Koreas Byeong Hun An came out on top in the long drive contest at the U.S. PGA Championship, much to the irritation of Rory McIlroy.All players had the opportunity to hit one tee shot on the first hole at Baltusrol Tuesday, with the distance measured as long as the ball finished on the fairway.McIlroy had set a daunting target of 345 yards early in the morning and looked set to win the gold money clip and a $25,000 donation to a charity of his choice, only for An to beat him by two yards.Im a little bit gutted, McIlroy said with a smile. That would have been a mini victory this week and I hit mine at half-past eight this morning when there was no wind. I pulled it a little bit, so I was a little concerned it might just miss the fairway left, but it just hung on.Im not going to lie to you, Ive been checking the board since to see if anyones got up close to me. I saw Gary Woodland on the putting green just as he was going out and I said thats one of the guys Im worried about. I thought he could maybe get it out there by me. But thankfully he missed the fairway.Its a cool concept. Its a lot of fun and I think the guys enjoy it.McIlroy had to settle for a silver money clip and a $15,000 donation, with Belgiums Nicolas Colsaerts winning a bronze clip and $10,000 for third after a drive of 341 yards. Nick Foles Jersey . The quest begins with what is supposed to be an easy one, although Germany has traditionally been a stubborn opponent to Canadian teams at international tournaments. Ron Jaworski Jersey . The lawyers filed a 33-page amended complaint Tuesday in federal court in Manhattan, expanding on the suit originally filed Oct. 3 in New York Supreme Court. Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz last week refused to compel Selig to testify in the grievance, and Rodriguez then walked out of the hearing without testifying. http://www.theeaglesfootballauthentic.com/eagles-jj-arcega-whiteside-black-jersey/ . General manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch on Friday that he wants to see Gaboriks contributions go beyond the scoresheet before considering a long-term deal for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. Brian Westbrook Jersey . The injury bothered Bledsoe in the Suns victory over the Clippers on Monday and he sat out the teams home loss to Memphis on Thursday night. Dallas Goedert Jersey . LOUIS -- The New Orleans Saints looked like a team playing out the string. DURHAM, N.C. -- The latest renewal of the North Carolina-Duke rivalry has an added challenge this year: a short turnaround.The 15th-ranked Tar Heels and Blue Devils meet Thursday night, five days after playing Atlantic Coast Conference home games. That means less time for players to recover physically while both teams cram more prep work into a compressed schedule, enough so that Duke coach David Cutcliffe joked he wasnt sure what day it was when he met with reporters Monday morning.Hopefully they did what we asked them to do: they went home and went to bed early Saturday night, Cutcliffe said of his players.From the moment Saturdays games ended, the clock started for the nearby rivals to look ahead to their 103rd meeting. The schedule for the Tar Heels (7-2, 5-1 ACC) and Blue Devils (3-6, 0-5) typically features a light Sunday workout more geared toward recovery, then day off on Monday.But Cutcliffe said the Blue Devils Sunday workout was a bit busier than usual following a 24-21 loss to No. 18 Virginia Tech, while UNC receiver Ryan Switzer said the Tar Heels had Sunday off. Both teams were practicing Monday afternoon, prompting Tar Heels linebacker Andre Smith to say the schedule felt a little off after practice ended in the evening.There is also a heavier emphasis on getting players in the training room to treat nagging bumps and bruises.I wouldnt say it makes it tougher, Duke right tackle Casey BBlaser said.dddddddddddd Id say it just puts a little bit more on the players individually where obviously we dont have as much practice time or film time.So on your own, during the practice reps, you have to make every rep count since practice is a little bit shorter. And then you have to be watching film on your own a little bit more and getting better at studying your opponent.While Duke lost by three points for the second straight week, Larry Fedoras Tar Heels are coming off one of their most complete performances of the season: a 48-20 home win against Georgia Tech coming out of a bye week.When you go with a short week, its more about making sure theyre mentally fresh and their bodies are ready to go on Thursday night, Fedora said. So we cant practice the way we normally practice in a week.The teams faced this scenario two years ago entering a Thursday night game in Durham, down to the Blue Devils coming off a close loss to the Hokies -- that time after an 8-1 start. The Tar Heels, in a struggle-filled season marred by a historically bad defense, won that one 45-20 to snap a two-game skid in the series.---Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aaronbeardap---More AP college football at http://collegefootball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-Top25 ' ' '

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Stanford coach John Dunning expected big things from his latest recruiting class.Just maybe not this soon.Inky Ajanaku had 18 kills, Kathryn Plummer added 16 and Stanford -- led by four freshman starters -- beat Texas 25-21, 25-19, 18-25, 25-21 on Saturday night in the NCAA womens volleyball final.The Cardinal (27-7) won 16 of their last 17 matches to complete an unlikely championship run with four freshman starters -- Plummer, Audriana Fitzmorris, Jenna Gray and Morgan Hentz.You know, its overwhelming, coach John Dunning said. You put so much into this, and this is just a group thats just fun to be with. And I love being around them.The Cardinal have the most losses of any championship team in Division I womens volleyball history. Ajanaku, the tournaments Most Outstanding Player, leaves Stanford as a champion just a year following a devastating right knee injury that sidelined her for the entire 2015 season.Stanford began the season 10-5 overall and 4-3 in the Pac-12. Then Dunning moved senior Kelsey Humphreys to defensive specialist and handed the setting duties to Gray. The Cardinal were the hottest team in volleyball from that point on.After losing the third set, Stanford jumped out to a 6-0 lead and continued to dominate the net. Plummer received a bump set from Humphreys and registered the winning kill off of the Texas block to secure the programs first national title since 2004.Humphreys mom played in four Final Fours for Stanford but never was able to claim the championship.When we won two days ago she said, `Bring one home for the family, Humphreys said. To be able to share the Stanford experience with her is something I cant put into words.The loss marks Texas second consecutive NCAA runner-up finish, after losing in three sets to Nebraska last year. Micaya White had 17 kills, and Ebony Nwanebu 16.Paulina Prieto-Cerame had 12 kills in the semifinal against Nebraska, but struggled mightily in the final against Stanfords top-rated block. Prieto-Cerame had just two kills and eight hitting errors before being taken out of the match.Our first touches werent as good as we had hoped, but I think early on that game our setting location was really off, coach Jerritt Elliott said. And so I think her first five or six swings were pretty difficult swings, and I think it just got in her head then and she just kind of struggled from that point on.After trailing 18-16 in the second set, Stanford turned the table with a 7-0 run led by freshman Audriana Fitzmorris and Plummer, who combined for six points during the stretch. The Cardinal won two of the next three points to close the set.Jenna Gray had 51 assists and Morgan Hentz had 27 digs in the winning effort.Stanford had a .277 hitting percentage to Texas .217.Texas finished 27-5. Leonard Fournette Womens Jersey . The (11-11-4) Jets are seventh in the Central Division with 26 points. Fifth place Dallas and sixth-seeded Nashville also have 26 points, but the Stars have three games in hand on Winnipeg while Nashville has two. Taven Bryan Jaguars Jersey . That left plenty of energy for pitching books and swatting away free agency questions. Anthony had 24 points and nine rebounds, and the Knicks avenged an embarrassing home loss with a rout of their own, beating the Boston Celtics 114-88 on Wednesday night for their third straight victory. http://www.officialjacksonvillejaguarspro.com/Josh-oliver-jaguars-jersey/ . 10 Texas Rangers jersey for one last time. Young formally announced his retirement Friday after returning to Rangers Ballpark, his baseball home for all but the last of his 13 major league seasons. Nick Foles Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Taven Bryan Youth Jersey . MORITZ, Switzerland -- Fog prevented downhill racers from getting their Olympic dress rehearsal. Rafa Cabrera Bello continued his impressive 2016 form as he opened up a one-shot lead after the first round of the UBS Hong Kong Open.The Spaniard, who made his Ryder Cup debut this year, has not missed a single cut and finished eighth in the Race to Dubai. His hot streak showed no signs of stopping in the European Tours final event of the calendar year, the 32-year-old carding a six-under par 64 to top the leaderboard.Having already managed four birdies at Hong Kong Golf Club, he finished his first 18 holes in style with a stunning eagle on the 10th, pitching his approach just past the hole and spinning it back in.That was nice. I had perfect distance, hit a really good shot and was surprised to see it go in, Cabrera Bello told the European Tours official website. But I had never really finished a round like that and it felt nice.I played reallly smart today, made very little mistakes.dddddddddddd. I hit every green, didnt get myself in trouble off the tee. I was in control of the round all day and putted nicely too, so it was nice work out there.Sebastien Gros also impressed on his debut at this venue, producing his fifth birdie on his final hole to sign off for a five-under par 65 and close the gap on Cabrera Bello.One shot behind the Frenchman is a group of 10 players that includes 2016 Challenge Tour winner Jordan Smith and Peter Uihlein, the latter making his return from injury.Defending champion Justin Rose, who has recently struggled with a back problem, carded a level-par 70, while fellow Englishmen Ian Poulter and Danny Willett sit on two under. ' ' '

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin is looking forward to Mondays series-opening game against the Miami Marlins. And its not just because he wants to quickly forget about Sundays 5-0 shutout loss Jacob deGrom and the Mets.Mackanin will finally get to see struggling pitcher Aaron Nola return to the mound for the first time since July 2. It will be 16 days since Nola was on the mound in a game when he throws the first pitch Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. He will oppose Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez.The Phillies (43-50) elected to give Nola, their young, right-handed ace, extra rest heading into the All-Star break after the worst stretch of his young major-league career. He will return to the mound having given up at least four runs in five consecutive starts. In four of those starts, he failed to get out of the fourth inning.In total, the damage was 27 earned runs in 18 innings pitched. This after posting a 2.65 ERA in his first 12 starts of the season. His ERA now sits at 4.69.Hes ready to go, Mackanin said. He had a good side and hes anxious to get back out there. Hes a competitor and he doesnt want to sit. Im anxious to see him.Nola, 23, threw a simulated game last Saturday.I dont really think its a mental break, Nola told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Mentally, I feel fine. I just felt like the past month, I struggled. The ball was up. It wasnt where it should be. When youre elevating balls and not getting ahead of guys, they make you pay for it. That was the main part.Nola and the Phillies, though, face a daunting task against Fernandez, 23, who is trending in the opposite direction, save for a rare dud on July 2. Fernandez is 11-4 with a 2.52 ERA. He has amassed 154 strikeouts in 107 1/3 innings pitched.Fresh off his second All-Star appearance, Fernandez, in his first full year since Tommy John surgery, is having his best season. His strikeout rate of 12.91 per nine innings leads the league by plenty. His 154 strikeouts before the break are a Marlins record.I think its just making pitches and not trying to make pitches, Fernandez told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel before heading to San Diego for the All-Star Game. When the catcher calls a fastball away, it doesnt have to be 100 (mph), it can be 93 -- just down in the zone. I feel like Im getting a lot better results like that.The results, right now, are much better than Nolas.The Marlins (49-42) finished off a series win in St. Louis with a 6-3 win Sunday. They head to Philly for a four-game set. Joe Sakic Jersey . The 31-year-old Spain midfielder hasnt played since Madrid lost in the Copa del Rey final to Atletico Madrid in May due to back and foot injuries. Adam Foote Avalanche Jersey . Uniteds eighth defeat of a wretched campaign means Liverpool, which currently occupies the fourth and final Champions League place, could go nine points clear of its fierce rival by beating West Bromwich Albion on Sunday. Charlie Adam scored both of Stokes goals at Britannia Stadium either side of Robin van Persies equalizer, with a miserable day for seventh-place United capped by first-half injuries to centre halves Jonny Evans and Phil Jones that forced them off. http://www.hockeyavalanche.com/authentic-tyson-jost-avalanche-jersey/ .Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone has drawn on his Syracuse connections once again by hiring Rob Moore to take over as receivers coach. Matt Nieto Avalanche Jersey .J. Jefferson has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend. Rob Ramage Jersey . After Martin Skrtel put the Reds in front from close range at Stamford Bridge after only four minutes, Hazard hit back in the 17th with a superb strike. Etoo gave Jose Mourinhos team a decisive lead from Oscars back pass in the 34th. WHISTLER, British Columbia -- Lizzy Yarnold will make her return to skeleton when she competes at the opening World Cup of the new season in Canada this weekend.The 2014 Olympic champion decided to take a year out of the sport after winning World Championship gold in Germany in March 2015.And she believes her time away has left her more determined than ever to successfully defend her Olympic title in Pyeongchang in 2018.Yarnold said: Ive come back feeling refreshed, recharged and ready to give it my all again.I needed a break last season but I was always determined to come back and try and retain myy Olympic title.dddddddddddd I hope this is the first step on that journey.I know how difficult that challenge will be as so many women slid so well last season but Im really looking forward to that.Also in Whistler, Olympic sprint champion Mark Lewis-Francis will make his debut in Great Britains four-man bobsleigh crew piloted by Lamin Deen.Lewis-Francis, who won relay gold in Athens in 2004, joins Andrew Matthews and Tremayne Gilling in completing a new-look GB line-up. ' ' '

MILWAUKEE -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired veteran pitcher Bud Norris from the Atlanta Braves.The move Thursday comes on the same day the Dodgers said ace Clayton Kershaw will be placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a back injuryIn the deal, the Dodgers also received minor league outfielder Dian Toscano, a player to be named and $1 million payable Oct. 15 from Atlanta for minor league pitchers Philip Pfeifer and Caleb Dirks.To make room for Norris on the 40-man roster, Los Angeles designated left-hander Ian Thomas for assignment.Kershaw had been scheduled to start the series opener against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles on Friday. Norris last pitched Sunday and can immediately be inserted into the rotation.Over his last five starts, Norris is 2-1 with a 2.15 ERA, 29 strikeouts and eight walks over 29 1/3 innings. Norris is in his eighth season and this year is 3-7 with a 4.22 ERA. The 31-year-old pitcher has also pitched for Houston, Baltimore and San Diego. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Braves in November.Toscano, 27, hit .226 with 10 RBI in 58 games with the Braves Double-A Mississippi this year following five seasons in Cubas Serie Nacional.Dirks, 23, went 3-2 with six saves and a 1.44 ERA in 28 relief appearances with Double-A Tulsa this season. Pfeifer, 23, had a 3-1 combined record with a 2.67 ERA in 17 relief appearances with Single-A Great Lakes and Single-A Rancho Cucamonga this season. Dalvin Cook Vikings Jersey . The Olympic champion curler and TSN curling analyst immediately went online to look at the Halls long list of honoured members. Thats when the enormity of the honour sunk in. Garrett Bradbury Jersey . This should be celebrated because it will not always be this way. With the amount of money given to players by their clubs these days, it is a wonder that so many of those teams allow the sport to continue to take away many of their assets so they can play for a different team in the middle of their season. http://www.thevikingsshoponline.com/Youth-Chris-Doleman-Vikings-Jersey/ .J. -- New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left knee. Brett Favre Jersey . Marincin has played in two NHL games so far this season with two penalty minutes. The 21-year-old has three goals, four assists and a plus-5 rating in 24 games with the American Hockey Leagues Oklahoma City Barons this season. Dalvin Cook Youth Jersey . The injury bothered Bledsoe in the Suns victory over the Clippers on Monday and he sat out the teams home loss to Memphis on Thursday night. MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota center Reggie Lynch has undergone surgery on his left knee.Coach Richard Pitino announced Friday that the operation that will take Lynch about a month to recover from. That ought to give the junior enough time to be ready for the regular season opener on Nov. 11 against Louisiana-Lafayette.Lynch sat out last season after transferring from Illinois State. Lynch was arrested this spring on susspicion of criminal sexual conduct and suspended by the team, but he was never charged and eventually reinstated.ddddddddddddThe 6-foot-9 Lynch, who played at Edina High School in suburban Minneapolis, led the Missouri Valley Conference in blocked shots as both a freshman and a sophomore. ' ' '

Canterbury captain James Graham has been hit with a high tackle charge from Fridays golden point NRL win over Manly but can avoid suspension with an early guilty plea.The match review committee cited the Bulldogs prop for a grade one high tackle on Sea Eagles counterpart Darcy Lussick in the 41st minute.Graham, who has two prior non-similar offences, faces a one-game ban but will be free to take on Brisbane next week should he take the early guilty plea. Brian Burns Jersey .500 on the season. The Jets are now 0-5-1 in the second game of back-to-backs. The game started the same way the Vancouver game started the night before, with the Jets taking the first two penalties of the game and killing off the first, but the Oilers getting on the board first, scoring on the second man-advantage. Greg Little Panthers Jersey .S. Open champion Justin Rose birdied the first hole with a blind shot he hit to a foot of the pin, and he stayed in front Tuesday until he completed a 4-under 67 for a two-shot lead over Jason Dufner in PGA Grand Slam of Golf. http://www.thepanthersofficialstore.com/authentic-dj-moore-panthers-jersey/ . This should be celebrated because it will not always be this way. With the amount of money given to players by their clubs these days, it is a wonder that so many of those teams allow the sport to continue to take away many of their assets so they can play for a different team in the middle of their season. Jordan Scarlett Jersey . Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. Sam Mills Womens Jersey . Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced Wednesday that the team would assign Swedish forward Elias Lindholm to his nations team for the upcoming tournament. HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A lawyer who represented former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky at his child sex abuse trial has pleaded guilty under a deal with federal prosecutors to charges he attempted to evade federal income taxes from 2006 to 2010.A Harrisburg federal judge on Thursday accepted Karl Romingers guilty pleas to tax evasion and failing to file federal tax return charges.Rominger faces up to six years in prison at his sentencing, which hasnt been scheduled.ddddddddddddne Romingers lawyers says the guilty pleas are a step toward him acknowledging the harm hes caused.Rominger also pleaded guilty in May to stealing $767,000 in client funds and spending it on gambling and other interests. Sentencing in that case is set for August.Sandusky is appealing a lengthy child molestation sentence. ' ' '

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall believes Maro Itoje has his sights set on a place in Warren Gatlands British & Irish Lions touring squad to New Zealand next summer.Itoje was absent from Englands recent Tests against Australia, South Africa, Fiji and Argentina with a broken hand, but is likely to be involved in Englands defence of their 6 Nations Grand Slam crown in early next year.?That, and should Saracens as expected reach the quarter-finals of the European Champions Cup, will provide Itoje the perfect chance to impress Gatland ahead of his squad selection.If he is picked for the tour of New Zealand, he will emulate Saracens teammate Owen Farrell who went on the 2013 tour of Australia at the age of 22.?Owen Farrell at the same age had the same drive and the same single-mindedness and the same focus, McCall told the Telegraph.?[Farrell and Itoje play in] different positions but are similar kinds of characters in that respect - different in other respects so there are people who have been like him but it has happened really fast for him and everyone thinks the improvement will stop but he doesnt look like he is going to stop.I dont see him stopping. He also has goals of his own - the Lions tour at the end of the summer, I am sure he wont talk about that, he will want to get back in the England squad because he missed the autumn internationals.That is going to be his drive but all of those goals, Maro is a very ambitious young man and his drive will be to get on that Lions tour. Fjällräven Mini Kånken Rea . -- Team after team passed on Andre Ellington in the draft. Fjällräven Kånken Rosa Stor . The 18-year-old American had five birdies in her bogey-free round for a 17-under total of 196. Lee held the overnight lead but mixed three birdies with two bogeys for a 70. http://www.fjallravenkankensverige.com/kanken-no-2-ryggsack.html . Blackwood, 28, has played the last three seasons in the San Diego Padres system, including the past two summers with Class AA San Antonio of the Texas League. Kånken Ryggsäck No 2 . At a news conference Tuesday where it was thought that the fiery Schallibaum may be shown the door after a dismal finish to the Major League Soccer season, team president Joey Saputo said no decision has been made on whether the Swiss Volcano will be back in 2014. Fjällräven Kånken Rea . James, who turned 29 on Monday, injured his groin Friday during the Heats overtime loss at Sacramento. He sat out the following game, a 108-107 win Saturday in Portland, before coming back to help send the Nuggets to their seventh consecutive loss. LOS ANGELES -- The NBAs top-rated defense and an unblemished road record have the Los Angeles Clippers sitting pretty and fashioning the leagues best record.The Clippers (9-1) will go for their seventh win in a row Monday night when they host the Brooklyn Nets.Over the weekend, Los Angeles capped a two-game trip with back-to-back wins at the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday and at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. By beating the Thunder, the Clippers avenged their lone loss, an 85-83 decision at home on Nov. 2.Although the Thunder snapped the Clippers string of holding seven consecutive opponents less than 100 points in a 110-108 setback Saturday, Los Angeles wouldnt be deterred en route to its fifth straight decision away from home in a 119-105 romp over the Timberwolves.The Clippers are off to a franchise-best start and lead the league in several defensive categories, including points allowed (91.5 per game), defensive efficiency (92.7) and opponents shooting percentage (40.6 percent).Offensively, they are averaging 107 points, a differential of 15.1, which also is tops in the NBA.I knew wed be one of the top offenses in the league. We have so many scorers, said Clippers reserve guard Austin Rivers, according to the Orange County Register. The combination of us fits perfectly. On defense, I didnt know how we were going to be. I thought we would maybe struggle.Brooklyn (4-5) has struggled defensively. The Nets are ranked 22nd in opponents points (107.6) while scoring 106.3 per game.The Nets have been careless with the basketball, too, committing an aaverage of 17.dddddddddddd1 turnovers. They will attempt to limit those mistakes against a Clippers unit tied with Dallas at third for the least miscues at 11.3 per outing entering Sunday.The Nets kicked off their three-game swing with a 122-104 rout of the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the Nets with 20 points and a career-best 13 rebounds in the victory.Its been getting better for me, said Hollis-Jefferson, who is averaging 13 points per game in his last four contests since a scoreless outing against the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 2. Finding a peace. Im playing in a happiness out there. Its really helped me to contribute to the team like I know how to. My teammates are encouraging me to be aggressive.The Nets stopover at Staples features back-to-back games against the Clippers and the Lakers on Tuesday before they wrap up their journey at Oklahoma City on Friday.The Nets will be without guards Jeremy Lin (hamstring) and Isaiah Whitehead (concussion). In their absences, Brooklyn has gotten a boost from guard Sean Kilpatrick, who started for the second time this season and produced 19 points and nine boards against the Suns.Kilpatrick is averaging 15.8 points, second on the team behind center Brook Lopez (19.4 points).Blake Griffin leads the Clippers at 20.2 points, while Chris Paul is averaging 19 points and a league-high 2.7 steals. Center DeAndre Jordan averages 10.8 points and 12.2 rebounds (sixth best). ' ' '

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Jim Caldwell could see the Detroit Lions latest win coming last week, well before they beat the New Orleans Saints.In practice, they were embracing productive paranoia, a concept Caldwell has read about in Jim Collins books and apparently passed along to his players.It was just one of those weeks where things were clicking along pretty well for us, Caldwell said Monday. The key is now weve got to do it again.The Lions beat New Orleans 28-13, their seventh win in an eight-game stretch that has dramatically changed the possibilities for this season.Detroit (8-4) has a two-game lead in the NFC North with four games to go, putting the traditionally floundering franchise in a favorable position to win a division title for the first time since 1993. Detroit has a potential tiebreaker over the second-place Minnesota Vikings and hosts the second-place Green Bay Packers in the last game of the regular season.Were not worrying about first place or second place, safety Glover Quin said. Were just focusing in on the next challenge. We came in all week and our focus was clearly on the New Orleans Saints.The Lions seem set up to at least maintain their cushion in the NFC North with a matchup against the last-place Chicago Bears (3-9) on Sunday at Ford Field. Chicago, though, did beat the Lions 17-14 to drop them to 1/3 back when Matthew Stafford was averaging one interception per game.Stafford isnt making many mistakes these days, throwing only one interception over eight games. He set a team record by connecting on 13 straight passes against the Saints.Detroits stingy defense has held four straight teams to 19 or fewer points, including keeping New Orleans more than 17 points below its scoring average. The Lions also became the first team to hold Drew Brees without a touchdown pass on his home turf in 60 games with the Saints. Special teams have been solid, too.Detroit hasnt had a run like this since 1995 when it closed the regular season 7-1 to make the playoffs for the third straight year and the fourth time in a five-year stretch. From 1996 to 2015, the Lions have earned a spot in the postseason just four times.Caldwells steady leadership has helped the Lions bounce back from adversity from within games and season. And now that times are good, he is certainly not going to get caught up in the excitement among a fan base desperate for a winning NFL team to root for in the Motor City. He noted hearing and seeing a lot of Lions fans in New Orleans at his weekly news conference, but insisted he doesnt run into them in or around Detroit simply because of the hours he keeps.When I come in in the morning, there are very few fans that are up, he said. When I go home late at night, there are very few people that are around and most often its only one gas station open in my area. I dont encounter very many people at that time.For the first time, Detroit didnt have to rally from a fourth-quarter deficit to win a game this season, leading the Saints from start to finish. The Lions ended up with their most lopsided road win in four years.Normally, were in different situations in the fourth quarter so we kind of went out there with the same mentality like, `Hey, weve got to stop them, said Quin, who picked off one of three passes against Brees.Caldwell cuts up the regular season into quarters, and acknowledged the final four games present a unique opportunity and challenge.During that time of the year, youve got to be playing your best football, he said.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL---Follow Larry Lage at http://www.twitter.com/larrylage and follow his work at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/larry-lage Joc Pederson Jersey . Rinne played two periods in his first game since left hip surgery in early May. Gabriel Bourque scored 3:07 into the second period and Austin Watson tallied 5:15 later for Nashville. Rich Hill Jersey . The 25-year-old Japanese star has officially been posted by his club team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles. http://www.dodgerssale.com/dodgers-mike-piazza-jersey/ . Deulofeu injured a muscle in his right leg in Evertons 4-1 win over Fulham in the English Premier League on Saturday. Barcelona says that its team doctors will "co-ordinate" with Evertons medical staff as Deulofeu recovers. Julio Urias Jersey . After taking two big hits this week -- losing at home and dropping back-to-back games for the first time all season -- Indiana struck back by playing its most complete game of the year. Rich Hill Dodgers Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson asked his players a simple question during Fridays morning shootaround: How many of them had ever been on a team 14 games over . Leinster completed a clean sweep of Guinness PRO12 wins for the Irish provinces this weekend with a 28-15 bonus-point victory over Newport.It took 41 minutes for Leo Cullens men to register the bonus point, but a sloppy final half an hour will have frustrated the Leinster management as the men of Gwent closed out the scoring with tries from Pat Howard and replacement Sarel Pretorius.Peter Dooley and Ross Molony both crossed for their first Leinster tries in the first half, with man-of-the-match Jack Conans effort on the half-hour making it 21-3 for half-time.Joey Carberys withdrawal after his 41st-minute try may be a sign as to who will fill the fly-half position in next Fridays Champions Cup clash with Northampton. There are ongoing concerns over Jonathan Sextons hamstring strain.Leinster captain Isa Nacewa landed all four conversions and they were needed in the end as the Dragons outplayed the home side for the remainder of the game. However, the visitors challenge for a losing bonus point fell short.The lineout was an early concern for Leinster, with five balls lost by the break, but they opened the scoring with Dooleys 11th-minute score which saw him wriggle free of two defenders and stretch over near the left corner.Nacewa converted and also added the extras to Molonys try barely three minutes later. Luke McGrath and Hayden Triggs sparked a lively attack and with Rhys Ruddock straightening up from a half-blocked pass, he linked with Noel Reid whose offload sent Molony over.Angus OBrien responded with a penalty but the Dragons efforts to hang on to Leinsters coattails were not helped by an injury to full-back Carl Meyer in aan accidental knee-to-head collision with Adam Byrne.ddddddddddddhe Leinster pack lost possession at a third successive maul opportunity just as they were poised to strike for another try, while Byrne also threatened from a couple of kick chases.The hosts continued to create chances and Conan brilliantly burst onto McGraths flat pass to break two attempted tackles and charge in under the posts, with Nacewa converting.What would have been a classy team try, finished by Rory OLoughlin, was ruled out for a forward pass from Byrne.However, there was nothing wrong with Carberys almost immediate try on the resumption, the young number 10 trailing a powerful break by OLoughlin from halfway to gather the scoring pass.Lewis Evans did just enough to prevent Nacewa from collecting Dan Leavys offload for a probable fifth try for Leinster.Whereas the hosts allowed their intensity to drop, the Dragons bench had the desired impact, particularly Pretorius and Cory Hill.Another of the replacements Geraint Rhys Jones floated an excellent one-handed pass behind him for the onrushing Howard to cross the whitewash in the 54th minute.The deficit was down to 13 points after Pretorius threw a smart dummy from a 69th-minute close-in ruck and reached over wide on the left, giving his side a deserved seven points following a prolonged bout of pressure.For all the Dragons energy and momentum, Leinster held them at arms length during the closing 10 minutes as the Welsh region fell to their 17th straight away defeat in the PRO12. ' ' '

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Nick Perkins scored 21 points, and Blake Hamilton had 11 assists and eight points as Buffalo routed Division III Nazareth 85-38 in their regular season home-opener on Thursday night.The Bulls (2-1) bounced back from an 86-53 loss at Xavier on Monday. Buffalo heads back on the road for a season-long six-game stretch, starting at the Great Alaska Shootout on Wednesday.Perkins shot 8 of 11 from the floor and had eight rebounds and four blocks. Hamilton finished 3-of-6 shooting and had three steals and two blocks.Willie Conner added 15 points for Buffalo (2-1), which shot 59 percent from the field. Ikenna Smart and Quate McKinzie added nine points apiece.Brendan Wind led Nazareth with 10 points. The Golden Flyers made just 16 of 61 field goals for 26-percent shooting. Josh Gillard scored nine points, all from 3-point range. Francisco Cervelli Pirates Jersey . -- Matt Ryan needed one of the best games of his career to lead the Falcons and their depleted offence out of their three-game losing streak last week. Pittsburgh Pirates Jerseys . 24 Baylor in a Big 12 clash between teams trending in opposite directions. Andrew Wiggins made 10-of-12 from the foul line and scored 17 for Kansas (14-4, 5-0 Big 12), which capped a stretch of four straight games against ranked opponents unscathed. http://www.pittsburghpiratesprostore.us/Jameson-Taillon-pirates-jersey/ . -- Its been a long road back for Sean Bergenheim. Chad Kuhl Jersey . Q: Team Canada announces their Olympic roster three weeks from today. Who is general manager Steve Yzerman watching? LeBrun: Over the last 48 hours, hes taken in the home-and-home between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche with Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene being the obvious targets. Josh Bell Jersey . Thats about all he can do right now, so hes trying not to think about when he might be able to play again for the Los Angeles Lakers. NEW YORK -- The NFL is adding some schoolyard fun to Pro Bowl week.The league announced that it will have a Skills Showdown, featuring Pro Bowlers competing in a game of dodgeball.The showdown will be Thursday, Jan. 26, in Orlando, Florida, the site of the all-star game.Other competitions will include a timed relay race and precision passing as well as best hands, in which QB and wide receiver duos from each team will try to connect on as many passes as possible in a certain amount of time.Each team in the showdown wwill feature a mix of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linemen, linebackers and defensive backs.ddddddddddddThe Pro Bowl legends captains, Jerome Bettis and Ray Lewis of the AFC and Tony Gonzalez and Charles Woodson of the NFC, will lead their respective teams.The Pro Bowl players will be announced Dec. 20 on NFL Network. The Pro Bowl will be Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. ' ' '

Cho Mata Se-hyeong has joined KT Rolster, according to a report by South Korean publication FOMOS. The signing brings an end to KT Rolsters rebuilding process, rounding out a starting five that includes Kim Deft Hyuk-kyu, Go Score Dong-bin, Heo PawN Won-seok and Song Smeb Kyung-ho.Mata returns to the South Korean region after spending two years in the Chinese circuit. In 2015, the support joined Vici Gaming alongside Choi DanDy In-kyu, but the pair was unable to qualify for the World Championship. In 2016, he signed with Royal Never Give Up and reached the Worlds quarterfinals, losing 3-1 to eventual champions SK Telecom T1.The acquisition positions KT Rolster in a favorable standing to dethrone SK Telecom T1 from the top of the South Korean circuit, reigniting the Telecom Wars that shaped Korean esports history since the rise of StarCraft: Brood War. Thiago Silva Jersey . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Jese Paris Saint-Germain Jersey . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. http://www.parissaintgermainfcstore.com/Women-Juan-Bernat-Paris-Saint-Germain-Jersey/ . -- The boos poured down on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots at the end of a horrible first half. Garissone Innocent Paris Saint-Germain Jersey . According the Toronto Star, a knee injury will keep Sundin out of the lineup, which includes former teammates Gary Roberts, Darcy Tucker, Tie Domi and Curtis Joseph. Neymar Paris Saint-Germain Jersey . Halladay signed a one-day contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday that allowed the veteran right-hander to retire as a member of team with which he broke into the majors and spent the bulk of his distinguished 16-year career. In the midst of his best start to an NBA season, J.J. Barea said Thursday he will miss about a month and a half of action with the Dallas Mavericks due to a left leg injury.Shortly after being evaluated by the organizations medical staff, Barea spoke with El Nuevo Día and revealed he suffered a tear in a muscle connecting his left calf to his Achilles tendon.Barea said he will need to rest for an entire month, adding that he will use a special walking boot for the next few weeks. Barea was hurt in Wednesday nights 90-83 loss to the Boston Celtics.Thank God there is no damage to the Achilles tendon and no surgery is required. I have a tear in the muscle between my calf and the tendon. I will have to use a walking boot for two weeks and wont partake in any physical activity forr the next month.dddddddddddd. I estimate that I will be out for about a month and a half. It could have been worse, Barea said, after suffering the noncontact injury while dribbling.The 11th-year veteran is off to his best start in the NBA, averaging 16.3 points, 5.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. Hes also averaging a career-high 33.1 minutes. Barea has started five games in light of?Deron Williams injury.The timing of the injury is horrible because I was playing the best basketball of my career, taking advantage of every minute. Its a matter of resting and trying to return as quickly as possible, said Barea, whose team is off to a 2-8 start. ' ' '

DENVER -- Furniture Row Racing has named a crew chief for the 2017 season for rookie Erik Jones.FRR says Chris Gayle will call the shots for Jones in the No. 77 Toyota next year. Jones will join Martin Truex Jr. as Furniture Row expands to a two-car organization.Gayle has 17 wins in the Xfinity Series and has spent the last 14 years at Joe Gibbs Racing. FRR formed a technical alliance with JGR this season and switched manufacturers to Toyota.The 20-year-old Jones has three wins in the Xfinity Series this season driving for JGR. Gayle has nine wins this season in Xfinity with drivers Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Sam Hornish Jr. Cheap Yeezy Boost 350 . Thats about all he can do right now, so hes trying not to think about when he might be able to play again for the Los Angeles Lakers. Wholesale Yeezy Boost http://www.wholesaleyeezy.com/ . Laudrup revealed Thursday he was notified of his dismissal in "the briefest of letters which gave no reasons why such hasty and final action was deemed necessary. Wholesale Yeezy Shoes . - Blake Griffin had 30 points and 12 rebounds, J. Discount Yeezy Shop . Their experience showed Tuesday as the No. 10 Badgers blunted a Saint Louis surge to win 63-57 and advance to face West Virginia in Wednesdays finals of the Cancun Challenge. Australia wing Dane Haylett-Petty has been reprimanded for urinating in a public place, while team-mate Pek Cowan has lost the Western Force captaincy.The Western Force pair have both been fined $5,000 AUS for breaching team leadership standards during last weekends Super Rugby trip to South Africa to take on the Cheetahs.Wallabies wing Haylett-Petty has been stripped of the Forces vice captaincy, while Cowan was punished for gaining unauthorised access to a team vehicle after the team-agreed curfew of 1.00am.The Force slipped to a 30-29 defeat in Bloemfontein last weekend, and compounded that with a 22-3 loss at home to the Stormers on Saturday.The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has today determined sanctions against Western Force players Pek Cowan and Dane Haylett-Petty after the pair were relieved of their leadership roles by the club for the remainder of the 2016 Super Rugby season for breaching team leadership standards while on tour in South Africa last weekend, read an ARU statement.Cowan, the Western Force captain, and team vice-captain Haylett-Petty were deemed to have breached the Australian Rugby player code of conduct in separate and unrelated incidents at the team hotel in Bloemfontein early on Sunday morning (local time).Both players will be served breach notices containing a $5000 fine.Haylett-Petty will be served a breach notice for urinating in a public place while Cowan will be served a breach notice for gaining unauthorisedd access to a team vehicle after the team-agreed curfew of 1.dddddddddddd.00am.Haylett-Petty made his Australia debut in the first of the Wallabies three Test defeats to England in the series whitewash last month.The 27-year-old impressed with his strong running, ending the series with one try, despite the hosts three straight losses.Front-rower Cowan has won 10 Test caps for Australia since making his debut against Italy in 2009.Wallabies bosses have moved swiftly to follow up internal Western Force punishments by confirming the fines, with ARU chief operating officer Rob Clarke taking a dim view of the duos actions.The ARU Integrity Unit has reviewed the report provided by the Western Force on the events in South Africa last weekend and has determined that both Pek Cowan and Dane Haylett-Petty breached the code of conduct for separate and unrelated incidents at the team hotel in Bloemfontein, said Clarke.On Thursday, the club took action against both players for breaching its leadership standards and we support this decision.Given there were breaches of the code of conduct by both players as detailed in the report from the Western Force, the ARU Integrity Unit will accordingly issue breach notices to the players in the coming days.Both players assisted the club and the ARU Integrity Unit in this investigation. ' ' '

PARIS -- Le Monde newspaper says it has obtained documents showing that a former IAAF official received two payments totaling about $3.5 million from Qatari investors before the vote for the 2017 athletics world championships.The newspaper claimed that two payments from Oryx Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), an investment fund linked to the Qatari government, were made to Pamodzi Sports Marketing in October and November 2011, days before the vote. Pamodzi is held by Papa Massata Diack, a former marketing consultant at the IAAF who has been banned for life in a Russian doping and bribery scandal.Papa Massata Diack is the son of former IAAF president Lamine Diack.Qatar eventually lost out to London but was later awarded the 2019 worlds.The IAAF declined to comment since the case is currently being investigated. Steve Cishek Cubs Jersey .4 million title. Ryan Riess emerged with the title after a session in which he started behind, but used expert skill to gather the chips to his side amid the unpredictability of no-limit Texas Hold em. Riess put his final opponent Jay Farber all-in with an Ace-King. Ryne Sandberg Cubs Jersey . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. http://www.thecubsteamshop.com/Cubs-Sammy-Sosa-Kids-Jersey/ . Speaking to the Chicago Tribune at baseballs Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Boras called the former home of the Expos a "tremendous environment" for baseball. Brandon Morrow Cubs Jersey . The Cincinnati Reds remain perfect with their speedy rookie outfielder in the starting lineup. Cole Hamels Cubs Jersey . NBA officials ruled the court unplayable in the Bucks final exhibition game on Oct. 25 because players were slipping, and the game was cancelled midway through the first period. CHICAGO -- The World Series champion Cubs have claimed left-hander David Rollins off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.Rollins made 11 relief appearances for the Mariners last season, going 1-0 with a 7.71 ERA. He spennt most of the year at Triple-A Tacoma.dddddddddddd.The Cubs announced the move Friday. ' ' '

MIAMI -- With Giancarlo Stanton going on the disabled list and likely out for the rest of the regular season, manager Don Mattingly said the Miami Marlins would need to find new ways to win.Thats what they did Sunday. Pitcher Tom Koehler hit a two-run infield single. Ichiro Suzuki drove in a runner from second base with a sacrifice bunt. And Christian Yelich threw a strike from left field on the final play, giving Miami a 5-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox.We lost a little confidence knowing the big guy is going to be on the DL, third baseman Martin Prado said. But we had a mission today -- go up there and find a way to perform.The victory averted a series sweep and provided a morale boost for the Marlins, who put Stanton and left-hander Adam Conley on the disabled list before the game. Stanton is expected to be sidelined at least six weeks with a strained groin.Were not the same club without him, but were still good enough to move forward, Mattingly said. Well have a little different look.The Marlins won without Stanton on their first try when Yelich threw out pinch-runner Carlos Sanchez trying to score from second base on a two-out hit in the ninth inning.With runners at first and second, Tyler Saladino singled to left, but Yelich charged to field the ball on one hop and threw on the fly to catcher Jeff Mathis, who blocked the plate and tagged Sanchez for the game-ending out.I let the throw go and saw it was going to stay pretty straight and we had a shot, Yelich said. Matty caught it and put the tag on him. I was looking at (my teammates) and they were pumped, and I said, `This is pretty sweet.Chicago manager Robin Ventura said Sanchez was right to run the bases aggressively.You have to make them make a good play, and they did, Ventura said. It was a great throw.Fernando Rodney got his third save for Miami despite allowing three hits in the ninth, including a solo homer by Tim Anderson.Chris Sale (14-6) allowed five runs in 6 2/3 innings. Hes 0-4 in his past six starts and hasnt won since his suspension for cutting up the teams throwback jerseys July 23.Im not doing too much to help us win, Sale said. Its frustrating. It would be frustrating for anybody. I dont know what my lines are or my stats are, but I just know Im not winning games.Miami trailed 2-0 before scoring three times in the fifth, thanks to four consecutive singles and Suzukis RBI bunt, which caught the White Sox napping.The bunt came with runners at first and second and nobody out, and catcher Omar Narvaez hustled toward the mound to field the ball and throw Suzuki out. But that left the plate uncovered, and Robert Andino -- who had been at second base -- kept running and scored without a throw.Sale said he was guilty of a brain cramp.Ive got to be at home plate for that, he said.Prados RBI single in the seventh put Miami ahead to stay. Marcell Ozuna snapped a 1-for-28 slump with two hits and drove in a run. Suzuki, who becomes a regular with Stanton out, didnt add to his career total of 3,003 hits but contributed his 13th RBI and scored Miamis final run.Koehler allowed three runs in six innings. Mike Dunn (3-1) pitched a perfect seventh.Chicagos Adam Eaton homered on the games first pitch. Jose Abreu hit an RBI single in the first inning, and a game-tying double that caromed off the third-base bag in the sixth.LATE ARRIVAL2B Andino, recalled from Triple-A to take Stantons roster spot, flew overnight from Las Vegas, landed at 9 a.m. and went directly to the ballpark. I aint complaining, he said. The nine-year veteran went 1 for 3 in his first major league game since 2013.GLOVE GEMS2B Saladino retreated into short center field to make running catches that robbed Prado and Adeiny Hechavarria of hits. The latter grab came with two runners aboard to end the second inning.TRAINERS ROOMMarlins INF Derek Dietrich was sore after being hit by a pitch Saturday for the 22nd time, this time in the right leg. He walked as a pinch-hitter in the eighth Sunday.UP NEXTMarlins: RHP David Phelps (5-6, 2.40) is scheduled to start Monday when Miami begins a four-game series at Cincinnati. The Marlins swept a three-game set from the Reds in July.White Sox: LHP Jose Quintana (9-8, 2.85) is scheduled to start Tuesday when Chicago opens a three-game series at Cleveland. The Indians have won six in a row from the White Sox. Swell Drink Bottles NZ Sale . Rob Manfred, baseballs chief operating officer, testified last week during the grievance filed by the players union to overturn Rodriguezs 211-game suspension. A person familiar with the hearing, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press on Saturday that Manfred testified the sport wasnt concerned whether Bosch distributed performance-enhancing drugs to minors because MLBs interest was his relationship with players under investigation. Swell Bottle Lily Wood . After dropping their final six games of December, the Wild opened the new calendar year with four consecutive wins. Following a loss to Colorado on Saturday, Minnesota rebounded the following night to blank Nashville 4-0, but then had the tables turned on them Tuesday. http://www.swellwaterbottlenz.com/ . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. Swell Traveller NZ . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. Swell Traveler Bottle NZ . The team says the Spain international has a muscle pull in his right leg. Barcelona hosts third-division side Cartagena in the return leg of their round-of-32 tie after winning their first meeting 4-1. George Washingtons Maurice Joseph, who received the interim coaching tag just prior to the start of practice, says he isnt focused on trying to land the job on a permanent basis.Joseph, 31, was the surprise choice to take over the program for the current season when Mike Lonergan was fired last month after an internal investigation following allegations he verbally and emotionally abused his players.Joseph, along with fellow assistants Hajj Turner and Carmen Maciariello, interviewed for the job. Joseph played two seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Vermont, where he played his final two years for Lonergan.I never got into the habit of looking down the road, Joseph told ESPN. Maybe thats a gift and a curse. Maybe I should be thinking, Lets make the tournament, and I can get this job. But Im not. I really just want to have a good practice today.Just days after receiving the news from athletic director Patrick Nero that he would be leading the program, Joseph flew out and spent a day with Michigan State coach Tom Izzo.[Izzo] told me to be myself, Joseph said. Theres going to be advice from every angle, youve got to run this, change that -- run what you know and be yourself, dont waver from who you are or the guys will be able to see that. He said, Be yourself and teach what you know.Joseph said that despite the perception, everything has run smoothly since he was given the interim tag on Sept. 18.From outside looking in, that might be the assumption, Joseph said. Turmoil. Players from Day 1, since the day the news broke of Coach Lonergan, have been unified. Its remarkable how tightly knit they stayed.Our staff -- obviously its an awkward situation, he added. But those guys have been tremendous in terms of dealing with it. Weve all taken the approach its all haands on deck and theres no ego involved.dddddddddddd The task at hand is really to take care of our guys who have gone through some adversity, going through a major change, and focus on getting better. Theres no discussion from administration or my part in terms of the future.Joseph inherits a team that lost three starters from a group that won 28 games and claimed the NIT title.It was surprising a little bit, but once I sat down and thought about it, it made a lot of sense, leading returning scorer Tyler Cavanaugh told ESPN of Josephs selection as the interim. Hes been great -- young, positive, great energy. Hes very positive energy. Hes been really good -- drills running around the floor. Its a change. Coach Lonergan was old school. Especially for young guys, its great to have a young coach leading us. Keeping us all together has been the big thing -- for the staff and the players.Everyone really respects [Joseph], Colonials guard Jaren Sina added. Hes really brought energy, thats the one thing hes really emphasized. Been a buzz, new level of intensity and thats brought excitement. Its made for really fun practices.Joseph said he wont make wholesale changes on the court, especially coming off last years NIT championship and the success the program has had the past few years under Lonergan.In five seasons under Lonergan, the Colonials were 97-70 and went to the NCAA tournament in 2014.Well tweak some things defensively, schemes and positioning, Joseph said. Offensively, well play with a little more tempo. But other than that, we had great sets. Well put in some sets. We won the NIT. Were in a good spot in terms of being able to move forward. ' ' '

CINCINNATI -- Sure, the Big 12 will be watching when two of the American Athletic Conferences top teams kick off on Thursday night. No. 6 Houston and Cincinnati havent hidden their desires to jump to a Power Five league.And now they get to show head-to-head how they match up in football, which is the sport driving conference realignment.I would imagine all those decisions are already made, Cincinnati coach Tommy Tuberville said. I dont think that (game) has got a lot to do with it. This is one game, the third game of the season. A lot is on the line for us, obviously, but we dont look at it that way.The Bearcats (2-0) have a chance to make themselves relevant again after a 7-6 season. Theyre coming off a 38-20 win at Purdue, Cincinnatis first victory over a current Big Ten team in 59 years.The Cougars (2-0) have a top 10 ranking in September for the first time since 1980. They started the season with an attention-grabbing 33-23 win over No. 3 Oklahoma and are trying to open AAC play with their first win in Cincinnati since 1971.You embrace it, Houston linebacker Tyus Bowser said. We have worked so hard to get to this point. We prepare and train for this type of moment.Some things to watch at Nippert Stadium on Thursday night:WARDS WEEK OFFHouston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. was held out of a 42-0 win over Lamar last Saturday because of a sore shoulder. Hes expected to be back to full strength against Cincinnati, looking for another big game against a defense that had five interceptions at Purdue. Ward has developed from a run-first threat into an all-around quarterback. He completed 23 of 40 throws for 321 yards with a pair of touchdowns in the win over Oklahoma.Hes a quarterback that extends plays, Tuberville said. This is a Big 12 offense. When I was at Texas Tech, you saw this every week. They have it all.CANT RUN ON THE COUGARSHouston has held its last four opponents under 100 yards rushing, the longest such streak in the country. Lamar managed only 73 yards in all -- the best showing by a Houston defense in school history -- and failed to cross midfield. In the last four games, the Cougars have held Temple, Florida State, Oklahoma and Lamar to a total of 199 yards rushing. Cincinnati rushed for 262 yards at Purdue, with dual-threat quarterback Hayden Moore throwing for three touchdowns and running for two more.GET USED TO ITThe Cougars play the first of four weeknight games. They also host Connecticut and Louisville in Thursday night games. They finish the regular season at Memphis on a Friday night.I understand why they do it, coach Tom Herman said. The (television) ratings are off the charts when you play these Thursday night games, and were in the entertainment business. But we play four of these. ... Were playing four games in 20 days. You do the math. Thats a lot of pounding on a young mans body in a short amount of time.BEARCAT SELF-DESTRUCTIONDuring a 33-30 loss at Houston last season, Cincinnati had a punt blocked, fumbled into the end zone, botched an onside kick, got tackled for a safety and gave up a 51-yard interception return for a touchdown. No surprise, then, that one of its main points of emphasis this week is to keep its composure.CAN MOORE ELEVATE HIS GAME?Moore, a redshirt sophomore, has never face a defense the caliber of Houstons unit. He was ragged in the first half of a season-opening 28-7 win over Tennessee-Martin, but showed a lot of poise during the win at Purdue. Moore completed 19 of 32 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns, and he ran 13 times for 71 yards and two more scores. The Bearcats need him to be steady against a defense that leads the nation with 111 forced turnovers since the start of the 2013 season.---AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org Robinson Zapata Colombia Jersey . 31, the CFL club announced Monday. The team also has yet to decide on the future of Doug Berry, who began the season as a consultant to the head coach but took over the offensive co-ordinators duties in July. Marlos Moreno Jersey .B. -- The Baie-Comeau Drakkar took over sole possession of first place atop the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Thursday with their sixth straight win. http://www.nationalcolombiafootball.com/daniel-torres-colombia-jersey/ . Miller finished in two minutes, 6.09 seconds, one day before the first medal race on the Alpine schedule. The 36-year-old American also turned in the top time in Thursdays opening training session. David Ospina Jersey . Down by seven with 90 seconds left in regulation, thats where they looked comfortable. Felipe Aguilar Jersey . Robinson finished with 17 points, all but two in the second half, and Lawson had 14 after halftime and finished with a game-high 11 assists as the Nuggets handed Dallas its first home loss in eight games this season. J.J. Hickson led Denver with 22, and Kenneth Faried added 10 points and 10 rebounds. EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Phillip Walker threw three first-quarter touchdown passes Friday night and that was enough.Walker finished with 215 yards passing and the three scores to lead the Owls to their fourth consecutive win, a 21-0 shutout of UConn.Running back Jahad Thomas caught two of those touchdowns and had 73 receiving yards to go with 83 yards rushing. The Owls other running back, Ryquell Armstead, ran 20 times for 133 yards and Temple (7-3, 5-1 American) put up 431 yards of offense.UConn freshman quarterback Donovan Williams, playing in his first game, completed 12 of 21 passes for 69 yards and ran for 66. The Huskies (3-7, 1-5) have lost four straight.Walker completed his first eight passes and Temple scored all of the games points on its first three drives. The senior hit Thomas on scoring strikes of 23 and 10-yards and found receiver Romond Deloatch from 18-yards out.The Owls put up 206 yards in the first quarter.We got a rhythm going and we got going, said Walker.But, his ninth pass was intercepted in the end zone by UConns Obi Melifonwu, who picked off another in the end zone in the fourth quarter to end a 13-play, 87-yard Temple drive.Had we not had those, maybe we come away and its a 35-42 point game, said coach Matt Rhule. We had three turnovers and still won the game, thats pretty hard to do.The Temple defense made sure UConn never got in the game. The Owls held the Huskies to 160 yards of offense.Williams, who was expected to redshirt this season, had a 43-yard first-quarter run to set up UConns best scoring chance. But Temples Michael Dogbe blocked a 35-yard field goal attempt.It was the third straight week the Owls have blocked a kick.The team tried hard today, UConn coach Bob Diaco said. Its not for a lack of trying. They fought hard, they continue to strain. (But) theres so much to clean up. People dont want to hear me say positive things anymore.ddddddddddddTHE TAKEAWAYTemple: The Owls remain in good in position to win the American Athletic Conferences East Division. Temple and South Florida have one loss each in the conference, but Temple holds the tiebreaker after beating the Bulls last month. USF has a bye this week before playing at Memphis on Nov. 12.Im really proud of the guys, Walker said. Weve gone out there and competed and even though we are a little bit beat up, we havent made any excuses.UConn: The Huskies bowl hopes ended with the loss along with their plans for redshirting Williams. The freshman was under pressure all night and finished as UConns leading rusher, despite being sacked five times.Now, I know what to look forward to, especially the speed of the game, Williams said. I still have a lot to learn, but Im taking one step at a time.Diaco said Williams would have started earlier this season, but the freshman suffered an injury in practice in early October.MILESTONEWalkers 215 passing yards give him 2,205 for the season. He becomes the first player in school history to throw for more than 2,000 yards in four consecutive seasons.FIRST QUARTER WOESUConns first quarter scoring this year has been limited to three field goals. The Huskies are the only Bowl Subdivision team without a first-quarter touchdown.UP NEXTTemple: The Owls go into their first bye week after nine consecutive games. They next play Tulane in New Orleans on Nov. 19. and close the season at home against East Carolina.UConn: The Huskies also get a week off before heading north to renew their rivalry with Boston College in Chestnut Hill. The Huskies close the season at home against Tulane on Nov. 26.---This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Phillip not Philip in lede. ' ' '

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana spent the entire season perfecting its defence. On Saturday, it produced the biggest payoff for the Pacers in nearly a decade. Roy Hibberts block of Carmelo Anthonys dunk attempt midway through the fourth quarter spurred an 11-2 run that rallied the Pacers to a 106-99 victory in Game 6 of their second-round series, sending them into their first Eastern Conference final since 2004. New York native Lance Stephenson scored nine points in the run, finishing with a playoff career-high 25. "Thats why they pay me the big bucks this summer, so I have to protect the paint," said Hibbert, who signed a $58 million contract last summer. "If all else fails, meaning the offence, I have to protect the paint." With players from both teams standing on the court as the final seconds ticked off and Pacers fans roaring in appreciation, the sellout crowd wasted little time breaking into chants of "Beat The Heat!" For Indiana, it sets up a post-season rematch with the defending NBA champs, the team that eliminated them last May after the Pacers had taken a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven semifinals. The Heat wound up winning Game 4 at Indiana and followed that with two more wins as Danny Granger struggled with a knee injury. Indiana used the lessons from that series as motivation to improve this season and wound up beating the Heat twice at home before losing the third game of the season series at Miami. The Pacers will return to South Florida for Game 1 on Wednesday night. With Granger missing all but five games this season because of the lingering knee injury, the Pacers put an even greater emphasis on playing defence and it showed. Indiana led the league in rebounding, defensive field goal percentage and defensive 3-point percentage while finishing second in points allowed per game during the regular season. It was no different in the playoffs, as the Knicks found out. New York had another subpar shooting night Saturday, making just 40 per cent of its shots, and again wound up on the wrong side of a 43-36 rebounding discrepancy. In the paint, New York was outscored 52-20, and Anthony, who finished with 39 points, scored just four points in the final 12 minutes when he went 2 of 7 from the field. Iman Shumpert added 19 points, hitting five 3-pointers, and J.R. Smith scored 15. Nobody else was in double figures. The combination, as it had been in the previous three losses to Indiana, produced the same frustrating result. "They have a hell of a defence. They hold down the paint. They do a great job, do a hell of a job of controlling the paint, closing it down, making it tough for guys," Anthony said. "Youve got to give them guys credit, especially when they got a chance to set. Roy Hibbert gets to sit in the paint, causes havoc." Its not just that. The biggest question coming into Saturdays game was whether starting point guard George Hill would play. He took part in the teams morning shootaround, was cleared by the team doctors and wound up returning two days after missing Game 5 with a concussion. His return gave the Pacers a big boost. Hill finished with just 12 points on 2-of-10 shooting but had five rebounds and four assists, and kept the Pacers composed enough to commit only nine turnovers -- 10 fewer than Thursday nights loss in New York. The results showed up everywhere on the floor. Paul George had 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. David West added 17 points, five rebounds and four assists, and Hibbert finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, none bigger than the stuff on Anthony that changed the game. Stephenson had 10 rebounds and three assists in his best post-season game ever. The reason: He wanted to avoid a trip home. "I just didnt want to go back to New York and play Game 7," Stephenson said. "Just get it done with now and Id do whatever it takes to do that today. It showed tonight." The New York native made sure of it. After George grabbed the rebound off of Hibberts block, Stephenson took a pass from West and scored on a layup to tie the score at 92 with 4:51 left in the game. Stephenson followed that with a steal and drove in for a layup, drawing a foul and completing a three-point play. After grabbing another rebound and making two more free throws, West tipped in a miss and Stephenson closed the decisive spurt with another layup. Suddenly, the Pacers led 101-94 with 1:53 to go. New York never got another chance to tie the score or take the lead again despite making a far more typical 13 of 30 from 3-point range. "Its tough to go out this way," coach Mike Woodson said. "I didnt make it happen for us and thats whats disappointing." The Pacers have a far different goal now as they get ready to face LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Miami. "Were not satisfied with where were at," coach Frank Vogel said. "We feel like theres no ceiling on this team this year." Notes: New York failed to become the ninth team to rally from a 3-1 deficit. ... Indianapolis 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter made the short trip from the track to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where he is a regular attendee. ... Colts coach Chuck Pagano also attended the game. ... The Knicks were 18 of 18 from the free throw line. Justin Bour Jersey . The team says the Spain international has a muscle pull in his right leg. Barcelona hosts third-division side Cartagena in the return leg of their round-of-32 tie after winning their first meeting 4-1. J. C. Ramirez Jersey .com) - The red-hot Los Angeles Kings will try to extend their winning streak to a season-high seven games when they visit the Edmonton Oilers for Sundays clash at Rexall Place. http://www.baseballangelslockroom.com/cam-bedrosian-angels-jersey/ . After a lengthy wait, persistent rain finally forced the postponement of the Nationals game against the Miami Marlins on Saturday night. The teams, and a few thousand fans, waited nearly four hours from the 7:05 scheduled start time before an announcement was made shortly before 11 p. Zack Cozart Angels Jersey . Vokoun departed practice on Saturday morning after discovering swelling in his thigh. He was taken to a local hospital where the clot was revealed. The club announced the surgery following a 5-3 exhibition loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Brian Goodwin Angels Jersey . P.A. Parenteau scored early in the third period to help the Avs edge Toronto 2-1 on Tuesday night. Cory Sarich also scored for Colorado (3-0-0), which is off to its best ever start. PARIS -- Striker Mario Balotelli was rested to protect a sore hip and his replacement Alassane Plea scored the winner as Nice beat struggling Nancy 1-0 Sunday to stay top of the French league.Keeping Thursdays Europa League match at Russian side Krasnodar in mind, Nice coach Lucien Favre thought it best to leave out Balotelli and put other regulars on the bench.Marios hip was hurting so it was too risky ... Well see for Thursday, Favre said. We have a long trip to Krasnodar and the Europa League will take its toll for sure.Balotelli has made a strong start to his career in France, scoring four goals in two league games -- two on his debut against Marseille and two well-taken goals in a 4-0 midweek win against Monaco.Favre has spoken of how the Italian forward, who is reviving his career in France after a failed stint in England with Liverpool and a dismal loan spell at AC Milan, still needs to regain full fitness.This time, Balotelli was not needed as Plea -- who scored when replacing Balotelli against Monaco on Wednesday night -- poked the ball in after midfielder Valentin Eysseric had clipped a pass over the defense.Nancys fans were again left feeling disappointed after a fourth defeat in seven matches, with the promoted club in 19th place.Nice is one point clear of French Riviera rival Monaco after seven games, three in front of Toulouse and four ahead of defending champion Paris Saint-Germain.Its magnificent to have 17 points after seven games, Favre said. But its the matches coming up that count.PSG lost 2-0 at Toulouse on Friday.---MARSEILLE 2, NANTES 1It was third time lucky for captain Bafetimbi Gomis, who struck Marseilles winner from the penalty spot after having missed two clear chances.After defender Enock Kwateng tripped him, Gomis slammed his spot kick straight down the middle in the 53rd minute.Florian (Thauvin) told me he wanted to take it, the 31-year-old Gomis saiid.dddddddddddd But with all my experience, it was my responsibility.Marseilles past two defeats were by 3-2 scores, with Marseille leading 2-1 both times.This time Marseille rallied from 1-0 down to secure a much-needed victory.Nantes pressured heavily at the end, with midfielder Guillaume Gillet striking the crossbar.Earlier, Marseilles defense panicked on a third-minute corner as Polish striker Mariusz Stepinskis header was bundled into the net by forward partner Emiliano Sala.Clinton NJies first goal since joining on loan from English side Tottenham drew Marseille level in the 23rd, and it was a fine finish from 20 meters after Gomis instinctive flick sent him through.Moments later, Gomis curled wide from close range after shrugging off two defenders.I was too greedy on that chance, Gomis said. I wanted to put it far out of the goalies reach.Just after the restart, he was way wide with a spectacular diving header from a corner.Still, with five league goals in seven games since joining from Premier League side Swansea, Gomis is making his mark.---SAINT-ETIENNE 3, LILLE 1At 0-0 the match was going reasonably well for last-place Lille until defender Franck Beria wafted his hand in the air to block a pass over midfield.It was careless and costly, earning Beria a second yellow card. After his sending off in the 43rd minute, 10-man Lille conceded three second-half goals.No wonder under-pressure coach Frederic Antonetti shook his head in annoyance as Beria -- a veteran playing in his 10th season for Lille -- trudged off.Slovenia striker Robert Beric scored his third goal in four games, 18-year-old midfielder Arnaud Nordin got his first career goal and forward Nolan Roux added the third for seventh-place Lille.Veteran defender Renato Civelli got Lilles goal. ' ' '

WASHINGTON -- Olympic swimming champion Katie Ledecky threw out the first pitch at Nationals Park on Wednesday night.The 19-year-old freestyler and D.C.-area native won four golds and a silver during the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.With all five medals draped around her neck, she was escorted to the mound by 2015 National League MVP Bryce Harper prior to the third game of the series between regional rivals the?Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles. Before making her delivery, Ledecky unloaded all her hardware and handed it to Harper, who hung the medals around his forearms.They all wanted to see how heavy they were and things like that, Ledecky said. They are pretty heavy. It was kind of a different feeling for me to have them be a fan of me when Ive been a huge fan of theirs for a couple years.Then, standing at the front edge of the mound and wearing a black-and-tan Wilson glove on her left hand, she delivered a strike to Washington reliever Shawn Kelley, who handled the ceremonial catching duties.I practiced a little bit yesterday, said Ledecky, an admitted fan of both Harper and the first-place Nats, prior to taking the mound. And I have some friends in our neighborhood that always warm me up, so Im ready, I think. Pascal Siakam Raptors Jersey . It was just business as usual for the Thunder at home. Durant scored 32 points and the Thunder beat the Bulls 107-95 on Thursday night for their eighth straight win. Fred VanVleet Raptors Jersey . Anthony Davis had 31 points and 17 rebounds in his seventh straight game with more than 20 points, but that was only enough to keep the Pelicans competitive into the final minutes. Andrew Bogut had 10 points and 15 rebounds for Golden State, which rebounded from a loss a night earlier in Oklahoma City and snapped a two-game skid. http://www.nbaraptorsonline.com/Authentic-OG-Anunoby-Jersey/ . Ryan Garbutt had a goal and two assists as Dallas snapped a six-game losing streak with a 5-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. Vince Carter Jersey .ca! Hi Kerry, Heres an interesting one. I know its common knowledge that all players are responsible for their sticks. We witnessed that when Zack Kassian hit Edmontons Sam Gagner in the face after a missed check. Jodie Meeks Raptors Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Essendon forward Joe Daniher would gladly swap the coveted No.1 draft pick for another win as the Bombers prepare to kiss goodbye to their scandal-ridden era.All things being equal, Saturdays match with Carlton will be the final time Essendon players take the field under threat of sanction or feeling the weight of anti-doping bans from their 2012 supplements saga.The cost in 2016 has been a 19-loss season and, if the Blues make it 20 in their MCG meeting, a first wooden spoon since 1933.Despite the benefit of gaining a No.1 pick if last, star forward Daniher said hed prefer to end the season on a high.Wins have been hard to come by for our footy club this year, he said.To finish on a really positive note would be something really good for our fans and our players going forward so thats the plan.Opponents Carlton know a little bit about getting up off the canvas.It was the Blues who bottomed out last season, only to rebound in 2016 under new coach Brendon Bolton.The first-year senior coach could claim an eighth win in a meritorious, if inconsistent, campaign on Saturday.Its 14th against 18th but Bolton said any game for a young list against a chief rival would be meaningful.Some people may think the game is a dead rubber but its far from that, he said.ddddddddddddBolton said the clubs biggest progress couldnt be seen on the ladder.Were now a united footy club and weve built really strong relationships across our whole club, he said.Thats what were most proud of.We dont want the season to end.Essendon (2-19) will win the wooden spoon with a loss or if Brisbane (3-18) beat St Kilda on Sunday afternoon.A three per cent gap in Brisbanes favour means the Dons must also win big or rely on a Lions thrashing to avoid last place.Both sides have changes and milestones for the occasion.Stand-in captain Brendon Goddard headlines for inclusions for Essendon, with Courtenay Dempsey, Nick Kommer, Shaun McKernan also coming in.Mathew Stokes and Adam Cooney wont play, effectively ending their AFL careers, with Orazio Fantasia (groin) denied a round 23 run and top-up ruck Mark Jamar now in uncertain waters.Bolton has returned Sam Kerridge and Jack Silvagni to the side for Andrejs Everitt and Ed Curnow (knee).Dale Thomas will celebrate his 200th AFL match while Patrick Ambrose hits 50 games for Essendon. ' ' '