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MILWAUKEE -- A sea of fans wearing Wisconsin red roared after every stop and every score, growing more exuberant as the Badgers NCAA opener became a historic rout. Chris Mullin Warriors Jersey . Playing the first two tournament games close to home was a goal all year, and Wisconsin players fed off the energy to extinguish any upset hopes of 15th-seeded American. Ben Brust scored 17 points and the No. 2 seed devastated the Eagles with a 22-5 run to close the first half in a 75-35 victory Thursday in Milwaukee, barely 90 minutes from their campus in Madison. No. 2 seed Wisconsin (27-7) recovered from a brief first-half rut as the Eagles (20-13), champions of the Patriot League, built a seven-point lead with their Princeton-style offence. "It was good to get the building loud," Brust said. "I said, Hey, theyre up. We better wake up." Trailing 17-10 about midway through the first half, the Badgers took away the backdoor cuts, forced turnovers and otherwise flustered American into 4-of-26 shooting over the final 29 minutes. One field-goal drought lasted nearly 14 minutes. "Thats pretty crazy," guard Josh Gasser said. "That must mean you did something well." The Eagles dont encounter the type of execution and athleticism displayed by Wisconsin in the Patriot League. "Theyre a No. 2 seed for a reason," coach Mike Brennan said. After Wisconsin was ousted in the first round last year as a fifth seed, Brust made sure his senior season didnt end the same way. He attacked the glass for buckets on back-to-back possessions, ending with a 3-point play to give Wisconsin a 23-20 lead. The rout was on. The Badgers hit 57 per cent of their shots in the second half on the way to their largest margin of victory in the schools 44 NCAA post-season games. John Schoof and Tony Wroblicky each had 11 points for American. "We were excited. We were playing well. We were making them take tough shots," said Wroblicky. "We were scoring, then we kind of hit a rut." Schoof hit two early 3s and Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year Tony Wroblicky proved to be handful on the offensive end to help the Eagles build a surprising lead. But this year, offence isnt as much of a problem for the Badgers, even with leading scorer Frank Kaminsky on the bench with foul trouble at the end of the first half. Anyone on the floor can score. On Thursday, it was Brust. After hitting two 3s earlier in the half, Brust drove the lane and pumped his fist after getting a bucket and drawing a foul. Traevon Jackson later added a 3. Gasser posted up and got fouled, walking away with an angry look before returning to the line to hit two foul shots. By then it was 28-22 Wisconsin, and Jackson raised his arms to implore the crowd to get loud. It was basically over. American opened the second half shooting 1 of 11, and coach Bo Ryan started going to his backups with 5 minutes left and the Badgers up 38. The reserves didnt waste what might be their only chance in the tourney floor time. "Right away, when a couple guys took shots, they knew right were the camera was," Ryan joked. Jackson finished with a game-high 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while Sam Dekker finished with 11. Florida Gulf Coasts NCAA tournament run last year as a No. 15 seed has given all underdogs hope. And for a while in the first half, American was on a similar roll. But Ryan was confident his team could handle the Princeton offence, a scheme the Badgers had faced successfully when playing Northwestern in recent years under Bill Carmody. Ryan said he was even awoken by a few nightmares last night of his team getting beat on backdoor cuts. They figured it out and earned another game in friendly surroundings. "We couldnt score," Brennan said. "They stopped us stone cold." Tim Hardaway Jersey . TSN platforms will broadcast 75+ live games per season – tripling the networks current slate of MLB games. With the new deal TSN retains rights to ESPNs SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL and, for the first time, acquires rights to ESPNs MONDAY NIGHT BASEBALL and WEDNESDAY NIGHT BASEBALL. Nate Thurmond Warriors Jersey . The move will give Hentgen the "time needed to support his family and his fathers current health issues," the Blue Jays said in a release. Hentgen spent 10 of his 14 big-league seasons with the Blue Jays, winning a Cy Young Award in 1996.Raleigh, NC (SportsNetwork.com) - Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux left Fridays game against the Carolina Hurricanes with a lower left leg injury. Early in the third period, Giroux went into the right corner in the Carolina end to chase down the puck and got caught up with Justin Faulk. As Faulk was puttting hit left leg down, his skate caught the back of Girouxs left ankle, and it appeared that Giroux was bleeding through his equipment. Mitch Richmond Jersey. Giroux was immediately taken off the ice and into the locker room. He came into the game third in the NHL with 43 points, totaling 13 goals and 30 assists. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
SAN DIEGO -- The Kansas City Royals had to work overtime to end a season-high, five-game losing streak and get their first win at Petco Park. Dion Dawkins Jersey . Alex Gordon singled in the go-ahead run with one out in the 11th inning and pinch-hitter Billy Butler followed with an RBI double to give the Royals a 3-1 victory against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night. The Royals also got great pitching from starter Jeremy Guthrie and relievers Wade Davis and Greg Holland, who held San Diego to one run on six hits. "We knew that we were 0-7 in this place and we needed to change that," manager Ned Yost said. "Our pitching allowed us to do that tonight. Guthrie, Wade Davis, Holland, were all fantastic. They kept us in position, right there in the ballgame, until we could break it open. It took us 11 innings to do it, but the pitching was tremendous." Eric Hosmer started the winning rally when he hit a leadoff double to centre off Nick Vincent (0-1). Gordon singled to right with one out and Hosmer beat the throw home with a headfirst slide, touching the plate with his left hand. "A long losing streak it seems like, so we just needed something positive to happen there," Gordon said. "I was able to find a hole. It works." Butler then doubled in Gordon. "I think the frustration was kicking in a little bit but hopefully this can motivate us a little bit," Gordon said. Davis (2-1) pitched two innings of one-hit ball for the victory, striking out four. Greg Holland, who blew the save Monday night, pitched the 11th for his eighth save in nine chances. Guthrie went a season-high eight innings, allowing one run and four hits, with two strikeouts and one walk. "He threw strikes, changed speeds and kept the ball down," Yost said. "The air was thick tonight and the ball didnt really carry so that really benefited me and helped me to get deep in the game," Guthrie said. "Overall I dont think I had my best stuff, but the park played to my advantage tonight." The Padres were denied their first three-game winning streak of the season. The teams played extra innings for the second straight night. San Diego won 6-5 in 12 innings Monday night. The Royals had a scoring chance in the ninth against Huston Street. Alcides Escobar singled to centre and stole second and third, all with one out. He tried to score on Lorenzo Cains pop foul down the first-base line but was thrown out by Kyle Blanks to end the inning. "I was surprised the runner was going," catcher Yasmani Grandal said. "Kyle has a very good arm. For him that was an easy catch and throw." Each starter gave up a home run. San Diegos Yasmani Grandal homered for the second straight game, a solo shot to right field off Guthrie with one out in the fourth for a 1-0 lead. It was his fourth, moving him into the team lead. Grandal hit a tying three-run shot in the sixth inning Monday night. Salvador Perez tied it with a homer leading off the sixth off San Diegos Robbie Erlin. It was Perezs third. "I wanted to get it on his hands. But I left it out over the middle of the plate," Erlin said. Erlin got a no-decision after losing his previous four starts. He allowed one run and three hits in seven innings, struck out five and walked four. "My curve felt good," he said. "It felt like my offspeed pitches were what I was on with. I was trying to get a feel for my fastball." NOTES: Vincent gave up three hits in the 11th. He had given up only three hits combined in his last 11 outings. ... Manager Bud Black said the Padres will call up a pitcher on Wednesday because the bullpen has been taxed. ... Black said 3B Chase Headley could be activated from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday. Hes been out with a strained right calf. ... The series concludes Wednesday when Kansas City RHP James Shields (3-3, 3.11) opposes RHP Andrew Cashner (2-4, 2.72). Tre Davious White Bills Jersey . The Maple Leafs handed their embattled head coach a two-year contract extension on Thursday, while at the same time announcing that assistants Dave Farrish, Greg Cronin and Scott Gordon will not be back. Tre Davious White Womens Jersey . The goals took Liverpools tally in the Premier League this season to 70, overtaking Manchester City as the top scorers, and left the fourth-place team just four points behind league leader Chelsea.SAN DIEGO - Dick Enberg said it was certainly an Oh my! moment when he got the phone call saying hed won the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting.Enberg got the call from baseballs Hall of Fame, which announced the selection Wednesday at the winter meetings.Famed for his exclamation of Oh my! Enberg has been calling Major League Baseball games in Southern California for nearly 20 seasons, split by stints as one of the most recognizable voices on NBC and CBS.Enberg said the call from the Hall of Fame took me to my knees. Baseball is part of my DNA. ... That was certainly an Oh my! moment.Oh my! came from my mother, in dismay of something I had done or encountered, he said. Its a nice Midwestern term, a term of acknowledgement.Enberg was the voice of the California Angels from 1968-78 before shifting to commentating on aa national level. Tre Davious White Youth Jersey. He has been broadcasting Padres games on local TV since 2010.Enberg, who will be 80 next month, is the 39th winner of the Frick Award. He will be honoured during the Hall of Fame awards presentation on July 25 in Cooperstown, New York.He grew up in Michigan. I dreamed about playing right field for the Tigers. I was 18 when they signed Al Kaline and he took my job, Enberg said.Baseball is family and this award takes me all the way back to my youth and my dreams. As my high school friends and college friends said, Enberg, you always thought you were a good player but you only talked a good game. It takes you back to the men who taught you how to broadcast a game, even though you didnt know that would be your role someday.Enberg also broadcast events including football, tennis, basketball and golf. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ChinaNFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona has signed Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic on a five-year contract after agreeing to his transfer from rival Spanish club Sevilla. Cheap Memphis Grizzlies Jerseys . The 26-year-old Rakitic will help fill the void left by the exit of Cesc Fabregas to Chelsea as Barcelona overhauls its squad following its first season without a major trophy in six years. Both clubs announced the deal on Monday but did not disclose financial details. Sevilla got Barcelona youth player Denis Suarez on a two-year loan. As team captain, Rakitic helped Sevilla win the Europa League this season. He scored 32 goals in 149 games for the Andalusian side after arriving from Schalke 04. Rakitic is in the Croatia squad at the World Cup in Brazil. Allen Iverson Grizzlies Jersey . The Oilers jumped into the free agent market early by signing defencemen Keith Aulie (six-foot-six, 228 pounds) and Mark Fayne (6-3, 210 pounds) and left-winger Benoit Pouliot (6-3, 197-pounds). Two days earlier MacTavish traded lightweight forward Sam Gagner to Tampa Bay for 6-3, 203-pound right winger Ted Purcell. Shareef Abdur-Rahim Grizzlies Jersey . Durant had 33 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, hit the tying 3-pointer late in regulation and made the go-ahead foul shots in overtime to lift the Thunder past the Wizards 106-105. John Wall missed a driving layup attempt at the buzzer for Washington, which was seeking its third straight win.Denver, CO (SportsNetwork.com) - Jameer Nelson is on the move again. The Denver Nuggets acquired Nelson from the Boston Celtics on Tuesday in exchange for fellow point guard Nate Robinson. Nelson, 32, appeared in just six games for the Celtics after coming over from Dallas in the Rajon Rondo deal last month. He was averaging 4.8 points and 5.5 assists in just over 20 minutes per game for Boston. The 11-yearr NBA veteran and all-time Orlando Magic assists leader hasnt played since Jan. Allen Iverson Jersey. 2 because of an ankle injury. He has averaged 6.8 points and 4.4 assists in 29 games between the Mavericks and Celtics this season. Robinson, 30, was averaging 5.8 points in 33 games during his second season with the Nuggets. The 10-year NBA veteran played in 81 games for Boston between 2010-11. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Phil Kessel left practice early Saturday, one night after sitting out the teams final exhibition due to a lower-body injury. Haason Reddick Youth Jersey . He came out and tried it and didnt feel it was 100 per cent, head coach Randy Carlyle said. Kessel has not missed a regular season game in the last four years. Tyler Bozak (lower-body), Cody Franson (knee), and Josh Leivo (lower-body) also sat out Saturdays practice. Bozak has been bothered by a lower-body issue but has been working out off the ice. Franson skated gingerly post-practice on Saturday for the first time since injuring his left knee, but his status remains a question. Leivo blocked a shot in Fridays game and suffered a bruised foot, but no broken bones. Dorian Johnson Youth Jersey .ca. Hi Kerry, Love reading your column and loved watching your analysis on the TSN broadcasts!And were now in Round 2! Bruins! Canadiens! We know all about the great games of the past from the players, the broadcasters and the writers. Budda Baker Womens Jersey . The win gives Canada its fifth title at the World Sledge Hockey Challenge. "Weve got to keep pushing," said Westlake, who led Canada with five goals in the tournament. "The second you let off the pedal, everyone catches up. MELBOURNE, Australia -- Representing the United States for the first time and making his first trip to Australia, Kevin Streelman wasnt over-awed by a tough Royal Melbourne golf course on Thursday. Streelman birdied five of the first six holes on the back nine before making bogey on two of the final three to share the first round lead at the World Cup with Thomas Bjorn at 5-under 66. K.J. Choi, Martin Laird and Stuart Manley were tied for third at 67, and Jason Day (68) was sixth place, two strokes behind the leaders. Another American, Matt Kuchar, shot 71 after four bogeys on the back nine. David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., is the top Canadian after the first round. Hes in a tie for ninth at 1-under 70. Ottawas Brad Fritsch opened at even 71. The Americans and Denmark were tied for the team lead, three strokes ahead of Portugal. Traditionally a team event, an individual stroke-play competition was added to the tournament this year to mirror the format to be used at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Only 12 of the 60 players in the no-cut field broke par. "I made some good birdie putts today and some par saves as well, so pretty happy," Streelman said. "On 18, the wind tricked us a little bit and it floated me on a hair and it came down in the middle of that bunker and plugged pretty deep. I had no shot. Its going to happen out here, you expect it." Bjorn had a poor start to his day, four-putting the fourth hole. "I thought, Well, this could be a long day, but I just kind of kept my composuure and made some good birdies and kept playing solid," the Dane said. Chad Williams Youth Jersey. "It is, in my eyes, probably the finest golf course you can ever play." Kuchar said he wasnt disappointed with his score. He bogeyed 18, a hole he double-bogeyed at the Australian Masters on Sunday to give Adam Scott as two-stroke win. "The back side today, certainly 16, 18, are really tough holes," Kuchar said. "I was not able to finish those off as well as I would like to have today, but even par is not a bad score." Scott, who won the Australian PGA before his Australian Masters victory, had a quintuple-bogey 9 on the 12th hole and shot 75. Trying to drive over a dog-leg with his tee shot, Scott hit his first ball on the par-4, 440-yard 12th into the bushes in the right rough, then hit a provisional in the same area. He didnt find his first ball and his second was unplayable, so he returned to the tee and hit his fifth shot. Scott hit through the green on his approach, got on the green for seven and two-putted for nine. "Just a couple of lazy swings and I paid the price," Scott said. "Just away with the fairies on that hole. When you play good tracks like this you need to be switched on at all times and I paid the price." The system being used to determine the entries at the World Cup -- world golf rankings and the number of players eligible from each country based on those rankings -- will be used at the Rio Games when golf returns to the Olympic program in 2016. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
MINNEAPOLIS -- Mike Matheny had quite the choice for the National Leagues All-Star starter. Tie Domi Maple Leafs Jersey . There was his own Adam Wainwright, the St. Louis Cardinals ace with a 12-4 record and a 1.83 ERA. And there was the Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw, 11-2 with a 1.78 ERA and fresh off a 41-inning scoreless streak that ended last week. He chose Wainwright, who will start Tuesday night at Target Field against the Seattle Mariners Felix Hernandez. "Its going to be great catching them," said Milwaukees Jonathan Lucroy, the NL starter behind the plate. "A lot more fun than facing them." When baseballs elite met at Citi Field last year, NL batters managed just three hits in a 3-0 loss. A year earlier in Kansas City, the AL had just six hits in an 8-0 defeat. Never before had consecutive All-Star games ended in shutouts. "Guys are throwing harder. Guys have more pitches," said Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, making his sixth All-Star appearance and first since 2010. The big league batting average is at a 42-year low. Strikeouts are at an all-time high. Wainwright and Kershaw are on track to become the first pair of qualifying pitchers in one league with a sub-2.00 ERA since the Mets Dwight Gooden and the Cardinals John Tudor in 1985 -- the last time Minnesota hosted the All-Stars. "Aside from having the ability to win two World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals, I think this has to be one of the highlights of my baseball career to this point," Wainwright said. "One of the coolest things I can say I did is to start a big league All-Star game." Kershaw understood Mathenys decision. "If Im him, Im probably going to pick Adam, too. Its his guy and he had the best half," Kershaw said. Hernandez, the first Venezuela pitcher to start for the All-Stars, also has sterling credentials: an 11-2 record with a 2.12 ERA. He described his task pretty simply: "Just throw zeroes out there and get my team to win. Thats all I got to do," he said. Back in the great pitching era of the 1960s, the game was different. Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Bob Gibson and Juan Marichal expected to finish what they started. Now, flame-throwers come out of the bullpen in the middle of games. "Youre not getting three, four at-bats off of the starter unless youre in trouble and youre losing the game," said Baltimores Matt Wieters, elected as a starting catcher but sidelined following elbow surgery. "I think for a while it was trying to get the starter out of the game so you can get to that fifth, sixth, seventh-inning guy. And now those fifth, sixth, seventh-inning guys are throwing upper 90s with a good breaking ball." In addition to pitchers, the spotlight will be on New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter. The shortstop, who turned 40 last month, is playing his final season and was selected for his 14th All-Star game. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera got an emotional sendoff last year, the All-Stars giving him a solo bow. When Rivera entered in the eighth inning all other players left him the field to himself. Cal Ripken Jr. was given a tribute at the start of the 2001 game at Seattles Safeco Field when Alex Rodriguez told Ripken just before the first pitch to switch positions and move from third base to shortstop, where the Baltimore star spent most of his career. The 40-year-old Ripken then homered in the third inning. And two years ago, Atlantas Chipper Jones was feted with a standing ovation at Kauffman Stadium when he pinch hit in the sixth inning and singled. What will Jeters All-Star finale be like? "I dont go into things with expectations," he said. "Im looking forward to playing the game. Ive pretty much stopped it right there." The game is being played in Minneapolis for the third time, following the NLs 6-5 win at Metropolitan Stadium in 1965 and a dull 6-1 NL victory indoors at the Metrodome in 1985. Oakland, a big league-best 59-36 at the break, has seven All-Stars for the first time since 1975. It got another win on Monday night when Yoenis Cespedes beat Cincinnatis Todd Frazier 9-1 in the final round to become the first repeat champion of the Home Run Derby since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1998 and 99. The Athletics have some incentive for an AL victory in the All-Star game; since 2003, the winners league gets to start the World Series at home, and 23 of the last 28 titles were won by teams scheduled to host four of a possible seven games. "I dont think you can ever underestimate the home-field advantage in a post-season," said AL manager John Farrell, who led Boston to a six-game win over St. Louis last year. "To have that final game potentially in your home ballpark, that goes a long way to affecting the outcome." Leo Komarov Jersey . JOHNS, N. Bobby Baun Jersey . Walcott is available for Saturdays home match against Southampton as Arsenal looks to extend its two-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently the second highest scorers in the league but Wenger insists Walcott will add something extra to his team.A failed drug test, a second failed drug test, a suspension and fumblitis. Not the types of experience a pro receiver wants on his resume, but thats what LaVon Brazill has encountered over the last several months. His journey has landed him in Toronto, where hes trying to establish himself with the Argonauts. Brazill showed some promise for the Indianapolis Colts in 2013. He missed four games after being suspended for a violation of the leagues substance-abuse policy. After serving the suspension he finished the season with 12 catches for 161 yards and a two-touchdown game against Cincinnati. He would add two more TD catches in a playoff game against the Patriots. The second-year receiver then gained greater notoriety for all the wrong reasons. In July of this year he was suspended for the season by the NFL after a second violation. The Colts almost immediately cut the Ohio University grad, leaving him without a place to play. At least in the United States. Here in Canada, the CFL is an option for players in that position. TSN.ca asked the league for a clarification why Brazill was able to play here, despite his suspension south of the border. Our rule states that CFL teams are prohibited from signing players who are suspended AND under contract to an NFL team, the league said in a statement. In this instance, the player is a free agent and therefore he can sign with a CFL team. How does Brazill feel about being able to continue his football career in a foreign land? Oh man, Im very blessed to play football with everything that happened to me in the past, Brazill told TSN.ca. The Argonauts gave me a second chance to come out here and play and Im just blessed to be here. In a strange twist of fate it was his former organization that opened the door for Brazill to find employment with his current team. Actually it was the Indianapolis Colts GM (Ryan Grigson), said Brazill of the former Argonaut now running the show for Jim Irsay. He actually wanted me to come up here and play for Scott (head coach Milanovich). I agreed to it, I didnt want to sit out for a whole year without playing any sport, soo I decided to come up here and give everything I can to the Argonauts. Lanny McDonald Jersey. . The Double Blue is happy to have him. Torontos receiving corps has been decimated this year to the point where 20 different players have caught passes from Ricky Ray. Brazill has shown in the two games hes played that he can be a difference maker, becoming the 14th player this season to catch a Ray TD pass in the Argos last game, a win in BC two weeks ago. It was very big for me, reflected a smiling Brazill. I hadnt gotten into the end zone in so long, it just felt good to make a special play for the guys. The quarterback is happy to have another weapon to throw to. Hes done a really good job, said Ray. He gets separation, hes able to get open and hes slippery. Every time I watch him when he makes a catch he breaks that first tackle or makes a guy miss and gets those hidden yards. Hidden would have been a good way to describe where Brazill wished he had stayed after his first two games. His first CFL action came in Hamilton on Labour Day, where he didnt play on offence but returned kickoffs and punts. He fumbled a kickoff in the third quarter and it was recovered by the Ticats. The next game in Calgary he fumbled the opening kickoff, which the Stamps recovered and turned into a field goal. He also fumbled after catching a pass in the fourth quarter, which was also recovered by Calgary and led to the game-tying touchdown. It would be emblematic of the Argos lowest point of the season, a 29-3 first-half lead that turned into a 40-33 loss. Also hidden that day was a good first game as a receiver for Brazill, seven catches for 83 yards. Hed follow that up in Vancouver with a four-catch, 64-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Lions in the Argos 40-23 win, the first win by an Argo team in B.C. since 2002. Brazill seems to be having fun in the CFL. Hes usually seen smiling and engaged with his teammates. He sums up where he is in life succinctly. Im just putting the past in the past and Im just looking ahead for the future. The Argos are hoping his future in Double Blue is a bright one. 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NEW YORK, N. Nathan Peterman Bills Jersey .Y. - Geno Smith still thinks of himself as the New York Jets starting quarterback. Until hes told otherwise. Smiths up-and-down rookie season ended with four solid games as the Jets finished 8-8, but out of the playoffs. Both coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik have said that while Smith improved greatly, they will wait until they see whos on the roster in a few months before considering their starters at any position. "It motivates me," Smith told The Associated Press on Friday. "I know Rex, and he knows how to push my buttons. Im definitely going to go into this season as I always do: with a chip on my shoulder with that edge." Smith was in midtown Manhattan serving fans from an ice cream truck as part of a promotional event for New Era caps — a few hours after Ryan did the same. Smith, who had 12 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions, is expected to be in the quarterback mix whether the Jets sign a veteran or draft someone to compete with him. But, it appears he didnt do enough for the Jets to anoint him the starter as they head into the off-season. "Ive gotten better, but Ive got a long ways to go," Smith acknowledged. "Ive got to continue to progress and Im going to take this year just as I took last year, and thats to try to get better every single day." Smith declined to comment on his recent off-field issues, which included a disagreement with a flight attendant at Los Angeles International airport, for which Virgin America airline later apologized. "Nah, were not talking about that stuff," he said. Taking a quick break from handing out ice cream cones on Super Bowl Boulevard in Times Square, Smith talked about how much he enjoyed seeing the area jam-packed with football fans getting ready for the NFLs biggest game Sunday at MetLife Stadium. It also reminded him of his ultimate goal on the field. "Just being here and being around this atmosphere has definitely made me even more hungry," he said. "Just to get into this position has been something Ive been longing for my entire life, so I just want to work toward it." Smith started all 16 games for the Jets after claiming the job once Mark Sanchez went down for the season with a shoulder injury in the preseason. There were flashes from Smith at times, particularly with four winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime of the Jets first seven games. But there were also troubling stretches, such as the seven-game stretch midway through the season in which he had one touchdown pass and 11 interceptions. While Smith insisted "I dont do grades," he said he learned a lot on the job — a crash course in life in the NFL that not many rookie quarterbacks get to experience. "It was very valuable, man," Smith said. "Not only from the standpoint of being on the field, but off the field. All the emotions I had to go through and all the good and bad things I had to go through, and ultimately, it strengthened me. "It made me a better player and made me a better person off the field." ___ AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org Zay Jones Youth Jersey . Edwin Encarnacion carried the torch for two days at Fenway Park this week; Melky Cabrera and Jose Bautista have had their moments; lately Anthony Gose has contributed. Zay Jones Jersey . The Nashville Predators were glad their captain was still on their side. Weber had a goal and two assists, and Roman Josi scored the shootout winner to lift the Predators to a 4-3 win over the Flyers on Thursday night.Denver, CO (SportsNetwork.com) - Semyon Varlamov made 26 saves for his second shutout of the season to lead the Colorado Avalanche in a 5-0 win over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. Varlamov had been out of action since Dec. 5 because of a nagging groin injury, yet recovered well enough to claim the 15th shutout of his career. Alex Tanguay and Ryan OReilly each had one goal and an assist for the Avalanche, who have won three in a row. Jarome Iginla, Zach Redmond and Erik Johnson also lit the lamp. Jake Allen gave up five goals on 31 shots over two periods for the Blues, who have dropped three straight. Martin Brodeur made 10 saves in the third. The Avs offense got going at the 15:02 mark of the first period. Johnsons shot from the left point beat traffic in front and got past Allen. Colorado took a 2-0 lead on a power-play goal at 18:45. Zay Jones Womens Jersey. . OReillys pass through the crease found the stick of Redmond for his fourth of the season. Tanguay made it 3-0 at 5:49 of the middle stanza. Iginlas shot from the bottom of the right circle hit off Tanguays chest before crossing the goal line and the score was confirmed via video review. OReilly then lit the lamp on the power play at 16:47 when he went top shelf from the side of the net. Allen failed to stop Iginlas one-timer at the 17:27 mark, and Varlamov made the lead hold up with 12 stops in the third period. Game Notes St. Louis had won the first two meetings with Colorado this season ... Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo had a seven-game point streak snapped ... Avs forward Patrick Bordeleau will miss 8-to-10 weeks with a fractured kneecap. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
ST. Malik Beasley Jersey . PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom left Wednesday nights game against Toronto in the first period with an apparent injury. Starting his first game since Oct. 28, Backstrom was run over by Torontos Nazem Kadri 7 minutes into the game, and lay flat on the ice for about 30 seconds before slowly sitting up. Kadris elbow appeared to hit Backstrom in the head. Backstrom stayed in the game until a timeout with 10:31 left in the period before skating to the bench and heading to the dressing room. He had three saves. The team has not provided any updates. Backstrom was replaced by Josh Harding, who was to have the night off because of an illness. Allen Iverson Jersey .ca NHL Power Rankings, ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks. Moving up, from 10 to seven this week, the Pittsburgh Penguins have won seven straight despite a depleted lineup. Gary Harris Jersey . -- Jane Kish stopped all 25 shots she faced as the Weyburn Gold Wings blanked the Sudbury Lady Wolves 3-0 on Friday to advance to the gold-medal game at the Esso Cup.FRANKFURT, Germany -- Eintracht Frankfurt finished the first half of the Bundesliga season without a home win after drawing 1-1 with Augsburg on Friday. There were no real chances until Augsburg broke the deadlock through Raul Bobadilla in the 33rd minute. Frankfurt failed to clear a cross and Bobadilla slotted home from close range at the far post. Frankfurt replied quickly, forcing Augsburg goalkeeper Marwin Hitz into some spleendid reflex saves from Joselu and Stephan Schroeck. Wilson Chandler Jersey. But he was helpless when Jan Rosenthal fired home from six meters (yards) after having the ball headed down by Joselu in the 42nd minute. Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and defender Carlos Zambrano combined to prevent Arkadiusz Milik from scoring a late winner for Augsburg following a counter-attack. Augsburg is undefeated in its last five matches. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Members of the Toronto Maple Leafs front office and coaching staff are on the same page, assistant general manager Kyle Dubas said. Jered Weaver Jersey . And its not the same page that includes the NHL standings.Despite the teams stretch of seven victories in its past nine games, Dubas said president Brendan Shanahan, general manager Dave Nonis and coach Randy Carlyle arent happy with the way the Leafs have been outshot and outplayed.Theres nobody content that weve gone 7-1-1 in this stretch, Dubas said on a conference call Thursday. Theres no one really content with it. Its trying to continue to hone in on our process and really maximize our potential as a team.This state-of-the-team address by Dubas mightve been necessary after the Leafs beat the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night in a game where they owed everything to backup goaltender James Reimer. Toronto was outshot 42-19 but won in a shootout almost single-handedly because of Reimer.Dubas said Thursday that no one has to be an analytics expert to recognize thats not great. Recent trends beyond that game are also troubling, like the Leafs being outshot 303-247 over this nine-game run, an average of around 34-27 a game.In the process, the Leafs have picked up 15 points and moved into the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Thats with some smoke, a few mirrors and mostly No. 1 goaltender Jonathan Bernier saving their hides.Weve managed to find a way to win, Dubas said. Weve shot the puck well, weve made the most of our opportunities, weve gotten terrific goaltending.The Leafs got off to similar starts the past two seasons before collapsing under the weight of their own struggles. In 2013 it was a Game 7 loss to the Boston Bruins after a lockout-shortened 48-game season, and in 2013-14 it was an eight-game regulation losing streak that dropped them out of playoff contention.Asked about the pattern of being outshot badly in certain stretches lately, Dubas said the team has ideas about whats wrong and how to fix it but didnt want to share much more than that. Given the past couple of years, this doesnt seem to be a new problem.Its a process, Dubas said. I can tell you that within the organization that everyone whos been here has been aware of the issues that have been there, and now were just trying to all work together to correct them and move ahead.One thing the Leafs need to do better, according to Dubas, is play with the lead. Evidence of how to do that came in the two games after the infamous 9-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on Nov. 18, when the Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning and Red Wings.We did a really, really good job of closing out those games when we were up and we werent overly conservative, did a good job not giving up too much to two very good teams, Dubas said. Then in the last couple games here, thats started to sag a little bit. But I think thats the one area that if we can hone in on that and just continue to find ways where we can close out games better, where we dont let our goalie close it out for us on his own, thatd be terrific.Dubass comments werent all bad. How could they be for a team that has won seven of nine? He sees the potential in the Leafs strong momentsWeve shown stretches of playing the way were fully capable of, he said. Thats probably what intrigues me the most about the group moving forward is the way that weve shown we can play. Its been there. Its a prolonged process ahead, and thats the way I look at it. Im excited to see if we can start to put that together over the long run.Note — Dubas said theres no timetable for the return of forward Leo Komarov, who has missed the past five games with a concussion. Cory Spangenberg Padres Jersey . - The Detroit Lions have 13 takeaways this season — three less than all of last season — and the defence isnt the only unit pleased with the performance. Rollie Fingers Jersey .C. Now hes squarely in the U.S. capital and helping the Washington Wizards playoff drive. John Wall scored 33 points, Gooden got 11 of his 21 in the final quarter and the Wizards overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 101-94 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca. Hi Kerry, In the third period of last nights game between the Sharks and Ducks, San Joses John Scott left the bench to fight Anaheims Tim Jackman. Scott got 10 minutes for instigating and was ejected. Now Bob McKenzie tweets that Player Safety will review this under Rule 70.2 but it does not mean that Scott will get an automatic 10-game suspension. Why wouldnt this be the case? Jeffrey Grimes, Ancaster, ON Jeffrey: Let me clarify the specific rules that come into play when a player is deemed guilty of leaving the players bench for the purpose of starting an altercation. Rule 70.1 states that no player may leave the players or penalty bench at any time during an altercation or for the purpose of starting an altercation. The first or second player from either or both teams who leaves the players or penalty bench under this rule is to be assessed a game misconduct penalty (70.6). Additionally, (70.10) the first player from either or both teams to leave the players or penalty bench illegally is to be suspended without pay for the next ten (10) games; the second player from either or both teams shall be suspended for the next five (5) games. The team(s) shall be fined ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for the first instance and increased by five thousand ($5,000) for each subsequent occurrence over the next following three year period. All players, as well as the first and second players who leave the bench illegally shall be subjected to an automatic fine in the amount equal to the maximum permitted under the collective bargaining agreement. The Coach(es) of the team(s) whose player(s) left the players bench(es) illegally during an altercation shall be suspended, pending a review by the Commissioner and fined a maximum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). For all suspensions imposed on players under this rule, the Club shall pay to the League a sum equal to the pro-rata of that players salary covered by the suspension (Players salary divided by number of days in the regular season multiplied by number of games suspended). I provide you with all these potential consequences once a player(s) deemed in violation of Rule 70 is so that you fully appreciated the severity of the punishment that can be doled out. Rule 70.2, however provides a caveat (or escape clause if you will) which provides for a player who has entered the game while play is in progress from his own plaayers bench or legally from the penalty bench (penalty time has expired) who starts an altercation may be subject to discipline in accordance with Rule 28 (Supplementary Discipline). Yangervis Solarte Jersey. That could include additional fines and/or suspensions for any offense committed during the course of the game, whether or not the offense was penalized by the Referee. Even though Captain Obvious would tell you that John Scott came onto the ice for the clear purpose of starting an altercation with Tim Jackman, in retribution for Jackmans prior assault on Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Scott entered the game by virtue of a legal line change for teammate Matt Nieto. The fact that Scott was legally entitled to be on the ice pretty much exempts him from the 10-game suspension. There are a number of precedents set in similar or even more obvious player attacks from the bench. Craig Berube, current coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, once came onto the ice with play in progress on a legal line change but forgot his gloves and stick on the players bench! With play moving up ice in the opposite direction Chief went against the flow and attacked an opponent that had just delivered a questionable hit on one of Berubes teammates. Referee Bill McCreary assessed the game misconduct which carried the automatic 10 game suspension for leaving the players bench for the purpose of starting an altercation. The penalty and suspension was subsequently rescinded because it was determined that Berube was entitled to be on the ice by virtue of a legal line change. I also recall seeing Chris Pronger, as a member of the St. Louis Blues at the time, jump off his players bench without his gloves and pound an opponent into submission who was involved in a confrontation with another Blues player directly in front of the bench. A very liberal and generous interpretation of a legal line change was granted to Pronger on the play to escape suspension. Now, as a new member of the Player Safety Committee, perhaps Chris will call upon his firsthand experience in assessing John Scotts actions in the game last night? Rule 28 was invoked to suspend Ryan Clowe for two games when he came onto the ice and started an altercation but I dont see that happening for John Scotts actions. Scott didnt sucker punch or blatantly attack Jackman. Instead Scott followed somewhat similar rules of engagement that Jackman initiated against the big Shark player in their fight just two minutes and 16 seconds into the game. Anything more than a fine would deviate from existing precedent. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Every night of the Stanley Cup playoffs, TSN hockey analyst and former NHL goaltender Jamie McLennan breaks down each goalies performance. Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins (3) – He had a solid first period again as he was composed and very confident in net. Carl Hagelins goal was a good shot above the glove which broke a 145 minute shutout streak for Fleury. He made the big save on Rick Nash during a two on one break look easy. The second goal was a bit of a softie as it squeaked through his glove shortside. Fleury was solid overall, but it was a slow night, only facing 15 shots. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers (3) – There was slight interference on the first goal by Evgeni Malkin as he was late to get down and the puck went underneath his left pad. Lundqvist had a huge save on Beau Bennett on the backdoor with a great reaction off the post. He also had a big left pad save on Malkin and a nice redirection save on Sidney Crosby in the second. He was hung out to dry in the third and didnt get much help as he faced big chances by Chris Kunitz and Brandon Sutter. His body language looks frustrated. BARCELONA, Spain -- Gareth Bale scored three goals and set up a fourth to make sure Real Madrid didnt miss injured star Cristiano Ronaldo as it cruised to a 4-0 win over Valladolid in the Spanish league on Saturday. With Ronaldo out nursing a hurt hamstring for a second straight game, Bale took up the scoring duties in the 32nd minute then found Karim Benzema to make it 2-0 four minutes later. Bale got his second in the 64th and third in the 89th against Valladolids bewildered defence to give him five goals since Ronaldo was sidelined. Madrids fifth league win in a row following its loss at Barcelona lifted it three points from the defending champions and Atletico Madrid, which won 2-0 at Elche on goals by Diego Costa and Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion. Barcelona can reclaim sole possession of the league lead from Atletico at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Bale, who joined Madrid on a world record 100 million euros transfer from Tottenham this summer, showed with his first hat trick for Madrid that he has certainly shaken off his injury problems from earlier this season. "His adjustment period is over," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said about Bale. "He has confidence, he is important to the team, and he played very well." Bale has seven goals in league play, leaving him third for Madrid behind Benzemas eight and Ronaldos 17, which lead the league. Bale also has scored twice in the Champions League. Marcelo, however, made it clear who Madrids No. 1 is. "Gareth is a great player but you cant compare him with Cristiano because Cristiano is above all the rest," Marcelo said. Also, Celta Vigo came back to beat Almeria 3-1 for its first home victory at Balaidos Stadium in eight attempts this season under first-year manager Luis Enrique. With Ronaldo unavailable, Angel Di Maria started and wasted little time in controlling a clearance outside the area before rattling the bar with a left-footed shot on either side of two Sergio Ramos headers that sailed high. The overmatched Vallladolid rarely managed to shift the action out of its area, and Bale found himself in perfect position to nod in a rebound of Di Marias curling effort that goalie Diego Marino parried directly to the Wales winger.dddddddddddd Bale then picked out Benzema with a pinpoint cross to thump the ball beyond Marino and put the result beyond doubt before halftime. Bale was again aided by a poor clearance for Madrids third. This time it was defender Jesus Rueda, who knocked Marcelos cross back for Bale to fire home. But Bale wasnt finished and he started and finished off a late counterattack by charging forward to tap in Marcelos low cross. With Elche hanging tough, Atletico coach Diego Simeone sent on Raul Garcia and Adrian Lopez and the changes paid off to earn Atleticos 17th win in all competitions to go with four draws and just one loss. Atletico broke through seconds after Garcia replaced David Villa. Koke pounced on a rebound from Garcias shot that Manuel Herrera saved but failed to clear, leaving the Elche goalkeeper strewn on the turf with defender Alberto Botia and Diego Costa after they collided. Diego Costa secured the three points in the 74th by scoring from Lopezs perfectly placed chipped pass. It was Diego Costas 15th league goal this season, the second highest tally in the competition after Ronaldo. "The entrance of Raul Garcia and Adrian (Lopez) gave us two bursts of creativity when the game had gotten bogged down," Simeone said. "We have to keep going forward this way and remain realistic. I know its a good moment for Atleticos fans, but we are focusing on one game at a time." Celtas much-needed win lifted it three points from the relegation zone, while Almeria stayed among the bottom three. After Jesus "Suso" Fernandez opened for Almeria, Fabian Orellano scored one goal and set up another to lead the fightback. Real Sociedad visited Espanyol later. New world chess champion Magnus Carlsen took the honorary kickoff at Madrids Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys AuthenticWholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
TORONTO - Toronto FC went 1-2-2 during an injury-plagued Florida training camp, coming home to a frozen tundra. Thiago Motta Jersey . Star striker Jermain Defoe has yet to touch down and fellow marquee signings Michael Bradley and Gilberto have been hampered by injury. Goalie Julio Cesar is on international duty with Brazil in South Africa and backup forward Bright Dike is already probably out for the season after tendon surgery. Manager Ryan Nelsen has been down three fullbacks and three strikers. Minor niggles have turned into more bothersome setbacks. Its meant extra minutes for some players and new positions for others. For an MLS franchise that has gone all-in on the transfer market in a bid to finally make the playoffs after seven seasons of failure and a woeful 51-105-66 record, there is still much work to do. The good news is Toronto has a bye this weekend when 16 clubs kick off the 2014 season. Toronto opens March 15 in Seattle. "We planned that brilliantly," Nelsen said dryly after practice Tuesday under the bubble at the teams well-appointed north Toronto training ground. Nelsen, in his second year at the helm, has managed to find some positives in the rocky pre-season. "It did expose our weaknesses," he said. "You always get exposed at some part of the season, whether its injuries or suspensions or international call-ups or something like that." "We know what we have, we know what we need to be and where we need to get to," he added. "Its good to know now rather than a quarter or halfway through the season. "Well be a different animal come the 15th but in the back of my mind, its a nice thing to know moving forward." Depth is an issue. Toronto can field an impressive starting 11 but pre-season has already shown that the wrong combination of injuries at the wrong position can cause havoc. The team remains very much a work in progress. Even MLSsoccer.com, which ranked TFC 17th out of 19 teams in its weekly "power rankings," has Toronto 14th in its pre-season list. "Were not all aboard the bandwagon just yet," said the website. Nelsen, whose team went 6-17-11 last season, says he doesnt concern himself with "outside voices." But the former New Zealand international knows that whipping up a gourmet meal is more than just buying the right ingredients. "Just because you make some changes, its not like a light switch. It does take time," he said. "Thats the beauty of sport. "But in saying that we fully expect to get where we want to be. And if you think the expectations are high outside, theyre probably higher inside. But we know its hard and we know its a journey to get to." The pre-season injury list has included forwards Gilberto (quadricep) and Dike (tendon), midfielders Jonathan Osorio (flu) and Daniel Lovitz (knee) and fullbacks Mark Bloom (quadricep), Bradley Orr (calf) and Justin Morrow (hip). Bradley, who withdrew from the U.S squad to face Ukraine in Cyprus, is nursing a minor foot issue. More worrying for Nelsen is the fact that the injuries to Bloom and Orr started as minor issues but got worse. "Well definitely be addressing it," Nelsen said. "You always get niggles and you always get injuries but theyre re-injuries. When you re-do an injury, its major cause for concern." Nelsen expects everyone to be ready for the season. Defoe, the former Tottenham star, is expected to join the team after Wednesdays England friendly against Denmark. "As soon as he plays the game for England, hell be on a plane over," said Nelsen. Still, that means a longer road for team chemistry. Although, unlike past off-seasons, Torontos transaction list has been relatively short and very select. Bradley, Defoe, Gilberto, Cesar, Morrow, Jackson, Orr, and veteran midfielder Dwayne De Rosario are all targeted as starters. The injuries at fullback have meant rookie centre back Nick Hagglund has been shifted to an emergency right back. "Couldnt be more happy with Nick," said Nelsen. Angelo Ogbonna Jersey . During the furious first few hours of free agency Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with strong safety Donte Whitner, a Cleveland native who cant wait to play in his hometown. Giorgio Chiellini Italy Jersey .J. - New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara left Monday nights game against the Indianapolis Colts with a torn biceps. SAN ANTONIO -- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich admitted he is getting antsy for a loss. Hell have to wait. Marco Belinelli scored 18 points and San Antonio never trailed after its opening possession, extending its winning streak to 17 games with a 96-80 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. The Spurs once again used fluid passing and tireless player movement to overwhelm an opponent. San Antonio finished with 24 assists while going 37 for 78 from the field in snapping New Orleans five-game winning streak. "They move around a lot, and run their sets hard," Pelicans guard Brian Roberts said. "Whatever theyre running, they are moving constantly. It puts pressure on a defence to play 24 seconds worth." Roberts scored 18 points, Austin Rivers added 16 points, Tyreke Evans had 11 points and Al-Farouq Aminu had eight points and 10 rebounds for New Orleans (32-41). Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili scored 15 points each, Patty Mills added 13 and Tim Duncan had 12 points and eight rebounds. San Antonio (57-16) extended its lead to 3 1/2 games over Oklahoma City (53-19) for the leagues best record. In addition to winning its last 17, the Spurs have won 20 of 21 and have not lost since falling 106-85 to the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 21. "It is sweet to be a part of that," Ginobili said. "It is not something that happens very often because it is a long spread of game, a month or two. Here or there you have a bad game or the opponent has a bad one, but a lot of things have combined for us to have this type of streak. We played really well and we are healthy." New Orleans was without Anthony Davis, its leading scorer and rebounder. Davis injured his left ankle 4 minutes into the Pelicans victory over Utah on Friday night. "Its a joint/soft tissue injury right now," New Orleans coach Monty Williams said. "He did it in his normal routine. Hes listed as day to day. Well see how he feels tomorrow." Williams said the Pelicans would have had a tough task even with Davis and the Spurs showed why early. "They jumped oon us," Evans said. Angelo Ogbonna Italy Jersey. "They just moved the ball hit shots and we couldnt make a shot." San Antonio opened the game on a 23-6 run, with Belinelli picked up where he left off Friday night. He was 4 for 5 on 3-pointers against New Orleans after going 6 for 9 on 3-pointers Friday while scoring a game-high 27 points in a 133-102 victory in Denver. "Hes been really steady for us and he plays a great all-around game," Popovich said. Belinelli made his first two 3-pointers against the Pelicans after opening with a 15-foot jumper off an assist from Duncan. Belinellis first 3-pointer with 6 minutes remaining in the first quarter gave San Antonio a 16-4 lead. The Spurs would never lead by less than 10 points the rest of the way. After Alexis Ajinca hit a 17-foot jumper on the games opening possession, New Orleans did not score again until Greg Stiemsmas dunk with 8:21 remaining in the first quarter. The three-minute drought was followed by another three-minute drought. "We couldnt finish in the paint tonight," Williams said. "We were 18 for 48 in the paint. Thats a bad number for us. Were a team that usually is high when it comes to points in the paint." Rivers layup with 30.9 seconds pulled New Orleans within 69-59 with 30.9 seconds left in the third quarter, but Belinelli hit back-to-back 3s to fuel a 12-3 run and San Antonio reasserted its control. San Antonio travels to Indiana to play the Eastern Conference-leading Pacers on Monday. NOTES: Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson sat courtside during the game cheering the Spurs. Mickelson withdrew Saturday from the third round of the Valero Texas Open after injuring an oblique muscle. "I pulled a muscle on my downswing trying to hit the ball hard on the second hole (his 11th)," Mickelson said in a statement. "It just killed and it wouldnt subside for 10 or 12 seconds." ... Spurs W Danny Green (right foot inflammation) and Matt Bonner (right calf strain) both sat out the game. ... Roberts played 29 minutes after being listed as day to day with a left knee bone bruise. 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