Associated Press Poll
1. North Carolina (52) 29-2
2. Memphis (13) 30-1
3. UCLA (5) 28-3
4. Tennessee (2) 28-3
5. Kansas 28-3
6. Texas 26-5
7. Duke 26-4
8. Wisconsin 26-4
9. Georgetown 25-4
10. Xavier 26-5
11. Stanford 26-5
12. Butler 28-3
13. Louisville 24-7
14. Notre Dame 24-6
15. Connecticut 24-7
16. Drake 28-4
17. Purdue 24-7
18. Vanderbilt 25-6
19. Michigan State 24-7
20. Gonzaga 25-6
21. Washington State 23-7
22. Indiana 25-6
23. Davidson 25-6
24. Brigham Young 25-6
25. Marquette 22-8
() - first place votes received
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Nascar Race #4
Kyle Busch wins The Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Busch was a factor all day as he kept his vehicle near the front of the field. Nearing the 70-60 laps to go stage, it looked as if Edwards could go for three wins in a row. Edwards No.99 Aflac car, was fast and impressive as he gradually kept his distance from the field. He would have to relinquish the lead with 51 laps to go because of engine failure. Kyle Busch never looked back, leading the last 51 laps and a total of 173 laps. He became the youngest driver to win at Atlanta Motor Speedway and also the first to win in a Toyota manufactured car. The race featured a lot of debris caution, but only one driver Elliott Sadler wrecked his car. Sadler caused three cautions in a row, the final one ending his day.
Top 10 Finish
1. Kyle Busch, Car no. 18, Toyota, 325 laps, 6th
2. Tony Stewart, Car no. 20, Toyota, 325 laps, 32nd
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr, Car no. 88, Chevy, 325 laps, 2nd
4. Greg Biffle, Car no. 16, Ford, 325 laps, 13th
5. Jeff Gordon, Car no. 24, Chevy 325 laps, 1st
6. Clint Bowyer, Car no. 07, Chevy, 325 laps, 7th
7. Kevin Harvick, Car no. 29, Chevy, 325 laps, 8th
8. Matt Kenseth, Car no. 17, Ford, 325 laps, 38th
9. Brian Vickers, Car no. 83, Toyota, 325 laps, 35th
10. Jeff Burton, Car no. 31, Chevy, 325 laps, 15th
Top 10 Finish
1. Kyle Busch, Car no. 18, Toyota, 325 laps, 6th
2. Tony Stewart, Car no. 20, Toyota, 325 laps, 32nd
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr, Car no. 88, Chevy, 325 laps, 2nd
4. Greg Biffle, Car no. 16, Ford, 325 laps, 13th
5. Jeff Gordon, Car no. 24, Chevy 325 laps, 1st
6. Clint Bowyer, Car no. 07, Chevy, 325 laps, 7th
7. Kevin Harvick, Car no. 29, Chevy, 325 laps, 8th
8. Matt Kenseth, Car no. 17, Ford, 325 laps, 38th
9. Brian Vickers, Car no. 83, Toyota, 325 laps, 35th
10. Jeff Burton, Car no. 31, Chevy, 325 laps, 15th
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Breaking News
Green Bay legend Brett Favre has decided to retire after an illustrious 17 year career, which 16 years spent in Green Bay. Favre notified Coach Mike McCarthy Monday night and his agent Buss Cook confirmed the news Tuesday. Cook said as of Tuesday morning, Favre has no plans to hold a press conferences.
Favre, a sure first ballot Hall of Famer was acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. Brett lead the Packers to a pair of Super Bowls in 1996 and 1997, winning it all the first time around. Favre came close to returning to a third Super Bowl the past season, but faltered in overtime of the NFC Championship game to the eventual Super Bowl winners the Giants.
Over his career Favre has set a multitude of records, 275 consecutive starts at QB(including playoffs), 160 wins as a starting QB, 61,655 yards, 442 touchdowns and 288 interceptions. He also has records for completing 5,377 passes and 8,758 pass attempts. He has been to the Pro Bowl 9 times over his lengthy career.
(Photo courtesy of railbirdcentral)
Favre, a sure first ballot Hall of Famer was acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. Brett lead the Packers to a pair of Super Bowls in 1996 and 1997, winning it all the first time around. Favre came close to returning to a third Super Bowl the past season, but faltered in overtime of the NFC Championship game to the eventual Super Bowl winners the Giants.
Over his career Favre has set a multitude of records, 275 consecutive starts at QB(including playoffs), 160 wins as a starting QB, 61,655 yards, 442 touchdowns and 288 interceptions. He also has records for completing 5,377 passes and 8,758 pass attempts. He has been to the Pro Bowl 9 times over his lengthy career.
(Photo courtesy of railbirdcentral)
Men's Top 25 March 3rd
AP Top 25
1. North Carolina (38) 27-2
2. Memphis (21) 28-1
3. UCLA (12) 26-3
4. Tennessee (1) 26-3
5. Kansas 26-3
6. Duke 25-3
7. Stanford 24-4
8. Xavier 25-4
9. Texas 24-5
10. Wisconsin 24-4
11. Georgetown 24-4
12. Louisville 24-6
13. Connecticut 23-6
14. Butler 27-3
15. Purdue 23-6
16. Vanderbilt 24-5
17. Michigan State 23-6
18. Indiana 24-5
19. Notre Dame 22-6
20. Drake 25-4
21. Marquette 21-7
22. Gonzaga 23-6
23. Washington State 22-7
24. Clemson 21-7
25. Davidson 23-6
() - First place votes
1. North Carolina (38) 27-2
2. Memphis (21) 28-1
3. UCLA (12) 26-3
4. Tennessee (1) 26-3
5. Kansas 26-3
6. Duke 25-3
7. Stanford 24-4
8. Xavier 25-4
9. Texas 24-5
10. Wisconsin 24-4
11. Georgetown 24-4
12. Louisville 24-6
13. Connecticut 23-6
14. Butler 27-3
15. Purdue 23-6
16. Vanderbilt 24-5
17. Michigan State 23-6
18. Indiana 24-5
19. Notre Dame 22-6
20. Drake 25-4
21. Marquette 21-7
22. Gonzaga 23-6
23. Washington State 22-7
24. Clemson 21-7
25. Davidson 23-6
() - First place votes
Monday, March 3, 2008
NASCAR Race #3
Carl Edwards wins the UAW Dodge 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, winning his second race in a row. Edwards who was penalized halfway through the race when a tire rolled away from the pit box, had to drop to the back of the field. After working his way back to the front Edwards came into the pit under caution with 51 laps to go. The pit crew fell into the same mistake of letting a tire get loose from the pit stall, but they received a break for the infraction. A cameraman interfered with standard pit procedure and the crew member wasn't able to retrieve the tire. After the tire debacle Edwards started third on the restart and regained the lead with 30 laps to go from Roush teammate Matt Kenseth. The bizarre events at Las Vegas were not over, on a restart with 4 laps to go coming off of turn 2 Jeff Gordon got into the left quarter panel of Kenseth sending him spinning out, as Gordon tried to slow up Biffle got behind Gordon and it sent his car flying towards the infield wall. Gordon slammed the wall so hard his radiator flew halfway down the backstretch, Kenseth was lucky as his car didn't hit anything or anyone. The race was red flagged and after the green flag restart with 2 to go, Edwards ran away from Earnhardt Jr and captured his 2nd win a row in the first 3 races. Edwards lead 86 laps which is almost a 1/3 of the 267 laps, the race set a record cautions at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with 11 cautions. The Sprint Cup Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway next week for the 4th race of the season.
Top 10 Finish
1. Carl Edwards, Car no. 99, Ford, 267 laps, 2nd
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr, Car no. 88, Chevy, 267 laps, 8th
3. Greg Biffle, Car no.16, Ford, 267 laps, 6th
4. Kevin Harvick, Car no. 29, Chevy, 267 laps, 17th
5. Jeff Burton, Car no. 31, Chevy, 267 laps, 24th
6. Kasey Kahne, Car no. 9, Dodge, 267 laps, 37th
7. David Ragan, Car no. 6, Ford, 267 laps, 38th
8. Travis Kvapil, Car no. 28, Ford, 267 laps, 29th
9. Denny Hamlin, Car no. 11, Toyota, 267 laps, 27th
10. Mark Martin, Car no. 8, Chevy, 267 laps, 3rd
Top 10 Finish
1. Carl Edwards, Car no. 99, Ford, 267 laps, 2nd
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr, Car no. 88, Chevy, 267 laps, 8th
3. Greg Biffle, Car no.16, Ford, 267 laps, 6th
4. Kevin Harvick, Car no. 29, Chevy, 267 laps, 17th
5. Jeff Burton, Car no. 31, Chevy, 267 laps, 24th
6. Kasey Kahne, Car no. 9, Dodge, 267 laps, 37th
7. David Ragan, Car no. 6, Ford, 267 laps, 38th
8. Travis Kvapil, Car no. 28, Ford, 267 laps, 29th
9. Denny Hamlin, Car no. 11, Toyota, 267 laps, 27th
10. Mark Martin, Car no. 8, Chevy, 267 laps, 3rd
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Saturday Big Performances
Yesterday I had the privilege to see some big time basketball performances displayed. Sadly these teams all followed the same theme, they had a one man wrecking crew with an average supporting cast. Another theme is all 3 of these teams lost their games, despite getting big points and effort from their stars.
The North Carolina Tar Heels arrived at Silvio O. Conte Forum looking to duplicate the win against Boston College, a 91-69 thrashing of the Golden Eagles a month earlier. Well this time around BC was going to put up more of a fight, as they quickly jumped out to a lead behind the 3 point shooting of Tyrese Rice. Rice had an unbelievable 1st half, he helped BC get out to a fast lead by hitting 4 3 point shots in a row. With the Tar Heels being in a bit of an earlier slump he continued his shooting feat, hitting 4 more 3 point shots and getting himself to the foul line. At one point in the game Rice was outscoring UNC by himself, he would go on to achieve his career high by the end of the half with 34 points and 8 for 9 3 point shooting. After coming out the 2nd half leading UNC 54-40, it looked like Rice would continue his onslaught as he stripped Thomas at halfcourt and finished the defensive play with a layup. Coach Williams switched up his defensive play on Rice and had Marcus Ginyard cover the 6 foot guard, Ginyard was a great choice considering he has 6 inches on Rice. Behind the 25 points from Tyler Hansbrough, 20 points from Wayne Ellington, and 18 points from Danny Green off of the bench UNC would go on to outscore BC 50-26 in the 2nd half, winning the game 90-80. Tyrese Rice finished the 2nd half with 12 of the 26 points, he finished the game shooting 14-25, 10-11 from the free throw line and 8-12 from the 3 point line. Rice finished with 46 points, 4 shy of achieving the school record and became the 1st BC player with 40 points since Troy Bell in 2001. UNC improved to 12-2 in ACC play and 27-2 overall, as BC dropped to 4-10 in ACC play and 13-14 overall.
(Photo courtesy of AP Press/ESPN)
USC Trojans visited the Arizona State Sun Devils in hopes of improving their run to the NCAA tournament. The first half both teams played to a tie 25-25, but heading into the 2nd quarter is where the game became more intense. ASU would go on a few runs and open up the lead on the Trojans, as the Trojans begin to foul out OJ Mayo begin to really dominate the game. He would start out on either wing with the ball and just drive it right down the lane and finish with a difficult layup. It didn't help that his 3 point shot was falling as well, he hit 7 of his 1st 8 attempts. Even though Mayo was read hot, his team however had most of their big guys on the bench because of fouls and didn't do a good job defensively. The Sun Devils would go on to outscore USC 55-41 in the 2nd half, with 4 players in double digits. Freshman Guard James Harden lead the way with 24 points, Junior Forward Jeff Pendergraph poured in 21 points and 9 rebounds, Sophomore Guard Derek Glasser added 11 points and Freshman Forward Rihards Kuksiks added 10 points, including 2 3 pointers. OJ Mayo finished with 37 points shooting 13-21, 6 for 7 from the foul line and 7 for 10 from the 3 point line, he was the only Trojan in double digits. Both teams have an overall record of 18-10, while USC is 9-7 on PAC-10 play and ASU is 8-8 in PAC-10 play.
(Photo courtesy of AP Press/ESPN)
The Kansas State Wildcats defeated the Kansas Jayhawks earlier in the season to end a Jayhawk 24 year winning streak in Manhattan. Last night KSU was looking for their first sweep of Kansas in the regular season since 1983. This game was star filled, as everyone knows the freshman sensation Michael Beasley who is having one of the best individual college basketball seasons in history. Kansas has it's share of stars from Darrell Arthur to Brandon Rush, they are loaded with great talent. The game tipped off and the tone was set early, KSU was in trouble when superstar Beasley received two quick fouls and had to sit for a period of time. It didn't help the Wildcats when their other forward, Bill Walker and 2nd scoring threat on the team got into early foul trouble as well. It looked as the second foul called on Beasley was a blocking foul since the defender was moving and one of Walker's fouls was wrongly assigned to him. What happened next was inevitable, as KU jumped out to 23 points as KSU struggled to get out of single digits. Coach Frank Martin had no choice and had to play Beasley, he figured out a way to play him the rest of the half. Coach Martin would put Beasley in on offense and when a change of possession would come he would take him out, hence he only played offense aside form the last minute or two. It was a tough game for KSU as they got the lead down to 8 points, but entered the locker room down 41-29. When the Jayhawks came out the 2nd half, they came out for blood. They jumped out to an 11-0 run in the second half behind the shooting of Brandon Rush, who hit a three to cap the run off and 4 points from Darnell Jackson. While Kansas was hot the Kansas State faltered as they missed their first 6 shots of the half. Though a deep deficit Beasley got rolling, as he started to knock down his jumper from inside and outside the 3 point line. He also got to the front of the rim and to the line but it wasn't enough to defeat the Jayhawks. Beasley finished with a quiet 39 points, tying for the 4th most in Phog Allen Fieldhouse. He was the only Wildcat in double figures, finishing 11-23 on the floor, 13-16 from the line and 4-7 from behind the arc. The Jayhawks had 5 players finish in double figures as Guard Brandon Rush lead the way with 21 points, shooting 5 for 9 from the 3 point line as Kansas shot 11 for 23 from the 3 point line. Guard Sherron Collins came off the bench and poured in 18 points hitting 3 three pointers, Senior Guard Russell Robinson had 14 points and 5 assists and 2 three pointers, and both Forwards Darrell Arthur and Darnell Robinson added 10 points each in the win. The annually top 10 Jayhawks improved to 26-3 overall and a tie for the Big 12 lead with Texas at 11-3 in conference play. The Wildcats who started the season hot and handed Kansas there first loss, have became dismal down the stretch. Losing 5 of their last 6 games and 4 in a row, KSU is 8-6 in conference play and a 18-10 overall record.
(Photo courtesy of AP Press/ESPN)
The North Carolina Tar Heels arrived at Silvio O. Conte Forum looking to duplicate the win against Boston College, a 91-69 thrashing of the Golden Eagles a month earlier. Well this time around BC was going to put up more of a fight, as they quickly jumped out to a lead behind the 3 point shooting of Tyrese Rice. Rice had an unbelievable 1st half, he helped BC get out to a fast lead by hitting 4 3 point shots in a row. With the Tar Heels being in a bit of an earlier slump he continued his shooting feat, hitting 4 more 3 point shots and getting himself to the foul line. At one point in the game Rice was outscoring UNC by himself, he would go on to achieve his career high by the end of the half with 34 points and 8 for 9 3 point shooting. After coming out the 2nd half leading UNC 54-40, it looked like Rice would continue his onslaught as he stripped Thomas at halfcourt and finished the defensive play with a layup. Coach Williams switched up his defensive play on Rice and had Marcus Ginyard cover the 6 foot guard, Ginyard was a great choice considering he has 6 inches on Rice. Behind the 25 points from Tyler Hansbrough, 20 points from Wayne Ellington, and 18 points from Danny Green off of the bench UNC would go on to outscore BC 50-26 in the 2nd half, winning the game 90-80. Tyrese Rice finished the 2nd half with 12 of the 26 points, he finished the game shooting 14-25, 10-11 from the free throw line and 8-12 from the 3 point line. Rice finished with 46 points, 4 shy of achieving the school record and became the 1st BC player with 40 points since Troy Bell in 2001. UNC improved to 12-2 in ACC play and 27-2 overall, as BC dropped to 4-10 in ACC play and 13-14 overall.
(Photo courtesy of AP Press/ESPN)
USC Trojans visited the Arizona State Sun Devils in hopes of improving their run to the NCAA tournament. The first half both teams played to a tie 25-25, but heading into the 2nd quarter is where the game became more intense. ASU would go on a few runs and open up the lead on the Trojans, as the Trojans begin to foul out OJ Mayo begin to really dominate the game. He would start out on either wing with the ball and just drive it right down the lane and finish with a difficult layup. It didn't help that his 3 point shot was falling as well, he hit 7 of his 1st 8 attempts. Even though Mayo was read hot, his team however had most of their big guys on the bench because of fouls and didn't do a good job defensively. The Sun Devils would go on to outscore USC 55-41 in the 2nd half, with 4 players in double digits. Freshman Guard James Harden lead the way with 24 points, Junior Forward Jeff Pendergraph poured in 21 points and 9 rebounds, Sophomore Guard Derek Glasser added 11 points and Freshman Forward Rihards Kuksiks added 10 points, including 2 3 pointers. OJ Mayo finished with 37 points shooting 13-21, 6 for 7 from the foul line and 7 for 10 from the 3 point line, he was the only Trojan in double digits. Both teams have an overall record of 18-10, while USC is 9-7 on PAC-10 play and ASU is 8-8 in PAC-10 play.
(Photo courtesy of AP Press/ESPN)
The Kansas State Wildcats defeated the Kansas Jayhawks earlier in the season to end a Jayhawk 24 year winning streak in Manhattan. Last night KSU was looking for their first sweep of Kansas in the regular season since 1983. This game was star filled, as everyone knows the freshman sensation Michael Beasley who is having one of the best individual college basketball seasons in history. Kansas has it's share of stars from Darrell Arthur to Brandon Rush, they are loaded with great talent. The game tipped off and the tone was set early, KSU was in trouble when superstar Beasley received two quick fouls and had to sit for a period of time. It didn't help the Wildcats when their other forward, Bill Walker and 2nd scoring threat on the team got into early foul trouble as well. It looked as the second foul called on Beasley was a blocking foul since the defender was moving and one of Walker's fouls was wrongly assigned to him. What happened next was inevitable, as KU jumped out to 23 points as KSU struggled to get out of single digits. Coach Frank Martin had no choice and had to play Beasley, he figured out a way to play him the rest of the half. Coach Martin would put Beasley in on offense and when a change of possession would come he would take him out, hence he only played offense aside form the last minute or two. It was a tough game for KSU as they got the lead down to 8 points, but entered the locker room down 41-29. When the Jayhawks came out the 2nd half, they came out for blood. They jumped out to an 11-0 run in the second half behind the shooting of Brandon Rush, who hit a three to cap the run off and 4 points from Darnell Jackson. While Kansas was hot the Kansas State faltered as they missed their first 6 shots of the half. Though a deep deficit Beasley got rolling, as he started to knock down his jumper from inside and outside the 3 point line. He also got to the front of the rim and to the line but it wasn't enough to defeat the Jayhawks. Beasley finished with a quiet 39 points, tying for the 4th most in Phog Allen Fieldhouse. He was the only Wildcat in double figures, finishing 11-23 on the floor, 13-16 from the line and 4-7 from behind the arc. The Jayhawks had 5 players finish in double figures as Guard Brandon Rush lead the way with 21 points, shooting 5 for 9 from the 3 point line as Kansas shot 11 for 23 from the 3 point line. Guard Sherron Collins came off the bench and poured in 18 points hitting 3 three pointers, Senior Guard Russell Robinson had 14 points and 5 assists and 2 three pointers, and both Forwards Darrell Arthur and Darnell Robinson added 10 points each in the win. The annually top 10 Jayhawks improved to 26-3 overall and a tie for the Big 12 lead with Texas at 11-3 in conference play. The Wildcats who started the season hot and handed Kansas there first loss, have became dismal down the stretch. Losing 5 of their last 6 games and 4 in a row, KSU is 8-6 in conference play and a 18-10 overall record.
(Photo courtesy of AP Press/ESPN)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Coach K gets 800th Win
Coach Mike Krzyzewski received his 800th win in nail biting fashion. His Duke Blue Devils were down as much as 13 at one point to NC State, but rallied to win the game 87-86. Outscored by the Wolfpack 47 to 44 at the end of the 1st half, Duke had to turn things around to avoid 3 road losses in a row. As Duke got behind 70-57 with 12 minutes to go, they rallied within the last 7 and 1/2 minutes to hit 5 3 pointers and go on a run of 14-5, to get their only lead of the 2nd half. Guards DeMarcus Nelson and Jon Scheyer lead the way for Duke, scoring 19 points a piece. Ben McCauley lead the way in a losing cause he finished with 19 points for NC State. The Wolfpack dropped to 4-11 in the ACC and 15-14 overall record. Duke improved to 12-2 in ACC play and 25-3 overall record.
Coach K became the 6th Division I men's basketball coach to reach 800 career wins. In his 33rd season he has a record of 800-264, amazingly he is the third fastest to 800 victories. In 1,064 games, only legendary coaches Dean Smith and Adolph Rupp have reached this milestone faster. Duke finishes their regular season schedule, with a visit next Wednesday night to Virginia and then host their rival North Carolina next Saturday night.
Coach K became the 6th Division I men's basketball coach to reach 800 career wins. In his 33rd season he has a record of 800-264, amazingly he is the third fastest to 800 victories. In 1,064 games, only legendary coaches Dean Smith and Adolph Rupp have reached this milestone faster. Duke finishes their regular season schedule, with a visit next Wednesday night to Virginia and then host their rival North Carolina next Saturday night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
