday’s contest without leading scorer, Austin Freeman. Hollis Thompson replaced Freeman, but was held to three points. Greg Monroe collected 22 points and nine rebounds and Chris Wright added 21 and 7 assists for the Hoyas. The visitors shot 67% from the charity stripe. Monroe went 6-of-9 on free throws attempts, hitting the rim and falling short on three near misses. Georgetown outshot WVU from the field and from downtown, but the Mountaineers broke the game open during the second half. West Virginia sailed ahead so far the Hoyas were playing catch-up the entire night. The Mountaineers’ up-tempo transition offense and tenacious defense produced enough pressure to stymie any Hoya chances.
Kevin Jones notched six points to push the home team’s lead to 53-26 in the second half. Jones finished with 14 points and Devin Ebanks turned in 15 for 23-6 WVU. The helpless Hoyas had four giveaways in the first three minutes of the second half. Wright pounded in 10 of his 21 points during the span as the Mountaineers went without a field goal for five minutes. The hosts still held a comfortable lead until the game’s final five minutes. Georgetown used runs of 9-0 and 8-0 to whittle the deficit to eleven points with less than seven minutes remaining. West Virginia did not sleep on their advantageous lead. A few bad Georgetown turnovers ended in crucial conversions on West Virginia’s end in the closing minutes. Butler helped pushed the margin back to double digits with an uncontested layup and a pair of free throws with three and a half minutes left. The Mountaineer lead never fell below double digits from that point on. WVU finished with a 12-2 home record this season. Glory-less Georgetown is 6-5 in road games. The Mountaineers currently sit in third place in the conference standings. They visit Villanova Saturday for the season finale. Some writers have the Mountaineers tagged as darkhorse title contenders in the NCAA tournament. It’s true the massive Mountaineer front line is explosive. WVU can punish and overwhelm most teams. They have been ranked high all year long but are also prone to giving up too many points early. WVU won’t have a lengthy tournament stay if they dig themselves a hole against top opponents.
Parting Points: I am very happy for Syracuse landing the number one ranking this week. However, as Jayhawks fan, I am disappointed Kansas dropped out of the top spot.
“Tomorrow never knows what it doesn’t know too soon”- Oasis’ “Morning Glory”
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Exceeding Expectations
Team USA was afforded a silver medal after a thrilling tournament in Vancouver. The red, white and blue skaters were clipped by Canada in overtime, 3-2. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby collected the game-winning goal in overtime for the host country. The closing ceremonies of the 2010 game followed shortly after Crosby beat Ryan Miller at 7:40 in the sudden death overtime. The 22 year old Stanley Cup winner hadn’t scored a point in more than three games, but was a mammoth factor in Sunday’s gold medal game.
The young Americans exceeded expectations at the Olympics. It was a monumental task for the USA to beat Canada twice in the one tournament. Ron Wilson’s American team was the youngest of any Olympic squad and really the surprise story of the games. Goalie Miller was awarded the tournament MVP and the team was 60 minutes from earning their first gold medal since the miracle in Lake Placid. Canada completed a remarkable renaissance of their own. After dropping a preliminary round game to the USA, 5-3, the Canadians surged to the final and capped it off by defeating an undefeated team. The Canadians had to win four games in six days. Sunday, they carried a 2-0 lead eight minutes into the second period. Blackhawks forward, Jonathan Toews, notched the first goal for Canada in the first period. Toews wristed in a rebound off Mike Richards’ shot at 12:50 to put the Canadians on board. Corey Perry followed with a snap past Miller at 7:13 of the second. Perry pounced on the puck intended for the USA’s Ryan Getzlaf. Canada outshot the Americans 10-8 in the opening frame and sustained little pressure through the first two periods.
Patrick Kane bolted toward the goal and flicked a low angle shot past Canada’s Roberto Luongo to trim the USA deficit to one in the third period. Ryan Kesler fed Kane the perfectly placed pass at 12:37 that made it a one goal game. The 21 year old Kane was stellar on defense after solving Luongo. He backchecked Crosby on a loose breakaway in the third period before the game’s eventual hero could fire a shot. The Canadians attacked hard and rattled shots off the post in the third period. The Americans remained aggressive and Miller continued to turn away shots. The Sabres netminder made 33 stops Sunday. Wilson pulled his goalie with 90 seconds to go in regulation. The frantic final minute featured an empty USA goal. Kane whirled a shot from behind Canada’s net that deflected off America’s captain, Jamie Langenbrenner. Forward, Zach Parise jumped on the rebound and found the net with 24 second remaining to tie the game at 2-2.
It seemed like team USA was headed to an outcome similar to 1980’s miracle over Russia. Canada has other things in mind as they outshot the Americans 7-4 in the extra session. Jarome Iginla tipped the puck to Crosby from the corner. The Penguins’ star hit a low and hard shot past Miller to set off a gold medal hockey celebration in Canada. The Olympic champions evaded and held off a fierce and vibrant team USA. They allowed a 2-0 lead vanish but withstood a determined American team. Luongo did not outplay Miller, but the Canadian backstop still made 34 saves and went 5-0 in the tournament. Sunday’s hockey gold was the eighth in Olympic history for team Canada.
Parting Points: Thank you Spartans for beating Purdue. Now, OSU has a shot at the Big 10 title with a victory Tuesday.
Monday tune- A truly American song- Blink 182’s “All the Small Things”
Speaking of small things--Happy St. David’s Day, Canada! (“do the little things”)
The young Americans exceeded expectations at the Olympics. It was a monumental task for the USA to beat Canada twice in the one tournament. Ron Wilson’s American team was the youngest of any Olympic squad and really the surprise story of the games. Goalie Miller was awarded the tournament MVP and the team was 60 minutes from earning their first gold medal since the miracle in Lake Placid. Canada completed a remarkable renaissance of their own. After dropping a preliminary round game to the USA, 5-3, the Canadians surged to the final and capped it off by defeating an undefeated team. The Canadians had to win four games in six days. Sunday, they carried a 2-0 lead eight minutes into the second period. Blackhawks forward, Jonathan Toews, notched the first goal for Canada in the first period. Toews wristed in a rebound off Mike Richards’ shot at 12:50 to put the Canadians on board. Corey Perry followed with a snap past Miller at 7:13 of the second. Perry pounced on the puck intended for the USA’s Ryan Getzlaf. Canada outshot the Americans 10-8 in the opening frame and sustained little pressure through the first two periods.
Patrick Kane bolted toward the goal and flicked a low angle shot past Canada’s Roberto Luongo to trim the USA deficit to one in the third period. Ryan Kesler fed Kane the perfectly placed pass at 12:37 that made it a one goal game. The 21 year old Kane was stellar on defense after solving Luongo. He backchecked Crosby on a loose breakaway in the third period before the game’s eventual hero could fire a shot. The Canadians attacked hard and rattled shots off the post in the third period. The Americans remained aggressive and Miller continued to turn away shots. The Sabres netminder made 33 stops Sunday. Wilson pulled his goalie with 90 seconds to go in regulation. The frantic final minute featured an empty USA goal. Kane whirled a shot from behind Canada’s net that deflected off America’s captain, Jamie Langenbrenner. Forward, Zach Parise jumped on the rebound and found the net with 24 second remaining to tie the game at 2-2.
It seemed like team USA was headed to an outcome similar to 1980’s miracle over Russia. Canada has other things in mind as they outshot the Americans 7-4 in the extra session. Jarome Iginla tipped the puck to Crosby from the corner. The Penguins’ star hit a low and hard shot past Miller to set off a gold medal hockey celebration in Canada. The Olympic champions evaded and held off a fierce and vibrant team USA. They allowed a 2-0 lead vanish but withstood a determined American team. Luongo did not outplay Miller, but the Canadian backstop still made 34 saves and went 5-0 in the tournament. Sunday’s hockey gold was the eighth in Olympic history for team Canada.
Parting Points: Thank you Spartans for beating Purdue. Now, OSU has a shot at the Big 10 title with a victory Tuesday.
Monday tune- A truly American song- Blink 182’s “All the Small Things”
Speaking of small things--Happy St. David’s Day, Canada! (“do the little things”)
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Lingering to Listen
The first frame sounds different than the last
Crowds wave signs, cheer loud and have a blast
Armed with noises, they roar and rant
Quietness and stillness are scant
The man on deck clatters confident and brash
The runner‘s stomp swishes like a puddle splash
There’s a frail silence in the final frame
They’re deaf to it in the beginning of the game
Each player listens carefully to the ump’s undulating call
During the ninth, the decisions come with a hyphenating stall
The hitter straddles the plate like a boater who’s rowing
A plopping bunt slap gets him to where he is going
The bleachers beat and children chide
The opposing pitcher to shake his pride
The wooden weapon whacks, a cracking shatter
Delivering the dashing and darting batter
A clunking collision in the early inning
Turns into a breathless gasp that hinges on winning
Plushy grass slows the ball to a whimper
Only in the end does it show its simper
The outfield plays tricks with the fielder’s glove
Taking the leather mitt and giving a shove
He slips as his feet give way to the ground
All that’s left is a simultaneous stunned sound
Their once emotional, energetic chimes
Are now carbon copies of muted mimes
Frozen faces look down as they walk away
Helmets hobble at the end of play
“You win some, you lose some,” says the coach with concern
Adjacent in the dugout, painful sobs of those who yearn
The unheard heartbreaking throbs are all they remember
It carries with them through and beyond December
Crowds wave signs, cheer loud and have a blast
Armed with noises, they roar and rant
Quietness and stillness are scant
The man on deck clatters confident and brash
The runner‘s stomp swishes like a puddle splash
There’s a frail silence in the final frame
They’re deaf to it in the beginning of the game
Each player listens carefully to the ump’s undulating call
During the ninth, the decisions come with a hyphenating stall
The hitter straddles the plate like a boater who’s rowing
A plopping bunt slap gets him to where he is going
The bleachers beat and children chide
The opposing pitcher to shake his pride
The wooden weapon whacks, a cracking shatter
Delivering the dashing and darting batter
A clunking collision in the early inning
Turns into a breathless gasp that hinges on winning
Plushy grass slows the ball to a whimper
Only in the end does it show its simper
The outfield plays tricks with the fielder’s glove
Taking the leather mitt and giving a shove
He slips as his feet give way to the ground
All that’s left is a simultaneous stunned sound
Their once emotional, energetic chimes
Are now carbon copies of muted mimes
Frozen faces look down as they walk away
Helmets hobble at the end of play
“You win some, you lose some,” says the coach with concern
Adjacent in the dugout, painful sobs of those who yearn
The unheard heartbreaking throbs are all they remember
It carries with them through and beyond December
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Coach Court Collision Costly in Comeback
The Dallas Mavericks kept their sixth game winning streak alive with a 111-103 overtime win in Atlanta Friday night. It was a battle of southwest versus southeast down at Philips Arena. Dirk Nowitzki had 37 points and hit a free throw on a technical foul to draw the Mavericks within one point before the end of regulation. Hawks’ coach, Mike Woodson, was called for the technical with just over one minute remaining. The refs called Woodson on the foul for being on the floor during play. Jason Kidd bumped the opposing coach. Without the foul, the Mavs may not have forced the overtime. Dallas needed to overcome a 14 point deficit in the fourth quarter. The technical assistance was facilitated their comeback charge. Kidd, the 36 year old Maverick guard, rolled up his 104th triple-double in the victory to help Dallas to their longest winning streak in two years. Kidd sits behind Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson at third most in NBA history in triple-doubles.
Atlanta controlled the game until the final seven minutes. Woodson’s team simply came apart and fell flat. The Mavs dusted off their rust and started playing smart ball down the stretch. Kidd keyed Dallas with 19 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds. He knocked down 9 shots, collected 4 rebounds, 3 assists and one steal in the game’s final five minutes. Kidd deposited three fourth quarter treys to fuel the Mavericks. Dallas trailed 86-71 going into the final quarter. Jamal Crawford, Atlanta’s sixth man, secured a pair of free throws with less than nine minutes left. Crawford and Josh Smith had 18 points each for the losing team. Smith had a career high seven steals. Kidd’s 11 points helped stage an improbable Dallas comeback and send the game into an extra session. Atlanta’s Mike Bibby asserted himself by stamping out a trey before the Hawks were charged with the infamous technical. Kidd notched a 3-pointer to put the Mavs on top 99-97 in the waning minute of the fourth quarter. Smith’s put-back tied the game at 99 to force overtime.
Dallas collected the first seven points of the overtime. The Hawks didn’t score until the final minute of the extra quarter, by which time Dallas all but won the contest. Joe Johnson netted 27 points and added 10 assists to lead the Hawks. Crawford, Bibby, Al Horford and Marvin Williams combined to finish 17-of-54 from the field. Nowitzki stockpiled 15-of-26 shots. Dirk’s Dallas teammates, Jason Terry chipped in 16 and Shawn Marrion amassed 14. Dallas won their Western conference best 19th road game, while the hometown hosts dropped their seventh in Atlanta.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Fight For Your Right (To Party)- Beastie Boys
Have you ever sung a song so many times in your head and never known the title or artist? I finally discovered the owner of one of those for me: “Kings and Queens” by 30 seconds to Mars
In other Texas hoops- The Rockets pulled out a 109-140 victory over San Antonio.
Atlanta controlled the game until the final seven minutes. Woodson’s team simply came apart and fell flat. The Mavs dusted off their rust and started playing smart ball down the stretch. Kidd keyed Dallas with 19 points, 17 assists and 16 rebounds. He knocked down 9 shots, collected 4 rebounds, 3 assists and one steal in the game’s final five minutes. Kidd deposited three fourth quarter treys to fuel the Mavericks. Dallas trailed 86-71 going into the final quarter. Jamal Crawford, Atlanta’s sixth man, secured a pair of free throws with less than nine minutes left. Crawford and Josh Smith had 18 points each for the losing team. Smith had a career high seven steals. Kidd’s 11 points helped stage an improbable Dallas comeback and send the game into an extra session. Atlanta’s Mike Bibby asserted himself by stamping out a trey before the Hawks were charged with the infamous technical. Kidd notched a 3-pointer to put the Mavs on top 99-97 in the waning minute of the fourth quarter. Smith’s put-back tied the game at 99 to force overtime.
Dallas collected the first seven points of the overtime. The Hawks didn’t score until the final minute of the extra quarter, by which time Dallas all but won the contest. Joe Johnson netted 27 points and added 10 assists to lead the Hawks. Crawford, Bibby, Al Horford and Marvin Williams combined to finish 17-of-54 from the field. Nowitzki stockpiled 15-of-26 shots. Dirk’s Dallas teammates, Jason Terry chipped in 16 and Shawn Marrion amassed 14. Dallas won their Western conference best 19th road game, while the hometown hosts dropped their seventh in Atlanta.
Parting Points: Song of the day- “Fight For Your Right (To Party)- Beastie Boys
Have you ever sung a song so many times in your head and never known the title or artist? I finally discovered the owner of one of those for me: “Kings and Queens” by 30 seconds to Mars
In other Texas hoops- The Rockets pulled out a 109-140 victory over San Antonio.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Cavs Curtail Celts
Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers captured the spotlight in the Eastern conference rivalry with the Boston Celtics. James scored 36 points in the Cavs’ creaming of the Celtics at TD Garden. Cleveland’s 108-88 victory ties them with Boston for the best road record in the NBA. The Cavs improved to 20-10 away from Ohio despite defensive depression in the first half. The Cavs assembled one of the finest second halves of the season to overcome the malaise. Cleveland held Boston to 22% shooting after halftime and outscored them by 28 points without Shaquille O’Neal. The Cavs limited the Celts to 3-of-21 shooting in the final quarter to snap a nine game losing streak in Boston.
Cleveland trailed for nearly all of the first three quarters until Mo Williams gave them a point lead in the fourth quarter. Williams made 14 of his 19 points in the fourth. The All-Star guard increased the visitor’s edge with consecutive three-pointers with less than five minutes in regulation. Williams was teased by Rajon Rondo, the Celtics guard, in the first half. The Cavs were sluggish in defending the ultra-quick Rondo, who finished with 19 points and 11 assists. Boston made 10 of their first 13 shots of the contest, with Rondo hitting five buckets and collecting as many assists. The home team was up by ten at the end of the opening quarter. Allen nailed two late 3-pointers in the first half after Nate Robinson notched one from downtown. The C’s carried a 56-48 lead into the locker room.
Cleveland shot 65% in the second half. James made it a fourteen point game by drilling the next four baskets. James added nine assists and seven rebounds while playing without his tenacious teammate. O’Neal suffered a thumb injury in the first half when Glen Davis whacked him trying to block a shot. Anderson Varejao was inserted into the lineup for Mike Brown’s Cavs in place of Shaq. The 27 year old Brazilian responded with 14 points and a team high 10 rebounds. Varejao picked apart the Celtics’ pick-and-roll game to keep Cleveland in a good position to comeback. Cleveland’s J.J. Hickson helped Varejao expose the Celtics in the paint. The Celtics were unable to contend after the break, especially during Cleveland’s portly fourth quarter. Boston played Thursday without Paul Pierce. The Celtic’s offense could have used the All-Star during the game’s final two minutes. They relied heavily on the outside shot instead of running through the lanes. They attempted 12 treys and made just one.
Ray Allen scored a Celtics’ game high 21 points as Boston fell 7 ½ games behind in the East. The Celtics are tied with the Hawks. Boston needs to start beefing up if they plan to compete and advance in the playoffs. Doc Rivers’ team can no longer afford to punt away sizable leads. They certainly cannot shoot a dismal 14% in any one quarter like they did at Thursday’s home fourth quarter. Cleveland plays Boston two more times this season. Celtics forward, Kevin Garnett scored 10 points in the loss. Garnett needs to show some leadership to spark Boston and snap their relaxed attitude. The Celts allowed the Cavs to top them at home for the first time since 2007. Boston puts up a fight, and even with their health issues, has been a remarkable NBA story this season. They need to be and stay more physical throughout the duration of the game.
Parting Points: TGIF…please make the snow go away.
Cleveland trailed for nearly all of the first three quarters until Mo Williams gave them a point lead in the fourth quarter. Williams made 14 of his 19 points in the fourth. The All-Star guard increased the visitor’s edge with consecutive three-pointers with less than five minutes in regulation. Williams was teased by Rajon Rondo, the Celtics guard, in the first half. The Cavs were sluggish in defending the ultra-quick Rondo, who finished with 19 points and 11 assists. Boston made 10 of their first 13 shots of the contest, with Rondo hitting five buckets and collecting as many assists. The home team was up by ten at the end of the opening quarter. Allen nailed two late 3-pointers in the first half after Nate Robinson notched one from downtown. The C’s carried a 56-48 lead into the locker room.
Cleveland shot 65% in the second half. James made it a fourteen point game by drilling the next four baskets. James added nine assists and seven rebounds while playing without his tenacious teammate. O’Neal suffered a thumb injury in the first half when Glen Davis whacked him trying to block a shot. Anderson Varejao was inserted into the lineup for Mike Brown’s Cavs in place of Shaq. The 27 year old Brazilian responded with 14 points and a team high 10 rebounds. Varejao picked apart the Celtics’ pick-and-roll game to keep Cleveland in a good position to comeback. Cleveland’s J.J. Hickson helped Varejao expose the Celtics in the paint. The Celtics were unable to contend after the break, especially during Cleveland’s portly fourth quarter. Boston played Thursday without Paul Pierce. The Celtic’s offense could have used the All-Star during the game’s final two minutes. They relied heavily on the outside shot instead of running through the lanes. They attempted 12 treys and made just one.
Ray Allen scored a Celtics’ game high 21 points as Boston fell 7 ½ games behind in the East. The Celtics are tied with the Hawks. Boston needs to start beefing up if they plan to compete and advance in the playoffs. Doc Rivers’ team can no longer afford to punt away sizable leads. They certainly cannot shoot a dismal 14% in any one quarter like they did at Thursday’s home fourth quarter. Cleveland plays Boston two more times this season. Celtics forward, Kevin Garnett scored 10 points in the loss. Garnett needs to show some leadership to spark Boston and snap their relaxed attitude. The Celts allowed the Cavs to top them at home for the first time since 2007. Boston puts up a fight, and even with their health issues, has been a remarkable NBA story this season. They need to be and stay more physical throughout the duration of the game.
Parting Points: TGIF…please make the snow go away.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Thursday Take-Twos (Hockey Happenings)
Team USA skated past a fundamentally-sound Swiss team to remain undefeated at the Vancouver games. The Americans outshot Switzerland 44-19 on route to a 2-0 win. Twenty-five year old New Jersey Devil, Zach Parise, scored both goals to help the USA advance to the semifinals. The top seeded Americans are 4-0 at the 2010 Olympics and two victories away from a gold medal. Team USA plays Finland on Friday.
Swiss backstop, Jonas Hiller, denied the USA with 42 saves. The left-handed Anaheim goalie allowed a goal in the third period off a Parise power play wrist shot to break the scoreless tie. The top-line forward sealed the game with his second goal, an empty-netter with eleven seconds remaining in regulation. The taut quarterfinal battle was a nerve-wracking and frustrating one for the Americans. Hiller smothered all U.S. attempts in the first two periods. Hiller dealt with shots, blasts and rebounds as the youthful US was unable to crack through with a goal. A team USA goal was disallowed because it came .1 second after the second period whistle. Parise finally solved Hiller’s brilliance by catching the talented netminder off balance. Ryan Miller, the American goalie from the Buffalo Sabres, was equally impressive. Miller made 19 saves in the stirring contest. Miller recorded the first American shutout in the Olympics since 2002.
Canada’s convincing and commanding 7-3 romping of rival Russia advances the host country to the semifinal round in men’s hockey. The world champion superpower Russians were dominated from start to finish in their quarterfinal contest with Canada. Ryan Getzlaf scored with two and a half minutes into the game to lift the Canadians to a 1-0 lead. The Russians notched their first goal off Roberto Luongo after Canada built a 3-0 advantage in the first. Canada’s Dan Boyle scored a goal and had two assists against his Anaheim teammate, goalie Evgeni Nabokov. Dimitri Kalinin sliced the Canadian lead to 3-1 with Russia’s first goal. Luongo replaced New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur after Canada fell to the Americans.
The Russians didn’t get many chances to fire shots because of the tight Canadian defense. The focused Canucks took advantage of Nabokov’s terrible goaltending. They increased their edge to 4-1 before the second period began before staging a four-goal win. Canada’s Brandon Morrow attacked the San Jose goalie for a soft goal to end the second period. Ilya Bryzgalov replaced Nabokov after Corey Perry and Shea Weber accounted for two more Canadian goals, for a 6-1 lead. Maxim Afinogenov responded with a Russian goal to pull his team within four of tying the score. Canada reestablished the five goal benefit on Perry’s second goal of the game. Sergei Gonchar slapped a shot past Luongo from the point to make it a 7-3 final. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin were merely non-factors for their teams in the quarterfinal contest. Neither player had a point during the 10 goal affair. Luongo recorded 25 goals as the Canadians bounced back from a dismal defeat. The Russians were eliminated with the loss, and Canada goes on to face Slovakia. If both the USA and Canada advance on Friday, a rematch will be in order.
Parting Points: How does Pitt lose to Notre Dame without Luke Harangody?
Evan Turner rescues Ohio State by saving their bacon against Penn State. Gotta love #21.
Swiss backstop, Jonas Hiller, denied the USA with 42 saves. The left-handed Anaheim goalie allowed a goal in the third period off a Parise power play wrist shot to break the scoreless tie. The top-line forward sealed the game with his second goal, an empty-netter with eleven seconds remaining in regulation. The taut quarterfinal battle was a nerve-wracking and frustrating one for the Americans. Hiller smothered all U.S. attempts in the first two periods. Hiller dealt with shots, blasts and rebounds as the youthful US was unable to crack through with a goal. A team USA goal was disallowed because it came .1 second after the second period whistle. Parise finally solved Hiller’s brilliance by catching the talented netminder off balance. Ryan Miller, the American goalie from the Buffalo Sabres, was equally impressive. Miller made 19 saves in the stirring contest. Miller recorded the first American shutout in the Olympics since 2002.
Canada’s convincing and commanding 7-3 romping of rival Russia advances the host country to the semifinal round in men’s hockey. The world champion superpower Russians were dominated from start to finish in their quarterfinal contest with Canada. Ryan Getzlaf scored with two and a half minutes into the game to lift the Canadians to a 1-0 lead. The Russians notched their first goal off Roberto Luongo after Canada built a 3-0 advantage in the first. Canada’s Dan Boyle scored a goal and had two assists against his Anaheim teammate, goalie Evgeni Nabokov. Dimitri Kalinin sliced the Canadian lead to 3-1 with Russia’s first goal. Luongo replaced New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur after Canada fell to the Americans.
The Russians didn’t get many chances to fire shots because of the tight Canadian defense. The focused Canucks took advantage of Nabokov’s terrible goaltending. They increased their edge to 4-1 before the second period began before staging a four-goal win. Canada’s Brandon Morrow attacked the San Jose goalie for a soft goal to end the second period. Ilya Bryzgalov replaced Nabokov after Corey Perry and Shea Weber accounted for two more Canadian goals, for a 6-1 lead. Maxim Afinogenov responded with a Russian goal to pull his team within four of tying the score. Canada reestablished the five goal benefit on Perry’s second goal of the game. Sergei Gonchar slapped a shot past Luongo from the point to make it a 7-3 final. Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin were merely non-factors for their teams in the quarterfinal contest. Neither player had a point during the 10 goal affair. Luongo recorded 25 goals as the Canadians bounced back from a dismal defeat. The Russians were eliminated with the loss, and Canada goes on to face Slovakia. If both the USA and Canada advance on Friday, a rematch will be in order.
Parting Points: How does Pitt lose to Notre Dame without Luke Harangody?
Evan Turner rescues Ohio State by saving their bacon against Penn State. Gotta love #21.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Perfect in Providence
Scintillating Syracuse is a fun team to follow. The fourth ranked Orange remained perfect on the road this season after defeating Providence 99-85. Syracuse improved to 26-2 and 13-2 in the Big East with a win over the Friars Tuesday night in Rhode Island’s Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Rick Jackson and Andy Rautins scored 28 points each to steer Syracuse to a shootout success.
Providence’s 85 points were the most by any Syracuse opponent this season. The Friars fired ten first half 3-pointers, and finished the game with a fervent fourteen. Providence tallied 13 points in the opening period to take the lead after the Orange built a 34-25 edge in the game’s first six minutes. Rautins rolled a 3-pointer just before the half, and has been hitting 57% from downtown through the last three games. The Orange found themselves down by five at the half. Providence shot 59% in the stirring first half. It was just the second time this season the Orange trailed at the break. The home team took a 55-47 advantage on Jamine Peterson’s trey to open the second half. Peterson and Marshon Brooks both scored 23 points for Providence. The Orange were forced to get defensive after halftime. Jim Boeheim’s Orange held Providence to one basket over a nine minute span in the third period. The Friars, losers of six straight games, went 4-for-14 from the arc in the second half.
Syracuse slashed the Friars’ lead with fourteen unanswered points to start the second half. Brandon Triche followed his steal with a fastbreak layup and Wes Johnson notched a jumper to complete the 14-0 run for Syracuse. The Orange decimated a 55-47 deficit into a crushing 73-57 advantage. Syracuse pushed the lead for good in the game’s last fifteen minutes. Providence lacked any inside punch as the Orange’s perimeter defense adjusted from protecting the high post to stuffing the outside shot. The Friars hardly responded to the change in coverage. Providence pounded 16 points in the paint during the second half after scoring 18 in the first. The Friars were outscored 52-33 in the second half. They also committed 16 turnovers, including 11 after the half. Feisty Orange forward, Arinze Onuaku collected 12 points and nine rebounds in nineteen minutes. Johnson had 10 points, five steals and three blocks in the win. The victory gives Syracuse a first round double bye in the conference tournament and a number one seed in the NCAAs. Tuesday’s triumph in Providence host Villanova at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. An Orange win coupled with any Pittsburgh loss would give Syracuse at least a share of the Big East title. Boeheim’s club has yet to lose a conference game this season.
Parting Points:
Hump day hit- Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You”
Happy Birthday, Mom-
“You too, my mother, read my rhymes
For love of unforgotten times,
And you may chance to hear once more
The little feet along the floor.” -Robert Louis Stevenson
Providence’s 85 points were the most by any Syracuse opponent this season. The Friars fired ten first half 3-pointers, and finished the game with a fervent fourteen. Providence tallied 13 points in the opening period to take the lead after the Orange built a 34-25 edge in the game’s first six minutes. Rautins rolled a 3-pointer just before the half, and has been hitting 57% from downtown through the last three games. The Orange found themselves down by five at the half. Providence shot 59% in the stirring first half. It was just the second time this season the Orange trailed at the break. The home team took a 55-47 advantage on Jamine Peterson’s trey to open the second half. Peterson and Marshon Brooks both scored 23 points for Providence. The Orange were forced to get defensive after halftime. Jim Boeheim’s Orange held Providence to one basket over a nine minute span in the third period. The Friars, losers of six straight games, went 4-for-14 from the arc in the second half.
Syracuse slashed the Friars’ lead with fourteen unanswered points to start the second half. Brandon Triche followed his steal with a fastbreak layup and Wes Johnson notched a jumper to complete the 14-0 run for Syracuse. The Orange decimated a 55-47 deficit into a crushing 73-57 advantage. Syracuse pushed the lead for good in the game’s last fifteen minutes. Providence lacked any inside punch as the Orange’s perimeter defense adjusted from protecting the high post to stuffing the outside shot. The Friars hardly responded to the change in coverage. Providence pounded 16 points in the paint during the second half after scoring 18 in the first. The Friars were outscored 52-33 in the second half. They also committed 16 turnovers, including 11 after the half. Feisty Orange forward, Arinze Onuaku collected 12 points and nine rebounds in nineteen minutes. Johnson had 10 points, five steals and three blocks in the win. The victory gives Syracuse a first round double bye in the conference tournament and a number one seed in the NCAAs. Tuesday’s triumph in Providence host Villanova at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. An Orange win coupled with any Pittsburgh loss would give Syracuse at least a share of the Big East title. Boeheim’s club has yet to lose a conference game this season.
Parting Points:
Hump day hit- Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You”
Happy Birthday, Mom-
“You too, my mother, read my rhymes
For love of unforgotten times,
And you may chance to hear once more
The little feet along the floor.” -Robert Louis Stevenson
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