Showing posts with label POD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label POD. Show all posts
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Labels:
NBA,
POD,
San Antonio Spurs,
Utah Jazz
POD: San Antonio @ Utah+2.0 (3K units)
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Alaska,
PBA,
POD,
Sta. Lucia
POD: Alaska-3.5 vs. Sta. Lucia (3K units) W
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San Miguel-6.5 vs. Rain or Shine
San Miguel-6.5 vs. Rain or Shine
Preview: After facing them twice in the playoff the past two years, including a face-off in the 2007 Finals, Alaska coach Tim Cone knows fully well that they will be in for a rough sailing against the Sta. Lucia Realtors.
“They always bring great discipline, as well as defensive intensity to their game,” said Cone on Tuesday as they prepare for a grudge rematch with the Realtors this Wednesday in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Like in their previous games, experts predict another emotional encounter, if not a bruising one when they clash in the featured match at 4 p.m.
The Aces, for one, are out to extend their four-game winning run in the season-ending tournament.
The Realtors, on the other hand, are determined to improve their 3-1 card. If they win, they will grab a piece of the lead with the Aces. San Miguel Beer (2-2) meets winless Rain or Shine (0-4) in the curtain raiser at 5 p.m.
Of the Aces’ four wins, two were against pre-season top contenders, beating the Beermen in Panabo City, 85-74, and the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 105-92, last October 25.
However, they will be up against the Realtors who are coming off a 101-93 victory over the Burger King Whoppers last Friday, that made up for their 83-100 setback to defending champion Talk ’N Text.
Cone said much of the early success of Sta. Lucia should be credited to the motivating power of coach Boyet Bautista – who was one of the tough guards during his time in the league.
Also, Cone said that the trades SLR made in the off-season by acquiring Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana, as well as comebacking Ardy Larong and rookie Josh Urbiztondo, who scored a career-best 24 points against BK, has helped SLR with its running game.
“They have more quickness for this year, which we’ll have to overcome,” he said.
Like Cone, Fernandez sees a tough battle with the Aces, saying: “We need to bring our A-game.”
“Alaska beat us in a tune-up game, so we know what they can do. We have to stay disciplined in our execution and have a solid defensive game if we want to get our fourth win,” he added.
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LA Clippers,
Minnesota Timberwolves,
NBA,
POD
POD: Minnesota @ LA Clippers-8.5 (3K units) L
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Preview: With an injury to their No. 1 overall draft pick and four consecutive losses, it was a difficult first week of the season for the Los Angeles Clippers.
They’ll look to change their fortunes Monday night, when they try to snap a three-game home losing streak to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Drafting Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin(notes) with the first selection in the draft was supposed to help turn around the fortunes of a Clippers franchise that’s been to the playoffs four times since 1976. After the team confirmed a stress fracture in Griffin’s left kneecap last Monday, though, Los Angeles opened the 2009-10 campaign with last season’s consensus college player of the year sidelined up to six weeks.
“He could play on it, but it won’t get better,” Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. “Once that became apparent, there was no question: Let’s shut it down. Him playing at a lesser level isn’t going to do us much good.”
Without Griffin, the Clippers find themselves where they were last season: 0-4.
Los Angeles snapped its six-game slide to open 2008-09 with a victory over Dallas, but the Clippers couldn’t repeat that effort this season, falling to the Mavericks 93-84 on Saturday.
Center Chris Kaman(notes) grabbed 11 rebounds and scored a career-high 27 points, but his hook shot with 4:41 left was Los Angeles’ only field goal in the final seven-plus minutes.
“We need to start playing harder in the fourth quarter,” second-year guard Eric Gordon(notes) said. “We also need to do a better job of stopping the other team on defense. We had a couple of good runs and a few leads, but they made big plays and made the tough shots in the end.”
Kaman missed the first two games against Minnesota last season with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and also did not play in an 87-77 loss to the visiting Timberwolves on April 7 due to flu-like symptoms.
Gordon hit five 3-pointers and scored 28 points in that game - the Clippers’ third straight home loss to Minnesota.
The Timberwolves (1-2) make their first visit to Los Angeles this season following Sunday’s 120-112 loss at Phoenix.
Minnesota pulled within 110-105 with 3:13 left on Ryan Hollins’(notes) jumper, but the Suns outscored the Timberwolves 8-2 until Ryan Gomes’(notes) 3-pointer with 12 seconds remaining.
“These guys are young,” said first-year coach Kurt Rambis, who returns to Los Angeles, where he was a Lakers assistant for 10 years. “Without experience or knowledge, they don’t know how to play against them (the Suns). They don’t understand all the nuances of playing a team like that. Late in the game, we gave ourselves a chance. But they made a couple of shots down the stretch.”
Gomes had 23 points and 15 rebounds while teammate Al Jefferson(notes) scored 21 and shot 9 of 23. Still working his way back from an Achilles’ injury, Jefferson played a season-high 33 minutes.
He averaged 24.0 points and 12.5 boards in the first two games against the Clippers last season before missing the April 7 matchup with a torn ACL.
Minnesota is shooting 41.7 percent from the field, including 28.1 percent from long distance.
The Clippers are 0-4 for the fifth time in their history.
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MLB,
New York Yankees,
Philadelphia Phillies,
POD
POD: NY Yankees @ Philadelphia+1.5 (3K units) L
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Preview: The New York Yankees wanted a dominant pitcher to lead them deep into the postseason, so they made CC Sabathia(notes) the richest pitcher in baseball history. Now, Sabathia can now move them within a victory of their first World Series title in nine years.
The workhorse will take the ball on three days’ rest Sunday night when the Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies play Game 4 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park.
The Yankees turned an early 3-0 deficit into an 8-5 victory in Saturday night’s Game 3, claiming a 2-1 lead in the series. Alex Rodriguez(notes), Nick Swisher(notes) and Hideki Matsui(notes) all homered for New York, with Rodriguez’s two-run shot in the fourth inning the result of the first video replay reversal in World Series history.
After watching their 13-year streak of playoff appearances come to an end last fall, the Yankees felt upgrading their rotation was a priority if they were going to challenge for their first World Series title since winning No. 26 in 2000. Landing Sabathia via free agency - for $161 million over seven years - has proven to be the right move.
The left-hander’s first season in the Bronx was a rousing success, as he went 19-8 with a 3.37 ERA to garner consideration for his second AL Cy Young Award and help the Yankees back to the playoffs.
Sabathia - the 2007 Cy Young winner with Cleveland - hasn’t slowed in the postseason, posting a 3-1 record and 1.52 ERA and winning AL championship series MVP honors. Now, he’ll take the mound on three days’ rest, a situation in which he is quite capable. Including postseason, Sabathia is 5-3 with a 3.16 ERA in eight starts when throwing on short rest.
“I hate to throw bullpens,” said Sabathia, who took the loss in Game 1 opposite Phillies ace Cliff Lee(notes) while allowing two runs on homers by Chase Utley(notes) in seven innings. “I don’t have to throw a bullpen when I pitch on three days’ rest.
“It feels good for them to have confidence in you, especially in these situations. It gives you confidence when your team has confidence and the guys want you out there and everybody is asking: ‘Are you pitching today?’ and ‘Are you pitching tomorrow?’”
Yankees manager Joe Girardi has elected to shorten the rotation to Sabathia, A.J. Burnett(notes) and Andy Pettitte(notes) - Saturday’s winning pitcher. Burnett is expected to start Monday.
“There is no baseball after the World Series for four or five months, so there will be plenty of time to rest,” Girardi said.
Girardi also used Sabathia on short rest in Game 4 of the ALCS, and the three-time All-Star allowed one run in eight innings of a 10-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has opted not to ask Lee to pitch on three days’ rest for the first time in his career. Instead, Lee is scheduled to start Monday’s Game 5 in what could be an elimination contest.
Joe Blanton(notes) gets the nod in Game 4 for a second consecutive year. The right-hander combined with four relievers on a five-hitter in a 10-2 win over Tampa Bay last October that gave the Phillies a 3-1 World Series lead. He also hit the first World Series home run by a pitcher since Oakland’s Ken Holtzman in 1974.
“It’s a big game, but it’s another game,” Blanton said. “And I think just the experience you draw from last year, just the fact that you’ve been there before, you’ve been in that environment, you’ve been in that atmosphere, you’ve kind of been in that big game situation - and you can just kind of draw back and kind of keep your emotions in check.”
Blanton hasn’t had any success against the Yankees, going 0-3 with an 8.18 ERA in four starts. All of those games came with Oakland, where he spent four-plus seasons before joining Philadelphia last year in a midseason trade.
Blanton has also struggled against Alex Rodriguez, who is 4 for 7 with two homers in their matchups.
The third baseman’s homer Saturday was the first of his career in the World Series, and snapped a personal 0-for-8 slump. It was also his sixth homer of this postseason, tying a Yankees record set by Bernie Williams(notes) in 1996.
“It was a big hit. I think it woke our offense up a little bit,” said Rodriguez, who struck out three times in each of the previous two games.
The Phillies are hoping their marquee slugger, Ryan Howard(notes), can break out of his slump in similar fashion.
The NLCS MVP is 2 for 13 with an RBI and nine strikeouts in the Series, fanning three times Saturday.
“Go home and go to sleep. I’m a simple guy,” Howard - 4 for 12 with six strikeouts against Sabathia including postseason - said after the Game 3 loss. “We’re not going to panic by any means just because we’re down in the Series.”
It may not be time to panic yet, but history doesn’t provide Philadelphia cause for optimism. This is the fourth time the Phillies have trailed 2-1 in a World Series. On all three previous occasions, they went on to lose Game 4 - and the series.
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Preview: The New York Yankees wanted a dominant pitcher to lead them deep into the postseason, so they made CC Sabathia(notes) the richest pitcher in baseball history. Now, Sabathia can now move them within a victory of their first World Series title in nine years.
The workhorse will take the ball on three days’ rest Sunday night when the Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies play Game 4 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park.
The Yankees turned an early 3-0 deficit into an 8-5 victory in Saturday night’s Game 3, claiming a 2-1 lead in the series. Alex Rodriguez(notes), Nick Swisher(notes) and Hideki Matsui(notes) all homered for New York, with Rodriguez’s two-run shot in the fourth inning the result of the first video replay reversal in World Series history.
After watching their 13-year streak of playoff appearances come to an end last fall, the Yankees felt upgrading their rotation was a priority if they were going to challenge for their first World Series title since winning No. 26 in 2000. Landing Sabathia via free agency - for $161 million over seven years - has proven to be the right move.
The left-hander’s first season in the Bronx was a rousing success, as he went 19-8 with a 3.37 ERA to garner consideration for his second AL Cy Young Award and help the Yankees back to the playoffs.
Sabathia - the 2007 Cy Young winner with Cleveland - hasn’t slowed in the postseason, posting a 3-1 record and 1.52 ERA and winning AL championship series MVP honors. Now, he’ll take the mound on three days’ rest, a situation in which he is quite capable. Including postseason, Sabathia is 5-3 with a 3.16 ERA in eight starts when throwing on short rest.
“I hate to throw bullpens,” said Sabathia, who took the loss in Game 1 opposite Phillies ace Cliff Lee(notes) while allowing two runs on homers by Chase Utley(notes) in seven innings. “I don’t have to throw a bullpen when I pitch on three days’ rest.
“It feels good for them to have confidence in you, especially in these situations. It gives you confidence when your team has confidence and the guys want you out there and everybody is asking: ‘Are you pitching today?’ and ‘Are you pitching tomorrow?’”
Yankees manager Joe Girardi has elected to shorten the rotation to Sabathia, A.J. Burnett(notes) and Andy Pettitte(notes) - Saturday’s winning pitcher. Burnett is expected to start Monday.
“There is no baseball after the World Series for four or five months, so there will be plenty of time to rest,” Girardi said.
Girardi also used Sabathia on short rest in Game 4 of the ALCS, and the three-time All-Star allowed one run in eight innings of a 10-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has opted not to ask Lee to pitch on three days’ rest for the first time in his career. Instead, Lee is scheduled to start Monday’s Game 5 in what could be an elimination contest.
Joe Blanton(notes) gets the nod in Game 4 for a second consecutive year. The right-hander combined with four relievers on a five-hitter in a 10-2 win over Tampa Bay last October that gave the Phillies a 3-1 World Series lead. He also hit the first World Series home run by a pitcher since Oakland’s Ken Holtzman in 1974.
“It’s a big game, but it’s another game,” Blanton said. “And I think just the experience you draw from last year, just the fact that you’ve been there before, you’ve been in that environment, you’ve been in that atmosphere, you’ve kind of been in that big game situation - and you can just kind of draw back and kind of keep your emotions in check.”
Blanton hasn’t had any success against the Yankees, going 0-3 with an 8.18 ERA in four starts. All of those games came with Oakland, where he spent four-plus seasons before joining Philadelphia last year in a midseason trade.
Blanton has also struggled against Alex Rodriguez, who is 4 for 7 with two homers in their matchups.
The third baseman’s homer Saturday was the first of his career in the World Series, and snapped a personal 0-for-8 slump. It was also his sixth homer of this postseason, tying a Yankees record set by Bernie Williams(notes) in 1996.
“It was a big hit. I think it woke our offense up a little bit,” said Rodriguez, who struck out three times in each of the previous two games.
The Phillies are hoping their marquee slugger, Ryan Howard(notes), can break out of his slump in similar fashion.
The NLCS MVP is 2 for 13 with an RBI and nine strikeouts in the Series, fanning three times Saturday.
“Go home and go to sleep. I’m a simple guy,” Howard - 4 for 12 with six strikeouts against Sabathia including postseason - said after the Game 3 loss. “We’re not going to panic by any means just because we’re down in the Series.”
It may not be time to panic yet, but history doesn’t provide Philadelphia cause for optimism. This is the fourth time the Phillies have trailed 2-1 in a World Series. On all three previous occasions, they went on to lose Game 4 - and the series.
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Labels:
NBA,
New York Knicks,
Philadelphia 76ers,
POD
POD: Philadelphia @ New York+2.5 (5K units) L
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Adding to the New York-Philadelphia sports-themed weekend, the Knicks open their home schedule looking to snap a five-game losing streak to the 76ers on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
While this contest doesn’t carry the same luster as the Yankees-Phillies World Series games this weekend or the Giants-Eagles NFL matchup Sunday all in Philadelphia, it means something to the parties involved.
“I can’t stand those guys right now, all three of those (New York) teams,” said Philadelphia forward Elton Brand(notes), who grew up in suburban Westchester, N.Y. “It’s a huge weekend, especially with football, baseball. Right now, ours doesn’t have much importance, but it’s still a rivalry.”
Philadelphia, which last season swept the four-game series from New York for the first time since 1985-86, looks for its second straight victory after bouncing back from a dismal season-opening loss with a 99-86 win over Milwaukee on Friday.
New York, meanwhile, looks to avoid losing its first three games for the first time since an 0-5 start in 2005-06. The Knicks fell 102-100 in double overtime at Charlotte on Friday, after falling 115-93 at Miami on Wednesday.
While the 76ers contributed to the Knicks’ miserable 32-50 mark last season, they’ve won 13 of 15 over New York and five of seven at MSG. Philadelphia averaged 111.8 points and shot 53.1 percent against New York in 2008-09.
After each were held to eight points Wednesday against Orlando, Andre Iguodala(notes) scored 19 points and Brand added 17 on Friday for the 76ers as they put forth a much better effort than against the Magic, who led by as many as 31 in the 120-106 win.
“It was a great bounce-back game from that embarrassing Orlando loss,” said Brand, who was 2 for 7 from the floor against the Magic, but 6 for 11 on Friday.
First-year 76ers coach Eddie Jordan was not concerned about the slow start from Iguodala, who averaged a team-leading 18.8 points last season, and hopes Brand’s latest effort will help his cause.
Brand averaged 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, but was limited to 29 games due a shoulder injury last season - his first in Philadelphia.
“He’s banging, he’s fighting in there, he’s in the trenches,” Jordan said. “When you feel like things are going your way, it sort of builds your momentum.”
Brand is averaging 21.2 points in 20 games against New York, but was held to six in 13 minutes of Philadelphia’s 116-110 home win Jan. 24.
Al Harrington(notes), who averaged 20.3 points against the 76ers last season, was one of three players with 17 Friday for the Knicks, who rallied from an 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime.
David Lee(notes) had 17 points and 18 rebounds while second-year forward Danilo Gallinari(notes) added 16 after scoring 22 in the opener. New York rallied despite shooting 38.8 percent and trailing 47-26 at one point to the lowly Bobcats.
“Our worries are trying to get the right combinations on the floor and play like we did for part of the game,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “If we can bottle that, keep it, then we’ll be fine.”
The Knicks, whose 44.5 field-goal percentage was among the lowest in the NBA last season, is shooting 38.4 after two contests. New York shot 42.5 percent against Philadelphia in 2008-09.
Lee, however, could be in store for another big night after averaging 16.3 points and 10.7 boards against Philadelphia last season. (Y! Sports)
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- Dallas-2.5 @ LA Clippers
Adding to the New York-Philadelphia sports-themed weekend, the Knicks open their home schedule looking to snap a five-game losing streak to the 76ers on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden.
While this contest doesn’t carry the same luster as the Yankees-Phillies World Series games this weekend or the Giants-Eagles NFL matchup Sunday all in Philadelphia, it means something to the parties involved.
“I can’t stand those guys right now, all three of those (New York) teams,” said Philadelphia forward Elton Brand(notes), who grew up in suburban Westchester, N.Y. “It’s a huge weekend, especially with football, baseball. Right now, ours doesn’t have much importance, but it’s still a rivalry.”
Philadelphia, which last season swept the four-game series from New York for the first time since 1985-86, looks for its second straight victory after bouncing back from a dismal season-opening loss with a 99-86 win over Milwaukee on Friday.
New York, meanwhile, looks to avoid losing its first three games for the first time since an 0-5 start in 2005-06. The Knicks fell 102-100 in double overtime at Charlotte on Friday, after falling 115-93 at Miami on Wednesday.
While the 76ers contributed to the Knicks’ miserable 32-50 mark last season, they’ve won 13 of 15 over New York and five of seven at MSG. Philadelphia averaged 111.8 points and shot 53.1 percent against New York in 2008-09.
After each were held to eight points Wednesday against Orlando, Andre Iguodala(notes) scored 19 points and Brand added 17 on Friday for the 76ers as they put forth a much better effort than against the Magic, who led by as many as 31 in the 120-106 win.
“It was a great bounce-back game from that embarrassing Orlando loss,” said Brand, who was 2 for 7 from the floor against the Magic, but 6 for 11 on Friday.
First-year 76ers coach Eddie Jordan was not concerned about the slow start from Iguodala, who averaged a team-leading 18.8 points last season, and hopes Brand’s latest effort will help his cause.
Brand averaged 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, but was limited to 29 games due a shoulder injury last season - his first in Philadelphia.
“He’s banging, he’s fighting in there, he’s in the trenches,” Jordan said. “When you feel like things are going your way, it sort of builds your momentum.”
Brand is averaging 21.2 points in 20 games against New York, but was held to six in 13 minutes of Philadelphia’s 116-110 home win Jan. 24.
Al Harrington(notes), who averaged 20.3 points against the 76ers last season, was one of three players with 17 Friday for the Knicks, who rallied from an 18-point, fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime.
David Lee(notes) had 17 points and 18 rebounds while second-year forward Danilo Gallinari(notes) added 16 after scoring 22 in the opener. New York rallied despite shooting 38.8 percent and trailing 47-26 at one point to the lowly Bobcats.
“Our worries are trying to get the right combinations on the floor and play like we did for part of the game,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “If we can bottle that, keep it, then we’ll be fine.”
The Knicks, whose 44.5 field-goal percentage was among the lowest in the NBA last season, is shooting 38.4 after two contests. New York shot 42.5 percent against Philadelphia in 2008-09.
Lee, however, could be in store for another big night after averaging 16.3 points and 10.7 boards against Philadelphia last season. (Y! Sports)
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Detroit Pistons,
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Oklahoma Thunder,
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POD: Oklahoma @ Detroit-5.0 (3K units) L
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Gordon and Villanueva will make their home debuts with the Pistons when they take on Kevin Durant(notes) and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
Detroit president of basketball operations Joe Dumars knew he needed to change his club after it went 39-43 last season and was swept by Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs, ending its run of six straight Eastern Conference finals appearances.
After firing coach Michael Curry and giving John Kuester his first NBA head coaching job, he added Gordon and Villanueva as free agents, while also coaxing Ben Wallace(notes) - who played for the Pistons from 2000-06 - out of retirement.
All three players contributed to a 96-74 rout of Memphis on Wednesday. Gordon scored 22 points and hit four 3-pointers, Villanueva added seven points and Wallace contributed nine rebounds off the bench.
Richard Hamilton(notes) led Detroit with 25 points as the former University of Connecticut guards went a combined 17 of 31 from the floor, even though Hamilton missed five of his first six shots.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a problem, especially in this locker room,” Hamilton said of sharing time with Gordon. “We’re UConn guys. We know how to win.
“We just go out there and try to feed off each other on the floor.”
Some questioned whether the two high-scoring guards would work well together, but the Pistons liked what they saw in the opener.
“We’re in a situation where we have two guys that are legitimate scorers in this league at the (shooting) guard position,” said forward Tayshaun Prince(notes), whose streak of 437 straight starts is the longest in the NBA. “To put (the questions) to rest, we just have to go out and play basketball and know those two guys are going to do that.
“They stepped up big for us, but that’s what we are going to need from them throughout the season for us to be the team we want to be.”
Oklahoma City doesn’t have any question about who its top scorer is, with former Rookie of the Year Durant leading the way. He had 25 points and 11 boards in a 102-89 season-opening victory over Sacramento on Wednesday.
The Thunder cruised after building a 39-22 lead after one quarter.
“That’s one of the best first quarters we’ve ever had,” Durant said. “Guys did a great job of making shots - which is rare when everybody makes shots - but we did a great job on the other end of limiting backdoor cuts, which get them going as a team.”
The Pistons may use the long-armed Prince to defend Durant, who averaged 29.0 points on 57.5 percent shooting in two games against Detroit last season. Each team won one meeting at home.
The Thunder franchise has lost five straight and 10 of 11 at Detroit. (Y! Sports)
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- Miami @ Indiana+1.5 PinoyCapper's Choice (2nd best pick)
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- Orlando @ New Jersey+8.5
Gordon and Villanueva will make their home debuts with the Pistons when they take on Kevin Durant(notes) and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
Detroit president of basketball operations Joe Dumars knew he needed to change his club after it went 39-43 last season and was swept by Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs, ending its run of six straight Eastern Conference finals appearances.
After firing coach Michael Curry and giving John Kuester his first NBA head coaching job, he added Gordon and Villanueva as free agents, while also coaxing Ben Wallace(notes) - who played for the Pistons from 2000-06 - out of retirement.
All three players contributed to a 96-74 rout of Memphis on Wednesday. Gordon scored 22 points and hit four 3-pointers, Villanueva added seven points and Wallace contributed nine rebounds off the bench.
Richard Hamilton(notes) led Detroit with 25 points as the former University of Connecticut guards went a combined 17 of 31 from the floor, even though Hamilton missed five of his first six shots.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a problem, especially in this locker room,” Hamilton said of sharing time with Gordon. “We’re UConn guys. We know how to win.
“We just go out there and try to feed off each other on the floor.”
Some questioned whether the two high-scoring guards would work well together, but the Pistons liked what they saw in the opener.
“We’re in a situation where we have two guys that are legitimate scorers in this league at the (shooting) guard position,” said forward Tayshaun Prince(notes), whose streak of 437 straight starts is the longest in the NBA. “To put (the questions) to rest, we just have to go out and play basketball and know those two guys are going to do that.
“They stepped up big for us, but that’s what we are going to need from them throughout the season for us to be the team we want to be.”
Oklahoma City doesn’t have any question about who its top scorer is, with former Rookie of the Year Durant leading the way. He had 25 points and 11 boards in a 102-89 season-opening victory over Sacramento on Wednesday.
The Thunder cruised after building a 39-22 lead after one quarter.
“That’s one of the best first quarters we’ve ever had,” Durant said. “Guys did a great job of making shots - which is rare when everybody makes shots - but we did a great job on the other end of limiting backdoor cuts, which get them going as a team.”
The Pistons may use the long-armed Prince to defend Durant, who averaged 29.0 points on 57.5 percent shooting in two games against Detroit last season. Each team won one meeting at home.
The Thunder franchise has lost five straight and 10 of 11 at Detroit. (Y! Sports)
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Sta. Lucia
POD: Sta. Lucia-2.5 vs. Burger King (3K units) W
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- Purefoods-5.5 vs. Coke
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POD: Philadelphia @ Orlando-8.5 (5K units) W
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Instead, that’s just when they got one going.
The Magic made it all the way to the NBA finals after surviving the 76ers, but a de facto offseason swap of Hedo Turkoglu(notes) for Vince Carter(notes) may determine how far they can advance in the 2009-10 season, which begins Wednesday with a visit from Philadelphia.
Orlando cruised to the Southeast Division title last season, improving upon its 2007-08 record of 52-30 by seven wins, but was in danger of a quick postseason exit when it lost two of the first three games to Philadelphia.
The Magic rallied to win the series’ final three games - including a decisive 114-89 victory in Game 6 without the suspended Dwight Howard(notes) - and advanced past Boston and Cleveland to the franchise’s first NBA finals since 1995.
Orlando wasn’t able to win its first championship, falling in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers, but that was an impressive step nonetheless for a team few pegged to have a chance to knock off the Celtics or Cavaliers.
Howard, the reigning defensive player of the year, emerged as one of the league’s true superstars during the playoff run, but it was the Magic’s deadly outside shooting that put them over the top in the East.
That stable of shooters is led by Rashard Lewis(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes) and All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson(notes) - who suffered a torn labrum in early February and returned with little effectiveness in the finals - but there’s one major change in the starting lineup.
The Magic were unable to re-sign Turkoglu - who often initiated the offense in Nelson’s absence - but by the time the swingman left for the Toronto Raptors on July 9, they already had a replacement. General manager Otis Smith acquired Carter, an eight-time All-Star and Orlando native, from New Jersey on the day of the draft for guards Courtney Lee(notes) and Rafer Alston(notes) and forward Tony Battie(notes).
“As a young guy, you play because you want to show the world that you can score and do this and that. But as you get older and you’ve accomplished things, now it’s all about winning championships and helping your team,” Carter, who will be wearing Turkoglu’s old No. 15, told the Magic’s official Web site.
“I’ve never had an opportunity before me like this, and … that motivates me more than anything because I know I can help this team.”
Carter was the 1998-99 NBA rookie of the year, but perhaps Orlando’s more surprising acquisition is the player who finished second in that voting. Jason Williams(notes), who has career averages of 11.4 points and 6.3 assists, will serve as Nelson’s backup after returning to the league from a one-year retirement.
“We have a lot of new pieces, but I really think that we’re a better team now,” Lewis said. “But what I tried to express to the team was that with as much talent as we have around here, the word this season will be ‘sacrifice.’”
The Magic have looked motivated from the beginning of the preseason, winning all eight games by an average of 18.0 points. They’re 20-2 in preseason games since coach Stan Van Gundy was hired in May 2007.
Philadelphia (41-41) hired former Washington coach Eddie Jordan in the offseason to take over for assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, who went 32-27 as interim coach after the firing of Maurice Cheeks.
The 76ers lost one veteran leader in the offseason when point guard Andre Miller(notes) signed with Portland, but they should have another back at full strength.
Elton Brand(notes) was limited to 29 games due to right shoulder surgery in his first season with the 76ers after signing a five-year, $82 million deal.
“It was very disappointing, especially the playoffs, that was hard,” Brand said of watching from the sidelines. “So I am revved up, ready to go and add my piece to what we know the guys can do. … This year, we are under the radar, which is fine with me. We won’t be under the radar for long.”
Much of the Sixers’ success will depend on how they fill the gap at point guard. Louis Williams(notes), who averaged 12.8 points and 3.0 assists in 23.7 minutes a game last season, will start, but leading scorer Andre Iguodala(notes) (18.8 points per game) may frequently initiate the offense.
Some of those duties may also fall to rookie Jrue Holiday(notes), but perhaps the young player who most excites Philadelphia is Thaddeus Young(notes). The 21-year-old forward upped his scoring average from 8.2 to 15.3 points in his second season.
“Thad and I have been working together a lot on the court the past few weeks, trying to get the offense,” Brand said. “You can’t stop option A, B, C. … When you stop one play, the other option’s going to be open. We have the players that can really see that offense.”
Young averaged 9.5 points over the final four playoff games against Orlando after averaging 17.0 in the first two. (Y! Sports)
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Other leans:
- Indiana+8.5 @ Atlanta
- Cleveland-5.0 @ Toronto PinoyCapper's Choice (2nd best pick)
- Charlotte @ Boston-10.0
- New York @ Miami-5.0
- Detroit-2.5 @ Memphis
- New Orleans+9.5 @ San Antonio
- New Jersey+1.5 @ Minnesota
- Utah @ Denver-6.5
- Houston @ Golden State-6.5
- Phoenix-2.0 @ LA Clippers
Instead, that’s just when they got one going.
The Magic made it all the way to the NBA finals after surviving the 76ers, but a de facto offseason swap of Hedo Turkoglu(notes) for Vince Carter(notes) may determine how far they can advance in the 2009-10 season, which begins Wednesday with a visit from Philadelphia.
Orlando cruised to the Southeast Division title last season, improving upon its 2007-08 record of 52-30 by seven wins, but was in danger of a quick postseason exit when it lost two of the first three games to Philadelphia.
The Magic rallied to win the series’ final three games - including a decisive 114-89 victory in Game 6 without the suspended Dwight Howard(notes) - and advanced past Boston and Cleveland to the franchise’s first NBA finals since 1995.
Orlando wasn’t able to win its first championship, falling in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers, but that was an impressive step nonetheless for a team few pegged to have a chance to knock off the Celtics or Cavaliers.
Howard, the reigning defensive player of the year, emerged as one of the league’s true superstars during the playoff run, but it was the Magic’s deadly outside shooting that put them over the top in the East.
That stable of shooters is led by Rashard Lewis(notes), Mickael Pietrus(notes) and All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson(notes) - who suffered a torn labrum in early February and returned with little effectiveness in the finals - but there’s one major change in the starting lineup.
The Magic were unable to re-sign Turkoglu - who often initiated the offense in Nelson’s absence - but by the time the swingman left for the Toronto Raptors on July 9, they already had a replacement. General manager Otis Smith acquired Carter, an eight-time All-Star and Orlando native, from New Jersey on the day of the draft for guards Courtney Lee(notes) and Rafer Alston(notes) and forward Tony Battie(notes).
“As a young guy, you play because you want to show the world that you can score and do this and that. But as you get older and you’ve accomplished things, now it’s all about winning championships and helping your team,” Carter, who will be wearing Turkoglu’s old No. 15, told the Magic’s official Web site.
“I’ve never had an opportunity before me like this, and … that motivates me more than anything because I know I can help this team.”
Carter was the 1998-99 NBA rookie of the year, but perhaps Orlando’s more surprising acquisition is the player who finished second in that voting. Jason Williams(notes), who has career averages of 11.4 points and 6.3 assists, will serve as Nelson’s backup after returning to the league from a one-year retirement.
“We have a lot of new pieces, but I really think that we’re a better team now,” Lewis said. “But what I tried to express to the team was that with as much talent as we have around here, the word this season will be ‘sacrifice.’”
The Magic have looked motivated from the beginning of the preseason, winning all eight games by an average of 18.0 points. They’re 20-2 in preseason games since coach Stan Van Gundy was hired in May 2007.
Philadelphia (41-41) hired former Washington coach Eddie Jordan in the offseason to take over for assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, who went 32-27 as interim coach after the firing of Maurice Cheeks.
The 76ers lost one veteran leader in the offseason when point guard Andre Miller(notes) signed with Portland, but they should have another back at full strength.
Elton Brand(notes) was limited to 29 games due to right shoulder surgery in his first season with the 76ers after signing a five-year, $82 million deal.
“It was very disappointing, especially the playoffs, that was hard,” Brand said of watching from the sidelines. “So I am revved up, ready to go and add my piece to what we know the guys can do. … This year, we are under the radar, which is fine with me. We won’t be under the radar for long.”
Much of the Sixers’ success will depend on how they fill the gap at point guard. Louis Williams(notes), who averaged 12.8 points and 3.0 assists in 23.7 minutes a game last season, will start, but leading scorer Andre Iguodala(notes) (18.8 points per game) may frequently initiate the offense.
Some of those duties may also fall to rookie Jrue Holiday(notes), but perhaps the young player who most excites Philadelphia is Thaddeus Young(notes). The 21-year-old forward upped his scoring average from 8.2 to 15.3 points in his second season.
“Thad and I have been working together a lot on the court the past few weeks, trying to get the offense,” Brand said. “You can’t stop option A, B, C. … When you stop one play, the other option’s going to be open. We have the players that can really see that offense.”
Young averaged 9.5 points over the final four playoff games against Orlando after averaging 17.0 in the first two. (Y! Sports)
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POD: Boston @ Cleveland-4.5 (3K units) L
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Shaquille O’Neal(notes) and Rasheed Wallace(notes) have some experience doing just that.
The veteran big men may eventually make a difference for their new teams in the postseason, but the spotlight will still be on reigning MVP - and potential free agent - LeBron James(notes) and Boston’s Big Three in the NBA’s season opener Tuesday night as the Cavaliers seek a 12th straight home win over the Celtics.
Cleveland (66-16) and Boston (62-20) were the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference last season, and considering they had represented the East in the past two NBA finals, but both teams were ousted by the Orlando Magic. The Celtics fell in seven games in the conference semifinals before the Cavaliers were eliminated in six in the East finals.
Those postseason failures sparked Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry and Boston counterpart Danny Ainge to tinker with their respective rosters, but that wasn’t all on the minds of the two Eastern powers. James can opt out of his contract following this season, and Ray Allen(notes) can do likewise with the Celtics, leaving the possibility Boston may rebuild around point guard Rajon Rondo(notes) considering the mileage on veterans Kevin Garnett(notes) and Paul Pierce(notes).
The Cavaliers signed free agent swingmen Anthony Parker(notes) and Jamario Moon(notes) while Boston added similar versatility in Marquis Daniels(notes). The biggest changes, though, came at center—Cleveland jettisoned Ben Wallace(notes) and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for three-time finals MVP O’Neal, while the Celtics signed Wallace, a four-time All-Star who’s been on a playoff team for 13 consecutive seasons.
“I’ve heard, ‘Is Shaq good for their team?’ Like, how could he not be?” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “I’ll take him. He gives them size, he gives them another post player, he gives them a great passer. He gives them a rebounder. He’s one of the most intimidating forces in the league.”
While the burly O’Neal will partner with the solid shooting of backup center Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes) to give Cavaliers coach Mike Brown two very different big men, Boston should have the same luxury on the interior. Center Kendrick Perkins(notes) is a consistent scorer in the low post, while Wallace, who’s attempted 4.6 3-pointers a game over the past four seasons, provides a threat on the perimeter.
“He’ll spread the floor offensively, something we’ve never had,” Rivers said. “Heck, most people don’t have a (center) sitting behind the 3-point line. Defensively, he’s been terrific. He’s also going to give us some post play on the offensive end.”
The other thing Wallace adds is a hot temper, having been whistled for 291 technical fouls since entering the league in 1995.
O’Neal has 117 himself since Wallace debuted, and many feel his dynamic personality won’t mesh with James’.
“People look too far into individuals than the team aspect of things,” James said. “They think two stars can’t coexist. But it’s not just about me and Shaq, it’s about the whole team. Me and Shaq can’t do it by ourselves. We need everybody on the floor to work hard every day to make this thing happen.”
While All-Star point guard Mo Williams(notes) gives James a secondary scorer, Cavaliers guard and former Celtic Delonte West(notes) didn’t play during the preseason after being arrested last month for carrying three loaded guns while riding a motorcycle. In addition, his wife reportedly filed a domestic violence report over the weekend, adding further doubt to his already murky playing status.
Wallace likely will join Daniels on Boston’s second unit along with Eddie House(notes), Glen Davis(notes) and Shelden Williams(notes). Wallace, Davis and Williams should provide excellent depth in case Garnett’s surgically repaired right knee - which caused him to miss 25 games last season - hampers him.
Garnett, the 2007-08 defensive player of the year, Pierce and the Celtics have held James to 40.0 percent shooting in 14 combined regular-season and playoff games the past two seasons, but James has averaged 30.3 points on 45.1 percent shooting in his past seven games against the Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena, while Pierce has been held to 14.7 points while shooting 34.3 percent.
The Cavaliers have won 11 straight at home over Boston by an average of 12.8 points, with their last loss coming in overtime on Dec. 18, 2004. Overall, the home team has won 16 consecutive games in the series. (Y! Sports)
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Shaquille O’Neal(notes) and Rasheed Wallace(notes) have some experience doing just that.
The veteran big men may eventually make a difference for their new teams in the postseason, but the spotlight will still be on reigning MVP - and potential free agent - LeBron James(notes) and Boston’s Big Three in the NBA’s season opener Tuesday night as the Cavaliers seek a 12th straight home win over the Celtics.
Cleveland (66-16) and Boston (62-20) were the top two seeds in the Eastern Conference last season, and considering they had represented the East in the past two NBA finals, but both teams were ousted by the Orlando Magic. The Celtics fell in seven games in the conference semifinals before the Cavaliers were eliminated in six in the East finals.
Those postseason failures sparked Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry and Boston counterpart Danny Ainge to tinker with their respective rosters, but that wasn’t all on the minds of the two Eastern powers. James can opt out of his contract following this season, and Ray Allen(notes) can do likewise with the Celtics, leaving the possibility Boston may rebuild around point guard Rajon Rondo(notes) considering the mileage on veterans Kevin Garnett(notes) and Paul Pierce(notes).
The Cavaliers signed free agent swingmen Anthony Parker(notes) and Jamario Moon(notes) while Boston added similar versatility in Marquis Daniels(notes). The biggest changes, though, came at center—Cleveland jettisoned Ben Wallace(notes) and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix for three-time finals MVP O’Neal, while the Celtics signed Wallace, a four-time All-Star who’s been on a playoff team for 13 consecutive seasons.
“I’ve heard, ‘Is Shaq good for their team?’ Like, how could he not be?” Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. “I’ll take him. He gives them size, he gives them another post player, he gives them a great passer. He gives them a rebounder. He’s one of the most intimidating forces in the league.”
While the burly O’Neal will partner with the solid shooting of backup center Zydrunas Ilgauskas(notes) to give Cavaliers coach Mike Brown two very different big men, Boston should have the same luxury on the interior. Center Kendrick Perkins(notes) is a consistent scorer in the low post, while Wallace, who’s attempted 4.6 3-pointers a game over the past four seasons, provides a threat on the perimeter.
“He’ll spread the floor offensively, something we’ve never had,” Rivers said. “Heck, most people don’t have a (center) sitting behind the 3-point line. Defensively, he’s been terrific. He’s also going to give us some post play on the offensive end.”
The other thing Wallace adds is a hot temper, having been whistled for 291 technical fouls since entering the league in 1995.
O’Neal has 117 himself since Wallace debuted, and many feel his dynamic personality won’t mesh with James’.
“People look too far into individuals than the team aspect of things,” James said. “They think two stars can’t coexist. But it’s not just about me and Shaq, it’s about the whole team. Me and Shaq can’t do it by ourselves. We need everybody on the floor to work hard every day to make this thing happen.”
While All-Star point guard Mo Williams(notes) gives James a secondary scorer, Cavaliers guard and former Celtic Delonte West(notes) didn’t play during the preseason after being arrested last month for carrying three loaded guns while riding a motorcycle. In addition, his wife reportedly filed a domestic violence report over the weekend, adding further doubt to his already murky playing status.
Wallace likely will join Daniels on Boston’s second unit along with Eddie House(notes), Glen Davis(notes) and Shelden Williams(notes). Wallace, Davis and Williams should provide excellent depth in case Garnett’s surgically repaired right knee - which caused him to miss 25 games last season - hampers him.
Garnett, the 2007-08 defensive player of the year, Pierce and the Celtics have held James to 40.0 percent shooting in 14 combined regular-season and playoff games the past two seasons, but James has averaged 30.3 points on 45.1 percent shooting in his past seven games against the Celtics at Quicken Loans Arena, while Pierce has been held to 14.7 points while shooting 34.3 percent.
The Cavaliers have won 11 straight at home over Boston by an average of 12.8 points, with their last loss coming in overtime on Dec. 18, 2004. Overall, the home team has won 16 consecutive games in the series. (Y! Sports)
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POD: San Francisco @ Houston-3.0 (3K units) D
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The Texans and their much-improved defense look to stop a 49ers team that will have Frank Gore(notes) back and Michael Crabtree(notes) finally on the field Sunday.
Houston’s defense has rebounded after a terrible start, particularly against the run. The Texans (3-3) have limited opponents to 135 rushing yards over their last three games after giving up 615 in their first three.
Not even Cedric Benson(notes), who entered last week’s games as the NFL’s leading rusher, was able to get on track against Houston. The Texans held Benson to a season-low 44 yards in a 28-17 win at Cincinnati last Sunday.
It was Houston’s second win during its defense’s best three-game stretch against the run in team history.
“We have come a long way,” linebacker DeMeco Ryans(notes) said.
Kubiak said the players haven’t done much differently; they’re just handling the basics better.
“I think we’ve eliminated some mistakes and assignment issues and just been more sound in what we’re doing and it’s adding up to more plays,” he said.
Now Houston has to find a way to slow down Gore, who is set to return after missing two games while recovering from a sprained right ankle. Quarterback Shaun Hill(notes) was San Francisco’s leading rusher in a 45-10 loss to Atlanta on Oct. 11, gaining 53 yards.
Gore was outstanding in his last full game, running for 207 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-10 win over Seattle on Sept. 20.
“We just have to be ourselves and just go out there and play and try to keep the chains moving and get points,” Gore said of facing an improved Texans defense. “If we do that, we should have a great chance of winning. That’s all we have to do.”
Gore spent some of the 49ers’ bye week working out with Crabtree. The rookie receiver, selected 10th overall, finally signed a six-year contract Oct. 7, and there’s a chance the former Texas Tech star will start Sunday.
Crabtree will make his debut in his home state of Texas.
“There are some things that you can prepare him for, but there are other things that he just has to go through and I think that this is one of them,” Singletary said of Crabtree’s first game. “You have to let those guys line up against him and put their hands on you and see some of the complexities of the defense and how they are setting you up.
“You come to the sideline with your head on a swivel a little bit, but I don’t think that it’s going to be too big for him. To me, even though he’s come in late, he looks like he’s ready.”
Hill is in desperate need of a big-play threat at wide receiver. He has been held under 200 yards passing in four straight games.
Hill completed 15 of 38 passes for 198 yards while throwing an interception against the Falcons. His favorite target has been tight end Vernon Davis(notes), who has 22 catches for 262 yards and three TDs.
Matt Schaub(notes), meanwhile, continues to lead a potent Houston offense. He matched a career high with four TD passes and threw for 392 yards against the Bengals.
In his last two games, Schaub has gone 63 of 90 for 763 yards with six TDs and a passer rating of 108.7. He’s done an excellent job of utilizing Andre Johnson(notes), one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers.
Johnson has 16 receptions for 236 yards and two TDs in his last two games. He’s second in the NFL with 572 yards, averaging 15.9 per reception.
With safeties cheating toward Johnson, tight end Owen Daniels(notes) has had an easier time finding room to work over the middle. He had seven catches for 78 yards and two TDs against Cincinnati.
Houston was held to 196 yards passing in a 20-17 overtime loss at San Francisco on Jan. 1, 2006, the teams’ only meeting. Gore rushed for 108 yards in that game. (Y! Sports)
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The Texans and their much-improved defense look to stop a 49ers team that will have Frank Gore(notes) back and Michael Crabtree(notes) finally on the field Sunday.
Houston’s defense has rebounded after a terrible start, particularly against the run. The Texans (3-3) have limited opponents to 135 rushing yards over their last three games after giving up 615 in their first three.
Not even Cedric Benson(notes), who entered last week’s games as the NFL’s leading rusher, was able to get on track against Houston. The Texans held Benson to a season-low 44 yards in a 28-17 win at Cincinnati last Sunday.
It was Houston’s second win during its defense’s best three-game stretch against the run in team history.
“We have come a long way,” linebacker DeMeco Ryans(notes) said.
Kubiak said the players haven’t done much differently; they’re just handling the basics better.
“I think we’ve eliminated some mistakes and assignment issues and just been more sound in what we’re doing and it’s adding up to more plays,” he said.
Now Houston has to find a way to slow down Gore, who is set to return after missing two games while recovering from a sprained right ankle. Quarterback Shaun Hill(notes) was San Francisco’s leading rusher in a 45-10 loss to Atlanta on Oct. 11, gaining 53 yards.
Gore was outstanding in his last full game, running for 207 yards and two touchdowns in a 23-10 win over Seattle on Sept. 20.
“We just have to be ourselves and just go out there and play and try to keep the chains moving and get points,” Gore said of facing an improved Texans defense. “If we do that, we should have a great chance of winning. That’s all we have to do.”
Gore spent some of the 49ers’ bye week working out with Crabtree. The rookie receiver, selected 10th overall, finally signed a six-year contract Oct. 7, and there’s a chance the former Texas Tech star will start Sunday.
Crabtree will make his debut in his home state of Texas.
“There are some things that you can prepare him for, but there are other things that he just has to go through and I think that this is one of them,” Singletary said of Crabtree’s first game. “You have to let those guys line up against him and put their hands on you and see some of the complexities of the defense and how they are setting you up.
“You come to the sideline with your head on a swivel a little bit, but I don’t think that it’s going to be too big for him. To me, even though he’s come in late, he looks like he’s ready.”
Hill is in desperate need of a big-play threat at wide receiver. He has been held under 200 yards passing in four straight games.
Hill completed 15 of 38 passes for 198 yards while throwing an interception against the Falcons. His favorite target has been tight end Vernon Davis(notes), who has 22 catches for 262 yards and three TDs.
Matt Schaub(notes), meanwhile, continues to lead a potent Houston offense. He matched a career high with four TD passes and threw for 392 yards against the Bengals.
In his last two games, Schaub has gone 63 of 90 for 763 yards with six TDs and a passer rating of 108.7. He’s done an excellent job of utilizing Andre Johnson(notes), one of the NFL’s most dangerous receivers.
Johnson has 16 receptions for 236 yards and two TDs in his last two games. He’s second in the NFL with 572 yards, averaging 15.9 per reception.
With safeties cheating toward Johnson, tight end Owen Daniels(notes) has had an easier time finding room to work over the middle. He had seven catches for 78 yards and two TDs against Cincinnati.
Houston was held to 196 yards passing in a 20-17 overtime loss at San Francisco on Jan. 1, 2006, the teams’ only meeting. Gore rushed for 108 yards in that game. (Y! Sports)
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POD: San Beda-3.5 vs. San Sebastian (3K units) L
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Preview: San Sebastian tries to put an end to its seven-year title drought as it goes for a sweep over San Beda in Game Two of the NCAA men’s basketball finals at the Araneta Coliseum today.
The Stags brace for another grueling, highly physical game with the Red Lions, whom they outlasted in two extra periods, 72-68, in the opener of their best-of-three series before over 14,000 fans at the Big Dome last Thursday.
“We’re coming off a big win and we have high morale. We just need to capitalize on this,” said San Sebastian coach
Ato Agustin, hoping to deliver the first championship for the school since 2002.
Gametime is at 4 p.m.
The Stags are expected to ride on the momentum of that hard-earned win in a game where they showed tremendous poise and a big fighting heart against a team boasting of rich championship experience.
Skipper Jimbo Aquino and rookie Calvin Abueva combined for 34 points in that big Game One win with the duo, along with the brave bunch of Stags, raring for a repeat for a dream title run that could cap an amazing season marked by a 15-game run in the elims.
A victory by San Beda, however, will set the stage for a winner-take-all match on Thursday, also at the Big Dome.
In juniors’ action, San Beda tries to wrap the crown as it tries to make it two in row against Letran at 2 p.m.
With Baser Amer and Roland Sara on the firing end, the Cubs blasted the Squires, 98-75, in the opener to move closer to their 17th title, or one behind the Mapua Red Robins’ league best 18 crowns.
San Beda coach Ato Badolato, however, said they can’t take the Squires for granted.
“I expect them to adjust and bounce back strong in Game Two. So we have to be ready,” said Badolato, eyeing to exit with a bang on his last year with the Cubs.
The Lions, on the otherhand, vowed to even things up and force a Game Three.
“We’re looking to bounce back tomorrow (today), try to extend the series and make proper adjustments,” said San Beda mentor Frankie Lim.
He, however, stressed they need to shoot well and rebound more to stop the Stags.
In the series’ opener, San Sebastian forced San Beda to miss 64 of its 88 shots while dominating the boards, 73-64.
The Stags actually muffed 68 of the 91 shots but made up for this by getting 32 offensive rebounds against the Lions’ 24.
“We intend to improve on our shooting because the bottom line was we missed many easy shots in Game One. We also got beaten off the boards. We cannot allow them to get 32 offensive rebounds,” said Lim. “I personally thought we didn’t play well. Our execution was not great, we didn’t make our shots but still they had to go to two overtimes to beat us.
“We came back and we came back. Some of our guys were in foul trouble. It boils down to making the important shots, which we didn’t deliver towards the end of the game,” he said.
Lim added the nice thing about their Game One defeat was that the Stags had a hard time snaring the win despite the Lions’ below-par performance.
“If there’s something good about it, we didn’t play that well but they had a hard time beating us,” he said. “The morale is very high in practice, we’ll push this to Game Three, we’ll come out strong tomorrow,” he said.
Watch the live streaming for FREE. Starts @ 4PM (pinoy time): NCAA Live!
Preview: San Sebastian tries to put an end to its seven-year title drought as it goes for a sweep over San Beda in Game Two of the NCAA men’s basketball finals at the Araneta Coliseum today.
The Stags brace for another grueling, highly physical game with the Red Lions, whom they outlasted in two extra periods, 72-68, in the opener of their best-of-three series before over 14,000 fans at the Big Dome last Thursday.
“We’re coming off a big win and we have high morale. We just need to capitalize on this,” said San Sebastian coach
Ato Agustin, hoping to deliver the first championship for the school since 2002.
Gametime is at 4 p.m.
The Stags are expected to ride on the momentum of that hard-earned win in a game where they showed tremendous poise and a big fighting heart against a team boasting of rich championship experience.
Skipper Jimbo Aquino and rookie Calvin Abueva combined for 34 points in that big Game One win with the duo, along with the brave bunch of Stags, raring for a repeat for a dream title run that could cap an amazing season marked by a 15-game run in the elims.
A victory by San Beda, however, will set the stage for a winner-take-all match on Thursday, also at the Big Dome.
In juniors’ action, San Beda tries to wrap the crown as it tries to make it two in row against Letran at 2 p.m.
With Baser Amer and Roland Sara on the firing end, the Cubs blasted the Squires, 98-75, in the opener to move closer to their 17th title, or one behind the Mapua Red Robins’ league best 18 crowns.
San Beda coach Ato Badolato, however, said they can’t take the Squires for granted.
“I expect them to adjust and bounce back strong in Game Two. So we have to be ready,” said Badolato, eyeing to exit with a bang on his last year with the Cubs.
The Lions, on the otherhand, vowed to even things up and force a Game Three.
“We’re looking to bounce back tomorrow (today), try to extend the series and make proper adjustments,” said San Beda mentor Frankie Lim.
He, however, stressed they need to shoot well and rebound more to stop the Stags.
In the series’ opener, San Sebastian forced San Beda to miss 64 of its 88 shots while dominating the boards, 73-64.
The Stags actually muffed 68 of the 91 shots but made up for this by getting 32 offensive rebounds against the Lions’ 24.
“We intend to improve on our shooting because the bottom line was we missed many easy shots in Game One. We also got beaten off the boards. We cannot allow them to get 32 offensive rebounds,” said Lim. “I personally thought we didn’t play well. Our execution was not great, we didn’t make our shots but still they had to go to two overtimes to beat us.
“We came back and we came back. Some of our guys were in foul trouble. It boils down to making the important shots, which we didn’t deliver towards the end of the game,” he said.
Lim added the nice thing about their Game One defeat was that the Stags had a hard time snaring the win despite the Lions’ below-par performance.
“If there’s something good about it, we didn’t play that well but they had a hard time beating us,” he said. “The morale is very high in practice, we’ll push this to Game Three, we’ll come out strong tomorrow,” he said.
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POD: Purefoods-4.5 vs. Red Bull (3K units) W
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POD: Los Angeles+1.0/pk @ Philadelphia (3K units) L
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Defending champion Philadelphia looks to carry the momentum from a thrilling comeback win and earn a trip back to the World Series on Wednesday night in Game 5 against a Dodgers team trying to send the NLCS back to Los Angeles.
The Phillies trailed by one run with two outs in the ninth inning Monday, before Rollins lined a two-run double off All-Star closer Jonathan Broxton(notes) to give them a 5-4 victory and a 3-1 NLCS lead.
“This is big,” Rollins said. “The pressure’s all on them.”
The rally started with one out in the ninth when Broxton walked pinch-hitter Matt Stairs(notes) on four straight pitches. Stairs had hit a two-run homer off Broxton in Game 4 of last year’s NLCS at Dodger Stadium.
Broxton hit Carlos Ruiz(notes) with a pitch after Stairs’ walk, but pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs(notes) looped a soft liner to third for the second out. Rollins then ripped a 99 mph fastball to right-center, putting Philadelphia in position to make back-to-back World Series appearances for the first time in franchise history.
“We understand we still have a job to do,” said Rollins, who had been 3 for 18 in the series prior to his game-winning hit. “We look forward to trying to close it out.”
Although Los Angeles needs to win three straight games to make the World Series - a feat it couldn’t accomplish last year when the Phillies eliminated the Dodgers in five games - manager Joe Torre doesn’t believe his team is in an awful position.
“The unique part about our situation, we win one game and we go home,” Torre told the Dodgers’ official Web site. “That to me is a momentum switch, and the fact that Philadelphia has to come with us.”
For there to be a Game 6 at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Los Angeles needs to get past Cole Hamels(notes), who defeated the Dodgers in last season’s NLCS clincher.
Hamels also earned the win in Thursday’s series opener, but he wasn’t at his best, allowing four runs and eight hits - including two homers - in 5 1-3 innings of an 8-6 victory.
Hamels has already yielded eight runs in 10 1-3 innings in two postseason starts this season - one more run than he gave up in 35 innings over five starts last fall en route to NLCS and World Series MVP honors. Despite that fall-off in production, Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel continues to express confidence in his left-hander.
“Any time you hand him the ball, I think he’s capable of going out there and shutting the other team out,” Manuel told the Phillies’ official Web site.
Hamels has usually been capable of shutting down the Dodgers.
Despite the subpar outing in the opener of this series, Hamels is 5-0 with a 2.19 ERA in seven career starts against Los Angeles, including three in the playoffs.
While Hamels doesn’t appear likely to win another NLCS MVP award, Ryan Howard(notes) is building a strong candidacy for that honor.
The Phillies first baseman hit a two-run double Monday that gave him eight straight postseason games with at least one RBI, tying Lou Gehrig’s major league record set in the 1928 and 1932 World Series with the New York Yankees.
Howard is 5 for 13 (.385) with two home runs, eight RBIs and a .529 on-base percentage in this series and has driven in 14 runs this postseason.
“I’m just going to go up there and keep throwing my bat at the ball,” said Howard, who has reached base safely in 17 straight playoff games.
Howard’s solo homer in Game 2 was the only run the Phillies scored off Vicente Padilla(notes), who takes the ball again for the Dodgers in Game 5.
Los Angeles’ only victory of the series came in Game 2 - a 2-1 win. Padilla allowed Howard’s homer and three other hits in 7 1-3 innings, but didn’t get the decision.
Padilla, who pitched for the Phillies from 2000-05, hasn’t lost since signing with the Dodgers on Aug. 19 after being released by Texas.
The right-hander gave up four hits in seven shutout innings of a 5-1 NLDS-clinching win over St. Louis, and went 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA in seven regular-season starts for Los Angeles. Including postseason, the Dodgers have won eight of Padilla’s nine starts.
“He’s been tremendous,” catcher Russell Martin(notes) said. “He just has nerves of steel out there. He doesn’t get rattled.”
Padilla will need to be tremendous if Los Angeles’ lineup continues to fizzle.
The Dodgers, who finished fourth in the NL with 780 runs in the regular season, have tallied 12 in this series while leaving 25 men on base and going 6 for 30 with runners in scoring position.
Manny Ramirez(notes) homered off Hamels in Game 1, but hasn’t had much success otherwise, going 4 for 16 with two RBIs and no walks in the series.
“We’re not going to give up,” Ramirez said. “All we can control is go out and give 100 percent. That’s what we’ve been doing. The Phillies have just been playing better.”
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Defending champion Philadelphia looks to carry the momentum from a thrilling comeback win and earn a trip back to the World Series on Wednesday night in Game 5 against a Dodgers team trying to send the NLCS back to Los Angeles.
The Phillies trailed by one run with two outs in the ninth inning Monday, before Rollins lined a two-run double off All-Star closer Jonathan Broxton(notes) to give them a 5-4 victory and a 3-1 NLCS lead.
“This is big,” Rollins said. “The pressure’s all on them.”
The rally started with one out in the ninth when Broxton walked pinch-hitter Matt Stairs(notes) on four straight pitches. Stairs had hit a two-run homer off Broxton in Game 4 of last year’s NLCS at Dodger Stadium.
Broxton hit Carlos Ruiz(notes) with a pitch after Stairs’ walk, but pinch-hitter Greg Dobbs(notes) looped a soft liner to third for the second out. Rollins then ripped a 99 mph fastball to right-center, putting Philadelphia in position to make back-to-back World Series appearances for the first time in franchise history.
“We understand we still have a job to do,” said Rollins, who had been 3 for 18 in the series prior to his game-winning hit. “We look forward to trying to close it out.”
Although Los Angeles needs to win three straight games to make the World Series - a feat it couldn’t accomplish last year when the Phillies eliminated the Dodgers in five games - manager Joe Torre doesn’t believe his team is in an awful position.
“The unique part about our situation, we win one game and we go home,” Torre told the Dodgers’ official Web site. “That to me is a momentum switch, and the fact that Philadelphia has to come with us.”
For there to be a Game 6 at Dodger Stadium on Friday, Los Angeles needs to get past Cole Hamels(notes), who defeated the Dodgers in last season’s NLCS clincher.
Hamels also earned the win in Thursday’s series opener, but he wasn’t at his best, allowing four runs and eight hits - including two homers - in 5 1-3 innings of an 8-6 victory.
Hamels has already yielded eight runs in 10 1-3 innings in two postseason starts this season - one more run than he gave up in 35 innings over five starts last fall en route to NLCS and World Series MVP honors. Despite that fall-off in production, Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel continues to express confidence in his left-hander.
“Any time you hand him the ball, I think he’s capable of going out there and shutting the other team out,” Manuel told the Phillies’ official Web site.
Hamels has usually been capable of shutting down the Dodgers.
Despite the subpar outing in the opener of this series, Hamels is 5-0 with a 2.19 ERA in seven career starts against Los Angeles, including three in the playoffs.
While Hamels doesn’t appear likely to win another NLCS MVP award, Ryan Howard(notes) is building a strong candidacy for that honor.
The Phillies first baseman hit a two-run double Monday that gave him eight straight postseason games with at least one RBI, tying Lou Gehrig’s major league record set in the 1928 and 1932 World Series with the New York Yankees.
Howard is 5 for 13 (.385) with two home runs, eight RBIs and a .529 on-base percentage in this series and has driven in 14 runs this postseason.
“I’m just going to go up there and keep throwing my bat at the ball,” said Howard, who has reached base safely in 17 straight playoff games.
Howard’s solo homer in Game 2 was the only run the Phillies scored off Vicente Padilla(notes), who takes the ball again for the Dodgers in Game 5.
Los Angeles’ only victory of the series came in Game 2 - a 2-1 win. Padilla allowed Howard’s homer and three other hits in 7 1-3 innings, but didn’t get the decision.
Padilla, who pitched for the Phillies from 2000-05, hasn’t lost since signing with the Dodgers on Aug. 19 after being released by Texas.
The right-hander gave up four hits in seven shutout innings of a 5-1 NLDS-clinching win over St. Louis, and went 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA in seven regular-season starts for Los Angeles. Including postseason, the Dodgers have won eight of Padilla’s nine starts.
“He’s been tremendous,” catcher Russell Martin(notes) said. “He just has nerves of steel out there. He doesn’t get rattled.”
Padilla will need to be tremendous if Los Angeles’ lineup continues to fizzle.
The Dodgers, who finished fourth in the NL with 780 runs in the regular season, have tallied 12 in this series while leaving 25 men on base and going 6 for 30 with runners in scoring position.
Manny Ramirez(notes) homered off Hamels in Game 1, but hasn’t had much success otherwise, going 4 for 16 with two RBIs and no walks in the series.
“We’re not going to give up,” Ramirez said. “All we can control is go out and give 100 percent. That’s what we’ve been doing. The Phillies have just been playing better.”
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POD: San Miguel-3.5 vs. Burger King (5K units) W
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POD: Los Angeles @ Philadelphia Over 8.5 (3K units) W
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The Dodgers will send Randy Wolf(notes) to the mound Monday night when they try to even the NL championship series in Game 4 at Citizens Bank Park.
Philadelphia won 11-0 Sunday to take a 2-1 series lead behind Cliff Lee(notes), who struck out 10 in eight stellar innings. Ryan Howard(notes) drove in three runs, Jayson Werth(notes) had a two-run homer and Shane Victorino(notes) added a three-run shot in the franchise’s most lopsided postseason victory.
“We expect to win when we come to the ballpark, and that’s kind of who they are,” manager Charlie Manuel said.
The Phillies chased Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda(notes) in the second inning.
Wolf (0-0, 4.91 ERA) will try to give Los Angeles a longer outing Monday. He made his lone career postseason start in Game 1 of the NL division series against St. Louis, allowed two runs over 3 2-3 innings in that 5-3 victory Oct. 7, and hasn’t pitched since.
The veteran left-hander became popular with Philadelphia fans while spending his first eight major league seasons with the Phillies. Some fans started a group dubbed the “Wolf Pack” in which they wore wolf masks on days he pitched.
“Well, I have a lot of memories here, a lot of good memories here,” Wolf said. “I always enjoyed pitching here. The fans were always really great to me. But I think it’s a lot of fun just being in a playoff game, an NLCS game against my former team. The fact that it’s a rematch from last year makes it exciting.”
Wolf, however, was booed during introductions before Sunday’s game and knows that he won’t have many people cheering for him or wearing wolf masks in this start.
“They’re born and raised Philadelphians and they’re Phillies fans first and foremost,” he said. “I think for the sake of their own lives they’ll keep that under wraps.”
One factor in his favor is his experience in Citizens Bank Park. He started the first game ever played in the stadium with the Phillies on April 12, 2004. He’s 9-7 with a 4.30 ERA in 27 starts at the ballpark, including 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 17 strikeouts in two as a visitor.
He’s also fared well against Howard and Werth, who are each 1 for 9 off him.
“They have a very solid lineup, from top to bottom,” Wolf said. “You know, you’ve got to be really on your game against this lineup because not only do they have guys that hit the ball out of the park, but they have very patient hitters, as well.”
Wolf will try to slow down a Philadelphia lineup that had 11 hits Sunday - six for extra bases. Howard has six RBIs in the series and has hit safely in all seven postseason games, batting .385 (10 for 26) with 12 RBIs.
The Dodgers have produced totals of two runs and eight hits in the last two games. Manny Ramirez(notes) had two of their three hits Sunday.
“You never want to get your rear end kicked,” manager Joe Torre said. “But you don’t toss and turn and wonder if you made the right move. It’s still only one game and we’re in position to tie the series tomorrow.”
Joe Blanton(notes), who pitched out of the bullpen in the Phillies’ division series against Colorado, will make his first start since Oct. 2. He went 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA in 31 starts in his first full season in Philadelphia.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to help us win,” Blanton said. “If that means being in the bullpen or not throwing at all or whatever it is, I’m going to do as much as I can to help us win and help us achieve our goal that we’ve been working for all year.”
His last postseason start was a memorable one - Game 4 of the World Series against Tampa Bay last year. He gave up two runs over six innings to earn the win, but the outing was remembered more for his homer in the fifth inning.
“When I think back, I really just think about all the adrenaline I had after I did it,” Blanton said. “I enjoyed it, but almost didn’t get to because I was so worried about trying to bring myself back down to pitch and not letting myself get out of rhythm.”
The right-hander is 1-0 with a 2.88 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers. He also started Game 4 of last year’s NLCS against them, giving up three runs in five innings and not getting a decision in a 7-5 Phillies victory.
Ramirez is 14 for 25 (.560) with one homer and eight RBIs against Blanton.
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The Dodgers will send Randy Wolf(notes) to the mound Monday night when they try to even the NL championship series in Game 4 at Citizens Bank Park.
Philadelphia won 11-0 Sunday to take a 2-1 series lead behind Cliff Lee(notes), who struck out 10 in eight stellar innings. Ryan Howard(notes) drove in three runs, Jayson Werth(notes) had a two-run homer and Shane Victorino(notes) added a three-run shot in the franchise’s most lopsided postseason victory.
“We expect to win when we come to the ballpark, and that’s kind of who they are,” manager Charlie Manuel said.
The Phillies chased Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda(notes) in the second inning.
Wolf (0-0, 4.91 ERA) will try to give Los Angeles a longer outing Monday. He made his lone career postseason start in Game 1 of the NL division series against St. Louis, allowed two runs over 3 2-3 innings in that 5-3 victory Oct. 7, and hasn’t pitched since.
The veteran left-hander became popular with Philadelphia fans while spending his first eight major league seasons with the Phillies. Some fans started a group dubbed the “Wolf Pack” in which they wore wolf masks on days he pitched.
“Well, I have a lot of memories here, a lot of good memories here,” Wolf said. “I always enjoyed pitching here. The fans were always really great to me. But I think it’s a lot of fun just being in a playoff game, an NLCS game against my former team. The fact that it’s a rematch from last year makes it exciting.”
Wolf, however, was booed during introductions before Sunday’s game and knows that he won’t have many people cheering for him or wearing wolf masks in this start.
“They’re born and raised Philadelphians and they’re Phillies fans first and foremost,” he said. “I think for the sake of their own lives they’ll keep that under wraps.”
One factor in his favor is his experience in Citizens Bank Park. He started the first game ever played in the stadium with the Phillies on April 12, 2004. He’s 9-7 with a 4.30 ERA in 27 starts at the ballpark, including 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 17 strikeouts in two as a visitor.
He’s also fared well against Howard and Werth, who are each 1 for 9 off him.
“They have a very solid lineup, from top to bottom,” Wolf said. “You know, you’ve got to be really on your game against this lineup because not only do they have guys that hit the ball out of the park, but they have very patient hitters, as well.”
Wolf will try to slow down a Philadelphia lineup that had 11 hits Sunday - six for extra bases. Howard has six RBIs in the series and has hit safely in all seven postseason games, batting .385 (10 for 26) with 12 RBIs.
The Dodgers have produced totals of two runs and eight hits in the last two games. Manny Ramirez(notes) had two of their three hits Sunday.
“You never want to get your rear end kicked,” manager Joe Torre said. “But you don’t toss and turn and wonder if you made the right move. It’s still only one game and we’re in position to tie the series tomorrow.”
Joe Blanton(notes), who pitched out of the bullpen in the Phillies’ division series against Colorado, will make his first start since Oct. 2. He went 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA in 31 starts in his first full season in Philadelphia.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes to help us win,” Blanton said. “If that means being in the bullpen or not throwing at all or whatever it is, I’m going to do as much as I can to help us win and help us achieve our goal that we’ve been working for all year.”
His last postseason start was a memorable one - Game 4 of the World Series against Tampa Bay last year. He gave up two runs over six innings to earn the win, but the outing was remembered more for his homer in the fifth inning.
“When I think back, I really just think about all the adrenaline I had after I did it,” Blanton said. “I enjoyed it, but almost didn’t get to because I was so worried about trying to bring myself back down to pitch and not letting myself get out of rhythm.”
The right-hander is 1-0 with a 2.88 ERA in four career starts against the Dodgers. He also started Game 4 of last year’s NLCS against them, giving up three runs in five innings and not getting a decision in a 7-5 Phillies victory.
Ramirez is 14 for 25 (.560) with one homer and eight RBIs against Blanton.
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POD: New York @ New Orleans-2.5 (3K units) W
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Manning and the Giants take on Jeremy Shockey(notes) and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in a matchup of two of the five remaining unbeaten teams.
This trip promises to be a special one for Manning. His main concern is helping New York (5-0) remain perfect after he played less than a half in last week’s 44-7 rout of Oakland due to plantar fasciitis suffered the week before.
Manning missed two days of practice last week and took a limited number of snaps Wednesday as a precaution against aggravating his heel.
His father, Archie, quarterbacked the Saints when Manning was a youngster, and his parents live about 10 minutes away from the Superdome.
“I am excited about it,” Manning said. “First time playing in the Superdome, ever, for any level of football. I am excited about getting the opportunity to play where my father spent most of his career, going to back to New Orleans and playing New Orleans, who is playing very well this year.
“Two undefeated teams. It should be a great atmosphere.”
While this game features a matchup of two of the top quarterbacks in Manning and the Saints’ Drew Brees(notes), a player who has emerged as New Orleans’ leading receiver has become a focal point.
Shockey will face the Giants for the first time since the tight end was traded to New Orleans (4-0) shortly before training camps opened in 2008. He spent six years with New York, reaching the Pro Bowl four times while blossoming with Manning as his quarterback.
Those years were marked, however, by numerous incidents, including a shouting feud with general manager Jerry Reese right before being traded. Shockey was critical of the way the Giants treated him during their run to the Super Bowl title two years ago, saying he did not feel welcome at team events or on the sideline during the playoffs.
On Wednesday, Shockey refused to discuss his feelings about the Giants.
“It’s not about me, all right? So no more questions (about that). It’s about two teams going against each other,” he said. “I want to make that clear. There’s already been some references about vendettas and stuff like that. It’s about two teams. It’s two great teams playing against each other.”
Giants players believe Shockey will be trying to prove a point Sunday. After an injury-plagued 2008 season, he currently leads New Orleans with 18 receptions and has 162 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
“I think Jeremy, just like any competitive guy, wants to get the ball and feels like any safety or linebacker is a great matchup and that he is going to get open,” Brees said. “Which the majority of the time he does, he is a great player. I think he fits very well into what we are trying to do.”
Manning and Brees rank second and third in quarterback rating this season, but both teams also have strong ground attacks. That’s not surprising for the Giants, who led the league in rushing last year and rank fourth in 2009 with 160.4 yards per game.
New Orleans, though, ranked 28th in that department last year and now features the second-best rushing attack in the NFL at 166.2 yards per game.
“This certainly presents a very real challenge,” said Giants coach Tom Coughlin, whose club also owns the league’s top defense. “Our guys have to rise up and play well against the run. As I said, there are a lot of things to defend. But certainly that is where it all starts for us, is with the run.”
The Saints, meanwhile, will try to stop a New York attack that also features Steve Smith, who leads the league with 37 catches and 481 yards receiving.
New Orleans’ defense is ranked sixth in the league, and the improved unit is guided by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who is familiar to New York from his days with Washington.
“Yeah, it’s his defense,” Manning said. “A lot of different schemes based by the game and some of it is the stuff he ran back at Washington and some of it is new stuff. But they can be very aggressive.”
Brees is 2-0 against the Giants, including a 30-7 road win Dec. 24, 2006 in the last meeting between these teams. He’ll be up against the league’s top-rated secondary that includes former LSU cornerback Corey Webster(notes).
This is the Giants’ second trip to the Superdome since 1995. They lost 45-7 in 2003 and a scheduled matchup in 2005 was shifted to Giants Stadium due to Hurricane Katrina as New York won 27-10.
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Manning and the Giants take on Jeremy Shockey(notes) and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in a matchup of two of the five remaining unbeaten teams.
This trip promises to be a special one for Manning. His main concern is helping New York (5-0) remain perfect after he played less than a half in last week’s 44-7 rout of Oakland due to plantar fasciitis suffered the week before.
Manning missed two days of practice last week and took a limited number of snaps Wednesday as a precaution against aggravating his heel.
His father, Archie, quarterbacked the Saints when Manning was a youngster, and his parents live about 10 minutes away from the Superdome.
“I am excited about it,” Manning said. “First time playing in the Superdome, ever, for any level of football. I am excited about getting the opportunity to play where my father spent most of his career, going to back to New Orleans and playing New Orleans, who is playing very well this year.
“Two undefeated teams. It should be a great atmosphere.”
While this game features a matchup of two of the top quarterbacks in Manning and the Saints’ Drew Brees(notes), a player who has emerged as New Orleans’ leading receiver has become a focal point.
Shockey will face the Giants for the first time since the tight end was traded to New Orleans (4-0) shortly before training camps opened in 2008. He spent six years with New York, reaching the Pro Bowl four times while blossoming with Manning as his quarterback.
Those years were marked, however, by numerous incidents, including a shouting feud with general manager Jerry Reese right before being traded. Shockey was critical of the way the Giants treated him during their run to the Super Bowl title two years ago, saying he did not feel welcome at team events or on the sideline during the playoffs.
On Wednesday, Shockey refused to discuss his feelings about the Giants.
“It’s not about me, all right? So no more questions (about that). It’s about two teams going against each other,” he said. “I want to make that clear. There’s already been some references about vendettas and stuff like that. It’s about two teams. It’s two great teams playing against each other.”
Giants players believe Shockey will be trying to prove a point Sunday. After an injury-plagued 2008 season, he currently leads New Orleans with 18 receptions and has 162 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
“I think Jeremy, just like any competitive guy, wants to get the ball and feels like any safety or linebacker is a great matchup and that he is going to get open,” Brees said. “Which the majority of the time he does, he is a great player. I think he fits very well into what we are trying to do.”
Manning and Brees rank second and third in quarterback rating this season, but both teams also have strong ground attacks. That’s not surprising for the Giants, who led the league in rushing last year and rank fourth in 2009 with 160.4 yards per game.
New Orleans, though, ranked 28th in that department last year and now features the second-best rushing attack in the NFL at 166.2 yards per game.
“This certainly presents a very real challenge,” said Giants coach Tom Coughlin, whose club also owns the league’s top defense. “Our guys have to rise up and play well against the run. As I said, there are a lot of things to defend. But certainly that is where it all starts for us, is with the run.”
The Saints, meanwhile, will try to stop a New York attack that also features Steve Smith, who leads the league with 37 catches and 481 yards receiving.
New Orleans’ defense is ranked sixth in the league, and the improved unit is guided by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who is familiar to New York from his days with Washington.
“Yeah, it’s his defense,” Manning said. “A lot of different schemes based by the game and some of it is the stuff he ran back at Washington and some of it is new stuff. But they can be very aggressive.”
Brees is 2-0 against the Giants, including a 30-7 road win Dec. 24, 2006 in the last meeting between these teams. He’ll be up against the league’s top-rated secondary that includes former LSU cornerback Corey Webster(notes).
This is the Giants’ second trip to the Superdome since 1995. They lost 45-7 in 2003 and a scheduled matchup in 2005 was shifted to Giants Stadium due to Hurricane Katrina as New York won 27-10.
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POD: Purefoods+2.5 vs. Ginebra (3K units) L
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Preview: Even in an elimination round game, Purefoods’ coach Ryan Gregorio insists that they must already come out and play as if it were already the playoffs. No ifs, no buts.
Especially when the team they’re up against next is Ginebra.
“Playing Ginebra in the eliminations gives you a playoff atmosphere,” said Gregorio. Nothing less than a playoff brand of performance is required to match their intensity and energy.”
The Giants and the Gin Kings square off in a battle between two teams that came through with impressive victories in their respective opening games, the winner seizing the solo lead in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.
Purefoods wore down Burger King (93-80) exactly a week ago in a game where Japeth Aguilar played his first and last for the Whoppers, while Ginebra stunned tournament favorite San Miguel (98-86) three days after in results that reflected how ready they are this early in the season.
Gregorio was amazed at how the Gin Kings beat the Beermen despite the obvious disadvantage in height and talent. Now he must find a way to stop the weapon Ginebra used against San Miguel, and hope that they can dictate the tempo of the match throughout to take the crowd away from the game.
“They used their overwhelming advantage in quickness to run the ground the more talented and taller Beemen. They played with tremendous grit and determination. They get their energy once they score on fastbreaks, and the solution to that is that we have to take high percentage shots,” said Gregorio.
Containing Ginebra’s running game isn’t the only thing that’s posing headaches for the Giants. This time, Purefoods must also uncover an answer against the man who has been the Gin Kings’ main firepower for years -- Mark Caguio.
The player they refer to as ‘The Spark’ lived up to his moniker when he finally played for Ginebra after missing the entire 2008-09 season. He scored 17 points against San Miguel, yet the thing statistics do not show is the impact of his presence, the energy he gives to the team and the leadership he provides.
“He must be contained, he has given Ginebra an added boost in the energy department,” said Gregorio of Caguioa.
The match-up of Caguioa and James Yap is certainly the one that the crowd wants to see. Yap debuted with 12 points against the Whoppers.
Coach Jong Uichico doesn’t see speed advantage tilting heavily on Ginebra. He says that Purefoods, too, is a ball club that has quickness, with a frontline to match their own.
“We have to find a weakness in their system,” said Uichico. “They have the height and speed to match any team.”
Although Purefoods is a team built around on James Yap, Peter Jun Simon and Marc Pingris, a newcomer in the ball club but a PBA veteran led the Giants to victory in its first game.
Raffi Reavies shone brightest as the former Ginebra forward wound up with 20 rebounds and 14 points, and he is expected again to play a key role against the Gin Kings’ frontline.
Coca-Cola and Barako Bull, on the other hand, try to barge into the win column when they collide in the first game.
The Tigers suffered a 95-76 thrashing from Sta. Lucia Realty the other night while the Energy Boosters faded in the second half in a 99-83 defeat to Alaska.
Meantime, the PBA is expected to hand down a decision on Wynne Arboleda early next week.
The Burger King guard will appear before Commissioner Renauld ‘Sonny’ Barrios on Monday to explain his side of the story why he kicked and punched a ringside fan during the Whoppers’ game against Smart-Gilas.
The fan, known as Alain Katigbak, has already filed formal charges.
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POD: San Miguel-2.5 vs. Alaska (3K units) W
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POD: SBC-4.5 @ SSC-R (3K units) L
San Beda guns for the other twice-to-beat edge as it plays frontrunning San Sebastian today at the close of the double-round elimination round in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Lions and the Stags duel at 4 p.m. with the former needing to less than a victory to clinch the other semis bonus and avoid falling into a playoff with the Jose Rizal U Bombers for the No. 2 spot.
San Sebastian took the first Final Four incentive with an 84-78 victory over Jose Rizal last Wednesday, hiking its output to 16-1 heading into today’s final elims playdate.
The loss dropped the Bombers to third with a 15-3 card while leaving the Lions in solo second with a 15-2 mark.
A victory by San Beda will send the Lions into a playoff with the Stags for the No. 1 berth in the Final Four but a loss will pave the way for the SBC-JRU duel for the No. 2 spot.
“Our main goal is to finish No. 1. We really want it to accomplish,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin.
The Lions are indeed expecting the Stags to play with confidence following their morale-boosting victory over the Bombers.
“Coming from a big win against Jose Rizal, San Sebastian will play with a lot of confidence,” San Beda mentor Frankie Lim said. “But we know the importance of the game today. I told my boys to give everything they got inside the court, focus on making stops and be smart.”
The Lions are also coming off a huge win over the Letran Knights, 76-64, that kept the defending three-peat champions in the hunt for the twice-to-beat bonus.
American behemoth Sudan Daniel tries to atone for his lackluster game the last time out as he leads San Beda against the Recoletos-based squad, which beat the Lions, 83-77, in their first round meeting.
“We’re going to need Su (Daniel) to come up big against San Sebastian,” said Lim.
Focus will also be on SSC’s Jimbo Aquino, a strong MVP contender who scored 26 points against the Lions in their first round encounter.
“We have to find ways to limit him (Aquino),” said Lim.
San Beda guns for the other twice-to-beat edge as it plays frontrunning San Sebastian today at the close of the double-round elimination round in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Lions and the Stags duel at 4 p.m. with the former needing to less than a victory to clinch the other semis bonus and avoid falling into a playoff with the Jose Rizal U Bombers for the No. 2 spot.
San Sebastian took the first Final Four incentive with an 84-78 victory over Jose Rizal last Wednesday, hiking its output to 16-1 heading into today’s final elims playdate.
The loss dropped the Bombers to third with a 15-3 card while leaving the Lions in solo second with a 15-2 mark.
A victory by San Beda will send the Lions into a playoff with the Stags for the No. 1 berth in the Final Four but a loss will pave the way for the SBC-JRU duel for the No. 2 spot.
“Our main goal is to finish No. 1. We really want it to accomplish,” said San Sebastian coach Ato Agustin.
The Lions are indeed expecting the Stags to play with confidence following their morale-boosting victory over the Bombers.
“Coming from a big win against Jose Rizal, San Sebastian will play with a lot of confidence,” San Beda mentor Frankie Lim said. “But we know the importance of the game today. I told my boys to give everything they got inside the court, focus on making stops and be smart.”
The Lions are also coming off a huge win over the Letran Knights, 76-64, that kept the defending three-peat champions in the hunt for the twice-to-beat bonus.
American behemoth Sudan Daniel tries to atone for his lackluster game the last time out as he leads San Beda against the Recoletos-based squad, which beat the Lions, 83-77, in their first round meeting.
“We’re going to need Su (Daniel) to come up big against San Sebastian,” said Lim.
Focus will also be on SSC’s Jimbo Aquino, a strong MVP contender who scored 26 points against the Lions in their first round encounter.
“We have to find ways to limit him (Aquino),” said Lim.
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POD: Phoenix+2.0 @ Indiana (3K units) W
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Preview: Diana Taurasi hasn’t found her rhythm during the WNBA finals and the Phoenix Mercury are paying for it.
The Indiana Fever lead the series 2-1 and can win its first championship on Wednesday night in Game 4. Indiana’s odds of closing out the best-of-five series increase if Taurasi, the league’s MVP, has another poor shooting performance.
Taurasi is averaging 20 points per game in the finals, but she’s making fewer than a third of her shots while being hounded by defensive player of the year Tamika Catchings.
Indiana held Taurasi to 6-for-16 shooting and won Game 3 86-85 on Sunday. Catchings doesn’t expect another off night from the league’s regular-season scoring champion.
“She missed quite a few wide open shots,” Catchings said. “Don’t look for her to miss those next game.”
Indiana guard Katie Douglas said the Fever will continue to try to disrupt Taurasi and support Catchings with aggressive team defense.
“We’ve done a tremendous job on her, but at the same time, no one’s relaxing,” Douglas said. “She’s the MVP of the league, she’s a bomb waiting to go off. Just one 3-pointer or layup could erupt the volcano that she can become.”
Taurasi shot 46 percent in the regular season, but is at 33 percent in the finals. She recognized that she was in a slump and said she’s been spending extra time on her shot.
“I went back and watched the film yesterday, the whole game from minute one to the end,” she said. “It comes down to getting shots and knocking down shots.”
Phoenix coach Corey Gaines took responsibility for Taurasi’s struggles, saying he needs to get his scorers in better position.
“It’s an adjustment on my end, and we’re going to get that done,” he said. “She’s doing what she’s supposed to do.”
Gaines said his team remains confident that it can win its second title in three years. He said the Mercury had many good moments in Sunday’s loss and could have won.
Taurasi has drawn attention away from Cappie Pondexter, who is averaging 19.3 points and 5.0 assists in the series. The All-Star, who finished fourth in the MVP balloting, is causing headaches for the Fever.
“We have to do a better job with that,” Catchings said. “When she gets the ball up top in the middle, it destroys our defense and all our defensive principles. We’ve tried a little bit of everything. I think the biggest thing is just tightening it up.”
While Taurasi has struggled, the Fever have shot surprisingly well. Indiana was the worst shooting team in the league during the season, but has shot 50 percent during the finals.
Indiana has countered Phoenix’s high-scoring offense with balance. Catchings, the runner-up to Taurasi in the MVP balloting, is just fifth on her team in scoring during the finals. She is averaging 13.3 points and shooting 36 percent, but she also is averaging 9.0 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 2.7 steals.
“The thing that I’ve always tried to do is whatever it takes to make this team win, whether it be rebounding or distributing,” she said. “I think this year, our team has finally gotten the point.”
Taurasi said Indiana’s bench of Briann January, Jessica Davenport and Jessica Moore have been the difference. She singled out January, a rookie point guard who is averaging 15 points in the series. January scored 10 points in a 1:16 stretch at the end of the third quarter of Game 3 that gave the Fever a boost.
“She’s been their spark, she’s been their heart in a lot of ways,” Taurasi said. “She’s been coming into games, and not being shy of shooting, being aggressive, making winning plays. She has just been nails, really. She’s played like a 10-year vet with no conscience.”
The series has been entertaining, with close games and the highest-scoring game in WNBA history. The league says television viewership for the finals are up 51 percent compared to last year’s Detroit-San Antonio series through Game 3. The rating of 0.4 is up 33 percent from last year.
Taurasi said she relishes moments like these, being down 2-1 and facing a crowd that booed her in pre-game introductions before Game 3, a rarity in women’s basketball. Taurasi said the boos sound like cheers to her, and she looks forward to the challenge.
“You can’t be afraid of the moment, you can’t be tentative about it,” she said. “You have an opportunity to do something special.”
Watch the games live for FREE @ Bet365
Preview: Diana Taurasi hasn’t found her rhythm during the WNBA finals and the Phoenix Mercury are paying for it.
The Indiana Fever lead the series 2-1 and can win its first championship on Wednesday night in Game 4. Indiana’s odds of closing out the best-of-five series increase if Taurasi, the league’s MVP, has another poor shooting performance.
Taurasi is averaging 20 points per game in the finals, but she’s making fewer than a third of her shots while being hounded by defensive player of the year Tamika Catchings.
Indiana held Taurasi to 6-for-16 shooting and won Game 3 86-85 on Sunday. Catchings doesn’t expect another off night from the league’s regular-season scoring champion.
“She missed quite a few wide open shots,” Catchings said. “Don’t look for her to miss those next game.”
Indiana guard Katie Douglas said the Fever will continue to try to disrupt Taurasi and support Catchings with aggressive team defense.
“We’ve done a tremendous job on her, but at the same time, no one’s relaxing,” Douglas said. “She’s the MVP of the league, she’s a bomb waiting to go off. Just one 3-pointer or layup could erupt the volcano that she can become.”
Taurasi shot 46 percent in the regular season, but is at 33 percent in the finals. She recognized that she was in a slump and said she’s been spending extra time on her shot.
“I went back and watched the film yesterday, the whole game from minute one to the end,” she said. “It comes down to getting shots and knocking down shots.”
Phoenix coach Corey Gaines took responsibility for Taurasi’s struggles, saying he needs to get his scorers in better position.
“It’s an adjustment on my end, and we’re going to get that done,” he said. “She’s doing what she’s supposed to do.”
Gaines said his team remains confident that it can win its second title in three years. He said the Mercury had many good moments in Sunday’s loss and could have won.
Taurasi has drawn attention away from Cappie Pondexter, who is averaging 19.3 points and 5.0 assists in the series. The All-Star, who finished fourth in the MVP balloting, is causing headaches for the Fever.
“We have to do a better job with that,” Catchings said. “When she gets the ball up top in the middle, it destroys our defense and all our defensive principles. We’ve tried a little bit of everything. I think the biggest thing is just tightening it up.”
While Taurasi has struggled, the Fever have shot surprisingly well. Indiana was the worst shooting team in the league during the season, but has shot 50 percent during the finals.
Indiana has countered Phoenix’s high-scoring offense with balance. Catchings, the runner-up to Taurasi in the MVP balloting, is just fifth on her team in scoring during the finals. She is averaging 13.3 points and shooting 36 percent, but she also is averaging 9.0 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 2.7 steals.
“The thing that I’ve always tried to do is whatever it takes to make this team win, whether it be rebounding or distributing,” she said. “I think this year, our team has finally gotten the point.”
Taurasi said Indiana’s bench of Briann January, Jessica Davenport and Jessica Moore have been the difference. She singled out January, a rookie point guard who is averaging 15 points in the series. January scored 10 points in a 1:16 stretch at the end of the third quarter of Game 3 that gave the Fever a boost.
“She’s been their spark, she’s been their heart in a lot of ways,” Taurasi said. “She’s been coming into games, and not being shy of shooting, being aggressive, making winning plays. She has just been nails, really. She’s played like a 10-year vet with no conscience.”
The series has been entertaining, with close games and the highest-scoring game in WNBA history. The league says television viewership for the finals are up 51 percent compared to last year’s Detroit-San Antonio series through Game 3. The rating of 0.4 is up 33 percent from last year.
Taurasi said she relishes moments like these, being down 2-1 and facing a crowd that booed her in pre-game introductions before Game 3, a rarity in women’s basketball. Taurasi said the boos sound like cheers to her, and she looks forward to the challenge.
“You can’t be afraid of the moment, you can’t be tentative about it,” she said. “You have an opportunity to do something special.”
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