Thursday, June 17, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

U.S. Open golf championship 1st round: Unlikely Trio of Micheel, Casey & De Jonge Claim US Open Lead

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 10:10 PM PDT

Pebble Beach, CA, US – The 1st round of the United States Open golf championship is always a certain bet to create limitless surprises.

There were plenty on Thursday at Pebble Beach.

First surprise was the trio of leaders: former PGA champion Shaun Micheel, European star Paul Casey and Brendon de Jonge. They all played in the afternoon and finished with 69s, the only players to break 70.

Second surprise was the floundering of the pre-tournament favorites.

Phil Mickelson, who called his putting “horrific,” soared to a 75. Another pre-tournament favorite, Lee Westwood, shot 74. Tiger Woods, who said the afternoon greens “were awful,” matched Westwood’s round.

Third surprise was the fact that for the first time in a major or PGA Tour event, Woods and Mickelson played a round without either player making a birdie.

While Woods complained about the greens, they didn’t bother Casey, who used only 24 putts in his afternoon round to key his success. Casey admitted his expectations this week are low.

“I haven’t been playing that great,” he confessed after his round. “I went out and enjoyed the crowds, the scenery and turned it into 69.”

De Jonge turned his round with a sensational wedge shot at the 14th hole that hit about 15 feet right of the hole, spun back and rolled into the hole for eagle.

He hit another great shot at the scenic 17th and birdied that difficult hole to get his share of the lead.

Micheel hasn’t done much on tour since winning the 2003 PGA Championship. His motivation this week is different from the other leaders. He’s playing for his mother, who is battling cancer.

“I’m playing for somebody else. I used to worry about the money list, how I was playing. I’m playing for my mom. She’s battling cancer. I love my mom. She’s hanging in there,” Micheel said, the emotion showing in his voice.

Micheel offset a pair of bogeys on the back nine with birdies at 14 and 15 and made a nice 20-footer for birdie at 18 for his share of the lead.

One shot behind the three leaders was a group headed by Mike Weir. It was Weir who shot 64 last year at Bethpage Black to hold the first round lead in the 2009 Open.

Joining him were K.J. Choi, Ian Poulter, Raphael Cabrera-Bello, Alex Cejka and the 18-year-old Japanese star, Ryo Ishikawa, who birdied his final hole of the day to make his 70.

Only nine players in the field of 156 shot under Pebble’s par of 71. Four more shot even par.

In at 71 were Luke Donald, David Toms, Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell. The long-hitting Johnson is the winner of the past two events held at Pebble Beach, the 2009 and 2010 AT&T Pro-Am stops on the PGA Tour.

Scores started getting logjammed after that. Former Open champ Jim Furyk was in at 72.

Conditions were near-perfect Thursday. The winds were not overbearing but the course, as expected, was playing fast and firm.

“The setup was very fair,” Mickelson pointed out.

“No one’s going low out here,” Woods warned.

Which points to the fact that the eventual winner on Sunday may well win with an over-par score.

Typically, Open layouts get more difficult as the tournament progresses.

It was difficult enough during the first round.

“If I can shoot a decent round tomorrow (Friday) I’ll be in it,” Mickelson pointed out.

And after Thursday, there are more players in than out.

OPEN NOTEBOOK:

K.J. Choi was perhaps the biggest surprise among the players near the lead, especially considering his start. He went bogey-double-bogey on the first two holes of his round but rallied with six birdies the rest of the way for his 70.

How fast can things turn against you at Pebble? John Rollins was two-under and looking to join the leaders with just two holes to play. He missed the green at 17 in the long grass, shanked his second shot, chunked his third and ended up with a triple-bogey six. He then doubled 18 and turned 69 into 74.

Tiger Woods continued to complain about the greens after his round before finally deferring to his “it is what it is” routine. These are the same Poa annua greens Woods had no problems with in 2000. Woods three-putted twice Thursday.

Co-leader Brendon de Jonge comes to the tour from Zimbabwe then Virginia Tech and is a Nationwide Tour graduate.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Lakers vs Celtics Game 7: Who won the NBA Finals 2010

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 10:00 PM PDT

Los Angeles, CA, US- Pau Gasol made nineteen points & destroyed eighteen rebounds & Kobe Bryant added 23 points, lifting the Los Angeles Lakers to an 83-79 triumph over the Boston Celtics to seal the NBA Title Thursday.

The Lakers won the series 4-3 on the strength of an awesome display on the offensive glass.

L.A. held a 23-8 advantage in that area, and outmuscled the Celtics throughout the series.

Paul Pierce led the Celtics with 18 points, and all five Boston starters reached double-figures.

The Celtics built a double-digit lead in the opening half, but scored just 34 points between the second and third quarters.

The Lakers shot poorly throughout, with Gasol and Kobe combining to hit just 12 of 40 shots, but finally wore down the Celtics with a 30-22 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter.

Ron Artest was probably the difference in the Lakers title win, scoring 20 points, grabbing five rebounds and chipping in with five steals.

Rajon Rondo had the best all-around game for the Celtics, scoring 14 points with 10 assists and eight rebounds.

World Cup: Mexico Blanks France In Group B Play

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT

Andrew Lawn – AHN Sports Correspondent

South Africa (AHN) – Mexico put itself in the driver’s seat for qualification from Group B after a 2-0 over France Thursday in World Cup play.

A calm side foot into an open goal from Sanchez and a Blanco penalty were easily enough to see off a woeful French side.

Mexico now need only a point from Uruguay, which needs the same in both sides’ final game.

France meanwhile appears almost certain to go out at the first hurdle with hosts South Africa, and can expect a fierce reaction when it lands on home soil.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Commission Slams College Sports Spending, Urges Reform

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Washington, D.C.., United States (AHN) – A report by a panel of college reformers released Thursday calls for a range of financial and academic reforms.

The report was released by the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics following an 18-month study of college sports finances and criticizes the runaway spending on college sports in contrast to academics.

In the report entitled “Restoring the Balance: Dollars, Values, and the Future of College Sports,” it was revealed that athletic departments were spending between five and 11 times as much per athlete as the university was spending per student overall. This was arrived at when the commission looked at schools by conference.

The non-profit group, serving as a watchdog that has been proposing reform measures for more than 18 years, also revealed that spending on athletics by big-time college programs increased by 18 percent from 2005 through 2008.

That is nearly twice the rate of increase on academics spending in that same span.

According to the Knight Commission, the ten public institutions currently spending most on athletics are on pace to exceed the $250 million mark annually in athletics in 2020.

In its call for financial reforms, the Knight Commission also offers three principles for reform: public transparency of finances, new financial incentives for institutions prioritizing academic values and treating athletes as students first and foremost.

Under the second principle, the commission recommends that revenue distribution should be more closely tied to academic values.

It also calls for the creation of a new revenue distribution fund, called the Academic-Athletics Balance Fund, which would involve reallocating revenue currently awarded for success in the men’s basketball tournament.

Also, the commission recommends that unless schools meet certain academic requirements, including at least a 50-percent graduation rate, teams should not be eligible to compete for championships.

This is the third major report released in the 20-year history of the Knight Commission, which focuses on projects that promote informed and engaged communities and lead to transformational change.

Although the report carries no official weight, the NCAA does usually consider the commission’s recommendations.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Former Right Winger MacLean Named Devils New Head Coach

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

Newark, NJ, United States (AHN) – Former Devils right winger John MacLean was named New Jersey’s new head coach at a press conference at the Prudential Center Thursday.

MacLean, 45, played 19 seasons in the NHL, including 14 with the Devils through the 1996-97 season.

The Ontario native joined the coaching staff of the New Jersey Devils in 2002, and served as an assistant coach until July 2009, when he took over as the head coach at Lowell (AHL).

MacLean beat out former Penguins coach Michel Therrien and Chicago Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Haviland,

Selected sixth overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, McLean made his Devils debut on October 5, 1983 against the New York Rangers.

McLean notched 413 goals and 428 assists in 1189 NHL games.

He owns Devils’ franchise records in goals (347), power play goals (92) and hat tricks (6, tied with Patrik Eliáš).

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

AHN Courtside: Celtics Take 40-34 Lead At Half Of Decisive Game 7

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT

Dennis Freeman – AHN Sports Correspondent

Los Angeles, CA, United States (AHN) – The Boston Celtics took a 40-34 lead into halftime of Game 7 of the NBA Finals, thanks in part to their suffocating defense and the shooting of Paul Pierce.

Pierce scored 11 points through the first two quarter, and the Celtics held Lakers’ stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in check, limiting the duo to a combined 6-of-26 field goal shooting.

As a team, the Lakers shot just 26 percent for the half.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

WNBA: Douglas Leads Fever In Calming Surging Storm

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Indiana, IN, United States (AHN) – Katie Douglas tallied 15 points to set a team record, as the Indiana Fever toppled the red-hot Seattle Storm 72-65 Thursday at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Douglas, acquired by Indiana in a 2008 trade, became the fourth Fever player in franchise history to score 1,200 points. She also had six boards and four assists in the victory.

Tamika Catchings chipped in 12 points with six rebounds and Tammy Sutton-Brown scored nine and hauled in seven boards for the Fever (7-4), who have won five of their last six.

Indiana shrugged off a sluggish start and held the league-leading Storm to 37 percent shooting overall, while posting a 42.6 shooting clip in the contest.

After trailing 27-22 after the opening period, the Fever regrouped and pounded the Storm 13-7.

The Storm held a slim edge at halftime, 35-34, but Indiana dictated the tempo the rest of the way.

Lauren Jackson led the way for the Storm (9-2) with 17 points and nine rebounds. Sue Bird finished with 15 points in the setback.

The loss halted the five-game winning streak of the Storm, who still own the WNBA’s best mark.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Ben Askren Wins Bellator Welterweight Tournament

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT

Shawn Krest – AHN Sports Correspondent

Kansas City, Missouri, United States (AHN) – Ben Askren dominated Dan Hornbuckle on the way to a unanimous decision victory to win the Bellator Season Two Welterweight Tournament. The victory came in the main event of Bellator 22 in Kansas City Thursday night.

Askren earned a title shot against Season One winner and current Bellator Welterweight champion Lyman Good.

“Lyman, keep my belt warm. Shine it once a week, and enjoy it while it lasts,” said Askren. “Because I’m coming for it.”

A former Olympic wrestler, Askren used his ground skills to spend nearly all of the fight’s 15 minutes on top of Hornbuckle.

Askren scored takedowns in the first 25 seconds of all three rounds, then, save a pair of Hornbuckle sweeps and a brief escape, spent the remaining time on top.

“It was important to get on top early,” said Askren.

Askren was not content to control Hornbuckle, however. He showed off his developing ground and pound skills and also battered Hornbuckle with numerous knees to the body and legs.

“I went for a few submission attempts. I got close on a couple arm triangles but didn’t finish,” said Askren. “I thought my ground and pound was much improved over last time

Hornbuckle had two submission attempts from the bottom, catching Askren in a triangle choke after a series of upkicks in the second round. But Askren managed to slip out quickly each time.

In the third round, Hornbuckle used a kimura to sweep Askren, then attempted to cinch it tighter. But once Again Askren was able to slip out and reverse Hornbuckle.

All three judges scored the bout 30-27, as did AHN on the unofficial scorecard. With the win, Askren improved to 6-0 with his second straight decision victory. Hornbuckle snapped a six-fight win streak and fell to 21-3.

Thanks to a controversial victory in the first round, Askren fought Ryan Thomas twice in the Bellator tournament. He earned a first-round submission, but Thomas protested that he never tapped out of the guillotine choke.

In their semifinals rematch, Askren won 30-27 on all three cards.

Hornbuckle’s road to the finals consisted of two first-round submissions. He tapped Tyler Stinson with a triangle in the first round, then caught Steve Carl with a kimura in the semis.

In a female bout, Lisa Ward earned a spot in the Season Three tournament with a submission victory over Stephanie Frausto.

The 19-year-old Frausto, sister of Strikeforce female fighter Zoila Frausto, came out aggressively throwing punches, but ran into a big right hand from Ward. The punch stopped Frausto in her tracks, and Ward charged in for a takedown. After a brief ground and pound, Ward regained control and slipped in a rear naked choke.

The referee stopped the bout when Frausto went unconscious at 2:01 of the first round. Ward moved to 13-3 with her ninth submission while Frausto fell to 2-2.

With her spot in next season’s tournament secured, Ward called out Megumi Fujii, who will also be competing in Season Three. Fujii showcased her skills with a knockout victory at Bellator 21 last week. In 2007, Fujii defeated Ward with an armbar submission near the end of the first round. “I would like another shot at Megumi,” Ward said. “We have some unfinished business.”

Raphael Davis dominated Demetrius Richards in a light heavyweight matchup. Davis took Richards down into back control within 30 seconds, then battered him with hammer fists to the side of the head. Davis appeared to complain to the referee and the Kansas City crowd as he sat on Richards’ back, waiting for his prone opponent to put up some type of defense. When Richards tried to get up, Davis pinned him against the cage and threw knees to Richards, who tapped out at 2:51 of the first round.

“I was hoping for a little bit more,” said Richards. “He was hanging out on the ground. I wanted to get a little more ring time, so I’m a little frustrated.”

Davis moved to 9-1 with his seventh submission while Richards fell to 5-3.

In the most impressive knockout of the night, Jose Vega knocked Jarrod Card out cold with one punch. A huge left hook laid Card out 39 seconds into the fight.

“I’ve never had a knockout,” said Vega, whose seven previous victories were all by submission. “My hands have improved.”

With the win, Vega made a case for a slot in season three. “This kid was supposed to be in the 135 (pound) tournament. Where am I?” he asked. Vega’s win moved him to 8-3 while Card fell to 12-4-1.

Rudy Bears stopped Brian Green in the first round of their welterweight matchup. Bears kept Green at a distance with kicks to the legs and head, with one kick sending Green sprawling to the mat briefly.

Green threw a series of knees and had Bears backpedaling. Green tried to throw another knee, but Bears was able to counter with a left that floored him.

Bears pounced and pummeled Green with a long combination. The referee allowed the bout to continue, and Bears was easily able to catch the dazed Green in a rear naked choke. The tap came at 3:29 of the first. Bears moved to 11-5 with his fifth knockout while Green fell to 21-13.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Wizards Perhaps Ready To Go To Wall; Already Excited About Summer Ball

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT

Woody Lee – AHN Sports Reporter

Washington, DC, United States (AHN) – For most NBA fans, it’s difficult to get excited about the upcoming season during the summer, especially when the NBA Finals just ended Thursday night.

But for most fans of the Washington Wizards, the summer of 2010 is all about renewal. Of course, that’s easy to say, considering the disastrous season they just witnessed.

After losing 56 games over the course of a season that saw star player Gilbert Arenas suspended after a reported locker-room incident involving guns, the upcoming Washington Wizards season is all about starting over.

Considering the team’s new owner, Ted Leonsis, finalized his purchase of the team around the same time the Wizards were awarded the number one pick in the June 24th entry draft, the stars just may be aligned for the Wizards.

“I believe our future is truly bright,” Leonsis said in a press conference after his bid to purchase the Wizards was approved by the NBA. “In the last 20 years, there have been seven teams that have won the NBA championship. Six of those seven teams drafted the number-one or number-two pick.”

Making matters greater for the Wizards was the emergence this year of University of Kentucky’s John Wall, the guard universally considered the best player in this year’s draft.

Following his successful freshman season, Wall worked out for the Wizards last week and is expected to become an instant contributor in the team’s lineup.

So much so, that local sports fans in the nation’s capital have already circled July 11 on their calendar; the day the team plays its first game in the NBA Summer League.

“It felt good to come out here and show my talent to the coaching staff,” Wall told the media following his workout. But next season should still prove difficult for Wall and his expected teammates in Washington DC. “It’s going to be my first season,” Wall said. “So there’s still going to be a lot to learn.”

Aside from the transition to the bigger, faster NBA game, Wall will also have to find a new number to wear, as his number 11 was retired by the team in honor of forward Elvin Hayes. “That’s going to be tough,” admits Wall.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved

Iowa State Hires Lutz As Basketball Assistant

Posted: 17 Jun 2010 04:23 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Ames, IA, United States (AHN) – Former Charlotte men’s basketball coach Bobby Lutz has found a new job. He was named as an assistant at Iowa State Thursday.

Lutz, 52, the winningest coach in 49ers history, is expected to share his vast experience with the Cyclones.

He was dismissed at the end of last season after spending the last 12 years at Charlotte, his alma mater. Under Lutz, Charlotte made eight postseason appearances – - five NCAA, three NIT.

Prior to being promoted as the 49ers’ head coach, Lutz served as an assistant at his alma mater for three seasons. He compiled a 218-158 mark as the coach of the 49ers, who finished 19-12 this past season.

As head coach, Lutz registered 399 career wins at Charlotte and Pfeiffer University, an NAIA school. In his nine years at Pfeiffer, Lutz steered the Falcons to a 181-91 mark, including one berth in the NAIA championship game.

Lutz was also named head coach at Gardner-Webb University, but resigned after two weeks to take the post of assistant coach at his alma mater.

At Iowa State, he will be joining a Cyclones staff that includes T.J. Otzelberger, who was retained from Greg McDermott’s staff, and former Cyclone Jeff Grayer. The Iowa State men’s basketball team is currently coached by Fred Hoiberg, who was hired last April to take over the post vacated by McDermott.

Article © AHN – All Rights Reserved
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)